Are You Ready For Love? Plot bunny by Stephanie M Author: Bryant MacLagan Chapter 7 – Justin sat at his desk at the school, trying to think of things to do. Brian had told Justin to go and deal with things, but all Justin wanted to do was stay at home with Michelle. Brian, it seemed was determined to handle her all on his own, despite Justin’s past experience. He only wished that in time Brian would accept the help. Things at the school were crazy. It was the first week of school, and already Justin was ready to tear his hair out. The protesters hadn’t left, no matter what he tried to do, and now he had to try and deal with all the other shit as well. Because of his interview with the local station, others had been contacting him wanting to hear his side of the story as well. The magazines were trying to get some ‘dirt’ on him, and the prom was once again front page news it seemed. His whole life was now in every trash magazine out there, and Justin was about ready to throw in the towel. Between the school, his writing, the ‘family’, and practically every other thing in his life, Justin wanted to take one long vacation. Unfortunately he had a gallery showing coming up the following month so Justin knew he had to do some heavy dealings to get it ready. Plus he had started working on the new set of books, in hopes to educate those who have children who are positive. He wasn’t really set for another child, but since Michelle was already there, he couldn’t say no. Of course Justin knew he would never be able to say no, no matter what. There were times he wished he wasn’t so soft hearted. Granted if Brian would let him spend some time alone with Michelle, Justin knew he wouldn’t feel this way. He would actually be able to bond with the little girl, help care for her. Brian wouldn’t even let Justin get up in the middle of the night to help care for her. Justin took a deep breath, wanting to get rid of the negative thoughts against his lover. He knew Brian meant well, and the man had fallen hard and fast for the little girl. But Justin only wanted to do what needed to be done, or at the very least help Brian out. “Hey Daph.” He said into the phone as he did his weekly ‘conference’ with his best friend. Daphne had always been there for Justin, and he knew that she would help him out, or at least straighten him out if he was in the wrong. Daphne never held back, and he had been waiting for the call since the mess started to come out in the papers. “I was expecting your call days ago.” “Asshole.” Daphne laughed, and Justin missed his best friend. “By the way, now that you’re there in the Pitts, I’m having to move my practice… Thank-you very much.” “Daph, you don’t have to move. There are good doctors here, and you have your own life to deal with.” “That’s beside the point, mister. I am those kids’ doctor, and I’ll be dammed if I let you take them away from me.” Daphne informed Justin. “Besides, it hasn’t been that long since finished my residency, and I can go anywhere I want. Plus… well I kind of miss home.” Justin laughed and shook his head. “What’s his name?” “Fuck you. I don’t have to move because of a male.” “What about Eric? What’s going on there?” “The asshole is married. Two years of my life wasted on that shit, and I had his wife and kids come into the office.” “Oh fuck!” “Yeah… so I think a little change of scenery will be in order.” “Well I have another one. Her name is Michelle, almost as bad as BJ was when I first got him.” Justin leaned back in his chair and looked at the pictures lining his desk. “And before you ask, yes, Brian is still living with me. We haven’t chased him off yet.” “Well that’s good. Wow, another one. Guess I have my work cut out for me huh?” “You know I love you, Daph, right?” “Oh yeah. So what the fuck is up with this shit I’ve read in the papers? How the hell did that happen?” Justin knew he wouldn’t have been able to get out of this line of questioning, but he had hoped that she would let it drop. “It’s nothing, really.” “Nothing? Someone came by here asking me about the Prom, about you, about the kids. What the fuck is going on?” Justin bent forward and rested his head against his desk top. “I can’t believe that they came to you. I’m sorry, Daph. The last thing I wanted to do was bring you into this.” ”Yeah, well I’m in it. You know I wouldn’t be anywhere else. Look, never mind. I’ll be there in another couple of days and you can explain it all to my face. I can’t wait to see you and the kids again.” “I can’t either. Call me as soon as you get in town… we’ll hook up. Love you, Daph.” Justin hung up the phone feeling a little better than he had just an hour ago. Soon Daphne would be back in town, and he would have her help with Michelle and the other two kids. They all had a hard long road a head of them. Justin wanted all the help he could get. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The first thing Brendan sensed was the wonderful smell of a warm sleepy boy. He could feel the steady movement of his body as he slept. The air outside the cocoon of comforters was frosty cold, but underneath the warmth of their bodies wrapped together provided enough heat to be more than comforting. Brendan couldn't remember when he had felt so relaxed. He opened his eyes to that eerie glow that only happens after a deep snowfall. The room reflected a natural blue light from the snow shadows. The snow was covering the patio door almost to the top, the window ledges deep with snow. Brendan could see through the top of the window that it was still falling, slowly drifting down from the gray sky. And even though he woke with his usual morning hard on, he was reluctant to disturb the man sleeping in his arms. He allowed himself the luxury of feeling the warm body against his, of feeling the love he had for James, allowing it to engulf him, no walls, no barriers, just love for the man he held. He allowed these feelings to wash over him until he felt the prickle of tears. James rolled over in Brendan's arms, eyes shut. His lips drawn to Brendan's as if they were magnetized began to kiss and taste the man he loved. Brendan watched in amazement, James was sleeping. He'd never heard of anyone making love in his sleep, but Brendan was a willing accomplice. James's hands began to caress Brendan's arms and rub circles on his back. Brendan returned the kisses that were becoming more intense with passion. James molded his body against Brendan's, their cocks rubbing together, both of them hard as rocks and dripping pre cum. James's mouth began to drift lower down Brendan's neck, kissing and tasting, his teeth gently nibbling. Brendan began to hear a steady noise coming from James. At first he thought he was moaning, or even purring, but he began to realize it was the lightly whispered words "I love you" being repeated over and over. Brendan wanted to reach down to his throbbing cock but he didn't want to remove his arms from around James, instead he allowed the intensity to build as James moved slowly against his body, rocking with exquisite pleasure, their cocks dueling for release. James moved his lips back to Brendan's, his whispers never stopping, when his tongue met Brendan's the spark of electricity that their passion had ignited touched off an orgasm that rippled through both of their bodies, the spasms creating waves of pleasure. James never woke, but instead snuggled his head under Brendan's chin, his body even closer to Brendan's the sticky sweetness of their cum drying in the warmth under the covers. Brian looked up from the book he was reading ‘Suddenly It’s Summer’ by BJ Amour, and he realized again the kind of love he and Justin had. Justin had captured time after time in words what they had done and felt. He looked over at the crib where Michelle was sleeping. Her small thumb in her mouth, her eyes closed, her skin so pale it was almost translucent, and his heart ached for the baby he’d come to love so deeply. He got up, closing the book and putting on the table beside the rocking chair. He adjusted Michelle’s blanket before leaving the room. He wondered where Justin was and he resolved to make things better between them. Brian knew that he was being unreasonable where Michelle was concerned, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself. Justin had so much experience with these high risk babies, why couldn’t he just listen to Justin and accept his advice. Why did he have these damn control issues when he knew better? He knew Justin only had Michelle’s health and safety in mind. He knew that Justin would never do anything to hurt any of the children or for that matter Brian. “Daddy Bwian.” Brian looked down at Malia. “Hey baby girl” he smiled and picked her up. “Is Mickey sleepin’?” she asked. “Yes, she’s sleeping right now.” Brian carried Malia into the family room where BJ was playing Kerplunk with Hunter. “Hey Brian” Hunter said. “Daddy Brian, Hunter is playing with me, but I’m winning.” “Daddy Bwian, how come daddy is at work, but you’re staying home?” Malia asked as she let her self curl up into Brian’s arms when he sat down on the sofa. “Your daddy is busy with his new school.” He looked over at Hunter. “Aren’t you supposed to be in school?” he asked. “I was, but this is my early day. What’s the point in hanging out in the cafeteria when I can come here and annoy you?” he grinned at Brian. “Hey Dude, you’ve got to let that little one breathe, she’s either going to make it or she isn’t. Smothering her isn’t going to help and it’s making the other little dudes nervous.” Hunter nodded at Malia and BJ. Brian looked at Malia in his arms and recognized the truth in Hunter’s words. He reached for the phone and hit speed dial. “Fuck Brian, what’s wrong?” Justin answered his phone out of breath. “I called to let you know that I love you and I’m an asshole.” Brian said. Malia and BJ giggled and Hunter smiled. “You damn near gave me a heart attack, and you are an asshole.” But Brian could hear the smile in Justin’s voice. “The kids okay?” “The kids are just fine.” Brian kissed Malia’s forehead. “I missed you this morning.” “You were sleeping and I knew you’d been up with Michelle at least twice.” Justin sighed. “You know we can share night duty.” “I know Sunshine, but you’ve got a lot on your plate right now, you need your sleep. Besides, I love watching you sleep, you’re quiet then.” “I love you too Brian.” Justin said with a smile. “I know you do, I was reading Suddenly Summer. That’s some imagination you have there BJ Amour.” “If you were reading it you must have recognized the ‘real life’ parts.” Justin laughed. “That wasn’t my imagination big guy, that was us.” “I might be able to recall the odd moment or two.” Brian laughed. “Later Sunshine.” “Later Brian, I love you.” Justin said before hanging up the phone. The day was suddenly much brighter. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Okay so tell me everything. What happened, how did all of that shit come out?” Daphne sat in one of the chairs on the back porch with a beer in hand, trying to get as much information out of her friend as she could. Justin shrugged leaning back in his own chair as he watched BJ and Malia play. “Hell if I know. All I know is that it came out, and now… it’s a fucking mess. Protesters outside of the school every damn day, some days more than others. I don’t understand what the whole problem is? I would think that they would be happy to have us out of their schools.” “Fuck ‘em.” Justin laughed as he shook his head. It was great having his friend there with him. “What do you think Michelle’s chances are?” He asked her finally. Brian had gone into work for a while, actually leaving the girl in Justin’s care for the first time alone since she had been brought over to them. Justin had taken Daphne up to the small girl’s room, wanting her expert opinion if nothing else. Daphne looked over at the child monitor sitting on the table between her and Justin, and shrugged. “Who knows really? She could surprise all of us, all of the ‘experts’. Just like BJ did. It’s up to her, really. Is she strong enough to fight this, and make it past the first year or not? That’s something that no one can tell.” “I know… it’s just that I don’t get to spend a lot of time with her, I kind of want to know that we will get the chance to bond. I hardly get any time with her.” “Is Brian keeping her from you?” “Not really. He spends most of his time with her, and doing his own thing, but it’s not the only thing. Between the school and the showing… the books. Now was not the best time for me to have another child. I hate it, but it’s true. And when I do have the time to spend with her… Brian’s there.” Justin leaned back in his chair and ran his hand over his face. “I can’t blame him, you know. This is the first time he could be a real father. Something he’s never had with anyone, not Gus, BJ or Malia. He deserves this; I just wish he’d not spend all of his time with her.” “Someone sounds jealous of a baby.” “Yeah, maybe I am. We just got back together, and with my schedule and his we hadn’t really had much ‘us’ time. Now we have hardly had any of the time we did have because of her. So yeah, maybe I am. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy she’s here, but I just wish we could do this together more. Like a real couple.” Justin turned toward Daphne and laughed. “God, I am jealous. I’m a bad father.” “You’re not. It’s only natural, especially since you and Brian have just gotten back together. You two haven’t really had any time to yourselves. Not with the quote family and other shit. It’s only natural that you feel this way. It will pass.” “I hope you’re right.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin came up behind Brian and wrapped his arms around his lover. Looking over Brian’s shoulder, Justin looked down at Michelle in the crib. “Fuck, she’s small.” “Yeah, she is.” Brian turned around in Justin’s arms and placed a light kiss on his lover’s lips. “Are we okay?” Justin leaned his head on Brian’s shoulder as he ran his hands up Brian’s back. “We’re okay. I just hate this, Brian. This distance crap.” “I know. I’m trying, Justin. I want to take care of Michelle, but I haven’t really let you help have I?” “I’ve been a little busy lately. I don’t blame you for that, Brian. If I was here all the time like I was with BJ or even Malia it’d be different. But now is just not a good time for me.” Justin lifted his head and gave Brian a small smile. “I’m glad that you’re here, and taking care of them all. I just hate that I can’t be a part of it. I want to help when I’m here, but even that seems impossible.” “I promise to let you when you’re here.” “I appreciate it.” Justin leaned in and kissed Brian on the side of the neck. “I can’t wait until I can just turn everything over to Ben. Money is coming in, thanks to that interview we did, but there’s still so much to do.” “Do you regret taking Michelle in right now?” Brian asked fearing that maybe he had made a huge mistake. He didn’t think he did, because he loved Michelle on sight, but the last thing he wanted was for her to cause the two of them problems. Not this early in their relationship. “Not really.” Justin stepped back and sat down in the small rocker next to the crib so he could run his hand across Michelle’s back. “Maybe, a little. I just don’t have the time right now to put the energy to put into caring for her the way she deserves. I’ve been here, with BJ and I have an idea what to do, but…” Brian knelt down in front of Justin and placed his hands on the blond’s knees. “Maybe I can find out what needs to be done?” “I can help you, that’s what I’ve been trying to do.” Justin smiled at Brian and shrugged. “Things should start to calm down with me in another month or so, but then there’s Malia’s birthday, the holidays… fuck will life ever get calm?” “No, but that’s okay. We’ll deal with whatever comes.” “Yeah. I guess anyway. But the gallery showing is in another month, and I hope to have the school set up enough so Ben can take over completely by then… Once that’s done then I can just work in the background.” Justin rolled his lip into his mouth. “Come here.” Standing, Justin grabbed a hold of Brian’s hand and led him down to his office. Pulling a large book off of the bookshelf, he handed it to Brian. “When BJ first came to me, there wasn’t a moment he was out of my sight. Well except when I took a shower or went to the bathroom.” “Come on, there had to be times when he wasn’t there?” “Not a second. I took him everywhere. I took a year off of everything and put all of my energy into him. My mother threw a fit, tried to get me to get out of the house, so did Daph. But I just wouldn’t do it.” Justin watched Brian as the man went through the photo album, and smiled. “I had mom or Daphne do the shopping cause I didn’t dare take him out, really. He went out some, but not often. When Malia came, mom forced me out of the house.” “Why are you telling me this?” Brian asked although he had an idea, he still wanted to hear it from his lover. “I guess I feel like I’m not doing enough. That maybe I’m getting complacent, or something. I’m not spending enough time with her… with the other two. If, god forbid something happens, I don’t know if I would ever forgive myself.” Brian placed the book down on the side of the desk, stood and wrapped his arms around Justin. “That won’t happen. You’re a part of her life, no matter what.” “I haven’t even had the chance to bond with her, Brian. I can’t even tell you if she’s moved on to baby food or not.” “She hasn’t yet.” “But I should know that. I did with the other two, why not with Michelle? Cause I’m putting all my energy into this damn school and the books, and the gallery… I just don’t have the time to do anything else. Plus we just got back together, I don’t even have the time to work on us. Plus we still have the family to deal with, since the girls won’t let Gus come over..” “We’ll deal with that when the time comes.” Brian pulled back and looked Justin in the eyes. “How about you take a couple of hours this weekend and just take the kids out. I’ll stay here, like a good little boy, so you can do your bonding?” “What about us?” “We’re fine. I got you now; I’m not letting you go.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian was working at the office. His uneasy glances at the clock on the wall and the way he jumped every time the phone rang, was making Cynthia a nervous wreck. He was doing his best to follow his own advice to Justin. Ted ignored him and the rest of the staff just put it down to the usual Kinney mood swings. There were bets that he was addicted to some exotic drug though they were all careful not let word of that get around to Ted and Cynthia. They weren’t stupid and needed the jobs. Finally unable to stand it any longer, Cynthia walked into Brian’s office and closed the door. She took a seat across the desk from him and asked. “What’s going on Brian, you’re more nervous than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.” Brian laughed at that. “I’m sorry, I left Michelle at home with Justin and Daphne. I know it’s unreasonable, but I’m worried about her.” “Why? Have Justin and his doctor friend, who I believe is a pediatric specialist, suddenly gone berserk and begun knocking off babies? “ Cynthia asked sarcasm ripe in her voice. “Hardly.” Brian snorted. “Brian, you have to realize that you and you alone are not going to keep Michelle alive. That’s up to her. She’s getting the best care money can buy. She has the love of you and Justin and the kids. It’s out of your hands and in god’s hands.” “I’m going to have a family portrait done later today. Can you believe that Cynthia? I mean me Brian Kinney, wanting to record for posterity, his little family.” “I think that’s wonderful Brian.” “Do you know why?” He looked at her and began to answer before Cynthia could say a word. “Because I have this feeling deep down inside that I know Michelle won’t make it. I don’t want her forgotten. I want her picture taken with Justin and me and the other kids. I’m even going to kidnap Gus if I have to. I want him in the picture too.” Brian looked out the window, though he saw nothing. “Michelle is so tiny and she’s so sick. If it isn’t one thing it’s another. I know Justin says that BJ was as bad, but when I look at her….” He turned to Cynthia. “My grandmother was Irish, old fashioned just off the island Irish. One of my cousins died. I don’t really remember much of the one that died. I was pretty young. But I do remember what my grandmother said. “The wee babe was just too beautiful to stay here on earth. God called her back to him.” He sighed. “That’s little Michelle” he pulled out his wallet and handed Cynthia a picture. “She’s probably one of the most perfectly formed little babies I’ve ever seen. Every time I look at her I hear my grandmother’s words.” Brian turned back to the work on his desk. “I’ll be leaving in an hour. If there’s anything for me to sign bring it in soon.” Cynthia knew she’d been dismissed. Her heart ached for her boss. He’d become her friend over the years and she could read him pretty well. He’d been forced to accept a lot of change in his life. He’d had to admit his love for Justin and then learn that his heart was big enough for three children. And then along came Michelle and he’d fallen in love all over again. As much as he wanted to be a one of the tough black Irish fighters of old, Brian was actually filled with the soft heart of an Irishman. It was a hard thing to admit. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin started to unload the children from the back of his SUV and took a deep breath. He was trying to remember why he wanted, no needed to do this. Brian wanted to have the pictures taken, and he wanted Gus to be a part of it. Justin had to try and get Mel to understand that none of the kids would hurt the little boy, at least not if they all could help it. Holding Michelle close to his heart, Justin walked into the large building that housed Mel’s office, trying to fight off the feeling that he was walking into the lion’s den. The woman behind the desk went crazy when Justin came in, wanting to get an autograph from the ‘famed BJ Amor’. Justin tried not to roll his eyes, when she informed Mel that her 10:30 was there. With Michelle in his arms and the other two at his side, Justin walked into Mel’s office. “Mel?” Mel looked up, her shock evident on her face. “Justin?” “Guess they didn’t tell you who your appointment was with. Can I come in?” “Sit.” She said as Justin came into the office. “What do I owe this visit to?” Justin looked over at BJ and Malia who both climbed up onto the seat next to him. “You said you wanted to talk to me before you would let Brian bring Gus over, so here I am. Plus I thought that maybe if you met the kids, it would make you feel a little safer.” “Can Gus come over to play? I miss him.” BJ asked the strange woman who was sitting behind the desk. “This is low, Justin. Really low.” “Bet you never thought I had it in me. But when it concerns my children, Melanie, I am willing to do anything to make sure they have as normal a life as they can.” Mel shook her head and leaned back in her chair. “What do you hope to accomplish with this?” “You wanted to talk, so I’m here. I want to see Gus, Brian and the kids want to see Gus. So this is your chance. It’s the only one you will get.” Justin sat in his chair hugging Michelle to his chest as he stared down a person he had once considered a friend. “With the children here. You really want to start this?” “Why not. They are the reason you won’t let any of us see Gus. They know the score, Mel; they know what’s going on. I will never keep anything from them; can you say the same for Gus? Have you told him why you won’t let him spend time with these three? Hell, he hasn’t even met Michelle yet, most likely doesn’t even know about her.” “Unlike you, Justin, I will not fight in front of the children, no matter what.” “Right. Like you don’t call Brian an asshole, sorry an uncaring asshole in front of Gus all the time? Don’t bullshit me, Mel. I want Gus with us for a couple of hours today, that’s all. The rest, I’m sure we can work out as adults, but I know what I want, what they want. The question is, are you enough of a person to tell me to my face, to their faces that they can never see Gus again. Ask them. Ask them anything. BJ,” Justin turned to his son and gave the small boy a smile. “Why don’t you tell Ms. Melanie what’s wrong with you.” “I know what’s wrong with him.” “We all have HIV. Well except daddy, and Daddy Brian. We get sick sometimes, Malia and Michelle more than me, but daddy says that there will be times that it could change. We have to be very, very careful not to get hurt when other kids are around cause they can get our bad virus.” BJ looked over at Justin and saw his father’s smile of encouragement and could tell his daddy was proud of him. “If we get hurt we cover right up, and run to a grown-up, so they can make it better. We have to wash our hands like all the time, and keep really clean.” “Justin, you know what my problem is.” “No, I don’t. I really don’t. Do you think for once second that any of us would purposely hurt Gus, put Gus in a situation that is dangerous?” “Just being with them is dangerous.” Justin shook his head and stood from his chair. “I think that you need to find out the facts, Mel. Once you do, let me know. Until then, keep your ignorance and hatred away from my children. Do you think it would be possible for Brian to pick up Gus at two so we can have some pictures taken. He can bring Gus right back and we’ll try and keep him away from these three.” “I’ll talk to Brian about it, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.” “Fine. BJ, Malia… let’s go. We have things we have to do before we meet Daddy Brian.” “Please, Ms. Melanie. I really miss Gus, and so does Mali. I promise to be good.” Justin could feel the tears start to build behind his eyes as he grabbed a hold of his children’s hands. “It’s up to Mel, buddy. Let’s go home and get ready.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Melanie, to what do I owe the honor your visit?” Brian stood up behind his desk when Melanie walked unannounced through his office door. She glared at him and sat down uninvited in the chair across from his desk. She noticed a painting on his wall that had obviously been done by a child. “Can’t afford the real thing?” she snarked. “This is the real thing.” Brian stared at her. “Malia made it for me. It’s a picture of Justin, Gus, BJ, Malia and myself, and the little one in my arms is Michelle.” “Michelle seems to have wings.” “Yes, Malia says she’s an angel visiting us.” He shook his head. “I hope she’s wrong and that Michelle will be with us for a long, long time.” Melanie noticed that Brian’s voice softened when he talked of the children. It was something she wasn’t used to seeing or hearing. “Brian, Justin came to see me today. He brought the children with him. That was a pretty low thing to do.” She began. Immediately Brian glared at her, his manner snapped back into a hostile mode. “I’m sure that Justin had his reasons. You know by keeping Gus away from our family, you are hurting a lot of people. It isn’t just me, it’s the kids and Justin as well as Gus.” “Justin decided that I should meet the kids.” Melanie began. “He actually thought I would discuss the problem in front of them.” She huffed. “Why not, it’s about them. Justin and I don’t keep things from them. It’s their life and they need to learn to handle the assholes out there early.” Brian turned to the work on his desk. “I’ve got work to do and then I need to get home. We’re having a family picture taken tonight.” He actually felt good when he said the words. It was his family and he was having his picture taken with them. He smiled. “Too bad Gus couldn’t be included, but maybe the guys in the art department can put him into it with Photoshop.” He gave a half laugh “It’ll be quite the family story to tell him when he’s older.” “You asshole, I can just imagine what you’d tell him. You’d do anything to make him hate me.” “I won’t have to even try. Gus is my son; he’ll figure it out eventually.” Brian hit the button on the intercom. “Cynthia, show Ms. Marcus out, I’m busy.” “I understand the photographer will be at Justin’s house at four.” “At our house.” “Whatever.” She paused. “You’ll have to pick Gus up at school. I’ll call them and let them know that you’re picking him up. Tomorrow is a school professional day. He doesn’t have to be back until dinner time. I’ll send over his things with Hunter.” “You’re telling me I can have Gus from this afternoon until tomorrow night at six?” Brian’s voice was incredulous. “That’s right asshole; you aren’t making me the bad guy this time.” She stood up and walked out the door leaving Brian shaking his head in bewilderment. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ It had been two weeks since the family pictures had been taken, and Justin felt like he was ready to lose is mind. After loading all the kids into his SUV, he quickly headed toward the school to try and deal with the most recent problem. It seemed like the school was getting plagued with problems. Justin wondered if it was natural or someone was setting out to bring the school down. “Ben, please tell me that we have it handled.” Justin said coming into the office carrying Michelle. “BJ, Mali why don’t the two of you go and play with the toys in daddy’s office. This shouldn’t be too long, okay?” “Okay, daddy.” “Ben?” “I wish that it was. The plumbing is shot.” “They checked it, and said it was perfect before we opened the doors. What the hell happened?” Justin silently cursed when he felt his cell phone vibrate in his pocket. “Brian, sweetheart.” “Hey, how are the kids?” “The kids are fine, just like they were an hour ago. Me, on the other hand am ready to do some serious damage. So I will talk to you later, while I try to take care of some huge mess that’s going on. Bye, talk to you soon.” Justin disconnected the call, and placed the phone on the edge of Ben’s desk. “Where is Brian? I thought he would be watching the kids.” “Oh he would be if he didn’t have to go to Chicago this week. Something came up that he had to handle, so he’s taken up calling me every five minutes.” Justin stated as he pointed to the phone which was once again ringing. “I am not answering it. He’s been gone three days, and I’m already losing my fucking mind.” “Fucking.” BJ called out from Justin’s office. Justin rolled his eyes, and finally sat down in the chair across from Ben. “Do you think that someone did it on purpose? Did something to the system?” “I have no idea. I’ve called Carl and he’s going to come over and look at it. See if it looks like it was tampered with.” Ben leaned back in his chair and removed his glasses to rub his tired eyes. “The plumber will be here sometime before five, they told me.” “Great. So what are we supposed to do until then? We can’t have the students here with no running water.” Justin held Michelle close to him as she started to fuss knowing that her father was upset. “Have you started to call the parents? We have to let the kids go home.” “I know. I hate it, but I know. It’s exactly what those people out there want us to do.” “It seems a little sudden doesn’t it?” Justin took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “What have the guards said? Did they say if they saw anyone tampering around?” “They didn’t see anything. It could have been last night, when no one was around.” Justin nodded, and picked up the phone book. “We’re getting a security system installed tonight. If it is sabotage, then at least we’ll have an idea of who it might be.” “That won’t be cheap.” “I know, but it will be better in the long run than repairing the water, and whatever else they decide to take out on a daily basis. This isn’t the first time, and it won’t be the last. I’m sick and tired of letting them fuck with this school. I want them off of the property, and I want us protected. Plain and simple.” Ben looked down at the phone that hadn’t stopped ringing since Justin had walked in the room. “What should we do with Brian?” “If you can talk to him, I’d be forever in your debt. I have things to do, so I can get the kids home and finish my work for the opening in two weeks. And I have to make sure that this school holds up its promise to keep the students safe. I don’t have time to deal with Brian and his missing the kids right now. He’ll be back in two days, he can deal.” Justin stood and went into his office to try and start on his growing list of things that needed to be done. Ben could only stare at the phone and shake his head. He knew how much Justin loved Brian and visa versa… but even the best of them had their limits. Ben only hoped that Justin wasn’t reaching his. At least the younger man realized that he wasn’t in the shape to talk to his lover, for fear that he would let the other problems get the best of him and he say something that he would regret. “Hey Brian.” Ben said into Justin’s cell phone. “What’s up?” “Where is Justin? Is Michelle okay? Is it Meli or BJ, why isn’t Justin answering his phone?” Ben could tell that Brian was panicking. “Brian take a deep breath, count to ten and let’s start this conversation over again.” He said the words with a laugh, but Brian could clearly hear the seriousness in his tone. “Sorry, I was doing it again wasn’t I?” Brian sighed. “Damn it Ben, I know Justin hates it when I call him a thousand times a day, but I can’t seem to stop myself. I worry about the kids and I worry about him.” “Brian last time I looked ,Justin was the same man he was a six months ago when he handled being a single father of two, a writing career, and a career as an artist. The only thing different is you and Michelle have come along.” “And the damn school. It’s killing him. It’s taking him away from what he loves.” “He loves the school too Brian. I know things are starting out rough here at the school, but we’re handling it. There are a few glitches but nothing that money can’t buy.” “I think I’ve solved some of the money problems.” Brian began. “I’m doing a series of commercials focused on pediatric HIV and how the children are centered out. They will include the school and the quality of life that that the children will have attending it compared to a regular school. I know it’s somewhat off topic to what Liberty School is all about, but there are children attending with HIV. I talked to Hunter and he says the school has been great for him so far.” “Sounds good Brian.” Ben began. “Yes I think so. A couple of my major clients are funding the commercials and between their contacts and mine, we have an impressive line up of celebrities donating their time to shoot the spots.” “I’ll tell Justin.” Ben smiled. “Brian, he really does need a bit of space. Why don’t I tell him you call him tonight. If anything comes up, I’m sure he’ll be in touch with you.” “Tell him I’ll call to say goodnight to the kids.” Brian sighed. “You know Ben, when I didn’t have a family it made things a hell of a lot easier on these business trips. Fuck I don’t even have the urge to trick anymore. Every time I think of it I can see Malia’s big eyes looking at me and hear her say. “That’s not nice daddy Bwian. Damn I’m so fucked, my life is being run by females.” Ben burst out laughing. “You get the drama Queen award of the week Brian. I’ll have your name engraved tomorrow.” “Pathetic eh?” Brian laughed. “Later Ben.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “How’s my little birthday girl?” Justin asked as Mali came running into the kitchen, jumping right into his arms. “Did you sleep really good?” “Yeah. Where the pesents?” “Is that all you want? You don’t want to say hi to Gramma, and Daphne? You don’t want to eat your cake? See Hunter, Ben, Uncle Vic and Rodney?” Justin gave a huge sigh, and he shook his head. “I see where we stand.” “Loves you daddy.” “I love you too, baby girl. Now, how about you get your brother up, and I get Michelle. That way we can start this little thing.” Justin set his daughter down on the floor as they headed up the stairs to wake the other children from their naps. He knew that one thing that Malia wanted most was for Brian to be there, but the mess in Chicago was taking longer than anyone had anticipated. Justin had heard all about it, and knew that Brian was pissed. The other man was threatening to completely torture and maim someone, cause every second of the day that Brian isn’t with the kids was torture on him. And on Justin since Brian called every chance he got. Justin only hoped that Brian got home soon because the following week he had to be gone to set up for his showing at the gallery in New York for a couple of days. Bringing up the rear as the two older children came down the steps, Justin carefully held Michelle in his arms. “Daddy Bwian, you home!” He heard and an instant smile appeared on his face. “Come here, birthday girl. How old are you again? I don’t remember.” “Silly Daddy Bwian. I tree.” “Wow, three? You’ll be ready to drive soon. But no dating until you’re twenty… make that thirty.” Brian said with a straight face as he held little Mali in the air. “Silly Daddy Bwian.” Malia laughed as she was flung through the air. “Pwesents?” ”OH I don’t know. Have you been a good girl?” “Yes! Please!” Brian glanced over at Justin and shook his head. “You.” He said pointing a finger at his lover. “Doesn’t anyone know the true meaning behind gifts? Greedy little tike aren’t you?” “Yep.” Once Brian set the young girl down he gave a huge hug to BJ and walked over to Justin. “Honey, I’m home.” “I see that. Guess after all these years you finally realized that celebrating Birthdays is okay after all?” Justin asked trying to keep the sadness out of his voice. It was a happy day and he didn’t want to bring up the past mistakes they had made. Brian shrugged as he leaned in and gave Justin a kiss on the lips. “Yeah well, I learned from my mistakes. Plus if having a birthday in this house isn’t an accomplishment of the highest form, I don’t know what is. Now, let’s get out there so Malia doesn’t open the presents without us.” He looked around. “Didn’t Gus come?” “He has a cold.” Justin looked into Brian’s eyes. “I’m so proud of him Brian. He phoned me today and explained that he had a cold. He said that he didn’t want the kids to get sick so he was staying home. Melanie was actually bringing him anyway and he wanted me to talk to her to tell her why he couldn’t come. It seems she wouldn’t listen to him. He kicked up a fuss and refused to get into the car.” “No shit.” Brian’s voice was proud. “My Sonny Boy is going to get a big hug for that call. And Melanie is going to get a kick in the ass. I thought she knew better.” “He’s his daddy’s son alright.” Justin smiled into Brian’s eyes; his own were full of promises of later delights. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Okay, I’ll be back the day after tomorrow. The numbers are on the fridge, and in your Palm.” Justin placed his bags by the door and was rushed by BJ and Malia, as they both gave him a large hug. “You be good for Daddy Brian, and help him with Michelle. I’ll only be gone two days, and I’m only a phone call away, okay?” “They’ll be fine, dad.” Brian stated as he stole a quick glance to the day crib that was set up in the family room. “Oh I know. See, I for one will enjoy the time away. If you need anything call, and I’ll try to get here as quickly as I can.” Justin walked over and wrapped his arms around Brian. “Most of the time I should only be putting things up, so I can leave at any time, if need be.” “Yeah, and how many clubs are you going to?” Brian asked trying to keep the jealousy out of his voice. Justin seemed like he was excited about leaving the kids and Brian wasn’t sure what to make of it. “If I do anything besides spend all my time at the gallery, it will be going out with some of my friends from there for a drink. It’s been entirely too long since I’ve just had some daddy time. And as mom says, everyone needs that. You should learn that.” “How about our daddy time?” “When I get back, I promise. I’ll be refreshed and ready for anything you can throw at me.” Brian tried not to resent that Justin was leaving him home alone with the children. He knew that Justin needed some time off from the stress of having three high risk children not to mention all of the other things he’d taken on. Ben had been a big help with the school, so much so that Brian had managed to find an additional ten thousand dollars to add to his salary for the first year. It was worth it to relieve Justin of some of the decision making. Justin had been reluctant to accept the money to help offset Ben’s increase in salary, but Brian had never lost his ability to win over the blond. The agreement had been an interesting one to consummate. Brian smiled when he thought of the night’s sexual fun. It was one of the rare nights when their house full of children had all slept peacefully through until morning. “Daddy Bwian, Michelle throwed up all over.” Melia said from the doorway of the living room. “It’s really, really yucky.” Brian rushed into the family room. Michelle was sitting in the baby swing, her lips were turning blue as she choked vomit still spewing from her mouth. Brian scooped her up and turned her over trying to clear her airways. “Go get Nonna would you please BJ.” He said without showing the emotion he was feeling. He didn’t want to scare the young boy, but he was terrified for Michelle. Thus began the first night of Justin’s absence with Brian and Nonna taking turns looking after Michelle. It was apparent by morning that they would have to call in Daphne. Michelle wasn’t responding to anything that they did. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Tbc.