Are You Ready For Love? Plot bunny by Stephanie M Author: Bryant Maclagan Chapter 11 - Brian looked over at Justin, feeling a small smile play across his lips. This was the first time since they had gotten back together that it had just been the two of them. No kids, no work… nothing but the two of them. He silently sent a prayer of thanks to Jennifer for forcing the two men out of the house to celebrate the New Year. “So where are we going, dear sir,” Brian asked stealing another glance over at Justin. “That is a surprise.” “I hope to god it’s not Babylon. The queers will be out in full force, and if I know Mikey since he doesn’t have Ben right now, he’ll be there… plus Ted, and Emmett. I don’t know if I really want to start in the New Year with those idiots.” Justin laughed as he brought his lower lip into his mouth. “No idiots where we are going, I promise you that.” “So it can’t be a club then. At least not one on Liberty Avenue.” “You’re not going to get it out of me. Now hush before I make you put on a blind fold.” Justin shook his head as he continued to drive the snow covered streets into the city. Brian turned so he could reach over and run his hand across Justin’s cheek. “Come on… you know you can’t keep a secret to save your life. So just tell me and put yourself out of misery.” “A lot has changed in five years, Brian. I for once have learned how to keep a secret. Especially when it’s a good secret.” Justin stole his own glance over at Brian with a raised eye-brow and huge grin on his face. “ hush, or it will be a blindfold for you. And if you’re really bad, we won’t go at all.” “What? You wouldn’t actually take me back to the house when your mother was so kind to let us have the day off would you? Not with all the bitching you’ve been doing about having some ‘us’ time.” “Oh like you haven’t? I seem to recall someone mentioning that he had forgotten what it was like to be a grown up… like you ever really learned….” “Hey!” “And how this same person was on the floor trying to figure out how all of the toys worked, Or how this same person when trying to come up with some brilliant speech could only think of the tune for … Wiggles? Blues Clues..?” “You forgot the most important one.” Brian huffed. He knew that Justin was right, but he didn’t want the blond to know that… not yet anyway. He had the tune for Takalani Street playing in his head all day, only to be taken over by the other children’s show tunes. Justin laughed out loud, trying to keep it down as much as possible but failing miserably. “If the guys on Liberty Avenue could see you sitting at your desk, or in front of the TV… your title and reputation would be ruined. No one would be able to tell the tales of the ‘Stud of Liberty Avenue’ the same again.” “You wouldn’t dare.” “Wanna bet. I have the proof. Video tape. Evidence that I won’t be afraid of using if you don’t stop asking where we are going.” “You’re fucking evil. How come I didn’t know that before?” ”I’ve always been a smart little fuck.” “Not disputing that…well the little part might not be right, but hey it’s your own words.” “Besides, you were the one who told me once that I may look like an angel, and be the ‘Sunshine’ but I have this little vicious streak that was just begging to be released.” “So… where…” “Brian,” Justin warned, starting to hum the theme to one of the many shows that the children watched. Seeing the glare his lover was throwing him, Justin could only smile. He knew that Brian would love this little break, all he had to do was make it to the hotel he had reserved a room in, and get the man into the large Jacuzzi tub and all would be perfect. Maybe some time with the masseuse. “Now be a good boy and wait. This will be a new year’s eve that you won’t forget anytime soon.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ It was three hours later when they finally pulled up into the long drive of the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Justin was grateful that Brian had actually slept part of the way, at least it kept him from having to strangle the man beside him. He had been looking forward to this weekend away for months, hoping that he could convince Brian that they needed this time to themselves. Sending a silent thanks to his mother, Justin reached over and lightly touched Brian’s shoulder. “Hey, Stud. We’re here.” Brian opened his eyes and looked at the large hotel. “This looks like a fucking castle, not a hotel.” Brian stated as he opened his door to stand in front of the main entrance. Seeing the bellhops rushing over to take their overnight bags, and the keys to the car, Brian gave a small smile in Justin’s direction. “Not bad, Sunshine.” “Wait until you see the room.” “And how much did this cost you… us?” “For the hell we’ve been through this year… not enough. Now come on, I am ready for some pampering. The spa will definitely be on the schedule sometime in the next 24 hours.” Justin grabbed a hold of Brian’s hand and led him into the lobby. After checking in, Justin led Brian up to the room. “Should I go ahead and blindfold you? Or do you promise to behave?” Brian laughed as he grabbed the key card from Justin’s hand. “If you blindfold me I will not be to walk into the room. I may love you, but there’s only so much that I will allow even you to do. As for behaving… don’t tell me that THAT was in your plans for these next couple of days, Sunshine.” “Next day. We have to be back tomorrow.” “We’ll see how things go. We do have a lot of ground to cover.” Brian opened the door and walked into the room. Looking around the lush room, Brian shook his head. He should have known that Justin would not have done anything but fabulous His blond never did anything half way. “Of course we could always talk another time.” “That was hopefully the plan. No kids around. No mother or sister… no responsibilities. Just the two of us for tonight. Start fresh.” “As fresh as we can with all the shit in the background, that we still have to talk about and get cleared between us.” Brian reminded Justin. He wanted this night just as much as Justin if not more. But Brian wasn’t about to forget all of the other problems that they still had to get out into the open, that still got in the way of what they wanted for the future. Justin walked up to Brian and began to unbutton his lover’s silk shirt. “We will, but for now… I think we really need some serious daddy time. I think a little reminder of that Stud of Liberty Avenue is in order. I just might have forgotten.” “Somehow I never thought that would be possible.” Brian’s eyes began to darken as Justin slide his shirt off of his shoulders. “Prove it.” Were the last words spoken before Brian picked Justin up and deposited his lover onto the bed. “Hey what are you doing?” Justin grinned up at Brian. “Apparently it’s been much too long if you have to ask.” Brian leaned over him supporting himself on his arms, their naked bodies barely touching. Brian moved his head down until his lips grazed Justin’s in a quick kiss and then he let his teeth roll over Justin’s bottom lip before descending for a kiss that took his partner’s breath away. “Much, much too long.” Justin murmured into Brian’s mouth before the first kiss turned into the second one. “I want you so badly.” Brian whispered. His tongue began to taste the other man’s skin just near his ear. “I want you to make love to me.” Justin pulled back not sure he heard Brian correctly. His blue eyes questioned. Brian smiled and kissed him again. “I want you; I need to feel you inside of me. Show me how much you love me.” He hesitated not sure what Justin was thinking. Maybe he couldn’t understand how much Brian needed to feel Justin’s love. Brian himself barely understood the need, but he knew that tonight, tonight he had to be loved. He had to have all the bad times from the past few months expelled in the trust of giving himself to Justin. And Justin looking into Brian’s hazel eyes flecked with gold that had darkened with lust yet spoke to him from the heart, understood what Brian was trying to say. And he realized that he too needed to make love to Brian. He needed the opportunity to show the man how he felt but he also needed the love Brian was giving to him by trusting him to be the alpha male. Justin reached up his hand and caressed Brian’s face. “I love you Brian with all my heart. Some days have been tough lately, but the love I feel for you has never changed.” He cupped his hand behind the tousled auburn haired head and pulled him close. “You are loved” he kissed Brian who let himself relax in Justin’s embrace. Justin moved so that now he was on one arm looking down at Brian who lay on his back, his face showing his vulnerability. All signs of the distinguished executive reduced to that of a young man who needed the reassurance of the man he loved. And Justin, his own wants and needs put to one side, saw that vulnerability that Brian only ever showed to him, and he knew that tonight they both would get what they needed in the privacy of their bed. His hands wandered over Brian’s body, touching, caressing, kneading his muscles, smoothing his skin, softly pinching, gently holding, fingers sensitive to every inch of his man. Brian watched Justin’s face, not wanting to miss a moment of the love that shone in Justin’s eyes that were bluer than the midnight sky. He found himself reaching up into Justin’s touch, anticipating the caress, demanding the soft pinches and tender cupping of his balls. His cock dripped ,arching up in its need for more, though he knew he was dangerously close to coming like some inexperience teenager. For that was what Justin made him feel like. His breath caught when Justin’s finger brushed across his anus and he pushed toward it wanting more, but Justin shook his head slightly and smiled touching his lips to Brian’s while he whispered. “Patience babe”. For once Brian didn’t cringe at the pet name, instead he relished the thought that Justin loved him enough to call him his ‘baby’. If he’d been a cat he would have purred. Somehow, somewhere, Justin had found a tube of lube. The snick of the cap opening was familiar and Brian waited to feel the cold slippery lube on his pucker. Instead Justin warmed it in his fingers, taking the opportunity to move his lips down Brian’s body in kisses warm and tender. When his fingers began to move over Brian’s hole they were slippery and warm. Again Justin’s lips found Brian’s and again their kiss was deep and filled with love. Justin inserted one and then two fingers into Brian who arched up demanding more in a silent dance that had been a familiar one to them once upon a time. The rip of the condom wrapper was loud in the darkened room. Brian let his legs find their comfort zone around Justin’s waist. He relished the pressure it put on his cock and balls as Justin was forced close, the head of his cock large and demanding, yet slick with lube found it’s way inside Brian, who continued to look into Justin’s eyes, accepting the silent apology for the small pain that would result in their release. Justin moved slowly until his cock was buried deep. He stopped and blew a kiss in Brian’s direction, not daring to move or they would both cum. Brian thrust up with his hips, tightening his legs around Justin and they quickly found their rhythm, not once breaking away from looking into each other’s eyes until the passion and demand of imminent orgasm caused them both to close their eyes momentarily, opening them at the moment of release. Collapsing together, arms and legs tangled, their bodies drenched in sweat and cum they lay gathering up their strength to speak. But Brian looked at Justin and Justin looked at Brian and instead of talking and spoiling the moment, their eyes shut and they drifted off together in much needed sleep. Brian managed to pull up the blankets over their bodies without moving Justin. He needed the weight of Justin’s body cemented with sweat and cum to lull him into unconsciousness. It was better than any sleeping pill ever invented. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “You two look rested,” Jennifer smiled as the two men came into the house the following evening. Justin gave her a small smile as he quickly headed over to the two children sitting at the table eating their dinner. “Were you good for Grandma?” “Yes, Daddy.” BJ told his father rolling his eyes. Justin stuck out his tongue and gave his two children a kiss, sitting down at the table to make sure that they ate everything on their plates. Brian could only stand at the island and smile. Seeing Justin with the children, and how good he was with them, always brought a smile to his face. Turning to the refrigerator and pulled out a beer. Jennifer looked at the two men, immediately noticing that some of the tension was gone. Not all of it, and she knew that just the one night away was not enough, but it was a start. She silently hoped that they kept up with this, and not let things slide once again to the point it was before Christmas. “You do know that the two of you could have gone away for at least another day or so. I have no problems watching the kids for you.” “I know mom, but I can’t ask that of you. Besides after about three hours I start to miss them.” Justin reached across the table and ruffled BJ’s hair and leaned in to kiss Malia on top of the head. He looked over at Brian who smiled like a Cheshire cat. If Justin had been thinking of the kids three hours after they’d left, then he was a very good actor. He laughed out loud when Justin blushed deep red. Jennifer looked over at Brian, hoping that he would see reason more than her son. She had been trying for years to tell Justin he needed to take time for himself, and not spend all of his time with the children. However, seeing the look on Brian’s face, Jennifer wasn’t sure that Brian would agree with her, at least not completely. She would have to work on him and see where he stood on the issue. “You wouldn’t be asking me, Justin. I’m offering. I’ve told you that you can’t spend all of your time with the children, you need time to yourself. Especially now. I just think that it will be good for the two of you to get away more often. Maybe go out a night every couple of weeks even would be better than nothing.” Justin turned to look at his mother and rolled his eyes. “I know what you’re saying, mom, but it’s not up for discussion. We’ll talk about it later if you insist, but I’m telling you now that it won’t be happening. Especially, if it does, it won’t be for any extent of time. I learned a long, hard lesson, and I’m not going to go through that again. The unspoken was the disaster of his last try at a showing in New York. So why don’t you just butt out? I’m not you, I don’t need time away from them, and that’s final.” Jennifer stole a quick glance over to Brian and saw something that gave her a little hope. He seemed shocked by Justin’s statement, and she knew that it would be up for discussion in the future. There were some underlying issues that needed to be worked out, and Jennifer was confident that Brian would get to the bottom of it. Hopefully she could convince them both that it was a good thing for them as a couple to take time away, and that the children would be okay without them. She would definitely have to spend some time with Brian and talk to him about it. Maybe between the two of them, they could persuade Justin. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Daddy Bwian, are you sleeping? Daddy Bwian?” Malia poked Brian who groaned and rolled over, his arm tightened around Justin who opened one eye to find himself staring into his daughter’s eyes. “Malia, what’s wrong?” Justin asked the pajama clad little girl. He hated to move out of the secure warmth of Brian’s arms, but he knew he’d have to. “I was talking to daddy Bwian.” Malia said. She pulled back the covers and snuggled in close to Justin, his arm automatically pulled her close. He kissed her nose making her giggle. “Daddy Bwian’s sleeping.” She said solemnly. “That’s because it’s the middle of the night baby girl.” The sleep filled voice of Brian answered. Malia giggled again. “No it isn’t, it’s morning, there’s cartoons on TV and everything. Are you sleeping daddy Bwian?” “Yes” Brian groaned. Malia looked took her fingers and opened one of Justin’s closed eyes. “Daddy, did you have fun with daddy Bwian?” she asked. “Grandma Jenn said you were having a dad’s night out and only daddies were allowed to go.” “Yes I had fun” Justin grinned to himself when he recalled the lovemaking that had taken place. “I had an amazing time.” “That’s good.” Malia said. “Daddy, how come you and daddy Bwian don’t play at the daddy place more times? I bet it would be lots of fun for you. And Grandma Jenn makes cookies and tells stories and she smells nice.” “Are you trying to say we stink?” Justin asked. “Not all the time.” Malia replied. Brian muffled his laughter, Justin elbowed him in the ribs. “I make cookies with you and BJ too.” “But Grandma Jenn does it the grandma way, it’s different. She said that the next time she was going to show BJ and me how to make a whole cake and everything. She let me put on some of her pretty smell, BJ too.” Malia looked at Justin. “Can you take daddy Bwian away to the daddy place soon?” “Are you and BJ trying to get rid of us?” Justin asked, not sure if he liked this new independence of his children. There had been a time when they refused to allow even his mother to be with them. “I’m a big girl daddy, grandma Jenn said so. And big girls like to have big girl time with their grandmas. So I think you and daddy Bwian should have daddy time. BJ has big boy time with Hunter alllllll the time.” “Brian is very busy.” Justin began. “No he isn’t” Brian said clearly earning him another elbow in the ribs. “Well he should be.” Justin grumbled. “All work and no daddy time makes daddies very, very grumpy.” Brian quipped. Malia giggled again and snuggled closer. “I’m sleepy” she said and closed her eyes enjoying the warmth of her father. “Daddy Bwian, you have to hug me too.” She demanded, she opened her eyes, found Brian’s hand and pulled his arm so that he was holding both her and Justin. “That’s much better.” Her voice was filled with sleep and she yawned shutting her eyes once again. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian stepped out of his car, reaching across the seat to get his briefcase. Closing his car door, he began to walk toward the entrance of Kinnetik but stopped short when he saw a figure curled up in a ball next to the door. Kneeling down in front of the figure, Brian laid a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “What the hell are you doing here?” He asked keeping his voice gentle so not to startle the boy. “Shouldn’t you be in school?” “Fuck school.” “Lex, language.” “Can I come in?” Lex asked as he stood up from his spot and brushed off the light snow that had gathered on his jeans. “It’s cold out here.” Brian shook his head as he led the boy into the offices, wondering what caused the boy to come all the way out this way. “Cynthia, get Lex here some hot chocolate, and some breakfast.” “I’ll get right on it.” Brian sat down behind his desk, leaning back to look the boy over. “So how long were you sitting out there?” “I don’t know. Just a little while.” Lex told Brian kicking his shoes on the ground to get the packed in snow off of them. “And why aren’t you in school? Better yet, do your foster parents know you’re here and not at school?” Lex only shrugged. “Like they would give a damn about me. They have others to worry about; I’m not real high on the list.” Brian frowned at what Lex was telling him, hoping that the boy wasn’t getting into trouble with his foster family because of the time they spent together, or because Lex spent Christmas with him. “Why do you say that? Do you want me to talk to them?” “It wouldn’t make any difference, so don’t worry about it. I can take care of myself, you know. It’s not like I’m going to be around long anyway so who cares.” ”I care.” “Yeah, well. As I said, it’s not like I’ll be alive in a year, or ten, or even next month. In case you forgot I have AIDS.” Lex leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “It’s not like it will be the end of the world or anything. Could be a relief.” Brian leaned forward, resting his arms on the top of his desk as he tried to figure out how to get through to the young boy in front of him. The differences between Lex and BJ and Malia were a lot, they were complete opposites. Brian thought back to Hunter, and remembered the teen and how he reacted when he discovered he was positive. Shaking his head, Brian realized that Lex was worse. Whether it was because he was younger or not, Brian wasn’t sure. “I thought you were only HIV positive.” “So, same dif.” “Big difference. Now why don’t you eat the food Cynthia brought in, then I’ll drop you off at school.” Brian opened a file that was lying on his desk, letting Lex start his breakfast. “And no arguments,” he said halting any complaints from the boy. Brian would have to have a little talk with the foster parents soon. He couldn’t understand how they could not know what the boy was up to. Brian made a promise to himself and to Lex that he would get to the bottom of this, and hopefully make the boy’s life better. Dropping Lex off at school had proven to take longer than he’d planned. He had to make sure the boy was actually going into the school which meant Brian had to park the car and walk inside. Once in, Brian headed to the office. It was there he discovered that Lex had been missing more often then he showed up. “I’m sorry Mr. Kinney, but with Lex’s condition, we didn’t question his absence.” The school secretary defended. “Didn’t anyone think to call his foster home?” Brian looked down at the hapless woman. His tone didn’t bode well for her. “We don’t have time to phone the home of every absent child. “ she began. “There are so many children away on any given day, that it would take, say more than an hour to call?” Brian’s voice was edged in sarcasm. “Well in Lex’s case, I mean he is HIV positive and you know what that means?” “No, apparently I don’t.” Brian glared. “I was under the impression that it meant that Lex’s immune system was somewhat messed up, but that he could keep it under control with the drugs he takes as well as good nutrition and no stress. I have to wonder about the kind of school system that allows a child to be absent more than half the time without checking on that child.” He motioned to the file in front of the secretary. “I see that when Lex is in school, his grades are above average. How can you and this school system make things so uncomfortable for him with his potential that he hates to be here? He loves to learn, He is a voracious reader. I know this from the few hours I’ve spent with him. Why in hell doesn’t the school know this?” Brian was disgusted and he didn’t try to hide the disgust in his voice. The school secretary flushed. “But sir, Lex has HIV” she began again. “That doesn’t make him any less important than someone with diabetes or any other disease that a child could have. He has with care, a life expectancy that is yet to be determined. But people with HIV live longer and longer these days. Some more than twenty years. Who’s to say that Lex won’t graduate from college and go on to do something wonderful in this fucked up world. If he does it won’t be because of people like you.” Brian shook his head he reached into his pocket and pulled out his business card. “Call me the next time Lex isn’t in school.” He handed his card to her. “But sir, you aren’t Lex’s guardian.” “No but I’m the SOB who has the pull to have your school on the front pages of the newspapers all over the country for discriminating against a young boy who is brilliant.” Brian turned on his heel and left ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian arrived back at Kinnetic still steamed but calmer. He had to do something about Lex but what he had no idea. For the moment he knew that the only thing that would put his day back on track was to talk to Justin. Not that he wanted to add to Justin’s load by but telling him about Lex. Picking up the phone Brian hit one on speed dial. “Hey Sunshine.” He said into the phone. “Brian what’s wrong?” Justin asked. Brian never called this early in the day unless he needed some kind of comfort. It hadn’t taken Justin long to learn how to read his partner again. “Why should something be wrong, maybe I just wanted to hear your voice?” That admission in itself told Justin that there was a problem in Brian’s world. “Big guy, you left me only a couple of hours ago, you were going to work. I’m in my studio, the kids are in the house with Nonna, no one is sick that I know of, so what’s up?” Justin smiled into the phone. “I could come to the office and we could have desk top sex.” “As great as that would be, I think my client who is arriving in ten minutes might be a bit overwhelmed with hot blond boy ass.” Brian chuckled. “Hardly a boy big guy.” Justin laughed. “You’ll always be my seventeen year old boy. Like all Irishmen, I have a very selective memory when it comes to love.” Already Justin was putting Brian’s day back on track. It was amazing what a few words from the man could do. Hearing Brian mention the ‘L’ word sent shivers of pleasure through Justin. “I love you too Brian.” Justin’s voice was husky. “How is your afternoon shaping up?” “I could have it clear by two.” “Meet me at the loft?” “I could do that, but I thought you were painting?” “I’ve been known to take the odd break, and Brian, I put the blue lights back over the bed.” “Why?” “In case some hot Irish stud happened to wander by and be a model.” “Any hot Irish stud?” “Well he has to have hazel eyes flecked with gold and a nine inch perfectly formed dick.” “That does narrow the field.” Brian laughed and squirmed with the tightening of his trousers. “If you’d like, you could meet me here at two and I’ll see if you fit my requirements.” “I can do that.” Brian hung up with a smile. Cynthia hearing the tone of Brian’s voice knew that the day was going to be much better than it had started out. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Looking through the files, trying to figure out what needed to be bought before the beginning of the next semester, Ben reached up to try and rub the muscles of his neck loose. He had been looking over the lists, and many others for the past two days, trying to finish the one semester so that they could start ‘fresh’ for the next. Justin had been helping as often as he could, but so close to losing Michelle, Ben didn’t feel right taking Justin away from his family. He knew the man was only a phone call away if he couldn’t handle it, but Ben didn’t want to do that. Hearing a knock on the door, Ben didn’t bother to look up, choosing instead to continue to look through the file. “Come in.” “Ben?” asked the person at the door, in a hushed voice. Ben slowly lifted his head and felt his heart beat increase and his breathing become shallow. “Michael. What brings you here?” “I was… well, I was hoping we could talk.” Michael came into the room and sat down in one of the chairs that didn’t have files in it. “I miss you. I miss Hunter.” “You know why we aren’t there, Michael. You know why things are the way they are right now.” “I know, and I’ve done a lot of thinking since then. Hell, all I’ve had was time.” Ben leaned back in his chair and looked at his husband closely, trying to figure out how sincere he was. “Just because we may miss each other Michael, doesn’t change the facts here. They don’t change the things that were said, and do not take away the hurt. What yourself, Lindsay, and Melanie said was out of line and totally untrue. I would have thought that being with me, and having Vic in your life you would have known better.” “You’re right. I should have known. I can’t excuse what I said. But… there’s always this part of me that feels that way no matter how much I try to ignore it, I know what I have to do to stay safe, but you never know.” Michael moved to place his elbows on his knees and placed his head in his hands. “I was stupid, and scared, and… hell I don’t know. I was wrong, I realize that now. God how I realize that now.” “What made you come to this realization when living with Vic, than myself and Hunter didn’t?” “Michelle.” Ben was surprised at what his husband said, but hid it behind a small mask. “You didn’t even meet Michelle as far as I knew about. How did she teach you?” “She was so tiny, so young…from what I heard, she was doing really good, getting better.” Michael stood from his seat and moved over to look out the window beside Ben’s desk. “She was doing better but since someone came to that Thanksgiving diner with a small cold… I guess it suddenly hit me what everyone had been telling me for years. That we are a bigger threat. Yeah we can get the virus if we’re not careful, but how can you be careful and not get a cold? It’s winter.” Ben took a deep breath and stepped up behind Michael to place his hands on his lover’s shoulders. “It takes a lot to admit you were wrong, Michael. But admitting you made a mistake doesn’t erase the facts.” “All I want is a chance. A change to be a part of your life, Hunter’s… hell maybe even Brian and Justin’s… and the kids’ lives. I miss all of you. I made a mistake, but I want to try and fix it.” “You really hurt Hunter.” “I know, and I have no idea how to make it better… but… I want a chance. If you’ll let me.” Ben closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. “You have your chance. It won’t be easy, you have a lot of hurt to overcome, and a different hurt with each one of us. But… if you’re willing to try, I am. You just have to see if the others are willing because I can’t speak for them.” “Thank-you.” Michael gave Ben a small kiss on his cheek, and started for the door. “How about, I don’t know… maybe dinner some night?” Ben gave Michael a small smile and nodded. “That sounds good. I’ll call you say.. tomorrow?” “Tomorrow.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Ben looked up from his work, and waved Justin into the room. “Didn’t think I would see you here.” “Yeah, well between Brian and the kids… they all but kicked me out of the house.” Justin moved to sit across from his friend leaning forward a little to read what was in the folders. “Do we have the list ready yet? Or do you need me to do anything?” Ben laughed as he shook his head. “A little bored?” “A little. I have no idea what Brian and the kids are planning, but I’m not sure I like it. Oh by the way… happy birthday.” “Ahh yes. Another year older, and healthy.” “Always a good thing. I think that’s what I’m nervous about. Brian and the kids, alone… kicking me out of the house.” Justin visibly shook. “I don’t know if I want to go back. You can tell they have something planned.” “Not thrilled about it?” “I’m sure it will be nothing, and I guess it’s a good thing… but Brian? Planning anything? Makes me a little nervous.” “And rightfully so. Considering the past, but he has changed, even you can see that. I highly doubt it will be as bad as you seem to think it will be.” “I don’t think it will be bad, cause I know that none of them will allow it to be. I’m just wondering how BIG it will be.” “Now that hasn’t changed with Brian.” “Yeah, that I can tell.” Justin leaned back in his seat and glanced over one of the files. “So what are you doing for your birthday?” “Actually I’m going out to dinner… with Michael.” “Really?” Justin leaned forward, the file forgotten. “You’re trying to work things out then?” “Yeah. He came by here a week or so ago. We talked, had dinner. I think he really understands now, and I know he feels bad for what he had said. But as I told him, it won’t be easy. A lot of people were hurt.” “Yeah.” Justin looked down at his hands, and shrugged. “I know Hunter was really hurt by what Michael said.” “He has a long, hard road a head of him, but I really think he’s willing to go there. He really wants to make things right.” Ben took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I know he wants to try and make things right with you and Brian, but I told him that he had to do that on his own, and not push. I just thought you would like to know, he might be in contact. But I do think that he is sincere.” Justin nodded, grateful for the man’s input. “I know that Brian misses him, hell that’s why Michelle got her name. But I also know that he was hurt as well by everyone. A part of me hopes it works out. But if he hurts any of us again, I won’t hold back.” “And I don’t expect you to.” Ben reached over and picked the file out of Justin’s hand. “So since neither of us have anything to do right now, how about the birthday men go out and get some lunch?” Justin stood with a big smile on his face. “Of course. I’ll pay for yours and you pay for mine.” “Oh no… I know how much you eat. We’ll pay for our own. Treat ourselves.” “You’re no fun.” “Exactly.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Grandma Jenn, are you sure daddy likes white cake?” BJ asked. “I think daddy likes pink cake.” Malia said. “I think pink cake is the very best isn’t daddy Bwian?” Brian laughed from his place at the table where he was reading the paper while listening to the kids and Jenn. “I think your daddy would like a pink cake.” “Brian.” Jennifer’s voice warned. “See Grandma Jenn.” Malia was satisfied. “Pink cakes are for girls, daddy is a boy.” BJ was determined. “I think he likes chocolate cakes. Chocolate cakes are for boys.” “Pink” “Chocolate.” “PINK” Malia yelled. “Mali, calm down or you’ll be having a nap while BJ helps grandma Jenn.” Brian spoke softly, remembering his own childhood and how he hated being yelled at by a parent. “Sowwy daddy Bwian.” Malia looked down, her eyes sad. “I think your daddy would like a pink and a chocolate cake.” Jenn smiled. “He can have a pink bottom and a chocolate top. “ “Yes he does like pink bottoms.” Brian commented. “Brian, play nice or you can go to the den.” Jen smiled fondly at Brian and kissed the top of his head when she walked past him, making Brian flush with pleasure. “Yes mom, I’ll be good.” Brian quipped making the children laugh. He turned back to his paper and as he did so, he caught a glimpse of something moving out by the children’s play house. “I think I’ll stretch my legs outside.” He announced as he stood up. No one paid Brian any attention as he found his jacket and left by the rear door. Taking his time so that he made no sound, Brian headed in a circuitous route to the playhouse, not sure what or who he would find in it. Quickly opening the door, Brian ducked under the low doorway and stepped inside. “Lex, what the fuck are you doing here?” he said a little too bruskly The boy cowered in the corner, a small thin summer blanket that had been left in the playhouse covering him. “I’m sorry, I’ll go.” Lex said. He looked much younger than his nine years. “How long have you been out here?” Brian asked. He could see the remnants of to two apples that had probably been on the ground from the fall before on the small table. “I donno” Lex said. Brian walked over and hunched down. He reached out his hand and touched Lex’s fingers. “Shit Lex, you’re frozen. Come on in the house and get warm.” “I didn’t know where to go, so I came here. I remembered the play house.” Lex explained but he didn’t move. “Come on.” “I can’t” “Why can’t you.” “I peed” Lex looked down embarrassed. “I didn’t mean to but it was cold and I fell asleep and I guess I just did.” “Well you need to come inside. I’ll find you something to wear. You can have a hot bath and something to eat. I want to hear how you got here and why you’re here.” Brian scrubbed his hands through his hair. “Shit Lex it’s got to be five miles from town to our house.” “I don’t want the little kids to know I peed.” Lex was embarrassed. “We’ll go in the other door.” Brian agreed. He held out his hand, “Come on or I’m picking you up and carrying you.” Lex reminded him of himself when he was nine. He wasn’t going to let the kid go through the shit he had if he could help it. Justin was going to kill him, but he wanted Lex to live with them. Brian took Lex in through the French doors of his and Justin’s bedroom. He ran a warm bath and when Lex was in the tub, the water deep and filled with Justin’s favorite bubbles, Brian took his dirty clothes to the laundry room to wash. He stopped in the kitchen and motioned to Jenn. “What’s up Brian?” she asked quietly. The children were busy making two colors of icing. “It’s Lex, he managed to find his way here, I put his clothes in the wash, but he’s going to need something to wear when he gets out of the tub.” Jennifer knew not to ask questions, “Hunter left some things the last time he stayed over, I’ll find them. The sweat pants and hoodie might be a bit big, but not as big as something from either you or Justin.” Brian carried the clean clothes back to the bathroom. “Did you wash your hair?” he asked the boy. “Yes, I used this.” He held up Brian’s expensive shampoo. Trying not to wince, Brian took it and put it back in the cabinet. “If you’re done, you can get out and put these on. The kids are making a birthday cake for Justin in the kitchen. I’m sure we can find you something to eat and then Mr. Lex, it’s time to tell me your story.” Lex stood up and it was then that Brian realized how thin the boy was and how many old and new bruises he had on his body. “What’s with the bruises?” Brian asked. “I guess I fall down a lot.” Brian knew the drill, he’d used it himself when he was a kid. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin smiled as the cake was brought out, trying not to laugh at all of the children’s candy on the chocolate frosting. “It’s beautiful.” “We helped, Daddy. Gramma Jenn let us dec… deco… put the candies on.” Malia told her father with a proud look on her face. Justin leaned over and lightly kissed her on the forehead, then gave BJ a big hug. “Well it’s perfect.” “Yeah, and the pink cake is just perfect for you. Pink bottom and everything.” Brian smirked, receiving a warning finger from Jenn, and elbow to the ribs from Justin. “What? That’s what the two kids agreed on, isn’t that right?” “Right Daddy Bwian.” “So see.” Brian leaned back and tried to look around Justin. “I don’t think there’s enough candles on that cake, Sunshine. I thought at your age we’d need a fire extinguisher.” “That’s only for you, Brian. Remember you’re twelve years older than me, old man.” “Hey.” “Can we just eat please?” Lex asked looking between the two men. Seeing them play fight was not something he was used to seeing and he was starting to feel more than a little out of place. Justin looked over at Lex, and stuck out his tongue. “You’re no fun. If you’re going to be in this house any amount of time… fun is the number one thing you must learn.” “And I thought it was no talk about death.” “That too.” Justin quickly made a wish and blew out the candles with BJ’s and Malia’s help. Once the cake was cut and everyone got a piece, Justin continued to secretly steal glances over in Lex’s direction. “Brian, come help me with the ice cream, since someone forgot it. Can’t have cake without ice cream.” “Yeah! Ice cream!” the two younger children hollered as they watched the two men make their way to the kitchen. Justin reached the refrigerator and leaned against it without opening it. “He’s being abused isn’t he?” Brian didn’t even pretend to not understand who Justin was talking about, as he leaned against the counter in front of Justin. “That would be my guess. I found him outside of Kinnetik a couple of weeks ago, then a couple of other times around town. Today he was hiding out in the playhouse outside. Shit, Justin, who knows how long he’d been there. He was fucking frozen.” “What about his foster parents? You think they are the ones?” “Who else could it be?” ”I don’t know, could be one of the other kids in the house.” Justin took the short step so he could rest his hands on Brian’s waist. “You want him to stay here, don’t you?” Brian lowered his head and gave Justin a slight nod. “Yeah, I do. I don’t think any kid should have to go through the same hell that I did. He’s a great kid, he doesn’t deserve that.” “I agree, but you also know that trying to get him out of the house he already is(IN) could pose a problem. The child services might not like what we have to tell them, and they might fight it. Is it worth the fight? Because they have to investigate, you know they will. What about the other kids in that house?” “I don’t care what it takes, or what they have to do. I don’t think he should be there anymore, and he already gets along with the other kids.” “I’m not disputing that. Are you ready to have another child in the house? One who evidently and not without reason … has some emotional problems? One who is angry at the whole world, and himself?” Justin leaned in and lightly placed a kiss on Brian’s lips. “I am not against having him here, Brian. I’m not so don’t think that I am. All I am saying is there are things to consider. Do I want him out of that house especially if they are beating him, yes. I would love for him to be here, I just hope we can teach him enough to where he doesn’t … well his attitude doesn’t rub off on the other two. We have to think of some strict rules, because I can’t let the other two become bitter about the disease they all have. I’ve worked too hard.” “I don’t think he will cause problems, but you’re right. We would have to keep an eye out for that. He is bitter, and I know how he feels. I’ll think about it, but I really want him to stay here. If for nothing else, until they can find him a better place… hopefully we can be that better place.” “Okay. Now let’s go finish this little party and get Lex and the kids ready for bed.” Justin turned to get the ice cream out of the freezer, suddenly stopping and turning back toward Brian. “We have to get him in… to Daphne. He was outside in the cold, he could be sick. Plus… what meds is he on? He will need those tonight.” Brian nodded and picked up the phone. “I guess we’ll just see if Daphne can come over for a bit, and then after this is over, I’ll head over to his foster home to get his meds. Looks like another long night.” “As long as it ends with hot sex… that’s fine by me. I need to unwrap a certain present.” Justin gave Brian a smile as he left the room with the ice cream.