Chapter 7 The loft door banged against the wall, the noise reverberating throughout the huge space. Gus walked in with Aedan trailing behind him. He took his jacket off and threw it on the sofa, moving over to the refrigerator to pull out a bottle of water. “You want some?” he asked his guest. “No, I’m good,” Aedan replied, looking all around and taking in the surroundings. “You have a really nice place,” Aedan said, never taking his eyes off Gus, who had just taken a huge gulp of water. “It belonged to my Dad for years. He gave it to me when I moved here a few years ago.” “Moved from where?” “Boston, I was there for my MBA, and Canada before that.” “Really. So you were raised in Canada?” “Yeah, but I’d come back to the Pitts every summer, to be with my Dads.” “Dads?” “They’re Gay. So are my mothers.” “Oh.” Aedan walked up to Gus and stood right in front of him. “It’d be great if I knew what your name is. I’ve thought about you for days and I have no clue who you are,” Aedan said, never taking his eyes of Gus. “I don’t even know if you kept my card or not. My name is Aedan, Aedan Hughes.” “I know,” Gus said. “That’s my father’s middle name, but he spells it differently.” “My parents are Irish so they used the Gaelic spelling.” “I see,” Gus said, unable to break away from the smoky blue stare. “Does it mean anything?” “Fire,” Aedan replied softly. “Appropriate,” Gus said, imprisoned by the look. “And your name is?” Aedan asked, waiting for an answer, still rooted to the spot by the unusual combination of green and brown and blue, unusual eyes that warmed him like a caress. “Gus.” “Does Gus have a last name?” Aedan asked with a grin, amused at this reluctance to divulge any information. Gus chuckled and said, “Peterson-Kinney.” “Oh, a two-name guy. Much more interesting,” Aedan said, his amusement bringing his dimple to the forefront, the warmth moving up to his eyes as they rested on Gus’ mouth. “Has anyone ever told you that your dimple is…” “Adorable?” Aedan replied, stifling a soft chuckle. Gus nodded his head and smiled back. “And has anyone ever told you that your lips are made for kissing?” Aedan asked, moving closer, removing his jacket as he said that. Gus’ breath caught in his throat as Aedan moved forward and held him gently around his neck. He brought his face up to Gus’ and whispered, “You have been haunting my dreams and making my nights hell. Is it okay if I kiss your beautiful mouth?” “It’s okay,” Gus said as he felt the warm lips covering his, gently, resting against his mouth for just a minute before he felt the tentative push of the warm tongue that shot electric currents straight to his groin. “Jesus,” Gus said, breaking away, trying to catch his breath. Aedan looked at him, wanting desperately to keep on kissing his mouth but knowing deep in his gut that he had to be very, very careful and go slow, or this could all go to shit in a minute. “You’ve never done this before, have you?” Aedan asked gently, rubbing Gus’ face with his smooth hand, tracing his mouth, bending forward again and planting another kiss; this time with a little more heat. Gus broke away again, trying to catch his breath and his brain which seemed to have flown out the window. “No…I’m not gay…or at least, I didn’t think I was,” Gus said, confusion showing in his eyes, even as his erection showed clearly through his pants. “I can help you find out,” Aedan said, “If you want me to.” Gus moved away from him and stood behind the counter, desperate to hide the evidence of his arousal. “I don’t know what I want. I’ve been straight for twenty-six years, Aedan. Hell, I’ve been married; I’m not sure where this is all coming from.” Aedan looked at him with understanding in his eyes. He remembered all the years he had attempted to date women, trying to please his parents and do the right thing. He remembered the fear and self-loathing that accompanied his journey to finally admitting he was Gay. “I’ve tried going out with women,” Aedan said, “for years. It didn’t work. I almost got married; before I realized that I’d sooner kill myself than spend the rest of my life trapped in a lifestyle I hated.” “When did you realize you were Gay?” Gus asked, hoping he’d get some insight. “The first time I had a cock in my mouth and loved it,” Aedan said, with a smile. “I’m sure that’s not something you’re familiar with yet.” “No,” was Gus’ only reply. “I can change that,” Aedan said. “Not yet,” Gus said quickly. “I don’t think I’m ready yet.” Aedan changed his tactic altogether, seeing immediately how vulnerable Gus was. He had no desire to force anything. He’d never been with anyone who didn’t want him, he wasn’t about to start now. “Gus, I would never force you into doing anything you’re not ready for. I’m here because there is a definite attraction between us that you can continue to deny or that you can explore. It’s your call.” Gus ran his fingers through his hair, looking young and confused, making him even more attractive as Aedan stood on the opposite side of the counter, waiting for an answer. “The night we met, I was drunk,” Gus explained. “I’d gone to Babylon on the spur of the moment, to dance and have some fun. You were completely unexpected and I have no idea why I am so attracted to you. I’ve never thought of men in a sexual context.” “And tonight? Are you drunk again?” “No,” Gus replied, staring at the beautiful blond in front of him. Aedan was dressed in black, which only enhanced the lightness of his hair. His smoky-blue eyes were on fire with want, drawing Gus into the flame with an intimacy that was unfamiliar, yet not altogether unpleasant. “I think I’d like you to kiss me again,” Gus said, in a barely audible voice. He walked around the counter and moved over to where Aedan stood, waiting patiently. Gus stood in front of Aedan, waiting for him to make the first move. Aedan looked into Gus’ eyes and saw something there that touched him right in the gut. Maybe it was a combination of innocence or wonder or purity. He couldn’t explain it. All he knew was that he was getting into something he hadn’t bargained for. What had started out as a possible one night stand was turning into so much more. He felt Gus touch his face, outlining his beard with his forefinger, exclaiming at the softness, then allowing the same finger to outline his lips, his eyes, slowing touching, caressing him with a patient hand, making Aedan feel beautiful and wanted. “I’d love to do a portrait of you,” Gus said, his hand continuing to explore. “You’re an artist?” Aedan asked, surprised. “I dabble,” Gus replied. Aedan grabbed Gus’ hand and kissed the palm, licking it slowly then taking each finger and sucking on them one by one, never taking his eyes off of Gus, loving the reaction his ministrations were causing, seeing the blush rise up from Gus’ neck all the way up his face, resting on his lips, tingeing them with red. Aedan bent forward and put his mouth on those red lips, tasting again Gus’ unique flavor, pushing his tongue in to find its partner, then moving against it slowly and lovingly, taking his time, loving the feel of Gus’ hardness pressed tightly against his legs, only reiterating the fact that he wanted him, as desperately as he was wanted. Gus moaned into him, moving closer, pulling Aedan tight against his body, allowing Aedan’s hand to cup his ass then move around slowly to rub his palm across the hardness, causing Gus to jump at his touch, moving back and breaking away. “I’m not sure yet,” Gus said, backing away. “I’m sorry…I don’t mean to be such a jerk and lead you on like this.” Aedan took a deep breath, willing his erection to disappear, to no avail of course. Instead, he embraced it and stepped back, showing Gus, pointing to himself and telling him, “I want you to see how much I want you Gus,” his package clearly evident as he stood back, letting Gus see. “I’ve been thinking about you for days now, but I hear what you’re saying. I’m not going to force myself on you. I’ve never been with anyone who didn’t want me. I want you to think about your feelings and why I’m even here. But I want you to know something,” Aedan continued, his eyes never leaving Gus’ face. “I am a man of infinite patience. I make my living waiting for answers. Sometimes they come right away, more often than not, they take months, even years. I can wait. I’ll wait until you’re ready. But know this, Gus, when you are, I will have you and keep you, because you were meant to be mine. This much I do know.” Gus was hypnotized by the blue eyes that burned into him, turning his insides into complete mush. Never, in all the time he had been with Ashley, had he ever felt this way. The need and wanting for this stranger in front of him was frightening him and taking him to a level of passion he’d never felt before. Was this the kind of attraction his fathers felt for each other? If it was anything like this, he could finally understand their unquenchable need; a need that was palpable and evident to all around. “Aedan,” Gus stammered, trying to explain. “Don’t say anymore Gus. I understand you need time. To process this and think about what you want. I’m willing to wait; I’ve already told you that.” Aedan stepped forward and grabbed Gus, kissing him hard and deep, fucking his mouth the way he wanted to his body, putting it all in this one kiss, hoping it would be enough to tie them over till the next time. He kissed him unrelentingly, only stopping to take a breath and move his mouth towards Gus ear, breathing softly into it, telling him how he wanted him in his mouth, how he wanted to feel his come down his throat, how he wanted to hear him screaming as he came in his ass. Gus was reeling from the assault and to his embarrassment he could feel himself coming in his pants, even as Aedan pressed his body hard against him, telling him again how he wanted to fuck him till he begged for mercy. “Jesus God, look what you’ve made me do,” Gus said, humiliated. “Don’t be embarrassed Gus, please, I’m flattered as hell. The only reason I haven’t come all over myself is because I jerked off thinking about you before I came over.” “Oh my God,” Gus said, putting his head on Aedan’s shoulder and leaving it there for a minute. “Please, Aedan,” Gus said, pushing him away. “Just go and leave me alone for now. I need time to figure this out.” “I’ll give you all the time you need Gus, but I’m not going to be far. I’m a phone call away.” “Okay,” Gus said, looking at him completely bewildered. “Thank you, for being so understanding.” “You’re welcome. Sleep well, handsome, and think of me lying in bed with a boner, dedicated to you.” Gus smiled gently and said, “Go, please, you’re too much.” Aedan picked up his jacket and threw it over his black shirt, zipping it up, never taking his gaze off Gus. He was devastatingly attractive in the shadow of the light. His blond hair shone where the light beams bounced off the highlights, making them shimmer and glow. His eyes continued to bore into Gus, making sure he memorized every angle and contour of his face. “Good night, Gus.” “Night,” Gus replied, wishing already that he had the guts to ask him to stay. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brian and Justin sat on an old wooden bench with Sasha in between them. They were on one side of the enormous dance studio, watching the audition. Sorina was on the other side of the room with Madame Yudenko standing beside the piano. She had just finished being put through several difficult exercises that Madame had called for and she was resting in between sets, waiting to be told what to do next. No one would have ever guessed that this was the hysterical young girl in the bedroom this morning. Standing in her black leotard with her hair pulled back in a tight bun and her long legs encased in matching black tights she looked like the epitome of a professional dancer, unmindful of any of her surroundings, concentrating on Madame Yudenko’s every word. “Did you bring your toe shoes?” Madame asked. “Yes, of course,” Sorina replied. “Put them on.” Sorina did and Madame then called for her to execute a Pas de Bouerre, an Entrechat and finally ending with as many Fouette’s as she was capable of doing, which in her case was ten, a very respectable amount for anyone her age. She finished with a perfect landing and was pleased when Madame clapped her hands and said ‘Bravo’ in a quiet voice, coming up to her and putting her hand on Sorina’s shoulder. “Well done, my dear. I can see why Fedarova wants you to move on.” They walked together, over to where the rest of the family sat and Justin stood and handed Sorina her Florence sweatshirt and hand towel, which she took with a ‘thank you’ and started dabbing her neck and forehead, now covered with drops of moisture from her excursions. “She’s very talented,” Madame Yudenko said, addressing both Brian and Justin. “Thank you,” Brian answered, “We know.” “Yes,” Yudenko replied, “Well she’s definitely got what it takes to become a Prima ballerina. What you have to do is decide how much you are going to put into this quest.” “Meaning?” Justin asked, pulling Sorina close to him and resting his arm on her shoulder. “She will need to move to New York.” “New York? Why?” Brian asked. “Because all the good teachers are there,” Madame relied. “And the most important ballet companies. You have to be there or she will not get ahead. Every name I give you is someone that is in New York. Or she can stay here in Russia. That will work as well,” Madame said, looking from Brian to Justin, then back to Brian again. “That’s not an option,” Justin answered, holding on to Sorina tightly. “No, I didn’t think so,” Madame replied. “Well then, your best bet is New York City. That is not too far from Pittsburgh, yes?” “It’s far enough,” Brian replied. “How much time do we have, before a decision has to be made?” Justin asked. “It should be made immediately. There is no time to waste. Sorina is very talented but her window of opportunity will not be here forever. She needs to be training for hours on a daily basis. Competing with the best your country has to offer.” “Aren’t you exaggerating a little, Madame?” Brian asked, hoping she would agree. “Absolutely not! I am deadly serious, and you should be too, if you want a Prima Ballerina. If your daughter just wants to be part of a Corps de Ballet, then she can stay where she’s at. She’s already ready for that.” “Dad?” Sorina said, looking at Brian earnestly. “I don’t want to be part of the Corp.” “Of course not, Princess. You were meant to be the star.” “As she should be,” Yudenko said, smiling down at Sorina. “She has the extra ingredient necessary to be one. You just need to decide how much you are willing to give up to get it.” “I want it,” Sorina replied, staring at Brian with her intensely blue eyes. “More than anything else.” Brian stared down at his daughter and saw the fierce determination. The same kind of determination and relentless pursuit of goals that had driven Justin to succeed and go to PIFA when everyone around him had said no. Changing Sorina’s mind would be virtually impossible. He had already accepted that. “We’ll have to discuss this with her other parents and come to a decision,” Brian said. He reached out and took Madame Yudenko’s hand and lifted it to his lips. “Thank you, for seeing her today.” “Yes,” Justin interjected, “We appreciate the time you have taken with her.” “It’s my pleasure,” she replied, shifting her gaze back to Brian and wishing desperately that he was straight. “I will have the company secretary prepare the list of people you should call in New York when you are ready. My advice is that you make your decision in the next six months. She should be there by the time she is twelve or it will be too late.” “We’ll definitely think about it,” Justin answered with a frown, knowing that this was going to require a lot of thought and planning. They decided to stay in that night, needing a rest from all the excitement of the day. The girls were still not feeling great, although the Advil helped with the cramping. Whatever their mother had told them seemed to work, because there were no more questions about female body works. All four of them lay on the big king-sized bed, watching a movie on cable TV. It was some mindless romance, something all three of them were in to, however, Brian’s mind was a million miles away. He kept going over the conversation with Madame Yudenko today, wondering how the hell they were going to pull this off for Sorina, or if they even wanted to. It seemed as if New York was once again playing its siren song and calling someone from his family. He’d resisted branching out, telling himself that he should stay in one location and retain complete control of his company, something that would be impossible if he had to commute between the two cities. He’d had enough of that when Justin was still living there. The thought of renewing that kind of hectic schedule, flying back and forth each week was not appealing in the least bit. People had pressured him for years to open a branch of Kinnetik in Manhattan. He knew the business was there, he just wasn’t sure if he wanted to take it on at this time. He had more then enough money and accolades up the ass. Kinnetik was one of the top advertising firms in the country, despite never leaving the Pitts. There really was no need to open a second firm. On the other hand, how could he send Sorina to New York by herself? And what would Alex and Daphne say about all this? They looked on her ballet as a hobby not a full-blown career. Daphne expected Sorina to finish regular schooling and go to College. If she got into this whole world of protégé’s, striving to be at the top level in the ballet world, she would have to be home schooled in the very least, or they would have to find something in the city that would work around her schedule. He was sure this was going to turn into a giant problem unless he had a solution and presented it, along with the question. That usually stopped people from blowing up and becoming all negative. Another thing to think about were the Cherny grandparents. They still lived in New York, not in Manhattan, but that would be an easy fix, to find a place for them so they could move in with Sorina and keep an eye on her. And then there was the problem he’d been avoiding all day. He kept pushing thoughts of Gus out of his head, but finally, here in bed with three of the people he loved most in this world, his thoughts went to the fourth and he pondered the reason he was so upset. Was it just the shock of seeing him in Babylon, in a setting that was as alien to Gus as a titty bar to him? The reality of having a son that was Gay or bisexual wasn’t the issue, or so he thought. The issue was that at twenty-six, Gus had never once talked about the possibility of being attracted to the same sex and as such was never educated or indoctrinated into that world. Brian was afraid for him. Afraid he wouldn’t know how to be safe for one thing, how to keep away from the predators who would love nothing more then to get their hands on an innocent like Gus. Sure he was twenty-six, but the reality was that in matters of the heart, he may as well still be sixteen. Gus only had Ashley to base his entire emotional structure on. Not at all what one would call experienced. If he ever encountered someone like the Brian Kinney he used to be, he’d be chewed up and spat out in a minute. And was this a spur of the moment thing that he saw on the web-cam this morning? How many times had Gus been to Babylon and was this all a moot point? Maybe he’d had same-sex encounters already, only Brian didn’t know about it. He didn’t really think that Gus would pick up the phone and call him every time he jumped into bed with someone. That was absurd. Yet how could he even start discussing this without revealing that he was spying on him? Granted, that had not been the case. He was spying on Babylon, checking up on the people and employees. Seeing Gus had been unexpected and shocking. Still, he might view it as an intrusion, a violation of his privacy and that was the last thing Brian wanted. Being so far away didn’t help the matter either. How would he possibly keep tabs on him from Russia without calling work and enlisting Ted’s help or anyone else’s? Or did he even want to? His thoughts were interrupted by the knocking on the door and the arrival of room service. Sacha got off the bed and went outside to get the door, with Justin trailing behind her. Sorina sat up and scooted over to Brian’s side and snuggled in under his armpit, laying her head on his chest. “You okay, Princess? How’s the cramping?” “I’m fine Dad. The pills are helping. Dad?” “Hmmm?” “Do you think its going to happen?” “What?” “You know. New York?” “It’ll depend on a lot of things Sorina. Your Papa and Mama have to be behind this one hundred percent or it won’t work. I’m not sure I’m behind it. I don’t like the thought of you living so far away from us, and I’m positive your Daddy J won’t like it either.” “But I want to dance, Dad. And I don’t just want to be part of a crowd. I want to be the main attraction, I can do it, I know I can,” she said earnestly, with a determination that was fiercely reminiscent of Justin. “I don’t know if you realize how much you are going to have to give up in this quest of yours. You will have no life, other than ballet. There will be no time for anything else. Do you understand that?” Brian asked, putting his lips on her head and kissing her. “I don’t care, Dad. It’s what I want. I don’t need anything else.” “Princess, you’re eleven years old. You have a whole life ahead of you. How can you possibly know what you’re going to need or not need?” Sorina sat up, away from Brian and looked him directly in the eye. Her own eyes shown bright blue, mesmerizing Brian with their beauty. The girl sitting in front of him was still a child yet he could see the woman already peeking out from underneath the chubby cheeks, the woman who was confident and self-assured, knowing that her presence would one day stop clocks. She was supremely sure of her talents, much too much, for such a young thing but Brian knew exactly where this was coming from. He’d already been there and done that with her father. “I can do it Dad. You’re going to have to give me a chance to prove it to you.” “We’ll see, Princess. We’ll have to see how this all works out. In the meantime, let’s go join Sasha and your Daddy and eat. I am starving!” “Okay,” she answered and moved off the bed, leading the way to the small table in the living room. Justin and Sasha looked up as they approached, waiting to hear Brian’s reaction to their selection of a carb-heavy dinner. There was a basket with a small mountain of French fries and chicken tenders for the girls and a huge cheeseburger for Justin. They had ordered a Caesar salad for Brian with another cheeseburger, in case he decided to break his diet. Brian grabbed a fry and popped it in his mouth, even as he pulled out a chair to sit and join them. “Fuck the salad, Sunshine. Pass the burger.” Justin looked at him and smiled for the sake of his daughters, even though he knew that Brian was upset. Watching him load up with calories at this time of the night was a sure indication. Later on, after the girls had been put to bed, Justin nudged Brian with his foot. They were back in bed and Justin was attempting to watch TV while Brian had his laptop on, checking his email. “What?” Brian asked, putting the laptop aside. “Are you still thinking about Gus?” “I can’t seem to get him out of my mind,” Brian replied. “I can tell. Have you really figured out what is upsetting you? Is it the fact that he is with another man or is it because you’re not there, to hold his hand?” “I haven’t held his hand in a long time, Justin. Gus is twenty-six years old, for God’s sake.” “Keep telling yourself that Brian, maybe you’ll actually believe it some day.” “What!” Brian said exasperated. “You think I’m a control freak?” “Think? I know you’re a control freak; that’s who you are. However, there are certain things in life that cannot be controlled.” “Such as?” “Our children, for one thing. Gus has always done things his own way, Brian. You and I have only been there to offer our two cents worth on the rare occasions that he listened.” “He’s always listened to us, Justin. What are you talking about?” “He may have listened, but he has not always taken our advice,” Justin stated. “Take Ashley, for instance, and that whole fiasco.” “I know. That was bullshit and he should have never married her. So, do you think he’s just acting out? This whole Babylon thing is his way of trying to get attention?” “I don’t know about the attention business. Gus has never wanted for that, but yeah, I think he’s acting something out. He was much too calm after the break-up of his marriage. I was waiting for something to happen; I just never expected it to be something like this.” “You think he’s fucked that guy?” “I haven’t the foggiest, but, somehow, I doubt it.” “Why would you doubt it?” “Because, I just do. I can’t imagine he would dive into anything like that without discussing it with you or me. He’s just not like that.” “Justin, it seems there’s a lot about him that we don’t know. He must be more like Lindsay that we thought.” “Meaning what?” “Well, she definitely has swung both ways. She seems to have this need for cock every decade or so, so maybe her son is the same way.” “Brian, that’s bullshit and you know it. If Gus had even the slightest inclination, you would have sniffed it out immediately. You were looking for the signs all the time. I think you were more disappointed that he was straight.” “Well, I would have been able to relate better if he were Gay. I could have taught him to be the best homosexual he could ever be. Like you,” he said, grinning at Justin. “I guess,” Justin replied. He moved closer to Brian and lifted his arm, sliding in underneath so that he was lying up against him, in the identical position Sorina was in earlier. “So, are you going to call him and tell him what you saw?” “Fuck no! He’d think I was spying on him.” “So what do you want to do?” “I want to check out this ‘date’ of his, for one thing. Make sure he’s not a loser piece of shit that’s going to hurt him.” “That’s not unreasonable,” Justin replied. “Then, what?” “Then, I’ll have to play it by ear, Sunshine. I’ll have to see what develops before I decide. In the meantime…” “Yes?” Justin asked with his eyebrows raised. “In the meantime,” Brian said again, with a small grin on his face, “I need all the TLC I can get.” “Awww,” Justin said, turning and straddling Brian. “Are you in need of a hug?” “More like a good, hard, mind-blowing fuck,” Brian dead-panned. TBC