Man of Mystery – 9

Justin stood, still shaken from his encounter with the <I>library man</I>. He was hoping to come to the cottage to revitalize himself, instead he was barely there and the turmoil continued.

He walked to the edge of the lake and sat down on a rock. He picked up a handful of gravel and plunked the small stones in one by one, watching the ripples and trying to calm down his mind.  Justin had only been there for twenty minutes or so when Gus sat down beside him. 

 “Hey Justin,” Gus said and began adding his own handful of gravel to the lake.

“Why am I not surprised that you’re here?” Justin asked, not looking at the boy. “Gus if you’re going to go through the usual crap trying to hit on me, I’m not in the mood.” 

“Don’t worry, I’m not,” Gus sighed. “My dad is here too.” 

“Of course he is,” Justin sighed. “And I suppose Seiji is part of the gang as well.” 

“Kind of,” Gus paused for a few moments while the two of them contemplated the ripples in the lake water. “Justin, can I ask you a question, it’s kind of personal?” 

“Ask away, I might not answer it though.”

“You know how I’ve been working with Paul and stuff?” Gus turned to look at Justin. “Well I was curious about him. He sounded so sexy. I’ve really gotten to know him even though it’s barely been a couple of days, but we talk a lot on the computer.”

“So?” Justin was wondering where Gus was going with this.

“I did something I wish I hadn’t done and I’m afraid if I tell him that he won’t want to work with me anymore,” Gus said, looking miserable. 

“Did you kill somebody?” Justin asked.

“No, of course not.” 

“So whatever it is it can’t be that bad.” 

“It’s worse than bad. I investigated Paul. I just wanted to find a picture of him. I found out he’d gone to a lot of trouble to make himself invisible, and that just made me more curious. I guess I get it from my dad. I found out he was in a bad accident. I think that’s why he’s hiding. Which is dumb, no matter what happened to him, he’s still Paul.” 

“Gus, what you did was pry into someone’s privacy. And yes it isn’t good, but it isn’t murder either,” Justin said and put his arm around Gus’ shoulder. “I’m going to tell you a bit about Paul. I don’t think he’d mind you knowing and it might make you understand why he doesn’t want people around him right now.” 

Gus sat quietly and waited for Justin. “Paul’s story is a lot like my own in some ways. He was a dancer and had been from the time he was born. Music was part of him. His built was slight and he was oh so graceful when we met. He was thirteen and in his first year at the Preston Military Academy.” Justin looked at Gus, “You can imagine that a dancer wasn’t going to fit in with all the rough and red-necked jocks.” 

“No shit,” Gus said and shook his head. “But you weren’t a dancer.”

“No, I was a computer geek, with an equally slight built and for what it’s worth, I was openly gay no matter how badly I was beaten.”  He grinned at Gus, “Apparently, I wasn’t as bright as I thought I was.” 

Gus grinned back silently agreeing with Justin, but he didn’t want to say it. 

“Paul was going through a lot of what I went through, hazing of the worst kind meant to break you if it didn’t kill you first. I was in my last year and by now most of the jocks left me a wide berth. They’d discovered that it wasn’t healthy to bug me.” He gave Gus a quick hug. “But that’s for another story. I was sitting in my room one night minding my own business when Paul burst through the door and hid in my closet. This wasn’t a good thing for a number of reasons. One of which was the fact that first year boys were not allowed in the fourth year quarters... and for another four assholes charged in right behind him.”

“Did you beat them up?” 

“Do I look like I could take on four football players?” Justin laughed.

“Actually, yeah,” Gus nodded. “I’ve watched the way you move. You’ve got hidden talents.” 

Justin was pleased, “More than you know, Gus,” he said with a smile. “But in this case being captain was all that I needed. These guys didn’t want to lose what points they had left and be kicked off the football team. In a military school, rank counts. Something I learned quickly and made sure that I rose as high as I could as quickly as I could. Nothing is sweeter than having an asshole call you Sir with a quick snap of a salute.” 

“I cleared my room and made Paul come out of the closet. We had a long talk and I introduced him to the art of tai chi. He could develop his skills at both dancing and tai chi, because basically that’s what tai chi is, a slow moving dance of honor and power.”

What Justin didn’t mention was that the majority of the boys in the school were afraid of him. Things happened to the ones who had hurt him. Suddenly, they would develop bad luck, and break out in acne, or lose their homework or their computers would crash. It was always something, but nothing that could be tied to him. Even so a mystique built up around the blond boy who loved computers and gradually over the years they left him alone. 

“So if you were in your last year, why do you still know him?” Gus asked.

“I kept in contact with the school. I had won a full scholarship to Harvard so I was pretty much the fair-haired boy so to speak. I was great to show off at parent days and graduations as a prime example of what kind of man the academy could turn out. It let me keep in touch with Paul and make sure that he was safe.”

“Was he your boyfriend?” 

“No, just a friend. I learned the hard way that you never, never, never fuck your friends and I wanted Paul to be a friend. He’s more like a younger brother. He’s actually never really had any boyfriends that I know of. He graduated from the academy with honors and was accepted almost immediately into the New York Ballet. See the hours doing tai chi had kept him in top shape and he had a gift that only the truly great dancers have.” Justin smiled as he thought back to that time. “A ballet dancer spends his life practicing and when he’s not practicing he’s performing. There’s little time for relationships.” 

“But he’s not performing now,” Gus’ voice was quiet. “I read about the accident. The papers said that he’d never walk again.”

“Paul never did listen to anyone,” Justin smiled. “He can walk, but he needs two full arm crutches to do it and it’s hardly a smooth walk. He refuses to use a wheelchair.”

“Fuck, that must have just about killed him. Dancing would be his whole life,” Gus said as a look of sadness washed over him. He picked up a few more stones and this time threw them all into the lake. “Why did he take almost every picture down of him? I could only find a few that showed him in silhouette.”

“Because what the papers didn’t say, was that he was burned over sixty percent of his body in the car accident. Most of his face and down one side. He was trying to rescue the other dancer in the car, despite the fact that both of his legs had been crushed. The scaring is disfiguring and to a gay boy well... you know how that is. That’s why he doesn’t want to be seen.” 

“Shit, shit, shit,” Gus said a gloomy look settling on his features. His whole life was programmed by his father and his father’s friends to all but worship a beautiful male body. Everyone they tricked with or dated had to be up to a certain standard. It was only now he began to see how selfish and stupid that was. “I wish I could see him in person.” 

“That’s not something that I can let happen, Gus. Paul and only Paul would have to be the one to invite you to his apartment. “ Justin turned back to the lake. “Gus, please do me a favor, and don’t hurt Paul. Don’t play with his feelings by flirting with him. Just be his internet friend and co-worker. He really doesn’t need the heartache.”

“Justin I would never hurt him,” Gus answered, his voice filled with emotion. “I’d really like to get to know him if I can.”

“I’m not going to stop you, Gus. I just want you to be careful and remember that person on the other end of the phone line or cyber space is a human being with hopes and dreams and feelings just like you.” 

“I know that Justin. I promise I’ll always be honest with Paul and upfront,” Gus said as he stood up to get ready to leave.

“Don’t tell me, tell Paul. And I’d start by telling him what you did.” Justin too stood up. “Come on, I’ll walk back to the house with you. I suppose you have your own room here too.” 

Gus laughed, “Kind of, I always use the one next to Molly’s, your mom didn’t mind.”

“That used to be my room,” Justin admitted. “Although I suppose it’s been changed.” 

“Molly and I did over both her room and the one I use last summer. It was our summer project. So I guess it has changed. I think you’ll like it. I put Seiji in the green room on the other side of Molly’s and Maudie put dad in the <i>gentlemen’s</i> room, wherever that is.” 

“It’s beside the gold room,” Justin muttered. It figured that he’d have Brian Kinney only a few feet away from him at night. He was never going to sleep. “It’s called ‘the gentleman’s’ room because that’s where they would put visiting young men who would stop by to see the young lady of the house. It was too far to travel from town and back in one day, so the ‘gentleman’ would stay overnight.”

“So in this case, dad is here to see the ‘young man’ of the house,” Gus sighed dramatically. “Oh my how things have changed.” He waved his hand in front of his face and spoke in falsetto, like an almost swooning lady of times past. 

“Idiot,” Justin said with a laugh. “I’m here for peace and quiet. I hope I get some.” 

“Well there ain’t no ghosts here mister,” Gus said in a funny voice with a giggle. “So that’s gotta help.” 

“No kidding. If I never have to deal with another weird ass thing that has to do with my father it will be just fine with me.” They had reached the kitchen door of the cottage. “Gus, I’m going up the back stairs to my room. The conversation we had, that’s between you and I, though I will be telling Paul. I don’t like to keep things from him that he could be affected by. I also don’t want to see anyone tonight. If you can tell Maudie for me, I’ll just have a sandwich for dinner.” 

“Are you sure, that doesn’t seem like very much.” Gus looked at Justin with concern in his eyes. Justin was looking both tired and sad. 

“Maudie will make sure I don’t starve,” Justin reassured, then impulsively kissed Gus on the forehead. “I think you’ll be good for Paul, he could use a friend like you,” his voice was soft and filled with kindness. Justin turned and hurried up to his room. 

“Hey Gus, did I hear Justin?” Molly had come into the kitchen with Seiji trailing behind her.

“He’s tired, he went to his room.” Gus reached for an apple from the bowl of fruit on the counter. 

“Was he mad that you guys were here?” Molly asked.

“No, I think he kind of knew we would be, or at least it seemed like he did.” Gus threw an apple to Seiji who smiled his thanks. “Want to watch a movie?” 

Molly took her own apple. “Okay, but nothing scary.” 

“So I guess <i>The Ring</i> is out?” Gus laughed. 

“Yes it is, I hated that movie, I couldn’t sleep for weeks.”

“What’s <i>The Ring</i>?” Seiji asked. “I don’t watch a lot of movies.”

“You soooooo, don’t want to know,” Molly said as she linked her arm through his. “We’ll go to the family room, the TV is bigger in there and it’s more comfy.”  The three young people disappeared down the hall, all of them chatting about which movie they’d watch. 

Upstairs in the intimidating gold room, Justin pulled off his clothes and changed into a pair of cut off shorts. They were his clothing of choice when he exercised. He was going to do a quick work out, just to relieve the tension he was feeling. Maybe then combined with a hot bubble bath, he’d be able to relax and forget the past week and better yet, forget the man who would be sleeping in the room next to his. 

Brian had been sitting at a desk in his room, using his laptop combined with his cell phone to do a few last minute things for work. He’d promised himself that the next couple of days were strictly to keep an eye on Gus and the gang, but he couldn’t help but think about the blond who was also staying here. For some reason the blond attracted him like some kind of magnet.  Maybe Justin was into magic and had put a spell on him. Brian laughed silently to himself at the thought, though with the antics of the world the last few days, nothing would surprise him. 

He stood up from the desk and stretched before touring the room he was in. It was large by today’s standards, covered with dark oak panelling that reminded him of an old-fashioned library he’d seen once. The ceiling had a huge center medallion with a rather lewd scene painted on it that involved frolicking nymphs and big-breasted women being watched by leering young men. Interesting what the Victorians thought was a great bedroom ceiling. The bed was large and overpowering. Its heavily carved, dark wood headboard almost reached the ceiling. Brian wondered if it was intended to intimidate the person who slept in it enough so they wouldn’t get hard and deflower what ever maidens happened to be hanging around. 

It had become gloomy with heavy clouds threatening rain, but he didn’t turn the lights on in his room. A sliver of light caught his attention. It was coming from one of the ornate panels on the wall near the bed. Curious,  he wondered over. His fingers touched the panel and surprisingly enough it slid back a couple of inches revealing a brightly lit room.

Brian smiled and then all out grinned when he saw whose room it was. Justin wearing only a pair of ratty, old, cut off sweats was doing sit-ups on the floor. He was definitely all man. He watched Justin’s abs clench and release, each muscle defined as he made his way through what was obviously a well-rehearsed routine. The sit-ups were followed by fifty push-ups that morphed into twenty-five using the right hand only, the left behind his back, then twenty-five with his left hand. He had barely finished that when he began doing a series of squats while clenching what looked like a bag full of books for added weight. His skin gleamed with sweat, his body toned to perfection. Brian could only stand in awe and watch. After doing more than 100 squats, Justin went through a series of stretching exercises. Brian figured they were his cooling down routine, but no, he began an intricate tai chi ritual, one pose flowing into the next one. Instead of the usual baggy clothes that most people worked out in, Justin’s lack of clothing, helped to define each and every movement, making them speak to Brian.

When he was finished, Justin noted that he’d worked out for barely ninety minutes. It would have to do. He headed for the bathroom and his much-needed bubble bath. He wondered what Brian had thought of his routine. He’d known the instant the peephole had been uncovered. He’d felt the heat of green and gold flecked eyes on his body, providing extra stamina when he wanted to stop. 

Now for his bath and a bout with his right hand. It was hot working out with Brian watching. The next couple of days could prove more interesting than he’d previously thought. 

Brian watched Justin pick up a towel and wipe his face after finishing his tai chi set; then pick up a bottle of water from the bedside table and pour it over his head.  He could almost see steam rising from Justin’s hot body as the cool water washed over him.

Justin stretched tall causing his brief and baggy cut offs to hang low on his hips as he shook his head to clear the water from his eyes. Brian licked his kips as he saw the blond down appear over the waistband of the gray material.  A trickle of water slowly made its way down the young man’s chest and pass through the blond fur to disappear under the elastic waistband.

Fuck he was hard. Brian’s hand went to his own pants and slipped between the tight waistband to grasp and adjust his wet dripping cock. He sighed with disappointment when Justin disappeared through the bathroom door. The next couple of days were going to be harder than he’d thought, no pun intended. He smiled to himself as he released his throbbing cock from its tight denim confines. 

Justin slipped out of his shorts and started the bath. He’d always loved the bathtubs in this old house. The claw-footed wonders were built for two, not that he’d ever shared a bath with anyone, but they did offer possibilities should he find someone. Brian’s face flashed through his mind and he wondered if the other man was as hard as he was now. He stroked his cock, his hand running the length of it, once, twice, tugging as it reached the bulbous head, pulling the skin over it as far as he could, which wasn’t far. He wished his mother had not had him circumcised; masturbation would be more fun he was sure. 

The tub had reached a level that would allow him to slip deep into the water. He added some citrus bath oil he found on a nearby shelf. The aroma filled the steamy room and he thought again of Brian. He needed a drink of something stronger than water, so he padded out to (his) where he’d stashed a bottle of JB in the top drawer of his dresser. On the way back to the bathroom, he took a chance and glanced into Brian’s room through the peephole in the wall. What he saw took his breath away. The man lay on his side, full length on his bed, stroking his cock with a practiced hand. Justin’s mouth watered, he wished he had a camera; it would be a picture worth having. 

Making his way back to the tub, Justin knew that this bath would be filled with fantasies. It was a great way to relax, not quite the same as having Brian in the tub with him, but close enough with the vision of him fresh in his mind. 

As he relaxed in the bath, eyes shut; Justin thought he could hear the house sigh with pleasure. He couldn’t help but smile, Maudie had always entertained him with bedtime stories of the house that was filled with love. With the advent of Stephen King’s <I>Shining</I> and special effects from various movies, he found himself now assigning other traits to the old home. It was a fanciful idea, and one he might be able to use in a new video he was developing. 

While Justin was relaxing in his bath and Brian in his bed, the fourth uninvited guest was preparing to arrive at Twin Oaks. Tomo Kawaji had known about the cottage since the time he’d taken Justin to his grandfather’s place years before. When they weren’t having sex, they were talking. Justin had told him all about his childhood, trying to focus on the good times, many of which had taken place at Twin Oaks. 

Tomo had followed Justin’s advancement at the academy, though he never contacted him despite Justin’s tearful entreaties. He was almost sad when in his second year, Justin no longer tried to get in touch, though he knew it was better that he didn’t. He, as the first son of a prominent Japanese American family and he was still expected to marry suitably. There would be no objections if he had affairs, male or female, as long as he didn’t disgrace the family name. It was a system that had worked for generations. 

He had dutifully married the daughter of his father’s best friend and produced the expected two children; one boy, one girl. His family was almost traditional Japanese rather than American, though his children were more outgoing than he’d ever been. His wife had her own life and he had his. When his father and grandfather had died four years ago, Tomo had almost felt relief. He could finally do things that he wanted to do without fear of disappointing the other men. He opened a high-end dojo in Los Angeles that soon became popular with the Hollywood crowd. This led to several branches in three other California locations. He was doing well, the bills were being paid and he’d even been on the talk show circuit twice thanks to his show business contacts. 

Starting a business he was proud of, he’d neglected the family business, often times leaving it in the hands of his cousin. And now if he didn’t start injecting money into it, the family business would fail. The possibility was not to be considered. His great grandfather had started with one small store, selling perfectly tailored shirts and suits. They were now famous worldwide. It would be a great loss of face if the business failed. Especially because he’d devoted the last few years doing what he loved to do. Tai chi was not meant to destroy, but rather to enhance life, he’d forgotten that in his effort to succeed. 

Tomo was counting on his former lover still having some feelings for him. Now that they had re-connected, especially with the death of Craig Taylor, maybe Justin would take him back into his heart.  He knew that the young man was more than generous with those he cared for. Paul was a perfect example; he had been livid when he’d discovered the dancer’s presence in Justin’s life. 

While he couldn’t be out and proud the way Justin was, he could still provide the younger man with enough pleasure to keep him satisfied. He was more than proficient at that if his lovers over the years could attest. He felt Justin wouldn’t hesitate to give him the money he needed, which was considerable by most standards. Craig Taylor’s estate had been conservatively valued at almost a billion dollars by those who made it their business to know these things. It was also rumored that Justin was the sole heir. Tomo needed and wanted that money and he wasn’t going to let anything stop him from getting it.

What he hadn’t counted on was the locked gate. Tomo parked his rented car to one side and got out. He looked everywhere for a buzzer to announce his presence, but couldn’t locate one. This was ridiculous, didn’t they ever get visitors he wondered? If he’d asked, he would have known that the only visitors were invited ones and they were given the code for the front gate that was changed weekly. Tomo hadn’t been invited. Of course, Molly had invited Seiji and Gus had invited his father. 

Sighing at the thought that it was not only undignified, but was probably going to ruin his gray silk suit, Tomo climbed up on the hood of his rental car and worked his way over the thick rock wall. A skid on crushed ivy stained the ass of his pants. If he didn’t know better, he would have sworn that the ivy had tried to restrain him. He hoped it wasn’t poison ivy and he wished he’d paid more attention in botany class years before. He would find out not too much later that all the walls were covered in a healthy abundance of poison ivy. Since none of the house’s occupants ever climbed the walls, mostly because they knew about the poison ivy and also because they had no reason to, the ivy had been allowed to grow. The original ivy plants were almost a hundred and seventy-five years old. 

Tomo started up the cobblestone driveway. Twice he tripped over the cobbles, once almost falling flat on his face. Only his training and dexterity had saved him. By the time he reached the main door, his hands were beginning to itch. He looked down in horror to see large red welts appearing over the palms. Even his ass itched, where the ivy sap had sunk through the thin layer of silk. He rang the bell, but heard nothing. The bell had never worked, it had been put there and then forgotten when the electrical system had been redone. 
Giving up on the front door, Tomo walked around to the back. His hands were driving him crazy and he rubbed them on his pants. Blisters were forming; he didn’t think that was a good thing. 

“Who are you and why are you here?” At the sound of the voice, Tomo turned around and was faced by a grizzled old man holding a shovel. 

“Hi, I’m Tomo Kawaji, a friend of Justin’s. I’m here to see him.” Tomo held out his hand and then thought better when he glimpsed the horror of it. 

“You aren’t wanted here,” the old man stated firmly and turned to leave. 

“Hey wait a minute. Justin’s my friend. I want to see him,” Tomo shouted at the back of the disappearing man. 

“Timmy you stop that nonsense,” Maudie spoke sternly to her husband. She stood by the kitchen door, “Come in dear, you really should have called. Oh my, your hands. Come in, come in.” 

Maudie set about administering to Tomo’s injuries. She matter of factly told him to drop his pants when she saw the green stain. The treatment she used was an old family recipe, for the ivy didn’t keep to the walls, it was everywhere and while they all did their best to avoid it, accidents did happen once in awhile. 

“Maudie, can I have popcorn?” Molly asked as she walked into the kitchen. “Are you supposed to be here?” she asked Tomo. “Justin didn’t say anything about inviting anyone else.

“Molly, mind your manners,” Maudie chastised. “Tomo is here to visit your brother. Please show him to the room across the hall from the gold room. I’ll have Timmy get your car. I’m sure you have a bag.” She took his car keys from his bandaged hands. “I’m sorry dear, but you won’t be showering tonight. Perhaps tomorrow, you can have a sponge bath before I do your hands again.”

“And his ass,” Molly laughed. “What a dork you are for climbing on the poison ivy, wait till I tell Seiji and Gus,” she laughed again.  “Come on, I don’t have all day, I’ll take you to your room.” 

Tomo didn’t like this young sister of Justin’s one bit. The old lady servant was kind and his hands while still bad, weren’t feeling like they did earlier. He said nothing though and followed Molly up the stairs. He tripped over a fold in the stair runner. “Shit.” 

“What’s wrong?” Molly turned to look at Tomo who was staring at his hands that he’d used to brace his fall. The pain and itch had returned. 

“These stairs are dangerous. You should have them fixed,” he glared. 

“There’s nothing wrong with the stairs.” Molly looked at him like he was crazy.

“There is so, look at the carpet.” Tomo turned and pointed to the carpet he’d tripped over. It was flawlessly laid. “It must have been the other stair, but the carpet was just fine. 

“You probably tripped over your own feet,” Molly laughed and continued walking. 

Tomo didn’t bother commenting on that remark. He never tripped; he was always graceful. It was this house. The ancestors that still lived here were having some fun with him, he’d have to send a prayer to them when he was alone and apologize for whatever it was they were unhappy about.  “Which room is Justin’s?” Tomo asked when they arrived at his door. 

“Justin is across the hall, but don’t bug him now, he’s resting.” Molly opened the door to the room that was to be Tomo’s. “Here you go. Dinner is in an hour. I’m sure you can find your way downstairs.”

Tomo watched Molly shut the door. He sat on the side of the large bed trying to put himself into a state of relaxation that would allow him to push the itch and pain in his hands and ass to the back of his mind. 

A few minutes latter, Timmy knocked on Tomo’s door. He didn’t bother to wait for the man to acknowledge him, but entered and threw his bag on the bed. “Your car is in the garage,” was all he said before turning and leaving the room. It was apparent to Tomo that Timmy wasn’t a big fan. 

Having rested for a few minutes and collected his thoughts, Tomo, quickly changed his clothing to something more presentable and he hoped alluring. Then taking a chance, he opened his door and stepped across the hall to Justin’s room. He knocked once and walked inside. 

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Justin said, his voice loud with surprise. He’d walked out of the bathroom, freshly bathed, and more than sated from his bath and his fantasies, only to find Tomo standing in the center of his bedroom. 

“Justin, you knew I was in town to see you in this time of sorrow. When you disappeared, I remembered this place. I’m sorry for before, you know that. You know what was expected of me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you, that I haven’t always loved you.”

Justin stared at Tomo as if he’d grown another head. “Are you out of your mind? Even I know that at thirteen I had no idea of life and what it was to really love someone. I had a schoolboy crush. You were right in letting me go. Maybe you were a bit harsh about it, but ultimately you did the right thing. I know that now.” 

“Justin, please don’t talk like that.” Tomo rushed over and threw his arms around the younger man.

Brian had heard Tomo enter Justin’s room. He watched the scene unfolding and could see the panic in Justin’s eyes as Tomo talked. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but he did know that he wasn’t going to allow this guy to intimidated Justin, no matter what guise he was using. When he leaned against the panelling, he discovered that not only was there a peephole, but that the whole section of panelling moved. It was in fact a pocket door. Apparently, the <i>gentlemen</i> of old had adventures without leaving these two rooms.

With a quick push, Brian stood inside Justin’s room, he was also wrapped in a towel having had a quick shower. “Hey Boyo, can I borrow some of that cologne?” he asked, his voice innocent. 

“Oh, it’s Tomo isn’t it?” Brian said. He stepped between Justin and Tomo, effectively removing the other man away from the blond. Brian bent down and kissed Justin’s lips tenderly. 

“What are you doing in here and dressed like that?” Tomo looked at Brian and then at Justin, realizing that both of them had in fact only towels wrapped around their waists. 

“Why shouldn’t I be dressed like this? Justin and I are partners.” Brian’s arm was around Justin’s shoulders so he couldn’t see the look of shock that crossed the blond’s face, but was hastily hidden. 

“Partners?” Tomo glared at both of them. “Business partners?” he asked.

“No, life partners,” Justin replied quickly getting into the game. “Isn’t that right Cookie?” his smile saccharin sweet as he looked up into Brian’s eyes. 

“Cookie?” Brian mouthed. “That’s right Boyo,” he said aloud and then turning to Tomo “Why do you ask?” 

“But neither of you said anything before,” Tomo said,  looking confused.

“I’m not in the habit of discussing my personal life with strangers,” Brian replied, his words were clipped. 

“Tomo, I hadn’t seen or heard from you in a lot of years. Why in hell would I tell you about my personal life?” Justin looked at the other man curiously.

“But… I’ve…” Tomo didn’t want to say that he’d kept track of Justin’s life through various methods. It would seem almost like he’d been stalking him, though he had thought of it as keeping his options open. “I’ve never seen either of you mentioned together. You know how queers gossip?” 

“No I don’t. How do <I>they</I> gossip?” It was Justin’s turn to make his words biting. “Sorry Tomo, but I don’t have time for this. Brian and I are having dinner in our rooms tonight. We’ve had a busy few days.” It was then that Justin noticed the bandages on Tomo’s hands. “I should have thought the locked gate would have told you that this is family time,” he nodded at his friend’s hands. “But now that you’re here, I’ll have Molly and the kids entertain you.”

“Time to leave Tomo buddy.” Brian took him by the arm and steered him in the direction of the door. “And the next time you want to visit us, would you knock and wait for us to answer, please? I don’t want to have to hunt up the keys for these old doors, but I will if necessary.” 

Tomo found himself standing alone in the dark hallway, the door to Justin’s room firmly closed behind him. He doubted very much that Brian and Justin were partners; he’d seen the look of surprise on Justin’s face. He decided he’d confirm their story at dinnertime, after all the children were unlikely to know of this subterfuge. 

Brian closed the bedroom door, turned and looked at Justin. “So who knew that your ancestors were so, well…. interesting.” He gestured to the sliding door in the wall. 

Justin giggled and then remembered what had happened. “Brian I can’t believe you told him that we’re partners.” 

Brian shrugged as he padded across the room. He threw himself down on Justin’s bed, knowing full well that his towel barely concealed anything at all. “Come and sit down, “ he patted the bed. “We’ll discuss it.” 

“I’m not sitting on the bed with you, we aren’t dressed.” Justin shook his head at Brian and opened a dresser drawer. He pulled out silk pajama pants and slipped them on. He knew that the deep red of the silk looked good against his skin.  “Now I’ll sit on the bed.”

“Hmmmm, yes, thin silk is an effective barrier against lust. It’s always worked for me.” Brian leered and glanced down at his tented towel. 

Justin grabbed a throw pillow and placed it against Brian’s crotch before lying down with his head on the pillow. “Is this a better barrier?” he asked sweetly.

“Not really, but whatever floats your boat, Boyo. And what’s with the <i>Cookie</i> thing?” 

“It was all I could think of at the time. You remind me of a nice, sweet sugar cookie. You know the kind you make at Christmas in the shape of a man. You always bite off the pointy bits before devouring the center.” 

“You have a warped mind,” Brian laughed. “I’ll just think you meant because I’m such a sweet guy.”

“Ha,” Justin snorted. The room was pleasantly warm, which was unusual in such an old house. He could feel himself grow sleepy. He’d had quite a workout and the bath had relaxed him so much that even Tomo or Brian couldn’t undo it’s effects. 

Brian noticed as Justin’s eyelids began to close. The guy was literally falling asleep on him because of the pillow and where it had been placed. He watched him as his body relaxed into the soft bed covers, and his breathing evened out. When he was fast asleep, Brian eased out from under him and managed to adjust the other man so that he was sleeping on the bed properly and under the covers. He looked beautiful, his skin had just the right amount of color to provide a healthy glow and to him it looked flawless. 

“Well Boyo, since we aren’t talking right now, I think I’ll join you in a nap,” Brian whispered. He crawled under the covers and was surprised when Justin rolled toward him, wrapping his arms and legs around Brian’s body. He tensed for a moment and then with a mental shrug allowed himself to enjoy the warmth and smell of the man as he too settled into sleep. He never noticed that the lights in the room dimmed or that the door between their rooms closed and the lock in the hallway door snicked shut. The house was happy to let these two rest together and didn’t want them disturbed.

Molly lounged against Seiji, using him for a backrest as they both snuggled on the overstuffed, suede sofa in the family room. Gus sat at the other end of the over long piece of furniture with his feet in Molly’s lap. They’d stopped watching the movie and were now listening to music and discussing the fact that Tomo had arrived.

Seiji was content to have his arm around Molly, on the premise he was supporting her. She was a girl like none other he’d ever met and he’d fallen under her spell. 

Gus loved this room. None of the rooms at his dad’s place was a comfortable and he and Molly had spent long days here watching television and talking. 

“Hello children,” Tomo called out as he walked in. “Can I join you?” he asked before taking a chair across from them. 

“Hi,” they chorused, all of them too polite to say what they’d like to say. Silence filled the room when the CD they were listening to came to an end. 

“I was just speaking to your brother, Molly,” Tomo began. “And his partner Brian.” 

The teens and Seiji had years of practice at avoiding surprise at any statement an adult made, so the fact that Tomo thought Brian was Justin’s partner went uncommented on. “Oh, I thought they were <i>sleeping</i> she used her fingers to make air quotation marks around the word sleeping and they all laughed. 

“Yeah, dad and Justin do that a lot, have <I>naps</I>,”again the finger quotes.  ”In the afternoon,” Gus snickered. 

Seiji wasn’t sure what was going on, but he was willing to go along with it but he didn’t like lying, so he changed the subject. “Will you take a class with us in the morning?” he asked. “Molly is learning tai chi, but Gus has been in my classes for a number of years.” Seiji knew of Tomo Kawaji and his famous clients and dojos.

“Of course, I’ll be glad to join you,” Tomo answered. “Perhaps down by the water? Will Justin and his partner be joining us?” 

“Justin loves to greet the dawn,” Gus said, not sure if it was true, but it sounded good. “And so does dad.” 

Silence once again fell while everyone tried desperately to think of something to say. Finally, unable to stand it any longer, Molly stood up. “Seiji, Gus and I have to find some firewood for the bonfire down by the lake later.” She looked pointedly at Tomo’s bandaged hands. “I don’t think it would be a good idea if you helped,” she smiled to make her words sound less harsh. “There are some good movies in the case over there. You’re welcome to relax and watch one. My brother and Brian have ordered dinner trays so they won’t be down for dinner,” she looked at Gus and Seiji and with a twinkle in her eye said, “Apparently <i>napping</i> wears them both out.” 

Tomo’s face flushed, but he said nothing. The children had confirmed what he feared; Justin and Brian were a couple. How he missed any reports of this he didn’t know. 

“Gotta go, the woman speaks,” Gus said with a laugh. He pulled Seiji up from the sofa and together the three of them headed out through French doors laughing and chasing one another to the beach.

Almost an hour later, Justin began to stir. He opened his eyes slowly only to find his face inches from Brian’s. Green eyes flecked with gold stared into his. “Hey there Boyo, feel better after your nap?” 

“Brian, you’re in my bed and you’re naked.” Justin could feel Brian’s hard dick pressed tight against their bellies. 

“Now that you mention it, so I am,” Brian agreed. He reached out and brushed a lock of hair from Justin’s forehead. “You’re very observant for a computer geek.” 

Justin shut his eyes and sighed, “I’m more than a computer geek.”

“Yes, I watched you exercise. You don’t really need to do that much. Exercise in moderation works just as well.” 

Justin didn’t answer; he didn’t dare move because he was aroused more than he wanted to admit. He tried to think of dick softening things and when that didn’t work he closed his eyes doing his best to concentrate and focus on his body, willing the hard on to go away. 

“There’s a sure cure for that,” Brian said as his hand grazed the top of Justin’s penis that had appeared above the cherry red silk of his pajama pants. 

“Yes there is.” Justin rolled over and quickly jumped out of bed, “I need to take a piss. Don’t forget to shut the door behind you.”  Justin retreated to the bathroom. He shut the door and leaned his back against it mentally giving himself a high five for his degree of restraint. 

Brian grinned and didn’t move. This game was becoming rather interesting. He’d never had anyone go to such lengths to avoid him. There was a gentle knock on the door. “Come in,” he called. 

“Did you boys have a lovely bit of sleep?” Maudie asked as she came in with a tray. “I’ve brought you both your dinner and made it known to them downstairs that you aren’t to be disturbed.” She set out their dinner on a small table. “Now Brian dear, make sure that Justin eats, he looks so thin.” She winked at the man. They were great friends having met each time he brought Gus and Molly here for weekends.

“Sure Maudie.” Brian watched her primp with the table setting. “He’s being elusive and hiding in the bathroom,” he offered. 

“He needs a gentle hand that one does. Not one bit of love and affection from his father and a mother can only do so much. Those Taylors are a bad lot. I never did understand why James women were forever marrying them throughout the ages.”

“Oh?” Brian’s eyebrows raised. 

“It’s a long story dear and not for this time. Come and find me while you’re here and bring Justin, I don’t mind reminiscing about the family history. My family has worked for the James forever.” 

“Isn’t that rather feudal, “ Brian said with a laugh. 

“Perhaps, but it’s what we do.” She stood back and observed the table satisfied with her presentation before giving him a cheerful wave and leaving the room. 

Justin still hadn’t appeared, so Brian decided to take the time to put his own lounging pants on, only his weren’t red silk, but rather old and worn jeans that felt like silk they were so soft.

He was standing by the table deciding whether to pour some coffee from the thermos carafe now or wait for Justin; when the blond appeared. 

“You’re still here.” 

“You do have such amazing perception.” Brian’s hand indicated the table. “Maudie has brought us supper. Would you like coffee?” 

Justin thought he’d like a strong drink, but nodded his acceptance at having a coffee. He watched Brian pour it into a mug and then hand it to him. “How do you know I like it black?” Justin asked as he reached over and picked up a carrot stick.

“You look like you would,” Brian answered as he added four spoons of sugar to his.” 

“Not sweet enough?” Justin smirked.

“Oh I’m sweet enough, want to taste?” Brian stuck out his tongue. “I love the smell of this soup.” He leaned forward to smell the aroma that was emanating from heavy china soup tureen. “It’s almost as good as Deb’s.” 

“Don’t tell Maudie that, she thinks hers is the best,” Justin laughed. “I’ll have some.” Brian was ladling out soup into a bowl. Soon the two of them were sitting side-by-side on a small sofa eating their dinner. Justin hadn’t laughed as much as he did in years. 

Brian watched Justin’s face break into laughter again. He loved the sound the blond made when he laughed. “I can’t believe I ate this much,” Brian groaned as he rubbed his belly. “I never eat two sandwiches.” 

“It’s the country air,” Justin smiled. He picked up their plates that were on the coffee table in front of them and carried them over to the dinner tray. “I wonder how everyone else made out tonight?” 

“Do you really care?” Brian asked with a laugh. “I mean the kids are more than capable of taking care of themselves and keeping Tomo in line. Speaking of which, why does he think he should be Mrs. Justin Taylor?” 

“Ha, ha, very funny. Actually, Tomo is married with a couple of kids.”

“The guy is as queer as a three dollar bill. How did that happen?” Brian was curious to hear Justin’s point of view. 

“It was one of those family things. His parents were pretty old fashioned and Tomo was the oldest son,” Justin shrugged. “He did what he had to do.” 

“Yeah, lie to his parents, his wife, and his children.” Brian tilted Justin’s head up so that he was looking into his face. “And did he lie to you too? Did he make you believe you were important to him?”

“I was important to him,” Justin replied his voice shaky. “I was thirteen Brian, a kid, what did I know.” He tried to turn his face away. 

“Justin, all kidding aside, I want to say one thing to you. No matter what might happen between us. No matter what happens with your father’s estate. Or what wild scheme you and the kids are up to and I know it’s something,” Brian grinned at Justin’s flush of embarrassment. “I will never lie to you. If I promise you something than it will happen. If I tell you something, it’s the truth.”

Justin looked deep into Brian’s eyes and consequently deep into his soul. He heard the truth of what Brian said and felt the truth in his heart. “Promise?” he whispered. 

“Promise.”