Matchmaker in Disguise - 2
Plot bunny: Judy of course
Author: Elsa Rose

“So dad, Justin said that if I keep it up, he’s going to let me block in the back grounds for some of his larger canvases. Do you know what kind of an honor that is?” 

“It’s an honor to do the scut work?” Brian snorted. “Who knew?”

“Dad, it isn’t scut work. It’s the background; all really good artists have apprentices. Justin is letting me apprentice with him. Mom says that it’s awesome.”

“Yep sounds like Linds.” Brian laughed. “She uses awesome a lot.” 

“You know what I mean.” Gus playfully hit Brian on the shoulder. 

“Gus, I think the man is taking advantage of you.” Brian began but the phone rang and Gus ran to answer it. 

“Hey Dude, we were just talking about you.” Gus laughed. “Dad thinks you’re taking advantage of me.” He snickered and listened.

“Hey, don’t worry about it. Sure I can do that. What kind of pizza does Jake want? Did you order the one with everything for me.”  He paused.

“I’ll pick up a movie that all three of us will watch. No way am I watching that Yellow Submarine again, even Jake has to draw the line at that one.” Gus listened again and then blew a kiss into the phone. “That was for you Jakie.” He whispered and then laughed. “Yep I got yours.” 

Gus hung up the phone laughing and turned to his dad. “I’ve gotta go. Justin ordered pizza and I’m going to pick it up and get the movie for tonight.”

“Gus, who is Jake, you seemed pretty cozy. Blowing kisses isn’t that a bit girly?” Brian had cocked one eyebrow.

“Jake is amazing, he’s living with Justin right now and you have no idea how smart and talented he is for his age. He paints like he’s years older than he is and talk about cute. Yes cute, he’s got blond curly hair that’s all kind of fuzzy and golden. This amazing smile that makes you want to hug him and his eyes are purple. I’ve never known anyone could even have purple eyes.” He kissed his father’s cheek. “Gotta go dad, Jake and Justin are waiting.”

Brian watched Gus run out the door wondering what in hell was Justin Taylor up to. He had a live in guy and yet Gus seemed to like him and wasn’t jealous. It wasn’t making a lot of sense right now.  The phone rang again and Brian debated whether he’d answer it or not, but seeing that it was Kinnetik he picked up the phone.  “Hey” he grumbled. “I’m retired.” 

“Well you are and you aren’t. I still need your signature once in awhile Brian.” Ted sighed.  “Can I come over, I have a couple of contracts I need to run by you.” 

“Theodore, I don’t do contracts, that’s what legal is for.” Brian sighed. “Having a bit of cognitive frailty these days, drugs melt that part of your brain?” 

“Brian, this is different. We signed up a local artist today. He’s opened his own gallery and wanted to do some local advertising…” Ted paused for a moment.

“Tell him to call the newspaper, we don’t do local.” The drawl of boredom was unmistakeable. 

“Of course we do Brian. It’s good public relations, but if you’d let me finish, he needs international advertising as well. He’s brought in a number of important artists from Europe for his grand opening.”

“And I care because?” Brian moved to the kitchen and poured a mug of coffee. “This isn’t Justin Taylor is it?” 

“Yes, do you know him?” 

“Gus works in his gallery, he’s an apprentice.” Brian snorted. “Apparently it’s some big assed deal. I think he’s just horny.”

“Is it okay, I mean he’s still in school.” 

“Working builds responsibility and other fine attributes according to both Lindsay and Gus.” 

“Well, you’re his father, you should know.” Ted went back to business. “Anyway, Justin wants some kind of deal with the advertising. He had his lawyer draw up a contract rather than ours doing it. I wanted you to go over it. I don’t like having some stranger draw up the contract.”

“Ted, you and Cynthia run the business. Either he does what all clients do or he can go somewhere else.” Brian hung up the phone and then looked at it as if it was going to bite him. “Asshole.” He muttered to himself, not sure whom he was directing his anger at. 

Brian had barely settled back down to doing nothing but sulk, when the phone rang again this time he did ignore it, letting it roll over to voice mail. He didn’t even bother to see who had called. He was too busy fuming about his son becoming infatuated with a certain blond who was apparently taking advantage of Gus’ good nature. And now to introduce a third party into the equation. Gus was too young to be hooked up with Justin and his perversions. And yet Brian firmly believed that you had to learn from your mistakes, even his own son and to learn hard lessons. Maybe he should have a little heart to heart with this Taylor and make sure that he understands that if he hurts Gus physically or mentally, he’d be dead or as good as. 

Still restless Brian decided that this was as good a time as any to give his friend Bernie a call about Daphne Chanders. It didn’t take long and he’d arranged for Bernie to have Daphne contacted through her agency. His friend agreed to watch out for the feisty young photographer. Satisfied that at least someone was willing to let him care for them, Brian went to bed. Gus would either come in later or go home to his mother’s. He was equally at home at either place as long as he checked in. Brian lay on the bed, trying not to think about what Gus was up to over at Justin’s. 

Justin, Jake and Gus were enjoying themselves. Jake had taken to Gus immediately when they’d met. He liked to call Gus his almost brother. And the time he spent with his mother the past week had been somewhat resented because Gus hadn’t been available to him. 

“This is a good movie.” Jake said as he reached for another slice of pizza. “I like kodomas the very best.” They were watching Princess Mononoke.

“They’re my favorite part too.” Gus admitted. He looked over at his friend, Justin was sitting off to one side sketching Jake and Gus. The two boys together were such a contrast, one dark, one blond, but both of them obviously a team. Justin knew that his next show would be filled with the boys in various poses. He idly wondered if he should do nudes of them both, perhaps in a rural setting, a swimming pool or pond. 

“Dad, can Gus stay with me when you go to New York?” Jake asked. “We could have fun Gus. Dad is going to New York real early in the morning on Saturday and coming back real late. I hate going with him when he’s there on business, it’s boooooring.”

“I don’t know Jake, it’s a big responsibility.” Justin looked at Gus. “It isn’t that I don’t trust you Gus, but a whole day of the demon spawn. That’s a pretty tall order.”

“Daaaaad, just ‘cause I beat you the last three times at chess doesn’t mean I’m a demon spawn.” Jake giggled. “You just need to consentrate.”

“Only a demon spawn could beat me at five years old.”  Justin answered but grinned to show he was kidding.

“I’m almost six.” Jake replied.

“That explains it.” Justin laughed. 

“I could stay with Jake on Saturday.” Gus answered. “I mean its not like we’d be going anywhere or anything. And the gallery is open if I needed help.”

“Yeah, like changing my diaper.” Jake snorted. “I said I was almost six. It’s not like you have to do much. Just keep me company. We could watch TV and maybe I’ll show you how to use FTP on that website you want to build.”

“I know FTP.” Gus laughed. 

“No you don’t, I had to fix the coding on that main page.” Jake, was a genius and far ahead of his age in the operation of computers and web design. He’d mystified his father and mother with his precocity ever since he was born. 

“Maybe I should talk to your father.” Justin worried.

“I’m almost fifteen.” Gus said. “It’s not like I’m going to be doing anything weird. I’ll talk to mom. You can call her if you want. How come you’re going to New York?”

“I need some high end advertising. Your dad’s old company doesn’t seem interested, so I thought I’d try a New York firm that was recommended.”

“I wish dad was still working, I bet he could do a kick ass campaign. He was the best in the business. Now he just hangs around being retired. He says he’s too old to start up anything else. He says that he worked damn hard to be retired at his age.”

“No doubt he did work hard.” Justin agreed. “I’m not so sure that retiring at 40 is a good idea unless he has something else keep his mind active.”

“He does stuff, just not work stuff. He reads a lot and spends a lot of time on the internet. I think he’s writing a book, but he won’t say for sure.” 

“Are you sure he’s only 43, he sounds a lot older.”

“Arrggghhh, don’t say that he might hear you. He spends like hours looking for grey hairs and wrinkles.” Gus giggled. “He should be blond like you, he wouldn’t be able to find any.”

“My daddy doesn’t have grey hair.” Jake said. “He has yellow hair like me.” He looked sideways at Gus and then at his father. “We could get a kitty with grey fur, that would be fun.” 

“Actually that might be fun.” Justin agreed. “Maybe you and Gus could look for one at the shelter on Saturday. Gus I’ll leave money for taxi fare.” 

“That would be cool. I’ve always wanted a cat, but my mom is allergic and my dad, well let’s just say he has an aversion to pussies.” Gus snickered and Justin shook his head biting back a giggle.

“Really and truly I can have a kitty?” Jake beamed. “When is Saturday?” 

“Saturday isn’t that far away.” Gus assured him.

“I told you we’d get a pet once the apartment was ready.” Justin came over and ruffled his son’s hair. “Well it’s not quite presentable for company but it’s close enough that one tiny little kitty can’t hurt.” 

“Can he sleep in my room?” Jake asked, his eyes sparkled with happiness.

“I’m not sure that you can actually tell a cat where to sleep, but we’ll certainly encourage him to sleep there if that’s what you want.” Justin’s voice was filled with amusement. 

Saturday morning came sooner than Gus realized. He’d spent the night at his father’s because it was closer to Justin and Jake’s place than his moms. He’d stayed up late on Friday night playing video games with his dad in an attempt to make Brian feel young. They’d even watched one of his dad’s favorite old movies with Marlon Brando, a movie that Gus thought specially sucked but that he watched just to keep his dad company. It was almost as bad as Justin’s favorite Yellow Submarine movie. When his alarm went off he groaned. Justin’s plane left at seven so he had to be over at Justin’s by five. Which as far as Gus was concerned was too damn early. 

He was stumbling out of his room, his hair sticking up everywhere, much like his father’s, when he almost walked into the man. “Hey.” He grunted heading for the kitchen and a cup of coffee. 

“Are you sick?” his father asked as he reached over to feel Gus’ forehead.

Gus looked at Brian, “Huh?” he kept on going, coffee was important.

“Gus, what in hell is wrong, it’s five in the morning.” 

“Nothing’s wrong, I’m up early. I have to get to Jake and Justin’s, I promised them both I’d spend the day with Jake while Justin is in New York.” 

“It’s a little early isn’t it?” Brian asked following his son into the kitchen.

“Yeah, hey why are you up?” Gus looked at the fresh brewed coffee in the pot. “Cool, you made coffee.”

“I couldn’t sleep.” 

“I could.” Gus grumbled. “But Justin has to go to New York, apparently Kinnetik can’t do the kind of advertising he needs and he’s going to see someone there. I told him that you could have done it if you still worked there.”

“I do still work there.” Which wasn’t exactly the truth, but close enough.

“No you don’t.” Gus snorted, “Justin said he asked for you and they told him you were retired and besides you didn’t do small contracts like his.” He looked at his father. “That kind of sucks dad. I mean I bragged about Kinnetik to Justin and when he went there, they weren’t too friendly. He sponsors a lot of artists from all over the world that wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to show their work in the States. This opening of his is important to him because it would mean some great sales for some of these guys. Justin says that with his contacts in Europe, and the kind of catalogue he wants to have made, most of the stuff should sell.”

“He’s going to New York, why didn’t he just be instant to the people at Kinnetik?” Brian wasn’t pleased that the blond would just run off to a New York firm.

“He says life is too short to deal with assholes.” Gus giggled. “I wonder which one of your hand picked guys pissed Justin off?” he shrugged. “It doesn’t matter, Jake and I are going to have an awesome day. We’re going to work on web design and then in the afternoon, we’re going to the animal shelter, Jake wants a cat and Justin kind of wants one too, so he said Jake and I could pick it out.” 

“Sounds like a day from hell as far as I’m concerned.” Brian muttered. “Why do you have to entertain Taylor’s boy toy?” 

“Dad, Jake isn’t a boy toy.” Gus finished his coffee. “You are kind of a grouch sometime you know. You should get out more. I don’t think this retirement thing is good for you. Maybe you could come over to Justin’s later and we could go to the shelter together, that way I wouldn’t have to take a cab.”

“Doesn’t the delicious Jake drive?” Brian snorted. “I suppose since Taylor likes them young, it isn’t surprising.” 

Gus only laughed as he headed for the shower. His father was coming along nicely in his scheme to get him to notice Justin. 

Gus decided to take Jake to the diner for breakfast. Justin had been generous in the amount of money he’d left for their expenses and the little boy wanted to explore his new town. “Now we’re going to meet some of my family, you have to be prepared they might be a bit strange.” Gus cautioned. 

“Gus, my dad has some strange friends back home.” Jake was bouncing he was so excited about having breakfast with Gus in a restaurant. “Mineu is my favorite, he has blue curly hair and is as tall as two dads almost and he’s a girl.” Jake giggled. 

“Wow, I don’t think I can beat that.” Gus laughed as he opened the door to the diner.

Everyone’s eyes followed Gus and Jake as they took the back booth. It was later than usual for breakfast for his dad and his friends, so Gus felt confident that the morning wouldn’t go too badly. “Hey” he said to Kiki the waitress. He smiled and let her kiss his cheek. “Can we have the blueberry pancakes?” 

“Sure sweetness, and who is this handsome young man? He’s a little young to be dating.”

“I’m Jake, I’m Gus’ boyfriend.”  Jake held out his hand to be shaken formally. “Me and Gus are having breakfast and then we’re going to do stuff together all day and even all night, well until bedtime.” 

“Ohhhh, sounds like fun.” Kiki giggled. Gus grinned and shook his head at Jake but didn’t deny a thing. She patted Gus on the cheek and winked before heading to the kitchen to put in the order. 

“Gus, what brings you here so early?” Emmett had wandered into the Diner. He yawned and sat in the booth beside his young friend. “Oh are you just the most delicious thang.” He grinned at Jake.

“Hi, I’m Jake, I’m Gus’ boyfriend.” Jake held out his hand and Emmett solemnly shook it. 

“And to think I thought you were following in your daddy’s footsteps and not dating.” Emmett giggled.  “I’m Emmett, Auntie Em to my younger friends.” 

Gus rolled his eyes and said to Jake. “You aren’t my boyfriend Jakie.”

“Yes I am, I’m your friend and I’m a boy.” Jake clapped his hands. “We’re having blueberry pancakes and milk and syrup.” 

“Now that sounds delicious, I think I’ll have the same, only with a dollop or two of whipped cream.” Emmett signalled for Kiki and put his order in. “So boys, do you have a busy Saturday planned?” 

“We’re getting a kitty for me.” Jake grinned. “His name is going to be Gabriel.” 

“Oh honey, you can’t have a name and then look for a cat to fit it. You need to find just the right kitty for you and then ask him what his name is.” Emmett looked at the young boy. “Cats are very particular about their names you know.” 

“Really and truly?” Gus asked looking wide-eyed at both Gus and Emmett. 

“I guess if Auntie Em says so.” Gus agreed. “I’ve never had a cat so I don’t know first hand.” 

“You should get one too.” Jake said. “Daddy gave you enough money for two or three.” 

“I don’t think my dad wants a cat and my mom is allergic to them.” Gus could barely contain his grin as he thought of Brian’s reaction to a kitten. Though maybe his dad could use something to liven him up.

“Are you boys looking for any special kind of cat?” Emmett asked. “Because I know that the shelter has quite the supply.”

“We want a happy kitty.” Jake declared. “He has to have purr.” 

“I think they all come with purrs.” Gus said. Their food had arrived and the subject of cats was dropped while the three of them ate their breakfast. Satisfied finally they all sat back and one by one rubbed their bellies. “I’m stuffed.” Gus smiled.

“Me too.” Jake not only looked stuffed, he looked almost sleepy again. He was only five after all.

“If you want some company to the shelter, I’d be glad to go with you both. I’ll even drive you, I have Michael’s car today to do a few errands. This can be one of them. “ 

“Then we’ll save taxi money. Cool.” Jake livened up. “We can get cat toys and a house and treats and lots and lots of stuff.”

“Thanks, a ride would be great.” Gus looked at his watch. “We could go now, that way if we find Jake a cat, we can go to the pet store and get all the cat stuff he thinks he needs.”

“Shouldn’t we be bringing Jakes daddy or mommy?” Emmett asked. “A cat is an important family member.”

“My mom is going to Iraq, but she lives in New York. I live with my daddy and he’s in New York today but not with my mommy.” Jake explained. “That’s why I get to spend the whole day with my boyfriend and he doesn’t have to work at my daddy’s gallery.”

“Oh, so you’re Justin Taylor’s boy, well now I can see the family resemblance.” Emmett linked his hand in Gus’ arm and took Jake by his other hand. “Off to see the kitties in their kingdom.”

It wasn’t long before they arrived at the shelter. Emmett had known that an adult was required for the adoption process, which was why he’d volunteered to accompany the two boys. He was glad to do it, having no children of his own was one of Emmett’s regrets.

It was decided between all of them that they would walk down the aisle of cages with Jake so that he could make the decision as to what cat he’d pick. The shelter they had picked was a rescue shelter with a no kill policy. Each cat that was brought to the shelter was cared for until a suitable owner could be found. It was up to the receptionist to judge not only the application that had to be filled out, but the applicant as well. 
Jake walked the aisle once, twice, three times on each side, peering into the cages and taking the time to read the little biography card that had been tucked into a holder in the front of each cage. Every cat had a story, some more interesting than others and Jake was determined to find the right cat for him. 

“Jake, you’ve seen them all, should we go somewhere else?” Gus finally asked. He was bored and the cats in their cages were making him sad.

“Gus, I have to think this through. The cat I want is still under a vet’s care.” Jake had been standing near the end of the row. It was now that Gus realized he’d been standing there for some time. 

“Maybe you should get one that isn’t in a vet’s care. I mean a cat that’s sick isn’t a great thing.” Emmett struggled to find the right words. He didn’t want to spoil the kindness of the boy who was contemplating the sick cat. 

“This one needs lots and lots and lots of love and I can do that.”  Jake squatted down in front of the cage. “Can you ask the lady if I can have this one? Please Gus.” 

“Let’s see him first.” Gus and Emmett walked to the cage. 

“Uh, honey, this kitty looks more like a baby possum.” Emmett was trying to be kind. The kitten was the ugliest thing he’d ever seen in his life. “He doesn’t have much fur and I think his tail is tied in a knot.”

“He was abused.” Jake’s voice was a whisper as if he didn’t want to discuss the kitten’s problems in his hearing. “He was burned, that’s why one eye is white, it’s blind, and his ear got burned off, but his other one is okay. His sister is in this cage right here. I think we should take them both so they won’t be lonely.”

Emmett and Gus peered into the other cage. A perfect looking white kitten stared out at them, her brother, what fur that was left, had been black. “Jake honey, the little girl kitty is deaf, it’s common with white cats you know.” 

“Jake, I don’t know about this” Gus began and then the little burned one looked at him with one green eye and opened in mouth in a silent meow, Gus’ heart melted. “Gabriel is a great name for this one.” 

“I thought so.” Jake looked satisfied. “I knew it as soon as I saw him.” Jake sat down in front of the cage. “His sister’s name is Angel ‘cause she’s got white feathers.” 

“Oh, oh, you’re right sweetie.” Emmett beamed at the little kitten who indeed had such long white fur it looked like feathers.  “I bet she’s been Gabriel’s angel.” 

It took some time to convince the shelter that Gus, Emmett and Jake could take the two kittens home. A phone call to Justin in New York, a quick call to Justin’s lawyer, another call to New York and the group had two kittens together with a veterinary appointment and the promise of a home inspection the next day. 

“My gawd this adoption thing is exhausting.”  Emmett felt like swooning. He couldn’t believe everything they’d had to go through just for two orphan kittens. He’d been about to call in reinforcements in the body of Brian Kinney, when Justin had been reached and with a well-placed call or two, had things under control.  “One quick stop at the pet store for odds and ends and the kids should be ready to move in.” he looked at Gus and then Jake. “Just where are we moving the babies too?”

“Oh Auntie Em you’re funny. Gabriel and Angel are going to live with me and my daddy.” Jake giggled. He’d opened the carrying box and was stroking the kittens while he sat in the back of Emmett’s car. 

“Okay, now that we have that settled.” Emmett laughed. He pulled up in front of the largest pet store in Pittsburgh. One stop shopping for all your pet’s needs was their motto. They had a list from the shelter of things that were going to be required and Gus and Jake had their own list of what they thought the ‘kids’ as they were being referred to, should have. 

Jake refused to leave the kittens alone in the car, so Gus found a shopping cart and put the cardboard carrying case in it. They ended up buying almost five hundred dollars worth of things for two very pampered kittens. Gus had made a hasty phone call to Justin to make sure that they were allowed to spend so much. He felt very grown up presenting the clerk with the credit card that Justin had given him. Even though the clerk had called in the purchase. The fact that Justin had trusted him with his card and had added him to his list of people who could use the card, had impressed Gus. He couldn’t wait to tell his father. 

Later that night, after Gus had tucked Jake in. He’d taken some time to snap a few pictures both for himself and for Justin. Jake had made a place beside him for the bed he’d bought for Angel and Gabriel, it was round like a basket, made from sheepskin, the white wool warm and snugly. And it was lined with a special foam liner that helped promote circulation for Gabriel. The kittens were asleep; Jake’s hand in the basket so that they had a part of him with them. He had curled his body around the soft sided basket as if protecting his new friends. 

Gus downloaded the photos onto Jakes computer emailing a copy to himself and one to Justin before settling down in front of the television to wait for Justin. 

Emmett had stayed with Gus and Jake sharing their pizza for dinner before leaving. The two boys were fun to be with. Having them both look to him for advice made him feel wanted and needed, something that didn’t happen often since he’d broken up with Drew.

Walking into Woody’s, he was surprised to see Brian sitting at the bar talking to the bartender and nursing a beer.  “Hey Brian.” Emmett said slipping onto the stool next to him. “I’ll have a cosmo.” He said to the bartender.

“What brings you out tonight?” Brian asked. “Ted isn’t here.” 

“I spent a wonderful day with Gus and his friend Jake, who by the way is sweet enough to eat with a spoon. We had an interesting and buys day.”

“Oh.” Brian pretended disinterest while he sipped his beer.

“Yes indeed, I’d forgotten how much pizza two young men could eat at one sitting. Their appetites are something to wonder at.”  Emmett giggled. “I actually hated to leave, but they had their evening planned and I didn’t want to intrude.” He sighed dramatically knowing that it was irritating Brian.  “I left them curled up together on the sofa like two playful puppies, or is that kittens.” 

Brian refused to say anything, but it was pissing him off that Gus was alone with Justin’s boy toy. Why in hell had the man gone to New York to find an advertising firm? Couldn’t he have had the balls to insist on Kinnetik, they were the best after all? 

His cell phone rang and he answered automatically, “Hey.”

“Hey dad, I don’t think I’m going to be home tonight. Justin’s flight was delayed an hour and I’m getting sleepy. I’m going to crash with Jake.”

“You can sleep on the sofa.” Brian mumbled not liking the way things were going.

“Daad, the sofa sucks, it’s too short to sleep on. Jake has lots of room in his bed and besides, it’s kind of fun sleeping with him. I like the way he smells when he’s sleeping.” 

“Gus.” Brian growled a warning, unable to see the wide grin on his son’s face. 

“Don’t worry dad, I took some condoms from the box by your bed. I’m not crazy, I’m not about to have unsafe sex.” He bit his lip not to laugh. “Later dad, Jake’s calling.” 

“You don’t look pleased.” Emmett observed taking a deep swallow of his cosmo. He could only imagine what Gus must have said. The boy had confided in him about his efforts to get Brian and Justin together. Emmett had agreed that it would be fun to tweak the older man.  “It’s darn nice that Gus has a father as understanding as you. I mean imagine you or I when we first flirted with sexual experiences. It would have been great had we had someone older to talk to, to understand what we were going through.” 

“I don’t know what in hell you’re talking about.” Brian signalled for another beer.

“You know, Gus and Justin and Jake. They’ve formed a bond in such a short time that has to make you smile it’s so filled with love.” He sighed again, hand over his heart. “Justin’s plane is going to be late getting in, I know Gus is concerned. He thinks that Justin works too hard, he worries about him. But I suppose that even at one in the morning there’ll be cabs. It shouldn’t take him that long to get home to his ‘boys’.” 
Emmett knew better than to stay after saying those words. He stood up, waved his fingers at Brian, “ta ta for now.” He sang and left Woody’s glad to still have his head not to mention other parts.

Brian seething with anger at the audacity of Justin Taylor interfering with his son, decided to take matters into his own hands. He checked his watch. He had plenty of time to get to the airport and meet Justin’s New York flight, especially if it was going to be late. 

The bar near the arrivals gate was still open. Brian, who hadn’t really drank much of anything in the last few years, was feeling the effects of the beer he’d had at Woody’s. But still, he sat down and ordered another while he waited for Justin. 

Justin was tired. He’d interviewed three different firms, but didn’t care for any of them. He was going to have to rethink his ideas for promoting his gallery and the sales of the young artists.  And he’d managed to shop, taking the opportunity to find some new and interesting software that should capture Jake’s attention as well as some specialized drawing pens that he could give Gus as a thank you for watching his son and helping with the new kittens. The thought of the kittens and the descriptions that he’d received from Gus and Jake, both descriptions by the way were completely different, made him grin. His son had a soft heart; the little maimed kitten would have a good caregiver. It was with that thought and a wide grin that he entered the airport arrivals section. He had no luggage so as he walked toward the exit, he was adjusting his messenger bag over his shoulder and walked right into someone. “Oh, sorry.” He said and then looked up into the angry hazel eyes of Brian Kinney. “Oh Mr. Kinney, are you here to meet someone?” he looked around for whoever the other man was about to meet. 

“You, I’m here to meet you.” Brian answered, he swayed slightly and Justin could smell beer. 

“Uh, why?” Justin was confused. “You do know you’re drunk don’t you?” 

“Not drunk, just had a few beers, nothing hard.” Brian had lost count of how much he’d had, but he didn’t think it was that many. 

“Yeah, well, you’re drunk.” Justin walked past him heading for the exit. “I hope  you didn’t drive here like that.”

“Been waiting for you, over there.” Brian answered almost running to catch up to the blond. He pointed to a bar that was now closing it’s doors for the night. Justin’s flight had been the last one in. 
“Give me your keys.” Justin turned on Brian. “NOW.” He all but shouted making Brian jump and then hand over his keys with a guilty look on his face.  “You know Kinney, I don’t need this shit tonight. It’s been a bitch of a day. I don’t understand why the advertising world can’t listen to their fucking clients and then do what the client wants instead of trying to second-guess and failing.”

Justin wasn’t surprised to see Brian’s car parked in a no parking zone. No doubt the man had more luck than the gods, the car was not only not towed, but not ticketed.  He unlocked it and shoved Brian in the passenger side. “Get in, it’s late, I’m tired and I’m pissed off.”

“Hey, that’s my line.” Brian began as he fumbled for his seat belt, not actually sure why he was on the wrong side of his car.  “Are you supposed to drive my car? I don’t think so. I never let anyone drive it.” 

“Well I’m driving it.” Justin turned the key, confident that it couldn’t be that difficult to drive but realizing immediately that a Lamborghini wasn’t the average Ford and the gearing appeared to be from outer space. Now What? Justin sat still, trying to study the interior of the car as if perhaps it came with a manual that would down load into his brain. Nothing much happened except Brian’s snores were getting on his nerves. Why couldn’t the man drive a normal car? He should just leave him to be towed and take a taxi home, Kinney would be found eventually. 

Justin closed his eyes, the sodium vapour lighting of the airport distorted color and it was hard for him to accept the changes. He hadn’t been so tired in years and here he was stuck in an impossible to drive car with a drunk. Not sure what else to do, Justin finally phoned a towing service asking for a flat bed truck to place the car on. 

Brian slept on. 

The tow truck driver couldn’t believe that Justin insisted the car be placed on the deck of the truck while Brian remained in it. It took a considerable bribe for him to agree. Justin couldn’t believe Brian could sleep through the melee that followed. He was going to leave him in the car when the thought crossed his mind that perhaps Brian would wake up and hurt himself getting out of the car while it was on the truck. Reluctantly Justin decided to stay in the vehicle as well. The trip into Pittsburgh from the airport seemed to take forever. Justin had the car placed in front of his building. He paid the tow truck driver, retrieved his messenger bag and leaving Brian to continue his drunken sleep, Justin went up to his apartment.  

His first stop once inside was to look in on Jake. Gus and Jake were sound asleep curled around a soft bed that held two small kittens. Justin shook his head in amusement at the choice of kitten Jake had made. It didn’t really surprise him, but damn the kitten was ugly. “Hey Gabe.” Justin said stroking the bald head with one finger. “Jake will take care of you and love you more than life itself.” The kitten opened his mouth in a silent meow. Justin smiled, the white one, Angel, stood up arched her back and hissed at Justin, as if protecting her brother. “Don’t worry little one, we’ll make sure your brother is safe.” 

Justin kissed his son’s forehead and patted Gus, smoothing his errant hair back, before leaving them to sleep.  He picked up a woollen throw cover up off a sofa and headed back down to Brian where he covered the sleeping man before locking the doors to the Lamborghini and going back to his apartment and sleep. 

Justin had barely gotten to sleep when pounding on his door woke him up. He checked the time surprised to see that it was almost five and rolled over again, pulling the pillow over his head. He wasn’t interested in seeing anyone at this hour. 

“OPEN UP TAYLOR, OPEN THIS DAMN DOOR. I’M NOT LETTING MY SON STAY HERE AS PART OF YOUR HARUM.” 

“Will you shut the fuck up?” Justin said as calmly as he could. He’d opened his door just as Brian was about to launch another attack. “You’ll wake up the kids.”

Brian pushed past Justin, rage on his face. He vaguely remembered meeting Justin at the airport and then not much else. Something must have been slipped in his drink; he’d never had this kind of reaction to a beer before.  He was as out of control as his father had been during Brian’s childhood and it wasn’t a pleasant feeling, yet somehow he couldn’t stop. All he knew was that his son was in this apartment with two men and he didn’t like it one damn bit. “The kids? So that’s what you call them, you should be ashamed of yourself, a grown man has NO RIGHT to have sexual relations with a child Gus’ age and this Jake person no doubt is just as young.” 

Justin had never been spoken too in the tone of voice Brian was using, a voice filled with disgust and rage. To think that the man was Gus’ father, Justin shook his head. Gus couldn’t help it if his father abused alcohol. Brian was about to push past him to find Gus. There wasn’t a chance in hell that Justin was going to allow this man near Jake and Gus. Neither one needed the trauma. So Justin did the one thing he’d always said he’d never do to another person. Brian was more than six inches taller than he was, but Justin had grown up in a rough part of Paris. He knew what to do. He hauled back and with all of his considerable strength, punched Brian firmly in the nose. 

Brian’s eyes widened in shock and pain before he fell flat on his back with a resounding bang as his head hit the floor. His eyes rolled back and that’s the last he remembered. 

Justin stood in shock at what he’d done. His hand throbbed and he felt for sure he’d broken it. But what was worse was the obvious fact that he’d most definitely had broken Brian’s nose. Blood was pouring out and Brian started to choke. Justin quickly rolled him on his side, he was still unconscious. Not sure what he was going to do, Justin panicked for a moment. Who knew there could be so much blood from one nose and shit it was crooked as hell. He was going to have to get Brian to a hospital or something.  Plus what if he had a concussion, that fall had been hard. 
He glanced toward Jakes room; the door was still shut so they must be sleeping despite all the noise. He thought about calling for an ambulance, but then he’d have to admit that he’d punched Brian. Sighing, Justin checked Brian again and put a pillow under his head, the man was far too large for him to lift up. Running to his computer he began to search the internet for what to do. 

Ten minutes later, armed with knowledge that he’d never knew existed before, Justin efficiently, straightened Brian’s nose. It helped that he pretended the man was a sculpture, he’d packed the rather devastatingly handsome nose with gauze, stopping the bleeding he hoped as well as it gave some stability to his shaping of said nose.  Brian moaned in pain, but didn’t wake up. Justin wondered what in hell the man had taken that had reacted with the beer he’d been drinking. He no sooner had that thought when Brian retched and everything he’d eaten or drank came up mixed with the blood he’d swallowed.

“That’s fucking gross.” Gus said. He’d wandered over to Justin and looked down at his father. “What happened to him?” Gus didn’t seem too concerned, it wasn’t that he didn’t care, but he hated when his father drank. From the stench of the man, it was obvious he’d been drinking. 

“I think I broke his nose, well I guess I actually did break his nose.” Justin partially explained as he tried to clean up the mess Brian had made. 

“No shit, is dad ever going to be pissed.” Gus bent down and looked carefully. “I think you should put some tape on it. That’s what they said in first aid class. You need to keep it stable. Wow, look at his eyes, they’re already turning black.” He giggled. “You gave my dad two black eyes. I’m going to get the camera.” He scampered away, not waiting for Justin’s protest. 

“Has he ever been…..I mean….” Justin didn’t know how to put it politely.

“You mean so drunk he’s passed out?” Gus asked snapping a couple of pictures. “Not that I know of except once when he took two sinus tablets. You know you should mix alcohol with that shit. And he hardly ever sleeps much, so when he does, it’s like for hours and hours. I think that’s why he takes the sinus medicine.”

“Shit.” Justin muttered. He’d managed to clean up the floor, but Brian was another thing. He’d already checked his eyes for signs of concussion but couldn’t see any, at least as far as he could tell. “How are we going to get him to bed. I mean he can’t stay on the floor, for one thing it’s hard and he hit his head when he fell. And for another thing…” he looked at Gus and together they said. 

“He sooooo doesn’t go with the present décor.” 

It was a joke they had between them that seemed to work in this instance. 

“If we roll him onto this little rug, we can drag him into the bedroom.” Gus suggested. “I mean, just how heavy can he be?” 

“Pretty heavy.” Justin sighed, damn he was tired, but he couldn’t just drag the man out into the hallway and he didn’t want Jake to wake up and find Brian this way. 

Gus rolled his father efficiently onto the small scatter rug. It wasn’t the best plan, but it would do. He really didn’t want to wake the man up, at least not until his nose started to heal. The bleeding looked like it had stopped and his color was good. Certainly it was better than the greeny grey it was when he’d first seen him. “Help me drag him, are we going to your room?”

“Yes, I think that’s best, the guest room isn’t ready and I don’t want him bleeding or puking on my sofa. I can put plastic under him if we can get him on the bed.”  He looked at Gus. “I’m sorry I broke your dad’s nose.” 

“He probably was being a jerk. He used to be like that all the time, but he’s been better since I was about six and really good once he retired.” Gus was out of breath; damn his father was heavy, talk about dead weight. “Maybe we should undress him and clean him up a bit before he gets into your bed. You don’t want to have to burn your sheets.” 

“No kidding.” Justin looked down at Brian. “Maybe we should just put him in the shower. It might even wake him up.” 

“Uh, Justin, you don’t really want to wake him up like that. He’s not only got a heart as big as a bear, he’s got a temper like one too.” Gus’ laugh was nervous. “I’ll get a warm wet cloth or ten and a towel, you take his clothes off. He’s kind of hot even if he is my dad.”

“I’m not even going to comment.” Justin grinned despite his tiredness. 

It was almost an hour before Brian was cleaned up enough to suit both Gus and Justin. The sun was beginning to rise. Justin had placed a call to the emergency medical service, describing Brian’s symptoms and combined with Gus’ input as to his father’s general state of health, it was decided that sleeping wouldn’t hurt Brian, but that he should be checked out by his doctor later in the day. 

Gus went back to bed satisfied that his father was in good hands so to speak.

Justin on the other hand couldn’t believe that Brian Kinney was naked in his bed. He wasn’t looking forward to Brian waking up with a broken nose and two black eyes. Sleep overcame despite his anxiety. Justin didn’t notice himself reaching for Brian, his arm folding over Brian’s chest, his breathing matching the raspy breathing of the man beside him. 

Brian could feel someone sitting on his legs and an arm wrapped around his naked chest. Was he in bed with two people? His head throbbed, his nose throbbed even worse. He could barely breathe and certainly couldn’t breathe through his nose. A finger poked him in the chest as the person on his legs leaned forward. For the first time since he could remember, he wasn’t sporting morning wood, which in itself was a concern. The second concern was why was he being poked in the chest and why wouldn’t the person get off his goddamn legs. 

“Hey.” A young voice said. “Hey, get out of my daddy’s bed. Are you a monster? Cause  you look kind of like a monster. I bet Gabriel and Angel could make you disappear.”

Brian opened one eye to see a cherubic boy straddling his legs holding a sling with two kittens, one of which should have scared the small child to death. It certainly was making Brian feel queasy at the sight. “Off me.” He managed to croak.

“No.” Jake whispered. “You get out of my daddy’s bed right this minute.”

Brian looked toward his chest, sure enough Justin Taylor appeared to be wrapped around him sleeping peacefully. “How can I do that, you daddy has me in a death grip.”

Jake giggled. “He wrestled you and won.” He giggled again. “You don’t have any clothes on, neither does my daddy. I looked and so did Gabriel and Angel.” 

“Who are you?” Brian managed through dry lips. Fuck his face hurt and so did the back of his head.

“I’m Jake.” He looked hard at Brian. “Your nose looks crooked. How come it has my Sponge Bob Square Pants bandage on it? How come you have black and purple eyes? I know my colors. I’m going to be an artist like my daddy. He has that same color in a little tiny tube of paint. How cool is that?”

“My nose is crooked?” Brian managed to get on hand up and gingerly felt the offending appendage. “What the fuck happened?” 

“You know, swearing only makes you sound crude and rude, it isn’t becoming to an adult or a child.” Jake stroked his kittens. “And it offends my kittens.” 

Brian flushed under the words of the small child. “Sorry,” he mumbled. “Let me get up.”

“Your clothes have throw up all over them and lots and lots of blood. Gus said he was going to get you something to wear at your house. He said your were his daddy, but I’m not sure I believe him. Gus is awfully nice and you aren’t very nice. You swear and you make messes and you make funny noises when you sleep and your nose if weird and you have black eyes. But your hair kind of looks like Gus’ does when he wakes up, so maybe you are his daddy.” Jake scrambled down off of Brian and the bed. “I’m going to turn the coffee machine on. Gus said I could when you wake up. He said I can even have a toaster waffle too. Do you want one, I can make them real good.” 

“Jake, is that you?” Justin tried to sit up and surreptitiously wipe the drool from the corner of his mouth, but Brian held him fast with one arm.

“Not so fast Buddy.” Brian whispered. “You have some explanations to give.”

Justin pulled himself out of Brian’s grip by digging his fingers deep into the other man’s ribs. “Jake, coffee would be great. I’ll be right out.”

“I think Gus’ daddy needs a bath. He smells funny.” Jake stage whispered to Justin. “He has throw up in his hair.” 

“Lovely” Brian mumbled. He sat up on the side of the bed and then grabbed his head. “What did you do to me?”

Justin didn’t answer, his knuckles were swollen, but not as bad as Brian’s nose. “I’m going to have a shower, Jakie make the coffee please. Hey and nice choice of kittens. I love them already.”

“I knew you would daddy.” Jake ran over and kissed Justin. “Careful of that man, he says bad words.” 

“I’ll be careful.” Justin bit back a smile. He grinned at Brian and as soon as Jake cleared the bedroom door, he all but sprinted for the bathroom and a shower. 

Turning the water on, Justin tried to clear his head. 

Brian on the other hand painfully stood up. His hand went to the back of his head, the pain was amazing. His stomach roiled and he wondered if he’d toss his cookies on Justin’s floor. From the taste in his mouth, he wouldn’t be surprised if Jake’s observations had been correct. Jake, that’s another thing. Jake was Justin’s kid, not his lover, his boy toy, but his kid. Gus had been babysitting him. Brian groaned. He wrapped the sheet around him toga style. Not that he cared about being naked, but damned if he was going to let Jake walk in and see more than he already had. 

He stumbled forward to the bathroom. The shower had steamed up the mirror, but Brian had to see what Jake had so eloquently described. He used a corner of his sheet to wipe a corner of the mirror. He looked, he moved closer; he stared at the stranger in the mirror, his eyes widened as the horror of what he was seeing sunk into his brain. There were three fucking grey hairs in the mop of hair hanging down over his blackened eyes.