Blond Enigma – 3– Notes: Plot Bunny courtesy of Misty – who knows I can’t resist no matter how hard I try. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ “Brian, have you been watching the local news?” Jim Stockwell barked into the phone. “No, oddly enough Jim, I work during the day.” Brian hadn’t wanted to take the call, but he knew he couldn’t avoid it. “It seems that Councilman Deekins had his meeting with the GLC last night and it certainly turned out differently. Why couldn’t you have put together something like that? That guy Taylor that Deekins has working for him, has a lot on the ball. By the time the first hour was over all the Press were eating out of his hand, unlike that fiasco you masterminded. Deekins is ahead of me on the polls now by seven points. I want something done about it. There’s only a week left.” “Well, Jim, you persist in having your boys in blue harass the gay community on Liberty, what can you expect?” “They are trying to make the street, the whole neighborhood, safe for families.” “I was there with Gus, and neither he nor I liked having the cops out in such force.” Brian looked at the footage that was running on his television in the corner of his office. He watched as the cameras showed the interior of the GLC filling with same sex families and their children. Shit Gus was there too, with Melanie and Lindsay. Brian raised the volume so he could hear the commentator. “It was a different atmosphere here at the Gay and Lesbian Center tonight. Councilman Deekins, unlike his opponent Jim Stockwell, has fostered the feeling that he genuinely cares for the community and their families by showing a kinder and a more gentle face. The feeling of being in a police state isn’t here tonight, there is children’s laughter and affection shown among the couples who took the time to come back to hear Mr. Deekins. The commentator continued, but Brian had heard enough and turned the volume down. “I would say your show of an excess of burly policemen on the avenue had a negative effect.” “But that makes no sense. The job of the police force is a positive one. It should give the community a sense that they are being protected.” “Perhaps one too many fags on the avenue have felt the hard end of a billy club once too often, by your men in blue, and not in a positive, life affirming way.” Brian tried to keep his voice neutral. “My men do not discriminate because of sexual preference.” Stockwell began. Brian rolled his eyes. “Yes, I understand the cops are known nationally for their tolerance to the gay community. They hold national hug your favorite cop day down on Liberty. You must have seen the posters.” “I’m not interested in what a bunch of fags think. I want that part of Pittsburgh cleaned up so decent folks can walk the streets without having to see the kind of things that go on down there.” “What kind of things might that be Jim? Two guys holding hands, kissing, two women doing it? I can understand how it might affect your delicate mind. Get a grip Jim, it happens and it’s no big deal. You’re the one making it out to be more than it is. If you want to win this election, I’d suggest you pull back from your ‘hard on’ you have for queers.” “I just want you to do your job Brian. The job I’m paying for.” With that Stockwell slammed the phone down in a fit of temper. He sat at his desk trying to get himself under control. Brian replayed the footage of Justin’s little get together. It had to have been Justin, no one else would have been able to find, let alone convince, all of these same sex parents to show up in one place and allow themselves and their children to be televised. “Ah, Brian, I see you’re watching what the ‘other’ side is up to.” Gardner Vance walked into Brian’s office without any preamble and took a chair, lounging comfortably. “I can see the hand in this campaign of an amazing marketing man.” He watched the balance of the video before turning to Brian. “What say we offer the young man a junior partnership to come over to Vanguard?” He looked at Brian to see how he would take this news. “He just finished school. He has no experience. He needs seasoning.” Brian counter moved in this office chess game Gardner seemed to want to play. “Ahhh, I’ve been doing some research on the young Mr. Taylor. He graduated Magna Cum Laude; he is a Phi Beta Kappa. He was responsible for the successful fundraiser for an Aids Hospice in Boston, which brought in almost two million dollars. Something that had never before been thought possible, this was in his first year at Dartmouth. In his second year, he topped that amount for the same Charity. In his third year, he continued with the Aids Hospice, again increasing the donations, only he also added a fundraiser for Boston General’s Pediatric Aids Unit. He has two of his paintings hanging in the Dean’s Hall. His fourth year, he continued with the two charities, but this time established a form of training program that would encourage Phi Beta Kappas’ to continue what he’d begun.” Gardner Vance looked at Brian with a smug smile. “I don’t think we can say he’s inexperienced and unseasoned. We can even overlook the fact that he’s somewhat of a cripple.” Brian’s blood boiled at the word, but he only raised his eyebrows questioning the remark. “You know - his hand. He’s had to learn to use his left one for his art. I understand he’ll never be the same. It’s too bad; he’s not a bad looking guy. I mean if you like guys.” Gardner smiled at Brian. “Let me see if I have this straight.” Brian paused; he tented his fingers and rested his chin on them. “You are willing to overlook the fact that Taylor is flawed, the bad hand thing, as long as you can get him here to work as a junior partner. So that means he works his ass off, for your company.” “Well, I wouldn’t put it exactly like that Brian, but yes, there you have it.” He looked at his own elegantly manicured hands. “He doesn’t have to actually meet clients, we could do that. The clients would never know about his hand. He could be an idea man. And the money wouldn’t be bad as a junior partner. In fact, it should be better than what he’s getting now.” “You have actually seen Justin haven’t you; I mean, you did look at him and his bad hand?” Brian was curious. “Certainly, we met the other night at the fundraiser. You were there.” Gardner was puzzled as to why Brian was asking him this. “And you found that the slight curl in his fingers, the fact that his hand was kept somewhat closed, you found that disquieting?” “Brian, you of all people know that advertising is all about presentation and perception. Of course it was off putting. I found it extremely unnerving.” “Gardner, you are one fucking asshole. You sit here and tell me how amazing Justin is. How much he accomplished in the few years since he was bashed. How brilliant he is and at the same time you are offended because his hand curls.” He shook his head. “Get the fuck out of my office, you make me want to puke.” “There’s no need to be bloody shitty, Brian,” Gardner began. He stood and began to back up toward the door when Brian, jumping up from his chair so quickly it fell over backwards. “GET – THE – FUCK – OUT – OF – MY – OFFICE” Brian roared. He was answered with a loud slam of his door as his business partner left. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Brian finished work late; it was after six when he finally found his way down to his car. He pulled off his suit jacket and threw it across the passenger seat, following it quickly with his tie. He would stop in at the diner and pick up something to eat before heading home. He parked his car and was about to walk in when he met Justin, a brown bag in his hand, coming out. “Hey Sunshine.” Brian said. He was exhausted and he supposed it showed. “Brian, I see you had the same idea I had.” He indicated his large brown bag. “I couldn’t face my empty fridge.” Brian joked. “You look tired.” “It’s been the usual day from hell.” Justin threaded his arm through Brian’s. “I know just the thing to fix you up.” He turned the taller man away from the diner door and led him to the yellow BMW with the top down. “Get in. I’ll be right back.” Justin opened the door for Brian and watched as the older man slid down into the white leather seat. He bent over and kissed Brian’s forehead. A gesture so natural, that Justin was back inside the diner before Brian registered that it had happened. In less than five minutes Justin was back with another smaller bag. He got into the car and was soon driving away from the downtown area. On a narrow road just outside of the city limits, Justin turned into a secluded parking spot. Between the music and the sound of the road in the open car, no conversation had been possible, even if Brian in his exhaustion could have attempted it. Justin got out of the car and reaching into the back seat, pulled out a plaid blanket and both brown bags. “Follow me,” he commanded with a smile and headed into the trees on a well-worn path. By the time Brian had pried himself out of the car there was no sign of Justin. Sighing heavily, he tramped through the trees hoping he wouldn’t get lost in the woods. All of a sudden the trees parted and he found himself a few feet from the banks of a river. Justin had the plaid blanket spread out under the canopy of a weeping willow tree. The bags were opened and Brian saw three Styrofoam containers, some plastic cutlery and two bottles of water. “Dinner is served my tired old friend.” Justin said and he grinned to show Brian he was teasing about the ‘old’. “I’m too tired to take you up on that comment you twat.” Brian said. He sat on the blanket. “You bought two dinners?” “I usually do. I eat one and throw the other in the fridge for tomorrow’s breakfast. You looked hot, tired and grumpy. Of course I had to share.” Justin opened a container and handed Brian a plastic fork. “Veggie lasagna, it’s the best. I think it’s one of Deb’s recipes that the cook uses.” He opened another box for himself. “Dig in, and – ta da” – he gestured toward the third box. “Lemon squares for desert. You can have Fang and Thor’s, I can get them another one.” “You feed a cat lemon squares?” Brian asked as he began to eat the surprisingly good lasagna. “Hey, what can I say, they have a sweet tooth. It’s not like I give them lemon squares every day. I only buy them one when I’m going to be eating one myself. I have to its self-preservation. Never, ever come between two cats and their favorite treat.” Brian laughed. “I’ll remember that.” They finished their makeshift picnic, both of them eating everything. Brian and Justin talked while they were eating and Brian couldn’t remember when he’d been so relaxed or laughed so much. The green canopy that acted as a screen around them, still allowed a peek at the bubbling water. The birds were singing, and the weather, that perfect kind of summer evening that happens every now and then. Brian could feel his eyelids drooping. He really was tired. Justin was sitting with his back against the tree and when he saw Brian ‘start’ for the second time. He patted his lap. “Put your head down, relax.” Brian looked at Justin’s lap, the longing in his eyes. “Brian, I won’t bite. Rest for a few minutes, I promise never to tell anyone.” He smiled a challenge at the tired advertising executive. Brian, taking the challenge, lay on the blanket, his head in Justin’s lap. They continued to talk. Justin began to comb his fingers through Brian’s hair, massaging his scalp until the hazel eyes closed and the quiet breathing told Justin that the man he loved was asleep. Sitting on the blanket, his hand stroking Brian, like a large house cat, Justin felt peaceful and relaxed. He couldn’t take his eyes off of Brian, enjoying these few minutes when he could truly study every inch of his face, his arms, and his hands without Brian knowing. Justin didn’t think of his memorizing of Brian as an intrusion of the man’s privacy when he was at his most vulnerable, asleep. But rather as a way for him to store these moments on the canvas of his mind for those times when he was alone. There had been so many of those times in the last few years and so few times to catch a glimpse of Brian. He had treasured each and every one of them. Brian lay in that in between time, that time that seemed to go on forever – not quite sleeping – yet too sleepy to move. He relaxed under the tender ministrations of Justin’s fingers, each caress a wordless lullaby until he slept, his body relaxed, confident that Justin would watch over him. When he felt Justin’s hand on his shoulder, gently shaking him awake, he could have cried in frustration, he didn’t want to move. “Brian, sleepy head, I hate to say it, but it’s almost dark. We have to get back to the car. I don’t want to be lost in the woods.” Brian almost purred he was so happy and content. “We could stay here until morning.” Justin huffed a laugh. “Not likely big boy. I have work to do when I get home. My night is not over. You on the other hand, my sleeping beauty, can go out and play with the boys.” “What are you working on? Maybe I can help.” Brian offered. “I don’t think so Bri, this is a private project of mine and I promised to run over a few things with the project coordinators. They’ll be conference calling at ten.” “That’s late.” “Not for these guys. They’re used to it. So am I for that matter.” Reluctantly Brian stood up and helped Justin to gather together the remnants of their picnic. They walked back to the car; Brian took Justin’s hand as they stepped into the woods, their fingers locking together. They both wished the walk lasted longer than the four minutes it took. “Do you want the top up for the ride back? Justin asked. “No, I like the open feeling, it’ll be too cold soon enough, take the opportunity when you can.” Justin agreed with him. Besides, he kind of liked driving down Liberty Avenue with Brian in the seat beside him for everyone to see. “Everyone will think we’re dating.” He teased. “So let them.” Was Brian’s comment and he smiled shyly at Justin who returned the shy smile with one of his own. They rode back in silence, with only the odd glance between them. Somehow the intimacy of the impromptu picnic, Brian sleeping, somehow it was too much to discuss, to even mention, as they both attempted to sort out their feelings. Reality set in quickly when Justin,,) pulling up alongside Brian’s car, found himself suddenly confronting an irate Michael, who had charged out of the diner. “Where the fuck were you Brian?” he shouted. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. You said we’d meet at Woody’s and now I find out you were with HIM. “Well I wasn’t abducted by aliens Mikey and I never said I was meeting you at Woody’s.” “You left your car here.” Michael accused. “It’s a parking spot Mikey, I’m allowed.” Brian smirked as he got out of Justin’s car. Michael arriving like he had, spoiled any chance of persuading Justin to let Brian come home with him. He walked around to Justin’s side. He let his hand brush the fine strands of blond silk out of the other man’s eyes. “Thanks for dinner, later.” He said softly. “Later.” Justin said with a smile, though his eyes narrowed when he looked at Brian’s friend. He put the car in reverse and eased out into the street. With a jaunty wave of his hand, he drove away. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ The next day Brian was hard at work when Cynthia knocked on his door. “There’s a parcel for you Brian.” She handed him a package that appeared to be the size of a large book. “It was delivered by courier. I signed for it and tipped the delivery boy.” “Take it out of petty cash.” Brian said automatically as he studied the package. Justin’s return address was clearly displayed, he was curious to see what the man had sent. He unwrapped it carefully, another layer of wrapping paper inside, held an envelope with a note. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Brian, Yesterday was one of those ‘Kodak’ moments. We didn’t have a camera, but I thought you might like to see a ‘Taylor’ moment. BTW – Saturday – if you come at seven, dinner will be served at eight.” Jay ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Brian opened the final piece of wrapping paper, to reveal a small pen and ink sketch of him laughing at something Justin had said. He was laying on the plaid blanket, propped up on his elbow, a piece of Lemon Square in his hand; his head tilted up looking at what he knew was Justin, just outside the sketched area. Justin had dated it and signed it JayTee. The sketch had been professionally framed; he turned it over and was surprised to see a stylized JayTee logo in a small foil sticker on the back. “Curious.” He thought. He placed the framed sketch on the corner of his desk, propped up against a couple of books. “Ok Cynthia” he said. “I can see you trying to sneak a peek.” Brian carefully folded up the note and had it tucked in his wallet by the time Cynthia was in his office. “Can I pick it up?” She asked breathlessly. “I can’t believe it. I really can’t believe it. You not only have a genuine JayTee sketch, but it’s you.” She studied the small picture intently. “You posed for him. I didn’t know you even knew him. Of course he must have taken artistic license; you actually appear to be having fun.” Cynthia grinned at Brian. “Is he as hot as they say? He has a reputation in New York like you wouldn’t believe. He almost makes you look like a saint.” “He doesn’t live in New York.” Brian said between gritted teeth. “Of course not, but he shows there. And he parties there. Though I haven’t read anything lately in the tabloids about him.” “Are you sure you have the right guy?” “Of course I am. I went to one of his shows last winter. You remember, you were such a bastard about giving me the time off” Cynthia settled down in one of Brian’s office chairs, the sketch still in her hands. “I was there with Cheryl, what a production it was when he arrived at the gallery. He had a girl on one arm and a guy on the other. They all seemed very friendly, if you know what I mean. They had stopped in because it was almost the last night of the show. I heard them talking about the club they were going to. JayTee leaned in and muttered into this absolutely dreamboat of a guy’s ear, who was standing next to me. And I don’t mean the guy he came in with. I mean this other guy. He leaned in and whispered loud enough for me to hear. “Come and play little boy, I want to fuck you. I want to fuck you all night.” “It was sooooo hot. The guy looked at him and the other two and they all turned around, the four of them, and left, not saying another word.” “You are sure it was him?” Brian asked again. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. It just didn’t sound like Justin. His Justin, liked to have fun, but this?” “Certainly, he hurt his hand you know. He always hooks his thumb into his waistband. I read somewhere it’s his way of keeping the fingers from curling in. He keeps it flat and open this way and doesn’t have to wear a brace.” “So that’s why he does it.” Brian thought. “Well, your little artist buddy is alive and well and living in the Pitts now. In fact I’m having dinner with him on Saturday.” “OH MY GAWD.” Cynthia exclaimed. “Can you get me his autograph?” “No” “Please Brian” she pleaded. “No.” his tone of voice told her to let it drop. She stood up and reluctantly left the picture on his desk before disappearing back to her own area. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ “Melanie, I really appreciate this. I didn’t know what I was going to do.” Justin sat in the passenger seat of his car, Melanie was driving, he opened the cat carrier on his lap. Justin put his hand inside, stroking the two heads of the dozy cats. “It figures I would have two cats with the same allergies as I have.” His voice choked up. “I almost lost them both.” The cats had been at the Vet’s for neutering. Both of them had a bad reaction to the anesthetic. “Justin, how many times have you watched Gus for us over the years? It was the least we could do.” “Do you think Lindsay was able to get everything on the list? “Don’t be so nervous. It’s only a dinner. What can go wrong?” she laughed. Having attempted intimate dinners with Lindsay over the past six years, she knew first hand all that could and did go wrong. She reached over and patted his knee. She turned into Justin’s drive. Lindsay’s car wasn’t there. ‘Not a good sign’ she thought. “Where is she?” panic was setting in to Justin’s voice. “I’m sure she’s right around the corner.” Melanie got out of the car. “Where are you going to put your babies?” “I made a bed for them in my studio. It’s quiet and away from everything.” Justin glanced at the clock on the wall as he walked toward the bedroom. “Shit Melanie, it’s five o’clock. Where is she?” “I don’t know.” The doorbell rang. “That’s probably her. Melanie opened the door and saw Vic standing there, his chef’s hat on. “I saw Lindsay at the market; she thought Justin might need a hand. I brought some things to make a dessert. I was thinking maybe a chocolate brûle flavored with a tiny ruffle of whipped cream around the burnt sugar top.” Vic was so excited about being able to help Justin, that Justin didn’t have the heart to send him home. He sighed, kissed the weathered cheek and directed him to the kitchen. At six o’clock, as Justin was getting out of the shower, by now completely frazzled by the fact that Lindsay hadn’t returned with his grocery order, she arrived heralded by Gus. “Jus, Jus” the little boy called. “It’s me, Gus.” “Hey Gus” Justin said. “We have to use our quiet voices. The kitties were at the kitty hospital today and they aren’t feeling well.” “Can they play with me later?” “Maybe tomorrow.” “How come you had their nuts cut off?” Both Justin and Vic winced. Justin looked around for Lindsay and Melanie, but they were at the car having a heated discussion. He hoped it had nothing to do with his grocery order. “Gus, I had them neutered. It’s the responsible thing to do with pets. That way they can’t make babies. There are too many unwanted kitties, we don’t need anymore.” “What’s nuts and where are they and why cut them off?” “Maybe that’s a good question to ask your daddy.” Vic piped up. “I’m sure he’d have an answer for you. He winked at Justin who smiled at him with relief. Justin looked at the clock. “Shit it was six thirty; Brian is supposed to be here at seven. Maybe he could phone him and tell him to come later. He looked around for his portable phone but couldn’t locate it anywhere. “Gus, push the button and make the phone ring. I need to find it.” Gus liked this game; it was one they often played, though this time it was real. “Cool” Gus said and ran over to the phone dock and pushed the button. A muffled beeping could be heard. Both Gus and Justin looked around. “Do it again.” And once again there was no indication as to where the phone was located. Vic, trying to help, continued to work in the kitchen. He picked up the few dish towels he’d been using and adding them to the white sheets that had covered the patio furniture outside, keeping the dust off. He dumped everything into the washing machine and turned it on. The water was almost to the top when the muffled ring of the phone was suddenly drowned. The clump, clump of something that wasn’t a dishtowel, hitting the side of the washer, confirmed his suspicion as to where the phone was. He looked at Justin who could only shake his head as he reached his arm into the hot sudsy water and fished around for what was left of the phone. “Jus, mommy says you should never put the telephone in the water. It’s very bad.” “I’ll remember that Gus.” Justin walked into his bedroom and pulled out his cell. He’d call Brian on that. He could have screamed in frustration. He hadn’t moored it properly on the charger and it was dead as a doornail. He wasn’t surprised when the doorbell rang. Gus ran over and opened it. “Daddy” he yelled in case anyone had missed Brian’s arrival. Gus peered around Brian’s legs. “My mommies are having a very loud discussion.” He observed. “Apparently.” Brian held out his hand and walked in. “You seem to have a houseful Sonny Boy.” He observed. “I went shopping with mommy to buy lots and lots of food for Jus to cook. He cooks good stuff.” He looked out the large front window. “Hey, mommy is leaving momma and me here and she’s driving very, very fast. Where’s my food?” he demanded. Justin, his plans in tatters, stood sockless in the door of his bedroom. He had acquired a chocolate stain on the front of his white silk shirt that was partially hanging over the waist of his pants; his eyes were wild as he looked around at the turmoil. “Brian, come in. I’m having a bit of a set back here.” “Jus can I see the sick kitties?” Gus asked. “I’ll be very gentle.” “Sure Gus, don’t pick them up, let them sleep, but you can pat them.” “Your cats are sick?” Brian asked as he stepped inside and shut the door. “Jus cut their nuts off.” Gus announced as he ran down the hall. “What the ??’ Brian asked. “They were at the vet’s Bri. It’s a long story. If I survive tonight without having a nervous breakdown, I’ll tell you all about it.” The doorbell rang again and Debbie walked in without waiting for Justin to answer. She was followed by Michael, Emmett and Ted, all of them with their arms full. “I heard about the big date. Lindsay sent me over with your groceries.” She marched into the kitchen. “Oh hi Brian, give the boys a hand will you. We want everything cooked and tidied before Justin’s date arrives.” She kissed Justin on the cheek. “Now don’t you worry about a thing, I’m going to put together a meal you’ll never forget. It was lucky I ran into Lindsay and wasn’t it nice of the boys to help?” “Yeah, sure.” Justin said in a daze. “I need a drink.” He shut his eyes to regroup as he swayed slightly. Brian put his arm around the blond’s shoulder to steady him. “It won’t help.” Brian whispered. “They’ll all want one and they’ll never leave.” Ted and Emmett had found the media room, the surround sound system worked well as the booms and flashes of the opening of one of the Star Wars movies began to reverberate through the house. “You might consider investing in a good lock.” Brian said with a grimace, his eyes focused on the wall of the media room. “You should talk. I think half of the queers in the Pitts have the key to your loft and your code is written on every bathroom wall in the baths.” Justin snapped at him. Brian’s cell phone rang and he answered grateful for the reprieve. “Where the heck are you girls? Come and get our son, Justin has plans.” He listened and then snapped the phone shut his face like thunder. “It seems all is not well in muncherville and Gus must remain here until the all clear.” “And why not?” Justin said. They both could hear Debbie’s raucous voice as she worked in the kitchen. “Fuck, she’s making enough food for a damn army.” Michael and the boys wandered back out into the kitchen where Brian and Justin were standing. “What time does your big date get here Sunshine?” Michael asked as he dipped his finger into the sauce his mother was making. “He’s here” Brian said dryly. “Where, I don’t see anyone?” Michael and Emmett looked around. Ted looked at Brian and knew instantly who Justin’s date was. “Brian is Justin’s date you morons” he said. “Brian doesn’t do dates.” Michael began. “Apparently I do Mikey.” Brian smoothed back Justin’s hair, a surprisingly intimate gesture. “Though I wasn’t expecting to have the rest of you tag along.” The doorbell rang again, the door opened and a laughing Daphne ran in and hugged Justin. “I did it, I finished my first year of residency and I lived.” She announced. Suddenly noticing everyone staring at her, Daphne stood still. “I didn’t know you had company Justin. I can stay at a hotel.” “No, I told you the guest room is there for you whenever you want. Daphne, you remember Brian, and his friends Michael, Emmett and Ted. Michael’s mom and Uncle Vic are in the kitchen. Brian’s son Gus is in the studio so if you happen to come across a small boy, that’s him. “Hey Brian.” Daphne said, suddenly tongue-tied. “Long time no see.” She turned to Justin and mouthed. “He’s still hot.” “He’s also not blind and he’s standing right here.” Brian smiled at the girl. He did remember Justin’s loyal little friend. “Well, if it’s only Brian whose Justin’s date? We all might as well eat. I made enough for everyone.” Debbie pushed her way into the group. She patted Brian’s face. “You don’t mind sharing Sunshine do you Brian?” Brian, who by now was not even pretending not to be pissed with all the activity, was saved from answering once again, by the doorbell. This time everyone just looked at the door. The bell rang again and Brian strode over, flinging it open. “Fuck you asshole, what are you doing here?” he greeted the man standing on doorstep. “Brian, Matt’s my friend.” Justin had come to the door behind Brian. “Come on in Matt. Have you had dinner? Let me introduce you to everyone.” Justin began to circulate around the room, Matt in tow introducing him to the gang. He left him standing with Ted who was looking at him with a predatory gleam in his eye. Justin turned around to find Brian. He stopped him, as he was about to go out the door. “Brian, don’t go. They won’t stay long.” “Maybe another night Justin.” Brian began. He opened the door to come face to face with Gardner Vance. “Gardner, come on in, the rest of Pittsburgh is here, why not you.” “Brian, Justin, I’m glad to see the two of you getting to know one another better. It will help you make a decision Justin, about a little proposition I have. I was passing by and thought I’d invite you personally to see me on Monday, if you’re free. Perhaps at five o’clock unless you’d prefer something earlier.” “What about Mr. Vance? I have other commitments on Monday.” Justin was looking at Brian. He was sure the older man knew what Gardner wanted to talk about. “It will keep until Monday. I see you have company so I’ll run along.” Gardner said and stepped back onto the porch. Brian restrained himself from slamming the door on him, but only barely. He turned to look at Justin who was ready to cry in frustration. He let his fingers smooth back the blond hair from his forehead again, then leaned in and kissed it. “I won’t leave Sunshine. These assholes are my friends too. I suppose we should share the irritation.” Justin looked up at him and smiled. He took a deep breath, grounding himself. “Thanks Bri, you have no idea what this means to me.” He blinked, controlling the tears of frustration better than he would have six years earlier. “I wanted tonight to be special. Kind of a “This is me, Justin Taylor the man”. I was hoping to make a fresh start with you on whatever level we are relating to each other on.” He shook his head. “I know I’m babbling and none of this makes much sense.” “No it makes perfect sense in a Justin Taylor way.” His eyes locked with Justin’s. He tried to tell him with this ‘look’ that they were ok. “I’ve been on to you for a long time.” His grin was a wicked one. “You want me and you want me bad.” “You are such an asshole.” Justin hissed. “I have a perfectly good life and have had for a long time. I don’t need you.” He turned and stomped back to where everyone had gathered in his large kitchen. Brian only laughed as he strolled into the melee, unconcerned that the two of them had been the topic of conversation. “When do we eat?” Brian asked. Everyone laughed and they all found places around the large table in the dining room. Justin took his place beside Brian, not that he wanted to, he was still sulking, but Brian had grabbed his hand and pulled him down onto the chair. Gus took his place beside his father. Platters were passed around and soon the only sounds were people eating until Gus said. “Thor and Fang are very sad Jus. They told me that you were a mean daddy to cut their nuts off.” He looked at Brian. “Daddy tell Jus not to do that ever again.” “I’ll tell him.” Brian agreed. Everyone laughed and Gus was satisfied for a few minutes. “Jus has a picture of you with no clothes on daddy.” The table was silent. All eyes turned to Gus eager to hear what he was about to say. “He has lots and lots of pictures of you.” Gus looked over at Justin. “Thor and Fang are in the ‘daddy room’ not the studio.” He giggled. “Gus you were supposed to be patting the kitties, not snooping.” Justin chastised gently. “Fang threwd up. I was looking for tissues.” “The canvases are stacked in the racks on the floor. I’m pretty sure there aren’t any tissues there.” “There could be.” Gus looked at him hopefully, not noticing the tittering that waved around the table. “So Sunshine, you still have this little obsession with my naked body.” Brian teased. “They’re old things Brian. Years and years old.” Justin tried to dismiss the paintings. “Jus, how come the big giant naked one has crinkles around daddy’s eyes? The kind he gets when he laughs? But the little tiny naked one has no crinkles.” “Yeah, Jus, how come?” Brian asked. “You’ve heard of Dorian Grey haven’t you?” Emmett said. “It must be like that.” He looked around at all of them. “I saw this movie about this painting that was in the attic, it kept getting older and older, but the guy in it didn’t.” Michael had been sitting across the table watching Brian and Justin. He’d watched Brian make the small, but loving gestures unconsciously to the blond, the touch on his hand, the brushing back of his hair, and the comforting squeeze at the back of his neck. All of a sudden it dawned on him that his best friend was still in love with Justin and Justin was still in love with him. The whole group of them had barged in on what might have been their first real time together. He was spoiling everything for Brian. Standing up abruptly, Michael said. “It’s time to go. Vic, leave Justin and Brian their dessert, but bring the rest of it. We’re all heading over to my place. Ben’s away so we might as well play.” Daphne had come to the same realization. “Gus, why don’t I take you home? I’ll stay with you until your mommies come back.” She grinned at him. “When we come back tomorrow, we can wake up Jus and maybe the kitties will feel like playing.” Gus looked at Jus. “Is that ok Jus, you won’t be sad if I go with Daphne?” “I won’t be sad little guy.” Justin smiled at him. Brian stood up. “I really appreciate all of you being such good friends to Justin that you would want him to have an interesting first date. It certainly reminds me of why I don’t do dates. Well that was until a certain blond came back to town. I think maybe when I take him out next, I won’t tell anyone. We’ll try it alone.” He kept his hand on Justin’s shoulder as he spoke. “Justin, I’ll see everyone out. You get comfortable, find someplace for us to relax and have an after dinner drink.” Brian expertly herded the group out of the house, all but pushing Debbie and a heavily laden Vic out the door. “You’all come back now, but not too soon.” He bent and kissed Gus. “Daphne will bring you back tomorrow and I bet the kitties will be all better.” He kissed him again. “What color are the kitties Gus?” he asked. “Pink daddy, the kitties are pink. I showed you their picture and Jus has lots of my paintings of Thor and Fang. They are pink kitties.” He was trying to be patient with his father, but really the man was exasperating sometime. “We’ll talk about the kitties tomorrow Gus.” “Are you coming over to play too?” “I’m hoping to.” He whispered. “Maybe even have a sleep over if Justin lets me.” “He will if you cry and look real sad. He always lets me when I do that.” Brian laughed. “I’ll keep it in mind. He stood at the door and watched everyone leave. He didn’t want to take a chance on anyone doubling back. Finally satisfied, he closed the door, locked it and set the alarm. Brian began to turn out lights as he moved through the house looking for Justin. He found him coming out of a room that he hadn’t been in before. “Your studio?” he enquired. Justin nodded, “I’m going to leave the door open a bit. When the cats finally overcome the surgery, they’ll want to move around. They don’t like the studio much, I’m sure they’ll want to sleep in their usual spot.” “Where is that?” Brian was close enough to feel the heat from Justin’s body. “In my bed, under the covers, snuggled close, they’re always cold. My friend is knitting them blue angora sweaters. I hope she was kidding about the pink berets.” “You’re babbling again Justin.” Brian’s voice was soft. He had his hands on the wall on either side of Justin, boxing him in. “I do that when I’m nervous.” Justin admitted. He ducked under Brian’s arm and moved around behind him heading toward the living room. “Have a seat Brian, the sofa is comfy, I’ll get us drink. Do you want some wine or your usual?” Brian had been startled when Justin didn’t fall into his arms. Seeing him standing in the doorway, the light from the moon illuminating him, had been incredibly arousing. “Whatever you are having is fine.” He took off his suit jacket and removed his tie. He kicked off his shoes and pulled off his socks. Finally, he was comfortable. He walked into the white room and realized why Justin had decorated it like that. The moonlight filtering through the windows cast eerie shadows in the room. The furniture took on another look; the jewel tone cushions shimmered, their silk threads adding unexpected sparkle. He sank into the down filled cushions of the sofa, amazed at how it wrapped around him, the down filled leather perfectly shaping itself to his body. Brian could feel the tension of the past few hours leave in a rush and he sighed deeply. Justin leaned over the back of the sofa and handed Brian a crystal wine goblet filled with a rich burgundy. “I had this opened earlier to ‘breathe’; we might as well enjoy part of what I had planned for you.” Brian accepted the goblet; he brought it to his nose and inhaled the heady aroma. “Beautiful” he said reverently. Justin came around the end of the long white sofa and sat down close to him. In fact he snuggled in when Brian lifted his arm to the back of the sofa in an invitation that was unmistakable. “I used to fantasize about this.” Justin said. “About you and I sitting in our living room close together on the sofa, letting the silence of the night be our music.” “I always knew you had an active imagination.” Brian’s voice was soft and teasing, he pulled Justin a bit closer, leaving his arm and his hand in place, holding him there. “Brian, did you ever think about me, even a little bit, since that night you sent me away?” “I thought about you all the time Justin.” Brian sighed. “You were my one regret.” “What, that you fucked me?” “No, that I fucked myself by not admitting that I needed you, Justin Taylor, in my life.” He paused briefly. “I thought I’d never find what you had offered me ever again and it saddened me. But I moved on with my life, or I thought I had.” “I could never get you out of my mind. I tried; there were times in Dartmouth that I’d work myself into a state of zombie like exhaustion trying to drive you away. And then I’d hear your voice in my head, or your son would visit, I’d catch a glimpse of a tall man with auburn hair, little things, and you were right back, front and center.” “Justin, what we feel for each other. I don’t know what it is. I’ve never really had these kinds of emotions, the kind you bring out on me.” “It’s kind of weird Brian. I mean you were my first. We connected on a lot of levels that night, or at least I thought so. I made you into some kind of super hero and even though you wouldn’t have anything to do with me, that’s the way I felt. I used to think it was your words. You know, when you said I’d always be with you each time I fucked someone. Then I thought it was when you said I’ll see you in my dreams. I don’t know, I was a kid who had found everything he’d yearned for all wrapped up in a fucked up guy twelve years older than he was. I beat myself up about it for the last six years. So I finished up at Dartmouth and headed back here to see whether what I felt was real or whether I should begin investing in a good shrink.” “What’s your prognosis Dr. Taylor, should I give you the names of some good shrinks?” “Probably, I don’t know.” He let his head rest on Brian’s chest. “I don’t worship you like some kind of queer god anymore.” “Well, that’s a good thing.” “I like to be with you. You make me feel --- I don’t know – kind of safe and protected when you have your arms around me.” “I like having my arms around you.” “You’re easy to talk to and not too bad a kisser.” His voice was teasing. “You aren’t all that bad yourself.” “I miss you when you aren’t with me.” Justin’s voice was low as he confessed this to Brian. “I miss you as well.” “You do?” “I do. For some reason, when we are together, I feel like part of me, some mysterious part that was missing, that part is back and I’m whole. My fucked up childhood doesn’t matter, because you’re here with me. Nothing matters because you’re here.” He looked away, not wanting Justin to see the solitary tear that had spilled over with his revelation. “Brian, are you crying?” “Gus said if I cried and acted sad, you’d let me sleep over. Is it working?” he made a feeble attempt to joke. Justin stood up and held out his hand. “Come to bed Brian. No sex yet please. I want whatever we are building to be built on more than sex. We both know that sex between us can only have gotten better. Let’s learn to be friends first, not Mikey and Brian kind of friends. But Justin and Brian kind of friends.” He grinned wickedly and Brian groaned inwardly thinking that he would much rather be taking his blond enigma to bed and doing more than sleeping. But he stood up and followed Justin to the bedroom.