Days of Wine and Roses Part 5 Notes: Misty and Jude this is for the both of you. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian continued to hold his phone up to his ear. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Justin walked through the door. “Come in Justin, glad to see you. Certainly I’d love to fuck you.” Justin said this in what he thought of as his ‘Brian Kinney’ voice. “How did you do that?” Brian asked. “Didn’t I leave you at the airport in Pittsburgh not that long ago?” Brian asked. “Could be, there were a lot of planes there. I wandered around, found a comfy seat and next thing you know I’m here.” Justin took the phone out of Brian’s hand and shut it. He put the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door, closed and locked it. “Irish, it’s a long story and I’m hungry and tired. I need to eat and sleep. I promise I’ll tell you all about it when I’m conscious.” Brian took the smaller man in his arms. “I really don’t care Justin. I’m glad you’re here but my days have been planned out and they’re pretty full. I won’t have much time to spend with you.” He kissed Justin’s lips right before the blonde yawned. “I have quite the effect on you I see Sunshine.” He teased. Justin laughed by pulled away and began to remove his clothes. In seconds he was under the covers his head on the pillow. Brian could see that he was hardly able to keep his eyes open. Actually the bed looked darn good to Brian. His clothes were off and he was in beside Justin in seconds. Justin looked at him sleepily “Short nap Irish first. K – And his eyes closed. Brian smiled but pulled the covers up tucking them around Justin’s shoulders. He lay on his side watching the young man sleep. Something wasn’t right about this sudden urge to accompany him. Justin knew he was here on business. He knew that Brian still tricked, so it wasn’t a jealousy thing. He relaxed for awhile his head on the pillow, eyes shut listening to the soft breathing of the man beside him and he wondered how he’d managed in the last few months to come to this point. He was only beginning his career in advertising and while he made darn good money as a first year ad man, it still wasn’t enough for himself and his personal commitments let alone taking on another. Whatever Justin’s problem was it looked like he was going to have to make a decision regarding this man who meant so much to him? Justin had money, how much he didn’t know, but more than likely more than he would have for a very long time if ever. Was what he felt for Justin lustful infatuation or was it more? Was it something that could last ‘always and forever’? And if it was could he keep his pride and yet still allow Justin to shoulder the burden of their expenses. Would the fact that Justin not only had money, but came from money allow them to be together? His mind was whirling with these questions when the telephone rang. He reached over and answered. “Kinney here” “Brian, I’m sorry to be bothering you while you’re away, Marty gave me your number. I was wondering if you knew where Justin was. I know he was having some renovations done and I suppose that’s why he isn’t home. But his father had arranged for him to meet with a Fraternity Brother’s son and take him around town while he’s here. Chip gave me some kind of garbled story about Justin giving him the brush off.” Jennifer paused. “Really Jennifer, why would you think I would know where Justin was?” Brian hedged. “Well, I just assumed that you and Justin were seeing each other. I mean you did call me to find him the other day.” “Seems both of us are having a hard time keeping track of Justin.” Brian stated. He looked over at the blonde who was drooling slightly on his pillow. “I’m sorry I disturbed you Brian. I’m sure Justin will show up soon. I’ll take Chip to the Club with Craig and Molly this evening. Perhaps Justin will be there.” “If you see Justin tonight at the Club, be sure and say hi from me.” Brian said tongue in cheek. He hung up the phone and looked down at the sleeping beauty. He wondered if he should wake him with a kiss then thought he’d let him sleep. Brian went to the mini bar and took out a bottle of water. He pulled the phone over to a small desk and sat down studying the silent phone and wondering if he should call Cynthia, and see what’s up at the office. He wasn’t sure why he didn’t tell Justin’s mother that her wandering son was asleep in his bed. But he had a feeling that something was up. Whatever it was, if it involved Justin he was going to protect him however he could. He might not have much money, but he did have the Irish tenacity to protect the one they love. He looked at the phone and thought, ‘love’ I really think I do ‘love’ him. How odd was that? Brian Kinney, was in love. He sat there thinking. “No wonder I didn’t recognize what I was feeling. I love Mikey like a brother and Deb and Vic like parents. But that’s it. No one else.” He looked over at Justin and realized that if it was the last thing he ever did, no one would get the chance to do any harm to this man. He would protect him with his life. He picked up the phone and quickly dialed his office. “Hi Cynthia, do you have a minute?” he asked. “I was wondering, heard any good gossip lately?” “Mr. Kinney?” Cynthia asked. She was puzzled by the friendly question and the phone call. “Call me Brian; I think we know each other well enough.” Brian said. “Now what’s the office gossip?” “I don’t really listen to gossip Mr.—I mean Brian.” She paused. “But Mr. Ryder’s secretary was talking to her boyfriend this morning. We were in the lunch room and she was on her cell. She said that Mr. Ryder was all excited about getting Mr. Taylor’s love interest out of the way so he could bring in someone more suitable.” “I wonder what he meant by more suitable.” Brian asked. “I’m not really sure. I don’t know who Mr. Taylor is seeing. Marjorie says that Mr. Ryder refers to him as that damn Mick.” She paused. “Have you any idea who it might be?” “Oh I suspect I have an idea or two. Well keep your ears open. I wouldn’t mind finding out more about this.” He looked over at Justin who was still sleeping. “Thanks Cynthia, I’ll call again.” Brian was thoughtful when he turned away. Justin was too distracting and he had work to do. He was so involved with his project that was spread out all over the desk. That he didn’t realize how many hours he’d been there until two warm arms, circled him from behind, puppy dog nips were being taken off his earlobe followed by soothing kiss. “Hey Irish, don’t you ever stop?” Justin kissed him again this time he turned his head and their lips met. “Fuck me and feed me Irish, I’m in dire need of substance, food for my tummy and food for my soul. “Want to go out or do you want room service?” Brian asked. He pushed his chair away from the desk and swung Justin around until he was sitting on his lap. Justin rested his forehead on Brian’s. “Irish, we need to talk, and talk in private. Can you order me something from room service while I shower?” He looked down at his wrinkled pants and shirt. “Can you order me a pair of pants, some socks and shirt too?” he pulled out his wallet. “There’s money in here, I don’t care what you buy, just as long as it’s clean.” “What about underwear?” “What about it?” Justin smirked and jumped off Brian’s lap heading for the bathroom. The shower had barely started, when Justin felt a cool draft from the bathroom door opening. He smiled to himself and waited patiently for Brian to come in with him. Brian stepped behind him kissing his shoulder. “Want me to wash your back?” he asked. He didn’t wait for an answer but wet the soap he’d brought in with him and began to rub it over Justin’s back. The scent of sandalwood filled the air. “When I bought this I thought of you.” Brian stated. He rubbed it into Justin’s hair. “It’s a shampoo bar as well.” “Aren’t you supposed to be feeding me?” Justin asked. He put his head back enjoying the attention. “Food is ordered, pants and stuff too.” Brian kissed his shoulder and continued kissing lower until his tongue reached the velvet mounds of Justin’s ass. Justin obliged without being asked bending slightly forward revealing the glistening pink hole. The next fifteen minutes were creative as the two of them satisfied their cravings in the small slippery hotel tub. They both emerged with barely enough time to dry off before room service was knocking at the door. Brian laughed at the expression on Justin’s face when he moved to the door to open it for the room service dressed only in his towel. Justin returned the laugh by sticking out his tongue. He dissolved in a fit of giggles when Brian opened the door to a very young room service attendant who blushed crimson when she took one look at Brian. She attempted to hand him the tray while keeping her eyes squinched shut. Brian smiled and took the tray from her hand. Justin handed him his money to tip her generously. He scrawled his name on the room charge slip handing it to her. “Thanks” he said and smiled again letting the Kinney charm loose. She stammered something and was out the door and down the hall before Brian managed to shut it. He looked at Justin who was still giggling while attempting to eat his club house sandwich. “You’re going to choke to death and I’ll just leave you there.” Brian warned. “You know that is sooooo not true Irish” Justin smiled suddenly shy. “You love me truly madly deeply.” He looked up his blue eyes wide “Don’t you?” Brian let his warm hazel eyes flecked with gold look deeply into Justin’s. “I think maybe I do brat.” He sighed. “Why do I feel like we’re in a bad production of Romeo and Juliet?” Justin looked sad for a moment. He put his sandwich down on his plate. “We need to talk about something Irish. But before we do I need to know something.” He looked away then got up. He walked to the window and stared out. “I’m not joking now. I have to know how you feel about me. A lot depends on it.” “And you Justin, how do you feel about me?” Brian’s voice was serious. He walked up behind Justin and stood there inches from his back. “How do you feel about me? I come from a middle class background. My father’s an abusive drunk who’s always wanting money from me. My mother is a cold hearted bitch, my sister has been trained to follow in both of their footsteps. How do you feel about me?” Justin turned until he was facing Brian. He picked up his left hand in his own left hand. “My grandmother always told me that the reason why wedding bands are worn on the third finger of the left hand is because the veins in that hand travel directly to the heart.” He held Brian’s hand firmly then brought it to his lips. “She also told me that when I fall in love. I will fall in love with a person, not a family, not a bank account. To always remember that the person I fall in love with is my reason for living.” He kissed Brian’s hand again. “Together we can beat any adversity that comes our way. Your father can no longer hurt you physically but your family can always hurt you mentally. But you aren’t alone, you have me. You always will.” He looked into Brian’s eyes. “I love you Brian, I fell in love with you the moment I saw you last spring in art class.” He clasped Brian’s hand to his heart. “My heart is yours.” He shut his eyes trying to hold in his tears. Brian said nothing. Justin let Brian’s hand drop and he turned to stare back out the window. He had offered his heart and Brian was silent. “Justin” Brian’s voice broke. “I don’t want to come between you and your family.” he struggled for composure. “They don’t want us together. I talked to Cynthia this morning and she told me Marty was planning something. Your mother called looking for you. She has some guy for you to meet.” Brian felt wetness on his face. “You and I, we come from different worlds. What we have together, what we feel, I don’t know if it’s enough.” Justin spoke quietly, not turning around “Do you love me Brian?” Brian shuddered with emotion. “Truly, madly, deeply. I love you Justin Taylor and I’m scared to death.” Justin turned and they grabbed onto each other. Justin lay his head on Brian’s chest, his salty tears trailing down his face. He could feel Brian’s tears on his shoulder. They stood for a moment then Justin said “Fuck Irish, you’d think we were a couple of dykes.” He pulled back then took Brian’s hand and led him over to the bed. “My clothes aren’t here yet. Let’s fuck, get our minds onto something else besides my asshole parents and yours. Maybe when we get back we should invite them over for a party.” Brian laughed as he wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “Twat” he smiled. “I can see Jack Kinney hoisting a few with Craig. Our mother’s exchanging recipes in the kitchen. Molly kicking the shit out of my sister’s two brat’s.” he laughed “We should have some real interesting ‘family’ get togethers.” “Throw in Mikey and Debbie and Vic, maybe Ted and Emmett and it will be perfect Justin chimed in. “We can get Uncle Marty to tend bar in his lingerie.” “Don’t forget to invite Melanie and Lindsey.” “That’s right our soirees wouldn’t be complete without the two dykes.” Justin picked up his sandwich, it was cold but that didn’t matter. Brian loved him. As long as Brian loved him everything was wonderful, including his cold sandwich. He held it out to him and he took a bite. “Christ that’s cold Justin” Brian said as he chewed the soggy sandwich. But he reached out and took one of the pieces off the plate and began to eat it. Justin handed him a glass of iced tea, the ice long gone. Brian drank deeply making a face at the tart acidity when he put the glass down. The finished their lunch. Brian got dressed - finishing when a knock at the door indicated the arrival of Justin’s new clothes. Justin paid the delivery man cash. He opened the bag interested in seeing what Brian had ordered. He pulled out a pair of grey sweats. “Irish, these are sweats.” Justin bitched. “I’m not your fashion consultant or your personal shopper Sunshine. These will cover your ass until you get whatever you need.” Brian smirked at him. “Geeze the bloom is off the romance already.” Justin grumbled as he pulled on the grey fleece. Brian was back at the table a pad of paper in front of him writing something. Justin wandered over and sat beside him. “What are you doing?” he asked. “Making a list of things we need to do.” He looked at Justin. “When are you heading back to Pittsburgh? Your mother has no idea where you are. When she called I never lied about where you were, but I didn’t volunteer your location either.” “I suppose I could go back today. I know you’re going to be busy and I do have the renovations to oversee.” He looked at Brian, his hand covered Brian’s and he squeezed gently. “You do understand why I came don’t you? I suddenly realized that they were trying to manipulate me and I was afraid that maybe they had already gotten to you.” He looked sad for a moment. “Irish, I can’t do it. I can’t give you up. I won’t give you up. We have to fight them.” Brian leaned over and kissed the soft pink lips. “I think you need to stay here for at least one night, maybe two. The renovations will take care of themselves. I know you, you probably have an twenty page list of exactly what the contractor is supposed to do. Call your mother, but block the number so she can’t see where the call is coming from. Let her know that you are busy and much as you’d love to see this Chip guy – and what kind of a name is that – you’ll have to pass this time.” He kissed Justin again. “This is my first big presentation on my own and I could use any help you can give me. I wouldn’t be surprised if you already were with me on this one. I want the contract; in fact I want more than the contract. Lets see what we can do together to make ‘Uncle’ Marty get all hot and sweaty.” “Ok, works for me Irish. But I don’t want any of the family to know that I’m working with you. I want this to be yours completely. They don’t understand about partnerships but we do.” He returned Brian’s kiss. “I better go shopping while you work this afternoon if I’m staying.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 6 months later in Pittsburg Brian paced back and forth across the hardwood floor. He needed a terrific idea to market a series of steak houses owned by some hillbilly that Marty had dug up. He was getting used to all the shit clients Marty threw his way. Like Justin had pointed out. If he could continue to make diamonds out of crap then his career in advertising was going to be a guaranteed success, Marty Ryder or not. He still smiled when he remembered coming home to the loft on the day the nominations had come out for the Cleo Award for best in advertising and his name had been submitted for his Givenchy television ad campaign. Justin had decorated the loft in hundreds of white candles, romantic music on the stereo. The only light other than the candles was the blue neon in the bedroom. The dining room table had been set with white linen, silver and crystal. He couldn’t smell anything so he knew that Justin hadn’t prepared dinner. He looked around for Justin but couldn’t see him anywhere. He was about to check downstairs when he thought to look in the bedroom. He began to walk toward the bedroom stairs when Justin dressed in a white tuxedo greeted him. “Your shower is waiting Irish, I’ll let you shower and change. Your clothes for the evening will be ready for you when you are.” “What’s all this for Justin?” he’d asked, letting his arm sweep around to indicate all the decorating Justin had done. “Tonight is about you Irish. It’s to say how proud I am of you. It’s to say how much I love you. It’s to say you and I are going to leave Marty Ryder in the dust someday.” Brian walked past Justin. He couldn’t stop grinning. Somehow Justin’s words, knowing that Justin was proud of him was worth more than a thousand awards. He brushed his lips against Justin’s, drinking in the scent of him as he stood there looking at him love in his every expression. He showered in record time and took a few moments to shave. He anticipated some amazing sex later and didn’t want whisker burn on his favorite blonde’s sensitive skin. When he came out of the bathroom he noticed a new black tuxedo on the bed along with a blood red silk dress shirt. Justin knew what he liked and he had picked out the perfect outfit. Justin came back into the room as he finished doing up his shirt. The blonde picked up the jacket and held it out for Brian to put on. He turned his back and allowed the soft material to slip over his arms then his shoulders enjoying the gentle kiss that was placed just under his ear. “This is a preview of what you’ll look like on the night of the award banquet.” “Mmmmmm, I wonder if I’ll be able to find a date that night.” Brian mused. He was rewarded with a nip on his ear. “Owww” he said but he smiled. “So Sunshine you busy then?” “Irish, you are sooooo going to have a date that night. No way would I miss your first award presentation. I’ll want to take pictures for my Brian Kinney scrapbook.” “I guess we’ll give them something to talk about even if I don’t win.” He grinned down at Justin. “Now why did we have to get dressed up for take out and fucking?” “Remember Irish, presentation is everything.” He took Brian’s hand and led him to the dinner table. He held Brian’s chair when he sat then took the one next to him and rang a silver dinner bell. Brian started to laugh, but quickly suppressed it when from the stairway that Justin had built at the end of the loft, the stairway that joined the two apartments and had been a bone of contention between the two of them but now served as their own private stair way to heaven came four well muscled and well oiled men dressed in tuxedo pants and bow ties carrying dinner on silver platters. Justin poured Brian a glass of champagne, then one for himself. He picked up the glass. “Surprise Irish, this is how a celebratory dinner should be served. All us Country Club Queers fantasize about this kind of service.” He offered his glass for a toast. “Kinney and Taylor together we can conquer the world or at least Pittsburgh” Brian smiled at him “Things are never dull with you around Sunshine. Taylor and Kinney together can conquer the world and fuck Pittsburgh.” “Works for me Irish” Justin said and clinked his glass against Brian’s. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ three years later – Pittsburgh – the loft “Why is the whole damn gang coming over?” Justin said. He was nervous; they had each and everyone of their family over at one time or another in the past year and half. But separately, it was easier to take for all concerned. “It’s our four year anniversary Sunshine. Four years I’ve put up with my very own Drama Princess. I think I deserve some kind of celebration.” Brian teased him. He loved to see the look of outrage build on Justin’s transparent features then watch as good sense prevailed and he realized Brian was just teasing. “Irish I don’t really think having your parents and mine in the same room at the same time is a real good plan. Not to mention the rest of the gang.” He looked at Brian with his puppy dog face. “Mickey might poison my drink.” “Mikey, twat, don’t forget. The last time you started with the Mickey routine almost caused a riot at Woody’s.” “How was I to know he’s a sensitive drunk?” “I’m not going to justify that with an answer.” Brian fussed with the large table that had been put out with an assortment of appetizers in chafing dishes and on ice. “Do you think we have enough food?” “I wouldn’t worry about food Irish, do we have enough JB would be a more appropriate question?” he walked over to survey the table. “Remember who’s coming, we have some professional drinkers in the crowd.” “Twat” “Just being honest, look I’d better go down to my place. I’ll arrive after the first one gets here. Make it look more authentic.” “I’m sure by now they must know that the stairs over there go down to your place.” Brian smirked. “I doubt it. We aren’t talking the brightest crowd here. It was six months before ‘your very best friend’ even noticed that they were there. He was happy to know you had a basement entrance. I still can’t believe you convinced him that the stairs went to the basement.” “It’s not like you ever have anyone in at your place for them to see the other end of the stairway.” Brian said. The stairs ended in Justin’s large bedroom which was rather convenient upon occasion. “That’s what you think Irish, I have whole crowds in my bedroom when you’re traveling.” Brian kissed him gently “Whatever gets you through the day Sunshine.” It hadn’t taken Brian and Justin long into their relationship to realize that living together would be the fastest thing to break them up. Brian was work driven and demanded order and quiet in his living environment. Justin on the other hand loved to spend his leisure hours with a steady beat of music or television surrounding him. He liked to talk, sing and whistle when he was busy and when he was bored. The solution that Justin had come up with satisfied them both. They continued to live their separate lives in their own apartments. But when the need for companionship outweighed the need for solitude, the stairway was there. They had never slept apart other than when one or the other traveled on business. Their bed was always the one closest to where they were when it was time to retire for the night. It also solved the problem of their relationship as far as parents and friends were concerned. Justin’s family still considered Brian unsuitable though they did all like him. He was just a passing fancy as Jennifer sometimes referred him to her friends. Justin, to Brian’s parents rated little or no thought. They were unable to deal with the fact that Brian was gay and chose to completely ignore this fact. As far as they were concerned Justin was a friend of their son’s like Michael, or Ted or Emmett. Michael continued to harbor feelings of love toward Brian and was far easier to get along with when he thought Brian and Justin were friends who lived in the same building. Ted and Emmett knew about Brian and Justin’s relationship, but they valued their friendship with the two men and kept their knowledge to themselves. Debbie and Vic both suspected that Brian and Justin were a lot closer than they led everyone to believe. They had both agreed to sit back and watch the Brian and Justin show from the sidelines. Lindsey and Melanie had been living together for more than a year now as a couple. They both knew about Brian and Justin and both realized how much the two men loved each other. After all it was because of Brian and Justin that they were together themselves. Two hours later everyone had arrived. Justin was kept busy supplying drinks to all of them. The music as playing in the background and a hum of voices still relatively peaceful sounded throughout the large loft. Brian stood at the top of the steps to the bedroom and began to tap on his glass with a silver spoon. “Quiet everybody, quiet.” He said his voice was low but demanded to be heard. Silence fell on the room. “Justin, can you come here?” Justin looked puzzled but went to Brian anyway. “We have a couple of general family announcements to make and I thought this would work better than several different conversations. The first thing I wanted to announce was that this is the Justin’s and my forth anniversary. Yes, I still can’t believe it myself, but Justin has put up with my Irish temper for four years and I’m still around to tell you about it.” He bent down and kissed his lover’s warm lips. “Thanks Sunshine.” “Next is really Melanie and Lindsey’s announcement but they have asked that I do it. I’m going to be a father, Lindsey is expecting our son in six months. He’ll be raised by his mommies, but his two dads will have some say.” He hugged Justin close. Only Justin could feel the tremble of nerves that flowed through Brian’s body. Brian held up his hand. “Before anyone asks, I jerked off in a cup – he grinned at Lindsey “far more sterile and less messy” He looked down at Justin. “The next announcement is really Justin’s.” Justin looked at all the expectant faces. “I’m not sure if you are know this or not. But I was the controlling owner of Ryder Agency. The company has been a family one since my Grandfather’s day. Yesterday Brian purchased Uncle Marty’s shares as well as part of mine. He and I now own jointly Ryder Agency as equal partners. What Brian probably would never tell you is he purchased Marty’s shares as well as my own at fair market value with his own money.” He reached up and kissed Brian. “He’s a proud and stubborn Irishman, but I love him.” He held up Brian’s hand, “so we wanted you all to know that we are business partners.” Justin started to head down the stairs toward the gathering of people as their voices started up with questions hovering on their lips. “Not so fast Sunshine” Brian said loudly. Everyone stopped talking. Brian reached into his pocket. “After I walked out of the lawyer’s office yesterday” he looked at Melanie. “I noticed that she had left me with a couple of bucks still in my savings account.” He grinned at Justin. “I thought what would my little spendthrift lover do in that case. All of you know of his generosity and the fact that he feels compelled to make sure that he alone keeps the economy going by spending money.” He looked into Justin’s blue eyes. “This is for you Sunshine, I want us to be more than just business partners in everyone’s eyes. I want us to be life partners as well.” He took Justin’s left hand and placed a ring on his third finger. He handed Justin a larger ring and Justin managed through his tears to put it on Brian’s third finger of his left hand. “Partners always and forever Sunshine?” he asked his voice a whisper. “Partners Brian” Justin said, making his name a caress that tugged at Brian’s heart. Even the two father’s eyes blurred with tears when the two lover’s kissed. “Does that mean we can see the ‘invisible’ stair case to Justin’s bedroom now?” Molly asked no one in particular.