Days of Wine and Roses Part 10 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Four months later: The auditorium was full even though it was the first decent spring day in the city of Pittsburgh. Justin stood at one corner of the stage, hidden by the heavy draperies and looked out at the sea of young faces and marveled at how young they looked. Did he and Brian look like that not so many years ago, he wondered. He double checked that the chairs behind the podium were the comfortable ones from the Dean’s lounge and not the usual steel paralysers that normally sat on the stage. When he and Brian had been asked to take part in this seminar on advertising he’d never thought that so many would turn out to hear them lecture. He looked back over his shoulder where the man he loved sat in his red chair talking to one of the other guests. Even sitting Brian looked elegant in his new Armani from the spring line. He felt a twitch in his groin when he looked at the auburn haired man. He’d affected him like this from the moment he’d laid eyes on him in Lindsay’s art class. He hoped it would never change. He smiled when Brian turned and looked at him drawn as always by the connection they shared. The lazy appraising look that raked him from head to toe and the tongue in cheek smirk made him laugh out loud and he turned to hide his amusement from the questioning faces of the waiting guests. A hush fell over the audience of young men and women as one by one the guests moved out from behind the curtains and took their places. Brian stayed hidden waiting for his turn to move onto the stage. He’d be the last one. Each of them had been given fifteen minutes to present their thoughts and feelings on modern advertising. He knew his fifteen minutes would have to have some punch to it, to compete with the sunlight and the smell of spring that whispered through the open doors at the rear of the large room. They will all have spent almost two hours sitting in one spot listening to the pearls of wisdom from the advertising community before he had his chance to add to them. Justin looked at him enquiringly – his eyes puzzled over why Brian was still hidden from view. It was too late to say anything and he didn’t want to attract any attention to his partner if Brian had second thoughts on appearing. He flashed him a reassuring smile and turned back to listen to the other members of the Pittsburgh advertising community as they took turns offering their expertise on the subject of advertising. He was almost dozing from the heat generated by more than three hundred bodies in the audience and the spring sun shining through the small windows at the top of the tall walls when “The last speaker today is Brian Kinney from Kinney Taylor Advertising. Mr. Kinney is a former student here as well as the recipient of three awards for Advertising Excellence, he was Advertiser of the Year for the past two years, we’re hoping he’ll let one us win that one this year.” Mr. Kinney will be speaking of the topic ‘Presentation is Everything’ a subject he’s developed into a fine art much to our dismay at the annual awards banquet. A ripple of amusement flashed through the sleepy crowd. Justin was about to make Brian’s excuses for not appearing when Brian flashed out from between the curtains, elegant in Armani in his red wheel chair – moved quickly up and down the stage performing two wheelies - he came to a screeching halt center stage and with a hand held microphone began to give his lecture. Justin watched the doldrums vanish from the crowd as the all leaned forward drinking in Brian’s words. At the half way point he pulled his two ebony canes, silver lion’s heads catching the sunlight and stood up from his chair, continuing his lecture, using his chair, his canes, and his Armani suit all as points for his talk on presentation. The fifteen minutes vanished in seconds and as he wound up his talk the questions began to fly from the audience. Brian continued to field questions pacing up and down the long stage using his canes for support for more than half an hour and Justin could see the tension lines forming in his strong jaw. Already he’d been on his feet ten minutes longer than his previous best and he was tiring but unwilling to give in. When he paused for breath and a quick sip of water Justin stood and joined him. Brian looked at him gratefully and said to the audience. “My partner Justin Taylor has joined me to boot my ass back in the chair.” He laughed with the audience. “He suspects that my talk on presentation would lose something if I fall on my ass, which could happen soon.” Justin moved the red chair into position and Brian sat down gratefully. The audience rose and began to clap the sound thunderous in the room. Brian playfully pulled Justin into his lap, kissed him soundly, and wheeled them both off the stage much to the delight of the kids cheering him on. Justin, clutching the two canes leaned back into Brian. “You know Irish; I look ridiculous sitting on your lap in this chair. We are adults and really should make the attempt to at least fake it.” “Why? I’m never growing up ever and if I don’t then you can’t because you’re two years younger than me.” “Maybe physically, but mentally, I’d say I was light years ahead.” “Good, then I really don’t have to grow up.” “Now I know why I keep you around Irish, you make me smile.” “I’m not bad at fucking your ass either” he bragged to his blonde lover. “Which reminds me, I’m still way behind” he snickered at the pun “on fucking you” “How do you know? Did you keep score when I had you at my mercy?” “I certainly did. There is no way you were going to come out on top” he snickered again. “If I let you when we get home will stop the bad puns?” Justin teased. “Let me, Sunshine?” one eyebrow arched. Justin, his arms wrapped tightly around Brian’s neck crushed his lips to Brian’s, his tongue seeking the moist warmth of Brian’s mouth. Brian placed one hand on the back of Justin’s head holding him close hating to break the contact that always made him feel special. Both their cocks were uncomfortably stiff in the confines of their clothing. Only the realization that there were dozens of people a few feet away, separated by only a thin partition, made them pull apart breathless. Lust filled sapphire blue eyes gazed into hazel ones that reflected the same lust back and they laughed at the absurdity of the whole thing. “I always want you inside me” Justin whispered into Brian’s neck. Brian was about to say something back when a rustling noise made them both look toward the heavy draperies. A young man stood there shifting from one foot to another. “Sorry to interrupt sirs” he began, but there’s an urgent phone call for Mr. Kinney.” He looked uncomfortable. “You can take it in the office just outside the main doors of the auditorium.” “Now what” Brian said. He patted his pockets and located his cell phone. “Shit the battery is dead again.” He began to move toward the door to the hallway, moving so quickly that Justin had to almost run to keep up with him. Both of them were afraid to reach the phone, because only if something serious had happened would Cynthia have tracked them down here. “What” Brian barked into the phone? “I’m sorry to do this to you Brian, but I’m sending Gus to you in a cab. I have to get to the airport right now. Melanie left me and I’m going after her.” “What the fuck does Melanie leaving you have to do with you sending the kid to me?” “You’re his father and it’s time you took an active part in his life. I have my own life to deal with right now. I have to go get her back.” “Correct me if I’m wrong here. But almost four years ago you convinced me to donate sperm for you and your true love to have a child. The two of you have gone to great lengths to make sure that I never see the kid. You didn’t want me to ‘bond’ because you and your chippy were his parents. And now, when the kid is inconvenient to have around you decide it’s time to get to know daddy?” “Why didn’t the two of you just get a fucking dog? You could at least take it back to the pound.” “I’m not going to argue with you Brian. He’s your son and I’m putting him in a cab right this minute. He has a suitcase with him. Should I send the cab to the loft or to your office?” “YOU FUCKING SHOULDN’T SEND THE CAB ANYWHERE YOU BITCH” Brian shouted. “THIS IS YOUR KID YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT” “Well Melanie is my whole life. I have to get her back. I’m sending the cab to the loft.” She hung up the phone leaving Brian sitting in front of the phone purple with rage. “We need to get to the loft right now Sunshine.” Brian said through clenched teeth. “I can not fucking believe that woman.” He moved his chair back through the door heading out side hoping to get to their car as quickly as possible. Justin hurried to the driver’s side. He knew from experience not to get in Brian’s way when he was in a hurry and pissed about something. Brian could transfer to the passenger seat in record time and heaven help you if you were in the way of the chair when it was folded and pushed into the back seat. Justin pulled out of the parking lot. He already figured he knew what was happening and couldn’t quite comprehend the whole thing. It was bad enough that since Gus had been born Lindsay and Melanie had made damn sure that Brian had very little to do with his son and Brian, even though he was disappointed, lived up to the agreement he’d signed when he donated the sperm. But Justin saw the pain he had in his eyes whenever he would catch a glimpse of his son on Liberty Avenue. It was enough to break your heart. He reached over and touched his hand to Brian’s their fingers linked themselves together. Brian stared out the window of the car his jaw clenched tight. “What is wrong with the woman? What kind of mother puts her kid in a taxi and sends him to a virtual stranger? The kid is only three years old and already his mother doesn’t want him.” He looked at Justin pain in his eyes. “Is it some kind of Kinney curse that our mother’s reject us? I never wanted that to happen to my son. I never wanted him to feel unloved and unwanted. It fucking kills you.” “He isn’t unwanted and unloved. We love him and we want him. It’s going to be up to us to make him know this.” Justin’s voice was quiet but determined. “We aren’t even close to being ready to be parents Jus” Brian said his voice shaking. “The thought scares me to death.” “Think of it this way, you could have accidentally knocked me up and we’d have to start with a fresh one. This way we get one that’s house broken.” “Asshole” Brian said, but he laughed. Justin always made him feel good. He was pretty sure his blonde lover would do the same for Gus. He hoped he didn’t run into Lindsay for awhile though because he’d probably strangle her. Justin turned the corner as a yellow taxi pulled away from the curb in front of their building. Sitting on the step, a suitcase beside him was a small boy looking scared to death, his cheeks streaked with dried tears. “That god damn bitch” Justin muttered under his breath. He parked the car and while Brian moved to get his chair out Justin walked over and sat down beside the boy on the step. “Hey, you must be Gus.” He said. He held out his hand and Gus put his small one in Justin’s and nodded his head. “My name is Justin and I’m your daddy’s partner.” He looked over at Brian who was rolling slowly toward them. “Here comes your daddy now.” Gus looked at Brian with interest. Identical eyes stared at one another. Gus flipped his head back to get his silky auburn hair away from his face and at the same time Brian unconsciously did the same. “I understand you’re going to come and visit us for a few days.” Justin said conversationally. “That’s really cool. I was hoping you would come and visit. I’m sure glad it’s today.” “My mommy doesn’t want me any more.” Gus said in a small voice. “I didn’t know I had a daddy. I thought I just had two mommies.” Brian reached down and lifted Gus into his lap. “You have two mommies and two daddies and I know for a fact that your two daddies love you bunches.” He kissed the silky head. “Your mommies are just having a tough time right now. I’m sure they love you very much.” Gus looked at Brian, his big hazel eyes bright with unshed tears. “If you and Justin are my daddies, how come you didn’t come to my birthday party?” Brian looked at Justin, helpless for an answer. He decided to be honest with Gus. “Some times daddies make big mistakes and don’t fight to see their little boys. When the daddies finally realize how bad that was they hope their little boys will forgive them and still love them.” “I love you daddy” Gus put his thin little arms around Brian’s neck and kissed him. He jumped down from Brian’s lap and put his arms around Justin’s neck. “I love you too daddy Justin.” He looked at both of them. “Will you come to my next birthday party?” Justin looked at Brian and then at Gus. “Your daddy and I will be at every birthday party you ever have, from now on until the day comes and you tell us to stay away.” “I’ll never tell you to stay away.” Gus declared. “Good, that’s settled.” Brian said. “Hop on Sonny Boy, I’ll drive you to our home. Gus giggled and scrambled back up on Brian’s lap. “Hey, I guess that means I have to carry the suitcase” Justin pouted. “I’ll carry it next time daddy Justin” Gus said from his perch on Brian’s knee. “I’ll hold you to that Gus.” Justin said and he followed his two favorite men into the building and into the elevator. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 2 weeks later Gus sat on the exercise mat watching Brian intently as the therapist put him through his the series of exercises that was giving him back the full use of his legs. He watched Brian from his vantage point then said. “You have to straighten your foot out daddy, or you’ll trip and daddy Justin will never let you play in the park without your chair.” Brian looked down and sure enough his foot was turned in. Lars laughed “Hey little one, you’re on the right level to catch that. Thanks” He looked at Brian. “Sorry Brian, I wasn’t paying attention.” “It’s alright Lars, I’m tired tonight, I guess it shows.” “That’s the way it is when you’re training your brain to use parts that had formerly been dormant. You need to concentrate as much as possible. Eventually everything will become automatic. It takes time Brian.” “Daddy, you’re doing it again.” “He keeps a close eye on you.” “He makes sure that either Justin or I are in sight at all times. I think he’s afraid we’ll leave him like his mothers did.” Brian spoke low so Gus couldn’t hear him. “Daddy, it’s almost time for our lesson. Daddy Justin’s car is here.” “Lesson Brian?” “Justin is teaching Gus Tae Kwon Do, I’m part of the beginner class too. It’s helping with my balance.” He looked at his son sitting so still in his small gie the white material tied tight at the waist. “Of course I fall a lot, that’s why we have the mats everywhere. Actually that was one of the first things Justin taught us, was how to fall. I’m getting pretty good at it and so is Gus. “Isn’t Tae Kwon Do mostly high fast spinning kicks?” Lars asked. “That’s part of it – but it’s first about harmony with nature and oneself. The balance between good and evil and being in control of these forces. To do this there is a series of steps you go through while you learn. You learn patterns. Gus and I are at the very beginning. Gus because of his age and me” he looked down at his legs. “Well, I’m not to steady on my feet yet.” He nodded to Gus. “Show Lars the first pattern that Daddy Justin taught you.” Gus stood up and went to the center mat. He bowed low, spread his legs and went through a series of small kicks and hand movements. When he’d finished he bowed again and then stood straight waiting for Brian to say something. Lars smiled and shook his head in amazement at the disciple the three year old had used. When he’d first met him less than two weeks ago, he was an unruly, unhappy little boy. “Daddy, your turn.” Gus said. “Sorry Lars, we have a rule, or rather Justin and Gus have a rule, that I have to work just as hard as they do. I hate to admit it but it’s actually helping with my confidence in walking without both canes.” Brian walked to where Gus stood, using only one cane for support. He threw the cane to one side and stood beside his young son using his small shoulder for balance. Lars could see that the large hand barely touched Gus’s shoulder but it was just enough to keep him balanced on the padded floor. He bowed as low as he could without toppling over. “This is the part that used to have me flat on my face.” He said with a smile “Justin insists on it because it’s part of the ritual of respect. And I seldom fall on my face anymore so it must work. He then began to move through the same patterns that Gus had, using the touch of his fingers on Gus’s shoulder for balance when he had to. Gus moved smoothly along with his father, shouting the sharp words that were used with some of the moves. Brian wasn’t as accomplished as his son with any of the kicks, but he finished the series, with barely a wobble and it was only at the final bow, when he felt himself go over did he get to demonstrate his ability to fall without harming himself. He sat up from his roll on the mat grinning at Lars. The sound of clapping was heard from the doorway. They all turned to see Justin, in his white gie, smiling his sunshine smile at all of them. “Couldn’t wait for me eh,” he laughed. Gus turned to Justin and bowed. “Sensei” he said with respect. Justin returned his bow and then held out his arms for the small boy who ran and jumped into them. “Hi daddy Justin” he kissed him. “Did you have a good day? Did you miss me and Daddy?” “Every minute I was away” Justin said to him and kissed the small head, he looked up at Lars. “Hey Lars, what do you think of my boys?” “The two of them are looking good Justin. I had no idea Tae Kwon Do could be used in Brian’s therapy. But what ever you’re doing it seems to be working.” He looked at Brian, since I was here last week, you’ve moved ahead by at least a month, it’s quite amazing.” “Sensei is a hard task master Lars.” Brian joked. “How did this come about Justin, teaching Gus and Brian?” Lars was curious, especially about Gus. Justin kissed Gus again and set him down. “Gus, can you run up to daddy’s fridge and get him a bottle of water?” “Ok,” Gus gave him a quick bow and ran out the door. “Stairs Gus, not the elevator,” Justin called out to him. “I know, I know, the stairs will give my legs strength for battles to come.” He giggled. Justin turned back to Lars and began to talk when the sounds the small feet made had faded as they climbed higher. “Gus needed something to focus on when he came to us. He was an unhappy little boy. His mothers had left him with two strangers. Even though he was happy to accept us as his two daddies. He came down to watch me each night while I practiced, on the third night he started to ask questions, by the forth night he wanted to try himself. It was Gus who suggested that Brian work with us. He’s a very bright little boy, far above the average three year old in understanding some things. He understood right away the need for clearing your mind of bad thoughts when you work through the patterns and he likes the ritual of respect and calling me Sensei when we are in the dojo.” He indicated the two yellow belts that hung on the wall. He’s working to achieve the first belt and he thinks Brian should work just as hard and get his at the same time. That’s why he sticks close to him and lets him use him for balance. The belt will show that they both know the basic techniques, sort of like a plant growing its roots. They both will have to show Sajoe, that’s a four direction movement, with one specific technique shown in all four directions.” He smiled at Brian and held out his hand to help his tall partner up from the mat where he was still sitting. Brian gained his footing surprisingly easy and Lars was impressed at how much he’d improved. “My two students will probably earn their first belt in a week or two. Gus is so much like his father its uncanny and he would never accept it unless he felt he’d perfected Sajoe.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 3 weeks later Justin’s office at Kinney Taylor Advertising. Gus was sitting at his desk in a corner of Justin’s studio working with the computer program for preschoolers that Justin had installed in his computer. “Daddy” he asked. “Could I go down to the Day Care center this afternoon and play with the kids?” “Are you sure Gus? You know that you are welcome to stay and work up here with me and daddy.” Justin had shown Gus the Day Care rooms and playground he and Brian had set up for their employee’s children last year when he’d first started coming to the office with him, but he wouldn’t consider leaving their side. “I was thinking, now that I have my first part yellow belt, I should be able to play with the other kids.” Gus looked at Justin, his small face serious. Justin knew he meant that the yellow belt gave him confidence. He didn’t have to worry about Gus solving any arguments with his new found skills. The yellow belt stage of Tae Kwan Do didn’t allow for sparring, but rather it taught confidence in oneself as the patterns developed. “I’ll miss you but I think it’s a good idea to join the other children.” “You’ll pick me up when you’re done work won’t you?” Gus still had some fear of being left behind. “I think maybe today, you’d better pick Daddy and me up Gus. I’ll tell the teacher to put you on the elevator.” He looked at Gus “What floor do we work on?” “Floor number six” “What does a six look like?” Gus drew a six. “Don’t forget to pick us up. Daddy promised to take us to the diner for supper tonight.” “I’ll pick you up, I won’t forget.” Gus said with confidence. Brian walked in the door, looking especially yummy to Justin in his new suit. He only needed one of his ebony canes now and then only for the smallest amount of balance. He bent down and kissed Gus and then walked over to Justin and kissed him as well. “Daddy, I’m going to pick you up tonight when I’m done at the Day Care.” Gus announced proudly. Brian looked at Justin and raised his eyebrows then turned back to Gus. “Hope you don’t forget. I’d hate to be stuck up here all night.” “Silly daddy, I’d never forget my two daddies. Will Grandma Debbie be at the diner when we go there for supper?” “Diner, supper?” Brian was puzzled. “You remember Brian, you said you’d take us out for supper at the diner.” “Riiiiiight – hope you brought Tums with you.” He kissed Justin again. “Brat” he whispered. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin was sitting on Brian’s lap later in the afternoon, enjoying the time alone with the man he loved. They had been snuggled together on the sofa indulging in some leisurely necking when the phone rang. “What’s with Cynthia?” Brian said as he got up and moved toward the phone. He still had to concentrate on making his legs do what they are supposed to do. “What” he barked. “Brian, Melanie and I are back at the house. You can bring Gus over now.” “Fuck you Linds. Gus isn’t going anywhere until we get a few things ironed out.” Justin got up and stood beside Brian. He could see his lover barely controlling his wild temper. He looked into the hazel eyes and held out his hand for the telephone. “Sit down Irish, let me deal with this one.” He whispered. Brian handed him the phone, he knew he’d lose it if he heard her voice anymore. He stumbled back to the sofa and sat down with a thud. “Lindsay, its Justin. Brian and I aren’t going to get into a major battle here with you about Gus, unless we have to. I expected better of you.” His voice had taken on the tone that Brian always referred to as ‘country club arrogant’ whenever they argued. Lindsay, recognizing the tone of voice from years of growing up with her parents, slipped back into her childhood respectful upbringing, “I’m sorry Jus, you don’t understand what I was going through.” “No I don’t Lindsay, but I do know you lost any respect I ever had for you when I found an unhappy three year old sitting on the step outside the loft after having been dropped there by some god damn cab driver.” He paused and took a deep calming breath. “You stay away this long and you call now, why haven’t you called before?” “I knew you and Brian would look after my son.” “Our son Lindsay, our son, remember that.” “But “Brian and I have discussed this at length, what we would do when you finally got your ass back to the Pitts. And this is how it’s going to be.” He looked at Brian. “You and Melanie can begin by having Gus over for a weekend visit, that is if he’s comfortable with that. When he’s ready, he can move back home with the both of you. But, he is part of our lives now and he will continue to be part of our lives. There will be no arguments on that point. We’ve retained a lawyer and have arranged to have joint custody with the two of you. You both sign the papers without any problem and that will be the end of it.” He didn’t have to back up his unspoken threat with any words. Lindsay was ashamed of what she’d done and she knew she would have no support from any one if she tried to keep Gus away from Brian and Justin like she done previously. “When can we see him?” she asked subdued. “Both of you come over Saturday morning. It’ll give Brian and I a couple of days to talk to Gus and make sure he knows that we aren’t abandoning him to the two of you.” “He wouldn’t think that.” “He’s barely able to deal with the fact that his mothers sent him to live with two strangers” “I’m sorry Justin.” “It isn’t me who you should be apologizing to. Gus is the victim here.” He looked at Brian, who was sitting with his head down, a puddle of misery. An older version of the small boy who’d been found on the step in front of the loft building. “We’ll see you both Saturday morning.” Justin hung up the phone and then sat down beside Brian and put his arms around him pulling him close, holding him tightly. He kissed the top of Brian’s head. “It was bound to happen. You knew she’d be back.” Brian nodded, he couldn’t say anything. Then, “I didn’t know I would love him so much Jus.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Are my mommies really coming tomorrow?” Gus asked again. He was sitting beside his father on the sofa, snuggled as close and he could get. “That’s the plan Gus.” “But they’ll bring me back home to you and daddy Justin won’t they?” “If that’s what you want, yes.” Gus sighed. “I miss my mommies.” “I know you do.” “Being a kid is a hard thing.” “It is?” Brian kissed the chestnut hair. “It shouldn’t be. Being a kid is supposed to be fun.” “I like living with you and daddy Justin.” “We like you living here.” “Does this mean I can’t get my second level yellow belt?” “No, we’ll talk to your mommies about that. I think it would be good to keep working with Justin.” “Will I still be your kid if I go back to my mommies’ house?” “You will always be our kid. Your room will always be your room.” “I love you daddy.” “I love you too Gus.” The two Kinney men sat in silence. The tall one picked up the smaller one and snuggled him on his lap, keeping his strong arms tight around the slight body of his son. Each of them lost in their thoughts as they contemplated the reunion the next day. Justin sat on the other side of the windowed partition on the big bed. He’d been changing his clothes when Brian and Gus had started to talk and he had wanted to give them some privacy. He wiped a tear that had slipped down his cheek. He hoped they were doing the right thing in letting Gus go back with Lindsay and Melanie. Evan though they were going to have work at it, he knew that inevitably the boy would stay with his mothers. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin picked up the phone on Saturday morning. Gus and Brian were sitting at the table eating breakfast and Brian was reading the comic strips from the paper to Gus and making him giggle. “High” he said “Justin, its Lindsay” she paused. “Look we’re running late, I can’t get there for at least another hour.” Brian looked over at Justin and could see from the set of his jaw that whoever he was talking to was pissing him off. He caught Justin’s eye and Justin mouthed ‘Lindsay’ then turned his back. He carried the phone up into the bathroom and shut the door. “Lindsay, I’m only going to say this once, and you keep in mind that I have the bucks to back myself up on this. If you make an arrangement to pick Gus up for the weekend or even to come for a visit. You fucking well better be here at the time you say or Gus won’t be there waiting. This is your one and only time that I’ll make an exception. Gus has a lesson in half an hour. We’ll be in the dojo.” He hung up wishing he could slam the receiver down. The urge to jump up and down and stamp his feet in a complete tantrum came and went. He strolled out of the bathroom and smiled at the two pair of hazel eyes that were turned on him. “Lucky break boys, I was able to talk Gus’s mommy into letting him stay for the lesson.” “No shit” Gus declared. He looked at Justin “Sorry” “What’s the rule?” “No swearing, even little swears.” He looked at Justin. “Daddy swears” “That’s why you have to be a good example for him. We can teach him to be polite and not swear.” “Daddy is sitting right here and can hear you both.” “Daddy is such a big baby” Justin kissed his forehead. “Daddy’s not a baby, he said he’s going to marry you and I can be his best man.” Justin beamed at his lover. “He did?” “We’re practicing” “Practicing?” “You know, Daddy says he is going to walk down the center of the Church all by himself because he promised you he would but I get to walk with him like in ‘class’ so he doesn’t fall on his damn face.” “Gus” Gus rolled his eyes at Brian. “I’m sorry daddy; I’m being a bad example again.” Brian grabbed Justin and sat him on his lap and Gus giggled when Justin had to grab Brian around his neck because he was about to fall off. “Cut the kid some slack there Jus.” He kissed the blonde with a big smack making Gus giggle even more. “You didn’t have to explain to the Day Care Supervisor why every kid in place had a ‘new word for the day’ that was four letters and not appropriate for three year olds. “Oh” Brian looked chagrined. “I’ll promise to watch what I say Gus, if you will too.” Gus grinned at him and gave him a ‘high five’. Justin shook his head – it was like having two kids when the Kinney men were together. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ One month later Justin was sitting in his office studio staring out the large window. Gus had been back at Lindsay’s for almost two weeks. He still couldn’t get used to the fact that five o’clock would arrive and no Gus would be standing at his studio door waiting to pick him up. Oh Lindsay or Melanie made sure he was at the dojo for an hour each evening, but it seemed to him they were treating it like a babysitting service. They never even came further than the front door. And yesterday, he never smiled once during the class and even Brian’s antics in pretending to fall and pulling Gus on top of him to tickle him didn’t get a smile out of the hazel eyed boy. Justin could see him retreating into himself almost as bad as he had been when he’d arrived on their door step. The phone ringing by his elbow startled him out his pensive thoughts. “Justin Taylor” he said into the phone. “Mr. Taylor, it’s Sam down in reception. I have Gus here with me and a taxi driver who says the kid called and asked to be delivered here. He needs twenty bucks.” “I’ll be right there.” Justin jumped down from his stool and raced to the elevator. He looked back at Cynthia who was staring at him in surprise. “Where’s Brian?” “He’s at Jacobson’s following up on that new presentation. He should be back in an hour.” Justin nodded at her as the elevator doors closed. He reached the lobby, the first thing he saw was Gus sitting on the edge of Sam’s desk talking to him. Gus looked up and saw Justin. “Daddy Justin” he jumped down and rushed into Justin’s arms.” “Hey Gus” Justin kissed him and he looked at Sam. “I paid the cab Mr. Taylor.” Justin reached into his pocket and took two twenties out of his wallet. He handed it to the kind man at the front desk. “Thanks Sam.” “How did you find us Gus?” “I called the taxi like mommy does. She turns her phone on and pushes 11 and says ‘come to 4838 Hillier Street and when the taxi got there I gave him this” he showed Justin the business card that the two of them had made up one day with the street address on it of the agency. “Where’s your mommies?” “Sleeping, they said to go play in the back yard. But I want to play with the kids here.” “I’ll take you to the Day Care, but when you pick me up from work tonight, we have to have a talk about this.” “Ok” Gus was happy with that. He suspected he shouldn’t have come without telling his mommies. But he really wanted to see his two daddies. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “I really can’t believe you talked me into this Sunshine” Brian looked around the spacious, but empty rooms. “It’s like something out of some kind of demented nightmare.” “Suck it up Irish, this is hardly a nightmare.” “How did you get the munchers to agree?” he looked around him and even he had to admit the place was far more than he’d ever expected. “I have my ways.” Justin grabbed his hand, pulling him out the French Doors off the expansive family room. “This is the coolest thing.” He dragged Brian over to a large swimming pool and hot tub combination that appeared to be formed out of rock, with a wide gentle water fall at one end. He turned to him and began to slowly undo the buttons on Brian’s shirt, kissing the warm skin on his chest after each part of it was exposed. “Geeze Sunshine, we don’t even live here yet.” “So, what’s a week or two.” He looked into the hazel eyes. “I want you Brian, I want you to fuck me and I want to fuck you. Brian, I love you.” And of course Brian was lost the moment his name had crossed Justin’s lips, each syllable an intimate caress that never failed to bring his cock to full attention. He pulled Justin tight to his body, his hands searching to release them both from the confines of their clothing. Their jeans puddle on the flagstones, their shoes were slipped off, yet neither one remembered it happening. Their lips fought for the right to worship each part of the man in front of them. No one wanted to give in, both insisting on dominating their love making until the intensity of standing in the afternoon sunshine, their bodies glistening with passionate sweat, began to leave both of them weak at the knees. Justin maneuvered them closer to the edge of the pool then using his body for leverage, pushed them both over the side into the warm water. Still their lips didn’t part and only Justin’s expert swimming ability managed to right them so they could breathe. Justin turned in Brian’s arms, his back pressing tight against the torso of his lover, relishing the feel of the thick cock pressing between his cheeks. He turned his head to resume their long kiss and Brian, his eyes closed with the passion he was feeling, he had almost lost it all when Justin’s hard cock had hit his when he turned. He let his lips move to Justin’s pale neck and as he moved lower the song that was playing on the radio flooded over him the lyrics spelling out how he felt for the man in his arms. He turned Justin around and Justin wrapped his legs around Brian’s waist the buoyancy of the water positioning him perfectly for the hard cock to push against his willing hole, the warm water acting as lubricant. He grinned as Brian began to sing along with the radio, the hazel eyes locked on his. When I’m feeling blue All I have to do Is take a look at you Then I’m not so blue When you’re close to me I can feel your heart beat I can feel you breathing In my ear Wouldn’t you agree? Baby, you and me got a groovy kind of love. “You are such a romantic Brian Kinney. I’m never going to forget this moment.” “Because I’m going to fuck you until you can’t sit down for a week?” “It won’t work Brian; I’ve discovered your secret. You are ridiculously romantic” His fingers combed the back of the auburn hair, and then pulled him close never losing eye contact. “We take possession next week of the house, how about we take possession of each other then.” Justin whispered the words that Brian had hoped to hear. “You mean it Sunshine?” Justin pushed down hard; impaling himself on the stiff cock, his breath caught then evened out, letting Brian know the answer to his question. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian bent down and helped his young son with his tie. “There perfect” he pronounced. “I like my new house daddy.” Gus declared. “Mommy said it’s called a Carriage House. Isn’t that a funny name?” “It is a funny name. But I’m glad you like it.” “Mommy likes her studio, she says she can paint all day in there if she wants and never have to come out. Mom says, “whatever makes you happy.” “And you can run up to our house and visit us when ever you want. No more taxis” “Yep, it’s kind of fun having two rooms. I have a little room at mommy’s house and a giant room at my daddy’s house. Brian was thinking, ‘thank gawd there is two hundred yards of lawn and driveway separating the two. At least Justin didn’t make us buy a duplex.” A knock at the door of the bedroom and Emmett’s voice. “It’s show time boys.” Brian cleared his throat nervously. Gus put his hand in his father’s. “It’s ok daddy, I’ve got you.” Brian smiled down at him. “That you do Sonny Boy, that you do.” He stood at the top of the staircase and watched the man of his dreams, dressed in his tuxedo walk into the large living room that had been set up like a chapel. Justin’s mother and father on either side of him walked him down the aisle, leaving him standing in front of the Justice of the Peace that was going to perform the ceremony. Brian and Gus slowly made their way to the bottom of the stairs and then Brian nodded to Michael who had been standing by the music center. The strains of the traditional wedding music shifted to Any time you want to You can turn me on to Anything you want to Any time at all When I kiss your lips Oo, I start to shiver Can’t control the quivering inside Wouldn’t you agree? Baby you and me got a groovy kind of love. Justin’s face was bright with his widest smile, his eyes danced as the words poured forth. Brian, his finger tips just grazing the top of Gus’s head for grounding and balance walked slowly and steadily, with out his cane down the center of their family and friends. They all could see him singing the words to the man who’s eyes were locked with his. When I’m feeling blue All I have to do Is take a look at you Then I’m not so blue, When I’m in your arms Nothing seems to matter My whole world can shatter I don’t care Wouldn’t you agree? Baby, you and me got a groovy kind of love.