I HONESTLY LOVE YOU ** 2 ** ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Wednesday morning breakfast at the diner “Here he is now, Mr. Kinney in the flesh.” Debbie said. “No, he’s that way on the wall at the GLC” Emmett said. “Would you guys cut it out? Brian can’t help it if the pictures look a lot like him. It could be anybody.” Michael defended. “What in hell has your panties in a twist this morning?” Brian asked. “It’s too early for anything dramatic.” “Everybody is talking about the pictures of you at the GLC.” Michael volunteered. “Some kid has a couple that look a lot like you.” “And this is a problem?” Brian drawled. “You’re naked.” Michael exclaimed. “And this is a problem?” Brian again drawled. “Well, honey, he has rather exaggerated a certain shall we say appendage.” Emmett laughed. “And you would know this how?” Brian countered with a smirk. “Brian.” Michael laughed, and he looked at Emmett “don’t encourage him” he said to Emmett. “Boys don’t get all excited. I know the artist and I can appreciate any steps he took to make the drawing as life like as possible. Maybe some desperate fag will buy the thing. It will be a boost for the fundraiser.” “Who needs a picture when you can see the real thing in the back room of Babylon any Saturday night?” Ted asked. “Guys like you Ted, ‘cause you’ll never see it in the back room.” Brian looked at Debbie. “I need some coffee here Deb, times awasting. Some of us have to work.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Friday night – Taylor Residence “I don’t care. He’s grounded.” Craig Taylor turned his back on his wife and walked away. “But Craig, it’s important that he attend. It will be part of the grading for his Art class for this semester.” Jennifer, preferred to stay medicated and calm, but Justin had been excited about this little show somewhere in downtown Pittsburgh. “I told you, he isn’t going. I’m sick and tired of him doing his best to disgrace this family. If they don’t take down the pictures he’s done, I’m going to sue their ass. He still lives under my roof and as long as that’s the case, he has no right to rub our noses in his disgusting lifestyle.” “Fuck you dad, I’m going.” Justin stood at the bottom of the stairs, glaring at his father. Faster than lightning Craig backhanded Justin across the face, “Get to your room” his voice was deadly quiet. Justin, picking himself up off of the floor looked at his father. “No.” It was that one word that sent Craig Taylor over the edge and only Molly’s screams that eventually made him stop pummeling his son. He picked Justin up by one arm and dragged him through the front door onto the porch. “You can come back when you’re willing to live by my rules.” He slammed the door shut. Justin lay on the porch for what seemed to him to be forever. Not sure what to do or where to go he pulled himself to his feet and began to walk, not noticing or caring that his face was covered in blood and that his ribs were once again cracked or possibly broken. In a fog he walked and walked, people moved around him trying not to look at the battered boy who stared straight ahead with dead blue eyes. With one purpose in mind, Justin kept walking. He’d promised Lindsay he’d be there for the show and that’s where he’d be. The people he passed in the street combined with the lights began to wave in and out like some bad seventies drug induced film. Justin’s eyesight blurred and cleared and then blurred again. He finally reached the steps that led to the GLC, but they seemed higher than the highest mountain. He started to climb them, more crawling than climbing until he reached the alcove that held the door where he curled into a fetal ball as the world around him went black. It was ten o’clock on the Friday night. Justin had walked more than six miles from his suburban hell. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ GLC – 10:00pm- Inside “Linds, don’t feel bad.” Brian rubbed his friend’s shoulder. “I’m sure Justin had a good reason for missing tonight.” Whatever it was, Brian was determined to give the little shit a piece of his mind and explain about making commitments and keeping them. “My car is out back Brian.” Lindsay said. “I’m going to leave now. I’ll see you in the morning.” “I’ll lock up after you leave. My car’s out front so I’ll leave through the front.” Brian walked her to the door and watched as she got into her car waving when she pulled away. He turned back to the large room filled with the art of the community. He turned off the lights as he made his way through to the front door. He opened the door and tripped over something or someone in the door. “What the fuck?” Brian bent down to see who was there. “Justin, Justin, is that you?” He asked. The shadows were playing tricks on him, if this was Justin his face was out of shape. Two swollen blue eyes slowly opened as much as they could. Unable to focus, Justin shut his eyes again. “Brian” he whispered. Horrified, Brian realized that it was Justin and that he’d been badly beaten. “Who did this to you Justin?” he asked as he gently picked him up. “My father.” Justin no longer cared who knew what his father did to him. All he wanted to do was go to sleep, to sleep for a long, long time and with luck wake up without pain. “I’m taking you to the hospital.” Brian said. He’d reached his car and managed to get Justin into the front seat of the jeep. He tried to fasten the seatbelt but Justin cried out in pain as the thick fabric pulled across his chest. Brian wasn’t sure what to do. “I’m going to lay you in the seat back Justin.” he took off his jacket and wrapped it around the now shivering boy. The night was mild, but Brian was sure that shock was setting in. He’d never before seen someone hurt as bad as Justin was. Justin lay still, comforted by the warmth of Brian’s jacket and by the kindness of the man’s words and manner. Brian got into the driver’s seat and began to move away from the curb. “No hospital” Justin whispered. “I can’t, he’ll find me.” “No one will find you Justin. I want you checked out and then I want you to press charges against the son of a bitch.” “They won’t do anything. I’m nothing but a fag and he’s the great and wonderful Craig Taylor. He’ll probably get a fucking medal for punishing his queer son, trying to straighten me out.” Justin’s voice was bitter. Brian wasn’t sure what to do. His father had a first aid certificate from work. Maybe he could help. So instead of taking Justin to the hospital he took him the only other place he could think of that the kid would be safe. He pulled into his parent’s driveway and smiled when he saw his mother peer out from behind the drapes. Recognizing his car she opened the front door. “Brian is that you?” she asked. “Yeah mom, is dad home?” “Yes dear, he’s watching the late show.” She walked over to his car and looked inside. “Oh dear God, what has happened to that boy?” “It’s Justin mom, his father did this to him.” Brian wiped away a tear. “Mom how can someone’s parents do this kind of thing?” “I don’t know, but Brian, help Justin into the house. Take him up to your old room. I’ll get your father to look him over.” “Thanks mom.” Brian helped Justin out of the jeep. “Lean on me Justin, I’m taking you to my old room.” “I guess this means we won’t be fooling around.” Justin tried to joke. “You can’t be horny now.” Brian said, keeping his tone light. “I’m seventeen and in the arms of a hot older guy, of course I’m horny.” “Will you stop with the older shit?” Brian helped him in the door and then the two of them made their way slowly up the stairs. Jack Kinney watched their progress and turned to his wife. “Well, at least it isn’t another dog.” He shook his head. “We should encourage him to start bringing his strays to his own place.” Three dog heads looked up over the arm of a large overstuffed love seat. The thump of their tails could be heard. They were all old and too tired to get up and check out what Brian had brought home. A nice long nap was in order before they investigated. “I’ll get a basin of warm water Jack. You should find everything else you’ll need in the bathroom cupboard.” She kissed his cheek. “You don’t mind the strays Jack Kinney; you’re just as much an old Irish softee as your son.” He chuckled as he headed up the stairs to see to another of Brian’s strays. “Brian, help me get his clothes off. He can put a pair of your old flannel pajamas on. I’m sure that your mother still has some waiting in one of those drawers.” Jack looked at the sorry looking boy who sat unsteadily on the side of the bed. “Son, I want you to take off your all you clothes. They’re a mess and Joannie will have your hide if you dirty up her sheets.” He squatted down and began to unbutton Justin’s shirt. Between the three of them they were able to remove Justin’s clothing. What wasn’t covered in blood was filthy from where he’d obviously fallen while he walked to the GLC. By the time they’d helped Justin on with the soft flannel pajamas, both Brian and Jake looked grim. They said nothing, not wanting to upset Justin, but both of them were determined to find Justin’s father and enact a similar punishment. With a gentleness that was belayed by his size, Jack Kinney washed Justin’s face and hands. As he was doing it he was assessing the damage to the young man. He bandaged a few of the worst cuts and sprayed on an antibacterial spray on a couple of bad scrapes. “You should have a couple of pain killers Sonny Boy.” Jack said when he was done. “I’m allergic to Tylenol and anything with codeine.” Justin managed to get out. “What about aspirin?” “That’s okay.” Justin lay on the bed barely able to move he hurt so bad. “I have some extra strength stuff for my arthritis. It’s just aspirin. I’ll give you a couple of those.” Jack left the room to get the pills. “Brian, thanks.” Justin had his eyes shut. He knew though that Brian was still in the room. “Justin, take these pills and get some sleep. We’ll talk in the morning.” Brian took the pills from his father and helped Justin as he swallowed them with some water. He pulled up the down filled duvet and tucked it in around the young blond, then bent down and kissed him softly on the forehead. “Later Justin.” Downstairs the three Kinneys met in the kitchen. Joan put a cup of hot tea in front of Brian without being asked. He sat there sprawled on his usual chair, his father on the opposite side of the table. “Brian, have you got any plans for this stray?” his father finally asked. “He’s in the last year of high school dad. From what Lindsay tells me, he’s in the top five academically and he’s a pretty talented artist.” “He can’t go back to his parents.” Jack said with conviction. “I gather his father kicked him out tonight. He objects to the fact the kid is gay. It isn’t good for his image.” Jack Kinney looked thoughtful. He remembered when Brian came out and the remarks that had been made down at the plant. Of course no one made any remarks twice. But he was Jack Kinney, no one had dared. “So, what are we going to do?” “Dad, I can’t take him to the loft. He’s twelve years younger than I am. It wouldn’t look right.” He sighed. “And there’s something else. I’m afraid that if I take him back there, he might fixate on me for the wrong reasons.” He looked at his father. “I don’t know him very well, but I feel something for him. I don’t want him with me because he’s grateful.” “Finally found someone did you Sonny Boy?” his father asked. “The kid up there doesn’t look like your type.” He laughed, “But who knows what attracts two people?” Brian looked embarrassed to be discussing his love life or lack there of with his father. “Dad, it doesn’t matter what I feel. It’s what Justin feels that’s important. I’m twenty nine and he’s almost eighteen. He has to graduate from High School, go to University, have some kind of a life before he’ll be ready to settle for one guy.” “Are you willing to wait that long?” Joan Kinney asked. She’d been quietly listening. “I think he’s worth it mom. I just hope he feels the same way about me someday.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Saturday morning – Kinney Residence. “How are you feeling Justin?” a woman’s soft voice asked. Both of Justin’s eyes were still swollen, but he was able to open them slightly. Brian’s mother put a tray down on the small side table by the bed and Justin could smell the heady aroma of hot chocolate. “I don’t know.” He said honestly. “I brought you two more of Jack’s pills and some toast and hot chocolate. You really shouldn’t take the pills on an empty stomach. Brian found some clothes that will fit you; they’re on the bottom of the bed. The bathroom is across the hall, but if you can hear singing, Brian’s still in the shower.” She smiled. “You let Brian help you in the shower, don’t be shy, a shower will do you good. Breakfast will be ready whenever the two of you get downstairs.” “Uh, thanks Mrs. Kinney.” Justin said. He wasn’t sure how to act around this kind hearted woman. He slowly and painfully sat up. The room moved, but then steadied. He reached over for the pills swallowing them gratefully with a mouthful of the cooling chocolate. His stomach rumbled, he vaguely remembered throwing up on his walk to the Center. He was ravenous now and he ate the toast quickly, careful of the two loose teeth at the front of his mouth. He knew from experience they would tighten up if he didn’t stress them for the next week. “You’re looking darn right perky.” Brian said as he walked into the room. Justin couldn’t take his eyes off of the man. Brian, clad only in a towel, walked over to the other bed in the room and sat down. He continued to dry his hair. It was then that Justin realized the other bed had been slept in. Brian must have spent the night. “I don’t feel perky.” Justin said. He started to stand up, the room spun and he sat down abruptly. “I’m thinking your dad’s pills are stronger than I’m used to.” “Let me put some sweats on, and I’ll help you to the bathroom.” Brian grabbed a pair of sweat pants that were folded on the end of his bed. He dropped his towel and pulled on the pants. Justin was painfully aware of his sudden erection at the sight of Brian’s naked body. “Thanks.” Justin said. “I think you should have a bath rather than a shower if you’re dizzy.” Brian looked at Justin concerned. “I’ll go fill the tub and come back and get you.” He left the room without waiting for an answer from Justin who sat there mesmerized by the body he’d finally witnessed in all of its glory. Brian was back in a few minutes. “There, it’s all set.” He held out his arm. “Hang on to me Sonny Boy, it’s bath time.” Justin felt silly in the too long pajamas, and he knew he had to use Brian for walking assistance so he didn’t even argue that point. He used the toilet and then let himself sink into the hot steamy water that Brian had added bath salts to. “Hmmm, your mother is going to mad that you used her bath salts.” Justin said. He could only imagine what his mother would say if the roles were reversed. Brian sat on the edge of the tub and began to soap Justin’s back. “My mother gave them to me for you to use. She said there was lavender in them and it would help you to relax.” He tried not to wince when he saw the bruises old and new on Justin’s body. “Well, between your dad’s pills and your mom’s bath salts most of me is relaxed.” Justin nodded toward his erect cock that had floated upward. Brian huffed a laugh and poured a cupful of water on Justin’s head. “You need your hair washed. Let me help.” He added more water despite Justin’s protests. When his strong fingers began to massage the shampoo into Justin’s scalp, all objections left the teen’s body and he shut his eyes to better appreciate the sensation. “Lay back and rinse. I’ll let you wash the rest of you. Call me if you need help getting out of the tub.” Brian quickly left the bathroom and hurried into his old bedroom willing his stiff cock to go down before anyone noticed it. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The smell of frying bacon and fresh coffee lured Justin down the stairs after his bath. He was surprised that the clothes Brian had found for him actually fit. He did have to hold onto the wall and he felt like the time he and Daphne had drank a whole bottle of wine together. “Hey” Brian said. “Look who’s alive and well.” He smiled at Justin. “Have a seat Justin.” “Good morning again Justin.” Joan Kinney said. “How would you like your eggs?” she asked. “Hi,” Justin nodded at Brian and then said to Brian’s mother. “You don’t have to make me breakfast. You’ve done enough, I’ll be getting out of here.” “Sit your ass down, you aren’t going anywhere Sonny Boy.” A gruff voice said from the doorway. “You need to start the day off right with a good breakfast.” Justin sat down in the chair Brian had indicated. He looked at Jack Kinney, not sure what to say, but the man was bigger than his father and therefore one to be watched carefully. He barely remembered him from the night before. “Hello Mr. Kinney thanks for patching me up.” He said. “Nothing I haven’t done for Brian before.” Jack Kinney said and he sat down at the table. “Now Sonny Boy, we have to come up with a plan here. Brian tells me you still have most of this school year to finish out and then it’s on to some University or other.” “I want to go to PIFA” Justin’s eyes clouded over. “My father won’t pay for PIFA, he’ll only pay for Dartmouth and probably not that now since he knows for sure I’m gay.” “Are your grades any good?” Jack asked. “Sure, my grades are great.” “Well, then, apply for a scholarship.” Jack said as if it was the simplest thing in the world. “Brian here went to University on a scholarship, we were damn proud of him.” “You did?” Justin looked at Brian. “Sure, Dad makes not bad money, but I couldn’t ask him to use up his retirement money for my schooling. Besides, I wanted to do it myself.” Brian took a piece of the bacon his mother put on the table. “I’ll ask about scholarships on Monday.” Justin said, hope in his voice.” “Meanwhile Sonny Boy, I think you’d better stay here. I don’t think it’s a good idea to go back to your parent’s place, I can’t call it a home.” Jack looked at Justin. “You can earn your room and board by doing a few chores around the house. Brian and I will go and pick up your personal belongings later today.” Justin looked at Brian and then at Jack and Joan, wondering what the catch was. “But” he began. “No point arguing, I can’t have a boy go back to that monster.” Jack Kinney said. “Take a good look at your face. It’ll be at least a week before you’ll want to even go out of the house.” He put a hand on Justin’s and gave it a gentle pat. “You call up one of your friends and we’ll get your school work. I’m sure once Brian here has a talk with your principal there won’t be a problem with you staying out of school for the week as long as your work is done.” “You do know why my dad did this don’t you?” Justin asked. “I’m gay; I’m worthless as a son to him, a disgrace to the Taylor name.” He blinked away the tears that began to gather, determined not to cry. “Justin, Brian is gay. We love him and I know that we’ll come to love you too because you are definitely not worthless and the only disgrace to the Taylor name that I know is called Craig Taylor.” Jack looked at Brian. “Brian you tell him. I’m going out to the garage, that’s where you can find me. I want to go with you to pick up Justin’s things.” The older man got up and as he went past Justin’s chair he let his hand ruffle the boy’s hair. “Chin up Sonny Boy, this too shall pass.” He said before going out the back door. Joan placed a plate of scrambled eggs and sausage down in front of Justin. “Eat your breakfast dear. Brian’s sister Claire will be here soon with her two boys. They are somewhat of a handful and you won’t get a moment’s peace once they’re here.” “Yes he will” Brian said. “Justin should go back to bed once he’s eaten.” He smoothed Justin’s hair from his forehead, his finger’s gentle. “You have a headache don’t you?” he asked. Justin nodded, and kept his eyes on his plate. Hunger took over and he ate his breakfast though one tear fell on the edge of his plate. Brian sat and watched him desperately wishing he could hold him and make everything better. Joan Kinney stood at the sink watching the tableau play out. Her son had fallen for this young blond angel. She prayed neither one of them would get hurt. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Sunday morning one week later – Kinney front porch “Justin, are you going to go to school tomorrow?” Daphne asked. The two friends were sitting on the top step of the veranda. “I have to; the SATs are soon, I want to check some things out.” He looked at her. “Tell me the truth, how bad is my face now?” “It’s kind of groady, but you’ve gone to school with worse.” Daphne said. “Yeah, well this time I don’t have to pretend I fell down the stairs.” Justin shook his head. “I still can’t believe Brian told the principal everything.” He looked at his friend. “Melanie, Gus’ mom is my lawyer and she told the principal that I could sue because he knew my dad was brutalizing me and he didn’t do anything about it. She also told my dad that he had to pay the Kinney’s for my board and let me have all my stuff or she would sue his ass on my behalf and it would be in all the papers.” “I would have sooooo, liked to have seen that.” Daphne said with a grin. “Me too,” Justin almost felt relaxed sitting in the feeble fall sunshine. He shivered. “I can’t believe I don’t have to go to Thanksgiving Dinner or anything at my parents place. Melanie said because of my age, it was my choice and the Kinneys are nice people. They never yell and fight and Mrs. Kinney always is making cookies and stuff for me to eat when I’m studying.” “What about Brian, have you seen him?” Daphne knew her friend had a crush on the older man. “No, he hasn’t been around all week. He went with his dad to get my stuff and I went to bed. When I got up everything was in my room and Brian was gone.” He looked around not wanting to be overheard. “I don’t want to bug the Kinneys about where he is. I don’t want them to know how much I like him. That was sooooo cool that he actually slept in the bed next to mine last week.” “He was probably afraid you were going to die on him.” Daphne said. “You looked worse than I ever saw you.” “I told you not to come over, but would you listen?” “I’m your best friend; I had to see that you were really alive.” Daphne defended. “You just wanted to see Brian, don’t lie.” Justin joked. “Justin and Daphne, you two have been out here in the cold for almost an hour. Why don’t you come on inside. Justin you can take Daphne to your room if you’d like.” Joan Kinney stood in the doorway. “I have cookies and milk if the two of you are hungry.” “Thanks Mrs. Kinney they said in unison as they got up off of the steps and turned to go inside. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “This is a great room Justin.” Daphne looked around. She bounced on one of the beds. “We could have sleep overs.” “Aren’t we a bit past that Daph?” Justin said with a laugh. “Look what I found when I unpacked my boxes from home.” He brought out a new leather portfolio, new sketch books, pencils and other assorted art supplies. “Wow, awesome.” Daphne picked up one of the pencils. “Hey these are the best ones from Grinyer’s.” “I know, Brian bought them, he never said anything. The stuff was just with everything else, but you know my parents would hardly have bought it. So on Monday I called Grinyer’s and they described Brian perfectly.” “Cool.” Daphne grinned at her friend. “I’m glad you found a good place to be Justin.” “Me too,” Justin sighed. “I hope I can stay here until school finishes.” He sat on the other bed, his back against the headboard. “You know what the best part is about living here? It’s going to sleep and not having to worry about some asshole waking you up with his fist.” Brian who had been about to go into the room heard Justin’s last words. ‘Yet another reason’ he thought, ‘to kick Craig Taylor’s ass some day’. “Hey Justin, who’s your girlfriend?” Brian sauntered in, a bag in his hand. “Hi Brian, this is my best friend Daphne Chalmers.” Justin looked at Daphne. “Didn’t I tell you he was hot?” he grinned back at Brian who flushed. “What’s in the bag Brian?” Brian threw it on the bed. “Something I saw at Torso and thought you might like.” “For me?” Justin asked and he opened the bag. It was a French Connection tee shirt with FCuk on the front. “Holy shit, I love it.” Justin pulled off the old sweatshirt he was wearing and tried on the new tee shirt. He stood up and modeled it for Brian and Daphne. “Thanks Brian” Justin stood on his toes and kissed Brian’s cheek before heading for the mirror on the other wall to look at himself. Brian stood with a silly grin on his face. His mother who had been going past the room shook her head and smiled. This was going to be an interesting time at the Kinney household. She rather enjoyed have Justin around and she liked his friend Daphne as well. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Thanksgiving – Kinney Residence “Justin you have been such a help in the kitchen.” Joan said and kissed his cheek. “I’m sure I never would have finished everything.” “Yes you would have” Justin replied but he felt warm inside at her praise. “I don’t think so dear, not this year. I’ve been busy helping Claire since she broke her arm. I would have had to leave out something.” She lifted out a pie from the oven. “This apple pie smells wonderful and your artistic flair with the crust is quite different.” She looked at the pastry leaves Justin had formed across the top of the pie. “I’ve finished the cranberry; do you want me to put it out on the table now?” Justin asked. “Yes dear. Did you find Brian’s old high chair in the attic?” “Yes, I love attics. It’s like being an archeologist.” Justin giggled. “Brian was kind of geeky in his old school pictures. Ow” he said and turned around as he rubbed his ass. “Brian, pinching is sooooo childish.” “So is snooping through my old school pictures.” Brian kissed Justin’s cheek and then his mother’s. Justin flushed with pleasure at his touch. “I was not geeky.” “What ever” Justin laughed. Brian was amazed at the transformation of the young blond in the few weeks he’d been living without fear. The older man pulled up a chair in the kitchen and sat back to watch his mother and Justin work. Justin’s pale complexion was unmarred by bruises, his blond hair cut close before, had begun to grow longer and the silky strands teased his forehead as he worked. Brian felt himself begin to swell as he watched Justin’s firm ass when he bent over to get something out of a lower cabinet and he had to surreptitiously adjust himself. Justin turned and grinned and Brian knew he’d been played and caught. He shook his head at the blond and mouthed the word ‘brat’. The door bell rang, the first of their guests were arriving. The rest of the day was too busy for Brian to concentrate on his favorite blond. He had his digital camera with him and took dozens of pictures to remember this day by making sure that Justin featured in most of them. Sitting around the large table in the Kinney dining room was Brian, Justin, Joan, Jack, Claire and her two boys, Melanie and Lindsay and Gus. The table was crowded but everyone was smiling and to Justin that was the most important thing. He was so used to Thanksgiving dinners that were partially burned or barely cooked due to his mother’s frequent sampling of the wine. His sister Molly’s sullen face because she’d had to help in the kitchen and his father’s belligerent attitude that reflected what ever was pissing him off that day besides seeing Justin’s face. Looking around at the happy and smiling faces Justin felt warm inside and best of all he was sitting beside Brian. Being close to him for almost an hour, only inches apart, would keep Justin’s fantasies fueled for a long time. During the dinner conversation, the subject of Justin’s future came up. “Justin, have you applied to any University yet?” Melanie asked. “I’ve submitted my application to a few, St. James said we had to do five, it was part of our Social’s class, but I think they just wanted to make sure we actually did it. They get brownie points or something if all of the graduates go on to University.” “Were you SAT’s high enough to give you an edge?” Lindsay asked. “I scored fifteen hundred, so I guess so.” Justin mumbled. “You’re kidding?” Brian said. “No, that was what it was.” Justin reached for the mashed potatoes. Brian put his arm around Justin and hugged him. “Congratulations” he smiled and kissed Justin on the cheek while Melanie and Lindsay looked on astonished. Joan and Jack watched as well, both of them filled with mixed emotions about their son and the young man he was taken with. They loved Justin, but they were afraid he was too young and Brian would end up hurt. Justin flushed with pleasure at Brian’s praise and the fact that he’d kissed him even if it was on his cheek. He looked at everyone at the table. “I really only want to go to PIFA, and I applied for a scholarship there. But it’s determined by not only my grades, but by the quality of my art. I had to submit a portfolio as well.” “You know Justin; I could make sure that your father pays your tuition.” Melanie began. “Don’t Melanie, I don’t want to talk about him today and anyway, I’d rather do this myself.” Justin looked down at his plate; some of the joy of the day had gone out of him at the mention of his father. Brian seeing this put his hand on Justin’s leg and gave it a reassuring squeeze. He was rewarded by a look of gratitude from the young man on his right. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 2 weeks later – Kinney Residence “Justin Taylor, why didn’t you say something?” Joan Kinney stood in the door of Justin’s bedroom. “It’s just another day on the calendar Mrs. Kinney. Birthdays were never celebrated at our house, or at least not mine. Achievements were a cause for celebration, not the fact that you were born.” Justin was opening a card that had been left in the mail box for him from Daphne. “Daphne is too funny.” He said and held out the card for Joan Kinney to see. Joan walked over and took the card from his hand. She sat on the bed beside Justin and read the card that reflected Daphne’s personality. “Your friend has a great sense of humor all right.” She agreed. “Why don’t you call her and ask her over for dinner tonight?” she looked around his room. “In fact, you go rent a couple of movies; the two of you can have a little birthday celebration. It’s not everyday you turn eighteen.” Justin kind of giggled. “No I guess not.” He agreed. “I can call her and ask.” He impulsively kissed Joan’s cheek. “Thanks Mrs. Kinney.” “Since you are eighteen, why don’t you call me Joan instead of being so formal?” her eyes twinkled. “Now is there anything special you’d like me to cook for your dinner tonight. At this house the birthday person gets to choose what they want for dinner.” “Brian.” The word was out before Justin could stop it. “I know you’d like Brian over for dinner, I’ll see what I can arrange.” She thought for a moment. “Brian likes you very much.” She paused. “I know you like him as well, but Justin you two are twelve years apart. I’m so afraid one or the other of you will be hurt as you grow older.” It was the first time she’d said the words out loud to Justin. Justin was so sensitive and had such a low self esteem, she was afraid that he’d take it the wrong way. “I know I’m not good enough for Brian.” Justin mumbled. “I’m trying to be better and maybe as I get older, I’ll learn more and he won’t be embarrassed to have me around.” “Oh Justin, baby,” she put her arms around his shoulder. “You are certainly good enough for Brian or anyone you want. Don’t you dare ever think otherwise, Brian would never be embarrassed to have you around.” “He never takes me with him to Lindsay’s or to the diner where he hangs out with his friends.” Justin said. He thinks I’m a kid.” “He definitely doesn’t think you’re a child. I’d almost say Brian is a little bit in love with you and Justin, I’ve never known my son to have any feelings like this toward anyone. I imagine he wants to give you time to grow and discover all the things a young man your age should discover.” She looked at him sternly. “I know you were down on Liberty Avenue the night you met Brian and I know what you were looking for. Justin, that’s not the way to go about things. You’re too young looking and cute, yes cute, to be down there at night without someone there to protect you.” “That’s kind of what Brian said.” Was Justin’s sheepish answer. “Mom, Justin – where are you?” Brian’s voice called from downstairs. “We’re up here Brian.” His mother called back. She kissed Justin’s cheek again. “Happy Birthday Justin, I’m glad you’re living here.” Brian walked into the room clutching a helium filled balloon that said Happy Birthday tied to a Care Bear with a rainbow on it’s tummy and a small wrapped parcel wrapped tastefully in contrast to the garish colors of the balloon and bear. “Happy Birthday Justin,” Brian said with a grin. “I found a gay bear for you.” he thrust the rainbow tummied bear holding the balloon at Justin. “This is for later” he put the small package on Justin’s dresser. “No peeking mom or you either Justin.” Justin was speechless he kept looking from Brian, to the balloon bear to Joan Kinney, his eyes round with surprise and pleasure. “Well, don’t I even get a thank you?” Brian said. Justin launched himself off of the bed and into Brian’s arms. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” he said. “How did you know?” “A little curly haired bird told me.” Brian said. “I must say this particular bird is rather resourceful, she managed to get by Cynthia and Cynthia is the pit bull of assistants. Justin laughed; he was sooooo going to hug Daphne. She’d made this the best birthday ever. Now he knew why she hadn’t gotten him his usual silly gag gift. His gift from her was standing in front of him. “Mom, don’t worry about supper. I thought I’d take Justin out somewhere special for his birthday. Somewhere that the food doesn’t come in Styrofoam containers Justin, so don’t ask to go to MacDonald’s.” Joan Kinney looked from her son to Justin. “Eighteen is a good age to go out and celebrate. I think that’s a fine idea Brian. Don’t keep him out too late, tomorrow is a school day.” Justin rolled his eyes at her and she laughed, kissed his cheek and Brian’s and left the room. “Where are we going Brian?” Justin asked. “It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you now would it?” Brian teased. “The reservation isn’t until seven and it’s only three now, what do you want to do first?” Justin looked at the handsome man standing so close, his eyes glazed over with lust and wanting but he didn’t dare say what he’d really like. Brian looking at him recognized the signs and laughed, he leaned in, his lips found Justin’s and in moments they were lost in a kiss that neither one was prepared for. Breaking apart reluctantly they looked at each other. Justin was the first to speak. “You could show me your place. I’ve never been there.” “I’m not sure that would be a good idea.” Brian said his voice low. “I don’t know if I’d be able to keep my hands off of you.” “My point exactly,” voice husky with desire. Looking into the blue eyes, Brian made a decision he hoped he wouldn’t regret later. “Come on, I’ll show you my loft.” “What should I wear for dinner?” Justin asked. “Fuck dinner, we’ll order in.” “Mom, we’re leaving, I’ll have Justin home by midnight.” Brian called out as he took Justin by the hand and started down the stairs “Bye Joan, see you later.” Justin called. They didn’t wait to hear a reply but ran outside. Justin was almost too excited as he climbed into the passenger seat of the jeep. Justin almost came in his pants when Brian reached across him and did up his seat belt, kissing him again as the belt clicked closed. “Justin” Brian began not sure he was doing the right thing, but unable to stop himself. Justin reached over and touched the tips of his fingers to Brian’s lips. “Don’t think, don’t talk, just drive.”