Silent Night-10 By Elsa Rose Plot Bunny by Amanda “You know Sunshine; you do look much, much older.” Brian teased. He was drying Justin off; well they were drying each other off, after their rather energetic bath. “What do you mean I look older?” Justin peered into the mirror. “Do you mean because the skin around my eyes is kind of bruised looking?” “No because today is your birthday.” Brian kissed Justin on the nose. “You are nineteen today and remarkably alive despite your father’s attempt to make it otherwise. So even his bogus codicil of your grandfather’s will won’t have any affect on us.” “Fuck I forgot it was my birthday.” Justin smiled at him and then his smiled dimmed as he realized that it might have been his birthday, but it certainly wasn’t the one he was expecting. “Molly wanted to bake you a cake, but when she looked at my kitchen pans, she changed her mind.” Brian laughed. “Is that the only reason or did you tell her you didn’t eat carbs after seven?” Justin joked. “We’ll never know, Molly is sworn to secrecy.” Brian laughed. “Get dressed Sunshine. I’m sure I smell Starbuck’s coffee.” “I hope that Ronny bought me a French Chocolate and vanilla latté.” Justin moved quickly into the bedroom to put on his clothing, his stomach rumbling. “I’m not sure that would be good on your delicate stomach.” Brian began following his young partner into the bedroom. His own stomach lurched at the thought of the overly rich coffee. Justin was slipping on a pair of jeans. Brian handed him a soft cotton knit sweater the color of the blond’s eyes. Justin grinned at him and put it on. He loved that Brian would think of him when he was shopping and pick up sweaters and shirts for him. “Socks too Sunshine.” Brian threw him a pair of socks. “You don’t wear socks in the loft.” “I also didn’t spend yesterday in a car trunk in the lake.” Brian smirked. He figured making light of Justin’s ordeal would take some of the horror away from it and Justin seemed to appreciate the gesture. “We would have been too busy in there together to notice we were in a lake.” Justin returned. “Oh, doing what?” Brian laughed when Justin launched himself at him, tumbling them both onto the unmade bed and raining kisses on Brian’s face. Justin loved the way Brian pretended to hate such activities when in actual fact he enjoyed the adoration and attention. “We could have played word games.” Justin suggested. “I’d win, it wouldn’t be any fun.” “How about twenty questions?” “You’d win; you know I hate to answer questions.” Brian moved and flipped Justin over so that now he was on top. He supported his weight on his arms not wanting to restrict Justin’s already precarious breathing. “Now Sunshine, Molly and Ronny are waiting for us. I do believe there’s a overly rich latté with your name on it. And there may even be a present or two; it is your birthday after all.” “You bought me a present?” Justin all but beamed and Brian closed his eyes for a moment and wondered if such a thing had ever brought such happiness into his own life. And then he realized that just having Justin in his arms was the equivalent. “Will you guys hurry up? Justin your latté is looking weirder and weirder the longer it sits.” Molly was standing at their bedroom door. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The afternoon seemed to go by too quickly for Justin’s taste. Brian had been wonderful. He’d given Justin the set of pastels he’d wanted for ages as well as an assortment of sketch books in various sizes. So Justin had spent the afternoon sketching Brian who posed almost willingly. They all watched movies and ate popcorn and the best part of the whole afternoon for Justin was when Brian fell asleep with his head on Justin’s leg while they watched Yellow Submarine for the umpteenth time. He couldn’t sketch him from this angle, but he could comb his fingers through Brian’s hair and memorize his face as he slept. It was so seldom that Brian allowed his vulnerability to show that Justin savored the times that he did. They were memories he could pull out of the back of his mind when the nights were dark and Brian was far away in Pittsburgh. Or when he sat in class, the lecture boring and the room too cold with air conditioning, Brian was the warmth that kept him alive. Justin wasn’t paying any attention to Molly and Ronny who were now in the kitchen clattering dishes. He thought they might be making something to eat and he hoped it was good, he was hungry. Brian sat up and with his long arms pulled Justin over so that the boy was lying across him. “Hey birthday boy.” Brian murmured before his lips found Justin’s. “This has been a great birthday.” Justin said as he snuggled in close to Brian in a way he couldn’t resist and he was sure Brian liked. “I have at least a dozen sketches of you roughed out.” “You’ll be a busy boy when you’re back home.” “This is home Brian. This loft and your arms are home. But I’ll be busy when I’m in Phoenix. Besides I have a show coming up in the spring. I know that you’ll love the idea that you are the primary focus of that show.” “Not my cock I hope.” “Maybe.” Justin giggled. “I want to make them all jealous of what a hot boyfriend I have.” “You’re a brat.” Brian kissed him again. The door buzzer sounded. Right on time Brian thought. He held Justin tight and let Ronny deal with the door. After all he knew who it was. “Brian, what if that’s my father’s men.” Justin began to shake; all of his good feelings were leaving him. He paled when the heavy door was rolled back. “Justin, I would never and I mean never, allow you to be hurt when you are with me. It’s okay, I know who it is.” Brian held Justin tight. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUNSHINE.” Debbie’s voice filled the loft in ear piercing shrillness. She walked into the loft, her arms full of containers and was followed by Emmett, Ted, Michael, and Ben. Molly ran over to the CD player and put on the music that Brian had ready. Music filled the loft. No one noticed Ronny securing the door after talking to a man who had been standing on the stairs just out of sight. Justin was speechless. Michael handed him a drink after reassuring Brian that it didn’t have any alcohol in it. Debbie and Emmett were in the kitchen heating up the already prepared food. Molly and Ted were talking in a corner with Ben. Brian sat on the sofa, his arms around Justin, pleased with the results of his plan to give Justin a decent birthday celebration. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “So what happened next?” Max asked. She was sitting cross legged on Justin’s bed, her back leaning against the head board. Her brother lay on the bed, his head at the foot and his feet beside his sister. Justin sat on the floor by the window finishing one of the sketches he’d started back in Pittsburgh. “We stuffed ourselves with birthday cake and lasagna and other stuff and then Brian kicked everybody out.” Justin continued to sketch. He could see Ronny sitting in the living room from where he sat. “I figured that.” Max said. “But what about Molly?” “That’s something I don’t really understand. Brian says he has a plan. Molly went back home. Mom will make sure she’s alright and Brian gave her a cell phone with all of his numbers programmed in. So far my dad hasn’t done anything about the codicil and Brian is still working at the firm and at Kinnetik.” “Gee thanks for sharing.” Dorian drawled. “So I take it daddy dearest not only is still walking around free after murdering his partner, but he also murdered you.” “He tried to murder me.” Justin clarified. “I hope Brian comes up with a good plan.” Max said. “Are you supposed to hide out or something?” “I don’t think so.” Justin hadn’t thought about it. Just then the phone rang. He picked up and grinned when he saw it was Brian. “Hey” he really wanted to say something romantic and mushy but he knew Brian would be pissed if he did. “Hey Sunshine, you’ll be pleased to know that you’ve been kidnapped and your parents have received a ransom note.” “No shit.” “Yes, it’s all over the Pittsburgh papers. The hunt is on for the bad guy. The main suspect Carl says is one Brad, assistant of Craig. Oddly enough they can’t find him either. Carl will tell them he’s had an anonymous tip later today and lead them to find the body. That should prove interesting. They won’t be looking in the lake. I wonder how daddy dearest will get them to look there.” “Wow this is very weird.” Justin said. He felt cold all over. It was all starting to unravel. “Justin, be careful today.” Brian warned. “You mean I’m not usually careful?” Justin attempted to laugh, though it sounded phony even to him. “Justin.” Brian warned. “It’ll be over soon. I’ll let you and Ronny know when you should come back to the Pitts. But it’ll only be overnight and if I can get you out of returning I will. Maybe they’ll accept the deposition you gave Carl. If they don’t then we’ll see you soon.” “Fuck Brian, I’m trying to do my University in three years. I can’t keep running to the Pitts.” “Justin, this isn’t something that’s debatable. The son of bitch tried to kill you. God knows who else he’s killed or what he’d do to Molly or your mother if he wanted something bad enough.” “Brian,” Justin’s voice was low and filled with pain. “I know what a bastard he is. And Ronny doesn’t let me out of his sight. I can’t even pee without him measuring my cock.” “I’m sure that’s an exaggeration.” Brian drawled. “Well not by much.” Justin laughed at the shocked looks on Max and Dorian’s faces. “Brian, don’t worry. Just bust the son of a bitch and let me know if you need me there. By the way, I signed the papers for the lawyer. Do you really think that we should diversify this way?” “Ted advised it and he hasn’t been wrong yet. But I did look everything over and I think we’ll do not tooto badly at all.” “You know we could retire and live on the beaches of Tahiti.” “You’d burn to a crisp.” Brian laughed. “Hey thanks for the sketch you left.” “Glad you liked it.” Justin flushed with pleasure. Brian wasn’t generous with his praise, so when he gave some, it was worth more. “I like it well enough that I had it framed and it’s hanging in my office.” “BRIAN I’m naked.” Justin gasped. “You can’t hang that in your office.” “No one knows it’s you. It’s only your ass.” Brian smiled to himself as he leaned back in his office chair and stared at the framed sketch of Justin, ass up in a mess of blankets in a bed that exuded hot sex. “My ass is well known.” Justin protested. “Oh, is there something you want to tell me Sunshine? Something your partner should maybe know before he walks down the aisle.” “As if you’ll ever walk down the aisle.” “It could happen.” Brian smirked into the phone. He loved teasing Justin. “Oh and the contractor is happy to make the changes that young Mr. Kinney suggested. And what changes might they be?” “I have to go now Brian. Someone’s at the door.” Justin made a door buzzing sound. “I love you, gotta go.” He disconnected not wanting to answer Brian’s question. “Brian really loves you.” Dorian commented. “I think that’s cool. He doesn’t even seem as old as he is.” “I wouldn’t comment on his age in front of him.” Max giggled. “I can tell he’s a bit sensitive about the whole age thing.” She rubbed her overly large belly. “Brian is…..” Justin didn’t know how to continue without repeating himself and sounding like a high school girl with her first crush. “Brian is wonderful, Brian is sexy, Brian is gentle, Brian has a big dick.” Max and Dorian both said together. The three of them collapsed in laughter. “Shut the fuck up you guys.” Justin managed to gasp finally. He smiled to himself. It was the first bit of levity in the last few days. He hadn’t wanted to tell Brian, but he’d been having nightmares from hell. He kept feeling the water and smelling the inside of the car trunk and then his breathing would become erratic until he couldn’t breathe and woke up in a panic barely able to find his inhaler. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian hung up the phone knowing what Justin was going through. He knew because the same thing was happening to him, fear fluctuating between hysteria. And then there was the deadly anger toward the man that dared to try and take Justin away from him. Who dared to hurt the man he loved. NOTHING in his life before this could have prepared him for the amount of out right hatred he felt for this man. Jack at his worst couldn’t evoke these feelings. Brian walked slowly down the stairs of his apartment building. He was taking the stairs more and more often to get himself focused. He wanted to do serious harm to Mr. Craig Taylor, but he couldn’t do that to Justin. He needed to be in his partner’s life and not stuck in some jail for the killing that bastard father of Justin’s. But he also needed to find some kind of deep and meaningful form of revenge. Something that would make Craig Taylor burn in hell if that could be arranged. “Brian, I was just going to up to see you.” It was Carl Horvath. Looking at the old detective standing on his doorstep, Brian wondered what the chances were of ever getting Craig Taylor. “Hey Carl, what’s up?” Brian opened the door for the other man and walked out into the sunshine. “You were right, he’s saying that Justin was coming to see him and must have been kidnapped before he got there. He even had the nerve to tell us that the ransom was going to be difficult but that he wouldn’t hesitate to part with any amount for Justin’s return.” “So when are you going to arrest the son of a bitch?” “On what grounds? We can’t arrest someone just because their kid says something happened.” “You have Justin and Molly’s statement. You have the statement of the doctor who saw Justin. And I know that you’ve checked out the body that Craig left.” “Yes, we’re working on that murder. We’re trying to trace the gun.” “Now you and I both know that the gun won’t be traced to Taylor. He left it there for a reason.” “It doesn’t matter, we still have to try and trace it. What I was coming here for, was to ask you if you wanted to come along with me. Taylor is supposed to be meeting us at the murder site to identify his assistant. Of course we know that the car is in the lake, but it can’t be seen. We want to see what Taylor does. If he draws our attention to it or not.” “Is Molly safe?” Brian asked before answering. “Yes, she’s safe and so is Jennifer Taylor. They both are in a woman’s shelter for now until we have Taylor under lock and key.” Brian snorted. “With his money he’ll be out on bail sooner rather than later.” “I wouldn’t guarantee that. The DA tells me they have a good case for asking for no bail.” Carl Horvath was driving toward the murder scene. The rest of the long drive was completed in almost complete silence. Carl tried to make small talk, but Brian couldn’t concentrate. His stomach was in knots as they moved closer and closer to the spot where Justin almost died. He wondered if he would be able to control his temper or if he’d let it get the better of him and wipe Justin’s father off the face of the earth. It was times like this when he was glad that he didn’t believe in guns. Craig Taylor wouldn’t stand a chance if he did. “Christ this is a desolate piece of ground.” Carl was maneuvering down the narrow rutted pathway. As he rounded a bend in the road, they could see a number of police cars, lights flashing parked in a clearing. It was obvious they’d found the murder site. “Fuck I hope they have the dead guy covered up. He won’t be pretty.” Brian grimaced. “He’s dead, what does it matter.” Carl had the callousness of a hardened cop who’d seen too much over the years. He parked his car off to one side. Craig Taylor stood with two of the cops near a body that lay twisted in the rigors of a sudden death. He looked uncomfortable and ill at ease. His hands turned on themselves over and over as if he was somehow washing them in the air. “Hey, George, Pete, what’s up?” Carl asked though he knew and they knew, it had all been prearranged. “It’s the Taylor kidnapping. Mr. Taylor here thinks.” George nodded toward the dead body. “he thinks his assistant is the kidnapper.” “Oh, and why would he think that?” Carl pondered as he and Brian walked closer. “What’s he doing here?” Craig asked, his head nodding in Brian’s direction. “Mr. Kinney is Justin Kinney’s partner, naturally he’s concerned.” Carl began. “That’s Justin Taylor, not Kinney and he’s nobody’s partner. He’s certainly not anyone’s partner in the sense you mean.” The words were all but spit into the air. “Actually, it’s Justin Kinney. Justin had his name legally changed. It seemed he felt that as you no longer considered him your son, then having your name was rather redundant.” Brian drawled, his mouth barely moving, his jaw was clenched so tight with hatred and fury. Brian’s eyes kept moving toward the weed infested lake. “You have no business here.” Craig spluttered. He still rankled over his rather abrupt dismissal from his former job. Having Brian Kinney standing right there in front of him, where he had no business being made him angry. He’d show that fucker Kinney when he had the will overturned. After all Justin died the day before his nineteenth birthday. The autopsy would prove that. Kinney could go to hell. “Well, there’s nothing more for us here.” Carl began. “Wrap it up boys and let’s go.” “Wait what about Justin?” Craig Taylor asked. “We haven’t stopped looking for Justin. But he isn’t here. There must have been two people involved with his kidnapping. “ Carl turned to walk away. “The lake, maybe he’s in the lake?” Craig said and he turned toward the placid water. “He’s not in the lake.” “He is, I’m sure he is.” Craig began to walk toward the where he’d put the car. “Look, I see tire tracks in the mud, it must be under the water.” A few of the cops walked over and looked at the murky water. “I don’t see anything.” One of them said. “It’s there, I know it’s there.” He stared into the water. “Can’t you see the reflection off the taillights?” “Nope, can’t see a damn thing.” The cops turned to walk back to where the body was now being loaded into an ambulance. “It’s there damn it, I know it’s there.” Craig was all but throwing a temper tantrum. “What’s wrong Taylor, your little life taking a turn for the worse?” Brian asked with a laugh that seemed to infuriate Craig. “You bastard” Craig lunged at Brian who side stepped causing Craig to fall to the ground. “Hmmmm, if Justin’s not in the lake, maybe he’s in the drawing room with Mr. Plum.” Brian laughed. “You’re a loser Taylor.” “Justin is in the fucking lake.” “Sure he is Taylor. Let’s go Carl.” Brian turned away. “He’s there, I know he’s there.” “How do you know he’s there? Did a little birdy tell you, a note from the kidnapper or maybe you’re psychic. “ “I know he’s there, you have to look.” “Taylor give it the fuck up. There is no way you could know Justin was in the lake or stuck in a closet. “ “I put him there. I know he’s in the car. You have to find his body so that I can have the will probated.”’ “He’s not there Taylor.” Brian’s voice was deadly with menace. “Let’s humor him Brian.” Carl said. “He thinks he murdered his own son. Let’s show him that his stress load is far too high.” He turned to the tow truck that had appeared without Craig Taylor noticing. “Sam, get a diver in the lake.” “I never said I murdered Justin.” Craig spluttered. “You just finished telling us that you put him in the car. And that the car is in the lake.” Carl shook his head. “I suppose he’s a water breather?” Carl signaled for the diver to begin his search. The car was barely five feet deep in the murk. It might even have been noticed on a clear summer day, but it wasn’t summer and it wasn’t clear. The diver waded into the lake, but before he submerged he felt the bumper. Of course no one mentioned that they had already checked the car out earlier in the day and that this was all a charade. “I found something.” The diver called out. The next few minutes involved the diver hooking up the tow truck to the bumper of the car and the agonizing slowness of the vehicle being pulled from the water. It hung up on the winch and Carl peered inside once the water had all poured out. “Sorry Taylor to disappoint, there’s no one inside.” “In the trunk, I know he’s in the trunk.” By now Craig Taylor was a bundle of nerves and he didn’t know what he was saying. It didn’t matter if Justin was found in the trunk and if he had died before his nineteen birthday, as the murderer of his son he couldn’t collect on the benefits of Justin’s death. “Taylor, you seem a just a bit perturbed.” Brian leaned in, his face so close to the older man that he could smell the sweat of fear and something else on him. “Justin isn’t dead, he isn’t in the car.” “He is, he’s in the trunk. I know he’s in the trunk.” Craig scrambled over to the car and began to fumble with the lid of the trunk. “I could be wrong here Taylor, but I suspect you might need a key.” Brian drawled. He dangled his keys in the air for emphasis. “Open the trunk.” Carl commanded. The car was set down and the tow truck driver approached the rear of the car with a crow bar. “I’ll have it open in a sec.” he said as he pried up. And sure enough the trunk lid flew up abruptly revealing the damp wetness and empty space of the interior. “Where is he, I know he’s there.” Craig began. “Justin is safe the hell away from you.” Brian began. “Where he’ll stay. I imagine Carl has something to give you.” “That I do Brian. Craig Taylor I have a warrant for your arrest for the murder of your assistant and the attempted murder of your son.” He nodded to the two uniformed officer’s. “Read him his rights and take him away.” “Is that it?” Brian asked as he watched them load Justin’s father into a squad car. Somehow, watching the older man driven away and knowing what he’d done to Justin and what the results could have been if Molly hadn’t intervened, seemed anticlimactic. “Well that’s all you need to see. He won’t get off Brian if that’s what you’re worried about. We have both Justin’s and Molly’s deposition. Mrs. Taylor was horrified to find out what her husband has been up to. She’d like to talk to Justin.” “She should have thought of Justin before this.” Brian wasn’t anxious to reunite mother and son. He didn’t know how Justin would react to the suggestion he call his mother. His partner only withdrew whenever Brian suggested that he talk to her. He didn’t want Justin to have the same kind of relationship with his mother that Brian had with his own. But it wasn’t looking good for anything different. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Back at Kinnetik, Brian threw himself into his neglected work and it was dark before he managed to surface. He’d talked to Justin twice and Ronny as well. It had been a long and exhausting day. So he wasn’t expecting to hear from Molly. Brian looked up when he heard the tapping on his office doors. Someone short was standing outside the frosted glass. “Hey Molly” he said when he opened the door. “What’s up?” “I’m not going home ever again.” She declared and walked inside Kinnetik. “Oh” “My mom doesn’t believe me about dad and she said that their lawyer is going to get dad out of jail on bail.” Molly said. She turned around and looked at Brian, her eyes filled. “What am I going to do?” she asked. “I guess it’s time that I made a couple of phone calls.” Brian was trained to make decisions instantly and his training took hold as he dealt with Molly’s problem. “Why don’t you sit at my assistant’s desk. You can surf the net or something.” “I’m hungry.” Brian sighed. “We’ll go to the loft in a few minutes and order something in.” He smiled when her face lit up at the prospect of going to the loft and ordering in. Two of her favorite things. Brian stood at the door of Cynthia’s office for a few minutes watching as Molly booted up the computer and then began to surf the net for her favorite sites. Leaving Molly to her own devices, Brian looked up a number and then dialed. “Mrs. Taylor,” he began. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Max lay on Justin’s sofa watching him paint. It had been three months since his underwater experience and he hated to be alone. He never actually said anything about this fear, but Max had noticed that he always managed to convince either her or Dorian to be with him no matter what he was doing. If it kept up she was going to talk to Brian. Justin had said nothing to his partner about his problem with being alone. She knew that his grades had faltered slightly but then Justin had brought them back into line with his usual perfection and attention to detail. “Jus,” she began. “how’s Molly doing?” “Okay I guess. Brian keeps in touch with her and whenever I talk to her on the phone she seems happy.” “It must be kind of strange for her to be living with Brian’s surrogate mother. From what you’ve mentioned, she’s rather eccentric and your mom is like a complete WASP.” “The thing is, Molly is loved and cared for. She’s listened to and she’s believed in. That beats where she grew up hands down.” Justin stood back from his painting to study the perspective. “How come they let her live there, you never did say?” Max adjusted her position, the further along her pregnancy went, the more uncomfortable she was. Note to self, carry condoms at all times. “I’m not sure exactly. Brian looked after it.” Justin didn’t want to admit that he and Brian had paid his mother five hundred thousand dollars for Molly. They were also paying Deb Novotny, though considerably less, to have Molly live with her. Debbie was fast becoming a good friend of Justin’s. And a surrogate mother to Molly who thrived in the attention and love of the Novotny home. “Well whatever happened, Brian rocks.” Max declared. “I’ve always thought so.” Justin grinned at her. “Geeze is that a foot?” Max’s belly was bare and the distinct outline of a tiny foot was showing. “It wouldn’t surprise me if it was.” She all but groaned. “Fuck Justin, is this ever going to end?” “Rumor has it that no matter what, it’ll end after nine months.” Justin giggled and Max gave a painful attempt at a giggle too. “It’s a long damn time for a few minutes of rather dubious fun.” “I didn’t think it was so bad.” Justin choked back a laugh. “You were wasted, trust me it wasn’t that great.” “I’m wounded.” He sighed dramatically. “I’ll never fuck pussy again.” “Those words in themselves tell me you’re gay.” She smiled at him. “Thank gawd it will be over soon.” “For you maybe, I have to stay here until my lungs recover. It’s going to be at least a year if not more. “ his eyes looked faraway and unfocused as he thought of Brian raising their children alone. “Justin, maybe when the babies are born, you’ll be feeling better. I mean everyday you’re better.” “If my father hadn’t happened.” His voice was bitter. “But I’m right back to where I was when I first came to Phoenix. Well, maybe not quite as bad, but darn close.” “It’ll get better.” She reassured. “When will it get better? I can’t breathe if I do anything strenuous; I have fucking nightmares so often I hate to go to sleep. I’m afraid to be alone. I know you’ve notice. Dorian has mentioned it.” Max patted the bed beside her and Justin came over. He curled up, his head against her belly. It was one of his favorite spots. He imagined that he was talking mentally to the two children inside. He would lay there for as long as Max would put up with it and silently talk to his children. It was one of the few times since his father’s attempt on his life that Justin felt truly at peace. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Hey Molly” Michael kissed the young girl on her cheek. She was sitting at the far end of the diner’s counter doing her homework. “Hey Uncle Mikey.” She grinned at him. She loved to see the flush of pleasure on his face when she called him that. “I drew you a picture.” She held out a complex picture drawn with obvious talent. “It’s Brian, he’s the super hero, and you’re his trusty sidekick.” “This is good Molly.” Michael loved the picture. It was one of his fantasies come true, not that he’d ever tell anyone that. “What’s Brian the superhero’s name?” “I don’t know. Everyone I could think of has already been taken.” “We’ll have to think of one and one for me.” “Yeah,” she giggled. “Nanny Deb could make you costumes.” “I don’t imagine we could get Brian to wear his.” They both laughed at the idea. Michael sat down beside her. “You know I used to sit right where you’re sitting everyday after school and do my homework.” “You told me that before Uncle Mikey.” Molly was used to Michael repeating stories. “Have you heard from Justin lately?” he asked. He didn’t dare ask Brian for fear of getting his head bitten off. “Yeah, he calls me a lot.” Molly continued to work on the paper on the counter. “What about Brian?” “What about Brian?” she asked. “He’s funny, he makes me laugh.” “Brian makes you laugh?” Michael sounded unbelieving. “We are talking about Brian Kinney aren’t we?” Molly giggled. “Yes.” “Well, what’s he up to? He never answer’s his phone.” “We do stuff and he works a lot and talks to Justin a lot and sometimes he goes to visit Justin. Justin is sad and that makes Brian sad. But he always answers when I call him. I use my special phone that he got me.” She opened her book bag and pulled out a bright pink cell phone. “See, I put stickers on it.” “Cool phone.” Michael reached for it but Molly pulled it back. “Sorry Uncle Mikey, Brian said it’s only for me and I’m never to lend it to anybody especially you.” She cocked her head on one side and looked at Michael. “How come Brian said that?” she asked. “Yeah, Uncle Mikey, how come Brian said that?” Brian put his hand on the back of Michael’s neck squeezing it. He bent down and kissed Molly on the top of her head. “Hey Molly, you’re looking pretty cool with that outfit on.” “It’s my favorite one.” She replied preening. “Thank you again for buying it for me.” “We had fun shopping. Are you sure you’re Justin’s sister? He hates shopping.” Brian teased. “I lllloooooovvvvveeee shopping.” She giggled. “What about the kitty?” “You haven’t won me over on that one.” Brian laughed. “I’m immune to your sad looks and puppy dog eyes.” “I bet you’d get Justin one.” She pouted. Michael watched this exchange shaking his head. “Hey Brian, where’ve you been, you never answer your phone anymore and we miss you at Woody’s and Babylon.” “My life has become pretty full Mikey. I never thought I see the day when I was too busy to go to Babylon or Woody’s but these days there isn’t a minute to spare.” “Brian, I don’t really see you doing anything different than you ever did. I mean you’ve always worked hard.” “But I’m running two companies at the moment, one of which is about ten times bigger than Kinnetik ever could hope to be. My partner is suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome and I can’t be with him and he can’t be with me. Not to mention one or two other things that are keeping my mind busy that I don’t want to go into right now.” Brian looked hard at his friend. “It’s not all sunshine and roses in Kinnyville Mikey.” “Sorry Brian, I didn’t know.” “I’m not complaining, don’t ever think that. I like to be busy, you know that. But I miss Justin and wish I could be there for him. It’s going to be even worse when his father comes up for trial.” “Daddy is going to jail for a long time.” Molly piped up. “Justin said so.” “From your mouth to god’s ears princess.” Debbie said as she put another glass of soda down in front of Molly and took away the dirty glass. “Do you boys want something or are you just taking up counter space and disturbing my girl’s homework.” “Hey Deb, good to see you too.” Brian leaned over the counter and kissed Deb’s cheek, making her flush. “I’ll have a coffee and a turkey sandwich.” “I want a burger and fries.” Michael said. “You’ll get what I give you.” Debbie patted his cheek. “You need something nutritious.” Brian’s cell phone rang. He took it out of his pocket and immediately flipped it open. “Hey” his voice was soft. Molly rolled her eyes and mouthed to Michael. “It’s Justin.” Brian, not paying any attention, got up and walked away from them and out into the street. “I saw the kids today.” Justin said. “I’m sorry I missed it. “ Brian was disappointed, but he couldn’t leave Pittsburgh for another few days due to client obligations. “Yeah, I think the nurses missed you.” Justin laughed. “I’m sure they’re both boys.” “Oh?” Brian asked. “Yes, almost positive. It’s kind of crowded in there, so it’s hard to get a good look.” “We’ll have to think of names, we can’t keep calling them thing one and thing two.” Brian teased. “Brian, I never called them that.” Justin tried to sound outraged, but he knew Brian was teasing him. “I know Sunshine.” Brian paused. “I miss you. This has been the longest time ever that we’ve been apart.” “I know and I miss you too.” Justin sighed. “Sorry to call you during the day. I know you’re busy.” “Not at the moment, I was just picking up lunch at the diner.” “Brian it’s almost four thirty.” “Late lunch.” Brian laughed. “Hey, I’ve had the contractor install that air cleaning system. You should be okay when you come up here after the babies are born.” “I’m coming anyway.” “Yes Mrs. Kinney.” Brian laughed. “Fuck you Brian. I’m not letting you have all the fun of their first few weeks.” “Ahhhh, yes, sleepless nights, baby shit and puke, I’m looking forward to it. Can’t wait.” “You are a shit you know that don’t you?” Justin laughed. “You and I will do it together. You know, you can get a nanny or a nurse or something.” “Not going to happen Sunshine. Our kids will be raised by us. I’m even having a day care put in both Kinnetik and Taylor Enterprises. I may get the employee of the month award because of it.” “You can’t win the award, you give that award.” Justin laughed. “But I like what you’re doing. There are probably a lot of happy employees at both places.” “As long as their productivity goes up, that’s all the thanks I want.” Brian drawled. “Now about you, how are you sleeping?” “Okay.” Justin replied. “I kind of miss having Ronny around. I think Max misses him too.” “Ronny is his own man. He can visit Max if he wants.” “You know what I mean.” Justin sighed. “I got used to having him around. I feel kind of vulnerable now.” “There’s no reason for your father or anyone else to want you to die. You’re over the age of nineteen. Your dad can’t come up with a codicil to the codicil saying you have to be more than twenty before you can inherit.” “No I suppose not.” Justin thought for a moment. “Are you bringing Molly the next time you come down?” “I wasn’t planning on it. It disrupts her school schedule too much.” “Good, I’d like to see her, but I have plans for you. After all it might be our last time together without kids.” “Fuck I never thought I’d hear those words.” Brian laughed. You’re making me an old married man without me even knowing it.” “I told you I’m sneaky.” Justin laughed. “I’ll let you go, I don’t want your turkey sandwich to dry out any more than it already is.” “How do you know that’s what I ordered?” “I’m rolling my eyes here Brian.” Justin laughed. He always felt better after talking to his partner. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin lay in bed that night staring up at the ceiling. The lights were on in the other rooms but he kept the bedroom dark. He looked at the clock. It it was almost four in the morning. He’d been staring at the ceiling for hours. Suddenly he heard the door of the apartment opening and then the locks clicking shut. Lights were being turned out as someone made their way across the hardwood floor. Justin smiled, he’d know that walk anywhere. In the last of the light that shone through from the bathroom, Brian stood still and stared into blue eyes filled with love. “Hey” Justin said sleepily. “Hey” Brian replied. He stripped off his clothes and instead of putting them away, he just left them where they fell. He was tired. He crawled into his side of the bed and the two of them moved together like magnets. “I couldn’t sleep.” Brian explained as he kissed Justin softly on his forehead. “I know the feeling.” Justin all but purred, suddenly calm and very, very tired. “Close your eyes Sunshine. Let me hold you and keep away all the bad thoughts and dreams.” Brian’s voice was soft and soothing as he too began to drift off to sleep. “Brian,” Justin whispered. “I love you.” “I love you too.” Brian said and then drifted off into sleep. Justin relaxed and he too fell asleep. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^