Silent Night-11 By Elsa Rose Plot Bunny by Amanda Lying in the almost too warm bed, his eyes shut, the sun sneaking in below the blinds on the window that weren’t pulled all the way down, Justin listened to the soft, slow breathing of Brian as he slept. With each breath, a tiny bit of fear and tension disappeared from Justin’s body and he could feel himself melting with the pleasure and knowledge that Brian had heard his silent cry and come. He’d flown all the way from Pittsburgh just to be there for him. Still not opening his eyes, almost afraid that Brian lying beside him was a figment of his over active imagination, Justin turned so that Brian, who had been lying on his side facing Justin who had been on his back, was now face to face with him. The soft woosh of Brian’s breath bathed Justin’s face and he peeked out between his lashes to stare at Brian’s lips. He loved those lips. Justin ducked his head under Brian’s chin and nuzzled into the older man’s neck, breathing deeply of the smell of the man he loved. Brian’s arm wrapped around him pulling him closer. Justin paused, not sure if Brian was awake. Brian sighed and then settled back into sleep proving to Justin just how tired he was, for Brian rarely slept long. Brian’s heart was beating a lullaby that was irresistible and Justin once again drifted off, wrapped in a Brian blanket. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Molly lay on the sofa in Debbie’s living room watching Saturday morning cartoons. Vic was in the kitchen mixing up a batch of blueberry muffins. Deb was sitting at the table drinking coffee and reading her horoscope in the morning paper. Molly sighed in contentment and then giggled. Vic and Deb smiled at each other. The little girl had changed from a bundle of nerves the contented as a cat young girl she was now. “Hey Ma.” The door opened and Michael walked in. “Michael, you could at least knock.” His mother chided. “Hi Michael.” Vic said as he put the muffin pan in the oven. “Hi Uncle Mikey.” Molly said. “Come and watch cartoons with me. Grandpa Vic is making muffins.” Michael sat down with a bounce on the sofa and lifted her legs onto his lap. “What are you doing here short stuff; I thought you were going to Brian’s today.” “He went to visit Justin in the middle of the night.” She grinned at Michael. “I could tell he was going to yesterday. Remember that look he got on his face when we were talking? Well that’s his Justin look and he always goes to see him when he gets it.” “No shit.” Michael laughed. “I’ll have to remember that.” “Yep, it happens every single time. Then he looks at me kind like he’s sorry and I know that he has to see Justin. I don’t mind. It makes him happy and he’s made me happy, so it’s a good deal.” “You have him all figured out do you?” Michael said. “You know I still don’t have him figured out.” “That’s ‘cause you’re a guy.” Molly was smug. “Brian is kind of like this super hero guy who is always saving people, but he really needs to be saved himself and Justin is Brian’s super hero. It works out good for them both.” “That’s right sweetie.” Debbie kissed the top of Molly’s head and smacked Michael on his head. “Ow what was that for?” Michael said. “You are Brian’s oldest friend and yet Molly understands him so much better than you do.” “Can I have a cup of a coffee?” Michael decided to change the subject. “You know where it is.” Debbie replied as she sat in the recliner chair. “I’ll have a refill.” She held out her mug. “Can I get a coffee too?” Molly asked. “No, but you can have a glass of milk.” Michael said as he headed into the kitchen. “And a muffin” Molly grinned at Debbie who grinned back. Debbie rather liked having another female around. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian woke up slowly; his nose was buried in Justin’s long almost white blond hair. It tickled and he tried to move, but he was tangled up in strong arms and legs that wrapped around him holding him close. “Hey Sunshine, I have to piss.” “So?” Justin’s voice was amused. “So you have to let go.” “Don’t want to.” “Too bad, I’m not playing golden showers with you little boy.” Brian began to tickle until Justin had to move away. “You don’t play fair.” Justin said to Brian’s back as he disappeared into the bathroom. “Don’t whine.” Brian replied drying his hands and standing in the doorway. “I can’t believe you’re here.” Justin smiled and then snuggled deep into the duvet that covered him. “I had the urge to rack up some more frequent flyer points.” Brian joked. “It seemed like a good idea at the time.” “If you come back to bed, I’ll give you a reward.” Justin looked up at him and batted his eyelashes in a parody of sexiness. Brian laughed but launched himself onto the bed and Justin. “I thought you would never wake up Sunshine. I expect a really, really good reward. His answer was Justin’s hand behind his head, pulling him closer for their lips to meet in a kiss filled with passion. Time disappeared as kiss after kiss devoured it. Justin worshiped Brian’s mouth with his kisses; his fingers were everywhere dancing lightly over the older man’s skin and pulling through his hair. Brian couldn’t believe how hard he was and how close he was to coming just from the powerful kisses that shouted how Justin felt about him. He wanted to stop, to pull back and catch his breath. He wanted to calm himself before the need to cum outweighed everything else. But he couldn’t. He couldn’t stop himself from the waves of pleasure that stabbed through him more powerfully than anything ever had. He needed Justin’s lips. He needed the feel of his tongue twisting, tasting, seeking. He needed the heat that was building between them to keep him warm in the cold Pittsburgh nights when Justin was so far away. He needed to smell the heady scent of hot sweaty man, that clean sweat of morning, mixed with the musk of precum. He needed Justin in his arms now and forever. Amid panting breaths and almost hysterical giggles, they both let themselves cum like two teenagers. Until they lay panting and slick with their juices, still tangled together only now it was soft and gentle kisses that they traded. The soft kisses began to increase until Justin demanded with an urgency that showed in his voice. “fuck me Brian, fuck me hard and wild.” He whimpered with need and Brian, hearing the whimper hardened Brian’s cock immediately. “Where?” Brian gasped. Justin reached for a box that sat on the side table. He flipped the lid open. Brian pulled out a condom and grinned at Justin. “Good thing you were a boy scout.” “Do it Brian.” Justin demanded and wiggled under him. “Patience.” Brian laughed and sheathed his hard cock. He added some lube. His fingers still slick caressed and prodded Justin’s eager hole. Justin thrust into him and Brian laughed out loud again. Fucking Justin was never serious. It was about sensations and need and fun and wanting to pleasure the blond young man under his body. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ A month later Justin walked out of the courthouse in a daze. His mother followed trying “Justin, wait.” She began. “Mom, I’ve got nothing to say.” Justin’s voice was bitter. He was glad that Brian was with Molly. He wouldn’t have been able to handle today’s testimony. “I’m sorry that I didn’t believe Molly.” She began. “It just seemed so far fetched. I mean your father putting you in a car trunk and then driving the car into the water. It’s just so unbelievable.” “Well, it was pretty fucking believable to me.” Justin continued to walk. “I don’t want to talk to you. If you have anything to say to me you can talk to me through Brian. He looks after all of this shit.” Justin could feel his breathing tightening. He felt in his pocket for his inhaler in case he needed it. A small smile crept at the corner of his lips, Brian had put it in. He always remembered. “Justin, your father and I have been married for more than twenty years. I know him. He couldn’t have been in his right mind when he did what he did. And keep in mind it hasn’t been proven it was your father. After all you couldn’t see who was outside of the car trunk.” “Fuck off mother.” Justin thankfully had reached his car. He opened the door and got in. “You told me how you felt when you accepted the money for Molly’s custody. You made your choice then. I’d suggest you go find your darling husband and spend some time with him. He won’t be free for long.” Justin shut and locked his door. Doing his best to control his breathing, he turned the car on and without a backward glance at his mother, he turned into the street. He had to get back to Brian. A block away, Justin pulled over and taking out his cell phone he called the man he loved. “Hey” “I heard it was a bitch in the courtroom today.” “Your spies work fast.” Justin smiled to himself. He should have known that Brian wouldn’t have let him be there alone. “Who was it?” “If I told you, then you’d know all my secrets.” “I know all your secrets now.” “That’s what you think. I still have one or two left.” Brian loved to banter with Justin. It lightened the mood and this was a day filled with tension for both of them. “My mother tried to apologize.” Justin said quietly. “It unnerved me. I kept thinking that she probably wants more money.” “No doubt she does. Five hundred thousand doesn’t go as far as it used to.” “I’m not going to give in.” “You probably will, but we’ll see if we can tie her up legally this time. So that the next time will be the last time.” “Am I that transparent?” “Not to everyone, but you are to me.” “That’s because you love me.” “Yes.” Justin felt better. “Do you and Molly want me to pick something up for dinner?” “We’re still at Kinnetik. I can take the two of you somewhere.” “I think I’d rather eat at home. The press this morning was a bitch.” “You go home and have a hot bath, light some candles, and pour yourself a glass of wine. I’ll drop Molly off at Deb’s and join you. I’ll even bring food.” “You do know the way to my heart.” Justin laughed. “Make sure you bring something sweet for dessert.” “I thought I was sweet enough for dessert.” Brian laughed. “You could add chocolate sauce.” “That’ll work.” Justin was grinning widely now. “Later.” He hung up the phone. Before he began to drive again, Justin sat for a few moments and thought of his life since he’d met Brian. A lot of things had happened, some of them good and some of them not so good. But the whole time, Brian was the constant. He was always there for him no matter what came up. Soon their relationship would be tested to the max. Justin chuckled to himself at his unintended pun. He turned back out into traffic and headed for the loft. It could prove an interesting evening and definitely a diversion for the drama that would follow for the rest of the week. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ It was Valentine’s Day. And it was obvious to Brian that Justin had forgotten about it what with the drama in the court room for the past week. He hoped his partner had done what he suggested and was soaking in a hot bath. Brian turned to Molly. “I know, I know, I’m going back to Nanny Deb’s. You know Brian, it’s Valentine’s Day, you should get Justin something romantic.” Molly had been surfing the net on Cynthia’s computer. “Like this.” She showed him a site that had cute looking bears on it.” “I’m not sure Justin is the bear kind of guy.” Brian laughed. “I like them.” “You’re a bear kind of girl.” Brian gave her a quick hug. “You never know what you might find back at Deb’s.” “Really?” Molly was intrigued. “Did you get me something for Valentine’s Day?” “Now if I told you, you wouldn’t be surprised.” Brian turned back to his office. “I have a couple of things to clean up, but we’ll leave in half an hour.” “That’s cool” she said and turned back to the computer. Brian smiled to himself and then picked up the phone. He needed to make sure that Emmett was on track with what he’d planned. Justin took a detour to the mall on his way home. He hadn’t bought Brian anything for Valentine’s Day. He knew the older man distained the traditional day of romance, but Justin kind of liked the whole idea of it. And there were times when yet another picture that he’d sketched just wouldn’t do. He parked near the food court entrance. He needed something totally bad for him to put him in the mood for finding Brian something that he just might approve of. First Justin circled the food court looking at everything there was to offer. He was torn between having some sushi and having a deep dish personal sized pizza loaded with double everything. The New York fries also looked pretty good. Not able to decide Justin order the sushi and the pizza and while the pizza baked, he ordered a small cone of the fries. Unmindful of the lustful stares from some of the passersby’s, Justin sat at a table under a tree. He couldn’t decide whether the tree was real or not but he ate almost everything he ordered while he contemplated. He also thought of what the next few months were going to bring. Max would have the babies. That was the biggest hurdle for Brian and him to overcome. They would have to decide what to do about Molly, for she was adamant about not going back to live with her mother. And then there was Gus. Justin didn’t want the little boy to feel left out of his daddy’s life when the babies arrived. He wasn’t sure how to approach that as Brian refused to tell anyone about the impending arrival. And he’d warned Justin from spilling the information. It was tough keeping that secret now that he’d gotten to know the gang of friends that circled around Brian. They were all so friendly and seemed interested in what he and Brian were up too. The only friends of Brian’s that he didn’t interact with, was Lindsay and Melanie, Gus’ mothers. Practically from the first he’d been too ill and it just hadn’t worked out. But Brian kept him up to date on Gus’s progress in everything. He was an indulgent and proud father and loved to send pictures to Justin showing off the different stages of the young child’s life. Not wanting to think anymore of Brian’s life in Pittsburgh without him. Justin got up and began his hunt for the perfect Valentine gift. He walked around the mall, more window shopping than anything else while he soaked up the ideas displayed in the various stores. Then when he was about to despair he came across a sculpture displayed in the window of an art gallery. The gallery was tucked away in a corner that received very little mall traffic. It was almost hidden and Justin was surprised at the rather elegant ambiance of the place. “I’d like to buy the sculpture in the window.” Justin said to the small Asian woman who approached. “That is a very old and very valuable sculpture.” She said. “It’s been released from the heart of a piece of the finest jade found in Northern British Columbia in the early part of the nineteenth century. “Is it Asian?” Justin asked, mesmerized by the soft folds of the living rock as it twisted and blended, clearly two men entangled as they made love. Though when he stood looking at it from another direction it was altogether a different sculpture. The artist had to have been a master at his craft. “No, the sculpture is one of Paul Little Hawk’s. It was the last one he did in this medium before he passed on to live with the Great Spirit.” She answered, her hand caressing the jade. “He was my great grandfather.” It was then that Justin realized that she wasn’t Asian, but rather Native American, or perhaps First Nations from Canada. “It is an amazing sculpture.” Was all he could say. It spoke to him like nothing else had. “What do you see when you gaze upon this piece of jade?” she asked. Justin was embarrassed; he didn’t really want to tell the woman who stood there that he saw himself and Brian making love. He saw them bound together for eternity. But on the other hand, he had to be honest. “I see two men making love. I see myself and my partner bound together for eternity.” He flushed as he stammered out the last sentence. “Then you shall own the sculpture.” She smiled her eyes alive with pleasure. “My great grandfather was two spirited, like you. This was his homage to his partner who had died early in life. There was a legend surrounding it, that it could only belong to one who saw the true spirit of what the jade had revealed. To anyone else, it is a sculpture of the sea and the creatures who live there.” “If it’s been in your family so long, why are you selling it?” Justin asked. He still couldn’t take his eyes off of the green wonder. “But it isn’t for sale.” She smiled. “Never could it be for sale. But it waited to be recognized by one with my grandfather’s spirit. That’s you.” She smiled and took the sculpture from the window and handed it to Justin. “Do you feel the heat of the stone? Do you feel the love that was absorbed into the living rock?” Justin was surprised at the both the weight and the heat of the stone. He’d always assumed rock was cold, but not this one. This one was warm and it made him feel good inside. “I feel the heat.” He whispered. “Then the carving is yours.” She took it back and together they walked toward a counter where she began to pack it into a box of inlaid cedar. “This is the box that was made for the Inukli Tasla– or in your language – Love Forever.” “Wow the box is a work of art in itself.” Justin was amazed at the intricate inlay of various woods. The cedar smell still lingered. as Justin breathed in the scent. He could picture cedar trees as tall as a skyscraper and as big around as a house. “The box was made by my grandfather’s lover and best friend. It was a fitting place for the carving to rest while it waited for another life.” The old woman carefully wrapped the statue in soft chamois leather and set it down inside the padded box. “May it bring you and your lover luck in love.” “I have to pay you.” Justin began. “You will pay my great grandfather by living your days with the man you love and when the time comes, you both can pass on the Inukli Tasla to another who loves as you do.” Justin stood there in awe. “I won’t let you down.” He said. “Of course you won’t.” she giggled and suddenly to Justin, he could see her as a young maiden and she was beautiful. “It is a beautiful gift for a cherished lover and what better day for it than Valentine’s Day.” Impulsively Justin bent and kissed her cheek. “Thank you. This is perfect for Brian. It’s everything that he is, complex, hard and yet smooth, what you see from one angle isn’t what he really is. I love this, it’s completely Brian.” “I’d like to meet your Brian one day.” She smiled as she walked Justin to the door. “Perhaps in time we will meet.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin drove to the loft pleased with his gift for Brian. He knew that the statue would speak to the older man as much as it had spoken to him. Brian was almost fey in his intuitiveness. He wanted to stop and pick up something for dinner, but now that he was full from his late lunch, nothing particularly inspired him. They could always send out later. It wasn’t as if Brian would want to go anywhere especially on Valentine’s Day.” He leaned over and turned on the radio. The rest of the ride home, he sung along with all of the romantic tunes that were playing. Brian smiled to himself. He’d managed to locate Emmett who had just finished up at the loft. Justin hadn’t arrived home yet. Brian figured he must have gone to get something to eat. He wouldn’t have been able to eat while the trial was going on and he would be hungry. “Are you sure you’re okay with this Miss Molly?” Brian asked the young girl. They were parked in front of Debbie’s house. “Sure, I have a homework assignment. I have to write a poem. It’s going to take me forever because I’m not inspired. How can they ask you to write a poem when you aren’t even a little bit inspired?” “I guess the same way I have to write copy for an ad when it’s about something that I think sucks.” “Like yesterday when you had to write the one for ladies panties?” Molly giggled. “Your face got all red and you were swearing. Cynthia thought it was funny and so did I.” Molly continued to giggle. “Yes like that, brat.” He pretended to punch her shoulder. “And I still did it and trust me Molly; my ad will sell millions of panties. Ladies everywhere will be dying to buy the darn things.” He smiled, “You can take inspiration for a poem from lots of different places. It can be sad or happy or just silly.” “Then I have a great idea.” Molly was all but jumping with excitement. “Good, make sure you send me a copy when you get it back with your ‘A’. Now get your cute little butt out of the car. I have to get to the loft and seduce your brother.” “Ewwww, TMI.” She said with a laugh as she got out of the car. “TTLY” she blew Brian a kiss and ran to the front door of Debbie’s house. He watched her bounce into the house. Was he ever that free and happy at the same age? He had to think hard to even remember what it was like then. The past was becoming more and more a bad memory the longer he knew Justin. It was as if Justin was slowly erasing the pain and coldness and replacing it with warmth and love. Justin could smell the scent of something interesting coming from the loft. Or at least he thought it was from the loft. The elevator door clanged shut behind him. Soft music greeted the blond when he opened the heavy loft door. “Brian?” he called stepping inside and looking left and right. “Sorry honey, Brian isn’t here yet. I’ll draw your bath while you have a nibbly or two.” It was Emmett, dressed as his version of a Geisha girl. “What the fuck?” Justin burst out trying to suppress his giggles. Emmett’s kimono was deep red embroidered silk edged in black. It was beautiful. Justin placed the cedar box carefully on the glass topped coffee table before turning to his friend. “Okay, what’s up?” he asked. “Baby, your true love wants you to have a special Valentine’s Day. I have very specific instructions. I’m to make sure that you have a nice warm bubble bath with some new bath salts that arrived this afternoon. And believe me honey just the jar alone, let alone what’s inside will perk your pecker up. “ Emmett grinned. He was over by the kitchen island fussing with some canapés. “When you are finished your bath, if Brian hasn’t arrived home, you are to put on that heavenly blue silk robe that’s hanging in the bathroom. I’ve even turned up the heat in his majesty’s ice palace so you don’t freeze your tush off. “Sounds like Brian has put some thought into this.” Justin was amused. “I thought he didn’t ‘do’ commercial days like Valentine’s Day.” “Well he didn’t but then one day the handsome Prince met his Princess and the rest is history.” “I don’t know if Brian would like to be called a Princess.” Justin joked. Emmett laughed dutifully and then continued. “Dinner is ready, I know how the two of you become distracted, but everything is all set. You only have to turn on the broiler for the steaks. The salad is in the fridge and the salad dressing is ready to be shaken up. The wine is breathing.” Emmett dusted his hands together and looked around. “Yes, everything is all set. Now let me get that bath ready. You want to be all squeaky clean and relaxed before your Prince Charming arrives.” Emmett turned around to look at Justin and it was then that he noticed the blond was wrapped up in Brian’s arms. They stood locked together in the foyer near the door, oblivious to anything else. A bouquet of roses lay on the floor where they had been dropped in the heat of the kiss and a hot kiss it was. Emmett had never seen anything like it. He leaned against the counter, his chin in his hands mesmerized by the animalistic beauty of what he was witnessing. “Emmett, go.” Brian finally managed to say as he lifted Justin in his arms and began to walk toward the bedroom.” “I’ll just lock up, shall I?” Emmett began to fuss with the bottle of wine and the glasses he’d set out. “Yes.” Justin said before he let himself be seduced once again by Brian’s lips. Brian stopped at the bottom of the steps to the bedroom and placed Justin on his feet. He drew Justin’s shirt over his head, then tore the top two buttons off his shirt before he too drew his shirt over his head and on the floor beside Justin’s. Justin was fumbling with Brian’s pants, not being able to get his zipper down. Brian had snaked his hands over the two plump mounds of Justin’s butt and was pushing his pants down at the same time. “Brian, I need some help here.” “Sunshine, I am helping can’t you see?” “I mean with your pants. I can’t get the zipper down.” Brian tried his hand with his zipper and when it still wouldn’t budge, he just tore the pants off. “This better?” Justin fell to his knees, looked up at Brian with lust in his eyes, his hand on Brian’s cock and said, “Much.” He then proceeded to deep throat Brian’s cock. As Justin sucked him off, Brian kept his hands in Justin’s hair. He knew it wasn’t going to take long, as all day long Brian kept thinking of what Emmett was preparing for his lover. As he neared his climax, he felt the wash of warm cum hitting his calves and felt his own release pour into Justin’s hot mouth. Brian caught hold of both sides of Justin’s face and gently lifted him up. Kissing him, while tasting himself in Justin’s mouth, he said, “I’m gonna draw us a bath since Emmett didn’t have a chance before I got home. Why don’t you get the wine and glasses and meet me there.” Brian kissed the tip of Justin’s nose and turned to go into the bathroom. Justin watched Brian as he entered the bathroom. He got the bottle and two glasses then as he turned around, he spotted the box so he placed that under his arm and turned to go find Brian. Later, after soaking and making love once again, Justin opened his eyes as he lay on Brian’s chest wrapped up in his arms and legs. He saw the box and remembered what was inside. “Brian, close your eyes. I have a present for you.” “Is that what is in the box you carried in before? The box itself is beautiful. You mean there is something more than just the box.” “I found it today but I want to take it out and have you tell me what you see.” Brian lay his head back on the tub and kept his eyes closed until he heard, “OK, you can look now.” Brian opened his eyes, and looking past Justin, saw the sculpture. He lifted his head off the tub so he could look straight at the sculpture. “What do you see Brian?” Even as he heard Justin ask the question, he couldn’t take his eyes off what he swore was two men entangled together that reminded him of Justin and himself. “Justin, did you make this of the two of us? Because all I can see is you and I making love, but it’s hard to see where you end and I begin. It’s beautiful. When did you have time to do this?” “I didn’t. I found it today. There is a story behind it but right now I want you to make love to me. Please Brian.” As Brian reached out to draw Justin into his arms, he still couldn’t take his eyes off the sculpture. However his eyelids fluttered closed as Justin’s mouth found his. In between bouts of lovemaking, they ate the meal that Emmett had prepared and Justin told Brian about the sculpture which found its way to the table beside the bed. They made love, talked and made love again, then finally early in the morning, they fell asleep wrapped in each others arms. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “It’s time” Brian turned away from Justin’s accusing eyes. “Justin, you have to go back. The trial is over.” “We can appeal.” “No we can’t. Appealing doesn’t apply here. He’s been tried for the murder of his partner and for the attempted murder of his son and he’s been exonerated by a jury of his peers. That’s the way it works. There was no firm evidence to prove his guilt.” “There was my testimony and Molly’s.” Justin had gone through hell the past few weeks. Hearing the trial and having his father’s lawyer twist his words and his sister’s words into nothing that resembled what truly happened had been infuriating. “I know that Justin. But your father’s lawyer was good.” Brian was just as upset about the trial and the result. Molly was devastated. The Taylor’s were now going to enter a battle for Molly’s custody. “I like what you told Craig.” Justin refused to call him dad any longer. When the trial had finished and everyone was leaving the courtroom, Brian had confronted Craig Taylor. “Rest assured Taylor, that I have put in place people to investigate every aspect of your life from the day you were born. Something will turn up to put you away for a long time. Our legal department has also seen to it that contesting the will, will give you nothing but lawyers fees. Justin’s grandfather saw to that.” Before Craig Taylor had a chance to say anything, Brian had taken Justin by the arm, turned and left the courtroom. “What I told him I meant. I WILL find something on him that can be proved in court. If I do nothing else, I’ll keep him so fucking busy covering his ass that he won’t have time to devote to anything else. The first thing on the agenda is Molly. I agree, she can’t go back to your parents. Your mother is fine, but she obviously can’t protect her from your father.” “What are we going to do?” Justin hated this. He hated that his father seemed to have gotten away with murder. He hated that his sister was expected to live with the man. “Let me worry about it.” Brian kissed Justin again. He rubbed the blond’s back trying to invoke some form of comfort. “I’ve never let you down yet. And I won’t now. Molly is safe right where she is with Debbie. I have already had Debbie qualify to be a care home for foster children and our lawyer is working with her counselor to show that it’s in Molly’s best interest to stay right where she is.” “Like the court gives a shit what’s right and what isn’t. Craig’s release is a case in point.” Justin’s voice was bitter. Brian could tell from the blue tinge around Justin’s lips, that he was having a problem breathing no matter how hard the younger man tried to disguise it. He picked up another shirt and folded it, packing it into the suitcase that was on the bed. “Justin, I’m not going to argue with you. You have to go back to Phoenix. You know it and I know it. I can’t leave right now but I will be there as soon as I can put the right people in place at both Taylor Enterprises and Kinnetik.” Brian explained, his voice patient. “That’s another thing. I want the name of Taylor Enterprises changed. The name sucks.” Justin took the shirt back out of the suitcase and hung it up. Brian pretended he didn’t notice. “What do you want it changed to?” Brian asked. Anything to get Justin’s mind on something else. “I don’t know.” Justin sighed and sat on the bed. “The company doesn’t even have a Taylor working there. Can’t we call it Kinney and Company or something.” “I suppose we can come up with something that suits you.” Brian sat on the bed next to Justin. “Your flight leaves in two hours. Unpacking your suitcase isn’t going to change that fact. I’m going to have you on that flight even if I have to carry you on.” Justin giggled at the thought and leaned into Brian, shoulder to shoulder. “I know, but I hate that shirt.” “You don’t like much of anything today.” “I like you.” Justin turned his face to Brian and Brian dutifully kissed his nose. “I’m glad. Now don’t you have Max and the kids to worry about? I mean she must be getting close to popping them out.” “We sooooo don’t need kids right now. “ Justin kicked his foot against the bed frame like a petulant child. “I’m not ready for this shit. Fuck Brian, when are we even going to have time to deal with a kid, let alone two of them. I have school and you have like half the damn world to run.” “Hmmm, we could tell Max we changed our minds and they could be adopted by people we don’t know. They would grow up always wondering why their birth parents didn’t want them. That sounds like a plan.” “Fucktard.” Justin spat. “I can’t let my babies grow up like that.” “Exactly.” Brian stood up. “Time to be a big boy and go to the airport.” He snapped shut the half empty suitcase. “I’ll come down with Molly on spring break which is only in a week.” “Are you going to be allowed to take her out of the state?” Justin asked. He still felt sulky. Brian raised one eyebrow and stared at his partner without saying a word. “Good point.” Justin gave a half laugh. What Brian wanted, Brian got. Molly bounced into their bedroom. “Will you guys hurry up? I want to get back before my show starts.“ She stood there her hands on her hips looking at the two of them. “Molly bugger off.” Justin said. And when he saw her face fall, he grabbed her hand and pulled her down on his knee. “Sorry Mollusk,I’m I kind of grouchy.” “That’s okay Jus, I understand.” She kissed his cheek. “I get to stay with Brian this week and go to his work and everything.” Justin looked at Brian. “I figured the best way to make sure she’s doing okay is to have her with me. I hired a tutor so no one will say I’m keeping her from a proper education.” “And Ronny is going to help me with my school work.” Molly grinned. She had a crush on Ronny Mah. “Ronny is Molly’s tutor?” Justin asked. “He has his teaching degree.” Brian shrugged. He stood up. “We barely have enough time to get to the airport. “Let’s move it.” Justin knew in his heart that he couldn’t stay. His breathing was stressed and his asthma kept threatening to return. Justin could feel the tightening in his throat. He didn’t know whether to cry or laugh. Finally, “Brian are you sure about this?” “What, that we have to get to the airport? Yes I’m sure.” He picked up Justin’s bag and started to walk out of the room. “You know what I mean.” Justin’s voice was quiet. Brian turned and looked into his eyes. “No Justin, I’m not sure. I’ve never been in this kind of situation before. But I do know this, as long as I have anything to do with it, no child in my care is ever going to be put in danger or in any kind of jeopardy. Molly can’t live with your parents. Her life would be hell. Especially after the trial and what was said. It’s foolish for anyone to think otherwise. We have a pair of good lawyers working on our behalf for Molly’s custody. Not to mention a few other things I have in the works.” Brian thought back to the conversation he’d had earlier with the Georges. Craig Taylor wouldn’t know what hit him now that he’d let them loose in full pursuit of Mr. Craig Taylor. “So you’re keeping her with you?” “So I’m keeping her with me. It’s only for a couple of weeks. I’m positive that Craig will be glad to sign the papers giving custody of Molly to you and I well before the two weeks are up.” “Are you going to fill me in?” Justin was curious. “No.” Brian kissed him on his nose. “Will you guys huuuuurrrrrrryyyyyyy up?” Molly whined. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Life back in Phoenix returned to normal for Justin during that week. He was busy from the time he woke up until he fell into bed exhausted. He had projects to hand in and three exhibits for a student art showing to be held just before the Easter break. Justin was so busy that he wasn’t paying any attention to anything. It was a surprise therefore when Max began pounding on his door at dawn the day Brian and Molly were due to arrive. Justin made his way to the door of his apartment. He was barely able to see he was so tired and he couldn’t imagine who in hell would even be in the building let alone knocking on this door at four in the morning. “What?” he yelled through the thick oak. “Justin, help me, I think the babies are coming?” Max yelled back. “What the fuck?” Justin pulled open the door and stared at Max. “You have a fucking key, why didn’t you use it?” “Justin don’t yell at me.” She said and burst into tears. “The babies are coming and it’s too early.” “Oh for fuck sake.” Justin led her by the arm inside his apartment. “Lie down on the sofa and tell me what’s happening.” Suddenly he was wide awake not to mention terrified though from his calm demeanor, you would never know the terror he was feeling. “I think I’m having contractions and there’s blood.” She sobbed. “You’re going to the hospital. Did you call your doctor?” “I came and found you.” “The doctor Max, did you call your doctor?” He was pulling on his discarded jeans from the night before and then searching for the tee shirt he pulled off. Not able to find it, he resorted to pulling one of Brian’s from his drawer. Laundry had not been a priority during the week. “No.” her voice was small. “I’m calling him.” He picked up the phone and dialed a number that he’d memorized months before. It took a few minutes to make his way through the doctor’s answering service and then his wife, but finally he had him on the phone. “It’s Justin Kinney, Max thinks she’s in labor and it’s too soon for the babies to come.” He began without any other formalities. “Get her to the hospital.” Dr. Haddad said. “I’ll meet you there.” “Aren’t you going to ask any questions?” Justin said incredulously. “In my experience, the mother knows more than me in these cases. A trip to the hospital isn’t going to hurt either of us.” He chuckled. “More than likely it’s a false alarm, but better safe than sorry. Now drive carefully.” Justin hung up the phone and turned to Max. “We’re going to the hospital.” “I can’t walk.” She had waddled in, now that he remembered. “Well I can’t carry you.” Which was an understatement as Max had ballooned to enormous proportions as far as Justin was concerned. She was as big as a moose. “You’ll have to try and walk or I’ll have to drag you. It’s not far to the car.” He helped her onto her unsteady feet and they slowly made their way out of the apartment and into the elevator. Both of them were sweating by the time he pushed the button for the underground parking area. Max had been concentrating so hard on keeping her balance that she really hadn’t noticed the short trip. Both of them had forgotten about her wheel chair in their panic. “See that wasn’t so bad.” He encouraged. Privately he thought it was fucking hell. The only good part seemed to be that his asthma wasn’t starting up with the stress. “It’s terrible.” She wailed. Justin rolled his eyes, helped her into the car and ran around to the other door, forgetting in his haste to unlock it. He pulled and pulled until Max noticed what was happening and hit the automatic lock to release the door. “You’re a big fucking help.” She growled. Justin resisted screaming a retort. Instead he counted to ten and then to twenty all the while praying for Brian to appear like some kind of genii. Unfortunately Brian didn’t appear in a puff of smoke, so Justin started the car and headed to the hospital. “Aren’t you going to say anything?” Max finally asked when they had driven for a few blocks. “What am I supposed to say? I’ve never been in this kind of mess before.” Justin turned, three more blocks to the hospital. He resisted the urge to floor the gas pedal. “You could be a little sympathetic. I mean it’s your damn kids that are trying to escape too early.” She sniffed, once again reverting to tears. “And you think anything I might say is going to change that?” Justin hated that he sort of sounded like Brian, but he couldn’t think of anything else to say. “Hey kids hold on with your toes – you aren’t cooked yet.” He said in a loud voice in the direction of Max’s protruding belly. “Will you stop that you asshole.” She giggled. “The kids will hear you. Don’t call me names.” Justin tried to sound indignant. He turned into the parking lot and managed due to the hour, to find a parking place close to the entrance. “We’re here.” The words were unnecessary. Max was now in the throws of a painful contraction. Her hand grabbed onto Justin’s thigh, her grip crippling and Justin resisted screaming along with his friend. His thigh was never going to be the same. “Stay here, I’m going to get a chair.” He didn’t wait for her to answer but ran to the emergency entrance and grabbed a wheel chair. He ignored the pain in his thigh that was causing him to limp rather badly. He’d worry about his leg once he could get Max into the hands of the hospital personnel. “What took you so long?” Max demanded her eyes were wild. “I thought I’d stop for a coffee.” Justin snapped back. “I was barely gone two minutes if that.” He opened the door and began to help her out. “Leave me alone” she pulled away from him and ended up on her ass on the ground. “I’m supposed to lift you up how?” Justin enquired. “SHUT THE FUCK UP.” She screamed as she levered herself upright. “Get in the fucking chair and stop yelling at me.” Justin’s teeth were clenched. Where was Brian when he needed him. “Did you call my mother?” she asked, her voice back being reasonable. “And when would I have done that?” Justin asked sarcastically. “You may not have noticed, but I’ve been kind of busy. Not to mention it’s YOUR mother, not mine. Why didn’t you call her?” Justin was saved from listening by the arrival of the triage nurse. Soon Max was whisked away. Justin collapsed into a chair near a bank of telephones. When he managed to get some strength, he’d start to call everyone. His first call was to Brian. “Hey” he managed to say before tearing up. Shit now why in hell would his start crying? “Justin, what’s up? I’m kind of busy here getting everything set at Kinnetik so that I can take the week off.” “Nothing.” Justin realized that telling Brian was only going to make the man worry. He had other things on his mind. And no matter what happened he couldn’t get here any faster than he was now. “Well Sunshine, much as I love to hear your voice. I don’t need the hard on that I get two minutes before a staff meeting.” He chuckled at the thought of what Ted might say. “You’re thinking of Ted again.” Justin knew how Brian’s mind worked when he was horny and at the office. “Mr. Kinney, Mr. Kinney.” It was the admitting nurse looking for him. Justin signaled to him. “Look Brian, I have to go. I love you. I’ll see you tonight.” He hung up before Brian could answer and turned to the man standing before him. “How is Max?” he asked. “The doctor wants to talk to you. You are the father aren’t you?” “Yes, I’m the father.” Justin straightened his shoulders and followed the tall black man dressed in deep purple scubs. The door they walked through shut with a hiss of finality. “Mr. Kinney.” Justin looked at the small man standing in front of him. “Hi Doctor Haddad.” Justin didn’t like the look of worry on the man’s face. “Max has been given a drug to help stop the labor. It’s slowing down and we’ve attached monitors to keep us appraised of the condition of the fetuses.” “Babies, they’re babies. Our babies.” Justin’s voice was hard. He had to remain calm. He had to be like Brian. Everyone was counting on him. “Justin, sometimes it helps to disassociate yourself…” Dr. Haddad stopped talking when he saw the look on Justin’s face. “I want to know what’s happening.” Justin said stubbornly. “It sometimes happens; Mother Nature decides that it’s time to deliver the ‘baby’ before he is ready for this world. We’re going to do our best to make sure that doesn’t happen, but you should prepare yourself for the worst. I’d suggest you call Max’s parents.” “What are the boys chances?” Justin asked. Never had he felt so cold. Even the night Brian had found him a lifetime ago, he’d not felt as cold as he felt now. “Justin, you have to know, it’s not good. They are small and far too young to be born.” “But kids have made it when they were born this like this?” “Max is approximately twenty eight weeks pregnant. Yes babies have survived at this stage, but it isn’t a sure thing. It depends on a lot. What we have to be concerned about isn’t only the life of the children, but also Max’s life. She’s not in good shape. She lost a lot more blood than she realized and I’m afraid that she’s suffering from hypertension. That could mean pre eclampsia. Justin, I’m being honest here. The next twenty four hours will tell us what we need to know. I’m going to need your signature on some papers. We may need to do an emergency ‘C’ section.” Justin nodded. He wasn’t sure exactly what the doctor was talking about, but he knew that it had to be serious. “Can I see Max?” he asked. “Yes, you can. But I don’t want her getting upset. Keep things as positive as you can considering the circumstances.” Justin nodded and headed for the small room where Max was lying hooked up to so many machines he could barely get close to her. “Hey drama queen.” He said and bent over and kissed her forehead. “Fuck it must be serious if you kissed me.” Max tried to joke. Her hand rubbed her belly protectively. Justin placed his hand beside hers and was rewarded with a small kick and then another. “Bubba and Bob, you guys have to stay in for awhile longer.” He quipped. “Fucker, that isn’t going to be their names.” Max laughed. “Well, it’s better than B 1 and B 2 like some kind of weird kid’s show.” He shrugged, “Isn’t that right guys.” He asked. “Maybe you and Brian could come up with something better.” Max suggested. “I’ll think about it. Here’s my phone. You can call your parents. Maybe they would like to know that you’re stuck in here.” Justin handed over his phone. “No thanks. You can call them later. No point in waking them up this early. I mean it’s not as if it’s life and death.” Justin smiled at her while he felt cold inside. “No it’s not as if it’s life or death.” He parroted back.