Long and Winding Road to Love - 1 Author - Elsa Rose Bryant Thanks to Judy for her plot bunnies (I steal parts of them all the time Yea Judy) For Brenda and Daphne Justin sat in his car regrouping for a moment. He looked in the rear view mirror at all his worldly possessions and smiled bitterly. Here he was almost thirty years old and moving away from his parental home for the first time. If you didn’t count his years at Dartmouth and the years at post graduate school and those were closely supervised by his father. He never realized why until he overheard his parents talking not that long ago. Apparently the ‘hunches’ he had that had enabled him to ‘know’ what stock to buy and what one to sell, was a family ‘gift’ or curse depending on who you talked to. Untrained, he did well with these hunches. Trained he could be amazing and actually see and ‘know’ things whenever he wanted to. His family on his mother’s side was highly developed psychics or ESP mediums. It depended on how they were trained. It was passed on through the males of the family generally. A fact his father hadn’t realized when he’d married his mother, much to his dismay. He’d been relying on Justin to increase his fortune. He couldn’t believe that he’d done the dutiful son thing and gone to the school his father wanted and taken the degree he’d wanted even though the man couldn’t stand him and that was something that wasn’t likely to change. He’d never understood why his father hated him, but he was beginning to have some inkling. The high and mighty Craig Taylor had cut him off of any of the family fortune when he’d discovered him buggering the gardener’s son and both of them enjoying it immensely. Well it had been dubious fun while it lasted. It was well past time that he headed out on his own. He’d had two solid offers from private schools to teach art. It wasn’t what he’d planned for his life. But at thirty he had time to make changes should he want. For now it would be good to coast for a year in some little Midwestern private school where he could come to terms with his sexuality and his life. And best of all, know one would know about his ESP. Maybe he’d be able to develop it more. Justin had a dozen books in the rear of the car that would help him in this quest. It was starting to rain. Considering that it was the end of August, he shouldn’t be surprised. But cold rain always was a surprise to someone who reveled in sunshine despite his fairness. The turn onto the expressway was darker than usual then a wave of thought flooded his brain. His life was going to change. One of the lights must have blown. Justin was about to increase the gas in preparation for entering the busy highway, when he noticed a young man standing in the rain holding his back pack over his head for a makeshift shelter and what looked like a drowned piece of old fur coat tucked inside a leather jacket that was too big for him. Justin hesitated for a second and then pulled over. He couldn’t let the kid stand out in the rain. He smiled inwardly, a new adventure was about to begin. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Earlier “Gus I don’t care. You can’t bring that dog in the house. Jenny is allergic to dogs. You know that.” Lindsay turned away and began to prepare dinner. “Mom, Jenny isn’t any more allergic than I am. She’s just pretending because she doesn’t want me to have something of my own. She told me.” Gus had tried to reason with both of his mothers and was getting no where. He loved this dog that he’d found on the street a week before. He finally had something that cared about him. That didn’t care if Brian Kinney was his father. Who didn’t watch him like he was some kind of freak wondering if he was straight or gay. Harry loved him for who he was. Gus Kinney, sixteen year old boy. That’s all the dog cared about. “If you keep this up Gus, I’m going to get your father to talk to you. I just don’t understand your attitude these days. If it isn’t one damn thing it’s another. Why can’t you be more like your sister? Jenny doesn’t cause us all of this shit. You are constantly upsetting your mother. You know your mother is busy with a big case. She can’t take anymore of this.” “Mom” Gus began. “Gus, I’m not going to talk about it anymore. Get rid of the dog. Take him to the pound. He was a stray after all.” “He’s my dog. He depends on me. I’m his friend. That would be betraying him.” Gus’ voice rose in desperation. “Gus, he’s been around barely a week. He’s dirty and leaves hair everywhere. You can’t love something that quickly. It just isn’t possible.” Lindsay looked at her son fondly. He looked so much like Brian it was like he’d cloned himself. Her heart skipped a beat as she thought of Brian Kinney and the one and only time they’d had sex in University. Gus was the result. She’d known from the first that she and Brian could never be together but having his son was the next best thing. It had kept Brian close to her for the last sixteen years. Something she was sure would never have happened had she not had Gus. “Mom, I’m not getting rid of Harry and don’t give me that shit about him shedding fur. He’s got hair not fur. He doesn’t shed. If I can’t live here with him, I’ll live somewhere else.” His voice wasn’t raised but it was deadly serious. “Well don’t go running to your father. He wouldn’t like a dirty dog around either.” Lindsay could hear his father in the boy’s voice. And she smiled, which of course was the wrong thing to do. For Gus stared at her, heartbreak in his hazel eyes. She didn’t care. She thought it was funny that he wanted this dog enough to move away. Well she could laugh her head off. He was out of here tonight. Gus turned and ran from the kitchen, Harry at his heels. The small dog, a cross between a Cairn terrier and who knows what, honey blond and full of spirit, chased after his master. Inside his room, Gus assembled the bare essentials that he’d need on the road. He loaded his backpack with his lap top first and then added a few toiletries, two pair of jeans and two sweatshirts. At the last moment he threw in a couple of pairs of socks but didn’t bother with underwear. It would take up room and really wasn’t necessary. He lifted the floor board under his bed. He had a chocolate box filled with his savings. It was amazing how much money you could accumulate from various family members at birthdays and Christmas. Gus rarely spent any money on himself. He preferred to save it for just such a time as this one, he was pleased with the fifteen hundred dollars and change he was able to place at the bottom of his backpack. Scooping up Harry and stuffing him inside of the leather jacket he’d taken from his dad’s place the last time he’d been there, Gus climbed out the window, shutting it carefully behind him. He had thought of writing a note and then figured why bother. He’d told his mother what he was going to do. She just didn’t listen. Maybe she’d listen to people from now on. In no time at all, he was on the ground thanks to the oak tree out side his bedroom window. It had proven an escape ladder before. It served well tonight. As Gus began to jog along the streets, Harry was on the leash keeping up with him. When the rain started he almost turned back and then thought what the heck. Maybe someone would feel sorry for him and pick him up quicker. He wasn’t sure where he was going; just that he was leaving with Harry and he wasn’t coming back. By the time Gus reached the freeway exit, his resolve had only hardened rather than diminished. He’d had time to think and had mapped out a plan. He looked older than sixteen, more than likely he could pass for at least nineteen. With the help of the internet and his rather great computer hacking skills, he could forge a diploma so that he could get into a community college. If he worked and attended college part time, he could build up enough credits to eventually get a degree. In what he wasn’t sure yet, he’d have to work it out later. His first step was to get as far from Pittsburgh as he could. He had enough money if he was careful(,) to keep him going until his first paycheck. It was these thoughts that filled his head with hope for the future when the BMW pulled over to offer him a ride. “Hey mister thanks, but I’ve got my dog Harry with me.” Gus indicated the dog tucked into his jacket. Harry did his best to smile at the blond stranger. His grin made Justin burst out laughing. Harry wasn’t sure if that was what he was going for, but wagged his tail even thought the effect was lost because he was inside a heavy leather jacket. “No problem, he can defend you against me in case I turn out to be a crazed maniac who picks up hitchhiking kids.” “Are you?” Gus asked as he got into the warm car.” “No, but I could snap. It’s been known to happen.” Justin smiled. “I’m Justin, and you are?” He knew the boy’s name was Gus, but he didn’t need to freak him out by calling him by name. “Gus, Gus Kinney.” Gus lied. He was actually known as Gus Peterson-Marcus. It was a small lie, but one he felt justified in saying. “Good to meet you. Where are you heading?” Justin asked. “No where special.” Gus said with a grin. “I can change that.” Justin laughed. “I’m heading to Oklahoma. I know it’s kind of a strange place but I have a job there. Of course I could be talked into going somewhere else. This job is kind of dull.” “Harry and I just want to get as far from the Pitts as we can.” Gus looked out the window. The lights of Pittsburgh had already receded. “I don’t want to pry Gus, but aren’t your parents going to be wondering where you are?” Justin risked a side way glance at the boy and saw him grimace. “Yeah, probably. I’ll send them an email. It’s not like it really matters all that much. Besides, I’m old enough to be on my own.” Justin knew that the boy was sixteen and sure he was legally able to be on his own, but that didn’t mean that he should be. He’d have to make sure he contacted his parents. But it wouldn’t hurt to let them stew about it for a day or two. Maybe have Gus send them an email so they didn’t call the cops, but that was all. He knew Gus hadn't, but Justin had to ask. “Did you at least leave a note to tell them where you were going?” “Like that would be a bright idea. Dear Mom, I’m leaving home and will be in Pennsylvania.” Gus laughed. “Why not just say, come and get me.” “Point taken, look Gus, I don’t mind you coming along for the ride. But I’d feel more comfortable if you’d email them or something so that they don’t think I’ve kidnapped you.” “They don’t even know that I know you.” Gus argued. “Well actually, you don’t know me.” Justin was being reasonable. “We just met ten minutes ago.” “Yeah, but I really feel like I know you.” Gus said. “Have you ever had the feeling that you know someone, but you’ve never met them before?” “I’ve had that feeling.” Justin admitted. “Well, it’s kind of like that with me. I feel like I’ve met you before. I’m not actually sure where or when, but I have and I know you. It’s like we’re kind of connected.” “Twilight Zone here.” Justin hummed the theme song and Gus joined in. “So Justin, where are we going?” Gus asked. “Well, I have that teaching job I could take in Oklahoma. Or I could just head somewhere warm, maybe get a place and paint. Do you have any ideas or suggestions?” “You’re kidding right?” Gus laughed. “I get in your car and you don’t have anywhere in particular to go.” “I told you. I was heading for Oklahoma. It's a loser job, but a good place to hide out for year. I mean who’d look for me in Oklahoma.” Justin grinned. “The thing is, I kind of need to know the truth about you. I don’t mind eluding your parents. I mean, I’m eluding my own, though I am thirty and it’s damn well past time I did it.” “Okay, this is it in a nutshell. I’m sixteen almost seventeen. I live with my two mothers who are lesbians. My dad lives by himself. I have one sister.” “What about Harry here, where does he come in?” Justin asked. “Harry, well I found him. He was starving and hanging around the diner where my grandma Deb works. Some kids were throwing stuff at him. I kind of beat the crap out of them and took Harry home.” “Good with your fists are you?” Justin asked. “No, I just got lucky. They weren’t expecting me to do anything. I’m kind of a nerd at school. You know, computers and chess club and stuff. These guys are usually throwing shit at me. I guess they didn’t think I’d flip out and fight back. I probably wouldn’t have. I mean what does fighting do accept lower me to their level. But I couldn’t stand what they were doing to Harry. I mean look at him. He’s like the best dog ever.” “Well he does have an engaging smile.” Justin admitted. “Though it wouldn’t hurt if he’d use a shampoo that didn’t smell quite so doggy.” “It was raining. He smells like wet dog.” “No kidding.” Justin laughed. “Note to self, buy Harry some deodorant.” Gus laughed. “We can do that. Maybe something that smells like citrus. Dad has stuff like that.” “Sounds good to me.” “I was wondering. I mean do you have to work at teaching school. I mean I can hack pretty good and we could get enough money to live on.” “Larcenous little bugger aren’t you.” Justin laughed. “Actually we don’t need to do that. I have enough to keep me for several lifetimes. I don’t mind sharing with you and Harry.” “I’m not little. I’m six foot one and I could still grow taller. I mean a male doesn’t stop growing until he’s twenty one.” “Okay, you aren’t little. Let me rephrase that ‘larcenous young bugger’.” Justin couldn’t help chuckling to himself. His amusement was infectious and soon Gus was laughing too. “How come you’re so easy to talk to? I mean you’re almost the same age as my dad and I sure can’t talk to him.” “I don’t know. Sometimes it’s hard to talk to parents.” “No shit.” Gus laughed. “Especially when they treat you like a little kid with the IQ of a sixteen year old and not one who has an IQ that kind of is high.” Gus ducked his head bashfully. “Yeah, well, I have something similar mentally.” Justin’s voice was rueful. “But I didn’t know that it really mattered until lately. Apparently it does matter to some people. So I’m on the road until I figure out what I’m going to do.” “We could go to Canada.” Gus offered. “Harry didn’t bring his vet papers with him did he?” Justin asked. “No, I haven’t taken him to the vet.” “Well then we can’t get him over the border.” Justin thought for a moment. “I suppose we could go to Seattle or better yet to one of the islands off the coast of Seattle.” “I kind of was hoping to get enough credits for some kind of degree eventually.” Gus admitted. “Okay, we need to be in a city. Hell, let’s just go to Oklahoma. You can go to the school I’m teaching at. We can get you in there no problem ‘cause they want me bad. To get me they have to take you.” “Uh, Justin, I’m not sure I’m ready for a relationship.” Gus kind of winced when he said it. “Uh Gus, you’re about ten years too young for me.” Justin laughed. “Though I could go for your dad.” Justin thought of the tall handsome man who looked like an older version of Gus. He could drown in the man’s hazel eyes.” “How do you know my dad?” Gus asked. “I don’t. I told you, I have kind of a mental condition.” Justin shrugged. “I don’t usually tell people, but I get impressions, even full on visions of things. Kind of an ESP kind of thing.” “No shit.” Gus said awestruck. “You can read minds. Can you read mine?” “I don’t actually read minds. I just get impressions of things. Sometimes more than impressions. So don’t worry, I won’t be peeking in on your fantasy life.” “What fantasy life?” Gus laughed. “I haven’t had time to find anything to fantasize about.” “You’re sixteen almost seventeen, surely you’ve had the odd fantasy.” Justin knew he’d had plenty at that age. “Maybe one or two, but not anything regular.” Gus lied. “Hmmm, good thing you don’t have a fantasy about a blond surfer dude, a big board, warm water waves, and yes, a rather great bod.” “Justin you said you couldn’t see stuff in my mind.” “I lied.” Justin laughed. “Sorry, I’m showing off. I don’t see stuff unless I want to and unless I concentrate.” “Well if you don’t mind, keep out of my mind.” Gus laughed. “No problem, if you and I are honest with each other.” Justin shrugged and kept on driving. “The thing is, I can sense when someone is lying and then natural curiosity kicks in and I evesdrop. The bitch of the thing is, I didn’t know until recently that I could do it. I missed out on a lot of good years of interesting minds.” “Wouldn’t it like drive you crazy?” Gus wondered. “I mean there are some weird ass people out there.” “I guess it would if I heard everyone and everything. But I don’t. I actually have to concentrate, focus or whatever on the person or thing I want to know about.” “You could pick lottery numbers.” “Not quite. They’re random acts. I can pick stocks, because they aren’t random. They’re governed by people. I’m not actually getting the stock, but more the impression of the people who are working with the company or mine or whatever. It’s complicated. That’s why I need to retreat for a year or so. I want to learn more about what I can do.” “I want to be myself. That’s why I want to leave the Pitts. My dad is like this kind of super stud of Liberty Avenue. My moms watch my every move trying to decide if I’m gay or straight. My sister is like the perfect kid. I’m not a bad artist and I’m a great software writer and programmer. But no one gives a shit. They just fuss over Jenny and pretty much ignore me. I found Harry and it was great. I could talk to him and he was company. I mean I spend a lot of time with my computer and Harry didn’t mind. He’d sit on my desk and watch me. It was great having a friend. Then Jenny wanted Harry to come into her room, but he was my dog and wouldn’t go to her. So she pretended to be allergic to him. Mom said I had to get rid of Harry. I said no and here I am.” “Well that’s simple enough.” Justin said. “Lets go to Oklahoma. Do you want to be my kid or my ward?” “I don’t know. Can I have a dog dad?” Gus asked with a laugh. “Sure, but he has to be a shaggy mutt with brown eyes and a button nose who knows when to smile.” “I know just the dog.” “I hope he likes baths.” “He can get used to them.” “Oklahoma here we come.” Justin and Gus burst out singing. Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain And the wavin' wheat can sure smell sweet When the wind comes right behind the rain. Oklahoma, Ev'ry night my honey lamb and I Sit alone and talk and watch a hawk Makin' lazy circles in the sky. We know we belong to the land And the land we belong to is grand! And when we say Yeeow! Ayipioeeay! We're only sayin' You're doin' fine, Oklahoma! Oklahoma O.K. The two of them dissolved in laughter when they came to the end of the song. Justin had a more than an inkling that he should send Gus back. But he also knew that once Gus began this road of running away, he’d keep on doing it. At sixteen no matter how smart he thought he was, he could still end up hurt or worse. At least with Justin, he’d be safe. And perhaps Justin could eventually bring Gus to understand his parent’s point of view. Or make them understand Gus’. He’d have to work that out later. Tonight was for driving. “So Gus, do you have your driver’s license?” “I have my learners permit.” “That works for me. You can drive tomorrow when it’s light. Why don’t you and Harry try and get some sleep. I’ll wake you up when I’m tired.” “I’m too excited to sleep.” “Harry doesn’t seem to have a problem sleeping.” Justin looked at the dog who was passed out in Gus’ arms. “He sleeps when he can. He knows he’s safe here.” “Well if you can’t sleep. Tell me about your father. Maybe he’s my type. We could meet, fall madly in love, get married and live happily ever after.” “Yeah, like that would happen. Dad never and I do mean never dates anyone ever. He only fucks guys once and he absolutely doesn’t do boyfriends.” “Well it would be a bit tough to have a boyfriend if he doesn’t date and he doesn’t fuck anyone more than once.” Justin chuckled. “I on the other hand not only date, I like to fuck the same guy more than once and I definitely do boyfriends. Of course they never last long, but I still like having one.” “Yeah, ‘cause it pisses your father off.” Gus snerked. “Hey, I’m the one who is psychic.” Justin laughed. “But I’m the one who is the genius. “ “Okay point taken. Tell me more about the untouchable Brian Kinney.” “How did you know his name?” “You told me.” “I did not.” “Well, I’m a good guesser.” “Yeah right.” Gus looked at Justin and shook his head. “Stay out of my head.” “I’m trying. Why else would I ask you about Brian the Beautiful?” “You are really bad you know Justin.” “Dad, I’m your dad remember.” “Pops,” “Shit that makes me sound a hundred.” “Daddy.” “That makes you sound three.” “J Dad.” “Better.” “Okay, I’ll go with that. What are you going to call me?” “Gus” “Works for me.” Gus giggled. “Of course if you end up on our milk carton we are in soooo much trouble.” “I’ll email. Emails can’t easily be traced. You can even email.” “Sure, they’d like to know that their sixteen.. “Almost seventeen. “Sixteen year old son is hanging out with a thirty year old fag whom he calls daddy.” “J Dad.” “J Dad.” Justin sighed. “I’m starving. Let’s get some food at the next turn off.” “I’m always starving and I bet Harry would like a burger.” Harry woke up and woofed once. “See he does.” “Majority rules, we stop at the next turn off.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The ringing of the telephone finally penetrated Brian’s haze. He squinted at the clock beside his bed. It was two in the morning. “This better be fucking good.” He barked into the phone when he finally managed to locate it. “Brian, I’ve had enough of this nonsense, put Gus on right this minute.” “Mel, interesting start to the conversations but WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT - DO YOU KNOW IT’S TWO IN THE FUCKING MORNING?” “Screaming at me is not going to make what you’ve done any better. We’ve told you more than once that Gus is not allowed to stay over at your place on a school night.” “And you are calling me at this time to remind me of this. Have you lost your mind?” Brian sat up and fumbled for his cigarettes. Fuck he’d never get to sleep again. “Brian, stop pissing around. I want to talk to Gus. He has no business upsetting Lindsay and disappearing like he did. He knows the rules. And if it’s about that damn dog, well he also knew the rules about animals in the house.” Melanie was trying to control her temper, but the acid seeped through in her voice. “Mel, I’m going to say this only once. Gus is not here. I haven’t talked to him for three days. Go look in his bedroom. He’s probably asleep.” “I have looked in his bedroom asshole. He isn’t there and neither isif that damn flea farm of a dog he’s been carrying around.” “Harry isn’t that bad. Gus and I took him to the groomers on Saturday. He was in great shape and Mel, he didn’t have any fleas.” “That’s beside the point Brian. Gus is gone. He had a fight with Lindsay about the dog and he’s disappeared out of his room. By the looks of things he’s gone out his window and down the oak tree. He’s taken his computer too.” “Call his friends.” “He doesn’t have any that I know. Brian, Gus is just as closed mouth as you are about his affairs. I figured it was an inherited trait.” “He took his computer?” Brian confirmed. “Yes, that’s how I know it’s serious.” Melanie had calmed down. “Lindsay is very upset and so am I.” “Melanie he isn’t going to let anything happen to his computer. He’s probably holed up at a friend's place. Someone we don’t know about. If tomorrow, rather today is a school day, he’ll show up there. You know he’s never missed a day of school. I can’t see him starting now at sixteen.” Brian talked for a few minutes more and then hung up. He stubbed out his cigarette viciously in the ashtray by his bed and sat back against the headboard as he reviewed in his mind the places that Gus could be staying. He knew that Mikey or Deb would have phoned. And like Melanie, he wasn’t sure of whom Gus’ school friends were. And now that he thought about it. he couldn’t remember Gus ever talking about anyone specific from school. “This is totally fucked.” Brian said to himself. “I can’t believe I never noticed what a loner Gus is. No wonder this dog meant so much to him.” Brian paced the length of the loft until morning when on impulse he booted up his computer to check his email. To: bakinney@kinnetik.com From: gustheman@hotmail.com Subject: absence Hey dad, I don’t want you to worry about me. Harry and I are going to be away from the Pitts for awhile. Don’t worry; my friend is making me go to school where he’s a teacher. So I’ll do okay. And no I’m not fucking him and he’s not fucking me. Look up the term friend in a dictionary. Tell the moms will you - I don’t want to even talk to them in an email. And don’t bother replying to this email address. It’s a onetime only one. I’m not in the mood to talk to any of you right now. Oh and you can’t trace me through the school records. I’m going to hack me some new ones. J. says he doesn’t care one way or another so I think that it’s best this way. I’ll be in touch. Love, your son Gus PS - J isn’t all that bad. He made me write to you so you don’t think Harry and I are dead in a ditch somewhere. He’s hawt but he’s at least as old as you so I’m not going to be after his ass. Brian read the email and waffled between being so pissed at Gus that he couldn’t see straight and laughing at his letter. Who the fuck was this ‘teacher’ friend who was as old as he was? Where did Gus meet him that the munchers and he didn’t know about it? Brian didn’t know where to start looking. He sat down at this computer and began a list of clues, if you could call it that, of the man that Gus appeared to be with. 1. he was a teacher 2. his name began with J 3. he was good looking and apparently gay All Brian could hope for was that Gus would email again. Or even phone, though he doubted his son would call. He was a smart kid and knew that any calls could be traced. Emails, now that was quite another matter. Taking a chance that Gus would still have the hotmail address live. It was only a few minutes since the message had been sent. Brian hit return. To: gustheman@hotmail.com From: bakinney@kinnetik.com Subject: disappearance act Gus, no matter what happened you can come home. I will talk to your mother. Nothing is so bad that you have to run away with some stranger. Love Dad He hit send and waited to see what would happen. It didn’t return, so he could only hope that Gus would read it. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “I told you he’d reply.” Justin said with satisfaction when the hotmail notification showed up. “That was an easy guess. Dad is more stubborn than anyone I know.” Gus took a sip of his milkshake. They were at an internet café having a morning latté. He accessed the email and read it. “Geeze, what does he think I’m running away from. Doesn’t he know the difference between running away and getting away to live your life?” “You could email him back and tell him.” Justin knew of course that the boy would never do that. He’d have to email this Brian Kinney himself when he got a chance. Of course he could always try to contact him mentally. He’d never tried that. It might work. He’d have to try it when they got a room for the night or day whenever it is they decided to break their trip. “Not going to happen. If I’d wanted a dialogue with my dad, I’d have stayed and talked to him.” Gus finished his milkshake as he logged off of his computer. Justin shrugged, Gus had a point, but he could feel Brian Kinney’s confusion at Gus’ actions. “We can keep driving and reach the school later today, or we can spend the day here at a hotel.” “Does it matter?” “Not particularly. I bought a house but I haven’t seen it. I suppose we could keep going and find the house. It’s supposed to be close to the school. Because I’ll be teaching there, you’ll have the option of living at the school in a dorm or living with me.” “I’d rather live with you. I don’t actually get along well with other kids.” “No friends back in Pittsburgh that’ll miss you?” Justin knew that there wasn’t but he wanted to hear what Gus would say. “J Dad, don’t give me any of that crap. I know that you know that I don’t have any friends. You probably even know what Dad’s thinking. Is he real mad at me?” Gus asked. “No he isn’t mad at you, he’s just confused.” Justin shrugged. “I was hoping I was wrong about the no friends part. You’re sixteen, you deserve to have a friend or two. Not to mention you’re good looking, I’d think that the girls would be all over you.” “Yeah, they tried.” Gus grinned. “But unless they came with a computer strapped to their ass, I’m not really interested.” “Aren’t computer geeks usually kind of freaky looking?” Justin observed. He cocked his head to one side. “I guess being a giant must count.” Referring to Gus’ height compared to his. Gus playfully hit him on the arm. “I am not a giant. My dad is taller than me.” “Hmmm, he sounds more and more interesting.” Justin looked thoughtful. “Maybe he’d reconsider on the boyfriend thing?” “Maybe, but don’t hold your breath.” Gus changed the subject. “So what’s the new house like?” “I’m not actually sure. I mean I saw pictures. And I did give the realtor a list of what I wanted.” “Cool. I hope it has a DSL link.” “You know for a kid I picked up in the rain, you’re pretty demanding.” “But that’s the joy of it all. I find myself attracted to you and you find yourself in need of a distraction from your old life.” “Attracted to me how?” Justin looked at Gus suspiciously. He hadn’t noticed any sexual attraction but he needed to make sure. “Attracted in that I feel a connection to you. Almost as if for some reason we were meant to meet. And I’m not even a little bit psychic.” “Actually everyone is a bit psychic.” Justin answered. “Have you ever heard the phone ring and knew who was calling?” “No, no one ever calls for me.” Gus stood up from the table. “I’m not tired. I can drive.” “Okay, I’ll sleep for an hour or two.” Justin stood up and threw some money on the table for their bill. He added a generous tip and then led the way to the car. Gus ran to catch up. “I bought some sodas and some munchies.” He held up a plastic bag. “And I got Harry a burger.” “Good, but any mess in the car and you’re cleaning it up.” Justin got in the drivers seat and leaned it back slightly. “The GPS is set for where we’re heading.” “I noticed. I love those things. Soon cars won’t need people to drive.” Gus adjusted the seat for his comfort, checked the GPS and waited for Justin to get settled and belted in. “J Dad, you never did tell me what you’ll be teaching.” “I’m the art teacher to put it simply.” “Wow, that’s cool. My mom is an artist; she works for a Gallery in Pittsburgh. She used to teach, but it was at a public school.” “This is a prep school for University. I’m not sure where you’ll fit in as far as your grades are concerned.” “I’m as good as or better than any of them. I just need that little piece of paper for University. Besides, if I’m going to hack some school info, I’ll make sure that I get the classes I want.” “As long as you can hold your own, I don’t care.” Justin closed his eyes and settled back into his seat letting the plush leather cradle him. “You know I’ll do okay.” Gus shrugged. “There are advantages to having a psychic for a dad.” “Surrogate dad.” “Whatever.” Gus started the car and put it into gear. “I’d sing Oklahoma again, but I think Harry would puke.” He was referring to the dog who lay on his back in the rear of the car. “Geeze Gus, he’s on my cashmere sweater.” “He needed something comfy, there’s a lot of stuff in the back seat.” Gus looked at his dog. “You have to admit that his blond hair goes great with the dark cashmere.” “Exactly why I bought the sweater.” Justin said referring to his own blond hair. “Though I have to admit Harry looks comfy.” Gus grinned and headed for the highway. Justin closed his eyes and relaxed. He needed a couple of hours sleep. He’d been up more than twenty four hours and he was starting to get punchy. As Justin drifted off to sleep, hazel eyes looked into his. Eyes filled with worry and concern though as they stared into Justin’s blue ones, filled with lust and love before fading into the darkness of sleep. Justin smiled in his sleep. Brian Kinney’s eyes were enough to lose yourself in. Gus glanced over at his new found friend who slept peacefully. He couldn’t believe the man trusted him with his BMW that was obviously new. Shit his mom wouldn’t let him drive her banger. Harry stood up and looked over at his master and Justin. With a quick hop he landed between the two of them and then walking daintily, he settled up against the sleeping man and closed his eyes. Sighing heavily as dogs do, Harry went back to sleep. The feelings that Gus had running through him were many. He was still in awe that he Gus Peterson-Marcus had left home defying his mothers and his father. He NEVER defied his parents. It was easier just to go along with them. This wasn’t the easy way out. Though Justin was making it pretty damn easy. Gus wondered if he was copping out by going with Justin. He wondered if he was compromising his principles by going with Justin. He didn’t think so. It was kind of nice to have an adult paying attention to him like he was an adult too and not a kid. It was weird, this thing with the psychic stuff. But it wasn’t a bad weird. Maybe he could help Justin with it. It would be nice if his dad could meet Justin. Maybe his dad would find out that Justin was a good man. Maybe his dad might even fall for Justin. Gus smiled to himself as he drove toward what was going to be his new home. He’d have to give this some thought. Maybe he would email his dad again. After all, it wouldn’t hurt to let him know some things about Justin. “Gus, don’t even think it.” Justin murmured from his side of the car. “Stay out of my head.” “Don’t think so loud it wakes me up and I will.” “Asshole.” “That’s no way to talk to your surrogate father.” Gus laughed. “Go back to sleep, let me weave my fantasies about you and Dad. I think the two of you would be awesome together.” “I’m sure he’d be thrilled to have a boyfriend who could read his mind.” “Well that could be a bit of a stumbling block.” “No shit.” Justin smiled though he still hadn’t opened his eyes. His fingers combed through the soft long hair on the little dog. “Your father has a lot of deeply hidden secrets about his life. I don’t expect he’d want to know that I know all about him.” “You do? Can you tell me? He never tells me shit.” “No I can’t. It’s bad enough that I know. Every minute you and I are together I know more about your father. It’s rather distracting.” “Don’t you mean disturbing?” “No, distracting. Your father is a very distracting man. Now shut up and let me sleep.” “Yes daddy.” “That’s kinky.” Gus laughed softly so as not to disturb Harry.