Brian and Justin lay at either end of a rather long sofa, their feet touching. Daphne sat on the floor between them. All of them were high as they smoked, passing the weed from Justin to Daphne to Brian and back. Justin’s family had finally left. To celebrate, they decided to smoke some weed. Also it gave them all time to watch Justin practice his latest tricks.
At the moment they were watching two lamps and a ceramic cat being juggled by who knows what near the fireplace.
“Not a bad trick Sunshine.” Brian drawled. “But it won’t pay the rent.”
“I don’t have any rent. We have this house.” Justin waved his hand indicating the house they were in. “And I promise you I won’t turn you into a toad.”
“Don’t even go there.” Brian kicked at Justin’s feet. “This house is too big. I mean Britin was too big, this one is a close second.”
“But it has the added plus of being close to Kinnetik and Liberty Ave, thus close to Babylon and no mortgage.”
“No mortgage is good.” Brian agreed, reaching for the smoke Daphne was passing.
“Hey, can I live here too? I mean, can’t you make me an apartment over the garage or something?” Daphne asked Justin.
“Ask Brian, it’s his house too.”
“As long as you aren’t underfoot, it doesn’t matter to me.” Brian shrugged. “We need a room for Gus.”
“Of course we do.” Justin agreed. “Something totally awesome.”
“No one says totally awesome any longer.” Brian glared and kicked him again.
“I do. I say it all the time.” Justin kicked back. “We can get Gus a black cat and I can borrow it when he isn’t here.”
“No cats, black or otherwise.” Brian leaned over and in one smooth move managed to fold himself up and over Justin making Justin giggle. “And Sunshine, cut out the fucking magic. I’m not saying deny who you are, but I am saying you don’t need magic or whatever you’re calling it these days, to be the Justin Taylor I know and am in like with.”
“Love Brian.” Daphne giggled. “In love. It’s not that we all don’t know you love Justin, so stop pretending you don’t. It won’t kill you to say the word in front of me.”
“Fuck off Daphne.” Brian mumbled. “I’m going to show Justin just how in like I am with him.” With that said he began to move his lips down Justin’s body to the waistband of his trousers. The two lamps and the ceramic cat crashed to the floor as Justin whisked Brian and him to a bedroom. Daphne’s laughter followed them despite the door Justin slammed shut.
“See my magic has some advantages.” Justin said as he wiggled even closer to Brian.
“You’d better be able to magic back those pants Sunshine, they were my favorite Armani’s.” Brian growled into the blond’s neck. Justin was right, there were some advantages to be had with his magic.
“I’m not sure, but I can make another pair, well I think I can.” Justin’s voice was slurred since his mouth was doing it’s best to make contact with Brian’s nipples. Brian wasn’t cooperating. “Right now I have other plans that don’t involve magic”. His tongue laved Brian’s right nipple, causing the older man to groan.
Downstairs, Daphne wandered through the lower floor rooms, not surprised when she opened doors to obvious disarray or an out and out mess. Justin had been practicing most of the day. He had a long way to go before he was perfect. Jennifer told her that this was normal. And that he’d only perfect his abilities if he took the time to concentrate and to stop fooling around. Daphne knew he’d do it eventually, but right now everything was too new to her friend and there was Brian to consider as well. She was well aware that despite the smile he kept on his face, Brian Kinney was unsure of having a boyfriend who could do magic. He was a firm believer in being one’s self. But in this case, Justin really couldn’t let anyone know of his abilities. It was enough that Brian and Daphne knew.
Nanna had taken her aside while Justin and Brian toured the house with Jennifer. She’d explained the role in Justin’s life that she would now have. It really wasn’t much different than the one she’d always had. She would remain his friend and protect his secret, something that came easily to her. But her Nanna explained that with time, it would become more difficult to keep the secret for Justin would become so used to his ability, he’d forget to keep it hidden from the view of others. Daphne figured that her Nanna was too old fashioned and lady like with Granny M. She’d just give Justin a slap upside his head if he got carried away.
“See anything you like?”
Daphne squeaked at the voice, turning around and around. “Who’s talking. Come out of hiding.”
“It’s just me.” A rather larger than life black cat strolled out from behind an armchair. “I’m Cam.”
“No shit.” Daphne glared at him. “I know you aren’t a cat, you might as well show your real self.”
“Hey, how did you know?” The cat became a rather tall, sinewy, young man. “My name really is Cam, short for Camelot. My mother was a bit of a nutter, too much weed when she was in her formative years.”
“Your eyes, they were too human to be a cat’s eyes. Not to mention they are a curious shade of purple. I’ve never heard of a purple eyed cat.”
“I like to think they’re an interesting shade of purple, not curious.” He laughed. “You must be Daphne.”
“I am.”
“Your grandmother sent me over to keep you amused while the master of the house convinces his better half to accept the house and him for the next year.”
“Nanna sent you? As a cat?”
“No, that was my idea. I do the cat thing a lot to freak people out. Not a bad freaky thing, because you know the rules and stuff.” He shrugged. “I’m actually a lawyer. I have a small practice not too far from here. Sometimes I wish I could do the whole cat thing in court. Or maybe turn one of the, not so innocent, clients that I have into something that more suits their nature. I wish I knew what would happen if you break a rule.”
“I suspect it wouldn’t be a good thing Cam.” Daphne couldn’t help but laugh. “So are you married, gay, in a relationship or any of those things?”
Now it was Cam’s turn to laugh. “Fuck no. I’ve been too busy being Mr. Perfect for my parents to do any of those things. Well, the gay part because I’m straight, so that’s easy.” He looked around. “I’ve always loved Shadow Manor. It’s had some interesting stories attached to it over the years.”
“Really, like what?” Daphne looked around. The place was too large as far as she was concerned.
“Like once a kid broke in, oh this was about 1929 and he was never found again. And the time that Justin’s grandmother found out her husband was fooling around on her and she threw a hissy fit. The house grew larger and smaller and so many strange sounds came out of it that the Pittsburgh police were called, only to find there was no house and then it appeared two days later. This was in the fifties, and it was agreed among the cops that it never really happened. Oh, and then the stone wall appeared overnight. That was good for some gossip.”
“I would have thought these people would know enough to not call attention to themselves.” Daphne shook her head.
“That’s what you’re here for. To keep Justin in check. Your grandmother wasn’t always able to control Granny M and Jennifer Taylor never had anyone like you in her life. Her loving hubby kept her on a short leash.”
“Peachy.” Daphne walked over to the nearest window. “I suppose Justin was the one messing around with the weather.”
“Well, sort of. But it really had been snowing.” He shrugged. “The men upstairs are finally finished.”
“How do you know?” Daphne looked up at the ceiling.
“I have hearing like a cat.” His smile was a definite smirk. “Among other things, I can walk as silently as a cat as well.”
“Whoop de doo.” Daphne said with her eyebrows raised. “I hope you don’t use a litter box like a cat.”
“Ewwwwe.” Cam made a face. “Hey, do you have a boyfriend?”
“Hey, do you have life?” she shook her head and walked away from him, only to find herself almost tripping over a certain black cat, who was winding in and around her legs.
“Get that cat out of here.”
“Hi Brian.” Daphne turned. “Have a nice nap?”
“Bitch.” He laughed and kissed her cheek. “Where did you get the cat? You know I don’t want Justin to even think of getting one.”
“I know, but Cam, that’s the cat, likes living here. I know he won’t be much trouble. I mean, he does have a day job.”
“The cat has a day job?” Brian’s eyebrows rose. “Doing what, hunting mice?”
“More like dealing with rats.” She giggled. “He comes and goes, he won’t bother you.” She didn’t know why she was hiding Cam’s identity, but it seemed like a good idea and if nothing else, it would provide her with some amusement for the year she’d be stuck as Justin’s babysitter.
“What kind of name is Cam for a cat?” Brian was watching the cat prowl around the room.
“It’s short for Camelot.” She giggled. “The cat told me.”
“Why am I not surprised.” Brian turned to leave the room. “I need a coffee.”
“Me too.” Daphne ran to catch up with him. “I couldn’t find a kitchen though. Maybe Justin forgot to make one.”
“Justin would never forget a kitchen.” Brian pushed through a door. “This is the kitchen.” And sure enough, they entered a professionally equipped and modern kitchen. “Now to find a coffee maker that doesn’t need a University degree to operate.”
“Where is Justin?” Daphne asked as she held the door for Cam and ignoring the glare Brian gave both her and the cat.
“He’s sleeping, he had a busy day.” Brian was looking for coffee.
“It’s in the freezer.” Cam offered.
“Pardon?” Brian turned and looked at Daphne.
“It’s probably in the freezer. If you don’t use it a lot, that’s the spot to keep coffee.” She smiled at Brian while, at the same time, aimed a gentle kick in Cam’s direction.
“Oh, okay.” Brian had been sure he’d heard another voice, one that wasn’t Daphne’s. He found the coffee and quickly put things together. Soon the smell of brewing coffee filled the room.
“Are you going to make me breakfast?” Daphne asked. “I’d like my eggs scrambled.”
“Have at ‘er.” Brian indicated the refrigerator. “I’m not anybody’s chef of the day.”
“But aren’t you hungry?” Daphne asked, looking in the fridge.
“I’ve had a high protein snack.”
“TMI.” Cam mumbled as jumped on the counter to be near Daphne.
“Get the cat off the counter.” Brian grumbled. He made a half hearted swipe at Cam from his position leaning on a bar stool.
Cam jumped out of the way. “There are frozen muffins in the freezer.” He whispered to Daphne.
“What did you say?” Brian asked.
“I said there are frozen muffins in the freezer.” Daphne scratched the top of Cam’s head before flicking one of his ears in warning.
“I thought you didn’t know where the kitchen was, and yet you know about the food. Daphne dear, something isn’t right.” Brian looked at her, tongue in cheek.
“Brian, I’m a woman. I know stuff.” She wiggled her ass at him as she reached to the back of the freezer. A bag of frozen muffins appeared, thanks to Cam. “I sure hope these are yummy and not all dried out.”
“They’ll taste like shit, they’re frozen.” Brian mumbled. The coffee pot had finally filled and he headed over to pour a mug of the delicious smelling brew.
Cam glared at Brian’s words; his muffins were one of his favorites. They were filled with lots of delicious pineapple, coconut, raisons, orange zest and bran to name a few things, and were moist and delicious. He was trying to impress Daphne after all. Cam opened his mouth to protest when Daphne scooped him up in her arms. “Shut up.” She whispered in his ear before dumping him on the floor.
“Merow” he said and stuck out his tongue before flicking his tail and jumping back on the counter.
“That cat needs to be thrown out.” Brian took a sip of his coffee. “He looks funny. What’s with his eyes?”
“Brian, don’t be mean.” Daphne was now assembling a plate of muffins. “These smell delicious.”
“They look fattening.”
“That’s the delicious part.” She grinned. “I’m going to warm them up in the oven. They get too soggy in the microwave.”
“Whatever floats your boat.” Brian wasn’t interested. He was trying to work out everything that had happened since Justin’s revelation. The house was fine, and it certainly was large enough and well located. It wouldn’t hurt to live there for the required year. As for Justin having whatever abilities he did have, well Brian was Irish and had grown up hearing stories just as strange of fairies and leprechauns. He’d never had to live with one, but this particular one had a great ass and had managed to wiggle his way into Brian’s heart. He really couldn’t imagine not having Justin in his life, no matter what his partner was facing. They would face it together.
Cam, while he couldn’t read minds, could read body language. He knew the moment Brian had decided to stick it out. Smiling somewhat Cheshire like, he jumped up on the table and butted his head against Brian, before hastily regaining the floor and avoiding the back of Brian’s hand.
“Have a muffin.” Daphne put a muffin in front of Brian. “So, are you going to sell the loft as well as Britin and move all your toys in here?”
“I might as well.” Brian shrugged. “I know Justin, he loves a challenge. He wouldn’t be happy unless he gave this place and his new tricks the required year. I just hope I survive. I have a feeling that my whole life is going to turn upside down.” He was picking apart the muffin without realizing it, eating bits and feeding bits to Cam who was now sitting on a chair beside him. “I like the idea of you having your own place on the property. With all the traveling I do on business, it’s nice to know Justin has a friend nearby.”
“Why thank you, Brian.”
Cam winked at her and jumped to the floor. He was going to check on Justin. No one really paid any attention to what a cat was up to. And he knew that the house had a few surprises in it. It was time to check on the blond. Meeting Daphne had been a bonus. For the first time in his life, he’d found a girl he could fall in love with. This was going to be an interesting year in more ways than one.
“Did you tell Justin that you were with him for duration?” Daphne asked.
“He knows.” Brian shrugged.
“You should tell him.”
“He’ll know when our stuff arrives from the loft.”
“You don’t have to do that. You know Justin can have everything here in the blink of an eye.”
“Fuck Daphne, I don’t need Justin to do his parlor tricks. I can afford to pay a mover.”
“Hey Brian, is this your cat?” Justin asked as he shuffled into the kitchen, his eyes half shut from sleep.
“Yeah, sure it is Sunshine.” Brian dripped sarcasm with his words. “It’s Daphne’s cat.”
“Hey, Cam isn’t mine.” Daphne protested, only to find the cat on her lap, his arms around her neck. She tried to brush him off, but he was like Velcro. “Get off me, you freak.” She hissed.
“Well, he’s kind of cute, but weird eyes.” Justin shrugged and took a sip of Brian’s coffee, making a face at the taste. “Shit Brian, that’s awful.”
“Then get your own.” He took the mug back. “I thought you were sleeping.”
“I was until this cat jumped on me. I damn near had a heart attack.” He glared at the cat. “I need some clean stuff to wear. I’m going to get the suitcases from New York. He shut his eyes for a moment and the suitcases appeared on the floor. Only Brian’s had the arm of his tux hanging out, looking much the worse for wear. “Oops sorry Bri, I’m getting better though, it looks like everything is here.” He’d opened the case, hastily tucking in the sleeve of the tux.
“My stuff had better be all right.” Daphne grumbled. “I paid a lot of money for the dress I wore to your show.”
“And you looked hot in it too.” Brian added, only wincing slightly about his tux. Thank gawd for drycleaners.
“Well, what do you think?” Justin stood in the middle of the room and twirled around.
“What I think doesn’t really matter. I believe in you and we are partners.” Brian had to stop talking because he now had an arm full of blond who was kissing his face all over.
“What I was trying to say, we had planned on selling Britin, we might as well sell the loft as well. Because if this doesn’t work out after a year, we’d be looking for something together that does suit us. So give mommy in law a call, we’ll list the two properties and we’ll move in.”
“Me too.” Daphne laughed.
“Just like that?” Justin asked.
“Just like that.” Brian repeated “But watch the magic or whatever it is. I don’t want the house to be a mess of your practice shots. We’re in this together which means we decide on things together.”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Brian ignored the ringing of his cell phone. He knew it was Michael. His friend had been phoning frequently in the last two weeks. Finally unable to stand it any longer and wishing he’d turned it off, Brian answered. “Hey Mikey.” He adjusted some of the papers on his desk.
“Brian, I’ve been phoning all day.”
“I’m at work Mikey, I’m busy.”
“That bitch of a receptionist wouldn’t put me through. She said you were busy.”
“I am. You have two minutes and I’m shutting off my phone.”
“I was walking past the loft and all of your stuff is gone.”
“Interesting that you can see through brick. Who knew you had such super powers.”
“Don’t be an asshole. I want to know where the fuck all your stuff is?”
“Gee Mikey, I didn’t know I had to report in with you every time Justin and I make a move. I mean I’m fairly certain you and Ben don’t tell me every time the two of you go to the store or take a fucking shit.”
“You know what I mean Brian. For fuck sake, we’ve been friends for a long time and all of a sudden you’re moving out of the loft and you don’t say anything.”
“You and the rest of the gang are welcome to come to our new place when it’s ready.”
“What, you mean you and Justin have a new place? I thought he was in New York.”
“He is and he isn’t. He and I live together, perhaps you’ve forgotten. He occasionally has to work and live in New York. We have a place there. It depends on where we are. Simple logistics Mikey, in the busy world of advertising and art.”
“There was a cat in your loft, did you know that?”
“Black, weird eyes?” Brian asked.
“Yeah, strange as shit.”
“That’s Cam, he has a way of appearing where ever he damn well pleases. I’m working on finding him a nice kitty home, far, far away.”
“So you’ve really moved.” Michael sounded lost.
“And sold the loft, the new owner takes possession in a week.”
“You sold the loft.” He sounded almost in tears.
“Don’t worry Mikey, Emmett’s boyfriend Drew bought the place. I’m sure the happy couple will have you over as soon as they decorate.” He snickered. “Can’t wait to see the combination of football trophies and gold lame.”
“Are you going to Woody’s tonight?” Michael asked, desperate for some attention.
“No, but I’ll meet you at the diner for lunch.”
Both Brian and Michael were satisfied. Michael, because he felt he would have his friend to himself for lunch. And Brian, because he’d finally admitted to one of them that he and Justin had moved.
“Shit, what the fuck are you doing in here?” Cam, sleek and black, was sitting on his white leather sofa.
Cam didn’t answer him, he was actually just checking out Kinnetik, Daphne never shut up about the place and how wonderful Brian was, he wanted to see for himself.
“Don’t you have something better to do?” Brian asked. He actually didn’t mind the cat all that much. Not that he’d admit it to anyone. He glared at Cam for a few minutes and then with the ringing of his phone, went back to work.
“Brian, here’s a coffee.” Ted popped his head in the door and then walked in.
“Thanks Theodore, and why are you bringing me a coffee? What did you do?”
“Hey, there’s a cat in here.” Ted looked at the cat and Cam looked back. “He’s kind of funny looking.”
“The point Theodore, get to the point.” Brian waved his hand that held his fresh cup of coffee. It started to spill over the top and then all of a sudden the coffee disappeared from the cup, only to land on Ted rather than Brian’s laptop.”
“FUCK.” Ted jumped, warm coffee dripping from his pants. He ran out of the room to get cleaned up.
“That was you.” Brian stated, staring at Cam. “Thanks cat.” He should have known any cat that he’d met at Justin’s would be more than just a cat. “But bugger off, I’m busy.” Brian had an appointment with a real estate lawyer. He and Justin were going to the office after lunch.
And Cam, because he was meeting a client at one, did disappear. He wanted to have lunch with Daphne first.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Brian was late getting to the diner. He rushed in and took a seat in the booth across from Michael. “I ordered your usual.” Michael said.
“Thanks.” He sat back, his arms on the top of the seat. “So what was so urgent that we needed to meet for lunch?”
Michael was about to answer when Justin and Daphne tumbled into the diner, arm in arm. “Hey.” The said in unison, joining Brian and Michael. Justin snuggled close to Brian who wrapped him in his arms, kissing him soundly. “I didn’t know you were coming here for lunch.”
“Neither did I.” Brian laughed. “So what are you two up to?”
“Daphne’s meeting Cam for lunch.”
“The cat?” Brian looked puzzled.
“No Brian, my sort of boyfriend.” Daphne snickered. “I named the cat after him.” The bell over the door tinkled. “There he is now.” She stood and waved.
Michael was looking miserable; his quiet alone time with Brian had disappeared. The young man who was joining them was gorgeous.
“Camelot Brogan.” He held out his hand to Justin and then Brian. He nodded to Michael.
“Brogan, aren’t you the lawyer we’re meeting later?” Brian asked.
“The one and the same.” He smiled at Daphne as he gave her a quick hug. “And thanks for the recommendation.” He kissed her cheek, making her blush. “Daphne is a big fan.”
“Apparently.” Brian drawled. “So Daphne, this is the man who keeps your bed warm at night.”
“Fat chance.” Daphne snorted. “Cam is too much of a gentleman. I’m afraid the only Cam I get to sleep with has four legs and sleek black fur.” She giggled and snuggled closer to her sort of boyfriend.
“Justin helped me decorate my new apartment.” She said to Michael. “It’s perfect.”
“Oh, what building are you in?” Michael asked. “Is it near Liberty Ave?”
“It’s only a couple of blocks over. Justin and Brian are letting me rent the upper floor of the carriage house, which I guess is the garage now. It’s big enough for four cars.”
“You have a house near Liberty Ave and you didn’t say anything?” Michael glared at Brian, something that was becoming his normal look.
“Yes, we do.” Brian answered. “Kiki, are you planning on serving us here?” he hollered to the waitress.
“Put your big girl panties on and wait. I’m busy.” She hollered back.
“I’ll put our order in.” Justin offered.
“We’ll wait.” Brian kept his one arm around Justin’s shoulder. He was busy talking to Michael and didn’t notice Justin’s fingers move. Instantly everyone in the diner was served and Kiki was carrying a tray filled with their orders.
“Justin didn’t order yet.” Brian began as Kiki placed his sandwich in front of him.
“Oh puleeze, as if I don’t know what Justin would order.” Kiki said, handing out the rest of the food.
Brian didn’t say anything, but he did lean over and gently bite Justin’s earlobe. He knew the brat had used his magic. “Brat” he whispered.
Lunch went without a hitch, mostly because every time Michael began to talk, he would forget what it was he was about to say. In no time Brian and Justin, along with Daphne and Cam, headed for Cam’s office.
Brian and Justin let Daphne and Cam lead the way. He rather enjoyed walking beside his partner. It wasn’t often they took the time to walk and today was one of those cold, crisp but sunny days that made everyone forget that winter was far from over.
“It feels kind of weird going to a lawyer that isn’t Melanie.” Justin said.
“Well, at least Cam is hot.” Brian was admiring the man’s ass.
“He’s also straight.”
“His loss.” Brian shrugged. “I hope you changed the color in the bedroom. I hated that last one.”
“All changed.”
“What about the Italian leather furniture in my den. I was hoping for something more ‘olde English’ gentleman’s club kind of thing.”
“Done, and I actually arranged all your books, even the ones you had stashed in the basement storage room.”
“You found those, did you?” Brian snickered.
“I did and the porn is behind closed doors. It looks too tacky to have it on the higher shelves.” Justin sighed. “It’s only been two weeks, but it seems like I’m always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Things are going too good.”
“I know the feeling.” Brian’s phone began to vibrate. “Hey Gus” he said, recognizing the number. “What’s up?” His son had been given a phone with Brian’s numbers programmed in. It was a bone of contention between him and Melanie, but one he insisted on when they moved to Toronto.
“Daddy, momma is putting me on an airplane. I’m going all by myself. She said you have to pick me up at the airport.”
“Gus, where is your mother. I need to speak with her.”
“She can’t come to the phone right now. MOOOOM.” The boy hollered. “OK. Mom said it’s flight 442 and it’s Air Canada. I have to go now.” He disconnected.