It’s Only Time
Author: Elsarose
Summary: after 513 – Justin has an epiphany on the way to the airport.

A final kiss on Brian’s forehead, his hand brushes back hair that his lover keeps carefully styled, almost too long, but definitely sexy. Justin dresses silently in the early morning light. Afraid to take too deep a breath for fear it will turn into a sob that he’s barely holding back. 
 
<i>It’s only time</i> three words that mean a thousand and one different things, but right now mean he won’t be with the man he loves. He shoulders his messenger bag and grabs his overloaded duffel, considers leaving a note, but what would he say that he hasn’t said already. As the heavy loft door slides shut, Justin wonders if Brian was really asleep and hopes that he was because if he was awake, why didn’t he ask him not to go.

<i>It’s only time</i> A three word mantra plays in his brain as he walks down the stairs and lets himself out. He didn’t call a taxi, preferring to walk until one comes along. Even this early in the morning there’s always one of them silently trolling for fares. 

Barely a block away, he flags down a cab, not caring that the driver groaned when he was told that the airport was his destination. Apparently it was the end of the driver’s shift, but while the man spent the endless drive explaining this in heavily accented English, Justin could only hear <i>It’s only time</i> in Brian’s determined voice, meant to soothe but only succeeded in panicking. 

There was more than enough time to relive the past few days. Lindsay’s determined words as she tried to convince him New York was where he needed to be. Brian’s uncharacteristic morphing into Eli, wanting to cuddle, refusing to sample the ample body of the stripper. His mother had tried to talk to him, to tell him he should do what <i>HE</i> wanted and not let himself be pulled in a direction he wasn’t ready for. But since when did he ever listen to his mother? The whole damn mixed up, strange as hell, cobbled together family, seemed to all have the same refrain, New York, New York. And he thought of all the city had to offer that Pittsburgh didn’t. 

But he couldn’t refuse to go, after all they were all counting on him to be the one to break away, to have a life that was glamorous and exciting. And Justin couldn’t help but wonder if all of them, including Brian, were wishing that it was each of them who had the nerve to break away from the norm. The thing is, New York was never his dream. Not to live in, never, unless you counted the time he was freshly infatuated with Brian who had desperately wanted to go to New York. And he would have gone with him in a heart beat. Not because it was fucking New York, but because it was where the man he loved was heading.

It was time to take Brian’s advice and grow some balls. <i>It’s only time</i> his time was now. He needed to prove to himself and to Brian that he could be independent. That he could be a man, self sufficient and successful, but doing it his way, not Lindsay’s, or Brian’s, or even fucking Michael. He was Justin Taylor and he was at the beginning of the first day of the rest of his life. <i>It’s only time</i> after all.

Justin leaned forward and tapped on the Plexiglas window that separated him from the driver. “I’ve changed my mind. I want to go to the best used car dealership that you know.”

“You no go to the airport?” the man asked, puzzled at Justin’s request. “We almost there.” He tapped the digital screen of the fare box. “See?”

“I’ll pay, don’t worry.” Justin sat back. He smiled, happy for the first time in days, maybe even weeks or months. He was an adult, who could make his own decisions and live by them, right or wrong, good or bad. And he had a plan. It was only lying if they made you lie; he snickered to himself, causing the driver to look at him in his mirror in alarm. 

“I take you to my cousin’s. He has good used cars.” The driver said, gaining confidence that this crazy man in his taxi might be a good fare after all. “He no cheat you.”

Justin hoped not, he wasn’t car savvy, and he didn’t have a lot of money to throw around. He had enough to last in New York for a few months thanks to Rage. So he figured he could last a lot longer in West Virginia, even with buying a car. 

The cab driver pulled into the driveway of a house in a neighborhood Justin had never been in before. There seemed to be a lot of people visiting or living in the small brick house, if the number of cars were anything to go by. “My cousin’s place. I’ll go wake him up. You look around at the cars, see if there’s something you like.”

Justin grinned. “Okay.” He left his duffel in the cab as he started to look around at the various parked vehicles. He needed something that he could transport things in and one that would be reliable on the winter roads. Not that it was winter now, but he was thinking for the long term.

“That’s a good one.” 

Justin jumped at the voice. “I didn’t hear you.” He looked at the gangly teenager who stood talking to him. The kid was wearing a white tee shirt and tight jeans. “I like the red one over there better.” He pointed to a cherry red mini van. “The color is amazing.”

“Yeah, that’s the whole point. If you look at the color you won’t notice that it’s a gutless piece of shit. No matter what I did, I couldn’t get the damn thing to have any get up and go.” He looked around. “If  that’s the kind of thing you want, this one is the best of all of them.” He opened the door of a black Jeep. “I haven’t painted it yet, so the color is dull. It was owned by a friend of mine, an artist who traded up when he got his first big commission. He’s doing that mural downtown in the main lobby of the new Frankle Building.”

“Hey, I’ve checked it out, he’s darn good.” 

“Yeah, he is.” The kid ducked his head and blushed. “I’m the artist, Sal Tonkiwitz. I haven’t given up my first love, fixing cars up. I like to think I’m an artist with cars too. I can make them purr like they were new again.”

“Cool.” Justin beamed. “I’m an artist too. I’ve got a place in West Virginia, so I need something reliable for winter and something that will take me to New York every now and then without me having to worry I’m going to be stuck on the highway.”

“Then buy the Jeep. It’s going to give you the most for your money. It’s eight years old, but it was owned by a guy who spent a mint on maintaining it. I’ve tweaked the engine a bit so it’s easier on gas but that’s about all I’ve done, other than continue the original maintenance schedule.”

“I don’ think I can afford it.” His hands caressed the black leather seats, remembering the first time he sat on them. For Justin was sure this had to be Brian’s old car. “I’m an artist who doesn’t have a big commission.” He grinned at Sal. “By the way, my name is Justin Taylor.” 

“I want three thousand for it. It’s worth it.” Sal looked at Justin. “I really do think it’s the best of the bunch.” 

Justin was mentally calculating the money he had in the bank. He had more than enough for the Jeep, but he still had to live until he was bringing in something on a regular basis. The Jeep would make things easier though and if worse came to worse, he could always sell it. “I’ll take it. I have to get the money out of the bank though.”

“Do you have a check?” Sal asked.

“Yeah.”

“Come on in the house. You can have breakfast, write a check and I’ll get the transfer papers done. My sister works for an insurance company, I’ll give her a call and she can get that going for you.”

“I need to pay for my taxi ride here.” Justin looked around for the driver who hadn’t come back.

“Taz is eating breakfast. Put your stuff in the Jeep, you can pay him inside. He’s done for the night anyway.”

An hour later Justin found himself driving toward West Virginia in his newly acquired Jeep. He was barely out of the city when his cell rang. “Hey” he said with a grin. “I’m supposed to call you when I’m settled.”

“I thought I’d get you before you left.” Brian hesitated for a moment. “I miss you already.”

Justin checked the dashboard clock. His plane was due to leave in a few minutes. “I can’t talk now, the plane is about to leave. I miss you too. I’ll call when I’m settled.” He sighed, he hated lying by omission, but Brian’s words from long ago <i>it isn’t lying if they make you lie</i> kept him from saying anything. “<i>It’s only time</i> Brian, I won’t forget.” He whispered into the phone before disconnecting.

As he drove toward the home Brian had purchased for him, Justin began to sing along with the radio. He felt alive with hope that he done the right thing. He was going to be a success. He was going to make Brian and all of the family in Pittsburgh proud of him. But most of all, he was going to be proud of himself. 

The trip was pleasantly shorter than Justin remembered. He drove through the open gate and then slowed the Jeep to a crawl. He wanted to savor each moment of his grand beginning. He knew Brian had hired a couple to take care of the grounds and general maintenance. He’d have to make sure they knew he was going to be living in the house and he needed to make them understand that no one was to know he had moved in. 
And that included Brian. 

Justin parked in front of the house. It was just as he remembered it only better. It was a big house, but not quite so intimidating as he’d first thought. Better yet, it was home. His home, his and Brian’s. He pulled out the duffel bag and headed to the double doors. Soon he found himself inside and standing in the foyer. He could smell coffee. “HELLO.” Justin called out, not wanting to startle anyone. 

“Oh, dear.” A worried looking woman peeked around the corner from the kitchen. 

“Hi, I’m Justin Taylor, I’m one of the owners. I’m going to be staying here for awhile.” He smiled, holding out his hand. 

“Of course, Mr. Taylor.” She smiled. “I wasn’t expecting anyone other than Klaus, my husband. I have coffee started. Would you like a cup? I’m Anna by the way.” She wiped her hands on her apron before shaking Justin’s hand. “I’ve just taken a coffee cake from the oven. It’s apple and will go lovely with a nice cup of coffee.”

“I’m sure it will.” Justin beamed. “I’m going to take my bag upstairs.”

“But there’s no furniture up there.” She looked worried. 

“I’ll pick up an air mattress and a sleeping bag in town. It’ll do for now. I want to do some work, painting and things before furniture goes in.” Justin couldn’t stop smiling(;) he was so pleased with how things were working out. “I’ll probably just live in my studio for now.”

“That’s right, Mr. Kinney did mention you are an artist. If you’re going to live here, you must come to the Farmers Market on Fridays. A number of local artists and artisans show their work. I understand it’s very lucrative. Our market is famous and we attract people from all over.”

“I will.” Justin looked pleased. “Is there a gallery in town, maybe an art supply store or even a craft store?” 

“We have two galleries, an art supply store and three craft stores. The town serves rather a large area.”

“I’ll be right down for that coffee and cake.” Justin took the stairs two at a time. Things were definitely looking up. 

In no time at all he was sitting at the kitchen counter happily eating and drinking coffee with Klaus and Anna. “Are you here every day?” he asked Anna.

“No, I come in once a week to dust and make sure things are running properly. Klaus comes five days a week. The grounds are extensive and there’s always something that needs doing.” She smiled and refilled his coffee cup. “Isn’t that right Klaus?” she asked. 

“Always something.” He agreed. “And you Mr. Taylor, will you be staying long?” 

“I think so. I need somewhere to work on my art without being bothered. I felt it was time I got out on my own. Brian tends to micro manage my life.” He laughed. “It’s hard to feel that you’re your own person when he does that. So I’ve escaped to West Virginia. If you don’t mind, I’d appreciate it if you don’t tell Brian I’m here. I mean I wouldn’t want you to lie to him. But if he doesn’t ask you directly, don’t tell him. I need time to make my own way in the world.”

Anna laughed. “I understand completely.” She gazed fondly at her husband, “There was a time when I had those very same feelings. They pass, but until then, you need space and time.”

<i>It’s only time</i> Brian’s words drifted unspoken through the room and Justin grimaced a smile, agreeing with Anna. 

He found himself wandering through the various rooms, thinking of what he could do to put his own stamp on them when time and money permitted. He needed to make a few phone calls first. Otherwise his break for independence would be for nothing.

“Hey Daphne.” He began when his friend answered. 

“Are you there yet?” she asked, her voice a combination of eagerness and sadness. 

“No, and that’s what I want to talk to you about.” He paused. “I’m going to ask you to keep the biggest secret of your life.”

“Shit Justin, what now?” 

“I’m not in New York.” He giggled like he used to when they were teens. “I’m hiding out in the house in West Virginia. Well not actually hiding, but I didn’t want to go to New York, everyone else wanted me to go and it just kind of happened that I was going. But I hated the whole, make Justin do what’s good for him thing, that everyone had going on. I’m a big boy now, wearing big boy tightey whitey’s.” he grinned at Daphne’s giggle. 

“Brian is going to freak.” She finally said.

“Brian isn’t going to know and you’re going to help me with this. I won’t actually come right out and lie to him. I can’t do that. But I’m going to kind of imply that I’m where I’m supposed to be as far as he’s concerned. I want you to cover for me with your cousin on this. I might need to stay there when I do go to New York. I mean I have to show my stuff somewhere, don’t I?” 

“But how?” she began.

“Let me deal with it.” Justin sighed. “You can reach me on my cell. We’ll deal with everything that comes up as it happens. I’ll keep you posted. And remember, no one is to know.”

“Not even your mom?” she asked.

“Especially my mom, she can’t keep shit secret.” He laughed. “Later Daphne.”

His next call was to Brian. “Hey” he said, their standard greeting.

“You arrived okay?” Brian asked.

“Yep, no problems.” Justin looked around. “I’m not unpacked or anything yet, but I will be soon. I’m going to scout around the neighborhood and find what’s available.”

“How’s your place, is it livable?”

“Not bad, my room is kind of bare, but I’ll fix that. The rest of the place is okay, nothing some paint won’t cure.”

“And your room mate?” Brian asked.

“I haven’t met him yet. He’s a cousin of Daphne’s, I’m sure he’s okay.” Justin paused. “Brian, don’t worry so much. I’m going to be fine. I need to spend some time settling in, getting to know the area and find myself a job. I’ll keep you up to date. I know how you are.” He sighed. “If it counts for anything, I miss you like crazy.”

“I miss you too.” It was Brian’s turn to sigh. There was so much he wanted to say, but didn’t dare for fear Justin would turn around and come back. The kid needed the time away in the big city to realize his dreams. 

“I’ll call you tomorrow Brian.” Justin said, his voice soft. “Later.” And he disconnected, knowing he didn’t dare stay on any longer or all his good intentions and plans for his life would be for nothing and he’d confess everything. 

“Justin, will you be expecting meals?” Anna asked as the blond headed for the door. 

“No, I’m not even here.” He grinned. “I’m a figment of your imagination. I’m going to spend the next few months working on my art, finding a job so that I can eat, and maybe do some redecorating. I can’t afford to pay you for anymore than what Brian already pays you for. I don’t have the money he has, someday maybe, but not now. I wasn’t joking when I said I wanted to find my own way. I know it’s kind of copping out living at the house, but Brian gave it to me and it seems a shame not to use it.” He shrugged. “Not that I could even afford to pay even a quarter of the expenses for this place.”

“Mr. Kinney is happy knowing that the house is yours. I’m sure he has his reasons for keeping it running even when neither of you are here.” She smiled. “I know I don’t have to cook for you dear, but I hope you won’t mind if I do occasionally share some of what I make for Klaus. There’s only the two of us at home now and I do love to cook.”

“Works for me, I like to eat.” Justin grinned. “I’m going into town to check it out. I’ll probably pick up some groceries while I’m there. I’m going to have my supplies shipped here. They all went to New York, that’s where I’m supposed to be. I’m having a friend send them to me. Meanwhile though, I want to pick up a few things.”

“No doubt we’ll be gone when you get back. Have an enjoyable evening. Klaus generally starts at eight in the morning and works until four. He’ll stop by tomorrow and show you his schedule. He has a routine worked out for covering everything that needs to be done.”

“He doesn’t need to do that. Just pretend I’m not here.” Justin grinned. “Cause I’m not, I’m in New York.” 

The town was only a ten-minute drive. Justin took his time winding his way through the streets absorbing the small town ambiance, so different from the streets of Pittsburgh. He found the art store on the main street flanked on either side by a craft supply store and gallery. Parking, Justin wandered past the gallery where he stood and admired the sculpture that was being showcased. He’d never done much with other art mediums, though had he stayed at PIFA he would have had the chance to try his hand at most everything there was. 

The art supply store was his next stop. He loved these places. No matter how often he went in one, there was always something he could find that was different. 

“Can I help you?” 

Justin turned and smiled at the girl who’d asked the question. “I’m trying to decide if I should get some canvases already stretched or do it myself.”

“Well, it’s cheaper to do it yourself and I think it’s more satisfying to know that you did everything in the creation of a painting.” She shrugged, “Or just buy the ones we put together, up to you.” 

“I guess I can try and do it myself.” He looked doubtful, but he was trying to save money and it’s not like he didn’t know how to stretch a canvas, he’d just never actually done it. 

“I can show you how.” The girl said with a giggle. “Of course you need to have some supplies, like a canvas stretcher and stuff. But think of it as an investment.” She giggled again. “Are you new to the area? I’m DJ Rouse by the way.” 

“I’m Justin Taylor. I live just outside town. And yes I’m kind of new to the area.” He grinned at her. “Nice hair by the way.” It was long, down to her waist, straight and silky not to mention every color of the rainbow.

“It’s my statement of the week.” She laughed. “It pisses off my parents like you wouldn’t believe. My dad is such a tight ass.” 

“Hey, I have one of those.” Justin laughed. 

“A tight ass?” 

“No, a Dad with one.” While they talked, they were wandering the store, Justin picking up this and that, checking prices and enjoying himself. By the time he made it to the front of the store they were good friends. DJ reminded him of Daphne, though she was a foot taller and definitely gangly. As he paid for his purchases, the bulletin board beside the cash register caught his attention. There was a Help Wanted ad on a 3 x 5 card. “Hey do you know this guy?” he asked DJ. Someone called Sven needed a helper for a two month period. It didn’t say, what kind of help he needed.

“Yeah, you could say so.” She giggled. “He’s my dad. He’s a sculptor and he’s doing this giant thing that’s going to be cast in bronze. He needs someone to work with him. Mom says he’s not allowed to do this one alone ‘cause the last time he hurt his back. Believe me, Sven with a bad back was one scary dude and we had to live with him. I thought my mother was going to kill him before he got better.” 

“What’s it pay?” Justin asked. “I need a job.”

“Justin, believe me, you don’t want to work with Sven. He’s like this arrogant tight ass perfectionist who thinks the sun rises and sets on him, and that’s on his good days.” 

“No problem, you just described my partner.” He snickered. “Of course he’s gay, but other than that, sounds like the same guy.”

“Well, I wouldn’t work for less than fifteen bucks an hour. It’s hard work and Sven’s a bastard. He thinks he’s Thor or something.”

“Now my pretty DJ, you don’t mean that about your daddy.” The words were spoken by a giant of a man, who had walked into the store. He was almost seven feet tall, had white blond hair and eyes a light grey blue, making them seem somewhat colorless. He was scary as hell. He eyed up Justin who was holding his card. “Okay, you’ve got the job. Sixteen bucks an hour, I expect you to not only help, but to learn. I can see by your hands that you aren’t a sculptor, but if you’re in here, you’re some kind of an artist. Deej, give him directions to my studio. I’ll see you there at six. I like to get an early start. Don’t worry about packing a lunch. I cook and I cook big, there’ll be plenty. Buy a pair of work gloves though, you’ll need ‘em.” He leaned over the counter and kissed his daughter on the forehead. “I hate your fucking hair.” He mumbled, giving a piece of it a loving tug.

“Holy shit.” Justin stood there, his eyes glued to the now closed door. “What happened?” 

“You got the job, oh joy, oh joy.” She snickered. “I told you he was a freak.” She pulled out a pad of paper and began to draw a map. “This is where his studio is. There’s a kind of a group of artists who work out of this place. It used to be a mental institution, now it’s an artists commune, sort of fitting don’t you think?” 

“I guess.” Justin’s mind was reeling with everything that had happened. “This is too weird.”

“No, it’s just Sven, he’s like that.” She shrugged. “Can you tell he’s Norwegian? Hence the whole Viking gig he’s got going.” 

“Oh.” Justin sighed. His life had certainly changed. He wondered if it was for the better. “I need a job, and the pay is good.”

“You’ll meet lots of other artists. That’s kind of a good thing, isn’t it? I mean, they’re always having shows all over the country. They have great connections, that is, if you’re any good.”

“What other artists are in the building?” Justin was curious and slightly excited. 

“Well, there’s Bob, he does blown glass – really amazing designs. He lets me watch. And there’s Susan, she does stuff with found objects, really strange sculptures, but kind of interesting, though not really my thing. Billy works in clay, James and Natasha in oils and acrylic, Peter and Marcy do large glass stuff in kilns… I like their work. Jenny spins and weaves, Tim does stained glass.”

“Okay, okay.” Justin held his hand up. “I get the idea. I’m never going to remember all of those names.” 

“Hey, want to go for a coffee?” she asked.

“Sure. Let me put this stuff in my car.” 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Have you heard from Justin?” Michael asked as he slid into the seat across from Brian.

“Of course.” Brian sipped his coffee while he read the paper. 

“Don’t you think he’s getting in over his head? I mean, he took a job doing physical labor. Hell, he’s never done anything harder than waiting on tables. It’ll kill him.” Michael was trying to sound concerned. 

“It’ll do him good, build up some muscle.” Brian continued to read the paper. 

“But this guy he’s working for, Justin says he’s like some kind of Viking God. Aren’t you worried, I mean after the fiddler…” his voice trailed off when he realized he’d stepped over the bounds of what could be mentioned to Brian.

“The guy is straight, married, six kids.” 

“No shit, who has six kids these days.” Michael sat back to contemplate the whole idea.

“Apparently Sven does.” Brian shuddered. “I don’t even want to go there. Justin has himself a new fag hag with one of the kids. Her name is DJ, though I suspect it’s something else, she won’t tell him what.”

“Are you going to New York to visit?” Michael asked. He wondered why Brian was being so calm about everything. “I mean you guys were almost married.” 

“Mikey, what Justin and I do is our business. But no, I’m not going to New York. Justin said he’ll be here in two weeks. He’s working seven days a week right now with this Sven guy getting some kind of thing ready for a building opening. He tells me he barely has time to pee and when he isn’t working with Sven, he’s painting or sleeping. What the fuck fun would that be if I went there and he was either working or unconscious?” <i>It’s only time</i> went through his head, it had become his mantra and he was beginning to hate it. 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
“Hey Daphne, thanks for bringing me my stuff.” Justin leaned back against the wall. He was sitting on the floor in his studio at Britin. 

“Did you get any furniture yet?” she asked. She’d bitched constantly about sleeping on the floor last weekend. 

“I ordered the most amazing chaise for my studio. It took almost my whole paycheck, but even Brian would approve. Klaus is going to help me paint the studio this week. You’ll love the colors.”

“Cool.” She sighed. “Brian took me to lunch today. I think he was trying to pump me for information about you.” 

“I know.” He sighed. “He called me to tell me he’d talked to you. I’m going with Sven to New York in two weeks to deliver the finished piece and help him set it up. Maybe I can persuade Brian to meet me there. I’ll tell him he has to get a hotel room. Is your cousin still okay with me using his place for a night or two?” 

“He’s cool with it.” 

“Sven is going to introduce me to his agent. He says the guy is pretty good. It wouldn’t hurt to have an agent. If he takes me on that is. I’m going to bring my portfolio.” 

“Keep me posted, I have to go.” Daphne blew a sloppy kiss into her phone and laughed when Justin pretended to gag.

Justin disconnected, letting the phone fall to the floor beside him. It had been almost a month since he’d come home to Britin. Home, that’s what it felt like. He could see touches of Brian here and there, in the style of the house, the feel of the place. It was the perfect setting for his aristocratic gentleman of a partner, elegant and classy much like Brian is.

He stood up in one fluid motion, pleased with the way his body responded. The first few days he’d worked with Sven, Justin had been sure he was going to die. If he hadn’t been fed by the man twice a day, Sven’s cooking was out of this world, he no doubt might have expired, his body had been so sore. But there was one thing not many people knew about him. In fact, Brian was probably the only one who did. He was a stubborn son of a bitch and would never admit defeat. 

The hours with Sven were brutal, the work even more so. But what was wonderful was the giant himself. Sven was incredibly talented and what’s more, he loved to teach once he’d discovered Justin’s thirst for knowledge. He’d taken Justin under his wing, much like he did with his own children. Justin found himself part of a large family, just one of the kids. It was different than being with Debbie and the gang. Here he was Justin Taylor, young artist. Not Justin Taylor victim of a gay bashing, not Justin Taylor, Brian Kinney’s twink, but Justin Taylor, a young, not bad looking gay man in a committed relationship with a man the family hadn’t met, but who they felt they knew through Justin’s glowing description. His phone rang with Brian’s special ring. “Hey Stud.” He laughed. “I was just thinking of you.”

“As you should.” Brian chuckled. “Any ideas what you’re going to do when you get to the Pitts?” 

“About that. Sven wants me to help set up the sculpture and then he’s arranged a meeting with his agent. He thinks the guy might be interested in taking me on. So….” He paused. “What do you think about you coming here? You can meet Sven and once I’m done setting up and meeting the agent, I’ll be all yours. Hopefully in some hotel room with a soaking tub and great room service.”

“Now that does sound like a plan.” Brian grinned. “I’m sure I can arrange a hotel room that will be marginally better than a blow up mattress on the floor. Daphne says she still can’t walk straight, her back hurts so much.”

“Daphne’s a pussy. The mattress is great.” Justin giggled. “I don’t want to get a proper bed until I find the right one. It’s not like I’m rolling in money here. I have some savings still but I want to keep that for emergencies.” 

“Have you found studio space that you approve of?” Brian suspected that Justin would be more concerned about that than his sleeping arrangements. 

“That was the easy part.” He laughed. “I’ve got great studio space, not much in it except my easel and paints, but great space.”

“Does it have a bathroom?” 

“Not in the studio, but there’s a sink and the bathroom isn’t too far down the hall.” Justin smiled to himself as he described his studio in Britin. 

“I’ll set up the weekend arrangements and email you the details.” Brian sighed. <i>It’s only time</i> ran through both their minds as they chatted for a few more minutes before disconnecting. 

Brian stared at the wall in front of him for a few minutes trying to decide if he liked how happy and confident Justin sounded on the phone. Shouldn’t he at least try to sound like he missed Pittsburgh? Had New York captured him completely? He shook off the thoughts that wormed their way into his mind, telling himself that Justin was young. No doubt the kid was caught up in the wonder of New York especially now that he was becoming friends with so many fellow artists. 

Justin had spent hours regaling Brian with descriptions of the former mental hospital he was working in and the various artists who worked there. Michael was coming up with various plots and scenarios for Rage and JT that involved mental institutions. Which was fine with Brian because at least his friend had stopped whining about whether Justin was going to come home or not.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

It was his day off. He didn’t know why, but he actually missed being at the Funny Farm, as the artist commune was called. “So kiddo, you ready to change that window?” 

“Oh, hi Klaus, I’m sorry, I was daydreaming.” Justin grinned at the man who stood there in front of him. “This is going to be great when it’s finished.” He and Klaus were replacing one of the windows in his studio with double French doors. When that was done, they were going to build a patio outside the doors so that he could paint outside without dragging his easel through the house. 

“Yes, I have to agree. The door has arrived. I think we should put it just outside the studio in the garden while we work.”

“Okay.” Justin was pleased with his newfound strength, thanks to his daily workouts with Sven. He remembered his first few days at the Farm, he’d been sure he was going to die. The work was hard and Sven micromanaged each step of the way. But gradually he began to understand the mystery of what he was doing and the skill it had taken to make the molds so that when poured and the results put together, it became a piece of sculpture that was breath taking. 

And then there was Sven’s family. DJ was the oldest, but the five others, each a year apart in age except the youngest who was only three, accepted Justin as if he was a long lost brother. They were all, including Sven, organized into a well-oiled machine that was the Torolov family by Sven’s wife, Tini. She made sure that Justin’s aches and pains were dealt looked after with concoctions of herbs and other home remedies and had even made him a support cast for his right wrist that had helped him more than anything else had, allowing him to work all day with Sven and still have the skill and dexterity required to paint or sketch. What was more amazing was that his hand rarely shook, even after he’d painted long into the night.

“HEY KID.” 

Justin jumped. 

“Oh, forgot to tell you Sven and his family are here to help.” Klaus laughed. “Look out the window, there’s the double doors.” And sure enough Sven and two of his boys were carrying the heavy door that was assembled all in one unit. 

“Sven, why are you here?” Justin asked, leaning out the window. “Hey Doug, Liam,”

“Hey Bro.” Doug laughed. “You know dad, has to make sure the door goes in right.”

“Watch your tongue boy, or I’ll cast it in bronze.” Sven roared in laughter. “Can’t have my best assistant ruining his hands by hitting his finger with a hammer. We’ll have that window out, the wall ship shape, and the doors in before you can roll your eyes at me twice.” He laughed again. 

Justin grimaced and stuck out his tongue at the man who employed him before he laughed. “Klaus and I can always use a hand. In fact, this way it should get done today. I have all the lumber and the building permit. Have you ever done this kind of thing before?” he asked Sven.

“Nope, never before. I see you ordered a door tall enough for me. Such a good boy.” He glared at his own two sons.”

“I’ve learned that being tall has its problems, much like being height challenged has.” Justin, as well as Doug and Liam, laughed. The two boys were going to be as tall as their father, though they were sixteen and fifteen respectively. 

“We’ll still love you anyway.” Doug said with a laugh. 

By the time the day was over, Justin was tired, but satisfied with what he and the gang had accomplished. The window had been removed, the space widened and the double French doors installed. Klaus and Justin had even started the repair to the wall plaster. It would take two days of work before the room could be painted. 

When everyone had decided that work was done for the evening, Anna came out with dinner for everyone. “I know you all want to use the pool, but I really think you should have something to eat.” She smiled at Justin and Klaus who were using their time to weed in the back garden while Sven and his boys cleaned up the job site. 

“Tini is bringing dessert and the rest of the kids.” Sven said, his voice deep and loud. “Let’s get our hands clean boys, don’t mind stopping the day for food I haven’t made myself.”

Justin’s cell phone rang and he answered it without thinking. “Justin.”

“I would hope so.” Brian drawled. “I was thinking about what you said. I could come down early if you’d like.”

Justin laughed. “You’re such a worry wart. Sven and I have it under control. I’ve actually built up some muscle working with Sven in the foundry. There’s no point in coming any earlier, I’ll be busy working and believe me, working with Sven makes Justin a tired boy. I wouldn’t fully appreciate all of your considerable assets.”

“Can’t wait to see all those muscles. Maybe you should enter the Pecs of Death contest at Babylon next month.” Brian smiled to himself, he couldn’t really imagine Justin too muscled. 
“What, and show up Ben?” Justin snickered. “I think I’ll pass. “Why did you call really?”

“It’s not because I miss you. I was just confirming our weekend.” 

“I’ll see you in New York.” Justin whispered. “I love you.” He smiled and disconnected. 

“Brian is meeting us in New York?” Sven asked, handing Justin a cold bottle of beer. 

“Yes, after all I’m living there.” Justin had become friends with Sven and had confessed his deceit. 

“Aw well, all’s fair in love and war they say.” Sven sat down on the grass.

<i>It’s only time</i> Justin muttered to himself before swallowing the beer.