Lois, thank you for the beta...you are the greatest!
Author’s Comments: Paul Dunbar and Jason Smith were characters created by Lois in two stories posted on this site: See Me Through and Defining Moments. If you are interested in the back-story for Paul and Jason’s relationship with Brian and Justin, please read these fics. What you need to know here is that they have been close friends for several years and have mainly kept in contact over the years, by phone and email with occasional visits, because Paul and Jason live in Cincinnati. These characters were borrowed and introduced here, because I believe that Brian and Justin’s sphere of friends is not limited solely to the Liberty Avenue family. I personally love these characters that I felt were perfect for this storyline. I thank Lois for the use of her creations.
Chapter 7 – Out Of Town Plans
Later That Afternoon…(Day 16)
After hearing Emmett’s report and finding out that everything was pretty much set at the house, Justin decided to delay his trip to Bri-tin.
Justin’s mind was working overtime as he tried to figure out how to convince Brian to also delay his return to Kinnetik. Finally, Justin settled on the direct approach.
“Brian, I think we should stop by the loft,” Justin said, with lustful eyes and complete with suggestive eyebrow movements for emphasis.
“The loft, huh?” Brian smiled, catching every movement and looking into Justin’s lust-filled eyes. “Well Sunshine, who am I to argue?” Brian said, feeling his cock react to Justin’s suggestion.
Neither one had said anything, but in the last three days their sexual encounters had been limited to fucking in the shower. The shower made it possible to for them to be together, away from the prying eyes of a six year old, but Gus’s sleeping at the loft with them had deprived them much of their much needed intimacy. Now they had an opportunity to simply be truly alone together, and neither of them wanted this chance to pass them by.
Brian immediately called Cynthia and indicated he would be back at the office much later, using his favorite phase, “Something came up!” Cynthia understood the implied meaning and smiled.
Brian slid his arm around Justin’s waist as the left the Diner, kissing on the way to the car. Once in the car their fingers intertwined, as neither man wanted to lose contact while forced to sit apart from one another. At the loft kisses were exchanged and hands roamed freely under each other’s shirts while they waited for the elevator to reach the top floor.
By the time they reached the loft door their passions were fully ignited. Brian pushed Justin against the loft door as he ground their bodies together. Their mouths continued to devour each other as Brian struggled to get the door open and enter the alarm code. Brian walked Justin backward, both undressing the another with every step. They allowed their hands to explore each other’s body, as they enjoyed the skin-to-skin contact. They had simply missed being together like this.
They climbed the steps to the bedroom with only each other as body cover. And as Justin felt the edge of the bed touch the back of this leg, he pulled Brian down on top of him. Their kisses continued as each of their mouths and tongues fought for dominance.
Each moaned in pleasure from the long, slow caresses of the other. Brian managed to find all those special spots as he explored Justin’s body with his tongue, as Justin writhed and groaned beneath him.
“It’s been so long,” Justin moaned.
Brian felt himself grow harder as Justin responded to his every touch. This was the body that Brian knew so well, but he would never tire of the feel of Justin beneath him.
“Too long.” Brian whispered.
“I need you inside me,” Justin whispered, reaching for the supplies.
Brian placed Justin’s legs on either side of his head. He looked at Justin who stared back at him with eyes full of love. Brian turned his head to the right and kissed Justin’s ankle then turned to the left and did the same.
He heard Justin’s sigh and smiled slightly as he began his entrance into Justin’s hole. Justin’s sigh turned into a hiss as Brian slid in further. Brian bent Justin in half as he bent to capture his mouth in a searing kiss. They both groaned with pleasure as Brian entered him.
And after a few moments they were meeting each other thrust for thrust until they both reached climax and Brian finally collapsed on Justin.
They stayed like that fused together and just enjoyed the warmth of the other’s body. Eventually, Brian removed the used condom and tied it off, before tossing it in the trash.
“You know, no matter how many times we’re together, it’s always amazing being with you,” Brian said later as they spooned together. “I’ve missed being with you like this.”
Justin rolled over and nudged into Brian’s neck. Gently kissing his way up to Brian’s ear, Justin whispered, “I’ve missed you too.”
Brian loved the feel of Justin wrapped in his arms like this. He casually allowed his fingers to slide through Justin’s hair as he pulled him in closer. Justin breathed in the scent that was Brian.
It had been days since they had the chance to be together like this, and Brian was overwhelmed with the sense of just how much he loved the man in his arms.
Before Brian could say anything, Justin began exploring his body with sensual strokes, and Brian couldn’t help but respond.
When Justin kissed that certain spot on his neck and then reached up and kissed him passionately, they became lost in each other, as they both became hard again.
Their lovemaking continued for the few hours, alternating between tenderness and passion.
Brian rolled over and looked at the clock and let out a sigh of exasperation, “You know, Sunshine, there is nothing I would rather do than stay here in bed with you all day.”
“Hmmmmm,” Justin responded continuing to kiss Brian’s neck.
“You know you’re not helping.”
“That’s the general idea.”
Brian leaned down and kissed Justin gently, “Come shower with me. I’m afraid we are going to have to go.”
“Agh!” Justin groaned as he allowed Brian to pull him off the bed and into the shower.
“Don’t worry. We’ll do this again soon,” Brian reassured him with a smile.
***
After they dressed, Brian needed to return to the office to finish a few things, while Justin remained at the loft to tidy things up and to make a few calls.
Justin first called Jennifer to thank her for her help and to update her on the progress at the house. Jennifer had been looking forward to talking to Justin as well.
Justin was amused to discover that after lunch with Deb and Jennifer, Gus had asked to spend the afternoon with Jennifer. Molly had joined them after school, and now the three of them were at Jennifer’s condo enjoying Gus’ homemade cookies and cold glasses of milk. Justin couldn’t help laughing at the image.
Jennifer already knew in advance about the planned camping adventure, but the version she heard from Gus was even funnier than she could have imaged. Jennifer was extremely proud of her son and his creativity, and she told him so.
Justin blushed from his mother’s praise as he ended the call, and Justin allowed himself a few minutes to savor the moment.
There was one more call Justin wanted to make, so he reached again for his cell phone and punched in the number.
“Dunbar and Smith,” the operator answered.
“Jason Smith, please,” Justin requested.
“May I tell him who’s calling?” the voice asked.
“Justin Taylor.”
After a few moments, an old familiar voice answered.
“Justin, could that really be you?” Jason asked. “To what do I owe this phone call? It’s been ages since we’ve talked.”
“Don’t give me a hard time? Can I help it if you and Paul won’t come and visit?” Justin teased.
“And just where would you like us to visit, Jus…Pittsburgh or New York or maybe Santa Barbara?” Jason said sarcastically.
“Well that’s true, I have been on the move a bit. That’s partly why I’m calling.”
“Oh?” Jason remarked with renewed curiosity.
“Look Jason, I have a meeting with the Cincinnati Art Gallery tomorrow morning. Something about them opening a new wing. I was wondering if we could get together for a bit tomorrow afternoon. I know it’s short notice…”
“Not a problem. I look forward to seeing you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Paul and I would love for you to see the new remodel of our offices, and then maybe we could go to lunch,” Jason reassured him. “Is Brian coming with you?”
“No, it’s just me. Gus is visiting him from Toronto. For me it’s just suppose to be a quick meeting, so I’ll be flying back tomorrow evening, but I really want to see you.”
“I’m really looking forward to seeing you too, Jus.”
“Good, then I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll call you when my meeting with the gallery is over. Then we can play it by ear.”
“Sounds good! I’ll see you tomorrow.”
***
Jason got up from his desk and walked over the office of his partner, Paul Dunbar.
“What’s up?” Paul asked as Jason entered his office. “Is there some crisis in the art department, or is it that you just miss me?”
“I know that after all these years, you still think you’re totally irresistible, but this is important,” Jason explained, kissing his partner on the forehead.
“So what’s going on?” Paul asked, with some concern in his voice. “Is everything ok?”
“I didn’t mean to alarm you, but I just got off a very interesting phone call…with Justin. It seems he’s coming to Cincinnati tomorrow,” Jason said smiling and letting his excitement show through.
“Wait a minute. Isn’t Justin supposed to be in New York? Well this is great. How long is he staying? Is he going to be staying with us?”
“Slow down, old man,” Jason said mockingly, “He’s only going to be in town for the day. Something about a meeting with Cincinnati Art Gallery, about being in some show for the opening of the new wing. I don’t know all the details. He just called to see if we could get together after his meeting.”
“That’s a brief visit, but I’m really looking forward to seeing him. Wow, Justin Taylor! I shudder to think how much mischief ensues whenever you two get together. I don’t know if my little heart can take it,” Paul smirked, mockingly clutching his chest.
“How can you say that? Justin is a true artist,” Jason informed him with a laugh.
Paul interrupted, “With a very creative mind. Need I remind you of Atlanta?”
“Oh, I was thinking more of New York. You know Justin and Brian are sooooooooo evenly matched. I can imagine that they must still be challenging each other,” Jason reflected.
“Yeah, but how is that possible with Justin in New York and Brian in Pittsburgh. They should have gone ahead with their plans to get married. I think Brian made a big mistake letting Justin go. I’ve never seen him happier then when he and Justin were together. But from what I’ve heard from Lindsay, I’m not even sure they’re still a couple,” Paul pointed out.
“Well Justin called me from Pittsburgh, so they must at least still be seeing each other. I know he’s from there, but he did mentioned Brian and Gus,” Jason said, hoping for the best.
“Does that mean that Brian is coming with him?” Paul wondered aloud.
“No, Brian’s son is visiting from Toronto, so Justin will be coming alone. Justin has to meet with the gallery in the morning, and then we’re going to try to get together and maybe have lunch,”
“How long has it been since we’ve seen them?”
“Let’s see, we saw them in Atlanta and then later in New York. Of course there was our trip to Europe that got cut short, because we had to rush home for Nicky’s birth. I know you and Brian run into each other at meetings and of course Justin and I stay in touch. We email each other all the time, but it’s still been a while since we’ve all been together. And of course, we haven’t had a chance to visit them recently.”
“All I know is that Justin is supposedly living in New York. Lindsay and Gus are living in Toronto. So Brian must be pretty much solo. I also heard that Brian rebuilt Babylon after the recent bombing. Beyond that, we’re going to have to get the details from Justin tomorrow.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Justin and I have always had so much fun together. Justin has a fascinating mind. I guess I better go pick up and an extra sketchpad,” Jason teased.
“Yes, the two of you are known for creative mischief together, as I remember,” Paul said reminiscing.
“No…no, Justin was the creative one, I just go along for the ride,” Jason smirked. “I’m so looking forward to his visit.”
“Maybe we can convince him to stay for a few days,” Paul suggested. “I’ll be sure the guest room is ready just in case.”
***
Meanwhile back at the loft in Pittsburgh, Justin changed the bed and placed the dirty linen in the hamper. He scanned the loft once more to be sure that everything was back in place.
Justin then placed one more call to Emmett and found that everything had been delivered, and the house was ready. Emmett indicated that everyone was about to leave Bri-tin and would soon be returning to Pittsburgh.
Justin couldn’t wait to see how the house had turned out. Just as he was about to leave the loft the phone rang.
“Hey, you’re still there,” Brian began. “Molly just called to see if Gus could stay overnight. Since I said yes, I thought I would call to see what you had in mind for this evening?”
“I was thinking of finally driving out to the house.”
“Perfect, why don’t we go together. I can help you unpack your studio, so that you can finally start to paint,” Brian professed. “See what a good partner I am?”
Justin was thinking this was a nice gesture…but he wasn’t fooled.
“So you’re going to help me set up my studio, Huh?” Justin smirked.
“Of course.”
“Don’t you mean you will leave me to unpack my studio, while you spend time in the living room viewing your painting?”
“Sunshine? How can you think such a thing?”
“It’s ok Brian. You don’t have to pretend any longer. The chaos at the house should be over by now. I’m really proud of you for waiting this long to see the painting. You are welcome to view it. You’ve waited long enough. Anyway, I’m curious to see what you think of it. Ok, I’ll pick you up in less than an hour. We have to make it an early evening though, because remember I have a 6AM flight in the morning to Cincinnati.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right…staying overnight at the loft is probably best. It’s closer to the airport. Don’t worry, I promise we’ll make it an early evening.”
“Perfect.”
“Can you grab a change of clothes for me? I’m really looking forward to actually seeing the house this time. I thought I would actually relax a bit. Are we going to have to use those fucking flashlights again?”
“Only if we want to,” Justin teased. “I’ll see you shortly. Later.”
“Later.”
***
Justin packed the change of clothes for Brian, a few items for Gus, and a few items from the storage area. He loaded everything into the SUV and was quickly on his way to meet Brian at Kinnetik for the drive to Bri-tin.
During the drive they were both pretty excited to get their first glimpse of the furnished Bri-tin…the place that would be their home for at least the next three months.
Unfortunately the drive took almost an hour due to the traffic, but they chatted easily with each other, and the time seemed to pass quickly. As they arrived at the house, the ever-present Thomas greeted them.
Justin grabbed a small bag from the back of the SUV, and he and Brian slowly entered the foyer to Bri-tin.
Thomas unloaded the remaining boxes, while Brian and Justin walked through the entire house taking it all in. Each room was like seeing a sketch come to life. They couldn’t help but smile, for they were both definitely happy with the way things turned out. The house was furnished but not overly cluttered, which meant that Brian could fully enjoy the expanse of space…and Justin could enjoy the coziness of furniture. Although the furniture was rented, Brian found everything both tasteful and comfortable. He decided he could definitely get used to this place.
Brian quickly changed clothes and began to help Justin move furnishings around in the studio. Brian actually helped to unpack the few boxes that Justin had brought from the loft.
Then Brian leaned again the doorframe, smiling as he watched Justin trying to make the final decisions about the ultimate placement of things in his studio.
Finally, Brian saw his opportunity. With Justin completely occupied, Brian now saw his chance to make his escape towards the living room.
However, enroute to the living room, Brian walked past the kitchen and realized that something needed to be done about dinner.
Being so comfortable in his surrounding and acting from force of habit, Brian opened the drawer closest to the telephone to call to have dinner delivered...for in the loft this would have been where all the take out/delivery menus were kept for easy access.
Imagine his surprise when now, here at Bri-tin, was a drawer full of food takeout/delivery menus for local eateries. Brian smiled for this was another touch that made the house feel like home. Someone had paid attention to this important detail. Brian called one of the local restaurants and arranged to have dinner delivered.
With that taken care of, Brian quickly proceeded in the direction of the living room to finally unpack his painting.