Chapter Seven July 2011 “Ensign Kinney, you are requested to report to the Admiral’s office.” The young seaman stood ramrod straight as he nervously gave Brian the message. Brian was gathering his things together getting ready to head home. Returning the salute, Brian headed for Admiral Smith’s office wondering what now. Surely he hadn’t flunked out or failed one of the tests. “Come in Ensign” Admiral Smith walked around his desk behind Brian and shut the door. “I’m sorry to keep you from heading home son. But I thought I might offer my thoughts on a few things regarding your spouse.” “Justin sir?” “Relax son, it’s nothing bad. Your Justin has become very good friends with my wife Komari and Susan, Captain de Cardenas’ wife.” “I’ll talk to him about it sir.” “No, you don’t understand,” the Admiral, laughed. “I don’t want to have to look for wife number four. You can’t dictate your spouse’s friends; you don’t even want to try that one son. No, what I wanted to say to you is that in the next few months the three of them will be spending a lot of time together. We’re going to be very busy; I just don’t want you to worry about Justin. I know that they are planning a few adventures that you might not approve of, but know this, whatever the three of them get up to; they are doing it out of love for us guys. We would all do well to remember that. I think the job sometimes insulates us to the world where our wives live. Sorry I meant spouses live. And between you and I, I have someone keeping an eye on them, they won’t ever be without guidance in any of their exploits.” “Sir, can you explain that please.” “Not without betraying a confidence and I’d never do that.” Admiral Smith smiled at Brian. “I’d prefer that this little chat be between the two of us. I don’t want it to get back to Komari; she’s a spitfire when aroused." Brian didn’t imagine she’d be any worse than Justin would be if he found out he and Komari and Susan were being watched over. This was one secret he wouldn’t mind keeping from his blond bombshell. “Thank you for letting me know sir. I do worry about him.” When Brian left the Admiral’s office and drove the few miles home, he had to wonder what Justin and the other two wives were up to that the Admiral felt obliged to soften the blow so to speak. He’d have to see if he could figure it out. It was beginning to almost be a game between the two men. Justin would see just how far he could go and Brian would watch carefully before pouncing. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** 12 September 2011 Justin, You will be the death of me one of these days I swear it. But the truth is, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Of course I will not tell you that, but hey, what’s one more secret right? This is a good secret. At least one that makes my life a lot easier. If you knew how much power you had over me, I wouldn’t live it down. I have been thinking a lot of how things will be when this training is over. I wonder what our life will be like, what will happen to you. I worry about you, and how you will be able to handle my leaving for parts unknown for an unknown length of time. How will you handle it? Can you handle it? I know you are strong, hell you wouldn’t have lasted this long if you weren’t, but I wonder if how my leaving will effect you. I don’t think you really realize what I have to do. I don’t think that you have thought this through. I don’t know, but that’s the way I feel. I know you have talked to the Admiral’s wife, and fuck… the CNO’s wife, and you know what is ‘required’ of you. Bullshit! No one knows what you need to do, but you. Don’t let them fill your head with stuff, telling you what is required of you. You know what you have to do, and that’s to take care of yourself. I can handle myself; I wouldn’t have gotten this far if I couldn’t. Jack and Joannie didn’t destroy me, the Academy didn’t, and basic didn’t. So don’t think that this will. What I want is for you to take care of yourself, and NOT take stupid chances, which I know you will. Somehow I just know it. The thing is, do you really think you can handle it when we are in the middle of something – I don’t know a dinner or family gathering, and I get the call to leave. I don’t have a chance to hang around and be there the first chance I can get away. When the call comes in, I’m gone. That’s the way things have to be. Do you think you can handle that? Really? I wish that I knew beyond a reasonable doubt that we made the right decision to be together, but I can’t say that. Yes, I love you, I always will. And I know that you love me. But you deserve so much more. You came from a life where frankly, being married to a Naval Officer is not very … prestigious, dare I say? If you go to the country club now, you’ll be laughed out. I know this, I’m not stupid. I know how people act. I just wish there was a way I could give all of that back to you. I wish there was a way that I could take away the pain that you will go through in the future. Cause, Justin, don’t delude yourself into thinking that things will be okay, cause they won’t. You’ll be alone, and wondering where I am… if I’ll make it back. You will go through hell. Meanwhile, I will not be allowed to think of you really at all. I won’t be able to go around and think about what it is like to be in your arms. If my mind isn’t 100% on the job, then I’m dead, and possibly the members of my team. I can’t do that to them, or you. I will promise you that I will return, that’s my promise to you. I will return, whether or not it’s in one piece, but I will return to you. I love you with all my heart, Justin. I just wish I could make you understand what the future holds for us. My Avalon, my heart. Brian. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** September 2011 “Tell me again why we have to have a driver?” Justin asked Komari. They were sitting in the back of an official looking car that belonged to the base command. Their driver studiously paid them no attention, yet Justin had the sneaky feeling she was all but taking notes. “William said if I got one more speeding ticket I’d have to have a driver until my license was clear. You remember the other day, we were in such a hurry to get back from the airport, I just forgot and guess what?” she giggled and Justin rolled his eyes. “I got another speeding ticket.” “Geeze Komari, you’re worse than Daphne. I could have driven us.” “But that would mean you’d have to go all the way out to the base to get me and then back again. Besides, we can pretend we’re important. After all we have a driver." This time it was the driver who rolled her eyes, but the two in the back didn’t notice. “After we get our jump certificate, do you want to try hang gliding?” Justin asked. “I thought it would be cool.” “Sure,” Komari agreed. “I want to do some free fall stuff first though. I saw this thing on TV about it.” “I don’t know, I thought that was dangerous, Brian would be pissed if I splatted on the ground.” “It’s not that bad Justin and if I can do it so can you. We’ll ask Susan to come too. She’ll love it. We can do free fall tricks.” The two of them broke into giggles that continued until they were dropped off at the airport for their lesson in skydiving. They watched their driver park the car and sit back to wait before they broke up again. “Do you want to make a bet as to how fast it’ll be before William has a ‘little’ chat with me?” Komari asked. Justin could barely contain himself. The two of them had figured out that they were being monitored a few weeks back. They were constantly going out of their way to send outrageous reports back to their husbands. “Brian is going to be standing on his head trying to tell me not to do what he’s not supposed to know I’m doing.” Justin could barely catch his breath he was laughing so hard. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** Brian sat down on the couch and looked through the newspaper, hoping to see that something interesting would be in there. Something besides death and destruction that was. Justin was in his studio painting, letting Brian have a little quiet time, as Justin called it. Brian couldn’t help but wonder if Justin was in his studio plotting his next little excursion. What was it about him and Komari? Those two were always getting into trouble. I was making his life a living hell. He wanted to grab Justin and confront him, wanted to tell him to stop it. If those two knew what they were putting him and the Admiral through… ‘They are doing it to cause us to lose our hair. I don’t look good bald’ Brian realized. “Little twat.” “Who’s a twat?” Justin asked as he came out from the back room to sit down on the couch next to Brian. He quickly grabbed up the paper to look through the living section. “You.” Brian said with his tongue in cheek expression. “So have you talked to someone about showing your art yet?” Justin shrugged and just continued to look through the paper. “I don’t know, Bri. The guys here seem to be worthless. I don’t think they would even know a Picasso if it was right in front of them.” “There are other places, Justin. You could go to New York for a weekend, or whatever. Check into places. That way you can see if you can get a showing. Anything right now, I would think, would be nice.” Brian shook his head. He couldn’t believe that Justin wasn’t jumping at the chance to try and get seen. “Why don’t you want to have your own show?” Justin looked up at Brian and set the paper down on the coffee table. “It’s not that I don’t want to have my own show, Brian. It’s just that I have a lot of other things I need to do first. You’re here, and I can’t just up and leave to go to New York.” “Justin,” Brian began as he grabbed a hold of his husband’s hand. “You should go. Try it. Your art is wonderful, perfect. Everyone will think so. All you have to do is show a little bit of that courage that I know you have and take that step.” “I’m not scared.” Justin defiantly stated. ”Okay, then prove it. How about we go to New York for a little bit over Thanksgiving, or Christmas? We’ll take your portfolio and talk to some of these dealers.” Brian stated already planning the trip in his head. "Brian, if and when I want to have a showing, should be on my time-table, not yours. I’ll decide when I’ll be seen.” Justin stood up from the couch and stormed down the hall. Brian knew that Justin had been nervous about showing his work, about taking the step toward trying to get a showing, but he hadn’t realized that it was this bad. He knew he would have to force Justin’s hand in this matter. It was important to Justin to be seen, and loved. Brian was going to make his husband happy by making sure he had a showing before they left California… or at least one set up. Even if Brian had to do all the legwork himself, Justin’s work would be seen. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** 25 October 2011 Justin, Do you know how many times I have been called into the Admiral’s office in the past couple weeks? I’m getting quite a few nice little reports about your little excursions? You can’t stand still for one minute can you? You can’t stay out of trouble for one day? There are times when all I want to do is strangle you. Have I told you that lately? I know that ‘talking’ to you about this stuff won’t make a bit of difference, you’re going to do what you want… and the scary thing is, the truth is, I don’t really mind. I do, but I don’t. I don’t want you to put yourself in danger, I don’t think I could ever survive if something happened to you. But on the other hand it’s keeping you sane, I think it will help you in the long run for when I’m away. It will give you something to occupy your time. But damn… does it drive ME to insanity. What would I ever do without you? Luckily the diving is almost over, and it’s off to learn how to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. Personally, if it flies and is still in the air, I don’t see the point, but luckily it’s only for 3 weeks. They had rearranged our schedule because of the holiday break. Where would we go for the holidays? There’s a part of me that wants to take you back to Maryland to see Daphne and for me to see Linds… maybe get that house thing out of you. But the other part of me wants to go home to Baja. I guess it will be wherever we end up. Where you are, I am. I love you, Brian ~~~***~~~***~~~*** 16 October 2011 Justin, It’s been over a year since we met, and I already feel like it’s been an eternity. That’s not meant to be a bad thing, and I don’t want you to think that. In fact, I think it’s the best damn thing that has ever happened to me. No, I know it is. Meeting you has brought something into my life that I didn’t even know I was missing. My training is almost over, thankfully. A year is a long time, especially since we don’t get to see each other that much. I know that as soon as I’m done here at Fort Bragg, I will be sent to my unit. I know that I want you to be there with me. I hope that you will, but I’m not sure I can ask you to give up what you love for me. Would you? Would you give everything up for me? I’m not sure if it really matters. I don’t know if we could even work out. We hardly see each other between your work and my training… time together is few and far between. But I do know that I care for you. More than I have ever cared about anyone before in my life. So this is my gift to you. This is something that I have to do, for the both of us. I know that from the moment I get out of here what I am able to share with you will be next to nothing. Not that I am able to share a lot of things with you now, but at least for now it’s only job related. Somehow I know that once I get out of here, emotionally I may not share things with you. I don’t want to hide from you, but I know that for both of our survival, that’s the way it has to be. So within these pages I will be putting everything that I can’t verbally say to you. I hope it can answer every question that you have. Even if we aren’t together in say ten years, you will be able to try and understand why I am the way I am. Why I have been closed off. It’s not that I don’t care about you, I do. I have never cared about anyone more in my life. I think I may actually be in love with you, or close to it. I know I want you in my future; I want to share things with you. Is that love? I hope so. Anyway, I hope I can actually keep up with this. I’ve never been one for words, never been one to have a journal, but for you I’m willing to give this thing a shot. Now here’s the deal. I know that there will a lot of things in here that you may not like… that may hurt you, so I apologize now. I know I can’t promise you that if we ever get together completely that I won’t sleep around. I can’t promise that. I would love to, but it would be unreasonable. Unreasonable for me to do it, and unfair of me to ask that of you. I won’t do it. So things on these pages may be painful, and I’m sorry But I want to share it all with you. I want you to be a part of my life completely and since I can’t tell you face to face… this is my way… the only way I can. I hope you understand. It’s not a lot, and it’s not what you deserve, but it’s all I have. All I can give for now. Wherever I am… you will be. Know that. I will keep you close to my heart, even when I’m far away. It’s the least I can do for you showing me what love can be like. You are my Avalon, forever. Brian. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** Brian sat down in the dressing area to finish removing his gear. He had been underwater for hours. This week’s lesson was trying to remove up to four bombs placed on the side of an aircraft carrier. Brian couldn’t believe how much bigger the ship was from underwater than what he believed. Brian wished he could actually get enjoyment out of diving. Diving without the worries of having people’s lives depending on you. Maybe he would have to teach Justin diving so that they could go out one day in the ocean surrounding their Baja home. “Tough day, sir?” one of the other trainees asked Brian as he sat down next to him. “Just another day in the park, Petty Officer.” Brian joked as he began to remove his jumpsuit, and slip into his khakis. Justin loved Brian in his khakis… of course Brian knew that Justin was more partial to the whites, but Brian hated wearing those all the time, so Justin would have to deal with what he was dealt. Brian knew that Justin had said he needed to go to the exchange for some things this next week, and for some reason the blond never completely felt right going without Brian. Personally, Brian felt that Justin only wanted to spend time with him in uniform. Brian knew that Justin loved it when Brian would walk around and get saluted by all the enlisted men. He wondered if it had anything to do with Justin’s ex. The two men continued to chat as they headed out toward their cars, for once ending the day early. The instructors felt that the group needed to have a ‘treat’ for doing so well during the week and gave them – in the instructor’s books anyway – a long weekend. Brian was grateful for the six extra hours he had been given. Driving off base, Brian drove down the boulevard toward the sky palace, wondering if Justin would even be home. Justin had mentioned that he might head out early this morning after Brian left to pick some things up from town. Personally, Brian had hoped that Justin was going to meet with that promoter whom they had met two weekends ago. If Brian accomplished anything, he would try and get his husband’s work seen. He wanted Justin to be able to have his own show, to be successful with his art. Art was Justin’s life, and Brian partly hoped that if Justin was consumed in his art and shows, he wouldn’t have that much time to worry about Brian while he was away. Plus Brian hoped that it would keep his wayward husband out of trouble. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** Brian got home earlier than Justin was expecting. He showered and changed into a pair of comfortable jeans and a black silk wife beater. He still couldn’t figure out why Justin would buy silk and not regular cotton. He idly wondered what a silk one cost compared to a cotton one and decided he probably didn’t want to know. It was rare that he was alone in the apartment. Justin was always home before he was, like a dutiful wife. Brian laughed to himself. Justin wouldn’t be pleased with that analogy, or maybe he would, it was hard to read the blond sometimes. Brian sat down at Justin’s desk; he was going to check his emails when he noticed a stack of envelopes with an elastic band and a sticky note saying ‘send to accountant’. ‘Accountant, we have an accountant’ ran through Brian’s mind. He took the elastic off. It was the bank statements for the last several months. He opened the one for July. Seeing his name and Justin’s together on a document always made him smile. He loved to see the scrawl that Justin the artist thought of as handwriting. He grinned at how orderly everything was. Receipts were stapled to the statements for the accountant’s benefit no doubt. Groceries were obvious; they were direct debits from the account and Brian was usually with Justin when they went grocery shopping, it was something he enjoyed doing. A bill caught his eye. The little shit. He bought a wet suit; in fact he bought a complete diving kit. Shit, two thousand dollars for diving lessons. Lessons he wasn’t supposed to be taking no less. And what was this, a lawyer’s statement regarding the purchase of a house in Virginia. He bought a house in Virginia for HOW much? Brian heard the elevator reach the their floor. He hastily bundled everything back up. Now that he knew how to check up on his little fiend, he was going to do it more regularly. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** 30 November 2011 Diving? Fucking Diving? You have been taking diving lesions? You little shit. And now you are going to start parachuting lessons? You’re trying to hide it, but I know. See Justin… I have a way of finding out. There’s this wonderful thing called JOINT accounts. I have access to everything. Not that I’m going to tell you that, but I know. Oh and let’s not get into some house in Virginia you bought? Do I even want to know what type of house costs … I can’t even think about it. Why the hell do we need a house that costs that much, Justin? I think I need to have a talk with you one day about being discrete. I think I need to have a talk with you about what it looks like to have an Ensign in the Navy, let a lone a SEAL in training having a house that expensive. If the FBI comes knocking, I’m sending them your way. I don’t need this shit. You think that you are just so smart, don’t you? I do think it’s funny that you can hide this shit from me. You’re slick, I admit that. My little shit. If I didn’t love you so much, I would wring your neck. What else will I find if I dig a little more? I wonder if you have anything else to tell me? Christ Justin! What did I do to deserve you? What evil deed in my past lives did I do? I wish you would tell me these things, Justin. I really do. I wish that you would do as we agreed and talk about things that affect the both of us. And don’t tell me that diving and parachuting does not affect the two of us… I can let that go. But I won’t let go a HOUSE! Alright… I am letting go of your ‘friendship’ with my bosses. I don’t have a say in who you hang out with… and in a way I’m thrilled that you are making friends. Having people around who can help you get through the hard times ahead. But why the Admiral and CNO? Christ! You are one amazing man, I must say that. And one day you will be the death of me, but I love you nonetheless. My blond bombshell, my little shit… My love, Brian P.S. I will be keeping a close eye on that account from now on, Justin. Don’t think that I won’t. If you think you can try and get something past me… I wouldn’t even attempt it. Cause one day, I will collect, and the amount of punishment that you have coming you won’t be leaving my sight for a month at least. Can’t wait until it’s time collect… how much time will you owe me. You’re ass is mine for the rest of eternity. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** “Sir, Ensign Kinney is here to see you,” Brian heard the Yeoman state into the phone. “The Admiral will see you now.” Brian walked in and stood in front of the Admiral’s desk, only sitting when he was granted permission. “Sir, I was meaning to ask you something, and I hope I’m not over stepping my bounds here.” Brian began. Brian watched as the Admiral set his papers aside so that Brian had his full attention, and waved his hand for him to continue. “I saw the flyers out around base about the charity art show.” The Admiral nodded and leaned back in his chair. “Yes, Komari has been talking about it non-stop for days now. I know she wants to have her paintings in there, but she’s nervous. Why do you bring this up? Is Justin going to show some of his art in the show?” Brian leaned back in his own chair and looked down at his hands. “No, he’s not planning on it. In fact I was kind of hoping you would talk to him, sir. Maybe have Komari ask him to be in it with her.” The Admiral smiled and shook his head. “He nervous too, isn’t he?” “When I brought it up he stormed out of the room, and slammed his door. He won’t talk to me about it. He won’t even be in the same room if I try to mention it.” Brian ran his hand through his hair and tried not to laugh. “He can be a pain in my ass when he gets in his queen modes.” “I know all about that, son. Now tell me, what do you really have planned?” The Admiral asked knowing full well that the young Ensign before him had something up his sleeve. Something that was far greater than some small Navy art show. “Well let’s just say that the amount of money I have spent this past week on making copies of his portfolio and shipping and handling to any top gallery owner on the East Coast… I may not have any money left to get a pair of socks.” Brian laughed. He had spent all of his free time this week doing research on the galleries in New York and Chicago trying to find the best, hoping that one of them would take an interest in Justin’s work. “If one of them shows up to the art show, and he isn’t there…” “I see your problem. I’ll work on Komari and we’ll see if we can get Justin there.” The Admiral leaned forward in his chair and started to look at his calendar, wondering how much time he had to try and convince his wife to talk to Justin. How much time they all had to convince Justin to be there. “You are good, Kinney. I hope this works out.” “So do I. Justin may think that he can always pull one over on me, that he can be sneaky, but I’m the master. He’ll find out soon enough that when I want something, I will bust my ass to get it.” Brian smiled, knowing that he had an ally in the war between the husbands and spouses. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** “Yes, I believe we could do that… Yes, sir. He is a wonderful artist… Yes… Yes, I agree… Of course, his work needs to be available for the world to see… I completely agree… So we can count on you then for the showing… Yes, sir… I will personally make the arraignments myself… We will see you then.” Brian hung up the phone with a smile. This was turning out better than he had planned. Already he had three gallery owners in New York wanting to attend the show to see Justin’s work and one from Chicago. Now all he had to do was get his husband to agree to attend. That however was the problem. With only three weeks left until the showing, Justin still hadn’t budged. Brian was beginning to wonder if the Admiral had been able to convince his wife to attend, which in turn would force Justin to go. Brian heard laughter coming from Justin’s studio, and closed his eyes. He only hoped that Komari was convincing Justin to take that step. After all it wasn’t a big time showing, it was only for the Navy sailors and their families. That was Brian’s story and he was sticking too it. Justin would find out on the night of the event just how important this night really was going to be. Brian would personally make sure that his husband looked his best, and showed his best work. Even if it was him naked… nah… would not be good. Brian realized would have to approve any painting that went into the show. The last thing he would need is a naked picture of him hanging on someone’s wall. Especially not when he would have to see these people on a daily basis. Brian realized that this could be dangerous. Really dangerous. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** “I don’t care Komari, I just have a feeling that Brian and your husband are behind this.” Justin was hanging two more of his paintings. Both of them were nudes of Brian, they didn’t show his face, but anyone who knew him would have no doubt as to who it was. “But Justin, Brian said only the seascapes.” Komari looked at the paintings with a worried look in her eye. “Komari, we live in San Diego, do you have any idea how many seascapes have been painted. Probably too many to count. And besides, these are seascapes.” “Justin they are pictures of Brian naked in the sea. I don’t think that’s what he meant.” Justin giggled as he looked at the next one he was preparing to hang. It was one of his favorites. Brian was standing in the surf, his air tanks on his back, face mask on, a wave strategically placed so that while he was naked, the picture would be suitable for all ages. A porpoise was rising behind him holding Brian’s bathing trunks on its snout. “Well Brian is just going to have to suck it up. I just know he had something to do with you and I showing our stuff.” He looked at his friend. “Do you have any naked Admiral pictures?” “Gawd no” she giggled, “Well not in the show.” ~~~***~~~***~~~*** 10 December 2011 Justin, Well today is the big day huh? I hope it goes well, I hope that my little surprise will make you happy. Even if it’s a fraction of how happy you make me, I think I’ve accomplished something. Know that everything I have done this past month has been for you. I hope you know what you mean to me. Why did I do this? I hope you know why, but if not, I guess I will have to explain myself. I want what’s best for you, Justin. I want you to be happy. I know that painting, drawing… it’s your life, it makes you happy. I can see the look in your eye when you are working on something. You glow. I could sit for hours just watching you work. Watching your vision captured on the canvas. I want the world to know just how great you are. I want you to have your dream. This is your dream Justin, don’t deny it. You want to be a famous painter one day, and if I can help that along I will. I know you’re scared and nervous, hell who wouldn’t be? But I know that once you get past the initial fear, you will be wonderful… totally amazing. I really fucking hope this works out. I hope that I didn’t fuck this up for you. But with as many damn gallery owners that are here for this… one of them better take you up, show your work. I’m almost a full SEAL and I won’t be afraid to use a little muscle to get them to show your work. Nah, I wouldn’t do that. I’d want to, but I wouldn’t. It wouldn’t mean as much to you. It’s your hard work and dedication that is getting this done, Justin, I just helped it along. So anyway, the gallery owners came in late last night, and I have to pick up Daphne and Lindsay from the airport this morning. Fuck me. I’m so lucky that the Admiral is willing to help me out. He got a couple duty drivers to work tonight so that everyone will get there in style. He tells me that it’s good PR for the Navy, but I know that he did it for you. He really admires you, and is grateful for everything that you have done for his wife. You do that, did you know that. You enter a room and just take control of it. You meet people and they instantly fall in love with you. I wish I had that ability, I wish I could be that free spirited. I guess that’s why we fit so well together. Why we get along so well. Who said that opposites don’t attract? They never met us, babe. ;-) In a little over two hours I will know if this was the best idea I had or the worst. I hope that you will forgive me for planning this… especially if you don’t like it. I just want you to be happy Justin. That’s all I want. Know why I did it, and why I went to such lengths to keep it from you. See, Justin… good lie, not a bad one. There is a difference. Unlike this damn house I still need to find out about… and those lessons. But that’s okay. I won’t get pissed about them. Yet. The day will come for those. Tonight is your night. Tonight you will shine. I love you Justin. Let the world see my Avalon at his best. Forever, Brian ~~~***~~~***~~~*** “Justin let’s go, we have to be there in a half an hour. The show starts in one.” Brian yelled at his husband who was still getting ready. Brian was grateful that he didn’t have to search real long for something. Dress uniform was required by all officers who attended, and this was the first time Brian had been able to wear his dress blues this year, so they were still firmly pressed and ready to go. Brian had been thrilled when Justin had informed him that he would do the show. That Komari had made him promise to be a part of it with her. Justin thought he was doing her a favor, when in reality she just did him a HUGE one. Brian tried to hide the smirk that was playing across his face. He only hoped that Justin was pleased with his surprise. He had spend all of his free time the past two days getting the gallery owners settled into their hotel rooms, and cars ready to pick them up. The Admiral was more than helpful in finding the things that Brian didn’t have. Lucky for Brian, the credit card bills wouldn’t appear for another month so it helped keep it silent from his husband. “I’m ready. How do I look?” Justin asked nervously. Brian felt his breath catch in his throat, his heart speed up, and his cock tighten in his pants at the sight of his husband. Justin was wearing a black pin-stripped suit, over a dark blue silk shirt that had the first two buttons undone. Brian had never seen his husband look more handsome. “Fuck, you’re beautiful.” Brian breathed. He couldn’t take his eyes off of Justin. Justin blushed slightly at the praise his lover was giving him. He wanted to look nice, wanted to impress everyone, and show everyone that he was worthy of the man beside him. For him, Brian was without a doubt going to be the best looking man there. Brian’s dress blues were form-fitting, showing off his muscles, and lean frame. Brian was a walking wet-dream, and Justin wanted to look half as good as Brian himself was. Seeing his lover’s reaction, Justin knew he had at least one person’s approval… the most important one. “Thanks, I’m glad you like it.” “I more than like.” Brian stood and put his cap on his head. Holding out his arm for Justin to take, he gave his lover a smile. “Now we have to pick up Daphne and Lindsay up from their hotel before we go.” “What? When did she get in? When did they get in? Why didn’t you tell me?” Justin asked lightly hitting Brian’s arm. Although he wouldn’t admit it, Justin had missed his friends back in Maryland. He had missed having them around. “They got in this morning, and it was a surprise. I thought you would want them here for you?” Brian asked suddenly unsure if he had made the right decision. “Is it alright that they’re here? I can call them and tell them we will just have lunch with them tomorrow.” “Don’t you dare… Let’s go. I can’t wait to see them again.” Justin leaned up and kissed Brian on the cheek. “Thank-you.” ~~~***~~~***~~~*** “Justin will you sit still, it’s only a small traffic accident. We’ll get by in plenty of time to pick the girls up.” Brian could tell that Justin was beyond nervous. It couldn’t be about their friends arriving as a surprise, it had to be the art show. “I don’t feel good.” Justin said. Brian looked at him and he did look miserable. “Justin, I love you.” Brian said and watched his husband’s lips twitch up, he never could resist Brian telling him that. “I think you are the most amazing talented guy I know. Don’t worry about a thing. It’s just an art show, not the end of the world.” Justin was quiet as they made their way around the accident. He still never said a word as Brian turned into the hotel where Daphne and Lindsay were staying. But when Brian parked the car Justin began to speak. “I know this is going to sound really, really dumb, but this is how I feel. You and the guys at the base, you guys are training to save the world. You all do important jobs and there isn’t one of you that isn’t brilliant not only intellectually, but physically fit and everything. I just don’t want them to know that you are married to some blond bimbo who ‘paints pretty pictures’ instead of --- oh I don’t know building rocket ships or something.” He looked at Brian. “Maybe I should have sent my stuff to New York, or maybe just sold it locally, but not where anyone would know I’m your husband. I don’t want them to laugh at you.” he looked away miserable. His joke about the naked Brian paintings was looking dismally bad. Maybe he could call Komari and get her to remove them before anyone saw them. Brian turned in his seat and looked at Justin astonished at the words that had come out of his mouth. “You are worried about people laughing at ME because you’re an artist?” he shook his head. “For fuck sake Justin, here you are a brilliant and I’m not exaggerating here, artist. Who is wealthier than god --- I know, I know, we share in the money – you are incredibly good looking and you fall in love with a poor Irish Mick without a pot to piss in and who can’t even spend a normal amount of time with you. And YOU are worried about people laughing at ME?” He huffed a laugh, “Let me tell you this pretty boy. The guys in my group are pea green with envy that I have someone who loves me as much as you do. You don’t bitch about the time I spend away from you. You love me and support me. You are always there for me and I know at the end of the day or the end of a tour that you will be there waiting for me. Just how many of the guys at the base can say that? Well let me tell you, not very damn many.” He pulled Justin into his arms. “So what if you like to drive me wild and crazy with your surprises and your present buying. They should be so fucking lucky to have someone like you.” he kissed him. “Now here come the girls, stop with the drama queen shit and smile pretty.” Justin looked up at Brian, his eyes full of love. “You know for a Navy Boy you’re alright.” He reached over and kissed the smiling lips of his husband and lover. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** “Justin, where did Brian go?” Lindsay asked. They were in the foyer of the auditorium where the show was being held. “I’m not sure, he took off with Daphne.” Justin looked around. “There he is talking with those guys over there.” Justin pointed in Brian’s direction. “Come on Linds, let’s go in and see the show.” “I want to see your work. Did you do any of Brian?” “I prefer to think of the ones I have in the show as a study of the male body, model anonymous.” Justin winked at her. His good humor had been restored on the ride to the base. “Justin, you better not have done anything bratty.” Lindsay admonished. “Brian will be pissed.” “Brian loves me; he’ll see the humor in it.” Justin grinned at her. “Justin, Justin,” Komari called. “Come quickly.” She motioned him over to where his paintings were hung. Justin and Lindsay walked over. “Komari, this is my friend Lindsay from Maryland. Lindsay this is Komari Smith, my buddy here on this side of the country.” “Hi Komari, Brian has mentioned you in his emails. You and Justin do seem to have adventures.” Lindsay smirked. “Did I mention that Lindsay was a ‘Brian’ spy?” Justin smirked. “Now what’s all the excitement about Komari?” “All of your paintings, every single one of them have been sold. And for an amazing amount of money, the children’s hospital will be so pleased.” “No shit, they all sold?” Justin said as he made his way to the paintings. “Brian hasn’t even seen them yet.” He looked at Komari, “You don’t think anyone from the base bought one do you?” he glanced around to see Brian making his way toward them. Brian wouldn’t be pleased if someone from the base had bought his bare ass. “No they were all bought by people from out of town. Two of them were even fighting over the one with Bri – I mean the man and the porpoise.” She looked at Brian and flushed. He’d heard her last comment. “Komari and Justin together. Why do I get chills when I see the two you smiling like that?” Brian towered over the shorter Komari. To Justin he seemed taller than usual. Justin looked down to see if Brian was standing on his toes. “Hey Brian my stuff all sold, so we might as well go and look at the others.” Justin took his arm and tried to steer him away.” “Just a minute pretty boy,” Brian stood in one place stubbornly; Justin didn’t stand a chance to budge him. “I want to see these famous paintings.” “It’s okay, I think Komari wants us to look at her stuff.” He elbowed his friend. “Oh yes Brian, I would love you to give me your opinion.” Justin rolled his eyes at her while she did the ‘little Japanese lady thing’. “Can it Komari.” Brian strode over to the divider that had hidden Justin’s work from where he stood. Justin, Komari, Lindsay and Daphne watched Brian’s eyes bug out and his face turn red and then purple. They could tell he was on the verge of exploding when. “So is this the young artist who painted these paintings?” a tubby grey haired man looked directly at Justin. “Francis Steeple of the Steeple Gallery in New York.” He said as he presented Justin with a card. “I purchased three pieces of your work. I would have purchased more but I was too late. I know that you are busy, but please give me a call. I would like to discuss hanging your work in my gallery.” Justin, his thoughts of the about to explode Brian gone from his mind, could barely speak. Soon they were joined by another and yet another Gallery owner. They all crowded around Justin monopolizing him completely. Brian seeing that what he had set out to do had worked, began to calm down though every time he caught a glimpse of his ass, he could feel his blood pressure rising. Finally Daphne taking pity on him led him to a wall filled with pictures of big eyed children and dogs playing cards. “You do know that when all is said and done, I’m going to kill that lovely blond,” Brian informed Daphne with a sickenly sweet voice. “I told him no naked pictures. That little shit.” Daphne shrugged and elbowed Brian. “Well at least your plan worked didn’t it? You should be happy for Justin. Look at the response he’s getting.” Brian caught one of the sailors standing next to the painting of him and smile at Brian, looking him up and down. “Oh yeah, I’m thrilled, but it still doesn’t get him out of trouble. He’s lucky I love him or he’d be dead now.” “Oh will you stop. You love it.” Daphne told Brian as she reached for a glass of champagne from one of the waiters. “Besides it’s not like they have a face to the paintings. He could have hung some of the ones I’ve see from your personal collection. Now those would have left NOTHING to the imagination. These however, are tasteful. It leaves the viewer with only their imagination… of what they THINK is there.” “That’s what worries me.” Brian said as he took a glass for himself. He wanted to get so drunk, but knew that if he got started he wouldn’t stop. That’s what happens when you’re around alcohol all your life. Brian knew he could easily slip into the same pattern as his father. “One of these days he might actually listen to me. Maybe when I die, but at least he will one day.” Daphne turned to look at Brian and shook her head. “Don’t talk like that. You’re going to be around forever to bug Justin… to let Justin bug you. That’s what makes you two work so well. You love torturing one another. Besides how can you be mad at him when he has all of this… when he’s so happy right now?” “Oh I am happy, excited for him, thrilled that everything worked out. That is until I look over and see my ass hanging on a wall for all to see.” Brian told Daphne, not daring to look back at the wall, and trying his best to ignore the looks some of the sailors were giving him. “I’m in hell.” He cursed as he ran his hand through his hair. Daphne leaned in to whisper in Brian’s ear. “Just think of the punishment you can get out of him. Just think about how happy he will be to please you, to thank-you. I think you can work this to your benefit. Not that I’m telling you something you don’t already know…and I would never betray Justin… even for you. But I love seeing him happy. It’s time he gets his chance.” “Yeah, he does.” “And I’m glad he found you, Brian. I may not have said this before… but I’m happy that you two are together.” Daphne told Brian. She was happy for her friend. Brian made sure that Justin was taken care of, was happy. It was so unlike Ethan, and that relationship had almost destroyed her friend. It was about time things started to look up for her friend. He deserved it. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** “So Kinney, are you and Justin going anywhere for Christmas?” Brian looked over at one of his team. They were in the locker room getting changed. “Yeah, we’ll probably go to Baja, we have a place there. Well it used to be Justin’s parents, but it’s ours now.” Brian realized he really didn’t have to explain, he could have just said we’re going to our place at Baja. Our place. He liked that. “Cool, we’re going to Bett’s folks. You know too much turkey, two many kids, too many family members.” Brian laughed. “Well, Justin doesn’t have any family left and I don’t ever want to see mine again. I couldn’t imagine doing a traditional Kinney Christmas. Fuck what a nightmare that would be.” “Enjoy it while you can Kinney. When you and Justin have kids, that’ll be the end of Christmas’ in Baja. You have to have snow when you have kids.” “Queers – not going to have kids.” Brian joked. “Don’t count on it buddy. I’ve seen Justin; he looks like the nesting type to me. You wait and see; one of these days he’ll be convincing you that it would be a good idea for the two of you to have a kid.” “Well, since it isn’t physically possible he’ll have his work cut out for him.” Brian smirked tongue in cheek. The two friends talked for a few more minutes before Brian was left alone in the locker room. He couldn’t get what his friend had said out of his mind. He began to think about the implications of having a child would mean. What it would mean to him and what it would mean to Justin. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** “Hey Justin, get your ass in gear. I want to leave before the traffic is too bad.” Brian had already loaded the car with everything he could think of that they would need for almost two weeks at their Baja home. Justin was still on the telephone to his agent discussing the possibilities of a show in April. Three of the gallery’s were having a bidding war on who should have the first Justin Taylor-Kinney show. Brian was beginning to think he’d released a monster when he arranged for Justin to put his work on display. Justin was either painting or on the phone. If Komari didn’t come over he might never have left the apartment. This wasn’t what Brian had wanted. “Navy Boy, don’t get your shorts in a knot.” Justin said with a smile. He entered the room and Brian was again stupefied by how he glowed in the California light. “We have to stop by Ace’s Diving Shop down at the marina first.” “Why?” Brian wondered. Was the little shit finally going to come clean about the fact he could dive. “Cause your present is there.” “There is nothing there I need. The Navy keeps me well supplied.” “But the Navy has no sense of color and you can’t play with me in the ocean dressed as a SEAL.” “I don’t need any special equipment to play with you in the ocean pretty boy.” Brian grabbed his hand and led him out the door. “Don’t be a shit; just drive me to the place.” Justin gave him that ‘you’d better do it or I’ll queen out look.’ “Yes dear, what ever you say dear.” Brian answered in falsetto. “Asshole.” “Brat” they continued that way during the ride in the elevator and the walk to their car. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** End of Chapter Seven