Lies, Lust and Love 
Chapter 7 
“FUCK” Brian said with his hand over the receiver of the phone. “Mikey and the gang are at my place wanting in. They came to surprise me for Thanksgiving.” He took his hand away and barked into the phone. “Mikey are you out of your fucking mind? If I’d wanted to be with all of you I would have gone to the Pitts.”

“But Brian,” Mikey whined. “Gus is here and he doesn’t have his family with him for Thanksgiving.”

“Apparently it’s slipped your mind. I am his family too.”

“Well, where are you? I hope you aren’t at some restaurant. He’s only fourteen; he needs to be with family on special days.”

Brian rolled his eyes. He looked at Justin, desperate for a solution. There was no way he wanted to leave the Taylor’s house now and he couldn’t subject Justin to Mikey and the gang. They, as a couple, would be over before they even began. Just then there was a knock at the door and Jennifer Taylor walked in. 

“I’m sorry to disturb you both, but Gus just told me that his family of friends from Pittsburgh is at your apartment Brian. I’ve sent our driver to pick them up. This is going to be a real traditional Thanksgiving Dinner.” She beamed at Brian and Justin, noting that they were wrapped in each other’s arms though Brian was on the phone. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll have your father peel some more potatoes. And here I was teasing him that his mother had baked too many pies. This is so exciting.” She smiled the identical smile that Justin had and went back out the door.

“She was kidding right?” Brian asked Justin.

“I’m afraid not.” Justin shook his head. “You might as well prepare yourself for a Thanksgiving Dinner from hell.”

“It’s not too late for the two of us to sneak out.” 

“Brian, Brian, who are you talking too?” the squeaky far away voice of Michael reminded Brian he was still connected to his friend.

“Hold your horses Mikey. You and the gang stand out front of the building. A car will be along shortly to pick you up and bring you to Gus and I. Oh, and Mikey; you might as well prepare yourself. We’re eating at my in laws to be. Yes, yes, I’m engaged.” He disconnected before Michael could say a word. He wasn’t going to say anything to Justin yet, but he was pissed at Michael and he knew this would set him on his ass.

“Who are you engaged too?” Justin asked with a smirk.

“To a nice Swedish boy.” Brian replied as he lay back on the pillow. “Of course he doesn’t know it yet. And he hasn’t actually said yes.”

“Small and inconsequential details,” Justin replied, snuggling close to Brian. “Is he nice?”

“Very much so,” Brian smiled to himself. “I’m actually marrying him for his money.”

“I’m glad you have long term goals. So many gay boys don’t”

“I don’t actually know if it’s enough to keep me in the style I’d like to live. But I’m sure we can work something out. After all, I do make a few dollars myself.”

“I have it on good authority that you could live rather comfortably without having to do anything other than keep him happy.”

“Is that so? Well I’m not sharing him, so get your own Swedish boy.”

“I prefer Irish boys.”

“Gus is too young as I keep telling your friend AJ.”

“I like older Irish boys so that’s okay.”

“Do you mind if I kiss you? After all, I am engaged.”

“No, I don’t mind. You may think you’re engaged, but the question hasn’t been asked.”

Brian leaned up on one elbow and bent over Justin’s lips. His lips touched Justin’s once, twice before devouring the pliant mouth. “I’ll have to wait for an opportune time. But meanwhile don’t tell him he isn’t really engaged.” Brian whispered. “I don’t want to disappoint him. Swedes are so sensitive.”

“He would want a ring. A nice ring.”

“I was thinking platinum.”

“It would go with his pale complexion.”

“Hmmmmm” Brian was once again kissing Justin when the door crashed open.

“Hey dad, Justin, did you hear? Uncle Mikey and everybody is coming here for dinner.” Gus was excited and Brian realized that maybe Mikey had been right. Maybe Gus did need family around for special occasions. He also made a note to himself to lock the door from now on. Apparently people around here didn’t mind just bursting in his very own Swedish boy.

AJ followed behind Gus. “I understand they are quite the bunch” he drawled. “This could prove interesting. It’s too bad Todd can’t be here, but Toby should help keep this party on track.” He snickered “Not to mention your grandmother. She brought her latest boyfriend and he’s quite the looker.”

Justin rolled his eyes. “Tell me he’s at least older than we are.”

“Not by much Taylor, not by much.” AJ grinned. He put his arm over Gus’ shoulder. “Come with me my young friend. I’ll introduce you Grandma Taylor, meeting her will quell any notions you might have of being straight.” He laughed and turned to wave at Brian and Justin. “Carry on boys; I’m sure you have a few things to keep you busy until the hordes descend.”

AJ carefully turned the lock on Justin’s door “Remind me to show you how this works Taylor. It’s rather a unique and wonderful invention, the door lock” he said before closing it. Silence was heavy in the room while Brian and Justin contemplated what had happened in the last few minutes.

“They mean well.” Brian said. “I don’t think they deliberately try to drive me nuts. I mean it’s not actually planned or anything.” Brian looked gloomy and Justin had to cut off a laugh so he wouldn’t hurt Brian’s feelings.

“I heard that” Brian said. “My fiancé wouldn’t laugh at me. He’d be a lot nicer. But then Swedes are.”

“Your fiancé doesn’t know he’s your fiancé yet - remember - so he’d probably laugh.”

“He could read between the lines.” Brian stuck out his lip and Justin burst out laughing. He couldn’t hold it back. “What if your ‘sort of’ Swedish fiancé gave you a mind altering blow job? Would that put a smile on your face?”

“It would certainly help.” Brian smirked. “Let’s see what you can do Sven.” He lifted his hips and wiggled out of his trousers. His hard cock was released so quickly, it hit his belly with a slap.

Justin giggled but moved down so he was level with Brian’s cock, the precum already moistening the tip. He looked up at Brian and smiled. “Jag alska ni” (I love you) Justin said as his mouth descended to engulf Brian’s cock. 

“I’m not sure what you said Sven, but if it was romantic, ditto.” Brian let the touch of Justin’s mouth take over his senses. He closed his eyes, but placed his hand on Justin’s head, his fingers gently gripping blond silk.

When the noise from below told Brian and Justin that the gang had arrived, they reluctantly got up from the bed. Both of them were smiling and could barely keep their hands off the other. “Justin, I wasn’t kidding about the fiancé thing.” Brian said as they walked down stairs.

“I know Brian, but it’s a bit soon.”

“I know, but I’m staking my claim. I’ve never felt like this before and I want to do it before I chicken out.”

“Brian, I’m not sure that’s the right attitude.” Justin stopped on the stairs, Brian went down the next step and when he turned back, they were face to face. “I’ve never felt like I do for you before. I actually didn’t think it was possible, though I always wanted to love someone. To have someone love me back, and for real, not a joke.”

Brian put his hands on Justin’s shoulders and looked deep into the blond’s eyes. “What I feel for you isn’t a joke. It’s very, very real. I don’t know if I’m crazy or what’s happening to me. But I do know that I’m deadly serious about wanting you and I to be together for a long, long time.”

“How long?” Justin asked in a whisper.

“Is forever long enough?” Brian asked. He watched Justin’s eyes light up with joy and he had his answer.

“I still want a ring.”

“You’ll get one Sven.” Brian laughed. “I can’t stop calling you that. It just seems somehow right.”

“Brian, where are you?” Michael called up the stairs.”

Brian looked at Justin and held out his hand. “Is it official Sven? Will you be my partner?”

“Only until forever.” Justin said as their fingers threaded together. That’s how the gang saw the two of them. They walked down the wide staircase hand in hand. Just before they reached the bottom they stopped. All eyes were on them. It was obvious to all that they two men were very happy. 

Brian looked at Justin who nodded his head. He knew Brian wanted to tell everyone what the two of them had agreed to. “I want to make an announcement to all of you.” Jennifer and Craig Taylor walked into the foyer accompanied by Justin’s grandmother. “Justin has agreed to be my life partner.”

Jennifer and Craig beamed a smile up at the two men on the stairs. Grandmother Taylor looked confused. The hot young man who walked in behind them winked at Brian.

Silence fell until with a squeal of delight, Gus rushed the stairs to hug his father and Justin, and soon every one followed suit congratulating the happy couple. Even Michael had his turn though he looked troubled by everything that had happened.

“That wasn’t you that squealed like a girl was it?” Brian teased his son.

“Up yours Dad.” Gus said and he smiled and hugged his dad and Justin. “This is really great guys. I can’t believe you bagged him so quickly.” He raised his hand for a ‘high five’ and Justin obliged him.

“Bagged him and tagged him.” He grinned. “Of course now I have to house break him, but I think he’ll be easy to teach.”

“I’d watch what I say Sven.” Brian had his hand behind Justin’s neck and he gave it a gentle squeeze. “If anyone needs to be housebroken, it’s you.”

“Brian are you going to let him talk to you like that?” Michael asked. 

He glared at Justin who laughed and threw his arms around Michael’s neck. Justin kissed him soundly on the lips and said. “Hey, you must be Brian’s old school friend. I’m glad to meet you. I guess we’ll be seeing a lot of one another now.” He moved over to Debbie and gave her a hug. “And you have to be Debbie. Brian says you were like a mom to him when he was growing up. You look too young to be his mom.” He looked at Emmett. “You just have to be Emmett. Brian said your light shone brightly and he was right. I have some cool clothes that you might like to borrow. I like my light to shine too.” He kissed Emmett’s cheek.

“Is this all of you?” Justin asked. “I was expecting more. Where’s Vic and Ted and Ben?”

“Vic had a cold and he didn’t feel like traveling, besides he had an old friend drop over. Ted couldn’t get away this weekend and Ben wanted to use the time off to finish up a book he’s writing.” Debbie explained.

“Well it’s wonderful that you three are here. I’m sure it makes the day just that much more special for Gus and Brian.”

“Brian would rather be upstairs with you Sven” Brian whispered not too quietly.

“You say the nicest things.” Justin giggled. “Come with me and I’ll explain about the housebreaking and why (YOU)need it.” He took Brian’s hand and led him and the rest of them into the sitting room.

Craig and Jennifer Taylor were the first to get Brian off in a corner to talk to him privately. “So you want to make our boy your partner.” Craig began. “You do realize what that means don’t you?”

“It means I love him and I want to share my life with him.” Brian stated. He wasn’t sure where Craig Taylor was going with his questioning. “I know it must seem sudden to you. But Justin and I have spent a lot of time together since he came into my life. He’s taught me things already about myself that I never realized or cared to think about. We’ll have some tough spots, but doesn’t everyone? The point is, I love him and I’ve never even come close to the emotion I feel for him with anyone else. Life is too damn short to sit around thinking about it.”

“That’s great Brian, but what I meant was that now you and Justin are a couple, don’t I get some kind of a family discount for the hotel advertising?” Craig Taylor looked at the stunned expression on Brian’s face before he and Jennifer burst out laughing. “I was just teasing Brian. Welcome to the family. You’ll get used to us eventually. We don’t take things to seriously around here.” Craig held out his hand for Brian to shake and Jennifer stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.

“Make our son happy Brian. That’s all we ask.” She said softly.

“Hey guys, leave Brian alone.” Justin had come up behind Brian. He wrapped his arms around the taller man and laid his head on his back. “Isn’t he great?” he asked. “He’s marrying me for my money of course.” He giggled. 

Brian had by now figured out that the Taylor’s sense of humor was slight warped. “I am, I do hope he has enough. Would you suggest I have a Dun and Bradstreet done on him?”

“I’m sure Justin must have a copy of his financials at his office. You could look at that.” Craig said. “If it isn’t enough, I could top it up I suppose, but we have to think of Molly, she is a homely little thing and can use all the money she can get her hands on to find a husband.” Craig had seen his good-looking daughter approach. 

“I guess I take after my daddy, who is a definite dog.” Molly kissed her father. She turned and looked at Brian. “What’s this I hear about you and my brother?” 

“Your brother?” Brian asked innocently. “What about him?” He looked around for Justin. “I see him over there, should I call him?”

“I see you’ve been talking to daddy and figured out his sense of humor.” Molly kissed her father again and grinned at Brian. “I’m glad that you and Justin found each other. He’s a real nice guy and he deserves to have someone love him.”

Brian smiled at her. “He does deserve that. I plan on keeping him happy for a long, long time.”

“What about the gang?” she nodded her head toward Michael who was glowering in a corner. Justin was talking away to him and Emmett, but only Emmett seemed to have any reaction, as the man was doing his happy seal clap. Debbie was engrossed in a deep conversation with Grandmother Taylor and the young man who was her ‘date’ for the weekend stood behind them looking uncomfortable.

“Do you mean Mikey?” Brian asked knowing full well that’s who she meant. “Mikey will get over it. He’s in a committed relationship with his partner Ben. But he’s a little possessive about me.” He looked around. “You didn’t see where Gus and AJ disappeared to did you?”

Molly giggled and Craig and Jennifer began to scan the room. “I have to go back to the kitchen.” Craig said. “I’m in charge of the dinner; the staff has the day off. It’s a family tradition. If I see them, I’ll send them packing.”

“Perhaps Toby is here and they’ve all gone back up to the attic.” Jennifer said. She looked through a window. “No I can see Gus and AJ walking with the animals toward the stables.” She turned to Brian. “I’m sure they’ll be okay. AJ really is responsible and Gus seems like such a nice boy.” She looked thoughtful. “I’ll be his grandma.”

“You’re too young to be a grandma” Craig kissed her. “Heck, I guess I’ll be a grandpa.” He laughed and then looked at his wife. “We must take lots of pictures. I want a picture of my new grandson for the office.”

Molly linked her arm through Brian’s. “We should rescue Justin; he’s starting to look a bit panicked.” Brian glanced over and sure enough, Justin was looking slightly stunned as Michael railed on about something.

“Sven” Brian kissed the back of Justin’s neck as he wrapped his arms around the smaller blond. “Is Mikey being a bad boy?” Michael could see Brian’s glare, but Justin couldn’t.

“No, he was explaining your philosophy of gay life and why it was unlikely that you would be changing it for a piece of blond boy ass.” 

Justin smiled sweetly at Michael and Emmett laughed out loud. “You go girl” Emmett said to Justin.

Brian nuzzled Justin’s neck. “Hmm, the part about where I don’t do anyone twice, don’t do boyfriends, and don’t do dates?” he asked.

“That pretty much covers it except for the part about you being a heartless bastard and you fucking all of gay Pittsburgh.” Justin murmured as he exposed more of his neck to Brian’s ministrations, his eyes were slits and his smile reminded Emmett of a happy cat.

“Do you still love me anyway?” Brian licked Justin’s throat.

“Of course.” Justin all but purred. “But really Brian, ALL of gay Pittsburgh? There had to be the odd troll or is every gay boy in the Pitts as handsome as you?”

“Mikey exaggerates. I’ve never fucked him.”

“And you fucked me twice.” Emmett said gleefully. “Of course it was my birthday. You have to make allowances for that.”

“Of course,” Justin said with a grin.

“He’s right about the heartless part. I gave that to you. But as for the bastard part, unfortunately I know my father only too well.”

“Well, he’s wrong about the heartless part. You gave me yours and I gave you mine.” Justin grinned up at Brian. “Are we just too fucking sweet for our own selves?”

“Positively too sweet for words.” Brian said and kissed Justin thoroughly.

“Why doesn’t he have a ring if you’re engaged?” Michael asked, not being one to give up easily.

“Because it’s Thanksgiving and I haven’t found the perfect ring for my Swedish Prince.” Brian shot a glare at Michael again. “Not that it’s really any of your business Mikey.”

Justin knew when it was time to get Michael otherwise occupied. It would take time, but he’d win him over. At least win him over enough to call a truce. “I understand that you’re interested in producing a comic book.” 

“Yeah, I’ve always wanted to do something like that.” Michael’s eyes shone with a passion hidden inside of him for his dream.

“Do you have any story lines?”

“Some,” he hesitated. “Well more than a few. I just need to come up with a name for the hero.” He shrugged. “And a look for him as well.”

“Well send me a story line. I’ll give you my email address. I have a bit of artistic talent. I could maybe rough out some sketches and give your comic book some life.” Justin smiled at him. “And Brian and I will be in Pittsburgh at Christmas. I may even have something done by then.”

“You two are coming for Christmas.” Debbie said as she entered the group. “Well this is going to so wonderful. You and Brian have to come to my place for Christmas dinner.”

Justin looked at Brian who nodded his agreement. “Maybe we could have you guys over one of the days I’m there.” Brian shook his head no, grimacing. Justin smiled up at him and the reached up and kissed him gently on the lips. “Play nice Monsieur Kinney.” 

AJ and Gus, along with another man, walked into the room. “Taylor, AJ and his young friend here just told me the news. You’re off the market.” He ran over and lifted Justin up off the floor and swung him around. “Didn’t I tell you that Swedish Justin would backfire on you?”

Brian looked at the man. It was the butler from the other night. He shook his head; Justin was going to have to tone down his antics. This guy was just a little bit too friendly.

“Sven, aren’t you going to introduce me?” Brian asked as he pulled Justin close, his arm wrapped tightly around Justin’s waist leaving no doubt as to who belonged to whom.

“Brian you fool, you know this is Toby.” Justin snuggled closer. He knew what Brian was doing. “Toby, don’t be an ass.” It was then that he noticed Gus squirming or rather the front of his shirt was squirming. “Gus?” the word alone asking the question of what was going on.

Brian looked at his son as well. His shirt was definitely moving, but not by much. Whatever was in there had settled down. He looked at AJ, who shrugged as if to say ‘there wasn’t anything he could do’. “Gus what do you have in your shirt?” he asked.

“Nothing.” Gus looked guilty.

“You’d better look again.” Brian said. He reached over, but Gus backed away out of reach.

Justin put his arm around the boy. “What did you find Gus?” he asked, his voice gentle.

Gus looked at him. He felt about five years old. He knew his father didn’t care for animals in the house, but he couldn’t just leave the kitten on the road. AJ and he had seen the tail lights of the car that had thrown the kitten out of the window, but it had been too far away to get the license number. “I found him on the road. Someone threw him out of their car window.”

“I was there, I saw them do it.” AJ confirmed. “I told him to leave it, it was probably rabid or something. But he wouldn’t. At the very least it probably has fleas.”

A small grey head poked out from Gus’ shirt. It blinked at everyone who was watching it and pulled back inside where it was warm and safe. Jennifer came over and took Gus and the kitten away. She wanted to check it over and make sure that it was healthy and clean. Brian and Justin retreated to a secluded corner. Brian sat down and pulled Justin on his lap. “If it isn’t one thing it’s another.” He observed thinking about Gus.

“I’m used to it. Mom’s always bringing home lame ducks.” Justin said with a laugh. “It looks like she’s found a kindred spirit in Gus, plus she’s always wanted to be a grandmother.” He rested his head on Brian’s shoulder. “Is this day over yet?” he asked.

“I only wish.” Brian rubbed Justin’s arm. “We have dinner to get through. How long do we have to stay after we eat?”

“Not long. Mom is happy that everyone is here. But she’ll be glad to get rid of us.” 

“Too bad we can’t get rid of the gang that easily. What are we going to do with them?”

“They could stay at my place.” Justin offered. “Or I could send them to one of the hotels.”

“They can’t afford a New York Hotel, but I guess I could pay.” 

“Brian, they are the family’s hotels. We’ll just comp them the rooms.” Justin sighed. “It’s one of the perks of being in the family.”

“You can’t keep comping rooms and expect to make any money. Besides, isn’t it your Dad’s hotel? I thought you stayed out of the business.”

“I do. But that doesn’t mean I don’t own part of it. I just let Molly handle everything. And Brian, comping a few rooms isn’t going to break us. Maybe you’d better look over my financials when we get a chance.”

“Sven, I don’t need your money. I was teasing you. I do just fine on my own.”

“But you aren’t on your own any longer Brian. You and I will be partners. I want us to be partners in every way.”

“We’ll talk about it later.” Brian was all for putting off uncomfortable conversations whenever he could. “I think I’ll take you up on the offer of putting the gang in a hotel. You wouldn’t want them running around your place and I sure as fuck don’t want them underfoot at mine.”

“Hmmm I like it when you’re the boss.” Justin teased. He ran his fingers through Brian’s hair; he loved the feel of the auburn strands.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Christmas in Pittsburgh

Brian and Justin had decided to drive down to Pittsburgh. Since they had declared their intentions to the family both of them had been busy with only the occasional hour or two to relax together. Justin always tried to give the impression that he wasn’t a businessman, but in fact he ran his business efficiently and well. The gallery took up a lot of his time but then so did the kids who stayed at his ‘home’ for them. On top of that he discovered that Brian really did need someone to take care of him. 

The man was always forgetting to eat properly and he would work the clock around if he wasn’t distracted. Justin was always willing to be the distraction. Now as they entered the city of Pittsburgh, Justin could relax. The back of the car was filled with gifts for everyone from both Brian and him. He’d even brought decorations for the loft. Gus had informed Justin that his father had never decorated for Christmas. Well he would this year.

He looked down; Brian had found his hand, their fingers locked together. Light from the city street lights glinted of their platinum bands that they both wore proudly. They had their rings made for them, just plain wide platinum bands, but inside, where no one could see, were their promises that they had made to each other.

“Brian, did you remember to call the caterers yesterday?”

“Yes,” It was the fifth time Justin had asked.

“So no one is expecting us today?”

“That’s right; we have two whole days to ourselves.” Brian gave Justin’s hand a gentle squeeze. 

“Good because I want to have everything perfect before they all descent.”

“Everything will be perfect don’t worry.” Brian pulled into the parking space he’d reserved in the underground garage by the loft.

It took them both two trips to carry everything onto the elevator and up to the loft. When it was finally done, Brian and Justin looked around. “Holy shit,” Brian said. “I’m going to kill the little fucker when I see him.”

There were signs of Gus everywhere and of AJ. The two of them were obviously spending time at the loft. Justin looked around, even he was dismayed. He’d trusted AJ and he’d trusted Gus not to do anything before Gus was ready.

Sounds from the bedroom aroused Brian and Justin’s attention. They walked to the wall of closed windows and Brian pulled two of them open. On top of the bed, fully clothed lay AJ and Gus, both sleeping. AJ, being the smaller of the two was nestled in Gus’ arms.

“Rise and shine Sleeping Beauties.” Brian roared. Both of them on the bed sat up startled.

“Dad, Justin, you aren’t supposed to be here for two more days.” Gus started to say.

“AJ, Gus wash your faces and come and join Justin and I in the living room.” Brian was upset, but he could see that they hadn’t done anything at least this time.

Justin and Brian sat side by side on the sofa, leaving Gus and AJ no choice but to stand together in front of them or take separate chairs.

“I’m not going to interrupt anyone’s Christmas, but this has to stop. AJ as the adult I will expect you to come up with a solution.” Brian turned to Justin. “Do you agree Justin?” he asked. 

“Sorry, Gus, AJ, but I have to agree with Brian. You are going to have to do something about this attraction to one another or you’ll both end up being sorry.” 

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

6 Months Later

Brian was sitting at the kitchen island watching Justin cook their dinner. It was one of his favorite things to do. He would never admit that he scheduled his day just so that he would be home to watch his blond partner, but that’s the way each day happened.

“Sven what are we going to do about Gus and AJ?” he asked. It was a topic that often surfaced. Gus was completely smitten and at the raging hormone age of fifteen. Lindsay and Melanie were barely speaking to Brian. They felt that he had encouraged his son and it was all his fault that the boy was not only gay, but that he had fallen for a man ten years his senior.

“There really isn’t anything we can do.” Justin answered. “AJ and Gus rarely see each other. We just have to trust them and be there when they crash and burn.” He looked over at the phone that started to ring. “Can you get that, my hands are dirty?” He knew that Brian hated answering the phone when he was home. He said that the only person he wanted to talk to was already with him so why bother.

“Hey Gus.” Brian began. He’d seen Gus’ cell number come up on the call display. “For fuck sake will you stop crying? I can’t understand a word you’re saying.” Finally in exasperation he shoved the phone in Justin’s hand not caring that they were covered in the marinade he’d been using.

Justin rolled his eyes at Brian and attempted to clean his hands and the phone while still listening to Gus. “Calm down, if AJ said he will come back, then he will. I know you think that four years is a lifetime, but it isn’t.”

“But Justin, in four years I’ll be in University. I’ll be old.”

“You’ll be nineteen, that’s hardly old.”

“What if he finds someone else?”

“Then you weren’t meant to be.” Justin sighed. “I have to say that AJ’s leaving for the Middle East is rather a drastic method of not having sex with you. But he knows what he’s doing. There are communication devices like computers and the phone.”

“We IM now all the time.” Gus sniffed “but he’ll be sooooo far away.” He sniffed again. “He said that I need time to grow up. That I need to spend the next four years being a kid in high school, going out and having fun with other kids and that he’d wait for me.”

“Gus, honestly, I think AJ is right. I know that you both had an instant attraction to one another but you need time to learn about yourself and grow as a person. I know you can’t see that right now and that you’re hurt. But think about how AJ feels. He loves you. He fell in love with someone who is still a child in the eyes of the law, despite the fact you are six feet tall and have matured. The law says you are still a child.”

“But I don’t care, I love him Justin and it hurts.”

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

2 years later

Brian was sitting on the sofa, his feet in Justin’s lap. They were watching their favorite movie, drinking wine and relaxing. Justin’s latest show had been a success and Brian’s company had just won three advertising awards. Relaxing in front of the television was a welcome relief to the hectic schedules they’d been on. A commotion at the door of the town house made their heads turn. Gus burst into the hallway, his bags all but thrown through the door, including the soft carrier that meowed when it hit the floor.

“Gus, we weren’t expecting you.” Brian said. His son stood inside the door and glared at both him and Justin. 

“I had to get away; the moms were driving me crazy. If I can’t stay here, I’ll go stay at Grandma Jenn’s.” he was at the top of his seventeen year old defiant form. He bent over and whispered something to the cat inside the carrier as he unzipped the case.

Brian sighed heavily. Justin rubbed Brian’s leg. “What’s happened with AJ now?” it could only be AJ, the two would be lovers were driving Brian and Justin nuts. It had been two years of tears and tantrums and turmoil.

“He says he won’t come back for my birthday.” Gus flounced into the living room and flung himself into one of their chairs; a large muscular grey cat flounced in with him and jumped on the back of the chair.

Brian winced at the sight of his son’s tall gangly well muscled body, hitting the three thousand dollar chair with such force. Not to mention the fact that he was once again stuck with the grey cat that couldn’t stand him. “You knew he wasn’t coming back for four years Gus. Nothing has changed. AJ’s contract is for four years and that’s what he’s going to honor.”

“They other guys in his company get leave to come home. When he gets leave he goes to Europe WITHOUTME” Gus wailed. “I’M LEGAL AND I HATE HIM” he stuck his lip out, crossed his arms and glared at the wall in front of him.” The cat glared at Brian; sure that Brian must have something to do with why his person was so upset.

“Are you sure Jenn won’t take him?” Brian whispered to Justin. 

“She said we had to deal with him the next time.” Justin whispered back.

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

2 more years have passed and it’s Gus’ nineteenth birthday

Brian was sitting in his favorite chair, Justin on his lap. They both had drinks and Justin had his head on Brian’s shoulder. It was a peaceful moment in a beehive of activity as they watched the entire gang plus a few of Gus’ friends from University mill around the Taylor’s sitting room. 

Gus’ birthday had been celebrated like this for the last two years, ever since the boy had begun University in New York when he was eighteen. Justin and his parents loved the excuse for a party. Brian thought the gang just liked to stay at the hotel and eat their heads off ordering room service. And Gus just loved being surrounded by his family. For the last year and half, he barely mentioned AJ. Justin knew that the two of them still talked daily thanks to MSN chat. But that the drama and angst had somehow left their relationship, he wasn’t sure why or how, but he was glad that it had.

Gus was taller than his father and his body, while lean, was heavier with muscle. He was studying hotel management and business and economics and spent his weekends and vacation times working in various positions in the Taylor hotel chain. It was Gus who had suggested that to his Grandpa Taylor and Aunt Molly. He wanted to be part of the family business, but felt he had to work each job position, including housekeeping, so that he could better understand what the employees faced.

Both Brian and Justin were proud of Gus and the way he’d matured. It had been a rough road at times, but they had made it through unscathed. 

Suddenly silence fell over the room. All eyes turned toward the door. AJ, tanned and blond ,stood in the door way. His eyes locked on Gus’. “Happy birthday baby.” AJ said. Gus started forward and then stopped, not sure of what to do. 

Then, “Get your ass over here you son of a bitch.” Gus said to the smaller but older man. “And give me a kiss.” He held out his arms. AJ threw himself in Gus’s arms.

“What happened to you?” AJ said when he could finally speak. He looked up into Gus’ hazel eyes. 

“What can I say, it’s my genes.” Gus laughed. He turned to the rest of the family. “Sorry guys, I have to go. AJ and I have four years of missed sex to get out of our systems. Thanks for the party; I’ll see you all at Thanksgiving.” He looked at his Grandfather. “Grandad, can you call the downtown hotel and tell them I’m coming for the weekend?”

“Sure thing Gus.” Craig Taylor beamed at his adopted grandson. 

“Would you have fallen that much in love with me at fourteen?” Brian asked. Justin snuggled closer ignoring the rising voices of the gang and family as they discussed Gus’ main birthday present.

“I’d have fallen that much in love with you the moment I laid eyes on you know matter what my age.” 

“Me too.”

The end
June 26, 2004