Once Upon a Time - 6 Author: Elsa Rose “Justin, no more, please no more.” Brian’s head rested on the back of his car seat. He rubbed his temples; his head was aching with all that he’d had to absorb. “You are a worse drama queen than Emmett.” Justin said with a laugh. “I kind of liked the third house.” “Which one was that?” “You know damn right well know which one it was.” Justin pretended annoyance. “It was the new one that is almost completed. It would be perfect for us and we could have the finishing done to our own specifications.” “You just liked the fact that it was on the river.” Brian muttered. “Damp rooms, flooding in the spring, mosquitoes in the summer, the smell of dead fish.” “Asshole, it’s three hundred feet from the river bank. There is a retaining wall and it’s terraced up from the river so that the whole house is on a hill.” “You’ll fall off the terrace.” “No I won’t. I’ll have my seeing eye poodle.” Justin laughed “Not to mention that you’ll be watching me like a hawk every time I walk out the back door.” “I guess I can get used to the smell of dead fish.” Brian said. “But what about the kids?” “What about the kids?” Justin asked. “They both can swim and they’ll love the place. They’ll each have their own room for when they stay over and the best part is the guest house that can be used by Mai the housekeeper. She’ll be on the property, but not in our face.” “So we’re buying a house on the river. I’m glad that’s settled.” Brian sighed. “I had the realtor put in an offer. She’ll let us know tomorrow.” “Brian.” Justin threw himself into Brian’s arms. “When did you do that? I’ve been with the two of you all afternoon.” “Hmmmm, it could have been when you were sitting on the retaining wall facing the river. Or when you were poking through the guest house, or maybe when you were smelling the wood with the contractor. There is no way that oak smells different than spruce by the way.” “Actually it does smart ass.” Justin kissed Brian’s face all over. “Did I mention that I love you?” “No, not recently.” Brian smiled. “I expect you to come up with half the down payment.” “I can come up with half the purchase price, if you want. I do have a substantial bank account Brian.” “How substantial?” Brian asked. “I’ll show you mine if you’ll show me yours.” “Brat, we need to see a lawyer and get some things straightened out. I need to revise my will.” “I need to do the same.” Justin laughed. “I figure we’re probably about equal as far as investments are concerned. I have half of my parent’s estate as well but I’ve never touched it. It seemed tainted some how.” “We’ll deal with it together.” Brian rubbed Justin’s back. “Should we get a decorator in for the house?” “I think so. Neither one of us has the time to be running around looking for what we want. We can afford to have someone else do it.” “I agree, but I want you to deal with all the decisions until it comes down to final ones. I’d like some input then. I don’t want anything too off beat and artsy.” “Let’s just wait until we get the house Brian. I don’t want to get all excited and then find out they didn’t accept our offer.” “You worry too much.” Brian laughed. “Of course they’ll accept our offer.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “You boys will never guess who I ran into yesterday.” Emmett began as he slid into the booth at the diner. “Brad Pitt?” “Long Dong?” “No, Justin Taylor and Brian. And….. I found out why Brian is keeping him under wraps. Justin IS blind. Blind as a bat. It’s from the bashing years ago. He’s an author now. He writes mysteries as JC Taylor.” “Oh I’ve read one of those.” Ted said. He sat up suddenly interested. “I never knew that was Justin. “ “Where were they?” Michael asked. “They were having lunch in that little deli on Armstrong Street. Justin was waiting for Brian to pick up their order. They look so sweet together. Brian all protective and concerned and Justin all bristly and soooo not needing protection.” “The usual” Ted laughed. “Brian would go into protective mode and Justin would hate it.” “How do you know?” Michael demanded. “It’s been a long time since Brian had to look after Justin. Now he’s blind. Brian doesn’t need that kind of shit in his life. He’s an important businessman. He doesn’t have time to be baby sitting some twink.” “Dahling,” Emmett drawled. “Justin is no twink and he can look after himself. I’d say that Brian is finally getting what he’s wanted and needed for years. A partner who can challenge him intellectually and in the sack.” “They are hardly partners. Brian barely just met him again.” Michael stated. “I know for a fact that they only met up a week or so ago.” “Honey bunch, those two may have been apart for the last fourteen years, but what they felt for each other then is alive and well right now.” Emmett patted Michael’s hand. “I say that we be happy for them both.” “I agree. Brian could use some happiness and from what it sounds like, so could Justin.” Ted finished his coffee and stood up. “I’m heading to Woody’s, do you guys want to go?” “I’ve got to pick up Ben at Carnegie.” Michael slid out and threw some money on the table. “We’re heading over to Hunter and Mellisa’s, it’s the baby’s first tooth or something.” “I’ll go with you Teddy.” Emmett stood up as well. “You know we should all go and visit Brian and Justin.” “Let’s wait until we’re invited. I get the feeling that Brian doesn’t think Justin is ready for all of us.” Michael said. “I’ll feel out Gus and see what he thinks.” “Keep us posted.” Ted put his arm through Emmett’s and headed out the door. Michael stood there for a few minutes and then asked for half a dozen lemon squares to go. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Tell me again why we’re here?” Justin asked. He was sprawled on the hard leather sofa in the living room of Brian’s loft. “I mean we could come here in the morning, or you could just take me home and pick me up in the morning.” “Justin, if I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a dozen times. I am not sleeping alone anymore.” Brian placed another suit in his suit bag. “I’m going to bring enough things to last a few days. We can spend the last part of the week here. It’s called compromise Sunshine.” “Duh” mumbled Justin. He sat up. He was sure he could hear someone fumbling with the loft door lock. “Brian, someone’s at the door.” He tried to make his voice not sound frightened. He didn’t succeed. “Hey Brian, Justin, are you guys here?” Michael called out from the now open door. “Yes Mikey we’re here. Did you forget about knocking?” “I never knock.” Michael said. He walked to the sofa and flopped down beside Justin. “I brought lemon squares.” “Cool, I haven’t had one in ages.” Justin said. “Don’t eat on the sofa.” Brian called. “Brian, it’s leather, it won’t stain.” Justin called back. “It’s not like I’m going to rub a lemon square all over the damn leather. I stopped doing that when I was about three.” “I just don’t think you need to eat in the living room.” “If it was my cock you’d eat it here.” “Eat the damn lemon squares where ever you want brat.” Brian grumbled. He walked down the stairs and kissed Justin on top of the head. “At least you don’t want to eat them in bed. I should be happy about that. Mikey, why are you here?” “I thought you guys might want some company.” “Put the lemon squares on a plate at least.” Brian said. He grabbed the bag and headed toward the kitchen. “Do you have milk Brian?” Justin asked. “Do I look like a fucking cow?” Brian snarked back. “How should I know?” Justin giggled. “You do have something dangling.” “Gross, you guys.” Michael said. “What’s on TV?” “I don’t know.” Justin said. “I don’t watch much TV these days. I mostly listen to music. But I do like CSI.” “I thought you couldn’t see?” Michael said. “I can’t, but there’s nothing wrong with my ears. Not to mention I have a pretty good imagination.” Justin twisted on the sofa until he was sitting sideways. “Why did you come here tonight Michael?” “I saw Emmett today.” Michael began. “Let me guess, he filled you in on the life and times of Brian and Justin.” Justin said. “Something like that.” Michael looked down, unable to look Justin in the face. “Why didn’t you call us Justin? Ma almost went nuts there for awhile. She thought of you as one of her kids and you disappeared.” “I didn’t do it on purpose Michael. I missed Deb too. She was always good to me. By the time I was able to function properly it was almost a year after the bashing. And I was blind. My parents told me that no one asked about me. They said that now that I was blind, you guys weren’t interested. They said Brian had moved on with his life. I believed them. Why wouldn’t I? I was blind and completely dependant on them. I thought they were honest. They were my parents. I used to ask for a phone, but there was always a reason why I couldn’t and then by the time I was able to fend for myself. Well too many years had passed. Too much time of not talking to any of you. My own fears had taken hold by then. I knew that my hair had gone white. I could feel the scar from the bat. I couldn’t use my right hand and I limped. I was fucking ugly. I didn’t want to go out of the house and I didn’t.” “Fuck” Michaels said. “I’m sorry Justin. I didn’t know.” “No one knew. When Molly became old enough to intervene in my life, I was pretty set in my ways. She’s been battling that ever since, determined to break me out of my self imposed prison.” “I guess it worked.” “In a way. It was Gus coming that finally broke me free.” “That Gus is some piece of work. He reminds me of Brian when we first met.” “I wish I’d known him then.” “Here you go boys, knock yourself out.” Brian placed the plate of lemon squares on the coffee table. He handed a napkin to Justin and one to Michael. “Aren’t you going to join us Brian?” Justin asked. “Not a chance am I eating a lemon square at this time of night.” But Brian moved Justin over and sat in his spot. He then pulled Justin close so that he was almost on his knee. He reached over and took a lemon square. “Have a bite Sunshine.” He offered it to Justin. “Brian I can feed myself.” Justin said, but he bit down on the pastry. “Not bad Michael, is your mom still making them?” “Yes, she’d never give that up. She doesn’t work at the diner anymore though. She’s retired, well all except for making the lemon squares.” He was fascinated by Brian feeding Justin the sweet confection. Justin had found the lemon square in Brian’s hand and taken it into his own. He first licked Brian’s fingers clean before finishing off the square. “Damn that was good.” “Have another one.” Michael offered. He leaned forward and brought the plate over to Justin. “The plate is by your knee.” “Cool.” Justin said and took another lemon square. “See Michael, it isn’t that hard having a blind guy around.” “I guess not.” “I find it hard.” Brian said. He reached over and took a bite of Justin’s lemon square. “Not bad.” He admitted. “You are hard. Not you find it hard.” Justin corrected. “Whatever.” Brian said. He took Justin’s now empty fingers and sucked each one clean. Justin could feel his cock hardening. “Emmett and Ted are at Woodys. Why don’t you guys come with me? We’ll have a beer.” Michael invited. “Honestly Michael, I’m not ready for Woodys yet. I still get the heebies in any kind of crowd situation. I’m working on it with Brian’s help. But I’m not ready yet.” “When you are, let us know. We’ll all watch your back Justin. That’s what friends are for.” Michael stood up. “I’ll let the two of you have some peace and quiet.” “I’m glad you came over Michael.” Justin said. “I missed having all of you as friends.” “I’m glad I came over myself.” He laughed. “Maybe you and Brian could come to my house sometime for dinner. You could meet my husband Ben and my kids. Though they aren’t kids anymore.” “We’d like that Mikey.” Brian said. “Maybe in a week or two.” Brian continued to sit on the sofa holding Justin as Michael chatted for awhile with the two of them and then left. They heard him lock the door behind him and they both listened to the elevator as it descended to the bottom floor. Silence filled the loft. Brian rested his chin on Justin’s head and then leaned down to nuzzle his ear. Justin felt himself melt into Brian’s embrace. They didn’t need to talk. They just needed the intimacy that touching gave them. Gradually the two of them relaxed. The stresses of the day disappeared as Brian watched the sun disappear from the sky and Justin listened to Brian’s heart beat. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Ma, Ben and I have something to tell you.” Michael paced up and down the kitchen. “For fuck sake Michael, spit it out, you’re making me nauseous with your pacing.” Debbie headed to the counter and poured herself a cup of coffee. “Ben you aren’t sick again are you?” she asked. “No I’m okay Deb. It’s about Brian. He’s found Justin. I understand they were a couple years ago. Well they are again.” “Sunshine, Sunshine is back?” she screeched. “Why the fuck didn’t you say so Michael.” She slapped him upside the head. “Where is he? Where has he been? I’m going to kick his plump little bubble butt when I see him.” “Ma, he’s blind. He’s been blind since the bashing. He’s kind of mixed up, but he’s getting better. Brian’s helping.” “Brian and Sunshine are together?” she asked. “He was here last week. He never said a word to me.” “Ma, Justin is ….. “ Michael looked hopefully at Ben. “Deb, what Michael is trying to say, is that Justin suffered both from the bashing and then from his parents afterward. I suppose they felt they were protecting him. But what they did was keep him secluded so that he wasn’t able to recover properly from the trauma of the bashing. Becoming blind and losing both Brian and his art, did a lot of damage.” “What do you mean?” Debbie sat down at the table with Ben. “He’s all right isn’t he?” “He’s getting there Deb. Brian’s helping him come back. It’ll take some time.” “I want to see him.” Debbie looked at Ben and then Michael. “Where is he?” “I think he’s with Brian at the loft, but not full time. They probably spend time where ever Justin lives.” “I still want to see him.” Debbie said stubbornly. “I’ll call Brian and explain.” “Ma, we’re just telling you about Justin so that when Brian and Justin do think he can handle all of us, you’ll be prepared.” He smiled at his mother. “I took Justin some of your lemon squares. He still likes them.” “The poor darling. I’ll make him some of my manicotti.” Debbie stood up and headed to the cupboards. Cooking was one way for her to deal with life. It had always worked. Ben and Michael looked at each other and shrugged. Things would work out okay. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Brian, just drink the damn coffee.” Justin said as he put the cup in front of Brian. “Why can’t you just have ordinary coffee? I mean who really drinks vanilla flavored coffee?” Brian poked at the mug with one finger. “We can pick up some coffee at Starbucks.” “I drink vanilla flavored coffee and breakfast is almost ready. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m tired of fast food breakfast. I want to eat here this morning. Tomorrow we’ll have the coffee that you usually have.” “You’ve developed a real mean streak Sunshine.” Brian took a sip of his mug of coffee. It actually wasn’t that bad. Justin bent to kiss Brian as he set a plate in front of him. “Egg white omelet with whole wheat toast, no butter on the toast. The tomatoes that are with the omelet are organic. I made the bread that I toasted. Eat your damn breakfast.” “The omelet’s not bad.” Brian said when he tasted it. “Thank you.” Justin took his seat at the counter next to Brian. “I actually like to cook breakfast. Morning is my favorite time of the day.” “You used to hate mornings.” “I also was a teenager at the time. Find a teenager who likes to get up in the morning.” “Why do you have to be so right all the time?” “Is that a rhetorical question?” Justin said with a smirk in his voice. “Hey, I heard you pour another cup of coffee. I told you it wasn’t bad.” “Maybe I was pouring you some more.” “I’m holding my mug. You’d get it all over my hand.” “I’ve got excellent control.” Brian leaned over and kissed Justin’s cheek. “Don’t be a brat. I need another cup of this foul coffee to wash down my breakfast.” “I should stay here today. My office won’t be ready.” “Ahhhh, that’s where you’d be wrong my young friend. I have it on good authority, mine, that your office will be finished by eight o’clock this morning.” “No shit. “ Justin grinned. “How did you manage that?” “I’m the boss.” Brian finished his coffee and stood up. “Put your dishes in the dishwasher.” “I thought we had a housekeeper.” Brian answered. But he picked up his plate. “Yes I do have a housekeeper but there is no reason why she has to clean up my kitchen when I can do it myself.” “You mean myself.” Brian joked. “Ha, ha.” Justin stood up. “WE, big guy will have a housekeeper, when we have a house. Right now Mai is MY housekeeper.” “I thought we were partners?” Brian pretended to pout and then realized that Justin couldn’t see him, so it wouldn’t work. “What a big baby you are. Are you sure you’re forty four?” “There you go, bringing my age into the argument.” Brian kissed Justin again. “Let’s go Sunshine. I want to see what you and Suki cooked up yesterday.” Justin was smiling as he walked down the stairs beside Brian. Life was definitely looking up. “Hey you guys, stop right there.” Molly stood at the bottom of the stairs. Justin and Brian stopped half way down the stairs. “What’s up Molly?” Justin asked. “When were you guys going to tell me that you were moving?” “Sorry Molly, but we just decided yesterday. I was going to talk to you about it.” Justin continued down the stairs. “Brian and I put in an offer for a house.” “Well I want to move too. I’m not living in this hole for one minute if you leave. I hate this damn place.” “How do you feel about living in a loft?” Brian asked. “Because have I got a deal for you.” “Brian, Molly doesn’t want to live in your loft.” “Justin Taylor, you don’t know what I want. What’s it like Brian? I’ve always wanted to live in a loft.” “When you’re done work today, you can give us a call. We’ll meet you there.” “I could get you a nice house.” Justin said. “I want to see Brian’s loft.” Molly turned to Brian. “Maybe Gus could show me the loft. I really only need to see if it will work for the furniture I want.” “There’s no bath tub Molly, you’d hate it.” “Justin, there are such a thing as plumbers. I can have one put in.” Molly laughed up at Brian. “I’ll call Gus. If it’s what I want, I’ll make you an offer.” “Molly, you know Gus has a crush on you.” Brian said gently. “I don’t know if it would be a good idea for the both of you to be alone in the loft.” “Trust me Molly, there’s something in the air there that will have you in the bed with your clothes off in seconds.” Justin joked. “You guys are gross. Gus is a kid.” Molly turned and headed to the back of the house. “I’ll give him a call. If you both are nervous that I’m going to jump him, then meet us there at four thirty.” Brian put his hand on the back of Justin’s neck. “Something in the air Sunshine?” he asked as they walked out of the house. “Well, it had to be something. I don’t think I ever ended up at the loft without spending time in the bed.” “That was my animal magnetism.” “Riiiiiight.” Justin laughed. “Come on, or I’ll drive.” “Very funny.” Brian laughed. “Get in and stop fooling around. I won’t have time to stop at Starbucks.” “If you don’t stop at Starbucks I’ll have time to give you a blow job when we reach the office.” “I guess I can do without my morning latté.” Brian agreed. Justin took his hand and kissed the palm sending shivers up Brian’s back. “You are sooooo easy Mr. Kinney.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Good morning Mr. Taylor, Mr. Kinney.” The receptionist greeted Brian and Justin as they walked in the door of Kinnetik. “Mr. Taylor, Suki would like you to not come into your office until nine please. She wants everything in place.” “No problem Latonia.” Justin gave Brian’s arm a squeeze. “I believe Mr. Kinney and I will be busy for a few minutes.” “A few minutes?” Brian whispered. Justin elbowed him in the side. “Mr. Kinney is a bear before he has his morning latté. We missed Starbucks this morning.” He hooked his finger in Brian’s belt, “Come along Mr. Kinney, you have some sucking up to do.” “Brat.” Brian said but he laughed. “Hold our calls.” They had barely managed to shut the door to the office when Brian’s arms captured Justin in a tight embrace. Justin’s head tilted up, his mouth meeting Brian’s in a kiss reminiscent of their younger years. Hands began to undo buttons. Jackets fell to the floor as they devoured one another. It was only the embarrassed coughs from the far side of Brian’s office that made them both stop before their pants dropped. “Mr. Kinney, JC, the contractor didn’t have time to hang the door yet.” It was Suki from Justin’s office. Brian looked over and sure enough there was a door sized hole in his wall, the door, still in its plastic wrap was leaning against the wall. “Sunshine, she’s right. There’s a hole in the wall between our offices. I was going to surprise you.” “It worked.” Justin giggled. “You surprised me. Hi Suki” “Hi JC, everything’s almost set up just the way you wanted it.” “Cool Suki. If you don’t mind, you can go back to whatever you usually do. And Suki, would you lock the door behind you?” “Sure JC.” Suki giggled. “I made you and Mr. Kinney lattés. They’re on your desk.” “We’ll find them. Thanks again.” Justin waited for the sound of his door closing. “Now where were we?” he asked. “I can’t believe I didn’t notice the door.” “Are you afraid all your staff is going to know you’re human?” “Fuck ‘em” Brian said and his mouth descended on Justin’s.” He’d barely begun ravaging Justin when a knock on his door interrupted them. “Go away.” He called. “Mr. Kinney, Mr. Aldridge is in the boardroom with Jeffrey. He’s very upset with the latest presentation boards. I just thought I’d warn you.” “Brian, why don’t you go and cool things down.” Justin began to straighten his clothing. “Come with me, maybe you can add some input to the meeting.” Brian tucked his shirt in his pants and picked up his jacket, shaking out the wrinkles. “I really don’t think I could add much. It’s not like I can see the boards and make any changes.” “Please Justin.” “I suppose you are using those puppy dog looks on me right now.” Justin said with a laugh. “How did you know?” Brian answered and gave him a quick kiss. “Let’s go Mr. Taylor and see if we can fix this mess.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Mr. Aldridge, nice to see you again.” Brian strode into the room and shook hands with his client. “I’d like to present my associate Mr. Taylor.” Justin held out his hand and was gratified when it was shaken. “Mr. Aldridge,” he said with a smile. Everyone took their seat around the conference table. No one noticed that Brian made sure Justin was seated before he sat down himself. Brian looked over at the offending boards and then turned to his client. “What exactly don’t you like about this concept?” he asked getting right to the point. “I’m not sure, it just doesn’t seem right.” The man said. “I was expecting something that was bright and cheerful. This is, this is a parody of what my company wants.” “Excuse me Mr. Aldridge,” Justin began. “But Brian has explained this concept and I think that if the lighting is changed to perhaps a white light in the background and the model is highlighted more – and this can be done with computer graphics - that the original idea is a great one and yet you’d get the visual that you want.” The client studied the boards and then smiled and nodded. “You know Mr. Taylor I completely agree. You’ve got a good eye.” “Thank you.” Justin flushed but said nothing of his blindness. He knew that all of Brian’s staff were aware of it and wondered if anyone would say anything. Brian’s hand found Justin’s under the table and he gave it a squeeze before saying. “I’ll have the art department change the boards. If you are able to come back tomorrow, they’ll be ready for you.” “No, I don’t need to come back. Mr. Taylor is right, it’s just that little bit extra light that’s needed. The basic concept is a good one. I always did like it. Too bad it’s too early for lunch Mr. Taylor. I’d like you to join me.” The client stood up preparing to go. “Thanks for the invitation Mr. Aldridge, maybe another time.” Justin said with a smile. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to my office.” Justin stood up and made his way out the door and down toward Brian’s office. Brian smiled to himself at how well Justin was able to get around Kinnetik. He was amazing, but that was nothing new. He always had been extremely bright. It’s too bad that his parents had done their best to suppress his abilities. When he finished in the boardroom, Brian walked down to his office. Justin was carefully exploring his new office, he must have entered through the hole in the wall. “Hey beautiful.” Brian whispered in Justin’s ear as he came up behind him. “You were pretty surprising in the boardroom.” “Art was my life. I haven’t forgotten what I learned.” Justin shrugged and turned in Brian’s arms. The realtor called. Our offer was accepted. I made an appointment for us at the lawyer’s. I presumed you were still using Melanie.” “For stuff like this, Melanie is okay.” Brian said. “I like to torture her with information about my life knowing she can’t say a word to Lindsay or the others.” “You are bad.” Justin said with a laugh. “But I can see how that would be fun.” “It’s provided me with some amusement over the years.” Brian admitted. “So did the realtor say if they accepted our terms for a move in date?” “Everything is just like you asked. I’m going to have fun finding us a decorator. I don’t want to move in until the whole house is ready. “ “Just don’t take too long. Maybe just have our bedroom and bathroom done. We can live in those rooms while they finish the rest.” “Brian there is no way you could live in the chaos. And neither could I. I need to keep things orderly or I’ll trip over something. You know that.” “Well then, tell the designer that we’ll give him or her a bonus if it’s done quickly.” “Brian, it’s our house, not a television show where everything is done in an hour.” Justin stood on his toes and kissed just under Brian’s chin, ending the kiss with a small flick of his tongue. He smiled at the stifled groan that caught in his lover’s throat. “Do what you have to do. I want us in our own place as soon as we can get there.” Brian sighed. “You’re driving me crazy Justin. Maybe having you so close all day wasn’t the best idea I’ve ever had.” “Oh, I think it was a good idea now.” Justin chuckled. “I never realized how much fun it would be having you close.” He patted Brian’s back. “Don’t worry big guy, I’ll be pretty busy in my own office. I do have a book to finish and now the house to decorate. You won’t have to worry about me ravishing you every five minutes.” “It’s not you I’m worried about. I think I’m going through some kind of mid life crisis. I’m hard every damn time I look at you. Maybe putting a glass door between our offices was a bad idea.” Justin burst out laughing. “You are such a drama queen. I can’t believe it.” “Are you laughing at me Sunshine?” Brian asked, slightly shocked that Justin wasn’t taking this as seriously as he should. “Maybe.” Justin snickered. “You’ve done it now. I’ll never be able to concentrate on writing. I think I’ll go home and let you concentrate on work.” “Not a chance. I’m going with you.” “Brian, I can take a cab,” “I’m driving and that’s it.” Brian’s arm went over Justin’s shoulder. “You can make me lunch.” “You can buy me lunch and I’ll make you dinner.” “You can make me lunch and we’ll send out for dinner.” “I’ll let you take me to the diner.” Justin was feeling brave. “It can’t be that bad now that everyone knows about us.” “That’s what you think Sunshine, but we’ll go to the diner.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Four weeks later, Justin knocked and then walked into Brian’s office. He knew that Brian was alone, for no sound other than Brian’s clicking on the computer filled the older man’s office. “Hey Brian.” “Hey yourself Sunshine. What’s up?” Brian checked his watch, it was still early in the afternoon. “Did you want to go home now?” “No, I’m in the middle of chapter. I’d like to finish it. But the designer called, she says the house is finished and wondered if we’d like to have an unveiling this evening?” “Do you absolutely have to finish the chapter now?” Brian asked standing up from his desk. “Because I’d rather have the unveiling with just you and I.” “Hmmmmm, that sounds like it could be interesting.” Justin laughed. “I can work on it at home.” “Great, I’ll tell Cynthia.” Brian kissed him and headed for Cynthia’s office. He’d deliberately stayed away from the house until it was ready. He knew that he’d drive the decorator crazy otherwise and he had approved everything each step of the way. Justin joined him shortly and together they headed out of Kinnetik. “Hey Brian, Justin, I was just about to go in.” Both men turned at the sound of Michael’s voice. “Mikey, surprise, surprise. Well as you can see, we’re heading out at the moment.” “I see that, where are you going?” “No where you can go Mikey.” Brian’s hand was in the middle of Justin’s back steering him around Michael. “Brian.” Michael had to hurry to catch up. “Do you guys want to go to the diner for a coffee? Ma’s there today. She’s doing a cover shift for Kiki. It’ll be like old times.” Justin stopped and turned toward Michael. “I could use something to eat.” He looked up at Brian. “We could go just for an hour.” “Are you sure Sunshine? The last time at the diner wasn’t much of a success.” “It was too crowded then. I have a problem with crowds, but it shouldn’t be bad today. Besides, I wouldn’t mind seeing Deb.” “The diner it is.” Brian turned to Michael. “Do you want to meet us there?” “Can I hitch a ride, Ben dropped me off.” “No problem.” Brian linked his arm through Justin’s and began to walk toward the car. “So where are you guys living? I never seem to find you at home these days Brian.” “That’s because I’m not at the loft. I sold it.” “You fucking sold the loft?” Michael screeched and Brian and Justin both thought of Debbie. “Geeze Michael, calm down, my ears are sensitive to sound.” Justin protested. “It’s not like it was a national shrine or anything. People do sell their homes and move on to others. That’s why there are real estate brokers.” “But that was your home Brian.” Michael continued ignoring Justin. “And now it’s Molly Taylor’s home.” Brian said. “I understand she’s having some renovations done.” “We’re hoping that Molly doesn’t feel she has to keep up to Brian’s standards of tricking.” Justin giggled. “I was there yesterday and Gus was coming out of the door. He just said that you weren’t there. What was Gus doing?” “You’d have to ask Gus that Michael.” They had reached the car. Brian unlocked the doors. “Get in Mikey.” He held the door for Justin and took the opportunity to kiss his lover when Justin entered the car. Justin leaned into the kiss, letting his tongue wander, nibbling on Brian’s bottom lip causing both of them to groan with suppressed passion. “Would you two stop it?” Michael complained from the rear seat. “You’re not kids anymore.” “It’s our car and besides that, Justin’s lips are too good to pass up when I get this close.” Brian kissed Justin quickly again before allowing his partner to slide into his seat. Michael huffed in the back seat and Brian rolled his eyes. Justin smiled to himself. He loved it when Brian aggravated his friend. Michael was silent on the short drive to the diner. He spent the time watching Brian and Justin in the front seat and what he saw made him feel better than he ever had about his longest and best friend. Brian and Justin were constantly touching, just light touches, mere butterfly movements. On an arm, a leg, a cheek. Brian, who rarely used to say anything unless it was riddled with sarcasm, kept a constant chatter of what he saw as he drove. He’d describe people and situations making Justin smile and occasionally laugh. Justin would turn his head as if he too could see what Brian was telling him and then he’d turn back and rub his cheek on Brian’s shoulder or caress Brian’s fingers that would stray onto his thigh. It was something that was often talked about, but rarely happened. The two of them were truly one. Michael relaxed finally after almost thirty years of being Brian’s friend, he knew now that his friend was happy and that he not only loved, but was loved back. He couldn’t ask for anything more. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “I’m proud of you Sunshine.” Brian said as he stood in the foyer of their new home and turned around on the flagstone floor taking in all that he could see. “You and the decorator did an amazing job. It’s just as I imagined our home would look like.” He had his arm draped over Justin’s neck as he surveyed the living area and foyer. “Come and see our bedroom and our offices.” Justin tugged on Brian’s hand. “They are wonderful.” Brian let himself be led up the wide staircase that branched off in two directions part way up. “Left turn to the bedrooms and right to our offices?” Brian asked. “You remember.” Justin beamed. “Where is your seeing eye poodle going to sleep?” Brian teased. Justin had applied for a dog and been accepted. Now they had to wait for the right dog to come along. “He’ll sleep just outside our room. See that fancy wicker basket, well that’s his bed.” “We don’t even have him and you bought him a bed?” Brian chuckled. “I wanted one that will go with the décor.” “It’s a pretty big bed.” Brian observed. “He’ll be a big dog.” Justin laughed. Don’t worry; I’ll make sure that the only one who bites in this family is me.” He pulled Brian into the bedroom. “Do you like our bed?” “I don’t know. I need to test it.” Brian began to slowly open Justin’s shirt, punctuating each opened button with a kiss. “Brian, someone might come in.” Justin protested but not too strenuously. His own fingers began to undo Brian’s clothing. “Once upon a time, there lived this very pale blond. He loved a tall handsome Irishman with all of his heart.” Justin kissed Brian’s neck as he removed his shirt. “Every night when he’d go to bed, he’d send off a prayer to the powers that be that someday, his Irishman would rescue him from his dark and lonely castle.” Brian’s shirt was off and Justin dropped to his knees as his fingers found the clasp of Brian’s trousers. Brian’s hands combed through Justin’s silky hair while he listened to his bed time story. “One day, and it was a very special day, his Irishman broke the spell that kept the pale blond man hostage and their hearts met once again.” Justin stood up and pulled Brian toward the bed. “If you’re a very, very good gay boi, I’ll tell you how the story ends.” “Hmmmm” was all Brian could say as he mouth descended on Justin’s. He helped Justin move up the bed on the velvet duvet. Its deep forest green made Justin’s skin glow. Never had Brian seen anyone more beautiful. When he pulled back to look at Justin he began. “Once upon a time, not so long ago, an Irishman found his long lost prince hidden in a dark and dingy castle. He knew immediately what he had to do. He had to build a castle filled with light and love for his Prince. Because he knew that if he couldn’t bring light to his Prince on the outside, then he had to fill his Prince with light from the inside.” “What happened then?” Justin asked touched by Brian’s words. “They lived happily ever after of course.” Brian’s words were filled with love and promised. Justin could hear the truth in them and he was truly filled with light from the inside. December 13, 2004