Moonlight, Magic and Mystery – 2 Justin was almost holding his breath as he waited for the bell to ring signaling the end of history class. He had an open period next that lasted slightly more than an hour. It would be enough time if he was fast to fix something. Something he should have done last night but in the excitement of the anticipation of losing his virginity, he’d forgotten. The problem was, once in school it was next to impossible to skip out. Both Saint James Academy and the Wahjee council had seen to that. He was going to have to enlist the aid of his human friend Daphne without her realizing he was Wahjee. It was a game he’d played with her since he was three. Most Wahjee were assigned a human friend when they hit puberty like Brian had been. In Justin’s case, because of his inborn abilities, he’d been paired with Daphne at the age three. It helped to teach them to live with humans without detection. It was easy to fool strangers, but much harder to fool a close companion and friend. Justin headed for room 203, Daphne’s English Lit class. He walked past twice before she noticed and asked to be excused to go to the bathroom. “Justin, what are you doing?” Daphne whispered as they walked quickly down the hall. “I need to get out of here. I’ll be back by lunch; we can meet by the big tree. But I have to have a diversion to get out of here. You know how they watch the entrances.” “What do you want me to do?” she looked at him. “Is this because of last night? Was he really that good? Because you can get into big trouble.” “It is because of last night.” He said, “I just need to do this.” “Okay, but be back here at noon.” “Thanks Daphne, I owe you one.” “Damn right you do.” She said as she disappeared into the girl’s bathroom. She counted to fifty, knowing Justin would ready to make his move through the door by then. Stealing herself for the drama that would follow, Daphne began to scream, working herself into hysteria knowing it wouldn’t be long before the office staff would hear her and come running, leaving the monitors on the door unattended. The moment Justin heard Daphne start to scream, he counted to five and then slipped through the main door, opening it just barely enough not to snag his uniform. Once outside the building he was able to duck behind a tree the minute he stepped off the school grounds. Using magic, something he couldn’t do inside, he ended up near the hospital. It didn’t take much to find himself outside of Lindsay’s room. He was in time, Lindsay was dressed and holding her son. Melanie was no where to be seen. “Hey.” He said stepping inside. “I’m Justin from last night. I wanted to see the baby again. Is he alright?” “Of course, Justin.” Lindsay was as polite as her upbringing had taught her. But she had no idea why one of Brian’s tricks wanted to see the baby. “You helped name Gus.” “It’s a good name.” he said with a smile that disarmed her. “He’s beautiful.” “He is, isn’t he.” She smiled down at her son. “Can I hold him for a minute?” Justin asked in his most entreating manner. “Just for a minute, we’re getting ready to go home.” Lindsay handed Justin her baby. Melanie walked in, recognizing Justin. She was about to say something when Lindsay asked her a question about the check out time. They began to discuss the homecoming so Justin took the opportunity to do what he had come to do. “Gus,” he said, his voice pitched so only the baby could hear him. “I know you’re all excited about being born into this world again. But you’ve been born to a human family. Your daddy is Wahjee, but your mommies are human. I’m going to put a binding spell on you until you’re just a bit older and can control your urges to use your talents.” He leaned down and placed a kiss on the baby’s forehead, muttering the words of the spell. And then to bind Gus to him so that he would forever be the boy’s protector, Justin placed a small almost imperceptible heart shaped mark, identical to his father’s, just below his pulse point. Lindsay would notice, but she’d think it was something Brian had passed on to his son. “From this point on, you are under my care and protection from all that is human and any who are Wahjee who wish you harm.” The baby looked up at Justin, his eyes flashed like they had the night before, only this time they settled back into baby mode faster than ever. He was human as far as anyone, human or Wahjee was concerned and therefore safe for now from the high council’s detection. And if Gus was safe, Brian was as well, at least for now. Justin had accomplished what he’d set out to do. He turned to the two women. “Thanks for letting me see the baby again. He’s the youngest human I’ve ever seen.” He handed Gus to Melanie. “You know if you ever need a babysitter, I’m your man. I have a younger sister so I know what to do.” “We’ll keep that in mind.” Melanie said, puzzled about Justin but choosing not to question anything this morning. Justin quickly left the room. He didn’t dare use any more magic. His parents weren’t stupid, they’d figure out eventually that he’d over used. There was always someone willing to tattle. He checked his pockets; he had enough money for bus fare. It was going to take all his left over time to make it back to Saint James by bus. Sighing heavily, he resigned himself to the long bus ride as he ran to catch the first of many. Meanwhile Daphne had calmed down. She had convinced everyone that she’d been chased up onto the sink vanities by a herd of rats. Though most of them thought she was seeing things. After all, no rat would dare enter the hallowed halls of Saint James Academy let alone a herd of them. She was in the nurse’s room lying on the cot while they decided what to do with her. Checking her watch, Daphne figured she had about fifteen more minutes to endure the sideways glances of Nurse Sweeny before she could stage a miraculous recovery and meet Justin outside for lunch break. Justin transferred to the last bus that would let out near his school. It had been interesting traveling by bus rather than by car. He had grown used to driving the little Mazda he’d received for his birthday last year. But he’d left it down near Liberty Avenue last night and hadn’t had time to retrieve it. The lunch hour was in full swing when he stepped off the bus. The small pop he made in the air moving from behind the bus stop to the tree where he was to meet Daphne didn’t even register to those who monitored such things. He’d barely sat down with his back to the tree when Daphne appeared with two lunch bags. She threw one to him before sitting down beside him. “You soooooo owe me.” She said shaking her head. “They think I’m on something. I had to pee in a cup, how humiliating.” “I really needed to get away.” Justin said. “I’ll do something nice for you some day I promise.” “Well, are you going to tell me what you were doing?” “Just had to fix up something.” He shrugged. “Hey, you brought cheese sandwiches again.” “What can I say, I’m in a rut.” She looked in her bag. “I made us cupcakes.” She held out hers triumphantly. “Cool.” He looked at the cupcake. “Rainbow sprinkles, how apropos.” He took it and licked off the icing. “I love your cupcakes.” “You just like anything sweet.” She laughed. “So are you going to tell me about last night? Was he as good as you thought he’d be?” Daphne knew Justin had been searching for the ideal man to lose his virginity to. “He was aaaammmmmaaaazing.” Justin drawled. “No, really he was better than amazing.” He leaned back against the tree. “His son was born last night. I helped to name him.” “His son, I thought he was gay.” Daphne looked confused. She handed Justin a cheese sandwich and he began to eat absentmindedly. “He is, he jerked of in a cup or something.” Justin finished the first half of the sandwich. “Ewwwwe.” Daphne turned up her nose. “I know, kind of weird, but I guess it worked.” Justin looked away taking inspiration in the clouds. “I’m going to draw him naked in a thousand different poses. It’s like he’s a god or something when he’s naked.” “How big is he, did it hurt?” she asked, her curiosity aroused. “You’re rude.” He giggled. “Yes it hurt and he’s big, bigger than I thought. But it was a nice hurt. I can still feel him.” “I’m not sure if that’s gross or good.” Daphne munched her sandwich. “I can’t wait to meet him.” “I went back to the hospital again. That’s what I was doing. I wanted to see Gus, did I tell you I named him Gus. Brian let me.” He sighed. “Gus is going to be famous some day. I can tell.” “You’re on glue.” She laughed. “Hurry up and eat your lunch, I need some help with my art project.” “Okay.” Justin always regenerated in the art room. He was feeling tired from his work out the night before. He could use a boost of energy. “Can you give me a ride to Liberty Avenue after school. I left my car there.” “No problem.” Daphne stood up. She held out her hand and pulled Justin to his feet. “Hey Taylor, where’d ya go during spare?” Daphne and Justin turned to where their classmate and self proclaimed enemy stood. “What’s it to you Chris?” Daphne said. “Oh, Taylor needs his bitch to talk for him.” Chris Hobbes chortled to his buddies. Justin could feel electricity broiling through his body wanting to fry Hobbes and his friends into crispy critters. He dampened the feeling down and turned away. But not before smiling sweetly and blowing them a kiss. Something guaranteed to enrage the group who charged forward intent on doing harm to Justin and Daphne. “In a hurry, Mr. Hobbes.” Drawled Brian. He’d been walking into the school intent on finding Justin. “Who are you, how do you know my name?” Chris said as he slowed to a stop. There was something almost scary about this man dressed in Armani. “Bullies are always known.” Brian said. “Closeted ones even more so.” He ran a finger tip down the side of Chris’ face not quite touching, but close enough that the boy felt the heat from him. “What’s he talking about?” one of the other boys asked. “I don’t know.” Chris huffed and turned away from Brian. It was better to leave now than to continue his confrontation with Justin and Daphne. He wasn’t stupid, he knew when to retreat. Justin watched Chris and his friends leave before he and Daphne walked up to Brian. “Brian, what are you doing here?” “You do know that Chris Hobbes father is Zane Hobbes?” Brian asked. “I know.” “Not someone you want to annoy.” He looked at Daphne. “I’m Brian and you must be…?” “Daphne Chanders.” She said with a blush. “It’s nice to meet you Brian.” “So, why are you here?” Justin asked again. “I wanted to say thank you. You risked a lot this morning to save my ass.” “Oh, you found out.” Justin shrugged. “I didn’t mean for you to find out Brian. I did it because I wanted to, not because of anything else.” “I know that, it makes it even more important to me.” He looked away and then back at Justin. “No one has ever done anything like that for me. Ever.” “Oh.” Justin smiled up at Brian. “Hey, can I come over tonight?” “Don’t push your luck witch boy.” Brian purred as he turned around. “Later.” “Why did he call you that?” Daphne asked when Brian had driven away. “What?” Justin watched the jeep turn the corner. “Witch boy.” She laughed. “Oh, he said I must have put him under a spell or something.” Justin shrugged. “It’s a gay thing Daphne.” “I think it’s kind of cute.” Daphne grinned. “It sooooo suits you.” “Freak.” He laughed and pulled her into the school. “I thought you needed my expertise.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian had been surprised to receive the call from Lindsay. She usually didn’t call him at work knowing how he felt about that kind of thing. But this morning, once she was home with Gus and Melanie had left for her job, Lindsay had called. “Hello Brian.” She began. “Your trick from the night before appeared at the hospital this morning. Do you have any idea why?” her voice was syrupy sweet. “Who, Justin?” Brian asked. “He isn’t a trick, he’s a friend.” “Well whatever he is, he stopped by to see Gus this morning.” She said. “I’m not sure, but Gus was a bit different after he left. More baby like.” “Hmm, my son is less than twenty four hours old and his mother is whining that he’s like a baby.” Brian laughed out loud. “Good one Linds, are sure you haven’t been channeling Mel?” “Brian, it’s hard to explain. And Gus has the same mark on him that you have. A teeny little heart just below his neck.” “He is my son Lindsay, the fact he has a similar birth mark is hardly unusual.” “But I’m sure he didn’t have it before. I mean before Justin came.” “Of course he did. I mean how would Justin mark him. I bet you never took your eyes off of them for a second.” But Brian knew, he understood what Justin had done. He’d put a binding spell on Gus, no doubt to keep his heritage secret as well as his mark binding him to Justin. Brian touched his fingers to his own mark that bound him to Justin. “Linds, what do you think of Justin?” Brian asked, his voice hesitant. “He’s young but incredible, don’t you think?” “I’m not sure what you’re asking Brian. He seems very nice if a little strange. He is still in school, you know that don’t you? This relationship you’ve forged between the two of you, well frankly Brian, it’s not right.” “Don’t get your knickers in a knot.” Brian said. “Justin and I don’t have a relationship; we have a budding friendship perhaps. And the fact he’s young in years doesn’t mean he’s young emotionally. He’s a talented artist by the way. I would have thought you’d have seen something in him, something special.” “Brian I haven’t spent ten minutes alone with the boy. All I know is that he seems infatuated with you and he’s very good with Gus.” “There, he can’t be all that bad. He obviously has good taste.” Brian huffed. “Don’t worry about shit you can’t change. I don’t.” “You act like you haven’t a care in the world, but you have a son now Brian.” “A son who your partner wants me to give up my rights to.” “Of course, you agreed.” “Well I’ve changed my mind.” Brian said. And he had changed his mind the moment he’d held his son. It had nothing to do with the fact that Gus was Wahjee through and through, but it was something else. Something he hadn’t expected until he held him in his arms. Something he couldn’t explain and wasn’t about to explain to Lindsay. “Melanie isn’t going to be very happy.” Lindsay began. “Yes, well that’s too fucking bad. Looks Linds, I’m at work. When I’m here I like to actually do work. I’ll stop by the house and see you and Gus this evening.” “I’m not sure Brian…” Lindsay began. “Melanie may have plans.” “Which she can interrupt for the ten minutes I’m seeing my son.” Brian disconnected, finished with the call not caring for the upset he was feeling with the suggestion that he couldn’t see Gus when he wished. He worked for another few minutes and then, not being able to stand it, got up to leave for lunch. Usually he stayed at his desk but today he needed to see Justin. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin and Daphne left school as soon as the bell rang. They wanted to avoid Chris and his friends at all costs. The last confrontation had ended in a weeks worth of detentions. “I’ll drive you to Liberty Avenue, but can we stop and get something to eat?” “Sure, I parked near a diner. I had a great burger there last night.” “I wonder if they have milk shakes?” Daphne asked getting in her car. “Hurry up, I’m starving.” “You’re always starving.” Justin laughed. “I’ll share a milkshake and burger with you.” “And fries, we need fries.” She laughed. It didn’t take long to find Justin’s car and stash his school bag. He and Daphne walked the half a block to the diner, both of them thrilled to be walking on the colorful street. “Here it is.” Justin pulled open the door of the diner, holding it for Daphne. “Come on in kids and have a seat. I’ll be with you in a minute.” Kiki called from the rear of the diner where she was busy filling sugar containers. Daphne and Justin sat at the counter near Kiki. “We know what we want.” Justin said, “Take your time.” “Oh this isn’t rocket science kids, but it needs to be done before the dinner rush. I’m Kiki by the way.” “I’m Justin and this is my friend Daphne.” “I love your costumes.” Kiki grinned. “They aren’t costumes.” Daphne giggled. She was trying to decide if Kiki was male or female. “We just got of school and we’re starving to death.” “Well then, I’d better feed you.” Kiki grinned. “You look like a bacon cheese burger and fries kind of girl.” “And a strawberry shake.” Daphne grinned. “We’re sharing.” “Sharing is good.” Kiki said writing up their order. “I’ll have the burger cut in two.” “Hey, where’s Ma?” Michael breezed in the door ignoring the kids at the counter. “Hi Michael, she stepped out to get her nails done.” Kiki called from the kitchen. “Have a seat, I’ll get your usual.” “If it isn’t Mikey, Brian’s best friend in the whole world.” Justin drawled turning around on his stool. “Don’t call me Mikey.” Michael glared sitting in the back booth. “What the fuck are you doing here?” “Slumming?” Justin asked. “Asshole.” Michael mumbled reaching for a discarded newspaper, hoping to ignore Justin. “Who is that?” Daphne whispered. “He’s Brian’s friend. He has a thing for Brian, I can tell. He was sure pissed that we were together last night. All night.” The last said in a voice loud enough to make sure Michael heard it. “Don’t flatter yourself kid, you’re only a fuck to Brian. He does this all the time.” Michael pretended interest in the paper he’d grabbed. “But Justin, Brian..” Daphne was going to ask about Brian coming to the school earlier. “Daph, he wouldn’t want anyone to know that.” Justin whispered to his friend. “It’s between us.” He looked up as Kiki delivered their food. “Thanks Kiki. It looks good.” “I brought two glasses for the milkshake.” Kiki said placing the burger and fries between them as well as giving each one a side plate and silverware. “Enjoy.” “Thank you Kiki.” Daphne said as she reached for a fry.” Justin and Daphne ate their after school snack talking in the code that two friends develop over a long relationship and giggling over nothing. Every now and then Kiki would join them while all of them ignored Michael’s glares from the corner. Finally finished, Justin paid the bill while Daphne leaned over the counter. “Kiki, your eyelashes are amazing.” She whispered. Having finally decided that Kiki was a man dressed as a woman. “Thanks sweetie, I do try my best.” Kiki looked at Daphne. “I love the uniform.” Daphne giggled. “It’s kind of cool. Doesn’t Justin look hot in his?” “Not bad, but you look pretty hot in yours as well.” Kiki winked making Daphne giggle again. “Come on Daphne, stop flirting with Kiki, it’s time to go.” Justin called from the front door. “Wait,” Kiki called. “I want to ask you a favor.” “Sure.” Justin turned back intrigued. Kiki pulled out her large purse from behind the counter. “I bought this the other day. You are the Justin Taylor who wrote and drew it aren’t you.” She pulled out a plastic wrapped comic. “It’s the first issue and from the first printing. Would you autograph it for me?” “You want my autograph?” Justin was pleased. “Okay, this was a school project for extra credits.” “I bet you got an A.” Kiki said. “I love this story line and I love the character Rage. He reminds me of someone. Someone from around here who does things for the community and for individuals, but who never lets anyone tell that he helped.” Kiki looked into Justin’s eyes telling him that she suspected Rage was Brian. “You could be right.” Justin said and actually flushed, though he hated when it happened, this betrayal by his body. He picked up Kiki’s plastic wrapped book. “Do you have a pen, my book bag is in my car?” “Are you doing another issue?” Kiki asked. “Because Justin honey, this is just what the community needs, a super hero for us.” “I wasn’t planning on it when I first had it published. But my publisher has issued two more reprints. He said it’s been picked up all over the country. So I’m going to do another issue. In fact I’m working on it now.” “I sure hope you continue with this.” Kiki smiled as she looked at Justin’s autograph. “Oh how sweet?” she blushed. “You come back here anytime.” “Oh I’ll be back.” Justin said. “How can I resist.” He winked at Michael who was listening intently to everything that was said. Michael couldn’t believe that the twink had done what he’d always wanted to do. Write a comic, a comic that was catching on and could become famous. Justin had been gone for an hour when Debbie came into the diner. “Hi Michael.” She said bending to kiss him on the forehead. “Ma, you’re late.” “Honey I stopped punching a clock a few years ago.” She laughed. “Kiki, you can take off now if you’d like.” She called out. “Deb, take your time. I’ll bring you a coffee. Michael do you want another soda?” Kiki asked as she bustled around. “Thank you Kiki, don’t mind if I do.” Debbie sat back in the booth and relaxed. She pulled out a comic book from her colorful bag. “Did you see this Michael? The whole beauty parlor is talking about it.” “Put it away, I know about it.” “Oh, you bought Rage. I have one too.” Kiki looked at the one in Debbie’s hand. “You have a second printing one. I have a first issue and you’ll never guess. I met the boy who wrote it and did all of the illustrations. He autographed mine for me.” “He’s just a fucking trick of Brian’s. No one special.” Michael muttered. “He’s a fucking brilliant artist.” Kiki snapped back. “Brian Kinney better be nice to him.” “Holy shit, what’s going on?” Debbie asked looking from Michael to Kiki. “It’s just a fucking comic book.” “It’s that twink. He some how makes everyone he meets like him. Like he puts a spell on them or something.” Debbie looked at Michael. “He didn’t put a spell on you.” She shook her head. “I think you’re just jealous, snap the fuck out of it.” She drained her coffee and stood up. “Go home Kiki, I’ll take over.” Michael grabbed the comic book his mother had left on the table and began to leaf through it. He hated the fact that it was Justin who was responsible for what he’d always wanted to do. But he loved the story and the drawing was amazing. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin drove home; he knew he was going to have to face his mother sooner or later. He might as well get it over with now. Daphne honked and waved as she drove past him on the way to her house. Justin turned into his driveway, parked and reluctantly got out of his car. His mother opened the door before he had a chance to touch the handle. “Justin Taylor, you are in one heck of a lot of trouble.” She began. “Hi mom, how was your day?” he said as he toed off his shoes and hung up his school jacket. “Let me get out of this uniform before you start on the lecture.” He ran up stairs ignoring his mother’s entreaties, shrugging out of his shirt as he ran. Jennifer Taylor followed her son. He was somehow different. It wasn’t something she could put her finger on, but it was something. “Justin, you know you can’t stay out all night and not face some repercussions. You have no idea how hard it is to keep this from your father.” “Mom I’m sorry. I told Molly I was going to be out and I didn’t know when I’d be back. You and dad weren’t home and it wasn’t something I wanted to write on the message board. Didn’t Molly tell you?” “Yes she told me. But that isn’t the point. You’re seventeen years old and you were out for the entire night without letting me know where you were.” “I was safe. I have my cell phone. What was the point of waking you up at midnight? This way you and dad got a full nights sleep and I… well let’s just say I had a good night too.” “Justin you know the rules Wahjee have to live by. I hope you haven’t done anything to jeopardize your position with the council.” “Mom the council’s ideas are old fashioned. It’s not fair that kids are expected to follow rules made by a bunch of people a thousand years ago. Times change. People change.” Justin was laying his schoolwork out on his desk. “I have homework to do.” “Do you want something to eat, dinner isn’t for another couple of hours.” “No Daphne and I stopped for something after school.” He looked up at his mother and smiled. “Call me when dinner is ready.” Jennifer hesitated for a moment and then closed his door. She wasn’t going to get anything out of him. He’d always been a private boy. But she worried about her son. He was in line for the high council leadership and he didn’t seem to fully appreciate the honor or the status it would bring his family. Justin watched his mother close his door. He waited for her footsteps to fade before he sent an electrical impulse toward the door, securing the lock he’d installed. He pulled out his largest sketchbook. He wanted to record his night. His fingers had itched all day for a pencil, a piece of charcoal, chalk, anything that would let him put Brian’s image down on paper. When Justin’s mother called him for dinner, he couldn’t believe that two hours had passed. He’d lost himself in the memories of the night before as he recorded his time with Brian. Page after page told the story, not in order, but rather as the memory lived in his mind or touched on his body. Justin sat back pleased with what he’d done. A few of the sketches would make great paintings. A few would find their way with some slight alterations, into the next issue of Rage. Daphne called him at seven. Justin was back in his room supposedly doing home work, but actually working on the next issue of Rage. “Hey Justin, are you going back there tonight?” she asked. “No.” he sighed and stretched. “I’m staying home. Do you want to come over, I’m working on a second issue of Rage.” “Cool, I’ll be right over.” Daphne hung up. She’d been worried that with Justin’s change of status virginity wise, that he might somehow be different and forget her. They’d been friends so long she didn’t know what she’d do without him. Jennifer was pleased to see Daphne. Justin was going to be okay if his friend was still part of his life. “Come in Daphne, Justin is upstairs in his room.” “I know, we’re going to work on a project for school.” Daphne said. She didn’t feel she was lying. The original Rage was a school project. She held up a bag. “I’ve got cookies.” Jennifer laughed. “I’ll bring up some cold milk for the two of you.” “That’s okay, I can take it up.” Daphne offered. She knew Justin wouldn’t want his mother to see what he was doing. “Open the door Jus.” She kicked it gently with her foot. “My hands are full.” “Cool, you brought food.” Justin opened the door, looked out and then locked it behind Daphne. “I’ve done some great sketches of Brian. Want to see?” “I thought we were working the second issue of Rage.” “We are, think of these as preliminary sketches.” He grinned at his friend. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Brian, are you waiting for someone?” Michael asked after watching his friend stare at the entrance to Woody’s for the umpteenth time. They were having a couple of beers before heading to Babylon. “No, why do you ask?” Brian turned back to lean on the bar. “You keep looking at the door.” “It pays to check out the action Mikey, I would have thought you’d know that.” Brian pretended non-interest in the door after that. He couldn’t believe he’d been so obvious that Mikey had noticed. He wondered where Justin was and why he hadn’t come by. “You know that kid you picked up was in the diner to day.” Michael said as he sipped his beer. “Justin?” Brian asked. “Yeah, Justin. He was there with some girl. Just as bold as you please sitting in the diner. He even has Kiki fooled into thinking he’s great.” “Kiki?” Brian wondered where this was going. “Yeah, Kiki, she even had him autograph that damn comic book. Can you imagine, autographing a stupid comic book.” “Well it is a good comic book.” Brian shrugged. “Hell Mikey, you’ve gotten autographs on comic books.” “But they’re actual celebrities. Those guys are like famous.” “In your mind maybe. I don’t think they’re any more famous than say Justin is. I mean they’ve all written comic books.” “You know what I mean.” Michael defended. “Hey, where are you going?” “Home.” Brian had slammed his empty beer bottle on the bar. “Home Mikey.” “But we’re supposed to go to Babylon.” “Not tonight, I have an early meeting.” But Brian didn’t go home, instead he drove to Melanie and Lindsay’s place. He wanted to see his son again. “Brian, it’s late, why’re you here?” Melanie said with a glare. “I couldn’t sleep without kissing you goodnight.” He lunged at her and she jumped back. “Asshole, Lindsay’s asleep.” “I’m not here to see Linds, I’m here to see Gus.” “He’s sleeping too.” “No he isn’t, I can see him from here.” Brian walked past her and into the living room where Gus lay in a bassinet. He walked over and looked down. He leaned in and picked up the baby, holding him carefully, close to his chest. Brian sat on a rocking chair with his son. He let his index finger trace the boy’s face and then he looked for Justin’s mark, finding it where he knew it would be. Somehow seeing the mark, he felt better. He knew that no matter what, Justin would always protect his son. It was reassuring to know that the boy would have that protection. That he’d have someone out there who cared because god knew, parents weren’t always perfect. Wahjee or human, they weren’t always perfect. The binding spell Justin had used was a strong one. Brian couldn’t feel any Wahjee in his son and that was a good thing for now. There were too many variables. Not the least of which was the fact that Gus had been born of a human mother. Brian sat and rocked his son, binding them together in the old fashioned way, through the magic of love, strengthening with each breath they took as he rocked, singing an ancient lullaby that had somehow come to mind. Melanie wanted to protest, to throw the man out. But even she didn’t have the heart to take the child from Brian’s arms. Instead she turned off the lights and walked upstairs to her wife. Gus was in good hands for now. A week later, Justin and Daphne were sitting in the sunshine in a local park. It was a beautiful Saturday. Daphne sat on a swing while Justin sketched her from his place against a nearby rock. “Justin?” he looked up. It was Lindsay and Melanie, Gus was in a stroller. “Hey.” He said and bounced to his feet. “Hey Gus, you’re looking good.” The baby gurgled in pleasure at seeing Justin. The bond between them was strong. “I was surprised to see you here.” Lindsay said. “Daphne,” he nodded to where is friend was swinging. “And I come here a lot. It’s a great place to sketch when the weather is good.” He held up his sketchbook for Lindsay to see. “You’re very good.” She said with surprise in her voice. “Oh, Brian.” She blushed as she noticed the graphic detail of the sketch. Justin took the book back. “You have to admit he makes a great model.” He grinned at her. “You should put some of your work in the GLC show we’re having. The money raised will go toward the running of the place. Your work is good. I’m sure it would sell.” “Cool.” Daphne had bounced up to them. “Do it Justin.” “I don’t know.” He hesitated. It would bring him more attention than he wanted at the moment. “Please, we could use some saleable art. And it is for a good cause.” Melanie had been watching the way her son kept Justin in sight at all times despite his age. “I think you’ve made a fan of Gus.” “Gus is special.” Justin said, he placed a finger in the boy’s hand, laughing out loud when Gus brought it to his lips almost as if he was kissing it. He looked at Melanie and Lindsay. “I’ll do it. I’ll put a few of my things in the art show. Who knows, maybe they’ll bring in a couple of dollars. “ “What changed your mind?” Lindsay asked. “Gus, how could I refuse him.” Justin laughed, kissed his finger and touched it to the boy’s forehead. “He does have a way of making you take him into your heart alright.” Melanie agreed. “Even Brian seems taken with him and that’s something I never thought I’d see.” “He’s his father.” Justin said. “There will always be that connection no matter where life takes them. Brian is a good man, Gus could have done much worse for a father.” “Do you see much of Brian?” Lindsay asked. “I mean…” she looked at Justin’s sketchbook. “No, I haven’t seen him since the day Gus was born.” Justin smiled. “But then, I’m in high school and Brian isn’t. We don’t actually hang out with the same people.” “Oh, we thought you and he…” Melanie began. “Yes, Brian and I have a relationship of sorts in an undefined sort of way.” Justin replied. “But we do have our own lives to live. Perhaps I’ll see him at your GLC show.” “Brian never goes to those kind of things.” Lindsay dismissed the idea. “I think he’ll be there this time.” Justin smiled. “Daphne and I are heading to the diner for a soda. It’s not far, do you want to join us.” “Not today, we’re on our way home, we’ve been shopping.” Lindsay pointed to the bags stashed in the tray under the stroller. “But maybe another time. Let me give you the number of the person to contact for your submissions.” “I can find it, don’t worry about it.” Justin smiled and taking Daphne’s hand, walked away leaving the two women to stare after them. “He’s very confident.” Melanie said as she watched Justin and Daphne disappear. “And Gus seems to like him.” “I like him too. I’m not sure why, but there’s something about him that reminds me of Brian.” Lindsay looked puzzled trying to understand something she wasn’t sure of. Justin was pleased with the meeting. It had gone according to plan, his plan, not that he’d ever let Daphne know. The thing about Brian was, that if he wanted him to be interested, he had to pretend disinterest to a point. It was all about knowing when to hold back and when to give in. He had also been pleased to see Gus. He’d never before had a connection with someone younger than himself. It was a responsibility he’d not wanted to take on before because it was a life commitment. “Are you really going to put your work in the show?” Daphne asked. “Yes I am.” Justin smiled contented with his lot in life for the moment. “I’m not sure what yet though. You’ll have to help me decide. Let’s stop in at the GLC on the way to the diner.” “Okay,” Daphne was enjoying herself. There was something kind of sinful about being on Liberty Avenue. It was all bright colors and same sex people. Street vendors and small shops filled with interesting things she’d never see anywhere else in the city.