Moonlight, Magic and Mystery – 19 Justin and Brian heard that Chris Hobbes, as well as his friend Evan, were missing. They didn’t really have time to dwell on it because their own lives were filled with enough drama. First, there was a dramatically staged take down of Stockwell and his henchmen. Solving a murder or two that had taken place during the course of the man’s reign was all part of it. While this was happening, Brian worked at opening his own agency. He barely had time to acknowledge Justin’s presence, let alone anything else. The man was more stubborn than anyone Justin had ever run into. He refused to use any Wahjee magic or allow Justin to use any during the set up. Even Gus and Phoebe were kept too busy to intervene in their father’s lives. Melanie was proving a less than ideal host for Phoebe. The baby’s forces, combined with Gus’, were constantly being used to keep Melanie from eating the wrong thing or overworking. Only by planting the threat of Brian and Justin in Melanie’s mind, did the woman slow down enough to listen to her inner self, which happened to be Phoebe. And now, now there was this. Brian lay on his back on the bed. Justin lay beside him, both of the staring at the ceiling. There were no dancing lights or even mysterious shadows. Ty sat on top of the dresser staring down at the two men. Killer, unable to stand the tension in the room, had retired to the roof top garden where he stared at the moon, hoping for some kind of advice. “Just have it checked out tomorrow. That’s all I’m asking.” Justin said more to the ceiling than to Brian. “I don’t need this shit right now.” For Brian knew, without doubt, that the lump Justin had found on his right testicle was more than just a cyst or scar tissue. “I’ll go with you to the doctor.” Justin offered. “I’m a big boy. I don’t need you to hold my fucking hand.” “Don’t be an asshole just because you can. I want to go with you.” Justin rolled over to put his head on Brian’s chest. “Whatever it is, we’ll deal.” He whispered. “I’ll deal. It’s nothing to do with you. It’s my body.” “I’m not even going to comment on that statement.” Justin said as his finger traced circles on Brian’s bare chest. A week later they knew that Brian had cancer. He was scheduled for surgery almost immediately. It was then Brian realized just how strong Justin was, something he was grateful for. Many times over the next few weeks he vowed he’d repay Justin somehow. “Hey, you packed my silk pajamas.” Brian was looking in the small case he was getting ready for the hospital. “Yep.” Justin handed him his toiletry kit. “You know how hot you’re going to look against cheap white cotton hospital sheets dressed in black silk? They’ll be talking about it for years.” “Hello – they’re removing one of my fucking balls.” Brian glared at him. “All the more reason to say fuck you to the world and insist on wearing black silk.” Justin kissed Brian on the cheek. “You are Brian Kinney and nothing is going to ever hold you down. You have more sex appeal in your little finger than 90 percent of most men. Losing a ball won’t even dim the appeal enough to notice.” Justin reached up and patted Ty. “When you get out of there, I’m taking you to Ibiza for a couple of days to recover from the surgery. You won’t be starting radiation for a week or two, you might as well do it with a nice tan.” “I can’t take time off to go to fucking Ibiza. I have a company to run.” “You also are a great manager and having an amazing team in place. Two weekends and five weekdays away from Kinnetik isn’t going to matter.” “You think you have an answer to everything. It’s not your fucking body.” Brian knew he sounded like a child but he couldn’t stop himself. “No, it isn’t my body, it’s yours.” Justin paused, he moved his hand down to Brian’s balls, cupping them despite his lover’s flinch. “But the problem is, I love you. I know you don’t believe in love, but I do. I love you and part of loving someone means that everything they feel, you do. Only you know what, loving someone so much, you feel what they do even more. Because not only do you feel their pain, their sorrow, their fear, you feel your own because you love that stubborn, annoying, beautiful person more than life itself. So shut the fuck up. I’m with you through this every step of the way, just like you’d be with me if the roles were reversed.” “I don’t want anyone to know about this.” Brian said after a long pause. His arm had crept out from under Justin to hold the blond close. “No one will know anything from me.” “I’m serious, this is between you and I.” Brian sighed. “Justin, I’m not used to sharing my….” He hesitated. “My pain with anyone.” “I know.” Justin reached up and kissed Brian tenderly. “I know.” Justin also knew that his lover needed to be in charge so he didn’t argue when Brian organized their stay in Ibiza. Instead he quietly packed their vacation bags and researched just what Brian was going to need for his week of recovery, making sure that everything was ready. He knew that the plane ride was going to take its toll on Brian, but he’d already checked with the man’s doctor, who agreed it was the best thing for him. Psychological healing helped physical healing more than people were aware. While Justin didn’t use his Wahjee powers lightly, he made sure that he had full access to Brian before and after the surgery. They didn’t talk, there was nothing much to say. Instead he quietly held Brian’s hand, letting his thumb rub his feelings for the man deep into his soul. When he was wheeled down the hall, Justin walked with him until he couldn’t go any further. And then he stood vigil, inches from the swinging doors, until he felt the surgery was over. Only then did he head back to Brian’s room to wait for his return. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Cynthia knew that Brian wasn’t taking time off just for a vacation. He’d drop dead from overwork first. So she knew whatever it was, was serious and she was going to do her damndest to make sure her employer and friend was able to take the time without any kind of interference from work or his friends and family. No matter what. “I want to talk to him.” Michael repeated for the fifth time. He’d already tried to barge into Brian’s office, surprised to find it locked. “He isn’t here.” She said patiently, once again. “Hey Michael.” Ted said as he rounded a corner. He handed a sheaf of papers to Cynthia. “These go in Brian’s office when you have a moment. But could you look them over first. You know how he hates it when I over do things.” “Sure Ted.” She smiled and took the papers from him. “Ted, I need to talk to Brian.” “Sorry Michael, but he’s away for a few days. I’m sure he’ll call you when he gets back.” “No one’s answering the phone at the loft.” Michael said, his voice accusatory. “Of course not, they’re away.” Ted was always patient with Michael. “Justin went with him? Who’s looking after the animals? I mean, they need to be fed and watered.” “I’m sure they’re fine.” Ted shook his head and turned to go back to his office. “I have work to do Michael, I’ll see you at the diner later.” But Michael wasn’t going anywhere without finding out where Brian was. It as his right as his best friend to know. “I need the number where he can be reached. His cell phone isn’t working.” “His cell phone is working fine. I spoke to him this morning.” Cynthia was running out of patience. “You are just going to have to wait.” “But Justin can’t be with him. Melanie is due to have the baby any day now. And what about Gus? What if something happens to Gus? Doesn’t Brian even care?” Cynthia stood up, her sudden movement menacing. “Get out of this office. If Brian had wanted you to know where he was going, you would have been told. And don’t you ever, and I mean ever, imply that Brian doesn’t care about Gus, or Justin about the new baby. Their lives do not now, nor have they ever, revolved around you.” “You can’t talk to me this way.” Michael flushed. “OUT – OF – THIS – OFFICE – NOW.” Cynthia had Michael by the arm as she marched him to the front door. “And don’t bother phoning.” She said as the door shut behind him. “Wow, remind me not to piss you off.” Ted laughed from the door of his office. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Gus was quiet during the day of his father’s surgery. Justin had explained what was going to happen, but he was still worried. He knew he wasn’t supposed to talk about it to his moms so he only had Phoebe to listen to his worries. It was a lot for a small boy to process, even if he was Wahjee. He didn’t understand why his daddy couldn’t just use his powers to make this thing go away. It didn’t make any sense to him that human illness could also affect Wahjee. He was going to make sure it didn’t when he grew up. It was one of many promises Gus had made to himself. He lay on his mothers’ bed, his eyes shut. They liked to think he was sleeping. Melanie lay there with him, her eyes fixed to the pictures on the wall. She hated this whole pregnancy thing and couldn’t believe she’d allowed herself to be talked into it. Never again had become her mantra, that she whispered to herself constantly. Her hands were at her sides, she refused to touch the bulge that was the baby. Hoping that if she didn’t feel it, it wasn’t there. Phoebe knew everything the woman was feeling and she couldn’t help but dislike her for it. It was something she’d worried about and had talked to Gus about when she’d been able to. He didn’t understand why anyone wouldn’t love her. He was filled with such love for everyone and everything. Which was why he was hurting for his father and for her father as well. All she could do was listen to him and wish she was out of this now tight and confining jail so that she could hold him close. As Xyndaix, she had been conceived with ancestral memories as had Gus. They knew things children shouldn’t need to know and things they should. It was another reason Xyndaix were taboo. This thing with her father and Gus’ was worrying, there wasn’t a lot she could do other than perhaps calm Brian’s mind. So she and Gus began to sing the ancient lullaby that comforted both of them. To Lindsay and Melanie the words were nonsense words, but the melody was pleasant. To Brian as he succumbed to the drug that would render him sleeping, the words filtering through his mind were oddly comforting and reassuring that he would survive this day to rule his kingdom once again. Justin spent the hours waiting for Brian, calming his mother and Brian’s mother down. If Brian had thought for one minute either of the two women wouldn’t have known about the cancer, he was crazy. Justin figured he done good keeping them away as long as he had. Brian was freaking enough without the two women trying to out mother each other. The women finally agreed to let Justin handle everything within minutes of Brian being wheeled into his room. “Hey, you look great.” Justin grinned. “Fuck off.” “No seriously, you look amazing. I mean you’re breathing and everything.” Justin leaned over the bed and kissed Brian’s lips thoroughly. “Operation breath, but not bad.” “Fuck off.” Brian shut his eyes, but there was a hint of a smile. “So the doctor said if you’re not doing anything weird, and if you can walk on your own even slowly., I can spring you out of here. He’ll give me legal and good drugs to keep you from having the screaming meemies until we reach Ibiza.” “You got him to agree to this?” Brian huffed a laugh, his eyes still shut. “I fucking have my ball cut out of me and you’re all for dragging my ass onto an airplane to fly to Ibiza. Are you trying to kill me?” Justin started to giggle. “Of course I’m not taking you to fucking Ibiza. I just let you work with Cynthia to keep you busy. We’re going to a nice little place that’s comfortable and out of the way, but not far. We can go to Ibiza later.” “You fucker.” Brian bit his lip to stop smiling. “You fucker.” Justin put the side of Brian’s bed down and crawled in with him. “Move over a bit.” “Fuck Justin, I just had surgery. I fucking hurt.” “No you don’t, you’re on drugs. You’re just being bitchy. Put your arm up, I want to cuddle.” “I don’t fucking cuddle.” But Brian’s arm went up and Justin slid under, his head in its usual spot on Brian’s chest. “That’s okay. I do.” Justin all but purred. “You know I think you’re incredibly sexy when you have bed head.” “I’m not going to comment.” Brian sighed, his left arm pulling Justin closer. “So when can I get out of here?” “Tomorrow by noon.” Justin sighed and fell asleep. He’d had a hell of a day. Half an hour later a nurse came in to check on Brian. He held his finger to his lips to shhhsh her. “He’s had a rough day, let him sleep.” Brian whispered. “But Mr. Kinney, weren’t you the one having cancer surgery?” she asked as she checked his vitals. “It was rather an emotionally stressful type of surgery.” “I know, look at him, it’s taken a lot out of the boy.” Brian kissed Justin’s forehead. “He’ll be okay with a couple of hours sleep.” “But Mr. Kinney.” “I know he should have his own bed, but he just can’t sleep alone.” Brian sighed. “When do I get another shot of the good stuff?” “Another two hours.” Her lips were pursed. “And not a minute before.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian needed to use all the inner strength he had, to sit in the wheel chair dressed in black silk. True to his word, Justin had sprung him from the hospital with a list as long as your arm of instructions, a bag filled with prescriptions and a hug from the doctor. Brian’s mind was still working its way around that one. He allowed himself to be helped into a rather comfortable limousine. It took more out of him than he realized it would and he sighed when he was able to relax back on the leather seats. “Where are we going?” he asked the driver. Justin was saying goodbye to the nurse who had accompanied them. “Shy Valley Ranch.” The driver grinned. “It’s a nice place. Rather exclusive, I’m sure you’ll like it.” “A ranch?” Brian asked. “It isn’t really a ranch. It’s more like a place to rest and recover your equilibrium if you’ve been under the weather.” “Well I guess I qualify.” “Hey Brian, how are you feeling?” Justin asked, as he slid in beside his lover. “Just peachy.” But his color was bad and his voice strained. Justin knew they had to get to the ranch as soon as they good. “Lean on me and rest, the drive will be over soon.” Justin smiled as Brian did as he was asked and leaned against Justin’s strong body. He took strength from the blond and he wanted the drugs he’d taken to smooth out the pain. Which they would, if he could relax. Brian couldn’t actually believe he did as he was asked. But something about Justin made him feel safe. He shut his eyes and relaxed into Justin’s body. It might have been the drugs or it might have been something more. He wasn’t sure. The drive to Shy Valley Ranch took thirty minutes. Justin was glad that he’d arranged for the limo, as the ride was remarkably smooth. Brian actually fell into a light sleep and Justin was able to relax. He wasn’t sure he was doing the right thing, keeping Brian’s illness quiet, but it was what Brian wanted. “We’re here.” Justin whispered in Brian’s ear. The next few minutes used up what was left of Brian’s strength. Justin helped him out of the limo and into a cabin that overlooked a lake. It barely registered to the sore man. What he did see was a king sized bed. He made a beeline for it while Justin settled with the limo and carried in their bags. Sinking into what had to be a feather mattress and pulling up a light as air down filled duvet, Brian closed his eyes and was immediately asleep. Justin paused for a moment in his settling in to check that Brian was doing okay. He put everything he’d need to care for the operation site in the drawer next to the bed. He doubted Brian had even thought of the fact that the dressing would have to be watched and kept clean. Slowly Brian’s face smoothed out, from pain filled wrinkles, Justin wouldn’t mention that part, to the smoothness of a cocooned sleep. He kissed him tenderly on the forehead and then went to see that the food he’d ordered had been delivered. The cabin was complete with kitchen. Justin knew that Brian would not want to go to a public dining room. Besides, this way he had the man all to himself. A quick email to Cynthia to let her know things were okay, the woman wasn’t stupid, she’d known it was serious. And then Justin allowed himself to relax. He stripped his clothes off and climbed into the bed beside the man he loved. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Melanie knew the birth of her baby was going to be within the next few days. It was a feeling she had deep inside, like she was going to lose something she hadn’t realized she was going to miss. Only now did she occasionally caress her belly. As if suddenly realizing that she had a baby growing inside of her. “Where is Justin?” she asked Lindsay. “He hasn’t been around lately.” “He was over a couple of days ago.” Lindsay said as she finished making supper. “He said something about taking Brian somewhere for a week of rest and relaxation. You know how hard Brian’s been working since he started Kinnetik.” “Blah, blah, blah. The great god Kinney has to work hard.” Melanie snorted. “Crap, what is that taste?” she asked, spitting into a tissue. She didn’t notice Gus sitting nearby. He’d filled her mouth with the taste of dog poop because she was talking mean about his daddy. Melanie leaned over the kitchen tap and tried to rinse out her mouth, spitting wildly. “What in heck is wrong?” Lindsay was concerned. “I don’t know, but mouth feels like it’s full of dog crap.” Gus giggled and buried his face in Doug’s fur to smother is laughter. He’d wanted to use that spell for a long time. Even Phoebe thought it was funny. Melanie was now swishing Listerine around in her mouth while Lindsay stood near her wringing her hands. “Maybe it’s a pregnancy thing, some kind of side effect or hormonal imbalance. We should call your doctor.” “Leave me alone.” Melanie waved her hand behind her. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian sat on a lounge chair, his chest bare and glistening with sun tanning lotion as were his face and legs. He was wearing a pair of cherry red silk boxers in deference to his wound. The sun felt wonderful on his face and body. Even though it was barely 48 hours since his surgery, he had to admit Justin’s idea had been a good one. He could sunbathe on their private patio while watching Justin lolling in the hot tub. They’d have to come back when he could use all of the facilities. But for now it didn’t matter. He was able to relax while receiving admiring glances from the staff. Which certainly didn’t hurt his ego. It had been hard to accept Justin as his resident nurse, who checked his wound and changed the dressings, emailing pictures to the doctor for further instructions. Apparently the doctor had been smitten by the blond. But once he’d gotten over the squick of it, everything went okay. He’d even managed to reduce the amount of pain medication. It was somehow easier to manage things in such a pleasant environment. “You look toasted, I think you should roll over.” Justin was standing beside him. “I didn’t notice you getting out.” Brian smiled up at the blond. “I did the other side already. I guess I’ll go in.” “Okay. I’m going to shower, join me?” Justin wiggled his bare ass. Bathing suits were an option in the hot tub. “I’ll wash your back.” Brian smirked. He lifted himself up off the soft chaise slowly. There was no point in pretending to feel any different than he did. Justin was on to him and had been for a long time. “I’d like that.” Justin put his arm around Brian. “Who knew that coconut oil could be an aphrodisiac.” He giggled, sniffing at Brian’s chest. “Brat.” Brian swatted his ass and then pulled him close. “Recovering from surgery here.” “I can’t help it. You’re sexy and I’m horny.” Justin wiggled, his hard cock bouncing in front of them. “Show off, my cock has been traumatized and you wave yours around.” Brian leaned over and kissed Justin’s ear. They joked and teased one another on the way to the shower. It wasn’t going to be their usual kind of shower, like the ones presurgery. Brian couldn’t really get the surgical site wet with soapy water, but they made do and managed to not only become clean, but to get Justin off as well. Justin was drying Brian off, enjoying the chance to do something for his man that Brian didn’t object to, when Ty popped into the bathroom. “Merrrroooow.” “Hey cat.” Brian laughed and braced himself for Ty’s leap up onto his shoulder. He barely flinched when the cat landed. “Now that you’ve seen I’m alive, pop your cat self back to Killer, you know he hates being alone.” “Hey Ty.” Justin laughed as he headed to the bedroom. “Will it wait for another few days?” “Will what wait?” Brian asked, following Justin. He put Ty on the bed before laying on it himself. Justin quickly changed the small dressing to a dry one, pleased at the way the wound was healing. It was done without comment as if everything was normal. Brian rather liked the efficient way Justin had of dealing with things. “Melanie is about to pop.” Justin laughed. “Ty was just giving us the heads up.” “I’m not even going to ask you how you know this.” Brian sighed and shut his eyes. Justin pulled a soft sheet up over him and kissed him on the nose. “She’s going to be having a few more days of cramping before she goes into serious labor. Or so Ty seems to think. He wanted us to know.” “I’m supposed to believe this?” Brian huffed and rolled over to bury his head in the soft pillow, luxuriating in the bed that seemed to wrap itself around him. Not quite as good as Justin’s arms, but he knew they would soon appear. Justin couldn’t let him sleep alone for any length of time. Ty jumped up to sit on the pillow by Brian’s head and began batting him on the ear with his paw. “Go away.” He pulled the sheet over his head. “I’m recovering.” “You’re doing fine. Pat your damn cat. He’s come a long way to see you.” Justin crawled between the covers, snuggling close to Brian. “He’s not staying. I think his story about Melanie was just an excuse to check on you. Ouch.” Justin hissed. Ty had leaned over and bit his ear. Brian snickered. It was almost twenty minutes before Ty had been placated enough to leave. Brian sighed. “I can’t believe the stupid cat was worried about me.” “Ty is a Wah cat, hardly stupid.” Justin wiggled until he was under Brian’s arm, his head on the man’s chest. “You’re doing way better than most people after surgery.” “It’s my nurse.” Brian smiled. “And the individual attention.” “Thank you, but it has a lot to do with you and your outlook, not to mention that when you do decide to relax, you don’t hold back.” “I like to think I do everything to the best of my ability, including relaxing.” The smirk was evident in his voice. “Good thing you don’t have a big ego.” Justin snorted. He let his hand caress Brian’s face before moving lower over the man’s body. “I got an email from the doctor.” “So did I.” Brian shut his eyes, he loved the sensation of Justin’s fingers tracing lines on his body. “They got everything. As soon as I’m healed, they can do the mapping for the radiation. I’ll be tattooed.” “It’s just a pin prick. No one will notice.” “I suppose not.” Brian sighed. “I’m not looking forward to the radiation stage.” “I heard that if you smoke up, you don’t get the full nausea thing. And it’s legal.” “No kidding. I’ll be first in line.” Brian chuckled. “I’ll share.” “I was hoping you would.” Justin was now fingering Brian’s cock. Playing with it, running his fingers through the fur at the base. “It’ll be nice when all parts of you work again.” “Maybe they never will.” Justin snorted. “Let me get my pity towel out. Of course you’ll be fucking me sooner than you think. You’re Brian Kinney for fuck sake and…. drum roll here. You have the hottest blond boyfriend in Pittsburgh.” Brian was almost asleep. There was something somehow comforting about Justin’s refusal to believe anything bad. He wished, and not for the first time, that he’d found the blond years before. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “For fuck sake Marcie, I’m not some god damned doll.” Frances struggled against his wife’s hand as she picked him out of the house she’d bought. “This is kind of fun.” Marcie was taking his clothes off. “Almost kinky in fact.” “Leave me alone. And do something about the fiddler, I’m seriously going crazy. If he doesn’t stop with the violin music, I’m going to kill him.” “He’s okay.” She smiled. “Look at the cute things I made you.” She showed him a pair of pants and a shirt. “Thanks.” He quickly dressed. He hated being miniature. “Have you talked to the council about getting this spell reversed?” “Yes, but they think it’s rather appropriate.” She giggled. “And said you have to be this way for thirty days. Also when the spell is reversed, you lose your watcher status. You’re going to have to get a regular job.” “I was working and you know it.” He turned away. “Look Marcie, I’m not proud of what I did, but I was thinking of the Wahjee. You know Justin was supposed to follow in his father’s footsteps so to speak. Wahjee traditions are centuries old.” “And therefore it’s about time we got rid of some of them. You know as well as I do that the celibacy thing was a crock of shit and always has been.” “I don’t know that.” “Well if you didn’t, you are stupider than I thought.” She picked him up and all but threw him back in the dollhouse before stomping out of the room. “Lover boy was thrown back like the toy he is.” Ethan laughed and played a jig on the violin. “Fuck off.” Frances glared. He put out his hand and made a small flame appear. He’d been practicing small bits of magic, slowly regaining his powers. It wasn’t something he wanted known though, and he regretted immediately showing off to violin boy. But the temptation to burn the fucking noise box was strong. “I bet Marcie would like to know about your little tricks.” Ethan smirked as held his violin close. “You touch my violin and she’ll know.” “You can’t threaten me.” Frances made himself stand tall and bristle. He felt like a Wah cat, trying to show how intimidating he could be. It wasn’t working as far as Ethan was concerned. “Fuck off, I’ve got nothing to lose except my violin – once that’s gone, I don’t really give a shit about anything. I’ll tell Marcie in a heartbeat.” With that said, Ethan headed for the part of the house he’d claimed for himself. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin knew when Phoebe was going to be born. He was closely tuned to his child, his baby, just as Brian was tuned to Gus. He wasn’t surprised when Brian started to pack their things a day early. “It’s time.” Justin said, his voice quiet with barely suppressed excitement. “I know.” Brian smiled over his shoulder at Justin. “We have time.” “I’m nervous.” Justin laughed at his shaking hands. “Welcome to my world witch boy.” Brian closed the suitcase. “I’m still sore, but I’m walking better. I don’t think anyone will notice.” “I’ll tell them I spent the week fucking your ass raw, everyone will understand.” Justin grabbed the suitcase. “The limo is here.” “I am Wahjee. I could pop your ass in with banjo boy.” Brian laughed. “Just smile pretty for our friends and look shy. It’ll be over before you know it.” Justin laughed. “Besides, the doctor said I could fuck you in a week.” “Like hell he did.” Brian shook his head. “Sure he did.” Justin grinned as he rubbed his hand on Brian’s ass. “It’s mine, all mine.” “Fucker.” Brian laughed. “I’m the one supposed to be traumatized by all of this. You’re my partner, you aren’t supposed to look on my misfortune as an opportunity.” “Yeah, but you have to admit, if your cock isn’t working, your ass is still available. You wouldn’t want me to do without. I mean a good loving partner would be accommodating.” Brian climbed into the rear of the limo. Justin followed behind him. They sat for a moment on either side of the big rear seat. And then Brian lifted his one arm, Justin grinned and scooted over finding his place, under the protection of the man he loved. They managed to arrive within minutes of Phoebe being born. Gus was sitting in the waiting room with Lindsay, his cat Doug, in toy form clutched tight to his chest. “I don’t remember it hurting so much when I was born.” He whispered to Justin. “It won’t be long.” Justin whispered back. “But she’s being squeezed and squeezed.” “That’s the way it works Sonnyboy.” Brian patted him on the head. Gus sighed. “She’s out.” He crowed with triumph and then clapped his hands over his mouth, looking around to see if anyone heard him. But Lindsay was busy on the telephone. “I think we’re in for a wild ride.” Brian laughed as he kissed Justin. “Congratulations daddy.” “Hmmmm, I could come to like being called daddy.” Justin giggled. “Are you my pretty boy?” he asked Brian, batting his lashes. Brian laughed; Gus looked at them in puzzlement. They all turned to the nurse who was coming to tell them that Phoebe had been born.