It’s Only Time-2
Author: Elsarose
Summary: after 513 – Justin has an epiphany on the way to the airport.

“Just put your stuff in the room over there.” Daphne’s cousin indicated a small bedroom at the end of the hallway. “I’m Jake.”

“I sure as hell hope so. Or else I’m in the wrong apartment.” Justin grinned. Jake looked serious but said nothing. “Ooookaaay.” Justin hauled his duffel bag into the bedroom. He spent the next few minutes making the room look like he lived there.

“The mail on the dresser is for you.” Jake said as he looked in on Justin. “I figured that since you were coming this week, I’d save it for you.” He’d been sending Justin’s mail on to Britin. 

“Hey thanks.” Justin picked the mail up and began to look through it. “Not much here except my bank statement and a bunch of junk.” 

“It’s the age of email.” Jake shrugged and turned away. “Are you sure you’re doing the right thing?”

“When you meet Brian, you’ll understand. He’s older than I am. Because he doesn’t think he deserves to be loved, he’s forever pushing people away, especially me. When he isn’t pushing me away, he’s doing his damndest to make me live my life the way he thinks is best for me. And when he isn’t doing that, he’s trying to ease my stubborn way with gifts of one thing or another that cost a fortune.”

“And this is a bad thing?” Jake snorted.

“Yes, it is. I love Brian because he’s Brian. I don’t give a shit if he has money. And because we’ve been together since I was seventeen, he still thinks of me as a kid. A kid he has to look after. I need to prove to him that I’m as much a man as he is. That I can live my own life and be successful in my own way.” <i>It’s only time</i> the words were loud in Justin’s mind, though they’d been said softly at the time. And he remembered the pain in Brian’s eyes, though the older man had struggled to hide it. 

“Show time.” Jake laughed when the buzzer rang, indicating someone wanted in. 

“Brian.” Justin threw himself in his lover’s arms when Brian reached their landing. 

“Whoa” Brian laughed, reveling in having Justin in his arms. “Hey, you’re harder.” His voice was teasing, but surprisingly he meant it. Justin’s arms and shoulders were firm. No longer was there a padding of softness that he’d come to expect. 

“In more places than my arms.” Justin wiggled his eyebrows. 

“Eh em.” Jake cleared his throat for attention. 

“Brian, this is Jake. It’s his apartment.” Justin managed to say before he kissed Brian again. 

The older man signaled hello with his eyes and winked before letting himself be overtaken by Justin’s lips. 

“Huh, guys, I have people coming over soon. I thought you were going to some hotel.” Jake didn’t really have anyone, but he suspected Brian would catch on quickly that Justin didn’t live here if he spent any length of time in the place. 

“Sorry Jake.” Justin blushed. He grabbed his messenger bag and Brian picked up the ever present duffel bag, a bag he was beginning to hate. “I’ll call you later.”

“No problem. Nice to meet you, Brian.” Sarcasm barely dripped from the words. And Brian snickered as he pulled the door closed behind him. 

“Your roomie seems glad to see you go.” Brian said as they walked down the stairs to the street.

“I don’t think he was up for a rousing bout of reunion sex.” Justin laughed. “He’s not into sex all that much. Daphne says he’s asexual.” 

“Weird, that’s all I have to say.” Brian signaled for a cab and one instantly appeared. 

“How do you do that?” Justin asked as he climbed in. “I never can get one to stop.” It was something that had driven him crazy in the few days he’d spent in New York with Sven and his family. He ended up always taking DJ with him just to make sure he could get around the city doing Sven’s errands. 

“Magic?” Brian joked, pulling Justin close. 

“Fool.” Justin wiggled closer. “Is the hotel far?” 

“Not too far. I actually found one close to the building your boss’ sculpture is being placed in.” 

“Great, because I thought I’d be done by now, but it’s going to be another day. The opening ceremony is the day after tomorrow.”

“Do we attend?” Brian asked, nuzzling Justin’s neck.

“I’d really like to.” Justin said with a sigh of pleasure. “If you don’t mind. It almost feels like something I’ve done, though Sven was responsible for the design. I had a hand in its execution. I’m rather proud of what I’ve done. Plus,I did some pretty good sketches of the whole process. The insurance company bought five of them. They’re going to be hung in the same foyer as the sculpture.”

“No kidding.” Brian looked pleased. “I hope you charged them a mint for Justin Taylor original.” 

“Five hundred each. I didn’t want to sell them. I mean they were really just for practice, but the rep insisted, so I said five hundred and damned if he didn’t write me a check.” Justin laughed. “Since then I’ve been kicking myself for not asking more.” 

“Next time, double the price.” Brian advised. He was proud of Justin for taking the opportunity that had presented itself and making money from it.

“I’ll see.” Justin laughed. “I have two pieces in a gallery in Chelsea. Sven’s agent placed them for me. I met him yesterday and he took me on. I hope you don’t mind, I sent the contract to your legal department to check out, they said it was okay.”

“I don’t mind. I’m surprised they never said anything.” Brian was wondering why nothing had been said. 

“Ted said he’d tell you. I guess he didn’t have a chance.” Justin shrugged. “I called to ask if it was okay, but your phone was turned off. And then I got too busy.” 

“It’s okay Justin, my law department is your law department.” He laughed. “I’ll send you a bill.” 

“Actually Ted already did. I sent him the money already.”

“He didn’t fucking bill you?” Brian was incredulous.

“Of course he did. I asked him too. It wasn’t that I couldn’t afford legal advice, it was just that I didn’t know anyone except Melanie and well.”

“I get the point.” Brian huffed a laugh. “But you didn’t have to pay for legal advice from Kinnetik.”

“Of course I did.” Justin stroked Brian’s cheek. “You still don’t understand me.” The words were whispered, and almost lost to Brian as he negotiated the taxi fee and hauled Justin from the cab. 

Brian, unusually quiet, led Justin to the elevator. He couldn’t seem to make Justin understand that doing things for him, wasn’t because he was trying to manage his partner’s life, but rather, because he loved him. It was something that had been coming up in their relationship right from the first. It made sense to him that if he had money, then it was also Justin’s money. In fact, he’d made sure of it in all ways legally possible. Not that he dared to tell Justin this. 
They were almost at their room when Justin’s phone rang. “Hi.” He said wondering why Klaus was calling him. 

“Sorry to bother you Justin, but the juniper’s arrived early, do you want them planted now, or should I wait for you?” Klaus liked Justin and loved that he seemed to care for the house and grounds as much as he did.

“No, keep them going, I’ll help.” Justin smiled; he’d been waiting for the plants. “What about the clematis, is it blooming yet?” 

“Not yet, but in a day or two.” They’d built an arbor lined in white and mauve clematis; it was going to be the backdrop for a sculpture Justin was working on. 

“Cool, thanks for calling. I’ll help you when this weekend is over.” Justin hung up, he was smiling and grinned even wider at Brian’s puzzlement. “I’m helping a friend with a garden.” 

“In New York?” Brian huffed. “Right.

“For your information Brian, New York isn’t all city sidewalks and paved parking lots.” Justin was pushing him toward the bed that dominated the room. “But forget about that now, I have plans for you partner and they don’t involve gardens.” 

Brian smiled as he allowed himself to be overpowered by Justin. The blond may have some new muscles, but he still wasn’t a match for Brian. They were both panting from a well deserved and well coordinated fuck when Justin’s phone rang again. “I don’t believe this Sunshine, you make me turn my phone off and here yours is ringing like a teenage girl.” 

“I’ll ignore it.” Justin snuggled closer to Brian and pulled a pillow over his ears to block the ring. But the ringing continued, you could tell it would go to voice mail, disconnect and the ringing would start again. “Fuck.” Justin groaned. “It has to be Sven, he’s the only person I know more stubborn than you.” He leaned over the bed to fumble for his phone in the pocket of his pants. “Sven, fuck off, I don’t work for eight more hours.”

“Is that anyway to talk to your employer?” Sven asked with a booming laugh that Brian could hear clearly. “You need to get to the job site, the fucking sculpture is leaning, apparently the bastards didn’t follow your instructions for providing a proper base. If we don’t get some support under it, the fucking piece is going to be “On a Bad Day” instead of “On a Good Day.” He paused. “Of course, maybe it’ll crush that slimy little grub Stewart into paste. I bet it was him who cut back on the supports.” 

“What the fuck am I supposed to do at this time of night?” Justin was sitting up and putting on his pants with one hand, much to Brian’s amusement. “I gave Stewie the specs two weeks ago. He even sent me pictures of the support pad. And the city inspector signed off.” 

“Well fuck, the inspector is probably Stewie’s cousin. I know the pictures looked good, but how do we know they were from our site?” 

“Good point, I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Justin was about to hang up when.… 

“Tell that hubby of yours to go with you. You shouldn’t be on the streets of the big city in the middle of the night. I’ll meet you there with DJ, Dougie and Liam, the others will only get in the way.”

“Jesus, does that guy always shout into the phone like that?” Brian asked as he pulled out a pair of jeans. 

“That’s his normal voice Brian. The man is a giant. When I say Norse God, I wasn’t kidding.” Justin looked over at Brian who was almost dressed. “You really don’t have to go with me. I’m perfectly capable of catching a cab. Not to mention I don’t know how long this is going to take.”

“Not a chance Sunshine. I have to meet this Viking who interrupts our reunion sex.” Brian’s grin was crooked and Justin’s heart filled with warmth. He loved having his partner be part of his life. He knew in a similar circumstance, he’d want to go with Brian, so he didn’t argue.

“Okay, but no whining. This is going to be work and if you’re with me, you’re working.”

“Whining, I never whine.” Brian huffed, trying to pretend that he was insulted. 

As usual, they’d barely stepped onto the sidewalk when Brian flagged down a passing taxi. Justin climbed in and gave the address. 

“That building is closed this time of night.” The driver protested. 

“Ahhh, but we’re going to break in and steal something.” Brian snarked. His tone of voice told the driver not to ask any questions. Justin was feeling the effect of his reunion sex, his eyes kept closing with the passing lights and he leaned on Brian’s shoulder. 

Brian kissed the top of Justin’s head, relaxing in the warm taxi until it pulled up in front of a new building that was surrealistic in its design. “Something different.” He muttered. 

Justin woke up and rubbed his eyes. “Cool, we’re here. It looks different in the middle of the night.”

“Where’s the famous sculpture?” Brian asked. 

“Inside, which is kind of outside, inside.”

“Now that makes sense in a perverse sort of way.” Brian grinned as he paid the driver. 

“Justin, Justin,” Two young boys ran up to him. “Dad’s totally freaking.” Jessie and Liam were both grinning with excitement. “Dougie and DJ are keeping the Viking calm. Ma is on the phone with Stewie and Angel refuses to put his coat on because you aren’t here. He’s such a little freak.” They said, one after the other. 

Brian looked amused. “Sven’s kids?” he asked.

Justin nodded as he started to walk quickly toward the main entrance of the building. The boys had run ahead. “Sven takes the kids everywhere with him, he’s big on family, but I thought he was leaving most of them behind tonight. As a group they’re kind of overwhelming. Inside the building, Brian could see what Justin meant. The main lobby was exposed to the outside by a grand open ceiling. Water flowed down the walls to gather in a wide pond. “The water provides the temperature regulation for the building.” Justin said. “Shit.” In a prominent spot in the center of the foyer, was a large and imposing sculpture, that while stylized, clearly represented a family. It was gargantuan and definitely leaning, almost haphazardly. The ground to the left of the statue had fallen away in a kind of sinkhole, clearly not what was required for support.

Brian was amazed at the size of the thing. He couldn’t begin to comprehend the weight. He watched as Justin quickly organized a giant of a man with white blond hair in two thick braids, as well as a teenage girl and four boys. They’d all been flapping around the statue in a panic. In no time at all, Justin had them calm, his cell phone out, he arranged for reinforcements. And soon the site, while busy with hard hat wearing burly looking men, taking care of the situation, had an organized calm around it. 

Sven walked over to Brian, towering and impressive. “The kid saved the day once again. I don’t know how he does it, but damned if he doesn’t always managed to make things work out. Before he came to work for me, I was about to give up ever doing one of these big commissions again. It wasn’t worth the pain and hassle. But Justin never gets in a flap. He even has the kids working like a team, the team I’d always envisioned but never could make happen. Angel, he’s the youngest, adores him. No doubt the little bugger is gay, though he’s only three, but damned if he doesn’t have a king sized crush on your husband. I’m Sven by the way, I hope you’re Brian. I mean I’ve seen your picture a thousand times in all states of dress and undress, so it’s hard not to know you.”

“I’m Brian.” The overwhelmed partner of Justin Taylor managed to gasp. “Is he always like this?” he nodded to where Justin stood on a platform, directing the rescue.

“Pretty much.” Sven said. “I might be big, but no one pays the least amount of attention to me. Justin on the other hand, he whispers and every one jumps to do his bidding. It’s got to be a gift. One of his smiles and the most miserable bastard around lowers his voice and does as he’s told. Justin not only met the deadline I had set, but brought it forward by a week, because he said he was sick of not seeing you.”

“He’s shown determination since the day I met him.” Brian chuckled. “He decides what he wants and goes after it.”

“That he does.” Sven agreed. “Walk over here with me. He did five sketches while we were building that piece of metal. They’re hanging over here.” 

“Sketches, they’re huge.” Brian gaped at five framed sketches each more than six feet square.”

“Yes, not your usual sketch pad things. I had this paper made for me. I like to draw out what I’m going to make in something of size. Justin’s eyes glowed when he saw the paper. How could I say no to someone who looks on paper like a jewel?” He laughed. “He sold them to the company and they’ll hang here for the world to see.” He pointed to a brass plaque attached to each frame. “With his name clear. What better marketing of his skill? He not only gets paid for them, but he also gets tremendous publicity.”

Brian stepped closer, he was fascinated by the sketches, they showed Sven and his family as well as Justin himself in the building of the sculpture. There was even a sketch of Sven’s original sketch of the project. On each picture, near the bottom, were the initials <i> I O T </i> and Justin’s signature. Brian wondered what the initials meant and then decided it had to do with the subject matter, dismissing the question from his mind. “Justin knows the value of marketing.” Brian said tongue in cheek. He stood back, taking in the vast expanse of indoor/outdoor space. “It’s unusual to have this much open space in this city.”

“The insurance company that owns the building is trying to establish a president for a <i>green</i> building. The value of the land is really nothing compared to the value back they’ll receive for what this land represents. It is a complete geo thermal heating and lighting system built into the very structure of the building. Uses solar power, water, and the earth’s own resources. That’s partially what my sculpture is all about. Your husband saw that immediately. He’s a good worker and learns quickly. I’ve given him studio space to develop something of his own. He says it’s for his own private collection, but perhaps he’ll like the media well enough to do something for sale. He’s building a steady name for himself already.” 

Justin came running up to Brian and Sven. “It’s all done for now Sven. The work crew are adding ready made concrete supports so we don’t have to wait for the stuff to dry. The site should be available to us for final tweaking later today, about four they figure. Everything will be done before the grand unveiling.”

“As it should be, kid.” Seven ruffled Justin’s hair, making the blond squirm. “You take this handsome boy of yours back to his hotel. You can join us all for a late lunch right here at three. I’m sure the two of you can find something to occupy yourselves until then.” 

Brian’s eyebrows had risen at being called Justin’s “boy”. He threw his arm around the blond’s shoulder and led him away before Justin could say another word. “Later Sven” Brian called as he led them both through the entrance doors and outside to a taxi that seemed to appear out of nowhere. 

“An interesting way to spend the night. I see now why you haven’t had time to go clubbing.” Brian was exhausted; he had no idea how Justin had managed to be on top of his game at the Frankel Building job site. 

“No shit.” Justin was quiet for a minute. “Hey, how do you know I haven’t been clubbing?” 

“Because you answer your phone whenever I call and the only sound is your breathing, not to mention the lengthy yawns.” Brian actually felt almost too tired to kiss the young man who was now sitting so close he was almost on top of him.

“Well now that this damn project is done, I might find time to go clubbing. But I think I’ll sleep for a week first. Between Sven and the kids, did you know the littlest one, Angel has some kind of fixation on me. I have to read him a story every night before I go home?”

“I heard he was in lust over you.”

“Ewe Brian, he’s only three.” 

“Yes, I suppose he’s too young to date.” Brian laughed. “But I’ve learned from experience to never underestimate blond twinks, even twinks in training.” 

“I’m hungry.” Justin said, ignoring Brian’s comments. 

“I’ll call ahead to the hotel and order room service. By the time we get there it should be ready.” Brian was in no mood to find a place to eat, especially with the sun starting to rise over the skyscrapers. 

“Now I know why I love you.” Justin all but hummed in pleasure. “You are resourceful when it comes to feeding me.” 

“I thought it was because of my big cock.” Brian said as he punched in the number for the hotel. 

“That too.” Justin shut his eyes and listened to Brian order him eggs and bacon and pancakes. He even ordered enough for two which was unusual. But then again, Brian may have learned that he needed to keep his strength up when they were together.

At the hotel, both men were using residual strength to make their way to their room. They had no sooner arrived than breakfast was delivered. 

“Great idea, Brian.” Justin pulled up a chair to the table that had been wheeled in. “I can’t believe you’re eating with me.” 

“It’s six in the morning Sunshine. We have a date at three and I need to fuck you at least once or twice until then. I need my strength.” Brian took his plate and sat beside Justin. “There are times, not often, when I actually like the taste of bacon and eggs.” He grinned his lopsided grin at Justin. “You know, I was darn proud of you tonight. If that’s the right word. You look sexy in a hard hat and damned sexy climbing around the construction, order the crews about, ordering that giant you work for. I saw the sketches you made. The detail was exceptional, though I’m not sure why you drew them.”

“I sketch to relax.” Justin shrugged as he finished off his breakfast. “The foundry is something I’d never experienced before. And the Torolov family, well they’ve become kind of special. Kind of like you feel about Debbie and Mikey, they’re family to me.”

“Deb and Mikey are family to you.”

“Not really, not the way Sven and Tini and the kids are. They’re my friends, not friends I’ve glommed on to through you. It’s different.” 

Brian was silent, his half eaten breakfast growing cold. He’d never thought of it the way Justin did. He wondered just how many other things he’d taken for granted in his partner’s life with him in Pittsburgh. “I’m tired, too tired to shower. You’re going to have to sleep with me all sweaty.” 

“My favorite way to sleep with you.” Justin put the covers on the breakfast plates and wheeled the table outside their room. He put a do not disturb sign on the door handle, turned off the lights and led Brian to bed. “Not too tired for a bit of sex I hope.”

“I might be able to arrange that.” Brian huffed a laugh. They stood on either side of the bed. Each one stripping in the light of the early dawn sky, before getting back into the bed they’d been so rudely disturbed from earlier. Like a well-rehearsed dance they came together. Brian couldn’t help but think how pleasurable it was to make love to someone who was so familiar that he could touch all the right spots and make him purr, even when they were both bone tired. 

Wrapped closely together, they fell into a dreamless sleep only to be wakened two hours later by the ringing of Justin’s phone. “If it’s Sven and gang I’m going to kill him. I don’t care if he’s a giant.” Brian muttered into Justin’s neck. 

“It’s Daphne’s ring.” Justin laughed. He was tired, but he was used to short bursts of sleep, it was all that had kept him going since he started to work for the Norseman. “Hey Daphne.” He said rolling back into Brian’s arms. Brian pulled a duvet up over his shoulders. It was an instinctive thing, he didn’t even need to open his eyes to know that Justin was uncovered and chilled.
“Yes, great reunion sex, but Sven had me working most of the night. I took Brian with me so he could see that I do occasionally work.” Justin giggled when Brian gently pinched his nose. 

“We’re in bed now.” Justin turned. “Daphne says hi.”

“Hi Daphne, goodbye Daphne.” Brian took Justin’s phone and closed it. “Now, where were we, oh yes, you were going to blow me.”

“I was sleeping.”

“And now you’re going to blow me. It all works.” Brian pushed on Justin’s head, moving him lower.

“You know, for my partner you’re very demanding.” Justin mumbled, moving down Brian’s body, nipping and licking, his goal visibly larger and obviously damp with anticipation.

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

At three, after a quick shower, Brian found himself sitting on a lawn chair in the open lobby of the Frankel Building. The sculpture was in place and looked as if it had stood there forever. He could barely take his eyes off it as he immersed himself in the simple complexity that was Sven Torolov’s talent. He could see why Justin was so enamored at working with the man. Justin was close, sitting in his own lawn chair holding court for the six Toralov children, while Sven and Tini organized enough food for a small army. It was obvious that the children, some of whom weren’t much younger than Justin, considered him a friend and part of the family. They asked him questions and respected his answers. A couple had sketchpads and referred to Justin for advice. The youngest one, Angel sat on Justin’s lap, his head on his partner’s chest, idly playing with Justin’s right hand. 

Brian started when he realized the boy was actually massaging Justin’s hand as if he were a first class physiotherapist. He wondered if it was something that came naturally, or if he’d been taught. He watched fascinated as the small fingers poked and prodded, stretching and manipulating Justin’s hand and wrist. 

“He’s good at it isn’t he?” Tini said, taking the chair beside Brian. “The first day he saw Justin’s hand cramp, he ran over and began to work the muscles. It was like he knew just what to do. Now every chance he gets, he works his magic on Justin’s hand. Angel says it’s getting better because he puts love into the hand. It’s been going on each day Justin is with us, whenever he sits and relaxes. I’m sure he doesn’t even notice by now.  Though Sven tells me that his favorite apprentice can last up to an hour sketching, so I have to think that it’s a good thing.”

Brian wasn’t sure what to say. Justin seemed happy here in New York. He’d made himself new friends and found a new family, while at the same time developing his artistic skills. Brian was satisfied that he’d made the right decision in pushing Justin in the direction of the city.

Angel was now talking on Justin’s cell phone. “Who’s he talking to?” Brian asked Tini.

“Oh probably Gus, Angel and Gus have quite the long distance relationship.” She laughed. “I’m sure Justin brought them together just to get some peace. Gus was calling him all the time and Angel was forever asking questions. Gus is a bit older than Angel, but they seem to be on the same wavelength. Perhaps they’ll meet at Christmas if Gus comes down from Canada.”  

“You never know.” Though Brian didn’t think Gus would be stopping in New York. “If not then, then the summer.”

“True enough, children always find time to join the other parent in the summer months.” She smiled and stood up. “The buffet lunch is ready. If you want anything, you’d better help yourself now before these boys start. It’s like filling hollow logs.”

Later, when Brian had Justin once again naked and in bed, not to mention thoroughly sated, he asked. “You trying to fix Gus up with Angel?” 

Justin laughed, though his laugh was close to a giggle. “It seemed like a safe bet. It keeps me sane, apparently he learned how to program my number into his phone. His father, not mentioning any names, showed him how.”

“Shit, I did.” Brian laughed. “I had him do mine as well. He is four. You never know when he might need some manly advice.”

“Riiiiight. And how many times does he call you a day?” 

“Hardly ever.” Brian said, his voice a bit sad.

“Well, he calls me more than two or three. Angel was intrigued, so it seemed like a no brainer to introduce them.” 

“The phone bills must be high.” Not that Brian cared, he’d be glad to help either Justin or Lindsay with the bill if his son was happy.

“Not really, we’re both on a plan of unlimited hours.” Justin sighed. “I’m so glad we have this weekend together. I wish we had unlimited hours.” 

“Now that the Norse contingent is satisfied, we’ll have all the hours until my plane leaves on Monday morning.” 

Justin wiggled even closer to Brian. “I’m glad. I don’t want to go outside of this room until you leave for the airport.”

“Won’t you get hungry?” Brian asked with a laugh.

“That’s what room service is for. Now blow me, my lips are worn out.”

Brian laughed, but thought why not, as he blew raspberries on Justin’s skin, the lower he went. “Like this he asked?” getting a playful swat on his head in answer.

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

Justin lay in bed, Brian’s side growing cold. His lover had left an hour before, heading back to Pittsburgh. He hated that he couldn’t be where he truly wanted to be, with Brian, sharing their life at home, at Britin. Instead he had to get up, dress, check on the gallery that would take three of his paintings for a show in a month. And then drive back to Britin alone. 

He was finished before noon. It was time to leave the city. Justin figured that his maximum stay in New York was five days. More than that and he had serious home withdrawal. He pulled into an easy access McDonalds to stock up on traveling food. So he was able to answer his phone when it rang. “Hey Brian.” He all but purred.

“Are you still in the hotel?” Brian laughed, “You sound very satisfied with yourself.”

“No, I’m up and about. The hotel lost a lot of its appeal when a certain tall dark and handsome gentleman checked out.” Justin joked. “I’m at McDonalds having lunch.”

“Ahh, the food of the Gods.” Brian laughed. “And to think I missed it.”

“You’re probably going to join your friends at the diner, just like you do almost every day.” Justin laughed. “I expect you’ll order the same turkey sandwich, coffee and steal your best friend’s fries.”

“Am I that predictable.” Brian asked, almost insulted. “I sound like Theodore.”

“Well, if the suit fits.” He laughed. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”

“And what does the rest of your day consist of Sunshine?” 

“I’m going to finish my lunch, and head home. Do some laundry and work on a painting I started last week. I’m having three paintings being shown in a month in an emerging artists show. I have one done, but need two more. And then tomorrow I’m back at the Funny Farm. Sven doesn’t need me until he starts something large again. But I’m going to use his stuff for that piece I was telling you about. And the guy who does blown glass wants a helper for a couple of weeks. He has a big show coming up. I’ve never worked in that medium and while I don’t think it’s for me, it would be nice to have a two week immersed course though.”

“Don’t burn yourself.”

“I have no plans on throwing myself in the flames.” Justin snickered. From the background sounds coming from Brian, he could tell his partner had arrived at the diner. “Say hi to Deb and the gang for me.” 

Brian huffed. “Later Sunshine”, before he closed his phone. The diner was just like he’d last left it. Filled with the gays of Liberty Avenue and prevailed over by Queen Deb. His lunch with Sven and family had been different for him. He and Justin were very much a couple, and yet there was no gay agenda in the group. Justin was part of their family and as such, so was Brian. No one made any question or comment on anyone’s sexuality, they were all just family and friends having lunch.

Inside the diner, Debbie was railing on about something. Brian winced, hoping she wouldn’t notice him until he sat down. 

“Hey Brian, it’s about time you showed up.” She walked over to him. “Michael said he couldn’t find you. He’s been calling you all weekend.”

“And I wasn’t answering all weekend. Imagine that.” Brian sat down alone in a booth. He almost hoped it would stay that way. 

“Your usual?” she asked, pouring him a mug of coffee. 

“No, I’ll have a tossed salad with a grilled chicken breast. Dressing on the side.” He watched her face as she digested his changed order. 

“I’ll put the order in. He’s your best friend you know. You could be a little nicer to him.” 

“I’m nice to Justin.”

“No, I mean Michael.”

“Michael is my childhood friend Deb, but Justin is my ‘best’ friend if you have to categorize friendship.”

“What the hell?” she glared at him. 

“You heard me.” Brian stared at her. “I’m no longer in high school Deb, neither is Mikey. We’ve grown up. He has Ben, I have Justin. I’d like to think that Mikey thinks of his husband as his ‘best’ friend. I mean, think about it. If something were to happen to me, it would be my partner, Justin who would look after my affairs, me, Gus. I’m sure Mikey has made the same arrangements in his life.” 

“What arrangements?” Michael slipped into the booth opposite Brian.

“Brian says that he’s made Justin in charge of his affairs in case something should happen to him. He says you’ve probably done the same for Ben.” Deb smacked her gum.

“Why would I do that?” Michael looked puzzled. “Why would Justin be in charge of your stuff? I’m your best friend.” 

“For fuck sake, we aren’t in school Mikey. Justin’s my partner. I love him. Of course he has my power of attorney. He’s joint owner with me in everything I do, just like I am for anything he does. We might not be married, but we are as good as.” He leaned forward. “Surely to God you’ve made the same arrangements for your fucking husband.” 

“I think Ben put me on his medical at the University.” Michael shrugged. “Justin doesn’t have anything, it’s easy for him to say you have half.” 

“You aren’t listening Mikey. What Justin and I share is no one’s business but ours. We’re partners, we’re friends. He comes first in my life, I come first in his.” Brian couldn’t believe he was having this conversation. “Deb, if you aren’t going to put my lunch order in, I’m leaving. I can pick up something on my way to Kinnetik.” 

“Don’t get your panties in a knot.” Deb said as she headed to the kitchen. 

“Brian, what’s wrong with you? Is it Justin? He’s been gone more than a month. He’s moved on with his life, you should do the same. I tried to find you this weekend, but you weren’t answering your phone. And my key doesn’t work at the loft.”

“I was with Justin this weekend. Not that it’s any of your business. Justin and I changed the locks on the loft a couple of months ago. Again, none of your business.” Brian played with his mug of coffee, wondering how he’d managed to not see what he’d done to his life. He’d thought he was in control of everything he did. And yet Mikey had another agenda, even though he was supposed to be married. He missed Justin more than ever. Justin would be able to figure this out.