Lois, thank you for the beta...you are the greatest!
Chapter 37 – So It Begins Thursday Evening…(Day 32) Brian stood there watching as Justin’s plane taxied to its gate, and he felt himself exhale a breath, he hadn’t realized that he was holding. For just a moment, Brian felt the world right itself once again on its axis…at least his world anyway. Watching the blond hair and familiar smile approaching, caused Brian to finally smile. And a few minutes later, finding himself hugged a little tighter than usual by his partner, made Brian almost forget about the stares he knew they received. “Hey,” Justin whispered quietly into his ear. “Hey yourself,” Brian said, leaning back slightly to get a better look at Justin. They quickly made their way back to the car. Once inside, Brian reached across and pulled Justin into a passionate kiss. Justin yielded into the kiss until the need for air caused them take a quick breath, and they immediately resumed kissing each other again. “Welcome back,” Brian said, trying to remember how to breathe. “I’ve missed you,” Justin added followed by sigh. “I can tell,” Brian teased, reaching over to gently grasp Justin’s hand. Justin responded to Brian’s touch, and he let their fingers gently lace together. “I thought we would go to the loft since it’s closer,” Brian said, as they were driving out the airport exit. Then he smirked. “Unless, of course, you did something while you were in New York that we need to discuss in a hot tub,” Brian said with a laugh. “It’s true, we’re probably going to need to get into the hot tub…just so you can try to talk your way out of that ‘maybe I’ll tie you to the bedpost’ comment you made this morning,” Justin teased in response “You know, I’ve been imagining you in that tied-up condition all day. The only interruption to the fantasy, of course, is the fact that I know you.” “What’s that suppose to mean?” “Knowing you and your constant need to be fed, posed a real obstacle to sustaining my fantasy.” “Speaking of feeding me…can we pick up something? I haven’t eaten anything since early afternoon.” “But you promised me one of your masterful blowjobs. Food is not going to get you off the hook! Stop worrying, we still have time to have something delivered. Is Thai ok?” Justin nodded. “So how was New York? I guess, you got your futon? I hope, it’s really comfortable.” “It really is a nice touch to my studio. We’ll have to make plans to christen it,” Justin said with lusty eyebrow movements for emphasis. Brian couldn’t contain his laugh. As they continued the drive to the loft, Justin leaned across and slid his right hand inside Brian’s shirt and leaned his head against Brian’s shoulder. It was a simple gesture, but this was the contact that Justin had missed all week. “I love the feel of you,” Justin whispered. For just a moment Brian leaned his head over to gently touch the top of Justin’s head. Brian kept driving, but he could feel the heat every place that Justin caressed. “You have no idea how much I missed this.” “I think that I do. I’ve missed you too. But Sunshine, I’m driving here.” “Yeah?” “Stop that!” Brian demanded as Justin’s caresses started to wander to interesting places within reach. “I need to get to the loft in one piece…I have definite plans for you.” Justin reluctantly removed his hand from inside Brian’s shirt. Although they were still holding hands, Brian felt the loss of the additional closeness when Justin’s hand was removed from his chest. This loss of touch caused Brian to sigh. “Just let me get us safely to the loft, and then you can have your way with me.” “Really!” Justin said with a twinkle in his eye that Brian could see without diverting his eyes from the road. “It’s just a figure of speech, Sunshine. Don’t go getting any ideas.” Brian insisted, trying to sound convincing and failing miserably. “Too late!” Justin said, shaking his head with a grin. “Much too late!” “Somehow, I figured that.” Brian said with a sigh, resigning himself to his eventual fate, but inwardly, he couldn’t resist a smile. *** Brian and Justin were kissing passionately and groping each other as the elevator ascended from the ground floor to the loft. The rumbling of Justin’s stomach, which Brian felt reverberate against his own body, interrupted their passion. “You know it’s awfully hard to fuck you when your stomach is rumbling like that?” “Well, I warned you that I was hungry.” Finally opening the door to the loft, Brian accepted defeat and went immediately to the phone to place their dinner order for delivery. “There, that’s…” Brian tried to announce as he was hanging up the phone, but his words were interrupted as he felt his cock surrounded by the mouth of a kneeling Justin. Brian threaded his fingers into Justin’s hair and got lost in the silkiness of the blond strands, while he felt his body thrust forward into the expert mouth upon his cock. Brian felt his body yield to the mixture of the sensations he was experiencing, and he wanted the feelings to go on forever. But too soon Brian felt himself being pushed over the edge as he shot down the back of Justin’s throat. Justin swallowed all that Brian had to offer, and they drifted in silent pleasure together. After a few moments later, Justin reached up to gently kiss Brian on the lips. Brian could taste himself in Justin’s kiss and their kisses became more passionate. Justin surrendered to the kisses as their tongues began to battle for dominance until the need for air finally pulled them apart. “Ok, we have about 20 minutes before dinner arrives, that should give us just enough time,” Brian panted, pulling Justin into the bedroom and pushing him down on the bed. “Ever the romantic!” Clothing for both of them was quickly cast aside and Brian once again pushed Justin down on the bed. Brian slid up Justin’s body caressing any place that he could reach. Once again kissing Justin, he reached for the condom and lube. Brian licked and nipped a path down Justin’s body savoring the familiar tastes and smells. Brian took great care to gently prepare Justin, before sheathing his own cock with the condom, and gently placing Justin’s legs on his shoulders. With well-practiced movements, he pushed into Justin, allowing time for his partner to adjust. Once their mutual rhythm was established, their thrusts and writhes matched each other until Brian was able to hit that certain spot that sent Justin over the edge, and he released his load between them. Brian felt Justin’s release and wasn’t far behind as he released into the condom. Fully satiated, they collapsed onto each other as their bodies stuck together by the sweat and cum that they shared between them. Brian remained where he was as long as he could, but eventually he had to pull out of Justin. They both groaned at the loss of contact. Brian removed the condom, tying off the end, before tossing it in the trash. He headed for the bathroom and returned with a damp cloth for Justin. Then they eventually spooned together and once again enjoyed the recovered closeness of one another. After a few moments, Brian looked at the clock and uttered, “Dinner should be here soon…so I’m going to grab a quick shower.” Justin just nodded his agreement. Just as Brian had dried off and had dressed in his jeans and wife-beater, there was a knock at the loft door. Justin went to grab a quick shower while Brian went to meet the delivery person. Brian slid open the loft door. A surprise awaited him. “Brian,” Michael said as he entered the loft, paying no attention to the look of surprise that he received from his friend. “Mikey, what are you doing here?” “I saw that your lights were on so I figured you were home. I decided to drop by and keep you company. I haven’t seen you all week. I’ve been calling and calling, and you haven’t been returning any of my phone calls.” “Busy…busy!” Brian said, continuing to stand by the door. “Well, I thought that this would be a good time for us to spend some time together since Ben is working on his lecture notes, and I have a free evening.” “Afraid not, Mikey. I’m busy! And …” About that time, there was another knock on the door. “Excuse me,” Brian said, once again sliding open the door to the loft. Michael simply moved out of the way and made himself comfortable on a nearby stool. Brian greeted Dave, his favorite delivery person, with a smile. Dave efficiently unloaded the bags, containing dinner on the counter, handed Brian the charges, and quickly received enough money to cover the amount due and a generous tip. Then with a quick thank you, Dave was quickly on his way. Brian turned around and saw that Michael had made himself comfortable. Brian sighed as he said, “Are you still here?” “I’m not going anywhere. I couldn’t let you eat alone. What did you order?” “Mikey, what about I’m busy did you not understand? And besides, I’m not alone.” Michael finally heard the rustling sounds from the bedroom. “Well if that’s a trick, he should be leaving soon, so we should be able to spend the rest of the evening together unless you want to go Babylon…to check out the back room.” “Afraid not,” Brian insisted, sliding open the door as an overt hint that it was time for Michael to leave. “I don’t know why you’re asking me to leave. That trick has got to be on his way out. You would never let them stay for dinner anyway. After all, I’m your best friend, and we haven’t spent any time together.” “Not this time Mikey,” Brian said once again, motioning toward the open door. “I hope that was dinner…I’m starving.” Justin said, coming down the steps, dressed in sweat pants and a tee shirt. “What else is new?” Brian quipped with a smile, reaching into the refrigerator for bottled water. “Mikey was just leaving!” “Oh, hello Michael,” Justin said when he noticed the visitor. “Justin! What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be in New York.” “I just got back. And I do sort of live here. You remember? What are you doing here?” Michael looked over at Brian, who was smiling but still motioning for the door. Michael got the distinct impression that Brian was enjoying this moment. Michael became flustered. “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought Brian was …I was just…I’m leaving. Brian, I’ll talk to you later,” Michael rambled on with this guilty expression on his face. “Bye Mikey,” Brian said sarcastically as Michael finally hurried through the opened door, which Brian quickly shut behind him. “Let’s eat!” “Did Michael want anything in particular?” “Not really,” Brian answered with a smirk. “But tell me something, when did lights on in our loft become an invitation to just drop by for a visit?” Brian asked as he started to unpack the dinner delivery. Justin had no answers. Justin set up the plates and things on the coffee table in the living room. Brian and Justin grabbed cushions and settled in on the floor to eat. “I think we should drive out to the house after we eat,” Brian suggested. “I want you all to myself, and I really don’t want to deal with any more interruptions.” “So are we going to talk or are you once again thinking of tying me to the bedposts,” Justin asked with a smirk as he stood up to head to the kitchen. “No, I’m planning to fuck you into the mattress. I’ll have to save tying you to the bedpost for later,” Brian said, giving Justin a swipe on the ass as he passed by. They finished dinner and quickly loaded the dishwasher. They gathered their things and left the loft heading out to Bri-tin. *** On the ride to Bri-tin, Justin talked about his meeting with the galleries that were interested in carrying his work. Justin pointed out that he hadn’t made any decisions yet. He still needed to decide whether any…or all of galleries…were actually going to carry his paintings. “What’s causing you to hesitate?” Brian asked out of genuine curiosity. “I don’t want to be reduced to some ‘artistic automaton’ turning out painting after to painting, to meet the arbitrary whims of some gallery owners,” Justin explained. Justin still had reservations about just selling paintings…as opposed to selling his paintings associated with actual exhibits. Somehow, for Justin there was a big distinction. Justin still wasn’t sure how he felt about this difference, so he was going to take some time to think things over. He wasn’t going to make any rash decisions, and Brian agreed that it was probably wise to be cautious. “Be sure to talk to your agent, and let her know your concerns,” Brian later suggested. “And you could always talk to Lindsay or even Sidney Bloom if you really need a talk it through.” “That’s a good idea.” Justin brought Brian up to date on the list of presents for Nicky that he purchased at FAO Schwarz before he left New York. He was careful to mention that the packages had already been sent so they wouldn’t have to try to trudge them on the plane next weekend. “It’s hard to believe that it has been four years,” Justin commented. “I remember that we all had to rush back from our vacation. All the complications associated with Gabrielle’s sudden delivery. The hours of uncertainty about whether either of them would survive. Then the mixture of joy and sadness as both Nicky and Alex were born then Alex not making it. But things have been happier since then. Paul and Jason have Nicky, and they couldn’t be happier. Gabrielle was depressed for a long time, but now she is ok too.” “Yeah, and we got to run the agency for a little while. You were really good with the art department,” Brian pointed out. “I didn’t really think that I had that much to offer. After all, I wasn’t an experienced graphic artist or anything. In fact, my only experience had been my internship at Vanguard. But everyone in their company pulled together under your great guidance,” Justin said, leaning over to kiss Brian’s shoulder, “So that the company was still standing when Paul and Jason got back. Glenn and few of the guys in the art department are still with the agency; so I got a chance to say hello while I was in Cincinnati a couple of weeks ago.” “You’re good at what you do. I wouldn’t have asked you to work on Collezione Fiero if it you weren’t. So don’t let this lack of experience thing throw you. Besides, look at what you did on the Collezione Fiero campaign?” “Bad example,” Justin said with a laugh. “If every time I work on a campaign, it becomes an international incident…I’m not going to have much of a career. I think I should definitely keep my day job as a painter.” They both laughed. “You’ve got to admit, there wasn’t a dull moment on that campaign. And, if my dealings, so far, with Rudolpho Silvestri are any indication, life will just keep getting more and more interesting. No one else could have pulled this off the way you did,” Brian said, raising their entwined hands and kissing Justin’s wrist. “Cynthia told me that Kinnetik received their signed contract. Congratulations by the way! How much havoc can Signor Silvestri create…it’s been less than a week?” “You have no idea. Does the Pentland Group ring a bell?” “No, should it?” “They are the holding company for such sportswear brands as Lacoste…and Speedos.” “Really?” “It seems your friend Signor Silvestri had cocktails with Andrew David of the Pentland Group. They may be interested in having their Speedo’s swimsuits featured in the Collezione Fiero ads. I’m meeting with them next week to talk about it.” “You’re kidding? Wow, that’s wonderful!” “Don’t get excited yet, Sunshine. The deal isn’t done.” “Of course, it’s done. You’re the best! They have to know that.” “It does seem that Leo Brown gave Kinnetik a great recommendation. When I talked to Leo, he mentioned that he would also like to see us work with the Pentland Group as a favor to him.” “Wow! I’m really proud of you. That’s really great!” Justin said enthusiastically. Brian blushed, being unaccustomed to such exuberant emotions. “I don’t want you to say anything about this to anyone. I want you to keep this confidential. Ok?” “No problem. How are Ted and Cynthia dealing with things?” “It’s going to mean a lot of long hours. If we get the Pentland Group account on top of everything else going on at the agency, everyone is going to be really pushed to the max. But at the end of the day, Kinnetik should be on really solid footing, and there should be big bonuses all around for everyone.” “That’s really great!” They pulled into the driveway at Bri-tin. Both Thomas and Teres appeared at their window and waved. Brian waved back to them as he exited the car. Justin also waved to them as he reached for his suitcase in the back of the car. Brian walked around to Justin’s side of the car, and swept Justin into his arms. “It’s good to have you back.” “It’s good to be back. It’s good to be home.” As they entered the foyer, Brian stopped for a moment. Justin gently slid his arm around waist. Brian paused before opening the main door. Brian stood there as all images of the events that had happened in this house flashed before his eyes. Moving in, camping with Gus, tossing a ball with Gus in the back, Justin in his studio, working in his the study, Gus singing in the morning, watching old movies in the media room with Justin, watching the DVD of Yellow Submarine with Gus and Justin, being in the hot tub with Justin, seeing the painting for the first time that Justin sent to him, and reading Justin’s letter. All that happened here! Along with the biggest memory of all, Justin agreed to marry him here. Brian leaned down and whispered in Justin’s ear. “I love you.” Justin dropped his suitcase and turned around into Brian’s arms and held him tightly. And they just clung to each other…there in the hallway…of their house. This was now truly home, and this home had memories. When they broke apart, they finally continued inside. They hung up their coats and Brian walked into the living room and flipped the switch to turn on the fireplace. Justin watched as Brian settled in one of the oversized chairs with his legs sprawled across the oversized ottoman. It was obvious that Brian was completely relaxed. Justin started to walk away to give Brian a chance to savor his alone time. Brian reached out his arm and pulled a laughing Justin back into his lap. “Where do you think you’re going? Come back here!” Justin curled up with Brian in the same oversized chair, without saying anything, just snuggling closer together as Brian wrapped his arms around him. They just sat there together for a while, watching the fire in silence. Eventually, Brian broke the silence. “I think I’d like to keep this house for just us…you, me, and Gus. I’m not ready to share Bri-tin with the rest of them yet. Is that ok? Can we keep this for just us? I know it’s a lot to ask…after all this is your house too.” “No problem. But, you know that eventually they are going to find us?” “Yeah, I know. I have my reasons. I also want you to be able to paint without interruptions. And I know that I’m the biggest culprit of all. I’m really sorry about that. When I asked you to come back, I never meant to jeopardize your work.” “You haven’t. I want you to stop worrying. Everything is ok. When we come back from Nicky’s birthday celebration, I’m going to sequester myself in the studio and paint nonstop.” “I think I’ll arrange with Teres to slide you meals occasionally under the door, so that I won’t have to worry about you becoming a starving artist. That way you really can pretty much paint nonstop.” “That seems like a good idea.” Then Justin paused to ask, “Are you are all right with everything going on at Kinnetik?” “Now, that you’re back here. I’m fine. When do you think that you’ll have to go back to New York?” “I’m not expecting anything to send me back anytime soon. I got the contract from Cincinnati Art Gallery. I already talked to the galleries. I met with Catherine. I talked to my attorney. I’m sure things will crop up, but I’m pretty much going to be here at the house.” “Me too.” “What do you mean…you too?” Justin asked with surprise. “You and I have a lot to talk about. I think maybe I’ll take tomorrow off, and we can hang out here through the weekend. That should give us plenty of time to talk thing over. Besides we still need some time for other things…we still have quite few rooms to christen.” Brian said with a smile. Justin just laughed. “You know we have a fireplace in our bedroom?” Justin pointed out after a few minutes. “Yeah. What’s your point?” “I think we should go there.” “Why? Are you sleepy?” “Would it matter? You promised to fuck me into the mattress, and I intend to hold you to that promise.” “Well Sunshine, you know I always keep my promises.” Brian said, pushing Justin up from his comfortable spot and turning off the fireplace. With arms around each other, they headed for their bedroom.