Chapter 6: “You'll miss your flight,” stated Justin to Brian, when the announcement was made for the last time and moving behind a pillar, they'd managed one last, quick kiss out of sight of most people on the concourse. And, barely able to speak, Brian just managed a whispered “Later” before finally turning and walking away. “Later” echoed Justin as he watched him go and just before disappearing, Brian turned back for one last time; he had to. He just had to have one more glimpse of the blond and they exchanged smiles; Justin giving him one of his best Sunshine smiles and Brian tried to reciprocate: both men attempting to give the other the courage they needed to get through each day until they could be together again. And then, riding back from the airport in a cab, Justin had fingered his wedding ring all the way to his studio; alternating between smiling and wanting to cry. For Brian to just turn up like that to talk about Jamie and to attempt to resolve their difficulties, had just served to illustrate literally, just how far he'd traveled since Justin had first known him; when he told him he didn't believe in love. And hadn't Brian demonstrated so many times just how much he did love him; leaving Justin now in no doubt and reinforcing his own love for the man on his way back to Pittsburgh. And now, more than ever, Justin had the urge to paint and to put down on canvas everything he was feeling and what a contrast with before. This time, although tinged with a little sadness, Justin's paintings exhibited a quality which just shouted out about hope, love and triumph. They were bright and colorful instead of dark and foreboding and Justin allowed himself a small chuckle. These would probably get the approval of both Marvin and Adam, but he couldn't care less whether he had it or not. He had Brian's approval and support; that was the only thing that mattered. But more than that, he had his love and commitment. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Newly married?” Brian blinked and looking up, pulled the headphones he was wearing out from one ear. He'd forgotten to bring his own iPod and had been forced to tune into the inflight entertainment and had chosen the jazz station. And while he listened, he flicked through the glossy he'd picked up at one of the airport newsstands which was lying on his lap; his legs crossed. But in actual fact, he hadn't been reading the magazine, his mind was otherwise occupied. “I'm sorry?” The elderly woman smiled at him and leaning in closer, she indicated Brian's left hand. “I couldn't help noticing ... you keep turning your wedding band round on your ringer ... classic sign of a newly wed ...” she stated, all knowingly and Brian frowned; the fact only just sinking in that to all intents and purposes that was exactly what he was after all: a newly married man. And as for the ring, he hadn't been aware he'd been doing that. The plane was surprisingly full to capacity; something to do with a technical fault on a previous flight which had led to the passengers being transferred onto a later one: Brian's, and despite being in business class, he now found himself seated next to someone who could have been his Grandmother. But he smiled politely and nodded and then started to replace the ear-piece so that he could return to his radio station and maybe actually try and read magazine this time and, hopefully, ignore her. Fat chance. “How long have you been married?” and the woman put her hand on his arm to make sure he knew she'd spoken to him. Brian sighed and removing the headphones completely, turned back to face her. This was going to be a long flight and frowning, he looked at his watch. “Oh ... around ... 3 hours ...” came the reply to her question and he smiled at her again and wondered what she would say if he told her that his spouse wasn't the pretty little thing that she might be imagining, but was, instead, pretty fucking beautiful, and all man. The woman blinked, convinced the man she was sitting next to; one of the most attractive and well turned out she'd seen in a long while and if only she was 30 years younger, (yeah, right) must be joking; surely he couldn't have left a new bride alone after such an exceptionally short time. But she could see how he was still turning the wedding band around; he obviously wasn't used to wearing it. “51 years ...” Brian closed his eyes momentarily and thought about asking the flight attendant if he was sure there weren't any vacant seats elsewhere or at the very least, could he find him a bottle of something reasonably strong. But it was no good; the flight was full and he was trapped and he looked at his watch again. Generally, flying time was around 1½ hours and there was still 1 hour and 10 minutes to go. Her name was Mildred Caffery and she'd been married to Ernest for 51 years before he'd died of a heart attack five years before, out on the golf course during a vacation in Florida. They'd had three children; a son and daughter both living in NYC and she was now on her way back home to Pittsburgh, where she lived with her eldest daughter and son-in-law. After a few minutes, Brian tuned out and looked out the window, but Mildred continued to talk and didn't even seem to notice. And in the reflection of the glass, Brian was sure he could see Justin looking in at him; covering his mouth with his hand liked he'd seen him do a thousand times before as he giggled, knowing how pissed off the man would be at being buttonholed; no means of escape and subjected to over an hour of mind-numbing chatter. Justin. Brian couldn't believe how quickly the time had actually passed in the younger man's company. He'd arrived in NYC almost dreading seeing him again and wondering what his welcome would be and about the outcome of his trip; would they still be together or decide to call it a day? But in the end, he'd hardly been able to tear himself away from him. And then at the airport, he'd had to fight back the tears, despite their agreement that they wouldn't hide what they were feeling. But bawling his eyes out in the middle of the concourse wouldn't exactly do his street cred any good, and he'd had a real struggle not to fold completely. In the end, being with Justin had proved to be everything and more he could have ever hoped for and although he'd taken the rings with him, until just before he'd actually pulled them from his pocket, he hadn't even been sure it was the right thing to do. And when Justin agreed they should wear them and reminded him of the vows they'd been living, without even realizing, it had felt so right. And then they'd even said their own vows, completely unrehearsed and spontaneous, but totally heartfelt and even more meaningful for all that. And then all too soon it was time to leave for the airport and when his flight was called for the final time, Brian could barely whisper “Later” before he smiled and turned and walked towards the gate; unable to resist one last look back at the blond. And he'd smiled again before disappearing from view. But unlike before, this time when they parted, Brian knew for sure that they were capable of surviving anything. And now blinking at the blond's imagined reflection in the window, Brian couldn't resist a smile and then Mildred's voice permeated his thoughts to bring him back to reality and he caught something about families and she started to dig out photographs of her grandchildren from her purse. Well, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em and Brian announced proudly, “I have a son,” and remembering that he did in actual fact have a photograph of Gus in his wallet, he produced it to show his traveling companion. Mildred shook her head, presumably in disapproval. “That seems to be the way these days ... first the children ... then the wedding ...”, but she was obviously taken with the photograph of a very lively four year old who looked remarkably like his Father. “Gus is from a previous relationship,” Brian now informed Mildred and using his finest deadpan and the woman sighed. “It's always so sad when families break up ... don't you think? Especially when children are concerned ...” “Well ... both his Mom's love him very much ...” stated Brian and he struggled to keep a serious expression on his face when he saw the look of realization on Mildred's; the politest way Brian could think of to try and quieten the woman down. “Oh my dear ... I am so very sorry ...” stated Mildred and she patted his arm. Brian nodded, unable to trust himself to speak and at that point they were interrupted by the flight attendant and Mildred took the coffee and snacks she was offered and placed them on the fold-down table. Brian took the coffee but refused the snack; the attendant affording him one of his widest smiles and Brian reciprocated and couldn't resist following the man's progress down the aisle: he had a very nice ass. However, Mildred had no trouble talking and to Brian's surprise: “My own Mother died when I was four ... so I guess it must be wonderful to have two ...” and she saw him blink. “Does that surprise you ... or do you think someone of my advanced years is completely out of touch and disapproving?” Brian found himself strangely stuttering his reply. “I'm not sure ... I guess ...” and he frowned. Mildred searched among the photographs of her grandchildren and found the one of 25 year old Becky, her eldest grand-daughter, holding a baby; another female sitting close and these two looked more than just good friends. “This is Melissa ... my great-granddaughter ... and her two Moms ...” stated Mildred and Brian chuckled. “Becky's been with Laurie for nearly three years ... that's their little girl ... she's six months old now and as beautiful as can be ...” she continued and then Mildred sighed. “I'm not sure Ernest would have come to terms with it ... but ... she's family ... they're all family ... and I have to admit ... Laurie's made Becky very happy ... and really ... that's the only thing that counts ...” “Melissa's Father is a friend of Becky's ... a gay friend ...” and she looked Brian in the eye. “What about you and your husband ... do you think you'll have children?” she asked him directly. Thankfully, Brian hadn't yet taken a swallow of his coffee; he'd be likely to choke himself if he had and Mildred smiled at him and Brian rolled his lips into his mouth and then couldn't resist a grin. “What gave me away?” he asked her and Mildred grinned back. “I think it was the way the flight attendant hovered over you with the snacks and coffee ... you didn't exactly look embarrassed by his attention ...” “And I agree ... he is rather cute ...” Obviously, it hadn't gone unnoticed that the attendant had caught Brian's notice and it would seem that Mildred wasn't so old that she couldn't appreciate a nice tush herself. Brian shook his head in disbelief and wished the woman sitting beside him had been his Grandmother, or even his Mother; how different things might have been if he'd had an understanding and accepting family like this. “Well ... you didn't answer my question?” “Kids? I ... I don't know,” answered Brian truthfully. “We haven't talked about having our own family ...” and Brian rubbed his ring with his thumb, now conscious of what he was doing. “Until these last few days I wasn't even sure we were still together ...” and he sighed. “Besides ... it would be a long way off ... Justin's staying in New York ... for now ...” and then Brian smiled. “He's an artist ...” and Mildred heard the pride in Brian's voice. “Do you have a photograph of him?” Mildred asked him and Brian started to shake his head, but he suddenly remembered and placing his styrofoam cup on Mildred's table, Brian folded back his own and leaned down to collect the laptop that was lying at his feet: Brian had saved all of Justin's work and magazine articles for the website on the hard-drive. One of the articles had included a photograph of Justin and booting up the laptop, Brian passed it over to Mildred. “These things are amazing ... aren't they ... I don't know what I'd do without mine ... I've really missed it while I was away ... but I decided not to bring it with me ...” stated the woman and extremely competently, Mildred trawled through the folder labeled 'Justin'. Brian shook his head again and made a mental note to never again judge anyone because of their age or how they looked. After all, hadn't that got him into trouble just recently; going on first impressions? “My ... what a talented and good looking young man ... I can see why you're smitten ...” she smiled at him and she passed back the laptop. “You make a beautiful couple ...” By the end of the flight, which actually went surprisingly quickly, Brian was enjoying the older woman's company and found himself helping her to collect her luggage from the carousel and accompanying her out to where her daughter was waiting. And having greeted her daughter, Mildred turned around and before he realized, she'd reached up to kiss Brian on the cheek: Brian automatically leaning down to let her. “Take care of that new husband of yours ...” stated Mildred and she actually winked at him before turning and moving off: happily chatting to her daughter. Brian closed his eyes and groaned. Shit: he was helping little old ladies after all. This would never do and he quickly looked around him, hoping the fuck that there was nobody there that knew him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Arriving back at the Pitts, Brian decided not to go into the office for the rest of the day and instead to lie low; so much had happened in the last few days, he still hadn't taken it all in and he checked his answerphone. There were two messages, both from Michael, as were the two on his cellphone he hadn't answered either. There was time enough to face everyone and inform them of his and Justin's decision, but one look at the ring and surely there would be no explanations necessary. Returning home with renewed confidence in his and Justin's relationship, Brian decided it was time to forge even greater ties with the other most important person in his life; Gus, and he called Lindsay to arrange to fly up to see his son, deciding he would book them into a top hotel so they could spend a weekend alone together, but neatly sidestepping any questions about Justin. Putting down the phone, Brian knew he was obviously going to have to do a major rethink of his workload, what with his commitment to spend time with both Justin and his son. Maybe now the timing was right to give Ted even more responsibility or make other major changes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “I don't suppose there's any possibility ... that you don't happen to be wearing anything?” queried Brian and he heard the younger man chuckle. Stretching out on the sofa, with just a small shot of Beam, Brian had called Justin. No longer was he scared to hear his voice, neither of them were, but now both men were able to accept that the separation was part of their journey together as a couple. “Actually,” answered Justin and holding the cell carefully so as to not get too much acrylic on it. “It's pretty cold here today ... and one of the windows doesn't close properly any more ... I've got four layers on ...” Unseasonably chilly and even with the heating turned up as far as he could allow without it affecting his artwork, Justin still shivered. “Four layers ... even more to come off ...” stated Brian, smiling, but then he sighed. “The sooner you get somewhere decent to work and live the better ... as soon as I get back in the office I'll see what I can send for you to do ...” “I guess I could always arrange for an advance ... but then you'd probably refuse ...” “Yes ... you're right ... I've been here through the worst of the winter ... so a little longer won't hurt ...” answered Justin. “Now ... where were we?” “You said you were wearing four layers ... and I said ...” “That there was even more to come off ...” chuckled Justin. “But I'm covered in paint ...” he stated and looking at his hands. “Not everywhere ... but you soon will be ...” promised Brian and he closed his eyes and leaned back his head as he started to undo his belt buckle. Phone sex; why didn't they think of this before? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Justin grinned to himself as he came out of the bathroom. Brian was right, he would have to get a better studio, which included living accommodations; coming to the shared facilities down the hall after every time Brian called was hardly practical. In actual fact, Justin hadn't been covered in too much paint when Brian rang and had just enough time to clean up in the small kitchen sink before things got rather heated. Which was just as well as it was so cold in the studio right now. But at least he did have a few funds with the painting he'd sold at the show, so he could start to have a look around and see what was available. And then once he'd started working for Brian, he wouldn't have to worry about the bills so much. Once back at the apartment to warm up, that evening, and without any real explanation, Justin called Anton and told him if it was okay, he'd be back into work the next day. And, the following morning when Justin arrived for his shift he was greeted with concerned smiles and tried to keep a straight face while Chloe hugged him and told him she'd be there for him and Anton muttered something which sounded like “other fish in the sea”. Then, when Justin could hold out no longer, he grinned widely and proudly showed them the ring on his finger; Brian's ring. “Justin Taylor!” exclaimed Chloe and she flicked the drying towel at him. “You had me so worried ...” and then she hugged him again. “So ... I take it everything is sorted out?” she asked him, grinning and Justin nodded and grinned back. “More than that ... we talked ... more than we've ever done before ... it was amazing ... he was amazing ... and then we exchanged rings ...” “I love him, Chloe ... and he loves me ... now more than ever ... and I know Brian will wait until I've done what I have to do ...” “So ... does that means I don't have to go looking for new staff just yet?” asked Anton and Justin frowned. “Well ... I am gonna have to give up some of my shifts ... Brian wants me to do some work for him ... he's promised to pay me the going rate ...” “Good for you,” exclaimed Chloe. “Let him pay what you're worth ...” and then she frowned also. “Have you spoken to Adam yet ... he is gonna be pissed ...” “No ... I haven't seen him yet ... but to be honest ... I can't wait to see the look on his face when I tell him ...” grinned Justin. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brian knew that the sooner he got it over with the better, and he wanted to get in first before anyone else happened to find out or guess where'd been. Which is why, the first morning back in Pittsburgh after leaving Justin, he went for breakfast at the diner. He hadn't done this for weeks and was greeted with a few questioning glances, but he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the entire gang present and realizing he could get this over with totally in one go. “Coffee please Debbie ... and an egg white omelette ...” he requested as he took a seat at the counter, one hand in his pocket as he placed his attache case on the floor. Ted, who was sitting at the counter with Emmett, leaned forward on his stool and looked across when he heard his boss' voice. “Brian ... you're back ...” stated Kinnetik's accountant and these days Brian's friend and right hand man and Brian nodded. “Seems that way, Theodore ...” he stated flatly and Ted and Emmett exchanged glances. It would seem like Brian had his best poker face on and it was pretty impossible to read the man and know exactly what mood he was in. Inwardly, Ted groaned; it looked like being a difficult day at the office. “I called the loft yesterday,” stated Michael from the booth behind Brian, where he was sitting with Ben and Hunter. “In fact ... I called it a couple of times ...” “I wasn't there ...” stated Brian, again without expression and glancing over his shoulder. “Were you out of town? ... I couldn't get you on your cell either,” Michael continued, although he could take a guess at where Brian might have been, but he frowned at his friend's lack of communication; maybe things hadn't gone the way he'd planned. “Thanks Debbie,” said Brian; choosing to ignore Michael's question as his coffee cup was turned over and filled, but he left it alone for the moment. Debbie popped her gum. “So ... how was your trip?” she asked him and Brian looked up at her and caught the look in her eye; surprisingly, it would seem that Debbie had managed, so far, to keep to herself the fact that Brian had intended going to NYC to see Justin, but now Brian couldn't resist allowing the smile to creep slowly across his face. “Pretty damn good ... I'd say ...” he stated eventually and he reached out to pick up his cup and took a swallow of coffee. “Nothing more to add?” inquired Debbie and Brian knew she was just dying to know what had really happened between him and Justin and not being able to hold out any longer, Brian brought his other hand up to cradle his cup in both hands: he shrugged. The noise was about to set off numerous car alarms in the area, but at Brian's look, Debbie put her hand over her mouth and just managed to swallow the shriek of delight, but then she grabbed Brian's hand; an action that threatened to scald them both with hot coffee. “Easy, Debbie ...” “A ring ... you're wearing a fucking wedding ring ... you went ahead and got married ... without us?” cried Debbie as she still hung on to Brian's hand, but Brian shook his head. “Not exactly ... Justin and I were the only two present ...” “Then where is he? Where is Justin?” asked Debbie. “He's in New York,” stated Brian and he saw Debbie frown as he managed to extract himself from her hold. “We decided it was still the best thing ...” Brian continued and hearing the commotion, his friends and now the rest of the diner, were eager to hear what was going on and had they really heard that Brian Kinney; Stud of Liberty Avenue was now sporting a wedding band after all? Having to leave to take his class and coming up behind him, Ben placed his hands on Brian's shoulders and Brian looked back at him. “Congratulations ... I'm glad you worked things out ...” and the two men shook hands. “Yeah Brian ... me too,” added Hunter and swallowing the last of his orange juice, the teenager grabbed his school bag. “Gotta run too ... later ...” and he and Ben left together. “Later,” cried the rest of the gang, in unison. “Brian ... that's great news ...” and Ted slipped off his stool and wondered whether he should embrace the man or not and in the end, decided the occasion was momentous enough to deserve a hug. “Well ... I'll go open up the office ...” stated Ted, a little embarrassed at his display of affection, but as he let go, Brian caught his hand and squeezed it. “Thanks Teddy,” he smiled at him and Ted smiled back at the obvious affection and then turned around to leave. Brian looked over at Emmett who was studying his coffee cup, but who also had a very smug expression on his face. “You not gonna congratulate me Em?” Brian asked him and Em turned around and leaned over towards him. “Of course ... but I didn't think I had to,” the man stated. “I knew the two of you had something special that wouldn't go away that easy ...” Brian nodded. “Yes ... I guess you did ...” but then Emmett couldn't contain himself any longer and getting off his stool, he moved towards him; Brian coming to his feet to meet him. Emmett grinned and opened his arms. “I knew you and Justin would be okay,” he whispered to Brian as he hugged him and Brian nodded. “When is Justin coming home?” asked Debbie and Brian shrugged. “I don't know ... when he's done what he has to do ... but he will be back soon for a visit ...” “And when he does ... we'll have a party!” exclaimed Emmett and Brian groaned. “Well ... you did me out of arranging your wedding reception ... the least you can do is let me give you a party,” stated Em and Brian smiled. “As long as it's very quiet ...” “That doesn't sound like you,” observed Debbie and Brian turned round to face her. “There's probably a lot of things that aren't like me any more, Deb ...” “What's this ... a new improved Brian Kinney?” asked Michael and Brian turned to face his friend, who had now got up from the booth and crossed the floor towards him. Brian frowned but then Michael broke into a grin. “I don't believe a word of it ... well ... not all of it any how ... you'll never change that much ... Justin wouldn't allow it ...” and Michael held out his hand. “Congratulations ...” and when Brian took it, Michael pulled him in for a hug. “But you came back on your own,” observed Michael as they pulled apart. “How do you feel about that?” Brian smiled. “It's the best thing for him ... for us ... and when Justin does come home we'll be together for real ... we just don't know when that'll be yet ...” and they couldn't help but hear the wistfulness that Brian unwittingly allowed to creep into his voice. Whatever the man said; the separation from Justin was still hurting like hell. With the rest of the gang moving off to start their working day, Brian lingered for just a little while longer as he finished his breakfast. “You sure you're okay with it ... Justin staying in New York, I mean?” asked Debbie, as she refilled Brian's coffee cup and the man nodded. “He's an artist, Debbie ... and that's where the movers and shakers are in the art world ... if he wants to get noticed ... that's where he'll have to be ... at least for a while ...” and then he smiled. “What is it?” Debbie asked him. “Michael called him ... Justin was gonna come back ... he thought I might need him ...” “That sounds like Michael ... sticking his oar in ...” snorted Debbie and Brian inwardly smiled; it would seem like Debbie had and completely ignored the fact that apples don't usually fall far from the tree. But then he smiled. “He would have given it all up you know, Debbie ... if I'd really wanted him too ...” “He would have given up his dreams and come home ...” and Debbie rested her elbows on the counter and leaned towards him. “That's because he loves you,” she whispered to him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After Brian's first visit to NYC, it was to be another three months before Justin would finally make it back to Pittsburgh, as shortly after Brian had returned home, Justin heard from Charles Grantham that he'd been booked in for two more shows. Brian, however, visited NYC three weeks later and made room in his diary ahead of time for subsequent visits; making sure he could free himself up and even getting into town a little early to do some business of his own. And he also started to pencil in visits to Toronto and when the school breaks were, so that Gus could start to visit him and he stared at the page marked with the school vacations and shook his head. Christ; he was starting to act like a real parent. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the three weeks since he and Brian had first met up again, thankfully, Justin had managed to find better accommodation and had just finished moving in; the sale of his painting and the work he'd already completed for Brian, covering the security deposit and rent for the next couple of months. With still doing some shifts at Ramon's, he was working hard, but bringing in a higher regular wage certainly had its merits. The loft apartment was reasonably large for the area and had two bedrooms, one of which Justin would be able to use as a store for his completed work and he'd hired a van and moved his artwork and supplies across from the studio. Then he'd collected his clothes and other belongings from the apartment he'd shared with Rhona, who though sorry to lose her tenant, would soon find someone else to share the rent with. Then he would have to purchase some more furniture. And, having just finished setting up the computer, he headed off to meet Brian. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “What do you think?” asked Justin as he showed Brian around; he'd met him at the airport on Friday evening and they'd come straight to the loft. Brian wandered around the large, but sparsely furnished living room, casting an eye over the kitchen area, and old, but still comfortable sofa and two easy chairs; the furniture left by the previous occupant. But the building, though old, was well maintained and at least the heating worked and the windows all fitted. “This is much better ... this at least has potential,” stated Brian and Justin grinned. “And I've got my own bathroom ... it was all a bit grimy ... but now I got it cleaned up it looks fine ...” “And this area will make a great studio ... it's got great light ... the windows are huge ... and it's much easier having all my things and my computer in one place ...” Brian nodded and crossed the floor back towards him. “You could really make something of this,” he informed him and he put his arms around the younger man's waist and pulled him in. “But are you sure you wouldn't prefer a weekend in a five-start hotel?” “Hot tub ... room service ...” whispered Brian in Justin's ear and then he pushed the blond hair back from his forehead, but the younger man shook his head. “I've got all the 'room-service' I need right here ...” he grinned at him and Brian nodded. “But do you even have a bed?” he asked him. “A bed ... when did that matter?” queried Justin and Brian smiled back at him; both men knowing full well that bed or no bed, that had never made any difference to them before; the kitchen, a dining room table or the shower were all perfectly acceptable. Grinning, Justin turned and led him into the main bedroom. He didn't have a bed yet, but there was a thick mattress on the floor, covered with a sheet and a duvet. “Will this do?” asked Justin as he turned around and he started to undo Brian's tie; the man having come straight from the office. “Well ... considering other places we've used ... this will do just fine ...” “Well ... anything's an improvement on Blow Job Alley,” stated Justin, in reference to the well known hang out by Babylon, and he started the task of removing Brian's jacket. “And there was always that time in the trailer park during Stockwell's shut down of all the clubs ...” stated Brian and Justin started to giggle. “Don't remind me ... that place was so fucking cold ...” “We really didn't care ... did we ...” “We're fags ... it's our God given right to do it where ever and when ever we want ...” stated Brian and quickly, he reached out to take the hem of Justin's tee in his hands and pull it up and over the younger man's head in one smooth movement. “Then I guess doing it in bed is pretty conventional after all,” Justin grinned at him and moving down to Brian's belt buckle and the older man blinked. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Later, having ordered take out, they'd pulled the cushions off the sofa and sat and ate crossed legged on the floor; Justin producing some beer from the refrigerator in the kitchen. The atmosphere was easy and comfortable; both men not ever really remembering when it was quite like this between them before, or at least not for very long at a time. But this time felt so different. This time they knew exactly where they stood with each other and saw themselves in each other's future. And after they'd eaten, Brian produced some drafts of some more campaigns he wanted Justin to work on and go over what he'd done already. “By the way ... the client loved your work,” Brian told him, and Justin grinned as he made notes; knowing instinctively what Brian needed and the vision he had for each campaign. Brian smiled back; they worked so damn well together. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Surprisingly, Justin hadn't heard from Adam. He thought the man would have got in touch with him to fix up a date or talk to him about the job. But unknown to Justin, Adam had gone out of town quickly as the agency was in danger of losing an important account and the client would only deal with one of the partners. And then, when he came back, he'd gone down with a bad case of the 'flu and stayed at home. Subsequently, Adam was still totally unaware of Justin's new domestic and work arrangements until, quite by chance, Brian and Justin bumped into him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the years they'd known each other, this was only the second time that Brian and Justin had been out to dinner on their own and Brian remembered Justin's reaction the first time he'd suggested it. But when you're with the man you love, then it wasn't like it was going out on a date, Brian reasoned with himself. He'd never dated, but then again he'd never had a boyfriend before and in some ways, Brian still hadn't. Brian and Justin never having been a conventional couple, doing things that couples generally did together, it was like Brian had gone from being single to being married without the engagement and adjustments in between: they both had. Even when Brian had asked Justin to marry him, they'd made plans for the ceremony to take place almost immediately and hadn't really had time to become a couple in the true sense and share day to day living. And they still wouldn't, at least for a while. So taking a man out to dinner, your man, wasn't giving in to conventionality, because you only go out on dates with boyfriends, right? And Justin wasn't his boyfriend; to all intents and purposes, he was his husband. But Justin had grinned to himself when Brian suggested they go out to dinner. “Well ... we have to eat ... don't we?” Brian had stated and Justin nodded. “Absolutely,” he agreed with him and certainly living on fast food and take out too much would do neither of them any good and besides, he liked the idea of being able to show Brian off as his partner and husband. But where to eat? With most of Justin's clothing still packed away waiting for a new closet, he just grabbed a clean tee and they decided to go to Ramon's. After all the food was good and the place always had a nice relaxed atmosphere and more than accepting of gay couples. And it was here they ran into Adam. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chloe had given Justin a wink when he and Brian arrived and the new waiter had seated them; a medical student like Chloe but a year older. Then they ordered and while they waited, Brian had gone to the men's room. That's when Adam came in with Philip; someone he'd known for a little while and a young man he planned on getting to know even better. Waiting for both Brian and their meal, Justin had joined Chloe at the counter. They didn't see quite as much of each other as they had, now that Justin had reduced some of his shifts and he wanted to say hi and see how she was doing and ask how the new guy, Grant, was working out. Grant, it seemed, was pretty hot according to Chloe, something which, in actual fact, Justin was in complete agreement with. And, much to Justin's surprise, considering Chloe's usual reluctance to get involved with doctors, they'd even been out on a date, and it was at that point in their conversation that Adam and Philip arrived. “I have a reservation,” Adam informed Justin, thinking that he was working and before Chloe had a chance to react, Justin took over. “Sure ... this way ...” and he escorted both of them to a vacant table; glancing back at Chloe, who was grinning at him. It was obvious that Adam was glad Justin was there so that he could show Philip off; Adam with one arm around the younger man's shoulders and his hand on his knee as they took their time over the menu and making Justin wait. As Justin returned to the bar with the order to hand to Chloe, he saw Brian was watching him, out of sight of Adam and was frowning at him; Justin suppressed a grin and leaving his companion, Adam had followed Justin to the bar. “Have you thought about my offer yet?” he asked him and Justin nodded. “Yes ... I have ... and I thought you would have gotten back to me sooner ...” “Yeah ... sorry about that,” stated Adam, though he didn't particularly sound sorry. “I was out of town and then I got the fucking flu ... would you believe ...” and Justin nodded in understanding. “So ... when can you start ... providing of course you want the job ...” and Adam grinned; thinking that Justin could hardly turn down what was probably the best offer he'd had come his way. “I'm not ... and I don't,” stated Justin in answer to Adam's questions and he grinned in Brian's direction. “I believe you've met my husband,” stated Justin as Brian now approached and put his arm around the blond's shoulders and Adam blinked and then frowned. He knew this good looking guy from somewhere and then the penny dropped. “Brian Kinney ...” stated Adam in surprise and Brian nodded. “Brian's CEO of his own advertising agency now ... Kinnetik ...” stated Justin proudly and reaching up to his shoulder, he took Brian's left hand in his left hand. “I'm going to be working for Brian ...” And then the second penny dropped as Adam saw the matching wedding bands. “Your husband? You're with him? This is the guy you left in Pittsburgh?” asked Adam in disbelief. “Yep ... he's with me,” stated Brian, smiling at Adam and then at Justin and Justin grinned back; that wasn't the first time Brian had said something like that. “Well ... then I guess congratulations are in order ...” and Adam forced a smile and reaching out, he offered Brian his hand and stepped in close as the man took it. “You're a lucky man ... he's really hot ... and a great kisser,” whispered Adam and he now smiled at Brian broadly before releasing his hand and returning to his table. Always pissed at Justin's refusal to kiss him because he had a boyfriend and only managing one time when the younger man was too drunk to know what was happening, Adam hoped to have done as much damage with that statement as he possibly could. And, after a few words to his companion, Adam left the restaurant; Philip confused, but following on behind nevertheless. Justin had seen Adam whisper in Brian's ear and had seen Brian blink at Adam's words, but the man had smiled at him when Adam had moved away. “What did he say?” inquired Justin, but Brian shook his head. “What the fuck did he say? I wanna know,” demanded Justin. “It doesn't matter ...” “Yes it does ... I can see by the look on your face Adam said something about me ...” but Brian merely turned and walked back to their table. “Brian ...” “Later ... let's eat,” instructed the older man and as their meal was now being delivered, slowly, Justin returned to the table. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brian didn't want to mention Adam's statement and hoped the younger man would forget that something had past between them. Adam was obviously pissed that a). Justin would choose Brian over him and that b). He couldn't get him to work for him either. But Brian had to admit that for just a fleeting moment, what Adam had said to him made his stomach flip over. But after everything was said and done, that was in the past and he and Justin had the present and their future to concentrate on now. But it didn't make conversation over dinner any easier. Justin was convinced he wasn't imagining that Brian was a little quieter through their meal than he would have expected him to be. And he still seemed a little subdued when they returned to Justin's loft; Justin sure it wasn't just that Brian had come to the end of a busy working week and had traveled from the Pitts to see him. And, as they undressed, Justin had to know for sure. “What did Adam say to you ... I wanna know,” stated Justin and naked, he sat down on the mattress and crawled under the duvet. Brian sighed. “It isn't important ...” “Then there's no reason why you can't tell me,” Justin continued and he was suddenly very scared: Brian may have said it didn't mean anything, but obviously it had. “Adam said you were hot ...” and Brian crawled under the duvet and rolled towards him and he went to kiss him but Justin moved slightly away; hardly any movement at all really, but enough to halt Brian's progress. “That wouldn't have upset you ...” “I'm not upset ...” “Yes you are ... or pissed off ...” “No I'm not ...” “Then why did we talk about nothing of real importance all through dinner?” “That's nothing new,” answered Brian and now Justin sighed. “No ... it isn't ...” and pulling away from Brian he threw back the duvet and sat on the edge of the mattress and Brian closed his eyes as he realized the implications of his statement. “I thought we'd got past all this shit ... not communicating with each other ... but if this is how it's gonna be after all ...” Justin continued and he stopped, unwilling to voice his fears. “Adam said you were a great kisser ...” stated Brian suddenly and Justin immediately turned around to face him. “He said what?” But Brian shrugged. “I never kissed him ... I swear to God ...” for Justin had no idea what had happened that night when Adam took advantage of his incoherent state. “It doesn't matter ...” Brian repeated and reaching out he took Justin's hand. “And even so ...” “And even so?” echoed Justin and he pulled away. “Then you do believe him ... you don't believe me ...” “I never said that ... but considering how I acted over Jamie ... I could hardly blame you if you had ...” and Brian moved closer. But he could see the tears in Justin's eyes; tears of anger as well as misery. When he knew Justin had kissed guys before, despite their rules, the younger man had never been as upset as this at Brian discovering that fact. Sure, he'd avoided talking to him about it, but this time was obviously different. If Justin had kissed Adam, he wouldn't lie about it, Brian was convinced of that, with Justin's insistence that they now be truthful with each other and have no secrets. Slowly, Brian reached out and put his fingers under Justin's chin and brought the younger man around to face him; blue eyes glistening in the half-light. “I believe you ... because I know that above all else ... that you would have told me if you had ...” “Adam was just trying to make trouble ... after all ... look what he's lost ...” stated Brian and he saw Justin blink back the tears. “But Adam's loss is definitely my gain ...” Brian whispered and moving in, he took the blond in a deep kiss and drawing him in closely. Eventually pulling back, Justin stroked Brian's cheek with the back of his hand; the kiss having told him that Brian did indeed believe him. And when Brian reached for him again, the depth of his trust and belief became known once more; if anything, Adam's attempt at creating a rift between them only serving to strengthen that trust. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Justin worked flat out to produce some new pieces, but it was worth it as both his subsequent shows proved to be huge successes and there was now a definite buzz about him in the art community. Brian had flown out to join him for both of them and they soon became talked about as a golden couple, with Brian's success as both club owner and CEO of Kinnetik deemed noteworthy and proudly talked of by Justin. But the young man had been so busy, he still hadn't had time to furnish the loft completely and although he had acquired a dining table and chairs, he still had some of his clothes in boxes and they still slept on the mattress on the floor; Justin's excuse that it took time to choose a bed properly. As promised, Brian had soon sent Justin some business cards and Justin had to ask him to supply some more and his website was starting to get more hits all the time with increased interest in his work. Brian chuckled; his Boy Wonder was slowly but steadily carving a niche for himself in the world in which he belonged and proving he could do it without the help of Marvin Bertental, much to that man's dismay. And when the second show had finished and Justin had completed doing the rounds of the magazine interviews and even a TV station's culture spot and still heady from his success, he took some well deserved breathing space and was at last able to head back to Pittsburgh: his first visit since he left. Because of his busy schedule, Brian had to leave right after the show and Justin had told him he'd be arriving a few days later. But in the end, Justin had been able to get away the day before and instead of ringing to let Brian know of his change of plans, Justin decided on surprising him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Justin hesitated when he reached Brian's door, wondering if he should knock or just let himself in, after all, he still had his key. Of course Brian might not even be home, but if he was, what if he had someone with him? And then Justin grinned to himself at the thought of finding Brian with another guy; maybe they could have a three-way, like they used to on their date nights and without a further thought, Justin unlocked the door and let himself in. Stepping inside, Justin dropped his holdall quietly on the floor and looked around him and smiled; the loft hadn't change, it was still as neat and orderly as ever. The lights were on low and initially he thought Brian must be out, but then Justin heard the shower running and now grinning widely, he quickly crossed the floor and headed for the bedroom area, taking off his leather jacket and pulling off his tee as he did and discarding them on the floor. By the time Justin reached the bathroom door, he was already naked and peering inside, his gaze rested on Brian's form in the shower and the man was alone. Although he'd seen him only days before, it wasn't the same as having Justin back with him at the loft and with the younger man's visit almost here, Brian could hardly contain his excitement at having him home, if only for a short time. And although Brian knew Justin would have to do the round of visits to his Mom's and the gang, he was determined to have at least some of the time with him alone and Brian had cleared his calendar accordingly. Tonight was one of the nights Brian was due at Babylon and he was glad of having something to occupy his time and his thoughts. And soaping his chest under the hot water, so deep in thought was he and thinking of all the things he was going to do to his blond beauty and growing harder all the time, it was only the change in the temperature in the shower cubicle that heralded Justin's arrival. “It looks like you're pleased to see me,” chuckled Justin as he slipped into the shower behind Brian and the older man started to turn around, but with Justin's hand pushing him gently on the shoulder, he was prevented from doing so. With no need for greetings, Justin shook his head as the hot water spray soaked his hair and he took the soap from Brian's hand and, starting with small circles in the center of Brian's back, he worked up a good lather and then slowly moved down to the man's buttocks and upper thighs. Brian couldn't prevent himself from groaning and Justin saw him clench as the younger man now dropped the soap and used his hands to massage Brian's ass and gently spreading him. Brian's body still had the ability to make him short of breath and to go weak at the knees and Justin now ran his hand down Brian's spine and even under the hot water, Brian shuddered at the blond's touch and closed his eyes; knowing what was surely to come. Gently, slippery from the soap, Justin's fingers slid between Brian's buttocks and reaching out to the cubicle wall for support, Brian swallowed as he felt Justin's fingers tease his hole. There was a time when he refused to bottom and when Justin had first topped him; the younger man determined but gently trying to turn him over, Brian had surprised even himself when he'd let him. But that was the night Justin had demonstrated his growing maturity; a first step into manhood by finally accepting Brian's financial help when it was offered. And since then, Brian had eventually been able to relax and give himself; relinquish control and allow Justin to take his body and afford him the pleasures that only penetration can provide. And it would appear that now was another of those times. Ignoring his own erection for now, Justin slowly pushed one finger into Brian's hole, soon to be joined by another and Brian clenched again and gasped at the intrusion and as the younger man's other hand now slid around his waist and traveled downwards. With his forehead leaning against Brian's back, Justin took the man's cock in his free hand and began with slow strokes, but very soon started to quicken the pace and Brian groaned at the dual sensations; needing to push hard backwards against the blond's probing fingers and then forwards into his hand: exquisite pleasure coursing through his entire body and bringing him closer to the edge. With his breathing now rapid and his legs shaking, Brian leaned his forehead against the wall, knowing he couldn't last much longer, but oh, how sweet this was. With the height difference, it always took a great deal of strength for Brian to lower himself onto the blond and maintain his stance. But Justin wanted this to be hard and fast; both men did and realizing neither of them could hold out too much longer, Justin reached for the ever present condoms in the soap dish. Tearing off the foil, he grinned to himself, grateful that some things never change and Justin quickly sheathed himself. Brian had groaned when Justin withdrew his fingers and at the lack of contact, but for a few moments he was grateful for it, as he managed to take in some air and now holding Brian by the hips, Justin guided him downwards. Kneeling in the shower tray behind him, Justin brought Brian to his knees and pulled him backwards and eager and gasping, Brian allowed himself to be impaled on Justin's cock; the younger man almost filling him completely. This wasn't the occasion for taking things slowly, that would come later when they would lie in bed and spend hours exploring and enjoying each other as if for the first time. And though it might only be a matter of days since they were last together, now enjoying each other regularly, they'd already missed each other far too much to take things leisurely. Their bodies cried out for each other's; neither man ever finding the same satisfaction and completeness with someone else: no one else capable of making their blood pound and their breathing as quick and as shallow and providing that fulfillment. Reaching out to the wall of the cubicle with one hand, Brian pushed himself backwards; allowing Justin to enter him even further. As Justin commenced the thrusting motion and thrusting his pelvis upwards, Brian was propelled forward; the man forced to push back to stop from being slammed into the plexiglass. This was sex at its rawest, when the needs of both men overtook any sensitivity of mind; their bodies demanding gratification and crying out for release and as they established a rhythm, Brian took his cock in his hand; matching his strokes to Justin's tempo. Brian had taught him well and Justin was able to alter the pace of his thrusts, but now he speeded up even more; almost taking them to the point of no return before bringing them back, but then hurtling forward again. Brian came first, clenching around Justin and moaning loudly as the first spurts of cum hit the shower wall and he continued his strokes; ragged and now out of time with Justin in his desperation to climax completely. Feeling Brian clenching around him and hearing his moans, even above the sound of the water rushing over them, spurred Justin on. Pushing harder, faster and deeper now, he was barely withdrawing before pushing in again. And now unable to prevent it, Brian was forced forward against the glass; the touch cool to his temple, which was throbbing in time with each thrust. And with Brian's face turned to one side, looking up, Justin could see the man struggling for breath, but the expression of pure pleasure on Brian's face was more than evident as he gave his body entirely: the man allowing Justin to take complete control. Looking down, seeing his cock disappear inside Brian, knowing he was in command with Brian totally helpless was driving Justin insane. And as Justin squeezed his shoulder, Brian placed his hand on the glass for support and coming to climax, Justin reached out and placed his free hand on top of Brian's. With their fingers entwined, Justin came; riding out the waves of his orgasm and taking Brian with him as he did so; their bodies becoming one. Then there was one last thrust; one final groan that came from deep within Justin. A groan echoed and matched by Brian; his body now shaking and feeling like jelly and gasping for air. Trying to control his own breathing Justin collapsed against Brian's back and before he could even attempt to move, Brian reached around behind him and held him there; preventing him from withdrawing and Justin put his arms around Brian's chest and hugged him. Both men now soft, but with no intention of letting go completely, Brian continued to take Justin's weight; the older man enjoying still feeling the blond inside him. And then finally, Justin moved just enough to withdraw; eliciting one final moan of pleasure from Brian. But continuing to lean against him, Justin now nuzzled the older man's neck and slowly, Brian turned his head around so that Justin could find his mouth and finally, they kissed. “Did ... did you miss me?” asked Brian eventually, his voice rasping and Justin grinned at him and sliding into a sitting position, Brian pulled Justin down on top of him. Their bodies a tangle of arms and legs, they sat in the corner of the shower while both men came down from the incredible high they'd both experienced. Now away from the shower stream, Justin stroked Brian's thigh and then shook his head; spraying Brian with droplets of water and Brian ran his fingers through the hair that Justin was still allowing to grow a little long and he smiled; unable to believe that the blond was once again back home. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was Wednesday night and Babylon was buzzing and when Justin accompanied Brian there, he was impressed but not surprised at how popular the club had become. Brian had grinned at him and Justin frowned. “I have a suspicion that there's something you haven't told me,” stated the blond as he downed his beer. “Guilty ... but I didn't say anything yet 'cos I wasn't sure how it would pan out ... I didn't want us disappointed ...” and then he took Justin to the office at the back and showed him the plans. “Those times when I was going shopping or doing a little business of my own ...” “Funny how you never came back with any purchases ... considering your propensity to shop ...” smiled Justin, as Brian opened the filing cabinet drawer and took out the papers and spreading them out on the desk and Justin's eyes opened wide in amazement. “Ah ... as it happens ... I did acquire something ...” smiled Brian. During his trips to NYC when he'd taken off by himself, Brian had cast an eye over several properties and with a plan starting to form had eventually discussed his proposals with Ted. His accountant was initially surprised by Brian's idea, but after costing everything out, it seemed a perfectly feasible business venture and before long, an ailing and long neglected gay dance club would soon become Babylon New York. “Well ... if there's two markets I know ... it's advertising and gay clubs,” declared Brian and Justin nodded and slipped an arm around the man's waist. “You're becoming quite the entrepreneur ... if this takes off ... you do realize you'll be a millionaire well before you're forty ...” “Multi-millionaire ...” asserted Brian, grinning; never one to undersell himself. “But what about the agency?” Justin asked him and Brian shrugged. “Who says I won't open up a Kinnetik NYC office one day ... but from what I've seen ... at the moment, there's certainly room for a club like this ...” and Brian turned to face him and pulled the younger man in close. “Ted and Cynthia are more than capable of running the show back here ... and this will give me the opportunity ... and excuse ... to spend more time in New York ...” Justin smiled and stretched up to kiss him. “I can't wait ...” whispered the blond. “But there is one condition,” stated Brian and Justin frowned as he wondered what was coming next. “We get a decent bed,” demanded Brian and Justin grinned. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luckily none of the gang had been at Babylon and although Brian hadn't been able to keep it to himself that Justin was coming home for a visit, at least no-one knew he'd arrived a day early. So they were able to have the Thursday entirely to themselves, though Ted had suspected a change of plans when Brian had called in to say he wouldn't be in at all, rather than going into the office for the morning, which had been the original idea as Justin wasn't due to arrive until after lunch. Spending most of the morning in bed; the sex slow and easy before they'd eventually showered and dressed, Brian couldn't believe how much they now talked and how easy it was to open up and to Justin's delight, Brian informed him that he'd kept the house in West Virginia. They'd never talked about it before; Justin almost afraid to bring the subject up, knowing as he did that Brian had only bought the property because of how he'd described his perfect house. But he didn't ask to go and see it and Brian didn't offer; somehow it didn't feel right without them actually making plans to live there. The loft was okay for the moment, but eventually, Brian would want a place where Gus could have room to breathe when he visited. The loft would become increasingly unsuitable for the youngster as he got older, but there would be enough space in the gardens at the house to kick a soccer ball around and ride a bike and even to ride the ponies that Brian talked about hiring when his son came to stay. Brian even had plans to convert one of the bedrooms to an indoor play area for when the weather outside was less than kind. But for the moment, the house stood empty, save for a little furniture. Justin smiled as Brian talked about the plans he hoped to put in place one day and how he enjoyed going up to Toronto; despite once thinking he would never be capable of being the kind of Dad that Gus deserved. But desperately wanting a second chance, Brian now fulfilled his duties as a loving Father; albeit from afar. And his more frequent visits to Toronto now underlined his commitment to being the best Dad he could be and unlike Brian's own childhood, Gus would always know just how much he was loved. Justin also missed the youngster; in fact he hated to admit it, but he missed everyone; but he'd especially always loved seeing Brian with Gus. When they were together, it was like no-one else existed, even Justin. And when Brian talked and played with his son, it was obvious that the boy idolized his Dad. It had taken some convincing for Brian to finally believe he would never be like his own Father, but now he did believe it and subsequently was comfortable showing just how much he loved him. But the other reason why Brian had kept the house was because while he still owned it, he could believe that he and Justin would live together one day as a couple; their own couple, a dream that looked more likely now than ever before, even though still a long way off. Hopefully, the house would eventually become a base for them; a real home, when the younger man no longer had to spend so much time in NYC, although Brian now had plans to spending more time in that city himself. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Are you sure you don't want to come with me?” asked Justin over breakfast on Friday and Brian shook his head. “I think your Mom would probably be glad to have you all to herself ...” stated Brian, secretly a little envious of the time Jennifer Taylor would be spending with her son. But he could hardly begrudge her and so with Justin occupied for best part of the day, meeting up and going out for lunch with his Mom, Brian decided to go into the office to keep himself occupied. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Taking a deep breath, Justin rang the doorbell. He'd often talked to her on the phone, but this was the first time he'd seen his Mother in all the months since he'd left Pittsburgh. “Justin,” and a sob caught in Jennifer's throat as smiling, Justin stepped over the threshold of his Mom's house and into her arms for a big hug. “Let me look at you ...” and now standing back at arms length, Jennifer surveyed her son. “You've let your hair grow ... I always loved your hair,” she stated. “Are you eating ... I'm sure you've lost weight ...” Justin chuckled. “Mom ... I'm fine ... please ... don't worry ... and you ... you look terrific ...” and Jennifer smiled at her son's compliment and then turned; Justin following her into the kitchen where Jennifer put on the coffee pot. “How's Molly?” asked Justin and Jennifer groaned. “Teenage girls and raging hormones ... what can I say ... she sends her love ... but she's on a school field trip this weekend ... her teachers have my deepest sympathy ...” she stated as she shook her head and Justin chuckled. “I'm sorry I missed her,” he stated and then Justin smiled. “And you thought I was going to give you grey hair ...” Jennifer smiled back at him, but then the smile disappeared. “I'm sorry I didn't get to your shows ... I really didn't think I could leave Molly and I didn't want to take her out of school ... but I will try to come next time ... and I've read every article ... I'm so proud ...” and swallowing to keep back the tears, Jennifer turned around and reached for the cups from the cupboard. “That's okay,” Justin answered her and having placed the china cups on the counter and composed herself, Jennifer turned to look at him again; God, she'd missed him so much. “How's Tucker?” asked Justin at last and Jennifer smiled. “See ... you can say his name,” she stated and Justin smiled back and then looked away before looking back at her; now embarrassed and a little ashamed at how he'd treated his Mom when she first started to date the man much younger than herself. How the hell had he had the nerve to criticize her for that, but at the time it was more like just being a little jealous of a new man in his Mom's life: any man. “Tucker's good ... he's good for me and he's good for Molly ... in fact he's more than good ...” and Justin saw the serious expression cross his Mom's face. “We're in for the long haul, Justin ... so I hope you can deal with that ...” After biting his lip, Justin smiled. “If he's what you want ... who am I to argue ... I'm happy for you,” he admitted and as he saw him Mom raise an eyebrow, Justin continued. “No ... really ... I am ...” “After everything Dad put you through ...” “Put us both through,” stated Jennifer and she smiled at him. “We both deserve a little happiness ... don't you think?” she asked him and Justin nodded and there was a moment's pause. “Speaking of which ... how's Brian ... I haven't seen him in a while ... though I do see Debbie and from what I'm hearing, both Kinnetik and Babylon are doing well ...” “They are,” replied Justin. “And he's fine ... we're both fine,” and now grinning broadly, he held up his hand so that his Mom could see the ring. “I'm sorry I couldn't tell you in person ... rather than on the phone ... but when Brian came to New York the first time ... we talked and sorted out everything that stood in our way ... we even said vows ...” “Oh Justin ...” and Jennifer's eyes filled with tears that this time, she'd been unable to hold back and she held out her hands and Justin took them and she looked at the ring on his finger. “So my little boy's a married man after all ...” and stepping forward she hugged her son again. After a few moments, Justin pulled back and chuckled. “Considering the things you used to say about Brian ...” but his Mom waved away his recollections. “I admit ... I had nothing good to say about the man when you first started seeing him ... especially after ...” and Jennifer sighed at the memories of Justin's bashing that even now still came back to haunt her from time to time. “But as I got to know him better ... Brian's one of the most honest and forthright men I have ever met ... he's a man of principle and integrity ... and I am so proud to have him as a son-in-law ...” “Thanks Mom,” whispered Justin and stepping in for another hug, Mother and son held on and enjoying the closeness. “We're a lot alike ... aren't we,” stated Jennifer and Justin nodded. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After having lunch with his Mom, Justin went down to Kinnetik to see Brian and to see how the business was doing and he smiled as there, in Brian's office, was the painting the man had bought off him all those months ago. “I bet that's doubled in value since I bought it ...” Brian stated proudly and Justin smiled at him. “Mom asked after you ... she's really happy for us ...” and Brian looked up at him from his desk. “You're lucky to have a Mom like Jennifer ... she only ever wanted what she thought was best for you ... luckily ... that turned out to be me ...” Brian now grinned at him and he started to clear his desk. But, before they had a chance to leave, Michael dropped by. When Justin had arrived, he and Ted had greeted each other warmly and Ted had congratulated him on his and Brian's news and then once they'd gone into Brian's office, Ted had quickly got on the phone. “Glad I caught you,” stated Michael, after he and Justin had hugged and Michael too had offered his congratulations. “What are you doing tomorrow night ... you're still going to be in town, aren't you?” he asked Justin and Brian eyed his friend suspiciously. “Why ... what's the occasion?” he asked him. “Mom and Carl have a special announcement to make ... they want us all there ...” “Don't say your Mom's gonna make an honest man out of him after all,” stated Brian but Michael merely grinned. “Say ... 8 o'clock ... Francesco's ...” “Franceso's?” repeated Brian. “That's pretty expensive ...” and he looked at Justin, half hoping the blond would say they had other arrangements; this visit was going by too quickly and he wasn't getting to spend half as much time with him as he wanted, but Justin was nodding his head. “Sure Michael ... we'd love to ...” and Brian smiled; always wanting to be part of an accepting family, Justin was, as ever, eager to participate in any family gathering and this looked to be no exception. “Do we need to bring anything?” asked Brian, now resigned to spending an evening in company other than Justin's but Michael shook his head. “Just yourselves ... see you tomorrow ...” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “What are you wearing?” asked Justin and with only a towel wrapped around his waist, he surveyed the contents of Brian's wardrobe and he scratched behind his ear, unsure what he could wear to the restaurant at Debbie and Carl's invitation. He and Brian had showered and were about to get ready for dinner with the family and Brian frowned at Justin's question. “I haven't really decided ...” he answered him as he was drying off his hair. “Then ... why don't you wear this?” Justin asked him and he removed the suit from the closet and pulled off the protective cover; Brian smiled. “I haven't worn that since ...” “Our wedding rehearsal dinner ...” stated Justin as he indicated the Hugo Boss black velvet striped suit and Brian crossed the floor to reach out and finger the collar. “It's pretty formal ... isn't it?” he asked him and Justin shrugged. “But it sounds like it's gonna be a special evening ... we should make an effort ...” the younger man answered him and Brian nodded in agreement. “Then I guess that means you'll have to wear this ...” and now Brian reached into the closet and brought out a similar garment bag and Justin grinned as Brian pulled back the cover, revealing the navy blazer-style Junk Deluxe suit. “You looked beautiful ...” and Brian swallowed at the memory of when he'd first seen Justin in the suit when they'd planned to get married; he had indeed looked so fucking beautiful. “And you looked great in this,” stated Justin, as he again indicated the suit he was holding and so, in agreement, both men changed into their wedding suits. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Arriving fashionably late, instead of dining in the main restaurant, Brian and Justin were shown to the private function suite upstairs. Most of the gang were there; Michael, Ben and Hunter, Ted and Blake, Emmett and Drew, as well as Jennifer, Tucker and Daphne, and Debbie and Carl, of course. And there was a huge display of golden gardenias as the centerpiece on the beautifully laid table and the room also had a small bar and dance floor. Everyone turned to greet them as a waiter offered both men a glass each of Champagne on their arrival. However, Justin didn't have a chance to sample his before Debbie took him in a bear hug and only reluctantly let him go when he promised to visit her properly before leaving town again. Then, up stepped his Mom,Tucker and Daphne. “Mom ... you never mentioned Debbie and Carl's party ...” stated Justin. “Didn't I?” replied Jennifer as she hugged him. “I must have forgotten ...” and she smiled innocently, before turning to Brian. “Do I get a hug too?” she asked him and Brian grinned. “Do I have to call you Mom?” he asked her and Jennifer grinned and shook her head as she reached up to him. “I'm so glad you two sorted everything out ...” and then she whispered to him. “Look after him for me ...” and Brian nodded as Jennifer pulled away. “That's just what I intend to do,” he stated quietly. “Justin ...” “Tucker ...” and both men shook hands; past differences now forgotten and Tucker shook hands with Brian. Then Daphne stepped up to give Justin a hug too. “Hello, Daph ... this is great ... I didn't expect to see you here ...” grinned Justin and Daphne shook her head. “I ran into Debbie and she said you and Brian were coming tonight and she asked me if I'd like to come along too ...” she answered him and hoped he wouldn't see her crossing her fingers behind her back. After about half-an-hour of exchanging news and everyone congratulating Justin on his success and all so obviously pleased at seeing him again, Carl and Debbie talked in a huddle and then Carl brought them all to order as it was announced by the waiter that their meal would shortly be ready. But there were to be no after dinner speeches; this was to be said now. “Well ... I guess we all know why we're here ...” stated Carl and everyone started to quieten down and smiling, Carl looked down at Debbie, who was holding his hand. “Don't tell me ... the good officer got you knocked up Deb ...” chuckled Brian and everyone giggled, but Debbie just looked at him and grinned and didn't come back with some smart remark and that was when Brian started to get nervous, as the waiter passed among them, filling up their glasses. “But ...” continued Carl. “In actual fact ... we don't all know why we're here ...” and he looked directly at Brian and Justin and realizing that everyone was now looking at them, the penny dropped. “You thought we'd asked you here to make some big announcement about us ... didn't you?” chuckled Debbie and groaning, Justin leaned into Brian, who put his arm around the younger man shoulders and momentarily closed his eyes as now it all came clear. “It seems like these two guys went ahead without us ...” stated Carl, affectionately. “But they're not getting out of this ... our wishing all the very best for ...” and it was at this point the door burst open. “Sorry we're late ... damn airport was on some security alert ... we couldn't get out ...” “I was wondering where the hell you were,” yelled Debbie, “We were gonna have to start without you ...” and she crossed the floor towards them. Smiling, she took her sleeping granddaughter from Melanie and Brian swallowed as a tired, but still excited five year old pulled out of Lindsay's hand and yelled 'Daddy' before running over to him to be picked up and hugged. Debbie grinned. “That's better ... the whole family's here now ... this is how it should be ...” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Justin realized, too late of course, that the floral table centerpiece should have been the giveaway. As it was, without anything of importance to announce about her and Carl and the meal in danger of being ruined, Debbie decided they should proceed without the girls, but thankfully they turned up not a moment too soon. After being fed, Jenny Rebecca was laid on two large, heavy armchairs that had been pushed together in order to keep her safe and she slept as everyone else ate, but Gus sat between his Dad and Lindsay. It looked like this whole evening had been planned ever since Brian had come back from New York the first time and announced that Justin would be coming back for a visit at some stage, but everything had only swung into action when the dates had finally been confirmed. After the meal, during which there was a lively and good natured exchange of banter, peppered with jokes and reminiscences among family and friends, there were two toasts, the first being absent friends, or, in this case, absent family. And there was just a moments wistfulness where everyone agreed how wonderful it would have been if Vic, Debbie's brother, could have been there with them and Debbie smiled, unable to keep the tears from prickling the backs of her eyes and grateful that he was still missed and remembered fondly. Then, there was just one other toast; loving wishes for all the very best for Brian and Justin's future. And after the table was cleared, people started to move away in order to get drinks from the small bar and to decide what music to put on. And with music now playing, but the guests of honor slow to react, Carl started proceedings by taking Debbie onto the dance floor. Still at the table, Jennifer and Tucker had been deep in conversation with Brian and Justin about the plans Brian had to open a club in NYC when the music had started. “Well ... I hope I'm going to get to dance with my son after all,” stated Jennifer after a few minutes and Justin looked at Brian. “Go right ahead,” Brian smiled at him and Mother and son stepped out onto the dance floor; Brian raised an eyebrow at Tucker. “If you don't mind ... I think I'll sit this one out,” stated Tucker to Brian, though in a friendly tone and Brian grinned at him before a hand landed on his shoulder. “Then how about a dance with me?” asked Debbie and she reached for his hand. Brian groaned, but after all, Debbie was probably the closest thing he'd ever had to a real Mother and knowing it was probably best not to refuse her, he allowed himself to be led out on to the floor. With Em and Drew overseeing the music and the bar and Blake now talking with Tucker, Michael watched over JR while Ben entertained Gus. Carl had asked Lindsay to dance and Melanie had asked Ted and now even Hunter tried to make his way slowly around the floor, guided by a very patient Daphne. “Well, Kiddo ... you finally made it,” declared Debbie, smiling at him and Brian shook his head. “We're not exactly married Debbie ... and it was only ever going to be a token gesture anyhow,” he continued and Debbie frowned. “At least while the fucking Republicans are in the White House ... that's for certain ...” she snorted and then her manner softened. “But you and Justin are here and together ... that's what counts ... we'll show them you can't stop progress .....” and allowing Debbie to continue her criticism of the present political system, Brian looked over at Justin. He was laughing at something his Mother said and he threw his head back; flicking his hair away from his face and then he looked in Brian's direction. Jennifer continued to talk, but Justin was hardly listening; all he could do was look into the eyes of the man he was in love with and who now smiled at him and after a few more minutes, Brian couldn't hold out any longer. Maneuvering Debbie across the floor, Brian gently put his hand on Jennifer's shoulder. “Mind if I cut in Jennifer?” he asked her, but without waiting for an answer, Brian smiled at Debbie and then deftly slipped in between Mother and son. “I guess that leaves you and me ...” chuckled Debbie, and she took Jennifer's hand and the two women laughed as they decided who should lead. Debbie won. “We might have known they wouldn't let us get away without some sort of party,” chuckled Justin and Brian nodded. “No ... and I don't want to seem too ungrateful ...” “But how about we slip away a little early?” asked Justin and Brian nodded and grinned as the strains of 'Forever Young' met their ears and Brian leaned down to kiss him. In the end, acknowledging how much effort had gone into arranging everything, Brian and Justin stayed longer than they thought they would and had to admit how much they'd enjoyed themselves, but that wasn't all. They stayed because it was obvious how much this evening meant to everyone; not just the gay community saying we can have what anyone else has, if we want it, but we don't need approval from anyone or a piece of paper to tie us together. But it was seeing Brian and Justin, for all intents and purposes a married couple; an unconventional and undefined partnership, brimming over with unconditional love after everything they'd been through, both together and independently, that gave everyone hope for the future. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Once the dance mixes were put on, everyone joined in, including Gus, with someone always watching over Jenny Rebecca, who looked like she took after her Father and could sleep through anything. “I guess we have you to thank for arranging this,” stated Brian to Emmett, later in the evening when he went to get his and Justin's drinks topped up. “And Debbie,” replied Emmett. “Actually ... there was no way I was gonna stop her ...” he chuckled, quietly. “But we did what you asked ... kept it quiet ... just the family ...” “It's been wonderful, Em ... thank you ... and you even remembered the flowers,” stated Justin and Emmett grinned at him. “You are both very welcome ...” and he looked across at Drew who was talking football to Tucker and Hunter. “I just hope I get to have the same one day,” Emmett confided in them and both Brian and Justin smiled at him. “If we can do it ...” stated Brian and Emmett nodded in hope. During the evening, Brian had managed to spend a little time with Gus before the youngster had finally and reluctantly succumbed to sleep and Lindsay promised that Brian would get the chance to spend some real time with him before they flew back to Toronto. The air was warm and balmy and, as the night wore on, it was Daphne who announced the close of the evening as she put on the final track. Brian had been holding the sleeping Gus in his arms, but as Justin approached him, he turned and laid the youngster down safely on the sofa. “One final turn around the floor,” Justin grinned at him and held out his hand; the glint in his eye a promise of what was to follow once they got home. But neither man was prepared for the strains of the old standard that now filled the room. It was Daphne who had thought long and hard about the song that should end the evening. Justin didn't have many recollections of that night and though Daphne didn't want to revive unpleasant memories, she decided there was only one song it could be. Taking Justin's hand, Brian smiled as he followed him out onto the dance floor, but then he momentarily closed his eyes and found it hard to talk or even move as the words to “Save the Last Dance For Me” played on the welcome evening breeze from the open windows. Justin's knowledge of that fateful night was still sporadic, even though Brian had tried to recreate how they'd danced together. But one thing the younger man did know, what just how much in fact Brian actually remembered and not wanting the man to resurrect and relive such a painful episode, he stepped in close; now was the time to put it behind them once and for all and dispense with any lingering fears of guilt. “This is the last time we will ever mention this,” stated Justin, holding Brian's hand and wanting to reassure the other man they could finally put this all behind them. “And although I don't remember much about it ... and I don't give a fuck any more about what happened afterwards ... you'll never know just how important it is to me that you came,” declared Justin earnestly and he squeezed Brian's hand. “Promise you'll always have the last dance with me ...” asked Justin, looking up at him anxiously and Brian nodded and swallowed. “Last ... and first,” he whispered to him. “And I'll never ... never ... let you go again ...” Instead of taking to the floor, the two men stood still and hugged. Brian buried his face in the silky blond hair and Justin held on tightly; both of them lost in each other and totally oblivious of all around them. And though no one in that room could be embarrassed at this unmistakable demonstration of love and deep abiding affection, there was not one dry eye among the people sharing this special evening. Although that terrible night all those years ago could never be ignored or forgotten entirely, it was time to put it in its rightful place, but for good or bad, it was part of their history. It had served to form an unbreakable bond between them and had contributed towards bringing them to this point. But now was the time to forget the past and concentrate on the future: their future. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ With Mel and Lindsay spending a few days at Michael and Ben's, Brian had the opportunity to have Gus and with Justin by his side, his family felt complete. But then he caught Justin looking at him as he pushed Gus on the swing; his son loving the attention from both his Dads. “What?” asked Brian, but the younger man just shook his head. “Tell me ... no secrets ... remember?” reminded Brian and Justin bit his lip and then shrugged. “I was just thinking ... but you'll say it's a dumb idea ...” “I am never that predictable,” stated Brian and Justin had to admit that generally that was true, so he gave it a shot. “Okay ... I was just wondering ... if we'd have our own kids one day ... but we don't have to talk about it now ... there's plenty of time ... years ...” he continued, obviously in a panic. Brian was reminded of a conversation he once had with a traveling companion and after a moment's thought, “Yes,” was the answer he gave him. Justin nodded, assuming Brian was agreeing with him how something as important as starting their own family was a long way off in the future and that there was only a slim chance in any case and it wasn't even worth talking about right now. But Brian put his arm around Justin's shoulders. “Yes,” he repeated. “I'd love to have kids with you ...” and Justin looked up at him and blinked. “You would?” he asked him and Brian grinned. “Did you think I wouldn't?” came back his answer and Justin shrugged. “I wasn't sure ...” “Justin ... one of the few things in my life I can be really proud of is Gus,” stated Brian. “I know it took me a while to admit it ... but having him is one of the best things that's ever happened to me ... and to have that all over again with you ... and to do it right ... right from the start ... well ... nothing could make me happier ...” “But not yet ... you haven't got to where you're going yet,” and then he grinned. “Besides ... you've got many childbearing years ahead of you ...” and Justin chuckled, thinking Brian was joking, and he was, but only up to a point and then Justin saw how serious the man was. “Me?” “Why not you? ... I already have Gus ... you'd make a wonderful Father and you should get a chance to enjoy the experience ...” stated Brian and Justin grinned at him broadly; the future looked wonderful. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The girls and the kids stayed a couple of days and Lindsay asked Justin if he'd be interested in doing a show in Toronto; she was working at a gallery there and could arrange everything. Justin was thrilled and agreed to discuss it further when he got back to NYC. Lindsay had also brought up the subject of Brian taking Gus for any of the school breaks and Justin couldn't miss the man's slight hesitation before saying of course he'd love to have him. “Now is your chance to start the work on the house and not put it off,” stated Justin, back at the loft after they'd dropped Gus back at Michael and Ben's, but Brian didn't answer him. “Brian ...” Not understanding Brian's reaction, Justin reached out and halted the man's progress across the hard wooden floor and Brian sighed. “It just wouldn't feel right ...” “What wouldn't?” asked Justin and then he saw Brian look away. “Come on ... talk to me,” urged Justin and Brian nodded, though it did feel a little foolish. “Initially, I bought the house for us ... for you ... but we haven't lived there yet and ...” and Brian's voice trailed off. Justin smiled as he realized Brian's reluctance; not feeling right about living in the house when he'd never shared it with Justin. “I don't have to go back to New York right away,” Justin stated. “We could go and stay at the house ... make it ours ... but I had thought that we'd already Christened it,” he continued smiling, as he recalled how they had laid on the floor in front of the open fire and made love; the night Brian had taken him to the house and he'd agreed to marry him. “Are you sure? There's not much there?” asked Brian, but Justin nodded and the following day, after going shopping for provision and supplies, they headed off to the house. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The house felt stuffy and moving through the building, they started to open all the windows to let in the light and air and took the dust covers off what furniture was there. Unpacking the vette with a box of groceries, clothing and necessities to last them a few days they stocked the fridge. Luckily, the power and light was still on and then they took their clothing and the bedding up to the master bedroom. There was an old bed still in the room and having brought the duvet, pillows and linen with them, they set about making it and Justin grinned. “What?” asked Brian as Justin passed him a pillow slip. “Did you ever think we'd be doing this ... setting up house ... like an old married couple?” and Brian threw the pillow at him. “Not so much of the old,” he chided him, but it hadn't gone past Justin's notice that Brian apparently no longer felt offended by the reference to being married and part of a couple. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Are you sure you don't mind?” asked Brian and Justin shook his head. After three days at the house, with no one really knowing where they were, it had been bliss, having the time and the place to themselves. They'd eaten when they'd wanted to, slept when they felt tired and had talked and made love with only themselves to consider. And at Brian's suggestion, but with no objection from Justin, they had Christened about every room in the house and it was a big house. And they'd talked about how the rooms should be furnished and decorated and gone over Brian's plans for the alterations to accommodate Gus. And they'd even looked at the loft, keeping in mind a future studio for Justin. “Of course I don't mind ... this is our house now,” Justin stated as he pulled the front door closed behind him. “You should be able to bring your son here ...” “Our son,” corrected Brian and he smiled. “You won't mind if I go ahead and spruce the rest of the place up a bit? I've neglected it far too long,” Brian was ashamed to admit and Justin shook his head. “You've got great taste ... I trust anything you want to do ...” And, all too soon, it was time for them to leave the house and for Justin to return to NYC, but Brian didn't waste two minutes and the next day was vetting possible contractors for the work he had in mind for the house. And, after that was all done, Brian would go shopping. It was proving to be an expensive time as Brian had so many plans coming to fruition all at once and the club had to go on the back burner for a couple of months. But as soon as the house was at a stage where Brian was no longer needed to oversee the work, and leaving Ted and Cyn looking after Kinnetik, he headed off to NYC. Both men were working incredibly hard, but with Brian willing to put in the hours and able to hire someone who turned out to be the best manager he could have possibly hired, it wasn't too long before Brian was able to launch Babylon New York. Justin was as busy with his art as ever and Rage was also starting to take off again; the comic's popularity and circulation increasing all the time. The two years since Brian had made that first tentative trip to the Big Apple had been hard work for both of them, back and forth between Pittsburgh and NYC, but it's amazing what love can actually achieve. Now instead of not seeing each other at all, Brian and Justin got together as much as they could, with Brian coming out to see Justin and checking on the club and Justin occasionally being able to take advantage of the frequent flier miles and being on Kinnetik's payroll to come back to Pittsburgh. And the first time back to the Pitts after Brian had talked about working on the house, Justin couldn't believe what he found. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Christ ... you've bought everything that was on our wedding list that was registered at Potterybarn,” stated Justin in total amazement and Brian grinned, albeit a little sheepishly. He'd certainly been busy since Justin's last visit back and the house was decorated and furnished exquisitely; and though the kitchen was fitted with all the most modern appliances, and every pot, pan and piece of china had indeed been on that wedding list, the rest of the house had been refurbished with Brian keeping all the original timbers, beams and stone fireplaces throughout. And, as he'd planned, one of the spare bedrooms has indeed been turned into an indoor play room, in time for Gus' next visit. “Now it is fit for a Prince ...” Brian chuckled at him. “And wait until you see the master bedroom ...” and taking Justin by the hand, he led him upstairs. Justin's jaw practically hit the floor when Brian opened the door. Despite the still warmish weather, there was a fire burning in the hearth and the biggest four poster bed he'd ever thought possible now stood in the room. “Do you like it?” Brian asked, a little nervously at Justin's initial silence, but finding his voice, Justin finally answered him. “It's incredible ... it's beautiful ... all beautiful ...” “Then how about we take advantage of this new acquisition ... what say we test the springs ...” and grinning, Brian pulled Justin up onto the bed and undoing the ties, pulled the curtains around them; making it an even more private and intimate space. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Three Years Later: Justin had been based in NYC almost five years and had done round after round of shows in galleries throughout that state and beyond, now taking in Toronto, Pittsburgh, Washington and had been asked to show in both London and Paris. He was also often featured in art magazines and culture spots on local TV stations, commentators eager to point out a gift such as Justin's in someone so young. His work was starting to sell and unsurprisingly, he'd given up the job at Ramon's, though he had remained close friends with both Anton and Chloe and was best man at Chloe and Grant's wedding. But despite his apparent popularity, Justin was increasingly wondering whether this staying in NYC was now the right decision after all; when was the point where he could say he'd succeeded in what he'd set out to do, he wondered. It hadn't been easy, committing himself to both his art and his relationship with Brian and for Brian too, for that matter, coping with an ever growing business empire that had threatened to swamp him until he promoted Ted to Deputy CEO and now employed a team of accountants to oversee all of his financial dealings. But the commitment to make it work from both of them, despite the constant and regular separations, had never waned and he and Brian were as strong now as ever. But when the announcement of the eagerly awaited Governor's Annual Arts Awards were made, no one could have been more surprised than Justin, when he found himself to be the recipient of the Medallion as Most Promising Newcomer and a check for $20,000. This was the breakthrough he'd been waiting for. The committee, having followed Justin's progress since his first noticeable show and subsequent Art Forum article heralding his arrival in New York had, in their opinion, been presented with the most obvious choice; repeated requests for Justin to show his work at various prestigious galleries was testament to that. It was a glittering event and flouting convention; a situation not entirely unknown to them, Brian accompanied Justin as his partner to the ceremony. The whole family came to the award presentations; rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous and no one could have been more proud than Brian, even more so than Jennifer, who cried throughout. And Brian repeated his words of all those years before when he kissed Justin when the young man returned to their table; not giving a fuck who might see and tough if anyone objected. “Well, Sunshine ... you did it ... you became the best homosexual you could possibly be,” whispered Brian in his ear and Justin rewarded him with that trademark smile. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The family went back to their respective homes after taking the opportunity of a couple of days sightseeing in the Big Apple. Brian stayed on a few more days but then also returned to Pittsburgh; his pride in Justin evident, but he couldn't help wondering whether this would mean Justin traveling even further afield and being asked to take part in even more shows worldwide. And as well as those concerns, Brian's business were keeping him busy and though he knew he could trust Ted, giving up too much responsibility went against the grain. When you come from nothing and gain so much, there's no way you want to go back there again and after having watched his father struggle with menial jobs, with little money throughout his childhood, Brian was determined to stay at the helm, even if it did mean putting in the time. But if he did, he knew he and Justin would continue with the relationship now established; getting together as often as possible, but it wasn't looking to be like anywhere near full time, at least not for the foreseeable future, but then it's funny how quickly your whole world can change. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Justin eagerly waited for the next edition of Art Forum, the magazine that had started him on this journey and who had supported him throughout. Simon Caswell had been covering the awards, just before his retirement, and his subsequent article was to be his last. For forty-five years, Caswell had studied art, the art world and had seen numerous talented artists come and go and his article stated categorically, that Mr. Justin Taylor was one of the most talented artists he'd ever met and had certainly made his mark. And, not only that, the man turned up at Justin's studio to hand him the magazine himself. Justin had been both taken back and pleased that Caswell would take the trouble to come to the studio and despite his continual dislike of the man, couldn't deny how supportive he'd been. “So, Mr. Taylor,” Caswell stated as he handed him the magazine. “You've done it ... you've conquered New York ... what else is there left for you to do, I wonder?” he asked him and Justin looked at him and frowned. But it didn't take long for Justin to make up his mind what indeed was left for him to do. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As soon as Caswell left, Justin went straight to his cell and hit speed-dial no. 1: Brian, and hoped he wasn't caught up in a conference or a presentation. But luckily, Brian answered after the second ring. “So ... have you come back down to earth yet?” Brian chuckled and Justin laughed. “I think so ... amazing how it can take five years to get a newcomer's award ...” “Don't knock it, Sunshine ... some people never make it ...” “I know ... I've been lucky ...” stated Justin, but Brian didn't believe a word of it. “Luck's only part of it ... you need talent ... and you've got it in spades ...” and he heard the man smile on the other end. “So ... what are you doing next?” Brian asked him and Justin took a deep breath. “I've decided ... I'm coming to the Pitts ...” “Great ... while you're here this time maybe we can ...” “No Brian ... I mean I'm coming home ... for good this time ...” To be continued. With so many thanks to Lois and Judy for their help, support and friendship.