Chapter 10 - 2004 - Fantasy Island

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“Welcome aboard Mr. Kinney, Mr. Taylor. I’ll show you to your cabin. As luck would have it, you managed to snag a few days in the replica of Captain John Thomas’ cabin, where he lived when he sailed the Liberty.” The young man dressed in old fashioned seaman’s clothing, led the two lovers down the side of the ship to a door that opened directly on the deck of the ship. “Captain John’s cabin opened up directly onto the deck unlike modern day vessels that have an inner hallway.” He threw open the door. “As you will see, the cabin is small by today’s standards, but it was large for that time, as Captain John liked his comfort.”

“Wow Brian, it’s just like in the book.” Justin had walked into the small room, the various woods gleaming in the light of the soft flame of an oil lamp. He ran his finger tips over the carved edges, his eyes big and blue and shining with wonder. Justin climbed onto the bed and sat in the middle of it. “It’s kind of short Brian, I don’t think people were as big as you in the old days.”

Brian laughed, ignoring the look of the purser who was showing the room, he joined Justin on the bed. “Luckily it’s only for two nights Sunshine.” He kissed Justin’s cheek.

The purser shook his head to clear it and began again. “You are welcome to join the crew in the mess hall for meals, there is a list of meal times and a sketch of the ship showing you where everything is located. If you don’t want to join us for meals, your meals will be served to you in your cabin as it was done in Captain John’s day.”

Brian jumped off the bed and pressed a folded bill into the flustered young man’s hand. “We’ll be taking our meals in the cabin, but make sure the cabin boy knocks before he comes in or he may see more than he wants to.” Brian whispered and the purser blushed along with Justin who couldn’t believe Brian said that.

Brian shut and locked the door behind the purser and then turned to Justin. “Come my handsome Prince, your Privateer wants to swash some buckles with you.”

“Asshole, I thought you were the Prince and I was the Privateer.” Justin teased, though he began to remove the shirt he was wearing.

“Now that’s where you’d be wrong, I’m definitely the Privateer type and you” in an uncharacteristic moment of clarity he said “You are most definitely my Prince.” The last words were said in a rush of breath that spoke more than the words ever could to the blond who felt the sudden sting of tears at Brian’s words. Brian crossed the room in a few strides and stood beside the bed staring down at the man he loved. “I want to have the next two weeks as Brian Kinney and Justin Taylor - two men who love each other - who don’t have to hide behind made up facades but who can truly be themselves. We have no one who knows us any where near us - none of our Pittsburgh family. I want to live these two weeks with you the way I would love to be when we’re home - who knows, maybe it’ll rub off.” He gave a half laugh and he flushed with embarrassment at what he’d said looking down at his feet, unable to meet Justin’s eyes.

“Brian, Brian look at me.” Justin’s voice was soft and full of love. How could he ever have doubted Brian’s love for him? “I want this too - you and I - sort of a two week marriage.”

Brian tried not to wince at the “M” word, but he looked into the blue eyes filled with tears and love and suddenly the “M” word wasn’t a curse after all. “Thanks Justin,” was all he said as he pulled off his clothing and joined Justin in the bed tucked into the curve of the ship.

Brian helped Justin remove the rest of his clothing until they both lay naked upon the rough woven sheets. “I hope my knees hold out.” Brian joked as he rubbed the sheet between his fingers. “Do you think this was the best they had in those days?”

Justin smiled up at him and laughed, Brian Kinney was going to be in a foul mood before the two days were up, Justin could see it now. No matter what, Brian expected his creature comforts to be the best. “Privateers don’t whine about the sheets.” And he laughed when Brian made a half hearted attempt to swat him on the ass.

“I’m not whining, I just think that maybe authenticity can be carried away, this is two thousand and four, quality sheets on the bed are the very least one would expect for the price these two days are costing.” 

Brian fell back onto the hard bed with a whump when Justin pushed him down and then straddled his chest. “Your Prince demands that you service him with your mouth, if it’s full, you can’t whine.” Justin said in his haughtiest tone of voice that only caused Brian to laugh out loud. Justin’s look of outrage only made Brian laugh longer and soon the two of them were rolling together in the bed dissolved in giggles that were only silenced when two pairs of lips met with an urgency that was unexpected and their passion erupted - it was almost like they were possessed the way their mouths devoured each other, their fingers traced patterns in each other’s bodies and their cocks stiffened into that rock hard state that usually only happened at three in the morning, rarely in the middle of the afternoon.

Brian couldn’t get enough of Justin, nor Justin of him and only with extreme power and control was Brian able to pause long enough to locate condoms and lube in the pocket of his jacket that had landed at the top of the bed when he had first climbed in. 

“Brian, please, now, I can’t wait, I need you, I need you,” Justin panted the words over and over in a mantra between kissing and tasting any part of Brian that his mouth could reach. 

His lover was almost as bad as he began his own mantra of nonsense words of love. Neither one made any attempt at staving off the building orgasms that threatened to spill at any moment, there would be time enough for making love. Right now it was about sex and need and establishing contact. It was like they had been apart for two hundred years so great was their desire for each other. 

After, Brian and Justin lay tangled in the sheets, their breath ragged, their bodies slick with sweat and ripe with the smell of sex. Brian looked at Justin and they both smiled. “What the fuck was that all about?” Brian asked. 

“My handsome Privateer certainly knows how to ravish his Prince.” Justin panted. “I may not sit down for a week.”

“You, what about me? I think I broke it.” Brian peered down at his flaccid cock.

“I’ll kiss it and make it better once I can breathe.” Justin offered.

Brian’s cock twitched. “You said the magic words Sunshine.” He grinned to himself. This voyage was definitely shaping up, rough sheets and all.

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John sat comfortably on Bryon’s knee. Bryon had his back to the cabin wall and was seated on the floo;) they had watched Justin and Brian as they had wild sex. “Our future selves are full of passion.” John nuzzled Bryon’s neck.

“How I wished I could have loved you like that in your bed aboard the Liberty.” Bryon said to his blond. He held him tight.

“It wasn’t meant to be, though if I recall you and Daphne and Molly didn’t too badly.” John looked over at the two men who were now sleeping soundly. “You and the girls do make beautiful offspring.”

Bryon laughed quietly. “I love you John Thomas.” 

“I love you too Bryon O’Neil” John felt Bryon’s lips on his and they faded back to where they came(,) leaving Justin and Brian alone once again.

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“I am so glad to be on dry land.” Justin could have kissed the ground. In fact his knees were so weak, he thought he might just fall to the ground. “Who would have thought a ship that size would feel like a thimble bouncing on the waves, and the damn creaking and groaning of the wood, I was sure we were going to break into a thousand pieces and be lost at sea.”

“Justin, stop being such a drama princess, it’s getting old fast.” Brian griped. Justin had become seasick about an hour out of the harbor and he hadn’t stopped being green and puking until the island had come into view. Thank gawd they were flying back. If they weren’t(,) Brian would have been forced to drown the blond brat.

“I can’t help it Brian. I’ve never been so sick in all my life. It isn’t fair that you were walking around eating your head off the whole time. You never fucking eat anything. But oh no, let Justin be puking his guts out and you get the muchies, go figure.”

“It’s the sea air Sunshine, it gives me an appetite, you really should have tried to eat something, you would have felt much better.”

“Oysters Brian, you ate fucking oysters raw, dozens and dozens of them and you ate crawling things, sucked their legs - how completely gross was that.”

“Seafood Justin, it’s seafood, we were at sea, it seemed appropriate somehow.”

“Asshole” Justin muttered to himself. “How are we supposed to find this bed and breakfast anyway?”

“Look up at that cliff, see the big white house?” Brian pointed his finger and Justin followed it. He looked at the big house and he was immediately entranced. All memories of his horrific two days were wiped when he gazed in wonder at the big house.

“Holy shit Brian, it’s like something out of a story book. Do you think that’s the same house?” Justin clutched his worn copy of  Stolen in the Sunlight. 

“So the brochure said.” Brian smiled at Justin, happy to have him back smiling - the last two days had been grim.  “There’s a carriage over there to take us up to the house.” Brian pointed to a small horse drawn carriage with the name of the bed and breakfast “For all Thyme” on the side. Brian walked over to the carriage, his hand firmly grasping Justin’s. 

“Mr. Kinney?” the big man asked from his seat on the red lacquered carriage. “I’m Charles(,) one of your hosts at ‘For all Thyme.’ If you and Mr. Taylor would like to take a seat, we’ll leave now. Your luggage will be brought up separately.”

“Brian, I’d really rather walk.” Justin said in a low voice. “Is there still a path way up the cliff to the house?” He asked in a louder voice.

“There is, but it’s overgrown and seldom used.” Charles admitted. No one had ever asked about the path before. He wasn’t aware anyone other than James and himself even knew about it.

“If it’s alright, I’d really rather walk the path.” Justin’s eyes shone with excitement. “I know it sounds dumb, but I feel like I’ve just come home and I want to savor the moment.” Justin looked at Brian and Brian laughed out loud. He could never resist Justin’s poor imitation of a forlorn puppy.

“You both are welcome to walk up the path. You can’t miss the house. I’ll have your rooms prepared.” Charles smiled down at the two men. 

“Bye” Justin said and he turned, heading determinedly for the beginning of the pathway dragging Brian by the hand behind him.

“Slow down Sunshine.” Brian pulled him back so they were walking side by side. “I don’t see even a hint of a pathway, are you sure you know what you’re doing?” He looked dubiously at the wall of greenery that appeared unbroken. He eyed it up and then without hesitating, led Justin to an old and weathered tree. They stepped behind the tree and sure enough a faint dent in the greenery indicated a pathway.

Justin laughed and he pushed aside some branches. “It’s working its magic on you too.” His voice was shy. He was afraid Brian would laugh. “It’s like we’ve been here before.”

“We probably have just read the damn book too often. The author was very graphic in his descriptions.” Brian offered this observation as a way of explanation.

Justin smiled but continued to walk up hill, following the very faintest of pathways. “Could be Brian, but you can feel it too. I can tell.” Justin reached his hand back and Brian took it. The connection was electric and slowly they made their way up the path, neither one caring that the greenery pulled at their hair and faces and clothing.

Brian was about to ask Justin to stop for a few minutes of rest, and perhaps a kiss or two, when they walked off of the pathway and into a clearing that held a large pond with a waterfall. “This was mentioned in the book.” Brian stated the obvious. 

“It was where John almost died.” Justin looked around. “I wonder why it was so special to John and Bryon?” 

“Maybe they could have a bit of privacy down here. It’s far enough from the big house that they couldn’t be seen yet close enough, if someone shouted or rang a bell or something they would hear it.” Brian walked to the edge of the water and looked at the clear bottom. He could see ripples in the sand and a few shells that must have been brought up from the shore below.

Justin walked over and joined him. “The water looks cold.” He observed. 

“How cold could it be, it must be at least a hundred degrees here.” Brian undid the top few buttons on his shirt. “Want to go swimming Sunshine?”

“Are you crazy, we can’t swim in John and Bryon’s pond.” Justin was scandalized.

“Why not, they did, and I’m pretty darn sure that others have as well.” Brian bent down to feel the water. “Hey, it’s not bad, cool, but certainly not cold.”

“I’d feel better if we asked the owner’s of the bed and breakfast, maybe they have rules about this place. Look at it Brian, it looks untouched, John or Bryon could step out of the trees and go for a swim any moment.”

“Justin, Justin, Justin, you have definitely been in the sun too long.” Brian shook his head. “Let’s go find our room; I’ll give you the Kinney treatment for delusional fantasies.”

“Oh, what kind of treatment?” Justin asked, though he could imagine it had to do with sex and lots of it.

“Sex and lots of it, so you can’t think of anything else.” Brian grabbed his hand and began to half walk, half run to the pathway that led up to the house.

Justin couldn’t help but laugh - Brian was sooooo predictable. Laughing together they burst out of the overgrown pathway onto the lush velvet of a lawn. And then raced each other to the front steps of the large plantation house.

“Gentlemen, I see you found your way.” 

Both Brian and Justin looked up at the voice that spoke to them from the high veranda. Justin turned white and then with a muffled cry fainted. Brian, astonished was only just able to catch him before Justin hit the ground. “What the fuck?” he asked. “Justin, Justin, are you okay?”

The man who had spoken to them rushed down the stairs. A servant who had been close by hurried over with a cool cloth. “Perhaps, the heat was too much for Mr. Taylor.” The man asked tentatively.

For the first time Brian looked closely at their host and even he was startled. “I think finding his father standing on the veranda of our vacation house was too much.”

“But I’m no one’s father.” The man said, astonished. “I’m James Taylor and my partner Charles and I have no children that we are aware of. We’ve been together almost thirty years and believe me, I’d know if he had any kids.”

Justin opened his eyes and was immediately embarrassed to find himself on the lawn with his head in Brian’s lap and his father staring down at him. He struggled to sit up. “Take it easy Sunshine,” Brian began “this is James Taylor, he isn’t your father.”

“But he looks like him, exactly like him.” Justin said as he sat up. “I’m sorry Mr. Taylor, but, my dad and I don’t get along right now, and I really haven’t spoken to him much in the last year or so. It was just so weird seeing you standing there and looking just like him.”

“Your Dad wouldn’t by any chance be Craig Taylor would he?” James asked. 

“That’s my dad, we live in Pittsburgh.”

James began to laugh, and laugh until Justin and Brian both thought the man had completely lost it. “I’m sorry boys,” he gasped. “Wait until I tell Charles, this has to be the best joke ever.”

“Pardon me?” Justin was getting slightly pissed.

“Sorry, sorry, Justin, I’m your Uncle James, Craig is my twin brother, the homophobic asshole.” He giggled. “So you’re gay.” He giggled again. “How fucking ironic.”

“Dad never said he had a brother, let alone a twin brother.” Justin looked at James curiously.

Brian helped Justin to his feet. “I’d say that your dad as usual, only told you what he wanted you to know.” He paused. “I wonder if Jennifer knows Craig has a twin?”

“Justin, I really am sorry.” James looked abashed for laughing. “I shouldn’t call your father names, but as his brother, I’m entitled.” He paused. “Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

“Just one, a sister, Molly, she’s a few years younger than me. Dad still loves her, she’s straight.” Justin sniffed whenever he thought of his father’s treatment of him and he became emotional.

Brian stiffened, as usual whenever he remembered what an asshole Craig Taylor was to Justin, because it pissed him off. “Your father’s an asshole.” He muttered more to himself, though James gave him a grin.

“Yep, I’d say that pretty much describes Craig. He’s been a jerk ever since he was born with a silver spoon up his ass.”

“I think you mean with a silver spoon in his mouth.” Justin corrected.

“Nope, I know what I mean; I had to live with the bastard until I was twenty four. Our parents had the charming idea that twins wanted to be together. Mother just never got that your father hated my guts as soon as he realized I was different.”

Charles peered over the veranda. “You all going to stand on the lawn and chat? Come on in out of the hot sun. We don’t need that fair skin of Mr. Taylor’s to burn to a crisp.”

James, his face beaming in a smile very much reminiscent of the kind Justin makes, “Charles, we’ve got us a nephew.” He looked at Justin and Brian. “And he’s gay.” James giggled and Charles and Brian rolled their eyes which made Justin giggle.
“Do tell.” Charles laughed. “I thought that boy looked a lot like you did when I swept your chubby white ass away and brought you down here.”

“Charles.” James admonished and to the amusement of all of them, he blushed fiery red. 

“It’s okay Uncle James, my boyfriend embarrasses me all the time too.” Justin laughed at the look of outrage on Brian’s face. “Oh be quiet Brian, you are too my boyfriend.”

“I didn’t say a word.” Brian began.

“You didn’t have to, I’m on to you, remember?” Justin smiled and took Brian’s hand. They walked up the stairs. “Uncle James, does this mean I’m related to Captain John and Bryon O’Neil?”

“Probably to both, it’s a little difficult trying to see who was the father of who, though we do know Bryon O’Neil fathered Juliana, Sean and Alexander. The thing is John’s sister was factored into the equation and her daughter married Sean or was that Sandy, see it’s rather confusing. I’ve been trying to sort it all out, maybe write a book about it all. If I could find the lost Journals of Captain John, that would help.”

“Cool, do you think they are in the house somewhere?” Justin was intrigued.

“You could ask his ghost.” Brian smirked. “Sunshine here is sure that the ghost of Captain John has been hanging around us on the ship we were on.”

“That could be.” Charles was serious. “A lot of people have reported sighting both John and Bryon here at the house and on other parts of the property.”

“Like the waterfall, could they go to the waterfall?” Justin asked excited.

“The waterfall most of all. It was kind of a sacred place for them as far as I can tell. No one much goes there. They say that unless you are with the love of your life, the water is too cold to swim in, in fact it gets quite cold and choppy.”

“Choppy? It’s just a big pond for gawd sake.” Brian began.

“I’m only saying that unless you truly love Justin and Justin you truly love Brian, don’t go in the water. All kinds of shit happens.”

“I’ll say,” Charles laughed “Remember that couple we had here last summer. The guy was definitely a tom cat personality, but the lady he was with had lots of money. So the guy heard the legend and he asked us about it one night at dinner. Wanted us to tell the legend to everyone at the table, especially his woman. Big man that one. He figured it was all bull shit and truthfully, I suspected he was going to try it out and I maybe didn’t tell him the bad parts. Like what could happen if he was bull shitting the little lady.”

“What happened?” Brian asked surprising himself.

“After dinner they went on a walk around the gardens, drifting down toward the pond eventually. James and I both saw them disappear through the shrubbery.” He held up his hand in mock defense “I know honey, I’m a bad boy.” He smiled and kissed James’ cheek. “It only took about fifteen minutes before the guy came running up to the house faster than Carl Lewis. He was completely drenched, his clothes all torn apart and the man had some major names on his back. He shouted for us to call a cab for him. By the time the cab arrived he was packed and down the stairs. He threw himself into the cab and that was the last we saw of him.”

“Yes, and while you were laughing your damn fool head off, I had to go find his lady and make nice.” James looked at his partner in mock disgust.

“He probably made a fool out of himself and his woman threw him into the water.” Brian surmised.

“Well, after everything calmed down, all the tears were dried and three good tall glasses of Irish Whisky were nestled inside the poor dear.” James continued. “She told us the whole story. It seems that he declared his eternal love for her, he wanted them to get married and she was about to say yes, when a funnel of water began to rise from the pond, it moved around him until he was enclosed and carried him into the center of the pond where it continued to roar and swirl. She said it was kind of beautiful to watch in a creepy sort of way. Anyway eventually the water settled down and the guy was bawling that he was sorry, over and over he kept saying he was sorry and he ran off, that was the last she knew until I found her sitting on a rock staring into the glassy smoothness of the pond.” He looked at Brian and Justin. “She said a young blond and a tall handsome brunet sat with her and offered her silent comfort until she heard me approaching and then they disappeared.”

“That’s some tall tale.” Brian smirked tongue in cheek.

“I bet it was Bryon, he probably was pissed with the guy fooling her like that. He really loved John, I’m sure of it.” Justin was glassy eyed with amazement at the story. He looked closely at Brian. “You would do the same thing, cause you’re a big old softy.”

“Twat” Brian said, but he clutched Justin’s hand under the table cloth making them both smile.

“The thing is Justin and Brian, it isn’t the first time this has happened. It became a sort of test of the local’s feelings for one another. Many a cheater was discovered before it became apparent, you damn well better be in love with the one you’re with, or stay way. Eventually, no one came; I think most people are afraid to admit their love. Afraid to put it to the test.”

“Have you and Charles been in the water?” Justin looked at his Uncle and the big man who was his partner.

“We’ve spent many a Sunday afternoon there, picnicking and splashing around in the water. It’s always been a favorite place of both of ours”  James looked at Charles with love in his eyes.

“You two must really love each other then.” Justin declared, ever the romantic.

“I fell in love with the blond brat the moment I set eyes on him.” Charles smiled. “I was down on Liberty Ave, they do still have the gay ghetto in the Pitts don’t they?” he asked. 

“I’ve heard of it” Brian drawled and Justin punched him in the arm making him laugh out loud even though he was sure he’d have a bruise tomorrow.

“Did you pick up Uncle James?” Justin breathed.

“Hell no, he picked me up. Walked into Woody’s as bold as you please and challenged me to a game of pool. He didn’t even know what end of the pool cue to use.” He looked at James and smiled, remembering that hot evening. “I was with my buddies; we were too cool, way too cool to pay attention to this little white boy all full of piss and vinegar.  I don’t really know what happened, but the next thing I know I’m waking up beside him in my bed and he’s all over me, all arms and legs and other things, clinging to me like some kind of animal. I might as well have resigned myself to it, because he still sleeps like that. But at the time I was resisting. I tried everything to get him to go home, but damn, he kept returning and all he had to do was smile that smile of his and I’d melt like butter and the next thing he’d be back in my bed.”

“I know the feeling.” Brian mumbled.

“Of course his family was scandalized; it was a tossup whether it was because I was black or queer as a three dollar bill.”

“Your family wasn’t much better.” James muttered. 

“When circumstances sent us here we didn’t hesitate and we’ve been here ever since.” Charles pulled James in close for a hug. “He had this house and the land and I had more money than I knew what to do with thanks to dear old grandpa and his investments. James has spent the last twenty eight years or so doing his best to spend grandpa’s money, but so far he hasn’t put much of a dent into it.”

“I do try” James giggled. “Charles is my sugar daddy.”

“Somehow that term doesn’t quite suit you both.” Brian laughed. “You have to be getting up there in years if you’re Craig’s brother.”

“Dad isn’t that old Brian.” Justin muttered.

“He’s older than me and that’s all I care about.” Brian grinned at all of them.

“Asshole” Justin muttered.

Later that evening, Brian and Justin walked the edges of the garden enjoying the sounds of the tropical night and the lush smells of flowers that mingled with the scent of rum being made at a small distillery nearby. “Did you believe that story?” Brian asked. He pulled Justin a little closer to him, the night air was cool but that was only an excuse, he loved holding Justin close and used any excuse to do it.

“I did believe it.” Justin chose his words carefully. “It just felt so right.” He looked at Brian, “this has been the most amazing day. I’ve found an Uncle I didn’t know I had.” Justin was silent for a moment. “Uncle James is everything I wanted my dad to be.”

“What, you wanted your dad to be a big nelly queen?” Brian pretended not to understand so that Justin would elaborate. He loved listening to Justin’s voice and listening to the way the blond’s mind worked.

Justin rolled his eyes and shook his head, Brian was so transparent sometime. “No, I wanted him to be kind and compassionate and understanding. I wanted him to laugh and have fun and to let me love him.” The last few words were broken as Justin choked up.

Brian stopped walking and folded Justin up in both of his arms. Wrapping him in the protectiveness of the love he had for the man he held. They stood there alone in the garden as the night mists swirled around them.

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“It’s been a long time coming John.”  Bryon too had his arm around the man he loved as they stood under the spreading branches of a flowering tree and watched Brian and Justin. “It’s you and I again. I guess we can move on now.”

“Yes we can, but let’s stay for awhile longer. Maybe this time our rings and my journals will be found.” John smiled up at the man he’d loved for eternity. Slowly Bryon bent and kissed his soft pouting lips. He never could refuse his Privateer anything. They would stay awhile longer.

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Brian rolled off of Justin his head sinking into the down filled pillow. Justin, feeling like his bones were like rubber, moved over until he had his head resting on Brian’s chest. “That was amazing.” He whispered when he could speak.

“It’s always amazing brat.” Brian teased.

“Really?” Justin had always thought so, but he didn’t like to comment on his feelings for the sex they had. Even through the worst times, the sex had always been amazing; there was no other word for it.

“Really.” Brian smiled into the darkness. “I’m glad we came here.” He turned to look at Justin in the moonlight as it filtered through the gauze curtains in the windows. “You found a part of your family that you didn’t know you had. I know how important family is to you - now you have your Uncle James.”

“Don’t forget Charles.” 

“And Charles, but I don’t think partner relationships count as family.”

“They do so - Gus thinks of me as kind of a dad and I’m your partner.” Justin barely whispered the word ‘partner’ wondering what Brian would say.

“Yes you are my partner.” Brian agreed “And yes Gus does think of you as another dad. Partner’s do count as family.”

Justin smiled and Brian could feel that smile warming the room. “Brian, I’m glad we came here too. There’s something special about the romance of John and Bryon and now it’s even more special to know that we’re kind of related in a queer way.” He giggled “pun intended”

Brian gave a huff of a laugh, but tightened his arms pulling Justin closer. He bent his head to kiss the soft as silk blond hair. “Tomorrow will come all too soon Sunshine, Charles tells me there is a rather good museum in the town that has a lot of family memorabilia. Maybe we’ll find a clue as to where Gramps hid his journals.”

“I don’t think of them as grandfathers Brian, but as young lovers like we are.” Justin’s voice was sleepy and his eyes were shut. He knew that no matter how old he and Brian would get, he’d always think of him as he was now and that’s the way he was sure that Captain John and his Prince always felt, young and in love. It was his last conscious thought before drifting off to sleep in his own Privateer’s arms, though he still thought Brian should be the Prince.

As if reading his mind, Brian whispered. “Goodnight my Prince, I love you.” He could feel Justin’s smile as he drifted off to sleep.

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“Brian, can’t we walk down the cliff path. I want to see the waterfall pond again.” Justin tried not to whine. He reached over to take another helping of crepes filled with fresh fruit and cream.

“Once was enough.” Brian sipped his thick bitter coffee, enjoying the heavy oily taste of a natural coffee that hadn’t been bastardized by commercial manufacturing. In actual fact he was little afraid of what might happen if Justin insisted in testing the legend and wanted to swim in the pond. What if his feelings weren’t love? How was he to know what love is or isn’t. It would kill him for Justin to find out that he didn’t love him, and only desired his body. He thought he loved Justin, but how could he be sure. It was better to stay away from the pond and the legend.

“I know I love you if that’s what you’re worried about.” Justin declared. “I’m not going to get sucked up in a whirlpool or anything.”

“I never doubted you for a moment.” Brian smirked. “But I’d rather have a romantic buggy ride.” He knew Justin would be distracted about that little piece of information.

“It will be romantic.” Justin beamed. “Hurry up and finish your coffee.”

“Justin, Brian, good morning.” Charles walked into the breakfast room. “I trust you both slept well in the Captain’s bedroom.”

“Do you think that the bed is the same one the Captain used?” Justin asked with his eyes wide with excitement.

“Now that I’m not sure.” Charles drawled. “When James and I arrived, all the old furniture was stored in the attic and the rooms were filled with modern monstrosities. We did as much research as we could using old pictures, most of which are in the museum. I like to think it was the Captain’s bed.” Charles smiled, his eyes seeing something far away in his mind. “It somehow felt right when we placed it in the room.” He looked at Justin. “Do you know what I mean?”

“I know exactly what you mean.” Justin declared. “I bet that the carved ottoman in the drawing room was part of the Captain’s bedroom furniture too. If you look carefully you’ll see the same design in the wood.”

“Must be the artist’s eye - I’ve lived with that piece of furniture since nineteen seventy five and never noticed that.” Charles looked at Justin in admiration.

“That’s my Sunshine, nothing escapes him.” Brian grinned. “Come along young man, we have things to see.”

Justin was at the door in seconds a wide grin on his face. “Come on Brian, let’s go.” He looked at Charlie, “Do you think it would be alright with Uncle James if Brian and I had a picnic lunch at the waterfall pond this week?”

“I’m pretty sure that can be arranged.” Charles smiled at Justin and Brian. “Brian, you don’t seem to be too happy about the picnic. Is there a problem?”

Brian shrugged. “Not really, I just don’t want to end up as part of the island legend.”

“Not to worry, the way you look at my young nephew - I’d say you were in love with him. Even our resident ghosts would refute that fact.” Charles laughed. “Now the two of you go and enjoy the museum. Justin you’ll find the paintings Captain John did especially interesting.”

Justin hand linked his arm through Brian’s. He enjoyed hearing other people comment on how much Brian showed his love.  “I know you love me Brian, we don’t have to worry about the waterfall pond.” Justin whispered the words to Brian and was surprised to see the older man flush.

“I don’t like to tempt fate Justin; it’s the Irish in me.” Brian admitted.

“If you’re uncomfortable about going there, we won’t go. It’s just some water and a waterfall. It’s incredibly romantic and secluded and I just know that amazing sex would happen. But if you want to stay away from it, then that’s what we’ll do.”

“Good, for once you’re going to listen to me.” Brian smiled to himself, pleased to have won that round. Justin was smiling as well, pleased that he’d made a few good points; he was well on his way in getting Brian down to the waterfall pond.

The young buggy driver climbed up in the high seat after getting Brian and Justin settled. “The road down to the harbor consists of five switch backs, so it will seem a lot longer than you expect. It was constructed with switch backs to make it less steep for the horses who had to carry everything up as well as easier on them when traveling down.” 

“That’s cool; I want a nice long ride.” Justin piped up. He reached over for Brian’s hand and then not satisfied with just his hand, he moved over until he was close to the older man’s side and snuggled up under his arm, forcing Brian to hold him. Justin smiled when he more felt than heard Brian’s rumbling laugh at his actions.

“The museum is actually the original warehouse owned by Captain John Taylor. His grandson began to gather some of the family and village artifacts to keep together a small piece of history when modern times began to sweep over the island.”

“The island still doesn’t look all that modern.” Brian said. “In fact it looks rather rural.”

“Ahh, sir, the island was much more rural in those days - we were secluded and off the regular shipping lanes so rarely did the island have visitors and the ones that did come, came for a reason and then left. But eventually modern ways began to creep in until the island is how you see it now.”  He looked back and smiled at Brian and Justin. “We even have a movie theatre, it show the latest stuff on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.”

“Thank gawd for DVD players.” Brian muttered and Justin hit him sharply in his ribs.

The young driver turned back to the job at hand. This one was so much like Bryon O’Neil, that he had to be the one to release the two lovers from their island paradise that had become a prison and let them move on. He couldn’t help but smile at the thought of the party the whole island would throw. Big Momma, the priestess had told everyone that Captain John and Bryon O’Neil would be leaving them Sunday morning so the party was scheduled for Saturday night. His aunties were already beginning to prepare the food.

The small carriage stopped in front of a large warehouse painted bright green. The two wide doors at the front were sunshine yellow, the paint gleamed in the sun. The shutters on the windows were bright blue. “Geeze” Brian muttered, “who the fuck painted this place?”

“Isn’t it wonderful sirs?” the young boy said as he hopped off of the driver’s seat and into the dusty dirt road. “All of us on the island make sure that the museum is always painted cheerful colors, Captain John was an artist you know - he would love these colors.”

“I think they are wonderful” Justin said with his eyes full of laughter and shining with happiness. “I couldn’t have picked better colors myself for this island paradise and I’m an artist as well.” He let Brian help him down from the buggy, gave him a quick kiss of thanks and then proceeded to take a half a dozen pictures of the outside of the building.

Unable to stop smiling, he was so happy; Justin opened the double doors and pulled Brian inside. They both stopped. After the brightness of the tropical morning combined with the color of the building, the inside was a calm oasis and Brian breathed a sigh of relief. He was surprised when Justin dropped his hand and began to walk slowly toward a larger than life size painting on the wall farthest from the door. Brian could barely make out the large canvas, but his lover was mesmerized. He followed behind Justin. Brian didn’t want to take a chance on him fainting again. 

Brian’s eyes were accustomed to the dim light by the time he reached Justin who stood ten feet in front of the canvas, tears streaming down his face as he looked at it. It was the waterfall pond, but showing faintly behind the streaming water was the unmistakable shape of two lovers standing clutched in an embrace that screamed the love they had for each other. The longer he stared at the painting, the surer he was that he’d been there, had been one of those lovers. Brian shook his head - it wasn’t possible.

Justin could remember every brush stroke. He could smell the sharp tang of the turpentine, acrid smell of the paints he mixed. He could remember the heavy feeling in his heart as he painted - knowing that his lover was behind the waterfall covered in New England granite. Yet with each stroke of the brush on the canvas, his heart lightened as he remembered the good times, the kisses, the touch of a hand, the pulse beat of his lovers throat after they’d made passionate love. This canvas would be one he’d hang in the drawing room, damned to the sensibilities of any who came to visit - he would hang it there so that in a quiet evening he could sit and look at them when they were happy and remember. 

“It’s them isn’t it?” Brian asked breaking the spell that had Justin enthralled.

Justin couldn’t speak, only nod, so intense were the emotions he was feeling. 

“He painted almost as good as you do Sunshine.” Brian circled Justin from behind with his strong arms and rested his chin on top of the blond thatch of silk.

“I could feel Captain John when he painted it.” Justin whispered. “He did it a few days after his Bryon died. He was afraid he’d forget and wanted to have their special place on canvas. He’s buried there, behind the waterfall.”

“Who’s buried there?” Brian asked

“Bryon O’Neil and maybe even Captain John, I’m not sure, I’ll ask Uncle James.”

“How can you know that? Is it in the book?” Brian didn’t remember any part about either of them dying.

“No, the book was published in 1802 - I’m not sure when Bryon died, but I think it was later than that.” Justin turned to Brian. “They’re still here, I can feel it. For some reason they couldn’t leave the island. Something is binding them here. Can you feel it?”

“I’m not sure what I feel - maybe I ate too much at breakfast.” This other worldly stuff was too much for Brian to digest.

“Asshole” Justin pinched Brian’s hand, the only easily accessible part of him.

“Ow.” Brian jumped. “I’m just being the voice of reason here Sunshine.”

“With your Irish background full of leprechauns, fairies and sprites and I’m sure, the odd ghost, you should understand about this stuff. I on the other hand grew up in a WASP household where one didn’t even discuss such nonsense.” Justin leaned back into Brian. “I happen to know that you are a hundred times more superstitious than I am and therefore must believe in ghosts.”

“I’m not sure about your reasoning.” Brian began, “But whatever gets you through the day.”

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

Bryon and John sat on the porch swing. John was nestled in his lover’s arms and a gentle breeze blew across the lawn sending the smell of flowers to them both. “Your namesake is as stubborn as you were dear heart.” John chided. “I fear that Justin will never get him to the pond and certainly not behind the waterfall.” The two old ghosts had enjoyed the last few days watching Brian and Justin explore the island and discover more and more how familiar it all was too them. But what they enjoyed most was the love the two shared a deep and encompassing love like they had.

Bryon leaned down and turning John’s face to his, kissed his full lips. “Never underestimate the power of a blond boy ass my darling. Justin will have his Brian behind the waterfall tomorrow.”

“You sound so sure.” Johns sounded dubious.

“You’ve worked your wiles on me for darn near two hundred years, I think by now I’ve figured you out.” Bryon was smug.

“For a Prince, you took long enough - I thought you Irish royalty had a bit more of the old brain in use there.” John teased only to have his laughter be swallowed up by a pair of demanding lips until once again it was he who submitted to his Prince.”

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

“Justin I told you for the last time, I’m not going down to the waterfall pond.” Brian lay naked on the canopied bed. The sunlight lit up the room and provided all the illumination that Justin needed to complete the sketch he was doing of his lover.

“I know you aren’t Brian. You told me that. I was just telling you that I’m going. I want to see if there is a room behind the waterfall. Uncle James said he wasn’t sure, but that the legends say there is. He never bothered to check it out. He said that every time he tried the water didn’t feel quite right and he’d get kind of a queasy feeling in his stomach. It just didn’t seem like a good idea once that happened.”

“Smart man, your Uncle John.” Brian yawned. “Why don’t you take that as a lesson learned and stay the fuck away from it?”

Justin gave Brian a look that said volumes and none of it good. He continued to sketch. “Stay still for a few more minutes.”

“You know, a picture would be a lot faster and you could sketch from that later when we’re home.” 

“It isn’t the same. I want the light to be just perfect.” Justin worked for a few more minutes. “There all done.” He closed up the sketch book and stood and stretched, knowing full well that Brian would be watching him. He glanced at Brian and sure enough the tumescent cock was in a full blown raging hard on. Justin laughed out loud, all but skipped over and kissed the end - flicking it with his tongue. He straightened up, gathered his sketchbook and pencils and headed for the door. “Ta ta for now.” He said jauntily. “I’ll be back in an hour. Hold that thought.” He teased and walked out the door shutting it firmly behind him.

“You little shit.” Muttered Brian, he rolled on his side and began stroking the hard on, but with Justin gone it disappeared. He’d never admit that to the blond. Brian tossed and turned on the bed uneasy at having Justin gone. He got up, dressed and went out onto the veranda to look toward the wall of greenery that hid the pathway to the pond. There was no sign that Justin had ever been through it and that made him uneasy as well.

Brian paced the room for a few minutes before settling down on the sofa and leafing through the pictures that they had taken during their stay.

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

Justin stopped in the kitchen on his way out of the house. “Hey cutie, I made you a couple of sandwiches and packed some goodies for your lunch.” James smiled at his nephew. “I don’t suppose you managed to persuade the brooding Irishman to join you.”

“Hey Uncle James, no Brian is sulking up in our room.” Justin kissed his Uncles cheek. “Thanks for the lunch. I’ll be gone for a few hours. I want to do a sketch or two and definitely I’m going to explore behind the waterfall.”

“You be careful. The water isn’t deep, but it’s cool.”

“I’ll be careful; besides, Brian will be there with me.”

“I thought you said he wasn’t going to go.” James smiled when Justin wiggled his behind. “Ahh - the power of a bubble butt. Good thing I made extra sandwiches.”

Justin knew it would take about thirty minutes for Brian to lose his cool and come looking for him, so he took his time walking to the pond. The colors of the trees and bushes were amazing and every where there was brightly plumed parrots like decorations among the green. When he reached the pond Justin slipped off his shoes; the lush green of the thick grasses like a plush carpet beneath his feet. He looked into the water and it seemed to be inviting him in, though that was a foolish thought. But nevertheless Justin stepped off the grass and into the water that was warm to the touch, not cool at all. He walked out into the center of the pond and then unable to resist, began to swim smiling to himself with the joy of being free in the warm water. 

Mindful of the waterfall a few feet away, Justin began to swim closer to it and wasn’t surprised to see a natural indentation that led to a grotto behind the gently falling water. He stood up and curiosity had him walking behind until he stood out of the water with the waterfall on the other side of him. Everything was as he imagined it would be - the world beyond the water seen as though through a shimmery filter.

Justin looked into the interior of the grotto. A natural ledge was in front of him and he climbed out of the water and stood on it. He gave a shiver as the water in his shorts cooled against his skin and then began to walk around the small room. In the very center, completely out of place was a large slab of granite. Carved into the dense stone was the word ‘Timeless’ “You two are buried here.” Justin said to himself. “I can see why - you must have loved this place. I bet it was special to you both.” He walked around the piece of stone and then took up a position against the wall, sitting down to look at the final resting place of two men who had loved each other against all odds.

He looked at the walls of the cavern that twinkled with a million points of light as quartz bits glistened as the sun kissed each one from beyond the falling water. Justin sat there happy and contented though he wasn’t sure why. He’d have to find Brian and bring him here, Brian had to see this. As he sat and looked at the grotto, an anomaly caught Justin’s attention, not far from where the ceiling joined the walls at the very rear of the grotto was an indentation that looked too perfect to have been formed by nature. His stomach full of flutters, Justin stood and walked over to it. As he came closer it was harder to distinguish, almost like the sunlight was keeping the secret of what ever had been placed there. Justin stood on his tip toes and reached his hand in hoping there wasn’t snakes or spiders or anything that could bite or sting. The tips of his fingers felt a large shape and with difficulty he was able to drag it forward enough to remove it with both hands.

Justin knew right away that he’d found something important. The grotto became pleasantly warm and he could feel a well being in the air. Justin wasn’t sure what to do, he wanted to open it, but then again he wanted Brian to be there with him. 

“Hey Sunshine, what did you find?”

“Brian!” Justin broke into a wide grin and tears pricked behind his eyes. Brian always knew when it was important that they be together.

Brian stepped up out of the water. He was carrying Justin’s backpack and a folded blanket. Justin thought he looked like a Greek God rising from the water and it wasn’t surprising that the man was naked. No wet clothing for Brian Kinney. “You left a few things on the shore.” He looked at his damp lover. “Get out of those wet clothes, you need a keeper.” He chided gently, but he placed the back pack on the ground and walked over to Justin. Before he began to help him undress he held him in his arms “I’m sorry I didn’t come with you baby.” He whispered.

“You’re here now.” Justin’s voice broke with emotion. “This is where Captain John and his Prince are buried. I think I found Captain John’s journals.”

Brian looked down at the heavy stone. “I think you’re right.”  He helped Justin off with his damp shorts and then led him to the wall where he spread the blanket. They both sat down facing the grave. Brian looked at the oil cloth covered parcel in Justin’s hand. “Are you sure we should open it?” his voice was hesitant.

“They kept it hidden all this time - I think they want us to open it.” Justin’s spoke softly and with reverence.

“Ghosts again Justin?” 

“They are too real Brian.” Justin began to break the seals on each end of the heavy cloth. Slowly and with precision Brian and he unwrapped a wooden box. “Look Brian, it’s the same carving as the bed and the ottoman.”

Brian squinted at it. “If you say so.” He held the box in his hands for Justin to open. Taking a deep breath, Justin released the clasp and lifted the lid. Nestled inside were two calfskin bound journals, a dozen or more folded letters, and a small blue velvet bag. 

“What should we do?” Justin was nervous.

“The bag is on top. Open it up.” Brian eyed the bag sure of what it would contain, but not sure of what he was going to do when they discovered what was inside.

“Not yet, I’m going to save it for last. You know Brian, good things come in small packages.” He grinned. “Like me.”

Brian rolled his eyes, but kissed Justin’s forehead. “We’ll read a few of the letters first, but I think the journals will have to wait until we get back to our room. The light is better.”

“Okay.” Justin reached in and took the letters out, but in doing so the blue velvet bag slipped over the side and rolled close to the edge near the water.

“I’ve got it.” Brian shouted in triumph and he scooped the bag up before it was lost to the water. As soon as Brian’s hand touched the bag he knew instantly what was in it and what had to be done. Somehow all his doubts and self loathing disappeared. He looked over at Justin and for the first time in all their years together truly saw him. He recognized the unconditional love the blond felt for him and he knew that he felt the same way. 

Brian sat back close to Justin who was eagerly reading the first letter. “Justin,” he said and cleared his throat that suddenly began to seize. “Justin.” 

Justin looked over at him. “What Brian?”

“I love you. I love you, I love you.” Brian said the words in wonder as if they were new words invented by him for just this occasion.

Justin looked at him astonished. This wasn’t the teasing or laughing or passion filled ‘I love you’ that was recklessly tossed of Brian’s lips in unexpected moments. But rather a statement of fact that was felt from the depths of the auburn haired man’s soul.

Not sure what to say or do - Justin remained silent.

Brian reached into the blue bag and pulled out a ring, he knew it was meant for Justin’s finger. “I want to return this ring to you. You wore it in another lifetime and now I want you to wear it for this one, to proclaim to the world that we are truly committed to one another.” Brian slipped it on Justin’s finger. He shook out the larger ring. “I’ll wear the matching ring that I once wore in another lifetime, because Justin Taylor, I am truly committed to you for this one.”

Justin blinked back his tears. The weight of the ring on his finger felt right and he knew that the words Brian spoke had been from the heart with maybe a little push from the Prince who he was sure was nearby. Irishmen did stick together. Unable to speak, Justin allowed his lips to speak for him as they met the full sensual ones of the man he loved.

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

In the harbor town below the party began. The whole town turned out and the night sky was filled with fireworks. James and Charles stood on their veranda arm in arm and watched the celebration until dawn. They didn’t worry about Brian and Justin, they knew they were safe and would return soon.

Justin held Brian’s hand and together they stepped into the warm water, leaving the grotto behind. The box and it’s contents were safely stowed in the backpack and the rings gleamed on their fingers. It was almost dawn when a shout from the town made the two of them look into the dawn sky at an amazing sight. Two large blazing stars raced across the horizon side by side, one just a bit smaller than the other. They seemed to be coming from the island and in a flash they had disappeared into the heavens. The townspeople knew the Prince and his Privateer were moving on.

“Goodbye” Brian and Justin whispered together. They were moving on as well, into a new life together.

“Goodbye” whispered Charles and James. “Life moves forward once again.”

“Only now we have the sons we never had before.” Charles said. “I get the tall one, you can have the blond” he teased his partner.

“Why don’t we share?” James negotiated. “I have a feeling our boys will be able to finally lighten that bank account of yours. Brian’s whole wardrobe of casual wear had designer labels.”

“Good, finally a kid with taste.” Charles joked and he flicked his finger against James tee shirt - his blond twink never would dress the way he wanted. Though at fifty, twink wasn’t appropriate, but it was how he always thought of James and he laughed out load with the joy of what the next years were going to bring. 

“Come to bed and show me your wicked ways.” James hooked his finger in the belt Charles wore and began to drag him inside. “Our boys could be awhile.”

The end