Nothing Matters When We're Dancing 
Part 5 


"Brian, Gus and everyone are leaving in two days. Are you leaving then as well?" Justin was almost afraid to ask. Two days was no time at all to be with Brian, yet he couldn't disappoint the hazel eyed munchkin who along with the twins was looking forward to visiting the Disney Park. That would leave only the late evenings to be with Brian, and he knew it wouldn't be enough. 


Much as he wanted to tease Justin, Brian couldn't let his Sunshine look so worried, he knew Gus and Justin had made plans and now he was going to be part of those plans. He'd do anything to spend time with Justin, Brian knew that he'd have to leave for Pittsburgh soon enough. "Don't worry Baby, I'm staying for at least a week after the Pittsburgh gang departs." He looked over at Jennifer and Sebastian, walking hand in hand in the rose garden below their window. "Your Mom doesn't look too anxious to leave either." 


Justin walked over and stood beside Brian, relaxing against his body when Brian's arm draped over his shoulders, pulling him closer. "I haven't seen her smile like that in - well I don't know when I've seen her smile like that." He looked up at Brian "Sebastian looks pleased with himself too." 


"She looks like you do when you've been well and truly fucked" 


"Eeeehhuuu - Brian, how can you say that?" 


"What - that you glow and smile like that when you've been fucked by the man who loves you?" Brian teased "Sort of how you look right now." 


"Brian, you don't think they'd do IT - do you?" 


"Justin, in case you haven't noticed your mother is cute, single and probably as horny as her son." 


"Mothers are never horny Brian; it's against the rules in the mother hand book" 


"Read the fine print Sunshine." 


"I don't even want to know. It's disgusting." Justin made a face. 


"Don't be a brat; Jennifer is entitled to life as well as the next person. The saintly prick Craig isn't around anymore and the last secretary he had was damn near younger than you, so he goes through a lot of them. I wonder if he's heard of sexual harassment, maybe I can get Mel to let him know the ins and outs - and I don't think HIS wife will get him out of any case that might come up." 


"Sorry about that Brian, but I had to do it." 


Brian leaned in and gave Justin a quick kiss. "We all do things that are dumb, me for fucking that asshole and you for blackmailing him. I think we're even on that one." 


"It was dumb" 


"Which part?" 


"Both" 


"Geeze, they're kissing now." Justin hid his eyes. 


"Could be friends, real friendly friends." 


"Right" 


Molly and the twins picked that moment to run up to Jennifer and Sebastian. Brian and Justin watched as Molly presented Sebastian with a blue flower and then Jon and Guy presented Jennifer with one. The smiles on the three children's faces showed how pleased they were with the two adults. "I think Molly likes being the big sister" Brian said. 


"Do you think Mom is serious about Sebastian?" 


"Too soon to tell, hopefully only one member of the Taylor family is foolish enough to fall in love after one fuck." 


"It was more than a fuck and it was more than once and you fell too. You were just too stubborn to admit it." 


"Maybe letting you read my journals wasn't a good idea." Brian kissed Justin again to take the sting out of his words. He never wanted Justin to think he regretted letting him into his life. 


"Did you see Emmett this morning when he came back from the hospital?" Justin smiled at the remembrance. 


"Yep, where in hell did he manage to find a lavender negligee before eight in the morning? And who in hell let him wear it home from the hospital?" Brian sighed at his memory of the returning invalid. "Now he's laying around on a chaise in the drawing room calling for cold drinks and snacks, making life unpleasant for the poor servants." 


"They all love Emmett, Brian. He's spent hours in the kitchens learning French and entertaining them with southern belle stories." 


"Well, he looks ridiculous, I'm going to take his picture and email it to everyone I can think of back in the Pitts." 


"He'll probably love it Brian." 


"Look there's Deb and Nanny" Brian watched the two women as they walked along a flagstone path. "Wonder what they're up to. Deb is barely letting Nanny get a word in edgewise" 


"Deb's been telling her stories about all of us. You know - things we've done back in the Pitts, she probably won't get finished with your part until three weeks after she's home, she'll have to email the balance." 


"You know, you're not too big to spank" 


"Promise?" 


"Is everything sex with you?" 


"Yep, when you're involved." 


"Have you seen Vic today?" 


"He's probably with the Chef, they have a `thing' going." 


"A `thing"?" Brian asked. 


"The Chef is from New York, he's someone Vic knew from his time there. Vic's says they're having a "ships that pass in the night" affair. And yes Vic told him he's positive. Chef's lover died last year, so he's well aware of the consequences. Vic says this little vacation will give him "fantasy dates" for as long as he can get it up." 


"That was definitely more than I needed to know. How do you know all this?" 


"I asked Vic" 


"Oh" Brian looked at Justin "I suppose you know where the munchers are this morning as well" 


"They went to some beach in the south of France. A nude lesbian beach, it's quite famous among lesbians, though I sure never heard of it. They saw it on TV on "Wild On"." 


"So we have Gus" 


"Yep, Linds and Mel won't be back until tomorrow. They're going to pack while we have the kids at the Disney Park. They both look happier than I've seen them in a long time. They really needed this two weeks." Justin looked up at Brian "and I really needed Gus, it worked out well" 


"I'm sorry for putting you through everything that I did Baby." 


Brian kissed Justin, first gently then with more passion. He was about to pull him down to the floor when they heard "Me kiss, me kiss" 


"Gus is up" 


"So is something else" Brian smirked 


"Later Brian." Justin picked Gus up giving him a big loud smooch making Gus giggle. "Kiss, Gussy bear, kiss, kiss, kiss," Justin rained kisses on Gus's tummy. 


"Me kiss, me kiss" Brian said lifting his shirt exposing his belly. 


"Fool" 


"How come it works for Gus and not for me?" 


Gus and Justin looked at each other and grinned. With a whoop they pushed Brian backwards onto the bed. Gus quickly scrambled up and began kissing Brian's tummy with Justin, the two taking turns. Of course Justin took the lower part of the tummy, like a good lover should, leaving the middle for Gus who is a very enthusiastic if wet kisser. 


"Hey, Gus, we have to work on your technique" said Brian when he could catch his breath. 


Gus giggled, his Daddy Brian was funny. 


"And Justin, you're technique could use a little practice. Perhaps a private lesson at nap time." Brian smirked, but managed to duck as Justin threw one of the pillows at him. 


The three of them lay on the bed, Brian on his back, his left arm cradling Justin, his right arm cradling his son. He had never felt happier or more at ease. "Is this what being a family is all about?" he asked Justin giving him a quick kiss on the top of his head, then giving Gus a kiss too, Brian didn't want to play favorites. 


"It does feel like we're a family, doesn't it Brian?" 


"Not having any kind of actual memory to fall back on, but clearly remembering the sitcoms of my youth, yes I think this is what having a family feels like" 


"Gus will always have wonderful memories. I know that you'll be the best father." Justin looked sad remembering fun times with his own father and what his father did later. 


"Look Justin, let's make a pact. You and I will make sure that each of us is a good father to Gus and to any other children either of us has in the future. We're a team. Your father and my father are perfect examples of what we won't do to any children we have contact with." Brian kissed him again. "That means you and I will make memories for our children as well as for us, every good memory negates five bad ones. And that I have on good authority, because that's what's happened to me. Every good memory I have of you and me together, more than makes up for any bad ones I have from before I met you." 


"I love you Brian" 


"I love you to Baby" 


"Shopping," shouted Gus. "Dada Jus'n, Daddy Bwian, shopping." Gus scrambled off the bed, grabbing Brian's wallet that had been sitting on the end table. 


"See he is yours" teased Justin. 


"That sounds like a wonderful idea, Gus, let's go shopping and buy Dada Justin a present." 


"Gus pwesent too" 


"Gus will get a present too." Brian took his wallet from Gus. "Get a move on Sonny Boy, we've got some serious shopping to do this afternoon. The Gus man will be busy tomorrow at the big mouse of horrors" 


"Brian, be good" 


"I'm always good, all the guys say so." 


"Not anymore." 


"Not anymore." 


The three spent a busy afternoon shopping; Brian kept disappearing on Justin and Gus, buying things he didn't want them to see. Gus, so much like his father, enjoyed buying presents for everyone. He was as excited over a gift for Deb as he was over something for himself. Everyone was relieved though when Gus finally called a halt to the afternoon's fun with demands of "Home now" 


Sitting in the back of the town car Justin shut his eyes; he'd had so much fun today. He'd managed with Gus's help to get something for Brian, something important. He didn't know whether he'd give it to him this visit, but someday. 


"Brian" Justin's eyes remained closed, his hand in Brian's as the car moved smoothly back to the castle. "Tonight is the opening of the Gallery, Mattieu and Alex expect me to be there." 


"Of course you'll be there" 


"Will you come?" 


"Justin, you didn't have to ask. Your work is important to me." 


"It's going to be a kind of family thing. These guys really go all out for openings." 


"What kind of family thing?" 


"Well, for one thing it's formal wear for all of us that includes the children." 


"The kids are going too?" 


"They're part of the family Brian. It's important to Sebastian and Alex that the children learn how to act in formal situations at an early age. That way they are always comfortable. The children don't stay until the end. They will be taken home after an hour or so but they still have to be there and they are still part of the reception line." 


"Do you mean Gus as well?" 


"Gus is part of my family, at least I've always thought of him that way, I hope you don't mind. And yes, Gus will be there." 


"Justin, he's only three and he's not used to this kind of thing." 


"I think you'll be surprised Brian, Gus is a very intelligent little boy and Nanny and the twins have been drilling him on the protocol for most of the last week and a half" 


"Deb, Vic and Emmett too?" 


"Even those guys." 


"Didn't I tell you life with you was going to be interesting?" 


The next couple of hours were busy, the children and Justin had to have something to eat, and then there were showers and baths and clothing to be put on and ties to tie. Brian was the first to be ready and he sat back away from the flurry in Justin's suite, a drink in his hand and watched the transformation of his two boys in amazement. 


Justin's blue/gray Armani tuxedo, soft silk formal shirt, and blue bow tie made him look good enough to eat. Justin came over to Brian, his shirt sleeves not done up, cuff links in his hands "Brian can you put these in, please?" he asked shyly 


"Sunshine, you're beautiful" Brian began to fix Justin's cuffs. "These cuff links are great" he turned them over in his hands admiring the delicate gold filigree. 


"They're my design Brian, that's part of what's on exhibit tonight." 


"You did this?" 


"Yep, I've done a whole line of stuff; in fact some of it's in one of the jewelers we were in today." 


"You never said anything." 


"It's just something I did before you and I got back in touch. I needed an outlet to lose myself in. I did a lot of different kinds of design work in many mediums." 


Brian sat back lost in thought as Justin put on his jacket. All of a sudden his eyes opened wide, from the bedroom Gus appeared, patent leather dress shoes, deep blue suit pants, white silk shirt and bow tie to match Justin's, he was intently working with his cuffs. "Dada Jus'n help Gus please" 


"Sure Gussy bear" Justin squatted down and to Brian's amazement fastened miniature versions of Justin's cuff links to Gus's shirt." 


"Kind of young for a cuffed shirt isn't he?" enquired Brian 


"He's your kid, he saw what I was having made and he wanted the same thing." Justin helped Gus into his jacket, straightened his shirt and tie and smoothed Gus's hair. "Now if he'd only inherited Lindsey's hair, he'd be perfect." 


"What's wrong with my hair" demanded Brian always sensitive about his hard to manage hair. 


"Your hair is wonderful, it's amazing, I love it, it's the kind of hair that demands to have fingers trail through it." Justin's eyes became glazed with lust as he looked at Brian's hair, his cock hardening visibly under the soft raw silk of his suit pants. 


"Geeze Justin, it's all about sex with you" grumbled Brian, his eyes welded to Justin's dick, secretly pleased at the reaction his lover had to him. 


"Guys, lets go" demanded Gus, looking and sounding very grownup in his formal wear. 


Brian laughed, "We all look amazing tonight. Let's go see the rest of the gang, I can hardly wait to get to the gallery." 


The three of them walked down the wide winding staircase, Brian and Justin holding onto Gus's hands. Gus insisted on walking down and not being carried. He pointed out that he was wearing `grownup clothes' so he should be able to walk down the stairs by himself. The hand holding was a compromise that made all of them happy. 


By the time they had reached the bottom of the staircase, everyone else had assembled from their various rooms. Of course Prince Sebastian was elegant in a tux personally made for him, the twins wore larger versions of Gus's suit, each one with a different bow tie for the benefit of people who didn't know them well and needed help in telling them apart. Vic looked uncomfortable in a borrowed tux, but smiling from his afternoon tryst. Debbie was radiant in a long teal green dress, a soft white cashmere stole over her shoulders. She was still talking to Nanny who was beginning to look slightly dazed, but elegant as usual in an ivory dress. Suddenly a hush fell over all of them. Brian and Justin turned to see Jennifer and Molly coming down the stairs, their blonde hair shimmering under the lights, Jennifer in a designer gown of bias cut azure blue silk, Molly in a slip dress of the same color, looking very grown up and pleased with herself. 


"Mom, you look beautiful" Justin gave her a kiss. "You look great too Mollusk" While Jennifer thanked Justin for the compliment everyone noticed her eyes had never left Sebastian's who stood silently admiring her. 


Sebastian reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box. He opened it and took out a necklace set in white gold studded with sapphires. "I had Justin design this for some stones that I purchased years ago. They are the color of your eyes." He gently placed the necklace around Jennifer's neck. "This is a gift from your son and my sons and maybe a bit of me in there" He smiled lovingly at her and kissed her once on her forehead. 


"Sebastian, I - " 


"You don't want to hurt the boy's feelings now do you? You must keep the gift and enjoy it. Always remember the pleasure we felt in making and giving it to you." 


Jennifer looked at Justin, Guy and Jon watching her hopefully, all of them wanting her approval. She looked at Sebastian his eyes clearly reflecting his feelings. "I've never had anything so beautiful Sebastian. Justin, Jon and Guy thank you very much, I'll always treasure it." 


"It has my logo on it Mom" said Justin. 


"I'll look for it tonight before I go to bed Darling." 


"Sunshine, what's your logo look like?" whispered Brian enjoying the little drama that had been unfolding. 


Justin held our his wrist, shot his cuffs and pointed at the links Brian had fastened earlier. "It's on these" 


Brian looked closely. "It looks like a fancy `T' and `K'. That doesn't make sense." 


Justin blushed "Taylor Kinney, that's what it stands for, I figured if I never saw you again, it would make you close to me and if we got together again it would be prophetic." 


Brian pulled Justin over and was about to kiss him when "No you don't," Gus cried "make them stop, we'll never get there" he stood glaring up at the two men hands on his hips, lip out. The whole group burst out laughing, he looked so much like a mini indignant Brian it struck them all as comical. 


"Just on little kiss Gussy Bear, please?" begged Justin smiling at the little boy. 


"Kiss, kiss, kiss, that's all you do." Gus looked at both his Dads. "OK, one kiss, one teeny little kiss" he held his fingers close together. 


"Thanks Gus" Brian bent Justin over in an elaborate dip ending in a kiss. He stood him back upright; they looked into each other's eyes exchanging promises of future kisses. 


"Finally, Emmett, we've been waiting for you." Debbie beamed up at Emmett, pleased with everything that had happened. "Emmett, honey, you look wonderful." 


And he did, his tuxedo looked as if it had been tailored for him, he was tall and debonair it was only when you looked closely you realized that he had placed his own special look to his outfit. His tie was covered in tiny gold stars that reflected the light. "I can't help but be beautiful in this wonderful suit of Sebastian's. I'm going to make Teddy take me to the opera when we get home, I'll be the envy of all the old queens there." He kissed Nanny's cheek. "Different kind of queens Princess." He assured her. 


In no time at all they were off. Justin, Gus, and Jon and Guy rode with Brian in one limo. The young boys wanted to stick together. Brian looked over at Justin when he became tired of the three young boys chatter. He couldn't understand half of what they said but Gus appeared to understand it all. "Sunshine, you look nervous. You going to be OK?" 


"I can't believe I'm this nervous, I've had stuff in other art shows. I've never felt like this before. What if they hate my things, Brian, my hand isn't a hundred percent, I should never have agreed to this." 


Brian took Justin's bad hand and held it between his own. "Justin, this hand has more talent and ability in it than all of Paris. You have nothing to worry about." He held it to his lips, kissing each finger, feeling them slowly unclench. 


Justin sighed letting himself relax against Brian's strong shoulder. "I'm glad you're here for this Brian. It means everything to me to have you with me at times like this." 


"Always will be Baby." And Brian meant those words with all his heart. 


Brian had been aware right from the start that Sebastian's family was an important part of Parisian Society. French Royalty was a thing of the past, but it was still there never the less. He was unprepared for what unfolded next. The gallery was located on the lower floor of an old mansion. They drove up under a stone arch the vehicle doors opened by uniformed men. "You'll have to excuse me Brian, but I'm part of the reception line and so is Gus. They'll take you into a foyer and when it's time the doors will open on the Gallery and we'll receive you and the others" Justin giggled "If we were married, you could stand with me." 


"What about Gus?" 


"He's considered my son, sort of like Sebastian considers me his, you'll see how it goes. You won't have to wait long; we're very accurate as to the time, maybe five minutes that's it. Once the majority of the guests have been received, Gus and I'll join you. The children will be looked after by some caregivers chosen by Sebastian, nothing will happen tonight." 


Sure enough, Brian, Debbie, Vic and Emmett mingled with the guests; Brian took the opportunity to try out his French. Both women and men were impressed with this handsome American. The carved double doors swung up revealing a fairy tale ballroom, a string quartet at one end, small oasis of artwork dotted the room. All of them spot lit from above. Justin wasn't the only artist on display and the variety of art work was wonderful. Standing inside the door was Nanny, Sebastian, Jennifer, Molly, Alex, Mattieu, Justin, Gus, Jon and Guy. Each guest filed in, introduced by a pompous looking gentleman standing to one side. Brian stood back waiting and watching, he couldn't get over how Justin fit in with this group, how he had something to say to each person as they came down the line, sometime in French and sometime in English, how he could make the old matrons blush or bring a flush of pleasure to the men. He was also impressed how he included Gus each and every time and how his little boy shook hands and spoke to everyone without a trace of shyness, like he'd been doing things like this forever. He wished he'd had a video camera, the munchers would never believe it. 


As if reading his mind Justin signaled him to look up, he smiled when he saw the unobtrusive camera filming the whole reception line. He nodded back to Justin that he understood. The munchers would be able to see their son perform for themselves. The camera was obviously for security purposes, but he was sure he'd be able to have a copy of the tape. 


He noticed the line of people was dwindling so he sauntered over and stood at the end, as he moved through the wide doors he pulled first one and then the other shut behind him effectively ending the reception line's duties. He walked down nodding to everyone then with his arm around Justin began walking him away. Gus and the twins realized immediately that their duties were over and they could return to being kids again, headed for a buffet table that had been set up on one side of the vast room. Jennifer seeing where they were going quickly went to head off disaster. 


"Brian, what are you doing?" Justin asked as he smiled and nodded at the people they passed. 


"I've captured my significant other, now I'm spiriting him away for a few minutes." 


"Don't you want to see my things?" 


"I always want to see your things Baby, but I need to see you in private for one little minute" Brian pulled Justin behind a bank of screens, where they were sheltered from prying eyes. He folded his arms over Justin's shoulders, pressed his forehead to Justin's and looked into his eyes. "Do you still love me Baby?" 


"Brian, why wouldn't I still love you?" he looked back at Brian "You haven't done anything weird have you, anything that might piss me off?" 


"Not lately. It's just look around you; Sebastian is giving you everything you've ever wanted and then some. I can't compete with that. All I have to offer is my loft and myself." 


"Brian there's only one thing in the world that I want other than my art, and that's you." Justin turned his lips towards Brian's for a kiss. 


"Are you sure?" 


"I'm so sure, I had something made for you, I'm sure about what I want, but I never know what you want Brian. When I'm sure of that then I'll give you what I made. We have lots of time." 


Brian knew that this wasn't the time for declarations of undying love or promises. He felt threatened by Justin's new found confidence in himself and the high regard Justin was held in by Sebastian's family. He had been Justin's champion for more than two years, now Justin really didn't need him as a champion. He smiled down at Justin and Justin met the smile with one of his own. Standing on tip toe he reached up and kissed Brian firmly on the lips. "We'll talk later Brian." Justin started back to where the show was unfolding; he looked at Brian and took his hand. "Come on lover, see what I've been up to the past few months, it might surprise you." 


The two men reappeared in the throng of onlookers in time for Gus and the twins to spot them. "Dada Jus'n, Daddy Bwian" called Gus. "Molly's making me go home with Guy and Jon" Gus was indignant. 


"Gussy Bear" Justin scrunched down to be at eye level with the little boy. "I understand your Daddy and I are taking all of you to see Mickey Mouse tomorrow. We can only take little boys who have had lots of sleep. Molly knows this, that's why she's taking you home. 


"Yep Gus, we're visiting the big rat tomorrow" echoed Brian pleased with Molly and the twins giggles and ignoring Justin's glare but feeling a little guilty at the trusting look his son was giving him. 


"Can I sleep with Molly?" asked Gus. 


"Molly?" Justin looked at his sister. 


"Sure, Gus, that way I won't forget you tomorrow right?" she knew what Gus was thinking. Molly and Gus had become close in the past two weeks. 


"No fooling around with Molly Gus" teased Brian "Oooowch" Brian rubbed his arm where Justin had punched him. 


"Daddy Bwian, Molly's a girl" said Gus as if that statement said it all. 


"Your son Brian" was all Justin said shaking his head. 


Brian and Justin walked the children and their guard to the main entrance where they were loaded into one of the limousines. The two men kissed the children goodbye, Molly blushing when Brian's lips brushed her cheek. The guard agreed to call Brian, the minute they had arrived safely back at the Castle. 


"Come on Sunshine, I want the artist to show me what's been keeping him away from me." Brian put his arm around Justin's shoulder while they walked back into the Gallery. 


Justin led him over to the section of the room that was devoted to his work. The area had been roped off with velvet ropes separating it from the rest of the room a sign in a frame announced "Nothing Matters When We're Dancing - Justin Taylor" 


The framed sketches and water colors on the walls were amazing to Brian and everyone else who stood before them. Justin had captured every emotion known, captured them so well that some of the viewers had tears on their cheeks as they viewed the work. All of the pictures depicted Brian and Justin's history, of the dance of life they'd had up to this point. Brian walked in silence and stood before each one, he'd known Justin was talented, but never even comprehended how talented. "Justin, you really feel this way?" he asked quietly. Brian felt Justin had looked into their very souls through these pictures. 


"I do Brian, I always have and I always will" Justin replied, shy at exposing his inner being to Brian and the world. 


"You can't come back to Pittsburgh; your talent would be wasted there. You need to spend time developing here in the heart of the art world. I see that now." Brian looked forlorn, he could never take Justin away, talent like his had to be nurtured and developed like a delicate flower. 


"Brian, I love you, and I'll be able to paint anywhere in the world. Home to me is where you are." Justin put his arms around Brian's waist pulling him in so they faced one another. "We can work out the next year between us somehow; it's only a year I'll be studying in France." 


"Justin, I have to think about this. For now we'll just enjoy each other as much as we can." He saw the look of fear and concern cross Justin's face. Brian tilted his chin up so he could look into the deep blue of Justin's eyes. "Justin, I love you, we will talk later - that's a promise" He kissed his lover's lips gently and rubbed his thumb down Justin's cheek. "I won't let you go Justin, don't worry. Don't give up on us now." 


Both men looked up, the small orchestra had begun playing and a few of the art patrons had begun to dance. "I think this is our dance Baby" Brian held out his hand. In one smooth motion Justin joined him and they glided across the floor. Nothing ever mattered when they danced.