Matchmaker in Disguise - 3
Plot bunny: Judy of course
Author: Elsa Rose

“Oh, are you still here?” Justin asked as he came out of the shower. “I thought Gus would be back with some clothes for you by now.” 

Brian was still staring into the mirror, his fingers touching the offending gray. “You hit me.” His voice was almost too low for Justin to hear. 

“Oh?” Justin tried to pretend innocence, which wasn’t easy in light of the fact Brian’s eyes were black, his nose very obviously broken. “It was a violent impulse that I now regret,” he began as he dried his hair, not caring that he stood naked and wet in front of Brian. 

Brian noted that the blond was well built with a cock that belied his size. He also noticed that the cock wasn’t interested in him as he stood confronting Justin.  Where as his own cock twitched and grew so that he had to grab a towel and hold it in front of him on the pretext that he was drying his hands. “I trust you had a reason to maim me,” Brian drawled, vaguely remembering the night before.

Justin ignored the question in Brian’s voice, instead he asked, “Did you by any chance take some kind of drug along with the umpteen bottles of beer you drank?” 

“I don’t do drugs,” Brian began. “I had two sinus tablets, but they’re something I bought at the grocery store. Nothing like the old days of alphabet soup.” 

Justin rolled his eyes as he wrapped a towel around his waist. “Well that’s a relief. I’m glad to hear that Gus’ dad isn’t a complete asshole, he’s just mentally challenged.” 

“I guess I wasn’t thinking,”  Brian sighed. “Do you mind if I use your shower, I stink.”

“I wasn’t going to mention that, but go right ahead,” Justin grinned. “You kind of blew it last night and not in a good life affirming way. Towels are in here. Oh and careful of your nose, I’ve never set one before, you should get it checked out later today. But actually I think it improves the look. Before you looked sexy, now you look sexy and dangerous. It’s a good look on you.” Justin left the bathroom before Brian could reply, not sure he was going to like what the other man had to say.

Getting dressed in record time, Justin made it to the kitchen before Jake could create one of his breakfasts that only a five year old would be able to eat.  “Is the coffee ready Jake?” Justin asked though he could see that it was. 

“Daaad.” Jake rolled his eyes in an imitation of Justin. He knew when he was being patronized.  “Yes, the coffee is being made.” He thought for a minute, “Dad, Gus’ dad, he’s not really a bad man. He has nice eyes that smile and laugh even if they are kind of black around the edges,” he paused. “Dad, violence is never the answer.” 

“I’m sorry Jake, I know. I can’t believe that I hit him.”

“Did you apologize?” Jake looked at his father, his eyes big, the violet a dark purple. 

“Kind of,” Justin admitted, ashamed that his apology was less than stellar. 

“Hey, have you killed Dad yet?” Gus asked as he came in with a small overnight bag. He gave Justin a quick hug and kissed Jake on his forehead.

“Not yet,” Brian drawled from the bedroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. He looked comfortable in his skin as he strolled almost panther like toward them. “Coffee.” He smiled at Jake. “Sorry Jake, I can’t smell it, but I can see it. Want one?” he opened a cupboard and found a mug with Shrek on it and poured it full. 

“I’m too young for drinks with caffeine,” Jake said. “It’s customary to ask when you borrow someone’s favorite mug.” He looked pointedly at the Shrek mug. 

Gus giggled. “Yeah Dad.” 

“Sorry Jake, I wasn’t thinking, it must be the pain in my nose or maybe the back of my head when I hit the floor, there’s a pretty big egg there. Can I use your mug with the green ugly guy on it?” 

“May I and please, and yes you may.” Jake smiled, “His name is Shrek and he’s loved by lots and lots of people. It doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside, it’s your inside that counts. I mean look at you, you aren’t very pretty and you’re like as old as my daddy, maybe even older, but I still like you and Gus loves you. Even Angel and Gabriel like you.”  He pointed down to the two kittens who were hitting at Brian’s toes. “Careful though Big Daddy, ‘cause they’re really, really tender.” He motioned for Brian to lean down “Gabriel was in a bad accident,” he whispered.

Brian bit back a grin, having this kid around all the time would drive him nuts. “I see that Gabriel has had some kind of a problem. I was hoping it wasn’t catching.” He bent down and stoked the cat’s back with one finger making it purr. Angel arched her back and hissed at him again, but Gabriel leaned into his touch enjoying the attention. 

“You should get your clothes on Big Daddy, ‘cause it’s not polite to eat breakfast with your penis showing even if it is a big one.” 

Brian flushed as Gus and Justin burst out laughing. Gus held out the overnight bag, unable to talk he was laughing so hard. 

“Gus and Daddy, you stop that right now. Big Daddy doesn’t understand the house rules. And it isn’t polite to laugh at someone who has a big penis, he can’t help it.” Jake thought that the size of Brian’s cock was an obvious deformity, like Gabriel’s missing ear.

Brian grabbed the bag out of Gus’ hand and fled to the bedroom before he cracked up too. Justin’s son was too smart for his own good, but he was still only five. 

“Big Daddy, here’s your coffee. I’m sorry they laughed at you.” Jake had knocked on the door before opening it cautiously. “I put some sugar in ‘cause Gus said you liked it sweet.” He shrugged. “It smells good I think, sorry about your nose.” 

Brian took the mug from Jake’s hand. “Sorry I didn’t ask to use your mug.” 

“That’s okay.” Jake sat on the bed, the two kittens had followed him in, both of them crawled paw over paw up the side of the bed until they reached their new owner. Jake settled them in the folds of the duvet before turning to Brian. “That’s a nice shirt.” He watched as Brian slipped the shirt over his shoulders. “It looks like Armani, is it?” 

“Why yes.” Brian beamed at him. “What do you know about designer clothing?”  He looked into a mirror and adjusted his shirt, ignoring the mess of his face. 

“My daddy knows lots and lots of designers. We used to live in Paris and part time in Rome. I have two Armani suits but my daddy doesn’t wear much designer stuff, he just gets it all messy with paint. I take care of my clothes. Gus says that it’s freaky to like designer clothes at my age, but I think it’s freaky that he doesn’t like them at his age,” Jake giggled. 

“I’d have to agree with you.” Brian smiled and held out his hand. “Did I hear you offer breakfast?” 

Jake jumped off of the bed and took Brian’s hand. “Don’t forget your coffee,” he reminded Brian. “I can show you my room if you want. It’s neat. Daddy painted one wall and I did one wall and Gus did one wall and we all did the last wall.” 

“Wow, sounds like a team effort,” Brian smiled.

Justin and Gus turned at the sound of Brian and Jake coming out of the bedroom. “Big Daddy and me are going to check out my room,” Jake announced. 

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

Brian finally settled himself in his chaise in the corner of his loft. It was situated perfectly to look out the windows and he spent a great deal of time there contemplating life. Not that he’d admit this to anyone. He was seeing his doctor in a few hours to have his nose looked at which would be a relief. Though it appeared to be healing just fine. He’d changed the colourful strips of bandage for ones more in keeping with someone who dressed in Armani. 

What had surprised him was how reluctant he was to leave the blond bombshell’s apartment earlier. It was in chaos from the renovations and Justin and Jake weren’t the tidiest of people. Add two kittens and Gus and you had definite mess issues. But it was lived in and filled with the obvious love and affection between all. 

Jake was too bright for his own good, but entertaining nevertheless. You had to be on your toes around him. He wouldn’t be fobbed off with a partial answer to any question asked, but expected you to answer him as you would an adult. It was unnerving at first but easy to get used to. 

Gus was at ease with both Jake and Justin. He treated the two of them as if they were family and chatted away with both about everything under the sun. Brian knew that while he and Gus had always had a great relationship, the boy was never quite as at ease as he was with Justin. There was a bond between the two of them that had formed quickly, almost as if Justin was his father.

Brian had eaten more than he ever did in the mornings, drank more coffee and generally relaxed even if he couldn’t breath through his nose. He listened to Justin’s side of the conversation as he had phone conferences with mysterious people regarding his upcoming gallery showing of young artists. And it was then that Brian realized the blond was doing this on his own dime, not expecting to make any money out of it at all. He only wanted to open up some opportunities for a few talented but unknown artists in various parts of the world. 

It was only when his prolonged departure was noticed by Jake, did Brian finally get up and leave. Brian smiled remembering Jake. 

“Time to go Big Daddy,” he said as he climbed on Brian’s knee. “I miss you already, but Daddy and Gus and I have work to do downstairs.” He leaned his head against Brian. “You’ve got the best arms for hugs ever.” Brian then noticed he’d enfolding the small boy in his arms, resting his head against blond curls. “They make me feel safe and warm just like Daddy’s do.”

Making a quick decision, Brian picked up the phone and called Kinnetik. 

Justin was working in the gallery office. Jake and Gus were in the framing room learning how to frame, his gallery manager was busy with a customer and he’d sent the floor clerk to Starbucks for coffee, when the phone rang. “Hello La Art and Stuff, Justin Taylor here.” 

“Taylor, Kinney here, you have a three o’clock appointment at Kinnetik if that’s suitable. They will map out a campaign for you pro bono other than direct costs. If the time isn’t right, call and change the appointment.”
“I beg your pardon?” Justin looked at the phone as if it was a foreign object. 

“It’s the least you can do, considering you attacked me. I expect you to accept this campaign. I’ve forwarded the copy to Cynthia at Kinnetik, she’ll take it from there.”
Brian hung up the phone grinning widely. He’d heard the shocked disbelief in Justin’s voice. 

Justin couldn’t believe the audacity of Brian Kinney. He was about to call back when what the man had said sunk in. He’d do the work pro bono; Justin would only have to pay expenses. It would help his bottom line considerably where this show was concerned. 
“That will be a yes then Mr. Kinney,” Justin said to himself. If the promotional campaign was even half as good as a lot of Brian’s work, Justin and his artists should reap the benefits almost immediately as it begins. 

Mobilized into action, Justin cleared his schedule for the three o’clock appointment and made a few calls to his European contacts. Jake wandered in with his baby pouch full of kittens and settled in a corner to play, but Justin knew that the boy was listening to everything that was happening and analyzing it for later. 

Gus walked into Justin’s office.  “I’m done for the day, is there anything more you need done?” He ruffled Jake’s hair as he slouched in a seat near his friend’s desk. 

“I don’t think so,” Justin paused. “Your dad called, he’s going to do my advertising, or at least he has Kinnetik doing it.” 

“Actually, if dad is involved at all, you can be sure it’s all him. He’s way to anal to let anyone else do something he’s working on.” 

“I thought he was retired.”  

“Big Daddy should be working, it makes him smile,”  Jake said from his position on the floor. “You will have the best advertising in the whole world. I Googled Big Daddy and Kinnetik and he wins stuff all the time. ‘Cause he’s the best in the whole world.” 

“Wow, Jakie, you must be the president of Dad’s fan club,” Gus laughed. “Do I need a membership card?”

“Gus, he’s just a really nice daddy.” Jake looked up at Justin. “You know, if you asked him out on a date, that would be cool. You could take Big Daddy to the movies, or maybe that nice dress up restaurant, or maybe a concert in New York.” 

Gus was snickering at the efforts of this mini matchmaker and the brilliant red of Justin’s face.  “Yeah Justin, I could give you dating tips. Like never put out on the first date, but maybe on the second one. Oh right, you’re gay, okay no sex for fifteen minutes on the first date,” he snickered.

“Gus, do daddies have sex?” Jake looked curiously at his father and then back at Gus.

Gus’ eyes widened. “Uh, it’s been known to happen.” He’d forgotten how perceptive the kid was and how much he could take in.”

“Let’s change the subject,” Justin said and stood. “I have an appointment at three. Gus, do you mind staying another hour? If you have something else to do, Jake can come with me.” 

“Actually, I have to head to my moms. I have yard work to finish.” Gus shrugged his backpack on. “I’ll see you later. You too Jake man.” 

“Bye Gus. Yesterday was nice and your dad is cool too; once you get used to him.”  Jake smiled up at Gus, his violet eyes twinkling.

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

“Brian what are you doing here?” Ted looked surprised when Brian strolled in the door of Kinnetik. 

“I own the company, why shouldn’t I be here?” Brian smiled at Cynthia who was walking down the hall. “Coffee.” 

“Hello to you too, Brian,” she kissed his cheek. “Get your own damn coffee, you know where it is; nothing’s changed.” 

“Want one?” he asked returning her kiss. 

“Yes.” She smiled at him. “I put the files you were interested in on your desk.”

“You’d make a great assistant.” He smirked continuing down the hall. Both of them oblivious to Ted’s stare.

“In your dreams, <I>Boss</I>,” she laughed as she made her way to her office. 

Brian poured himself some coffee and made one for Cynthia as well.  He put a fresh donut from the box that was delivered daily on a paper plate and then carefully carried everything to Cynthia’s office. 

“Thanks Brian.”  Cynthia relieved him of the donut and coffee. “You were right, it was Brad and Bob who saw Mr. Taylor. You have an appointment to discuss it with them at eleven. Everything else you wanted is on track. We have the art department working on some mock-ups. Of course they’ll be ready for your meeting with Mr. Taylor this afternoon.” 

“On top of things as always,” Brian smirked and then winked, Cynthia blushed at the innuendo.

“I learned from the consummate top himself.” She raised her coffee cup in a silent toast. “Tell me about this Justin Taylor, he must be darn special to get you out of the loft and into the office.” 

“He’s….” Brian paused. “I don’t know what he is. He’s a man who is confident and talented. He’s a good father and friend. I think he’d be good to get to know on a more intimate level….” Brian was always honest with Cynthia. They’d developed a friendship over the years that transcended employer/employee. He told her things he told no one else, especially not Mikey.

“It seems to me you know just exactly what he is. Are you going to take it a step further than usual?”

“I don’t know Cynthia, I really don’t.” Brian looked puzzled and confused. He’d never before felt this conflict of emotions over a man. 

“Are you going to explain your black eyes?” she held back a giggle.

“I’m surprised Ted didn’t say anything,” Brian laughed out loud. “It’s a long story, let’s just say I may have deserved it.”

“Ahhhh.” She grinned, “A certain artist per chance?” 

“I’m not telling.” But he flushed which told Cynthia more than he knew.

Justin spent the hour before his appointment putting together a folder of just what he expected from Kinnetik. Jake was curious and also bouncy, he was looking forward to the appointment. He wanted to see the awards Brian had won. 

Jake and Justin decided to walk to Kinnetik. The day was nice and Justin enjoyed window shopping on their way. He was sure that the building looked rather like a bath house and hadn’t been surprised to find out via the Internet that it had been exactly that. 

“Where’s the bathtubs?” Jake asked as soon as he saw the receptionist. 

“Bathtubs?” she asked looking from Jake to Justin. 

“We’re here to see Big Daddy. I’m Jake and this is my daddy, Justin Taylor the artist,” Jake stated as if he was proud of his father.

“Big Daddy; bathtubs?” the girl repeated looking more confused than ever.

“We have a three o’clock appointment. I’m not sure who with,” Justin smiled. 

“I’ll check.” The young woman fled into the back to talk to Cynthia. Justin and Jake’s good looks and odd questions from the young boy had her mystified. 

Cynthia had all she could do to bite back her laughter at the description of Jake and his questions. “I’ll handle things, Jenny,” she said.

“Hi I’m Cynthia, a partner of Kinnetik, and you must be Justin Taylor.” She held out her hand to shake. “And you must be Jake.” She shook the small boy’s hand as well. 

“Where’s Big Daddy?” Jake asked. “Is he in the bathtub?” 

“Jake is under the impression that we’ll be seeing Mr. Kinney, despite the fact he knows that he is retired,.” Justin said, his hand on Jake’s shoulder. “And the bathtub thing, well I guess explaining what the bath’s were, was beyond me.” 

“Big Daddy, is waiting for you.” Cynthia giggled, “But sadly not in the bath.” 

Justin rolled his eyes heavenward and followed Cynthia to Brian’s office. She was about to knock when Jake confidently reached up and knocked once before opening the door.

“Hi Big Daddy, we’re here to see you.” Jake walked in and then to everyone’s surprise, he walked around Brian’s desk, climbed up on his knee and gave him a hug and a kiss on his cheek.

Leaning back Jake observed Brian. “Your eyes are turning a funny purple. I looked it up on the Internet, they’re going to go green and then yellow before they turn into you.”

“Can’t wait.” Brian’s sarcasm was there but toned down for the boy on his knee. “Did you guys bring the ugly duckling and his sister?”  he pretended to look under Jakes tee shirt making Jake giggle.

“Daddy said they had to stay home.” Jake looked at his father. “Big Daddy, this is your office. I don’t think Angel and Gabriel are office cats. Where’s the bathtubs. It says on Google that this is a bathhouse. Is it like in Japan where people go to relax in big steaming tubs of hot water?”

“This used to be a bathhouse, now it’s where my company, Kinnetik has their offices. A bathhouse can be a lot of things. In this case it used to be a place where men would relax. There were showers and even a few tubs, but mostly there used to be lots of little rooms for relaxing in.” 

“Oh, you mean like having sex and stuff. I read about that too. I think it’s freaky, but Daddy says my opinion of sex will change when I hit puberty.”

“Your daddy is right.” Brian looked at Justin and grinned. “There’re a lot of things that are more interesting when you hit puberty. He leaned back in his chair. “I understand that you need an advertising campaign that will blow the socks off some rich art benefactors,” his voice was serious as he looked at Jake.

“That’s my daddy. I’m just here ‘cause daddy won’t let me stay alone in the apartment,” Jake shrugged. “It’s okay. He just doesn’t understand that me and the kitties would be fine.”

“I don’t like Gus staying alone in the apartment either and he’s fourteen.” Brian let Jake slide off his knee. 

“Gus is almost fifteen,” Jake answered as he went around the desk to take the chair beside his father. Brian wondered when it was that he had begun hating birthdays moving ahead rather than anticipating time’s forward motion.

Justin had sat silently watching the interaction between his son and Brian. Jake had always been outgoing, but he’d never accepted another man before like he had Brian. Maybe it was because the man was Gus’ father, or maybe it was because he had been injured. For Jake needed to make anything that hurt better. Which was one of the reasons they now had a balding and scarred kitten.

“Mr. Kinney,” Justin began formally. 

“Brian, anyone who maims me gets to call me Brian,” Jake giggled and Justin flushed.

“I’ve looked over the proposal that your office delivered to my studio. It’s way beyond what I expected and as such much more than I can reasonably afford.”

“But it’s what you wanted to say and it’s using the publicity tools that you want to use,” Brian stated rather than asked. 

“Of course, it’s like your employees were in my head.” 

“I was in your head.”

“I beg your pardon?” 

“It’s my campaign.” Brian nodded at the folder on his desk.

“But you’re retired.” 

“Apparently retirement isn’t as long as it used to be,” Brian smirked. Because he realized that in the last twenty-four hours he’d dropped years off of his shoulders. He felt young again, as young as he’d been when he’d first opened Kinnetik.

“Daddy, you should take Big Daddy out to dinner. It would be the polite thing to do since he’s being so helpful,” Jake said as he tugged on Justin’s sleeve.

“Jake,” Justin cautioned looking at Brian apologetically.

“Jake, I think for now, we’ll leave any date requests up to your dad.” Brian stood up. “Perhaps when my eyes reach the green stage. I have a wonderful Brooks Brothers shirt just about the color of bruised green. Think of how dashing I’d look color coordinated like that.” 

Justin’s flush deepened even more. “Actually Brian I want to apologize again for the violent reaction I had. It’s never happened before. I really don’t understand it. Jake and I would love to cook you dinner in our apartment.”

Brian could see that the blond was definitely bothered by what he’d done. He also knew he wasn’t ready for an intimate dinner at close quarters even with the precocious Jake nearby. “Dinner would be great, but perhaps, Jake would like to see something of the countryside. Why don’t I take you boys as well as Gus out for lunch on Saturday.” 

“Lunch, Saturday?” Justin hesitated. “But your car….” 

“I have one that we’ll all fit in and besides, we’ll save that dinner for when I look better if you don’t mind.” 

“Uh, okay.” Justin stood up prepared to leave, not sure what he’d let himself in for. Saturday was a few days away – anything could happen between then and now. 

“Bye, Big Daddy.” Jake ran over and tugged on Brian’s pants so he could bend over for a hug. 

“Bye, Little Guy,” Brian replied and kissed the boy’s cheek. 

Justin nodded his goodbye and was surprised when Brian walked over and kissed his lips tenderly. “Later, Justin,” Brian whispered not sure why he’d kissed the blond, but glad he had.

Allowing Jake to lead him out of Kinnetik’s offices, Justin controlled his impulse to touch his lips that burned from Brian’s kiss. He looked back once, before they left the building only to find Brian standing at the door, watching them leave, a thoughtful gleam in his eyes.

“Daddy, do you like Big Daddy?” Jake asked as they walked home. 

“Jakie, why do you call him Big Daddy, his name is Brian, or Mr. Kinney.” 

“He likes being Big Daddy. He’s a daddy and he’s big; bigger than you.” Jake couldn’t see what the problem was. “He’s a nice Big Daddy. I like his hugs. Do you like it when he kisses?”

“It’s alright,” Justin admitted. 

“Me too. I like it.” Jake was silent as they continued to walk. “Daddy, do daddies ever get married, you know so you live in the same house and stuff?” 

“It’s not legal for two men to marry in most states,” Justin hedged. 

“But if it was like in Canada, would you get married?” 

“If I found the right man. How do you know about Canada’s marriage laws?” 

“Duh, Internet Dad.” Jake shook his head at Justin.  “So, what does the right man have to be like?” 

“He has to love me and I have to love him.”

“That’s all?”  Jake asked.

“That’s it,.” Justin smiled. “Nothing else much matters, we could work out the logistics of pretty much anything else.” 

“What if he’s older than you?” 

“Does he love me?” Justin asked teasing his son.

“Of course he does, you’re very easy to love.” 

“Then older is okay.” 

Jake was satisfied for now. He could hardly wait to talk to Gus. Their plan for getting their fathers together was coming along nicely. 

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

While Justin kept busy supervising the finishing of his loft apartment and organizing his upcoming show with artists from around the world, he constantly had Brian and his invitation in the back of his mind. 

Gus was involved with a combination of school, working at the gallery, and taking classes with Justin; classes that Jake, talented even at his age, took as well.  Justin had promised that both of them would be allowed to pick one of their pieces for the show. None of them expected that the pieces would sell, but it was the experience of having them available to the public that counted. 

Justin had done his best to quiz Gus without actually seeming to quiz him about the upcoming date. And yes it was a date, both Gus and Jake made sure to remind him of that every chance they got. 

Brian too kept thinking of the date he’d arranged. He’d thought long and hard about Justin and Jake.  He liked the blond more than any other man he’d ever met and he also felt something for Jake; the same something he’d always felt for Gus. 

Working on Justin’s campaign had also made Brian realize that forty-three was much too young to retire completely. He needed to work to feel fully alive. Perhaps not the sixty hours a week he used to work, but perhaps the odd campaign or two to keep his hand in. He had Justin to thank for that realization. And what’s more he was tired of doing it alone. He not only needed someone in his life, he wanted it and he was beginning to realize that it was the blond he wanted. 

Like his campaigns that won award after award, Brian began the campaign that would be the most important one of his life, his campaign for Justin Taylor’s heart.

Saturday dawned bright and sunny.  Brian made two phone calls to confirm that his plans were in order before waking Gus. 

“Up and at ‘em, Sonny Boy,” Brian called into Gus’ room. 

“Daaaad, we aren’t picking Jake and Justin up for another two hours,” Gus whined, rolled over his pillow covering his head. 

“We have things to do.  Grab a shower, I have breakfast ready.” Brian shut the door and headed for the kitchen. He’d run to MacDonald’s and bought an assortment of breakfast things he hoped Gus would like. A trip through the drive-thru Starbucks completed his mission.

“Wow, MacDonald’s” Gus sat down, his hand already in the bag. Brian outlined what was going to happen during the day while Gus beamed with pleasure. 

Justin was surprised when Brian pulled up in front of his gallery in a large black Jeep complete with booster seat in the rear for Jake. 

Jake was also surprised. “Big Daddy, I’m not a baby, that’s a baby seat,” he began. 

“Actually Little Guy, it’s a booster seat so that you can sit up high and see the world through the windows. The fact that it has seat belt restraints that are correctly fitted for someone of your height and weight is an added bonus. I did try and find one for your dad, but they don’t come in the size of his rather plentiful bottom,” Brian grinned. “Gus used one until he was eight.”

“Which sucked big time,” Gus muttered. “But I guess I don’t have to tell you that, eh Jake?”

Jake giggled but climbed into the Jeep and into the seat reserved for him. “I can see everything.” He looked around. “It’s cool. Thanks Big Daddy, I love you.” 

“No problem Little Guy.” Brian leaned in to make sure Jake was buckled. When he was close he whispered, “I love you too,” and kissed his cheek.

Justin watched the interaction between his son and Brian with a warm feeling in his heart. Gus settled himself beside Jake which left Justin to get into the passenger seat. He was touched when Brian not only opened his door for him, but when he confirmed Justin’s seat belt was secure before they began to drive. “Are you going to tell us where we’re going?” Justin asked. 

“It’s easier to show you.” Brian was nervous, he’d never put himself out like this before. 

“Your eyes are an interesting yellow/green,” Justin commented. “They do match your shirt.” 

“I have an eye for color,” Brian shrugged. 

“I see.” Justin let Brian drive while he listened to the banter in the rear seat between Gus and Jake. 

“Justin, have you ever thought of settling down with someone?” Brian asked. They were leaving the city.

“Yes, but I would want that person to be mine and no one else.”

“So you don’t share your toys?” Brian laughed.

“Well, do you share yours?” Justin looked hard at Brian who flushed under the scrutiny. 

He’d never thought about it. He’d cut down considerably on his tricking as he aged, but to be exclusive to someone, the thought hadn’t entered his mind. Brian looked at Justin and realized that he would hate to think of the other man involving himself with anyone else even for a night. “I don’t know,” he finally said to Justin trying to be as honest as he could. “I suppose I could try to be monogamous and I certainly would be as far as my heart and soul was concerned. But I’m gay; sex sometimes is just a tension reliever and has nothing to do with loving someone.”

“I appreciate your honesty,” Justin said. “What about children?” 

“I don’t want to have anymore, my girlish figure couldn’t handle it,” Brian joked.

Justin rolled his eyes. “I meant what about Jake.”

“Jake is special. He’s going to require someone willing to deal with him on an adult level while remembering his age. Gus was a lot like that. Not quite, but close. I don’t think I’ve done too badly with him.” 

“Gus is a wonderful young man,” Justin agreed. “He’s a joy to work with and know.” 

“Thank you,” Brian nodded. They had been driving for a few more miles when Brian turned into a tree-lined driveway. “I bought this property a few years ago. I’m not sure why or what I was thinking. But something about it captivated me from the first. It was almost the same time of year when I saw it as it is now. I wanted you and Jake to see it. 

He pulled the Jeep up to a yellow painted farmhouse complete with wrap around veranda.  “I’ve done nothing to the house other than have it cleaned. It could use some redecorating and renovation. The thing that struck me about it was in the back.” 

Brian helped Jake from the car and then taking Justin’s hand led him around the back of the house where a modern structure that was obviously a painter’s studio stood. “The house was Alex Grant’s home. When he died, it sat empty for a year and then came up for sale about the time I happened on it. Alex Grant was a well known Pittsburgh painter. Have you heard of him?” Brian asked.

“Of course.” Justin had opened the wide French Doors letting sunlight pour into the studio that still smelled of paint and turps. “It’s an amazing place, so filled with energy.” 

Brian smiled. “Lunch is ready in the kitchen.” He led them to the rear door where sure enough the yellow kitchen had a lunch waiting for them on the table. “Lunch is served boys.” He grinned at Justin’s surprise. 

Lunch was filled with laughter and chatter as they all became better acquainted. Afterwards, Gus took Jake outside to explore the creek that ran through the rear of the property. Brian and Justin shared another glass of wine as they sat on the veranda and listened to the boy’s laughter. 

“Justin….” Brian began

“Brian,” Justin interrupted him. “Life isn’t a business deal. I have the feeling that you’re presenting me with a campaign designed to real me in to become Mrs. Kinney. Please correct me if I’m wrong.” 

Brian laughed out loud, Justin was right, he’d been doing that. “I’d like to start over then. Justin, you’re the first man that I’ve ever felt anything for. I don’t actually know what, but more than just the casual burn in my balls to have sex with you. I think you feel it too. I don’t want or need a Mrs. Kinney, but I do want and need a life partner. I’d like to spend some time getting to know you and Jake and you getting to know me.”

“I’d like that.” 

“I have a lot of friends; they’re almost like family in the gay community of Pittsburgh, and they all think they know me, but none of them really do. I want you to meet them, find out what they think and make your own decisions.”

“I would make my own decisions anyway Brian. I already have. I’d like to get to know you better. I want what you want.” He sighed, not sure he should admit this, “But I also want you.” 

“You do?” 

“I do.” 

They continued to sit on the porch, only now Brian found Justin’s hand. It wasn’t the mind blowing ecstasy of his youth, but rather a feeling of love and comfort that he’d never realized was as necessary as breathing. 

“Justin, I do believe we’re going to have a long and interesting life together.” 

“Let’s take it slow and easy.  It’s the first time for both of us,” Justin smiled. 

“Slow and easy,” Brian agreed. 

“This place can be our classroom,” Justin laughed. “I have a feeling that we both could use a private space away from life in the city.” 

“Jake will like it and so will his kittens.” 

“Gus might think it’s too country for him,” Justin cautioned. 

“Gus is fourteen.”

“Almost fifteen,” Justin grinned.

“He’ll be fine. Would you like to see the bedrooms?” 

“Are we spending the night?” 

“The rest of the day at least.” Brian laughed, “But I feel the need for a nap.”

“Napping in the middle of the afternoon is good,” Justin agreed as they stood up. “What about the kids?”

“Gus will keep an eye on Jake or is it the other way around?” Brian laughed. 

Together they walked into the house, Brian’s arm around Justin’s shoulder. Jake and Gus stood in the shade of a lilac bush. They turned to each other and grinned before hitting a high five. It was time to head for the creek and an afternoon of sketching while their father’s discovered the joy of each other.

July 31, 2006