Third Times a Charm Part 1 Notes: This sequel will follow the events that took place in Second Chance – You will recognize some of the characters and some have been added by me. Justin is growing up and learning to be his own man and Brian is doing his best to stay with him. I’m sure that my sequel is not going to be what Jasmine would have written, because we both write to different muses – but I do know that as long as Brian and Justin are together in the end – that Jasmine will smile. ************************************************************ Justin’s apartment – 4 weeks later Saturday morning – 8:30 am. The sound of girlish giggles floated down to the ears of Jim Matheson as he clipped the hedge by the walkway. He looked up to where the sounds were drifting from and sent a silent prayer to the powers that be for bringing Justin Taylor into their lives. Justin and Julie must be on the sunlit balcony again. He was forever entertaining her with stories of his friends at PIFA as well as his extended family that started with Brian Kinney. ‘Speak of the Devil’ he thought as he watched the tall good looking man slip out the back door of the building and light up a cigarette. He watched him take a drag and then throwing his head back and expelling the smoke. Jim cleared his throat so that Brian would know he was there. “Good morning Brian” he said. Brian threaded his way through the lush garden toward Jim and Jim was reminded of a panther he’d seen on the Discovery channel the night before, lean and muscular with sinewy grace. “Hey Jim” Brian replied, taking another obviously much needed drag off of his cigarette. “Those will kill you someday” Jim observed. “Want one” Brian offered. “Don’t mind if I do” Jim took the offered cigarette and leaned in while Brian lit it. “Thought you gave it up.” “I have, I only smoke OP’s now.” Brian raised his eyebrows. “Other peoples” Jim said with a grin. They stood in the morning sun for a few moments in silence. “You get chased out again?” Jim asked. “Too much good humor first thing in the morning for me.” Brian replied. “I think Danny arrived at the crack of dawn and Julie wasn’t long behind him.” “I still can’t believe the difference Justin has made in Julie. A month ago she wouldn’t even answer her door. She certainly wouldn’t have gone visiting a neighbor, and now he has her helping this Danny fellow with his school work.” “That’s Sunshine for you. He has a way about him that has people eating out of hand five minutes after he meets them.” Brian looked at Jim and laughed ruefully. “He’s damn dangerous” “He caught you.” “I guess he did.” “What are they up to? I could hear Julie laughing.” “Danny’s presenting his latest fashion designs to them. He makes my friend Emmett look butch.” Brian put out his cigarette. “I think Justin and Julie were trying to convince him that the world isn’t quite ready for Danny Wilson’s designs and that he should tone them down.” “So you escaped” “They won’t let me smoke up there. Danny says it makes the fabrics smell funny.” He looked up toward the balcony. “And they had some crazy idea that they could use me as a model.” “So you ran.” “I thought I’d join you for a smoke.” Brian drawled. Jim laughed. “You hanging around here again today?” “I could spend my Saturday back at the loft, but the action seems to be here” “Well grab that garden fork, I need to work up this end of the garden” Jim picked up his hedge trimmer and started back toward the hedge. Brian dutifully took the garden fork from its place by the work shed and began to turn over the rich soil in the vegetable garden. The two men worked in silence, the only sounds were the birds and the occasional drift of laughter from above. He worked away with quiet precision enjoying the peace and taking satisfaction in the perfect symmetry that he was creating in the small patch of land. He only stopped long enough to tie a bandanna that he’d brought with him around his forehead to keep the sweat out of his eyes. He’d learned the necessity of this, after the first morning he’d spent out here with Jim. At noon, the two of them broke for lunch. Brian followed Jim into his small apartment at the rear of the building and together they built themselves sandwiches. “You want to eat outside?” Jim asked. “Sure, you take the sandwiches and I’ll bring the iced tea.” Brian and Jim walked back outside and sat, one on each side of the picnic table under the apple tree like they had done each Saturday for the past three weeks. They were just finishing up when Brian felt two arms wrap around his neck and soft lips on his cheek. “We’ve been invaded Jim.” Brian said returning Justin’s kiss. Justin laughed “I wondered where you disappeared to.” “Well, will you look at that” Jim’s voice was full of wonder. Julie was walking toward them, her hand in Danny’s for support. “Miss Julie, you checking up on me?” he teased. Julie looked shy but looked around at this peaceful oasis in the big city and was reassured. “We needed to find Brian” she said, her voice was soft barely above a whisper. “Yea, we needed a ‘manly man’ to help us out.” Danny joked. Brian looked up at the handsome young man standing beside him. Danny was six feet four, ruggedly handsome, and as nelly a queen as you could find. “Well, I don’t know if Jim can spare the time.” He smirked tongue in cheek. “Come on Brian, Danny and Julie have worked hard on this” Justin begged. He used his puppy dog look. Soon he was joined by Julie and Danny doing their best to imitate him. Brian struggled not to laugh. “Jim needs me here gang. One of you is supposed to be helping him out.” He sighed dramatically “It’s been up to me to do his job for him because he’s such a slacker and all he wants to do is play with his little friends.” “Ha, don’t give me that Brian, you just figured out working with Jim is cheaper than using that high priced gym.” Justin declared. “Now Brian, I don’t want to keep you from whatever these kids have planned.” Jim laughed. I need to get something at the garden center this afternoon, so I was going to call it a day out here anyway.” “Traitor” Brian said to him as he got up from the picnic table. He looked at Jim, “don’t forget that rose stuff, the ones in the corner look like they could use something to perk them up.” He reached into his pocket for his wallet but Jim held up his hand. “Robbie has an account there Brian; I can get what we need.” Brian followed the other three into the building. They stood waiting by the elevator for him. As the four of them stepped off the elevator at the top floor Danny looked at Brian and said. “Can you take a shower first Mr. Kinney?” Justin and Julie dissolved in a fit of laughter at the look on Brian’s purple face. When Justin could talk again, Brian had disappeared through the door; they could hear the door to the bedroom slam shut. Danny looked at his two friends. “What, what did I say?” he asked genuinely puzzled. “You called him Mr. Kinney again.” Julie laughed. “I can’t help it, he’s so much older.” Danny protested. “I keep trying to call him Brian, I just forgot.” He looked at Justin helplessly “Justin, go make nice with him, I really need him to try these shirts on.” “I can’t believe you did it again. You have no idea what it took for me to get him to let you use him for this show. And now you have to piss him off again. Danny, you’ve got to try a little harder.” Justin shook his head in mock anger at the contrite looking Danny and headed toward the bedroom. “Danny, come on over to my place while Justin works on Brian. I think this might take awhile, we can watch a movie.” “You got anything interesting to eat?” Danny asked. He’d already checked out Justin’s refrigerator and found it lacking in anything he’d consider interesting. “You promised to show me your prom dress. Do you think I could try it on?” “Danny there is no way my old prom dress is going to fit you. Besides, it isn’t your color.” Julie said as the two of them left Justin’s place to walk across the hall. Justin opened the bedroom door and stuck his head in. “Is it safe to come in?” he asked while he walked in. Brian lay full length on the bed staring up at the skylight. He made no indication that he’d heard Justin come in. Justin crawled up the bed from the bottom. He wiggled under Brian’s arm until his head was on his chest and Brian’s arm was around him. He let his hands trace pathways in the fine auburn chest hair, making little detours around each nipple, then up his neck and over his chin to his lips. “Do all of your friends think I’m so old that they have to call me ‘Mr.’” Brian asked his voice soft. “The polite ones.” Justin answered honestly. “They don’t see you like I see you.” “How do you see me Justin?” “As the object of my desire” Justin kissed his chin. “You don’t look old enough for me to call you ‘Mr.’, you never did. You look amazingly hot.” “You’re just saying that because Danny wants my body” Brian tightened his arm around Justin and held him close. “Sort of” Justin started to tickle Brian “But also because it’s true.” He liked making Brian squirm “Besides, if you do this for Danny he’s guaranteed to get a good mark, having the hottest guy in Pittsburgh model his clothes can’t help but give him an edge.” “I am pretty hot” Brian agreed. “Where are the little children?” he asked as he flipped over so that now he was leaning over the blonde. “They went to Julie’s so I could convince you to model the clothes and we could have some wild sex in private.” “So my plan worked” Brian smirked “They’re gone and I finally have you alone.” “You shit” Justin said and tried to sit up. “Your little temper tantrum was just a ruse?” “Justin, I damn near have to make an appointment, just have you alone.” He nuzzled Justin’s neck, biting gently, “I did what was necessary for my well being, without hurting their widdle feelings.” “If I wasn’t so horny for you, I’d be pissed” Justin threaded his fingers through Brian’s hair holding his head steady while he let his lips crush those of his lover in a passion filled kiss. ************************************************************ Saturday – 2:30 pm Brian brushed away something that was tickling his nose. He tightened his hold on Justin who was sleeping soundly in his arms. He brushed away the irritation again and opened one eye. Danny was leaning over him a piece of thread in his hand dangling down. He grinned at Brian. “You ready yet?” “Do I look ready?” Brian grumbled and rolled over pulling Justin in close. “Please Mr. --- I mean Brian, this is important and Justin said you’d do it.” Danny was beginning to sound desperate. “How did you get in here anyway?” Brian was waking up and not too pleased about it. “You guys didn’t lock the door. Julie’s with me too.” “Where?” “She’s in the other room, you guys are naked, and she doesn’t need to see your dick.” He grinned at Brian “Me on the other hand, I don’t mind looking at your dick one bit.” “Hey Danny” Justin said, his voice thick with sleep. “Danny, be a good little boy and fuck off” Brian said as he sat up. “Wow Justin, he is grouchy when he wakes up, you were right.” Danny smirked but moved faster than Brian who was coming at him pretty fast. “I am not grouchy when I wake up” Brian said to Justin, who was now sitting up in bed a wide smile on his face. “I just don’t like having strange kids looking at me when I’m sleeping.” “He’s just teasing you Brian.” Justin crawled to the bottom of the bed and put his arms around Brian’s waist. “Play nice and I’ll wash your back in the shower.” “You’ll wash it anyway Sonny Boy” Brian said. He lifted Justin up onto his feet, kissed his forehead then turned and headed to the bathroom. Justin let him get far enough ahead of him to get a great view of his tight butt, before he hurried in after him. Brian was right, he would wash his back anyway and anything else he could get his hands on. ************************************************************ Saturday 3:30 pm Brian strolled out of the bedroom looking well rested and well loved. He stopped short when he saw what was facing him. Looking sheepish Ted said. “Hi Brian” Emmett who had been in a deep discussion with Danny and Julie looked up from his place on the floor, which was now covered in swatches of material, “Hi Brian, honey, you look absolutely fabulous. Your arms have such definition.” He looked around him “Justin have you been taking your man to a different gym?” Justin was about to say something about Brian’s new hobby with Jim but one look of the Kinney stare and he changed his mind. “No” was all he said. This was a little more than Brian had bargained for. “Justin, can I see you in the kitchen?” he asked sweetly. He waved his fingers at the Ted and Emmett, Julie and Danny ignored him. They were used to him now. Justin smiled at them all and bounced over to Brian. “What, Brian, you want me to make you some coffee, maybe get you a beer?” “I don’t want any coffee and I can get my own fucking beer.” Brian was trying to control his temper. “What are all these people doing here? We are supposed to be having dinner and then heading to Babylon tonight.” He looked over at the four in the living room. “It’s starting to get like grand fucking station in here.” “Brian, these are my friends. Danny is working on his school project, you know that. Julie is, well, Julie is helping and it’s doing her good being with the guys. Emmett came over to help Danny and Ted goes where Emmett goes.” “Every weekend it’s the same. I can’t see you through the week; because you have school and you work and the weekends now are being filled up with make work projects for fags. So help me gawd, if Mikey and Robert show up, I’m out of here.” “Brian, this isn’t about you.” Justin took a breath “Our friends feel comfortable here.” “And they didn’t at the loft?” “Brian, think about it, you don’t even let a magazine get out of alignment on the coffee table. How long would you stand for all this?” and he waved his arm to indicate the cheerful chaos around them. Brian was about to speak when a knock at the door made him look over. The door opened and Robert and Michael stepped in. “Hey Justin, look who I found outside looking for a way in.” Robert said indicating Michael. He carried a large bag of Chinese food over and set it on the counter, and then presented Justin with a bouquet of flowers. He leaned over the counter and kissed Justin on the cheek. “I let myself in, Jim said you were entertaining.” He looked at Brian who by now was seething. “Hey Brian, looking good, hear you’ve been working with Jim.” Michael went to the fridge and got himself a beer while Brian watched astonished as he made himself at home. “Hi Brian, Ted asked me to meet him here.” Justin put the flowers to his nose. “Robert these are beautiful, I don’t think anyone has ever brought me flowers before.” “I saw them and thought of you. I know your still life class starts next week, you could draw them instead of Brian for a change.” Justin giggled as he looked for something to put the flowers in. “Brian doesn’t stay still long enough to qualify.” “Hello, Brian is standing right here” Brian tapped Justin on the head. Justin grabbed his hand and nibbled on the fingers. “Can you help me look for something for the flowers Brian?” he asked. With a quick kiss to Brian’s palm he began once again to hunt for something to use as a vase. “Hey, I should have brought you a vase.” Robert said. “I just thought with you and Brian being together for two years, that you’d have one.” “No,” Justin said with his head in a lower cupboard. “I’ve never had any flowers before. Well, maybe when I was in the hospital, but I think they used their own vases there and I was mostly out of it, so I’m not sure.” “Boy Wonder, I need you over here for a minute” Michael called. “Check out this story line, I wonder if you can put something together before the end of the week.” Justin looked at Brian and shrugged then walked over to where Michael had spread out some papers on the table. Soon he had grabbed his sketch pad and was doing quick sketches and bouncing ideas off of Michael. Robert wandered over to give his opinion. Emmett and Danny were asking Julie advice about some material they were using. Ted was flipping through the channels on the TV, the sound turned up so he could hear. Brian stood for a few minutes taking all of this in. Everyone was absorbed in something and no one even noticed that he was in the room. He wandered over to the bag of food Robert had brought and poked around in it but decided he wasn’t hungry. “Justin,” he looked across the room trying to get his lover’s attention. “Justin” “Be there in a minute Bri” Justin said and he began to point out something to Michael in the new story line. “Fuck this” Brian thought. He grabbed his keys off the counter and headed out the door. No one even looked up when the door shut, each one of the group intent on their own activities. ************************************************************ Saturday 4:30 pm Lindsay and Melanie’s house Brian stood on the front porch and rang the bell again, this time adding a heavy knock. The door swung open abruptly and Mel, her hair wrapped in a towel, another one around her body, water dripping on the floor said. “It just fucking figures, I finally have five minutes to myself, a nice hot bath, a good book, glass of wine and who interrupts me but you.” “Good to see you too Mel, where’s my kid?” Brian pushed his way past Mel and stood in the hall looking around. “Lindsay took Gus over to Justin’s, they left fifteen minutes ago.” “Why am I not surprised, every other person I know is over there.” Brian turned and slammed out of the house. “Fuck you Kinney” Mel yelled at him as she locked the door. ************************************************************ Saturday 5:30 pm Tremont Avenue loft Brian shut the heavy loft door with enough force for the sound to be heard through out the building. He threw his keys on the counter, went to the fridge and took out a beer, he had it finished before he’d walked over to the sofa where he threw himself down, grabbing the remote and began to surf the channels. After a few frustrating minutes he pitched the remote against the wall where it shattered on the brick, scattering bits of plastic and the batteries. He lay down with his head on the arm of the sofa. It soon became apparent when his neck began to cramp that without Justin’s leg to use as a pillow, the sofa left a lot to be desired as a spot to lie down. He reached over and grabbed the phone and dialed Justin’s number. It rang almost ten times before it was finally picked up. “Hey” Brian began. “Hi Brian, do you want Justin?” Ted asked. “What the fuck do you think? It is his phone number I dialed. “He’s not here.” “Where is he Ted?” Brian said with clenched teeth. “Robert and Justin took Gus to the park.” “Where’s his mother?” “Jennifer, I don’t know” “Lindsay, asshole.” “She went with Julie next door to talk girl stuff; I guess they don’t appreciate all the testosterone here.” “I won’t even go there” Brian said under his breath. “Look, Brian, I have to go, the guys are eating all the chicken balls.” Ted paused. “Hey, want me to tell Justin you called?” Brian didn’t answer; he just slammed the phone down. “Four weeks” he thought “Four fucking weeks and it’s painfully obvious that it isn’t going to work.” “Does Justin think I’m going to hang around waiting for him to finish playing with his little friends?” He walked into the bedroom, careful to avoid the broken bits of plastic and pulled out something hot to wear to Babylon. Standing in the shower under the too hot spray, he tried to use the heat of the water to erase the feeling of not being needed by Justin out of his mind. He knew it was not rational to feel this way, but he couldn’t stop himself. Justin was his. His to spend time with without interference from any one else. He let the water run over his body, his mind now on the way Justin had looked this afternoon, his fair skin flushed with passion, lips parted slightly, the end of his tongue showing, offering promises of more afternoon fun. He soaped his cock, stoking the thickening shaft, remembering how tight Justin was, how the warmth of him had gripped his cock when the intensity of their love making had brought him to orgasm. He stroked harder, his eyes shut, the hot water adding to the sensation. He was about to cum when a sudden draft of cool air on his back when the shower door opened, stopped his hand. Two hands, began to touch him, the rough feel of a loofa sponge ran over his back, the scent of citrus soap began to fill the air. The sponge dropped to the floor and a tongue began to trace it’s way down his back. Brian still hadn’t turned to look at the man who had invaded his shower, no words were spoken. Hands parted his cheeks, a warm tongue circled his hole, then flicked it quickly before plunging in as deep as it could. Brian felt his head fall back as he gave himself up to the pleasure he was feeling. The body behind him stood up, molding itself to his back, a hard cock pressed into his crack. He heard the rip of a condom package, then the snick of the tube of lube being opened. Two cool lubed fingers ran across his tight hole sending shivers through his body. Kisses pressed to his back, a hand cupping his balls, tugging the heavy sac gently, a finger entering him, causing him to gasp, moving slowly in and out, relaxing the ring of muscle, another soon joining it until the flush of passion that invaded his body began to demand more and he was thrusting back on the fingers as far as they could reach. A sudden emptiness when they withdrew, the probing of a latex and lube covered cock. His legs spread and he leaned over to the shower wall, exposing his desperate need to be filled, the thick head moving inside, pausing, waiting, and his answering thrust back of permission granted. The gentle rocking that increased in speed until thrust was met with thrust, the harsh panting for oxygen in the steam filled shower, offset with a deep and steady moan that could have been from either man as their balls tightened in preparation for the orgasmic waves that began with the shouting of their names. Knees weak from the intensity of what had just happened, the smaller man wrapped his arms around the other as their breathing returned to normal, his softening cock reluctantly slipping free. The taller man turning until he could reach lips that crushed his, tongues fighting for the very essence of each other. Only the cooling water made them move outside the shower stall. Brian wrapped his shivering blonde lover in the largest towel, then pulled him close, holding him tight. “Hey, I thought you were playing with Robert and Gus in the park.” “I was, and then I realized that I would rather be playing with you, much as I love Gus and Robert. Robert took Gus back to his mommy and he promised to supervise the children at the apartment and I came over to play with the big boy.” “I like the way you play.” Brian said with a smile. “Why did you leave?” “You and the rest didn’t need me there.” “I always need you Brian.” Brian didn’t answer. He began to dry himself off, moving into the bedroom to where he’d left his clothing. “Not really Sunshine, you have your school, and the friends you’re meeting there, you have your work, Robert and Julie. You’re moving on with your life.” He turned and looked at Justin. “And that’s the way it should be. You’re young, you’ve got years ahead of you before you should settle down.” Justin moved into the bedroom. He caught the bleak look in Brian’s eyes just before the tall man moved the mask in place that he usually wore. He put his arms around Brian, his head on Brian’s chest and hugged him. “When you were my age Brian, did you have any kind of life plan? You know a mental map of where you planned to be in ten years.” Justin asked. “I wanted to be a well off ad executive, with a home of my own, and a nice car.” “That’s it? You didn’t want someone to love, someone to love you?” “I never thought about love. It wasn’t something I’d ever had in my life up to that time. If you’ve never experienced love, then you can’t desire it.” “Well, that’s where we’re different.” Justin paused. “I have a life plan. I want to be an artist, to sell my work and have it count. I want a home to share with the man I love and I want the man I love to be there with me every step of the way that it takes for me to get to that point ten years from now. I want that man to be you Brian Kinney.” His hand cupped Brian’s chin forcing the hazel eyes to look into his blue ones. “You are part of my life plan. I’ve wanted and needed you in my life from the first moment I saw you. So cut the Drama Queen crap. If you think we aren’t spending enough time together then say something. We’ll work something out.” He lightly kissed Brian’s lips, but held fast, never breaking eye contact. Slowly Brian’s hazel eyes lightened as the realization of what Justin had said sunk in. “Right, it wasn’t that long ago when I agreed to work on this communication thing.” Brian lowered his eyes, almost as if he was embarrassed about his little jealous disappearing act of the afternoon. “I understand, you’re getting older, your memory is probably a little faulty” Justin smirked. “Not so old that I can’t teach you not to tease your elders” Brian laughed. He threw Justin onto the bed and fell almost on top of him, moving at the last minute so he didn’t hurt the smaller man. They wrestled for a few minutes and Brian thought back to the days when they used to fool around like this all the time, enjoying each other’s company, needing no one else and he wondered why he’d been so stupid as to fuck things up with Justin until he’d had to leave. “What are you thinking about Brian?” Justin asked when he noticed Brian’s expression. “Life and how it’s so easily fucked up and how hard it is to get back even a bit of what you had before.” “That sounds kind of cryptic” “Don’t worry about it Sunshine. Do you want to go to Woody’s and then Babylon for a bit of dancing?” “Sure, but I have to go back to my place. I want to change and I need to make sure that the rest of them have gone home. I sure don’t want to stumble in on any of them sleeping in our bed.” “It is our bed isn’t it?” Brian asked. “Well, no one else has ever slept in it except Gus.” Justin patted the big bed he was laying on. “This one past the one million mark months ago.” He laughed somewhat ruefully. “I always thought of it as kind of a communal bed, you know like the ‘Baths’”. “Justin, this bed is just a bed” Brian began to defend his bed. He looked at it and visions of tricks; too many to count began to flow through his mind. The numbers would be staggering if he took the time to work it out. Brian looked at Justin who seemed to have a look on his face like he knew exactly what Brian had been thinking, “I guess this bed has seen a lot of action” Brian admitted. Two thoughtful blue eyes looked into his “I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that Brian. I mean this bed was where you and I first were together, where we first made love, not just fucked; there are lots of happy memories here.” He smiled up at Brian “But OUR bed in the other apartment has only had the two of us in it.” He looked a bit embarrassed “Do you think that it’s kind of a girly thing to be sentimental about a bed? It’s only a bed.” Brian looked at him and half laughed. “I guess we’re both girly men then, because I kind of like the thought of it being OUR bed.” Justin treated him to his mega watt smile “I won’t tell if you won’t” “Deal” Brian whispered into Justin’s neck that had suddenly seemed to him like it needed to be nuzzled. Justin moved his head to give Brian better access, his fingers combed through the silky auburn hair, smoothing the cowlicks and he moaned softly, the feel of Brian’s lips kissing his neck arousing him once again. “You are such an easy lay” Brian whispered. His fingers rubbing Justin’s nipples, pinching gently and rolling them with his thumb, causing the moans to sound deeper. By now Brian had moved one leg over Justin’s pinning him to the bed. He loved to feel Justin’s cock as it thickened and grew hard against his thigh. He would sometimes lay in bed watching Justin sleep, until he couldn’t stand not to touch him, he’d do these same things feeling the power he had over the other man even in his sleep. He knew Justin had done the same thing to him more than once and he felt awed by the connection the two of them had. ************************************************************ Saturday 8:00 pm Justin’s apartment The two of them stepped into the elevator and Justin keyed in the code. Brian reached over and took Justin’s hand in his. He loved to touch the young blonde even if it was only holding hands. When they stepped off the elevator they listened. “No sound coming from the apartment, that’s a good thing” Justin said. “Hey Justin” Julie popped her head out of her door. “You guys just missed everyone. They were all going to Woody’s.” she looked at Brian. “You have a beautiful son Brian. I’m glad Lindsay came over. It was nice to talk to another woman besides my sister.” Justin laughed “You mean you’re sick of all us queers already? We aren’t girly enough for you?” Julie blushed “Justin, I love you and your friends, all of you make me feel so comfortable when I’m with you, like I’m part of the gang.” “Better watch out Julie, Lindsay might recruit you into the muncher club.” Brian teased. Julie looked at Justin and the two of them looked at Brian and grinning said together like it had been rehearsed. “I like dick” and both dissolved in giggles. “I see my little brat of a boyfriend has been telling you stories of his not so distant childhood.” Brian replied. “Justin’s going to get changed. Would you like to come with us to Woody’s?” Julie’s eyes grew dark and she stepped back toward her apartment refuge. “I don’t think so Brian, but thank you for asking.” Brian stepped toward her, stopping before he got too close. He reached out and touched her cheek gently. Julie shut her eyes, but leaned into his touch. “Julie, girl, when you’re ready, you let me know. Justin and I will help you rejoin the world. We’ll start small. You think about it. Maybe next weekend, you would let us take you out to lunch at the diner. The food will kill you eventually, but the people won’t. It would be a nice place to start.” She looked up at the tall man and saw only kindness in his hazel eyes. “I know now why Justin loves you so much” she said. “I’ll really think about next weekend if you’re sure you don’t mind.” Brian leaned over and kissed her soft cheek. “Julie girl, it would be a pleasure for Justin and I to escort you to lunch.” Julie smiled and touched her hand to her cheek as Justin walked out of the apartment. Justin looked at the two of them and thought to himself “Another member of the Brian Kinney fan club, I should have membership cards printed.” ************************************************************ Wednesday 6:30pm Justin’s apartment Justin was putting the final touches on a painting. Danny’s brother David, a computer geek, or software designer as he liked to be called, was at the kitchen table working on the interior of Justin’s computer adding some additional memory among other things. David was about Justin’s size, and almost timid in his demeanor. He was probably the best looking young man Justin had ever seen in his entire life, a picture perfect face, sturdy body, that was well muscled even though he spent ninety percent of his time in front of a computer. David had violet colored eyes that looked out from behind longer and thicker than usual black eyelashes, full sensual lips and from what Danny said, he was better than averagely hung. Unfortunately not only did he have no idea of how he looked, he also was one hundred percent straight. He was in his final year at PIFA, was over whelmed with job offers from all over the country, but two shy to consider any of them. Danny had coerced David into working on Justin’s computer for free by threatening to invite all of the girls in his design class to the apartment they shared. David was terrified of girls. He couldn’t speak, his hands and everything else would sweat, he often tripped over his feet and there were times he was sure he would go into a full blown panic attack if a girl even came near him. Cyber girls were much easier to deal with. You could look at them in the privacy of your own apartment and have brilliant conversations with them in your head. They were much easier to deal with. He never could understand why he’d been plagued by women trying to talk to him and touch him since he was five. High school had been hell avoiding all of them and PIFA hadn’t been much better. Danny and David’s parents had given up all hope of ever having both their boys in a committed relationship. They figured Danny would eventually find someone to love him that he could love too, but David on the other hand was another story. “Hey David, are you going to be much longer?” Justin asked. “Maybe another hour if you want that software upgrade that I bootlegged.” David looked over at Justin. “Why, do you have to go somewhere?” “I promised Jim, the building superintendent I’d take him to the Mall, he doesn’t have his license and he has to pick up something.” “I didn’t know you had a car.” “I don’t, it belongs to Robert, he said I could borrow it, he has two, so it’s not like he needs it back right away.” “Who has two cars?” David asked. “Is it some kind of queer thing? I need a blue car to wear with my party clothes and the red one is for everyday.” David teased Justin, his violet eyes sparkling. “How did you know that? It’s a secret that only club members know.” Justin shot right back “If I find out Danny’s been letting you read the queer handbook – he is sooooo going to get kicked out of the club.” They grinned at each other. “Look David, I won’t be gone long, if you’re finished before I get back you can either go or watch TV, I’ll bring back a pizza or something.” “That would be cool. I wanted to try something out on your PC anyway.” “Nothing too illegal I hope.” “Do you really want to know?” “Probably not” Justin grabbed his keys and wallet and went out the door with a wave of his hand. He was so involved with the programming that he was tweaking in Justin’s computer that at first he didn’t hear it. Slowly, it seeped into his mind that someone was hysterically crying. He looked up and around him, but he couldn’t tell which direction the sound was coming from. He got up and began to walk around the apartment trying to locate where the sounds were loudest, finally deciding it was coming from the balcony. He opened the French Doors and sure enough, that’s where the sound was coming from. He couldn’t see anyone though. He walked to the far end, where the balcony ended. He could see another identical one about twelve feet away and he figured it must be from the other apartment. The crying was less hysterical now and more heart broken. “Hey” he said tentatively “Excuse me, can I help you?” He really didn’t know what the proper etiquette was for intruding on the privacy of someone’s grief. A soft sniff was heard. He knew that the crier was listening. He sat down on the floor, his back to the rail and waited for a few moments. “It can’t be all that bad. I mean you’re still breathing over there aren’t you? The sun is still shining. And Justin is still painting.” “Sorry” a small sad voice was heard. “Sorry for what?” David asked “I was only putting a few extra tidbits in Justin’s computer. I can do that anytime.” “I didn’t mean to be sooooo” “Soggy? You didn’t mean to be so soggy?” “No” he heard a half laugh “Look, everyone has a bad day, this happened to be yours. Tomorrow might be mine especially if Justin finds out some of the things I’ve done to his computer.” “I know, but--- “Butt, now Danny has a good butt, not of course as good as Justin’s. And I must say that my butt is extraordinary.” A giggle was heard. “Do you know Justin and Danny?” “Yes, Justin’s my friend and so is Danny.” “Justin’s my friend too and Danny’s my brother, so he’s my friend too.” “Danny’s your brother?” “My baby brother or maybe my sister, I’m never sure with Danny.” “Danny’s nice” “He is, but he’s waaaay to big. I mean who needs to be that tall? Look at me, five feet ten inches, that’s more than tall enough.” “Justin’s about that tall.” “Yeah, Justin and I are about the same size.” He paused. “Can I ask you what upset you?” “It’s stupid” “Hey, Princess, nothing’s stupid that gets a reaction like that.” “Some guys, who, who, hurt me a few years ago, -- I saw – I saw – in the paper – that – they are ---- getting – out ---- of ----- jail.” She started to cry again, this time softer. “Princess, no one’s going to hurt you now, especially not those assholes. Justin is right next door and this place is as hard as Fort Knox to get into, between Jungle Jim downstairs and Justin up here.” “I’m scared” her voice quivered. “Do you want to come over here?” “I can’t” “Why not?” “I’m too scared to move” “You can’t sit out here all night” She started to cry again. “Princess, does Justin have a key to your apartment?” “Yes, it’s hanging up in the cupboard where the glasses are.” “Do you want me to come over and sit with you until Justin comes home?” “I don’t know.” She sniffed. He sounded nice, and all Justin’s friends were gay and would never hurt her. “Princess, would it help if you knew that girls terrify me? So I’ll be more afraid of you than you would of me.” “Are you really afraid of girls?” “Yep, they scare me half to death, big ones, little ones, short ones, tall ones, old ones, young ones. It just doesn’t matter, they scare me.” He paused. “So you see, this is a giant sacrifice for me to even be talking to you let alone getting close enough for you to see me. Princess, by the way, if I do come over, I’m not all that sure I’ll still be able to talk.” “That’s silly” “Fine for you to say, but women have been terrorizing me since I was little.” “How?” “Well when I was little it would go like this “oh David is so cute, look at those dimples” and the next thing you know their pinching my cheeks. I thought I’d have permanent pinch scars.” She giggled. “Then, by the time I was ten or so, the grabbing me and kissing me thing started. I mean really, girls are so aggressive these days. Didn’t they ever hear that the guy should make the first moves?” “You poor baby, you did have it tough” she smiled through her tears. “Princess, you can laugh all you want, but I’m not the outgoing guy my brother is. In fact I’m kind of a computer nerd kind of guy.” “Do you have a pocket protector full of drippy pens?” “Not too likely, Princess. Danny would kill me if I wrecked one of the shirts he made me.” “Danny makes nice things.” “Yeah, he’s been making my shirts for years. I think he experiments on me, he knows I don’t really care as long as I’m not naked when I go to school, that’s all I care about.” “You’re still in school?” “Last year at PIFA” “I used to go to PIFA” she sounded wistful. “Oh, did you graduate?” “No, I couldn’t go back, after --- she stopped talking. “You can’t let those guys win Princess. You stay holed up in your tower, never going out, well then they win.” “I know, and I tell myself that all the time, I just can’t quite make it past the garden and it’s only since Justin came that I even go out to the garden with him.” She stopped for a moment “Brian said he and Justin would take me out for lunch this weekend, but now” she shrugged “I guess I’m not ready yet for that.” “Hey, Princess, you’re sounding better.” “That’s because you’re so easy to talk to, Danny’s like that and Justin too.” “Really, you think I’m easy to talk to?” “Yes” “That’s kewel.” He sat up straighter. “David?” “Yes Princess” “If you come over and sit with me until Justin comes home, I promise not to pinch your cheeks or try and kiss you.” He laughed at that. “If you promise, I’ll come over.” “David, could you hurry please, it’s getting dark.” “I’ll saddle up my white horse and be over as soon as I find the key.” “Thank you.” David pulled himself up and hurried inside to look for the key. Sure enough it was hanging inside the cupboard. He checked his watch, crap, where in the world was Justin. He wasn’t sure he was up to actually having to look at this girl while he talked to her. He carefully unlocked the door and peeked in. He shut the door behind him, straightened his shoulders and headed for the French doors to the patio balcony. He could hear her crying once again. He opened the door “Hey, Princess, I wasn’t gone that long. Now come on in. I’ll make you a cup of tea or something.” At the far end of the balcony, against the wall, a shadowy figure stood up and slowly began to walk toward him. He wanted desperately to leave, but he was rooted to the spot. He shut his eyes and tried to control his trembling. “Davie,” a soft voice said close to him. He opened his eyes and stopped breathing. In front of him stood a slightly built blonde young woman, teary blue eyes looking into his, trusting him completely. He held out his arms and she stepped into them, melting close to his body when he wrapped her in his embrace. They stood like that for a few moments. He bent and kissed her forehead. “Princess, time to come back into your tower” he whispered. He led her into the living room of her apartment and over to the sofa. “You sit here; I’ll go make you some tea.” She sat down gratefully, sinking back into the soft cushions. He picked up an afghan from the back of the sofa and tucked it around her. “You do have tea, don’t you?” he asked. Julie looked at him and smiled a shy smile, “In the cupboard over the stove, the cups are in the one beside it.” “Terrific, I even know how to boil water, Danny showed me.” David joked. He went over the well appointed kitchen and began to make the tea. “Any special one you want? Looks like you have damn near every kind in this jar?” “Surprise me.” In a few minutes David brought out a steamy mug of tea. “It’s Red Zinger; I thought I’d get one that would match your eyes” “I must look awful.” Julie said her eyes were downcast as she intently studied the mug of tea. “Considering I’ve spent most of my life avoiding looking at any kind of female, I’m not the best one to ask.” He looked at her closely from his perch on the far arm of the sofa. “But I’d say on a scale of one to ten you’re definitely a nine and if red isn’t your natural eye color, then you’ll move up a point or two later.” “You’re funny” she smiled. “No one’s ever told me that before.” “Are you really not comfortable with women? You seem pretty good to me.” He pretended to reach into his pocket for his wallet. “Want to see my membership card in the Bachelors Forever Club?” “Can I ask you a personal question?” “I suppose, but I refuse to tell you about the time Danny used me as a dress model for one of his projects.” She giggled. “I just wanted to know if you’re gay, you seem different than the guys that spend time at Justin’s.” “Well, I’m occasionally giddy, once in awhile excessively happy, most of the time pretty mellow, but gay, well, no.” “But I’m not afraid of you.” She said puzzled. “Gawd, I hope not.” “It’s just that – well since the – I’m not too comfortable with men.” She tried to explain. “I thought you said you spend time with Justin and his friends.” “I do, but they’re different, gentle and kind and fun.” “And Gay, they’re no threat.” He stated. “Maybe” The two of them sat in silence while they both digested what had happened that evening. David looked at Julie “You ok now to be by yourself? Justin should be home any minute now; he only went to the mall with Jim.” “Yes, I’m ok, I just wasn’t expecting to ever have to deal with this whole mess again.” She looked at him. “Pretty unrealistic eh?” “The old ‘head in the sand’ approach to life isn’t always the best one Princess.” He stood up. “I’ll put the key back and finish up with Justin’s computer. “Thank you Davie for coming to my rescue.” “Why do you think us Knights have white horses Princess?” He smiled. “We need to have something to get us to those towers that you Princesses seem to always hole up in.” He bent and kissed her forehead. “Don’t worry, Justin and the boys will look after you.” He smiled and walked out the door, shutting it firmly behind him. ************************************************************ Wednesday 8:30pm Justin’s apartment The ringing of the telephone was very distracting as David tried to finish up with Justin’s computer. He checked his watch and was surprised to see it was two hours since he’d left. Two hours most of which had been packed with drama for him. The events repeating in his mind over and over like a continuous loop. When the phone began again he reached over and answered it. “Justin’s phone and he’s not here, I don’t know why the damn answering machine didn’t kick on.” “Who are you and why are you answering Justin’s phone?” Brian asked. “I’m David and I answered the damn phone because it was ringing.” “Let me talk to Justin.” “Can’t, he drove Jim to the mall and isn’t back yet. I hope he comes soon because I’m starving.” “I didn’t know Jim had a car.” “He doesn’t, Robert gave Justin one of his to use.” David paused as he adjusted something in the computer. “It’s some kind of queer thing, don’t ask me to explain. Hey, who are you anyway?” “Tell Justin his boyfriend called. And to turn on his cell the next time he wants to disappear.” “Yea, you wish, stand in line. Justin never said he had a boyfriend.” Brian slammed the phone down. “What the fuck?” he began to pace around the too empty loft. He was beginning to actually hate spending time in his clean, uncluttered space. It was so cold and impersonal. Justin’s apartment relaxed him as soon as he walked in the door. Being with Justin relaxed him. He needed to talk to him. He’d had a bitch of a day and he needed Justin. And who in hell is this David guy and why is he in Justin’s apartment answering the phone? Why didn’t Justin tell him that Robert had let him use his car? Why did Robert let Justin use his car? He was supposed to be keeping his hands off the object of his desire. Why couldn’t the little shit have just moved back in with him? Doesn’t he know that he’s needed more often then the weekend? He looked at the tastefully wrapped box on his counter. He was going to wait until Friday, but maybe this would be a good excuse to see what’s happening over at Justin’s. He could tell him he was on his way to Woody’s and thought he’d drop it off rather than leave it in the jeep. ************************************************************ Wednesday 9:30 pm Outside Justin’s building He sat looking up at the lit window, his cigarette glowing in the dark interior of the jeep. He’d stopped at the market on the way over and picked up a few things that he knew Justin was out of. He looked at the seat beside him, at the bouquet of roses that lay there hidden in their paper wrapping. He couldn’t imagine why he’d bought them on the way out of the small market. And now he was terrified to take them up to the top floor. He could say they were for Julie. A sharp rap on the window made him jump almost dropping the cigarette out of his mouth. He looked over. “Shit Jim, I think I damn near pissed myself. What are you doing sneaking up on me?” “Noticed you sitting out here and wondered if you needed help” Brian glanced at the flowers on the seat and then back at Jim. “No, I can manage, just having a last smoke before I go up to Justin’s.” “Seems to me like you were having a last three smokes.” Jim joked, “you two fighting?” he indicated the flowers with a nod of his head. Brian picked up the roses. “That’s what my old man would do. Bring my mother flowers after he’d done something.” He looked at Jim “Is that what everyone thinks, you bring flowers when you’ve done something wrong. Some kind of peace offering, flowers will fix it right up, all forgotten until the next time.” “Not necessarily, Brian. I always thought of flowers as a way of saying I love you, I was thinking of you, you make me happy.” He looked sad, he remembered the days long ago when he’d had someone to give flowers too, someone he loved and who made him happy. “The thing is Jim, that’s not how I ever thought of flowers, but Justin, he’s a romantic at heart.” Brian shook his head. “I thought I had it nailed with him when we he gave me a second chance, but now I’m not so sure.” “It takes some work you know Brian, this business of loving a person.” Jim took the cigarette Brian offered him and bent to light it from Brian’s lighter. “You look at the person you love, finally get the guts to say to them and you think that’s it. But it isn’t it’s only the beginning. The real work starts from that moment on. You can’t take for granted that they’ll always love you. You need to earn that love.” Brian looked up again at the light shining from Justin’s apartment. “He’s so young Jim, I’m trying to let him grow and learn about life. To do the things he should do with people his own age. I don’t want him to look back at these years with regret.” “Did it ever occur to you that maybe he’s happy just spending time with you and he doesn’t need the constant turmoil you seem to think is necessary for him?” “He says he’s happy when we spend time alone here or at my place. But I see him with Danny and Julie and other’s his own age and he’s laughing and having fun. He’s even got my friends up there half the time.” “I’d say he was doing what you wanted him to do. You can’t have it both ways.” Jim sighed “My Desiree was twelve years younger than me when we met. It took me awhile to admit I loved her, but when I did, life just got better. Some of my happiest memories are of sitting in the house watching her and her friends from college having fun and doing and saying things that were so much a part of them but not of my generation. She was enjoying life to the fullest. She told me once that having me sit there, even if I was only reading the paper, meant a lot to her. She liked to walk by and just touch me, you know, a pat on the hand a quick kiss on my forehead.” Jim sat there lost in the past. “Desiree, was your wife?” Brian asked. “She still is in my heart. She’s been dead a long time Brian.” He sighed. “You love someone the way I do Desiree, and you can’t ever settle for anyone else.” “I’m sorry, you lost her Jim.” “I killed her, I killed the one thing in the world that meant anything to me.” He looked at Brian. “I drank, never thought it was a problem, I mean everyone would stop off at the pub and have a few after work or on a Friday night with the boys. She stopped in at the Pub one night; we were supposed to go to her sisters for supper. She wanted to drive, but I was the man, the man is supposed to do the driving and after all I’d only had a few drinks.” Jim looked over at the building, and up at the light from Justin’s apartment. “I’ve never driven since that day, and I’ve never loved anyone again, like I love my Desiree. Robbie has helped to put me back together, like he does, he thinks I don’t know that he’s got your Justin ‘helping’ me to pay for his rent.” He half laughed, I don’t mind, Justin, Julie I do what I can to help Robbie and his ‘projects’ “Justin isn’t a project” Brian began. “Brian, Justin was hurting when he met Robbie and Robbie just can’t have anyone hurting.” He patted Brian on the arm. “Why don’t you enjoy the man you love, now while you can. Watch him laugh and have fun with his friends, make them part of your life and your friends part of his. You’ll never regret it Brian. That young man of yours is very special.” “Thanks Jim, I think it’s time I took Sunshine his flowers. I think I’ll start a new Kinney tradition, teach it to Gus so he won’t be as fucked up as his father. Teach him to give flowers because you want to the make your lover smile, for no reason at all.” “If you do that one thing Brian, then you’ve left something positive behind.” Brian got out of the jeep, Jim helped his with the bags of groceries from the market and Brian carried the flowers and the gift wrapped parcel. They were walking in the door when Danny and Robert walked out. “Hi Brian, Jim” Robert said. “Hey, Mr – I mean Brian, did you try the shirts on?” Danny asked “Guys” Brian nodded at the two “yes Danny I tried on the shirts and they aren’t bad. What time do I have to be at this barn dance?” “The show starts at three, so if you could get there by at least two thirty that would be cool.” “Robert I understand you loaned Justin a car.” Brian began “Now Brian” Jim said, “Don’t get all pissy with Robbie, I needed something at the mall and Robbie let Justin use the car to take me there.” “Jim, don’t get excited, I was going to thank the man. Justin needs a car, and we haven’t had time to look into it. I was planning on taking him around to the dealers on the weekend.” Brian looked at Robert. “I’ll see he has a car” he said and once again unspoken lines were drawn. Robert nodded, acknowledging the unspoken words. “Brian, I’ll see you on Friday at the Fashion Show.” He slipped his arm around Danny’s shoulder and the two of them walked down the street to where Robert’s car was parked. Brian followed every move, only turning when the car started. “Don’t be jealous of Robbie Brian. He’s an honorable man; he won’t interfere with you and Justin.” “I’m sure he is Jim” Brian shook his head as if to clear it. “I’m not too rational where Justin is concerned.” “Understandable Brian, understandable” Jim dropped the bags of groceries by the door of Justin’s apartment. Brian stood and waited until the elevator doors closed. He picked up his cell phone and hit the first speed dial number. “Hey” he said softly when Justin answered. “Brian, I’m glad you called, I’ve been missing you tonight.” “I called earlier, you seemed to be busy.” “I had to take Jim to the mall; Robert let me use his car. He said I could use it for school this week if I wanted to.” “There’s only two days left of the week Sunshine, I’ll drive you.” “Brian, you don’t have to do that, you’re busy.” “I don’t do anything I don’t want to do Justin, you know that.” “Brian, did I tell you that I love you today?” “I thought that was your voice on my work voice mail.” Justin giggled. “I couldn’t resist. I woke up with you on my mind.” “Justin, open the door.” “Why?” Justin asked but he walked over to the door. Brian stood there the flowers, behind his back. Justin opened the door and Brian handed him the gift wrapped present. “Happy Wednesday Sunshine” Justin beamed out at him. “For me, you bought me a present” he looked down at the bags by the door. “You bought me food” “I noticed you were out of a few things.” “You don’t even buy yourself food” Justin looked at him “Why can’t you notice when you’re out of a few things.” “That’s why I keep you around, to remind me of things.” Brian smirked. “Are we going to stand in the doorway all night?” Justin managed to grab the bags of groceries by the handles and still balance his gift wrapped present. He carried them into the apartment, Brian following close behind. Brian didn’t take his eyes off of him. He couldn’t get over how much he loved this young man. How Justin made him crazy with wanting him just by smiling. He stood and watched Justin unwrap the gift. He pulled out a chubby vase of raspberry colored blown glass. The thick glass undulating in folds of mysterious colors as they appeared to swirl around the interior of the vase. An artist like Justin would appreciate the dozens of different shades of raspberry that reflected back the light and the craftsmanship that went into the one of a kind vase. “This is the most amazing vase I’ve ever seen Brian.” Justin said, mesmerized by the colors. He turned and twisted it to catch the light. “The next time I get flowers I’ll have somewhere to put them.” He sat the vase down on the counter and squatted down to look through the glass. “Sunshine” he said, his voice cracked. Giving Justin a vase was nothing other than a nice gift, but giving him these roses was something else altogether. Justin looked at him puzzled. Brian shut his eyes, gritted his teeth and brought the bouquet out from behind his back. Justin looked at the flowers in Brian’s hand and back up to the hazel eyes, filled with apprehension. His eyes lit up and he grabbed Brian around the neck and jumped up his legs wrapped around his waist. “I love you, I love you, I love you.” He said his voice full of joy. Incredibly Brian said “I love you too Sunshine” there was a sudden round of applause and a few loud whistles. Brian turned to face the living room, Justin still clinging to him. “Oh, Bri, I forgot to mention the gang is all here. They stopped in after the movies. We were going to order some take out.” Staring at Brian and Justin, after witnessing something none of them ever thought they’d ever see, was Michael, Ted, Emmett, Melanie and Lindsay. Brian just stood there holding onto Justin tightly. Justin put his legs down but let himself be wrapped tight in Brian’s arms. Brian rolled his eyes and then gave them all the Kinney stare. Michael was the first to recognize it. “I think we should go guys.” He said and picked up his jacket. Soon they all got up and began to file out silently except for Melanie. She came up to the two men and said “You are sooooo busted Kinney” and she laughed as she shut the door behind her.