Third Times a Charm Part 2 Second Part of the sequel to Jasmine’s Second Chance series ************************************************************ Thursday morning Justin’s apartment Brian lay on his back looking up at the skylight watching the black sky as it faded to silver then gradually turned a bright blue with drifting clouds, white fluff on a blue sea. He listened to the soft and steady breathing of the sleeping man who was draped over his body, reveling in the weight that pressed him firmly into the mattress. A weight that kept him solidly on earth and not drifting like the clouds, like he’d been drifting in his own life until the night he saw his fate standing in the yellow glow of a street light. He used to think that having a relationship was like adding a ball and chain around his ankle, like his parents had been to each other. But with Justin it was different. Justin was an anchor that kept him from drifting. He bent his neck to kiss the top of Justin’s head and the same time he breathed in deeply, letting the smells of their lovemaking, the sweat, and cum mixed with their natural scents, wash over him, a heady perfume that made his heart soar as he relived the night they’d had. “Hmmmmm” Justin stirred into wakefulness “Hey handsome, you have to get home, or you’ll be late for work.” “My work stuff is in the jeep.” Brian kissed him again. “A nice partner would get up and run down and get it for me.” “How about I keep the bed warm while you run down and get it?” “That would work” “Bath or shower, your choice.” “If I fuck you now, a shower would be faster.” No one moved, the two of them were enjoying these few minutes in sleepy peace, the sun warming their bodies. Justin’s hand began to roam over Brian’s torso, finger painting his love for the man onto his skin. Brian all but purred with the attention to detail that Justin was putting into his fingers. The rumbly purr a heady aphrodisiac to the young blonde and his already stiff cock hardened even more. Justin opened his eyes and looked at the white rose buds, a perfect foil for the raspberry swirls of color in the vase that was holding them and he stroked the dripping cock that had nudged his hand. “Want to know why I love roses so much?” he asked lazily. “You’re going to tell me anyway” Brian teased. “Because a rose petal has the same feel to it as the head of your cock. If I ever want to describe it, I’d say it was rose petal soft.” “You are such a girly boy this morning” “I’m in love. Love does that to me.” “Hmmmmm” Brian purred again in agreement. “Brian” “What” “This is what I miss the most. I miss the waking up with you time.” “I miss it too Sunshine.” The harsh sound of the door buzzer pierced the peaceful morning. “Who in their right mind would think it would be a good thing to drop by at six thirty in the morning?” Brian asked. “At least we know it isn’t your mother, she doesn’t know where I live.” Justin snuggled closer. “Maybe they’ll go away.” The door buzzer sounded again, at the same time the phone rang. “This never happens at the loft.” Brian said as he reached for the phone. “That’s because your friends are too hung over to call this early” Justin replied. He got a swat on the ass for his comment. “Owww, bully.” Brian smirked at him. “Justin is busy” he said into the phone. “Please, I need to get in.” “Aaah, the mysterious David” Brian said recognizing the voice from the day before. “Not only do you make house calls, you make ridiculously early ones. I must recommend you to all my friends for their computer servicing.” “I really need to get in. Hey, you must be Brian, Danny told me about you. You’re the heartbreaker.” “Not the way to persuade me to let you in Sonny Boy.” “Brian, don’t be an asshole, give me the phone.” Justin reached for the receiver but Brian held it out of the way. “How do you know it’s for you Sunshine?” “It’s my phone you twat.” “David, it appears that Justin wants to talk to you.” Brian handed Justin the phone. “Hey David, what’s up.” Justin asked as he stuck his tongue out at Brian. Brian leaned down and took Justin’s cock in his mouth causing Justin to gasp. “I’m downstairs; I need to get in to take some measurements. I’m going to install a couple of security cameras. I talked to Robert and he said it was ok.” “Sure, I have to go down anyway and get something from Brian’s jeep. Give me a ---- minute to, to ----- get some ---- ahh – pants on.” “No problem.” David sounded puzzled by Justin’s demeanor. Justin attempted to put the phone on the table beside the bed, but with Brian’s expert mouth on his cock, it proved to be too hard and he let it drop to the floor. He barely managed to thread his fingers through Brian’s hair when he succumbed and shot his load which Brian greedily swallowed. “Thirty seconds, a new record, the winner is Brian Kinney, heartbreaker.” He looked at Justin from beneath his sooty lashes. “Or so your buddy David describes me.” “You are sooooo full of yourself this morning Mr. Kinney.” Justin said as he grabbed his jeans off the floor and pulled them on. “I’m full of you” Brian said “It saves time, I don’t need breakfast” he kissed Justin’s back. Justin held out his hand “keys please, I’m about to get your stuff out of the jeep.” He eyed Brian suspiciously “Did you plan this?” “I’m good Sunshine, but not that good” “Well, be a nice boyfriend and start the shower and coffee, not in that order and I’ll be right back to join you.” Justin leaned back and kissed the full lips, tasting himself when Brian slipped is tongue in. In no time at all Justin was back in the apartment, Brian’s suit bag in one hand and a large suitcase in another followed by a strikingly handsome young man in his early twenties carrying another suitcase. “Geeze Brian, I know you’re a tad eccentric when it comes to your clothes for work, but two suitcases, isn’t that carrying things a bit far?” Justin bitched as he dragged the heavy case in the door. “Hey Brian, interesting to meet you, I’m David” said the young man. David put the suitcase down in Justin’s bedroom and with a wave of his hand left the apartment. “David’s not bad” Brian commented as he poured a coffee. “Whatever, get over here and help. These suitcases weigh a ton.” Brian walked over and took the suitcase from Justin giving him a coffee flavored kiss while he was doing it. He put the case along with the other one on the bed, opened them both and began to put away the clothing in the dresser drawers in the large walk in closet off the bedroom. Justin watched silently with interest as Brian lined up several pairs of shoes, removed a toiletry bag, unpacking the contents in the bathroom and then put the smaller case into the larger one and deposited them both in the hall storage closet. He couldn’t stand it any longer and had to comment. “Planning on an extended stay?” “I’m not some twink who thinks dressing up is a clean pair of Dockers. I have an image to uphold. I need to have some things handy; it saves a trip to the loft if we want to go somewhere.” “Or an excuse to buy more stuff because you’ve got more closet room.” “That too” Brian looked at him and smirked. “I’m going to have a shower; I still have a class to attend.” Justin got up and headed for the bathroom. Brian grabbed his wrist on the way past and pulled him into his arms. “I’m done here Sunshine, wait for me and I’ll wash your back.” He kissed him and Justin stretched his arms up around Brian’s neck and held him close. Brian kissed him again. “You can drive me to work, I’ll call you when I need a ride home, but it probably won’t be until six.” “You’re letting me take the jeep to school?” Justin asked as they made their way to the shower. “So it seems Sunshine.” ************************************************************ Thursday 11:00 am Julie’s apartment Julie was sitting at her desk by the window. She was staring at a partially written page of her computer journal, lost in the memory of David’s rescue when the unfamiliar sound of her buzzer ringing startled her. It was only when it rang again that she got up and cautiously walked to the intercom. “Yes?” she said cautiously. “Hey Princess, I have something for you. Bring me up to your tower and I’ll show you. It’ll only take a few minutes; I have to get back to class.” “I’ll be right there Davie” she’d felt a flutter in her stomach when she’d heard his voice. She checked her hair, grabbed her keys and went to the elevator. When the elevator doors opened she looked out and could see David standing behind the glass doors, a box in his hands. He wiggled his fingers at her and smiled over the top of the box. She walked over and opened the door for him. “You’re looking good today Princess” he said. He took a deep breath “Hmmm smell good too.” She smiled at him and blushed. She led him to the elevator and punched in the code to take them to her floor. “What’s in the box Davie?” she asked. “Let’s wait until we get up to your floor, it’s easier to show than explain.” They rode the rest of the way in companionable silence. She let him into her apartment and he put the box down on the table and began to empty it. “I’m going to set these cameras up. One will be in the lobby where the intercom is and one by your apartment door.” He showed her the tiny camera. “It doesn’t look like much but when I hook it up to your computer. You can see anyone who is by the intercom or who is at your door.” He smiled at her. “You never have to wonder who wants to see you.” He pulled out a data disc and a small module and went over to her computer. “Once I add this to your computer and have the program set, you’ll be able to see what the cameras see.” He looked at her for permission, she nodded her head yes. He worked for a few minutes with the computer, quickly exposing the interior, adding the module, then rebooting and adding the software. She watched fascinated as his fingers flew over the keys. “Ta da” he said with a flourish. She went over and he showed her the desk top icon. It was a Knight on a white horse. She giggled when she saw that. “Hit the icon, it’s a wireless program, see” she looked at the screen and could see the interior of her apartment from two views as the cameras were sitting on the table. “If you look up at this corner and hit on the picture of me, I will get an instant message on my computer, it will also message me on my cell.” He looked at her. “It’s a rescue Knight’s pager system. I can answer you instantly from my computer.” He held up his cell phone and flipped it open. “See my cell let’s me go through your computer as well.” “Why are you doing this?” she asked. “Princesses are supposed to be happy, even when they’re hanging out in their towers. You’ll never have to be afraid of who’s at your door again. This is between you and me and – well Jim knows as well.” He stated simply. “I’m going to hang the cameras on my way out. You can watch from your computer if you’d like.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “See you later Princess.” He put the cameras back in the box and left, shutting the door carefully behind him. ************************************************************ Thursday 11:30am Brian’s office “Call for you on line one Brian, it’s Michael.” Cynthia said into the intercom. “Hey Mikey, what’s up?” Brian’s voice was cheerful. “Not much, except you haven’t been around much lately, I thought you were going to meet us at Babylon on Saturday night.” “Something came up.” “I bet.” Michael said dryly. “You busy for lunch, we could meet at the diner.” “I don’t have any wheels Mikey; Cynthia’s getting me something from the deli across the street.” “Where’s your jeep?” Brian looked at the clock on his wall. “I’d say about now it’s carrying Justin and too many of his friends to the MacDonald’s drive through near PIFA” “You gave him your jeep?” “He needs it during the day more than I do Mikey, he’s got work and class and some responsibilities around the apartment.” “So you get to take the bus” Michael said. “Makes sense to me. I mean he contributes a lot to your relationship. He fucking left you for another guy.” “Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m equally to blame for anything that happened between the two of us. I don’t blame him for anything. Besides that, it’s over. We’re together and we we’re a couple.” He thought to himself. “Shit I actually said the word and the sky didn’t fall in.” “You actually said you and Justin are a couple. I don’t believe I heard that Brian. I know he’s more than just a fuck, I mean that’s pretty obvious. But he has his own place now and he’s got Robert looking after him. You really don’t have to feel responsible for him anymore.” “I hate to break it to you Mikey, but if anyone looks after anyone in our relationship, Justin is the one who looks after me.” Brian sighed, his fingers pinched the top of his nose trying to find the right words that wouldn’t end up causing Michael to put Justin back on his ‘can’t stand list’. “Mikey, Justin doesn’t view me with rose colored glasses like you do. You’ve been my friend since we were kids, when we both covered for each other with our parents. We stood together and were invincible. But we were still just kids, I’m thirty now, a long time has passed and I can’t be the same way I was at sixteen. Justin calls me on it when I’m being an asshole. He forces me to accept his love and Gus’s love. He refuses to accept it when I think I’m not worth loving. He’s become the driving force behind me. He’s the reason why I want to succeed at work. He’s the reason why I want to be a good father. He’s the reason why I want to be a good partner with him.” He paused “Mikey, you’re my best friend, does any of this make any sense to you?” “Yeah, Brian it does. You love him.” Michael had to ask. “I don’t suppose this is just some wild infatuation?” he answered his own question. “No, I hate to admit it, but you really do love the little shit. What does this mean for us?” “Well it means that we both can get on with our lives, only Justin is a big part of mine and because of that he’ll be a big part of yours. And until I can get him some kind of reliable transportation, it means I’ll be doing a lot more walking unless you can borrow your Mom’s car Mikey.” He said the last in the way they used to talk when they were kids. “Yeah, like my Mom is going to let us borrow the car all the time Brian, you better get the Boy Wonder his own Bat mobile. But I do have mom’s car now, so why don’t I pick you up and we can go for lunch at the diner.” “Kewel, Mikey, I’ll be waiting outside.” Brian laughed and hung up the phone. “Cynthia, cancel my sandwich from the deli, I’m going out for lunch with Mikey.” He said on his way past her desk. ************************************************************ Thursday 3:00pm Robert’s Classroom/Studio Justin walked into the empty studio. Robert was busy working on a canvas near the window. “Hey Robert” he said. He went over and kissed him. “Brought you a latte and your car keys, thought you could use the caffeine boost about now.” Robert used all the willpower he had not to pull Justin close. “Hi Justin, thanks for the latte. You must have been reading my mind.” He looked at the young man in front of him, trying to decide whether Brian had given him a hard time about the use of the car. “About the car Justin --- he began. “I used it to take Jim to the mall, but Brian is letting me use his jeep. I drove the car back to your place this morning. Brian followed me and then I took him to work.” Justin paused. “Robert, about the car and the jeep and stuff, I know that you weren’t trying to put Brian down or anything and I think he knows it too. You’re a good man Robert, but Brian; well he’s a little insecure. That’s part of why he does some of the things he does. Sometimes I forget that. I see the handsome guy in the designer suit. The ad executive who’s so good he wins awards and I forget that most of that is just smoke and mirrors. He’s just Brian Kinney the little boy who’s been wanting and needing someone to love him forever. Someone who will love him just because he’s Brian and that would be me. “You and me Robert, we grew up in loving homes. We understand love, and we expect love to be there.” He smiled poignantly at Robert. “You are waaaay to easy to love Robert and if I hadn’t met Brian, well --- his voice trailed off. “I guess I’m one of those guys who like a challenge and believe me Brian Kinney’s a challenge.” “I’ll still be there for you Justin.” “I know that Robert, but I need to concentrate on Brian. If I think I can run to you when ever we hit a rough spot, I might not work so hard at teaching him how to love.” The two of them looked over at the doorway where Danny stood there hesitating to come in, not wanting to interrupt. Justin saw the longing in Danny’s eyes when he looked at Robert and he whispered to Robert when he kissed him goodbye. “You have lots of love in you; why not share it with someone who could use a bit of it. Here comes someone now.” “Hey Danny, come on in. I’m heading over to the Outreach Center and the kids. I guess I’ll see you both tomorrow at the fashion show.” “Brian’s still going to do it, isn’t he?” Danny asked. “Brian can hardly wait. He’ll be there.” And the two young men laughed, joined by Robert who realized the irony in Justin’s words. ************************************************************ Thursday 6:00pm Brian’s Office Brian was just finishing up with the last of the paperwork for the new contract with his latest client. He gathered it together to have Cynthia check it in the morning before sending it on to Legal. Cynthia had left for home a few minutes before so he was surprised when his phone rang to hear Cynthia’s voice. “Just though I’d let you know that a hot blonde driving your jeep just pulled into the parking garage.” That’s all she said before she disconnected. Brian smiled as he gathered his briefcase and put his suit coat back on. Justin hadn’t waited for him to call. He rode down in the elevator to the parking level. The door opened and Justin was standing there. They looked at each other and grinned. Brian put his arm around Justin’s shoulder and gave him a quick kiss. “I wish I could see your face waiting there for me every night Sunshine.” “Hmmmm,” Justin loved the kiss and he felt warm inside when Brian said nice things like that. “I wish I could be there for you every night too Brian.” Brian looked at him and laughed. The dreamy blue eyes when Justin was happy always made him feel great. ************************************************************ Friday morning 8:30am Parking Garage at Brian’s Office. Brian leaned over to kiss Justin goodbye. “Stop worrying Sunshine, I said I was going to be there and I am. In fact I’ll even get there early because I like hanging around a bunch of hysterical fags. In fact I thrive on it.” “You don’t have to be a bitch this early in the morning. Danny is high strung. He didn’t mean to yell at you last night. But you know he hates you to smoke near his designs.” “Justin, I’m not mad anymore about that. Don’t worry about picking me up. Cynthia is going to drop me off.” He kissed Justin again. “You know that Cynthia will make sure I’m there. In fact she’s taking me to the loft to pick up those leather pants I bought a couple of weeks ago. I think they will look great with Danny’s shirts.” “You will look so hot; no one will even look at the shirts. They’ll be looking at you.” Justin said truthfully. Brian left him in the jeep and walked to the elevator smiling to himself. Justin always made him feel so good. Justin drove away, watching Brian in the rear view mirror as long as he could before turning out into the street. He wondered what Brian would think when he opened his briefcase. He’d left him a surprise. ************************************************************ Friday morning 11:00 am Brian’s Office Brian was leaning back in his chair waiting for the clients in front of him to finish their somewhat coded discussion. Cynthia was sitting on the chair beside his desk where she had been taking notes. The two elegantly dressed women continued their hushed conversation. He noticed the younger one kept glancing at Justin’s picture he kept on the credenza behind his desk along with a picture of Gus. He was becoming impatient when he remembered he hadn’t taken the layouts out of briefcase that he’d worked on last night at Justin’s. “Cynthia,” he asked “Could you get the layouts for the Brewster file out of my briefcase?” He indicated the handsome leather briefcase that was resting on the table beside her. “Sure” she said and opened the case. On top of the layouts was a large bulky looking card that someone had made for him. On the front was a picture drawn by Justin and from the looks of it a scrawl by Gus. She picked it up intending to hand it to Brian, when she felt something hard inside it. She curiously opened it and all of a sudden in the quiet office was “love daddy, love Brian, love daddy, love Brian. And the sound of an exaggerated kiss.” In Gus and Justin’s voices. Brian’s face was beet red. The youngest of the women jumped up. “That’s it, exactly what we had in mind. Mr. Kinney, you are amazing. I’ve seen these little recordable chips and just couldn’t remember what it was all about.” She looked at the older woman. “We can have these put in a few of the boxes announcing the winner.” She looked back at Brian and beamed at him. “Please have your legal department draw up the contracts, Mabel and I will sign them.” They stood up and shook Brian’s hand. “It will be a real pleasure working with you and your firm Mr. Kinney.” She looked over at the pictures on his credenza. “Perhaps you and your boys could come out to the farm on the weekend. The petting zoo is open now and we have had two new miniature horses added to the menagerie.” Brian looked at the pictures and then at the card that his lover and son had made for him. “I’ll ask my partner, Justin Taylor,” he indicated Justin’s picture “And I’ll ask my son’s mother’s if Gus is free on the weekend.” He looked at the two of them wondering what they were going to say. But he couldn’t hide his family. “Wonderful, even better.” The younger woman looked at Brian. “My partner, Beth, she indicated the older woman standing beside her “and myself would love you to come, perhaps Saturday afternoon.” The older of the two looked at Brian and smiled. “Yes, please come Mr. Kinney and do bring your partner and your son.” When the office finally cleared of his clients and Cynthia, Brian sat at his desk and opened the card, his smile wide when each time he opened it the voices of his son and his partner sounded the words of love. Inside printed by Justin were the words. ‘Justin and Gus want their favorite man to know that we love him and think of him all day long.’ Justin had scrawled his signature and Gus had done his best to write his as well. Cynthia sitting at her desk grinned every time she heard the faintly tinny sounds come from behind Brian’s closed door as Brian periodically opened the card during the rest of his day. ************************************************************ Friday 2:30 pm Auditorium – Art’s Center – PIFA “Crap Danny would you settle down.” Justin was exasperated with his friend who had been pacing back and forth, getting in everyone’s way, wringing his hands and all but wailing waiting for Brian to appear. “None of the other models are here yet. You don’t see the other students in a panic.” Justin was trying to be reasonable. “Hey Danny, Justin” Robert said as he walked into the dressing area behind the stage. “Everything all set for your first show?” he asked. He bent and kissed Justin on the cheek and Justin was pleased to see that he kissed Danny’s lips. “It’s Brian, Robert, he isn’t here.” Danny wailed. “I’m not a member of the Brian Kinney fan club, Danny, but I do know that if Brian promises to do something, he’ll do it.” Robert said as he rubbed comforting circles on Danny’s back. A small gasp from some of the designers rippled through the room. Justin, Danny and Robert turned as one and looked over to where everyone was staring. Brian stood in the doorway looking for a familiar face. His black kid leather pants a second skin, both his face and his silky auburn hair, had that ‘I just fucked’ look that made Justin melt when ever he saw it. From the looks around the room, it was a mutual feeling. He spotted Justin and began to walk across the room, a black clad panther, he reached Justin and his friends and he put out a hand and stroked Justin’s cheek before bending and kissing him deeply. Every one could see that the black panther was really just a big old tom cat, looking for approval. “Hey Sunshine, did you miss me?” he asked. Justin beamed at him and put his arm around Brian’s waist, leaning into the tall body. Robert rolled his eyes at Danny who giggled. ************************************************************ Friday night 11:30pm Justin’s Apartment Brian and Justin rode the elevator to the top floor. Justin was leaning comfortably into Brian. It had been a long day. The fashion show had been a success, not only did it raise a lot of money for the Aids Hospice, it also had allowed Danny to show some of his designs. The results of the judging would be in by Monday, and Justin was sure that Danny’s designs would be among the winners. After the show Brian had taken Robert and Danny with them for dinner at a new restaurant just outside of town and much to Justin’s surprise the four of them had a wonderful evening just laughing and joking and sharing secrets and stories during the drive to the restaurant and throughout the meal. They had stopped in at Woody’s for a game of pool before heading home. Justin waited while Brian opened the door. He wasn’t sure whether Brian planned on staying or not. It was still early; he might want to head to Babylon. He didn’t know whether he should say anything or not when Brian. “Gawd it’s good to be home Sunshine. It’s been a long day.” He watched Brian go into the bedroom and wasn’t surprised when he came out a few minutes later without his shoes and socks and wearing only his favorite old jeans. For someone who spent a small fortune on shoes, the man hardly wore any. “You going to stand there all night Sunshine?” Brian asked. “Come on over and sit on the sofa with me, maybe there’s something interesting on television. We can cuddle.” Justin wasn’t sure he’d heard him right, but what was holding his attention was Brian’s desk from the loft, complete with computer and filing cabinet sitting in the corner. “Uh, Brian, why is your desk here?” “Oh, when Cynthia drove me to the loft for my leather pants, I thought I’d pick up a couple of things. I need to do some work this weekend and I didn’t want to leave you on your own. That wouldn’t be fair. We don’t get to spend all that much time together at the best of times.” “Oooookkkaaaayy” Justin said. He walked over to Brian and leaned over the back of the sofa, he kissed the top of Brian’s head. “I’m going to put some sweats on, you see if you can find us something to watch.” He was still kind of puzzled by the appearance of the desk and computer. It wasn’t like Brian could just fling it in the back of Cynthia’s car. It must have taken some maneuvering. He walked into the closet to grab his sweats from one of the built in drawers. He was pulling them on and noticed that the side Brian was using to keep a few clothes in, was now holding damn near everything Brian owned. He walked back to the sofa and sat down, snuggling close to Brian who held up an arm for Justin to crawl under. Brian pulled him even closer and they sat looking at the television while Brian flipped through the channels. “Brian, do you have something to tell me?” Justin was hoping Brian could fill him in on the appearance of the clothing, which was far more than what had been in two suitcases, even big ones. “Not particularly Sunshine.” He looked at Justin not sure what Justin was referring to. “Ok, just wondered” Justin said. He figured he’d wait and see what his mysterious partner was up to. ************************************************************ Saturday Morning 8:30am Justin’s apartment Brian was kneeling in the middle of the flower bed, pulling up the weeds that had appeared since the weekend before when Jim turned the corner of the building. He stood for a moment and watched the tall man carefully make his way around the rose bushes and the other flowers. Seeing Brian working in the garden so early on a Saturday morning rather than nursing a hangover made Jim smile. “Hi there young man.” Jim said to Brian. “Hey Jim, was out having a smoke and notice a few weeds.” “Appreciate the help Brian. If it isn’t one thing, it’s another.” Jim wondered why Brian didn’t just smoke on the large patio balcony. “Justin still sleeping?” “He’s had a busy week, he could use the sleep.” “Saw you bringing in a few things yesterday. You moving in with Justin?” “Just making it more convenient when I stay over.” “Wasn’t sure, didn’t know whether I should add your name to the mail boxes in the foyer.” Brian laughed with Jim about that but he thought to himself. ‘In all the time Justin had lived with him, he’d never put his name on the mailbox, or added him to the phone book listing, no wonder Justin didn’t feel like the place was his.’ Justin woke up with the sun carefully shaded. He peered around the shadowed bedroom looking for a sign of Brian. He couldn’t see him anywhere. He got up and used the bathroom. Brian’s towel he’d used was hanging on the rack to dry. He went into the kitchen and saw that coffee had been made. He opened the thermal carafe to see if it was still warm and it was. Brian couldn’t have been gone long. He checked the clock. It was almost ten, he’d been tired but he didn’t thing he would sleep this late. He filled the watering can with water and taking it and his coffee headed for the balcony to water his flowers. What he saw when he looked over the side of the balcony made him smile. Brian and Jim were working together to wrestle the remains of a dead shrub out of the ground. A new one sat on a gunny sack waiting to fill the empty spot. Justin watered the plants then sat down with his coffee and a sketch book. He wanted to capture Brian and Jim at work in the garden. He might be able to develop this one into a series for one of his classes. The coffee was cold, but the sketch almost complete when he heard the apartment door open and Brian walk in. He put the sketch book down and went to meet his sweaty man. “Hey Brian, I missed you.” He watched Brian go to the fridge for a bottle of water. “You were sleeping too soundly to miss me Sunshine.” Brian smiled at him, took a drink of the cold water then kissed the full red lips. He looked down at his grubby clothing. “I need a shower, you coming?” Brian began to walk to the bathroom. “Your wish is my command, oh lord and master.” Justin joked. He dutifully followed his lover, removing his sweats as he made his way into the large bathroom presenting himself to Brian naked. Brian smirked at him. “You are way too easy Sunshine; I love that in a man.” He turned on the shower and adjusted the temperature; he didn’t want Justin’s fair skin to be burned. Justin and Brian stood in the shower taking turns running the soap over their bodies, enjoying the steamy heat of the shower. Brian kept whispering things to Justin, more outrageous each time laughing when he could make the fair skinned man blush. Justin washed Brian’s hair, massaging his scalp while he kept his eyes shut and his head back reveling in the attention. Only when the water began to cool off did they mutually agree to leave the confined space that had become such an enjoyable safe haven for the two of them. “Let’s see if we can get Julie to come with us to the diner for lunch.” Brian said to Justin. “Do you think she will?” Justin wasn’t sure. Julie had rarely been out of the apartment building since moving in two years ago. “We won’t know unless we ask.” Brian stated. “Give her a call. Tell her she has two dates for lunch, both of them incredibly hot.” Justin grinned at him “I’ll try.” ************************************************************ Saturday 12:00pm Liberty Diner Brian jumped out of the jeep and walked around to open the door and let Julie out. He put his arm around her until Justin got out of the rear seat. Together they held her hand and walked her slowly into the busy diner. Where she was immediately greeted by Debbie. “Sunshine, Brian, you guys brought a date. How adorable is this Princess?” Debbie grinned and snapped her gum. Julie blushed but remained silent. “Hi Deb” Justin said and he kissed her cheek. “This is Julie; she lives next door to me. We thought she might like to see where we hang out.” “Just don’t take her too Babylon without fair warning, she looks to delicate for that bunch.” Deb smiled at the three of them. “Julie’s tougher than she looks Deb.” Brian said and he put his arm around the delicate shoulders of the young girl. She immediately felt safe and looked up at him gratefully. They walked to the back booth. Brian slipped into the corner, Julie next and Justin beside her filling one side of the booth. The bell over the door rang and the next thing they knew Robert, Danny and David slipped into the seat across from them. “Hey guys, can we join you?” Danny asked. He was already sitting down. He grabbed Justin’s menu to read it. “I am sooooo hungry.” He said. “Hey Princess, you’re looking good.” David said quietly to Julie. “You too Davie” she replied and looked down, feeling suddenly shy. “Davie?” Danny mouthed to Justin who shrugged. Robert couldn’t resist. “You and David know each other do you Julie?” “Yes” they both said at the same time with no explanation. “Ok” Robert said puzzled but pleased to see Julie out of the apartment building. Brian just sat back and watched the interchange between everyone absorbing it all but saying nothing. He recognized the look in David’s eyes when he looked at the girl sitting across from him. That look was no different queer or hetro. That young man was completely smitten by the slight blonde sitting between him and Justin. It was well after two by the time they broke up their lunch party. Robert had also noticed the looks that Julie and David had exchanged frequently throughout the lunch. “Julie, do you want Danny, David and I to give you a ride back to the apartment?” Robert asked. Julie looked longingly at David. “I would love to, but Brian and Justin are going to take me shopping with them. Brian is looking for a new car.” She let her eyes linger on David then turned to Brian and Justin. “I really haven’t been out in such a long time; I’d like to go with them.” Brian uncharacteristically said. “Why don’t the three of you come over to our place for dinner tonight? Julie and Justin can relax and I’ll cook.” Justin’s eyebrows had risen at the ‘our place’ but he always liked company though he couldn’t imagine what Brian thought he could cook. “Sure guys come on over.” Justin agreed. “Come on over to ‘our place’. ************************************************************ Saturday 6:30 pm Justin and Brian’s apartment (grin) “Brian you have to let me help you.” Justin said as he watched his lover fumbling his way around the kitchen. “I’ve got it under control Sunshine. I’m just not as familiar where things are here as at our loft.” He looked at Justin. “I’m just not another pretty face – I do have other talents.” “Yes, but giving everyone a blow job isn’t maybe what they’re coming for.” Justin said and went over to kiss Brian. “Let me help you baby, when Julie and the rest of them get back here I’ll go sit down and you can take full credit for the meal.” “Well, you could maybe hint at what goes into the lasagna sauce.” Brian said, “And maybe a suggestion or two about what goes where when I put the noodles and everything together.” Soon the two of them were working companionably in the kitchen. Brian stood back and buttered the French bread with the garlic butter Justin put together and watched as his young partner quickly assembled the lasagna in the new lasagna pan Brian had bought that afternoon. Then together they set the table. Justin was surprised when Brian used the good china from the loft and the crystal glasses but he didn’t say anything. For the life of him he had no idea when Brian had brought them over. And what’s with the ‘our’ loft thing. He was going to have the tall mystery man clear up some of these mysteries as soon as they could expect a few hours alone. He knew it would be a long question and answer period. With five minutes to spare, they finished. “Hey Sunshine, we make a good team.” Brian said as he stood back to survey their handy work. A soft knock at the door signified Julie’s arrival. Brian went over and opened it. He stood back and whistled making her blush. He looked at Justin and said “Hey Sunshine, I think maybe I’m straight now.” Justin went to Julie and hugged her. “You look delicious. Don’t pay any attention to Mr. Kinney; it’s the Irish in him. He’s full of it these days for some reason.” He reached up and kissed Brian, his blue eyes twinkling. Brian just smirked at the two of them, and glowed inside with Justin’s easy loving teasing. Julie walked in, her white cotton slip dress, decorated with intricate cut work, contrasting nicely with the golden tan she’d acquired on her balcony this summer. She surveyed the table and smelled the air with the heady scent of baking lasagna. Julie looked at Brian and Justin and smiled. “You’ve been busy Brian, it smells delicious.” Brian put his arm around Justin’s shoulders. “I might have had some help.” He admitted. He kissed the top of Justin’s head. “I’ll never tell.” Julie said. They were interrupted by the intercom announcing everyone’s arrival. Julie flushed knowing David was almost there. Both Brian and Justin noticed and looked at one another, with eyebrows raised. ************************************************************ Sunday 1:00am Justin and Brian’s bedroom Brian walked into the bedroom stripping off his shirt as he walked. “There that’s the last dish. I can’t believe we used that many dishes and glasses for so few people.” He yawned and looked at the blonde laying on the bed. “How come you were so willing to help earlier and not so willing now?” he asked. “I thought you’d feel better knowing everything was being washed to your satisfaction and put away where you like it put away. It saves you having to do again the next morning after I do it the night before. I’m just saving you a few steps.” “I do not redo things after you’ve done them.” Brian said indignant. Justin looked at him, one eyebrow raised saying nothing until Brian admitted that maybe, just maybe he’s done it once or twice. “Brat” Brian said before going into the bathroom to get ready for bed. He was brushing his teeth when he felt two warm arms snake around his waist and a warm blonde head rest on his back. “I love you Brian. This was a wonderful night. It’s the first time that we have entertained as a couple.” Brian brushed his teeth while he thought about what Justin had said and realized that he was right. It was the first time they had entertained as a couple. He would have thought the idea would have panicked him. Instead it made him feel kind of good. He turned around and held Justin tight. “It was the first time” He smiled to himself thinking about the evening. How after dinner he had pulled Justin down onto his lap where he sat most of the evening while they talked and visited with the others. How interesting it was to watch the developing relationship between Julie and David and Robert and Danny. He thought about his relationship with Justin and realized that it had been based at first on sex. It was a wonder they had ever been able to get as far as they had with out first becoming friends and getting to know one another. “Come to bed Brian” Justin whispered. “I need you to make love to me.” Brian kissed his lips, savoring the taste of the man he loved. “I need to make love to you.” ************************************************************ Two weeks later Saturday 2:00 pm Justin’s Apartment “Justin, have you phoned Brian at the loft lately?” his mother asked. They were sitting on the patio balcony drinking iced tea. “Mom, he’s down in the garden with Jim. Why would I call the loft?” “I mean when he isn’t down in the garden Justin.” “If he isn’t here, he’s at work, so I really haven’t needed to call the loft lately.” “If you want to hear something interesting, call.” His mother said smiling. Justin was curious. He picked up the phone and dialed the loft. The phone rang four times before the answering machine picked up. “You have reached 555-9234, Brian and Justin can’t come to the phone right now. Leave a message and one of them will get back to you.” Justin looked at his mother astonished. “He said Brian and Justin.” He dialed again to listen and sure enough the same message played. “I stopped in the other day to drop off something for Brian. I didn’t realize that he was probably here. Your name is on the mail box. B.A. Kinney/J.C.Taylor.” she smiled at the look on Justin’s face. “It really says that?” Justin shook his head. “I lived with him off and on for almost two years and he never had me on the phone message or on the mail box. I don’t even live there anymore and NOW, he does this.” Justin’s mother laughed. “I never have been able to figure out men honey. I guess it runs in the family.” The two of them started to laugh and were still giggling when Brian walked out onto the patio all sweaty and dirty from working with Jim pruning a few of the trees on the large property. “Hey Jennifer, Sunshine.” He bent and kissed Jennifer’s cheek, and turned to Justin and kissed his lips. He reached over for the beaded glass of ice tea that was sitting by Justin’s chair and helped himself. He drank deeply. Standing there on the patio the sun behind him, his body toned and tanned, the faint smell of fresh sweat, Justin was instantly rock hard. He squirmed not wanting his mother to notice. Brian aware of the reaction Justin had, looked down at Justin and smiled. Jennifer also aware of what had happened stood up. “I’ll be going now boys. Don’t get up Justin, I can see myself to the door.” She smiled at the two of them before she left. They were happier now then they ever had been. Seeing the look of love on Brian’s face when he saw Justin was all that she had needed to see. It wasn’t going to be easy for the two of them. But she was confident that it would work. When Justin heard the door shut he stood up and pulled off his sweats revealing the raging hard cock that was already leaking. Brian grinned at him. “What did I tell you about being too easy?” Justin pulled on the low hung jeans that Brian was wearing until they slipped over the narrow hips. He let his tongue trace the muscles in Brian’s chest, circling each nipple. “Fuck me Brian, right now. I need you inside me.” He bent over the chair he’d been sitting on, his ass enticingly in the air. He reached his hand under the cushion for the small tube of lube and the condom he’d remembered putting there on another occasion. Handing it back to Brian. “Oh baby” Brian whispered, rock hard and willing to oblige his lover. He squeezed some lube on his fingers and spread it on Justin’s quivering hole. He slipped a finger in not surprised when Justin thrust back on it. He managed to get the condom on and his own latex covered cock lubed up. “Now Brian, I want you now.” Justin panted. Brian’s balls twitched with the whispered words, and he placed the head of his cock against the tight hole. Justin moved back suddenly and the mushroom head pushed past the first ring of muscle. In seconds Justin had adjusted and was demanding more and deeper thrusts. In only a few minutes both men had shot their loads to deep throated cries and words of love. Brian pulled out and pulled Justin down on his lap as he sat on the chair. They held each other close while their breathing returned to normal. On the patio of Julie’s apartment where Julie and David were sitting together quietly enjoying the afternoon sunshine, they looked at each other and smiled. “They’re like rabbits” she said “They go at it all the time. I got over the embarrassment after the first couple of days. If you hang around here much you might as well get used to it.” “It’s a little disconcerting” David said not wanting Julie to know that he’d gotten hard listening to the two on the next balcony. Julie just laughed at his discomfort. Nothing ever gets past a woman and she didn’t know why men even thought they should try. “Don’t worry David, you’ll get used to it.” “Brian, can I ask you a question?” Justin enquired “Why have you got my name on your mail box and on the answering machine at the loft? Why are you always referring to the loft as ‘our’ loft? Why are most of your clothes here and half the accessories from the loft? Why do I have the jeep all the time when you haven’t found another car yet?” “That’s more than one question Sunshine. I may have just fucked my brains out, but I still can count.” Brian joked. He wasn’t sure he was ready to answer the questions, yet he was the one who had subtly had done all of the things Justin was asking about. He’d been waiting for Justin to question him about these things, and had been surprised that it was taking the young blonde so long to do so. “Just answer the questions.” Justin said as he nuzzled Brian’s sweaty neck, drinking in the essence of the man he loved. “I’ll answer them, I’m just not sure how.” Brian sighed but held onto Justin tight. “I’m here all the time, so it was easier for me to have my clothes here. You always have company and you don’t have enough dishes and things so I thought I might as well bring over the ones I have since I’m here anyway. I moved the computer and desk for the same reason. I’m with you and I need to work once in awhile.” He looked down at the blonde head. Justin turned and looked into his eyes. “I know you need to have your own place to go to when ever I fuck up. Just because I’ve been good lately doesn’t mean I won’t fuck up eventually. It just so happens that I want to be with you. You are living here, so that’s where I have to be. It doesn’t matter if your place is the local drop in center for every queer in Pittsburgh. I still need to be here because you’re here. I’ve added you to the mail box and the answering machine because I’d like to think that some day you’ll come home. The loft is your home Justin. This is a place where you are living now, you have your independence, you can always boot me out if you have to, but the loft is your home as well as mine. It no longer is mine alone and it never will be again if I have anything to say about it. It’s ours, yours and mine until we get a house someday.” Justin didn’t know what to say. He’d begun to cry part way through Brian’s little speech. “You are one big damn jerk Brian Kinney.” He said finally. “You can never do anything straight forward.” He kissed Brian’s neck and nibbled on his ear. “I love you” Brian tilted Justin’s face up to his. He wiped away the tears with the pad of his thumb. “I love you too Justin Taylor.” He sealed his words with a kiss of promise of a long and happy future together.