Dedicated to the One I Love Part 6 Note #2 – the recipe that Brian uses is an awesome one to try """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" “Brian, Bob Williams here. I’m sorry to disturb you so early but something is bothering me and I’d like some answers.” Brian looked at his call display, ‘what was Bob Williams doing calling him from a California exchange?’ he wondered. “Bob, what can I do for you so bright and early on a Saturday morning?” “I’ll cut to the chase. I delivered your parcel to Justin as you asked. I’m having second thoughts about it though. What in hell did you send him that had the young man in tears most of the night?” We were all awake listening to him. Peter and Armand called him a drama princess, whatever that means, but I’ve never heard someone cry so hard or so long in all my life. He just walked by to get the lawn mower and he looks like the wrath of god.” “Fuck” Brian exclaimed. He was silent for a moment. “Can you see him now?” “Yes, he’s mowing the lawn. “He doesn’t look like he has the strength to breath, let alone mow this damn big lawn, why don’t those boys hire someone to do it? I’ll never understand the rationale behind doing manual labor if you have enough money to get someone else to do.” Bob grumbled. Brian almost laughed, though he was mad at himself if his gift caused Justin to be that upset. “Bob, if you can see him, what’s he wearing?” “What’s he wearing, cripes Brian, this is no time for a fashion police call.” Bob looked out. “I’ll start at his feet and work my way up. He has on old tennis shoes, a pair of pants that look like he ripped the legs off. Now why would he do that I wonder? He has a white tee shirt on that only goes half way down his chest and is far too tight, do you think it shrunk in the wash. I’m going ask the boys to make sure his clothing allowance is a decent one. This is ridiculous, slave labor just because they pay his tuition. He has on some kind of watch or something, it’s silver and catching the light. It must bother his arm, he keeps putting it up to his mouth. Damn Justin watch where you’re going, he just ran over the petunias with the lawn mower because he was staring at his watch. Brian are you laughing? I can’t believe you’re laughing.” He slammed the phone down and started to look for Peter and Armand. Brian kept smiling. Justin’s tears had been happy ones, at least some of them. If they weren’t, he wouldn’t be wearing the bracelet. He carefully wrote down the phone number that Bob had called from. A quick phone call to a friend on the police force and he had the name and address behind the phone number. The names were so familiar, but he wasn’t sure why. He’d have to give this information some thought. He couldn’t just show up, he’d end up doing exactly what Justin figured he’d do and start taking over his life once again. He had to respect the fact that Justin was working on his life goals independently. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" jtaylor69@hotmail.com To: bkinney@ryder2.com Subject: ridiculously romantic gifts I’ve read the words over so often that I have them memorized. If what they said really reflect what you want to say then. YES – there is nothing I would like better than to come away with you. BUT – I want your word that you will let me continue with the program of study that I’m working on. That means all of it, where I live, how I live, everything. I would like you and I to be fresh and new. Not Justin Taylor the high school kid who baby sits meets Mr. Super Exec. But Justin Taylor, the young man who works and attends university, meets Mr. Brian Kinney, nice guy, who happens to work in advertising. I don’t want to be dragged back to the Pitts for holidays for two reasons, the first one being I don’t have time off for another 3 years with the program I’m doing and the second one is, I love everyone there, but they don’t let me grow up either. When I see them next, it has to be as a man, successful in my chosen career. Does this make sense to you? I hope it does. I’m going to send this off and go back to bed. I mowed the lawn and between being up most of the night having a complete hissy and mowing the lawn stirring up every damn thing I’m allergic too. I feel like my head is going to explode. I’d give you my phone number, but I don’t have one, can’t afford it. I guess, I hope that you’ll ride in on your trusty stead and find me, your princess in her tower, your kiss will bring me to life once again, and we’ll live happily ever after. Geeze, what the heck is in this antihistamine??? I’m rambling. I’ll touch base with you soon. Later – Justin (who is now sleeping with barely a pulse) zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" All Brian’s good intentions flew out the window when he read Justin’s email a few hours later. He checked his watch. It should only take him a couple of hours to drive to Berkley and find his princess. He dressed carefully in his casually elegant designer clothes, then thought better of it and changed instead to his old blue jeans, a white cotton shirt and sandals. He grabbed his bag of toiletries, in anticipation of staying over. He’d pick up something for Justin to eat when he got there. Driving to Berkley went by so quickly he couldn’t believe it. Brian found a mall and bought a map at a stationary store. He was sitting in his car, the windows open and was looking at the map, trying to figure out where Justin’s street was in relation to where he was, when he glanced up at two boys racing toward, him slingshots in hand shooting at something white that was barely staying ahead of them. Whatever it was jumped in his open window, tore through the map and disappeared under the front seat. Brian turned and glared at the two boys who had stopped abruptly at the front fender of his car. “Boys, what the fuck are you doing?” Brian had started out rational and calm, but the insolent sneers on their faces quickly changed his temper. “It was just a stray cat, it’s been hanging around here for days. What’s it to you mister?” “Get out of here you little assholes before I shove that sling shot up your asses, followed quickly by my foot.” The two boys sneered at him, but when Brian put his hand on the door handle to open the door they both ran away shouting curses at him. Brian sat still, his map in tatters around him. He carefully folded it back in place, hoping that he would remember the direction to Justin’s street. Now what? He appeared to have a cat under the front seat of his car. For all he knew it could be rabid. He looked around; the mall had a veterinary clinic close by. They could extract the cat for him. Sighing dramatically, he rolled up his window most of the way, leaving some room for air movement, then got out and headed for the clinic. “Excuse me” Brian said to the woman behind the counter. “Linda,” he read from her name tag. “I have a cat problem, can someone help me out?” “Your cat’s name please.” “He didn’t tell me. I just need someone to get him out of my car.” “You shouldn’t take animals with you in your car without properly restraining them sir. In the case of a cat I would suggest a harness and the use of a cat carrying cage.” “Great tip, if I had a cat and wanted to take it for car rides. But I don’t.” “You SAID sir that your cat is in your car and you can’t get him out.” “No, I said A cat was in my car and I can’t get him out.” “You shouldn’t transport other people’s pets sir without proper restraint.” Brian rolled his eyes. “If I promise to always restrain MY cat, will you come and get this one out of my car before it does something gross in there?” “Cats are very clean animals’ sir. If this one has an accident, it will only be because you’ve frightened it by transporting the poor dear thing improperly.” Brian’s eyes widened and he was about to channel Justin in one of his worst drama princess moments, when good sense prevailed and he smiled sweetly. “Please Linda, if you could help me out here.” “There is a lovely carrying case over on the far wall. I think the soft bodied one is the best. It’s so much cozier for your cat and will provide him with the comfort he needs when you transport him.” She looked at Brian. “What color is your cat?” “The cat, appeared to be dirty white, not that I got a good look.” “Lovely dear, white cats can be so beautiful, though they do have a tendency to be deaf. Is your cat deaf?” “I have no idea if the little shit can hear.” “There is no need to use that kind of language dear.” She had walked over to the wall and lifted down a cylindrical shaped padded tapestry bag with mesh openings front and back. The tapestry was rainbow shades, “This one would look lovely with a white cat. You really shouldn’t let your cat become dirty. Cats prefer to be clean even if it means you give them a bath once in awhile. The bag is part of the Armani collection. We have the exclusive distribution rights. Perhaps though, a cheaper case.” She showed him a hard plastic puke green cage. “This one is $25.95.” Brian automatically said “The cat can’t be stuck in a cage that looks like a jail. Of course he’ll have the Armani.” He started to walk out the door followed quickly by the short plump motherly Linda. “The cat’s in here.” He indicated his car. Linda looked in. “But dear, you said your cat couldn’t be easily removed from your car. He looks perfectly fine to me.” Brian glared through the window. Stretched out full length, the cat lay across the back seat, washing its belly. He glanced up when Brian and Linda peered in and stared at them balefully with one blue eye and one orange eye, then turned back to his job of cleaning himself up. “What a lovely cat dear. What did you say his name was?” Brian said off the top of his head “Emperor Arawn Finn. Arawn (R-A-WIN) is the Celtic lord of the underworld, but he was a radiant god and Finn means fair and radiant. “I can just tell that you are a true romantic. Now let’s get Arawn in to see Dr. Jerry, he can check him over and make sure his shots are up to date. Have you had him neutered dear?” “Christ no” Brian shuddered at the thought. “He’s gay, he won’t screw any lady cats.” Brian looked at what was rapidly becoming ‘his’ cat. The cat looked back at him and nodded his approval regarding the neutering question. Linda opened the door and scooped up the thin white cat with the large feet and stuffed him unceremoniously into the carrying case. “That’s it, nice and tidy.” “Careful of him, he’s had a rough day.” Brian defended Arawn. He took the carrying case from Linda and walked back to the clinic. Two hours later, a bathed, vaccinated, slightly pissed off cat, was handed back to Brian wearing a blue leather harness and sulking in the depths of his ‘Armani’ carrying case. It took Brian two trips to deposit in his trunk, a covered litter pan, and some designer litter, cat food that cost more than the average steak dinner and Arawn in his $500.00 carrying case. Brian set off to find Justin’s new home $800.00 poorer and not sure exactly how he’d managed to own a cat. He didn’t even LIKE cats all that much. Brian had to park his car on the street outside a gated home. He walked back up to the gate looking for some way in or a buzzer or something that would let the people know inside that he was there. He was carrying Arawn in his rainbow tapestry bag, because the cat started to howl as soon as he left him alone in the car. Rather than listen to him he figured it would be easier just to take him. The case sort of looked like a gym bag. Well a gym bag Emmett might have. Brian paced the length of the stone wall and back again, looking for some way to access the place. Justin, who had been sleeping earlier, was now talking to Peter and Armand in their living room. He, with Bob Williams help, was trying to explain Brian Kinney to them and how he figured in Justin’s life when the phone rang. “Sir, there is a prowler outside your gate. Should I send for the police.” It was the security guard that manned the exclusive neighborhood.. “Let me look at him first Ricky” Peter said. He turned to the others. “Ricky says someone is trying to get in the gates. Is anyone expecting a visitor?” Everyone shook their heads. “Let’s look at him, maybe it’s someone from school.” Justin said. He turned to the surveillance monitor that was usually kept turned off. It sat in a corner on a desk. “Turn the sound on too.” The group gathered around the monitor and waited while it warmed up. All they could see was someone in a white shirt sitting on the curb outside the house, a carrying case on the sidewalk beside him. “Turn the sound up, I think he’s talking.” “Fuck Arawn, we drive all the way here, you get all dressed up and I can’t even get in to see him.” He was searching through his wallet. “Where the fuck did I put that phone number.” He looked at the carrying case. “Tough shit Arawn, Linda said you had to stay there until you’re inside. I’m not spending another dime on you and with my luck you’d run out and commit suicide with the next truck that drives past. You’re already into me for eight hundred bucks. Emperor Arawn Finn be damned, you may have a snotty name, but you’re just a damn alley cat. Don’t look at me like that; I can’t help it if he lives in a stupid castle. Figures, he’s a damn princess.” Brian continued to grumble. He finally found the phone number and began dialing. Justin looked at Bob and Peter and Armand. “That would be Brian, the insane guy who’s talking to himself on the sidewalk.” He laughed. “He must have received my email and tracked me down somehow.” The phone began to ring. “I wonder how he got this number?” “Shit” Bob Williams said. “I bet he has call display and I phoned earlier.” He looked at Justin. “Don’t give me that look, I was worried about you. We all heard you last night.” Justin had the grace to look embarrassed. “It was an emotional night for me.” He grinned at them “I’d better go get Brian in before Rick has him hauled away.” He ran out the door in the direction of the gate. Meanwhile the three men made themselves more comfortable around the small monitor. “This is better than the soaps” Peter said. “I suppose we should turn off the sound” he looked at everyone. “Naaaaaaa” they all said. Justin let himself out the side gate that was partially covered in bougainvillea. He quietly walked over to Brian and sat down on the sidewalk beside him. “You know Brian, as a knight in shining armor or a prince, you really suck at it. I mean the door is about a foot and a half away from the main gate and it’s hardly ever locked.” “That’s all you have to say to me when I’ve done without you for months, worried myself into a frenzy and brought you a present.” He handed Justin the carry case. “His name is Emperor Arawn Finn, it’s a long story.” Justin looked in through the mesh sides, “Cool cat Brian, but you have him in Armani? Even for you that’s a little over the top.” “I love you Justin Taylor.” Brian’s voice was soft. “I love you too Brian Kinney.” Justin beamed at him. Brian had Justin’s right hand in his and was massaging it. The familiar fingers kneading his hand and wrist were sensual and erotic, a far cry from the intended purpose. But everything about Brian was that way. Justin felt like he’d been on a desert and now he was given sanctuary in a lush garden. He rested his head on Brian’s shoulder and they sat like that for a while letting the evening shadows move over them, no need to talk. “You boys planning on spending the night on the sidewalk?” Bob Williams asked. He held the door open in the gate. “Brian, nice to see you again.” He nodded at Brian. “Hi Bob, no we’ll come in won’t we Sunshine?” He rose to his feet and then pulled Justin up wrapping his arm around Justin’s shoulder. He looked at his car and then back at Justin, and the older man who was watching this knew that Brian hated to let Justin go even for the few minutes it would take to pull his car through the gates and into the driveway. Taking pity on him Bob said. “If you’ll give me your keys Brian, I’ll drive your car to Justin’s. I’m sure you boys want to talk, the walk will do you both good.” Both Brian and Justin smiled at him gratefully and Brian handed him his keys. He reached down and picked up the carrying case in his other hand, making sure that Justin’s was firmly held in place, fingers entwined. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Justin turned to Brian when they walked in his door. “Don’t say one word about the place. Not one word. It’s free, with only a few strings attached and it works for me.” “Now give me my cat. He needs to get out of that ridiculously expensive and silly looking carrier.” “I’ll have you know, he’s MY cat, and he’s just visiting with me, though I could be persuaded to leave him with you for company, kind of a reminder of me when I’m not here.” Brian smirked. “And I’ll have you know, that carrier you’re sneering about cost five hundred dollars and he likes it better than those stupid plastic jail cells that most people use. You know, pets have to be restrained properly when in the car.” “If I didn’t already love you more than life itself, I would definitely love you now.” Justin said as he pulled Brian toward the bed that dominated the open room. “Now get your clothes off, because unlike you, I am horny as hell and I want to consummate this relationship.” Justin stood for a moment staring at Brian as the man began to remove his shirt. A knock at the door startled both of them. Justin opened the door and was surprised to see Bob Williams standing there. “You’ll be needing to set up a few things for Brian’s cat.” He looked over at the shirtless man. “I never would have expected you to be a cat person Brian. I was impressed with the quality of things you brought with you for Arawn.” “What can I say Bob, Arawn is an out and proud cat. He likes nothing but the best accessories.” Brian’s tongue in cheek smirk made Bob laugh along with Justin. “I’d suggest you prepare his litter box and give him some food and water. Peter sent over these for you Justin. His reasoning about Arawn is similar to Brian’s and he felt the cat could only eat out of crystal.” He handed Justin two medium sized crystal bowls. “I’ll leave you two alone now. Justin brunch is at eleven; we’ll expect you both there. The boys want to talk to Brian about a few ground rules, seeing as he is the competition.” Brian looked at Justin who was patting Arawn while giving him some of his dry cat crunchies and water. “Competition Justin?” “Yep, I work for the Petra Agency – who kind of blows old Ryder out of the water in these parts.” He grinned at Brian. “So no trying to quiz me on what I’m working on.” “Justin, I don’t need to ‘cheat’, my reputation speaks for itself.” Brian looked outraged at the suggestion. Then “You work for Petra?” “Yes, I do, it’s a co-op program. They pay for my tuition and in return I’m their slave.” He giggled. “It actually works out pretty good. I get practical experience at the same time as I learn.” “Why would they fund an art student.” “I’m not, I’m an advertising/marketing major, with a few fine arts courses.” “But, you – “I’m in the top five percent of my class Brian. It’s not that big of a deal.” He smiled impishly “I figured if you could do it, then I sure as heck could to. I mean you are a lot older than I am.” “I wasn’t when I was in school you little shit. You can stop with the age digs any time.” Brian tried to look hurt, but only succeeding in looking silly, making Justin cross the room and fold him in his arms. Justin put his hand behind Brian’s head and pulling it down lower so he could thoroughly kiss the raspberry pouty lips. His fingers and mind relished the tactile sensation of the silky strands of auburn hair as he held him firmly in place. Brian tilted Justin’s chin up when the kiss broke and he looked into his blue eyes that danced with happiness. “I have missed your kisses.” He voice was ragged with emotion, his words simple, but they both conveyed to Justin more than a thousand flowery bits of sentiment. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Finally Arawn had been dealt with, Brian’s overnight bag had been brought up to Justin’s small apartment, Brian had two glasses of water and a coffee with the pizza he’d ordered and Justin had eaten the rest of the pizza and finished off the last of the Mountain Dew in the refrigerator. There was no avoiding what had begun on a night a few months ago. The room was quiet. Brian sat on the floor leaning against Justin’s leg, while Justin shared the only armchair with Arawn. Justin combed his fingers through Brian’s hair, while they talked quietly to the rhythmic purring of the white cat. The timer that Justin had the radio plugged into hit ten o’clock and the strains of Dedication Danny’s theme song filled the room. Brian turned his head to look up at Justin and he smiled. Justin let his hand caress Brian’s cheek. They silently agreed to listen to the beginning of the program. “Boys and girls, this soft summer night is full of promise, I can feel it in these old bones. The moon is full, a lover’s moon. Will tonight be the night when Mystery Man finds his Justin? We’ll never know, but I can feel the romance in the air. Mystery Man faxed this to me earlier today, a little gem of a song he wants to send to his elusive lover. Sit back all of you and relax, while the powerful words of this song sung by Celine Dion are sent out to Justin. If Walls Could Talk. Can you keep a secret? These walls keep a secret That only we know But how long can they keep it? ‘Cause we’re two lovers, who lose control We’re two shadows Chasing rainbow Behind closed windows Behind closed doors If walls could talk Oooh--- they would say I want you more They would say Hey --- never felt like this before And that you will always be the one for me Two people making memories Just too good to tell These arms are never empty When we’re lying where we fell Brian stood and looked down at Justin, still silent, the words of the song continuing as he bent over and picked him up in his strong arms. “Princess” he whispered. We’re painting pictures Making magic Taking chances Making Love Brian lay Justin down on the large bed and slowly began to remove his shirt, punctuating each move with a soul-searing kiss. If walls could talk Ooo--- they would say I want you more They would say Hey…never felt like this before And that you will always be the one for me Justin reached up and brushed the hair from Brian’s forehead, before unbuttoning the white cotton shirt. If walls had eyes My – they would see the love inside They would see Me – in your arms in ecstasy And with every move they’d know I love you so. The words washed over their naked bodies, inflaming the passion that had begun slowly building with the dance of love they were performing to the words of the song. When I’m feeling weak You give me wings When the fire has no heat You light it up again When I hear no violins You play my every string Now Brian was on his back, his head cradled by the pillows and Justin, on his knees, worshiped at the temple of Brian’s body, his lips, his tongue, even his teeth, sending shooting flames of intense orgasmic delight through the older man’s body. His back arched off the bed as rush after rush of feeling radiated through to his groin. Stop the press Hold the news The secret’s safe between me and you Walls, Can you keep a secret? Brian’s body now covered the paler body of his lover. He laid full length, relishing the feel of their skin together as they pressed close, not wanting to separate. Brian framed Justin’s face with both of his hands and he looked down at the precious jewels that were Justin’s eyes. At the same moment Celine Dion began to sing. I love you so Oooooh I love you baby Oooooh baby Love you love you love you so honey Love you love you love you so In your arms in ecstasy If they could only see you and me baby Just you and me baby. As the last word was sung, Brian whispered. “I love you Justin Taylor” before his lips descended in an earth-moving kiss that left them both shaken to the core. Brian looked at Justin and the blonde whispered, “In the night table.” Brian felt for the drawer and pulled out a condom and a tube of lube. Once again he looked at Justin, this time with a smirk on his face. “Boy Scout” Justin smiled at him. “Be prepared, you know the motto. They both smiled at Justin’s matter of fact words, the levity of the moment not lessening the feelings of love that had built between them. Somehow the condom was removed, the cock sheathed and lube distributed. Slowly, never taking their eyes off of each other, they made love. They made love until the radio program was over. They made love until the early morning birds began to sing and it was only then, they both lay still, one still inside the other, joined not only by their bodies, but by their hearts and souls as well. Arawn, his face a study in peaceful mystery, sat high up on the refrigerator, his ends all tucked in, his tail wrapped tightly around himself. He was pleased when his people finally fell asleep, his duties as watcher were over and he could relax in the warmth that covered the old refrigerator’s top. His two mismatched eyes shut, dreams of soft hands and warm laps invaded his mind and soon he too was asleep. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" It was late Sunday night. Brian had stayed over two nights, but he had to leave now. “Somehow it was a lot easier the last time.” Justin said. “You were still a figment of my imagination and the stolen night we had was a dream.” The two of them stood side by side near the front of Brian’s car. “It wasn’t easier for me Sunshine” Brian ran his index finger down the length of Justin’s face, stopping to touch his lips gently before replacing his finger with his own lips, letting his tongue slip between the lush fullness. With a groan he pulled Justin tightly to him. “Fuck Justin, tell me again why we have to stay apart?” “Because you wouldn’t be able to live on the pittance I bring home from Petra. You and Arawn would kill each other locked up in the apartment all day while I’m at work or school and you have too many clothes to fit in my closet.” “You don’t have a closet, you have two shelves.” “See another reason.” Justin grinned at him. “I promise to study hard, work diligently and in another couple of years, I’ll be able to support you.” “Twat.” Brian pulled him closer for another kiss. “I suppose anything I do to make your life easier will now be scrutinized, analyzed and torn apart to see if I have ulterior motives?” “Good boy Brian, it’s nice to know that I can teach an old dog new tricks.” Justin kissed him softly. “I know you have ulterior motives, I know you Brian. I like some of your presents, I didn’t turn away this one.” He stroked his silver bracelet. “Every time you get pissed with me. Read the words Justin. I mean each and every one of them.” “I expect I’ll have them memorized before we’re finally together.” Justin laughed. He laughed harder to see Brian wince when he’d said the word ‘together’. “Brian, that’s what I mean by you aren’t ready for me yet. I know you love me, and I love you, but you aren’t even close to you and I having a relationship as partners and lovers like Peter and Armand have. That’s what I want eventually, what they have.” He reached up and kissed Brian again. “We can work on it together.” He whispered. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" 6 months later “Justin you said you’d come visit this weekend.” Brian tried not to whine. He couldn’t believe that he even knew how to whine. “I’m sorry Brian, but work comes first. I have a deadline to meet and the client has changed his mind a dozen times. This is an important one. It’s the first time I’ve been in charge right from the start and Peter is counting on me.” Justin sighed. “Brian, you have to remember what it was like when you were starting out in this business. The hours that you put in must have been incredible for you to become a partner so young.” He laughed and Brian could almost see the sultry blue eyes, instantly he melted, his anger dissolving. “I’ll miss you too baby,” Justin said. “Arawn misses you too.” He teased. There had been a love/hate relationship between the tall auburn haired man and the now decidedly chubby white cat. Brian insisted it was because the cat was gay and jealous of him when he and Justin were together. Justin pretended he was crazy, but he more or less was thinking the same thing. “Tell me again why you prefer a stupid cat in your bed instead of me.” “I prefer you in my bed. It was you who insisted we take turns on the weekends. I can’t just tell my client that it’s my turn to visit my hot boyfriend at his place and wait until Monday for me to even work on his stuff. It doesn’t work that way Brian and you know it.” “I do know it, but I’d made plans to take you dinner and impress the hell out of you.” You already impress the hell out me Brian.” Justin’s voice was soft. “I really want to see you this weekend. I’ll make it up to you next weekend when you come here.” “If you can’t come this weekend to LA, why do I have to stick to the schedule and keep my weekend next?” “Brian, it wasn’t me who thought up this stupid idea, but you. Go to a club, play with your friends, phone Mikey but I can’t talk to you anymore. I have work to do and a client meeting in an hour. I want to get the rest of the team working on this while I’m in the meeting.” He made a kissing sound into the phone. “I love you baby – later.” He hung up before Brian could say anything else. “Is Brian giving you a hard time?” Peter said. He’d come into the busy art department part way through Justin’s conversation. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.” Justin smiled at his friend. “Did you and Armand have problems like this when you first started out?” he had to ask. The two men were an amazing team together; both of them still very much in love though it had been almost twenty years. “I have to admit, we had our moments. It wasn’t Armand who was the princess though, it was me. I was still trying to be three times the man I was, to prove that having my hands missing didn’t matter. I really don’t know how Armand put up with me. He was the Brian Kinney of our time, for all that he’s shorter than I am and kind of round.” Justin could see the love in Peter’s eyes and knew that to him Armand was as handsome as Brian. “From what everyone has told me, Brian has always been driven. He’s never had any kind of a romantic relationship. Oh he’s pretty much fucked most of gay Pittsburgh and surrounding area, but nothing romantic. He’s got some good friends back home, but Brian has never had anyone who could be his equal. I’m going to be that man or die trying.” “Take a few minutes each day for yourself though Justin. Even if it’s just a few minutes on the phone to Brian to touch base, I know it’ll keep him grounded. Someone like Brian has more insecurities than you or I will ever have. He needs the constant reassurance that he’s loved and wanted even if he doesn’t realize that himself.” “I can do that. We do talk on the phone a lot more. He insisted on having a phone installed in my apartment. It was an argument that I lost; he needs to have contact with his office and with his little boy back in the Pitts. A cell phone isn’t always the best.” “One thing about Brian, he’s an ad man through and through. I’ve notice a number of new things popping up over at your place.” “Yeah, he gives me that Brian Kinney, ‘little boy guilty’ look and I cave every damn time. Don’t ever tell him that or he’ll take right over. It’s bad enough now.” Peter reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope. “I forgot to give these to you.” Justin opened the envelope and pulled out six snapshots of Brian on his knees in front of Justin’s door installing a plastic cat door. Arawn was sitting inches from him watching every move. “That shit. He told me he had someone install it.” He looked at the pictures, his eyes growing misty. “Damn he looks good with a tool belt. He’d look awesome in the Robinson Hardware Newspaper ads.” He looked at Peter. “Thanks for taking these. I might use one as the basis for an acrylic I have to do this semester.” “They’re yours, nothing I like better than to take a picture of a sweaty, shirtless Brian Kinney on his knees.” He smiled and wiggled his eyebrows up and down. “Armand appreciated it later as well.” “You guys are old pervs” Justin joked. “Now leave me alone. I want to get this done.” He turned back to his drafting table and his storyboard. Brian, while not forgotten was relegated to the back of his mind as he concentrated on what he was doing. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Brian was tired. He’d tried to stay in LA, but finally gave up. It was bad enough doing without his blonde five days a week, but seven days was asking too much. He smiled at the white cat that must have heard his car drive in and park by the garage. The large cat pranced down the steps at the side of the garage, his tail held high, as he made his way to Brian to say hello. “Hi cat, where’s Justin?” The cat meowed and turned his back to head up the stairs where he’d been sitting on the railing around the small landing at the top of the stairs. Brian looked up. There were no lights on in the apartment. Justin wasn’t home yet. He let himself in, with Arawn close behind. The cat jumped up on the top of the refrigerator, his favorite spot. He liked nothing better than to swat at Brian’s hair whenever he came close. Brian looked in the fridge. Justin was getting as bad as he used to be. There was nothing in it to eat, not even a bottle of juice. Not wanting to go out again. Brian picked up his phone and called a specialty shop and ordered enough groceries to keep him and Justin going for two weeks. They promised delivery with two hours. That was all right with him, it would give him enough time to strip down and have a shower and then relax with the work he’d brought with him. He’d needed to do some work this weekend as well, not that he wanted to admit to Justin. He should be able to get some quality work done before the blonde came home. The groceries were delivered and Brian put them away. He decided to make something for supper even though it was already well past the time when he would even consider eating. But he knew Justin would be hungry, he always was. Working quickly and expertly he layered ripe tomatoes in the bottom of a deep square pan. He sprinkled them with oregano and Parmesan cheese he bought pre grated. A layer of lasagna noodles then a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with fresh spinach leaves that he’d chopped finely. Another layer of lasagna noodles and then a layer of chopped ripe tomato and chopped green and yellow zucchini, the final layer of noodles, thick sliced tomatoes and thickly sliced mushrooms, more oregano and a can of crushed tomatoes with a half a can of water. The pasta though fresh and dried, still needed the moisture to soften as it cooked. He added a thick layer of Parmesan, asiago, cheddar and mozzarella, sealing in all the pasta and tomatos, then popped the dish in the oven at 375, setting the timer for forty-five minutes. He cleaned up his cooking mess, set the table with Justin’s mismatched china, wishing for the hundredth time he could buy him something that at least matched. He opened a bottle of red wine to breathe and then sat with the cat on the top step of the small porch to wait for Justin. It made his heart swell with love when he spotted Justin come in the gate, his shoulder’s slumped with fatigue, only to see Brian’s car and watch the young man’s face light up the yard with his smile of pleasure when he realized Brian was there. “Hey Sunshine,” Brian said with a smile in his voice. Justin beamed up at him. He walked up the stairs smiling “A perfect ending to a perfect day, coming home to the little woman.” He teased Brian. He laughed when he saw the look that flashed across the expressive face of the Irishman. “Good thing I’m cute, or you’d smack me, right?” Justin asked as he kissed Brian’s cheek. “I may smack you anyway, now get in the apartment, I’ve made you dinner.” He looked at Justin realizing what he’d said. The two of them immediately cracked up. Arawn jumped up on the fridge, to avoid any feet stepping on him. It was also his favorite observation area. Later after Justin had eaten his dinner and persuaded Brian to have some as well, they two sat back on the small porch, Brian with his back to the door and Justin in between his legs, leaning against him. They were up high, but Brian’s strong arms around the younger man made him feel safe. It was a favorite spot for both of them to relax in the evening. Brian wasn’t sure what he liked the most. Having the blonde in his arms, or having him relax against him, with Justin’s head resting on his chest, either way he loved to bury his nose in the long blonde silk, to bend down and nuzzle his neck. And most of all he loved this time when they talked about their days from the past week, discussed problems with presentations, came up with ideas and generally shared their lives with each other. “I’m going to Pittsburgh in two weeks. I want to see Gus, it’s been so long and he changes into another whole person each time I see him.” Brian was trying to subtly persuade Justin to go with him. Hoping he’d get the hint. “Say hi to him for me, I’ve made him something in one of my classes. It’s a learning toy, I think he’ll like it. I sold the design for it to Fisher Price, so who knows, maybe someday we’ll see it for sale in Wal-Mart, but meanwhile Gus gets to play with it first.” “We’ll never be in Wal-Mart to see it.” “The Big Q?” “Never” “Brian, that’s no attitude to have. We may have to shop for bargains if I’m going to be supporting us.” “You are MY bargain. I don’t need to go anywhere else.” “Did I ever tell you that you are ridiculously romantic?” Justin all but purred. Brian had been nuzzling his neck, with the occasional small kiss thrown in. “It’s the week break between school and work when I go to Pittsburgh.” Brian started. “You haven’t been back for more than a year.” “Brian, please don’t start, we had a deal.” Justin began. “Can I at least ask a question?” “Yes” “Give me two good reasons why you can’t take a few days to go back to the Pitts with me?” “That’s easy. One I can’t afford the time or the money for the ticket. Two I want to use the few days between class and work to actually get some rest, not deal with our wonderful families. Three, how are you going to explain that we come as a pair. Four what about Arawn?” “One, that was two more than I asked for. Two, you can’t NOT afford the time; I can see those dark circles. You aren’t getting your rest and if you stay home you will start on the next client that walks in the door. I know obsession when I see it. Three, the price of the ticket isn’t that bad. There’s a seat sale on and you just told me you sold that toy. There has to be a couple of bucks for the ticket. Four, who said we come as a pair, you’re my boyfriend, significant other, whatever you want to call it until you finally get your ass in the same house as I am full time and five,” Brian let out a long drawn out sigh, “Arawn is my cat and I’ll pay for him to fly home for a visit too.” “Bob did say you could be persuasive. I’ll see Brian, but I won’t make any promises and if I do go, I can’t afford to fly first class, seat sale or not. So you either fly coach with me and Arawn or we can meet up when we get to the Pitts.” “Geeze Justin, I haven’t flown coach in so many years I don’t even remember when.” Brian started to bitch. “I didn’t say you had to Brian, I said I couldn’t afford anything else and that’s what I’m going to be flying if I go. When I can afford first class, you’ll be the first to know.” “I’m not going to win on this one am I?” Brian sighed dramatically making Justin giggle and Arawn meow. But Brian was thinking he’d already won, because he was getting Justin back to the Pitts for a visit. That in itself was an accomplishment he never thought he’d be able to pull off. “Let’s go to bed Brian. We can negotiate whatever else it is you want me to do when we get up. I’m too tired tonight.” Justin stood up and then turned to help Brian up. “Hmmm, too tired for a little loving?” Brian whispered into his neck. He listened to Justin’s response and smiled to himself. With Justin he didn’t have to pretend, he could be himself, warts and all and Justin didn’t care as long as they were together. There was a lesson here he thought. They walked into the apartment that had cooled down now that the night air had been allowed to drift in. Brian locked the door, but made sure Arawn had his cat door unlocked. He followed Justin to the bed letting the moonlight their way. Justin was sitting on the side of the bed and Brian walked over to him until he stood directly in front of him. “If I let you pretend that I was the good big tall wife who had your dinner ready, will you let me take you shopping tomorrow in San Francisco?” “You can only buy me one thing and you have to let me buy you something.” Brian rolled his eyes, “I suppose, but I get to buy you whatever I want and no arguments from you. You’ll just say thank you very much and maybe give me super extra good head at the first opportunity.” “Why do I think I’m letting myself in for something I could be pissed about?” “Justin, how can you say that? You hurt my feelings.” Brian clutched his heart and fell on the bed. “Asshole, get your clothes off and roll over like a good little wife.” Justin said to him as he was taking the last of his own clothing off. “Geeze I love you when you butch it up.” Brian replied tongue in cheek, but his clothes were off in record time and he lay on his stomach, ass in the air tingling in anticipation of what was about to happen.