Dedicated to the One I Love Part 7 """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" “Would you quit whining, you’re giving me a headache.” Justin bitched at Brian. Brian glared at him from his narrow aisle seat, only one of his long legs able to escape into the aisle where it was constantly being tripped over. Justin was comfortable in the seat by the window and Arawn was cozy after being given a dose of kitty valium and confined to his expensive carrier, on the seat between the two men. Brian was thinking mutinous thoughts, the main one being he was upgrading the tickets for the return trip and Justin could sulk all he wanted. There was no fucking way this agonizing trip was going to be repeated. Justin meanwhile was staring out the window trying to hide his smile. He was sure Brian was going to upgrade the tickets, and was surprised when he hadn’t. But he would bet good money on the fact that the three of them would be returning in the first class compartment. “You know Brian; I would think that you would be happy just to have me spending this time with you in Pittsburgh. You know I had every intention of staying away until much later.” “Tell me again why it is I put up with this shit?” Brian muttered darkly. “Because you love me.” Was the simple reply. “Fuck I knew I should have listened to my old man and steered away from love. Look where it gets you, sitting in coach.” He reached his hand out and took Justin’s and began to massage it. He’d seen Justin wince when he went to pull out a magazine from his back pack. “You’ve been using your hand too much without resting it.” He admonished Justin while he manipulated the muscles in the hand using the pressure techniques he’d learned over the last few months. They sat in silence, Brian massaging Justin’s hand and Justin enjoying the feeling he got when he let the older man take care of him. Because for all he said he wanted to be independent. Brian made him feel safe and wanted and loved and he positively wallowed in Brian’s attentive nature that wanted to spoil him. But he knew that to have a long and lasting relationship with this enigmatic man, he would have to always be the stronger of the two, or at least as much as he could. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" “Justin I have never been so embarrassed in all my life. Your cat HAD to pick now to hack up a fur ball. Don’t you brush the beast?” Brian and Justin and the cat carrier were squashed in the miniscule bathroom at the rear of the plane. There was barely room to breathe. “Arawn couldn’t help it. It’s a natural part of being a cat.” Justin was stroking the cat held in his arms. “Do you want to clean up the carrier or do you want to hold Arawn, who by the way, is your cat.” “He’s not mine now, he’s all yours.” But Brian took the cat from Justin and draped him over his shoulder scratching behind the large ears. “If you hurry up and get his house ready, maybe it won’t stain. That sucker is very expensive.” “Don’t I know it, I hear about it all the time. A plastic carry case would have been more practical and you wouldn’t keep sitting on it.” Justin wiped up the inside of the case. “I’m going to pee since I’m here anyway.” He pulled out his cock and proceeded to do just that. “No fair, now I have to.” Brian said. He handed Arawn to Justin and pissed. Both of them attempted to get at the sink at the same time to wash their hands. A lot of giggling was going on, not to mention a couple of outraged meows when Arawn was shoved unceremoniously back into his temporary home. “You know we could fuck” Justin suggested. “Good plan, they all probably figure we’re doing it anyway.” Brian agreed. He was about to pull Justin’s pants down when there was a knock at the door and the stewardess called out. “Gentlemen, only one at a time please.” Brian snickered. “Wait your turn, we’re busy.” “Shut up Brian, I can’t do it now, everyone’s probably listening.” Justin’s voice was low and he flicked the door handle on the small room causing the door to fly open and Brian, who had been leaning on it to fall out into the arms of the waiting stewardess. He glared at Justin who giggled. “Sorry ma’m, Arawn was sick and we had to clean him up.” He nodded at the rainbow tapestry case. The three retreated to their seats amid the curious stares of their fellow passengers. Arawn meowed piteously; the kitty valium was wearing off with all the excitement. The rest of the flight, all two and half hours of it was punctuated with Arawn’s cries. His Siamese ancestry became painfully obvious to everyone near Brian and Justin. They had offers of different methods to shut him up that became increasingly more violent the longer the flight took. Brian’s whole face was purple with rage. Justin was sure he was about to explode in a million pieces so he took his lover’s hand in his and said. “Why don’t you get us first class tickets for the return trip. You might be more comfortable up there.” “You think?” Brian’s voice was sarcastic. “Arawn is having a double dose of whatever the fuck the vet gave us for the return trip or he’s riding steerage. I can’t take much more of this.” “There, there dear, you’ve done very well.” Justin commiserated as he patted Brian’s hand that happened to be in his lap. “Now aren’t you happy you talked me into this? I mean you would have had a perfectly nice trip in first class, catless, maybe a glass or two of scotch. No fur balls, no fooling around in the bathroom. Just little old lonely Brian Kinney.” “Justin Taylor if you talk to me in that tone of voice again, I’ll have your balls for breakfast.” Brian said through gritted teeth. “Thank gawd, we’re descending. I’ll be out of this little piece of hell and in our loft sooner rather than later.” “I was rather hoping you would have my balls sooner than that Brian” Justin sighed dramatically “But I guess I can wait until breakfast.” “Twat” """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" “Thank gawd that’s over with” Brian said, his jaw still clenched from the last two hours of the flight. “The jeep is in the long term parking,” he added to Justin who was struggling with their baggage. “Oh for fuck sakes Justin, stop being such an independent asshole and let me help.” He put the straps of one bag over his shoulder and dragged the other larger wheeled bag behind. He had Arawn firmly in his other hand, ignoring the looks of their fellow travelers. Justin had his back pack and nothing else – well, he had a large smirk on his face. Brian’s long legs ate up the distance to the open doors where the shuttle to the long term parking was waiting. He deftly deposited the bags including Arawn and then turned to make sure Justin was seated properly. He took Justin’s back pack off of him and put it with the rest of the luggage, then sat beside his blonde, Arawn on his lap and his hand in Justin’s. He sighed, and looked at Justin who was doing his best not to crack up, even though two older women in the seats directly across from them were laughing softly. “You are such a control freak Brian, it’s scary sometime.” Justin leaned over and whispered in his ear. “Every time I wonder why I’m in Berkley, I only have to spend a day or two with you controlling my every move and I remember.” “I am not a control freak” Brian stated clearly. He looked over at the two women surprised by their snort of laughter. He glared at them and they smiled back. “Just a little bit of one Brian.” Justin said, but he added hastily. “I don’t mind, once I figured it out, you out, I just kind of work with it.” “What do you mean?” Brian was curious. “Oh nothing” Justin replied airily, then. “Did you ask Emmett to have the stuff we need for Arawn delivered to the loft?” “I’ve figured you out too Sunshine, I know you’re changing the subject, and because I’m tired and still pissed with your cat, I’m letting you get away with it.” Considering that he had one finger in the mesh window and was stroking the cat, some of his words were a tad contrary to what he was doing. Justin smiled at the two women, who nodded their understanding back at him. At the jeep, Brian unlocked it and stowed the luggage and Arawn in the back seats, but he made sure that one seat belt was threaded through the handle of the carry case. Again Justin smiled as he watched ‘big bad Brian’. He held the door open for Justin and leaned over him to do up his seat belt. Justin liked this part of driving with Brian, because he would always capture Brian’s head in his hands and ‘steal’ a quick kiss. In fact this part of any car ride had now become tradition with the two of them. Justin loved to hear the moan he could usually pull from deep within Brian, it made him hot and hard. “You are going to be sooooo fucked when we get to the loft Sunshine, you won’t be able to sit down for a week.” Brian muttered as he got into the jeep. Justin laughed and leaned over to kiss Brian’s cheek. “You are full of promises. I hope you stand behind them.” “I always keep my promises.” Brian reached over and tapped his finger on Justin’s bracelet. “Always” Content, Justin sat back and watched the familiar scenery go by as they made their way to the loft. Other than Emmett, no one knew they were arriving today. Brian had called Lindsay and told her he’d be by to see Gus early the next day, but he wanted one night of only him and Justin before facing their ‘friends’. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" The ride up in the elevator was filled with remembrance for Justin, of the last time he’d been to the loft. Of the amazing night that happened. Of Brian’s touch and kiss, and most of all, Brian making love to him. He must have had his dreamy ‘I’m thinking of Brian Kinney” look on his face because the man watching him smiled across the elevator remembering the same night. If his hands hadn’t been full, he would have pulled his blonde brat closer and ravished his full lips. Yes ravish, he smiled at the word he used in his mind. It was the perfect word for what he wanted to do to Justin. And Justin reading his lover’s mind, smiled back with a smile full of promises. The heavy metal door was pulled back and as soon as they were inside and the door locked again, Justin opened the cat carrier and let Arawn out. It was only then that he turned to Brian, he threw his arms around the strong neck and gave into his craving for the sweet lips that had been smiling at him and driving him crazy all the way up in the elevator. They hadn’t turned on the lights, preferring the romance of the city lights filtering through the windows. And they really didn’t need lights to find their way to the bedroom. Brian was afraid to move, he wanted Justin and he wanted him NOW. The horrendous trip across the continent was forgotten as Justin began to unbutton his shirt, slipping it off over his shoulders. They were so involved with each other, with the touch, the feel, the taste that they didn’t notice Arawn exploring the vast loft, enjoying himself with the spaciousness of it all. Until suddenly an earpiercing scream reverberated through the loft. Brian and Justin immediately stopped what they were doing. Justin’s eyes were wide with terror as almost forgotten memories began to race back into his mind. The screams kept coming accompanied by a thrashing and crashing from the direction of the sofa. Brian, flipped on the lights and turned, putting Justin behind him, protecting him from whatever Michael – who had obviously been sleeping on the sofa, dressed only in his underwear, now he was standing in the far corner of the room, his chest raked and bleeding, his eyes filled with horror at the large white cat crouched in front of him growling and snarling. A miniature cougar protecting his pride. “GET IT AWAY FROM ME – BRIAN, HURRY UP IT’S GOT SOMETHING IN ITS MOUTH,” Michael was beginning to panic he was so terrified. Brian, shaking his head in disgust, looked at Arawn, who sure enough appeared to have a tuft of dark curly hair in his mouth. “Shit Mikey, Arawn thinks you’ve got a rat on your chest, he’s been hunting. Good boy Arawn,” Michael looked down at the bald patch of skin in the center of his chest, where the hair had been ripped out. “That fucking cat made me bleed.” Michael was horrified. “It’s got rabies; I know it’s got rabies.” “Well if he didn’t before, taking a bite out of you probably gave him a dose.” Brian drawled. “What the fuck are you doing in our loft with your clothes off?” He turned to Justin and gave him a reassuring kiss. “Getting rid of Mikey shouldn’t take long.” He whispered. “Are you all right?” he tilted Justin’s chin up, and could feel that the younger man was still trembling. Without another thought, Brian gathered him close in his arms, holding him tight, placing soft reassuring kisses on the top of his head. His body screened Justin from the prying eyes of Michael and he could feel Justin’s heart begin to slow to an acceptable level. They stood like that for a few moments, ignoring Michael’s whimpers and Arawn’s growls. “I’ll get Arawn Brian, if you can get rid of the damn big rat that he caught.” Justin smiled up at Brian, only a hint of a tremble in his voice. “I heard that Justin Taylor, what the fuck are you doing here in Brian’s loft?” Michael yelled from his corner. Justin looked at him as he walked toward the cat. “I might ask you the same question Michael.” He looked at Arawn, “Up Arawn, now.” The cat with one baleful look at Michael spit out what he had in his mouth, then scratched on the hardwood, trying to cover it up, like cats are want to do. He turned his back on Michael and flicking his tail he leapt gracefully to Justin’s shoulder, letting himself hang over, his front paws down Justin’s back. Justin stroked the soft plush fur, smoothing it back into place as Arawn had managed to puff himself up to twice his size. “Michael, I know that you and I aren’t as close as you and Brian, but I think sneaking in our loft and hanging out in your underwear is taking your friendship to a new level. A level I’m not entirely happy with. “It’s Brian’s loft and he’s my best friend.” Michael began. Brian, pinching the bridge of his nose, a sure sign he was getting either pissed or a headache, or both, looked at Michael. “Mikey, you and I have been friends since we were fourteen, but Justin’s right, this is going too far.” Brian looked at his old friend. “This is Justin’s loft as well as mine. We’re a couple. A couple of what, we have no idea. But nevertheless, what I have is his and what he has is mine.” Brian heard Justin snort at that remark. He cocked one eye at the blonde and Justin, hiding his smirk in Arawn’s fur, turned and headed for the bedroom. “Brian, he’s a kid.” Michael was putting his clothes on, something Brian was thankful for. “Justin is a man Michael, a young one, but a man.” Brian sighed, he went to the fridge, pleased to see that there was bottled water inside. While he was in the kitchen, he found a bowl for Arawn’s water and dried cat food. He placed the two bowls side by side on a place mat in the center of the island. Arawn would find them, of that he was sure. “Geeze Brian, you put bottled water in the bowl for the damn cat.” He looked puzzled “Why do you have a cat with you?” His eyes widened. “He made you bring his cat?” “Actually Mikey, Arawn is my cat that I share with Justin. It’s an arrangement that seems to work for the both of us.” Brian looked around and found the covered kitty litter pan that he’d had delivered. He checked that it had the right litter. Arawn was partial to the scented scoopable kind that was virtually dust free. “I’m getting quite domesticated, who would ever thought that possible?” “Certainly not every queer on Liberty Avenue.” Justin piped up from the bedroom. “Play nice little man.” Brian teased. “Now Mikey, to get back to the first part of this little unexpected drama moment,. WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING IN OUR LOFT?” “I was waiting for you. Emmett said you had asked him to do a couple of things for him because you were coming for a visit. So I made him give me the key and figured I’d wait for you.” “It didn’t occur to you that if I’d wanted you to have a key and the alarm code since it’s been changed, that I would've given it to you in the first place?” “I figured you forgot. We are best friends.” “Yes Mikey, but oddly enough, we are now in our thirties, what we had at fourteen isn’t quite the same as where we are now in our lives. I have Justin in my life now. I want him to stay there for a long, long time. You have different men in your life, Dr. Dave and now this Ben fellow. We move on. Justin and I don’t want half of Pittsburgh to have free run of the loft. Those days are over.” Arawn walked out of the bedroom and wound his way through and around Brian’s legs. Brian patted his shoulder and gave the cat a look that Arawn seemed to understand. He sprang up onto Brian’s shoulder and settled in, purring loudly. “We have our own budgie now, who thinks he’s a cat.” Michael had been listening and watching Brian, his mouth partially open from astonishment. Brian was calm and he seemed almost happy. He had a cat for fuck sake. He had, he had Justin, the babysitter, the kid who used to work for his mother in the diner. Michael’s hopes and dreams began to crumble as he looked at the man he’d always loved, standing patiently in the center of the room, a cat on his shoulder, not caring if his shirt became covered in cat fur and he shook his head as if trying to remove what he was seeing, what he was hearing, from his brain. He slowly began to make his way to the door. Brian held out his hand and Michael took the key from his pocket and gave it to him, his eyes were bright with unshed tears. Brian, knowing how hard this was on his friend, put his hand on Michael’s shoulder and said, “Even Peter Pan had to grow up sometime Mikey, it just took me longer than most. Justin is good for me. He makes me think, to smile, to laugh, and he’s taught me how to love. We’re good together. He’s my best friend Mikey; he’s my partner in every way. But you’ll always be my oldest friend Mikey, my best friend from childhood. Nothing can change that. It’s just time to move on.” Brian leaned over and kissed Michael on the forehead. “Tell the gang Justin and I will meet them all for lunch at the diner. We’ll be spending some time with Gus this week. I want Justin to relax. He’s had a grueling year with work and school; he works longer hours than me even. We’ll spend a little time with everyone, we have six days. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" “Hey Gus, you’ve gotten so big.” Justin bent down so he was the same level as Gus, who hid behind Lindsay’s leg and peeked out shyly at Justin. He smiled at the little boy and Gus smiled back. Neither of them were paying any attention to Brian and Lindsay who were talking up above them. Justin held out his arms and Gus walked toward him, steady on his feet considering his age. He threw himself forward on the last step and Justin swooped him up, raising him high in the air much to the little boy's delight. Brian and Lindsay looked on “Sunshine wins over another Kinney” Lindsay observed. “Gus is going through a stage where he refuses to go with anyone different. I guess he has a different set of rules when it comes to Justin.” “All the Kinney men have a different set of rules when it comes to Justin.” Brian’s voice was rye as he thought back to all of his rules of conduct he’d lived his life by for so many years. How they were all dropped, when he looked at the blonde for the first time in that hospital bed a thousand years ago. “He has this way of looking at you, his eyes so full of love and expectation, that there is no way you could ever disappoint him.” Brian said more to himself than to Lindsay, though she did hear him and smiled at her old friend who was in love for the first time in his life. Justin had taken Gus over to the sofa where the two sat side by side while Justin read a small padded book with him. He had Gus pointing out the different colors and shapes, telling him little stories with each that was making the two of them laugh and giggle. “He’d make a wonderful father.” Melanie said as she came into the room. “Or mother” Brian said with a smirk. “Asshole” Melanie’s response was automatic though she smiled at Brian and he smiled back. “We have our child, his name is Arawn, you’ll have to bring Gus over to the loft and see him before we leave.” “Can’t you bring him here? We can have a backyard party. Invite the family, you can introduce Arawn to everyone.” “I don’t think he’d like the crowds.” Brian started. “Sure he would” Justin piped up. “He loves it when Peter and Armand have people over. He likes the attention. You can tell he’s all yours that way.” “Justin.” Brian warned. “If we come here for a party Brian, then we don’t have to individually visit everyone.” Justin wiggled his eyebrows. “Think of the possibilities of what we can do with all that free time.” “Geeze Justin.” Melanie said. “You’re just as bad as Brian. Is that all you guys ever do?” “We don’t see each other all week. Of course that’s what we do when we’re together.” Justin reasoned. “I have to keep my man satisfied enough to last until the next time we’re together.” He looked at Lindsay “Of course it helps that I’m now competing for the same clients and he hates to lose, so he works harder to keep up to my younger, more full of energy self. He doesn’t have time to go to the clubs during the week.” “You’ll have a few years to go Sunshine before you can take any of my prospects away from me.” “What about Sunny Peanut Butter?” “That was a fluke Justin, don’t get cocky.” Brian was still pissed about that one. It was because of that, they no longer discussed any clients. He was sure he’d inadvertently given Justin the edge he’d needed to win that client over. “It was because I understand peanut butter. I lived on it for months.” Justin said, but he let it drop and changed the subject on the old, but still volatile argument. “Can we bring something to the party?” Justin asked. “Just you and Brian and Arawn.” Lindsay said. “I’m not bringing my cat to the party.” Brian began. “He’s allergic to shrimp; Emmett always brings that damn shrimp salad. He’s going to kill us all one of these days.” “I’ll tell him no shrimp.” Melanie promised. “After everything Justin has told us about you and your cat, the whole family wants to meet him.” “Justin” Brian glared at him. “I only told Emmett and Lindsay.” Justin smiled at Brian. He leaned over and kissed Gus, who stood on the sofa and put his arms around Justin. Brian was undone watching the two of them. “We’ll bring him.” """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" 2 Years in the Future “Brian, I completely understand. You have to stay and see if you can work this through.” Justin was talking to Brian as he completed the final touches for his latest campaign. “Cynthia can operate the LA branch right now, but fuck Justin; I can’t believe this is happening.” Brian ran his fingers through his thick auburn hair. The financial reports for the agency spread around him on the desk “What the fuck was going through Marty’s head when he let these bastards go for more than a year without paying. That was more than eight million in billings. Not one fucking cent was paid. I have a payroll to meet here, accounting tells me we don’t even have enough left of our credit line to pay the fixed expenses. Justin he didn’t pay the damn hydro bill, for Christ sake, for more than two months. The fucking lights were off this morning. I had to pay it out of my own pocket, not to mention the deposit the hydro company wanted to even let us go thirty days.” If ever he felt like crying, it was now. “Justin, I can’t do it. I have to pay the employees. These people are depending on their paychecks.” Justin wasn’t sure, but it sounded like Brian gave a smothered sob. “What am I going to do?” “You are going to put your best black Armani on and go to the memorial service for Marty. I’ll make an appointment for you with the bank. You can see if you can get an increase on the overdraft, enough to pay the staff for two months. Put up the LA offices as collateral. At least they were kept separate. Then contact the receivers of the three companies that owe the most and arrange for a partial payment.” “You make it sound so easy.” Brian said, though he felt a little better talking to Justin. “You’ve said it to me before Brian, it’s all about presentation. You can’t let anyone know the shape that Ryder Advertising is in.” “I’m afraid the word is out on the street now Justin. My assistant just called, two more companies have pulled their business.” “Then that gives you more time to concentrate on the ones who are staying.” Justin finished what he had been doing and began to tidy up his work area. He was going to go and help Brian, it was the only thing he could do. “Brian, I’m flying to the Pitts tonight. I’ll see you at the loft.” He was checking the flights on the computer screen in front of him. “I’ll see you at ten.” “Justin, stay there, you don’t need this shit.” Brian’s voice was discouraged, but the thought of seeing Justin made the day a bit better. “Do you think for one minute I’d be able to concentrate on anything, knowing you were dealing with everything on your own?” Justin said. “Brian, we’re a team, even if one of us is a slow learner.” Justin could hear the small smile in Brian’s voice. He was always teasing the older man about how much their relationship had progressed, even with Brian fighting it all the way. The past almost four years since they met had gone by so quickly. They’d had their ups and downs, but they had always survived each glitch in their time together, getting stronger as time went by. “Finish your week baby, come on the weekend. I’ll last that long without you, I’m sure.” Brian smiled to himself. “Thank you Justin.” “For what?” “For being you. Later” he hung up the phone, revitalized and ready to face the wolves who were standing at the door waiting to take down Ryder Agency. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" It was Friday night and the large jetliner was descending to the Pittsburgh airport. Justin sat by the window watching the lights appear, Arawn in his latest designer cat carrier on the seat beside him. He hadn’t heard from Brian since Wednesday and he was beginning to worry. He’d tried calling Cynthia, but he wasn’t able to get through to her either. Brian wasn’t at the airport to meet him and that told Justin more than anything else could have. Something had happened and it wasn’t good. He had the taxi take him past the Ryder building. A large sign posted in the door way didn’t need to be read. The company had gone into receivership. The ride to the loft was endless. He ran up the stairs with Arawn who didn’t protest the indignity of the bouncing trip. The door to the loft was ajar, the lights were off and Justin could smell the tang of spilled whiskey. He entered the large room, not really sure what he’d find, carefully closing the door behind him. The strains of Dedication Danny’s theme song played in the bedroom, the sound muted by the distance and the closed windows. Justin released Arawn and began to make his way to where he knew Brian had to be. He could hear the DJ’s voice. “Justin wants his Mystery Man to know that this song is being dedicated from his heart. So wherever you are out there Let Me Be Your Hero, sung by Enrique Iglesias, goes to you Mystery Man. Would you dance If I asked you to dance Would you run and Never look back. Brian, who was sitting on the floor of the bathroom, by the toilet, heard the words that Justin had dedicated to him. It was their own special way of letting each other know what they couldn’t say for one reason or another. He listened to the words and the tears of guilt and frustration that couldn't fall before began. Would you cry If you saw me crying Would you save my soul tonight. Justin walked in, his own face wet with tears at what had happened to Brian’s company that he’d worked so hard for. Would you tremble If I touched your lips Would you laugh Oh please tell me this Now would you die For the one you love Hold me in your arms tonight. Justin knelt on the floor beside Brian and pulled him close to him, kissing the top of his head, letting his presence offer what comfort he could. I can be your hero baby I can kiss away the pain I will stand by you forever You can take my breath away “It’s bad Justin, I’ve lost everything. I sold it all to make payroll for both branches.” Brian began. That you’ll always be mine Would you lie Would you remember My Would you swear angel be have I lost my mind I don’t care, you’re here tonight. “You haven’t lost everything Brian.” Justin’s words were lost in a kiss. Brian held on to him like a drowning man would a life preserver. I can be your hero baby I can kiss away the pain I will stand by you forever You can take my breath away Justin stood up and helped Brian to his feet. Together they removed each other’s clothing and then Justin helped him into the shower. Ohhhh, I just wanna hold you, I just wanna hold you, Oh yeah, My angel be have I lost my mind I don’t care you’re here tonight. I can be your hero baby I can kiss away the pain I will stand by you forever You can take my breath away. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Sunday Evening “Justin, in an ideal world the three of us could stay in here forever, you and I and Arawn.” Brian was laying full length on the sofa, his head on Justin’s lap and Arawn on his belly. Justin was stroking Brian’s hair while they talked and Brian was stroking Arawn, all of them felt like purring, only Arawn was indulging himself. “We would all snap sooner rather than later.” Justin replied always practical, though it would be nice not to have to face reality. “I’m not looking forward to going into Ryder Agency and deal with those receivers. They wouldn’t even listen when I told them Marty was heavily insured and the insurance was payable to the company. For that matter, I’m insured as well. “Yes, well don’t be stepping in front of a bus anytime soon. Arawn is a sensitive cat and he would hate to be part of the funeral sacrifice when I plant you.” “You mean you wouldn’t throw yourself on the funeral pyre like any good wife should?” “I’d cry on my way to Babylon.” Justin offered and received a slap for his trouble. “I would hope so.” Brian agreed. “Seriously though, I know the insurance company is going to kick up a stink. I mean really, getting hit by a train is so cliché. It’s going to be a bitch trying to prove it was accidental.” “How much money are we talking here Brian?” “Ten million – it would be the end of the company’s financial problems with enough left over to revamp the offices.” The two of them were sitting in silence digesting this information when the phone rang. No one made a move. There had been dozens of phone calls all weekend, but Brian and Justin felt that they needed the two days to regroup. The next week was going to be a bitch. They listened to the answering machine “Name and number please, we’ll get back to you.” “This message is for Mr. Kinney. Garth Campbell from First National here, I know it’s a Sunday but I’d appreciate a call before Monday morning, there has been an unusual development regarding our putting receivers in place at Ryder Advertising on Friday.” He paused. “My home number is 555-9234; I’ll be available to take your call up until ten tonight.” Brian looked up at Justin. “Now what can that be all about?” “Phone him and find out.” “I’d have to move and I have a cat on me. You know the rule, no moving if the cat is sleeping on you.” “That’s my rule, not yours. You can move.” “Why are all the good rules yours?” Brian questioned and not for the first time. “That’s another rule; all the good rules are mine.” Justin laughed and bent down to kiss him. “Twat” Brian said conversationally. But he sat up. Arawn jumped to the floor and flicked his tail in disgust at being so unceremoniously dumped off of his favorite nap spot. Brian picked up the phone and dialed the bank president’s home phone number. “Mr. Campbell, Brian Kinney returning your phone call.” “Yes, Mr. Kinney, I would like to meet with you tonight, are you free in an hour?” “I’m free all evening, but I’m not going anywhere. If you want to meet you can come to my loft.” Brian smirked at Justin who shook his head at Brian’s arrogance. “I’ll be there within the hour Mr. Kinney.” Brian hung up the phone and turned to Justin. “I suppose we should put on some clothes?” “I like you the way you are, but I don’t need some bank guy seeing the goods. Put your pants on at least.” Justin teased as he walked past to get dressed. The forty five minutes before Garth Campbell arrived went quickly. Brian always up for the challenge of seducing Justin in record time had succeeded once again and well within the allotted time. A knock on the large metal doors had them both puzzled. How did the man get in. Brian went over to open the door and Gus ran in. “Daddy, Jus, mommy said I could come and visit Arawn while she’s busy. Brian swooped Gus up in the air and ‘flew’ him over to Justin who grabbed the little boy. “Mommy should always phone Arawn first. He might be busy.” Brian said to Lindsay. “Maybe mommy tried and Arawn was being too big of an asshole to pick up.” Lindsay began. “Mommy, Arawn doesn’t like you saying that word.” Gus now had the heavy cat in his arms, the bottom of the cat dragging on the ground as he ‘carried’ him over to the door. “Daddy, the big door at the bottom is open. How come it’s open? I think all the bad guys are going to get into the ‘partment.” “It’s a loft, and I … Brian stopped talking. The elevator had come to a stop and a well dressed man stepped out. He looked at Gus. “Hi, are you Brian Kinney?” Gus giggled. “Brian Kinney is my daddy” he looked at Brian. “Right daddy?” “That’s what they tell me Sonny Boy.” Brian said. “My mommy is Lindsay Peterson Marcus” Gus proudly announced. “Your wife decided to keep her maiden name Mr. Kinney?” the bank president asked. “My wife’s name is Justin Taylor.” Brian pulled Justin forward. “Though until we tie the knot we’re living common-law. Isn’t that right dear?” Brian said tongue in cheek. “Justin, this is Garth Campbell. Garth this is my partner Justin Taylor, my friend Lindsay Peterson-Marcus and our son Gus, the cat with the resigned look on his face is Emperor Arawn Finn. Gus feels he should come over periodically and torture the poor thing whenever Arawn comes to visit. The tall bank president didn’t bat an eye over the unorthodox little group. Instead he said. “May I come in; there are a few things I’d like to discuss with you.” “By all means, Lindsay, don’t stay away too long, Gus can’t sleep over tonight.” Brian closed the door on Lindsay as he invited Garth Campbell inside. “Gus, take Arawn over to his toy box and find something for him to play with.” Justin looked at him with raised eyebrows. “I’ll be the good little wife and get the drinks will I?” he asked somewhat bitchy. “No you can entertain Mr. Campbell, I’ll get the drinks.” Brian kissed Justin’s cheek and headed for the kitchen. When Brian delivered everyone’s requested drinks, he took his seat in the living area beside Justin on the sofa. “I’ll get right to the point Mr. Kinney. After you left Friday morning, the office was in somewhat of a shambles. I know it’s customary for receivers to go in and take immediate stock of what is happening with little or no warning. It’s unfortunate that the company we hired were quite so heavy handed. What I’m about to tell you was relayed to me by Bob Williams, the head of your Human Resources Department. He called a meeting of all department heads and conference called it to the LA branch in the board room, in order to make everyone aware that you had personally covered their payroll. By two in the afternoon, everyone in the company was aware of what you had done. By five, a delegation headed by Mr. Williams was in my office of the First National with this proposal. It seems you are well liked in both offices Mr. Kinney. In fact I’ve never seen this kind of loyalty given to someone in your position. One hundred percent of the staff returned half of their pay to be deposited to your account. They have all agreed to work at half pay until this mess is resolved, with the agreement that you will reinstate their wages retroactively as time and money permits. I was also informed of the large Insurance policy on Mr. Ryder and Bob Williams had been able to get a mechanics report certifying that Mr. Ryder’s brakes failed, so his death has now been ruled accidental. Mrs. Ryder’s lawyers have agreed to a payout for his share of the company to go to his estate once the Insurance has been paid. They will wait until that time.” “If that wasn’t enough to convince my board to reconsider having receivers take over the company, the next part floored me. Mr. Williams gave me a copy of your client list. Everyone on the list said they will leave Ryder Advertising in favor of any other firm rather than work with someone else. It’s either you at the helm of the ship or no one as far as your clients are concerned. I congratulate you sir. You run a tight ship; I can see this problem that came up wouldn’t have happened had you been the one in charge. Your staff respects you and they all seem quite fond of you. I’ve informed the receiver’s that their contract has been terminated.” He stood up. “So it’s business as usual, then Mr. Kinney. No hard feelings I hope. I had to do what was necessary to protect the banks interests.” Brian was stunned. He sat on the sofa and couldn’t move. He’d never expected anything like this at all. Justin stood and led Garth Campbell to the door. “I’m glad you came over Mr. Campbell. Brian will be in touch with your bank early in the week to make the necessary changes in the signing authorities. We’ll keep you informed of anything major that comes up.” He opened the door and tried not to slam it behind the bank president. Gus walked over to Justin and tugged on his sleeve. “Jus, Jus,” he whispered loudly. “Daddy’s crying, did that man do something to him?” “Don’t worry about daddy Gus, those are happy tears. Your daddy didn’t know everyone loved him.” “He didn’t? That’s stupid. Everybody loves my daddy. Grandma Deb, Uncle Mikey, Ben, Auntie Em, Teddy, Grandpa Vic, Arawn, Jus, Mommy, Momma “ he was counting them off on his hands. “Everybody in Gus’ world loves my daddy.” “Maybe we should let him know more often. I think he forgets.” Justin hugged the little boy. “OK, I’ll give him kisses too.” Gus was happy now. He went over to Brian, who had his head in his hands. He pushed away his hands and bent over to look up at Brian. “Don’t cry daddy. Everybody in Gus’ world loves you more than a whole bunch, more than a teddy bear, more than” he whispered. “More than Arawn and he even drools on you.” He kissed his father’s cheek. “Gus kisses will make it all better.” Brian folded his son in his arms, trying to stop his tears. He didn’t want to frighten the little boy. Justin came and leaned over the sofa behind him. He turned Brian’s tear stained face to his and wiped the tears away with his thumbs then kissed the last of them away. “Gus and I love you Brian Kinney.” “We do daddy, you are the bestest daddy ever.” Gus agreed with Justin. “Can I have pizza, can we call the man who brings it, can I have pineapple on mine?” Brian and Justin both laughed at Gus who looked up at them puzzled. “You put it all in perspective for your old dad Sonny Boy.” Brian said, and he kissed him on the forehead. “I think Arawn’s hiding in the bathroom, why don’t you see if you can find him.” “Arawn, Arawn” Gus called as he ran toward the bathroom. “Arawn’s on top of the fridge.” Justin said. “I know, but this will give Gus something to do while I tell you how much your support means to me.” """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" The lights were off in the big loft. The moonlight filtered in through the windows. The cat was curled up in his basket on top of the refrigerator. Soft music drifted down and around the shadowed room, filling the spaces that were left between the quiet whispers of words of love. Whenever I’m alone with You, you make me feel like I am home again Whenever I’m alone with you You make me feel like I am whole again, Brian let his fingers trace the contours of Justin’s face, as he gazed upon it with awe. “I love you” he whispered. Whenever I’m alone with you You make me feel like I am young again Whenever I’m alone with you You make me feel like I am fun again Justin’s hand combed through the auburn silk, as always mesmerized by the tactile wonder of it. However far away I will always love you However long I stay I will always love you What ever words I say you know I will always love you I will always love you Melting together in an embrace they once again began to consummate the love they felt for each other, heedless of the hour, lost inside the amazement of their feelings. When ever I’m alone with you You make me feel like I am free again Whenever I’m alone with you You make me feel like I am clean again However far away I will always love you However long I stay I will always love you What ever words I say you know I will always love you I will always love you