Texas Nights - 4 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Uncle Vic, can I talk to Brian?” Michael sounded nervous and Vic could understand why. He’d seen the look on Brian’s face and he’d heard Brian’s side of the very short conversation. “Sorry, Michael, but Brian has gone into town with Jai.” “Uncle Vic is Brian really mad at me?” “I think disappointed is more what he’s feeling. You know Brian, he can’t interpret his own feelings all that well.” “I really messed up big time Uncle Vic. It’s just that I was in the diner and Kiki brought the papers in and there’s Brian in bed with this blond looking very cozy and it says that they’re partners. What’s really happened Uncle Vic? Brian’s only been gone a week and I know he was in meetings for most of that week.” “It’s really Brian’s story to tell Michael, but this much I know. I brought Brian to my place to spend a few days of his vacation and he ended up meeting Jai the first night – the circumstance wasn’t usual and Brian went into protective mode. You know how he does. I’m not sure what went on between the two of them, but I do know that they are both insisting that it’s love.” “What does Brian know about love?” Michael said bitterly. “Michael, what does anyone know.” Vic’s voice was gentle. “Just know this, I haven’t seen Brian for a lot of years, but both Deb and you have talked about him. And I remember the boy I knew years ago. He’s happy Michael, well and truly happy. He isn’t drinking and he isn’t doing drugs. He’s content to sit and watch Jai and they talk. They talk for hours.” “What do they talk about?” Michael felt a pang of jealousy; Brian had only ever talked about his life to him. “About their lives before they met. About their childhoods, about all the hundred and one things people talk about in new relationships.” Vic’s voice became quiet. “Michael, you have to let him go. Be happy for him.” “It’s hard Uncle Vic, I always thought that once he got to the point of settling down, that he’d be with me.” “Life’s realities are tough some times Michael.” “Tell Brian I called.” Michael said and he hung up. He sat on the sofa in his living room, the curtains closed against the evening skies and thought about his life as Brian’s friend. Michael was about to get up and leave the apartment when the phone rang. “Hello” “Is this Michael?” a woman’s voice asked. “Yes.” “It’s Cynthia, Brian’s assistant. Michael, I know you have a key to the loft. Would it be possible for you to meet me there? I need to get his summer tux and have it shipped to the hotel in Victoria and I’ve misplaced the key he kept here in the office.” “Sure” Michael said. “I can meet you there tonight.” “That would be great. I don’t want to take a chance that the tux will be late arriving. You know Brian and how fussy he is. I can’t picture him in a rented one.” She laughed. Michael chuckled about that as well. “You’ve got that right. Mr. Label Queen would have a fit. Is it for his wedding?” Michael was fishing for information. “I really can’t discuss it Michael, I’m sorry, but Brian asked me to not to.” “That’s alright, I understand.” Michael said, the disappointment showing in his voice as he hung up the phone. “Hey did I hear you say that Brian was really getting married?” Emmett asked. He’d walked in the apartment when Michael was talking to Cynthia. “Cynthia wouldn’t say, but I bet that’s why he needs his summer tux.” Michael said. “She’s having it shipped to a hotel in Victoria, but Victoria where?” “Well, there are a number of Victoria’s but I would guess that it must be in Canada, because queers getting married is legal there. So it’s probably Victoria, British Columbia.” Emmett sat down beside Michael. “It’s a shame Brian will be getting married without his friends being there. You have to admit, it’s something we’d all pay to see.” “That’s for sure.” Michael said with a huff of a laugh. “But we don’t know where or even when.” “Well” said Emmett as he got up and walked over to the computer. “I bet I can find out where and once we know the where, the when is easy.” He looked at Michael. “After all I am a professional party planner. I should be able to track down a possible party.” He worked the keyboard of the computer. “I just bet that they are going to be staying at the Empress Hotel. It’s magnificent and right on the harbor. It says here that they have old-fashioned English tea served daily. Can’t you just see Brian and Jai Tee doing this?” “I don’t know about Jai Tee, but I can’t picture Brian having ‘tea’ anywhere.” Michael was sure that Emmett was off on one his tangents. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Brian I feel silly riding back here with you driving.” Justin was all alone in the back of the limo, his bad foot on the seat and his back against the door. “Jai, you wanted to go the lawyer and your doctor said bed rest. This is the best we can do.” Brian laughed. “Though I wish I had a uniform and cap to wear. We could tell the tabloids that you’re marrying your chauffer.” Justin rolled his eyes. “Just what I need, another rumor started.” He looked at Brian, catching his eye in the rear view mirror. “I could be persuaded to play ‘master and chauffer’. The master has to have his ‘way’ with the chauffer’ fucking him senseless until he begs for mercy.” “Luckily for the chauffer, the master is only operating with one foot. Therefore the chauffer can take advantage of the master and he does and he will.” Brian gave an evil laugh and Justin giggled. “Tell me about our wedding again.” Justin begged and Brian thought he sounded like Gus asking for his favorite story before bed. The thought made him smile. Unable to resist the request Brian began. “We can’t leave until next week because your doctor wants you to have a week of solid bed rest – which by the way you are not being good about. But when you are cleared for take off, we will travel by Liberty Air charter to Victoria British Columbia. It would have been Vancouver, but Cynthia found a romantic hotel that I know you are going to love. It’s called the Empress and it’s at least a hundred years old and huge. It’s fully restored and has amazing restaurants and shops in it and if you’re a good little boy, we can have afternoon tea just like out of an old English novel.” “What else” “We’ll be married at Butchart Gardens – remind me to pack your allergy medication. There is a special gazebo where they perform weddings. Cynthia has it all arranged; we just have to show up. We can tour the gardens for a while and then it’s back to the Empress for an elegant wedding dinner.” “I wish we could go dancing too.” “We’ll save that for when you’re mobile.” “We could have another wedding.” “Jai, one wedding for Brian Kinney is one more than he ever thought he’d have so don’t push it.” “Just kidding.” And Justin poked his tongue out at Brian who saw him and shook his head. Just like Gus he thought. For some reason the ride into town seemed to take no time at all. Brian was sure that he’d out talked himself but every time there was silence, he’d think of something else to say until finally they reached the city. “Brian, can we stop at Burger King? I’m hungry.” “No, we’ll be late for your lawyer.” Brian sounded gruff, but seeing the disappointment cross Justin’s face he relented. “I’ll take you somewhere nice for dinner. It’ll be our first date.” Justin’s face lit up with pleasure. “I should have worn something dressier.” Brian pulled into a parking space near the lawyer’s office before turning around to look at Justin. “You look good enough to eat. Like a vanilla ice cream cone.” Justin giggled. He was wearing cream colored linen baggy trousers and a white Indian cotton shirt. His blond hair was bleached almost white from the sun and his usually pale skin was sun kissed with enough color to contrast with the hue of his clothing. “You give the strangest compliments.” Brian gave him his patented tongue in cheek smirk before getting out of the car and preparing the wheel chair for Justin. By now they had developed a technique that included firm touches and gentle kisses for settling Jai into the chair earning the two of them not a few odd looks from passerby’s. Brian pushed Justin through the large glass doors of the law office. “Brian Kinney and Jai Tee to see Mr. Barrett.” Brian said. “Mr. Barrett will see Jai Tee now sir. If you’d like to take a seat, a clerk will be out shortly to attend to you.” “Perhaps you didn’t hear Brian.” Jai said. “Brian Kinney AND Jai Tee are here to see Mr. Barrett.” “Yes sir, Mr. Tee, but Mr. Barrett said .. “ the receptionist looked flustered. “You tell Mr. Barrett to have my affairs ready to move to another law firm by nine o’clock tomorrow morning. I’ll call and let you know where everything is to be transferred to.” Justin turned to Brian. “Let’s go Brian; we have a few other lawyers to call on.” “Jai Tee, come in, come in.” A portly man in his fifties walked down the hall heading toward Brian and Justin. “I was under the impression Barrett that you were aware of my requirements. I thought I made it clear yesterday. Brian and I have both given you some business to attend to and yet I find that for reasons that aren’t clear, you want to separate the two of us.” “Jai, look down the hall, I think we’ve found the reason now.” Brian said in a low voice. Craig Taylor stood just inside the door to an office down the hall. He thought he was hidden from their view, but the reflecting qualities of a glass door proved otherwise. Justin turned pale and then crimson with rage. Before he could say anything Brian stepped up to the now quaking lawyer. “I wonder what the legal profession rules are regarding this.” His voice was deadly calm, his demeanor intimidating as he stood tall and straight. “I guess Jai and I will be finding out. Have you at least prepared everything as Jai requested for his signature and has my lawyer’s package arrived for my signature?” “Yes” the man’s voice shook. “Find one of the other lawyers in this firm to see us. We want things signed now.” “But “You have less then 10 seconds before I kick your ass, I’d advise you to use them wisely.” Brian paused. “While Jai and I are signing what needs to be signed, see to it that every piece of paper pertaining to Jai Tee’s legal affairs and investments are brought to us. We’ll be taking them when we leave. Have your final bill prepared at the same time. This is a one shot deal. Because we won’t be back” The lawyer scurried away and soon was replaced with a rather puzzled young woman. “Hi, I’m Jane Alexander, I understand that you need some documents signed and witnessed.” “Yes, thank you.” Brian said. “Lead the way, Jai Tee and I’ll follow.” The young woman started down the hall. Brian leaned over and said to Jai. “Just how much money are we talking here? Everyone seems pretty antsy to keep my Irish mitts off of it.” “I don’t know. I never really pay much attention to all the details. Barrett always did it.” “Do you mind if I give a friend of mine a call and maybe have him come down here to audit your affairs and set things in order. He can set you up with a good investment person here in San Antonio or you can use him. His name’s Ted Schmidt, I use him and he’s pretty good, a bit creepy, but a good guy to handle your money.” “Call him please. I was just threatening to take everything away from Barrett; he’s been doing my legal stuff for six years now. My father recommended him.” “Well daddy can keep him. We’ll find someone we both can trust.” “What about your lawyer?” “That’s one of Gus’ moms. Melanie Markus. She can’t stand me, but she’s a good lawyer.” “Well, if the Kinney charm doesn’t work on her, she must be trustworthy.” Justin smiled and raised his eyebrows at Brian who returned the look before pushing the chair through the boardroom door. “We can call her tomorrow and ask her.” Brian said. “She’ll probably like you better anyway.” “Mr. Kinney, Jai Tee,” Jane Alexander began. The next half hour was spent reviewing the papers and signing everything. By the time they were done a young man came in with a box filled with documents and books along with an inventory list. Another hour was taken up reviewing each item and checking it off of the inventory. Brian questioned a few of the items and Justin was surprised that each time there was scurrying around and yet more papers were found and brought in to add to the now overfilled box. “How do you know all this stuff?” Jai whispered to Brian when they were left alone while more paper work was located. “I’ve got a sixth sense when someone is trying to pull a fast one. It’s what had taken me this far in business.” Brian stroked Justin’s arm. “You don’t mind that I’ve taken over do you? I don’t want you to think I’m not confident in your judgment.” “Hell, I’m not confident in it. Why should you be.” Justin sighed. “I’m an artist and I was an honor student but even though I grasp the complexities of this, I’ve just never been interested. I know it’s a bad way to be, but the color of a sunset or a handsome lover’s naked body.” He smiled for Brian, “has always been much more interesting than a ledger and financial figures.” “Much as I like the compliment, I think you need to be aware of your financial affairs Jai.” Brian began. “You look after it Brian. Please.” Justin batted his eyes at Brian who shook his head. “We’ll get Melanie and Ted to sort through everything and make it easy for you to understand.” He leaned over and kissed Justin. “Be good or I’ll hide your pencils.” “You are a mean nurse.” Justin joked. The air was heavy and strained as Brian carried the box finally to the trunk of the limo. He hurried as fast as he could. He didn’t want Jai to be left to the mercy of the sharks in the air conditioned offices he’d just left. But he wasn’t surprised to find Craig Taylor standing over his son hurling angry words at him. Brian walked into the room and roughly pushed Craig away from Justin. “Mr. Taylor, I won’t say that it’s nice meeting you again.” Brian seethed with anger when he saw Justin’s tear filled blue eyes. A folder lay on the floor at the foot of the wheel chair. Brian bent down and picked it up. His own name leapt off of the pages. He pulled up one of the chairs beside Justin and opened the folder laying it out on Justin’s lap. “Your father has gone to some trouble to find out about my background Jai. Let’s read this together. Have a seat Mr. Taylor; though I suppose you’ve already had the pleasure of discovering my history. Did you dig up any skeletons?” Justin looked sad and upset but he sat silently in the wheel chair unable to escape. He could see the tenseness in Brian’s shoulders and the slight tremor of his hand as he opened the file folder. Justin let one hand reach over and begin rubbing small circles of comfort on Brian’s back as Brian, page by page went through the investigators report. His words were only so much white noise to Justin who was more concerned for the state of mind of his lover. He knew that of any one in the world, Brian Kinney was probably the most trustworthy man he’d find. He didn’t need to hear anything negative that was taken out of context in Brian’s past life. Brian was surprised at the detail the investigator had managed to uncover in such a short time. He read aloud some of the more interesting parts of his life but all he could feel was Justin’s warm hand on his back telling him that it didn’t matter and that he loved him. When he was finally finished talking he looked at Justin who smiled a sad but loving smile in his direction before turning to his father. “Craig, you’ve done a lot of hateful things to me in my lifetime. More than ever I always wanted to forgive you because you were my father. But not this time, I don’t care what you try to do to me, but I won’t stand for you ever harming the man I love either physically or emotionally. If I thought it was only the money, I’d gladly give it all to you. But it isn’t the money, oh that’s part of it, though why you need any more money is beyond me, but you are just a little hateful prick of a man and that’s something I can’t change and you’ll just have to live with. But I don’t have to live with it so see you Craig. You have a good one, because Brian and I sure will.” Justin turned to Brian. “Can we go home now please?” Brian stood up and began to push Justin’s chair past Craig Taylor. When he walked past he dropped the folder on the older man’s lap. “Enjoy Taylor – I sure did when I was living it.” Brian pushed the chair to the rear of the big car. “Brian, can I sit up front with you, I’ll keep my leg elevated.” Justin reached his hand back and put his fingers over Brian’s. “I need to be close to you.” “I need you too Jai.” Brian agreed. He’d been going to take Justin to Ramon’s restaurant, but now after the past few hours they both were emotionally exhausted. Justin was soon in the front seat of the wide car and before Brian could get the chair put away and into the driver’s seat, the blond had pushed himself over the bench seat until he was in the middle. “You think we’re in high school Brat?” Brian teased, but he put his long arm on the back of the seat and then pulled Justin close. The two of them sat behind the anonymous comfort of the shaded glass, the music from a local radio station playing, the air conditioned interior cool and they both watched the people walking by until the rumbling of Justin’s stomach brought Brian back to life. “A drive through dinner or a sit down one, your call Jai?” “I don’t want to deal with people Brian. I hope you don’t mind.” Justin shut his eyes and leaned closer to the strong man beside him. “For you I’ll eat a burger and fries, I’ll even drink a milkshake.” Brian said. “But it’ll be extra laps in the pool tomorrow.” “Hmmm, I can sit on a chaise and watch you. A naked Brian swimming is a yummy way to start my day.” Justin wiggled to adjust his thickening cock. Brian laughed and moved his arm out of the way so he could pull out of their parking space and drive to the closest Burger King. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian sat cross legged in the center of their bed. Justin was propped against his pillows sketch book in hand sketching his favorite model. He loved to watch Brian’s face when he talked business on the phone. Maybe someday he could persuade Brian to have his own business and he could watch him all the time. “That’s right Teddy, Jai’s portfolio and ledgers are included in the package. I want a complete audit done as soon as you can. You can put his stuff in with mine to a point. I want a separate accounting for him.” Justin kicked Brian with his good foot and shook his head no. “Give me the phone Brian.” Justin said and he held out his hand. “Hi Ted, this is Justin Taylor. Please don’t listen to Brian, everything that I own is half his and I’ve had papers drawn up saying just that.” He listened for a moment. “Why thank you Ted, you’re the first person who’s said anything nice. I’ll look forward to meeting you in five weeks or so.” He handed the phone back to Brian and blew him a kiss before going back to his sketching. “Yes he is a nice person.” Brian agreed and stuck out his tongue at Justin who giggled. “I guess he just knows a good guy when he sees one.” Now Justin blew a raspberry at Brian and Brian laughed. “Okay Teddy, give us a call when you receive the package. We sent it UPS this morning.” He hung up the phone and rolled out of his cross legged stance to lay his head in Justin’s lap. A position that was fast becoming Brian’s favorite for relaxing. “Ted said that you were the most honorable and trustworthy person he knew and that you would never take advantage of my generosity.” Justin smiled. “It was nice having someone else see you the way I do.” “Ted said that really?” Brian looked embarrassed. “I didn’t know he thought of me that way.” “Why not, that’s the way you are. I’m sure all your friends feel the same way.” Justin smoothed back Brian’s hair from his forehead combing his fingers through the auburn softness. “You are better than a cat.” He joked. “I can even make you purr if I stroke you long enough.” “Hmmmm, Brian said, his eyes closed. He loved just doing nothing after working hard for so many years. This was the most relaxed he could ever remember being. “Did you finish enough sketches to start the paintings?” He asked. “No, I’ve done a few. I’m not sure about two of them. It will depend on how I feel once I start on the canvas.” Justin looked at the sketch pad beside him critically. “It happens like that some times. I have the perfect idea and a reasonable sketch and then when I block it out on the canvas, something takes over and the whole thing turns out completely different.” “How many more paintings do you need for this show?” Brian melted even further under Justin’s talented fingers as they massaged his scalp. “I’m thinking three more.” Justin bent and kissed Brian’s forehead. “We’ll see.” “We could go whale watching when we’re in Victoria, maybe you’ll be inspired.” “I’m inspired. My inspiration is right here on the bed with me, I’m just not sure I want to share you with the world.” “Just think of how envious all your fans will be - knowing you have such a ‘hot’ husband.” “And modest, don’t forget modest.” Justin teased. “I’m only stating facts Jai.” “Did you download the pictures I took this morning?” Justin wanted to know. “Yes” Brian opened one eye. “I’m not usually shy, but geeze Jai, you took thirty six pictures of me at the pool.” “I told you it’s either a composite board for me to look at or you have to pose for me. You won’t sit still for two minutes so I figure the board is the way to go.” He grinned. “Besides, I can sell them on the net and make some big bucks.” Brian rolled his eyes, he didn’t seem too worried. The phone rang and Justin reached for it. “Hi” “Is my daddy there?” asked a small voice. “Yes he is. Is this Gus?” Justin smiled when he talked. “Yep.” Gus paused. “Are you my daddy’s boyfriend?” “Yes, I am. My name is Justin but my friends call me Jai.” “Mommy says you paint pictures. I paint pictures too and so does mommy.” “Great, we can all paint a picture of your daddy.” “Can’t, he doesn’t sit still.” Justin laughed out loud. “I know. We could glue him to his chair but that wouldn’t be nice.” Gus giggled. “Here’s your daddy, talk to you later Gus.” “Bye Jai.” Gus said. “Hey Daddy, I like Jai.” “I do too.” Brian said. Justin continued to sketch while Brian talked to his son. He wanted to capture the soft look of Brian’s hazel eyes as he spoke to the small boy. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Brian where are you taking me?” Brian had Justin in the wheel chair, his leg on a down filled pillow stretched out in front of him. They were moving slowly over the rough terrain in the dark, only the moon and the stars in the heavens for light. “Shhhhhh” you’ll wake everyone on the ranch up.” “It’s dark and cold and I think we’re lost” Justin said. Brian stopped moving and took off his jacket to add to the blanket wrapped blond in the chair. “We aren’t lost, look behind you there’s the ranch.” He squatted beside Justin’s chair. “Now be quiet and look over by that big bush.” “What am I looking for?” Justin asked. “Shhhhhh” Brian answered. Justin mentally rolled his eyes and looked into the shadows. The longer he looked the more he could make out as his eyes became used to the Texas night. Suddenly there was a movement and out from under the large bush came a good sized coyote. She looked around and Justin was sure she stared right at them. She gave a yip and tumbling out of the bush came three coyote pups. The mother ignored Brian and Justin, she knew that they weren’t going to harm her or her pups and the two men watched in fascination as the babies played with each other, wrestling and tumbling over one another. Eventually the mother moved her family out of sight. “How did you know?” Justin whispered, still in awe of what they’d seen. “I was walking here today and I saw the den. I was hoping they’d come out.” Brian turned the chair back toward the ranch. “The night sky here is amazing.” He looked up. “It’s going to seem strange being back in the Pitts where the night skies are hidden with the lights from the city.” “We won’t always be in Pittsburgh.” Justin said. “We’ll always have the ranch.” “I know.” Brian was quiet as he pushed the chair back over the rocks and sand. “I’m looking forward to spending time here when you’re more mobile.” He smiled and Justin could hear the smile in Brian’s voice. “I’ve got big plans for you out under the stars Jai.” “We’re under the stars every night.” Justin reminded Brian. “I know, but it isn’t the same.” “That’s right, no scorpions and snakes.” “Geeze you’re kidding right?” Brian said and he looked around warily. “No I’m not kidding Brian.” Justin laughed. “There’s a reason I told you to wear boots and long pants when you walk around the ranch.” “You might have mentioned the wild life.” “I thought you knew. This is Texas.” Justin chuckled Brian was pushing him back at a far faster pace than when they’d started out. “Brian, you’re going to dump me out of the chair if you hit a rock.” Brian slowed down thankful that they were approaching the groomed yard and were in sight of the back door of the house. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Brian don’t move” Justin looked at his lover in exasperation. “I’m almost finished and it’ll only take a few minutes to set up.” “Arrrrrggh” was the muffled sound that emerged from the thick latex. Justin laughed out loud. “It will be worth it, you’ll see. I’ve only done this one other time but I had great results.” “Wunnnnn?” the sound was a tad panic stricken but still muffled, only now Brian’s fingers were moving in agitation. “Hold on, it’s set up, I’m going to begin to peel it off. Oh, it might pull a bit, don’t worry, none of your skin will come off with it I don’t think.” And Justin laughed evilly, teasing the man trapped inside the mask. “Jesus Christ Jai, I can’t believe I let you talk me into that.” Brian said when he finally emerged from the restricting mask. “I had visions of you blocking the breathing straws.” “Now why would I do that? I still haven’t taken a mold of your dick. I need you.” Justin teased him. “Of course if I’d been thinking I would have done your dick first.” “You are not doing my dick.” Brian was studying himself in the mirror and picking stray pieces of latex out of his eyebrows and the edges of his hair. “Why did I have to do this again?” “It’s for the show. I’m going to make a mask of your face and it will be incorporated into one of the pieces.” Justin was studying the mold he held in his hand. “I’ve always wanted to do this but I never could talk anyone into it since school.” “Now is a fine time to tell me.” Brian huffed. “I am soooo not into restricting face masks.” “But you love me and are happy to do anything for me, right?” Justin suggested with a smile. “Within reason Jai.” Brian said still looking in the mirror. “Brian, your face is just fine. Think of it as a really stiff facial masque that you’d pay big bucks for at a spa.” Brian was now inspecting the mask inside and out. “This is kind of cool.” He admitted. “I’ll let you do my cock, you could bronze it. Think of the money we’d make selling it as an object d’art.” Justin rolled his eyes and laughed. “I’m not sure I’d want your dick sitting on people’s bookcases.” “Think of all the happy people at Christmas and birthday time.” Brian said tongue in cheek. “Asshole.” Justin said with a laugh. “Can we go and play now?” Brian asked. He was back, lounged provocatively on a chair in Justin’s studio. “One more hour and we’ll go and play.” Justin said with a smile. “I promise.” He wheeled his chair expertly over to another counter and began to trim the latex mask. “I wish I didn’t have to go into the hospital tomorrow.” “But, if you get a gold star, and they say you’re healing well, then I’ll feel a lot better about dragging your ass to Canada.” “I’m going to Canada with you even if I have to crawl so don’t go getting all protective.” Justin looked at him and batted his lashes. “I know a good thing when I find it and there’s no way I’m letting my ‘good thing’ escape.” “Do you see me running?” Brian asked. “Come here and let me hold you for a while.” “One more hour Brian, you promised.” Justin continued to work. “I can’t very well put up a sign on all the empty spots at the show and say ‘sorry horny partner’. Brian didn’t answer; instead he kept his eyes on Justin watching him as his artistic talent took over. It was a sight that always fascinated Brian. Justin would get a look on his face and then it didn’t matter if a bomb went off, he was lost to his muse. While Brian lay patiently waiting, he let his mind wander over the past week and a half. He wondered if he would have been so ready to fly to San Antonio for his business meeting had he known his life was going to change so drastically. But it was foolish to speculate. He had flown to San Antonio and his life had changed. He wasn’t the least bit sorry. He slept better, drank less and even smoked less. He hadn’t even had any weed since meeting Justin. All it took was Justin’s hand on his back or his arm to ground him and calm him. Brian shut his eyes as he day dreamed about their wedding. Brian Kinney getting married and the sky didn’t even fall when he thought about it. He wanted everything to be perfect for Justin. Cynthia was a gem; he’d have to give her a bonus for organizing everything on such short notice and from so far away. Because their plane was landing at the Victoria airport in the early evening, Cynthia had arranged for a water taxi to take them from Sydney where the airport was, to Victoria harbor because the lights on the Empress Hotel were spectacular and showed off the grand old hotel in all its glory. The harbor was across the street from the hotel and they would be met by someone with a wheel chair for Justin as well as a bell boy for their luggage. They would be married the next afternoon and from the pictures Brian had seen of Butchart Gardens, it would satisfy Justin’s most romantic ideas. The gardens were at their best in the summer and the wedding bower of white bougainvillea would give the artist something to dream about for years. The only sad part was the fact that he’d always pictured his extended family with him if he’d ever committed to someone and he imagined Justin might have wanted at least his mother and sister. Brian shook off his unhappy feelings regarding both of their families, instead preferring to open his eyes to watch the man he loved work. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Well doc, how does it look?” Brian asked. He and Justin were sitting in the hospital offices of Justin’s doctor. “Not bad considering I doubt that you’ve been staying in bed like you were told.” The doctor laughed as he looked at Justin who flushed under the man’s gaze. “I haven’t stood on it or anything.” Justin said in defense. “You wouldn’t have been able to had you tried.” The doctor said. “As much as I hate to admit it. I can’t perform miracles and the two breaks weren’t the best.” He looked at the two men. “So you two want the green light to fly off to Canada and get married.” “That’s right sir. But I’ll make sure he behaves.” Justin said to the doctor who laughed. “I don’t think Mr. Kinney plans on behaving, but you both are adults and I hope realize the seriousness of what undo stress on the ankle would result in, I’d suggest you go to Canada and get married.” He grinned at them. Brian lifted Justin hand that he’d been holding to his lips and kissed it. “Pack your bags baby we’re heading for the airport tomorrow.” He said with a grin. “Isn’t he romantic?” Justin asked the doctor with a wide grin on his face.” “I wish the both of you all the best.” The doctor said. “I’ll see you back here in two weeks unless you have any problems.” “Have no fear, I plan on Jai getting lots of bed time.” Brian said tongue in cheek as he started to push Justin’s chair out the door. “Brian” Justin said his voice indignant. The door closed to the doctor’s laughter. Brian leaned down and nipped the top of Justin’s ear. “Quiet Brat, I was just telling the truth.” “Ow, are you going to be an abusive husband? ‘Cause if you are I want to know now.” Justin asked. “Well, I promise to only beat you if you need it.” “Promise?” Justin looked over his shoulder. “I’m a bad boy often.” Brian only laughed. “Hmmm, chauffer and master, bad boy needing to be punished, marriage is looking very interesting. I wonder why no one ever told me about all the fun I could have?” Brian mused. “I’m glad they didn’t.” Justin said with satisfaction. “I’m hungry.” “You’re always hungry, but today we’ll skip the drive through. I think a lunch at Ramon’s would be just the thing to celebrate our upcoming nuptials.” “Cool. I’ve only met the man once, but he keeps sending stuff home with Vic. It would be nice to really meet him.” They were barely through the wide doors of Ramon’s elegant dining room when the headwaiter rushed over. “Oh, my gawd, it’s Jai Tee, Ramon is going to have fourteen cat fits when he finds out.” He looked up at Brian. “Hello Mr. Kinney, is Vic with you?” “No, I’m here with Jai Tee” Brian could feel himself tensing up already regretting his decision to come here. “Oh, I’m sorry.” The waiter flushed. “I’ll show you to our best table.” “Brian,” Justin reached back and patted Brian’s hand. “It’s okay; people get flustered sometimes around me.” He looked around the dining room. “Look, there are two of my paintings in here.” He nodded to the far wall where two over sized paintings graced the white stucco wall. From where they stood Brian thought they looked like the same scene, one in the morning and one at night only done in the abstract. “Is it the quarry?” Brian asked. Justin wiggled in pleasure, “You are wonderful.” He said pleased that Brian was able to interpret the source of the painting. “That goes without saying.” Brian laughed and put Justin in place at a table where they could see the paintings much to the dismay of the headwaiter that was standing by another table. “I want to sit here so that I can look at these. A few seconds glance doesn’t do them justice. I want to have the time to really appreciate both of them.” He kissed Justin’s cheek before sitting down. “I have a night scene of the same spot I believe. I wondered why the quarry seemed so familiar.” “I wondered which painting you had.” Justin seemed pleased. “It must have been fate that we met there.” “It is rather ironic all right.” Brian looked around for their waiter. “We seem to have been deserted.” It was then that he noticed the other patrons of the restaurant all watching the two of them. “Jai, everyone is staring at us,” he whispered. “Ignore them.” Justin whispered back. “Now do you know why I stay at home?” “It’s coming to me loud and clear.” Brian said. He stood up and said in a loud voice. “Yes this is Jai Tee, yes he’s with his partner. We are planning on eating lunch if the waiter ever appears to take our order. We’d appreciate you all going about your business and letting us eat in peace. We pretty much eat the same thing and in the same way as the rest of you. Nothing exciting, just regular eating.” He sat down to a silent dining room. Justin rolled his eyes and patted Brian’s hand. “There do you feel better now?” he asked with a grin. “Yes” Brian said with some satisfaction. Ramon was rushing over from the kitchen. “Jai Tee, Mr. Kinney, I’m so excited that the two of you are here.” “Hi Ramon, what happened to the waiter?” Brian peered around the chef. “He’s having a small melt down in the kitchen.” Ramon gave a half laugh as he spoke to Brian, though he couldn’t take his eyes off of Justin. “Well tell him to get his ass out here. I’m hungry and so is Jai.” Brian was losing patience. He could see the other patrons studiously trying to ignore what was happening at their table, yet still sneaking glances when they thought they could get away with it. “I’ll send him out. Jai is there anything special I can make you today?” Ramon asked. “Perhaps a filet of sole – he began. “I want a cheeseburger and fries.” Justin said. “And a large chocolate shake.” Brian almost giggled at the outraged look on Ramon’s face. “A, a cheeseburger?” the man said. “But Jai, “Can’t you make one?” Justin asked. “I can show you how.” He looked at Brian. “Didn’t I tell you Burger King would be better?” “Burger King?” Ramon was outraged. “This is a fine dining restaurant.” “Yes, Ramon, and I want a cheeseburger and fries.” Justin looked at Brian. “What do you want?” “I’d like a chef’s salad and coffee.” “See, pretty basic stuff Ramon. We’re hungry and we want lunch. Brian assured me that this was the best restaurant to have it at and he knows what I like to eat for lunch.” “Of course I can make you a cheeseburger Jai.” Ramon said slightly mollified. “I use only the finest ground round and the best cheddar. Our baker makes the sourdough rolls daily.” “Cool” Justin said. “What about the French fries?” “Hand cut potatoes sliced in the round, lightly battered and fried to perfection.” Ramon beamed. “It’s something a bit different but I’m sure that you’ll like them.” “Great.” Justin beamed. “I’d like my milkshake first though and I know Brian wants coffee.” Ramon hurried away and Brian looked at Justin in awe. “How do you do that, get everyone to do what you want?” “It’s my blue eyes.” Justin joked. “My sunny disposition, my cute blond good looks, my big dick” “All right, all right.” Brian laughed, “I’ll just leave it as one of life’s mysteries.” Other than the waiter who was now too attentive, their lunch went off without a hitch. Brian slowly pushed the chair back to the limo. They were stopped twice for Justin to give out his autograph and eventually they were able to once again be anonymous behind the tinted glass of the car windows. Brian was about to put the car in gear when Justin asked, “Brian, do you mind a whole lot when people make a fuss about me?” he’d seen the thunder clouds that had crossed the older man’s face each time they’d been interrupted. Brian thought for a moment. “I don’t mind that they make a fuss over you. You deserve it, you’re a wonderful artist and should be recognized for that. I guess I just hate having our private time interrupted. It’s stupid and I feel like such a shit for minding, but I do.” “I understand.” Justin said. He leaned into Brian’s side, his hand smoothing the fine linen of Brian’s trouser leg. “At least our times at home are private and I’m sure in Victoria and Pittsburgh I’ll be relatively anonymous. This is a small city and I kind of stand out here.” “Ignore me Jai. I need to grow up.” Brian sighed. “I should have known that between the two of us life was going to be less than easy.” “If life was easy you’d get tired of it pretty quick Mr. Kinney.” Justin turned his head so that he could kiss Brian. “Just think of how interesting being married is going to be.” “Well we won’t fade into the wood work that’s for sure. I always was ‘out’ around the Pitts, I guess the two of us will be ‘out’ around the world.” “Not only will we be the best looking married gay couple, we’ll have the most attention grabbing life. Between my standing in the art world and your standing in the advertising world we will reign.” Justin burst into laughter. “How was that for a drama queen moment?” “I’m sure I can still teach you a thing or two about being a drama queen, but you’re learning.” Brian pulled him onto his lap. “Wanna neck?” Justin giggled. “Of course I do you sweet talker you.”