Empress Hotel as seen from Victoria Harbor (Victoria, British Columbia) Texas Nights 5 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “You know for a grown up, you’re very wiggly.” Brian teased. Brian had his back against the bulkhead of the water taxi and Justin was sitting in between his legs, his bad leg supported on their suitcases. Brian’s arms surrounded the younger man, keeping him warm in the evening breezes that swept off the ocean. “Do you see it Brian, do you see it? Oh my gawd I can’t believe anything could be so magnificent. It’s like something out of a movie.” Justin was mesmerized by the vision in front of him. The water taxi driver had up to this point provided a running commentary on the coast line of Vancouver Island as they made their way from the small city port of Sydney around to Victoria harbor. He was inside the cabin now, steering for the dock. Brian and Justin had been left on their own to view the majestic magnificence of the turn of the century hotel. The front of which was lit up by thousands of clear lights. “I wonder what room we have. Do you think we have one facing the water?” “We have a suite Jai and yes it’s facing the water.” Brian couldn’t resist, he leaned a bit to the side and began to nibble on Justin’s ear lobe. “Do you like it?” he asked though Justin’s pleasure on his first sighting of the hotel was more than obvious. “I’m never going to forget this ever.” Justin’s voice was reverent. “You don’t know how happy you’ve made me.” “Cynthia gets some of the credit. She found this place.” Brian said modestly. “But it was your idea.” Justin couldn’t help but grin. “I am going to sooooo, love having English tea in the grand foyer.” “I thought you’d like that part.” Brian kissed him again. “You do realize they don’t serve hamburgers for tea?” “I was just being a bitch that day Brian.” Justin admitted. “No shit.” Brian said telling Justin he knew that bit of information all along. As they watched their taxi tie up at the wharf and then with the scramble to disembark, get settled in the wheel chair and then Brian insisting on pushing Justin up the long walkway to street level and then across to the main hotel entrance.(;)(n) Neither of them noticed a familiar group, cameras recording the event, and who were leaning over the iron railings that surrounded the harbor area. Nor did they see a small face pressed against the glass two stories up waving excitedly to his daddy. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Oh my gawd will you look at that, Brian Kinney has the sappiest look on his face. I think I’m going to cry.” Emmett dabbed at his eyes while he watched Brian get Justin ready for the trip to the hotel. “Kinney doesn’t mind ordering those bell boys around.” Ted said. “I can practically hear him as he tells them not to scratch his Louis Vuitton’s.” Michael shook his head, “Will you guys shut up, he’s going to notice us.” “There is no way he can see any further than that young man in the wheelchair.” Emmett said. “The man is so in love it’s silly.” “I have to admit, I never thought I’d see the day Brian Kinney would fall for one guy.” Ted admitted. “I never thought I’d ever see Brian look this happy.” Michael said. “Look at him. He looks like a little kid at Christmas.” “Ohhhhhh, isn’t that sweet.” Emmett said. “Jai kissed Brian’s hand.” He turned to Michael “Is my mascara running, I can’t believe how romantic this is.” “I can’t believe you wore mascara out tonight.” Michael said as he looked at his friend. “It looks okay to me.” “I hope Vic can keep Debbie out for at least another couple of hours. I’d hate for Brian to hear her if they end up having dinner in the dining room.” Ted said. “She’s hard to keep quiet.” Michael admitted. “I still think we should have stashed her in another hotel.” Emmett giggled at the thought of any of them trying to convince Debbie to stay in another hotel. “Do you know that Debbie actually convinced Jai’s mother to come and she’s bringing his little sister.” “No shit.” Michael said rather proud of his mother. “When I talked to her she wasn’t very friendly about the whole thing.” “Deb can convince any one of any thing.” Ted said. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Daddy’s here, daddy’s here and Jai too.” Gus waved from the window. He turned to his mothers,’ disappointment on his face. “They didn’t see me.” “That’s good honey. Remember we want to surprise daddy and Jai. You’ll see them both tomorrow.” “Tomorrow is a long time.” Gus’ bottom lip went out and he tried not cry. He was a big boy, but he missed his daddy. “Only one sleep, you’ll wake up and in the afternoon we’ll go and watch your daddy get married to Jai.” “Cool.” Gus said. “Can I watch TV?” his attention taken up with another treat that he figured they would allow because he couldn’t see his daddy right now. “Did you see the look on Brian’s face when Jai kissed his hand?” Justin had reached around for Brian’s hand when they were on the corner waiting for the traffic light to change. Lindsay’s eyes were dreamy as she recalled the moment. “I did and if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I never would have believed it. Kinney is in love, hook line and sinker, he’s been caught.” Melanie laughed. “I sure never thought I’d live to see the day.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Brian I keep feeling like we’re being watched.” Justin whispered as they rode the elevator to their floor. “Why are you whispering, it’s only the two of us in here?” Brian laughed. “Besides, someone is always looking at you. You’re cute, young and with an amazingly handsome partner.” “Give it up Kinney.” Justin laughed. “I feel like we’ve been traveling all day. I hate to say it, but I’m tired.” “I’m beat myself, it must be the ocean air.” Brian arrived at their room and opened the double doors of the suite. Before he could get inside and close the doors the bell boy arrived from another direction with their suitcases on a brass trolly. “Would you like housekeeping to send someone to unpack for you sir?” the bellboy asked. “I think we can handle it ourselves” Brian tipped him and shut the door. “Alone at last.” He looked around “Hey Jai, where did you disappear too?” the wheelchair was missing and so was his blond. “I’m in here Brian. There’s food.” Brian followed Justin’s voice into the bedroom where Justin had levered himself onto the bed and out of the chair. He was looking greedily at a silver tray filled with strawberries that had been dipped in both white and dark chocolate. A pot of frothy whipped cream was in the middle of the tray and an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne chilling in it stood beside the small table. “I am impressed with this place Brian.” Brian took a strawberry and popped it in his mouth. “Me too.” He said through the juicy mouthful making Justin laugh. A knock at the door sent their heads turning in that direction. Brian looked at Justin and shrugged but went over and answered the door. “Room Service sir, we know it’s late and you’ve been traveling all day. Management thought you might prefer a light supper rather than go down to dine tonight.” This was being said as the waiter rolled in a room service cart. “Thank you sir.” The man said when Brian tipped him before he left the room. “That’s odd,” Brian said. “I’ve never heard of a hotel voluntarily feeding their guests because they might be too tired to go to the dining room.” Justin smiled at Brian; he thought it was a fine idea for the hotel to do something like this. “Oh I don’t know, maybe they do things differently in Canada and besides that we’re paying enough for this suite.” Justin looked at the covered plates on the serving cart. “What’s for supper?” Brian shook his head at Justin’s naivety but obligingly took the covers off of the various dishes. “It looks like your kind of feast.” Brian said. “There’s smoked salmon, oysters, shrimp, crackers, cheeses, pieces of fruit, some kind of ham, little sandwiches all kinds of finger foods.” “My kind of food?” Justin wondered. “Tactile, very tactile,” Brian grinned as he slipped out of his jacket, toes off he shoes and undid his shirt. Justin watching him felt his eyes become heavy with lust filled desire, Brian saw the look too and he laughed out loud at the sheer turn on of seeing Justin’s reaction to him stripping. Justin caught Brian’s eye and held his gaze while he too began to remove his clothing. Soon the both of them were naked on the smooth cotton of the heavy tapestry spread. Justin patted the spot behind him and Brian, pulling the food cart close, obliged him by climbing behind Justin, his legs on either side of him so that he could support Justin’s back as the blond leaned into his chest. There was much giggling as they drank the champagne and ate from the food cart taking turns feeding one another between kisses. Finally full, they lay together on the bed sated with food and drink, tired from their trip but neither one wanting to sleep. “Jai, did you ever think you’d ever be married. I mean really married, not just a commitment ceremony?” Justin shook his head slightly. “No, I never did. I hoped I’d find someone someday. I think everyone wants that, to not grow old alone. But as for married, no, not married.” “Are you sure about the rings?” Brian asked for the umpteenth time. “Nothing could be more precious to me than the ring you gave me the first night we were together.” Justin held up his hand to gaze on his favorite possession. Brian’s eyes were shut, but he could feel Justin move when he looked at the ring. “I just thought, maybe I could get you a new one, or one with diamonds or something.” “This one has your heart. I don’t need or want anything more.” His lips found Brian’s. “Is that sufficiently sappy and idealized and romantic for you? Do I sound pathetically girly?” “Yep, pathetically girly about says it all.” Brian teased. “Jai, I love you, you know that don’t you?” Brian’s voice was serious. “I know you do Brian, I knew if from the first. I may be pathetically girly, but you are the worst one for showing your feelings in your eyes.” His finger traced Brian’s cheek, over his brow and down his nose. “I saw the look in your eyes and I was lost. I defy anyone to resist those hazel orbs when they’re filled with the look of love.” “Only for you Jai.” Brian’s voice was slurred with sleep. Justin reached down and pulled up the covers they’d tossed aside earlier. He let himself relax into sleep content to be held in Brian’s embrace. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Mr. Kinney?” the man on the other end of the phone line was soft spoken. “Yes.” “Pastor Richards here, I’m sorry I won’t be able to meet with you and Mr. Taylor before the ceremony. I like to talk to all my prospective wedding couples, but something has come up, a family emergency. I’ll have to meet the two of you for the first time at the Gardens at two this afternoon.” “I’m glad you called sir.” Brian said. “I’m sorry we couldn’t meet earlier. Did you get the license that my assistance couriered?” “Yes, very unusual at one time to arrange things like this, but modern times allow for changes.” “Great, we’ll see you at two.” Brian hung up the phone and turned to Justin. “The minister won’t be meeting us this morning, but he’s all set for this afternoon.” “Cool” Justin said. “What do you want to do until it’s time to go to the Gardens?” “We could go shopping?” Brian was looking through the city guide that had been left in their room. “Bed rest as much as possible Brian.” Justin said and wiggled his eyebrows. So bed rest it was though resting didn’t enter into it much. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Mommy why can’t we see daddy?” Gus whined. “You said tomorrow and now it’s tomorrow.” “Later this afternoon Gus.” Lindsay said. She was trying to fix her hair. Melanie was working on the lap top she’d brought with her oblivious to her partner and son. “Can I phone daddy?” Gus asked. “Not now Gus.” Lindsay said. Gus, his bottom lip out remembered that Brian said he could call him anytime. He looked at his mommy but she was doing her hair. Momma was playing on the computer. No one was paying any attention to Gus. He got down off the bed where he’d been sitting and found Lindsay’s purse. He pulled out her cell phone and turned it on. Not sure of his daddy’s number. At home it was written on the black board by the phone, he hit the number one and sure enough there was a series of beeps as the phone called the latest number they had for Brian. Through the age of modern electronics the phone rang in San Antonio once and then forwarded to Brian’s cell two floors above them. Brian picking up his phone when it rang, noticing it was Lindsay’s number. “Hey” he said. Justin was spooned behind him lazily rubbing his shoulders. “Daddy I want to see you and Jai but mommy won’t let me.” Gus began. “We’ll see you soon Gus. It won’t be long and Jai and I will visit you.” “But daddy, I want to see you today. Mommy said I could see you today.” “Sonny Boy, today isn’t a good day for seeing daddy. Let me talk to your mommy.” “Mommy’s fixn’ her hair. We got to go out in the afternoon and look at flowers.” “That’s nice Gus. But you ask Mommy if she’ll talk to me.” “How come you didn’t hear me call you daddy?” Gus was still sad that Brian hadn’t heard him calling through the closed hotel window. “I heard you Sonny Boy; I’m talking to you now.” Brian shook his head. Kids were funny. He could hear Lindsay in the background. “Sorry Brian, Gus isn’t supposed to play with my cell phone.” Lindsay sounded out of breath. “That’s okay Linds; I don’t mind talking to him.” “Well, I’m sure you and Jai are busy.” Lindsay began. “Not particularly, we’re just trying to decide whether we’ll go out for lunch or eat in.” “Really, well with Vic cooking for the two of you I suppose you eat in most of the time.” “Actually, it’s because of Jai’s broken ankle. But Jai has this passion for cheeseburgers and fast food drive thru’s.” Brian said and then “Ow, he also likes to pinch when he doesn’t like what I’m saying. I’ve got to go Linds and punish my blond brat.” He hung up the phone but not before Lindsay could hear two sets of giggles. Two floors below Lindsay hung up her cell phone. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Excuse me, I’m Pastor Richards.” The bewildered pastor looked at the white slip covered lawn chairs set down in a semi circle and at the people milling around the decorated arbor. The white bougainvillea sported a few stiff silver organza bows. A small white covered table stood to one side for the signing of the registry and another table held a two tiered wedding cake complete with two grooms, one blond and one with dark hair. There was fine china cake plates and silver ware. Crystal goblets stood by a full punch bowl along with one plastic cup. He looked around and then back at Emmett who was flushed with the organization he’d been doing. “I thought that Mr. Kinney and Mr. Taylor were being married here this afternoon at two.” “Why yes they are Pastor Richards. I’m Emmett Honeycutt, the wedding planner and friend of the groom and soon to be friend of the, well the other groom.” He beamed. “We couldn’t let Brian get married without his family now could we.” He looked around. “Michael, oh Michael.” He waved Michael, who had been standing talking to his mother over. “This is Michael Novotny, he’s Brian’s best man.” “Molly, Molly dear, come and meet Pastor Richards.” Emmett called to a young teenage girl dressed in a white slip dress, her red gold hair tumbling down her back. She walked over to them. “This is Molly, Jai’s sister. She’s going to be his maid of honor.” Molly grinned at them all. “Yes, Jus will be surprised.” Molly said. “He’ll probably faint.” “I’m not sure that’s the right attitude to have dear.” Emmett admonished and he looked flustered again. “Emmett, their car just drove up.” Ted said. He had run from the parking area and was out of breath. “People, people take your seats please. The grooms have arrived. Teddy cue the music.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Brian I can’t believe we’re almost late for our own wedding. What if Pastor Richards didn’t wait for us?” Justin worried. “He’ll wait if he wants to get paid.” Brian’s face alternated from being pale to flushed as his emotions kept fluctuating. He took a deep breath and stood in front of Justin who sat in his wheel chair. “How do I look?” “Like I could fuck you right here.” Justin grinned at him. “I love your tux.” “You don’t look half bad yourself.” Brian smiled down at Justin suddenly at ease. He reached down and caressed the blond’s face. “Here goes.” The walk down the path way to the arbor where they were getting married seemed to take forever. He turned the corner and suddenly saw what was supposed to be an empty space with the minister and maybe two witnesses. Instead it was held a number of people seated on white slip covered chairs. Music was playing. “I think someone else is getting married.” He whispered to Justin. Suddenly, “Daddy, daddy,” a little boy, dressed in white ran up and threw himself at Brian’s legs. “Sonny Boy, what in hel – heck are you doing here?” Brian looked at everyone in astonishment. “I’m watchin’ you and Jai get married.” Gus said. “Here sit on Jai’s knee and say hi.” Brian said and he put Gus down on Justin. “Hi Jai, my name is Gus.” “Hi Gus.” Justin looked at Brian and smiled. “He looks just like you.” “Yeah, yeah,” Brian said, completely frazzled as he pushed Justin between the rows of his friends. “Mikey?” Brian said. “I couldn’t let my best friend get married without his ‘best man” Michael said. “Molly?” Justin said. “Hi Jus, Emmett says I’m your maid of honor.” She leaned down and kissed Justin’s cheek. “Cool cast.” She said. “Mom?” Justin looked at his mother. “Yes dear, no wedding is complete without the mother of the bride.” She smiled. “Or groom.” She kissed first Justin’s cheek and then Brian’s. Debbie got up and walked over to Brian. “You didn’t think I was going to let you get married without watching did you? You little asshole.” She grabbed Brian’s face and kissed his cheek and then tried to rub off the lipstick. “I can’t believe this.” Brian said in wonder. “It doesn’t surprise me.” Justin said and he took Brian’s hand. “I knew they had to love you as much as I do.” “Hrmmm” Pastor Richards tried to get their attention. Brian looked at him. “Sorry Pastor Richards. I want to say a few words and then we’ll begin.” Brian turned to look at all of his friends and Justin’s mother and sister. “Everyone, can you all sit down. Jai and I don’t want to wait any longer. We’ve waited too long now.” There was laughter but everyone took a seat. “I can’t begin to tell all of you how much this means to Jai and I to have you here today.” His hand found Justin’s and their fingers locked. “I don’t know how you did it but I’m glad you’re all here.” Brian turned back to Pastor Richards, his hand still linked with Justin’s. “We can start now.” “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here together, family and friends in the sight of God to join together in holy matrimony Brian Kinney and Justin Taylor. Marriage is a serious sacrament and not to be undertaken lightly. For some it comes as an easy decision, for others, it takes long and hard thought for today there is much that would try to come between the two standing here today.” The Pastor looked out on the assembled wedding guests. “The words that I had prepared for Brian and Justin today involved encouraging them to stand united, for I feared that they were taking this step forward alone. But I was wrong, they will have the help of all of you to love and support the two of them in their journey together. Of this fact I am certain as I’m sure are they.” He turned back to Brian and Justin. “Brian would you say your vows to Justin in the presence of God and all who are here today?” Brian brought Justin’s hand to his lips in a quiet kiss and then knelt in the grass in his Armani tux beside Justin’s chair before beginning. “Jai, the ring I put on your finger the first night we were together symbolizes the love I felt for you from the moment I saw you under the Texas night skies. Our love is new and shiny like the ring you gave me. But I know it will remain just as new and bright as the ring you wear because you were right. The ring I gave you holds my heart. I freely give it to you as well as all my worldly goods until the end of time.” Justin kept his blue eyes on Brian’s though he could barely see him through his tears. “Brian, the ring I placed on your finger the first night we were together also symbolizes the love I felt for you from the moment I saw you in the Texas night when you appeared out of no where to rescue me. You rescued me that night and you continue to rescue me each day for I’ve come to realize that you are that kind of man. One who lives to nurture and cherish even though you do try to hide it, I saw through to your heart of gold from the first. The ring you wear holds my heart. I give it to you freely as well as all my worldly goods until the end of time.” Justin’s hand went to the back of Brian’s head and pulled him down for a wet kiss as both of their faces were streaked with tears. The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur. Brian continued to kneel by Justin who continued to hold the man he loved. “You may now kiss your husband.” Pastor Richards said. “Though the words seem a bit redundant” and everyone laughed for Brian and Justin had been trading small kisses through the balance of the ceremony. Brian stood up and the Pastor Richards announced. “I present to you Brian Taylor Kinney and Justin Taylor Kinney.” Ted cued the music and Shania Twains ‘From this Moment” began to play as everyone surged forward to greet the newly married couple. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian stood with his back against a tree watching Justin in the crowd from Pittsburgh. Brian was still reeling from the knowledge that they had all appeared here for his wedding. Gus sat on one of the chairs eating some of the wedding cake solemnly discussing something with Molly who looked enchanted by the young Kinney. And Brian smiled to himself as he watched the Kinney charm being wielded from someone so young. “Hey” Brian looked away from Gus and Molly at focused on Michael approaching with two glasses of punch. He handed one to Brian. “Hey yourself Mikey.” Brian said as he took the glass of punch. “Not my favorite beverage, but it’s wet.” Brian said as he offered a silent toast to Michael. Their glasses clinked and Brian took a mouthful of the punch. “Ahh, Mikey, I see you kicked it up a notch.” “I thought you might want the secret ingredient added.” Michael smiled. He turned and followed Brian’s gaze. Together they stood for a few moments and watched the crowd. “Emmett is right in his glory.” He observed and they watched their friend flitting from person to person, as he made sure they each had punch and cake. “I’m glad you came Mikey” Brian’s voice was quiet. “I didn’t realize how much until I saw all of you sitting there.” “Of course we’d come. Though I have to admit you made it a challenge to find you and get here.” Michael huffed a laugh. “I’ll tell you though, you proved your love for Jai Tee today in front of all of us.” “I did?” Brian questioned. “Yep, when we saw you kneel down in the grass wearing your Armani tux, we knew it had to be love.” “Fucker” Brian laughed. “Asshole.” The two friends continued to watch everyone content that they had weathered another squall in their long time relationship. “I’d always kind of thought it would be you and I doing this.” Michael said finally. “But after I thought about it, I realized that what we feel for each other is okay for two friends, but there isn’t that spark that goes further than friendship. There never has been.” “When I first saw Jai, he’d managed to break his ankle and he’d been stuck out in the wild for gawd knows how long, he was in pain, he’d been crying, his face was streaked with dirt. He looked like some kind of wild animal who had been hurt. I picked him up because it was the only way to get him to the car and some help and honest to God Mikey I felt like some kind of electrical shock hit me right here.” Brian hit his chest where his heart was located. “I carried him to the car as carefully as I could and every time he’d moan when his ankle bounced, I wanted to cry and beg the powers that be to let me take his pain just so he didn’t have to suffer. Fuck Mikey I was scared to death.” Brian sighed and he wiped the back of his hand over his eyes. “Vic came out and he ended up driving us to the hospital. I held Jai in my arms for the whole trip, talking nonsense with Vic, trying to take Jai’s mind off of what he was feeling and all the while inside I was silently cheering because I was able to hold him for more than an hour.” He looked at his best friend. “Truthfully Mikey, it happened so fast and I didn’t even try to fight it. I’m sorry I didn’t call and tell you sooner, but everything seemed so unreal.” “I can’t say that I understand, because I’ve never fallen for anyone like you have for Jai,” Michael looked thoughtful. “But Brian, I’m happy for you.” “Thanks Mikey.” Brian turned and gave his friend a last kiss. He rested his forehead against Michael’s. “My kisses are Jai’s now Mikey, but I wanted to say thanks for being my friend with that one.” Michael wiped his eyes. “What a bunch of pathetic fags we are.” His voice was wry. “Come and join the party.” Arm in arm the two friends walked down the small hill to join the rest of the gang. Brian went to Jai first and leaned down to kiss him. “You taste like cake.” Brian said. “You taste like your punch had something in it that mine doesn’t” Justin’s eyes sparkled. “Want to share?” he held out his hand for Brian’s half filled glass. Brian handed him the glass. “It wasn’t a very good year for fruit punch.” He quipped. “I’ll have you know this fruit punch is my Aunt Sally’s recipe and it’s famous in Hazelhurst Mississippi.” Emmett said coming up behind Brian. “Hey Emmett.” Brian said and he reached over wrapping Emmett in his arms in a gentle hug. “Thanks for all of this.” Brian stepped back and indicated the whole wedding group. “You did a great job.” “Why thank you kind sir. A girl does her best work when challenged.” Emmett simpered. “I was telling Emmett earlier that I’d like him to plan the reception at my show.” Justin said. “I know it’s a long way from Pittsburgh, but Dallas has a great airport.” “Dallas?” Brian asked. “I thought your show was in San Antonio.” “No, I’m sorry Brian, I just never thought to mention ‘where’ the show was.” Justin smiled. “We seem to spend time talking about other things and kind of forget the here and now.” “Maybe I’d better get a copy of your schedule for the next few months.” Brian began. “Actually Brian, I have things scheduled for the next three years.” Justin laughed out loud at the astonishment on Brian’s face. “I know it’s crazy, but some of the things I have booked take more than a year to get the venues reserved especially the European shows.” Justin looked at Brian and Emmett, “It’s one of the reasons I was out at the quarry the night we met. I’d just fired my manager and I was out there to regroup. I haven’t had a chance to even think about hiring another one since so things are kind of coasting along.” “Well, we can get Cynthia on it. She’ll know where to start and get things organized for a new manager.” Brian volunteered. “Cynthia puts up a lot with you doesn’t she?” Justin said with a smile. “Oh honey, you have no idea.” Emmett said and rolled his eyes and Justin laughed out loud “Oh, Brian isn’t that bad.” Justin defended. “You two are in the first lust filled throws of love. You just wait until la Kinney has a big old drama queen moment when he doesn’t get his own way about something.” “I’m not that bad.” Brian said, his voice hurt. “Brian we all love you no matter what.” Emmett smiled. “It’s just the Brian Kinney way and we’re all used to it.” “Maybe I’ve changed.” “Maybe you have sweetie.” Emmett looked at Justin who had his hand on Brian’s back rubbing small circles and he could see Brian visibly relax back to the state he’d been in before the conversation had turned. “Maybe you have.” Emmett said again to himself. “Daddy, daddy.” Gus ran up to them and Emmett drifted off. “I’ve got a girlfriend and her name is Molly.” Brian and Justin exchanged looks. “Cool Gus.” Justin said. Molly was approaching them with Gus’ bear in her hands. “Hey Jus.” She said. “Brian,” her voice was shy as she looked at her brother’s handsome husband. “Hey Molly.” “Gus and I are going back to the hotel with Debbie and Vic. Are you guys going to be having dinner with us tonight?” “Brian, what do you think?” Justin asked. “We can have dinner with the gang.” Brian agreed. “Great, I’ll tell everyone.” Molly took Gus’ hand. “Come on Gus, let’s find Debbie and Vic.” “Your sister has made quite an impression on Gus.” Brian’s hand was on the back of Justin’s neck, his thumb rubbing it gently. “I guess us Kinneys are naturally attracted to you Taylors.” “Sweet talker.” Justin leaned into Brian’s hand. “Can we go back to the hotel now please?” “I was just going to suggest that Mr. Taylor-Kinney.” “I like the sound of that.” Justin said. “You realize of course that now I’m going to be known by three names. I think I’m going to have to consolidate down to one.” “Hmmmm, which one are you going to pick?” Brian was pushing the chair to the pathway. He waved goodbye to the last of their friends who were cleaning up the area from the little reception. “I don’t know. I’ll need to consider all my options.” Justin teased. “Perhaps let someone close to me present me with the pros and cons of each one.” “I’ll ask Vic.” Brian said. He laughed when Justin tried to reach back and pinch his hand. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Explain to me again why we have guests in the other bedroom on our honeymoon?” Brian asked and not for the first time. “Brian, don’t start.” Justin warned. “I just want to know where I went wrong. I mean here I am, a married man. Married I might add to a hot and horny younger man. One I’d like to fuck within an inch of his life even if he is slightly incapacitated. And now I find that I’m babysitting my son and your younger sister for how long? Two weeks you say.” Brian sighed dramatically. “First Mr. Taylor-Kinney, you are the father of one of our guests. He’s six years old and neither you nor I are capable of entertaining someone that young for a two week period at even the best of times. It only made sense to have Molly stay to help. And it offers the added bonus of when it comes time for them to leave, Molly can supervise Gus on the flight home.” “I know, I know.” Brian sighed. “I just didn’t have this picture in mind when we reserved this suite.” “Well, tomorrow we go back to the ranch. There’s lots for them to do there and I have to get back to working on this upcoming show.” “So the honeymoon is over?” Brian tried not to sound sulky, but he wasn’t pulling it off very well. “If I didn’t know better, I would swear that you were jealous.” Justin looked at his husband, his head to one side. “Tell me you aren’t jealous.” Brian, who was lying on the bed, his head nestled on Justin’s shoulder, thought about saying his usual mantra that he didn’t ‘do’ jealousy. But as the thought crossed his mind he realized that it wasn’t true. Not only did he ‘do’ jealousy, but he was ‘doing’ it now. “I guess I am a bit.” He finally admitted. “I want you all to myself.” He shook his head slightly. “How fucking selfish of me that I don’t even want to spend time with my own son.” “That’s not true Brian and you know it. You don’t mind spending time with Gus, you just don’t like having your plans changed. You don’t accept change well at all.” Justin kissed the top of Brian’s head. “That’s because you’re a control freak. But you’re the control freak that I love, so I just deal with it.” “Daddy, daddy.” Gus ran into their bedroom. He was naked and wet. “Molly wouldn’t let me have a bath with her and she threw water all over me and yelled at me to get out of the bathroom.” He climbed up on the bed and wiggled in between Justin and Brian. Justin tried to hide his grin, but Brian was sure he heard a snicker. “Gus, you can’t have a bath with Molly, she’s a big girl, she’s seventeen and she’s too old to be bathing with little boys.” “You have showers with Jai.” Gus reasoned. “Mom and momma have baths together.” “Well, that isn’t quite the same thing.” Brian began. He looked at Justin helpless to find the right answer. Justin shrugged and hid his face behind his hands. “Gus, Molly is a girl and you’re a boy. You have to be at least sixteen before you can have a bath with a girl.” “I do?” “Yes, there’s a rule about it somewhere. Ask your moms when you get home.” Brian looked satisfied with his answer. “Lame save daddy.” Justin whispered. “But I like looking at Molly with no clothes on.” “He’s your son all right.” Justin said. “Gus, there is nothing wrong with naked bodies. Naked bodies are interesting, they come in all shapes and sizes and colors and age. The thing is, it isn’t considered proper to look at a naked girl or boy until they are old enough to say it’s okay.” He ruffled Gus’ hair. “Molly doesn’t feel it’s okay right now for you or I or your daddy to see her naked. We have to respect that because her body is hers and hers alone to say what happens to it.” “You and daddy are naked.” Gus looked down. “Me too.” “Well your daddy and I don’t mind seeing each other naked. We don’t even mind if you see us naked. But we don’t want anyone else to see us naked and that’s our right because they’re our bodies.” Gus thought about what Justin said. “Can I say I don’t want someone to see me naked?” Gus looked at both of them. “I’m only six. Can I still say it?” “Yes, if you are old enough to realize that you don’t want someone looking at you naked. Then certainly you can say no.” “Can I tell my mommies that I don’t want them to look at me naked?” “Well, you can try. You are six after all. They should respect your wishes.” Brian looked at Justin for affirmation and he nodded yes. “But I like having no clothes on.” Gus looked sad. “But you wouldn’t want to go to school without your clothes.” Justin said. “No.” Gus smiled. “That would be silly and cold.” “And you wouldn’t want all your friends to join you in your bath.” Brian said. “I don’t care.” Gus answered and his father rolled his eyes. “Why don’t we just leave it that Molly prefers you not to bathe with her and if you get the urge to bath with anyone – ask them first.” “Okay.” Gus sat still for a moment. “Even if I’m sixteen, do I have to ask first.” “Yes” Brian and Justin said together. “It’s a stupid rule.” Gus grumbled as he got back off the bed. “I’m going to find my pajamas before Molly gets out of the bathroom. I’m not going to let her see me naked if I can’t see her.” “Good plan Sonny Boy.” Brian agreed. When Gus had left the room Brian looked at Justin “It’s going to be a long two weeks.” “Even longer than you think, because I’m going to be quarantined in my studio most of the day, you get to play dad.” “I don’t suppose you’d let me hide in there every once in awhile?” Brian asked using his best imitation of Mikey’s puppy dog expression. Justin laughed. “I could reconsider my decision, roll over.” Tbc.