The Princess Diaries 8 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian hated to leave Justin after finally getting to hold him, but he had come all this way on the request of Justin’s Uncle Alistair. Approaching the old man’s door, Brian paused before knocking and was surprised when the door opened. “Come Brian, come in.” Alistair said. He indicated a button on the table placed beside his chair. “The age of technology, nothing magical though I suppose a hundred years ago it would have been magical.” “Mr. Procter.” Brian said in acknowledgement as he walked over to shake the older man’s hand. “It’s Alistair, just Alistair. Do you want coffee or something stronger?” he offered. “Coffee is fine.” Brian said. He wanted to keep his wits about him. The old man spoke into a phone. “Coffee service please Hilda” he said and then turned to Brian. “It won’t be long. Take a seat Brian, make yourself comfortable. I’m sorry to have to drag you into a conference only seconds after you arrived, but I find the older I get the less patience I have.” “It isn’t a problem Alistair, after all you did arrange for me to come here in order to meet with you.” Brian looked around the comfortable room that served both as bedroom and informal office. “That wasn’t the only reason, but yes it was the main one. Justin was missing you and I know he’s too damn stubborn to admit that he needed you close.” Alistair laughed, “I recognized the signs, he’s a lot like I was at his age, too stubborn for my own good.” A knock at the door heralded the arrival of not only coffee but a light lunch of sandwiches. “Don’t even start Mr. A, you need to eat and I’m sure your guest does as well,” said the middle aged woman as she put the tray down on a nearby table. Efficiently she served them both coffee and placed a plate of small sandwiches for each of them close by before leaving. “Hilda thinks she can run my life. She’s always trying to make me eat.” Alistair grumbled, as he took a sandwich and bit into it. Brian laughed, “I have someone who does the same.” He picked up a sandwich and was surprised to see that it was turkey breast on whole wheat. He bit into it and was pleased that it was just the way he liked it. “I was hungry, this is very good.” He said. The two of them ate companionably for a few minutes and when they were done Alistair began. “I know you are probably aware of my company, Procter Promotions Inc. There was a time when we were a force to be reckoned with in the advertising industry.” “Procter Promotions is still a good company.” Brian said generously. “It has its moments, but truthfully, I haven’t been all that interested in it for quite a number of years. I’ve let my young cousin James handle most things and I now believe that it was a mistake to do so. For one thing, he’s becoming more and more arrogant and I’m sure he believes that the company will be his some day. Well it won’t, everything I have goes to Justin.” Brian’s face was impassive when he heard that and he said nothing, but his mind was whirling with the very idea. “The thing is Brian, if something isn’t done soon, there won’t be a company to leave Justin. Oh sure he’ll have my money and this house, but money, even the amount he’ll have, soon loses it’s appeal if there is nothing to keep the mind active. I’d like to propose something to you. I’d like to bring you into the company as a full partner. In effect you would be completely in charge because I have no desire to work at it any longer. Justin will receive fifty percent of the company shares, you the other fifty percent. Justin could work in the art department or pursue his dream of becoming an artist. With more than fifteen million dollars in his bank account, he will have both options open. You can keep the company here in Cleveland or you can move it to Pittsburgh, whatever you want and feel is best for the company. Or perhaps put someone you trust in charge of this office and open a branch in Pittsburgh. It’s up to you.” There was silence in the room when Alistair stopped talking, until, “Alistair, you’ve given me a lot to think about. And to be truthful, it isn’t even close to what I thought you were bringing me here for.” Brian chuckled. “Why would you give me fifty percent of the shares of your company, even with Procter Promotions in the state it’s in. That represents a considerable amount of money.” “What’s money Brian? I have so much of it and when Barry died, he left me more than I could ever use in ten lifetimes. If making a gift to Justin’s friend makes me happy, then why not let me do it?” “I’d like to go to the offices before I make my decision” Brian said. “Of course, I wouldn’t expect anything less.” “And I need to discuss this with Justin. I’ve come to realize that any major decisions or even minor ones that will affect the two of us should be shared.” “Hearing you say that only makes me realize that I have made the right decision myself in offering you this opportunity.” “If James has been somewhat in charge up to this point, what do you expect his position to be if this goes through?” “James will have to be dealt with on a number of levels. Something happened here the other night that I suspect James is involved in. He won’t have any say about what you do with Procter Promotions. You and Justin will own the company.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Down at the swimming pool, Molly and Kyra and Gus were enjoying themselves. TC sat on a pool chair in quiet dignity watching the antics of the three in the pool as they splashed and played together. Any fairies who had ventured down to the pool sat with TC as they hated getting their wings wet though everyone was having so much fun it was very tempting to join them. First Brian wandered down to check on Gus before looking for Justin. He took a chair beside TC and settled back to watch. Even being gay, he couldn’t help but admire the sultry good looks of Kyra, her dusky skin tones and her amazing hair even wet was spectacular. Combine that with violet eyes and a one piece white swimsuit and she shone with ageless beauty. Brian wondered if she had ever considered modeling. Molly was a treat as well, her hair was spun gold with red highlights and her laughter and smile reminded Brian of Justin when he was an uninhibited seventeen. He sat back in his chair and watched them play with his son. Something made him turn toward the door, it was like an electrical charge that filled the air with ozone. Justin stood framed by the door casing, not the Justin he’d left behind, the Justin of cargo pants and bagged out sweatshirts. This Justin was elegant. His long blond hair shone with health and was sun streaked. He was dressed in a pair of tailored grey pants that fell perfectly in the front and yet hugged his butt, outlining it to perfection. He had on a blue cashmere turtleneck sweater that mirrored the color of his eyes and on his feet were stylish loafers. Justin looked every part the man of the mansion. Brian stood up to greet him, well aware of the bulge in his pants, his usual reaction upon seeing Justin. Some things never change. “Hey” he said in greeting. Justin beamed a smile at him and walked over wrapping his arms around Brian’s waist and laying his head on his chest. “I knew you’d come and check on Gus.” He smiled, “you are a great dad.” “Thank you.” Brian said, for once not trying to deny Justin’s words. “This is some house.” “It’s pretty big; I have a studio here that I’ve been using. I could really do some great work here, there’s something about the energy that the house has that makes my creative juices flow.” “Do you think you can leave your creative juices here while we go and check out Procter Promotions Inc.? Your Uncle is taking me there in an hour and I’d like you to come with me.” “I’d like to go.” Justin turned to the girls. “Kyra, we’re going with Uncle Alistair to the offices soon. Do you want to come?” “I think I’ll stay here with Molly and Gus if you two don’t mind. But know that the dark forces are working today, so tread carefully.” Brian looked at Kyra and then at Justin. “I’ll be watching. I am trusting that you’ll do the same for Gus, Molly and TC.” “Jennifer and I will both take care of all that is yours and Justin’s until you return.” Kyra said. “We will see you a dinner time.” With that she turned back to Molly and Gus, swimming over to the two of them, dismissing Brian and Justin. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian helped Justin into his overcoat and they went outside to join Alistair in the waiting limousine. The three of the rode into Cleveland and to the office building that held the offices of Procter Promotions Inc. making small talk and generally getting to know one another better. The limousine let them out in front of the building. “Justin, I know you’ve been here before, but I’m sure you didn’t pay much attention, I believe you were ten at the time.” “Yes, it was kind of boring.” Justin laughed. “I’ll pay attention this time, promise.” Brian slipped his hand in Justin’s and gave it a reassuring squeeze, “I’m sure you will Sunshine.” He said with a smile. “The building is owned by Procter Promotions, but we only occupy the top three floors, the rest are rented out to various other companies, mostly doctors and one law office.” Alistair began. “The reception area here on the ground floor handles directions to all offices in the building and staff is required to sign in and out before seven in the morning and after seven in the evening. It helps us control who is in the building for security reasons.” He led them to a bank of elevators where they rode up to the ninth floor. “The ninth floor is the only floor that the public has access to. The other two are accessible only from this one. This floor has the main reception area including the switchboard, the board room, my office as well as a few more offices for the section heads.” Alistair looked at Brian and Justin. “Come into my office. I’ll send for James to take you both around to the other floors. I want you to take a real good look around.” “Will there be a test after?” Justin asked with a smile. “Perhaps you young brat,” his Uncle said with a chuckle. “Perhaps” Brian and Justin followed Alistair into his office. Another man was sitting behind the old man’s desk. He jumped up, his face flushed. “Oh, Uncle, I didn’t’ know you were coming in today.” “Apparently not, what are you doing in my office, you have a perfectly good office of your own?” “I was, was,” his eyes shifted back and forth between his Uncle and Brian and Justin. “I needed the extra space.” “For what James, you appear to be reading the morning paper.” He turned to Brian and Justin. “James, this is my nephew Justin Taylor and his partner Brian Kinney. I want you to take them on a tour of the company, from top to bottom. I want them to meet everyone on staff in all departments.” “But Uncle,” James started to protest. “Yes James?” “Nothing, I’ll take them.” You could hear the sulk in his voice. “Good, and James, please answer any and all questions that either Brian and Justin have.” He smiled at them all. “I will be here in my office waiting. There are a few financial things I’d like to review.” “You don’t have to do that Uncle; we have an accountant for that.” James started. “Yes, and I’ve relied on him far too long, I will be reviewing the expense accounts today of the senior personnel.” Alistair went behind the desk and sat down while the rest of them filed out, James looking decidedly green. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The tour took far longer than James Procter liked. He had to visit the men’s room frequently and Brian noticed that as the tour progressed, James’ nose became redder. He suspected the man was doing coke every time he disappeared. Brian said nothing, though he’d been writing down the time and duration of each visit in the leather bound notebook he’d taken from the breast pocket of his suit coat. Brian was also taking notes and writing down names as he moved from location to location. He reviewed a couple of the accounts that were being worked on. There were times he had to bite his tongue not to offer a suggestion or two. Justin was fascinated by Brian. It was as if a different person had taken over the man’s body as soon as they had walked out of his Uncle Alistair’s office. Brian Kinney executive took over, his walk was different and his whole body presentation was different, more formal. Justin’s fingers itched to capture this Brian in a sketch, though he followed dutifully along listening and watching ‘the master’ at work. It was only in the Art Department that Justin came into his own. Here he found himself doing what Brian had been doing as he asked questions and interacted with the staff. He even had Brian taking notes for him as they moved through the large department. When they were done, Justin felt liked he’d worked a full day. The tenseness must have shown in his shoulders because Brian, reverting to ‘partner’ mode, stood behind him when they walked into Alistair’s office and gave him a quick neck and shoulder massage as they talked to the old man. Brian did it with such matter of fact ease and so naturally no one noticed. Except Justin, Justin noticed as he relaxed under the strong fingers of Brian and the headache that had been threatening disappeared. “Where is James?” Alistair asked when Brian and Justin walked into his office. “He said he had something to do and disappeared.” Justin said. “I’m sure he has. I’ll be discussing his expense account with him before the day is done.” Alistair looked grim. “Well boys, how did you find the place?” “I think Alistair; I’d like to review a few of my notes before I answer that question.” Brian said. “If you don’t mind that is.” “No that’s fine. Why don’t the two of you take the car back to the house. I have a few things I’d like to do here. Dinner will be at eight and I’m sure you both would like some time to become reacquainted. As for the business portion of your visit Brian, you and Justin can meet me in my rooms at eleven o’clock tomorrow morning.” “Are you sure Uncle Al about the car?” Justin asked. “Yes, just send him back here when you’re done.” “Cool, Brian I’ll show you where I used to work and the building where I lived.” Justin grinned. “You mean the building where you had the suicidal fish?” Brian teased. Justin’s eyes darkened with the memories of that but his good nature prevailed and he smiled at Brian not saying anything. He slipped his hand in Brian’s and led him out of his Uncle’s office with a wave of his free hand at Alistair who sat back and chuckled. As they got onto the elevator, Justin was too busy enjoying Brian’s presence near him to notice the malevolent looks directed their way by James who stood just inside his office doorway watching the two of them. But Brian saw everything and made a mental note to warn Justin of the other man’s dislike. Both men ignored any stares in the crowded elevator, neither one ready to let their hands separate. It was a connection that was simple but effective. Alistair’s car was waiting for them in front of the building. Brian and Justin didn’t linger, but slipped quickly inside(,) the pang of separation when their hands weren’t touching was almost painful. Sitting together in the large car while the driver moved it through the slushy streets(,) their hands joined together once again and then just as when Justin was about to move over closer to Brian, Brian moved first and he slid across the seat until he was close to Justin and rested his head against Justin’s shoulder. “Justin, don’t ever leave me again.” He whispered. “Never” Justin’s eyes prickled with unshed tears at the thought of Brian’s words that had been spoken with such raw emotion. Their hands entwined, Brian’s head on Justin’s shoulder, was how they drove the rest of the way back to Alistair’s. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Back in Alistair’s office the old man was feeling every one of his eighty two years. Having to confront the reality that someone you’d loved and trusted, part of your family, was systematically stealing and cheating you, was something he’d never thought he’d have to deal with. “Find James and send him to my office.” Alistair said softly into the phone, his voice sad. Bradley, Alistair’s assistant who had been with him for almost twenty years, knew that James was finally going to get what was coming to him. Many times he’d tried to warn his employer and friend, but Alistair had never been willing to listen. Bradley didn’t know whether to be glad or sad that it was all happening now. It took almost half an hour to find James who was sitting in a back booth of the bar two doors down from the office building, but Bradley finally located the man and escorted him back to his uncle. “Uncle, you wanted to see me.” James said as he stepped into the office. “Close the door James and sit down.” His uncle said. It was only after James closed the door that he realized one of the lawyers from their legal department was also sitting in the office. The realization that he wouldn’t be able to talk his way out of all that he had done came crashing down around him and he wanted to run. Instead, keeping a mask of indifference on, James sat down. Alistair handed James a handful of computer printouts. “James these are your last six months of expense accounts. The ones I have highlighted, I’d like explanations for.” James glanced at the pages; his eyes barely registered what was highlighted. “I don’t have to explain my expenses. Everything is legitimate.” “I don’t think that your dry cleaning or the fact that you eat out seven days a week or even this bill for tropical fish is appropriate.” Alistair rested his elbows on the desk and looked hard at James. “It isn’t only the expense accounts James. It’s the fact that you only spend a small portion of your day here and when you are here you aren’t doing your job.” “You are undermining some of the best of our team leaders and we are not only losing new accounts we’re bidding for, but some of our old standbys as well.” He looked at the ledger in front of him. “And I see here that you’ve given yourself a bonus twice this year. Both times I signed the check, and yet James, I don’t recall signing such a check. I can’t help but wonder what other things have been paid for through the company with my signature on it that isn’t legitimate.” “Of course you signed the check’s Uncle Al. You’ve forgotten.” James tried to brazen his way out. “I would hardly have forgotten this one.” Alistair put a check on the desk. “Considering the date of the check was when I was vacationing in England. I think I would have remembered you sending it to me to sign.” “Accounting must have put a wrong date on the check.” “What we have here James is a lack of trust. I no longer feel I can trust you. Accordingly, and this is only because of our family connection, I am not pressing charges against you for theft, but I am letting you go. I’ve had a letter of resignation drawn up that I want you to sign and when you do I will give you a check equal to one year’s severance pay and ask that you vacate the premises. The locks are being re-keyed right now, so you needn’t bother handing in your keys.” Alistair pushed the letter across his desk toward James who sat and stared at it sullenly. “It’s Justin isn’t it? He’s the one who has poisoned your mind against me. He told you that I tried to run him out of Cleveland by killing off the fish. And I would have if he hadn’t been emailing that god damned Kinney. I almost got him too, both of them. Why is Justin any more special than I am. I’m family too.” Alistair’s face was white. He had no idea what James was talking about. It seemed there was far more brewing than he’d been aware of. “Perhaps it was your little escapade at my home the other night.” Alistair said quietly. “Even if you’d succeeded in whatever you were trying to do, you would never have been a large part of my will. Justin is my heir and he always has been.” “But I heard you say that your nephew was your heir. I’m your nephew.” James protested. “Justin is my nephew, you are my cousin, you know that James.” The old man shook his head. “Sign the letter and leave before I change my mind. You make me ill young man, you make me ill.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin and Brian went directly to their room when they arrived at the mansion. They could hear Gus and TC playing with Molly and the gentle voices of Jennifer and Kyra talking while the younger ones played. Rather than interrupt the little group in the games room, the two men opted for the relative peace and quiet of their room. It was time to talk about why Brian had been called to come. Brian led Justin to a wide armchair that had been placed in front of the fireplace. He lit the fire that was waiting there for them and then sat down, pulling Justin in close beside him. “You probably gathered that your Uncle didn’t bring me all the way here just to tour his company.” Brian began. Justin snuggled close, “I’m not stupid Brian, blond but not dumb.” Justin joked. “I know you aren’t Justin. Your Uncle wants us to have the company now and not wait until he dies. He wants to give me fifty percent and you have the other fifty percent. He doesn’t care if we keep it here or move it to the Pitts, or just have a branch office in either Cleveland or Pittsburgh. It will really be our decision.” Brian sighed. “What do you think about that, could we work together, would you mind that I would have half of your inheritance?” “Brian, I can ask you the same question – do you want to work with me? As for having half of my inheritance – hell I think you more than deserve this chance, you’re a good man Brian Kinney and I think you’d make my Uncle Al proud with what you could do for the company.” “There’s also the question of you and I. I know you want me to make some kind of commitment, but Justin, I just don’t know if I’m strong enough to not trick. It’s been a big part of my life. I don’t want to. I want to be true to you, but I’m being honest here, I don’t know if I can.” Justin started to move away but Brian held him close. “Justin, I love you, I know I don’t say it often or ever, but I think that’s what I feel for you. I know I want you to be part of my life until the day I die. I know that I was in limbo while you were gone and living with the fiddler. I never stopped loving you and I never stopped hoping that you’d come back to me. Are you strong enough to put up with my bullshit and take me back if I slip? Will you love me no matter what, the way I love you?” “Yes” Justin said his voice soft. “I’ll always love you and yes damn it, I’ll always take you back.” “I promise that I’ll do my best not to test your words Justin. I’ll do my very best.” “That’s all either one of us can do Brian, is our best.” “Will you be my life partner?” “Is this a proposal? Because I’m pretty sure that Brian Kinney doesn’t believe in life partners let alone proposals? “This is a proposal and Brian Kinney’s rules all were shot to hell the minute he laid eyes on you under a certain streetlamp.” Brian bent and kissed Justin’s forehead. “Then I accept your proposal, but I want a big assed ring.” Justin laughed. “Demanding little puke aren’t you?” Brian laughed, “I could probably spring for a ring though.” “No I meant for you. If I’m going to be known as the twink who tamed the stud of Liberty Ave, I want you to have a big ass ring so everyone knows it.” Brian threw back his head and laughed. “We’ll head to a jewelers tomorrow and pick out a ring for both of us and it can be the biggest baddest ring in the place, though something tasteful would be nice too.” “I can do tasteful” Justin agreed. “Now that’s settled, what are we going to do about owning an advertising agency in Cleveland, a loft that is now had a major renovation done, one boy child called Gus who lives in the Pitts and a damn big house here in Cleveland?” “Commute?” Justin asked. “Funny, Justin, very funny.” “Well, I think we should give some consideration to either moving the company completely or moving the headquarters and keeping a smaller branch here. There are going to have to be some major shakeups personnel wise and you are definitely cast in the roll of big bad. I want to finish at PIFA and the loft ‘has’ been renovated. What about putting Cynthia in charge of part of the operation. She knows you and the way you operate and better yet we can trust her.” “I think you’re right. I’ll talk to her when I go back on Monday, we’ll see what she has to say. Meanwhile I think you should spend part of your day in the Cleveland office until the take over takes place. It will be good for you to get the feel of the thing. I’m going to talk to Gardner as well. Perhaps the two companies could merge – we’d both benefit – I’ll discuss that with Alistair. He might have a few ideas.” “So Brian Kinney, how does it feel being a millionaire?” Justin grinned at him. “I already was Sunshine, but it’s nice to know that there are a few more dollars in the old bank account.” Brian smirked and Justin shook his head smiling. “You’re incorrigible Brian.” “But handsome and well endowed.” “Whatever gets you through the day.” Justin teased. “Will we tell Alistair tonight that we accept his proposal or wait until tomorrow at eleven?” Brian asked. “Let’s try and wait, but Uncle Al is pretty perceptive. I bet he guesses at dinner.” “If you don’t stop grinning he might.” Brian kissed Justin softly, a kiss filled with the promise of many more. He was about to continue when with a thunder of small feet Gus and TC burst through the door followed by Molly and Kyra. “The girls are chasing me and TC” Gus said and the two climbed up on Brian and Justin seeking refuge. “Well, Justin you look comfy” Kyra laughed when she saw the two men. “I was until I had a cat on my head.” Justin grumbled. “Now Justin, TC and Gus were fleeing from us, you and Brian are the perfect spot for the two to find sanctuary.” “How come you guys get the biggest bed?” Molly asked. She was spread out on the silky smoothness of the satin duvet cover, her hair like a red gold halo. “We’re sharing and Justin wiggles too much in his sleep.” Brian drawled. “I do not.” Justin said. “It’s because they want to make passionate love to each other.” Kyra said. “It’s only fitting that they should have such a majestic bed for their reunion.” “Gross” Molly said. She looked down at the bed with suspicion, “You guys haven’t already been doing it on here have you?” she asked. “What’s wrong Mollusk, afraid you’ll catch ‘gay’ germs?” Justin teased. “Children, play nice.” Brian admonished. “Daddy, do I have to have a nap before dinner?” Gus asked. “If you have a nap, you can have dinner with all of us. But if you don’t have a nap, you will be eating early and going to bed just about when we are having dinner. It’s your decision Gus.” Brian said. “I’m going to have a nap.” Gus went over to Molly. “Molly, will you tuck me in please?” “Sure Gus, I think I’ll have a nap too.” Molly and Gus left the room with TC trailing after them. “I see that you and Brian have resolved some issues.” Kyra began. She walked over and kissed first Brian and then Justin on the forehead. “I’ll leave the two of you to rest before dinner as well.” Smiling Kyra left the room, taking care to lock the bedroom door on her way out. “We’re alone again Sunshine.” Brian said his voice soft. “What will it be Brian, shower or bath?” Justin said as he hopped off of Brian’s lap and headed toward the bathroom pulling off his sweater as he walked away and wiggling his ass to entice Brian. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Epilogue: Brian and Justin did pick out rings that were tasteful. They did commit to each other in front of family and friends. Brian took over Procter Promotions and then merged with Vanguard to form one of the main advertising firms in that part of the United States. Justin returned to PIFA where he eventually graduated with honors. Rather than assume the position of Advertising Director he preferred to remain at home painting. His series of paintings that included the fairies won him accolades world wide. Justin did become a father of a son as well as a daughter; both children were born by Melanie, fraternal twins. Kyra continued, with the help of various cousins, to assist Justin and Brian when required, until her agelessness became noticeable and she was forced to move on to surface again when the children were older. TC lived with Brian and Justin until he died in his sleep at the age of twenty three – Brian commented that he thought the cat had died three years before and Justin had just been moving him from chair seat to bed to make Brian believe the cat was only sleeping. Brian slept in the spare room the night of that comment but was welcomed back into the marriage bed after suitable apologies were made. The end