Misty Moonlight 8 
“Daddy tell me why I have to wear this thing again?” Gus tugged at his first suit coat.

“Because we’re going to a company get together and you’re my date.” Brian said with a smile. “I’m getting some kind of prize ‘cause I did some good work.”

“Like a gold star in preschool?” Gus asked.

“Yes, like a gold star.”

“But shouldn’t you be doing your best anyway?”

“Yes, but sometimes I do better than best – or at least that’s what my boss thinks, so I’m getting a bonus and he wants to make a big deal out of.”

“What kind of a bonus?” Gus said as he looked up at his father. “You look very handsome daddy.”

“Thanks, I don’t know what kind of a bonus.” Brian gave his hair a final pat and slipped on his new Armani jacket. “Where’s that damn cat of yours, I don’t want cat hair on my jacket.”

“Fluffy is sleeping.” Gus said.

“Fluffy sleeps a lot thank gawd.” Brian said. “Why didn’t you just buy yourself a stuffed animal, you could call it Fluffy and we’d save on kitty litter and cat food.”

“Daddy you really aren’t a cat person are you?” Gus said and shook his head. “Cats are supposed to sleep a lot. They’re good for cuddling that way. And” he looked at his father. “It said on television that for people who are old like you daddy, that patting a cat will keep your blood pressure down.”

“Geeze Gus I’m not old, I’m twenty four for cripes sake.”

“And your point is Daddy?” Gus smirked a smirk identical to his father’s before he collapsed in giggles.

“I could trade you in for a regular kid you know.” His father teased him. “One who isn’t such a smart ass.”

“Auntie Em says I’m just like you Daddy.”

“I’ll have to talk to Emmett.” Brian growled. “Let’s go.”

“When I’m older and I go on a date, I’m going to bring my date flowers.” Gus said as they went out the door.

“I brought you kitty treats.” Brian paused “Or was that for Fluffy?”

“You’re the silliest Daddy of all the daddies of all the kids at my school.” Gus declared.

They both got into the jeep. Brian waited while Gus adjusted his seat belt and soon they were on their way to the hotel where Marty Ryder was hosting the awards banquet.

“Who is this young man?” Marty said when Brian and Gus reached the door to the banquet room.

“I’m Gus Kinney.” 

“Brian, I didn’t know you were bringing your son.” Marty said in a slightly hostile voice.

“You said bring a date. Gus is my date.” Brian looked around. “He can carry his own in conversation with anyone here. He can discuss quantum physics to Finding Nemo – he should fit right in.” 

Brian walked into the crowded room with Gus close behind him. Looking around he discovered his assistant Cynthia at a table with some empty seats. “Hey Cynthia.” Brian said. “This is Gus.”

“Hi Cynthia, I’m Dad’s date.” The fact that Gus referred to him as Dad wasn’t lost on Brian. His little boy was growing up.

“You’re a little young to be your dad’s date. But I understand he’s not too social.” Cynthia smiled at Gus. “I’m glad to meet you Gus. 

Brian looked around at the other people from Ryder Associates that were attending the function. He wasn’t really impressed with all of them. He hadn’t wanted to go to this function and it was only Marty’s insistence that he come as part of his business responsibilities that finally convinced Brian.

It was also a night he normally spent with Gus. He was damned if he was leaving his son with Emmett or Marc yet again. He was barely involved with Gus’ life now. If Marty didn’t like it, tough shit.

That night after Gus was in bed still smiling about his dad’s bonus of a company car that his dad said they would pick out on Saturday, Brian went up to the roof for his usual cigarette before bed. Fluffy had taken to walking up the steps with him and exploring the large roof top. Brian had to admit the cat was some kind of companion, not a great one, but better than none at all. Gus was used to waiting for his dad’s smoke break and Fluffy’s as well.
“How did it go Brian?” Justin asked. They had talked about Brian taking Gus as his date the night before.

“Not bad.” Brian was leaning against an old brick chimney. It always amused him when Fluffy was around at the same time as Justin. The cat would jump from one dimension to the other. He often wondered how Justin explained the cat hairs in his bed to his mother.

“So what was your bonus?”

“They’re giving me a company car. I get to pick it out on Saturday, Gus is going with me.”

“Great.” Justin said. “I’d like a car.”

“You just turned thirteen. You don’t need a car and you aren’t old enough anyway.”

“I know, but I’d like one.” Justin grinned at him. “Three more years and I’m legal to fuck and drive.”

“Not in that order I hope.” Brian said.

“We’ll have to see.” Justin began to pat Fluffy who was now on the bed with him. “I wonder why Fluffy can not only see me, but can hop back and forth like he does.”

“Maybe it’s a cat thing. Maybe they all can see you or I depending on the dimension.”

“Well it fucking drives my mother crazy not knowing where the cat fur comes from.”

“What do you tell her?” Brian asked curious.

“I tell her it’s left by a cat called Fluffy who lives in another dimension and then I laugh.” He grinned again. “I don’t lie and she doesn’t believe me.”

“Smart kid.”

“I know.” Justin wasn’t modest. “Do you realize that this last summer was the first summer I spend in Pittsburgh in like years and years? No more summer camp.”

“Well if you and Daphne don’t stop fooling around, you’ll end up back at camp.” Brian was referring to some of the escapades the two had managed to get into during the summer in downtown Pittsburgh.

“Na, Dad’s just happy as shit that I’m hanging around a girl. He was getting worried that I might be – god forbid – gay.”

“And?”
“Of course I’m gay. I’ve always been gay. But Daphne’s my best friend, she knows I like boys. I tell her everything.”

“Everything?” Brian wondered. “Even our monthly chats?”

“Yeah, I tell her about them, but she thinks I’m just making up stories about you. You know. fantasizing.”

“Are you?” Brian teased.

“Maybe.” Justin couldn’t help the smile that crept over him. Brian was becoming a main part of his nightly fantasies every night.

“So are you and Gus going to Arizona this Christmas?” 

“No I promised Gus we’d stay here. I think Marc is going to come back for Christmas as well. He misses Curtis and Christmas is really for family. We’ll go over to Deb’s for Christmas dinner but Christmas Eve I’ll have everyone over to my place. Gus wants a big tree. It’ll be nice for him.”

“I wish we could be together at Christmas.” Justin pouted. It was times like this when he looked much younger than thirteen.

“It would be nice, but that’s not going to happen Justin.”

“But it could someday. The story about the curse and everything. I remember that Brian.”

“Justin, as much as you mean to me, I’d never be able to leave Gus and you’d never be able to leave your family. I think if the story is true, once one of us makes the decision to cross over, there’s no going back.”

Brian went back to his loft after talking to Justin for another hour. Fluffy followed him closely and when they were back in the loft the cat headed for Gus’ room where he usually spent the night at the end of the bed. “Hey Fluffy, is daddy finished talking to the boy?” Gus said to the cat. The cat meowed his answer and butted his head against Gus’ hand demanding to be patted. “The boy is really nice and daddy likes him a lot doesn’t he?” Gus continued to whisper to the cat not really expecting an answer. He curled up on his side and continued to pat the cat until he fell asleep.

Christmas dawned with a snowfall that had the city of Pittsburgh at a standstill. A record amount of snow fell within twenty four hours and Brian found himself facing Christmas day stranded with Marc and Gus in the loft building. Emmett was across town at Vic and Debbies. He had gone over to help with the preparations for Christmas dinner when he found he was unable to return due to the snow.

Brian turned when he heard knocking at his door. “Come in” he called. It could only be Marc. 

“Brian, do you and Gus want to come down to my place tonight. It doesn’t look like we’ll be getting any visitors for our Christmas Eve celebration.” Marc walked over and peered out at the snow covered streets that were empty of both traffic and people. 

“Can Fluffy come Grandpa Marc?” Gus asked.

“Yes Fluffy can come.” Marc said and Brian rolled his eyes.

“I’m surprised you don’t take the damn cat to school.” Brian said.

“I have taken him to school.” Gus declared. “Auntie Em said he could come and the teacher likes him.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Brian laughed. “Should we bring some of the food down?” he asked.

“No, when we’re hungry we can always come back here.” Marc grinned at Brian. “That way the mess is all at your place and not at mine.”

“Thanks” Brian said as he opened the door. “Come on boys, you too Fluffy” The three of them headed down the stairs. 

They opened the door and suddenly everyone yelled, “Surprise” 

Brian stepped back into the hall “What the fuck?” he whispered not too quietly to Gus who grinned up at him and said.

“Language Daddy.”

Brian peeked inside the apartment again and then walked in. “How in heck did all of you manage to get here? Didn’t you notice the city has shut down?”

Vic handed Brian a drink and Debbie smiled from her seat on the sofa. Emmett waved from the kitchen and Michael was all cuddly with some guy Brian had never seen before.

“It’s a surprise Christmas Eve party daddy.” Gus said gleefully. 

“But Gus, we were having a party up at our place. This doesn’t make a lot of sense.”

“Yes it does Daddy. I asked Grandpa Marc if we could have our party here because if we had it at our place Santa Claus couldn’t come. Everyone would stay too late.” Gus was being reasonable.

“Yes Brian, you know old Saint Nick has a schedule to keep.” Vic smiled and handed Brian a plate of canapés. “Besides, it was a lot of fun coming over here on a snowmobile. I haven’t had so much fun in years.”

“Where did you guys all come up with snowmobiles?” Brian looked bewildered. He watched as the cat jumped up on the back of the sofa and began to stalk the bobbing yellow balls Debbie had pinned in hair.

“Brian it’s amazing what can be rented if you have the money.” Marc said with a smile. “And what’s Christmas Eve if we can’t have our family.” His eyes looked sad as he thought of the missing Curtis.

Christmas music was playing in the background, the lights on the tree were twinkling everyone was talking and laughing, no one noticed Brian standing back in the corner watching and listening, amazed at the gathering of family and friends. He was almost twenty five; he had a close to six year old son and a great job, a great loft. He should be content with all that he had, yet he felt restless and alone, very, very alone. Michael came over and introduced his new boyfriend, Ted Schmidt an accountant. Brian said the words that were required but all the while felt like he was in some kind of bubble watching from afar.

He let his mind drift to Justin in his own version of Pittsburgh. He wondered what the thirteen year old would be doing tonight. Probably some country club thing he figured. Tomorrow would be the full moon and they could touch base. Brian was beginning to hate the length of time between each full moon. Justin was more and more interesting to talk to, not that he hadn’t always been interesting, but there was something about the blond as he became older that had caught Brian’s attention.

Christmas day was filled with excitement for Gus, because despite the snow and the party he had plenty of gifts under the large tree from everyone including Santa Claus.

Brian enjoyed the Christmas season, in fact he’d go so far as to say it was one of the best times of the year for him now. Despite his horrendous childhood and the Christmas’ from hell – Brian had learned the true meaning of the season once he had Gus in his life. Oh with Michael, Debbie and Vic, and even Justin, they had always made Christmas tolerable for Brian, and Marc and Curtis had taken the tolerable up a notch. But it was seeing Christmas through Gus’ eyes that made all the difference in the world to Brian. He liked to spend the evening when Gus had finally gone to bed reflecting on how strange life was and how different it was from his earlier expectations.

Brian could hear the wheezing breathing of Fluffy. He figured that Gus must be asleep now. It was time to go up to the roof, and for once not have the damn cat with him. He pulled his jacket out of the closet and headed up the stairs to the roof. As usual he left the door to the loft open slightly as well as the room top door. He wanted to be able to hear Gus should the boy need him.

It wasn’t long before the mists began to swirl around the snow covered room and soon Justin appeared. He was sitting at his desk working doing something on his computer. “Hey Justin” Brian said softly not wanting to startle the young man.

Justin turned around and beamed at him. “Hey Brian, it’s great to see you. Did you have a super Christmas?” he asked.

“Not bad.” Brian drawled. “And yourself?”

“I always get lots of stuff. We were supposed to go to my grandparents, but there’s too much snow. I was glad we’re staying here. My cousin Ralph is an asshole.”

Brian laughed. “He can’t be that bad.”

“Right, he’s the same age as me but about twice as big and he hits me every chance he gets. Of course no one ever sees him and if I say anything I just get the ‘play nice with your cousin lecture.” He paused. “He’s a fucking asshole and a bully.”

“Well it’s a good thing you didn’t go.” Brian hated to hear it when Justin was being picked on. He could do nothing to defend him and it drove him crazy. “Why don’t you talk to your mom about him, maybe she can offer a solution?”

“I might do that.” Justin looked at him closely. “Brian, do you think Gus can see me?” he asked quietly.

“No, you’ve been around when other people have been with me and they didn’t see you.” Brian said. “I think it’s just me and Fluffy.”

“Okay,” Justin looked kind of funny and then said. “I’ve been having a problem with my hard drive. I was just about to get dad’s tools and poke around inside the computer. I figure maybe something’s loose.”

“No, don’t do that, you’ll wreck it if you don’t know what you’re doing.” Shouted Gus who, along with Fluffy, ran out the door toward Justin. Brian grabbed his son just before he stepped into the other dimension.

“Okay Sonny Boy, what’s up?” he asked.

“Hi Justin.” Gus said shyly

“Hi Gus.” Justin said back with a wide grin on his face. Fluffy jumped up on Justin’s desk and then climbed up on the monitor, his favorite spot to watch people.

“Daddy, you’ve been talking to Justin for a hundred years and you never let me talk to him. Justin used to come into my room all the time when I was a baby. Lots of time he’d sit with me until I fell asleep if I had a bad dream.” Gus looked at Brian. “How come you never let me talk to Justin?” he looked over at Justin. “How come you never come and visit me anymore?”

“Gus” Justin began. “I always stop in and say goodnight to you, but usually you’re asleep.” Justin looked at Brian. “Well I had to do something when I was waiting for you Brian; you aren’t always here very early.”

“Geeze.” Brian said. “Gus I never said anything about Justin because, well frankly it’s just too weird. I figured that most people would think I was nuts.”

“Daddy, I study stuff like this at my school, the probability of different dimensions. Of course I know that there is such a thing and I’ve been attempting to research it enough to prove the existence without actually coming out and saying I can see into Justin’s dimension on the nights of the full moon.”.

“How old are you kid?” Brian asked his son. “I could have sworn you were going to be six in a few days not thirty six.”

“Daddy, it’s a relatively simple theory. I was listening to the professor explain it to the older kids. I mean there are kids from my age up to fifteen in my class. It’s not like a big school, more a one room school.”

Justin looked amused. “Brian you knew Gus was in with the kids who are exceptional. I mean he’s in that study at Carnegie for goodness sake.” Justin looked at Gus.

“Daddy forgets that sometimes Justin.” Gus said. “How come Fluffy can go over to you? Do you think I could do it?”

“I don’t know, probably.” Justin said. He looked at Brian. “Your dad can come over, but not like Fluffy. He can only come over if I really need him. It’s the same with me. I can only come over if your Dad really needs me.” He grinned. “Ask your dad to tell you about the curse.”

“The curse?” Gus looked at his father.

“Another time Gus, now why don’t you go back to your room and get into bed. I’ll be down in a little while and we’ll have a talk.” Brian kissed the top of Gus’ head. At six he was much taller than other kids his age.

“Okay.” Gus was satisfied now that he had spoken to Justin. “Goodnight Justin, I don’t mind when you come into my room. I always thought you were some kind of ‘kid Angel’ but I guess you’re just a plain old kid.” He giggled.

“That’s me alright” Justin said. “Goodnight Gus.” Brian and Justin watched Gus leave the roof top, Fluffy seeing him disappear through the door soon bounded after him.

“I wonder why Gus can see you.” Brian shook his head. “It doesn’t make any sense.”

“Unless he’s somehow involved in all of this with Antiqua and her prophesies.” Justin suggested.

“How could he be?” Brian was baffled. He was going to have to make sure that Gus didn’t talk about Justin. Everyone thought he was odd enough because he was so smart. He didn’t need anything extra to add to it.

“Brian, Gus won’t say anything. He’s known about me for a long time and he hasn’t said anything. I’m sure it won’t change.” Justin was being reasonable.

“You’re probably right Justin.”

“Hey Brian, I wonder if you’ll ever see Antiqua again.”

“Why should I, it’s not as if we keep the same company.” Brian looked at Justin. “What do you have in mind?” he asked. “I know it’s something.”

“I just thought you might ask her to clarify things a bit more, don’t you find all these cryptic messages a big pain in the ass?”

“I always thought that Justin. But I’m not sure if I ever found her that I’d really want to know what she saw. It might not be good and frankly I’d rather just live my life the way I have been.”

“Well if I ever see her, I’m going to ask.” Justin declared.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Gus’ birthday was quieter this year. The boy had asked if it was alright not to have a party and Brian was happy to oblige him. He was six years old, tall for his age and if you’d put a picture of him taken now beside one of Brian at the same age, you wouldn’t have been able to tell them apart.

Brian was doing well at Ryder and Associates, in fact along with his bonus, he’d received a promotion and now he had his own office and Cynthia had been officially given the title of his assistant.

So when his twenty fifth birthday arrived, Brian wasn’t really expecting anything untoward from Antiqua. Life had been good up until then.

Six times six by twelve – the young shall deeply delve – hidden mysteries unsolved – will then become resolved – six times six by twelve.

Brian hung up the phone, the words of Antiqua rushing through his system. “Now what the fuck” he thought. The phone rang again and Brian looked at it as if it were going to bite him. Finally he picked it up. “What?” he barked.

“Daddy your phone manners aren’t very nice.” Gus said. “I wanted to say Happy Birthday.” Gus was smiling, Brian could tell. 

“Hey Gus, I didn’t mean to growl.” Brian looked down at the small desk he was working on. He was in Chicago on business, but due back in Pittsburgh later that evening.

“Daddy, I found the legend of the curse that’s on you and Justin.” Gus said all excited. “I finally located it in some files on the internet. I’ve bookmarked them for you to read when you get home.”

“Gus” Brian pinched the bridge of his nose; he could feel a headache beginning, “The thing with Justin, well it’s not real. It can’t be real. If you hadn’t seen him too, I’d think I was delusional every month, like some woman.”

“Daddy, get a grip” Gus said with a hint of a smirk in his voice. “You will be happy to know that Grandma Debbie is bringing over a birthday cake for you from Grandpa Vic, but that she can’t stay because Michael wants her to have his new boyfriend over for dinner.”

“Hey, that’s cool.” Brian said brightening up. “So it will just be you and I and Emmett.”

“That’s right. I wish it was a full moon tonight. Then Justin could come.”

“Well, he couldn’t really come.” Brian said. “You know that.”

“Did you know that there is a Justin Taylor here in Pittsburgh too?” Gus said. “I looked him up. He goes to school at Saint James Academy.”

“That would be too weird if we ran into him.” Brian said with a laugh. 

“I bet there’s a Brian Kinney in Justin’s dimension too.” Gus said. “I’m going to ask Justin to look and see if there is.”

“And what is he supposed to do if he finds him?”

“Nothing, it’s just some information I’d like. Someday daddy, I’m going to have some answers to dimensional travel. I know I’m too young yet, but you wait and see.”

“I’m sure you will have some answers Gus, I’m sure you will.” Brian hung up the phone and thought of the message from Antiqua and what Gus had to say. It was all a bit spooky and more than a little bit creepy.

Summer arrived with a heat wave that was unprecedented in Pittsburgh. Living like he did in the downtown core, Brian had no way to escape the heat. He could see how, even with the air conditioner working flat out, how Gus was affected not to mention the damn cat, Fluffy. Fluffy wasn’t built to withstand high temperatures and the cat spent almost all day and night stretched out as long as he could in front of the air conditioner.

Finally, not being to stand it any longer and realizing that productivity at the office was at a standstill, Brian asked for and was given a week off. He packed up Emmett, Gus and Fluffy and they all took off for a week’s stay at a cabin on a lake only an hour’s drive from the city. When Michael heard they were leaving he wanted to come as well and of course he had to bring his boyfriend of the moment, Ted. Then Debbie and Vic decided they would go as well. Marc laughed when he heard how many were going to be sharing space with Brian. He was enjoying the heat and had no plans he said to go to a bug infested cabin in the woods. 

Gus was unusually quiet on the drive to the cabin. Emmett kept a constant chatter going about all the good times he was going to have with everyone that Brian didn’t notice Gus’ silence. When they arrived it was only a matter of minutes before the car loaded with Deb and Vic and Michael and Ted also arrived. The next hour was spent assigning rooms and Deb was preparing a lunch with the help of Vic and Emmett. The talk was loud, the laughter plentiful. It was then that Brian noticed Gus’ silence. “Hey Gus, come down to the water with me.” Brian opened the door to the cabin and let his son walk through first.

They were almost at the water; the sounds from the cabin had faded. “What’s the matter Gus?” Brian asked. “I thought you’d like to come to the lake. It’s so hot in Pittsburgh right now.”

“I do like the lake Daddy, but what about Justin? The moon is going to be full before we leave. You can’t not talk to him. That’s part of the fix it thing for the curse. You can never miss a night or you’ll never be together for another six hundred years. That’s a long time Daddy.”

“Is that why you’ve been so quiet?” Brian asked with a gentle laugh. “Gus don’t worry, no matter what, Justin and I have never missed a night yet and it’s been twelve years of visits. That’s a lot of visits.”

“That’s older than me.” 

“Yes it is. Justin was only a baby when I first saw him. I thought I was imagining it.”

“He’s not a baby anymore.” Gus looked at his dad. “He really likes you a lot.”

“And I like him.” Brian bent down and gave his son a quick hug. Gus was still at the age when he would accept public hugs, but he was soon going to want to keep them private. “Now don’t worry, when it comes time to see Justin, I’ll find a way to get out of the families view. I always have.”

“I wanted to talk to him too Daddy. I want to tell him what I found out about the curse.”

“He’s thirteen; he probably has other things to think about than some fairy tale.”

“Daddy, it’s not a fairy tale, it’s a folk tale. There’s a big difference.” Gus was going into lecture mode and Brian tried not to smile. The boy was six and yet he sometimes talked to his father like he was the adult and Brian was the child.

The week at the lake was a big success, Michael and Ted managed to get sunburned. Emmett had a reaction to some poison oak in the woods. Fluffy caught a mouse. Vic and Debbie had a major argument and weren’t speaking to each other by the end of the week and Brian and Gus were happy having stayed up and talked to Justin during the full moon. Everyone returned to Pittsburgh with differing views of their mini vacation. 

Marc greeted Brian as they came in the door. “Brian, if you have a moment once you get unpacked can you meet with me at my place. I have something I want to discuss.”

“Sure Marc, Gus and I won’t be long.” Brian and Gus continued up the steps where Fluffy was sitting at the top waiting for them. Fluffy had found being an outdoor cat very exhausting and was looking forward to a nice peaceful and safe environment where squeaky things weren’t always moving around.

Soon the two were back down at Marc’s loft. The knocked and walked in. Marc had blueprints spread across his dining room table. “Hi, I have been thinking about this for some time and the weather made me actually get things in motion.” Marc began when the two of them walked in. “We have never bothered to sell the other lofts in the building and right now I don’t particularly want to. Do you agree Brian?”

“I agree, in fact I told Emmett that if he should decide to sell he should come to you and I first. We’d like first chance at his apartment.”

“And he agreed?”

“Yes, he did. Though he’s happy with the arrangement we have now.”

“Fine, but look at these plans. I was thinking that we could use the space in the rest of the lower level to have an indoor pool installed and perhaps an exercise room. I had the architect we used for the renovations do some studies and check with the city and we could do it. What do you think?” 

Brian looked over the plans. “It looks fine, but it’ll cost a small fortune.” He said.

“Yes, it will be costly, but if you and Gus plan on living in the building for the next few years, the cost would be worth it and if we sell, it can only increase the value.”

“Well, if it doesn’t bankrupt me, I’m in for half.” Brian said and he watched Gus’ face light up with happiness. “I take it you approve Gus?” he asked.

“A pool will be totally awesome.” Gus agreed.

Gus having given his approval headed for his Grandpa Marc’s computer. He insisted it was much better and faster than his and took every opportunity he could to use it. Brian suspected that Marc had some software on the thing that Gus didn’t have and knew that Brian wouldn’t get him. No matter, it was something that kept Gus occupied, not always an easy task. Fluffy followed Gus into Marc’s office, he loved being in this room because it was warmer than any other one in the large loft and it had a sofa filled with downy soft pillows that made a purrfect spot to cat nap.

Brian and Marc discussed the building of the pool and then retired to the living room area for a quiet drink while Gus enjoyed himself in the office. “Marc I’d like to ask you something that may seem odd.” Brian began.

“Go ahead Brian, by the time you reach my age not much is ‘odd’ any longer.” Marc laughed.

“I was just wondering if you’d ever thought of things like” Brian paused choosing his words, “things like maybe parallel universes.”

“You mean like somewhere there is another world with all of us in it. Maybe Curtis is alive there or maybe it was me who died?”

“Something like that.” Brian admitted.

“Well, truthfully, I’ve always rather fantasized about something like that.” He looked thoughtfully toward his bedroom where the ashes of Curtis had remained. Marc was reluctant to be separated from the one great love of his life. “I think that somewhere Curtis is still alive and happy. I can almost hear him laughing at times and sometime if the light is right, I’m sure I catch a glimpse of him.” He laughed shakily, “Now you’ll think I’m crazy, but damn Brian I wish that he was alive somewhere even if we aren’t together. I just want him to be laughing in the sunlight.” Marc brushed his hand over his eyes, wiping away a stray bit of moisture.

“Do you believe that everyone has someone out there that is linked to them? That each of us has one great love and through out the ages we continue to find each other.”

“I do truly believe that Brian. When I met Curtis it was as if we’d always known each other. We were completely comfortable being together.” He sighed. “I know that in another life, we’ll find each other again. Damn I miss him; you have no idea how much.”

“I heard a folk story; the short version is that two lovers were separated by someone who felt that they had wronged her and she cast them into different dimensions. After six hundred years the portals to each dimension opens and they have years of getting to know one another every full moon with the possibility of one or the other eventually being able to cross over.”

Marc looked thoughtful. “I remember reading something like that a long time ago. I think I might even still have the book with that legend in it. Isn’t there supposed to be some kind of catalyst that allows the crossover? It seems to me that it involves an unselfish sacrifice of some kind.”

“Could be, I don’t remember it clearly.” Brian had to admit. “If you could find the book, would you lend it to me please?”

“Certainly.” Marc looked closely at Brian. “Brian what is this really about?”

“What would you say if I told you that I’ve been seeing into another dimension ever since I was thirteen years old?”

“Have you?”

“I think so.”

“And what do you see?”

“I see into the bedroom of a young boy, well he’s thirteen now, almost fourteen. It’s always at night, always when the moon is full.”

“You see into his bedroom because that’s where a boy that age would be?”

“Yes, I guess, I never thought about that. Though one time he was in the hospital, I saw him then and of course in the summer he used to be at camp. I’d see him there.”

“And this young boy is he frightened to see you?”

“No, in fact he’s seen me three times a month since he was one. He’s more than used to me.” Brian laughed. “He’s kind of cute. He’s blond and has the most amazing blue eyes, like sparkling sapphires. And smart, he’s very bright, far advanced for his age and a wonderful artist. He’ll go far in if he wants to pursue art as his career.” Brian looked chagrined. “He’s only thirteen. Not a love interest.”

“But he could be eventually.”

“Marc, he’s twelve years younger than I am. Even if we ever were able to get together, the age factor alone says it wouldn’t work.”

“Brian, I’m twelve years younger than Curtis. We more than worked.” Marc said with a laugh. “Age is how you feel, actual years have little to do with it.”

“It isn’t right, he’s too young, he always has been and he always will be.” Brian said with a shake of his head. “And besides, I don’t believe in legends and folk tales.”

“I think you do.” Marc said softly to himself. “I think you do and you don’t want to admit it to yourself.”

The school year began again and soon Gus was once more caught up in his studies. Brian hoped he’d put any research ideas behind him until the boy was a little older. Justin had seemed intrigued by Gus’ interest and Brian suspected he planned a little bit of research himself in his dimension.

Sooner than he liked to admit, it was time for Justin’s fourteenth birthday. This year it coincided with one of the ‘moon’ days as Brian had begun to think of them. He was looking forward to seeing him.

Despite the November chill, Brian went up to the roof to wait for Justin. Gus was down at Marc’s and he’d taken Fluffy with him for a sleep over. Brian didn’t know what was so great about sleeping at Marc’s, it was just one floor down, but both Gus and Fluffy thought of it as an adventure. He had just put out his cigarette when Justin spoke. “Hey Brian, how’s it going?” he asked, his voice slurred. 

Brian looked over at Justin. “Where are you?” he asked not recognizing the place.

“I’m down at the river and I’m piss eyed drunk.” Justin declared. “Happy fucking birthday to me.”

“Justin, for gawd’s sake, you’re only fourteen. What in hell are you thinking of -drinking?”

“I’m celebrating Brian.” Justin tossed an empty bottle off into the darkness and Brian could hear a splash. “I’m celebrating that I’m a fig ol’ beary.” He peered drunkenly at Brian. “Did you know that my father HATES” he shouted the word. “fairies?” he looked around “I don’t even have any fucking wings. Hey Brian, shouldn’t I at least get some cool wings?”

“Justin,” Brian tried to speak calmly, “getting drunk isn’t going to solve anything.”

“Well it will give my fucking father something else to focus on instead of what I want to do with my dick.” Justin grinned. “I mean all the jocks get pissed every weekend, why can’t us gay bois?” He looked around. “I think I drank the last beer.” He said sadly.
“My father hates me you know.” His voice was matter of fact. “Yep, he said I’m not his son. Do you think my mom was screwing the mailman?” he giggled.

“Where’s Daphne?” Brian asked Daphne was Justin’s best friend and could maybe get him home and sobered up.

“I lost her.” Justin looked around. “Daphne, Daphne” he called in a falsetto voice. “Yep, I lost her. I was walking around down here and poof, she disappeared. Poof, poof, poof. I’m a poof.” He loved that word.

Brian rolled his eyes, he wished he could go over and shake some sense into the young blond, though he could understand how the kid must feel. “Did you tell your father you were gay Justin?” he asked gently.

“Well, he asked.” Justin sighed. “I mean it’s not my fault that the stupid teacher had to walk in when I was jacking off Chris. I mean don’t closed doors mean anything these days?” another deep sigh “Apparently not.”

“So the school phoned your father?”

“Well actually they phoned my mother.” 

“Who told your father.”

“I suppose that’s the story.” Justin nodded. “Yep, sounds reasonable. I don’t feel very good.” He said and then leaned over and vomited up what he’d drunk.

Brian waited. “Now do you feel better?”

“You’ve got to be kidding.” Even in the dark shadows, Justin looked green.

“Why don’t you start walking home? I’ll stay with you as long as I can.” Brian said.

“Okay, but I wish I could find Daphne, she helped me steal the beer.”

“So you had help with this celebration.” Brian laughed. “Justin, at your age it isn’t a great idea to get drunk. For one thing, it’s not good for you and for another it just doesn’t make you look too good.”

“Who cares?” Justin trudged along the river pathway, his head down.

“I care Justin.” Brian said softly and he knew that it was true. He did care.

“Justin, Justin,” a girl’s voice called. “There you are, we have to get home.” Brian watched a good looking young girl put her arm around Justin’s shoulder. 

As she led him away, Brian said more to himself. “Take care Sonny Boy.”

tbc