Misty Moonlight 9 
Gus had turned seven two days earlier. He’d asked for and was given a gift certificate for the bookstore The Owl’s Nest downtown. Today he’d talked Emmett into taking him to the store to pick up a book that he’d ordered on line two months before. Emmett wasn’t paying any attention as Gus paid for his purchase using his birthday gift certificate.

“Are you sure that’s the book you want young man?” the store owner asked. “I can send it back and you could spend all this money on something more suitable for a young boy of” he paused “You’re ten right?”

“I’m seven, but I’m tall for my age. This is the book I ordered and this is the book I want.”

“Does you mother know what kind of book you’re reading?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I don’t have a mother.” Gus took the bag with his book and called to Emmett. “Auntie Em, let’s go.” 

Emmett, not really caring for the book store, was happy to leave. “Did you get the book you wanted sweetie?” he asked as they walked down the street.

“Yes, it was a hard one to find. It’s been out of print for almost fifty years.” Gus declared.

“You bought a dirty old used book?” Emmett was incredulous.

“Emmett, it’s just a book. I need it for something I’m researching. I’m too young to go to the main library in New York. There’s a copy there. So I bought it. Besides, it’ll be nice to have.”

“Whatever makes you happy honey. Do you want to have lunch at the diner before we head to the loft?”

“Cool beans, I can see Grandma Debbie.” Gus grinned at him.

Later that day, Gus retreated into his room. He curled up in the large wing back chair that was tucked in the corner, turned on the reading lamp and opened his new purchase. Quickly scanning the pages, he soon found the legend he was looking for.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Myths, Legends and Folk Tales
By Aubrey Browne

Chapter 12 – Age Old Stories with Untraceable Origins

There are several versions of this tale, but the one I will be including in this book was discovered in almost a complete version on one of the digs on Pompeii. It was thought to date back to before the rise of the Roman Empire approximately one thousand years before Christ, though this is hard to substantiate.

For the reader’s convenience I have taken the liberty of updating the wording so that it can be better understood.

Have you ever wondered if the tales are true that each of us has a soul mate? In researching love stories through out the ages, I have come across a tale that has been told time and time again of a great love that was ageless. This love between what seems to be the same two souls appears often in folk tales. I have traced this particular legend to what I believe is the beginning.

Of course like all lives, they aren’t perfect and rarely does that perfect match of age and time come together to allow one to find one’s soul mate. Which is of course what happened to King Jon and King Brea, two rulers of adjacent kingdoms. They had met as children and grew up often visiting back and forth between their countries. They loved each other without reservation, but as with all royal families, they were expected to produce an heir to carry on. They were good and kind rulers who put their countries ahead of their own feelings.

“Brea, wonderful that you were able to come and visit.” King Jon greeted the man he loved. King Brea sat tall and handsome on his black stallion. He looked down at King Jon with affection. 

“Yes, my Queen will follow; she couldn’t resist the hunting call and insisted that she and her court spend a few days hunting. They will rejoin me in a few days.” 

“How is Mab doing, still the martinet?” Jon asked teasingly as Brea joined him on the ground leaving the horses to the stable hands.

“She has a sharp tongue that one, but she is a good mother despite her voice.” Brea laughed. “I really should have looked longer before agreeing to wed the wench, but you know father, he insisted on an heir.”

“I still believe she cast a spell upon you. You barely knew her when you wed the wench.” Jon looked over his shoulder almost as if he was afraid of being overheard. “She has a reputation as a witch, I’m sure you know that.”

“I’ve heard the tales.” Brea acknowledged, though I’ve never caught her casting any spells.”

“My Gwendolyn does dabble in magic, though it’s mostly love potions and cures for this and that.” Jon said. “She is sought out by many to cure their ills.”

“You allow this?”

“What can it hurt?” he shrugged. “She has her life and I have mine, we’ve produced the required heir and one other” he looked at Brea. “Truth be known, we’ve become fast friends rather than lovers.”

Brian looked out over the distant forest, his back to the room. He wondered what it would be like to have a friend in a wife and not some bitch who lived to make him miserable. Evening was drawing near and with it as always, came the heartbreaking loneliness that was his life. The only person he loved was so close to him yet so far away. Brea turned suddenly and bumped into Jon who had come up behind him. “Sorry” he mumbled and then unable to resist the strawberry kissed lips, bent down and kissed the other man.

Jon was surprised at first when Brea’s lips touched his, but the ache in his heart pulled him closer and his hands went up to Brea’s head, his fingers combed through the long auburn curls as he pulled him even nearer. Their tongues touched and explored while their lips devoured each other in a kiss of passion that neither had experienced before. Breaking away breathless, Jon walked to the heavy door of Brea’s bedchamber and turned the lock. Never speaking, less they change their minds; both began to strip off everything that covered their bodies until they stood before one another as naked as children.

Jon shivered in the cold, the sun having set leaving the evening shadows creeping into the corners of the large stone walled room. Brea held out his arms and the other man stepped into the heat of the tall lanky body, ripe with the smell of sweat from his day’s travel. The smell was a pungent aphrodisiac to the blond. Lips met again, Brea lifted Jon up in his arms and in two steps carried him to the bed where he laid him down gently among the robes and pillows. Slowly he traced the pathway from Jon’s chin down his throat and over his chest to the downy thatch of spun gold, where standing full and red with passion was his cock, its end glistening with the dew of need. Brea’s hand, warmed now by the fair skin, cupped and gently squeezed the Jon’s full balls. All that could be heard in the room was a sharp intake of breath and then moans of pleasure as Brea’s mouth descended.

All night and most of the day the two pleasured one another. Food became unnecessary for neither one wanted to spare even a moment away from the joy that they felt. Both felt secure in the fact that they were alone together and for the first time could allow their love for each other to surface.

Meanwhile in another part of the castle, Queen Gwendolyn sat by a fire humming pleasurably to herself and working on a piece of needlework. Her maids bustled around, the cat slept by the hearth and the children played across the room. She knew what her husband was doing and she didn’t begrudge him his moment of pleasure, for he had long loved King Brea. Suddenly, with a crash of thunder and a streak of lightening outside, the castle doors flew open and Queen Mab, dressed entirely in black hunting leathers strode in. “You sit there by the fire with your needlework while your husband and mine rut like pigs?” she questioned in a loud voice.

“Mab, come, sit by the fire, you look chilled. I’ll have wine and food brought to you.” Gwendolyn said with a smile she didn’t feel.

Mab glared at the young queen and turned on her heel, striding mannishly for the stairway that led to King Jon’s suite of guest rooms. For it was there that her spies had told her Jon and Brea were and just what they were doing.

With a thunderous crash, the door to the guest suite hit the wall and Queen Mab strode into the center of the room. Brea and Jon sat up suddenly; they had been asleep in each other’s arms. Her arms outstretched she summoned forth the powers that she controlled and began the curse. 

“Husband thou has wronged me with your dalliance – I invoke the forces of wronged women and revenge” – the room began to fill with a swirls of grey mist – “From this day forth and forevermore you will separately walk upon the earth. Never to love, never to touch, never to smell, never to see the face of the other. By the Goddess that is my guide I send you Brea away from me and the one you love forevermore.” The room filled with blackness and then a flash of white light. When the mists cleared, Jon was in the bed alone and outside the castle; Queen Mab was on her stallion and galloping out of the castle gates.

Queen Gwendolyn seeing how heartbroken her best friend and husband was, did the only thing she could. With hair that she gathered from her husband’s bed and pieces of the sheets that had been soiled by Brea’s essence together with that of Jon’s. She began a counter spell immediately. “Goddess of the Moon, hear my plea, for I come to you and beg for the reuniting of two lover’s souls. Three days you show your face to the world, for the sake of the man that I love, I invoke the power of three. Every six hundred years, by the light of the full moon when night turns to day three times and mists fill the shadows, the two love crossed souls will meet. As long as their love remains true they will be together for these three days, never missing even one for only love true and pure, an unselfish love, can cross the barriers that separate, reuniting these two forever. Should the cycle be broken, another six hundred years must pass before the cycle begins again. The reward for love true and pure will be an eternity shared, never aging, always loving, though sacrifices must be made as surely as the moon shines upon the land.

We can conclude that if this legend or folk tale is true, that somewhere out there two people have the chance to share eternity together. A veritable fountain of youth that was inspired by their love for each other and the unselfish love of the wife of one of them gave them this opportunity. Perhaps it’s already happened and there are two lovers sharing their life together out there in this world, or perhaps it has yet to happen. Are you one of those lovers?

Gus closed the book and looked out the window, “No but my daddy and Justin are.” He said. “I think it’s up to me to make sure that they don’t break the cycle and always see each other during the full moon. Then someday they can be together.”

“Hey Gus, I’m home.” Brian called from the loft door. He threw his coat over the back of the sofa and headed toward Gus’ room. “It’s a beautiful day, considering it’s January. Why don’t the two of us go out for dinner tonight somewhere special?”

“Hi Daddy” Gus beamed at him. Fluffy looked up and then went back to sleep, though he turned over on the bed until he was on his back with all four feet limply hanging in the air.

“Is that cat even breathing?” Brian asked when he saw the cat. 

“It’s Fluffy’s nap time.”

“Is there any time that isn’t Fluffy’s nap time?” Brian teased and not being able to resist he scratched his fingers in the thick soft belly fur of the cat earning him four sets of claws locked to his hand. He slowly pried them off and the green eyes glared at him, before shutting once again.

“Daddy, you shouldn’t tease the cat.” Gus admonished.

“Can we go to the diner for supper?”

“That’s not exactly what I had in mind.” Brian began.

“Why not? We could see Grandma Deb and Michael and Teddy.”

“Okay, if that’s what you want.” Brian said. “But I was thinking more along the line of the Old Spaghetti Shoppe.”

“Could I have wine?”

“You are still seven aren’t you?” Brian asked. “Because if you are I’m pretty sure that you won’t be served.”

“No, I mean just a little bit in a glass with water. I read that in Italy all the kids have wine like that.”

“I do see the resemblance between Rome and Pittsburgh” Brian teased. “But yes if we go to the Old Spaghetti Shoppe you can have some wine, but don’t be getting drunk and insisting you have to drive home.”

“Daaaaaaad” Gus said and rolled his eyes.

A few days later, Brian noticed that his computer at work as well as the one at home had the days of the full moon clearly placed as a desk top background. It had to be the work of Gus and he smiled to himself. Gus was certainly persistent when he had something on his mind. Each time he looked at either computer, something would change on the desktop and he realized that Gus was making sure that he didn’t get complacent and stop noticing the days. On the first night of the full moon in February, Brian found himself in a hotel in New York. He was booting up his lap top when it began to pulse and flash with comic characters pointing to the date. He burst out laughing. Gus wasn’t taking any chances that Brian would forget about Justin. As the thought of Justin went through his mind, he looked out the window onto the cityscape before him. A full round moon was rising over the buildings. Usually in New York, he had to wait until almost morning for the conditions to be right to see into Justin’s dimension, but tonight, with the warmth of the city streets hitting the cold of the night air, mists and fog surrounded the hotel.

“Hey Justin.” He said catching a glimpse of his young friend.” 

Justin was walking down a dark Pittsburgh street. “Hey Brian.” He replied brightening at his friend’s voice. “I was just thinking about you. Where are you?” Justin peered at Brian’s surroundings.

“In a hotel in New York.”

“Business again?” Justin smiled. “Hey, someday you’ll have to take me to New York. I want to see all the museums.”

“Different worlds Sonny Boy.” Brian reminded the boy.

“It doesn’t have to be that way forever and you know it.” Justin looked sulky.

“I’m not going to delude myself Justin, into thinking that you and I are ever going to be together in the same world.” Brian paused. It seemed this argument came up like clock work every couple of months. “What are you doing out so late?”

“I had to get out of the house. My parents are driving me nuts.” Justin looked around as if his parents might somehow be following him. “They found a couple of pictures I drew of one of guys on the football team.”

“That can’t be to bad.”

“He was naked.”

“Oh.” Brian huffed a laugh. “Naked as in getting changed after a game?”

“No naked as in pumping his dick while lying on my bed.” He grinned at Brian. “I should never have included that tell tale background.”

“Odd sort of picture to draw.”

“It seemed like a good idea at the time and Daphne really liked it.”

“I’ll just bet she did.” Brian’s voice was dry. “So the parents are giving you a hard time.”

“Yeah, Dad is threatening to send me to boarding school, well he was until I pointed out that I could hardly wait, because imagine how many hot horny guys are there.”

“Good argument.” Brian smiled, “but one that probably didn’t win you any brownie points.”

“Probably not, Brian I’m just so sick of all this. Why can’t he just let me alone? Why can’t he just let me be me?”

“I don’t know Justin. Some people are almost afraid if their child’s sexuality is different then theirs, it’s like somehow they did something wrong as a parent.”

“But nothing has changed. I’ve always been like this. Why can’t he see that?” The question was almost rhetorical and Brian really didn’t have an answer for Justin. Justin, trying to shake off the mood he was in, said. “I saw Gus tonight. I don’t think he saw me. I just kind of passed through his room. It was weird.”

“Has that happened before?” Brian asked.

“Yeah, a few times,” Justin admitted. “It’s not long or anything, just kind of like letting me see that he’s doing okay.”

“What was he doing?” Brian was curious.

“Working on his computer.” Justin shrugged. “He had a couple of books out beside it. I guess he’s doing some kind of research.”

“He’s been holed up in his room for days doing something. He hasn’t told me what it is, but I imagine it’s something for school.” Brian smiled. “He’s so far ahead of children his age intellectually, that I sometimes forget he’s only seven.”

“Do you ever wonder why he can see me?” Justin asked. “It doesn’t make any sense that he can.”

“You’ve asked me that before Justin. I’m sure there’s a reason, we just don’t know what it is yet.”

“Brian, did you go out with any guys when you were in school?”

“What like on a date?” 


”Yeah, like a date.” 

“You must be kidding.” Brian laughed. “I don’t go out now on dates. I sure as fuck didn’t when I was your age if that’s what you’re asking.”

“It’s not fair you know.” Justin began. “The straight kids get to date.”

“You’re too young to date.” Brian smirked. “You’re only fourteen.”

“I’m almost fifteen.”

“You are not almost fifteen. There are nine more months to go before you’re fifteen.”

“I’m in my fifteenth year.”

“Justin don’t be so impatient. Why don’t you take Daphne out? She can be your date.”

“I’d rather go with you.” Justin looked at him closely. “I was thinking. What if you and I met at say the movie theatre on one of these nights? I could go in with you only we’d be in our different worlds.”

Brian interrupted Justin. “That would be too weird even for me. For one thing you’re too young, for another I don’t do dates, for a third reason we are in two different worlds.”

“You used to be more fun.” Justin groused.

“You used to not have over active hormones that are driving us both wild.” 

“Ha, so you admit that you’re attracted to me.” Justin was triumphant.

“Justin for fuck sake, you’re fourteen; I’m twenty five almost twenty six. That’s just sick thinking about us being together.”

“It is not.” Justin grinned at him. “In some states you can get married at fourteen.”

Brian rolled his eyes. “Or arrested for corrupting a minor.”

Brian bantered with Justin as the boy walked home. Justin’s comments bothered him because he was attracted to him and Brian was uncomfortable with this fact. Justin was too young. It wasn’t that he was attracted to other boys Justin’s age, only Justin stirred something inside of him and he wasn’t sure what it was.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Six times six by thirteen – loves gestures oft unseen – guidance comes from one above – to help you know your perfect love. 

Brian grimaced when he saw the pop up on his computer screen at work. Another year, he was twenty six. He had a good chance of being made a junior partner before this year was out, making him one of the youngest juniors in the trade. He had a son who was brilliant, friends who were better than family to support him emotionally, but still Brian felt empty and alone. He wanted someone in his life to share the joys of parenthood with. Someone to come home too, who would listen to him and love him. The only time he felt truly complete was three days a month and he couldn’t understand why this was.

Brian knew that his friend Michael would be more than willing to become his partner despite his relationship with Ted. But it wouldn’t be fair to the other man. He didn’t love Mikey any more than a brother and that was no basis to build a relationship.

Justin was sure that they were meant to be together and now Gus was harping on the same subject because of some kind of legend he’d researched. But the age difference alone didn’t make sense. Justin would forever be too young and of course he was also unobtainable despite what both Gus and Justin thought.

And then there was the problem of Lindsay Peterson. He’d heard Michael talking to Ted about her returning to the Pitts. That’s all he needed right now was to run into her and for her to see how wonderful Gus was. The next thing you know she would want him back.

Brian looked gloomily back at his computer screen that was now flashing the cryptic message in case he didn’t see it the first two dozen times. He managed to save the message to the folder he had of them and then rebooted the machine in an attempt to rid himself of the message.

He was expected over at Debbies for dinner tonight. Gus and Emmett had been there most of the day preparing for his birthday party. Brian wished they wouldn’t make such a big deal out of what really was just another day. And then he thought of Justin and he couldn’t help but smile. Last night had been the last full moon day of the month and Justin had held a birthday party for him. It was really kind of sweet.

Brian leaned back in his chair and let his mind wander over the evening before.

“Hey Brian.” Justin said as usual when he appeared. The young blond was sitting down on the roof of a building that looked very much like the one Brian was on. Spread out around him was a tartan blanket with a basket. “Look I found your building here.”

“I see that. Are you going to get yourself into trouble being on the roof?”

“No, nobody has to know.” Justin grinned impishly. “Look behind that chimney.” He pointed to the small structure behind Brian. 

Brian looked at it and then walked around finding a basket similar to Justin’s with a blanket folded on top. He smiled to himself. Gus must be involved with this. Not wanting to spoil the moment he spread the blanket and sat down. It was almost like being there with Justin.

“Now open your basket and take everything out.” Justin instructed.

Brian intrigued, did just that, out came a piece of cake complete with candle, a small bottle of wine, and a crystal glass and a fork. He looked over at Justin who had the same thing on his blanket only the cake didn’t have a candle. “Somebody has had a helper.” He teased.

“Maybe.” Justin grinned. “Light your candle, and I’ll sing Happy Birthday.” 

Rolling his eyes, Brian lit the candle. “I hope that’s not wine in your bottle.” He said.

“It’s just a half bottle Brian.” Justin said as he opened the bottle and poured a glass of wine.

Brian lit the candle and poured himself a glass of wine as well. “Shall we make a toast Justin?” he asked.

“Yes, but I want to make the toast.” Justin held up his glass. “To reuniting.” He said and offered his glass as if to touch Brian’s.

Brian didn’t say anything, but did accept the toast. They both sipped the wine.

“Now you have to blow out your candle Brian and don’t forget to make a wish.” Justin was excited. This birthday had gone so well. He wished he could do something cool for Gus.

Brian looked at the flickering candle and then at Justin who was sitting cross legged on his blanket, his eyes sparkling as he leaned eagerly forward. Taking a chance he made a silent wish as he blew out the candle. “I wish for all Justin’s dreams to come true.” Was what was going through his head as he blew out the candle.

“Did you make a wish?” Justin demanded.

“Yes I made a wish.” Brian pulled the candle out of the piece of cake and licked the icing off of the end. “Yum, coffee flavored icing.” He smacked his lips and grinned at Justin.

“It’s called mocha. I gave the recipe to Gus and he made it with Emmett. I made one too so that we’d have the same.” Justin took a forkful of his cake.

Brian took a bite as well. “It’s very good Justin.” 

“It’s my favorite cake. I made one for Daphne’s birthday.” Justin looked thoughtful. “Is baking cakes like waaaaaay gay?” he asked. “Cause boy was my dad pissed.”

“Your dad needs to get some other interests.” 

Giggling Justin had to agree. “I won the art competition again this year. My piece has been sent to the state finals. That will give dad something to think about when he sees the paper. They took my picture and did an interview. He’s going to bust ‘cause everyone will know his kid is an artist and not a football jock.”

“Congratulations Justin, I’m very proud of you. What was this year’s subject?”

“You, I drew you.”

Brian laughed. “I hope I had clothes on.”

“You did, but not much.” Justin admitted. “Remember last summer when it was so hot and you came up to talk to me wearing only a pair of cutoffs and nothing else?”

“I remember, how could I forget. Damn it was hot that night.”

“Well, I drew you dressed like that leaning against the roof edging with the full moon behind you.”

“Has anyone asked how you managed to get me to pose like that?”

“Actually, yes, there is a Brian Kinney here, he works downtown with my dad and you guys look a lot alike – well I guess he sort of is you, but he isn’t if you know what I mean. Dad thought I’d seen the guy and was all for having him arrested. Luckily the guy managed to convince Dad that he’d never seen me before in his life.” Justin giggled. “I told Dad that it was just a generic picture I’d copied from a magazine ad and a complete coincidence that it looked like this Kinney guy.”

“And he bought that?” Brian shook his head. He hated to think that there were two of him.

“Sure he did. I mean this guy is married and everything. He isn’t about to be hanging around me.” Justin finished up his cake and looked longingly at Brian’s.

Brian huffed a laugh. “Sorry Sonny Boy, I can’t share, besides, this is too good to share.” He took another forkful and then a sip of wine.

“Brian, have you talked to Gus about the research he’s done on our story?”

“It’s just a legend Justin, and not a very interesting one as legends go.”

“But it could be true.” Justin drank the last of his wine. “I mean, it could be all about us.”

“Anything is possible, but I wouldn’t hold my breath if I was you.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


The summer months passed and then Justin’s fifteenth birthday and before you knew it, December was almost over. December was a busy month for Brian and his family, he barely noticed it passing except for the week long Christmas interlude. He had to put in even more hours than normal, now that he was a junior partner and it was grinding him down. 

“Daddy, I made reservations for us for my birthday.” Gus began.

“Great, where are we going for dinner?” Brian looked up from his computer with a distracted air. Gus had asked him a week ago if he could look after making the arrangements for his birthday.

“It’s a nice restaurant in the hotel. I think you’ll like it.” Gus handed Brian a printed itinerary.

“Gus this hotel is in Jamaica.” Brian said his voice had risen with surprise.

“Yes and the flight information is there with your itinerary.” Gus looked satisfied. “It’s amazing what you can do on the internet. I know you don’t want to take a lot of time off, but it’s only a week and part of that week is the weekend. So really you’ll only be taking two actual days away from work.”

“Gus” Brian began.

“Daddy, I don’t want to argue with you, but you look like you could explode any minute. Suzie’s daddy had a heart attack and he’s only three years older than you. You need to take some time off. You make me worried.”

“Gus, I’m sorry, I don’t want you to worry about me.” Brian looked chagrined. “But what about Fluffy, we can’t leave him that long.”

“Fluffy is a cat, he’ll be just fine here. Auntie Em will take care of him.”

“We aren’t taking Emmett?”

“No this is a father son time. Think of it as a father son bonding moment and you might find some hot guy to relax with too. It is a gay friendly resort.”

Brian burst out laughing. “So you finally gave up on me waiting for Justin did you?”
“No, but if you wait until you and Justin get together, you might forget how sex works. You need to get out more daddy. You need to go to Babylon with Michael and Teddy.”

“I don’t like leaving you at night. It’s bad enough I’m away all day.” 

“Daddy, we are both away all day and when you go to Babylon, I’m sleeping. If I needed something I’d just call Grandpa Marc or Auntie Em or even Grandma Debbie. I’m almost eight years old Daddy. I’m probably better in a crisis than Michael.”

Brian looked at his son, laughter still in his eyes and he shook his head. “Gus, you have a point there. Maybe I will try and get out more.”

“Good, because I thought I might have to find someone and bring him home here and I would hate doing that. I know parents have sex, but I’d rather not reeeeeaaaalllly know up close and personal.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Brian said with a smile. “Let’s see the brochures from the resort we’re going to. I’m sure you have some.”

Gus had been right. Brian did need a vacation away from Pittsburgh and the stresses he faced daily there. Unwinding in the sun was perfect for him and yes he did manage to find a trick or two to help in his stress relief program. It did Gus good also. While he did of course bring his laptop with him, he spent most of his day being an eight year old kid and playing in and around the pool with his father. 

“Thanks Gus.” Brian said as he settled back in his seat on the plane. Brian looked over at his son who was looking out the window at the bustling activity of the Jamaican airport. “You were right, we both needed this.”

Gus turned to his father and grinned. “That’s what Justin said.” He admitted.

“Oh, this was a scheme that the two of you hatched.” He sighed. “I’m not even safe with my too young boyfriend being in another dimension.” He joked. Gus was always referring to Justin as his dad’s boyfriend.

“Nope, we decided you needed looking after.” Gus looked smug and remarkably like his father.

“You know Gus, did it ever occur to you that you could be Justin’s boyfriend eventually. I mean you are closer to his age. Maybe that’s why you can see him.” 

“I can see him because I’m going to be needed to help someday.” Gus looked at his father. “Did you ever read the book I bought?”

“I read it. But it’s all supposition and theory Gus.” 

“Someday I’m going to write one that tells the real story.” Gus declared. “Of course I’ll have to make it a fictional story because no one would ever believe me otherwise.”

“Of course” Brian agreed. “Make sure you get someone devastatingly handsome to play me when you sell the movie rights.” 

“Daaaaaad.”

This time it was Gus who first saw the words written on the black board that Brian and Gus used as a message center. He was up early trying to convince Fluffy that going to the groomer was good idea. The cat refused to come down off of the top of the kitchen cabinets. He always seemed to know when it was time for his monthly trip to be bathed and otherwise made beautiful.

Six times six by fourteen – Life is often like a dream – Though passing through – Love touches you – Oft more times than are seen.

“Wow Fluffy, look at this.” Gus said and he stood in front of the chalk board staring at the words. “I wonder who wrote it.” He looked up at the cat. “You aren’t much of a ‘watch cat’ Fluffy.

Brian came up behind Gus. He too was staring at the board. “I don’t think Fluffy would have seen whoever wrote it Gus. She appears to be able to do as she pleases.”

“Like a witch?” Gus asked.

“More like a weirdo.” Brian said with a laugh, dismissing the words as he turned to the kitchen area. “Now what are you going to feed the birthday boy?” he asked.

“The same as everyday, cereal, toast and coffee.” Gus laughed. “I did buy some guava juice though, so you can have that too.”

“What no birthday cake?” Brian teased.

“Daddy, it’s breakfast time.” 

“But a man only turns twenty seven once.” Brian relented. “I know you and Grandpa Marc are taking me out for dinner tonight. I’ll wait until then.”

“Good, because it is a really yummy cake, Grandpa Vic made it.” Gus took a bottle of milk from the fridge for the cereal. “Did you know that he used to be a baker?” Gus asked.

“Yes I did know that. He worked in one of the biggest hotels in the city and he was famous for his desserts.”

“Grandpa Vic let me help. I put the icing on. You know I don’t think I like doing stuff like that. I mean it’s okay once in awhile, but it isn’t really a lot of fun.”

“So I can’t expect a lot of fancy desserts then.” Brian said with a laugh. “Well that’s good, my waistline would never hold up.”

“Dad, about tonight.” 

“What about tonight.?”

“It’s a Justin night.”

“I know.”

“But I don’t want you to miss him.”

“I won’t miss him. I might be late, but I won’t miss him and besides, it depends on the moon. It’s been a long time. Fourteen years according to the black board. But we’ve never missed each other. Oh some times I might be busy doing something or he might be and we pop in kind of unexpected on one another. But luckily it’s only Fluffy or you that can see so we kind of wing it. I mean he could be busy but I can still talk to him. No one else can hear. He just can’t talk back without seeming somewhat loony.”

“That would be weird.” 

“It is when it happens that way.” Brian admitted.

“Justin is taking Daphne to the movies tonight.” Gus said. I told him about your party and he said he’d keep busy until later.”

“That’s nice.” Brian smiled at Gus. “You two do seem determined to run this show don’t you?”

“Well, you are kind of always busy. I’m afraid you’re going to forget sometime. Justin was worried about it too, so I said I’d help.”

“Gus you worry too much. Justin worries too much. We haven’t missed yet.” Brian kissed his son’s forehead. “Now get ready for school. I’ll drive you.”

“Aren’t you going to work today?”

“What, on my birthday?” Brian said with a laugh. “I’m going with Mikey to the diner and then some shopping and then home to get ready for my dinner.”

“No fair, I want to come too.”

“School for you Sonny Boy, this is a Mikey day. We aren’t even taking Ted or Emmett with us.”

Later that day Brian and Michael were sitting in the diner having a late lunch. Debbie was one table over talking to someone sitting there, when the door opened and in walked Lindsay Peterson, her arm draped through that of another girl. “Well, if it isn’t Brian Kinney.” Lindsay said. “Just the man I wanted to see.” She strolled over and sat down beside Brian. “Where’s my son?” she asked. “I’ve checked all the schools here and he isn’t registered in Pittsburgh.”

Brian felt his stomach drop. He knew this day was coming and it was for this reason that he’d agreed to having Gus in the program at Carnegie Mellon. He wasn’t on any school roster because of it. “Hi Linds, long time no see.” He looked at the other girl who was squirming uncomfortably. “Who’s your friend?” 

“Hi, I’m Melanie Marcus” the girl said quietly.

“Enough Brian, where is my son?”

“I didn’t know you had one Linds. My son is in school right now. Most eight year olds are.”
Tbc