Long and Winding Road to Love - 4 Author - Elsa Rose Bryant Thanks to Judy for her plot bunnies (I steal parts of them all the time Yea Judy) “Brian, where the fuck were you? Ma was pretty upset that you didn’t come to Thanksgiving dinner” Michael glared at Brian from the door of Brian’s office. “Mikey, nice to see you too. Is the telephone broken so that you couldn’t call?” Brian looked up from his desk. “I have been calling asshole.” Michael came into Brian’s office and threw himself down on one of the client chairs. “Lindsay and Mel said you were visiting Gus but they wouldn’t say where.” “That would be because they don’t know where.” Brian made a few more notations on his computer and then closed the screen. “He’s their kid, of course they would know where he is.” “Lindsay and Melanie will be seeing Gus at Christmas.” “I think the you and his mothers are too easy on him. You should have told him to get his ass home. Ma says she wouldn’t have stood for all of this running away business.” “Good thing she’s your mother and not Gus’” Brian glared at Michael. “I don’t tell you and the good professor how to handle the littlest hustler. I don’t expect you to tell me how to raise Gus.” “If you’d raised him properly he wouldn’t have run away. I mean who knows where he is. He could be on the streets for all you know.” “Don’t go there Mikey.” Brian growled which should have been a warning. His phone rang and he picked it up while glaring at his oldest friend. “Calm down stud, I can hear you from here and it’s seriously fucking up my painting class. I’m in the boy’s locker room calling you like some kind of pervert.” “Hey” Brian said, his voice suddenly filled with smiles. He sat back in his chair and turned away from Michael so he was facing the wall. “I didn’t mean to make you have to sneak into the boy’s locker room, though it is kind of kinky.” “Gus is teaching a computer science class today.” “No shit.” “Yes, the teacher broke her leg over Thanksgiving and they couldn’t get a substitute until Wednesday.” “Naturally he knows more than any substitute so the solution was obvious.” The pride in Brian’s voice was unmistakable. “That’s about the size of it.” Justin laughed, his laugh sultry enough to go directly to Brian’s dick. “I thought he was going to explode from the delight of being asked.” “I bet he wanted to get paid.” Brian laughed. “How did you know?” “This psychic thing is catching.” “I miss you.” “How can you, you’re in my mind all the time.” Brian could almost feel the remembered heat of Justin’s skin on his fingertips. “That’s not the part I miss.” “Professor you are rather a bad boy.” The noise of students returning to the locker room could be heard by Brian. “I have to go. Good thing I have my briefcase with me. I don’t think having a hard on in this locker room is a good thing.” “Depends on who you’re with.” Brian felt relaxed now having heard the voice of the man he was becoming to count on in his life. “Deal with your friend and remember, he doesn’t know that Gus is with me and happy.” Justin wanted to say more, but the room was filled now with shouting boys. “Later Sunshine.” Brian said softly. He knew that Justin would hear him no matter how soft his words. He hung up the phone and turned back to Michael. “Now Mikey, where were we?” “Who was that on the phone?” Michael asked, his voice almost filled with anger. “That is none of your business.” Brian continued to remain calm. Justin was looking out for him and he didn’t want to make the other man worry. “Mikey. I know where Gus is. In fact I spent the last week with him. He’s doing well. He’s in school and he’s made some good friends.” “He’s too young to be away from his family.” Michael began again, trying another tactic. “We all mature at different rates. Gus felt he needed to find his own way and he has. His mothers and I are proud of him now that things have calmed down. You can tell Deb that Gus will be here for Christmas. But that it’ll only be for the Christmas holidays and then he’s going back to his new life.” “So you and Gus will be at Ma’s for Christmas dinner as usual?” Michael asked. “I’m sure Gus and his mothers will be there. They haven’t missed a Christmas dinner yet. I’ll be away.” “Where are you going?” “Mikey, Mikey, since when do I have to give you my daily itinerary? I have a life you know. I plan on relaxing.” “Oh, you’re going south.” Michael sounded almost disappointed. “Actually, I’m going to Oklahoma.” Brian smirked. “I hear the weather in December is rather stimulating.” “Nobody goes to Oklahoma for Christmas.” Michael glared at his friend. “The least you could do is say nothing at all rather than lie.” Brian cocked one eyebrow and wondered why after all these years his friend still didn’t know him. He thought about a certain blond artist who knew him all too well. Oklahoma was just the place he wanted to be at Christmas. “I am going to be there.” Brian talked with his friend for a few more minutes before finally convincing Michael to leave. He had a lot of work to catch up after missing a week’s work and Christmas wasn’t that far away. He wondered how he could surprise Justin with a Christmas gift when the man seemed to know what was in his mind all the time. He pondered it for a while and then came up with an idea he was sure would work. It did involve telling Cynthia about Justin, but she knew enough to keep quiet as far as the blond was concerned, unlike the rest of his family of friends. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “J Dad, that was a rush.” Gus was beaming he was so happy. Even Harry seemed to be full of joy as he sat beside Gus grinning as well. “Everyone listened to what I had to say and I actually taught Giff something he didn’t know.” “Great, how about a pizza to celebrate?” Justin unlocked the car door for Gus and Harry. It had been a long day and he wanted to get home and soak in a hot bath. “I want to call my moms first and tell them.” Gus buckled Harry in and then himself. “That’s a good idea.” Justin was pleased. Other than emails it was the first time that Gus had initiated the idea of actually talking to his mothers. He was healing nicely. “You could call dad.” Gus looked at Justin sideways. He wanted his dad and Justin to become much more than just fuck buddies. He was always coming up with ways to get them together. “I’ve already talked to him today. He’s very proud of you.” Justin smiled well aware of Gus’ manipulations. “You could call him and let him know I’m talking to my moms.” “I’m sure they’ll let him know.” Justin smiled. “Brian will call me later tonight. He’s been thinking about it all day.” “That’s so cool that you know stuff like this.” “Hmmmm, I suppose.” Justin smiled. “Though you and your father are the only two people who don’t seem to mind that I can read your thoughts.” “Well even if we minded you could still do it.” Gus said matter of fact. “It keeps me from being too much of a brat.” “That’s what you think.” Justin smiled good-naturedly. “But I’m glad you’re talking to your moms. It’ll make things much easier for Christmas.” “Why don’t you come to Pittsburgh for Christmas?” It wasn’t the first time Gus had asked this question. “I’m not ready yet. My family isn’t quite as nice as yours is.” Justin’s voice was sad. “I won’t be alone. Your dad will be here and of course I’ll have Harry.” “Dad is coming here for Christmas?” Gus looked at him. “No kidding. I bet Uncle Mikey will be pissed.” “You don’t mind that your father is coming do you?” Justin had been worried about that. “Are you kidding, that’s like a Christmas present in itself having Dad happy at Christmas. He’s always really, really sad even though he says he isn’t.” “That’s because Christmas has always been a bit of a struggle for him when he was growing up. Lots of times things that happen in our childhood will reflect on who or what we become when we grow up.” Justin sighed. He hated that he knew how Brian had grown up. But part of knowing the man’s thoughts was knowing things that he’d figured were long hidden. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Later that night when Gus had finally retired to his rooms for the night along with Harry, Justin sat in his darkened studio and watched the stars. They were bright in the cold and clear winter sky. He’d finished the last of his series of paintings for his showing. Of course there was always more he could do and probably would do before the date rolled around. But for now he was content to sit quietly and let his mind wander over the events of the past few months. He didn’t have to check his watch to know that in Pittsburgh, Brian was also finishing up his day. He knew the man worked hard and liked to keep up the imaging of playing hard, though he rarely indulged these days. His reputation was more in the minds of his friends than in actuality, which suited Brian just fine. Justin smiled to himself. He knew Brian was coming for Christmas but the man hadn’t actually told him that he was. Maybe it was a test to see if Justin really could read his mind. The phone rang. “Hey.” Justin breathed into the phone. “Don’t you think you should have eaten some dinner?” “You’re very bossy.” Brian laughed. “I’m drinking dinner.” “If it’s a protein drink I’ll accept that. But if it’s Beam I won’t.” Justin smiled. “I’ll call the Chinese place for you and order something.” “I’m a big boy. I can do it.” Brian hit the speed dial on his cell phone and placed his order. “There are you happy?” He asked. “Of course.” Justin stretched out on the sofa enjoying the night view. “Linds called, it seems Gus has decided to apologize to her and Mel and open up a few doors.” “That’s wonderful.” “Thank you for being there for him.” “You’re welcome.” “He even gave them your address and his phone number. Why does he have his own number?” “Because once in awhile I like to get the odd phone call. Like now for instance(.) I bet if you dialed his number it would be busy. He spends all day with Sue-Ann and Mark and then all evening on the phone with them. Did you do that when you were a teenager? I can see you and your buddy Michael chatting on the phone.” Justin knew they hadn’t spent long hours on the phone, but he liked it when Brian shared verbally about his younger years. “Mikey and I didn’t phone each other often. His mother never let him on it and mine rarely paid the bill so we didn’t always have phone service. It wasn’t worth the hassle to give out the number to anyone.” “Oh, I didn’t talk on the phone much myself. My best friend Daphne was either at my house or I was at hers.” “The Daphne who runs your graphics company?” “That’s the one.” Justin smiled. His eyes were closed and he could see Brian. He could trace his face with his fingertips and taste his lips. “You’re day dreaming again Sunshine.” Brian laughed. “Want to share?” Justin blushed and then grinned to himself. He was glad Brian couldn’t read his mind. “So Brian, is it cold in Pittsburgh?” “Lame way to change the subject. It’s not too cold.” Brian sighed and walked over to his fridge where he pulled out a bottle of water rather than pour more Beam. “What are you doing for Christmas?” “I’m going to paint, take long walks with Harry, enjoy the peace and quiet, soak in the hot tub, maybe swim in the pool. And oh yes, I plan on fucking someone so often and hard he can’t walk.” “Anyone I know?” Brian bristled, fighting down a pang of jealousy. “He’s tall, dark and handsome.” Brian began to smile. “You know I’m coming to Oklahoma.” “Amazing, it’s almost like I could read your mind.” Justin laughed. “I hope you don’t mind.” “And if I did?” “I’d do my best to stay out of it. The problem is, if I am involved with someone, there’s no half way for me. My whole being is part of that person. That’s why I don’t like to have relationships. Most guys can’t take the fact that I’m that close to them.” “It is unnerving.” Brian admitted. “But not anything I can’t handle.” “Are you sure?” “I suppose you’ll know when I can’t handle it.” “That’s true.” Justin sighed. That was usually the way his relationships ended. No one had to say a word. “You know you could come here to Pittsburgh and spend Christmas with me.” “I have Harry, I can’t leave him in a kennel.” “He doesn’t take up a lot of room. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind living in a loft for a couple of weeks.” “I don’t know if I’m ready.” “I’ll have your back Justin. No one and I mean no one will be able to get to you unless they go through me.” Brian’s words were sincere and Justin felt warmed by them. “You really mean that don’t you?” Justin’s eyes welled with tears. Brian did really mean what he’d said. Despite his ESP abilities, the love that Brian was beginning to feel for him had snuck up on them both. “I really mean it.” Brian sighed and then said. “I want to introduce you to the family. I want them to all meet you and love you the way I do. Well maybe not quite the way I do. I want them all to know that Gus is being looked after by someone who cares for him like a father.” “And what about my father when he hears I’m back in town. You know he has plans for me and my abilities. It’s the only reason why he’s ever had anything to do with me. He knew I’d inherit this ESP thing.” “Fuck him.” “I’d rather not.” Justin giggled. “Me either. Justin we’ll deal with your father when the need arises. But you aren’t alone. You have me and you have Gus by your side. Don’t forget that.” “Brian I’m really not sure if I’m ready for this.” Justin hated the quiver in his voice. He felt like such a girl. “Sunshine, if you aren’t ready you aren’t ready. But if you want, I can fly to Oklahoma and then come back with you or I can fly there and we can drive to the Pitts. If we drive you can always change your mind on the way and we could turn around.” “Are you sure you’re Brian Kinney and not some pod person?” Justin laughed. “If you can offer to do that, then I know the offer is a serious one. I’ll get my ass on a plane and fly to the Pitts with Gus. But Harry has to come too. I’m not leaving him in a kennel.” “Hmm if I said I’d always wanted a dog at my place would you believe me?” Brian grinned. “Brian, you are lying like a trooper.” Justin laughed; his mood lightened knowing that Brian could tease him like this. “Harry likes lots of toys, make sure you get to a pet shop, I don’t want to bring his old ones.” “I can hardly wait to shop for Harry. I suppose he expects something under the tree.” Brian grumbled good natured. “If you and Gus get here early, you can help me find a tree.” “Can I decorate it?” Justin’s mood had definitely improved. It had been a long time since he’d been responsible for a Christmas tree and then it had only been one at Molly’s school. “We can decorate it together. I’ll have you know I’m particular about my trees.” “Brian, you’ve never had a tree before.” Justin laughed. “So don’t try and fool me.” “But my imaginary trees were always dressed tastefully.” “No doubt they were. I’m going to talk to Gus and see if he has any suggestions for his dad’s first tree. You just never know. Maybe Gus had some imaginary trees as well. After all he is your son.” “This Christmas is going to be rather interesting.” Brian was flushed with pleasure over the whole conversation. He’d never imagined he’d be having a chat like this with anyone, let alone someone who was fast becoming the most important person in Brian’s life. “That’s the way I feel about you too Brian.” Justin said in a soft voice almost too low for Brian to hear it on the phone. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to hear that thought. I do try to stay out of your mind, but I just have this weird connection. Almost like we’re supposed to be one person.” “Now don’t be getting all romance novelist on me Sunshine. I admit we are connected in some weird way. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. In fact it’s rather good in a frightening, terrifying kind of way.” Brian laughed. “I hope you understand what I’m saying here. I don’t have to translate for you do?” Justin burst out laughing. “No you don’t need to translate. That’s one of the advantages of me having ESP. I can figure out your code better than most.” Brian choked back a reply and kind of snorted. “I’ll pick you up at the airport.” “We can take a cab. Or I might rent a car.” “Justin, I’m not going to argue with you. I’ll meet you at the airport.” And then Brian’s voice became low in that husky way he had of speaking when it was from his heart. “I want to see you as soon as you land. I miss you.” Flushing with pleasure, Justin whispered into the receiver. “I miss you too Brian,” before disconnecting. He smiled to himself while glowing with pleasure. There was something about this man that was mesmerizing and endearing all at the same time. Brian Kinney was definitely an enigma of the first order. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Hey Brian, I’m glad we caught up with you.” It was Michael and Emmett. Brian looked at his two friends as if uncertain that they were really standing in his office doorway. “I’m at work. I’m always at work at this time of the day. What do you two want that’s so important that you’d venture in here in the daylight.” He cocked one eyebrow and stared at them. Despite the fact he hadn’t invited them into his office, they walked in and sat down. Emmett took the sofa where he was enjoying the view of a painting Brian had on his wall. “If I didn’t know better, I’d swear this guy was you.” Emmett said his eyes locked on the canvas. “I mean he has the same body type and that arrogant kind of stance.” He looked over at Brian. “Not that it’s a bad thing to be a teeny bit arrogant honey.” “It is me.” Brian replied not offended in the least by Emmett’s ramblings. “The artist is a friend of mine.” “When did you pose naked Brian?” Michael asked as he stood in front of the painting having abandoned his chair. Michael cocked his head to one side as he stared at the painting. “I mean I think you’re naked.” The painting was surrealistic swirl of color and was far too sophisticated for Michael to appreciate. “I didn’t” Brian stood up. “Sorry boys but I have to leave. I’m picking Gus up at the airport.” “Oh, I want to come too. I haven’t seen Gus in ages.” Michael stood up. “Me too, I want to come.” It was Emmett. “No one is coming with me. For one thing there won’t be enough room in my car and for another thing you guys aren’t two year olds. You can wait to see Gus when we go to Deb’s for Christmas dinner.” “Of course there’s room Brian. Your car is big enough for four people.” Michael insisted. “But it isn’t big enough for five people and a dog not to mention their luggage.” “Five?” Michael exclaimed. “Who’s coming with Gus? I thought Lindsay said he wasn’t allowed to bring that flea farm into her house.” “My son will be here with a very good friend of ours as well as Harry. They are all staying with me at my house. So you see boys, I won’t have the room.” “What’s your friend’s name?” Emmett asked. “Justin, Justin Taylor.” Brian replied not aware of the smile that lit up his eyes when he mentioned Justin’s name. “OH MY GAWD” Emmett squealed. “Not Justin Taylor of Taylor Graphic Designs. He is like the most eligible gay bachelor this side of the Mississippi. Not only is he rich beyond thinking, he’s also a rather famous ‘artiste’. I should have recognized the painting in your office. It has to be a Taylor. He’s been drawing that same man for years. It’s his dream man or that’s what they say in art circles. I should know I’ve catered enough gallery openings.” He looked at Brian and Michael. “There was some kind of big scandal not that long ago. His father threw a complete hissy right in front of half of the country club about Justin’s perversion. I’m sure they all thought he fucked chickens or something. It turned out that Justin was gay which everyone knew except Daddy dearest. Well let me tell you. Justin, who by the way Michael is blond and to die for, Justin goes up to his father, kisses his cheek, and says quietly but verrrrry distinctly so everyone heard him. ‘fuck you daddy dearest, I’m no longer working for the Taylors.’ Apparently Justin had been able to bring the family from the brink of bankruptcy ten years ago, to what it is today. Well he walked out that country club door and climbed in his big old car and that’s the last anyone has ever seen of him.” He looked at Brian. “You know that was about the time that our Gus disappeared. Do you think that Justin and Gus….” His voice trailed off and he shook his head not wanting to piss Brian off. “Justin is responsible for Gus’ well being. Gus thinks of him as a second father.” Brian’s voice was quiet as Emmett’s words rocketed through his head. They had touched on part of Justin’s past, but not everything. Brian assumed the other man did well painting and of course he had his teaching salary and whatever the Graphics business brought in. But he’d never suspected he was wealthy. This fact put a new light on their relationship, such as it was. Brian was from an Irish working class family who had brought himself up into the realms of the well to do businessman. But he certainly wouldn’t be classified as wealthy as Justin apparently was. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Fuck Gus, your father just found out a lot more about me. I hadn’t gotten around to telling him everything yet.” Justin looked gloomily at Gus who was sitting in the seat beside him. “What’s to tell?” Gus looked at Justin curious. “I mean you haven’t been to jail or anything have you?” “No I haven’t been to jail. I just didn’t tell him I kind of have some money.” Justin wanted to scream and kick the seat in front of him in frustration. He couldn’t call Brian as long as the plane was in the air. It wouldn’t be landing for at least twenty minutes. “How much is ‘some’?” Gus was interested. He couldn’t figure out what the big deal was. “More than I can ever use.” “Cool.” Gus grinned. “You can buy me a car.” “Don’t be a brat.” Justin laughed surprised at how quickly the boy could lighten the mood. “I know your dad is going to get one for you.” “But you can afford it more than he can.” Gus teased. “Of course if you and dad get married, then you’d have to share all the money with the both of us.” “I’d share it anyway.” Justin smiled at Gus’ childish words. “Of course it’s more fun if you earn your own.” “That’s true. I like earning my own money. I like buying things for people. Gus was referring to the whole suitcase of Christmas gifts he’d bought for family and friends. “I want your dad to understand that I wasn’t trying to hide anything from him.” Justin was still worried. “Well check on him, what’s he thinking?” Gus looked at Justin and shook his head. “I mean it was easy to find out that he’d discovered something so now find out what he’s thinking.” “It doesn’t work like that.” Justin said sadly. “ I promised Brian I wouldn’t deliberately use my ESP to spy on his thoughts. I only hear things when he’s surprised or concentrating or upset.” “So you’re saying it’s mostly heavy duty emotions that you tune in on with dad.” “Something like that.” Justin smiled. He’d never thought of it that way, but it described the connection he had with Brian to a tee. “I can tune in on him in general. I mean I can do that pretty much with anyone if I want to. But I did promise your dad I wouldn’t do that with him. I can’t control his more intense thoughts from popping into my head. He knows that. I don’t even think he minds all that much and sometimes I’m almost sure he’s kind of testing me.” “That sounds like dad.” Gus laughed. “But Justin, if dad was really upset about finding out you have more money than he has wouldn’t that be in the high emotion category?” “Yes.” “And you always know what he’s thinking then?” Gus asked. “Yes.” “So if that’s the case, what’s he thinking?” “I don’t know.” “Now I’m just the kid here, but I think I can figure out that dad isn’t upset or you’d know it. Why in heck can’t you figure it out?” Justin flushed and then grinned. “You’re right. I’m being childish. It’s just that I’ve never had anyone mean so much to me before. I’ve had boyfriends but it wasn’t the same. Your dad, well your dad is someone special.” “Of course he is.” Gus looked satisfied with his efforts. “I can’t wait to see him and every one else. I didn’t think I’d be this excited.” He bent down and let Harry lick his fingers. Harry was in a soft-sided dog carrier under their seat. “I hope that Harry is okay. He hasn’t really met any of them, well except for my moms and dad.” “Harry will be fine.” Justin offered his fingers to the small dog. They could hear Harry’s tail thumping the side of the carrier as he wagged his acceptance of his family. “I’m actually looking forward to seeing Harry living at your dad’s.” “You’re looking forward to living with my dad.” Gus grinned. “He’s actually going to have a Christmas tree. Everyone will fall over with shock. He’s refused each year with one lame excuse after another.” “Your father is a very sentimental man. He loves Christmas trees, but he’s been afraid to have one in case something spoiled it. His father wasn’t a very nice person and Christmas is a time when that kind of person becomes even worse. I’m sure there are all kinds of psychological explanations.” Both of them sat back in silence as the plan landed. Gus was filled with excitement about returning home for a visit and Justin was filled with apprehension, not sure if is ESP had failed him this time. Gus and Justin gathered their carry on bags, Harry being one of them. Gus took Harry commenting to Justin that the puppy had gained quite a bit of weight. Justin was one of the last people off of the plane from the first class section. He was busy juggling his carry on bags and a gift wrapped parcel that he wouldn’t trust to the baggage compartment. So he wasn’t paying any attention to what was going on around him. He had agreed to meet up with Gus at the baggage carousel. “Let me help you with that Sunshine.” Justin looked up startled. “BRIAN” He grinned and dropped what he was carrying, except for the present and threw his arms around the taller man. “You’re here. How did you get here?” “Drove.” Brian deadpanned. “No I mean here, where the plane is. You aren’t supposed to be here.” “Liberty Air is one of my clients. I pulled a string or two.” Brian kissed Justin thoroughly “So I hear I can quit my job and live as a kept man.” Justin looked at him. Brian’s tongue was in his cheek and his eyes were dancing with mischief. “Asshole.” Justin muttered into Brian’s neck where he was breathing deeply, eyes closed, of the scent of Brian. He’d missed that certain ‘Brian’ smell. “I want to be the one to be your kept boy, not you mine.” He huffed a laugh and so did Brian until the two of them were laughing foolishly out loud. “Come on then boy, we need to find boy number one.” Brian pulled away reluctantly. “Woof” sounded from the carrier. “Harry agrees, he wants the hell out of his carrier.” Justin linked his arm through Brian’s and the two of them carried everything he had on the plane to the terminal and Gus. “Hey dad” Gus greeted Brian holding out his hand to shake until Brian cocked his head to one side and the boy lunged into his arms for a secure hug. “I’m glad you came to meet the plane. I missed you.” “Thanksgiving isn’t that far behind us.” Brian replied, though his voice was suspiciously husky. “I missed you too.” “You missed Harry didn’t you?” Gus grinned. “And Sunshine.” Brian answered back. “Okay men and Harry, let’s rock and roll.” Gus pushed the baggage cart, Harry’s carrier on top so that the small dog could watch. Brian and Justin followed holding hands as they watched Gus. “You know for the first time in my life, I feel like I have a family.” Brian said. “You’ve had Gus for seventeen years.” “But he was part of Lindsay and Melanie’s family. He was only my son who I saw when they let me.” “Brian, I feel like I have a family too. One who loves me and supports me just the way I am. It’s kind of a nice feeling.” “Yes Sunshine it is, a very nice feeling.” Brian leaned down and kissed Justin on the ear as they continued to walk. Justin beamed at anyone who was watching. He’d never been so happy or felt so complete. “Dad can I drive?” Gus asked when they arrived at Brian’s car. “No.” Brian unlocked the trunk and began loading things into the car. Justin was releasing Harry from his carrier and fastening his leash on him. Harry promptly lifted his leg and began to pee long and hard against one of Brian’s tires while Brian glared, but didn’t say anything. “I heard that.” Justin whispered to Brian. Gus doubled up with laughter at Harry’s desecration of the Kinney mobile. “Can we at least stop at MacDonald’s. Harry wants a cheeseburger.” Gus asked before running at top speed with Harry to the end of the parking garage and back again. Both of them needed to burn off some energy. “No one and that especially includes Harry, is eating in the car.” Brian declared when Gus returned. “Now get in, your moms want to see you and I want to get Justin home. “ “You just want to fuck him. Can’t it wait until we eat?” Gus asked as he and Harry got into the back seat. He noticed a dog seat belt for Harry and grinned at his father. “NO’ Justin and Brian both all but shouted. “Home Gus, you’re going home. Your mothers would kill me if I don’t take you directly there. Just be happy I didn’t tell them what flight you were coming in on.” Brian sounded deadly serious. “It’s been bad enough that they know that I know where you’ve been living. I thought that once the three of you were talking again, you’d tell them.” “Dad they’d be running my life in Oklahoma if I did that.” Gus sighed and stared out the window at the familiar scenery as it passed by. “Dad, they can’t make me stay here can they?” he’d never voiced his worst fear out loud before. “No, at seventeen, you have the right to say where you live. And Justin is a responsible adult.” Brian patted Justin’s leg when he said those words. “And I approve of him.” He laughed when Justin stuck his tongue out. “Even if he is a tad juvenile.” “Well don’t tell them where I live please. I don’t want to take any chances. I brought a copy of my school report to show them my grades but I blocked out anything that would show what school it was.” “Gus stop worrying. Justin and I have your back.” Brian looked into the rear view mirror at his son and watched him visibly relax at his words. “Hmmmm, this should prove to be a drama filled Christmas season.” Justin murmured. “This is what you bought into Sunshine. We have more of our share of drama queens in this family than any other. Do you think you can handle it?” “With you beside me, I can handle anything.” Justin found Brian’s hand and locked fingers with him comforted by the reassuring squeeze he received. The drive to Lindsay and Melanie’s house was filled with Gus’ chatter as he pointed out things to Justin who in turn pointed out things to Gus. Brian offered the odd comment and so did Harry, but preferred to listen. Gus’s eyes filled with tears when Brian pulled up to his old home. A large sign was stretched across the front. ‘WELCOME HOME GUS’ in rainbow colors and the front yard was filled with family and friends. “I guess they missed you.” Justin said. “I guess.” Gus hesitated. He was almost embarrassed to get out of the car, but his hesitancy was taken out of his hands when the door was pulled open by Lindsay. “Gus get out here and let me hug you.” She said with a tearful smile. Gus unfolded himself out of the car. Harry bounced out beside him staying close to his master and not trusting Lindsay. Lindsay wrapped her arms around her son and started to cry. She was quickly joined by Melanie and Jenny. Gus’ eyes looked out at Brian and Justin panicked. “Suck it up Sonny Boy.” Brian said. He put one hand on Justin’s shoulder and steered him in the direction of Debbie and Vic. This wasn’t what he’d been planning as a homecoming for Justin. But like he’d told Gus, he just had to suck it up. “I agree.” Justin whispered. “Shit Brian, I’m getting a lot of mixed signals here. That guy over there can’t stand me.” He nodded in the direction of Michael. “But I think everyone else is okay.” “Doesn’t really matter Justin, I like you and Gus likes you. Fuck the three percent that doesn’t.” “I’d rather not.” Justin smiled up at Brian. Brian Kinney was a good person to have in your corner. He straightened his shoulders, took a deep breath and stepped into the group of waiting people. Keeping his mind closed to their various thoughts as best he could, Justin smiled at them all. “Hi, I’m Justin.” He began. “This is my rather good friend Justin.” Brian added, hating the term ‘boyfriend’. “He’s spending Christmas here with me.” “Oh, my, so this is the man who has captured Brian Kinney’s hard old heart.” It was Emmett holding out both of his hands to Justin. “I love your art work honey. The one hanging in Brian’s office is to die for.” Justin looked up at Brian, his eyebrows raised in question. “I bought it before I met you.” Was Brian’s explanation. “With the one from your show, I’ll have a collection.” “I know how you can increase the size of your collection.” Justin murmured to Brian while smiling at Emmett. “We’ll talk about that later.” Brian squeezed Justin’s shoulder and sighed. It was going to be a long hour or so until he and Justin could escape.