Moonlight, Magic and Mystery – 3

Brian was going crazy. He’d taken to driving by Saint James Academy at eight thirty in the morning and three o’clock in the afternoon, like some kind of pervert, hoping to catch sight of Justin. But the boy remained elusive to his sight. Twice he’d see Daphne and more times than he cared to, he’d seen Chris Hobbes, who always sent a glare in his direction. But never Justin. 

Everyone else in his world of family and friends had seen the boy. Michael bitched that he was always in the diner. Lindsay and Melanie told stories of Justin’s artistic abilities as well as sang his praises as a babysitter. Even Emmett had run across the boy in Torso. Brian was reaching a point of desperation, something that was completely foreign to his nature. If he didn’t know better, he’d swear that the kid <i>had</i> put a spell over him.

Finally unable to resist, Brian dialed the number of Justin’s cell phone. It was seven on a Saturday night and while Brian would go out later, now was that quiet time when he found himself at a loss for something to do. Oh he could check his email, or surf the net, read something, or channel surf, but nothing appealed; when all he could see was flashing blue eyes and all he could feel were fingers tingling with electricity tracing circles on his skin. Justin’s cell number hadn’t been an easy one to get. But the week before he’d seen it on a piece of paper on Lindsay’s fridge. She used it to call him for babysitting duties. 

Brian didn’t have to look for the number, he knew it by heart. The phone rang once, twice and then Justin said. “It’s about damn time Kinney.” And Brian could hear the laugh in his voice. 

“Witch boy, what are you up to?” Brian drawled, he could feel the tightening his groin at the sound of Justin’s voice. 

“Nothing special.” Justin grinned to himself. 

“I can change that.” Brian couldn’t stop grinning. “I’ll pick you up in fifteen minutes.”

“Tell you what, why don’t I just drive to the loft. That way I’ll have my car and I won’t have to listen to my mother when she sees you.” 

“You have a car?” Brian asked. “Why didn’t someone tell me?” 

“Did you ask?” Justin laughed. “I bet you’ve been your usual silent self.”

“Shut up and come over here.” Brian wanted Justin in his arms, not on the phone. Now that he had his number, there was a lot of time for phone sex. For now, he needed to hold him.

When Brian had called, Justin had only been a block away from the loft. He was going to surprise the stubborn man. That Brian had broken first, was great as far as Justin was concerned. 

Justin let himself into Brian’s building. He took the stairs two at a time and then let himself into the loft. “Hey.” He grinned at Brian’s startled look. “You did invite me over.” 

“What did you do, fly on your broom?” Brian shook his head. 

“I was driving near here. It didn’t take long.” He shrugged out of his jacket and kicked off his shoes. The shoes and jacket disappeared into the closet by the door. 

“Make yourself at home.” Brian laughed. “Want to watch a movie?” 

“Maybe after we’ve made love.” Justin began to remove his shirt.

“Fucked Justin, we’re gay, we fuck.” Brian said the words slowly and carefully. But he said them without the usual force behind the words. 

“Okay, fuck. I don’t care what you call it to get you through the day. I’m horny and I’m seventeen, did you really think I wanted to watch a movie?” Justin laughed, wiggled his ass and disappeared into Brian’s bedroom. 

“You have done something, haven’t you?” Brian asked as he followed the boy up the three stairs.

“I’ve attended school, babysat for Gus, worked on a project or ten, hung out at the diner and generally lived my life Brian. It’s something I do and have done for almost eighteen years. Oddly enough I’ve done most of it without any contact with you.” The rest of his clothes were on the floor and he now lay in ethereal whiteness on shadowed grey velvet, lit by blue neon. “Now stop thinking so hard and come and join me. I’m ready for lesson two in how to be the best homosexual I can be.” He grinned up at Brian, his smile lighting up the room and dispelling any shadows that might have lingered in the corners. 

“You’re driving me crazy.” Brian admitted. He felt a shiver of cold air wash over him and he looked down, he was standing naked in the room, his clothing neatly folded on a chair. Brian looked from his clothing to Justin’s, which littered the floor. “Why did you fold my stuff?” 

“’Cause I knew you’d freaken well would do it yourself instead of coming to bed. It saves time.” Justin stroked his hard cock suggestively.

“Let me get the lights.” Brian said, but before the words were out of his mouth, all the lights, with the exception of blue neon, were out. 

“Anything else? You want a drink of water? Perhaps a cookie?” Justin asked. “Will you get on the damn bed.” 

“I’m the one in charge here.” Brian said as he moved to the bed. “Not you. It’s my place.” As soon as he said the words he found himself wound up in Justin’s legs in a small single bed, in a room decorated with posters from art shows, the desk littered with books and a glowing computer screen with Brian himself as the screen saver. 

“Now you’re in my bed.” Justin whispered. “But it would be a lot more fun if we were in yours. After all, my mom is just two doors down, not to mention my little sister is in the room beside us.”

“Freak, get me back to the loft.” Brian looked around as if expecting the two women to walk in any moment. He took a breath and found himself back in the loft bedroom. “Showing off your magic is considered bad form.” He huffed. “You don’t see me doing shit like that.” 

“Considering you’re supposed to be my equal in the magic department according to the stats in the high council library, you’re not very good at it.” Justin wiggled until he was straddling Brian. “But I don’t mind teaching stuff. We’ll trade.”

“I can do as much or more than you witch boy. I’m just not interested in that shit. I never have been. I’ve seen what it can do, my father and mother are perfect examples of power corrupting. I don’t need that kind of shit in my life.” 

“It’s only bad if you let it be bad. I mean you have to know moderation.” Justin explained. “You have to have moderation in everything you do with your life, from drinking, smoking, bad language and yes, magic. Anybody with an ounce of brains can tell you that. I never use my magic to hurt anybody even when I would dearly love to. For instance, your friend Mikey would make an awesome wallaby or something. And that fucking Chris Hobbes, five day old road kill would be too good for him. I haven’t actually entirely dismissed that idea.” 

“Shut up witch boy and show me some magic that I can relate to. Like perhaps it’s time to see what kind of a blow job you can do.” 

“Hmmmm, sounds like a plan.” Justin moved lower until he was between Brian’s legs. “I’ll even leave out the magic and do it the old fashioned way, after all I wouldn’t want to spoil you so early in our relationship.”

“I don’t do relationships.” Brian muttered before he lost the use of his voice when Justin’s mouth began to work on his cock. Who knew your voice was connected to your cock was all he could think of before other sensations took over his mind. 

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

“Where’s Brian?” Michael asked, looking around Woody’s. “He said he was going to meet us here.” 

“I don’t know, it’s early, give him a few minutes before you send out the dogs to look for him.” Emmett laughed and waved his Cosmo. “I feel especially lucky tonight.” He twirled around to show off his outfit. “Do you like it? It came in today at Torso and it had my name on it. I had to buy it. He was wearing a see through black shirt that showed off his diamond dusted pecs to perfection.

“It’s kind of sleazy.” Ted said. “But it’s all you.” He was dressed in his usual polyester shirt and pants. Perhaps a bit tighter than what he’d wear to work. It was his concession to clubbing. 

“Of course it’s all me Teddy.” Emmett gushed. “You know, I bet Brian is all wrapped up in that little blond who’s been hanging around.”

“They’re never together.” Michael said, “Why would you think Brian even cares about him?” 

“That’s the whole point. They’re avoiding each other. There’s something up with the two of them, mark my words.” Emmett sipped his drink as he watched the boys playing pool. 

“Brian is hardly interested in doing someone more than once, let alone a twink. He likes his men more mature.” Michael said as he watched as well. He finished his drink. “I’m not waiting around here all night. Let’s go get Brian out of his loft. He’s probably working or something. He needs a night of fun.”

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea Michael.” Ted cautioned. “You know how Brian hates us to come over uninvited.”

“He said he was coming out tonight, so that’s almost like inviting us to come and get him.” Michael rationalized. 

“Works for me.” Emmett said, having had just enough to drink to lose all sense of what was right or wrong. “Shall we walk, or should we take a cab.”

“We can walk, it isn’t far.” Michael threw some money on the bar. “Brian’ll drive us back. Are you coming Ted?” 

“No thanks, I want to keep my balls thank you very much.” Ted laughed. “I’m heading to Babylon.”

Michael and Emmett walked out of the bar arm in arm. They had a purpose, to find Brian and bring him out to play. 

In the loft, the love making, fucking or whatever you chose to call it was something beautiful to see. The only light was blue neon, but the sparks from Justin’s skin as it touched Brian took on a different blue hue edged in gold. That made both men surrealistic as they moved from one position to another. Taking pleasure in everything they did to one another. Justin was learning and Brian was as well. Justin, how to be loved as a gay man, by a gay man. Brian was learning to give pleasure for the sake of another rather than just himself. It was a wondrous sight. 

“You should ring him first.” Emmett said. His Cosmo high was fading.

“He gave me a key for a reason. Because we’re friends and so he doesn’t have to let me in.” It was actually in case of emergency, but wasn’t this an emergency. It was studs and suds night after all. 

Michael and Emmett rode the elevator. At the top floor Michael made a production out of taking thehis key to Brian’s place out of his pocket, like it was some kind of Holy Grail. He turned the key and opened the door. Music filled the air, Michael couldn’t remember Brian having a sound system that surrounded the loft, but it was kind of nice. The music that played was like nothing he and Emmett had ever heard before. The beat steady like that of a heartbeat, yet somehow sensuous and passion filled. Light flickered like candles here there and everywhere, from ceiling to floor, on walls and over doors and window. 

Emmett and Michael stood there open mouthed at the display. Slowly they walked inside, ecstasy filled moans of pleasure drew them like moths to a flame. More lights flashed in Brian’s bedroom, ozone filled the air. Michael was somehow filled with fear and apprehension at the same time as he looked inside Brian’s room. Justin and Brian, both on their knees in the center of the bed were kissing and touching, sparks everywhere. On their skin, the duvet, the head board, in the air. The air stunk of sex and something else that Michael couldn’t name. All he could think of was that Brian was in danger of getting burnt. He was sure there was an electrical fault, perhaps from the blue neon lights that glowed even brighter than usual. Without thinking, Michael launched himself at Brian. “YARRRRRGGHHHHH.” He screamed as he grabbed Brian and pulled him away and onto the floor with a thump that sounded louder than it should in the sudden silence of the loft. 

“MIKEY, WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?” Brian screamed as he tried to pick himself up off of the floor. 

Justin who lay on the bed wrapped in the duvet, convulsed with laughter. He was laughing so hard he could barely breath. “Oh I fucking think I pissed myself.” He finally managed to choke out. Brian by now was pacing around looking for a cigarette that he didn’t have. Michael still lay on the floor. Emmett had run out of the loft screaming he was going to be late. For what Brian had no idea.

“Would you stop laughing please?” Brian said, his voice calm.

“I can’t, I can’t believe your pathetic little friend broke in here and jumped on you.” Justin giggled. “I was about to have like the best orgasm of my life.” 

“You’re seventeen, what do you know about orgasms?” Brian laughed. “But I admit, it would have been a good one.” 

“Brian, he was going to kill you. I saw the flames. I saw them.” Michael began.

“What flames Mikey, do you see any flames? I don’t even have a candle lit.” Brian resisted the urge to kick his long time human friend. “Get off my fucking floor and tell me what the emergency was that you had to break in on me.”

“I know what I saw.” Michael had his bottom lip out. He glared at Justin who was stuffing the duvet in his mouth to keep from laughing. “What’s he doing here?” 

“He’s laughing.” Brian deadpanned “And if he doesn’t stop, I’m going to kick his ass.” 

“Promise?” Justin said and batted his eyes before diving under the duvet and laughing again. He was seventeen after all.

Brian rolled his eyes and then turned to Michael. “Get out Mikey but give me my key back first.”

“Brian, he was hurting you.” Michael started again.

“Mikey, did I look like I was having a bad time?” Brian said as if talking to a child. “Justin and I are consenting adults, well one of us is more adult than the other. We were fucking. Maybe you don’t understand because you don’t do it often enough. But trust me, that’s what were doing.”

“Making love, we were making love.” Justin’s head popped up out of the duvet. “Call what it is lover boy.” 

“Oh puleeze.” Michael sneered. “Give me a break. Brian fucks, he doesn’t make love.”

“He doesn’t do either with you so how the fuck do you know?” Justin snickered. “I’m thinking wombat, or maybe one of those fuzzy little rats with the long skinny pink tails.” He looked up at the ceiling, the epitome of innocence. 

“What did he say?” Michael looked puzzled.

“He’s a kid, he rambles.” Brian began to steer Michael out of the bedroom. “Get out of here Mikey. It’s late. I don’t want to deal with you right now.” 

Michael walked down the stairs and looked around the loft. “Where did the music go, did you turn it off?” he asked Brian.

“What music?” Brian looked puzzled. 

“The music, there was music playing when we came in.” Michael said as he looked around the loft. “There were lights all over in here. There’s nothing now.”

“It was an optical illusion Mikey. You probably heard the music from next door. The walls are thin. And the lights were just reflections of the city lights through the windows.” 

“Oh, that makes sense.” Michael agreed. He handed Brian his key. “I really did think you were in danger.” 

“I know Mikey.” Brian sighed. “I guess we all have to grow up sometime. I don’t need anyone rescuing me anymore.”

“But what about that kid, that Justin.” 

“What about him Mikey.” Brian asked as he pulled the door open. 

“He’s staying around, isn’t he?” Michael’s voice was sad.

“No doubt he is.” Brian agreed. “We all need someone special in our lives. Justin is my special person for however long he wants to stay.” 

“That sucks.”

“And not in a good way, but that’s the way life is Mikey.” Brian leaned forward and kissed Michael tenderly. “Later.”

“Tonight at Babylon?” Michael’s eyes brightened. 

“No, tomorrow perhaps at the diner. I don’t know.” Brian closed the door on his friend and carefully locked it.

He felt rather than heard Justin come up behind him. He sank back against the smaller man when Justin’s arms wrapped themselves around his body. “A vole, he’d make a good vole.” Justin whispered. 

“Brat.” Brian huffed a laugh and turned around in Justin’s arms so that they were now facing each other. “That was damn awesome sex.”

“It was stupendous.” Justin giggled. “Especially the ending.”

“I hope you didn’t piss the bed.” Brian said.

“It’s all clean if that’s what you’re worried about.”  Justin said as he looked up into eyes greener than he’d seen before. “You know we’re good for each other. We bring out things in one another that have been somehow hidden.” He touched the corner of Brian’s eye. “Like your eyes, they’ve become more green each time we make love.”

“Fuck.” 

“Whatever.” Justin smiled, his smile hidden as he buried his face in Brian’s neck. “You inspire me to paint in different mediums, to sketch in more detail, to think of things I’ve ignored.”

“All that and we’ve only been together twice.” Brian tried to joke, but he knew exactly what Justin meant. There was something that happened to him with each meeting. Some kind of inner strength that built up more and more. And he supposed that had he been interested in working magic, something he wasn’t. He supposed it would be more powerful than before and perhaps his magic was more powerful. He hoped he never had to find out. He’d been born into a Wahjee family, that didn’t mean he had to like it. 

“Come back to bed. We’ll hold each other and sleep when we can.”

“Sounds rather lesbionic.” Brian muttered, but willingly followed Justin back to the bedroom.

“It sounds normal Brian. It’s what lovers do no matter what sex, no matter human or Wahjee. It’s what lovers do.”  Justin settled himself under the duvet and waited for Brian to get under with him. The older man thought about it for a moment and then climbed in too. Justin moved over and Brian held up his arm for Justin to cuddle closer. It was an automatic gesture, not one Brian was familiar with, but one that seemed right when it was Justin who moved into the position. 

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

“Are you excited?” Daphne asked, wiggling in the driver’s seat of her car. “It’s like your first show.” 

“Daphne, it’s for charity. I’m not going to get anything out of this.” Justin laughed at her excitement.

“Sure you will. You’ll get recognition for being a great artist in the making and your mom will see you have more talent than she realized.” She clamped both her hands over her mouth, letting go of the steering wheel. “Oops.” She grabbed the wheel again. “Sorry, but she asked too many question. You know I can’t lie.” 

“Please tell me you didn’t.” Justin buried his head in his hands.  “Not my mother.” 

“She only wants what’s best for you.” Daphne began. 

“She wants me on a short leash Daphne. You have no idea. I’m not supposed to even go over to Liberty Avenue. I’m sure as fuck not supposed to have a boyfriend. And I’m absolutely not supposed to lose my virginity, any virginity. No fucking, sucking or hard kissing. Those are the rules.”

“Well you’ve pretty much broken all of them, what can she do?” 

I could spend my life as toad. Justin thought to himself. “You have no idea what she can do.” He muttered. “And not just to me, but to Brian as well.” 

“I think you’re being a drama princess.” Daphne scoffed as she turned into a parking spot near the GLC.  “I can’t wait to see which ones you decided to put in the show.”  They had chosen ten a few weeks before and out of those ten, Justin was putting in five, four sketches and on oil. He was hoping the oil would bring in some serious money for the Center.

Justin wanted to scream and shout and generally have a hissy fit. But instead he got out of Daphne’s car and hoped for the best. 

“Justin, the work you’ve donated is amazing.” It was Lindsay on her way into the building. 

“Thanks Lindsay.” He smiled. “Can I hold Gus?” he asked. The baby was doing his best to leap out his mother’s arms and into Justin’s, despite his age. 

“He seems to want you to do just that.” She laughed and handed her son over. They continued on up the stairs and into the Center. “Melanie should be here any minute, she had to work late.” 

“She works hard.” Justin said as he made faces at Gus who giggled and cooed. “Brian does too.”

“Yes, Brian has always been a hard worker. He had a hard life, put himself through University and everything.” She smiled. “That’s where we met.” 

“Didn’t his parents pay? I mean I would have thought…” his voice trailed off. Wahjee parents always made sure their children were educated. What in hell was going on?” 

“He had a soccer scholarship, but I don’t know why his parents didn’t help him. He didn’t really talk about them. I’m not sure he even sees them now.” 

“No kidding.” Justin was puzzled. He’d have to find out what was up with Brian and his parents. Gus gurgled and smiled up at Justin, waving his hands in the air. “He’s really getting big.” 

“I think he’ll be tall like his father.” She said. 

“Justin, there you are.” He turned at the sound of his mother’s voice. “Hello Daphne.”  

“Hi mom.” He smiled. “This is Gus and his mom Lindsay. Lindsay, this is my mom.”

“Hello.” She smiled at Lindsay and then looked enquiringly at Justin who still held Gus. “Your son is quite handsome.” She said.

“He looks a lot like his father.” Lindsay said. 

“Oh, is he here?” Jennifer looked around the room. It was now crowded with people looking at the art work. 

“Oh, I’m sure Brian won’t come. He never supports the GLC. I’m sure he thinks it’s beneath him.” Lindsay smiled. “Oh there’s my wife.” She waved at Melanie who had just come in the door. 

“Your wife?” Jennifer looked from Justin to Lindsay, to Daphne and then to Melanie.” 

“They’re lesbians, mom.” Justin said. “Brian is a friend. He donated his sperm to make Gus.”

“Yes, he did it in a cup.” Daphne shivered dramatically. “It’s so gross.” 

“Interesting.” Jennifer said. “I’d like to see your work Justin. You never show us at home.”

“You’re never interested.” Justin said. He handed Gus back to Lindsay after kissing him on the forehead and then on the end of his nose, making the baby giggle. “Later Lil’ Guy.” 

“It’s over here.” He nodded toward a part of the wall where a crowd stood admiring the art work.

“Oh, my, you have a lot of people looking at it.” Jennifer was pleased. She knew her son would succeed at being an artist. She began to stroll over, Justin following reluctantly. 

“Oh, that’s a lovely picture of Molly and her doll.” Jennifer said. “I’m surprised you got her to sit still long enough. And there’s Gus and his mother. You really should give that to Lindsay.”

“It’s a sale for charity mom. I can’t give them away.” 

“Justin, did you do this?” Jennifer stood in front of two sketches, both of nude males. One was of Chris Hobbes when he stood in the locker room at school. Of course Justin had made sure nothing would identify him. He did want to live to see eighteen. The other one was Brian, sleeping after a passion filled few hours of sex. There was no mistaking who that one was if you knew Brian Kinney. 

“It says Justin Taylor in the corner. Unless there’s another one, that would be me.” 

“Watch your mouth.” Jennifer hissed. “I’ll talk to you later about these two sketches.” 

Justin tried to steer her away from what she would see next around the next corner. “Look, there’s some nice landscapes over there.” He nodded to a far wall. 

“Justin, I’d prefer to look at these works on my own thank you very much.” Jennifer patted his cheek. “Don’t worry dear, I can see you’re very talented. Your father doesn’t have to know about the subject matter of your sketching.”

“He’s not my father.” Justin mumbled. For of course Craig Taylor, the celibate Grand Wizard of the High Council, was not only celibate, but supposedly virginal as Wahjee law dictated.

“He is your father for all intents and purposes.” Jennifer replied. “I’ll not have you saying anything else.” And then she stepped around the room divider and was faced with a painting that already had been sold for an incredible donation of five thousand dollars. It had been purchased by a wealthy gay couple who were planning on it being the focal point of their collection in their new home. 

His mother stood silently in front of the large canvas. She was unable to speak, so powerful was the painting in on the wall in front of her. It told her far more than it did anyone else in the room, this surrealistic swirl of blues and sparks of yellows and golds surrounding the two men who faced each other on their knees. So close it was hard to tell where one began and the other left off. No faces were visible just the impression of love and sex and something more. Something that couldn’t be defined, but was felt by everyone who saw the painting. It was almost magical in the way it brightened the faces who gazed at it, hardened their cocks, made their pussies drip and filled them with desire, both men and women alike. 

“Justin Taylor, you didn’t.” she finally managed to say, her voice so low it was hard to hear. 

“But he did.” Brian drawled. He’d appeared from nowhere draping his arms around Justin, leaning forward and kissing the blond’s ear. “Mrs. Taylor I presume. I’m Brian Kinney.” 

“I’ve heard of you Brian, your parents are Joan and Jack, aren’t they?” 

“So I’ve been told.” He had flinched at their names, though Jennifer didn’t notice, but Justin did. Justin knew every heart beat of the man he loved and movement of his body. He could read how he was feeling from across the room. Having him pressed against his back made it even more obvious. 

“What have the two of you done?” she shook her head. “The high council is not going to be pleased.” 

“Don’t tell them.” Justin shrugged. “I’m happy, Brian makes me happy. I’m working on my art, I got 1500 on my SATs, why rock the boat.”

“Because your father…” she began.

“The man who calls himself my father.” He replied. “Mom, those rules were laid down so long ago no one even remembers why or when. Times change. Even Wahjee have to get with the program and change. It’s called progress.” 

“But to be so… blatent.” She nodded at the painting. 

“Mom, no one has any idea what it’s about. It’s just something that makes them feel good.” Justin found Brian’s hand and threaded his fingers through the other man’s. He wasn’t sure if he was offering Brian strength or accepting strength. What ever it was, he needed the contact. 

“So this is where you disappear to, this Brian?” Jennifer asked, making Brian’s name sound like a curse word. 

“Hmmm, you must have been talking to Mikey’s mom, she called me <i> this Brian </i> for the first ten years I knew her.” He looked at Justin, turning his face to his. “Do you think it’s going to be ten years before your mother drops the <i> this </i>.”

“It had better be less than ten minutes or you’re getting a 24/7 room mate.” Justin glared at his mother. “And don’t try to stop me from seeing Brian. I’m a lot stronger than any of you realize.” He shimmered briefly to show his mother what he meant. Ozone was in the air and Jennifer looked down at her feet.

“Justin, this isn’t over.” Her voice was quiet. “Brian, you’re older and from the Kinney clan, you should have known better.” 

“Jennifer, I’m not sure what your life has been like, but when a piece of sunshine comes into it, bringing with it feelings and emotions that you never knew existed let alone thought you’d feel, let me know how you said no to it, preferring the darkness to the light.” Brian turned Justin around and kissed his lips thoroughly as if staking his claim on the blond for anyone who saw them.

“Hey, did you guys see that awesome sculpture?” Daphne asked as she bounced up to the three of them. “Hey Mrs. Taylor, aren’t Justin’s pictures cool? The blue one made lots of money for the GLC.  Lindsay and Melanie said they’re going to be bugging you all the time for art donations.” 

“Swell.” Justin laughed glad of Daphne’s interruption. “I’m starving, let’s go to the diner. Mom, do you want to come? I’ll let you pay.” 

“Justin… I’m not sure…” she hesitated, wondering at this boy who was her son. He seemed to have grown up over night. 

“You’ll love the diner.” Daphne said. “The food is great and the atmosphere is really cool. It’s only down the block. They have the best cheeseburgers and real milk shakes, not the kind that come out of a machine.”

“How could I resist that?” Jennifer laughed. “Brian, are you coming with us. I’d love to get to know you better.” 

Justin squeezed Brian’s hand gently. “It’ll be fun Brian. My mother’s not too bad most of the time.”

“Why thank you dear for the vote of confidence.” She laughed. If anyone saw her with Brian, she could always say it was research. “Daphne, lead the way. Brian and Justin will catch up with us.” She wanted her son to have a few moments alone with the man he so obviously desired. 

“Will your mother cause problems?” Brian asked. 

“I think I’ve done that myself.” Justin shrugged. “I never intended to follow their celibacy shit. I think it’s stupid. I had always planned on challenging the law.”

“You want to take your place on the High Council?” Brian asked. “Because frankly Justin, I don’t want any part of Wahjee politics. I’ve avoided it all of my life and don’t plan on changing any time soon.” 

“Brian, I’m seventeen. I have a lifetime of things to experience before I start challenging a bunch of old wizards for my rightful place on the council. When the time is right you can make your decision then, if you want to be with me as my partner. But for now, let’s just keep on as we are. We’re learning about each other and growing in our lives. Both of us have a lot more of that to do before we make any kind of more permanent decision. Wahjee mate for life and I don’t plan on challenging that particular rule.”

“It isn’t a rule witch boy, it’s a fact of life. Wahjee love for life whether together or apart.” Brian put his arm around Justin’s shoulder and began to lead him to the door. “By the way, when did you do that sketch of me?” 

“How did you know it was you?” Justin teased. 

“Brat.” Brian laughed. 

“Brian, you came.” Lindsay stopped them before they reached the door. 

“Hey Gus.” Brian picked his son out of Lindsay’s arms. “Of course I came, Justin’s work is being shown. I see it all sold.” He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “I bought the one of you and Gus for you. I thought you might like it. Makes you look rather Madonna like.” 

“Wonderful. I was admiring the picture and disappointed when I saw it had sold.” 

Gus was reaching out to Justin. “My son has a thing for you witch boy.” Brian laughed, handing Gus to Justin. 

“I have a thing for him.” Justin put his face down and blew kisses into the baby’s neck. “Gus, you are growing and learning more and more each day.” He looked at Lindsay. “I think having a child is a wonderful thing. You make a great mom.” He smiled at her. “Of course having a perfect child helps.” 

“Such a flatterer.” Lindsay laughed. “I see why you’re taken with him.” Her eyes twinkled with happiness when she looked at Brian. There was something almost softer about her friend since he and Justin had been together.

“We’re going to the diner for something to eat.” Brian announced. “Give my son back to his mommy, your mommy is waiting.” 

“Brian Kinney is having dinner with his mother in law.” Melanie said coming up to them. “I never thought I’d see the day.” 

“Justin’s mother is hardly my mother in law.” Brian snapped. “Justin, hand over my son.” 

“Your daddy is such an impatient man.” Justin said to the boy. “I’d better give you back to your mommies before he throws a tantrum.” He handed Gus to Melanie. “I read you won the Walker case. Not bad.” He said. “In fact it was darn good.” 

“Thank you. I didn’t know it had been reported in the paper.” Melanie actually flushed that someone knew her work. 

“It wasn’t, it was on the net. I understand that the ruling will mean a lot to families in the future.” 

“Thank you.” Melanie said, pleased with the boy. “You should try and keep this one Brian.” 

Brian huffed a non-committal laugh, while leading Justin out the door. “Time to stop the bullshitting. Mommy and hag await their stalwart men.” 


tbc