Moonlight, Magic and Mystery – 17

BABYLON – JIM STOCKWELL UNDERCOVER

Justin snickered at the headline in the paper. He’d seen Stockwell at the club the night before dancing with his shirt off, high on E. Twice the man had let himself be dragged into the backroom. It was when he was in there the last time, the police raided the club to close the room where so much fun could be had. Imagine their surprise when they found their chief, pants around his ankles, bent over and taking it up the ass. Justin about had a seizure laughing when he heard. 

“Did you see this, apparently Stockwell was undercover last night.” Justin waved the paper at Brian. 

“I heard.” Brian removed his suit coat and threw it on the back of the sofa rather than hanging it up right away. He was tired from his day dealing with the repercussions of Stockwell’s little walk on the wild side. Not that he hadn’t been expecting it; he did, after all, wield the spell that put the man there. 

“How long is Stockwell going to be gay?” Justin asked. He kind of enjoyed the way Brian had turned the human’s deeply hidden fears against him. It was rather ironic that what Stockwell feared the most was what he was now. He was lucky he hadn’t feared spiders or rats. 

“He’s always been gay. He just repressed it.” Brian shrugged. “It makes things rather interesting don’t you think, considering his stance on all things even slightly rainbow colored.”

“Interesting is good.” Justin agreed. He stood up to wrap his arms around Brian. “You look kind of down.”

“I resigned.” 

“You resigned what?” Justin was confused. 

“I resigned from Vanguard.” Brian rubbed his fingers through Justin’s hair before tipping up the blond’s chin to kiss him on the end of his nose. It was something he did often when he wanted comfort rather than passion. But it was just as much a turn on to Justin as the most passionate of kisses might have been. 

“Okay.” Justin replied, not actually sure what he was supposed to say to those words. “Uh, what did Vance say?” 

“Not much.” Brian sighed and held Justin a bit closer. “It was time Justin, to leave there. I couldn’t be the man I was meant to be, working for Vance. It was good while it lasted and hell, I’ve made a lot of money. I’m good at what I do without having to resort to any Wahjee ways. It was important to me to know I could succeed without them.”

“Okay.” Justin said again. “I guess that means we’ll have more time together.” He looked up at Brian and smiled.

“Or not, Witch Boy.” Brian walked over to his desk. “I’ve been thinking about this for awhile. I’m going to start my own business. We’re going to start a business.” 

“We?” Justin looked confused. “I’m a school boy remember?”

“You’re a Wahjee school boy. You can multi task. Look at this. We can set up our own advertising firm.”

“And I want to do this why?” Justin wasn’t really interested in working at anything other than his schoolwork. 

“Because you’re my love slave.” Brian snickered “And you need to redeem yourself for shrinking Frances.” 

“Hey, that wasn’t just me.” Justin leaned into Brian. “You kind of helped.”

“I’m not sure how you rationalized that, but what ever floats your boat.” Brian indicated his computer monitor. “Now look at this; what do you think?” 

“I think the name sucks and the logo needs work.” Justin sat down and began to work the laptop keypad. “There, what do you think of that?” On the screen was the word Kinnetik in a deep blue. 

“I like it.” Brian grinned. He knew he could get Justin involved if he put his mind to it. 

“Yes, it has a good ring to it. I’ll design some business cards and stationary. You should think about having the name registered and buy the domain. You’ll need a website.” Brian retired to the bedroom where he changed before throwing himself on the bed to relax. The day had been filled with stress. But now Justin had things under control and Brian could relax. 

He could hear Justin clicking away in the other room, deeply involved in designing a website. He was sure by now that the kid had bought the domain and registered the company. It was amazing what he could do on a computer. Hands behind his head, the older man let his mind relax while he thought about what the next few months were going to bring the Kinney Taylor household. 

His relaxation was short lived because with a loud and very audible pop, Jennifer Taylor was in his bedroom, hands on hips and standing beside her was his mother, Joan Kinney. Brian opened one eye and stared at the two very pissed women. “Where is he?” Jennifer managed to get out.

“Well, he’s not here.” Brian could tell that Justin must have somehow managed to pop himself anywhere but here, leaving him to face the mothers. 

“We are aware that he left rather suddenly Brian. Neither of us are amateurs.” His mother’s voice was clipped. “I can not believe that you allowed him to make Xyndaix.”

“Uh moms, I don’t have control over the lad. He’s Wahjee and a Wahjee Prince on top of everything. It’s not too damn likely he’s going to listen to me.” Brian sat up, he didn’t like the feeling of the women standing over him. “Besides, check your history. He’s only doing what’s been foretold.”

“What has been foretold is a story, a legend. He didn’t have to make it happen. You didn’t have to make it happen.” Jennifer glared at him. Ty jumped on the bed and faced her, his fur at full bristle. Killer slowly crept up the stairs, fangs showing, a low growl in his throat. 

“Gus is my responsibility. And frankly, I didn’t give it much thought at the time. I didn’t plan on making Xyndaix. I’m not even sure it was all my doing. I’ve thought about it a lot and I’m sure there was some other hand in the whole Xyndaix thing.”

“Brian, only you could have done it. It isn’t a group participation thing.” Jennifer smiled. “I would have thought that Justin might have mentioned that little part.”

“Justin and I deliberately worked Xyndaix on his child.” Brian admitted. “It was apparent to both of us that Gus was and we knew the legends. He needs a partner.”

“You’re taking a risk making a female partner.” Joan said quietly. “I mean you and Justin wouldn’t appreciate it if either one of you were female.”

“Gus wanted a sister. Who were we to argue with him. You know how powerful the boy is.” Brian took a chance and moved past the mothers to get to the kitchen. He needed something to drink. 

“Brian, don’t you run away. We need to discuss how these Xyndaix children are going to be supervised as they grow. You know that the High Council will be doing what they can to euthanize them.”

Brian turned and faced the women. Ty was on his shoulder and Killer by his side., all of them glaring. “MARK MY WORDS NOW, NO ONE, NOT WAHJEE OR HUMAN WILL THREATEN MY CHILD OR MY PARTNER’S CHILD.” He slapped his hands together, forming a ball of energy. “There will be no easy life as a six inch tall doll, they will be gone from this planet.” The ball of energy expanded until Brian released it through an open window, a falling star for the uninitiated. 
“There was no need for theatrics Brian.” His mother chided, her voice soft. “We were merely relaying what we know to be true. Your child, your children will be in danger until they are able to control the power that is part of them. And even then, danger will stalk them the rest of their lives.” She nodded at Jennifer, who continued.

“I’m not sure the world is ready for these two yet. But yes, we both, as mothers, knew with your own births that the path leading to this point had been set.” Jennifer paused. “It isn’t something a mother wants for her child. Children live longer, quieter, easier lives when they stay under the radar of those with a hunger for power.” 

“Brian, Jennifer and I will be doing what we can to have your Xyndaix children remain cloaked from the views of those who mean them harm, and from those who will wish to latch onto their coat tails as it were, for Xyndaix children are mighty.”

“There hasn’t been any in centuries, surely it’s been forgotten. Legends are just stories your grandparents tell you before bedtime. They are supposed to be true. They were never supposed to be true. When Gus was born and I held him in my hands, it was only then I knew that he was special, that he was different and that he had nothing human in him. It was only then the legends came rushing into my mind and I knew in that instant that he was Xyndaix. I racked my brain for indications that I had said the words, done the ceremony when he was conceived, but damned if I can remember doing anything other than jacking off in a cup.” 

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

When Justin had popped out of the loft he hadn’t had any particular destination in mind. Instead he let his heart take him wherever it would and ended up in front of Lindsay’s house. Shrugging, he walked up to the door and rang the bell. “Hey Linds.” He said with what he hoped was an engaging grin, “just thought I’d stop by and say hi.”

“I shouldn’t be surprised.” Lindsay laughed. “Gus said you’d be tucking him into bed tonight. I think he may be psychic.”

“Nah, little kids get ideas, though I heard they’re kind of in tune to people they love. It wears off as they grow up.”  Justin followed Lindsay inside the house. “Where’s Mel?” 

“She’s laying down. This pregnancy is having a rather calming effect on her. I really don’t understand it and I never actually thought it would happen.” She smiled. “Gus, Justin is here.” 

“Jus.” Gus tottered over to Justin and grabbed him around the knees. Doug, sitting on the back of the sofa watched the boy, an indulgent smile on the small cat’s face. “Gramma’s mad at Da.” He giggled. 

“They aren’t too happy with me either.” Justin whispered to the boy as he picked him up for a hug. 

“Mamma sleeping.” Gus settled on Justin’s lap. Doug draped herself over Justin’s shoulder. “Phoebe says Mamma needs to rest. So mamma rests.”

“Phoebe?” Justin looked up at Lindsay who had come into the living room with a tray of drinks and cookies. 

“Yes, Gus insists the baby’s name is Phoebe.” She laughed. “If Melanie does have a girl, no doubt we’ll call her Jennifer Rebecca to honor your mother and Melanie’s. We could call her JR for short.”

“Mom would be pleased.” Justin beamed.

“Phoebe says no.” Gus shook his head. “Phoebe likes Phoebe.” He smiled his winning smile so much like his father’s. “Justin is Justin, Daddy, is Daddy, Mommy is Mommy, Momma is Momma, and Phoebe is Phoebe. Me is Gus.” He tried to get his mother to understand. 

“Hey Lil’ Guy, let’s just wait for the baby to hatch.” Justin grinned. “We’ll decide then.” 

“The decision has been made.” Lindsay’s voice was firm. “Much as I love Gus’ input, it’s really Melanie’s decision as to the baby’s name. Besides, it could be a boy just as easily as a girl. I can’t imagine a boy answering to Phoebe.” She laughed. 

“Seriously, how is Mel doing?” Justin asked. 

“Not bad.” Lindsay smiled. “It’s her first child and she is over thirty, there’s always a risk. But it’s early and she has good prenatal care.” 

“Phoebe will watch her.” Gus whispered in Justin’s ear. “Don’t worry.” 

“Gus, you know whispering isn’t polite.” Lindsay admonished. “If you have something to say, you can say it out loud or keep it to yourself.” 

“Yes Mommy.” Gus said but he didn’t volunteer to tell her what he’d whispered to Justin. 

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

Later that night when the house was quiet and everyone was sleeping, well the adults were sleeping., Gus and Doug quietly crept out the bedroom window and onto the roof of the back porch. Slowly Gus crawled toward the big oak tree with branches that lay against the top of the porch. He’d done it before and he found each time it was easier to do. Doug led the way, for he was a Wah cat after all and had no problem seeing the way. Gus, who by now was almost three, didn’t hesitate to make his way deep into the heart of the oak, losing himself among the branches and leaves. 

Only when he was satisfied that he was hidden from the view of anyone who might for some unknown reason glance in the back yard of his home did the boy relax. Justin had, without realizing it, placed his spell without making it clear that Gus should be restricted in his magic anywhere, not just the house. It was a loophole that the boy used to his advantage whenever possible.  Holding Doug close to his chest, Gus popped himself to the roof of the Tremont building. He landed as he always did, in the center of the small deck Justin had built. Ty and Killer, who had been sitting to the side waiting, quickly joined the other Wah cat and his person. 

<i>”The light one is preparing for bed, master is closing down the box with sound.” </i>Killer volunteered. 

“Then we’re just in time.” Gus was satisfied. His father and his father’s partner were powerful in different ways, but more powerful than most, if any, other Wahjee. When they combined that influence during the moments before sleep, when they wrestled on the bed, it increased by ten, sometimes even more, forming a power point cone exactly where he sat now. Ty had told him about it more than a year before. The other Wah cat had often come to visit him in his room. Or perhaps to visit Doug who was a rather beautiful female Wah cat. “Phoebe has my father’s protection and that of her own father, but she fears it won’t be enough. Too many know of us and that we are Xyndaix.”

<i> “Young one, only your fathers and the mothers of your fathers know you both are Xyndaix.” </i> Ty said. <i> “It is a small circle and one that is protected by their very lives.” </i>The large orange cat wound his way around the child, joined by Doug who did the same, their noses meeting in the front, their tails in the rear of the boy who sat cross legged and stiff backed in a pose that radiated his inborn power and majesty.

“Phoebe requests this spell.” It was all that was necessary to say. For in a matriarchal society, the word of a highborn priestess, even one in the womb, was something to take note of and obey when possible. 

Killer, sitting on guard at the edge of the small deck, tried not to whine, but a small sound escaped from his throat. He hoped the cats didn’t notice. Being the dog and just a regular canine, occasionally put him at a disadvantage in their company. But not now, not at night when the smells of the city could come up to this secret lair without hindrance and the sounds, even that of the smallest mouse, were easy to detect. No cat, Wah cat or otherwise, had a better security system than Killer’s big black nose or his floppy ears covered in black curls. He was rather proud of this. 

Gus stood up in one fluid motion that belayed his age. The cats remained in place only now if looking down from above, one could see how the furred creatures formed a circle of protection around the small child. He raised his hands to the sky and moved them as if wiping the shadows from the moon and allowing the moonlight to wash down on him, spotlighting his performance. 

Words in a language that hadn’t been heard in a thousand years were whispered in the night sky. Killer’s hackles stood on end as he felt forces from above and below as well as each side, move to the child, enveloping him in a soft glow of energy. The amulet, its black jade carvings alive with movement, appeared in Gus’s upheld hands from where it had been hidden by Justin. Killer could hear sounds matching what the child whispered, coming from the scary thing and he wanted desperately to cower, but didn’t, because he was dog and he took his duties as dog seriously. 

Colors fluoresced and pulsated until gradually, one by one they came together, eventually fading from view. Gus sank back down in his former cross-legged pose, the amulet returned to where it rested, his hands on the heads of both Wah cats, fingers kneading their fur.  It was then that Killer noticed the purrs of the cats matched the child’s heartbeat and he realized that his heartbeat as one as well. His tongue lolled as he grinned, happy to be part of this wondrous group who allowed dog to be dog and accepted him for that.  

<i> “You did well young one.” </i> Ty said with a merrorow. <i> “Your fathers and Phoebe will be safe from those who wish them harm at this time.”

“The one with white head fur is coming.” </i>Killer warned. 

Gus blew Killer a kiss and with a pop, he and Doug were back in the oak tree.

Killer lay down where Gus had been and began to roll around on his back, the better to dissipate the slight smell of ozone that would betray the recent magic. By the time Justin cleared the top step, Killer’s head was on his front paws in an imitation of rest. Ty sat on the edge of the roof, a red gold pillow of watching fur. “Hey guys, you can’t stay up here all night. We want to lock up now.” 

Justin looked around, something seemed different, but he wasn’t sure what. “What have the two of you been doing?” he asked, not really expecting an answer, before turning and heading down to the loft and Brian’s arms.

Back home, Gus and Doug made their way back to his room. He had only just crawled under the covers and shut his eyes, when his mother looked into his room. She tiptoed over and closed the window and then pulled the duvet up over his shoulders. 

“Was he sleeping?” Melanie asked. 

“Yes, but I closed the window. I really don’t like to leave it open even if we are on the second story. It’s dangerous with a small child.”

“I don’t think Gus can even reach it.” Melanie patted Lindsay’s hand. “I miss the days when we had the monitor in there.” 

“I do too. I can’t understand why they keep breaking. We’ll have to find a better quality one when the baby comes.” Lindsay snuggled into Melanie’s arms, one hand protectively over the growing child. “It’s funny, for some reason tonight I feel so safe and loved. I mean more than usual. It must be the nice weather we’re having.”

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

Justin crawled into bed with Brian, snuggling close.

“Fuck Justin, I was just about asleep. Your feet are like ice. Where did you go?” 

“I was checking the doors, the animals were on the roof.” Justin wiggled to get closer. He was cold. “I wonder what they do up there for so long.”

“Piss, shit.” Brian mumbled. “Commune with the stars. How the fuck do I know.” 

“You’re such a poop head.” Justin giggled sleepily.

“Poop head, how three year old of you.” Brian lifted an arm and pulled Justin closer, kissing his forehead. “Now let me bask in the glow of that last fuck, you’re ruining the mood. Go to sleep.”

“Poop head.” Justin whispered. “Times two.”  Justin could feel Brian’s grin and he shut his eyes preparing for sleep.

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

It had been ninety days since Ted had entered rehab. And now he was about to be released and he was terrified. 

“Ted, you’ll be fine.” Blake had walked into his room. 

“Were you scared when you left this place?” Ted asked as he packed the last of his things. 

“Terrified.” Blake put his hand on Ted’s arm. “I’ll be there for you Ted, you know that.” 

“I know.” Ted smiled at him. “And I know that I have to work this out on my own.”  

“But I’m only a phone call away.” 

“So am I.” Ted shook his head. “It’s better this way.” He wasn’t looking forward to returning to the apartment he’d left three months before. No doubt his plants were dead and the dust was thick. He’d alienated all of his friends in his quest for a crystal high. 

“Mr. Schmidt, your friend is here to take you home.” A nurse stood at the door. 
“My friend?” Ted looked at Blake who shrugged. 

“Mr. Kinney, he said to tell you he’s double parked.” She giggled. “And to get your ass out there soon or you’ll have to pay for his ticket.” 

“I can’t believe Brian is here. I mean, how did he even know I was getting out today.” 

“Mr. Kinney calls and checks all the time.” The nurse said. “He sends us flowers and candy on Friday. I think he’s trying to butter us up.” 

Ted didn’t know what to say. He hadn’t heard from any of his friends after the first two weeks. And at the time he really didn’t care. He was focused on himself, which was as it should be. It was only the last few weeks that he’d realized just how much he missed his friends. But by then he’d figured that they’d forgotten about him. “I guess I should be going.” His voice was sad and filled with apprehension. 

Blake gave him a strong hug and kissed Ted’s forehead. “You can do it Teddy, I know you can.” He whispered. 

Ted nodded, blinking away the moisture in his eyes before picking up the small bag that held all his possessions from his stay. 

“Theodore, I thought I was going to have to drag you out.” Brian was leaning against his car, his drawl filled with amusement. 

“Brian, I could have taken a cab.” But Ted opened the car door and let himself sink into the luxury of the leather. 

“Of course you could.” Brian slipped behind the wheel. “But why bother when I’m here to pick you up and take you home.” He pulled out into traffic saying nothing more until he parked in front of Ted’s building. “Here you go.” 

“Are you coming in?” 

“No,” Brian turned to the other man. “Go in and get settled.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a card. “Call this number tomorrow, you have an appointment at one o’clock for a job.”

“Why are you doing this for me?” Ted asked.

“Why not?” Brian shrugged. “Now get out, I’ve got a hot blond waiting for me.”

Ted got out of the car and then leaned in and grabbed his bag. “Thanks Brian, and say hi to Justin.”

Brian nodded and then drove off.  Ted faced his building, it was strange, he wanted to go into his apartment and then again he didn’t want to. Finally, he began to walk, each step almost painful, but he made inside to stand in front of his door. 

“TEDDY” Emmett squealed, throwing open the door to wrap Ted in his arms. “Welcome home.” Ted walked into his apartment, speechless. The place was filled with light and alive with plants and flowers and music. “I didn’t let the other’s know you were getting out today. I thought maybe you’d like to have some time to get used to being free as a bird.”

“Uh, thanks Emmett.” He put his bag down and turned around. “You cleaned my apartment?” 

“Oh, no Teddy, you know I hate cleaning, Brian had his service do it.” Emmett pulled a tray from the oven. “But I made you some absolutely to die for crab puffs.” 

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

“You picked him up, didn’t you?” Justin asked. He was laid out on the hardwood floor in the center of the loft. Ty was on his belly and Killer was for some reason perched on the back of the white sofa, almost reaching from end to end, he was stretched out so long. 

“Yep.” Brian kicked off his shoes, doing his best not to ask what in hell Justin was doing. “Emmett was there to welcome him home.”

“Do you think he’ll persuade him to go to the Fairie retreat with Michael and him?” Justin asked, his eyes closed, enjoying the feel of the cold wood on his back and the warm cat on his belly

“Not likely. I can’t think of a more unlikely place for Ted to go. It’s cold, smelly, bug infested and attended by fruitcakes dressed in funny clothes with even more ridiculous names.” 

“Wanna go?” Justin asked. 

“Not a chance in hell.” Brian snorted. He began to look through the mail he’d picked up.

“It would be fun, the ad on the internet says it’s a magical place.”

“Anything is magical if you eat enough of the right mushrooms.” 

Ty reached out with one paw and touched Justin’s nose with his paw. 

Brian had to ask. “Why are you naked on the floor?” 

“I’m a rug for the cat.” Justin explained. 

“Well you certainly qualify for the role of fruitcake who would head to the fairie wilderness to get your ass bitten off by mosquitoes.”

“So, are you going to come with me?” 

“I always come with you.” He snickered. 

“It’s just that I have this awesome idea to fuck with Michael’s head and it would be cool if you’d go along with it.” 

“Mikey’s my friend.”

“And your point is?” 

Justin put Ty carefully to one side before standing up. “If I can make you cum just by kissing you, will you go with me?” 

“I’m thirty…..ish, it’s not too damn likely, but sure, why not, do your best witch boy and speaking of that, no witch moves.” 

“I don’t need magic to make you cum.” Justin grinned as he stepped closer. 

“Are we going to the bedroom?” 

“I don’t need the comforts of the bedroom, but if you’d like to, we can go to the bedroom.” 

“The dog is watching, I’m never going to cum.” Brian snickered, figuring he’d won the bet already.

Justin only smiled as he reached up with one hand and cupped the back of Brian’s head. He let his eyes twinkle, knowing that Brian was watching, and then slowly lowered his lids halfway as he fell into the spell that was Brian Kinney. It was something that happened every time they kissed. The man who touched him, whom he touched, enthralled Justin. 

A slight hitch in his breathing was all it took to match the breaths he took to the beat of Brian’s heart. His lips touched Brian’s softly, tenderly, as his eyes asked permission for more. The older man’s heart beat sped up, his skin flushed, as he read the love in Justin’s eyes. His lips craved more, but this was Justin’s show and he resisted pulling the blond closer.  

Justin’s lips became more insistent, his tongue began to move of its own violation, searching, touching, feeling. Brian could feel the younger man’s fingers on the back of his head, moving ever so softly, warm, firm, strong. The very touch somehow comforting, filled with the secure feeling of love. Justin broke the kiss, barely, and he nibbled on Brian’s bottom lip, his body, his cock, thick with desire, pressing against Brian’s body leaked precum, warm and sticky, a low moan of desire, uttered unconsciously from Justin’s mouth and Brian, hard as he tried not to, gave himself up to the lips of the man he loved, no matter how hard he tried not to admit it. 

“Fuck Justin.” Brian breathed, his knees weak. “How do you do this to me?” the question didn’t need an answer, he knew that he was lost, or was he found? It was a something he couldn’t answer, as his body responded to Justin lips, to the other man’s breathing, to his smell, to his touch. And as the kiss intensified, he let himself release the orgasm that had been building. Not because he couldn’t hold back, but more because he loved the man in his arms and would do anything to make him happy, even attending a stupid weekend fairie farm. 

“I want to get there before anyone else.” Justin breathed, once he could speak. 

“Why?” 

“I have plans.” 

“What does one wear to this kind of place?” 

“Oh don’t worry, I have that under control. Remember, we’re going to fuck with Mikey’s head.”

“I can’t wait.” The words were dry with sarcasm.

“No problem.” Justin grinned and popped the two of them. 

Brian looked around. “Where the fuck did you take me? It looks like I’m in a tree.”

“You are. We’re at the fairy retreat.”

“Justin, you have fucking wings on your back and you’re naked.”

“So do you and so are you.” He giggled. 

“HOLY FUCKING CRAP, WE’RE FUCKING FAIRIES.”