When Irish Eyes are Smiling – chapter eight
Author: Elsa Rose Bryant

Justin watched Brian go into his bathroom and close the door behind him. The man was no child, so Justin shrugged to himself and wandered to the room across from the master bedroom. He might as well make himself comfortable because he wasn’t leaving until the morning. 

Inside the bathroom, Brian made sure the door was locked securely before running his fingers over the glass tiles by the door and counting off until he’d reached fifteen. He pressed his index finger firmly on number fifteen knowing that the sensor would read his fingerprint and allow him access to a hidden room. He had ten seconds to make his way into the shower before the now open back shower wall closed again. Ten seconds seemed like a long time when he had his sight, but was nothing now and he hoped he’d make it without falling or worse, being trapped half in and half out. Now that would be embarrassing to say the least. 

But he made it inside without incident and he stood, his back against the door, getting a feeling for the room. It was something he did even when he could see, so it wasn’t new. But the sensation that he was missing something, that was new. The lights had come on automatically and he listened for their hum. He wondered what he was missing and an image of Justin flashed through his mind. Justin lying naked and sprawled on the floor of his apartment, his cock in his hand, staring insolently at the supposedly hidden camera. Brian huffed a laugh and walked into the center of the room. He looked toward the picture of his long time friend and said, “Pops, I’ve gotten myself into a fine mess. I know you warned me, but as usual, I wouldn’t listen.” His friend had died more than a decade before. But the life of a virtual recluse didn’t allow for making new friends even if he’d wanted to. So as strange as it sometimes seemed to Brian, he talked to the dead. Not that they answered, even in his dreams. The dead keep secrets well and they never talk back.

He walked with a sureness built of familiarity, over to a computer console and then sighed in exasperation. He couldn’t get an update on Stockwell, he couldn’t fucking read what was on the screen. Voice software was going to have to be installed and for that to happen, he was going to have to trust someone. “Hey Pops, you never gave me any advice for this kind of mess. Who would have thought I’d end up without my sight, though they tell me it will reverse itself eventually.” Brian sighed and stood up. He knew he’d have to either wait until he could see, or trust Justin. There was no other option open to him right at this moment. 

Justin, sitting on the end of the bed, kept looking toward the closed door. He couldn’t hear any sound from inside and was beginning to be concerned. I mean, just how long does it take to piss, wash and brush your teeth? Just as he was about to find out what was going on, Brian walked out of the bathroom, a thick white towel wrapped around his waist. Justin’s breath caught in his throat at the sheer beauty of the man despite his scars. Like an old master’s painting, the nicks and bumps, only adding to the mystery and beauty of the man who stood across the hall. 

“Like what you see, kid?” Brian asked, a hint of bravado in his voice. He dropped his towel and stood unashamed at the side of his bed before pulling back the covers and laying down. 

Justin only snorted before crossing the hall and shutting off Brian’s light. “If you need anything, give me a shout, I’m in the room across the hall.”

“You should go home. I’m perfectly capable of looking after myself for the next seven hours.” 

“Sweet dreams Prince.” Was Justin’s reply as he deliberately left Brian’s door open, as well as his own, banging both against the wall to let Brian know.

Brian made himself as comfortable as he could, though he knew it was unlikely he’d fall asleep any time soon. He let his mind wander as he did occasionally; to the years when he’d been sure he was going to die either by his own hand or someone else’s. His childhood had been filled with mental, physical and even sexual abuse. And it had taken him years of self hatred to finally get past what he’d experienced, if he really had. He was never sure. It was another reason he cherished his solitude. 

At fourteen he’d been filled with anger and rage at the world around him, though he presented a calm face to the world around him. He had to in order to survive. And then one night he’d wakened to a hell of pain and flames. His father, the devil himself in a fury filled room, intent on taking out his own pain on what his wife referred to as a spawn of Satan, his son Brian. Whose accusations against the Church years before had warped Joan’s mind even worse than it had been originally. 

He’d been locked in his room to perish in the fire that his own father had set. But Brian had long before devised an escape route. Something that had saved his life that night and had proved fortuitous in later years.

Brian had desperately wanted to seek refuge at his new friend’s house. Michael Novotny and his kind but loud mother, who maybe this time would understand, but he was terrified his father would find him there and perhaps do something to them in retribution for them helping Brian. So instead, he fled into the night, unsure of where he was going, just knowing he had to leave and never return. 

Finding himself downtown, he took to the alleys behind buildings that could offer him nothing in the way of shelter. His body was battered and bruised and from the feel of his back, burned as well. He knew he was a mess, he’d not even had time to pull on his shoes and only the fact that he slept in sweat pants, meant he wasn’t naked. 

A lesser boy would have cried, but Brian had long ago found out tears only brought more pain. Far more pain than the small release they gave. Night shadows followed him as he moved from one object to another in an effort to keep hidden. Only when he was at the point of collapse, did he lean into a wood covered doorway, only to find himself on the floor inside a building, the stained wood back in place, hiding him from the world. He didn’t bother to stand up, but instead curled into a ball of pain and slept. His body and mind knowing he needed to regain some strength from resting. 

When he’d finally awakened, Brian was sure he was dead and in the heaven his mother had always told him he’d never see. He was in a bed so large and soft itif felt unreal. The sheets and thick duvet that covered him felt like the smoothest silk under his roughened fingertips. 

“You’re awake.” Brian jumped, trying to escape but found a kind hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry boy. You’re safe here. I’m Peter.” 

Brian looked into kind eyes as blue as the sapphires in a Church crucible. The man was at least seven feet tall, or that’s what he looked like to Brian. Big and well muscled but ageing, for his hair was as white as snow. “Brian.” He mumbled, still unsure as to where he was or why. 

It was the beginning of Brian Kinney’s new life, the day he met the man in the tower. It was the beginning of learning to live and perhaps even love, given enough time. 

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

Justin looked over the room he was supposed to spend the night in and shuddered. He desperately wanted to retreat to his private oasis of purity and white. Sleeping in colors, even ones tastefully selected, wasn’t going happen. He wondered how long the human body could last without sleep. 

For as long as he could remember, he’d had night terrors. They had only disappeared when he finally had been able to control his night sanctuary, his room. But each and every time circumstance had forced him to spend the night away from his palate of white, he found himself trapped in the grip of night terrors that ripped him apart and left him terrified and gasping, but unable to remember why. It was his secret. A closely guarded secret he’d kept from his family, sure they would find him insane.

He had a quick shower in the bathroom beside his room and then climbed beneath bedding as soft and seductive as the bedding he owned. He sat up and stared into the darkness, his eyes gradually becoming used to the night and he wondered what Brian saw. Was it complete darkness, or were there spots of color here and there dancing and flickering. And he wondered if he’d ever be able to ask the man across the hall. 

Justin sighed, he could hear Brian turning and moving, trying to get comfortable. He thought for a moment about getting up and finding a sketchpad, or maybe doing some home work, but he didn’t want Brian to know he couldn’t sleep. Especially after insisting the older man go to bed.

The night sounds of the apartment building were familiar to Justin and slowly, minute by minute, his eyelids lowered until he succumbed to a reluctant sleep. 

Brian was drifting into slumber when he heard whimpering coming from Justin’s room. He lay still for a moment, alert and listening, to the sounds that were becoming more and more agitated. Justin must have been having some kind of a nightmare. As he stood up beside his bed, he wondered what in hell a white bread kind of kid could possibly have to terrorize him in his sleep. 

A few strides in the dark took him to Justin’s room. He could tell that the young man was becoming more terrified. “Stop, please stop.” Were whispered over and over in a voice hoarse with fear. 

Brian reached for Justin, only to have him pull away. Not sure if he was doing the right thing, he climbed into bed, not caring if his stitches pulled or his head ached, and with strong arms gathered Justin close to him, murmuring words of comfort while letting his lips and hands soothe the cold sweat from Justin’s body. 

“It’s okay, shhhhh.” He whispered, and slowly Justin stopped fighting him, relaxing into Brian’s embrace as if that’s where he was meant to be. Brian wiggled them both down until Justin’s head rested on his chest. He smiled when the blond’s arms wrapped themselves around him, their legs tangled and couldn’t help but wonder at the irony of having them both naked, both seeking some kind of peace from one another, yet not really knowing why it was working. It was his last thought before he too fell into a needed slumber. 

Jennifer was unloading bags of groceries from her car when a man, who had been sitting in a rather nondescript car near the entrance, got out and approached her. “I’m looking for Brian Kinney.” He began helping her with the groceries until all the bags were inside the door. 

“Someone was here yesterday asking the same thing.” Jennifer said, smiling her thanks for the help. “I don’t understand why all of a sudden, this Mr. Kinney would be appearing in my son’s building.” 

“Excuse me ma’m, but I’ve had this building under observation for a number of months and I’ve never seen you before. Yet you say your son and his brother occupy the building.” 

“Not that it’s any of your business, but Justin and his brother have taken a rather long lease on the Rosewood Building. It was all done through lawyers so if your Mr. Kinney was involved I’m afraid I know nothing about it. I’ve been estranged from my older son, we’ve only now reconnected.” She dazzled him with a smile reminiscent of Justin’s. “He has a medical condition and is rather shy about appearing in public.”

“It’s a large building, you might have missed the fact that Brian Kinney could occupy a portion of it.” The man dressed in black was persistent. 

“You underestimate the curiosity of my children. They have been over every inch of the place many times over. Other than the occasional dust bunny, they and their cats are the only occupants for the moment. The two ladies who were caretakers moved when the children took over.” She paused moving inside the door. “If you’ll excuse me, I promised I would replenish their food stock and cook breakfast. I have to lock the door, they both are rather paranoid about security. I suppose it comes from living downtown like they do. One just never knows who might be trying to do them harm. It’s nice to know such a strong looking man like you is watching the building. Please let me know if there are any unsavory characters lurking. Here’s my card.” And she handed him one of her real estate cards before carefully shutting and locking the door behind her. She waved her fingers and then began lugging the bags to the elevator. There was no way she was climbing the stairs. As she rode up, she wondered where in the world Justin was; he should be up by now. She’d expected him down to help her. 

The man watched the rather good looking woman disappear before moving back to his car. “She insists she doesn’t know him.” He said to his partner who had been listening to their conversation while he’d recorded it. 

“It makes no sense. We were told by a reliable snitch that Kinney lived here.” The other man shook his head. “I wonder how long the Chief is going to keep us watching the place, it’s boring as hell and my ass is going to be permanently out of commission from sitting on it, eating donuts and drinking coffee.”

“Fuck if I know.” The man in black said with a shrug of his shoulders. “I’m going home, do you want to be dropped off anywhere, our replacements are turning the corner.” He started the car and pulled out into the street, giving a backhand wave at the car that slid into place where his had been. 

Inside Brian’s apartment there was no sign of anyone. Jennifer was surprised. Justin rarely, if ever, slept past seven even if he’d been up late the night before. In fact, she wasn’t sure if he’d ever slept late. 

She put away the groceries, started coffee, mixed up a batch of muffins and then walked upstairs to find out what was going on.

“Jennifer, I presume.” Brian said, his voice soft as he stared into her eyes. “I didn’t want to disturb him.” He nodded at Justin whose limbs were tangled in Brian’s, as he drooled peacefully in his arms. “He had a nightmare.” 

“You can see.” She whispered, shocked at the sight of her son in the older man’s arms. Neither one appeared to be wearing any kind of clothing. 

“Not a lot, but some. My sight is slowly returning.”

“Well, wake him up. Breakfast is almost ready. I will see you both downstairs.” Her lips pursed, she turned on her heel and left the doorway. 

“Shit kid, I think we’re in trouble.” Brian whispered, his hands stroking Justin’s bare arm.

“Brian?” Justin asked, slowly coming awake. “FUCK BRIAN, YOU’RE NAKED AND SO AM I.” He screamed and pulled away, holding a pillow up in front of him. “Oh my gawd, I’m naked and in bed with another naked man.” He looked left and right as if seeking some sort of solution. 

“For Christ sake, I’m sure it’s not the first time.” Brian looked at Justin and shook his head. 

“Uh, actually it is.” He leaned forward to stare at Brian. “You’re naked and you can see me.”

“You’re kind of fuzzy.” Brian grinned. “You were having some kind of nightmare. I didn’t take time to dress.” He looked down. “Your mother was just in here. She said to come down right away for breakfast. I think she’s kind of pissed.”

Justin pulled the covers over his head, “My mother saw me in bed with a naked man. What’s she going to think?” 

“You are over eighteen, aren’t you?” Brian asked getting out of bed, not caring if Justin saw him naked. He was rather proud of his body despite its nicks and scars. “I’m going to wash up and get dressed. I’d suggest you do the same.”

“I can’t go down there. My mother is going to kill me.” Justin’s voice was muffled by the duvet.

“Get over yourself kid. It’s not like we were fucking.” Brian walked gracefully away. Justin couldn’t help but be reminded of a panther as he watched perfect musculature undulate in front of his eyes. 

Blue eyes glazed over with lust, his cock hard and leaking, betraying his feelings should his mother appear. His first time in bed with a man and he didn’t even remember. Shit, fuck, he repeated over and over to himself as he hauled his ass out of bed, hoping to get showered and down to his mother as soon as he could. He needed to do some damage control. 

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

Brian strolled down the stairs and into his kitchen. “The coffee smells great.” He said with a smile. “I’m sorry Jennifer if you got the wrong idea about your son and I. He’s too young for me. I would never take advantage of him, nightmare or not.”

“Brian, don’t worry about it. I understand I think.” Her WASP manners had kicked in. She poured him a cup of coffee and then put a bowl of oatmeal down in front of him. “I do hope you realize that Justin, well he has never been the kind of boy who haunted Liberty Avenue, other than the diner and that was because of the food. He’s a terrible cook, but likes to eat.” She laughed. 

“Mom, I don’t need you defending my little old self to Brian. I’m an adult and can do as I please.” Justin had appeared looking wet from the shower, though clothed.

“Well, other than murder or mayhem kid.” Brian grinned and ate more of the oatmeal. 

“Justin, I was only telling Brian….”

“I heard Mom… my life is my story to tell.” Justin reached for the coffee pot. “Did you buy that flavored cream?” his voice telling them all that the subject had been changed.

Jennifer sighed and then looked at Brian. “Brian, will you be checking with your doctor today?”

“No.” he finished the cereal in his bowl. “Why would I?” 

“Well dear, your eye sight is improving. You should see your doctor.”

Justin snorted; he knew what Brian was going to say. 

“I’m staying right here.” He looked at her. “Is there any more oatmeal?”

“Ugh, oatmeal.” Justin groaned. “You can have mine.” He stood up. “I’m going to get ready for school. Brian appears to be doing just fine.” He turned and looked at the man. “It’s been a slice.” Before kissing his mother’s cheek and leaving the apartment.

He took the stairs down to his apartment, two at a time; he was in such a hurry. He had no idea why being in the same room with Brian was driving him crazy. His skin prickled and his fingers itched to draw every time he even came close to the man. It made no sense to him, the feelings he had when he even smelled the other man’s cologne, let alone looked at him. 

And then there was the issue of waking up in his arms. It was terrifying and kind of nice all at the same time. For years he’d thought he’d never be able to sleep with another person. The sensory overload was too much to even contemplate. And now, without realizing it, he’d slept with Brian. 

Rather than go into his apartment, Justin headed for his studio. He needed to burn off the emotions and feelings that were invading his body and mind. He checked the clock; he had a class at eleven. There should be time for him to put his world on canvas, if only to block it in and finish later. He stripped off his clothing, stood one of his largest canvases on an easel. Justin then did what had become his signature start. He sat cross-legged on the floor and stared into what would become his focus in life until it was complete. He liked to think he absorbed strength and passion from placing his body directly in contact with the Rosewood building. Things he done before he’d moved in, while good, hadn’t been able to equal what he created now. Justin was sure it was the building and the ghosts of the former occupants that infused his creativity that made all aspects of his work shine.

As Justin sat, his mind wandered away from his canvas, only to focus on green eyes flecked with gold. Green eyes that looked larger than life, now that Brian’s head had been shaved. Though it was now covered with auburn fuzz that Justin’s fingertips demanded to touch. He’d been attracted to Brian from the beginning. Not that he wanted the older man to know. He’d think he was some kind of freak. 

One hand went out to rub his arm, as the memory of Brian’s warm skin next to his. He shook his head and stood up. He knew where he was going to go with his new project. Grabbing a charcoal pencil, Justin began to sketch. 

Up on the top floor, Brian and Jennifer sat in the living room, coffee in hand. “Jennifer, first of all I want to say thank you for yesterday.” Brian began. “I know Justin was panicked, but I would have been fine. I’ve had worse things happen over the years and managed to survive.”

“It isn’t about survival Brian, it’s about quality of living.” Jennifer reached over and put her hand over his. “I didn’t mind doing it in the least. You’re important to my children and therefore important to me. But Brian, there is definitely something going on that I don’t understand. Those men downstairs who are watching the building, are they dangerous? Should I be worried for you and the children?” 

“I’ll be honest with you Jennifer, I don’t know.” He sighed. “It’s because of Jim Stockwell.”

“The police chief?” she asked with surprise.

“The very same.” Brian ducked his head. “I have information about some of his, shall we say, less savory activities. And he knows it. He’s wanted to run for mayor for years and when I became aware that he was about to actually do it, I’m afraid I let him know some of what I have on him. He’s been looking for me ever since.” 

“But what could he do? I mean, this isn’t some kind of made for television movie. He hardly is going to kill you.” And then her eyes moved down Brian’s Cardin sweater clad torso and remembered the knife wound. “Oh.” Her voice was small.

“It isn’t just that Jennifer. I’ve, well I’ve spent the last ten years or so, going out of my way thwarting Stockwell and people like him from exploiting and harming young men and women who otherwise would have no one else to defend them.”

“Should I ask what kind of things?”

“It’s better that you don’t.” Brian smiled at her and she was struck by how beautiful the man was when he smiled with his eyes as well as his mouth. 

She remembered Justin, the night his father had thrown him out and the fact that he’d somehow ended up being taken to the hospital and cared for. Suddenly she realized that Brian was responsible for Justin’s rescue and subsequent safe delivery to the hospital.  Her life and Justin’s had changed that day and for the better. “I don’t really understand Brian, and perhaps it’s better if I don’t. But I will stand behind you and back you up as any mother should.”

Brian flushed and turned his head away. The unaccustomed feeling of tears pricking behind his eyelids had to be because he was still tired from his week from hell. “I don’t know of any mother who would something like you’ve done.” Even his old friend Michael’s mother would never have protected a stranger. She would have protected Michael to the death, but it was another thing when it came to his friends. Especially when his friend came from a rather dubious background. He could still remember her taking Michael’s side when the police had come to her door, supplying Michael with an alibi for the night the windows had been broken in the school and refusing to provide him with the same alibi because she hadn’t been sure that Brian had spent the night in Michael’s room. He’d spent two nights in a juvenile lock up before being released and then his father had beaten him to the point of no return. It was the night of the fire. The fire that cleansed the evil from his life and allowed him to be reborn.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Years before:

Brian sat up and stretched. “I’ve finished.” He said to the man who sat quietly in the corner. 

“I’ll read it over while you shower.” Peter smiled. “You’ve come a long way Brian. I’m glad you stayed.”

“Pops, there was no way I could leave.” Brian looked around at the apartment that was now his home. “I feel safe here.” He ducked his head. “And hell, you’re a damn good teacher.” 

“Them that can, do, them that can’t, teach.” Peter shrugged, silently pleased every time 
Brian called him <i> Pops </i>.  “You deserve any praise you get boy. You’ve worked hard to become the young man you are.”

Brian smiled and walked over to kiss the older man’s cheek. “Hey Pops, you’ve helped. I never would have started the pool gig without your encouragement.” 

Peter laughed out loud. Brian’s pool business, was a success, far more than he’d dreamed possible. And yet his education didn’t suffer. His mentor and friend Peter, had made sure of that. “You write the finals for your business degree next week.” It was a statement of fact.

“Yes, and then I think I’ll take some of the more advanced writing courses. I rather enjoy writing.” He shrugged. “But the business thing is good for, well, business.” He grinned at his friend. “Hey Pops, are you feeling alright?” The older man’s hand was clutching at his heart. 

“Just a bit of heartburn. It’ll pass.”  The old man struggled to sit straight. He didn’t want Brian to know just how ill he was. “Did I ever tell you about this old lady we live in?” he meant the Rosewood building. 

Brian laughed. “About a million times Pops.” He kissed Peter’s cheek again. “I’m going to shower.”

“Can’t wait to read your latest.” Peter waved the pages in his hand. “We should be hearing back from that publishing company soon.”

“I’ll add the rejection letter to the rest.” Brian shook his head. “Someday I might just publish them.” 

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

Justin ran down the stairs to the front door. He was late, but he couldn’t help grinning. His new picture was going to be one of his best. Seeing the black car out front, he took the time to make sure the front door was securely locked before waving cheekily at the occupants of the car and climbing into his. 

He wasn’t going to let the morons who watched the building get to him. Maybe after his mother left and he and Brian could have some alone time, he’d find out just what was going on and what he could do to help.

Not caring that he was late, Justin stopped at the diner for breakfast. He couldn’t stomach oatmeal, not that his mother’s wasn’t good, but it was oatmeal. “Hey.” He greeted his friends. “I’m starving.”

“Aren’t you late for school?” Michael asked, moving over for Justin to sit beside him.

“Aren’t you late for work?” Justin asked his friend. 

“Fuck you.” Michael grinned.

“Not a chance.” Justin pulled out a sketch from his binder. “Here’s a real superhero for you. I call him Rage because he’s pissed off that people can be mistreated.”

“Making things safe for Liberty Avenue?” Michael asked intrigued. “Like that guy from the other night.”

“Kind of, but I think it should be Gayopolis.” Justin giggled. “Thanks Deb.” She’d placed a coffee and someone else’s breakfast in front of him. 

“He can wait.” She said, nodding her head at her pissed off customer. “Eat and then get your ass to school.” She picked up the drawing. “Handsome devil.” 

“How can you tell, he has a mask on?” Michael asked.

“By the shape of his jaw.” She teased before handing it back. “I’m not sure the world is ready for a gay superhero.”

“What about Batman?” Justin mumbled through a mouthful of bacon and eggs. 

“What about Batman?” Emmett said, joining them at the booth. “He is such a delicious butch superhero. We could use someone like him around here. Did you know they closed the backroom at Babylon?”

“What’s the backroom?” Justin asked. 

“Honey, if you have to ask, you aren’t ready to know.” Debbie patted his cheek. “You’re finished, now get to school.”

“I barely swallowed the last of it.” Justin began. 

“That’s what they all say, now get, and Michael, don’t you have a comic book shop to open?” 

Soon the diner was emptied, leaving only Debbie and Emmett. She slid into the booth opposite her friend.  “Have you heard anything more?” she asked.

“Nothing since the last time we talked. Even my friends at the hospital are keeping quiet on this one. Which is strange. I mean you’d think an explosion at the hospital would be front page news, instead it gets a small paragraph on the last page of section two.”

“Carl won’t tell me anything.” Debbie was referring to her cop boyfriend. “Well, other than the investigation is being handled by a special squad organized by Stockwell.” 

“Well I guess that’s it then. We’ll never know what happened.” Emmett looked sad. “That doctor that died, he was so young. I hope it was an accident, but my aunt Lulu used to say that if it looked like a rat and smelled like a rat, no doubt it was weasel in the hen house.” 

“That makes no sense.” Debbie looked at him.

“It did to my aunt Lulu.” Emmett sighed. “We sure could use a superhero right now.” He’d picked up Justin’s drawing. “Damn, this guy is handsome, look at his jaw line and his package isn’t bad either, you’ve gotta love the way spandex hugs that body.