BEWITCHED AND BEWILDERED - 7
Author: Elsarose
Plot bunny and collaborator: Judy Uhrich
Post 513 – hey it could happen
“Hey Mikey.” Brian slid into the seat next to his friend. “What’s up?”
“Not much.”
“We were just talking about the strange stuff happening at Babylon last night.” Emmett said. “Weird, definitely weird.”
“Oh?” Brian asked. Justin had been there alone for almost an hour before Brian had joined him for a drink and a couple of dances. He’d been in the office going over the books with the manager. They hadn’t stayed long and Brian really hadn’t seen anything different about the place.
“You didn’t notice?” Michael asked. “Ben and I finally went home, it was just like some kind of horror movie.”
“Looked fine to me. The place was packed, in fact the line up to get in never stopped, even after midnight.” Brian looked from Michael to Emmett. “Tell me what the fuck was wrong.”
“All the gym bunnies and studs were not only hitting on the trolls, they were positively enamored of them. I swear to God Brian, that romances were being kindled by the most unlikeliest of couples.” Emmett shook his head. “In fact, the DJ actually played some slow songs for them.”
“Justin” Brian said aloud.
“Where?” Michael and Emmett looked.
“Oh, it wasn’t him.” Brian mumbled. He was going to have a talk with his partner when he got home. “We’re heading for a week in New York. It’s Justin’s show and I thought we’d all go and keep him company instead of just showing up for the opening night.”
“What about Kinnetik.” Michael asked. “That’s a long time to be gone.”
“That’s why I employ good people.” Brian looked up at Kiki who had delivered him a coffee and a sandwich. He was getting used to people knowing what he wanted. Justin must be somewhere close by.
“You didn’t even order.” Mikey said, his eyes wide.
“I guess I’m predictable.” Brian shrugged and began to eat, the sandwich was perfect.
“Where’s Boy Wonder?” Michael asked.
“He’s seeing his lawyer, Cam.”
“Oh, is anything wrong?” Emmett asked.
“No, Cam is a friend. Justin needs to ask him something about our trip. I suppose Daphne and Cam will probably be coming along.” Brian hated having to explain himself to people; he’d forgotten that part about hanging with Mikey.
While Brian was eating his lunch with his friends, Justin and Cam were in a meeting with Justin’s mother and grandmother. “I have to do this Mom.” Justin said. “I can’t let Emmylou live another 100 years as a freaking mouse. And there’s Lester, Ned, Joe and who knows how many others at Shadow Manor. I don’t understand why they were transformed and why something wasn’t done about it before.”
“It isn’t that easy Justin.” His mother began. “I know that it’s wrong, but there’s really nothing that can be done about it.”
“Of course there’s something that can be done. You can’t tell me that in all the years our family has had these powers, this kind of thing hasn’t come up.”
“Justin Taylor, watch your tone of voice.” His grandmother began. “There are very strict rules about this kind of thing. Our family has done it’s best to make sure that the rules have been followed, but like all families, there are bad ones and there are good ones. Unfortunately, a few of the family have broken rules. You’ve seen the results.”
“I live with the results. I just wonder what was done about it. And what can be done to right the wrong.” Justin leaned forward, his voice intense.
“Attitude, Justin.” His mother cautioned. “Any one who breaks a rule goes before a tribunal and the punishment is swift and harsh. It’s nothing you want to trifle with.”
“So I assume these so called relatives have had to live their lives in the form of an animal or a fucking garden gnome like the people they transformed.”
“Well, no, not exactly.” His grandmother said. “But rest assured they’ve all been punished.”
“Why weren’t they made to change everyone back?”
“Justin, you have to understand. The person who chooses to break the spell and give back the lives of those who have been changed, must pay a very heavy price. For the spell is a strong one, one of the strongest ones there is and to do so, well to Emmylou, Lester, Joe and Ned, that kind of a change would require the ultimate sacrifice not only for yourself, but for those that made the original spell. It isn’t something that any of us are prepared to do.”
“You mean I’d die?” Justin looked at Cam for confirmation.
“No, Justin, you’d lose all your power and you would cause the others to lose theirs as well. That includes the ability to be long lived.”
Justin was silent. “Is that it?” he asked.
“Isn’t it enough?” even Cam was surprised at Justin’s question. “I mean Justin, I love my power.”
“You just like being able to be a cat whenever you want. You’re nosey and this way you can satisfy your needs.” Justin shook his head at his friend.
“You must like what you can do?” Cam countered. “Don’t forget Shadow Manor and the fact that you can pretty much command the fees you want for your art.”
“My art doesn’t have one bit of anything other than myself in it. I’ve never once used the so called powers my family legacy is all about. As for Shadow Manor, you think Brian and I can’t find another place live? Hell, there’s all kinds of places and we aren’t exactly poor. Not one penny in any of our bank accounts has anything to do with the family legacy. That was a promise I made to myself the night of my twenty second birthday.”
He turned and glared at his mother and grandmother. “All I know is that there is a little girl who needs to live her life as such. An old man who needs his dignity returned to him. A gay black man needs to let his light shine once again and Ned, an ordinary young man longs to write books. They need to have their lives back. Whatever the reason was for transforming them has been lost in time. It has to be reversed.”
“Justin, your family will not be pleased. You will destroy your own life as well as your unfortunate relatives.”
“I don’t know about the other guys, but I think a period of time as a regular human is hardly a payback for taking away the lives of my friends. As for me, Brian, Gus and I will do just fine. We have each other.” Justin stood up. “This isn’t the last you’re going to hear about this Mom, Granny M. I won’t stop until I know just how to make the change.”
“Justin, you are walking in very dangerous waters.” His Grandmother cautioned. “The family members were, well, indiscrete in their zeal to possess their powers in their twenty third years. You are young, you have another six months before you come into your full ability. You need time to discover just what your powers can do for you and your family. Come back and whine about this the day after you turn twenty-three. Until then, frankly Justin, I’m disappointed in you.”
“Well, I guess that makes two of us. I don’t mean any disrespect, but frankly the thought of the two of you condoning the transformation of these people, is rather sickening.” Justin stood up and headed for the door. “Cam, I’ll see you later at home.” With that said, he disappeared through the door.
Justin thought about making himself appear where ever Brian was, but he was so turned off by the conversation, that he decided to walk instead of using any of his power.
“Hey.” He slid into the seat next to Brian, it didn’t take magic for Justin to know where his lover was. He had a connection with him that went far beyond any kind of magic powers. “Did I mention my relatives suck?”
“Not lately, but join the club, mine aren’t any better.” Brian kissed him, their kiss quickly developing into more than just a hello kiss.”
“Would you guys stop it or at least allow me to join in.” Emmett grinned.
“Ewwwwe.” Michael shook his head.
“Hard day?” Brian whispered.
“You have no idea.” Justin snuggled close to Brian, waiting for something to eat. “I’m starving. Did you order?”
“Yes, it should be here any moment.” Brian passed Justin his coffee. “Have some.” He wondered why his blond didn’t just wave his hand and do what ever it was he did. But he wasn’t about to ask.
“Hey Ma, Justin’s hungry.” Michael hollered.
“I saw him come in, I’ll bring his lunch.” Debbie hollered back, grabbing someone else’s burger and fries and serving it along with the rest of their orders. “Hey Sunshine, you look tired. Brian, are you keeping him up all night? Because he needs his sleep.”
“He sleeps.” Brian kissed Justin’s cheek, pulling him close for a quick hug.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
“Tell me again why everyone has to go with us to New York?” Brian asked as he helped load the SUV with luggage. “I mean, do you know how hard it was to find a decent hotel that would allow pets? I had to pay a premium damage deposit and fuck knows what’s going to happen when they find out one of the fucking pets is a fucking crow.”
“Raven, Joe’s a raven, there’s a difference.” Justin was being patient with his partner, he’d already heard all these arguments twenty times. But Brian, being the drama queen he was, couldn’t shut up.
“Joe is fucking staying in his cage. I’m not having bird shit on the leather.” Brian griped as he made sure the ultra sleep foam and heated dog bed for Lester was loaded. Lester suffered from arthritis. Justin hadn’t said a word when the bed had appeared in the kitchen one cold day. Though he did note that the fleece cover matched the décor. “And the garden gnome has to go in a case. I can’t have my kid carrying Ned around like some kind of Barbie doll.” He was still pissed at the oversized Barbie dream house that Gus had insisted on for his bedroom so that Emmylou had her own space.
“Yes dear.” Justin snickered. “You could have let Joe ride on your shoulder, you know, like a pirate.”
“Bird shit on the Armani is soooooo never going to happen.” Brian said. “Okay, everyone in, we’re on our way.”
“Sorry Brian dear, but this queen is not spending five hours in a cage. For one thing my feathers would look like shit, pardon the pun.” Joe hopped into the SUV and stationed himself on one edge of Lester’s bed. “This is just fine. Lester can darn well share. It’s bad enough I have to be caged when I go in the hotel, but really, that’s enough of a sacrifice.”
“What about the sacrifice I’m making taking a fucking black bird to New York.” Brian said. “You’ve got wings, fly why don’t you.”
“Daddy, please don’t be angry and swear.” Emmylou said in Brian’s ear. She’d run up his pant leg and onto his shoulder without him realizing it. “It makes me sad.” She wiped a tear with her paw.
Brian rolled his eyes, but settled down. For some reason the small mouse had a way of calming him. He’d long got over the fact she called him Daddy. “Emmy girl, go sit in the back with Gus.” He let one finger touch her nose in a gesture of affection. Justin pretended not to notice.
Lester needed some help getting in the back and he settled finally on his wonderful bed. Sighing with pleasure he rather looked forward to this adventure.
Gus insisted that Ned be seat belted in beside him. And soon they were all ready to go.
“This trip is like something out of National Lampoon.” Brian muttered. “Why didn’t you just beam us there?” he asked Justin.
“Because I told you, I’m not using my power. I got along just fine without it before I turned twenty two, and I don’t need it now.” Justin could be more stubborn than Brian ever thought of being.
“It’s only been six months, you have another six to go before you have to decide.”
“I’ve decided now.” Justin looked at Brian. “I’m going to do that one thing we talked about and that’s it.”
“Are you sure?” Brian was afraid Justin was making a hasty decision.
“I’m sure, now let’s drive. At least this time of year the roads are good.” Justin let his hand rest on Brian’s thigh. They drove in silence, only Gus’ chatter with the animals and the garden gnome filtered through to the front. “Brian, this week, this week in New York, Can we just forget about all this?” he waved his hand to indicate the Pittsburgh that they were leaving. “I’m so tired of all the drama. I want to be an ordinary man, artist, lover and partner to a handsome and debonair business man, father to his son.”
“You’ll never be ordinary.” Brian smiled at his partner. “But I promise you, this week will be as ordinary as it can be, given the entourage we’re traveling with.”
Justin smiled and half giggled, “Good point about our groupies.” He sighed. “Okay, we’ll go for as ordinary as we can. Hey, did you ever think you’d be driving an SUV with your hubby in the front and your kid in the back?”
“Not to mention my three legged dog, my black bird, my mouse, and a fucking garden gnome.” Brian snorted. “No, I figure it’s all some kind bad acid from Anita and one day I’ll wake up and find myself single, dancing at Babylon with Mikey whining that he wants to go home.”
“Whatever gets you through the day, Brian.” Justin laughed.
By the time they reached their hotel in New York, Brian was at the end of his rope. Only the fact that Gus was in the rear seat kept him from flying into a million pieces, all of them filled with rage. It had begun with bathroom breaks for Gus, then Lester, flying breaks for Joe who insisted he was car sick. Back to Gus who was hungry, to Emmylou who was home sick barely 4 hours from home, to Joe who was now whining that Lester kept passing bad gas, to the piece de resistance, the fucking garden gnome becoming violently car sick down the back of his neck. Who knew a cement garden gnome could even eat popcorn and chips, let alone projectile vomit them up.
“Can’t you call Daphne?” Brian asked as they pulled up to the hotel. “I think we really need a break.”
“No, we can’t call Daphne.” Justin smiled. “Now be nice and tip the bellman well, he’s the one who has to cart all of our stuff to our room. Including Joe.”
Brian endured the check in process. Even managing to smile when Joe called the concierge a pompous asshole. It took five bucks to convince him that Joe was able to speak a few words, none of them good.
“These rooms are great.” Justin turned around to view everything he could. “I love it when you queen out and insist on suites.”
Brian was already reaching for the minibar.
“Let me out of this cage.” Joe demanded. “I’m going to see New York City.”
“Please Mr. Joe, you have to say please.” Gus said as he opened the cage door. “You have to be good Mr. Joe.”
“Sure kid, I’ll be good.” Joe hopped to the window sill. “Please my little man, open this window.”
“I’m not allowed to open the windows.” Gus declared, sitting down in front of the television. “Daddy said it was dangerous.”
“Daddy, daddy, Mr. Joe needs the window open.” Emmylou had scampered up to Brian’s shoulder. “Please daddy.” She whispered and batted her eyes.
Justin snickered while he was unpacking, knowing that Brian was, no doubt, opening the window for Joe.
Brian came into the bedroom and threw himself on the bed. He watched Justin putting away their clothing, slowly sipping on the beer he’d found in the mini bar. “We could have had the maid do that.” He said finally.
“I like to do it.” Justin said as he finished, closing the last suitcase and storing it in the closet. He lay down beside Brian. “What’s happening out there?” he nodded in the direction of the sitting room.
“Gus and his buddies are watching some strange cartoon. They all seemed to like it.” Brian gave a half shrug. “I think the next time we drive a long distance with them, we’re giving them all gravol. It should put them to sleep or at least keep the fucking gnome from puking.”
“Yeah, that was weird.” Justin agreed. “Weirder than weird.”
“I’m having the car detailed.”
“Of course.” Justin’s hand found Brian’s, they both lay staring at the ceiling. “I’m a bit worried about the people who cast the spells on our kids.” He’d taken to calling them that. It was easier even if it did make Brian wince every time he said it. “What if they try and do some harm because they know I’m going to reverse the spells?”
“How are they going to know? You have another six months to make your final decision.” He leaned over and kissed Justin softly on the lips. “I must say Sunshine, since I met you, I have a new appreciation for birthdays.”
The two days before Justin’s opening were busy for the blond. He had to micromanage each detail of the installation. The gossip that filtered through the art groupies and those who liked to think they were in the know, was that Justin Taylor had gone eccentric and had begun toting a rather ugly cement garden gnome with him when he was in the gallery. And what’s worse, held long conversations with said gnome before arranging and rearranging the hanging of his paintings. Of course they were unaware that Ned had been a rather brilliant artist and art critic in his time, before running afoul of one of Justin’s relatives, who took umbrage with one of his critiques.
Brian tried to ignore the fact that his partner left for the gallery, gnome under his arm each day. Gus, of course, was thrilled that Ned was doing something he loved, even if he was still cement.
Stuck with having to entertain Gus, which also meant, more often than not, taking Lester with him, not to mention Emmylou, Brian was learning to be creative in where they spent their days. He didn’t have to worry about Lester being dog napped, not after the first time when he’d left him tied up outside a museum and the dog had verbally tongue lashed three different do gooders who thought he was being abused. And left thinking they were crazy.
Joe was in his element. He loved New York. Of course it had changed since he’d last been there and he was seeing it from a raven’s point of view. But still he was immediately caught up in the excitement that was generated by the lights and the people. And much to his delight, he found another raven who had been bewitched. They immediately hit it off and after he managed to persuade his new friend that Justin wasn’t anything like the relative of his who had turned him, he and Darcy would spend their down time on the ledge outside the hotel suite window chatting about their lives before.
Until the night of the opening, then all hell broke loose. Gus was wearing his new suit with a specially built pocket for Emmylou. Brian was looking devastatingly handsome in his tux. He and Gus were sitting on the sofa waiting for Justin who was taking forever in getting ready.
All of a sudden a rather short, dumpy, over dressed in chiffon and multiple strands of beads sixtyish woman appeared in the room. “Where is my grand nephew?” she said, her voice autocratic and haughty.
“Who or what the fuck are you?” Brian was standing, keeping Gus behind him.
“I am the Grande Duchess of all that is Magic.”
“Yeah, right.” Brian snorted. “Try again lady and while you’re thinking up something, you can leave and not come back until you’re invited.”
“Mr. Brian, Mr. Brian, that’s the one, the one who changed us.” Joe and Darcy had hopped inside the room.
“Ahhhh, the not so beautiful Joe and Darcey, is that you? Imagine that, the two of you have met of all the ravens in the world, who would have thought.” She giggled with a rather high grating giggle.
“Auntie Zoe.” Justin drawled. “So it was you who fucked with Joe and Darcy.” Justin entered the room. “Get out of my hotel room Auntie, you aren’t welcome, not now, not ever.”
“Is that anyway to talk to your old Auntie?” she asked with a simper. “I just wanted to see my favorite grand nephew. I heard that you were thinking of perhaps doing little bit of redo magic.”
“What I do is none of your business.” Justin continued to button his shirt. “Brian, why don’t you take Gus and Lester downstairs. I’ll be down shortly. Joe, Darcy, you guys fly away and have a fun evening.”
“I’m not leaving you.” Brian said.
“This is between me and my Auntie, she won’t hurt me because if she tried anything she knows that my mother and Granny M will be on her ass.”
He waited while Brian and Gus took Lester and Ned out of the room. Then he turned and said. “You have no business coming to me and trying to intimidate my partner and myself. It just won’t work.”
“You, my dear boy, have no business using that tone of voice with me.” She began. “I have served the time of chastisement given to me by the High Council for my rather impetuous indiscretions in my younger years. If you continue in this manner, you will destroy my life.”
“I hardly think it will be destroyed. You’ll be human with all that a human can do and be available to you.” He looked at her. “You’ve taken the lives of Joe and Darcy and changed them without any thought of the consequences.”
“And you are about to do the same with me and the others.” She hissed, her finger out pointing at him. “Are you really any better than we are?”
“Believe me Auntie, I have given this a lot of thought and I will continue to think about what I am going to do and the consequences to all of us and that includes Joe and Darcy, Lester and Ned, and of course Emmylou.” He finished dressing, shot his cuffs and looked into the mirror to make sure he was presentable. “You have to leave now. I’ll be reporting this visit to my mother and she in turn will report the visit to the council. You do know the rules about interfering in my life I hope, because the consequences are far more severe than they are for interfering in a human’s life.”
“Justin, we’ll be late.” Brian looked in on his partner. He hadn’t gone far, only into the hallway. There wasn’t any way he would leave Justin alone with his harpy of an aunt.
“Auntie is leaving now. She won’t be back.” He nodded to his aunt. “Of course you are welcome to attend my twenty third birthday.”
“I will certainly be there.” She hissed again before disappearing in a puff of smoke. Leaving behind an acrid smell of overblown flowers.
“I’ll have housekeeping air the suite.” Brian said as he steered Justin toward the door. “We have an art show to attend and art to sell.”
“And we get to go for dessert after.” Gus piped up. “Daddy says there’s a cake place two doors down from the gallery and they stay open all day and all night. Can we go there at midnight?”
“Nope.” Justin grinned, “Young boys are in bed at midnight and that means you.”
“I loved their chocolate mile high triple fudge.” Ned said. “I used to get one every Sunday morning as a reward for surviving another week in New York. It was as good an excuse as any other for scarfing down umpteen thousand calories.”
“I still go there.” Darcy said. “Gotta love what people leave on their plates. The outside café is used even in the winter.”
“Yuck.” Justin shuddered. “I’ll buy you your piece later tonight.”
“How very white of you.” Joe snickered.
“Would guys all shut up? I want to get this evening over with.” Brian began and then immediately realized it was the wrong thing to say.
“You want the evening over with? I mean I know art shows are boring, but…” Justin’s voice was becoming high and slightly hysterical.
Brian pulled him quickly into his arms and covered his mouth with his own. At first Justin fought the kiss, but then he quickly gave in. “I love your shows.” Brian whispered. “I love you.”
“Boy, that was close.” Gus whispered to Emmylou. He picked up Ned, put him under his arm and walked toward the elevator. Lester followed, ignoring the fact that he had two ravens riding on his back.
Brian and Justin continued their kiss until they realized they were alone. Running down the hall to catch the elevator, they laughed like children, causing Gus and his group to all roll their eyes in a perfect imitation of Brian.