Lois, thanks for the beta...you’re the greatest!
Author’s comments: To the accountants and attorneys reading this, Max Caulfield is a legal genius and has found a way to make the following events a legal reality, without the usual gift tax implications. This is probably AU boarding on AR. I ask that you please go with it.
Chapter 40 – Meeting Of The Minds
Late Morning on Thursday…(Day 46)
Brian entered the loft, and Justin was waiting for him.
“So how did it go?” Justin eagerly asked.
Brian never answered his question. Instead, he dropped everything as he entered the room and immediately reached for Justin. Brian first swept Justin into his arms, and then he leaned down and pulled Justin into a passionate kiss.
Justin immediately responded to it all. When the need for air forced them apart, Brian started walking Justin backwards in the direction of the bedroom.
“We don’t have time…a plane to catch,” Justin attempted to mutter in between breaths.
“Fuck the plane!” Brian said, continuing his forward motion. “Later…” he uttered as a shortened explanation.
Justin smiled and leaned again into the kiss. Brian continued to steer him towards the bedroom. Once they reached the bedroom, their clothes were quickly scattered about.
Justin fell on the bed bringing Brian down with him. Brian easily slid on top of Justin allowing their bodies to grind together. And Brian knew at that moment, there was only one place he wanted to be.
With practiced precision they brought each other to new heightened states of ecstasy.
In the midst of the kissing, nipping, and touching each other, Brian reached for the lube. After warming the lube slightly, Brian covered his fingers and began to administer to Justin’s hole while Justin responded by continuing to writhe beneath him.
Once Justin was prepared, Brian sheathed his cock in a condom. Today Brian wanted this more than usual and he always wanted Justin. Brian placed Justin’s legs on his shoulder, and he began to long slow thrusts into that tight space, where he so wanted to be.
As Justin began to thrust up to meet him, Brian sank in deeper and deeper. Brian felt Justin’s passion pull him toward the outer reaches of his own, as everything started to happen all at once.
Brian reached that spot that sent Justin over the edge. Brian felt himself being pulled along. Then Brian felt Justin reach his climax, and at the same time that Brian reached his own.
Brian knew that even though they had done this by now, thousands of time before…this time was different, and Brian didn’t want this time to end. He didn’t want to pull out. As much as he wanted to stay buried deep within Justin, he knew that he had to move.
So reluctantly, Brian pulled out of Justin, with a painful groan at the lost of closeness.
Brian removed and disposed of the condom and returned with a cloth to allow Justin to clean up a bit before they spooned together.
As Brian lay there spooned together with Justin, he could once again relish the closeness.
In a universe of time and space, cosmic forces had converged to bring this man into his life…this man, who changed everything.
And Brian understood that the lovers’ embrace was truly the ultimate Talisman of Time, and he held on to savor it for one more moment.
“I guess we have to get up, huh?” Brian finally whispered to Justin.
“It would probably be nice to arrive home before our guests,” Justin teased.
“Meaning?”
“It’s time for us to go home.”
“Home…”
They reluctantly got up, quickly showered, packed the last few items, and got dressed. One more quick visual sweep of the loft, and they were out the door and into their waiting limo.
Brian used his cell phone to reschedule their flight and to send a text message to Cynthia.
They arrived at their gate just as their flight was boarding.
***
“So once again, we’re flying together. I think I like having you as my in-flight partner,” Brian teased once the plane had taken off.
“It’s only because you know that I won’t challenge you to play UNO,” Justin quipped.
“I still have the cards in my briefcase. Are you sure you don’t want to try?”
“I’m sure. Are you going to tell me how your meeting went with Mitchell Evans?”
“I found him interesting. At least now, the courtesy call is out of the way. We really need to get offices set up here. We have a lot of work to do. He asked us to compete with the other agencies to become his ad agency.”
“That’s great. I always knew you were the best at what you do. Mitchell would be foolish not to be impressed.”
“You know how I love hearing your accolades, and of course I deserve them,” Brian said with a determined smile.
“Always.”
“Did you get everything from your studio packed and shipped?”
“Yeah, my stuff should arrive at the house sometime tomorrow.”
“What made you ship them?”
“I had a few paintings in New York that I wanted to move back to Bri-tin.”
“Just out of curiosity, are any of them for me?” Brian asked, reaching out and letting his fingers entwine with Justin’s. “What are you trying to persuade me to do this time?” he whispered.
“Brian…”
“I just wanted you to know that you don’t have to send me paintings and a letters to make your point. I’ve learned my lesson. I promise that I’m much more receptive now to the things that you say,” Brian confessed sarcastically.
“Brian, will you stop it?”
“I was just letting you know. I’m much more cooperative now. Just tell me what you want, and I’ll agree to it. It saves so much time it if I just do it right from the beginning.”
“I’m glad you finally realize this,” Justin smirked with some satisfaction.
Brian smiled, and just for a moment leaned his forehead over to touch Justin’s.
They then continued talking easily together.
“Do we need to have someone meet us at the airport?” Justin asked.
“No, I emailed Cynthia earlier so there should be a limo waiting for us. We do have one stop to make before we go out to the house. Then you should have enough time to have your way with me before Jennifer and Molly arrive for dinner.”
“I really like the sound of that.”
“Somehow I thought that would appeal to you.”
The flight between New York and Pittsburgh was really less than an hour. So before they knew it, the plane had landed. And as expected, when they exited the terminal in Pittsburgh, the limo was waiting.
“So where are we going?” Justin asked once they were settled in the limo.
“Does it matter?” Brian teased, “I was hoping that you would blindly follow me anywhere.”
“In your dreams, Kinney. You obviously have me confused with Michael.”
“I knew that someone would blindly follow me anywhere. Deep down I should have known that it wasn’t you. How could I forget, how much trouble you really are?”
“Are you done?”
“For the moment.”
“Now where are we going?”
“If you must know, we’re going to my attorney’s office. There are some papers that need to be signed.”
“What papers?”
“You ask too many question.”
“You know I have been told that before.”
Within a short time they arrived at the Pittsburgh offices of Caulfield & Caulfield.
“Mr. Kinney,” the receptionist said, “Mr. Caulfield has been expecting you.”
“Pam, it’s good to see you. I don’t know if you’ve met my partner. Pam this is Justin Taylor. Justin, this is Pam Mathers.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Pam said with a knowing smile.
Before Brian could make himself comfortable, a male figure approached. “Brian,” he whispered.
“Max, sorry I’m late. Did I give you enough time? I know I gave you just a few hours notice.”
“Of course not, but like your alter ego, Rage. I can do the impossible too.” Max teased, ”That’s why I charge you those exorbitant fees.”
“Are you done? Max, this is Justin Taylor, my partner. Justin, this is my attorney Max Caulfield. Actually, his father is my attorney, but Max keep butting in and taking over things.”
“Lucky for you,” Max quipped. “Hi, Justin. Why don’t you two follow me?”
“Max, you have to be careful what you say about Rage, Justin and Michael created the character. Justin is the artist that brings Rage to life,” Brian added, as they were walking.
“I know, I shouldn’t admit it,” Max explained, “But I’ve been a fan since the first issue. It’s really an honor to meet you.”
“Thanks,” Justin said with a smile.
They entered the conference room, where a very tall stack of papers was waiting. Max took a seat nearest the stack.
Brian made himself comfortable on the other side of the table. Brian nudged Justin into a seat beside him and casually wrapped his arm around him. Finally Brian leaned over and gently kissed Justin on the cheek.
“So are we ready to begin?” Max casually asked, trying to hide the developing smile for. Max had never seen this side of Brian, but he knew that now was not the time to acknowledge what he just saw.
“I think so,” Brian said, looking straight at Max. Then he turned slightly toward Justin and gestured with his hand. “Justin, I need you to sign these,” Brian said matter-of-factly.
“What do you want me to sign?” Justin innocently asked, trying to read Brian’s eyes.
Max slid the entire stack of papers over toward of Justin.
Justin started to read the papers, “Agreement to Legalize Domestic Partnership,” he said aloud. “Brian, what is this?” he asked, turning once again to face his partner.
“I don’t suppose that I could get you to just sign the papers now, and then maybe argue with me later…could I?”
“Not a chance.”
“I was afraid of that,” Brian said with a sigh. “Why do you have to be so much trouble?”
“What’s going on, Brian?”
“I want to legalize our relationship,” Brian finally admitted.
“What does that mean?” Justin asked.
“Talisman of Time said that you wanted us to be together NOW.”
“That was the message,” Justin said. “I’m glad you were paying attention,” he added with a smile.
“I’ve decided that simply agreeing to BE together isn’t enough for me. I want more. I’ve thought it over. This is what I want. I want to legalize our relationship.”
“What do you mean you want to legalize our relationship? You obviously don’t want to get married?”
“What makes you think that?” Brian asked with surprised, “I really hadn’t given that option much thought.”
“Don’t you think it’s obvious, since we’re sitting in a lawyer’s office not a church, and these papers do not appear to be any sort of prenups?”
“When you sent me the painting, we agreed to live together in three months. That would mean I would have been able to handle all this legal stuff in little bits over the next few months when the task wouldn’t be so daunting. But thanks to you, events are taking over, and we need to move sooner than I thought. So I need to have all this paperwork out of the way before we move. So I need to you to sign all this now so everything can be filed both in Pittsburgh and New York, and we can be perfectly legal.”
“Brian?”
“Justin…”
“Why don’t I give you two a few minutes alone,” Max said with a smile. “You can push the buzzer over there when you’re ready for me to come back.”
“Sure, thanks Max,” Brian said, trying to figure out how he lost control of things, and then remembered that he was dealing with Justin.
When Max was out of the room, Brian wrapped his arms tightly around Justin and ever so gently kissed the top of Justin’s head.
Without moving, Justin gently asked, “What’s going on? Tell me.”
“I’ve decided that I want to legalize our relationship. Why is that causing you such a problem?”
“I don’t know. You’re just acting strange.”
“What’s so strange? I did ask you to marry me, if you will remember?”
“Of course, I remember. Is that what you’re asking me now?”
“Are you saying that me we have to be like Melanie and Lindsay and have a ceremony in order for you to sign the stack of papers on the table?”
“No. I told you before I left for New York that we didn’t need rings or vows to prove we loved each other. I thought you agreed with me.”
“I do.”
“Then why are we here?”
“We’re here for the simple reason that I want to legalize our relationship. And thanks to the current political climate, at the moment that seems to be a job for attorneys…not for priests. I want to give you legal rights to everything I have now and will have in the future.”
“It’s a wonderful gesture.”
“Thank you…I’d hope you would approve,” Brian smirked. “Now will you sign the papers?”
“Brian, why are you doing this?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Brian quietly asked as he once again settled in his seat. He looked up lovingly at Justin and smiled.
“What?”
“You’re going to make me say it?”
Justin thought for a minute and returned the smile. “Yeah,” he finally said.
Brian let out another deep sigh, “Because I still don’t understand how to do the romantic gestures of buying you flowers and saying the words you want to hear. This feels right somehow. I know, I don’t tell you often enough, but never doubt for a minute how much I love you.”
“I love you too. Now, we don’t have to do this. You show me every day how much you love me. We’re fine, Brian. I don’t need this…this really isn’t necessary,” Justin protested.
“I know that. I need to do this. I also know, that we can walk of here without signing any papers, and you and I will be fine. That isn’t what this is about. But I also know that not signing the papers also isn’t what I want. I want you to do this. So will you sign the papers?” Brian pleaded.
Justin allowed himself to be pulled into Brian’s arms.
“Let’s get Max back in here,” Justin said softly when he was released.
They pushed the button, and Max re-entered. Brian still had his arms wrapped around Justin.
He didn’t move when Max entered, smiled at the couple, and sat down.
“Well, are we ready?” Max casually asked.
“Max, please explain to me again what Brian wants me to sign?” Justin patiently asked.
“In a nutshell, Brian wants you to agree to share the rights to anything he owns at this moment and anything he will have in the future. Unfortunately it only takes a breath to say it, but 14 inches of documents to make it a reality,” Max explained.
“In this stack of documents, are their papers giving Brian the rights to everything I own at the moment and will own in the future too?”
“Not in this stack. Do we need them?” Max innocently asked.
“Well I’m not signing these, unless Brian signs a comparable stack.”
“Justin, what are you doing?” Brian immediately started to protest.
“Making sure that we remain equal partners,” Justin said, giving Brian a gently kiss. “I admit, at this moment, I don’t have much. I’m still a starving artist. But I do have my interest in Rage…I have my paintings...”
“That could be pretty substantial, Justin, Rage is very popular. I know, remember I’m a big fan. Besides, you’re on your way to becoming a famous artist,” Max pointed out, “ I just wanted you to know that I do read the Arts and Entertainment section. You’re the darling of the critics,” he added with a knowing smile.
“And, I also have Taylor Graphics and Design…”
“Justin was nominated for a Bronze Quill Award for innovative website design,” Brian added with a certain measure of pride.
“Congratulations,” Max added, “You are indeed very talented, Justin.”
“Thanks. So Max, if you will prepare a second set of papers, and Brian agrees to sign them. Then he and I can come back and sign both sets at the same time,” Justin said, casually leaning up to give Brian a gentle kiss.
Max just smiled as he observed the shocked expression on Brian’s face.
Max now knew to just lean back and watch to see what was about to unfold.
“I can’t let you do this,” Brian protested, “I don’t want your money.”
“I thought we were partners.”
“We are.”
“I thought you wanted to legalize our partnership.”
“I do.”
“Well, that’s going to require both of us to participate to make it legal. Max is sitting right here. I’m sure he’ll be glad to explain the concept to you,” Justin added with a smirk.
“Justin…” Brian tried to say in protest, but Justin cut off his protests with a kiss, which Brian completely yielded to.
When they finally broke apart for air, Justin simply asked, “What’s it going to be, Brian?”
Brian tried to regain is breath while he looked over at Max for help. “You’re my attorney, can’t you help me out here?” he asked.
Max simply shrugged in reply.
Brian finally admitted defeat. “Are you sure, Justin?”
“I’m as sure as you are, Brian,” Justin said softly.
“All right,” Brian finally agreed. “Max will you prepare the second set of papers? Justin and I will come back in the morning and sign everything. Does that give you enough time?”
“That will be fine,” Max agreed.
“Well, this meeting hasn’t gone quite the way I planned,” Brian said with a laugh.
“Brian, I never thought I would see it, but I think that you’ve finally met your match. I’m going to so love watching you two.”
Brian wrapped his arms around Justin and looked at his watch. “We had better get out to the house, we’re having guests for dinner.”
“And I still have to have my way with you?” Justin teased.
“Haven’t you done that enough?” Brian asked.
“Never enough…”