Lois and Carolyn, thanks for the beta...you’re the greatest!
Author’s comments: I’m sure by now that you’re probably tired of reading about events at the mansion. However, I need to ask your patience for one more chapter. (smile)
Chapter 61 – A Few Unexpected Events
Later Saturday Afternoon…(Day 48)
A cluster of people descended on the riding stables. Justin went ahead of the entourage to prepare Chuck for the oncoming crowd.
“Is everyone riding?” Chuck teased as he noticed the approaching crowd. “I’m sure we can round up a few morel horses,” he said with a laugh. “You should have warned me, Justin,” Chuck continued to tease.
“No, just Brian and Gus are having their usual lesson,” Justin explained. Then he started thinking, “Although, you know, Nicky is so small that I guess he could ride with me.”
“We might have an extra pony, with a toddler saddle so the little one can see how he feels about riding,” Chuck suggested. “Or, we can put him on a horse with you if he’s ok about it.”
“That sounds like a good idea,” Justin agreed.
Brian caught up to Justin as this point.
“What did you agree to?” Brian demanded to know, remembering the surprises Justin had in store for him the last time.
“Don’t worry,” Justin suggested with a smile, leaving Brian to really wonder.
The scene was the same as last time. Chuck brought out two ponies. Justin and Gus went over and became reacquainted with the ponies. Gus was fine, as long as he could reach out and touch Justin from time to time. Gus finally mounted his horse to the delight of Nicky, who was watching a few paces back.
When Gus rode off with one of the instructors, Chuck returned with another pony for Nicky to pet. As long as Nicky could hold on to Justin, he was ok, and once Justin picked Nicky up his arms, he was totally brave when he petted the horse.
Then it was time for Brian to get on his horse. Justin casually slid his hand under the back of Brian’s shirt. The skin-to-skin contact, gave Brian just the courage he needed to confidently mount his favorite Palomino. With this many watchful eyes, he realized now was not a good time to panic. Brian managed to slowly ride his horse to the inside ring to join Gus.
Chuck brought Justin’s Chestnut horse out to him. Jason came up to pry Nicky out of Justin’s arms, and Justin easily mounted his horse with the skill of someone, who had been riding most of his life.
Tears immediately started streaming down Nicky’s face. Paul, Lindsay and Melanie tried unsuccessfully to console him. Jason knew immediately what the problem was, and he simply walked over and handed the tearful Nicky to Justin. Jason walked away shaking his head. Some things never change.
Nicky wrapped his arms around Justin as if his little life depended on it. Justin gently soothed Nicky. “Do you want to ride with me?” Justin quietly asked.
Nicky immediately nodded yes in between sniffles.
Brian couldn’t help but smile, but he knew that Paul and Jason were going to kill Justin when they got back to the mansion.
Brian began to wonder if the imprinting thing that Molly was talking about earlier was real, for even when Jason and Paul were standing right there, Nicky’s source of comfort was always Justin.
Brian was starting to worry, but then he remembered that Gus had been the same way when he was younger. Now, Brian could look at his son confidently riding his pony, and he knew that Nicky would be ok too…in time. But for right now, one little four year old simply needed Justin.
As Nicky and Justin were riding together, Nicky’s confidence grew. He waved to Gus and to Brian. Nicky was totally brave from his safe perch, nestled in Justin’s arms.
When the lesson was over, Nicky and Gus confidently went with Chuck to feed carrots to the ponies.
Brian and Justin finally dismounted, and Justin wrapped Brian in his arms. “I’m very proud of you,” Justin whispered, “Your riding is getting better and better.”
And Brian just beamed.
Afterwards, Justin went to settle the bill with Chuck and to reserve the lessons for next month, while everyone else headed for the cars.
“You can bring all your friends back next time, Justin, I promise to have all my horses available,” Chuck couldn’t resist teasing.
“I don’t think that will be necessary,” Justin added with a laugh. “But thanks anyway.” Justin couldn’t help smiling to himself as he made his way to the car.
In the car, Gus and Nicky tried to wrap their arms around Justin’s neck at the same time to thank him for the letting them ride the horses.
Jason and Paul couldn’t contain their laughter. Finally they decided to help dislodge Gus and Nicky from Justin so that he could breathe.
Melanie and Lindsay couldn’t believe what they had seen…Gus and Brian both horseback riding together. They had to finally admit that the painting over the fireplace really showed the truth.
Lindsay had noticed something else…both Brian and Gus needed to know that Justin was there to offer support to both of them as they ventured into the new realm of horseback riding. Both Brian and Gus rode with confidence after being coaxed by Justin. The scene of Nicky in tears was heartbreaking, but he too needed Justin. So many people bonded so tightly and so in love with one little blond twink.
For Melanie the events that played out surrounding the horseback riding reminded her that everyone’s life was changed when Justin made himself a part of their little group. Watching Nicky with Justin, reminded her the way that Gus and Justin are together. But even more, having Justin in their little family all these years had shown them all…Brian, Michael, Ted, Emmett, Lindsay, Debbie, and even herself…what it meant to be brave enough to love.
Melanie looked over at Lindsay and tried to imagine what her partner must be thinking.
And once again, Lindsay wiped away tears that were about to fall.
“What’s wrong?” Melanie asked, wrapping her arm lovingly around her partner.
“I understand so much,” Lindsay said.
“I thought so,” Melanie added softly, tightening her arm around her partner.
***
When they got back to the mansion, Teres and Thomas were there to greet Gus and Nicky. Gus immediately started filling them in on his riding lesson. Gus even took the time to explain that Nicky was riding too--on a horse with Justin. Nicky beamed that he was being talked about.
Once inside the mansion everybody scattered in different directions. Gus and Nicky were so happy from their riding adventure that they were content to have Paul and Jason supervise their showers while Brian and Justin went to their room to spend a few moments alone together.
“This has been a fun day,” Justin quietly said, snuggling into Brian’s arms once they were alone.
“You realized that you’ve managed to deviate from my plan, Sunshine,” Brian tried to scowl, leaning down and gently kissing the top of Justin’s head. “You’re not getting any painting done.”
“I got a little done his morning,” Justin reminded him.
“You have, however, managed to make this day special for everyone,” Brian said seriously. Then he finally allowed himself to smile as he simply said, “Thank you.”
“For what? I couldn’t have done it without you,” Justin reminded him quietly, leaning up to kiss Brian passionately.
Brian eventually broke the kiss, “Why do you always do that when you know we don’t have time?” he teased.
“We have to take a shower,” Justin said in his own defense, mimicking Brian’s eyebrow movement for emphasis. Brian couldn’t resist a smile at his partner’s antics. Justin had made his point.
They quickly undressed and made their way into the shower.
As Brian was applying the gel to Justin’s wet skin when he said, “You realize that you’re going to be severely punished for tampering with my plans today?” he said seductively.
“I was afraid of that,” Justin added with a willing smile as he handed Brian the packets of condom and lube.
***
Meanwhile, everyone else had reassembled in the living room. Lindsay and Melanie were already filling Molly and Jennifer on what had happened at the riding lesson. Gus and Nicky came running into the room to add additional commentary.
But for some strange reason, it seems that Gus and Nicky had an entirely different version of horseback riding then what Melanie and Lindsay had just relayed.
Jennifer decided that obviously Gus and Nicky’s version of things was the most accurate…thus winning her additional hugs and kisses from the storytellers.
Melanie and Lindsay just shook their head in defeat, while trying to hide their smiles.
Everyone was making their way to the dining room to sit down to the special dinner that Teres had prepared in honor of Gus’ riding lesson, when the doorbell rang.
Brian and Justin looked at each other…trying to figure out who this could possibly be.
They walked to the door together to find out who the uninvited guest might be.
Brian opened the door and was completely surprised by who was facing him.
“Where is he?” Emmett began. “Where is that little twat?” he said as he pushed past Brian to come face to face with Justin.
Brian couldn’t help smiling, for he knew what was coming; he could already see that Emmett was pretty wound up.
“Hi Em,” Justin said nonchalantly.
“Don’t ‘Hi Em’ me!” Emmett complained, striking a pose of impatience. “You have a lot of explaining to do. So start talking!”
“What in particular would you like me to talk about?” Justin innocently asked.
“Oh…no…you…don’t!” Emmett protested.
Brian decided it was time for him to step in. “Emmett, come on in. Whatever it is, we’ll sort it out someplace besides here in the hallway.” Emmett made his way inside. “We were getting ready to sit down for dinner,” Brian continued with a smirk, “Would you like to join us?”
“Dinner isn’t going to get the little blond troublemaker off the hook, Brian,” Emmett professed strongly. But a whiff of dinner did persuade Emmett to calm down a bit. “I hope you realize that!” he said unconvincingly.
“I’m going in to join the other,” Brian said with a smile. “But I’ll have Teres set another place. I take it that you two can solve this quickly because everyone is waiting to eat. ” Brian really couldn’t resist reminding them that everyone was waiting; he really wanted to hurry this along.
Reluctantly, Brian left Emmett and Justin alone as he walked away, shaking his head and trying to conceal his smile.
“Why didn’t you tell me what you and Brian had legalized your relationship?” Emmett demanded to know, standing there with folded arms. “You and I discussed a whole lot of other things during lunch. Why didn’t you tell me about THIS?”
Justin just signed. “I was going to tell you. I just couldn’t figure out how to work it into our conversation. I just didn’t know what to say,” Justin admitted quietly. “When I saw you at lunch, Brian and I had just signed the papers. It was still so new. I guess I was still having some trouble talking about it. I’m sorry, Em. I would have told you tomorrow,” he reassured Emmett. “How did you find out?” he finally asked.
“Honey, I’m the queen of gossip, you know that I have ways of finding out these things,” Emmett reminded him. “The next time, you be sure to tell me first, you hear?”
“I’m sorry, Em,” Justin said, wrapping his arms around Emmett.
As expected, Emmett quickly caved and immediately forgave Justin. The two smiling friends joined everyone else at dinner.
As Emmett entered the dining room, Gus got up from his seat and ran over to Emmett.
“Auntie Em!” Gus called out. Hugs and kisses were exchanged all around.
Then Gus pulled Emmett over to meet Nicky.
Now we clearly have love at first sight. Emmett took one look at the head full of curls and the freckles, and he was in love. Nicky had never seen anyone quite like Emmett, so he was fascinated too. The twosome had a hard time taking their eyes off of one another.
Brian simply cleared his throat, and Emmett finally took his seat at the table. Everyone just smiled at the mutual admiration developing between Em and Nicky.
***
After dinner, everyone moved to the living room to relax and have dessert. Justin flipped on the fireplace…to the oohs and aahs of everyone.
Following dessert, Gus and Nicky settled down in the media room with Molly to watch a movie.
Emmett blended right in with Paul and Jason. Somehow during the discussion, Emmett suggested that Brian and Justin needed to take Paul and Jason to Babylon so they could all just hang out together.
“It would be the perfect way to cap off the evening,” Emmett gushed…ever the romantic.
Justin immediately liked the idea, and started to persuade Brian.
Brian wasn’t so sure, but he eventually agreed. After all, he was still focused on his plan…and he knew that if Justin spent some time at Babylon, he was sure that Justin would go directly into his studio first thing in the morning. Since his plans for today hadn’t gone quite the way he’d hoped, Brian was most eager to get things back on track for tomorrow.
While Brian was still considering Babylon, Jennifer volunteered to stay overnight at the mansion. She agreed with Emmett that it would be great if Brian and Justin could have a night out, and Jennifer was really looking forward to the chance to hang out with Gus, Nicky, and Molly.
Of course, having the perfect excuse to test out the new guest room that Brian and Justin had set up for her and Molly…didn’t hurt either.
Justin extended an invitation to Melanie and Lindsay to stay over too, but they knew that they had the counseling session with Elizabeth in the morning, so they opted to ride back to Pittsburgh with Emmett to make it an early evening.
Once Melanie and Lindsay and Emmett had said their goodbyes and left the mansion, Paul and Jason decided that they wanted to test out the downstairs hot tub before they went to Babylon.
Paul and Jason left Brian and Justin alone in the living room, relaxing in front of the fire.