Blizzard Wizardry

 

Chapter 1

 

Christmas dinner 2016 at Edna’s Treasures was thus far a resounding success.  The family and friends, old and new were getting acquainted and getting along famously, including former tricks.  The only thing that could possibly mar the day was the...

 

“Snow,” John mumbled to himself as he began to clear his end of the table.  With John’s hands full of dishes, Bobby got up to do his share, as did Hunter and Justin.  The latter three had a lot of experience bussing and waiting tables.  The ladies of the family were instructed to remain seated, Debbie and Claire requiring several reminders.

 

“What about it?” Brian asked as he filled several wine glasses.

 

“It’s going to be bad,” John grumbled.

 

“How do you know?”  Brian asked as he raised a curious brow.  It was only five in the evening but it had grown dark.  John flipped on the switch for the outside flood lights, Mr. Ribbit was already buried.

 

“That’s how I know,” John replied as he pointed toward the rapidly disappearing garden.  John had another load of dishes in his hands to take into the kitchen.  Emmett’s washing, drying and cleaning crews were hard at work, the dishwasher humming away.  Coffee and tea were brewing and dessert dishes were being loaded onto trays to be taken into the sun porch.

 

“John, we’ve had snow before,” Brian quipped.

 

“Not like this, little bro, come with me,” John said as he led Brian into his end of the cottage, he had a small TV on in his kitchen.  The Weather Channel was displaying the forecast along with the doppler radar.

 

“What am I looking at?”

 

“The storm of the season, if not the century,” John said as he stared at the screen.

 

“Big bro, I have never known you to exaggerate, why start now?”

 

“This is no exaggeration, Brian.  This one hit hard and fast and without warning.  The gods in Chicago and in Canada must not like us.  Two waves of weather have collided and decided to dump several feet of the white stuff on the entire Eastern portion of the United States.  Now, we have a house full of people who are going to be snowbound.  What are we going to do with them all?”

 

Brian stood staring at the TV.  The traffic cameras covering all the major highways up and down the Eastern seaboard were all showing the same thing, snow.  So much snow that the plows were having trouble coping.  The only saving grace was it was a major holiday and a Sunday.  Anyone who needed to be someplace was hopefully already there and safe.

 

Brian squeezed his eyes shut then pinched his nose for a moment.  John could see the wheels turning in Brian’s head.

 

“First, we serve dessert, then Santa gives out the presents.  Between us we have four houses to put up all these people for the next few days.  We’ll figure out something.”

 

“How can you be so calm about this?”

 

“John, a week ago I thought my life was coming to an end.  Who gives a shit about a few fucking snowflakes?”  Brian gave his brother a peck on the cheek then turned on his heels to walk back into the sun porch.

 

“Oh, yeah,” John said with a lopsided grin then followed Brian out.

 

*****

 

“Sunshine, a word, please,” Brian murmured as he took Justin’s arm to lead him into their bedroom.  Brian kicked the door shut with his foot then bestowed a toe curling kiss on his spouse’s lips.  When Justin could open his eyes, he saw Brian smirking at him.

 

“What brought this on?”  Justin asked as he was trying to catch his breath.

 

“I don’t know, must be the snow,” Brian said with his tongue stuck in his cheek.  Justin swatted him on the ass.  Brian pulled Justin in close then tucked a stray lock of blond hair behind an ear.  He bent his head to whisper into Justin’s ear.  “I love you, Justin.  I just needed a quiet moment to tell you that.”

 

Justin gazed up into Brian’s eyes, the blue eyes shining with joy and unshed tears.

 

“Love you too, Brian.  More than anything, I love you.”  The lovers kissed again then hugged each other tightly.  They were about to go back out to the family when Justin stopped.  “Bri, what did you mean about the snow?”

 

“John, our own hippy dippy weather man, has informed me that we’re going to be stuck with these people for the next few days.  He wants to know where we’re going to put them all.”

 

Justin appeared to contemplate the situation.  “I have no idea but we have plenty of food and in the morning we can have one hell of a snowball fight.  Do we really need to make a decision now?  I mean, can it wait until after Santa?”  Justin’s blue eyes sparkled.

 

“Yeah, dessert and Santa first, sleeping arrangements later, Sunshine.”

 

“Yee Haw!” Justin exclaimed then giggled.

 

“Come on, little boy, let’s see what Santa brought you.”  Brian bussed Justin’s head as they walked back into the porch.

 

*****

 

It had become a custom for the last few years for the "family" to exchange names and buy a fun gift for the person whose name was drawn out of a hat.  The gift couldn't be more than twenty-five dollars, and could be considerably less if you could be creative.  The gift was supposed to be humorous or touching or just weird, something to grab the person's fancy in whatever way possible.

 

The gifts were always labeled with the person's name that the gift was intended for and then they were signed from Santa, so supposedly no one would know who had provided the gift.  Quite often though, it was possible to figure out who the gift came from.  Ted was notorious for his obscene sexual items like the cock sock he had given Michael at his long ago birthday party.  Emmett usually found something truly weird and wonderful.  Everyone tried to find something unique and different.  That was the challenge.

 

All the family was arranged around the sun porch.  Some sat on chairs.  Others lounged on cushions on the floor.  Couples leaned against each other and Bree and Patrick were all revved up to get another present.

 

The storm continued to rage outside, but nobody paid it much attention, except for John.  He kept glancing out the windows, noting that the level of the snow continued to rise.  Bree's frog had long since disappeared from view.  He wondered if they would be able to get the doors open to get outside.  John looked around the room.  People were chatting and laughing, enjoying a beer or some mulled wine.  With a sigh he concentrated on the events that were about to unfold.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls," Brian called out.  "It's time for the Santa gifts."

 

"Yay!" Emmett squealed.  He was always the most enthusiastic about this enterprise.

 

"Hold your horses, Honeycutt!  We haven't got to yours yet."

 

"But I can hardly wait, and don't call me Honeycutt."

 

Brian stuck his tongue in his cheek and glared at the tall queen.

 

"Dada," Bree said tugging on the leg of her father's jeans.  "Presents."

 

"Yes, Squirt.  Time for presents," Brian agreed as he leaned down to kiss her cheek.

 

"Love you, Dada."

 

"I love you too," Brian said feeling emotion rise in his throat.  It was so good to be home with his family, and he was all right, no cancer, nothing to worry about.  He felt Bree's little arms go around his neck.  He hugged her close as he stood up bringing her along with him.  He held her in his arms realizing how heavy and how big she was getting.  She would soon be all grown up.

 

Brian felt emotion wash over him.  He knew he wanted to be there for her first date.  He'd torment the little fucker who dared to ask his daughter out.  He wanted to see her married and happy.

 

"Pop," Gus said at his elbow.

 

"Yeah," Brian replied taking a deep breath and trying to regain his equilibrium.  He took the Santa hat that Gus handed him and plopped it on his head, much to the delight of all present.  "I'm ready," he said as he set Bree down and took the present that Gus held out to him.  "This one seems to be for our very own Emmett.  Here ya go, Honeycutt."

 

Emmett was too excited to complain about Brian calling him Honeycutt.  He squealed with glee as Bree carried the little bundle over to him.

 

"Here, Auntie Emm," Bree said, handing him the package.

 

"Thank you, sweetheart."  Emmett took the wrapped bundle and then kissed Bree's cheek.  She ran back to her father as Emmett tore off the wrapping paper.  "Oh my fucking God!" Emmett exclaimed.  "It's a Gloe Baby Monkey."  He lifted out a little monkey that was already changing from blue to purple and then glowing a reddish pink.  The whole group watched as the little creature turned from one color to another running the entire spectrum of colors.  "It's my rainbow baby," Emmett gushed cradling the little monkey against his chest.  "I absolutely love it.  Thank you so much whoever got this for me."

 

Everyone looked around the room, but nobody was willing to take credit.  The Santas were supposed to be a secret.

 

"Santa got it for you, Auntie Emm," Bree said knowingly.

 

"That's right.  Of course he did."

 

Gus handed his father another package.

 

"Owen," Brian said reading the tag.

 

"Oh, that must be for my son," Owen protested, knowing that they were last minute add-ons and his son would have been there if he wasn't on his honeymoon.

 

"Nope," Brian said.  "I have it on good authority from a Mister Claus that this gift is for you."

 

"Well, in that case…"  Owen took the present from Bree and kissed her cheek.

 

He opened the long narrow package ripping off the paper and revealing an elegant looking box that might contain an oversized pen set.  He flipped the lid and burst out laughing.

 

"What?" Sharon asked.

 

"You have to show and tell," Debbie directed him.

 

"Okay, okay," Owen managed to say as he got his laughter under control.  "It's a very classy looking Gentleman's Ball Scratcher."  He read the words from the inside of the box, a big grin on his face.

 

"Oh my lord!" Claire laughed.  "Is that appropriate?"

 

"I think it's great," Owen laughed.

 

Even Sharon saw the humor in it, as Owen passed the gift on so that everyone could get a good look at it.

 

"Use it in good health," Brian said.

 

"But not in public," Michael said with a grin.

 

"I'll be discreet," Owen replied, "but never doubt that I will use it."

 

"Owen!" Sharon said pretending to be mortified.

 

"I mean it.  I love it.  Santa really knew what to get me."

 

"Santa always knows what you need," Bree said definitively.  Patrick nodded his head in agreement.

 

Gus handed his father the next gift.

 

"Brother John," Brian said with a warm smile.  He handed the envelope to Bree who ran over to her uncle.

 

"Unca John," she said very politely as she extended the envelope to him.

 

"Thank you, sweetheart," he said giving her a kiss.

 

He opened the envelope and pulled out a card.  He read in silence and then wiped at his eyes.  "This is great.  Thank you whoever did this."

 

"What is it?  You have to share," Sharon Brenner said getting into the spirit of the day.

 

"Yeah, come on, John. What is it?" Steve asked.

 

"Someone adopted a penguin for me."

 

"A penguin?" several people shouted out at the same time.

 

"It says the money goes to looking after penguins in the Falkland Islands," John explained, as he started to pass around the card.

 

"What a fabulous idea!" Allen said.

 

"I think that's just great," Hunter interjected.

 

"Me too," John replied.  "I always enjoy the penguins at the zoo."

 

"I think they do that with other animals too," Ben supplied.

 

"Want one next year?" Michael asked with a grin.

 

"There are worse gifts," Ben replied kissing his husband.

 

Gus extended another present to his father.

 

"Ah, another of the newbies to our family.  This one's for Sharon."

 

Bree ran over to Sharon and handed her the gift.  She got her obligatory reward of a kiss before running back to her father.

 

Sharon quickly opened the gift.  She wasn't sure about this whole thing.  Being in the limelight wouldn't be much fun if the package contained something obscene.  Owen might be able to laugh it off, but she wasn't so sure she could.  She opened the box and a big smile played across her face.

 

"Santa is very smart," she said with a chuckle.  "He knows I have cold feet."

 

"I can vouch for that," Owen said kissing her cheek.  "They're like two blocks of ice when we're in bed in the winter.

 

"Not anymore," Sharon crowed, drawing out a pair of Pink Hot Sox as they were described on the tag.  "You heat them in the microwave and they warm your feet.  They will be heavenly," she gushed, seeming to be truly touched by the unexpected gift.

 

"Heavenly for me too," Owen contributed.

 

Everyone laughed as Gus handed his father another gift.  The presents continued with much laughter and ribald comments.  Ted loved his Trembler Orgasmatron Head Massager.  He put it on, but refused to turn it on while in the presence of the assembled masses.  He got lots of comments about the orgasm part and whether or not that would happen for him.

 

There were fun gifts and more serious gifts, but everyone seemed to enjoy them.  They were getting near the end when one came up for Dr. Raph.  Bree carried it over to him and he kissed her cheek.  Ripping off the paper, he found something that made him burst out laughing.  "Oh, this is too perfect!" he told the room.

 

"What is it?" Drew asked.

 

"A bullshit button!"

 

"Oh, for fuck sake!" Debbie reacted.  "I want one of those."

 

"Me too," Emmett chimed in.

 

"How does it work?" Hector asked his partner.

 

"It's got five levels."  Raph read the accompanying card.

 

"5 different Bullshit Button Alerts."

 

    * "(Beep) That was bullshit"

    * "(Siren) Bullshit detected, take precautions"

    * "Bullshit level defcon 5"

    * "Oh come on now, that ain't even bullshit, that's horseshit"

    * "Warning, warning, bullshit alert"

 

 "Oh, that's too funny," Bobby laughed.  "You'll get good use out of that."

 

"Ain't that the truth," Raph replied.  "I think I'll keep it on the counter in the clinic, along with the card.  What do you think, Hector?"

 

"Perfect!" Hector replied.  "Maybe some of our more bullshit inclined customers will get the message."

 

"I think it's probably too subtle for some people," Justin laughed.

 

"You're probably right," Seth agreed with a laugh.

 

"Every business has its bullshitters," Jennifer added.

 

Everyone nodded in agreement.

 

"Many thanks to whoever the Santa was that gave me this … thoughtful gift," Raph laughed.

 

Bree frowned.  "Dada, why did he say that?  There's only one Santa."

 

"That's right, Squirt.  He was just being silly."

 

Bree looked thoughtful.  "'Kay, Dada," she replied.  She waited for the next present that she would deliver to its new owner.

 

Finally the gifts were all distributed including a very special one for Bree.  Santa brought her a lovely silver hairbrush set.  Brian even showed her how to use it while everybody watched.  Bree loved to get her hair brushed, and Brian loved to brush it.

 

Emmett and Justin brought out coffee and dessert.  They all sat around discussing the great Santa gifts.

 

John glanced out the window.  The snow continued to fall and the wind seemed to be picking up.  It was going to be a long and snowy night.

 

 

Blizzard Wizardry

 

Chapter 2

 

Melanie walked into the kitchen to put on the kettle to make a pot of tea.  When she turned to snatch one of Emmett's cookies off the counter, she spied John, Brian, Emmett, Drew, Rachel and George deep in conversation in the living room.

 

"What's going on?"  Melanie asked the group.  "Kinney, what are you up to now?"

 

"Just working out the sleeping arrangements, oh crabby one," Brian snarked.  John snorted but controlled his laughter.  In the spirit of the season, Melanie ignored the wisecrack.

 

"Sleeping arrangement, what sleeping arrangements?  Gus is the only one of us who's staying.  JR, Linds and I are heading back to the city," Mel said in complete ignorance of the raging storm outside.

 

"Um, I don't think so," John said as he gently guided the petite woman to the front windows.  Pulling back the thick curtains, John pointed out to the lane.  The only car visible was Drew's Hummer and the snow had already drifted higher than the tires.

 

"Oh my God!  Does everyone know that we're stuck here?  And don't you have a plowing service?"

 

"Melanie," Rachel began gently, "we have a plowing service but this storm took everyone by surprise.  The main roads haven't been cleared yet.  The earliest the plow might get here is tomorrow afternoon.  And that's only if the main highway gets cleared."

 

Melanie stood silently trying to take it all in.  She was glad that she was at the cottage with her children and not stuck on the road somewhere.  The sharp whistle of the kettle brought her back to the here and now.

 

Hearing the kettle, Justin came into the kitchen to help make the tea.

 

"Have you guys worked it all out yet?" Justin asked as he placed several tea bags in the pot to steep.

 

"Almost, Sunshine.  We're retaking a head count to make sure we haven't forgotten anyone," Brian answered.

 

"Can I help?" Melanie asked.

 

"I think we have it under control," John replied.

 

"Actually, Mel," Brian began, "if you wouldn't mind, could you organize the sun porch while we're working out the logistics?  The table needs to be pushed up to the wall and the folding chairs collapsed so that we can spread out the lounge chairs.  We'll be needing them."

 

"My girls can help," Rachel volunteered.

 

Melanie smiled.  If there was one thing Melanie Marcus excelled at, it was her organizational skills.  She loaded up a tray with mugs for the tea then followed Justin out to the porch.

 

"Phew, I think we just got the Melanie Marcus seal of approval," Emmett chimed.

 

"Thank the gods!" John and Brian stated in unison and they all laughed.  When they became calm again, Brian recapped the arrangements.

 

"Okay, let's go over this one more time," Brian said as he took out a pad and pen to jot it all down.  "Emmett and Drew will host Hunter, Nick, Ted and Allen."

 

Emmett and Drew both nodded in agreement.  Their small office doubled as a guest room and the sofa was large enough for Nick and Hunter to cuddle together on it.  Nick and Hunter had no objections to cuddling.

 

"Drew, we may need your Hummer to ferry over Rachel and her family plus her guests," Brian suggested.  "I know it's not that far but I can't see anyone walking in this.  She'll be hosting her parents and Claire and Steve."

 

"No problem," Drew confirmed.  "My baby will make it," Drew said with confidence.  "I can bring them over first."

 

"Drew, drive the Hummer up the back driveway.  It will bring you close to Brian's side door.  You may have to make two trips," John said.

 

"Got it; then we'll take the guys down the lane to our cottage."

 

"Okay, that leaves the rest to us," John mumbled.

 

"Don't worry, big bro, they'll fit.  Besides we have plenty of sleeping bags and floor space," Brian snarked.

 

"Brian, I can't see your mother in a sleeping bag on the floor, can you?" John said as he arched a brow at Brian.

 

"Have no fear, Joan and Jenn can share the futon in my office.  Katerina can bunk out here on this sofa, it's very comfortable and she'll be toasty with the fire going.  Danny can take your sofa.  We put Owen and Sharon in our room, Raphael and Hector in the brass bed.  Do you mind giving up your bed to Debbie and Carl?"

 

"Not at all, Bobby and I will be fine in my office.  The kids can share Gus' room.  Patrick and Bree are used to sleeping together.  JR can take the top bunk and Gus can use a sleeping bag.  They'll have fun."

 

"That leaves the Munchers.  They can take Bree's room and Ben and Mikey can go in Patrick's room," Brian added.

 

"What about Seth?"  Emmett asked.

 

"He can use the chaise.  Me and the blond can squish together on other chaise," Brian said with a wink.

 

"Oh, like that's going to be a hardship," Emmett remarked as he returned the wink.  "You love squishing with Justin."

 

"I think that's it.  We have plenty of food to divide up.  And we can do a buffet breakfast in the morning.  I'm sure we'll have a lot of help," John said.

 

"That's it!  Now who gets to break it to the family?"  Brian asked his cohorts.

 

"You're the mastermind, Bri.  I elect you," Emmett stated.  Brian watched as his committee all nodded their heads in agreement.

 

"Oh goody," Brian grumbled as he went to the liquor cabinet, poured a shot of Beam then downed it in a flash.  "Okay, I'm ready," Brian said as he steeled himself then led his committee out to the porch to propose the sleeping arrangements.

 

*****

 

Drew used his best sports jock whistle to get everyone's attention.  The assembled masses were all sipping tea and coffee and talking and laughing.  Brian knew he was going to have to burst their happy holiday bubble.

 

He cleared his throat.  "Folks," he said.  "I don't know if any of you have looked outside lately, but we're in the middle of the fucking blizzard of the century."

 

"What?  You're kidding, right?  Can't be.  Oh my fucking God!  When did that happen?  What are we going to do?  I should leave right now before it gets any worse."  These were some of the comments spewing out of people's mouths.

 

Drew whistled again, making them halt and listen.

 

"Nobody's going anywhere," Brian stated.  "John's been keeping an eye on the weather and it's bad all the way back to Pittsburgh.  The plows can't keep ahead of the snow.  You're going to be staying here."

 

"But you don't have room…" Owen protested.

 

"Maybe if we left right now," Sharon began.

 

"Yes," Hector agreed.  "We should go right now."

 

"There's nowhere to go," John said.  You won't even get down the lane.  It's drifted full."

 

"Don't you have someone to plow?" Dr. Raph asked.

 

"Of course we fucking do," Brian reacted.  He was getting pissed at being asked that question.  Like the storm was his fault or something, and he didn't know how to take care of his family in the winter.  "And our plow driver would be happy to plow, if he could fucking get here!  But all the roads are too dangerous or impassable.  He won't be coming out until this is over."

 

"When's it supposed to stop?" Seth asked, ever the voice of reason.

 

"They didn't know it was coming, so I think it's highly unlikely they know when it's going to end," John postulated.

 

"Fucking weathermen!" Debbie reacted.  "They're not worth the screen they broadcast on."

 

Everyone chuckled.  Trust Debbie to nail an improbable metaphor.

 

"So what are we going to do?" Michael asked.

 

Brian smiled.  Good old trusting Mikey was still here. He had always looked to Brian to solve his problems and today didn't seem to be any different.

 

"We think we've got it all worked out," Brian stated.  "Here's the sleeping arrangements."  He proceeded to list off the accommodations for all the guests.  That was immediately followed by many protests and voluntary offers of sacrifice.  Several people apparently wanted to sleep on the floor.  No one wanted to put the homeowners out of their beds.  Everyone was willing to suffer during the coming night.  They all started making new plans.

 

Brian watched and listened for as long as he could stand it.  The cacophony of noise was playing on his last nerve, and they were getting fucking nowhere.

 

"Shut the fuck up!" he finally shouted when he couldn't stand it any longer.  "We had this all worked out to our satisfaction … and we had hoped to all of yours.  Nobody's changing anything, so fucking live with it!"  Brian stormed out of the sun porch and into the kitchen.  Bree ran after him.

 

"Dada," she said as she skidded to a halt by his leg.  "I share.  I can sleep on the floor."

 

"Thanks, Squirt," Brian said lifting her up.  "But you're going to sleep in Gus' room with Patrick and JR.  It will be just fine."

 

"'Kay, Dada.  Don't be mad."  She patted his face gently.

 

"I'm not mad," Brian said with a smile.  Bree always knew how to make him smile.  He realized that the noise had died down in the sun porch.  He wondered if they had finally started to listen.

 

"They're getting ready to go," Justin said as he came into the kitchen.

 

"Who?" Brian asked.

 

"The ones who are assigned to Rachel's and to Drew and Emmett's.  They're rounding up whatever they need to take with them."

 

"Finally."

 

"You did a good job of organizing things, Brian."

 

"John did a lot of it, and Emmett."

 

"Well, I think they finally realize that this is the best way.  Do you think the Hummer can get through?"

 

"Drew's sure it can," Brian replied.  "We'll have to take his word for it."

 

Justin nodded.  "We'll get him to call after he makes all his deliveries.  He's shoveling out the Hummer and pulling it up to the side door, so his guests won't have to plow through the snow."

 

"Brian," Joan said from the doorway.  "Are you all right?"

 

"Yes, mother."

 

"If there's anything I can do…"

 

"You want to change your sleeping arrangements too?" Brian asked.  He could feel his headache building.

 

"Son, what you've organized is just fine," Joan said gently.

 

Brian shook his head.  "I shouldn't be so testy."

 

"With all these people around, I don't blame you," Joan smiled.  "I kind of like being alone in my little house.  It's not easy dealing with so many people."

 

"You can say that again, especially these people," Brian agreed.

 

Joan smiled.  "It's going to be fine."

 

"I give you Bunny to sleep with, Gamma Joan," Bree volunteered.

 

"That's very sweet of you, Briana.  Are you sure you won't need him?"

 

"I'll have Patrick," Bree declared.

 

Brian and Justin laughed.  It was so like Bree to equate Patrick with Bunny.  Patrick wouldn't be too happy to know of the comparison.

 

A horn honked by the side door.

 

"That must be Drew," Justin said.  "Everybody going to Rachel's house your ride is here!" he called.

 

Claire and Steve came out all bundled up in their coats and hats and scarves.  Bree ran over to kiss Gamma Claire and her husband.  The Morrisons and George and Rachel and their girls weren't far behind.  Brian and Justin made sure they were all situated in the Hummer.  It involved people sitting in each others' laps, but Drew insisted he only wanted to make one trip, and the heavy load would give him good traction.  Those left behind watched the four wheel drive vehicle make its way toward George and Rachel's house.  They were all holding their breath as it came to a stop and the occupants began piling out.

 

"I hope he can get the fucking thing turned around," Brian whispered to Justin.

 

"Me too," Ted said.  "Otherwise I'll have to walk to Drew and Emmett's."  He shook his head.

 

"Don't worry, darling," Allen laughed.  "I'll carry you if necessary."

 

Ted smiled.  "My hero!"

 

They watched Drew maneuver the Hummer as he tried to turn it around.  At one point it looked like he was stuck.  Everyone groaned.  After some tense moments and several tries he somehow managed to get the vehicle free of the snow drift and it started its route back to the house.

 

"Go, Drewsie!  Go, Drewsie!" Emmett chanted, and everyone joined in.

 

Brian had to smile in spite of the circumstances.  Emmett always was a great cheerleader.  He kind of wished the tall queen would be staying with them tonight, but Emmett had his own entourage of guests to look after.

 

A few moments later Drew backed the Hummer up to the side door once again.

 

"Next set of passengers!" he called.

 

Ted and Allen and Hunter and Nick headed out to the vehicle.  Emmett turned and waved to everyone before following them.

 

"I hope they make it all right," Justin said.

 

"If they don't, we have enough man power to go dig them out," Brian assured him.

 

Justin leaned against Brian.  He felt his husband kiss the top of his head.  They'd all be fine.  Justin knew they would.  He was never more sure of that than when he was in Brian's arms.

 

"Okay," Brian said.  "Let's get this place organized."

 

When Brian walked back into the sun porch, he realized there was very little organizing left to do.  Melanie had rallied the remaining family.  The large dining table that normally stood under the chandelier in the center of the room was pushed back to Justin’s side of the porch.  All the folding chairs had been folded and were leaning against the far wall.  The regular chairs were pushed to the table.   The wicker furniture as well as the lounges were neatly arranged in the middle of the floor.  With the tree twinkling in the corner and the chandelier light turned low, the porch took on a warm glow.

 

Jennifer and Joan had arranged some of Emmett’s delicacies on one of the round tables along with some herbal teas and hot cocoa.  Even under these unforeseen circumstances, when the reality of the situation final sunk in, the family was determined to make the best of it.  They were all chatting quietly and truly enjoying each other’s company.

 

Justin saw Bree yawning.  It was after nine and Bree had been up with the birds.  Justin caught Brian’s eye then cocked his head toward their daughter.  Brian immediately understood.

 

“Okay, Squirt, how about we get you into your pj’s before Lindz and Mel take over your room,” Brian said making it sound like more of an order rather than a suggestion.  Bree was too tired to argue.

 

“Okay, Dada,” Briana said with a yawn.  Gus had plenty of clothes in his room.  Even JR kept a few things in Gus’ room.  JR grabbed her stuff then went to change in the bathroom.  Gus went to prepare his room for the kids while Bobby got Patrick ready.  Once the kids said their goodnights, the adults could get themselves ready for bed.

 

*****

 

“Brian, we all brought an overnight bag, just in case,” Jennifer admitted to her son-in-law.  Brian raised a brow.  “Well, I know you haven’t spent a lot of time with your mother lately and with the wedding, I was hoping to spend some time with Justin … and Katerina is on break, and...”  Jennifer was on the verge of verbal diarrhea when Brian stopped her with a kiss to her cheek.

 

“That’s fine, Mother Taylor.  It saves us from trying to find clothes for you all to wear for the next couple of days.  Do you need help getting your bags upstairs?  The spiral staircase can be tricky to maneuver.”

 

“No, sweetheart, I’ll be fine,” Jennifer said with a soft smile for Brian.  She returned the kiss.  “I am so grateful that you’re well and that Justin has you in his life.  I love you, honey.”

 

“Aw shucks, Mother Taylor,” Brian blushed then dipped his head.  Jennifer chuckled as she went for the bag she had stowed in the closet.  “I’ll be down to say good night.”

 

Joan had her bag in her hand.  She wasn’t sure if she could carry it up the spiral stairs.  Gus, who had changed into his old sweats to sleep in, came to her rescue.

 

“I’ll take that up for you Grandma Joan,” Gus said cheerfully as he took her bag and went up the stairs.  Joan smiled sweetly at her grandson.  Her past stubbornness and prejudices had almost deprived Joan of spending time with Gus and Bree and with Brian.

 

“Mom, you okay?” Brian asked Joan, seeing the wistful expression on her face.

 

“I’m fine son, just counting my blessings,” Joan said then she gently caressed Brian’s cheek before bidding him and the remaining guests a good night.

 

*****

 

Jennifer, dressed in a pair of flannel sleep pants, topped with an old sweatshirt of Justin’s came back into the sun porch for a hot cocoa and to say a private good night to Seth.  The two wandered over by the tree, seemingly to admire the decorations.

 

“Not exactly what I had in mind for our first night together,” Jennifer murmured over her mug.  Seth feigned shock but warmly returned the sentiment.

 

“I promise to make our next night together more memorable,” Seth said then gallantly kissed Jennifer’s forehead.

 

“The way the storm is blowing out there, we may be spending our next night right here.”

 

“What I meant to say, is that I promise to make our first night alone together, very memorable.”  Seth smiled handsomely at the petite blond then swept Jennifer into a warm embrace, and without spilling a drop of her cocoa.

 

“Way to go, Mother Taylor!” Brian called out, getting a deep blush from Jennifer.

 

Jennifer waved good night to the family, kissed Seth one more time then walked up the stairs.

 

 

Blizzard Wizardry

 

Chapter 3

 

"Owen, before you and Sharon get settled, I want to grab some clothes for the girls and anyone else who might need something to sleep in," Brian said to Owen as he was showing the Brenners to what would be their room for the night.

 

Sharon was standing beside the bed admiring the huge four poster. "Brian, this bed is magnificent. Where did you find it?" Sharon asked.

 

"I'm not sure. I left most of the decorating to Justin. So much was happening during that time in our lives. I am eternally grateful for his impeccable good taste," Brian boasted about Justin. Just then the house phone rang.

 

"Kinney. Hey Emmy Lou, you guys okay down there? Good, I'll let everyone know. Have a good night and we'll talk tomorrow. I'll call if I hear anything about the plow guy. All right. Night!"

 

Owen and Sharon smiled knowingly at Brian.

 

"He knows I worry," Brian said as he shrugged. With an armful of clothes, Brian bid the Brenners a good night.

 

*****

 

"Bri, the girls are cool with just t-shirts. Um, they said they usually sleep half naked," Justin whispered to Brian with a grimace.

 

Brian chuckled. "When Lindsay and I were in college, she always slept in my t-shirt," Brian divulged.

 

"TMI, Bri," Justin stated with an exaggerated shudder. Brian went to Bree's bedroom door, gave it a couple of knocks then barged in.

 

"Fag in the house!" Brian announced as he quickly opened the door, stepped inside then shut the door.

 

"Hey!" Lindsay yelled but then laughed when she noticed that Brian had his eyes shut tight.

 

"What the fuck is up with you, Kinney?" Melanie shrieked.

 

"Believe me, Mel, with the thought if you naked, nothing's up," Brian snarked then got hit in the head with a pillow. He still had his eyes closed. "Are you decent?"

 

"Yes, we're all tucked in," Lindsay said.

 

Brian cracked open one eye to survey the situation. Seeing the Munchers all huddled under Bree's big thick quilt, he flopped himself onto the bed near Lindsay's side. "What are you doing, you big goof?" Lindsay slapped away Brian's hand as he pretended to threaten to pry away the blankets.

 

"Nuthin, just wondering what you got hiding under there," Brian said with mischief.

 

"Nothing that you'd want to see, asshole," Melanie snarked.

 

"You can say that again." Brian rolled his eyes at Mel.

 

"Behave!" Lindsay admonished Brian. "Now get out and we'll help with breakfast in the morning."

 

"Okay," Brian said contritely. "And no icky lesbian shit in my daughter's bed!" Brian wagged his finger at the girls.

 

"Get. Out!" Mel commanded as she pushed the man off the bed. Lindsay giggled. There was no malice in either Melanie or Brian's words. Brian placed some sweat clothes on the rocking chair then said goodnight to the girls.

 

*****

 

John and Bobby got Debbie, Carl, Ben, Michael and Danny situated in their side of the cottage after doling out the spare clothing to be used as sleepwear.

 

Katerina was happily ensconced on the sofa in Brian's end of Edna's Treasures. She had brought one of her nursing theory books to read.

 

All that was left was Seth, Raph and Hector. John, Bobby and Justin were finishing the cleaning up and setting the timers on the coffeepots for the morning.

 

"Seth, I hope you don't mind the chaise," Brian inquired. "It's really very comfortable. We've all slept on it at one time or another."

 

"No, not at all, I'm amazed that we all seem to fit," Seth commented. He had changed into a t-shirt and a pair of John's sleep pants and was given a thick duvet for his use. He was making himself a little nest on the chaise when Raphael and Hector came into the porch wearing their own borrowed sleepwear.

 

"Brian, I don't mean to be rude but all night I kept hearing about the brass bed. What brass bed?" Raphael asked with skepticism. Hector stood by with his hands on his hips.

 

Brian smirked. "Sunshine, would you assist me?"

 

"My pleasure," Justin answered with all innocence.

 

Working in concert, Brian and Justin folded back the big Japanese screen that was surrounded by the large potted palms in the corner closest to their bedroom. The polished brass gleamed, reflecting the light from the tree.

 

Raphael and Hector simultaneously let out a gasp of delight and wonder. Seth sat up in his lounger.

 

"This is beautiful!" Hector exclaimed as he reached out to touch the cool brass foot rail.

 

"You'd never know that the bed was here. This must be some experience in the summer, sleeping under the stars," Raphael commented.

 

Brian leered suggestively at Justin, as Justin sidled closer to him. Justin snickered then waggled his finger under Brian's nose. Brian captured the wandering digit in his hand then kissed Justin's palm.

 

"If you'd like more privacy, we can put the screen back in place," Justin offered.

 

"No, thank you," Hector answered for them both. "Your tree is so beautiful. It's a lovely sight to fall asleep to."

 

"Good night. We'll see you in the morning." Justin switched off the chandelier then dimmed the tree lights. John and Bobby went up to their office room as Justin then snuggled close to Brian under their blanket.

 

The snowstorm howled outside but it was warm and cozy within Edna's Treasures.

 

Beau made his rounds, making sure the occupants of the cottage were safe then he took his place upon his cushion and fell asleep.

 

*****

 

Joan and Jenn settled in on their futon. The lights were out and it was very dark being out in the country.

 

"Jennifer, could I ask you something?" Joan began.

 

"Sure."

 

"Do you think Brian is really all right? Has he said anything to you about his health?"

 

"What do you mean?" Jennifer asked, turning on her side to look at Joan in the darkness. "Did he say something to you?"

 

"No, no, nothing like that," Joan said hastily. "It's just that Brian has always been such a private person. I had to find out from Debbie the first time that Brian had cancer. He didn't even think to tell me."

 

"But your relationship with him was so much different back then."

 

"Sadly you're right. I was so prejudiced and inflexible."

 

"But you and Brian are so much closer now. I'm sure he'd tell you if something was wrong."

 

"Would he?"

 

"Joan…"

 

"He didn't tell me for days after this scare."

 

"He probably didn't want to worry you."

 

"It's a mother's job to worry."

 

Jennifer sighed. "Yes, I know. After Justin got bashed, I worried for months. Without Brian I don't think I would have my son back … even now. I don't know what would have happened to him … to us."

 

"That must have been a terrible time for you," Joan said reaching over to squeeze Jennifer's hand.

 

"It was." The memory still made tears come. Her beautiful son had been so damaged, so scarred, turned into someone she didn't even know. And couldn't cope with. She hated to admit that, but it was the truth. She had turned him over to Brian out of desperation. But it had been the right thing to do, no matter the motivation. Brian had brought him back. "I'm sure Brian's fine, Joan," she said, squeezing Joan's hand in return. "Brian says he is, and they were so happy today. Justin would have told me if something was wrong."

 

"I pray you're right," Joan whispered.

 

"I know I am."

 

*****

 

Sharon and Owen settled into the big four poster.

 

"It's so quiet here," Sharon said after a few minutes.

 

"Yes, so unlike our house in the city. There's always a siren or a car going by or a dog barking."

 

"Did you see that dog they have here? He's huge," Sharon observed.

 

"Yes, he certainly is, but he's so well trained. I hardly knew he was here most of the time. That's really saying something with all the people who were milling around and all the food laid out all over the place. I snuck him a piece of turkey at dinner," Owen laughed.

 

"You didn't!" Sharon giggled.

 

"Did to."

 

"My big, bad husband," Sharon giggled.

 

"Am I?"

 

"Of course you are."

 

"I can't believe we're here in Brian and Justin's home," Owen stated. "I would never have guessed this is where they would live."

 

"Where did you think they'd live?"

 

"In a mansion on a huge estate."

 

"Or a penthouse high above the city."

 

"But this place is much … nicer."

 

"Homier," Sharon observed.

 

"Yes, that's exactly the right word," Owen agreed.

 

"And Brian and Justin seem so happy."

 

"I hope Owen and Molly will be that happy when they start their married life together."

 

"Yes, I do too," Sharon said. "It's so much harder these days to make a marriage work."

 

"They have some good role models to follow."

 

"Like us?" Sharon asked.

 

"Yes, us."

 

Sharon giggled. "I love you, Mr. Brenner."

 

"I haven't heard you giggle this much in years. You should giggle more often," Owen said leaning over to kiss Sharon's cheek.

 

"I should?"

 

"It's one of the things I love most about you. Couldn't get that giggle out of my head after the first time I heard it."

 

Sharon smiled in the dark. "My mother used to tell me it sounded silly, that proper young ladies don't giggle."

 

"Well, you know what I thought of your mother," Owen said without any real rancor in his voice.

 

Sharon giggled. "It was the reason I kept going out with you. You pissed my mother off."

 

"Is that the only reason you went out with me?" Owen said with a smile.

 

"No, just one of many."

 

"Here's another one," Owen said as he rolled over and kissed his wife as he hadn't kissed her for quite a while.

 

*****

 

Katerina closed her book and switched off the light by the sofa. She snuggled down under the warm covers and watched the fire dance in the fireplace. Someday she wanted a place like this, a place of her own, a partner to share her life with.

 

She let out a long sigh and listened for a moment to the wind whipping around the cottage. This was so different from her homeland. It would be warm and green there, even though it was winter. She shivered just a little bit.

 

She wondered how John Patrick, her brother was doing. Maybe when she got her nursing degree finished and had a good job, she could afford a plane ticket home to see him and the rest of her family. Sometimes, it was so lonely here. Everyone had been great with her. She loved living at Jennifer's and always felt welcome, but she wanted her own place too.

 

Thinking about the cottage and Brian and Justin, she knew that's what she wanted for herself, a warm, cozy home with a partner to love. She'd have that … someday, she decided, as she snuggled down some more and fell peacefully asleep.

 

*****

 

Melanie and Lindsay were lying in Bree's bed, each wrapped up in her own thoughts. Little did they know that they were thinking the same thoughts.

 

"Lindz."

 

"Yeah."

 

"Are we okay?"

 

"What do you mean?" Lindsay asked not wanting to answer the question. She was afraid of the answer.

 

"I … I was watching Brian and Justin today. They're so much in love … still."

 

"Yeah, they are," Lindsay agreed. "It's pretty impressive how far they've come."

 

"What about us?"

 

"Us?"

 

"Have we come far or are we stuck somewhere that we don't really want to be?"

 

Lindsay flinched. She had been asking herself that question a lot lately. "I … I don't know, Mel."

 

"Let's take that vacation we've been promising ourselves," Melanie suggested.

 

"When?" Lindsay asked cautiously. Melanie would probably say next summer, next year, after her latest big case was settled.

 

"As soon as JR goes back to school in the new year. It should be just you and me."

 

"You mean it?" Lindsay asked.

 

"I mean it."

 

Lindsay leaned over and kissed Melanie's cheek. "I'd like that."

 

Melanie smiled. "I think we need it. I think we owe it to ourselves."

 

Lindsay nodded. "We do need to get away … and reconnect."

 

"Yeah."

 

There was a period of silence as each tried to decide if they should risk instigating something more between them. They had been keeping their distance lately.

 

"So you were watching Brian and Justin today?" Lindsay asked, hoping the love between those two might inspire or rekindle something between them.

 

"Yeah, and if you tell Kinney, I'll have to kill you."

 

Lindsay laughed softly. "I don't know how they do it. They seem to be more in love all the time."

 

"I guess Brian's scare really made them appreciate each other," Melanie postulated.

 

"It's more than that. They appreciate each other all the time. They really are in love."

 

"And who would have ever thought that the asshole would find that," Melanie felt compelled to state.

 

"Why do you always call him 'the asshole'?"

 

"Because he is." Melanie felt Lindsay stiffen beside her and knew she had said the wrong thing. She did think Kinney was an asshole … most of the time, but she didn't want Lindsay to be mad at her. "Mostly, it's force of habit," she admitted grudgingly. That word was the first thing that popped into her head whenever she thought about Brian Kinney. She didn't know if she'd ever get over her resentment of him and the place he held in Lindsay's heart.

 

"He's not really so bad."

 

"I know," Melanie said with measured tones. She liked giving Kinney a hard time whether he deserved it or not.

 

"Do you think you could cut the asshole references, maybe in half?" Lindsay asked hopefully. "Gus doesn't like it when he hears you calling his father that."

 

"I can try," Melanie said. "As long as it's only fifty percent less, because I know I'm going to use that word still. I can't help myself."

 

Lindsay chuckled. "I know."

 

Melanie sucked in a breath. "Want to do some icky lesbian stuff in Bree's bed?" she asked, deciding to take the bull by the horns.

 

"Yeah!" Lindsay laughed as Melanie rolled on top of her.

 

 

Blizzard Wizardry

 

Chapter 4

 

Debbie snuggled up against Carl. She could hear the wind howling and knew the storm was far from over.

 

"You okay, sweetheart?" Carl asked.

 

"Yeah, but I never much liked winter storms."

 

"There's something my wife's afraid of?" Carl asked, letting mock disbelief resound in his voice.

 

Debbie smacked his chest gently. "I would never admit to being afraid of anything," Debbie said. "I had to be strong for Michael. He needed to know he could always depend on me."

 

"And he always could," Carl said squeezing Debbie's hand.

 

"And now I can depend on you. I don't have to be fearless all the time."

 

"You're always fearless in my eyes."

 

Debbie smiled. "You think so?"

 

"Absolutely. I remember that day you gave me shit when you found the body in the dumpster behind the diner. I was pretty scared of you."

 

"You were?'

 

"Yeah, because you were right, even though I didn't want to admit it back then."

 

"I'm glad we found out who he was … the kid in the dumpster, Jason Kemp. Nobody should end up like that, alone and unknown."

 

"Well, he didn't, thanks to you. He has a center named after him, and your grandson runs it."

 

"Yeah," Debbie said proudly. "Storm or no storm, it's a good Christmas."

 

"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Horvath."

 

"Merry Christmas, Mr. Horvath."

 

*****

 

"Michael, is something wrong?" Ben asked as they made another effort to get comfortable in Patrick's bed. Ben smoothed out the covers as Michael punched his pillow once again. Michael had been tossing and turning ever since they got into the bed.

 

"I … I keep thinking about Brian."

 

Ben sighed. Like Michael didn't think about Brian all the time anyway. "What are you thinking about him?" Ben asked patiently.

 

"He managed to find places for all the people who are here today. He's pretty amazing, isn't he?"

 

"Yeah, amazing," Ben said trying not to sound pissed off. He didn't want to hear a litany of Brian Kinney's triumphs.

 

"I'm glad he's okay … after that scare."

 

"Yeah, me too," and Ben meant every word of that.

 

"I love you, Ben."

 

"I know," Ben said turning to face Michael. "You're happy, aren't you?"

 

"Of course I am. Why would you even ask?"

 

"Because sometimes…" Ben decided not to finish that statement.

 

"You're my life, Ben. I couldn't live without you."

 

"Sure you could," Ben said quickly. With his HIV status there was always the possibility that he would develop full blown AIDS. That hadn't happened yet, but it always hung there over their relationship, like a huge dark cloud.

 

"I wouldn't want to," Michael declared. "I may think Brian's a fabulous person. I always looked up to him, but you're my husband, the love of my life."

 

"You mean that?" Ben asked.

 

"One hundred percent. I love you."

 

"Thank you."

 

"Why are you thanking me?" Michael asked unaware of what he had just said and its impact on his husband.

 

"Because sometimes … sometimes I think you'd rather be with Brian … than with me," Ben admitted. It was time Michael knew how his often careless words about Brian made Ben feel. And those words came all too often.

 

"There was a time…" Michael said wistfully.

 

Ben felt his heart clutch in his chest. "Michael," he said.

 

"But that was a long time ago."

 

"Was it? Is it?"

 

"Yes, really. Whatever may come running out of my mouth about Brian, it's you I love, Ben Bruckner. Just you!"

 

"I love you right back, Michael Novotny-Bruckner."

 

"Merry Christmas, Ben."

 

"Merry Christmas, Michael."

 

Michael snuggled into Ben's embrace and they soon fell asleep.

 

*****

 

Seth shifted on his chaise. It was comfortable enough, but it wasn't his own bed. He was having trouble getting to sleep. His mind kept wandering to a certain lady upstairs. He wondered if she was thinking about him.

 

"Stop it, Harris," he half muttered to himself. He needed to think about something else if he was ever going to get to sleep.

 

His thoughts meandered over to his hosts who were cuddled together in the chaise not too far away. They seemed so happy and content in this house. Jennifer had told him about the recent medical scare Brian had had. He was very glad the man had got a clean bill of health. He had learned to like and respect Brian Kinney since the day he had come to visit Seth when Emmett was trying to buy the old bakery. How Seth's life had changed since then!

 

And it was going to change even more if he could convince Jennifer Taylor of a few things. He smiled to himself. His mind always came back to her. She was so lovely and so sweet … most of the time. And then she'd open her mouth and swear like a trooper. She was some lady, some broad, a force to be reckoned with. God, he had grown to love her.

 

Seth heard Brian and Justin whispering in the dark. They probably wanted to have sex, but that was sort of impossible with so many people around. And especially him, good old straight Seth. He chuckled to himself. Who would believe that he was trying to sleep in a chaise in a room with four gay guys, and several more gay guys scattered about the place? But he didn't care. He liked these people. They were good people.

 

With a long sigh he snuggled down into the duvet and tried not to listen to the wind howling outside.

 

*****

 

Raph and Hector were ensconced in the big brass bed. It was fucking comfortable, and they could see the wind and snow whistling across the roof of the sun porch. It was nice to be all warm and toasty and inside, while the storm raged outside.

 

"You asleep?" Hector asked.

 

"No, you?"

 

Hector chuckled. "How could I be asleep when I'm talking to you?" Hector whispered.

 

"You could be talking in your sleep."

 

Hector laughed. "No, I couldn't."

 

"This is a great bed," Raph observed.

 

"Yeah, maybe we can cop an invite to come back when it's not forty below and we can see the stars without peering through a blizzard," Hector suggested.

 

"That would be nice."

 

"I'm glad we decided to stay."

 

"Did we have much choice?" Raph asked.

 

"Not really, but I would have gladly left when Owen suggested it."

 

"Yeah, me too."

 

"You didn't want to hang around the great Brian Kinney?" Hector asked.

 

"He doesn't mean anything to me, Hector," Raph tried to reassure his partner.

 

"I find that hard to believe from everything I've heard about him."

 

"He was a great fuck, but he was an absolute asshole back then."

 

"Really?"

 

"Yeah."

 

"So, that woman, Melanie, who called him an asshole a couple of times today, she's right?"

 

"I don't know about now," Raph replied. "But back then it was certainly true. Brian Kinney never remembered who you were once he was finished with you. I saw him around Babylon and Woody's a few times after we fucked, but he wouldn't give me the time of day."

 

"Asshole!" Hector reacted, defending his partner.

 

"See," Raph chuckled. "That's exactly the kind of response he inspired."

 

"But he does seem nicer now," Hector admitted.

 

"I think he's changed a lot. I haven't seen him in years."

 

"But you recognized him immediately."

 

"He's aged … very well."

 

"Hey, I don't want to hear that," Hector protested.

 

Raph laughed and pulled Hector against him. "You don't have anything to worry about. Justin Taylor has all of Brian Kinney's attention."

 

"Does he?" Hector asked skeptically.

 

"Just look at them and you'll know the answer to that," Raph assured him.

 

"I think I already know the answer. I just wanted to hear you tell me that."

 

"Any time you need reassurance, I'll be happy to oblige."

 

"Thank you," Hector said as he laid his head on Raph's chest. "I'd like to fuck you," Hector whispered barely audibly.

 

"I'll take you up on that as soon as we get home," Raph chuckled. "But right now, go to sleep."

 

"'Kay," Hector agreed snuggling into his man.

 

*****

 

"Do you think everyone's settled down?" Justin asked as he felt Brian's arms around him keeping him safe.

 

"The two in the corner have finally stopped talking," Brian said.

 

"What do you think they were talking about?"

 

"Us, of course."

 

"You are so arrogant," Justin giggled.

 

"That's why you love me," Brian stated.

 

"If you say so," Justin replied nibbling on Brian's neck.

 

"Hey, stop that! Unless you want to put on a show for our guests."

 

"Would that be so bad?"

 

"I didn't think you'd want our home to be little better than a back room."

 

"Of course I don't want that, but we could be very quiet."

 

"We could, could we, Mr. Take Me Brian, Take Me Now!?"

 

Justin giggled. "I guess I do beg sometimes."

 

"How about all the time?"

 

"You have begged upon occasion, I seem to recall," Justin said smugly.

 

"Have not."

 

"I bet I could make you beg right now if I wanted to."

 

"Don't even think about it, Sunshine."

 

"Why, you afraid our guests will see that you're my bottom boy?" Justin asked, baiting Brian.

 

"I don't care what our guests think. And I'll bottom for you any time I want to."

 

Justin smiled. "I love you so fucking much," he told Brian as he found Brian's lips in the dark and initiated a long, passionate kiss."

 

"You're going to have to stop doing that," Brian groaned, "or I won't be responsible for the consequences."

 

"I could blow you," Justin suggested.

 

"As tempting as that sounds, Sunshine, I think not. We might give good old Seth a heart attack."

 

Justin giggled. "You're probably right. Maybe the storm will be over in the morning and they'll all go home."

 

"And then I can fuck your ass off."

 

"Count on it, and I'll return the favor."

 

"Somebody's feeling frisky," Brian said sticking his tongue in his cheek even though Justin couldn't see it.

 

"Always, where you're concerned."

 

That led to another long kiss.

 

"Go to sleep," Brian groaned.

 

"Yes, sir," Justin chuckled as he deliberately threw his leg over Brian knowing he could rub it against his husband's hard cock.

 

"You are evil."

 

"I'm an angel."

 

"That too."

 

They closed their eyes and tried to sleep.

 

Beau shifted on his cushion. The people were finally quiet. Maybe now he could really sleep. He was glad to be inside on his warm cushion. The storm was still howling outside.

 

*****

 

Up in John and Bobby's office, the lovers were settling in on their futon pull-out bed. The bed was big enough to hold four, if necessary, plenty of room to spread out. And yet, the lovers and life partners were huddled close together under warm blankets in the middle of the bed.

 

"Bobby, you asleep?"

 

"Not yet," Bobby whispered.

 

"I had a great time today. How about you?"

 

"Yes, especially with our whole family here. In spite of the snow, this has to be one of my all time favorite Christmases."

 

"Mine too."

 

Sensing something was a little off with John, Bobby cuddled even closer. "John, we are the luckiest men on the face of the planet and don't you forget that." Bobby felt John relax into his arms.

 

"With you by my side, I won't. I love you, Bobby Morrison, never forget it."

 

"Never. You and Patrick are my life."

 

The lovers kissed, reaffirming their love.

 

After a few quiet moments, Bobby wanted to make sure his spouse was okay. "Can you sleep now? I have a funny feeling we'll need all our strength tomorrow."

 

John chuckled softly. "Yeah, Babe, I can sleep. It'll be all hands on deck when we're ready to dig out. In the meantime, it'll take our combined creative juices to keep this bunch entertained."

 

Bobby agreed. The lovers kissed then fell asleep.

 

 

Blizzard Wizardry

 

Chapter 5

 

While the folks at Edna's Treasures had all settled down, the 'boys' at Emmett and Drew's were just getting started. The three couples had been living in the Tremont apartment building for several years now and had grown accustomed to hanging out together. Ted and Emmett's friendship was never stronger. The two buddies would often spend evenings in each other's company when the Ironmen were out of town on an away game or the symphony was touring.

 

And of course there was plenty of food to be had.

 

"Why is it that I feel the need to make a pig out of myself on this huge sandwich only a few hours after we had that gigantic Christmas feast?" Nick asked the group. He was rubbing his swollen belly.

 

"Honey, you're a growing boy and you work some very strange hours at the hospital and the clinic. You need to keep up your strength!" Emmett was only too happy to feed Nick and Hunter and at any time. He loved to watch people enjoy a good meal.

 

"If I keep eating like this I'm going to blow up like a balloon," Nick exclaimed.

 

"Don't worry, I'll help you work it off," Hunter said with a grin, waggling his eyebrows at his life partner. Nick put his arm around Hunter, drawing the younger man close as they sat near the huge double fireplace which was the main feature in the cottage.

 

"Aw, young love," Ted remarked. "Was I ever that young?" Ted was in his mid fifties now but remained young at heart.

 

"Teddy, we were all that young once, but I think we're all fabulous at any age!" Emmett said with a wide grin. Drew passed around chips and dip which were greedily snatched up.

 

"I agree," Allen said. "We've all had things to deal with, some more serious than others, but we're here together and I declare that this has been one of the family's best Christmases ever!" Allen held up his beer.

 

As the storm raged on outside, the six friends inside the quaint cottage all toasted their good fortune.

 

*****

 

Rachel and George's house was an old farm house built back in the time when having a several story home was the norm. Dan and Emily often spent time there and were very comfortable. To Claire, the house felt like her own; spending time there wasn't a problem. Claire had a wonderful time with her family and yet there was something.

 

"Claire, you've been very quiet this evening. Care to share?" Steve asked as they were getting ready for bed.

 

"Isn't that my line?" Claire snarked.

 

"Sweetheart, methinks you've been spending far too much time in the company of drama queens." Steve cupped his wife's chin so that Claire would look directly into his eyes. "Is it Brian's scare? Is that what set this off?"

 

"I think so. Grandpa Aidan and his wife both lived well into their eighties. My parents were strong too, living to ripe old ages. Jack Kinney died relatively young. And Brian, he was in his early thirties when they found cancer. I worry for John."

 

"Honey, from what I've learned Jack Kinney died from lung cancer. He smoked close to three packs a day for over forty years. His cancer has nothing to do with Brian's. And Brian is doing all the right things to stay healthy. And so is John. As a matter of fact, John has made it a policy to remind me about my checkups. He's a right pest about it too. Even been harassing Bill and Gordon. Your son is fine and is taking very good care of himself and his family, including that stubborn and often irritating brother of his."

 

Claire and Steve broke out into quiet giggles. Claire felt so much better, in part due to Steve's gentle wisdom. She had a lot to be grateful for, especially for the man in her bed.

 

"I love you, Steve McNally."

 

"What's not to love?" Steve quipped, imitating Brian.

 

"Nothing, absolutely nothing." Claire and Steve snuggled into the downy mattress and fell peacefully asleep.

 

*****

 

"Patwick, Patwick," Bree repeated as she leaned over Patrick's face staring at his sleeping eyes.

 

"Huh?"

 

"Patwick, wake up."

 

"Why are you talking baby talk?" Patrick asked rubbing his eyes.

 

"To get you to wake up, silly."

 

"I'm awake," Patrick said with a yawn.

 

"Sh, Gus is still asleep and JR too."

 

"So?"

 

"Let's go see where everybody is."

 

"Why?"

 

"I don't know, just let's go."

 

"Okay," Patrick said giving in to Bree as he almost always did.

 

Quietly and with only a few almost silent giggles the two slid off the bottom bunk and walked carefully past Gus who was sleeping in his sleeping bag on the floor. Bree stopped for a moment to look at her brother.

 

"Come on," Patrick said.

 

Bree leaned over and gently kissed Gus' cheek before following Patrick out the door.

 

"Where do you want to go?" Patrick asked.

 

"Let's find Daddy and Dada," Bree said confidently.

 

"Okay."

 

They headed for Brian and Justin's bedroom. The door was closed, but Bree quietly turned the knob and opened the door. The two children stepped inside and looked at the bed.

 

"That's not Dada."

 

"Or your Daddy," Patrick whispered.

 

"That's the man and lady who came with Gamma Jenn, Mr. and Mrs. Owen."

 

"How come they're sleeping here?"

 

"Don't know," Bree said with a frown.

 

"Let's go," Patrick advised.

 

They quickly left the bedroom closing the door behind them as quietly as they could. In the living room they saw Katerina sleeping on the sofa.

 

"She looks really pretty," Patrick whispered as they watched Katerina sleep.

 

"Pretty as me?" Bree asked not at all impressed that Patrick thought someone other than her was pretty.

 

"Naw, nobody's as pretty as you."

 

Bree smiled and kissed Patrick's cheek. Patrick felt obliged to wipe off the kiss even though he really didn't want to.

 

"Come on," Bree said heading for the sun porch. "Maybe they're in the brass bed."

 

Without looking at the rest of the sun porch they headed for the brass bed. The screen was folded and back and they could clearly see two men sleeping in the bed, but they weren't the right two men.

 

"Why did everybody sleep here?" Bree wondered out loud. "And where's my daddies?"

 

Beau chose that moment to lick Bree's face making her giggle.

 

"Morning, Beau," Patrick said as he got some of the same treatment.

 

Bree wiped the dog slobber off her face and then patted Beau's head. "Where's my daddies, Beau?" she asked him.

 

Beau turned and trotted over to the chaise. Bree and Patrick followed. They stopped beside the chaise looking at Brian and Justin locked in each other's arms and sound asleep.

 

"Should we wake them up?" Patrick asked.

 

Bree frowned and then that turned to a smile as she decided what to do. "Tickles," she whispered.

 

Bree went for Brian's feet and Patrick went for Justin's waist. They plunged under the quilt and started their tickle torture.

 

"Hey!" Justin reacted before he started to laugh.

 

"What the…!" Brian said as his eyes flew open. He looked down into the laughing face of his daughter. "Squirt! You are a very bad girl."

 

"Yes, Dada," she laughed, and Beau let out a woof.

 

"What's all the uproar?" Seth asked throwing back his covers.

 

"The tickle twins are at work," Brian said as he scooped up his daughter and pulled her onto his chest for a big kiss. Justin grabbed Patrick around his waist and pulled him over for a kiss too.

 

"Why didn't you two go pick on John and Bobby?" Justin asked.

 

"'Cause we found you first," Patrick explained.

 

Bree nodded her head in agreement.

 

"Has the storm stopped?" Brian asked looking out the windows of the sun porch.

 

"Jesus!" Justin reacted.

 

The snow was halfway up the windows. There were some lazy flakes still drifting down, but the worst seemed to be over.

 

"It must have snowed most of the night," Seth said as he got up from his chaise and stretched his back.

 

"Yeah, and hard," Brian replied. "We'll have our work cut out for us even to get out of the house."

 

"You can do it, Dada," Bree said confidently from her perch on Brian's chest.

 

"Thank you, Squirt. I'll do my best." Brian gave her a peck on the cheek.

 

"We'll be happy to help shovel," Dr. Raph said from the big brass bed. "I don't know when I've had such a good night's sleep. I'm raring to go."

 

"Me too," Hector agreed.

 

"Well, first we need to have a good breakfast," Justin stated.

 

"That's right, Daddy," Bree agreed.

 

"I'm hungry," Patrick concurred.

 

"Then breakfast it is," Brian stated as he set Bree back down on the floor.

 

"Woof," Beau added.

 

"You hungry too, Dog? We'll have to see what we can do about that." Brian stood up and headed for the bathroom.

 

"Will you have enough food for all of us?" Hector asked.

 

"You ain't seen nothin' until you've seen Brian Kinney whip up one of his famous breakfasts," Justin told them.

 

Bree and Patrick nodded their heads enthusiastically.

 

"I can mix a mean can of orange juice," Seth volunteered.

 

"We'll hold you to that," Justin laughed as he got up. "We should crank up the barbecue so we have some more places to cook."

 

"But don't they need to be outside?" Raph asked.

 

"We have one that's vented to the outside. We use it when we have bad weather and still want to barbecue," Justin explained.

 

"Like today," Hector said looking at the mountains of snow outside the windows.

 

"Today's a beautiful day," Seth said. "The sun is breaking through and the world so white and sparkly and beautiful."

 

"You got that right, Seth," Brian said as he came back from the bathroom. "Let's get this show on the road."

 

"I'm ready," Seth said.

 

"Us too," Patrick added for Bree and himself.

 

"Me too," Raph agreed climbing out of bed.

 

"I guess I am too," Hector said a little reluctantly. He really wasn't a morning person.

 

"Woof," Beau added.

 

They all started to get things organized.

 

With Brian in the kitchen cooking up a storm at the stove, the family decided they would be more useful by setting up the porch to receive the massive breakfast that was apparently being constructed. John thought it best to break out several small breakfast steaks. They were going to need all able bodied persons to help dig their way out of the house and clear the cars. A little extra protein wouldn't hurt.

 

The long dining table was put back in the middle of the porch, the chairs placed around the table. As Brian cooked, family members appeared and then retreated, bringing platters of eggs, toast, bacon, sausage, waffles and of course, steak. A seemingly never ending amount of dishes, cutlery and napkins were brought out and neatly arranged.

 

Seth, as promised made several pitchers of juice. Danny was put in charge of the coffee pots. He made sure pots of coffee and tea were brought out, as well as milk for the children. Within an hour breakfast was ready and set out on the table looking almost as vast as the Christmas dinner was on the previous day.

 

"Brian, I know you don't normally say grace but if you don't mind, I'd like to offer a simple prayer," Joan asked gently. Brian smiled, nodding his consent then respectfully bowing his head.

 

Joan stood to gaze upon the family she had grown to love and cherish and who had welcomed her into their fold. Briana was smiling brilliantly, dazzling just like her father. Joan understood how her son could fall so hard and so completely for Justin. Gus too carried a smile, more like a smirk, growing more like Brian every day but without that sadness that Joan knew she had instilled in her own son.

 

"Being surrounded by so many of our good friends and family, especially at this time of the year, warms my heart. If I had to be snowed in, it couldn't have happened in a better place and with better company. For what we are about to receive, we are thankful and truly blessed. Amen."

 

"Amen," the family repeated then began to pass around the platters.

 

*****

 

"John, how are we going to dig out, there's a five foot snow drift against my front door. If I open the door, the snow will fall in," Brian remarked as he looked out the front window.

 

"What about your side door? We got the Hummer through, maybe the snow didn't drift up that high," John said as he walked toward Brian's side door. John opened the door knowing the storm door would prevent any snow from coming in.

 

"Jez-us!" Brian exclaimed when he spied the drift that was even higher than the other one. "Damn, we're really snowed in."

 

Just then Beau sauntered by, wondering what all the excitement was about. He sat at heel next to John, as John pondered their next option. John's hand automatically went to scratch the top of Beau's head. John looked down.

 

"Beau, what have you gotten into?" Feeling his hand wet, John took a good look at Beau. "You're wet." Beau looked up into his master's eyes. "Brian, my door!" John said loudly as the realization struck him. "Come on."

 

The brothers made a bee-line for John's front door. It was situated on the other side of the cottage and may have been protected from the wind. The brothers stood by the door, John's hand poised on the knob.

 

"Yes!" John and Brian said simultaneously, pumping the air with their fists. They could see through the window beside the door that the snow was barely two feet high on this side of the cottage.

 

"And we have lift off," Brian quipped. When the euphoria of finding a way out of the cottage faded, Brian made an executive decision. "John, it's going to take the two of us to fight our way to the shed and open it to get out the shovels. And we don't have enough shovels to go around. I don't relish losing someone in all of this snow. I think we should work in pairs and in shifts. If we all go out there, we'll all be exhausted in no time."

 

"I agree. We have enough games, movies and books to keep everyone occupied until the next shift is needed. I hate to say this but we may be here for a few more days. I don't think I've ever seen this much snow. I spoke with the plow service. He's stuck too. He won't get here until late tomorrow if at all."

 

"So you and me get to the shed and take out as many shovels as we have. We make a path to my front door then work on clearing the driveways. You know, maybe we should invest in a small plow of our own."

 

"You know if we do buy a plow, it's a good bet we'll never see enough snow out here to use it."

 

"Yeah, imagine that," Brian snarked. "Let's go present our plan to the troops."

 

 

Blizzard Wizardry

 

Chapter 6

 

"You ready?" John asked.

 

"No, but let's go," Brian replied with a smirk.

 

"You'll be fine. Just take it slow and easy. Don't overdo."

 

"You realize the shoveling will ruin my manicure and the wind will negate all the effects of my hundred dollar a tube French anti-aging cream," Brian snarked.

 

"There's almost no wind this morning and you have big thick mitts to protect your manicure," John said debunking Brian's complaints.

 

"If you say so."

 

"You can do it, Dada," Bree said with her beautiful smile.

 

"Thanks for the pep talk, Squirt. Where's Emmy Lou when you need a good cheer?"

 

"Go Brian, Go Brian, Go Brian!" the assembled crowd at the cottage chanted. The impromptu cheer was followed by belly laughs all round.

 

"Hey, where's my cheer?" John demanded.

 

"Go John, Go John!" they all responded.

 

Fortified with the energy from all their friends and family, Brian and John opened John's front door. They started the lengthy trek through huge drifts around to the storage shed at the back. They had one shovel that was always kept in the mud room to clear a path to the vehicles. John was digging his way where necessary, while Brian followed. As they came to the corner of the house, John handed the shovel to Brian, and then they disappeared around the side.

 

"Let's go to the bedroom," Bobby suggested. "We can follow their progress through the bedroom window."

 

Everyone rushed to follow Bobby. They craned their necks to get a view through the window of Brian digging his way along the side of the building.

 

"They're almost to this corner of the cottage," Bobby reported for those who couldn't see.

 

"Dada," Bree said standing in the middle of the large group of people. She sounded worried since she couldn't see anything but legs.

 

"It's okay, sweetheart," Justin said picking her up. "Dada's almost to the corner then we can see him from the sun porch."

 

As soon as those words were uttered, the whole group rushed to the sun porch in time to see Brian lead the way around the corner. A cheer went up. Brian and John could hear it and looked up. They both smiled and Brian, ever the showman, took a mock bow.

 

"Get digging!" Debbie shouted.

 

Brian scowled but threw aside a few more shovels of snow before handing the implement to John. Everyone continued to watch the slow progress as they made their way to the shed. Finally they were there and were able to dig open the door of the shed. John entered and came out carrying a load of shovels of all types and descriptions. He held them up in triumph. Everyone cheered.

 

They slowly dug their way to the sun porch door which they were able to free from its case of snow. Beau immediately went charging out, racing around the yard and getting stuck in the drifts.

 

"Dog, behave yourself!" Brian ordered. "We may need to tie a cask of brandy to your neck to rescue the diggers."

 

Beau immediately came over to the men and sat down beside them once they entered the sun porch.

 

"Okay," John said. "I'm ready for a break."

 

"Michael and Ben, you're up next?"

 

Ben nodded. "We'll go out and make our way back along your track, digging to the front door of the cottage. That's closest to the vehicles."

 

"Good plan," Brian said, squeezing Ben's shoulder.

 

Michael and Ben had donned their winter gear and were out the door. Beau went with them. He seemed to be reveling in the snow and cold.

 

"I could use some coffee," Brian said blowing on his frigid fingers.

 

"Coming right up," Debbie called as she headed for the kitchen where they had a pot of coffee and muffins all ready for the returning heroes.

 

John and Brian slumped down in the chairs at the kitchen table.

 

"That was hard digging," John said with a sigh.

 

"Good packing snow," Brian replied.

 

Bree immediately recognized those words. "Snowman!" she said her eyes lighting up.

 

Brian groaned. "Maybe later, Squirt."

 

"'Kay, Dada," she said as she climbed up onto his knee.

 

The phone rang as Brian was stirring his coffee. Justin answered it.

 

"It's Emmett," he mouthed as he listened to what he was being told on the line. With a final okay, Justin hung up the phone. "They've started digging out from their end," Justin explained. "They just talked to Rachel. Apparently they can't get any of their doors open. They're trapped."

 

"But they have heat and power, don't they?" Seth asked.

 

"Yes, everybody's okay in that regard," Justin said.

 

"Then maybe we should send out a team to head over to Rachel's to set them free, once Michael and Ben make it to the front door," Bobby suggested.

 

"Hector and I will take a turn," Raph volunteered.

 

"Thanks, Doc," Brian said.

 

"I think Bobby should go with you," John added. "He knows the way and he can spell you off. If you get tired, stop and come back. Someone else will take over."

 

Raph nodded before he and Hector went to get bundled up.

 

"Emmett says Ted and Allen are out clearing the path at the front of their place," Justin explained.

 

"Hope the silly old fart doesn't have a heart attack," Brian snarked, but everyone could hear the affection in his voice.

 

"He'll be fine, kiddo," Debbie said. "Everybody's been told not to overdo it."

 

Emmett says they're going to start digging up the lane, so that we can connect the houses and get from one to the other," Justin told them. "Just in case something happens or we need to share things."

 

"Good idea," John replied. "We can meet in the middle."

 

Brian made a skeptical face.

 

"We can do it," Justin said confidently.

 

"I help, Dada," Bree said.

 

"Me too," Patrick joined in.

 

Everyone turned to look at the two children who had put on their coats and boots and stood holding their plastic shovels ready to get started.

 

"With help like that, how can we possibly fail," John said as he hugged his son.

 

Bree got her share of hugs and kisses before everyone started talking and suggesting how best to get started. That was when Michael and Ben burst through the front door.

 

"We made it," Michael called triumphantly.

 

"Go Michael. Go Michael! Go Ben. Go Ben!" everyone chanted much to the delight of the two men.

 

Bobby, Raph and Hector set out to reach Rachel's house. Justin and Bobby went out to start down the lane and hopefully find the vehicles which were mostly buried. Seth was pretty sure he could see the top of what he thought was one of the Jeeps. Bree and Patrick went with them. Gus and JR wanted to be part of the next shift when Melanie, Lindsay and Katerina went out to do a shift.

 

As the day wore on Debbie and Carl insisted on shoveling for a while, as did Danny. Jennifer and Seth went out and did their share. Bobby, Raph and Hector and their relief shovelers finally reached Rachel's house. That increased the work force when George, the girls, the Morrisons and Steve and Claire could also help. They all refused to let Joan do any shoveling so she kept the kettle boiling and coffee dripping, as well as making food for people as they came in from their shifts.

 

They kept working down the lane hoping to meet up with Emmett and Drew's crew who were working their way up the lane. The phones were constantly ringing to report progress but neither side was visible to the other through the high drifts.

 

"Fuck! I'm exhausted," Brian said as he and Justin came in from shoveling. "Who knew there could be so much fucking snow in any one place at one time?" He fell onto the couch, leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Justin was right beside him.

 

"Brian," Joan said.

 

He opened his eyes and looked up at his mother. "What?" he asked finding it difficult to keep the irritation out of his voice. He was fucking tired.

 

"Drink this. You need the energy." She handed him the mug she held in her hand.

 

"What is it?"

 

"Hot chocolate. And don't even bother to say it. You drink this and then eat this sandwich that I made for you." Joan glared down imperiously on her son.

 

"Yes, mother," Brian said contritely, sipping the hot chocolate. He had to admit it hit the spot.

 

"Here's yours, Justin," she said handing her son-in-law a mug of hot chocolate too. "You've both been working so hard today."

 

"Yum," Justin reacted. "This is just what I need."

 

"Me too, Daddy," Bree said as she sipped her own cup of hot chocolate. "Is it time for snowman yet?"

 

"No, sweetheart, we still haven't got a path to Auntie Emm's. We have to do that first," Justin explained to her.

 

Joan beamed at her family. They were such a good bunch and loved each other so much. There were rarely harsh words between them. She could picture Jack's reaction if Brian had asked to build a snowman in the middle of shoveling the driveway. She shuddered involuntarily at the thought.

 

"I have fucking muscle cramps on top of muscle cramps," Debbie exclaimed as she flopped down into one of the chairs in the living room. She took the hot chocolate that Joan extended to her. "And don't you fucking say anything about my age, Kinney," she warned ominously.

 

"I wasn't going to," Brian protested, "even though my jaw is the only muscle in my body not screaming at me at the moment."

 

"Tell me again why we're doing this," Debbie said. "We could just wait for the plow."

 

"Who knows when they'll be able to get here," Carl said as he rubbed Debbie's shoulders. "Shouldn't you have met up with Emmett's group by now?"

 

"How the fuck should I know?" Brian griped. "The snow's so deep we can't see anything most of the time."

 

"What if you pass each other and don't know it?" Gus asked.

 

"Bite your tongue, young man," Jennifer said.

 

"Hector and Raph should be back from their shift soon. We'll evaluate before we send anyone else out," John stated.

 

"Good idea," Justin agreed. "Don't you think so, Brian?"

 

"Sh, he's asleep," Joan said as she took the mug out of Brian's hand and threw an afghan over him. She motioned for the others to follow her out of the room.

 

*****

 

After Brian's fifteen minute power nap, he was up, feeling somewhat refreshed and ready to go out again. He was gearing up in the sun porch when Justin walked in all bundled up and ready to pull another shoveling shift. Brian noticed that Justin was stretching and rubbing his hand. Justin didn't want anyone to know his hand was beginning to spasm. He had no intention of coddling himself and every intention of taking his shift.

 

Brian had other ideas. He stood, stretching to his full height to loom over his shorter in stature spouse.

 

"What do you think you're doing, Sunshine?" Brian growled, arching a brow.

 

"Ge'ing rea'y to oo ou," Justin mumbled under his scarf. Brian pulled down on the scarf, freeing Justin's mouth.

 

"Say again," Brian grumbled.

 

"I'm getting ready to go out again," Justin said carefully.

 

"I don't think so."

 

"Brian, everyone is helping. Even your mother is pulling kitchen duty and mopping up after all of us. I have to pull my own weight!" Justin pleaded.

 

"Justin, I saw the look in your eyes this morning when we got up and saw the sun shining on the snow. You're dying to sketch and it is beautiful out there. But with all of us shoveling and trampling out there, it won't stay pristine for long."

 

"But..."

 

"Look, you know I'm going to be royally pissed if you go out and hurt your hand. We've only a few more hours left of sunlight. Why don't you take Bree and Patrick toward the Wendy house and build a snowman. The trees protected the playhouse; the path is relatively clear. Maybe Carl or Jennifer or Danny will go with you. They've done enough manual labor for the day. You'll be a hero in the kids' eyes and I won't worry about your hand."

 

Justin contemplated Brian's suggestion. The children had waited patiently all day to build a snowman and he knew he'd never hear the end of it if his hand really cramped up. It was true; Justin really did want to sketch. He had several sketches in mind already. He thought he'd present each couple with a sketch as a thank you for helping with the dig out of the great blizzard of 2016.

 

"Okay, Bree and Patrick have been so good and I don't want you to worry. I'll go ask my mom if she wants to come with us."

 

"Good idea, Sunshine. Happy you see it my way," Brian snarked.

 

"Is there any other way?" Justin remarked.

 

"None that I can think of," Brian responded then gave Justin a deep kiss to take away any sting his words may have caused. "I don't want you to be in any pain," Brian whispered close to Justin's cap covered ear. "I love you."

 

Justin smiled; he knew how important his well-being was to Brian.

 

"Bree! Patrick! Let's go build a snowman," Justin called out.

 

"Yay!" The kids cheered as they ran into the sun porch to bundle up for snowman duty.

 

*****

 

Justin and Beau led the children out the sun porch door, with JR and Jennifer bringing up the rear. They followed the path John and Brian had dug out toward the shed. A few more feet beyond a large drift was the Wendy house. The small yard in front of the playhouse that was usually enclosed by the small picket fence, was fairly clear.

 

Armed with a large broom, Justin and Beau pounded their way through the drift, breaking through to the other side.

 

"Yay!" The children cheered and jumped as Beau leapt high in the air, adding his barking to the cheers.

 

Jennifer and the kids started to form the base of a snowman close to the Wendy house porch as Justin swept the powdery snow clear from the opening they made through the drift. He patted the sides of the opening to firm up the snow. When Justin was satisfied that their gateway to the Wendy house was secure, he joined his mom and the kids building the snowman.

 

Before it got dark, Bobby came out of the cottage to check out the snowman progress. He had it on good authority that there were two snowmen, each wanting a nose.

 

"Wow!" Bobby exclaimed, very impressed with the two snow people. One of which looked like she was wearing a dress. "Very nice."

 

The snow 'girl' was holding a small plastic shovel. She had big blue colored pebbles for eyes and pink colored pebbles for her mouth.

 

The snow 'boy' sported his own shovel, had greenish brown colored pebbles for eyes and his own pink pebbled smile.

 

Bobby set down the backpack he was carrying to pull out a set of scarves then wrapped one each around the necks of the snow people. He also pulled out two carrots. He gave one carrot to Bree and one to Patrick so they could finish off the snow people.

 

"Okay everybody, let's get a picture of the snowman crew!" Bobby announced, as he then took a camera out of the bag. Everyone huddled around the snow people for the picture. He took several more including one of Beau standing in front of the snow people.

 

The sun was beginning to set, making the air colder.

 

"We better get back to the house," Jennifer suggested and everyone agreed.

 

Justin led the way, holding Bree's hand, followed closely by Jennifer and JR then Bobby with Patrick and, of course, Beau.

 

 

Blizzard Wizardry

 

Chapter 7

 

"Yeah," Brian said into his cell phone. He had been digging through the snow for at least twenty minutes and he tried to keep his breath regular. He was getting fucking tired. He didn't know how many shifts of shoveling he had had during the day.

 

"Brian, it's almost dark," Emmett said into the phone. "We should have met up with you." Brian could hear the tears in Emmett's eyes. "Why can't we find you? How fucking long is the lane? I don't know what to do. I yelled at Drewsie and now he's mad at me. And Ted and Allen are out digging, but they're mad at me too because they've been digging all day and they're so tired and I don't know what to do."

 

"For fuck's sake, Honeycutt, calm down," Brian said harshly. If he had been in Emmett's presence he would have smacked him to get him out of this major queen out. He knew it was serious when Emmett said nothing, and didn't yell at him to stop calling him Honeycutt. All he heard was a shuddering breath from the phone. "Emmett, talk to me. It will be all right."

 

"No, no, it won't," Emmett whispered. "This was my idea and I've worn everybody out and we're no closer to being together than we were before we started."

 

"It kept everybody busy all day," Brian said philosophically. "At least they weren't whining at me about being trapped in the cottage."

 

Emmett frowned. He didn't like Brian reducing his great master plan of linking the houses together with a path through the snow to something that merely kept their guests occupied for the day. "It's always all about you, isn't it?" Emmett said.

 

"Of course it is," Brian replied with a smirk.

 

"You … you are…"

 

"I know, I'm an asshole. What else do you want to tell me?"

 

"With all the digging we've done, I don't understand why we haven't met on the lane," Emmett continued to whine, Brian's momentary distraction forgotten.

 

"I'm in a fucking deep drift at the moment, so I can't see anything."

 

"But we have cleared a long way from the cottage. You must be way down the lane too."

 

Brian frowned. He had been thinking the same thing. He would swear he was almost to Emmett's cottage. They really should have met up. "If I get through this drift in the next couple of minutes, I should be able to see more. I'll call you back when I scope it out."

 

"Okay, but make sure you do," Emmett said with a sniffle, before Brian cut the connection.

 

"Is he queening out?" John asked as he continued to throw shovels full of snow to the side.

 

"Yeah, big time."

 

The two brothers had taken the latest shift of digging. It would probably be the last one as the sun was quickly going down. They dug in silence for a while until they broke through the high drift into an area with little snow.

 

"We should plant some more trees along the lane," John said as they took a breather. "Where we have the trees they've really blocked the drifting."

 

Brian assessed the situation. "Yeah," he agreed looking around. "I can't figure out why we haven't met up with Emmett's team of diggers. There's the roof of the cottage over there."

 

"That's the first time I've been able to see it," John said. "Where could they be digging? Didn't Emmett say Ted and Allen were out?"

 

Brian nodded. "They're probably lost in a snowdrift somewhere, knowing Schmidt," Brian snarked putting extra emphasis on Ted's name.

 

"Did I hear my name?" a voice called out.

 

"Is that you, Schmidt?"

 

"Bri?"

 

"Yeah, where the fuck are you?" Brian called.

 

"Over here!"

 

"Where's over here?" John and Brian craned their necks over the drifts but couldn't see anything. "I can't see you," Brian called.

 

"Keep talking," Ted called we're trying to come to you.

 

"John and I are in a bit of a clearing," Brian called, more so Ted could follow his voice than to give directions. "Do we sound any closer?"

 

"A bit," Allen called out. "Keep talking."

 

"What the fuck am I supposed to say?" Brian asked John. John shrugged and just smiled. "Schmidt, if you can hear my voice, get your ass over here!"

 

"Yes, Boss. Sure, Boss. On my way, Boss," they could hear Ted saying.

 

"They seem to be getting closer," John said hopefully.

 

"Schmidt, I'm waiting," Brian called.

 

"Be right there," Ted exclaimed as he broke through the drift and stood panting just behind Brian and John.

 

"You okay?" John asked.

 

"Bri," Ted gasped as he threw himself into Brian's arms.

 

"Let's not get fucking carried away," Brian replied, but he couldn't help returning Ted's hug.

 

Allen and John had a momentary clasp, before John had to ask, "Why were you way over there?" John pointed at the direction from which they had just come.

 

"More to the point, why are you guys way over here?" Ted retorted.

 

"Looks like we've been working at cross purposes," Brian said. "How far have you dug in that direction?"

 

"Quite a ways," Allen said as he caught his breath. "We were starting back to the cottage when we heard your voices."

 

"Can we connect with your trail?" John asked.

 

"I think so," Ted replied. "We just need to break through that drift." He pointed at the drift from which they had just emerged.

 

"Then let's get digging," John said.

 

The four of them made quick work connecting the two tunnels in the snow. Once they had joined up with the trail from Emmett's cottage they all walked in that direction. The cottage came into view partially buried under its blanket of snow.

 

"Christ, I don't think I've ever seen this much snow," Brian observed.

 

"That makes two of us," Allen contributed. "This has to be one of the worst winter storms ever."

 

"Emmett's had the radio on and they're saying the roads are still nearly impassable. They're gradually getting the interstates cleaned out, and some of the major roads," Ted explained.

 

"So you're telling me that it's going to be a while before they get around to our little road," Brian griped.

 

"And even longer before the plow can get into the lane," John added.

 

"Fuck!"

 

"But just think that we could have left your place and headed out into that storm," Allen said.

 

"Thank God you all decided to stay," John stated emphatically.

 

"Yeah, we're all safe and have a place to sleep, and heat and light," Ted ventured.

 

"I guess we have to be grateful," Brian said.

 

"Even if you're stuck with me?" Ted laughed.

 

"Even if…" Brian agreed.

 

As they walked up the path to Emmett's front door, it flew open and Emmett came barreling out. "Oh my fucking God! You found each other!" he shrieked and threw himself into Brian's arms. "I was so fucking worried." Emmett's arms stayed firmly clasped around Brian's neck.

 

"Honeycutt! Honeycutt!!! Let the fuck go," Brian demanded. Brian tried to pry Emmett's hands loose.

 

"Oh, um, sorry, Brian. I'm just so happy to see you."

 

"It's been what, all of eighteen hours?" Brian scoffed.

 

"I don't care, you big Meanie! I missed you."

 

"Missed you too, Honeycutt," Brian admitted with a smirk.

 

Emmett smiled enough to make up for the rapidly waning sun.

 

"You guys okay here?" John asked. "Anything you need?"

 

"We're good," Drew said as he came to the door with Hunter and Nick.

 

"You mean we're finally finished digging?" Hunter asked with a sigh.

 

"And you're the young ones," John scoffed, shaking his head.

 

"They'll never keep up with us old timers. Right, Bri?" Ted said with a grin.

 

"Speak for yourself, old man!" Brian retorted.

 

Everyone had a good chuckle over that, including Ted.

 

"We should get back," John said. "They'll be wondering what's happened to us."

 

"Do you want to join us for dinner?" Brian asked. "We could probably rustle up a real feast out of what we have left over."

 

"That sounds like a plan," Allen said.

 

"Partay!" Emmett replied snapping his fingers over his head.

 

Brian groaned. "A real extravaganza!"

 

"What else do I have?" Emmett asked indignantly.

 

"We're heading back," John said. "You guys come when you're ready. Stay in a group. Ted and Allen can show you where to cut across to our trail. Make sure you have several flashlights."

 

"Yes, Daddy," Hunter smirked earning him a scowl from John.

 

"See you all at the cottage," Nick called as Brian and John headed out.

 

"It's so good to be home and with our friends," Emmett said wiping a tear from his eye.

 

"It's okay, Emmett. We'll all get safely to Edna's treasures and you can work your magic with dinner." Drew hugged his weepy partner.

 

"Let's get started," Emmett replied suddenly flashing a big grin on his formerly somber face.

 

They all headed inside to get their coats and boots and mitts and flashlights and…

 

While the drama was unfolding at Emmett's end of the lane, Rachel and George's end was relatively quiet. The digging out crew led by Bobby had completed clearing up the path between the cottage and the house. John let Bobby know about the impending extravaganza, so Rachel and her guests decided to bring their own contributions to the feast. The dinner, while a lot simpler than the Christmas feast, was no less impressive.

 

Joan had expertly carved up the leftover turkey to make sandwiches all day long for the shovelers. But there was still plenty of meat left on one side. Finding a sharp pair of poultry shears, Joan cut the bird in half, taking the bones to make the basis for soup stock. For most of the afternoon she had the carcass in a large pot boiling away. She had the added convenience of a variety of fresh herbs, courtesy of Brian's indoor version of his spice garden. He had several small pots on the large sill of the big window in the living room. Between Joan and Debbie's magic, everyone was guaranteed at least one large bowl of the soothing soup. Just the thing after a long hard day of labor out in the cold.

 

And there was plenty more leftovers. Between the four homes, there would be enough food to keep everyone full for the week.

 

"Hellooo-oo!" Emmett called out as he and the occupants of his cottage walked through the front door of Brian's end of Edna's Treasures. "Anybody home?!"

 

"Honeycutt, are you getting my floor all wet and dirty?" Brian bellowed with little bite to his bark. "It took us hours to get it all cleaned up!"

 

"Oh pooh! I thought you got over that little obsession of yours regarding your hard-wood years ago!" Emmett quipped loudly for all to hear, and relishing the giggles his double entendre had produced.

 

Brian was about to let one fly but instead planted a wet sloppy kiss on the big queen's cheek effectively rendering the man speechless.

 

"Gotcha!" Brian stated as he took all their coats and ushered his friends into the sun porch where the rest of the family was milling around and preparing the table for dinner.

 

Everyone was pitching in, in one way or another and those who had nothing to do were just staying clear of the flow of traffic.

 

Hector was making himself useful by helping to set up the 'kids' table with Justin.

 

"Justin, I've heard many of you refer to the cottage as Edna's Treasures. Who is Edna?" Justin's face took on a wistful expression. "Did I ask something painful?"

 

"No, not at all. Edna was an amazing woman we met when we traveled through Panama. We didn't know it at the time but she also knew Katerina and her family. She was the wife of a missionary and she helped us in our quest to follow the path of the artist Kinney and his lover, Patrick. Just before she died, she had discovered more paintings. She left us a legacy. I wanted to honor her memory." Justin paused as he remembered the feistiness of the wonderful old broad.

 

"If you're interested, we've compiled a large file on Kinney and Patrick. It includes the villages they passed through and many chapels they painted. Katerina and her brother, JP, contributed copies of Patrick's letters and journals too."

 

"I'd love to see it. Many of my family come from Central and South America. It would be an honor to see what you've learned."

 

Justin smiled brightly. They finished setting the table then joined the rest of the family in bringing out the various dishes they would have for dinner.

 

*****

 

"Why does this remind me of summer camp?" Danny remarked as platter after platter was being shuffled around from person to person, starting from opposite ends of the table.

 

"Please sir, I want some more!" Carl added in a high pitched voice, eliciting a hail of giggles.

 

"Who's got the bug juice?" Owen called out, causing Debbie to burst out laughing.

 

"I can't believe you know what bug juice is?" Debbie cried. "The Owen Brenner, son-in-law of the Sarah Kingsley knows what bug juice is! Un-fucking believable." Owen smiled knowingly as he held a large bowl of mashed potatoes so that Sharon could place a helping on their plates.

 

"Okay, I'll bite, what is bug juice?" Dr. Nick asked in all ignorance, looking at his friends and partner. None of them had a clue.

 

"I guess it's a generational thing. As a kid my parents would send me to a 'sleep away' camp for a couple of weeks in the summer. We did the typical camp things, swimming in some muddy frog and turtle filled lake. Boating, which meant sitting in a dented old rowboat and trying not to capsize or lose an oar."

 

"Sounds way too familiar," Danny chuckled.

 

"Archery, making ash trays and having three god-awful meals a day in the cafeteria. Cold powdered eggs and limp bacon for breakfast."

 

"Eiw! Yuck!" several people exclaimed.

 

"Pizza that tasted like cardboard for lunch."

 

"Sacrilege!" Ted said.

 

"And greasy hamburgers and soggy buns for dinner. To wash it all down we were given the camp version of Kool-aid. Bug juice! You remember how sickly sweet it was and it was always green or orange. No matter what the color it always tasted horrible!" Owen shuddered at the thought. So did Danny.

 

"I have red Kool-aid, Mr. Owen," Bree called out from her table. "I can bring you some. I share!"

 

"Why thank you, Miss Briana, I may just have some later." Bree beamed.

 

Platters continued to make their rounds as the family shared more stories and got to know each other better.

 

 

Blizzard Wizardry

 

Chapter 8

 

Dinner was winding down. The family and friends had enjoyed each others' company and had shared experiences and stories. Brian decided it was time for some brandy for all the hard workers who had shoveled so diligently all day long. He slipped out of his seat and went to the bar in the living room. He pulled out a large bottle of Courvoisier Imperiale XO. With a smile he headed to the kitchen, taking a moment for a brief word with Emmett who was stacking the dishwasher. Then he headed for the sun porch.

 

"We deserve a treat for all the effort that everyone put forth today, so I'm cracking open this lovely bottle of cognac." With that Brian twisted off the lid. "We should be drinking this from fine crystal, but as the hard working sods we are, we'll use whatever glass you have handy."

 

Brian started around the table pouring a small portion of the amber liquid into each person's extended glass.

 

"Me too, Dada," Bree said holding up her glass.

 

"'Fraid not, Squirt, but how about some of that red Kool-aid?"

 

"'Kay, Dada," Bree said as Emmett brought a pitcher of the Kool-aid from the kitchen.

 

"Can I have a taste of the cognac?" Gus asked.

 

Brian glanced at Melanie and Lindsay who shrugged. "Just a sip," Brian said pouring his son a taste of the liquor. Gus smiled at him. "Don't drink it too fast or you'll choke." Gus took the advice as it was intended.

 

When everyone had something to drink, Brian said, "We need a toast."

 

"I have one," Justin volunteered.

 

Brian smiled at him. "Go ahead, Sunshine."

 

Justin stood and raised his glass. "To a Christmas that we will never forget, and to friends new and old."

 

Bree sat at the kids' table listening intently to her father. She frowned as she thought about what she wanted to do.

 

"Cheers!" Everyone toasted as they took a sip of their cognac or Kool-aid as the case might be.

 

Gus did his best not to choke, but he had to cough a bit after the first taste. "I think I'll have Kool-aid from now on," he said once he had tasted the cognac. It wasn't quite what he had expected.

 

"How can you prefer Kool-aid to thirty year old cognac?" Brian laughed.

 

"The Kool-aid goes down a lot more smoothly," Gus replied, now understanding why his father had warned him about choking.

 

"That'll warm the cockles of your heart," Sharon said taking another sip of the rich old cognac.

 

"Did someone say cock?" Brian asked perking up.

 

"That was cockles," Raph laughed.

 

"Shucks," Brian joked.

 

"I have a toast, Daddy," Bree said standing up.

 

"You do?" Justin asked. Everyone smiled at the little doll who seemed so serious about her toast. "What do you want to say, sweetheart."

 

"I want to toast to Mr. and Mrs. Owen and Mr. Raph and Mr. Hector. I want them to come for Christmas next year and from now on," Bree stated in her best public speaking voice that she had learned at school.

 

"Here, here!" people toasted which made Bree smile.

 

"That was extremely sweet, Miss Briana," Owen said wiping a tear from his eye.

 

"Very," Hector and Raph agreed, also feeling a little choked up.

 

Sharon took another sip to help swallow the lump in her throat.

 

The cognac went down very well after that making everyone mellow. The conversation continued as they sipped the liquor.

 

"Mr. Owen, want a taste of my Kool-aid?" Bree asked carrying her glass over to Owen.

 

"I'd love one," Owen said taking the glass and tasting the sweet, red liquid. "Just like I remember it."

 

"Good," Bree said taking back her glass and having a drink herself. "I share."

 

"Yes you do. You're a very lovely little girl."

 

Bree smiled and batted her eyelashes. Brian and Justin beamed with pride.

 

"I think it's time for someone to go to bed," Justin said.

 

"No, Daddy," Bree replied shaking her head. "Stay up."

 

"Briana!" Justin said raising an eyebrow.

 

"Pweeze," Bree wheedled.

 

"No baby talk," Brian said sternly.

 

Everyone watched to see how the two men would handle the little princess who had them thoroughly wound around her finger.

 

"Please, fathers, may I stay up?" Bree asked in all seriousness and her best formal enunciation.

 

Everyone did their best to stifle their giggles.

 

Brian swallowed a laugh. "Well, since this is the storm of the century, and a once in a lifetime event…" Brian looked over at Justin who smiled and nodded.

 

"How about another hour before you have to go to bed?" Justin asked.

 

"Thank you, Daddy," Bree replied crawling onto his lap.

 

"And no complaining when the hour's up," Brian informed her.

 

"No, Dada."

 

"Good girl," Justin said kissing the top of Bree's head.

 

Conversation gradually picked up again. Brian drained the bottle of cognac for those who wanted more. The evening wound on until John came in from his side of the house. No one had noticed him leave until he cleared his throat like he wanted to make an announcement. They all turned to face him.

 

"I was just listening to the weather. There will be some more snow tonight if they're right."

 

Everyone groaned. Many "fucks" were heard from various quarters.

 

"However," John continued, "it won't be much. We may have to clear a bit but nothing like today."

 

"Thank the fucking Lord," Debbie said much to Joan's disapproval.

 

"That's better than I thought it was going to be when you started that statement," Owen commented.

 

"I do think we have another job that needs to be done once we make sure the tracks between the houses are cleared out," John informed them.

 

"What's that, big bro'? Brian asked.

 

"We need to dig out the vehicles."

 

"Shit!" Ted responded. "I thought I was done digging for a day or two."

 

"It's good for you, Schmidt. You spend too much time behind that desk of yours," Brian said tongue in cheek.

 

"And you should be grateful that I do, Boss."

 

"Oh, I am … eternally."

 

"Back to the subject of the vehicles," John interrupted. "They may get our road cleared tomorrow and if they do, Rob, the plow guy will be here soon after. He needs to be able to see where the cars are. He's going to have enough trouble finding a place to plow all the snow out of the way."

 

"I have acres, "Brian said.

 

"Yeah, with lots of trees blocking where he can push the snow."

 

"Point taken," Brian agreed. "We start on cars in the morning."

 

"Right now, I think we should dance," Emmett called out as he hit play on the sound system. "May I have this dance, Miss Briana?"

 

Bree smiled and nodded. She liked dancing with her Auntie Emm. He lifted her up and waltzed her around the room. Soon others began to join in. The tons of snow outside were easily forgotten … until the morning.

 

*****

 

Brian realized the news about more snow really put a damper on the night's festive mood, no pun intended. He decided to break open a bottle of a fine dessert wine, hoping the mellow feelings would continue until everyone retired. Emmett had a supply of easily heated canapés in Brian's freezer which went well with the wine. Bobby made sure the music was soothing and conducive for dancing. With the lights turned down low and the Christmas lights twinkling in the corner, tranquility reigned again.

 

Justin sat off in a corner on one of the loungers with his sketchpads and pencils, under a small spotlight. He had an afghan thrown across his legs and feet. Gus had helped Bree into her fluffiest pajamas. She had decided to spend the rest of her 'hour' nestled on Justin's lap. It wasn't long until Bree had squirmed her way lower and buried herself under the afghan. Justin, inspired by the day and by his family was furiously sketching.

 

"Want some hot cocoa, honey?" Jennifer asked her son.

 

"Mmm," Justin grunted paying little attention as he worked on a drawing of the snowman crew. A mug of hot cocoa appeared on a small snack tray beside him.

 

"Sweetie, would you like a cheese puff?" Emmett asked the artist who was now sketching Raph and Hector as they shoveled their way toward Rachel's house.

 

"Uhh," Justin mumbled. A few cheese puffs became the cocoa's temporary companion.

 

Raphael was sitting on a large cushion near the tree observing Justin's total submersion into his art. Brian sauntered by with a pot of coffee.

 

"Brian?" Raph motioned for Brian to join him for a moment. Brian delivered the coffee to the table then returned to Raph. He sat on the edge of the cushion.

 

"What can I do for you?" Brian said, waggling his eyebrows.

 

"Nothing that wouldn't get the both of us in deep shit higher than those snow drifts," Raph returned without missing a beat. Brian chuckled. "I'm curious, does Justin always get that self absorbed when he's drawing? His concentration is amazing. I'm fascinated watching him."

 

Brian and Raph looked over at the artist who had paused for a second to take a sip of cocoa and to pop a cheese puff in his mouth. He seemed surprised that refreshments had been delivered. He had no idea when but smiled serenely at the thoughtfulness of the family.

 

"In a word? Yup! You are witnessing Justin Taylor in full artist mode. There have been times when he becomes so wrapped up in his art that he forgets to eat, sleep and even pee. I can't tell you how many times I've had to literally drag the boy to the bathroom. I'm so afraid that one day he's going to burst his bladder. It's one of the reasons I like to work from home. So I can keep an eye on him. I am very lucky that I have good people working for me. I can afford to run the company from my home office."

 

Just then Ted walked by with a small sandwich in his hand. He overheard Brian's compliment.

 

"Thank you, Boss!" Ted said as he took a large bite out of his sandwich.

 

"Haven't you pigged out enough today, Schmidt?!" Brian growled at his CFO.

 

"Got to stoke the furnace, Bri. Gonna need these muscles in the morning," Ted said as he struck a body building pose with the sandwich held firmly in his hand.

 

"Gonna need a little work on that stance of yours, Teddy," Ben said as he passed Ted then took the sandwich.

 

"Hey!" Ted exclaimed as onlookers broke out into laughs. Ted forgot about the pose and went to rescue his purloined sandwich.

 

"As I was saying," Brian continued as he shook his head laughing, "the boy gets all caught up in his art to the exclusion of most everything else. It's what makes him so good," Brian said proudly.

 

"I can see that. Tell me more about your famous ancestor." Raphael was sincerely interested.

 

"Well, I have to go back to what we call Justin's Sunshine Files..."

 

*****

 

"Jus? Justin?" Gus said gently so not to awaken his sister or startle Justin who was busy on another sketch, this one of Joan handing Brian his hot cocoa earlier in the day.

 

"Hmm?" Justin looked up at Gus and blinked.

 

"Let me take Bree; she's asleep. Patrick's already in bed." Justin smiled at Gus as he nodded. Gus picked up his sleeping sister then leaned her closer so that Justin could kiss her good night.

 

"Thank you, Gus," Justin whispered.

 

"Anytime, Jus," Gus said as held the sleeping angel close then took her to his room.

 

*****

 

Katerina and Hector were sitting in the kitchen at the table. They were sipping their own cocoa. Katerina had Justin's binders containing the accumulated research and journals he had amassed. Hector found it fascinating and had knowledge of some of the towns the boys had visited while on their quest. They were soon joined by Owen and Danny.

 

"This is amazing," Danny said, as he flipped through one binder that held many photos of the chapels and church walls that Kinney had painted. "I wasn't in Pittsburgh at the time of the Kinney auction but I did read about it. The proceeds went to a very worthy cause."

 

"And you can trace your family's line back to Patrick Taylor?" Owen asked Katerina.

 

"Yes. My family is directly related to Patrick. We believe, Justin and his father are related to Patrick's father via a second marriage."

 

"It's a wonder so much art work has survived." Owen was flipping through another binder. "And look at these journal entries; it's like looking back in time."

 

As Katerina continued to regale Owen, Hector and Danny, Mel and Lindsay were cuddling on the sofa in front of the fire.

 

"Lindz, I promise the minute we're back to civilization, I'll contact Brian's travel agent and have her book us a flight and into that B&B that Brian recommends."

 

"You mean it?" Lindsay couldn't believe that not only was Melanie serious about their vacation but that Mel would call Brian's agent and take Brian's suggestion.

 

"Yes, I mean it. If it's good enough for Brian Kinney and the boys then it's good enough for us. You're right, we need time on our own, to reconnect. I'm so sorry I've been such a bitch lately. I have no excuse except for my own pig-headedness. There's nothing more important than you and our children."

 

"Oh Mel, I love you so much," Lindsay purred as she hugged Melanie closer.

 

"I love you too, Lindz. I know I don't say it often enough but I promise to change that. And I promise to take more notice of the kids. You're so right about JR. I took her for some last minute shopping and that's when it hit me. She's so grown up and becoming very sophisticated and I know that's because of you. She may be my biological daughter but her poise, grace and sense of style is because of you. Even the way she carries herself when she's walking. And I almost missed it all. Damn, Lindz, even Brian learned from his mistakes with Gus when he was small. They're so close, a real father and son relationship. And I turned a blind eye to it all. I refused to admit that Brian was sincere in his pursuit of becoming a real father to Gus. And now with Briana, it's like you and JR. Anyone who spends more than five minutes in their company can see how devoted he is to her."

 

"He refuses to miss any part of her life," Lindsay said gently seeing the guilt that Melanie harbored.

 

"I understand that now. I've been so stupid."

 

"No, Melanie, not stupid."

 

"Selfish, then. So selfish that I nearly lost the most important people in my life. You tried to tell me, but I never listened. Well, I'm listening now, Lindsay."

 

The girls kissed, Melanie gently caressing Lindsay's face.

 

"Awe, damn, icky lesbian shit on my sofa now!" Brian whined. The girls giggled as Brian fled the room.

 

 

Blizzard Wizardry

 

Chapter 9

 

It was getting close to ten. The occupants of the cottage could hear the wind begin to howl. A few small snowflakes started swirling around the clearings that had been dug out of the snow.

 

"Brian, we should get back to the house," George said as his group started bundling up.

 

"Okay, we'll see you in the morning. You have enough flashlights?"

 

"We're fine," George said with confidence. Their trek was short, however Bobby and John decided to walk with them. Within twenty-five minutes John and Bobby were back at the cottage.

 

"We should get going too," Drew began. "Our trip is longer." Drew and Emmett's bunch began to bundle up, fortifying themselves against the elements.

 

"I want Beau to go with you," John offered. "As soon as you get to your door, tell him to go home and he'll come right back," John instructed Drew and Emmett.

 

"But isn't it dangerous for him?" Emmett asked as he petted the large dog on the head. Emmett had grown very fond of the bear-like dog.

 

"No, he has a very thick undercoat. He'll be fine for the short time he's out there and I'd feel better knowing he's with you. He'll alert us if you get into any trouble. With you all wearing thick gloves you may not be able to use your phones well. And it's very dark," John insisted.

 

"Wait, I have an idea," Bobby began then sprinted to his end of the cottage. He was back in a flash with a couple of light necklaces, the type you get at clubs or what kids wear at Halloween. "We had a few of these left over from when the kids went Trick or Treating."

 

Bobby snapped the ends of the necklaces to begin the chemical reaction that activated the light. The light would last for a few hours, plenty of time for Beau to lead the guys to Emmett's and then come home again. Bobby attached the two necklaces together to make one large enough to go around Beau's neck and secured it to Beau's collar so it wouldn't slip off.

 

"There, that should do it," Bobby said, satisfied with Beau's new accessory. Beau didn't seem to mind his temporary necklace at all.

 

The guys were saying good night to the family remaining at the cottage, when John knelt down to give Beau instructions.

 

"Guide them home, boy, then come right back," John said softly but firmly to the large dog. Beau looked solemnly at John as if he knew the important task he was given. He wagged his tail and placed his muzzle into John's palm. "You're a good boy, Beau. Protect them."

 

The guys started their trek down the lane with Beau leading the way.

 

*****

 

"Hello?"

 

"John, it's Drew, we're here, safe and sound. Beau's on his way back. And thank you for sending him with us. Even with the flashlights, we didn't see the small opening where the two paths joined. Beau saw it and led us through. He's one hell of a dog. He deserves an extra treat when he gets back. He took off running as soon as we were in the door and Emmett told him to go home. Is he there yet?"

 

"No, not yet...oh, wait...he just came through his doggie door. He's fine, Drew. I'll give him that treat. I'm glad you're safe. Stay warm and we'll see you in the morning."

 

"Night, John."

 

"Good night, Drew."

 

John hung up the phone then saw to Beau. Leading the dog into their bathroom, John took out 'Beau's towel' to dry off the large dog. He paid special attention to Beau's feet, making sure ice or the rock salt they had thrown down didn't cut the pads. Satisfied that nothing was amiss, John led Beau to his cushion and commanded that he lay down.

 

Taking a large ham bone out of his refrigerator, John presented Beau with his reward.

 

"You're a good boy, Beau," John said as he patted the dog on the head. Beau happily began to gnaw on his bone.

 

*****

 

As with the previous night, everyone took turns using the bathrooms and preparing for bed. Everyone took up their same assigned bedrooms except for Owen and Sharon. They insisted on switching with Jennifer and Joan so that Joan wouldn't have to climb the spiral staircase. Joan graciously accepted.

 

With the cottage settling in for the night, coffeemaker timers all set, the occupants of Edna's Treasures retired for the night.

 

"Night, Seth," Brian said.

 

"Good night, Brian," Seth returned. "Night, Justin."

 

"Night, Seth," Justin answered.

 

"Night, Raph, Hector," Brian said.

 

"Night!" the two in the brass bed called out.

 

"Night, Sharon, Owen!" Brian directed his call to his balcony. They heard giggling then...

 

"Good night, Brian and Justin!" Sharon and Owen said in unison. The sun porch dorm giggles became louder.

 

"Good night, Bobby," Seth called out aiming at John's balcony.

 

"Good night, everyone." Bobby tried to be practical, having an inkling of how this was going to end.

 

"Good night, John-boy!" everyone called out, unable to resist the joke. When the laughter calmed down...

 

"I'll get you for this, Kinney," John growled then added his giggles to the rest of the family's.

 

"Woof!" Beau contributed his sentiments. The family finally settled and went to sleep.

 

*****

 

Brian awoke with a start. The wind was howling around the outside of the sun porch. A tree limb banged on the roof of the cottage.

 

"Shit!" he muttered. The trails they had dug out were going to be blown full again. The only good thing was that it wasn't snowing, at least not much as far as he could see through the windows. There were still some flakes swirling outside, but it was hard to tell if they were new or were part of what had already fallen and were being blown around by the wind.

 

"What's the matter, Bri?" Justin asked sleepily.

 

"Didn't mean to wake you," Brian said gently as he pulled Justin against him and made sure he was covered with the quilt. The chaise was conducive to togetherness but not really to a good night's sleep.

 

"What's wrong?" Justin asked again.

 

"Just the wind. Go back to sleep."

 

"'Kay," Justin replied snuggling up against his husband.

 

Brian waited a while until he was sure Justin had fallen back to sleep. Once he was sure Justin was in slumberland, he gently eased himself out from under his mate. That was no easy task, as Justin didn't seem to want to let go of him. When he finally was free, he stood up carefully. He looked down at Justin's handsome face so soft in the moonlight. He felt his heart fill with love. It was something he had never intended to experience, something he had known for years he wasn't entitled to. Joan and Jack had taught him that oh so many years ago. But somehow, in spite of everything, this wonderful man/boy had found him and made him love him. Yes, made him. There was no doubt in Brian's mind that without Justin's early tenacity they never would have ended up together. Brian had been quite willing to kick Justin out after that first night they spent together. He had intended never to have anything more to do with him. But Justin had other ideas. And thank the gods he did. Brian couldn't even imagine where he would be now and what his life would be like if Justin had given up on him.

 

With a gentle smile on his face, Brian tucked the quilt around Justin. He padded quietly to the end of the sun porch to look out at the winter night. Beau raised his head as he heard Brian pass by.

 

"Go back to sleep, Dog," Brian whispered. "Everything's all right."

 

He stopped at the door of the sun porch and stared out at the snowdrifts. The moon drifted lazily, a silver shadow high in the sky. Black clouds scudded across it from time to time as he watched.

 

"Quite beautiful, isn't it?" a voice behind him said.

 

"Shit! You scared me."

 

"Sorry," Seth laughed quietly. "I was watching the sky and listening to the wind when I saw you get up."

 

"That chaise seemed like a good idea, but it's fucking uncomfortable," Brian whispered.

 

"We've kind of taken over your life."

 

"Yeah," Brian admitted. "But I'd much rather have you here with us than stuck out in the storm, with us worrying ourselves sick."

 

"You would worry, wouldn't you?" Seth asked.

 

"Of course," Brian replied with a frown. "Why would you ask that?"

 

"I've heard of your reputation as…"

 

"A cold heartless bastard," Brian supplied.

 

Seth chuckled. "Something like that. But I've seen a very different side of you, with Emmett's business and at the wedding, with your daughter and husband."

 

"Thanks," Brian said.

 

"Brian, I have to tell you that I'm very interested in Jennifer."

 

"Anyone who isn't blind can see that," Brian replied with a twinkle in his eye.

 

"Am I that obvious?"

 

"'Fraid so."

 

"Anyway," Seth sighed. "I wondered how you felt about me and Jennifer, you know, together."

 

"What do I have to do with it?" Brian asked.

 

"You could be my son-in-law if all goes well."

 

"Fuck!" Brian reacted.

 

"You…you don't like the idea?" Seth asked feeling like Brian was putting the kibosh on any plans he might have with Jennifer.

 

"No, it's not that. Shouldn't you be talking to Justin about this?"

 

"Justin's not standing here in the middle of the night."

 

Brian chuckled. "You have my seal of approval for what it's worth, and it's not worth much."

 

"I'll take it," Seth laughed. He squeezed Brian's shoulder. "Thank you."

 

"I think you need to be talking to Mother Taylor, not to me or Justin."

 

"Yeah, but I'm pretty much of a coward in the romance department."

 

"She likes you, Seth. I can see it on her face when she looks at you."

 

"You think so?"

 

"I know so. Go for it."

 

"I'll take that under advisement," Seth said slowly.

 

"Don't wait too long. Happiness isn't something to put on hold."

 

"That's good advice."

 

"I hope so."

 

"Thanks."

 

"I should try to go back to sleep. Looks like there'll be some more shoveling in the morning."

 

"Yeah, but I don't think sleep is in the cards for me," Seth said.

 

"I didn't take you for an insomniac," Brian chuckled.

 

"I'm not … usually. But when I wake up at … 4 am," Seth said looking at his watch, "I know I'm not likely to get back to sleep."

 

"Me either," Brian admitted. "This is the time of night I'd kill for a cigarette."

 

"Didn't know you smoked."

 

"I don't … anymore. Used to … long, long ago in another lifetime."

 

Seth nodded knowingly. "If I was home, I'd go read a book or watch infomercials."

 

"The only place we don't have people sleeping is in the kitchen. Let's go make a pot of coffee."

 

"Sounds good to me," Seth said with a smile. "Got a deck of cards?"

 

"Yeah, somewhere, why?"

 

"I'll teach you to play pinochle," Seth said as they tiptoed past the sleeping bodies in the sun porch.

 

"How do you know I don't already know how to play pinochle?" Brian asked with a smirk.

 

"Only about one person in a million knows that old card game."

 

"Haven't you heard? I'm one in a million," Brian laughed as he turned off the timer on one of the coffee pots and started the coffee dripping.

 

"No, that's something I totally believe," Seth said with a big smile.

 

That was how Justin found them a couple of hours later, sitting at the kitchen table playing pinochle and drinking coffee.

 

 

Blizzard Wizardry

 

Chapter 10

 

After all the hard work the family did the previous day, they all took their time getting up. So instead of putting breakfast on the table, Brian decided that buffet style was more practical. And if things went well, they wouldn't be providing dinner later that night. If the roads were cleared and the plow guy could make it through, the cottage would be their own tonight. If not, Brian was planning on doing a lot of grilling later. Thanks to Emmett's ever preparedness, the cottage was well stocked in large chafing dishes. Breakfast was lined up on display on the counter and on the kitchen table. Everyone could help themselves.

 

"John, how do we dig out all these cars?" Brian asked his older and oh so wiser brother.

 

"I suggest we don't," John answered.

 

"What?"

 

"Rob is concerned that he'll plow into a car. We just need to mark out where the cars are so he doesn't hit any. Once the road is clear, he'll tow each car out and line them up one by one. Bri, we're tired, we're all tired. Every bone, every muscle in my body is screaming and I do a lot of manual labor. I do not want my mother or Steve to be digging out that old truck of theirs. Nor do I want Debbie and Carl digging any more than necessary. Make sense?"

 

"I suppose but how do we mark the cars?"

 

"Did I ever tell you I was an Eagle Scout when I was a kid?" John held up a large roll of bright hot pink crepe paper. "A leftover from one of Bree's parties. And I have plenty more where that came from. We do a little brushing to find the edges of the car, mark it and then move onto the next. If Rob gets here today, this lot will be gone by afternoon." John smiled as he made his last statement. The Kinney boys had no real objections to the family invasion.

 

"An Eagle Scout, huh?" Brian took off toward Rachel's house as quickly as he could given the snow and icy conditions.

 

"Hey, where ya going?" John called out after him. He had found the first car and armed with a car brush, was preparing to start cleaning.

 

"To find Claire!" Brian called over his shoulder, trying to move even faster.

 

"Claire," John mumbled. "What do you want with my mother?" John bellowed, receiving a most evil type laugh in return. "Hey!"

 

"Pictures, big bro! I want to see if she has pictures of you in your scout uniform in her wallet!"

 

"You....you....," John began.

 

"Forget it, sweetheart, just let him go," Jennifer said as she approached John. "Let him have his fun. I think this is my car, let me help." John nodded then Jennifer and John began to clean off her car. However, John began to plot his revenge.

 

Brian was looking rather smug as he returned to the road and began to dig out another car. It had to be Debbie and Carl's car; there was a rainbow colored antenna ball on it. As he began brushing off the edges, Carl and John came over. John handed Brian a roll of crepe paper. They made short work of marking off the car.

 

The sun was shining brilliantly and although it was still rather cold, some of the snow was melting. The family was all taking turns helping to clear more path, marking cars or handling domestic chores. There was laundry to do, lunch and other snacks to be made and lots and lots of dishes to be dealt with.

 

"John, I just got off the phone with Rob." Bobby was all smiles. He had run out of the cottage as John was marking off Steve's truck.

 

"I take it, it's good news?" John smiled back, giving his fiery red-head a sizzling kiss that warmed Bobby to the core.

 

"The best. The highways are clear. No snow is predicted for a while, although that means little after this storm. And Rob is on his way. He should be here in an hour. The only problem is where is he going to put all the snow?"

 

"I may have the answer to that one."

 

"Drew! Where did you come from?" John asked as he and Drew shook hands.

 

"From the path we dug," Drew said.

 

"So where do you think Rob can push all the snow?" Bobby asked.

 

"Remember when your crew was constructing our cottage, instead of storing the equipment on the lane, they made a clearing to hold it all. It's relatively flat, no trees to get in the way and it's far enough from our fence. The only problem is how to mark the spot so Rob sees it?"

 

"Broomsticks." The boys turned toward the voice as Brian stepped out from behind a drift. "Broomsticks with John's crepe paper tied to them. Stake them out far enough then Rob can aim his plow in between them," Brian said with confidence.

 

"Little brother, if I haven't said it before, I'll say it now. You're a genius!" John exclaimed.

 

"I know," Brian smirked.

 

*****

 

It was shortly after lunch when Rob showed up. Starting at Emmett's end of the lane, Rob began to clear the road. There was nothing anyone could do but just stay out of the way. With the cars all clearly marked as well as the edges of each property, Rob had a good idea of where to plow or not to plow. It took a few hours but the private lane was finally cleared.

 

The next task was to pull out each car. The Liberty Avenue contingent got first priority. They wanted to get back before it got too dark. Ted was anxious to get back to Kinnetik and Allen had a few concerts coming up. Hunter needed to get back to the clinic. The center had a special New Year's celebration planned. And although Claire, Steve, Dan and Emily had no objection to prolonging their visit, the family did not want to impose any longer than necessary on Edna's Treasures' hospitality.

 

As each vehicle was cleared and towed into the center of the lane, the family continued their preparations to leave. Jennifer and Justin took that time to spend together. She helped Justin sort through all the sketches he had made, rolling them up then tying them with ribbon and a label.

 

John finally got his opportunity for revenge for the 'John-boy' incident. Brian was going from car to car making sure they started up and wipers were operational. As he exited Seth's car, Brian was smacked in the back of the head with a snowball.

 

"What the...!" Brian exclaimed as another snowball sailed past his head and hit the side of Seth's car. Brian quickly ducked down then a few seconds later shot back up throwing a barrage of small snowballs at John. Two connected to John's chest.

 

"Damn you, Kinney!" John laughed as he sprinted toward the cottage, ducking behind a drift then pitching several snowballs back at Brian.

 

"Can't get me, old man!" Brian goaded John then answered the assault with a few more snowballs.

 

As the boys continued their game of war, Joan was gathering up her belongings. She placed her bag by the cottage door, and spied the boys at play. Claire had come by to say her goodbyes. She was sitting at the table sipping tea. She was also gifted with a Justin Taylor sketch.

 

"Claire, would you join me please?" Joan motioned for Claire to join her by the large front window.

 

John and Brian were still playing their war games when Brian slipped and landed in a snow bank. John was laughing uncontrollably but extended his hand to Brian. Brian firmly clasped John's hand, seemingly accepting John's aid. With a jerk of his hand, Brian pulled John down into the snow.

 

Jack Kinney's boys were lying in the snow, laughing wildly and making snow angels.

 

Claire smiled warmly at Joan, shaking her head at the brothers' antics. It wasn't all that long ago when tension between the two women ran high, having nothing in common other than having borne Jack's sons. While not fast friends, they shared something very important, their love for the sons of Jack Kinney.

 

"Boys will be boys," Claire said.

 

"Yes, I suppose they always will," Joan confirmed. "We are very blessed."

 

"Yes we are and in so many ways," Claire reaffirmed as a bundled up Briana and Patrick ran out the front door to their daddies.

 

The brothers Kinney played in the snow with their children.

 

*****

 

The Pittsburgh contingent was about ready to leave. All the cars had been cleaned off and warmed up. They had all decided to travel back in convoy just in case anyone had any problems. The roads were reported as satisfactory with some snowy and maybe slippery sections, but once they got on the interstate they would be fine.

 

Justin was handing out his rolled up sketches as everyone had their hats, coats and boots ready to be donned. People started unrolling the sketches and gasping at the moments that Justin had captured for them. His sketches were as meticulous as ever, and everyone gushed with praise for his work. They all said they would have them framed and placed somewhere that would honor the person who had drawn the pictures. Justin beamed with pride, as did Brian who was standing right beside him.

 

"Thanks, sweetie," Debbie said giving Justin a kiss. "This was quite the fucking Christmas!"

 

"It sure was," Michael concurred giving Brian a hug. Ben nodded in agreement.

 

"Yeah," Justin chuckled as he shook Carl's hand pulling him into a hug.

 

"You were the hero of the moment, kiddo," Debbie told Brian.

 

"Everybody pitched in," Brian replied. He didn't like being singled out when the whole group had worked so hard during and after the storm.

 

"Yeah, everybody did," Owen Sr. said, shaking hands all round.

 

"I love the sketch, Justin," Sharon gushed. "Thank you so much. And thanks for putting us up for the couple of days. I can't imagine being stuck some place on the road. It was much cozier and nicer here."

 

"You're welcome," Brian smirked, knowing that they had been crowded, but had got along surprisingly well.

 

"I'd say 'let's do this again'," Dr. Raph laughed, "but I'm sure nobody wants to do it again anytime soon." He shook hands with their hosts.

 

"You were most generous, Brian, Justin, John and Bobby. You made us feel very welcome," Hector explained.

 

"No problem," everyone replied.

 

"See you at Kinnetik soon," Ted said as he gave Brian a perfunctory hug.

 

"Count on it, Schmidt, but not for a week or two."

 

Ted and Allen headed for their car along with Hunter and Nick.

 

Melanie and Lindsay gave kisses all around, even Melanie condescending to buss Brian's cheek. With a "thanks for everything", they made their way to their car with JR and Danny. Gus was staying with his father for a few days more.

 

Seth, Jennifer, Katerina and Joan were about to leave. Jennifer hugged her son and then Bree who seemed a little lost by everyone going away. She had had so much fun with all her family there that she didn't like the idea of them all going home.

 

Seth shook hands and gave Brian a knowing nod. Brian wondered how long it would be before the man made his move on Jennifer. Joan kissed her family and pulled on her boots with a little help from Briana who hugged her Gamma Joan again and again, much to Joan's delight.

 

They finally headed for Seth's car which would bring up the rear of the convoy. All the remaining guests watched the cars start down the freshly plowed lane.

 

"It's so sad," Emmett said wiping at his eyes.

 

"What's sad, Honeycutt?" Brian demanded.

 

"We'll be all alone in the cottage," Emmett sniffed.

 

"Well, don't be coming up here to keep us company. Justin and I have some serious fucking to do. We've been on our best behavior for days now," Brian snarked.

 

"Two measly days," Emmett reacted.

 

"Take him home and show him what I've been missing," Brian ordered Drew.

 

"We'll catch a ride down the lane with you, Dr. Morrison, if that's all right," Drew grinned. "I have my marching orders and I need to get started right away."

 

"Eiw," Gus said. "You guys are so gross."

 

"Let's get going," Dr. Morrison said as he headed for his car.

 

Claire and Steve were right behind. They waved to the remaining group as they got in Steve's truck. Rachel and her family headed for home as Dr. Morrison's car started down the lane.

 

Brian and Justin, John and Bobby, Bree and Patrick and Gus stood at the front door of Edna's Treasures and waved to Claire and Steve as their truck, being the last vehicle of the impromptu guests, headed down the lane through the freshly plowed track that Rob had created. Aside from the massive snowbanks on each side of the lane, the roadway was clear and easy to negotiate. Rob had done a wonderful job of clearing the snow and moving the huge amounts of snow into the area Drew had marked off.

 

Brian let out a sigh. "They're finally gone," he said.

 

"And you enjoyed every minute of having them here," Justin said kissing Brian's cheek.

 

"Yeah, Pop," Gus laughed. "I haven't seen you have so much fun in a long time."

 

"Yeah," Brian snarked. "I just love shoveling snow twelve hours a day."

 

"So what are you going to do now?" Bobby asked.

 

"I think I need a nap," Brian replied immediately, waggling his eyebrows at Justin.

 

Justin grinned knowing what that nap would entail. "I could join you in one of those."

 

"My thoughts exactly," Brian replied.

 

"I'll get a snack for the kids and we can play video games," Gus volunteered. "We'll get you up for dinner."

 

"Good boy," Brian said with a big smile.

 

"If you're looking after the kids, Gus, I think we could use a nap too," John said. "It's been a hard couple of days."

 

"Very hard," Brian replied thrusting his hips forward to make his point.

 

"Come on, guys," Gus said to the children. "We need to find snacks."

 

"Not healthy ones?" Bree asked hopefully.

 

"Whatever you want, right, Pop?"

 

"This time, yeah, whatever you want, Squirt."

 

"Me too," Patrick piped in. He got an approving nod from his fathers as the kids headed for the kitchen.

 

"Bedroom, now!" Brian ordered.

 

With an angelic smile Justin followed his husband.

 

"Let's get going," Bobby said taking John's hand and leading him towards their end of Edna's Treasures.

 

Some time later Brian and Justin lay in their four poster on nice clean sheets wrapped in each other's arms.

 

"That was a ten," Justin said sleepily.

 

"At least," Brian smirked. "And I think I have another ten left in me."

 

"I thought we were going to nap," Justin yawned. Brian had worn him out.

 

"That was just a euphemism for fucking."

 

"I really do need a nap."

 

"All right," Brian sighed. "Youngsters, built for speed not stamina."

 

Justin chuckled. "You really are amazing, Brian. Your sex drive is as strong as ever."

 

"Especially when I've been deprived."

 

"You'll never be deprived as long as I'm around."

 

"And there aren't four million guests in the house," Brian added.

 

Justin chuckled. "But we did get along very well. Everyone pitched in. It was nice to have Sharon and Owen become part of the family. And Raph and Hector…"

 

"I don't think they knew what to make of us," Brian snarked. "Especially Hector."

 

"You can't blame him when you've fucked his partner."

 

"It's not my fault if I fucked him way back when."

 

"Of course not," Justin said keeping a straight face.

 

"But then again there probably aren't too many gay men in Pittsburgh who fall into the unfucked by Brian Kinney category."

 

"Except for Hector," Justin said making a face, "and Mikey."

 

"Let's not go there," Brian replied.

 

"It was a fun couple of days though," Justin said with another yawn.

 

"Yeah, it could have been worse."

 

Justin smiled. It could have been a lot worse.

-end-

IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 1

Day 1


"Thank you for taking us to the airport, Brian," Lindsay said, smiling warmly at Brian as he pulled into the parking garage at Pittsburgh Airport. "Are you sure we didn't take you out of your way?"

"Not at all, Lindz. Now that the great dig out of 2016-2017 is finally over, I hope, I really need to spend time here in the Pitts. Stacey at N'rgy is making a lot of expansion noise. I had to be here bright and early anyway."

Brian got out of Justin's Cherokee, quickly sprinting to the passenger side to open the door for Lindsay. He helped her out then reached to open the rear door for Melanie. Ignoring Brian's hand, Melanie started pulling out their carry-on luggage from the back seat. Brian found a luggage cart and brought it to the back door of the car.

"Goddammit, Mel! I concede, between the two of us you are far more butch. Now will you let me load the fucking cart? You don't need to start off your second honeymoon in traction. Now. Back. Off." Brian scowled at the petite lawyer who started wrestling him for their suitcases.

The girls were going away for two weeks and had packed accordingly. Their cases were large and weighed a ton. Melanie shot Brian a glare, as Lindsay sighed and rolled her eyes. There would never be a lasting peace between Brian and Melanie. Lindsay had all but resigned herself to the fact.

Melanie relented, allowing Brian to efficiently stack their luggage on the cart and push it toward the terminal doors.

This was a big deal for the girls, their first real vacation alone together in years. They had agreed to two weeks in St. Augustine at the same B & B that the boys had stayed at several years before. Brian, himself, had called Seamus Griffin, the owner of the Piece of Plenty, to reserve the honeymoon suite for the Munchers. And, unbeknownst to the girls, had arranged for champagne, chocolates and flowers. Brian wanted their vacation to be perfect, for Lindsay.

Even though the girls had an early flight, there was a line. Brian dutifully maneuvered the cart into the line, standing behind Melanie, who was holding the tickets and itinerary.

"Lindz," Brian whispered softly. "You're sure you want to go through with this? You can leave the bitch anytime and move into the loft. I wouldn't mind."

"Much."

"What?"

"You heard me. You wouldn't mind much. I know the reason why you've kept that loft after all these years, and it would kill you knowing that someone else had moved in and was sleeping in your bedroom. I know that John stays there when he's in town but that's only temporary."

Brian sighed loudly.

"Brian, I love Melanie. I have to try to work things out. You know that."

Brian nodded; he did know. And deep down, he applauded Lindsay's never ending optimism. And he wished her luck. Glancing at the "bitch", Brian sighed again.

"Oh stop. You know I'm right. Now are you okay with keeping an eye on the kids?" Lindsay said in a normal voice.

"He's not keeping an eye on the kids. Danny's in charge," Melanie spat out.

"Great, Granny Devore, in charge of two adolescents. Just peachy," Brian snarked.

"It's not that bad," Lindsay chuckled. "The kids are in school all day, so Danny can still work at the comic book store and then he'll pick up JR after school. Gus can manage on his own, but I feel better with an adult in the house. Debbie will be stopping by too."

"Daily, I bet."

"I'm sure, and Michael. They'll be fine." Lindsay leaned in a little, "I won't worry as much knowing that you're around." Lindsay kissed Brian's cheek.

"We're next!" Melanie growled as they inched forward in the line.

Brian pushed the cart to the counter as Lindsay and Mel checked in.

"What the hell did you pack, the kitchen sink?" Brian grumbled as he lifted the heavy cases onto the scale. "If I throw my back out and can't fu..."

"Brian!" Lindsay scolded.

"Can't perform my husbandly duties, I will sue your ass," Brian muttered as he finished with the luggage. Lindsay giggled.

When they had completed their check-in, Brian walked them to the security gate. Melanie took off her coat then squished it into the grey security basket. She then took off her boots to place them in the bin on the conveyor belt. She stepped through the gate.

"My turn," Lindsay said as she began to remove her own coat and boots. Brian stood close to offer her a hand.

"You'll call me when you land," Brian said with concern in his voice.

"Of course."

"And let me know when you get to the B & B."

"If you insist." Lindsay placed her belongings in the bins and was about to go through the gate. Melanie was waiting patiently, or not, on the other side.

"Lindsay, I..."

"Don't worry, Brian, it'll all work out, I promise. I love you, always," Lindsay said as she smiled up at the man.

Giving Lindsay a chaste kiss on the lips, Brian hugged Lindsay then gave her a little shove toward the gate.

"Come on, Lindz!" Mel called out.

"I'm coming. You'll call me and let me know how the kids are?"

"Sure, but with Granny Danny and Granny Debbie hovering, what can possibly go wrong?" Brian said with a shrug. "Go, have fun and don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

"We won't, I can guarantee that, ass..., uh...Kinney," Melanie countered.

Brian watched as Lindsay put her boots back on and Melanie led her away.



*****

 

"Hey, Boss, how was the drive in?"

"Peachy."

"I just wondered if there was any snow out your way," Ted said gently, since Brian's answer seemed more snarky than usual.

"Despite the universal opinion that I live somewhere out in the wilderness, our weather is much like yours," Brian stated sarcastically.

"Yeah, sure, Boss. Of course it is. I was merely making conversation."

"Make conversation with someone else, Schmidt."

"Yes, sir."

"Ted, I … I'm just giving you a hard time. I came from the airport where I sent Lindsay and her barracuda winging away to Florida. It didn't improve my mood."

"Melanie?"

Brian nodded. "That woman, and I use the term loosely, knows how to push every button I have."

"What did she do?"

"She didn't actually do anything. She just … rubs me the wrong way, everything she says and does. I don't know how Lindsay puts up with her."

"Love?"

"That's what they call it."

"I can understand how Melanie ticks you off. She has that innate ability with all of us," Ted said sympathetically. "So the girls are off on their second honeymoon," he added, hoping this would be a safer topic.

"I guess you could call it that," Brian replied. "I prefer to think of it as make it or break it time."

"Why do you say that?" Ted asked with a frown.

"Didn't you notice the tension between them at Christmas?"

"I was too busy digging to notice anything," Ted said, as he thought back to the incidents surrounding Christmas. "I thought I was going to be trapped at Emmett's forever."

Brian chuckled. "That would have been interesting … for some people."

"Yeah, right, very interesting. It was fucking scary, digging and digging, and digging some more, and never finding you."

"I know I'm the prize at the end of the rainbow," Brian said tongue in cheek, "but if you had a better sense of direction, you would have found us sooner."

"If I had a better sense of direction?" Ted said in disbelief, stressing the word 'I'. "There's nothing wrong with my sense of direction. It was the fault of whoever started digging. They sent us off on the wrong path."

"And who might that have been?"

"Probably Emmett."

"You let that big fruit direct you? No wonder you got lost. It's a wonder you're not digging towards Philadelphia as we speak," Brian chuckled.

"If I was digging toward Philadelphia, we wouldn't be speaking," Ted countered. "I'd be lost."

Brian raised an eyebrow, as if to say, "Aren't you anyway?" This discussion was going nowhere, but at least it had got Brian's mind off Lindsay's acerbic husband. "Is the conference call with Stacey all arranged?"

"Yes," Ted said looking at his watch. "In twenty-one minutes."

"Good. I need coffee."

"Coming right up," Ted said as he hustled away to get it.

Brian watched him go. It was good to know that Ted was a loyal and dependable employee, and more than that, a loyal and dependable friend. Hiring Ted had been one of the best decisions Brian had ever made.

"Here's your coffee, Boss," Ted said returning with a steaming mug. "Your favorite brew."

"Mmm," Brian said taking a much needed sip of the hot liquid.

"Anything else I can get you?" Ted asked as he followed Brian into what was now Cynthia's office, but became Brian's whenever he chose to work there.

"Get that call organized and let me know when we're ready to start."

"Absolutely," Ted said as he headed out of the office.

Brian watched Ted disappear before picking up the phone and dialing a familiar number.

"Hello."

"Hey, Sonny Boy, is everything all right?"

"Jeesh, Pop, they just left fifteen minutes ago," Gus griped into his cell phone.

"It was at least an hour and a half," Brian said looking at the clock and calculating the time that he had picked up the Munchers from home.

"They won't even have taken off yet."

"Should be leaving at any moment," Brian said knowingly.

"We're fine, Pop. JR and I are on our way to school."

"Good boy. Danny got you two out of the house on time?"

"He shooed us out about five minutes ago, after he fed us this humongous breakfast. We're almost at JR's school."

Brian chuckled. "I think Danny's taking his babysitting assignment very seriously."

"We're not babies," Gus protested. "I could have looked after JR just fine while they were gone."

"I know you could, son, but humor us on this one."

"Okay," Gus said grudgingly. "We'll all be fine."

"If anything comes up, don't hesitate to call me."

"Nothing's going to come up," Gus replied, and Brian heard a little bit of his own voice in that response. It made him smile.

"I'll call you tonight," Brian told him.

"Sure," Gus said with a long suffering sigh. "JR's poking me to say hello to you."

"Hello to Jenny Rebecca," Brian replied knowing that Gus would hold the phone so JR could hear. He heard her giggle in response.

"Bye, Pop."

"Later, Sonny Boy."

Brian hung up the phone, and then immediately picked it up again.

"Hello."

"Hey, Sunshine."

"You sound very chipper," Justin laughed.

"I wasn't a few minutes ago," Brian said with a scowl.

"Melanie?"

"Does everybody know me that well?" Brian asked with a frown.

"Yep."

"You're asking for trouble," Brian threatened at Justin's flippant answer.

"I loooove your kind of trouble," Justin cooed.

"I don't get no respect from nobody," Brian griped.

"Ted?"

Brian sighed and then smiled. "I just talked to Gus. Danny got them off to school with no problem."

"That's good. I think Danny was looking forward to being part of the family twenty-four hours a day."

"I think so too," Brian said. "Although he may drive Gus nuts in short order."

"They'll be fine," Justin said gently.

"That's exactly what Gus said."

"And he said it because it's true."

"Okay, I have to go. Ted's giving me the high sign for the conference call with Stacey."

"Good luck," Justin said.

"Later," Brian replied before hanging up the phone.



*****

 

The aircraft lifted off the ground and started to ascend. Melanie leaned against Lindsay.

"This is going to be good for us, time away, by ourselves, with no interruptions," Melanie stated.

"Yeah."

"That didn't sound very encouraging."

"I … I hope we can reconnect. I'm sick of the way things have been lately," Lindsay said with a big sigh.

"I didn't think it had been that bad," Melanie replied. The tone of her voice made it clear that she didn't like hearing this from Lindsay.

"I'm sorry, Mel, but we don't seem to have much to say to each other anymore … at least not without fighting."

"I love you, Lindz. You know that."

"I know, but… Oh, I don't know."

"You want to make this work, don't you?" Melanie asked, concern written across her face.

"Yes, I do, but…"

"Then there shouldn't be any buts."

Lindsay shook her head. "Maybe this was a mistake. Maybe we'll learn to hate each other. I don't know if we can spend twenty-four hours a day together without killing each other."

"Of course we can."

"I'm not so sure. Look at what we've done to each other in the past … Sam and Marianne and…"

"Don't, Lindz. This is supposed to be a chance at a new start. Don't dredge up all our past mistakes."

"Sorry," Lindsay replied. But she knew they had to deal with the things from the past if they ever hoped to move forward. They had always just swept them under the rug, much like her own parents had always done, good little WASP's that they were. Lindsay didn't want to become like them. She had always said her marriage would never be like that. Certainly her choice of a mate had made that clear from the outset.

"Let's make a deal," Melanie suggested.

"You sound like Monty Hall," Lindsay giggled.

Melanie smiled. "Have I told you that I love the sound of your laugh? You don't do enough of that anymore."

"Then maybe this trip is starting off in the right way," Lindsay said with a smile. "So what's this deal?"

"The first two days we do nothing but have fun, do all the things that Brian and Justin suggested."

"And then?"

"And then we talk, I mean really talk," Melanie stated very seriously.

"Okay," Lindsay agreed.

"Then I think we can remember how much fun we used to have together, and maybe that will help us deal with more serious matters."

"That sounds like a plan," Lindsay said. "I wonder how the kids and Danny are doing."

IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 2

Day 1(continued)

"Brian, I'm the last one, you heading out soon?" Cynthia asked as she put on her heavy coat. "Whatever it is, it can wait until tomorrow." Brian looked up and smiled at his friend and trusted partner. Their association was long, successful and very prosperous.

"Time was when I didn't mind working long hard hours, deep into the night," Brian said as he smirked at Cynthia.

"Yes, but that was back when you had little incentive to go home. Things have changed."

"Yes they have. For the better, I hope."

"For the better, very much for the better. Now go home before Justin sends out a search party. The roads are very icy. You be careful."

"I will," Brian said as he started to pack up his briefcase. Cynthia was right; it could wait until the morning. The conference call with Stacey and Kenneth at N'rgy was very positive, their outline for expansion, sound. By the summer, N'rgy would be sporting several more ad execs and artists and maybe a new look to the office.

The private line rang before they left the office. Cynthia picked up.

"Kinnetik. Yes he is, one moment, please. Brian, it's JR." Brian took the phone then shooed Cynthia out. "See you in the morning," she whispered.

"How's my favorite little lady?" Brian asked cheerfully into the phone.

JR giggled before answering. "Fine."

"And what can I do for you? Is your brother giving you a hard time?"

"No, Uncle Brian."

"You and Granny Danny getting along okay?"

JR burst out laughing. "We're good."

"So what's the problem or did you just call to chat?" Brian innocently flirted with the child.

"No, Uncle Bri, I mean I think there's a problem," JR said pensively.

"Okay," Brian took on a more serious tone, "tell me what happened."

"While Grandpa was cooking dinner, I took a shower. I, um, well..." Brian blushed, he got the picture. JR was growing up and sometimes young ladies needed to shower when they felt the need to shower.

"I understand, sweetheart. Do you need to speak with Grandma Debbie?"

"No, I'm okay. But when I was turning off the shower faucet, the knob felt funny. Kinda loose. Sometimes it would drip but if you turn it hard, the drip would stop. You know?"

Brian could only surmise; the girls' house was much older than the cottage. All the fixtures at Muncherville were very old.

"I told Grandpa; now he's in the bathroom trying to fix it." In the background Brian could hear Danny grumbling.

"I'm a drag queen, not a damn plumber."

"Okay, little lady, I get the picture. Let me speak to Gus."

"Sure, Uncle Bri. Thanks."

"You're very welcome and, Jenny Rebecca, you know you can call me anytime. Right?"

"I know, Uncle Brian. Here's Gus." Brian heard the portable phone being passed to his son.

"Pop?"

"Hey, Sonny Boy, what's happenin'?"

"Not sure. One minute the shower's okay then next thing the knob feels like it's gonna fall off. I don't think Danny is very handy with tools," Gus whispered.

"Yeah, he's handier with a makeup brush than a wrench. Do the moms have a plumber?"

"Yeah, some hot gay guy."

"Gus..."

"Sorry, Pop. I think his card is on the fridge. Let me look." Brian heard his son stomp down the stairs to go into the kitchen. "Here it is. You want the number?"

"Yes." Gus read the phone number to Brian. "Okay, this is what we're going to do. I'm heading home now. I'll call you when I get to the cottage. If the shower is still giving you problems, I'll call the plumber early in the morning. I don't think John is busy, maybe I'll ask him to take a look. Either way, we'll have it all fixed before the moms come back. Okay, Sonny Boy?"

"Okay, Pop! Um, Dad? Everything still okay with you?" Gus was still a little worried about his dad's health.

"I'm fine, I promise, Gus, and I don't lie."

"I know, Pop. Talk to you later."

"Later, Sonny Boy."

Brian hung up the phone, locked up the office and headed back home to Edna's Treasures.



*****

 

"So this must be the place," Melanie said as she brought the rental car to a stop outside a charming house with a little sign that said Piece of Plenty. It was early evening and she was tired.

When they had landed in Orlando, they had picked up their rental car. Then they were hungry and had found a place for lunch. Following that, they had headed for Downtown Disney to shop and look around. They had collected all kinds of brochures on Disney World and MGM and Sea World, and all kinds of other attractions. They had sat in the shade and gone through a lot of them, making some tentative plans for their time in Florida. It was nice to sit outside without having to wear a coat and boots and gloves. The warm sun felt great.

Finally they had set out for St. Augustine and had stopped for a quick supper at some chain restaurant along the highway. So far their holiday was less than memorable. They were both hoping for the best from the B & B, or the whole vacation together thing might just prove to have been a huge mistake.

Lindsay went up to the front door and pressed the door bell. It wasn't long until the door opened to a rather handsome looking middle aged man.

"Good evening" he said with just a touch of an Irish brogue.

Lindsay smiled. "Hi, you must be Seamus," she said extending her hand.

"And you must be the mother of Brian's son. He told me you were a beautiful blond," Seamus replied taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Looks like someone has kissed the Blarney Stone," Lindsay giggled.

"Or is merely full of bullshit," Melanie said sarcastically as she lugged a suitcase up to the door.

"Mel!!!" Lindsay reacted. "That was uncalled for."

"Um … sorry. It's just that Brian Kinney…"

"…is a fine man. I enjoyed having him and Justin stay here," Seamus said pointedly.

Melanie scowled and Lindsay smiled.

"Please forgive, Melanie," Lindsay said with a severe look at her husband. "We've had a long day."

"Of course," Seamus replied. "Your room is ready. Allow me to take your luggage."

"I can manage it," Melanie told him ungraciously.

Seamus shrugged. "This is a service I supply to all my guests," he told her, as he picked up the suitcase. "I'll get the rest of your luggage in a moment. If you'll follow me…" He started into the house.

"Will you stop that," Lindsay hissed. "You don't need to be rude to our host."

"Brian's friend," Melanie couldn't help but add.

"Stop!" Lindsay commanded. The look on her face made Melanie rethink her next comment.

"I hope the room's nice," Melanie said hoping that was a safer line of discussion.

"I'm sure it will be," Lindsay told her as they followed Seamus upstairs.

Melanie wanted to say something about how everything Brian touched was charmed, but she bit her tongue for the sake of their vacation, and the hope for harmony between them.

"Oh, Mel, look. It's beautiful," Lindsay gasped,when she saw the elegant room with fresh flowers and a huge bed.

"Not bad," Melanie had to admit.

"I'm glad you approve," Seamus said. "I'll get the rest of your luggage." He quickly left the room.

"What's this?" Melanie asked spying a champagne bucket with a large bottle of Cristal resting in the ice. "And chocolates. Yum!"

"They look delicious. What a great way to start our holiday."

"How much are we paying for this place? I don't know how 'our host' can afford to supply Cristal." Melanie lifted the champagne out of the bucket and studied the label.

"Let's get settled in first, and then we can enjoy the bubbly," Lindsay suggested. "I could use an early night."

"Sounds good to me," Melanie agreed.

Seamus brought in the rest of their bags. "Is there anything else I can get you, ladies?" he asked.

"Everything's lovely," Lindsay replied. "Just beautiful."

"That's good. Breakfast is between seven and ten," Seamus told them.

"Thanks," Lindsay said before Seamus exited the room and closed the door behind him.

"Well, one thing you can say about Brian fucking Kinney, he has great taste," Melanie said as she dropped the champagne bottle back into the bucket. "This is indeed a classy place."

"I knew it would be," Lindsay said. She wasn't at all happy about Mel's behavior so far on this trip. "Let's get unpacked and then we can enjoy the champagne."

"Sure," Melanie said, as she watched Lindsay unzip her suitcase with unusual gusto. If she didn't know better, she'd say Lindsay was angry. Melanie realized that maybe she should have kept her mouth shut about Brian. She didn't want to ruin everything before they even had a chance to get started. "Should we call home and see how everything's going?"

"Actually that's a good idea," Lindsay said picking up her cell phone.



*****

 

"Dada."

"Yes, Squirt."

"Do you know who Martin Luther King Junior is?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"We get a day off school because of him."

"That's right, next week."

"Teacher said he was a civil rights leader," Bree explained saying each word carefully and precisely as she remembered her teacher pronouncing them.

"Do you know what that means?" Brian asked. Bree shook her head. "Come and sit on my knee and I'll try to explain."

Justin smiled as he cleared the table and watched Brian with their daughter. He loved when Brian went into full daddy mode.

"Reverend King was a minister. He believed that people were all equal regardless of race or color or religion," Brian explained. Bree frowned. She wasn't sure what all those words meant. "He was a black man," Brian added, struggling to find the words that would make his daughter understand.

"Like Mr. Raph?" Bree asked.

"Yes, like Mr. Raph. And a long time ago, some people thought black people didn't deserve all the same rights and privileges that everyone else had."

"Why?" Bree asked with a frown.

Brian sighed. "It's a very long story that you'll learn in school as you get older. Okay?" Bree nodded. "Anyway, Mr. King didn't think it was fair, so he did his very best to get people to change their minds about that. He wanted everyone to be treated equally."

"And he won, didn't he?" Bree asked.

"Yes, he won," Brian said, deciding that was the best way to end the discussion and avoid having to explain things that Bree was still too young to understand. "And so we have a day off school or work to honor him."

"That's good. Everybody should be equal and share," Bree said profoundly.

"Exactly."

The phone took that moment to ring. Justin answered. "Just a minute, he's right here." Justin handed the phone to Brian.

"Yes?"

"It's Lindsay, Brian. Have you talked to Gus today?"

"Yeah, why?"

"We just called the house. There was some kind of disturbance, banging, like metal being pounded. Gus kept saying everything was fine. When I asked to speak to Danny the banging stopped, but he wouldn't tell me anything either."

"They probably don't want to worry you."

"Worry me!" Lindsay reacted. "What do you mean, worry me! What's to worry about? What do you know?"

"Calm down," Brian told her. "I called earlier and there was some problem with the knob in the shower. I'm going to call the plumber for them in the morning. It was probably Danny that you heard, trying to tighten the knob."

"Danny doesn't know anything about plumbing," Lindsay said with worry in her voice.

"I'll get the plumber in the morning," Brian promised. "Don't worry."

"Oh shit! We should come home right now."

"Home? Why?" Melanie demanded. "What's wrong?"

"Sh, I'll tell you in a minute," Lindsay shushed her.

"You should stay right where you are. Everything's fine. I'll check on them tomorrow," Brian said quickly. "You are to enjoy yourself, as much as you can with your companion of choice," he snarked.

"I don't know…" Lindsay said uncertainly.

"Trust me, everything's fine. Have a great time. I'll make sure the house is standing when you come back," Brian promised.

"Okay, if you're sure." Lindsay wasn't sure about the situation, but she trusted Brian's judgment.

"I'm sure. Nothing's wrong."

"Okay. Thanks for reassuring me, and for keeping an eye on them."

"They'll be fine. Now, hang up. Enjoy your champagne and chocolate, and your companion, if you must," Brian sighed.

"Thanks, Brian," Lindsay giggled. "I will." She closed her phone.



*****

 

"Is there a problem at Lindsay's?" Justin asked having heard Brian's side of the conversation.

"There's something wrong with the knob in the shower. I told Gus I'd get a plumber for them tomorrow."

"So what was Lindsay upset about?"

"When she called, I guess Danny was trying to tighten the knob or fix it or something."

"And Lindsay heard?'

"Yeah, the hullabaloo set off her motherly worry glands."

Justin chuckled. "Yeah, I can understand that."

"Is Gus okay?" Bree asked listening to her fathers' discussion.

"Gus is just fine, Squirt."

"I can help with the bubblehoo," Bree stated confidently.

Brian laughed. "If we need help with the bubblehoo, I'll be sure to let you know." Bree nodded in agreement.



*****

 

"So everything's all right?" Melanie asked when Lindsay set down her phone.

"It sounds like that knob in the shower that's been loose for like forever is giving them problems, but Brian's going to call our plumber in the morning."

"It probably is time to get it fixed. It's a fucking pain in the ass to adjust the water."

"Our hot plumber man should be able to take care of it," Lindsay chuckled.

"If I wasn't a lesbian, I'd like to be there to see him fix it," Melanie chuckled as she popped the cork on the champagne.

"I am a lesbian, and I still enjoy watching him work," Lindsay said with a husky laugh. "He's great eye candy."

"A ten on the hot plumber scale."

"That's for sure."

"Here's to us and to a wonderful time in St. Augustine," Melanie proposed. She handed a glass of champagne to Lindsay.

They clinked the glasses and took a sip.

"Mmm, very nice," Lindsay cooed.

"Not bad. It was really nice of Seamus to provide this."

"I don't think it came from Seamus."

"Then who?" Melanie asked with a frown. She raised the glass to her lips to take another sip of the champagne.

"Brian said to enjoy the champagne and chocolates."

The champagne in her mouth came spurting out at Lindsay's words. Melanie tried not to choke, as Lindsay laughed at her.

"Brian arranged for this?" Melanie asked.

Lindsay nodded. "He really does want us to have a good time."

"Well," Melanie said philosophically, "I guess I can drink Kinney's champagne. It would be a shame to waste it."

"Yes, it would."

"Have a chocolate."

"Thank you, I will." Lindsay bit a chocolate in two.

"You have a little chocolate on the side of your mouth," Melanie told her, her voice getting husky at the sight.

"You could lick it off," Lindsay told her in that breathy voice she knew how to use so well.

"It would be my pleasure."

IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 3

Day 2

 

"Pop?" Gus asked into the phone. He had been waiting for his father's call.

"Morning, Sonny Boy. Everything all right?"

"With us, fine, the shower is another story. Danny's having a queenie moment."

Brian snickered. "I spoke to your mom last night; she told me. I already put a call into the plumbing service. John and I are heading into the Pitts now. We'll see you after school when the plumber arrives."

"How do you know when the plumber will get here? Mom usually has to take a day off from work to wait for him

"Gus," Brian smirked as he spoke to his son, "who am I?" Gus rolled his eyes. "You're my Pop."

"And..."

Gus hesitated for a few seconds then got it. "Oh, Brian Kinney."

"Which means..."

"When Brian Kinney calls, men answer, and with the exact time they intend to show up," Gus said with a chuckle and more than a little pride in his voice.

"Precisely," Brian said, not really that full of himself. "John and I will see you after school. Behave yourself and take care of your sister."

"I will, Pop. Love you."

"Love you too, Sonny Boy. Later." Brian cut the connection as he and John turned onto the highway heading for the Pitts.

 

*****

 

"Brian, I have some clients to see, I'll be back around three to get you and we'll go over to Lindsay's together," John said as he dropped his brother off at Kinnetik then took the Navigator to drive to his first appointment.

Brian waved his brother off then stepped inside his kingdom.

"Morning, Boss," Ted greeted Brian cheerfully, taking Brian's briefcase and overcoat.

"Good morning, Brian," Cynthia chimed in as she placed a mugful of Brian's favorite brew in his hand. Brian took a couple of sips then with a smile on his face he greeted his loyal employees.

"Good morning, people! What have you got cooking for today?" Brian asked loudly as he walked into the conference room with his mug, followed by his Kinnetik family all ready to supply him with answers. "God, I love this." Brian threw Ted and Cynthia a blinding smile as they followed.

 

*****

 

"Morning," Melanie purred into Lindsay's neck. It was well after ten in the morning when the girls finally woke up on the second day of their vacation.

"Morning," Lindsay responded, kissing her lover's lips. "How did you sleep?"

"Like a baby, this bed is heaven."

"Yes, it is but if we don't get up soon we'll miss breakfast."

"I think I'm still full from all those chocolates. If I get fat on our vacation, I'm blaming Brian," Mel groused. Lindsay giggled. Melanie's figure hadn't changed much over the years and Lindsay didn't expect it to change on their honeymoon either.

Reaching over to the bedside table, Lindsay pulled out the tourist map that noted all the eateries in the town. "I'm sure when we finally get out of this bed, we'll find some place to eat. Justin made several recommendations."

Melanie laughed as she shook her head. "He still can pack it away. Where does he put it all? Did you see him during Christmas? You'd think he was eating for two!"

"He was, he was eating for himself and Brian," Lindsay quipped and the girls had a good laugh. After a while they grew silent.

"Lindz, why does it always come back to Brian and Justin? We were in love way before Brian met Justin. Why did it all change after he met that boy?"

"Mel, Justin's hardly a boy anymore. He's in his thirties."

"Yes, but he still looks like he's barely twenty. Probably the reason Brian lusts after him. I never realized he had a thing for boys."

"Melanie!" Lindsay began to admonish her partner, "Brian does not and never has had a thing for boys. He hates people like that. He loves Justin and not because he looks young. Justin completes him; he's the other half of his soul. Brian is truly in love with Justin."

Melanie appeared to contemplate Lindsay's words. "I always thought you were the other half of my soul. I guess somewhere along the road I forgot that."

"We both forgot. Melanie, I love you, you know that."

"But are you still in love with me?" Lindsay searched Melanie's eyes, knowing that Melanie would only want to hear the truth. Not some sugar coated version of it.

"Sometimes, I'm not so sure," Lindsay whispered with downcast eyes.

"Then I guess I'll have to woo you all over again," Melanie whispered back.

"You think you can?"

"I have to try because you are the other half of my soul. My life would be worthless without you in it," Melanie declared. Lindsay snuggled into Mel's embrace, neither confirming nor denying, but trying with all her heart to fall back in love with Melanie.

 

*****

 

"Bri, you ready to go? I want to be there when the plumber arrives," John asked his brother as he strode into Brian's office.

"I'm done for the day. I have to come back tomorrow for another conference with Joe and Scott but that's scheduled for eleven."

"That'll work. I can come with you just in case this problem with the faucet is just the tip of the iceberg."

"You're shitting me, right? You really think it's more than the shower faucet?"

"Brian, how old is that house and when was the last time the girls ever mentioned renovations or repair work?'

"I don't know. The house was pretty old when they bought it and I don't ever remember them doing much to it. Maybe you should take a good look at it."

John nodded as the brothers Kinney left Kinnetik.

 

*****

 

"Brian! John! Good of you to come over," Danny said cheerfully. He was somewhat relieved when he opened the door to see the tall strikingly handsome brothers standing at the front door. "I feel so much better with you two here. The plumber just arrived about ten minutes ago and I've sent him up to take a look at the shower. Gus is with him." Danny took their coats then followed the brothers up the stairs.

The plumber was bending over the edge of the tub, his tool belt around his waist, his trusty wrench in hand. Gus was standing out of the way by the door, admiring the view. The plumber, a sandy haired blond in his mid- twenties was trim, fit with a slender waist, and they suspected, washboard abs. As his ass was doing a jig in the air the tool belt tugged the waistband of his jeans down revealing the upper cleft of his ass crack.

Gus sighed loudly as he leaned against the door jamb.

"Where's this plumber?" Brian grumbled as he, followed by John and Danny, crammed themselves into the doorway.

"Damn, this whole pipe is crumbling away. I'm surprised it hasn't burst in the walls," the plumber remarked then turned to face his audience. Said audience was thoroughly engrossed in one hot gay plumber guy's ass. The plumber looked over his shoulder toward the object of their admiration and flashed a pretty smile. He stood up to greet the populace.

"Hi, I'm Ronny," the plumber said as he wiped his hands on a rag before extending it toward  Brian.

"Hi, Ronny," the admirers all said in unison. Brian shook the plumber's hand, quickly releasing it as a picture of an angry Sunshine flashed before his eyes.

"Brian Kinney," Brian said tersely.

"I know who you are; we all know you who are. And I am very happy to be of service," the plumber stated, as he stepped up into Brian's personal space. John cleared his throat.

"John Anderson," John said with a low rumble as he extended his hand.

"Mr. Anderson! I know of your reputation too."

"Excuse me?" John answered in shock. He was unaware of any reputation.

"Your construction company. You contract out with my company. It's an honor to meet you," Ronny said with enthusiasm. "I'd really like to work with you one day."

Before John could reply, Danny cleared his throat. "Danny Devore..."

"You're Divina! I went to the fundraiser for the clinic, I can't believe you retired. I love your act!"

"Well, I, um..." Before Danny could go any further Gus stepped in front of the tongue tied men.

"Gus Kinney, Brian Kinney's son, if you get my meaning," Gus said as he shook Ronny's hand, stretching to his full height which was almost as tall as his father, giving him a much older appearance. He waggled his eyebrows in a most Brian Kinney sort of way. Ronny flashed another perfect smile at Gus.

Before things could get of hand, Brian guided Gus out of the bathroom. "You and Danny go put on some coffee; we'll see what Ronny has to offer. I mean what he thinks about our pipes....THE pipes. Now, out!"

Gus laughed as he and Danny beat a hasty exit.

Brian stepped back into the bathroom only to be greeted with the site of Ronny's ass, with exposed crack, and John's ass, minus crack, high in the air. Both men were talking pipes, completely engaged in construction conversation. Feeling totally useless, Brian decided to get coffee and check on JR.

 

*****

 

"Morning, ladies," Seamus said as Melanie and Lindsay finally came down the stairs of the B & B. It was late morning.

"Oh, good morning, Mr. Griffin," Lindsay responded. Melanie merely nodded. "I guess we missed breakfast. We overslept. That bed is so comfortable."

"Thank you," Seamus smiled. "Please call me Seamus. And there's no such thing as oversleeping on vacation. If you sleep then you needed it."

Melanie nodded. "I can vouch for that. I feel like a million dollars this morning."

"Just what I like to hear my guests say."

"Can you recommend a good place for … brunch, I guess we should call it?" Lindsay asked.

"How about the Piece of Plenty?" Seamus responded.

"But I thought you said breakfast was between seven and ten. It's after eleven."

"That it is, but you're my only guests. It's slow this time of year. I'd be happy to make you an omelet, and I already have a fresh pot of coffee brewing."

"That sounds great," Melanie had to admit. "If you're sure…"

"I'm sure," Seamus told them. "Come into the dining room."

Melanie and Lindsay sat down at one of the small tables. Seamus hustled into the kitchen and reappeared with the coffeepot. He poured them each a cup, and then disappeared only to return with two fruit cups.

"Fruit cup?" Melanie asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I know it's old fashioned, but everyone seems to enjoy them, and I use mostly fresh fruit."

"Delicious," Lindsay said taking a spoonful.

"I'll get those omelets started," Seamus said before returning to the kitchen.

"He's very nice. I can see why Brian liked it here," Lindsay said. "Seamus is very accommodating."

"But fruit cup?" Melanie asked. She took a bite and immediately changed her tune. "This is delicious. Maybe it takes a fruit to make a good fruit cup." She chuckled at her own joke. "I'm used to what they serve as fruit cup at the diner."

"Pssh," Lindsay scoffed. "That comes out of a can."

"I see the difference."

"This coffee's great too."

"Maybe we better get up in time for breakfast every day, if it's like this," Melanie mused. She was really enjoying the fruit cup with its fresh melon and blueberries and a few raspberries.

They had just finished their fruit cup when Seamus appeared with two omelets and a stack of toast. "Enjoy, ladies," he said as he set the food down in front of them."

"This looks wonderful," Lindsay said. "Not bad at all," Melanie concurred.

"Seamus, would you mind joining us for a few minutes? I'd like to ask you some questions. That is, if you don't mind us eating in front of you," Lindsay asked.

"In this business I'm used to it," Seamus laughed. "Let me get a coffee and I'd love to join you. I like to get to know my guests."

"Why did you ask him to join us?" Melanie asked with a frown. "This is supposed to be our time alone together."

"I know, but I thought he could suggest what to do and where to go. It could be very helpful and save us some time."

"We have almost two weeks."

"But they'll go by very quickly if today is any indication."

"True," Melanie agreed. It was already after noon and they hadn't done anything.

Seamus came out of the kitchen carrying a coffee mug. He pulled a chair over and sat beside their table. They spent the next hour talking about St. Augustine and the things that were a must to see. Brian and Justin had already told them about most of them, but it was nice to have Seamus confirm their plans. He also agreed with Justin's list of restaurants that he had recommended. Seamus added a couple of his own favorites as well. By the end of their chat Lindsay and Melanie had a much better idea of where things were and what they wanted to do. Seamus cleared their dishes away as the two women went back up to their room to freshen up before heading out for the afternoon. They had decided they would drive around a bit and then walk through the old section of the town to get a feel for the place. A leisurely holiday might be just what they needed.

As they climbed the stairs, Melanie said, "Seamus is a lot nicer and more helpful than I thought he was going to be when we first arrived."

"He was nothing but pleasant and helpful when we first got here," Lindsay contradicted.

"But the first words out of his mouth were Brian Kinney. You know how I feel about that."

"Only too well," Lindsay sighed. She had hoped Melanie would be able to put her hatred of Brian behind her. That apparently wasn't going to happen.

"However," Melanie continued, "I have to admit that this place is lovely and Seamus is very accommodating."

"Even if he was recommended by Brian?'

"One could say, in spite of being recommended by Brian Kinney." Lindsay shook her head.

"You're incorrigible."

"I suppose I am, but I'm also admitting that this time Brian was right. This is going to be a lovely holiday."

"Only if we make it a lovely holiday," Lindsay cautioned.

"That's exactly what I intend to do. And I'm going to start by not saying another bad word about Brian Kinney the whole time we're here."

Lindsay's mouth dropped open and she stopped in her tracks. With a warm smile and a kiss on the cheek, Melanie passed Lindsay on the stairs and continued up to their room.

 

IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 4

 

Day 2 (continued)

 

"So what's the verdict?" Danny asked as John and the hot gay plumber guy came downstairs. John shook Ronny's hand then showed the younger man out. John had a frown on his face.

"Well the good news is that you can use the shower," John answered. "

And the bad news?" Brian snarked.

"The pipes in the wall are shot, they all need to be replaced. That means tile and plaster work. Ronny and his company can handle the plumbing but we will need someone to complete the repair."

"John," Brian began.

"I know, Bri, this is the tip of the iceberg. I already called Gordon. He's going to send over a few men including our electricians. The leak damaged some wiring. Danny, I want to be here early in the morning, any problem with that?"

"Not at all, my late night days are long over. We're up early for school," Danny said as the kids nodded in agreement.

"Good. We may need you to make some hardware store runs for us, to speed things along. I don't think the girls would appreciate coming home to a construction zone, so I want all the repairs to be done before they get back," John said seriously.

"Speaking about the girls, should we tell them?" Danny asked looking back and forth from the brothers to the kids.

"No," Brian said emphatically. "I don't want them to know. They'd be on the first plane back and they need this time alone. John, can you promise me we can get it all fixed before they get back?"

"Barring any other major disasters, we can have it all done in a few days."

"Then we don't tell them anything until they're home," Brian said in full 'in charge' mode. Everyone agreed.

"Um, Dad?"

"What is it, Gus?"

"The moms left us some money for groceries and things but..."

"Not to worry, Gus, I'll take care of it. But you guys will have to be in charge of the clean up crew."

"We can handle it, Pop!"

JR bobbed her head along with Gus.

"Okay, people, we all have our assignments. I suggest we snap to it," Brian exclaimed with a practiced air of authority.

"Brian, John, would you like to stay for dinner?" Danny asked, forever the congenial host.

"No thank you, we better get back to the cottage. If John and I are going to be here on and off for the next two weeks, I want to make sure we're prepared." Brian was thinking they might stay at the loft but he really didn't want to. John and he had spent four days there just before Christmas and it wasn't all fun and games. John knew this too and was prepared for a lot of driving back and forth from Edna's Treasures and Pittsburgh.

"Brian, you don't have to be here," John said putting his brother at ease. "We have good men here; they know what I expect." Brian was proud of his brother who was now in complete 'foreman in charge' mode. And he had complete faith in him.

"Don't worry, Pop, me and Ronny have an understanding. We're cool," Gus beamed, and JR rolled her eyes.

"Uh huh, just what I'm afraid of. I think you and I need to have a chat," Brian, now in full dad mode, said as he grabbed his son by the scruff of the neck then steered him up to his room. "Excuse us," Brian said to the room.

"JR, go do your homework. John, would you like a cup of coffee before you leave?" Danny, in granny mode, took over. JR went to get her books as John followed the aging queen into the kitchen.

 

*****

 

"Sit," Brian said sternly to his son, pointing to the bed.

"Pop, I..."

Brian cut him off with a raise of his eyebrow. "I talk, you listen then we discuss." Brian waited for Gus to acknowledge him before he continued. "Gus, I'm not so old that I don't remember what it's like to be young with raging hormones and wanting to 'do' every hot guy I see."

"Dad..."

Another arch of the brow stopped Gus. "Yeah, I know he's hot. Believe me, before Justin, I'd have had some definite plans for that ass but you're too young and he's too old for you."

"But I'm almost Justin's age when he met you and there's an age difference between you two."

"Gus, Justin was legal when I met him."

"Barely."

"Gus!"

"Okay, but I don't understand why it was okay for you and not for me."

Brian sighed loudly then sat next to his son. "Gus, do you know what gay sex is all about?"

"Yes I do!" Gus answered quickly and got another arch of his father's brow. "Sort of, I mean I know it involves, well you know and um, two guys and condoms and lots of lube and..."

"Gus, do you think you're really ready for sex if you can't even say the words?"

"Dad, sometimes I think I'm ready and sometimes I don't and sometimes it kinda hurts. You know?"

"Yeah, I know," Brian said as he pulled Gus closer into a hug. "You've had the talk with the moms."

Gus chuckled. He had had the talk with his moms and with his dad and with Grandma Debbie who was practically at the head of the line. She had given him his first condom and instructions on how to use it. But that's as far as it went. She popped him in the head then told him no tricks until he was eighteen. Gus agreed in fear of a concussion.

"Yes, Dad. I've had the talk, many times. But..."

"You have questions."

"Yeah, I want to know what it feels like."

"To fuck or to make love?" Brian decided to be brutally honest as always.

"I don't know; is there a difference?"

"When I was your age and before Justin, the answer was no. I had no idea what love was or how to make love. All I knew was that I liked fucking and took every opportunity to do it."

"The stud."

"Yeah, the stud. I was a top and nothing, no one, could stop me."

"Except for Justin."

"Except for Justin. It wasn't easy for him to get through to me. I was a fool and stubborn, nothing worse than a stubborn fool who thought with his dick rather than his brain. And I tried to drag Justin down with me. Fortunately he's smarter than that."

"Oh Dad, you're smart."

"Maybe, but I had some lessons to learn and thank the gods, Justin hung around as I learned them. Gus, you, Bree and Justin are the most important people in my life. I'd die if anything happened to any of you, including you learning the hard way about 'the life'." Brian hugged his son closer. "Gus, when you're ready, truly ready, I'll tell you what you need to know. But don't be in such a hurry. There are plenty of hot plumbers out there ready and willing to wait for another Kinney."

Father and son shared a chuckle. "Just do me a favor."

"What, Pop?"

"Be a top."

Gus burst out laughing. "Okay, Pop, for you, I'll be a top." Brian sighed happily then gave his son a squeeze. "Um, Pop?"

"Yeah?"

"What's a top?" Brian groaned then flopped back onto the bed as Gus broke out in giggles.

 

*****

 

"Hey Lindz, let's walk off that dinner," Melanie suggested. The girls had just had a great meal at the A1A Ale House and both were feeling rather full.

"Sure, it's a beautiful night. I can use the walk."

The girls strolled up the main street then began to explore some of the side streets. That's when they came upon the 'Love Tree'.

"It says that the palm tree is growing inside the oak," Melanie remarked as she read from the tourist guide.

"Or the oak is growing around the palm," Lindsay said as she looked up at the unusual trees.

"Is there a difference?"

"I think there is."

"I don't think so," Mel said and began to walk away. The trees weren't that interesting to her.

"No, I don't suppose you would," Lindsay muttered to herself.

*****

"Bri?"

"Hmm?"

Brian and Justin were snuggled together in their bedroom. It had been a long day for everyone at Edna's Treasures. And promised to be a busy two weeks.

"What happened today? You're very quiet." Brian snorted. "More quiet than usual," Justin qualified his statement.

"John told you about the plumber?"

"Yeah, he said he was hot. Something about a nice ass."

"I didn't notice," Brian fibbed a little. "Much," Brian quickly redeemed himself. Justin giggled. "Gus noticed. He noticed big time. He's itching to get out there, Jus. He's too young. I don't want him to get hurt."

"Brian, he's almost the same age as..."

"So he reminded me. But he's not you and he's not ready. He can't even say the words let alone do them. And he has no idea there's a difference between making love and fucking."

"There's a difference?" Justin joked, lightly smacking Brian's chest.

"Yes, there is and I ought to know because you taught me."

"I'm so smart," Justin quipped.

"Yes, you are," Brian stated then kissed his lover on the nose. "Did you convince him to wait?"

"I think so. Made him promise to be the top."

"Oh, Brian!" Justin started laughing. "Only you," Justin said as he rolled on top of his husband. "Only you," Justin repeated as he kissed Brian's lips. The lovers felt themselves growing harder as their kiss deepened.

"Make love to me, Justin," Brian whispered as he held Justin close to his heart.

"You sure?" Justin whispered.

"Yes. Like the first time," Brian answered softly in the dark and security of their room, spreading his legs inviting Justin in.

Justin slowly and leisurely made love to Brian using every trick and technique he had learned from Brian over the years, making sure his husband was completely and totally loved.

Afterwards, sweaty and sticky with the combined evidence of their loving, they basked in the aftermath. "Thank you, Sunshine," Brian said as his brain cells were trying to regroup.

"For what?"

"For loving me."

"I have no choice but to love you. You're the other half of me, the other half of my soul. I'll always love you." In the dark the lovers found each other's hand and entwined their fingers.

"Jus, are you in love with me?"

"Yes," Justin answered without hesitation.

"Good, because I'm in lo..."

"Shhh, you don't have to say it." Justin placed one finger over Brian's lips.

"But..."

"I feel it, Bri. I've always felt it. I don't need the words anymore. I know it in here, in my heart." Justin took Brian's hand to place it on his chest.

"I am in love with you, Justin, and nothing will ever change that." The lovers cuddled closer.

"We're going to be glued together by the morning," Justin said as he yawned. Sleep was about to claim them both.

"Good," was all that Brian said as he held Justin even tighter. "I love you Justin Taylor-Kinney. I love you." Brian felt Justin's smile against his chest.

"I love you," Brian said once more as they both drifted off to sleep.

 

*****

 

"Would you care for a glass of wine, Miss Lindsay?" Seamus offered the tall blond as she came down from the room she shared with Melanie. After their heavy meal and long day, Melanie had succumbed to the call of the large soft bed and had fallen asleep almost immediately.

"Yes, I'd like that. I hope I'm not disturbing you. I couldn't sleep."

"Not at all and it's not that late. I wouldn't mind a little company whilst I have a wee dram." Lindsay smiled as Seamus' accent became more pronounced. "Come and sit with me out on the veranda."

Lindsay followed her host outside. There was a cool breeze. January in Florida could be quite cool at night. "Do you need a blanket?" Seamus offered.

"I'm fine," Lindsay answered as she sipped her wine.

"If you don't mind me saying, I don't think you're all that fine, physical beauty aside, I mean."

"You seem to be a very wise man."

"Your Brian seemed to think so."

"Yes, I think he would."

"I have strong shoulders and two good ears."

"Have you ever been with someone so long that it just became habit and maybe not love?"

"No, I can't honestly say that I have, but many who have come here have been in your predicament."

"What happened?"

"Most of my guests have gone back to their lives with a better understanding of what they want out of life."

"Now I know you've kissed the Blarney Stone," Lindsay laughed.

"Miss Lindsay, it takes two to make a relationship work and neither party can take the other for granted. That much I do know." Lindsay nodded as she drained her glass.

"A wee bit more of the grape?" Seamus offered as he held up the bottle.

"Don't mind if I do," Lindsay said as she held up her glass to be filled.

The cool breeze was nothing compared to the chill that was beginning to invade her heart.


IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 5

Day 3

 

"Dada, can you fix my hair?" Bree asked with her best smile. She stood beside Brian's chair holding her brush and scuffing the toe of her pink slipper on the kitchen floor.

"Dada has to leave soon, sweetheart," Justin said. "I'll do your hair."

"No, I want Dada. He makes it perfect." Bree did her best pout.

"I can make your hair look just the way you want it," Justin protested.

"No, want Dada," Bree repeated.

"I'll do it," Brian said. He knew it was one of his guilty pleasures to brush his daughter's hair and fashion it just so. Both he and Briana took great pride in the finished result. 

"You shouldn't give into her all the time," Justin contradicted Brian. "You said that you and John wanted to get an early start."

"It won't take long," Brian said as he took the brush from Bree and turned her around so that he could begin brushing.

"Fine," Justin said, grabbing his mug of coffee and heading for the sun porch. "You can get her off to school as well."

"Justin," Brian called. His plea was totally ignored as Justin kept right on going. He was about to get up and follow his husband when Bree said, "Hair, Dada."

Brian refocused on the hair, deciding that he would smooth things over with Justin later. He brushed gently, all the while thinking about Justin's reaction. They didn't often disagree, but when they did it was usually about how to raise Bree. Justin didn't want her spoiled, and Brian spoiled her at every opportunity. At least Justin called it spoiling, when in reality it was merely Brian providing the things that Bree wanted or needed, well mostly wanted. They had a beautiful daughter who was willing to share and help whenever the occasion arose. What more could anyone ask for? Briana was not spoiled as far as Brian was concerned.

Brian was pulling the soft blonde hair into a ponytail at the side of Bree's head when Patrick came in with Bobby. "That looks cute," Patrick said admiring Bree's hairdo. He knew she liked to be complimented on her hair.

"I know. My Dada always makes it perfect," she replied with a big smile.

"Maybe you missed your calling in life, Bri," Bobby chuckled.

"F you," Brian reacted.

Bobby chuckled knowing he had got Brian's goat. "John's ready to go. He said to tell you to get your ass off the chair and meet him at his truck."

"Do I look like some flunky that your husband can order around?" Brian demanded indignantly.

"Today, yes you do," Bobby grinned. "That is, if you want his help at the Munchers."

"Fu… Okay, I'm ready," Brian grumbled. "There you go, Squirt. You look fabulous! Have a good day at school." Brian kissed Bree's cheek.

"Thank you, Dada," Bree replied touching her hand to her hair.

"Go say goodbye to Daddy," Brian told her.

Bree ran off to the sun porch to do that, while Brian stood and gathered up the papers he had been looking at. They were the tentative new plans for Kinnetik N'rgy in New York. He put them in his briefcase which was beside the table and closed the case with a decided snap

"Is something wrong?" Bobby asked.

Brian shook his head. "Justin thinks I give into Bree all the time."

"Justin's right."

"What? You're taking his side in this?"

"I'm not taking sides, but you know that you do give Bree everything she ever wants." Brian frowned.

"I try not to."

"Then let's just say that's one thing you haven't been very successful at. Come on, kids," Bobby said as he ushered the children toward the front door.

Brian debated going to speak to Justin. He walked to the entrance to the sun porch and looked in at Justin. His husband stood with his back to the kitchen staring out at the snow. He held his coffee mug in one hand and his other hand was ruffling through the fur on Beau's neck.

"Justin," Brian said gently. There was no answer. "Justin, I'm leaving now," he said more loudly.

"Okay."

"I … I didn't mean to contradict you," Brian said by way of explanation for his earlier actions.

"Go fix the shower or whatever the fuck it is that needs fixing at Lindsay's," Justin muttered.

"Looks like there's something right here that may need fixing too."

"Brian, I…"

Brian waited but Justin didn't finish that statement. "I could tell John to go ahead on his own," Brian said after a bit.

"No, this isn't the time. I think we need to talk, but maybe later."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, just go. I'll see you when you come home."

"I certainly hope so," Brian said.

He turned and went back into the kitchen to pick up his briefcase. He was about to grab his coat when he looked out to the sun porch again. Justin was still standing there, in the same position with Beau by his side. Maybe he should stay home today, Brian wondered. But Justin didn't seem ready to talk.

Finally Brian grabbed his coat and headed out the door. Maybe when he came home they could really get to the bottom of what was bothering Justin, and Brian was pretty sure it wasn't Bree's hair.

 

*****

 

"See you later," John said through the window as he dropped Brian off at the diner. It was early. Brian had a couple of hours yet before his telephone conference and he hated taking over Cynthia's office. So he had John drop him off at the diner for a light breakfast.

"You know you could have come to the bistro and had a popover," Emmett said as he plopped himself down on the seat across from Brian. "They're very fresh."

"I bet they are," Brian said looking over the contract in his hand. "I'm sorry, Emm. I guess it's just force of habit coming here."

Emmett looked at Brian with a shocked expression.

"Brian Kinney actually apologizing for something? Be still my heart."

"Asshole," Brian grumbled. After a while Brian attempted small talk. "Is the season over for the Ironmen?"

"Almost. In a few weeks Drewsie and I intend to spend at least a month at the cottage. Peace and quiet here we come. Why?"

"Just asking. You really like it up there?"

"Brian, I love it there and so does Drew, blizzards notwithstanding. I still have to pinch myself every time I'm there. The cottage is beautiful, Brian. I am very grateful. What brings you to the Pitts?"

"Stacey and N'rgy. She and Ken have worked up some plans for expansion. And I've been itching for a little more hands on experience. I love being able to work from home, but with Bree in school most of the day..."

"Man cannot live on love alone?"

"If you mean love in the afternoon with Justin, of course I can. But he does need a little space so he can paint. He doesn't need me under foot all the time."

"So you come here or go into Harrisburg to give him time to create."

"Or wherever Cynthia and the clients need me to go."

"Must be nice to be the master of your own dynasty."

"You tell me. You have your own dynasty to rule."

"Ah, but mine is still brand new whereas yours is..."

"Old?"

"Well established. Brian Kinney does not do old. Have you heard from the girls?"

"Yes, they're in Florida trying to reconnect as we speak."

"You seem skeptical. You don't think they can work things out?"

"I'm not so sure. Sometimes I think Lindsay would be better off without the bitch. But..."

"She loves her."

"Yes, she does. Who am I to interfere?"

"You're Brian Kinney, but I see your point."

The two friends became quiet, lost in their own thoughts.

"I better be going; I have buns and tarts to play with," Emmett said with a wide grin and a wink.

"You do that. I have a dynasty to rule."

"My liege," Emmett said as he slid out of the booth then took a bow. Brian threw some bills onto the table then made a regal exit with Emmett close on his heels. The friends parted company at the corner as they each walked to their respective kingdoms.

 

*****

 

"Mr. Anderson, it's good to see you again," Ronny the hot plumber said with a flirtatious smile. The two had arrived at Lindsay and Mel's house at the same time.

"It's John, and how about we get to work. A few of my men will be here to assess the damage. There are a few more things I want to look at before you all raise a dust cloud."

"Of course, John. I'll be in the bathroom sizing up my pipes," the handsome young plumber cooed as he sashayed his way up the stairs. John stood at the bottom of the staircase shaking his head.

"That boy is in for a world of hurt if he isn't careful," Danny exclaimed as he caught the hip action. "Those tools of his could be lethal."

"Mmm," John agreed. "Danny, I'm going to the basement. If this house and its appliances are as old as I think they are, it's a disaster waiting to happen. We might as well fix everything all at once."

Danny nodded in agreement then led John to the basement.


*****

 

"Brian, it's John on line one," Cynthia's assistant called over the intercom. The telephone conferences went well. Brian, Cynthia and Ted were discussing the expansion plans as well as the several projects the other branches were involved in.

"Hey, big bro, pipes all fixed?"

"Yes and no."

"I'm not going to like this, am I?"

"Since you've decided to foot the bill, no."

"Give it to me straight," Brian said as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"The furnace is shot, the water heater has a crack and the kitchen sink is about to go. As soon as we upgrade the water heater, the old pipes won't be able to take the pressure. They must be replaced."

"Fuck!"

"Listen, you know I'll get you the best deal..."

"It's not the money. I'll spend whatever it takes. Can you have it done before the girls get back?"

"Yes. Let me get my men in here and we'll have it all done. I can even find similar fixtures so they won't realize anything's different."

"Just get it done, big bro."

"Whatever you say. I'll be by within the hour to pick you up."

"Okay.

*****

The girls decided to take a drive along the A1A highway. They had lunch at the Shark House. Fortunately for them, the Shark House was minus one lounge singer. It gave them time to talk.

"Lindz, we said we'd talk today."

"I know," Lindsay said as she fiddled with her salad.

"Sometimes I think we're on two different planets. I keep thinking everything's fine but then I find out I'm mistaken. The kids are growing up so fast. I've missed so much."

"Whose fault is that?"

"Mine, I suppose. Gus is practically a man and JR is almost a teenager. Shit, it seems they were just in diapers a year ago."

"I know," Lindsay laughed at Mel's exasperation. "Gus keeps hinting about getting a car."

"A car?! Good Lord, he doesn't know how to drive yet."

"He's going to take drivers' ed soon and then he will know. Have you noticed how JR keeps painting her finger and toe nails? Every night a different color. She found one called pomegranate. I find it quite lovely," Lindsay said as she wiggled her fingernails at Melanie. "Even Brian noticed at Christmas. He called me and JR twins," Lindsay proclaimed proudly.

"I didn't notice. I haven't noticed a lot of things," Melanie said sadly as the realization hit her. "And yet Brian noticed that my wife and daughter were both wearing the same nail polish."

The girls got quiet as the waitress brought their main course.

"JR and I go to the nail salon every two weeks. Why don't you join us?"

"How long has this been going on?"

"About a year."

"A year? Where have I been?"

"Work. We've asked you to join us several times but you always say..."

"I'm busy. I'm sorry, Lindsay."

"Then do something about it. We mark our appointments on the calendar. Take a whole weekend off, for once, and come with us."

"Lindsay, my work, my clients are very important to me. It's how I make a living."

"More important than your own family? Mel, my work is no less important to me but family time must come first. A couple of hours every two weeks is not much to ask."

"You're right. I bet the great Brian Kinney spends more time with the kids than I do. Doesn't he?" Lindsay didn't answer, her silence was all Melanie needed to hear.

"Maybe I need to learn some parenting skills from Brian fucking Kinney." The girls continued their meal in silence.

IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 6

Day 3 (continued)

 

The taxi pulled up in front of Lindsay and Melanie's house. Brian stepped out after paying the driver. Rather than having John pick him up, Brian decided to meet John at the house. He walked up to the front door. Just as he arrived there, it swung open and JR came charging out. She ran up to Brian and threw her arms around his waist.

"Whoa! What's going on?" Brian demanded, as he tried to prevent himself from staggering backwards from the force of the onslaught.

"Can I come home with you, Uncle Brian?" she asked.

"Home? With me? What's going on?"

"I want to go home with you and Gus. Gus says he's going to your place if we don't have any water, and I want to go too."

"Easy, Jenny Rebecca," Brian said gently. "Gus is not coming to Edna's Treasures. He has school, and the cottage is too far away for him to commute every day. It would be too far for you too."

"But we have to go somewhere. Grandpa Danny says we can go to his place, but I'd rather go to your place," JR replied. "Please!"

"Um … let's go inside and talk to the others about this. Maybe you won't have to go anywhere." Brian and JR walked inside the house.

"Hey, Mr. Kinney," Ronny said with that winning smile, as he came down the stairs.

"What's going on with the plumbing?" Brian demanded.

"We found some really old pipes that are either leaking or on the verge of leaking. John and I have been talking about upgrading all the plumbing. It would make this house much more solid and prevent some future disasters."

Brian groaned. This was getting to be way bigger than anything he had ever imagined. He just wanted to fix the fucking knob in the shower.

"Where's my brother?" he demanded.

"In the basement, I think."

Brian headed for the basement with JR dogging his steps. "Jenny Rebecca, you need to stay up here while I talk to John."

"But I want to hear," JR pouted.

"Stay. Here," Brian said forcefully.

JR looked like she wanted to cry but she went into the living room, flopped down on the couch and crossed her arms in that defiant, annoyed way that mimicked Michael so well. Brian had to smile.

"I'll take your wishes under advisement," Brian said gently. JR stared at him. "Okay?" he asked. JR sighed.

"Okay, Uncle Brian."

Brian made his way down to the basement where he found John studying some pipes and wires. "Don't tell me the electrical system is all shot to hell and needs to be replaced too," Brian said with a groan.

"It could stand to be, but there's nothing pressing about it at the moment," John chuckled, as the relief on Brian's face was evident.

"Thank the fucking gods!"

"Did Ronny tell you the good news about the plumbing?"

"I didn't hear any good news," Brian said surprised.

"I was being facetious," John laughed. "Really, we do need to replace these pipes. They could blow at any moment. The work to clean that up and fix the house will be triple what it will cost to replace them right now."

Brian sighed. "Fuck," he muttered. "Okay, if that's what you think," he added in a resigned voice.

"It's what I know, not what I think, and it would definitely be the right decision to make the improvements now."

"But what about having this all fixed before Lindsay and Melanie come back?"

"I think that's still doable. One of my crews is just finishing up a job. They could start day after tomorrow. If Ronny and his guys start today, we can have everything back to normal by the time the girls return."

Brian looked thoughtfully at his brother. "Do it," was all he said.

"Yes, sir," John chuckled.

"JR tells me that there won't be any water, and Danny wants them all to live at his place for a few days."

"That's right. Things will go faster and easier if they aren't living here while we're doing the renovations." "But how are we going to keep this from Lindz when she calls every night?"

John thought for a minute. "Have JR call to wish them good night. If the kids call and beat the girls to the punch, they won't know where the call is coming from."

"I guess that could work," Brian said slowly.

"Why don't you just tell them?" John asked. "Since you're so worried they're going to find out."

"Because they would want to pay, and then they'd say they can't afford their vacation and the renovations, and then they'd be on the next plane home, and then it would all be my fault that they didn't get the time away together that they needed."

John chuckled because he knew Brian was right. "And whose fault will it be when they find out about the renovations."

"Mine."

John laughed louder. "So what's the difference?"

"It's easier to get forgiveness than permission," Brian said with a straight face.

"Yeah, it is. I've learned that the hard way."

"So, figure out what the fuck needs to be done, and get this demolition job moving."

"Bite your tongue, little brother. I don't do demolitions," John pronounced indignantly. "I do restorations, just like I did for your cottage."

"I didn't mean to insult you," Brian said, genuinely sorry for insulting his brother. "It's just that this whole thing makes me want to tear the whole fucking place down and put up something from this century."

"And it wouldn't have half the charm this place does."

"It would if you designed it," Brian said with all sincerity.

"Thank you, little brother. You are now officially forgiven." Brian grinned.

"I meant that, you know."

"I know."

John pulled his brother into a hug.

 

*****

 

"Let's take a walk on the beach," Lindsay suggested. The beach was just outside of the Shark House and Lindsay wanted to walk off the meal they just had.

The January Florida sun was warm enough for just a sweatshirt or sweater. "Beach? It's fucking freezing out, Lindz," Melanie groused.

"No, twenty degrees with minus five wind chills is freezing and that's what we left two days ago. Sixty-five in the sun is positively balmy. Now I'm going for a walk. You can wait at the bar for me if you like."

Lindsay turned to take the wooden stairs down to the beach. Melanie stood at the rail watching her go down. "Lindz, wait for me," Mel called. She didn't want to further antagonize her partner.

Lindsay waited patiently with a smile. "Thank you," Lindsay said as she gave Mel a discreet peck on the cheek. They were quite alone on the beach so after walking a short distance, they felt free to hold hands.

"Lindsay, I don't want to fight anymore. What can I do to make our relationship  better?"

Lindsay stopped to gaze out at the water. The surf was a little rough, making sport for windsurfers. A few daring surfers were trying their luck.

"Our lives have gotten to be like those surfers out there. Trying to ride the waves, but when the surf gets too rough, we back down, or rather I back down. Instead of telling you how I feel, I keep it all inside and our kids are suffering for it."

"I don't see them suffering. They're healthy, doing well in school."

"I imagine you don't see them suffering because you don't see them at all. When I had 'the talk' with Gus, he laughed because he said Grandma Debbie beat me to it. She didn't say much to him but instructed him regarding condoms and made him promise to wait until he turned eighteen. JR is obsessed with cleanliness. When she had a first period she was afraid to shower. You weren't around at the time so we had a nice chat, although it took her a while to decide that age old question."

"What age old question?"

"Tampons versus pads."

Melanie groaned. "My God, she is growing up. That never occurred to me."

"Mel, don't you remember when you were that young?"

"Yes, but I used whatever my mother told me to use. I was never really given a choice. My mother was a little strict about certain things. Lindz, how much more have I missed?"

 "I'm not sure, but you can fix it. There's still time. Just take the time to spend with us. Come with us when JR and I go to the salon. And spend some time with Gus when he's doing his projects on the computer. Did you know he's seriously considering following in his father's footsteps."

"What, he wants to be a whore?"

"I won't stand for it if you continue to go on like this, Melanie. He hasn't been a whore, as you put it for over ten years. He's been a faithful, loving partner and a good father, to both our children. He's not competing for Gus' affections or JR's. They love him because he makes time for them and is honest with them. And I for one am very proud if Gus wants to join his father in his business. Kinnetik is very successful. I see nothing wrong with Gus emulating Brian."

Lindsay turned to walk away.

"Lindz, I'm sorry; you're right. Brian built that business from practically nothing. He's a generous and fair employer. Both Cynthia and Ted have joined the local business associates organization. They can't say enough good things about Kinnetik and the branches. And many of the execs are members of the GLC. They all have good things to say. I guess Gus couldn't do any better than following Brian's work ethics. I just can't believe a leopard can truly change his spots."

"Perhaps we all were looking at the wrong spots. We saw in Brian what we wanted to see and not the real Brian. I'm not saying he was perfect back then, far from it. But that was our fault. We never allowed him to change, and we put him down when he was changing."

"Except for Justin."

"True, Justin encouraged Brian's personal growth. As did Ben, Ted, Cynthia and even Emmett and Hunter. Mel, I know you love our children, I know you love me but sometimes you must put us first. It's not all  work."

"I can't work from home like Brian does."

"I'm not asking you to. But you could come home by seven three or four days a week instead of after nine every night. Start small, have dinner with us some time."

Melanie nodded as some of what Lindsay was trying to say sunk in.

"Let's head back; I'd like to see the Lightener Museum if it's still open."

The girls returned to the parking lot of the Shark House to drive back to St. Augustine.

 

*****

 

"You're awfully quiet," John said as he drove the Navigator back toward Edna's Treasures.

"Just thinking," Brian said with a sigh.

"About?"

"The girls' house, JR and Gus. Things."

"Is Justin included in those 'things'?"

"Always, number one on the list."

"Brian, whatever it is, you'll work it out. You always  do."

"Yeah, we will," Brian said with a small smile. They would work it out, whatever it was.

"Now, if we can only work out getting that house in shape before the bitch comes home."

"Brian, that 'bitch' is JR's mother and you love JR. Cut her some slack."

“If I have to."

"Big baby."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Not."

"Too!"

The brothers broke out in very unmanly giggles as they managed to get home to the cottage in time for dinner.

 

*****

 

Dinner was a rather quiet affair for Brian, Justin and Bree. The little girl did most of the talking, telling them about her day at school.

"Sally and me," Bree started her next part of the story.

"Sally and I," Brian corrected.

"Sally and I played hide and seek at recess. All those big piles of snow are really good places to hide," Bree explained knowledgeably.

"Are they?" Brian asked.

He watched Justin who was picking at his food, pushing it around the plate and eating very little. Obviously whatever had bothered Justin that morning was still bothering him. Brian held back a sigh. They were going to have to talk, and he still hated talking when it involved emotions and upset feelings and all that kind of shit. He was no good at it, never had been. And it was probably all his fault.

"Dada, Dada," Bree repeated, trying to get Brian's attention.

"Yes, Squirt." Brian tried to focus on his daughter, when his brain was shifting away to what he had to deal with as far as Justin was concerned.

"Are you listening?"

"Yes."

Bree frowned. "Then, Sally can come over to play this weekend?"

"Who's Sally?"

Bree let out a long suffering sigh, so much like her Dada was wont to do. "My friend."

"Oh?" Brian said still staring at Justin who was staring at his plate.

"So, Sally can come over?"

"Um … why don't you ask Daddy?" Brian suggested, hoping to draw Justin into what was going on, and stop him from pushing the small piece of potato around and around on his plate. The noise of the fork scraping on the porcelain surface had put Brian's teeth on edge. He was going to say something really vile if it didn't stop and soon.

"Daddy?"

"Yes, sweetheart," Justin said absently.

"Can Sally come over to play this weekend?"

"Who's Sally?"

Bree sighed once again. "My friend?" She looked from one father to the other. Something was definitely going on. They usually talked and laughed at dinner. Tonight nobody was saying nothing and they weren't even listening to her. She was used to being the center of attention.

"We'll see," Justin said non-commitally.

"But I need to know, Daddy," Bree wheedled.

"Later," Justin said.

"Pleeeeeeeeeease," Bree said stretching it out for many syllables.

"Stop that! NOW!" Justin ordered in a testy voice.

Bree sat up straight and stared in disbelief at her father. He never talked to her like that. "Dada," she cried, looking for support from her other father

"Justin, that was uncalled for," Brian said softly.

"Of course, it was. Everything I do is wrong. When I try to discipline our daughter, you take her side. No wonder she thinks the sun rises and sets on you, and I'm just the fucking hired help." Justin stood up and threw his napkin on the table. He went towards the front door where Brian heard him scrabbling around. A moment later the front door slammed.

"Justin," Brian called, but he knew it was too late. Justin had left the house. He waited to see if the car started, but there was no sound from any vehicle. Justin must have decided to walk off his mad.

"Dada," Bree whimpered. "I sorry."

"It's not your fault, Squirt. It's mine."

"Where's Daddy going?"

"For a walk."

Bree slid off her chair and climbed onto Brian's lap. "When will he be back?"

"In a while," Brian said as he gave her a hug. He hoped it would be just a while. He hated when they fought, and he was now one hundred percent sure that a fight was brewing.

IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 7

Day 3 (continued)

 

Justin stomped down the lane. His sneakers made crunching noises in the frozen snow. Thank God the snow wasn't deep. He hadn't taken time to put on his boots, or his hat, or his gloves either. He rubbed his ears, turned up the collar on his coat and then shoved his hands deep into the pockets of the jacket.

Justin slowed his pace, realizing that he didn't really have anywhere to go. Charging forward at full speed would only get him to the end of the lane that much faster. Justin knew he would turn around and come back once he got there. He wasn't foolish enough to walk along the main road wearing a black jacket and with no flashlight. That was a surefire recipe for getting creamed by the cars that were always speeding by.

Slowing down gave Justin time to think. He had been angry all day. Brian and Bree had both ticked him off. It was like Bree was Brian's daughter not his. Bree always wanted 'Dada' to do everything, everything fun that was. Justin was useful for clean laundry and meals and making beds, but 'Dada' got to dress their daughter and brush her hair and buy her anything she wanted. All Bree had to do was ask, and 'Dada' said yes. It didn't matter what Justin thought.

That's why he had stormed off when Bree wouldn't even let him brush her fucking hair that morning.

"Dada makes it perfect," Justin mumbled to himself using a falsetto to replicate Bree's comment. "Well, fuck Dada!"

Justin trudged along, his eyes on the ground, lost in thought.

"Justin! Justin baby, is that you?" a voice called.

Justin looked up to see Emmett standing in the doorway of his cottage.

"What are you doing here?" Justin asked. He couldn't help but smile at the big grin on Emmett's face.

"I live here," Emmett laughed. "You look like you're freezing. I just made a pot of coffee. Come in and have some."

"Um … I shouldn't," Justin said looking back up the lane at Edna's Treasures.

"Sure you should. I'm not taking no for an answer." Emmett grabbed Justin's sleeve and pulled him inside. "Drew's watching some old sports movie, so come to the kitchen and I'll get you that coffee."

Seated at the kitchen table, his jacket slung over the back of the chair, Justin started to relax. "Did you and Brian have a fight?" Emmett asked knowingly.

Justin looked up at Emmett from where he had been running his fingers up and down the handle of his mug. "Not yet," he said cryptically.

"Oh, so it's brewing?"

"Yes."

"Care to share?"

Justin sighed. "This has been coming for some time."

"What has?"

"It's hard to explain," Justin said carefully.

"I have a whole pot of coffee and a good set of ears."

"Yeah, you do. I know that. Okay, here goes." Justin took a long breath. "For quite a while now I've been feeling… left out."

"Left out? Of what?"

"The family."

"But you and Brian were great at Christmas, and Bree is just delicious enough to eat," Emmett gushed.

Justin smiled. "Brian and Bree are so close. Sometimes there doesn't seem to be room for me," Justin admitted reluctantly.

"Oh, but I thought you would love that your husband and daughter were so close."

"Most of the time I do. It's just every now and then something hits home, and I feel like a fifth wheel."

"Are you just a teensy, weensy bit jealous by any chance?" Emmett asked, scrunching up his face in that way that meant he knew he was treading in forbidden territory, but felt compelled to do it anyway.

"Jealous?" Justin asked in surprise. Emmett nodded and took a sip of his coffee. "I don't think I'm jealous. Am I? Could I be? Really?"

"I think that might be it," Emmett replied with a smile. "And I can see why. Bree is like a miniature Brian Kinney."

"I know. How do you explain that?"

Emmett chuckled. "Brian is a force to be reckoned with. Briana has been well trained by Mr. Kinney."

"Maybe that's part of the problem. She's my biological daughter, but sometimes she's nothing like me at all."

"Oh, psssh," Emmett reacted. "She looks like you, she giggles like you, she's generous and kind like you, and most of all she paints like you."

Justin had to smile. "Yeah, she is quite the little artist."

"And she has Brian's death glare and his fashion sense. Certainly not yours. No offense meant."

"None taken," Justin grinned.

"And she can queen out with the best of them." Justin nodded. "And she plays soccer better than her Dada."

"Better?" Justin laughed.

"Don't tell him," Emmett cautioned reaching over to tap Justin's hand conspiratorially.

"I won't."

"And she's kind and generous like Brian doesn't want us to know he is. She's the perfect result of nature and nurture."

"She is pretty perfect, isn't she?"

"Yep. I'd say so."

"Say so about what?" Drew asked as he came into the kitchen and poured himself some coffee.

"We were just discussing the totally fabulous Miss Briana."

Drew laughed. "That's a good description of her. She's not like any other four year old I've ever met, not that I've met many four year olds, mind you."

"I should get back. Brian will be having a fit, especially if Bree is throwing a tantrum because I didn't tuck her in," Justin said with a glance at the clock. It was a little after Bree's bedtime.

"Doesn't sound like you're so dispensable after all," Emmett said softly as he walked Justin to the door. "Go, make up with the hubby."

"Thanks, Emmett, I'll see what I can do."

Drew handed Justin a flashlight and the two men waved as Justin started back up the lane. "Everything all right?" Drew asked.

"I think it may be all fixed," Emmett smiled, before he shut the door against the cold January weather.

 

*****

 

When Justin reached the front door of Edna's Treasures, it flew open before he could reach for the handle. "Where the fuck have you been? I've been worried sick. I was about to get in the car and go looking for you."

"You probably wouldn't have found me," Justin said. "I was at Emmett's."

"They're back? What were you doing there? You didn't have your hat or gloves." Brian held up both. He had one in each hand.

"I was in a hurry," Justin said trying not to smile. It was nice to be reminded how much he meant to Brian, how worried Brian had been since he left.

"Is Bree asleep?"

"She's in bed, but she said she wouldn't sleep until you came back and tucked her in."

Then Justin did smile. Brian couldn't have said anything better to him. "I'll go do that. And then we'll talk."

"Then we'll talk."

Justin walked down the hall and pushed the door to Bree's room. As it opened he saw her lying on her back, her big blue eyes staring at the ceiling. As soon as she heard the door, she leaped up and threw herself into her father's arms.

"I worried, Daddy. Where did you go?"

"I just went for a walk," Justin said gently holding her tight against his chest.

"It took a long time," Bree scolded. "You weren't here to tuck me in." "Couldn't Dada do it?" Justin asked.

"No, you do it better. You tuck me in perfect." "Perfectly," Justin corrected with a chuckle. "Perfectly," Bree said kissing Justin's cheek.

"Did you say your prayers?"

"No, I was waiting for you."

"Then you better get them said."

"'Kay, Daddy."

Justin watched her kneel by her bed, as Joan had shown her. He listened to the little voice praying for her family and thanking God for all the things He had done for her. His heart swelled with love and contentment. They certainly had done something right with their daughter. She was a very special little girl.

Some time later Brian peeked into Bree's room to see what was taking Justin and Bree so long. Justin was curled up on the bed with their daughter. He had been reading her a story. It looked like they were both asleep. He was about to close the door when Justin opened his eyes.  Justin smiled up at Brian and Brian felt his heart melt. He didn't want to fight with his husband. He just wanted to hold him. Justin eased himself off the bed and came out into the hall, closing the door behind him.

"You still angry?" Brian asked.

"Nope."

"What happened?" Brian wanted to know as he followed Justin down the hall and into their bedroom.

"Emmett set me straight."

"About what?"

"About how you're better at doing hair and I'm better at putting little girls to bed. Wait, that didn't come out quite right," Justin laughed.

"I don't care how it came out as long as you're not mad at me any longer," Brian said pulling Justin into his arms.

"Not only am I not mad, I'm going to give you a night to remember, big boy."

Brian stared at his husband who began shedding his clothes. He didn't know what had happened at Emmett's, but he'd have to thank the big fairy later. Right now he had other more important matters to take care of. He pulled Justin against him and they kissed until neither could breathe.

 

*****

 

"Good evening, ladies," Seamus greeted the girls as they entered the B & B after having dinner at a local restaurant.

"Did you have a good day today?"

"It was lovely. We had lunch at the Shark House. They have a Key Lime pie to die for," Melanie exclaimed.

"We also had a chance to go through the Lightener Museum. The glass exhibit is magnificent!" Lindsay said. She had enjoyed the paintings and statuary as well.

"I try to go to the museum as often as I can. I find it peaceful and I love the feeling of going back in time."

"Yes, that's how I feel too. And we've had a wonderful dinner. I think we're going to be at least ten pounds heavier by the time we get back home."

"Nonsense, spend a day in Orlando and you'll walk it all off. I guarantee it. Would you care to join me in a glass of wine?"

Melanie and Lindsay exchanged looks then nodded at their host. "We'd love to," Melanie answered for both.

Seamus brought out a mellow wine from the local winery then filled three glasses. "To a peaceful holiday," Seamus toasted as he raised his glass.

"To a peaceful holiday," the girls echoed, raising their own glasses then sipping the wine. The trio settled in for a calm and peaceful evening.

*****

 

"Jesus, Justin!" Brian groaned. He felt like Justin was extracting every ounce of strength and energy and pleasure and … love from him. His head was spinning and every cell in his body was on fire. His synapses crackled and sparked. He felt like he was ready to explode. Justin was sitting on Brian's cock riding him for all he was worth. Brian thrust up to meet each downward movement that Justin made. Sweat poured from each of them even though the cottage was cool in the dead of winter.

"Justin!" he yelled.

"Yes, my darling Brian," Justin gasped as he rose up one more time, twisted and squeezed, creating delicious ecstasy for both of them. And then they did explode with a cry wrenched deep from inside each of them.

Justin fell onto Brian's chest. They both strained trying to breathe, when breath felt impossible. They were spent, covered in a sheen of sweat, hearts pounding, skin burning, world spinning. They lay clinging to each other for some time, neither knew how long.

After a few minutes or hours Brian opened his eyes. He kissed the top of Justin's head where it lay on his chest. That small action took most of his remaining strength, but he heard Justin sigh in satisfaction and could feel his husband's lips curl into a smile.

"You promised a night to remember, and you certainly delivered," Brian whispered against Justin's hair. He kissed the golden locks one more time.

"I'm glad you think so. I wasn't sure I was up to that. We haven't used that position for a while."

"Are we getting old?" Brian asked with a frown. "We never used to even think about positions. We just did whatever we felt like, what came naturally."

"That was pretty fucking natural a few minutes ago," Justin laughed. "And you'll never be old," he assured his husband. "You'll always be young and beautiful."

"Only if you stay that way too."

"Count on it."

Brian lay silent thinking about how things had changed from that morning when Justin had yelled at him. He needed to know what had triggered that outburst. "As much as I enjoyed this evening, I feel the need to bring up something that may spoil the mood."

Brian felt Justin's lips curve into another smile, where they were pressed against his chest. Brian squeezed Justin's shoulders as his arm wrapped around them. Justin shifted a bit, but kept his face against Brian's chest where it was not visible to his partner.

"I'm kind of embarrassed about it actually," Justin admitted.

"Embarrassed?"

"I … I think I was jealous of how Bree always wants you to do her hair. She turned me down flat when I offered to do it."

"You know our daughter only wants the best," Brian joked.

"Asshole!" Justin reacted with a laugh and a smack to Brian's chest. Then he added, "You do make her hair beautiful every day."

"My point exactly, so why were you jealous?"

"Sometimes…" Justin hesitated.

"Tell me." 

Justin drew in a breath. "Sometimes I feel like you have all the fun with Bree and I have to be the chief cook and bottle washer … and main disciplinarian. I don't like that feeling."

"But she loves you to put her to bed and to read to her and to watch DVD's together … and paint."

"I know," Justin conceded. "It's … I guess I just forgot about that."

"And maybe it was a bit of me giving in to her as well?"

"You always do."

"Not always. Not on the really important issues." 

"That's true," Justin admitted. His finger traced a lazy circle around Brian's nipple.

"Are we okay now? I'll try to tell her no more often if that will help."

"No, don't do that. Just support me on the really big stuff."

"I will," Brian promised.

"Emm reminded me of what a great little girl we have. We haven't done so bad at raising her, have we?"

"I think she's perfect."

Justin laughed. "You would. She's a miniature you, but I think she's perfect too. And she thinks you're pretty perfect yourself."

"Well I am," Brian chuckled.

"Your ego is so enormous," Justin chided.

"But you love me anyway."

"Got that right," Justin said as he gave Brian's nipple a sharp tweak.

"Stop that or I may have to ravish you all over again."

"Think you can get it up again, big guy?" Justin laughed.

"I know I can. It's rising as we speak."

"I'm ready, always ready for you," Justin whispered before he latched onto Brian's nipple with his mouth. He felt Brian lift slightly off the bed and heard the little groan of pleasure.

"Maybe we're not old at all," Brian gasped.

"Got that right too."

IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 8

Day 4

 

"Brian, are you going into Pittsburgh today?" John asked. He was just about ready to leave. "I'm not sure, why?"

"I'd like to leave soon." John wanted to supervise the plumbing and have the new furnace and water heater installed.

Brian had no formal conferences or meetings so he was dressed rather casually, still stunning but casual. His briefcase was all packed.

"Let me check something with Justin," Brian said as he went to find his partner. John nodded, waiting patiently.

"Are those two okay?" Bobby asked as he had the kids ready to take to school.

"They're fine. Nothing an honest talk and some loving couldn't fix," John replied.

"That's good. I don't like it when they fight. Not that they fight often but when they do..."

"…it's a doozie. I know; they love hard..."

"And fight hard, tell me about it. Come on guys, off to school we go!" Bobby announced then kissed his spouse.

Patrick gave his Dad a kiss as did Bree, kissing her Unca John.

"Bye, Daddy, see you after school!" the little girl said, enthusiastically giving her Daddy a big kiss then bestowing one on her Dada. She followed Patrick and Bobby out the front door.

"Sunshine, you okay with me going to the Pitts? I can stay home today." Brian was feeling a little torn and somewhat guilty regarding their fight on the previous day.

"I'll be fine. Go to Kinnetik, harass Ted for a while. Sidney is going to move the Old Masters to Chicago for six months. He wants me to work on something else."

"Does he have a subject in mind?"

Justin looked out of the sun porch windows to the huge snowdrifts that hadn't melted all that much since the Christmas blizzard.

"Seasons," Justin answered.

"Seasons?"

"Yes, the four seasons and their consequences. Starting with..." "

Snow!" the lovers answered at once then laughed.

Brian kissed his beloved until neither man could think.  "Go. Now. Before I won't let you," Justin said breathlessly.

"You sure?"

"Yes. I know you want to stay close by just in case Gus or JR needs you. Go visit your mother or Debbie. I'm sure they'd love to see you."

"Okay, maybe I'll visit Joan. Give Schmidt a break," Brian said with a smirk as he donned his thick overcoat.

"You do that, Bri," Justin said ushering the brothers out. He had some ideas for paintings in mind and was itching to get started.

 

*****

 

As Justin was busy preparing canvas at Edna's Treasures, somewhere in a quiet B & B in St. Augustine, the girls were waking up.

"Morning," Lindsay murmured as she stretched under the sheets on their soft bed.

"Morning," Melanie replied as she too stretched then rolled onto her spouse. "Hi," Mel whispered with a smile. The girls had had their first really satisfying sleep in months.

"Hi, back," Lindsay purred, sliding her hands up and down Melanie's back, slipping her hands under the waist band of Melanie's panties.

"I love you," Melanie whispered against Lindsay lips then captured those lips in a searing kiss. She gently caressed Lindsay's breasts, pinching her nipples until taut. "Let me love you," Mel continued as she began to strip her lover of her sleep clothes. "Please, let me love you."

Lindsay smiled serenely as she gave her body over to her lover.

 

*****

 

"John! Thank goodness! I was just about to call," Danny said loudly. He appeared to be all in a snit. The furnace and water heater were delivered bright and early. Danny wasn't sure who or what repairman was coming to do the installation.

"Easy, Danny, it's all under control. Ronny and his master plumber should be here soon to attack the furnace and heater. Then we'll start on the pipes. We can get the majority of the big stuff done today. Then we'll tackle the smaller jobs."

"Which are?"

"That kitchen sink is about to go. The pipes underneath are holding together with gum and a prayer. In the basement, some of the wiring has been corroded. As soon as we ensure there are no more leaks, we can replace the shot wiring."

"And all of this can be done by the time the girls get back?" Danny wasn't convinced.

"We have ten more days to get it done. I plan to have the repairs done in less than that. I want the time to troubleshoot and make sure it's all shipshape."

"Aye, aye, Cap'n!" Danny joked. John's confidence in getting the work done quickly put the retired drag queen at ease. "You have time for coffee?"

"Always. We construction types live on coffee."

"Then follow me." Danny led the handsome 'construction type' to the kitchen.

 

*****

 

"Hey Pop," Gus said cheerfully into his phone. He had called his father during a free period.

"Gus, I thought you aren't allowed to use your cell in class," Brian growled, automatically arching his brow.

"Aw, Pop, I'm in the library studying; it's cool," Gus laughed. "And you can relax your eyebrow now." Brian shook his head.

"What is it, Sonny Boy?" Brian relaxed.

"Just wanted to say thanks."

"For what?"

"For helping with the house. Sometimes the moms don't get pipes and plumbing and..."

"I get it, Sonny Boy. No problem, I'm happy to help. What time do you two get out of school?"

"We're both done around three-thirty. Why?"

"I have John's car. He's supervising the great American repairs at your house. I'll pick you guys up."

"Thanks Pop! Later."

"Later, Gus." Brian cut the connection as he walked up to Joan's front door.

 

*****

 

"Brian, come in. This is a surprise," Joan said with a big smile.

"You almost sound glad to see me," Brian teased.

"Of course I'm glad to see you. The only thing better would be if you brought my grandchildren with you."

"They're in school."

"And well they should be. I wasn't suggesting that you take them out of school to visit me."

"But you'd like to see them more often?"

"Of course."

"I'll see what I can do about that," Brian said seriously.

“That would be lovely."

"Would you like some coffee?"

"You know, that would be nice," Brian said, following his mother towards the kitchen. He looked around. Nothing had changed, except maybe the woman adding water to the coffeemaker. This house still held unpleasant memories for him. It always would, but Joan had done her best to make things right between them. He had to give her credit for that. But … the house still felt like the place he remembered from his youth. He supposed it always would. And he didn't like it at  all.

"Have you ever thought about moving?" Brian asked his mother.

"Moving? Where would I go?"

"I don't know … an apartment, a condo."

"I like my little house and garden."

"No bad memories for you?" Brian wanted to know.

"Hm, of course there are bad memories. Your father wasn't an easy man."

"You thought that too?" Brian asked sarcastically.

"He had problems. His life wasn't what he wanted," Joan defended her husband.

"He was a mean son of a bitch. He took out his frustrations on his family," Brian said bitterly. Joan sighed.

"I won't deny that any longer. He was cruel to you and to Claire and to me."

"Why did you stay married to him?"

Joan stared at her son and then turned away to pour the coffee that was now ready. "I…" she didn't continue.

"I'd really like to know why, mother," Brian prompted.

"You don't know what it was like back then. I had no skills, no job prospects. What would I do if I left your father? Where would I go? I would have two fatherless children with no home and no chance of a life." 

"So you thought about leaving him?"

"Yes, I did, many times."

"But you stayed."

"Yes."

"I always thought you stayed because you didn't believe in divorce," Brian said. He sat at the table where his mother placed a mug of coffee for him. She sat down across from him. 

"I don't believe in divorce, but the overriding factor was that I had nowhere to go."

"You must have been scared," Brian said realizing that for the first time.

"I was … a lot of the time." 

"I'm sorry," Brian said slowly. He reached over and took his mother's hand rubbing the back of it gently with his thumb.

"You have nothing to be sorry about," Joan said softly. She loved having Brian touch her affectionately. How could she have let him suffer all those years? "I should be apologizing to you for keeping you in the same house with Jack."

"You couldn't help it."

"I guess we both have things to be sorry about, and things that couldn't be changed."

"Yeah, we do," Brian said with a faraway look in his eye.

"Is everything all right with you and Justin?" Joan asked with a frown.

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"I … the look on your face just then…"

"We had a fight last night, but we're okay now."

"Did you talk?" Joan asked him with a gentle smile.

"Yes…finally. Talking is my least favorite thing to do."

"I know. You were always a silent child, kept everything to yourself."

"Like I had any choice."

Joan looked away knowing that she was largely responsible for Brian feeling that way. "I'm sorry."

"I didn't come here to place blame, mother. I just wanted to see you."

"And I'm grateful you did," Joan smiled.

"I should get going," Brian replied looking at his watch. "I told Gus that I'd pick him and JR up from school."

"You're a good father, Brian."

"Thank you, mother. I really appreciate that."

"Please, come see me again, and bring your children."

"I will," Brian promised, as he stood up from the table. He stepped around it and leaned down to kiss his mother's cheek before leaving the house. 

He didn't see Joan gently pat the spot he'd kiss and smile brilliantly.

 

*****

 

"Good afternoon, ladies and germs!" Brian bellowed out the driver's window as he pulled up in John's Navigator in front of Gus and JR's school. Gus rolled his eyes and JR acted demure.

"Pop, you always know how to make an entrance," Gus said as he climbed in the front seat after opening the back door for JR.

"Your point?" Brian quipped. Gus merely smiled.

"Uncle Brian, is the plumbing working yet?" They had spent the night at Danny's house which was fun, but JR wanted to be in her own home surrounded by her own things. And have the ability to shower in her own bathroom.

"I'm not sure, little lady. Uncle John has been there all day. He'll get it done as fast as he can."

"Okay," JR said as she settled back into the seat. She just hoped it would be done before the weekend.

 

*****

 

"Guys, one more day," John announced to the three pairs of eyes that were giving him the puppy dog look. And to the fourth pair that was giving him a pleading look.

"The new furnace and heater have been installed and tested. They work fine. We'll replace all the old pipes tomorrow. I was able to complete most of the rewiring today. I'll finish that up tomorrow while Ronny installs a new kitchen sink. There are a few outlets and switches I want to replace too. I'll install safety outlets in the bathroom and kitchen."

"Uncle John, won't the moms notice?" JR wasn't convinced that they could hide all the repairs from the moms.

"Probably," Brian answered. "If they complain, have them call me. I'd rather risk the bitching and moaning than the possibility of a fire or injury. I'll think of something," Brian reassured the girl.

"So that means one more night at Grandpa Danny's house?" Gus asked.

"Yes, we can get the rest done by tomorrow afternoon and you can come back. But I'm returning next Monday to inspect the rest of the house," John said with authority.

Neither Danny, Brian nor the kids would contradict him.

 

*****

 

"I wonder how the kids are doing?" Lindsay mumbled. The girls had spent most of the day in bed rediscovering each other and doing what was typically done on a honeymoon; first, second or whatever. Some time during the afternoon, they showered and briefly left their love nest in search of food to sustain them then quickly returned to bed.

"I'm sure they're fine, Lindz. We would have heard if anything happened. Danny is very responsible and I have back up just in case."

"Back up?"

"Yes, Debbie promised to check on them. If she finds a hint of trouble, she'll call us."

"Sounds good to me," Lindsay said as she eased herself between Mel's legs.

*****

 

"Just what the fuck is going on here?!" Debbie yelled as she pulled up in front of the girls' house just as Ronny and his crew were leaving. She caught the wink Ronny gave Gus as she walked through the door. "Gus Peterson-Marcus, I've known that boy since he was your age. He's too old for you. Now tie a knot in it!" Debbie snatched one of Gus' ears to bring him down to her level.

"Aw, Grandmaw!"

"Don't you Grandmaw me. I warned you, no tricks until you're eighteen."

"Yes, Grandmaw."

Debbie gave Gus a kiss then cuffed the side of his head. "Good boy, now what's going on?" Before Gus could explain, Brian came to his son's rescue.

"Howdy, Maw!" Brian greeted Debbie cheerfully.

"Christ, like two peas in a pod, the pair of you!" Brian kissed her cheek. "I mean it, kiddo. What's going on?"

Brian quickly filled Debbie in on the multitude of discovered problems, the solution they had come up with and the reason for not revealing the current state of the house to the girls.

"As much as I don't like lying to anyone, I agree that we shouldn't let them know about this. They'd be on the first flight back. They really need this time together. John, can you get this finished before the girls get home?"

"Yes, Deb, we can. Most of the major repairs were done today. We'll finish up the rest tomorrow. Danny and the kids can start cleaning up over the weekend and I'll come back next week to troubleshoot."

"Uncle John," JR began, "we have off on Monday so we have plenty of time to clean."

They all agreed, repairs first, letting the girls in on it, second.

IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 9

Day 5

 

"Hey, Ma, just called to see how you and Carl were doing," Michael said into the phone.

"We're great. How are you and Ben?"

"Hunky dory."

Debbie laughed. "I haven't heard that expression for years. How old fashioned!"

"It's called retro, Ma."

"Yeah, sure," Debbie chuckled.

"I'm going over to Mel and Lindsay's to walk JR to school before I open the store," Michael informed his mother.

"Um … why today?" Debbie asked, trying not to reveal what she knew about the situation over there.

"Why any day?" Michael asked. "Are you saying I shouldn't go?"

"I don't think JR's there."

"Where the fuck is she?" Michael demanded. "Is something wrong? Is she hurt? Why didn't anybody tell me? Nobody ever tells me anything?"

"Michael!" Debbie practically screeched in an attempt to stem the queen out before it became full blown. "Michael, listen to me."

"What? Tell me what's going on."

"They're staying at Danny's." Debbie decided the truth was the best route to take. If Michael went to the house, he would find them gone, and then there really would be hell to pay.

"Danny's? They who?”

"Gus and JR and Danny."

Michael breathed a sigh of relief. It didn't sound like anybody was hurt. "Why are they doing that?"

"It seems there's some problems with the plumbing and wiring in Mel and Lindz' house."

"Problems. Oh my God! Was there a fire? There wasn't a fire, was there?"

"Michael, stop it. There was no fire. They're just getting some things taken care of so there won't be a fucking fire. They had to shut the water off, so they went to Danny's." 

"Oh, well, then that's good. Who's doing the repairs? I hope they aren't getting ripped off."

"It's John Anderson and that yummy Ronny the plumber."

"John? So is Brian involved?" Michael frowned as he realized that he seemed to have been left out of the loop once again.

 "Yes, Gus called Brian, and Brian and John got right on it."

"What do Mel and Lindsay think about this happening when they're so far away?"

"They don't know anything about it. Brian wants it all done before they come back."

"Brian? How does he get to make these decisions? It's my daughter who lives there," Michael said indignantly.

"And Brian's son," Debbie informed him. "In case you've forgotten."

"Oh yeah," Michael admitted once he thought about it. "I should get over there and make sure they're doing things right." 

"Michael, you have a business to run. Why don't you leave the repairs to Brian and John?"

"They should have called me. I could have helped," Michael griped.

"It's all taken care of. Let it go, Michael."

"Yeah, right," Michael snarked. "Bye, Ma."

"Mi…"

Michael cut the connection before Debbie could tell him to mind his own business once again. JR was his business, and he wanted to know just exactly what was going on and why he hadn't been consulted in the first place.

 

*****

"Kinney."

"How dare you not tell me there was a problem with JR!"

"Good morning, Mikey. I'm fine. How are you and the missus?"

"Cut the crap, Brian. Why didn't you tell me something was wrong?"

"First of all, nothing is wrong with JR. She is completely fine. The problem is that house they live in. JR called me..."

"She called YOU? Why didn't she call me? I would have come right over."

"Maybe she didn't want to worry you."

"But she's my daughter."

"And Gus' sister. Sometimes kids would rather speak to someone they're not related to. Besides, didn't you notice the absence of one former drag queen from your establishment this week?"

"He told he had some stuff to do at the house for a few days. I guess I didn't ask which house."

"Don't sweat it, Mikey, it's all under control."

"Yeah, by you, the great Brian Kinney. You can do no wrong in her eyes."

 "Aw, Mikey, JR loves you. She just talks to me because I'm not her parent. I can't tell her what to do. You're her Dad."

 "Yeah, I guess so."

"I know so."

"Well, okay, but don't think I won't go over there after work! Where are you, by the way?"

"At Emmett's place."

"You're not stuffing yourself on those pear and blue cheese pastries, are you?"

"No, I'm not....I'm stuffing myself on his popovers. They are so fucking good."

"Better watch it, Brian, you may actually gain a pound or two."

"Bite your tongue, Mikey. Michael, I'm sorry I didn't call you. It all happened very fast. First it was the faucet in the shower. Then Ronny..."

"The hot plumber with the great ass?"

"The very same. He took a look in the wall and found the pipes were crumbling so I had John take a look. You know he'll keep everyone honest and get the job done fast. The big stuff is done. The kids will spend the weekend cleaning and then John will go back next week to finish things off. The girls won't notice any difference and if they do they can yell at me."

"Bri, you don't have to take the heat for this. You don't always have to take care of us, you know."

"I know, Mikey, but you took care of me when we were kids, so it's my turn. Besides, I'm used to getting yelled at by Melanie. She's made it her mission in life to make me pay for all her ills and woes."

"Ills and woes?"

"Yeah."

"I love you, Brian."

"I love you too, Mikey. Always have, always will. I'll talk to you later. Emmett just took another tray of popovers out of the oven. I think one of them is calling my name."

"Okay. Bri?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For taking care of us. For Christmas. For being you."

"Aw, Mikey, some people may think you actually like me."

"Asshole."

"Bye, Mikey."

"Bye."

 

*****

 

"Lindz, let's go down and see if we can make it in time for breakfast," Melanie suggested.

The girls were truly feeling like they were on a honeymoon, making love all night and for most of the day. Getting out of bed only to wash up and to eat. They'd do some sightseeing but wind up wanting to go back to bed to rediscover what made them fall in love in the first place. The tension they were feeling for the first few days appeared to be gone.

In between lovemaking, the girls talked, expressing their fears, their desires and their personal goals. Melanie had no idea that Lindsay was being groomed by Sidney to take over the gallery, giving Sidney the opportunity to devote himself solely to Justin and other new artists he had discovered over the years. Lindsay found out that Melanie was soon to be made full partner in her law firm. They'd lived together for years and yet, didn't know  each other. But they were learning.

"Mmm, breakfast sounds good to me," Lindsay said as her stomach agreed with a rumble. "Let's see what Seamus has cooking for today."

The girls rushed to get dressed and down to the dining area.

 

*****

 

"John, can we stay here tonight?" Danny asked pensively.

"Yeah, no problem. Furnace and water heater are up and running. The pipes have been replaced and the kitchen sink has been repaired, there's a new trap underneath. Wiring's all done too. I'll come back on Monday."

"Monday is a holiday; spend it at home with your family. Come back Tuesday. I think the switches can wait until then. And we'll still have three days until the girls get back."

"When do they return?"

"Friday evening."

"Okay, I'll talk it over with Brian. I think he was saying something about the kids visiting their grandmothers."

"Debbie wants to make a family dinner at her house on Sunday and invite Joan. Do you think you can get Brian to drive in?"

"I think if he wants to retain his precious balls, he will!" Danny and John had a good laugh then John gave Danny a list of what to get at the local hardware store. "If you pick these things up for me, it will save time."

"I can handle that," Danny said with confidence. He was a quick study in regards to switches and plugs.

"I'm sure you can. Who's picking up the kids today?" John asked Danny. Lately Brian was having all the pleasure.

"I believe Michael expressed his desire in taking a turn. Not that they need us hovering around them. Gus is a very good older brother. He takes good care of JR."

"He's a very good boy or should I say young man." John could see the similarities between his brother and his nephew.

"Yes, he is. But I think Michael was feeling left out of the fun we've been having the past few days, so he'll get the kids then go back to the store. It's a slow time right now. The new issue of Rage won't be out until next week."

"The comic is still going strong?"

"Very. There are a lot of gay kids who need a superhero and Rage 'comes' to the rescue!" Danny said with a smirk.

"Yes, he does, repeatedly," John quipped. Then they broke out into laughter again. "Let me go find my brother and take him home before he gets into any more trouble." John gathered up his tools and his coat then went in search of Brian.

 

*****

 

"JR! Gus!" Michael called out as he pulled up in front of their school. Although it was close enough for the kids to walk home, the cold January air made them very grateful for the ride.

"Hi, Daddy!" JR greeted her father cheerfully.

"Hi, Uncle Michael!" Gus added. "Where's Pop?"

"Stuffing himself silly at Emmett's. John was finishing up most of the repair work for today so I thought I'd pick you guys up." The kids got quiet when they realized that Michael knew about the house.

"Um, thanks, Uncle Michael," Gus said softly as he opened the car door for JR.

"Yeah, thanks, Dad."

"No problem. Let's go; I have to get back to the store."

 

*****

 

John had found Brian at Kinnetik and the brothers returned to the house so say goodbye to the kids. Brian thought discretion was the better part of valor and limited his intake of popovers to one. He did, however, purchase dozens for Kinnetik, enough for Danny and his charges and many more for Edna's Treasures.

They all met up at the girls' house to finalize the plans for the weekend. "So you, Justin and Bree will be there."

"Yes, Michael," Brian said for the tenth time. For some reason Michael didn't believe that Brian would drive in for Sunday dinner at Debbie's house.

"She really wants you there, you know with the kids and their grandparents. She already called Jennifer, and Joan's coming."

"I know, Mikey."

"Four o'clock."

"I got it, Mikey."

"And you'll bring Bree. It's supposed to be grandchildren and grandparents. Bree has two grandmothers."

"I can count, Mikey. I'll have the Squirt present and accounted for on Sunday, I promise."

"Okay, I'll tell Ma."

"You do that, Mikey."

"She worries about you."

"I know, Mikey," Brian said with a big sigh. Brian kissed JR and his son goodbye for the evening, receiving matching looks of apology in their eyes as well as one from Danny. 

"Michael, it's a long ride back to the cottage. If Brian said he'll be back on Sunday, then I'm sure he'll be here," John said.

"Okay, I just want to make sure," Michael said as he gave his best friend a hug and a kiss, and John a handshake.

"Mikey, I swear on my one real ball that I will bring Miss Bree and Justin to your mother's on Sunday."

Michael sighed with relief as he waved goodbye then left for the comic book store. Brian rolled his eyes as he got into John's Navigator for the trek home.

Most of the ride was quiet, each man lost in his own thoughts.

"Brian?"

"Hmm?"

"How did you do it for all those years?"

"Do what?"

"Put up with Michael."

"I don't know. He's like a brother, I love him."

"Oh. What about me?"

"What about you?"

"Am I as uh..."

"Annoying? No, big bro. You are a gift from the gods," Brian said with a huge grin then settled back for the ride home.

"A gift, huh."

"Yup."

"You won't think so when you get my bill for the house repairs." "Fuck!" Brian exclaimed loudly as John bellowed out a laugh.

 IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 10

Day 6

 

"Okay troops," Danny called from the bottom of the stairs. "Breakfast is ready. Rise and shine!"

"Wha…?" Gus started out of a deep sleep. He sat up in his own bed in his room and looked around.

"Come on, sleepyheads. Get your behinds out of those beds!"

"Grandpa Danny, what's going on?" JR asked stumbling out of her bedroom to the top of the stairs.

"It's time to get up. We have cleaning to do," Danny said cheerfully.

"But it's Saturday morning," Gus protested as he joined JR on the landing. "The moms usually let us sleep in."

"In case you haven't noticed, oh young and foolish one, I am not your moms," Danny said with a laugh. He was enjoying seeing the young ones struggling to wake up. He'd been up for a couple of hours and was raring to go. It made him feel young that the kids were still sleepy.

"Do we have to?" JR pleaded.

"Yes you do," Danny affirmed. "Now get moving. Breakfast will be on the table in five minutes."

"But I need to shower," Gus protested.

"Shower after we're finished cleaning," Danny told him. "You'll need it more by then."

With a very audible groan Gus went back to this room to get some clothes. JR let out a long suffering sigh that was loud enough to ensure that Danny would hear. Then she went to her room.

Rubbing his hands together Danny headed to the kitchen to dish up breakfast. He was very pleased with himself. His granddaughter and her brother were good kids, and Danny knew the house would be spic and span by the end of the day.

 

*****

 

"Comic Book Store," Michael answered the phone.

"Daddy," JR said tearfully.

"Honeybunch, what's wrong?" Michael asked his voice full of worry at JR's tone.

"Grandpa Danny woke us up really early and expects us to get working on cleaning the house right away."

Michael smiled. His daughter was not a morning person. "It's just after nine o'clock. How long have you been up?"

"Five minutes," JR moaned.

Michael laughed. "Then I don't think Grandpa Danny got you up so very early. You get up before this to go to school."

"But it's Saturday."

"Yes it is. So you better get dressed and start helping with the house."

"But, Daddy…"

"No buts, JR. Your Grandpa is right about this one."

"Can you come and help us?" JR pleaded.

"Nope. I have the store open. You're on your own."

"You're no help at all," JR griped. She sounded wide awake now.

"I love you, honeybunch, but I'm not coming to your rescue this time."

"Okaaaaay," JR sighed.

"Love you," Michael said cheerfully.

"Love you too," JR conceded before she hung up the phone.

Michael smiled to himself. He hated refusing his daughter anything, but when he did it for all the right reasons, he felt like a real father.

 

*****

 

"Dada," Bree said as she stood beside her fathers' bed. "Daddy!"

Nobody moved. She watched the two men sprawled across each other. Her Daddy had his head resting on her Dada's chest. They showed no signs of waking up.

Deciding to take matters into her own hands she reached up and held onto Brian's nose. She didn't squeeze hard, just enough so that she cut off the air supply.

"Wha…? Hey!" Brian sputtered as he came to.

Bree giggled and let go. "Wake up, Dada. It's time for food."

"Is it now?" Brian asked arching an eyebrow at her.

"Yes, Dada," Bree replied politely. She knew she looked adorable in her pretty pink pajamas and pink bunny slippers.

"Were you holding my nose again?"

Bree nodded bobbing her head. "I had to wake you up. Nobody would answer me."

"Are you hungry?" Brian asked. Bree nodded again. So what else was new?

Brian slid out from under Justin and pulled his underwear on before stepping out of bed. He had been told by all and sundry that it was not appropriate to walk around nude in front of his daughter. That was when he had seriously considered joining a nudist colony. That was, until he remembered what most nudists looked like. He shuddered at the memory of his one and only visit to a nudist camp. It contained some of the most god awful bodies he had ever seen.

"Let Daddy sleep and I'll cook you some breakfast," Brian whispered.

Bree took her Dada's hand and they set off for the kitchen, gently closing the bedroom door behind them. Brian and Bree enjoyed their quiet moments together.

 

*****

 

After a hearty breakfast, the clean up crew divided up the assignments. Gus would take the bathroom. It was too small for more than one person to work on it at a time and there were still some broken shards of tile. Armed with the moms' old Hoover and bucket and mop, Gus was ready to tackle the bathroom. John had assured him that the grout was dry enough to get wet.

That left the kitchen and basement. Danny and JR would take on the kitchen. They were equally armed with cleaning materials and supplies. After that, the basement, with the three of them working on it, was sure to be done quickly. Danny figured on lunch then the foyer, stairs and living room where the workmen had traipsed through. Danny thought if it all went well, he could hit the hardware store by late afternoon then he and the kids would have two days to themselves. And of course, there was homework to be done.

After about an hour Gus looked around the bathroom. The new fixtures were glistening, the tiles and tub shining. Ronny and John had cleaned up a lot behind themselves so it didn't take long to finish the rest. Gus was rather pleased with himself and looking forward to a nice hot shower that actually worked.

"Hey guys, I'm done up here!" Gus called out as he came bounding down the stairs with the cord of the vacuum trailing behind him and an extension cord. He plugged the end into the socket at the bottom of the stairs.

"Guys, I'm going to vacuum the hall and the stairs. I'll be there to help in a few minutes," he yelled toward the kitchen, receiving mumbled affirmatives from his cleaning partners.

Gus made short work of the hallway then carried the vacuum back to the top of the stairs. He began to lug the old vacuum down each step as he cleaned it. Getting to the last step, he stumbled, catching himself on the banister before landing on his ass. Unfortunately, the Hoover did some acrobatics, the handle hitting the wall hard. The old plaster gave way leaving a silver dollar sized hole.

"Shit!" Gus cried out as he turned off the vacuum to examine the hole. "Fuck! I'm going to get killed!" He sat on the step, rubbing his slightly wrenched arm and looking at the damage.

Hearing the banging and stumbling, Danny and JR ran to the stairs. "Gus, are you all right?" Danny asked. He could see Gus wince.

"Gus?" was all that JR could say. Her brother was never really hurt before and it scared her.

"I'm okay but the fucking wall isn't," Gus grumbled, not apologizing for his colorful language.

"Gus, boy, as long as you're not hurt, we can fix that little hole."

"Little! It's like a crater."

"Nonsense. I'll pick up some quick patch when I go to the hardware store later this afternoon. Now, while you were trying to shorten my life by falling down the stairs, we managed to finish up the kitchen. We deserve a break. JR, why don't you start making some sandwiches and I will make up an ice pack for your brother's arm?"

Granny Danny ushered his charges into the kitchen for a well deserved lunch break.

 

*****

 

"That was great, Brian," Justin said as he rubbed his full belly. Not only had Brian made breakfast for his troops but he put together a very satisfying lunch as well. "You're really getting the hang of this cooking thing, aren't you," Justin said with a kiss to Brian's cheek.

"Well, I could say I'm a quick study but that's not completely true."

"I suspect you could always cook but just chose not to," Justin said as he loaded up the dishwasher. Brian nodded; there was truth in that.

"How are the new paintings coming along?" Brian quickly changed the subject.

"I have several sketched out on canvas. I thought I'd work on them today."

"Sounds good to me. I believe the Squirt has some homework to do and I have some ads to look over in my study. We'll leave you undisturbed."

Brian grabbed his briefcase and Briana's school bag. He was about to follow Bree up the spiral staircase to the study...

"Bri," Justin walked over to them. "You never disturb me. You know that, don't you?" Justin reached up on his toes to give his spouse a loving kiss.

"I know, little boy," Brian whispered. "Now go make magic." Brian received a blinding Sunshine smile as a reward then followed close behind Bree as she toddled up the stairs.

 

*****

 

Gus' arm was sore but not really hurt. The break for lunch and the ice pack helped. The clean up crew went to tackle the basement.

"It's really not that bad down here," Danny said as he flipped on the light switch. "And if I didn't know the furnace and water heater were replaced, I would have never guessed," he said as he looked around.

A quick pass with a broom to sweep up the broken bits of pipe and wiring was all it took. Again the workmen, taking pride in their job, had cleaned up behind themselves.

"Gus, why haven't your moms finished off the basement? It could make a nice playroom or guest room," Danny enquired.

"I don't know; maybe it never occurred to them."

"Hmm. Well, I think we're done. Let's get you guys a snack then see how much of your homework you can get done today. The more you finish today, the more time you'll have on Sunday and Monday to hang out."

The kids saw the logic in Danny's suggestion. "Can we take showers first?" JR pleaded.

"Yes, young lady, be my guest," Danny replied.

"Oh thank you!" JR said as she ran up the stairs to her bedroom. This was going to be the best shower she ever was going to have.

 

*****

"Kinney."

"Hi, Dad."

"Dad? What's wrong, Gus?"

"How do you know something's wrong?"

"I just know." Brian wasn't about to give away all his secrets. "Now spill."

"I, uh, had a little accident today but I'm okay. I was vacuuming the stairs and slipped. I sort of wrenched my shoulder but it doesn't hurt anymore, much. But that's not the problem."

"Not the problem! You want me to come over and take you to the doctor? Better yet I'll go get Dr. Dan and bring him with me."

"No, Pop, I'm just a little sore that's all. Danny fixed me up with an ice pack and gave me some Tylenol, I'm fine. Really, Pop."

"We're coming to dinner at Deb's tomorrow. If your shoulder isn't better by then, I'll stay overnight then you and I will go see your doctor," Brian said in a tone that would brook no argument.

"Okay, Pop. Okay."

"So what is the problem?"

"When I fell, the handle of the vacuum cleaner banged into the wall. It left a hole."

"Is that all?"

"Is that all? Pop, there's a hole in the wall!" 

"Holes can be fixed, not always little boys. What did Danny say?"

"Pretty much the same thing you just said, and he's at the hardware store now getting the things on John's list and some patch stuff for the wall."

"Well, if there's one thing an old drag queen is good at, it's patching up cracks. I'll let John know what happened and he'll check it out when he gets there."

"Okay, Pop!"

"I love you, Sonny Boy, now go finish up your homework."

"How? How did you know that I was doing my homework?"

"Who am I, Gus?"

"My dad."

"And..."

"Ooohhh! Brian Kinney," Gus said with a chuckle, rolling his eyes at the phone.

"That's right. I know all and reveal nothing. Now stop rolling your eyes and say goodbye, Gus."

"Goodbye, Gus!" Gus said as he cut the connection. Father and son had a good laugh.

"Dada, is Gus hurt bad?" Bree was completing her homework assignment, a drawing of Martin Luther King when Gus had called. She got the gist of Brian's end of the conversation.

"No, sweetheart, he isn't. He twisted his arm but he's fine and you'll see him at Grandma Debbie's tomorrow."

Bree stared at her Dada's face trying to determine if Brian wasn't just saying that. Her little eyes narrowed with her hard gaze.

"Squirt, your Dada doesn't lie. I'll call him later and check in with Grandpa Danny. You heard me say, if Gus isn't feeling better by tomorrow night, I'll stay over and take him first thing Monday morning to the doctor. I promise."

Bree climbed up into her Dada's lap for assurance.

"I promise, Squirt, your brother is fine." Bree wrapped her little arms around her Dada's neck and held on tight.

"Okay, Dada."

*****

The girls had just finished the wine tasting tour at the San Sebastian Winery and were feeling no pain. Fortunately that had decided to walk there. The long walk back to the B & B would sober them up.

"Do you think we should call home?" Melanie asked as she hiccupped.

"Nope! They'll call if anything happens," Lindsay slurred back.

They purchased a couple of bottles to share later and a bunch of munchies in the winery's store. Settling their backpacks and holding onto each other for support, the tipsy lovers stumbled their way back to the Piece of Plenty.

IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 11

Day 7

"How come you let us sleep in till almost noon?" Gus asked as he stumbled sleepily into the kitchen.

"I figured you deserved to sleep as long as you wanted, after all the work you did yesterday," Danny said with a smile.

"Where's JR?"

"She hasn't surfaced yet."

"Jeez," Gus said as he flopped down into one of the kitchen chairs. "She must have been really tired after yesterday."

"You both were. And Gus, I do appreciate all the hard work both you kids put forth yesterday."

"Thanks," Gus replied, as he took a big drink out of the glass of orange juice that Danny put in front of him.

"How's the shoulder?"

"A little stiff, but it feels much better," Gus said as he flexed his arm and moved the shoulder around in its socket.

"Thank God!" Danny breathed a sigh of relief. "I wasn't looking forward to facing an irate Brian Kinney after I damaged his son."

Gus laughed. "Pop's not so fearsome."

"Have you ever seen him really angry?" Danny asked as he took French toast and bacon out of the oven and set it in front of Gus.

"Not that I remember," Gus said thoughtfully. "Dad doesn't explode like some men do."

"No, from what I hear he gets really quiet and then you pay through the nose or the ass later." Danny poured himself a coffee and sat down across from Gus.

Gus snorted at Danny's statement. "Is that his reputation?" Danny nodded. "I guess you could have a worse reputation than that," Gus said thoughtfully, while he poured syrup on his French toast.

Danny almost choked on his coffee. He knew that Brian Kinney had a reputation as the ultimate asshole, who was not so affectionately known as the slut of Liberty Avenue. He wouldn't say any of that to Gus, of course. And most of what Danny had heard of that reputation was from many years ago. Brian Kinney had transformed himself over the years, but many people in Pittsburgh still thought of him as the old cruel, ruthless and dangerous Brian Kinney.

"This is really good," Gus said around the mouthful of French toast he was chewing on.

"Thanks, you and JR deserve it."

*****

 

"Morning," Lindsay said as she stretched luxuriously. "We should see if we can take this bed home with us. I've never slept so well in all my life."

"Me either, but it might be a bit of a problem getting it to fit in our luggage," Melanie informed her.

Lindsay giggled. "That's true, but we could ask Seamus what company makes the mattress. We could stand a new mattress after all these years."

"Yes, we could," Melanie said seriously. "Let's see if we can wear this one out before we go home." She rolled over on her lover as they initiated another round of lovemaking.

 

*****

 

Later that afternoon Brian and Justin were packing up Miss Briana to leave for Pittsburgh and their dinner at Debbie's. Justin had baked a pie to take with them. He placed it in the little cooler they used to transport food.

"Why are you using a cooler in the middle of winter?" Brian asked.

"The pie will be safer in there."

"Hm, I guess so. Come on, Squirt," Brian said as he finished brushing his daughter's hair. He pulled the hair into a little ponytail and wrapped the hair elastic around it. Then he tied a pink bow overtop. "There, perfect," Brian said.

Bree hopped down off the chair and ran over to show her Daddy how pretty she looked.

"That's lovely, sweetheart," Justin told her.

"I got ta get something for Gus," she said running into the sun porch.

"What's she doing?" Brian asked with a frown.

"I don't know," Justin said as he closed the cooler and set it on the floor. Bree ran back into the kitchen holding some paper in her hand.

"What have you got there, Squirt?" Brian asked.

"I made a card for Gus," she said extending it to her father so he could see.

Brian took the paper and looked at the trademark rainbow on the front. It had its layer of black and brown like all Bree's rainbows did and Gus' name neatly printed on the front.

"I need you to write something for me," she said to Brian.

"What do you want written?"

"Inside," she instructed.

"Okay," Brian said sitting down at the kitchen table and taking the marker Bree held out to him. "What do you want to say?"

"No more hurting yourself."

"What?"

"I want to say 'No more hurting yourself'," she repeated.

"Okay," Brian chuckled. He could hardly wait to see Gus' reaction.

 

*****

 

"Joan! Jennifer! I'm so glad you could make it. I was afraid this cold weather would prevent it," Debbie exclaimed as she greeted her guests. Danny had already brought over JR and Gus. The three of them were busy helping Carl set the table for dinner. "Let me get you some wine," Debbie offered.

"I'd love some," Jennifer said cheerfully.

"Debbie, if you don't mind I would prefer juice or a flavored seltzer, if you have it," Joan said softly.

Debbie smiled. "Of course, Joan. I've found that adding cranberry juice to seltzer is very refreshing. Don't you agree?" Joan returned the smile. It was known that Joan had had a drinking problem and now obviously she had fought to get it under control. Debbie gently laid her hand on Joan's in support then went to make her a drink.

"Ma, where are they?" It was twenty to five; Brian et al hadn't yet arrived. Michael was getting worried. 

"Why don't you call them," Debbie said. Knowing Brian liked to make an entrance, she had dinner set for five.

"No, don't call Brian; let me call Justin. Brian usually drives; don't disturb him." Jennifer punched in the numbers on her cell. "Sweetheart? Okay. I will," Jennifer said as the family watched and listened and then she laughed as she cut the connection.

"Well?" Debbie asked from the kitchen. She was taking her lasagna out of the oven.

"They're a few blocks away. Justin said there was an accident on the highway. It's still rather icy."

"Oh thank God, as long as they're all right," Debbie said clutching at her chest.

"They're fine," Jennifer confirmed.

"You were laughing.  What did Justin say?" Michael asked.

"It was Brian, in the background. He said for you to keep your fucking pants on, and that he always comes," Jennifer quoted, blushing as she did.

A few minutes later the front door opened and the Kinney-Taylor contingent entered.

 

*****

 

Dinner was just about over. There had been lots of good food and conversation and jokes. Many reminiscences about the big Christmas blizzard were told. Everyone seemed to have fond memories of staying at Edna's Treasures and the other two houses over those days.

"Where's Emmett tonight?" Justin asked, after everyone was joking about his Gloe-baby that he had received from Santa for Christmas.

"I just invited our blended families," Debbie said proudly. "You know the kids and grandkids."

"Oh, yeah," Justin chuckled. "I often forget that we're not really related to Emmett."

"Don't be telling the big fairy that. It's hard enough getting him out of our cottage as it is," Brian snarked.

"You know you don't mean that," Justin laughed.

"You love Auntie Emm, Dada. I know," Bree told her father.

"Well, maybe … sometimes," Brian admitted.

"Give it up, Brian. You love him," Debbie  stated.

"Can't I have any privacy in my life," Brian said with one of his death glares.

"Un uhn," Bree said. "We know you real well."

"Really well, Squirt," Brian corrected.

"Really well," Bree parroted.

"And you would tell all my secrets if you could, wouldn't you?" Brian said as he started tickling his daughter. Her giggles of delight soon had everyone else laughing.

"Stop, Brian," Justin said laying a hand on top of Brian's. "You'll make her sick."

"You never get sick from tickling, do you?" Brian asked, as he picked up Bree and carried her into the living room.

"It's so good to see him happy and well," Joan whispered to Jennifer.

"Yes, yes it is," Jennifer agreed.

JR followed the others into the living room. She watched Brian sitting with Bree on his knee. She wished that was her. Michael couldn't help but notice the looks his daughter cast in Brian's direction.

"JR," he said, "would you like to sit here on the arm of my chair?" He patted the arm and JR joined him with a smile. Michael put his arm around her waist.

"It seems right to see you sitting in that chair," Debbie said wistfully. "That was where Vic always sat."

"Yeah," Michael said with a sigh. He squeezed JR's waist and hugged her tight.

"Vic was a good man," Brian said as he stood up and headed for the back door.

"He'll freeze out there," Joan said.

"That's where he always went when he needed a smoke," Michael chuckled.

"He … he's not smoking again, is he?" Joan said with concern in her voice.

"No he isn't," Justin said testily. "I'll take him his coat."

"I'll keep an eye on Bree," Jennifer volunteered.

"What happened?" Bree asked as she went over to sit beside her Gamma Jenn.

"Nothing, sweetheart, your fathers just need a breath of fresh air."

"'Kay," Bree agreed.

"Bri," Justin said as he went out the back door.

"Yeah," Brian acknowledged.

"You okay?" Justin asked as he threw Brian's topcoat around the man's shoulders.

"I'm fine. I just wasn't in the mood for more reminiscing, especially about Vic."

"Vic was a good man," Justin repeated.

"Yes, he was. I miss him sometimes. He could always set things straight. You know, make them clear in my head. He was a wise man in his own way."

"And so are you."

"Wise? Me?" Brian asked in disbelief.

"Yes, wise. Why do you think everyone comes to you when there's a problem?"

"Because I have money."

Justin laughed. "You could be right about that."

"See."

"No, really, Brian. Everyone respects your opinion."

"They should. I'm always right."

Justin laughed. "Now I know why I'm still with you."

"Oh? And why's that?"

"Your lightning wit and immense modesty."

"Well, I'm glad you finally figured that out. I've been telling you that for years."

"I love you, Brian Kinney."

"And I love you right back, Justin Taylor."

"We're very lucky," Justin whispered.

"I guess so."

"You guess so? You're supposed to say you're the luckiest man in the world because you have me in your life," Justin chuckled, as he threw his arms around Brian's neck and kissed him gently.

"I'm the luckiest man alive because I have you in my … bed."

"Asshole!" Justin giggled smacking Brian in the chest.

"Isn't that what I was supposed to say?" Brian asked feigning innocence.

"No, that wasn't exactly right," Justin pouted.

"I am the luckiest man in the world," Brian stated.

"That's better," Justin said. He leaned against Brian. He felt Brian's arm go around his shoulder. They stood looking up at the stars in the clear, crisp sky. "Remember that night we stood out here and I told you that everything would be fine as long as I had you to look after me."

"You were such a baby."

"But I was right."

"Yes you were," Brian admitted, pulling Justin into a long and passionate kiss. "I think we should stay at the loft tonight. It's too far back to the cottage."

"I agree."

"You always know the right thing to say," Brian chuckled.

"Yeah, as long as I agree with you."

"Exactly. Let's go back inside. I'm freezing my one good ball off."

"Well, we can't have that," Justin said as he took Brian's hand and led him back inside the house.

To their amazement, Brian and Justin found the family engaged in a game of charades. Michael was acting out something totally incomprehensible, if the comments were any indication.

"Why is Michael doing the charade?" Brian asked as soon as he entered the room. "We all know he can't act."

"Shut up, asshole," Michael replied, as the room erupted in laughter.

"Isn't that a penalty because he talked?" Brian continued with a smirk.

"Should be," Danny agreed.

"Why aren't you acting out the charade?" Brian asked. "You're the one who's been on stage all his life."

"Being Divina Devore hardly makes me good at charades."

"Au contraire, mon ami," Brian joked. "You perpetrated the biggest and longest charade of all."

"Why, thank you, Brian. That was exceptionally sweet of you to say so."

"I'm just a big softie," Brian said tongue in cheek. 

Someone finally guessed Robin Hood and put Michael out of his misery. "We should get going," Brian said. "It's already past Bree's bedtime."

"No, Dada. I'm not sleepy."

"Of course you're not!"

"Can we stay?"

"No, sweetheart," Justin said gently. "We need to go."

"No, pweeeese," Bree whined to Brian.

Brian gave her one of his patented looks that said, "Don't think that's going to get you anywhere, missy."

Bree let out an audible sigh and climbed down off Gus' knee. "I have to go," she said in her best put-upon voice.

"I know, short stuff," Gus laughed. "The Dads can be tough when they band together."

"You got that right," Brian stated as he gathered up their coats and boots.

They left Debbie's after much kissing and back thumping and promises of future get-togethers.

As he was strapping Bree into her seat in the back of the car, Brian said, "When did we become the first to leave a party?"

"You always were the first to leave, but that was because you had to get to the backroom of Babylon," Justin said with a grin.

"Whatever happened to that guy?"

"He got married and had a daughter and a home and all the S-E-X he could handle."

"Oh, of course," Brian laughed as he got behind the steering wheel.

"Dada, what's Babylon?" Bree asked. Both her fathers groaned.

IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 12

Day 8   [Warning: fairly graphic lesbian sex toward the end of this chapter.]

 

"I'm exhausted!" Lindsay exclaimed. "I don't think I have ever walked so much in one day, ever."

"Me neither, but I had a great time."

The girls had gotten back to the B & B very early in the morning. Fortunately, Seamus had given them a copy of the key knowing they would. Lindsay and Mel had taken a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center. They took the tour and the walk around the museum grounds. It was quite a trip but they decided not to stay over at a local hotel, opting instead to drive back to St. Augustine. The girls were very tired but loving every minute of their adventure.

The girls stripped off their clothes then collapsed into a deep sleep.

 

*****


Brian was standing at the loft window looking out over his little portion of the world. Deciding to stay overnight then getting an early start back to the cottage the next day was a wise decision. The roads were still treacherous and Briana had the day off from school.  Debbie had hinted at having to work the morning shift at the diner.

Brian took the hint and had already decided to take his brood to breakfast before getting back on the road. Danny would bring JR and Gus. Brian assumed the word would get out via their little grapevine. Any available 'family' would surely be in attendance.

The loft was cool, even by Brian Kinney's standards, the thermostat kept intentionally low when no one was in residence. They had raised up the heat but it was still quite cool. Bree was thoroughly bundled in her thickest pajamas and covered in a quilt.  Brian had checked on her.  She was toasty warm.

"Bri?" Justin called out softly as he padded down the bedroom steps in sock clad feet, wearing one of Brian's sweatshirts and heavy sweatpants.

"Here."

"You okay?" Justin said as he kissed one cool bare shoulder. "Yeah."

"Can't sleep?" Brian shrugged his shoulders.

"What's wrong?" Justin asked gently, knowing not to push the older man too hard.  After a while, Brian began to speak.

"A few weeks ago we were here together getting ready for your sister's wedding. Then I thought I was going to lose everything that mattered to me. I figured that I had finally pissed off God one too many times. I didn't deserve to be happy.  Then I got a second chance."

Brian pulled Justin in close as he stared out the window. Justin hung on, wrapping his arms around Brian's waist, tucking himself under Brian's chin.

"I love you, Justin, you have to know that. Besides Gus and Bree, you are the most important person in my life, you have to know that." Brian tightened his hold, as his tears slipped down his face and onto Justin's golden mane.

"I know, Brian, I know," Justin whispered, holding onto his lover as tight as he could.

They stood at the window, locked in each other's arms, slightly swaying to music only they could hear. The swaying grew more pronounced until Brian placed Justin's arms into a classic dance hold then began to dance him around the loft. They danced their dance, not needing any music from the stereo. Their love was music enough.

When their dance was over, the lovers retired to bed, snuggling together as they drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

 

*****

 

"Well it's about fucking time you guys showed up! I thought you got lost in the snow," Debbie yelled above the diner noise. The boys plus one Princess Briana had just walked through the diner door.  There was a light dusting of new snow on the ground.

"I just couldn't resist shoveling our way over here, Maw," Brian snarked, as he set Bree on a stool by the counter to begin the unbundling process.  Debbie had a couple of mugs in one hand and a pot of coffee in the other.  She put them on a table toward the back where Danny was sitting with Gus and JR.

"Got enough sweaters on, short stuff?" Gus asked as he came over to get his sister.

"Dada makes sure I'm warm," Bree said with her sunniest smile for her big brother.

"I know he does, Squirt. Sit with me?" Gus didn't always get the chance to spend time with his baby sister so he loved it when the opportunity arose.  Bree's smile was just as bright as her daddy's.

Brian and Justin squeezed in with Danny, as Gus and Bree sat opposite with JR.

"How are the Moms doing?" Justin asked Gus.

"They're fine. They were going to the Kennedy Space Center yesterday and said they would probably call later today."

"How's the house?" Brian inquired with one raised brow. "Any new decorations we need to be aware of?" Brian said referring to the hole that Gus inadvertently put in the wall.

"The wall is fine. I patched it and I was able to find some matching paint. The girls won't know," Danny said as he sipped his coffee.

"Dada, can I have hot chocolate?" Bree asked as she pretended to peruse the menu. She liked looking at the pictures on the kids' menu.

Brian was about to say yes, but something made him hesitate. "Um, let me make sure it's okay with your Daddy," Brian said cautiously, looking at Justin. At home, hot cocoa was made with low sugar cocoa powder and milk. He knew the diner version of hot chocolate was a mix filled with sugar and hot water. Bree might be bouncing her way back to the cottage.  Justin smiled at Brian; he appreciated Brian's effort.

"How about Daddy makes you the hot chocolate?" Justin asked his daughter.

"You will? Thank you, Daddy!" Bree was all smiles as Justin went behind the counter to 'make' Bree's hot chocolate which consisted of half the mix, adding lots of milk then putting in a couple of mini marshmallows. Bree was very happy.

"So, you ready to order?" Debbie asked, smacking her gum and taking the pencil out from behind her ear.

"Waffles!" Bree called out.

"Me too!" JR said, agreeing with Bree.

"Me three, Grandmaw!" Gus chimed.

"Three orders of waffles for my grandkids. And you, Sweetheart?" Debbie looked at Justin.

"The deluxe breakfast with..."

"Extra bacon, for his majesty to steal, I know. And you, dry whole wheat toast?" Debbie glared at Brian.

"Maybe I'll live it up a little today, Deb.  Make it butter, on the side," Brian quipped.

"Will wonders never cease!" Debbie remarked as she went to put in their orders.

"Danny, the house, is it really okay?" Brian asked seriously. "John will be there tomorrow for his inspection and to finish up the repairs."

"So far, so good. The kitchen sink is really no different from what they had before. The shower knob is different but the girls expect that to be. And when we went into the basement to clean up, I couldn't tell that the furnace had been replaced. I think the girls won't realize anything is different until you're ready to tell them. Brian, I do recommend that you tell them.  I don't like lying.  Are you picking them up at the airport?"

Michael and Ben had entered the diner, sitting at the adjoining booth. JR had wiggled out from next to Gus and Bree to sit with them.

"I'm going to get them," Michael said from the other booth. "Brian, I can tell them what happened. I don't think Melanie will yell at me."

Just then Debbie came in with an armful of dishes and began to distribute breakfast. The family became quiet as breakfast was consumed. Debbie refilled coffee mugs and water glasses then sat at Michael's table with her own coffee.

"I think you're right, honey. Brian shouldn't have to bear the brunt of Melanie's wrath just because a few things broke down and he got them fixed. It's not fair. I just don't understand why Melanie still harbors all those bad feelings toward him," Debbie said sadly.

"I don't know either," Michael said quietly.  JR and Ben looked on.

"Daddy, is it because I like Uncle Brian?" JR asked. She had heard some of the comments her mother had made about Brian in the past.

"No, baby, your mother and Brian have never gotten along, way before you were a twinkle in my eye. Don't worry; your Uncle Brian always lands on his feet," Michael said with confidence.

"Michael, it is about time those two buried the hatchet and preferably not in each other," Ben said  reasonably.

"Ben's right, honey. One day those two will get their heads out of their asses and realize life's too short to carry on this way.  They'll fix it," Debbie said wisely as breakfast continued.

 

*****

 

"Brian, it's time to go home. Bree still has her assignment to complete for tomorrow," Justin said in a practical tone.  Brian nodded in agreement as they slid out of the booth.

Briana was standing on the seat as Brian rebundled her to his satisfaction. She and JR hugged then Gus picked her up to swing her around, much to Bree's delight.

"You be good for the Dads, short stuff, and I'll call you later in the week," Gus said as he kissed her cheek.

"I be good, Gus!" Bree promised as she kissed her big brother. Justin took her as Gus said goodbye to his father.

"See ya, Pop!"  Gus hugged Brian.

"See ya, Sonny Boy, and no more extra orifices in the house, okay?"  Gus snorted then snickered as Debbie cuffed Brian on the head.

"Ow, Maw, what did I do now?" Brian griped.

"No talk of orifices; he's too young!" Debbie warned Brian then gave him a kiss as well as Justin and Bree. "You take good care of your dads, Briana."

"I will, Gamma Deb," Bree answered.

"And you, behave yourself." Debbie gave Gus a kiss then his own cuff to the head.

"Ow, Grand Maw!"  This time Brian snickered.  "I'll behave, I promise."

"See that you do.  I have spies everywhere." 

Danny, Gus and JR turned left out of the diner heading for Danny's car.  Bree with her dads turned right.

"Oh no!" Bree cried out, then, "GUUUUSSSSSS!" she screeched, startling her dads, Gus and anyone else out on Liberty Avenue that morning. Gus scrambled back to his sister and squatted down in front of her. Holding her tiny shoulders in each hand, he confronted her.

"Bree, what's wrong?" Gus asked panting away.

"Nuthin, I forget to give you something."

"What?"  Bree reached into her mini messenger bag to pull out the card she made.

"For you!" Bree said as she handed Gus the now wrinkled paper. She batted her eyelashes then looked up at him with the biggest violet blue eyes known to man. Gus took the card, opened it and then examined the rainbow.

 "Aw, Squirt, it's beautiful; thank you," Gus emotionally exclaimed as he scooped up his sister in his arms, proceeding to hug her little bundled up to his body.  "I love you, short stuff."

"Love you, Gus," Briana mumbled into his scarf.

The Dads watched for a moment then Brian, in a most un-studly but highly sappy and fatherly way, joined the hug.  Not wanting to be left out, Justin joined in on the fun and display of love on Liberty.

"Squished, Daddy," Bree's little voice filtered up from the coats and scarves.

"Huh?"  Justin's head popped up.

"I'm squished, Daddy." 

"Oh." The Dads began to peel themselves out of the huddle then Gus set his sister down on the sidewalk.

"See ya!" the family chimed loudly, then left, each to their homes.

*****

"Mmm, what time is it?" Melanie murmured as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She had felt Lindsay stir next to her.

"After four, I think."

"In the afternoon?"

"Yes, we slept most of the day away. My feet are very grateful," Lindsay stated, referring to all the sightseeing they did the previous day at the Space Center.

 "Mine too." Just then dual stomachs rumbled in protest. The girls burst out into giggles.

"We should get up," Lindsay said reasonably.

"I agree. And I need a shower.  We haven't shared a shower in ages.  Want to give it a try?  I think this shower  is big enough," Melanie said hopefully. Up until their vacation the girls hadn't done a lot of things together as they once did.

"Let's go."  Lindsay took Mel's hand as she headed for the bathroom.

Their shower started out like any other shower, washing themselves down under the invigorating warm spray. Then Melanie took the cloth from Lindsay's hand and began feathering her face with kisses. Mel's fingers gently caressed and probed Lindsay's body, touching all the spots that drove her wife mad with passion. Lindsay's body responded, remembering what it was like to be loved.

They kissed as one of Mel's hands massaged Lindsay's breast then traveled south to that spot between Lindsay's legs. Melanie instinctively knew how much pressure to apply as she rubbed and thrust with her fingers. She continued to kiss her mate as her other hand twisted and tugged on a nipple. Lindsay's body was awash in sensation, and very grateful for the tiled wall behind her giving her support. She began thrusting against the fingers buried deep inside her.  Lindsay came with a loud moan.

Lindsay knew that Melanie enjoyed a different way of lovemaking although having several things in common. Being penetrated was not one of them.  Melanie loved more of an oral approach.

Lindsay kissed Melanie deeply, letting her hands roam freely to the pert breasts, pinching both nipples simultaneously. She lowered her head to suck on one breast while massaging the other. Lindsay then lowered herself to the shower floor to let her tongue do all the work. She licked and sucked, lapping at the engorged clit driving Melanie crazy, spreading her legs wider to allow Lindsay more access.

After a while, Lindsay maneuvered Melanie around to face the wall. She knew that this was Mel's secret passion. Gently parting Mel's ass Lindsay buried her tongue into the tight orifice; Mel moaned her delight. When she was ready to come, Melanie turned in Lindsay's grasp.  Lindsay sucked on Mel's clit until she felt Melanie shudder with her orgasm. The girls held onto each other tightly as the warm water sluiced down over them, cooling their overheated bodies.

Lindsay's fears melted away.

 

*****

 

"Lindz, I want to ask you something but I don't want you to get angry." They were getting dressed so they could go have dinner.

"Go on."

"The guys, Brian and Justin, they have sex all the time, don't they?"

"No, not all the time; they do have to work, you know."

"I know but you know what I mean.  They're at it as much as possible." 

"You're right but it's not just sex. Mel, they love each other, they like to express it and they don't always express it in words.  Brian needs to show Justin."

"Often."

"And what's wrong with that? What's wrong with showing the one person you love most in the whole world that you DO love them. And find them desirable. Brian loves Justin. He'd do anything for Justin. And he desires Justin."

"Is it really that simple?"

"Yes, I think it is. They've gotten over the age thing, although I know it still bothers Brian sometimes. He thinks he'll get old and Justin won't love him."

"Justin is the most loyal person on the planet and he's so in love with Brian.  Nothing will ever change that, even I know that."

"You're right, of course, but sometimes Brian is still a little insecure."

"I don't think he'll ever get over being insecure."

"Why do you say that?"

"It's how we grew up."

"But your background is so different from his."

"But not what we got from it. His parents never really accepted him, almost hated him for most of his life."

"Until recently."

"Yes, and I'm happy for him and Joan. I'm not blind, Lindz. I know all those substitute mothers in his life can never make up for the hole Joan left in Brian's heart. And it was a miracle when they came to an understanding. My parents, hell, even your parents to this day still don't accept us, don't acknowledge our children."

"Thank God for Debbie and Danny."

"Yes, and Joan because she loves Gus. He visits her after school sometimes."

"I didn't think you knew."

"I found out not too long ago. Lindz, maybe I get so angry about Brian because we do have a lot in common and he seems to have risen above it."

"But so have you, Mel. You're successful, beautiful and have a family, a home, just like Brian."

"It's not the same."

"Why?" 

"I don't love like Brian. You're right; he does put his family first. He even puts his Kinnetik family first before his own needs.  You remember that one account that was giving Cynthia a difficult  time?"

"Yes, the man was a bigot."

"And Brian showed him the door then worked his butt off to secure other accounts to compensate. I'm ashamed to say I wouldn't have been so quick to kick the client out. My point is that I always find myself competing with Brian even when I don't have to.  I even competed with him to get you."

"Oh Mel, you can't mean that."

"Yes, I do.  I know he holds a special place in your heart that I can't touch."

"And it bothers you."  Melanie nodded.  "I wish I could change that but Brian is very special to me."

"I realize that and I don't want you to have to change a thing. You love him differently than the way you love me.  I know that now."

"Melanie, he's my best friend and the father of our son. I will always love him. But I'm in love with you. Brian Kinney can't compete."

The girls hugged and kissed but stopped before it could go any further. They needed to eat and to digest what they had just learned.  Their stomachs announced themselves again so the girls went out in search of dinner.

IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 13

Day 8 (Continued)

 

"Dada, can you come play in the snow with me?" Bree asked batting her eyes at her father.

"It's freezing out there," Brian replied.

"I know, but I want to make a snowman." 

Brian groaned. This was Bree's new favorite thing to do. "Pweese, Dada," Bree pleaded.

"Is your project finished for school?"

"Yes, Dada."

"Okay then, let's get you bundled up."

"Yay!" Bree squealed as she ran to the hall where her coat and boots and mittens were always kept. Brian walked into the kitchen heading for the front hall after Bree.

"She got you, huh?" Justin laughed.

"You mean she's already been working on you?" Brian asked.

"Yep, but I resisted."

Brian let out a loud groan.  "I should have known."

 "Oh, go out and play with your daughter," Justin giggled. "You know you'll both have fun."

"Why don't you come too?"

"Not today. I'm in charge of hot chocolate and snacks when you come in."

"Party pooper!"

"I'll show you a party later, big guy," Justin giggled.

 "Promise?" Brian asked with a suggestive waggle of his eyebrows.

"One hundred percent."

Brian smiled and went to help Bree on with her snowsuit. He had decided that would keep her warm and toasty while they were out in the snow. She didn't much like being encased in it, but if she wanted to play outside then that was the price she'd have to pay.  With a happy smile on his face Brian started zipping her in.

 Soon they were outside constructing a snowman. It wasn't the best type of snow for their enterprise but they managed to make a small one, mostly by patting the snow together rather than trying to roll it into balls.

 Justin sat in the sun porch watching them together. It always filled his heart with love to watch his husband and their daughter play together. He wondered how Brian felt when he played like a little boy. Justin suspected Brian never had much chance to play as a child. Maybe his play with Bree would somehow help to make up for that part of his childhood that Brian had missed. Justin grabbed his sketchbook and pencil and started to work, capturing his two favorite people's adventures in the snow.

Bree insisted they put one of her scarves around the snowman's neck. Brian, of course, protested, but he had already taken that into account when he had put two scarves on her before they came outside. The snowman was soon warm and snug with his new scarf.

Bree looked around the yard.  "Where's Mr. Froggie?" she asked with a frown.

"You mean the frog that I got you before Christmas?" Bree vigorously nodded her head. "We put it in the garden over there by the sun porch," Brian told her.

"But, I can't see him.  He won't be able to breathe," she gasped.  "We need to dig him out, Dada."

Brian shook his head, but followed her back to the path coming out of the sun porch. "Where is he, Dada?  I don't see him anywhere."

Brian knew the frog with the spinning legs was buried in one of the snowbanks they had made while digging out the day after Christmas. He tried to calculate the correct position of the frog. He knew from experience that Bree would want him to keep digging until they found it.

"I think it should be somewhere around here," Brian stated, kicking at the snow piles with the toe of his boot.

"Find him, Dada," Bree begged. "Hurry!"

Brian continued to kick at the snow knocking as much out of the way as he could. After several minutes, he was getting ready to give up when his toe came in contact with something that didn't feel like snow. He quickly used his hands to dig out enough of the frog so that it would be able to "breathe".

"There you go," Brian said proudly as the frog's head was now out of the snow.

"Why don't his legs go round?" Bree asked.

Brian sighed and kept digging the snow away from the frog. He cleaned out any snow that had frozen around the frog's legs.  The legs started spinning in the soft breeze, as soon as Brian freed them.

"Yay!" Bree cried clapping her hands in her mitts.  "Mr. Froggie's happy now."

"Well I'm so pleased for Mr. Froggie," Brian said sarcastically as he blew on his frozen fingers that he had pulled out of his stiff gloves. "Let's go inside and get some of that hot chocolate that Daddy promised." Brian started towards the door of the sun porch.

"Dada!" Bree called.

"What is it, Squirt?" Brian asked trying to keep his patience. "Where are our flowers?  Are they under there too?"

Brian groaned inwardly. Now she was going to ask him to dig out all their fucking flowers too. "Flowers don't breathe like people … or frogs," Brian explained. He was hoping to make a pre-emptive strike before she asked him to start digging.

Bree frowned.  "Then how do they stay alive?"

"They don't exactly," Brian said patiently. "Plants hibernate, you know, like the big brown bear in one of your stories."

"Oh?" Bree studied the snow where she knew some of their flowers had been. "But when we see them, they're babies again," she stated.

"That's right," Brian agreed. "Their roots stay under the ground and the rest of the plant dies. In the spring the roots send up new shoots, just like new babies being born."

Bree smiled.  "How do they know how to do that?" she asked after a few seconds.

Brian knew he was getting out of his depth in explaining this. "They just know, like Daddy knows how to take care of you and me."

"Oh!"

"Can we go in now, Squirt?  My fingers have gone completely numb."

"'Kay, Dada," Bree said as she walked towards the door that Brian was opening for her. She stopped at the door and looked back at the flowerbeds covered in snow. Brian knew there would be more questions later, but he wanted to thaw his fucking fingers first.

He gave Bree a little boost on the butt to get her through the door. She giggled as she hopped forward. The hot chocolate smelled really good.

 

*****

 

It was a warm, sunny day in St. Augustine. Still feeling tired after their long drive to the space center and back, the girls decided to stick close to the Piece of Plenty. They wandered around the quaint town, finding a small café to have lunch and then taking a walking tour of the fort. Sitting on a bench that overlooked the Matanzas River, the girls rested.

"This is such a perfect day," Lindsay remarked as she held up her face toward the setting sun. "It's been a great vacation so far.  I didn't realize how much I really needed this," Mel replied.

"We both needed this, and next time we bring the kids. I don't think they're too big for Disney World. We can go to Epcot Center and back to the Space Center.  Gus would love that."

"You're right....and I am truly sorry," Mel said sadly.

"For what?"

"For neglecting all of you. I seem to get caught up in everyone else's fights and missions and forget our own. I take on a new cause and then our family comes second.  He never does that."

"He who?"

"Brian, of course. Lindsay, answer me honestly. When Brian was spearheading the clinic project, before we all knew what was happening, he clued in you and Gus, didn't he?"

"Yes, he wanted to protect Gus from the rumors he knew would crop up."

"I bet he would have put a stop to the whole thing if he thought Gus would have misunderstood something. Bet he had a cow when Justin got hurt."

"Yes, I believe he would have. And Brian had more than a cow; he wanted to wrap Justin up in bubble wrap for weeks after the accident."

"And that's the big difference between me and him. I talk big but when it comes down to making those decisions, he does it while I try to figure out how to have my cake and eat it  too."

"Melanie, I would never ask you to make a choice.  I know how important your work is.  You make an impact on the lives of your clients. Many of them could lose everything if it wasn't for your counsel. But we all need balance in our lives. You can't work twenty-four hours a day nor can you play all the time. I'm just asking that you balance your career with us.  We're not a family without you."

"I understand that now.  But I'm going to be made a full partner..."

"So as part of the deal, you make sure you have family time written in as part of the contract."

"When did you get to be so smart?"  Melanie beamed at her wife.

"Fuck a lawyer, you learn a few things," Lindsay smirked. Melanie leaned in to give Lindsay a kiss.

"Yeah," Mel whispered. They leaned against each other's shoulder as they both enjoyed the sunset.

*****

 

"Hey Grandpa Danny, I'm going to heat up some lasagna in the microwave," JR said as she took a small pan of her Grandma Debbie's lasagna out of the refrigerator. She carefully unwrapped the pan and placed it in the center of the microwave.  Hitting the reheat button, JR then went to pour herself some milk.

"JR, don't forget to transfer the lasagna into another.....,"

Danny had begun when all of a sudden the microwave sizzled loudly, popped then began to smoke, setting off the smoke alarms.  Then half the house was plunged into darkness.

"...dish.  Oh shit," Danny finished his statement.

"Hey! What the fuck happened? Ow! Shit!" Gus, the normally very polite and non-user of expletives, tripped over his sneakers in the dark, banging his still slightly sore shoulder against his bedroom door when the lights went out in his room and the computer went dark.

"What's going on?" Gus said louder, as he made his way downstairs, smelled smoke and watched Danny's fast work with a small fire extinguisher.

"Houston, we have a problem," Danny mumbled as he glared at the offending and now dead appliance.

"Crap!" JR said as she sat on a nearby chair.

"I'll call Dad," Gus said as he went for the phone.

"I'll check the breaker box," Danny mumbled as he searched for a flashlight.

"I'll get the cleaning supplies," JR said as she glanced at the mess she had inadvertently made.

"I don't believe this!" Gus and JR heard coming from the general direction of the basement stairs.

"Danny?" Gus shouted from the top of the steps. He had his cell phone in his hand ready to call his own Mister Fix-it aka his Pop.

"How ancient is this house?" Danny groused.

"What?" Gus and JR said together.

"Fuses!  Who still has fuses?  Un-fucking-believable!"

"Maybe you should call Uncle John too, Gus." JR looked up at her big brother who nodded back. Gus hit number one in his speed dial.

"Hi, Dad?" Gus said when Brian picked up.

"What's wrong, Sonny Boy?" Brian asked from his end.

Gus rolled his eyes at JR and mouthed, 'How does he do that?' JR shrugged.

"What makes you think something's wrong?"

"Gus..." Brian said sternly.

"We blew a fuse," Gus explained omitting JR's contribution in the incident. "And..."

"Half the house is dark."

"Is it the half with the furnace and water heater?" Brian inquired.

"I'm not sure."

"Where's Danny?"

"In the basement trying to fix it."

"Tell him to wait.  Don't touch anything.  I'll get John."

"Okay, Pop." While Brian went to go get John's opinion, Gus told Danny to come up from the basement.

"Gus, it's Uncle John. Can I speak with Danny for a moment?" John asked as he took the phone from Brian.

"Sure, Uncle John, one second," Gus answered as he handed his cell to the flustered ex-drag queen.

The two men carried on their conversation with several on-lookers from both sides. As they were just about to finish up, Danny heard the new furnace roar to life.

"Well, that answers one question. We have heat and we have hot water," Danny said into the phone and to the kids.

"Yay!" JR proclaimed as Gus pumped the air with his fist, saying, "Yes!"

"Danny, you should be okay overnight. I'll be there bright and early with our electrician and we can do our inspection," John advised.

After a round of goodbyes, the family went about the rest of their day.

"I should have known this was going to happen," John grumbled as he handed the phone back to Brian.

"What do you mean?"

"I saw the fuse box when we replaced some of the wiring. I should have thought to replace it then," John chastised himself.

"Oh come on, big bro, even you can't know everything. You had your hands full with the furnace and water heater."

"That's no excuse! On the bright side, we still have four more days before the girls get home. I can have everything re-wired into a breaker system. Fuses! Who the fuck uses fuses? And how they bought a house with fuses is beyond me.  Their realtor should be shot.  Please tell me it wasn't Jennifer."

"No, big bro," Brian chuckled at his brother's supposed faux pas. "They bought that house long before Justin was a twinkle in my eye."

Hearing his name, Justin joined the brothers in their pow-wow.

"What's going on, guys?" Justin was taking a break from his sketches to throw a large roast in the oven for their dinner. Even with their combined family having dinner, there would be plenty of leftovers to make sandwiches for the kids.

"We've had another disaster at the old homestead," Brian snarked.

"What now?"  Justin asked.  The brothers filled in Justin on the latest snafu.

 

*****

 

"Ladies! I thought you were a figment of my imagination," Seamus quipped as the girls walked into the B & B. "Have the wee folk spirited you away on an adventure?" Seamus continued, using a bit of the blarney. Lindsay and Melanie laughed.

"We have been neglectful guests, haven't we," Lindsay said.

"Nonsense, lass, you're on vacation. What's a vacation without taking in the sights, enjoying this lovely weather and becoming reacquainted with yourselves? No, my dear woman, you're doing just what you need to do. Now, would you care to join me in a wee drop of the grape?" Seamus asked as he held up a bottle of wine.

The girls smiled, nodded then joined their host on the veranda.

IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 14

Day 9

 

"So what do you think?" Brian asked as John came up from the basement. John shook his head. 

"It's a mess, and as old as the hills."

Brian sighed.  "What do you recommend?"

"Replace it all."

Brian had expected that.  "How long will it take?"

"If I get Aaron to start this afternoon, we might be able to have it all up and running before the girls get back."

"Then make it so," Brian said in his best Jean Luc Picard voice.

John smiled. These renovations were going to cost Brian a pretty penny, but he seemed oblivious to the expense. All he wanted to do was make sure that everything was working properly and safely for his son and the girls.

John knew Brian had a lot of money, but it was people who always took the forefront in Brian's mind … and heart.

"I'll get started right away," John said.

"Thanks, big bro'," Brian replied with a squeeze to John's shoulder. "Thank the gods that you're here to help."

"You can always count on me," John said sincerely.

"I know, and I seem to be counting on you more and more lately."

"That's what brothers are for."

"Yeah," Brian agreed with a smile.

"Uncle Brian?" a little voice said from behind them.

"Yes, little missy, what can I do for you?"

"I need to talk to you … alone," JR said.

"I should go talk to the electrician and then head to the store for supplies," John told his brother. He quickly left the room.

"Sit down, Jenny Rebecca," Brian said. He walked over to the counter where he had left his coffee cup that he had picked up at Starbucks on the way into Pittsburgh. It was still warm, but not nearly as hot as he would have liked it. Ordinarily he would have zapped the remaining coffee in the microwave, but it was sitting charred and useless on the counter.

"I did something bad," JR began.

"You did?" Brian asked as he joined her at the kitchen table.

JR looked at the microwave. "I only wanted some of Grandma Debbie's lasagna, but I forgot it was in a metal pan.  I wrecked the microwave," she admitted dejectedly.

"It can be replaced," Brian said gently. "You must have forgotten about not putting metal in the microwave, right?" Brian asked hoping to give her an out and not make her feel any worse than she looked.

JR shook her head.  "I was in a hurry.  I should have been more careful."

Brian studied the worried little face.  He remembered what it was like when he was a kid and broke a dish or scratched the furniture. They didn't have a microwave back then, but he could imagine what Jack or Joan would have done to him if he had ruined it like JR had done with this one.

"A microwave can be replaced, people can't," Brian stated. "Thank goodness everyone is all right." JR's eyes welled up with tears. 

"It could have started a bad fire … and it's all my fault."

"Accidents happen. Just think about this when you go to use the microwave in the future," Brian cautioned.

"I'm never using the microwave again," JR announced solemnly as a tear ran down her cheek.

Brian tried not to smile. "I think your mothers may want you to help them in the kitchen as you get older."

"No they won't," JR said quickly.  "They won't let me do anything when they find out."

Brian frowned. "How would you like to come with me and we'll replace this old thing with something much better," Brian tasked cocking his head towards the charred appliance on the counter.

"Can we take it out of here?" JR asked. "I don't like looking at it."

"Is your garbage day soon?" Brian inquired.

JR nodded.  "Tomorrow."

"Then let's take this out to the curb, and they'll take it away tomorrow."

"Okay," JR said perking up a little.

"I'll carry it. You grab the cord and follow me," Brian explained hoping that having JR help him remove the source of her anxiety might make the little girl feel better.

Brian hefted the microwave into his arms and together they lugged it out to the curb. He gave his hands a rub to get rid of the charred marks from the burned appliance.  He watched JR do the same thing.  It made him smile.

"Now, let's go tell Grandpa Danny that we're going to the store to buy a new microwave. You can help me pick it out."

"Can I?" JR asked, her enthusiasm returning. "Can we get one that spins the food around?"

"I think we might be able to do that."

JR's smile disappeared. "But the Moms are going to know that we got a new microwave and then they'll blame me," she said sadly.

"Let your father handle the Moms," Brian said slowly remembering that Michael had volunteered to tell the Munchers about all the repairs. He'd have to let Michael know that there was a whole new set of things to add to his list.

"He will?"

"He said he would," Brian told her.  "Now let's go shopping!"

Brian and JR followed John to the local hardware store. As John picked out the items he would need to finish off the girls' repairs, Brian and JR were on the hunt for a new microwave.

"Oooo! Look at this one!" Brian exclaimed then hung his head in embarrassment when he realized he sounded way too much like a certain tall queenie party planner. He composed himself as he perused the manual for the appliance.

"No, Uncle Brian," JR said reasonably.

"No?" No, was not something Brian Kinney was used to hearing, especially from a child, a female child at that. "What's wrong with it? It's big, I love the chrome and it can do practically everything." Brian pointed out the features on the super deluxe model.

"I thought the point of replacing things with similar appliances was so the Moms wouldn't go ballistic. That monster will stand out like a sore thumb. Besides, we really only use it to reheat things and to make popcorn." Brian nodded in agreement and silently applauded the girl's practicality.

"So what do you suggest, oh wise one?"

"Look at this one." JR pointed to the same brand as the microwave that went ka-blewy. The outside was the same, same size, however it had a rotating glass dish so that the food would heat evenly. "It's almost the same thing just upgraded."

"Like Uncle John upgraded the furnace and water heater."

"Yup," JR smiled proudly.

"When did you get to be so grown up?" Brian asked as he motioned for a sales person then pointed at the model they had chosen.

"Live with a lawyer...," JR said with a shrug of her shoulders.

By the time they all got back to the house, Aaron, the electrician had already begun the process of switching over the fuse box to breakers. He was also able to rewire the side of the house that went dark. Gus was eternally grateful to be back online.

As Aaron temporarily shut down different parts of the house, John took that opportunity to replace the old worn out wall switches and outlets. It had bothered John when they were repairing the shower faucet, that there were no safety outlets.  So replacing the old outlets was high on his list.

By eight o'clock both men called it quits. John decided to stay at the loft overnight to get an early start. He'd meet Aaron at the house by eight in the morning.

 

*****

 

At Edna's Treasures, Briana was already asleep for the night. Bobby was reviewing Patrick's homework assignments and Brian was up in his attic office having a heated yet satisfying conversation with Stacey at N'rgy.

Justin was having his own heated conversation with Michael regarding the next issue of Rage. "No!  No!  No!"

"Why not?"

"We've already had you sucking him off on a cover.  We're not going to do that again!"

"For the record, that was not ME sucking him off, that was JT sucking off Rage to thaw him out!"

"Oh fuck off, Justin! It was you and you know it. Rage has changed; he's grown up. He doesn't save Gayopolis one fuck at a time anymore."

"Since when? In the last issue you had him flying off to 'Fuckville' where he could only save JT by fucking the prison guards...all one hundred of them, Michael!  What the fuck was that?"

"He had a relapse. Rage was challenged to a duel." "A duel!  Michael, you're an ass."

"If I'm an ass what does that make you? You're the one who wants to put Rage fucking JT on the next cover. I won't allow it."

"You won't allow it?  Then I quit!"

"Oh yeah?  Well I quit too!"  Justin and Michael slammed down their respective phones at the same time.

"Trouble in Fuckville?" Brian couldn't help but overhear the shouting, as he leaned over the rail to peer down at his fuming partner.

"He's a fucking asshole," Justin grumbled.

"Maybe, but he has a point."

"What! I knew you'd take his side; you always take Michael's side. It's a wonder why you married me and not him!" Justin shouted up at his partner.

"Whoa there, Sonny Boy," Brian started as he came down the spiral staircase. "First of all, I am NOT taking sides, his or yours. Rage has nothing to do with me. You two started it and you two can finish it for all I care. But think about it from his point of view. You two did do a wedding issue and other than the challenge in the  last issue, Rage has been pretty faithful to JT. Rage and JT have grown up. They've changed with the times, taken on the political machine and drug companies. Does the next cover really need to have JT's lily white ass plowed by Rage on it? Think about it, Jus. And I need some coffee." Brian gave Justin some space to let what he had said sink into the blond brain.

"Can you put the tea kettle on for me, Bri?" Justin asked calmly as Brian walked toward the kitchen. He stopped to check on Bree to make sure the shouting didn't wake and frighten her. Seeing his princess fast asleep, Brian continued toward the kitchen.

When the kettle began to whistle, Justin came into the kitchen.

"Maybe you're right," Justin said softly as he filled his mug to make his tea.

"I've been known to be right, on occasion," Brian quipped as he sipped his coffee.

"So how do I fix it with Michael?"

"Let me ask you something first," Brian put his coffee on the counter. Taking Justin's mug and placing it on the counter too, he drew Justin into his arms. "You and Michael have been collaborating on Rage for what, fourteen years now?"

"Something like that."

"Maybe it's time to pass the baton." "I don't understand."

"You don't need JT anymore. For that matter, you don't need Rage."

"Brian, I'll always need you."

"And I'll always need you, but I'm not Rage. Yes, you based him on what you think I should have been back then or maybe what you two hopeless and misplaced hero worshipers thought I should be, but Rage is not me. You're an established artist, Justin, and in the middle of preparing for a new show. Do you really have the time to do Rage and JT justice?"

"But who would...?"

"Who's been following in your footsteps? Who have you been grooming for some time now and who is a fucking good artist?"

"Lacy?"

"Yes," Brian whispered into the blond's ear. "She has that same raw edge to her drawings as a certain young blond artist that I know.  And she'll give the comic a fresh perspective."

"Because she's a girl?"

"Maybe, but I was thinking because she was on the street. Rage speaks for her and others like her. She knows what it's like to be ignored, shunned and abused.  And she still remembers."

"Are you saying I don't remember the bashing?" Brian held Justin tighter, leaning his back against the counter so that Justin could fit in between Brian's long legs.

"No, I know you remember and so do I. I can never forget, but it was another lifetime ago. It helped to shape the man you've become and now it's time to let it go."

"What if I can't give it up completely?" Justin whispered into the strong chest of his spouse.

"Then don't. Be Lacy's mentor, ease out slowly. She's going to resist the suggestion because she has little confidence in her ability, in spite of what her professors have been telling her. And let's not forget Michael; he won't be too thrilled with the idea."

"He's never really liked Lacy but then again he's never really liked me. I think he's still waiting for me to leave you."

"You wouldn't dare.  I'm still the best fuck you'll ever have."

"Mmm. Modest too." Looking up into the hazel eyes of his lover, Justin asked, "Do you really think this will work?"

"Yeah, I do.  It's worth a shot.  So, you'll call him?"

"Yes, but not now. We both need to calm down. I'll call him tomorrow."

"Okay. Justin, whatever you decide, I'll support you. You do know that?"

"I know; I'm sorry I doubted you."

"I love Michael, I always will, but you come first with me. Above all others, you come first with me." Justin reached up to kiss Brian.  Their kiss so intense it left them dizzy and breathless.

"You so love me," Justin said with a sunny smile.

Brian returned the smile. "Yeah and let me show you how much," Brian purred as he led Justin to their bed to 'restore' order back to their corner of the world.

 

*****

 

"Lindz, did JR sound a little off to you when she said goodnight?" The girls had called home before going to bed to say goodnight to the kids.

"No, I don't think so."

"Maybe I should call them back."

"Mel, it's getting late and they wake up early for school. If anything was wrong Danny would have said."

"You're right.  Besides, Michael would be screaming if something was wrong."

"Exactly. We have three days left, let's not spend them worrying about the kids when we know they're very well looked after," Lindsay wisely stated.

Melanie rolled onto her wise partner to make love to her.

IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 15

Day 10

 

It was just about seven in the morning when Sean opened up Emmett's Place. There was already a line waiting to enter the small bistro.

"Morning, Sean!"

"Hi, Jim.  The usual?"

"Yeah! A large cup of Em's special blend and one of his popovers."

"Butter on the side?"

"Nah, I'm living dangerously today.  Slice it and stick a small pat inside."

"That's what I love to see, a man who likes to live on the edge." Sean and his customer laughed as Sean prepared his order.

Stevie, an intern sent from the Pittsburgh culinary institute hustled in, he threw on an apron and began to take orders.

"Good Morning, may I take your order?"

"Large coffee, milk, no sugar and a popover please," John Anderson told his order to the eager young man behind the counter.

"I'll have the same but three sugars in mine." Unbeknownst to John, Dr. Raphael Angles had come up behind him.

"Raph! I'm sorry I didn't see you there," John exclaimed.

"I'm a little hard to miss," the tall dark skinned man said.

"True, my only excuse is that my nose is buried in the newspaper. It seems the only chance I get to read it is when I'm standing on a line of some sort."  John shoved his paper under his arm as Stevie handed him his order.

"I know what you mean. And it's all bad news. Why is it the press never report something good?" Both men shook their heads as John lead the veterinarian out the back doors to the patio.

"Uh, John, if you haven't noticed, this is January … in Pittsburgh, not Puerto Rico."  Raph hesitated at the door.

"Ah, but you may not be aware that my crew did the renovations for Emmett's and I had him install special outdoor heaters." John flipped the on switches for the five heaters that were strategically placed. Within a few minutes the ambient temperature of the patio rose to about fifty.

"Wow, this is amazing. An early Spring within these walls. I never understood why he didn't make his place bigger."

"The bistro was originally intended for Emmett's catering business. It's mostly ovens and stoves. Then he decided to put in a couple of tables so that the customers could try out his new creations and give Emmett their feedback.

"And the fancier table?"

"He sets that one up when he wants to wow a new client. He also has an office on the second floor so he can show off his wares in style."

"What brings you to Pittsburgh so early?"

"Muncherville."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I'm sorry. This is embarrassing, uh, my brother has always referred to Lindsay and Melanie as 'the Munchers'. It's rather crude but unfortunately we can't seem to break Brian of the habit."

"A habit that appears to be contagious," Raph noted.

"Yes, well, they are lesbians." John and Raph both shuddered with exaggeration then chuckled. "They're on vacation in Florida and as Fate would have it, their old house started to break down almost immediately after they left.  Brian called me in to assess the damage and fix it."

"Guess it helps to have a brother in the construction business," Raph commented to John.

"Why are you up so early?  Is the clinic open already?"

"No, but we've been experiencing some rather weird things lately and I thought if I got to the clinic early enough I'd catch the perpetrator."

"Weird things?"

"About a week ago someone left a box by our delivery entrance. When we looked inside there was a cat in the box.  Scared, scrawny and infested little thing.  Barely alive.  We've been trying to nurse it back to life."

"Any idea who dropped it off?"

"No, but every few days there's been an envelope or small packet of crumpled bills shoved in the door. I'm not sure if I want to know how the money is getting there or by whom. Anyway I got up real early and parked across the street hoping I'd see whoever was leaving the money but no one showed up."

"It was very cold last night; perhaps that deterred your mysterious benefactor."

"Maybe. Anyway, I better get to the clinic and open up. It was good to see you again, John." Raph stood to leave.  John stood to shake his hand.

"It was nice to see you again too. And give my regards to Hector. We should all have dinner some evening, minus the shoveling, of course."

"I'd like that," Raph said as he left the patio.

John sat back down to finish his coffee and to read one last article in his paper. "All bad news," he mumbled to himself as he read about an outbreak of muggings that were occurring up and down Liberty Avenue. The thief was randomly holding up people at knife point, demanding their cash. "Just all bad news," John grumbled as he turned off the heaters and left the patio to start his day at Muncherville.

 

*****

 

"Morning," Melanie said as Lindsay stirred and opened her eyes.

"Have you been awake long?" Lindsay asked as she stretched luxuriously.

"Not long.  I was waiting for you."

Lindsay smiled. "What time is it?"

"Still time for Seamus' breakfast."

"Then what are we waiting for?"

The girls quickly showered and got dressed. When they walked into the dining room, Seamus greeted them with a pot of fresh coffee. They ate everything he put in front of them, then invited him to sit with them over a final cup of coffee. They wanted some suggestions about how they could spend their day.

"You've done most of the sites around here," Seamus admitted. "Most people don't stay for longer than a week. Maybe you could just stroll through the town, take in the ambiance of St. Augustine."

"That sounds good," Lindsay agreed.  "I'm kind of sightseeing-ed out."

Seamus laughed. "That may be so, but you both seem much more relaxed and … happier than when you first arrived."  He hoped he had chosen his words carefully enough.

"Yeah, we are," Melanie admitted. "Sorry for being such a bitch when we first got here."

"Not at all.  I've learned to handle all kinds of guests and whatever moods they might be in."

"I think we've made real progress in our relationship," Lindsay said softly. Her hand reached for Melanie's where it rested on the table.

"Then your time here has been well spent," Seamus said with a smile.

"I guess Brian Kinney was right," Melanie admitted trying to keep the resentful sound out of her voice.

"He is right sometimes," Lindsay told her.

"I think he's right most of the time," Seamus felt compelled to add.

Melanie tried not to scowl as she stood up. "Let's go walk through town. Maybe I can find something cute to take home to JR."

"We should find something for Gus and Danny too," Lindsay said as she followed Melanie out of the room. Seamus took a final sip of his coffee and shook his head, before starting to clear the table.

*****

 

When Brian arrived at Muncherville, he found that a great deal of the work on the electrical system had already been done.  John and Aaron had worked what looked like miracles on the old system in the house.

"We have all the outlets working again," John informed his brother. I'm replacing them with new grounded outlets.  It's time consuming, but it will be worth it for safety reasons.  Aaron's replacing the old wiring."

"That's great," Brian said. "I feel better about Gus and JR and Lindsay being in a house with adequate wiring."

"Didn't you leave someone out of that equation?" John asked with a chuckle.

"Oh yeah, Danny, but he'll be back in his own house when the Munchers return," Brian said tongue in cheek.

"You are incorrigible," John laughed.

"That's me," Brian agreed.  "Where's Danny?"

"Went to check on his own house while we had the electricity shut off here."

"I'm glad you're making good progress on the improvements. I'm going into Kinnetik for an hour or two. Will you be coming home tonight?"

John shook his head. "If we work all day, I think I can finish this up tomorrow. I'll go home when it's done." Brian nodded. 

"Enjoy the loft."

John smiled.  "It hardly knows what to make of me being alone there at night."

Brian grinned. "It can't handle all the action anymore that it once saw. That was a long time ago."

"You and Justin have kept up the tradition."

Brian smirked. "Yeah, I guess we have … over the years." He turned and walked out of the house, leaving John to get back to his work.

 

*****

 

"My feet are killing me," Lindsay said as she slid into a booth in a small restaurant on George Street.

"You should wear more sensible shoes," Melanie chided.

"These make my ankles look great."

"And kill your feet."

"Let's get a drink," Lindsay said changing the subject.

A few minutes later they were each sipping a tall drink with a slice of orange and a cherry topping them off. "This is delicious," Melanie said as she drew up the drink through her straw.

"Take it easy.  I think these are more powerful than they look," Lindsay cautioned.

"Yummy," Melanie replied as she took another long sip through the straw. "Tastes like another one."

"It's only afternoon, not even the cocktail hour," Lindsay reminded her.

Melanie ignored her wife and signaled the waiter to bring another.

Lindsay decided to take it slow with her drink since Melanie seemed to be intent upon getting sloshed. "Have you enjoyed this trip?" Melanie asked out of the blue, as she sipped on her second drink.

"Very much," Lindsay replied seriously.

"I think it was a good decision to come here, but…"

"But what?" Lindsay asked with a frown.  She didn't like the sound of that but.

"I could go home tomorrow.  I kind of miss the kids and our house … and work."

Lindsay looked at her partner. "I kind of miss those things too, but we've only got a couple more days."

"We could try to get an earlier flight," Melanie suggested.

"Are you that eager to get away from me?" Lindsay asked testily.

"Of course not.  This has been great.  I just think we've had enough alone time." 

"Then maybe that's why we need to stay the remaining days and see what comes of it."

"What do you mean?" Melanie frowned.

Lindsay sighed. "I mean that we have been getting along really well. I feel like we've made some real progress, but it's all been very idealistic.  Maybe we need a couple of days of more down to earth events."

"Isn't that what we'll get when we go home?"

"Yes, it is, but I don't want to go back to things being the way they were before we left."

"Was it that bad?" Melanie asked.

Lindsay could hear the hurt in her wife's voice. "Melanie, we came here to work things out. We've made a good start, but we still have some things to resolve."

"Like what?"

Lindsay heard the anger in Melanie's voice. "Like why you get your back up whenever I want to really face our issues."

"You sound just like him, you know," Melanie said sarcastically.

"I suppose you mean Brian."

"Of course, I mean Brian," Melanie parroted back Lindsay's words, upping the sarcasm quotient with each word she uttered.  "Who the fuck else is there in your little world?"

"I'd like to think there's you," Lindsay said pushing her drink away. "I'm going back to the B & B. Are you coming?"

"I need another drink," Melanie replied signaling the waiter.

"Well, enjoy yourself." Lindsay slid out of the booth grabbing her purchases from the seat. "I hope you don't get so drunk that you can't find your way back … but then maybe you don't really want to."

Lindsay turned and walked decisively to the door.  She heard Melanie say her name once, but she kept going.  She paused outside the restaurant for a minute hoping that Melanie would come after her.  When no one appeared from inside, she threw her shoulders back and started walking towards the B & B. She wondered if she could get an earlier flight for herself. She'd check that out. There was nothing to keep her in St. Augustine any longer.

 

*****

"Brian?"

"Yeah, is that you Lindsay?"

"Yes."

"What's wrong?" Brian could hear the tears in his friend's voice.

"Everything."

"I … what can I do?"

"I want to come home," Lindsay sobbed.

"Tell me what happened."

"I … I thought things were going so well. We were out all day shopping and walking. I guess we were both tired.  We stopped for a drink and everything went to hell.  She hasn't changed, Brian.  She just doesn't get it."

"Want me to arrange for a flight home for you?" Brian asked not knowing what else to suggest. He was so bad at these relationship problems.

"That's what I thought I wanted when I called you," Lindsay cried.

"But now you're not so sure?"

"She … we … we made some progress. We really did, but she still resents you."

"Me?  What the fuck do I have to do with any of this?"

"You know how she is whenever your name comes up."

"Yeah, I know."

"Well, she said some not nice things about you, and she promised that she wouldn't do that anymore."

"And you defended me?"

"Kind of."

Brian rubbed his temple where a headache was forming. "Don't defend me, Lindsay, not when you know how she's going to react."

"I hate it when she gets started."

"I know, but as long as she's not doing it in front of Gus, I can handle anything she throws at me."

"I know you can.  That's not the point.  She knows it upsets me, and she does it anyway."

"Have you told her that?"

"Of course I have.  I thought we'd settled that.  She said she wouldn't do it anymore and then she did."

"Sometimes I think she can't help herself," Brian suggested. "And sometimes I say some not nice things about her," Brian said remembering his conversation with John earlier in the day.

"What am I going to do?" Lindsay said sobbing.

"I think you should give her one more chance."

"You do?  I … I don't know."

"Yes, you do. You want to make it right. Try one more time."

"Okay, I will," Lindsay gave in. "But she better come home soon." "I'm sure she will."

Lindsay set down her phone wondering how long she would have to wait for Melanie to return to the B & B, and what would happen once she did.

 

*****

 

Melanie wandered the streets of St. Augustine. She had left the restaurant not long after Lindsay. She had lost her desire for another drink as soon as Lindsay walked out on her. Since then she had been wandering around trying to decide what to do. She wanted to go back to the B & B and try to make up with Lindsay. She wasn't even sure what they had been fighting about, but she knew she wanted to make it right. She turned down another street as she concentrated on what she might be able to say to Lindsay to make up for the fight they had just had.

Suddenly Melanie looked up. She was approaching the "Love Tree". She walked tentatively towards the fence that protected the tree from tourists getting too close to it. A couple was standing in front of the fence staring in at the tree, or more precisely trees. Melanie wondered what they were seeing. They turned to each other and kissed softly.  Melanie watched the man's arms entwine around his woman.  He held her gently, not unlike the  oak held the palm tree.

Melanie let out an involuntary gasp. She stood staring at the trees, while the couple gave her a strange look and then moved away. Melanie shook her head and then turned around. She needed to get back to the B & B. She thought maybe she knew what to say to Lindsay.

IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 16

Day 10 (continued)

"Hello?"

"Hi."

"Hi."

"Miss me?"

"Always."

"I could come there."

"You can cum anywhere."

"Babe, I think staying at the loft has permanently corrupted you," Bobby laughed.

"I think you may be right," John chuckled as he lay back on the bed staring at the ceiling. "I do miss you and our son.  Doing homework over the phone and a phone conversation before bed does not do it for me."

"Yeah, but it makes sense for you to stay and get the job done rather than driving back and forth. Patrick understands and he thinks it's very responsible of you.  The roads are still bad."

"You be careful going into Harrisburg."

"Yes, mom, and I promise to wash behind my ears."

"I love your ears."

"You just love me."

"Yes, I do, more and more each day. And I don't like sleeping without you."

"Neither do I so hurry up and fix that house so you can bring your ass home."

"You love my ass."

"Yes I do and your eyes and your nose and di..."

"Stop right there. Aaron and his crew worked miracles. We should be all finished by tomorrow afternoon and then I'm coming home."

"See that you do."

"Slave driver."

"Only when it comes to spending time alone with you."

"Speaking about spending time alone, why don't we?"

"Why don't we what?"

"Spend time alone. Go away for a weekend, just the two of us."

"Really?"

"Why not? We can afford it. Patrick's not a baby. Brian and Justin won't mind looking after him."

"You mean Briana won't mind looking after him."

"That too. Bobby, a long weekend alone, just the two of us. We can fly away somewhere or find a hotel or..."

"Stay at the loft?"

"We can do that; Brian wouldn't mind. Maybe give this bed a run for its money. We certainly wouldn't have to worry about disturbing the neighbors."

"True, they're already disturbed."

"Ted maybe, but Allen's cool.  Him and his 'boys'.  So, what do you think?"

"I think I'll make some calls, rearrange a couple of appointments and have a chat with your brother and Justin."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Yup.  Babe, you need help falling asleep?"

"Your kind of help? Always, but I'm all right. I'm going to take a nice long, hot shower, make some warm milk then hit the hay.  I want to get to the Munchers early so we can complete the job."

"I love you John Anderson-Morrison."

"I love you Bobby Morrison-Anderson."

"Good night, John."

"Good night, Love."

 

*****

 

"Hey, you guys decent in there?" Bobby asked as he padded through Edna's Treasures to get to the Kinney- Taylor side.  He found the boys cuddling on their sofa in front of their fireplace.

"If you mean, do we have clothes on, then yes, unfortunately, we are decent," Brian snarked. "Why?"

"I didn't want to disturb you."

Shifting around on the sofa so that they were sitting up, the boys gave their brother-in-law their full attention.

"What's up?" Brian asked, followed by a poke to his ribs from Justin. Bobby giggled then took a seat on the arm of the sofa.

"Do you guys have any plans for the weekend?"

"I don't think so," Justin answered. "Oh, wait, I think this is the weekend Bree wants to have her playdate with Sally.  Why?"

"John and I would like to have a weekend alone.  Just the two of us...I wondered if..."

"If we'd keep an eye on your red-headed spitfire? Of course we will," Brian answered with confidence for both himself and Justin.  "You two deserve a whole month on your own."

"Bobby, we love you guys, and Patrick is the best.  Where are you going?"  Justin was in agreement with Brian.

"We were thinking of the loft, if it's okay with you." Bobby turned his grey-blue eyes on his brunet brother-in- law.

"I don't know, Bobby," Brian began as he pushed Justin aside and stood up. "The loft has seen some mighty hard action in the past."

"Yeah, the distant past," Justin snarked as he rolled his eyes. Brian glared at him, getting a sweet innocent look in return.

"Do you two think you're UP for it?" Brian circled his brother-in-law then stood in his personal space to glare down at Bobby.  Not intimidated by the obvious ploy, Bobby stood his ground.

"I think John and I are up for it. Meet you stroke for stroke," Bobby said emphatically.

"Then do me proud, Red.  The loft is yours for as long as you want it."

"Thanks, guys," Bobby said as he turned to leave their side of the cottage.

"Bobby, wait, I meant it when I said you deserve a whole month's vacation. You two are always there for us. You never let us down. I wish I could do something for you both to show my appreciation." Brian had his hands on Bobby's shoulders. Bobby could see the sincerity in the hazel eyes that looked so much like John's. Justin stood up to take his place by Brian's side, adding his love for his brothers-in-law.

"You and John have always been there for me," Justin said softly.  Bobby knew Justin was referring to just before Christmas when Justin needed Bobby to help keep himself together while they were waiting for the results of Brian's tests.

Bobby hugged the two men who helped to make his life so rich then returned to his side of the cottage to make his plans.

 

*****

 

"Ms. Marcus," Seamus said as Melanie came through the door of the B & B.

Melanie frowned. She didn't much like his tone. Lately he had been calling her Melanie. She wondered why he had reverted to this more formal appellation.  Had Lindsay told him what a shit she had been?

"Good evening," she said and tried to head quickly up the stairs.

"A word, if you please, Ms. Marcus," Seamus said authoritatively.

"I really don't have time."

"Make time," Seamus ordered.

"I…"

"This is extremely important," Seamus interrupted. Melanie looked up the stairs wanting to run up to Lindsay.

"She's in your room, but you should know something before you go up there."

"I should?" Melanie asked.  She hesitated to go further up the stairs.

"Come into the sitting room, please," Seamus asked, his voice suddenly soft and full of compassion.

"What's this all about?" Melanie demanded, but she followed him into the sitting room.

"Lindsay came in just before dinnertime. She was crying. I tried to get her to tell me what was wrong, but all she'd say was that she wanted to catch a flight home as soon as possible. She asked me to phone the airline and see if I could change her ticket."

"And did you?" Melanie asked, a little germ of fear starting to spread throughout her body. "Is she leaving?" Melanie turned towards the door ready to rush upstairs and try to stop her wife from going.

"I did as she requested, but she could not change the ticket." Melanie breathed a sigh of relief. 

"She's still here."

"Yes, I told you she is up in her room. However, I don't think she's going to be very receptive to you. I wanted to warn you of the severity of the situation before you barged in."

"I do tend to barge in, don't I?" Melanie replied. She shook her head. "I always fuck things up. I never seem to learn."

"Then it's about time you did. That is, if you want to have any chance of staying together with Lindsay."

"That's exactly what I want," Melanie said defiantly.

"Then handle the situation very carefully," Seamus warned. "That's all I wanted to tell you."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, and I hope it helps."

Melanie left the room and walked slowly up the stairs. She was trying to compose something intelligent or witty or sincere or captivating to say to Lindsay, something that would make her listen and not cause Lindsay to tell her to fuck off. By the time she had reached the door of their room, she had composed a very good closing argument about how Lindsay should think and react to what Melanie had done.

She opened the door prepared to deliver her summation. One look at Lindsay's tear stained face and all her plans went to hell.

"I'm so sorry, Lindz," Melanie cried rushing towards the bed.  "I'm such a fucking idiot."

"You got that right," Lindsay replied her face turning to stone. Melanie stopped in her tracks. "I don't want to talk to you.  It's over."

"Please, Lindsay, don't say that.  I'm begging you.  I think I finally get it."

"Get what?" Lindsay asked looking into Melanie's eyes. She had given up the hope hours ago that Melanie would ever realize what their real problems were about.

"What you've been trying to tell me ever since we got here, and long before," she added, knowing that was the truth.

"And just what do you interpret that to be?"

Melanie sighed. Lindsay was going to make her say it all … out loud. "I realized how much I love you, Lindz. I don't want us to be angry or separated." Melanie ventured closer to the side of the bed and sat down when Lindsay didn't tell her that she couldn't.

"I love you too," Lindsay said, "but that's not what's causing our problems."

"I know," Melanie said reluctantly. "I realize that I have a mouth on me, and that I don't hesitate to speak my mind."

"Believe it or not, that's one of the things I love about you," Lindsay said.

Melanie reached out to take Lindsay's hand, but Lindsay quickly drew it back where Melanie could not take hold of it.

"You don't love it when I say things about Brian though."

"That's right, and I thought you promised me that you were going to stop running him down."

"I'm trying, but … I told you that I wouldn't be able to stop altogether."

"And neither can he," Lindsay said ruefully.

"What do you mean?" Melanie asked with a frown.

"I talked to Brian after I left the restaurant. I wanted to go home. I wanted to get away from you."

"Seamus told me, but you're still here."

"And you can thank Brian for that, if you have a grain of common decency in you."

"Brian?  Why should I thank him?"

"I asked him to arrange for a flight home for me. Seamus couldn't transfer the ticket I have."

"And Brian rode in to the rescue on his white stallion, I suppose," Melanie griped.

"He said he would get me home if that's what I really wanted.  However, he thought I should stay here and talk to you.  And here I am."

"He told you to stay?" Melanie could hardly believe her ears.

"Yes, he did."

"That's not what I would have expected. I thought he'd be glad to get you away from me, and then he wouldn't have to deal with me anymore."

"Believe it or not, Mel, you're not high on his list of priorities. He has other things to worry about."

"Yeah, I guess he does.  So, you decided to stay."

Lindsay nodded. "And I'm still waiting to hear what you've learned that might make a difference in whether I stay or go."

Melanie drew in a deep breath. "You remember when we went to look at the Love Tree?"

"Yes, I remember."  Lindsay held her breath.  Could Melanie have figured it out?

"When I left the restaurant today, I wandered the streets of St. Augustine. For some reason I ended up at the Love Tree."

"You did?"

"Yes, and I saw something that I think makes a big difference in my attitude."

Lindsay smiled slightly.  It was Melanie's attitude that was the source of so many of their problems.

"There was a couple standing in front of the tree. They stared at it for a long time, and then the man pulled the woman against him and their arms wrapped around each other. They kissed for a long time, a sweet and gentle kiss.  They seemed so right for each other.  That's what I wanted for us."

"That's what I want too," Lindsay said, tears in her eyes.

"When they broke apart, they walked away arm in arm. I looked at the tree, and then I saw what you had seen that first day we were here.  At least I think it was what you saw."

"Tell me."

"I saw the palm tree being held by the oak tree. It wasn't simply growing inside the oak. It was part of the oak. The oak sheltered and provided a home for the palm. That's what you want, isn't it, Lindz?  For me to shelter and provide a home for you and the kids while you nurture and support me?"

"Yes, it is. I don't want to be a parasite living off you. I want to be an equal, someone who adds to what you are.  I want to be your shelter and support, just like you're mine."

"And that's what I want too. I finally see what I've been doing all this time. I've been working so hard to make a home for us that I forgot the purpose of that home, and I forgot that I don't have to do it all alone. I have you to help me.  I hope that I still have you there to help me,  Lindz."

"I'm here."  Lindsay let a tear run down her cheek.  She felt like they had just reached some kind of important understanding, something that they had never been able to achieve before.

"I love you." Melanie thumbed the tear away. Her hands stayed cradling Lindsay's beautiful face.

"I love you too."

"Are we good?"

"There's one more thing." Lindsay knew she needed to get this out before the chance was lost.

"Yeah?" Melanie said warily.

"Brian Kinney is not the enemy. You have nothing to worry about where Brian is concerned. You don't need to be jealous of him, and you don't have to compete with him. He and Justin have their own lives and we have ours."

"Okay, I get that."

"Do you really?"

"Yes, I think I finally do. It doesn't mean that I'm going to stop criticizing the big asshole, however. He needs to be brought up short every now and then."

Lindsay made a face. "I just hope it won't be all the time, and that when he does something good you give him credit for it."

"I will definitely try on both counts."

"That's good."

"So, are you staying for the last couple of days of our vacation, or are you letting Kinney take you away from me?"

Lindsay sighed.  "Mel…"

"I'm sorry.  I really want an answer to that question.  Are you staying?"

Lindsay thought for a moment. She knew she was going to stay, but she didn't want to let Melanie off the hook too easily. "I'm really glad you made that connection about the tree. I hope this means that you'll spend more time with JR, Gus and me.  Work is important, but it's not most important."

"I meant everything I said about taking more time for family. I still want to have that spa day with you and JR."

"It's hardly a spa day," Lindsay laughed.  "We're just getting our nails done."

"Maybe we should make it a full spa day," Melanie suggested. Lindsay smiled. 

"I would really like that, and so would JR."

"I think I'd really like it too. I mean it when I say I love you, Lindz. I can't imagine my life without you." 

"I can't either," Lindsay replied.

Melanie leaned in and pressed her lips to Lindsay's. "I love you so much," Melanie whispered. "I want to make love to you."

"I think we're finally on the same page," Lindsay sighed contentedly as she wrapped her arms around Melanie's neck, just like the oak wrapped around the palm.

IF It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 17

Day 11

 

Down in St. Augustine, the girls woke up early. It was their last full day in the quaint town and they wanted to spend it shopping for souvenirs for the whole family.  They seemed to have turned the tide in their relationship. It wasn't perfect but each of them realized perfection wasn't the point. Doing things together as a family was the point.  And treating each other with respect and having respect for the other's feelings. This time they both donned comfortable sneakers, and ate one of Seamus' hearty breakfasts in preparation for their shopping spree.

Up in the Pitts, John and his electrician were already hard at work finishing up in the basement. The new breaker box was installed roughly in the same space as the old fuse box. Again with some sleight of hand, if no one pointed out the repair, you wouldn't have known there was a change.  John also planned to instruct Gus and JR in regards to the circuit breakers, just in case one did flip off.

Danny was mentally preparing himself to go back to his simpler life as Grandpa and Comic Book store clerk. He loved his stint as full time nanny but that would come to an end when the girls came home. However, he promised himself to have the kids stay at his house for a weekend or two per month. He absolutely adored being with them and was missing them already. 

Bobby took the kids to school, deciding to work late so that he could prepare for his long weekend with John. John would be home later that night then the two of them would head back to Pittsburgh in the morning, coming home on Monday afternoon. Brian noted that Bobby was whistling and wearing a sappy grin just thinking about his 'date' with his spouse.

Brian decided to work from home that day so that he could pick up the kids from school and indulge in his all time favorite pastime...Sunshine watching.

 

*****

 

"It's done!"  Aaron called out proudly.  John came down to the basement to inspect the work.

"You are truly a miracle worker. I could have sworn you'd still be at it tomorrow," John said as he patted the master electrician on the back. "I've been picking up a few more clients in the city. I will certainly be using you and your talented men when the job calls for it!"

"Thank you but I have to confess, it looks like someone was going to switch the lines over to breakers a long time ago.  The prep work had been done."

"I wonder why they stopped?"

"Maybe during the sale of the house the current owners didn't insist on it or they got a better deal due to the antiquated system."

"Well, whatever the reason, it's done now. And you did a fantastic job." The two men cleaned up then John showed Aaron out.

"All done?" Danny asked as he came out of the kitchen wiping his hands on a dish towel. He had just put in a large ham to slow cook in the oven for the family's dinner Friday night. It was large enough so that the girls wouldn't have to cook the following evening when they got home.

"Yes, finally, and I hope nothing else breaks down," John responded.

"Bite your tongue. I just made a fresh pot of coffee. Join me while we wait for the kids to get home. They should be here soon."

"I'll go over the breakers with the kids before I head back home," John said as he sipped his coffee.

Things were looking up and John was anxious to get back home to get ready for his weekend with Bobby. But he had a special call to make first before he headed out.

 

*****

 

"Brian, you're staring at me again," Justin said as he wiped off his brush then stepped back a bit to look over his work.

"You have a problem with that, Sunshine?" Brian looked up over his latest copy of Vogue. He was lounging in the sun porch watching Justin paint.  The sun was shining brightly.

"No, but aren't you supposed to be working? Don't you have clients to see or contracts to approve?"

"Been there, done that.  I prefer my current avenue of study."

"And what, pray tell, is that?"  As if Justin didn't know.

"I'm not sure if I can reveal the topic. It's a highly specialized course of study; I have devoted many years to it."

"Sounds impressive."

"Oh it is, very impressive and in many ways."

"Well, can you give me a little hint about the subject matter and why you have devoted years to its study?" Justin asked as he crossed the porch to climb onto Brian's lap. Brian put down his magazine, drawing the younger man closer, encircling him with his arms.

"The subject matter is very complicated," Brian drawled softly, feathering said subject on the nose with gentle kisses.

"Complicated?"

"Yes, he's like a lithe palm tree, very strong and yet flexible with the ability to bend in a strong wind."

"Flexible."

"Very. And yet, fragile in some ways. I always feel the need to protect him from all the bad in the world and sometimes from myself," Brian murmured into Justin's hair while nuzzling his lover's neck.

"And the why?"  Justin tilted his head to allow his lover better access.

"The why is easy," Brian whispered as he nipped at Justin's neck then devoured Justin's full lips.

"W-why?" Justin stammered.  Brian's kisses always took Justin's breath away.

"Because I sooo love him." Having the whole cottage to themselves, the lovers made love on the chaise in their sunny spot in the porch.

 

*****

 

"Mel, how the heck are we going to carry all this stuff?" Lindsay asked as they sat on a bench on St. George Street surrounded by all their purchases.

"I have no idea. I had a hard enough time pulling our luggage around." Melanie finally admitted that she did need help with their bags and it was foolish of her to have argued with Brian over them.

"Maybe Seamus has an idea," Lindsay suggested. "But first..." Lindsay got up, motioning for Melanie to stay seated with their bags.

"What?"  Mel looked at her wife with curiosity.

"Ice cream!"  Lindsay made a beeline for the nearest sweet shoppe as Melanie giggled with delight.

 

*****

 

"Emmett, can you arrange it?" John had stopped by Emmett's Place in hopes of catching the event planner before he went home for the evening.

"For you, anything, honey."

"Nothing gaudy, but very romantic. Here's a list of all his favorites."

"Got it, romantic and not a gaudy item in sight."

"You have the key? What am I saying, of course you have the key. Just don't wreck anything or Brian will have both our asses in a sling."

"Oooooo!" Emmett exclaimed, as he got the mental image.

"Focus, Emmett."

"Don't worry, honey, I'll treat the loft like the shrine it is.  Have no  fear."

"Okay, I'll leave it in your capable hands."  John and Emmett shook hands then John took his leave.

 

*****


"Justin," Brian gently nudged his post coital, sleepy spouse. "Hmm?"

"We have to get up. I have to pick up the kids and you have a date with Mikey."

"What?"  Justin was now wide awake.

"Justin, you can't keep putting this off. Call Michael, kiss and make up then invite them to dinner or we can go there, but you have to tell him how you feel about your involvement in Rage."

Justin knew Brian was right. It was time to turn over the illustration part of Rage to a new artist. And it was time that Michael knew it.

"Okay, you go get the kids; I'll make up with Michael."

"Good boy," Brian said as he kissed Justin's temple then got ready to pick up the children from school.

 

*****

 

Justin drove into Pittsburgh. On the way he called Michael, asking if they could meet somewhere for dinner. He thought it might be better to meet in a public place. That might temper Michael's outburst when he heard what Justin was going to propose.  The roads were good for the middle of winter and Justin had plenty of time to think as he drove.

Not only did he need to convince Michael that it would be better for him to have a new partner in Rage, but he would then have to convince Lacy that she was the right person for that job.

When he pulled up in front of the comic store, he felt his heart beating rapidly and his head was throbbing dully. He knew this was not going to be a picnic.  Reluctantly he climbed out of the Jeep and headed for the store.

"Hey," he said as he entered.

"Hi, Justin," Michael replied with a smile.

Clueless as usual, Justin thought to himself.  "Are you ready to go?"

"I … I thought maybe we could talk for a few minutes before we go," Michael said rather hesitantly.

"Sure," Justin replied with a frown.  He wondered what Michael wanted to talk about.

"I've been thinking about Rage," Michael began.

"So have I."

"Oh? Maybe we're on the same wavelength," Michael joked.

"Maybe," Justin said, but he hardly thought so.

"I think we should do a blizzard edition kind of loosely based on what happened at your place over Christmas.”

"Really?" Justin asked.  This wasn't at all what he had been expecting.

"I have some great ideas of how Rage will save everybody. It'll be worse than the blizzard we lived through, but Rage will save the day, just like Brian did."

"Yeah," Justin said thoughtfully. "I guess that could work." The wheels were already turning in his head. "It could be the blizzard of the century. The homos could be trapped on the highway or snowed in without food. It could work."

"Just what I thought.  We do work well together."

"Actually that's what I wanted to talk to you about," Justin said, deciding to take the opportunity to broach his proposal.

"You did?  What did you want to say?"

"I'm really busy with the new Seasons show I'm working on. I hope you won't take this the wrong way, but I feel it's time for you to work with someone else on Rage."

Michael's face showed a flash of confusion and then a glimmer of realization. "You know," he said slowly, "I've been wondering when you were going to bail on me. A world famous artist like you doesn't need to be working on some pathetic comic book."

"Michael…"

"It's okay. I've reconciled myself to the fact that this might happen."

"You don't sound all right with it."

"I will be. I'm just really sad that we won't work together anymore. I guess this is the end of Rage."

"It doesn't have to be," Justin said quickly.

"What do you mean?  You know I can't draw worth shit."

"I have someone in mind who might like to work on Rage with you."

Michael frowned.  "Someone that you're foisting me off on?  I don't think so."

"It's nothing like that," Justin told him. "I was thinking about Lacy. You've seen her work. She's really very good, and her style is a lot like the style we've used with Rage."

"But, Lacy's a girl."

"So?"

"Rage and Zephyr and JT are men. How's Lacy going to do them justice?"

"They're gay men, and Lacy's a lesbian.  I don't see the problem."

Michael shook his head.  "You wouldn't."

"Look, Michael, I really don't think I can continue to draw Rage. I think Lacy's the perfect answer. This way the comic can continue.  It has a very loyal following.  I would hate to see it end.  At least give Lacy a try."

"I don't know."

"I'm sure it will work, if I can convince Lacy to do it."

"She doesn't know you're proposing this?"

"No, I didn't want to get her hopes up until I knew if you'd be okay with it."

"What choice do I have?"

"If Lacy doesn't work out, we can try to find someone else," Justin suggested.

"It won't be the same," Michael mumbled.

"Lacy will do a good job. I know she will. I'll help with the first edition you two work on together. I can make sure the comic looks much the same as it always has.  After that you and Lacy will be on your own."

"Can I still bounce ideas off you?"

Justin smiled. "Only if you let me suggest an idea when it occurs to me."

"Deal," Michael said extending his hand.

"That's great, Michael.  I'm glad we could work this out."

"Me too.  I still have misgivings about Lacy, but I can work with her and see what happens."

Justin nodded in agreement. "Now let me treat you to dinner. We can toast to the continuation of the Rage legend and to a whole new future for the comic."

"Okay," Michael said a little sadly.  "Just let me close up the shop."

Justin watched Michael check his cash and get ready to shut the store. This hadn't been as bad as he had expected. He had been sure there would be a full scale queen out. Instead he just had to talk to Lacy and get the other half of the equation on board.  Maybe things would work out for once.

 

*****

 

"Did you enjoy the lasagna?" Danny asked.

"It was great, Danny," Gus replied.

"I liked it a lot," JR stated. "It's almost as good as Grandma Debbie's."

"Thanks, I think," Danny quipped, as he cleared away the dishes from dinner.

"What are we going to say to the Moms when they come home tomorrow?" Gus asked.

"We act like nothing happened.

"I'm sure they'll figure it out."

"Michael's picking them up from the airport. He's going to lay the groundwork for what was done to the house. I'm sure they'll be fine with it. Who wouldn't like a whole houseful of free renovations?" Danny asked innocently.

"Mama Mel!" Gus and JR said together.

"Oh, yeah.  I guess I forgot for a moment who we're dealing with."

"So, I think we need to decide what we're going to say when they find out. Mama will blow a gasket when she finds out that Uncle Brian paid for everything," JR said knowledgeably.

Gus nodded his head. "Mama and Pop have never got along," he explained.

"Why do you think that is?" Danny asked.

"They're too much alike in some ways and too different in others. They always rub each other the wrong way," Gus expounded.

"Hm," Danny said.

"Mama doesn't like that Uncle Brian has so much money and we don't," JR threw in.  Gus gave her a look.

"So, when she finds out that all the home improvements are courtesy of said Uncle Brian, the shit will hit the fan so to speak.  Pardon my French."

JR giggled at her silly grandpa.  "Mama will not be happy."

"I will be safely ensconced in my own home by then," Danny said smugly.

"You're going to leave us here all by ourselves … to face her alone?" JR asked with a pouty look on her face.

"Once they're home, I go home too. If they haven't figured out that anything's different then I can't be held responsible," Danny explained as though this was the gospel truth.

"Don't forget Mama's a lawyer.  She could punch a million holes in that argument," Gus told the older man.

"Hm," Danny repeated. "I don't think we can plan anything that will cover all the contingencies of what might happen.  We'll just have to play it by ear."

"Maybe we could move in with you for a month or two," Gus suggested tongue in cheek like his father. JR nodded. 

"That's a good idea, Gus.  We'd be safer over there."

"It's Pop who may have to leave the country," Gus laughed.

"Good Lord! Who knew that fixing a few things around here could be such a big deal?" Danny asked. "I had no idea of the hornet's nest that I was stepping into."

JR and Gus merely shook their heads.  They'd had lots of experience with the hornet that was their Mama.


*****

 

"Let's turn in early," Melanie suggested as she and Lindsay came out of the Ale House Restaurant after dinner.

"I could go for that," Lindsay agreed.  They started walking back towards the B & B.

"We can get up in good time tomorrow, get packed and on the road to the airport. I'm glad Seamus suggested sending all our purchases by FedEx."

"Yeah, apparently Brian did the same thing when he and Justin were down here."

Melanie shook her head. It always came back to Brian Kinney. But she had learned her lesson during the time they were in St. Augustine. She bit her tongue and didn't make the wisecrack about Brian that had been so close to coming out of her mouth.  Instead she took Lindsay's hand and they walked along side by side.

"I think this vacation has been really good for us," Lindsay said with a smile.

"Me too. We should call it 'Educating Melanie'." Melanie made quotation marks with her fingers. "I'm sorry I didn't realize some of the things that I was doing that were making you angry and alienating the family. I never intended to do that.  It's been good that we've talked it all out while we're here."

"The important thing is that you now know what's been bothering me and the kids."

"I do," Melanie said leaning to kiss Lindsay's cheek.  Her reward was a radiant smile from her wife.

Lindsay looked fondly at Melanie as they continued to walk along. "I hope everything's all right at home," Lindsay said after a minute.  "They always seemed so cheerful whenever we called."

"Yeah, I noticed that too," Melanie agreed with a little frown. "But I'm sure they would have told us if there had been any major problems."

"Of course they would," Lindsay said confidently.

"Let's take a stroll past the Love Tree on our way back to the B & B."

"I'd like that," Lindsay said leaning her shoulder against Melanie's.

*****

 

"So how did it go with Michael?" Brian asked as Justin came in the door.

"Not bad," Justin replied in his best Brian Kinney imitation.

"No queen outs?"

Justin shook his head. "Only un petit peu," Justin replied holding up his thumb and forefinger showing little space between them.

"Aaah," Brian said. "That was French, wasn't it?"

"Oui, mon cher Gomez," Justin giggled.

"You know what that does to me, Morticia."

"That's why I did it.  I want to celebrate."

"I thought you'd be out celebrating with Michael."

"I did, but celebrating with Michael can't hold a candle to celebrating with you, big guy."

"Of course it can't," Brian smirked.

"Come to bed, and I'll tell you all about Michael later."

"That's an invitation I won't refuse," Brian replied waggling his eyebrows at his husband. "Vite, vite," Justin called as he made a mad dash for their bedroom.

If It’s Broke, Then Fix It

Chapter 18 

Day 12

 

"Come on kids, time to go!" Bobby called out; he and John were going to drop the children off at school then drive into Pittsburgh for their long weekend date. As the kids skidded to a halt in Brian's kitchen, he and Justin were there to see them off.

"Be good at school," Justin said as he handed the kids their lunchboxes.

"Aunt Rachel is going to pick you up. She decided that she's tired of her own girls and wants to borrow you two for the night. She said something about renting movies and popcorn and..." Brian didn't get the chance to finish  his statement. The kids had cut him off with their squeals of glee. They were jumping up and down with excitement.

"And behave yourself at Aunt Rachel's," John reminded them, calming them sufficiently to get them into his Navigator, after, of course, many kisses all around.

Brian and Justin waved the group goodbye.

 

*****

 

"That was nice of your sister to take the kids. She really didn't have to," John commented as he got into the SUV after escorting the children to class.

"She loves those kids and her girls are getting too big to get all excited about a Disney film," Bobby remarked.

"Bobby, do you regret not having another child?" John asked before he pulled out into traffic. John was going to turn fifty-one this year and didn't think he could handle a newborn.

"John, I have absolutely no regrets. I think Patrick is enough. Between him and Bree, we certainly have no dull moments in our lives. And I know what you're thinking, John Anderson-Morrison. You are most certainly NOT old!  As soon as we get to the loft, I'm going to prove it," Bobby said to his spouse with an eyebrow waggling leer. He then suggestively ran his hand down John's groin.

"Um, we'll have none of that while I'm driving," John said reasonably.

"Ah, but you're not driving yet."

"But I will be in a second and I want to get to Pittsburgh in one piece. So kept your hands to yourself while I'm driving," John stated very authoritatively, arching the Kinney brow. Bobby chuckled as he placed his hands in his lap with an exaggerated plop.

"Be bossy all you want now, Mr. Anderson. When I get you to the loft, your ass is mine!" Bobby said smugly as he settled back into his seat like the good passenger he was.  John smiled knowingly.

 

*****

 

"I'm going to miss this place and you, Seamus Griffin," Melanie said unexpectedly as Seamus placed the heavier pieces of luggage in the trunk of their rented car.

"And I you, Melanie Marcus," Seamus replied.

"We really appreciated your hospitality," Lindsay chimed in.

"It was mine to give, beautiful lady," Seamus said as he kissed Lindsay's hand.

"I think Seamus is having that Blarney Stone problem again," Melanie quipped then laughed.

"Not at all. I speak the purest of truth. This humble hovel has never been graced with such beautiful guests before."

"Except for Brian Kinney," the girls said in unison and all three laughed.

"We better get going. We've had a wonderful time. Thank you, Seamus," Lindsay said as she gave the owner of the Piece of Plenty a kiss on the cheek then got into the car.

"I think we'll be coming back," Melanie said with a smile.

"It would be an honor," Seamus said with a little bow. "And next time, bring your children and those special men with their children.  Make it a whole family affair!" Seamus said as he waved at the girls.

"We will!" the girls said as Mel pulled out onto the street and waved back.  As they got onto the highway, Lindsay commented, "I did have a good time."

"So did I."

"I would like to come back someday."

"So would I, and bring the kids before we're not cool enough to be seen with."

"I bet the guys would love it like Seamus suggested."

"Maybe, and maybe Michael and Ben too."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Lindsay said very happy that Mel had included Michael and Ben. "I think that's a great idea," she repeated as she sat back in her seat.

 

*****

 

At the vet clinic in Pittsburgh, Raphael was not at all pleased.

"Raph, what's bothering you?" Hector, Raph's partner in the clinic and life partner as well, asked the tall vet.

"We got another anonymous donation this morning," Raph said, as he looked down at the packet of crumpled bills in his hand.

"No note?"

"No, but I have a feeling this money is supposed to go to the care of Matty."

"Matty?  You named the cat Matty?  Why?"

"Because I couldn't keep calling the cat, 'cat.' And Matty seemed appropriate. I nearly had to shave the poor thing bald because it was so matted."

"How's she doing?"

"Better. Still underweight but at least she's not dehydrated or infested anymore. It's going to take a while before she'll eat on her own.  For now we still have to hand feed her."

"That money, you really using it toward her care?"

"No. Something told me I shouldn't. I have it all in a special envelope in the safe."

"Maybe you should go to the police," Hector suggested softly.

"Maybe. Maybe I'll speak to Carl Horvath first. He seemed like a very level headed sort of man. I'll ask his opinion."

"Good idea. Let me know and I'll go with you." Hector gave his partner a discreet kiss then they heard an alarm go off.

"Warning, warning, bullshit alert!" Someone had pressed the button on the 'The Bullshit Button Alert' Raph had received from Santa at Christmas. It was situated on the front counter, much to the amusement of the clinic employees and customers.

"And we have a winner!" Raphael and Hector said together then laughed as they went out to greet their customer.

 

*****

"Mikey?"

"Hey Bri, you're up early."

"I'm always up, Mikey, you know that."

"Yeah, I know.  What can I do for you?"

"Just confirming that you're going to get the girls tonight."

"Yup, all set.  I'll have plenty of time after I lock up the store."

"You may want to track their flight; they're predicting more snow."

"Yeah, well, we know all about snow, don't we, Bri."

"That we do, Mikey. Um, Michael, what are you going to tell the girls about all the repairs that were done? Some things they won't notice right away but they may notice the new microwave."

"New microwave?  What new microwave?  Brian, what else happened in that house?"

"Well, you see there was a short and John had the electrician rewire stuff and...Michael, Michael?  Hey, Mikey!"

"Excuse me, who is this please?" Danny had reported into the Comic Book Store for the day. There were no more disasters, no more workmen at Muncherville, so he thought he'd put in a few hours before the kids got home.  He noticed Michael staring off into space with the phone in his hand.

"This is Brian Kinney, who is this?" Brian said a little concerned and a little annoyed.

"Oh Brian, it's Danny."

"Danny?  What happened to Mikey?  We were talking about the repairs and then he stopped talking."

"I think he's a little in shock. Don't worry, Brian, I'll explain everything to him so he'll be able to explain things to the girls."

"Danny, maybe you should call Ben and explain things. Considering the weight of their suitcases, Ben should go with Mikey to get the girls.  All those muscles have to be good for something."

"Mmm," Danny mumbled in appreciation of Ben's muscular physique.

"Down boy, no lusting after your son-in-law. Has Michael regained consciousness?"

"Yes," Danny chuckled then handed the phone back to Michael.

"Michael, you okay?"  Brian asked with concern.

"Brian, tell me the truth, all the repairs to the girls' house, how much did it cost you?"

"Michael, money doesn't matter."

"I know, Brian, but my daughter lives there and I want to contribute, Now, how much?"

"Aboutsixthousand," Brian mumbled very quickly.

"What?  I didn't get that."

"About six thousand," Brian said a little clearer.

"DOLLARS?!" Mikey screamed into the phone.

"No, rubles, of course dollars."

"Where am I going to get money like that?"

"Michael, it's done.  Don't worry about it."

"But it's going to take me a lifetime to pay off half of that, Bri. Everything I have is sunk into the store."

"Michael, it's all taken care of.  I never asked for you to pay me back."

"But, Brian..."

"Michael, you're my best friend and I love the girls and the kids. You know I'd do anything..."

"You love Mel?"

"Well, I wouldn't go that far but I tolerate her for Lindsay and JR's sake."

"But I want to help."

"Then we'll work it out, I just don't want Gus to hear Melanie curse me out all night long."

"She won't, I promise.  And if she does, I'll sic Ma on her!"

"A man after my own heart." The boys shared a good laugh.

"Um, Bri, did Justin tell you about him giving up Rage?"

"Yes, he did."

"And about Lacy?" "I suggested it."

"You did?"

"Yes, Michael. Look, you and Justin have been butting heads over Rage for years. It wouldn't be so bad if we were still in the Pitts but we're not and his art, well, you know."

"Yeah, I know."

"It's a good idea, Mikey. Lacy is good and it'll give the comic a whole new perspective. And Justin won't just walk away.  He'll be there for Lacy and you."

"Promise?"

"I promise.  So you have any idea what you're going to say to the girls?"

"No, but I'll come up with something."

"I bet you will.  See ya, Mikey."

"See ya, Brian."

 

*****

 

John and Bobby got to the loft by ten. They were both hungry and in need of coffee but neither of them wanted to stop along the way.  Besides, John had a little something planned.

"We're here," John said as he rolled back the heavy metal door, then placed their duffel bags inside.

"What smells so heavenly?" Bobby asked as he came in, looking around as he did.

"Surprise!" John said with a cute lopsided grin and a twinkle in his eye.

Emmett and his good fairies had done it again. His special coffee blend was just finishing its drip into the pot. There was a basket of muffins, popovers and fruit tarts on the counter. The refrigerator was stocked with all of their favorite foods, all ready to be heated up. And flickering through the bedroom slats, candles could be seen, dozens of vanilla scented candles to add warmth to a cold Pittsburgh morning.

Bobby decided to show his appreciation for his lover's ingenuity by indulging in a high protein appetizer before their breakfast. John rolled the door shut as Bobby captured his lips, slid them both to the floor then proceeded to have his way with his lover.

 

*****

 

As evening descended in the land of Liberty and its surrounding environs, the weather took a slight turn for the worse. It kept most of the denizens of Liberty off the street or scurrying for home to keep warm. Saturday's news wouldn't announce any muggings.

John and Bobby managed to get up off the floor long enough to enjoy the repast that Emmett had provided. Lunch time included some loving on the sofa. They made it on the bed before, during and after dinner. Dessert was spent in the shower and then again on the bed as well as in the kitchen.

So far their weekend was working out just as they planned!

 

*****

 

"Home sweet home!" Lindsay exclaimed as they turned into their driveway. She had enjoyed her holiday, but was looking forward to her own home and being with her children.

It was after eight in the evening when they finally arrived home. The roads were still icy so Michael and Ben took their time getting the girls home. During that time Michael mentioned a few repairs that had to be done. The girls seemed to take it all in stride and assumed Michael had footed the bill. They pledged to repay him. Michael and Ben said nothing.

"I loved that shower and the bed at the B & B but I can't wait to use my own bathroom and sleep in my own bed," Melanie managed, as she dragged one of the heavy suitcases closer to the basement door. Lindsay was getting an update from Danny about the kids and about the ham in the refrigerator.

"Sounds like heaven!  Thank you, Danny, and thank you for being here with the kids."

Lindsay gave the older man a hug and a kiss.  They made plans to take Danny out for dinner as a thank you.

"Lindz, I'm going to throw one load into the washer!" Melanie shouted up from the basement as Lindsay sliced up some ham to make sandwiches for dinner. The kids had already eaten and just wanted to hear about their moms' trip.

"Okay!" Lindsay shouted back. She placed several slices of ham on a plate to reheat in the microwave. As she turned, Lindsay missed the look of apprehension that passed between her kids.

"That's odd," Lindsay mumbled, "the chip in the sink enamel is gone. And our microwave never had a revolving plate." The kids' eyes grew larger. Lindsay was just about to ask Gus about it when Melanie came up from the basement.

"Lindz, that rattle in the pipes when the washer is filling is gone and the light switch doesn't click, it just flips on softly.  The kids slowly backed out of the kitchen.

"The microwave is different," Lindsay pointed to the appliance.  Mel could see the glass plate turning.

"Something's going on here," Mel said with narrowing eyes. They both looked around to notice the kids slinking up the stairs.  "Stop right there, you two!"

"We want an explanation," Lindsay added.

Gus and JR gulped, took deep breaths then hastily revealed all the disasters that had come to pass over the past two weeks. The Moms sat on the sofa with a plop, watching their animated children tell their tale. JR was so worried about her part in the microwave disaster and having to re-wire the house that her eyes began to well up with tears.

"Why didn't anyone call us to tell us what was happening?" Lindsay asked calmly. She wasn't angry just concerned that they were left out of the loop.

"We had a meeting," Gus answered.

"What kind of meeting?" Mel asked. She wasn't angry either, just very curious. "Us, Grandma Deb and Danny, Uncle Mikey and..."

"Brian!" Mel and Linz said at the same time.

"And just what did the ass...um, your father say?"  Melanie could feel her blood pressure rising.

"They considered calling you, they all did, but Pop wanted you to enjoy your vacation. He said you both needed the time away. He took care of everything with Uncle John's help and Ronny the plumber and Aaron, the electrician. Danny and John supervised everything.  And Mom, Mama, you really needed this vacation.  You both look different somehow," Gus commented and JR agreed.

"Please, Mama, don't be mad," JR pleaded.

"I'm not; I'm just glad no one got hurt and the house really hasn't changed," Mel said giving her daughter a hug as she reached out for Gus' hand.  "After dinner, Mom and I are going to bed early but I want to spend tomorrow with you.  And Gus, I'd really like to see your latest art project."

"Mom and I have our appointment at the nail salon. You could come with us," JR said with hope in her voice. Melanie smiled. 

"Sounds like a plan."

The girls ate their supper, locked up the house then went to bed.

"Lindz, he did it again, didn't he?" Mel asked, referring to Brian and his take charge attitude. The girls slid in between their own sheets.

"I suppose he did, but who better to get things done and make sure the best people were on the job," Lindsay stated as she snuggled up against her partner.

"I guess we have to be grateful for that, but is he ever going to be out of our lives?"

"No, he isn't.  Can you handle it?"

"Yes, I can," Mel replied then chuckled. "What's so funny?"

"We spent half of our vacation talking about Brian and we're still talking about him. I wonder if his ears are burning," Melanie said as they both broke out into giggles then into kisses.

 

*****

 

"Brian, you've been fidgeting all night long," Justin exclaimed in frustration. "I have not," Brian said with almost a pout.

"Yes, you have.  Now what's wrong?"

"I don't know.  Have you ever had that feeling that someone's been talking about you?"

"No, Brian, I haven't. You know, it's not always about you," Justin said as he drew Brian close to give him a kiss.  "And then sometimes..."

"Yes?"

"It is about you," Justin whispered in a lusty voice.

"Somebody's horny tonight," Brian purred into Justin's ear.

"So fix it," Justin murmured as the lovers kissed and kissed and kissed.

 

TBC