The Raging Storm

Chapter 1

Curtis was huddled in an alley trying to stay out of the freezing wind. He was just a boy, barely fourteen, and small for his age. His lack of a decent meal in over four months didn't help his growth any. All of his worldly goods were on his back, layered in tattered t-shirts, one black hoodie and several sweatshirts. They did little to hide his scrawniness. His boots were one size too small but they kept his feet dry and for now, they had no holes. Curtis thought it fortunate to have found an old pair of gloves that someone had tossed out into the garbage, he assumed because one edge had been frayed. If he had had a needle and thread, Curtis would have mended the gloves. He learned how to sew by watching one of his foster mothers. Curtis, a victim of an antiquated child welfare system, had run away from his latest abusive foster parents. They never bothered to file a police report.

The gloves kept his hands from freezing, frayed edge and all.

For the past two months, Curtis' only companion had been a small cat that he found in another alley, not much different than the one he was hiding in. They would share the meals that they scrounged and then they shared body heat whenever they could. Until, the cat got sick.

Curtis remembered seeing a vet's office one day as he was walking on Liberty Avenue. In the alley was the service entrance. Curtis packed the cat up in a box and left his precious bundle by the service entrance in hopes that the vet would find the cat and take pity on it. The vet did. But Curtis felt obliged to pay and in the only way he knew how. Making use of an old rusting pocket knife, a legacy from his beloved grandfather, Curtis got the money he needed by stealing. He hated doing it; he was taught to live by the 'golden rule,' but Curtis thought he had no other choice. He had to get his cat, his only friend in the world, all better.

"God damn, fucking snow," Brian cursed as he cut down a side street near the clinic, in a rush to see Hunter at the Jason Kemp Clinic. Hunter wanted some advice and whenever he didn't know who to turn to, Hunter would turn to Brian. "I will be eternally grateful when this fucking winter is over," Brian muttered to himself as he paused to re-wrap his scarf around his neck. The wind threatened to take his scarf flying away.

Thinking the well-to-do businessman he had just spotted would be an easy target, Curtis stepped out from his hiding place, knife in his hand.

"Your wallet!" Curtis shouted against the wind.

"What?" Brian shouted back, startled. He thought he could take the small kid, but the knife made him think out his options.

"Your wallet," Curtis repeated.

"Listen, kid, I'll give you my money, but you're not getting my wallet," Brian said quietly as he put his briefcase down to pull his wallet out of his coat pocket.

"Are you shitting me?" Curtis asked, trying to be tough. "I-I have a knife and I'll cut you."

"If you were going to cut me, you would have done it already. So why don't you take the money and your little knife and run along," Brian said as he handed the kid the money. He was tempted to throw the money at the kid but he didn't want to antagonize him any further than he had.

"You crazy, man!" Curtis shouted as he reached for the money, slipping on the ice. As he reached out to catch his balance, his knife hand grazed Brian's wrist.

"Fuck!" Brian shouted, not cut, but it was close. He held his arm close to his body.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Curtis shouted as he ran away. "I'm sorry!"

"Brian! BRIAN!" Hunter yelled from up the road. He had heard the shouts but thought it was the wind howling. It had been howling for most of the day.

"Brian, are you okay?" Hunter asked as he sprinted to the older man then grabbed the briefcase and ushered Brian into the clinic.

"What happened?" Nick asked as he saw Hunter bring Brian inside.

"I'm not sure. Brian, are you hurt?" Hunter asked.

"Only my pride," Brian snarked. Hunter and Nick glared at Brian and he sighed. "I got mugged," Brian mumbled dejectedly. "Some snot nosed little bugger took my money at knifepoint."

"Knifepoint!" Hunter exclaimed. "I'm calling the cops." Hunter picked up the phone as Nick took Brian's gloves and coat and began performing a cursory exam.

"I'm fine," Brian grumbled, batting away Dr. Nick's hands. "And the cops won't give a shit what happens down here."

"They'll be here," Hunter assured him.

"How can you be so sure?" Brian asked.

"The cops love me," Hunter said smugly. Brian arched a brow. "Look, the clinic cleaned up this part of the city."

"You mean, you cleaned up this part of the city, oh Master of Social Work," Brian uttered proudly.

"Whatever. The cops will want a statement. There's been a rash of muggings lately. No one's safe," Hunter said, hoping it wasn't any of his kids involved.

"Brian, let me see your hand," Nick donned a pair of gloves to examine the reddening welt that was forming where the knife grazed Brian's skin. "The skin's not broken but I don't want to take any chances. When was your last tetanus shot?"

"Not sure. Maybe when we built the treehouse for Gus."

"When was that?" Nick asked as he went for his bag that was in a locked cabinet.

"Over ten years ago," Brian answered.

"Then I'm giving you a shot."

"Want me to drop my pants?" Brian sneered.

"Only if you want me to inject you," Hunter replied with a leer.

"Cut it out, both of you," Nick said with a smirk. "You, roll up your sleeve," Nick said as he looked at Brian. "And you, go let the cops in. I think someone's at the door."

Brian and Hunter obeyed.

 

>>>>>>>>>


 

"Is there anything else, you can think of Mr. Kinney?" one of the officers asked.

"No, he just kept saying he was sorry like he really regretted having to take my money."

"I can't believe you just didn't turn over the wallet," the older of the two policemen stated. "Must be expensive," the officer muttered, sizing up Brian's designer suit and overcoat.

Brian took out his wallet then opened it. His wallet was stuffed with pictures of Justin, Bree, Gus, Patrick, the whole family including Hunter.

"I don't give a shit about the money, but some of these can't be replaced," Brian said fondly as he perused some of the photos.

"Well, if we get any leads we'll call you. Thank you for such a complete description of the kid's clothes. No wonder each victim described a different guy."

"If there's one thing Brian knows, its clothes," Hunter quipped. "Thanks, guys, for coming over. I'm sure this kid is NOT one of my kids," Hunter said emphatically then showed the cops out.

"Brian, you driving home? Your arm may sting for a while," Nick asked.

"No, I'm meeting Justin at the diner. He's over at Debbie's right now talking to Lacy." Brian began putting on his coat. His chat with Hunter could wait for another day.

"What about? Or is it a state secret?" Hunter asked.

"No secret but keep it under your hat until it's official. Justin wants Lacy to be the new artistic talent behind Rage. I think it's a great idea. Even Mikey's willing to give it a try. The hard part will be convincing Lacy that she's good enough." Hunter nodded in agreement. Lacy still lacked confidence.

"Come on, Big Guy, I'll walk over to the diner with you," Hunter suggested.

"I'll go with you," Nick added. The three bundled up against the cold, locked up then headed for the diner.

 

>>>>>>>>>

 

"But Lacy…"

"No, Justin, absolutely not!"

"Why? This is ridiculous. I know you can do it."

Lacy let out a long sigh and collected her thoughts before she answered. She knew this idea was just wrong. It couldn't happen, not in the world in which she lived.

"I'm still an art student. I won't graduate for a couple more years … that's if I graduate at all."

"You'll graduate. I have no doubt of it," Justin said confidently.

"Have you been checking up on me again?"

"It's my duty and … privilege to make sure everything's going well for you at PIFA."

"And what would you do if I was flunking out?" Lacy asked acidly.

Justin started at the comment. "You're not flunking out, are you?" he asked, concern in his voice.

"No, not even close," Lacy smiled. Maybe Justin didn't know as much about what she was doing as he thought he did.

"Then, if you're doing well at school, why not take this on? It's not a huge amount of work. We only put out a couple of issues a year … less if we aren't inspired."

"Rage is very important to a lot of gay people. I wouldn't want to ruin that for them."

"You wouldn't ruin it. You would breathe new life into it."

"Why do you say that?" Lacy asked with a frown.

"I never wanted to draw Rage. It started as a drunken joke, and it … grew."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Michael and I have always had a rather tenuous relationship. We don't get along all that well most of the time," Justin admitted. "We've come to a sort of understanding over the years," he added quickly, when he saw the look on Lacy's face.

"Is he that hard to work with?" Lacy asked with a worried look.

'Shit!' Justin thought. 'Now I've scared her off with my comments about Michael.' He drew in a breath and started again. "Michael's fine. It's just that I kind of came between him and Brian. He's never really forgiven me for that. That has nothing to do with you, so you'll be fine working with him. Really, you will."

"Methinks, you protest too much," Lacy said with a wry grin.

"I really want you to do this," Justin said sincerely.

"But, Rage is your story, you and Brian and Michael. Where do I fit into all that? What can I contribute?"

"You're a good artist, Lacy. Your drawings are so much like the way I draw Rage that I don't think the readers will necessarily notice a change."

Lacy smiled. "I draw like that because you helped me develop that style."

"I may have helped you refine your drawing skills, but you already drew like me in a lot of ways."

"Really? Did I?" Lacy asked with a smile on her face. She had always thought Justin had caused her to draw as she did. Maybe some of it actually came from her, from her own talent.

"You have talent, and you're learning more all the time. It all comes from you," Justin tried to reassure her.

Lacy frowned. She wanted to believe that she was a good artist, but there was always that little seed of fear that someday one of her professors or someone else would find out that she really was just a fraud, that she had no talent at all, that she was just a street kid pretending to be something she wasn't.

"I don't think I can do it. I wouldn't know what to draw," she said sadly.

"Sure you would," Justin said trying to be positive. "Michael and I have the next issue pretty well worked out. I brought some of my preliminary drawings for you to look at. We'll get you to work from what I've already done for this first issue. It will be interesting to see if the readers even notice that there are any variations in the artwork."

"I'm sure they'll notice," Lacy said in her most self-deprecating voice. "They'll probably be screaming at you immediately after Rage is published."

"I doubt that very much," Justin replied. He quickly added, "And then I was thinking that the next issue which will be all yours could be about homeless street kids. You have lots of experience with that." Justin smiled at her.

"Sure, if we include a girl pretending to be a gay male hustler," she said, crinkling up her face at the memory of what she had been.

"Well, the gay part's true," Justin reminded her. He looked thoughtful for a moment. "You know, that could be a great idea. Maybe we should include that. We could make her a new superhero. In this day and age we should have a female hero to complement Rage and Zephyr."

Lacy's eyes opened wide in disbelief. "You're kidding me, right?"

"No, I'm serious. It could be really great. She could develop a superpower after someone attacks her on the streets. We could make her androgynous for a while, like you used to be. Once the readers get to like her, we'll reveal that she's a girl. Oh, this is wonderful."

Lacy could see that Justin was truly sincere in his enthusiasm. It made her feel kind of weird.

"What's wrong?" Justin asked, noting the look on Lacy's face.

"I … I'm not sure I want my life out there for people to read about … and criticize … or feel sorry for me."

"They don't have to know it's true."

"They don't?"

"JT is basically my story, but they only know what I want them to know about it."

"Oh, I thought it was all true."

"Most of it is."

"Care to tell me what's not accurate?" Lacy asked with a mischievous grin.

"If I wanted that to be public knowledge I would have written the comics differently."

"I see," Lacy said thoughtfully. "What do you think this new female superhero might be called?"

Justin smiled. This was a promising development. At least Lacy was showing some positive interest in the project. "It should be something related to you, if we're going to base the character on you."

"Not Lacy," Lacy said quickly. "It has to be something different."

"Sure, okay," Justin agreed quickly. "We can make it anything you want."

"So how did you come up with the other names?"

"We based them on the person's name or some characteristic that they have."

"Brian is full of Rage?" Lacy asked with a twinkle in her eye.

Justin laughed. "I'll tell him you said that. Sometimes, he is though," Justin said softly. "Full of rage, I mean. When things don't go his way, or he sees injustice or innocent people being hurt, he gets very angry. He can be scary when he's really angry."

"He's scary all the time," Lacy chimed in. Brian always seemed so perfect, so handsome, so rich. He scared the shit out of her most of the time.

"I'll tell him you said that too," Justin chuckled. "The day we came up with Rage's name, Brian was on his treadmill while Michael and I were working on the ideas for the comic. Brian had his headphones on listening to music while he ran. The headphones stopped working for some reason. He tried to get them to work, but they wouldn't, so he yanked them off and threw them and the recorder across the loft."

"And Rage was born," Lacy supplied.

"Yep, that was where the name came from."

"But how does that help with a name for … this female superhero?" Lacy asked. She had almost said "for me", but she had to keep this character separate from herself.

"Let's see," Justin mused. "The name should probably resemble you in some way. Lacy is kind of like material or fabric, you know, like lace."

"Oh, so then the superhero would be called cotton or polyester?" Lacy joked.

"Not exactly," Justin laughed. "But Polly-Esther is a possibility." Justin wrote the word down on one of the drawings they had been looking at.

"Hmm, I'm not sure I like that," Lacy said slowly.

"It was just a suggestion. It's not carved in stone. It doesn't even have to be related to fabric," Justin assured her.

"I kind of like the idea of a fabric, but it should be something better than polyester, like … Silk." Lacy smiled and her eyes glowed at the thought.

"I like Silk too, but I have a feeling it's already been done. We need something … unique."

"Burlap?" Lacy said with that wry smile.

Justin chuckled. "Maybe, that's definitely unique."

"No!"

"I was kidding," Justin replied with a grin.

"This is hard." Lacy's brow furrowed in deep thought.

"I never said it would be easy."

Lacy sighed. "What are some other fabrics?" She wrinkled her brow trying to think of other possibilities.

Justin wracked his brain trying to come up with something. He had a feeling that he almost had Lacy's consent and cooperation to do the comic. To seal the deal, he needed a name for this new female superhero, and not just any name, a great name.

"Let's see," Justin said, "Chino, denim, wool."

Lacy shook her head. "I don't like any of those. It should be something like silk, soft but strong."

"Taffeta, chiffon."

"That's better. "I kind of like Chiffon, but it's not a very strong material."

"Isn't there something called sateen?" Justin asked.

"Yes, I think so," Lacy replied. Justin could see the wheels turning. "How about Sateeena with three e's?" Lacy said, writing the word down on the edge of Justin's drawing.

"Hey, I like that," Justin agreed. "It's smooth sounding, and sleek, but potentially very hard to deal with."

"Like me?" Lacy asked.

"You're not hard to deal with. You need more confidence in yourself is all."

"I try to have confidence, but I don't always feel very confident," Lacy admitted.

"You're doing better than you used to. I really think you'll be great with the Rage comic, Lacy. Will you do it?"

Lacy hesitated for a second or two then she extended her hand to Justin. "I want to talk to Michael and set some ground rules for working together, but otherwise I'm in."

Justin smiled and shook her outstretched hand. "Terrific, and you sounded just like Sateeena when you said that."

Lacy couldn't stop smiling.

The Raging Storm

Chapter 2

Brian was unusually quiet as he, Hunter and Nick entered the Liberty Avenue Diner. If Hunter didn't know any better he'd think Brian was sulking. However, we all know Brian Kinney doesn't sulk.

"Brian, honey, why the long face? This awful weather getting to you?" Emmett had swooped into the diner with his usual flair. He had closed up his bistro for the night, and for the next few weeks, left the running of the bistro in the capable hands of his associate, Sean. The Ironmen's season was over. As planned, Emmett and Drew were going to spend some time at their cottage. Drew was going to meet Emmett at the diner, have dinner together then head for the cottage.

"I'm fine, Emmy Lou. Just tired of the snow," Brian mumbled, taking a seat next to Emmett. Nick and Hunter sat opposite the friends. They were joined, shortly by Justin and by Drew.

Justin had finished his talk with Lacy and had made similar plans to meet Brian at the diner, have dinner then go home to Edna's Treasures. Bree was with Patrick and her uncles.

"Hey," Justin greeted his spouse with a warm smile.

"Hey," Brian said quietly as Justin slipped into the booth next to Brian. Drew sat next to Hunter.

"What's wrong?" Justin asked as he looked at Brian then at Hunter and Nick. "What's going on?"

"That's what I want to know," Emmett said loudly. Hunter and Nick looked at Brian then down at the menus in their hands which they knew by heart.

When Brian didn't say anything, Justin put his foot down. "Okay, something is definitely wrong and I want to know what it is!"

"Brian...," Hunter said in his Social Worker voice.

Brian sighed. "Igotmugged," Brian mumbled.

"What!" Justin and Emmett said in unison. That caught the attention of all present.

"I got mugged," Brian said again then shielded the arm that was grazed by the knife.

"And just when were you going to tell me? Are you hurt?" Justin said louder.

"Yeah! What he said!" Emmett cried out.

"Nothing happened, okay and I'm not hurt," Brian grumbled then took a sip of water.

"Brian!" Nick admonished the older man in his very authoritative doctor voice. Brian sighed again.

"Fuck! Does everyone have to know my business," Brian exclaimed angrily.

"No, honey, not everyone just us and we love you. Was it the guy who has been mugging all those people on Liberty? It's been in the papers. I thought maybe we're being targeted," Emmett said reasonably and calmly. He knew Brian hated talking about himself.

"I don't think this was a hate crime. He's just a kid and he said he was sorry."

"Yeah, just how sorry is he? He nearly cut you with his knife," Nick snarked, driving home the point.

Emmett gasped.

Justin didn't know whether to cry or run out to hunt down the mugger himself. "A knife! Where were the cops? These muggings have been in all the papers. Or don't they give a shit about a few fags who get robbed!" Justin was almost shrieking.

Just then Carl came in to pick up Debbie after her shift. They both heard Justin and saw the angry glares the whole diner threw their way.

"What, do I have egg on my face?" Carl asked his wife as they walked over to the boys' table.

"Sunshine," Brian began with a firm voice and for the benefit of everyone listening. "I'm fine. I wasn't hurt. The kid wanted my wallet; I refused to give it to him. I gave him the money. When he reached out to take it, the kid slipped and he grazed my arm with his knife. He was a kid. A skinny little kid, cold, sickly and wearing what looked like everything he had in his possession. Hunter heard the noise and came running."

Brian's soothing voice calmed his worried and angry spouse. Then Liberty Avenue got to witness a tender moment between the legendary Brian and Justin. Taking Justin's hand in his, Brian kissed Justin's wedding ring and then his temple. Justin began to relax.

"Son, that was a foolish thing to do. You should have just handed over your wallet," Carl said in a very fatherly, retired cop tone.

"Sweetheart, you're more important than a piece of leather," Debbie reiterated.

Brian took out his wallet, and all the family photos tumbled out including the one of Jack Kinney holding baby Gus. It was Brian's only copy. Brian always meant to make copies but never did.

"Oh honey," Emmett said as his lower lip quivered. He understood. After a minute and being sufficiently recovered, Emmett asked, "Did you notify the police?"

Brian nodded. "Hunter called them," Brian confirmed.

"Who answered the call?" Carl inquired.

"Sergeant McGinty and Officer Rodgers," Hunter replied.

"I remember McGinty when he was a rookie; he's a good man," Carl noted. "I'll call him and see what he has. Brian, are you sure you weren't hurt? You may need a doctor."

"I saw a doctor. Doctor Nick looked at my boo-boo and kissed it to make it all better," Brian said glibly. Just then all eyes turned to Nick. Swallowing a mouthful of his burger, Nick gave the family the run down.

"I guess HIPAA means nothing to this family," Nick murmured then went on with his explanation. "The knife just grazed the surface of his skin. It raised a nice welt but did not cut Brian. I cleaned the area, applied an antibiotic ointment then placed a dressing over it to keep it clean and so that the ointment doesn't get all over everything. I also gave him a tetanus shot."

"Ooo, did you get to see Brian's ass?" Emmett asked with a smile, lightening up the mood. Several patrons laughed.

"If Brian was going to drop his pants, then I would have given him the shot. He got it in his arm," Hunter said with disappointment. Debbie gave him a cuff to the back of his head. More laughter was heard.

"Carl, take your wife home," Brian commanded, quickly changing the subject.

"Good idea, looks like it's going to snow again. Brian, if I hear anything I'll call you. Let's go home, honey." Carl helped Debbie with her coat.

"You behave yourself," Debbie said in her worried mother voice as she pointed her finger at Brian. Then she gave Justin a kiss.

"I'm trusting you to take care of him," Debbie reprimanded Justin. Justin nodded as he leaned into Brian.

The gang finished their dinners then went their separate ways to home.
 

>>>>>>>>>
 

"Raph, the front's all locked up. You ready to hit the road?" Hector asked his partner in life and in business.

"Yeah, I am ready to go. Which vet tech is staying overnight?" Raphael, the vet, asked his partner and assistant.

"Samantha."

"Will she be okay on her own?"

"Security cameras and alarms are all activated. The fridge is stocked and there's plenty of coffee. And she's not alone," Hector explained.

"Oh?"

"Stop it; her older brother is hanging out with her. He's a cop, off duty, and he brought his own cot. So stop worrying or assuming," Hector smirked.

"Yes, mother. Let's go home."

Raph and Hector bid goodnight to Samantha and her brother then exited the clinic via the service entrance. A small envelope fell from the door jamb.

"Another donation?" Hector asked.

"I'm afraid so," Raph answered.

"Babe, we have to go to the police."

"I agree. I can't keep putting this off. I'll call Carl Horvath in the morning; he'll know what to do."

"Good idea. Let's go home."

"Best idea I've heard all day."

Raphael and Hector went home.

 

>>>>>>>>>
 

Justin waited until they were in the car heading for Edna's Treasures. Then he let fly.

"How could you not call me when you got mugged?" he demanded.

"I wasn't hurt, so I didn't want to worry you."

"He fucking had a knife, Brian! You've got to be more careful."

Brian sighed. "I'm not a baby."

"And you're not Rage," Justin reminded him.

"I thought I was," Brian smirked.

"You're my Rage, but your superpowers do not include deflecting knives." Then Justin added, "Your superpowers are better suited to the bedroom." Justin's voice had become husky.

Brian gave Justin that look and stepped down hard on the accelerator.

 

>>>>>>>>>
 

Debbie walked into her house carrying a couple of bags of groceries. She dropped them on the kitchen table. Carl followed her carrying several more.

"Where does all this food go?" Carl asked as he placed his bags next to the ones she had carried in.

"We eat it," Debbie replied as she unzipped her coat and threw it on the back of one of the kitchen chairs.

"We can't possibly eat all this," Carl contradicted her.

"Well, we eat some, and then there's the things I make for Michael and Hunter and JR, and Lacy eats some of it, and…"

"Did I hear my name?" Lacy asked coming down the stairs. She smiled at the sight of all the food, and Carl and Debbie working together to put it away.

"You sure did," Debbie replied. "Come give us a hand and we'll be done in a fucking jiffy."

When they had everything safely stowed in the cupboards or the fridge, Debbie put on the kettle for a cup of tea.

"Care to join me?" she asked Lacy.

"Yeah, I'd like to." She looked at Carl wishing he would go do some manly thing so that she could talk to Debbie privately.

Debbie saw the look. "Don't you need to get ready for work?" she asked Carl.

"Nah, not yet."

"I thought you wanted to take a shower," Debbie said forcefully and jerked her head to indicate that Carl should amscray.

"Oh, yeah, right," Carl said. "I'll go up and do that right now." He quickly headed for the stairs.

Lacy chuckled. "I hope he doesn't prune up too much."

Debbie giggled. "Me too."

"I really wanted to talk to you about something, Debbie. I respect your opinion."

"Jeez, it must be something major if you start off with a compliment like that."

Lacy laughed. "I meant it."

"Okay, kiddo, what's up?" she asked as she made two mugs of tea.

Lacy sat down at the table and waited for Debbie to join her. She was wondering just how much she should tell Debbie. After all, Michael was her son. When Debbie finished making the tea, she set one mug in front of Lacy and then sat down in the chair opposite her.

Lacy cleared her throat. She knew there was no point beating around the bush where Debbie was concerned. "Justin stopped by earlier," she started.

"Did he now?"

"Yeah, he wanted to make me an offer."

"One that you can't refuse?" Debbie asked. She took a careful sip of her hot tea.

"Do you know what he was doing here?" Lacy asked with a frown. Debbie sounded like she was aware of what Justin had told her.

"No, but I met him at the diner. I guess he came in after he'd been here. By the way, Brian got mugged."

"Mugged? Really?" Debbie nodded. "Holy shit! Is he all right?"

"Yeah, just some kid with a knife."

"A knife? Wow! That makes what, about four muggings on Liberty lately?"

"You be careful out there," Debbie admonished. "Anyway, Brian's all right. He gave the kid some money and then called the cops."

"Is Carl involved?"

"He's going to check it out."

"I'm glad Brian wasn't hurt."

"We all are, Lacy, we all are. Now tell me what's up with you and Justin and this irresistible offer."

"He wants me to draw Rage. He's too busy with his own art to keep doing it," Lacy blurted out.

"What? Does Michael know? He'll be so upset."

"Well, thanks a lot," Lacy retorted. She felt like Debbie had just stabbed her through the heart.

"I meant that he doesn't handle change easily. It will be hard for him to work with someone knew," Debbie said, trying to smooth over the harshness of her previous words.

"From what I hear, he's pretty hard to work with anyway," Lacy said icily.

"He is not," Debbie assured her. "He's a sweet man. Really, he is, Lacy. I just know that he'll have trouble with this at first."

"Justin said he had discussed backing out of the comic with Michael," Lacy informed the older woman.

"And Michael was okay with the idea?"

"Justin said he was willing to give it a try," Lacy said slowly.

"Then what's the problem?" Debbie asked sipping more of her tea.

"I … I'm not sure I can do it." Lacy looked like she wanted to cry.

"Justin must think you can do it or he wouldn't have asked you. I think you'll like working with Michael once you get started. You have nothing to worry about." Debbie reached across the table and squeezed Lacy's hand.

Lacy gave her a weak smile. "I guess you know Michael better than I do. I hope you're right."

"I know I'm right," Debbie said confidently.

 

>>>>>>>>>
 

Brian and Justin were into it hot and heavy. Brian was plowing the sweet ass that he claimed as his and his alone. Justin was moaning in ecstasy beneath him. Everything was perfect … almost.

If he shut his eyes, Brian could still the scared face of his mugger. He could still feel the force of the obviously dull blade rake across his hand. He could hear the cries of, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry!"

"Brian, focus," Justin said from far away.

Brian opened his eyes and looked down at Justin who was on all fours and craning his neck to look at Brian's face over his shoulder. "Shit," Brian whispered.

"Come on; we're almost there," Justin goaded. He tightened his anal muscles around Brian's cock, and the older man groaned from somewhere deep inside.

"Fuck!" Brian cried.

"That's what I'm trying to get you to do," Justin stated as he pushed back taking all of Brian's dick that he could force into himself.

That seemed to do the trick. Brian drove home again and again bringing them both to the edge. With a tug on Justin's cock and a call of his lover's name, Brian plunged them off the cliff and they fell into the delicious whirlwind of their orgasms.

Some minutes later when they could breathe again, Justin rolled over and laid his head on Brian's chest. "What happened?" he asked.

Brian knew immediately what Justin was referring to. "I was thinking about the kid who mugged me."

"Maybe you should talk to someone about it," Justin suggested gently.

"I'm fine," Brian assured him. "I just can't get his scared face out of my head. He must be desperate to have mugged me. He kept saying he was sorry."

"That's really weird."

"I know. It was like he didn't have any other choice."

"Maybe he doesn't," Justin said thoughtfully. "I wonder why he doesn't go to the clinic or something."

"He might be too young," Brian replied.

"Too young? What do you mean?"

"He looked about fourteen, certainly no more than fifteen. At that age they'll put him into care."

"You mean like a foster home?"

"Yeah."

"Wouldn't that be better?" Justin asked.

"Depends on the foster home. Some of them are horrible beyond belief."

"But … they're supposed to protect kids, aren't they?" Justin asked with a frown.

"Supposed to, being the operative word. Many of them are fine, but I know there are some very bad foster situations."

Justin sighed. "Sometimes the world is a shitty place."

"You got that right."

"But at least you're okay. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you," Justin said softly as he kissed along Brian's collarbone and across his chest, giving special attention to Brian's nipples.

"God, you have the best mouth," Brian groaned.

"I know," Justin whispered. "I'm going to make you forget all about the mugging."

"And I know you can do it too," Brian smiled, as he gave himself over to Justin's many talents.

 

>>>>>>>>>

 

Curtis hurried down the alley behind the diner. He knew there were often cardboard boxes thrown out from supplies that had been delivered. He hoped there were some tonight. The wind was bitterly cold and his feet and hands felt like they were blocks of ice. He needed something to protect him from the wind or he surely wouldn't survive the night.

At the end of the alley he saw a large cardboard box. He smiled; that would work very nicely. He pulled it against the side of the dumpster. Then he noticed there were a couple of smaller boxes nearby. He grabbed those and tore them apart, flattening them out and fitting them into the larger box. He now had three layers of cardboard that he could sleep on. That would protect him somewhat from the cold asphalt that was under the box.

Curtis surveyed the alley. The space between the dumpster and the building at the back was just about big enough to pull the cardboard box into. He crawled in and pulled the box after him. He managed to get it wedged into the space then he crawled inside it. It felt so much warmer than being out in the wind.

He let out a soft sigh. At least he might survive the night. He pulled out from his pocket half a donut that he had retrieved from a trash can where he had seen some guy throw it. He wished he had something hot to drink with it, but at least it was food. He started nibbling on the sweet pastry. It wasn't bad.

His mind wandered to his cat. He hoped Alfred, as he had named the cat in his head, was doing all right at the vet's. Curtis missed him so much, but he was sure the cat was better off where he was now than he would be if he stayed with Curtis. He sighed again. In a day or two he would have to try to get some more money, so that the vet wouldn't put his cat down. He prayed that by leaving the packets of money, the vet would take care of Alfred and see that nothing bad happened to him.

Curtis hated having to rob people to get the money, but what else could he do? He'd have to be more careful though. The guy he robbed today … he had been so stupid, refusing to give up his wallet. At least he had got the money off the guy, but he almost cut him. He didn't want to hurt anybody. He just had to protect Alfred, exactly the way that he wished someone would protect him.

Curtis finished his piece of donut and curled up in his cardboard box. He needed to sleep. The morning would come soon enough, and he'd have to find someone else to mug.

The Raging Storm

Chapter 3

"Nick?" The young doctor turned to see who called out his name. "Raphael Angles," Raph said as he extended his arm to shake Nick's hand. "We met over Christmas."

Nick smiled; he remembered the handsome vet and his partner. And that they looked a little awkward at first at Edna's Treasures, but by the end of the two and a half day 'Christmas dinner' Raph and Hector had become part of the family.

"Of course I remember. I also remember all the shoveling. I think I'm very happy that I live in an apartment and the management company handles the snow clearance. What brings you to the diner? I don't think I've ever seen you in here. Your clinic's on the other end of Liberty, right?"

"Yes, I'm closer to Emmett's Place. I was hoping to see Carl Horvath or maybe Debbie. I heard she still works here."

"Yeah, we can't get her to retire. She keeps reminding us that her 'kids' need her. I guess it's true. Can I help?"

"I'm not sure. We have a little mystery going on at the clinic and I was hoping to speak with Carl to get his input before going to the cops."

"Mystery, huh? I love a good mystery but if it's Carl you want, he's probably home, asleep. He's the manager at Babylon."

"Babylon! The Babylon? What is an old straight cop doing running the hottest gay nightclub in Pittsburgh?"

"As it goes, when Carl retired from the force, he wanted something to do with himself."

"Being married to Debbie isn't enough?" The two doctors laughed.

"Brian made him an offer he couldn't refuse. And frankly, between Brian and Carl, Babylon is the greatest and the safest place gays can go to hang loose. Debbie's off today but here's their number. Call after twelve; that should be safe."

"Thanks, I appreciate the help." Raph ordered a coffee to go and a lemon bar then left for the clinic.

 

*****

 

The occupants of Edna's Treasures were sticking close to home. Even though the weather was relatively clear in the city, a snow squall had stalled not too far from Bridgeton. The edge of the squall was dumping more snow on Edna's Treasures. The kids had a snow day, and Bobby wasn't needed in court, so chose to work from home. John and Brian had nothing pressing. With the youngsters having fun in Patrick's room, Brian and Justin took advantage. They were indulging in a little cuddle time in their room before Justin went back to his easel.

"Justin there is no need for you to baby me. I'm not hurt or sick."

"Maybe I want to baby you. Maybe I want to make sure that I'm the only one who gets to kiss all your boo-boos to make them better," Justin responded in a sultry whisper.

"Ooooh, now I see," Brian mused with a raise of an eyebrow. "You're checking on my boo-boo." Justin nodded with a broad smile. "And does that include everywhere else I might have an ache or a pain?" Brian purred seductively.

"I intend to thoroughly examine every inch of your body," Justin murmured then captured his lover's lips in a deep kiss. After Justin released Brian's lips, he trailed tender kisses down Brian's body stopping briefly at the fading welt on his arm.

"I love you, Brian," Justin whispered as he gently kissed the injured area.

"Love you too, Sunshine," Brian said as he gave over his body to the younger man who was expertly loving him.

 

*****
 

"Raph, can you meet me at the police station, say, in about an hour. Bring the 'donations' and any other records such as the dates when you received the money. It may help." Carl was having brunch with Debbie when they got the call from Raph.

"Okay, see you then," Raph confirmed then began to organize his notes and the packets of the 'donations'.

 

*****
 

"Danny?" Michael was behind the counter at The Comic Book Store. Danny was stocking the shelves with the latest Spiderman issue.

"Yes, Michael."

"How do you feel about Lacy replacing Justin as the artist for Rage?" Michael was whispering even though there wasn't anyone in the store at the moment.

"Michael, I remember her drawings and paintings from the time of the fundraiser. There was a reason they were put near Justin's Rage pictures. Lacy started out imitating Justin's style until she developed one of her own."

"But shouldn't she have developed her style first?"

"Michael, all artists start out imitating someone else. You ask Justin. I'm sure he had to study the classics in school and they certainly influenced his "Old Masters" show. Lacy views Justin as a hero. So it's not surprising she emulates his art. After all, imitation is the highest form of flattery. And I should know."

"What do you mean?" Michael asked not truly understanding the point.

"Michael, my boy, I'm a drag queen. The first time I ever slipped on my size twelve pumps, I began my career based on imitation. And I tried to do each of the women I imitated justice. Divina was my triumph."

"But I don't remember an actress or star with that name."

"No, you wouldn't because Divina was based on my mother." Danny smiled fondly at the memory. His mother was a cross between Donna Reed and Mae West. She was feisty and down to earth. She didn't quite understand the gay thing nor the drag queen thing, but she loved her son and that was all Danny needed to know.

"Really?" Michael was intrigued.

"Really. I have pictures of her and my father, if you're ever interested in seeing them. You and Ben could come to dinner one night," Danny said hopefully.

"I'd like that," Michael affirmed. "So you think I should give Lacy a chance."

"I think, she's the best man for the job," Danny said with a little tongue in cheek of his own. The door jingled, signaling a customer. Michael temporarily tabled the conversation.

 

*****

 

"Daddy, can we make a snowman?" Bree asked as she ate her toast and peanut butter.

"I don't know, Bree. It's snowing pretty hard out there," Justin replied.

"Please, Dada, come with me?"

Brian looked at Justin. They smiled at each other. Their daughter had learned the fine art of manipulation, playing one against the other. Justin nodded at Brian.

"We'll see if it clears off this afternoon. If it does maybe we could make a snow fort," Brian suggested. "All of us could," Brian added pointedly.

"What's a snow fort?" Bree asked.

"You don't know?" Justin asked. "No one at school has made one in the playground?"

Bree frowned. "Don't know. What's a snow fort?" she repeated.

"Your education is sadly lacking, young lady," Brian said with a grin. "We'll hopefully rectify that this afternoon."

"What's pectrify?"

"Rectify," Brian said with a chuckle. "It's means to make something right, to fix it."

"Can you pectrify the light in my bathroom? It don't work," Bree stated.

Brian and Justin chuckled.

"It's rectify, sweetheart," Justin repeated.

"Rec-ti-fy," Bree parroted making sure she got each syllable right.

"That's correct, Squirt," Brian said. "Now how be we go fix that pesky light."

"'Kay, Dada," Bree replied, sliding down from her chair and holding out her hand for her Dada to take it.

Justin smiled as he watched them walk out of the kitchen hand in hand.

 

*****

 

Curtis awoke with a start. He always did, because he was never sure what he'd find when he woke up or what might have caused him to awaken.

This morning it was someone slamming the lid of the dumpster, he decided. He stayed quiet hoping no one would disturb his little nest of boxes. He didn't like being found by someone trying to clean up the alley. He usually had to run, and his feet were quite numb from the cold. It was always better to start slowly than try to run first thing.

Curtis listened until all was silent outside his box. He slowly tipped the box over and looked around. His fingers felt slow and stiff inside the old gloves. He flexed them several times hoping to get more feeling back.

"Why the fuck couldn't I have run away in the summer?" he muttered as he tried to stand up.

He staggered a bit and fell against the dumpster which helped to keep him upright. He slapped his thighs with his hands trying to get feeling back into his extremities. He'd give anything for a hot bath and a nice warm bed … a hot meal. His stomach rumbled mightily. That piece of donut from the night before hadn't stayed with him long.

With fingers that refused to cooperate, Curtis fished in his pockets. He had kept back a few dollars of what he stole from that good looking man. Maybe it was time to spend it on something hot to eat. Curtis looked at the back door of the diner. He wondered if they'd kick him out if he went inside to eat. He knew he smelled pretty rank, but he was really hungry. He decided to take a chance.

He walked down the alley and peered around the corner of the building. Nobody suspicious or threatening seemed to be around. He looked up at the sign that said Liberty Diner. Maybe it would be worth a try. After all, he had accepted the hospitality of their cardboard boxes all night.

He straightened his shoulders and headed for the door.

As Curtis turned the corner from the alley to go into the diner, Lacy was hurrying down the street to report for her shift. Curtis froze. Lacy recognized a kindred spirit. Curtis almost cried with frustration and fear and he was about to run.

"Wait," Lacy pleaded. The androgynous person looked harmless enough to Curtis so he stopped. "You're hungry and cold?"

Curtis' eyes grew large.

"Meet me at the kitchen door. It's around the side in the alley. Do you know where it is?"

Curtis nodded.

"Just wait there. It'll be all right. I promise. Go!"

Curtis scurried back into the alley. Lacy went into the diner. The breakfast rush was over. She bussed a few tables then began assembling what would look like a feast to a street kid. If the boy rationed himself, the food could last for days. The container of chicken was large enough to last the whole day just by itself.

Taking the food into the break room, Lacy looked around for something to pack it all in. Finding an old backpack that had a missing strap, Lacy packed up several sandwiches, fruit, small boxes of cereal and a few lemon bars. Opening her locker, Lacy took out her spare pair of gloves, a scarf and a raincoat that she kept there for emergencies. Then she carefully made her way to the kitchen door.

"Kid. Kid! You out here?" Lacy called out. Curtis stepped out from behind the dumpster. "Here, put this on," Lacy instructed.

Curtis slipped the raincoat over his other clothes. Lacy was so much taller than Curtis so the raincoat almost reached the ground. It wasn't very thick but it shielded the boy from the wind. He wrapped the scarf around his head and neck, tying it tightly so that it covered his almost frozen ears. He shoved the extra pair of gloves into the raincoat pocket.

As Curtis reached for the backpack, he questioned his mysterious benefactor, "Why?"

"Why am I helping you?" Curtis nodded. "Because a few years ago, I was on the street, just like you. I was scared, hungry and whoring myself for a meal or a place to sleep. Someone very good and kind helped me. He can help you too."

"No! No, I can't. If they catch me, they'll just send me back. I'd rather die than go back there."

"They hurt you, didn't they?"

Curtis nodded, tears stinging his eyes.

"I was hurt too. I gotta get back. Meet me here at four. I'll take you to Hunter. He'll know what to do."

"Hunter? The Hunter-man?" Curtis used the nickname Hunter had earned from the street kids he saved. "I thought he only helped faggots." Lacy ignored the insult.

"Hunter helps all kids and anyone else who needs him. Just be here at four." Lacy thought she heard Curtis say yes. "Oh, there's chicken soup in there. Eat that first," Lacy said as she retreated back into the kitchen. Lacy wrote down everything she had taken on one of her dummy checks then tallied the bill. She'd have to use all her tips for the day to pay for it.

 

*****

 

"Daddy, I'm cold, Daddy. Can we go inside now and you make us some hot cocoa?" Bree asked her Daddy Justin. He made the best hot cocoa.

The snow squall had eased up for a while, so Brian and Justin bundled up their daughter and Patrick and went outside to build the snow fort. It was rather impressive. One fine and large drift behind the fort had shielded them from the wind. However, now the wind had changed direction and the snow was beginning to fall again.

"Of course, baby. Guys, Bree's cold. We're going in," Justin said to Brian and Patrick who were stocking the fort with snowballs. Justin picked up Bree to shield her from the wind and went back to the house.

Not paying attention to the weather, Brian and Patrick worked on. In about fifteen minutes, Beau showed up at the fort barking loudly.

"Hey Beau!" Patrick greeted his dog with a pat to the large head. Beau latched onto the front of Patrick's thick coat and began to pull him toward the cottage. "Uncle Bri!" Patrick cried out. Brian popped his head up then stepped from the fort to witness Beau's 'rescue'.

"Okay, Beau, I get it. Time to bring the boy inside," Brian said as he caught up to them. Within minutes, Beau had his charges safe and warm within the walls of Edna's Treasures.

 

*****

 

"Thank you, Daddy," Bree said as Justin placed her mug of cocoa in front of her at the table.

Justin had changed Bree out of her snowsuit into her warm pink footie pajamas. It was a bit early for pajamas but Bree didn't mind. Her toes were warm and so was her belly. Justin made a large pot of cocoa so that Brian and Patrick could have some too. John and Bobby were preparing the family dinner.

Beau sat on his cushion in his corner of the porch. All was as it should be in his home.

 

*****

 

Lacy hung around the kitchen door of the diner waiting for Curtis to show up. At least she hoped that the kid would show up. The cook was beginning to eye Lacy suspiciously and she thanked whatever gods were looking down on her that Debbie wasn't working. Lacy would have gotten the third degree if Deb had been there. She waited for about thirty minutes. When Curtis didn't show, Lacy decided to go home.

Curtis watched Lacy from across the street. He saw her walk away. He was surprised that she actually kept her promise, let alone waited a half hour for him. He felt guilty for not going to her but he had to be sure. The weather was turning bitter again; he had to find shelter or freeze to death. Curtis finished the soup Lacy had given him earlier. The rest of the food he was saving. The freezing weather would keep the sandwiches from going bad. He needed to find a place to spend the night.

"Hey kid, you need a warm place to stay?" someone called out from behind him. Curtis was poised to run.

"I'm Hunter. Sometimes the kids call me the Hunter-man. I'm not a cop; I'm a counselor. I try to help kids like you."

"What do you know about kids like me?" Curtis said angrily. Lacy had made the same claim. She looked like she could have told him the truth. She had that look in her eyes, the scared look like someone was going to discover who and what she was and turn her in. Hunter didn't have that look...anymore.

"Because by the time I was fifteen, my mother pimped me out. I lived on the streets for years. I hustled, I stole, I slept in boxes when I could find them."

Hunter paused to let that bit of info sink in. Choosing his words carefully, Hunter then continued.

"I run the drop-in center a few blocks from here. It's warm, clean and dry. I have showers with good strong soap. Clean clothes if you want them; a washer and dryer if you want to save the clothes on your back. I might even have boots your size. You're welcome to them. And to a bed for as long as you need it."

"You'll turn me in!" Curtis could feel the tears sting his face.

"No I won't."

"But I did some bad things."

"How bad?"

"I-I stole money," Curtis said, crying now.

"We'll work that out. Let's just get you out of the cold first, okay?" Curtis nodded, grateful his nightmare was almost over.

Hunter cautiously approached the boy, slowly like someone approaching a hurt animal.

"Her name is Lacy," Hunter said softly using his calm Social Worker voice.

"Whose name?"

"The girl who gave you the raincoat. Her name is Lacy."

"He's a girl?" Curtis hadn't been sure.

"Yeah, but don't let her know I told you," Hunter chuckled. Lacy still kept up the mystique and on Liberty, it fit. "Come on, let's get you warm."

"And clean?" Curtis asked hopefully.

"And clean," Hunter replied, leading his latest lost boy to the Jason Kemp Center.

The Raging Storm

Chapter 4

"Raph, Hector, thank you for coming," Carl greeted the men as they came into the police station. He then introduced the vet and his assistant to Sergeant McGinty and Officer Rodgers. Not very confident in the police and their ability to keep prejudice out of the investigation, Raph and Hector were hesitant. Carl read the signs and tried to put them at ease.

Raph took out his notes and the file on the cat. Using the desk calendar, he informed the policemen when each donation appeared and the amounts. Then Raph pulled out each packet of money, still wrapped up in their individual envelope or scrap of paper. Raph had put each packet in its own plastic bag.

"Raph, you would have made a great policeman. I've never seen such detail before," Carl commented. His fellow officers agreed. "So you believe the money is related to the stray that someone left."

"It's got to be. All our other 'patients' have owners who are all present and accounted for. This is a slow time for the clinic. The snow-birds and their pets are lounging on a warm beach somewhere. This cat must belong to a homeless person, or someone equally down on their luck."

"Snow-bird?" Officer Rodgers asked.

Hector chuckled then explained. "We're fortunate to have 'patients' who belong to Pittsburgh's upper class. Just before or right after the holidays, they fly south for the winter."

"Some of those animals have more frequent flyer miles than all of us put together," Raph continued. "We know our regular patients. This poor little girl isn't one of them." Raph opened the folder on Matty, tapping on it to make his point. Inside were pictures of the poor sickly, mangy animal when she first arrived on their doorstep. After a few weeks in their care, she was looking a helluva lot better. The men 'awed' and 'tsked' at the poor little creature, then composed themselves to get back to the matter at hand.

"Ed, what are the dates of the muggings?" Carl asked Officer Rodgers who pulled out his pad. Using the desk calendar they saw a pattern emerging.

"Looks like you received a donation within hours of a reported mugging," the sergeant observed.

"But there's a lot more donations than you have reports. The dates don't add up," Hector commented.

"Mr. Sanchez, some people don't report crimes," the sergeant began. "This donation was for nine bucks. Who's going to report being mugged for nine dollars? Most people would think it wasn't worth the hassle."

The five men nodded all in agreement.

"The amounts don't add up either," Raph added.

"If the perpetrator is hungry himself, he might have held back a buck or two to feed himself. That last donation, it was larger than the rest."

"Yes, one hundred and twenty dollars to be exact," Raph confirmed.

"The amount stolen was one twenty-three. The kid held back three bucks," McGinty revealed.

"Kid?" both Raph and Hector exclaimed.

"The last victim gave us a detailed description of the mugger. Said he couldn't have been more than fourteen," Rodgers informed them.

"Well that just rots! Where are this kid's parents?" Hector was becoming incensed.

"Hector," Raph began calmly to soothe his lover. "Maybe this poor child has no parents. We'll have to wait and see." Raph and Hector saw the officer and Carl exchange looks.

"What?" Hector asked.

"The kid used a knife," McGinty admitted.

Now Raphael became angry. "Just a minor detail you neglected to tell us. Is this because the victims were hit on or just off Liberty Avenue? I read the papers. I assume you left out a few details so that if you got a tip you could figure out if it was legitimate or not. But who cares if a few homos lose their money or get cut up. One less of us for you guys to deal with, right? Hector let's go," Raph said angrily as he stood to gather up his files.

"Dr. Angles," Carl stated more formally. "I know in the past the police department may have looked the other way when it came to crimes whose victims were gay. But I assure you, McGinty and Rodgers are good, honest cops. This won't be swept under a rug."

Hector patted Raph's arm to calm his lover. Raph sat back down.

"Guys, you know me; you know Debbie. I know you aren't regulars at the diner or at the club but you must know people who are. I'm being straight with you, excuse the pun." Carl was able to illicit a small smile from Raph and Hector.

"Like Rodgers said, we've got a good description of the kid. And now with what you've given us, we have a place to start. I'll be turning this all over to a detective," McGinty said.

"What will happen to the kid when you find him?" Raph asked with concern. He had grown up in a large family with many siblings and as the second son, he was put in charge of those siblings many times. But when he came 'out' his family rejected him. Raph missed his brothers and sisters, missed caring for children.

"Well, that all depends," McGinty began.

"On what?" Hector inquired.

"The kid's real age, whether he has a juvenile record, his home situation. Lots of things."

"Please keep us informed. I feel responsible. If the muggings are truly related to Matty, the faster the cat gets better, maybe then the muggings will stop," Raph said sadly.

"Dr. Angles, this is not your fault. You're another victim in all of this. But with the information you've given us, we have a better chance of catching this guy. And I have a feeling, considering who the latest victim is and his associates, the kid will be caught soon," Carl said with a smirk.

Now Raph and Hector exchanged looks.

"Are you allowed to tell me who the victim is?" Raphael asked.

"Brian Kinney," Carl said then laughed. Raph was shocked into silence; Hector just groaned. "Hunter is involved too. So have no fear. If the kid is a victim too, Hunter will advocate for him and protect him."

Carl's last statement made Raph feel a lot better.

"Thank you, gentlemen for coming down here. We'll have to take the money into evidence but I'll give you a receipt for it all," McGinty stated as Rodgers began to fill out a formal report, and record and mark each packet. An hour later, Raph and Hector shook hands with Carl and the officers then went home.

"So what do you think, Carl?" McGinty asked his former mentor and partner.

"Seems pretty obvious to me. I'll ask Debbie if she's heard about another lost boy on the street. Nothing happening on Liberty gets past her." Carl and the sergeant laughed.

"She would have made one hell of a cop too, eh Carl?"

"She probably would have. She cares about those kids, Adam. She really cares. I don't think she'll ever retire from the diner."

"I know when she'll retire," Adam McGinty stated with confidence.

"Oh, you know something about my wife that I don't?"

"I only know that she'll retire the day you retire from that club. You both care, Carl. Since the day you and Kinney took over that club, we've had no trouble. It's the cleanest place on Liberty. I know there's probably some light drug stuff going on in there but no one's OD'd, no fights, no riots. The pushers can't get in. Look, I'll admit that homo stuff gets to me sometimes but my sister's girl, my niece, I caught her going in. She's legal so I didn't have the right to stop her. So one day I had a couple of the undercover cops go in to check out the place."

"Adam, you could have come to me. I would have set you straight."

"I needed to find out for myself. So I asked if they'd go in and scope things out for me. I certainly don't fit." Adam and Carl had a good laugh. Adam was close to retirement too.

"Nope, you'd stick out like a sore thumb. So what did your hotshot cops tell you?"

"The place is clean, no Anita or whoever took her place. Even the backroom was clean and free condoms everywhere. Stay Safe posters in the men's room and clinic numbers for free testing. Officer Fielding said the same about the ladies' room. And that she had never seen such a lavish bathroom even in straight clubs."

"Yeah, Kinney really did a job on the place when he bought it. And he keeps it in good repair," Carl said proudly.

"The point is that caring people, the right people, have slowly transformed Liberty Avenue. And in spite of the ribbing I get for not giving up the Liberty beat, I like it there. I hope I've earned their respect. And I'll make damned sure that whoever replaces me down there will do the same."

Carl got a little choked up. The two friends and former co-workers remained silent for a few moments.

"Your sister's girl, do you have a picture? I'll keep an eye out for her." Adam took out his wallet, so did Carl. The old friends spent the next hour showing off their respective families.

 

*****

 

The bell above the door jangled and Michael looked up. It was Lacy Baldwin. He took a deep breath, plastered on a smile and opened his mouth.

"If it isn't my new partner," he said cheerfully.

"I'm glad you seem so agreeable to this whole idea, Michael," Lacy said carefully.

"Justin feels he can't continue with the comic, and he thinks you're the ideal replacement," Michael said smoothly. He wanted to make Lacy feel welcome. If Rage was going to continue she seemed like a necessary part of it.

"I thought maybe we should talk about this whole process," Lacy explained.

"I think that's a good idea. Come into the back office. We can talk and I can keep an eye on the store if we leave the door open."

"Sure," Lacy said following Michael into the office.

Michael had a pot of coffee made in the coffeemaker. "Would you like a cup?" he asked.

"Sure," Lacy replied feeling like they were getting off to a good start.

Michael poured them each a mug of coffee then he sat behind the desk while Lacy sat in the only other chair in the room.

"Where should we begin?" Lacy asked when Michael didn't say anything.

"I guess I should tell you that I wasn't in favor of having a girl draw Rage," Michael said looking into his coffee mug so that he didn't have to look into Lacy's eyes.

Lacy winced. She was afraid this might be Michael's reaction. "Then why did you agree to it? You did agree to it, didn't you?" she asked, wanting to be sure she had the correct information from Justin.

"I agreed … with some misgivings," Michael admitted.

"What misgivings?"

"I … I relied on Justin for a lot of the story ideas. We worked together on most of the issues. He said I could still bounce my ideas off him. He also said he'd contribute his own ideas whenever they came to him."

Lacy stared at Michael who refused to look at her. "Are you saying that I won't have any input to the stories? That you and Justin will decide all that, and all you want is for me to draw?"

"Well, um, yeah, I guess I am."

"That's not good enough, Michael," Lacy stated, deciding she had to speak up now or she'd never be able to contribute. "I was talking to Justin and we came up with a new character for the comic."

"A new character?" Michael asked in surprise. He looked at Lacy for the first time since they'd entered his office. "Justin didn't say anything about a new character."

"We came up with it yesterday when I was talking to him about drawing Rage. I think it's a great idea. So did Justin."

"So what's this great idea?" Michael asked. He tried to keep the sour look off his face, but anyone watching would see that he was not pleased by this turn of events.

Lacy could hear the tinge of sarcasm in his voice. Obviously he wasn't happy about Lacy contributing a new character to his precious comic. That's exactly what she had been afraid of. Michael didn't want her to have any real input. "Justin was explaining how you two came up with the idea for Rage. He said the first edition was based on his experiences, and maybe I should do something about street kids, since that's the experience that I come from."

Michael thought for a moment. "Yeah, that could work, but didn't Justin tell you that we have the next edition all worked out?"

"Yes, he did. He said I'd just be drawing the ideas you have come up with for this issue. He'll supervise to make the transition as flawless as possible."

"Yeah, flawless," Michael said skeptically.

Lacy ignored the comment. "The next issue after this one might be about the street kids," Lacy continued. "Justin and I threw around some ideas."

"Such as?"

"We talked about a female superhero."

"What? No way!" Michael protested immediately.

"You haven't even heard the idea, Michael," Lacy sighed.

"And I don't want to hear it either. Rage is about Zephyr and JT and … Rage," Michael said rather needlessly. "There's no room for a … a girl."

The derision in Michael's voice as he said the word girl made Lacy's hackles stand on end. "You are such a fucking bigot, Michael. You of all people should have an open mind."

"I have a fucking open mind. How dare you say that I don't?"

"I say it because you summarily dismiss my idea without even hearing it all. What's so horrible about including a girl? There are lots of lesbian girls who might like someone as a hero too." "

"Okay, okay, so what's the rest of your idea?"

"Are you prepared to listen with an open mind, or have you decided that this is a stupid idea?" Lacy asked.

"I'll listen," was all that Michael would concede.

"I thought we could call her Sateeena with three e's. She would be a gay hustler, kind of like I was. She could be androgynous at first. No one would know she was a girl until we're ready to reveal that. Justin thought maybe she should be attacked on the street and from that develop some kind of superpower. We haven't decided what that superpower would be yet. What do you think?"

Michael made a face. "I don't know," he mumbled. His eyes were glued to the floor.

"Obviously you don't like the idea." Lacy stood up. She should have known this would never work.

"Wait, let me think about this," Michael said. "It's all new and … different."

Lacy frowned. "Is there any point of thinking about it? I feel like I'm wasting my time even mentioning this. Maybe this whole idea of me working on Rage is really wrong."

"Don't be so hasty," Michael told her. "Let me think about this. It's a lot to get my head around."

"Sure,"Lacy said rather sarcastically. "How long do you think you'll need? Till Hell freezes over?"

"Lacy!"

"I'm sorry, Michael, but this is pointless. Find someone else to draw Rage." She stomped out of the office and slammed the door of the comic book store behind her as she left.

Michael stood and started to follow her. Then he changed his mind deciding that she needed to cool off and he needed some time to think about this new development. How could Justin tell Lacy she could create a new superhero, and a girl superhero to boot? How dare he? Michael was getting more and more angry the more he thought about it.

Justin was bailing on him, and now he was making arbitrary decisions about who should draw the comic and what the content would be. And then he was just going to walk away from it all. He'd leave Michael with a girl to work with and a new female superhero that he hated already.

"Fuck!" Michael said out loud. "Double fuck!"

The bell above the door jangled and he looked up expecting to see Lacy returning to apologize and tell him that Rage was his comic, so he had final say about what was included in it.

Instead of that there was a kid who headed for the rack of the latest comics. Michael sighed and watched the boy rifle through the new comic books. "Handle those carefully," Michael admonished the lad.

"Sure, sure," the boy replied and kept on doing exactly what he was doing before Michael spoke to him.

 

*****
 

"Justin, it's Lacy."

"Hi, Lacy, what can I do for you?" Justin asked. He wiped his paintbrush on a cloth and dropped it into his can of dirty brushes. He walked across the sun porch and flopped down in the chaise. He needed a break.

"You can find someone else to draw Rage," Lacy said bluntly.

"Why?" Justin asked sitting up straight. "What happened?"

"I went to see Michael this afternoon. He was a complete ass! I … I walked out on him."

"Shit! What did he do?"

"He said that he didn't want a female superhero. He said I didn't have the right to make such a decision and neither did you."

Justin could hear the impending tears in Lacy's voice. "Fuck," he muttered. "He just flatly refused?"

"Not exactly," Lacy admitted. "He was very hostile to the idea at first. I … I called him a bigot. He acted like girls were so far beneath him."

Justin couldn't help himself and chuckled. "You called him a bigot?"

"Yeah."

"Good for you."

"You're not mad at me?"

"If he did what you're saying then you responded appropriately. If you're going to work with him, he has to know that you're an equal. You don't want him walking all over you, do you?"

"Absolutely not!"

Justin smiled. "So how did you leave things with him?"

"I wanted to tell him to shove Rage up his ass, but he would have enjoyed that too much," Lacy said bitterly.

Justin laughed. "You got that part right."

"I told him to find someone else."

"And that's it?"

"He said he would think about my ideas, but I know he didn't really want to."

"So you called his bluff. That's good."

"Bluff?"

"Yeah, Michael thinks Rage is his baby. He never liked my input in the beginning either. This was a power play on Michael's part, and you didn't let him get away with it."

"But I walked out on him, told him to get another artist."

"He'll think about your ideas and maybe try to find another artist, but that will be nigh unto impossible."

"It will?" Lacy asked.

"I meant it when I said you were the best person for the job."

"So what should I do?"

"Wait."

"Wait?"

"Michael's always been a little slow on the uptake. Give him a few days and I think you'll find he'll come crawling to you."

"You think so?"

"I'd bet money on it."

Lacy laughed. "Fuck! I thought I really blew it."

"You handled it exactly right."

"Who knew?"

"You did. You followed your instincts and that was the right thing to do."

"Thanks, Justin. I appreciate your guidance."

"You're welcome."

"Maybe Sateeena should have the power to hammer bigots into the ground with the force of her personality," Lacy said sarcastically.

"Well, one bigot in particular," Justin laughed.

"Zephyr," Lacy said icily. She sighed. "You really think Michael will call."

"I expect I'll hear from him first, but I'll stick up for you, not that you need anyone to stick up for you."

Lacy laughed. "I like the sound of that."

"Just be patient. It'll all work out."

"If you say so."

"I do," Justin replied. "I'll talk to you in a couple of days."

"Okay," Lacy said before hanging up the phone.

Justin leaned back on the chaise and waited for Michael to call.

The Raging Storm

Chapter 5

"Hello, Michael."

"What the fuck do you think you're playing at?" Michael bellowed into the phone.

Justin held the phone away from his ear, preferring to hear Michael's rant from a distance. When he heard Michael finally draw in a breath, he jumped in. "Calm down," he said.

"I won't fucking calm down! I knew asking Lacy to work on Rage was a big mistake, and I was totally right."

"It wasn't a mistake," Justin protested.

"It fucking was!"

"Lacy's the best person for the job."

"Says you!"

"That's right and I do know this for a fact."

"How could you tell her that we'd include a new superhero, and a girl superhero at that? You're unbelievable!"

Justin tried to keep his temper. "I'm very believable," he said evenly. "I think it's a great idea. It will breathe new life into Rage."

"I thought that was JT's job," Michael said sarcastically.

"It still is," Justin replied not taking the bait. "But any comic book that's worth anything continues to grow and change. Sateeena will add a whole new dimension."

"For lesbians," Michael said derisively.

"A potential new market," Justin said logically. "I don't see the problem with that."

"It's teenage boys that we've been aiming at as our audience."

"And they'll still be there to read about Rage and JT."

"And Zephyr," Michael added. He hated his alter ego being left out.

"And Zephyr," Justin conceded with a sigh. "I never intended that Sateeena would take the main role in the comic. She'll need help from Rage and JT … and Zephyr. But it will give us new directions to go for stories."

"Us? I thought you were leaving."

"Michael!"

"Well, you are, abandoning our project, and then dictating what's going to happen after you've left."

'And finally we get to the crux of the problem,' Justin thought. "I'm sorry about having to quit working on Rage, but I just don't have time to do it justice. Lacy has the time and she'll do a great job."

"Great, right!" Michael said sarcastically. "She practically told me to shove Rage up my ass."

Justin chuckled and bit his tongue. That's exactly what Lacy had wanted to say. Maybe Michael wasn't so dumb after all. He got that part right. Justin cleared his throat and focused. "If Lacy's going to work with you, you can't treat her like shit, Michael. You have to respect her art and her ideas, and her."

"Who says I'm going to work with her?" Michael demanded.

"Well, you are, aren't you? Or are you stupid enough to let her go?"

"I'm not stupid," Michael protested. "I might let her do the comic," he added tentatively.

"Let her?" Justin snorted. "When I talked to her it sounded like a considerable amount of begging would be necessary to get her back."

"Begging? I'm not begging!"

"Then you can kiss Lacy goodbye."

"I … I'll talk to her," Michael conceded.

Justin smiled. Michael was coming on board. "And what about Sateeena?"

"She might be a possibility."

"I think she better be more than a possibility when you talk to Lacy," Justin warned him.

"But how can she be a superhero?" Michael whined.

"She just needs some kind of superpower, that's all."

Michael sighed. "How come Lacy gets everything she wants and I get nothing?" he asked feeling very bewildered about how their conversation had come to this. He had called to chew Justin out and tell him that he refused to work with Lacy. Now he was going to have to beg her to come back and they were discussing what superpowers her female character would possess. "I feel like I got sucker punched by you two," Michael muttered.

"That's it! Let's give her a wicked right hook, so fast that no one can see it coming." Justin felt his creative adrenaline start to flow once again. "She can knock out anybody who attacks her with her massive sucker punch." Justin giggled with enthusiasm for the idea. "And there's a sucker born every minute." He felt positively giddy. The possibilities for stories were limitless. "Her right fist will be so fast that she'll knock any opponent into next week. They'll never know what hit them."

"Just like she knocked me for a loop," Michael griped.

"She didn't do anything to you, Michael. You're still very much a major part of Rage. But you're going to have to learn to work with Lacy. There has to be give and take."

"So far I've done all the giving," Michael said indignantly.

"It'll all even out, if you give her a chance."

"I'll think about it," Michael agreed before he hung up the phone.

Justin set the phone down and let out a long breath. Michael would do the right thing. He was sure about that … well, almost sure.

 

*****
 

"What is this place?" Curtis asked hesitantly. He recognized the street where the entrance to the Drop-In Center was situated. It was near the alley where Curtis found his latest 'donor' for his cat.

"The exact name is The Jason Kemp Clinic and Drop-In Center," Hunter replied as he ushered the boy inside, quickly closing the door against the cold. Karen was busy heating up some meals that the diner had sent over. While the Liberty Diner didn't donate money, its daily donation of hearty meals was a godsend.

"Who's he?"

"Jason Kemp?"

"Yeah. He some politician or rich guy?" Curtis was suspicious.

"No," Hunter said as he pointed to a framed picture over the main information counter. It was the police artist sketch of the boy in the dumpster that Debbie had discovered, and whom she had eventually been able to put a name to so many years ago.

"His name was Jason Kemp," Hunter began.

"Was?"

"Yes, he was a boy not much older than you. He was a hustler. He was murdered, his body thrown in a dumpster near the diner. We named the clinic after him as a reminder."

"Reminder?"

"Yes, a reminder that any one of us could have ended up the same way he did."

Curtis shuddered, and not from the cold. He didn't want to end up dead in a dumpster somewhere.

"We have a few rules around here," Hunter said as he pointed to a huge poster on another wall. "First, we don't lie in this place. I don't care who or what you are or what you do outside of these walls. But in here, we speak the truth."

Curtis nodded, his grandfather always told him to be honest and God-fearing.

"We keep ourselves clean and clean up after ourselves. We don't have a housekeeper; we all take turns mopping the floors, cleaning the bathrooms, showers and kitchen. We do our own laundry."

At that point, Karen had a basketful of clean sheets that just came out of the dryer.

"This is Karen, she's another counselor who works here," Hunter said, as he grabbed an end of a sheet to help Karen fold it. "This is Karen's night to do laundry and sleep over. Karen, this is..."

"Curtis, ma'am," Curtis said softly to the older woman. Karen approached Curtis slowly but confidently, holding out her hand to shake his. "I-I really need to wash up," he said with embarrassment as he looked down at his dirty hands and clothes. Karen shook the boy's hand in spite of the dirt.

"A little dirt won't hurt me and we have plenty of soap and hot water. And I think I can rustle up some clean clothes that may fit you. You finish your talk with Hunter then you can take a nice long shower. You'll decide which of your clothes you think you want to save and we'll launder them. The rest we'll get rid of if they're torn, or donate to someone else if you've just outgrown them. That will be your choice."

"Why do you do this?" Curtis could not believe that people could possibly be this nice.

"Because, it needs to be done," Karen said simply, giving Curtis a smile and a pat on his bony shoulder.

"Curtis," Hunter said, holding out his own hand to shake, "it's nice to meet you." Hunter smiled brilliantly.

"Nice to meet you sir," Curtis shook Hunter's hand. "Mr. Hunter, are there more rules?"

"Yes and one of them is, my name is Hunter, not mister." That got a smile out of Curtis. "We have a doctor, if you need him. He volunteers here so he comes to you. If you've been abused or hurt by someone, Dr. Nick might ask to take pictures of the bruises."

"I don't have..." Curtis' eyes grew large with fear.

"It's not a rule. Dr. Nick is here for anyone who needs to speak with him or needs basic medical treatment and has no money to pay for it. We also have nurses who volunteer. But for now, let's just get you cleaned up, set up with some clothes for the night and you can take your pick of the beds."

Hunter indicated the dorm room toward the back.

"Curtis, I don't know your story and there's no rule to make you tell it to me. But we're here to help, in any way that we can. If you'd rather talk to Karen or Dr. Nick, who will stop by later, or any other counselor that works here, any one of us will hold what you tell us in the strictest of confidence. Do you know what that means?"

"Yes, sir, I mean, Hunter. But, um, even if I did something real bad, you won't go to the cops?"

"No, we won't. But I hope that when you're ready, we'll all go to the police together and clear up whatever it was that you did."

Curtis nodded, but he was afraid and Hunter knew it.

"First things first. A hot shower, clean clothes and a hot meal. And I think we even have lemon bars!" Hunter laughed as he guided the shaky boy to the showers.

 

*****
 

"Hector?"

"Yes, love." It was late; Raph and Hector were snuggled together in their nice warm bed. They had just made love, reaffirming their commitment to each other.

"Did we do the right thing today?"

"You mean going to the cops?"

"Yeah."

"I think we did. Why?"

"What if he is just a kid? A homeless kid. I don't want to send a kid to jail."

"Angel, they won't send a child to jail."

"He had a knife and he held up Brian Kinney. Don't you think Kinney will want to press charges?"

"No, I don't think he will."

Raph turned to face his lover. "What makes you say that?"

"During our forced imprisonment at Edna's Treasures, I had the chance to get to know Hunter and Nick. They're about my age, so I kind of gravitated toward them. They're really great guys. I wouldn't mind hanging out with them some time. I asked about the clinic. You remember we didn't go to any of the fundraiser events."

"Yes, but we did make a donation in the name of the vet hospital. The drop-in center is a worthy cause."

"Yes it is and that's why I wanted to know more about the history of the clinic."

"What does this have to do with Brian Kinney?"

"Apparently the clinic, the renovation of the theater and the bowling alley were Brian's dream."

"You have got to be shitting me?"

"Nope, Hunter said that Brian literally had a dream, a nightmare, actually and somehow that dream turned into the drop-in center. So you see, my angel, I don't think Brian Kinney would send that boy to jail. I think he'd find a way for Hunter to intervene. Maybe get the boy adopted or something."

"Or something," Raphael repeated wistfully.

"Raph, what is it? I know that tone."

"No, you'll kill me for thinking what I'm thinking. And you'll think I'm crazy."

"I may kill you for not telling me what you're thinking. What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking we should adopt the boy."

"Are you out of your mind?!"

"See, you think I'm crazy."

"No. Yes! I have no fucking clue! But we don't know the boy's circumstances. We don't know if he's dangerous, to himself or others. We don't know anything about him."

"No, we don't. But we do know that somewhere in his heart he holds a place for a little ratty looking cat, and that he'd steal to save it. That must count for something."

"Yes, it does. Ulcers. In my stomach, 'cause I know you won't let this go until the end. And it's no use arguing with you. You may be an angel but you're one fucking irritating one."

"I can't help that,; I am named for an archangel."

"Yes, I know. The sword of Raphael is the Sword of Peace, and lies at the end of the Rainbow Bridge of Faith between God and Man. I know. But you're still annoying." Hector gave his angel a searing kiss; his words were not meant to hurt.

"But you love me anyway."

"Yes, love, I do. Because you are my angel and you are so aptly named. Raphael was a healer and so are you."

The lovers grew silent, snuggling closer.

"Hector, we have so much and we have love to give. If there's a chance, would you consider adopting the boy. Or..."

"Or what?"

"If this child is beyond us, another child. Seeing Brian with his children, John and Bobby with Patrick. Michael was so sweet with JR during Christmas. Doesn't it make you wish we could have a child?"

"I have thought about it, but didn't think a baby would fit our lifestyle. I never considered an older child."

"Then please for me, think about it."

"I will. Seriously, I will. Now, time to sleep, love. You have surgery in the morning."

"How can I forget? We're neutering the Henderson's Great Dane. That dog must weigh a hundred and fifty, easy!"

"Yes, but he'll be a little lighter after the surgery," Hector quipped.

"Oh that is terrible! Say good night, love."

"Good night, love."

Raph and Hector allowed sleep to claim them.

 

*****
 

With a full belly that hadn't been that way in months, clean clothes on his freshly scrubbed skin and a soft dry bed to sleep in, Curtis was able to push aside all his troubles and worries for the night. He promised himself that he would talk to Hunter or Karen in the morning. He knew stealing was wrong and somehow he'd have to pay for his crimes. But for tonight, Curtis was going to sleep.

A couple of hours later Curtis tossed and turned, flailing around as the dream took him to places he didn't want to go.

He was in the room he shared with two other foster children at the last house he lived in. One of the other kids was having a tantrum. He was ADD and Curtis knew he had trouble focusing. They had been told to clean their room. That meant that everything had to be perfect for Mrs. Hardigan's inspection. If it wasn't, there would be big trouble.

Curtis and Johnny had put all their stuff away. Their beds were made and they were waiting for the inspection. Seven year old Murray was having one of his days. His bed was a mess and he had refused to pick up his stuff that was scattered around his bunk bed that he shared with Johnny. The two boys had tried to get Murray to clean up, but he was yelling and screaming that he didn't have to do what the old bitch told him to do. He wasn't going to be her fucking slave.

Even though Curtis had done his best to calm Murray, nothing seemed to help. He had even started to pick up some of Murray's things in order to try to keep the peace. He knew the consequences of not having a tidy room when the inspection was called. Murray had started screaming at Curtis, telling him not to touch his fucking things, and then had accused Curtis of trying to steal his belongings.

That's when Mrs. Hardigan appeared. She looked like someone's grandmother, but that's where any resemblance to a normal human being ended. She was the most rigid control freak that Curtis had ever seen. Things had to her way and just so, or there was hell to pay. Curtis had experienced that hell enough times to know that he didn't want to experience it again.

"Why is this room not finished?" Mrs. Hardigan demanded when she stepped through the door.

Murray stopped screaming and looked at her with fear. He crouched down in his messy bed hoping she wouldn't notice him. Mrs. Hardigan's eyes saw everything.

"This is totally unacceptable," she said. "You'll all have to be punished." She pulled the leather belt out from behind her back. She always seemed to have it with her and she didn't hesitate to use it.

Curtis remembered the next few minutes very well. He tried not to cry. He had felt the sting of that belt several times over the few months he was with the Hardigans. He knew he couldn't take anymore. He stood up tall and headed for the door of the bedroom.

"Where are you going?" she screamed at him. "Get back here!"

Curtis kept walking. He didn't know where he was going to go, but he knew he couldn't stand this place any longer. He heard Murray scream as the belt connected with some part of his body. Curtis winced knowing he should do something to help the little boy, but what could he do? He could barely look after himself.

He had almost reached the front door of the house when he heard Mrs. Hardigan yelling. He stopped and turned around only to find her son coming down the hall after him. Spike, as he liked to be called, was maybe thirty years old, and he was a sadistic son of a bitch. Curtis ran to the front door, but before he could open it, Spike had him. Spike slammed him against the door … hard. It knocked the breath out of Curtis.

"You fucking little nigger!" Spike spit at him. "I'll show you who's the fucking boss around here … and it's not you." Spike's right hand connected with Curtis' face. He saw stars and then everything went black.

Curtis' eyes opened. He felt himself shaking. He rubbed his jaw at the old memory. He hated the fucking closet. His mind recalled what had happened following that incident with Spike.

When he had woken up some time later, he was in the closet that they used to punish the kids. The door was locked and there was only a sliver of light from under the door. Curtis groaned and rubbed his jaw gingerly. He wondered if it was broken. It hurt a lot.

The next three or four days Curtis had spent in that closet. He was given no food or water and no one came to speak to him. He sat in his own filth, sure that he was going to die in there. When they finally let him out he was sick to his stomach and beaten down. He knew at that moment that he had to get out of there or die.

Once he was released from his prison, they had fed him something finally, and he had been sent back to school the following day. The bruise on his jaw was hardly visible on his dark skin. No one would know what had happened. He never went back to the Hardigans after school that day. That was the beginning of his months on the streets.

It hadn't been much fun. There were crazy people on the streets, people who wanted to hurt you, and rob you and beat you up. But he had managed to survive. He could do it again, when these people who had given him this bed, tried to put him back in foster care … or jail. He was prepared to run. He could survive, and he would, in spite of everything that had been done to him. He didn't know what the future held, but he was a survivor.

He turned over and fell into a deep sleep.

The Raging Storm

Chapter 6

Lacy was taking an early morning shift at the diner. On the days when she had later classes at PIFA, she often took an early shift. The diner was fairly busy, but she wasn't run off her feet.

"Can I get pancakes and bacon?" a voice said as she was putting on a new pot of coffee.

"Sure," she said as she turned around. "Michael!"

"One and the same," he said as he slid onto a stool at the counter.

"You don't usually have breakfast here."

"I used to, a long time ago. I practically lived here."

"But then you got married and moved on with your life," Lacy said, writing down his order and going over to place it at the pass-through.

"Things change," Michael said as she walked back to the coffeepot.

"Yeah, they do, but some not fast enough."

"I want to apologize for the way I acted," Michael half mumbled. He hated doing this.

"Well, that's something I guess," Lacy conceded. "Coffee?" she asked taking the fresh pot off the burner.

"Yeah, thanks."

Lacy poured the coffee. As an afterthought she added. "No hard feelings, but I think it's good that we know what we'll put up with … and what we won't."

"I suppose it is," Michael said. "Could we start over?"

"You want to?" Lacy asked surprised.

"Yeah, Justin thinks you're the best one to draw Rage, and you probably are."

Lacy raised an eyebrow in her best Brian Kinney fashion. "Probably?"

"Well, you are," Michael said grudgingly. "Can we get together and talk some more."

"Sure, how about tomorrow afternoon. I could meet you at the comic store."

"That would be great," Michael said with a smile, and he sincerely hoped it would be great.

 

*****

 

"Daddy, can you come to my school?" Bree asked as she finished eating her cereal.

"To school? Why?" Justin asked.

"I told my class how you paint and I paint with you," Bree explained. "They want to see us paint."

"See us paint?" Justin chuckled. "Sweetheart, painting isn't a spectator sport."

"What's a spectacle sport?" Bree asked with a frown.

"That's what your Daddy and I used to do in the back room of Babylon," Brian smirked.

"What's Babylon?" Bree asked. She seemed to remember that word coming up before, but nobody had ever explained to her what exactly it was.

"Will you stop!" Justin ordered glaring at Brian.

"Just trying to distract her," Brian said with a shrug.

"So, will you come to school, Daddy?"

"No, sweetheart, I don't think I can. I'm very busy these days. So much for your distraction," Justin added using his hip to give Brian a nudge.

"I tried."

"Pweeze, Daddy," Bree whined.

"No whining," Justin said quickly. "And no I can't go to your school."

Bree looked ready to cry. "Hey, Squirt," Brian said, "what if we took your easel and paints into school later this week, and you could show them how you paint."

"But I want Daddy," she said.

"Daddy can't come," Brian said firmly. "How be I ask your teacher about bringing in your supplies. I'll be there with you."

"Okay," Bree replied, perking up at the idea that her Dada would be there if her Daddy couldn't.

"Thanks," Justin mouthed to Brian.

"You owe me one, and I'm sure I'll think of some way for you to repay the favor."

"I'm sure you will," Justin laughed as he picked up his coffee and headed for his painting area in the sun porch.

 

*****

 

"Good morning. How did you sleep?" A pleasant smile on his current hostess was Curtis' wake up call.

"Fine, ma'am. Should I get up now? I'll make my bed," Curtis said hurriedly, fearing that if he didn't act fast enough or respectfully enough, he'd be punished or thrown out. He hadn't felt this warm in months.

"No rush, Curtis. We don't have a full kitchen but we do have fresh fruit, cereal and milk. We have hot water if you'd like oatmeal," Karen added.

"I have a choice?"

"Yes, or if you're very hungry, you may have both."

"Both?!" He never had a choice before.

"Why don't you wash up? I was able to launder most of your clothes but I'm afraid your underwear has seen better days. Not to worry. We have many packages of brand new underwear and I'm sure we can find your size. I have several pairs of jeans and sweatshirts that will fit. You go brush your teeth and I'll leave everything here on your bed."

"Won't they get taken, ma'am?" Curtis whispered. Most of his good stuff was stolen at his last foster home.

"Honesty is a rule here, Curtis. You heard Hunter last night."

Curtis nodded. Honesty is a rule, he said over and over in his head. "Ma'am? May I take another shower? It felt really good last night," Curtis pleaded.

As if cradling an injured bird, Karen drew the frightened boy to her. She felt him stiffen for a moment then relax, just a little. "You may take as many showers as you wish. Hunter will be here with Doctor Nick in an hour, so you have plenty of time for your shower and breakfast."

"Thank you, ma'am."

Curtis went to the bathroom. Karen gathered up the clothes she knew would fit the small boy and laid them on his pillow. She then went into the main office to enter a few more notes in Curtis' file.

 

*****
 

"Sweetheart!" Debbie came into the diner to work the mid morning to afternoon shift. Lacy would leave after the lunch shift to get to class. "What are you doing here?"

"Um, having breakfast and talking to my artist," Michael mumbled around his toast.

"Well, it's about fucking time! Rage needs a kick in the pants," Debbie said loudly.

"Ma! Not so loud. It's supposed to be a secret," Michael muttered with a pained expression.

"Oh, I'm sorry, honey. I didn't know."

"No harm done, I think," Michael said looking around. No one appeared to be paying attention. "We have to ease Lacy in gradually so no one figures it out."

"Oh, I get it," Debbie said quietly. "Mum's the word," she said with a zipper over her lips motion. "More coffee, sweetheart?"

"Yeah, but make it to go. I gotta go open the store."

"Whatever you say, honey." Debbie packed up Michael's coffee along with a lemon bar then kissed him goodbye.

Neither of them heard the whispers of rumor that were starting already.

 

*****
 

"Hunter, what do you have cooking up in that magnificent brain of yours? And what do you need Brian for?" Nick asked as they rushed through the center's door. The wind was blowing again outside, whipping around the alley. "Damn, it's cold," Nick commented as he hung up his coat on the set of pegs on the wall near the kitchen. "Mmm, coffee smells good. Thank you, Karen!" he shouted over his shoulder.

"Hey, how do you know she made it and I didn't set the timer last night?" Hunter said with mock indignation.

"Because Karen's coffee always smells great and your coffee smells like old socks!" Nick said as he and Karen burst out laughing. Hunter looked disgusted.

"Just because I never mastered the trick of making coffee doesn't mean I can't fire both of you. I'm still the brains of this outfit," Hunter said smugly, as he poured himself a large mug, savoring the robust aroma before he took a sip.

"Never happen, my man," Nick stated confidently as he took his coffee into the office.

"Why?"

"Because you can't fire a volunteer and..."

"You need us," Karen finished Nick's statement.

"Yeah, I do." Then Hunter addressed his latest lost boy. "Good morning! Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, sir, I mean, Mr. Hunter. I slept real good," Curtis informed him.

"Did you have breakfast?"

"Just finished; I was going to wash my dishes and make my bed."

"Then don't let me stop you. When you're finished, I'll be in the office. Karen and I need to chat before she goes home. Nick and I will be available to you for most of the day. We need to discuss your needs."

"My needs?"

"Yes, school, for example. And do you have a last name?"

"Samuels, sir, but I ain't got no parents for you to call!" Curtis was frightened, looking around as if to make a break for it.

"Well, Curtis Samuels, I am Hunter Montgomery and that man in the office is Nicholas Shaw. And there's no need for you to run. But for me to be your advocate, I need to know as much as I can about you. So relax, wash your dishes and make your bed. Then come and say goodbye to Karen."

Curtis visibly relaxed then went about his chores.

"So what do you think?" Hunter asked Karen.

"He's scared out of his mind but the cold and his stomach got him to take your offer. He had a nightmare last night but forced himself back to sleep. Now that you got his full name, I'll check the court records. See if he has family." Karen was still a court appointed family counselor. She had legitimate access to the records.

"I'd like to examine Curtis, if he'd let me," Nick commented. "He may have frostbite and not know it."

"Well, we know the rules. He has to ask for help. Just because he took me up on the offer for a meal and a bed doesn't mean we have carte blanche."

At that moment, Curtis came to the office door.

"Mr. Hunter, sir, can I talk to you, please?" Hunter smiled warmly at the scared little boy. Nick and Karen left the office as Hunter had Curtis take a seat.

 

*****
 

"Baby, you were in there for hours," Nick exclaimed when Hunter finally emerged from the office. "Where's Curtis?"

"Sleeping, he exhausted himself. He told me everything, showed me some of the old scars. He's a victim of the system. Too young to be on his own, too old to be adoptable. He said he was told he's learning disabled but I suspect he's dyslexic. He's very articulate even though he reverts to street talk. I think he uses it to make himself appear older. He just turned fourteen two months ago."

"His birthday is around Christmas?" Nick asked with concern.

"Yes, and he spent it and Christmas in a cardboard box."

"Jeez. You know, I've been volunteering here for some time now and it never gets any easier. He's got to be one of your youngest lost kids."

"Our, lost kids. You're an important part of this too, as well as Karen. By the way, did she go?"

"Yes. She'll call you later if she finds out anything about him. Come on, my turn to make coffee then I'll pick us up some lunch. Did you ever get the chance to speak with Brian?"

"No, but he said he'd drop by tomorrow. And is my coffee really that bad?"

"Nah, just like ragging on you." The lovers sneaked a kiss then went about the business at hand.

 

*****
 

"Hello?"

"Hi Mom!"

"Molly, honey, you've been home for weeks now. Why haven't you called me?"

"Mom, that's not true and I've been busy," Molly said into the phone, rolling her eyes.

"You should never be too busy for your mother," Jennifer admonished her daughter.

"Mom, I called you the minute we got back and we came to dinner," Molly said with a sigh.

"I know, sweetheart, but the house seems so empty without you here."

"I thought Seth was 'occupying' your time."

"Seth, hasn't 'occupied' anything yet. We've come close, though. And I have to admit, he's one helluva kisser," Jennifer giggled.

"Mother! I'm glad he makes you happy," Molly said.

"He does make me happy, very happy. So how goes the wedded bliss these days?"

"It's going just fine although Owen has been hinting..."

"At starting a family?" Jennifer asked hopefully.

"Not yet. He wants me to consider working at Brenner Enterprises."

"Well, that's not what I expected."

"Apparently not but that's not why I called."

"What is it?"

"I stopped at the bistro. I was hoping to see Emmett but Sean said he was taking time off and staying at their cottage."

"Yes, I think I heard him mention it at Christmas."

"Well, I was standing at the counter ordering coffee when I overheard someone say that Rage is getting kicked off the comic and Zephyr will be the main hero. It can't be true, can it?"

"I don't know. I mean if Justin was going to stop drawing Rage, he'd certainly tell us. Don't you think?"

"Probably. Unless..."

"Unless, what?"

"Unless, Michael was going to cut Justin out of the comic and not tell him until it was too late for him to do anything."

"That little toad! I will kick his butt all over Liberty Avenue! Take advantage of my baby, and he'll have to deal with me!"

"Mom! MOM! We don't know anything of the sort. Just calm down!"

"Fine, I'll calm down, but if I find out that Michael has been trying to cheat Justin out of Rage, I'll...I'll sic Brian on him. Brian won't let that worm cheat Justin."

Molly sighed dramatically. All of her years surrounded by the biggest drama queens in all of Pittsburgh made Molly Taylor-Brenner an expert at surviving a mega queen-out moment. She sighed again and waited until her mother's moment was done.

"Maybe I should put the kettle on," Molly muttered to herself as her mother raged on. "This is going to take some time."

Molly sat on a kitchen stool, as Jennifer Taylor began her gruesome description of how she was going to disassemble Zephyr and hide the pieces where the sun don't shine.

 

*****
 

"Brian, it's Carl Horvath."

"What can I do for you, Carl? Nothing wrong at the club is there?"

"No," Carl laughed into the phone. "The club is doing great. I'm calling on police business."

"Police business? Have you developed oldtimers' disease?" Brian joked. "The last time I looked you had retired from the force."

Carl laughed louder. "I know I'm retired, but I occasionally get roped into things."

"What kind of things, and what does this have to do with me?"

"Remember your mugging?"

"How the fuck can I forget?" Brian demanded. He'd rather not discuss that sordid little event. He still wondered how he could let a little punk take his money. At least the kid had not got his wallet.

"You reported that the kid took a hundred and twenty-three dollars, right?"

Brian thought for a moment. "Yeah, as best I can remember." Brian had got some cash from an ATM, and had bought lunch for himself and Cynthia. He wasn't sure what else he might have spent a few bucks on, definitely nothing major. "It was probably a hundred and twenty-three. I can't be totally sure. Why? Does it matter?"

"The officers on the case and I were talking to Raph and Hector, the vet and his assistant that were at your place over Christmas."

"Yeah, what do they have to do with this?"

"It seems that hours after your mugging, someone left a packet of money at their door. It contained a hundred and twenty dollars."

"But, if you asked about the hundred and twenty-three, why is a hundred and twenty significant?" Brian was puzzled.

"They had a sickly, little cat left on their doorstep a few weeks ago. Since then they have received various packets of money which they think are intended to pay for the care of the cat. The packets have ranged from $9.00 to your hundred and twenty."

"How do you know it's my money?"

"It was a few hours after your mugging, later that night to be exact. It all adds up. This kid left the cat at the vet's and has been robbing people to pay for the vet to look after it."

"Jesus Christ!" Brian reacted running his hand through his hair. "I've never heard of such a thing. That must be why the kid was apologizing all the time. He really didn't want to rob me, but he felt he had to get the money for the cat. Have you found the kid?"

"Not yet, but I think we're a step closer. Hunter hasn't had any contact with a new kid, has he?"

"Not that I've heard, but why don't you call him yourself?"

"I intend to, but not just yet. If we catch this kid, would you consider not pressing charges? I know he scratched you with a knife," Carl explained.

"I don't want to punish the kid, Carl. It sounds like he needs a home and some help, not being thrown into juvvie."

"I agree. I was hoping you'd say that."

"I'm coming into Pittsburgh tomorrow to see Hunter. I'll find out if he's seen the kid around, and if there's anything I can do."

"Thanks, Brian, I knew I could count on you."

Brian shook his head as he set down the receiver. The world was a fucked up place.

The Raging Storm

Chapter 7

Ted walked into the diner hoping to grab a quick sandwich for lunch and a lemon bar. He sat down at the counter. Debbie came bustling over.

"Teddy! What can I get you?" she asked with a big smile.

"Tuna on white and a lemon bar to go," Ted said.

"Sure thing," she replied smacking her gum. Nothing much changed where Ted was concerned. She put the order in and went to pack up his lemon bar.

Lacy came out of the back with her coat on and her messenger bag slung over her shoulder. "I'm going, Deb. See you at home."

"Sure thing, kiddo," Debbie called. "That girl is really embarking on a new stage of her career," Debbie whispered to Ted as she set down the bag containing the lemon bar.

"What do you mean?" Ted asked.

"It's very confidential, but she's going to be working with Michael. She's going to draw Rage." Debbie was practically bursting with pride.

"But what about Justin?" Ted asked with a frown.

"Oh, I don't know. I guess Michael and Justin have worked something out. I'm so happy for Lacy," she said as she retrieved Ted's sandwich from the cook and took his money. "But it's all hush-hush for now, so don't say anything."

"Sure," Ted said, "keep the change." He made his way out of the diner.

Outside he stopped and thought about Debbie's big news. He was standing there when two teenage boys walked by.

"Did you hear that Rage is being killed off?" one of them was saying.

"What are you talking about?" the other asked.

"I got the info from Brad. He was told on good authority that Rage is being killed off and Zephyr is going to be the new superhero all by himself, until he gets a new sidekick, I guess."

"That sucks! Rage is hot, and Zephyr is just Zephyr."

"That's what I heard."

"What about JT?"

The boys were far enough down the street that Ted couldn't hear anymore.

"What the fuck is Michael doing?" Ted mumbled to himself. He wondered if he should call Brian and Justin and ask them about this turn of events. After that fleeting thought, he decided he would be much better off staying the fuck out of the whole thing. He hurried off down the street, back to his numbers and ad campaigns. They were definitely much safer.

 

*****
 

"So Carl doesn't want you to file charges against this kid when he's caught?" Justin asked.

"That's right," Brian said.

"But he had a knife," Justin protested. "That's armed assault. He could have really hurt you."

"I don't think so, Sunshine."

"But … this is fucked. Just because the kid is looking after a cat, that buys him the right to attack people and steal their money. I don't think so," Justin said indignantly.

"He's just a mixed up kid. We don't know the whole story yet."

"That's my point. I don't think you can decide not to press charges when you don't know the whole story. He hurt you."

"Yes, Sunshine," Brian replied. "I hear you. I'll get the whole story and then I won't press charges." He pulled Justin against him for a kiss.

Justin turned his face away refusing to let Brian kiss him. He struggled to get away from his husband. "Fuck you, Kinney! How can you be so cavalier about this whole thing? You could have been really hurt or … dead."

Brian shook his head and held onto Justin. "Easy, I'm fine. Nothing happened to me."

"Something did happen, you big idiot! You were robbed at knifepoint!" Justin gave Brian a shove and walked away angry.

"Justin, I … I'll get the whole story before I make a final decision."

"You said you already told Carl you wouldn't press charges," Justin said turning to face Brian.

Brian could see the tears that Justin was holding back. "I can always change my mind."

"Promise?"

"I promise. If I get a bad feeling about this kid when they catch him, I'll let Carl prosecute."

"Good," Justin said as Brian stepped forward and gave Justin the kiss and hug that he had refused before. "I love you," Justin whispered. "I want you safe."

 

*****

 

"Drop-In Center," Hunter answered the phone in his office.

"Hunter, it's Karen."

"Shouldn't you be in a nice soft, warm bed asleep by now?"

"Yes and I will be, soon. I wanted to fill you in on what I found out about our latest lost boy. Are you alone?"

"Yes. Curtis poured out his guts earlier then passed out. I let him sleep then encouraged him to let Nick check him out. They're in the exam room now."

"Good. Curtis is what you've suspected; he's in care, however not for that long."

"What do you mean?"

"Up until Curtis was twelve, he was living with his grandfather. One Jerome Curtis Samuels. The boy's mother had died when Curtis was about five."

"Drugs?"

"No, leukemia, diagnosed too late. The grandfather was relatively young, fifty-five, when he died."

"Je-sus! What happened to him?"

"Massive heart attack."

"Shit, the kid can't catch a break!"

"No, he didn't. Then he was put into care. Hunter, I feel responsible somehow."

"You? Why?"

"Because I know the family where Curtis was placed. I've been trying to get their permits revoked for years but we could never prove abuse. The kids would somehow survive, grow up then disappear. We couldn't get any of them to testify against the Hardigans. When we did the inspections for recertification, the house was neat and clean, and in good repair. The children were clean and well fed but we always felt something was going on in that house."

"But no proof."

"No proof." The counselors and friends were silent for a while. "Anything else?"

"Yes, two interesting facts, actually. First, Jerome Samuels was a fireman. He should have had a substantial life insurance policy and survivors' benefits. Curtis is not penniless. The money should be in trust for him, somewhere."

"I'm going to call Melanie Marcus. She does pro bono work. Something like this is right up her alley. What's the second fact?"

"Curtis has been on the streets for how long?"

"Sometime before Christmas. That makes it around four months."

"The Hardigans never reported him missing. They've been cashing the stipend checks on a child technically not in their care."

"You've got them, Karen."

"Yeah, but how to prove it?"

"Let me talk to Carl about that."

"Carl Horvath?"

"Yeah. He may have a suggestion or two."

"Sounds like a good idea."

"Yeah, at least we have a plan. Now, say goodnight, Karen."

"It's only three in the afternoon."

"Yes, but you worked the overnight shift, so goodnight."

"Goodnight, Hunter." Hunter hung up the phone; he had a lot to think about.

 

*****
 

"Curtis, do you wear glasses?" Nick asked the youngster.

"Yes, sir. Not all the time. When I was in school and sitting in the back, I could see the board better with them." Nick made a few notes in the chart.

"What happened to them?"

"I lost them," Curtis said sadly, embarrassed.

"Not to worry, we'll get you a new pair."

"But I don't have money."

"Curtis, in here, money is not something our kids have to worry about. Yes, our kids have responsibilities and they include cleanliness, tidiness, honesty, treating yourself and others with respect and doing homework. For the older kids, we find them jobs. Or help them get into vocational school. Some of our kids are in college. But you do not need to worry about money."

"Yes, sir," Curtis said with a small smile. "I miss school. I miss my friends at school."

"Curtis, when we clear this all up, we'll find a way to get you back to school."

"But the Hardigans..."

"I think I can safely say that Hunter will take care of them," Nick stated with confidence.

Curtis relaxed. For the first time in years he thought maybe his life might get better. But he decided not to hope too hard, not just yet.

 

*****

 

"Raph, what is it? You keep looking at the service entrance door," Hector asked his partner.

"Just wondering when the next 'donation' is going to show up."

"If we're lucky, there won't be a next 'donation.'"

"I hope we're real lucky."

Hector agreed as they got back to work.

 

*****

 

Emmett hurried into his bistro. He had gotten an emergency call from Sean. Sean and the intern were removing a fresh tray of popovers from the oven. There were several people standing at the counter waiting. Emmett could hear a ripple of disquiet among the voices, as he passed them and went behind the counter.

"What's going on?" he asked Sean as he removed his coat and hat. "Why are there so many people lined up? Have you had trouble with the ovens?" He looked at the tray of popovers wondering why they weren't already baked and sitting on the counter. This would never do, keeping his customers waiting.

"We've been swamped all morning."

"How come?" Emmett asked with a frown. He grabbed another tray and started getting a new batch of popovers ready to go in the oven.

"Haven't you heard?" Sean asked as he removed the steaming popovers from the tray.

"Heard what?"

"That Rage is dead."

"What? What did you say?" Emmett asked in bewilderment.

"All of Liberty is talking about it," Sean explained. "It seems that the next issue of Rage is going to have Rage killed off. JT too probably. Zephyr will be left to carry on the fight against homophobes all by himself. He'll be the new superhero.

"Oh my fucking God! How do you know this?"

"Everybody's talking about it."

"But that can't be true. The comic is called Rage … not Zephyr."

"Yeah, but they killed Superman a few years ago. Remember?"

"No, I don't remember actually, but it seems to me that they found out that was a big mistake and eventually brought Superman back as he used to be."

"That's true," Sean said. "But in the meantime people need their comfort food and a place to talk about Rage's demise. We seem to be it."

"How many popovers have you sold?"

"Thousands," Sean laughed as he took the newest batch to the counter where they immediately disappeared.

"Well, fuck!" Emmett said. "At least this bizarre turn of events is good for business."

 

*****

 

"So when are you heading for Pittsburgh?" Justin asked as he came out of the sun porch. He was covered in paint.

"You've been busy by the look of it," Brian chuckled.

"I'm getting a lot done these days. I should have the 'Seasons' canvases almost finished in a few weeks … if everything keeps going like this."

"You always look so happy when you're inspired," Brian observed.

"I am. And you know where most of my inspiration comes from," Justin said wrapping his arms around Brian's waist.

"You better not be getting paint all over my Armani."

"Would you care?" Justin asked nuzzling Brian's neck.

"Of course I'd care … but that doesn't mean I'd stop you."

Justin giggled. "I love you. So, when are you leaving?"

"When you let go of me."

"What if I don't want to?"

"Then I guess I'll just have to stay here."

Justin gave Brian a radiant smile. "I'd like that."

"And then you won't get any painting done."

"I could live with that."

"I thought you were on a schedule," Brian chuckled.

"I'm entitled to a break."

"In bed?"

"That's the best kind," Justin said smugly.

"Then go for it," Brian replied backing away.

Justin held onto his husband. "I don't want to go there alone."

"I told Carl I'd…"

"Who's more important, Carl or me?"

"Fuck Carl!" Brian said taking Justin's hand and leading him to their bedroom.

"It better be me you're fucking, not Carl," Justin giggled.

"No danger," Brian said as he kicked the door closed behind them.

 

*****

 

"Hey, Nick," Hunter said coming in from the street.

"Hi, yourself," Nick said with a smile.

"How's Curtis doing?"

"He's been helping clean around here since you went out. He's a good little worker."

"That's something," Hunter said thoughtfully. "He seems like a good kid at heart. He's just had some rough experiences."

"I agree. I hope we can make things work out for him. He's poised to run whenever he gets an inkling that foster care might be in his future."

"It's too bad he had such a shitty time in care. There are some good families out there."

Nick nodded. "I don't see him going back into care, at least not in the usual way. He'll run."

"I think so too, but I'm glad he's doing okay here."

"He is. I told him he could play some video games when he finished in the kitchen."

Hunter smiled. Then his face sobered. "I heard something interesting when I was out on the streets."

"Oh yeah, and what might that be?"

"Seems that there's quite a rumor circulating around Liberty."

"There's always a rumor about something," Nick laughed. "It is drama queen city out there on the ave."

"True," Hunter replied, "but this one hit a little close to home."

Nick frowned. "What?"

"Seems the consensus is that Michael's going to kill off Rage and JT in the next issue, and Zephyr will be the new solo superhero."

"What? Are you shitting me? I know Michael's your father, but that would be a ridiculous move. It's Rage and JT that people want to read about. Didn't Brian say that Lacy was going to take over Justin's role as artist? Michael wouldn't kill off his superheroes … would he?"

Hunter shook his head. "I don't think so, but that's what they're saying."

Nick shook his head in disbelief.

 

*****

 

"I should call Carl and tell him I'll see him tomorrow," Brian said as he stretched.

"Okay," Justin replied. "We still have a couple of hours before you go pick up Bree and Patrick."

"You want to fuck again?" Brian asked surprised.

Justin nodded. "Don't you?"

"I am getting older, Sunshine. We've already had two rounds."

"Well, if you can't keep up…" Justin let his words hang in the air. He knew Brian could never refuse a challenge.

"You are asking for it," Brian threatened rolling over on top of Justin and pinning him to the bed.

"I know. Are you going to give it to me?" Justin asked with a grin.

"How can I refuse?"

The phone call to Carl was completely forgotten.

 

*****

 

"Hi, Dada," Bree called when she saw her father come into her classroom at school.

"Hi, Squirt. Did you have a good day?"

Bree bobbed her head at her father. Her perfectly coiffed ponytail bounced at the side of her head. "I made this," she said holding up a painting with one of her rainbows.

"Spectacular!" Brian gushed.

Bree smiled and handed the painting to him. Brian helped her on with her coat and boots.

"Mr. Kinney?" The teacher said coming over to them. "Bree tells me that you're going to bring in some of your partner's paintings and equipment to show the class how an artist works."

Brian groaned inwardly. He was hoping Bree would have forgotten all about it. "Bree wanted Justin to come, but he's getting ready for a show and couldn't afford to spare the time. I'm sure you'd rather have the real artist than me and a few paintings."
"Your partner is quite famous and it would be great to have him demonstrate his art to our class," the teacher said carefully.

"Then maybe we should wait until he is free."

"Now, Dada," Bree said firmly. She had taken in everything they had been saying and it didn't gibe with what she wanted to have happen. "I told everybody I would paint for them."

"I know, Squirt, but maybe…"

"No, Dada," Bree said clearly. "Tomorrow."

"I really can't tomorrow, but maybe the day after," Brian said reluctantly.

"That would be wonderful," the teacher replied. "I'll book you in for first thing in the morning."

"Great," Brian said with absolutely no enthusiasm. "Let's go home, Bree."

"'Kay, Dada," Bree said happily, as she grabbed her backpack and they quickly left the room. Brian wasn't sure he ever wanted to return, especially not the day after tomorrow.

 

The Raging Storm

Chapter 8

Brian couldn't put off going into Pittsburgh for much longer. As much as he wanted to stay at home to indulge in 'Sunshine loving' each afternoon, Brian did have businesses to run and other obligations. Brian suspected Hunter was cooking up another clinic scheme and Carl wanted to discuss the mugging. Brian bundled himself up against the elements and drove to the Pitts.

"Brian, good of you to come," Carl said as Debbie's first lost boy strode into the police station at Carl's request. Carl showed Brian into a small interview room where he and the officers on the mugging case could talk freely.

"You planning on working me over?" Brian asked as he looked around. Police stations made Brian a little nervous.

"No, of course not," Carl said with a grin. "I retired my rubber hose years ago, so relax, Brian."

"So he says with a glint in his eye," Brian mumbled to himself. "Carl, you may have retired but you being here, well, let's just say you're in your element. I'm assuming you hauled my ass in here because of my little mishap with a certain little bad boy?"

"Yes, Sergeant McGinty and Officer Rodgers want to know if you're still keeping an open mind about the boy," Carl stated. McGinty and Rodgers nodded in agreement.

"Quite honestly, I hope Hunter finds the kid before you guys do." The cops smiled. "However, I promised a certain blond tough guy who I have to report to every night that I'd hear all the facts before I make any decisions. This kid may have his reasons for stealing but he is using a knife. That does change things."

"We were hoping you'd overlook that," Carl said.

Brian raised a brow in surprise. "You're a cop, an honest cop. You'd have me look the other way at armed robbery?"

Carl sighed at Brian's admonishment. "No, Brian, I wouldn't, and you're well within your rights to press charges. So far, yours is the largest amount stolen by the perpetrator. But there are extenuating circumstances."

"Yes, I know, the cat. But as you know, I'm not into pussy."

Carl snorted, McGinty blushed and Rodgers chuckled.

Brian stood to leave. "Gentlemen, I have no wish to make this kid's life any worse than it already is. If you think this kid is worth saving and if the other victims don't press charges, I'll go with the flow. But I have to warn you, I answer to a higher authority. If he's not happy, then I'm not happy and then there will be hell to pay."

Brian Kinney left the room.

Carl, McGinty and Rodgers sat quietly as the dust settled after Brian's departure.

"Carl, what higher authority does Kinney answer to?" the Sergeant asked his old partner.

"Justin Taylor," Carl replied then he too left the building.

 

*****

 

"Hi, Mom," Justin said into the phone.

"It's nice to hear from you, sweetheart," Jennifer replied.

"It's usually me saying that," Justin informed her. "I haven't heard from you in weeks."

"I … I've been busy."

"With Seth?"

"Well, yes, with Seth and work and…" Jennifer did not finish that statement.

"Mom? How serious is this Seth thing?"

Jennifer drew in a breath. "Very."

"Really? And you haven't bothered to tell me."

"Seth has been … wonderful. He's been courting me, as he calls it."

"Courting?" Justin chuckled.

"Yes, courting. He's very old fashioned about some things, and courting is one of them. He does his courting very well too."

Justin could almost hear the smile on his mother's face. "If he makes you happy, then he's got my endorsement."

"I don't really need your endorsement," Jennifer said seriously, "but thank you anyway, honey."

"You're welcome, Mom. Is there … um, going to be a big announcement anytime soon?"

"Announcement? No, no, we haven't even slept together."

"Mom!"

"Well, we haven't, but it could be very soon. Maybe even tonight."

"Mom!"

"Well, you asked."

"Yes, I did," Justin laughed.

"I better go. I have things to do."

"Behave yourself … but not too much," Justin added.

"I wasn't planning on behaving myself at all," Jennifer grinned.

"Mom!"

"Say goodbye, Justin," Jennifer chided him.

"Goodbye, Justin," Justin said obediently before cutting the connection. He shook his head as he thought about his mother and Seth. He really liked Seth and so, it seemed, did his mother. He was very happy for both of them.

 

*****

 

Brian walked along Liberty Avenue. He had the strangest feeling that people were looking at him, studying him, shaking their heads. He looked down at his coat. The buttons were done up probably, none out of place like he occasionally did. He looked at his feet. He had matching boots, not odd ones. He ran his hand through his hair. It was still there. He hadn't suddenly gone bald. What the fuck was going on?

The next person he caught staring at him, he stared back hoping to learn what was so fucking interesting about him. The person quickly looked away seemingly embarrassed. Brian frowned as he came up to the door of the diner.

He took a glance around the street. Everyone he could see was suddenly occupied doing something that meant they were not looking at him. He shook his head and pushed open the door of the diner. All talking inside immediately stopped.

"What?" he demanded as he walked up to the counter. No one answered. They all were studiously eating whatever was in front of them. Neither Lacy nor Debbie was around so there was no one to ask. He ordered a coffee to go. As he waited for it to be prepared he looked around the diner. No one would meet his gaze. He wondered what the fuck was going on.

Some new waiter handed him his coffee. He dropped a five on the counter and immediately walked outside. There was something really spooky going on. Maybe Hunter would know what it was. He headed for the clinic.

When Brian turned the corner that led into the alley where the entrance to the clinic was located, he almost ran smack into Hunter who was heading out.

"I was coming to see you," Brian said.

"I'm in kind of a hurry," Hunter said quickly.

"I thought we could talk."

"Maybe another time."

"Where are you going? Have you heard something about the kid who robbed me?"

"Um, no," Hunter replied. He didn't want to get into the whole Curtis thing right at that moment. He wasn't sure what Brian was going to do about pressing charges. Hunter felt it was best that Brian didn't know that Curtis was at the clinic, at least not yet.

"So, where are you off to?"

"I have some errands to run," Hunter said vaguely.

"Ah, the infamous errands. What the fuck is going on around here?" Brian demanded.

"I really have to go. Can we get together in a day or two?" Hunter hurried away before he had to answer any more of Brian's questions.

Brian watched Hunter's back turn the corner. "Fuck!" he muttered. He took a sip of his coffee and decided to head for Kinnetik before he froze his good ball off.

 

*****

 

"Brian, I'm done for the day," Ted said as he was putting on his coat.

"Who's left?"

"No one. Cynthia went home about half an hour ago; the last artist just left. You should go home too."

"I will. Scott just emailed me. He's thinking about expanding Part Deux."

"Really? How?"

"The third floor has been empty for some time now. It's only the upper two floors that have occupied apartments. Except for the executive suite. He's thinking of taking on more ad execs. Stacey has New York locked up; Joseph is knocking out the competition on the west coast. Scott wants to expand south and midwest. He has a stack of resumes for me to go through. I'm thinking I'll go there tomorrow."

"Sounds like a plan," Ted replied. Brian could tell that his CFO had more on his mind.

"Spill, Theodore!" Brian growled.

"Um, I've been hearing some very strange scuttlebutt on the avenue lately and I'm not sure whether you knew what was going on," Ted said hesitantly. Brian could see that his friend and trusted business partner was deeply concerned. He got up from his desk to give his friend his full attention.

"Go on," Brian said as he stood in front of Ted with his hand on Ted's shoulder.

"Brian, is everything all right between Justin and Michael? I mean, their Rage partnership, is that still in effect?" Brian debated what to reveal. He guided his friend over to the sofa to sit.

"Ted, Justin's 'Old Masters' show made a killing in New York. Sidney now has them going to Chicago, next is LA then possibly Europe. Just around Christmas he asked Justin to start on a new project. Justin loves Rage but he loves his paintings and sketches more. He feels he can't do Rage justice. Plus it's time."

"Time for what?"

"Time for Justin to put Rage aside and get on with the rest of his life."

"So, is he going to kill off Rage?"

"What?! No. Lacy is going to take over as the artistic talent behind Rage. And they've been tinkering with a new superhero."

"So Rage and JT live on."

"Yes, they do, and Justin is not completely dropping Rage. Lacy is young and still has some confidence issues. Justin will be there to guide her and be a go-between, between her and Michael."

"Oh, thank God!" Teddy exclaimed as he jumped up to give his boss a hug. Brian batted away Ted's arms and arched his brow. "You don't know what I've been hearing."

"What have you heard?"

"That Rage was going to die and Zephyr was going to be the new superhero. All the kids are talking about it all over Liberty. You know how much Debbie loves Lacy; she's so proud of her. She sort of let the cat out of the bag, so to speak."

"Shit! So that's why I've been getting all these strange looks."

"What looks?"

"I walked over to the diner earlier today and I had this strange feeling that people were staring at me."

"You're still one hot dude, Bri."

"Thanks but there's a difference between lust and pity."

"Pity?"

"Yeah, it's like they were sorry for me. They immediately became quiet the second I stepped into the diner. Not a peep. I swear if it was summer, I'd be able to hear those damn bullfrogs in my stream."

"So what are you going to do?'

"What can I do? I'm not Rage and this is something Mikey and Justin are going to have to sort out by themselves."

"You going to tell Justin?"

"I don't think I have any choice. He'd kill me if he thought I was holding something back from him."

"Got you by the balls, doesn't he?" Ted smirked.

"Yeah, he does and if you repeat that, I'll deny it and then I'd have to kill you."

"I know, Boss, mum's the word. You have my support, whatever you decide," Ted said sincerely.

"Thanks, Ted, I appreciate that." The friends were silent for a moment. "You have some time to go to the diner with me? I want to pick up some lemon bars for home."

"Sure, Brian."

Brian and Ted locked up Kinnetik for the night and went to the diner.

 

*****

 

"Melanie? It's Hunter. You're working late tonight," Hunter said into the phone. It was after seven and Mel was still at her office.

"This is my late night," Mel admitted. "I've decided that I'm only working late two nights per week. The rest of the time I go home and have dinner with my family." She and Lindsay were getting along so much better and Mel had no intention of ruining it.

"That sounds wonderful, Mel."

"Is this a social call?" Mel asked, getting down to business.

"Not exactly. I need some help, or rather, one of my new kids needs help."

"What can I do?" Mel asked as she took out a fresh legal pad to make some notes. Hunter filled Melanie in on Curtis, his 'crimes', what Karen discovered and the alleged abuse.

"Hunter, I think we have a good case and I can look into the insurance beneficiary aspect too. Do you think the victims will press charges?"

"I'm not sure but I can have Carl look into it. I do have one concern."

"About?"

"One of the victims; he had the largest amount stolen. And he was almost cut by the knife."

"Shit! Who is he? Do I know him? Maybe I can make an appeal to him."

"Oh you know him, all right. It's Brian."

"Fuck!"

 

*****

 

"Raph, angel, what's wrong? Since this business with Matty and the robberies, you've been very quiet. I don't like you this quiet. I want my big playful lover back," Hector said as he placed a plateful of his partner's favorite food in front of Raphael in hopes of enticing him. They were just sitting down for dinner together.

"I'm sorry, babe. Matty is doing so much better. She'll be ready to go home but she doesn't really have a home, does she? And neither does her owner, from what we've learned." Raphael sighed loudly. That wasn't all that was bothering him. Hector wasn't blind. He noticed the longing expressions his partner was giving off when he thought no one was looking.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were brooding."

"Brooding? I'm a chicken?" Raphael asked indignantly. Hector laughed.

"No my love, but you have to admit to some nesting behaviors."

"I don't have to admit to anything."

"Okay, don't admit to it. However, I'm not the one who all of a sudden started clearing out the spare room, measuring it for furniture and looking up online about the latest teenage crazes, clothes and music." Raphael stayed silent. "Angel, why don't you speak with a lawyer? If you are really serious about trying to adopt that boy or becoming a foster parent, we're going to need all the legal advice we can get."

Raphael took his lover's words seriously. He put down his fork and began to rummage through his wallet.

"Here it is," Raph exclaimed.

"Here what is?"

"Melanie Marcus' business card. I was networking at Christmas, in between pigging out and shoveling. I think I'll give her a call."

"Raph, it's after seven!"

"So, I'll leave a message but I don't want to put this off."

"Okay, love. You do what you have to do," Hector said as he gave Raph a kiss then took his lover's plate to place in the oven to stay warm.

"Hello, Melanie? It's Dr. Raphael Angles. We met over Christmas. You remember, good. I wonder if I could get some advice...."

The Raging Storm

Chapter 9

"Come in, Seth, I'm almost ready."

Seth walked up the steps of Jennifer's townhouse. He looked around the now familiar living room wondering if now was the right time.

"I'll just grab my coat and we can go," Jennifer said as she picked up her evening purse.

"Great."

"Is something wrong?" Jennifer asked, eyeing her beau for a minute. His "great" hadn't sounded quite right.

"No, no, nothing's wrong," Seth tried to assure her.

Jennifer smiled. "Then let's go."

Seth walked her down the steps and out to the car. He opened the door for her and waited till she was comfortably seated before closing the passenger door. He walked around to the driver's side and climbed in. "Ready?" he asked.

"I'm always ready for you," Jennifer said with that little laugh that made Seth melt inside.

Yes, tonight was definitely the night. Seth backed out of the driveway.

 

*****

 

Brian drove up the lane to Edna's Treasures. He was later than he had intended to be. He wondered if Bree would be in bed already. He could use a goodnight kiss. He pulled the car to a stop and got out, retrieving his briefcase, before heading to the front door.

"Dada!" Bree squealed as the front door was flung open.

"Squirt!" Brian replied with the same enthusiasm as his daughter and a big smile just for her.

"She heard you coming," Justin said with a chuckle as he stood by the door watching Brian scoop up their daughter and kiss her all over her face.

"You always know when I'm home, don't ya, Squirt?"

Bree nodded her head emphatically.

"Her Dada-dar was in full force. She's been waiting for you rather than going to bed like a good little girl," Justin explained.

"I had kisses for Dada," Bree replied like that made her refusal to go to bed perfectly sensible.

"And very good kisses they were too," Brian said giving her a few more of his own. She giggled happily.

"You come to school with me tomorrow," Bree stated.

"Tomorrow? Shit!"

"You promised, Dada," Bree said with a big frown.

"Yes, I did," Brian agreed reluctantly. "So tomorrow we'll both go to school."

"Good, Dada."

"Yes, very good Dada," Justin laughed.

"I'm doing this for you, you know," Brian said.

"And it's greatly appreciated."

"Time for bed, Squirt," Brian said setting Bree down.

"Tuck me in, Daddy," Bree requested of Justin.

"That means a story," Justin said with a grin. "I'll be a while."

"That's fine," Brian said. "I'm going to grab a sandwich."

"We saved you some chicken. It's in the oven."

"It's real good," Bree informed her Dada as she took her Daddy's hand and they marched off down the hallway to her room.

Brian watched them go before heading for the kitchen.

 

*****

 

"Seth, this was a lovely dinner." Jennifer looked around the elegant restaurant that Seth had taken her to for their meal. The food had been excellent. They were currently having coffee and debating about whether they had room to share a dessert.

"Only the best for you, my dear."

Jennifer smiled. Seth was always so gallant, so controlled, and so sweet. She wondered what he would be like as a lover. They had kissed … a lot. They had necked … some. They had been close to taking the next step … a couple of times. But something had always held them back. Jennifer stared at her handsome dinner companion.

"A penny for your thoughts," Seth said as she continued to stare.

"I don't think you really want to know."

"Don't be so sure."

Jennifer giggled. Seth had the ability to make her feel like an infatuated schoolgirl. "I'm in the mood for something really decadent." She looked meaningfully into Seth's eyes. "Something chocolate."

Seth grinned. "Chocolate it is … for now." He signaled the waiter.

 

*****

 

Lacy walked up the steps to the front door of the house. She rang the bell and waited. Her breath came a little faster than normal. Her heart was pounding. "You can do this," she whispered to herself.

The door opened. "Hi, Lacy," Michael said. "Come on in."

Lacy stepped across the threshold, feeling a bit like the sacrificial lamb going to the slaughter. She slipped her messenger bag over her head and unzipped her jacket.

"Did you bring the drawings?" Michael asked.

"Of course I did."

"Hi, Lacy," Ben said as he came out of the kitchen. "Would you like something to drink?"

"A soda would be great," Lacy replied. She smiled at the big man. He always seemed so kind. A soda might give her a mouth that wasn't as dry as the Sahara Desert. She licked her lips as she opened her messenger bag to get the drawings she had made.

She had barely taken them out of the bag when she felt Michael snatch them from her hand. She was about to protest, but she looked at Michael's intent face as he studied the drawings he was holding. Lacy sighed and didn't say anything.

"Here you go," Ben said handing her a glass of soda. "Come into the living room and have a seat." He guided her to the sofa. "Michael seems so intent on studying your work that he has momentarily forgotten his manners."

Michael looked up at the mention of his name. "Oh, sorry, I've been waiting for days to see what your drawings would look like. They're…" Michael hesitated. Lacy held her breath. "They're quite good."

"Thanks," Lacy said trying not to sigh too audibly. That was the first hurdle.

"I have a couple of suggestions though."

"I expected you would."

"I'll leave you two alone to discuss your project," Ben said heading up to the bedroom. "I have some papers to grade."

"Thanks for the drink," Lacy said. Ben nodded and disappeared up the stairs. "So what suggestions do you have?"

"I'd like this series of drawings to be a little more graphic, a little more violent," Michael said. "We really want to make the bad guys despicable. Then when Rage destroys them the readers will cheer."

"Okay," Lacy said thoughtfully. "I see what you mean. I can fix that without too much trouble."

"Great."

"Anything else?"

"Not really. I … I have to admit that these are better than I expected they would be. They are very much like Justin's drawings … but also different. I guess that means they're really your own work."

Lacy smiled a little bit. She let the corners of her mouth fluctuate up ever so slightly. Michael couldn't have said anything better about her drawings. She wondered if he realized that. "I'm glad you think my work will fit Rage. I'm looking forward to drawing the comic."

"I think we can make this work," Michael replied with a smile.

Lacy took a sip of her soda. Now came the tough part. "Since we seem to be on the same wavelength for this issue of Rage, maybe we should discuss the next one."

Michael looked at the young girl sitting in front of him. "I've given a lot of thought to the Sateeena idea. I think we can make it work. With the understanding that Rage and Zephyr and JT are still the primary superheroes, at least for the time being. We'll see how the readers respond to Sateeena before we give her a big role."

Lacy smiled. "That's a very fair way to approach this. I agree totally."

Now it was Michael's turn to smile. "Then let's get to work on the rest of this issue. We can figure out what we're going to do with Sateeena next time."

Lacy pulled out her pencils and sketchpad. "I'm ready when you are."

 

*****

 

"Justin, I have something to discuss with you," Brian began as he stripped down to his briefs and joined Justin under their warm thick duvet.

"Look, I know tomorrow is going to be a pain in the ass but I'll make sure I pack everything that you'll need for your demonstration," Justin said thinking he was making a preemptive strike.

"Thank you, Sunshine," Brian snarked, "but that's not what I was going to discuss. Besides, if I get in a bind I'll turn the art demo into how I create an ad. Maybe I can dazzle the kids with my advertising genius."

"Bri, they're a bunch of four and five year olds," Justin gave snark as good as he got snark.

"And just who is the target of all those Happy Meal ads? And those old disgusting Cabbage Patch doll ads?"

"Oooo, I had one when I was a kid!" Justin blurted out then blushed a crimson red as Brian burst out into laughter.

"Sorry, Sunshine, but you must have been the cutest thing ever known to man with your perky little nose, big blue eyes and your coleslaw doll under your arm."

"Asshole," Justin grumbled as he smacked Brian's chest. Brian quickly grabbed the marauding hand and brought it to his lips. "Anyway, it was Molly's doll," Justin mumbled. Brian kissed his lover's temple as he drew the younger man closer.

"I was only teasing," Brian reassured his spouse.

Justin nodded against Brian's chest. "What did you want to talk about?" Justin returned to the original subject matter.

"Rage. There's a nasty rumor floating about on Liberty that you're going to kill off Rage and JT. Zephyr is going to be the main man, so to speak."

"What the fuck?! How the hell did that happen?"

"Don't know. Ted told me about it today and now all those weird looks I've been getting lately make sense."

"What weird looks?" Justin turned to see Brian's face more clearly, as Brian told him about the funny looks his was getting on the avenue and how all conversation stopped when he graced the diner.

"Well, that just fucking sucks," Justin exclaimed. "So how do we stop the rumors?"

"Why should you stop them?" The adman in Brian spoke. "It's all free publicity. When the next issue comes out, it'll be sold out before Mikey unpacks the boxes."

"Do you really think so?"

"Am I not the greatest adman there ever was?" Brian asked smugly.

"Certainly the greatest one within earshot," Justin retorted.

"Why you little...." Brian pounced on his snarky, witty spouse, tickling Justin until he cried uncle then loving Justin until he fell asleep thoroughly sated.

Brian gently cleaned his partner as he slept with a satisfied smile on his lips.

 

*****

 

"Hunter?" Curtis said quietly in the dimmed light of the drop-in center.

"What can I do for you, Curtis?" Hunter and Nick were doing the overnight shift.

"Can we find out about Alfred?"

"Alfred?"

"My cat," Curtis answered.

"Okay, I'll see what I can arrange but don't you think..."

"I know," Curtis sighed. He couldn't keep hiding. Curtis had to face up to his crimes. "Mr. Hunter, I should talk to the police," the boy said sadly. He was ashamed of his crimes.

"Very good. I'm proud of you. Let me see what I can arrange. We do this together. I won't leave you and you may be surprised at the outcome."

"I hope so, sir. What I did was wrong. I know that and I'm prepared to pay for my crimes but I'm afraid." Curtis slumped, looking so small, so much younger than his mere fourteen years.

"I know you're afraid but I promise, whatever happens, you won't have to go back to the Hardigans. I promise you, Curtis. I have a lawyer looking into your situation and the police seem to want to resolve this without you going into detention. We'll work it out."

"But I cut that last guy!"

"No you didn't. The knife connected but didn't cut. However, he is a very prominent businessman. What he says goes around here, but I think I can convince him not to press charges," Hunter said confidently.

"How can you be so sure?" Curtis was still skeptical.

"He and I are just like that!" Hunter stated as he held his hand with his middle finger crossed over his index finger. "Now, off to bed with you. We're going to be very busy over the next few weeks."

Hunter made sure Curtis was tucked in for the night. He secured the clinic, made a few more notes then went to bed.

 

*****

 

"Lindz, can I ask for a favor?" Since their vacation, the girls were getting along so much better. And JR was practically beaming with pride as both of her moms went to the day spa with her. The girls were snuggling together in bed.

"If I can, sure."

"Brian..."

"What about him?" Lindsay asked quickly, trying to keep the annoyance out of her voice.

"I have something to discuss with him and I'm not sure how to approach him."

"What do you have to discuss?"

"It's confidential," Melanie stated, knowing Lindsay wouldn't buy it. "I really shouldn't be discussing this with anyone."

"He's not in trouble, is he?" Lindsay recalled the time when Brian's poor judgment nearly cost him his career. He reluctantly came to Melanie for legal advice and representation.

"No, he's not. But his actions may affect one of my clients. I want to discuss the matter before it escalates."

"Then approach him honestly and professionally. Make an appointment to see him. He's not unreasonable, Mel."

"I see that now. I still think he's an asshole but he's a reasonable asshole. I'll call over to Kinnetik in the morning." Melanie sighed softly. Like Daniel she would have to have faith and brave the lion's den. Whatever it took to help her client.

"Sounds like a plan," Lindsay purred as she lovingly caressed her spouse's tummy, working her hand lower.

"Maybe I should make a habit of being nicer to Brian if it gets me this reaction."

"Mmm, maybe you should," Lindsay murmured as she began to make love to Mel.

 

*****

 

"Would you like to come in for a nightcap, Seth?" Jennifer asked as they approached the door of her townhouse.

They had had a lovely evening. Dinner had been long and slow and delicious. They had lingered over drinks afterwards, until they knew the restaurant was ready to close. Seth had taken a long route home, so it was already late. Jennifer expected Seth to say they both better get some sleep because they would be up early the following morning. That was often his reply to her question about a late night drink.

"I'd love another drink," Seth said, surprising Jennifer, and also pleasing her. She wasn't ready for the night to end just yet.

"Come in," she said with her most alluring smile.

Seth followed her inside and they removed their coats. Jennifer headed for the bar as Seth said, "Jennifer."

"Yes," she replied turning to give him her full attention.

"There's something I need to say to you."

"I have something to say to you too, but I think I need a drink first."

"Okay," Seth agreed knowing that he could use a drink too.

Jennifer poured them each a drink and then joined Seth on the sofa. They each took a sip of their drink before turning to look at the other. "Seth." "Jennifer." The words came out almost simultaneously and they both chuckled.

"What do you want to tell me?" Jennifer asked.

"Um … maybe you should go first."

"I think you should go first," Jennifer replied sweetly.

"I … um … I don't quite know how to say this," Seth stammered. "I usually don't have any trouble talking to you." He smiled weakly at Jennifer wishing the floor would open up and swallow him.

"Maybe talking's the problem," Jennifer said seriously. "Oh, fuck it, kiss me."

She set down her drink, as did Seth who swept her into his arms and kissed her in a way that he had never done before.

"I want you," Seth whispered against her ear as the kiss left them both breathless.

"I thought you'd never say those words," Jennifer whispered back. "Let's go." She stood and held out her hand.

"Are you sure?" Seth asked as he claimed the offered hand.

"I've never been surer of anything, Seth Harris. Come to bed … immediately."

Seth smiled a blazing smile that reminded Jennifer of her son. She quickly banished that thought, as she tugged on Seth's hand and they ran up the stairs giggling like two teenagers.

 

The Raging Storm

Chapter 10

Jennifer blinked and stretched luxuriously. She turned to look at the man sleeping in her bed. She smiled happily. It had certainly been worth the wait for last night to come. Seth was a wonderful lover, so kind and gentle and masterful. Jennifer felt a little shiver course through her at the delicious memory.

She shifted slightly so she could prop herself up on her elbow and look at the handsome profile of the man lying next to her. Her hand reached over without any conscious thought and gently traced the length of Seth's cheek.

"Morning," Seth whispered as his eyes fluttered open.

"And a very lovely morning it is too," Jennifer replied with a bright smile.

"Only topped by the magnificent evening we had last night."

Jennifer grinned. "It was pretty awesome, wasn't it?" she giggled.

"Like totally awesome," Seth said with a laugh. "And I totally mean every word of that."

"Thank you."

"It's me that should be thanking you," Seth said honestly.

"I waited a long time for last night," Jennifer stated. "I knew it would be special, and you made it very, very special."

"I might have another something special left in these old bones," Seth replied.

"You think so?" Jennifer's eyes twinkled with delight.

"When you look at me like that, I know so." Seth rolled over toward Jennifer finding her lips and kissing the woman he now knew he loved beyond all else.

 

*****

 

"You ready for school, Dada?" Bree asked as she finished her cereal.

"I guess so," Brian replied in a very unhappy tone.

"Don't you want to come to school with me?" Bree asked, a hurt sound in her little voice.

"I want nothing more than to come, Squirt," Brian told her, trying to sound like he really meant it, and still getting his sarcastic crack in. He could think of nothing worse than spending the morning with a bunch of four year olds, telling them about art when he knew nothing about art. Justin should be the one going to this damn fiasco, not him.

"I'm ready, Dada," Bree said sliding down from her chair.

"I just bet you are." Brian reluctantly stood up.

Justin came back into the cottage. He was bundled up against the cold having carried some of his canvases out to the SUV. "I think you have everything you'll need," he told Brian.

"Everything but you," Brian said trying to do his version of puppy dog eyes.

"You're going to have to work on using the eyes if you really want results," Justin laughed.

"Has anybody told you that you have a cruel streak?"

"You, on many occasions."

"Well, you do."

"Has Bree got her lunch?" Justin asked ignoring the comment.

"Here, Daddy," Bree said holding up her Dora the Explorer lunchbox.

"Then let's get you bundled up. It's freezing out there today. Is Patrick ready?" Justin asked as he put on Bree's coat and boots.

"I'm here, Uncle Justin," Patrick said coming in from his side of Edna's Treasures.

"Then you're good to go," Justin said with a cheerful smile.

"Yeah, good," Brian griped. He headed for the front door.

"Don't I get a kiss goodbye?"

Brian turned and blew a sarcastic kiss to his husband, that is, if there is such a thing as a sarcastic kiss.

Justin chuckled. "Have a good day at school … all of you."

"Bye, Daddy," Bree called as she followed her father who was trudging dejectedly out to the SUV.

Brian strapped the two children into their car seats and climbed behind the wheel. He looked out the window at Justin who was standing still bundled up in his coat and boots at the front door. Justin waved and Brian gave him the finger. The last thing Brian saw before he swung the SUV into the lane was the bright smile on his mean husband's face.

When they arrived at school, Bree ran to tell her friends about her Dada coming to speak to the class. Brian began carrying into the school the canvases and other supplies that Justin had put in the SUV. Bree's teacher met him in the hall and showed him where to set up his equipment.

By the time Brian had everything inside and set up, the bell rang to bring the children into the school. Brian took a deep breath and braced himself for the onslaught. He was standing by the blackboard at the front of the room surrounded by canvases and Justin's and Bree's easels. The children came quietly into the room. That surprised Brian as he had expected them to be full of energy and bursting with questions.

"Why are they so quiet?" Brian asked as he walked back to help Bree off with her coat.

"Miss Sharma says that we need to be calm and think about what we're doing. She says we learn a lot more that way. It helps us to listen," Bree explained.

"Good for Miss Sharma."

Bree hung up her coat and went to her seat in the classroom. Several of the children gave Brian inquisitive looks, and a couple said hello to him.

One little boy came over and looked Brian up and down. "Are you a real artist?" he asked.

"Are you a real student?"

"Yes," the little boy said confidently.

"Then I guess I'm not a real artist. My partner is."

"Why isn't he here?"

"Damned if I know," Brian said pointedly.

"Miss Sharma, Mr. Kinney said 'damn'."

"I'm sure that was just a mistake, wasn't it, Mr. Kinney?" Miss Sharma said, giving Brian a rather disapproving look.

"Very big mistake!" Brian sighed. He tried to look contrite.

"I think we're ready to begin."

"If you say so." Brian waited as Miss Sharma took attendance and did some other stuff he was sure teachers had to do every day.

"Now, class, you all know that Bree's father has brought some of her father's paintings to school today. Mr. Taylor is a very famous artist, but he couldn't be here today. So, Mr. Kinney, Bree's other father, has agreed to speak to us about art and its importance in the world. Mr. Kinney works with art in his advertising business. Am I right, Mr. Kinney?"

Brian walked back to the front of the room. He knew that bravado had got him through a lot of unpleasant situations in his life. He could pull this off, if there was a fucking god somewhere that wasn't out to get him.

"Yes, Miss Sharma, I use art in my business. Thank you for the charming introduction." He smiled at the teacher with his best sexy smirk. She seemed impressed. 'Yes,' he thought, 'I can do this.' He cleared his throat. "Perhaps Bree would come up here with me. She wanted to show you all how her father and her paint at their easels at home."

"How can she show us when her father who paints isn't here?" a little girl asked.

"I can show you," Bree said confidently walking to her easel.

"How come you have two fathers?" another child asked.

Brian blanched and wanted to grab Bree and run for cover. "Um…" Brian began. "Bree has two fathers because…"

"Because I'm very lucky," Bree said finishing Brian's uncertain beginning. "I have two daddies and they are the bestest daddies in the whole world."

Brian felt his eyes fill with tears. What had they done to deserve this special little girl? He was so proud of Bree at that moment that he could have burst.

"Bree has two fathers who love her a lot," said a voice from the back of the room.

Brian looked up to see Justin removing his coat and advancing to the front of the classroom. "What are you doing here?" Brian asked. He couldn't help but smile at this unexpected turn of events.

"Bobby dropped me off. We talked about this and it didn't seem fair that you had to do this all by yourself."

"I was … coping," Brian said with a smile.

"I bet you were, but I could leave if you want to do this on your own," Justin offered mischievously.

"It will be much better with you here," Brian added quickly.

"Of course it will," Justin laughed. "So," Justin said and turned to face the class, "these are some of my canvases. This one is almost done." He pointed to a partially finished picture of Brian. "I thought I'd add some more to it if my model will sit for me."

"I'd be delighted, O master artist!" Brian chuckled.

The class giggled and watched with interest.

"Positions," Justin said as Brian sat down in Miss Sharma's chair, assuming the pose he had used in the picture Justin had brought. Thank God he wasn't naked in this one. "You ready, Bree?"

"Ready, Daddy."

"Then this is how we mix paint," Justin started to explain. He squirted some paint from the tubes he had sent with Brian onto his palette and Bree's. "We take the colors we want and blend them together like this." Justin demonstrated as he mixed a flesh color. "You can add more of one color or change to a different one." Justin continued to show the children.

Bree mixed her own version of a color and they each applied some to their own canvas.

"Would someone like to mix some paints?" Justin asked the class.

All hands went up. Justin picked a boy and a girl to try mixing a color. That was the beginning of a fun morning for the students and for Justin and Bree who taught the other students about what colors when mixed together would make new colors. The students experimented and Justin added some strokes to his picture of Brian. Brian sat happily in Miss Sharma's chair watching the universe unfold as it should.

 

*****

 

"Mr. Hunter, sir, I'm not so sure about this," Curtis was worried and very afraid. "Are you sure they're not just going to arrest me?"

"Let's go through this again so that you're absolutely certain." Hunter was trying to put the scared boy at ease. Karen and Melanie were waiting for Curtis in Hunter's office. Curtis was huddled on his bed in the dorm room.

"Karen is your advocate. She and Melanie Marcus, who is your lawyer, will be taking you to see the family court judge. We'll be seeking temporary custody until a permanent foster home becomes available, or even adoption. Sergeant McGinty and Officer Rodgers along with a mutual friend, Carl Horvath, will also be there to take down your statement."

Curtis' eyes grew wide with fear.

"Don't worry, these are the good guys. Matter of fact, they've been speaking with all of your victims and so far, none of them are going to press charges. As long as we can guarantee that your 'crime spree' is over and you're back in school."

"What about the last guy?"

"I've been avoiding him for now but we're not that worried. Ms. Marcus is going to speak with him personally. So, are you ready to meet your lawyer?"

Curtis nodded hesitantly. He still wasn't all that convinced that he wouldn't land in juvenile detention, jail, or worse, back at the Hardigans. That would be a fate worse than jail ever could be.

"Mr. Hunter, what about Alfred?"

"Let's meet with Melanie and the police first. Then we can deal with Alfred."

Curtis got up off the bed. Following Hunter closely, he went out to face his past crimes and future life.

 

*****

 

"Hector! Are you ready yet?" Raph called into the kennel part of the veterinary clinic.

"Keep your shirt on. Geesh, you'd think you were meeting my mother, the way you're fussing."

"Hector, I've met your mother, and believe me, I would not be fussing, as you put it. You know she doesn't approve of me."

"I know, babe, but lucky for you, I approve of you." Hector smiled angelically at his life partner. "I have Matty all ready to go. What time did Hunter say we should get there?"

"About three. Hunter wants Curtis to get through the rough stuff first. Hunter and Curtis' advocate want to assess how he handles himself when he gives his statement to the police and meets with Melanie. I'd be more afraid of Melanie," Raphael grumbled.

"No worries, babe. Considering what this kid has survived, he can handle anything."

"Hector, but can he handle gay parents?"

Hector, who was placing Matty the cat into a well cushioned cat carrier, paused. He hadn't thought about that. The thought that Curtis could be straight never occurred to him.

"I guess we'll find out."

Hector and Raph bundled themselves up against the elements then left for the Jason Kemp Center.

 

*****

 

"The judge wants to meet with Curtis and get his statement regarding the Hardigans," Melanie informed the officers. They appeared to be pleased.

"You'll be going with him?" Carl asked Mel and Karen. "Who's the judge?"

"Yes, and it's Judge Schultz. We have a nine AM appointment for tomorrow. I want all our ducks in a row before we meet her," Karen replied.

"Judith Schultz?" Melanie asked.

"Yes, I've worked with her before. She's the number one supporter for child rights. She also knows how I feel about the Hardigans. If we can shut them down, that will be a bonus. But most importantly, Judge Schultz is fair and truly wants the best for children," Karen explained.

Sergeant McGinty and Officer Rodgers got up to leave. Carl wanted to stay to see Raph and Hector.

"Carl, let me know how it goes," McGinty asked Carl.

"Will do," Carl said as he shook the officers' hands. "I'll let you know how it all turns out." Hunter showed the policemen out.

"What just happened?" Curtis was overwhelmed. He did not fully understand what was happening and the possible new direction his life was about to take. Karen was about to explain when Hunter came back into the room. He wasn't alone.

"Alfred!" Curtis shouted as he jumped up from his chair and ran to the big kindly looking man who was clutching the carrier that held Matty. "Can I hold him, please?"

Curtis' face became alive as Raph gently took the almost well cat out from the carrier. Raph carefully placed the cat into Curtis' arms.

"Is he all better?"

Hunter squatted down in front of Curtis and his cat.

"Curtis, before you ask about the cat, don't you have something to say to the men who cared for it?" Curtis was startled; his grandfather had taught him better than that.

"I'm sorry, sir," Curtis said to Hunter then stood to address Raph and Hector. "My name is Curtis Samuels, sir," the boy said as he slowly extended his hand to Raph. "Thank you for making Alfred better."

Raphael took the boy's hand in his, noting how small it looked in comparison to his. The boy was nothing but skin and bones just like the cat.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Curtis. My name is Dr. Raphael Angles and this is my partner Hector Sanchez."

Hector moved forward to shake hands with Curtis.

"I have a few important things to tell you about 'Alfred.' First, Alfred is a girl; we've been calling her Matty. Her fur was rather matted and infested so we had to shave most of her. She's still rather weak and is on a special diet so we can't let her stay with you just yet."

Curtis' face fell with disappointment.

"However, once all your business with Melanie is completed, you may come and visit with Matty anytime. She'll heal much faster with you loving her."

"She's a girl?" Curtis asked with disbelief. Everyone in the room chuckled.

"I'm afraid so," Raph confirmed.

"But she's going to be okay?"

"She'll be fine, a few more weeks at the most."

"And I can help make her better?" Curtis asked hopefully.

"Yes, as long as Hunter and Ms. Marcus give the o-k, you're welcome at our clinic anytime. And Curtis, I mean through the front door. No more sneaking around in alleys."

Curtis looked suitably abashed. "Yes, sir," Curtis said, his face heating up with embarrassment.

 

*****

 

Justin and Brian were driving back to Edna's Treasures. Justin looked very smug. His art presentation and demonstration had gone very well.

"You could wipe that self-satisfied grin off your face, you know," Brian told him.

"Why should I? I saved your ass."

"I think it was Bree who saved both our asses," Brian reminded him.

"Yeah, that answer of hers about being lucky to have two fathers was…I don't know what word to use to describe it."

"I was kind of at a loss for words too," Brian admitted. "She took my breath away. How did we ever bring up such a special little girl?"

"She's a product of both of us, and she's truly a little miracle."

Brian nodded. "I can't believe that someone I've had such influence over could turn out like that."

"Of course, they would," Justin begged to differ. "You're just as special as your daughter."

Brian smiled. "And we're both what we are because of you."

"Thank you for that. I do like to think I had something to do with it."

"More than something … everything."

Justin grinned. "I don't feel much like painting this afternoon. I was thinking we might do something together."

"Oh, like what?"

"There's a big brass bed and lots of lube involved," Justin winked suggestively.

"Ah, that kind of together. I could be persuaded."

"You need to be persuaded?"

"No, not really, but I always enjoy your coaxing," Brian smirked.

"Like when I say, 'Wanna fuck?', and you jump my bones?"

"Exactly like that."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Justin asked.

With a big grin on his face Brian wheeled the SUV into the lane at Edna's Treasures.

The Raging Storm

Chapter 11

Brian rolled off his husband and glanced at the clock. "I have to go pick up Bree in an hour."

"Then we have time for one more," Justin said with an evil grin as he gave Brian's nipple a twist.

"Cut that out. I'm getting too old to spend all day in bed with a young twink."

Justin smiled. "I thought when you got old you spent all day in bed anyway."

"Alone in bed, not fucking someone's brains out."

"Suit yourself. If you want to be alone, I'll leave." Justin threw back the covers.

"Oh no you don't!" Brian said grabbing Justin before he could escape. He kissed Justin's cheek and held him against his body.

"I love you," Justin whispered.

"Backatcha, twink."

"Am I still your twink?" Justin asked.

"You'll always be my twink."

Justin smiled as the phone rang.

"Who the fuck could that be?" Brian asked.

"Probably my mother."

"No, she only calls when we're mid-fuck. This person has slightly better timing."

"Answer it," Justin said.

"What?" Brian demanded into the phone in his usual cordial manner.

"Brian, it's Melanie."

"What the fuck do you want?"

"Thank you for that gracious greeting," Melanie said sarcastically. "I guess I must have interrupted you mid-fuck."

Brian felt his head start to throb. He hated when she sounded so much like him. "No," he replied. "We were done."

"Ew! TMI."

"Look, you called here. I didn't call you."

"Point taken," Melanie said contritely. She didn't want to antagonize Brian when she needed his cooperation. "I need to talk to you about something."

"Today?"

"Yes, today would be preferable."

"Can we do this over the phone?"

"I'd feel better about this if we did it in person."

Brian realized this was his first real conversation with Melanie since the girls had returned from St. Augustine. He wondered if this was about the repairs to the house. Brian sighed. "Is this really necessary?"

"Yes."

"Ask her to come to dinner," Justin suggested. He had his ear against the receiver.

"Dinner?" Brian repeated.

"I'd love to have dinner with you. Where?" Melanie asked leaping at the chance to get Brian alone.

"Justin suggested that you come out here for dinner with us."

"Oh?"

"We promise not to lace the food with arsenic," Brian said sarcastically.

"Great! But I need to talk to you alone."

"I'll set aside some quality time just for you and me," Brian said with a smirk.

"I can hear that smirk, Kinney."

"I don't doubt that for a moment."

"I'll be there around six so I won't be too late getting home afterwards."

"Okay." Brian hung up the phone. "Great, we're going to have a lovely evening with my favorite person."

"Yes, we are," Justin told him. "So, get up and let's make something delicious."

"What happened to another fuck?"

"Later, big guy."

"Yeah, later," Brian mumbled as he threw off the covers and got out of bed.

 

*****

 

Melanie arrived to delicious smells from the kitchen and a dashing looking Brian Kinney who greeted her at the front door.

"I don't think I've ever been here for dinner … or anything … without Lindsay," Melanie commented.

"There's a first time for everything," Brian snarked.

"Dinner's ready, so we can sit right down," Justin said. "Bree, come say hi to Aunt Melanie. Dinner's ready."

Bree ran down the hall and into Melanie's waiting arms. She kissed her "aunt" on the cheek when Melanie bent over to give her a hug. "Daddy made his famous chicken and dumplings," Bree stated knowingly.

"Sounds great," Melanie said as they sat down to eat.

They ate amidst pleasant conversation much to Brian's surprise. Melanie told them all about St. Augustine, and Brian and Justin marveled at how similar their trip had been to the girls'. Bree informed Melanie about her fathers going to school with her and how they had instructed her class about art. Everyone was very civil and on their best behavior.

After Bree was put to bed, Justin brought coffee to the living room. "I thought we could talk in here."

"I should probably talk to Brian alone," Melanie said hesitantly.

"If this is about the renovations to your house, I know all about them. Brian did what needed to be done," Justin said defending his spouse.

"I didn't come about the renovations, but now that you bring them up, I have a check for you," Melanie said pulling a check out of her pocket. "This is a start to paying you back."

"You don't need…"

"I do need," Melanie said emphatically. "I want to thank you for looking after things while we were gone. We really needed to reconnect on our vacation, but I intend to pay you back for all you did."

"Thank you," Brian said pocketing the check. He wasn't going to fight with her over this. He knew how proud Melanie was of taking care of her family. "I hope the trip accomplished what it was intended to do."

"It did," Melanie replied with a happy look on her face. "And thank you also for the champagne and chocolates."

Justin raised an eyebrow, but Brian merely tipped his head in acknowledgement.

"Now, for the real reason I'm here." Melanie proceeded to explain about Curtis and what had happened to him over the last few months. Brian was about to interrupt a couple of times, but when Melanie raised her hand to stop him, Brian waited until she was through with her complete explanation.

"You want me not to press charges?" Brian asked.

"That's fucked!" Justin protested. "That kid robbed Brian and almost cut him. He deserves to be punished, not get away with that Scot-free."

"I know what he did was serious," Melanie said calmly. "But he's basically a good kid who's already been punished enough in life. The foster family he was with are criminals themselves … and abusive. We're going to try to go after them. Curtis deserves a break for a change."

Justin shook his head. "I don't know."

"I'd like to meet the kid," Brian said.

"Will you at least consider not pressing charges?" Melanie asked. "If I can tell the judge that, things will go a lot easier for Curtis."

"I'll think about it. It's not like I really missed the money he stole."

"He used it to pay Raph and Hector to look after that sick cat he found somewhere," she explained.

"I know, but…" Brian reacted.

"Brian, he's still a criminal. He could have really hurt you," Justin felt compelled to say.

"Arrange a meeting with Curtis," Brian said. "I want to think about this."

"You got it," Melanie averred. "Now, I better get home. Thanks for dinner."

"You're welcome," Justin said. He escorted her to the door. "You know I don't like this."

"I know, but I think you'd like Curtis if you met him."

Justin shook his head. "I doubt it." He closed the door behind Melanie and walked back into the living room where Brian seemed to be lost in thought. "You okay?" he asked.

"Just thinking."

"I know you'll do what you think is for the best, but remember that this Curtis could have really hurt you."

"I'm not going to do anything hasty, Sunshine."

"Good. What are you going to do with Melanie's check?"

"I think Hunter could use another donation to the center."

"I knew you'd say something like that, and I know you've already decided not to press charges against Curtis," Justin said as he slid onto Brian's knee.

"You know that, huh?"

"I do."

"And what are you going to do about it?"

"Fuck your ass off."

Brian laughed as Justin captured his lips in a kiss.

 

*****
 

Brian hadn't slept very well that night even with his ass thoroughly fucked off by his very talented spouse. Brian hadn't felt this agitated since he experienced those nightmares that sparked the clinic project. Brian eased himself out of bed, softly reassuring Justin, cooing him back to sleep. Brian grabbed some clothes then quietly snuck into his bathroom. After checking on Bree and leaving a note for Justin, Brian left the cottage and drove to the Pitts.

"Damn, even after all these years and all that I've taught him, he still can't seem to make a decent cup of coffee," Brian groused, as he threw away the dregs in his cup, shut off the coffeemaker and began to wash the pot out to make fresh. As the coffee dripped he shoved some bills in the large donation jug that was on the counter. Taking a pen out of his pocket, Brian endorsed Melanie's check over to Hunter and the clinic. Brian sat at one of the chairs in the kitchenette to sip his coffee.

"Much better," he mumbled around his cup.

"Who are you?" Curtis asked. Since his grandfather's death and not having a permanent home, Curtis had become a light sleeper.

"I might ask you the same," Brian snarked with an arch to his eyebrow.

Trying to be polite, Curtis introduced himself. "I'm Curtis Samuels, sir," Curtis said as he extended out his hand.

"Brian Kinney," Brian replied as he shook the small hand.

"How did you get in? The door was locked."

"I have a key."

"Are you the owner?"

"Of sorts, I own the property and the bath house next door. My brother renovated the building and the theater and bowling alley as well."

Brian recognized Curtis as his assailant. He wasn't sure if Curtis recognized him. It was dark that night and Brian looked more like a businessman. Today he was wearing his favorite jeans, a grey sweatshirt and leather jacket. He looked more like a tough guy rather than a businessman.

"So, you one of Hunter's kids?" Brian was trying to draw the boy out.

"I guess so. He found me on the street. I-I ran away from home and ..."

"And?"

"And I did some bad things, very bad things. But Mr. Hunter he took me in and gave me a real bed to sleep on and I'm not hungry and I'm gonna get my cat back soon and..." Curtis suddenly recognized the man sitting in front of him. He started to shake then took off toward the front door.

Brian quickly scrambled from his seat to catch up to the fleeing bandit.

"Whoa there, pardner!" Brian said as his scooped up the skinny boy with one arm.

"Put me down!" Curtis yelled.

"I will, when you promise to stand still and not run. Besides, it's freezing outside. You won't get far in your pajamas." Curtis kept squirming, Brian tightened his hold.

"Brian, what the hell do you think you're doing?" Hunter came out of his office to witness his number one benefactor and closest friend holding Curtis like a sack of potatoes in his arms, not a child. However, Hunter wisely did not interfere. Curtis would have to explain himself to Brian's satisfaction. And Hunter knew that Brian would never harm one of Hunter's charges.

"Caught this young-un trying to make a break for it. Thought you'd appreciate me stopping him before he ran off into the storm dressed only in a set of your pj's."

"Kinney, you're an ass..."

"Uh, uh, uh, not in front of the lost boy," Brian snarked, but did not release his grip.

"Curtis," Hunter addressed the hapless boy who was hanging limply near Brian's waist. "I think it would be best if you assured Brian that you won't run. It's too cold."

"Yes, sir. I promise, Mr. Kinney, I won't run away," Curtis promised.

"It's about fucking time. You're getting heavy." Brian said with a grunt as he placed Curtis on the floor, right side up.

Hunter steered them both back to the kitchen. The coffee smelled good and Hunter wanted to make some hot chocolate for Curtis.

"Brian, what the hell are you doing here? It's five o'clock in the morning!"

They all sat at the small table in the kitchenette.

"I had an interesting dinner guest last night and she told me about your meeting with the judge this morning. She asked me to think about not pressing charges." Brian got up to pour himself more coffee.

"And how was your dinner with Mel?" Hunter asked with a playful smirk on his face.

"Definitely an experience I would not like to relive anytime soon. At least not without the appropriate amount of alcohol."

"Brian, it couldn't have been that bad."

"No, it wasn't. She was actually kind of human."

"And your decision?"

"You have no idea what this is going to cost me." Brian took the check Melanie had given him the previous night then stuffed it into the donation jar. He glared at Curtis with one of his most powerful Rageian stares. "Don't fuck this up, kid. You have one hell of a team looking out for your interests. Don't disappoint them or you'll have to answer to me."

"Thank you, Mr. Kinney!" Curtis said as he threw himself into Brian's arms, mustering up the strength to hug the taller man.

"You won't regret this, Brian." Hunter beamed a dazzling smile.

"I'm regretting it already."

"Why?"

"Because I have to answer to Justin!"

Brian gave Hunter a kiss to the side of his head, patted Curtis on the top of his, grabbed his leather jacket then left the clinic. As Brian drove off, Hunter and Curtis laughed and jumped with happiness.

 

*****
 

"Keep your fucking shirt on!" Melanie shouted as she was trying to tie her robe without tripping over the sash as she stomped down the staircase to answer the door. Seeing a familiar silhouette in the window, Melanie was less than pleased.

"What the fuck do you want, Kinney? It's barely six in the morning!" Melanie grabbed Brian's arm to get him inside. The wind was freezing and she was barely dressed.

"Oh yuck, Mel, is that all you wear to bed?" Brian gave an exaggerated shiver at the state of Melanie's lack of clothing.

"Well, if you weren't so rude and impatient I would have put on my ball gown."

"Covering your twat in lace won't make the image of that go away," Brian snarked as he pushed past her to get to the kitchen. Mel looked down and realized she wasn't wearing any underwear. She took the time to tie her robe up properly before facing off with Brian.

"What do you want at this ungodly hour?" Melanie asked as she watched Brian rummage through the cabinets looking for something to eat.

"Cereal would be nice." He said as he held a bowl in one hand and a spoon in the other. Melanie started the coffee, then took out some cereal and milk for the asshole.

Mel watched as Brian poured some cereal into his bowl and added some milk.

"You're not going to join me?" he asked Mel with a full mouth.

"You're a pig, you know that, Kinney," Mel said as she poured them both some coffee. "Why have you come to harass me?"

"I just left the clinic and I figured that if I have to be awake and Hunter and Curtis have to be awake then....oomfph!"

Brian couldn't finish his statement. He found his arms full of a one hundred pound grateful lawyer kissing his face. His cereal and spoon went flying.

"Brian, would you mind telling me why you're kissing my half naked wife in MY kitchen?" Lindsay stood at the door, glaring. Brian blushed, shrugging his shoulders helplessly. Melanie just kept giggling like a school girl as she flung her arms around Brian's neck and bounced in his lap.

The Raging Storm

Chapter 12

Lacy had just finished an early shift at the diner. She hurried down the street towards Michael's comic shop. She clutched her jacket close to her chest against the biting wind. Her messenger bag was firmly held under her arm so the wind couldn't catch it. She only had a little while until she needed to catch her bus to PIFA, but she wanted to show Michael what she had done. If he liked it, she would be pleased. If he didn't, then screw him. She knew this was some of her best work, and dammit, she was proud of it.

She pushed open the door of the comic store and quickly stepped inside closing it against the bitter wind.

"Michael?' she called when she didn't see him anywhere in the store.

Michael came out of his office. "Lacy?" he said. "What are you doing here?"

"I have something to show you," she said proudly. "I redid the drawings the way we discussed." She pulled out her sketchbook and laid the new sketches out on the counter.

Michael studied them carefully. He realized that Lacy had truly listened to what he had asked her to do. The drawings were exactly what he wanted them to be.

"These are … great!" Michael said enthusiastically.

Lacy let out the breath she had been holding. Maybe this could work after all. "You like them?" she asked wanting further reassurance.

"I love them. They're perfect!"

Lacy smiled. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."

"You did a great job," Michael repeated. He pulled Lacy into a warm hug. "I appreciate that you listened to what I asked you to do. Great work!"

Lacy smiled broadly as she stepped back from Michael. "I have one more thing to show you." She pulled another paper out of her sketchbook. "This is what I think Sateeena should look like."

Michael took the drawing and studied it. Sateeena wore a short costume of bronze colored clothing, an interesting contrast to the red of Zephyr and the midnight blue of Rage. Her outfit consisted of shorts and a top that had a high neckline and no sleeves. She had a slim but muscular body. She wasn't at all voluptuous like so many other comic females. She was rather androgynous in appearance which is what they had discussed. She wore a bronze colored mask that covered her eyes and gave her a look of mystery. Her hair was short and blond, but not as blond as JT. Long boots came up her legs and ended mid thigh. She was a very striking looking figure.

"She looks … very interesting," Michael said.

"That doesn't tell me very much," Lacy countered. She waited as Michael continued to stare at the drawing.

"I think she's exactly what we discussed her to be. You did a great job on the concept, and I think we have the makings of a very productive partnership."

"Thank you," Lacy said, and she meant that sincerely.

"I'm really looking forward to working with you, Lacy."

"That means a lot, Michael. Thanks again." Lacy smiled and shook Michael's hand. "I have to go catch a bus for school. I'll talk to you later." Lacy gathered up her sketches and was gone before Michael had a chance to say anything else. He watched her through the door of his shop. She ran to the corner and leapt onto the bus, just getting there in time before it pulled away.

Michael smiled to himself. He had himself quite the partner.

 

*****

 

Jennifer awoke in Seth's bed. He was leaning over her tickling her nose.

"What are you doing?" she laughed.

"Looking at the most beautiful woman in the world."

"I'm going to get a swelled head if you keep saying things like that."

"Then you'll soon have a gigantic head, because I don't intend to stop."

"Oh Seth, you are such a romantic. I'm just a woman. I make mistakes and I'll piss you off from time to time."

"Then I agree to being pissed off as long as you're around."

"You make this sound like a long term commitment." Jennifer watched Seth's face turn white. "You want it to be long term, don't you?" she asked quickly. They needed to settle a few things.

"I thought that was what you wanted to." Seth looked like some part of him had been stomped on.

"It is what I want," Jennifer declared. "Since I've met you, I can't imagine being with anyone else."

Seth's face relaxed and he smiled at her. "Neither can I," Seth proclaimed.

"So what are we going to do about this?" Jennifer asked holding her breath.

"I think we should get married."

"Married?"

"Isn't that the next logical step?"

"But we've only known each other for a couple of months."

"I feel like I've known you forever," Seth declared.

"I … I feel the same way, and it scares me."

"Scares you?"

"I don't want this to end, but I had one marriage that I thought was a good one until it all went to shit."

"That doesn't mean that ours would."

"How can you know that?"

"Because I'm not Craig Taylor, and I doubt that you're the same person that was married to him."

"I'm definitely not that mousy little housewife," Jennifer stated.

Seth chuckled. "Somehow I knew that. And I don't believe you were ever a mousy little housewife."

Jennifer smiled up at Seth. "But … I'm not sure I want to rush into a marriage, any marriage."

"I thought I had been taking it slow," Seth said with a frown.

"You did the courting thing just right. And sleeping together has been wonderful, but leaping into marriage just seems too much too soon."

"Then what if we get engaged instead? We can stay that way as long as you want. Long enough for you to decide if I'll make better husband material than your ex."

"I already know that you will."

"Then what do you say? Will you marry me, Jennifer Taylor, and be engaged to me as long as it takes for you to decide that I'm the only one you want to marry?"

"Yes, Seth, oh my God, yes!" Jennifer flung herself into Seth's arms and let him kiss her until she stopped worrying about where they were headed. Then he made slow, passionate love to her until they both had to get up and go to work.

 

*****
 

"I'm scared, Miss Melanie," Curtis said hesitantly. They were waiting outside the hearing room for their time in front of the judge. Curtis knew his life would change whatever the judge decided. But he also knew that he didn't want to go back. He wouldn't go back to the Hardigans, to the abuse and fear, to living on the streets. He knew he couldn't face any of that again. He had found warmth and comfort and peace at the clinic. That's where he wanted to stay … with Karen and Hunter and Nick. If only the judge would let him do that.

"You don't need to be scared," Melanie replied confidently. "We're going to do what's best for you. That's what we all want, the judge included."

Curtis nodded but he couldn't stop the knot of fear that clutched his stomach.

"Curtis," Karen said. "I'll be there to speak for you. If there's anything you have questions about just tell me and I'll try to get it cleared up for you."

"Okay," Curtis replied. His voice was small and weak.

"It's going to be fine," Melanie said squeezing his shoulder.

"I wish Alfred was here."

"You mean Matty?" Karen asked with a smile.

"Yeah, I guess I should call her Matty. I was sure she was a boy."

"Matty will be fine and so will you," Karen replied.

Curtis entered the judge's chambers along with Karen and Melanie. The judge, a stern but matronly looking woman, signaled that they should all take a seat. Curtis had a sinking feeling that his case wasn't going to go as easily as he had hoped.

"Mr. Samuels," the judge began as she looked up over the file in her hand that contained everything known about Curtis Samuels in his short fourteen year life. "Mr. Samuels, it says here that up until two years ago, you were an 'A' student, have an interest in biology and were a member of your school's book club."

Curtis nodded.

"It also says here that you've robbed at least six people at knife point. Your last victim, a Mr. Brian Kinney, was almost injured."

"Your Honor, if I may...," Melanie tried to interject.

"No, you may not, Ms. Marcus. I can read. Mr. Samuels, you appear to have many friends and advocates. None of your victims want to press charges, including Mr. Kinney. I have affidavits from all the victims. I also have statements from Dr. Raphael Angles and Hector Sanchez."

Curtis' eyes grew wide. He had no idea that his victims made statements. Curtis couldn't help the tears that began to flow from his eyes.

"Your Honor," Karen pleaded. The judge handed Karen a box of tissues.

"Curtis, may I call you by your first name?" the judge asked softly.

"Yes ma'am."

"Tell me, in your own words what happened."

It was over two hours later when Curtis, Karen and Melanie emerged from the judge's chambers. Before they left, Judge Schultz motioned for Karen.

"Karen, when things settle, I want the office of Child Services and the DA's office to reopen their investigation into the Hardigans. Notify the Treasury Department or the IRS, someone. The more they keep cashing those support checks for a non-existent child, the more rope they'll have to hang themselves. I don't want those people to remain in a position to ruin any more children's lives."

"Yes, ma'am," Karen said happily.

"Send back Ms. Marcus," the judge ordered.

"Your Honor, you wanted to see me?" Melanie asked as she knocked then entered the chambers at the judge's 'come in'.

"Yes, Ms. Marcus. Does the boy know that Dr. Angles and his partner are thinking about fostering the boy and of possible adoption?"

"No, ma'am. He doesn't. Things were so unsettled; we thought it best not to cloud the important issues. Curtis knows what he did was wrong. He wants to make amends and atone for his crimes. His victims even approved Dr. Angles' plan."

"Ah, yes, to work off his debt at the vet clinic. Very well, keep me informed and when they're ready, set up a meeting. I'd like to meet this doctor and his partner."

"Yes, ma'am!" Melanie left the judge's chambers very satisfied with the outcome. An outcome due in part to Brian Kinney.

 

*****

 

Brian arrived back at Edna's Treasures to find Justin painting in the sun porch. He stopped in the doorway to watch his husband create. He loved when Justin was absorbed in his craft. He watched the deft strokes Justin was making with the brush, the way he mixed a new color and added the little details that made his paintings so special.

"Sunshine," Brian said softly.

Justin stopped and turned with a big smile for his husband. "Hey. Did you get your issues taken care of?"

"Yeah, I'm not pressing charges."

"I knew you wouldn't."

"How did you know?"

Justin sighed as he wiped off his brush. "As much as I was worried about you and wanted the mugger punished, I knew that Curtis, being a kid, would grab your heartstrings."

"I don't have heartstrings," Brian protested.

"Says the guy who started the Jason Kemp Center in the first place."

"Well…" Brian began but he really didn't know how to refute what Justin had said. Maybe he did have heartstrings. Brian shuddered at the thought.

Justin smiled as he set down his brush and palette. "It's okay to have a soft side, Brian. Come into the kitchen. We'll have some coffee and you can tell me all about it."

"Okay," Brian agreed. Justin didn't seem too angry with him, and that was definitely a step in the right direction.

 

*****
 

"So I can stay at the Center?" Curtis asked. He wanted to be absolutely sure that he had understood what the judge had said.

"That's correct," Karen said as she walked beside the boy. She could swear he was a foot taller than when they had entered the hearing room.

"The judge was very impressed with you," Melanie said. "Good manners go a long way to convincing the judge that you mean what you say."

"I do mean it," Curtis said with a smile. "No more stealing or mugging. And I get to stay at the Center, right?" he asked again.

Melanie chuckled. "You get to stay there for now. Maybe someone will offer you a foster home or even adoption."

Curtis frowned. "Why would anyone do that? I'm too old. People want babies to adopt. And I don't want any more foster homes," he added adamantly.

"It wouldn't be a place like the Hardigans," Karen said gently. "We won't let that happen again."

"The Hardigans are going to have their own problems now that the judge has launched an investigation," Melanie informed them.

"They deserve it," Curtis stated. "Maybe the other kids who were there will be able to go someplace better too."

"We can hope," Melanie agreed as they walked out of the courthouse.

 

*****
 

"Hello?"

"Justin, it's Mel, is Brian home?"

"Yeah, sure, hold on." Justin made a face at Brian as he held the phone smothering it into his chest. "It's Mel," Justin whispered.

Brian rolled his eyes then stuck his tongue out in the general direction of the phone and of Pittsburgh.

"Take it," Justin whispered louder.

"No!" Brian whispered back, defiantly.

"Wuss!" Justin whispered again then steeled himself to speak to Mel. "Um, he just went to the bathroom, Melanie, can I take a message.

On the other end of the line, Melanie rolled her eyes then flipped her phone the bird.

"Tell the asshole that I hope he's constipated. But also tell him, thank you. The judge is allowing temporary custody of Curtis to Hunter and the clinic. I'll email Brian all the details later. And tell him I hope I didn't mess up his lap too much this morning, me not wearing any panties and all. Bye, Justin." Melanie snapped her cell phone off then burst out laughing.

Justin set the phone down on the counter then turned to face his most innocent looking spouse who was about to take a sip of coffee. Justin's eyes narrowed.

"Brian, something you want to tell me about this morning?"

"Um, like what? I went to the clinic to meet Curtis and Hunter and then I went over to Lindz."

"Uh huh. Did you by any chance see Melanie?"

"I seem to recall she was there."

"You seem to recall," Justin stated, keeping his voice calm and level. "And do you recall that she was half NAKED!" Justin shouted as he closed the gap toward his spouse.

"Now, Sunshine," Brian sputtered as he began to back pedal. "Justin, Sunshine, you know Melanie has nothing, not one thing that could possibly tempt me."

Brian stumbled over a nearby stool then made a break for their bedroom. Justin was hot on his heels.

Brian couldn't hide so he laid out on the bed ready to take his punishment.

"Playing the sacrificial lamb gets you nowhere, Kinney!" Justin pounced to tickle his spouse into submission. Brian laughed until his sides ached and the tears ran freely from his eyes.

Giving Brian a moment to catch his breath, Justin rolled to his side.

"Was she really not wearing underpants?" Justin asked with an exaggerated shudder.

"Yeah, just her robe and t-shirt. Oh shit!"

"What?"

"The t-shirt."

"What about it?"

"It was old, very old."

"Yeah, so?"

"Remember I told you that when we were in college, Lindsay would sometimes sleep in my t-shirts?"

"Yeah...oh you don't think? No. Really?" Brian nodded. "EIW GROSS!!!!" They both said together then laughed again until neither could breathe.

 The Raging Storm

Chapter 13

"I wonder how Curtis' hearing went," Raph said to Hector as they finished cleaning up after vaccinating Mrs. Rotondo's dog.

"I think it must have gone all right or we would have heard something," Hector replied.

"I'm surprised they haven't called us one way or the other."

"Yeah, it would be nice to know."

"I guess I could always call them," Raph said thoughtfully as he wiped down the table.

Hector dumped the paper towels he had been using in the trash bin and turned to look at his partner. He understood how important having this boy in their lives was becoming to Raph. He hoped his lover wasn't setting those hopes too high. He hated the thought that it might all go crashing to the ground when the powers that be found out that they were gay. There was still a lot of reluctance to let gays adopt or foster. And then there was Curtis himself. Neither of them knew what Curtis' attitude towards gays might be. Maybe it would be better to get this over with in a hurry.

"Raph, why don't you call and see what happened," Hector suggested.

"I will." Raph walked into his office with the intention of placing a call to the clinic. That was when the bullshit button went off in the waiting room. "Shit!" Raph reacted heading out to see who was there. No one was scheduled for at least fifteen minutes.

Hector followed behind Raph. As they arrived in the outer reception area they were both surprised to see Hunter and Curtis standing there.

"I love that thing!" Hunter laughed indicating the bullshit button.

"You never fail to use it when you come in," Raph chuckled. "Look who's here!" Raph added enthusiastically looking directly at Curtis.

When Curtis made no move to answer, Hunter said cheerfully, "Just us happy custodians of teenage boys."

"Does that mean the hearing went well?" Hector asked with a broad smile.

"It was awesome," Curtis said deciding finally to speak. "The judge said I can be in Hunter's custody and stay at the center and I won't go to jail and I can pay back the people I took money from by working here. And I really want to see Matty."

Hector and Raph had never heard Curtis say so many words all at once. Neither had Hunter.

"I thought Curtis deserved a reward, so I brought him over to see Matty," Hunter explained.

"And I could stay and help with the other animals … if you wanted me too," Curtis volunteered quickly.

"I think that would be an excellent idea," Raph stated. "If it's all right with you…?" he asked Hunter.

"Sounds like a plan. I need to get back to the clinic. How be I pick you up here at three, Curtis?"

Curtis' head bobbed enthusiastically in agreement. "Yes, sir."

Hunter chuckled. It wasn't usual to have his lost boys call him sir. He kind of got a kick out of it. "I'll be back at three. Maybe you guys can get to know each other a little better in the meantime," Hunter said with a wink for Raph. "You'll be spending a lot of time here to pay off your debt, Curtis."

"Yes, sir," Curtis agreed willingly. "Can I see Matty now?"

"Come with me, young man," Hector said. He guided Curtis back behind the reception desk and into the area where sick and recuperating animals were housed.

"He seems really enthusiastic about being here," Hunter said to Raph as soon as Hector and Curtis were out of earshot.

"Yeah, but Hector and I were just discussing what will happen when he finds out that we're gay."

"He knows I'm gay, and he doesn't seem to have a problem with that."

"Yeah, but that's not quite the same as living with us two gay guys," Raph replied uncertainly.

"If you want some advice, take it slowly. Let Curtis get used to you and Hector. He knows nothing about your interest in fostering or adopting him. Just let him get acclimatized here first before you press the matter."

"We will," Raph agreed. "Thanks for bringing him over."

"You're welcome. I hope that things will work out between you and Curtis. That kid could use a good home and some caring adults."

"That's exactly what we'd like to give him."

"Then it'll all work out for the best," Hunter said shaking Raph's hand before exiting the veterinary clinic. He really hoped it would work out the way Raph wanted. They were good people and so was Curtis.

 

*****
 

"So Curtis, how was your afternoon at the clinic?" Hunter asked the young man as Curtis met Hunter outside the vet clinic. They were about to drive back to the Jason Kemp Center.

"Fine," Curtis answered.

"Just fine?" Hunter inquired.

"It was good, real good. I like it there and Dr. Raph, he explained lots of stuff to me but..."

"But?"

"I miss school. I haven't been to school in months. I guess I missed a lot. Will I be left back?" Curtis asked almost heartbroken not to get promoted with his class.

Hunter thought a bit then whipped out his cell phone.

"Emm, you in the Pitts or up at the cottage. Great! I have a young man who needs a whole new wardrobe. Whoa! Calm down. He's only fourteen and it's for school, no clubbing clothes. Okay, meet you there in a few." Hunter snapped his phone closed then pulled out into traffic.

"Um, Mr. Hunter?" Curtis had no idea what was going to happen next.

"Don't sweat it. We're just going shopping for some new clothes."

"But, I don't have money."

"Not to worry. You're my responsibility; clothes are part of the deal. After we get you all accessorized, we'll go to Staples to pick up some school supplies. It's a little late now, but I'll call over to your school in the morning. Let's see if we can get an appointment with a guidance counselor. If we're lucky, we can get you back into class tomorrow."

"What about my job at the clinic?"

"We'll set up a schedule with Raph and Hector for after school and Saturdays. Here we are!" Hunter said enthusiastically as he pulled up in front of Torso. Emmett had long since left that establishment but Torso loved their former number one salesman. Emmett always brought in the customers and Torso was a JKDC supporter.

"Where are we?" Curtis looked out of the SUV to see the wild sign of Torso.

"Don't let the outside fool you. They do have normal clothes here. And some of Pittsburgh's favorite citizens shop here." Hunter and Curtis got out of the Cherokee to go into the shop.

"Hi! Hi! Hi!" Emmett announced loudly as he scurried down the street, trying not to slip on the ice. "Is this a new member of 'our family'?" Emmett asked brightly.

"Yes, Emmett, this is Curtis," Hunter introduced the two. "And Emm, turn down the flames a bit, would ya? Let's not scare the kid," Hunter said softly.

Emmett smiled then reined in his enthusiasm just a tad. "Well, young man, I hear you need some new threads to get into school. I think we can outfit you," Emmett said as he opened the door to the store and ushered them in. "Now, let me get a good look at you..."

For the next couple of hours, Emmett enjoyed spending the center's money. And Hunter had fun watching as the money went to a worthy cause.

 

*****
 

"Hello?"

"Justin, it's Lacy."

"Hiya, Lacy! How's it going?" Justin could hear the rattling of plates and the diner noise in the background.

"It's good. I'm on a break. I just wanted to tell you that Michael and I have been getting along pretty well. He likes the sketches I've brought him so far and I think we might introduce the new character soon. Maybe not this issue but the next one."

"Lacy, that's great! I am so happy for you." The background noise was growing louder.

"I'm sorry, Justin, the dinner crowd is coming in. I gotta go."

"Go Lacy and I'll visit you soon," Justin reassured her.

"Thank you, Justin." Justin heard the chef's bell dinging madly, signaling that an order was up. "I'm coming, I'm coming, keep your shirt on!" Justin heard Lacy shout, sounding a lot like her other mentor, one Debbie Novotny Horvath.

Justin hung up the phone laughing then went back to helping Brian with dinner.

"What's so funny?" Brian asked his spouse. They had spent most of the day loving. Justin took the welcome break from his canvases. Now they were making dinner.

"Lacy, she sounds a lot like Debbie."

"Now there's a scary thought. Are she and Mikey playing nice?"

"So far so good but you know how Michael can get."

"Yes, all too well. Maybe I should pay a visit to my friend," Brian snarked a little.

"Maybe Rage needs to check on Zephyr," Justin said as he shifted his eyes to Brian.

"You mean check up on Zephyr."

"That too. Brian, I may not want to be directly involved in Rage but I'm not abandoning him either. I love Rage and I love how he's helped our community. I don't want that to change now that I'm stepping back a little."

Brian crossed over to his lover who was busy chopping a tomato. Without interrupting Justin's rhythm, Brian wrapped his arms around his spouse.

"Do you want to have Bobby go over your contract? He'll make sure your interests are protected."

"I don't think that's necessary, do you?"

"Justin, I love Michael, I've loved him for most of my life, but sometimes I don't trust him."

"Brian..."

"Justin, humor me. I'm having Bobby check over your contract, and tomorrow Rage is having a chat with Zephyr."

"Just make sure Zephyr's mother is nowhere near. Rage has no powers against her," Justin said as he finished putting their salad together. Brian nodded.

 

*****
 

Hunter and the newly decked out Curtis sat in the main office of the local high school. Hunter looked around remembering when he had first become a student at the same school. It was long ago, but little had changed. The head secretary had even recognized him. He shook his head at her surprised look when he gave her his name, confirming that he really was the student that had had his share of troubles at the school.

As he sat waiting to see the principal, he remembered the incident in the pool when he had cut his head and started bleeding. The ensuing uproar about him being HIV positive had cost him Cally and any hope of a normal life in high school. After that everybody knew, and he was treated like a pariah. He hated those memories.

But at the same time he remembered how Ben and Michael had stood up for him. They had done their best to fight the school and the homophobic attitudes that pervaded the place. Too bad you couldn't change people's minds with the force of your own will, like Rage was able to do.

"Mr. Montgomery," the head secretary said with a little grin, "Principal Carlson will see you now."

Hunter stood and so did Curtis. Hunter gave Curtis' shoulder a squeeze before leading the scared boy into the principal's office. Hunter had met the new principal of the high school a couple of times when he had brought boys from the Center to enroll there.

"Nice to see you again, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Samuels," the principal said.

"Please, it's Hunter and Curtis."

"It's always nice to meet with one of our distinguished alumni."

"In a manner of speaking," Hunter said modestly.

"Well, you've done very well at turning around the lives of the boys you've brought here. The students who come to us from the Jason Kemp Center are focused and work hard to graduate."

"I hope I've brought another such student," Hunter said looking at Curtis.

"I very much hope so too," Mr. Carlson said. "I've asked the head of our guidance department to sit in with us. She should be here momentarily."

"That's good," Hunter said as they all sat down. "Curtis has missed a couple of months of school."

"I see. That could be a problem," Mr. Carlson replied. He looked thoughtful.

Curtis cringed. He had been afraid of this. They were going to flunk him in all the subjects that he had missed from the first semester and then he would have to do them all over again, even though he was sure he could have passed the exams.

There was a gentle knock on the door. A lovely African American woman entered. "I'm Elaine Washington," she said extending her hand to Hunter and then to Curtis.

"Ms. Washington is the head of guidance. We received a faxed transcript from Curtis' former school. She's been looking over Curtis' grades and talking to her counterpart at the other school."

Curtis stared at the beautiful woman who sat down next to him. He felt scared and worried. He wondered what his other school had said about him. It could be good or it could be bad, especially if Ms. Washington had talked to his math teacher. Curtis hated that guy. He had made Curtis' life a misery all semester.

"I have Curtis' marks here from the part of the term that he completed," Ms. Washington stated. Curtis held his breath. "You were almost an A student," she said looking into Curtis' eyes. "I bet if you had attended more regularly, you could have been an all round A student."

"Yes, ma'am," Curtis replied. He remembered all the days he had missed when the Hardigans had wanted him home to work or to look after one of the younger kids who wasn't feeling well.

"Curtis really wants to be back in school," Hunter interjected. "It was his idea to come here as quickly as we could get an appointment."

"That's very commendable," Mr. Carlson responded.

Curtis smiled to himself. Maybe he had earned a few brownie points. He hoped so because he wanted to get back to school. He wanted to make something of himself.

"Curtis," Ms. Washington began. "I've looked over your records as much as I can, until the actual file is delivered here in a couple of days. You seem like a smart boy. Am I right?"

Curtis shrugged. "I guess," he mumbled. He was afraid of what she might be getting at.

"You missed quite a bit of work … while you were on the streets. Would you be willing to try to make that up with some extra work if we let you start your courses for the next semester?"

Curtis sat up straight. "Yes, ma'am. I'm sure I could do that. I'd work really hard if I didn't have to repeat everything."

"That's what I thought," Ms. Washington said with a smile. "I think we can work something out."

"That would be … good," Curtis said cautiously. He didn't want to get his hopes up too much.

"We have to be careful not to overload Curtis," Hunter cautioned. "He has some public service obligations." Curtis made a face. "You know, at the vet clinic," Hunter reminded him.

"Yeah," Curtis said dejectedly.

"Do you think you can handle all of this?" Ms. Washington asked gently.

"I think so. I think Dr. Raph would let me do some homework when I'm not cleaning up or looking after the animals," Curtis said hopefully. He thought Dr. Raph seemed like a nice guy. Curtis hoped that what he had just said might be the truth.

"I think Dr. Raph might be willing to allow that … if you are conscientious when you're actually working," Hunter suggested.

"I would be, Mr. Hunter, I really would."

"I'm sure you will. I'll talk to Raph about this and let you know what he says, Ms. Washington. Raph might even be able to help you with math and science. He's a smart guy."

"That sounds like a good plan, Mr. Hunter."

Hunter laughed. "I can't break Curtis from calling me that. My name is actually Mr. Montgomery, Hunter Montgomery, but I prefer Hunter. I should have introduced myself."

Ms. Washington smiled. Curtis really liked her smile. "I should have made sure we knew each other's names," Ms. Washington apologized. "I just kind of jumped right in."

"I think we got a lot accomplished," Hunter replied.

"I have a tentative timetable for Curtis. Some classes are full, but I think these will meet all his requirements based on what he took last term." She handed Hunter and Curtis each a piece of paper.

Curtis looked over the courses. He wasn't repeating anything. Since he'd had math last term it wasn't on his timetable this semester. He'd have to make it up though or he'd be repeating it. There were a couple of science courses, an English and an art.

"I'm not very good at art," Curtis said with a frown. "Can't I take some computer stuff?"

"They're all full," Ms. Washington said. "Maybe next year."

Curtis sighed. "Okay."

"I know some people who may be able to help you in the art department," Hunter said casually.

"You do?" Curtis asked.

"Yep, and they'll enjoy doing it."

"Okay," Curtis said again. Everyone seemed to be trying to help him. Maybe things were actually going to work out.

"So," Ms. Washington said, "how be you come with me and I'll take you to science class."

"Okay," Curtis replied. He hadn't really thought they'd let him start today.

"No point in wasting another day," Mr. Carlson stated as Ms. Washington led Curtis to the door.

"I'll be here after school. Have a great day," Hunter informed them before they left the room.

"He seems like a good boy," Mr. Carlson said.

"He is, and it's through no fault of his own that he got into trouble. Anything you and his teachers can do to help him will be greatly appreciated."

"Of course," Mr. Carlson said standing and shaking Hunter's hand before ushering him out of the office.

The Raging Storm

Chapter 14

Life for Curtis seemed to be settling down. He was happy at school. Although he missed his old school, some of the memories associated with it weren't the greatest. His new school was closer to the Jason Kemp Center, so for now, it was the best place for him. With a lot of studying and hard work, Curtis was making up for lost time. Attending a short summer session was also discussed. Anything was better than going back onto the streets or back to the Hardigans.

Curtis' work at the clinic was very rewarding. Curtis had a way with the sick and frightened animals. Several of the vet techs began calling Curtis "Doctor Curtis" in part due his gentle way with the 'patients'. And that, even though Curtis was in no way related to Raphael, Curtis appeared to be so much like him.

"Can I take Matty home soon?" Curtis asked Raph with hope in his voice.

"I don't see why not but we'll have to clear it with Hunter. I'm not sure if pets are allowed there. We'll ask when he comes to pick you up tonight."

Curtis nodded and prayed Hunter would have no objections.

 

*****
 

"No! Absolutely not," Nick stated loudly.

"Why?" Hunter asked his lover. They were having dinner together, taking advantage of one of those rare nights when they were both off from work on the same night. "It's not like I'll be taking care of the thing. I don't think Curtis expects it. He'll be responsible for the littler box."

"Not good enough," Nick said as he slammed down a plate. "And where would you put it?"

"I don't know, the bathroom?"

"A communal bathroom. No!"

"I don't understand." Hunter truly had no clue. "Why are you so dead against it?"

Nick sat at the dinner table scrubbing his eyes with his hands.

"A poor choice of words," Nick muttered to himself then turned tear filled eyes toward his lover. "Baby, we've been together for how long? Almost ten years? And you've been healthy, so very healthy. We live clean and safe and we're discovering new treatments all the time. And I am so fucking lucky for the time we've had together. I will not allow anything to jeopardize that."

Nick held Hunter close, so close that the younger man was nearly sprawled across his lover's lap. Nick stood, taking Hunter along with him. Practically dragging Hunter to the kitchen then turning the burners down to low; Nick then walked his partner to the couch.

"Babe, have you ever heard of Toxoplasmosis?"

"Vaguely. A parasite that can cause birth defects."

"That's correct. Most people have been exposed and have built up a natural immunity but it can affect babies in utero. So they recommend that pregnant woman stay away from the litter box."

"Um, Nick, I'm not pregnant." Hunter tried to lighten Nick's mood. However, Nick wasn't going for it.

"But you are immune compromised. Toxoplasmosis won't give a damn that I love you more than life itself or that your dads love you. Or that you've practically single handedly cleaned up this part of town or that you've got Brian Kinney eating out of your hand. If you get infected, it could kill you. Please, Babe, no cat at the clinic."

Nick's plea struck home. Hunter hugged his lover tightly.

"Okay, I'll talk to Raph and Curtis; we'll work something out. I promise."

Nick clung to Hunter, their dinner time temporarily suspended.

 

*****
 

February in Pittsburgh was competing with December and January for the record of most snowfall and lowest temperature. Any hope for an early Spring was rapidly vanishing. But life went on.

"Hey Mikey!" Brian called out cheerfully as he entered the Comic Book Store.

"Brian!" Michael replied enthusiastically then leaned over the counter to give Brian a kiss. "What brings you here?"

"I don't know," Brian said nonchalantly as he picked up Rage and sat in one of the oversized chairs. Lacy's issue hadn't gone to print yet. Soon. "Can't I visit my oldest friend once in a while?"

"Anytime, you know that."

"I know, Mikey. But now that you mention it, there is something I wanted to discuss with you."

"If it's about Justin and his interests in Rage, our contract still stands. And Bobby did a great job negotiating for Lacy. Well, that's what Mel said, anyway. Lacy will get a nice chunk of change."

"That's nice, Mikey. She'll need it for school but that's not it. I've heard some nasty rumors and I need you to confirm or deny them for me, Michael."

"What kind of rumors?"

"The kind that says Rage and JT are dead and Zephyr is the new main man," Brian stated sternly.

"WHAT?!"

"You heard me, now I want to hear you."

Michael stepped from behind the counter to squeeze in next to Brian. "Bri, the comic is called 'Rage,' not Zephyr. And as much as I would like to see Zephyr save Gayopolis one fuck at a time, that job was always Rage's. Besides, I think there's no job better in this world than being Rage's sidekick and friend. Do you?"

Brian stared into Michael's eyes searching for the truth. Finding confirmation, Brian gave his friend a hug, then took Mikey to lunch.

 

*****
 

"Thanks for inviting me to lunch, Seth. I needed to get away from the office," Jennifer said with a sigh, as she sat down at the table where Seth was waiting for her.

"You know I always want to have lunch with you, sweet stuff," Seth said with a wink.

"Ahem," a voice said from above.

Jennifer blushed and looked up at the young man who was their waiter. "Red wine," she said decisively."

"Iced tea," Seth said with a smile.

The waiter grinned ever so slightly and went off to get their drinks.

"Are you trying to make me look like a lush?" Jennifer asked with a smile.

"Never! I haven't had the bad day you've had … obviously."

"And when did you start calling me sweet stuff?" Jennifer chuckled.

"I popped into Emmett's Place this morning. Must be the gay influence," Seth laughed.

Jennifer smiled. It wasn't every straight man who would feel comfortable in her world. Her ring of friends had changed so much since Justin had come out and Craig had left and she had got a job and Justin had got married and had Bree.

"Where did you go?" Seth asked her as the waiter set down their drinks.

"I was just thinking how lucky I am to have you," Jennifer said, reaching across to give Seth's hand a gentle squeeze.

"I'm the lucky one. I love you," Seth said seriously.

"And I love you right back. Here's to us," Jennifer said with her wine glass raised.

Seth clinked his iced tea glass against hers and they each took a sip of their drink. "I … I've been wondering when you thought you might announce your engagement to the family," Seth said rather hesitantly.

Jennifer blushed. She had been thinking that they should make some kind of announcement. "I kind of like only the two of us knowing that we're engaged … and nobody else."

"You do?" Seth asked raising an eyebrow. "Are you ashamed of me?"

"What? Of course not! I think you're the best thing that's happened to me in a very long time. I just like the secret aspect of only us knowing about the engagement. I always liked secrets … until they became too real." Jennifer looked sad and shook her head slightly.

"What is it?"

"Secrets. I think I knew for a while that Justin was gay, that is, before he finally admitted it. I guess in a way I forced him to admit it. I had found some … things that made me pretty sure he was. I wonder if we had told Craig more gradually, more gently than the way he found out, if things might have turned out differently."

"You … you don't want Craig back, do you?"

"Hell no!" Jennifer laughed. "I was thinking about Justin's relationship with his father, not my relationship with Craig. That was over and done with a very long time ago."

"I'm glad to hear that," Seth said breathing a sigh of relief. "But what's sent you down this memory lane?" The waiter arrived to take their orders. After that was completed, Seth felt he still wanted an answer to his question. "Are you worried about what Justin and Molly are going to say about our engagement?"

"No, sweet stuff," Jennifer whispered, patting his hand once again. "I think they'll be over the moon for me."

"Then what is it?" Seth asked.

Jennifer sighed. "I don't want a big fuss."

"A fuss? Don't most women want everyone to ooh and aah? We still have to get you a ring by the way."

"In case you haven't noticed, I'm not most women."

"I noticed all right," Seth replied with another wink.

"Good, then you must have noticed that I try to stay in the background."

"Until something peaks your interest or gets you riled up."

Jennifer laughed and took another sip of her wine. "I knew there was a reason I wanted to have lunch with you. You always cheer me up, and you're absolutely right about things that are important to me … like you."

"I still get the feeling you're skirting around something. Tell me what's going on."

"You’ve met Brian … and the others," she began.

"Yes, and I like them. What's the problem?"

"I can see Brian and Justin trying to throw a big engagement party and who knows what they'll want to do for the wedding. It's all too much."

"They haven't done anything yet," Seth said reasonably. "They don't even know about the engagement … and you're worried about the wedding?"

"I guess I'm anticipating the worst."

"Would it be so bad if we had a big engagement party and wedding? I think I might like it."

"We just got over Molly's wedding."

"Yeah, I don't know all the details, but I understand it was quite something leading up to it."

"And you saw all the drama of the actual day."

"I seem to remember having a hand in some of your anxiety."

"Yes, you did, but you redeemed yourself later."

Seth smiled. "That's good to know."

"Would you really like a big engagement party?" Jennifer asked.

"I wouldn’t mind. I'm kind of proud that I've nabbed the sexiest lady in town."

Jennifer felt the color rise in her cheeks. "You are such a sweet talker," she cooed.

"That's why you love me."

"Among many other reasons," Jennifer said softly.

"I know. Let's beat them to the punch," Seth said suddenly as the waiter set down their plates.

"What do you mean?"

"Let's get Emmett to throw us the engagement party of the century."

"What? Are you crazy?" Jennifer asked appalled.

"Yes, crazy in love with you … and I want everybody to know it."

"Didn't I just say that I wanted to stay in the background?" Jennifer asked with a slight edge to her voice.

"How can you be in the background when you're the bride-to-be? You're going to be in the forefront, and I say, let's do it up proud."

"Do you really want this?" Jennifer asked.

"I do, but only if you want it too. It's your call."

Jennifer started to pick at her salad as she thought about what Seth had said. The idea of a pre-emptive strike appealed to her. She could invite only the people she wanted. She didn’t have to have any of her old "friends" who had abandoned her after Craig left. Or maybe she would invite them and show them the wonderful man she had found. They would be green with envy. A small smile started to play around the corners of her mouth.

Seth watched Jennifer's face as she ate some of her salad. He could see the wheels turning. He had learned to let her think things through once he had made his point. There was never anything gained by trying to pressure her or oversell what he was proposing. That's part of the reason he had waited so long to propose. He had been ready to do that the first week they were together. Patience had its virtues. He watched the little smile grace Jennifer's beautiful face. "What are you smiling at?" Seth asked hoping the answer would be a positive one.

"I can see some advantages to a big engagement party that we throw," Jennifer said slowly. "I was thinking about who I might invite."

"You can invite whoever you like and leave out the ones you don't want. Would Craig and Susan be on the guest list?" he asked with a wicked grin.

"Maybe," Jennifer admitted. She wouldn't mind Craig seeing her in her moment of triumph. "Yes, this engagement party idea has some merit."

"Shouldn’t we tell your son and daughter first?" Seth asked with a chuckle.

"I guess so," Jennifer said. "Come over tonight and we can call them."

"Shouldn't we do it in person?" Seth asked.

"You're right," Jennifer agreed. "Let's invite them for dinner. We can make the big announcement then."

"Sounds like a good idea. I'm going to speak to Emmett about some possible venues for our party."

"Don't jump the gun," Jennifer smiled. But some part of her was very pleased with Seth's enthusiasm.

"I'll just feel him out."

"Nothing would please Emmett more," Jennifer laughed as she immediately heard the double entendre of Seth's words.

The Raging Storm

Chapter 15

"Hi, Mr. Hunter!" Curtis waved as Hunter's SUV pulled up in front of the vet clinic.

"Hey, Curtis, how was your day?"

"Great, um, we have a dinner invitation."

"We do?" Hunter asked as Curtis settled himself in the car.

"Hunter! I'm glad I caught you. Did Curtis ask you about tonight?" Hector asked.

"He was just about to."

"Raph and I would like to invite you, Curtis and Nick to dinner tonight at our house. About seven?"

"Sounds good, see you later, but Nick is working at the hospital tonight." Hector handed Hunter a scrap of paper with their home address and number before they drove off.

Curtis began to fidget.

 

*****
 

Minutes to seven Hunter and Curtis pulled up in front of a nice house not too far from the house that Michael and Ben shared. It was situated on a nice quiet street. Curtis thought it looked a little like the Hardigan's house but a lot friendlier.

"Hi, guys! Welcome to our home," Raph greeted his guests cordially. "Hector's in the kitchen doing something to a salad. For some reason he never lets me help." Raph laughed as he ushered them into the living room and took their coats. They all made small talk when Hector came out with a tray of vegetables and dip.

"What can I get you all to drink?" Hector asked as a good host should.

After a nice meal and a quick tour of the house, Raph and Hector offered a solution to the Matty situation.

"I realize sending Matty home to the Jason Kemp Center may not be the best place for her," Dr. Raphael, using his Vet persona, stated. "She needs a real home."

"And so does her owner," Hector added.

"We'd like to have Matty live with us," Raph continued as he and Hector smiled hopefully at Curtis.

"I don't understand," Curtis replied, very confused, looking toward Hunter for an explanation.

"Curtis, I can't have Matty at the clinic. Some of the others may be allergic and, well, the center is not the best place for her. She's still recovering from her illness. Raph and Hector are offering to take Matty in."

Hunter paused to see what, if any, reaction Curtis would make. Seeing nothing, Hunter continued.

"They also expressed an interest in being your foster parents. That is if you have no objections."

Curtis had that deer in the headlight look and Raph's heart began to sink. He knew this would all be too much for Curtis.

"I don't know, Mr. Hunter," Curtis sputtered. His head was spinning.

"Curtis, why don't we start out small. Matty has to leave the clinic. She's getting stronger and we don't want her exposed to sicker animals." Hector tried a different tactic. "You are welcome to visit her on your way home after school or after your clinic hours. And you are more than welcome to spend the weekends here. You'll get to know us and we'll get to know you. Then if you think this will work, we can petition the court to let us be your foster parents."

"But you don't know me and the things I did and..."

"Curtis, I think we do know you. You're basically a good kid who's had some very bad things happen to you. Now you're on the right road to making a better life for yourself and for Matty. Hector and I would very much like to be a part of that life. That is if you like us."

"I do like you but..."

"All we're asking is that you think about it, but I have to ask," Raph paused to phrase his question properly. "Does it offend you or frighten you that Hector and I are life partners?"

Curtis thought about it for a moment. He never knew anyone gay. At the Hardigan's they would talk anyone down that they didn't think was 'normal.' Which usually meant the rest of the whole human race. Curtis kind of thought Hunter was gay from the way he and Dr. Nick would look and smile at each other. And many of the kids that came to the center seeking help were gay. But Curtis never really thought one way or the other about it.

"I don't know what being life partner means," Curtis said honestly.

"Curtis," Hunter began to explain, "in this state gay and lesbian couples are not allowed to marry in the legal sense. We can file for domestic partnership and we can have commitment ceremonies. Some of us refer to our spouses as life partners. Raph and Hector are in a committed relationship just as if they were married."

"Do you have any questions for us?" Hector addressed Curtis.

"When did you know you were gay?" Curtis asked Hector.

"When I was about your age, maybe a little older," Hector answered honestly. Curtis looked at Raph and he nodded. "Curtis, several years ago I met a very kind, generous and beautiful person and fell in love. A few years ago we bought this house and had a private commitment ceremony here. We love each other and we have love to share. Don't answer now. Spend time with us outside the clinic and then decide."

"In the meantime, if you approve, Matty can come home with us," Raph added.

"Okay," Curtis said softly.

It wasn't much but it was a start.

 

*****
 

"Jason Kemp Center, how may I help you?" Karen answered .

"Karen? It's Melanie; I have some great news about Curtis. Can we meet for lunch?"

"Sure, it's quiet here, I can do lunch. Where?"

"The diner?"

"Yeah, that'll work; my cholesterol level is way too low anyway. Thirty minutes?"

"See you then."

 

*****
 

"Hi, Honey, what brings you here?" Debbie asked as Melanie walked into the diner and sat at the counter.

"I have a lunch date," she responded.

"That's nice, Sweetheart. It's so good to see you and Lindsay getting along so well lately," Debbie assumed.

"No, Deb, it's not that kind of date. It's business." Mel gratefully accepted a cup of coffee as Karen walked in. They shook hands then sat at a booth.

The two associates placed their orders then got down to business.

"So what's your news?" Karen was hoping it was about Curtis' benefits.

"I had a hell of a time cutting through all the red tape within the fire department's bureaucracy. It was so damned frustrating. I had to throw a lot of names around but I finally got it. I have a copy of the life insurance policy and survivor's policy of one Jerome Curtis Samuels. I also checked to see if Samuels had a will. I am very happy to say that Mr. Samuels had filed a will. Curtis gets everything. Right now it's all on hold because they lost track of Curtis."

"I'm surprised the Hardigans didn't try to get a hold of the money. They're usually smarter than that."

"I think they may have tried but you know how screwed up the system is. There was another boy with a similar name whose father died around the same time. He was penniless. I think the Hardigans thought that was their Curtis. Whatever the reason, the benefits and money are all there waiting for Curtis. I have all the paperwork ready, I just need the Center to sign off on a few things since you have official custody."

"No problem." Karen was very happy to help.

They were just about finishing their lunch when Carl came in.

"I'm glad to see you both," Carl said as he sat next to Melanie.

"What's up?" Karen asked.

"I heard from some of my buddies that work juvenile. The Hardigans are being arrested for a whole list of different offences ranging from child abuse to misappropriation of funds. They'll get them for littering if I have anything to say about it. We also found some nasty photos, boys and girls. And many of them look old. They've been at this for a long time. They're going down and hard. No kid will ever have to go through that horror again."

The girls reached out across the table to clasp hands as Karen burst into tears of joy. Carl slipped his big arm around Mel's shoulder.

"It's over, it's finally over," Karen whispered between sobs. Mel and Carl smiled broadly.

 

*****
 

"Brian?"

"What's up, oh master of social work?"

"We never got around to speaking."

"Ah yes, I do recall you wanting my advice on something but we got a little sidetracked. So what's it all about?"

"I was thinking about opening another clinic on the other side of town. There's a building, an old abandoned apartment house. We can use it for housing. Maybe John could hook me up with a carpentry school. We could teach the kids a trade. Something like that. What do you think?"

"Give me the address. John and I will check it out then get back to you."

"Thanks, Brian. You're a peach."

"So they tell me. Just answer one thing, why?"

"Because it needs to be done and there are kids on that side of town that need it to be done."

"Okay but promise me something."

"What?"

"Do not overdo it. You're healthy and I want you around for a long time. You'll be no good to those kids if you wind up sick from exhaustion. Promise me."

"I promise, Brian."

"Good boy. Now hang up and go save a kid."

"Yes, sir!" Hunter cut the connection then went out to 'patrol.'

 

*****
 

"Are you sure we have time to stop?" Justin asked as Brian headed down Liberty Avenue.

"Your mother knows I'm always late," Brian said with his tongue in his cheek.

"She also knows why you're chronically late," Justin smirked.

"You're the main reason," Brian told him.

"Sure, blame it on me."

"Don't blame Daddy, Dada. It's not good," Bree said sagaciously from her car seat in the back. They were on their way to Jennifer's for dinner with her, Seth, Molly and Owen.
"I'm not blaming him, Squirt. I was just teasing."

"Oh," Bree said with a frown. "Where are we going?"

"We're here," Brian said as he pulled up to the curb.

They all piled out, Brian releasing Bree from her restraints.

Brian opened the door to the comic book store and called, "Hey, shopkeep."

"Unca Mikey!" Bree screeched as Michael came out from behind the counter.

"There's my girl," Michael cried squatting down so Bree could run into his arms for a hug.

"I thought JR was your girl," Bree reminded him.

"Can't I have more than one girl?" Michael asked with a grin.

"'Kay," Bree agreed and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Is Lacy here?" Justin asked still in a hurry to get to his mother's.

"She should be here momentarily," Michael said. "I laid out the issue in the office. Go have a look.

Justin disappeared into Michael's office while Brian and Michael looked at each other.

"Is he going to be happy?" Brian asked.

Michael nodded, just as the door to the store opened again and Lacy rushed in.

"Sorry I'm late," she began. "I'm on a break from the diner so I can't stay long. Has Justin seen it yet?"

"Take a breath, young lady," Brian said sardonically.

"Sorry, I'm just nervous."

"Nothing to be sorry for. Go join Justin. You too, Mikey," Brian instructed. "I'll keep an eye on the shop."

"Me too, Dada," Bree offered.

"See, you couldn't be in better hands.

 

*****
 

A short while later Brian, Justin and Bree pulled up at Jennifer's.

"So, you're really okay with Rage?" Brian asked, even though Justin had spent the entire trip from the comic store telling his husband how good the next issue looked.

"I couldn't believe it, Brian. Some of the work was mine, and I could hardly distinguish what I'd drawn from what Lacy drew. I don't think the readers are going to have a problem when the next issue comes out. They won't know anyone else is drawing the comic unless they read the credits."

"Is that good for Lacy?" Brian asked unbuckling Bree.

"Not at this juncture, but I think we should let the readers see her work and accept it before we make an announcement."

Brian nodded as they walked up to the front door of Jennifer's townhouse. He had been happy to hear that Rage was still the main superhero. Nobody was being killed off. Justin was over the moon about the next edition, and he loved Lacy's drawing of Sateeena. Brian had to admit Sateeena was unlike any superhero he had ever seen before. He could hardly envision how she was going to be worked into the story, but Lacy had some very definite ideas about that.

Molly answered the door.

"You look good, Mrs. Brenner," Brian said appraisingly as he kissed her cheek.

"You too, brother-in-law dearest," Molly laughed hugging him back.

"Auntie Molly," Bree said having waited for her father to get finished hugging. "It's me, Bree."

"Hello, short stuff," Molly laughed bending down to kiss and hug Bree.

"Do I get one of those?" Justin asked as Brian took Bree inside to get her coat off.

"The biggest one of all," Molly told him giving her brother a hearty hug.

"You must have been practicing on your honeymoon. That was a bone crusher," Justin laughed.

Molly smacked him before taking his hand and drawing him inside so she could shut the front door against the cold air.

After all the hugs and kisses and greetings everyone sat down with a drink. Jennifer had hors d'oeuvres all set out. Molly and Owen told them all about their honeymoon, even though each of them had gotten bits and pieces of information over the phone. Molly had made an album of pictures that she used to recount their tales of love and adventure while they were away.

Brian watched Jennifer and Seth wondering what was up with them. He noticed the way they touched each other at every opportunity and leaned together to look at the photos. When Jennifer got up and called Seth to help her in the kitchen, Brian whispered to Justin, "They're doing it."

"What?" Justin reacted. The smirk on Brian's face told him the answer to his question. "They are not! Eiw! I don't want to think about that."

Brian nodded knowingly. "Trust me, they are."

"What are they doing, Dada?" Bree asked.

"Getting dinner ready, Squirt," Brian replied without missing a beat. "Eat your cracker and cheese. Dinner will be ready in a minute."

"Hungy, Dada."

"I know, Squirt."

"Dinner is served," Seth announced and everyone moved to the table.

There was more pleasant chatting. Brian had to smile as he watched Justin studying his mother and Seth trying to decide if Brian was right. Brian didn't have to decide. He knew what was going on between the two of them.

When Jennifer was ready to serve dessert, Seth opened a bottle of port and raised his glass in a toast. "I want to thank you all for coming here tonight. It's always lovely when family gets together. Since I don't have much of a family of my own, I like to think of you all as my family. Jennifer and I have decided to make that arrangement a little more permanent. We're engaged," he announced with a smile that threatened to split his face apart.

"I told you," Brian whispered.

Justin gave him an elbow before he smiled at his mother and Seth. "Then may I add a bit more to that toast. Here's to the happy couple." He smiled at his mother and Seth who beamed with pleasure that Justin was giving them his seal of approval. Molly leapt out of her seat to hug her mother and Seth. There were a few moist eyes for the next few minutes.

Finally everyone collected themselves, raised their glasses and touched them together, including Bree and her glass of Koolaid. They all nodded towards Jennifer and Seth in affirmation of this new step in their relationship.

"Wedding?" Bree asked hopefully. "I be the flower girl."
 

TBC

Springtime for Justin

Chapter 1

"Jennifer, you're fidgeting."

"I don't fidget."

"You are."

"I can't help it."

"Yes, you can."

"Tell me again why we're doing this?"

"Because we love each other and we're very proud of each other and we want to show the world how lucky we are to have found each other. And that we are going to make a commitment for the rest of our lives," Seth stated.

"Oh."

"Did I leave anything out?" Seth asked.

"Maybe the part about silently gloating that our lives have turned out so much better than most of the people who will be coming here tonight," Jennifer giggled.

"I know you don't mean that," Seth said gently.

"Not really, but there is a part of me that wants to gloat."

"Then go ahead," Seth said.

"It's kind of petty," Jennifer sighed.

"Who cares, sweet stuff. You've earned the right to gloat. Come here," Seth said as he grabbed Jennifer around her waist and pulled her against his body. He found her lips and kissed her until he felt her relax a little bit against him. "I love you, and this will be just fine."

"Is that a guarantee?" she asked breathlessly.

Seth nodded. "I'll be here with you the whole time. I won't let anything bad happen."

"I love you, Seth Harris."

"And I love you back, Jennifer Taylor. Now relax and enjoy yourself. I believe our first guests are arriving."

Jennifer and Seth were standing in the small ballroom at the Plaza Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. It was the same room where Molly's post wedding brunch had been held. Emmett had decorated it in his most tasteful yet flamboyant style. Jennifer had to smile as she looked at all the lace and doves and ribbon, a sea of white and fuchsia. Jennifer was dressed in a strapless cocktail dress of the same fuchsia that Emmett had used to decorate the room. Her beautiful shoulders were being rubbed by Seth as the first guest came up to them.

"Mother, Seth, this looks amazing," Molly said.

"Thank you, dear," Jennifer replied. "And how's my favorite son-in-law?" Jennifer asked Owen.

"Just fine, but you better not let Brian hear you call me that," Owen laughed.

"Call you what?" Brian asked from behind Owen making the young man jump.

"Um … nothing."

"Kiss your favorite son-in-law, Mother Taylor," Brian said tongue in cheek as he leaned over for Jennifer to kiss him. They all knew he had heard Jennifer's comment.

"Brian…"

"Soon I won't be able to call you that anymore."

"Call me what?"

"Mother Taylor. I don't know what I'll call you. Mother Harris doesn't have quite the same ring to it."

"How about calling me Jennifer?" she asked all flustered.

"That's a great idea," Brian smirked. Then he leaned down and kissed her cheek. He whispered, "It's okay, Jennifer. Now kiss your son and granddaughter." He stood up and moved over to Seth while Justin gave his mother a big hug.

"Gamma Jenn," Bree said pulling on her Grandma's dress.

"Don't do that, sweetheart, or the guests will really get an eyeful," Jennifer laughed as she adjusted the top of her dress making sure she was all safely tucked in.

"Sowwy, Gamma," Bree pouted.

"It's okay, sweetheart."

"Do you like my new dress?" Bree asked brightening up.

"You look very lovely. Did Dada pick it out for you?" Jennifer asked looking at Brian. The lace and chiffon confection had Brian Kinney written all over it. The dress must have cost a small fortune.

"Dada says I better not spill anything on it," Bree stated.

"Maybe you should have all white food then no one will know," Seth interjected.

"Good idea, Seth," Justin laughed.

"Don't give her ideas," Brian said catching the end of Seth’s comment.

"Would my darling family stay around here so that I can introduce you to guests that you might not know?" Jennifer requested.

"Sure, Mom," Molly agreed. "Just who have you invited?"

Jennifer and Seth had kept the whole engagement party thing under wraps. Nobody knew what they were planning or who they had invited, except Emmett, and he was sworn to secrecy.

"You'll see," Jennifer said with a high wattage smile as more people began filing in.

Jennifer greeted her former neighbors with a radiant smile. She enjoyed introducing them to Seth and her granddaughter. She proudly had them meet Molly's new husband and Justin's husband and daughter. There were many raised eyebrows, but everyone was very gracious. Jennifer knew she had made her point.

The Liberty Avenue gang arrived with many hugs and kisses and squeals of joy. Jennifer knew at that moment she would never trade their enthusiasm for the cultured congratulations of her former friends. Bobby, John, Patrick, Claire and Steve came in, as did Joan who was very happy to see everyone assembled again. Sharon and Owen Brenner arrived with Sarah Kingsley. All were so pleased for Jennifer and Seth and the new step they were taking. Jennifer began to wonder why she had invited her old neighbors. She had moved a long way past where they were in their lives. However, it was a good realization to make. She knew now who wouldn't be attending her wedding, if and when it took place.

"You have a very self satisfied smile, Miss Jennifer," Seth said when there was a break in people coming in.

"I'm so glad you made me do this," Jennifer gushed as she threw her arms around Seth's neck and kissed him heartily.

"I take that to mean that you're having a good time, and I did not make you do anything," Seth said sounding rather indignant.

"I know," Jennifer giggled. "But you influenced me to do this, and it's laid a lot of worries and misconceptions to rest."

"Such as?" Seth asked with a frown.

"I'll tell you later," she replied as Craig and Susan entered the room. "Look who's here."

Craig and Susan looked around the room before approaching Seth and Jennifer.

"I see lots of our old neighbors. At least there will be someone to talk to," Craig whispered snarkily to his wife.

"Sh," Susan cautioned as she held out her hand to Jennifer. "You look lovely, Jennifer. Being engaged must agree with you."

Jennifer smiled at Craig's wife. She knew now that she could leave all bitterness and resentment behind where Craig and Susan were concerned. Susan was a nice woman and there was no point in holding grudges, even if they had been well founded when they first started.

"I'm so glad you could come," Jennifer said meaning every word as she hugged Susan and gave Craig a quick peck on the cheek.

Craig was startled by Jennifer's action. It had been a long time since they had had any physical contact whatsoever. "You're in a good mood," Craig noted.

"The best, and it's all due to this wonderful man. You both met Seth at Molly's wedding," Jennifer reminded them.

Craig nodded and surveyed Seth, looking him up and down. Susan shook Seth's hand and wished him well. Craig extended his hand to Seth. "Good luck," was all he said. He deliberately left the meaning of his words for the hearer to interpret. Jennifer made a face.

"Dad," Molly said in her best admonishing voice.

"Sweetheart!" Craig replied like he had just seen her for the first time.

"Be nice," Molly requested as she hugged her father. Craig shrugged.

"Gampa," Bree said tugging on Craig's pant leg. When he looked down at her she said, "I don't see you in forever."

"It has been a while," Craig said scooping her up and kissing her face. "You look beautiful."

"Dada got me this new dress," she said with a big smile.

"I just bet he did," Craig said eyeing Brian. "Hello, Justin," he added, deliberately leaving Brian out of the equation.

"Dad," Justin said formally, taking Bree from his father.

"Great to see you too, Craig," Brian stated with his best sarcastic voice.

Craig raised an eyebrow and kept right on going while Susan spoke to each of the members of Craig's family

"Seems like things have returned to the status quo," Brian observed when Susan had rejoined her husband."

"Yeah," Justin said dejectedly. "Maybe I should have had more contact with Dad after the wedding."

"You think that would have made a difference?"

"Bree made a difference … for a while." Brian leaned over and kissed Justin's temple.

"What's a difference?" Bree asked observing her fathers and listening to their conversation.

"Nothing, sweetheart. Let's practice what you're going to do," Justin said hastily.

"'Kay," Bree said happily. She could find out about differences later.

When it seemed like everyone had arrived and had something to drink. Emmett announced that the buffet was open. He had done wonders with finger foods. He had made miniature popovers and pear and blue cheese tarts because he knew a certain someone liked them so much. They were only one small part of the feast he laid out. Everyone was oohing and aahing, as they sat around the bistro style tables and talked with each other. Jennifer and Seth made the rounds meeting and chatting with acquaintances new and old.

About an hour into the shindig, in his own inimitable way, Emmett announced that it was time for speeches. Justin went first, wishing his mother and Seth all the best in their new journey on the road of life. Molly made a brief speech about being glad to see so many familiar faces from her own wedding. She wished her mother as much happiness as she had found with Owen. Then Brian Kinney stood up. A hush fell over the room. Everyone waited to see what the tall, beautiful man would say. The Liberty Avenue crowd hoped it wouldn't be too crude, and the others wondered what Justin Taylor's "husband" could possibly add to what had already been said.

"Jennifer asked me if I'd like to speak tonight," Brian began. "I'm not one for speeches." A few snorts could be heard from the Liberty contingent. "So, other than wishing the couple well, I decided to turn my spot over to my daughter. Briana."

Bree came out from behind her father. He lifted her onto a chair so that she could be seen by everyone in attendance.

Bree cleared her throat like her Dada had taught her when beginning to say something important. "My name is Briana Victoria Taylor-Kinney," Bree stated in her very best speaking voice. "I'm four years old, but I be five soon." The room chuckled at that and Bree smiled. Her Dada had told her people would probably laugh there, but she wasn't sure why. "I love my Gamma Jenn." She smiled over at Jennifer. "I have five gammas," she explained holding up her hand like a stop sign so that everyone could see her five fingers. All five grandmothers beamed their approval. "But I only have one gampa." Craig smiled his approval at that statement. "Now I'll have two," she said proudly, much to Seth's delight and Craig's chagrin. "And I be flowergirl," she added without having practiced that part of her speech with her fathers.

The room erupted in applause and cries of "Brava!" All the gammas and gampas wiped a tear from their eye. Bree beamed from her spot high atop the chair, only matched by the proud smiles on her fathers' faces.

 

*****

 

Keeping in mind, from experience, that most of the guests would go overboard on the hors d'oeuvres, Emmett kept the main course of the buffet light with a variety of salads and fruits. The meat dishes were basted in natural juices without any heavy sauces. Similarly were the pasta dishes; the sauces were kept to a minimum although available on the side just in case. Emmett's fruit dishes were a riot of deep colors and in keeping with his fuchsia theme. He went to great lengths to find the freshest and sweetest berries and the most succulent melons. By contrast, the salads were vibrant in their shades of green to maroon. Emmett's feast was a feast for the eyes as well as the palette. Jennifer couldn't have been more pleased.

It was almost April, the promise of Spring hung in the air, even though Mother Nature was still holding on to the last vestiges of Winter. Purple and yellow buds of the crocus were pushing their way through old melting snow. Tulips and daffodils were in a hurry to follow. Everyone was looking forward to the warm sunny days of a new season.

"Justin, I hear you're starting a new show at the gallery." Susan came over to the Kinney-Taylor table as a gesture of good will and in hopes of rekindling the relationship she started with Bree just before Molly's wedding. Since that time, so many things had occurred that maintaining a relationship with Susan and Craig hadn't even been a blip on the horizon. Nor did Bree ever mention it.

"Um, yes, Sidney will be moving the 'Old Masters' to Chicago soon. I've been working on a new theme," Justin explained.

"Oh? What's the theme?"

"It's weather related." Seeing the curiosity in Susan's eyes, Justin elaborated. "The working title is 'Seasons.' It starts out with Winter then Spring, then..."

"I get it! Well, we've certainly had a lot of Winter to inspire you. I didn't think it would ever end," Susan exclaimed.

"Neither did I. I don't think I've ever done this much shoveling in my whole life," Justin added. There still was a lot of snow around Edna's Treasures and the lane where the conjoined cottages were situated, as well as Rachael and George's house and Emmett and Drew's cottage. Spring may have hit the Pitts but it hadn't quite gotten to the 'country' as yet.

"Shoveling?" Susan and Craig lived in a large condo. Shoveling was something they did not have to worry about.

"Yes, shoveling. We were snowed in several times this year," Justin explained as he looked around for Bree and his spouse. He spied Bree by a large fruit punchbowl. Justin had visions of a fuchsia-red, punch-covered Bree. Fortunately Brian swooped in for the rescue and just in time.

"Justin, is everything all right?" Susan was facing the opposite direction and didn't see her granddaughter's predicament.

"It is now," Justin said with relief. Brian held a small cup of punch for Bree and one for Patrick. He led the children to a table that Emmett had set up just for them. It was close enough to the parents for comfort and the kids loved pretending they were grown up. Bobby and John brought over several small dishes that contained a variety of Emmett's delicacies and all the kids' favorites. Bree and Patrick were content, as were their parents.

"Justin?" Susan began. "Please let me know when your show opens. I'd love to see it."

"Of course, I'll make sure you're on the invitation list. I'll put you both on the list," Justin said hopefully.

"We'd like that," Susan said as she moved away to rejoin Craig.

"You okay, little boy?" Brian asked as he sat in the vacated chair. He couldn't help but see the wistful expression on Justin's face.

"I'm fine," Justin said as he reached out for Brian's hand. Unashamedly, Brian took his husband's hand and brought it to his lips. "Do you think..." Justin started but then shook his head.

"Say it," Brian prodded.

"Do you think we could ever invite my father and Susan to the cottage?"

"What brought this on?"

"I don't know. We were talking about my new show and shoveling snow and then it dawned on me that she had no idea what I was talking about."

"What do you mean?"

"We shovel snow. It was like a whole brand new concept for her. They live in a condo; they don't have to deal with something as ordinary as shoveling."

"We didn't have to deal with it either at the loft. But we helped out Debbie when she needed it."

"It's like we don't even live in the same world," Justin said almost sadly.

"Sunshine, it's true, we don't live in their world. We've carved out our own world, together and with the rest of our family. And we've left that door open to them, hundreds of times. They chose not to walk through. But now that the weather is starting to change, we can try again. Bree's birthday falls on a Monday this year. We can have a small celebration that night and then have a big birthday bash on the following weekend. You know the whole family is expecting it. After all one doesn't turn all of five every day now, does one? We can invite Susan and Craig to the small celebration. You can't get any more civil than that."

"Holding out an olive branch?"

"Yeah, I just hope it doesn't hit us in the ass."

"Well, if it does, we can take turns kissing each others' boo-boos and making it all better," Justin said with a suggestive waggle to his brow.

"Don't start anything you can't finish, young man," Brian counseled.

"Oh, I can finish it," Justin assured him.

"That's what I'm afraid of. However, I don't think your mother would be too happy, not to mention that Sarah Kingsley would get her blue-blooded nose out of joint. I think we should table this discussion for now then resume it in more private and comfortable surroundings."

"So moved."

"Seconded and carried. Now I wonder if Emmy Lou has any more of those pear and blue cheese thingies," Brian said as he got up, placed a chaste kiss to Justin's temple, rubbed his hands together in anticipation then headed for the buffet table. Justin laughed as he shook his head.

All was right in Justin's world, in his special world that he and Brian had made for themselves. And nothing could ever take that away from him.

Springtime for Justin

Chapter 2

As Emmett was bringing out his selection of light and airy desserts, across town another new beginning was budding.

"Curtis, do you have everything?" Raph asked as he knocked on the spare bedroom door.

"Yes, sir," Curtis called out from the room. This was his first weekend at Dr. Raph and Hector's house. He still couldn't believe that they went to all this trouble to redecorate a room for him … and Matty. It was Saturday night. Curtis had spent most of the day at the clinic. The clinic closed early on Saturdays so they were all home by three. Raph and Hector helped Curtis with his homework and helped to get him situated in the room they designated as his. The last time Curtis had a room all to himself was when his grandfather was alive. Curtis was a little overwhelmed but did not want to appear ungrateful.

"Um, you can come in, sir," Curtis said softly.

Raph slowly opened the door and stepped into the room. "Hi, I just want to make sure you're comfortable. We can change things in here if there's something you don't like." Raphael hoped he kept his nervousness out of his voice. "And you don't have to call me 'sir' all the time. Please call me Raphael or Raph or Dr. Raph, if you're that uncomfortable with using my first name. But I'd like to think I'm too young to be called sir," Raph whined slightly, screwing up his face into a mock grimace. Raph laughed when Curtis broke out into giggles.

"That's better. Curtis, I know you don't know me and Hector that well and you have every reason in the world to be suspicious of people who claim to want to help you. But we'd be honored if you gave us a chance."

"Why?" Curtis asked. He knew that the Hardigans had been out for money.

"Why? I don't know how to answer that. Why do we want you to be happy or why do we want you to decide to stay with us and give us a chance at being foster parents?"

"Why to all of it," Curtis said as he brought the blankets up to his chin. Matty was making herself comfortable by his side. She was turning around in circles then began to knead the blankets, purring loudly.

"Did you know that cats purr when they're content and sometimes when they're nervous? It's thought the act of purring comforts them in some way. Most cat species purr, from the little ones all the way to the largest. They all have that in common. Most people want children. Men, women, gay, straight, it doesn't matter. We all have that in common too. Of course there are some people who shouldn't be within ten feet of a child and then there are others who have so much love to give that they find a way of having children even if they're physically unable to bear them."

Raph paused while he tried to make his desire for a child make sense to Curtis.

"Some gay couples find surrogates to bear children for them. Lesbian couples use artificial insemination. Your lawyer, Ms. Marcus, she and her partner have two children. Her partner had one and so did she. They had close friends father them. Hunter was adopted by a gay couple. Hector and I have been thinking of adoption although we knew that wasn't going to be easy. Not every judge would allow it."

"Maybe that judge who helped me would let you," Curtis said with true concern and hope.

"Maybe she would. The point is that Hector and I would very much like to share our home with you. We can't think of anyone more deserving. We know you've had it rough for a couple of years and we would never try to take the place of your grandfather; no one can do that. But we would like you to be a part of our family."

"But I'm not a fa..., I'm not gay."

"And that has nothing to do with it. Your sexual orientation has nothing to do with your parents or who you want to be with when you choose your life mate. What matters is that you're honest with yourself and with whoever might become your foster parents or who may adopt you. Now I think Matty is asleep and I think you should be too. We'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight, sir, I mean Dr. Raph. And thank you, dinner was good and thanks for the help with my homework."

"Goodnight, Curtis."

Raph shut off the overhead light then closed the door.

"Think he'll give us a chance?" Hector said as Raph joined him in the living room.

"I don't know; it's up to him." Raph sat next to Hector. "We have to wait and see."

"Angel, I know how much you want this; I don't want you to get hurt."

"I know but it's not all about me. It's about a poor hurting boy who lost everything good in his life. I don't want to be the cause of more pain and confusion. If it's meant to be then it's meant to be."

Both Raph and Hector sighed loudly as they cuddled before deciding to go to bed.

 

*****
 

"Sleepy, Dada," Bree said laying her head against Brian's shoulder. It was way past Bree's bedtime, but she hadn't wanted to leave. After her little speech she had been the center of attention, everyone congratulating her and saying what an amazing little girl she was. She had enjoyed basking in all the adoration, but eventually it had taken its toll. She was exhausted.

"I think we should take Bree home," Justin said to Brian.

"I was ready to leave after Bree's speech," Brian snarked.

"Stop it. You enjoyed yourself," Justin chastised him.

"Shall we go back to the loft or home?"

"Let's go home," Justin said. "Bree can sleep in the backseat, and I want to work on a painting tomorrow."

"Sounds good to me. Let's see if John and Bobby et al are ready to leave. We can make a convoy."

Justin giggled. "I'll find them. Take Bree to say goodbye to Mom and Seth," Justin ordered as he headed off across the room.

Brian saw Seth and Jennifer talking to some people and walked over carrying Bree. He waited till the chat was over and then stepped forward.

"Someone's tired," Brian stated.

"Aw, Sweetheart, you made such a lovely speech for me and Seth."

"I try, Gamma Jenn," Bree said with a yawn.

"You did great, young lady," Seth added.

"We're going to head home," Brian said gently.

"Thank you for being here and supporting me," Jennifer said sincerely. She stood on tiptoes and kissed Brian's cheek.

"Am I still your favorite son-in-law?" he asked with a wink and a smirk.

"You and Owen both are," Jennifer replied quickly, not wanting to play favorites.

Brian snorted. "Justin will be along in a minute," he told her. "I'm going to take Bree out to put on her pajamas and get her into her coat.” The evening spring air was still brisk.

"At least you won't have to fight a blizzard to get back to Edna's Treasures," Jennifer reminded him with a twinkle in her eye.

"One major blizzard a year is enough," Brian stated as he walked off with Bree.

Justin came over with John and Bobby and their family. "Mom, did Brian tell you we're leaving?"

"Yes, he went to put Bree's coat on."

"Lovely party, Seth, Jennifer," Bobby told them.

"I'm so glad you all were able to come tonight."

"I wouldn't have missed it," John added. "Emmett always throws quite the shindig."

"I'd hardly call this a shindig," Claire stated. "It was beautiful, and I was so honored to be included in Bree's Gamma Corps," she laughed.

"That was an amazing speech for a four year old," Seth laughed.

"Four going on twenty-four," Justin said shaking his head.

"They do grow up, sweetheart," Jennifer warned him and kissed his cheek. "I know that all too well."

"Can you believe she'll be five soon?"

Everyone stopped to think about that for a moment.

"I'll be eight," Patrick interjected.

Everyone laughed and the moment of meditation was broken. They all took their leave and headed out.

 

*****
 

Sometime later Brian and Justin were lying in the big brass bed. They had decided to sleep on the sun porch since the sky was so clear and the stars were twinkling. Bree had slept all the way home, and hadn't woken up when Brian carried her to her bed. He was very glad he had put her pajamas on so he didn't have to wake her when he put her to bed. Her new dress hung safely in her closet.

"Mom seemed happy tonight," Justin mused.

"Of course she is. She's found the person she wants to spend the rest of her life with … and she's getting laid."

Justin smacked his husband's chest and laughed. "What about you?"

"Me? I've already got the person I want to spend the rest of my life with … and I get laid all the time."

Justin beamed at Brian and leaned over to kiss his lips. "I love you."

"I love you; you can count on that."

"I do … all the time, you big Smoosh."

"You haven't called me that for a while," Brian said thoughtfully.

"We've been so busy. We get sidetracked from what's important sometimes," Justin admitted.

"Never," Brian protested with a chuckle. "This is what's important." He grabbed Justin's crotch making Justin squirm and laugh.

"You are so evil."

"I am? Who's the one with the hard dick?"

"Me," Justin said sheepishly. "You gonna do something about it?" he asked huskily.

"Count on it," Brian replied and rolled over on top of his husband.

 

*****
 

Seth and Jennifer were saying goodbye to their last guests. Emmett was packing up and his team was cleaning up.

"Emmett, it was a great party. Thank you so much," Jennifer said giving the tall party planner a kiss on the cheek.

"It was my pleasure, Miss Jennifer," Emmett grinned.

"It will be Mrs. Jennifer sometime in the future," Seth chuckled.

"Have you two set a date?"

"Not yet, but we're thinking about it," Jennifer replied.

"We couldn't have had a better engagement party," Seth contributed. "You are worth your weight in gold." He shook Emmett's hand.

"You two head on home and enjoy yourselves, if you know what I mean," Emmett laughed. "I'll make sure everything's finished up here."

"Thanks again, Emmett."

"Oh, I almost forgot. I made you a little box of desserts. Enjoy!" Emmett handed them the box and they left the ballroom hand in hand. "Young love," Emmett said wistfully when they disappeared out the door.

 

*****
 

"Did you enjoy the party?" Susan asked as she and Craig got ready for bed.

"Why would I? It was my ex parading around like a young bride to be. You'd think she was trying to copy Molly. She used to show more decorum."

"Stop being such an old poop. Jennifer looked lovely and she was not parading around. She and Seth just made sure that they visited each of their guests."

Craig snorted in a manner that Brian Kinney would have been proud of. "All that expense for nothing!"

Susan sighed. "Bree's speech was priceless." She hoped the change of topic would put Craig in a better frame of mind.

"Yeah, right. I am her only grandfather. Seth Harris will never be her grandfather," Craig adamantly stated.

"Of course, darling. I love that she calls me Gamma Susan."

Craig was about to make a disparaging remark about Susan's real place in his granddaughter's life, but thought better of it. "She is a remarkable little girl. She definitely has Justin's brains. You know he got 1500 on his SAT's."

"Yes, you've told me that before," Susan replied patiently. "I wonder if they'll be having a big birthday party for Bree's fifth. Can you believe she'll be five?"

Craig shook his head. "Time does pass by."

"It would be nice to attend a party for her if they have one."

"Like Kinney would ever allow us to go," Craig snorted. "We'll have a dinner for her here … if he lets us."

Susan sighed. Why did everything have to be so difficult with Craig, and why did it all have to come back to Brian Kinney?

 

*****
 

After an excellent round of loving, Brian and Justin lay cuddling together on the big brass bed, not caring how sticky they were. Justin's head lay close to Brian's heart, the rhythmic beating threatened to lull Justin to sleep.

"Bri?" Justin murmured.

"Hmm?"

"I really would like to have a big party for Bree."

"I have no objections and I'll even make the call tomorrow to Emily. At a decent time, of course."

"Of course, but, um, Bri?"

"Spit it out, Sunshine."

"I'd like to invite Craig and Susan to Bree's bash." Brian pushed Justin off his chest as he turned to look at Justin face to face.

"Are you out of your fucking mind?" Brian screeched as quietly as he could without waking the cottage. Beau grumbled with concern from his corner. "It's okay Beau," Brian reassured their protector.

"You thought it was a possibility earlier."

"I thought we'd have them to dinner with Bree.  I don't think I want them here with the 'family'."

"Brian, Edna's Treasures is so beautiful in the Spring and if we're lucky, it won't rain. But even if it does, we have enough room to hold the big party in here. We proved that during Christmas."

"Justin, what does the fucking weather report have to do with you inviting your son-of-a-bitch father to Bree's party? Your homophobic father who will be surrounded by fags. I'd lose it if he said anything to Gus. You know Gus is just finding himself and I was contemplating inviting Simon and Ken and their boys. Damn! The fucking weather better hold out."

"Bri..."

"Justin, can you guarantee me that your father will behave himself in front of our daughter and our son and our other guests?"

"You know I can't," Justin whispered. "But I think he wants to be a part of Bree's life and he'll be forced to behave if my mother has anything to say about it. And there's Debbie and Claire; they'd watch him like a hawk if we ask them to."

Brian's scowl slowly twisted into a lopsided and evil grin.

"What?" Justin asked.

"We could sic dear old Joan on Craig. She loves the kids. She wouldn't stand for any shit from that bastard."

"You know, Bri," Justin began as he snuggled back onto his lover's chest. "You are really one evil dude."

"I thought I was your Smoosh."

"Yup," Justin said with a yawn. "One big adorable, loveable, and evil Smoosh." Justin barely finished his sentence when sleep took him blissfully away.

"Yeah, I love you too, Sunshine," Brian murmured into the golden mane as he hugged Justin closer then fell asleep.

Springtime for Justin

Chapter 3

"Daddy, what's Dada doing up there?" It was early morning at Edna's Treasures, Bree and Justin were painting at their easels. Justin was working on the Spring portion of his "Seasons" show while Bree was concentrating on a painting of a frog. Brian was up in his office wheeling and dealing with Emmett regarding the party of the season for one Miss Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor.

"I'm not sure, Baby, but whatever it is, Dada will take care of it," Justin reassured his daughter.

"I know, Daddy. Dada takes care of everything," Bree said proudly.

"Yes, he does," Justin agreed. "Your Dada knows just how to take care of us," Justin said equally with pride.

"Emmett, I want invitations. Stylish but not too snobby," Brian said into his headpiece as he paced the floor of his office. His computer was on showing his monthly calendar.

"Style, without being snobbish, check."

"And I want Bree to be able to invite her classmates if she wants to, and I don't believe I'm going to say this but we may have to hire something or someone to entertain the kids."

"Oooo, I know some drag queens who love to entertain the kiddies."

"Honeycutt, she's going to be five not thirty-five."

"Brian, honey, have I ever steered you wrong? Don't answer that. Let me take care of the entertainment. I'll speak to the fabulous Miss Bree and find out what she likes."

"With my luck it'll be someone dressed in a giant frog costume."

"Well, if it is, I promise it'll be a tasteful giant frog costume. Now, do I assume you're leaving the menu up to me?"

"You assume correctly."

"And do you want to be in charge of the grilling or shall I have my minions grill and serve?"

"I do believe my talents would best be served if I relegated myself just to host."

"Brian, sweetheart, you could never be 'just' anything but I agree. A soiree of this importance does need the consummate host and you fit the bill. Now, one last item and then I'll let you enjoy the rest of your Sunday; theme. What is the theme of the party?"

"Uh, Bree's fifth birthday?"

"I know that but that's so boring. Miss Bree is nothing if not the center of the universe."

"I'm not sure," Brian mumbled as he looked over the balcony rail. He could see the flowers of their garden blooming, dotting the landscape with bits of color. In a couple of more weeks the whole garden would be alive with flowers. Then Brian saw Justin's latest painting. Finished with all the Winter storm-scapes, the new canvases were awash with color.

"Spring," Brian said into the phone.

"Spring?" Emmett repeated.

"Yeah. She's our Spring baby and the snow is finally melting away. What better way to celebrate the season?"

"Spring. I like it! Spring it is."

"I'm glad you approve. Now go forth and plan."

"Yes, my liege!" Emmett cut the connection.

Brian finished emailing the guest list to Emmett then joined his family in the porch.

 

*****
 

"Did you sleep well?" Hector asked Curtis.

"Yes, sir, I mean Hector. I slept real well. Matty slept well too."

Curtis looked relaxed and was even gaining a few pounds. His bruises were all healed and even though he had a lot of school work to do, Curtis was doing it with enthusiasm. He spent a few hours at the vet clinic three days a week and the rest of the time at the drop-in center studying.

Matty had a home with Raph and Hector but officially remained Curtis' responsibility. And he took his responsibilities very seriously. Raph and Hector were getting to know the teen as Curtis was getting to know them.

"Are you ready for breakfast?" Hector inquired.

"Yes, Sir!" Curtis replied with a big smile. They joined Raph in the kitchen as he was getting ready to serve up his large morning feast.

 

*****
 

"Mmm," Jennifer purred as she felt a warm hand slowly caress her negligee covered hip.

"Have I told you how incredibly seductive you are in satin?" Seth said as his hand followed her lean lines. "You are so beautiful, so very strong and yet have a vulnerability that I find so appealing."

Jennifer felt herself blush with Seth's words. Seth smiled as the color bloomed in her cheeks.

"See? You're a woman of the world and yet able to blush at simple praise. I love you Jennifer Taylor and I intend to keep the roses in your cheeks for the rest of our days," Seth murmured then pulled her in close to make love.

 

*****
 

Brian finished reading the reports on his computer. Both New York and Harrisburg were in the initial stages of expansion. Stacey was a little farther along with her proposals. He would have to go there in a couple of months to help with some final decisions. He stretched and leaned back in his chair. With a shake of his head he realized that he still wanted to be in control. Even though he had little hands on contact with any of his businesses anymore, he still had the final stay. He liked being on top of every situation that he could.

People that called him a control freak were probably right. But so the fuck what? He was a big fucking success in spite of his upbringing and tenure as the Stud of Liberty Avenue. He had gotten his life together and made something of himself. People respected him. Including the two most important people in the world. He had found the right man for him and they had a beautiful daughter. He had a great son too. He had friends and family. He even had his mother back. Life was sure a fucking surprise sometimes.

He got up and walked to the balcony that overlooked the sun porch. Brian stared down from the railing. He loved watching his two favorite people. Bree's frog was almost finished. The little devil loved her frogs … and loved tormenting him. He smiled. Justin's flower canvas looked so happy and colorful. It truly was spring captured on canvas.

Brian looked out at the spring flowers in his gardens. There were still some crocus, along with lots of daffodils and tulips. They were the harbingers of better weather to come, the first crocus telling you in the best way possible that the rebirth of spring had arrived. Brian felt his hands itch. He needed to work in his gardens.

"Squirt," he called down. "How about some gar-gar?"

Bree jumped up and down and clapped her hands. "Yay!" she squealed.

"Go put on your gardening clothes."

"'Kay, Dada," she called as she ran to her room. She had gardening clothes and painting clothes and school clothes and dress up clothes. Most mature women only had a fraction of the wardrobe Miss Briana had.

Justin looked up at his husband. "I can see your hands itching to dig in the soil," he laughed.

"I never would have thought I'd turn out to be a gardener," Brian said shaking his head as he came down the stairs.

"You've saved us a fortune by doing the gardening all these years."

"So, what does that make me? The hired help?"

"Of course, and very reasonably priced too."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, a blowjob here and a fuck there," Justin grinned. "Very cheap."

"I expect to be duly paid when I finish the gardens today then," Brian smirked.

"I'll make sure that happens."

Brian pulled Justin in for a kiss. "Here a fuck, there a fuck, everywhere a fuck, fuck," he whispered in Justin's ear, while his hand groped Justin's crotch.

"Stop, O evil one. Or else you won't be getting any gardening done today," Justin laughed squirming under Brian's touch.

"I love how easy you are," Brian chuckled feeling Justin's cock swell in his hand.

"Only for you, big guy."

"Dada, I'm ready," Bree said coming back into the sun porch. She had on a pair of her pink gardening overalls. She carried the gardening gloves that Brian had had specially made for her. He couldn't find a small enough pair anywhere so he had them customized to fit her.

"Go garden!" Justin ordered pushing Brian away.

"Later," Brian whispered.

"Yeah, later," Justin agreed with a smile as he watched his husband and daughter head out to the garden.

 

*****
 

"Are all the flowers awake, Dada?" Bree asked remembering a conversation she had had with her father when the whole garden was buried in snow.

"Not all of them. They … space themselves out so that we can have flowers all spring and summer and fall."

"Flowers are smart," Bree declared.

"So are gardeners."

"Gardeners?"

"Yeah, I chose what flowers to plant so that they would come up at different times of the year."

"How did you know that?"

"You know the garden center where I buy plants?" Bree nodded. "The people there are very knowledgeable. They helped me learn. Now I just know which ones grow at what time of year."

"Can I be knawjable?"

"Sure you can, Squirt. I teach you things every time we're out here."

"What's this one?" Bree asked pointing to a flower.

"Ah, that's a very expensive daffodil that I sent away for last fall. I planted it before it snowed. Don't you remember?"

Bree frowned. They had spent so much time in the garden she wasn't sure she remembered that specific moment. "Why doesn't it look like these?" Bree asked pointing to more traditional daffodils that she could identify by that name. The new one was more white than yellow and had very frilly petals.

"There are different kinds of flowers within a species," Brian explained as he continued to work up the ground and pull out any early weeds that had dared to rear their heads.

"What's a species?"

Brian sighed. "A species is a big group … like people, but individuals make it up and they come in all sizes and shapes. Like Dr. Raph is black."

"Like Martin Luther King Jr."

"Exactly but they're still people. And Gamma Debbie is very loud and happy."

"And hugs me to bits," Bree said decisively.

"Exactly."

"But she's still people too?"

Brian chuckled. "Yep."

"Who else?"

Brian wracked his brains. "Grampa Craig is a very unhappy man."

"Yeah," Bree said thoughtfully. "But he's a people too."

"I guess we have to give him that."

"Who else?"

"Well, there's big flaming fairies like your Auntie Emm," Brian chuckled.

"And he's a people too?"

"I think he's a species unto himself, but yeah, he's people too."

"Who else?"

"Hey there, Squirt. I'm doing all the work and answering all the questions. How about a little help here?"

"'Kay, Dada," Bree replied taking the pile of weeds to the composter at the back of the yard.

Brian wondered how he got into these in depth discussions with a five year old, and could barely hold his own against her. He chuckled as he pulled some more weeds.

 

*****
 

"Curtis, it's time to go back to the center," Raph called out from the door to their small yard. It had warmed up enough for Curtis to be able to take Matty out to get some air. But as the sun was going down, it was getting cool.

"Dr. Raph, can I come back next weekend, I mean for the whole weekend."

"Sure! I think Hunter will approve. After clinic on Friday we'll come back here and then we can all go in on Saturday together. If we get your homework done early, maybe we can go to the Spring carnival at the church."

"Dr. Raph, do you go to church?"

"Not as regularly as I'd like. Not many churches are tolerant of alternative lifestyles."

"My grandfather and I used to go every Sunday but the Hardigans..."

"You don't have to explain. I bet they took you to service and then did the opposite of what the preacher said."

"Yeah, after a while it didn't make any sense."

"I hear you. Well, Father Tom does a fine service and he practices what he preaches. I hope you'll grow to learn that Hector and I do too. Now, let's get you back to the center before Hunter gets worried. Go say goodbye to Matty."

Curtis gathered up his belongings and backpack then spent a few more minutes with Matty in his room. Raph and Hector were very kind and treated him with respect. Curtis thought it wouldn't be so bad to be living with them. And Matty was happy too. Curtis was certain of that. He knew cats were very sensitive and wise. She wouldn't be this happy if she wasn't treated well. His grandfather was gone but Dr. Raph was a lot like him. A tall man with a big smile … and smart. Curtis still wasn't sure what to make of all the gay stuff. Hector and Raph were nothing like the man Hunter introduced him to, the one that helped to pick out all his new clothes. He was nice too, a little weird but nice. Curtis wasn't too sure what to make of him either. But it was okay. So far all the people he had met since Hunter took him in were nice and really wanted to help.

"Maybe my luck is changing, huh, Matty," Curtis said to his cat. "I'll be back soon," Curtis reassured Matty as he petted her gently then went out to the living room where Hector and Raph were waiting.

 

*****
 

"Hi, Sidney. No, you aren't interrupting anything important," Justin said into the receiver as he was cleaning off his brushes. He had spent most of the day at his easel. Brian was supervising Bree in the bathtub. She had gotten quite muddy during gar-gar. Brian was a little grubby too but he decided to wait until Bree was finished with her bath.

"Winter is all done; I'm into Spring. It's going good. I have plenty of inspiration, especially out here. What? Chicago? Yeah, I remember. When? The fifteenth? Of when? April! No, I can't. We're having Bree's birthday party that day. I have to be here. I understand this is important but I don't have to be there the first day. Sid, please, my baby doesn't turn five every day. We're expecting a houseful of people! Can't we compromise here? Let me do my man of mystery bit and I promise to make a big splash the following weekend. Please, Sidney, I'll be your best frieeend! Yeah, I know, I've been hanging around five year olds a little too much. What time's the opening? Nine? Okay, let me see what I can work out. Bye, Sidney. Fuck!"

"What's wrong?" Brian asked. He had heard the expletive.

"Where's Bree?" Justin snapped.

"In her room, putting on her pj's. What crawled up your butt?"

"Not you, obviously," Justin grumbled then threw a paint brush across the porch.

"Okay, now what the fuck is going on? No bullshit and no more throwing paint brushes. Those fucking things cost a small fortune. Now spill!" Brian's tone told Justin he was in no mood to be dicked around.

"That was Sidney on the phone."

"I surmised and he wants you to go to Chicago."

"Yes, but the opening of the "Old Masters" falls on the same day we want Bree's party. I don't want to miss it."

"Justin, we haven't sent out the invitations yet, we can change the date."

"No, the fifteenth is perfect."

"Then we'll work it out," Brian reassured Justin. He drew the younger man into his arms. Justin sighed loudly then deeply inhaled. "I know, I stink."

"Have I ever told you how much I love your stink?"

"You're a freak."

"Maybe. But I love the way you smell after you've worked out or been gardening. You smell so manly. It makes me hard. Makes me want to lick all the sweat off your body." Justin reached up onto his toes and kissed his lover.

"Fuck!" Brian growled.

"That's the general idea," Justin purred, his eyes growing dark with lust.

Torn between wanting to fuck the living daylights out of his spouse and their family duties of dinner with Bree, Brian was momentarily baffled.

"Hey, guys," Bobby called out from their end of Edna's Treasures, "the garden looks great. We're roasting a chicken. You want to join us? It should be done in an hour or so."

Just then Bree walked into the porch.

"Bree, Patrick's in his room. Why don't you go play while dinner is cooking," Bobby recognized the looks of love on his in-laws' faces.

Bree's face lit up as she scurried into their end of the cottage, calling out Patrick's name.

"Go on, you two," Bobby said knowingly. "We'll see you at dinner."

"Bless you," Brian said as he grabbed Justin's hand to lead him to their bedroom. "You're a good man, Big Red," Bobby heard Brian say, as Justin giggled and their bedroom door slammed shut.

"Everything all right?" John asked his lover, hearing the door slam. He leaned over to give Bobby a kiss.

"Everything's just fine," Bobby answered as he laughed. "Status quo, Babe, status quo.”

Springtime for Justin

Chapter 4

"That was a lovely engagement party," Lindsay said wistfully as she, Mel, JR and Gus were finishing Sunday dinner.

"Yeah, Bree had the best dress," JR commented with the same wistful look on her face.

"The food was really great," Gus stated in the way that only a man could hone into the really important things in life.

Melanie sighed. "It was very nice but could we talk about something else, please?"

"Jennifer looked radiant," Lindsay went on.

"Bree's speech was really cute," JR added.

"Those pear and blue cheese puffy thingies were to die for. I could have eaten a ton of them," Gus raved.

"Yo! Melanie to her fucked up world! Where did my family go? Am I invisible? The party was nice, but enough!"

"Jeez, what's the matter, Mama? We just wanted to rehash the party," Gus said unabashed by her tirade.

"You'd think Jennifer and Bree and the party were the fucking be all and end all. I'm sick of listening to you," Melanie said getting up from the table and taking her mug to refill it with coffee.

"Melanie, watch the language," Lindsay said as gently as she could. These kinds of outbursts still ticked her off. "Why don't you want us to discuss the party?"

"Maybe because it seems like we never do anything like that, that we're not up to the social standard of the fucking Kinneys and Taylors of this world." With that Melanie stomped out of the kitchen leaving her family with their mouths hanging open.

"What did we do?" JR asked.

"We didn't do anything. Your mother has the problem," Lindsay said with a sigh.

"Can you talk to her, Mom? We didn't mean to upset her," Gus said with a frown.

"I know, Gus. Don't worry about it. I'll go talk to her now. Make yourselves scarce."

Gus and JR nodded and headed for their rooms. Lindsay poured herself some more coffee and took the plate of cookies with her into the living room. Melanie was sitting on the sofa flipping through page after page of a magazine. Her frustration was evident in the sharp and angry movements of her page turning.
Lindsay sat down beside her wife. "Peace offering," she said extending the plate of cookies toward Melanie.

Melanie took a cookie and snapped off a piece of it. "I just hate it when JR thinks she doesn't have as nice clothes as fucking Briana Kinney-Taylor." Her voice dripped with sarcasm and envy.

"It was a beautiful dress," Lindsay replied taking a bite of her own cookie.

Melanie snorted. "And all that fucking food at the party. That was way over the top."

"It was delicious though."

Melanie turned and looked at her wife. "You'd like to have a party like that too, wouldn't you?" she said in her best accusatory voice.

"Of course, I would. What woman wouldn't like to be Jennifer last night?"

Melanie snorted. "Me! I think it's all a load of crap."

"We had a beautiful wedding," Lindsay said softly. "I loved that party."

Melanie's face softened. "Yeah, but it wasn't at all what we had started out to do."

"Seems to me a certain someone saved the day for us."

Melanie sighed. "Yeah, he did," she replied trying to not sound too ungrateful.

"Why are you so upset about Jennifer's engagement party?" Lindsay asked deciding it was time to get to the crux of the matter.

"It … it pisses me off that Gus and JR are like second class citizens in this family. Bree's the fucking star. She has the best of everything, always flaunting it in Gus and JR's faces."

"Bree doesn't flaunt anything," Lindsay said trying to bring the anger level down. "She's not even five."

"Going on twenty-five. Imagine a four year old making a speech at that party. Ridiculous!"

Lindsay drew in a long suffering breath. "Bree made a lovely speech. I'd hardly call that flaunting herself."

"Yeah, but you know who would have put her up to that. He was standing right beside her the whole time."

"And so we get to the heart of the matter. You're still jealous of Brian."

"I am not JEALOUS!" Melanie practically screamed. "I just don't see why our children always have to take a back seat to Princess Briana."

"You know what," Lindsay said thinking she could change the topic to something more worthwhile. "Why don't we have a party?"

"Are you fucking kidding me? After that extravaganza! Everyone would be making comparisons, and we'd come out on the short side … like always."

"We wouldn't do it right away. Maybe in the summer in the backyard."

"I'll still be paying off Brian's repair bill."

"He did not give you a repair bill, did he?" Lindsay asked in shock.

"No, he said we didn't have to pay him back."

"That's what I thought."

"But I refuse to be beholding to that ass…"

"Okay, Okay … Okay," Lindsay sighed. "This is about your pride." Melanie made a face at her but didn't deny the words. "I think we could have a really great party in the summer. And no one will even think about comparing it to Jennifer's."

"I … I'm sorry I made such an issue of this. It's just that … listening to you rave about the party and Bree and everything. I guess I went a little crazy."

"Yeah, just a little," Lindsay chuckled before kissing Melanie's cheek.

"Sorry."

Lindsay laughed. "See, it's not so hard to be agreeable."

"If I must," Melanie laughed in return. She pushed Lindsay over and smothered her with kisses.

 

*****
 

"Hi, honey."

"Hi, Mom," Justin replied.

"I didn't interrupt anything, did I?" Jennifer asked. Since she had interrupted Justin and Brian at Christmas time, she started every call with that question.

"No, Mom. It's only dinnertime."

"Well, there have been a few occasions…"

"Ow!"

"What's wrong? Did you hurt yourself?" Jennifer asked concerned.

"No, Mom," Justin giggled as Brian tickled him. The 'Ow' was the result of Brian tweaking his nipple. They were still in bed while Bree was having dinner with John, Bobby and Patrick. They had just finished making love when Jennifer called. "It's my mean husband tickling me."

"Oh! I did interrupt."

"No, it's fine really."

"Well, I won't keep you. I just wanted to thank you for your speech at the engagement party … and Bree's lovely words. She's such a sweetheart."

"Yeah, she is. You're very welcome. Tell Seth it was a lovely party."

"Thank you. He'll be happy to hear that you think so."

"I hope you'll be really happy, Mom. You deserve it." Justin giggled as Brian tickled along the inside of his thigh.

"Thank you, and tell Brian to stop tickling you. There are better things you two could be doing."

"Mother!"

"Bye, sweetheart."

Justin set the phone down. "She said there were better things you could be doing than tickling me." Justin's arms went around Brian's neck.

"Your mother's a very smart woman." Brian proceeded to show his husband just what those things were.

Brian's arms were wrapped around Justin when a low rumble vibrated through their embrace. Brian pushed himself back then giggled as a blush rose from Justin's chest to the tips of his ears.

"If I wasn't so confident in my sexual prowess, I could be highly insulted that our fucking often takes a back seat to your stomach," Brian snarked, but with little sting in his words.

Justin had been very productive at his easel while Brian and Bree were out in the gardens.

"Let’s get cleaned up and get dinner," Brian suggested. Then he reached into the bedside dresser and took out a pen. Brian gently made a small 'X' on the top of Justin's left collar bone.

"What are you doing?" Justin asked as he screwed up his eyes attempting to see the mark.

"Just marking my place. I'll come back to it later," Brian said smugly as he grabbed some clothes then sprinted to their bathroom. Justin sighed loudly, rolling his eyes at the absurdity of his spouse. He picked up his clothes then joined Brian in the bathroom.

 

*****
 

"Big Red, that was delicious!" Brian exclaimed as he pushed himself away from the table, rubbing his full belly. "I didn't realize how hungry I was."

"All that gar-gar and other activities worked up a good appetite," John said knowingly, clapping his brother on the back as he gathered up some dishes to bring to the kitchen.

"Let me help," Justin said piling a load of dishes on his arm in a manner worthy of his days as busboy and waiter.

Brian smiled fondly as his brother and Justin worked in tandem to clear the table. The kids went back to Patrick's room to play for a little while longer.

"Red, I'm not sure if I thanked you for rechecking Justin's Rage contract and for the fine job you did on Lacy's contract. Both their interests are secure."

"My pleasure. Not that you'd allow anyone to take advantage of Justin, but Lacy is one of Hunter's success stories. I really wanted to make sure she got a fair deal."

"So do I, Bobby. Scott and Stacey are expanding their respective branches of Kinnetik. I'd like for you to oversee any legalities that may crop up."

"You expecting trouble?"

"No, just want all my ducks in a row."

"I'm at your disposal and that includes my team. We'll keep a close eye on your interests."

"Red, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Do you think I should spend more time at the office?"

"I don't think I'm the right person to answer that. I'm sure Cynthia, Stacey and Scott are better qualified."

"Nevertheless, I value your opinion." Brian enjoyed the luxury of being able to oversee his companies from the comfort of his balcony office. However, he did not want to take advantage of his employees and partners either.

"Brian, from what I can see, you allow the people you've chosen and groomed the room to work. You're there as a consultant and as the ultimate resource to all of your employees. I can't think of a better boss or work environment. What brought this on?"

"Justin, his popularity and demand grows. I may not have to travel as much as I once had to, to secure contracts and make deals, but he does. He can't hide behind his canvases. His public wants to see him."

"Are you afraid you'll be left behind?"

"No, he's not like me. I'd drop anything to secure a contract. Justin's more of a homebody."

"Brian, you're not that man anymore, nor do you have to be. You're just as much of a homebody as he is. And you have the right to be. I say there's nothing wrong with you running your empire just the way you are."

"Hey guys, why the long faces?" John asked as he brought in a tray with coffee and cookies. Justin was bringing milk and cookies to Patrick's room.

"Your brother's brooding over nonsense," Bobby quipped as he snagged a cookie.

"I do not brood," Brian said indignantly and with a decided pout, as he too picked up a cookie to nibble.

"And he pouts too," Bobby said as he laughed. John tried to hide his smile in brotherly support.

"I do not!" Brian argued.

"Do too!" Bobby countered.

"Not!"

"Too!"

"What are they doing?" Justin asked as he walked back into the room.

"Just reaffirming their maturity," John responded without missing a beat. He too picked up a cookie.

"Oh." Justin took a cookie off the plate then walked into the kitchen for a glass of milk. John, sensing something was troubling his artist brother-in-law, followed. Brian and Bobby were still at their little game.

"What's wrong?" John asked gently.

"You know we're planning a party for Bree?" John nodded. It was a topic during dinner. "Sidney wants me to be in Chicago that weekend."

"We can change the dates of the party. I don't think anything's written in stone," John said reasonably.

"But that's the point. I think the date is perfect. I don't have to be in Chicago and I want to be here."

"Have you discussed it with Brian?" John asked almost regretting the question as soon as the words tripped from his mouth.

"Of course I have, and it's my decision," Justin said testily.

"Then you'll work it out. You always do. We still have a couple of weeks to iron out the details," John said apologetically.

"Yeah, you're right. Sorry I snapped. I guess I'm more tired than I thought and I think I might be coming down with something." Justin rubbed at his watery eyes and itchy nose.

"Brian!" John called over his shoulder.

"Yeah," Brian answered with a mouthful of cookie.

"Stop messing with my husband and take yours home. I think he's getting a cold."

"Justin?" Brian approached his spouse.

"I'm fine," Justin replied then let out a series of four sneezes.

"Right. Say good night, Justin. We're taking a nice warm shower and then you're going to bed. You've been inhaling too many paint fumes and working too hard on this new show."

Brian steered Justin to their end of the cottage, asking John to send Bree back at bedtime.

"She can stay here tonight if she wants. We'll get her to school in the morning," Bobby contributed. Brian nodded then took his miserable spouse home.

"I'm okay," Justin was heard to whine.

"Sure you are," Brian said unconvinced.

"I'm not a baby."

"I know," Brian murmured as they walked through the sun porch toward their bedroom.

"That's odd,” John commented as he watched them disappear.

"What's odd?"

"All winter long, Justin was healthy as a horse. Now as the weather is becoming warmer, he gets a cold?"

"Maybe it's not a cold. And he has been working weird hours at his easels," Bobby observed.

"Hmm," John murmured.

Springtime for Justin

Chapter 5

Bree woke up slightly disoriented. She knew it was Monday and that she had to get ready for school. Her class was preparing for a Spring pageant so she wanted to get there on time. Bree was hoping to be picked to play the bunny or maybe the frog. She giggled at the thought.

Bree realized she wasn't in her room; she had spent the night with Patrick. That in itself wasn't strange but they usually slept in her room. Her stuffed grey bunny wasn't there nor her large stuffed frog. Only Patrick, who was smiling at her with a toothy grin. He had lost another front tooth a week ago.

"Why am I here?" Bree asked.

"I dunno. You fell asleep here," Patrick explained.

"Oh. Where's my Daddy and Dada?"

"Prolly on your side. My dads are making breakfast."

"Waffles?" Bree asked hopefully.

"I think so." A knock on the door announced John.

"Up, sleepy-heads! You have just enough time to get dressed and eat. Let's hustle," John instructed.

"Okay, Dad!" Patrick said as he jumped out of bed and scrambled for his clothes.

Bree climbed out of Patrick's bed to go back to her side to get her clothes.

"Unca John, are my dads awake?"

"I'm not sure, sweetheart. But don't worry, you can have breakfast with us then Uncle Bobby will take you both to school."

"But what about my hair? My Dada does it just right." Bree gave her uncle an exasperated look. John squatted down to be eye to eye with his very particular niece.

"With your permission, I'll give it a try. I've watched your Dada do your hair lots of times."

Bree studied her uncle's face. It was almost identical to her Dada's. She reached out her tiny hand to touch John's cheek, the laugh lines around his eyes and the wisps of grey at his temple. Bree smiled coyly then nodded her permission. John stood up to let Bree pass so she could go get dressed.

"That child has you wrapped around her pinky," Bobby commented as he passed by Patrick's room to see what the hold up was.

"She has us all wrapped around her pinky, including you, and you know it."

"Guilty as charged. I'm afraid we're all guilty of spoiling her."

"Are we really? Spoiling her, I mean."

"Maybe, but she's not a brat or mean or vindictive. She just knows how to work a room," Bobby explained and John laughed out loud.

"You make it sound so sordid."

"Well, she does have your brother for a father."

"And Justin for a daddy. Both of them certainly know how to work their assets."

"I rest my case!" Bobby exclaimed as they went to get breakfast on the table.

 

*****
 

"Sidney? When did you get back?" Lindsay asked her employer and mentor.

"Last night, and believe me the Windy City is aptly named. I didn't think we'd ever get off the ground in one piece. My stomach has yet to recover. Now, tell me, has our wonder boy sent in his new canvases?"

"The winter-scapes arrived last week. I'm expecting 'Spring' in a day or two."

"Wonderful! Right on schedule."

"Sidney, you know Justin paints from his heart. You can't expect him to crank out paintings on a conveyor belt. His inspirations are very personal."

"Yes, I know. We've sold hundreds of 'inspirations' right here in Pittsburgh," Sidney said with a touch of snark in his voice.

"Oh, Sidney," Lindsay giggled. "He can't help it; you know that. And you have to admit the subject matter is beautiful as well as erotic."

"Yes, well, it is true. I have never known art patrons so passionate about obtaining a portrait of an ordinary man."

"Sid, there's nothing ordinary about Brian Kinney."

"True, very true."

"How do the 'Old Masters' look in their new gallery?"

"Magnificent. He's commandeered a whole wing. Each canvas is spaced out as if in a huge museum. I can't think of another living artist who is so well received. I must have him be at the gala opening."

"When is it set for?"

"The fifteenth."

"Of April?" Lindsay asked in a slight panic. She was completely unaware of Bree's birthday party plans. However, Lindsay was rather astute. Knowing Brian and Justin, they'd choose that weekend for Bree's fifth birthday party.

"Did you discuss this with Justin?"

"Of course I did," Sidney replied sharply then sighed. "Yes, I know, Briana's birthday. Lindsay, my dear, it's important to keep Justin in the public eye."

"He is in the public eye. If not for his art then for his charitable good works. And you know he's in demand at many of the art schools. They all want a piece of him. But his family comes first."

"Yes, yes. He's made that abundantly clear. But his successes are our successes. He always promotes new artists when we put together a show. Justin Taylor brings the patron through the door then his fellow artists reap the benefits. Encourage him, my dear. See if there isn't any way he can make that opening."

Lindsay nodded. It was true. Justin's fans flocked to the galleries especially when a new collection was announced. And then other up and coming artists, including ones like Lacy, reaped the benefits, as Sidney put it. Lindsay decided that maybe she'd speak with Brian.

 

*****
 

"Hey," Brian murmured softly to gently wake his spouse.

"Hey. What time is it?"

"Early."

"Bree?"

"Almost ready to leave for school."

"Ugh, everything hurts," Justin whined as he attempted to move from under his warm nest of blankets.

"Don't be in such a rush. Bree will come in to say goodbye."

"I have to pack up 'Spring' to send to Sidney."

"Let me handle it."

"You? Since when do you do anything so menial?"

"What are you talking about? I can do menial if I want. Besides, there's nothing menial about your paintings. When does the truck get here?"

"About two."

"Plenty of time. I've watched you do this lots of times. How hard can it be?"

"Brian..." Justin was about to warn him.

"Jus, I have helped you pack up your paintings in the past and if I run into a problem, I'll come and get you. And I don't think John is going anywhere today. He's the real tool belt man around here. He'll help me."

Before Justin could respond, Bree knocked then burst into their room.

"Daddy! Dada!" their little girl squealed. "I slept in Patrick's bed and I had waffles and Unca John did my hair and Unca Bobby is taking us to school. Why you two are sleepy-heads?"

"How does she do that without taking a breath?" Brian observed with a smirk. "She's definitely your daughter." Justin rolled his eyes.

"I had a sneezy nose last night. That's why we're sleepy-heads," Justin explained.

Out from the hall, they heard Bobby call out, "Hey, little miss, time to go!"

"Okay, Unca Bobby," Bree screeched. She kissed her dads then went to the bedroom door.

"Dada, Unca John did my hair. How do I look?"

"Beautiful, Squirt," Brian stated with a sigh only Justin could hear.

"Unca John did good, but you do my hair the bestest, Dada! Later!" Bree said as she ran out.

Brian stared at the empty expanse that once held his daughter then he flopped back onto the bed, his arm across his eyes, hiding them from his partner. Justin silently watched as his spouse was trying to get his runaway emotions under control.

"Brian, let's get washed up and have some breakfast. We can tackle the crates together," Justin said gently, taking Brian's hand to lead him to their bathroom.

 

*****
 

"Michael?" Lacy called as she entered the comic book store.

Michael popped out from behind a rack of comic books. "Hey."

"Is it here yet?"

Michael laughed. "I told you they said it would be Wednesday or Thursday."

"Oh," Lacy sighed. "I just thought maybe they might have come early."

"Be patient, grasshopper," Michael told her quoting one of the things Brian used to say.

"I'm trying, but my stomach's been churning and I can't sleep."

"It will be fine. Calm down."

"From your mouth to God's ear," Lacy said. "I'm so worried that the comic fans aren't going to like my work."

"You have nothing to worry about. The issue is going to look great. I mean it," Michael said laying a reassuring hand on Lacy's shoulder. "Trust me."

"I just want it to be over."

"I'll call you as soon as I get the order."

"Please do. I need to see it. It has to be real, and then I can wait for the reaction."

"I hate to disappoint you," Michael said slowly, "but I don't think there will be a reaction. Your work and Justin's fit together seamlessly."

Lacy smiled a little tentatively. "You really think so?"

"I've told you that ever since we started working together."

"I guess I just need to hear that every once in awhile."

"I'll remember that," Michael chuckled. He would have to compliment Lacy as often as he could. She still seemed to need reassurance about how good her artwork was. And she really was very good. "Now get out of here. Go to school or work or wherever you're supposed to be."

"School," she laughed. "I just finished a breakfast shift at the diner."

"Good, now shoo, begone."

"Yes, partner," she said with a wink as she headed for the door. Her hand on the door handle, she paused. "You will call me as soon as Rage comes in?"

Michael shook his head and chuckled. "I'll call," he promised.

Lacy smiled and left the store. Michael sighed. Working with youngsters was never easy. He had learned that from Justin.

 

*****
 

Craig and Susan were having an early lunch at a restaurant that Craig liked. He had often taken Jennifer there when they were married. He still went there every once in a while. Now it was Susan who accompanied him. She had called and asked to have lunch to discuss what they might do for their upcoming anniversary. They would be married for eight years in a few weeks. Susan wanted to go away for a vacation somewhere.

That's what they were discussing when Craig looked up to see Jennifer and Seth enter the restaurant. "Fuck," he muttered.

"What? You don't like the idea of Hawaii?" Susan asked.

"No, no, Hawaii's fine. Do whatever you want. I just saw Jennifer and Seth Harris come in."

"Oh, we should go over and say hi," Susan said looking around. Jennifer and Seth were being seated on the opposite side of the restaurant.

"I don't think so," Craig said imperiously.

"Why not? We went to their engagement party."

Craig snorted derisively. "I wanted to see how big of fools they would make of themselves, and they didn't let me down."

"I thought the party was lovely," Susan contradicted.

"Could we talk about something else?"

"So, Hawaii's okay with you?"

"Sure, get some prices and we can see about booking it," Craig said dismissively. His eyes were glued on his ex-wife and her fiancé. They looked so happy. Fucking holding hands across the table.

"Okay, I'll do that," Susan said with a smile.

"Look at them! You'd think they were teenagers."

"Who? Oh, Jennifer and Seth. I think they're cute, but I thought you didn't want to talk about them."

"I don't."

"Then why don't you stop staring at them and quit telling me what they're doing?" she asked with a sigh.

Craig scowled. "Are you done eating? Let's get out of here."

"Yeah, anything to keep peace in the family," Susan sighed gathering up her travel brochures while Craig paid the bill.

As they walked to the entrance of the restaurant, Jennifer looked up and saw them. She smiled and waved. Susan took Craig's arm and propelled him towards Jennifer.

"Hello, Jennifer, Seth," Susan said pleasantly. "Hope you're having a nice lunch."

"Don't know yet," Seth chuckled. "We just ordered."

"Oh," Susan laughed. "Then I hope it's good when you get it."

"Thanks."

"It was a lovely party the other night, wasn't it, Craig?"

"Yeah, lovely."

"Thank you," Jennifer replied. "I really enjoyed it." She smiled over at Seth.

Seth clasped Jennifer's hand and gave it a squeeze. "It was one of the best parties I've ever been to," he said. "Because you were there with me." He looked into Jennifer's eyes, receiving one of those blazing Taylor smiles in return.

"We need to go," Craig said hastily. He took Susan's arm and propelled her towards the door.

"Bye," Susan called over her shoulder.

"What was that all about?" Seth asked.

"I don't think Craig likes seeing us together," Jennifer laughed gently. "Poor man."

"Well, he better get used to it, because he's going to be seeing a lot more of it in the future."

"I'm counting on it," Jennifer said with another beautiful smile.

 

*****
 

"Last one!" Brian crowed proudly as he precisely labeled the last of the crated paintings.

"Thank you," Justin said breathlessly. "I really did need the help." His 'cold' appeared better after breakfast but now he was getting a headache and his runny nose was coming back.

Brian had thrown open the sun porch doors while they were working. The Spring sun was blazing, the sky clear and blue and a cool breeze was wafting the scent of Spring flowers through the cottage. Brian loved days like these, not too hot, not too cold, great 'gar-gar' weather.

"Bri, I think I'm going to make some tea and lay down for a while. Call me when the truck gets here?"

"You sure you're okay?" Brian asked with concern.

"I'm fine, just winded. After my nap, I'll make some lunch. I have some ideas for Summer that I want to sketch out."

Brian nodded then watched his partner walk into the main cottage. They had about an hour before the truck was scheduled to arrive, so Brian went up to his office to make a few calls.

Springtime for Justin

Chapter 6

Curtis was waiting on the steps of his school for Hunter to pick him up. The weather was becoming warmer. Curtis planned on asking to be allowed to walk back to the center which wasn't that far away. Knowing that the traffic could sometimes delay Hunter, Curtis made himself as comfortable as he could on the cool steps, pulled a textbook out of his pack and began to study.

"There's that homeless kid," the school's loudmouth bully said to his followers.

"Yeah, I thought homeless homey's went to special schools," another equally ignorant and annoying boy bellowed.

Curtis tried to make himself small, as he did his best to ignore the insults and not respond to them. He knew from experience that anything that he might say would get him beat up.

"I heard the cops are out to get him," the head bully crowed.

"Hey, maybe there's a reward if we turn him in," another boy taunted as he pulled out his cellphone pretending to call the police. "Police? Yeah, I wanna report a criminal hanging around the school. Yeah, he's a baaad influence on me." The kids began to laugh louder as they started to surround Curtis who was huddled up against the stone wall.

"Well, what do we have here?" Sergeant McGinty said out loud and with a decided snarl.

"Looks like a case of harassment to me, Sarge," Officer Rodgers responded.

"Mr. Samuels, are these gentlemen giving you a hard time? The police department takes a dim view at one of our special deputies being harassed. You just say the word, Mr. Samuels, and we'll arrest these boys. I'd say we have a good case. What do you think, Rodgers?"

"Well, Sarge." Rodgers made a show of taking out his notepad. "Let's see, we have harassment of a special deputy...."

"That's one," McGinty verified.

"I'd say loitering in the first degree..."

"That's two."

"Oh, and that especially heinous crime, what is that one again?" Rodgers flipped over a few pages. "Here it is, 18-12, can't forget 18-12. That one has a jail sentence of twenty-five years. You boys will be, wow, forty, by the time you see the sun again."

The bullies all gasped and began to back away from Curtis. Hunter pulled up in front of the school. Resisting the urge to run up and get Curtis out of there, he approached the crowd with his old street-wise swagger.

"Do we have a problem here?" Hunter growled. Even though Hunter was not that much taller than the tallest kid, his tough scruffy appearance and attitude made him appear eight feet tall.

"No problem, Hunter-man," Curtis said as he extricated himself and walked down the steps with as much dignity as he could muster. "These boys were just leaving, right?" Curtis gave them a glare worthy of Rage.

"Yeah, yeah, we're gone, man. Gone!" The kids ran away.

"Thank you, Sergeant McGinty. I was just reading my book…" Curtis tried to explain.

"No need to explain. This is part of our beat," Sergeant McGinty explained.

"Yeah, every year there's a new bully who tries to be top dog. We make ourselves visible to prevent any trouble," Rodgers stated.

"That law, 18-12, it sounds really bad," Curtis said all wide-eyed.

"Yeah, we know but it's for littering," the Sergeant responded and they all laughed. The Sergeant slipped his card into Curtis' hand. "You call us if you have any more trouble. Okay, kid?"

"Yes, sir, and thank you, sir!" Curtis answered as they all shook hands. The cops watched as Hunter and Curtis drove off then continued their patrol.

 

*****
 

"Brian, are you free tomorrow? I'd like to drive into Pittsburgh to check out that building Hunter's interested in," John inquired. "Scope out the neighborhood, if you know what I mean."

"Yeah, I hear you. Just as long as Justin doesn't need anything, I'm free. Maybe we can stop by Emmett's to confirm the party plans."

"Sounds good to me. Listen Brian, Bobby and I are not nearly as well off as you and Justin but we're no slouches either..."

"John..."

"Hear me out before you assume and jump down my throat." John gave his brother the Kinney glare. "Bobby tells me the Jason Kemp Center is set for life and it has enough back-up funds to take on ownership of a fairly large building all by itself. But it shouldn't have to. Bobby and I would like to spearhead this project just like you took on the center, theater and bowling alley."

"John, that isn't necessary..."

"I think it is necessary. You and Justin are always giving, always going above and beyond even though the world knows little of what you do. It's about time others in this family followed your example."

"John, you and Bobby are always there for us. You've never let me or this family down, never. Sometimes I think I take advantage of your talents, you and Bobby. I never think Kinnetik pays him enough. He's so damn honest!" Brian grumbled and John chuckled.

"Brian, let's look at the building and the surrounding area. If it's where I think it is, that area is ready for renewal. It'll be exciting to be at the forefront of a project of this magnitude."

"It'll be a lot of work, if I'm reading you right. Maybe some time away from home too, and I know you hate that."

"That's what we have minions for."

"Yeah. Okay. Tomorrow the Pitts..."

"And the day after, the rest of the world." The brothers shared a laugh then went to start dinner.

 

*****
 

"Hey, Matty-girl, how was your day?" Hector said as he and Raph walked through the door of their home. "Find any good dust bunnies to chase?" Matty had developed the habit of greeting her saviors when they arrived home each night. The cat was very affectionate and getting stronger every day. Her fur had grown back sleek and healthy.

"Bet she misses Curtis," Raph commented as he hung up their coats and went to start dinner.

"Probably but I think by the end of the school year, Curtis may decide to give us a try."

"I hope so," Raph said as he felt his lover wrap his arms around his waist. "I'd really like to have Curtis as a son."

"I know you would, angel. And if the powers that be have any common sense, Curtis will become part of our family." Raph turned in his partner's arms to face him. The lovers gently kissed.

"How hungry are you?" Raph murmured.

"Famished, but not for food," Hector purred back.

"Good, cause I have an idea of what I want as an appetizer," Raph said as he led his lover to their bedroom.

 

*****
 

"Bri?" Justin had slept most of the afternoon. He wolfed down his dinner then went straight to his easel. Dozens of photos of last year's garden littered the sun porch floor. The temperature outside had dipped and a cold drizzle was watering the new buds.

"Here, Sunshine," Brian replied as he brought in a tray holding a pot of tea and snacks. Brian recognized the signs of an all night 'paint-a-thon.'

"Thank you, my big Smoosh. You're the sweetest thing," Justin gushed, giving Brian his biggest sunshine smile.

"Let's not get carried away," Brian growled. "Bree, time to check your homework!" Brian called out, effectively changing the subject and making himself scarce.

About an hour later Bobby found Justin sitting on the floor holding a picture of the rose vine that twined around the wooden arbor at their front door.

"Hey, Jus, anything wrong?"

"No, just wishing."

"Wishing?"

"Yeah. Sometimes I wish I didn't have so many allergies. We have such a beautiful garden and half the time I can't appreciate it."

"You don't have to stick your nose in a flower to be able to appreciate its beauty," Bobby said wisely.

"I know, but sometimes, I just wish," Justin said wistfully.

"Maybe that's why you paint landscapes and flowers as well as you do."

"What do you mean?"

"Us ordinary people need to smell the flower to appreciate it. But you, you see it, and feel it within your heart then your hands express it so the others can feel it too. That's a gift I can only wish for."

Justin pondered Bobby's words as Bobby patted his brother-in-law's shoulder then went back to his side of Edna's Treasures. Justin smiled to himself then headed to his easel.

 

*****
 

"Have you given any thought to where we're going to live after we're married?" Seth said out of the blue as they were enjoying a fruit tart at Emmett's place. Jennifer began to choke on a small piece of the confection. Seth quickly smacked her back.

"What?" Jennifer coughed.

"I'll take that as a no."

"Seth, I've barely got my head around my daughter's wedding and our engagement. I haven't had time to think about living arrangements. We haven't even set a date!"

"Maybe we should."

"You said you weren't going to push."

"And I didn't think me asking about something that may or may not happen in a year's time was pushing."

Their conversation was getting louder. Emmett felt the need to intervene.

"Seeeth, Jennifer, I see you're enjoying one of my fruit tarts!"

"Yes, Emmett, they're delicious," Jennifer said dryly as she attempted to get herself under control.

"We came in for dessert, and not to argue in public," Seth added.

"Well, you know, we are on Liberty Avenue. You can't help a bit of drama while you're here," Emmett said cheerfully then he squatted down next to their table to speak confidentially. "But let's not scare away the homos with a hetero argument, shall we? It's bad for business." Emmett stood up and asked, "More coffee?" He smiled sweetly, getting two shocked and embarrassed nods in return.

"I have never been so embarrassed in my whole life," Jennifer said as she and Seth left the bistro and hastily walked to Seth's car. Seth was having difficulty keeping up with the petite blond and she was wearing heels.

"Will you slow down?" Seth said as he jogged up to her.

"Seth, I've known Emmett for damn near seventeen years! I have never been called a 'hetero' in quite that way!"

"Is that so bad?"

"Is what so bad?"

"Being hetero or straight or just plain old in love with whomever you want to love? Wanting to spend the rest of your life with the person you love, is that so bad?"

Jennifer stopped in her tracks and realized how ridiculous she was being. She had spent the better portion of the last seventeen years defending her son's choices, being an active member of PFLAG and the GLC. She had been a member of Molly's PTA, pushing equality and diversity in the schools. Jennifer had forgotten what it was like to be just Jennifer Taylor. Not the mother of the now famous Justin Taylor or the mother-in-law to Owen Brenner, Jr. And by association, a member of Sarah Kingsley's circle of society. Aside from her so-called relationship with Tucker, Jennifer had led a celibate life lately. She might be a woman in her fifties but she was certainly not dead.

And if she didn't get her act together and soon, she might lose the best thing that had ever come into her life besides her children. Taking a page out of her son's book, Jennifer leapt into Seth's arms to plant a toe curling, spine tingling kiss on the lips of the man she loved.

"Aw, isn't that cute," a familiar voice quipped. "Straight people know how to kiss."

"Scary, isn't it," Ted said as he led Allen away and into Emmett's.

Their laughter was the only reason why Jennifer and Seth stopped kissing.

 

*****
 

"Hey, little boy, time for beddy-bye," Brian sing-songed as he strolled into the porch from the sliding glass doors that connected their bedroom to the porch.

"Aw, dad, just a few more minutes, pleeeezzz," Justin whined.

"Now, sonny boy, you know how important going to bed on time is. We wouldn't want to upset your routine," Brian replied in a very fatherly tone.

"But I'm not sleepy!" Justin said in a whiny little boy voice.

"Who said anything about sleeping," Brian said with a husky voice as he turned and strolled back into their room.

"Oh," Justin said with widening eyes. He quickly stowed his canvases out of harm's way then joined his lover in their bed...not to sleep.

 

*****
 

"Curtis, you having trouble sleeping? It is getting crowded in here. Sometimes the spring brings the kids out of the woodwork," Hunter said as he sat at the end of Curtis' bed.

"I don't mind the other kids; they're not so bad."

"No, they're not. They all have stories, some of them like yours. We try to set them on the right path."

"That girl who helped me, Lacy? She was one of your kids?"

"Yes, but I had a lot of help with her."

"Yeah?"

"My friend, Justin, is an artist, so is Lacy. He helped her out a lot. So did Brian and Debbie."

"Debbie, she works at the diner, right?"

"Yup, as did half the kids in this neighborhood. Lacy works there, so did Justin and I worked there for a little while too."

"Wow. Think I can work there sometime?"

"Maybe. But let's concentrate on getting you through this semester at high school first. Then we'll talk about a job. Besides I thought you wanted a real job at the vet clinic."

"You think Dr. Raph will give me a real job?"

"When you're old enough to get working papers, I don't see why not."

"He and Mr. Hector want me to live with them."

"Are you considering it? They're good people."

"Yeah, but I'm not so sure."

"Why, because you're straight and they're not?"

"Kinda. I just never knew someone with two dads or two moms before."

"I know two kids who have both."

"Huh?"

"Brian has a son who lives with his moms. His name is Gus and he'll be seventeen this year. Gus has two sisters, one he lives with and one that lives with his dads."

"I'm confused." Curtis screwed up his eyes making Hunter burst out laughing.

"Yeah, we can be a confusing bunch. Let me arrange a meeting, a lunch meeting at the diner. I'll get the gang together and you'll see how the kids get along with all the dads, moms and the gazillion grandparents we all share. Maybe that'll help you to decide."

"Yeah, I think I'd like that."

"Good, maybe this Saturday, after you guys are done at the vet clinic. Now, time for sleep. You have school in the morning, young man."

Curtis snuggled down under his warm blankets.

"Hunter-man? Why don't you have kids? Seems to me you'd be a great father."

"I have kids; all of you are my kids. That's enough for me." Hunter smiled fondly at Curtis then left the dorm room.

Springtime for Justin

Chapter 7

Justin awoke half gasping for breath. He sat up in bed and sneezed violently. He grabbed a tissue and blew his nose loudly.

"Wha…What?" Brian asked opening his eyes and glaring at Justin.

"Fucking allergies," Justin griped. "I can't breathe."

"Did you take your allergy medicine?"

"Of course I took the fucking stuff."

"You don't have to bite my head off."

"Sorry," Justin said shaking his head. "I'm so sick of this. I can't work. I feel like crap."

"We're taking you to the doctor," Brian said.

"Could you close the window?" Justin requested as he blew his nose again.

Brian got up and walked to the bedroom window. The curtain billowed out as a breeze came through the open window. "The wind must have switched around during the night. There was no breeze coming in here when I opened the window. I thought it would be all right."

"It's not your fault. I don't know why my allergies are so bad this year."

"Everything's really sprouting after the long hard winter."

"Fuck!" Justin gasped as he started a new series of sneezes."

"I'm calling the allergy doctor as soon as his office opens," Brian stated as he climbed back into bed.

"Don't we have to get up?" Justin muttered.

"It's only five-thirty."

"Oh?" Justin sighed.

"Rest a bit," Brian said pulling Justin against him and cradling his snuffling spouse.

"'Kay," Justin agreed, sounding like his daughter.

 

*****
 

"Mr. Hunter," Curtis said coming into Hunter's office.

"Yeah," Hunter replied looking up from the report he was writing on the computer. "You're up early."

"I … I was thinking about what you said, about kids having two moms or two dads, or about not having any moms or dads at all, like me."

"You could have two dads if you wanted to accept Raph and Hector in that role."

Curtis smiled slightly. "You had two dads, didn't you?"

Hunter nodded. "After Michael and Ben adopted me."

"Did you have a mom and dad … you know … before?"

"Everybody has a mother and father," Hunter said with a strange look on his face.

"Did they die?"

"Why are you asking me all these questions?" Hunter asked.

"I need to know."

"Why?"

"If I have to decide about Dr. Raph and Mr. Hector, I need to now what I'm getting into."

"I said I'd arrange the lunch with Gus and Bree."

"I know, but they've had all those parents for their whole lives … and I haven't had anybody except my grandpa."

Hunter smiled wryly. "So you think maybe you and I have something in common."

"Maybe. I just wondered."

"Okay, tell me what you really want to know."

"Was it better with your real parents or with the gay guys?"

Hunter snorted and then laughed. "I guess I asked for that. I told you not to beat around the bush. Do you specialize in tough questions?"

Curtis looked pleased with himself. Not since his grandfather died had he been able to ask all the questions that he had inside him. The Hardigans would have smacked him for asking. The previous foster family never had time for him. "I guess so," he said to Hunter's question.

"Then I'll do my best to answer. I never much knew my father. He left us when I was little. My mother … she … um … she wasn't a very nice lady. I ran away from her. That's how I ended up on the streets like you did."

"So, the gay guys must have been much better than your mother."

"I guess you could say that. But it doesn't mean I didn't wish for things to be better with my mother."

"Even when you were with Ben and…"

"Michael."

"Michael."

"No, by then I knew she would never be a good mother. She even came after me and tried to take me away from Ben and Michael."

"She did?" Curtis' eyes got very large. "What did you do?"

"Michael and I ran away."

"You did?"

Hunter nodded, thinking back on those days when he and Michael were running, using Brian's fuckmobile to escape. "It was a stupid idea. Eventually we gave up and came back."

"Did you go back with you mother?"

"No, we went to court and they gave Michael and Ben custody of me."

"The court did?"

"Yeah," Hunter said ruefully. "The court actually got one right."

"I wish they'd get something right for me. If I go to court, they'll probably send me back to the Hardigans."

Hunter laughed. "Hey, you've been to court and they sent you here, not to the Hardigans."

"Oh, that's right," Curtis said with a smile. "I forgot. Hunter, can I just stay here. It's warm and you're nice and so is Karen."

"You are staying here."

"I mean permanently."

Hunter shook his head. "You can stay here as long as you need to, but the center's not a home. That's what Dr. Raph and Hector are offering you … a home."

Curtis made a face. "But I don't know what to expect there. Maybe I won't like it."

"And maybe you will."

Curtis shook his head. "It seems too good to be true."

"And maybe it's just plain good."

"I'm not that lucky."

"I think your luck has changed."

"So, you think I should go with Dr. Raph?"

"That's not my decision to make. I think you're doing the right thing by staying with them and seeing what it's like to live there."

"It's pretty good … so far."

"Then what are you afraid of."

"The … the Hardigans used to tell me that I was stupid and never did anything right. They said nobody would ever want me. What if Dr. Raph decides the same thing and wants to get rid of me."

"First of all, you're not stupid. You're a very bright boy, and you work hard in school. Dr. Raph and Hector are going to be very proud of you, just like I am."

Curtis smiled. "You said I could meet the kids with four parents this Saturday?"

"That's right. I'll try and arrange it today."

"Are the kids gay too?"

"I don't know. They're a bit young … except for Gus."

"How old is Gus?"

"Sixteen."

"Oh!"

"That surprises you?"

"He's not much older than me."

"Gus is a great kid."

"He probably won't like me."

Hunter smiled gently. "Gus will like you. What's not to like?" Curtis shrugged. "You know, you think too much. Everything's going to be fine."

"I bet Mr. Brian told them what I did, and they all hate me."

"And I bet Mr. Brian never told them anything about you."

"Really?" Curtis asked his eyebrows going up into his hairline.

"Brian Kinney keeps things to himself. I doubt he told anyone. If they know about the mugging, they didn't find it out from him."

"Oh," Curtis said with a frown.

"You don't have anything to worry about. Well, maybe one thing."

"What's that?"

"Brian and Justin's daughter is named Bree, Briana. She'll have you wrapped around her finger in the first five minutes."

"A girl! I don't think so."

"Don't say I didn't warn you. Now, go get ready for school." Hunter shook his head and chuckled as Curtis hustled from the room.

 

*****
 

"Is Justin all right?" John asked Brian as they drove into Pittsburgh.

"Not really but try telling him that. His fucking allergies are going to be the death of him and me one day. He can never seem to catch a break," Brian griped.

"I know he's allergic to practically every medicine known to man but can he take anything?"

"Yeah, they came out with something mild that he can take with some success but sometimes his allergies are too strong for the medicine to work. He was calling his allergist when we left. Is this the place?" Brian asked when John slowed down as they approached a rundown apartment building.

The building looked quite lonely standing by itself. It was the only building on the entire street. The other structures had been long since torn down. The area was practically derelict and looked almost war ravaged.

"How the fuck did he find this place?" Brian grumbled. "And why would he want a place all the way out here, in the middle of nowhere?"

"Brian, just think of the possibilities. We can be at the forefront of a real urban renewal. Instead of adding more skyscrapers, we can encourage some mom and pop type stores. Did you know that you can 'adopt' or buy one those old time diners that were built in rail cars. Can you imagine one here? Maybe a park, next to the apartment or in the back of the building. Maybe one lot could be made into a garage to encourage business. How many times did you want to go to a particular store, and then ended up going home because you couldn't find parking? If we own the land we can sell it to buyers that subscribe to our vision."

Brian stared at his brother and then burst out laughing.

"What?" John said angrily.

"Brother dearest, you sound like a mogul."

John thought a minute then smiled. "Just following your example. I had Bobby do a little research on the land as well as the building. The city was hoping a mall would take it off their hands but that never panned out. Then more and more people began to leave the area. Buildings were abandoned then eventually torn down due to squatting. It had become a haven for junkies and pushers. It's difficult to hide in an empty lot."

Brian nodded. He could see the potential and he loved the idea of starting a project from scratch. It was something like when he and Cynthia started up Kinnetik.

"What about zoning and permits?"

"Bobby's checking into it, but bottom line is that if we keep the apartment building, renovate that first and then add one store at a time, keeping the buildings lower than the apartment house, we should be all right."

"That stuff confuses me so I'll leave the technicalities up to you. Will the city give us a break on the building if they know it's for the clinic?"

"Yes. The mayor's office is still getting kudos for going with the clinic project. They overlook the bathhouse, because the theater and bowling alley have been a great success."

"And I happen to know that someone on the mayor's payroll is a regular at Terry's," Brian smirked. The brothers got out of John's SUV to get up close and personal with the apartment house.

"TMI, Brian," John growled.

"Have some pity on the poor guy. He's a closet case, although everyone knows about him. He doesn't even partake in the festivities. Once a week, after a grueling week being a public servant, he takes his poor tired body to the steamroom. He watches the show then goes home."

"And this is a good thing?"

"Yeah, it is."

"Okay, I'll bite, why is this a good thing?"

"Because, the guy knows that everything is on the up and up at the bathhouse. No pandering, no drugs, occasional bootie calls in clean private rooms between consenting adults. Adults being the operative word. No new members unless checked out and vouched for. And when in doubt, Terry says no. It's probably safer and cleaner in there than in our own home."

"I doubt that, oh mister anal retentively clean one."

"Okay, I'll give you that. The building itself is an architectural marvel. The facade was exquisitely restored and maintained. A testament to your work ethic and your crew. It's a respectable Gay Man's club. The kids go to Babylon or Boy Toy. The mature men go to Terry's."

"Honor and order amongst gay men? What is this world coming too?"

"Beats the shit out of me. Ugh! What is that smell?" They were in the lobby of the building.

"Mold, mildew, sewage? Who knows what state the pipes are in."

"You want to go look?"

"Not without a hazmat crew standing by. Mold like this can be life threatening. Let's see if we can get into one of the apartments."

"Kind of reminds me of the Part Deux building."

"Good eye! It was built around the same time. I wouldn't be surprised if the same company built it. It's all generic."

"Does it have to be?"

"Be what?"

"Generic. The point of Hunter's kids working on the building, under your tutelage, is so they learn a useful trade. Can we turn it into a real learning experience rather than just wielding a hammer. Maybe each apartment can be different such as ultra modern or retro. You don't have a teaching degree, do you?"

"No, but Gordo does. And he does lecture occasionally."

"So if we hook up with the local vocational school..."

"The kids might come out with a real certificate or credits toward a degree as well as a new home if they need it. Damn, you're a genius. I've seen enough and before we both start sneezing, let's get the hell out of here."

"I won't argue with you. Where now?"

"The city planner's office. I want to see what it'll take to hold the building and the surrounding property."

The brothers left the building then climbed back into John's black Navigator.

"You know, while you're renovating things, maybe you should take your truck to the body shop," Brian said casually.

"Body shop? There's not a ding on this baby."

"Yes, but the color's all wrong."

"Brian, what the fuck are you on about?"

"Your steed needs to be white," Brian snarked then leaned back against his seat.

John gave his brother an incredulous look then remarked, "I wonder about you sometimes."

"You wouldn't be the only one."

The brother's drove on to city hall.

Springtime for Justin

Chapter 8

The bull shit button went off in the outer office.

"I wonder who that is," Hector said as he finished settling the cat who had just had surgery into the recovery cage.

"We don't have anyone scheduled," Raph replied.

"I'll go check while you make sure our patient is fine."

Hector went out to the reception area to find Hunter leaning on the counter. "And what brings you here this fine day?" Hector asked cheerfully, and then his face fell. "Something's happened to Curtis?"

"No, nothing like that," Hunter reassured him. "I wanted to have a word with you and Raph."

"Is something wrong?"

"Not exactly, but I'd like to talk to you both together."

"Okay," Hector said with a frown. "Come back to the office and I'll get Raph."

Hunter followed the man into the back. "I love that bullshit button," he grinned hoping to lighten the tone of what he had to say. He could feel Hector's anxiety, and that had not been his intention.

"What's going on?" Raph asked as he walked into the office with Hector right behind him.

"There's nothing wrong. I just wanted to give you a head's up about something that Curtis told me this morning."

"What's that?" Raph wanted to know.

"Curtis had trouble sleeping last night. I think he's really worried about making the decision to move in with you and Hector … or not."

"He doesn't want to live with us?" Hector asked. He laid his hand on Raph's shoulder so that they were connected when they got the full brunt of the bad news.

"No, he didn't say that. I won't sugar coat the fact that Curtis has some reservations about living with two gay men. However, I'm trying to do a few things to alleviate that situation."

"Like what?" Raph asked.

"I'm trying to arrange a meeting at the diner Saturday at lunch, so that Curtis can talk to Gus and Bree."

"Gus and Bree? How will that help anything?"

"Curtis was asking me about kids living with gay parents and having two moms and two dads. He wanted to know about my history too."

"He did?" Hector asked.

"Yeah, I told him enough to answer some of his questions, but it's not really my place to give my whole history." Hunter sighed. "I think Curtis is seriously considering your offer, but he has some reservations. I think you need to be careful for the next few weeks. Don't push. Don't force him to make a decision before he's ready."

"You think he could refuse, don't you?" Raph said.

"I think Saturday will answer a lot of his questions. Cross your fingers that things go well."

"We will," Hector and Raph both said at the same time.

Hunter got up and left the vet clinic. As he went through the front office, he couldn't resist pushing the bullshit button one more time. Raph and Hector were exchanging worried looks when they heard the button go off. They smiled before holding on tightly to each other.

 

*****
 

"Hi, Debbie," Jennifer said as she entered the diner.

"Take a load off and I'll be right with you," Debbie said as she delivered some plates of food to the only occupied table.

Jennifer sat down in a booth. She watched Debbie deliver the meals and top up the coffee cups before she brought the pot over to Jennifer and poured them each a cup of coffee. Debbie replaced the pot on the burner and then slid into the booth across from Jennifer.

"How do you keep doing this?" Jennifer asked the woman who was no longer young.

"Don't tell anybody but my fucking feet are killing me," Debbie laughed. "I don't know how I keep doing this either."

"Then why do you do it? You and Carl don't need the money, do you?"

"I like to have my own money. I'm an independent woman," Debbie chuckled.

"Don't we know," Jennifer laughed.

"And I like to be needed. A lot of the boys who hang out here need someone to talk to."

"And the buck or two that you slip them," Jennifer added.

"How do you know that?"

"You did it for Justin. I can't imagine you would do less for other boys."

"Justin was a very special case," Debbie said with a smile.

"Yes, he is."

"But I'm sure you're not here to reminisce," Debbie stated pulling them back to the here and now.

"No, I wanted to ask you something."

"Shoot."

Jennifer chuckled. There was no beating around the bush with Debbie. "How did you and Carl decide where you were going to live?"

"Oh," Debbie laughed. "I thought the question was going to be about sex."

"Sex? I think we have that perfectly under control, thank you very much," Jennifer smiled.

"Hm, been getting some by the look of you." Jennifer just smiled more broadly. "Let's see, Carl and I tried living at his house for a while, but that was too inconvenient. I missed my house. So he agreed to move into my place."

"Did he mind?'

"I think he did at first. He'd had that house for a long time, but we were starting something new. He was willing to give it a try and it has worked out fine. It's our house now, not mine."

"I see," Jennifer said thoughtfully.

"Are you and Seth having trouble deciding where to live?"

"Truthfully, I hadn't even thought about it. We said we were going to wait and have a long engagement."

"What the fuck for?" Debbie demanded.

"Well, I … I, I don't really know," Jennifer sputtered.

"Are you sure you want to marry this guy?"

"Of course I am," Jennifer said indignantly. "I wouldn't have got engaged if I wasn't."

"Then what are you waiting for? Neither of you are spring chickens."

"Thanks a heap," Jennifer said with a sour face.

"You know what I mean," Debbie said gently. "You should be together, be happy, while you can. Who knows what the future holds?"

"I really don't think I'm ready for marriage just yet. I like my independence. I've made a good life for myself since Craig and I split."

"And does Seth fit into that life?" Debbie asked.

Jennifer looked thoughtful. She took a slow sip of her coffee before answering. "Yes, he does, much better than I ever thought he would."

Debbie smiled. "Then marry him when he's ready and the living arrangements will work themselves out. Personally, I'd go for a big house somewhere. He looks like he'd give you the world. You are one lucky lady," Debbie laughed.

"Yes, yes, I am. I don't know what I'm worrying about. I love Seth. He's wonderful."

"Then take your fucking time and do what feels right. You'll know when things are right because they'll feel that way."

"Thanks, Debbie. I guess I just needed to hear that."

"Then my work here is done, except for getting coffee and dessert for those boys over there," Debbie chuckled as she stood up. "Fucking feet!" she griped as she went to get the coffee pot.

Jennifer watched Debbie get back to work. She had some decisions to make, and she would talk to Seth about what Debbie had told her.

 

*****
 

Hunter was contemplating calling Brian's cell phone to persuade the man to bring his family into the Pitts on Saturday afternoon. He slowly paced the floor of the apartment he shared with Nick. Hunter knew that Brian would refuse him nothing, but just calling Brian was the easy way out. This meeting required as many same sex couples as Hunter could muster. If Hunter was successful he might need to rent the ballroom of the Plaza.

"Hello?"

"Hey, blondie, what's shaking?" Hunter teased.

"What do you want?" Justin grumbled then sneezed a series of five fast sneezes. "I think I'm allergic to you."

"You can't get rid of me that easily!"

"I can only wish," Justin snarked.

"Justin, I really need to ask a favor; it's important." The change in the tone of Hunter's voice signaled his sincerity. Justin quit his griping.

"What's up?"

"You know about Curtis?"

"Yes. He didn't break his promise, did he?"

"No. Curtis is in school and making up for the time he spent on the street. He's been working off his debt at the vet clinic. As a matter of fact, he earned enough to pay everyone back, including Brian. And he has an opportunity to be placed with a couple who really want him."

"That's fantastic, Hunter. He's come so far and in such a short time." Justin was genuinely pleased to hear that Curtis' life was turning around.

"It is. It could have ended up so differently and that leads me to the favor. The couple that wants Curtis is Raph and Hector."

"No shit! Really? I didn't know they wanted to have children."

"Neither did they until they saw you and Brian with Bree, and John and Bobby with Patrick. Even the girls and their family are impressive."

"So what's the problem?"

"Curtis is straight."

"He's not homophobic already?"

"No, but he's just not sure what to make of same sex couples."

"So how does it involve us?"

Hunter launched into his plan for Saturday. He was hoping that if Curtis met enough same sex but diverse couples, he would have some idea of what to expect with Raph and Hector.

"And he's already staying with Raph and Hector on the weekends?"

"Yes, but two days out of the week is not a fair representation of what family life would be like. It's homework, doing dishes, washing behind your ears, you know."

"Boy, do I! Briana, well..."

"No need to explain but, Justin, Bree is a very special little girl. You both are doing a wonderful job raising her."

"Even though she has us both by the balls?"

"Your little girl is one of the luckiest children on the face of the planet. You may think she's spoiled rotten but she's also compassionate. I still have that card she made me when I was sick. She's brave. She proved it at your sister's humongous wedding and when we thought Brian was sick. You've done everything right, Justin. I want Curtis to have a chance at what Bree has, what Patrick, Gus and JR all have. Curtis has been used for the money he brought to his foster parents and then abused by them too. It's time he was shown that there are good people in this world. Gay or straight, there are good people out there."

Justin silently counted his blessings. "John and Brian just pulled up, tell me where and when."

"Diner, this Saturday, around two."

"We'll be there. You should call Lindsay and Mel and all the 'grands'. You know Raph and Hector are on the verge of becoming full fledged members of our family."

"Gotcha. I guess I should call my dads too."

"You got that right. Bye, Hunter."

"Goodnight, blondie!" Before Justin could react to the blondie snipe, Hunter hung up and Bree came streaking out of her room to the front door.

"Dada!" Bree called out as Brian and John came through the door.

"Hey Squirt, miss me?" Brian asked as they exchanged kisses. Justin got some kisses of his own as Patrick and Bobby came in from the porch.

"How are my favorite men?" John greeted his boys with hugs and kisses.

"How did it go today?" Bobby asked John, referring to the proposed apartment house.

"I think it went well," John replied. "Let's all discuss it over dinner."

"I have something to discuss with you all too," Justin said as they all went to the porch to have dinner.

Over dinner the family discussed the neighborhood renewal plan and Hunter's scheme to introduce Curtis to the family.

"So Hunter wants us to be examples of what it could be like living with same sex parents." Bobby summed it up in one line.

Before anyone could comment, Bree had a question. "What's same sex?"

Before the grown ups could muster up the courage to answer, Patrick had no hesitation. "It means we have two daddies. Most kids have one daddy and one mommy, like Cindy and Michelle."

"Oh. Gus has two mommies," Bree stated.

"Becky at school has a dad but her mom died," Patrick said matter-of-factly as he popped a cucumber slice in his mouth.

"And David's parents are 'vorced.' What's vorced, Dada?"

"The word is divorced, Squirt. And it means that David's parents were married and then they became unmarried."

"Why?"

"Lots of reasons, but mainly I guess they stopped loving each other," Brian answered as honestly as he could.

"Dada, you could never stop loving Daddy, could you?" Bree's eyes were as large as the dinner plates. Brian got up from his chair to go to his daughter's side.

"Briana, I promise you I will never stop loving you or your Daddy." Bree threw her little arms around her Dada's neck.

"I love you, Dada."

"Love you to, baby." Bree finished her dinner from her Dada's lap.

"Curtis has no parents?" Patrick asked.

"No, little Red. His mother died when he was very young then his grandfather died a couple of years ago. He's had a rough life," Justin explained. "But Dr. Raph and his partner Hector want to be his parents," Justin added.

"Dr. Raph is a very nice man," Bree said and Patrick agreed with her assessment.

"They helped us shovel out of the house," Patrick said, remembering the great blizzard of Christmas.

"They certainly did," John said. "I think they deserve our help."

Dinner continued quietly with the family of Edna's Treasures trading pleasant conversation of the day and appreciating that they were all together.

 

*****
 

"Mel?"

"Hey, Hunter, how are you? And how's Curtis doing?"

"He's why I'm calling."

"Anything wrong?"

"Not really. Raph and Hector want to be Curtis' foster parents but Curtis is apprehensive about the two dad thing."

"I see. How can I help?"

"Can you bring your family to the diner on Saturday? I want him to learn that being raised by same sex parents really isn't all that different from traditional families. I called Justin and I let all the 'grands' know too."

"You think it'll persuade him to give Raph and Hector a chance?"

"Either that or he'll be living at the center until he turns legal."

"We'll be there, Hunter."

"Thanks, Mel, good night."

"Night."

Springtime for Justin

Chapter 9

"Morning, Mr. Harris, and how are you this fine day?" Emmett asked as Seth came into Emmett's Place.

"Not bad, and yourself?"

"I'm having a great day."

"Where's Sean?"

"He has the day off, so I've been in here since the crack of dawn baking and cleaning and…"

"Getting everything shipshape," Seth finished the sentence for Emmett.

"Exactly. Now what can I get for you?" Emmett asked cheerily.

"A popover and a coffee."

"Okie dokie."

Seth shook his head and grinned as Emmett turned to pour the coffee and set a popover on a small plate. "I'll take it out on the patio if that's all right."

"Your future son-in-law is out there."

"Justin?"

"Yes, he came in a few minutes ago."

"Thanks," Seth said as he paid for his popover and coffee and took them from Emmett. He made his way out to the back of the shop. "Justin?" he said as he saw the young man flipping through what looked like a sketchbook. "I didn't know you were in town today."

"I had an appointment."

"Oh? What type of appointment? May I join you?"

"Sure. A doctor's appointment."

Seth sat down at Justin's table. "Nothing serious I hope."

"No, just allergies. At least that's what I think it is."

"I thought you had those pretty well under control from what your mother said."

"Well, spring is always difficult with everything blooming and all the pollen and everything." At that moment Justin sneezed.

"So what did the allergy doctor have to say?"

Justin shrugged. "He did some tests, but there's nothing conclusive. I have to wait for some results."

"Are you doing anything out of the ordinary that might be causing the allergy?" Seth asked as he broke off a piece of popover and greedily devoured it.

"That's what the doctor wanted to know."

"What did you tell him?"

Justin shook his head. "The only thing different is that I'm painting every day … all day. But I've never been allergic to my paints before."

"Are you using a new brand of paint or anything?"

Justin shook his head. "I don't know what it could be. I'm a little better now that I'm in Pittsburgh, but all the spring flowers still get to me." He sneezed as if on cue. "I'm getting really sick of feeling like shit."

"I can believe that. I hope you feel better soon."

"Me too," Justin said ruefully. "I better get going. I'm meeting Brian at Kinnetik and then we're heading home. Say hi to Mom for me."

"I will," Seth replied as he watched Justin disappear back into Emmett's shop.

 

*****
 

"Hey, what did the doctor say?" Brian asked as Justin walked into Kinnetik.

"He couldn't find much change in the allergy tests. He's as baffled as I am."

"What the fuck kind of doctor is he if he can't figure out what's wrong," Brian ranted.

"Easy, big guy. Medicine isn't an exact science."

"I'm not sure there's any science in it at all. I think they just make guesses and prescribe some shit to see if it works."

Justin chuckled. "The perfect description of modern day medicine. The doctor did give me some stronger allergy pills."

"Fuck! More pills! Pills are not the answer to everything."

"Says the man who believes in better living through chemistry."

"I used to believe that," Brian said indignantly. "Not anymore."

"I know, you big Smoosh. It'll be all right. I'll try the pills and see what happens."

"Are you ready to go home?"

"Hours ago."

"Maybe you should take it easy for a few days. Stop painting and relax for a while."

"The doctor suggested the same thing," Justin admitted. "But I can't really afford to. I have deadlines."

"That's why they're called deadlines, because they kill you."

"Brian…"

"I know, I know. I want you to be well. I want to fuck you without sneezes in the middle of it."

Justin chuckled. "And so we get to the crux of the problem, your sex life."

Brian merely stuck his tongue in his cheek and looked smug.

"Hey, Justin, how are you doing?" Ted asked as he came down the hall.

"Hi, Ted. Not too bad," Justin replied.

"He's fucking miserable," Brian contradicted. "Allergies are a bitch."

"Tell me about it. I'd be a basket case without my Claritin."

"Have you had more trouble than usual this year?" Justin asked.

"Maybe a little. Everything seems to be coming out at once, and I don't mean closet cases," Ted laughed.

"I'm having a worse time than I've ever had before."

"Have you ever tried Claritin?" Ted asked.

"He's tried everything," Brian supplied. "He's way beyond Claritin at this point."

Justin elbowed his husband. "I need to get home."

Brian sighed. "Yeah, if we have to."

"Since when do you not want to go home?" Ted interjected. "We all know what goes on there."

Justin giggled. "Your staff knows you so well." He gave Brian a gentle elbow to the ribs.

"Allergies curtailing your time in the sack?" Ted asked Brian with a mischievous gleam in his eye.

"Watch it, Schmidt. I can arrange for you to stay in bed all day every day."

"Right, Boss. Sorry, Boss. I'll just get back to work now. See ya, Justin."

"You shouldn't be so hard on Ted," Justin observed as they watched Ted hustle down the hall to his office.

"He lives to be abused," Brian stated.

"You are so cruel."

"One minute I'm lovely and kind and caring, and the next I'm abusive," Brian sighed.

"Stop it, you big Smoosh, and take me home … now!"

"Yes, master," Brian replied as he escorted a giggling Justin out to the car.

 

*****
 

"So what do you think?" John asked his long time business partner and best friend, Gordon.

"I think you're nuts but then again, how sane am I for being your partner for all these years?" Gordon retorted.

"But do you think we can do it?" John and Gordon were standing outside the apartment building looking at it and the surrounding barren landscape.

"You want to build a small time village in the middle of a big ass city. And you want me to teach a bunch of runaways and hustlers how to build it."

"Yeah, so what do you think?"

Gordon studied his friend's face. "I like it!" Gordon said with a shrug of his brawny shoulders.

"Do you want to go in and take a look at the 'innards'?"

"Nah, you seen one abandoned building, you've seen them all. And heaven only knows what kind of creatures are living in there. I almost wish it were colder; it keeps down the critter factor. I'm more interested in how much of this land you intend to buy up and the plans you've drawn up for it." Gordon thumped John on the forehead.

"How do you know I already drew up plans?"

"How long we been a team?"

John sighed then led Gordon to his Navigator. He opened up the back door to pull out a tube. Taking the blueprints out of the tube, John used the hood of the car as a table.

"I'd like the apartment building to be surrounded by parkland, something to mute the sounds of business. Maybe one of those old fashioned diners on a rail car and the small boutiques, antique stores and a small gallery. Maybe a more upscale café."

"Maybe you can get that Emmett guy to open up a larger bistro," Gordon suggested.

"That's a great idea. The place he has now isn't really set up to serve regular meals. I bet Emmett would jump at the chance."

"There's still a lot of land left over."

"I was thinking of a small parking lot, something quaint, with reserved spots for the apartment building."

"A quaint parking lot?" Gordon gave his friend an incredulous look.

"Something rustic looking." Gordon rolled his eyes. Ignoring the looks, John continued. "Maybe a small clinic, the closest emergency care clinic is on Liberty."

"What else? Do you see the stores all on one street?"

"No, I was hoping to have more on the other streets as well, with nice manicured paths connecting them. You know Brian's friend Michael?"

"Yeah, the little whiny guy."

"That's him. He wanted to open up another comic book store but I don't think he ever did. What if we have a comic-book store? A small book store that sells rare volumes and comics. I bet Danny would run it."

"Danny?"

"Yeah, he's related to Michael in some way. He's a retired drag queen."

"I remember, we did his house. The guy with the hidden garden."

"That's the one. A sweet shoppe, and maybe a small organic market."

"Johnny-boy, aren't you getting ahead of yourself?"

"No, it's the beginning of Spring. I'd like it completed before winter. It'll take all of our crews plus the kids we intend to mentor and whoever we can hire local. And I don't want to use anyone with a cookie cutter mentality. If we own the land outright, we can be particular on who we hire. Aaron and his electrical contractors and that kid Ronny and his master plumber."

"By 'we' you mean...?"

"Me and Bobby. And my brother wants in. The main focus is to provide education towards a trade, and low cost housing for the kids. But there's nothing wrong in making a profit."

"I want in."

"What?"

"You heard me. I want in, me and Betsie."

"But..."

"But nothing. Look, my Betsie has been making a lot of noise lately about us building up a retirement fund, investing in real estate. She's even been thinking of moving."

"Moving? But you've lived in Bridgeton your whole lives! Where would you go? Are you unhappy with our partnership? Do you want to dissolve it?"

"Johnny-boy, you're not listening. First of all I am not unhappy with our partnership. I hope we stay partners and building things until we're a hundred. Secondly, we've always had that small office in Harrisburg but we do more and more of our business here in Pittsburgh. We have crews there and we're developing good crews here. John, my kids are grown. Betsie and me don't need that big old house and she's got family here."

"Are you saying that you'd want to move here? Specifically, right here? On this land?"

"We can have small homes attached to some of the stores. My Betsie always wanted a small flower shop and those kids..."

"What about them?"

"They may need a 'mom.' You know what I mean?"

John thought about the relationship Brian had with Claire, Jennifer and most of all, Debbie. If it wasn't for Debbie, who knows what would have happened to his brother.

"Yeah, I know. So I think we should have a family/corporate meeting. Brian and I will be here on Saturday for a special 'do' at the diner for Hunter and one of his new kids. Why don't you bring the missus over here, show her the land and the plans, then after, meet us at the diner. All the principle players will be there. We can make the proposal then."

"Sounds like a plan."

"My mother will miss you and Betsie. She's known you two since we were all kids."

"I'll miss her too but it's time for me and the little woman to become 'city-fied'!" Gordon joked. Knowing how many degrees Gordon had, John burst out laughing.

"A hick grows in Pittsburgh! Come on, I'll buy you a popover," John offered. The partners and best friends drove to Emmett's.

 

*****
 

"Seth?"

"Hi, sweet stuff," Seth replied into his phone.

"Could we have dinner tonight?" Jennifer asked.

Seth heard the serious tone in her voice. "You know you can have dinner with me any night that you like. But, is everything all right?"

"I think we need to talk."

"Talk?"

"Yes, talk," Jennifer said with a sigh.

"I don't like the sound of this."

"Nothing's wrong, Seth. I need to talk to you, that's all."

"Okay, where? Shall I make a reservation at a restaurant?"

"No, I thought I'd cook. It will be more private here."

"Okay," Seth said uncertainly.

"See you around seven."

"Right," Seth said before hanging up. He definitely did not like the sound of this, not at all.

 

*****
 

"So we're going to go to the diner on Saturday and meet Curtis," Brian explained.

Bree frowned and stopped coloring the picture she was making for school. They had never done anything like that before. They went to the diner and met their friends and family, but Curtis was somebody Bree didn't know at all. And Dada made it sound important. "Is Curtis nice?" she asked.

"I certainly hope so."

"You don't know, Dada?"

"Let's just say we didn't meet under the best circumstances."

"What are cum-stances?" Bree asked batting her eyes at her father.

Brian almost spit out his coffee. "Um … it means that Curtis wasn't on his best behavior the day we met."

"He was a bad boy?" Bree asked innocently.

"Yes, I'm afraid so."

"Then I shouldn't go," Bree said decisively.

"Why?" Brian asked in bewilderment.

"Daddy said I should stay away from bad boys at school."

"That's what Daddy said, was it?" Brian chuckled.

"Yep."

"Well, in this case I want you to meet the bad boy, because he's trying to become a good boy."

"Oh?" Bree said thinking hard whether this would be all right.

"Do you think you could try to help Curtis, Squirt?"

"I try," Bree said immediately. "But how?"

"You remember Dr. Raph and Hector?"

"Yes."

"They want to adopt Curtis."

"What's adopt?"

Brian sighed. Everything was always complicated when he tried to explain something to Bree. She asked such tough questions. "It's when you want to have a child who has no parents of his own live with you," Brian said hoping that was a simple enough explanation. He realized that he had had to adopt Bree to make her officially his daughter. But that was a discussion for another time.

"Where's Curtis' parents?"

"They died."

"Died?" Bree asked her eyes getting huge and filling with tears.

"Yes, a long time ago."

"But what did Curtis do without them?" Bree wanted to know. She looked frightened. She couldn't imagine what she would do without her fathers.

"He lived with his grandfather for a while, and then in a foster home."

"What's a foster home?"

Brian sighed louder. How the fuck did he get into these things? "People who have room in their houses will let kids with no parents live with them. That's a foster home."

"Could we do that? We have room. I share."

Brian snorted. "I don't think so, Squirt. It's all your Daddy and I can do to look after you."

"Oh?"

"So, you're okay with going to meet Curtis on Saturday?"

Bree thought for a moment and then nodded. "I go."

"Good. Come over here."

Bree walked over to her father and he lifted her onto his knee. "I love you, my sweet baby."

"Love you too, Dada," Bree said giving her father a kiss on the cheek and then wrapping her arms around her father's neck. "Dada, you and Daddy won't die and leave me all alone, will you?"

"Never, sweetheart."

"Good! I don't want to live with anybody else." Bree snuggled contentedly against Brian's chest.

Springtime for Justin

Chapter 10

"Come in, Seth," Jennifer said as she opened the front door to her house.

Seth stepped inside and Jennifer closed the door on the chill spring wind that was blowing. "I brought you these," Seth said presenting a bouquet of violets to Jennifer.

"They're beautiful," she stated, a big smile on her face.

"I'm glad you like them."

"I love them." Jennifer gave Seth a kiss on the cheek. "Come on up. Dinner's all ready."

They sat across the table from each other and ate the food that Jennifer had prepared. Seth complimented her on her cooking and she graciously accepted. They made small talk about the weather and Jennifer's sale of a house. Nothing that really dealt with why Seth had been called there.

They took their coffee to the living room when they were finished with dinner. Jennifer sat on the sofa and Seth took the armchair. He sipped his coffee, and then decided it was time. "Why did you ask me here tonight, Jennifer? Are you having second thoughts about … us?"

"Is that what you thought?" Jennifer asked in surprise. Seth nodded. She had thought their relationship was rock solid. "I'm sorry if I gave you that impression."

"Then what is going on? This wasn't your usual invitation to dinner."

"No, I guess it wasn't."

"So, tell me."

"You remember the day you asked me where we would live when we got married?"

"Yes, and you got very upset with me for pushing you."

"Yes, I guess I did. I'm sorry about that."

Seth nodded. "So, what does that have to do with tonight?"

"It's kind of a long story."

"Go ahead. I haven't had any better offers today."

Jennifer realized that Seth was rather ticked with her and seemed to be expecting the worst. Her first instinct was to comfort him and tell him everything was all right. But, she also realized that if she did that, she might never get out what she wanted to say. She could comfort Seth later. That made her smile.

"What are you smiling at?" Seth asked perking up at the expression now on Jennifer's face. She had been so somber and quiet all evening.

"I'll tell you later," Jennifer informed him. "But first I want you to listen to what I have to say."

"Okay." Seth took another sip of his coffee and waited.

"I went to talk to Debbie after that day. I wanted to know how she and Carl decided where to live."

"Did she have anything enlightening to say?"

"Debbie always has enlightening things to say … if you really listen."

Seth nodded. He had started to learn that. Once you could get past the brash exterior, Debbie was a very smart woman.

"She told me that they had thought it didn't really matter where they lived. She tried living at Carl's for a while, but she was homesick for her own place."

"So you want to live here?" Seth asked, drawing that conclusion.

"No, I'm not saying that. She told me that it came down to a question of where they would be happiest. Carl didn't have the same attachment to his home. He was okay with giving it up, so that Debbie would be happy in her house."

"And what did that tell you?" Seth asked with a frown.

"It told me that if you really care about someone, you take their feelings into account. That's what is most important. Seth, where we live doesn't really matter, because I have no great attachment to this house, and I don't think you do to your condo."

"No, I don't," Seth admitted. "Are we getting a new place?" he asked hopefully.

Jennifer smiled radiantly. "I think that might be the plan."

Seth grinned at her and started to get up.

"Wait," Jennifer said, holding up her hand. "I have one more thing to say."

Seth dropped back into his chair. "Go ahead."

"You are the most patient man," Jennifer smiled. "Thank you."

"I try."

"I love you for that."

"I'm glad to hear it."

"When all this happened, it made me realize something else," Jennifer said returning to her serious demeanor.

"What's that?"

"I'm afraid I've been playing at being in love and getting engaged."

"Playing?" Seth asked, concern written all over his face.

"Yes, I hadn't really thought about what getting married and sharing my life with you would mean. That's why the 'where will we live?' question took me so off guard. I hadn't thought that far into the future. I hadn't realized what being with you might mean."

"Did it scare you away?"

"At first, it did … a little bit."

"And now?"

"And now, I think I'm ready to make plans. I want us to do this together. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want everything that being married entails."

"Jennifer," Seth said choking up. He quickly joined her on the sofa and pulled her into his arms. "I love you."

"I love you too, Seth Harris. I want to make a life with you. I don't want to be alone anymore."

"Those are the sweetest words I could ever hope to hear."

Jennifer decided it was time to comfort her man. "What about these?" Jennifer asked in her most seductive voice. "Come up to my bedroom."

"Even better," Seth laughed. He took her hand and they headed upstairs.

 

*****
 

"Dada, how do you spell Curtis?"

"Curtis?"

"Yes."

"Why do you want to know?"

"I'm making Curtis a card."

"You are?"

Bree bobbed her head. "He must be lonely without his parents. I made him a rainbow card."

"Good girl. Do you want me to print 'Curtis' for you?" Brian offered.

"Nope, I can do it, but I don't know how to spell it."

"C-u-r-t-i-s," Brian spelled.

"Thanks, Dada."

"Are you going to show me the card?"

"Nope."

"Why not?" Brian asked.

"It's for Curtis."

"Oh."

Bree ran back to the sun porch where her little worktable was located. Brian shook his head once again at the little girl they were raising.

 

*****
 

"Your daughter asked me a lot of questions today," Brian stated with a bit of a scowl on his face. He hated when Bree asked him a lot of questions. He was never certain if he'd answer them properly or get himself into deep trouble, especially with a certain blond boy ass.

"Why is it when Bree asks you important questions, she becomes MY daughter?" Edna's Treasures was quiet. The kids were tucked into their beds and the adults were getting ready for bed too.

"Because 'mister 1500's on my SAT's' you have to go and have a daughter who is just as smart as you are! She was asking me all sorts of things!" Brian said with a bit of a pout as he leaned back against the headboard then crossed his arms on top of his chest.

"Brian, you're channeling Michael again," Justin snarked as he slowly removed his clothing, making a small show for his very put upon spouse in hopes of getting a rise out of him.

Brian arched his brow then unfolded his arms. A small smirk began to splay across his mouth as he took in the 'show' with much appreciation. Before the 'show' led to its inevitable conclusion, Justin had a few points to make.

"Bri, Bree told me what you had discussed with her, about the meaning of adoption and fostering and that we hope everything turns out well for Curtis. You said all the right things. Don't ever doubt yourself, Brian, you are a great father. I know sometimes you don't believe that and I guess maybe some of that's my fault. We take on this 'good cop-bad cop' routine with Bree and as much as I complain about it, I'm the one who's allowed it right from the start. But you are the most compassionate, wisest and most protective father our daughter could ever want or need."

Justin had snuggled next to Brian, getting right into his face. He knew Brian would turn his face away at hearing Justin's compliments.

"Don't turn away; it's important you hear me and listen. I know our age difference has always bothered you but I was a child when we first met. A child trying to be twenty-five. We made a lot of mistakes, but you were more of a father to me than Craig ever was. You made me make choices, good and bad, and taught me I had to live with the consequences, just like you did. I may not have liked it but it made me a man, the best homosexual I could be. And that's the kind of father you are to Bree and Gus."

Brian raised that Kinney brow and Justin giggled. Justin knew his spouse so well.

"Asshole. And Bree is not going to be the best homosexual she can be." Justin gently smacked Brian across his flat tummy. "But with your guidance, Bree will grow up wise and compassionate."

"And too smart for her own good," Brian added as an offhanded compliment to Justin.

"Way too smart. She's probably smarter than the two of us put together."

"Jus, I know I spoil her but she deserves it. She's a good girl. If Gus was here, I'd spoil him too. I never want any of our kids, Patrick and JR included, to ever feel like they're unworthy of love and respect, just because they may be different or come from a diverse family."

"I know, my big Smoosh. And that's what makes you a great father. You take care of the kids and you take care of me." Justin cuddled closer.

"Justin, I'm not your father," Brian said with all seriousness. He hated to be lumped together with Craig Taylor. The bastard could never really change.

"Never said you were, but I will never stop worshiping at your feet because you are a great role model, so beautiful and made to be worshiped," the artist said, as he gave Brian a kiss to his lips then slowly descended.

Justin feathered gentle kisses down Brian's chest, his much abused tummy and his cock. Instead of stopping at the infamous organ, Justin continued his journey, ending at Brian's elegant feet. Justin began his passionate and thorough worship of Brian, there, at his lover's feet.

 

*****
 

"John, what's wrong?" John and Bobby were doing their own worshiping of bodies at their side of the cottage. John seemed a little preoccupied.

"Nothing, just thinking."

"About?"

"The 'Village' project."

"This is very serious."

"How do you mean?"

"Well, when we were first working on the Jason Kemp Center, you'd refer to it as the 'clinic' project. Even in its most rudimentary stage. You're already referring to this as the 'Village' project. It's as good as done."

"You have a lot of faith in me."

"And it's not misplaced. You want to do this then you'll do it."

"Do you think I'm being foolish or idealistic about this? Is it too farfetched to build a small town in the middle of a city?"

"Babe, in the middle of one of the busiest, biggest cities in the world is 843 acres of forest and park land. So why can't you have a village in the middle of Pittsburgh?"

"Gordon and Betsie want to live there. She wants a flower shop," John said with a sigh.

"What's wrong with a flower shop?" Bobby asked with a chuckle. John made a face. "You're just jealous that you don't have a wife that wants a flower shop."

"You're nuts, you know that?"

"Yup, part of my charm." John rolled onto Bobby, covering the smaller man with his body.

"I can't resist your charms," John purred.

"You just want your way with me."

"Can you tell?"

"Yes, I'm very perceptive and your hard-on is pressing on my abdomen."

"I guess I'm obvious."

"But I love you anyway. Make love to me, John. I want to feel you inside me and all around me," Bobby purred.

John made gentle love to his partner.

 

*****
 

"Mmm," Jennifer purred into Seth's ear.

"You sound like a contented kitten," Seth commented as he drew the petite blond close.

"I am content, content and very satisfied."

In spite of himself, Seth could not stop himself from smiling smugly.

"You can take that smug look off your face now," Jennifer commented.

"The light is off, how do you know I have a smug look on my face?"

"Because, my love, my number one son-in-law, aka Brian Kinney, can be the king of smugness when he chooses. I know the signs."

Seth chuckled softly in the dark. "You have a very unique family."

"Yes, I do and I'd be lost without them."

"Then I hope I can do them justice."

"You will, you already do. I love you, Seth Harris."

"I love you, Jennifer Taylor."

The newly affianced couple kissed then snuggled down to sleep.

 

*****
 

“Curtis,” Hunter began, “we’re all set for Saturday. The ‘family’ will all be there.”

The center was fairly quiet, settling down for the night. A few of the older kids were playing video games in the common room as the younger ones were getting ready for bed.

“Family?”

“Yes.” Hunter explained the connection between each child and the parents.

“That’s a lot of parents,” Curtis exclaimed.

“I never looked at it that way. I guess we do have a lot of parents and a large extended family. I was there when they brought Briana home. Brian met Justin the night Gus was born. I was about sixteen when I met Ben and Michael. Debbie’s been the only grandmother I’ve ever known and a surrogate mother to Brian for years. Danny is really JR’s grandfather but I know how much he loves Gus too. And we’ve become very close. We’re all connected in some way.”

“I wish...” Curtis hesitated; he hated to appear so needy.

“What do you wish, Curtis?” Hunter encouraged the boy.

“Even when Mama and Grandpa were alive, our family was very small. We had some nice neighbors but no other relatives. Mama was an only child and grandpa never remarried. I’ve never known a big family. I kinda wish I knew what it was all about. Do you know what I mean?”

“Yes, I know,” Hunter said as he sat on the edge of Curtis’ cot. “I was out on the street for a long time. My only real family was my mother. I had lots of ‘uncles’ for a while when my mother had her looks, but none of them wanted to stick around or get stuck with someone else’s kid. When Ben and Michael adopted me I wound up with so much family it was scary at first. Debbie is…is, well, she’s hard to describe. You met Carl, he’s cool for a cop, ex-cop. Ben is the sweetest, gentlest, wisest man I’ve ever known. And Michael, he’s my dad. Mel, she’s fearless; she was my lawyer too when my mom tried to sue Michael to get me back. And Lindsay is so pretty, a very talented artist and has a lot of common sense.”

Hunter stopped talking for a few moments as he reminisced about his extended family.

“And Mr. Brian? He looks mean,” Curtis asked softly.

“Brian? Nah, he’s a big pussy cat, but don’t ever cross him or mess with his family. He’ll find a way to cut you down to size. No one will ever say this out loud, but we all look up to Brian in some way and go to him when there’s a problem we can’t solve, because he’ll be there, helping in any way he can.”

“But I’ve already crossed him,” Curtis said very worriedly.

“And he’s forgiven you and wants to see you happy. Now it’s late. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Curtis snuggled down into his bed and went to sleep. He was going to have a very busy Saturday.

Springtime for Justin

Chapter 11

“Aaaaaccchhhoooo!” Justin let out a very loud, cottage shaking sneeze as he was furiously painting. His hand slipped, making his yellow crocus dip onto his grape hyacinth. Justin was not happy.

“Fuck!” Justin let out a long line of curses as well as sneezes. “God damn it, when is this going to end!” He was about to throw his paint laden brush out the sun porch door when Brian came up from behind, grabbing his arm before the brush went flying. Twisting Justin around and looking deeply into his lover’s eyes, Brian kissed Justin thoroughly, removed the offending paint brush. He then stuck some tissues in Justin’s hand.

“This has to stop, Bri. I’m miserable,” Justin whined pitifully in between snuffles and blowing his nose.

“I know, sonny boy, and it will, once we find out what you’ve been doing differently,” Brian said softly as he gently caressed Justin’s blond mane. Over the years Justin kept his hair a little on the long side. It was sometimes inconvenient and he never got over the ‘Meg Ryan’ crack, but Justin realized how tactile Brian had grown. Burying his long fingers into Justin’s hair could be comforting when he needed it and very sensual as they made love.

And right now, Justin needed all the comfort he could get.

Brian maneuvered Justin onto the chaise for a short break so he could get his sneezing under control. Brian handed Justin a glass of juice and another allergy pill. As they sat, Brian stared out the sun porch door. The garden was a blaze of color. It was still early Spring. In the distance Brian could see some patches of stubborn but melting snow. The branches on the trees surrounding their land were yellow-green with the buds of new leaves. Brian could almost see the whirls of pollen catching on each breeze as it wafted past the cottage. It was beautiful and yet very annoying at the same time. He wished he could do something to help his lover other than handing him more pills.

“I ruined my painting,” Justin said in a dejected tone. Brian thought him so adorably cute that he had to hold back a chuckle.

“How?”

“My crocus is bent; it looks like my grape hyacinth is wearing a hat,” Justin protested.

“Come with me,” Brian instructed as he took Justin’s hand to lead him out to the gardens. When they came to a border of flowers, Brian pointed down. The flowers were fading away now, giving way to the next in line to bloom but there were still a few crocus left standing next to their partners the grape hyacinth, many bent over as they withered away.

“It’s okay if your flower wears a hat,” Brian explained, trying to be supportive and sensitive. Brian may have a ‘cut throat’ rep in business; however, his close family knew his real nature.

Justin gazed up into the hopeful hazel eyes of his spouse, his own blue eyes tinged red from irritation and yet sparkling with love.

“Thank you,” Justin murmured as he threw his arms around Brian, hugging the one person who knew him so well. As they stood hugging, Justin noticed a large bag off to the side of the sun porch. Next to the bag was the bucket that held all of Brian’s garden tools and implements.

“What’s that stuff?” Justin indicated the bag.

“Oh, that’s a new fertilizer I’ve been trying out. The man at the garden center said it was as good as manure but without the smell. They somehow de-stink the cow shit. Why?”

“How long have you been using it?”

“Since I started getting the garden in shape. It’s supposed to have all the nutrients the garden will need especially after this long winter. Instead of using a lot of different products I only use the one. I thought it was convenient.”

“Sounds like it,” Justin said as he approached the bag cautiously. Brian was very careful when he handled any kind of chemical, always reading the precautions and never using them when he gardened with Bree and Patrick. And they were stowed separately in the shed in their own locked cabinet John had made for just that purpose. Brian was going to put down some fertilizer while the kids were in school.

As Justin got closer, his sneezing became more violent.

“Shit!” Brian yelled, turning Justin around toward the house. “That’s close enough. I’m getting rid of that stuff today. I’m so sorry, Sunshine. Here I’m thinking it’s some new paint or the pollen but it’s my fucking fertilizer! I’m going back to the old stuff immediately. Cow stink or no cow stink, you being miserable is just not worth it.”

Brian continued his tirade as he made Justin comfortable on the chaise and brought him another glass of juice and a trayload of snacks. Seeing his spouse was well situated, Brian continued his fussing and mumbling as he went to change his clothes. When he re-emerged from their room, Brian was wearing his oldest rattiest clothing he could find. Armed with his gloves and several plastic garbage bags, Brian went out to attack the offending fertilizer.

Justin watched his warrior from the safety of his perch on the lounge chair, wearing his sunniest smile.

“Hey, Jus, what’s going on out there?” John was working from home up in his office. He had the plans of the ‘Village’ project just about complete and a proposal written up by Bobby. They had an appointment early the following week with the city planners to discuss the proposal.

“My knight in shining armor just discovered what’s been making my allergies act up so badly lately. He’s attacking the problem.”

“What was it?” John asked. They both could hear Brian muttering about dangerous chemicals and assholes trying to hurt his spouse and what he planned to do about it. None of it sounded pleasant. Some of it sounded downright painful. “Ouch,” John said as he chuckled.

Justin giggled. “Apparently, it’s the new fertilizer the garden center sold to Brian. It’s supposed to be like cow manure but without the smell,” Justin explained.

They fell silent as they watched Brian, man on a mission, double bag the chemical then begin to hose down the garden and the paths.

“Jus, I grew up with cows and horses and other than an occasional cow pie,” John stated poignantly looking at Justin, “you can’t beat good old fashioned manure.”

Brian was done with his mission. He made a mental note to speak with the lawn service he and Emmett used, just in case they used the same fertilizer and placed a call to Rachel as well. Before winding up the hose, Brian stripped down to his underwear, bagged the old clothes for the trash then hosed himself down. He threw his old clothes away then made a beeline for the shower. Brian was taking no chances.

“Problem solved,” Justin said from the chaise, his heart filled with love for his man.

“Problem solved,” John said proudly from his balcony. His brother never ceased to amaze him.

John went back to his drafting table as Justin went back to his easel.

 

*****
 

“Holy hamburger!” Lacy exclaimed as she approached the comic book store. There was a line of kids out the door going halfway down the block.

“What’s going on?” Lacy asked one of the kids as she got closer to the front door.

“The new issue of Rage is out and he’s NOT dead! He and Zephyr just kicked some major homophobic ass and there’s a new hero. He’s got a weird name but who cares. He’s got this wicked sucker punch.” The kid was so enthusiastic about the comic that Lacy couldn’t believe her ears.

As Lacy got closer to the door, Danny yelled out for her. “Lacy, help!”

Lacy dumped her backpack behind the counter then started to take money from the next customer. “Are they all here to buy Rage?” she asked still not believing.

“Yeah!” Michael said. “He told me to triple the order and boy am I glad I listened,” Michael said as he rang up sale after sale after sale of the popular comic.

“Who said?” Lacy asked. She was taking money from kids who had exact change. Danny was opening up another box of Rage.

“Brian!” Michael and Danny said together.

“But how’d he know it was going to be a hit?” Lacy’s head was reeling. The kids all seemed to love the comic. The customers were mostly boys but there were a few girls and Lacy made it a point to be kind and supportive to them.

“Because Brian is....Brian, and he just knows these things.” Michael still worshiped his hero. Brian would always be Rage to Michael.

“Lacy, I’ve been listening to the kids,” Danny said softly to the hesitant artist. “They all love the issue and the new hero. You should be very proud of yourself. You’ve learned your lessons well and it shows.” Danny encouraged the girl.

“Wow,” was all that Lacy could say as she wrote up another receipt.

Lacy hadn’t planned on staying at the comic book store until it closed later that night but Michael and Danny needed the help. By closing time Michael knew he had sold out his usually shipped amount, the second order was gone too. They had already sold about a quarter of the third order. If it continued, this issue of Rage would be gone by the close of business day tomorrow.

“Michael, I called the printer; there’s a rush order from all your distributors for more comics. And the online store almost crashed because of all the hits it’s been getting.” Danny was very proud of his son and of Lacy.

“That’s amazing!” Michael exclaimed.

“Yes it is, but Michael, it’ll be the next issue that will really mean something,” Lacy tried to explain.

“What do you mean?” Michael said indignantly. He didn’t want anyone raining on his parade.

“I get it,” Danny nodded.

“What do you get? Rage is still very popular,” Michael spat.

“Of course he is, but the rumors regarding this last issue have been flying around for months. Everyone wanted to find out if you really killed off Rage. Now that they know he’s alive and well and living in Gayopolis, it’ll be the sale of the next issue that will indicate Rage’s continued popularity.” Danny tried to put it gently so not to anger the very defensive Michael.

“Oh,” was all that Michael could say.

“Don’t worry, Michael. Rage and Zephyr will save the day with another kick-ass issue,” Lacy said with a big smile.

“Yeah, they will … and with Sateeena!”

Michael took several issues of the latest Rage to set aside for later to give to his ‘special’ customers and to keep for himself in his own collection. And for Justin, he knew that Justin had his own collection of their comic. Michael realized that Justin would never fully walk away from Rage; he couldn’t. They both loved Rage and the man who inspired it.

They helped Michael lock up the store then Danny drove Lacy over to Deb’s.

“Have you decided when you’re going to move out of Debbie’s?” Danny asked the very quiet and thinking Lacy. She looked up at Danny, astounded.

“How did you know?”

“It’s not hard to figure out. You must make decent wages at the diner, and you probably got a nice chunk of change from Rage. I realize you have other expenses but with a roommate you’d be able to swing a small apartment someplace.”

“I have been thinking about it. You know Katerina?” Danny nodded. “We’ve been seeing each other, as much as we can. She’s going to graduate soon and she already works at the hospital as an LPN. She’ll get a nice raise when she becomes a registered nurse. Between the two of us we can get an apartment.”

“You two serious?”

“I’m not sure. We’re very close friends and I really, really like her. She’s so pretty.”

“Lacy, you are very pretty too when you’re not hiding under your baseball cap.”

Lacy looked almost insulted at the thought of being pretty. That made Danny chuckle, then he qualified his statement. “Pretty for butch, I mean. Brian owns the building where Hunter lives, I’m sure if there’s a vacancy he’ll rent it to the both of you at a reasonable cost. We’re having a family meeting on Saturday at the diner.”

“I know, Hunter told me all about it.”

“Then you know that Brian will be there. Talk to him.”

“Okay, I will. But that leaves another problem,” Lacy said with a sigh as they pulled up in front of the house.

“What’s that?”

“Debbie, how do I break the news to her that I want to move out?”

“Kiddo, you’re on your own with that one. Not even Rage can help you there.”

They both cracked up with laughter as they said goodnight. Danny watched as Lacy went inside.

 

*****
 

Craig arrived home at his usual time. He kissed his wife, smiling fondly at her as the savory aromas of dinner hit his nose. He went to their bedroom to change then began to sift through the mail. A pale pink envelope with neat elegant gold script immediately caught his eye.

“Honey, what’s this?” Craig held up the envelope, waving it in the air in Susan’s general direction.

“Not sure. It’s addressed to both of us so I thought I’d wait until you came home before opening it.” Craig admired his wife’s self control; he’d never wait. “Why don’t you open and it find out.”

“I hope it’s not another wedding. I could go broke buying all those gifts,” Craig griped.

“That’s because you always think you have to outdo the next guy. If you just buy what’s in your heart and within your budget, you wouldn’t feel that way,” Susan explained reasonably.

Craig grunted as he carefully opened the envelope then read the invitation:

 

Mr. Justin Taylor and Mr. Brian Kinney would be honored if you would join them
in celebrating the 5th birthday of Miss Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor.

When: Saturday, April 15th

Where: Edna’s Treasures

Time: 1 PM

RSVP: By April 7th
 

Included in the envelope were the directions and a small map.

“Well, I’ll be damned!” Craig was stunned. Then he handed the invitation to Susan.

“You want to go, don’t you? Your granddaughter doesn’t turn five every day and we’ve never seen their home.”

“Of course I want to go. This is a special birthday,” Craig stated, trying to make himself believe that he could be a part of Bree’s life if he chose to.

“Honey, Briana’s your only grandchild until Molly and Owen decide to have one. Every birthday is a special birthday. Let’s have dinner then we can discuss it further.”

During dinner their discussion continued.

“So do I call them to accept the invitation?” Susan asked her husband.

“Yes,” Craig answered, still uncertain. “Do you think this invitation is for real? We’ve never been invited to anything before. What if this is a mistake or some cruel joke.”

“Craig, Justin would never do that. He may not like you at times but he still loves you. There isn’t a cruel bone in his body.”

“I’m not thinking about Justin.” Craig was thinking Brian but he refused to say the man’s name out loud.

“Craig, Brian is not vindictive,” Susan assured her husband. “Would you like me to call?”

“Would you think me a coward if I said yes?”

“Not at all. I call Justin all the time. He won’t think it unusual. I’ll do it now.” Susan got up from the dinner table to make the call.

“Hello?”

“Justin? It’s Susan, how are you?”

“I’m fine. How are you and Craig?”

“We’re good.”

“Did you get our invitation?”

“Yes, it came in today’s mail.” Susan turned toward Craig and rolled her eyes. The invitation was genuine. “We’d love to come. Five years old, she’s practically a young lady.”

“Don’t I know it! Right now she’s helping Brian make the dinner rolls. Or it could be the other way around; I honestly don’t know.”

“In that case, I won’t keep you. We’ll see you on the fifteenth. And Justin, thank you.”

“I’m glad you’re both coming. I mean that, Susan.”

“I know that, sweetheart. What should we bring?”

“Just yourselves.”

“Okay. You kiss your little princess for me.”

“I will. Good night, Susan.”

“Good night, Justin.” Susan hung up the phone then rejoined Craig at the table. “Done. No joke, Craig. He asked if we received the invitation. They want us there.”

Craig got a little choked up but kept his composure.

“They really want me there.”

“Yes, honey, they do. Justin has never stopped loving you. He wants you to be a part of Bree’s life.”

“That’s what I want too. But...”

“No buts, Craig. We’ll be going to their home and I imagine there will be a lot of diverse guests. Promise me you’ll behave. Insulting your host and his partner won’t be tolerated.”

“No, I can’t imagine it would be. And I suppose Jennifer and her new man will be there too,” Craig grumbled.

“Yes, they should be there. Bree is Jennifer’s granddaughter too.”

“Christ! I don’t know what’s worse, having to socialize with my ex-wife and her fiancée or my son’s partner.”

“Craig, quit bitching, just close your eyes and think of England,” Susan snarked as she cleared the dinner table leaving a stunned Craig Taylor to ponder the situation.

“Et tu, Susan?”

“Craig, this is a birthday party for a five year old, not a bacchanal. You will behave yourself, you will be polite and you will have a good time.”

Craig gaped at his wife. ‘She who must be obeyed,’ he thought. “Yes, dear,” Craig said contritely then began to wash the dishes.

Springtime for Justin

Chapter 12

Brian was brushing Bree’s hair and making it perfect for their trip to Pittsburgh to meet Curtis Samuels and the rest of the family at the Liberty Diner.

“Will Curtis like me?” Bree asked out of the blue.

“Of course he’ll like you, Squirt,” Brian said as he added the finishing touches to her hair.

Bree frowned and bit her bottom lip, a practice she had just recently taken up. Brian turned her around to admire his handiwork with her hair. He noticed the lip partly sucked into her mouth.

“What’s wrong?” he asked her gently.

“I might not like Curtis,” she said with the honesty of an almost five year old.

“And why is that?” Brian asked.

“I don’t know. You said Curtis was … different.”

“He’s not so different,” Brian said quickly trying to reassure the little one. “He’s not quite as old as Gus and I’m sure he’ll be on his best behavior.”

Bree sucked on her lip some more. “Gus will be there?”

“Yes, Gus and JR and Hunter.”

“Is that all?”

“No, most of the rest of the family too.”

“Gamma Debbie?”

“Yep.”

“At the diner?”

“That’s right.”

“Okay,” Bree said.

“Just okay?” Brian asked with a chuckle.

Bree bobbed her head in affirmation. “I go. I get my card for Curtis.” She ran out to the sun porch to find the card she had made.

“Are you all done with Bree’s hair?” Justin asked as he came from the bedroom.

“Yeah, are you sure you can afford the time away from your painting to go to this shindig.”

"Now that my allergies aren't driving me insane, I can afford a few hours. And you convinced me I could save my crocus and grape hyacinth, so I don't have to repaint. I am entitled to a life, you know," Justin stated.

“Just so this break doesn’t cut into our time for fucking,” Brian smirked.

“That’s always number one on my list of priorities,” Justin laughed, pulling Brian off his chair and into a passionate kiss to make his point.

“Ready,” Bree said as she bounced back in from the sun porch carrying her card in her hand.

Brian groaned. “Then off to Pittsburgh we go.”

Since John and Bobby were going to be a part of Hunter’s scheme as ‘examples’ of same sex couples, the members of Edna’s Treasures decided to ride into Pittsburgh together with John driving his Navigator. Their conversation was pleasant although very muted.

“Shit!” Brian stated loudly. “We’re going to the fucking diner not a funeral. I’m not going to pretend that I’m something I’m not,” Brian stated the obvious. “How do I get myself into these things?” Brian grumbled. The adults silently agreed with Brian. Brian always had the balls to say what was on his mind.

“What’s wrong, Dada?” Bree wasn’t sure why her Dada was angry.

“Nothing, Squirt. It’s just me shooting off my mouth again,” Brian said calmly trying to waylay any of Bree’s fears. He knew she was already nervous about meeting Curtis. Brian was too.

“Brian, we can turn around and go home,” John said as he glanced at his brother via the rearview mirror.

“No, we can’t let Hunter down. Besides, if Raphael and Hector want to join the ranks of parenthood, who am I to thwart their efforts. And I’d like to hear what Gordon has to say about your ‘Village’ project.”

“It’s not my ‘Village’ project,” John protested.

“No?” Brian asked with an arch of his brow. “I’m not the one who’s ready with all sorts of plans and proposals and ready to sink the family fortune into this project even before he knows that he’s going to get the permits,” Brian snarked nonchalantly.

“I, um...” John sputtered.

“Brian, stop picking on my husband,” Bobby rose to defend his spouse. “You want in just as much as John wants this, if only for John and Hunter’s sake. So quit yer bitchin!”

“Sir, yes, sir!” Brian saluted from the back seat. The conversation for the rest of the ride into the Pitts remained lighthearted.

 

*****
 

Hunter picked up Curtis from the vet clinic at around 1:30; they wanted to get to the diner early to pick out the best spot to observe the ‘family’ as they entered the diner. Raphael and Hector waved them off, hoping that when they met Hunter and Curtis later, they would have cause for celebration.

“What if they don’t like me?” Curtis asked as Hunter parked his Cherokee.

“That’s not the point. We’re here so that you can get an idea of what it would be like living with same sex parents on a more permanent basis.”

“But it would be nice if they liked me,” Curtis mumbled worriedly.

The jingling of the bell over the door announced their arrival into the Liberty Avenue Diner.

“So this is the little shit who’s been causing all the ruckus lately!” Debbie screeched loudly. Hunter rolled his eyes at his grandmother as Curtis looked for a place to run and hide. Debbie strode over, gave Hunter a kiss then carefully scrutinized Curtis. “Has he been eating? He’s too skinny,” Debbie commented.

“He has a name, Deb. Curtis, I’d like to introduce you to Mrs. Debbie Novotny-Horvath, my grandmother, and also chief waitress and hostess around here. Deb, this is Curtis Samuels.”

Curtis slowly extended his hand to Debbie. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Horvath,” Curtis stammered softly.

“Oh, sweetheart.” Debbie latched onto Curtis’ hand then hugged the lost boy to her bosom, rocking Curtis gently in her arms. “You poor little thing, you call me Debbie; you’re one of us now.”

“Deb, ease up, will ya? The kid needs to breathe,” Hunter counseled.

“Oh hush, I know when someone needs a hug.” Debbie slowly relinquished the boy then directed the two to the back booth. “Lacy, will be right over.” Debbie wiped away an errant tear then tended to her other customers.

“That’s your grandmother?” Curtis asked with wide eyes.

“Yup, the one and only. If you have Debbie on your side, the rest is a piece of cake. No one, not anyone, even the cops, will mess with Debbie. Here comes Lacy.”

“Hi, kid, it’s nice to meet you under better circumstances,” Lacy said as she placed two glasses of water on the table for them. “My name is Lacy. I’m glad you met up with Hunter. He saved me and a lot of other kids like us. He won’t steer you wrong.”

“I’m Curtis, and thank you for helping me that day.” Curtis handed Lacy a bag. It held the raincoat, scarf and gloves Lacy had given Curtis. Curtis had them all cleaned before returning them to their rightful owner.

“It’s not necessary...”

“I’m working to pay back everything I, I stole,” Curtis said as he felt his face grow hot.

“You didn’t steal these things; I gave them to you, but I understand. Thank you. So, what’ll you guys have?” Lacy took the pen from behind her ear to take down their order.

The bell jingled; Brian and brood entered.

“Took you long enough, asshole,” Debbie said loudly as she grabbed Brian’s neck to pull him down. She gave him a lipsticky kiss then a cuff to his head.

“Oh, Maw,” Brian griped as his swiped away the lipstick.

“Don’t you ‘oh maw’ me, where are my kids?!” Debbie demanded as she looked past Brian for Bree and Patrick.

“Here we are, Gamma Debbie!” Bree answered as she ran into Debbie’s waiting arms. Bree had Patrick in tow. Debbie stooped over to hug both children.

While the children occupied Debbie, Brian led his family to a booth. They were getting settled as Hunter brought over Curtis and made the introductions. Curtis was amazed, as were many, at the twin-like resemblance the brothers had. Brian had an amused expression at this third meeting with Curtis. John and Bobby greeted the boy warmly. Justin, while polite, remained somewhat aloof. He had not quite gotten over that this boy had attacked his spouse at knifepoint.

Debbie finally let go of Bree and Patrick so they could sit with their parents. She placed their orders then joined Hunter at his table.

The bell jingled as Lindsay, Melanie and JR came in.

“JR!” Bree shouted as she squirmed down from her seat to greet her brother’s sister. The two girls giggled as girls do, age span notwithstanding. The girls liked each other and got along well.

“Melanie!” Brian bellowed, “Where is my son?” Gus hadn’t arrived with them.

“Kinney, keep your shirt on; he’ll be here. He stopped off at the comic book store. Michael saved him a copy of Rage. The latest issue sold out in less than two days. Even with the triple order that someone very smart recommended Michael should order.”

Brian dipped his head at Mel’s compliment. Brian had a feeling that this issue would do well and had urged his friend to triple the order.

“He had to place another order with the printers,” Lindsay said proudly. “Justin, Lacy, Michael’s so happy.” Justin’s smile lit up the diner, so did Lacy’s.

Another jingle signaled the arrival of Gus, Danny, Michael and Ben.

“Hey, Pop!” Gus greeted his father who had gotten up and out of his booth so he could properly greet his son. The Kinney men were almost the same height with the same brunet hair and hazel eyes. Gus’ face held his mother’s serenity and sweet countenance. They were quite striking and beautiful to behold. The boys of Liberty were abuzz with admiration.

“Hey, Sonny Boy,” Brian stated as he bussed his son’s temple.

“GUUSSS!” The little girl, with a shout worthy of Debbie, streaked over to her brother.

“Hey, short stuff.” Gus swept his little sister into his arms then twirled her around as she giggled with delight.

Hunter leaned over to Curtis explaining each connection the extended family held. Gus joined his sister in his father’s booth as Ben, Michael and Danny joined Hunter and Curtis.

The afternoon was calm and pleasant. Unbeknownst to Curtis, he was being warmly accepted into the fold. The bell jingled again announcing Joan, Jennifer and Seth’s arrival. They were each greeted enthusiastically by everyone. Joan beamed as Bree and Gus paid particular attention to her.

“Gamma Joan, you coming to my birthday party?” Bree asked sweetly.

“Of course, Briana, I wouldn’t miss it. Your Gamma Jennifer and her gentleman have already offered to drive me. We’ll all be there.”

Bree gave Joan a brilliant smile then went to thank her Gamma Jenn.

As the family socialized, the conversation naturally led to Bree’s up and coming birthday party.

“Justin, Sidney really wants you to be at the opening in Chicago,” Lindsay reminded Justin.

“I know, Linds, but it’s just so hard. I’ll be home for her real birthday but I want to be there with all of our family and friends. That means so much to me. It’s important, and Linds, my father is coming,” Justin confided.

“Oh Justin, that’s wonderful. Of course you have to be there. I’ll speak to Sidney.”

“Try to make him understand, Lindsay. This may never happen again. I have to be there.”

“I will, Justin.” Justin needed a little air. Lindsay watched as he walked out the diner door.

“What just happened?” Brian asked Lindsay. He had witnessed the whole exchange.

“Bree’s birthday party. Justin just told me that Craig is coming. Brian, Justin really needs to be at that gallery opening. The timing is so right, especially with Rage’s popularity still strong.”

“But...”

“I know, that’s the point. Lacy has been groomed by Justin. So many young artists are encouraged by Justin’s success and his encouragement of them. As Sidney put it, Justin’s successes are all our successes. But he can’t be in two places at once, can he?”

“Linds, what time is the opening?”

“It’s set for nine that Saturday night. Sidney and the gallery owner will be there doing their usual speeches then introducing the featured artists.”

“Justin will be up last?”

“Yes.”

“So that should be by ten.”

“Probably, you know how long winded Sidney can be at times. But even you can’t work a miracle of time,” Lindsay said as she gave Brian a kiss to his cheek.

“Maybe, I can,” Brian mumbled then went to find his spouse.

“Are all these people related in some way?” Curtis whispered to Hunter.

“Yes, we are,” Hunter said proudly.

“Curtis, we can be an intimidating bunch,” Ben added. “They scared me too, when I first met them.” Ben smiled warmly. His gentle tones were very calming to Curtis.

“Yeah, especially my Ma,” Michael contributed. “She didn’t think Ben and I were a good match but we’ve been married for thirteen years now.”

“Married?” Curtis asked in wonderment. So many of the kids Curtis went to school with came from broken homes and they were supposed to be ‘normal’.

“Yes, we got married when we went to Canada,” Ben stated with pride. “Lindsay and Melanie had a commitment ceremony as did John and Bobby and Brian and Justin. We’ve all been together for a lot of years.”

“Ben and Michael adopted me and gave me the first real home I ever had,” Hunter said with so much love in his voice. “It’s not easy having two fathers. They were always fussing at me,” Hunter groused but the love in his voice gave away his true sentiments.

“Us, not easy! I could tell you stories,” Michael protested.

“But you won’t, will you, daddy dearest?” Hunter joked as he batted his eyes at Michael. Michael just rolled his. Curtis looked at Danny for an explanation.

“Don’t look at me, I just recently joined this family and I’m only the grandfather,” Danny laughed.

“Boy, this is confusing.” Curtis shook his head.

Melanie then came over to speak with her client. “Curtis, Karen and Hunter have been giving me progress reports. You’ve worked off your debts and are catching up with your school work. I’m impressed,” Melanie stated with her usual business-like manner.

“I’m trying, Miss Melanie.”

“I’m proud of you. Hunter, we have to appear before Judge Schultz sometime this week. She wants a progress report as well, and wants to speak with Curtis to see for herself. Can we talk later on? I have more news on Curtis’ inheritance.”

“Inheritance?” Curtis didn’t know he had an inheritance.

“I wanted to get all the details and facts together before I spoke to you and Hunter, but yes. It seems that your grandfather had a life insurance policy and some money put away. He had filed a will naming you as beneficiary. You’re not rich but if invested wisely, you’ll have enough to go to college with and to pay your expenses.”

“But the Hardigans said I was poor.”

“The Hardigans were cruel people, and liars, amongst their other crimes,” Melanie stated with disdain. “Can you both come to my office after school on Monday? I have all the paperwork ready for you to sign. Hunter, since you’re Curtis’ guardian, it’s important you be there.”

“We’ll be there, Mel,” Hunter said all smiles. “Curtis, looks like you life is changing for the better.”

“Yes, it is, Mr. Hunter, thanks to you and Miss Melanie.”

“Curtis, I don’t believe you’ve met all of the kids. Come with me.” Melanie led Curtis over to where all the children were sitting.

John and Bobby took that opportunity to speak with Hunter about the project. Lacy had commandeered Brian along with Katerina who had come into the diner as well. Justin got Michael alone to share his thoughts on the next issue of Rage, and Lacy’s part in it.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Melanie started out formally, “this is my friend Curtis Samuels. And this my son, Gus.”

Gus stood up to shake Curtis’ hand. “My Pop is Brian Kinney,” Gus stated proudly.

“I know. Mr. Brian is a nice man.”

Melanie snorted but continued with the introductions. “This is my daughter JR.” JR and Curtis shook hands as JR smiled flirtatiously at Curtis. Melanie loudly cleared her throat making JR quickly drop Curtis’ hand. “This young man is Patrick Morrison-Anderson. John and Bobby’s son. John is Brian’s brother."

“Older brother,” Patrick stated with the Kinney swagger. Patrick was very proud of his dads and their place in the family. Patrick grew up sensing how much his uncle Brian loved, respected and looked up to his dad. And how much Brian loved his Poppa too. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Me too,” Curtis said as he marveled at Patrick’s shocking red hair.

Patrick followed Curtis’ eyes and laughed. He was very wise beyond his years. “I get that from my Poppa.”

Melanie chuckled then ruffled the red mop. “And last but not least is...”

“My name is Miss Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor, and my Dada said that you were a bad boy, but now you’re a good boy and that we should all be friends. Do you want to be my friend?” Bree stated boldly and loudly enough for the whole diner to hear. The diner became quiet as they all awaited Curtis’ response.

Curtis stared with disbelief at the courageous tiny blond child. “I’d like to be your friend, that is, if you think you could be friends with someone like me,” Curtis said sadly. “I don’t have a real home, or parents, and I did some bad things.”

“Dada says that Dr. Raph and Hector want to be your parents and sometimes I be bad and my daddies still love me and do you want to come to my birthday party? I’m going to be five!” Bree held up her tiny hand with her fingers all splayed out.

Melanie as well as the rest of the diner were doing their darnedest not to all burst out into laughter.

When Curtis hesitated, Bree decided she needed a little help to persuade Curtis. “Dada!” Bree called out and everyone turned to Brian.

“Yes, Squirt,” Brian asked with dignity.

“Can I have the card?”

“Of course, baby.” Brian sauntered over to the table with the air of command and of the stud of old. Of course everyone knew that Brian would do almost anything for his daughter. He reached into his pocket to take out the card Bree made for Curtis. She had placed it in the same envelope with her party invitation.

“Thank you, Dada.” Bree thanked her father politely then turned her most lethal weapon onto Curtis, her violet blue eyes. Brian and Gus shook their heads and groaned. They knew no one could ever resist those eyes.

“For you,” Bree said, as she handed Curtis the card, looking up at him through her long blond lashes. Curtis opened the card to read. “You’ll come to my party?”

Curtis looked over at Brian and Justin for permission. Justin smiled as Brian nodded.

“Yes, I’ll come.”

“Good, ‘cause Auntie Emm makes the best parties....” The family laughed as Bree went on and on about her Auntie Emm and what to expect at her party.