It’s All Downhill From Here

Chapter 1

Justin pumped into the willing ass. This was the best orgy he’d ever been too. Well, he hadn’t really been to many orgies, but there had been a few times with Brian and then the Sap. Justin drove that thought out of his head, as he drove in again and again.

“Close,” he whispered, as he looked down into the face of the man beneath him.

The face was sweaty and flushed. The eyes were closed and the mouth was open as he gasped for breath. The long legs of the man were over Justin’s shoulders, his hands clutching the sheets beneath them.

“Oh, fuck!” Justin gasped as he shuddered and shot his load. The man under him gave a strangled cry and shot right after.

Justin slumped forward and felt strong arms wrap around him. He sucked in some much needed air while his heart pounded rapidly in his chest. After a couple of minutes he snuggled his head under the chin and felt a kiss to the top of his head.

“You okay?” Justin asked.

“Just about perfect,” Brian sighed. “Thoroughly exhausted and fully sated.”

“You mean you’ve had enough?” Justin asked wickedly.

“I could go again,” came the confident reply.

“Could not.”

“Could so.”

“That was what … the fifth or sixth time since we got back to the hotel?” Justin asked.

“I lost count.”

Justin snorted. “I was thinking this was the best orgy I’d ever attended.”

“And how many orgies have you been to, young man?” Brian asked.

“A few, mostly with you.”

“Ah, the good old days.”

“Were they? The good old days, I mean?” Justin queried.

“At the time they were, but bigger and better things awaited us … like tonight,” Brian said with a smile curving the corners of his mouth. Tonight had been as close to perfect as it was possible to get.

Justin sighed contentedly. “You know just the right thing to say.”

“I am in advertising you know.”

“No shit,” Justin laughed. “I’m done. I need to sleep.”

“And you’re supposed to be the young one,” Brian sneered, but Justin could hear the humor in his voice.

“I love you,” Justin said.

“Happy anniversary, Sunshine,” Brian replied kissing the top of the blond locks once again.

“Anniversary! What are you talking about? Today’s my wedding day. I’m a newlywed,” Justin teased.

“Right,” Brian agreed with a laugh. “And about to embark on your honeymoon.”

“Every day has been a honeymoon with you,” Justin declared.

“Your nose is growing,” Brian cautioned.

Justin laughed. “No it’s not.”

“I know I’m not the … easiest person to live with,” Brian admitted. “You’ve been very patient over the years.”

“Patient? Is that the word you’d use to describe me?”

“What would you prefer? I was trying to give you a compliment.”

“Hm,” Justin murmured. “I guess marriage has changed you already. The Brian Kinney I know and love doesn’t give compliments.”

“Not unless they’re true.” Brian could feel Justin’s mouth curve into a smile as it rested against his chest.

“As to what I’d prefer you to compliment me on, let’s see…my ass, my beauty, my sexual prowess.”

“All of which are extremely satisfactory.”

“Satisfactory?” Justin questioned gasping that Brian would use the “s” word to describe him.

“I did say extremely, but perhaps I should have used perfect instead of satisfactory.”

“Much better.”

“Happy to oblige,” Brian said contentedly.

“Is this what our honeymoon is going to be like?” Justin asked. “Nonstop fucking and tons of compliments?”

“You wouldn’t like that?”

“I most certainly would,” Justin giggled.

“Then count on it.”

“Where are we going on our honeymoon anyway?” Justin asked. “You’ve refused to tell me.”

“I said it would be warm and you’d need a bathing suit.”

“I take it that it’s not clothing optional then?”

“Only in our suite.”

“Oooh, suite, I like the sound of that,” Justin said.

“First class all the way when you’re with me, kid,” Brian stated.

“Yep, I have to agree with that, but I’d like a clue as to where this suite might be located.”

“Not telling,” Brian said. “You’ll find out at the airport tomorrow, make that today,” he said as he looked over at the clock on the nightstand. It was 3:15 in the morning.

“Meanie,” Justin said.

Brian snorted. “I hope Bree got to sleep all right tonight,” Brian mused.

“You know John and Bobby will look after her, and her Patrick will keep her company. She won’t have a chance to miss us.”

“Yeah,” Brian said softly. He missed his daughter already. “That was some party our friends and family threw for us tonight. They’re the best.”

“I’m going to tell them you said that,” Justin threatened.

“They won’t believe you.”

“I can be very convincing.”

“Don’t I know it, but they’ll think I’ve gone bonkers if you are able to convince them I said any such thing,” Brian explained.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t want them to have you committed.”

“I thought you wanted to go to sleep,” Brian reminded him.

“I’m enjoying basking in the glow of our lovemaking, and reminiscing about our beautiful anniversary party.”

“You mean our recent wedding,” Brian corrected.

“That too.”

“Your father made it through to the end. I could hardly believe my eyes when I turned around after we said our vows, and he was still sitting there.”

“With Bree on his lap,” Justin chuckled.

“Yeah, I think our daughter had a lot to do with keeping him in his seat.”

Justin nodded. “But he told me after that…”

“What?” Brian asked with a frown. He hoped Craig hadn’t upset his husband.

“He said he saw pure love on my face while we said out vows. It reminded him of mom’s face when they got married.”

Brian scrunched up his face. “I’m not sure what to make of that statement. I don’t like being compared to your parents’ marriage. Look how it ended.”

“You’re not getting rid of me,” Justin vowed.

“I hope not.”

“I think dad just meant that he finally realized how much I love you and how happy you make me.”

“It only took, what, twenty years for him to come to that realization.”

“I never said he was brilliant,” Justin chuckled.

“But he has a very smart son.”

“Yes, he does.”

“When did you get a swelled head?”

“I’ve always had one, but yours was too big to allow you to see mine.”

Brian laughed out loud. “I do love you, Sunshine.”

“And never forget that I love you right back.”

“We’re being ridiculously romantic,” Brian chided.

“Just as we should be on our honeymoon.”

“Ready to go to sleep?” Brian asked softly.

“Hm, definitely, as long as I can stay right here snuggled on your chest.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Brian replied as he closed his eyes.

*****

Brian awakened with a start although his sleep swollen eyes hadn’t opened just yet. His brain was going a mile a minute trying to sort out all the sensory input. He felt hot and sweaty. The overpowering odor of dried cum overwhelmed him with memories of the backroom of Babylon. And the pressure in his chest was scaring him.

‘I can’t be having a heart attack,’ he thought to himself, ‘not on my honeymoon.’ He ate right, exercised regularly and his recent intensive physical came back declaring him healthy as a horse. He remained cancer free and with the cardiac constitution of a man half his age. So what was the heavy pressure in his chest?

Bravely, Brian cracked open one eye then let out a breath. The pressure wasn’t in his chest, it was on his chest. Justin had fallen asleep just where he had collapsed after their last round. And if that uncomfortable sensation was any indication, they were glued together. Brian smiled and rolled his eyes at the lesbianic situation. They were on their honeymoon and just where they were supposed to be, glued together and smelling like sex. Brian kissed the top of the sweat-stinky blond head.

Brian carefully stretched the kinks out of his body so as not to dislodge the man fast asleep on him. He gave Justin’s well fucked rump a pat as he turned his head to check the clock.

“SHIT!” Brian sat up, tumbling Justin off. “Justin! Justin!” Brian shook his still comatose spouse. “I think I just lost a few layers of skin,” he grumbled to himself.

“Five more minutes, Dad,” Justin mumbled.

“Now, Justin,” Brian growled, ignoring the ‘dad’ part and shaking Justin vigorously.

“Wh-what?”

“If we’re not out here within the hour we’re going to miss our flight!” Brian shouted as he jumped out of bed heading for the bathroom.

“WHAT?!” Justin looked around the room, then at the clock then scrambled to get out of the bed. He was tangled and wound up in the sheet. It refused to release his feet and he pitched backwards hitting the floor with his ass landing with a thud. “Shit, I thought you arranged for a wake up call!” he said as he stumbled into the bathroom rubbing his offended ass.

“I thought you did,” Brian groused as he finished brushing his teeth then turned on the shower.

“How the hell could I have arranged a wake up call when I don’t know where or when we’re going!” Justin shouted back.

“Fuck!” Brian cursed then made room for Justin who was in no mood to play nice.

They quickly showered, dried off then ran back into the room to dress. Fortunately, knowing they were only staying the one night, all they had to do was put on clothes for traveling and throw their toiletries back into their bags. Brian fumbled for his cell phone.

“Max!” Brian called his driver.

“Hey, Mr. Brian. Are you two ready? If we don’t leave now, you might not make it.”

“Yeah, I know. We overslept. Grab us some coffee, we’ll be right down.”

“Not to worry, I got it covered.”

Brian snapped his cell shut then picked up the house phone. “This is Brian Kinney. We’re checking out; put it all on my tab. Thanks. Let’s shake a tail, Sunshine.”

“Tail, yeah,” Justin murmured as he fumbled with his sneakers.

Brian made one last look around the room. He put on his jacket, checking his pocket for their tickets. He made a grab for their bags as Justin shoved his wallet in his pocket and threw on his hoodie.

“Let’s go, Sunshine, we have places to be, planes to catch!”

“I’m coming!”

“Yeah, you did,” Brian said smugly, taking a minute to kiss his annoyed Sunshine. Justin responded, returning the kiss. At that moment, it didn’t matter if they were late; they had each other, all the rest was gravy.

Brian shoved Justin out the door as he shouldered their bags. Justin sprinted to the elevators pushing the lobby button.

As their driver loaded their bags in the trunk, the boys made themselves comfortable in the back of the limo.

“Are you going to tell me now where we’re going?” Justin said as he took a sip of the precious caffeine laden elixir that the driver had handed him.

“Nope, you’ll know soon enough. To the airport, Max, and step on it!” Brian called into the intercom.

“Right away, Mr. Brian!” Max cheerfully replied.

“It’s all downhill from here, Sunshine!” Brian said smugly as he settled back, sipping the hot brew and mentally preparing for two weeks of fun in the sun with his Sunshine.

*****

“Fuck!” Brian exclaimed as their vehicle stopped short. The force made Brian spill coffee onto his pants. The hot liquid felt like it was burning his skin but fortunately it missed anything vital.

“Sorry about that. Some idiot ran a light,” Max explained. “Are you guys okay back there?”

“Yeah,” Justin quickly answered as he found a bottle of water in the mini bar. He soaked a towel then began to gently clean off Brian’s jeans. The water cooled down the burning sensation but left a big damp spot on the jeans.

“Now I looked like a peed myself,” Brian grumbled.

“It was that or a second degree burn,” Justin countered.

“I know,” Brian said with resignation. He let Justin tend to his leg.

“Maybe we’ll have time for you to change before our flight,” Justin said to ease Brian’s anger.

“I don’t think so,” Brian said as he grabbed Justin’s wrist to check the time then peered out the tinted windows. They were in traffic.

“What’s going on?” Brian risked asking Max.

“That guy who ran the light hit a pole. We’ll be okay if I can get to the corner,” Max said. Brian and Justin could hear the strain in the driver’s voice.

“Should we call 911?” Justin asked, ever the good citizen. Before Brian could answer, they heard the sound of sirens getting closer. The boys heaved a sigh of relief as their car inched closer to the corner of the street.

“We’ll make it,” Max said confidently.

“Bri, roll down your window a little. It might help to dry out your pants,” Justin suggested. And cool your temper, Justin thought to himself.

Brian hit the button; the window came down a couple of inches. Although it was May, mornings were still cool. The last thing Brian wanted was for Justin to catch a cold. Brian had made sure he packed all of Justin’s allergy medications just in case. A few minutes later, the airport was in sight. The boys began to breathe easier as did their driver.

“We made it,” Max said more to himself than anyone else. Brian and Justin waited on the pavement as Max unloaded their bags. Giving Brian an apologetic look as he glanced at the drying stain on Brian’s thigh, Max handed Brian the bags.

“Have a good trip, Mr. Kinney.”

“I hope so,” Brian mumbled as he shouldered the bags then led Justin into the terminal.

*****

After racing through the terminal and security Brian and Justin arrived at their gate with fifteen minutes before the flight was scheduled to leave. The waiting room was full of people. Brian slid to a halt behind a man at the desk.

“Why aren’t all these people on the plane?” Brian asked glancing at his watch. “They should have boarded.”

The man in front of them stepped away from the desk, and Brian approached the rather frazzled looking girl behind the desk. Brian shoved his passport and tickets at the girl.

“Is the flight delayed?” Brian asked as the girl checked the boarding passes.

“Yes, sir, there’s a mechanical problem. We’re working on it.”

“How long?”

“I really have no idea,” the woman sighed. “We’ll keep you posted as things transpire.”

“I just bet you will,” Brian said sarcastically as she handed him his boarding passes.

“Brian…” Justin said tugging on Brian’s arm. He didn’t want a scene. “There’s some seats over there.”

Brian allowed himself to be led to the two seats behind the check-in desk. From there they couldn’t see anything that was going on. That was probably just as well as far as Justin was concerned.

“Fuck!” Brian reacted as he slumped into the seat. “How can the plane be late after all that rushing?”

“Be thankful that it is or we might have missed it,” Justin informed him.

“Maybe we should call Bree and check that she’s okay … since we have all this time to waste.”

“Sure, you do that,” Justin agreed. It would keep Brian busy for a few minutes anyway.

Brian pulled out his cell and called Edna’s Treasures. He got John who said they were having a leisurely breakfast. He put Bree on the line.

“Dada, where are you?” the little voice asked.

“At the airport.”

“Unca John said you would already be gone,” Bree replied with a sorrowful note to her voice.

“The plane is delayed. We’re still here.”

“Can I come and see you,” Bree pleaded.

“We’ll be leaving soon, Squirt. I hope,” he added as there didn’t seem to be any sign of them allowing passengers to board. “I don’t think you could get here in time.”

“Oh,” Bree said sadly.

“Daddy wants to say hi,” Brian said, quickly handing the phone to Justin. He didn’t like to hear his sad princess.

Justin glared at Brian but took the phone. “Hi, sweetheart, I love you.”

“Love you too, Daddy. Can I come see you?”

“We’ll be back before you know it,” Justin assured her.

“But two weeks is forever,” Bree sighed.

“It’ll be over before you know it.”

“Okay,” Bree conceded. It didn’t sound like they wanted to see her. “Bye, Daddy.”

“Bye, sweetheart.” Justin cut the connection. “Thanks for stirring up that kettle of fish. You made our daughter sad.”

“I … I didn’t mean to. I just wanted to hear her voice.”

“I hope she isn’t too grumpy with John and Bobby.”

“This fucking honeymoon is getting off to a great start,” Brian griped as he stood up to look around the check-in desk at the sign to see if the time of departure had been posted. No such luck.

“Sit down,” Justin ordered. “I don’t need you pouting too.”

“I don’t pout.”

Justin snorted. “And by the way, our honeymoon got off to a great start last night, and don’t you forget it.”

“Yes, sir,” Brian saluted. “It was damn spectacular.” The grin on Brian’s face caused Justin to smile.

“Hold that thought while we wait to take off,” Justin ordered. He hoped the delay wasn’t too long. He didn’t want a grumpy Brian Kinney to spend two weeks with.

It’s All Downhill From Here

Chapter 2

Two hours later the boys finally boarded, and were very grateful for Brian’s VIP status with Liberty Air. Apparently someone had screwed up their reservations putting them in tourist, which wouldn’t have been a total disaster except for the fact that they wouldn’t have been sitting together. Brian growled, snarled then pulled out his cell phone to call the CEO of Liberty Air on his private line. The snafu was immediately corrected. Not only were they seated in first class but as soon as the plane had leveled off the boys were served a champagne breakfast. Stomachs sated, the boys reclined their seats, settled back then slept their way to Hawaii.

“Wow, this is amazing!” Justin exclaimed as he looked around like a fascinated child at The Magic Kingdom, swinging his head around fast so as not to miss a thing. Someone in a grass skirt placed several colorful leis around his neck.

“Justin, we haven’t even left the airport yet,” Brian snarked. Fortunately, their bags had made it to Hawaii with them so while Justin played tourist, Brian retrieved their bags.

Ignoring the snark, Justin walked over to a man who was holding up a large card with ‘Kinney-Taylor’ written on it in big black letters. “I’m Justin Taylor,” Justin said with a smile.

“Henry. I’ll be your driver and at your disposal for your time here,” Henry cheerfully explained.

“Wow!” Justin said again with childlike wonder.

“Brian Kinney,” Brian announced as he walked up to them. “You must be...”

“Henry, sir,” Henry confirmed as he took out his ID to show Brian. Brian nodded with approval as he turned over their bags to the man who was going to be their new best friend for the next two weeks. Brian had no intention of fumbling with maps on his honeymoon so he arranged to have a private chauffeur for the duration.

“Well, Henry, your assignment for today is to get us to our accommodations then amscray. My plan is for a long, hot soak with one hot blond, and then dinner and drinks. We won’t need you until some time tomorrow,” Brian drawled as he waggled his eyebrows at said hot blond. The hot blond blushed as he rolled his eyes.

“Very good, sir,” Henry said unfazed, as he loaded their bags into the trunk of the limo while the boys got in.

“Bri, you will let me out of our room once in a while, won’t you?” Justin said with a grin. He did want to do some sightseeing, but the thought of spending two whole weeks alone with Brian was just about as appealing, if not more appealing, than any sights this tropical paradise could offer.

“Maybe,” Brian said smugly as he put on his sunglasses then leaned back against the cool leather seat of the Mercedes.

The boys relaxed as Henry drove them to their home for the next two weeks.

*****

“Wow!” Justin exclaimed as he wandered through the main building of the estate that would be their home base for the next two weeks. He scurried throughout the rooms in awe, exploring every nook and cranny.

Brian got the lowdown about the place from the housekeeper, Angelica, then he discreetly asked her to make herself scarce. After explaining that she could be easily reached in one of the outer buildings by pressing 3 on the phone, she explained that the refrigerator was fully stocked and she had prepared some salads and cold salmon for them if they were hungry. All that done, she quickly left for her quarters, understanding that the handsome men wished to be alone.

Brian stood back with a smile on his face as he watched Justin.

“Brian, look at the view from here!” Justin said as he threw open the lanai doors and walked outside.

“Yeah,” Brian murmured as he leaned against a wall to take in the view.

“Bri, the view?” Justin turned wondering why his spouse wasn’t at his side and as impressed as he was.

“I think the view is beautiful,” Brian whispered.

“But you’re still inside,” Justin observed as he walked back toward his mate. Brian opened his arms for Justin to fill them.

“I’ve got the best view in the house,” Brian murmured against Justin’s lips. Brian deepened their kiss as he walked Justin backwards heading for one of the bedrooms, shedding clothing as they went.

“The very best view,” Brian repeated as they made love for the rest of the day.

*****

Justin awoke with a groan. Bright sunlight poured in through the patio doors on one wall of their bedroom. They hadn’t bothered to close the drapes. Forcing an eye open, Justin could see Brian sleeping beside him. A smile curled the corners of Justin’s mouth. If the rest of their “honeymoon” turned out to be for shit, they would have had yesterday, and that day alone would be worth the whole trip.

Justin turned onto his side, propping his head up on his scrunched up pillow. He studied Brian’s sleeping face. His husband was so beautiful, more so as the years had passed. Brian’s face had hardly any wrinkles, just a few around the eyes. Justin liked to think those were laugh lines from Brian being so happy all these years. He studied the pink lips that were slightly open as Brian slept. He had kissed those lips at least a million times, and he hoped to kiss them a million more. They were soft and warm and very tasty. Justin licked his lips and let out a sigh.

“You could kiss me,” Brian said making Justin jump.

“How long have you been awake?”

“Since your x-ray vision started to pierce my sleeping brain.”

Justin laughed. “I never could put one over on you.”

“I beg to differ,” Brian said, finally opening his eyes and looking at Justin. “You tricked me into marrying you, didn’t you?”

“T…Tricked you! Are you crazy? I never tricked you,” Justin sputtered.

“Then I must have tricked you,” Brian grinned as he rolled over on top of his spouse.

“Nobody got tricked. We agreed to get married.”

“I think we both got tricked this time.”

“Well that was different.”

“Was it?” Brian asked as he ran his fingers through the soft blond hair and stared into the deep blue eyes.

“Very. You didn’t sing your cheesy song at this wedding,” Justin said.

“I thought about it, but … that was then and this is now.”

“I liked what you said. It was about time,” Justin added with a soft smile.

Brian nodded. “I think I did a pretty commendable job.”

Justin stared into Brian’s eyes. “Did you mean it – always have and always will?”

“Isn’t twenty years enough to prove that I love you?”

“Twenty years is not always. I expect forever.”

“Then you’re going to have to put up with me for a few more years. I plan to be here for forever.”

“Good,” Justin said emphatically, raising his head to kiss Brian’s soft lips that he loved so much. “What about what I said?”

“It was the same thing you said the first time we got married.”

“You remembered?” Justin asked with a warm smile.

“Of course, I did. You think I’d ever forget the words of the only person I ever suckered into marrying me?”

“Suckered!” Justin gasped. “You are such an asshole!”

“That’s what they all tell me,” Brian agreed sticking his tongue in his cheek.

Justin kissed his cheek, knowing that Brian was teasing. “I do love you, you know, you big Smoosh.”

“Capital ‘S’?” Justin nodded. “I kind of figured that out after last night.”

“Last night was only part of it. My ass will never be the same after a whole day of fucking.”

“Trans-Pacific flights tend to make me horny.”

Justin chuckled. “Anything makes you horny. And when have you ever been across the Pacific before?”

“I haven’t.”

“Then how…”

“Our flight made me horny, so I’m extrapolating.”

“I’ll extrapolate you!” Justin laughed, smacking Brian’s ass.

“Ow!”

“Feed me, damn you!” Justin ordered. “I’m starving.”

“Yes, sir,” Brian agreed. “Should I notify Angelica or do you want me to cook?” Brian asked.

“Call Angelica. I need masses of food, after the workout you’ve put me through. I so need a shower. She can cook while we get presentable.”

“You don’t think she’d like us like this?” Brian asked throwing off the sheet that covered their nakedness.

“Maybe too much. She’s one big lady.”

“Probably means she’s a great cook.”

“I hope so, I’m starved,” Justin said as he wiggled out from under Brian and headed to the shower.

“Young’uns,” Brian scoffed picking up the phone.

*****

About a half hour later Brian and Justin were seated in the kitchen of the estate devouring the bountiful breakfast that Angelica had prepared.

“This French toast is … magnificent,” Justin managed to say between bites.

“Thank you,” Angelica said with a big smile. “It’s my own concoction, kind of like bananas Foster, but with French toast.”

“There must be a million calories in this one piece,” Brian observed as he looked at the tidbit on his fork.

“You deserve it,” Justin told him. “We’ll work it off later.” He waggled his eyebrows in his best Brian Kinney imitation.

“I’m going to hold you to that,” Brian replied as he devoured the succulent piece of food.

Justin smiled fondly at Brian before helping himself to another piece of French toast.

“More coffee?” Angelica asked walking over to the table.

“Please,” Brian said. Justin held up his mug since his mouth was full. Angelica filled both their mugs.

“I like to see people enjoy their food. You make me feel proud,” she told Justin.

“What about me?” Brian demanded. “I ate two whole pieces of French toast.”

Angelica snorted. “That’s nothing. This fella has packed it away like a good eater should.”

Brian was about to say that if Justin kept eating like this he would look like Angelica by the time they left the island, but he thought better of being so tactless. Angelica would be cooking for them for the two weeks. He didn’t need to anger her and have to worry about what she was putting in his food.

“Thanks, Angelica,” Justin said as he wiped his mouth. “I don’t think I could eat one more bite. I’m so stuffed.” He gave a loud belch. “Oops, sorry.” Justin blushed mightily.

“No problem,” Angelica chuckled. She replaced the coffee pot in the coffee maker. “I’ll take that as a compliment that you enjoyed my cooking.” She looked pointedly at Brian.

“I enjoyed the breakfast you made,” Brian said dutifully. “Pardon me if I don’t belch like this one.” He ruffled Justin’s hair affectionately.

Angelica smiled. Even if the tall one didn’t eat much, she could see that the two men loved each other a lot. It was written all over their faces, and in every move they made. “What have you planned for today?” she asked.

“Is the beach out there good for swimming?” Justin asked indicating the beach at the end of the property.

“It’s very good for swimming. Not so great for surfing,” Angelica advised. “Don’t get too far down the beach that way,” she added pointing. “There’s a riptide as you go farther down.”

“We’ll be careful,” Justin said. “Come on, Bri, let’s get our swimsuits on.”

“Swimsuits?” Brian asked arching a brow.

“You did bring one, didn’t you?”

“I thought it would be clothing optional since we have the whole place to ourselves.”

“But…” Justin looked at Angelica.

“I promise not to look,” Angelica said with a big grin.

“I bet,” Brian scoffed.

Angelica merely continued to grin.

“Come on,” Justin ordered. “I want to look around the property and go for a swim. I’ve seen enough of the ceiling in our bedroom.”

Angelica laughed heartily as the two men left the kitchen.

*****

The boys donned their swimsuits, covered by tank tops and shorts. They decided to take the time to explore the estate that Brian had leased for the duration of their vacation, before finding the beach.

“Wow!” Justin exclaimed as they came across an Olympic sized pool that was part of a man-made grotto complete with tropical foliage and waterfall.

“Ya know, for a man whose claim to fame was based on his SAT scores, your vocabulary has taken a downward spiral,” Brian snarked. Brian was just as impressed with the beauty of the estate but refused to say, ‘Wow.’

“And you’re a snob,” Justin teased. “I don’t have to use five dollar words to describe how impressed I am when a 50-cent word will work just fine,” he explained as they walked toward the side of the pool where the sound of the falling water was soothing and exciting all at the same time.

Both men stood still for the moment, taking in the beautifully placid sight. Neither spoke as they took in every detail. Turning toward each other, the lovers gazed in each other’s eyes then laughed at their matching lustful expressions.

“Later,” they both said with a laugh as Brian reached out his hand for Justin.

“Come on, big guy, let’s go find the beach,” Justin said as he placed his hand in Brian’s. They strolled toward the sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore.

*****

“Put your hat on and where’s your sunscreen,” Brian stated like an overly protective parent, which he was but would never admit.

“We’ve been out here for all of ten minutes,” Justin griped. For once he wanted to be able to walk on a beach without having someone make any remarks about his pale skin, including his spouse.

“I have no wish to fuck a French fry for the rest of our trip,” Brian grumbled. He knew Justin resented being reminded about applying sunscreen however Brian felt compelled. “An in-pain French fry,” he added.

“Just because some of us go around with a perpetual suntan doesn’t give you the right to complain about others who don’t,” Justin snapped back.

“I’m not complaining; on the contrary, I happen to like your complexion. And as such I want to protect it,” Brian stated as he pulled the hat out of Justin’s back pocket then plopped it on the top of the blond head. Justin grumbled but he righted the hat and kept it there.

“If it’ll make you happy,” Justin said with resignation.

“Ecstatic,” Brian snarked, dropping the subject...for now.

They walked down the beach for about half an hour before deciding it was time to go back to the estate.

“Brian, I don’t feel so good,” Justin whispered as he leaned up against the taller man.

“Shit,” Brian murmured as he put his arms around the younger man to steady him. Brian could feel the heat radiating off of Justin’s skin which was decidedly a deep shade of pink in spite of all the sunscreen. “We need to get you back inside,” Brian said. With Brian’s support Justin made it back to the estate.

“Angelica!” Brian called out as he gently laid Justin down on one of the chaises on the patio. The patio was shaded and there was a gentle breeze to help cool Justin down. Angelica came running, took one look at Justin then scurried off to get a cool towel and a pitcher of lemonade from the kitchen.

“Should I call for a doctor?” Brian asked as he hovered close.

“No, he’ll be all right. He just overdid it. This happens a lot,” Angelica reassured Brian. “We’ll replace his fluids and cool him down slowly. He’ll be fine in an hour,” she said as she put a cool cloth on Justin’s forehead.

“But what if he isn’t. Maybe I should call an ambulance.” Brian felt helpless. This was supposed to have been fun for Justin, not something to make him sick.

“Bri,” Justin murmured as he moved his hand trying to reach it out. Brian squatted down and took Justin’s hand in his. “I’m fine,” he said as he attempted to sit up. “I think I’m thirsty.”

Angelica handed Brian a glass of lemonade.

“Small sips, Sunshine,” Brian instructed as he held the glass to Justin’s lips. Justin took a few small sips of the cool liquid. “I think we should go home,” Brian grumbled.

“And I think you should stop worrying. I’m fine.”

“But it was my fault that...”

“It was no one’s fault. It could have just as easily been you. All I need is to sit here with my partner, enjoy the view and then later have dinner. Maybe go dancing. I’m sure you’ve researched where we can go dancing. You remember dancing, don’t you, Bri? You made some of your best moves on the dance floor.”

“I think the sun addled your brain, Sunshine. It was you who had the moves. I just hung on for the ride.”

“Then take me dancing tonight and you can hang onto me some more.”

“Justin, I don’t think...”

“Please, Bri. It’s our second honeymoon. I want to go dancing.”

“All right. Whatever you want, just promise me you’ll take it easy for the rest of the day.”

“I promise,” Justin said as he finished his glass of lemonade. Then he slipped off to sleep.

“He will be fine, sir,” Angelica repeated, trying to calm the older man. Brian nodded as he felt Justin’s skin in various places. His skin still felt too hot for Brian’s liking.

“He’s going to be in pain,” Brian murmured.

“We have plenty of aloe; it will help.” Brian nodded, still unconvinced. As Angelica turned to go back inside, Brian thanked her. She smiled at him, thinking how sweet the taller man was. She knew he must be a powerful man to be able to lease the estate and make all their arrangements, but Angelica realized Brian was also a very kind and caring man.

She sighed. Too bad the nice man was gay, Angelica had a daughter.

Brian stared at Justin sleeping peacefully on the chaise then he pulled out his cell phone, first checking the time. “Nick? It’s Brian, yeah, Hawaii. Nick, I need a favor...”

*****

“Bri?” Justin called out. He woke up feeling a little dizzy but much better than he did when he was on the beach.

“Hey Sunshine, welcome back to earth,” Brian cheerfully greeted the younger man. He walked to where Justin was standing by the lanai doors.

“Brian, are you having an orgy without me?” Justin asked with just a touch of suspicion in his voice. Brian was dressed in clubbing clothes, looking way too good for Justin’s comfort at the moment. And there seemed to be two very handsome strangers sipping wine and nibbling on very yummy looking canapés in their living room.

“Never. When I married you I vowed to love, honor and orgy exclusively with you,” Brian teased.

“Oh, okay. Do you want to introduce me to your friends?” Justin asked sweetly but with an edge that Brian could hear.

“Certainly, Sunshine. This is Paul; he happens to be an old friend of Nick’s. They went to med school together. And this is his partner, Martin,” Brian made the introductions. Justin’s polite upbringing kicked in and he shook hands with both men.

“Are you a doctor too?” Justin asked Martin.

“Hell no! One conceited medical man in the family is enough,” Martin responded with a smile.

“Like your ego isn’t big enough, honey,” Paul said as he bussed his partner’s head. “He’s a DJ.”

“A very successful DJ I might add,” Martin stated emphatically with a smirk.

“I was speaking with Nick not that long ago. He mentioned a couple of his friends were heading to our island. I thought you might like to go to the hottest night club in Hawaii at least once while you’re here,” Paul said nonchalantly. “You two aren’t too difficult to track down.”

“An excellent idea, isn’t it, Sunshine,” Brian said with a bright smile.

“Uh huh,” Justin replied. He had a feeling that there was more to it, but he did want to go dancing, and going with another gay couple would ensure that they would be going to the right clubs. He grabbed a couple of canapés to pop in his mouth. Justin realized he was hungry.

“Do I have time for a shower?” Justin asked.

“Of course, we’re in no rush. And I believe Angelica wants to impress us with more of her cooking. Besides, you know I never get to the club before eleven,” Brian said trying to look innocent.

He was doing a lousy job.

“Okay. Please excuse me,” Justin said politely as he turned to go to the bedroom. Brian handed Justin a small plate with a few treats to take with him.

“Can’t have you wasting away, can I, Sunshine?” Justin narrowed his eyes at his spouse for a brief moment then smiled sweetly at their guests before he left the room.

Brian collapsed onto a nearby chair when he heard the bedroom door close.

“Brian, he’s fine,” Paul assured the older man.

“I’ve seen hundreds of overheated people; Justin’s all right,” Martin added.

“And what makes you an expert?” Brian growled.

“Martin, isn’t just a DJ; he’s also a medic. That’s his fulltime job,” Paul explained. Then Martin squatted down in front of Brian who was trying not to work himself into a state of worry.

“Brian, I patrol the beaches. I’ve seen heat stroke and heat exhaustion. You got Justin out of the sun before any of that happened. He was cooled down and fluids replaced then he rested. He’s young and strong,” Martin stated.

“But...”

“Nick filled me in on a little of the history. Going dancing with you is the best medicine,” Paul assured Brian. “We’ll keep an eye on him.”

“Did I miss dinner?” Justin asked after awhile, as he came back into the room. He had showered and dressed to knock them dead.

“No, but I may just have to eat you,” Brian replied giving his spouse a lascivious grin before taking Justin into his arms and planting a kiss.

“Bri, we have guests,” Justin said but without pushing his enthusiastic spouse away.

“You know how much I love sex in public,” Brian murmured against Justin’s lips.

Brian reluctantly ended the kiss. The four men went to the dining area for Angelica’s feast before going out for the night.

It’s All Downhill From Here

Chapter 3

Henry drove the four men to the hottest gay club in the islands. It was called Squeeze which tickled Justin’s fancy. He giggled all the way into the club.

Whenever Brian touched his arm or his shoulder or the back of his neck, he’d let out a little yelp of pain. Those were all the parts not covered by the tank top he had been wearing on the beach. As soon as the sun had gone down, the sunburn had started to come out. Angelica’s aloe had helped a lot but there was still tenderness when touched. Angelica had assured the two men that in a couple of days the pain would be gone, but Justin would most likely peel.

Once inside the club, they headed for the bar to get a drink and scope out the place. Walking over to the bar, there were lots of interested glances from men dancing and also those just standing around looking for a likely prospect to latch onto. Two new good looking men always caused a sensation at the club, even if they were a bit older. They both looked very good.

“Does this place have a backroom?” Brian asked nonchalantly as he leaned on the bar waiting for the bartender to fill their drink order.

Justin choked on his drink, coughing and sputtering when he heard Brian’s question. “Hey!” he managed to yelp.

“I’m just asking,” Brian replied sticking his tongue in his cheek.

“Yes, there is a backroom,” Martin replied, “but I didn’t think you’d be using it.”

Justin jumped in. “Neither did I, but I guess this sunburn…” He looked crestfallen. He had ruined their honeymoon by being so cavalier about the sun. Brian obviously was afraid to touch him, so there would be no sex until he recovered from his burn.

“Sunshine, I was just asking about a backroom. You know, getting my bearings. I didn’t mean that I was going to use it.”

Justin’s smile lit up the dim club with a warm glow.

“Wow, I see why you call him Sunshine,” Paul observed. He used his hand to shield his eyes from Justin’s smile.

“Yeah,” Brian chuckled. “He has all these things that he does to keep me on a short leash. That’s just one of the more obvious ones.”

Justin looked up at Brian with his deep blue eyes. A smile played at the corner of his lips. He batted his eyelashes suggestively.

“There’s number two,” Brian laughed. “Care to dance, Sunshine, or will that make your clothes rub against the sore bits.”

“Come on, you big smoosh,” Justin said taking Brian’s hand and leading him onto the dance floor. “Just don’t hang all over me the way you usually do. I don’t think I could stand the pressure.”

“Fuck, I don’t know how to dance any other way,” Brian joked.

“You are so full of shit,” Justin laughed.

Brian raised an eyebrow and started his gyrations with Justin joining him. It wasn’t long before several men had stopped dancing and were standing around watching them. Without touching his partner, Brian emanated sex. He had one leg around Justin’s legs so he could get close and cause their cocks to bump together. That didn’t hurt Justin but it had the desired effect on his partner. Justin was flushed and loving every moment.

When the song ended, Brian leaned over and whispered something in Justin’s ear. Justin smiled and nodded. All the men who had been watching assumed they were heading for the backroom, and many of them made a beeline for the backroom to find a good spot to watch. Much to their chagrin Brian and Justin headed for the bar where they were quickly joined by Paul and Martin.

“You two sure know how to put on a show,” Martin told them.

“So we’ve been told,” Brian smirked.

“And that was without me being at a hundred percent,” Justin laughed as he sipped a new drink.

“Take it easy on the alcohol, Justin,” Paul advised. “After a sunburn like you’ve had, you don’t want to overdo it.”

Justin nodded in agreement and set the rest of his drink on the bar. “How about a couple more dances, Brian?” Justin asked. “And then I think I’ll be ready to call it a night.”

Brian nodded as he followed Justin onto the dance floor. They did their thing for a few more dances, before saying goodnight to Paul and Martin. They talked about meeting up again to see some of the sites in Hawaii. They decided to talk on the phone in a couple of days when Justin was feeling better.

As they left the club, Henry pulled up with the Mercedes. Brian had called him on his cell. They told Henry to take them home, then sat back to enjoy the ride.

“That was fun,” Justin said. “I’m glad we went.”

“You didn’t overdo it, did you?”

“I’m fine, Brian. Just a little tender.”

“You were always tender, my little, tender morsel,” Brian said kissing Justin’s cheek gently.

Justin laughed at Brian’s endearments. Maybe having a sunburn wasn’t so bad if it brought out this side of Brian. “We should call Bree tomorrow,” Justin said deciding to change the subject.

Brian groaned. “I’m better off when I don’t think about her. She’ll want us to come home, you know.”

“That may be true, but we should still call. She’ll be missing us.”

“Not as much as I miss her.”

Justin smiled affectionately at his husband. “That’s one of the reasons I love you so much,” he said. “You love our family as much as I do.”

“More,” Brian declared.

“Um, maybe we should put thoughts of Bree away for tonight.”

“You’re the one who brought them up.”

“I know, but I think I’ve made the situation maudlin, and I did have such a good time tonight. Everybody at the club saw that we still have it, you know,” Justin added with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

“Was there ever any doubt. I guess I’m not an over-the-hill club boy … yet.”

“You’ll never be over the hill.”

Brian chuckled. “It was fun to see the reaction to our first dance. I think the backroom was full after we got through.”

“We should go back when my sunburn’s better. We could really put on a show.”

“That sounds like a plan,” Brian said with a wink. “Do you think you’ll be up to a little practice when we get back to the estate?” Brian asked.

“What kind of practice did you have in mind?”

“The horizontal kind.”

“Um, sure,” Justin said, although he didn’t sound very sure of that. He was thinking of the pressure on his arms and neck whatever position they used. There were too many fried areas on his body to make sex comfortable.

“We don’t have to,” Brian said, quickly noting Justin’s reaction.

“I’m sure we can figure something out,” Justin said with a weak smile. “This is our honeymoon.”

Brian shrugged. He wasn’t going to push it.

Henry dropped them off at the front door of the estate, saying that he was only a phone call away. He was at their service for the full two weeks.

Brian and Justin grabbed some water from the kitchen and headed to their bedroom.

“I’m going to take a shower,” Brian said. “I smell like Squeeze.”

Justin chuckled. “I’ll join you.”

“You’ll wash off all of Angelica’s aloe,” Brian warned.

“We have more,” Justin reminded him holding up the jar that Angelica had given them. “You can slather it all over my body.”

“Hm,” Brian said, but he headed for the shower.

Justin joined him after a minute. Brian had the water cool knowing that would feel better to Justin than any heat. They let the water pour over them for a couple of minutes.

Justin reached for Brian’s cock, tugging on it, and feeling it respond to his touch.

“Don’t start something you can’t finish,” Brian warned.

“I can finish it,” Justin said.

Brian gently shoved Justin against the cool tiles of the shower. He pressed his lips against Justin’s probing to get him to open his mouth. Justin responded sticking his tongue down Brian’s throat. Brian’s hand came up to the back of Justin’s neck forcing their mouths closer together.

“Ow,” Justin gasped as Brian’s fingers pressed the tender flesh on the back of his neck.

“Fuck,” Brian said letting Justin go. “I knew this was a bad idea.” He shut off the shower and got out. He tossed a towel to Justin, quickly dried off and walked to their bed. “Maybe I should sleep in another room. That way you’ll be more comfortable and I won’t touch you by accident.”

“Brian…” Justin said. “I’m sorry. It’s just that the back of my neck is one of the worst spots.”

“I know. I just forgot.”

“Stay with me, Brian. I don’t want to be alone.”

Brian climbed into bed as did Justin. They lay just a bit apart with nothing touching. They each studied the ceiling of the room.

“This sucks,” Justin said after a few minutes.

“And not in the right kind of way.”

“I bet I could blow you.”

“Not going to happen.”

“If we’re careful,” Justin said as he snaked his hand under the cool sheet and found Brian’s dick. It responded immediately.

“Justin…”

“Sh,” Justin said as he pulled back the sheet and wrapped his mouth around his prize.

He sucked cock as only he knew how. Brian’s moans and groans of pleasure egged him on. Justin turned to get up onto his knees to get better purchase for his ministrations. He immediately cried out in pain having forgotten that the lower parts of his legs below where his shorts ended had also been burnt. He fell back onto his back giving another yelp as the back of his neck hit his pillow.

“I knew this was a bad idea,” Brian said getting out of bed.

“Don’t leave me,” Justin begged. “I need to be covered in aloe.”

“At least I’m good for something,” Brian said sarcastically. “I can be your nursemaid.” He kept moving away from the bed.

“Where are you going?”

“To the bathroom to whack off.”

“Shit!” Justin said. How many years had it been since either of them needed to do that? “Will you cover me in aloe when you come back?” Justin asked pitifully.

“It will be the only pleasure I’ll have this night,” Brian shouted back from the huge bathroom.

Justin let out a long sigh. This was not going the way a honeymoon was supposed to.

*****

Brian had stormed out of the bedroom and into the ensuite bathroom, slamming the door behind him. He was hard, painfully hard and his anger did nothing to cool his ardor. Brian gingerly sat on the toilet seat trying to calm down. It wasn’t Justin’s fault that he was in pain and Brian knew it. Brian could have insisted that Justin cover up more, just like he insisted when they went to South America. But Brian didn’t like coming off as the ‘parent’ in their relationship. Brian realized he was being an asshole. A very cruel asshole.

He took a few deep breaths then stood up to splash some water on his face. When he was completely calm, Brian walked back into their room.

“I’m sorry,” Justin whispered pitifully as he lay staring up at the ceiling.

“Shhh,” Brian whispered back as he climbed into bed then carefully kissed Justin’s lips, one of the few places that remained pain free. “Roll over,” Brian purred, taking the jar of aloe off the bedside table.

Carefully, Justin rolled over onto his belly as Brian opened the jar and scooped out a palm-full of the cooling gel. Very gingerly Brian began to lightly massage the gel onto the skin just behind Justin’s neck, using just his fingertips on the very pink painful areas.

“Mmmm,” Justin murmured as the healing effects of the aloe worked its magic. Brian could feel the tension in Justin’s muscles ease away as he massaged Justin’s shoulders. Slowly and methodically, Brian worked his way down Justin’s back, rubbing in extra aloe behind Justin’s knees and calves.

The globes of Justin’s pert ass were creamy white. Brian kissed each cheek then nudged Justin’s knees apart so that he could lay between his legs. He parted the cheeks then laved the tight puckered opening. Brian smiled to himself as he heard Justin gasp with pleasure. After some time of exquisite torture, Brian had Justin turn over onto his back.

On a sexual adrenalin high, Justin felt no pain as he leaned against the cool sheets. His ass tingled from Brian’s ministrations and his dick was hard, jutting upward from the nest of dark blond pubes. Brian nuzzled the thick hair as he inhaled Justin’s musky scent. He took a few licks at Justin’s balls before scooping out more aloe and continuing his massage with the front of Justin’s legs.

“Please, Bri,” Justin begged, and he wasn’t referring to the massage. Brian smirked but didn’t tease his lover. Justin deserved so much better than that. Brian finished applying the aloe before sucking down Justin’s cock.

“Fuck, yeah!” Justin gasped as he fisted the sheets, arching his body upward. Gently holding Justin’s hips, Brian continued to give his spouse the best blow job ever.

“Wanna come,” Justin panted after what seemed like hours of being kept on the edge.

“You will,” Brian murmured taking the aloe jar one more time then carefully straddling Justin’s legs.

Justin’s eyes snapped open as he realized what was happening, his eyes widening as he watched Brian take a little of the gel to lubricate his own hole. Justin felt himself grow harder. Justin licked his lips watching Brian’s head tilt back and his eyes become hooded as Brian fingered himself, preparing to mount Justin’s dick.

“Sh-shit,” Justin stammered mesmerized by Brian. His beauty, his sexiness, his sexual prowess that went unrivaled, the whole sensual package that was Brian Kinney. And it all belonged to him, Justin realized, as Brian raised himself higher then slowly descended onto Justin’s cock.

“Unhhh,” both men groaned as Brian slowly rode Justin, maintaining control. Justin shuddered, shaking as he tried to hold back while Brian took his pleasure. After what seemed like an eternity, Brian sped up.

“Coming,” Justin groaned as he grabbed onto Brian’s thighs. The lovers came within moments of each other. Brian collapsed, controlling himself to fall at Justin’s side.

Resting for a few minutes, allowing his breathing to even out, Brian got up to get a damp cloth. He cleaned himself up then tended to Justin who was just nodding off.

“Love you,” Justin murmured as he snuggled closely to Brian.

“Love you too, Sunshine,” Brian whispered, kissing the sweaty blond forehead. Brian stayed awake for awhile just watching Justin sleep. Then he got up, found a pair of shorts and walked to the kitchen.

“How is Mr. Justin?” Angelica asked Brian who was rummaging through the refrigerator looking for juice.

“Sleeping. Your aloe helped. Thank you.”

“He should feel better in the morning.”

“I hope so. I–I don’t like to see him in pain,” Brian mumbled.

“No one likes seeing a loved one in pain. And you love him deeply, yes?”

“Yes,” Brian admitted as he downed a glass of juice.

“I’ll pick up a stronger sun block for him in the morning.”

“He has a lot of allergies...”

“Not to worry. We have many natural lotions that will help protect his tender skin,” Angelica said with a smile.

“Thank you,” Brian said to the woman as he washed out his glass then left it to dry on the dish rack.

Angelica chuckled. “I could have done that for you.”

“I’m used to washing dishes,” Brian said with a shrug then wished her a good night. Brian sauntered back to his room.

Angelica stood in the kitchen for a minute before turning out the lights then retiring to her own rooms. She contemplated the man who was rich enough to lease the estate for his beloved and yet down to earth enough to wash his own dishes. She smiled then went to bed.

*****

The next morning Brian said he was going to take a swim in the ocean. Justin wanted to go with him, but Brian told him he had to stay out of the sun for that day at least. Justin knew that overnight his sunburn had improved greatly. Although he didn’t like being told what he could and could not do, he knew Brian was probably right. However, he did want to go with Brian.

Angelica appeared in the kitchen with some of her stronger sunblock and more aloe to replenish what Justin had already used.

“Thanks, Angelica, it really seems to be working. I feel much better,” Justin told her.

“But he needs to stay out of the sun today, right?” Brian asked looking pointedly at his husband.

“That would be a good idea,” Angelica agreed.

“He shouldn’t go swimming,” Brian continued.

Angelica shook her head. “I wouldn’t advise it.”

Brian smiled triumphantly while Justin scowled.

“I guess I have to sit inside all day all by myself,” he grumbled.

“Not at all,” Angelica said. You could sit in the shade by the pool.”

“And after my dip in the ocean I’ll swim in the pool and keep you company.”

“Okay,” Justin agreed brightening up a little that he wasn’t going to be locked up in the house all alone.

“Even if you’re in the shade, use the sun block that Henry got this morning,” Angelica advised.

“Henry?” Brian asked.

“Yes, Henry’s my husband, so I sent him out early this morning for the sunblock.”

“You didn’t need to do that.”

“It’s part of our job, keeping the tenants of the estate happy.”

“Well, we really appreciate everything,” Justin told her. Brian nodded in agreement.

“Let me get you some brunch,” Angelica said with a happy smile.

*****

After they had something to eat, Brian headed for the beach while Justin took his sketchpad to the pool area. He pulled a chaise fully under an overhanging tree where he could have a good view of the flowers in the gardens. He thought he’d like to sketch some of them.

Brian tested the water with his toe finding it rather chilly. However, he knew that once he was in the water he’d feel fine. Taking a deep breath he ran into the water plunging into the first wave that came at him. When he surfaced he shook the water out of his hair and swam out a little further.

He started swimming back and forth once he was out past the breakers. The water felt cool and lovely against his body. He wondered if he should try surfing while they were in Hawaii. As he turned around and started back along the beachfront one more time, he noticed that he seemed to be drifting farther and farther in the direction where Angelica had warned them about riptides. Maybe it was time to get out.

Brian turned and started swimming in the opposite direction. He could see the break in the hedge where he had entered the beach, but he didn’t seem to be getting any closer to it. He decided that instead of swimming against the current, he’d head for shallow water, get out and walk back.

As he got closer to the sand of the beach, the waves seemed to be ever larger. They buffeted him about and he went under a couple of times. As one wave retreated, his leg dragged on the coarse volcanic sand under the water. Another wave hit him from behind and knocked him over. It started to drag him back out into deeper water. Brian scrabbled at the sand and managed not to get pulled back too far. Another wave pushed him up further onto the sand which scraped and tore at his body as the water receded. Brian hung on, pushing with his legs to get himself further out of the water. He crawled a little way before the next wave came in. It had pretty well petered out by the time it reached his feet. Brian crawled a little further away from the water then rolled onto his back taking in some gasps of air. It was more a sense of relief that he had made it out of the water, than the fact that he was really hurt.

After a couple of minutes, Brian got to his feet albeit shakily. He started walking toward the break in the hedge on legs that were scraped and bruised.

“Justin,” he called as he neared the opening. “I need you.” And he really did.

It’s All Downhill From Here

Chapter 4

“Justin!” Brian called again.

“Brian, what’s wrong?” Justin called back as he emerged through the break in the hedge.

“Help.”

“Oh my God! What happened?” Justin gasped. He could see that Brian was moving slowly, limping badly. Justin ran to Brian’s side. He put his arm around Brian’s back and let the taller man lean on him. Together they hobbled into the yard. “What happened?” Justin asked again as he eased Brian into the chaise where he had been sitting before Brian called to him.

“Currents,” Brian said before he groaned.

“I’m getting Angelica,” Justin said. He ran to the kitchen when Brian didn’t even put up a protest.

In less than a minute Angelica appeared with Justin close behind her carrying a first aid kit.

“You go too far down the beach, didn’t you?” Angelica said knowingly as she got her girth lowered onto her knees to get a better look at Brian’s injuries. “Are you hurt anywhere else other then your legs?’

“I don’t think so, but I’m sore all over.”

“Those waves can really bounce you around.” Angelica carefully lifted and looked at each of Brian’s legs. “I think you’re mostly scraped and bruised. There’s a couple of spots that are bleeding a bit, so we’ll put bandaids on them.”

Brian nodded. “My hands,” he said as an afterthought. He held out one hand palm up for Angelica to look at it.

“You took a couple layers of skin off that too, but it’s not bleeding.”

“Hurts,” Brian said.

“Justin, would you get some ice packs from the freezer. I think that will make Brian’s hands feel better.”

Justin hurried into the house while Angelica cracked open the first aid kit. She applied some disinfectant to the open wounds and wiped off everything else that seemed to have been scraped. She applied three bandaids to the worst spots.

“Here’s the gel packs,” Justin said as he returned.

Brian took one and wrapped the towel around it that Justin handed him. He held it between the palms of his hands. The cold felt really good on his bruised and scraped hands which had felt like they were on fire.

“I didn’t think sand could hurt so much,” Brian said after a minute.

“It’s volcanic sand, little pieces of rock, so it can do a number on your skin,” Angelica told them.

“You got that right,” Brian agreed.

“Put an ice pack on the most painful place on each leg. I think you’re going to be fine, just a little sore for a couple days.” Angelica hoisted herself back onto her feet. “I’m going to bring you some lemonade and a snack. Just stay put and rest,” she ordered.

“Yes, Ma’am,” Brian agreed. He didn’t have the energy to complain.

Angelica went into the kitchen while Justin hauled another chaise over beside Brian’s. He made sure they were both in the shade then sat down beside his husband.

“We look like we’ve been through a war,” Brian said after a couple of minutes.

Justin chuckled. “We should have bought travel insurance the way this trip is going.”

“Wasn’t this supposed to be fun?” Brian asked with a frown.

“I’ve had some fun,” Justin replied with a waggle of his eyebrows.

“We could have had that fun in our bed at home,” Brian griped.

“We met Paul and Martin and had fun at Squeeze,” Justin reminded him. “God, I love the name of that club.

“Maybe we should rename Babylon.”

“Naw, I think Squeeze belongs here with orange juice and fresh fruit.”

“Lots of fruits,” Brian said sticking his tongue in his cheek.

Justin laughed. He was glad that Brian seemed to be recovering his sense of humor. “Let’s take it really easy for a couple of days, Brian. When we’re back to normal, maybe we can do some sightseeing.”

“When are we ever normal?”

Justin laughed. “Not often. But we really should be careful for a couple of days.”

“I thought that’s what we were doing today, and look at me.” Brian indicated all his scrapes.

“Well, you could have swum in the pool. There are no currents in it.”

“Wanna bet?”

Justin chuckled. “Your injuries have made you grumpy.”

“Can’t help it.”

“Here’s some lemonade,” Angelica said as she carried a tray with the drinks and some cheese and crackers out to the table by the pool.

“Thanks, Angelica,” Brian said. “And thanks for patching me up.”

“Not a problem.”

“Do you have any brochures about interesting things to do here in Hawaii?” Justin asked her. “Things that aren’t dangerous, that is.”

Angelica laughed. “We keep a supply of suggested activities in a folder in the front hall. I’ll bring it out to you.” She went back in the house.

Justin handed Brian a glass of the lemonade, which Brian quickly downed. He hadn’t realized how thirsty he was. Justin refilled Brian’s glass from the pitcher that was on the tray.

Brian drank some more lemonade. Then he licked his lips. “That really hit the spot.”

“So I see,” Justin smiled.

“Do you think it’s safe for us to go somewhere else on the island?” Brian asked as he leaned his head against the back of the chaise.

“So far all our problems have been here. We were fine at the club.”

“True,” Brian said as he finished his second glass of lemonade. “I think I’ll just close my eyes for a couple of minutes.”

Justin watched as Brian’s eyelids slowly drooped and his breathing steadied out almost immediately. Justin got up and took the glass from Brian’s hands. He made sure Brian’s palms were covered with the ice packs and he lined up the packs on Brian’s legs. With that done, he picked up his sketchbook and sat back down. He turned in the chaise so he could look at his favorite model. Even battered and bruised, Brian Kinney was still beautiful. His hand moved effortlessly across the page.

*****

It was the part of the day that John liked the most. The family had eaten, homework was done and checked and the cottage was quiet. Each member of the family was enjoying their own quiet pursuits. John was in his attic office putting the finishing touches on his thesis. He had an appointment with his adviser in a couple of days and depending on what was decided, John would be defending his thesis soon after. The sound of heavy little princess footsteps coming up the staircase caught John’s attention.

“Hi, princess,” John said softly as Bree rounded the top of the spiral staircase, shuffled into the office then climbed up to settle herself onto her uncle’s lap. Large soulful violet blue eyes looked up into familiar hazel eyes.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” John asked as he heard the quiet sigh.

“I miss my daddies,” Bree answered then buried her face into John’s chest to cry. John hugged her close and waited until Bree was all cried out.

“We talked about this, didn’t we?” John said. He felt Bree nod. “Let’s pretend that your daddies are away at camp. You went away last year for two weeks, learned a lot and had fun. Your dads are doing the same thing.”

Bree looked up again into her uncle’s eyes. They reminded Bree of her Dada’s eyes. A funny kind of green that sometimes looked like a bright golden green and at other times looked brown. Bree loved her Uncle Bobby a lot but there was something comforting about her Uncle John.

“They love you, princess, and they’ll be home before you know it,” John reassured his niece as he wrapped his arms around the tiny body. “Are you ready for your bath?” Bree nodded. “How about you and Patrick have a little camp out tonight?”

Bree’s eyes grew wide. “What kind of camp out?”

“Why don’t you and Patrick sleep on the brass bed in the porch? It’s going to be a clear night; you’ll be able to see a lot of stars.” Bree gave her uncle a little smile. “And I bet Beau would love to sleep with you too.”

Bree’s smile became wider.

“You go down and get ready for your bath. I’m going to put away my papers and then I’ll be right down to help you.”

“Okay, Unca John,” Bree said, feeling so much better.

“I love you, sweetheart,” John said as he gave her another hug and a kiss.

“I love you too,” Bree said, kissing his cheek.

Bree climbed down from John’s lap then went down the stairs. John quickly put away his thesis then followed Bree down.

*****

Patrick gazed up at the twinkling stars as Bree snuggled closer into his side. While he and Bree took their baths and got ready for bed, his dads pulled back the screen and made up the big brass bed in the sun porch. When the kids got settled, John beckoned for Beau. The big dog hopped up onto the bed and made himself comfortable at the foot. The kids rarely slept out there so John knew they’d feel safer with Beau keeping guard. Beau, a very wise dog, kept vigil. Patrick could hear Bree’s mournful sigh as she cuddled even closer.

“It’s okay,” Patrick whispered. “They’ll be home soon,” he reassured the little girl. He felt her head nod. “Look at the stars. I bet your daddies can see the same stars. We’re all connected.”

“We are?”

“Yup. We are. Pick one and make a wish, your dads will know you’re thinking of them.”

“They will?”

“Yeah, they will.”

“Okay.”

Bree picked the brightest star she could see then closed her eyes to make a wish, yawning as she did. Patrick heard her breathing even out. He slightly turned to see her. Bree had fallen asleep.

Patrick smiled then looked down at Beau. The big dog looked back with his big brown eyes. “She’s okay, Beau.” Beau seemed to understand as he laid his head down. Patrick settled back then joined Bree in sleep.

*****

“How are you feeling?” Justin asked Brian.

They had decided to stay at the estate the next day to recuperate. Brian was still hobbling and feeling very sore. The back of Justin’s neck was still painful to the touch as were his calves. He did get some relief with the aloe so he applied more every few hours.

“Not bad,” Brian replied trying to maintain his tough exterior. Justin knew better.

“Want to take something?” Justin offered. Brian shook his head. “Want to eat something?” Angelica was busy in the kitchen making dinner.

“Not really.” Brian was sulking. Their honeymoon was off to a great start...not. Barely three days into the trip of a lifetime and they were both battered and feeling broken.

“It could be worse,” Justin remarked. Brian glared at him. “I could be in the hospital with sun poisoning and you could have drowned.” Justin glared back. Brian sighed; it indeed, could have been a hell of a lot worse. “I promise to keep covered up if you promise to do your swimming in the pool. And we both do nothing any more adventurous other than walking or taking a bus tour,” Justin added. Brian nodded.

“Feel like eating now?” Justin asked as wonderful mouth-watering aromas wafted from the kitchen.

“Yeah,” Brian murmured as he held his hand out to his mate. Justin stepped closer, taking the proffered hand gently into his own. The boys went to the kitchen.

*****

“That was great, Angelica!” Justin exclaimed as he pushed back from the table, rubbing his sated belly. Brian smirked as he reached over to pat the belly that was bloated from the good meal.

“Watch it, Sunshine, the airline charges more for heavy baggage,” Brian teased. Justin narrowed his eyes but said nothing. Brian must be feeling better if he could now throw out a few snide remarks.

“I’ll work it off,” Justin assured him.

“Speaking of which, do you think it’s safe if we stroll around the grounds. It’s better than just sitting and feeling sorry for ourselves,” Brian admitted.

“Stick to the paths, there are edge lamps along the way,” Angelica advised. “Even the formal garden has a lit path. If you stay on the path, you’ll be fine.”

“I have no intention of taking any chances,” Brian assured the woman. “Walk with me, Sunshine?” Brian stood, extending his hand. Justin responded with a loving smile as he stood. They walked through the lanai doors and onto the path.

*****

“It’s so beautiful out here,” Justin said as they stood near the waterfall at the back of the pool. The path ran alongside of it and into the garden.

“Yes, it is, if you overlook the killer riptide and burning sun,” Brian snarked.

“But the evening is cooler and we’re safe on dry land.”

“Yeah, it is,” Brian said as he drew the younger man into his arms for a kiss. “Much safer,” he murmured against Justin’s lips.

“Mmm, tastier too,” Justin replied as he licked Brian’s lips.

“Let’s walk off that fine meal,” Brian said after a few minutes of making out, patting Justin’s butt. Justin giggled as he slid himself under Brian’s arm while they strolled the path.

“This is amazing! Why didn’t I come out here before? I’d love to paint this,” Justin said as he bent to sniff a tropical flower.

“Hey, no can do, Sonny Boy.” Brian pulled him back before Justin’s nose got closer to the large bloom.

“Why?” Justin asked slightly miffed.

“First of all we have no clue if you’re allergic to that thing and second, what if there’s a big bad bug just waiting for your cute nose to poke into his home. No. You come out here in the daylight with Angelica and let her explain to you all about the flowers and plants before you stick your nose in.”

“Oh, okay,” Justin acquiesced, seeing the logic in Brian’s words. “Can we at least walk through the garden tonight?”

“As long as we stick to the path. I’m not taking any chances,” Brian repeated as he pulled Justin in closer, tucking him under his shoulder.

“Yes, master,” Justin teased but allowed the he-man act. He didn’t want to take any chances either.

When they came to the center of the garden, the boys stopped to look up at the stars. The dim path lights did nothing to diminish the brilliance of the stars. Justin heard Brian sigh.

“She’s fine, you know,” Justin said guessing at what Brian was thinking.

“I know.”

“Bet she’s having the time of her life with ‘her’ Patrick.”

“You think?”

“I’m sure she is.”

“It is peaceful out here,” Brian said by way of a non sequitur.

“Make a wish,” Justin said.

“Hmm?” Brian wasn’t sure he heard right.

“I said make a wish.”

“And why would I do that?”

“Because I said so.”

Brian shrugged then did as commanded. He closed his eyes and let go the strain and stress of the past couple of days. He thought about his family, the children, and Bree’s cute little face looking up at him with her large violet blue eyes. He saw Gus standing proud and handsome. And Patrick, an amazing combination of John and Bobby. Then he let his mind wander to the rest of the kids in their crazy wittle family.

Even in the dim light, Justin could see the transformation taking place on Brian’s face. Justin stood back, memorizing every nuance. He’d sketch that look as soon as possible.

“Better?” Justin asked already knowing the answer.

“Yeah.”

“Come on. Let’s go back.”

“Had enough of nature?” Brian snarked.

“For now. I have other things in mind.”

“Unnatural things?”

“Maybe for some, but not for me,” Justin said making Brian laugh. Justin grabbed Brian’s hand to lead his man to bed where they could do their ‘unnatural’ things together.

*****

“So you think this will be a safe choice for us?” Brian asked as they sat out on the lanai the next morning eating their breakfast, brunch actually. The boys had a relatively good night of gently making love, avoiding the worst of the painful spots on their bodies then sleeping late into the morning. Angelica was currently plying them with a healthy breakfast.

“I think so. What kind of trouble can we get into in an art museum?”

“I have no idea but considering our luck, plenty. But this seems like a safe choice.”

The boys had the folder on the table with all the activities and tourist attractions within a 50 mile radius of the estate. Henry had the limo polished, gassed up and awaiting a destination.

“What do you think?” Justin asked Angelica.

“I think the art museum is an excellent choice. It’s a peaceful place and they encourage artists to take along their sketch pads,” Angelica remarked knowingly.

“Bri?”

“To the art museum, we go!” Brian declared putting his seal of approval on the excursion plans. “And I’m sure it’s climate controlled,” he smirked. Justin was planning to wear a lightweight but long sleeved linen outfit for protection. Brian was planning to apply sunblock on him just in case.

“Yee Haw!” Justin exclaimed as they finished their brunch then got ready for the day.

*****

"Bobby Morrison," Bobby said as he answered his phone.

"Hiya, honey!" Emmett said as soon as he heard Bobby's voice.

"Hey, Emm. What can I do for you?"

"Do you know when the boys are getting back?"

"Just before the Memorial Day weekend. Why?"

"Do you think they'll be up for our annual barbecue?"

"I'm not sure but I don't see why not. We can have it all planned. This way all they have to do is sit back and enjoy the family."

"That's what I was thinking. We can all bring something so the big guy doesn't have to cook."

"He likes to grill but this sounds good to me," Bobby said.

"Then leave it all to me!" Emmett announced.

"Okay. But let me clear it with John first. We hadn't gotten around to discussing it yet."

"Will do. Keep me posted. Bye, honey!"

"Bye, Emm."

It’s All Downhill From Here

Chapter 5

Brian and Justin slowly strolled through the main gallery of one of the larger museums on their island. It was devoted to the unique fauna and flora of the Hawaiian Islands. Justin was enthralled by the vibrant colors of the modern art. Throughout the gallery, artists young and old had out their sketch pads, charcoals and pastels, hoping to capture what they saw. Off to one side of the great gallery there was a long atrium that terminated at a huge greenhouse. The greenhouse was home to several specimens of tropical hibiscus as well as orchids. Brian found it peaceful so he sat on a bench inhaling the peaty and floral scent.

“Hey, you okay?” Justin asked when he found his missing spouse still seated on his bench hidden amongst large palm leaves.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“You’ve been in here for over an hour.”

“Really?” Brian said with surprise. “I didn’t realize. Are you ready to go?”

“Not yet, unless you want to.”

Brian shook his head. “I like it here,” he said cocking his toward the plants. “You find something to draw?” he added with a smirk.

Justin had his sketch pad in his hand and a pencil stuck behind one ear. Justin smiled. “Lots. You getting some ideas for our garden?” he asked knowing how Brian’s mind worked.

“Maybe. But these are all tropical flowers. They’d be fine in the summer but then die at the first sign of frost.”

“Not if they had a greenhouse to live out the winter.”

“I hate to break it to you, Sunshine, but we don’t have a greenhouse.”

“Ah, but we could have. You’re always complaining that you’re bored during the winter. Even Bree mopes around because she can’t do gar-gar. We can solve both problems if we had a greenhouse. Of course it doesn’t have to be this big,” Justin said as he looked around. The museum greenhouse was several stories tall. “But it could be large enough to house some tropical hibiscus trees and maybe some fruit trees.” Justin smiled at his mate.

“Hmm, you may have an idea. We can install some benches to make it a sanctuary. I can plant the trees in large pots. Put the pots on wheels to move the trees into our garden during the summer then wheel them back in the fall. Maybe a small fountain and pond in one corner.” Brian allowed his mind to consider the possibilities. “I like the sound of our stream.”

“You can have that sound all year long,” Justin remarked. "You could hold classes for the garden center."

"I'm not a teacher."

"Sure you are. You taught Bree all about gardening and you taught Todd a thing or two. You'd make a great teacher. Here,” Justin said as he dug into his ever present messenger bag to hand a small pad and a pencil to Brian.

“What am I supposed to do with these? I’m no artist.” Brian stared at the pad in his hand.

“No, but you are the best adman ever and gardener extraordinaire. Design your greenhouse, Bri. John will build it, you know he will.”

Brian nodded as his hand lightly caressed the pad. “You don’t mind if I stay in here, get some ideas? This is supposed to be our honeymoon.”

“I don’t mind. You’ve spent many hours watching me sketch, draw and paint. I think I can wait while you design your greenhouse. Besides, every day with you is a honeymoon.” Justin smiled one of his sunniest for Brian.

“Come here,” Brian whispered. Justin walked in closer then leaned down. “I love you, Sunshine,” Brian said as he gave Justin a kiss. “And I could watch you paint and draw for the rest of my life,” Brian murmured against Justin’s lips.

Justin returned the kisses then stood up to walk back into the main gallery. He turned his head to throw Brian his brightest sunshine smile. Brian couldn’t help but return the smile.

“Later,” Justin said.

“Later.”

*****

“Did you boys have a good time?” Henry asked as he opened the limo door for Brian and Justin. They had spent most of the afternoon in the museum. Justin had the inspiration for many paintings in his pad. Brian had the plans for his greenhouse.

“It was so amazing!” Justin exclaimed with enthusiasm. Brian rolled his eyes.

“It was all right,” Brian stated. Justin rolled his eyes.

“Well, sit back and relax. I’ll have you back to the estate in no time,” Henry proclaimed as he buckled up then started the car.

They were almost home, discussing what they had seen in the gallery and talking about the greenhouse when the world shifted beneath them. Henry swerved, losing control of the car. When the world finally stopped moving, they were in a hole on the side of the road.

“Justin!” Brian shouted, his voice husky with fright and concern. Justin had landed on the floor just opposite of him. Carefully, he pulled Justin up and onto the seat next to him. “Everyone okay?” Brian asked as his hands roamed Justin’s body searching for breaks and bruises.

“I’m okay,” Justin assured Brian. Shaking from shock, Justin leaned into Brian’s chest. Brian automatically enveloped the smaller man with his arms.

“Henry?”

“I’m all right but I don’t think the car is going anywhere,” Henry grumbled as climbed his way out of the car. He had his cell phone in his hand calling for a tow. “Good news is we have plenty of water. Bad news is we may be here for a while. Lots of people run off the road.”

Brian managed to get the door of the lopsided car open. He climbed out to get a good look at their situation. There were many cars stalled out along the road. No one looked like they were seriously hurt but they could hear the sounds of sirens coming from many directions.

“Do you have any idea what happened?” Justin asked Henry. Brian was staring at the road which was buckled in a few spots.

“Pele is unhappy,” was all that Henry would say.

*****

“When is that fucking tow truck going to get here?” Brian griped before he took a sip of water from the bottle that Henry had given him. He saw Henry across the road talking to some other drivers who had driven off the road when the ground shifted. Brian and Justin were seated on the trunk of the car while they waited for help.

“I’m sure they’re overwhelmed with all the calls,” Justin said reasonably.

“Henry called immediately,” Brian reminded his husband. “We should be first on the list.”

“They may be having trouble getting here.”

“Rescuing all the people along the way here, undoubtedly,” Brian snarked.

“Those people need help as much as we do.”

“This has been some honeymoon,” Brian said shaking his head. “We may be sitting here on the side of the road for the rest of it.”

Justin leaned his head on Brian’s shoulder. “It’ll be all right as long as we’re together.”

“Yeah,” Brian said kissing the top of the blond head.

“Um, excuse me, but would you like a cookie?” a voice said from behind them. Both Brian and Justin turned to see who was speaking to them.

“Sure,” Justin said as he got a whiff of the still warm cookies in the basket the woman was holding. “Thanks.” He took a cookie from the basket that the woman held out to him.

“I was making these when we had that little tremor,” the woman said. She offered the contents of the basket to Brian.

“Little tremor?” Brian said skeptically.

“We can deal with much worse. I’m Leilani,” the woman said with a gentle smile.

“Nice to meet you, Leilani,” Justin said with a big smile. “I’m Justin. These cookies are excellent,” he added finishing off the one he had taken from the basket.

“Have another,” Leilani replied holding out the basket of cookies to Justin.

“Thanks,” Justin said quickly taking another cookie.

“You should go feed some other poor stranded buggers,” Brian chimed in. “Justin will eat that whole basket if you let him.”

Justin swatted Brian. “This uncouth mass of bodily fluids is Brian, my husband.” Brian glared at his mate.

Leilani smiled. “Nice to meet you both.”

“Thanks for the cookie,” Brian said deciding to be gracious as he took a bite of his cookie. “You’re the best thing that’s happened to us on our honeymoon.”

“It’s called Hawaiian hospitality,” Leilani informed him. “You’re on your honeymoon?”

“Yes,” Justin said with a big smile. “We’ve been married for ten years and together for twenty, but we finally decided to take a second honeymoon.”

“You don’t have to bore Leilani with our life story,” Brian said giving Justin the eye.

“I’m not bored,” Leilani responded. “It’s always nice to meet new friends.”

“Does your husband know you’re out chatting up the boys?” Brian asked snidely.

“Brian!” Justin said shocked at his husband’s comment.

Leilani frowned. “My husband knows exactly where I am. That’s him over there trying to get that car started. We both like to help when we can.”

“Oh,” Brian said watching the group of men which included Henry give the car a push as it roared into life. The driver waved as he drove away. “Great!” Brian griped. “Our driver is helping everyone else.”

“Brian, stop it!” Justin ordered. “We should help too. Come on.” Justin grabbed Brian’s hand and pulled him up from his perch on the strangely angled car. He dragged Brian over to the group of men who were trying to push a car out of a hole that one wheel had dropped into. As soon as the extra manpower in the form of Brian and Justin aided in the pushing, the car quickly sped away.

“Great!” Brian repeated. “Now we have one less person to help push our car out.”

“We’re next,” Henry said walking towards the Mercedes.

“At last,” Brian said as he and Justin joined the others at the rear of the Mercedes. Henry opened the driver’s door so he could steer. With great effort the small group managed to push the car back onto the road.

“We can go,” Henry said looking at his charges. It was their decision.

“Let’s help the last couple of vehicles first,” Brian said. He knew what it felt like to be left stranded, and nobody should have to suffer that.

Before long all the cars in the small group were back on the road. Brian and Justin said goodbye to Leilani and her husband. They got another cookie as their reward. The friendly Hawaiians waved to them as they finally drove away.

“Home, James, it’s been a long day,” Brian said to Henry.

They could see Henry’s broad smile in the rearview mirror.

*****

“So you don’t get many earthquakes here?” Brian asked Angelica. They had been discussing the day’s adventure with her as she prepared dinner.

“No, usually it’s eruptions – mostly Kilauea. It’s the most active volcano.”

“What would the earth shaking like we had today mean?” Justin asked with a frown.

“It could be a precursor to another eruption,” Angelica explained.

“I thought maybe we could take a flight over to the Big Island and see the newly formed lava,” Brian replied.

“You better do it soon,” Angelica informed him. “If there’s an eruption, you won’t be able to get anywhere near Kilauea.”

“Should we go tomorrow?” Justin asked.

“You could.”

“I should go on line and check flights,” Brian said standing up from the table where he had been drinking some lemonade.

“There are flights to the Big Island several times a day,” Angelica said. “You shouldn’t have any trouble getting a flight. But you may want to book a tour to the volcano.”

“I’ll see what I can find,” Brian replied as he left the kitchen to go to his computer.

Justin sat at the kitchen table finishing his lemonade and thinking.

“Henry tells me that you helped push several cars out of trouble this afternoon,” Angelica said after a couple of minutes.

“Yeah, everybody banded together and got the job done,” Justin said proudly. “We met a lady named Leilani who brought us some cookies to help us keep up our strength, and her husband helped push the cars.”

Angelica nodded and smiled knowingly. Henry had told her all about it. She was not surprised that Justin had helped with the cars, but that Brian Kinney had as well was a surprise. “Um, I wouldn’t think that Mr. Brian would be one to push cars.”

Justin chuckled. “Most people would think the same. That’s because they can’t see past all the bluster that Brian throws out. He really has a heart of gold when you get to know him.”

“I’m beginning to realize that, but he keeps it pretty well hidden.”

“Yes he does. It would be wise not to let him know that you see what he’s like on the inside.”

Angelica nodded in understanding. Some men were like that. They needed their cool, detached image to represent how they wanted the world to see them. It was rare to get a glimpse below the surface as Henry had today. With some of the wealthy guests who rented the estate, there was nothing under the façade, just more of the same. Angelica was glad these men had more to them than the surface wealth.

“I better go see how Brian’s doing,” Justin said as he placed his glass beside the sink.

*****

The next day Brian and Justin landed on the Big Island where they were met by Alice, a young lady who worked for the tour company that Brian had contacted on the internet. The company provided individualized tours for those who could afford it. After introductions, Alice led her charges to the Mercedes limo that awaited them outside the airport terminal. Justin half expected to see Henry get out of the car to greet them. It seemed like a black Mercedes was the standard limo in the islands.

Instead of Henry a young Hawaiian who said his name was Kemo hopped out. Kemo opened the door of the car for them after he introduced himself. Brian and Justin got in the back while Alice got in the front with Kemo.

They drove for quite awhile. Alice pointed out some roads that had been overrun with lava and abandoned. She explained that the Big Island was still growing. Every once in a while there would be an eruption, and a few more feet would be added to the perimeter of the island. Finally Kemo pulled the car into a lot where some buses and other cars were parked. They all got out.

“The lava fields are over that way,” Alice explained pointing. “I can accompany you, or you could explore by yourselves. You’ll see hot areas with red lava showing through fissures in the ground. This is one of the main areas where the Big Island is still growing.”

“I’d like to look around by ourselves,” Justin said. Brian nodded.

“I’ll be happy to answer any of your questions when you return,” Alice said. She informed them that she and Kemo would be waiting for them in the same spot when they returned.

“Great,” Justin said as they started walking towards the lava fields. Ahead they could see red areas amidst the rock. “Wow! Look at that,” Justin gasped. “It’s like the world is being reborn in fire and stone.”

“How poetic, Sunshine,” Brian replied with a smile. “I wonder if it will melt the bottom of our shoes.”

“I don’t think you’re supposed to step on the red patches.”

They bent over to look at the red lava which showed through cracks in the rock. Fascinated by what they were seeing they wandered farther and farther into the lava fields, looking for larger and more dramatic spots of molten lava.

“I could so paint this,” Justin said as they found a particularly large red area. The heat from the fissure could be felt from several feet away.

“My feet are getting warm,” Brian said. He looked around and noted that they were all by themselves. The nearest person to them was little more than a speck in the direction from which they had come. “Um, maybe we better turn back,” Brian said.

“Look at that over there,” Justin enthused, pointing to another area of fresh lava. “Come on.”

Brian could do little but follow his impetuous mate. They wandered a little further squatting down to look at the glowing patches of lava.

“Mr. Kinney, Mr. Taylor, thank God I found you,” Alice said as she arrived breathless at their side.

“Found us?” Brian asked. “Were we lost?”

“Didn’t you see the signs saying this area is out of bounds? It’s a wonder your shoes aren’t on fire,” Alice replied. “We should get out of here.”

“Sorry,” Justin said. “It’s my fault. I kept dragging Brian farther and farther. I just find this all so fascinating … and beautiful.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it, but we really need to go back,” Alice repeated.

“Okay,” Justin said looking wistfully at the lava fields ahead.

“Come on,” Brian ordered. “I seriously think my shoes are melting.”

They quickly made their way back to the car. Kemo looked relieved when they arrived.

As Brian and Justin settled into the back seat of the limo, Brian lifted his sandal clad foot to look at the sole. Any tread that had been there had disappeared. His shoes had literally melted.

“It’s a wonder I didn’t go up in flames,” Brian said as he showed Justin his shoe.

Justin looked at his runners which were in much the same condition. “I think we need to go shoe shopping,” he suggested.

“Ooh, shopping,” Brian said with a grin.

“I know how much that appeals to you,” Justin chuckled.

“I wonder if Hell is like those lava fields,” Brian speculated as Kemo drove the limo out of the parking area. “It’s supposed to be hot like that.”

“You’ll never know, because if there’s an afterlife, we’ll be in Heaven together,” Justin declared.

“I’m in Heaven everyday … as long as I’m with you,” Brian declared.

Justin smiled one of his radiant smiles and his hand squeezed Brian’s just a little harder.

*****

Alice took them to one of the main growers of orchids on the island. They wandered through the growing areas looking at the thousands of varieties of orchids. Brian snapped pictures of the ones Justin particularly liked. They would be added to his photos of the lava fields, all pictures that Justin wanted to use for inspiration for his paintings.

From the signs they learned that most of the orchids were for export, but many went to make the leis that visitors received when they got off the plane in Hawaii.

After a half hour Justin’s allergies started to kick in. He was stuffed up and finding it hard to breathe. Brian looked at his watch and decided they should probably head for the airport and their flight back to Oahu.

“Did you have a good day?” Brian asked as the limo neared the airport. Dusk was just descending over the islands.

“It was a great day. I’m going to paint some of the colors of those lava fields when I get home. I bet I could do some great orchid paintings too,” Justin replied happily.

“I bet you could, Sunshine.”

They said their goodbyes to Alice and Kemo, giving them each a generous tip for their day’s work. Soon they were back on Oahu where Henry met them at the airport.

“Glad to have you both back safe and sound,” Henry said as he opened the limo door for them.

“Yeah, safe and sound, with no injuries,” Brian snarked, “except for the soles of my shoes.”

Henry chuckled. “I hear that a lot from people who visit the Big Island. Those lava fields suck you in and then eat your shoes.” Henry began driving towards the estate. “You were lucky you went to the Big Island today,” he informed them. “The scientists say that Kilauea is showing renewed activity. There could be an eruption anytime. I told you Pele was not happy.”

“Timing is everything,” Brian said as he settled back into his seat. It was good to be heading back to their temporary home, and tomorrow they would go shoe shopping.

It’s All Downhill From Here

Chapter 6

“Now we’re talkin’!” Brian exclaimed, rubbing his hands together as Henry pulled into the main parking area for an exclusive upscale shopping mall.

“I got the impression that you prefer the finer things,” Henry remarked, pleased that his supposition was correct.

“Oh yeah,” Brian responded as he took a look at a large sign which listed the stores and boutiques in the mall. Justin rolled his eyes as he snorted.

“He’s a snob when it comes to clothes and shoes,” Justin stated.

“Just because every other thing in my side of the closet isn’t a hoodie, doesn’t mean I’m a snob,” Brian snorted.

“Uh huh. Henry, take a break. We may be here for awhile,” Justin suggested. Brian was practically salivating.

“Come along, McSunshine, we have shopping to do,” Brian said as he grabbed Justin’s wrist heading for the main doors. Justin pocketed the card Henry gave him which had Henry’s cell phone number before Brian spirited him away.

Henry chuckled as he drove away to wait at a local coffee shop for his crazy charges, thinking to himself - who goes on a honeymoon only to shop for clothes?

*****

“Brian, we’ve been here for hours. It’s not like you don’t already have the latest Spring collection and Fall collection already in your closet,” Justin whined.

They were sitting in a comfortable salon sipping strong dark Hawaiian coffee and nibbling on melt in your mouth pastries while a parade of models were strutting their stuff up and down a short runway. Brian was in designer heaven. He had already picked out shoes to replace the ones that had melted and purchased several other pairs that he just HAD to have. He even convinced Justin to buy a pair of Italian leather shoes - to wear when he presented his special commissioned paintings to the Royals.

“Justin, shopping for clothing is an art. You’re an artist. You should appreciate that fact.” Brian stood as one model, one very tall dark and handsome model, came out in a soft, cream colored, summer weight wool suit. The model stopped to allow Brian to, um, fondle the lapel. The model sighed. Brian arched a brow.

“I’m beginning to think you appreciate what’s in the clothes more than the clothes,” Justin growled as he threw a death glare at the hapless model.

“I’ll take this one,” Brian purred. The personal shopper who was attending them stepped up then ushered Brian to a private room to get his measurements. The model smiled hopefully at Brian. Brian winked but shook his head, no.

“Bri, I’ll be at the jewelry counter,” Justin said as he saw his spouse led away. The model considered following but went back to the dressing rooms when he saw Justin glaring at him.

“Okay,” Justin heard Brian say before he disappeared into the room.

*****

“May I help you?” a rather prim saleswoman asked Justin as he was checking out a selection of gold charms.

Justin didn’t need any more jewelry. He wore the most precious things to him, his wedding ring and the bracelet Brian had given him years ago. Brian wasn’t into jewelry either, wearing his wedding ring and the pendant that Justin had designed for him. Justin wanted to get something for Bree.

“May I see these?” Justin asked sweetly, not realizing that the woman was suspicious of him. He was wearing his usual clothes, not a designer stitch on his youthful looking body. Justin was pointing to an expensive selection of floral charms. They were done in enamel over gold in bright shades of fuchsia and purple. He knew a special princess that would love one.

The woman pushed a button under the counter as she tried to take out a tray that contained ‘fashion’ jewelry.

“I’m sorry, I meant that tray. My daughter would love the hibiscus charm,” Justin stated as he pointed to a specific charm.

“May I help you?” A gentleman sidled up to the counter to stand next to Justin. Justin turned to see the tall husky man wearing a jacket with a security patch on the pocket.

“Well, unless you’re authorized to sell me that charm and gift wrap it, I don’t think so,” Justin said as he finally got it. He wasn’t intimidated by the ‘bear.’ He had seen his share of muscle bound bears in his day.

“May I see some ID?” the security guard asked politely. Justin shrugged as he slowly pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. He took out his driver’s license for the man. “Justin Taylor?” the man asked with recognition in his voice.

“That’s me,” Justin replied.

“THE Justin Taylor?” the man asked with awe. The stern look on his face transformed into hero worship.

“Who?” the saleswoman asked.

The guard rolled his eyes as he quickly hand the license back to Justin. “Justin Taylor - the artist. I have family back East. I went to your Fractal exhibit. I just work here part time; my main job is in computers. I love fractals!” That remark garnered the big bear a sunshine smile. “Miss Frances, where have you been? This is Justin Taylor; he’s a world renowned artist. Are you here to get ideas for your next show?”

“Well, it didn’t start out that way but I can't help sketching all the beautiful flowers that I’ve seen.”

As Justin and the guard chatted about flowers, computer programs, and paint mediums the saleswoman quickly took out the original tray of charms. She showed the hibiscus charm to Justin for his approval. She immediately placed it in a gift box then wrapped it.

“Will this be cash or charge, sir,” she asked with a definite change of attitude.

“Charge, please,” Justin responded politely, taking out his wallet again, and pulling out his credit card.

“We have a lovely selection of necklaces, if you’re interested in getting something for your wife,” the woman suggested.

“No thank you. My husband isn’t into jewelry, but are those cowry shells?” Justin spied a man’s silver bracelet that had three shells linked into the bracelet.

“Husband?” the woman sputtered as she took out the tray of bracelets. Before Justin could elaborate, Brian joined him at the counter.

“Who’s your friend, Sunshine?” Brian asked as he sized up the starstruck bear who was making goo-goo eyes at his spouse.

“Um, he’s a security guard,” Justin said automatically as he took Brian’s arm to draw him closer to the counter. “I got this for Bree,” Justin said as he pointed to one of the pretty charms.

“She’ll love it,” Brian nodded approvingly.

“Do you think Gus would like this?” Justin picked up the cowry shell bracelet then handed it to Brian. Brian’s face softened.

“I think he’ll love it,” Brian said in a loving tone, bussing Justin’s temple. “I think he’ll love it more knowing you chose it for him.”

“Please wrap this,” Justin said to the saleswoman with a smile.

“With pleasure,” she immediately responded, as she removed the tag then prepared the bracelet for wrapping. “Will there be anything else?” she asked, very pleased with the commission she was about to earn.

“What about Patrick, should we get something for him?” Justin asked as he handed the lady his credit card again.

“I don’t think he’s the jewelry type. Let’s think about it. We can always come back,” Brian said. Justin nodded in agreement. Patrick didn’t show signs of being into jewelry.

“Where’s your new suit?” Justin asked. Brian was only carrying a bag containing his new shoes.

“I’m having everything shipped home. It’s easier that way,” Brian explained.

“Okay,” Justin agreed. “I’m hungry.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Brian snarked as he reached around Justin for the gift bag that contained the charm and bracelet. “I’m sure we can find someplace to eat in here.”

“There’s a steakhouse on the upper level,” the guard suggested.

“Perfect! I love my meat grilled,” Brian said as he waggled his eyebrows. Justin giggled as he rolled his eyes.

“Where’s your little friend?” Justin asked as he nudged Brian’s arm with his shoulder.

“What friend?”

“Tall, dark and available.”

“Oh him.”

“Yes, him.”

“I prefer short blond and mine.” Brian leaned down to murmur in Justin’s ear. He nudged Justin’s shoulder. Justin looked up with a blazing smile.

The lovers walked through the mall to the steakhouse making goo-goo eyes at each other.

*****

When Brian and Justin finished their meal, they decided it was time to go home. They called Henry who picked them up from the mall very promptly. Brian made a mental note to leave a very generous tip for their chauffeur who seemed more than willing to go above and beyond for his clients.

By the time they arrived back at the estate, the sun was starting to set. They decided to take a swim in the pool as the setting sun would be much less likely to burn sensitive skin.

They swam laps together, letting the cool water sluice over their bodies. After several laps they stopped at the side of the pool where they could stand up but still have most of their bodies underwater. Brian pulled Justin against his body and kissed the full lips he knew so well. Justin responded as only he could, curling himself around Brian’s body in the shallow end of the pool.

“I love you so much,” Justin whispered.

“Even after all the calamities we’ve had on this so-called honeymoon?” Brian asked with a grin.

“Because of all the calamities,” Justin averred.

“How so?” Brian frowned wondering what Justin could mean.

“Anything we do together is wonderful, Brian. I love when you take care of me, rubbing lotion on my sunburn and warning me to stay out of the sun. I love taking care of you too, like this,” he said kissing the scrape that was still visible on Brian’s palm.

Brian swallowed. Sometimes the emotion between them was so raw and so … real, that it almost overwhelmed him. “I love you, Sunshine. I love you more than I ever have. We have a wonderful life together.” Brian kissed Justin softly, tenderly, warmly.

Justin basked in the feeling of Brian Kinney’s arms around him and Brian’s lips on his. There was no better feeling in the whole world, and they didn’t need to be in Hawaii for him to feel it.

“I love you too, Brian Kinney. Don’t you ever forget it.”

“How could I when you’re here to remind me at every opportunity.”

Justin realized that the sentimental moment was over, and the snarky Brian Kinney had returned. But that was okay. The moments like they had just shared were enough to sustain their relationship, enough to make it grow and prosper. It was a source of wonderful happiness that no one else ever got to share. Justin was totally happy.

“And I’m here to help you shop till you drop, and spend ungodly amounts of money,” Justin said with a grin.

“Well, that’s what money’s for, isn’t it?”

“So they tell me. But I’d still be with you if you had nothing.”

“I know,” Brian replied. “There was a time when you had to prove that.”

Justin nodded as they thought about some of the hard times they had weathered together. “Life isn’t always easy,” Justin said. “But it’s easier when I’m with you.”

Brian nodded. “Do you think we should call Bree?”

“It’s hours later over there than it is here. She should be in bed.”

“I didn’t mean immediately. I thought maybe tomorrow. We haven’t talked to her since we left.”

“Getting homesick?” Justin asked with a gentle smile. His hand caressed Brian’s cheek.

“Maybe a little,” Brian admitted. “But I’m glad we’re here – together.”

“Me too.”

“Let’s get out. I’m pruning,” Brian said walking up the steps of the pool with Justin’s hand in his.

They toweled off, Brian insisting on drying Justin’s hair. Justin loved the feel of Brian’s hand massaging his head. It always made him feel so peaceful. They sat down on the two chaises side by side. Their hands met in between with fingers linking.

“Look at the stars,” Justin said staring up at the heavens.

“Not bad,” Brian stated as he watched the evening sky.

“What do you want to do tomorrow?”

“Besides call Bree?”

“Yes, besides calling our daughter.” Justin smiled. Big, bad Brian Kinney missed his daughter something awful.

“I was reading in one of the brochures they leave lying around this place that Waimea Canyon on Kauai is supposed to be spectacular,” Brian explained.

“Is it full of lava?” Justin asked.

Brian chuckled. “No, lava boy! It’s a huge canyon full of multitudinous colors – kind of like the Grand Canyon back home.”

“Ooh, colors,” Justin said his eyes lighting up.

“I thought you’d like that.”

“I’d love to see it.”

“I’ll go online and see what we can arrange.”

“Thanks,” Justin said.

“For what?”

“For thinking about what I might like, and all the great things we’re getting to do.”

Brian shook his head. “Like I don’t enjoy them too.”

“I think you enjoy seeing me enjoy them,” Justin said smugly.

“Is that right?” Justin nodded emphatically. “There’s something else I like seeing you enjoy,” Brian stated with a suggestive waggle of his eyebrows.

“Is that so?” Justin said with a grin and a wink.

“I think it’s time we hit the bedroom. We’re both relatively pain free tonight,” Brian joked.

“That will be a treat. As opposed to some of our recent couplings.”

Brian pulled his husband up from the chaise and they headed inside for a night of gentle lovemaking intermingled with some very tempestuous fucking.

*****

The next morning they came to the kitchen late for breakfast. Angelica had everything mostly ready, starting with steaming mugs of coffee which she set in front of them as soon as they sat down.

“You both look like you could use these,” Angelica said with a knowing look.

Brian squirmed in his chair to find a comfortable spot to sit. Justin had been insatiable last night … and so had he.

“Thanks,” Brian said taking a sip of the hot liquid.

“What have you gentlemen got lined up for today?” Angelica asked as she dished up scrambled eggs and bacon. She had a feeling both men could use a hearty breakfast.

“We thought we’d like to see Waimea Canyon,” Justin informed her.

“It’s very beautiful. I think you’ll love it,” Angelica said placing their plates of food in front of them. “Have you made arrangements?”

“I was going to do that last night, but someone distracted me,” Brian said with mock sarcasm. He could take that kind of distraction anytime.

“Then I would suggest you make the arrangements today, and fly over to Kauai tomorrow. That way you won’t be rushed. You can really enjoy the canyon and the grottos.”

“Grottos?” Justin asked.

“Fern grottos. They’re very beautiful. There are some waterfalls too. You should see them.”

“Have you thought about going into the tour business?” Brian asked with a chuckle.

“I advise enough people who stay here,” Angelica replied. “I like it here. I wouldn’t want to change a thing.”

“It must be nice to feel so content,” Justin said with a smile. “Just like I do.” He looked at Brian who smiled back at him.

“We should call Bree before she goes out on some adventure,” Brian said as he finished his breakfast. “It is Saturday.”

“Good idea,” Justin replied watching Brian take out his phone and dial.

“Who’s Bree?” Angelica whispered.

“Our daughter. She’s eight,” Justin said.

Angelica nodded. Bree must be a very lucky little girl.

Brian waited as the call went through. John’s voice came on the line.

“Hello?”

“John, it’s your handsome brother. How is everything over there?”

John laughed. “Just fine, O handsome brother. How are you two doing?”

“We’re good. Is Bree around?”

“She’s pulling at my jeans and trying to climb up my leg to get to the phone,” John said with a laugh.

“Dada!” Bree screeched into the phone.

Brian held his cell phone away from his ear for a moment. “Hey, Squirt,” he said.

“Dada, I miss you so much. When are you coming home?”

“In about a week,” Brian said with a big smile spreading across his face. It was good to know that Bree was missing him.

“Can’t you come sooner?” Bree whined.

“No, Squirt, we have everything booked. What are you doing for the weekend?” he asked hoping to distract Bree from the topic of them coming home.

“Unca John is taking me and Patrick to Gamma Claire’s to sleep in Gus’ treehouse,” Bree said excitedly.

“He is? Has the treehouse been cleaned out?” Brian knew the treehouse had not been used in a long time.

“Unca John says we have to clean it first and then Patrick and me get to sleep up there.”

“Is that what Unca John said?” Brian asked with a chuckle. Trust his brother to teach the children about the value of hard work with a reward at the end.

“Uh huh,” Bree replied. “I love you, Dada.”

“Love you too, Squirt. Want to say hi to Daddy?”

“Oh, yes!”

“Hi, sweetheart,” Justin said into the phone when Brian handed it to him.

“Daddy! I love you and I miss you.”

“Me too.”

“Are you coming home soon?”

“Dada said in about a week,” Justin said patiently.

“That’s forever.”

“It’ll go quickly, and you and Patrick will have fun in the treehouse.” Justin had surmised the plan for the day from hearing Brian’s side of the conversation with his brother.

“I guess so,” Bree said with a sigh.

Brian was signaling for the phone. “I have to go now, Bree,” Justin said. “See you in a few days. Love you.”

“Okay, Daddy, love you too,” Bree said.

“Squirt, I love you,” Brian said as he took the phone from Justin.

“You too, Dada,” Bree responded.

“Put Uncle John back on for a moment.”

“’Kay, Dada. Love you.”

“Yes?” John’s voice came back on.

“Is she really all right?”

“She’s fine, we all are,” John assured him. “Are you two having a good time?”

“Yeah, amongst the disasters.”

“What?”

“I’ll tell you all about it when we get back. Thanks for looking after Bree,”

“I love her as much as you do. Not a problem.”

“Bye, John.” Brian cut the connection.

“There,” Justin said, “now you know Bree’s fine and they’re all doing well.” Justin took Brian’s hand and gave it a squeeze.

Angelica smiled. She had listened to the conversation. These gay men had a daughter that they loved to bits. Interesting.

She snapped on the small TV as she started the clean up from breakfast. “Oh my,” she said aloud.

“What?” Brian asked.

“Kilauea is erupting. Pele is not happy.”

It’s All Downhill From Here

Chapter 7

“It’s so high!” Bree exclaimed as she looked upward from the base of the treehouse. Bree hadn’t really noticed the treehouse in detail before. John, Bobby, Steve and Claire were all milling about, preparing to clean and air out the treehouse for the kids. Claire and John had various cleaning supplies ready.

“Can we go up, Poppa?” Patrick asked his red-headed father.

“Sure, just be careful. I don’t think it’s been used in a long time. Although, it looks surprisingly clean,” Bobby remarked as he and the kids slowly climbed the steps.

“Mom, why does the treehouse look so clean?” John asked his mother.

“I can answer that,” Steve said as he followed them up. “Occasionally I let a kid from the farm stay overnight or for a weekend,” Steve divulged.

Bobby stopped short. “You put the kids in solitary confinement?” he asked, ready to do battle as a child advocate.

Steve chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. “No, it’s not what you think. We’ve gotten a few kids sent to us by child protective services. They’ve been abused, if not physically, emotionally. Sometimes they just need a quiet, peaceful space to get their heads in a better place before the real therapy can begin. Bill and I take turns camping out up here, giving them a little space but not too much. They need to know that they haven’t been abandoned. We have the kids clean out the treehouse, give it a coat of varnish now and then. And then we light the fireplace if it isn’t too hot. We talk or read or play chess,” Steve said with a smile as he cocked his head toward the painting on the wall of Brian and Gus playing chess.

“The kids love hearing about how you guys found each other and about the time you built the treehouse. It assures the kids that families are not all bad. And that anything is possible,” Steve further explained.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” John asked. “I’d certainly volunteer my time.”

“I know you would, son,” Steve said, patting John’s shoulder. “But you have your own family to look out after.” John nodded. “Perhaps when these young’uns get a little older, you can spend more time at the farm. Besides, we don’t always have kids here. But your mother and I try to get up here once a year to open it up, make sure the wood isn’t rotting.”

“Thank you,” John said as he gave the big man a hug and kissed his mother’s cheek. “And by all means, use the treehouse for the kids anytime you need to. This place was built with love, maybe some of it will rub off on a needy kid or two.” Steve gave John a grateful smile then he and Claire went back down to prepare lunch for their troops.

A few hours later the treehouse was sparkling. John inspected every nook and cranny, giving it his seal of approval before bringing up the camping equipment the kids would need for the night.

The children were playing catch in the yard while the adults sat in the screen porch sipping lemonade, relaxing after their efforts of the day.

“I’ll stay with them,” Bobby said.

“Are you sure? I’m fully prepared to spend the night up there,” John stated.

“Yeah, I’m sure. I don’t mind. Besides, I know you brought your laptop with your thesis. It’ll give you some quiet time,” Bobby said as he gave John’s thigh a pat.

“How’s your thesis coming?” Claire asked.

“It’s done. I’ve been tweaking it but it’s really finished. I have an appointment next week to defend it,” John said casually but with a bit of pride in his voice.

“Oh, sweetheart!” Claire gasped as she stood up to give her son a hug. “I am so proud of you,” she said with tears of joy in her eyes.

“My husband, the doctor,” Bobby stated proudly.

“Congratulations, son,” Steve beamed.

“Thank you, thank you,” John said bowing his head. “I can truly say this has been a labor of love. I really enjoyed doing the research and interviews. The fact that I’ll get a doctorate out of this is a bonus. It was kind of fun.”

Bobby snorted.

“Okay, minus me going a little crazy over the project, overall it was worth doing,” John admitted. Bobby nodded.

“You boys going to light the fireplace?” Claire asked after a while.

“Do you think we should?” Bobby asked.

“I do,” John said. “It might have been a warm day but it’s still only May, nights can get cold. Between the sleeping bags and the fire, you should be all right.”

“I have extra blankets, just in case,” Claire said.

“We’ll be fine,” Bobby said. “It’s not like we’re stuck in the middle of the woods. If it gets too cold, we’ll come back inside and camp out in the living room. It wouldn’t be the first time we’ve had a camp-out indoors,” he said. “Come on, old man,” Bobby teased his spouse. “Let’s go rustle up a fire up there, take the chill off the old homestead.” Bobby stood, holding out his hand to John. John stood up, taking Bobby’s hand to walk outside and up the treehouse.

“This brings back lots of memories,” John murmured as he opened the fuel cans and placed them into the firebox.

“Yeah,” Bobby agreed. “We had a ball building this thing,” Bobby said with a chuckle.

“We had several balls,” John said laughing at the memories. “I seem to recall my brother’s balls running naked from the stream when he had his encounter with the bull frog.” John and Bobby cracked up with laughter.

“He’ll never live that down,” Bobby said when he was able to catch his breath.

“Nope. I learned a lot about Brian and Justin that week. Learned a lot about you too,” John said with a loving smile. John leaned over to give Bobby a kiss. Bobby wrapped his arms around John’s neck drawing the older man in closer. After a while they reluctantly pulled away from each other.

“Mmm, I never get tired of kissing you,” Bobby whispered.

“Me neither. But I guess we shouldn't start something we can’t finish. It’s getting late, for the kids. And you’re right, I’d like a little time to look over my presentation,” John admitted.

“Then I’ll round up the kids to get them ready for bed.”

Within the hour the kids were bathed, in their pj’s and snuggled together in a large sleeping bag. Bobby, in his own sleeping bag, was reading a story to them. The story was really for Bree, but Patrick enjoyed hearing his father’s expressive voice. A half an hour later, the children was asleep. Bobby kissed the angelic looking faces before sneaking back down and into the house for a while.

“Coffee?” Claire offered. “It’s decaf.”

“Sounds good,” Bobby replied.

“There’s pie,” Claire tempted her son-in-law by waving a slice of home-made cherry pie.

“You’re determined to see me fat,” Bobby stated but sat down at the table to have his pie.

“You’ll work it off,” Claire reassured him. “You boys certainly worked hard today. I didn’t think a tree could shine,” Claire teased.

“That’s your son,” Bobby mumbled around a mouthful. “He’s obsessed.”

“I heard that!” They heard John coming from the vicinity of the living room. Bobby and Claire chuckled.

Bobby finished up his coffee and pie, cleaned up the kitchen then kissed Claire and John before going back outside.

“Kids all tucked in?” Steve asked. He had been sitting in the porch for a while just enjoying the quiet evening.

“Yup. They went out pretty fast. Must have been all that hard work,” Bobby chuckled.

“You boys are wonderful parents. Those kids are so loved,” Steve said. “I’m proud of all four of you,” he added, including Brian and Justin in his compliments. “If there were more parents like you boys, there’d be no need for places like the Farm.” He gave Bobby’s arm a squeeze before going back inside. Bobby took a deep breath then went to the treehouse.

*****

“Daddy?” Bree murmured half asleep as Bobby came through the trap door and into the treehouse.

“No, princess, it’s Uncle Bobby,” Bobby said gently.

“Where’s Dada?” she asked, not really awake.

“He’s on vacation with your daddy. They’ll be home soon. You’re in the treehouse with Patrick and me. Go back to sleep,” he whispered. “Grandma Claire is planning a big breakfast in the morning.” He kissed the sleepy child.

“Okay,” Bree snuffled then snuggled closer to her Patrick, falling deeper into sleep.

Bobby caressed their sleeping faces before sliding back into his own sleeping bag and to sleep.

*****

“What are you doing?” Justin asked. He had stirred in his sleep to see his husband standing at the screened patio door of their bedroom. They had been fucking for hours, and Justin knew they were both tired. He always knew when the bed did not contain his spouse. It always felt different if Brian wasn’t there.

“Looking at the stars,” Brian replied.

“Stars, huh?” Justin said as he joined Brian by the door.

“Yeah, stars.”

“They’re the same stars that Bree can see.”

Brian glanced at his husband. Justin always knew when Brian was upset or melancholy. “Do you think she’s scared … sleeping in the treehouse?”

“I think she’s just fine,” Justin said rubbing Brian’s arm. “She’ll have her Patrick and John and Bobby with her. She’s fine, Brian.”

“I know, but I can’t help…”

“Worrying,” Justin supplied.

“Yeah.”

“You know that your brother and Bobby and Steve and Claire are taking good care of our little girl.”

“I know.”

“But…?”

“She sounded sad on the phone.”

“Of course she did. She misses us just as much as we miss her.”

“She’ll have grown up by the time we get back.”

“It’s two weeks, Brian, not two years.”

“I know…”

“Stop worrying. That’s an order,” Justin commanded. “And come fuck me. That’s an order too.” Justin took Brian’s hand and dragged him back to bed.

As Brian rolled away from Justin, having just completed a very satisfying bout of lovemaking, he looked out the patio doors at the brilliant stars in the tropical sky. He hoped Bree was looking at them too and knew that her fathers were thinking of her.

*****

“Patrick,” Bree whispered.

“Hm, yeah, what’s wrong?” Patrick asked as he opened his eyes and sat up. “Are you scared?”

“A little. I miss my daddies.”

“They’ll be home soon. Hold my hand,” Patrick said finding Bree’s hand in the dark. He squeezed gently. “I’ll take care of you. Go back to sleep.”

“’Kay,” Bree said with a little sniffle. She closed her eyes knowing that everything would be all right with her hand in Patrick’s.

*****

Henry dropped off Brian and Justin at the airport for their flight to Kauai. Since having a relaxing day of sitting in the shade and swimming and worrying about Bree, they were ready for their next adventure.

The flight was a little less than an hour and they arrived to find their minders who would chauffeur them around and make sure they enjoyed their visit to Waimea Canyon. Jack was their guide and Ollie their chauffeur. Brian immediately took to calling them Stan and Ollie, but only for Justin’s ears.

They drove out to Waimea Canyon. Brian wasn’t sure what to expect. The photos he had seen on the internet had looked to be doctored. The colors were way too brilliant to be real. Brian hoped Justin wouldn’t be disappointed.

The limo pulled into the first lookout at the Canyon. Justin and Brian hopped out and walked to the edge of the cliff where a railing held them back.

“Oh my fucking God!” Justin gasped. “Have you ever seen anything like that?”

“Wow!” Brian replied truly impressed with the sight before him.

“Waimea Canyon is about ten miles long, a mile across and almost a mile deep in places,” Jack was explaining.

“The colors are just…” Justin was at a loss for words for once in his life. “I just can’t believe they’re real.”

“Me either,” Brian agreed. Waimea Canyon certainly lived up to the pictures he had seen on the internet. In fact it surpassed anything he had ever seen. He had his camera out taking pictures of the canyon from any angle he could line up. He knew Justin would want to look at them again when he started to paint. Brian could feel Justin’s fingers itching to capture the colors of the canyon on canvas.

“Take one from over here,” Justin urged Brian, moving farther along the top of the canyon. “Look at the colors from here.”

“Spectacular,” Brian said as he snapped many more pictures.

“Save a little room on your camera,” Jack cautioned them. “There’s several more lookouts along the top of the canyon, and some of them are even more beautiful.”

“Let’s go,” Justin said enthusiastically.

They all piled back into the limo and Ollie drove them to the next lookout. Once again they were in awe of the beautiful canyon that lay before them. They walked along the rim, while Brian snapped picture after picture.

“This is so amazing,” Justin enthused as they finally returned to the car.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” Jack said with a pleased smile. “I have one more lookout I want to show you then we have a Hawaiian lunch arranged for you at a local restaurant.”

“Is it a luau?” Brian asked sarcastically.

“Not exactly. A true luau takes all day. This is only lunch, but we have some wonderful food and some local performers,” Jack explained.

“That sounds great,” Justin said really enjoying everything they had done so far today.

“Yeah, great,” Brian said sarcastically. He envisioned some wilted salads and amateur performers. That was not what he had signed on for with this tour company. He would have words with them when they got back to Oahu.

They went to one more viewing point and then headed for the restaurant. It was not at all what Brian had expected.

It was a family run business with only a few people like themselves who seemed to be privileged to attend. They were all made comfortable at small tables around a central raised area that apparently acted as a stage.

A Hawaiian man walked out onto the raised area holding a microphone. He was middle aged, but very fit and handsome. Brian took all that in as he waited for an explanation of what they were going to do.

“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,” the man said. “I’m your host, Malachi Brown. You may wonder about my name, but I am descended from missionaries and Hawaiians, as are many of the people of Hawaii.”

“A fine tradition,” Brian mumbled sarcastically.

Justin squeezed Brian’s hand. “Take it easy. Let’s hear what he has to say.”

“Welcome to our family property. We are currently roasting a pig in our underground pit.” Malachi pointed towards a raised area that smoked slightly. “We started it at the crack of dawn today and it will be ready for dinner this evening. If any of you care to return for our luau, I think you will enjoy our food, entertainment and hospitality.”

“What about lunch?” some man at one of the tables asked.

“That’s what I was wondering,” Brian snarked.

“Sh,” Justin cautioned. Brian glared at him.

“We have some of the pork from last night’s luau,” Malachi continued.

“Great! Leftovers,” Brian contributed. Justin slapped Brian’s hand.

“We invite you to partake of our buffet which includes traditional dishes like two finger poi. Please, help yourselves. The servers will be happy to explain each dish at the buffet table.”

“I’m hungry,” Justin said getting up and dragging Brian to the front of the line. He grabbed a plate and handed one to Brian.

“This is the two finger poi?” the lady behind the buffet table told them pointing to a purple substance.

“Remember when we had poi at that luau in Florida,” Justin said.

“Yeah, I remember.”

“Poi is made from the taro plant” the lady continued to explain to them and the other people in line. She pointed again to a purple pasty looking substance in a bowl. “The consistency of the poi dictates its name. It is eaten with the fingers traditionally. If it’s runny, that is difficult to scoop up, one finger poi. A little thicker and we call it two finger poi because you can get a good amount on your two fingers.” She demonstrated by dipping her fingers into the purple mixture in a separate bowl in front of her, and then transporting the poi to her mouth. “See,” she said.

“It doesn’t taste very good, does it?” Justin asked, remembering his first time trying poi.

“Most people think it tastes like paste,” the woman said with a straight face. Then she smiled. “It’s an acquired taste. I suggest you try a little bit of everything. Then you can come back for more of the things you like.”

“Good idea,” Justin agreed as he started filling his plate with a small portion of each food item. He carefully read the labels to see what he was getting.

Brian followed behind him, taking a little bit of a few things. Once they were back at their table Justin dug in finding most of the food delicious. Even Brian found several things he liked, and they went back for more. Neither of them liked the poi.

“That lady was right, it must be an acquired taste,” Brian said as he wiped his mouth after Justin forced him to try a bit more of the poi.

“I don’t think I could ever acquire a taste for it,” Justin admitted.

“Once we leave here, there will be no need to acquire a taste for it,” Brian said.

Justin chuckled. “But the other food is really good.”

“Yeah, I guess they feel compelled to give us a taste of Hawaiian tradition with the poi. I bet they have so much left over after each meal that they don’t have to make it again for weeks.”

Justin shook his head. Brian had such a view of the world.

After lunch, two girls came out and danced the hula, asking members of the audience to join them. Justin went readily, dragging Brian with him. Justin’s hula was quite a bit better than Brian’s. He had given Brian’s camera to Malachi who snapped many pictures of the two men. Justin knew he would enjoy looking at them when they got home. This whole day had been great so far.

Following the lunch that far exceeded their expectations, Jack told them that they were going to Wailua Falls which had twin cascades and was made famous on the TV show called Fantasy Island. They would view the falls and then take a boat to the fern grotto.

Brian didn’t really appreciate all the tourist crap they were doing, but Jack hadn’t steered them wrong so far. Wailua Falls was quite spectacular with two cascades of water dropping from 80 feet, as Jack informed them. He also told them that sometimes the water flow was so strong that it became one falls, while at other times it could be one falls or three falls depending on the amount of water.

Brian got many pictures. He could see Justin’s artist’s eye looking at the possibility of painting the falls. They were told they could walk down a steep, slippery trail to the pool of water below the falls, but that it was a rather dangerous trek. In light of their recent misadventures, they decided that they would pass on that hike.

Ollie took them to the boat that sailed the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto. They settled back for the ride, Brian snapping some more pictures when Justin pointed to things of interest.

Upon arriving at the grotto, they were told that this was one of the wettest places in the whole world, getting hundreds of inches of rain each year. That was why there were ferns growing everywhere, out of the rock walls and all over the ground. They were directed to a path that led to the grotto itself which was supposed to have wonderful acoustics, being a natural amphitheater.

The path was wet and slippery as they had had a downpour earlier in the day. They made their way up to the grotto which was full of ferns. Brian continued his picture taking while Justin went to test the acoustics by whispering and seeing if Brian could hear him. He could.

As Brian turned around from a picture he had carefully lined up, he saw Justin farther up the path beyond where everyone else was.

“Justin,” Brian called, a frown on his face. “Be careful.”

“I’m fine,” Justin said just as his feet slipped out from under him and he sat down very hard on his well endowed ass. Not only did he fall but he started to bounce down the wet path his bum landing on each rock as he slid down. Brian ran over to grab him just as he came to a stop at the Fern Grotto.

“Are you okay?” Brian asked helping his husband up.

“Yeah, but my bum is going to be sore.” Justin rubbed his ass gingerly.

“Great!” Brian said looking at the wet back of Justin’s shorts. Another disaster to add to their honeymoon misadventures.

It’s All Downhill From Here

Chapter 8

“Morning, Angelica,” Justin said trying to be cheerful. He sat down carefully at the small table in the kitchen. His ass was sore, and not for the usual reasons. His slide down the rocky path at the Fern Grotto had left some bruises on his bountiful butt. Sitting was not that pleasant an experience at the moment.

“Good morning, Mr. Justin, where is Mr. Brian?”

“He’s in the shower.”

“I wanted to show you gentlemen what Kilauea is doing since you were over on the Big Island.” She flipped on the TV and turned up the sound.

“The river of lava has expanded in size overnight,” the reporter’s voice explained. “It has made its way to the sea where you can see the plumes of steam created as the hot magma enters the ocean. Luckily no homes or villages stand in the path of the eruption.”

“Wow!” Justin responded. “That’s amazing.”

“Lava is the lifeblood of these islands but it can also be very destructive,” Angelica counseled. Then she frowned. “You gentlemen didn’t pick up any pieces of lava while you were on the Big Island, did you?”

“Lava?” Justin asked.

“It is legend that when someone tries to remove rocks from Hawaii, Pele is very unhappy and bad luck ensues for the people taking the rock.”

“You…You think that’s why we’ve been having all this bad luck with falls and sunburn and…”

“I’m just asking, Mr. Justin. If you have any island rock, I would suggest you put it back.”

“I don’t have any rock. I wouldn’t do such a thing,” Justin declared.

“Neither would I,” Brian said as he entered the kitchen and heard the end of the conversation.

“I’m very glad to hear that,” Angelica replied as she starting pouring coffee for the men. “Pele is not happy these days, and we don’t want to anger her any more.”

When she went back to the stove to finish making breakfast, Justin whispered to Brian, “You don’t have a hunk of rock squirreled away somewhere, do you?”

“No, I most certainly do not. When have you known me to collect rocks, let alone steal them?”

“I know how much you like to get your rocks off,” Justin said with a chuckle.

“Not the same thing at all.”

“I had to ask with all the bad luck we’ve…”

“It’s not bad luck,” Brian declared. “We’ve just had a few mishaps.”

“Me more than you.”

“Well, let’s make sure we don’t have any more while we’re here.”

Justin nodded his head in agreement. That was exactly what he intended to do.

*****

The next few days the boys decided would be much safer spent at the estate. The estate was so vast that one could spend several days exploring it and still have more to see. They walked through the gardens, swam in the luxurious pool and made love in the hidden alcoves, being careful of Justin’s sore bum, of course.

Justin did take Brian’s suggestion about asking Angelica regarding the various plants and flowers in the garden. She assured her young temporary master that all the flowers were ‘user’ friendly but warned him to look before poking his nose in too close. Justin took her warning seriously and spent many happy hours sketching.

On a couple of evenings the boys decided to go back to Squeeze with their new friends, after enjoying leisurely dinners at local restaurants. Brian even allowed himself to be coerced into a very touristy night club tour one night. By the time the boys made it home, they flopped into bed, exhausted.

“I guess this makes it official,” Brian declared from his pillow.

“Makes what official?”

“I am officially old,” Brian stated with an exhausted grunt.

“You’re not old, just aged to perfection,” Justin pronounced. “And if I’m not mistaken, you lasted longer on the dance floor than Paul and Martin.”

“Well, I have good incentive,” Brian said as he found Justin’s hand under the sheets then laced his fingers through Justin’s.

“My big Smoosh!” Justin stated before he cuddled close then they both fell asleep.

*****

“So what shall we do today? We’ll be leaving on that jet plane for home soon,” Brian said almost relieved to be going home. The past few days had been accident free and Brian wanted to keep it that way. The boys were currently enjoying brunch on the lanai.

“I noticed a stable at the other end of the estate,” Justin said.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because your ass just recovered from bouncing down the cliff. And now you want to take your chances on a horse?”

“We’ve gone riding at the farm with the kids. It’s not like we’re entering the derby. Come on, Brian, it’ll be fun. I’m sure there’s a trail we can take. We’ll go slow.”

“You promise no hurdle jumping?” Brian asked, giving in to his mate’s pleading blue eyes.

“I promise,” Justin said as he raised his hand as if taking a solemn vow. “I’ll go so slow that you could walk faster than my horse.” Brian snorted but nodded his consent. “You will come with me, won’t you?”

“Don’t I always?” Brian said with smirk.

They finished their brunch then decided to walk off their meal by strolling to the stable.

*****

“This is Pele,” the stable hand told Justin as he adjusted the stirrups under Justin’s feet.

“Isn’t there some sort of rule against naming animals after gods?” Brian asked arching his brow with suspicion.

“Perhaps,” the man said as he gave the old mare a gentle pat. “It is true that Pele is the goddess of fire and this gentle lady did have such fire in her time. Now she is content to spend her days peacefully. But her coat still shines fire-red in the sun. I think Pele is pleased with her namesake.”

“Will she be all right to ride? I’m not too heavy for her, am I?” Justin asked with concern, looking down at the horse.

“As long as you don’t plan to have her gallop across the grounds, she’ll be fine. She needs to stretch her legs so she won’t get fat. No offence, my beauty,” he said addressing the horse then nuzzling her soft nose with his own.

“And is this horse named for a god?” Brian asked cautiously as he surveyed the horse he had been assigned.

“Ah, yes, this is the noble Maui of the land of the long white cloud. Maui was a superb fishman,” the groom informed them. The gelding was cloud white with a few dark grey spots on his hind quarters.

“I guess that would be helpful if I was planning to do some fishing, but I’ve had enough of the Pacific Ocean to last me a lifetime.” Brian rubbed at a healing bruise on his arm. “But he is beautiful,” Brian admitted, giving his steed a scratch between his ears. “Any instructions?”

“Just stick to the graveled path. We keep it well manicured and the path will eventually bring you back here. You won’t have any trouble but I would suggest wearing hats. The sun is very strong.”

The men nodded in agreement, they had no wish to repeat their earlier experiences with sunburn. Both men were carrying wide-brimmed straw hats to protect them from the sun and several bottles of water in Justin’s bag. The groom relayed his last minute tips then sent Brian and Justin on their way.

“It’s so quiet here. All I can hear is the sound of the waves,” Justin remarked, not expecting any response. They had been riding for about twenty minutes, the horses walking at a slow pace. “Bri, did you ever want to live by the shore?”

“I never really gave it much thought. When I was a kid, I just wanted out of the house. When I got older, I wanted out of the Pitts. Something like this was just a picture in a book. It had nothing to do with my reality,” Brian explained.

Justin thought that was so sad. Their lives were so idyllic and had been for so many years, Justin sometimes forgot about their past, especially Brian’s.

“We can afford a summer home someplace on a beach somewhere. I bet the kids would love it,” Justin said.

“Justin, if you’d like a place on a beach somewhere then say the word and we’ll ask your mother to check it out. But I’m very happy with our cottage on our lane. It has everything I ever wanted or could possibly dream of.”

Justin, struck by Brian’s sincerity, twisted in his saddle to give Brian a smile. The sudden shift in weight made the old mare stumble for a moment. Justin grabbed the horn of the saddle, dropping the reins. The mare took off, looping around the path to head back to the safety of the stable. Justin, not having that much experience on a horse, hung onto the horn trying not to fall off.

“Justin!” Brian shouted then took off after his husband. He followed as closely as he could without spooking Pele any more than necessary.

As they got closer to the stable, Brian could see that the main door was closed. If Justin couldn’t get control of his horse, he’d slam into the wall above the door.

“Justin, let go!”

“What?” Justin shouted back.

“Let go. Jump off. NOW!” Brian screamed.

Justin, trusting that somehow Brian would make it right, let go of the horn. He rolled off the horse with his arms automatically guarding his head. He landed with a thud on the thick sandy surface of the stable grounds. Brian reined in his horse then jumped down to get to his lover.

“Justin! Justin!”

“I’m okay, I think,” Justin replied half in shock and half grateful to be off the horse.

“Can you stand?”

“Yeah, I think so.” As Brian helped Justin to stand, the grooms came running to help and control the horses. “Ow!”

“What? Did you hit your head?” Brian asked with worry.

“My arm.”

Brian panicked for a second thinking Justin hurt the arm that had residual damage from the bashing.

“No, the other one,” Justin said in a surprisingly calm voice. Henry and Angelica came running. They had been notified and drove to the stable in a golf cart that they used to traverse the estate.

“I called for an ambulance,” Angelica said. “I don’t think it’s broken.”

“Then why can’t I move it.”

“I think it’s dislocated,” Henry declared.

They sat on a bench near the stable, waiting for the ambulance. Brian and Justin looked at each other.

“Pele is not happy,” they said together.

*****

A few hours later Brian and Justin returned to the estate driven by Henry in the limo. Angelica rushed out to see how they were. Brian got out of the limo first, looking tired and worried.

“How is he?” Angelica asked. “Did they keep him in the hospital?”

Brian shook his head, and stood aside as Justin hauled himself out of the limo. His left arm was in a sling.

“Oh my God,” Angelica gasped. “Is it broken?”

Justin shook his head. “Dislocated shoulder. They put it back in place. I have to keep it in a sling for a few weeks.”

“I’m so sorry,” Angelica said.

“It’s not your fault … or Pele’s. I decided to jump off the horse. I have to suffer the consequences.”

“It could have been much worse from what the stable hand told me,” Henry informed them. “Pele gets skittish when she’s frightened, and she was heading for the closed barn door. You could have been even more seriously injured.”

“I know,” Justin said shaking his head. “Brian told me to jump off when I did. It was the best thing to do.”

“And now we suffer the consequences,” Brian replied with a sorrowful look on his face.

“Is there anything I can do, anything I can get you?” Angelica asked.

Justin shook his head. “I think I’d like to lie down for a while.”

“Of course, rest is the best thing,” Angelica replied.

Justin walked slowly towards the house. Brian stepped beside Angelica.

“Can you ask Pele to stop?” he whispered in her ear. “This is too much.”

“I’ll see if I can put in a good word,” Angelica promised. “But Pele seems to be in a very bad mood these days.

“Don’t we know it!” Brian said as he followed Justin into the house.

*****

The boys decided they were not leaving the estate until it was time to return to Pittsburgh. They had had enough problems during this trip. They would lay by the pool and bask in the … shade. No more disasters for them.

Justin’s shoulder was quite painful, so there was no sex for Brian for a couple of nights, until Justin felt up to participating. Justin tried to be cheerful and cooperative, but that wasn’t always easy when he was in pain.

They talked to Bree on the phone one more time. Brian and Justin decided not to mention their mishaps to anyone at home. They didn’t want them worrying, and they didn’t like to admit all the problems they had had.

With very little time left in Hawaii Brian got out his camera and started going around the estate taking pictures of everything they had enjoyed, and also the things that hadn’t turned out so well. He photographed the ocean where he had almost been swept away. In fact he found the breakers fascinating. He spent over an hour photographing the ever changing water. Justin came with him, but Brian made sure his spouse had a palm tree or an outcropping of rock to sit under. No more sunburn for his injured mate.

Brian even walked back to the stables with Justin. Justin brought a carrot for Pele letting her know that all was forgiven. It hadn’t really been the horse’s fault. She had been frightened. Pele accepted the carrot eagerly while Justin rubbed her nose. All seemed to be forgiven. Brian took her picture, and also one of Maui to whom he fed a carrot of his own. He would have a remembrance of their riding adventure on film.

On the way back Brian noted a huge tree that was growing in a secluded area of the estate. “Look at the size of that thing,” Brian said, walking towards the tree.

“Be careful,” Justin cautioned. “It looks large enough to be a man-eater, and with our luck it probably is.”

Brian snorted. “I wonder what it is,” Brian asked looking at the multitude of trunks that seemed to hold up a huge umbrella of leaves.

“We could ask Angelica,” Justin suggested.

“It’s a lot cooler under the tree,” Brian said as Justin joined him in the shade of the large tree.

“I’m feeling a little hot and tired,” Justin admitted as the coolness of the shade felt so good.

“Okay, Sunshine, back to the house for you,” Brian said taking Justin’s good hand and heading for the house.

Justin allowed himself to be led back to the house where Angelica pampered them with lemonade and some small sandwiches she had made for them.

“I think she feels guilty that we’ve had so many mishaps,” Justin said as Angelica went back inside to get the plate of raw vegetables that she had prepared for them.

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Brian said. “But none of it is her fault.”

“No it isn’t, but you have to admit that this has been one weird honeymoon.”

“Everything we do is weird, Sunshine,” Brian said with a chuckle.

“Yeah, I suppose it is,” Justin said thoughtfully. “You know…”

“What?” Brian asked when Justin seemed lost in thought.

“This has been a great holiday.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Brian asked in disbelief.

“No, think about it. I have a million ideas of things to paint, and the colors, omigod, the colors! And we met some great people and we did have fun.”

Brian shook his head. “That’s why I keep you around, Sunshine. You are my sunshine. Even with a dislocated shoulder you can see the bright side.”

“You’re a very lucky man,” Angelica said as she set down a small tray of veggies and dip.

“Yes I am,” Brian agreed. “Angelica, would you sit down for a minute? I have a couple of questions for you.”

“Certainly, Mr. Brian.” Angelica sat down at the table with the two men.

“Do you know what that large tree not too far from the stables is?” Brian asked.

“Yes, it’s a banyan.”

“Banyan?” Brian asked. He wasn’t familiar with that type of tree at all. “It seems to have many trunks. Is it all one tree or many trees that get joined together?”

“Most of those trunks are actually roots. The tree drops roots down which enter the ground and act as supports for the weight of the tree as it continues to expand.”

“Wow!” Justin said. “It was so much cooler under the tree than outside of it.”

“In many places the banyan tree acts as a community meeting place,” Angelica explained. “A whole village could assemble under a large banyan in the olden days.”

“I bet,” Brian agreed. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“The banyan isn’t native to Hawaii, but there are many that have been planted on the islands. One of the largest in the world is on Maui, right in the middle of the city of Lahaina. I’m sure the city grew up around the tree.”

“I’d like to take some pictures of the banyan here on the property,” Brian said.

“Of course,” Angelica assured him. “You may take pictures of anything you wish, but it would be worth a trip to Maui to photograph the really big banyan.”

“I don’t think so,” Brian said firmly. “We don’t need any more problems.”

Angelica smiled knowingly. “Of course, whatever you wish.”

“Justin would like a picture of you and Henry.” Justin gave Brian a look but didn’t say anything. “I thought maybe we could take it at the banyan tree.”

“Certainly. I’ll let Henry know and we will do it after you finish your snack.”

“Thanks,” Brian said as Angelica went back into the kitchen.

“Justin wants a picture of Angelica and Henry?” Justin asked skeptically.

“Well you do, don’t you?” Brian asked.

“Well, yeah, but…”

“I’m just taking care of your every want and need.”

Justin chuckled giving his husband an affectionate look. He knew who the real softie was.

*****

“That’s good,” Brian said as Henry and Angelica stood in front of the banyan tree. He snapped a couple of shots. “Go under a little further,” Brian urged. “The light and shadow will make an interesting shot.” Angelica and Henry moved back into the shade. Brian snapped some more pictures. “Justin, let’s get one of you with them.” Justin moved under the tree and Brian took the shot. “I’d like to get a picture of the whole tree,” Brian said. “Come out in the sun and stand together.” The group accommodated Brian who started backing up, trying to get the whole massive tree into the shot. He kept stepping back farther and farther but was still unable to get a shot that included the whole tree. “Shit!” he griped as he stepped back even farther.

The back of his sandal landed on a tree root from another tree. His foot slipped off the root, twisting and throwing Brian off balance. The camera flew up in the air, as Brian’s hands went down to stop his fall. But the camera was attached to him by the strap around his neck. It came crashing back down hitting him in the side of his head. At the same time Brian knew he couldn’t stop the fall.

“Brian, Mr. Brian!” the group called to him as they rushed forward.

It was all too late. Brian went down twisting his ankle underneath him. The camera swung unharmed around his neck – not so, the spot on his right cheek where it had hit him. He let out a loud groan as he felt his ankle twist painfully.

“Brian, are you all right?” Justin gasped as he reached his husband’s side.

“My ankle,” Brian moaned as he managed to turn and sit with his leg extended.

“It’s already starting to swell,” Angelica said, before rushing to the house for an ice pack.

“I’ll get the car,” Henry said rushing off.

“Back to emergency,” Justin said ruefully.

“How much time have we spent there already?” Brian asked of no one in particular. He didn’t even want to think about that.

“More than enough.”

“Mr. Brian, let me help you into the car,” Henry said as he brought the Mercedes to a stop near Brian. He jumped out to help Justin get Brian into the back seat. Angelica arrived with an ice pack wrapped in a towel. She placed it on Brian’s ankle before the car drove off.

“What was that doctor’s name in the ER?” Brian asked. “The one who looked after your shoulder?”

“Dr. Kavanagh I think,” Justin responded.

“I think he’s our new best friend until we leave these scenic isles.” Brian closed his eyes and leaned against Justin. Some honeymoon, he thought.

It’s All Downhill From Here

Epilogue

Brian and Justin were all packed and ready to go home. They were giving the master bedroom one last inspection before going out into the main portion of the house. Justin had become more than a little anxious about the long flight back. Even in first class, a full plane would be noisy and crowded. Justin was not looking forward to being bumped and jostled.

“Don’t worry, Sunshine, I have it under control,” Brian reassured Justin, almost reading his mind.

“What did you do?”

“I know you think I’m a snob about certain things but the thought of spending eight hours in a crowded plane was making my dick soft. I exchanged our tickets for a private charter.”

“Brian!” Justin was astounded. “A private plane? That has got to be...”

“Not as expensive as you think and not a private plane. It’s a small charter for businessmen. I think we qualify. We’ll have more room and less risk of someone bumping into your arm.”

“Or your leg; I get it. But a private plane,” Justin said in exasperation but more than a little grateful at Brian’s ingenuity.

“We can afford it.”

“That’s not the point.”

“The point is - do you want to take the chance of someone bumping into your arm as they walk past you in the aisle? Justin, indulge me, please. I want to get us home, in one piece,” Brian said as he tucked the crutches under his arms then held his arms open for Justin.

“More or less,” Justin murmured as he walked into Brian’s arms, mindful of his own arm and Brian’s bad foot.

*****

“I could have cooked,” Angelica stated as she smoothed down the front of her skirt then reluctantly picked up her menu.

“Angelica, the point of us taking you and Henry out for lunch is that you don’t cook,” Brian stated using his ‘don’t mess with me’ tone of voice.

The boys wanted to do something nice for Henry and Angelica since they had not only put up with them for two weeks, they also took care of them throughout each disaster. The boys decided to take them and their two new friends out for a nice meal in the very best restaurant that they could find - that was relatively close to the airport. Brian did not want to rush through their meal or rush to the airport. The group included Paul and Martin, not only because Brian and Justin had grown fond of them, but also due to cool levelheadedness during the aftermath of all the accidents.

“But...”

“Angelica, Brian and I really appreciate all your help, and Henry’s. You’ve been more than just a housekeeper and driver to us,” Justin said trying to be reasonable.

“Well, if you put it that way,” Angelica conceded. The only reason they let Henry drive was he knew the best routes and it was just easier that way.

They ordered then settled back to enjoy their remaining time together.

“Do you think you’ll ever come back again? Hawaii really is a beautiful place,” Paul ventured as they were eating their salads. “It’s the reason why I moved here.”

“I know your children would love it,” Angelica added and the men nodded.

Brian cringed at the thought. Justin patted his hand. “I’m sure Bree would love the garden. Gus would like it too.”

“Especially if we took his boyfriend with us,” Brian snorted.

“Boyfriend? I thought your children were young,” Martin said. On cue, the boys took out their wallets brimming with pictures of all the children in the family.

“She’s beautiful!” Angelica exclaimed. “She looks just like you,” she said to Justin. Brian beamed as he nodded.

“Yeah, but her outlook on life is all Brian!” Justin chuckled as Brian gave him a scowl.

“Is that a polite way of saying that she has Brian’s attitude?” Martin asked. The table snickered.

“That would be a resounding, yes,” Justin emphatically stated then gave his spouse a little peck on the cheek to take away the sting. Brian cocked his head as his mouth formed a crooked little smile. He couldn’t deny that Bree had a lot of his personality but with all of Justin’s sweetness.

“And this handsome young man is your son,” Henry said.

“Yes, he’s in college now,” Brian said proudly. The table waited further explanation. “A close friend and her partner at the time wanted a child; I made a donation,” Brian said with a self deprecating shrug.

“It was more than that,” Justin added. “He and Gus are very close. Gus is an artist like his mother but wants to follow in Brian’s footsteps. One day he’ll take over Kinnetik.” Brian and Justin beamed with pride.

“And is Gus’s mother the mother of this little princess?” Martin asked. Paul suspected that Martin had a desire for children.

“No, we hired a surrogate,” Justin explained.

Then the conversation drifted toward how each of the children of their ‘family’ came to be.

“I know Bree would love to visit Hawaii and maybe someday we’ll come back, but I’d really be afraid that she’d get sunburned. If you think that Justin’s skin is pale, you should see Bree. And Patrick has his Poppa’s fair skin. Gus has my skin,” Brian explained.

“Then maybe we’ll just have to move in with you guys while you stay,” Paul said, very pleased with himself. “I’m a pretty good doctor,” he stated buffing his nails on his shirt. They all laughed.

“Excellent idea! And of course, you’ll need a medic. I’m much better in an emergency that he is,” Martin stated, tooting his own horn just to tease his partner.

While Angelica and Henry laughed, as Paul and Martin teased and bickered, Brian and Justin sat back and reflected.

“In spite of all the ‘mishaps’ as you’re so fond of calling them, I did have a good time,” Brian stated.

“Yeah, I did too but I think it was because of them,” Justin said, cocking his chin toward their new friends.

“We seem to find family wherever we go, don’t we, Sunshine?” Brian asked with love glittering in his eyes.

“Yes, we do,” Justin whispered. “And thank you for my honeymoon and for getting us on that charter plane. I love you.” Justin gave Brian a discreet peck on the lips.

“Love you too, Sunshine,” Brian murmured back.

A clearing of the throat got Brian’s attention. “We should get you to the airport,” Henry suggested. Brian gave the man a small smile as he nodded in agreement. Brian signaled for the check and then their party slowly made their way back to the car.

“Are you sure you don’t want us to go with you to help?” Martin asked.

“We’ll be fine,” Justin said as he gave his new friend a one-armed hug.

Gingerly the boys hugged both men then allowed Henry and Angelica to help them into the car. With promises from Paul and Martin to visit if they came back East, Brian and Justin drove off.

“I hope they make it to the airport without any problems,” Paul said as he watched Henry drive them out of the restaurant parking lot. “I hope they make it home without any more problems,” he quickly amended his statement.

“From your lips to Pele’s ears, Babe,” Martin said as they turned toward their own vehicle.

*****

“Bri, how are we gonna get home?” Justin asked as they settled into the back of the Mercedes. Angelica was sitting up front with Henry.

“I called John; he’ll meet us when we land.”

“He’s not bringing the whole family is he?” Justin pleaded with his eyes.

“No, I asked him to come alone.”

“Does he know what happened to us?”

Brian shook his head. “No, I didn’t want everyone to worry. I told him that I fell and wasn’t moving very fast; I left it at that. He’s smart; he’ll know not to crowd the whole family into the Navigator.”

Justin nodded then rested his head on Brian’s shoulder. They remained quiet for the journey to the airport.

*****

“We’ve had hundreds of guests at the estate but none as memorable as you,” Angelica said with tears in her eyes as she gently hugged the boys. Henry had pulled up to the designated drop-off section for the private charters. Both he and Angelica quickly got out of the car to help Brian and Justin.

“Well, I am unforgettable,” Brian snarked as he mustered up some of the Brian Kinney arrogance. Justin rolled his eyes.

“We won’t forget either of you. Promise me, if you ever decide to fly off this island that’ll you’ll visit us,” Justin made Angelica and Henry promise.

“We promise,” Henry answered. Angelica was too busy crying.

“If you bring your little princess, I’ll have an extra strong sunblock made just for her,” Angelica said into Brian’s ear then she kissed both his cheeks before letting him go. Brian nodded but said nothing; he was going to miss them.

A valet came to the curb to tend to their bags. Brian had gifts and extra purchases Fedex’d to Kinnetik, except for Bree's charm and Gus’ bracelet. He had contacted Ted to take charge of them. It was then that Brian had learned of the Memorial Day barbecue plans, but decided to say nothing to Justin for the moment. Neither of them were in a party mood.

Angelica and Henry watched as Brian and Justin hobbled off into the terminal. They had plenty of time to check in and rest before boarding.

“Do you think they’ll be all right?” Angelica asked her husband as they drove out of the airport. She turned on the radio to the local news station. The announcer stated that Kilauea was quiet for the moment.

“Pele is happy,” was all Henry would say.

*****

The long flight home was uneventful. The boys would have a day and a half to rest up before the family would descend upon them at Edna’s Treasures. Eventually, Brian revealed the plans about the barbecue and that the family had already decided to take charge so that the boys would have nothing to do but sit back and let it happen.

“I thought you said you didn't tell them what happened to us,” Justin said when Brian told him about the barbecue.

“I didn't.”

“Maybe someone’s psychic.”

“Or maybe they had a call from ‘Mysterious Marilyn,” Brian snarked making quote marks in the air and humming the Twilight Zone theme song. “All I know is that Emmett, Debbie and John have it all arranged,” Brian growled. His leg was beginning to throb and he suspected that Justin was growing more uncomfortable as well.

“Want something for the pain?” Justin asked. Between him and the steward, they rearranged Brian’s leg on some pillows.

“No, I just want to sleep. What about you?”

“I want to sleep too.” The steward brought them an extra blanket so that Brian could drape it onto Justin. Justin leaned his good shoulder onto Brian then fell asleep. Brian watched his sleeping spouse for a while. The lights dimmed and soon he too was asleep.

*****

“Unca John, will Daddy and Dada be surprised to see me?” Bree had begged and pleaded to be allowed to go to the airport to pick up her daddies. They were flying into Harrisburg instead of Pittsburgh.

“I’m sure they will but remember, princess, they’re going to be very tired and they may even be grumpy after their long flight. We must keep quiet and no pouncing on them,” John counseled.

“I promise, Unca John.”

The private terminal was quiet compared to the rest of the airport. Brian and Justin’s plane landed and all the passengers deplaned quickly. The boys were the last off. Brian conceded to the wheelchair ride into the terminal as Justin walked close behind. With help from the steward Brian stood up and got his crutches under him to finish the journey over to the baggage claim. Slowly the pair made their way over to their bags.

Bree, in John’s arms, spotted them first.

“Daddy! Dada!” Her clear voice echoed through the terminal. John tightened his grip on his niece who was bouncing in his arms then strode over.

“What the fuck happened?” John demanded as he took a good look at the exhausted and injured men.

Brian and Justin glanced at each other and then at John and Bree.

“Pele wasn’t happy.”

-TBC-

There’s No Place Like Home

Chapter 1

“What the fuck happened?” John demanded as he took a good look at the exhausted and injured men.

Brian and Justin glanced at each other and then at John and Bree.

“Pele wasn’t happy.”

Bree squirmed in her uncle’s arms until he put her down, tears brimming in her eyes. “Dada, Daddy?”

Justin squatted down to give his daughter a one-armed hug. “I’m sorry, baby girl, I can’t pick you up,” he said softly into Bree’s ear.

“John, get us out of here,” Brian said in a low tone. He managed to lean on his crutches so that he could caress the top of Bree’s head.

“I can help,” Bree said as she reached for her father’s messenger bag.

With John’s help, Justin took the bag off his good shoulder then draped it over Bree’s shoulder. They found a cart for their bags then slowly made their way out of the terminal.

“So are you guys going to tell me why we sent off two men in the picture of health and we got back two men that look like they should be in a convalescent home?” John asked with a growl. It took some time to get Brian and Justin situated in the Navigator so that they could drive back home in relative comfort. Bree sat in her booster seat in the back with her daddy while Brian stretched out in the front.

“It appears, my dear brother, that I have taken the name of the gods in vain one too many times. One in particular wasn’t very happy with us,” Brian snarked.

“Cut the shit, Brian. What truck hit you and who does Bobby have to sue?” John asked in no mood for Brian’s sarcasm.

“Did a truck hit you, Daddy?” Bree asked with her eyes open wide.

“No, baby. Uncle John was just kidding. We had a couple of accidents, that’s all,” Justin explained calmly. He was glaring daggers at the back of Brian’s head.

“Brian, I have to warn you, the family is planning a welcome home barbecue on Sunday. It’s a three day weekend. If you don’t think you’re up to it, tell me now and I’ll call to cancel,” John said.

“Justin, do you want to cancel?” Brian asked before answering.

“Do you?” Justin turned it around.

“The family plan on doing everything. They figured you’d be tired but not broken and battered,” John threw in.

“Nothing’s broken but...” Brian started.

“But we are a little battered,” Justin finished. “Bri, if the family really does do everything...”

“I know. John, we’re fine, just really tired and very happy to be home. Let the family converge, we have a day and a half to rest up for it.”

“Are you sure?” John asked.

“We’re sure,” Brian and Justin said in unison.

They settled back as John drove them home.

*****

Finally the Navigator pulled through the gate of Edna’s Treasures Lane and made its way up to the house. Bree had sat silently for the whole ride staring from one of her fathers to the other, a worried look on her face. When the car came to a stop, she waited patiently to be released from her booster seat. She could get out herself but she felt that she should stay out of the way as much as possible.

Patrick and Bobby rushed out of the house to greet them. They were about to give a big hug to Justin who was the first out of the Navigator after John. One look at the sling on his arm and they both slid to a stop a couple of feet from Justin.

“Uncle Justin, what happened?” Patrick asked in surprise taking the words right out of Bobby’s mouth.

“It’s a long story,” Justin sighed. “Can you help us with the luggage? I’ll tell you all about it when we get inside.”

“Sure,” Bobby said with a look of concern on his face. “Is it broken?”

“Dislocated,” Justin replied simply.

Bobby shook his head as he walked to the back of the Navigator to help John who was unloading suitcases.

“Uncle Bri!” Patrick gasped as Brian hobbled around the front of the Navigator on his crutches.

“It’s me, Little Red,” Brian replied trying to smile. His ankle was throbbing and all he wanted to do was sit down.

“Is it broken?” Patrick asked.

“Bad sprain,” Brian said.

“What the fuck happened to them?” Bobby asked John as they got the last of the luggage out of the SUV.

“I don’t know. They promised to explain when they got home,” John told his husband.

“They look like they’re returning from a war.”

All John could do was nod and start carrying the luggage into the house.

“Can I help you?” Patrick asked Brian.

“No, Little Red, I’m okay. I’d give you a hug but I don’t have a free arm,” Brian said as he swung along on his crutches.

“That’s okay, Uncle Bri, I’m just glad you’re all right.” He walked beside Brian towards the front door.

Justin started to follow them when he heard a pitiful “Daddy!” coming from the SUV. “Bree,” Justin said, finally remembering his daughter.

“Can I come out now?” Bree asked as Justin opened the car door.

“Of course, sweetheart,” Justin said. “I’m sorry we forgot about you. It’s hard doing everything with one arm.”

“I’ll take care of you, Daddy,” Bree volunteered as she jumped down from the high vehicle. She placed her little hand into her father’s good one.

“Thank you, sweetheart.” They started walking towards the house.

“Does it hurt?” Bree asked.

“A bit.”

“You should lay down,” Bree counseled with all her wisdom.

Justin smiled fondly at her. “I think that’s great advice.”

Bree grinned. She knew she would be able to look after her daddies.

*****

It took a while to get everything organized in Edna’s Treasures. John and Bobby volunteered to unpack the suitcases and start laundry, while Brian and Justin rested on the chaises in the sun porch. Bree and Patrick acted as nurses making sure the two men had all the pillows they needed. The two children brought them some iced tea that John had made and placed in their refrigerator. After enjoying the iced tea, Brian and Justin each let their head rest on the back of the chaise. Their eyes started to droop.

Patrick motioned to Bree, putting his finger to his lips to indicate that they should be quiet. Soon he could see that his uncles were asleep. He motioned for Bree to follow him into the kitchen.

“Do you think they’re okay?” Bree whispered as they stood near the doorway to the sun porch watching the two men.

“They look pretty beat up,” Patrick observed. “But they said they were okay.”

“I don’t know,” Bree replied with a frown.

“What don’t you know, princess?” John asked as he came out of Brian and Justin’s bedroom having finally cleared out their luggage and stowed it away.

“Are my daddies really okay?” she asked staring up at her uncle with her large violet eyes.

John squatted down so he was on the same level as Bree. “They said they were fine, so you should believe them. A sprained ankle and a dislocated shoulder will both heal. It will take a little time, but they’ll be good as new before too long.”

“Are you sure?” Bree asked.

“I’m sure,” John said hoping to transmit his confidence to Bree.

“’Kay, Unca John,” Bree agreed.

“They will be just fine,” John repeated hoping to get that message across to Bree. He pulled her into a warm hug. Bree sniffled and held onto her uncle. “You okay?” Bree nodded. “Good, then why don’t you and Patrick get ready for bed.”

“Do I hafta?” Bree asked.

“Yes, princess. You want to be good for your daddies, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Bree said grudgingly.

“Then go put on your pj’s.”

Bree stared at her uncle for a minute after he released her from the hug. She didn’t want to go to bed. She wanted to stay with her daddies. But she didn’t want to cause a fuss when her daddies needed to sleep.

“’Kay,” she said finally. She turned and trudged down the hall dejectedly.

John watched her go with a little smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He knew how much she loved her daddies, but they did need to rest.

When Bree and Patrick were ready for bed, John and Bobby decided they should wake up Brian and Justin and get them into their own bed. Sleeping on the chaises was okay for a short time, but their own bed would be better for the whole night.

“Little bro’,” John said touching Brian’s shoulder.

“Hm, yeah?” Brian asked opening his eyes.

“You and Justin should turn in,” Bobby said.

“What time is it?” Brian asked.

“Just after eight.”

“How long have I been asleep?”

“About an hour.”

“Shit, we were supposed to stay awake so that we could counteract jet lag,” Brian griped. “Why did you let me sleep?”

“Take it easy, Brian,” John said gently. “Your bodies obviously needed the sleep. I think you should get into your own beds,” he added.

“I probably won’t be able to get back to sleep,” Brian said. “I’ll be wide awake for the next six hours.”

“Stop being so negative,” John advised. “Go to bed, and if you can’t sleep then get up. You’ll sleep eventually.”

Brian shook his head still annoyed. “Wake up Justin,” he ordered as he swung his legs off the edge of the chaise.

Bobby gently touched Justin saying his name softly. Justin awoke with a start.

“You and Brian should go to bed,” Bobby said.

“Oh, okay,” Justin said sleepily.

“Do you need help getting undressed,” Bobby asked.

“We’re not complete invalids,” Brian snapped as he got up and positioned his crutches.

“Whoa, sorry, just asking,” Bobby replied holding up his hands in surrender.

“I’m just in a bad mood,” Brian griped as he started towards the house.

“Can I sleep with you, Dada?” Bree asked innocently.

“No.”

“But…”

“Bree, Dada’s grumpy,” Justin said as he followed his husband. “He needs a good night’s sleep.”

“But I could get you a drink or a blanket or somethin’,” Bree said dejectedly.

Brian kept hopping along on his one foot ignoring Bree.

“You should sleep in your own room,” Justin told her.

“I want to sleep near you and Dada,” Bree protested, a trickle of tears running down her cheek. “You’ve been gone forever and now you don’t want me…” Bree’s bottom lip quivered and more tears formed in her eyes.

“You’ll sleep better in your own bed,” Justin said as he followed Brian into their bedroom. He shrugged with his one good shoulder before closing the door behind them.

“What’s wrong with my daddies?” Bree whined. “Don’t they love me anymore?”

“Of course they do,” John said picking her up. “They’re just tired and feeling sore and grumpy. Everything will be better in the morning.”

“Promise?” Bree asked, as she allowed herself to be carried to her own bedroom.

“I hope so,” John whispered as he set her down on the edge of her bed. “Climb in,” he said.

“I hafta say my prayers,” Bree replied.

“Right, I forgot,” John said sheepishly.

Bree knelt beside her bed. “Now I lay me down to sleep,” she started with her usual prayer that her Gamma Joan had taught her. When she was done she felt compelled to add, “Dear God, please make my daddies feel better tomorrow. I missed them so much, and they don’t want me to spend time with them. I don’t like that. If you could make them happier, I would be really glad. Thank you, God. Amen.”

“Good girl,” John said kissing her cheek as she got under her covers.

“Night, Unca John.”

“Good night, princess. Do you want Beau to sleep with you?”

“No, I’m okay.”

“That’s a good girl,” John said pleased that she was being so grown up about the situation. Her fathers could take some lessons from their little girl. John walked out of her bedroom turning out the light but leaving the door open just a bit.

*****

“Emmett, I told you I’d report in when they were back,” John said into the phone.

“How are their royal highnesses?”

“Um,” John said choosing his words carefully. “They’re not feeling so great.”

“What? Why? What’s wrong?”

“Let’s just say they had a couple of mishaps while they were away.”

“So our Memorial Day barbecue is off?” Emmett asked.

“No, I didn’t say that. They said you could go ahead with it, but I think we should ask them again in the morning.”

“Why? What’s going on?”

“Nothing. They’re sleeping at the moment. They’re really worn out.”

“Must have fucked each other senseless knowing the two of them,” Emmett joked.

“Yeah, something like that,” John agreed knowing that it was Justin and Brian’s story to tell what had happened to them. John also knew that if he said they were injured the family would descend on Edna’s Treasures to help. Brian was already in a foul mood. If the family arrived en masse to look after him, there’d be the wrath of Kinney to deal with. John decided he’d just keep his mouth shut for now.

“Well, Mr. Anderson, make sure you ask them again in the morning. If the barbecue is off, we need to know immediately. Everything has been planned out. You know everyone wants to see them and hear all about their second honeymoon.”

“I know, Emmett. I’ll check with them in the morning and let you know.”

“Make sure you tell them they don’t have to do a thing.”

“They already know that.”

“Well reinforce that with them. They won’t have to lift a finger.”

“Yes, Emmett, I’ll be sure they know that,” John said patiently.

“Good,” Emmett said. “Thanks for letting me know that they’re back safe and sound,” he added cheerfully.

John was about to correct that impression, but Emmett cut the connection.

“Is he worried about the barbecue?” Bobby asked as John set the phone down.

“Yeah.”

“You didn’t tell them what Brian and Justin looked like?”

“No, I didn’t think that would be wise.”

Bobby chuckled. “Good move. The hordes would have descended on us, and there’d be no living with that guy who looks so much like you.”

John shook his head. “We’re all afraid of him, aren’t we?”

“Naw, not afraid. It’s just much easier continuing to breathe when he’s happy.”

John laughed. “You got that right.”

“I’m glad they’re back,” Bobby said wrapping his arms around John’s neck.

“Me too, I missed them.”

Bobby stood up on his toes and kissed John’s lips gently. When John’s mouth opened he took full advantage. “What do you say about making this an early night for us too?” he asked.

“I think you have excellent ideas, Mr. Morrison. I knew there was a reason I married you.”

“And you better not forget what that reason is,” Bobby teased as he started to undo all the buttons he could find on John’s clothing.

*****

Bree tossed around in her big bed. She couldn’t go to sleep. Her daddies were hurt and they didn’t want her to be with them. This was not how it was supposed to be. She kicked off her covers and laid on her back staring up at the ceiling.

After a couple of minutes she looked out the window at the stars up in the heavens. She had prayed to God. Maybe tomorrow her daddies would be better. She wanted to hug them and hold onto them. They were so mean and grumpy. But she knew it wasn’t their fault. They didn’t feel good. She knew she could be grumpy when she didn’t feel good too.

She grabbed her grey bunny and held him close. She needed to do something, but she wasn’t sure what.

“What am I going to do, bunny?” she asked in a whisper.

Bunny didn’t answer her, but her own thoughts went over the possibilities. And then suddenly she knew. She sat up in her bed kicking off the rest of the covers.

“Come on, bunny,” she said as she gathered up her pillow, her quilt and her bunny. With her arms full, Bree started down the hall.

In the sun porch Beau’s ears perked up. He could hear someone moving around. No one was supposed to be up. All his humans had gone to bed, including the ones who had been away for many days.

Beau raised his head and listened. It sounded like the little girl. He wondered where she was going. He listened, trying to figure out what she was doing.

Beau knew he had been disappointed that his humans weren’t happier to see him when they got back. But they had looked to be in not very good shape, so Beau had decided to stay in the background. He understood that he shouldn’t jump on them.

Suddenly Beau knew where Bree was going. He got up and trotted across the sun porch. He positioned himself in front of his masters’ bedroom door.

“Let me in, Beau,” Bree said as she arrived. Beau did not move. “My daddies need me,” she said. “You can come too.”

Beau tilted his head quizzically and then moved aside.

Bree opened the door and said, “Daddy, Dada,” very softly. There was no reply. “Come on, Beau,” she whispered.

Bree walked across the room and studied her fathers’ faces in the moonlight. They looked like they were sleeping okay. That was good. With a big sigh Bree dropped her quilt and pillow on the floor beside her fathers’ bed. She lay down on it pulling the quilt around her and grey bunny. Beau curled up against her and they all fell asleep immediately. Everything was better in all their worlds.

There’s No Place Like Home

Chapter 2

Justin groaned in his sleep, his arm had fallen off the pillow that Brian had propped it up on. It was now laying at an odd angle and was becoming painful. Justin’s painful moan immediately awakened Brian.

“Justin?” Brian turned to see what was wrong.

“My arm,” Justin whimpered. Brian groped for the bedside light then flipped the switch.

“I got it,” Brian softly whispered as he pushed himself up with his good foot then twisted in bed to reach Justin’s arm. Within moments, Justin’s arm was properly positioned.

“I’m sorry I woke you,” Justin murmured.

“Don’t be sorry, I’m the one who should apologize,” Brian admitted then kissed Justin’s lips. “I was an asshole to you and Bree.”

“She understood.”

“She shouldn’t have to understand. She’s a little girl and my daughter. I shouldn’t have spoken to her like that. She only wanted to help. I’ll apologize in the morning. I just hope she’ll forgive me.”

“She will. She has a big generous heart,” Justin reassured his spouse.

“Just like you.” Brian gave Justin a chaste kiss then kissed his temple. “Think you can go back to sleep?” Brian asked. Justin nodded. “Want something for the pain?” Justin shook his head. “Okay,” Brian said kissing the top of Justin’s head then he turned to shut off the light. As he turned, he noticed Beau and the lump on the floor.

“Beau?” Brian softly called out to the big dog. Beau lifted his head. “What are you...?” The lump slightly shifted. That’s when Brian realized that Beau had curled himself protectively around Bree, pillowing her and keeping her warm.

“What’s going on?” Justin asked. He couldn't see them from his side of the bed.

“Our daughter decided to keep us company and Beau decided to keep her company. They're on the floor.”

“I can’t pick her up,” Justin said sadly.

“Neither can I.”

“What are we going to do?” Justin asked. Brian remained silent for the moment weighing all options.

“Beau can help,” Brian said.

“How?”

“Watch. Beau, get Bree,” Brian said to the big dog. “Go ahead, boy, wake her up,” Brian commanded.

“Think he understands?”

“Beau is a remarkable dog. He understands.”

Beau cocked his head, looking intensely at Brian’s face. He could sense his masters’ pain and anxiety.

“Go on, boy, wake up Bree,” Brian encouraged.

Beau gently pushed away the quilt with his nose then nudged the sleeping girl. Bree mumbled a little but didn’t wake up.

“Again, Beau,” Brian urged. The dog gently nudged Bree with his nose.

“Beau?” Bree whispered sleepily. Beau moaned. “What’s wrong?” Beau pushed her toward the bed.

“Hey, Squirt,” Brian quietly called out.

“Dada?”

“Climb up here, baby girl,” Justin said.

Bree shuffled her way toward the bed, grey bunny in her hand. She scampered up onto the bed, mindful of her Dada’s leg and trying not to bounce her Daddy’s arm off the pillows. She snuggled in between her dads, yawned, mumbled ‘I love you’ then fell fast asleep. The boys kissed her sleep flushed cheeks then each other.

“I love you,” Justin whispered.

“Love you, Sunshine.”

The boys settled back into a peaceful sleep.

Beau stood up to observe his family on the bed. He sniffed at the air, sensing peace and contentment. He laid down on Bree’s quilt, satisfied that his family was okay, and went to sleep.

And that’s how John found them all the next morning.

*****

“Bobby, look at this,” John whispered after he had found the door to Brian and Justin’s bedroom open.

“What?” Bobby said as he joined his husband in the doorway. Bobby chuckled at the sight before him. “I guess the family needed to be together after their separation.”

The two men stood looking at the peaceful scene. Bree was snuggled into Justin’s good side while his bad arm was propped on a pillow. Brian’s arm lay across Bree’s tummy like he needed to have contact with her. Beau was curled up on a quilt on the floor. Beau raised his head at the intrusion.

“Come on, Beau,” John whispered. “Time to go out.”

Beau got up and shook himself then trotted out of the bedroom. His job in there was done. He headed for the sun porch to go out and do his business.

John pulled the door part way closed. “Let’s make them a huge breakfast. They’re all going to be hungry.”

“Good idea,” Bobby said, and they headed for the kitchen.

*****

“Unh,” Brian groaned as he attempted to move his leg. His foot was caught in the covers and it twisted the sprained ankle making him moan in pain.

“Dada, what’s wrong?” Bree asked hearing her father’s groan.

“My ankle is caught in the covers,” Brian said trying to decide how he could extricate it without making it hurt more.

“I’ll fix it,” Bree volunteered. She crawled to end of the bed and hopped down. She went to her Dada’s side of the bed. Carefully she started to peel the sheets back until her father’s leg was free. “There, Dada,” she said proudly.

“Thank you, Squirt, I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Bree beamed at him. It made Brian’s heart clench, knowing how impatient he had been with her the previous day.

“You’re welcome, Dada. Thank you for letting me sleep with you and Daddy. I couldn’t sleep by myself. I was worried.”

“You shouldn’t worry, sweetheart,” Justin said having woken up when Bree climbed out of the bed. “Come give me a hug.”

Bree walked around to her Daddy’s side of the bed. She stood in front of him waiting till he swung his legs over the side of the bed. When he was positioned so he wouldn’t hurt his shoulder he pulled Bree into a hug.

“You feel better today?” Bree asked as she gently returned his hug.

“Much.”

“Me too,” Brian said. “I could use a hug too.”

Happily Bree walked around the bed again. Her Dada’s open arms awaited her. She walked into them carefully watching where his bad foot was and making sure not to step on it. Her beautiful smile lit up the bedroom just the way her Daddy’s did.

“Love you, Dada.”

“Love you too, Squirt. I’m sorry I was so grumpy yesterday.”

“It’s okay, Dada. I get grumpy when I don’t feel good too.”

Brian chuckled. “Just like me.”

“She’s so much like you,” Justin said watching the make up session between his two favorite people.

Brian beamed at his husband. Brian’s smile was pretty radiant too.

“I smell bacon,” Bree said still held in her Dada’s hug. “I’m hungry.”

“Me too,” Justin agreed. “I could eat a horse.”

“No horses for you, Sunshine,” Brian said tongue in cheek.

Justin shook his head at his poor choice of words. “We need to shower and get dressed. You do the same, Bree. And then we can meet in the kitchen for one of Uncle John’s and Uncle Bobby’s famous breakfasts.”

“I’ve had their breakfasts forever since you were gone,” Bree informed them.

“I suppose you have,” Brian said realizing how long it had been since they had had a family breakfast.

“I like your breakfasts, Dada,” Bree stated.

“Me too,” Justin agreed.

“But your uncles are cooking, and we’re going to enjoy it totally,” Brian declared. “Right, troops?”

“Right, Dada.”

“Right, my big smoosh.”

“Good then let’s get cleaned up.”

Bree grabbed her grey bunny and her quilt and ran out of the room. Brian and Justin gingerly made their way to the shower where they could help each other wash under the warm water.

*****

A short time later the whole family was seated around the big table in the sun porch. John and Bobby had whipped up bacon, scrambled eggs, pancakes and toast. Bree sat between her daddies looking happy and contented with her place in the world. Brian and Justin also wore calm smiles, so different from their demeanor the previous day. Everyone had stuffed their faces for the first few minutes, too hungry to talk.

“That was delicious, guys,” Justin said wiping his mouth.

“Really great,” Brian agreed.

“Very good, Unca John, Unca Bobby,” Bree decreed.

“I made the toast,” Patrick said glumly. He wanted his share of the glory for the yummy breakfast.

“You done good, my Patrick,” Bree said with a smile for her cousin and best friend.

“Thanks,” Patrick said, happy to be recognized for his part in the breakfast, especially by Bree.

“So, are you guys going to tell us what the hell happened in Hawaii that brought you home in this condition?” John asked as they sat back sipping their coffee. He pointed to the crutches and Justin’s shoulder.

“We were … kind of klutzy,” Justin volunteered.

“Klutzy?” John asked skeptically. “When have you guys ever been klutzy?”

When Brian didn’t say anything, Justin continued. “You’ll understand this, Patrick,” he said looking at his nephew.

Patrick looked back at his uncle. “Understand what, Uncle Justin?” he asked with a frown.

“I got my dislocated shoulder when I fell off a runaway horse.”

“A horse?” Patrick asked his eyes getting big.

“Yeah, we went for a ride on the estate where we were staying.”

“You stayed at an estate?” Bobby asked in surprise.

“Yeah,” Brian said, a bit of his grumpiness returning since they were being forced to talk about their injuries and the less than glamorous way they had occurred. “Aren’t we allowed to stay at an estate?”

“Whoa,” Bobby said. “You can stay wherever you want. I’m just surprised, that’s all. I thought you’d be at a luxury hotel.”

“We wanted privacy,” Brian stated.

“And did you get it?” John asked.

“Except for several trips to the ER.”

“Several?”

“It’s a long story,” Brian said with a sigh. “I’m sure you’ll hear it so many times this weekend at the barbecue that you’ll be sick of it,” Brian added.

“Speaking of the barbecue,” John said since the topic had come up. “I spoke to Emmett last night after you turned in. I told him we could cancel, but he wanted me to check with you one more time. Do you want to have the barbecue? We can make other plans,” John offered.

“We told you in the car that the barbecue was on,” Brian said testily.

“Don’t bite my head off,” John cautioned giving his brother a warning look. There was only so much he was prepared to put up with.

“I didn’t mean to,” Brian said quickly. “We said it was okay.”

“And then you both were exhausted last night. I want to make sure you haven’t changed your mind,” John explained.

Brian looked at Justin studying his husband’s eyes to see if Justin wanted to cancel the barbecue.

“Everyone will want to see us,” Justin said. “We should do it. I feel much better today than I did last night.”

“So do I,” Brian agreed.

“So we’re good?” John asked.

“Yeah.”

“Then I’ll give Emmett a call in a few minutes.

“How did you hurt your ankle, Uncle Bri?” Patrick asked.

“Tree root.”

“Huh?”

“A fucking tree root leapt up and tripped me,” Brian stated.

Patrick’s eyes almost popped out of his head, John laughed heartily, Bobby spewed the coffee he was drinking, Justin shook his head at his silly spouse and Bree started to giggle uncontrollably. Brian sat back and watched the effects of his handiwork. In spite of a sprained ankle, he hadn’t lost his touch. He was very pleased with himself.

*****

“Here,” John said to Brian as he handed him two white tablets and a glass of juice. Brian looked at the tablets then arched a brow at his brother. “Just aspirin, they’ll help with the pain and the swelling. Bobby’s going to rewrap your bandage in a few minutes.”

“What makes him an expert?”

“You mean aside from the fact we have a son who loves to play ball, ride a dirt bike through the woods like Evel Knievel and thinks he’s part monkey? Bobby’s taped up many a foot as a player and as a coach. Now quit bitchin’ and take the damn aspirin.”

“Yes, sir,” Brian said accepting the pills and the juice. John pulled up a chair and sat next to his brother who was resting on a chaise in the garden.

“‘Splain to me why you’re still snapping at us like an asshole. The only reason I haven’t broken your other leg is that you apologized to your daughter. Now, spill!”

“It’s not broken. But I sorta wish it was; it would heal faster.”

“I know but that doesn’t tell me why you still have a bug up your ass.” John waited while Brian worked up the nerve to express himself. “Brian, I love you, I’m not here to judge you but you’re obviously upset and it’s not because you’re hurting.”

“I fucked up,” Brian finally said.

“How?”

Brian then told his brother in detail about their vacation, minus the pain-free sexy bits.

“Holy fucking shit! You’re both lucky to be alive! But I still don’t understand why you think that you fucked up. You had accidents. A bunch of bad accidents, I’ll grant you, but they were just accidents. Why do you think they’re your fault?”

“Because I should have taken him home right after he got so badly sunburned! Instead I thought we could salvage the rest of the honeymoon so we stayed. I should have packed up and booked the next flight out.” Brian looked devastated. “It was all my fault. He never should have gotten on that horse, he could have been...”

John immediately went to Brian’s side to give him a comforting hug. He held onto his brother until Brian’s breathing became regular and he was ready to listen to reason.

“Brian, did Justin ask to go home early?” Brian shook his head. “He’s an adult; he’s not that young kid. Justin knows his mind and he isn’t afraid to speak up. If Justin thought for one minute it was a bad idea to stay he would have booked the return flight himself. Now, try to pull yourself together. We’re going to have a million people here tomorrow. You need to chill.”

“Is that an order from the older brother?” Brian quipped with a little touch of sarcasm.

“Yes, it is,” John replied.

“What are you two huddled about?” Bobby asked as he came out of the sun porch door. He had a new wrap for Brian’s foot in his hand. He sat in the chair that John had vacated and began to remove the old wrap. He began to gently massage Brian’s foot.

“Just trying to whip my brother into shape. How’s Justin?” Bobby had tended to Justin’s arm as well.

“He’s fine. I set him up with a bunch of small canvases. He’s painting miniatures. We also called my orthopedist. You both have an appointment Tuesday morning in Harrisburg, I’ll drive,” Bobby stated in a tone that brooked no argument.

The brothers Kinney glanced at each other and shrugged.

“He told me about the ‘mishaps’. And in spite of them all, he wants to go back,” Bobby confided. “He’d like to make it a family trip, maybe next winter just before the holidays.”

“He wants to go back?” Brian asked incredulously.

“Yes, he does. He loved the estate and Angelica and Henry. Personally, I think it’s a great idea. How does that feel?” Bobby asked Brian. He had wrapped up Brian’s ankle better than any doctor and had distracted Brian at the same time.

“It feels great!” Brian exclaimed.

“Good. You’re not ready for Babylon but at least you’ll be comfortable.”

“I think you missed your calling. Maybe you should have been a doctor like your father,” Brian observed.

“Nah, I like being a lawyer. Besides, you listen to me better than you listen to your doctor. Can I get you anything?”

“Yeah, would you mind bringing me my laptop and the camera we took to Hawaii? I want to upload the pictures and make them into a little presentation for some family entertainment,” Brian snarked.

“It’ll be my pleasure,” Bobby said as he stood up.

“I’ll help you, I know where he keeps the cable,” John said. “And I’ll bring you some more juice or would you prefer iced tea?”

“Iced tea. And guys,” Brian said. John and Bobby turned around. “Thank you.”

The boys smiled at Brian then went back into the cottage to get Brian’s computer.

“You know, you are a genius, Bobby Morrison,” John said as they passed Justin humming to himself as he painted. Justin was working on small canvases that were about the size of a sheet of paper. He had a small palette resting on a table where he could mix small daubs of paint.

“Yep!” Bobby said with a grin. John kissed his cheek just before they went upstairs to fetch Brian’s computer.

*****

The remainder of the day was quiet at the cottage. John and Bobby made lunch as the kids helped to set the table. They ate a light lunch in the porch with the sounds of the birds in the background. Brian and Justin were very grateful for the peace and quiet. It was some time after lunch when John and Bobby decided to start setting up the tables in the yard and garden. Patrick was helping his dads. Bree was happy to ‘nurse’ her fathers.

Brian, with his leg propped up on pillows, was putting the finishing touches on his presentation. Justin was surrounded by a half dozen tropical floral paintings in various stages of completion. It was slow going, painting with one hand but with Bree helping, Justin was having a good time.

“Hi! Hi! Hi!” Emmett announced loudly as he breezed through the cottage and into the porch. He took one look at Brian and Justin and their injuries and he gasped. “What the fuck happened to you two?!” Emmett demanded to know.

“Pele wasn’t happy,” Bree answered for her dads.

There’s No Place Like Home

Chapter 3

“Oh my God, oh my God!” Emmett kept repeating. He stared at his two friends, one in a sling, the other laid out on a chaise with an injured ankle. Bree was holding a small canvas for her injured father. “Oh my God,” Emmett said again clutching at his throat.

“God isn’t going to help us,” Brian snarked.

“But, but, but…what happened?” Emmett tried to formulate a sentence. Tears had welled up in his eyes.

“It’s okay, Auntie Emm,” Bree said gently as she set down the canvas she and her father were working on. She walked over to Emmett and gently patted his arm. “My daddies are okay. It’ll be all right.”

Emmett looked down at the small nurse and drew in a big breath. “You, you two … went on your honeymoon. What the fuck did you do to each other?” he asked the two men.

“We didn’t do anything to each other,” Justin said wondering what Emmett was implying.

“I … I just can’t believe you’re injured. Does it hurt a lot?” Emmett asked Justin.

“What about me?” Brian demanded. “I’m injured too.”

“Oh, pshaw,” Emmett responded. “What’s wrong with your arm?” He redirected his attention to Justin.

“I dislocated my shoulder,” Justin explained.

“Did he have you hanging from a chandelier?” Emmett looked meaningfully at Brian who glared back at him.

“Daddy is going to be fine,” Bree piped up. She didn’t like to see her Auntie Emm upset, and her daddies had told her they were going to be all right.

“What about me?” Brian asked again. He was being totally ignored except in the blame department.

“Shush,” Emmett responded to Brian. “How did you dislocate your shoulder?” he asked Justin being very solicitous as he sat down on the edge of Justin’s chaise. He took Justin’s good hand in his while he perused the sling and Justin’s shoulder.

“I fell off a horse.”

“You were having s-e-x on a horse?” Emmett asked with his eyes wide, while spelling the word sex.

“We most certainly were not,” Brian retorted.

“No,” Justin said, “the horse bolted on me.”

“Was this before or after you had s-e-x?” Emmett asked.

“Why is Auntie Emm spelling sex, Dada?” Bree asked.

“Because he’s ignoring me,” Brian replied to his daughter.

Bree frowned. That answer didn’t make much sense.

“So, other than falling off this horse, did he have you doing other kinky things?”

“No,” Justin said confused.

“But I bet you had lots of raunchy s-e-x,” Emmett continued.

“We had enough,” Justin answered.

“More than enough,” Brian contributed with a smirk.

“And I’m sure your insatiable appetite is why this sweet thing is injured,” Emmett said as he leaned over to give Justin a careful hug.

Brian winced at Emmett’s criticism. It was a little too close to how he felt about all their mishaps in Hawaii. They were all his fault. “But I’m injured too,” he said weakly.

“I’ll take care of you, Dada,” Bree stated.

“I know you will, Squirt.”

“What’s insatiable, Dada?”

“It’s … cop-a-clated,” Brian said using Bree’s familiar word.

“Oh,” Bree said not sure what that meant in terms of her question.

“Anyway, sweetie, are you going to be able to do this barbecue tomorrow?” Emmett asked Justin.

“We’re fine with the barbecue. John says you guys have everything under control,” Justin said. “We won’t be able to help much.”

“You won’t be helping at all,” Emmett declared. “We’ll do everything. You can just lounge lazily here on your chaise and tell us all about how you hurt yourself.”

“Hey, what about me?” Brian asked. He was getting exasperated with Emmett.

“I just can’t believe that you got injured on your honeymoon,” Emmett said clutching at the neck of his shirt. He wiped a tear from his eye, completely ignoring Brian. “Does it hurt awfully?”

“It hurts sometimes. Mostly I just have to be careful not to use it or turn it the wrong way,” Justin explained.

“Ya know, my fuckin’ ankle hurts,” Brian interjected.

“I’ll get some more ice for it, Dada,” Bree said before she scampered off to the kitchen.

“It’s okay…” Brian started to tell her, but she was already gone.

“I guess I should talk to John and Bobby about what we’re going to do tomorrow,” Emmett said. “I see they’re setting up outside.”

“Yeah, they’ve been great,” Justin replied.

“We’ll miss your barbecuing tomorrow,” Emmett said, finally turning his attention to Brian.

“Well, it’s good to know that I’m useful for something,” Brian said sarcastically.

“You are the master of the grill.”

Brian scowled. “I’m a master of a lot of things.”

“Yes, and look where that got poor Justin.”

“What?” Brian demanded taken aback.

“You don’t think your ankle will be well enough by tomorrow for you to barbecue, do you?” Emmett asked as he studied Brian’s wrapped ankle.

“No, I do not think it will be well enough. It’s sprained.”

“But you can often stand on a sprain,” Emmett observed.

“It’s badly sprained,” Brian said through clenched teeth. What did you have to do around here to get some fucking sympathy? Obviously a badly sprained ankle wasn’t enough.

“Too bad,” Emmett said shaking his head.

“Here’s some ice, Dada,” Bree called as she hurried back in from the kitchen. She carefully placed the gel pack across Brian’s injured ankle.

“Thank you, Squirt,” Brian told her. “At least someone cares that I’m on death’s door.”

“You’re not going to die, are you, Dada?” Bree asked horrified by Brian’s words.

“No, Squirt, it’s just a figure of speech.” Brian quickly backtracked.

“You should be more careful with ankles and … things,” Emmett admonished Brian, before he turned and hurried out of the sun porch to go talk to John and Bobby.

Bree picked up the canvas she and her father had been working on before Emmett’s arrival. Justin added a few bits of color, but he was really watching Brian. Brian was staring at his laptop screen, but he wasn’t using any of the keys. Justin knew his husband was seething just below the surface. Emmett’s words had hurt him.

“Um, Bree, I think I’d like some more iced tea,” Justin said draining his glass. “Do you think you could carry the pitcher of iced tea from the fridge for me?”

“Sure, Daddy,” Bree replied putting the small canvas on the table beside her father.

“It may be heavy, so be very careful and go slow,” Justin admonished her.

“I can do it.”

“I know you can, sweetheart, just take your time.”

“’Kay, Daddy.” She skipped off happily to the kitchen.

“Brian,” Justin said as soon as she was gone.

“What?” Brian snapped.

“Don’t let Emmett upset you. None of this was your fault.”

“Yes it was. I should have brought us back home right after you got sunburned.”

“I didn’t want to come home. I had a great time in spite of everything.”

“How could you? Look at us.”

“I love you. I want to take Bree to Hawaii some time and stay in that same place. Angelica and Henry would be happy to have us. Maybe Gus and Ray could come, and John and Bobby and Patrick too.”

“Then you wouldn’t have to spend much time with me. Then you wouldn’t be all beat up when you came home.” Brian was as close to pouting as he allowed himself to get.

“You are incorrigible,” Justin chastised. “What happened to us was all accidental. It will never happen again.”

Brian raised an eyebrow. “Never again?” he asked skeptically.

“I can almost guarantee it. Our accidents were flukes, and they certainly weren’t anybody’s fault, especially not yours.” Brian shook his head. “I mean it, Brian.”

“Okay,” Brian gave in, but Justin could see that he wasn’t convinced.

Bree came through the doorway from the house carrying the big plastic pitcher of iced tea. “See, Daddy, I can do it,” she announced.

“Yes you can,” Justin agreed taking the pitcher from her with his good arm. He filled his glass and Brian’s too. “Can you carry it back?”

“Yep,” Bree said confidently.

Emmett chose that moment to come back into the sun porch from talking to Bobby and John. “Bobby tells me that you do have rather a bad sprain, Mr. Kinney, and that you got it by tripping over a tree root.”

“I’d rather have gotten it from sky diving,” Brian said sarcastically. “Or not at all!”

“I’m sorry I was so hard on you,” Emmett apologized.

“Sorry’s bullshit.”

“Well, you may think so,” Emmett replied, “but I do apologize. We have worked everything out, so there will be no need for you to barbecue, even though we will miss your grilling expertise.”

“Is that a fact?” Brian asked not prepared to be gracious just yet.

“Most definitely. I’m going home right now to whip up a big batch of popovers specially for you.”

“Are you now?” Brian asked raising an eyebrow, but his face softened.

“You need to rest and get better,” Emmett said approaching Brian and holding out his arms for a hug.

“I intend to, Honeycutt,” Brian replied.

“And don’t call me Honeycutt.”

Brian smiled as Emmett gave him a quick hug, and then hurried off to make the popovers.

*****

Emmett, knowing that no one would be eating ‘light’ at the barbecue, decided to take charge of dinner. He whipped up several types of salads that were filling but not overly heavy. Even though he had made peace with Brian, Emmett knew Brian was still upset regarding Emmett’s accusations. Just after dinner Brian excused himself, and tucking his crutches under his arms, he limped out of the house.

“Okay, what really happened in Hawaii?” Emmett demanded of Justin as the adults sat in the kitchen sipping coffee. Richie had taken the kids outside to play.

“Babe, let it go,” Drew warned.

“I need to know,” Emmett replied as he stood with his hands on his hips looking at Justin. Justin took a deep breath then began to explain about the worst of it.

“Emm, he saved me.”

“What do you mean?” Emmett asked as he sat on a stool.

“After all the stuff that happened to us we decided to stay on the grounds of the estate for the last few days of our vacation. We figured it was the safest thing.”

“And?”

“When I realized there were stables on the grounds, I suggested we go riding. Brian said no but I insisted. My horse was an old mare, we all thought she was safe and she was until I twisted around in my saddle to, to...”

“What, honey,” Emmett encouraged Justin to go on. The boys were listening intently.

“To smile at Brian, he just said something to me that was so sweet and loving that I...anyway, the horse bolted and I lost control. She headed back to the barn at full gallop.”

The boys gasped.

“Justin, were the doors open?” John asked. Living with horses for most of his life, he got the whole picture before anyone else did.

“No, they weren’t. I was just trying to stay in the saddle, holding onto the, the...”

“The horn?” John supplied.

“Yeah. Brian was just behind me and he saw that the doors were closed but the horse wasn’t stopping. He told me to jump.”

“Why? I don’t understand,” Emmett wasn’t very experienced when it came to horses.

Drew understood. “Babe, he means that if the horse crashed through the barn doors, Justin would have probably slammed into the wall above the doors,” Drew explained gently.

“Oh my God!”

“I jumped off, kinda rolled off and landed on the sandy ground. I think I was protecting my head with my arms when I landed on my shoulder.”

“Oh honey,” Emmett said as he jumped down from the stool to sit by Justin.

“But that’s not the worst of it,” Justin mumbled.

“What do you mean, baby?”

“We, I almost lost him,” Justin said holding back a cry.

“How?”

“He got caught in a riptide. Emmett, he was all alone. I got sunburned the day before and he insisted that I rest in the shade by the pool. He went for a walk on the beach and went swimming. He got caught in a riptide and nearly drowned.”

The boys gasped at the significance.

“If he didn’t fight to get out of the water he would have...” Justin couldn’t finish the sentence.

“But he did fight and he made it out,” John said.

“Yeah, he did but they don’t have sand on their beach. It’s all pumice, his skin was shredded,” Justin explained. “He was hurting worse than me for days.”

“Poor baby,” Emmett said sincerely. “And his ankle?”

“He really did trip over a tree root, a very big root. The doctor said it would have been better if he had broken his leg instead.”

“But how can a sprain be worse than a break?”

“I’ve seen it happen all the time,” Drew said. Bobby nodded in agreement.

“A clean break will heal in about six weeks and you’ll be good as new. It takes longer for the muscles and tendons to repair themselves. He’ll be on crutches for most of the summer and probably need a cane for weeks after that. He’ll be a bitch to live with,” Bobby teased trying to lighten up the moment.

“An injury like that would knock a player out for the season,” Drew stated.

“And I accused him of...some friend I am,” Emmett said. Emmett got up from his seat, filled a thermos with coffee then doctored it up the way Brian liked it. He then grabbed a basket from the shelf over the sink and filled it with popovers and fruit.

“Please excuse me,” he announced to the boys then marched out of the cottage.

He found Brian perched on the large rock near the stream. The stream was still swollen with the winter melt.

“I come bearing gifts,” Emm said with a toothy grin holding the basket in one hand and waving the thermos in the other. “May I sit?”

“It’s a free country,” Brian quipped.

“Ah, but this is your kingdom, my liege,” Emmett made a bow. “I am only your lowly subject.”

Brian arched his brow, shifted over on the rock then made a royal wave with his hand.

“Thank you, sire,” Emmett said as he scrambled onto the rock. “May I tempt you with coffee and some treats?” Emmett opened the thermos and poured some coffee into the cup. Brian took the offering, savoring the rich aroma.

“Thanks,” Brian said in between sips.

“You’re very welcome.”

They sat in silence for some time.

“Does it hurt a lot?”

“I’ll live.”

“Brian, Justin told me about the horse and the beach. I’m really sorry that I accused you of, well you know.”

“Yeah.”

Emmett could see a multitude of emotions run across Brian’s stoic face. It was easy to spot after all these years.

“Brian, if the barbecue is too much, I can cancel it.”

“No, I think I need for things to be normal. Normal for us. Having the family trampling my garden is normal.”

“We don’t trample but I know what you mean. Was it all awful?”

“The vacation? Not all of it. There were some very pleasant moments,” Brian said giving Emmett a waggle of his eyebrows.

“That goes without saying. More?” Emmett held up the thermos. Brian nodded so Emm topped off his cup.

“Thanks. What’s in the basket?”

“Popovers and some fruit. You didn’t eat much at dinner.” Brian shrugged then took a popover. The buttery muffin practically melted in his mouth. “Brian, I...”

“Emmett, shut up! You’re forgiven.”

“But what I said to you was inexcusable.”

“Yeah, well, I’ve been known to jump to the wrong conclusions on occasion. We’re good.”

Brian reached into the basket to take out a bunch of cherries. He began to pop one after the other into his mouth then spit out the pit towards the stream. A few went sailing into the middle of the rapidly running water.

“Huh,” Emmett mumbled as he took out his own bunch of cherries. Soon the two men were competing to see who could spit the pit the farthest.

“Careful you don’t choke, Honeycutt. I’m not adding the Heimlich to my rescue skills.”

The boys laughed then Brian got serious. “I could have lost him,” Brian whispered. Emmett shimmied closer to his friend. “If he didn’t get off that horse, he would have slammed into the stable. I can’t live without him,” Brian murmured. Emmett wrapped his arms around his friend and waited in silence until the storm passed.

“So is the whole world descending onto my lane tomorrow?” Brian asked after a while. Emmett moved out of Brian’s personal space knowing that the moment was over and big bad Brian was back.

“Most of it.”

“Shit. That means Debbie will take one look at her Sunshine and start screaming like a banshee. Michael will have his nose out of joint thinking that Justin was trying to bump me off for my insurance. And Jennifer will glare at me all afternoon. Please don’t tell me that Craig is coming.”

“Not that I know of, but we did invite him and Susan.”

“Great. Just put another nail in my coffin.”

“Do you want me to warn them?” Emmett offered.

“No, that’ll just make them all jump in their cars tonight. I need the quiet for one more night. As it is, none of them will leave tomorrow.”

“Then we’ll just have to make the best of it and change all the sheets on every spare bed in the lane,” Emmett said with a shrug. “They will bombard you with questions.”

“I know. And I’ve prepared a little entertainment for them. This way I won’t have to repeat myself a hundred times.”

“Very good, Mr. Kinney. And what sort of entertainment is it?” Emmett asked with a knowing smile.

“One worthy of Mikey and his not so dear, old Dr. Dave.”

“Oooooo, I like it already. Just say the word and I’ll be happy to help.”

“Thanks, I have it under control.”

“Nevertheless, your loyal subject is here to do your bidding. Just command me.”

“Right now, my only command is to get me off this fucking rock!”

“Immediately, your majesty.” Emmett hopped down from the rock, put the thermos back into the basket then helped Brian down. Handing the crutches to his friend, they slowly made their way back to the cottage.

There’s No Place Like Home

Chapter 4

Brian swung along on his crutches heading to the kitchen and the smell of coffee. He had spent a for shit night, tossing and trying not to turn so that he didn’t cause more pain in his ankle. And then when he did fall asleep, he dreamt of Justin falling off that horse.

Justin was gone when Brian had awakened. Brian figured Justin had left him alone to see if he could get some sleep when he had all the bed to himself. That must have worked because it was much later than Brian would normally get up. He hoped there was lots of strong coffee, and no conversation, when he finally got to the kitchen.

“What the fuck is this? A hen party?” Brian asked sarcastically when he saw the kitchen full of people. That was not what he had been looking for.

“Did you get some sleep?” Justin asked giving Brian a peck on the cheek. John handed his brother a mug of coffee.

“A bit, but you should have got me up when you got up.”

“You were restless all night, so I thought I’d let you sleep.”

“Thanks, I guess,” Brian replied taking a sip of the coffee. That helped a bit.

“Sit down, sire,” Emmett said continuing his royal treatment from the previous day.

“Have you all eaten?” Brian asked.

“No, we just managed to get everything cooked. You will join us for brunch?” Emmett asked.

“Sun porch?” Brian asked, meaning that he didn’t want to sit down twice. Getting up and down was hard enough doing it once.

“I’ll carry your coffee, Dada,” Bree volunteered reaching up for Brian’s mug.

“Thanks, Squirt,” Brian said handing her the cup. “Did you sleep good?”

“Yep, I like having everybody here,” Bree said as she trailed along with her father, carefully carrying his mug of coffee.

“Not everybody’s here yet,” Brian observed, inwardly shuddering at the masses of people who were yet to appear.

“I wish my Gus was here,” Bree added with a sigh.

“You know Gus is spending this holiday with Ray in New York.”

“I know but I still want my Gus here.”

“Cloning hasn’t developed to that stage,” Brian replied enigmatically.

“Huh?”

“It’s okay, Squirt,” Brian continued, his voice softening. “Gus will spend plenty of time with us this summer.”

“You promise?”

“I promise,” Brian said as he got himself situated at the big table in the sun porch.

Bree handed him his mug of coffee, and then she climbed onto the chair next to him and studied her Dada’s face. “I love you, Dada.”

“Love you too, Squirt.”

“Can you do gar-gar with me?”

Brian frowned. He hadn’t thought about what shape his gardens must be in with him being away. His beautiful gardens were going to go to wrack and ruin. There was no way that Brian could garden on crutches.

“What’s wrong?” Justin asked as he joined them at the table. He saw the storm clouds on Brian’s face.

The rest of the kitchen gang paraded into the sun porch carrying heaping bowls of eggs and platters of bacon, plus toast, juice and coffee.

“Bree just reminded me that there will be no one to take care of the gardens until my ankle’s better,” Brian said sadly. He hated the thoughts of all his beautiful beds becoming filled with weeds.

“I can look after them, Dada,” Bree said trying to be helpful.

“You won’t have to,” John said emphatically.

“I can do it, Unca John.”

“I know you can, princess, but Bobby and Patrick and I will do most of the work. My brother can supervise.”

“You don’t have to do that, John,” Brian said quickly. “I can probably get the garden center to send someone over to do it.”

“Wouldn’t you rather keep it in the family?” John asked pointedly.

“Drew and I can always help when we’re here,” Emmett offered as they started passing the food around.

Brian raised an eyebrow.

“As long as someone tells me which ones are the weeds,” Emmett amended.

“I still think I should get the garden center…”

“I won’t hear of it,” John said forcefully.

“Me either,” Bobby agreed.

“We had another idea while we were in Hawaii,” Justin said deciding that they should let Brian mull over the suggestions about the garden. If they pushed too hard, Brian would just get his back up and turn them all down.

“What idea?” John asked sensing what Justin was trying to do.

“We thought we might like to have a greenhouse.”

“A greenhouse?” Bobby asked in surprise.

“Yeah, we saw all kinds of orchids growing in greenhouses as well as outdoors. Brian thought it might be nice to do gar-gar in the winter,” Justin explained touching Bree’s blonde locks fondly.

“That’s a great idea,” John enthused. “Want me to build you one?” John asked his brother.

Brian nodded and smiled. He’d like that a lot. “If I’m able to garden by winter, that is,” he added with a sigh.

“Of course you will be able,” John stated emphatically.

“Where the fuck is everyone?” a booming voice called from the kitchen.

“Debbie,” everyone said at once.

“Out here,” Justin called.

“Well, look at this lazy crew, lolling around…” Debbie stopped mid-sentence as she spotted the sling on Justin’s arm. “Fuck! What happened to you?” Her face mirrored her concern.

“Dislocated shoulder,” Justin replied.

“You poor baby, how did that happen?”

“I fell off a horse.”

“Were you having s-e-x on it?” Michael asked snidely, only half joking.

“Why does everybody keep spelling sex, Dada?” Bree asked.

“Damned if I know, Squirt,” Brian replied, taking the high road on this one.

“Does it hurt?” Ben asked.

“It’s not so bad,” Justin said.

“And did you hurt your leg too?” Debbie asked spotting the crutches leaning against the table near Justin.

“No, they’re…”

“That must have been some trip,” Michael scoffed.

“It was great,” Justin retorted.

“In spite of your injuries?” Debbie asked.

“I only have one…”

“Well, you just rest and we’ll take care of everything, won’t we, Carl?” Debbie said.

“Yes, dear.”

“But…”

“Why don’t you boys tell us all about your trip and what happened when everyone gets here,” Debbie suggested. “That way you’ll only have to do it once.”

“Good idea, Deb,” Brian said as he stood up and placed the crutches under his arms.

“Oh my God, they’re your crutches?”

“That’s right?’

“But why didn’t you say something?”

“I don’t recall having the opportunity.”

“What did you do to him?” Michael demanded of Justin.

“Me?”

“Yes, this must be your fault. Brian never gets hurt.”

“I have to pee,” Brian stated. “And as your mother said, we’ll tell you all about it when everyone gets here.” And with that Brian Kinney hobbled out of the room.

*****

“Did he tell you what happened?” Debbie asked John as they were loading all her salads into the fridge.

“Of course he did.”

“Is he really all right?”

“They both are. They just need some time to heal.”

“I feel like such an idiot not noticing that they were Brian’s crutches.”

“You could hardly have known with his sprained ankle under the table.”

“I should have known.” Debbie shook her head. She couldn’t believe she had been so stupid.

“Don’t blame yourself, Debbie. They’re both going to be fine.”

Debbie was about to lay some more blame on herself when the front door of Edna’s Treasures opened.

“Hi, we’re here,” Lindsay called.

She and Candy walked into the house followed by Leda, Jamie and a little bundle in a car seat.

“The baby!” Debbie gushed rushing over to look at the sleeping baby. “Can I pick her up?”

“Sure,” Jamie said setting the car seat on the kitchen table. Debbie gently lifted out the little girl who slept on oblivious to her surroundings.

“I’m so glad you were able to come,” John said looking at the baby as Debbie held her. “She’s beautiful.”

“We figured with all the mothers scheduled to be here today, we should be able to handle anything that happens,” Leda replied. “And a few doctors thrown in for good measure.” She seemed to glow as she looked lovingly at her daughter.

“How are you both doing?” Debbie asked.

“We’re good. Tired with feedings at all hours, but really good,” Jamie said happily.

“That’s good,” Debbie concurred. “What did you finally name her?”

Jamie and Leda looked at each other and smiled. “After quite a lot of discussion and debate, her name is Briar-Rose Aideen Cunningham-Thalberg, but she’ll be called Rose,” Leda replied.

“That’s quite a mouthful,” Debbie laughed.

“Yeah, but we like it,” Jamie responded.

“Will she like it when she’s a teenager?” Debbie asked knowingly.

Leda and Jamie shared another look, like they hadn’t thought about that.

“Let’s get you something to drink. Take the baby out to the garden. A few family members are there already,” John advised.

As the girls made their way outside, John got drinks set up in the sun porch.

“Lookie, lookie, who’s here,” Emmett cooed when he saw Debbie carrying the baby. “She’s so lovely,” he said as he looked at the little face.

“Where’s Brian?” Leda asked. “We wanted to thank him for helping us at the hospital.”

“Over there,” Emmett said. “What did Brian do at the hospital?”

“Emmett, I could use a hand with the drinks,” John called.

Not getting an answer to his question, Emmett hurried over to help John. He didn’t know Brian had had anything to do with the birth of Leda’s daughter.

“Brian,” Leda said leaning down to hug Brian where he sat on a chaise with his leg extended and his crutches tucked inconspicuously behind him. “I want to thank you for sending Debbie, and everything you did the day our daughter was born.”

Brian nodded but didn’t say anything. Debbie offered him the baby to hold. Brian took the little bundle carefully and held her to his chest. “She’s beautiful, Leda, Jamie.”

“Yes, she is,” both women replied.

“Can I see, Dada?” Bree asked hovering beside Brian’s chaise.

“Sure, Squirt, sit here beside me, and you can have a good look at…” Brian realized he didn’t know the baby’s name.

“Briar-Rose Aideen Cunningham-Thalberg,” Jamie said.

“But we’re going to call her Rose,” Leda added.

“Ah, a rose amongst thorns,” Brian couldn’t help but say.

Leda shook her head and chuckled. “I knew you’d say that. It’s part of the reason we chose the name, that and it’s another name for Sleeping Beauty.”

“She is a sleeping beauty,” Justin said from his chaise beside Brian.

“Did you take note of her middle name?” Leda asked.

“It wasn’t lost on me,” Brian said smugly.

“I thought it was the least we could do after you came to our rescue the day she was born,” Leda said.

“How did you know my middle name? It’s not common knowledge,” Brian said.

“I pestered Lindsay till she told me.” Brian snorted, but he quickly smiled too. He was rather pleased by the feminine version of his middle name Aidan.

“How come they got a girl?” Bree asked having waited patiently to speak.

“Luck of the draw, Squirt,” Brian replied.

“We always get boys,” Bree griped.

Brian chuckled and shook his head. Bree still wanted a little girl in the family. This was probably as close as she was going to get. “Do you want to come up here on the chaise with me? You can hold her if Leda and Jamie say it’s okay.” The girls nodded. Bree climbed up beside her father and Brian carefully placed the baby in her arms. She looked very pleased with herself as she held Rose.

Other family members were arriving. Most of them went directly to the new baby, oohing an aahing at the little girl. Many family members eventually arrived at Brian and Justin’s chaises, where they noted the battered condition of the men. They were told that all would be explained later on. That was enough to stop too many questions about what had happened. Everyone wanted to know if they were in pain and if they would be all right. They were content when they heard that both men would recover eventually.

When Joan arrived with Danny and Riley, she was very upset that Brian hadn’t let her know that he had been injured. She wanted to be at Edna’s Treasures to nurse her son when he needed her. She got John to bring a chaise over beside Brian’s in the shade where she ensconced herself for the rest of the day. If Brian needed anything she would be the one to get it. Bree wasn’t happy to have competition in her nursing duties, but she loved her Gamma Joan very much, so she decided to share her Dada.

Danny and Riley made some good natured jokes about the boys, but then left Brian and Justin to make their explanations when they chose to.

Nick and Hunter arrived, much to the pleasure of Leda and Jamie who were happy to have medical personnel on hand in case the baby needed any attention. Rose slept until she was hungry. Jamie took her into Bree’s bedroom to breast feed her, when the baby started to cry. Bree wanted to go with Jamie since her nursing services were not required at the moment.

Jamie said Bree was welcome to come with her. The two headed inside the house with baby Rose. Jamie sat in the big rocking chair that still occupied a corner of Bree’s room. Jamie lifted her T-shirt and the baby latched onto her breast sucking contentedly.

“Does that hurt?” Bree asked with a frown.

“No, it feels wonderful actually,” Jamie answered with a smile.

“My daddies told me I’d get breasts like yours.”

Jamie chuckled to herself. “I’m sure you will.” She had trouble imagining Brian or Justin having a facts-of-life talk with their daughter, but they obviously had. She had to give them credit for that.

“Do you think I’ll have a baby someday?” Bree asked thoughtfully.

“If you want one.”

“I’d like a baby girl,” Bree stated.

“What if you got a baby boy?”

“Every time I wanted a baby girl, I got a baby boy, so that’s probably what will happen,” Bree said with a dramatic sigh.

Jamie laughed. “And you’ll love your baby whatever it turns out to be.”

“I will?”

“I guarantee it.”

“Would you have loved a baby boy?”

“I sure would.”

Bree frowned. Maybe this lady was right. Maybe it didn’t really matter whether a baby was a girl or a boy, they were all special.

As Rose started to doze off, Jamie lifted her to her shoulder and elicited a big belch from the small body.

“Gross,” Bree said.

“It may sound gross, but she needs to get rid of the air.”

“Does she do that every time?”

Jamie nodded her head. “Yes she does.”

“Are you done?”

“She’s falling asleep,” Jamie said as she cradled the baby. “Can you bring me the car seat?” Jamie asked Bree. They had left it by the bedroom door.

“Sure,” Bree said hopping down off her bed to get it.

When the baby was tucked securely in the seat they headed down the hall.

“Babies don’t do much, do they?” Bree asked.

“No, mostly eat and sleep.”

“I think I’d like a baby that could do more stuff,” Bree said.

“No shit!” Jamie laughed as they headed outside.

*****

When Molly arrived with Owen and Taylor, there were tears when she saw her brother, as there were with Jennifer. Both women were very solicitous of the two men, and neither blamed Brian for Justin’s condition, for which Brian was most thankful.

Taylor wanted to climb up on the chaise with his Unca Dust. When he was stopped from doing that, he tried his Unca Bi. At that point Bree took matters into her own hands. She grasped Taylor by the arm and told him they were going to go into the sun porch and color. He was to come with her and not cry and not make a fuss. Taylor looked up to Bree with eyes full of adoration. He followed her without question.

Brian and Justin looked at each other. “I think it’s almost time for the full story of our Hawaii adventure,” Brian said.

There’s No Place Like Home

Chapter 5

Brian whispered something into Bree’s ear, she nodded, hopped off her Dada’s chaise then scurried to find Patrick, Richie, JR and Candy. Soon, the younger members of Brian’s cwazy wittle family were in a huddle around Brian. The adults had no clue what Brian was planning, including his spouse. Justin was about to say something to Brian when Brian shook his head at him.

“It’s all under control, Sunshine,” was all that Brian would say. Justin sat back in his chair trusting that Brian would live up to his word. He always did.

“Let me know when the porch is ready,” Brian instructed the kids who then ran off to do his bidding. “John,” Brian called out to his brother after a few moments. John strolled over to his brother then leaned down for his instructions. Noting the Brothers Kinney deep in conversation, the family chatter became a little hushed. Anything could happen when Brian took charge of something.

“Emm, do you have any idea about what he’s doing?” Ted asked his tall friend.

“Not a clue. All I know is that Brian will explain what happened to them on their trip,” Emmett said.

“Humph,” Michael snarled. “What I want to know is what did Justin do to Brian?”

“Michael, what makes you think that Justin did anything to Brian? Other than the usual,” Ben stated. “They went on their second honeymoon.”

“Yeah, well, lots of bad shit happens to rich people caused by their so-called loving spouses. You’ve heard of couples going on cruises and only one comes back. They get declared dead and the surviving spouse is a millionaire!”

“Michael!” Emmett admonished. “You’re talking shit, and don’t let Brian hear you because crutches or no crutches, he’ll punch your lights out. Besides, Justin has his own money. He doesn’t need Brian’s.”

“Well, I’m just sayin’.”

“Well, don’t,” Ted added. “They just had some weird accidents, that’s all. And I know for a fact that the guys want to go back later this year. So shut up,” Ted ordered.

Michael grumbled to himself but said nothing. Ben gave his spouse a glare and Michael kept his opinions to himself, for the moment.

A while later, Patrick presented himself to his uncle and whispered something. Brian smiled, nodded and then gave Patrick one last set of instructions. Patrick went back into the conjoined cottages then emerged with a pan and a large metal serving spoon. Brian stood up, balanced himself on his crutches then had Patrick bang the gong.

“Attention, all you riff-raff!” Brian announced. “Except you, mom,” Brian turned to his mother. Joan just winked at her son’s antics. She knew Brian had to be feeling better when he was able to tease his family.

“If you make your way into the sun porch, we have set up a little entertainment for you. Some of you may recognize my methods. I borrowed the idea from my dear friend Mikey.”

Some of the family, who remembered the boring slide show that Michael and his Dr. Dave gave when they came back from Paris, chuckled.

“However, since we’re now in the 21st century, instead of slides, I hope you’ll enjoy my Power Point presentation,” Brian said as if he were giving a presentation to a new client. “Your ushers will assist you with your seating assignments. Please give them your kind attention. Go on, General Squirt,” Brian said to Bree with a wave of his wrist.

“What are you up to?” Justin murmured to him as their family slowly proceeded into the porch. The kids were there, each with their own guest list and carefully checking it. Each family member was escorted to a seat. It soon became obvious that more mature family were down in front and taller, younger family toward the back. The seats were arranged in a semi-circle and staggered so no one had a head obstructing their view.

“Just making sure everyone gets a good view,” Brian assured his spouse.

“Am I going to be embarrassed?” Justin asked.

“Never,” Brian said, giving Justin a loving kiss to his forehead. “But I might be. You’ll see toward the end of the show.”

“Okay, if you say so.”

“I do. Now go take your seat. You’re on the brass bed away from the hordes and with plenty of room for your arm.”

Justin smiled brilliantly at Brian knowing that he had thought of just about everything. Justin went inside to take his seat.

Slowly Brian made his way around the side of the house to the front door. John met him about halfway there. It was easier for Brian to enter the porch from the front of the house so he wouldn’t have to maneuver the crutches around the family.

“You okay?” John asked.

“I’m fine. Thanks for your help.”

“They’re all waiting for you. I don’t think Justin even knows what you’re planning,” John remarked as he deliberately walked slowly next to his brother. Brian was getting good on his crutches but there was no need to rush and risk further injury.

“Gotta keep some secrets or else life gets boring,” Brian snarked.

“Little bro, life is never boring around you two,” John teased good naturedly.

They made it into the house and Brian shimmied his way to the brass bed. John handed the remote control to Brian then took his own seat. The kids were scurrying around making like waiters and waitresses making sure the family had drinks and snacks.

“I feel like I’m at the movies,” Debbie remarked; Carl nodded in agreement. “Hey, Sunshine, did you two finally film the two of you fucking?” Debbie shouted loudly over her shoulder then cackled. Some of the guys chuckled while Michael protested, loudly.

“Ma! Will you stop it!”

“Come on honey, don’t try to kid me, I know you’ve always been curious about them fucking even after all these years,” Debbie stated much to Michael’s embarrassment.

“Ooooo!” was all that Emmett could say, eliciting laughter from the family around him. He sat up straight and tall to see better.

“Damn, I would have made a fortune when I had my online site,” Ted commented to himself more than to anyone specific. Allen gave him a nudge then shook his head at Ted. Teddy shrugged and gave his partner a small smile.

“That’s enough!” Brian shouted above the din. “No one’s gonna get to see me or little Mary Sunshine naked,” he announced.

“Awww...”

“Damn!”

“Well, shit!”

The family all grumbled. Justin blushed as Brian smirked, holding back his laughter. He knew the family couldn’t resist teasing them and he also knew the family was only teasing. The family held the boys in high regard and knew they would do nothing improper in front of the children.

“Thank you, Brian,” John said in a very gentlemanly like tone. “I think I’ve seen enough of your naked butt to last me a lifetime.” The family snickered.

“Speak for yourself,” Bobby and Emmett said at the same time. The family cracked up into laughter.

“Hey, lesbian, here!” Lindsay piped up as she waved a napkin like a flag. Leda and Jamie nodded although Leda did lean over to Lindsay and whisper conspiratorially making Brian scowl. Those two women knew a little too much about his body and he did not want them comparing notes.

“Bri,” Justin whispered, bringing Brian back to the here and now.

Brian cleared his throat then continued. “Ladies and gentlemen, and I use those terms loosely. Justin and I would like to present, Brian and Justin’s Excellent Adventures...Not!” he added as the family chuckled.

Patrick dimmed the lights while Richie and Candy each took a side of the porch, lowering the blinds. Brian clicked his remote and his projector hummed to life. He used the solid wall above Beau’s corner as his screen. What looked like a foam core board on an easel held the title written in bright orange on a deep blue background.

“You remembered,” Justin whispered with a smile.

“I can never forget,” Brian said with his own smile. Then he leaned down to give Justin a kiss.

“Didn’t you two get enough of that on your honeymoon?” Jennifer deadpanned.

“Never enough,” the boys answered her.

“We begin our tale at our favorite restaurant, Pappaganos,” Brian narrated as the show opened up to the anniversary dinner. The Connolly’s had taken pictures for the society pages and video to present to the happy couple as part of their present from the family. Brian expertly cut some of the scenes Morgan Connolly had filmed into his own video. The family ooohed and aahed in the appropriate places.

The next scene was of the Plaza Hotel. Since Kinnetik exclusively handled the Plaza’s advertising, Brian had a lot of stock footage including pictures of his suite. The family, duly impressed made noises indicating such.

“Hey, now do we see you guys naked?” Debbie shouted.

“Keep yer shirt on!” Brian shouted back.

“Ma, please!” Michael whined in fear that his mother would take off her t-shirt. The family laughed.

As the film panned outward, Brian continued to narrate. “This is where the first of our many mishaps started,” Brian stated and Justin sighed.

“What could happen in a hotel room?” Danny asked innocently. He blushed as many chuckles could be heard. Riley gave his hand a pat. “I mean, besides the obvious,” Danny amended his statement.

“Sunshine?” Brian offered the first round of explanations to Justin. Justin quickly got with the program.

“My wonderful and loving spouse who had arranged our trip never told me where we were going. In our rush to, um, start the festivities, we forgot to arrange for a wake up call,” Justin stated magnanimously.

“What he’s trying to say is that I forgot to arrange for a wake up call. In my own defence all I can say is that I was distracted.” Brian waggled his eyebrows. Mikey grumbled.

“I’ll bet,” several family members said.

“Anyway,” Brian continued with the story as the scene changed to the bedroom of their suite. “We woke up barely in time. I lost a few skin cells as I peeled myself off Justin then he got caught up in the bedding and wound up on his ass on the floor.”

“Wasn’t one of my finer moments,” Justin said, rubbing his ass in sympathy. The family cracked up then were treated to an aerial view of downtown Pittsburgh traffic.

“Don’t tell me,” Carl said.

“Yup,” both Brian and Justin confirmed.

“Even though it was early, we got caught in traffic. The driver just about got us to the airport on time,” Brian explained.

“But not without another ‘mishap’,” Justin said. “Some idiot ran a red light then hit a pole. Our driver stopped short while Brian was holding a cup a hot coffee.”

“Oh no!” many gasped.

“Yup,” Brian said. “What skins cells I didn’t lose earlier were burned. It could have been worse but quick thinking little Mary Sunshine, here, doused me in water. Although I did look like I peed myself.”

“Pee-pee in the potty, Dada!” Bree said like when she was a toddler. The family chuckled.

“You are so right, Squirt. We rolled down the window to dry myself out. When we got to the airport I was still a little damp but we thought we were late so we checked in then raced to our terminal.” Brian switched the scene to the Liberty Air Terminal. He had lots of stock footage of Liberty Air as well.

“Justin, is that where you found out where you were going?” Claire asked.

“Yes, as we checked in, but we had more trouble.”

“More?” Claire asked again.

“A whole lot more,” Brian said then explained about the mechanical trouble and then the snafu about their seats.

“Well, that’s not right,” Emmett stated with indignation. “You’re on your honeymoon; you have to sit together.”

“Brian handled it,” Justin said giving Brian a loving smile.

“That explains it,” Ted said.

“Explains what, Schmidt?” Brian asked.

“Why Kinnetik got a boatload of fruit baskets the following Monday from Liberty Air,” Teddy elaborated. Brian nodded in approval. He and Kinnetik had almost single-handedly put Liberty Air in the black. They could at least shell out for a few fruit baskets in appreciation.

Brian pressed the button and the scene shifted to a jet heading westward toward their destination. Brian clicked the remote and the scene changed to a typical Hawaiian island scene with beautiful men and women in grass skirts.

“Do they wear anything under their skirts?” Emmett enquired.

“Never got the chance to find out,” Brian responded as he clicked the remote again bringing up a collage of scenes, one popping up after another, all of the estate. He allowed the family to get all their excitement out of their system before continuing to the next slide.

“How did you do this?” Justin asked as he leaned into Brian.

“I have ways.” Brian winked at his curious spouse. The flashing scenes of the estate were actually the ad that caught Brian’s attention in the first place. He was mesmerized and when the ad was finished all it had was the contact information. The rest was up to the party who was interested in leasing the estate. Justin then recognized several of the pictures that he himself had taken throughout their time there.

The family continued to make noises indicating that they were impressed. No one was getting bored, Brian noted with satisfaction.

“Look at the beach!” Lindsay said out loud. “It’s so peaceful and serene,” she added.

“Looks can be deceiving,” both Brian and Justin said at the same time. As Brian showed them various shots of the beach, Justin explained the next of their mishaps.

“I got sunburned, bad. Brian tried to warn me.”

“But you know how stubborn our little Sunshine can be,” Brian snarked.

“Were my friends helpful?” Nick threw in.

“Very and we invited them back here for a visit, my treat,” Brian said gratefully.

“Care to explain?” Justin growled. He had no idea what Nick was referring to.

“I got worried, so sue me!” Brian said holding up his hands in surrender.

“What happened?” Jennifer demanded to know. The scenes were all of the beaches near the estate including the part that had the dangerous riptides.

“I didn’t listen so I wasn’t wearing any protective clothing or enough sunblock, but Brian got me out of the sun in time,” Justin explained to his mother who was about to work herself up into a snit. Seth patted her hand in support.

“Brian gave me a call asking if I knew any doctors out there. It just so happens that I have a friend from medical school who I knew moved to Hawaii. It was just a coincidence that he and his partner are living on the same island that Brian and Justin were visiting,” Nick told the family.

“And you made it sound like they were just dropping in by chance,” Justin said with loving and very moist eyes.

“Awwww!” the family reacted.

“Anyway,” Brian said stopping an all out love fest. “Even though I now had a French Fry for a partner, we managed to go to a club.” The next scene was of the front of Squeeze.

“Ooooo!” Emmett perked up again. “Oh my, I bet there was some delectable eye candy in there. Yum, yum.”

“Down boy,” Drew drawled. The family snickered.

“Justin wasn’t the only thing burned that day,” Nick began. “My friend, Paul, called me the next day to tell me that these two burned up the dance floor.”

The family roared with laughter as Brian and Justin sat back looking very smug. Michael mumbled something about being an over-the-hill club boy.

“Jealous much,” Hunter asked his dad. Michael glared at his son.

“When I told Paul how old these two are he thought I was trying to pull one over on him. Especially, the old man,” Nick said risking Brian’s wrath.

Justin laughed. Brian glared just for a moment then he too laughed. He had no doubt his family cared and respected him.

“Justin, sweetheart, are you really okay now?” Jennifer asked with a mother’s concern in her voice.

“I’m fine. I’m peeling like a snake and it itches....”

“But I get to rub lotion all over him,” Brian interjected as he winked at Jennifer. When the laughter died down, Brian got a little serious. “I have to admit my behavior wasn’t the best.”

“No, Brian, you were just frustrated and so was I. If I had listened to you in the first place, I wouldn’t have gotten burned like I did. We did all right,” Justin added with a lascivious smile.

The family all turned to look at the men.

“What he means,” Brian began then took Justin’s good hand into his own bringing it to his lips. “Our honeymooning activities were not exactly like I had imagined they would be. I got a little angry.”

“And then he made up for it. Boy, did he make up for it!” Justin quickly added before anyone could get angry at Brian. “He took away my pain.”

“Probably an adrenalin high,” Nick mumbled to himself.

Brian hit the remote again and the scenes changed to the pool and gardens of the estate. The family all murmured their appreciation of the tranquility.

“Please don’t tell me you almost drowned in the pool?” Ben asked.

“Nope,” the boys answered.

“Brian almost drowned in the ocean,” Justin said. Then he allowed Brian to explain what happened. Justin kept Brian’s hand tightly in his own.

“It was my fault. I swam too far down the shore in the wrong direction. When I made it to shallow water the waves knocked me around. The sand there isn’t really sand. It’s really small particles of lava.”

“Ouch,” John said out loud.

“Yeah, I was one big scrape,” Brian said holding up his palms that were still a little scarred.

“Damn, kiddo. I would have been on the next plane outta there,” Debbie said.

“He wanted to do that but I asked him to stay,” Justin admitted.

“Hmmph,” Mikey grumbled.

“We took it easy for a few days but we did get to go to a museum!” Justin said with a smile. Brian switched the scene over to the photos Justin took of the paintings and then the greenhouse. There was one picture that the boys had posed for standing in front of a large tropical hibiscus that had huge fuchsia colored flowers. A museum guard happily complied with their request. The boys hammed it up for the camera.

“Holy black and blue, Batman!” Debbie exclaimed when she took a good look at the boys. Justin’s sunburned neck was just visible under the loose collar of his shirt as were the bruises and scrapes on Brian’s arms and face. “You’re lucky you aren’t scarred for life,” Debbie mumbled.

“I’m just happy I didn’t lose him,” Justin said softly. “I don’t care about scars.” Justin stretched upward to meet Brian’s lips. The family remained silent for the moment until John cleared his throat.

“Bri, I think we need a short intermission,” John suggested.

“Good idea,” Jamie said sensing the tension. “Someone needs to be changed.” She held up the baby.

“I think my little man needs a potty break,” Molly added.

The family took that moment to stand and stretch their legs. The children ran around getting cold beverages and snacks for everyone. Emmett decided to help the young wait staff.

“You guys okay?” Bobby asked as he brought the guys a couple of cold beers. Brian and Justin had stopped taking any pain medication so the beer wasn’t going to interfere with any medication.

“We’re fine,” Justin said.

“I didn’t realize the bruises were that visible,” Brian said. “I was concentrating on the flowers around us. Some of them were bigger than my palm.” Brian had clicked the remote so all anyone could see were the various flowers in the greenhouse.

“It’s okay but I guess now you’ve got their attention,” Bobby said.

“I guess so,” Brian agreed noting the looks some of the family gave them. After a few minutes, the family began to retake their seats. Jamie came back with a very contented baby in her arms as did Molly.

“Unca Dust!” Taylor said as he ran through the crowded porch throwing himself on Justin’s legs.

“I can’t lift you, buddy,” Justin said sadly.

“Wait, take one hand,” Brian told Justin. Justin reached down to clasp one of Taylor’s hands, Brian took the other. “Jump buddy.” Taylor made a little jump while the guys pulled him up. Taylor happily plopped himself down in between his uncles.

“Unca Bi!” Taylor joyfully screeched.

“That’s me. Unca Bi and Unca Dust.”

“And me,” Bree said as she carefully climbed up making sure she didn’t hurt her daddies.

“Bee!” Taylor said loudly. Brian was a little worried that a green eyed monster would suddenly appear but was pleasantly surprised when Bree wiggled her way in between her dads then pulled the toddler onto her lap. Taylor giggled with delight as he wriggled in Bree’s lap making himself comfortable.

The boys exchanged startled smiles. Molly nudged her husband’s shoulder and he immediately snapped several pictures with his camera phone. When everyone was settled, Brian restarted the show.

There’s No Place Like Home

Chapter 6

Brian hit the remote and several of Justin’s sketches of the paintings he had seen in the museum flashed by as well as some of the flowers that were prominent in the greenhouse and in the estate gardens.

“Justin, these are fantastic. I think you have the subject of your next show here,” Lindsay exclaimed and others agreed.

“You sneaky devil,” Justin murmured to Brian. Brian smiled smugly.

“I take it your excursion to the museum was mishap free?” Riley asked.

“Relatively,” Justin answered. “It was on the way back to the estate that we learned that somewhere along the way we pissed off one of the Hawaiian gods. Pele, to be exact.”

“Kilauea was working her way up to an eruption, it triggered off some shockwaves and our car wound up in a ditch.” Brian hit the switch and some pictures of the road came into view. The family saw that some of the pavement was buckled and cars were all over the place.

“But you were all right,” Joan asked.

“We were fine except that my dear spouse shamed me into helping push cars back onto the road,” Brian said with an exaggerated look of disgust on his face. The family laughed, just as Brian had hoped. “We finally got back to the estate in one piece.” The family let out a cheer.

“Now do we get to see you guys naked?” Emmett asked this time. A few people threw balled up napkins at the tall queen. He just smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

“Our next excursion was to the Big Island, to the lava fields,” Justin began.

“Why do I think that wasn’t such a good idea,” Leda stated.

“I got a little carried away and wandered too close to the lava flow,” Justin explained to the family.

“Not another burn?” Michael asked.

“Almost,” Brian continued. “We wound up melting our shoes.” Brian hit the switch and a picture of the bottom of their shoes filled the screen.

“Oh my fucking god!” Emmett yelped.

“Pele, wasn’t very happy with us but it was a good excuse,” Brian said.

“Excuse for what?” Rachel asked.

“To go shopping!” Brian ducked the volley of balled up napkins that were thrown his way. Taylor and Bree giggled with glee as they tried to lob them back toward the family. Justin then told them about their experiences in the boutiques.

“I can vouch for their way with fine shopping,” Ted said above the crowd.

“Is that why you insisted we take the RV up here today? All those boxes and bags belong to them?” Carl asked Ted who just nodded. “Brian, you’re paying for the gas!” Carl grumbled.

“So, did you get something good?” Emmett asked them both, always interested in the latest fashion.

“We did all right,” Brian commented.

“He’s being nice. While Brian was flirting with a model...” Brian gave Justin and the family a very innocent look. “Yeah, right,” Justin glared at Brian. “I was trying to buy a present for a very special young lady.”

“Me, Daddy?”

“Yes, baby girl, you, and I’ll give it to you later.”

“Okay, Daddy,” Bree said very pleased with herself.

“While I was trying to get the saleswoman to show me a tray of charms, she called security.” The family gasped, making comments on how anyone could think that Justin could possibly be anything other than a legitimate customer. “It all worked out.”

“That’s because the bear of a security guard fell in lust with our little Sunshine,” Brian quipped.

“He did not.”

“Did too.”

“Not.”

“Too.” The family laughed as the boys playfully bickered.

“Our next trip was to Kauai to Waimea Canyon.” Brian showed them picture after picture of the colorful canyon. The family was amazed.

“So beautiful!” Jamie gasped. “Justin may I borrow a picture or two? I’d love to try to do something like this in paper.”

“I’ll email you the pictures,” Justin told his fellow artist.

“Maybe you two should consider a joint venture. Justin painting in oils while you work a similar scene in paper. Could make for an interesting show,” Lindsay suggested. The artists looked at Lindsay then at each other and smiled.

“Great, I guess I’m going to be a bachelor again,” Brian complained.

“You! I’m going to be a single mom,” Leda grumped.

The artists ignored their partners and made a date to conference. Brian took that time to change the picture to the Fern Grotto.

The family ooohed and aahhed again.

“Uncle Bri, is this where you tripped?” Patrick asked.

“Nope, but your Uncle Justin found a new appreciation for his well endowed butt,” Brian snarked.

“Daddy, did you fall down again?” Bree asked in total resignation. Her big blue eyes opened wide as she gazed at her father. Blues eyes met blue eyes.

“Yeah, I did,” Justin sighed.

“He not only fell but he bounced, halfway down the cliff,” Brian went on. “Fortunately, he put on the brakes.”

“I think my butt got flattened in the process.” Justin made a joke to lighten the seriousness of his accident.

“Is your butt okay now, Daddy?” Bree asked then giggled because she got to say the word butt.

“Yes, baby girl, my butt is just fine,” he laughed. Some of the family laughed along with them.

Next, Brian clicked his remote and more pictures of the estate flashed across the wall. The family could appreciate just how vast the estate was.

“These aren’t...?” John asked as a picture of two innocent looking horses stared back at them.

“They are. And it’s not the horse’s fault she got spooked,” Brian responded.

“No, it was my fault, I didn’t listen to Brian. He told me not to go riding but I insisted. Meet Pele and Maui, the goddess of fire and of the clouds.”

“Is Pele the horse that bolted?” John asked.

“Yup,” Justin confirmed. “I should have just stayed straight in my saddle. I twisted in my seat and the horse stumbled. She took off toward the barn.”

“Justin, it was a good thing that you jumped off in spite of your dislocated shoulder. I’ve seen a few experienced riders get slammed into a barn because they couldn’t jump off quick enough,” Steve explained. “I know your shoulder is painful but the alternative is worse.”

The family all nodded. Bree snuggled closer to her daddy’s side sensing the tension that ran through the porch. She held onto Taylor who had fallen asleep in her lap.

“I love you, Daddy,” Bree whimpered.

“Love you, baby girl.”

Brian quickly changed the picture to the big banyan tree.

“Who are they?” Joan asked.

“This is Angelica, our housekeeper, cook and overall travel guide, and her husband Henry. He’s the chauffeur and a very nice man,” Brian explained.

“They took good care of us,” Justin added.

“He means they nursed us after every accident. They put up with a lot of our shit while we were there,” Brian said. “And they still want us to come back!”

“Of course they want you to come back, they want your money,” Michael grumbled.

Brian ignored Michael. He wanted to say a whole lot of things but he thought better of it. He knew that Michael was upset that he’d come back hurt so Brian let it go.

Brian pushed the button on the remote again and again in quick succession. The next few pictures were of Justin, Angelica and Henry under the banyan tree. Then all of a sudden the picture became blurred.

“What the...?”

“Hey?”

“Huh?”

The family were all mumbling, buzzing like bees as Brian kept hitting the remote. They were all trying to figure out what they were seeing.

“Bri, what is this?” Justin finally asked.

“When I tripped on that root, the camera flew up and hit me on the head. It must have triggered the auto button because I certainly didn’t take these. It’s my mishap in action,” Brian joked.

The camera had captured Brian’s fall, tumbling over the root and then as he finally landed.

“Ow! My ankle hurts just watching that,” Drew said as his hand automatically went to rub his own ankle.

The last few pictures were taken at the restaurant just before the boys flew back home. Paul and Martin were in several pictures as well as Angelica and Henry.

“Oooo, what a handsome couple,” Emmett remarked about Paul and Martin. “When did you say they were coming for a visit?” Emmett flashed his toothy smile.

Then there was one group shot that their waiter had taken for them. They were all waving to the camera. Justin’s sling was clearly in view and his face appeared tired. Brian looked bruised and his crutches were leaning on the wall just behind his seat.

“And so ends, Brian and Justin’s Excellent Adventure!” Brian announced. Patrick got up to turn on the lights as Richie and Candy raised the blinds.

“I don’t know whether to laugh or cry, Kiddo. I’m just happy you’re both home.” Debbie voiced what everyone was thinking.

“I know,” Emmett said as he burst into alligator tears then jumped up to give Brian and Justin a hug.

“Stop slobbering all over me, you big fairy!” Brian scolded. “John, Bobby, help!”

“Come on, Emm, they’re fine,” John crooned as he went to pull Emmett off Brian.

“We have one more presentation,” Brian said loudly before everyone dispersed. “Emm, go help John and Bobby bring in the bags from my room.”

Emmett sniffled a couple of times then followed John and Bobby into the master bedroom. They all heard a squeal of delight. Emmett, laden with a lot of gift bags, came running back into the porch. He again gave Brian a hug and kissed his cheek.

“Ick!” Brian said as he rubbed Emmett germs off his cheek.

“Can I make like Santa?” Emmett begged. Brian waved a royal wrist at him. Emmett clapped with glee.

“In appreciation for the party you threw for us, Justin and I picked up a few little souvenirs for all of you,” Brian said as John, Bobby and Emmett checked each tag on the bag or box in their hands then distributed the gift to its rightful owner.

“When did you find time to do all this?” Justin whispered as he leaned closer to his spouse. Bree had carefully laid Taylor down in the middle of the bed then piled cushions around him so he wouldn't roll. She then hopped down to help her uncles give out the presents.

“While you were fending off the security guard and I was being measured, for my suit, Sunshine,” Brian teased Justin. Brian thought a jealous Sunshine was a cute Sunshine. “I had a personal shopper show me the store’s boutique catalogue. I found hundreds of gift ideas that saved me a lot of time. I picked out what I wanted, indicated who it was going to and they did the rest. I had the whole fucking lot shipped back to Kinnetik.”

“Pretty smart, Mr. Kinney,” Justin smiled.

“I think so,” Brian said most immodestly and with a smirk.

“Hey,” John said as he approached the boys. “I think you may want to give this one to the princess, and I found the gift for Gus. I left his and Ray’s and the ones for the rest of Ray’s family in the bag in your room,” John informed Brian. John handed a bright pink gift bag to Brian.

“I think you boys went a little overboard with the gifts,” John said as he sat next to Brian.

“It’s not often one gets to go on a second honeymoon,” Brian quipped. “I wanted it to be memorable.”

“Not this memorable,” Justin added as he gingerly gave his injured shoulder a shrug for the first time in days.

“Look, most of the stuff is just trinkets but you...” Brian still had some difficulty putting into words how he felt about his family.

“I understand, Brian,” John said as he gave his brother a pat on the back. “You really are a big mush, you know that, don’t you,” John smiled at Brian. Brian gave his brother a crooked little smile.

“Hey Squirt!” Brian called out to his daughter, waving the pink gift bag.

“Is that for me, Dada?”

“Yup, your Daddy picked this out special, just for you,” Brian explained. Bree beamed with her own sunny smile. She climbed back up onto the brass bed to open up her gift. Her dads watched as Bree carefully took out the box then unwrapped it.

“Oooo! It’s so pretty! What kind of flower is it?” Bree asked as she held up the flower charm then had her Dada put it around her neck.

“It’s called a hibiscus,” Brian informed Bree. “They grow in tropical places. That means they like very warm weather.”

“Oh, does that mean they don’t like snow?” Bree asked looking kind of disappointed.

“No, they don’t, but if Uncle John builds us a greenhouse, maybe we can grow some hibiscus,” Brian told her. “But I’ll need your help.”

“Of course, Dada! Daddy, can I put this charm on my necklace with my froggie?”

“I think that’s a great idea, baby girl, but ask your Dada to help.”

“Okay, Daddy,” Bree said as she slid off the bed then bounced her way happily over to her grandmothers to show them her new treasure.

“You made her very happy, Sunshine,” Brian observed. He placed a kiss onto Justin’s temple.

“We made her happy. She hardly takes off her froggie necklace because you bought it for her.”

“And now she has something from you to put next to it,” Brian whispered. The lovers kissed, well aware of the significance and of how lucky they were having a special little girl like Bree in their lives.

“These are beautiful!” Debbie gushed as she showed off her new earrings that were dangling boldly and brightly off her ears. They were a cluster of rainbow colored, enamelled flowers hanging off delicate gold chains. They reminded Brian of the Pride colors. When he saw them he immediately knew that Debbie would love them and he was right.

Debbie gave her boys a kiss and a gentle smack to Brian’s cheek then she went back into the fray of the family to show off her earrings.

As the family slowly made their way back out into the garden, John and Emmett began to fire up the grill. The older kids and the men grabbed the chairs to bring them back outside or fold up the ones they didn’t need. Lindsay and Rachel began to set the porch back to rights and prepare the long table for the buffet. The family working in concert got the barbecue off to a rousing start.

*****

“Sweetheart, do you need help?” Jennifer asked her son. Justin had a large plate containing a variety of salads sitting on the table in front of him.

“No, mom, I can manage. I’m allowed out of my sling for meals and to shower. Bobby got us an appointment with an orthopedist on Tuesday. I guess I’ll find out then when I can give this thing up for good.”

“Don’t overdo,” his mother told him.

“I won’t,” Justin promised. “I’m hungry,” he said as he dug into Debbie’s macaroni salad.

“That’s a good sign,” Debbie stated loudly. “Now if we can just get Brian to follow your lead.”

“Oh, he’ll follow Justin’s lead but just not to the dinner table,” Ben said as he sat down at their table. He had his own plate piled high with fruit, salad and grilled lean chicken. “Thank you,” Ben said to Justin.

“You’re welcome. Um, for what?”

“The book. It’s beautiful.” Ben reached under his seat for a small dignified looking gift bag. It contained an elegant book of sayings from the Dali Lama.

“Brian picked it out,” Justin informed Ben with a touch of pride in his voice.

“That man never ceases to amaze me. I’m almost done with this semester, if he needs help in the garden, you call me.”

“I will.” Justin found himself making his second promise in as many minutes. They ate in companionable silence, enjoying the afternoon and the company.

*****

As the sun started to set, the family formed into little groups around the yard, sitting under umbrellas or trees. A few of the older members sat in the sun porch where Brian and Justin had decided to stay. The chaises were very comfortable and there seemed to be no shortage of people willing to wait on them. Bree was at the head of the list.

“Dada, here’s your beer,” Bree said as she handed her father an ice cold bottle that her Uncle John had uncapped for her.

“Thank you, Miss Squirt.”

“I’m General Squirt,” Bree protested, using the name her father sometimes called her.

“Only in certain circumstances.”

“Huh?”

“You’re General Squirt when you are deciding things or demanding things or setting your poor old dads straight.” Justin snorted as he listened to Brian’s explanation.

“I set you straight?” Bree asked incredulously.

“When you know something is right or a certain way you want things to be, you let us know, and you’re … usually right,” Brian admitted.

“Really?” Bree asked with a big smile.

“Really, General Squirt,” Brian said returning Bree’s smile.

“I love you, Dada. I gots to do something,” she added quickly and raced out the door of the sun porch.

“Where’s she going?” Justin asked as they watched her run across the lawn.

“Damned if I know…” Brian began, but then he stopped. Bree had skidded to a halt in front of Riley and Danny who were sitting under the big tree. “Looks like it involves some of our elder statesmen,” Brian commented.

“What’s she up to?”

Brian shook his head. “I think we may be in for a little concert. She’s got Riley by the hand.”

Bree was tugging on Riley’s hand getting him to come back to the house with her.

“She’s a persuasive little thing,” Justin observed.

“That’s putting it mildly,” Brian snorted.

“Well she does take after someone else persuasive that I know.”

Brian grinned lasciviously.

A few minutes later the family could hear the sound of the spinet coming from inside the house.

“I think we’re being summoned,” Brian said standing up and getting his crutches hooked under his arms. “Anyone who wants to hear the product of months of music lessons and thousands of dollars, follow Gimpy and Sling Boy inside.” With that Brian started swinging along on his crutches heading for the sound of the musical chords.

Soon most of the family was assembled around the little spinet piano that Riley had renovated for Bree. Bree and her favourite piano man were tinkling some notes.

“Are you two going to play a tune?” Debbie asked after a minute.

“How about Heart and Soul?” Riley asked the little girl. “It makes me think of your daddies.”

Bree grinned. “I like that, Mr. Riley. I can play it.”

“I know you can, sweetheart,” Riley asserted.

“Go for it, General Squirt,” Brian whispered earning a sunshine smile from his daughter.

Bree and Riley launched into the familiar song. They played it very well, considering that they had not had much time to practice together. Bree hit one false note, but only Riley noticed, and he just kept on going.

There was a big round of applause when they finished.

“I made a mistake,” Bree whispered to Riley. She looked crestfallen, having wanted to play the song perfectly for her fathers.

“Nobody noticed,” Riley whispered back. He gave the little girl a hug. “Stand up and take a bow. We sounded damn good.”

Bree’s face brightened up. “Miss Faith wouldn’t like that I made a mistake.”

“Most musicians make mistakes from time to time. You just keep playing and hardly anyone ever knows.

“Really?” Bree asked as they stood up.

“Guaranteed.”

They took a big bow as the applause continued.

“Michael!” Ben shouted in the hallway.

“I’m going home,” Michael retorted loudly. “Get out of my way!”

“Michael, be reasonable.”

“Too late!” Michael shouted. That was followed by the slamming of the front door. Everyone stood in stunned silence, until Riley and Bree sat down and started to play Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.

There’s No Place Like Home

Chapter 7

“What’s up, Mikey?” Brian drawled as he blocked Michael’s way with his crutch. Brian was sporting a smirk that he knew would grate on Michael’s last nerve.

“I’m going home,” Michael stated as he stomped a foot and crossed his arms over his chest.

“Why, what crawled up your butt?”

“You, Ben, everything!”

“Aww, Mikey, let me buy you a beer before you go racing off into the sunset. Besides, didn’t you come with Debbie? I think she’d notice if you drive off in the RV without her. And she’s planning to stay the night.”

Michael huffed, grumbled then followed Brian back into the sun porch. There was a cooler under the table still stocked with cold beer. Brian leaned down to open the cooler.

“I’ll get it,” Michael said. “Wouldn’t want you to fall flat on your face,” he mumbled. Michael opened the cooler to retrieve two beers. He twisted them open then handed a bottle to Brian once he got himself situated on a chaise. The concert was still going on in the living room. The remaining family were planning to spend the night somewhere on the lane or as guests of Riley and Danny at their nearby cottage if need be.

“Thank you, Mikey, how considerate of you,” Brian snarked. “Now you wanna tell me what’s got you snarling like a rabid dog?”

“You and Ben.”

“What about us?”

“Why is it that you always know what kind of present to get him? You and him talk about stuff that I just don’t get.”

“Yeah, so. I’m not fucking him, you are.”

“But you did.”

“Mikey that was...so long ago that I don’t even want to think of how long ago it was. I have no interest in getting into his pants if that’s what you’re worried about. Besides, I didn’t think you were into the Dali Lama. If I had known you liked those pearls of wisdom, I woulda bought you a book too.”

“I’m not into that stuff.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“You only got me a frame,” Michael mumbled softly.

“Oh for fuck’s sake.” Brian sighed then rolled his eyes. His childhood friend was being ridiculous. “Michael, see that small table in the corner near Justin’s slop sink?”

“Yeah.”

“Go over there.” Michael put his beer down under his seat then stood doing as Brian directed. “Lift the top. Is there a comic in there?”

“Yeah.”

“Good. Bring it and go get your gift.” Michael didn’t have far to go, his gift bag with his present was sitting on the long table.

“What are you doing?” Michael asked as Brian took the frame out of its bag. He carefully opened the back then inserted the comic into it. “Yeah, so, it’s a frame for a comic. So what!”

“Michael, I love you but sometimes you’re an ass. This is a sterling silver frame. I got it so you can put your first edition of Rage in it and hang it up in your store. I know the very first one off the printer is in the bank vault but you have the reprint. Take it out of that ratty box you’ve got stashed under the counter and put the fucking thing in the frame.”

“You got me a special frame for Rage?” Michael asked, his face all lit up with smiles.

“Yes, Mikey, a very special frame for your wittle comic book. Am I now forgiven for fucking your husband years before you ever knew him?”

“No, but I’m workin’ on it,” Michael tried to say with a straight face. One corner of his mouth curled up then he and Brian cracked up into giggles unbecoming men of their age.

“I love you, Mikey. You know that, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I do but Bri, answer me seriously, are you really okay? And Justin, his arm’s gonna be okay too?” Michael leaned in and placed his hand on Brian’s leg in a show of concern.

“We’ll be fine, Mikey. Just had a series of bad luck, that’s all. We’ll be bad as new in no time,” Brian reassured his friend. “So are you staying? Or do I have to hear your mother bitch at me all night long because I fucked up again.”

“I’m staying and I’ll even stay in that roving hotel of hers,” Michael said making a distasteful expression on his face.

“Very good, Mikey!” Brian patted his hand then the longtime friends cracked up again.

*****

The family who were planning to drive back to Pittsburgh began to pack up. The ones that were staying were cleaning up. It had been a pot luck barbecue with everyone bringing a dish or container of something. The kitchen was an assembly line of family washing dishes and rinsing out containers. Brian perched himself on a stool supervising the organized chaos.

“May I have everyone’s attention!” Brian said as he banged a pot against the counter. The family stopped whatever they were doing to give Brian their undivided attention. “Thank you. Boy, if I had known how easy it was to get you to pay attention to me, I would’ve fallen over a root a long time ago,” Brian joked.

“Bite your tongue!” came the retort from many, including Justin.

“Just kidding. But I’m not kidding when I say we have a new doctor in the family!” Brian announced, beaming with pride. The family buzzed with excitement, looking around at each other for a further explanation. “Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce, my brother, Dr. John Anderson, PhD!”

The family let out a roar of cheers as they all clambered closer to John in order to express their congratulations. It took another two hours before the conjoined cottages of Edna’s Treasures were quiet again.

*****

“You didn’t have to do that, you know,” John stated softly as the brothers sat in the porch sipping coffee.

“I know but you deserve it. And I was getting tired of all the ‘woe is you’ looks I was getting from the family the whole day. Besides, you’re my big bro, a PhD; I’m fucking proud of you!”

John smiled back at Brian, a smile that mirrored Brian’s own.

John blushed as he said, “Well, you saved me from saying anything. I didn’t have a clue about how to bring up the subject. My mother knew I had defended my thesis but didn’t know the results. You, Justin and Bobby were the only ones I told.”

“You’re too modest, big bro, this is an accomplishment that’s worthy of celebration. I wish I could do more.”

“Just coming home in one piece, more or less, is all that I want. I hate to bring this up but are you going to be able to cook breakfast in the morning? I had the distinct impression that my breakfast didn’t live up to your princess’ expectations.” John gave Brian a poignant look. Brian responded with his lopsided smile.

“I am the king of bacon and eggs,” Brian quipped. “In spite of entertaining a lane full of people today, I spent most of the day on my ass in this damn chaise with my leg elevated. I think I can handle breakfast if your partner does his magic to my foot before I crack the eggs.”

“I think my partner can handle that. On that note, I think I’m going to give my partner some well deserved attention. You need help getting up?” Brian shook his head. “G’night, little bro, see you in the morning,” John said as he sauntered back into his side of the cottage.

“Night,” Brian said as he watched his brother go.

“Bri?” Justin called softly from the hall doorway. “You ready for bed?”

“Yeah,” Brian replied, stretching his long legs before maneuvering himself up with the aid of the crutches. “Where did everyone bed down?”

“Deb, Carl, Michael and Ben are out front in the RV. Ted and Allen are rooming at Emmett’s. Your mother is in Gus’ room. Claire, Steve, and Bobby’s parents are at Rachel and George’s. Lindsay and Candy are up in our office. Jenn and Seth are up in John’s office. Nick and Hunter are staying at Riley's. Jamie and Leda decided to go back to the Pitts.”

“Did someone call to make sure they made it okay? That’s a long ride for a newborn.”

“Yup, Lindsay spoke to them; they’re home safe and sound.”

“Did your sister stay?” Brian asked as he helped Justin to get out of his sling. Between the two of them, they found a way of showering. Years of sharing their showers made it easy for them.

“Yup. They actually took the whole week off so we’ll be neighbors this week.”

“And Danny and Riley went to their cottage?”

“At the toll house, boinking like rabbits,” Justin said with a giggle as Brian slowly washed the day off Justin’s skin.

“TMI, Sunshine. They’re too old to be boinking like rabbits.”

“Bri, one day we’re going to be their age I want to know that I can still boink like a rabbit.”

“I refuse to be that age but I agree to the boinking bit. Speaking about boinking...” Brian rubbed his burgeoning dick against Justin’s ass.

“Is that a hint?”

“Not a hint. I’m coming right out and saying that I really want to fuck you through the mattress. It’s been days, Justin.”

“Then let’s get out of this shower and into bed.”

“Then make like rabbits?” Brian asked as he waggled his eyebrows at Justin.

“Boink! Boink!” Justin answered as he wiggled his ass. Brian hobbled, following said ass to their bed where they boinked the night away.

*****

With a groan, Brian opened his eyes. He realized he had tried to turn over and his bad ankle was caught in the sheets.

“Fuck,” he muttered as he tried to extricate himself.

“What’s wrong?” Justin asked as Brian’s mumbled oath had awakened him.

“I’m stuck,” Brian said trying to unwrap his foot. “Ow!”

“Stay still,” Justin ordered as he sat up. He quickly but gently started peeling the offending sheet away from Brian’s ankle. “There,” he said triumphantly when he was done.

“Thanks,” Brian replied leaning over to kiss Justin’s cheek.

“I should be thanking you for last night,” Justin grinned.

“Thanking me?”

“You were spectacular at boinking.”

Brian laughed out loud. “You were pretty spectacular yourself. Maybe there is hope for us when we’re old and decrepit like Danny and Riley.”

Justin frowned. “Brian, you don’t really see Danny and Riley as decrepit, do you?” he asked.

Brian was about to say that of course he did, when the look on Justin’s face caused him to pause and rethink his words. “I was … mostly teasing,” Brian said cautiously.

“Mostly?”

“Well, they are older, but they’re still strong and … vital.”

Justin smiled just a little bit. “We’ll be strong and vital when we get to their age too.”

“You know that for a fact?”

Justin nodded his head vigorously. “We eat right, take good care of ourselves…”

“Nobody would know that to look at us now,” Brian said scornfully, as he pulled his crutches over so he could get up and go pee.

“Those little mishaps in Hawaii will soon be forgotten,” Justin averred. “We’ll be better than ever.”

“That may be true, Sunshine, but right now I need to get moving. There are hordes to cook for.”

“I’ll help you,” Justin volunteered.

“Between the two of us we might be able to make one halfway capable cook,” Brian threw over his shoulder before he disappeared into the bathroom.

*****

Justin fumbled with the package of bacon. With his arm in its sling it was hard to get the strips of bacon separated. It had taken the two of them to open the package and peel back the plastic. Justin couldn’t do it by himself. Now it was just as hard getting the bacon slices separated with one hand. He wondered if he was more of a bother than he was a help to Brian who was seated at the counter cracking dozens of eggs to scramble.

“Need some help?” Brian asked.

“I can do it,” Justin snapped angrily. He was really getting frustrated.

“Whoa, just asking,” Brian said.

“Sorry, this fucking bacon won’t come apart.”

“I’ll help you, Uncle Justin,” Patrick’s voice said as he came into the kitchen. He walked over to the counter near the stove and pulled a slice of bacon off the slab. “I’ll pull them apart and hand them to you,” he suggested.

“That would be … a big help,” Justin agreed as he laid the first strip in the frying pan.

“What are you doing up so early, Little Red?” Brian asked.

“I don’t know. I just woke up. My dads are still sawing logs.”

Brian chuckled. “I seem to remember that they’re masters of that.”

Patrick giggled. “Are you guys really okay? How much longer do you have to use these things?” he asked indicating the sling and the crutches.

“A few weeks,” Justin replied as he turned on the bacon having finally filled the pan. “Want me to beat the eggs while you cook the bacon?” he asked Brian.

“You could cook it.”

“I could, but Bree would not be happy,” Justin stated. “It’s your mouth watering, succulent bacon that she’s been longing for.”

“Bree loves your breakfasts, Uncle Bri,” Patrick informed them.

“Okay, I’m coming,” Brian said with a big sigh as he stood up and adjusted his crutches under his arms. “Maybe you could hold the bowl for Justin while he beats the eggs, Little Red.”

“Sure,” Patrick agreed cheerfully. He climbed onto the stool at the counter and wrapped his hands around the side of the big bowl. He held it tightly as Justin got the whisk and started whipping the eggs.

“How do I know when I’m done?”

“I’ll let you know,” Brian replied as he turned the bacon. “The more air in them the better.”

“Okay,” Justin said finding it awkward to beat the eggs even with Patrick holding the bowl steady.

“Halloo!” Emmett’s voice called from the front door.

“In here,” Justin responded.

“My God! You’re cooking already. I came to assist.”

“Then get your ass over here and put this bacon in the oven while I get another batch going.”

“Yes, master,” Emmett replied responding immediately. “I expected you to wait for help, but it looks like you’re doing quite all right on your own.”

“We’re nothing if not resourceful,” Brian stated proudly as he poured off the grease and refilled one frying pan with bacon. “And we already have expert assistance,” he added, looking purposefully at Patrick who beamed back at him.

“You should have lots more help coming,” Emmett explained. “The moving motel was stirring as I came by.”

“Good, they can take care of all the extras,” Brian noted.

“Dada, you’re cooking!” Bree screeched as she barreled in from her bedroom.

“That I am,” Brian said as he smiled down at his daughter who had wrapped herself around his waist, one crutch trapped in there too.

“I love you, Dada.”

“I love you right back.” That elicited some smiles from Emmett and Justin.

“I’m helping,” Patrick said proudly.

Bree frowned. “I can help too, right, Dada?”

“Certainly, Squirt. You can start setting the table. Did you wash your hands?”

“Not yet,” Bree replied. “I just got up.”

“Then run to the bathroom and do that. Then you can start setting the table.”

“We’ll get the table set up,” John said as he and Bobby appeared. “I see you’ve put our son to good use. Morning, Patrick.” John and Bobby smiled at their son.

“He has been invaluable, unlike his sleepyhead, log sawing daddies,” Brian said with a smirk.

“You’ll eat those words, when I refuse to re-bandage your ankle,” Bobby averred.

“Oops,” Brian amended, “perhaps that was a hasty statement.”

“If you’re finished with the bacon, come with me and we’ll get it wrapped properly before you start cooking eggs,” Bobby ordered, obviously rescinding his threat not to bandage Brian’s ankle.

“Yes, O great healer,” Brian said as he fished the last of the bacon out of the pan and indicated to Emmett that it should go in the oven with the other that he had already cooked. He followed Bobby to his bedroom swinging along on his crutches.

“Why is everybody standing around?” Debbie demanded as she entered the kitchen. “We have masses to feed.”

“Brian’s getting his foot wrapped. We’re almost ready to cook the eggs. The bacon’s in the oven. We need coffee,” Emmett said in his best party planner mode.

“Me,” John volunteered.

“Juice?”

“Me,” Michael replied.

“Toast?”

Carl held up his hand.

“I’ll help with that,” Lindsay volunteered as she and Candy appeared.

“Table?”

“Looks like that leaves me,” Ben said.

“I help you,” Bree said as she reappeared from washing her hands.

“So will we,” Jennifer indicated as she and Seth walked into the kitchen.

“I’m sure I’ll need your expert advice, Bree,” Ben agreed as Bree took his hand and they headed to the sun porch. “All assistance gratefully accepted.”

“You sound just like Dada,” Bree remarked before she disappeared through the doorway.

Justin smirked at Michael who stuck out his tongue at him.

*****

In a very short time everyone was seated around the big table in the sun porch enjoying another one of Brian’s masterful breakfasts.

“You’re the bestest, Dada!” Bree proclaimed as she happily chomped on a strip of expertly cooked bacon. She licked her fingers and whispered a quiet, “Yum,” as she ate some of her scrambled eggs which were cooked just the way she liked them

“Thank you, General Squirt, I accept your commendation with the utmost gratitude.”

“And plenty of bullshit thrown in,” Debbie added.

Everyone had a good laugh at Brian’s expense, but they were also very grateful that their two friends were returning to normal, even though they were still battered and bruised.

There’s No Place Like Home

Chapter 8

It being Monday and the family having nowhere pressing to be, they all decided to hover and mill about the lane enjoying the fine weather, the peacefulness and the company. The laid back atmosphere of the surroundings encouraged quiet conversation and contemplation. Normally hectic agendas were overruled for the day as the family caught up with the latest gossip or strolled the lane visiting the homes to inspect any improvements or changes made. Several excursions to Riley and Danny’s house were also made. Several of the ‘elder’ generation wanted to be around to nurse the walking or hobbling wounded.

After his rousing performance as short order cook extraordinaire, Brian was confronted by several pointing fingers directing him to sit his ass down on a chaise and elevate his aching foot. Since his foot had begun to throb, Brian saw no reason to argue with that many fingers and the family members attached to them. John brought out a chaise and placed it in a sunny spot in the garden. At Brian’s direction, John faced the chaise toward the adjacent meadow. In the distance Brian could see the peak of Emmett’s cottage roof. Brian took out of his pocket the little notepad in which, at Justin’s insistence, he had begun to sketch his ideas for the greenhouse while in Hawaii. He contemplated his drawing then began to make some modifications. Sometime later, Brian sensed a solid presence at his side.

“You keep staring at me like that and your husband is going to have another hissy fit,” Brian said half joking and half serious. The last thing Brian wanted was to get in between Ben and Michael, even if only by error or rumor. Been there, done that, had the t-shirt.

“He and Debbie are down by Emmett’s. His herb garden is overflowing so Debbie is taking some plants back home with her.”

“Mikey’s playing pack mule?”

“Something like that.” Ben sat on the edge of the chaise. “What’s this?” Ben asked indicating the pad and drawing, and showing genuine interest. Brian hesitated, feeling slightly embarrassed at his crude sketch. “It looks like a greenhouse but with the facade of another cottage,” Ben ventured, trying to encourage Brian to speak. Brian flashed a rare smile, pleased that his scribbled ideas were recognizable.

“I got the idea of having John build me a greenhouse, but I want it to look like part of the lane not like a nursery.”

“So the front is set back from the lane like your cottage and it has a stone facade also like your cottage,” Ben could see it. “And this?” Ben pointed to a rectangle.

“A side door, opposite from the sun porch door. I want to create a path that leads from here to the greenhouse that I can keep clear even if the snow drifts at the front. We’re a little more sheltered on this side than at the front of the cottage. When it snows we often use John’s door or the sun porch door to get out until we clear out the front.”

“Like during the blizzard.”

“Exactly.”

“And this circle toward the back wall?”

“An above ground pond with a waterfall, maybe some small koi. Benches around the trees.”

“Trees?”

“Tropical hibiscus that I can prune into small trees and maybe some orange and lemon trees.”

“You have this all planned out, don’t you?”

Brian slightly nodded his head. “I was hoping to help John but...” Brian looked angry and somewhat frustrated with himself.

“Maybe your leg isn’t as bad as you think. Save up your strength until he builds the thing, you’ll need it for all that planting you want to do.” Brian stared at his drawing then stared at Ben for a moment. Brian saw something like a look of longing cross the big man’s face.

“What is it? Fatherhood cutting into your nookie time?”

“There’s nothing wrong with our nookie time, thank you very much. But...”

“What?”

“Here,” Ben made a sweeping motion with his hand. “It’s so beautiful out here.”

“Why professor, you thinking of relocating?”

“Not on a permanent basis, but I wouldn’t mind having a place out here to come to in the summer and holidays. That is if the landlord wouldn’t mind giving up a couple of acres.”

“I don’t have any objections but I’d have to consult my partners. Can you afford it? John’s very reasonable but it’ll still cost a pretty penny.”

“But it’ll be worth every penny as you put it, to have someplace where you can hear yourself think. And JR would love it.”

“She might miss Curtis.”

“There’s no reason why he can’t stay for a weekend or two, as long as they behave,” Ben said in his most parental tone of voice.

Brian cracked up. “Ah, the teenage years. There’s never a dull moment.”

“Yeah, well, I’m seriously thinking of retiring or at least cutting back to one or two classes per semester. I’ve also decided to take the summer off. I’m tenured; I’ve paid my dues.”

“You’re okay?” Brian asked, sitting up in his lounge chair putting a hand on Ben’s thigh.

“I’m fine but I’m tired. I think I deserve some time off.”

“Yes, you do. You both do but I don’t see Mikey giving up his store anytime soon.”

“He won’t and I know for a fact that JR wants to take over when she’s old enough.”

“At the rate she’s maturing, I’d say she’ll be ready next week,” Brian teased.

“You’re a shit, Brian, but I have to agree. JR’s been making noises that she doesn’t want to go to college, just take over the store. Michael is so happy that he might just let her. I’ve been insisting that she at least go to junior college. She needs to get some business basics into her.”

“I agree. However, her ideas have greatly improved the store’s profitability.”

“How do you know?”

“At her insistence, Kinnetik’s been handling the advertising. Between her ideas and the ad campaign, your spouse is sitting on a goldmine. I can understand her impatience but I’ll encourage her to at least try college.”

“Thanks. So do you think John would take on my cottage?”

“We can ask him, but I have an idea about that,” Brian said as he turned the page in his book and began to draw a rough sketch.

“It’s a cottage,” Ben said as he looked over Brian’s pad.

“Duh. What if we make it bigger with several floors and suites of rooms? We make a joint venture that the family could all contribute to. This way no one person or family incurs the whole cost. You can lay claim to one set of suites, come and go as you please.”

“Like a time share?”

“I guess so but I’m not going to keep a calendar. You guys have to hash that one out for yourselves. But at least when someone wants to stay over they don’t have to always camp out in our house. Or take a chance that someone will put them up for the night.”

“Debbie’s RV does get crowded,” Ben remarked.

“And you can come up to spend a long weekend with JR or by yourselves. It'll be a good excuse for JR to spend more time with Lindsay and Candy. Come to think about it, maybe Lindsay would want in on this too. She hated to give up her cottage but she just couldn’t afford it plus buy out that bitch for the other half of their house.”

“You know this does sound doable. I bet Raphael and Hector may want a piece of this. But you may want to carefully examine the financial aspect of this.”

“Yeah, money and family do not go well together. I’ll work it out somehow. Either way, there’ll be a set of rooms that you and Mikey can call your own.”

“Thanks, Brian. I’m getting myself some water, want me to bring you a bottle?” Brian nodded with a smile as Ben got up to go inside the cottage.

“What’s got you grinning like a Cheshire cat?” John asked as he took up the space that Ben had just vacated.

“Nothing, just contemplating the way life works,” Brian retorted. “You got a minute to talk about greenhouses and cottages?” Brian said with a smirk.

John sat up straighter then replied, “The doctor is in!” The brothers laughed then Brian threw his arms around his brother, smacking John’s muscled back. “You have something to show me?” John knew from Justin that Brian had made a sketch of the greenhouse. Brian showed his brother that sketch.

“I’m impressed, little bro. You’re turning out to be a good little architect. And I can appreciate the esthetics; the structure will blend into our general theme of the lane. You know I always thought that Rachel’s house would stick out like a sore thumb on our lane but somehow surrounded by all those trees, the house fits. Now back to your greenhouse, tell me about all these squiggles and circles you’ve got going on here.”

Brian carefully tried to explain each squiggle, circle and rectangle in his rendition of the greenhouse. Ben came back with the water then joined the conversation.

“John, did he tell you about his B&B idea?” Ben teased, ignoring Brian’s scowl.

“I was just getting to that,” Brian growled then turned the page over to the newest cottage project.

“Wait! I get it,” John crowed. “And if you’d allow me to foot the cost of this cottage I can make it into a class project.” John explained further. “I’ve been approached to teach a summer class but for the life of me I couldn’t think of what I wanted to teach about and the thought of spending the summer in a classroom held very little appeal. But if I take on the greenhouse and cottage projects I can teach and still be outside where I belong. Brian, do you think I can steal your son for the summer? I’d like him to video the whole process. I can use the tape for future lectures.”

“Thought much about this?” Brian snarked in astonishment. “I have no objections but you’d have to ask Gus. I know he was planning to work at Kinnetik for the summer. And I’m sure he wanted to spend some time with Ray. And you can get this finished over the summer?”

“I’ll call him. Maybe he can use the video for some of his independent studies at PIFA,” John suggested. “I’ll even pay him. And, the greenhouse is relatively easy. I can have a separate crew work on it while you and Gordon supervise. Then I can concentrate on the larger cottage with the students.”

“You must be so proud of him,” Ben remarked with a wistful look as he returned with the water. Ben explained to John JR’s plans for herself.

“She looks up to Gus in many ways, why don’t you ask him to drop some subtle hints about college,” John suggested.

“A Kinney being subtle, interesting concept,” Ben teased. “But that’s a good idea. JR does look up to her big brother even though she won’t admit it. She even admires Bree.”

“Bree’s only eight!” Brian stated.

“Yes, but she’s a very smart and determined eight year old. She has to be being the only female amongst all of you. And I know she has you all wrapped around her little finger,” Ben said with a smile.

The Kinney brothers nodded, not bothering to deny it.

“JR admires her decisiveness. Sure she’s a little spoiled but she has a good heart, she loves her daddies and her whole family. She’s a good kid, Brian. You and Justin are good fathers.” Brian was a little overwhelmed with Ben’s praise. “John, if you’re going to use the cottage for a university project, wouldn’t they subsidize the cost?” Ben stated after a while.

“They might but then they have a say in how we use the cottage. If I foot the cost then it’s my cottage and they can’t say dick about how I use it,” John said stubbornly.

“My, my, brother John is getting ballsie in his old age,” Brian snarked.

“Hey, I got balls and I know how to use them. I just choose to be subtle about it,” John said with mock indignation.

The three men broke out into laughter then decided to stroll the lane to look over the landscape that would soon be altered.

“Are you really up for this?” Brian asked John as they stared at the empty field.

“I am but we should talk it over with Justin and Bobby. We have to all agree about the new cottage.”

“Brian, you might be giving up some of your privacy,” Ben warned.

“Maybe, but I think all of our children will benefit from the experience. And I’m not blind to looks you all get on your faces sometimes when you visit. You all wish you had a quiet place to come to once in a while. As for privacy, believe it or not, that big fairy doesn’t always barge in when he and his men stay at their cottage.”

“You rang, O grumpy one?” Emmett asked right on cue. He had helped load up Debbie’s RV with selected plants that included herbs and tomato plants. He was curious about what the guys were talking about.

“Emm, what would you think about having half of Pittsburgh visiting here but staying in their own cottage? A private bed and breakfast between your place and my new greenhouse.” Brian pointed to the general location of the planned structures.

“Oooo!” Emmett clapped bouncing in place. “I’d say, bring it on!”

“We still need to consult with the rest of the lane but I do think it’s a good idea,” John said.

“Then let’s discuss it over lunch,” Brian suggested as he turned on crutches and began to hobble back to Edna’s Treasures.

*****

While Emmett was organizing lunch, he kept the troops away from John’s end of Edna’s Treasures. The official inhabitants of the lane were all in a deep powwow to discuss the new cottage. No one voiced objections, on the contrary, everyone was pleased that visiting family would have a temporary home to call their own.

Molly, who had the smallest of all the homes on the lane was especially happy about the ‘bed and breakfast.’ She didn’t mind hosting her parents or Owen’s parents once in a while but by design, her cottage had only two bedrooms. And they were occupied. Visitors had to use the futon in the main living area. Her father found it a little disconcerting since the door to her cottage was all glass. It felt like the whole world was looking in. Beau’s appearance, staring through the glass on his patrols, startled Craig on more than one occasion. After living day to day in the fish bowl of Pittsburgh’s society, Molly’s little cottage was her safe haven.

Rachel and George were all for it, as was Drew, who was speaking for himself and Emmett. Drew didn’t mind putting the guys up for a night or two but longer than that grated on his nerves. Their cottage was Emmett’s dream cottage and that dream did not include roommates.

“Brian, Ben does have a point regarding the loss of privacy,” Justin counseled. “I can see Ben being happy to sit in his own quiet backyard with a good book, but Michael will think it his right to visit with you every chance he gets.”

“Then we’ll have to set some boundaries when we declare open house,” Brian replied.

“You know, I like the idea for the mere fact that more often than not, Rachel is the only one out here during the day,” George chimed in, putting his arm around his feisty wife. “We are off the beaten path which is the main attraction but that means it takes longer to reach us out here in an emergency. We’ve been fortunate that we’ve never experienced a big emergency.”

“Other than that fire,” Justin reminded them of the vandalism that almost wrecked Emmett’s cottage.

“But you do have a point, when we’re all at work and the kids in school, Rachel’s the only one on the lane,” Justin said. Beau gave a little ‘woof.’ “I stand corrected,” Justin said as they all chuckled. He bent down to give the big dog a hug. “The only human on the lane,” Justin qualified his statement.

“What about this idea that John foots the bill,” Brian asked with a scowl. “If the family is going to use the building, they should contribute to it.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Bobby began. “We can afford it and if John uses the cottage as a learning tool he’ll be able to get a tax credit. And I’m sure the family will want to contribute to the upkeep in other ways, if not monetary. We’ll work it out,” Bobby assured his in-laws.

“Okay, then we’re agreed,” Brian said after some thought. The families of the lane all nodded in agreement.

“Helloooo!” Emmett called out as he approached the door from the sun porch. “Is your meeting over?”

“Yes, it is, babe,” Drew said as he put his arm around his lover then pecked Emmett’s lips.

“And the outcome?”

“We’re about to be invaded on a semi-permanent basis,” Brian snarked.

“Oooo! Company; I like it,” Emmett said as he clapped his hands. “Now that these decisions have been made, lunch is served.”

The family followed Emmett out to the porch to enjoy lunch with the rest of the family.

*****

“Son, are you sure you don’t want me to stay. Danny can do without me for a few days. I can see that your leg is bothering you,” Joan asked as Brian and Bree walked with her to Jennifer and Seth’s car. Although she had ridden up with Danny and Riley, they were going to stay another day or two at their cottage, so Joan was going back to Pittsburgh with Jennifer and Seth.

“I’ll be fine, Mom. Rachel’s here and Molly is staying for the week. Justin and I have a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday,” Brian responded. “Besides, you all cooked enough food to last us for weeks.”

The ladies and Emmett had prepared lots of easy meals then packed them away in the freezer.

“Okay, if you’re sure.”

“I’m sure, Mom. And I have General Squirt here to take care of me,” Brian said as he beamed a smile down at his daughter. Bree beamed her sunny smile back up at her father.

“I’ll take good care of Dada and Daddy, Gamma. I promise.”

“Of that I have no doubt,” Joan replied. “All right, I see that I’m outnumbered but you will call me to tell me what the doctor says. Or, if you need me to come out here, I will,” she said in a tone that brooked no argument.

“I promise,” Brian said sounding so much like Bree that Joan had to smile. She got into the car as Jennifer and Seth were passing out kisses to Justin and Bree.

The families of the lane gathered in front of the Edna’s Treasures cottage to watch the rest of the families caravan their way down the lane toward the gate. Molly, Owen with little Taylor in tow, walked back to their cottage. Rachel and George went back to their house. Emmett was busy giving the cottage one last inspection, as well as the garden. When he was satisfied that Edna’s Treasure was once again as pristine as ever, he joined his men for the walk back to their own cottage.

The lane was quiet once more.

*****

It was hours before sunset; Patrick persuaded Bree to play catch for a while with him. She bargained and made him promise to kick around a soccer ball after. Beau didn’t care what the kids were playing, he was happy just to have the chance of chasing a ball around the yard.

John had gone into architect mode, sitting at his drafting table, happily drawing plans for the greenhouse and his family cottage. He called Gordon and key members of their crews to consult with them but first apologized for disrupting their holiday. Bobby relaxed on the sofa in their office, shaking his head in amusement at his spouse. Resigned again at being a ‘cottage widow,’ he took out a brief to review.

With Brian’s help setting up his easels, Justin decided to take advantage of the afternoon to work on his mini canvases. He quickly found himself engulfed in the vibrant colors of Hawaii. Brian, with his crutches, walked back outside.

“I think I might miss some of this wilderness,” Emmett said seriously as he stood next to his friend. He had wandered back up to Edna’s Treasures to make sure the injured were doing okay.

“I thought you went back home,” Brian said quietly.

“I did. Drew’s taking a nap and Richie is working on a paper. I came back to take another look at your drawing. I wanted to see the greenhouse and new cottage from your perspective.”

“My perspective?”

“Yes. You see the world differently than most people, Mr. Kinney. You see potential, whether it’s in a person, a business or in a place. I’ve learned a lot from you over the years, even when I’m annoying the shit out of you.” Emmett’s tone was low, without flamboyance. He rarely used this voice but when he did it commanded attention. It was the same voice he used when he once begged Brian to help out Ted and when he talked about his mentor Godiva.

“That’s pretty deep for an old fairy.”

“Yes, well, I do know a thing or two about going deep.”

“Spare me.” They stood shoulder to shoulder looking over the meadow. “I think something’s up with Ben and Michael.”

“I got that impression. But we shouldn’t interfere.”

“I can’t believe you just said that.”

“I’ve seen the results of when good intentions go wrong. Michael becomes easily suspicious and Ben, he still thinks you’re competition.”

“I’ve done nothing to warrant it.”

“The very act of you breathing warrants it but if they do become our neighbors even if only for short periods, they’ll both have to get over it or it might tear them apart.” Brian had no response.

Just then a ball came flying in the air to land not too far in front of the men.

“Sorry, Dada,” Bree called out as she ran past them to retrieve the ball. She picked up the ball then ran back into the yard toward Patrick.

“They won’t be able to play ball on this side of the house once the greenhouse goes up,” Emmett remarked.

“The kids will adjust. We’ll still have a lot more open fields even when the new buildings are built.”

“I suppose you’re right. Do you think it’s serious whatever’s happening with Michael?”

“I hope not. Besides, I have my own problems to worry about," Brian said as he leaned on his crutches. "And I’ve been told that I can’t fix everything that’s wrong in our family. I have no intentions of getting myself sucked up into whatever’s going on with those two. With my luck it’ll backfire and I’ll be the one to get burned,” Brian stated.

“People who live in glass houses...”

“Yeah,” Brian said with a huff.

-tbc-