WHAT'S IN A NAME? Chapter 13: Final Chapter
Chapter 13: Final Chapter
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Chapter Thirteen:
True to his word, as soon as he arrived home, Patrick rang Brian. At least there was only an hour’s time difference between them and they’d soon get used to that with their frequent calling.
Before he’d left, Patrick had had a brief conversation with Jennifer and they’d exchanged numbers and email addresses, as she was going to be looking out for properties for him, both residential and business and hoped to have a couple of each lined up for viewing on his next trip to PA.
As it was, it turned out that it would be Brian and Justin who visited Texas first, along with Ted and an armful of printouts of several possible locations found on the internet, which might be suitable for Kinnetik TX offices. Their trip was also a good way of making sure Joan made the promised visit, being accompanied on the flight by her son. And as it was also during the summer break, they could hardly leave Gus and Soleil behind, though Daphne took a little persuading, it being assumed that John wasn‘t exactly behind the idea. But Justin vouched for Patrick totally and Patrick promised that the kids would be well looked after while the adults were occupied.
Edward, as efficient as usual, was able to arrange at fairly short notice, a reception at Patrick’s home for his visitors. The guest list included Kinney Haulage staff and other local businessmen, as well as the promised, various Chamber of Commerce members who might be very useful to Brian in his new business venture. On Brian’s behalf, Patrick also invited any potential rivals to Kinnetik: Always good to know who the competition might be.
Again, Patrick seemed to have no issues at all in acknowledging Brian as his son, even though it raised a few eyebrows for him to suddenly introduce an adult offspring to his friends and associates that no-one had ever heard of before. Of course, most natural assumptions on first meetings, were that Brian, Justin and Ted were work colleagues; there was no need to disclose anything else. Why would there be? And it also reflected Brian’s life-long rule of: “If I’m not doing you … what the fuck does it matter?” But the fact that if anyone took exception to the occasionally natural, automatic and obviously affectionate gesture between Brian and Justin, no-one dared voice any disapproval, at least not where it might get back to Patrick. Still, the fact that the men occasionally also had need to introduce Gus and Soleil as their children, who appeared to accept totally what seemed to many like a complicated family set-up, was bound to cause a few ‘water-cooler’ moments back at everyone’s respective offices.
Delegating his own work and leaving Brian, Justin and Ted to look over various possible office locations after giving any advice he was asked for, Patrick spent his time with Joan and the kids. There was a lot he wanted to show them and they had a great time, taking in the various sights and after their dads had left, the kids would stay on longer and travel back to PA with Patrick and Joan.
One evening, listening to Brian, Justin, Ted, Edward, Peter, Gus and Soleil laughing while all gathered around the dining table, playing a came of UNO, with Gus having brought his Dr. Who set with him, Joan and Patrick shared a nightcap, sitting out under a warm, Texan sky. But Patrick couldn’t help noticing his companion’s quiet demeanor.
“Are you okay?” asked Patrick, concerned and he reached out and laid a hand on Joan’s arm. Smiling, Joan covered Patrick’s hand with her own.
“I can’t help thinking …” and she stopped and sighed; Joan really didn‘t have to say any more. Listening to their shared family from inside the house, she couldn’t help wondering what it might have been like had she left Jack and gone to Patrick, all those years before. This house and its surroundings were beautiful and Joan couldn’t help thinking that despite hers and Patrick’s age difference, this could have been her life had she possessed more courage.
“I should have tried harder to find you,” admitted Joan, for the first time acknowledging what she’d known to be true for so long. But Patrick merely shrugged. “I could have made sure I spoke to you … rather than take Jack’s word for things,” he pointed out.
“We’re both guilty of not doing enough,” stated Patrick and Joan nodded. “But at least we got something right?” he suggested and listening to Brian propose that maybe it was time for the kids to turn in, having of course won the last two games and refusing a rematch, and Joan smiled her agreement back at him.
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Patrick had built up a strong, successful company over the years and still held controlling interest, something he was now looking forward to handing over to Gus one day, knowing that Brian would no doubt prefer to stay with his own business rather than inherit his father’s. Patrick had broached the subject when he was altering his will, testing the waters to see whether or not Brian now expected to be Patrick‘s main beneficiary. Brian had shaken his head.
“I don‘t expect anything from you,” stated Brian and then he’d seen the man‘s crestfallen expression. “Well, certainly anything material, that is,” continued Brian. “I‘ve got more than enough to think about expanding Kinnetik … if you want to leave your share of your business to Gus … I‘ll have no objections.”
“What about Kinnetik?”
“Wouldn’t you want him to take over from you one day?” asked Patrick, still unsure. Brian shrugged. “I’m hoping Gus is gonna be his own man … not do what I … or anyone else expects him to do … but what he wants to do.”
“Whichever business he decides to go into … though of course he might not choose either,” chuckled Brian.
“But if he does decide to … what does it matter?”
“It’ll still be a Kinney’s,” observed Brian and Patrick nodded. “That sounds goods to me … I wouldn’t wanna push the kid one way or the other,” stated Patrick and then he frowned.
“Should anything happen to me …” and he saw Brian shake his head and reaching out, Patrick placed his hand on Brian’s arm and stepped in closer.
“We have to face facts, Brian … I’m not getting any younger,” continued Patrick.
“And if anything does happen to me before Gus reaches … say … the age of majority … then his share of Kinney Haulage will be held in trust … with you named as trustee … for Gus when he’s ready.”
“How does that sound?” asked the older man and his son grinned at him.
“Fine by me,” agreed Brian.
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After a little insistence by Gus, though in truth it didn’t take very much persuading, Patrick took all the boys out to the depot to see the trucks, leaving Soleil and Joan in Edward’s capable hands; the man taking them shopping for the day.
“WOW!” and Gus’ awe made the adults grin, but they had to admit, what they were all looking at was pretty impressive.
“She’s a beauty, alright,” grinned Patrick, proudly, patting the enormous hood.
“A Freightliner Classic XL,” he continued, standing back to survey the huge truck and the pride in his voice at his ability to build up an impressive fleet of vehicles of all sizes and capabilities was easily heard as Patrick went on to give some of this particular monster’s features.
“She’s got side-mounted exhaust stacks … 18 inch Hendrickson stainless steel-clad aluminum bumpers and a wheelbase of over 300 inches,” indicated Patrick, pointing them out.
“Under the hood there’s a Detroit diesel engine … giving her 515 horsepower … and there’s two gas tanks.”
“I can’t begin to tell you how much it costs just to fill this little baby up,” he chuckled and reaching up, Patrick pulled open the driver’s door, allowing Gus to jump on the steps.
“Wow dad, you can sleep inside … there’s even a TV!” exclaimed Gus, surveying the truck’s surprisingly plush interior and Patrick nodded. “Yeah … she’ll sleep two … and the TV is a DVD combo.”
“All the comforts of home,” chuckled Ted, while Brian, eyed the double bunks and thinking that, there once was a time when he wouldn‘t need much encouragement, and, come to that still didn’t ...
“It’s huge!” declared Gus. “Can we go for a ride grandpa?” asked the youngster, excitedly and Patrick grinned. “I’m sure we can arrange that,” came the answer. Cutting across Brian’s thoughts and, as if reading his mind, Justin reached up on tiptoe to whisper. “And a size queen like you would definitely appreciate it’s attributes,” he grinned in his ear.
“300 inches,” repeated Brian, recalling those often repeated theories that what a man drives is an extension of his penis.
“Though … those bunks do look pretty comfortable,” shrugged Justin, quietly.
“You know … I don’t think I ever did it in the backseat,” frowned Brian and Justin giggled. Maybe they could persuade Patrick to hand over the keys.
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With several possible locations requiring various refurbishments, Brian left it to Ted to start crunching the numbers, but they planned to at least put in an offer on something before they returned to PA. Brian had no intention of having any day-to-day involvement in the running of the business; they would need to appoint a local manager and staff for that. But able to boast the winning of several, top advertising awards in his career, as well as having a client of Kinney Haulage caliber on the books from the get go, it wouldn’t take too much to attract the right candidates.
“In the meanwhile … if you need any office space or secretarial support … why don’t you use Kinney Haulage?” suggested Patrick and then he’d sat back in his large leather chair.
“In fact … why do you need separate offices at all?”
“What are you getting at?” queried Brian, looking out over the city from Patrick’s comfortable corner office.
“You wanna set up offices in Texas … and you’re gonna be promoting Kinney Haulage … if you want to save money … especially in the early stages … why don’t you operate out of here?”
“I’m sure we can easily accommodate what you need,” suggested Patrick and Brian frowned at Ted, who, thinking with his accountant head, shrugged. “Could make a lot of sense,” he observed.
“Patrick’s right … we’d have everything on hand here … and it would get us up and running quicker,” he told Brian who nodded.
“Makes good commercial sense,” agreed Brian, who then smiled at Patrick; they obviously shared an eye for business and how to save and make the odd buck or two.
With Patrick holding the lion’s share in his company, getting senior staff to agree to his son’s business setting up offices in their building, wasn’t difficult. In fact, it seemed to make good sense all around and before they left to return to Pittsburgh, Brian had met with Mandy, who had put herself forward as a possible temporary PA when word went around about the changes.
Brian had always intended in outsourcing the graphic work from the Texas office and while it might still be possible to use Justin for some things, knowing a local outfit would make good sense and so while Brian and Ted were sorting out office accommodation at Kinney Haulage, Justin went in search of a local graphics company who could handle their work if needed.
Knowing he would have to return to Texas in a couple of weeks in order to interview and appoint local staff, it was with a heavier heart than he might have expected that beat in Brian’s chest as he, Justin and Ted left for the airport, daring to admit to himself how hard it was to say goodbye to his father again.
“I’ll take good care of them,” Patrick had told them, referring to Joan, Gus and Soleil and Brian and Justin had nodded and smiled in agreement, trusting the man entirely with those most precious to them.
“See you in a coupla weeks,” stated the older man before hugging Brian and Justin and shaking hands with Ted.
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Returning to Pittsburgh now knowing exactly how they’d be moving forward, Brian started to search the net for potential Texas-based customers as well as setting a senior account manager the task of beginning to research potential business for Kinney Haulage, though Brian would finalize everything and handle the account himself.
Jennifer had also been busy and had identified two properties for Patrick to look over as possible homes, and, as it happened, neither of them were far from Brian and Justin‘s. She’d also managed to come up with potential offices and a depot for Patrick’s proposed business expansion.
Not wanting Brian to feel he was crowding him, realizing totally that his son had created a life for himself that, up until now, hadn’t included him, Patrick had asked Jennifer to find something close, but not necessarily too close. Until Brian asked Jennifer one day how the search was coming along. He’d noticed a property, no more than half a mile from his own and along a quiet road that was up for sale and wondered why it was it didn’t seem to be on Jennifer’s list.
“He didn’t want to impose,” stated Jennifer, when realizing she was holding something back, Brian had pressed her further and he’d sighed in exasperation. “Gus would love having his grandpa close enough where he could just ride his bike over to him … and so would I,” he confessed to her and Jennifer grinned and picked up the phone; she knew the realtor handling that particular property and would see what she could do.
Kinnetik offices were, unfortunately, too small to reciprocate Patrick’s generous offer to share resources, though there were plenty of properties within easy reach if the man wanted to be close by, with land not too far away which would accommodate a sizeable fleet of trucks and with close access nearby onto the highway. And having talked with his father about what he’d be needing, Brian was happy to take a look at the property to determine whether or not it was worth Patrick considering.
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Two weeks later, having fussed over Joan and spoiling the kids, as all grandparents are entitled to do from time to time, Patrick arrived back in Pittsburgh, escorting everyone home.
Gus and Soleil couldn’t wait to tell their dad’s what they’d done in their absence and on one excursion, while leaving Joan with Edward and Peter for company, Patrick had taken the kids to spend a few nights out under the stars courtesy of the Horseshoe Valley Dude Ranch. 325 acres of picturesque country with trails meandering down through the valley, reaching the river at the base and then up the other side, affording panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the summit.
Their days had begun with the customary cowboy breakfasts, cooked over an open fire before their party was taken out on escorted trail rides. The evenings brought the usual cook-out BBQ’s, together with traditional fiddle playing, horseshoe pitching and roping demonstrations before sleeping under canvas, or as they had preferred, under the stars, with Patrick pointing out the constellations, so bright in the dark, velvet sky. And, at the same time, cherishing every minute spent with the family he never thought he’d have.
Gus had ridden a few times before this trip and proved to be fairly accomplished in the saddle. Soleil hadn’t had many opportunities for riding, brought up in NYC, but after instruction and with a very placid mount, soon overcame her initial nerves and had enjoyed the experience so much that she was going to ask her mom if she could take riding lessons once she returned home.
“I got to ride a painted pony!” exclaimed Gus, excitedly. Brian and Justin looked at each other; foreseeing the request from the youngsters for their own ponies in the not too distant future. And of course they both came back with hats: Soleil’s a pink felt cowboy hat and a Stetson Rodeo for Gus.
And Joan, left behind at Patrick’s with two gay men had amazed herself by having to admit to Brian and Justin later just how much she’d enjoyed being in Edward and Peter’s company.
“Next stop, the diner and Woody‘s,” chuckled Justin, when they were out of Joan‘s earshot. But Brian’s glare indicated he didn’t exactly share that idea.
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Patrick loved the house Brian had told Jennifer about and put in an offer, which was accepted immediately, after of course, first checking with Brian that he was happy with him being so close by.
“After all the years I missed … I think I can live with you just down the road,” smiled Brian and of course Gus was thrilled.
Patrick was also extremely pleased with the properties Jennifer had suggested for his offices and depot, both of which Brian had approved of.
“She knows her stuff, that mother of yours,” chuckled Patrick and Justin admitted, rather proudly that yes, she did.
For the next couple of months, Patrick and Brian criss-crossed the country: Patrick and his team setting up their offices in Pittsburgh, bringing in the rollingstock and hiring local staff and drivers and Brian flying to Texas to ensure the very smooth launch of Kinnetik TX as well as working all out to produce the advertising campaign Kinney Haulage would need for its new routes. Resulting in close consultations between Brian, Patrick and their staff; father and son spending a lot of time in each other‘s company, both professionally and personally, of course. Making up, just a little, for those over forty years lost.
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Having told his and Joan’s story to Edward, his friend and employee wasn’t the least surprised when Patrick announced he was planning to relocate back to PA.; that‘s where his family was, after all.
Patrick ensured that Edward would receive a very handsome severance. The two men would miss each other, though there were promises of phonecalls and visits to be exchanged which would be honored over the years.
And, with his very generous payout, Edward had enough money to consider going into business for himself; probably Domestic Services, and would be moving in with Peter full time.
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Justin’s own business was continuing to grow and now, he could both afford and justify, taking on staff. He was beginning to outgrow his attic studio, but still didn’t want to move into the city, wanting to be on hand at home for both Soleil and Gus. At least while they were both at school. But he had reservations about other people having access to their home.
“What about the pool house?” suggested Brian, standing at the side window of the living room, which overlooked the pool area.
“The pool house?” echoed Justin and Brian nodded. “For your studio,“ he continued and Justin shrugged. That option hadn’t occurred to him. “Why not?,” asked Brian. “There’s more room to expand that than there is in the house.”
“It’s heated … there’s power, water and plumbing … why don’t we take a look?”
Going out to the pool house and walking around the construction, it was easy to see how it might be extended to accommodate the studio. “We wouldn’t have to alter the look of the outside at all,” stated Justin, alluding to the fact that if there was a need for the building to revert back to its former usage, nothing would be left looking out of place.
“And it would be easy enough for anyone to drive around the side of the house to it,” added Brian, meaning that anyone Justin employed needn’t necessarily have to come up to the house.
“What about the attic?” asked Justin, as they walked back to the house and Brian shrugged. “You could keep it as a studio for yourself … or we could make it into bedrooms,” came the suggestion.
“We haven’t got a spare room now with Soleil staying over so much,” observed Justin and Brian nodded. “Then that’s what we’ll do,” came the answer and the decision was made.
Over the next month, work was carried out on the pool house to extend it and put in place everything Justin needed to make it into a state of the art studio and, at the same time, he was able to appoint a full time assistant. While in the house, the utility room beside the kitchen was also remodeled and now incorporated a shower and toilet for anyone using the pool.
Taking on an assistant allowed Justin to relax more and he started to draw a little, purely for enjoyment. Brian knew how good the younger man was and knew also that with the right breaks and support, he could probably make a living out of it. Justin had shaken his head.
“I still can’t hold a pencil or paint brush for too long,” he reminded him. “Besides … I enjoy doing what I’m doing too much.”
“I can be my own man … and work with you.”
“The best of both worlds,” stated Justin, earnestly and meaning every word of it.
Justin only needed a small space in the attic for his personal studio and chose the side with the largest windows and, therefore, the most natural light. The area was partitioned off and the remaining attic turned into a good-sized en suite guest bedroom; ideal for, say, Jennifer and Tucker if they wanted to stay over, likewise Daphne and John, or anyone else for that matter. And even though Patrick’s new home was just down the road, after a nice dinner and a few drinks, it wouldn’t be worth going home so late.
And, when the pool house was transformed, Justin and his new assistant, Chris, settled in quickly, allowing Taylor-Made Designs to take on bigger projects.
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With the fall semester well underway, Brian couldn’t believe what had happened in the last twelve months: As well as the enormous difference to his and Justin’s family, both he and Justin now had burgeoning businesses; what with the expansion of Taylor-Made Designs and the launch of the Kinnetic Texas office and with them both working hard on behalf of Kinney Haulage. But there was one thing that had happened in recent months that had stayed with him and which he was now determined to do something about.
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“GUS! CAN YOU COME DOWN HERE PLEASE,” called Brian from the bottom of the stairs.
Having returned home from work and going through his personal mail, there was one letter that brought a huge grin to his face.
“Is that what I think it is?” asked Justin, seeing the huge smile on Brian’s face and he indicated the letter the man was holding. Saying nothing, Brian winked at him and then passed it over to his son, who had just reached the bottom step.
“Go on … read it,” Brian told him, trying to suppress the grin and the butterflies in his stomach and not give anything away and while Gus frowned and took the letter from its envelope, he followed Brian and Justin through to the living room.
Seeing the letter with its the Family Court letterhead, Gus’ stomach jumped, for a moment wondering whether the issue of his guardianship had been brought up again. But that didn’t make sense. His dad got on so much better with his grandma now, they all did. Surely she wouldn’t be petitioning the court after all? But then he read on and Gus’ concerned expression gave way to as big a grin as his father was sporting.
The change had been fairly straight forward and not much more was required other than Gus’ birth certificate and the legal papers awarding Brian official guardianship on the death of Lindsay and Melanie. The presiding judge saw no reason to deny the request.
“There are people that will need to be informed,” Brian told him. “School … doctor … orthodontist …”
“And then we’ll get you a passport … URGH!”
The rest of what Brian had intended to say was cut abruptly short by his son flinging his arm’s around him and bringing him into a bear hug that had Brian fighting for breath and fearing for his ribs and reminding him that his son was getting bigger and stronger every day.
Trust funds, savings accounts, Brian and Justin’s and his grandparents will’s etc. would also need to be changed now. And how proud was both father and son, the first time they were able to legally record the name; Master Gus Kinney.
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It didn’t take long for Patrick to settle in to his new home and after appointing staff for the PA office of Kinnetik Haulage, withdrew from the day to day running of the business; he was enjoying himself with his grandchildren, as he’d grown to think of Soleil the same way. She was his son’s partner’s daughter after all and part of the family.
Through one of Brian’s business contacts pulling a few strings, Patrick was soon able to join the area’s most prestigious golf club, instead of being placed on the waiting list. Very soon, he was making friends and it wasn’t long before he became extremely popular, especially with the ladies.
Patrick and Joan grew closer again and often spent time in each other‘s company. Though they never exactly rekindled the spark that had previously existed between them, there remained a strong and deep connection; they had a son, after all and would always care deeply about one another. And it also didn’t take long before Patrick felt completely settled, with his new family around him.
And just when Brian thought life couldn’t get any better, he was surprised once again.
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When it happened, Brian and Justin couldn’t be sure whether it was spontaneous, or something Gus had been mulling over for some time. But although how it came about wasn’t important, the outcome was enormous.
Gus and a new school friend had decide to collaborate on an art project. They could use standard art materials or media and could also enlist the aid of a parent or sibling, though any assistance given would have to be recorded. Since having Justin around, Gus had seen what could be done on a computer and an idea had formed; they just needed help setting up and making sure they were on the right track. With his mother’s artistic genes and his dad’s flair, Gus appeared to be a naturally gifted artist too. And having a resident graphic artist was also a bonus.
Pascal’s mother was French and he’d joined the school at the beginning of the fall semester. The two boys had hit it off pretty much from the start and had already visited each other’s homes on several occasions. Tonight, Pascal had called Justin for something that was, apparently, so important about their project that of course it couldn’t wait until class tomorrow.
Although he’d been given a cell, Gus had been made to promise that he would only use it in emergencies; like all parents, Brian and Justin had become aware of how easy it was to bully someone, even over the airwaves. Subsequently, Brian had answered the main phone in the living room and had passed it over to him.
Brian didn’t really mind. Pascal seemed like a nice kid and was even helping Gus with his French as determined to maintain their son’s bilingual capabilities, Pascal’s parents spoke both French and English at home. But this particular telephone conversation was being conducted wholly in English.
Pascal was excited about the project and wanted to get it underway as soon as possible and Gus had told him about the computer system Justin had for his business.
“I haven’t had a chance yet,” they heard Gus tell his friend. “Hang on … I’ll ask Papa now.”
Brian grinned to himself; obviously Gus had picked up some of his friend’s terminology. But the biggest surprise was when instead of coming to him, Gus went straight over to Justin.
“Papa … Pascal and I wondered if you‘d help us with an art project … we want to make an animation …”
“It’s okay … we can ask an adult for help,” Gus continued quickly.
To his credit, Justin didn’t miss a beat. “Sure … I’d be glad to.”
“What do you need?” he asked the youngster. After giving Justin an idea of what they were thinking about and securing his help, Gus returned to the phone, telling Pascal to come over after school tomorrow so they could get started.
Then, in silence, both men watched Gus hang up and then head off up to his room.
“What just happened there?” asked Justin, still in shock when the youngster was out of earshot and Brian shrugged.
“I think he referred to you as his father,” he suggested and Brian heard Justin let out a long breath.
“How do you feel about that?” asked the younger man and, getting up from the sofa where he’d been reading the newspaper, Brian crossed the floor to where his partner was standing.
“Knowing that my son feels so totally comfortable with you that he thinks of you as another father?” queried Brian and Justin nodded, acknowledging the question. Reaching out, Brian put his hand around the back of Justin’s neck and pulled him closer.
“I couldn’t be happier … how about you?” he asked him. “Are you kidding?” retorted Justin, grinning widely, but then he frowned.
“Why Papa and not dad?” he wondered and Brian shrugged. “He already calls me dad,” he pointed out. “Maybe he thought it would be too confusing to call us both dad?” suggested the older man and Justin nodded in understanding.
“Maybe it was just a one-off … you know … he was talking to Pascal at the time,” doubted Justin, not daring to think that Gus did, indeed, consider him his father alongside Brian, but Brian shook his head. “Some how … I don’t think so.”
Of course, Brian was right, it wasn’t just a one off and Gus continued to call Justin Papa from that point onwards. It was something the youngster had been thinking about, as having his grandpa around, and with his continuing relationship with grandma Joan and Soleil, Gus’ sense of family had grown stronger.
And while distinguishing between the two men, the most natural thing in the world was not only to think of Justin as his dad, but actually give him the courtesy of addressing him as such, albeit by a different name. A consideration that Justin cherished with all his heart.
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Pascal had written a short story about two friends and the pet dog belonging to one of them, which happened to be Pascal‘s. Gus then set about drawing the figures; nothing too detailed as the process would be fairly painstaking. But with the use of Justin’s better quality digital camera, it was possible to then take individual photographs of the drawings, load them onto a computer and, with a free software program, turn them into a decent quality animation, which they then downloaded onto a DVD.
Of course Justin could have helped them create something quite technical, using the top of the range software he possessed, but that would be cheating and went against the object of the project; using equipment, materials or software that realistically a youngster of Gus’ age would have access to.
Using Gus’ own computer and with the free, easily available software, Justin showed them the basics of how to ‘join up’ the individual pictures to create the effect they wanted, but then left them to complete the project by themselves. Though he did suggest they add an audio track, allowing the figures to have a voice, provided of course by Gus, Pascal and even Bella, the Cairn Terrier.
As the adult supervising and assisting with the project, Justin completed the required paperwork, confirming his input, though the boys put their heart and soul into what they created. And, when everyone‘s efforts were demonstrated in class, it wasn’t really surprising that Gus’ and Pascal’s attracted top marks and applause from their peers. That and extreme pride from both sets of parents, of course.
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Gus and Soleil occasionally argued like siblings do, but their disagreements were soon settled and the youngsters remained friends, even though Soleil was a little put out initially when she first heard Gus refer to her dad as papa.
“We did good, didn’t we,” stated Justin, as he and Brian sat in the kitchen, one wet Sunday morning. Soleil and Gus were playing a video game on the TV in the living room and the two men could hear the good natured banter passing between the youngsters.
“I think they’re the best parts of both of us,” suggested Brian and Justin nodded. “Can you imagine those genes in one kid?” he chuckled. “He … or she … would be a total knockout,” he continued and now it was Brian who nodded. “That would be an interesting combination,” he admitted, and then rolling his lips into his mouth; the wheels obviously turning, which was followed with a half-smile at Justin with that familiar twinkle in those large, green eyes and Justin frowned, wondering if Brian was implying what he thought he was.
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“That was dad on the phone,” informed Brian, entering the bedroom and closing the door behind him. “He wants to know if we’d all like to go to his for Thanksgiving this year,” he continued and standing by the bed, Justin nodded.
“Sure … though I’m not sure if Daphne will want Soleil with her,” frowned the younger man, toweling his hair and disappointed at the notion of not spending that holiday with his daughter this year. They’d been on their way up when the phone had rung and Justin had continued on and had headed for the shower, leaving Brian downstairs to take his call.
"Dad said they're welcome too … and your mom and Tucker … and mom will be there," stated Brian and smiling to himself, he sat down on the bed. "What?" asked Justin, curious as to what Brian found so amusing. “Dad’s really big on family,” observed Brian. “I think he’s making up for lost time,” he continued and, sitting down beside him, Justin laid his hand on Brian’s knee.
“It’s great you two have found each other … after all these years,” smiled Justin, without even a hint of jealousy, considering the lack of contact with his own father. Justin liked Patrick immensely and was genuinely pleased that Brian had at last been able to lay his most powerful demons to rest.
Brian nodded his agreement. “I can’t believe how much has changed in just over a year,” and Justin shrugged. “Things don’t stand still … things change … and we … evolve.”
“Evolve?” queried Brian quizzically and Justin nodded. “Sure … of course we do.”
“Is that your way of saying I’ve finally grown up?” asked Brian, frowning and feigning horror and Justin grinned at him. “Never!” he told him. “But I think we’ve both come a long way, don’t you?”
“In other words, we’ve become a boring, old married couple,” sighed Brian, though actually amused at the notion he’d ever describe himself in anything near those terms.
“Never boring … and certainly never old,” whispered Justin and then he shrugged. “But we have changed … I’m sure I have and … I have to admit … there was a time …” and he let it hang for a moment, now wondering how Brian might take his statement before continuing and he saw the man frown in confusion.
“There was a time I never thought you’d give up tricking … but you have,” stated Justin and Brian shrugged, not offended at the younger man’s observation.
“Why borrow a book … when I have a whole library at home?” came his answer and Justin chuckled. “Oh really?”
“And what particular book would I be?” queried the younger man, half guessing he knew where this was going and Brian grinned and reaching out, laid his hand on Justin‘s bare knee.
“The Karma Sutra comes to mind,” observed Brian, as he slowly began to run his hand along Justin’s thigh under his robe. Deciding to move things along a little, leaning back, Justin pulled on the robe’s belt, allowing the garment to fall open. “Well I guess there could be one or two positions we haven’t tried yet,” he suggested.
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Justin quickly pushed off his robe and even though he had a head start on him, it didn’t take long for Brian to shake off his own clothes. Both now naked and kneeling on the bed, Brian pulled Justin towards him, his mouth seeking the younger man’s who readily reciprocated. With his hand at the back of Justin’s neck, Brian leaned in harder. The fire had never diminished from their relationship and the initially slow kiss turned into a battle for supremacy as lips parted to admit darting, probing tongues tasting each other. Hands roamed shoulders, thighs and chests before eventually, Justin fell back under Brian’s gentle, but firm, pressure.
They never discussed who would top and who would bottom and certainly, Brian bottomed frequently for Justin, now understanding how fulfilling it was to experience the younger man’s body inside his own, trusting Justin completely in a way he‘d never been able to before. Everything just happened spontaneously, though to any fortunate observer, their lovemaking might almost seem choreographed, so easily and flowing were their movements and how naturally the men’s bodies appeared to fit together.
After several minutes of mutual stroking and caressing, kisses exchanged and those special areas sought and found by them both, tonight, it would be Justin who would give his body over, willingly and completely to a man who no longer regarded sex as mechanical and detached, but as an act of love and commitment: Something that wasn’t lost on Justin, understanding exactly how far the older man had come since their first meeting all those years before.
Justin parted his legs, allowing Brian to kneel between his thighs. Stretching out across the younger man, Brian opened the nightstand drawer and extracted the small tube of lube as, reaching behind his head, Justin removed the pillow, which he dropped onto the floor bedside the bed. First one, and then the other, Justin raised his legs to rest them over Brian’s shoulders as the man moved in closer still.
Even the feel of Brian’s long fingers applying the lubricant to his hole, found Justin momentarily closing his eyes and gripping the bed sheet and he gasped in anticipation. Tentatively, as if asking permission, Brian’s cock pushed against Justin but no further, until Justin smiled, willingly giving his consent.
Justin gasped louder at the initial insertion, waiting for that sweet, sweet pain to give way to pure pleasure. Brian had hesitated, allowing Justin to adjust to the intrusion, before commencing his thrusts, slowly at first, before increasing his speed and depth of penetration until he could only push deeper and deeper, barely withdrawing now between every thrust.
Approaching the edge, Brian was lost in that state that only exists when you know something is just so right that you can give yourself over so completely. Both men were; giving and receiving of each other’s body and soul.
With his own cock screaming for attention, between gasps, Justin reached down to his groin. Pushing back and matching Brian‘s movements, he’d already found their rhythm and now he added to his own pleasure.
With the blackness beckoning, the waves of orgasm began in Justin and seemed to flow from his body into Brian’s as he clenched, heightening the older man’s own climax. Both men’s eyes had been closed at their shared, intense pleasure and being taken ever closer, Brian leaned back his head to emit a deep, animalistic groan. Beneath him, Justin arched his back as they came, virtually simultaneously.
Justin’s sperm hit Brian’s stomach, although the man was barely aware of it as he, too, came, his lover‘s body readily receiving his seed. And, feeling Brian cum inside him, Justin let out a deep gasp, not realizing he’d been holding his breath. With no physical barriers remaining between them, regardless of how slim, two bodies; two hearts, minds and souls again became one.
With Brian still leaning over him as the euphoria slowly began to subside, reaching up, Justin cupped the older man’s face in his hand and Brian momentarily closed his eyes before opening them again. Slowly, he lowered his body as Justin pulled him down and into the kiss.
“I love you,” whispered Brian and Justin smiled at him; he could never grow tired of hearing those words.
“I love you too,” came the heartfelt response.
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Lying together on their right sides, spooning, Justin had looked up at Brian over his left shoulder and smiling, had reached out to him. Taking Justin’s proffered left hand in his own, Brian closed his over the smaller man’s, their wedding bands touching. Brian stared at the entwined fingers for a moment and then frowned. “What?”
“What is it?” asked Justin, concerned and turning onto his back, he looked up at him properly.
“I was just thinking,” shrugged Brian, but then he stopped. “Would you care to elaborate?” encouraged Justin and he heard Brian sigh. “Are you … disappointed … that we never got married … or had a commitment ceremony?” asked Brian, much to Justin’s surprise.
“Why are you worried about that?” asked Justin, wondering what had prompted Brian’s question. “Are you thinking that’s what I want?” he continued and Brian shrugged. But Justin knew full well that in the past, that was what he’d intimated to Brian. But he shook his head and squeezed the older man‘s hand.
“Look … I know there was a time when I thought that was important … but for us … it isn’t … and it wouldn’t change a thing.”
“You don’t feel we’re any less family?” asked Brian, who once thought that family wasn’t important. But that was before he knew the joy of fatherhood, acknowledged the love of a good man, had rebuilt his relationship with his mother and discovered a father who actually loved and cared about him.
“No …. I don’t,” stated Justin, emphatically, and trying to allay any lingering doubts. “Do you?” he asked him. “No,” agreed Brian. “I just wanted to make sure we were on the same wavelength.”
“Well, we are,” reassured Justin. “We exchanged rings … we know we love each other.”
“We don’t need a piece of paper to prove it … or a condescending government … to give us permission to get married.”
“We’re a couple … but we’re still our own man.”
“It’s not like we’re a straight … and expected to take each other’s name or anything,” he continued and Brian groaned. “Thank god … getting everything changed for Gus was bad enough,” he joked and Justin smiled at him. He was genuine in his belief that even if they were able to marry it wouldn’t change anything, but he was relieved to know that Brian believed the same. But just in case he needed any further reassurance:
“After all … we share everything else,” stated Justin.
“Our lives … a home …”
“A bed,” grinned Brian and inwardly, Justin heaved a sigh of relief. Thank god some things would never change.
“Besides … what’s in a name?” shrugged Justin. “It’s the man behind it who’s important,” he told Brian, his blue eyes shining with moisture as he looked up into two hazel pools; eyes which mirrored each other’s love.
“Though now I come to think about it … Mrs. Brian Taylor does have a certain ring to it,” teased Justin and grinning widely.
“In your dreams, Sunshine,” Brian told him, before leaning down for yet another kiss.
The End.
With many thanks to Lois, Judy and Pat.