Chapter 13

“Wow, this place is great!  I don’t think I have ever seen this much, well, nature,” JR said as he came into the main cabin.

“How’s the new bunkhouse?”  Justin asked as he put an arm around Gus and kissed his cheek. Gus used to be embarrassed when his dads hugged and kissed him so much but now he kind of liked it.  They would never do it in front of his friends but JR was now part of the family and he knew he wouldn’t think it was dumb.

“It is really nice!” JR answered before Gus had a chance.

“It is,” Gus affirmed.  It is bigger than  I thought it would be but it will be great if Aunt Molly and Uncle Spenc come to visit. Six people will fit in there and they even put big shelves in there for your suitcases or bags.”

“And there are drawers under the bed for more storage since we could only get a couple shelves in there,” Brian added and then asked,  “Did you check out the bathroom? I know they had to get creative for a water source.  Just remember the water out there isn’t to drink. It is fine for bathing and washing your hands but it isn’t purified drinking water.”

“Ya, the minifridge is stocked with bottled water,” Gus stated. “Can we get some sodas out there, too?”

“Sure, or juice or whatever.  My guess is you will want some snacks, too.”

“JR, do you want to see our barn fort?”  Aiden asked, walking over and taking JR’s hand.

“I would love to see your barn fort.” JR looked over at Gus.  

“Sure, there is lots to do out there,” Gus said.  Aiden held onto JR’s hand and took him toward the door.  As Gus got to the door he turned around to his dads and said, “I won’t take my eyes off of him.”

“We know you won’t, Gus but don’t forget to enjoy yourself.  Aiden isn’t going to go far.” Justin said as Gus picked up a walkie talkie and pulled the door shut.

Brian pulled Justin into his arms, “They’ll be fine out there.”

“I know they will,” Justin said with a tremor in his voice. My head knows it but my heart is having issues with it.

“That’s normal, Justin,” Victor commented.  You almost lost Mon Petit forever. But he is a bright boy and he will be much more careful, plus he is with his brother and JR.  I can’t think of two more caring teenagers.”

“I know you are right, Victor.  And Gus made sure he took a walkie because that is our rule here.  I knew I needed to come back up here to face this fear.  This has always been our place of comfort.  I need to get that back. Sorry you have to see me such a mess.”

“Sunshine, we all love that boy and we all love you.  You don’t think I don’t have that same feeling? I’m just too stupid to say it.” Brian kissed Justin.  “We are in this together. And Ted and Victor have proven over and over they are in it with us. We couldn’t ask for better friends.”

The first night there Gus volunteered to make dinner with JR and Aiden as his sous chefs.  Because of the time change everyone would be going to bed early.  It may be 6:00 pm in Montana but they felt like it was 8:00 to them and they had been up very early.  Aiden was already fighting to stay awake.   

Everyone was very impressed with Gus’ new skills and they enjoyed the meal.  As the sun started to go down, JR and Gus got ready to go to the bunkhouse.  They grabbed some snacks and drinks in case they got hungry.  “Remember, guys, once you are out there we don’t want you coming back to the house. When it gets dark you never know what animals are around.  If you need us, use the walkie talkies and we will come out there,” Brian said.

“We know, Dad.  We’ll be fine,” Gus said as he rolled his eyes.

“I know you will but we both know how dangerous the woods can be.  And I am going to walk out there with you because I haven’t seen the place yet.”

“I’ll come with you, Brian.” Ted said. “I’d like to see it myself and the sun is dropping so you shouldn’t be walking alone either.”

“Big Daddy, can I go, too?” Aiden said through a yawn as he was curled up on Justin’s lap.

“Aid, why don’t you wait until tomorrow.  I think you are ready for a quick bath and then that big comfy bed.

“But I….”

“Aiden, why don’t you show me where your bubble bath is and I will help get it started.  Tomorrow you can show me the bunkhouse.”  Victor stood and offered his hand to Aiden. Aiden raised his arms and Victor picked up the slight boy. “Hurry back, my love,” Victor said to Ted and Justin was left alone in the kitchen.  Justin put the last couple plates in the dishwasher and started it.  He opened a nice bottle of wine so it could breath and then he went to find his son.

Aiden was in the tub with more bubbles than water. Victor was rubbing his back with a plush washcloth full of bubbles. Justin had to smile, “Well, I can see you don’t need me.”

“Uncle Victor let me put in extra bubbles.”

“I can tell,” Justin’s heart almost burst looking at his boy.  “Uncle Victor spoils you.”

“I said that but he said he could because a lot of times he has to poke me with needles and it makes me cry.” Aiden smiled at Victor, but I know you have to do it to make me feel better.  I don’t cry very often anymore, now that I am big.”

“Oh, mon petit, you are my bravest patient and one of my bestest friends.”

Aiden laughed at Victor’s use of the word bestest. “Uncle Victor, that’s not a word.”

“Well, you know, I speak French a lot better than I speak English.”

“Will you teach me how to speak French?” Aiden looked up at him. Justin walked over with a large towel as Aiden spoke and he stepped out of the tub into his daddy’s arms.

“I would love to teach you, Aiden.  We will start tomorrow.” Victor kissed Aiden’s cheek before Justin picked him up and carried him up the stairs.

“This place really did turn out nice,” Brian said as he looked around.  “This will really make it easy for us to invite family over.” He tugged on a curtain that divided the room in two.  “And if someone wants a little privacy they can have it.” He pushed the curtain back into place. “You all good out here?”

“Sure, Dad, and before you say it, I will lock the door when you leave even though I don’t know of any wolves that can unlock a door.”

Brian smiled and hugged his son.  Ted gave JR a little hug and Brian and Ted left the boys alone. As they walked away they heard the lock turn on the door. “Gotta love that kid.” Brian said to Ted.

“He is,” Ted said and Brian got the feeling he was going to say more.

“And?”

“Vic and I think he has something he hasn’t told us.  We know he is still getting to know us but there have been times when he isn’t expecting us to touch him he nearly jumps out of his skin.  He is fine in the case of me giving him a hug tonight but if he didn’t expect anyone to touch him he nearly crawls out of his own skin to get away.”

“That does sound like something happened.  I am sure Victor has an opinion.”

“We have talked about it but we don’t want to push him.  Once he is comfortable with us we will push him a bit.  We want him to know we love him and only want what is best for him.”

“You two are natural fathers.  You will figure it out.” Brian draped an arm around his shoulders as they arrived at the cabin. They arrived at the cabin and found Victor pouring glasses of wine for each of them.  “Justin still upstairs with Aiden?” Brian asked him.

Victor started to say yes but Justin walked into the kitchen, “Not anymore.  He is out and I can’t imagine he will wake up until early morning.” He slipped an arm around Brian and looked up to accept a kiss.  “Everything good out at the bunkhouse?”

“Ya, it is really nice.  It is just what we envisioned.” They all walked through the house and went to sit on the large front porch.  The sun was just sinking below the mountains. “I never get tired of looking at that.” Brian pulled Justin close to him.  “When are you two going to build up here?”

“Are you serious? We have fallen in love with this area and have thought about looking for land,” Victor said as he pulled Ted close.

“If you are really interested I will show you a couple spots that would be perfect. I will give you the land for the cost of taxes.”

“That is really generous,” Ted said as he looked at Victor and Victor kissed him.

“I can’t wait to see the sites you are thinking of,” Victor said.  

They continued to chat and sip on their wine until the glasses were empty and they all couldn’t stop yawning.  “Well, you are welcome to stay up as long as you like but I think we are heading to bed,” Brian said.

“We are, huh? I don’t remember being asked,” Justin said haughtily but then laughed at Brian’s surprised face.  “Of course I am going to bed with you.”  Ted and Victor stood up at the same time and followed them in.  “I’m going to turn on the monitor in Aiden’s room but he may wander over to your room if he wakes up.  He does that often with Gus.  You can just send him down to us.”

“We will take care of him if he walks over,” Victor smiled.  “You know your son has stolen my heart.”

“Well if we go upstairs I will do my best to steal it back.”

“Oh, my love, you know you will always have it.” Victor then whispered several things in French to Ted.

“Do you understand French, Ted?” Justin asked.

“Not really but after being married for years I have learned the words I like the best.?” Ted moved Victor towards the steps and after all four of them said goodnight they moved up the stairs while Brian and Justin went down the hall to their own room. They changed into shorts and t-shirts and got into bed. Laying face to face Justin softly said, “Was I too hard on Aiden today?  I just pictured him walking in the woods and lost it.”

“He understands now, as much as a 6 year old can. You are just a loving, concerned father.” Brian kissed him lightly.

“Bri, I should tell you something.  After we landed I had an email come in.”

“And….?”

“It was from Daklin.”

Brian stiffened, “I thought we were going to ignore him.”

“I don’t think that is going to be possible.  He is threatening to get lawyers involved.  It sounds like he has done quite well financially but now personally.  He is alone and has money.”

“Well, you aren’t alone and we have money, too.” He pulled Justin closer and kissed him as he pressed his body tightly against Justin’s.  If we were short on cash, I would take out a second mortgage on the house and our offices.  He is OUR boy. That fucker can’t have him, not for a visit, not for a day, not for an hour!”

Justin pressed his lips to Brian, “We may have to and I think an hour or a day is a lot better than a week or month. His mouth traveled along Brian’s jaw, “Brian, it may not be our option.  Dak is on the birth certificate even though he gave up custody, he wouldn’t sign over all parental rights.” Justin found Brian’s mouth again and after a long explorative kiss, Justin said, “I don’t want to talk about it tonight.  I don’t want to talk about it this week.  Dak will have to wait until we get back to Pittsburgh and we’ve talked to our lawyer.  And now,” Justin’s hands moved under Brian’s t-shirt and tugged it towards his head. Brian moved to make it easier for him to remove it.

“Sunshine, I am not sure I have the energy to….”

“I just want to feel your skin against mine. I just want to feel your warmth.”  Justin slipped off his shirt and then turned his back to Brian and melted against his chest.  “I love you, Brian.” After a moment he said, “You’d really take out a second mortgage?”

“I would do anything for you, for our boys. Good night, love.”

The next couple days were laid back.  By day three, Ted and Victor had a site picked for their new house.  The whole group had gone on a couple hikes and Aiden was thrilled to always have someone to pay attention to him.  He would go on a walk with Victor and Ted or he would hang out at the bunkhouse or barn fort with Gus and JR.  And of course, he spent time with his dads. In the evenings they spent time in the hot tub. It was a little crowded if all of them were in there but the teens preferred to spend time in the bunkhouse after dark and once Aiden went to sleep, the four men stripped and sank into the hot tub with plastic glasses and a bottle of wine.  They talked about the new house that would be built and Brian and Justin told Vic and Ted about the Dak situation. It felt good to just talk about it and know they had a great support system.

Both couples began to focus on each other.  Ted and Victor said something as they slipped out of the tub but Brian and Justin didn’t seem to notice and after they each grabbed a towel, they moved inside and Justin immediately was stradling Brian’s lap and then he sank down on Brian’s waiting erection. They moved as one, the rhythm was slow but powerful. As they both climaxed they shouted and then they heard a wolf.  Wherever he was, he was much closer than normal.

“Sounds like we don’t have time to relax in the afterglow.” Brian kissed Justin and they both stood and they dried off quickly and covered the tub before rushing into the cabin.

“Should we go check if something is wrong?” JR asked Gus after hearing Brian and Justin shout. His eyes got big when he heard the wolf so close.

“Only if you want to see my dads screwing,” Gus said, “and then be eaten for a midnight snack.”

“Do you think the wolves would really….”

“I wouldn’t go looking for them but they aren’t looking to hurt us.” He told him the story about the wolf helping Aiden to the treehouse and then, “And I know it sounds crazy but I swear a wolf led me to the treehouse where Aiden was. He just appeared when I wasn’t sure what direction to go and he led me to the stream so I could follow it up.”

“You weren’t scared?”

“The only thing I was focused on was finding my brother.  I would have given my life for his.”

“You are a good brother,” JR said.

“So are you, JR? You were always talking about everything you did for your siblings.”

“I am feeling a little guilty.  My brother and sister that are together are with their dad and he is a great guy.  It didn’t work out between our mom and him but he is married and his new wife is great.”

“So what are you feeling bad about?”

“My other brother is the one I’m worrying about…..” JR stopped talking.

“Does he live in a crappy area or something?”

“He just isn’t ….. I just was glad when my mom kicked him out.  He …..”

Gus said, “If you tell me something I won’t tell anyone.”

JR hesitated, then he shrugged and said, “He just always had something to say about me being gay.” He was quiet and then said, “I’m going to shower.”

After he shut the bathroom door, Gus stared at it for a few minutes.  Was something bothering JR?  He wasn’t sure but he wasn’t going to push it.  Hopefully his friend knew he could talk to him if he needed to.

The vacation week was going too quickly.  Thursday they planned a picnic for all of them.  Gus helped Justin pack a large lunch bag.  They had a cooler full of drinks and a basketful of food and late that morning the group of seven started their easy hike. They moved toward the pasture where they picked berries early in the summer, the spot where Aiden’s adventure began. The boys did a quick scan of the berry patch and to their surprise they still found a few. The men walked to the far side of the meadow where there was a picture perfect view and they spread out a blanket and the four of them sat and relaxed in the sun.

Aiden picked a few berries but then he stopped and his gaze toward the forest and then it was as if he was mentally walking through the trees on an imaginary journey.

Gus stood a few feet away and watched Aiden.  He moved up to him and laid his hand on Aiden’s shoulder making him jump just a bit. “You Ok, bro? You seem to be a long way off.” Gus could feel Aiden tremble a bit.  Rather than say something else, Gus dropped down to one knee and pulled his little brother close.  “I will never let you get lost again.  I’m so sorry that I let you wander away.”

Aiden’s little arms wrapped around his brother’s neck, “Gus, I was really scared.  Don’t tell our daddies but I was so cold and it was so dark. Until Gray Wolf and his friends came, I didn’t know what I was going to do.” JR saw the brothers and quietly moved toward the men at the other end of the meadow.

“JR, is something wrong with Aiden?” Justin was already on his feet.

“I think they just need a minute together.  They are both Ok.  It is just this spot.”

“I should have realized that.  Why did we come here?”

Victor walked up behind him and placed a hand on Justin’s shoulder, “Justin, let your sons heal.  This is just what they needed.  Gus is realizing Aiden is fine and Aiden knows he is safe. Your kids are just fine.”

Gus stood with Aiden now on his back and he began to walk toward their father and friends.  Both had big smiles on their faces.  Victor moved away and Brian moved behind Justin, slipping his arms around his shoulders as their sons walked toward them.  They couldn’t hear what Gus said but Aiden’s high pitched giggle filtered through the air,

“Damn, we are lucky,” Brian said as he kissed Justin’s neck. When Gus and Aiden got close, Brian picked Aiden off of Gus’ back and Justin slipped his arm around Gus. 

Softly Justin asked, “Gus, is everything good?”

“Ya, Dad, everything is great.” Gus turned and hugged Justin tightly. “We’re both good.”

They spent a couple more hours in the meadow.  They ate their lunch and after eating some of Gus’ now famous bacon, peanut butter, and jam cookies, the seven played some games Victor taught them and then they just lay on the blankets for a little bit and then they  all ended up dozing off.

Aiden woke when he felt something damp on his cheek.  His eyes fluttered open to see Gray Wolf standing just inches away. Justin woke when he felt Aiden move and instantly pulled Aiden close, scaring GW enough to make him run a few yards away before stopping and looking back. Justin reached slowly and tapped Brian’s shoulder and now it seemed everyone was awake. 

“That’s him,” Gus said softly.  “He led me to the stream.”

Before anyone else could say anything, there was a loud crash of thunder and for the first time they all noticed the storm rolling in.  It was moving quickly.  For a second they all forgot about the wolf and jumped up and started grabbing all their things.  When the next bang came, the wolf howled, starting soft and low and as the sound got louder it got higher.  He was answered by his pack somewhere nearby.  Before Justin could stop him, Aiden walked toward GW. Justin started to rush toward his son but Brian held him where he was.  The wolf stood where he was and as Aiden approached he sat on his haunches and allowed Aiden to hug his neck and then Aiden kissed his thick fur. And then the wolf was gone and the heavens opened up.

They all stood there trying to understand what had just happened but with the approaching storm they had to move. They all moved toward the cabin as quickly as they could and the closer they got, soaked through everything, they all just started laughing and smiling.  Something magical had just happened.  They all knew they would never have a moment like that again.

“Ok, everyone, let’s all just get rid of our clothes out here so we don’t track everything into the house,” Justin said.  “We will get all this clothes clean and dry.” 

No one noticed JR’s nervous look and he was relieved when Gus said, “We will just go to the bunkhouse and we’ll come back to the house once the rain slows down.” By now the four grown men stood naked  and Justin had already pulled out a mostly dry towel from the storage cabinet by the hot tub and wrapped it around Aiden. JR turned and started jogging toward their dry clothes.  Gus followed but he was in no hurry.  His mind was still trying to actually comprehend what had happened with the wolf. At one point he stopped running and started spinning in a circle with his face lifted to the dark sky.

“Gus, you coming?” JR shouted from the door of the bunk house.

He took one more turn but then a flash of lightning and immediate thunder let him know he better get going.  He laughed loudly. “I’m coming,” he said and ran full speed to his waiting friend.

Gus started stripping his clothes off in the little entry.  Just drop your wet clothes here so we don’t drip all through the place.  He already had his shirt off and his pants were dropping to the floor but JR was still standing in the same spot with a look Gus couldn’t figure out. And then Gus realized, JR always changed in the bathroom or if Gus took a shower JR changed while he was out of the room.

“JR, you can go change in the bathroom, you know.”  

“Oh, ya, I need to take a whiz anyway.” 

As JR shut the door, Gus said, “Toss me a towel, ok?” The door opened a little further and a large dry towel flew out and hit his face. “Thanks, I think.” Gus smiled as he started rubbing his wet curls. 

JR came out with a towel around his own waist. He sat on the edge of his bed and fumbled for some clean clothes in the drawer under his bed. Gus laid on his bed with his towel barely covering himself.  JR tried to act relaxed but he kept tugging on his towel making sure he was always covered and then he pulled his blanket over himself. Gus laid there looking at the ceiling debating if there was something bothering JR or not.  Finally he said, “JR, if you don’t want to talk that’s cool but is there a reason you never undress when I’m around? I mean, we are both guys, not that you are interested in girls.”

JR avoided the question by saying, “Your dads really keep themselves in shape. I could have stood and looked at them all day.”

“Ooo, gross.  I mean I know they are good looking guys but they’re my dads and I have to hear them have sex too often the way it is.”

“Ya, I remember when my mom was married, our apartment has really thin walls. How about your moms?”

“That’s even worse to think about. I doubt they have done anything together in a couple years. I guess I saw them kiss goodbye or hello once in a while but last year they usually just yelled if they were home at the same time.”

“Ya, I heard a lot of that, too.  My second step dad and Mom got really loud. He would come sleep in my room when Mom kicked him out.  He slept in my room a lot the last couple months they were married.” JR seemed to be thinking about something for a moment.  “I hate that my youngest brother has to stay at his house.  Jim just isn’t a nice person.” His voice was very soft by the end.

Gus knew JR had a story  he wasn’t talking about but he wasn’t going to push him.  “JR, do you think your brother is in danger.  I mean would his dad hurt him?”

“I heard Mom warning Jim that if she heard anything was going on, she would nail him this time.” 

“What was she talking about?  Did she say? Do you know?”

JR looked out the window, “I think the rain is slowing. Maybe we should dress and go to the cabin for dinner. It’s hard to believe tomorrow is our last day. It is great up here and if Victor and Ted build up here, maybe I’ll get to come up again some time.”

“Well, I am sure my dads wouldn’t care if you come up with us anytime we come.” Gus pulled the divider curtain shut.  He didn’t need to know why his friend was so shy.  He was his friend.  “Do you really think my dads are that hot?”

“I hope I find someone that looks half that good at their age.”

Gus laughed as he tossed his damp towel up and over the curtain and it landed on JR. I’m getting hungry.  Let’s get dressed.”

Aiden ran around the house going from one adult to the next, “You saw him, right? You saw my friend, Gray Wolf.  Isn’t he the biggest wolf you ever saw.  I love him.  I wonder if I will ever see him again…..”  He kept it up so long that Victor started getting concerned.

“Mon petit, please come see me.” Aiden ran into Victor’s arms.  Victor lifted him onto his lap and caught Ted’s eye, nodding at him.  Ted went and got Victor’s medical for him. He handed it to Vic.

“Uncle Victor, I’m not sick.  I’m just so happy everyone got to meet my wolf.”

“I am not saying you are sick.  I just don’t want you to get too excited that you do get sick.  Your louve…”

“I know that word.  You taught me that was a wolf.”

“You are right.  I hope when we get back to Pittsburgh you will let me keep teaching you my language.”  As he talked he listened to Aiden’s heart and took his pulse.  

“Oh, yes, I want to learn more.”

“Well, you are catching on so quickly, I have a feeling you could learn any language you like. You have a gift.”

“You got me a present?” Aiden looked at Victor.

“Not that kind of gift.  I meant you have a talent for languages.  You learn very quickly.” 

Aiden turned and hugged Victor.  “Is my heart good?”

“I think you have the best heart of anyone I know, except for my Theodore.” Victor blew a kiss to Ted. “Why don’t you go find a puzzle for us to fix.”  Aiden headed directly to the toy cabinet. 

Justin and Brian had watched all of this and when Aiden was out of earshot, Justin softly said, Victor, is he alright?”

“Oh, he is fine.  I just knew he needed a minute of calm down and thought that would work.”

Brian pulled Justin close to him on the sofa, kissing the top of his head, “Is he really talented with languages?”

“Oh, he is.  In the last four days he has learned far more than I expected him to,” Victor assured them.

“Well, we may check with his school and see if they have a program that he could get involved in.”

As Aiden came back with a puzzle the teenagers came in the back door.  Ted went to meet them. “Hey, guys, has the rain stopped?” He asked as they took off the jackets they had worn.

“The storm has passed but it is still raining a little,” Gus shook his head, sending raindrops across JR and Ted.  “What’s going on here? What are we having for dinner?”

JR walked into the living room without saying anything and sat down next to Aiden and he helped flip puzzle pieces over. 

As Ted started to follow JR, Gus reached out and grabbed his arm.  He pulled him to the large pantry and pushed him in. “Gus, what is it?” Ted said in a hushed voice.

“Uncle Ted,” Gus didn’t call him that very often anymore, “I don’t know if there is any wrong.  Maybe I’m just being dumb but, this sounds weird, but JR is worried about this youngest brother living with his dad.  I think he said his name was Jim.  He’s going to hate me if he finds out I am telling you this.  He said something about when they still lived together, he used to come and sleep with JR and JR never gets naked in front of me and…. I am sure I am just being an idiot.”

Ted was absorbing what Gus had said, “No, Gus, you are being a very good friend.  I won’t tell him you said a word but we will definitely keep an eye out for his reactions to different things and if he seemed worried, it might be because he is worried about his brother.”

“Ted, do you think that guy might have….”

“Gus, you are a great friend.  Victor and I will do whatever is best for him.”

“Thanks, Uncle Ted.  I’m glad you and Victor are helping him.”  Ted hugged Gus and then said, “I’ll go in and you can come in a couple minutes later.  We were talking about dinner, which by the way, you are going to help with.”  Ted walked into the kitchen to join everyone else.

An hour later, Ted, Justin, and Gus were in the kitchen.  “What are we having for dinner tonight?” Gus asked.

“Well, since it cooled down with the rain, we thought we might make soup and grilled cheese.” We have a lot of food we need to use up anyway.”

“May I make the soup?”  Gus asked.

“Sure, what kind are you thinking?” Justin asked.

“Well,  I saw we have canned chicken in the pantry.  I am sure there is broth and noodles and some vegetables.  Chicken noodle soup it is.” He started pulling out carrots, celery and onions and started chopping.  An hour later the chicken soup smelled amazing and Ted had made several grilled cheese that were staying warm in the oven.  Justin had put together a salad out of ingredients in the refrigerator.  

Aiden came in and stood next to his dad.  “Is dinner ready? I’m hungry!”

“Well, in about five minutes it should be ready.  Soup and sandwiches are ready.”

“Are there more cookies for dessert?”

Gus turned and picked up his little brother, “I think the container is empty but I saved two of them back for you.”

“I love you, Gus.” Aiden hugged his big brother.”

“Love you, too, bro.” Gus kissed his cheek. “Why don’t you go tell everyone else dinner is ready.” He set him down and he was gone in a shot.

“I’m sorry, but I have to ask, is anyone else still shocked that my little bro was hugging a wolf this afternoon?” Gus asked as he sat down after dishing soup up for everyone. 

“I told you he was my friend! Didn’t you believe me?” Aiden asked.

“Of course we believed you, Aid,” Brian said as he put his arms around him and kissed the top of his head.  “We just didn’t think we would ever get to see him. You do know that you need to stay away from wolves though, right?”

“But he’s my friend. I couldn’t be scared of him,” Aid was persistent.

“I just meant….”

Justin laid his hand on Brian’s thigh and squeezed gently,  “We are glad you got to see your friend. Justin kissed Brian and moved his mouth to Brian’s ear and whispered, “We can train him about wolves later.” 

Brian turned and kissed him softly, “You are so right., Sunshine.”

“Well, I know he likes you, Aiden.  He led me to you.” Gus offered.

They all were animated as they talked about their day and the whole trip.  “So, JR, what do you think of the area? Do you think it is a place you would like to come visit again?” Ted asked.

“Oh, ya, it is so beautiful up here and it still amazes me how quiet it is.”

“Well, we hope you will help us come up with a floor plan for our new place.”

“Oh, I would love that.” JR was having a hard time talking.  He was so amazed how things had changed for him in the last couple weeks.  Ted noticed him struggling to control his emotions.  He patted JR’s knee under his table and changed everyone’s focus.

“This was just what I needed before the busy fall season starts.”

“Ted, don’t think I haven’t noticed the work you did, even on vacation,” Brian commented.

“I don’t think I spent more than a half hour each day,” he said.

“He is truthful,” Victor said.  I wouldn’t let him work more than that.

“And, Brian, you have worked yourself,” Ted added.

“Just kept in touch with Cynthia. Gus, this soup is really good. You really did learn a lot at your classes.”  Brian smiled at his son, “Are you thinking being a chef is something you would like to do as a career or is it just an enjoyable skill?”

“I’m not sure, Dad.  It is something I will have to think about.  Being a chef is really hard work. I mean the time you put in and it is weird hours.”

Brian was surprised his son had thought that much about it.  “Well, you have a little time yet to figure it out.  You know you would always be welcome at my office or your dad’s.”

“You could use your creativity through art, too.” Justin commented.  He looked around and since everyone was finishing their meal, Justin stood and as he reached for a dirty plate, Brian pulled him onto his lap.  He kissed him long and hard.  It went on long enough, Aiden started giggling.

“Oh, god, enough already,” Gus said and then he laughed a little, too.  They embarrassed him sometimes but he realized how much better that was than his mothers’ hostility.  He hoped they got their shit together but he didn’t see himself moving back with them, not permanently.

Once the table was cleared they all went in and watched a movie.  It wasn’t long before Aiden was sleeping with his head in Gus’ lap as they were on the rug in front of the TV.  As the movie ended, Gus yawned himself, “Who knew meeting a wolf could be so tiring?”

Justin picked Aiden up and started up the stairs with him.  Brian looked at Ted, “You want to walk the boys out to the bunkhouse with me? I have just one thing about work I want to mention before I forget.”  They followed the teens about halfway and then stood in the middle of the yard until the boys waved at the door and shut it behind them.

“What is it, Brian? I didn’t see anything in my email….”

“Ted, I don’t like to get you in the middle of family stuff but you need to back up what I am going to tell Justin.  The day after tomorrow when you all head back to Pittsburgh, I am going to go on a quick trip.”

“Where are you going?” 

As Brian and Ted walked back to the house, Brian told Ted of his plans.

“I am not going to try to stop you but I don’t like it.”

“I never asked you to like it. You just have to tell Justin you sent me on this quick trip.”

“Damn. I wouldn’t do this for anyone else, you know.’

Victor and Ted lay facing each other. They were still catching their breath.  “I don’t know what it is about this place but, our sex life is always amazing but up here….” Ted stroked Victor’s cheek.

“It must be the fresh, mountain air.” Victor said as he trailed a finger down his arm.  

“Vic, Gus said something to me today that I think we need to investigate.”

“What is it?” Victor asked as a finger now traced Ted’s lips.

“He thinks JR might have been abused and that he is really worried about his youngest brother living with his dad.”

“JR was abused by that man and now his brother is?” Victor had sat up.

“He didn’t tell Gus anything but we have seen him flinch if he is touched unexpectedly and Gus just observed a couple things.  Gus just wanted us to be aware.”

“God, I would like to jail every man or woman that has harmed a child.” 

Ted wrapped his arms around Victor and pressed him back down on the mattress.  “We will figure it out when we get back but right now….” Ted laid his chest on Victor’s and kissed him.  “One more round, old man?”

Before he realized it, Victor had flipped Ted on his back, straddling him, he said, “Who are you calling old?”

Brian’s tongue moved down to one of Justin’s nipples. He took his time and went from one nipple to the other.  He was a bit distracted.  He kept thinking about his trip.

“Um, Brian, is something wrong?”

“What? No, why?”

“Well, you have always been a thorough lover but I think those are going to fall off soon and I do know another part of my body that is dying for a little attention.” Justin reached down and tilted Brian’s head up so their eyes met. “What is it?” Brian moved up and kissed Justin as his hand moved down to that specified body part and this time when Brian’s mouth moved down Justin’s body and slipped his mouth around Justin’s cock. “We’re not done talking but…..oh, god, it will wait.”

Forty five minutes later Justin’s head lay on Brian’s chest.  He trailed a finger over Brian’s sex warmed skin.  “Bri, what is it? What’s wrong?”

“Wrong? I think I am still getting over the sight of our son hugging that huge animal.  I think the world stood still until he was back in our arms.  I never thought he was lying to us but I thought maybe it was some kind of dream or something.”

“Scared the hell out of me but I think it was good for both Gus and Aid.” Justin said as his finger trailed down the thin column of hair that trailed below Brian’s belly button.

Brian reached down and, taking Justin’s hand, brought it up to his mouth, and kissed his palm. “I hate to do this to you but I won’t be going home with you on Friday.”

Justin pushed himself up on his elbow and looked at Brian, “What do you mean you aren’t coming home with us?” He looked confused, not angry.

“I had something come up at work and it is going to take a trip to the West Coast and since we are this far already, I thought it just made more sense for me to get it done and save the time of flying home and turning around and flying back.”

“I understand.  I hate it but if you are getting a new account and in the long run, it will be a shorter separation.  How long do you plan to be?”

“We’re leaving Friday.  I should be home on Sunday.  We can have a low key Labor Day home together and then I will be there when the kids go to school on Tuesday.”

Justin stretched a bit and both men moved into their normal sleeping positions. Brian’s arm was draped lightly over Justin’s waist.  “I love you, Sunshine.  I am the luckiest man in the world.”

“I love you, too, darling.”  As they both drifted off. Brian was thinking about his impromptu trip while Justin closed his eyes and could only see his small son next to that massive animal.

The last day the boys, including Aiden, spent time in the barn fort.  After the storm it was chillier and there was the feel of fall in the air. They were in and out just messing around. When Aiden dozed off on the old sofa, JR covered Aiden up with his own jacket.

“You going to be warm enough?” Gus asked.

“Ya, I have this hoodie on and it isn’t that cold in here.”

“Cool, thanks. You are a great big brother, even to my brother.”

“You have all made me feel like family,” JR said but then Gus saw him withdraw a bit.

He walked over and put a hand on JR’s shoulder, “JR, is something wrong? You know you can talk to me.  You have listened to me often enough.”

JR glanced at his friend, “I’m good.  I think it is just all the changes.  My life is good.  I know this is best for my family and my sibs will be so much better off when Mom is done with school, but….”  JR stopped and turned toward Gus who hugged him.

“But?” Gus asked softly.

“Never mind.  I am always the one that worries.”

“JR, you can talk to Ted and Victor.  Whatever it is, they are good guys.” JR held on to Gus and Gus let him.  

After a few moments JR took a step back.  JR grinned at Gus, “You sure you don’t want to try a guy? You are my cutest friend.”

Gus glanced at Aiden and made sure he was still sleeping before he looked at JR, “Have you ever kissed a guy, JR? Have you ever kissed anyone?”

Softly he said, “No. I haven’t.  I really want to but… I know you have kissed someone. Last spring you were definitely hot and heavy with someone. Did you actually….you know?”

“No, we didn’t.  It wasn’t the right time.  This summer there were some great girls in my cooking classes. I have several I hope to get to know better.”

“I am sure you will,” JR laughed and the mood was lifted.

The rest of the day was uneventful and before they realized it,it was time for bed.  Brian’s flight was early in the morning so they all would need to be ready to go at 6:00 a.m.  As they loaded all the bags into the back of the SUV. Aiden’s lower lip quivered a bit when Justin put him into his carseat.  

“Aid, what is? You look so sad.”

“I just don’t want to go home yet.  I love this place.  Do you think we can come back for Christmas?”

“I don’t know.  Do you want to have Christmas away from Grandma and Tasha and Aunt Molly?”

“Couldn’t we all come?”

“We will talk about it,” Justin said and kissed his son’s cheek.  “It isn’t always easy to travel here in the winter, but we can talk about it, I promise.”

And with that everyone got into the vehicle and they started the drive to the airport.

“Maybe by Christmas we will have a cabin of our own?” Ted said, linking his arm through Victor’s.  “When are  we going to meet with the architect?”

“Tuesday morning!” Victor said cheerfully.  “I can’t wait.” 

JR and Gus sat on either side of Aiden and both boys rested their heads against Aiden’s car seat, each holding one of Aiden’s hands.

Brian and Justin were mostly silent on the ride and after they had emptied the car Brian hugged and kissed his boys goodbye and then he and Justin took a few steps away.

“I’ll call you tonight, Sunshine.  I’ll try to do that before Aiden goes to sleep.”

“Brian, why do I get the feeling you aren’t telling me something?”

“Sunshine,” He pulled him close, “It is probably just that I am not sure what is going on.  I mean I don’t have any of my normal work stuff with me.  I am sure Cynthia has everything waiting for me at the hotel.” He brought his mouth down on Justin’s and pulled him even closer.  “This is just a couple days.  I will take the red eye home tomorrow.  I should be home on time Sunday morning.”

“Why don’t you call with all your flight information and we can pick you up at the airport.” Justin’s hand rested on Brian’s cheek.

“You don’t have to do that.  You just have a nice brunch ready for me.  Make our chef in the making do it. I don’t care.” Brian looked at his watch, “Shit, I have to get moving.  I love you.  See you Sunday!” Brian gave him one more quick kiss and waved at the boys before jogging off with an overnight bag on his shoulder.

Soon both planes took off, Brian heading west by himself while the rest were heading back to Pittsburgh.  Once they could move around, Aiden went to Ted and Victor to work on his French. Gus dropped into the seat next to Justin.  He was silent for a few moments. “Dad, I should have said this earlier.  Thanks for making me come live with you.  Who knows what kind of trouble I would have gotten into by now.  I just didn’t know what to do with all the shit going on with my moms and I was sure it was all my fault.  One time I overheard a phone call between you and him and you said, ‘We need to discuss Gus.’ I could tell you were really worried about me and I realized I just had to let you, both of you, take care of me.  I didn’t have to be in charge. I didn’t have to do anything but be me.”  Gus put his head on Justin’s shoulder. “I know I don’t say it as often as I should, but I love you.”

Justin’s heart swelled, “We love you so much, Gus.  And you will always belong with us.” And they chatted softly as the plane took them home.

THE END

Let’s Discuss Gus

Prologue

Aiden’s Plight

Brian got off the plane.  He hadn’t been in Seattle for a while.  He didn’t have to wait for any luggage so he went out and grabbed a cab. He gave the driver the address and sat back in the seat.  He pulled out his phone and checked for emails from Mel. As angry as he was at her and Lindsay, he needed her right now.  As soon as he had gotten to the terminal at the airport in Montana, he had called her.

“What the fuck do you want, Kinney!  I don’t understand how you can even have the gaul to call me after what you did at your….”

“Don’t go there, Marcus.  You both have been acting like children while our son is trying to be the mature one.  He is great by the way.  Two months away from the two of you….” Brian stopped and took a deep breath. “Mel, I don’t have time for this.  We can spew at each other another time but right now it’s about Aiden.”

“Aiden? Oh, Brian, he isn’t sick again, is he?”

“No, actually he is doing very well but Justin's ex is causing issues.  He is going to fight us for shared custody or at least visitation.  Mel, what can we do? We are not letting him have our boy, no matter what.”

They had talked until he had to board the plane so now he was seeing what she had found out. Her message said, ‘I reviewed your custody paperwork.  I found his attorney’s name but his office just opened.  I will call you as soon as I have contacted him and know what he is planning.’  It went on and said, ‘Why did you go to Seattle? What do you think you could do?  Don’t do something stupid and screw this up for all of you.’

Brian reread her short email and realized he wasn’t sure what he was going to do but he couldn’t sit back and let that asshole try to take his son. The cab stopped in front of an upscale townhouse and Brian got out and paid the driver. He stood there watching the car drive away before turning toward the walkway and he made his way to the door.

Brian pressed the doorbell and waited.  He could hear steps from inside.  The door opened quickly and Daklin said, “Yes, can I help you?” Daklin looked at the gorgeous man standing in front of him and as he looked at him from the top of his head with that thick, dark hair all the way to the toes of his brown Ferragamos, he had a feeling he should know who he was. 

Brian looked at the shorter man in front of him, “You definitely can.” Brian had decided he was going to try to make this a business deal.  He stood straight and offered his hand.  “My name is Brian Kinney.  I am the man married to your ex and who is the father of the boy you had with Justin, and,” Brian pushed his way past Daklin, “I am going to tell you why you will never have any right to our son!”