Wild Child

Chapter 30

Justin rolled over and stretched. His body felt so good. He felt so good, better than he had felt in a long, long time. He opened his eyes. Hazel eyes stared down into his.

"Morning," Justin smiled.

"Morning," Brian whispered.

"I feel good."

"That makes two of us."

"How long have you been watching me?"

"For a while. I woke up and I thought for a split second that you would be gone. When you were still lying there sleeping, I couldn't resist watching you."

"Why did you think I'd be gone?"

"You were … the last time."

"But this is different." Justin watched Brian's face and when he didn't say anything, Justin asked, "This is different, isn't it?"

"I hope so."

"Brian, you did mean all those things you said to me, didn't you?" A frown of worry creased Justin's brow.

"I meant every word."

"Then I'm not going anywhere."

"I love you," Brian said as he rolled over onto his lover. "I love you."

"I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing that," Justin giggled.

"That's good, because I don't think I'll ever get tired of saying it. I love you." Brian grinned from ear to ear and then leaned in for a kiss.

"We should probably get up," Justin said looking at his watch.

"Why? I could stay in bed all day … as long as you're beside me."

"My God, you have turned to mush. Are you sure you're Brian Kinney?" Justin laughed.

"See, you're tired of me already."

"Not at all," Justin said seriously. "But you do take a little getting used to."

Brian laughed. "I suppose I am a bit hard to understand."

"Not that I don't like these changes."

"I'm glad you said that. I was thinking about turning back into the infamous asshole that everyone knew and hated."

"I never hated you," Justin said honestly.

"Even after everything I did to you … to us?"

"I have my fair share of things I did to … us. You can't have all the blame."

"That would be … refreshing," Brian said with a wry smile.

"I'm never letting the family blame you for stuff again," Justin declared.

"But there will be things I am to blame for."

"There will?"

"I'm far from perfect. I know I'll screw up … at least once or twice."

"I guess being forewarned is a good thing," Justin chuckled. "I'll probably screw up too."

"Do you think we'll be able to forgive each other?" Brian asked suddenly serious.

"I think we'll get mad as hell, but as long as we don't walk out or toss each other out, we can get through it."

"I think exactly the same thing," Brian grinned.

"Hey, Happy Labor Day," Justin giggled.

"It will be happy with you here."

Justin grinned and sat up to give Brian a long kiss. They were interrupted by a tapping at the door.

"Dad?"

"Yes, Gus."

"Are you guys ever getting up?"

"Maybe not," Brian smirked.

"I've coffee made and I can make toast for you," Gus pleaded.

"The child wants us to come out and play," Brian chuckled.

"Then we definitely should," Justin said getting up and heading for the bathroom.

"We'll be down in a few minutes, Gus," Brian said as he heard the shower go on.

"Okay."

Brian sat on the bed for a minute thinking, of all things, of Greg Fernley. He thought about how Greg would have reacted if Gus had come to their door. Although he also realized that Gus would never have sought him out when he was with Greg. Greg had been a huge mistake, but maybe he had served a purpose. He had shown Brian what a relationship shouldn't be. He had brought out all the worst traits in Brian. With a contented smile, Brian got up and went to join the man who brought out all the best traits in him.

Britin was a happy place that Labor Day. The weather was beautiful, warm and sunny. They all swam and spent the day lying in the sun on the patio. Justin made them sandwiches for lunch and Brian barbecued the steaks for dinner. Gus helped cut everything up for the huge salad that they all devoured.

As the sun started to go down the three lay tired and full on the chaises by the pool.

"This was a great day," Justin said with a smile. "Did you have fun, Gus?"

"It's the best day I can remember ever having," Gus said. "And it's all because you are here." He smiled over at Justin.

"Hey, what about your old man? I'm here too," Brian reacted although he wasn't really upset. He was as glad to have Justin there as Gus was.

Gus laughed. "You're the one who made this all possible. That goes without saying."

"Sometimes it's nice to say it anyway, Gus," Justin said. "People need to hear that they're appreciated."

"Well, I appreciate everything you've done for me, Dad," Gus said and he meant every word of it.

"Thanks, Gus, and I'm proud of the way you've handled things lately," Brian told his son. He liked Justin's advice and decided to use it on his son.

"I … I hope I can handle school," Gus said allowing himself to think about what the next morning might hold for him.

"I know you'll handle it. Just be yourself. You're a good kid, and I'm sure you'll find some friends quickly." Brian prayed that his spoken words would lead to the reality of that happening. He dreaded the thought that things might turn out the same here for Gus as they had in Toronto.

"It's not so easy being yourself," Gus said almost to himself.

"No one said it would be easy," Justin offered. "I had a rough time at St. James, but I think it helped me build character and made me determined to go after what I wanted."

"Like Dad?" Gus grinned.

"Yeah, like your dad." Justin looked fondly over at Brian.

"The sun's just about gone," Brian observed. "You should go get changed and make sure you have everything ready for tomorrow."

"Yeah, I suppose I have to," Gus said as he reluctantly got up and headed upstairs.

"Do you think he'll be all right tomorrow?" Brian asked Justin.

"I hope so. He certainly seems to be dreading it."

"I wish there was something I could do."

"You're already doing it. The advice you gave him was right on. That's the best way to handle it."

"Come here, you! There's a big empty space here beside me. I need you to fill it."

Justin's lovely smile lit the dusk that surrounded them. He slid onto the chaise next to Brian and felt the strong arms encircle him. He sighed as he laid his head against Brian's chest. They were content just to be together in each other's arms.

By the time it was totally dark, they were starting to get a little cold. Fall was definitely in the air. As they were getting up to go inside the phone rang. Brian picked up the portable.

"Hello."

"Brian, it's Lindsay. I … I have a favor to ask."

"Yes?"

"I … I've decided to accept Sidney's offer. I'm moving back to Pittsburgh."

"I see, so what's the favor?"

"Melanie isn't too thrilled about the whole idea. If she won't move back, can I stay with you for a while?"

"Lindsay, don't be too hasty. Didn't Sidney say you had a month to make a decision?"

"Yes, but I … I want to be near Gus. I don't want to stay here anymore."

"For Christ's sake, Lindsay, talk to your wife. Try to work it out."

"I'll try, but I am moving back there."

"Okay, if you need help, I'll do what I can. But … I'm not giving up Gus."

"I'm not asking you to."

"Good. I'll be in touch."

Brian hung up and let out a long sigh. "This family stuff is so fucking complicated."

"Is Lindsay coming back to Pittsburgh?" Justin chuckled. "You may have a houseful."

"I … I don't really mind as long as you and Gus are here. But I'll buy them a fucking house before I'll have Melanie staying here," Brian declared.

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

"Yeah, let's hope. I'm ready for bed if you are." Brian waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"You're always ready for bed. Mrs. Hadley isn't even back yet."

"She's got a key."

"Okay, then let's go."

Arm in arm they marched up the stairs to once again occupy the master suite. It now seemed like home to both of them.

*****

Tuesday morning, Mrs. Hadley had breakfast ready for them all. Gus was dressed in his school uniform and looked very dapper, at least that was the word that Mrs. Hadley used to describe him. Gus wrinkled his nose at it, but he was secretly pleased. He thought he looked pretty good too.

After breakfast, Justin, Brian and Gus all piled into the Mercedes and headed for the school.

"You have all your books and everything?" Brian asked once again as they drove out of Britin.

"For the fourth time, I have everything," Gus replied. His father seemed as worried about what was going to happen as Gus was.

"You'll do great, buddy," Justin said looking over the back of the seat at Gus. "Just stand up for yourself."

"I'll try," Gus said with a grimace.

As they pulled into the school, the lot was full of cars dropping off children for the first day of the new term. Gus undid his seatbelt and drew in a deep breath. He reached for the door handle.

"Do you want us to come with you?" Brian asked.

"Come where? Are you going to hold my hand until I get to the first class?" Gus asked sarcastically. "That'll make a great first impression."

"Okay, okay," Brian replied. "You'll be fine."

"Yeah, right," Gus said getting out of the car.

"Gus," Justin said. "If you need anything, call."

"Thanks," Gus said as he turned and walked away from the car. He was about to find out if he truly could have a new start.

Brian and Justin sat in the car watching Gus walk across the parking lot towards the school.

"Do you think he'll be all right?" Brian asked.

"I don't know, but he needs to do this for himself. Let's go before he turns around and sees us watching him."

Brian started the car and pulled out towards the exit. He was making a silent wish for Gus to have a good day.

Gus approached the front of the school. He saw the prefect that had been harassing him. He had some little kid cornered. Gus turned away and headed in a different direction. He didn't want anything to do with that guy if he could possibly avoid it.

Another prefect approached Gus. "Are you new?"

"Yeah."

"What's your name?"

"Gus Marcus-Peterson."

"Come with me and I'll help you find your homeroom."

"Thanks," Gus said. At least there was one nice person at this school.

Gus followed the prefect to a table where they studied the list of first years. Gus got his classroom number and directions how to get there when the bell sounded. As he walked back towards the entrance, he noticed that his least favorite prefect was releasing his prey. It was a scared looking East Indian kid that looked familiar to Gus. It was the kid he had sort of met the first day he had visited Bramley with his father. What was his name? Ravi, that was it.

Gus walked over to Ravi. "You need to stay away from that guy," Gus stated.

"I wish I could." Gus could see the unshed tears that Ravi was holding back.

"What did he say to you?"

"Nothing."

"Come on, he's been picking on me too. I saw him do something that he doesn't want me to squeal about."

"He told me … he told me that I would need something to help me get along. Bramley doesn't like anyone of color according to him. And I can get this something from him."

"Fuck!" Gus reacted. He couldn't believe the nerve of that guy. Like he spoke for all of Bramley. "He means drugs," Gus stated.

"I know, but I could never do that.

"Maybe you should go to the principal."

"No, I can't do that either. My parents expect me to fit in and get a good education. I don't want to cause any trouble."

"But…"

"No, I can't," Ravi repeated.

"What homeroom are you in?" Gus asked trying to change the subject.

"Mr. Blanchard, 109."

"Hey, so am I," Gus grinned. "Want to stick together? I'll take your back if you'll take mine."

"I'm not much of a fighter," Ravi admitted trying to smile.

"I don't think we'll have to fight. I just meant we could look out for each other and maybe help each other with homework and things."

"Yeah, that sounds good," Ravi said. Gus could see him visibly relax. The bell rang and they headed off to their homeroom.

Gus and Ravi became inseparable as the day wore on. They had all the same classes and spent their lunch hour together. They had some time to talk between classes and found that they thought about a lot of things the same way. The final period of the day was an assembly. Everyone headed into the auditorium. The principal was up on the stage with a row of prefects standing behind him. He proceeded to welcome all the new and returning students. He wanted everyone to feel comfortable at Bramley, and to that end, he wanted to introduce this year's prefects. Gus and Ravi looked at each other as the principal read off the list of names. Each prefect stepped forward as their name was called. When the principal read the name of the one who had harassed both of them, they held their breath. His name was Jason Goodman.

"Some good man!" Gus sniggered to Ravi. "His last name should be Badman."

Ravi chuckled drawing a not amused glare from one of the teachers. "At least we know his name if we have to report him."

Gus raised an eyebrow. "I thought you said you wanted to stay out of his way."

"I do, but I might not be able to. I'm not exactly invisible."

The principal was finishing his presentation telling everyone that if they ever needed help, they had only to look for someone wearing the red tie of a prefect and they would be helped. Gus snorted at that comment. He would do his best to avoid the prefects with the red ties, especially one in particular.

Finally, the first day of school was over. Gus and Ravi went to their lockers which were close to each other in the hallway. Gus sorted through his books picking out the ones he needed for his homework. He stuffed the things he needed into his backpack. Ravi was doing the same thing when someone grabbed him by the scruff of the neck.

"Having a good day, kid?" Jason asked Ravi. Ravi tried to pull away but Jason was so much bigger and stronger that Ravi could do little to free himself. "I asked you a question," Jason stated through clenched teeth.

"It was all right," Ravi managed to get out.

"Only all right? Need anything to ease the tension?" Jason asked suggestively. Ravi shook his head. "Maybe tomorrow then," Jason said with a smirk. He dropped Ravi and headed down the hall.

Gus watched Jason disappear and then ran over to Ravi. In spite of his dark complexion, Ravi looked pale. "Why didn't you help me?" Ravi asked.

"What … what could I do?"

"I don't know, but something," Ravi said almost crying. "I thought you had my back."

"But…"

"Never mind," Ravi said gathering up his books. "I can stand it." He ran for the front door leaving Gus standing alone in the hall.

Gus shook his head. He should have done something, but what? He couldn't fight Jason. He couldn't make the bigger student let go of his friend. He was helpless just like Ravi was. Slowly Gus walked out of the school.

A horn honked and Gus saw Justin sitting in his rental car waiting for him. He walked over to the car.

"How was your first day?" Justin asked.

"All right," Gus said not wanting to talk about what had just happened. He watched Ravi get into his mother's car as they drove past. Ravi gave him a hurt look and then turned away.

"Are you okay?" Justin asked sensing something was wrong.

"I'm fine."

"Okay," Justin said but he didn't believe it for a minute.

They drove in silence for a bit.

"Where's Dad?" Gus asked.

"He had some work at the office so I said I would pick you up."

"Justin," Gus started.

"Yeah."

"Did you have bullies at St. James?"

"There are bullies everywhere."

"What … what did you do about them?"

"Not much. They're hard to deal with."

"Tell me about it."

"Gus, is someone bullying you?"

"Not exactly, but I made a friend today, and he got bullied after school." Gus didn't want to reveal the whole story.

"What did you do?"

"Nothing."

"And that makes you sad."

"I felt like I should do something, but I didn't know what."

"You can always report them."

"Yeah, and then they come after you even more when nothing really happens to them."

"Sometimes if you stand up to them, they back off," Justin said remembering his fight with Chris Hobbs. That had kept him away … for a while.

"I wish."

"It might be worth a try."

"I don't know."

"I'm sorry I'm not more help. Don't they have prefects that are supposed to help you?" Gus snorted. "Or there's always the principal."

"Yeah, I'll remember that," Gus said sarcastically.

They pulled into Britin and Gus knew he had no one to help him.