Chapter 11

Justin rolled over and reached for Brian and then remembered he would be down the hall somewhere. What the hell was he doing? He sat up and the pain shot through his head. DAMN!  He had to teach him a lesson and now he wasn’t sure how to turn it around. He reached for a bottle of pills and dropped one in his palm and then a second. He grabbed a bottle that was sitting on the nightstand and swallowed them.  The vodka slid down his throat. Justin looked at the clock. It was 2 p.m. Time to start his day. He wasn’t sure what time he had gotten to his hotel room but he was sure Brian was there for a few minutes.  

As Justin stood unsteadily on wobbly legs his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and saw it was Brian.  He picked it up and said, “What!”

“I just wanted to remind you that you need to leave in an hour.  You have a meet and greet at 3:30.”

“Ya, I’m up.” Justin snapped and then coughed, making his head hurt, causing him to moan.

“Sunshine, are you alright? Do you need anything?” Brian’s tone was loving and worried.

“Bri…” Justin almost fell for his concerned voice. “I’ll be fine, Kinney, if you let me get in the shower.  Do something worthwhile and order some pastries for me. Tell them to bring them in when they get here.” And with that he ended the call.

Brian took a breath.  Justin didn’t sound good.  He was drinking far too much and smoking more than he had in years.  He was also pretty sure he was taking something to keep him going now. He wasn’t sure why but he went to Justin’s room and let himself in with the keycard he had gotten from the desk, telling a couple small lies. He heard the shower running and walked to the bedroom.

“Justin?” no response.  “Sunshine, are you in there?” he asked as he tried the bathroom door.  He pushed it open and then he saw him. Justin was on the floor of the shower with warm water pelting down on him. “Fuck!”  

After turning off the water he stepped in and helped Justin to his feet but when he saw how unstable he was he picked him up and carried him to the bed. He sat on the edge and brushed Justin’s hair back.  He was breathing normally but he was pale. His gaze traveled down his body and he noticed how thin he had gotten in the last three weeks. His hand moved gently across his chest and could feel every rib.

“Sunshine?” he stroked Justin’s face. He bent forward and gently kissed him. He tasted alcohol and then he felt Justin’s arms wrap around him as he responded.  For a moment, Justin forgot his anger and frantically tried to get under Brian’s shirt but then his brain began to function again and he pushed Brian away. 

“What the hell are you doing in here?”

“You were passed out in the shower.  Do you want me to cancel your appearance?”

“NO! I’m fine.  Just get the hell out of here so I can dress.”

“Sunshine, please… I miss you.”

“Then next time maybe you won’t lie to me...if there is a next time. Now get the hell out of here.”

“See you in the lobby in 25 minutes.” Brian stepped into the hall just as room service arrived.

Marcus had gotten up early.  If he was honest he hadn’t slept well.  He missed Dan and he was worried about Danny’s reaction to talking with his parents.  He knew he wouldn’t be excited about it. 

“Hey Marcus,” Danny’s groggy voice greeted him as Danny walked the kitchen.  

“Morning Danny,” Marcus wrapped an arm around him and kissed his mussed hair. “Did you sleep well?”

“Ya, how about you?”

“Not so much. What would you like for breakfast?”

“Pancakes? But I can make them.”

“Please, let me.  They maybe won’t be as good as yours but I want to do this for you.”

“Sure Marcus, I am sure they will be good. When you  make me food, I know it was made because you care about me so it will taste great.” Marcus walked over and hugged him tightly. “Is something wrong, Marcus?”

“I wouldn’t say something is wrong.  I just talked to Dan last night and I need to talk to you about a couple things but let me get breakfast made and we can talk while we eat.”

Once they had sat at the table, Danny looked at Marcus.  Marcus put butter on his pancakes and syrup. “Danny, after school today Dan has set up a video call with your parents.”

Danny’s fork dropped clattered to his plate. “How could he? I…”

“Danny, he hasn’t told your parents where you are or that you have been living with him.  You know Dan wouldn’t do anything that would hurt you, don’t you?”

Marcus saw the confusion on his face and reached over and took his hand, “Danny, I know Dan hasn’t been affectionate with you or tried to really get to know you but that is because he believes he would not be good as a guardian. It is up to him to tell you his story but he had less than stellar parents.  He thinks he would make the same mistakes.”

“Oh, Marcus, I don’t see him like that at all.  He has been more than generous, even if he is a little cold.  I see how much he loves you.”

“Yes, and I couldn’t love him more.  Oh, that reminds me, Dan is not telling your parents that I am his husband.  He doesn’t want them to know we are a family. Please, Danny, I know this won’t be an easy call but try not to be defensive.  There will be a lawyer with Dan and they are trying to get a feel for your parents real feelings. They won’t force you to return immediately if  they decide a reunion should happen.”

“I don’t want to go back.  I can’t be me there. They never understand,” tears rolled down Danny’s cheeks.  “Please, please, Marcus.” Marcus moved to Danny’s side and took him in his arms. 

“You are going to have to trust us, Danny.  I am going to have to trust Dan to do what is best for all of us.” He kissed Danny’s temple and forehead as he pushed Danny’s hair back.  “What do you say I call Shelby and you come to town with me today. You could use a haircut and some new clothes. We need to show your parents you are being well cared for. You can do some homework at my office with me and then we will come back and have that call at Dan’s office.  He has a room setup that is completely untraceable. It is completely void of personal items.”

“I’d like that, Marcus.”

“Well, hurry up and eat your cold breakfast.  I’ll call Shelby.” He picked up his phone and in a couple minutes he heard a voice.  “You got Gus.”

“Hey Gus, is Shelby available?”

“She’s in the shower right now with Taylor.”

“Ah, I bet that’s a beautiful sight, well to you.  You know what I mean.”

“Yes, it is. Can I pass something on?”

“Just have her give me a call. Danny is playing hooky today.”

“Ok, I will pass it on.  I have to go. She needs me to take Taylor.”  Gus hung up and moved into the bathroom. He was still trying to figure out why Shelby was out of sorts last night. “Coming, Shelly,” he tossed the phone on the bed.  It was really a beautiful scene. He gorgeous wife hold his daughter against her bare skin. “Here, let me take her from you.” His hand brushed her breast as he took Taylor, wrapping her in a thick towel.  Shelby rinsed off and came out, getting a towel for herself.  

Gus walked with Taylor and laid her on the bed.  As he was leaning over the bed he felt Shelby come up behind her and then felt her body against his.  He stood and turned toward her and took her still damp body into his arms. Her hands started fumbling with his fly.

“Shelly, I don’t have time to do this right, “  Gus said as he stroked one of her breasts.

“To hell with doing it right.  Screw me, NOW!” She got his belt and fly undone and bent over a cooing Taylor.  “Now, Gus!”

He thrust into her from behind.  She was wet and ready for him. He reached around and began to stroke her clit as he thrust. Taylor latched onto one of her breasts which was dangling above her and Shelby nearly collapsed on top of her as her whole body spasmed. She screams as she climaxed and fell next to her daughter.

Gus stood there looking at her.  He was barely aware of what just happened. He had cum just as she had but he hadn’t seen her react like this in a long time but just then his alarm  went off reminding him he had to leave for a meeting. “Damn, I have to go.” He kissed his daughter and then Shelby. “I’m sorry, I have a meeting.”  He zipped up his pants. “You need to call Marcus.” He pulled Shelby up to her feet and kissed her until she was again trembling. “Love you.”

“I love you, Gus Kinney.”  She called as he left the room. She slipped on a robe and put a diaper on Taylor before calling Marcus.  “Hey, sorry I missed your call.”

“No problem.  Taylor is going to come into work with me today.  Could you email him some work he can do for the day?”

“Sure, good timing actually.  I could use a day to catch up around here. I won’t be out of a job soon, will I?

“I hope not but Dan is in Missouri now.  He has made contact with Danny’s parents and we will be doing a conference call later so I just want to keep him close for both of us today.”

“Have a nice day.  I will send an email to him.”

Shelby picked up Taylor and as her feet gently bumped Shelby’s stomach.  She let her free hand rest on her midsection for a moment and then brought her hand to Taylor’s back.  “I think we are going to have a new family member in about eight months, sweet girl. I’m sorry you are going to be a big sister so soon but I know you will do a great job.  I think we will go do a little shopping today and we can get a test to be sure before telling your daddy.”

Marcus and Danny had an enjoyable day.  Danny got a haircut, trimming up his sandy brown hair. Marcus picked up a couple new pants and shirts for him.  He could tell Danny had filled out since he had arrived in his care. He was no longer painfully thin and now his skin glowed with a healthy tone.  As they drove to Dan’s office late that afternoon, Danny was quiet as he watched the edge of the road.  

Marcus’ phone rang and he pressed the display on his SUV.  “Hey Darling, Danny and I are on our way to your office.”

“Hi Red,we are in the office waiting for them to arrive.  Danny, I’m sorry but I am going to have Marcus use the phone.”  

Doing as he was asked, Marcus pulled over and picked up his phone. “Go ahead, Dan.  I pulled off the road.”

“I just wanted to make sure everything was set.  We are at the office waiting for Teri and Don to arrive.  Did you prepare Danny?”

“Yes, he understands and he has confidence that you will do what is best for all of us.”

“God, Marcus.  I wish I knew what that was. I wish you were here with me but I know you need to be with Danny. I will let you go.  We need to make a couple last minute arrangements. I will call you back on your cell before we hook up with the office phone.  I love you, Red.”

“I love you, too, Darling.”  Marcus ended the call and set the phone down, reaching for Danny’s hand.  “Everything will be fine,” he said as he pulled back out onto the road.

Dan and the attorney had talked much of the day and had decided they were going to let her take the lead.  They both agreed that if Dan interacted too much with Marcus and Danny, it would become obvious that there was something between them.  The attorney had called in a psychologist to be present also. He was a specialist she had used in many court cases and trusted the doctor’s opinion and knew he would be neutral without knowing all the details.  He had came up with a list of questions for both Danny and for Don and Teri. Dan’s job was to stay out of it and watch reactions.  

The psychologist reviewed the questions with the attorney and Dan.  The list of questions for Don and Teri included:

What is Danny’s best quality when he was very young (under 6) and today?  Explain.

Name Danny’s three best friends and about how long have they been friends?

What is an average day in your schedules?

What does Danny do in his free time?

Danny’s questions included:

What was the best vacation (family time) you can remember”

What are your parents best qualities?

What is your normal weekday schedule?

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

When the Jacob’s arrived Dan let Marcus know and they connected the call but put the sound on mute for now. Marcus watched Danny as he saw his parents for the first time in more than eight weeks. Danny folded his arms on the table and dropped his head on them. Marcus laid his hand on Danny’s back as he watched their demeanor. He pressed a button on the table and they could now hear as well as see what was going on in the meeting.  

The psychologist was introducing himself and explained what he was going to be doing. “I have been hired for the sole purpose to give my opinion on whether the best place for Danny is with you, or if he would be better off in another setting. The results will be private unless they are needed in court at some point.  I have the approval of family court to perform this evaluation.”

Danny was now looking at his parents as they started answering questions.  When he asked about Danny’s best quality as a little boy both parents answered quickly.  Teri said Danny always had such a sweet presence and that he was always willing to help. Don said Danny loved to follow him around and help with little projects, like handing him nails when he repaired the fence.  When it was time to pick a quality now, Teri mentioned him watching his little sister but his dad couldn’t come up with anything. When he was pressed he said he was quiet and didn't get in the way. 

Neither parent could name three friends although Teri remembered him having a friend named Jimmy.

Marcus looked at Danny’s face and his lower lip started trembling. He put his arm around Danny’s shoulders and Danny curled against Marcus’ side. 

“What is it, Danny?”

“Jimmy moved away over a year ago. And they are right, I didn’t have any friends.”

By now they had moved onto the next question.  His parents stated they left by 7:15 in the morning and in most cases it was at least 6:00 before they arrived home and if one of the older kids had an event it could be 8:00 or 9:00.

The psychologist asked, “And when Danny was home did you pick him up and take him and Katie along?”

“Well, no,” Don said.  Danny didn’t like sports and Katie didn’t do well if she didn’t get to bed on time.” 

Dan couldn’t stop himself, “Since Danny isn’t living at home does she go with you?”  The attorney squeezed his thigh and he shut up.

“Well, now Katie comes with us. We can’t leave her home alone.”

The last question stumped them both again.  The lawyer held Dan back.

Teri spoke up now, “When are we going to get to see Danny?  I miss him. He’s my son.”

Under his breath Dan mumbled, “You miss your indentured servant.”

“Danny has been with us through the entire meeting.  He was listening to your answers,” the doctor told them.

“Ah, shit, shouldn’t you have told us that?” Don asked.

“I wanted honest answers. Can you please turn on the screen now?”

As Danny and Marcus came into view, Teri started tearing up. “Oh, Danny, you look really good. I am so glad you are ok.  I was so worried.”

“Hi, Mom.  You look good, too. How is Katie?”

“Katie is fine,” Don responded.

“I would like introduce Marcus.  He found Danny and has taken care of him for the last several weeks.” There were quiet hellos all around and then the doctor went on, “Let’s go to Danny’s questions.”

Danny answered the first two questions.  “So Danny, both the vacation you spoke of and the qualities you talked about seem to have occurred several years ago. That’s Ok. Let’s review your schedule.  What was your day like when you were back home?”

“It was just a normal day,” Danny replied.

“Can you tell us a few more details?”

“Well, I would drop Katie off at school before I went on to my school.  I picked her up on the way back home.”

“Danny, can you tell us something about your school day?”

“There’s nothing to tell.  I….” Marcus wrapped his arm around Danny.  “I hated it. People were always calling me names and I got hit most every day.”

“Did you tell your parents about it?”

“I mentioned it but Dad said I just needed to toughen up a bit.  And it….I just went home and took care of Katie.”

“Danny, you said some kids just called you names.  Everyone has been called names,” Don said defensively.

Dan blew then, “How can you sit there and defend yourself? Your son was so miserable that he couldn’t stand to live in your home.  He had no one to talk to or go to for support.”

“He could have talked to me,” Teri said.

“When? When were you home to listen to him.  If he had tried to talk to you would you have listened?  The last question for Danny is what does he like to do for fun?  Do you have any idea?”

“Well, I…”

“He loves to cook. Danny will volunteer to do chores.  All he needs is someone to listen to him. He just wants some support and someone to say they understand. Have you ever heard the word, support!  That’s what Marcus for that boy. Oh, ya, and he loves him.” With that, Dan left the conference room.  

Teri and Don were stunned by Dan’s outburst but although Don’s first response was anger his second was to think about what Dan had said.

The conference call was ended quickly and the doctor took a deep breath.  “I apologize for Dan’s outburst. He has dealt with some terrible cases and sometimes I am sure….”

The door opened and Dan re-entered.  “I owe you all an apology. You see I know Marcus personally and have watched Danny go from a scared, untrusting young man to a relaxed, eager high school student who is doing very well in school. Please, for your son’s sake, let him stay where he is.  We, he will have the best care and he is with someone who understands him.”

“Are you saying that man that has him is gay?” Don questioned.

“Well, yes he is.  Do you have a problem with that?”

“What if he wants Danny for….”Teri hesitated, “what if he just wants him for sex?”

“Just because you are attracted to men does that mean you plan on having sex with every young man you see?”   

“How dare you?” Don stood on the other side of the table and started around the table. 

Dan raised his hand, “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for but is it more important for you to save face or is it for your son to be happy? He is getting home schooled by a private tutor who has a master's in education. They hope to get him in the regular school when he is ready but right now he has to figure out who he is and how to deal with that.  If you want him to visit, that can be arranged. Doctor, what do you think is best for Danny?”

“Well, I usually wouldn’t give a verbal report without the written report but having researched Marcus’ background and hearing what I heard here tonight, I would say that Danny would benefit from staying where he is for now. Would it be agreeable to set up phone visits and maybe, shall we say by Christmas,  set up a visit?”

“I can agree with that for Marcus.”

“But would we need to come to California? I am not sure….that would cost...not that he isn’t worth it but we have already spent all our savings on the investigator,”  Teri’s voice broke

Dan softened a bit, “You don’t have to worry about that.  I know an organization that has funds just for this sort of thing.  Maybe we could meet in Colorado for a long weekend?”

Teri and Don looked at each other, “Can you give us a few minutes alone?”

The other three excused themselves and went into the attorney’s office. “I was afraid you blew that, Dan, but coming back in when you did and handling it the way you did, I think you got it worked out in your favor,” the attorney said.

“Not only worked it out in your favor but this is definitely what is best for Danny.” the psychologist stated. “This sounds like a win win for everyone. Well, maybe not for them.”  Teri and Don hugged each other in the conference room. Don gently wiped away Teri’s tears and kissed her. Dan could see their pain. He didn’t agree with them but he could feel for them.

When Don and Teri came out of the conference room they went in with the lawyer to sign some guardianship paperwork.  Dan went in the conference room and called Marcus. 

“Dan, what happened?  I was so worried when you stormed out of the room.  What happened?”

“Is Danny there? Put me on speaker phone.”  Dan heard the click and could hear the change in the tone of the line, “We have an agreement.  Danny will be staying in California for the time being. Sometime around Christmas we will be meeting up with your family but you will not be staying with them.  Papers are being signed now and when I leave Kansas City in the morning I will have legal paperwork that states you are in my custody until otherwise stated so, Jr., I expect a magnificent dinner tomorrow night to celebrate.” Dan saw both Marcus and Danny break into happy tears at the same time they hugged.  “Now, Marcus, I want to talk dirty so cut off the speaker.”

“Oh, Dan, I am so happy.  And you should have heard Danny cheer as he ran out of here to go back to his own room.  Jr?”

“Well, it looks like we are stuck with him now.  I hope you make it well worth my trouble when I get home.”

“I don’t care if I can’t sit down for a week!  I love you so much, darling.”

“I love you, too, Red.  I wish we could be together right now. I can’t wait to feel that amazing body of yours pressed against…”  Dan stopped when he heard the door open. “Marcus, I have to go. I love you. I will see you tomorrow.”

“Goodbye, Darling.  Thank you. Thank you for everything.”

Shelby had gone into town.  She stopped by Molly and Tyler’s new house and spoke to Molly for a few minutes and then stopped off at the apartment to see Jenna and Paul along with Brenda.   Brenda insisted she leave a sleeping Taylor with her so Shelby could shop without having a baby in her arms. Shelby enjoyed strolling through the mega store and got some groceries and then picked up a pregnancy test.     After retrieving Taylor, she drove home and took the test. As she had guessed, she was pregnant. Now how to tell Gus. 

Shelby decided to  make it a game. She prepared baby back ribs, twice baked potatoes that had a sour cream and baby shrimp topping, along with baby carrots, and for dessert she  bought Baby Ruth bars. She had dinner in the oven but hoped Gus would want to shower together before they ate. If she had doubted being pregnant, her sex drive should have told her otherwise. She just needed him all the time. As the garage door went down she pulled her clothes off. She left the jeans at the bottom of the stairs, her underwear half way up.  At the top of the stairs was her top and at the doorway to the bedroom she left her bra.

“Shelly, where are you?” He opened his mouth to call again but then saw the pants.  He smiled as he picked them up and stopped midway to grab the underwear. By the time he got to the top of the steps he threw both of the items on top of the steps and sprinted into the bedroom.  He saw his daughter asleep in the little bassinet and then heard the shower running. He quickly stripped off his clothes and entered the bathroom. Shelby stood under the powerful spray arching her back.  Gus slipped into the glass door and wrapped his arms around her from behind. “God, woman, but you drive me crazy!” and he gently pressed her against the glass as he slid in from behind. Soon, they both cried out as they climaxed together. Gus held on to her breasts and fondled her nipples as she still shivered.  He then turned her around and kissed her.

“Now that's what I call a welcome home.”  She wasn’t done. She nipped at his collar bone and then turned him around and after soaping her hands she moved them down his back and then pressed one finger inside of him.  He felt the burn of the soap for a second but as she stroked in and out he again orgasmed. He turned to face her and pulled her into his arms as they both slowed their breathing. “You are amazing,” was all he could manage to say.   

Fifteen minutes later they were in the kitchen in big plush robes.  Gus was holding Taylor while Shelby pulled things out of the oven and placed them on the table,

“Shelly, this all looks amazing!  How did you have time to do all this today and teach and…”

“I didn’t teach today.  Marcus took Danny along to work so Taylor and I ventured into town and Taylor had a nap date with Jenna while I got some groceries.”

“A nap date?”

“I stopped by to see the kids and say hi to Brenda and she told me to just leave her since she was sleeping. And it was fun strolling through the aisles without having to carry her, too.”

“Well, I am glad you had time to enjoy yourself today.” She detected a tone in Gus’ voice.

“You didn’t have such a good day?” She asked as she set the last of the food on the table.

“It’s Kam.”

“Is he causing trouble?”

“No, but he got beat up in jail last night.  The other guys in the lock up don’t like that he gets to go out every day.  My guess is he said something cocky but he didn’t deserve the beatdown. Hopefully in a couple weeks my dads will let him move in with them.  Otherwise, I am going to have to talk to Dan and see if he has any ideas.”

They chatted as they ate although Shelby was a bit quiet.  “Gus, are you enjoying the special meal?”

“I am.  It is kind of an odd combination but it is all really good.”

As Gus finished off the main course, Shelby brought Gus his dessert.  On the plate was the candy bar. “I haven’t seen one of these in years.  In fact, I didn’t know they still made them. And even though I do really like them,” he picked up the bar and opened the wrapper. As he started to discard the paper onto the plate  he saw the pregnancy test. Before looking at it closely his eyes flew up to meet her. “Shelly, are you...wait baby carrots, baby back ribs… Really? You’re really pregnant?”

She nodded.  

Gus stood slowly and held out his hand.  She stood as she took it. He slipped his arm under her robe and as his hands ran across her firm ass he pulled tightly her against him, “I love you, Shelby Jones Kinney.”

In a whisper, she said, “I love you, Gussy.”                                

Later that night when Taylor was sound asleep in her room Shelby lay in Gus arms, she asked, “I am not sure we are very good at this planned parenthood thing. Are you Ok with this?”

“I think I should ask you that.  I just get to come home and snuggle with my beautiful girls.  You’re the one who is home with them. You didn’t plan this….did you?”

“Oh no, Gus.  I just didn’t think much about it.  A lot of women can’t get pregnant while they nurse.  I just didn’t think.”

“We didn’t.  You’re not the only one responsible.” Shelby’s hand trailed down Gus’ chest and then found the curls she liked to play in.  When her mouth started moving down the same path, Gus groaned as Shelby’s hand moved between his legs and her finger plunged into him, catching him by surprise but after the shock he groaned as she stroked his prostate. When her mouth came down on his now erect cock, he thrust upward. As he came back down he realized she had added another finger and he exploded in her mouth.  

“I forgot how, um, loving you are when you’re pregnant.  I need to start drinking protein shakes again.” 

Shelby snuggle up to him again and with her hand resting on his flaccid cock she said softly, “Let’s not tell everyone for a while.  It is very early I am sure. Maybe we can tell people at Christmas?”

“I’d love to keep that secret between the two of us but you know my dad.  Once he’s back at the house….”

“We’ll play it by ear.”  Shelby sighed. She couldn’t imagine a better life at this moment.  She knew it wouldn’t be easy to have two children this close together but as a team, they could handle anything.                

It had been a long day for Brian.  In the last 48 hours he had slept about 5 hours and now as the sun was nearly up Justin was still going strong.  Brian wasn’t sure what he had been taking or where he had gotten it but he was sure Justin was strung out on something.  He was a professional enough that during the shows themselves he was social but every night Brian saw him slipping further away.  He had already spoken to the gallery and they agreed to give Justin a reason to close the show a day early. They were leaving for the Netherlands a day early and Brian hoped that would cut his drug supply and he might be able to get Justin to sleep and getting some needed rest himself.

Brian watched Justin at a table with a group of three young men. Justin had spent the last three nights with these same men. As Justin went out on the dance floor with two of them Brian noticed the third fiddling with something at the table before joining the group on the floor.  When they came off the floor the men, including Justin, finished their drinks and within in a couple minutes, with a man under each of his arms, they started heading to the door with a nearly unconscious Justin.

“Fuck,” Brian said under his breath as he made a dash for the door.  Luckily, he was closer and the men with Justin got stuck in a crowd. Brian was glad each night he had slipped the doormen extra money so when he rushed over and they paid attention to him right away and by the time the three men with Justin made it to the door, the three men were delayed and one of the bouncers helped Brian get Justin into a taxi. Justin had no idea what was going on but as he curled up against Brian in the back of the cab he mumbled, “I miss you, baby.”                            

As the cab drove through the streets, the sun rose, Brian called his pilot to start flight plans.  He then called the hotel and asked them to have a doctor meet them at Justin’s room. He was worried  about Justin. He had taken something on his own and then was drugged on top of that. He checked his pulse and could tell it was going too fast.  Damn, if anything happened to Justin….. He called Dan. He wanted those men to pay.

“Hey, Brian.  I’m surprised you are wake already.”

“More like I haven’t been in bed yet.  Actually, I haven’t been in bed for a couple days.  Justin has been drugged. I am taking him back to the hotel so he can be checked out by a doctor and then I am taking him to the Netherlands, hopefully without him realizing where we are.” He then went on to explain about the three men and the bouncers being willing to help.   He hoped Dan had someone in the area to help him. Dan assured him he would have someone at the club tonight.

“Brian, you know we can’t do anything illegal.” 

Brian was about to respond when Justin started coughing and gagging.     Brian disconnected the call without saying goodbye and grabbed a trash receptacle as Justin began to throw up.  He had nothing in his stomach but his body still convulsed through the motions. His whole body began to shake and Brian realized it was a seizure.  He hadn’t had one of those since his surgery years ago. Brian felt for his pulse again. It was not as steady. 

“Hurry up!  Please, hurry!” As the cab came to a stop Brian picked Justin up and rushed him into the hotel.  When the front desk saw the situation they led him into an office and the doctor entered minutes later.  She grabbed a chair and pulled it near him.

“Sir, any information on this man?  Do you know anything?” Brian quickly filled her in on this head trauma in the past along with the drugs he took and what he was given. “Do you know what he took?  Does he have more of it so I can see it. It is most likely he was given GHB. I just want to know what it could be interacting with.” She gave Justin a shot and thankfully Justin began to settle down.  Brian dug through Justin’s pants pockets and pulled out a little bag with a couple pills. He handed them to the doctor.  

She saw the worry on Brian’s face and looked at the pills.  “I can’t be sure but now that he has stopped seizuring, his pulse has almost returned back to normal.  Sir, does he usually take medication for seizures?”

“Yes, he does.  Well, he is supposed to. We had a bit of a disagreement and we haven’t been sharing a room so I am not sure what he has been doing but I would guess he hasn’t taken them.”

“We will take him up to his room and see if he has the medication.” A wheelchair was brought in and the doctor  went upstairs with them. Once they got in the suite Brian found Justin’s prescriptions and after a quick count it was obvious he hadn’t taken them regularly. After checking his vitals once again the doctor patted Brian’s shoulder.  “He should be fine in a couple days. He needs to rest and get back on his regular medications.”

“We were supposed to leave in a few hours for the Netherlands. Will that be safe?”

“Yes, I don’t see that being a problem as long as he takes care of himself and shall we say he sees a doctor before returning to the states. I believe you said you would be heading back in a week’s time. If he has any other episodes he must be seen by a doctor immediately.”

“Will he be sleeping for a while?”

“My guess is he will sleep for at least six hours but it could be as long as 24.  He appears to be very run down.”

“I promise that will change now. He has taken this far enough.”

Two hours later, Brian had all their belongings packed and he and Justin were on their plane.  He had canceled the rest of the tour and the gallery would be shipping all the paintings back to the states. But he and Justin would be in  Amsterdam as long as it took Justin to regain his health and his senses. By noon Brian and Justin were checked into the Kinky Suite in Amsterdam.  He had a feeling that his presence at the beginning would be a distraction for Justin so he hired around the clock nurses to be with him. As Justin regained his strength, Brian would wait quietly and when the time was right,  he would throw himself on Justin’s mercy. He was willing to take any punishment to get Sunshine back.

Dan arrived in California around noon and found Marcus and Danny waiting to take him home.   “Hey, Jr. If you’ll excuse us a minute…” he turned to Marcus and pulled him into his arms. He kissed him long and leisurely but as the seconds ticked on, they both grew more urgent. 

“Um, guys? You’re drawing a crowd.” Dan and Marcus separated as several people quickly moved on.  Danny picked up Dan’s bag and the three walked back to the SUV together. “I could drive if the two of you want to continue in the backseat.”  

“Dream on, boy.” Marcus got behind the wheel while Dan and Danny got in and Dan handed Danny the papers that got signed yesterday.  “As you can see, we will set up a trip to Colorado sometime near Christmas. Your parents…. They love you but they are clueless how to be your parents.  So I guess it is up to Marcus because I was never taught what a real father was.”

“Dan, you’re wrong about that.  You fought for me to be me. That’s what a father does. You want what’s best for me. That’s what a father does.  I heard it on the conference call last night. Dan, you and Marcus, you understood me. Even if they tried, they just wouldn’t understand.  Thank you for...letting me stay. I...love...you.”  

“Ah, shut up Jr.”  Dan’s voice was rough with emotion.  Marcus reached over and took Dan’s hand.

“I’m glad you are back.  I hate it when you’re gone.”

“You’re back at our house, aren’t you?”                         

“Our house and our bed.” Marcus stopped the car in front of the house.

“Guys, can I walk to Shelby’s and tell her I get to stay? I can walk through the valley.  It’s less than a mile. I promise I will be back in, let’s say, two hours? I will make our dinner when I return.”

Dan looked at Danny, “That would be fine.  Just call if you are going to be later than 3:00.”

“I will,” Danny started to jog but then stopped and turned around.  He had a grin on his face, “Have fun,” he turned and sprinted off.

Marcus ran his hand across Dan’s fly and instantly felt a response.  Dan grabbed Marcus’ ass. “God, Red, I didn’t know I could miss a person so much.” Marcus took Dan’s hand and led him toward the house.  

 Thirty minutes later Dan and Marcus lay flat on their backs looking at the ceiling with smiles on their faces.  “That was…” Dan stopped mid sentence.

“Yes, I agree.” Marcus kissed him and his mouth ended up on one of his nipples and soon Dan was moaning.  He turned his back to Marcus.

“Red, please, I want you.”  Marcus put on some lube and as he pressed in Dan sighed as the pain passed and Marcus started moving. “A year ago, ooohh, you were afraid you couldn’t… Marcus thrust a couple more times and both of them orgasmed at the same time.  Marcus held Dan close.

“You have made my life worth living, Dan Reed!”

“Oh, god, Red, I thought I knew what it meant to live until I met you. I had no clue how good life could be.”

“Darling, you aren’t too unhappy that Danny is staying, are you?”  Dan separated from Marcus and rolled over to take him in his arms.

“If you have to have a kid, at least I didn’t break this one.  His parents already did that.”

“Danny’s not broken.  He may have been bruised and battered but he is healing quickly and, be honest, you wouldn’t call him Jr. if you didn’t care about him.  You may even love him like I do.”

“We better shower.  He’ll be home before we know it and we can’t just hang out naked

 anymore.”

Danny sat at Shelby’s kitchen table holding Taylor.  She had almost thrown Taylor at him when he arrived an ran to the bathroom and he hadn’t seen her since.  Taylor started fussing but when Shelby didn’t come out he went and got a bottle out of the fridge and started feeding her.  Then Shelby’s phone rang and since it said Gus he answered it.

“Hi Gus,” Danny’s heart fluttered a bit.  He didn’t really know Gus. He had seen him before but mostly from afar but he really wished he could see him very close up.

“Who is this? Where’s Shelby?”

“This is Danny.  Just a second,” Gus heard Taylor for a second and then Danny came back on.  “I’m back.”

“Where the hell is my wife?”

“Well, I think she’s in the bathroom.  I got here about half an hour ago and she handed Taylor to me and disappeared in the bathroom.”

“Oh, hell.  Have you talked to her?  Can you hear anything?” Gus asked concerned.

“I think she has the flu.  She sounds like she’s throwing up.”

“Damn. Have you ever babysat before?  I could call Molly and see if Brenda could come out.”

“Gus, I used to babysit all the time. She’s a little younger but I can change a diaper and I just gave her a bottle.”

“Well, I am out of town and I can be there in maybe an hour.  Is Marcus able to come over?”

“Dan just got back in town and...well, that’s why I’m here.”

“Shit, call them if it is a last resort.  I’m on my way.”

When Gus arrived at 4:30, he nearly knocked Danny over on his way to Taylor, who was asleep in her swing. 

“Gus,” Danny tried to get him to stop but Gus  turned and plowed into Danny. Danny put his hands up onto Gus’ chest.  Gus looked down at him like he was going to throttle him if he didn’t move. Danny bravely stood his ground, “Gus, Miss Shelby is upstairs sleeping. She told me not to let you wake her up.”  Danny spread his fingers and pressed solidly on it as he looked up into those dark brown eyes. He wondered how soft his hair was. He licked his lips and his throat was suddenly dry.

Gus let his breath out and had to smile at Danny’s upturned face.  “Thanks, Danny.” He put his hands on Danny’s shoulders and Danny was afraid he was going to explode. “I’m glad to know my wife has someone so capable in the house with her.  I’m going to tell you a secret if you can promise not to tell anybody what I tell you.”

“I promise, Gus.”

Gus knew that look.  He had seen it on his own face a few times at that age. He put an arm around Danny’s shoulders, “We just found out Shelby is pregnant and she gets sick a lot at the beginning, at least she did with Taylor.  It looks like you did an excellent job with Taylor. It makes me feel more comfortable a capable young man will be here when I am not.”  

Danny hugged  Gus. “Of course, I’ll help and I won’t tell anyone.”

There was a knock on the door which woke Taylor causing her to cry.  “Can you get the door and I’ll get my daughter.”  

Danny opened the door and found Marcus standing there.  “Hey, what are you doing here?”

“Gus called me,” Marcus walked in.  “Hey, Gus, glad to see you made it home.  Is everything alright?”

“Yes, Danny did an amazing job taking care of my girls. Taylor was dry, fed, and sleeping when I arrived.” Gus smiled at Danny making him nearly faint.

“How’s Shelby?”

“I think she just got a bug or something.  She’s sleeping now. I called and asked Marcus if he could pick you up.  It is really getting chilly and the sun is going down. I wasn’t going to let you walk home.”  Gus walked over and gave Danny a side hug. “Thanks again, Danny. Thanks, Marcus.” Gus winked at him and Danny slipped on his jacket and walked out with Marcus.

“So I saw that wink.”  Marcus looked at Danny and realized he wasn’t listening. Danny’s eyes were glazed over.  “So you did well with Taylor, that’s good.” No response. “So Gus kissed you before I got there.”

Hearing Gus’ name Danny came out of it a bit. “I’m sorry.  What did you say about Gus?”

“Danny, if I’m not mistaken I would say you have a bit of a crush on Gus.”

“Marcus, of course I don’t.  I mean he’s married to a woman.”

“He is a handsome man.  I could have gone for him myself.”

“Shelby said he used to date guys, too.  I really think if I guy likes to date both men and women he should be able to marry one of each.  I would volunteer in like four years as long as I don’t have to be with any woman.”

Marcus has started laughing half way through Danny’s comments and couldn’t stop.

“Marcus, it isn’t nice to laugh at people.” Danny said with a hurt tone to his voice.

“I’m sorry, Danny.  I really wasn’t laughing at you.  I am just so happy you are enjoying your life.  When you came to our house, we couldn’t get you to even smile.  I love seeing your personality coming out. I love seeing the way your mind is working.  Danny, I just love you.”

“I love you, too, Marcus,” Danny smiled over at him and added, “Almost as much as I love Gus.”   They were both laughing as they walked into the house. “I better get dinner going. Why don’t you go stall Dan at the office with sex so I have time to make the meal.”

“Oh, Danny.  I really do love you.” Marcus hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek before walking back out the door to find Dan.