Chapter 2 

Justin was shocked and thrilled at what he saw or what he hoped he saw.  He saw a large tank which he was sure was the propane that ran the stove but what he also saw was a box and after he trudged through the snow and opened the box he saw he was right.  It was a generator.  That could mean electricity but he had to check how much fuel there was.  After fighting with the tank to see the fuel level he realized how cold he was getting and how much stronger the wind was blowing.  When he looked up he realized he could barely see a foot in front of him.  Keeping one hand on the side of the house, he struggled to the corner of the house and then moved toward the door.  He remembered to check out the wood supply and then he picked up a load and struggled to open the door, fighting the wind.  He knocked loudly several times but Brian didn’t come to help him.  Struggling he got the first load of wood in and decided he should get a couple more loads, hoping that would last them the next 24 hours. He put it on the back porch but the last load he carried into the house.  

By now Justin was fuming.  He walked into the living room to find Brian sound asleep cozy and warm next to the fireplace.  He dropped the logs onto the floor watching sleeping beauty nearly fly out of the chair.  He turned away so Brian wouldn’t see his smile.  “Oh, I’m sorry Mr. Kinney, did I wake you?”

“What the hell?” Brian shook his head to fully wake up. “What time is it?

“I don’t know but it is obviou you didn’t care if I froze to death. Obviously you have no idea what is going on outside.”

Brian got up and stretched and then  walked to the window. “Oh shit, I can’t see anything out there.”

“But I obviously have magic powers that let me see in blizzards!” Justin pivoted and walked back into the kitchen.  He really was cold but he was excited to know there was a generator and now he just had to find the inside switch for the generator. There wasn’t much fuel but a half hour of electricity to charge computers and phones shouldn’t use too much and if he used the stove twice a day, they should be good and hopefully they could get through to someone on a phone once they were charged.  That was what he hoped for.  The less time with that man the better. Justin turned around and crashed right into the long, lean body of Brian Kinney. “Why are you sneaking up on me?”

“I want to apologize for falling asleep. I really didn’t mean to but the fire was so warm and there is nothing to do.” Brian looked at the young man in front of him and reflexively reached out and brushed his damp hair back and laid his hand on his cheek. 

Justin’s first reaction was to tilt his head toward the warmth of his fingers but then he jumped back. “Next time we are low on wood you’re in charge.” He walked to the other side of the kitchen to get out of his reach.  “I found something outside.  There is a generator but not a lot of fuel.  Maybe we can use it half hour a day to recharge our phones and computers.  I know I have some work I could do on it while I’m stuck here.”

“So how do you know so much about generators and fuel?”

“My grandparents have a mountain cabin that relies on a generator. My boyfriend and I have used it several times to get away.”

“So, is your boyfriend missing you by now?”

“No, my boyfriend is out of town for a couple months for school.  My boss will wonder and so will my best friend and my mom. How about you, Mr. Kinney? From what I hear you don’t have a bed partner that will notice but is there someone else who will.”

“Fuck!  Brian, call me Brian. I have about 100 employees that will notice in a couple weeks because I took some time off but Cynthia and Ted will start wondering by the end of today.”

“Is Ted a secret boyfriend?”

“Ted is a good friend and my COO. He always runs certain expenses past me.”  Brian looked around the kitchen.  “Do we have coffee around here? I would kill for a coffee.”

“We have a little.  We have lots of tea.” Brian went to the stove to turn on a burner. “No!”  Justin knew he was just being a bitch now. “Sorry, I get bitchy when I’m stressed.  Can I suggest that we use the fireplace if all we are going to do is heat water?  I noticed it has a spot to sit a pot like this.  Any time we can save on the gas the better.”

“Ya, that makes sense.  Justin, I am sorry I fell asleep.  This just so isn’t my scene and I have no clothes and….”

“Did you check in the bedroom or upstairs? I have been meaning to go up there and see if there is anything we can use.  Maybe there would be a mattress we can bring down so we don’t have to share the bed.”

“I really don’t mind.” Brian said, a little too quickly.

“Kinney, I do not sleep around.  I wouldn’t do that to Steven.”

Brian had set a pot of water by the fireplace, “Justin, I …...I just meant there is no reason to burn both fireplaces all night.”

Justin couldn’t argue with that. “Ok, well, let's go upstairs while that is heating.  Then we can have some tea and decide what to have for dinner.  Oh, is your ankle up to the steps?”

“Yes, it still aches but it is feeling a lot better.”  

Together they walked up the steps, feeling the air temperature drop drastically as they did so. The upstairs consisted of an open area at the top with two bedrooms, one on either side.  One of the rooms was a typical guest room.  There was a chest of drawers that held very little and the closet only held some extra blankets.

“I don’t think we need these right now but if we need more we know where to find them.”

“Hey, these might be a score.” Brian found a pair of snow boots and a pair of ratty fur lined slippers.  He slipped them on his stockinged feet and signed.  “These are much to look at but my feet are very happy.”

“Well, now hopefully we can find you at least one set of clothes.” Justin walked out and crossed the hall to the other room.  This room was very different.  This was someone’s bedroom.  It reminded him of a boy’s room, highschool or college age.  Justin pulled open a drawer and pulled out a sweatshirt. He turns around and tosses it to Brain.  “This looks like it will be a good fit for you. 

Brian pulled it on, “Ya this is great.” 

Justin pulled out three more and warm shirts from the drawer and threw them at Brian, who caught them.  Justin opened the next drawer and found some sweatpants and jeans.”The sweatpants for sure will work, even if they are a bit short.  Justin then opened the top two drawers and found exactly what he expected: underwear and socks.

“Well, it looks like I can at least get out of these dress pants.”

“Why were you wearing pants like that?  People don’t dress up to fly anymore.”

“I’m working on possibly opening another office in Chicago so I flew there early yesterday morning and then caught the flight here. I had hoped to change but ran out of time.”

Justin took a step and stumbled on the rug and socks and briefs flew into the air as Justin lurched.  Brian  caught him just before Justin’s knees hit the floor.  Justin found himself in the arms of Brian Kinney and it scared him a bit that he liked it.  “Thanks,” he said as he began picking up the clothes they both had dropped.  “I’m sure our water is hot and I am cold.”

As they got downstairs Justin handed Brian all the clothes, “I’ll go get mugs and tea bags while you put these away.”

Ten minutes later Brian came back in a pair of jeans that looked like they were made for him, five pounds ago. Justin couldn’t help but look at his ass. They fit him perfectly.  He wore them with a deep red sweater.  God, that man oozed sex. “I got some tea for you.” He handed him the cup.

“Do you take care of Steve this well?”

“Steven and I take care of each other.  After a year we each have our own chores.  We are very comfortable with each other.”

“Comfortable isn’t what I would call a good relationship. What about lust? What about passion?”

“Did I say we didn’t have that?” Justin bristled. “I just don’t flaunt my love life!”

“Alright, alright,” he held his hands up.  “Don’t know if I have ever met someone so touchy.”

“I can’t be the first person that you bring out the best in.”

Brian sat back in the wooden rocker and brooded. As they drank their tea the sun moved lower in the sky.  “So, what are our dinner options?” 

“I can make beans and rice.  I started soaking beans earlier.  I will make some vegetables too.”

“Sure, sounds fine. Is there anything I can do?”

“You could just look at what’s in the pantry and see if you have any meal ideas.  After dinner I will start the  generator so we can charge our phones and computers.  At least I hope the generator starts.  Otherwise we may have to wait until tomorrow.  I can’t do anything out there anymore tonight.”

As Justin made dinner, Brian pulled his computer out.  He had tried to connect with his phone several times but he had no luck.  He hoped he would be able to get through once his computer had some power.

Brian was adding another log to the fire when Justin came in with two bowls of food.  They were both hungry but neither of them had complained.  They both knew they weren’t going to starve missing a meal a day.  Brian carefully took a bite of the hot food, “This is good, thanks.”  Justin looked surprised at the gratitude. “I don’t know exactly what you think you know about me but I’m not an ogre.  I was taught manners, actually more like had them beat into me. You obviously were raised with some money.  Well, your grandparents had money.”

“I wouldn’t call them rich but they were upper middle class. My grandfather worked hard all his life and he did well.”

“I am picturing country clubs and private schools.”

“You’d be right.  What was your childhood like? It sounds like your parents were strict.”

“More accurately they were drunks. My dad worked for the union and he did his job but at night he drank and gambled.  Then he would come home after losing and my mom would….anyway.  It wasn’t a fairytale.”

Justin could tell he had said more than he expected to.  “If you’re done, I’ll take your bowl and try the generator.”

Brian’s hand touched Justin’s, “I can see you have many attributes that I am sure your boyfriend appreciates.” His eyes skimmed over the younger man’s body.

Justin moved away quickly, “Just when I think maybe you really do have some good traits.”  He walked into the kitchen and put the dishes in the sink. He walked over to the door that gave access to the generator connection and threw the switch.  He heard it sputter but didn’t do anything else. He tried again and still nothing. That’s when he realized his mistake.  He didn’t know if the battery was in it.  He remembered his grandfather always had him take it out before leaving.  He hoped he could find it tomorrow. He knew there was no use looking for it in the dark.  Even if he found it he couldn’t do anything about it tonight. He felt like a 12 year old that had tried their best and still failed.  He dropped back on his ass and just sat in the frigid little area with his head in his hands.

“Hey, do we have power….. What’s wrong?” Brian asked as he came around the corner.  “God, it’s freezing in here. Come on,” he offered his hand to Justin. 

Justin took it and was pulled up, “Thanks.  I’m really sorry. I screwed up.  I….” Brian pulled him into his arms for a brief moment and then guided him out of the cold closet.  After sitting him in front of the fireplace he said gently, “What’s wrong with it?”

“I think it just needs the battery but I didn’t think about that and now I can’t get the power going so we can’t make contact and….”

“Justin, it’s not a big deal.  We are safe and warm and we can check tomorrow if the battery is around.”

“I just...god, I hate being out here.  It’s like I’m claustrophobic even though we are in a comfortable house.  No one knows where we are and….” Brian held him close as he had a mini breakdown.  It only lasted a couple  minutes and then Justin stood up and walked to the fireplace, moving the pot of water back near the fire for the water to heat. I saw a couple boxes stuck next to the generator.  I am going to check it out while the water gets hot and then I will grab mugs and tea bags.”  He needed to separate himself from him. He knew it might be an act but when he was being sweet, he truly was and although he hadn’t showered for a couple days, he still smelled amazing.  He smelled like a man should smell. 

Justin lit the oil lamp and  went back to the generator closet. He opened one of the boxes and brought the lamp near it.  It had a dozen bottles in it.  It looked like maple syrup first but then he pulled it out and it was Canadian whiskey.  He had no idea how good or bad it was but from the look of the bottle and just the fact that there were at least three cases of it, it must be something special.  He picked up two bottles and then picked up the lamp and walked back into the kitchen.  After setting the lamp down he walked back and shut the door before grabbing a couple on the rocks glasses and  he walked into the living room. “Sorry, but I think the tea is going to have to wait.” He set everything on the end table and then opened one of the bottles and put two fingers of the amber liquid in each glass.

“Have I ever told you I love you?” Brian started laughing. “How much of this do we have?”

His back had bristled at the love comment but  then he realized he really was just joking.  He really was more tense about the situation than he had realized. He still thought Kinney was an ass but he had some redeeming qualities. As Brian poured the fourth drink for each of them,  Justin picked up the glass and leaned back on the sofa. “So Mr. Kinney,” Justin’s speech was slurred, “so what did your dad do when he got home.”

“He beat the shit out of me but of course my mom already had.  I Left as soon as I graduated from highschool and after that I saw them a couple times a year.  How about you and your parents? You close? Do they like Steve?”

“Steven.  My dad’s an ass.  They’ve been divorced for almost five years.  He couldn’t deal with me being gay and my mom is amazing.  And yes, my mom loves Steven.”

Brian stood, “I gotta take a piss,” and walked just a bit unsteady to the bathroom and when he returned he picked up his glass and then dropped down on the sofa next to Justin.  “You know you are adorable?” Brian ran his finger down Justin’s jawline.  “Don’t hit me but I’m going to kiss you now.” Brian put a hand behind Justin’s head and  gently pulled him toward himself. He gave him plenty of time to stop it but Jusitn didn’t. He met him halfway and when their lips met, Brian pulled him against him.  Their tongues explored every nook of each other's mouths.  

And then Brian’s hand rested on Justin’s upper thigh as Justin’s hand pulled Brian’s head closer to deepen the kiss. Before it went any further Brian pulled away and stood. He got up and  poured the rest of the whiskey into their glasses and went to stand next to the hearth.  He looked at the flame as he sipped the amber liquid. “So tell me about Steven. Are you in love with him?”

“Of course I love him.  Would I live with someone I didn’t love?”

“Justin, I hate to tell you but people do it everyday and you know what else?”  Brian walked back to where Justin sat, “and there are also a lot of people out there that truly love each other but they will still meet their needs when they aren’t together.   Justin, it is obvious you have a need.” He slid his hand across the bulging crotch as Justin groaned.  I think you and I are grown ups and we should be able to do as much or as little as we like but,” he began to rub the palm of his hand over the fly and Justin drank the rest of the whiskey and then stood, giving Brian better access.

Justin looked into his eyes, “I make the call?”  

“I will not do anything you don’t want to do.”

Taking his hand, Justin blew out an oil lamp before leading him to the bedroom.  When he got to the bathroom, Justin stopped.  “Go throw another log in the stove. I’ll be there in a couple minutes.”

Brian’s mouth came to his as his hand reached around and cupped his ass pulling him against his own erection, “Don’t be too long.”

Justin stepped into the bathroom and shut the door.  Brian went back and grabbed the second bottle of whiskey and got to the bedroom.  He threw another log in the stove and stripped off all his clothes. Just before climbing into the bed he grabbed some condoms and lube that he had in the bag he had carried with him to the house..

Justin looked in the mirror and tried not to really think about what he just decided to do.  He was scared.  He didn’t know what was going to happen tomorrow.  Hell, he wasn’t sure what would happen in 15 minutes but he needed someone tonight, even if it is Brian Kinney.

Quickly he removed his clothes.  He really wished he could shower but he could barely stand and he didn’t want to be alone even that long.  He put on the robe that was on the back of the door and walked down the hall, with one hand on the wall to keep him steady.  He wasn’t sure why but he knocked on the door before he opened it. He leaned against the door frame to get his bearings. He then took a deep breath and pulled the door closed behind him.

Brian pulled the blankets back on the other half of the bed and Justin walked to that side of the bed.  He turned his back to the bed and slowly took off the robe.  Brian felt like time went into slow motion as the firelight first glowed on his shoulders, then down his back, and then the perfect globes of his ass.  Brian felt his cock react at the thought of being pressed between them.

Justin wasn’t sure why he felt so nervous.  Maybe it was because he had never been with a legend before. He slipped into the bed trying to pull the blankets up as he did so but Brian held onto them. He moved toward Justin and then placed his hand on the blonde’s hip farthest away from him, he brought his mouth down first on his lips, then his jawline, his neck, and then his mouth came down on his nipple.  Justin wasn’t sure what Brian was going to him but he had never felt anything like it before.  He could feel teeth and his tongue and his own cock came to full attention.  Brian continued for several minutes and then he began to go back and forth between the nipples until Justin began to squirm.

Brian took that as his cue to move further down Justin’s body.  The hand on the hip moved over and began to gently stroke Justin’s cock as Justin began to arch in need.  Brian moved his mouth toward the erect penis.  It was impressive. He glanced up at Justin’s face and Justin pushed Brian’s head downward and that was all the permission he needed.  His mouth came down around him and he tasted precum right away and then Justin started thrusting upward.  Brian took the opportunity to slide his hand under his ass and his finger began to search for the place to enter.  As his tongue circled the head his finger moved into the space he had sought. Justin could no longer hold back  Waves of pleasure shattered his control and  as Brian finished swallowing, Brian rolled off and reached for the bottle he had brought with him. He opened the bottle and took a swig.  He waited for Justin to sit up a bit and handed the bottle over to him.

Justin took a big swallow from the bottle and passed it back to Brian tipped it back once more and set it to the side.  Brian looked over at Justin without a word.  He bit his lower lip and was about to say something when Jusitn moved toward him and brought his mouth down on Brian’s. He ran his tongue along his jawline and then down the column of his neck and along his collar bone.  He began to drag his teeth over it causing Brian to utter a sigh, “You are so hot!” 

Justin made his way down the gently sculpted torso.  The muscles were not large but they were defined. His body was perfect.  As his mouth moved down Brian offered Justin a condom.  He looked directly into Justin’s eyes and Justin took it from him. First he ran his hand along the underside of Brian’s hard on sending a definite shiver through him.  And then he opened the package and in one smooth motion rolled it down to the base of the cock.  Brian moved between Jusitn’s leg. The air in the room had warmed enough that the chill just added to the pleasure.  Brian put Justin’s legs over his shoulders and bent all the way down to kiss him as he moved inwardly.  Justin relaxed and after the initial pain he closed his eyes and accepted each stroke. God, this man….he had never….Steven  had never.. Brian’s mouth crushed his as he came again as Brian thrust once more and then froze as he trembled through his climax.

Brian rolled to the side and, after removing the condom, rested his head on his hand as he looked over at Justin, whose eyes were closed. “Am I so horrible to look at that you had to close your eyes?”

“You know that isn’t true,” Justin opened his eyes and extended his arm over Brian, reaching for the bottle on the nightstand and Brian grabbed it handing it to him, after taking a big swallow first.  Justin drank from it liberally and then set it next to him. He reached out and ran his finger tips along Brian’s sticky cock and changed his position.“Let’s see how fast you can get this thing up with a little assistance.” Justin took the falice in his mouth and let his tongue get busy. Brian began to respond immediately and when Justin felt he was ready he got on all fours but then laid his chest down giving Brian full access and within seconds Brian had put on another condom and plunged in. Justin cried out but then met Brian thrust for thrust and when they were both nearing the end, Brian pulled Justin up so his back was pressed tightly against Brian’s chest and with the angle change, Justin felt pressure added to his prostate and he couldn’t hold on any longer.  As he orgasmed he clamped around Brian causing him to cum harder than he expected. They both collapsed onto the mattress and they both faced away from each other, falling into an exhausted sleep.

It was about 3:00 a.m. when Justin woke up. He stretched.  His body reacted to the little kinks he felt from that amazing sex.  What had he done? He thought Steven might understand that he was scared and drunk but he couldn’t do it again.  He had made a commitment to him.  He planned to be with him, have children with him… He loved him but, he looked over at Brian, after he had sex like that could he really be satisfied with just good sex after that?

Justin slipped his slippers on and grabbed the robe. Before leaving the room, he added a log to the stove and then shut the door behind him as he left.  He used the bathroom and then walked to the living room.  He threw the last log on the fire.  Shit, why couldn’t Brian do anything? He made the food.  He even had to hold his hand when they went upstairs to get clothes for him.  How did he survive in the real world? He hoped this log would last until it was light. After watching the fire and wallowing in guilt, not to mention he was still a bit drunk, he decided to make bread.  Maybe after that he would make some pasta sauce from the canned tomatoes.  He couldn’t waste the gas on the stove but he could set it on the hearth to simmer.  He set the yeast to the side with some warm water.  Once it was light, if the wind was down, he would go check on the battery.  His mind wandered as he mixed up the bread dough.  

As he kneaded, he got out some of his frustration.  He hit the dough with his fist and started to blame Mr. Kinney but he knew he had found the whiskey.  He wasn’t forced to drink it. The day had gotten to him.  He felt trapped and after he realized he had screwed up the use of the generator…..he just needed to do something while Kinney seemed to be just fine doing nothing.  He sat on his ass while he made the food, got the wood, checked on the outside situation.  

He started shaping the loaves as he made a mental list.  Go out early.  It would be cold but the wind usually picked up later in the day. He would do that right after breakfast. He would check that the generator worked before it got dark.  Since Mr. Kinney….god, that man was an amazing lover.  As arrogant as he was outside of the bedroom, in the bedroom, he attended to every possible need.  Since he couldn’t seem to be counted on, while he was outside he would bring logs in.  If it wasn’t too cold he would bring most of it into the porch and in the next couple days he would have to go find more wood.  

Justin carried the loaves into the  fireplace and set them down near it where it was warm. He sat on the sofa and continued planning his day. After he had everything done outside he would go upstairs and get one of the rooms ready for him.  He figured the one above the living room would be warmest.  He hadn’t looked at the time but from down here it looked like there was a register on the ceiling that would let heat rise into the room. It wouldn’t be comfortable to sit in but crawling into the bed, he would sleep soundly, well better than sharing the bed downstairs.

He didn’t know what time he had fallen asleep but when he woke up there was light coming through the window.  The sun was just peeking over the mountain peaks.  He stretched and looked at his loaves.  They were ready for the oven. Justin carried them into the kitchen and lit the stove.  As it warmed up he pulled a few things out of the pantry and then he put the loaves in the oven.  

He turned and walked right into the arms of Brian Kinney. Instinctively Brian’s arms wrapped around him. “Was that bread?” he asked as he brushed the hair off Justin’s forehead.  “How early did you wake up?”

Justin couldn’t let him play with his mind. He stepped away from him. “You didn’t bring in any more wood last night.  Check if there is more on the porch.  As soon as the bread is done I will go out and see if the generator will work.  I’m going to go get dressed.”  Before Brian had a chance to respond he walked away.

“Was it something I did?” he called after him.  What was up with that kid? He couldn’t figure him out.  He either hated him or he was so hot that he couldn’t get enough..  He had to admit he liked the second personality better. Brian couldn’t remember the last time he had been with such a skilled partner.  It may have been never.  He planned to enjoy it while they were here together and by the time they got out of here, he should be ready to move on but right now….he rubbed his cock through the pair of sweatpants he was wearing.

When Justin came back out Brian had brought a few more logs from the porch.  He noticed Justin inspecting his work, “I know that’s not enough.  That’s what was on the porch.  I’ll bring a bunch of it into the porch soon.”

Justin opened the oven door and cut the gas.  He pulled the loaves out and slipped them out of their pans, setting them on a baking pan to cool.  “I’m going out to see if I can find the battery.  I will bring it inside and clean up the connections and let it warm up.  Of course, that means there is a battery out there. If I can’t find it, there is no power for us.”

“I can think of another kind of power that gives me lots of energy.” He walked up behind Justin and pressed himself against him. Justin broke away and started pulling on the boots and then the coat, hat and gloves. “I’d get the wood sooner rather than later.  The wind has been picking up by mid morning and then it feels a lot colder.  I might walk out to that building across the property and see what is in there, especially if I don’t see the battery here.” Justin walked out the door into the frigid, cold morning.  

Justin blinked at the brightness.  The sun on the snow was blinding.  As he walked around the corner, he heard the door open and an expletive from Brian when the air hit him on the bare skin of his face.  Justin was thrilled the battery was in the generator. It had just been disconnected.  He walked back to the corner of the house and watched Brian take a load of logs into the house.  He was grumbling every step of the way but he could see a lot of wood had already been moved.  There was another pile of unsplit logs that they would have to take care of next.  

“You found it!  Great.” Brian flashed one of his priceless smiles.

“I’m going to bring it inside and then I am going to walk over to that old barn.”  After bringing it in he started moving across the property.  It was hard going when every step had him sinking in up to his thighs. He stopped about half way to catch his breath and then walked the rest of the way. He had brought along a hammer and screwdriver he had found figuring it was locked but he was surprised to find a side door open.  He looked around the dimly lit space.  He pulled out the flashlight that was in another pocket.  He looked around the building.  He started making a small pile of things that might come in handy.  He found a sled which would help him move what he found.  Justin didn’t find a lot of useful items but he did find a pair of snowshoes and a couple snowmobile suits.  Too bad there were no snowmobiles.  

Justin heard the wind picking up and decided he better get moving.  When he stepped out of the building with the sled and made sure the door was shut tight.  He put the snowshoes on and started the trek across the yard.  He couldn’t wait to get in the house.  He was starving now and the homemade bread with fresh honey had his mouth watering.  

Brian had carried in all the split wood and after putting a large pile by both heat sources he straightened up the rest of it on the porch.  He looked out the window every few minutes and as the wind started picking up he started worrying.  He filled a pot with water and set it on the hearth to heat up and then planned to track him down but this time when he looked he saw a figure in the distance.  There were times he couldn’t make him out but then he came into view again. He rushed to the door, “Justin, follow the sound.  If you can’t see the house, follow the sound.” He picked up two pieces of wood and would knock them together every couple seconds.  He saw Justin get closer and closer and finally he held the door open to let him in.

“Thanks, I think I would have made it but there were a couple times I couldn’t see the house.” Justin got in the house and started taking off the outer layers of clothes.  “Cold.  I didn’t realize how cold I was. And hungry!  I’m starving.”

“Well, I have the water hot and that bread you made is killing me.”  

Soon the two men sat on the sofa by the fireplace with mugs of tea and thick slices of fresh bread with honey drizzled on it.  As they ate several slices of bread each Justin asked, “Where did you get the idea to make the noise for me to follow?”

“Don’t laugh but I think it was Little House on the Prairie. I watched it as a kid after school.”

“It worked well.”  Justin set his empty plate on the end table and stood, picking up the pot of water.  “More tea?”

“Sure.”  Justin refilled both of their mugs and they both let it steep.  Brian put an arm across the back  of the sofa, around Justin.  

Justin moved farther away from him and Brian moved closer again. “Mr. Kinney, I can’t…”

“What the hell is this Mr. Kinney shit? I thought we got that cleared up when my dick was up your ass.”

“Last night didn’t change anything.  I just needed….I was freaking out. I told you that.  I have Steven.  I can’t keep cheating on him.  It’s just not who I am.   I plan to sleep upstairs from now on. The room about this room gets residual heat from this fire so it should be fine. Obviously, we are stuck here together and of course I am going to be civil but I think the less we interact the better.”

“How old are you?  I feel like we are back in high school setting up rules.”

“I’m 23.  I ….  I just wanted to let you know the sleeping arrangements have changed.  Now I am going to… I’m going to try hooking up the battery and start the generator.  I am thinking a shower would feel really good.  I think if we are quick about it, at least we can have warm showers to get clean. I’m going to plug both my phone and computer in so as soon as the generator starts supplying power the devices can start charging.”

Brian was not done with his conversation but he understood it was over for now. How was he going to get any sleep know that man was sleeping upstairs 

The afternoon continued in silence except for a pleasantry such as, “Shower’s yours.” and “What’s for dinner?”

Neither of them had used their electronics while the generator was running because it would charge slower so  now that dinner was done they both sat silently in the living room with their laptops. Brian had a satellite wifi hotspot but with the condition nothing promised a connection.  He shared the hotspot password with Justin. “I think it would be best if we both send separately. This is an old one that just happened to be in my bag.  I will send out my messages as quickly as I can and let you know as soon as you can send.”

“Thanks,”  Justin started typing a general email to about 20 people on his contact list. It was just a generic email that told of his situation.  He then wrote one for his mom and Daphne with a little more personal content.”

Brian sent out short emails to Ted, Cynthia, and a couple others at the office and one to the conference they were supposed to be at to let them know his predicament.  As soon as he sent his email he told Justin he could try to send and then it would be a waiting game until tomorrow when they hooked it up again and see if they got any responses.

“Justin, it is really silly for you to sleep upstairs.  We would both be warmer if we shared the bed.”

“So are you saying if I slept in there, with you, you wouldn’t try….”

“Fuck, I can’t promise that!  It is just ridiculous.  You’re a grown man.  You obviously don’t know the rules of relationship edicate.”

“What the hell are you talking about? Never mind,” Justin said as he headed to the stairs.  “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Justin, remember you are always welcome.”

“Shut up, asshole.” 

“Sure taunt me.”   Brian smiled at the steps as he heard first the stair door slam and then the bedroom door. “Well, I guess my only companion tonight is the bottle of whiskey.” 

Brian made sure the fire grate was closed and went to his cold empty bed alone.