Chapter 1

Justin stepped off the plane and he took a deep breath of the fresh mountain air.  He had been looking forward to this trip for a long time.  He was spending three months alone in the cabin.  Well, not quite alone.  He kissed the little boy in his arms. They would be celebrating Aiden’s birthday here and then they would go back to Seattle.  Maybe he would figure out what he wanted to do by then.  

Aiden was such a good baby. Was he still a baby?  He was growing so fast. Justin picked up the car he had rented and strapped Aiden into his seat before loading their bags into the trunk.  Justin had given him a bottle just before the plane landed so he hoped he would sleep for the two hour ride or at least most of it. He kissed the little boy’s head and got on the road.

As he drove, his mind wandered back to the first time he took this trip.  That cold, snowy night when he met Brian. The four years they were together were probably the best and the worst of his life.  He remembered the day Brian proposed.  He had never been so happy but shortly after the wedding things started to spin out of control.  Even though Justin had worked for Kinnetik from the time they got together, after they got married and Justin became a partner, the stress between them built to a boiling point.  Brian treated him like all the other employees.  Justin would go to the office and Brian would tell him not to worry about anything.  Brian was working longer and longer hours as the company expanded but since he refused to give up any authority Justin saw him less and less. 

It was the night of their one year anniversary. Justin told Brian all he had to do was be home by 7:00 so he would have time to shower and they would be able to make their late reservation. 7:00 had come and gone.  At 7:15 Justin called to the office and he said he was on his way out the door. At 7:45,  Justin called  and there was no answer but minutes later a text came in asking if the reservation could be backed up half an hour.  By the time Brian arrived home at 10:30, the loft was empty.  Justin’s wedding ring was sitting on the counter but that was the only thing left of him.

For the next week, Brian tried to track him down but Justin  managed to avoid him. He found a lawyer and started the divorce procedure and by the end of the second week, Justin Taylor had a job offer in Seattle.  He was excited.  He should have a lot more time to stay at the cabin in Montana.  In fact, he had tried to get the cabin in the settlement but Brian refused to let him have it.  He also asked for custody of their dog, Gray Cub 2  GC2 for short but when he moved across the country he thought it was best to leave him with Brian. The divorce was finalized six months later.  They finally split the time at the cabin.  Usage of the place switched every 3 months.  Today was April 29th and the place was all his.  Well, officially the place was his May 1 but Brian would never stay until the last minute and he had to get away from Seattle.  

He had barely gotten his divorce papers when he had met Daklin. They met through one of Justin’s coworkers.  It was his first Thanksgiving away from family and she insisted he come to her place.  She was having her family over but she insisted there was always room for one more.  She said her brother was bringing his roommate so he wouldn’t be the only newcomer.  It had been a pleasant day and Daklin asked for his number before they went home.  Three months later they moved in together.

That was two years ago.  Daklin started talking about children almost immediately. Justin got sucked in.  He had wanted a child so badly when he was married to Brian but it had been put off and he figured it was all for the best since the marriage was short lived.  

Justin was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard Aiden fuss a bit in the backseat.  Justin pulled into an overgrown drive long enough to change a wet diaper and then, after looking around to make sure they were alone, he relieved himself also.  After letting Aiden kick and stretch a bit he put his little boy back in his carseat.  

He loved listening to Aiden coo and talk to himself.  His mind went back to the pregnancy and how excited Daklin and he were.  They had found a surrogate and she had gotten pregnant the first try.  Justin and Daklin had so much fun decorating the nursery but as the time got closer Justin was so wrapped up in going to birthing classes and last minute details he didn’t even notice the change in Daklin.  After Aiden arrived Daklin and Justin both doted on the baby but Justin had taken a leave of absence and soon Daklin seemed to be withdrawing from both of them. 

The first night he didn’t come home he called saying the meeting ended up dinner and drinks so he was going to sleep at the office. That was the first time.  Soon, once or twice a week Daklin didn’t make it home and then he stopped letting Justin know he wouldn’t be home.  

One night when Aiden was about six months old and Daklin was again gone overnight, Aiden woke up with a raging fever.  Justin called Daklin and another man answered his phone, reality hit him. He called a nurse hotline and after giving his son a cool bath and some acetaminophen Aiden fell asleep in his Daddy’s arms.  This time he wasn’t going anywhere.  When Daklin arrived home he found his clothes in garbage bags and new locks on the door.  Although Daklin made sounds of wanting time with Aiden, Justin quickly pointed out he had never had the baby by himself more than an hour and because he had been ‘so’ busy at work he had never managed to sign the paperwork he needed to sign to be a legal guardian and biologically Aiden was Justin’s and Justin may not be able to find love for himself but he was never going to have his son doubt how much he loved him.  

Justin slowed down and turned into the drive for the property.  He had to smile when the beautiful cabin came into view.  As he got closer he realized there was smoke coming from the chimney.  He had emailed the caretaker who looked after the place when they weren’t there so his first thought was he must have started a fire when he dropped off the supplies he had asked him to get but as he pulled around to the back of the cabin, Justin’s heart stopped.  He saw GC2 run toward the car.  If their dog was here it could only mean so was Brian.

Justin jumped out of the car and dropped to his knees.   GC rushed him and soon Justin was laying on the ground as the dog licked his face and yipped. “Oh, I have missed you, boy.” Justin worked to sit up after rolling around with the dog.  “Calm down.  Are you happy to see me?”

“Dadadada,” Aiden called from the open door of the car.

“Oh, GC I have someone to introduce you to.  I never thought you would get to meet him.  Sit,” when the pup heard the command he sat down as well behaved as he always was.  “Aiden, I have someone I would like you to meet.  Justin sat on the front seat of the car and said, “GC, come.”  The large dog walked over a little cautiously but when he got closer Justin guided Aiden’s small hand over to the dog and once he felt the fur he squealed in excitement and just like that they were best friends.  GC licked his face and the little boy giggled.  “I knew you two would get along well.  What are you doing here, boy? I am so glad to see you but…”

“What are you doing here?” just the sound of Brian’s voice sent a shiver running through him.  It had been nearly three years since he had laid eyes on Brian.  “You are two days early.  You don’t take possession until the 1st.” Brian tapped his leg and GC ran and sat at his heel. He looked Justin over from head to toe.  He had lost too much weight but he looked good.

“You’re right.  I’ll go back to town until then.” Justin opened the back door and started to strap his son back into the carseat.  Aiden cried and wrapped his arms around his daddy’s neck. He didn’t want to get back in the seat.  

“No no, Dada.”

Brian walked up behind Justin and put his hand on his shoulder, “You don’t have to leave. We were together for 3 years.  We should be able to survive two nights together.” Brian looked at Aiden, “And I don’t think this little guy wants to be in a car for another two hours.”

“That’s nice of you but…”

“Sunshine, stay.” Brian’s voice was low and rough. “I could use a little company after a month alone.  You know there is plenty of room.  You can use the upstairs bedroom and I will stay in the main room.”

“We can’t stay, but if you don’t mind, Aiden could use a little time to stretch.” He took him back out of the car.  

“What’s his name?”

“Aiden.” He  reached back in and grabbed a diaper bag.  

Brian reached over and took the bag from him. “Let me carry that.” He looked at the blond little boy and then to his father. He needed a way to keep him here. Just seeing him… “The place looks great, doesn’t it?  GC always loves it here.” GC rushed past into the house.

Justin walked into the cabin and paused.  He had a flood of memories rush over him.  This was the place they had met, the place they fell in love and now he was in the same place.  He had never felt more alone than he had the last six months and now he was in a lonely cabin with…

Aiden fussed.  Brian touched his soft hair, “What can I do to help?”

“Could you just throw a blanket on the floor so I can give Aiden a couple toys and he can just mess around a little while?”

Brian pulled a large quilt out and laid it on the floor.  He unzipped the bag and took out some toys, spreading them out. Justin set Aiden down and sat down on the floor by him and GC, who had become fascinated with the squirming human. Justin patted the spot next to him and the dog laid his big head on Justin’s thigh. Brian sat down on the other side of the dog. 

“He’s adorable. Where is….what’s his name, Drake?”

“Dacklin. We haven’t been together for over six months.  If I’m honest, we haven’t been together for nearly a year.”

“I’m sorry, Sunshine.  Do you want to talk about it?”

“No, It is obvious I am a loser in the love department but I ended up the winner here.” He smiled as Aiden pulled himself onto his daddy’s legs. He worked his way over to GC and then pulled himself onto the dog.  GC acted like he always had a child around.  He was gentle and tolerant. 

“You did, didn’t you. Justin…” Brian’s voice went soft but before he could say anything else, Justin stood and picked up Aiden.  

“I think you really need a dry diaper and then we will get out of your way so you can finish your time here.” Justin laid him on the sofa and pulled out a diaper. “We will just stay at that little inn down the road.  This is your time and you don’t want us…” Brian’s hand caressed his cheek.  Justin took a step away quickly.  Aiden started to roll off to get to his dad and Brian swooped him up before he could fall.

“And where do you think you are going, young man?” Brian pulled him close.  He took in a deep breath, inhaling the boy’s scent.   Why did babies always smell so good?

Justin snatched him away.  “Oh, baby boy, I’m sorry. We need to go….” Justin was flustered now. “He handed his son back to Brian and rushed down the hall to the bathroom.  When he rushed through the door and shut it, he remembered what  the place had looked like when they had arrived.  Now it was a spacious, modern room with a large tub and shower stall.  The shower ….how many times had they made love in that shower? He had to get out of here.  He quickly used the bathroom and then went back to the living room and quickly threw the toys in the diaper bag and then reached for Aiden who was sitting in Brian’s lap.

“Justin, seriously, you don’t need to leave.  It is crazy making him…”

“He’ll be fine.  We’re fine.  You will be out by the noon on the first?”

“Sunshine, please stay.”

“I can’t, Brian.  We just can’t.”  As he rushed to the door with his son, GC2 barked and tried to run after them.

“Sorry, GC. You are stuck with me. And I am glad you are here.” Brian reached down and scratched the dog’s ears as he watched the car go back down the  lane. Just as it moved out of sight there was a bright flash of lightning followed by a loud crash of thunder.  “Damn,” softly, Brian said, “Be careful, Sunshine.” His heart was in his throat.  The moment he saw him,  he remembered how much he still loved him and how he still ached for him.  Brian looked up at the sky and  he said to the pup at his side, “Let’s get in before it starts raining.”

Justin had only gotten a few miles down the country road when it started pouring. He slowed down and was thankful for good windshield wipers.  Aiden wasn’t happy and was crying in the back seat. He had gone less than 20 miles when he saw flashing lights ahead.  He slowed and then stopped.  A police officer in a yellow slicker came to his window.  

“Sir, where are you heading?” the officer asked.

“I was going to the little inn about fifteen miles down the road.  I can’t think of the name of it.”

“That’s not going to happen tonight for sure and it may be a few days.  The bridge across the creek has been washed out.  It has been raining up the mountain for some time and it won’t be stopping down here until morning at the earliest and then the bridge will need to be cleared to cross.  It is completely under water.”  Aiden was screaming now.  “Where are you coming from? Can you go back there?”

“Is there any place…”

“Sir, the only place around here would be the small church down the street but they really don’t   want anyone there because if the water comes up much more,  it will be evacuated, too.”

This mountain seemed to only have two extremes, pure joy or total disaster.  “Sure.” Justin said as the window went up and he carefully turned the car around.  “Aiden, baby, please stop crying.  I’m sorry.  I should have listened.” Justin started singing softly and as he maneuvered the car carefully back up the mountain side Aiden finally quieted down. It took twice as long to get back and even though he dreaded seeing Brian again, he was very happy to turn up the lane.  The temperature was dropping and the rain was turning into a late spring snow.  At least he knew his son would be safe here.  The car had barely stopped and Brian was by the door.  

“Pop the trunk. I’ll grab your bags.  You get Aiden into the warm house.”

Fifteen minutes later, Justin was dried off and was rocking with him as he drank a bottle.  It was past his dinner time but Justin knew he would eat better if he took a little nap first.  He had gotten so upset in the car he was too exhausted to eat right now.

Brian came over and handed him a cup of coffee.  After the first sip, Just knew Brian had laced it with something. “How did you know we would be back?” he asked as he took a sip.

“Once the storm started I listened to the police scanner like we used to do all the time. I heard the road had been washed out.  I hoped you wouldn’t be so bullheaded that you wouldn’t come back here.

“Fuck you, Brian.  I really don’t need your shit right now.”

“Whoa, Sunshine.  I’m sorry. I am sure that was a stressful ride. I was really worried. You know I’m a smartass when I am stressed.”

“When you’re stressed?” Justin had a slight smile when he said it.  “Thanks, by the way.  You have been nothing but gracious and I ….. I was ready to destress after what has gone on over the last year.”

Brian got up and took out the same quilt and this time left it folded in fourths and then walked over to Justin and gently lifted the now sleeping Aiden out of his arms and laid him on the makeshift bed and then covered him.  He made sure the fireplace was closed and then he softly said to GC, “You watch him while we make dinner.  You’re in charge.” As if he understood, the pup walked over to the corner of the quilt and laid next to Aiden separating him from the fireplace.

“I have missed that dog.  I’m really hungry.  Can I make you some dinner?”

“You don’t have to.  I can make us something,” Brian tried to offer.

“You know I like to cook and it is a way for me to destress. Did the food I order get delivered?”

“Ya, this morning it was dropped off.”

“So you knew I was going to arrive today?” Justin’s spine stiffened.

“No, well yes, I knew you were coming but I didn’t know you would be here today.”

Justin was quiet for a while as he started chopping onions, carrots, and potatoes. He threw them onto a baking sheet and, after drizzling a little oil over all of it he popped them in the oven.

Brian glanced in the living room, checking on Aiden and then he walked back to Justin.  “What can I do?”

“How are your peeling skills?”

“Peeling?”

“I was thinking baked apples for dessert would be really good.”

“What do I need to do?”

“Just take off most of the peel and then take out the core but don’t go through the bottom.”

They worked side by side in silence as Justin got the meat started and Brian finished the apples.  Justin tried to explain what to do next but when it wasn’t making sense to Brian, he stepped close to him and showed him how to stuff the apple with a few raisins and some butter.  “Then sprinkle it with cinnamon and we will finish it with a shot of whiskey. He handed the apple that was finished to Brian and then finished the second apple and set it in the pan with the first, he drizzled them with the whiskey.  Brian and Justin  both reached for the pan at the same time.  Brian’s hands rested over top of Justin’s.  He let go quickly but after Justin had set it in the oven, he turned and ran directly into Brian.

“Oh, sorry.” Justin looked up into Brian’s eyes.

“I’ve missed you, Sunshine.:” Brian gently touched his cheek. “These have been the worst three years of my….”  

GC barked softly and then he heard Aiden, “Dada?”

“I’m coming, son.”  Justin moved away from Brian.  “Are you ready for some dinner?”  When Justin reached for his boy he was shaking a bit. Damn, Brian still had that effect on him.  Even after three years…. 

Aiden reached up and patted Justin’s cheeks. “Dadada.”  Justin snuggled him close and Aiden gave him a sloppy kiss. 

“Well, Aid, we are going to have to get your chair out of its case.”

“Where is it? I can get it for you.” Brian offered. 

“I’m not sure where I stuck it.  Here,” he handed Aiden over to him and walked out of the room.  

Brian saw Aiden’s lower lip quiver.  “No, please don’t cry.  I don’t want your daddy to think I’m not father material.” Brian looked around the room.  Who the hell said that?  He had put Justin off when he mentioned having a baby.  If he had given into that they may still be together.   Aiden was whimpering a bit now.  “GC, come.” Brian hoped the dog would calm him and he was right.  As soon as Aiden saw him, he smiled. Brian sat on a chair so GC could rest his head on Aiden’s leg and Aiden patted his head.  

Brian bent and kissed the blonde head just as Justin walked around the corner.   His heart fluttered seeing Brian’s gentleness with his little boy.  “I found it.” He walked in with the chair that would hook on the edge of the table.  Aiden smiled up at him.  His first two teeth showed as he grinned.  

“Damn, but can you get any cuter than he is?” Brian commented as Justin got him in his seat.

“If you will stay there, I’ll get dinner.” Justin pulled the vegetables out of the oven and then the chicken.  He made two plates and then on a small plate added several bites of the soft potatoes and carrots. He also set a gravy boat down with chicken gravy to go on the meal.  Justin started cutting up pieces of the potatoes and carrots and, after blowing on them, he set them in front of his son.

Brian laughed as Aiden shoveled the food in his mouth.   “Sorry,” Justin apologized.  “We are starting to work on silverware but he is too tired tonight to make him try.”

“Hell, he has better manners than half my friends.” Brian looked into Justin’s eyes and swallowed hard. He wanted to move over the table and devour him. “Justin, I…”

“Brian, why don’t you try some of the gravy. I learned a trick living in Seattle that makes it better than anything I made in the past.”

“You’ve always been a great cook. If I think about the first time we were out here I would have starved to death.” Brian timed it out and as Justin reached for the gravy, Brian’s hand went over his.  He looked into his eyes, “Justin, why wouldn’t you respond to my messages?  I was an ass.  I know that now but I just wanted to talk to you.  I loved you and you just left me.  I told you I wasn’t husband material but you convinced me I was but then…”

Justin jerked his hand away.  “I can’t do this, Brian.  I just…. It has been a long day and soon I need to get Aiden down.  His schedule is all messed up.  Justin helped Aiden with a little more food and when he started to rub his eyes, Justin stood and took him out of the chair.  “I’m going to give him a bath.”

“Justin, you hardly ate.”

“I’ll heat it up later if I get hungry,” and with that he was gone.  

Brian cleaned up the kitchen and reminded himself to make Justin eat more when he came back.  He could see Justin had lost weight.  Although he was as gorgeous as ever, he looked tired and stressed. Who was the idiot he had been with that would let him get to this state. He heard Justin singing as he bathed his son and shortly after he heard the water drain and Justin moved through the living room and up the stairs.  GC followed them.  When Justin came down about ten minutes later, GC didn’t follow him.  

Brian glanced at the stairs and Justin said, “He is sleeping under the crib. He is such a great dog.  Once I decide where we are going to settle I will have to find him a dog of his own.”

“Oh, you aren’t planning on staying in Seattle?” Brian said as he walked into the kitchen and came back moments later with a plate of food and handed it to Justin.  “Eat.”

“Don’t start bossing me around.  We haven’t been married for three years and you know how well that went over when we were married.” Justin’s response was almost vicious.

“Whoa, Sunshine, I didn’t mean anything by that.”

“No, I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that harsh response.  If it wasn’t for you, who knows where we would be tonight.”

“You know I would never turn you away.  In fact…”

“Please, Brian, can you just let it go tonight.  I am just too tired to deal with this. I’m getting a migraine.  Any word on this storm? I think the rain has stopped, at least for now.”

Brian got up and turned on the scanner.  “This is usually more accurate for up here than the TV is.  It is pretty easy to figure out from the deputies' conversations.” Justin dropped his head onto the back of the chair.  They listened to the banter on the radio in silence for several minutes,  Brian finally said, “It sounds like I’m going to be here for an extra day or so.  But don’t worry.  They are usually very quick on the repairs so as soon as the rain stops they will be fixing it.” Brian stood and took the plate off of his lap.  Justin reflexively grabbed for it, thinking it was sliding off, “Sunshine, it’s all good. I have it.” Brian laid a hand on his thin shoulder for a moment.  

“You don’t have to take care of me,” Justin said softly.  “I am used to doing it myself.”

“Justin, you could always take care of yourself but please let me help you. Do you have your migraine meds?”

“Ya, it’s in the bag I have on the counter in the kitchen.”  Justin swallowed the pills when Brian handed them to him. The longer he sat there the more tired he was getting but the pounding in his head dulled slightly.  He just laid his head back and tried to relax.

Brian walked to the bathroom and started filling the tub with water.  If he had to he would undress him and put him in the tub but he remembered it sometimes helped him relax which in turn helped the headache.  He lit some candles and then turned off the water.  Brian walked back to find Justin sleeping right where he had left him.  “Come on, Sunshine, I have a bath ready for you.”

Justin wrapped his arms around Brian’s neck, “A bath? Ya, a bath sounds good. Aiden, what if my baby needs me?”

“I will listen for him and he has his nanny up there with him.” The closeness of Justin had Brian’s heart both speeding up and aching.  Let’s get you in the tub.  I put the heater on so you stay in as long as you want.  It won’t get cold and if you need anything, just call. Can you manage alone?” Brian’s hand was on Justin’s lower back and the heat of it was seeping into Justin’s very soul.

Justin swayed toward him for just a moment and then he pulled himself together. “Yes, thank you. I’ll be fine.” With that he entered the bathroom and closed the door.  Justin managed to get undressed and sank into the scented water Brian had prepared.  He loved this tub.  They had spent extra when they remodeled to have a big soaking tub. It even had a bit of a pillow built in. Justin drifted off as he felt the relaxing water soak into his tired muscles and his mind drifted.  He saw Brian holding Aiden but no it wasn’t Aiden, it was Gus.  He had missed Gus so much after he left.  Brian’s son wasn’t a huge part of their lives.  Lindsay and Mel were great parents but he could never forget that he was Brian’s son and, even though he wouldn’t admit it,  Brian would do anything for that boy.  Gus…..Brian…...he loved them both.

Justin woke with a start.  Brian was standing over him. “Get out of here! What are you….”

“Calm down, Sunshine.  I was worried about you.  I have been knocking on the door for about 5 minutes and you didn’t respond.”

“Oh, the meds….I fell asleep I guess.  I was dreaming about Gus.”

“Gus?”

“Yes.  I’ve missed him. If you leave me alone, I’ll get out of here and….damn, I didn’t grab my robe.”

“I’ll grab mine.  You can use it tonight. Just get out and I will hand it to you.”  Brian tried to keep his eyes on Justin’s face but he couldn’t help but notice how thin he really was.  He would talk to him about that tomorrow, he thought as he laid a towel next to the tub and walked out. 

Moments after Brian had handed his robe to Justin, Justin walked out of the bathroom.  He squinted at the hallway light so Brian turned it off.  “Are you alright up there alone with Aiden?”

Justin had to smile at his kindness, “I have done it many times, but you’re sweet for being concerned.”

“I have so many questions but not for tonight.  If you need anything, call for me.  Or send GC down to get me.”

Justin started to protest as Brian put an arm around him, helping him up the stairs, but realized he could make it alone but it was much easier with him.

After getting Justin in bed, he went to his own room downstairs.  When the groceries had come yesterday, Brian postponed his flight knowing Justin would be here soon.  He had missed him so much.  There wasn’t a day since Justin left that he hadn’t thought about him.  He knew he had screwed up but when Justin left town two weeks after he moved out, Brian lost all hope.  He just wanted Justin to be happy.  He heard after the divorce he had started dating and then he heard Justin was going to be a father.  That was something he had always wanted. 

It was because of him that he had a real relationship with Gus.  In fact, Gus had spent two weeks up here with him the last two years.  He knew he couldn’t imagine not having a relationship with him now.  He was almost 10 now and had such a great personality.  He made him laugh so much. Gus loved spending time with GC and seemed to enjoy spending time with him, his dad.

Gus still asked about Justin.  It had hurt him when Justin had left and, although Gus never mentioned it, he knew Gus talked to him a few times a year.  Justin called Lindsay and Mel just so he could keep in touch with him.

When Justin insisted on leaving he was sure he had lost his chance but maybe the gods really did believe they should be together.  He wasn’t sure how but Justin was going to hear him out and when he left he had to know if there was any hope for the two of them.  He lay in the room they made love for the first time.  They had updated the cabin but this room, although larger still had the same feel as it did when they were stranded here for so long.  Eventually, Brian drifted off to sleep and dreamt of Justin, Aiden, Gus, and himself here at the cabin with the boys playing with GC.

The sun was barely peeking over the mountains when Justin heard Aiden start to fuss.  “I’m coming baby boy.” He sat up slowly waiting for the pain to hit.  There was still a dull pain but it wasn’t debilitating.  Brian knew exactly what he needed last night. The steaming bath with the essential oil he had put into the water along with the candle light was just what he needed.  Justin walked to the crib and lifted him out.  “Ooo, someone needs a fresh diaper.” He undressed the little boy and after changing his diaper put on a fresh sleeper.  He knew he would put him in a bath later but for now he knew breakfast came first.  Aiden liked a morning bottle right away and then in an hour or two, some eggs would be requested.  

After getting his bottle ready, Justin sat in the rocker with Aid and as he drank, Justin dropped his head backward.  It surprised him when he felt a wet nose on his hand.  “Hey, GC. Where did you go last night? I bet you came downstairs and guarded all of us.” He stroked the dog’s head.  “Or did you keep Brian company.”

“Dada!” Aiden said when he noticed the dog and sat up. Justin set him on the floor and wrapped his blanket around him. He looked at the fireplace.  He hoped it would warm up later today but overnight there had been a light snow so this morning it was chilly.  Soon there was a blazing fire going.  Justin laid on the floor between Aiden and the flames and gave him some toys to play with although he was more interested in the dog than the toys.

Brian stood in the hall watching the scene unfold.  This is what he wanted. If Gus was here his life would be complete. GC perked up and looked toward the hall.  Justin followed his gaze.

Justin tensed up just looking at him. Brian stood there naked from the waist up, hair still tousled from the night’s sleep. His skin was slightly flushed and the fire was no longer the main reason for the heat. 

“How are you feeling?” Brian’s raspy, morning voice sent a shiver down his spine and straight to his loins.  Damn, it had been a long time since he had that feeling.   “Justin, you Okay?”

“Oh, ya, sorry.  “I am not too bad.  I have a little residual headache but not bad at all. If I take it easy today, it will be gone completely and since I have a babysitter,” he patted GC, “I’ll be able to.”

“Have you had coffee?”  Brian stretched.

“No, I just got Aiden’s bottle and sat.”

“I’ll make a pot.” A few minutes later, he brought out two large mugs.  Justin sat up and leaned against the sofa and Brian sat on the floor, leaning against the opposite end.  

Justin took a sip of the rich liquid. “You always made a good cup of coffee.” 

Brian took a careful swallow and looked over at him. He knew what he wanted to say.  He knew what he wanted to do but he didn’t want to anger him.  He didn’t know where his heart was right now.

“Dada,” Aiden crawled over to Justin and pulled himself up on the sofa.  Justin quickly set the cup down so he didn’t get splashed with the hot liquid and hugged his son tightly but Aiden would have none of it.  He held onto the sofa and walked toward Brian.

“It won’t be long and you will be chasing him everywhere.”

“I know.” There was a bit of sadness in his voice.

Brian reached the length of the sofa and helped Aiden walk to him, “Sunshine, what happened?”

“What happened? You mean between you and me or between me and Daklin.  I don’t have the energy.  How is Gus? He turned 10 last fall, right?”

Brian’s face lit up thinking about his son. “He was here about a month ago.  He loves it here with GC.  He told me he had talked to you just before he visited.  It is so nice of you to keep in touch with him.”

“I love him.  I would love to see him.  It has been almost two years since Mel and Lindz visited me in Seattle.  Dak and I had been together for just a few months and we were so….”  Justin stood and Aiden clung to the side of the sofa when Justin tried to pick him up.  “Do you mind watching him while I make him breakfast?  I’ll make some for us while I’m at it.”

Brian wrapped his arm around Aiden. “I’ve got him.  Take your time.” As Justin worked at the stove he listened to Brian, “So, Aid, my man, tell me what your dad’s been up to.  Has he been seeing anyone? I mean if you could put in a good word for me. Is he coming back to Pittsburgh so I can woo him back to my bed.  He already has my heart.”

Justin rolled his eyes.  Well, maybe a night in bed with Brian was just what he needed to get his hormones back under control and then when Brian left for home, he would be able to rethink his life.  Just the thought of having sex with him made him smile.  That decided it.  He was going to sleep with Brian….hell, he was going to get fucked blind….and then he was sure he would be able to think straight and decide what to do with the rest of his life.  Brian Kinney had hurt him so he wouldn’t fall for his bullshit again but damn, the sex would be amazing and Brian would be gone in a day or two.  Then he would be able to think clearly again and he would be able to decide what is best for him and Aiden.  

“Bri,” Justin used the familiar name he had used while they were together, “Can you bring Aiden in?  Breakfast is ready.”

As Justin took Aiden, he made sure his hand brushed Brian’s arm.  “I am going to go grab a shirt.”

Justin’s fingers trailed down Brian’s chest.  Damn, he thought, all of the sudden I am not cold at all.  He wasn’t sure what Justin was doing right now.  He was being pretty obvious but Brian didn’t care.  He would take any chance there was to get Justin back.  He never stopped loving Justin and Aiden, he looked so much like his daddy.  He would love to have him in his life.  Maybe he could be the father he never was with Gus at that age.  Oh, Gus, he would be so excited to have Justin back and to have a brother.

As Brian walked back into the kitchen he thought to himself, Let the game begin!