Chapter 8

“What happened? Did I do something? Oh, god!” Gus started melting down.  Justin’s arms went around him as they sat down in a small waiting room.  

“Sweetheart, don’t jump to any conclusions. Aiden is very weak.  His blood needs a boost. As soon as he is stable, we will be flying back to Pittsburgh.”

“Damn, I’ll have to go back to the cabin and pack up our things and get GC,” Brian just realized they didn’t have their things.

“Brian, I will gladly do that but I just realized I don’t know what you all brought along.  I might be able to figure out some of it but….”

“Ted, you don’t have to…” Brian said.

“Why don’t you make a list of the important stuff and I will go back right now and….”

“Thank you, Ted.  If the two of you hadn’t shown up…” Brian picked up a notepad that was on the table and a pen and started writing.

“Oh, Dad, this is all my fault.  Aiden could die and it is because I …. I’m a kid and you let me in charge of him!  I know I should have watched him but I didn’t and now…. I want to go home.  I want to see my moms.  I don’t want to be around any of you anymore!” As Gus started losing it he backed away from Justin.  “I want to go home!”

Victor walked in on the tail end of Gus’ rant.  Justin instantly stood and walked over to Brian.  “Victor….Aiden?”

“Aiden is fine.  When he moved to see Gus, his monitor wires came loose.  That was all it was.” Victor walked over to Gus and took his hands.  “Gus, you have been up a very long time.  You hiked through some very rough terrain.  I am guessing you haven’t eaten much if anything. Gus, let me give you a once over. You need some sleep and nourishment.  How would you like to share Aiden’s room while he’s here? You need to be with your brother. You are probably a little dehydrated, too.”  Victor gently guided Gus down the hall. 

Twenty minutes later Brian and Justin went into the room where both of their boys were now in beds.  Victor had them move the beds close enough together so they could hold hands.  Gus and Aiden were both asleep now.  

“Victor, is Gus alright?”

“Yes, he is a little dehydrated and he is very tired, both physically and emotionally. I gave him a little something to take the edge off and when breakfast arrives he should be awake again and feel like eating after this nap.”  Victor had to reach out and touch Ted who put an arm around his husband. Victor’s head rested on Ted’s shoulder for a second. “I would say, if all goes well, we should be able to fly home tomorrow. Physically, Gus will be fine by then.”

Ted told Victor he would be heading back to the cabin at daybreak to get the dog and personal effects.  “Not until you sleep a bit and eat as well.  Let me find you a bed.  It is a good thing this place is fairly empty.  I am sure I can find you a bed.”

As they walked out, Brian and Justin sat down on a couple straight chairs at the foot of their sons’ beds. It wasn’t long before they were resting against each other, realizing how tired they were as well. Brian made Justin put his head down on his lap and he slumped over top of him as they gave into fatigue.

When Brian sat up he ached all over.  He had to stretch but didn’t want to wake Justin.  As he shifted slightly Justin sat up slowly.  Brian thought the way he looked at that moment made him look like he was Gus’ age.  His blond hair was disheveled and his cheeks were flushed.  Brian reached out and smoothed his hair down a bit and then cupped the back of his neck and pulled him close. 

It had been so long since they had actually kissed. It wasn’t long before the kiss had gone to the next level. Justin had moved so he was stradling Brian and they both wanted, no, needed more.  Just soaking up each other’s body heat helped them regenerate.

“I love seeing you kiss,” a soft little voice said.  “Why is Gus in a hospital bed? Is he sick?” Aiden’s voice was full of concern.

Justin rushed to his side, “He is fine, Aiden.  He was just …”

“Hey, bro, I’m fine.  I was just really tired,” Gus said reaching for Aiden’s hand and squeezing it.  “I think Victor slipped me a mickey.  I was out but I am really hungry now.”

“I think breakfast will be here in a few minutes. I’ll go check with the nurses.” Brian walked over and kissed Gus and then Aiden before leaving the room.

“Can I do something for you, Mr. Kinney?” a young woman asked Brian.

“Our boys woke and are asking for breakfast.”

“I am sure it is almost ready but I will call the kitchen and see if we can get it delivered a little early.”

“Oh, I didn’t expect that.”

“We’re a small hospital.  It is pretty easy for us to make a few adjustments. I will get trays for you and your husband, too, and coffee?”

“Oh, bless you!” Brian touched the girl’s shoulder and she giggled.

“I’ll get it to you soon.”

Brian heard the girls react as he walked down the hall.  Maybe he hadn’t lost it yet. He was smiling when he walked into the room.  Justin had slid into bed with Aiden. His heart swelled and then stopped for a second realizing one or both of his boys could have been.

“Did I miss something?” Brian asked as he walked over to Gus and sat on the foot of his bed. 

“It seems like our boys shared an experience with a wolf on the mountain.” Justin commented.

“His name is Gray Wolf, Daddy,” Aiden said to Brian.  “He kept me warm and led me to the treehouse.  He and his friends  did.” 

Brian looked at Justin and then over to Gus, “And you saw these wolves, too?”

“I just saw one.  He was huge.  From what Aiden said it had to be the same wolf but he showed up when….I know this sounds crazy but I wasn’t sure which way to go and he led me to the stream so I could follow it up to Aiden.”

Aiden curled up against Justin again, “Why am I so tired, Daddy.  All I can do is sleep.”

“Well, baby, your body was without its medicine and you were cold and hungry.  As soon as you eat breakfast you can go back to sleep. We plan to fly home tomorrow.”

“I miss Grandma,” Aiden said sadly.

“Well, we can call her later so you can talk to her.”

“Ok,” and as Aiden said that the door opened and  a gentleman came in pushing a cart.  

“Good morning, men!” The man said, making Aiden giggle. “According to Dr. Victor you can eat anything you would like and as much as you like so the kitchen just made up a variety of selections so hopefully you can all find something you like.  If you need more of anything, just let us know.” He turned and looked at Brian and Justin, “I also have a pot of hot, fresh coffee and there is cream and sugar there.”

“Everyone has been so nice here.  Do you happen to know where Victor is?”

“He is actually helping our PA with an emergency that came in.  We could use a man like him here all the time.”

“Do you know where Ted is?” Brian asked.  “Victor’s husband.”

“Oh, he left about an hour ago.  Not sure where he went but…”

“We do,” Brian smiled, “Thank you.”

Justin was off the bed and started lifting lids. “Thank you so much for all of this,” Justin smiled at the man.

“If you two need a shower or a bed, I am sure we could find a room for you but, there is also a hotel just down the street, five minutes from here, that isn’t fancy but the rooms are clean and the water is hot. Let them know you have someone in the hospital and they give you a really good deal.”  With that he walked out of the room.  

Gus got out of bed and went to the bathroom before he looked at the food on the trays.  He took some eggs, pancakes and sausage. He sat on the bed and ate his food.  When he finished eating he said, “I’m going to take a shower. I feel disgusting.”  He had washed up a bit with Victor last night but now he just felt gross.

“I will find you a towel.” Justin was glad to see Victor when he got into the hall.

“How are our boys this morning?”

“Gus is ready for a shower.  Aiden is ready for a nap.”

“Did he eat?” Victor asked.

“Not as much as I would like. He just was too tired to…” 

“Justin, your boy is strong.  He has a bit of a road ahead again but …”

“He’s not out of the woods yet, is he?”

“He is doing well,” changing the subject, Victor said, “Let’s get you some towels.”

“Victor, just tell me one thing.  How long before you feel comfortable with telling me he’s good.”

“I can’t really answer that.  His numbers could all be back to his normal in a couple days but more likely it will be a little longer than that.”

“And Gus, he’s good, physically, right?”

“Yes, but he needs to talk to someone. If he is willing to be open, he should get through this easily with four caring parents.”

The day moved on.  They realized they needed to find a place for GC to stay until they left in the morning.  Brian called the hotel and explained the situation and they said GC was welcome in their hotel room so once Ted was back, Brian and Justin went to the hotel for a little while.  Ted assured them he would let them know if they were needed. Both Gus and Aiden were still sleeping most of the time, and Brian and Justin could use a couple hours of sleep themselves.

“I asked if they had a room with a large tub.  They laughed and said they did, so I am curious what they actually have. 

Brian went in and got a key card and directions to their room.  They parked at the nearest door and Brian grabbed a bag for each of them and Justin walked GC to their room.  Justin walked in ahead of Brian and started laughing.

“What is it, Sunshine?” Brian asked but then saw it.  In a corner of the room was a huge champagne glass bathtub with a staircase leading up to it.

Without another word, Justin ran up the steps and started the water and then began to slowly undress.  He tugged off his T-shirt and then he kicked off one shoe and it fell down the steps, and then the second shoe.  Brian tugged his shirt off and then his shoes.

As Justin started to undo his fly, Brian began to crawl up the stairs, one step at a time. When he got to the top step Justin was stepping out of his jeans and Brian began kissing his way up Justin’s well muscled leg. As his tongue began to lap at his inner thigh, his thumbs slipped up the waist of Justin’s briefs and tugged them down as he found his reward.

“Brian, I am filthy. I can’t remember the last time I really showered.  Let’s…”

Brian cut off his words by taking Justin’s now straining cock into his mouth.  Justin held onto the rail for balance as Brian leisurely kissed, licked, and nibbled on Justin’s erection.  

“Oh, Bri, that feels so….” and with that Justin climaxed with a shout.  GC yipped, in response to Justin’s excitement.  Justin then sort of melted and Brian offered his hand as Justin stepped down into the tub.  Brian quickly finished undressing and slipped into the tub with him. The men spent the next half hour touching and kissing.  They relaxed and washed each other. They dried each other off as the water went down slowly.  They fell into bed together and in moments, after the relaxation in the tub, they slept.

The wake up call came late in the afternoon.  They had told the boys they would bring pizza for dinner, after clearing it with Victor.  And once they got to the hospital, Ted and Victor were coming to the hotel for a night of sleep.  They assured Brian and Justin they would let GC out before they went to bed for the night in case Brian and Justin stayed at the hospital all night.

Brian, Justin, and the boys had a quiet evening.  They managed to get Aiden to eat a piece of pizza before he went back to sleep. Brian went and found a deck of cards and they played cards with Gus for a couple hours.  Finally, Gus said, “Dads, I know you are hanging around here for me but I told Cass, I would chat and then I will either go to sleep or watch a movie. Oh, and I need to email my moms.”

“We get it.  You are tired of all this parent time.”

“I don’t mean….

“Gus, call us if either you or Aiden need us,” Justin said.

“I will.  I’m fine, really and you know he will just sleep.” Gus’ voice had a depressed quality but they knew he still had a lot to work through and maybe Cass was just what he needed right now. After hugs, Brian and Justin left the hospital for the short trip to the hotel.

Gus quickly emailed his moms and told them he would be home tomorrow night. He said he would be staying at their house.  He told them he didn’t care who was or wasn’t there but he couldn’t deal with their fighting, not right now.

Next, he decided to call Cass. “Oh, Gus, is that really you?  Where have you been? I thought you would be home by now?”

“God, I wish you were here.  I really wish we …. Well you know.  I miss kissing you so much.”

“Gus, why didn’t you come home yesterday, like you were supposed to?””

Gus told her all about Aiden getting lost and how they searched for two day and then how he found him yesterday morning.

“Oh, Gus, that was so dangerous but so brave. How is your brother?”

“He’s not very good,” his tone went sullen. “I’m still really worried about him.  When I get home I am going back to my moms’ house so my dads can focus on Aiden.  It could be a long time before everything gets balanced again.”

“And this all happened because we were texting?”

“It happened because I’m a screw up.”

“You’re not a screw up, Gus.  I am sure you never stopped tracking him for more than a couple seconds.  What does Aiden say?”

“He blames himself but I don’t want him to do that. I was in charge.  I will never do that again.  I just can’t risk Aiden’s life again because I am an asshole.” 

Cass, thinking about how happy Gus had been the last time they chatted asked,“Are your fathers telling you to do that, to move in with your mom? We both know Mel isn’t living at that house.”

“No, I haven’t told them yet but it is just better. And when Aiden is going through a rough spot I usually move in with my moms.  They figure they can’t give me much attention when he is sick.”

“Babe, you know how much happier you have been with them, right? I just don’t want you to get back in with those jerks you were hanging out with.”

“They aren’t that bad.  And they are always there for me,” Gus was getting a little upset but he lowered his voice, not wanting to wake up Aiden.

“I’m here for you, Gus,” Cass tried to calm him a bit and changed the subject.  “I can’t wait to see you.”

“I will let you know when I get home.  We are taking a private medical plane so we don’t have a specific schedule.  Cass, I love you.  I want to be with you tomorrow.”

“Let me know when you are in the city.  I would love to see you tomorrow. I can’t wait to be with you, either.”  With that the call ended.

“Gus, who were you talking to? Was it your girlfriend?”  Aiden held out his hand and Gus took it.

“Yes, it was.” 

“When can I meet her? She sounds nice.”

“She is very nice.  I hope you will get to meet her very soon.  You just need to get healthy and strong again and she will come and visit.”

“Ok, Gus.  Where are Daddy and Big Daddy? I hope they are getting some sleep.”  

“That is exactly what they are doing.  If you need anything, just wake me up.”

“You are always there for me, Gus.  I love you.”

Gus swallowed hard, “I love you, too, Aiden,” but he kept hearing the word ‘always there for me’ over and over in his head as he drifted off to sleep.

Brian and Justin had fallen into bed and slept.  Justin woke after midnight and called the nurses station and he was assured the boys were both sleeping soundly.  

Brian reached over and rested a hand on Justin’s hip, “The boys?”

“They are sleeping,” Justin reached over and touched Brian’s cheek moving closer.  As he did so, Brian’s hand came to rest on Justin’s ass and he pulled Justin against him. A shiver ran through both of them and it was only a matter of seconds before they both had slipped off their briefs and they both began to stroke each other and kiss.  Justin began to take control and soon he was sitting astride Brian and linking fingers with him and moving his hands above his head, Justin’s mouth and tongue continued to probe and tantalize until Brian begged for something, anything more.

Justin rolled over taking Brian with him and after placing one leg on Brian’s shoulder and the other off to the side.  Brian positioned himself and locking eyes with Justin, moved into him.  He saw the moment of pain cross his face but then the euphoria of having Brian inside him while Brian’s mouth claimed his. 

“Harder, Brian, god I need…” he didn’t have to ask again.  Brian moved quickly and forcefully, making Justin’s whole body move on the mattress. When Justin gave up control so did Brian and together they shouted and Brian collapsed down on him as GC’s head popped up and rested on the bed, making sure his masters were both safe. 

As Brian rolled off Justin he reached over and patted his head. “We’re good, boy.  Go back to sleep.” The dog followed direction and went back to the patch of rug he had been sleeping on. Brian pulled Justin close. “I didn’t realize how badly I needed that.”

“Can we be sure both our boys are alright?” Justin asked Brian, not letting his concern go.

“We both know it may take a while before Aid is back to full strength.  Hopefully after a couple more transfusions the medication will work again.”

“And Gus?  I think he is going to need real help.  He was just gaining some of his inner strength but from what I can see that is gone.  He will probably fight that and I can’t see his so-called friends helping but maybe Cass will be someone he will trust and go to.”

Brian kissed Justin’s forehead.  “I will contact her in the morning. I just want to make sure she understands what has happened. Maybe her maturity will be helpful in the long run. Now, let’s sleep a couple more hours before we check out.”  

“I love you, Bri. 

“Love you, Sunshine.” Brian kissed him once more before drifting off.

It was a very long day for everyone.  Victor and Ted made everything move smoothly.  Ted had everything loaded on the plane and had arranged for the rental car to be picked up at the small private airstrip. By 10:00 a.m. the plane was in the air with Victor, Ted, Brian, Justin, Gus, and Aiden, along with GC on it.  Aiden was so excited to see GC and GC didn’t leave his side. Victor stayed very attentive to Aiden but spent time with Ted also.  

When Victor was checking Aiden’s vitals, Brian sat down next to Ted. He didn’t say anything for a time but then he said, “I don’t know what we would have done without you and Victor the last several days. I am not sure Aiden would be with us if Victor hadn’t gone up the mountain and we could have never coordinated everything without you, Ted.” Brian’s voice broke a little.

“Brian, you have always been there for me. If you hadn’t hired me when you did, I may not be here at all today. Drugs were becoming more important than they should, and you knew that and still trusted me with your company’s finances.  I will always be here, Brian.”

“That’s what makes you so special, Ted.  You say it and mean it.” Brian hugged Ted.

“Excuse me, but I think you are hugging the wrong husband,” Victor smiled down on Brian and Ted.

Brian stood and patted Victor’s shoulder, “He’s all yours as long as you let me have him during the day at work.”

Victor took the seet, “As much as I know he loves me, making him quit work might be the one thing that he would refuse me and I would never ask him to do that.”

“You are the best.  How’s my boy?”

“He’s stable. It is just going to take his body time to get back into sync.”

Brian started to head back to Justin but then glanced at Gus.  He sat in the back with headphones on and his eyes shut.  Victor had already contacted a psychologist that specialized in teens. They would fit Gus in by the end of the week. He hadn’t talked to his son about that yet.  He walked over and sat next to him.  Gus jumped as his dad brushed a wisp of hair off his forehead.

“Oh, hey,” he took off the headphones.  “How much longer?”

“Probably about an hour and a half. How are you doing, Gus? I know we have been so distracted with everything. I feel like we haven’t given you the time…. Have I even said how amazing you are? You risked everything to find your brother, which by the way, don’t ever do again! We were so scared for both of you but we knew you could make it.  We knew you were strong and smart and would find your way but that didn’t make it easier for both of you to be gone.” Brian put his arm around Gus, who for just a moment leaned into him.

“I had to do it,” Gus said in a whisper.  “I let him get lost.”

“Gus, Justin and I know how much you love him.  We know you would never have done anything that would hurt him. We know how much you love your brother.  You can’t hold this over your own head.  There is no reason to.”

“I wish it was that easy. Everytime I close my eyes I see him so pale and so tired.  That is my fault.  That isn’t easy to let go of.”

“Gus, we want you to talk to someone, someone that will help you process all of it.”

“Dad, I just need to be home and see Cass, and I will be fine. I already told my moms I was going to be back there tonight.”

“No, Gus.  You are supposed to live with us for the summer.”

“Dad, you will need to focus on Aiden.  You don’t know how long he will be in the hospital or how long he will need special care.  I’m not leaving you.  I am just trying to make it easier for you.  I will come over a lot.  I just don’t want you worrying about what I am up to or if I am getting enough attention.”

“Gus, we can talk about that.  I appreciate you thinking about your brother, ahead of yourself.  I don’t want you to think you can’t stay with us.  We love you as much as we love your brother.  You know that, right?”

“I do, Dad.  I’m not sure why you do, but I know you mean it.”

Brian held his son for several minutes.  He knew Gus was right but he didn’t want him to go back into his mothers’ nightmare.  Hopefully, they had gotten things worked out because if they did anything that would hurt his boy… “I love you so much, Gus. You are part of my heart.” Brian sat there a few more minutes before he stood and Gus put his headset back on.

“What were you and Gus talking about?” Justin asked as he put his arms around Brian who had taken the seat next to him.

“Gus told his moms he was moving back in with them for now.  He realizes that Aiden will take up a lot of our time and he doesn’t want us to feel guilty when we can’t be with him.”

“Did you tell him about talking to the psychologist?” Justin kissed Brian’s cheek.

“I did but maybe we need to wait a few days.  I will give Lindz the information and have her talk to him about going as well as Cassandra.  I would feel better if I had already spoken to her.  I wish I knew if she was a mature 22 year old or a childish one.”

“He said he would come often so we will keep an eye on him and I think he will go, once everything settles down.”

“Are you sure going back….”

“I am sure now is not the time to argue this with him.”

“You’re right.” Justin’s finger trailed down Brian’s jawline and at his chin he turned him to face him directly.  He brought his lips gently against Brian’s.  I love you. If it wasn’t for you,I would have gone crazy the last several days.”

“It just shows we can do anything together.”

Before they realized it the plane was landing and Ted had made sure there were two hired cars there to get them all home. Gus had a message from Lindz saying she would be at the house about the time they arrived and then she would take him home.  Gus was already planning to leave for Cass’ apartment.  He needed to hold her.  He needed to feel her lips on his and he needed to feel her body against him. Gus flushed when he realized he had a boner. He just moved his bag in front of him so no one would notice.

Aiden and Justin went straight to the hospital along with Victor to get him checked in while Brian went with the boys and GC to make sure everything got put into the house before he drove himself back to the hospital. Ted had just left when Lindsay arrived. Gus was upstairs packing some things to go home with her, so Brian wanted to take the opportunity to talk to her for a few minutes without Gus around.

“Oh, Brian, how is Aiden? Is he here?” Lindsay gave Brian a big hug.

“No, he and Justin are in the hospital.  He will have to stay there a few days for sure.  Lindz, before Gus gets down here I want to talk to you.  Justin and I do not blame our son for what happened but he blames himself.  Victor has someone for him to see but he says he will be fine.  Please, keep an eye on him and if at all possible, keep him away from that gang of friends if at all possible.  I don’t think he needs their negativity.”

“Brian, you know how hard it is to keep someone away from their friends and Mel will never follow through with that.”

“Well, let him see them but follow through with curfews and how many nights he can go out.”

“Brian, don’t tell me how to parent our son.  I have had him a lot more of his life than you have,” Lindsay snapped.

“Will you two stop.  I don’t need you two fighting, too.” He looked at  his dad and then his mom.   He walked over to her and gave her a hug. “I’m ready to go.”

“Gus, I will talk to you tomorrow,” Brian hugged Gus.  “Please, take it a little easy and anytime you are ready to come back here you are welcome.”

“I will, Dad.  Tell Aiden I will come see him tomorrow.”

“I’ll let him know.” Brian helped carry one of the bags out to the SUV. “Lindsay, I am sorry if I…. it has been a very long five days.”

“I understand, Brian,” She kissed his cheek.  “I will take care of Gus.”

Gus had barely gotten settled back in his room when Lindsay said goodnight.  He texted Cass and waited long enough for her to fall asleep and then he slipped out the back door.  Cass met him at the corner and they drove to her apartment. Gus rushed around her car and opened the door for her.  As soon as she took his hand his body was quivering.  He pulled her close and kissed her.  His hands were slipping under the hem of her shirt so she could feel her warm skin under his fingers.

As his hands moved upward, she stopped him, “Gus, let’s go inside.  You can have one glass of wine and tell me all about your last week.  Or don’t tell me about it but I think you need to relax and we don’t need to be seen out here.”

Once they were in the apartment, Gus again took her in his arms, “Cassandra, I missed you so much.  My dads know about you and they want to meet you.  They seem cool with you.  They don’t want me to see the gang but I need someone to mess around with, unless you will let me mess around with you,? Gus grinned at her as his hand moved under her skirt and began to stroke her through her lace thong.”

“God, Gus, I missed you, too,” Cass’ body betrayed her but she managed to pull herself together again and away from him, “Tell me, my brave warrior, about the trek you took through the woods to rescue your brother.”

And with that, Gus wrapped his arms around his beautiful girlfriend and told her about his hike in the woods, not leaving anything out.