Chapter 2

Gus and JR sat silently.  JR had just dropped a bomb and Gus wasn’t sure what to do with it. “Um, JR, have you talked to Uncle Victor and Uncle Ted? Do they know something happened?”

“When RayMan called me last night, I could hear he was scared.  His dad was drunk and he didn’t make a lot of sense but he was scared and he didn’t want him to come to his room.  I know I should have told them what I was afraid of but I told them he was scared because his dad was drunk.”

“JR, you don’t have to tell me what happened but did you ever… Hell, I don't know what I’m trying to say.” Gus moved a little closer to him.  “What can I do to help?”

“Can you give me a hug? Gus dropped to his knees in front of JR and wrapped his arms around him. JR held on tight  and, although he was crying softly he seemed calm in Gus’ arms. Gus wasn’t sure why but he kissed the side of JR’s cheek.  JR lifted his head and turned to look at Gus.  “I know, Gus, that you aren’t into guys but that was really sweet.”

Gus wasn’t sure what possessed him but he brushed his mouth over JR’s and before either of them realized it, the kiss had deepened. They both shifted and pressed against each other’s chests. “Oh, Gus, I… we shouldn’t do this.”

Gus moved back, “JR, I didn’t mean to do that.  I didn’t mean to play on your emotions.  I’m not sure why I did.”

“I’m not sorry you did.  I am not some silly girl that thinks because you kissed me we’re in love.  I have to say, you are a damn good kisser and any time you want to kiss me…” JR was back to his old self.  He winked at Gus.

Gus blushed a bit.  “You aren’t half bad yourself. I had never kissed someone with, well, lips the size of yours and I liked it.” Gus stopped a second, “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

“Gus, it sounded like you like my lips.  I’m good with that.”

Gus got serious, “JR, you should talk to them. You may not know you’re hurt but Victor is a doctor and it probably wouldn’t hurt you to talk to someone.”

“Ya, you’re probably right.”

“If you want me to be with you when you do it, I’ll come,” Gus smirked, “Come hold your hand.” They both laughed but then Gus added, “Is Raymond Ok?”

“Ya, he said the asshole hit him a couple times and in the past he had done the same thing but he never really hurt him.”

“I’m glad.”

“I better go check on him.” Gus followed him out and together they opened Gus’ door.  Gus took out his phone and had to take a picture of what he saw.  All three kids were sound asleep on the bed with an arm draped over the one next to them.  Gus took several pictures and then they stepped back out of the room. He flipped through the photo gallery. “JR, look at Ray’s face.  He looks so peaceful.”

JR put his head on Gus’ shoulder, “Send that to me, Ok?  It will show Mom he is all right. She feels so guilty. She shouldn’t.  I mean he was with his father but now he will be with me, and Victor and Ted are so great.  Hopefully, RayMan will get to stay with us.”

“He will be really lucky if he does.  He will have three men watching out for him.”

Mid afternoon the house cleared out.  Aiden sat out on the patio while Brian and Justin sat on the sofa.  “How is the foot doing?” Brian kissed Justin.

“It finally quit pounding. And at least the way he wrapped it helps me walk with a little less pain. My ass still hurts where he gave me the shot.”

“Oh, please may I kiss it and make it better.” Brian pushed Justin down on the sofa and tugged at his pants.

“Oh, god, please! Not in the family room.” Gus groaned as he pushed Brian’s legs out of his way and dropped into a chair. “What’s for dinner?”

Justin looked over at their son, “Gus, is something wrong?”

“Na, just thinking about JR and Raymond. Did Ted and Victor say anything about last night?”

“Not a lot.  Your mom told them they shouldn’t talk about it until the placement is official. What they did say was JR probably saved his brother from a lot of pain both physically and mentally.” Justin smiled  at him as he rested a hand on Brian’s upper thigh.

“Dads, I’m not sure what happened but I think Ray’s dad might have done something to JR when he was younger.”

“Are you sure?” Brian moved Justin’s hand which had been brushing against his cock making it hard, and hard to focus.

“I didn’t pry and I  got a bit distracted after we kissed and we looking in on the kids and…”

Justin raised his hand. “Wait.  Stop. Did you just say kissed? Do you mean you were a friend and kissed his cheek or…”

“That was how it started but, well…” Gus shrugged.

“What are you trying to tell us, Gus?”

“I don’t know.  I just wanted to let you know it happened and I didn’t hate it but neither of us are saying we are boyfriends and I am not saying I’m gay or bi or solely straight.  I comforted a friend and,” he shrugged.

“You’re a good friend, Gus.” Justin stood and cringed.  Brian pulled him back. “It’s time to start getting something ready for dinner and Aiden should come in and…”

“I’ll go check on Aid and GC.  Dad,” he looked at Brian, “We have a lot of pizza left from last night.  Why don’t you just turn on the oven and throw it on a couple cooking sheets. It will be warmed up in about 15 minutes.” He then looked at Justin, “We can take care of you for a change, Dad.” And he walked out the back door.

“Damn, that is a good kid.  I am glad he got back on track,” Justin said as he watched Gus drop next to his little brother.

“We have two great kids.” Brian dropped over the back of the sofa and his head landed on Justin’s lap. “I love you.  I don’t think I told you about Cal.”

“Cal?”

Brian told Justin about the retired neighborhood watch guy in Seattle. “He said he knew Daklin and they had researched him and found nothing but he also said he just didn’t like the guy.  He said he would keep an eye on his place.”  Brian got up and turned on the oven.  He pulled out the leftover pizza and some sheet pans. He put the pizza on the sheets and put the pans in the oven, setting the timer for 15 minutes.  Brian walked back and dropped down next to Justin.

“He must be a good judge of character.  I didn’t see it until after we were married but he just always seemed like he was guilty of something and, of course, he was when he fucked around.”

“We probably will never hear from him but I gave him my card.” Justin ran his fingers through Brian’s hair and then, watching the boys outside the door, he slipped his hand into Brian’s pants and Brian became speechless for a moment.  “Damn, I want to make love to you so bad.” Brian kissed him.

“Well, I am priming the pump.  After the pizza we can spend some time with Aiden.  Maybe we can let him have a bath in our big tub.  He always likes that.”  Justin felt how hard Brian was getting. He pinched his balls and Brian’s yipped.

“Fuck, that hurt.”

“Just didn’t want you to forget where we were.”

“Damn, has that ever happened?”  As Brian started to press Justin backward the oven alarm sounded.  “Shit!”

Brian got up and waved at the boys.  As Brian pulled out the pans, Gus came in with Aiden squealing over his shoulder. He set Aiden on the counter near but not too close to the pizza pans.  Brian got a piece of pizza on a plate for Aiden and started lifting him down.  Aiden wrapped his arms around Brian’s neck and gave him a big kiss. “I love you, Big Daddy.”

Brian hugged him tightly.  “I love you so much, Aiden.” When Aiden loosened his grip Brian set him down and carried his pizza to the coffee table by Justin.  “What do you want to drink?”

Aiden looked at Brian and said, “I’ll have a beer.” There was a stream of giggles from Aiden while Brian and Justin had their mouths wide open.

Aiden looked at Gus, “Did I do it ok?”

Gus raised a thumb in the air. “Oh, hey, I just saw Cassandra go into her place.  We have plenty of pizza.  I will see if she wants any.” He was out the door with a two slice sandwich.

Brian came and handed Justin a plate with four slices.  He then came back with two beers and a glass of milk. “Did your brother put you up to that?” Brian asked Aiden.

“It was funny, wasn’t it, Daddy?” Aiden looked at Justin.

“Yes, it was funny,” Justin laughed.

“What shall we watch?”  Justin asked and together they planned their evening.

Gus caught the door and called up the steps, “Hey, Cass, want some pizza? It is left over but we heated it up.”

“No thanks, but you can come up if you want.”

As he got to the top of the stairs he felt a little sheepish. It wasn’t the first time he had seen her since their thing but he wanted to get over this edgy feeling he felt. “Hey,” he said softly.

“Hey, Gus, did you have a nice time in the mountains?”

“Ya, I really did.” He couldn’t seem to look at her directly.

“Gus, I thought we had gotten past this.”

“I know. I don’t know why...I mean I still really like you but I know what we were doing…”

“Yes, it is nothing I am proud of either and I really hope we can be friends since I am living here.”

Gus smiled at her, “Sure, I hope the same thing.” Gus dropped into one of the chairs and said, “Oh, by the way, if you are willing, you might be helping with another kid, too.  You remember JR?”

“Sure, he’s a great kid but doesn’t need a babysitter,” she smiled at him.

Gus laughed, “You know he is living with Ted and Victor, right?”

“Ya, I heard that.  His mom went back to school, right?”

“Well, his little brother, Raymond, is living there now.  He is a year older than Aiden and he was living with his dad and…” Gus stopped talking.

“What is it, Gus?” She sat down next to him.

“I don’t know exactly.  His dad had been doing something but I am not sure what. But Cass, whatever was going on, that guy hurt JR, too.  How can people be so shitty? He’s my friend and he’s hurting. How…”  Gus put his arms around Cassandra and she hugged him.

“Gus, you are a great friend.  Just let him know you are there if he wants to talk.  Do Ted and Victor know?”

“Not details but they are happy to have Ray with them.” Gus sat back and looked at Cass, “I’ll be there if he needs me.”

“I know you will and if I can help let me know.”

“Thanks, oh by the way, I don’t know what you have planned tomorrow but if you want to hang at the house or with Aiden, Justin hurt his foot yesterday and is having trouble walking on it so if you’re around.”

“What happened to his food?”

“I didn’t want to ask if it happened during sex but somehow a vase got broken and he stepped on some glass.  Victor looked at it and said it will be fine in a couple days but I can tell it really hurts him.”

“I’ll come over tomorrow. Now tell me about that amazing cabin.”

Gus and Cass talked for another couple hours about the trip and the new cabin that was going to be built and about the wolf.

“That sounds so amazing and the pictures you showed me, I would love to go to a place like that.”

“I bet we could make that happen.”

“Bri, he’s sound asleep. Can you carry him up? I don’t think I could manage that today.”

“I’ll come back and help…”

“I can manage getting up there myself. It will just take me a little bit.  Why don’t you put him down and when you’re done, start the bathtub.  Victor says it is good to soak it and we might as well have some fun while I do it.”

Brian kissed him and then hoisted his sleeping son into his arms. Aiden put his arms around his daddy’s neck in his sleep. “Take your time, love. Call if you need help on the steps.”

“I will, Bri.  Love you.”

“I love you, too.” 

As Justin got up, Gus walked in the back door.  “Oh hey! Did you have a nice time with Cass?” Justin tried to sound casual as he limped to the counter but Gus heard his concern.

“Dad, we didn’t do anything more than talk. I told her about Ray. I hope that was ok.”

“Sure, Gus. We would have talked to her next time we saw her.”

Justin and Gus threw away the remains of the pizza and when Justin started washing the pan, Gus took it from him, “Why are you standing on your sore foot?”

“Because I couldn’t carry Aiden up the steps and I wasn’t going to leave this until morning.”

“You go up to dad.  This will only take me like two minutes and Cass is coming over tomorrow to help with Aiden so you can take it easy.”

“It really does feel better than it did. It is pounding now but I think tomorrow it will be much better.”

“I’ll check the locks and turn on the alarm before I come upstairs.”

Justin hugged Gus and kissed his cheek, “I love you, Gus, and I am so proud of you.”

“Love you, too, Dad.”

Justin hobbled up the steps slowly. He could hear the water running and when he got to the top of the steps he could smell their favorite scent of lavender and sandalwood. Justin shut the door behind him and pulled off his shirt. As he undid his fly, he heard the water shut off and then Brian walked out of the bathroom naked.

“Let me help you with those,” Brian’s lips slid from  Justin’s neck to his shoulder and as Justin leaned into him, Brian pushed his shorts down.  “Sit down, and I will get them off your feet.” As Brian made sure the shorts were out of the way, he helped him onto his feet.  He let his hands slide down Justin’s back and rested on his ass. “You are so gorgeous.” Just feeling Justin’s body against him, he was hard as a rock.

Justin kissed him once more and said,“Let’s get in that tub.” 

Brian helped Justin in the tub and then removed the bandage on his foot and Justin gently lowered it into the water before Brian got in and slipped behind him. “I am glad we had this tub made as big as we did. Brian slid his arms under Justin’s and linked them around his waist, making it very easy to rest them on Justin’s cock.  Brian’s stroking took his mind off his throbbing foot and for the moment he rested his head back on Brian’s shoulder, kissing his neck and jaw.

“Gus came in before I came up.”

“He was with Cass all this time?”

“Yes, but he said they are just friends now and I believe him. I am sure it is tempting to slip but I think both of them know that isn’t wise.  He really is such a good kid.  I know this stuff with JR is really affecting him.  He is such a good friend.” Justin had to move against Brian’s hand by that time. Brian felt him trembling.

“Let go. Just relax and let go.” Brian moved one arm so it was over Justin’s shoulder and he began to stroke his chest and played with his nipples. Justin turned his face and Brian met it. Between Brian’s hands and the passion of the kiss, Justin soon climaxed as his whole body trembled.  Brian tightened his arms around him and held him close for several minutes before either said a word.

Finally Justin turned to kiss him again. “God, I love you. How did I ever leave you?”

“You left me because I was an idiot and when I came to my senses, you were already married to Him. When through my sources I knew you were on your way to the cabin five years ago, I knew I had to win you back. The last five years have been the happiest in my life, even with family trouble.”

“Brian, I want you so bad. I want you deep inside me. I want to feel every inch of you, along with the pain!  Please, don’t make me wait.”

“Get on your knees.  It’s a little slippery but we have never questioned the issues that come with our love. We can make anything work.”  Justin moved carefully so he didn’t hit his foot on anything as he moved into position. Then it was Brian’s turn to position himself behind him.  He first bent and kissed the light bruise from the earlier shot. But then he moved on and his tongue trailed down the valley between the beautiful globes.  When he got to the small bud it opened easily for his finger.  It often amazed him how something so small could take an entire cock and then went right back to its small size.  His finger grazed Justin’s prostate, knowing from the way Justin arched that he had found the right place. After a little more exploration, Brian positioned himself and putting his cock at the entrance, he pressed inward. He felt Justin relax to take him and then sigh when the wave of discomfort passed. Justin strained backward and Brian moved in and out.  He couldn’t restrain himself and began moving faster, slamming hard against him and when he exploded he dropped forward to feel Justin’s back against his chest. He kissed Justin’s back and neck as he tried to get his breath.  As he did so his hands again wandered down to Justin’s dick and stroked until he felt Justin tightened around his now deflated cock still buried inside.  They both groaned at the feeling each had. As Justin came again, Brian absorbed the pleasure of the contractions around him. 

“Damn, I’m getting old.  I can’t stay on my knees any longer.” Brian moved out of him and started running a little more water. “We may as well clean off in warm water.” They went back to their previous position and Brian wrapped his arms around Justin’s shoulders. They sat for another 10 minutes just relaxing in the feel of the other.  

“Bri, I think I better get out.  I need to rewrap, or should I say, you need to rewrap my foot.”

“Is it hurting?”

“I feel like a wimp but it just keeps pounding.”

“I am sure I have something that will help you forget that.  I have a joint or two of high grade.  We could share it.”

“It will be fine once I’m laying down. Oh, and Cass is going to come help part of the day tomorrow.  Gus told her about my foot and about Raymond.” Brian got out and actually picked Justin up out of the tub. Their wet bodies slid against each other as he set him down. 

“Sit,” Brian said and pointed to a little stool they kept in the bathroom.  He handed a towel to Brian and after quickly drying himself off, he helped Justin finish.  Then together they slowly walked to their bed.  They both got in and pulled the blanket up.  Brian pulled something out of the drawer next to his bed.  “Take this.”

“Brian, it isn’t so bad.  I don’t want to take something that will…”

“My love, it is only an over the counter pain killer with a sleep aid.” Brian popped it in Justin’s mouth and gave him a bottle of water.

“Thanks, Brian, I love you.”

“I love you, too. Now come here so I can hold you close.” Moments later Brian was sound asleep.  Justin hoped that pill kicked in soon. He kept thinking about Daklin and Aiden. He really wasn’t afraid his sweet boy would be taken away but what worried him was that Dak would get visitation and be able to take him out of the city. It would kill him to know that...And his mind shut down.

Justin dreamed of Daklin getting summer visitation.  In his mind he saw Daklin and Aiden get on a plane and the next thing he saw was Aiden in a hospital with no one at his side.  Daklin was in the hall flirting with a doctor while Aiden was the same color as the sheets.  A man in a white coat walked in and he heard Aiden say, ‘You aren’t Victor’. Then in the dream Aiden started crying and Daklin came in and told him to shut up. 

“Justin, wake up.  You’re having a bad dream.” Brian pulled him into his arms and although Justin wasn’t really awake he clung to Brian. “Sleep, love. I will protect you.”

In his drug induced sleep, Justin mumbled, “Protect Aiden.” 

“I will give my life for him and you.” Brian said, kissing Justin’s cheek and then going back to sleep himself.

Justin woke up to an empty bed. He put his feet on the floor and slowly stood up.  He still felt a twinge but it was much better than it had been. He had learned the day before that wearing shoes seemed to help so he pulled on some shorts and a tee before putting on some boat shoes that were heavily padded. When he stepped out in the hall, he heard Brian and Aiden talking downstairs.

“Big Daddy, are you sure you know how to make an omelette?” Justin could see him sitting in the middle of the kitchen island far enough away from the stovetop so he couldn’t get splattered but close enough to see what his daddy was doing.

“Yes, I know how to make an omelette.  They are just lazy scrambled eggs, just pour them in and let them sit. What do you want in it?”

“Cheese!”

“Nothing else? You don’t want onions or broccoli?”

“Do we have onions and broccoli?” Aiden asked.

“I don’t think so.”

“I like broccoli and onions.”

“And you eat them when we do have them,” Justin said as he strode in and wrapped his arms around Aiden.  “Good morning, Aiden.” Justin kissed him and then moved on to Brian and brought his hand up to his cheek and kissed him. The kiss went deep and long.

“Daddy, don’t distract him.  He’s making my breakfast.”

Brian looked at him, “How are you this morning?”

“I’m good.  My foot is getting better every day.”

“Ok, Aiden, sit on the stool and I will give you your food.”

Aiden slid into his seat and Brian set a plate in front of him with toast and his omelette and then he took Justin in his arms and kissed him again but then brought his mouth to Justin’s ear, “Do you remember your dream last night?”

“I dreamed?”

“You were agitated and I think scared.”

“Did I actually say anything?”

“The only thing I could understand was to protect Aiden.”

Justin thought for a moment and then it all came back to him. “Oh, ya.” He noticed Aiden listening to them.  “We’ll talk later. Now, how about an omelette? Aiden hasn’t fallen off of his stool yet.  It must be safe.” Brian swatted Justin’s ass hard enough for Aiden to hear the smack.

“Big Daddy! Don’t hit Daddy.”

“It’s Ok, Aid,” Justin said as he sat down next to him. “He didn’t hurt me and it is sort of a game we play sometimes.”

I promise you, Aiden, I would never hit your father to hurt him.”

“Ok,” Aiden shrugged, so trusting of the adults he loved.  He finished eating and as soon as he slipped off his stool, GC was at his side.  “Daddy, GC wants to go outside.  Can I go out in the yard with him?”

“Yes, just take it a little easy.  How are you feeling today?”

“I am feeling pretty good.  I know I will be ready for school on Tuesday.”

“I am sure you will be ready, too. Tomorrow Ted and Victor are coming over with Raymond.  He will give you a quick once over just to be sure you are ready.  And Raymond will be spending time here after school with you and Cass.  How does that sound?”

“I like Raymond.  He is kind of quiet but he doesn’t know me yet.”

“You are so smart.  I bet soon you will be best friends,” Brian said as he set a plate in front of Justin and then sat down by the second plate. “Go ahead.  I can tell GC wants to play.”

Aiden waved and went out the door. As soon as the door shut Brian looked at Justin.  “So what terrified you last night?”

“Daklin took him away.  And Aiden was in the hospital with us, without Victor and Dak was in the hall flirting. I know he wouldn’t ever actually hurt him but there are so many things that would hurt our boy that he doesn’t understand.”

“Do you have any idea why he really wants him now?”

“I really don’t.  Twice a year I have emailed him pictures.  That was part of the agreement when he signed him over to me.”

“Justin, he looks a lot like you.  Do you think this focused on you, not Aiden?”

“I hadn’t thought of that,” Justin took a bite between his comments. “It might be something I’ll ask him if he doesn’t give up on this.”

“Well, he isn’t getting you, either.”

“Oh, he’s not? And here I thought…”

Brian shut him up with a kiss.  “I know you are joking, but I can’t imagine living without you.” They turned so they alternated legs and could get a little closer.  As they kissed, Gus walked in.

“Really? Don’t you two ever stop?  Did I tell you JR wants to watch you two sometime? Of course I don’t think he ever would but he thinks you are both really hot for old guys.”

“We just started and it was only a kiss,” Justin smiled at Gus. “Do you know if JR has ever had sex?”

“Now that is kind of creepy,” Gus walked to the fridge and poured out some orange juice.  “But I don’t think he has.  I know he has played a bit.  And you know, as a hetero we hear all about sex but gays have to figure it all out by themselves or with porn and we all know porn is not real.”

“And you are an expert at porn?” Brian asked with a father’s concern but not accusingly.

“Well, Dad, I’m 16. I’ve seen my share.”

“Have you watched gay porn?” 

“Ya, I wanted to see well...you know you two aren’t the quietest when you fuck.”

“So, do you have any questions?”

“Dad, I am not going to ask my parents about their sex lives.  I have to say they look like they are having fun but I just keep thinking it has to hurt and, no, I don’t want you to tell me if it does or doesn’t.”

“If you want to experiment, I am sure we have some toys somewhere.  We rarely use outside stimuli now,” Brian said.

“Gross, you can stop talking now.” Gus walked out the back door with toast in  his hand.

“Don’t you think that was pushing it just a little?” Justin asked Brian.

“I was just yanking his chain to some extent but maybe, sometime, you can talk to him about experimenting.  It is obvious to me he isn’t gay.  That doesn’t mean he won’t play a bit just like I did with his mom but he will end up with a woman someday.  If his playing can give him some pleasure, let him play.”

“I am not going to track him down to see if he wants to borrow a dildo but if he asks or if something leads us that way, you know I will talk to him.”

“We could go practice what we think he should know,” Brian said as he bit Justin’s ear.

“So are you going to work tomorrow? It is the last day the boys are coming in and I know Ted still has a few days off.”  Justin stood and slipped between Brian’s knees sighing when Brian’s arms held him close.

“I have to go in but I hope to get there early and then come home at noon.  I am guessing Victor has to do a blood draw?”

“Ya, it has been a couple weeks and after the altitude change and him being tired because of all of that, he feels it would be stupid not to.”

“I just hate to watch him be so brave.” Brian looked outside where he saw Aiden playing fetch with GC. “You going in tomorrow?”

“I have to. I have some projects I need to sign off on and look at what the staff looked at while I was gone. I need to review everything that happened while we were at the Cabin.  I think Lindsay is doing a good job and I hate to question what she’s done while I was out but it is my business. And of course, Mitchell has kept an eye on things. I have to know what is going on. I will talk to Cass today and make sure she can come in early tomorrow.  Then hopefully we both can be back around noon and Ted and Victor are coming around 1:00.”

“Does Mitch still have a crush on you?”

“Mitchell does not have a crush on me and he hates Mitch.”  Justin thought about his assistant’s face last time someone called him Mitch.  “I mean he REALLY hates it.”

“I will try not to do that when I see him.”

Justin moved out of Brian’s arms.  “I need to sit.”

“How’s the foot?”

“By tomorrow I should be Ok if I wear these shoes. And I won’t wander around the office too much. I am thinking I will just have them come to my office.”

“I’m going to go through my emails in the home office.  That will save time tomorrow.  If you need me, text.”

“I think I will go sit out on the deck with Aiden and Gus. If you need us, that’s where we will be.” 

Brian walked down the hall and Justin grabbed a couple games and decks of cards and walked outside.

An hour later, Brian walked out and heard Gus say, “Go Fish,” and he stuck his tongue out at Cass who sat across from him,

Aiden giggled, “Hi Big Daddy, do you want to play Go Fish?”

“When you finish this game.  I’ll go grab you all some cold water.” Brian stepped back in the house, smiling to himself.  He loved his life. His 16 year old son was playing Go Fish when less than a year ago they were afraid they had lost him to drugs and alcohol.  He was so thankful.   He grabbed five waters and walked out to join the fun.

Both Brian and Justin’s alarms went off before 6:00 a.m. Over the years, Justin knew that talking to Brian too much before coffee was not wise. He rolled over and kissed him, “Join me in the shower?”

Brian grunted but got out of bed. Once he felt the hot water running over his body, Brian loosened up a little bit. They soaped each other down and then rinsed off, dried off and dressed.  They both grabbed a cup of coffee Cass had waiting for them and after they both kissed her cheek they walked out to the garage.  

“See you at noon?” Justin asked as he stepped into Brian’s offered embrace. 

Before responding Brian pulled him close with his free arm, careful not to spill coffee on either of them.  They kissed and then Brian responded,  “I will do my best.  I will let you know if I am tied up.”

“Ditto,” Justin responded. “Brian, love you.”

“Love you, too.” And with that they both got in their cars and left the property.

Justin had been right about his foot.  As he walked through the building to his office he felt he had covered the slight discomfort but as soon as he had sat down by his desk, Mitchell walked in. “So was your vacation fabulous?”

“It was great. We had a wonderful time.”

“And what did you do to your foot? Or is it your ankle?”

“After we got home I managed to break a vase and stepped on a piece of glass.”

“And you have had it looked at?”

“Yes, Mitchell.  It is much better today and I am guessing by tomorrow even you won’t be able to tell it happened.”

“Well, here is what we need to address.  I told Lindsay to be here in about an hour and I know you are leaving by noon so you can be home with your Aiden for his last day of summer.”

“Actually, I prefer to leave at 11:30. So is there anything we need to talk about before Lindsay somes in?”

“As far as I know her department is doing fine.  I did look at her records on Friday and they looked in order.  She has had her boyfriend in a couple of times.”

“And what was Nick doing here?”

“I really am not sure. I have a feeling he was just checking on her although one time I think he was looking at some of her records.”

“In other words he was looking at MY records,” Justin commented.  “Don’t mention it to her right now but let me know if it happens again.”

“Of course, Justin.”  Mitchell said and then gave him a couple contracts to review and sign.

Soon Lindsay came in and he reviewed her records for the art department.  He signed or initialled what he needed and by the time he was ready to go it was 11:40.  “Thanks, you two. I Have to get home.  Aiden has to have an exam today and blood draw and as brave as that kid is, it is almost getting harder as he gets older because he knows he is different.” As he left his office he realized Lindsay hadn’t even asked about Gus. As he got behind the wheel of his car he sighed.  At least Gus was now old enough to decide where he wanted to live and he didn’t see him going back to either of his mothers, not permanently.

As Brian and Justin went to bed that night, Justin was quiet.  Brian had noticed it since their guests had left. “What is it, Justin?” Brian nudged his head against Justin’s.

“I just feel so bad for Aiden.  He is realizing how different he is and he hates it.”

“It was really sweet of Ray, holding his hand when Victor had to take the blood draw.”

“I am glad they got the word they could keep him at least for the time being.  At school we both know they treat Aiden differently but of course they have to.  He just has such a fragility to him.”  Justin rested his head on Brian’s chest.  “I just hurt when he does.  And then, sometimes, my mind goes into place and he isn’t with us anymore and I don’t know if that is because of his illness or because of Dak but, I don’t know if I could live if anything happened to him.”

Brian couldn’t say anything that would make him feel better but he could hold him and he would do that as long as Justin let him.