CHAPTER FIVE- TRADING UP

While Justin was busy handling several business phone calls, Brian decided to check his voicemail messages. He chuckled, listening to Michael and Lindsay's initial phone calls. But then he became increasingly annoyed as the calls not only continued, but had become more demanding. Michael had lost his store due to nonpayment for the fourth month in a row. Yes, Brian knew about that, since he and Ted had talked to him about Michael's continued abuse of his and Ben's money, while Michael spent the store's meager profits frivolously; always believing that Brian or Ben would save his ass and his store.

Ben had gone through with adopting the littlest hustler, Hunter. When the professor had asked Brian for his opinion about it, Brian's only response was to do what he thought was right, and for him to allow Michael to do the same. Ben obviously did and Michael was angry about it. Well, Michael would get over it... or not. Brian no longer cared which it was going to be.

He was learning a little more everyday about just how Michael's brand of love worked. As long as you were doing what Michael thought was right- or doing for him period- Michael loved you. But as soon as a person didn't treat Michael like he was the center of their universe, that person was on Michael's hit and shit list. Basically, it meant that Michael would make a nuisance out of himself. He would show up wherever they were just to pout and whine; to make himself out to be a victim at every turn.

But his tried-and-true modus operandi backfired for the first and last time, when he tried to do it to Brian right before he was tossed out of Kinnetik for good. Brian had had enough of the guilt-trips from Michael to last his, and someone else's, lifetime. He simply refused to give into Michael's latest round of tantrums; he was much too busy for that. 

Lindsay's messages were a bit more detailed. At first, she wanted him to know that she forgave him before asking him for money. Then she let him know how disappointed she was that he no longer trusted her; an obvious result of her trying to access Gus' accounts again. Brian was elated in that moment he'd taken Ted's advice and blocked all of her access to. Considering that she was thrown out of Kinnetik, alongside Michael and also locked permanently out of the loft, Brian had no doubt that Lindsay would have cleaned out the accounts out of spite.

Lindsay's list of ever-growing grievances kept increasing by leaps and bounds, finally culminating with Brian being blamed for Melanie delivering an ultimatum to her. According to Lindsay, if Brian could bring himself to be who he truly was, and to stop trying to change Melanie's opinion of him, they would all be able to go back to the way things were before Gus was born. According to Lindsay it was a time they were all happier with their lot in life. At first, Brian was appalled by what Lindsay had implied; that Mel hating him was all that was good and right in their little world. But the more he thought about it- the more he replayed every episode of apathy, contempt and discord between Melanie and himself, while Lindsay decided to play peaceful lesbian in the middle- Brian realized just how far his friend had gone to create chaos between Mel and Brian.

Sadly, he'd bought into that bullshit for many years, as did Melanie. But with Ted's help, they continued to thwart Lindsay's plans to develop dramas between them. The fleeting thought of his wish for Mel to leave Lindsay actually surprised him, and he shook himself of the notion. It wasn't his business, and honestly, he wanted his kids to have a safe place to grow up. But knowing his own history as Jack and Joan's offspring; being raised in a home where both people were unhappy with the lives they chose, Brian began to question his belief that Mel and Lindsay should bite the bullet and stay together for the sake of the kids.

In retrospect, it hadn't been healthy for him mentally, physically or emotionally. Was he prepared to subject his children to a warzone, even if it was a fairly quiet one, where the silent treatment was often the weapon choice? He would have to seriously evaluate his reasoning of trying to keep together a so-obviously-broken home for the sake of his children. But first, he had to decide what he would do about Lindsay. And that would involve making a call to his attorney, Donovan, along with Ted and Mel.

As Brian sat there pondering what he was going to eventually have to do about Michael and Lindsay, he heard Justin yelling in the other room.

"What the hell do you mean the contract was cancelled? I didn't do any such thing," Justin said. The young man blew out a calming breath, while Brian stood watching him from behind.

Brian could only hear one side of the conversation, but it seemed really important. There was a tenseness to the set of Justin's shoulders, but it was the terseness of the young man's voice which had startled Brian the most. Looking at the man he was beginning to consider his part-time lover, one would never think that the blond possessed the ability to be as forceful, and stern as he was being to the person over the phone. Justin was definitely a conundrum, and the more that Brian was learning about the man, the more intrigued he became. It also made him horny as hell watching Justin in action like this.

"Fuck it! I will deal with them myself. In the meantime, have the plane fueled and ready to go," Justin said, just as Brian wrapped the younger man inside of his arms while kissing his neck. He hung up the phone, never wishing for a classic phone more. At least, in the old days the mechanism actually had a receiver and a hook to slam it upon to convey just how pissed off he was. It was much more effective than the soft, politically-correct sound of today that signified a disconnected call. 

"Trouble? Whatever happened to spending the weekend in sexual paradise together?" Brian asked, running his tongue languidly over the shell-like ear leaning into the action.

"Yeah... well it appears the idiot that donated the sperm to create me, canceled a very lucrative contract with one of my biggest distributors."

"How big? Who's the distributor?"

"Prada. My company supplies their material. Or at least we did, and we will again as soon as I get to New York."

That one word stopped Brian instantaneously. "What the hell do you mean ‘Prada?' The Prada...as in, a good portion of my shopping addiction?"

"One and the same. So I need to make a call, and get on a plane as soon as possible. The flight is only..."

"I know how long the flight is; I've taken it many times myself."

"So... do you want to come with me?" Justin bit his lip, while gauging Brian's reaction to his question.

"It's a business trip for you. Do you think I should?" Brian couldn't honestly say that he didn't want to go, but he wasn't the type to let anything distract from his career. And he didn't think Justin was either.

"That's true, it is. But this is also cutting into my pleasure. And a lot of pleasure can be had on a business trip."

"I must say your offer is rather tempting," Brian said.

"Well is there anything I can do that will make it not only tempting, but actual fact?" Justin wiggled his eyebrows, causing Brian to laugh.

He couldn't deny that he was enjoying his time with the enigmatic young man; he wasn't ready for it to end yet. It still amazed Brian that he hadn't tired of Justin. In all honesty, for the interim, he couldn't see that happening for awhile yet. They were still having fun, without all the other clingy bullshit that might have surfaced after what was supposed to be just a one-night stand. Besides, with all the insanity Michael and Lindsay were cooking up, it would be good to get out of town...at least, for the weekend.

"Let's get moving. Shower first, and then I have to stop by my place to grab some clothes and my briefcase. I might as well get a little work done, while you're off wheeling and dealing."

Justin placed a kiss on Brian that he knew curled the man's toes. He wouldn't deny that he was glad Brian had agreed to accompany him. He was enjoying his much needed respite so far, and didn't want it to be cut short because another of Craig's chronic fuck ups. Brian would certainly be a welcome distraction as well as a major stress reliever. The way he saw it, it was a win-win all the way around.

He broke the kiss reluctantly, but knowing that if he didn't get a move on, they would never leave. "Come on. Let's get in the shower and go get your things. And I promise to take care of you on the flight."

"I like the way you think Justin, especially since that kiss..."

Justin smiled his trademark mega-watt smile. "Yeah, me too."

They took care of their ablutions, taking every opportunity to touch and fondle, using the time to heighten their awareness of each other. Whenever things began to get too heated, one of them would back off to allow the other to calm his libido. Getting out of the shower, they dried each other off, and then it was time to get dressed. Brian followed Justin into his bedroom, first and foremost out of curiosity. The first thing that had caught his eye was the large four-poster bed with stairs surrounding it.

It kind of reminded Brian of an altar, which made it even harder to believe that Justin hadn't fucked there. Sapphire blue silk draped the bed as well as the floor-to-ceiling bay windows, providing extraordinary natural light into the large space. The entire room screamed seduction, from its decadent materials to the other furniture, including a one armed chaise lounge. In that moment, he wanted nothing more than to wrestle Justin over to the bed. That bed just begged for him to fuck his host senseless, while sliding along the sheets.

Brian dragged his eyes in the direction of the younger man... and nearly fell over from shock! There, on the other side of the bedroom with its double doors wide open, was Brian's dream closet. He watched as Justin pulled out his garment bag, hanging it on one of the doors. Brian could feel himself just about ready to drool as he stepped into the space.

Every designer within the closet had their own section full of suits, casual wear and the shoes to match. Going further into the space, Brian was even further surprised to find jewelry cases, as well as chests for underwear surrounding a plush seating area. The room itself screamed masculinity, with its onyx and marble cabinetry and flooring. But the charcoal colored pinstriped furniture was soft to the touch. Again, a place of decadence that literally screamed at Brian.

"Sweaters and suits," Justin said, smiling at Brian's reaction. Although he was looking in another direction most of the time, he couldn't help but feel Brian's every reaction to being inside Justin's very personal space.

"What?" Brian asked, pulling his eyes from the room to rest on Justin's naked back.

"The material is made out of the same material our high-end clients use to make cashmere sweaters and suits."

Brian continued to run his hands over the fabric thinking, If this is the same material companies like Prada and Armani used to make their clothes, no wonder it costs a fucking fortune. He couldn't get enough of caressing the material, feeling every single texture used as upholstery. "Why the hell would you want to leave this room?"

Justin laughed. "I used to not want to, but then where would my businesses be? I used to use it as my hiding place, when I wanted to be left alone. I still do sometimes, even though I live here by myself. Sometimes I just shut myself up in here, so that I can honestly say I didn't hear either of my phones ring."

Brian chuckled in response. "I can't say that I would blame you for that. But you seem to be juggling your businesses just fine."

"Not if I don't get the DeCampos back. I mean sure, I have other lucrative accounts and it's not a problem for me to drum up new business. But we have a long history with Prada, and I refuse to blow it because of some vendetta Craig has."

"Craig?"

"Yeah. My sperm donor. He's an asshole and his sidekick is, too. Which reminds me..." Justin picked up his cell phone, pressing the number one at the same time, while ushering Brian out of his newfound playpen. He chuckled at the brunet's reluctance to leave. "If you're good, I may let you come back sometime."

"Promise?" Brian teased back, in a little boy voice.

Justin aimed a well-placed smack to Brian's ass. "Promise. Now can you do me a favor and grab that garment bag, then meet me at the limo? I'll only be a minute, but there's something I have to do first."

Brian looked carefully at the man before him, as he tapped his foot in impatience. Gone was the playful demeanor of a moment ago, and back in its place was the businessman. As he descended the stairs, he heard:

"Hello, Mom. Look, we have a problem. Craig and Arnold have been fucking things up again. I'm on my way to New York now to deal with the DeCampos, but in the meantime, I will call Daphne and Molly on the way as well as security for the building. Arnold is history, and I want him gone by the time I get back on Monday morning. I don't want a trace of him left in my company! I need you to call the car company, and have his car repossessed immediately. I also want an eviction notice delivered to him today, make it for a month from now. That's as charitable as I'm willing to be. I'm not going to keep letting the fucker get away with this traitorous shit, while collecting a salary from me. He wants to side with Craig, well GOOD! Have at it, but he won't do it on my dime. You can release half his pension, but not a penny more. Have Maggie draw up the severance check, but the medical insurance and that of his lover, stops immediately. Most of all, and I think that you will love me even more than you already do, since you get the pleasure of firing his ass. I want to promote from within the company, so have Molly arrange interviews on Tuesday morning. His position within the company can't remain vacant for too long."

Brian heard the whole spiel by the time he reached the bottom of the stairs. He almost felt sorry for whomever this Arnold person was. Justin's justice was swift and ruthless, even with the partial pension. He could only imagine how one so young had come to be in such a position, but damn! The boy- the man- was competent.

Brian admitted to himself that he wouldn't have been an angel of mercy either, had someone within his business double-crossed him. His respect for the man he only knew as ‘Justin' was growing by leaps and bounds... and so was his desire for the blond. 

Justin bounded out to the car with his cellphon, still seemingly attached to his ear. Putting the person on hold, he issued a tersely-worded order to his driver. "6 Fuller, corner of Tremont, James, and step on it. The plane is scheduled to leave in a half hour."

"Right away, Sir," the chauffeur responded, looking into the rearview mirror at the man beside his boss.

James almost laughed aloud at the look of shock, and supreme lust, gracing the man's countenance. He would imagine that Justin Taylor had not yet told the stranger who he was. James had known the younger man all his life, having driven for Alfred Winston since his teen years. Any other time, the chauffeur would have called Justin by his given name, and there wouldn't have been a problem with it. But hearing Justin in business mode, James refrained from doing so.

He knew whenever Justin was like this, something was terribly wrong. James was also aware that when his employer was in this mood, things which wouldn't normally provoke the young blond, would set him off easily today. He wasn't taking any chances on being that something for Justin Taylor with the explosive temper. He'd never been on the receiving end of it, but Justin has been known to make even the most seasoned staff burst into tears the moment after he'd read them the riot act. No, it was not a good idea to piss Justin Taylor off further than he was already.

"Mark, I don't care what kind of shit he thinks he can say to the press; I want him fucking gone! Do you know how much the DeCampo account is worth? Of course, you do! Then why are you feeling the need to question my judgement? Well Arnold should have thought of that before he got involved with Craig. If you don't want to join him on the unemployment line come Monday, you'll stop questioning me right now. Now I am on my way to New York, and this is the LAST of this particular conversation I'm having! I'll call you when I get there." Justin disconnected the call, rolling his eyes at nothing in particular, but thoroughly annoyed at the moment.

Brian had once again listened to the conversation, amazed at Justin's poise despite his urge to yell. He could feel Justin vibrating with rage in the seat next to him, and thought he'd better do something to ease the silent tension building inside the younger man before he exploded. "So are we going to have any fun at all on this trip? I mean I could sing and dance for you but..."

Justin snickered. "I'm afraid to hear you sing and as for dancing, although you're a great fuck, outside of the bedroom your hips have a mind of their own when it comes to music, and they are never on the beat."

"Perhaps I just never had the right guidance. Besides I don't dance just for dancing's sake."

"Oh, so it's a mating call then?"

"Worked for you."

Justin smiled then. "So it did. But it helped that your reputation preceded you."

"Well who can you trust if not the Tell-A-Queen network of the gay grapevine? They are always ready, willing and able to exaggerate my exploits."

"No exaggeration was necessary last night." Justin placed a kiss on the smirking lips, before continuing. "Or the night before. But I assure you, your reputation is not only well-deserved, but equally-matched."

"Care to test that particular theory, young Justin?"

"All the way to New York, if you're willing."

"You're on."

They arrived at Brian's building, and the younger man advised that he would stay in the car, otherwise they would never get out. Brian entered the loft for the first time since leaving it the night before. It still amazed him to feel, and know that no uninvited guests had been within his elegant four walls and a floor. After yesterday's fiasco with Lindsay, and this morning's frantic message from Michael about not being able to get into the loft, Brian was damn glad that he had the forethought to change both the locks and the alarm codes. Cynthia had taken great pleasure in relaying all of her conversation with Lindsay.

Even Brian had to laugh at Lindsay's audacity to demand that he call the security company to put her on the list. Fortunately, the company also kept a recording of the conversation with Lindsay, and sent Brian the sound clip via email of the entire exchange. He had brought Ted into the office along with Cynthia to listen to the tall blonde at first try to wheedle the customer service representative, and then try to guess every code that Brian would have possibly used to gain access to his abode. There was no way Lindsay would have guessed Bubble Butt Blond Blue Ninja 3527 as Brian's new passphrase to the loft. He was glad that he had changed it with the security company, before things went bad with Michael and Lindsay.

The former passphrase of ‘Battling Brunets 611116' would have possibly been too easily for Lindsay to guess, as it was Brian and Mel plus their birthdays- his June 11th, and hers November 6th. It must have meant something that Justin made such an impression that Brian had thought to honor the twenty-seven year old in some way he wouldn't forget him. But Brian wasn't prepared to examine that reasoning too closely.

Against his better judgement, Brian pressed the rapid flashing red light of his answering machine, as he began to gather his things. The first call was naturally from Michael, sounding frantic as he always did. The gist of his call was telling Brian what he already knew. Michael and Ben were finished. He had forced Ben into making a choice between himself and Hunter, and Ben had chosen the kid.

Brian couldn't blame Ben one damn bit, since Michael was being an asshole. He couldn't manage to feel an ounce of sympathy for his former best friend, who was proving time and again what a narcissist he really was. Hunter was what Brian could have become, had he not had Vic and Debbie. Although Michael was there, and often took credit for helping Brian, he really didn't take care of Brian the way the older adults had. Which was why the next message, which was from Debbie, stopped him in his tracks.

"Hey, Brian. I don't know what to do about Michael. Ben kicked him out and Michael was by yesterday, and again this morning. I was hoping that you would have some sort of solution for him, although I won't blame you if you're reluctant to help the asshole. I can't believe I raised him to be this selfish! Could you, at least, talk to Ben and get him to take Michael back? Michael thought that you should let him stay with you, since you, in his words ‘acted a fool on him.' And ordinarily, I would ask you to, but I won't do that. Em and Ted said that you've met someone and I'm really glad about that, but I can't let Michael stay here. The detective has finally come up to sniff, and I'm not letting him off the hook without getting myself laid. I can't do that with Michael around. Do you know how many years it's been? No? Well neither do I, since it's been too long! Please help me Brian, if you can."

Brian winced at the reference to Deb's sex life, or in this case, the lack thereof. If there was one thing that would deflate his dick, it was the idea of hetero-sex, and especially where Deb was concerned. He needed to clear his mind before his dick shriveled up, and fell off at the thought of Deb getting fucked. Yikes! There were just some things he didn't ever want to think of, or visualize, the mother of his heart doing, especially not with the tempting piece of blond boy ass currently waiting for him inside the limo.

I need to fucking hurry and finish packing, so I can get my cock into the blond to cleanse the entire message from my damn psyche ASAP! Shit, I'll probably end up with nightmares with that shit redplaying in mind! No fucking way! Fuck! I'll need a shrink or an exorcism, if this horror is even too much for Justin's tight ass to dispel.

Brian shook his head and grabbed his garment bag out of the closet. Following Justin's example, he packed three suits- two Prada and one Armani, a pair of sweatpants, two pairs of 501s, his Gucci belt and 2 pairs of Prada boots- one to dress up if need be and the other his favorite pair of motorcycle boots. He chuckled at the thought of Justin's reaction to them. The blond would probably demand to know how Brian had gotten his hands on a pair before this season's official line came out. It paid to do their advertising, but Justin didn't need to know that.

As he collected his choice toiletries, he listened to the last two messages on the machine, which were from Lindsay. The first seemed innocent, although Brian knew her well enough to know when there was an ulterior motive involved. Of course, she made mention that she could no longer access Gus' accounts, or Melanie's for that matter, and that she was sorely disappointed that he no longer trusted her. She wanted Brian to tell her what to do so she could earn his faith in her back. And Brian might have even been tempted for a brief moment, until he heard the follow-up message.

"Brian, I don't know what the fuck kind of game you and Melanie are playing, but it ends right fucking now! Do you know that the bitch had the nerve to remove OUR- mine and your- son out of this house! Do you?! I'm tempted to call the police on her, and if she doesn't bring him back here within the next forty-five minutes, I am going to do just that! Since you seem to be in touch with the little bitch, you'd better warn her that I am not fucking around! First, the both of you block access to your accounts from me. I'm her wife and I'm the mother of your only child! How can you two conspire against me?! You straighten this fucking shit out Brian, or you will both be sorry! I swear to God, you will!"

The phone call disconnected, as Brian stood there in shock. He had never heard Lindsay sound so... so... unhinged before. Was she always like that? All he knew was that something had happened, and he sure as fuck wasn't sure what. Brian hurried over to his desk, opening a drawer and grabbing a folder labeled with Gus' name.

Placing a host of documents inside his briefcase, he grabbed the rest of his belongings and exited the loft in a hurry. Haunted by the idea of being delayed by either Michael, Lindsay or both, he remembered to lock the door and set the alarm code, still putting nothing passed his supposed best friends. They were both proving that there was very little they weren't willing to try to suit their own ends. With luck and the idea swimming around in his head, he wouldn't have to deal with at least one of them for much longer. Brian pressed the number 2 on the keypad of his phone, activating the speed dial function.

Reaching the limo, he threw his bags in and kissed the blond who was at first smiling, and then frowning. "Something wrong?" Justin asked, noticing the slight tremble in Brian's hand, although the man's look was reasonably calm.

"Plenty. There's no easy way to ask this, and I'll explain it later. But would you mind if we have company on this trip?"

"Who, exactly?" Justin could feel the tension rolling off of Brian in waves from his place inside the limo.

"I promise that I will explain in a moment," Brian reassured the blond, even as the person he had dialed finally picked up the phone.

"Ted Schmidt."

"Hey Ted, it's Brian."

"Well I figured that since I have caller ID. The question is what is someone, who is supposed to be unavailable this weekend, doing dialing my number?"

"Listen...please tell me that Gus and Mel are with you? Cynthia, too?"

"They are, along with Emmett. He's still wired from last night's party, and the run in at the Diner with Michael. We are all trying to calm him down."

Brian pinched the bridge of his nose. "Okay look, I need you all to meet me at the airport." Turning to Justin he asked, "Which airline?"

"No airline. Tell them to meet you at the hanger for Taylor Industries."

Brian stopped in surprise. "Pardon me, but did you just say Taylor Industries? As in multi-billion dollar corporation, Taylor Industries? I thought your family was into fabric and high-end furnishings."

Justin smiled a mega-watt smile at Brian then. "They are but..." Justin extended his hand in Brian's direction, prepared to properly introduce himself to his lover of a few days. "Hello Brian Kinney of Kinnetik, I'm Justin Taylor, CEO of both, Taylor Industries and Winston Fabric and Merchandise Incorporated. I am also the developer of the Rage video game franchise, and an occasional consultant to Microsoft. I have several business ventures beyond those I mentioned as I am sure you do as well. It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance...well officially anyway."

Brian's shock was still evident, even as he took the proffered smaller hand in his. "I see that we really need to talk."

"Not necessarily need to, but it will be nice to do so just the same. You should finish your phone call first though, since Ted- whomever he is- is screaming in your ear and you haven't even noticed."

Justin just kept surprising him with shit! But when he thought about the sternness and self-assurance the younger man displayed earlier in the morning, things began to make perfect sense. The man, who he had shared his body with countless times in the last few days, was no ordinary trick. Shit, truth be told, Justin Taylor was not a trick of any kind at all. Brian couldn't deny that the conundrum sitting beside him had, once again, spiked his curiosity in ways that had nothng to do with sex.

If he really had time to dwell on that notion, he would have probably jumped out of the moving limo. Or, at the very least demanded to be let out at the nearest bar, so he could get wasted and quell his sudden lesbianic tendencies. He'd never had a desire to know about the men he'd fucked before beyond the usual necessary details: how big was his dick, how tight was his ass, what the trick was into and how many times he could make them come before he became bored and kicked them out. He hadn't felt any of those things with Justin. Instead he only wanted more of everything from conversation to sex, and everything in between. 

Brian brought his attention back to the matter at hand, before he started oozing estrogen and growing tits. "Ted listen...don't worry about packing anything that isn't work related; tell Cynthia the same. Justin has to go to New York, and we all are going with him. I'll explain on the plane. We can always get the things we need, like clothes and such. Have Cynthia call and get the usual suites at the Westin. Did Marcia forward you the artwork for Monday's presentation?"  

"Yeah she did, but why is that important n.... Oh my God, is that who??"

"Just get to the fucking airport, Ted! I'll explain everything, and another thing... Don't tell anyone except Vic, and only if you have to. The last thing I need is for Michael and Lindsay wreaking their brand of havoc this weekend. I think we all could use a rest from them."

"Brian, we're getting in the cars now, but what about the documents in the safe? Do you need them?"

Brian thought a moment, before telling Ted to go ahead and grab them. He had the copies but if... well he wouldn't think about any of that. "I'll call Donovan when we touch down in New York." He disconnected the call, just as they arrived at the airport.

They boarded the plane. Justin advised the staff that they would have additional passengers boarding in a little while. He also called Maggie for her to accompany him to New York, advising for Mark to stay behind. Instead, she was to bring Peter Brandt, his corporate and personal attorney with her. Since the plane was equipped to seat twenty people, there was no worry about the space being too cramped.

Settling themselves in seats to await the influx Justin said, "So do you want to tell me why our fuck-a-thon is being curbed a bit?"

Brian cleared his throat and adjusted his jeans, which had suddenly become too tight at the Justin's tone uttering the word ‘fuck-a-thon.' He would never know what it was about the blond that enticed him so much, to not only enjoy the most amazing fucks, but his company as well. Add to that the fact that Justin's bank account made his own look like he'd been working at McDonald's by comparison, was no shortage of astounding to him. It allowed him to be able to let his natural guard down in terms of his financial assets; something he could never do with Michael and Lindsay.

"My son's mother is rampaging, and I don't want him- or his other mother, who is pregnant with my other child- to be caught in the crossfire."

"Very succinct, but what exactly is she threatening to do?"

"Why would you ask that?"

"Oh I don't know. Perhaps it's the talk of original documents, along with the fact that a little boy- I assume it is a little boy since you aren't that old- is involved. And the fact that you just basically organized an escape using my fucking plane, which I will toss you out of within the blink of an eye if you don't give me the whole story... now."

Brian looked hard at Justin. On one hand, he wanted to tell the younger man to go fuck himself; that he didn't owe him shit. Brian's business was his own, and he had always been a very private person. But the fact was that in this moment, he needed to keep Mel and Gus safe along with the new baby. With the way Lindsay sounded on the phone, he knew he couldn't trust her to back down from her threats, and would use Gus to lord it over both him and Melanie.

Brian may have deserved her wrath, since this was all about her revoked access to Gus' accounts, and therefore Brian's money. But Mel had followed suit, so that they would have ample cash while she was technically out of work due to her pregnancy. He couldn't in good conscience leave Mel's fate with Lindsay up to chance. So Brian had done the only thing he could think of at the moment, while still being able to make himself happy in the process. It was a happy medium for all of them, and also an opportunity to speak with Mel about his plans without Lindsay's carping and interference.

"Fine. The short version is..." Brian began, only to be cut off.

"Just answer me this one thing?"

"Okay."

"Is what you and the others are about to do illegal?"

"What do you mean?"

"Is the other baby's mother a fugitive? Does she need to go into hiding because of an abusive ex, or anything like that?"

"No, nothing like that. Although Lindsay could be termed as mentally and emotionally abusive, she hasn't gotten physical, yet. But after the message I just heard on my answering machine, I couldn't leave Mel to take her chances, especially since she has Gus with her."

"Gus?"

"Our son. Lindsay birthed him, but in all honesty, Gus is just her meal ticket... or so she thought. I barred all her access to my bank accounts for Gus, which she just found out about yesterday. I did it at the same time I changed the code and locks to my loft. I had to have her and my other ‘best friend...'"

"Ah, the whiny brunet?" Justin asked, already knowing the answer.

"Michael...yeah. I banned them both from my office, too. Although he is still allowed to go to Babylon, which I also own. The both of them cornered me in my office yesterday, and I was just simply fed up with them. Now that I think about it, I have been for a while now. So I've been taking measures to put them, and their idea of ‘friendship', into the proper perspective within the scope of my life. Let's just say that they have made some decisions I have, finally, decided that I don't have to pay for."

"I take it those decisions include money."

"Among other things."

"What things?"

Before Brian had a chance to answer, Brian heard the sounds of his family bounding up the stairs to board the plane. Brian couldn't help but smile as he heard the loud screech of the smallest passenger.

"Daaaaaadyyyyyy," Gus screamed as he launched himself into the waiting arms of his father.

"Hey Gussie! Are you ready to go on an adventure?"

Gus nodded. "Sure am, Daddy. Mama told me there was gonna to be a pwane, but I not believe her until we gotted here." Turning to look at the stranger looking at them, Gus asked, "Who he?"

"‘Who is he?'" Brian corrected, with a smile. "This is Justin, and he's a very special friend of mine, who said that you all can come with us."

Gus went over to the blond, who was still staring at Brian in wonder and a small bit of envy. Holding out his hand, Gus said carefully, "It nice to meet you, Jus. Can I call you Jus? It sound a lot like my name, which is Gus."

Justin couldn't help but smile at the boy, who couldn't be any more than four years old. He took the smaller hand in his, squeezing it lightly and bouncing it up and down in a handshake motion. Justin was delighted to hear him giggle at the motion. "It's very nice to meet you too, Gus, and it would make me very happy if you were to call me Jus. I think both of them are very good butch names."

"Okay, but what butch mean?"

"It means very manly and strong," Justin answered him.

"Daddy, is that why you call mama that? I mean, she very strong but she not manny like you."

Brian couldn't help the snicker that escaped him at Gus' reasoning, or the fact that Melanie scowled briefly, although there was a slight twitch of her lips to indicate her amusement. "Yes, your mama is very strong, but it's just a funny name I call her sometimes. Right, mama?" Brian turned to Melanie for her to let him off the hook. He knew that she was letting him linger there and watching him squirm for the sheer enjoyment of it, before deciding that he'd been punished enough.

"Your daddy's right, Gus. It's just a play name your dad gives me sometimes, just as I call him a wuss or a yellowbelly."

"Yellowbelly? Really, Mel?" Brian asked. No one had really ever been able to call him a coward before.

"Well it's one of the lighter euphemisms I've used to describe you, Kinney, until recently." Closing the distance between she and Brian, she stretched out her hand to greet their host. "Melanie Marcus, and you're Justin Taylor. I- or I should say we, as in my wife and I, own some of your work."

"Work?" Brian asked facing the blond.

"Brian, you know the painting in the living room that you like? The one that reminds you of Babylon or some other boys-only club you frequent?" At Brian's continuing puzzled look she said, "The one you bought for us when I finally caught up on the mortgage payments as a congratulatory gift?"

"The one called ‘Lucky'." Brian nodded. "You painted that?"

Justin smiled shyly, something  Brian had never seen him do in the few days they had known each other.  "Yeah, some years ago. I was hoping that one found a good home as I usually do with most of them."

"Why most?" Brian noticed the hint of sadness at the end of the younger man's statement.

"Remind me to tell you about it sometime, but for now, I would like to meet everyone else. My staff should be here soon, so we can get the trip underway. Mel, are you going to be okay flying? I could always ask the limo to transport you to New York."

Mel waved her hand. "I would brave just about anything to be out of this town as soon as possible, Justin. Besides I know that Brian won't let anything happen to me while we're gone. I promise to have a full five hours rest, Oh Mighty Kinney." She had noticed Brian start to latch onto the idea of her riding instead of flying, but she wasn't having any of that.

"If you need to lie down once we take off, there is a fully equipped bedroom, which includes a television in the rear of the plane. There are several dvds back there. If none of those are to your liking, it also works by satellite so that you can watch actual television. My mom uses this plane sometimes, so there's no doubt there's a bunch of chick flicks back there." Melanie laughed Justin's wry look as he mentioned his mom's preference of movies.

"Don't worry, Justin. I'm sure I'll be fine with whatever you have back there, but I prefer action movies. There's nothing like watching a lot of butt-kicking and stuff blowing up."

"Brian, you didn't tell me that Melanie was my kind of woman," Justin said, smiling.

"Yeah, she's a real butch," Brian said, his familiar smirk firmly in place and answered by one from Melanie in return.

"Not that I'm trying to break up this sudden love fest, but we should probably tell you what's going on," Ted said. He was still worried about Mel flying, but knew that the headstrong woman and his equally opinionated boss, wouldn't budge, regardless of his opinion now that Brian was resigned to let Melanie fly the friendly skies. "Ms. Peterson is off her rocker!" Ted looked a little chagrined, but managed to curb what he really wanted to say due to Gus' presence.

"How about this... while Justin takes care of the real reason that he was going to New York in the first place, and once we get Gus settled with the marvelous distraction of television, we can hash out all of the situation. I think he's been subjected to enough drama for one day." Brian's suggestion was met with approval.

Maggie and Peter arrived at the plane, and after the brief introductions were made, they were underway. Gus was fascinated by everything having to do with the plane. His enthusiasm was catching among all of the passengers. Brian, who was seated next to Justin, was transfixed over Gus' excitement, even as Melanie smiled upon the little boy indulgently. All too soon, the plane leveled out and the ‘Fasten Seatbelts' sign went off, indicating that everyone was now free to move about at will.

As agreed, Mel and Brian went to the spacious bedroom situated at the rear of the large cabin. The room screamed of understated elegance and decadence, much in the same way Justin's bedroom had done back at the mansion. Justin came in just as Gus situated himself in the center of the enormous bed. He took a flying leap from the doorway, and landed right next to the giggling boy.

"Comfortable, little man?" Justin asked.

Gus nodded. "Yes, Jus. Are you gonna watch tv with me?"

"Only for a little while, but then I have to go and be an adult." Justin made a funny face, eliciting a new round of laughs from Gus and his parents.

"Why did you grow up if you no like it?" Gus asked.

"Well, young Gus, I didn't have much of a choice, just like you won't. But along with the not so fun times, there are some really amazingly fun times. Let me ask you...do you find taking a nap fun?"

"No." He shook his head vigorously, with a frown on his forehead. "I no like them."

"Well adults would love to have time for a nap during the day, but most of us work very hard. So that's a downside for both children, who would rather be up all the time and adults, who really like to sleep. Do you like to play?"

"Yes." Gus looked at Justin like it was a silly question. The look was so much like Brian's that Justin almost laughed aloud.

"Well, so do adults. But we spend a lot of time working, so that you can play and nap and eat and have movies to watch. So that is the downside to being an adult. Do you know what a bill is?"

"Yes."

Justin was surprised, but he was very interested in hearing Gus' answer. "What do you think it is?"

"Somefing Mommy and Mama have ‘cussins ‘bout all the time."

Justin did snicker then. I don't doubt there's a lot of cussing involved, but not the way Gus means it, he thought. "I don't doubt that they discuss the bills a lot, but it's because they have to make money so that you can live in a house, watch tv and eat. Oh and let's not forget about you having clothes. All adults have bills, and they have to have money to pay them. So you see, there are some good things to being a grown up but some not so nice things that go with it. I'll bet that you feel the same way about naps, bedtimes and sometimes vegetables too, huh?"

He loved to see the evidence of Gus' thoughts show on his little forehead. If his son had lived, he would have been just a little older than Brian's. And although Justin was happy interacting with Gus, he couldn't deny that he still missed the chance to have this similar conversation with his own. Unlike his own father, Justin had always found children fascinating.

"And baths too," Gus said cutting into Justin's reverie. "I no like those. Do ‘dults like those?"

Justin met Brian's eye before answering. "Baths can be fun. You can splash the water around the tub, and occasionally have a water fight with your moms, or even your daddy. So based on that, I can say that adults like bathtime, too."

"Gus, I'm sure that Justin has to go do the boring adult stuff now so that we can all have fun together later. Your mama and I will be right outside the door okay," Brian said, beginning to usher Melanie through the open portal. "We'll come and get you when it's time to buckle up to land okay?"

"Okay, Daddy. Are you and mama gonna do boring ‘dult stuff, too?"

"Yes."

"I just think of somefing," Gus announced, his finger raised in the air as if having an idea.

"What's that, Gus?" Melanie asked.

"I no grow up." He smiled, assured in the knowledge that he had the best idea ever, and his mama and dad would agree with him since it would keep them young too.

He knew there was always talk around him when they thought he wasn't listening, about his dad hating growing old. In his four- almost five- year old logic, if he refused to grow up, then his daddy would always be happy with him. And with the new baby coming, maybe mama would be happy that she could see her feet again. That would only leave Mommy to get happy again, but he wasn't sure how to help her do that since she seemed to only want daddy to help her.

"But you have to grow up, Gus. You don't want to always stay little forever, do you? That would mean you would always have to ask someone to pour you a glass of milk when you wanted it," Mel reasoned.

Gus thought about what she was saying, and then responded. "I would like to get bigger, but I only want to do fun stuff. No work like what Jus was talkin' bout."

"No, you can't grow up to be Michael," Brian said, before he could catch himself.

He closed his eyes, expecting Melanie to scold him. Admittedly, she would be right since Gus was at the age where he soaks information like a sponge. The last thing he needed was for that statement to come back to bite him in the ass. So he was surprised when he heard a laugh in the form of a cough from Melanie, and loud guffaws coming from the other room where Ted, Cynthia and Emmett were. Melanie ostensibly cleared her throat, before responding.

"Your daddy is right, Gus. You have to grow up and find something that you could make lots of money doing. But we have a long way off from that, son, and plenty of time for you to just be an adorable little munchkin for all of us adults to love. Okay?"

Melanie leaned over and placed a kiss on the top of Gus' head, before following Brian out of the room with a puzzled Justin in tow. Looking back, Brian and Mel were happy to see Gus already engrossed in his movie. Someday Gus might ask exactly what his dad had meant in reference to his Uncle Mikey, but thankfully, the time for that conversation wouldn't happen today.