Brian paced in his office.  He had an hour before he went down to the council room to chair his first meeting.  He had a feeling it wasn't going to be easy.  Pacing helped to relieve some of the tension.  He was about as ready for this meeting as he was going to get.  Geoffrey had gone over the agenda with him.  They had limited it to simple topics as much as possible, no hot button items.  Brian had studied all the positions on each topic and had decided where he stood.  He thought he was ready to defend his choices.

 

Then why did he feel so uneasy?  He shook his head.  Maybe it had something to do with the group of protesters who had greeted him as he arrived at City Hall.  They had set the tone for the day.  Unlike yesterday's small group this was a much bigger and more vocal one.  They were better organized and chanted relentlessly at him.  He had been tempted to speak to them as he had with the other group, but he quickly realized they would not listen.  They had no intention of paying him any such courtesy.  They wanted him to know how much they hated him.  He could feel it, palpable in the air.

 

He had quickly gone inside and made his way to his office.  He hated all this negativity that surrounded everything he did.  He was used to getting satisfaction from his job.  Now all he got was criticism and protests, and they weren't even about his job.  They were about his personal life.  Why he had ever agreed to run for mayor seemed to loom as a larger and larger question mark.

 

Cynthia buzzed.

 

"Yeah?" Brian responded.

 

"Councilman Jankowski is here.  He would like to talk to you," she said.

 

"Send him in," Brian said with a sigh.  He had met Jankowski like all the rest of the councilors, but he had no real idea where he stood on any issues or in relation to him.  Brian wondered what shit he was going to lay on him now.

 

"Frank Jankowski," the man said holding out his hand.  Brian shook it.  It was firm and even supportive in some sort of strange way.  Brian had always been able to get a read on men from their handshake.  Weak ones meant weak personalities and sometimes backstabbers.  Wet ones meant the person was nervous and had some kind of undercover agenda.  Firm ones meant the person was secure and knew what they wanted.  As he continued to run down the list, Jankowski's "Mr. Mayor" drew Brian back to the present situation.

 

"Sorry," Brian said, "I'm a little distracted this morning."

"I saw the protesters outside," Jankowski said.

 

"Yeah.  It just gets better and better."

Jankowski gave a little laugh.  Brian felt there was nothing threatening about this man.  He seemed quite jovial and straightforward.  Brian wondered what he wanted.

 

"I guess you're wondering why I'm here," Jankowski said.

 

"That's true."

"Something has come to my attention that I thought you should know about."

 

"What's that?" Brian had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

 

"It started a couple of days ago.  I got a call from one of the other councilors asking me if I supported you."

"Supported me?"

"Yeah, the implication being that there were those who didn't."

"I don't need any of your support," Brian said testily.  "I'm the elected mayor."

"Take it easy, son," Jankowski said with a little laugh.  "The truth is you do need our support.  Any program you want to push has to be voted on in council.  If you don't get a majority, nothing proceeds."

"Fuck!" Brian reacted. 

 

Jankowski seemed to be sizing him up.  The pause was excruciating.

 

"I guess I shouldn't have said that," Brian conceded.  He felt like shit more than ever.

 

"I understand the sentiment," Jankowski responded.

 

"So why are you telling me this?"

"Forewarned is forearmed."

"So they say," Brian said with a grimace.

 

"My wife sat beside your … Justin at the swearing in ceremony.  She really took a shine to him."

"Most people do."  Brian couldn't help but smile.

 

"When I told her there was some backroom scheming going on against you she told me I better help you."

Brian wished the backroom stuff had to do with Babylon not the kind this man was talking about.  That he would have been able to handle.  "So are you telling me that there is some sort of … conspiracy to defeat anything I want to do?"

"You got it."

"So what can I do about it, and why are you warning me?"

"I told you, my wife liked Justin and by proxy you.  I always trust her judgment."

 

"What can we do about this?"

"I have done a few things already.  I spoke to the more liberal councilors and told them that I was going to support you, give you a chance."

"You did?  Thanks, Mr. Jankowski."

"It's Frank, and don't be thanking me too quickly.  I can always change my mind if you let me down."

"I'll try not to," Brian said sincerely.  He liked this man.

 

"So, there are several of us who are prepared to give you a chance, but there is a group out to get you that is about equal in size.  There are a few councilors who are waffling and I don't know which way they'll go.  They're the ones you need to sway to your camp."

"And how do you propose that I do that?" Brian asked trying to keep the sarcasm out of his voice.  He suddenly felt defeated.

 

"I think you should make a little speech at the beginning of the session.  Tell them that you know what's been going on and that you hope you can count on their fairness if not their support.  Tell them that all you want is a chance to prove yourself."

 

"Will that do any good?"

"Well, you're the mayor.  Use some of your campaign eloquence and get them to give you a chance.  That's all you need.  After that it will be up to you to defend your positions and make it difficult for them to vote against you."

 

Brian thought about this.  He could come up with a plea that might sway some of them.  He had done so with the protesters.  He had done it with Louise.  This wouldn't be that much different.  And according to Frank he did have some supporters.

 

"Thanks, Frank.  I'll give it a shot."

"Good," said Frank.  "I better get out of your way and let you prepare yourself.  See you in the meeting, Mr. Mayor."

"I appreciate your support, and call me Brian."

"Good luck, Brian," Frank said as he went out the door.

 

Brian went to his computer.  He had a speech to write, maybe the most important one so far.

 

                                                                -----

 

Brian walked into the council chambers a few minutes before two.  He knew this was going to be difficult, but he kept telling himself it wasn't so different from convincing a new client that Vangard had the best ideas to market their product.  All he had to do was market himself.

 

He glanced at Frank Jankowski who was absorbed in conversation with another councilor.  He wondered if Frank was trying to earn him another convert.  He hoped so.  Geoffrey had briefed Brian on the protocol of the meetings.  At precisely two o'clock Brian would place himself at the head of the council and rap the gavel to call the meeting to order.  Jeannette Benoit was the secretary who would take attendance.  Once that was done the mayor had the prerogative of saying a few words.  He had written the best speech he could in the short time that he had to do it.  He hoped it would be enough.

 

He looked at the clock at the back of the chamber and walked over to his seat.  He rapped his gavel forcefully enough to get everyone's attention.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "please take your seats.  We are ready to begin."

The group began moving towards their seats.  Many glanced at each other and at Brian.  He tried to get a read on what they were thinking, but nothing came through clearly.  This was going to be tough.

 

Jeannette began the roll call.  Brian watched each person respond and did his best to memorize the names and faces.  He hoped he could remember most of them.  Jeannette finished up and looked at Brian, effectively turning the meeting over to him.

 

Brian cleared his throat.  All of the councilors looked at him expectantly.  Some of them seemed rather smug, like they knew he was going to fail.  That egged Brian on.  He loved to do the unexpected, best them at their own game.

 

"I understand that the mayor has the floor for the first few minutes of these meetings.  He can set the tone for what is to follow," Brian stated.

 

He saw some of them look knowingly at each other.  They thought he couldn't handle this.  They thought they had him by the short and fuzzies.  However, as much as they thought they knew what was going to happen, Brian was sure they didn't know him at all, didn't know what he was capable of.

 

"It has come to my attention that there is a small, and I emphasize that word 'small', group of you who think you can sabotage this meeting and hijack any agenda that I might have in mind for this council."

 

He saw the looks pass between some of the people seated in front of him.  He could now start to discern who was against him and who was for him.

 

"You are right; you can sabotage me."  He paused to let his words sink in.  He saw Frank Jankowski give him a concerned look.  Others sat back smugly.  They thought he was giving in.  "But," he raised his voice," that can only happen if those of you who are really fair and decent people decide to go along with those who are not.  I've heard about some of the backroom maneuvering that has been going on.  I understand that some of you don't like me.

 

"I would say fine to that if you even knew me in the first place.  Those of you who have been plotting against me haven't even talked to me or bothered to find out what I might stand for.  You don't care because it must be something bad or evil.  I am a fag, you know."

There was a gasp from several people.  That word still got a rise, especially from bigots.

 

"I am asking those of you with open minds and, dare I say open hearts, to think about what you are going to do here today.  Do you want to be the one or two or three votes that makes this council incapable of governing?  If you force a stalemate, then nothing will be accomplished.  You won't be doing your job and I won't be doing mine, because you'll be effectively blocking me.

 

"Is that what you were elected to do?  Is that what your constituents would expect of you?  I thought we were all elected to run this city to the best of our ability.  That's sure as shit, pardon my French, what I came here to do.

 

"So I'm going to make a proposal to those of you who care to listen.  I want you to give me a chance to show you what I stand for.  Give me time to bring forward the agenda I have decided on.  If you don't like it, debate it with me.  I like to hear good ideas, and if you have better ones than I do, that's great.  All I ask is for you to listen, speak your mind and make an informed choice.  Vote the way that will make Pittsburgh the best place in which to live.  You might be pleasantly surprised at what we can accomplish."

 

Brian sat down.  He glanced at Frank who had a big grin on his face.  Several other councilors looked rather uncomfortable.  A few stared at him curiously.

 

A woman stood up.  "The chair recognizes Theresa Abela," Brian said.  He hoped he had gotten her name right.  She smiled at the effort he had made to pronounce her name correctly.

 

"Mr. Mayor, I have to admit that I am one of those people who has not bothered to meet you halfway, to talk to you and to find out what you are all about.  I thank you for the reminder of what we are here to do.  I for one plan to honor what you have just requested."

 

As she sat down several people said, "Here, here!"

 

Brian smiled to himself.  That was a good sign.  Bigots never wanted to reveal themselves if they were in the minority.  They were only strong when they thought they had the majority.  He hoped he had just taken that away from them.

 

"Then let's get to work, and see what we can accomplish this fine afternoon.  The first item on the agenda is…"

 

                                                                -----

 

Brian walked into his office and collapsed on the sofa.  He sighed and laid his head against the armrest.  That fucking meeting had taken every ounce of strength he possessed, but he had done it.

 

The first item on the agenda about public transit had been close.  He had supported an extra three million dollar addition to the transit budget to buy new buses and set up some new routes.  He had defended the increase, basing a lot of what he had said on Justin's experiences riding the bus.  Most of the people he had figured were in the group opposed to him had spoken against the increase, but they had few convincing arguments.  Brian had been much more eloquent, thanks to Geoffrey for figures and Justin for heart. 

 

Brian smiled.  He'd have to thank Justin properly tonight.  He felt his pants tighten slightly and groaned at the effect just thinking about the young man had on his dick.

 

He tried to focus back on the council meeting.  The vote on the transit increase had been close – seventeen to fifteen in his favor.  He never got to vote.  The mayor was the tiebreaker and only voted if the others were deadlocked.  He didn't have to do that this time.  He had won enough of them over to get that item through.

 

Things had gone better from there.  The rest of the items had not been quite as close.  Brian began to feel that the councilors were actually voting their conscience, basing their choices on what was best for the city.  That was exactly what he had asked them to do.  He couldn't have hoped for more.

 

One item had been defeated.  It was about creating a park in memory of some councilor who had died the previous year.  Surprisingly it had been defeated even though Brian had favored it because he felt that the poor bastard should have some kind of recognition.  Others had spoken about setting a precedent that they might not want to follow in the future.  Did every councilman who died deserve a park?  What about those in the past who had died and had not received the same tribute?  Finally and mercifully it was defeated.  Brian was almost glad.  That kind of stupid political correctness drove him nuts.

 

Overall it had been a successful meeting.  He was proud of himself.  He had managed to get past the trap they had set for him.  It had to get easier from here on out.

 

The buzz of the intercom pulled him from his replay of the meeting.  Wearily he dragged himself up from the couch and went to his desk.

 

"Yeah," he said.

 

"Mr. Jankowski is here to see you," Cynthia told him.

 

"Send him in."  Brian straightened his tie and smoothed his pant legs creased from lying on the couch.

 

Frank opened the door and entered the office.  "You did very well down there today," Frank said holding out his hand to Brian.  Brian shook it warmly.  "You did yourself proud."

"Thanks," Brian said.  He felt a bit like a kid whose father just praised him for getting a hit in the baseball game.  That wasn't something he had any experience with, but this must be how the kid would feel.  "I owe it all to you.  I could never have gotten through that unscathed without your warning and your help behind the scenes."

"It was my pleasure.  You did an excellent job chairing the meeting.  I think we got a lot accomplished today."

 

"We did."

"Well, I'll get out of your hair and go home to my lovely wife.  I think I deserve a big reward.  She'll be so pleased with the way things went today."

"Speaking of your wife … do you think she and yourself of course would like to come to dinner on Friday night?  I'd like to properly thank both of you for helping me."

 

"I'll have to ask her.  I learned a long time ago to never make arrangements without consulting her first.  Personally I'd love to come."

 

"I guess I should check with Justin too."

"My advice, do that before you ask.  It'll save you a lot of trouble in the long run."

Brian smiled at that.  "You've got that right.  Why don't we both check and make the arrangements tomorrow when we have permission from our … partners?"

 

"Much safer," Frank agreed and they both laughed.  Brian liked this man more and more.

 

                                                               -----

 

"Hey, Sunshine," Brian called as he entered the loft.

 

"Hey," Justin responded from the alcove where his desk was located.

 

"I'm glad you're home.  I have something to tell you."

"You must have had a good day by the look on your face."

 

"I did," Brian grinned.

 

"The council meeting went well?"

Brian nodded.  "I almost got sabotaged before it ever started though."

"Explain," Justin said with a worried look on his face.

 

Brian went to grab a beer and motioned to Justin to see if he wanted one.  Justin nodded and they took them over to the sofa.

 

"Do you remember Mrs. Jankowski from the swearing in ceremony?"

Justin looked thoughtful for a moment, then he said, "Oh, Maria."

"Yes, I guess that's her name.  Anyway you made a great impression on her that day."

"I did?  She was a nice lady.  Made me feel comfortable there with all the other 'spouses'."

 

Brian let that pass without comment.  "Her husband Frank's a nice man too.  He came to my office this morning and warned me that there was a group of councilors out to hijack the agenda of the meeting and make it impossible for me to get anything done."

"No!"

 

"Yes.  He said Maria liked you and therefore had told him he better help me.  So he spoke to some of the councilors and got them on my side and came and warned me."

"So what did you do?"

"I invited them to dinner."

"I meant in the meeting," Justin giggled.

 

"I made a speech to the councilors about doing their job and being fair.  I told them I was always open to good ideas, but they needed to listen to mine too and judge accordingly."

"And they did?"

 

"Yep, got through the whole meeting without any trouble.  The first vote was a little dicey, but after that it went well."

 

"That's great, now what was this about a dinner?"

"I invited Frank and Maria to dinner on Friday, but he told me he never accepts invitations without consulting his wife.  He said I should do the same.  So what do you think?"

Justin stared at him.  He wondered if Brian fully realized what he had just called him.  He was making Justin his spouse in deeds if not in words.  Justin's blistering smile lit up his face. 

 

"What?" Brian asked.

 

Justin knew better than to pursue what he was thinking.  He'd just bask in the knowledge for awhile.  "I think having them for dinner would be great," he said.

 

"Good.  I have a reward for you too."

"You do?"

 

"I used some of your experiences on the buses of Pittsburgh to convince the council to pass the first agenda item which was about more money for public transit."

 

"Good for you!  We need better buses."

 

"So I have a reward for you.  Come here."

Justin slid closer and Brian wrapped his arms around him and kissed him in a way that almost blew his socks off.  Brian was a great kisser, but sometimes he outdid himself and this was one of those times.

 

"Whew!" Justin responded when Brian broke the kiss.  Both their cocks had hardened as they pressed against each other.  "Is that all I get?" Justin asked with a sly grin.

 

"No, Sunshine, there's much more."  Brian began removing articles of clothing.

 

Being a help to his partner, being consulted like a true spouse, being treated as an important part of the equation, did life get any better?  Brian's hand closed around his cock and he knew it did.

 

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