Brian had been surprised that there were no protesters at City Hall Monday morning.  He had seen the picture of him and Justin in the papers.  They were dancing at the Black and White Ball.  They looked so happy that he almost wondered if that was really how they appeared to the rest of the world. 

 

Brian was pleased to see that the picture was in the society section, not in the front section where the real news was located.  There were several other pictures of elegant couples dressed in black and white.  The ball was quite a hit according to the newspaper account.  Brian would have to agree.

 

Tuesday morning there were three or four protesters outside City Hall when Brian arrived.  Brian was glad to see the small numbers, so he stopped to talk to them.  The group may have been small but they were hardcore in their beliefs that his relationship with Justin was disgusting.  They refused to listen to anything he had to say.  Finally he turned and without even a "Fuck you!" he walked into the building.

 

Cynthia greeted him when he got to his office.  "Hi, Boss.  I see the protesters are back."

"Yeah, I was hoping they might give it up, but this is a determined little group.  I tried to talk to them, but they weren't interested."

"It is smaller than usual though," she said trying to look at the bright side.

 

"I guess, but there are some who will probably never quit."

She nodded, knowing he was right.  "I have some news for you," she said suddenly changing the subject.

 

"Oh, what?"

"Newsweek called and they want to do a feature on you."

"Newsweek, the magazine?  Are you shitting me?"

Cynthia chuckled.  "No, they called, and they will fly in this afternoon if you give the go ahead."

 

"What's involved in this besides more publicity and probably more protesters?" Brian said wryly.

 

"That's probably true," she admitted considering his words.  "I hadn't thought of that.  Anyway, here's the woman's name that wants to do the piece.  She said to call if you had any questions."

"Get her on the phone for me?" Brian asked.

 

Cynthia nodded and Brian went into his office.  This was going to take some figuring out.  It would be very cool to be on the cover of a real magazine, especially a prestigious one like Newsweek.  However, that would result in more protests he was sure, more disruption in their lives and God only knew what else.

 

The buzzer indicated that Cynthia had put his call through.  He picked up the receiver and said, "Ms. Morrison?"

"Mr. Kinney, how nice of you to return my call.  Can I start making arrangements to come to Pittsburgh?"

"Not quite so fast," he said, not sure whether he liked the flippant assumption that he would agree to the interview and the piece.

 

"Is there a problem?" she asked.

 

"I have some questions for you."

"Shoot."

"Just what is the focus of this article going to be?"

"It will follow your election as mayor of Pittsburgh and deal with some of the problems you have been having."

"Problems?" Brian asked trying to get her to clarify what she was talking about.

 

"You have been attacked and run over since you were elected, have you not?"

"And you know why?"

"I'm sure it's because you are gay."

"I guess you could say that.  So this article will be about me as gay mayor?"

"Not just that you are gay.  I want to look at politics and use you as an example of the need to be inclusive of all members of society, including gays.  I think you are a ground breaker of sorts, and I hope this article will show that we have come a long way, but we aren't there yet.  You are ahead of the wave.  That's why you've had so much trouble, but hopefully you are paving the way for others to come after you."

Brian liked the sound of that.  He liked to think all of his problems meant something and that he was fighting the good fight.  It sounded like this woman was going to tell the story that way.  But he had another concern. 

 

"Are you planning to bring my partner into this story?" Brian asked.

 

"Oh yes!  I have read about your love affair and all the problems that resulted.  You do seem to attract trouble, Mr. Kinney."

"And I hope you're not bringing more of it," he said rather bluntly.

 

"Oh," she said slightly taken aback.  "That's not my intention at all."

"I hope not, but if you intend to write about my partner then I have to get his permission."

 

"Of course."

"Do I get any chance to see this article and check its accuracy before it is published?"

 

"You'll certainly be able to read it first, but I can't allow you carte blanche to edit it."

"Fair enough," Brian conceded.  "Can I trust you to be fair?"

"That would be a definite yes."

Brian liked that she didn't hesitate or fudge that answer.  He took that as a good sign.  "Could you come tomorrow instead of today?" he asked.

 

"I guess so, but why?"

"I want to talk to my partner tonight.  If he doesn't want to do this, we won't.  I can let you know later tonight."

"Okay," she said.  "This is my cell phone number that you called.  Use it tonight one way or the other, but I hope it will be affirmative.  I think what you have accomplished is important."

"I'll get back to you," Brian said and hung up.

 

Brian leaned back in his chair.  This woman seemed all right, but he wasn't sure any reporter could be trusted.  The article might be a good thing, but he needed to talk to Justin about it before he decided anything.  He picked up another fucking report and began reading.

 

                                                              -----

 

Justin and Brian had just finished dinner.  As they loaded the dishwasher and cleaned up, Brian was deciding how to broach the subject of the Newsweek article with Justin.  He knew the boy would probably go along with anything he asked, and that was not what he wanted.  He wanted Justin's honest opinion about whether they should agree to the article or not.

 

"Justin, I have something we need to talk about.  Have you got a minute?" Brian asked as Justin had headed for his desk, presumably to do schoolwork.

 

Justin stopped.  It wasn't often that Brian talked like this to him, all serious and quiet.  This must be something important.  "Sure," he said, "I can spare a few minutes.  You sound so serious."

"I want your honest opinion, no bullshit, and no saying what you think I want to hear.  Okay?"

"Okay," Justin said staring into Brian's eyes.  He was getting a little concerned about what this might be.

 

They sat down on the sofa. 

 

"I had a chat today with a reporter who works for Newsweek.  They want to do an article about me."

Justin's face lit up in a smile.  "That's great, Brian.  You deserve some recognition after all you've been through and what you're trying to do."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I think we need to look at the whole picture."

"Whole picture?  I don't understand."

"This article would be about me, an openly gay man elected as mayor of a big city.  The reporter, a Ms. Morrison, explained that she wants to talk about changing trends in the world of politics, about how I'm at the forefront of a fundamental change of attitude in this country."

 

"She said that?" Justin asked, his eyes large.  "That's a huge compliment, and I have to agree with her."

 

"Thanks again, but you would be part of the article too.  She wants to look at some of the … problems we've had.  She's going to rehash a lot of stuff, and then it will all be out in public view all over again.  And you know where that usually gets us," Brian said ruefully.

 

"I see," Justin said slowly.  He seemed to be thinking about all the ramifications.  Brian was glad that he was taking his time and making a considered decision.  "So, are you asking for my permission to do this?"  Brian nodded.  "I say go for it."

"Are you sure?" Brian asked surprised that Justin sounded so definite.

 

"I'm sure.  It's kind of like the ball.  The more we're out in public view, the more they'll get used to us, and then hopefully, the less trouble we'll have in the long run."

Justin was suddenly engulfed in Brian's arms and the man's mouth sought his in a passionate kiss.  When Brian let him up, Justin gasped, "What was that for, not that I didn't like it?"

"You are the smartest, bravest, sexiest man I have ever met."

"Well, thank you," Justin giggled.  "Remind me to agree to something else real soon."

 

"You didn't just agree because you thought I wanted this, did you?"

"No, silly, I was teasing.  I think it's the right thing to do."

Brian kissed him again.  "I want to fuck you," he whispered into Justin's ear.

 

"I could take my break now and work later," Justin whispered back.

 

Brian began removing their clothes, pulling and shoving and ripping.  He wanted to tell Justin how much he loved him, but as always words were never the answer.  He would show him with actions.  He took Justin's cock into his mouth and licked and sucked.  Justin knew he was in for a real treat.  He could tell Brian was feeling very strongly about him.  He was going to show him how much he loved him.  He knew it.  That was one of the things he had learned post Ethan.  He understood Brian's language much better now.

 

When Brian entered him he could feel the love that Brian poured into him.  He understood that each nip at his neck meant that Brian needed him, that each caress along his back meant that Brian wanted only him, that each kiss meant that they were staying together, that each stroke was a declaration of love.

 

Brian thrust again and again.  He was sure that Justin was getting the message, his message of need and want and love.  He felt his climax approaching and hesitated.  Justin looked over his shoulder when Brian stopped.

 

"You understand, don't you?" Brian gasped.

 

Justin nodded and Brian slammed home until they both came in explosive orgasms leaving them weak and spent.  Brian pulled out and Justin turned over.  Brian cradled him against his chest on the narrow cushions of the sofa.

 

"I wish I could stay here with you all night," Justin said.

 

"The bed might be a bit more comfortable," Brian teased.

 

"I meant in your arms.  Do you think I could do my homework from here?"

"I could give you some more homework," Brian smirked tugging on Justin's cock and seeing the results he wanted.

 

"Brian," Justin complained.  "I have work to do and you should call that woman from Newsweek."

"When did you get to be so practical?  I think the bloom must be off our relationship if you're going to abandon me for fucking schoolwork."

Justin could tell he was teasing, but the man had said relationship without flinching and there was some truth in what Brian said.  "Maybe we're growing up," Justin said seriously.  "Our priorities are changing."

Brian studied his face.  "I never wanted to grow up, you know.  That's why I fought so hard to keep my way of life when you came along.  I had responsibilities in my job and I always met those, but my personal life, such as it was, was completely devoid of responsibility, just the way I liked it."

"And I screwed all that up for you," Justin said watching Brian's reaction.

 

"You did, you and Gus.  Everything changed that night, even though I refused to admit it for so long."

"You mean you're admitting it now?" Justin asked with a grin.

 

"Yes, twat," Brian said kissing his nose.

"Well, now that we have that all straightened out I can go to work with a clear conscience."

 

"Okay," Brian groaned releasing the young man and letting him slide off the couch to the floor.

 

"You're right, the bed is more comfortable," Justin chuckled as he retrieved his clothes.

 

"We can prove that later."

"Later," Justin whispered in his sexiest voice.  He heard Brian groan again as he sashayed over to his desk.

 

                                                               -----

 

Justin was rereading an English essay that he had to discuss in his tutorial the next day when he heard Brian on the phone.

 

"Ms. Morrison, it's Brian Kinney."

 

"Fine, how are you?"

"Good.  I called to tell you that my partner thinks we should go ahead with the article."

 

Justin felt his heart swell at the easy way Brian talked about him as his partner.  Brian introduced him that way all the time now, but it never sounded as real as it did when it just came out naturally, like now.

 

"Do you need someone to meet you at the airport?"

 

"Okay, so you should be at City Hall around ten-thirty.  I'll expect you then."

"Thanks, I hope I don't regret doing this too."

"Fine."

 

The conversation must have been completed because Brian stopped talking.  Justin put down the paper he had been reading.  He rubbed his eyes and decided he'd had enough for tonight.  He should be able to get through the tutorial without too much trouble.

 

He leaned back in his chair and thought about his "relationship" with Brian.  He couldn't believe how things had changed.  Ever since Brian had decided to run for mayor and had asked Justin to stand up with him to do it, their lives had changed dramatically.  Who would have thought that they would be dancing at the Black and White Ball in front of the crème de la crème of Pittsburgh society?  Who would have thought that Brian would be elected in the first place?  And he was making such an effort to be the best mayor he could be.  Justin was so proud of him.  Who would have thought that they would both be in the next issue of Newsweek?  His mother and Daph were going to be fucking proud.  He could hardly wait to tell them.  He wondered if his asshole of a father would even notice.  He squashed that thought and returned to happier ones.

 

He thought about how well he and Brian got along now.  Sure there were a few blips now and then, like the Michael/Bruce Springsteen fiasco, but they were few and far between.  Mostly they supported each other.  Even though Brian was the breadwinner and the "media star", he made sure to consult with him about everything important, like this article and going to the Black and White Ball.  Justin smiled to himself.

 

"What are you smiling at, little boy?" Brian asked coming up behind him.

Justin jumped.  "I was just thinking about how things have changed since you got elected."

 

"Oh you mean, like how I can afford to feed you now?"

"Brian," Justin whined and then swatted him one.

 

"Ow," Brian complained.  "I came to see if you were done."

"I'm done," Justin replied, "but I'm ready for something a little different."

"Are you now?"

"Um hmm," Justin nodded with a little smile.

 

"What do you have in mind?"

"Come here," Justin said pulling Brian's face close to his.  "I want to fuck you," the young man whispered in his ear.

 

Brian felt his cock jump.  He rarely allowed this to happen, but he knew Justin really enjoyed it when he did.  And truth be told he enjoyed it too.  "Feeling a little frisky tonight, are we?"

Justin grinned and nodded.  "Can we?"

"Come to bed," Brian said his voice husky with desire.

 

Justin was on his feet and into the bedroom before Brian could move.  "Hey, wait for me.  I think I'm a necessary part of this equation."

"More than necessary," Justin chuckled, "downright essential."

 

Justin waited for Brian to make his way to the bedroom and then he started undressing the man.  Brian stood still not helping at all.  Justin nibbled and licked and kissed each part of the naked Brian he was exposing.  When he had all the clothes off the man he quickly removed his own.  Brian stood in the same spot watching him.  He could feel his cock grow with each new patch of delicious Justin flesh that was revealed.

 

When the clothes were gone, Justin turned and stared at Brian.  He held out his hand and Brian reached for it.  Justin grasped it firmly and pulled Brian into a kiss filled with promise and desire.  He shoved Brian back and toppled them both onto the bed.  His slender frame covered Brian's larger body and he started a slow, sensual body rub, using every part of his own body to do the rubbing.  His lips never left Brian's, pausing only occasionally to allow an intake of much needed breath.

 

When they were both hard and aching for release, Justin stopped and grabbed the lube and condom.  He quickly prepared Brian and himself and pressed in.  Brian's legs came up around his back and squeezed the blond to him.  He held Justin still, partly embedded.

 

"Be gentle," he whispered.

 

Justin grinned and quickly plowed the rest of the way in.  He knew Brian didn't really mean gentle.  He was teasing him.  "Like that?" he asked.

 

"Just like that!" Brian said as all the air was expelled from his body.

 

Justin drew back until only his cock head remained inside.  "I'm going to be gentle again."

 

Brian nodded and Justin drove back in.  "Perfect," the man gasped.

 

Justin smiled.  "So much more gentleness to bestow upon you, sweet prince!"  He thrust in again swift and strong.

 

Brian grunted his approval.  A few more strokes and words became irrelevant and impossible.  Justin jabbed quickly as his body began to reach the ultimate release.  He grabbed Brian's cock and stroked in time with his thrusts.  Brian came first and clamping down on Justin's cock, sent the boy over the edge as well. 

 

"You are such a sweet, gentle thing," Brian groaned as he regained his faculties.

 

"I try," Justin replied.

 

"I wonder if Newsweek would like a photo of some of these activities.  We could really cause a scandal then," Brian mused.

 

"Don't joke about that.  I don't want anything bad to come from this article.  It should be a good thing."

 

Brian sighed.  He hoped it would be good too, but he seriously doubted the results would turn out that way.  Nothing in his life seemed to happen like that.  "I could ask Ms. Morrison to be gentle with me," Brian said tongue in cheek.

 

"You fucking better not," Justin threatened.

 

Brian chuckled.  Justin was so easy sometimes.  "I'm only kidding, Justin.  The only one I want to be gentle with me is you."

"And just you remember that," Justin said giving him a big kiss.

 

 Return to Mayor Kinney