Should Old Acquaintance
Chapter 1
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"I'm going to miss you," Justin
whimpered as Brian carefully withdrew from him. The lovers had been spending
their last few days together fucking, sucking and
making love every minute they could, as Brian was preparing for his trip to
It was mid-May. The Rage movie was still
going strong. The bowling alley was already in the black and Hunter's clinic
was making a difference in their corner of the world. It was decided that Brian
and Bobby would make the trip to
"I know, Justin. I'm going to miss
you and the kids, but it can't be helped. Bobby spoke to Miguel. Edna must have
carried on the search for more Kinney's. He said she made a significant find
but then she got sick and quickly made arrangements for us to take possession
of them. I wish there was another way to do this but we have to bring
documentation that we're, I mean me, that I'm the rightful owner. Aside from
our names being similar, Miguel said the portraits themselves would leave
little doubt that I'm related to Kinney."
"I realize all this, Brian, and it
makes sense that Bobby goes with you. You may need a lawyer, and he speaks
Spanish well enough to get you through the red tape. Bobby said he cabled Mr.
Perez and he's willing to help too."
"Maybe that will
make things go faster. I
hope we can wrap things up within two weeks."
Brian gathered Justin in his arms as they
rested after their heated round of lovemaking. After a long silence Justin
whispered softly something that was pressing on his mind.
"Bri?"
"Hmm?"
"You and Bobby..."
"What about him?"
"You care a lot about him."
"Of course, I do! I love him."
"And he loves you, but..."
"Justin, what's going on in that
little blond brain of yours?"
"You're going to be far from home and
we loved Edna so much and he's so beautiful and..."
"And your gerbil is going to die from
over-exhaustion if you don't stop this nonsense. Justin, I haven't been with
anyone else in over eight years, I'm not going back on my vow and neither will
Bobby. You have to believe that."
"I do. In my head, I do, but..."
"Justin, you and John will be
spending a lot of time here alone too. And I know he's attracted to you, anyone
who sees you is attracted to you, but I know my brother and I trust you. Please
trust me," Brian whispered, almost pleading.
"I do trust you. But if something
happens between you two, if you need his comfort, I'll understand."
"Jus, all the comfort I expect from
Big Red, is a peck on the cheek and maybe a hug. And that's as far as the
comfort will go. That's all the understanding I need you to have," Brian
said emphatically.
"Okay," Justin murmured against
Brian's chest as Brian rolled Justin on top of him.
Patting Justin's well-fucked butt, Brian
made a suggestion.
"Justin, I think I wore you out. You
sore?"
"A little, but it's a nice
sore."
"Then how about you
wear out my butt."
"You mean it?"
"Yeah, I want to feel you all the way
to
"Your wish is my command,"
Justin purred back as he reached for the lube to prepare his spouse.
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Bobby rolled off his husband then found
himself crushed against John's strong broad chest.
"God! I'm going to miss you," John exclaimed into
Bobby's red hair.
"Not anymore than I'm going to miss
you but we all can't go."
"I realize that but knowing doesn't
make it any easier."
"Yeah," Bobby softly agreed.
"You guys going to be okay while we're gone?"
"Yes. Grandma Claire has rallied the
troops. Justin, the kids and I will be fine. He has a show to work on and I
have a dozen new clients in
"John, you and Justin..."
"What about him?"
"He's very attractive and you could
be Brian's twin."
"And Justin's so in love with my
brother, and I'm not stupid," John chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
Ever since they learned of Edna's death and they had decided who was going to
go to
"No, you're not, but you're human and
I completely understand if you find yourself in need of some human contact with
him. And I'd rather it be him than some stranger."
"No, you wouldn't and nothing's going
to happen. Bobby, as beautiful and sexy as Justin is, he's also young enough to
be my son. And that's how I think of him. So get any thoughts of me and Justin
'contacting' out of that red head of yours. You get me?"
"I get you, and I want you in me. Now!" Bobby demanded as he maneuvered himself under his
spouse.
"Mmm, my fiery red-head," John
whispered as he reached for the lube.
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The next afternoon, John, Bobby and
Patrick drove to Brian and Justin's cottage. It was decided Brian and Bobby
would leave from there, drive to Brian's loft, leave the car there then take a
cab to the airport. It was all neat and well orchestrated. And none of them
were very happy about it.
When Bobby and John arrived they found
Brian sitting in the kitchen brushing the Squirt's hair. The slow methodical
brushing seemed to be pleasing to both of them.
"What's going on?" Bobby asked
staring at Brian.
"He doesn't want to leave Bree. He's
afraid she'll grow up and forget him while he's away," Justin replied.
"He'll only be gone for a few
days," John replied.
"Um … John, I know how he
feels," Bobby said softly. "Quite frankly I'm worried about leaving
our little guy. Bobby leaned over and chucked Patrick's cheek. Patrick giggled
and hid behind John's leg. "I hate the thought of leaving Patrick behind.
There's something about not being the biological parent that makes me want to
be near him all the time. It's like he'll lose his connection with me if I'm
not there for him."
"That's crazy, Bobby," John said
giving his husband a gentle hug.
"I know it is, but it doesn't stop me
from feeling it. I can't help myself, and I bet Brian can't either."
They all stood in the doorway watching
Brian continue the slow brushing of his daughter's hair. Then his fingers
twined in the golden locks and he buried his nose in Bree's fine, soft hair. He
began to murmur to his daughter too low for the others to hear.
"I love you, Squirt. I'll miss you
like crazy. Will you miss me, or will your little life go on just like normal?
I want you to remember me. I'm coming back. I promise."
Bree turned her head and looked up into
her father's sad eyes. "Sad, Daddy?" she asked and patted his cheek.
"Just a bit," Brian replied and
leaned down to kiss her forehead.
"Brian," Justin interrupted.
"Bobby and John are here. It's time to go."
Justin watched Brian's arms tighten around
Bree. He was afraid Brian was going to break down completely. They held their
breath as Brian straightened his back and stood up. He kissed Bree again and
handed her to Justin.
"I'm ready," he said.
"Let's go," Bobby responded
immediately, thinking that he should get Brian out of there as fast as
possible.
John grabbed Brian's suitcase and took it
out to the car. Brian checked that he had his passport and money and cell
phone. He crushed Justin and Bree in a final hug.
"Look after Bree and Gus until I get
back."
"I will," Justin promised as he
kissed his husband.
John returned and Brian pulled him into a
fiery hug. "Look after my family, big brother."
"You got it. We'll be fine, Brian.
Hurry back. And take care of the man I love."
"I will."
Brian and Bobby climbed into the car and
with a final wave to Justin holding Bree and John holding Patrick, they set off
on their adventure to
"I'm fine," Brian said after a
few miles.
"I know you are," Bobby stated.
"Then stop looking at me."
"I … I've never seen you so
emotional," Bobby admitted.
"It doesn't happen often."
"I had a meltdown earlier today at
the thought of leaving Patrick, like somehow I'd be forgotten because Patrick
isn't totally my blood. Is that how you were feeling?"
"Sort of. I've never been away from Bree since she was born,
not for more than a day or two. I need to protect her and look after her."
"Justin will do that."
"I know … but it's not the
same."
"Where's the big, bad Brian Kinney
who's supposed to look after me on this trip?" Bobby joked.
"Oh, he's here, but where the
Squirt's concerned, I'm a bag of mush."
Bobby laughed. "That's for
sure."
Brian glared but then smiled and they set
off on their trip with less emotion. The trip to the loft was soon over and
then they were on the plane waiting to taxi down the runway.
"I never thought I'd be going back to
"Neither did I."
"I wish we were going to visit Edna,
instead of seeing what she has left us."
"It won't be the same without her
there," Brian admitted.
The plane started to taxi into position.
"Well, this is it. It will be interesting to see what Miguel has for
us."
Brian nodded and leaned back as the plane
started to lift off.
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"Why haven't we heard from them? It's
been hours. They should be at Edna's by now!" John was nervously pacing
the cottage. He had tracked Brian and Bobby's flight and it appeared to have
landed on time. He had half expected his phone to ring the minute the plane hit
the tarmac.
"John, maybe they can't get a signal.
Who knows how powerful cell towers are down there," Justin offered by way
of an explanation.
John nodded at Justin's logic.
"You're right, of course, and I'm acting like an overly dramatic drama
queen." John sighed loudly as he checked the chicken in the oven. John and
Justin were preparing their evening meal. John and Patrick planned to stay at
Brian and Justin's cottage while Brian and Bobby were away. It was the
practical thing to do since he and Justin were spending most of their time in
"Yeah, well, you can count me in on
feeling like a drama queen. I keep looking at my phone too, wishing it would
ring. Mmm, the chicken smells good," Justin commented as his stomach gave
an appreciative growl.
"I think your stomach agrees. We have
some time till dinner. I'll get the kids washed up and they can help us make the
salad. Okay?" As Claire had taught him well, there would be little time
for idle hands.
"Okay. I want to clean up my brushes
before they ruin."
John went for the children as Justin went
to clean up his studio. No idle hands.
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"A-llooo! Mr. Brian and Mr. Bobby! It is sooo good to see you
again. And muy bonito!" Brian and Bobby were expecting Miguel to pick them
up at the airport but this was not Edna's Miguel. This was the Miguel who
reminded them all of Agador from "The Birdcage". And he was standing
on the other side of customs, waving frantically at them.
"Miguel? What are you doing
here?" Bobby asked quickly as an inspector was rifling through his
carry-on bag.
"My Juan has sent me to bring you to
Senora
Bobby made it through to the other side
and was engulfed in the long arms of the flaming Miguel.
"Miguel," Brian growled as he
pried his red-headed brother-in-law out of Miguel's roaming hands.
"Forgive me, Mr. Brian. It is so good
to see you again." Miguel gave Brian a chaste hug. Looking around, Miguel
gave the men a curious look.
"My brother and Justin aren't with
us. They had to stay home with our children," Brian explained.
"Children?" Miguel was very surprised.
"Yes, John and I have a son, Patrick,
and Brian and Justin have a little girl named Briana," Bobby stated
proudly. Miguel looked at both men who beamed back with pride and shook his
head.
"Adios Mio!" Miguel stated loudly.
"Miguel, we'll show you pictures of
the children, later. Can we go to Edna's now? It was a long flight and we're
tired."
"Excusa me, Mr.
Brian. Si,
of course. We go now. So sorry." Miguel
continued to mutter away quietly as he grabbed both their bags and showed Brian
and Bobby to Juan's car.
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"God, I'm stuffed. I didn't think I
was that hungry," Justin commented as he patted his full belly. John
softly chuckled. It was one of the comforting constants in his life, Justin's
hearty appetite. The children appeared to be full too. Patrick and Bree were
rubbing their full bellies too.
"I'm happy everyone liked my chicken.
And we have plenty to make sandwiches and salads," John said as he started
to clear the dinner table. "Justin, can you clean up the kids? I want to
put the kettle on. I can use a cup of tea."
"Me too!" Justin agreed as he spirited the children away
towards the bathroom.
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"Mr. Perez?" Bobby started to
question the gentleman who was so helpful to them all when they visited Costa
Rico eight years prior.
"Juan, por
favor."
"Juan. I don't understand. Why are
you here in
Miguel had driven Brian and Bobby to
Edna's home and they were met by Juan Perez, their savior, while in Costa Rico.
And it appeared that Miguel and Juan were still in a relationship.
"Senora Galloway contacted me, she
contacted all of us."
"All of you? I don't
understand." Brian scanned Juan and both Miguels. Edna's Miguel was
clearly tired and weakened by the loss of his mistress and friend.
"Mr. Brian, did you not know that
your Justin wrote to Edna and spoke of the Kinney journal and paintings? And he
sent Senora Edna copies of newspapers about what you did with the paintings and
of how they helped children. He sent many pictures including the final resting
place of Kinney and Patrick. Mr. Justin wrote many details. My Juan and Senora
Edna were able to contact all those you met during your sojourn. We had taken
up your cause to find evidence of the artist and his love. Each in our own
homeland, and we kept in contact with the good Senora. It was her plan to have
the four of you come here to see what we accomplished."
Brian stood silent, gaping at Miguel's
words. Juan and Edna's Miguel smiled through their grief.
"Even Father
Paul?" Bobby asked
with astonishment.
"Si," Edna's Miguel said softly.
"Well, fuck me!" Brian
exclaimed.
"It would be my pleasure, Mr.
Brian," Miguel laughed. And then they all laughed as Edna's Miguel passed
around small glasses filled with rum and they all toasted Edna and the lives
she touched.
After some time Bobby remarked,
"Miguel, may I use your phone. We must call home; John and Justin must be
worried sick."
"Of course, Senor Bobby, please, this
way." The elder Miguel showed Brian and Bobby the phone.
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"Hello?" A sleepy Justin
answered the phone.
"Hey."
"Hey, yourself. You guys okay?" Justin yawned as he heard his
husband's voice.
"We're fine. You okay? How's the
Squirt?" Brian asked, his heart aching to be home with Justin and his
family.
"She's fine, Bri. It hasn't even been
twenty-four hours."
"I know but I miss her, miss
you."
"We miss you too. How's
Miguel and Marta?"
"Justin, it's a very long story,
something for your Sunshine File and your journal, but go get John. I have one
anxious red-head here wanting to speak to his husband."
"Okay." Brian heard some
fumbling and then John came on the line.
"Bobby?"
"No, it's me, big bro. You looking out for my family?"
"Yes, I am. Not a blond hair out of
place. You looking out for my man?"
"Yes, hold on before he rips the
phone from my hand." John softly chuckled as he heard Brian grumble and
Bobby demand the phone.
"Give me that! John?"
"I'm here, baby. I miss you."
"Miss you too."
"You at
Edna's?"
"Yes, and you wouldn't believe who
else is here."
"Who?"
"Juan Perez and his
Miguel!"
"Agador, Miguel?"
"The very
same."
"How?"
"Long story. Look, we're tired. The old man's
about to drop."
"Hey, watch it with the old
shit!" Brian was heard in the background.
"Then take the old man to bed and
e-mail us in the morning. Bobby, I love you, hurry up
home."
"God, John, I miss you so much. I
love you. Kiss Patrick for me. Put Justin back on before Brian has a cow."
Brian grabbed the phone and gave Bobby a weary glare.
"Brian?" Justin said into the
phone.
"I'm here, Sunshine, I'm here,"
Brian whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.
"I love you, come home soon."
"As soon as we
can."
"Promise?"
"I promise. Give Bree a kiss for me
and let Gus know what's going on. We'll e-mail you tomorrow with the details.
Now go to sleep. I know
"Yes, you big smoosh."
"Justin..."
"I know, you sooo love me. Take care
of Bobby. Later, Bri."
"Later,
Sunshine." Brian cut
the connection then drew Bobby into a hug, Brian's chin
resting on top of the red head.
"You all right, big
guy?" Bobby asked into
Brian's chest. Brian only grunted, unable to speak at the moment. "Come
on, let's go to bed."
Brian pushed Bobby away so that he could
look into the gray blue eyes and arched an eyebrow.
"If you promise to behave yourself,
I'll guard your virtue while we sleep. I don't think either one of us will
sleep if we're alone. And I think Miguel has designs on your killer body,"
Bobby said with almost a straight face.
"Uh, um..." Brian sputtered.
"I, on the other hand, can resist
your charms," Bobby stated with confidence. Brian nodded and followed the
red-head back to the others to say their goodnights.
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Old Acquaintance