Treehouse

Chapter 5

The next morning everyone except Justin was very hung over. However, Claire brewed strong coffee and got them to eat something. That along with several bottles of aspirin and they were ready to climb the scaffolding.

Work went quickly using all the things they had worked out the day before. The windows and doors were installed and John got the inside of the treehouse completed with drywall on one side and planks on the others. Justin knew exactly what he wanted to paint on the drywall section.

All that remained was for the slide and ladder to be installed and the decision about whether to paint the treehouse or let it weather naturally. There was a big argument about that. John and Bobby thought the wood should be allowed to weather. It would look somewhat like the trunk of the tree after a few years. Brian and Justin liked the idea of painting it green so that it blended in with the foliage and would last a few years longer. No consensus seemed to be reached until Brian had a major queen out stating this fucking treehouse had been his idea and had come about because of his hard work and that it was for his son, so he bloody well wanted it the way he wanted it.

Brian stomped off for a smoke and Justin and Bobby cajoled John into letting Brian have his way. One drama queen was bad enough but two was almost more than the twinks could handle.

When Brian finally returned, John told him they would paint the treehouse, but they would have to go to Smitty's for more paint. He hadn't been planning on painting the treehouse, so he didn't have the proper paint.

Justin wanted to paint his mural and Bobby agreed to paint the background for him. He would stay and help wherever he could. John and Brian drove off to the hardware store, promising to return quickly with the paint and some varnish to cover Justin's mural and preserve it after it was finished.

"I wonder what Brian will buy this time," Bobby chuckled as he covered the drywall with a base coat.

"God only knows," Justin chuckled. "Does Smitty's sell miniature designer sofas?"

"I don't think so," Bobby giggled.

"Good, otherwise we'd be hoisting one up here when they get back."

By the time the brothers returned Justin and Bobby had the base coats for the mural on and almost dry. Justin was drawing what he wanted to paint on top of the almost dry undercoat.

"Justin," Brian called. "I'm coming up."

"No, you're not!" Justin said emphatically. "Nobody comes in here until I'm done."

"But I bought something for the treehouse," Brian replied. "I want to see what it looks like."

Justin groaned. "What the fuck did you buy?"

"I'm not telling if you won't let me bring it up."

"Then I guess we'll both have to wait," Justin said organizing his paints.

"Fuck!" Brian said wanting to try out his new purchase.

By the end of the day Justin had his mural completed and thought it turned out just fine. He invited Brian to come up. The others had spent the day painting the treehouse and were tired but pleased with what they had accomplished. Brian carefully made his way up asking John to attach his purchase to the pulley so it could be hauled up.

Brian's eyes just about popped out of his head when he saw what Justin had painted. There on the wall of the treehouse was himself and Gus sitting at the little table Brian had purchased. They were playing a game of chess lost in concentration, but obviously loving the time they were spending together.

Brian felt tears well up as he hugged his partner. "That's so … wonderful," he gasped. "How do you do it?"

"I painted what I thought it would be like for you and Gus up here," Justin whispered against Brian's neck."

"It's … wonderful," Brian repeated. "You're wonderful."

Justin smiled radiantly and accepted Brian's praise that never came all that easily. "So where's your purchase?"

"John, haul it up," Brian called. "They have the most amazing things in that store."

Justin could not believe his eyes. Brian had bought a small fireplace for the treehouse.

"But how will it work up here?" Justin asked.

"It runs on gel, something alcohol based. It's totally environmentally friendly, and we don't have to vent it. The only byproduct is water."

"That's amazing, but is it safe to have up here if Gus is alone?"

"It holds a canister of the gel which we can remove if Gus is going to be by himself."

"Jesus, Brian, Gus will be able to move in here and never have to leave. All he needs is a computer and he won't even have to go to school."

All Brian did was grin.

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Thursday evening and the treehouse gang, minus Justin, along with Claire stood looking up admiring Gus' treehouse. As Justin was putting the finishing touches on his mural then the protective varnish, John, Brian and Bobby were busy taking down the scaffolding. He alone was left up in the treehouse ready to come down the official way, by ladder or by slide.

"Hey Sunshine! You gonna stay up there all night?"

"Almost finished!"

"It's beautiful, Brian. Gus will be so surprised; he may never want to leave it."

"That's what Justin said. I hate to say this, Claire, but you're going to be stuck with me for a long time."

"I think I can handle that. What's taking him so long to come down?"

"Probably lubing up his ass for the slide down."

"Briiaaann!" All three exclaimed, not quite believing what came out of Brian's mouth.

"What?" Shaking their heads, Claire, John and Bobby again turned their attention to the treehouse.

"Okay, I'm finished. I'll be right down."

"Well, it's about time. I thought I was going to have to send up your dinner." They all watched Justin stand by the door and wave. He went back in and closed the door. Justin shut the windows just in case it rained but left them open a crack so that the paint odor would dissipate. Then they saw him come down the steps to the balcony level. They watched him look at the ladder and then the slide, he appeared to be debating. Claire, John and Bobby heard Brian mumble to himself, "Go for it, Sonny Boy," as he walked over to the base of the slide. Justin sat on the gleaming slide and slid down to the ground into Brian's arms.

Justin laughing, looking so much like a little boy, babbled with joy. "Brian, you have to try this. It's so amazing!"

"You're amazing little boy." Brian swung his big little boy around then they joined the rest of their family.

"Claire, John, Bobby, thank you so much. None of this could have been possible without you help, support and..." Brian, never able to express his true feelings, faltered.

"What Brian means is that without your love the treehouse would not exist. You've been wonderful to us." Brian could only nod in agreement.

"Justin, you and Brian are family. This was truly a labor of love. Now before this gets way too sappy and I need tissues, I suggest we go inside, have dinner and discuss the unveiling." With all her ducks in a row, Claire led the boys into the house and to the dinner table.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brian and Justin slept a little later the next morning. The work on the treehouse was finished, all tools and left over wood neatly stowed in the barn. They had survived their week of manual labor with their bodies and dignities intact. Neither of them sustained any physical harm and no further mention of frogs was made. All in all it was a great vacation. The lovers were ready to go back to Pittsburgh and prepare the family for the Treehouse Warming party. Around eleven Brian and Justin packed up the Cherokee, kissed everyone goodbye and went back home.

The following week was business as usual. Justin had gotten a resounding yes from Jennifer and Molly. They couldn't wait to meet John and Claire. Lindsay arranged for the time off from the gallery and promised to help Debbie and Emmett with cooking and baking. Everything would be ready for Saturday.

Friday rolled around and Brian had received a call from John letting him know they were on their way. They were going to meet Brian at Kinnetik.

Brian decided to enlist Emmett's help. Brian didn't trust Emmett to dress John but Emmett did have a flair with twinks. Brian gave Emmett the job of finding new outfits for Justin and Bobby. Emmett, nearly brought to tears by the trust Brian had in him, controlled himself when cut by a Kinney glare.

"Emmett, I'm warning you. Not one sequin, not one feather, nor any glitter. You have that straight?"

"Honey, there ain't nothin' straight about me. But if you insist. Don't blame me if your boys come back looking boring. Come on Brian, maybe something in lame."

"NO!" Emmett jumped as the four men shouted at him. "Alright, alright, I get the hint. Come along children. Let Auntie Em work the old magic. Bobby, we must find something that won't clash with that gorgeous hair of yours."

"Uh, Emmett."

"Yes, John."

"Keep your hands above the waist." Emmett tried to look insulted but failed. He ushered his charges out of Kinnetik.

"Well, little brother, where are we going and how much is this going to cost me?"

"I have a couple of shops in mind downtown and it's on me. That check I gave you to cover my half of the treehouse materials hasn't cleared, yet. This is my town; you're not allowed to spend a penny."

"What about Bobby's clothes?"

"Justin has my credit card and he knows how to use it. Don't sweat it, this is my treat."

Brian took John to one of his favorite men's stores. Immediately he and John were descended upon by a bevy of salesmen stumbling over each other to wait on Brian and his look-alike brother. Over the next hour the brothers were catered to. They left with killer outfits for the evening. Next on the list was Brian's favorite hair stylist, manicurist and pedicurist. John was never so pampered in his whole life.

Sitting with his feet in a pool of bubbling, warm, scented water, John looked over at Brian who was equally seated. A luscious dark haired beauty was giving Brian's feet a massage while another pretty boy was tending to John's.

"Brian, do you do this often?" John questioned.

"About once a month. Why?"

"And Justin doesn't mind the, uh, attention you're receiving?"

"Justin knows exactly what goes on in here." John thought it wise not to pursue the cryptic answer. After a couple hours of pampering, Brian and John were trimmed, shaved, and well manicured.

"So, where to now?"

"The diner. That was Justin on the phone. They're done with their shopping and very hungry."

"Why am I not surprised? Your boy can eat."

"Yes, he can."

"Will I like what Bobby will be wearing?"

"Let's put it this way. If you don't there will be one dead Auntie Em." Having no doubts about Brian's wrath, John followed Brian to his car.

At the diner, their reception was no less spectacular. The brothers joined their lovers and Emmett by the door. They bid Emmett a 'ta ta' and entered the diner. The usual dinner crowd was in.

"I guess we have to wait." John said noting that there were no empty booths.

"No, we won't," Justin responded. Sure enough, a group of men vacated a booth for Brian, et al.

Brian nodded his appreciation while John and Bobby looked stunned.

"Another gift?" John queried Justin who just shrugged.

Debbie was in rare form, greeting her boys with hugs and pinches to various cheeks. Kiki was there, with her runny mascara drooling over John. Debbie knew that they were going to Babylon and put in their orders without asking. "You'll eat all of it!" Debbie stated as she stared specifically at Brian. All four men answered with a, "Yes, Debbie."

Dinner was surprisingly edible and Justin was very appreciative. Halfway through dinner Bobby began to fidget. He was starting to get annoyed by all the attention John was garnering. Sitting opposite Brian in the aisle seat was earning John and Brian subtle caresses from anyone passing by. Brian barely acknowledged them, Justin ignored them, John was baffled by them and Bobby was downright angry. No words of comfort from John seemed to sink through the mop of red hair. Liberty Diner was about to experience another full fledged drama princess moment.

Justin, remembering his manners, put down his fork, swallowed and wiped his mouth before speaking. "Bobby, just remember who he sleeps with every night."

Brian bussed Justin's temple as John gave Bobby a kiss on the cheek. All was right in the world again. Their meal continued without further drama. They returned to the loft after dinner.

Having several hours before Babylon, the former treehouse gang decided to relax before their night out on the town. Brian immediately dumped his briefcase on his desk and went to the bedroom to change out of his suit. John and Bobby who were going to spend the night were discovering just how comfortable the futon cushions were and Justin went to boot up the computer. As it was his habit, the loft door was slightly ajar.

Brian descended the steps in his usual garb of soft faded jeans, top button undone, black wifebeater and bare feet. He was quite oblivious to the ogles of admiration he got from Bobby and from John. Brian passed by his desk, gave Justin a kiss then went to the fridge for water. After passing out bottles of water to the loft occupants Brian lounged in his chaise. Done catching up on his email, Justin joined Brian. The brothers quietly and reverently cuddled with their partners.

Their solitude was then disturbed by the usual traffic that seemed to plague the loft and Brian on a regular basis. First it was Mikey. Thinking nothing of barging in, Mikey slid the heavy door open pushing Hunter inside.

"Brian! Would you mind telling Hunter that you are NOT going to fuck him in the treehouse? He seems to be under the impression that the treehouse is going to be your fuck nest."

"Well, hi Mikey, I'm fine, how are you? And how is the littlest former hustler tonight? You're looking remarkably clean, Hunter."

"Brian, stop sucking on Justin's neck and tell Hunter you are not going to fuck him!"

"Hunter, I am not going to fuck you. Happy now, Mikey?"

"Very. See you guys at Babylon." Mikey and Hunter left the building.

Next to show up was Lindsay. She at least knocked before entering.

"Brian, can I store some of the pies here? I've run out of room at my place."

"Sure, Linds. Anything you want."

"Thanks. I'll meet you at Debbie's in the morning." Lindsay lined up her pies and cakes on the counter, walked over to the chaise gave both Brian and Justin a kiss, waved a hello and goodbye to John and Bobby , then left.

"Brian?"

"Hmm?"

"Is this normal?"

"Is what normal?"

"All these people coming in and out?"

"Just another day at the Kinney loft."

"Ah." The brothers went back to kissing their twinks.

Next on the hit parade was Emmett and Ted.

"See, I told you they weren't naked, Teddy."

"One has hopes, Em."

"What can I do for you two?"

"Oh nothing really. Just wanted to drop by and see if you all liked the outfits I picked out for the boys."

"I just wanted to see if you all were having an orgy."

"Sorry, Theodore, you just missed the orgy and you'll have to wait for Babylon to see how we look."

"Damn! Tootles, y'all." Temmett exited the loft.

Cynthia showed up with some last minute contracts for Brian to approve and sign, then she left with little ado.

"Bri?"

"Yes, Sunshine."

"When are we going?"

"About ten."

"Ten?"

"I know, I would've liked to make the grand entrance at eleven but we have to wake up early tomorrow. It's going to be a busy day and I need my beauty sleep."

"Okay."

John and Bobby silently took in what had just transpired.

Around nine, Brian gently pushed Justin off the chaise and stated, "Well, boys, time to get ready." With that Brian sauntered into the bedroom, stripping off his clothes. They heard the shower start and Brian's voice. "Hey, Sunshine, you gonna help me in the shower?"

"Coming!" the three all sing-songed.

"Not without me you don't," as Justin went in to join Brian.

When Justin's giggles were transformed into moans, John and Bobby realized what kind of help Justin was rendering. Gratefully the shower drowned out the other noises.

That left John and Bobby snuggling on the cushions. Bobby was lying on top of John nibbling his ear. Too engrossed in what they were doing, they didn't hear the door slide open again.

"Brian! How could you?!" John and Bobby jumped up when they heard the scolding from the pretty petite blond scowling at them.

"Oh dear, you're not Brian. You must be his brother. I'm Jennifer Taylor, Justin's mom." Jennifer blushed but extended her hand.

John smiled, "It's quite alright, I'm getting used to it." Shaking her hand, "I'm John and this is my partner Bobby."

"Nice to finally meet you both. Justin has told me all about his Sunshine file and what he discovered. I can't wait to meet your mother." Clad in a towel, Justin sprinted into the living room.

"Hi, Mom." He said with a kiss to Jennifer's cheek.

"Hi, Sweetheart. I was in the neighborhood showing a property and thought I'd drop by. I didn't interrupt anything did I?"

"No, just getting ready for Babylon."

"Okay, well you all have a good time and I'll see you at Deb's in the morning."

"Okay." Just then Brian, naked as the day he was born, stood at the steps and greeted Jennifer.

"See you in the morning, Jenn."

"Night Brian, have fun at Babylon."

"We will." Brian turned and went into the bedroom.

"Goodnight." John, Bobby and Justin said their good nights to Jennifer as she shut the door. Justin felt four eyes bore into his head.

Bobby had the balls to ask the obvious. "Justin, just how often does your mother see Brian naked?"

Turning to go up the steps, Justin answered, "Not too often." Then he disappeared into the bedroom leaving two very stunned men behind him.

While Brian primped, John and Bobby showered then got dressed. Even with a half an hour disadvantage, John and Bobby were dressed and ready before Brian.

Brian had chosen a deep green almost black pair of slacks for John and a deep hunter green sleeveless silk shirt. The green set off John's hazel eyes. John, with years of hard work under his belt looked well muscled and trim. Bobby was dressed in dark navy jeans and a cream sleeveless cotton sweater that blended with his creamy skin. He looked sweet enough to eat.

Brian came down the steps, his hair with that just fucked look that he'd perfected over the years. Black lambskin pants that hugged every curve and accentuated his obvious endowments and a black tight tank. After a week of hearty country cooking and hard physical work, Brian's already taut muscles looked more defined and definitely healthy. Justin, loving the contrast between his light and Brian's dark, wore beige cargos and a golden yellow belly shirt. Still officially a twink, he was able to pull off the look without fear of embarrassment. With his golden blond hair, he lived up to his name.

The four paired off and checked each other out. John and Brian had to admit that Auntie Em would live to see another day.

Even though it was relatively early for Babylon, there was a good size crowd dancing to the thumping beat. Brian led the way and stopped on the catwalk to survey his kingdom. This was his world and all of Babylon knew it. Justin, a step behind, gave Brian his moment then sidled up beside him. Brian put his protective arm around Justin's shoulder, a clear warning to all. They led his brother and Bobby to their spot at the bar. Ted, Emmett, Michael and Ben were there to meet and greet. Hugs and kisses abounded and drinks were ordered. Justin was bouncing, ready to dance. Emmett his ever ready dance partner looked to Brian for permission. With a nod from Brian, they were off to start off the night.

And what a night it was. The friends and family all danced with each other and had a great time. At the right moment Justin led Brian to the dance floor. The crowd parted for their kings to watch their show; Brian and Justin did not disappoint. As in the Honey Bear, Brian and Justin began their sensual dance heating up the temperature around them to a fevered pitch. Many left the dance floor to dowse the fever in the back room. When the next song started, Brian and Justin were joined by John and Bobby. The crowd cheered as the gorgeous brothers led their equally beautiful partners around the floor. Every once in a while John and Brian would switch places then switch again. The announcer couldn't help but comment.

"Take a good look, boys! There's two of them, more than enough to go around."

Around one, the gang agreed it was time to go. They would meet at Debbie's at ten. An audible groan was heard throughout Babylon as the brothers sauntered out of the club with their lovers.