Treehouse

Chapter 7

Brian awoke to the feel of kisses on his nose. His eyes fluttered open as Gus giggled and kissed his nose again.

"Hey, Sonny Boy," Brian said. "What's up?"

"I need to pee," Gus said.

"Okay, let's go to the house."

"Over the balcony."

Brian groaned. He had known at the time that he would pay for showing Gus how to do that. "There's a bathroom in the house."

"No," said Gus.

"Why don't we all pee over the balcony?" Justin asked as he rubbed his eyes.

"Morning, my other Sonny Boy," Brian whispered leaning over to kiss his sleepy partner.

"Yeah!" Gus said getting up and pulling his father's hand.

"Family urination," Brian said. "The family that sleeps together pees together."

Justin chuckled and helped Gus haul his father to his feet. "Up, old man!" Justin ordered.

"Christ," Brian said rubbing his back. "Sleeping on the fucking floor isn't all it's cracked up to be." Brian's back gave a resounding crack of its own at that moment.

Justin frowned at Brian and shook his head indicating Brian better watch his language around Gus. Brian smiled contritely.

They made their way down to the balcony level. Brian tried to help Gus get his penis out and the little boy told him no. He could do it by himself. All three lined up and peed through the spindles of the railing. Gus giggled as he tried to imitate everything the two adults did. He shook off his penis and tucked it back in his pajamas.

"Ready to see what's cooking on this fine day?" Brian asked.

"Hungry," said Gus.

"Hungry," said Justin.

They quickly made their way over to the house where Lindsay took Gus to get some clothes. Brian and Justin used the bathroom to change into their clothes and wash their hands. A shower would wait till later. Brian went out to hose down the grass by the tree while Justin started helping Claire arrange the things for breakfast.

When Brian returned, Claire was whipping up a big bowl of what looked like pancake batter. "How are you at flipping flapjacks?" Claire asked him.

"Um…"

"Not so good?"

"Not really."

"There's two dozen oranges over there that you could squeeze," she said.

"Two dozen?" Brian asked raising an eyebrow. I guess I could do that. Where's the juicer?" Claire handed him an old fashioned glass lemon squeezer. He looked at it skeptically.

"He's used to a Philippe Starke top of the line automatic juicer," Lindsay said with a chuckle as she brought a fully dressed Gus into the kitchen. Brian stuck his tongue out at her.

"Lindsay, if you would start frying up that bacon, I'll show Brian how to use this. Gus, Beau's outside; he just had his breakfast if you want to go play with him."

Gus ran to the door. "Stay around the house," Lindsay called as the screen door slammed behind the little boy. "He loves that dog. We may have to take Beau home with us."

"Better yet, bring Gus more often for visits, and they'll both be happy," Claire said as she hacked an orange in half and twisted it on the lemon squeezer. She handed the other half of the orange to Brian saying, "Get to work, and make sure you get all the seeds out."

"Yes, ma'am. Absolutely, ma'am. No problem, ma'am." Brian smiled and kissed her cheek. She blushed as she showed Justin where a couple dozen eggs needed to be cracked into a bowl to make scrambled eggs.

Emmett arrived and began to help Justin. He chatted away happily about the Honey Bear and Ted's new beau. Jennifer, Ted and Molly came into the kitchen.

"Molly, Gus is outside playing with Beau. Would you keep an eye on him?" Molly nodded and went outside. "Jennifer and Ted, maybe you could start on the toast." They immediately got to work. Quiet chatter filled the kitchen.

"Where's Mikey and Deb?" Justin asked.

"Michael and his family went for a walk a little while ago. I hope they didn't get lost," Claire explained.

"Michael would get lost but not Ben and Hunter. That son of mine has no sense of direction. But I'm sure they'll be fine," Debbie said as she and Carl came into the kitchen.

"Ah, would you two man the barbecue?" Claire asked. "It's all heated up and the tray is in it to make pancakes on. Keep them warm on the top rack," Claire said as she handed them everything they needed to cook the flapjacks.

Brian watched all the goings-on. He marveled at how Claire had so easily assigned jobs to everyone and nobody griped. They just did what she asked because she knew what she was doing and everybody wanted to please her. Brian thought about the fights with his own parents over chores and clean-up. He never wanted to do anything for them, and yet here he was squeezing two dozen oranges for Claire. Maybe it was because he had no doubt that she would do anything for him in return.

"Where are Bobby and John?" Emmett asked.

"Still fucking in the barn, if they know what's good for them," Brian stated.

"We're finished for now," John said with a well satisfied smirk as he came through the kitchen door with Bobby.

"Go get cleaned up," Claire ordered. "Breakfast is almost ready."

A short time later they all sat around the screen porch munching happily on the delicious breakfast that everyone had helped to prepare. The wanderers had returned. The fresh country air had given them all a good appetite.

"So what's on the agenda for this afternoon?" Claire asked.

"I thought I'd see if Gus wanted to go over to Steve's," John said. "He farms a hundred acres for me. His place is across the stream and through the woodlot. He has cows and a few sheep and a donkey. Would you like that Gus?"

"Yes, Uncle John," Gus said nodding his head as he chewed on a strip of bacon having finished two pancakes already.

"I'd like to see the animals too," Justin said.

"I'll take whoever wants to go. Steve won't mind. He's quite the character."

"We might go for another bike ride," Ben said. "Head the opposite direction."

"Suit yourself," John replied. "Whoever wants to come will be welcome. Or you can just sit in the shade and doze, or go for a swim in the stream, or do absolutely nothing."

"Aah, the country life!" Brian smirked as everyone gave him a raspberry.

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

John's tour to Steve's farm included Brian, Justin, Gus, of course, Molly and surprisingly, Ted. Emmett decided that he wanted no part of any animal of the four legged variety. Bobby, who needed to go back to work at the Honey Bear for the dinner crowd, stayed back to rest. Carl and Debbie decided to check out the stream. Michael and clan went off on their bikes. Claire, Jennifer and Lindsay after cleaning the kitchen, enjoyed the quiet of the porch.

"Wow, I never knew all this land was back here. And this guy Steve runs all this by himself for your Mom? No wonder you got pissed when you thought I wouldn't sign the deed."

"I'm sorry about that. Now that I know you better, I know you would have never reneged on your promise. You may be many things, little bro, but you keep your promises."

"One of my few failings. So tell me about this guy; he works for you?"

"Yeah, been here for as long as I've been around. He may look old and worn but he's as healthy as a horse and strong. He's about Mother's age."

"Oh?"

"Don't get any ideas, although I would to be proud to have him as a father. He certainly would have been a good one. He's a widower; his wife died a long time ago and he never re-married."

"Any kids?"

"One, a son, but he was killed several years ago. Ran with the wrong crowd. Got caught robbing a convenience store and was killed."

"Fuck!"

"So now he's thrown himself into the farm and something more."

"Okay, I'll bite."

"Wait, you'll see."

As John's group approached the bunkhouse, a large bear of a man came out to greet them holding a lead attached to a small donkey.

"Good morning, Steve."

"Good morning, John. And who do we have here?" Steve said noting Gus and Molly.

"Steve, I'd like to introduce Master Gus Peterson and Miss Molly Taylor. They're visiting along with their families." Gus beamed at the use of his formal name and shook hands with the big man. John continued with all the introductions and brief explanations of who was who.

"Gus, if it's okay with your dad here, would you like a ride on Daisy. She's real gentle.

One of my boys will lead you two around the farm." Gus' smile got brighter and he nodded his head but looked to Brian for consent.

"Go ahead, Gus. Just do what Steve tells you to do."

"Okay Daddy."

One of Steve's 'boys' came up. A young man, who looked to be about 16, took the lead as Brian set the boy on top of Daisy and Steve gave him instructions.

"Now hold on to her mane tight; you won't hurt her, and do what Chris tells you. We'll be here in sight so you can see your Dad." Gus nodded and then they were off to the races, a very slow race, the donkey's hooves clopping on the hard ground.

"How many 'boys' do you have here this time, Steve?" John queried.

"Twenty, a couple of real humdingers but we'll straighten them out. Now you'll have to excuse me. Got some cows that need milking and some boys to do the milking." Steve turned to head to the barn to get back to the cows and the boys.

"Boys?" Justin asked as his eyebrows arched up into his head.

"Steve has his regular farmhands but in the Spring and all Summer, then into the Fall we get a crop of boys. You remember what I said about Steve's son? Well this farm has always been a struggle but several years ago the state made a deal with Mother and Steve. This is not only a farm but a camp, a camp for wayward boys and sometimes girls who have gotten on the wrong path. The kids come here kicking and screaming, but by the time they leave the screaming has stopped and we have good kids ready to become a productive part of society. We haven't lost any yet. Many have become doctors, lawyers and even our own sheriff. They all came through here and left good men. Many come back and volunteer their time. We keep the animals as a petting zoo. This is a crop farm. Our boys come back to tend the animals and help with the kids. Then there's the real farming and harvesting of the corn and wheat that we grow. I help out when I can. Our alumni donate their time and some of their money. The state does pay us but twenty boys eat a lot." John looked at Justin who blushed. Justin could attest to how much food would be consumed.

They turned their attention back to Gus and Daisy. Brian stared off, deep in thought.

"What?"

"Hmm?"

"What are you thinking, Bri?"

"A couple of things. I can't donate time but Kinnetik could certainly donate money, it'll make Ted happy. He's always trying to get me to donate to worthy causes for many reasons. And I can think of a couple of boys who should spend time here working on the farm."

"Brian, you're not suggesting that me and Gus work on the farm, are you?" Justin loved to visit but he was a city boy and Gus was way too young.

"No, twat. The Satan Spawn. My sister can barely handle them. A few months here should straighten out those demons." Justin thought about that for a moment. Brian's nephews were mean, homophobic kids and that meant they'd grow up to be mean homophobic men. Justin agreed, this place might do the trick.

Gus' ride was coming to an end and Justin walked over to get him. Chris helped Gus down and he began to run to Justin. Justin, paying attention to Gus, didn't see where his feet were going.

"Sonny Boy! Stop!" Not knowing which Sonny Boy, Brian was referring to, both Gus and Justin stopped in their tracks.

"Oh no." Brian moaned. Justin looked down and realized that he wasn't standing in mud.

He looked up at Brian then closed his eyes. "Please don't tell me."

"Yup. Sunshine, you found the only cow pie in the county."

"Shit."

"Exactly."

Gus giggled at the look of disgust on Justin's face, gave Justin and the cow pie a wide berth then ran straight into Brian's arms.

"Well, Sonny Boy, I think we've had enough fun with farm animals. It's time to go back to the house and get ready to leave."

"Hey, what about me?" Justin hadn't moved yet.

"You can ride home with Michael."

John and Ted had a good laugh as Molly took Gus from Brian to follow John back to the house. Brian lifted Justin out of the dreaded cow pie and helped him clean off his sneakers. By the time they got back to the house all remnants of said pie had worn off except for the embarrassment.

The rest of the afternoon was spent gathering up belongings and loading the cars. They took their time so they could talk and spend more time together. Gus spent some more time up in his treehouse before John took him down to the stream for some uncle/nephew quality time while people were packing up.

When the vehicles were all loaded everyone went over to the treehouse for a last look.

"It really is a masterpiece," Emmett said staring up into the tree.

"I want a last trip down the slide," Justin said.

He started to climb up the ladder and was immediately followed by Bobby and Emmett and then Molly and Ted and even Lindsay. They all enjoyed the slide one last time.

"I wish I had brought my camera," Jennifer said with a big smile at the activities of the young people.

"Next time," Claire said squeezing her into a hug.

"I've had a great weekend, Claire. Thanks so much for inviting me and Molly. I'd love to visit again."

"Any time!"

Michael and Ben and Hunter had just made their way up the tree when a shrill voice started screaming, "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!"

Everyone turned as Gus came careening around the corner of the barn. He was running at full bore straight to his father. He held something in his hands out in front of his body.

"Daddy! Daddy!" he yelled again as he came to a stop in front of Brian. "Look what we found. Uncle John helped me catch him."

Brian's groan was heard by the whole group. He looked down into the eyes of a very large bullfrog who chose that moment to let out a large, "Ribbit!" Brian was sure it was the same giant frog that had stared him down when he had awakened down by the stream.

"Can I take him home?" Gus asked all excited.

"Um … no, Gus. I don't think he would survive in the city."

"Please, Daddy! I promise to look after him."

"No, Gus."

Tears started to well up. Brian squatted down to Gus' level. He knew everyone was watching how he would handle this. He hated being put on the spot like this. He hated everybody judging him. He should shoot John for helping Gus catch the damn frog.

"Gus," he said quietly. "If we take the frog home, he won't survive in the city. Don't you think it would be better to leave him in the stream? Then you could visit him the next time we come to see Grandma Claire and Uncle John."

Gus stared at his father and then looked at the frog who let out another "Ribbit". The tears that were about to fall retreated. "I don't want him to die," he whispered.

"Neither do I, so let's go put him back in the stream."

"Daddy, I love the frog. I don't want to leave him."

"He'll be fine," Brian said softly.

"Do you love him too?"

Brian glanced up noting that all eyes were locked on him waiting to see what his reaction would be. "Um … sure … I love Froggie too."

"Give him a kiss, Daddy, so he knows you love him."

Brian let out a long breath. If John had put Gus up to this, he was a dead man. "I don't think it's very hygienic to kiss a frog," he said weakly.

"Froggie is high-jenny," Gus said leaning over and kissing the top of the frog's head.

Brian knew he was beat, so he decided to get this over with in a hurry. He leaned in and kissed the frog's head. He heard a collective gasp from all assembled. "What?" he demanded.

"Did the frog turn into a prince?" Emmett asked.

"Or did Brian turn into a frog?" Ted parried.

"Or I could turn you into an unemployed frog, Theodore," Brian snapped, his eyebrow shooting up.

"Point taken," Ted said quickly.

"Come on, Sonny Boy. Let's take Froggie back to the stream." Brian put his hand on Gus' shoulder and began to steer him in the direction of the stream. As they walked away Brian could hear the comments.

"Did you see that?"

"Brian Kinney kissed a frog."

"And he didn't even flinch."

"Holy fucking shit, I can't believe I saw that."

"I wish I had had my camera."

"I wish I'd had a movie crew."

"Nobody will ever believe us."

"Wait till this gets around Liberty Avenue."

Brian turned as he neared the corner of the barn. "What happens on the farm stays on the farm. Do I make myself clear?" He glared back at the assembled family.

"Very clear."

Sure."

"Of course."

"Absolutely."

Brian and Gus disappeared behind the barn just as rolls of laughter sprang from everyone's throat. People were holding their sides as the gales of laughter swept over them leaving them helpless and spent. Some people collapsed on the grass. It went on for several minutes, until someone mentioned that Brian should be coming back soon.

When Brian and Gus came around the corner of the barn everyone had regained their composure. They waited in subdued silence as Brian and his son approached.

"Is Froggie safely back in the stream?" John asked.

Brian nodded. "No thanks to you," Brian snarked.

"I didn't do anything," John protested.

"Don't tell me Gus caught that frog all by himself."

"Well, I did help a bit."

"Uh huh," Brian said knowingly. "Time for us to take off."

"You're not really mad, are you, Brian?"

"Of course not. Gus and I brought you something from the stream."

"Oh?" John said recoiling a bit. He half expected a frog to leap out at him or a cow pie to come flying at his head.

"Show Uncle John, Gus."

Gus had one of his hands behind his back. He brought it out in front of his body and showed John the wild daisies they had collected down by the stream.

"For you and Claire. Thanks for a great weekend."

Everyone let out a collective sigh as John and Brian hugged and Gus took the flowers over to Claire.

There was a lot more hugging as people said goodbye and thanks and how much they had enjoyed themselves. They all piled into their cars and started down the driveway. Brian slowed as they went by the treehouse and they all had a last look at it.

"I love my treehouse, Daddy," Gus grinned.

"Me too, Sonny Boy, me too."