Getting To Know Each Other

At the park

In no time Brian and Justin were sitting on the park bench and Gus was in the sandbox with some other children. Brian felt nervous. 'Fuck, Brian Kinney didn't get nervous. What is wrong with me? Well, I know what the problem is: the hot blonde sitting next to me.' Justin brought Brian back to present by saying: "I heard you say something about Debbie at the bookstore. Would it happen to be Debbie from the Liberty Diner?"

"As a matter of fact, it would. You know her?"

"Well I wouldn't say 'know' but I have met her a few times. She can be a bit... how would I say... colorful but I like her anyway."

Brian laughed at Justin's choice of word. "Colorful? Well that's an understatement - I would say flamboyant. But yeah, she's quite a warm person when you got to know her."

"You've known her long?"

"About fifteen years, she's my best friend's mother and kind of a surrogate mother to me."

"Well I guess you know her pretty well then."

"Maybe too well", Brian grinned.

Justin got his sketchbook and a pencil out of his pack back and was about to draw Gus and the other children when Brian asked:  "Do you carry your sketchbook always with you?"

"Yeah, it's a bad habit. I suppose I'm a bit obsessed with drawing."

"I know how artists are; Lindsay was the same at college."

"Lindsay?"

"Yeah, Gus' biological mother and an old friend of mine. She's an artist too and now she even teaches art."

"Really? That's cool."

"May I?" Brian asked pointing the sketchbook.

Justin hesitated a bit but said:"Yeah, sure."

Brian flipped the pages and was very impressed. All the drawings were of people, no landscapes or floral arrangements.

"I guess you like drawing people, huh?"

"Yeah well, I'm not a big fan of fruit arrangements. I think it's more challenging to draw people and get their expressions and gestures on paper. And I don't mind the life classes at school, especially when we have a male model."

"I bet you don't", Brian said smiling. "Anyway, these drawings are very good. I can see why you're studying at PIFA; they take only the best in there."

Justin blushed a little at Brian's compliment and said: "Don't know about that, maybe I was just lucky."

"Well I know. I may not be an expert on art but I do recognize a talent when I see one. Besides I know some people at PIFA and I know for a fact that they don't accept you there if they don't think you're any good."

"Okay I give up, I can draw. That's good 'cause that's about all I can do."

"I doubt that, Justin. I'm sure there are other things you're good at. Hey, this is a good one of Debbie. It's amazing how you could draw her without colors and yet it's looks like Debbie."

Justin laughed. "Well I'm an artist, aren't I?"

"Yes you truly are."

"Well, can an artist have his sketchbook back so he could draw?" Justin said smiling.

"Sure", Brian said handing Justin's sketchbook back to him. When he did that, their fingers touched lightly and both Brian and Justin could feel the electricity between them. Both men were a bit taken aback from the touch but both tried hard to be nonchalant about it. Justin found a fresh sheet in his sketchbook and began to draw Gus at the playground.

Justin continued drawing while he and Brian talked about their families and noticed that they had something in common: fucked up fathers. Their fathers didn't take very well the fact that their sons were 'faggots', like they would like to express it. Brian told Justin about his very religious mother who was always praying for his son. She was sure he'd go to hell.

"Well at least we'll be there together", Justin said grinning.

"Oh, you'll be going too? Great, I'll meet you there then", Brian said smiling.

"It's a date."

Justin was surprised how easy it was for him to talk to Brian. His nervousness was almost gone and he was really enjoying his time with Brian. He could only imagine how it would feel to kiss him, among other things. Justin could feel his groin twitch. 'Fuck! I need to think something revolting like… George W. Bush. Eeww, well that was just too gross!'

What Justin didn't know was that Brian was imagining the same thing and feeling the similar tightness in his crotch. 'Fuck Kinney, don't you have any self-control left in your body? Think something gross… okay, Mel and Lindz having sex. Okay, too much!' Brian had to grimace in disgust.

Just when Justin and Brian were in their thoughts, Gus came over the two men. "Can I have ice cream now, please daddy?"

"Sure Sonny Boy, I did promise you. So, what would you like?"

"Hoclate hip."

Justin furrowed his brows and looked at Gus.

"He means chocolate chip", Brian clarified.

"Oh, of course."

"Would you like something?"

"No thanks, I'm fine." 'Do you really think I could eat something at the same time I'm sitting a feet away from you? Well I tell you something Brian Kinney, not gonna happen.'

"Okay. Would you mind watching Gus while I get him the ice cream?"

"No, not at all."

Brian went to the ice cream stall and Gus sat on the bench beside Justin. He took the opportunity to sketch Gus at close range. Gus looked intently at Justin with his big hazel eyes and said: "I like you."

Justin smiled and said: "Well I really like you too."

"Daddy likes you too."

Justin blushed a little and asked: "How do you know that?"

"He smiles a lot when you're around. Do you like daddy?" Justin was just about to answer when Brian came back and Justin's answer was left hanging in the air.

About ten minutes later Gus was already back with the other kids playing and Brian and Justin continued talking.

"If you don't mind me asking, how did the thing with Gus happen?"

"Well, Lindsay was one of my best friends in college and we stayed friends. So one day she and her wife Mel asked me to be the father for their child. First I said 'no way' but Lindz has some odd way to make me do things I don't want to do." Brian grinned. "So I agreed and now I'm actually glad I did." Brian looked at Gus love in his eyes. Justin was sure that Brian loved Gus unconditionally.

Justin hesitated but he had to ask: "Did you actually… you know…"

"Fuck her?" Justin nodded. "Hell no, I had to draw the line somewhere. Fucking a dyke wasn't on my to-do-list. Besides, Mel would've kick the shit out of me and I wasn't keen to experience that."

"I take you and Mel aren't the closest friends?"

Brian chuckled and said: "No, but we try to be civil for Gus' and Lindsay's sake. I must say that we have learned to tolerate one another quite well in the last few years."

"That's good."

Brian got a glimpse of his watch and noticed it was already 4.30.

"Fuck!"

"What's wrong?" Justin looked a bit frightened.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. It's nothing serious. It's just that I was supposed to get Gus home by five and it's already half past four. Damn, Lindz is going to be so pissed off at me!"

"Is it so late? Time has just flown."

Brian went to get Gus and wondered how he could spend more time with Justin. He was so eager to touch him or at least be around him.

"What are you doing now?" Brian asked Justin when he came back with Gus.

"I guess I'll be heading home."

"I was just wondering if you'd like to meet Lindz? It might also ease the bitching which I'm guaranteed to get."

"I'd love to meet her" 'and spend more time with you' "but are you sure she won't mind?"

"Just show her your drawings of Gus and she won't let you leave. If I'm lucky she forgets I'm late. I'll drive you home afterwards so don't worry about that."

"I guess I can't leave you at her mercy all by yourself", Justin said smiling.

"Did you hear that Sonny Boy, Justin's going with us." Gus smiled and clapped his hands enthusiastically. Justin beamed and Brian felt his jeans tighten again.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

At the Peterson-Marcus residence

When Brian pulled on a driveway, Justin started having second thoughts about the whole visiting thing. Brian saw that doubt on Justin's face and said assuring: "It's going to be fine, they won't eat you alive."

Justin smiled and went to the door with Brian and Gus. Brian rang the doorbell and almost immediately a blond woman answered.

"Brian, where have you been? It's almost…"

"Yeah yeah, Lindz. Please don't start. I know I'm late; I just lost the track of time."

"But Brian…"

"And I brought a friend with me. Meet Justin Taylor. Justin this is Lindz, Lindz this is Justin."

Lindsay and Justin shook hands and Lindsay furrowed her brow. "Taylor… Taylor… should I know you from somewhere?"

"He's an artist", Brian cut in.

Lindsay's eyes brightened and she exclaimed: "Ooh, you're that Justin Taylor. Your pictures have been shown at the GLC! You're very talented and I've been dying to meet you!"

Justin was little embarrassed and surprised of Lindsay's outburst and asked hesitantly: "You've seen my work?"

"Yes of course. I really like your style and we even bought your painting "The Blue Evening". Mel and I really fell for it when we saw it."

"I can't believe it - finally I get to meet someone who actually spent money to buy my art! I really appreciate it."

"I assume you're talking about art because Lindz can't seem to stop. It's always like that with Lindz and art", Mel said coming from the kitchen with Gus.

"Oh honey, this is Justin Taylor. You remember that painting we bought at the GLC, Justin's the artist. Justin, this is Mel, my wife. Honey, this is Justin."

"Nice to meet you Justin. I really like your painting."

"Oh thanks. Nice to meet you too."

"Oh how rude of me, please come in. Honey, would you make some coffee?" Lindsay asked.

Mel went back into the kitchen and the others into the living room.

Brian was playing with Gus but kept an eye on Justin when he beamed discussing art with Lindsay. Mel returned to the living room and asked Brian: "So, how did you two actually meet?"

"He's the illustrator I told you about earlier."

"Oooh", Mel cooed. "So can you answer my question now?" Mel looked Brian smugly.

"What question?" Justin asked.

"Nothing", Brian simply stated and gave Mel a warning look. Mel rolled her eyes and decided to let it drop.

"Oh, I thought you might like to have something", Justin said opening his pack back and getting out his sketchbook. He leafed it through until he got to Gus' picture and ripped it off the book and gave it to Lindsay. Lindsay took it and stared at it a while. Justin was getting worried and asked: "Is there something wrong?"

"Oh no, this is wonderful. I'm just so overwhelmed how well you've managed to capture Gus' features."

"Let me see it too", Mel said. "Oh god Justin, this is terrific! We've got to frame it, right hon?"

"Of course", Lindsay agreed.

Justin blushed a little and said: "Thanks guys but I don't think it's that good. I just drew it at the park."

"Come on Justin, don't be so modest. You got your drawings in a book; that should tell you something about your talent", Brian said.

"Oh yeah, what book is it?" Lindsay asked. "Do you have a copy of it with you?"

"Actually I have", Brian said. "Gus, show your book to mommy, it's in the paper bag."

Gus got the book and gave it to Lindsay.

"Justin has drawn all the pictures in the book all by himself", Gus explained. "And he gave me an auto… auto… what was it daddy?"

"An autograph", Brian answered.

"That was very nice of him", Lindsay said and smiled at Justin. She leafed through the book and said: "These are wonderful, Justin. How did you get the job?"

"Well my mother's co-worker knows the author and he heard she was looking for an illustrator for her new book. He had seen some of my work at PIFA's shows so he recommended me for her and the rest is history."

"PIFA? You're studying there?"

"Yeah, it's my second year. I really love it though my father thinks you can't make a decent living as an artist. He wanted me to go to Dartmouth but I said I'd never be a business major. That's one reason we don't talk or see each other."

"What's the other reason?" Mel asked.

"The fact that I'm gay. He just can't accept my 'disgusting life style' and me. The worst part is that he wouldn't like me to see my sister 'cause I'm a bad influence to her."

"I'm so sorry Justin, we know what it's like. Our parents aren't any better", Lindsay said.

"I guess I'm lucky that at least my mom hasn't abandoned me. I think I owe that one to Debbie."

"Oh you know Deb?" Lindsay asked.

"I've met her a few times but I don't actually know her very well. I just know that she has a big heart."

"And a big wig", Brian added grinning.

"Yeah, that too", Justin said smiling at Brian.

'Fuck, that smile's gonna kill me one day', Brian thought to himself.

"You know there's a show at the GLC next Friday. Can we see your work there?"

"I've submitted a few", Justin answered.

"Would you mind if Gus' picture would be there too?"

"No, I wouldn't mind but I think the pieces should've been submitted last Friday."

"Well, I have friends there and I'm sure I can get that included."

"That'll be great!"

"Okay, that's settled then. I think there'll be a lot people at the show 'cause it's the biggest show ever. And Brian will be there too, won't you?"

"Yeah, sure", Brian answered without thinking. Lindsay and Mel gave each other a meaningful look and Justin beamed with happiness.

"What?" Brian asked when Lindsay stared at him a bit too long.

"Ooh, nothing", Lindsay said innocently.

'Fuck, did I just promised to attend an art show at the GLC? I hate that place. Why did I say yes? Oh yeah, the blonde.'

Both Brian and Justin stayed for dinner and Brian was surprised that he actually enjoyed being there. But the reason for that wasn't the food or the hostesses. Oh no, it was the blonde with the most amazing blue eyes Brian had ever seen. Justin was enjoying the dinner and the relaxed atmosphere but mostly he enjoyed being around Brian and watching those hazel orbs that took his breath away. After dinner Brian was going to put Gus to bed although Gus wasn't very willing to separate from Justin.

"I don't want to go to bed, I want to play with Justin."

"But Sonny Boy, it's your bedtime. You can play with Justin some other time", Brian said.

Gus wasn't going to give up so easy. "Will you come back and play with me?" Gus asked Justin with pleading eyes.

"Yeah sure, if that's okay", Justin answered looking at Lindsay and Melanie a bit hesitantly.

"Of course it's okay", Lindsay said.

"Well I guess I'll come back sometime."

"Promise?" Gus asked.

"Promise."

Gus was satisfied and left for upstairs. Brian just rolled his eyes and shook his head and went after his son.

The following hours Lindsay, Melanie, Brian and Justin talked just about everything between the sky and the earth. It was 9.30 when Justin realized it was getting late.

"God, is it already half past nine? I think I should be getting home."

"I'll give you a ride", Brian said.

"Thanks. It was great to meet you."

"You too Justin", Lindsay and Mel said. "See you at the GLC next Friday, right?"

"Yeah, definitely. Bye!" Justin said.

"Bye Justin, bye Brian!"

"Did you notice the way Brian was looking at Justin?" Lindsay asked all excited after she closed the door after Brian and Justin. "I think maybe Brian is finally fallen", Lindsay sighed.

"You're such a romantic, Lindz. I have never seen Brian like that but fallen… I wouldn't go that far but I must say there was something between the two of them."

"Ye of little faith! I'm sure Brian won't sleep a lot tonight 'cause he'll be thinking about a certain blue eyed blonde and Justin on the other hand is going to draw a few pictures of a certain tall brunette."

"Fine, you keep your fantasies", Mel said rolling her eyes. "I guess we find out soon enough if Brian Kinney is really in looove."

Lindsay looked at her wife a bit irritated and said: "It is possible you know, Brian isn't immune to love."

"We'll see."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In Brian's car

"So where do you live?"

"On Diamond. You know where it is?"

"Yeah, I live on Tremont, it's quite near."

"Oh, do you live in one of those old brick buildings? Those are so amazing!"

"Actually I do. I love the kind of old atmosphere in there, if you know what I mean."

"I do. I've been there sometimes drawing those buildings. Those are the few exceptions of my 'no people drawings'."

"Okay, here we are, what number is your place?"

"Twenty, it's the white building over there."

Brian stopped the car in front of the building Justin had pointed. Justin unfastened his seat belt and said: "Thanks for the ride and the day; I had a great time. I guess I see you at the GLC next Friday then?"

"Yeah, I'll be there."

"Great! See you later!"

"Later."

Justin went inside the building and Brian pulled away from the curb and headed home.

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