Art Is a Wonderful Thing

At Justin's and Daphne's

"There you are! I was beginning to wonder maybe this Mr. Wonderful had kidnapped you or something", Daphne said when Justin entered their flat.

Justin closed the door, leaned on it and sank on the floor with a huge smile on his face.

"Oh my gawd! I'm glad we have an elevator 'cause I don't think I could've handled the stairs right now."

"I take it went well, huh?"

"Ooh yes. Brian is sooo amazing, like a god or something." Justin was glowing.

"Well, what does he look like?"

"Weren't you listening, I just told you: like a god."

"Oh, like a white gown, long hair and a long beard?" Daphne asked grinning.

"No asshole, I meant more of a Greek god. Tall, dark and handsome. And those eyes… don't get me started!"

"Okay, let's get you off that floor", Daphne said holding out her hand to Justin and pulling him up.

Daphne got them beers and both of them sat on the couch.

"So did you draw him yet?"

"Not yet but I guarantee I have a few sketches to show you by tomorrow", Justin said looking mischievous.

"I bet you do", Daphne said knowing the look all too well. "So, tell me about him. What does he do, besides sweeps you off your feet?"

"Ha ha, very funny Daph. He's an ad exec at Ryder Advertising."

"Okay, what else?"

"Well he has a son, Gus, who is adorable. And you won't believe this. Gus has two mommies."

"Really? So how is Brian involved in all this?"

"Well duh, Daph. He was the donor. Lindsay, Gus' biological mother, was Brian's friend in college and they stayed friends. So then Lindsay and her wife Melanie asked him to be the father."

"Wow, that's awesome!"

"So, where were you all this time? I guess you weren't at the park the whole time?"

"No, we were at Lindsay's and Melanie's. They're great and I really enjoyed being there. I felt so relaxed and I was able to be myself without having to fear they'd judge me or anything."

"And Mr. Wonderful hadn't any part of it, did he?"

"Well, maybe a little."

"So what else?"

"Can we talk about this more tomorrow? I got things to do."

"Yeah sure. Do you have enough Kleenex in your room?"

Justin threw a pillow at Daphne and said: "God Daph you're awful!"

"What? I was just concerned about you and your well-being", Daphne said innocently.

"Yeah sure you were."

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

At the loft

Just when Brian was coming into the loft, the phone rang. Brian saw it was Michael and winced but answered anyway.

"Hi Mikey, what's up?"

"Hi Brian, are you going to Babylon tonight?"

"No, not tonight, I've got work to do."

"On a Saturday night?"

"Yes Mikey, I've got this project I have to finish by Monday."

"Not even a drink at Woody's?" Michael whined.

"Sorry Mikey, I'm swamped with this."

"Okay, I'll call you next week. Bye."

"Bye Mikey."

'Okay, I lied to Michael but I just couldn't handle him right now. I'm just so overwhelmed by this whole day and I'm sure he would've sensed something was up. What actually is up? Fuck if I know. I just spent a day with a complete stranger - and without fucking him - how odd is that? Though Justin didn't feel like a stranger; more like the opposite. Fuck, did I really promise to go to the GLC? What is that kid doing to me? Few hours with him and I'm already doing odd things. Besides he's twelve years younger than me. Christ, he's twenty. And looks about fourteen. Fuck me. I'm in deep trouble with this kid.'

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

Tuesday at the diner

Justin was wandering on campus. He had a few hours to spare so he decided to go to the diner. 'Maybe Brian's there', he thought hopefully.

When Brian saw Justin coming into the diner, he felt an odd pang in his stomach. And some tightness a bit lower. 'Fuck he looks hot! Those jeans hug his body on all the right places', Brian thought.

Justin saw Brian the moment he entered the diner. 'Oh god, he has some expensive suit on, maybe Prada. There's just something about suits and me… But come on, Brian in a hot suit - too much for me! Is it hot in here? Fuck Taylor, you can act normal; he's just a guy. Yeah, you just keep telling yourself that.'

Justin was still at the door when he was greeted by Debbie's shout: "Sunshine! Where have you been? I haven't seen you in weeks!" Debbie had already pulled Justin into her infamous bear hug and Justin was looking at Brian pleading for help from him.

"Umm Deb, I think the kid could use some air", Brian said.

Debbie released her hold of Justin and said: "Oh fuck, I'm sorry honey. I'm just so glad to see you."

Justin gave Brian a thankful look and rolled his eyes.

"I'm been pretty busy with projects and stuff but I'm here now", Justin said.

"So you are. Are you hungry?"

"I'm always hungry Debbie, you know that. I was hoping to get some food here. Do you think you could arrange that?" Justin said grinning.

"Brat! So what will it be?"

"I take a cheeseburger, fries and a coke, please."

"You got it, honey. You go sit with Michael and 'your knight in shining armor' and I get you some food."

"Thanks Debbie", Justin said and walked to the booth Brian and Michael were sitting in.

"Hi, do you guys mind if I sit with you?"

Before Michael got a chance to say anything Brian said: "No, be my guest. Mikey, make room for him."

Michael gave Brian a fretful look but moved anyway.

"Hi, I'm Justin", Justin said with his sunshine smile on his face.

"Michael", Michael simply said.

"You have to excuse Mikey, his boyfriend is out of town and he's a bit grumpy."

"Briiaaan!" Michael whined.

"What? I was just trying to defend you."

"Just leave it, okay?"

"Fine", Brian said rolling his eyes.

"I have to get back to the store. Vic's covering for me and I have a big delivery coming. Brian, see you tomorrow for breakfast?" Michael asked.

"Sure", Brian answered.

Justin slipped out of the booth clearing way for Michael.

"Bye Brian, bye Mom!"

"Bye Mikey, see you tomorrow."

"Bye honey!" Debbie yelled behind the counter and waved to his son.

When Michael was gone, Justin said to Brian: "I think he doesn't like me very much."

"Well, I think Mikey had a bad day. Besides he's a bit wary of new people. Don't worry, he'll get used to you." 'Fuck, did I just say get used to?'

'Get used to? Did he really say it? Does that mean he wants me around? Okay Taylor, calm down and move on, maybe it was nothing.' However Justin couldn't hide the tiny smile that was tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Debbie brought Justin his lunch and he and Brian talked about work and studies.

"Well, I think I should go. I have a class at two. So I see you on Friday?"

"Yeah… unless you want to join us on Thursday night? We're going to Woody's and then Babylon."

"Sorry, I've already made plans with Daphne."

"Oh, that's okay. I guess we'll see you on Friday then. I'm heading back to the office too, do you need a ride?"

"No thanks, I have the car today." 'Why the fuck did I take the car today?'

"Okay."

Brian and Justin walked out of the diner saying goodbye to Debbie. She had been watching them and she just knew this could be something - something big. 'They would make such an adorable couple', she thought.

Brian and Justin were outside walking towards their cars and Brian said: "'Till Friday then."

"Yeah, later."

"Later."

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

At Justin's and Daphne's

"You told him what?!?!" Daphne almost yelled.

"What? I told I had made plans with you."

"God Justin, I can't believe what an ass you are sometimes."

"What was that supposed to mean?"

"For Christ's sake, men are so stupid sometimes", Daphne sighed. "You meet maybe the love of your life and you stand him up because of me! God! You see me every day and we can go out anytime. Maybe that was your last chance."

"Shit Daphne, don't be so dramatic. Besides I'll see him on Friday at the GLC. You're still coming, right?"

"I wouldn't miss it. I can't wait to meet Brian. And SEE him."

"And there I thought you wanted to see my art. I should be offended", Justin said pouting.

"You were right. The drama princess act suits you so much better than me", Daphne grinned.

"Fuck you!" Justin said smiling.

"No thanks, I leave it to Mr. Wonderful."

"Why on earth did I think it was a good idea to live with a woman?"

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

Friday night at GLC's show

Emmett was standing with Ted near the buffet when Emmett saw Brian coming into the room.

"Tell me Ted, am I seeing Brian 'fuck the GLC' Kinney coming in?"

"What? You've got to be kidding… Fuck, that IS Brian. What the hell is he doing here; I thought he hated this place."

Brian didn't see his friends so he went straight to the bar to get a drink. Emmett and Ted went to the bar to meet their friend.

"Well well, isn't it Brian Kinney. What do we owe this surprising pleasure?" Emmett asked.

"Hi boys. I thought I should support the art scene."

"Yeah right", Ted muttered not buying Brian's explanation.

Just then Lindsay came to the group.

"Hi boys. Are you enjoying the show?"

"Yeah, there are some great pieces", Ted said.

"And the food is great", Emmett added.

"Where the hell is my son?"

"Nice to see you too, Brian. He's with Mel in here somewhere. I haven't abandoned him or anything."

"Okay, just checking. Well, I guess I go mingling then."

"What the fuck is going on? Why is Brian here, Lindsay?" Emmett asked.

"Yeah, this must be the first sign of the apocalypse: Brian Kinney at the GLC on his own free will", Ted added.

"I think Brian has finally fallen", Lindsay said.

"What, on his nose?"

"No smartass, in love."

"WHAT?" Ted couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Yeah, I think Brian has finally fallen in looove, big time", Lindsay said beaming.

"Ooh, that is so sweet", Emmett said holding back the tears.

"I can't believe you guys, Brian doesn't fall in love."

"Oh well, you didn't see him with Justin nor the looks they were exchanging."

"Who the fuck is Justin?" Ted asked.

"He's an artist and he has some of his works here too. He's very talented."

"You mean Justin Taylor?"

"Yeah."

"You're right, he is good. I'd like to meet him."

"I'm sure I can introduce you to him", Lindsay said to Ted.

"Okay guys, I'm a bit out of your conversation now", Emmett said pouting.

"Sorry Emmett, I promise I'll introduce you too."

"Okay. So where is the artiste?" Emmett asked.

"I saw him a while ago. Let me see… there he is", Lindsay said pointing to the next room.

"Where?" Ted asked.

"There, the blonde in the blue sweater."

"Oh my god! He's a walking wet dream!" Emmett exclaimed.

"He sure is", Ted agreed. "But what is he, like fifteen?"

"Actually he's twenty, he just looks young", Lindsay explained.

"He's damn cute and look at that bubble butt. I could fall for that", Emmett said.

"I'm sure you could Em but I think he's already taken", Lindsay said.

"What's the deal here? He's not even Brian's type", Ted said.

"Love has its mysterious ways", Lindsay said smiling.

"Justin!" Gus exclaimed when he saw Justin standing in front of a painting. Gus let go of Melanie's hand and run to Justin.

"Hey kiddo", Justin said when Gus run to his arms. "Are you here to look at the paintings?"

"Uh huh, I wanna see your paintings, where are they?"

"Hi Justin. I'm sorry about Gus; he's a bit too fast for me nowadays", Melanie said.

"That's okay. I can take him to see my paintings and drawings if you don't mind."

"You don't have to…"

"I'd love to."

"Okay, if you're sure. I go talk to my friends then. If he gets too much for you, just look for me or Lindsay."

"Okay. So Gus, you're ready?"

"Yes!"

Justin and Gus walked to Justin's works.

"Okay, here we are." Justin picked Gus up and pointed Gus' picture on the wall. "Do you know who that is?"

"It's me", Gus said giggling.

"Yes it is. I drew it when we were at the park. And this is my little sister Molly and my mom at the beach."

"Where is your daddy?"

Justin was silent for a moment and then said: "He was working and he couldn't be with us."

"Oh, that's sad."

"Yes, that was sad." Justin hated to think about his so-called dad who had said some terrible things to him when he found out Justin was gay.

"Your sister and your mom are pretty", Gus said looking at the painting.

Justin smiled. "Yes they are."

'Where the fuck is he? If he's not here, I'm not staying a minute longer. Oh there he is. With my son. Damn what those eyes can do to me? Whether it was a pair of blue ones or hazel ones, they always get to me. And now there are the both pairs at the same time. Okay, I'm dead. How am I supposed to handle those two pairs of eyes?'

"Daddy!" Gus yelled when he saw Brian coming to the room, squirmed out of Justin's arms and run to him.

"Hey Sonny Boy", Brian said and picked Gus up. "What are you doing?"

"I'm looking at Justin's pictures. There's a picture of me too."

"There is?" Brian asked looking knowingly at Justin.

"Yep. Look, there!" Gus said pointing at his own picture.

"You're right, it is you."

"She is Justin's sister and she is Justin's mommy", Gus explained when they stood by the painting of Molly and Jennifer.

"That's very good", Brian said to Justin.

"Thanks."

"So, do you have any life class -drawings in here?" Brian asked mischievously.

"Yeah but I thought that maybe they are a bit too much for Gus", Justin said grinning.

"Well I wanna see them", Brian said with his tongue-in-cheek smirk. "Or are they too much for me too?"

"No, I don't think so. I guess you've seen it all before."

Just then Lindsay came to them.

"Well boys, having fun?"

"Sure. Would you mind taking our son somewhere else so we can see the good stuff?"

"What do you mean 'good stuff'? Aren't these good enough?"

"Sure they are. I just meant something how would I say… more graphic."

"Oooh you mean… Yeah, I'll take Gus. What do you say Gus, wanna go see Debbie?"

"Yey!"

"Okay, let's go. And thanks Justin for keeping company with Gus."

"That was my pleasure. Bye Gus."

"Bye Justin, bye Daddy."

"Bye Sonny Boy."

"So, lead the way", Brian said.

Justin walked to the other room and pointed to the left wall.

"Those are mine."

Brian studied the pieces and was very impressed. He stopped to look more closely at a drawing of a man with a quite impressing manhood.

"Are you sure you didn't take any liberties with this one?" Brian asked raising his right brow.

"I'm sure. Our professors are very strict about proportions", Justin grinned.

"Well, maybe I should start drawing myself."

"You do know you'd have to actually draw, not just watch, right?"

"Damn, I'll have to reconsider it", Brian said.

Brian saw Lindsay, Emmett and Ted approaching and said: "Look out, two thirds of The Three Musketeers are coming.

"Huh?"

"You'll see."

"Hi, sorry to bother you again; I just wanted to introduce Justin to the boys", Lindsay said. "So Justin, this is Emmett Honeycutt. Emmett, Justin Taylor."

"Nice to meet you Emmett."

"Oh honey, you're even cuter at a close range", Emmett flaunted.

"Umm thanks, I guess."

"And this is Ted Schmidt", Lindsay continued her introduction.

"Nice to meet you too Ted."

"You too. I really like your art."

"Oh thanks. It's always nice to hear someone liking them."

"We're Brian's friends although he tends to forget it sometimes", Emmett explained.

Brian raised his brows: "Can you blame me?"

Emmett glared at Brian but Justin saw it was a friendly glare.

"Hey, Michael's there. I need to talk to him. Come on Ted, let's go", Emmett said. "See you boys later!"

"Bye!" Justin said.

"So now you've met my friends. When do I get to meet the infamous Daphne?" Brian asked.

"There's no time like the present. Daph!" Justin called and waved to his friend. Daphne turned around and walked to Justin and Brian.

"So, this must be the famous Brian Kinney. I'm Daphne", she said holding out her hand to Brian.

"Brian Kinney, nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you."

"Likewise. I have to say though that pictures don't do justice to you."

"Thanks. And where have you seen pictures of me?"

"Well duh, Justin is an artist. He has a few", Daphne said emphasizing 'a few' before she move off.

"Oh he has?" Brian said giving Justin a seductive look.

"Yeah well, I sketch almost all people I meet. 'Usually a few is enough but in your case I'd say probably twenty would be more accurate.'

"So do you have plans for tonight?" Brian asked.

"Uhh… not really. Why?"

"The boys and I are heading to Woody's and I thought maybe you'd like to join us."

"Yeah, sure. I'll just find Daph and let her know. I'll meet you guys up in front."

"Okay."

Justin found Daphne pretty quickly and all he could do was smile widely.

"What is wrong with you?" she asked.

"I'm so fucking thrilled I'd jump up and down if I wasn't among all these people. You can take the car, I'm going with Brian", Justin beamed giving the car keys to Daphne.

"Going where?"

"Woody's."

"Like a date?"

"No, his friends are coming too. I guess we just hang out or something. I have to go now, they're waiting for me outside."

"Okay, see you later!"

"Bye Daph!"

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