Gift #9 - Part 2

[mander3-swish.livejournal.com]

Part 2

6 December 2005

Justin had his interview at 10am on Tuesday morning at Sideshow, a gallery in Williamsburg that had a long standing reputation for supporting emerging talent; helping these artists to reach the NYC art community. Lindsay had a contact who knew the owner, Richard Timperio and so he had been lucky enough to get an in to meet with Richard and possibly get a job. Fortunately for Justin, Richard had seen his write up in ArtForum Magazine and was equally as keen to meet the freshly discovered artist.

The interview went well and Justin was offered a part-time job, two and a half days every week and every second week he would do a half day on the Saturday or Sunday. The gallery was closed on Mondays and otherwise only open to public between 12pm and 6pm. He would therefore have the normal hours of 11am to 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10am – 1pm on a Friday. He would sometimes be expected to help set up for and possibly attend special openings and showings that were outside normal hours, but Richard promised that on these occasions he would be paid extra for the assistance. The pay wasn’t much but it would allow him to get by and still spend the majority of his time on his own art work, something that Richard was keen to support also. The best thing was he would get to immerse himself in the art culture of the city and that would mean he would actually enjoy what he was doing. He was also tossing up the idea that he could possibly find a casual waiter job on Mondays and pick up two or three night shifts a week also. He knew he could make it work.

He had discussed with Richard his want to go home over Christmas and they both agreed that as the galleries current show would finish on the 17th and then the gallery would close for Christmas, it would be best that he started upon his return from Pittsburgh. Justin was happy with all the details he managed to work out with Richard and was looking forward to starting on Thursday 5th. Richard assured him that he would send an employment contract for him to review by the end of the week.

After leaving the gallery he called Brian and left him a message to call him back but also let him know that he got the job and would be booking his trip home for Christmas and New Year’s once he was back at the house. He then called Lindsay and told her all about the job and thanked her profusely for setting up the interview. Lindsay had a few other questions on how NYC was so Justin stopped off to grab a latte and sat down in the small coffee place to fill her in on everything, from the representation, to the house, to Brian visiting and now the job. He was happy to report to her that things were going well and Lindsay was immensely proud of him for making the most of his opportunities. For her part she felt responsible for his separation from Brian and was determined to do all she could to support them both through this and make sure they could find a way to stay together. It was also on this call where Lindsay mentioned that they too were heading to the Pitts for Christmas.

After hanging up the phone, he had even more of a bounce in his step, knowing that he would see everyone in just a few short weeks; he had found a job, management and somewhere to live whilst he was in the city. He was determined to make this time apart from Brian worthwhile, so that he could get established and get back to him. Though he was also confident that the time apart was really only physical, they were still very much together – maybe even more so than they ever had been before. He was missing home though. He missed seeing Debbie every day, spending time with Daphne, laughing with Emmett over the newest piece of unreliable gossip, fleshing out ideas for the next Rage comic with Michael and mostly just being with his lover.

Justin arrived home and was happy to note that the walk from the gallery in Williamsburg to his place in Bushwick was about a 45 minute leisurely walk. He had taken a bus into the interview and that had taken 25 minutes, so he felt good about not having to rush to get around. He had also walked past quite a few small cafes, diners and some restaurants that he could visit upon his return from Pittsburgh in the New Year to see if they were hiring and new staff.

He still hadn’t heard from Brian so he grabbed his laptop from his room and made his way down to the small sitting room on the first floor. He really enjoyed the sitting in the large armchairs in that room so he made himself comfortable, booked his flights home and shot an email off to his partner.

To: Brian.Kinney@Kinnetik.com
Cc:
Subject: Successfully employed…
________________________________________________________

Hey Brian

I left you a message on your phone, but you haven’t replied so thought maybe I’d get through to you with an email ☺

I got the job. It is 2.5 days a week (Tuesday and Thursday 11-5 and Friday 10-1) and then a 10-1, 12-3 or 3-6 shift on either a Saturday or Sunday every other week. The owner of the gallery, Richard, was so great – he opened the gallery solely to give emerging artists a place to show their voice and now it’s one of the most popular in Brooklyn, maybe even New York. Even though he now gets known artists wanting to show there he still makes sure he gives time to the emerging ones. He even said he would be happy to look over more of my work and speak to Janice about possibly joining a show – he seemed impressed with the pieces I took with me to the interview so I am feeling pretty good about everything.

I am going to start there on the 5th. Richard is going to send the employment contract over this week, I will flick it on to you once I have it, if you could take a look for me that would be great.

I walked home from the gallery and it was only 40mins and pretty direct so I think once it is summer that might be nice and a good way to save money on the bus fare. I did stop off at a coffee shop on the way though, I had a really long chat to Lindsey, just catching up on everything. She said they are all coming home for Christmas too. I was thinking, and if you don’t want to that is fine, but maybe we could go and stay at the house and invite them to stay there too… Maybe we could have Christmas there – Emmet could decorate and Debbie could come over on the 24th and start cooking. It’s just a thought – ignore this if it is too lesbianic…

I saw some cafes and diners on the walk back too, was thinking I might look for a server job when I am back – just thinking it will supplement what I will earn from the gallery and help me not need to keep dipping into my savings… I also need to talk to Michael about the next edition of Rage, once that goes out I should the sales should supplement my expenses a little too.

I also booked flights. I will forward you the reservation email next – I decided to come on the 22nd, arriving at 4pm and then my return flight is on the 3rd, I’ll need to be at the airport at 2pm. If you’re busy I can ask Daph or Mum to collect me and drop me off…

Love you!

Don’t work too hard!

Writing you this email has made me hard!

J xx

After he had sent the email, Justin sent another email off to Michael, asking when he would be free to go over ideas and a schedule for the next Rage and also to ask about the weekend in Canada. Whilst he was at it he thought he had better check in with his Mum and Daphne too so he sent off quick updates about the gallery job and flights for Christmas and then a final email to his agent to update her on the job at Sideshow and his trip home… By the time he had done all this it was nearly 3pm and there wasn’t much natural light left in the day so there was no point in getting back into the painting he had been working on, so he headed up to his room instead to sketch out some ideas for future work on his computer and wait to hear back from someone.

******

To: JTaylor@msn.com
Cc:
Subject: Re: Successfully employed…
________________________________________________________

Great news on the job.

Use the card for the flights – that is what it is for.

Will call soon – fucking art department!

Sent from my Blackberry©


To: JTaylor@msn.com
Cc:
Subject: Re: Successfully employed…
________________________________________________________

Right, job, great. Don’t walk though – take the bus. Its $2 for fucks sake.

Hours sound good, could fit some visits home in on weekends you aren’t working. Why do you need another job? Justin, the account is there – use the card. You aren’t there to work yourself ragged and never paint. Do we need to have the conversation about asking for help again?

Whatever you want for Christmas is fine, but it’s on your head – I am accepting no responsibility for our house being turned upside down and you getting no sleep and Deb interrupting every time I try to bend you over.

Got the flight details. I will be at the gate to meet you. Go back and add luggage – it will just be easier, plus knowing how much your Mummy and Debbie dearest miss their littlest Sunshine you will need the space for all your gifts on the way back.

USE THE CARD!

Call me tonight – I will sort out your hard on.

Justin received the last email at 5pm so he knew Brian must still be at work and busy. There was no point in calling him straight away, though he did want to talk to his partner about everything, and collect on that promise to relieve his hard issue.

After finishing up the work he was now doing on his computer and stretching out his hand, flexing his fingers and massaging his palm he decided to take a hot shower before making some dinner. Brian had taken him to the grocers whilst he was there over the weekend so he had some nice foods in his cupboard and on his shelf in the fridge that he was looking forward to turning into something yummy and gorging on. As he thought about this his stomach grumbled and alerted him to the fact that since his latte and the muffin he picked up whilst in the café he actually hadn’t eaten.

He stripped down to his boxer briefs and headed to the bathroom, where he indulged in a long hot shower and a little pre-relief by stroking himself off whilst thinking about Brian almost pushing inside him raw on the weekend. Neither of the men had brought up what had happened between them but Justin knew at some point it would have to be addressed. They were no longer in the kind of relationship where shit got swept under the rug, so to speak, and never dealt with. That hadn’t worked out for them in the past and now that they were living in separate cities Justin was determined not to fall back into any old habits, no matter how much a topic may hurt one of them to discuss.

After he had dried off and pulled on a clean pair of sweatpants, another pair of Brian’s that he had so kindly taken, making room in Brian’s cupboard to fit in new clothes. The man had a shopping addiction and Justin was only doing his part to support him but ensuring his wardrobe had space for everything to fit. He giggled to himself at the thought. He then pulled on his PIFA hoodie and went downstairs to make himself some dinner.

Jacob was in the kitchen already making some food so the two men prepared their meals and then ate together in the lounge room, whilst they watched some old friends reruns that were playing on the TV. They chatted a little about their weeks and Justin shared his good news about the Sideshow Gallery job. Jacob was really happy for his new friend and clapped him on the shoulder at the good news.

“When you get your first paycheck we will go out for a drink to celebrate – your treat.” Jacob laughed as he made his way back in from the kitchen with a beer for each of them. Clinking their bottles to toast to Justin’s new job. The two caught up on their Christmas plans, Jacob was taking Annabelle home to spend the festive period with his family in Seattle and was planning to be back at the house on the 8th. Annabelle would have to fly back on the 2nd as she had commits with the ABC that week. Justin told how he was planning to have his family all come to his and Brian’s house and host their first Christmas. Jacob hadn’t heard all about the house before and was interested in knowing more.

Before he knew it, it was 8pm and Justin thought now might be a good time to call his lover and share further details about the job and make some firm plans for Christmas Day. When he got up to his room and checked his phone, which he had left on the charger whilst he was downstairs, he saw he already had 3 missed calls from Brian and 1 voice message. No doubt it would be reaming him out for not answering his phone and what was the point of having it if he never had it on him. It was a regular statement made by the older man and every time he said it Justin felt a little happy inside knowing that his partner was wanting to talk to him that much that he let his guard down to berate him about it, as usually Brian just played off that he didn’t care about that sort of stuff.

He quickly listened to the voicemail – it was exactly as he had thought. Then he called Brian back, trying the loft first and thinking if the man wasn’t home he would call his mobile.

Brian answered on the 2nd ring and huffed at him about having his phone on him, that he had had an important task that only Justin could attend to and because he hadn’t answered his stiffy had been wasted. Justin laughed at him and told him how he would have loved to have helped then but he was available now if his services were still required. This suggestion had both men quickly getting hard at the thought of the other one, so Brian took charge immediately and had them both stripped and lying on their respective beds whilst he talked Justin to an orgasm in just a few minutes. His own shortly followed suit.

Whilst the two of them lay in the afterglow Justin filled Brian in more about the job and working hours and how it wasn’t so much that he desperately needed the extra cash that a café or diner job might provide it was just that he didn’t want to waste his savings when he had the time to do the extra work. Brian shot down all his reasons, stating that the money from the gallery and from future editions of Rage would be sufficient to keep him going until his art started selling and that their joint account would always be there to fall back on. Justin thanked him but reminded Brian again how he hadn’t contributed to the joint account, making it Brian’s money really. Brian was not happy with this assessment and let Justin know his thoughts and by the time they were drawing a line under that discussion it was agreed that the joint account was their money and they could both add and take from it as they saw fit within reason. Justin was shining his sunshine smile all over the place after the conversation and Brian could even hear the smile in the way the man was talking to him now about Christmas.

Brian said he had mentioned it when he met the gang at Woody’s for a drink before coming home, after work. Everyone seemed to be happy about the idea and Emmett was going to call Justin to go over what he wanted set up there. As he wasn’t getting in until the night of the 22nd, most of it would need to be prepared and ready at the house before then. Justin said he would call his Mum and Debbie the following morning to confirm things with them also. Brian was going to call Lindsay and see what she thought about the idea, though he was pretty sure it would be fine.

The discussion about spending Christmas at the house further led to debating the merits of whether they should make the house their main home. Justin said he didn’t have strong feelings on it either way as though he wanted to live at the house when he was in town he understood that Brian would be out there alone for most of the time and therefore being in the loft seemed more appropriate and allowed him easier access to his friends and work. Brian huffed at this and said he didn’t like his friends having such easy access to him so that wasn’t a problem. If Justin wanted to live in their house they would live in their house. So the decision was made that Brian would get the house ready for a permanent move, but keep the loft for those nights where he might not make it back after a late meeting or drinks.

By the time their conversation is wrapping up Justin’s head is spinning with just how many topics they covered and that it may have been the longest conversation he had ever had with Brian in regards to the future and their relationship. It made him happy. But what made him really happy was Brian’s parting comment, after another round of phone sex was had.

Just as they were hanging up Brian started in a low tone, “Justin.” Justin was immediately on full alert; the tone alone told him the next statement was extremely important. “Don’t trip and stick your dick into anyone else. Again.”

Justin blinked hard. He couldn’t respond. He didn’t know what to say. He choked out one word, “Ever?”

“Ever.”

Then there was just dial tone.

Justin smiled to himself and had a sudden urge to spend some more time painting. A painting that would put his name on the lips of all art critics, gallery owners and patrons alike for years to come.

******

15 December 2005

Justin had been painting furiously, a piece that when Janice had visited to touch base on Monday, she had taken photos furiously on her phone and had mentioned that she would be sending a professional photographer to take some more the following day. Which she did.

Justin was a little baffled as the painting wasn’t even finished, but Janice was sure that this particular piece wouldn’t need to be in order to garner attention. Justin knew it was good, could feel it in every stroke of the brush on the canvas, but to hear Janice speak of it as if it was going to launch his career made him feel so proud, especially knowing that this painting represented his love for Brian.

Janice had called him that morning and arranged from him to meet her at a Williamsburg gallery that evening at 6pm. He was to dress smartly but not overly so, she wanted him to show his true self to the gallery owner. He had asked if he needed to bring anything, like his portfolio, and she assured him that the owner had already seen it.

Justin had gotten off the phone from her and then rung Brian immediately. When his mobile rung out, he didn’t bother leaving a message, he needed to speak to his partner now. So he called through to Brian’s PA, Stacey, the women who took over from Cynthia when Kinnetik took off, and asked to be put straight through to Brian. Stacey tried to tell him that Brian was in a meeting but when he found out it was with Ted and Cynthia, Justin would not be deterred and insisted he be put through immediately.

“What?”

“It’s me.” Obviously Stacey had called through but to save herself facing the beast had just put his call straight through rather than explained who was on the phone.

“You ok?” Brian asked slightly panicked. He knew Justin never insisted on being put through to him unless something had happened.

“Janice has asked me to go and meet her and a gallery owner tonight, she’s showed them my portfolio already and they want to meet me immediately.” Justin was rushing his words with excitement, he was so happy and so happy to share it with his lover.

“What? Slow down.”

“Janice, has asked, me to go, and…”

“Right I got it.”

“Then why did you ask?” Justin mumbled under his breath… “Anyway, yeah so I have to look smart but not too smart and just be myself and this could be it, my break.” He finished with a flourish and a smile.

Brian’s face had too broken out into a smile and when he looked up he knew that his two employees were seeing behind his façade as a full time arsehole and into the side of him that only his Sunshine and son saw. He wiped the look off his face quickly and looked down.

“I’ve got to get back but… I’m proud of you Sunshine.” He said quietly, the pride he felt coming through his voice in the little quiver it gave as he spoke.

“Brian?”

“Yeah?”

“I really love you.”

And with that Justin hung up.

Brian looked back up into Ted’s face and knew his expression gave him away. He was just so proud of his boy and the feelings that rose up in him when he heard him say how much he loved him, now that he let himself feel them and accept them, they meant everything to him. Ted just smiled knowingly at this boss before changing the subject and discussing the December quarters billings. Brian was absent for the rest of the meeting though, his mind elsewhere as he clicked away from the spreadsheet open on his laptop in front of him and onto the Hugo Boss website.

Justin went back to his painting, turned his music all the way up, and sung out loud, happily, as he put the finishing strokes to it.

A few hours later, at 3pm, he heard the doorbell to the house go off and knowing that he was home alone that day he made his way quickly down the stairs to see who was outside. When he pulled the door open he saw a young man, probably younger than him and a taxi idling on the street, door still open when the man had obviously jumped out.

“Justin Taylor?”

Justin just nodded and accepted the suit bag that was thrust into his hand from the delivery guy, who then promptly turned and ran back into the taxi and took off. He looked at the Hugo Boss label on the front of the suit bag and slowly, still in shock, made his way back up to his bedroom.

When he got there and opened the zipper of the bag he discovered a beautiful dark grey slim fit coat and a light blue cashmere sweater. As he was running his hands over the soft materials his phone rung.

Still in shock he answered, but before he could speak he heard Brian’s voice. “Where them tonight, the sweater will be classy but casual and the jacket warm but on trend.”

“Brian…” Justin sighed, his love for the man he was talking to was overwhelming.

“We celebrate achievements remember?”

Justin huffed a laugh as Brian said to call him after the meeting.

******

Justin had dressed smartly in a snug fitting pair of chinos, a button up white crisp white shirt, that you could only see the collar of over the top of the v neck of the cashmere sweater. He had then pulled on his navy sports coat and to dress it down a little put his converse on his feet. As he pulled on his new Hugo Boss grey coat he couldn’t help but wish it was Brian that was wrapping around him to keep him warm.

He slipped his wallet into the back pocket of his chinos and then his phone in his pocket and his headphones in his ears. It was only 5pm but Justin had decided he would walk to the meeting and therefore wanted to leave himself plenty of time, although when he had mapped it it said it would only take 50 minutes.

He arrived at the Pierogi Gallery 5 minutes early and stepped inside to have a look around. There was obviously a show on tonight and the gallery was filled with young, trendy looking people milling around with wine in their hands and looking at striking, bright and bold paintings on the walls. He walked around the front area of the gallery, enjoying the paintings and also the people watching he was getting to do, but always keeping an eye on the door to see when Janice arrived.

He spotted her enter a little after 6 and went to greet her. She wasn’t much for small talk and instantly ushered him to the stairs at the rear of the gallery and up toward what looked to be a loft style opening. At the top he found a small office space, consisting of 3 desks, a small kitchen nook and a lounge meeting area. A smartly dressed, though hip, women was seated on one of the lounges and stood to greet them.

“Janice, dear, so glad you could come.”

The two shared air kisses to the cheeks and then both turned to train their eyes upon Justin.

“Susan, this is Justin, my most talented artist.”

Justin shook Susan’s hand and was directed with a wave of her other hand to move to one of the couches. He then noticed that spread out on the small coffee table was a selection of photographs of his art, which Janice must have sent over to Susan. Right in the middle was a larger photograph of the canvas that he had just finished earlier that day.

Susan seemed to gush over the work for a few moments, Janice jumping in to point out things here and there and Justin felt a bit like a third wheel even though it was his art work being discussed. Then Susan trained her eyes on him and asked him some very specific questions about a few of the pieces. What motivated this, why that colour stroke through that, what was the inspiration. He was used to getting asked this sort of thing when he had been at PIFA so was able to give comprehensive answers for all of his decisions.

Justin was also honest about the fact that his inspiration came from a number of places, three though were always at the forefront of his mind – 1. the knowledge that his talent, his desire to show the world through his eyes could just be ripped from him at any moment and that made him more determined to get what he ‘had to say’ down on canvas, 2. That in art, all could be possible. Unlike in life, where there were limits placed on him by a variety of factors, including who would accept his art and what his own hand would allow him to produce and 3. Brian – who taught him every day that what he had to say was important and that any limits placed on him could be overcome.

Both Susan and Janice were looking at him with big round eyes when he had finished his spiel. Susan then jumped into asking a variety of questions about each of his statements, wanting to know more about his hand and the bashing. She also got caught up hearing the story about him using his voice and his art against Stockwell and how far this had gone when Brian then used his money to further his fight and bring the corrupt police chief down.

At some point in the discussion Susan had drinks brought up from downstairs and they were now freely chatting about other types of art and interests over a lovely glass of wine. Justin was sitting on the edge of his chair though; afraid to relax too much as he really, really wanted this to go well.

“Well, I think there is only one question left for me to ask,” Susan finally stated, “Do you think you could be ready to join a show at the end of March?”

It turned out that another artist had pulled out of the show, having been offered another opportunity elsewhere at a larger gallery that they saw as better to their career progression. Pierogi would need 10 pieces from him by early March, of which they would choose between 4 and 7 to be shown. Two had already been decided though, one, the one he painted after the Babylon bombing – in fact it was the one he was working on the day Brian asked him to marry him in his rundown apartment. The second was the one he just finished. That was a non-negotiable for Susan; it had to be in the show.

She mentioned that the painting was captivating and that was from a photo that wasn’t even the finished piece and she had asked Justin to describe his motivation for it. He told her vaguely of days when he thought things couldn’t work, days when he felt it would never be enough, he would never be enough and then there was moments of absolute joy that made all the questions worth it. And at the end of all the questioning, the terror and the joy came a moment of redemption, where all the broken pieces fell into place again and all the guilt was gone. She had asked for more specific relations between these moments and his life, but this was all he was willing to give.

Susan was fascinated with the young man in front of her. He swept her away in his stories, even if they didn’t give too much information away. Yet she wanted more and she knew the patrons of her gallery and the entire art world deserved the chance to feel the same.

Justin left Janice to negotiate the finer points of the terms of the show and by 8pm he had been shown around the gallery downstairs by one of Pierogi’s employees and was ready to head home. He once again put his earphones in, wrapped his lovely coat around him and went out into the streets to walk back to the house, with a large smile on his face.

He was going to wait until he was at the house before calling Brian to tell his the great news, but it was freezing cold on the walk so about 15 minutes into it he decided that calling his partner now would act as a distraction to the cold and make the walk go faster.

“Hey.”

Justin let out a little sigh at hearing his partner’s deep baritone voice answering the phone. He had answered on the first ring, which meant he had obviously been waiting to hear from him.

“Hey.”

“Well?”

“They want me to join a show at the end of March.”

Brian could hear the smile on Justin’s face in his words and this brought a smile to his face too.

“Of course they do.”

“How do you always believe in me that much?” Justin asked laughingly.

“You’re a genius. I’ve told you before.”

Justin was going over the conversation and the questions Susan had asked and the timeline he would need to stick to when he was suddenly knocked off his feet from the side. He was shoved into a dark alley and his phone went flying out of his hand and further into the alley.

He felt himself hit the ground, hard. He was then picked up and flung into a wall, hard. He felt hands all over his body. Under the coat he was wearing, pulling at his tucked in shirt. He must have hit his head when he fell, or when he hit the wall, as his vision was blurred for a moment. When it cleared he was facing the wall and a hand was down the front of his pants touching his completely flaccid cock. It was the wrong hand. It felt rough, not like the hand he was used to knowing on his cock – the one that could make him hard before it even touched him.

He realised what was happening and before his attacker could cover his mouth he began to scream. He let out one really loud, piercing scream before his attacker shoved his face into the wall in front of him. He felt his cheek scuff against it and then pain was immediate. He was shoved once more and his forehead came into contact with the wall this time. As he pulled back he felt the hot bloody gush from above one eye down his face.

The scream had at least stopped his attacker from continuing to fondle him. But not for long – both hands were now back on his hips and then he felt the man behind him bite down on the juncture between his neck and shoulder and suck hard. He knew it would leave another mark, but he was also aware he probably had quite a few bruises that would come up on his body due to this altercation.

Suddenly and without warning the man behind him was shoved off him and Justin could breathe freely again. His arms weren’t restrained and he could turn around. Which he did very slowly as his head was spinning. He could hear a few grunts behind him and then he saw a scuffle between two men. One was a well-dressed older male and one a younger scruffy looking man.

Justin then heard sirens. The well-dressed man looked up at the noise and tried to break away and run, but the scruffy, younger guy wasn’t letting him go.

Two policemen were suddenly on the scene and after quickly examining the situation grabbed the two fighting men and held them apart – putting handcuffs on both of them. The well-dressed man had his pants open and Justin then knew it was this man who was attempting to attack him. The police were able to establish what had happened fairly quickly. Justin was still standing in shock and hadn’t spoken at all as he heard the scruffy man describe that he heard the scream from further down the alley where he had made his home for the night and then came out to see what was happening. He had intervened and saved Justin from what could have been an awful event, not that it wasn’t anyway.

Justin seemed to snap out of his daze and remembered he had been on the phone to Brian when he had been pushed. He quickly looked around and saw the light of the front of his phone still on down the alley a little ways. He slowly made his way over to it and picked it up.

He could hear Brian screaming. He sounded horse, like he had been screaming for hours.

“Br, Br, Brian?” Justin stuttered into the phone.

“Jesus. Justin. What’s happened? Are you ok?” Brian could barely breath, he couldn’t think. He was in pure panic mode. He had been listening to the whimpering and screaming and scuffling for the last, what seemed like hours, but the display on his phone told him was about 8 minutes.

He then heard a policeman speaking to Justin and before he could ask any more questions he was being spoken to directly by the man.

“Sir? This is constable Parish, are you related to the young man who owns this phone?”

“Yes. He’s my fiancé.” Brian was still finding it hard to think or breath.

“We are going to have him taken to the Brooklyn Hospital Centre. Do you know where that is?”

Brian’s whole face went pale. Justin was hurt, he needed the hospital, and he wasn’t there with him. Shit.

“I will find it.”

“What’s your name, we will give them your details and let them know you are coming.”

Brian explained that he was currently in Pittsburgh, but that he would be on a flight as soon as he could. He gave them his name and mobile number and just in case they needed it at the hospital told them Justin’s insurance number.

When he hung up he immediately called the car service and was informed he could be picked up in 20 minutes. He began throwing some things in a bag before going over to his computer to quickly look for flights. There was one leaving Pittsburgh International at 9.55pm. It was currently 8.35pm, car would be there at about 8.45 and he could be at the airport by 9.20. He booked it. If there was traffic on the way there was going to be hell to pay.

Just as he finished printing off his boarding pass his phone rung to tell him the car was downstairs. He grabbed his bag, his wallet, phone and keys and a coat and was out the door. He had to get to his Sunshine. He just had to get there now.

******

Brian arrived at the hospital just after midnight. He had never experienced a worse flight. There were no delays thankfully, but that didn’t matter, he was on edge the whole time. Afraid that he would miss a call from Justin or the hospital whilst he was in the air. Luckily when he turned his phone on there were no missed calls.

The nurse at the front station had been informed he would be coming and let him know that Mr Taylor would not be needing to stay the night but was being kept in a bed until he arrived. Brian was shown to the ward Justin was on and the curtain that was around him was pulled back.

When the curtain was pulled Justin, who had been dozing, quickly looked up and was so relieved to see Brian standing there. Though he had only ever seen such a look of torment on the man’s face one other time, in Babylon, surrounded by debris.

Brian quickly went to Justin’s side and took his hand. His eyes sweeping up and down his partner’s body, noting all the injuries that were visible. He could see a large scrape on his cheek – just surface damage apparently. A cut above his eye that had required 2 stiches to close. A bite mark on his neck that looked nasty and was a deep purple, almost black colour. Brian could almost count all the teeth marks within the bruise. It sickened him that someone could do this to his Sunshine and an involuntary shiver when through his body.

Brian hadn’t said anything since he arrived with Justin and for the moment was just content taking in that his partner was there, alive and didn’t look too injured. The doctor came in then with the discharge paperwork for Justin to sign and it was at this time that Brian found out that it wasn’t an attempted mugging but rather Justin had suffered a sexual assault. Brian’s body went rigid. He looked again at Justin whose eyes had watered at the mention of the assault and thought he may vomit at the news. He reached his hand up to Justin’s face, looking into his eyes, catching a tear with his thumb and softly wiping it away.

The doctor was explaining just how lucky Justin had been. The would be rapist had been interrupted by a well-intentioned homeless man who came to Justin’s rescue. He let them both know that the police would likely be in touch further as the man had been arrested. Justin was now free to go.

After the doctor left, Brian helped Justin to stand up and to put his coat back on. The two men still didn’t talk, as Brian put his arm around Justin’s shoulders and led him out to the foyer of the hospital. Once there he asked the security guard to order them a taxi and when it arrived he put Justin into the back seat and joined him there, putting his arm back around the young man. He gave the taxi driver the address of the house and then rested his head atop of Justin’s, where it was using his shoulder as a pillow.

Both men stayed silent until they were up in Justin’s bedroom, where they stood directly in front of each other just staring at one another.

Brian tenderly reached out and touched the wound above Justin’s right eye, it was swollen and he could tell that by the morning Justin likely wouldn’t be able to see out of the eye at all. His fingers traced down the side of Justin’s cheek, just missing the graze, also on the right side of his partner’s face. He stopped at his neck and looked at the bandage covering the bite mark on the left side. He could still see the angry welts and bruising in his mind’s eye.

Brian was feeling really emotional, touching a beat up Justin. He should have been here. He should be with him, protecting him.

As if reading his mind Justin spoke softly, “This isn’t your fault – this could have happened anywhere, even if I was on my way home to the loft after a shift at the diner.”

Brian sighed, he knew this – he did. But at the moment it didn’t matter. He just wanted to wrap Justin up in his arms, tuck them both into bed and never face the world again. Or better yet, take Justin back to their home in West Virginia and lock him in there – like a beautiful Prince, kept safe behind the palace gates. He finally nodded to Justin and looked him in the eye, a delayed response to his comment.

“I want to shower.”

Brian nodded again, “Can I join you?” He asked really shyly. He didn’t want to push Justin, but he also didn’t want to leave his side right now.

“Of course.” Justin said, it was never in doubt for him that he wanted Brian there.

Brian helped Justin divest of his coat and sports jacket before gripping the hem of his shirt and jumper to pull them up and over Justin’s head. At this time he became aware of another large bruise forming on his side. At straightening his arm Justin also realised his elbow was particularly sore.

Justin let out a little hiss and Brian touched his right arm to see what caused the pain.

“It’s bruised and looks a little puffy too.”

“I knocked it when I fell.”

Brian was struggling to keep his anger in check. It wasn’t directed at Justin, just at the situation, so it wasn’t fair to take it out on the man in front of him. So he moved on to unbuckling Justin’s belt and releasing each of the buttons on his pants. He squatted down to pull both the chinos and Justin’s briefs down. Whilst he was down there he also helped Justin slip off his converse and took off the man’s socks. When he stood back up he saw the fingerprint bruises on Justin’s hips. His boy did bruise easily, but to leave these deeper marks in such a quick time told him of just how hard he must have been held. Brian felt sick again at the thought.

The two of them had often played with bondage and restraints and just a few short days ago Brian was happy to leave marks on Justin’s skin but looking at these bruises, almost welts, on Justin’s usually unblemished, porcelain skin made him think he would never be able to restrain the man again. He used to love marking Justin, seeing the marks days later, knowing that anyone else that saw them would also know that he belonged to someone, belonged to him. Now, looking at them, he never wanted another mark to be left on Justin’s skin, by him or anyone.

Brian took Justin’s hand and lightly tugged him towards the bedroom door. Opening it and looking out into the small hall to make sure Christophe wasn’t out there, he pulled Justin along behind him; shielding him from being seen by being in front of him. Once they were in the bathroom, Justin was still just standing still, very much like he was in shock. So Brian turned the water on and tested it to make sure it was a suitable temperature before ushering Justin forward and under the spray. He then disposed of his own clothes, letting them drop to the floor and not bothering to pick them up and fold them as he would usually do.

He quickly followed Justin into the shower and picked up Justin’s loofah and soap bar. He lathered the sponge up and began to softly wash all over Justin’s body, wanting him to feel clean and safe. Justin slowly came back to life whilst they were in the shower, seeming to realise for the first time since Brian saw him at the hospital where he was and what was happening.

Justin raised his piercing cornflower blue eyes to look directly into Brian’s before just breaking down and sobbing. Brian caught him in his arms before the man’s knees gave out and held him up. He couldn’t hold him as tightly as he wanted to due to the bruising on his left side, but he managed to support them both. Whispering words of comfort in Justin’s right ear, telling him that he would be ok, that they would be ok together, that he wasn’t alone and never would be again. Brian made this vow to himself as well – Justin would never be alone again, he was never again to feel like he was facing this world alone.

After a few more minutes in the shower and once Justin had stopped crying and gotten his breathing back under control, Brian shut the water off and pulled the young man out of the stall. He grabbed Justin’s towel and started to softly wipe his lover down. Once he was mostly dry he wrapped the large bath towel around his shoulders. Brian then turned and pulled a towel out of the cupboard in the wall that he saw Justin get one out of just a few days prior, when he was here under better circumstances. He grabbed the one that matched Justin’s towel, knowing that they were a pair and therefore belonged to Justin.

Brian dried himself off quickly, wrapped his towel around his slim waist and then put his hands on either of Justin’s upper arms and directed him to open the bathroom door and head back into his bedroom. Once in the room he took Justin’s towel, dropping it onto his side of the bed. He then pulled the blankets back on Justin’s side and directed his partner to crawl into the bed. Once he was tucked in he kissed his forehead and told him he would be back soon.

Brian grabbed the wet towel from the bed and headed back to the bathroom, grabbing his clothes from the floor and hanging both towels up. He then sauntered back into Justin’s bedroom – not caring if anyone saw him walking naked in the hall. Once he was back in the room, he closed and locked the bedroom door, hung his clothes and the ones he stripped off Justin earlier on the back of the desk chair. He grabbed his coat and both of Justin’s and hung them up on hangers in the built in and then joined his lover in bed. Justin was facing Brian’s side, so the two men were looking directly into each other’s eyes.

The silence was palpable but neither wanted to break it. Eventually Justin lent in and lightly kissed Brian’s lips before shifting a little closer to the older man and closing his eyes to go to sleep. Brian stayed awake, staring at the love of his life, running his fingers lightly through his still damp hair. Eventually he too drifted off into slumber.

Neither man slept well but they did make it through the night. There had been some tossing and turning, but Brian was always touching Justin in some way and just being close to each other ended up being enough to keep any nightmares at bay.

In the morning, Justin awoke slowly, to find himself lying on Brian’s chest, head resting right above his heart. He could tell from Brian’s breathing that the man was awake, but was lying still to allow him to rest comfortably. He pulled away a little and looked up into Brian’s eyes, “Make me yours. Please?”

Brian was never one to deny Justin anything, but he needed to be sure that this was the right thing to do, “Are you sure?”

“Yes. Absolutely. I want to just feel your hands on my body again.”

Brian slowly rolled Justin onto his back and settled between the V created where his legs fell apart. He rolled his hips, bringing some friction between his cock and Justin’s, both were half hard simply from their morning woody’s already. It didn’t take too many rolls to bring them both to full attention, the whole time Brian continued to look directly into Justin’s eyes, wanting him to know who he was here with.

“Justin. Listen to me, are you listening?”

Justin nodded mutely.

“You will always be mine; your body will always be mine. I love you so much. So very much.” Brian’s voice cracked over the last few words, not because he struggled to say them as he had used to, but because they meant so much to him now and he really need Justin to feel that when he heard them.

A few tears escaped Justin’s eyes and ran down the sides of his face. Brian leant forward and up a little and licked the paths they took, one side and then the other. He then started kissing all over Justin’s face, treasuring the young man in his arms; so thankful that they were here together.

The slow rolls of their hips were continuing and the atmosphere in the bedroom was so intense, due to the slow deliberate motions of both men. They were determined to show each other their love through their movements in this moment that everything action seemed slow and important. They continued with their light kisses, both of them kissing any piece of the other man that they could reach.

Brian was resting some of his weight on his elbows, now on either side of Justin’s head. He was toying with Justin’s long hair with one of his hands, twisting it in his fingers. They were both practically dry humping now, so turned on in the moment.

Brian reached to the bedside table and opened the draw, the shift in his body causing his hard cock to bump against Justin’s in a different way and Justin’s sighed in pleasure, his own cock jumping from the feeling. Brian grabbed a condom and some lube from the drawer and returned to his position between Justin’s legs. He sat back on his feet, resting on his calves, looking Justin in the eye as he unrolled the condom down his nine and a half inch cock, which was standing to full attention against his stomach.

“If you are in pain in anyway, let me know and we will try a different position. Ok?”

Justin nodded. His own hand had begun playing with his cock, jacking it up and down, the moment he had watched Brian open the condom.

Brian squirted some lube onto his fingers and reached down to Justin’s backside. He ran his fingers lightly up and down his crack, over his small puckered hole and continuing passed it. He added more lube to his fingers and continued to do this motion. Occasionally he would stop at Justin’s entrance and push slightly against the resistance of his opening, letting a finger play just inside his rectum. He then, without warning shoved two fingers in together. Justin groaned out loud, happy to feel his lover’s fingers playing inside him.

Brian opened Justin up with his two long fingers, brushing against his prostate every now and then. By the time Brian’s thumb had started massaging Justin’s perineum from the outside as well, Justin was a withering mess, putty to Brian’s will. With his other hand Brian managed to squeeze some lube onto his covered cock and then smeared his around. He took his cock in his free hand and put it at the entrance of Justin’s anus.

Shuffling in a little, wrapping one of Justin’s legs around his hip and bending the other up towards Justin’s chest, Brian leaned over the young man. He rested his weight back onto his elbow up near Justin’s head. He used the hand on his engorged cock to direct it straight past Justin’s resistance and into his anal passage. Moving his hips backwards and forwards he slowly breached all the way inside, all of his nine and a half inches pushed up inside his lover as his balls slapped against his naked arse.

Justin had closed his eyes as the feelings overwhelmed him. God he loved when he was full of Brian’s cock. When it felt like he could almost feel it poking him in his stomach. He felt so full, so loved.

“Open your eyes Justin.”

Justin followed the command and looked directly into Brian’s usually hazel eyes that were now almost black with lust and pleasure. Brian lowered his lips to Justin’s, neither man closing their eyes as they kissed and bucked against each other. They were bringing each other to the brink over and over again before backing off to shallow thrusts whilst they calmed down and began the climb once more.

Finally, when Justin couldn’t take anymore his slapped Brian’s buttocks to let him know he was ready and Brian began jack hammering away into his now open hole. He felt him everywhere, in every pore of his body, Brian owned him, loved him. Justin loved it and Brian felt exactly the same. The two men came together, looking each other straight in the eyes as one shot all over his stomach and chest and the other deep inside his lover.

It was just what they both needed after the night they had had.