Chapter 4

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Emmett bustled around the kitchen, right now Justin needed comfort food and that's what he'd get. He shook his head sadly; poor baby just couldn't catch a break. It must have been so awful for him to hear what he did. In a few hours Brian would be home and he'd take charge like he always did. Emmett slid a homemade pizza into the oven and dusted off his hands. They just had to wait.

Emmett entered Justin's room a half hour later with the pizza and plates. He saw that Dee was still trying to comfort Justin without much success.

"You're in for a real treat, baby; you've never had Aunty Emm's famous pizza."

Justin looked up slowly, his eyes were red rimmed and he was still teary eyed. "Emm, that's so nice but I'm really not hungry."

Emmett placed the tray on the bed. "You listen to your Aunty Emm. You need to eat; one slice and I swear I'll leave you alone."

Dee rubbed his shoulders soothingly. "Emmett's right; you really should eat a little something and his pizza is to die for. Brian is on his way home to you just as fast as he can."

Justin gave a sad little sigh. "All right I'll eat one piece; I'm just goen to splash some cool water on my face."

Justin excused himself to go to the bathroom. He splashed cool water on his face a few times then dried off. He caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror. No wonder his friends were worried; he looked dreadful. Justin settled himself back on the bed with his friends and grabbed a slice of pizza. It actually did look very good. The crust was thick and there was lots of gooey cheese, just the way he liked it. Justin took a bite and smiled slightly at Emmett.

"This is good."

"See I told you." Emmett preened from the compliment.

Justin ended up having two pieces of pizza much to Emmett's delight and to the relief of Dee. Emmett cleaned up the dishes while Dee dragged Justin into the living room and put on the TV. She figured Justin could do with a little mindless entertainment to take his mind off things. Soon Justin was immersed in cartoons. Two hours later Justin visibly jumped when there was a knock on the door. Dee jumped up to answer it and was relieved to see Brian. Brian rushed into the room. He drew Justin into his arms and held him tight. He'd been scared out of his mind when he couldn't get hold of Justin.

"Brian," Justin's warm breath caressed his neck.

"I got here as soon as I could." He rocked Justin gently within his arms.

Justin looked up at him all doe eyed. "Did I pull you away from work?"

Brian ran his fingers through Justin's long hair. "No Sunshine, I was done there. Even if I wasn't, I would have come back," he murmured into Justin's seashell ear. "You come first."

With his arms still around Justin he led the way to the bedroom. When the door was closed and they were lying in each other's arms, Brian thought it was time to get some answers. Brian leaned down and kissed Justin's temple.

"You really scared the shit out of me with that message, and then when I couldn't reach you…"

"I'm sorry; I just really needed to hear your voice."

"It's ok, that's what I gave you the cell phone for. Justin, tell me what happened?"

Justin trembled and let out a shuddery breath, Brian held him a bit tighter.

"It was so awful, Brian. I … um … I was talken to my mom. I've been so worried about her; somethen isn't right. My dad caught her on the phone with me. She hung up but she must not have set it down just right because I could still hear everything. My father hates me so much. He was yellen at her not to ever talk to me again, it was his house and she would obey him."

"Christ."

Justin whimpered, "He hurt her. I heard her cry out in pain. I just sat there helpless listening. I wanted to save her but there was nothen I could do." Justin's breath hitched then he gulped. "Then I heard this horrible heavy thud. He threw her against somethen. I know he did."

Listening to Justin, Brian felt slightly queasy. It reminded him too much of the shit that went on in the Kinney house of horrors.

Justin sniffed. "Then the connection was severed. She could be hurt or dead, Brian. I need to help her."

"We will, Justin, first thing in the morning. You need to try to get some sleep. I'm pretty exhausted myself."

"Will you hold me?" he asked in a little boy voice.

Brian kissed him softly on the lips. He helped Justin undress then he quickly pulled off his own clothes. They got into bed; Justin snuggled up to Brian and laid his head on his chest. Exhausted, he closed his eyes and fell asleep within the safety of Brian's arms. Even though Brian was dead tired he laid awake, running his hand gently through Justin's hair. He made a mental list in his head of what they should do in the morning. Finally exhaustion took over and he fell asleep.

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Brian was the first to awaken. He spent several moments watching Justin sleep. He looked like a beautiful angel peacefully asleep. He was soft and warm in his arms. Brian wanted to make him feel good. He inched down the bed till he was right in line with Justin's cock. Brian licked his lips then took the pink head within his mouth. He sucked and lapped at the head. Justin sighed in his sleep, a soft smile curled the corners of his lips. Brian kissed and licked the length of Justin. He palmed his balls in his big warm hand and rolled them gently. Justin groaned and his eyes fluttered open. Brian glanced up and smiled with his mouth still full. Justin laughed at the sight.

"I love your idea of a wake up call."

Justin moaned deeply as Brian deep throated him and began to bob his head. Justin reached out and fisted Brian's hair. A couple of flicks and taps to his slit and he was cumming down Brian's throat. Brian had to swallow rapidly to keep up with him. Justin pulled Brian up and kissed him, letting his tongue seek out the remnants of his cum. He liked the way he tasted in Brian's mouth. Justin blushed at the thought.

"Mornen," Justin breathed against the side of Brian's face.

"Morning, Sunshine, sleep well?"

Justin hugged him close. "When I'm with you, how can I not?"

Brian pulled Justin up. "Come on, round two in the shower." Like horny teenagers they sprinted to the bathroom.

A half an hour later they entered the kitchen. Brian poured himself some coffee while Dee placed a plate piled high in front of Justin. She knew he'd be hungry after the meager amount of dinner he had the night before. Brian sipped his coffee and snuck bites off Justin's plate. After Justin was done he looked over at Brian and sighed.

"I think I need to go back home to Georgia and find out what's goen on. Mom will never admit that she's hurten."

Brian slowly rolled his lips into his mouth. "I agree, but I think you should call first, test the waters so to speak."

Justin visibly paled at the thought of calling. It was all because of him that his mother was hurt.

"I… I don't think that's a good idea… my father…"

Brian pulled Justin onto his lap and cradled him in his arms trying to calm him down.

"It's ok, Justin. You must know your father's schedule; just call when he is out. If he happens to answer don't say anything and hang up. Don't tell you mother you're coming, just find out how she is. You'll only upset her if she knows you're coming back." Brian pressed his cell phone into Justin's hand.

Brian held Justin on his lap while he made the call. He rubbed slow circles on his back to calm and soothe him. Justin's heart leapt in his throat when Molly answered the phone.

"Hey, Molly, it's me. Is dad home?"

"No."

Justin let out a sigh of relief.

"I've been missen you Justin. Where are you?"

"I'm in Pittsburgh with cousin Derek."

"Gee, that's a long way."

"Yeah it is. Molly, is mom ok?"

"She banged her hip pretty hard and she hurt her arm. She doesn't talk about it."

"Are you ok, Molly?"

"Sure. When are you comen home?"

"Soon, but don't tell mom I want it to be a surprise. Can you put her on? I need to talk to her."

"Ok."

Brian murmured, "Who's Molly?"

"She's my sister."

"I didn't know you had a sister."

Justin shrugged, "I guess it never came up."

This made things more difficult. Getting Justin's mother out of there was one thing, but a small child as well. It wouldn't be easy.

"Mom."

"Justin, baby, how are you?"

Justin's bottom lip began to tremble. "Mommy, are you ok?" Justin said softly.

There was a long pause. "Of course, I'm fine."

Justin let out a shuddery breath. "Don't, mom, I heard everything. He was rough with you; he hurt you."

"Oh Justin," Jennifer gasped. "I'm so sorry you had to hear that. You know how your father is. He gets so angry. How are your courses coming along?" She changed the topic hoping to put an end to that unpleasant subject.

Justin sighed; he wasn't fooled. He knew what his mother was doing. "School's fine; I'm doen well."

"That's wonderful; I'm proud of you."

They talked for a few more minutes before ending the call. Justin looked at Brian with sad eyes.

"She's tryen to pretend everything is all right when it's not. Molly told me she banged her hip really hard and hurt her arm."

Brian nodded. "If we leave today we can be there some time tomorrow."

Justin looked at Brian with wide blue eyes filled with surprise. "You'll go with me?"

"Yes, I'm going with you. I remember how the south treated you. I'm not going to let you go back alone. It's Saturday. Come Monday if we haven't resolved anything, I'll take a few days off. It's not a big deal. The safety of you and your family is more important."

"Thank you, Brian. You've been so good to me. Wait, you were thinken of driving down? Why don't we fly; it'd be faster."

"I think we should drive down. We know your mother isn't in any immediate danger. If we drive down we'll have time to plan and evaluate the situation. If you're a good boy we'll fuck along the way in some of the public rest stops."

That suggestion made Justin blush.

"How about a road trip, Sunshine?"

Justin smiled. "I think that sounds fine."

"Come on; let's pack a bag for you. A couple days worth of clothes should do. We'll stop by the loft so I can pack then we can hit the road."

Justin hurried to the bedroom grabbed his duffel bag and tossed a bunch of clothes in haphazardly. He tossed a small bathroom kit on top and zipped it shut. Brian stood watching and shook his head. He knew Justin was anxious to see his mother again. Brian took Justin's bag in one hand and Justin's smaller hand in the other as they went out to the Jeep. Justin handed over the keys to Brian. Brian tossed Justin's bag in the back and climbed in. He went to start the Jeep but stopped when he took a couple of breaths.

"Justin, do you smell apricots?"

Justin tried not to look sheepish. "Um no."

Brian frowned and shrugged it off then headed for the loft. Brian packed a bag for himself while Justin called Dee at work to let her know what was going on. Brian put his bag next to Justin's in the back seat. As they left Brian glanced down at the gas gauge. While it was mostly full he figured it couldn't hurt to stop at a gas station to top off the tank. He'd also remember to check the air in his tires. He certainly didn't need to get a flat on the turnpike.

Brian pulled into the station and pumped his own gas. Justin thought he looked so sexy doing something so simple. Brian checked the tires over quickly then went in to pay. He paid for the gas and was about to leave but then he thought he'd buy Justin a few snacks for the road. The kid was always hungry and would eat damn near anything. Brian picked up some bottled water for the both of them. At the counter he got a pack of cigarettes for himself. When he got to the Jeep he gave the bag to Justin who looked at it curiously then peeked inside. Justin's Sunshine smile shone through.

"Snacks! You're the best boyfriend a guy could have."

Brian smirked. "I know. Just don't get crumbs all over. Are you sure you don't smell apricots?"

Eyes wide and innocent Justin shrugged and shook his head. The Jeep got on the expressway and headed for parts unknown.

After maneuvering their way out of Pittsburgh Brian turned the Jeep south heading for I-79. Justin stared out the window watching the countryside pass by.

"Are you all right?" Brian asked after a bit.

Justin nodded. "I think so."

"You're worried about what we're going to find, aren't you?"

Justin nodded again. "My father can be … cruel."

"I won't let him hurt you," Brian said fiercely.

Justin smiled just a little bit. He could never have done this by himself. "I know, but I'm not worried about me. I'm worried about my mom and Molly. He could hurt them."

"I won't let that happen either."

"You can't always control everything."

"I like to think I can," Brian grinned.

Justin shook his head. "It could turn really bad. My dad could be there and he could force Mom to stay. How would we be able to get her out of the house? And Molly, we have to bring her too. We can't leave her there."

"We're not going to leave her there," Brian stated.

He pulled into a rest area and turned off the Jeep.

"What?" Justin asked. "Why are we stopping?"

"You have to calm down, Justin. You'll worry yourself sick, and you won't be any help to your Mom and Molly if you're sick by the time we get there."

"I'm sorry," Justin whispered, and Brian saw a lone tear run down his cheek.

"Come here," Brian ordered holding out his arms.

Justin released his seatbelt and leaned over allowing himself to be pulled against Brian's body. He let out a gulping breath and some more tears escaped. "This seemed like a good idea when we were talking about it, but now I'm so scared. We might just make it worse for them."

"What could be worse than being slammed against a wall?" Brian asked gently.

"I don't want to think about the answer to that," Justin said with a shudder.

"It will be all right."

"I wish I believed that," Justin choked out.

"Are you ready to travel a little further?"

"I guess so," Justin whispered although he didn't really want to go anywhere. He liked being in Brian's arms. That was where he felt the best. It was safe and warm and he didn't have to feel scared. He knew Brian would protect him.

Brian kissed Justin's temple and released the boy. Justin sat up and wiped his face. He did up his seatbelt as Brian started the Jeep and they headed back onto the highway.

As they rode along Brian began to worry about his young lover. He could see the worried look on Justin's face, and that troubled Brian. They had made this plan together and he had been sure that Justin wanted to go get his mother. Now he wasn't sure what the hell they were doing. It seemed like Justin wanted to go back home to Pittsburgh. Brian handed Justin a bag of chips hoping that food might cheer the boy up. When Justin merely looked at the bag and didn't offer to open it, Brian knew he had to do something.

"I'm going to stop for dinner as soon as I find a likely place," Brian told Justin.

"But it's still daylight," Justin said. "We have a long way to go."

"I know, but I'm hungry and I think we've gone far enough for today."

Justin shrugged and Brian began scanning the turnoffs looking for a likely motel chain and some restaurants where they could get food and lodging for the night. He needed to have a long talk with Justin before they went any farther.

Finally he noted a sign for a Ramada, not his first choice, but it would do in a pinch. He turned the Jeep in that direction. Justin sat silently beside him. They easily found the motel and checked in. Brian took their bags up to the room with Justin tagging silently along. The room was passable and they settled in unpacking their toiletries for the night.

"Want to go across the street to that restaurant for dinner?" Brian asked.

"Maybe," Justin said non-committally.

Brian shoved Justin gently down onto the edge of the bed and sat down beside him. He took Justin's hand in his and pulled the boy around to face him. "Justin, I want you to listen to me. Are you listening?"

Justin nodded his head. "I know I shouldn't worry but I can't help it. I don't want anythen to happen to my mom."

"We're going there to help her, not hurt her. We'll check out the situation and if your father is around we won't do anything. I won't fuck this up."

"How can you be sure?"

"We'll scope it all out. We should be there by noon tomorrow if we get an early start in the morning. What does your dad do on Sundays?"

"The family goes to church and then has lunch. Dad will likely play golf after that."

"Then we wait nearby until he leaves to play golf. That will give you lots of time to talk to your mother. We can get her and Molly out of there long before he comes back."

"What if he decides not to play golf?" Justin asked apprehensively.

"Then we wait until an opportunity arises."

"But don't you have to get back to work."

"I took some time off. Cynthia will cover for me, and we'll take as long as we need. We're not going to do anything rash."

Brian watched Justin visibly relax. "Thanks," he said slowly. "I needed to hear that. I had visions of rushen in there, rippen my mother out of her bed and fighten my father on the way out."

"Hey, I'm a lover not a fighter," Brian laughed.

"And one hell of a lover, you are," Justin giggled.

"Want a demonstration."

Justin nodded. He wanted to be close to Brian and what better way was there than having Brian inside him.

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