The End Justifies the Means

Chapter 12 - Picking Up the Pieces

Now that things started falling into place for everyone, Justin realized that it was time for him to begin to work on his own future and the direction it would take. One thing was for sure, there would be no more red eyes and sad and exhausted nights of loneliness. Of this he was certain. But, unfortunately, Brian needed to be near Kinnetik and Michael right now, and Justin did have unfinished business in New York to deal with.

Maggie had assured him, with enthusiasm, that he could work from anywhere and she would continue to represent him. That hurdle was resolved but he still had a studio to clean out and half an apartment to vacate.

Justin contacted Jill and shared his plans with her, although she didn’t seem surprised. She knew that Justin had been miserable from the moment he arrived in the city. It just wasn’t a place that he could ever call home. After lengthy chats with Daphne, Jill knew that Brian Kinney was Justin’s home and vice versa, but the two had to learn that for themselves. The one thing that surprised her was Justin’s lack of need to be in the city at all any more.

The two chatted about that at length and Justin began to get irritated. He decided that before he lost a friend he would end the conversation and pick it up, if necessary, when he returned to clear out his stuff from the apartment.

In the meantime he needed to contact one of his studio mates to arrange to give one of them the key after he cleared out his space. The conversation turned strange when he learned that the studio space was paid off for several months. He certainly didn’t have the cash for that before his show and he hadn’t written any checks yet as he hadn’t received his share of the current take. What the fuck was going on?

Justin knew one person might have the answers and he made another call to his very solicitous agent. “Hi, Maggie, how are you?”

“I’m doing great Justin. You have almost no paintings left to bring home from the gallery. They’re nearly all sold and will be delivered when the show is completed next week.”

“That’s great.” Justin replied with considerable reserve.

“Justin, why aren’t you jumping for joy? I’ve never had a client who sounded like he couldn’t care less about his art work selling.”

“Oh course I care about my art work selling. Who are the buyers?” Justin’s suspicions were running wild and he didn’t know where to begin. He just knew that Maggie would have the answers but it was obvious that he would have to draw them out of her.

“There are fourteen different buyers. I believe you met several of them at the opening. If you were able to stay longer I would have arranged for you to meet as many as you wanted. Would you like me to e-mail the list of buyers to you?”

“No, no, that’s okay.” Justin was trying to put together his thoughts and he was having trouble finding the logic. “Maggie, what do you know about my studio?”

“That it’s very small, especially for someone with your gifts. You’ll be able to get something bigger in Pittsburgh, I’m sure. Maybe right inside that fabulous mansion I’ve heard about.”

“How did you hear about that?”

“Why, you told me about it…didn’t you?” Maggie hesitated. Now Justin knew there was definitely something up and he wasn’t about to let her go without knowing the whole story.

“Maggie, who told you about the mansion?”

“I guess when I met that fabulous hunk of yours he must have brought it up.”

“You two were never alone at the opening. Brian was always with me or my mom and Deb, and we never talked about the house.”

“Justin, I have a client coming in I’m going to have to go.”

“Maggie, you get off this phone and we’re through.” Justin knew this was a risk he had to take. His integrity was riding on it. “Spill, and I don’t mean your coffee!”

“I don’t like being the one to ruin happy surprises but you’ve shoved me into a corner on this one.”

“Okay, you’re exempt from retribution, now tell me.”

“Brian called me shortly before your show. Obviously you had shared my name and the name of the agency with him. I’m not that hard to find. He had a sense that you were no longer interested in staying in New York. Hell, we all knew that—no shocker there.”

“Go on,” Justin urged.

“Anyway, he was concerned that you would be abandoning your burgeoning career if you left New York City prematurely. He wanted to be assured that if you chose to return to Pittsburgh that you would still have all the chances you rightfully deserved. He was really kind of sweet.”

“He’s a gem, go on,” Justin deadpanned.

“I suggested that while you would certainly have EVERY opportunity wherever you were at this point, that it wouldn’t hurt for you to be around once in a while so people could see your work while it was still in progress. I might have mentioned that a lot of artists that can afford it keep a small studio in the city as well as a small apartment.”

“You might have mentioned. And what was Brian’s reaction?”

“He was clearly interested in the subject and then clammed up and told me not to talk about this with you at all—that he’d bring it up. Justin, he really loves you. It’s obvious. Be gentle.”

“I know Brian loves me AND I’ll be incredibly gentle.” With that Justin snapped his phone shut and shoved it in his pocket.

Justin paced the loft several times thinking about what his next move would be. He finally realized that in this case the dramatic might just work. And he knew that Brian deserved a jolt anyway. Justin pulled out his cell one more time to see when Brian would be home and to plan to have dinner together.

In preparation, Justin called the best take out place around and ordered a wonderful Middle Eastern spread of delights. Yes, atmosphere would be very important. He placed all the delicacies out on the large square coffee table and set the futon mattresses around. He then took out a bottle of chardonnay as Brian’s arrival time was approaching.

Brian came in to a very surprising scene. Justin was casually dressed in jeans and a fitted t-shirt but the living room was decked out with a few candles and a spread of fabulous and enticing food. It looked like a seduction set-up and Brian was happy to join in the fun.

“So what’s all this about? I realize it’s been a rough day, but you didn’t have to go all out like this.”

“Brian, it’s not like I cooked any of this. I just thought it might be nice to talk over a special meal.”

“Talk, as in chat, or talk, as in serious talk.”

“You’re so suspicious. Do you have a guilty conscience?” Justin smirked. Then he placed his hand behind Brian’s head and pulled him down for a very passionate, toe-curling kiss. “Now why don’t you get into some comfortable clothes and join me.”

“It’ll be my pleasure, Sunshine. I’d love to have an evening of good food and relaxation with you…and maybe then some exercise to work off all the good food.”

“Sounds delicious.”

After Brian left the room Justin rubbed his hands together and couldn’t help but smile. Brian really was putty in his hands when he planned right. It would be great to out-maneuver the king of manipulators.

Justin sat down on the futon and waited for Brian to join him. When he arrived Justin served Brian some pita with hummus to start him off. The two explored all the delicacies in front of them, from stuffed grape leaves to babaganoush. It was a veritable fantasy of food, and quite healthy as well. The two enjoyed the wine and when the bottle was all but finished Brian asked, “So, I guess the talking part of the evening was just for intermittent chatter between bites.”

“You could say that. You know this setting gives me a feeling of déjà vu.”

“How so?” Brian asked, his curiosity beginning to reawaken.

“Well you know what déjà vu is, don’t you?”

“Of course, I do. I completed high school.”

“Well, then, you know what I mean. This really does seem familiar.”

“Yes…”

“I remember the first picnic I ever tried to have with you. It was after you had a particularly intense time with Michael, when Ben was in the hospital that first time. You didn’t share with me what was going on and just blew me off—like I didn’t deserve any explanation for your actions. I followed up by taking my own actions and that led to some horrible mistakes on both our parts. You know, that could have ended our relationship for good, don’t you?”

“That was not one of my better decisions. I’ve learned since then that keeping you in the dark is foolish and being totally honest is the only way.”

“Uh huh,” Justin uttered as his only response. “But that’s not the only déjà vu connection I’ve made.”

“What the fuck?” Brian certainly was paying close attention now.

“It was probably the next time we dared to try a picnic. In fact it was in this very spot. The only difference was that we were eating Chinese food back then.”

“Oh shit,” was all Brian could utter as he started to refresh his memory.

“Yeah, that was definitely an ‘oh shit’ kind of time. We were happy together and you decided that taxing my little, naïve brain with complicated medical issues would be too much so you pretended the problem didn’t exist. Instead you left me feeling that I was unattractive to you. I ultimately made some follow up decisions to not be honest with you when I learned the truth. You know, that one could have ended our relationship for good, as well, don’t you?”

“I’m beginning to think I never want to take part in another picnic for the rest of my life.” Brian remarked.

“Not a bad thought, but I was thinking maybe being completely honest would avert any future dramatic overtones that might linger with picnic scenes. How does that idea strike you?” This time Justin knew that his message was heard loud and clear.

“Justin,” Brian started and stalled.

“I’m listening, so please treat me as an equal.” The words were firm and clearly enunciated.

“Justin, I may have done something without telling you recently. It was meant to be a surprise, but with all that’s happened I never got to tell you about it.” Brian was clearly not in his comfort zone and Justin knew enough not to escalate the situation too much.

“Okay. But I’m here now and we’re alone.”

“I just want you to hear me out before you jump to any conclusions or queen out.”

“This coming from the biggest drama queen in the northeast.”

“Hey!”

“Hey to you too…if the tiara fits. You just queen out in the most butch of ways.” Justin grinned and then touched Brian’s cheek, lightening the mood just enough for Brian to feel that it was safe to move forward.

“Here goes – I contacted your agent without you knowing it. It was wrong of me, but I was doing it because I wanted to make sure that you weren’t going to give up your prospects for me. I’m not worth it.” Brian turned his head and rolled in his lips slightly.

“That’s a debate for another day, Brian, but please go on. I’m listening.” Justin said in a much softer tone.

“She told me that you would do fine from here but that artists who have been acclaimed in the field tend to also keep apartments and studios in New York City so they can come and go to special openings and be seen at the spur of the moment when their agents feel that it would be appropriate or important.

“That’s when I realized that I had the power and finances to help you out up front before you received any cash.”

“And how did you think you could help me?”

“I enlisted your mom and she made contact with some real estate agents in New York. They found a small, but chic, one bedroom apartment in SoHo. I knew it was more than you could afford at this time, but at least it was a place that wouldn’t make me cringe or want to run to a hotel when we had to go to the city for one of your guest appearances.

“I got the contact from Maggie for the landlord who owns the building where you have your studio. I decided to pay six months in advance to start and then you could decide if it was still what you wanted after that. Or maybe you’d have enough to get your own studio, who knows?”

“We, Brian. You said we. Now I really am confused.” Justin began to absorb what Brian was sharing and the sides of his mouth started to curl into a genuine smile.

“Of course, WE, what the fuck is this all about if not WE! I may be strong-willed and stubborn, but I’m definitely NOT stupid. I’ve spent my life judging how far I can push clients…and friends, before I’ve pushed too far.” To that Justin snorted.

“I know that this is it for us. NOW is our chance and I have no intention of fucking it up or letting you go.”

Justin launched himself forward and practically assaulted Brian with kisses. “You fucking asshole. Why didn’t you just tell me all this when you did it?”

“I wasn’t sure you were ready to hear it before your show. I was going to tell you during our weekend together.”

“Brian, get up and put on your shoes. I need to take you somewhere.”

“What now? Don’t we have some extracurricular activities to finish first to insure that this changes the course of all future picnics?” Brian asked somewhat seductively while rubbing his hand up and down Justin’s chest.

“As appealing as this is, you need to first come with me.”

“That’s my intention, Sunshine,” Brian smirked.

“Shut up.” Justin laughed.

Justin quietly went to his messenger bag to make sure that everything he wanted was in its proper place and then put on his sneakers and his jacket.

“So where are we heading?”

“Brian, just give me the car keys and I’ll make sure you and the ‘vette arrive safe and sound.”

“I’m counting on that. My cock is counting on some attention wherever we go, too.”

“I promise that you and your cock won’t be ignored or neglected.”

“We both already feel neglected.”

“Get out and trust me. I trusted you this time and didn’t jump to conclusions. Now it’s your turn.”

“Fine,” Brian sarcastically responded and walked out of the loft.

Justin set the alarm and locked the door and walked down the stairs with Brian.

After driving for about fifteen minutes, Brian started to smile realizing exactly where they were going.

When they pulled into Britin’s driveway Brian decided it would be safe to break the silence. “We came all the way out here because…”

“Brian it’s only West Virginia, it’s 30 minutes outside of Pittsburgh, relax.”

As they passed through the threshold of the mansion Brian detected some changes in the air. The first change was that the heat was turned on. He didn’t remember giving the caregiver of the house any instructions about that. Then Brian glanced into the formal living room. It was empty as all the old furniture that had been left there was removed.

Even more surprising was that the parlor that held the beautiful fireplace was also cleared of aging furniture, but in it’s place was a futon mattress a small blanket and all in front of a lit fire. “How the fuck did you do all this?”

“It’s easy as long as you know how to use a cell phone and are privy to the correct phone numbers.” Justin smirked knowing his little surprise had worked.

“I’ve been in contact with our groundskeeper during the past couple of weeks. I told him that I’d contact him the minute I was ready to remove the furniture but not to do it before I gave him the okay. Then I told him that I’d like a housekeeper to dust the first floor only and to pick up a futon mattress and picnic blanket to be left in the front hall coat closet. I let the groundskeeper know where those things were, and to lay them out after the furniture was gone.”

“And you did all this today?”

“I had the furniture removed yesterday and asked that the housekeeper do her job today. I did have to commit to a bit extra for the last minute warning. The groundskeeper also lit the fire for me as well.”

“But, why, Justin…why all this?”

“I did it for my prince.” Brian laughed.

“And to show the man that I love that no matter what he does he can always count on me to love him and NEVER leave him again.”

“You are too much, Sunshine. Will this déjà vu never end?” Justin laughed out loud and then reached into his messenger bag and pulled out a small ring box.

“Where the fuck did you find that?”

“Let’s just say that I wanted to find out which drawers you’d left open for my drawers.” Then Justin decided to play up the fun for everything it was worth. He got down on one knee and said, “Mr. Brian Kinney, would you do me the honor of finally making an honest man out of me.”

“You’re not pregnant are you?” Brian laughed as he got down on his knees to be at an equal level with Justin.

“No, but I’m sure Deb will think I’d have to be to go through this again.” Brian snorted and then leaned in to kiss Justin.

“Hey, you didn’t answer.”

“I thought I already did a couple of days ago.”

“That was before all the revelations of these last few days. I want to make sure that nothing will ever be between us or in our way again.”

“Gotcha.”

“Well…”

“Okay.”

“Okay, what,” Justin couldn’t help but to enjoy this immensely.

“Okay, I’ll marry you and this time NO second thoughts.” Brian declared.

And with that Justin placed the ring on Brian’s finger and Brian did the same as the two undressed each other slowly and made love in front of the firelight.

Later after resting from their earlier work-out, Justin said, “We need to put these away until it’s time to reveal our plans.”

“Indian giver,” Brian teased.

“Don’t joke, Brian. I want to do this right this time and the less fanfare the better. Is that okay with you?”

Brian took off his ring and returned it to the box as did Justin. “It feels strange taking it off. I didn’t think it would be so easy to get used to.”

“I love you, Brian. It’ll be on permanently, soon enough, I promise.”

“Okay.” And with that the two got lost in each other, once again, both realizing how incredible it was that they had reached this point despite everything that had been set against them. Maybe that was what made their commitment that much more powerful than either man had ever expected it could be.

 

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