The End Justifies the Means

Chapter 17 - Ends Justify Means 2

Ben was recovering so well that Michael felt comfortable enough to spend more and more time setting up All The Rage in just the way he wanted. While Michael was grateful for all the support of his friends, the store was his and he wanted to set his own mark on it. He was the expert and knew exactly where he should place everything for the best selling and presentation.

When he wasn’t organizing the store he spent the rest of his work day with Emmett. While Emmett was a master at organizing the perfect parties, he knew very little about comic book heroes and appropriate themes. Tights weren’t everything. Since Emmett, like the rest of Michael’s friends, had read every issue of Rage, and the store was named after his creation, the theme was evident. He enjoyed talking with Em about all the different decorations that would be suspended from the ceiling representing all of the villains Rage had come across.

Justin was able to recreate boards that illustrated Rage’s lair and other scenes of Gayopolis that would be recognizable to their readership. Michael had the most fun recreating the free standing full-size cut-outs of his three main characters. There was one with Rage, Zephyr and JT another with Rage and JT in a lip-lock and a third with Rage and Zephyr battling Ice Tina and her cronies.

Everything was set to go. Brian had assumed the responsibility for publicizing the opening, or rather he’d given that responsibility to Cynthia. This wouldn’t be a hard sell as the local news always loved good human interest stories about one of their own. It didn’t hurt that Cynthia made sure the media was aware that Michael faced both business and personal tragedies simultaneously and rose to defeat both—kind of like his superheroes. That was the angle Cynthia used and the media ate it up.

Ben and Hunter were getting to spend a lot of quality time together while Michael was readying the store for business. There was no resentment in his absence as the two loved seeing Michael this enthusiastic about anything. Neither of them had been around just prior to Red Cape’s opening so they had never seen that glimmer in Michael’s eye when he was amongst a whole set of new comic books for the first time. This was something that Debbie, Brian and Justin had all seen, but only Justin truly understood. The artistic eye seeing its inspiration was universal to all artists.

Ben knew that this was Michael’s passion, as his was writing novels, and reveled in Michael’s happiness. If anything it made him feel healthier that much quicker. Ben also knew that besides homework he had to approach Hunter about his recent illness and confess to all the mistakes he made in the hopes that Hunter would learn not to take risks with his own health.

“Hunter, you’re really doing great. Graduation is a sure thing now, isn’t it?”

“You bet. On January 15th, I’ll have earned my High School Diploma. I can’t believe it.”

“Have you thought anymore about going to college?”

“I’m still not sure what I want to do after I graduate. Hell, I never thought I would graduate.

“I kind of admire that guy Blake that Ted is hooking up with. Do you know he was a total crystal queen and is now a drug rehab counselor?”

“So I heard. He’s really come a long way.”

“I kind of like the idea of counseling, but I just want to take my time thinking about where to start. I think I’d like to work with Michael at the new store for a while and maybe take a couple of psychology classes at Allegheny Community College. Are you disappointed?”

“No, no! That sounds like a great plan and I’m really proud of you for thinking things through the way you have.”

“Good, cause that’s what I want to do next.”

“You know, partner, we haven’t really talked about what happened to me.”

“Sure we did -- in the hospital. I know exactly what happened to you and all the drugs they used to help you recover.”

“But I mean how I ended up so sick.”

“Oh that.”

“Yes, that. I made some stupid mistakes and took some ridiculous risks with my own health, thinking that somehow I was going to keep it a secret and not burden you and Michael.”

“Well, that’s fucked up.”

“Yeah, it is. I was fucked up and I wasn’t thinking clearly. I just want you to know that if you ever, ever feel like something isn’t balanced in your body, or you start to feel sick, even if it just seems to be a cold, that you’ll tell us. Don’t be an asshole…like I was. Let the people who love you know so we can get you the proper care right away.”

“I will. You know when Vic died I kind of freaked out a bit, but seeing you sick really scared me to death, so to speak.” Hunter smirked at the irony of the phrase. “I will definitely let you and Michael know if something doesn’t feel right, even though we both know he’ll queen out immediately.”

“You know what…it’s kind of nice to know that we have someone, in fact several someones, who care enough to queen out if we’re sick. Not everyone is that lucky.”

“I know.” Hunter gave Ben a hug and then turned on the TV.

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

Justin and Brian had just enjoyed a very invigorating shower. It’s incredible how good a person can feel after a nice HOT shower, even when the water grows cold at the end.

They then began to dress for the Grand Opening.

“You know, I can’t believe no one has really paid attention to our rings. This family, that you dragged me into, is usually alert to every detail of everyone’s life.”

“First of all Sunshine, let’s not rewrite history.”

“Hunh?”

“So eloquent. I did not drag you into this family, you bulldozed your way in, with Michael, and sometimes me, kicking and screaming all the way.” Justin at least had the decency to blush when he was called on his revision of the past.

“Second, when this family is involved in a project they get so engrossed that they wouldn’t know if the world stopped around them, let alone that you and I are wearing rings. The only one who’s that observant is Ted, which is another reason, beside the obvious, to have him in on it from the start.”

“He really can keep a secret. I’m shocked.”

“He probably told the counselor at home, but Blake’s profession is keeping secrets about all his clients and Ted wants to keep his very lucrative position at Kinnetik.”

“You know that it’s more than that.”

“Maybe,” was all Brian would confess to, and then he winked. “It won’t matter soon.”

“Thank goodness. I’ve been putting off seeing Daphne and she’s beginning to get irritated with me.”

“Mustn’t irritate your hag.”

The two finished getting dressed and set off for the Grand Opening.

When they arrived there was a small red carpet leading to the edge of the sidewalk and camera crews from two of the local Pittsburgh network affiliates. Mayor Deekins turned up to get a little free publicity and to surreptitiously payback one of those in the community that had secured his position in office. A few other local dignitaries showed up as well, including the Chairman of the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce.

Cynthia had certainly done her homework and made sure that anyone who wanted Kinnetik to remain based in Pittsburgh would show up to support the best friend of Kinnetik’s CEO.

Brian and Justin took their place on the sidewalk and waited to enter through a door that was decorated similarly to the one that had ushered in the first Rage party at Babylon.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this Brian? It really does bring back some awful memories, along with the good ones.”

“Remember Justin, Rage lived on and JT returned to his rightful place at his side. This just completes that story.”

Justin leaned in close to Brian and kissed his cheek, “I love you.”

“I know.” Brian smiled realizing that he really did know and was secure for the first time in his entire life. It was a strange feeling but one he had no intention of ever releasing.

The party was a smash and everyone was having a great time. After an hour filled with toasts and, thankfully, brief but meaningful speeches by Michael, the Mayor and the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, the media and local officials left along with several other invited guests. Soon it was just the family and a few additional close friends.

Emmett was about to turn on some upbeat dance music, now that there was space for the little group to let loose, but Brian stopped him.

Brian and Emmett got everyone’s attention and then Brian took the floor. “Earlier tonight I toasted Michael and his new store, along with Ben and Hunter and Debbie, but I now have an additional toast that was not for the media to see.”

“Uh oh, this doesn’t sound good,” Debbie yelled.

“Patience, and all will be revealed.” Brian continued as the small group looked back and forth with apprehension. Jennifer, Ted, Cynthia, and Blake were the only ones who understood the significance of this moment and none of them were about to ruin it for Brian and Justin.

“First, Justin and I would like to present Michael with two special gifts. The first was just about the only thing that was salvageable from Red Cape Comics. Justin took it and we brought it to a restorer and here is the free standing cut-out from the wedding issue of Rage.”

Everyone gasped and then spontaneously applauded. Michael literally walked up to the cut-out and ran his fingers up and down the edge. “Thank you, this is incredible.”

“Wait, Mikey, there’s more. Justin, our little genius, always thinks ahead. When you released the first issue of Rage he wanted to make sure that he always could treasure that little piece of history. So the young lad took five copies from the first box you ever opened, kept them in their special plastic shrink-wrap and purchased a safe deposit box at his bank.”

Michael’s eyes began to widen as Brian spoke but he said nothing as a tear of recognition slid down his cheek. “So Justin has decided that four will be enough for him and…” Justin brought one of the original first editions of Rage to Michael and gave it to him.

Michael gave Justin a bear hug, worthy of Debbie, and whispered, “You just brought Zephyr back to life. Thank you.” Justin stepped back as Michael held up the comic and everyone cheered and applauded louder than before.

Emmett chimed in, “Now can we dance?”

“If you’ll indulge me for one more minute.” Brian waved his right hand and Ted brought in a small white cake. “Justin and I decided that sometimes when the time for something is right you just do it. Two weeks ago we finally had the commitment ceremony, albeit just us and two witnesses, that was right for us.” Deb was about to yell at them both, but Brian raised his hand to stop her and Carl touched her arm to ground her.

“We did this our way, but we wanted to celebrate with our family when the time was right and tonight we celebrate. Justin come here. In honor of our wedded bliss,” Brian continued tongue in cheek, “I have appropriated two tickets for a honeymoon that I hope you approve of.” He gave the tickets to Justin who read the note from Brian’s travel agent.

“Here are your tickets to see The Masters. Enjoy your holiday in Italy and France.” Justin vaulted himself into Brian’s arms and thanked him. “And I’m sure I’ll be able to squeeze in some shopping between museum visits.”

Then Michael smiled and nodded at Justin as he brought out what he had thought was a mere present, and now realized was a wedding gift. He handed the painting to Justin and smiled, “Here you go, keep him happy and loved. No one else can.” Justin nodded, smiled and accepted the painting.

“Brian, you’re not the only one who can arrange a surprise. It may not be a trip halfway around the world, but someday it might be a masterpiece.”

Brian lifted the cloth off the painting and his breath caught in his throat. “Oh Sunshine, this is a masterpiece already.” To the untrained eye the painting was a cyclone of colors, brighter and bolder as they rose. Within the cyclone were splashes of pinks and beiges with olive tones and flecks of baby-blue and greenish-brown.

“Do you see what it is?”

“Yes, no explanation needed.”

“I knew you would, only you would.”

“Is this the project…”

“Yes.”

Brian handed the painting back to Michael who returned it to the easel in the storage room for safe keeping, and gave Justin a kiss to demonstrate all the love and passion he couldn’t say verbally. Message was received loud and clear.

“Anyone who wants to see my painting can view it, but no touching. It will hang over the mantel at Britin when we move in.”

Several of their friends asked about the loft. Justin responded, “The loft isn’t going anywhere. There are too many special memories. But at Britin we can have a life, and the space to enjoy it. And it will make my commute to a studio that much easier as one of the rooms will be converted into my studio.”

With relief and joy all around everyone grabbed a partner or just danced amongst the group as Emmett finally got to turn on the dance music.

Everyone came over to personally congratulate and reprimand Brian and Justin. When they both pointed out repeatedly that they had their wedding rings in plain sight the entire time there were laughs and, “Oh shit, no fucking way,” uttered over and over.

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

By the time Justin and Brian got home from the Grand Opening/Wedding Reception they were tired and wired. After placing his painting in a safe place in the corner of the loft, Brian grabbed Justin and said, “It’s about time we had our first dance.”

“Oh really. I suppose you’ve selected some corny old song.” Justin smirked.

“Hardly.” Brian walked over to his home theater system and pushed the number 1. “You missed the re-opening of Babylon so I had to dance to this alone but somehow I always think of you and how you make me feel when I hear this.”

The first notes of Proud filtered through the speakers and Justin smiled. Brian was once again reminded as to why Debbie called him ‘Sunshine’.

“I really did learn to be the best homosexual I could possibly be. That’s because I learned from the best. I love you, Brian.”

Brian lifted Justin off the ground and spun him around. He lowered him slowly and whispered in his ear as they continued their dance, to a rhythm far slower than the beat of the music, “I love you, Justin, always have, always will – no regrets.”
 

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