It's All Down Hill From Here

Chapter 6

“Now we’re talkin’!” Brian exclaimed, rubbing his hands together as Henry pulled into the main parking area for an exclusive upscale shopping mall.

“I got the impression that you prefer the finer things,” Henry remarked, pleased that his supposition was correct.

“Oh yeah,” Brian responded as he took a look at a large sign which listed the stores and boutiques in the mall. Justin rolled his eyes as he snorted.

“He’s a snob when it comes to clothes and shoes,” Justin stated.

“Just because every other thing in my side of the closet isn’t a hoodie, doesn’t mean I’m a snob,” Brian snorted.

“Uh huh. Henry, take a break. We may be here for awhile,” Justin suggested. Brian was practically salivating.

“Come along, McSunshine, we have shopping to do,” Brian said as he grabbed Justin’s wrist heading for the main doors. Justin pocketed the card Henry gave him which had Henry’s cell phone number before Brian spirited him away.

Henry chuckled as he drove away to wait at a local coffee shop for his crazy charges, thinking to himself - who goes on a honeymoon only to shop for clothes?

 

*****
 

“Brian, we’ve been here for hours. It’s not like you don’t already have the latest Spring collection and Fall collection already in your closet,” Justin whined.

They were sitting in a comfortable salon sipping strong dark Hawaiian coffee and nibbling on melt in your mouth pastries while a parade of models were strutting their stuff up and down a short runway. Brian was in designer heaven. He had already picked out shoes to replace the ones that had melted and purchased several other pairs that he just HAD to have. He even convinced Justin to buy a pair of Italian leather shoes - to wear when he presented his special commissioned paintings to the Royals.

“Justin, shopping for clothing is an art. You’re an artist. You should appreciate that fact.” Brian stood as one model, one very tall dark and handsome model, came out in a soft, cream colored, summer weight wool suit. The model stopped to allow Brian to, um, fondle the lapel. The model sighed. Brian arched a brow.

“I’m beginning to think you appreciate what’s in the clothes more than the clothes,” Justin growled as he threw a death glare at the hapless model.

“I’ll take this one,” Brian purred. The personal shopper who was attending them stepped up then ushered Brian to a private room to get his measurements. The model smiled hopefully at Brian. Brian winked but shook his head, no.

“Bri, I’ll be at the jewelry counter,” Justin said as he saw his spouse led away. The model considered following but went back to the dressing rooms when he saw Justin glaring at him.

“Okay,” Justin heard Brian say before he disappeared into the room.

 

*****
 

“May I help you?” a rather prim saleswoman asked Justin as he was checking out a selection of gold charms.

Justin didn’t need any more jewelry. He wore the most precious things to him, his wedding ring and the bracelet Brian had given him years ago. Brian wasn’t into jewelry either, wearing his wedding ring and the pendant that Justin had designed for him. Justin wanted to get something for Bree.

“May I see these?” Justin asked sweetly, not realizing that the woman was suspicious of him. He was wearing his usual clothes, not a designer stitch on his youthful looking body. Justin was pointing to an expensive selection of floral charms. They were done in enamel over gold in bright shades of fuchsia and purple. He knew a special princess that would love one.

The woman pushed a button under the counter as she tried to take out a tray that contained ‘fashion’ jewelry.

“I’m sorry, I meant that tray. My daughter would love the hibiscus charm,” Justin stated as he pointed to a specific charm.

“May I help you?” A gentleman sidled up to the counter to stand next to Justin. Justin turned to see the tall husky man wearing a jacket with a security patch on the pocket.

“Well, unless you’re authorized to sell me that charm and gift wrap it, I don’t think so,” Justin said as he finally got it. He wasn’t intimidated by the ‘bear.’ He had seen his share of muscle bound bears in his day.

“May I see some ID?” the security guard asked politely. Justin shrugged as he slowly pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. He took out his driver’s license for the man. “Justin Taylor?” the man asked with recognition in his voice.

“That’s me,” Justin replied.

“THE Justin Taylor?” the man asked with awe. The stern look on his face transformed into hero worship.

“Who?” the saleswoman asked.

The guard rolled his eyes as he quickly hand the license back to Justin. “Justin Taylor - the artist. I have family back East. I went to your Fractal exhibit. I just work here part time; my main job is in computers. I love fractals!” That remark garnered the big bear a sunshine smile. “Miss Frances, where have you been? This is Justin Taylor; he’s a world renowned artist. Are you here to get ideas for your next show?”

“Well, it didn’t start out that way but I can't help sketching all the beautiful flowers that I’ve seen.”

As Justin and the guard chatted about flowers, computer programs, and paint mediums the saleswoman quickly took out the original tray of charms. She showed the hibiscus charm to Justin for his approval. She immediately placed it in a gift box then wrapped it.

“Will this be cash or charge, sir,” she asked with a definite change of attitude.

“Charge, please,” Justin responded politely, taking out his wallet again, and pulling out his credit card.

“We have a lovely selection of necklaces, if you’re interested in getting something for your wife,” the woman suggested.

“No thank you. My husband isn’t into jewelry, but are those cowry shells?” Justin spied a man’s silver bracelet that had three shells linked into the bracelet.

“Husband?” the woman sputtered as she took out the tray of bracelets. Before Justin could elaborate, Brian joined him at the counter.

“Who’s your friend, Sunshine?” Brian asked as he sized up the starstruck bear who was making goo-goo eyes at his spouse.

“Um, he’s a security guard,” Justin said automatically as he took Brian’s arm to draw him closer to the counter. “I got this for Bree,” Justin said as he pointed to one of the pretty charms.

“She’ll love it,” Brian nodded approvingly.

“Do you think Gus would like this?” Justin picked up the cowry shell bracelet then handed it to Brian. Brian’s face softened.

“I think he’ll love it,” Brian said in a loving tone, bussing Justin’s temple. “I think he’ll love it more knowing you chose it for him.”

“Please wrap this,” Justin said to the saleswoman with a smile.

“With pleasure,” she immediately responded, as she removed the tag then prepared the bracelet for wrapping. “Will there be anything else?” she asked, very pleased with the commission she was about to earn.

“What about Patrick, should we get something for him?” Justin asked as he handed the lady his credit card again.

“I don’t think he’s the jewelry type. Let’s think about it. We can always come back,” Brian said. Justin nodded in agreement. Patrick didn’t show signs of being into jewelry.

“Where’s your new suit?” Justin asked. Brian was only carrying a bag containing his new shoes.

“I’m having everything shipped home. It’s easier that way,” Brian explained.

“Okay,” Justin agreed. “I’m hungry.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Brian snarked as he reached around Justin for the gift bag that contained the charm and bracelet. “I’m sure we can find someplace to eat in here.”

“There’s a steakhouse on the upper level,” the guard suggested.

“Perfect! I love my meat grilled,” Brian said as he waggled his eyebrows. Justin giggled as he rolled his eyes.

“Where’s your little friend?” Justin asked as he nudged Brian’s arm with his shoulder.

“What friend?”

“Tall, dark and available.”

“Oh him.”

“Yes, him.”

“I prefer short blond and mine.” Brian leaned down to murmur in Justin’s ear. He nudged Justin’s shoulder. Justin looked up with a blazing smile.

The lovers walked through the mall to the steakhouse making goo-goo eyes at each other.

 

*****
 

When Brian and Justin finished their meal, they decided it was time to go home. They called Henry who picked them up from the mall very promptly. Brian made a mental note to leave a very generous tip for their chauffeur who seemed more than willing to go above and beyond for his clients.

By the time they arrived back at the estate, the sun was starting to set. They decided to take a swim in the pool as the setting sun would be much less likely to burn sensitive skin.

They swam laps together, letting the cool water sluice over their bodies. After several laps they stopped at the side of the pool where they could stand up but still have most of their bodies underwater. Brian pulled Justin against his body and kissed the full lips he knew so well. Justin responded as only he could, curling himself around Brian’s body in the shallow end of the pool.

“I love you so much,” Justin whispered.

“Even after all the calamities we’ve had on this so-called honeymoon?” Brian asked with a grin.

“Because of all the calamities,” Justin averred.

“How so?” Brian frowned wondering what Justin could mean.

“Anything we do together is wonderful, Brian. I love when you take care of me, rubbing lotion on my sunburn and warning me to stay out of the sun. I love taking care of you too, like this,” he said kissing the scrape that was still visible on Brian’s palm.

Brian swallowed. Sometimes the emotion between them was so raw and so … real, that it almost overwhelmed him. “I love you, Sunshine. I love you more than I ever have. We have a wonderful life together.” Brian kissed Justin softly, tenderly, warmly.

Justin basked in the feeling of Brian Kinney’s arms around him and Brian’s lips on his. There was no better feeling in the whole world, and they didn’t need to be in Hawaii for him to feel it.

“I love you too, Brian Kinney. Don’t you ever forget it.”

“How could I when you’re here to remind me at every opportunity.”

Justin realized that the sentimental moment was over, and the snarky Brian Kinney had returned. But that was okay. The moments like they had just shared were enough to sustain their relationship, enough to make it grow and prosper. It was a source of wonderful happiness that no one else ever got to share. Justin was totally happy.

“And I’m here to help you shop till you drop, and spend ungodly amounts of money,” Justin said with a grin.

“Well, that’s what money’s for, isn’t it?”

“So they tell me. But I’d still be with you if you had nothing.”

“I know,” Brian replied. “There was a time when you had to prove that.”

Justin nodded as they thought about some of the hard times they had weathered together. “Life isn’t always easy,” Justin said. “But it’s easier when I’m with you.”

Brian nodded. “Do you think we should call Bree?”

“It’s hours later over there than it is here. She should be in bed.”

“I didn’t mean immediately. I thought maybe tomorrow. We haven’t talked to her since we left.”

“Getting homesick?” Justin asked with a gentle smile. His hand caressed Brian’s cheek.

“Maybe a little,” Brian admitted. “But I’m glad we’re here – together.”

“Me too.”

“Let’s get out. I’m pruning,” Brian said walking up the steps of the pool with Justin’s hand in his.

They toweled off, Brian insisting on drying Justin’s hair. Justin loved the feel of Brian’s hand massaging his head. It always made him feel so peaceful. They sat down on the two chaises side by side. Their hands met in between with fingers linking.

“Look at the stars,” Justin said staring up at the heavens.

“Not bad,” Brian stated as he watched the evening sky.

“What do you want to do tomorrow?”

“Besides call Bree?”

“Yes, besides calling our daughter.” Justin smiled. Big, bad Brian Kinney missed his daughter something awful.

“I was reading in one of the brochures they leave lying around this place that Waimea Canyon on Kauai is supposed to be spectacular,” Brian explained.

“Is it full of lava?” Justin asked.

Brian chuckled. “No, lava boy! It’s a huge canyon full of multitudinous colors – kind of like the Grand Canyon back home.”

“Ooh, colors,” Justin said his eyes lighting up.

“I thought you’d like that.”

“I’d love to see it.”

“I’ll go online and see what we can arrange.”

“Thanks,” Justin said.

“For what?”

“For thinking about what I might like, and all the great things we’re getting to do.”

Brian shook his head. “Like I don’t enjoy them too.”

“I think you enjoy seeing me enjoy them,” Justin said smugly.

“Is that right?” Justin nodded emphatically. “There’s something else I like seeing you enjoy,” Brian stated with a suggestive waggle of his eyebrows.

“Is that so?” Justin said with a grin and a wink.

“I think it’s time we hit the bedroom. We’re both relatively pain free tonight,” Brian joked.

“That will be a treat. As opposed to some of our recent couplings.”

Brian pulled his husband up from the chaise and they headed inside for a night of gentle lovemaking intermingled with some very tempestuous fucking.

 

*****
 

The next morning they came to the kitchen late for breakfast. Angelica had everything mostly ready, starting with steaming mugs of coffee which she set in front of them as soon as they sat down.

“You both look like you could use these,” Angelica said with a knowing look.

Brian squirmed in his chair to find a comfortable spot to sit. Justin had been insatiable last night … and so had he.

“Thanks,” Brian said taking a sip of the hot liquid.

“What have you gentlemen got lined up for today?” Angelica asked as she dished up scrambled eggs and bacon. She had a feeling both men could use a hearty breakfast.

“We thought we’d like to see Waimea Canyon,” Justin informed her.

“It’s very beautiful. I think you’ll love it,” Angelica said placing their plates of food in front of them. “Have you made arrangements?”

“I was going to do that last night, but someone distracted me,” Brian said with mock sarcasm. He could take that kind of distraction anytime.

“Then I would suggest you make the arrangements today, and fly over to Kauai tomorrow. That way you won’t be rushed. You can really enjoy the canyon and the grottos.”

“Grottos?” Justin asked.

“Fern grottos. They’re very beautiful. There are some waterfalls too. You should see them.”

“Have you thought about going into the tour business?” Brian asked with a chuckle.

“I advise enough people who stay here,” Angelica replied. “I like it here. I wouldn’t want to change a thing.”

“It must be nice to feel so content,” Justin said with a smile. “Just like I do.” He looked at Brian who smiled back at him.

“We should call Bree before she goes out on some adventure,” Brian said as he finished his breakfast. “It is Saturday.”

“Good idea,” Justin replied watching Brian take out his phone and dial.

“Who’s Bree?” Angelica whispered.

“Our daughter. She’s eight,” Justin said.

Angelica nodded. Bree must be a very lucky little girl.

Brian waited as the call went through. John’s voice came on the line.

“Hello?”

“John, it’s your handsome brother. How is everything over there?”

John laughed. “Just fine, O handsome brother. How are you two doing?”

“We’re good. Is Bree around?”

“She’s pulling at my jeans and trying to climb up my leg to get to the phone,” John said with a laugh.

“Dada!” Bree screeched into the phone.

Brian held his cell phone away from his ear for a moment. “Hey, Squirt,” he said.

“Dada, I miss you so much. When are you coming home?”

“In about a week,” Brian said with a big smile spreading across his face. It was good to know that Bree was missing him.

“Can’t you come sooner?” Bree whined.

“No, Squirt, we have everything booked. What are you doing for the weekend?” he asked hoping to distract Bree from the topic of them coming home.

“Unca John is taking me and Patrick to Gamma Claire’s to sleep in Gus’ treehouse,” Bree said excitedly.

“He is? Has the treehouse been cleaned out?” Brian knew the treehouse had not been used in a long time.

“Unca John says we have to clean it first and then Patrick and me get to sleep up there.”

“Is that what Unca John said?” Brian asked with a chuckle. Trust his brother to teach the children about the value of hard work with a reward at the end.

“Uh huh,” Bree replied. “I love you, Dada.”

“Love you too, Squirt. Want to say hi to Daddy?”

“Oh, yes!”

“Hi, sweetheart,” Justin said into the phone when Brian handed it to him.

“Daddy! I love you and I miss you.”

“Me too.”

“Are you coming home soon?”

“Dada said in about a week,” Justin said patiently.

“That’s forever.”

“It’ll go quickly, and you and Patrick will have fun in the treehouse.” Justin had surmised the plan for the day from hearing Brian’s side of the conversation with his brother.

“I guess so,” Bree said with a sigh.

Brian was signaling for the phone. “I have to go now, Bree,” Justin said. “See you in a few days. Love you.”

“Okay, Daddy, love you too,” Bree said.

“Squirt, I love you,” Brian said as he took the phone from Justin.

“You too, Dada,” Bree responded.

“Put Uncle John back on for a moment.”

“’Kay, Dada. Love you.”

“Yes?” John’s voice came back on.

“Is she really all right?”

“She’s fine, we all are,” John assured him. “Are you two having a good time?”

“Yeah, amongst the disasters.”

“What?”

“I’ll tell you all about it when we get back. Thanks for looking after Bree,”

“I love her as much as you do. Not a problem.”

“Bye, John.” Brian cut the connection.

“There,” Justin said, “now you know Bree’s fine and they’re all doing well.” Justin took Brian’s hand and gave it a squeeze.

Angelica smiled. She had listened to the conversation. These gay men had a daughter that they loved to bits. Interesting.

She snapped on the small TV as she started the clean up from breakfast. “Oh my,” she said aloud.

“What?” Brian asked.

“Kilauea is erupting. Pele is not happy.”
 

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