Gus slept soundly content in the knowledge that someone would explain. He was a gifted child, twice exceptional and he picked things up faster than most, probably because he had others teaching him whenever he got stumped. He needed challenges. He was far above his classmates. He didn’t stay stumped for long. Even though he was six he was already in second grade and was in the gifted program learning so much more. Brian was proud of his smart Sonny Boy and so he felt that maybe there was more to this than just imagination. He kept observing him trying to understand. He had also been gifted, smart as a whip, but there weren’t special classes to challenge him as Gus had. Gus followed his lead, his brains, his smarts, and gifts. Gus held his own. Brian wondered if he might have had other gifts that had been beaten out of him. Why else would Gus have this telepathy gift? Yes, he was starting to believe it could be possible. He always thought that there had to be some credence to a theory he once heard that we once had psychic gifts that society now scoffs at. Why is it that we have so much brain power but only use a small part? He always had questioned that maybe we all had had psychic abilities. He would like to be proven right. Maybe those abilities were coming to the surface again. Brian had decided to pull his son out of school and have him home schooled. At least, that way the ridicule would stop.

Brian hated leaving his son with a governess when he went to work and he had to today. He had a presentation. He instructed Mandy, the governess, to go to the park after Gus was finished with his lessons. Gus had told him he wanted to go and Brian felt fresh air would be good for his boy.

Gus was quick to finish his class work. He was excited about meeting his new friend Justin. He quickly got himself ready and begged his governess that he just had to go now to the park. Mandy finally relented. She had planned to go after lunch but instead decided that they would get lunch out. That bit of news made Gus smile broader. He had such a charming and disarming smile just like his dad.

Justin was in contact with Gus through their telepathic powers and knew that he was about to go to the park. Justin arrived ahead of them and sat at a bench with his sketchpad and pencils drawing and waiting patiently. He was ready to meet this young boy and answer all his questions. As Gus arrived he told him that he was here but to act normal. “Gus, I am here. I am the blond sitting on a bench drawing. Don’t come to me right away. That would be suspicious. Get Mandy to sit by me and go play with your friends. Get the ball to come to me and I will introduce myself to you then. I will have already made contact with your governess. “

“But I want to go to you now.”

“No Gus, let’s do it my way. I need to build trust with the governess so that we can do this often. A few minutes wait will help us in the long run. Do this for me. You waited six years to find someone to talk about this. Another five or ten minutes is not going to matter if it means us seeing each other often? Right! I know you are excited. I am too. Please do this. I will tell you when.”

“Okay.” Gus grabbed his governess’ hand and pulled her towards the bench.

“Gus, what has come over you? I can find my own bench.”

“I want you to sit here. I want you to watch me from here.”

“But it is taken.”

“The nice man will let you sit there. I know he would.”

“Sir, may I sit by you. It seems my charge is very insistent today that I sit here. He never acts this way.”

“Sure. My name is Justin. He seems like an enthusiastic boy.”

“That he is. My name is Mandy. He is also a bundle of complexity.”

“What do you mean by that? He’s just a boy. How complex can he be?”

“His father has him home schooling now because he was ridiculed so much. He seems to have an invisible friend or something. He comes up with words that someone his age should not know and he knows the definitions to boot. The work I give him is so easy for him most of the time. He is smart as a whip but something is not right. He seems to always be talking to someone else or is distracted. His father won’t allow him to be put on Ritalin. I have suggested that. He says that all the kid needs is love and understanding. Drugs are not the answer. They are given out too easily. He wants his kid to learn to cope and not to rely on drugs to do the coping. I just don’t know. “

“I agree with his father. Pills are not the answer. It will lead to a dependence on substances.”

“He moved the boy to New York as well. What will a new place do to alleviate the problem? It seems to still be here.” Gus was listening in. He couldn’t help himself and smiled when he heard that his dad was fighting for him. “I really am not sure how long I can put up with his antics.”

That gave Justin an idea. He had been trying to figure out how he would be able to broach the subject of being with Gus on a regular basis. This would be the opportunity. Gus needed someone else in his corner. His father was fighting a hard battle. It seems he could be an ally.

“Why do you stay if he is too much for you? I am sure you could get a great position elsewhere.”

“The father is a hunk and he pays well. It is the best pay I ever received. Mr. Kinney never notices me though. I thought maybe I would have a chance like that show ‘The Nanny’ but it is never going to happen. I know I am anything but homely. The way he acts toward me is civil and professional but he might as well be gay. In fact, he better be because otherwise I am losing my touch.” Mandy thought to herself that she had been married once and had gotten a large divorce settlement. She had used her charms then to reel in a rich one. She had planned on doing it again but it wasn’t working out and she didn’t need to be caring for a brat with no reward at the end of the line. Justin shuttered at her thoughts. This Mandy was a gold digger. She didn’t really care for Gus.

“You know if you feel that way, you should just find something that would make you happy. I am sure he could find someone else.”

“But he is such a good man and I don’t want to leave him in the lurch.” Mandy was actually thinking, maybe I can give it one more try to get him to seduce me then I can get some money out of this. She had always been good at her game and men appreciated her and never regretted their time with her. She just couldn’t get this father. What was she doing wrong?

“Now Gus. Hit her in the leg with the ball. Gently. You know what she was thinking. I knew you were eavesdropping. When you meet me, talk to me as other humans but follow my lead. Would you like me to be your new nanny or governess?” “Yes! Yes! Yes!” He shouted out loud to no one in particular.

“See what I mean. Who is he talking to so excitedly?” Gus starts kicking his ball across the grass to where they were sitting and makes a point to kick the ball into Mandy’s legs. “You little shit! You should be more careful. Did you do that on purpose?”

“Why would I do something like that?” He said innocently. He had a big grin. “My name is Gus. Who are you?”

“My name is Justin. Having fun?”

“Yes. You want to be my friend.”

“Sure, Gus.” Gus grabbed Justin’s hand and pulled him toward the swings.

“Push me.” Justin grinned and pushed and they conversed silently. As Justin pushed him higher and higher, much higher than Mandy would, Gus giggled and kept squealing ‘higher, higher.’ Justin obliged but was very sure that he would be able to catch him or stop him if necessary. Mandy rushed over and screamed. “He is going to get hurt. Stop it. Stop it right now.”

“Go away Mandy. You don’t like me.”

“Stop right now.” Justin started to slow the swing. “We are going home right now.” After the swing stopped, Mandy asked “ Gus, why did you say that?”

“Say what?”

“Say that I don’t like you.”

“Because it is true. You don’t like me.” Mandy really didn’t.

“No. I am not leaving. I am having fun. I haven’t even been here for an hour. Besides, you promised me lunch out. Wanna come Justin?”

“No, thank you. Nice meeting you Gus, Mandy. Hope to see you both here soon.” To Gus, he silently told him that he would be visiting soon. Justin had answered several questions for Gus while they were swinging. It made Gus feel better about himself.

At home, he called his dad to tell him he had a new friend and that Mandy was mean.

“Sonny Boy, tell me about your new friend. What is he like? Who is he?”

“Dad, his name is Justin. He is a telepath. He told me that it was something to be proud of and that it was a gift. He said his whole family are telepaths. He told me to nurture the gift. He said I was very lucky. He said he could help us understand it. He lives nearby.” Gus was babbling. He was so excited about the news.

“Did you mention your gift to him first?” Brian wanted to know if this new boy was just egging his son on for a letdown.

“No, no, daddy.” We have been talking to each other for days now. He lives across the street and wants to meet you.”

“Why would he want to meet me? Boys your age don’t want to be with adults.”

“I do daddy. I want to be with you.”

“Yeah, but you are my son. That is different.”

“He is not my age daddy. He is a grownup.” This bothered Brian. Why would a grownup befriend a child except for no good?

“Please daddy. Justin is good. Mandy is after your money. She said so to Justin. I overheard her. She said that I was complex. What does that mean?”

“Complex means not simple, something that has more than what meets the eye. What else did she say? He didn’t think she was really after his money but Gus must have overheard something because how else would he have known that word.

“She said that she has tried her charms on you but you don’t notice her and that you must be gay because no one can deny her charms. Daddy, why would she try Lucky Charms on you? You never eat Lucky Charms? You say it is too sweet. What is gay? Are you gay daddy?” Brian couldn’t help but chuckle. Gus may surprise him with big words here and there but he was still just a kid and this comment proved it. Now about the other question. Was Gus too young to learn about that? He thought he had some time before the sex talk.

“Gus, when Mandy used the word charms, she did not mean Lucky Charms. She was talking about a woman’s ability to attract a man. As for gay, yes I am but I thought you knew that. Your mommies are gay too although the more correct term for gay women is lesbian. You should have known that. Oh, right. You like men. That makes you gay. Mommy likes mamala so she is gay or lesbian. Mandy likes men so what is she?”

“She is straight.”

“Straight like a ruler?”

“Sort of, the correct term is heterosexual. I am a homosexual. Homosexuals mean those attracted to the same sex while people like Mandy are attracted to the opposite sex. Do you understand?”

“Yes, daddy.”

“Anything else on your mind.”

“Daddy, I think Justin is gay.” Brian smiled.

“Why do you say that?”

“Justin didn’t like Mandy. He told me when he was swinging me high and she stopped us from having fun.”

“Not liking someone doesn’t mean you are gay.”

“Oh!”

“Gus, I have to go into a meeting. We will talk later. Put on Mandy for me.”

“Okay,” Gus went out to the living room to get Mandy. Mandy took the phone that was being handed to her.

“Hello.”

“Mandy, this is Brian. How did it go today? I hear you were mean to my son. I am sure you had your reasons. Explain.”

“I took him from the park early because he was swinging too high and getting too chummy with this man Justin. He seems nice. He was just sitting on a bench drawing when we got there. Justin pulled him over to the swings. He hit me with his ball on purpose. Justin was swinging him too high. I told him to stop. He finally did. I took Gus home after that and didn’t take him out for lunch and ice cream as I had promised. So I guess I am mean.”

“I see. Okay then. I plan on being home early today so make sure Gus is cleaned and ready at four. You will be able to leave early today. I want to take Gus somewhere. Tell him I have a surprise. He had been working on this for the past week since a client had mentioned that he and his son were going to do it. They had been doing it since the boy was five. He was eight now and it would be his last year for this event, but there would be others. He just now had gotten the okay. It seems a spot had opened up. Unfortunately, a child had gotten sick so that they could have a place. Gus would be so thrilled.

Justin was a volunteer at the Natural History Museum. He had been volunteering for a couple of years and loved working with kids. He usually helped with painting sets and murals but he liked working with kids too. Tonight was one of his favorite nights. Tonight he would be one of the tour guides for the group of father/sons that was going to be here tonight. He couldn’t believe his luck when he found out that the troublemaker from last year was too sick to come tonight and a replacement on the waiting list was found. He hadn’t gotten the name of the new child and father team. He would find out when he got there at 3:30 to finish setting up. It was three now. He had his overnight bag packed and his bag of art supplies as well. He was going to paint faces, give them a chance to finger paint and other such things. It started at five o’clock. The kids were always too excited to go to bed on time so he always had other things prepared in case. The kids had all night at the museum and tomorrow morning breakfast. They usually all were gone by 10:00 am because they were so tuckered out. He had a place where they could play archeologist and play in the dirt to locate bones of dinosaurs and other neat things. This would be in the Hall of dinosaurs and that would be where they would sleep protected by the dinosaurs. They would see the hall of planet earth and the hall of African Mammals as well as the space show. That would be plenty. These kids were only five to eight years old. Some always fell asleep way before things were close to ending and others were energy driven and only went to sleep from exhaustion when everything was dark and quiet. He got to the museum and started setting everything up for the event and forgot to check for the new family that was coming. Many he had known from last year. There were a few newbies. He loved the enthusiasm and excitement that the new ones brought and their fathers seemed to pick up on their kid’s eagerness. The enthusiasm was always contagious. Only one or two would be unruly. He usually was able to keep the peace. He was glad he wouldn’t have to deal with the only child he had ever termed a brat tonight. Next week he had to do this again for the girls. Girls’ reactions were funny to watch but he enjoyed the boys more. As the museum closed their doors for the day throng, Justin went to the door that the overnighters were to come in. At least, that was what he affectionately called the kids’ tour.

Brian arrived home to a bouncing little bubble of excitement. “Daddy, Daddy, You have a surprise for me. Can I see? Can I see?”

“Mandy, you can go. Don’t bother coming here till around eleven tomorrow. I will be with Gus till then. As for you Sonny Boy, no, you can’t. It isn’t here. I need you to pack a bag for a sleepover. Do you know what that is? That is the surprise. We are having a sleepover.”

“Yes, Dad. I had sleepovers with you when I lived with mommy.”

“Right.”

“Where?”

“You’ll see. Why don’t you pack your crayons? You like to draw. Remember your toothbrush.” Gus nodded. Brian went to his room and packed himself a small bag. He probably would stay in his jeans but he packed some things anyway. He had two new sleeping bags already which he left right outside his door. He didn’t want to give away anything. They were gonna grab a cab to the museum. Brian rechecked Gus’ bag and found that he had left nothing out.

“Okay, Gus ready.”

“Yes.”

“Good. I need to go pee and then we are off. You better too.”

“I did.” Brian smiled. “Did you wash your hands?”

“Of course, daddy.” He said indignant. “Hurry up.” Brian couldn’t help but chuckle. They got there with plenty of time to spare. Brian was doing this because he wanted time with his son and it would be an educational experience as well. Something he was sure that would be a memory to cherish especially after all that had been happening in the last year. It had been hard to rearrange some things but it would be worth it. Oh, if Lindsay and Mel could see him now standing and waiting in line to go into a museum for a sleepover with a bunch of kids.

A security guard was standing outside the entrance holding people to the side that claimed to be on this special tour. Justin came out with a pad of the names of the fifty dads and sons. A couple of dads actually had more than one kid with him. Brian and Gus were 2/3 down the line of pairs. Gus did not see who had stepped out to usher them in. He was talking animatedly to his father as the line moved up. Then suddenly, Gus heard Justin’s voice.

“Gus. What are you doing here?”

“Daddy brought me.”

“Mr. Kinney I presume.” Brian had been looking at this blonde Adonis with the sun streaming through his hair since he had stepped out off the door. He had absentmindedly wet his lips.

“Ah, yes. How do you know my son?” Brian had his eyebrow raised over this interchange between his son and a so-called stranger.”

“Umm! Sorry. I am Justin. I saw your son at the park today. He didn’t tell me he was coming tonight though the subject never came up.”

“Well, he didn’t know. I got in under the nose so to speak. We were a replacement so I didn’t tell him. I didn’t need to disappoint Gus if a slot didn’t open.”

“I see. So welcome. You too, Gus.” Silently to Gus, Justin was talking. “Guess I didn’t have to wait long to meet your dad. Gus nodded to him and then replied looking straight at Justin. Justin, are you gay. Brian could see Justin react to something, his expression changing to alarm then his smile that radiated like the sun was back. “Yes, Gus. Why?”

“Daddy is.” Justin’s smile broadened even wider if that were possible.

Justin had spotted the hazel-eyed man from a few couples down the line. He took his breath away. He had had a fleeting thought of how he would love to make love to the man but with a kid there was no way. He stayed away from straights. If it were true, he may have met someone that he could love if Gus was an example of who this man was. Justin held his hand out to Brian in welcome. They shook hands and a charge went through each of them. They looked into each other’s eyes, both groins reacting. As they were shaking hands, Justin spoke out loud without thinking. He had meant to send it silently. “Gus, we will continue this conversation later. I have to let the others in.” Brian blinked at that, breaking the trance the two were in. Justin pulled his hand away.

“You really can communicate with my son.”

“Yes, and he needs correct instruction. We will talk when the others go to sleep.” Justin moved on. Gus and Brian were ushered inside where they were given a map and some other stuff like name tags and such. Justin finished checking everyone in.

The parents were allowed to go from the group to have time alone with their sons but they had to return periodically. While Brian waited for everything to start he pulled his son aside and started to talk to him where others could not hear.

“Gus, how long have you been talking to Justin. You just met but I get the feeling that you two know each other.”

“Our minds met the day we moved here. He lives across the street. He is an artist and a telepath. You may have heard about his art. He is known as Sunshine.”

“Sunshine! Yes. I heard of him. I love his art. It’s different. A new style. Everyone is talking about him and his out-of-this-world art.”

Brian always talked to his little man as just that. He never talked to him as if he were a child who didn’t understand. His son would see right through that. His son may be only six but his mind was older. He was gifted and needed to be treated with respect. Brian was always challenged by his questions and his yearning to learn and grow. Like most kids his interests constantly changed but Brian kept trying to give him what he needed. His hobbies were always growing in number. One month it was model cars, another ceramics, clay etc. His son was very creative. He wondered what he would be interested in after his night at the museum.

“Daddy, do you think we can go and see his art. He owns a gallery.”

“I would like that Sonny Boy. I would like that very much.” Gus kept chatting about his new found friend until Brian noticed that the group was starting to move away from the entrance. He realized he hadn’t been there to hear what Justin had been saying. They rejoined the group. Justin kept watching them while they were talking. Justin just couldn’t keep his eyes off of Mr. Kinney and he was having trouble keeping his lust at bay and his thoughts clouded so Gus didn’t pick up on that lust. Justin thought to himself that this was going to be a long night, a very long night. Brian felt Justin watching him, cruising him and he liked it. He wasn’t into blond boys but this could be interesting. Just then, Gus was pulling him down to whisper something. “Daddy he is gay. I asked him. He is just like you.” Startled, Brian had turned toward the man across the way and Justin nodded in admission.

“Gus, you don’t ask things like that. That is personal. Remember what we have discussed about personal boundaries.” Gus nodded.

“But daddy, I want you to be happy, I want you to have someone like mommy has mamala.”

“Gus I don’t need you to find someone for me. I like my life.”

“Daddy, everyone needs someone to love.”

“Gus, I don’t need that kind of love. All the love I need I get from you.”

“Not true daddy.”

“I have you.”

“That’s different. I know you are lonely. Daddy, I don’t want you lonely.”

“Why do you think I am lonely?” This conversation was getting out of hand. His thoughts of what he wanted to do to Justin were also. The boy has the most perfect bubble butt he thought. Brian’s sensuality was screaming and Justin was having trouble ignoring the signals being sent out. He was also having trouble not reading Brian’s mind when his thoughts were loud. That man exudes sex, lives sex, Justin thought. Do I want to get involved with a man that sees sex like he does? God, he is beautiful though. I want him. Brian finally gave into his thoughts. He wanted Justin. Now, how was he going to get him? He couldn’t do it with all these kids. It wasn’t right.

“Daddy, you don’t have friends, not here.”

“We better join the group, Sonny Boy.” Brian tousled his son’s hair before joining the group as they started the evening’s festivities. Justin handed him a schedule that he had just given out to the others.

They went to the African mammal’s exhibit first and all the kids were in awe. Some of the animals the kids had never seen. The kids loved the space show and Gus wanted to be able to see the stars always. Brian decided that he would check out the gift shop to see what he could buy for Gus to help Gus learn more. They would have the gift shop open early in the morning before the kids left. As they moved into the dinosaur hall, Brian found himself in close proximity with Justin, their bodies touching again. Brian’s hard-on was instantaneous. Justin shifted. It seemed the feeling was mutual. Justin got the kids settled down in the archeological dig activity and discretely left leaving another staff member in charge. Brian also left making sure another parent would watch Gus for a few minutes.

“Gus, I will be right back. Heed Mr. Jacobs until I return.

“Okay Daddy.” Justin had gone to the restroom. Brian followed.

Justin looked up to see Mr. Kinney come in. “Mr. Kinney, I said I would talk to you after the kids were asleep.” He felt the sexual vibes even stronger now.

“Can’t a guy take a piss?”

“Of course, but that isn’t why you are here. Please Mr. Kinney, don’t do this. Not now.”

“Call me Brian.”

“Okay, Brian it is. Brian, this is not the time.” Brian moved closer. “Brian, I can’t do this. Not right now. I have kids waiting.” Brian moved closer. Justin’s breathing started to increase. Brian was so close that he was breathing on his neck.. “Brian, someone will catch us.”

“I know.” Justin stepped away. Brian moved closer.

“Brian, your son could catch us.” It was then Brian moved backwards. The predator making a hasty retreat.

“Justin, till later.”

“Later,” Justin whispered huskily. The two washed their hands and left. The sexual tension at bay for now.