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| Part 6 : Being With You Was The Moment I Opened My Eyes |
| "Brian!" Justin called as he hurried through the house. "Hurry up! People are going to be arriving any minute!" Justin was running around the house making sure everything was set for his and Brian's first big party in their house. Over the last year, since they had moved in, they had been working at renovating and decorating. Now that that house was all finished, they had decided to throw an official house-warming party. Brian leisurely walked down the front stairs looking perfect. Justin was almost in awe. He still couldn't believe sometimes that Brian was his. Living together had proved to be a challenge at first, especially in the first stages of the renovation, but they got through it and were certainly closer because of it. "How do I look?" Brian asked with a grin. He was wearing a pair of slim fit pinstripe pants and a tight red ribbed sweater. Justin loved when Brian wore red; he looked wonderfully wicked in the color. "Perfect, as usual." Justin reached up and swiftly kissed his lover. "How about me?" Justin certainly had no reason to be worried about his soft beige wool pants and white sweater. He and Brian could have both been in the pages of GQ. "Delicious." Brian said as he took a nibble at Justin's neck. "Let's turn off the lights and lock the door." He pulled Justin against him tight. "We can have a party for two... in our bedroom." "Brian!" Justin giggled. He pushed his lover away and busied himself with preparations for the party. Brian crossed his arms across his chest and leaned against the wall. "Justin, you're a perfect housewife, but you no fun." He pouted. "It would be such a Brian Kinney thing to do to cancel his own party at the last minute so he could have wild passionate sex." Brian had taken to referring to himself in the third person and talking about his old wicked ways. These days he still indulged in as much sex as he ever had, but only with Justin. "Well, it's a good thing he's not here." Justin said with a grin. "Besides, my boss is coming tonight. I want to make a good impression." Justin had recently started working for a greeting card company designing cards. He loved it and intended to stay there for a while. "Don't worry, darling." Brian drawled. "Ryder's going to be here too. Now that I'm gunning for the management position, I need to make a good impression too." "Are we going to at least know everyone at this party?" Justin asked. In the last month they were living at the loft they threw two “farewell to the loft” parties and knew almost no one at either party. "I sure as hell hope so." Brian replied. "We'll kick out anyone we don't know. Wouldn't want our perfect house to get trashed." The doorbell rang. Brian quickly kissed Justin before walking back into the foyer to answer the door. On the porch stood Lindsay and Melanie, who only had three blocks to walk from their own house to get there. They had left Gus with Lindsay's mother for the evening, needing desperately to have an adult's evening out. They were both dressed to the nines simply because it was a rare occasion that they could. "Hi, Brian." They both said as they hugged him and stepped into the house. Brian complimented them on their outfits and offered them each a drink. "It looks incredible, Bri." Lindsay said as she looked around at the finished house. She had seen it in it's various stages, but was only just seeing the finished product. "Even more glamorous than the loft." And she was right. Even though it was a big old house, they had refinished and refurnished everything. It was contemporary and polished, just like it's owners. "And we didn't kill each other either." Brian thought that was the most amazing part. He had to admit, of course, that he was thrilled with the result of the months and months of renovations. He and Justin had each camped out on "the munchers" couch many a time after an argument. "I think that's the greatest feat." "You guys need to put a doghouse in the backyard." Melanie said. "Then you won't ever need our couch." Melanie was actually really happy about Brian and Justin's move to the neighborhood. They even, with Lindsay's help, modeled the perfect bedroom for Gus. Melanie was relieved that Brian was turning into a really good father. "Hi, Linds." Justin said as he walked into the room and kissed her on the cheek. "Mel." He greeted also offering her a kiss. "I'm so glad you guys got here first. I need a woman's opinion on the food and stuff." Justin was really nervous about impressing his boss. As Lindsay and Melanie, who loved being needed, followed Justin into the kitchen, Brian thought back to the day that Justin got hired. It had been about three months ago. Justin had been looking for a job for just over a month and everything was coming up dry. Either they didn't need someone with his style, or he was sure he would be bored to death doing what they would hire him to do. When he heard about the greeting card job, he was thrilled. It was a company that made comedy cards. The writers would give Justin a punch line and a concept and he would illustrate and color it. When they offered him the job, Brian and Justin spent three days in bed together celebrating. On the fourth day, Brian had taken him shopping for a celebratory new wardrobe that Justin absolutely fell in love with. Now that he had a job, he could actually say that he was a responsible working adult. He and his lover owned a house, they both had good jobs, and they were in a serious relationship. Brian was happy that Justin had a job that he loved. He had his own office with a drawing table and every kind of pencil, felt pen, and pencil crayon he would want. He also had a computer equipped with the best graphic software on the market. The thing, however, that Brian was happiest about was that Justin's boss, Rick, was fully aware of Justin's lifestyle and had no problems with it whatsoever. The doorbell ringing roused Brian from his thoughts. When he opened the door he found a mix of people. Marty Ryder was standing there with his wife holding a bottle of red wine. Michael, Emmett, and Ted were there smiling And Rick was standing there with his wife as well. "Hello, all." Brian smiled. "Come on in." He ushered everyone in just as Justin returned to the foyer. He smiled seeing his boss there. "Hi!" Justin said as he received a hug from Emmett. "Come in! Let me take your coats." More and more people arrived at the party, and soon the entire living room, dining room, and kitchen were filled. When Jennifer Taylor arrived, Brian swept her up in a hug. After all the time that she didn't like him she was now, like most women, caught up in Brian's charm. "Hi, Mom." Justin hugged her as well and kissed her cheek. She looked around the house and her eyes widened. She had been the one to sell Brian's loft for him and had taken a wonderful commission. "If you guys ever want to sell, let me know. The house looks incredible." Jennifer said. Brian laughed as he led her into the bar to get her a drink. "Well, Jenn, I have a feeling we're going to be staying here for a while, especially after the hell we went through to get the house perfect." He gestured to the bar to ask what she wanted to drink. She saw the blender full of frozen margarita's and a smile grew on her face. "Did Justin make those?" She asked. She knew, from attending the last two parties at the loft, that her son made wonderful margaritas. "Of course." Brian said with a grin. "I will definitely love one of those." She said. She saw Justin leading Rick over to them. She had heard all about Justin's new job and was really excited to meet his boss. "Mom, I'd like you to meet Rick Dawson." Justin said. "My boss. Rick, this is my mom, Jennifer Taylor." Justin beamed with pride. He was thrilled that his boss was having a good time. Rick and his wife both loved the house and Brian had them both enthralled with his charm. "It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Dawson." Jennifer said as she offered her hand. Rick gently kissed her hand. He was as much of a charmer as Brian. "And you, Mrs. Taylor. Why don't you grab your drink and I'll introduce you to my wife." Rick led Jennifer away. Justin knew that they were looking to buy a house and was hoping that Jennifer could charm them into using her as their agent. "This is so wonderful, Brian." Justin said. He looked around and saw so many people who had affected their lives. Debbie and Vic were standing near the fire place drinking margaritas and chatting up everyone that walked by. Marty Ryder and his wife were chatting with Cynthia and Michael. Emmett was dancing with one of Justin's friends from college. "It was all you, baby." Brian leaned over and kissed his lover. He was happier than he had ever been being there, in his home, with his lover, celebrating the biggest step they had taken in their lives. "Can I tell you something?" Justin asked. Brian smiled and nodded. "I can't wait until it's over. I just want to lay in front of the fire with you and enjoy our home." "Mmmm... Me too, baby." Brian leaned down and kissed Justin once more. This time people had been watching and they started clapping. Brian took a deep bow while Justin laughed and blushed a little. "Ever the showman." Justin said. "Let's circulate." They clasped hands and walked through the room chatting with their guests. Everyone who was there could see that Brian and Justin were truly in love, and that they were going to be happy together. Three hours later, Justin got his wish as they said good night to the last few people at the party. After the closed and locked the door, Brian poured them each a glass of red wine and they sat down together in front of the fire. Brian reached over and put his hand on Justin's cheek. "I love you, baby." He said breathlessly. It still surprised him how sometimes looking at Justin took his breath away. Justin smiled his Sunshine smile and laid his head on Brian's shoulder. "Can you believe we just had our housewarming party in our very own home?" Justin asked. He was so happy to be with Brian that he couldn't imagine things between them ever not being right. "I never thought I would be here." Brian admitted. "But I'm really glad I am. You're the most amazing person I've ever met." "I love you." "I love you, too." Brian put his glass down and took Justin's from his hand. "Ever made love by the fire?" He asked. He knew that Justin's loved when he said "make love". "Not yet." Justin knew what was coming and immediately got excited. Brian pushed him gently back onto the floor. He leaned down and pressed a sweet kiss to Justin's lips. When Justin reached down and touched him between his legs, he pushed his hand away. "Slow, baby. I want to go slow tonight." Brian ran his fingers through Justin's hair and started pressing feather light kisses all over his face. Justin was in heaven. "Good morning, Brian." Marty said when he walked into Brian's office on Monday morning. Brian looked up and smiled. He was in an amazing mood after spending the weekend with Justin and Gus. "Morning, Marty." He said. "What's up?" Marty took a seat across from Brian. "Well, there are two things. Before we get down to business, Sheila would like to invite you and Justin to our place for dinner on Saturday. After we left your party, she was inspired to throw one of her own. She decided to have a good old-fashioned dinner party. She told me to threaten to fire you if you didn't attend." Marty smiled. Brian was surprised at the invitation. "I'll talk to Justin, but I'm pretty sure we can make it." Brian said. He still felt a little strange being invited to social functions as a couple, but it filled him with a little bit of a thrill. He knew that he couldn't have a relationship with anyone else and feel the way he did with Justin. "Great. Now, down to business. We have someone from Luscious Beauty Company coming in on Wednesday. They saw your wrinkle cream ad and decided that they want you. This would be a major, national account." Marty told Brian. "What are you telling me, Marty?" Brian sat back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. Marty leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees. "If you land this account, the board will be thrilled. They'll take that into account when deciding you to promote to that managerial position." Ryder said. "I've already recommended you myself." "I'll get the account, Marty." Brian said with a smile. "You don't have to worry about that." He loved to think of himself in a big corner office with an amazing view. He wouldn't have to work the kind of hours he worked in his current position. He liked the idea of being able to spend more time with Justin. He had been thinking of asking Justin for something, something that he wasn't sure Justin was ready for. "Good." Marty stood and said a quiet "good day" before exiting the office. Brian sat back in his chair and thought about how to ask Justin if he wanted the marriage and the family. "Hey, honey." Emmett said as he slipped into the booth at the diner next to Justin. The guys were all meeting there for a little nourishment before heading for a night of dancing at Babylon. Before Emmett had arrived, Justin had been the only one there. Brian was working late. "Hi, Em." Justin smiled. "How's it going?" "Still recovering from your party." Emmett made a dramatic gesture with his hands. "Those margarita's that you make are murder. I think I even saw your mother stumbling." Justin smiled wickedly. "Well, a party at the Kinney-Taylor place isn't the same without Justin's magical margarita's." Emmett laughed. Moments later, Michael, Brian, and Ted walked into the diner together having ran into each other outside. Brian had his arm around Michael and Justin felt an unwelcome jealousy that he hadn't felt in a very long time. "Get out of my spot, Emmett." Brian said. As soon as Emmett was up, Brian slid into the booth next to Justin and pressed a kiss to his neck. "Mmmm, yummy." He licked his lips. "Keep it in your own home, you too." Michael said with a sneer. Justin couldn't help but feel a little stab of jealousy again. He knew that Michael would always be Brian's best friend, and that was okay with him. He wasn't sure why he was feeling jealous today. "Actually, Hon, I'm not feeling too well. I'm going to head home." Justin put an hand on Brian's leg. "But I'll see you when you get home." Brian was a little bit taken aback by Justin's words. He knew that Justin had been excited about going out tonight and couldn't understand what would be getting to him. "I'll come with you." Brian found himself saying. He had been looking forward to seeing Justin all day. When Justin shook his head, he felt his heart fall. "No. You go out and have a good time." Justin put on his best fake smile. "I'll be fine for one night by myself. I have some stuff to work on anyways." "Ok. Well, I won't be out too late." Brian said. He found himself a little angry with Justin for not wanting to spend time with him and couldn't understand what had happened. Everything had been so perfect on the weekend. Justin touched Brian's leg to signal him to get out of the booth and let him leave. Brian grudgingly did so. "Bye everyone." Justin said. "Bye, love." He kissed Brian, but without much passion and grabbed his car keys off the table. "Later." He flipped over his shoulder before leaving the diner. He felt like there was a weight on his chest and couldn't figure out where this newfound jealously towards Mikey had come from, or why it was so strong. "What's wrong with him?" Michael asked as he took Justin's place in the booth. He had no sympathy in his voice and it made Brian even angrier. "He's not feeling well." He spat, but he didn't believe it himself. He was wracked with emotion and couldn't figure out what was wrong. "Justin, what's wrong?" Daphne's voice floated into his ears. He wasn't sure why he felt the need to call her long distance but he had. "Today at the diner, Brian had his arm around Michael and I freaked." Justin put his hand on his forehead knowing how ridiculous he sounded. "I mean, shit, nothing is ever going to happen with those two. Brian and I are serious now. What the hell am I doing, Daph?" "Do you think there might be something going on? Brian always puts his arm around Michael." Daphne wasn't sure what to say, but she knew her best friend was really upset. "I can't remember noticing him do it at all in the last year. I mean, I know they're best friends and all, but I thought the touchy feely stuff had stopped. I feel kind of betrayed." Justin sighed. He was being a drama queen. "You should talk to him Justin." She said. "That's the only way anything is going to get fixed. The only way you're going to feel better." "You're right." Justin said. "He should be home soon. He said he wouldn't be late. We can talk when he gets home." He smiled a little. "Thanks, Daph." "Hey, that's what I'm here for. Now I really should go. Jeff is here." Daphne sort of whispered the last part. Justin could tell she was excited. He let her go and stayed sitting on the chair in the living room. He had resolved to wait for Brian and tell him how he was feeling. ..Three and a half hours later... Justin rolled over and looked at the clock. He had closed his eyes while he was waiting for Brian. It was now three in the morning. He gasped. He ran to the window and looked outside, Brian's Jeep was nowhere to be seen. He ran upstairs to see if one of the guys had brought him home, but Brian wasn't in their bed either. "Fuck." Justin whispered. A picture flashed in his mind of Brian in the back room at Babylon getting a blowjob from some gorgeous guy. He took a deep breath before undressing and climbing into bed. He lay awake for nearly an hour waiting for Brian before fatigue won the battle and his eyes closed. He fell asleep. "Mikey, what if he hates me now?" Brian babbled drunkly. He had been pounding the Scotch all night. Michael had, as always, watched with concern as Brian got drunker and drunker. He had gone to the backroom three times and Michael was really concerned. "Brian, let me take you home." Michael said as he supported Brian while they walked to the Jeep. Brian shook his head and nearly fell over. "I smell like sex. I can't sleep in our bed when I smell like sex." Brian said. "Let me stay at your house." Michael solemnly agreed. He got Brian settled on the bed before laying down next to him and wondering what was wrong. He had seen how Justin had acted at the diner. It was obvious that his choice to go home, alone, had really gotten to Brian. Michael hadn't seen him like this since the night at Woody's after Justin's bashing. He was off his ass. He considered calling Justin to tell him that Brian was staying at his place, but was pretty sure that he didn't want to put himself anywhere near the situation. "Jesus!" Brian exclaimed the next morning as he sprung from Michael's bed. "What fucking time is it?" He started grabbing his clothes and tried to get his bearings before he drove back to the house. "Seven-thirty." Michael grumbled half asleep. "Shit, I am going to be spending a month on Lindsay and Melanie's couch." Brian said. He tried to remember the events of the previous night, but the last thing he remembered clearly was Justin leaving the diner, seeming upset. "Boy Wonder will forgive you." Michael finally dragged himself out of bed to rush Brian out the door. He knew that Brian would, indeed, have a lot of explaining to do. As Brian drove back to the house, he was a mess. He knew that Justin was going to be furious and he wasn't sure how he was going to explain, because he didn't know what happened. He started searching his memory for what had happened. Suddenly he remembered that he had gotten three blowjobs in the backroom. "Fuck! I'm dead." He said to himself. When he pulled up to the house, he didn't see Justin's car. "Oh shit." All he could think was that Justin had left him, that he had fucked up more than ever and he had lost Justin for good. He ran into the house and, sure enough, Justin wasn't anywhere to be found. Stuck to the fridge was a note. "B. Gone to work. Working late. Don't know when I'll be home. J." Brian sat down at the table. Normally, Justin signed notes "My love. J." He was obviously very angry, or very hurt. The latter was what scared Brian the most. He knew what he had to do. "What's the matter, Justin?" Rick asked when Justin walked into his office that morning. "Trouble in Paradise?" "Brian didn't come home last night." He said sadly. The shortness of his tone when he answered signaled to Rick that he didn't want to talk about it. He pulled out the sketched for the new cards he designed. "Mr. Dawson." The receptionist's voice came over the speaker in Rick's office. He confirmed that he was listening and she continued. "Is Mr. Taylor with you? He has a visitor in the lobby." "I'll send him down, Laurie." Rick said. "If it's him, Justin, demand to know where he was. And with who." Rick patted Justin on the back before sending him out to the lobby. Sure enough, standing there with a bouquet of roses was Brian Kinney. "Hey." Brian said quietly. "I was in a meeting, Brian. What the fuck do you want?" Justin demanded impatiently. Brian faltered a little bit. He hadn't realized exactly how much trouble he was in. "About last night..." He began. "I had too much to drink, so I crashed at Mikey's place." He handed the bouquet to Justin. "I got these for you." Justin didn't even look at the roses. "Were you in the backroom?" Justin demanded. Brian, knowing he couldn't lie, nodded. Justin threw the roses on the floor. "Presents can't fix everything, Brian. Leave me the fuck alone. I don't even want to look at you right now." And with that he turned and walked back to his office. Brian stood there, crestfallen, looking at the roses on the floor. He knew he had really messed up things this time. And this time, he didn't know how to fix it. He had lost Justin's trust, what he didn't know was whether he had lost Justin completely. NEXT |