A Storm's Gonna Come - Chapter 26
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: None.
Summary: Five years post-513. This story is anti-angst medication. Nothing bad ever happens here (that’s not completely true, but it’s definitely kept to a minimum).
Disclaimer: I’ve read somewhere that, since disclaimers have no legal footing, they’re merely an expression of the author’s guilt. I don’t feel guilty.
Previous chapters:
[Ch 01] [Ch 02] [Ch 03] [Ch 04] [Ch 05] [Ch 06] [Ch 07] [Ch 08] [Ch 09] [Ch 10] [Ch 11] [Ch 12] [Ch 13] [Ch 14] [Ch 15] [Ch 16] [Ch 17] [Ch 18] [Ch 19] [Ch 20] [Ch 21] [Ch 22] [Ch 23] [Ch 24] [Ch 25]
A/N:
1. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you who are celebrating!!
2. This is chapter 26 of 27. For the sake of full disclosure, please note that the next chapter will definitely be the last. There is not going to be an epilogue, and as of right now, no sequel is planned. Because I had a lot of people PM’ing me asking if I was planning to continue this story, here’s my answer: I am, in general, opposed to the idea of another series to sequel this one (though I have been known to change my mind a lot). However, I’m not ready yet to let this universe go and could offer you an occasional oneshot (none of which are written yet) in return. Would you be interested in that?
3. My beta Silvia, silvaofhope, did a wonderful job with this chapter, alas I changed it before posting. So all mistakes are mine alone. There's a lot of jumping back and forth in time and also a reference to the first chapter - hope you all can follow. Enjoy!
Present, February 2011
Justin snuggled closer into Brian’s chest while the driver took them to the inner city of Pittsburgh. Instead of using a cab, Brian had called the pick-up service he employed for Babylon’s VIPs and customers with big enough pockets. Garry, one of the drivers who were on call today, had picked them up from the airport. Brian had given him Debbie’s address, despite the fact that it was already a few minutes after 10 PM and the Novotny-Horvath household would probably be asleep already.
“Deb? It’s Brian.” The brunet said into his cell when she picked up the phone. “We’re already on our way to your house. Can you have the twins’ things ready? We’re pretty tired and don’t want to linger longer than necessary.”
He paused, listening attentively.
“Of course we’ll be over for tomorrow’s dinner. We have some news to share with the family.”
Again Brian paused. Justin looked up and asked with his eyes what the problem was.
Brian covered the speaker on his phone and whispered, “She’s wondering why we won’t leave the twins with her until tomorrow and pick them up when we get there for dinner.” Then he replied into the phone, “I know it’s late, Deb. And I know they’re already asleep. But we’ve been gone for almost a week and Justin misses his kids.”
Justin rolled his eyes. As if he was the only one. He was sure that Brian missed them just as much. More even, judging by the increased frequency with which he had been calling Debbie’s house for the last three days.
“In about fifteen minutes.” Brian answered as Debbie asked him when they’d be arriving. “See you soon.”
They spent the rest of the drive in relative silence, Brian playing with Justin’s hair and Justin drawing complicated patterns on Brian’s stomach. Justin’s thoughts strayed to the lunch they’d had with Molly in their hotel restaurant before leaving for the airport.
Earlier that day
“Hey, Justin.” Molly gave her brother a hug and turned to Brian who kissed her on her cheek. “Hi, Brian.” She smiled the Taylor smile. “Sorry I couldn’t make it earlier. School’s been crazy ever since the break is over. When Mom told me you’d be coming to New York and stay for half a week I really thought we’d have time to do some shopping together.” She grinned wide and looked at Brian.
Whenever they turned out to be in New York City at the same time, it had become a habit for the two of them to go shopping together. Molly’s shopping stamina was far more superior to those of her brother who caved after two hours and whose eyes started to stray longingly towards any restaurant they’d pass.
“You’ll soon have a lot of time to shop on a regular basis.” Justin said, earning himself a very irritated look from his little sister. She looked at Brian, seeking answers.
Brian shrugged and explained the situation with Kinnetik and the reason they were in New York in the first place. He also mentioned that they’d already found a suitable property and waited for the contracts to be inspected by Ted before signing the lease on the place that was once a museum.
“A museum?! Wow. That must be something.” Molly exclaimed. “Where is it exactly?”
When Justin explained, she almost squeaked, and threatened. “Oh, god, Brian. I’m so going to come over there every couple of days after my classes. We even can have lunch together. And Justin and the girls-“ She suddenly stopped, eyes wide as saucers. “Fuck! Justin, where are you going to be? Will you stay at Britin? Brian, will you commute? And what about the twins? They’ll miss you so fucking much. You know how you’re the only one who can make Alex eat every once in a while. And Emma will pick the house apart stone by stone if you’re not there to calm her down.”
Molly, just like her brother, had the uncanny ability to talk a mile a minute. Without taking a breath. Making it impossible for someone to interrupt her excessive loquacity.
“Jesus. Slow down.” Justin told her. “I’m not going to live at Britin alone with the girls. We’re all moving here. Not for good, of course. But for however long it will take to find someone who would replace Brian, so he can go back to overseeing the things in Pittsburgh. Six months, probably more.”
“Oh, thank god. So, have you already got any idea where you’ll be staying? New York’s fucking expensive. Even the dorms here cost more than what Mom and Tucker are paying for their house. It’s fucking ridiculous. Thank god, Dad’s paying for accommodation.” As soon as it came out, she pulled a face, realizing what she just said. Looking quickly from Brian to Justin, she added, “I’m sorry, Jus. I didn’t mean to bring back old-“
“It’s okay.” Justin cut her off. “Really, I don’t care. I’m happy that he’s at least paying for your housing. I really am, believe me.”
“Okay. It’s not like we’re close or anything. I wasn’t even going to take the money when he first offered it. I know he only offered to pay because he thinks me getting a business degree is all his idea. Or that I’m doing it to please him. Anyway, as I said, I wasn’t going to take it. But then I figured that’s the least he could do after what he-“ She sighed. “So, I decided I might just as well. I sometimes think I shouldn’t. I’m kinda using him as a cash cow. Pretty bad, huh? But then I remind myself he doesn’t deserve any better. So, what the hell.”
Justin said nothing but Brian leaned over the table and placed a kiss on her cheek, whispering into her ear, “Good girl.”
Justin tried to break up the weird and slightly tense atmosphere that descended upon the table after Molly’s revelation. “So, to answer your question. Brian and I already found a beautiful three bedroom apartment with a wonderful view over Manhattan from the roof terrace.”
Molly looked wistfully at them both. “Wow, that sounds pretty amazing. Will you bring Trish or are you going to hire someone new?”
“Neither.” Brian replied.
“But I thought the third bedroom was for the live-in nanny.” Molly said in return.
“We were hoping it’s for the occasional babysitter.” Justin responded.
Molly just glared, her eyes blinking rapidly, trying to make sense of what was being said.
“How soon can you vacate your dorm room?” Brian helped.
Molly glared some more - now focusing her eyes exclusively on Brian and giving up on blinking altogether. When a few moments passed with neither of them saying a word, Molly suddenly jumped up from her seat and into Brian’s arms who managed to catch her without toppling over with his chair. The squealing and shrieking started soon after. They were drawing quite an attention from the restaurant’s crowd but Molly didn’t seem to care and Brian wasn’t interested in what other people might think anyway. That left only Justin who blushed, looking around the neighboring tables with an apologetic smile. He patted Molly on the arm, hoping to calm her down. She finally remembered that Justin was present, too, and threw herself into his arms now, not tuning down her excited shouts in the least. Brian was amused by the abundance of her delight, suddenly thinking that, since his daughters were Taylors too, this wouldn’t be the last time he would have to endure public displays of joy and affection.
“Can I see it?” Molly asked after all the squeeing had died down.
“We can drive by there after lunch,” Brian agreed.
Impatient as she was, the rest of the meal was spent firing questions at Brian and Justin about their soon to be new home. She rushed through her lunch, turning down dessert even, anxious to see the place. After Brian signed the hotel bill, they took a cab and drove to the address Brian gave the cab driver.
Molly looked around the spacious apartment, still not quite believing that soon she’d be living here; with the twins. She loved being in New York but she always missed her family - and ever since the twins were born, the two girls especially.
Once Brian and Justin had given her the tour, Molly had some conditions of her own.
“No fucking in the living room. And you’ll soundproof your bedroom. And I get the room farthest away from yours.” She grinned happily when both men agreed.
“Emma will love it here.” Molly announced finally. “So many corners to play hide and seek. Lucky for us, she doesn’t have the patience to stay hidden for long. I don’t know about Alex though. She’s really gonna miss Britin.”
Molly looked at Brian, an unsure look on her face. Alex had her comfort corners at Britin. Places she retreated to when the family invaded their place or Emma was chasing one of her dads or Trish noisily through the house, in a game of tag.
Brian nodded once. “Yes, we know. We’re hoping with you here, it will make the transition easier for her. And of course, we’re going to go back to Pittsburgh every other week to see the family. And since I won’t have to schmooze clients while we set up shop, I can take her or both girls with me when I have meetings with architects and contractors. And your brother will be there when I have to interview people for jobs. We’ll manage somehow.”
“Oh, my god, this is gonna be awesome.” Molly announced excitedly, throwing herself at her brother and Brian again, showering them with kisses.
Justin eventually pulled her away from Brian, saying, “Get your own boyfriend.”
Molly pulled a face and stuck a tongue at him. “You’re a freak. And for your information, I have a boyfriend.”
“So, Robert survived the family?” Brian asked surprised.
“Yes. He said half of us are gaudy freaks with big hearts and even bigger mouths but the other half made up in class what the first lacked in tact. And I can’t believe you remember his name!” Molly laughed, obviously delighted.
Brian was slightly impressed. Maybe this Robert really wasn’t like all the other losers before him.
“Which half do you fit into?” Justin asked, continuing the conversation.
“None. I obviously am one of a kind, duh.”
Brian silently agreed.
Present, February 2011
“Thanks, Deb. I can’t tell you how grateful I am.” Justin said and tried to hug her with his free arm. His other was occupied, holding the sleeping form of Emma to his chest.
“Anytime, Sunshine. See all of you tomorrow.” She replied waving.
The night air was biting cold, a typical Pittsburgh February, and they had slung a thick blanket around each girl to cover the short distance between Debbie’s porch and the waiting car. Emma was so out, she didn’t even stir when Brian picked her up and passed her to Justin. Alex on the other hand, who was a very light sleeper, opened her eyes at the rustling sounds, blinking a couple of times in confusion before extending her arms towards her daddies. Brian had picked her up too, and let Justin place a soft kiss on her forehead before both men walked back downstairs.
They loosened the tightly wrapped blankets a little once inside the limousine, and gave their driver directions to take them home. Justin looked at Brian holding Alex in his lap and smiled. The scene was strangely reminiscent of another.
Brian noticed him staring and asked, “What?”
Justin glanced back and forth between Garry, the driver, reflected in the rearview mirror and Brian and Alex until Brian smiled in recognition. Garry was the one who had picked them up from the hospital once Emma was allowed to go home. And since, after spending days practically living there and thus missing Alex’s first days, Brian held her in his arms when the four of them drove home together for the first time.
“Remember when we were on our way to the hospital after Maddie called?” Justin suddenly asked.
“Yeah?” Brian drawled, not understanding.
“I’d told you that now would be a good time to decide on a name for the second girl and you said you still hadn’t picked one out. Was it true? Because when the nurse came out-” Justin paused, allowing Brian to recall the situation.
“I know.” Brian shrugged. “I hadn’t decided on a name when we drove to the hospital. It wasn’t like I couldn’t choose one; I had none to choose from. Not one of them seemed to fit. But when the nurse asked, it was there. It just seemed right.”
August, 2009
Once the nurse left them, promising that the doctor would be out soon and come talk to them, they remained standing in the hallway. Brian’s thoughts raced and he was desperately clinging to Justin in an effort to comfort the blond, not realizing that, despite the hell they were going through, it was Justin who was holding him up.
“It’s gonna be alright, Brian. You’ll see, everything will turn out just fine. Hang in there.” Justin muttered in Brian’s ear, clinging just as desperately to Brian.
After a few minutes, the blond maneuvered them back to the row of chairs in the waiting room, sitting down beside Brian who stared at the opposite wall with a vacant expression.
Yes, things were not supposed to go this way. This was supposed to be a happy day. But Justin refused to fall apart before they had a talk with Emma’s doctor. He also wouldn’t allow Brian to dissolve in misery. They didn’t even know how serious Emma’s condition was yet, having only been born a few minutes prior; she was still being examined. Justin decided to distract Brian from the situation and poked him in the side to get his attention.
It worked and Brian’s eyes focused slowly on Justin’s.
“Alex?” Justin asked, referring to the name Brian had given the nurse.
For the past few weeks Justin had been nagging Brian, demanding to know what name the brunet decided on for the other girl, because they had been told weeks ago that the second child was a girl as well. First, Justin had thought Brian was playing him, teasing. Justin tried coercion, threats of withholding sex, persuasion. But eventually he’d just given up and waited in patience.
“Alexandria.” Brian replied and Justin nodded. “You don’t like it?” Brian asked.
“No, I do like it. I like it very much.”
“Okay. So tell me her middle name then.” Brian prodded.
Justin thought for a second, before answering, “Cayelin.”
“It’s Irish.” Brian stated.
“I know.”
Brian nodded and pulled Justin closer winding an arm around the blond’s shoulders.
“It was my mom’s idea.” Justin explained and Brian nodded again, glancing to the door every couple minutes. The fucking doctor better hurry.
Present, February 2011
Brian woke to an empty bed. He glanced towards the clock on the nightstand. Justin usually liked to sleep in on Sundays, but Brian guessed he was downstairs with his daughters. He pulled a white T-shirt over his head and grabbed a pair of sweatpants. When he came into the living room, he found Justin sitting cross-legged on the sofa in front of the fireplace, Alex in his lap while Emma played on the rug in front of them. The blond had a pensive look on his face. He turned his head when he heard Brian enter and Brian raised an eyebrow, silently asking him what the brooding was about.
Instead of answering, Justin nudged Alex in his lap and pointed his finger towards Brian, saying, “Alex, look who’s here.”
She glanced up and, eyes lighting up when she spotted Brian in the door frame, called out, “Daddy!”
Justin shook his head in disbelief.
“See?” He said. “You were ‘Dada’ when we left.”
Brian smiled a little. So, this was what was bothering his blond.
“God, Brian, they’re changing so fast. We were only gone a week and already they’ve learned a whole new set of words. This morning Emma was asking for ‘yoguut’ instead of ‘yoyo’ and when I gave her some, she tried her luck with ‘chocklate’. Not ‘chock’.”
Perking up at the mention of her favorite sweets, Emma asked, “Chocklate?”
Justin pointed at her and his eyes gaped wide open in a ‘See, what did I tell you!?’ kind of way.
“Not now, baby.” Brian told her, glancing at the watch. “You can have some after lunch.” Looking back at the blond, he addressed Justin, “So, you want me to look into chemical substances that would slow down the growing process?” He asked jokingly.
Justin had to chuckle at that. He shook his head no. “I don’t want to leave them again, Brian. I want to bring them, too, when we go somewhere. Is it too selfish of me? Dragging them along - it would be stressful for them, right? I know that, but-“ He furrowed his brows.
“Trial and error, Sunshine. We’ll start taking them with us and see how it goes.” After all, they had fared well with this specific method of raising their kids for the last one and a half years. Changing the topic, Brian added, “You three had breakfast yet?” It was admittedly late, but Brian asked nevertheless.
“The girls did, yes. I wanted to wait for you.” Justin glanced around the room making sure there were no loose objects that could be of any danger in the hands of an eighteen months old baby. When he was satisfied with his inspection, Justin placed Alex down on the white couch, passing her a few books and he and Brian left the room towards the kitchen across the hall.
They managed to get a cup of coffee each before Alex came into the room, clutching a large book to her chest. She walked up to Brian and looked up at him.
“You want me to read the book with you?” Brian asked her, reaching for the object.
“No.” She shook her head decisively.
Brian knew she was looking for a comfortable place to sit down, so he picked up his coffee and walked over to the kitchen table, putting the hot cup down. Picking up Alex, he sat down on a chair and pulled the girl onto his lap where she immediately began leafing through the brightly colored pages.
Justin watched with a smile on his face. “She missed you.” He stated.
Brian said nothing but grabbed Justin around his waist and pulled him closer. The blond bent down and kissed the offered lips. A phone rang and interrupted their late morning routine and Justin went to pick it up. Brian heard him talking on the phone in the office down the hall but couldn’t make out any particular words.
Emma strolled into the kitchen shortly after that and Brian decided to take the girls into the playroom where he could enjoy his breakfast while having an eye on the kids’ activities. Passing his home office, he let the girls walk into the playroom by themselves as he poked his head inside to see if there were any urgent messages on his desk. Whenever they went away for a few days, Trish would stack the mail and important calls in his working place. The only thing present on his desk was a fairly large, square and flat packet, wrapped in brown packaging paper. Brian smiled and took it with him into the playroom. He unwrapped the package while the twins were busy messing up their toy chest. Before Brian and Justin left for Chicago and New York, Brian had sent a drawing to be framed - one that Justin had given him, very possibly on or around Valentine’s Day.
Two months earlier, Christmas 2010
“What are you watching?” Brian asked, coming in and seeing his kids staring enraptured at the screen.
“A Bug’s Life,” Gus answered not looking up, but moving a little to make room for his dad.
Alex stared transfixed at the colorful moving pictures, completely immersed in the program. She only moved to climb into her father’s lap when Brian sat down on the couch between her and Gus.
When Justin walked into the room an hour later, he found all of his family asleep - the TV playing an infinite loop of the DVD menu. Alex was sleeping curled up in a tight ball on Brian’s chest, Gus rested comfortably against his dad’s shoulder, one of Brian’s arms slung protectively around the boy. The picture was completed by Emma’s tiny head on Brian’s thigh; her long locks strewn all over his lap.
Justin stood in the doorframe, watching the scene with a soft smile. He carefully, so as not to disturb the sleeping quartet, reached for one of his sketch pads and sat down on the rug in front of the couch, facing Brian and the kids.
Present, February 2011
Not ten minutes after Brian finished unpacking his non-Valentine’s gift, Justin came into the room, downright bouncing with obvious good news, his smile lighting the room despite the glum weather outside.
He didn’t wait for Brian to ask him about his sudden joyous mood. “You remember that talk I had with Arianna right after the McCormack exhibit?”
Brian nodded, waiting for the explanation. Of course he remembered. Justin was positively glowing after reading the reviews raving about his work the next morning. Still, he couldn’t forget what the New York Times critic had mentioned when they met at his show and Justin had shared his apprehension with Arianna during a phone call before leaving for New York.
“You know how I was anxious some critic would really pick up the whole thing of me leaving New York City and exhibiting somewhere else and turn it into a negative review? So, Arianna suggested we look into a New York showing. She wanted to see what she could come up with.”
“And did she?”
“Yes!”
“Good?”
“Yes!”
“You’re going to tell me?”
Before answering, Justin picked up Emma and spun her around above his head. She squealed with obvious delight and Justin laughed with her. He then put Emma back down beside her sister, placing a soft kiss on Alex’s head and squeezing her briefly before throwing himself into Brian’s arms and crawling into his lap. He peppered Brian’s neck with gentle kisses, murmuring softly against the freshly shaven skin. Brian leaned his head against the backrest, granting the blond an easier access.
“Sunshine, I’m not complaining here, but if this is your way of telling me, I have to admit, I don’t understand.”
“Uh-hmm,” Justin agreed but continued to nibble on Brian’s neck.
Seeing their dads snuggle, Emma and Alex joined in and threw themselves into the mix. Justin let off of Brian so he could pull the girls into their embrace. The snuggling soon turned into tickling and bouts of laughter. Amidst the mix of limbs and blond heads, Brian sent Justin a look, telling him, “Later.” Justin nodded and continued to fool around with Brian and the girls.
Read Chapter 27
Warnings: None.
Summary: Five years post-513. This story is anti-angst medication. Nothing bad ever happens here (that’s not completely true, but it’s definitely kept to a minimum).
Disclaimer: I’ve read somewhere that, since disclaimers have no legal footing, they’re merely an expression of the author’s guilt. I don’t feel guilty.
Previous chapters:
[Ch 01] [Ch 02] [Ch 03] [Ch 04] [Ch 05] [Ch 06] [Ch 07] [Ch 08] [Ch 09] [Ch 10] [Ch 11] [Ch 12] [Ch 13] [Ch 14] [Ch 15] [Ch 16] [Ch 17] [Ch 18] [Ch 19] [Ch 20] [Ch 21] [Ch 22] [Ch 23] [Ch 24] [Ch 25]
A/N:
1. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you who are celebrating!!
2. This is chapter 26 of 27. For the sake of full disclosure, please note that the next chapter will definitely be the last. There is not going to be an epilogue, and as of right now, no sequel is planned. Because I had a lot of people PM’ing me asking if I was planning to continue this story, here’s my answer: I am, in general, opposed to the idea of another series to sequel this one (though I have been known to change my mind a lot). However, I’m not ready yet to let this universe go and could offer you an occasional oneshot (none of which are written yet) in return. Would you be interested in that?
3. My beta Silvia, silvaofhope, did a wonderful job with this chapter, alas I changed it before posting. So all mistakes are mine alone. There's a lot of jumping back and forth in time and also a reference to the first chapter - hope you all can follow. Enjoy!
Present, February 2011
Justin snuggled closer into Brian’s chest while the driver took them to the inner city of Pittsburgh. Instead of using a cab, Brian had called the pick-up service he employed for Babylon’s VIPs and customers with big enough pockets. Garry, one of the drivers who were on call today, had picked them up from the airport. Brian had given him Debbie’s address, despite the fact that it was already a few minutes after 10 PM and the Novotny-Horvath household would probably be asleep already.
“Deb? It’s Brian.” The brunet said into his cell when she picked up the phone. “We’re already on our way to your house. Can you have the twins’ things ready? We’re pretty tired and don’t want to linger longer than necessary.”
He paused, listening attentively.
“Of course we’ll be over for tomorrow’s dinner. We have some news to share with the family.”
Again Brian paused. Justin looked up and asked with his eyes what the problem was.
Brian covered the speaker on his phone and whispered, “She’s wondering why we won’t leave the twins with her until tomorrow and pick them up when we get there for dinner.” Then he replied into the phone, “I know it’s late, Deb. And I know they’re already asleep. But we’ve been gone for almost a week and Justin misses his kids.”
Justin rolled his eyes. As if he was the only one. He was sure that Brian missed them just as much. More even, judging by the increased frequency with which he had been calling Debbie’s house for the last three days.
“In about fifteen minutes.” Brian answered as Debbie asked him when they’d be arriving. “See you soon.”
They spent the rest of the drive in relative silence, Brian playing with Justin’s hair and Justin drawing complicated patterns on Brian’s stomach. Justin’s thoughts strayed to the lunch they’d had with Molly in their hotel restaurant before leaving for the airport.
Earlier that day
“Hey, Justin.” Molly gave her brother a hug and turned to Brian who kissed her on her cheek. “Hi, Brian.” She smiled the Taylor smile. “Sorry I couldn’t make it earlier. School’s been crazy ever since the break is over. When Mom told me you’d be coming to New York and stay for half a week I really thought we’d have time to do some shopping together.” She grinned wide and looked at Brian.
Whenever they turned out to be in New York City at the same time, it had become a habit for the two of them to go shopping together. Molly’s shopping stamina was far more superior to those of her brother who caved after two hours and whose eyes started to stray longingly towards any restaurant they’d pass.
“You’ll soon have a lot of time to shop on a regular basis.” Justin said, earning himself a very irritated look from his little sister. She looked at Brian, seeking answers.
Brian shrugged and explained the situation with Kinnetik and the reason they were in New York in the first place. He also mentioned that they’d already found a suitable property and waited for the contracts to be inspected by Ted before signing the lease on the place that was once a museum.
“A museum?! Wow. That must be something.” Molly exclaimed. “Where is it exactly?”
When Justin explained, she almost squeaked, and threatened. “Oh, god, Brian. I’m so going to come over there every couple of days after my classes. We even can have lunch together. And Justin and the girls-“ She suddenly stopped, eyes wide as saucers. “Fuck! Justin, where are you going to be? Will you stay at Britin? Brian, will you commute? And what about the twins? They’ll miss you so fucking much. You know how you’re the only one who can make Alex eat every once in a while. And Emma will pick the house apart stone by stone if you’re not there to calm her down.”
Molly, just like her brother, had the uncanny ability to talk a mile a minute. Without taking a breath. Making it impossible for someone to interrupt her excessive loquacity.
“Jesus. Slow down.” Justin told her. “I’m not going to live at Britin alone with the girls. We’re all moving here. Not for good, of course. But for however long it will take to find someone who would replace Brian, so he can go back to overseeing the things in Pittsburgh. Six months, probably more.”
“Oh, thank god. So, have you already got any idea where you’ll be staying? New York’s fucking expensive. Even the dorms here cost more than what Mom and Tucker are paying for their house. It’s fucking ridiculous. Thank god, Dad’s paying for accommodation.” As soon as it came out, she pulled a face, realizing what she just said. Looking quickly from Brian to Justin, she added, “I’m sorry, Jus. I didn’t mean to bring back old-“
“It’s okay.” Justin cut her off. “Really, I don’t care. I’m happy that he’s at least paying for your housing. I really am, believe me.”
“Okay. It’s not like we’re close or anything. I wasn’t even going to take the money when he first offered it. I know he only offered to pay because he thinks me getting a business degree is all his idea. Or that I’m doing it to please him. Anyway, as I said, I wasn’t going to take it. But then I figured that’s the least he could do after what he-“ She sighed. “So, I decided I might just as well. I sometimes think I shouldn’t. I’m kinda using him as a cash cow. Pretty bad, huh? But then I remind myself he doesn’t deserve any better. So, what the hell.”
Justin said nothing but Brian leaned over the table and placed a kiss on her cheek, whispering into her ear, “Good girl.”
Justin tried to break up the weird and slightly tense atmosphere that descended upon the table after Molly’s revelation. “So, to answer your question. Brian and I already found a beautiful three bedroom apartment with a wonderful view over Manhattan from the roof terrace.”
Molly looked wistfully at them both. “Wow, that sounds pretty amazing. Will you bring Trish or are you going to hire someone new?”
“Neither.” Brian replied.
“But I thought the third bedroom was for the live-in nanny.” Molly said in return.
“We were hoping it’s for the occasional babysitter.” Justin responded.
Molly just glared, her eyes blinking rapidly, trying to make sense of what was being said.
“How soon can you vacate your dorm room?” Brian helped.
Molly glared some more - now focusing her eyes exclusively on Brian and giving up on blinking altogether. When a few moments passed with neither of them saying a word, Molly suddenly jumped up from her seat and into Brian’s arms who managed to catch her without toppling over with his chair. The squealing and shrieking started soon after. They were drawing quite an attention from the restaurant’s crowd but Molly didn’t seem to care and Brian wasn’t interested in what other people might think anyway. That left only Justin who blushed, looking around the neighboring tables with an apologetic smile. He patted Molly on the arm, hoping to calm her down. She finally remembered that Justin was present, too, and threw herself into his arms now, not tuning down her excited shouts in the least. Brian was amused by the abundance of her delight, suddenly thinking that, since his daughters were Taylors too, this wouldn’t be the last time he would have to endure public displays of joy and affection.
“Can I see it?” Molly asked after all the squeeing had died down.
“We can drive by there after lunch,” Brian agreed.
Impatient as she was, the rest of the meal was spent firing questions at Brian and Justin about their soon to be new home. She rushed through her lunch, turning down dessert even, anxious to see the place. After Brian signed the hotel bill, they took a cab and drove to the address Brian gave the cab driver.
Molly looked around the spacious apartment, still not quite believing that soon she’d be living here; with the twins. She loved being in New York but she always missed her family - and ever since the twins were born, the two girls especially.
Once Brian and Justin had given her the tour, Molly had some conditions of her own.
“No fucking in the living room. And you’ll soundproof your bedroom. And I get the room farthest away from yours.” She grinned happily when both men agreed.
“Emma will love it here.” Molly announced finally. “So many corners to play hide and seek. Lucky for us, she doesn’t have the patience to stay hidden for long. I don’t know about Alex though. She’s really gonna miss Britin.”
Molly looked at Brian, an unsure look on her face. Alex had her comfort corners at Britin. Places she retreated to when the family invaded their place or Emma was chasing one of her dads or Trish noisily through the house, in a game of tag.
Brian nodded once. “Yes, we know. We’re hoping with you here, it will make the transition easier for her. And of course, we’re going to go back to Pittsburgh every other week to see the family. And since I won’t have to schmooze clients while we set up shop, I can take her or both girls with me when I have meetings with architects and contractors. And your brother will be there when I have to interview people for jobs. We’ll manage somehow.”
“Oh, my god, this is gonna be awesome.” Molly announced excitedly, throwing herself at her brother and Brian again, showering them with kisses.
Justin eventually pulled her away from Brian, saying, “Get your own boyfriend.”
Molly pulled a face and stuck a tongue at him. “You’re a freak. And for your information, I have a boyfriend.”
“So, Robert survived the family?” Brian asked surprised.
“Yes. He said half of us are gaudy freaks with big hearts and even bigger mouths but the other half made up in class what the first lacked in tact. And I can’t believe you remember his name!” Molly laughed, obviously delighted.
Brian was slightly impressed. Maybe this Robert really wasn’t like all the other losers before him.
“Which half do you fit into?” Justin asked, continuing the conversation.
“None. I obviously am one of a kind, duh.”
Brian silently agreed.
Present, February 2011
“Thanks, Deb. I can’t tell you how grateful I am.” Justin said and tried to hug her with his free arm. His other was occupied, holding the sleeping form of Emma to his chest.
“Anytime, Sunshine. See all of you tomorrow.” She replied waving.
The night air was biting cold, a typical Pittsburgh February, and they had slung a thick blanket around each girl to cover the short distance between Debbie’s porch and the waiting car. Emma was so out, she didn’t even stir when Brian picked her up and passed her to Justin. Alex on the other hand, who was a very light sleeper, opened her eyes at the rustling sounds, blinking a couple of times in confusion before extending her arms towards her daddies. Brian had picked her up too, and let Justin place a soft kiss on her forehead before both men walked back downstairs.
They loosened the tightly wrapped blankets a little once inside the limousine, and gave their driver directions to take them home. Justin looked at Brian holding Alex in his lap and smiled. The scene was strangely reminiscent of another.
Brian noticed him staring and asked, “What?”
Justin glanced back and forth between Garry, the driver, reflected in the rearview mirror and Brian and Alex until Brian smiled in recognition. Garry was the one who had picked them up from the hospital once Emma was allowed to go home. And since, after spending days practically living there and thus missing Alex’s first days, Brian held her in his arms when the four of them drove home together for the first time.
“Remember when we were on our way to the hospital after Maddie called?” Justin suddenly asked.
“Yeah?” Brian drawled, not understanding.
“I’d told you that now would be a good time to decide on a name for the second girl and you said you still hadn’t picked one out. Was it true? Because when the nurse came out-” Justin paused, allowing Brian to recall the situation.
“I know.” Brian shrugged. “I hadn’t decided on a name when we drove to the hospital. It wasn’t like I couldn’t choose one; I had none to choose from. Not one of them seemed to fit. But when the nurse asked, it was there. It just seemed right.”
August, 2009
Once the nurse left them, promising that the doctor would be out soon and come talk to them, they remained standing in the hallway. Brian’s thoughts raced and he was desperately clinging to Justin in an effort to comfort the blond, not realizing that, despite the hell they were going through, it was Justin who was holding him up.
“It’s gonna be alright, Brian. You’ll see, everything will turn out just fine. Hang in there.” Justin muttered in Brian’s ear, clinging just as desperately to Brian.
After a few minutes, the blond maneuvered them back to the row of chairs in the waiting room, sitting down beside Brian who stared at the opposite wall with a vacant expression.
Yes, things were not supposed to go this way. This was supposed to be a happy day. But Justin refused to fall apart before they had a talk with Emma’s doctor. He also wouldn’t allow Brian to dissolve in misery. They didn’t even know how serious Emma’s condition was yet, having only been born a few minutes prior; she was still being examined. Justin decided to distract Brian from the situation and poked him in the side to get his attention.
It worked and Brian’s eyes focused slowly on Justin’s.
“Alex?” Justin asked, referring to the name Brian had given the nurse.
For the past few weeks Justin had been nagging Brian, demanding to know what name the brunet decided on for the other girl, because they had been told weeks ago that the second child was a girl as well. First, Justin had thought Brian was playing him, teasing. Justin tried coercion, threats of withholding sex, persuasion. But eventually he’d just given up and waited in patience.
“Alexandria.” Brian replied and Justin nodded. “You don’t like it?” Brian asked.
“No, I do like it. I like it very much.”
“Okay. So tell me her middle name then.” Brian prodded.
Justin thought for a second, before answering, “Cayelin.”
“It’s Irish.” Brian stated.
“I know.”
Brian nodded and pulled Justin closer winding an arm around the blond’s shoulders.
“It was my mom’s idea.” Justin explained and Brian nodded again, glancing to the door every couple minutes. The fucking doctor better hurry.
Present, February 2011
Brian woke to an empty bed. He glanced towards the clock on the nightstand. Justin usually liked to sleep in on Sundays, but Brian guessed he was downstairs with his daughters. He pulled a white T-shirt over his head and grabbed a pair of sweatpants. When he came into the living room, he found Justin sitting cross-legged on the sofa in front of the fireplace, Alex in his lap while Emma played on the rug in front of them. The blond had a pensive look on his face. He turned his head when he heard Brian enter and Brian raised an eyebrow, silently asking him what the brooding was about.
Instead of answering, Justin nudged Alex in his lap and pointed his finger towards Brian, saying, “Alex, look who’s here.”
She glanced up and, eyes lighting up when she spotted Brian in the door frame, called out, “Daddy!”
Justin shook his head in disbelief.
“See?” He said. “You were ‘Dada’ when we left.”
Brian smiled a little. So, this was what was bothering his blond.
“God, Brian, they’re changing so fast. We were only gone a week and already they’ve learned a whole new set of words. This morning Emma was asking for ‘yoguut’ instead of ‘yoyo’ and when I gave her some, she tried her luck with ‘chocklate’. Not ‘chock’.”
Perking up at the mention of her favorite sweets, Emma asked, “Chocklate?”
Justin pointed at her and his eyes gaped wide open in a ‘See, what did I tell you!?’ kind of way.
“Not now, baby.” Brian told her, glancing at the watch. “You can have some after lunch.” Looking back at the blond, he addressed Justin, “So, you want me to look into chemical substances that would slow down the growing process?” He asked jokingly.
Justin had to chuckle at that. He shook his head no. “I don’t want to leave them again, Brian. I want to bring them, too, when we go somewhere. Is it too selfish of me? Dragging them along - it would be stressful for them, right? I know that, but-“ He furrowed his brows.
“Trial and error, Sunshine. We’ll start taking them with us and see how it goes.” After all, they had fared well with this specific method of raising their kids for the last one and a half years. Changing the topic, Brian added, “You three had breakfast yet?” It was admittedly late, but Brian asked nevertheless.
“The girls did, yes. I wanted to wait for you.” Justin glanced around the room making sure there were no loose objects that could be of any danger in the hands of an eighteen months old baby. When he was satisfied with his inspection, Justin placed Alex down on the white couch, passing her a few books and he and Brian left the room towards the kitchen across the hall.
They managed to get a cup of coffee each before Alex came into the room, clutching a large book to her chest. She walked up to Brian and looked up at him.
“You want me to read the book with you?” Brian asked her, reaching for the object.
“No.” She shook her head decisively.
Brian knew she was looking for a comfortable place to sit down, so he picked up his coffee and walked over to the kitchen table, putting the hot cup down. Picking up Alex, he sat down on a chair and pulled the girl onto his lap where she immediately began leafing through the brightly colored pages.
Justin watched with a smile on his face. “She missed you.” He stated.
Brian said nothing but grabbed Justin around his waist and pulled him closer. The blond bent down and kissed the offered lips. A phone rang and interrupted their late morning routine and Justin went to pick it up. Brian heard him talking on the phone in the office down the hall but couldn’t make out any particular words.
Emma strolled into the kitchen shortly after that and Brian decided to take the girls into the playroom where he could enjoy his breakfast while having an eye on the kids’ activities. Passing his home office, he let the girls walk into the playroom by themselves as he poked his head inside to see if there were any urgent messages on his desk. Whenever they went away for a few days, Trish would stack the mail and important calls in his working place. The only thing present on his desk was a fairly large, square and flat packet, wrapped in brown packaging paper. Brian smiled and took it with him into the playroom. He unwrapped the package while the twins were busy messing up their toy chest. Before Brian and Justin left for Chicago and New York, Brian had sent a drawing to be framed - one that Justin had given him, very possibly on or around Valentine’s Day.
Two months earlier, Christmas 2010
“What are you watching?” Brian asked, coming in and seeing his kids staring enraptured at the screen.
“A Bug’s Life,” Gus answered not looking up, but moving a little to make room for his dad.
Alex stared transfixed at the colorful moving pictures, completely immersed in the program. She only moved to climb into her father’s lap when Brian sat down on the couch between her and Gus.
When Justin walked into the room an hour later, he found all of his family asleep - the TV playing an infinite loop of the DVD menu. Alex was sleeping curled up in a tight ball on Brian’s chest, Gus rested comfortably against his dad’s shoulder, one of Brian’s arms slung protectively around the boy. The picture was completed by Emma’s tiny head on Brian’s thigh; her long locks strewn all over his lap.
Justin stood in the doorframe, watching the scene with a soft smile. He carefully, so as not to disturb the sleeping quartet, reached for one of his sketch pads and sat down on the rug in front of the couch, facing Brian and the kids.
Present, February 2011
Not ten minutes after Brian finished unpacking his non-Valentine’s gift, Justin came into the room, downright bouncing with obvious good news, his smile lighting the room despite the glum weather outside.
He didn’t wait for Brian to ask him about his sudden joyous mood. “You remember that talk I had with Arianna right after the McCormack exhibit?”
Brian nodded, waiting for the explanation. Of course he remembered. Justin was positively glowing after reading the reviews raving about his work the next morning. Still, he couldn’t forget what the New York Times critic had mentioned when they met at his show and Justin had shared his apprehension with Arianna during a phone call before leaving for New York.
“You know how I was anxious some critic would really pick up the whole thing of me leaving New York City and exhibiting somewhere else and turn it into a negative review? So, Arianna suggested we look into a New York showing. She wanted to see what she could come up with.”
“And did she?”
“Yes!”
“Good?”
“Yes!”
“You’re going to tell me?”
Before answering, Justin picked up Emma and spun her around above his head. She squealed with obvious delight and Justin laughed with her. He then put Emma back down beside her sister, placing a soft kiss on Alex’s head and squeezing her briefly before throwing himself into Brian’s arms and crawling into his lap. He peppered Brian’s neck with gentle kisses, murmuring softly against the freshly shaven skin. Brian leaned his head against the backrest, granting the blond an easier access.
“Sunshine, I’m not complaining here, but if this is your way of telling me, I have to admit, I don’t understand.”
“Uh-hmm,” Justin agreed but continued to nibble on Brian’s neck.
Seeing their dads snuggle, Emma and Alex joined in and threw themselves into the mix. Justin let off of Brian so he could pull the girls into their embrace. The snuggling soon turned into tickling and bouts of laughter. Amidst the mix of limbs and blond heads, Brian sent Justin a look, telling him, “Later.” Justin nodded and continued to fool around with Brian and the girls.
Read Chapter 27