Making it Through Another Summer: Chapter 12 [Pt 1/2]
Making it Through the Summer & Making it Through Another Summer
by Kim
Making it Through Another Summer
Chapter 12
[Pt 1/2]
Sunday, May 8th
6:00 p.m.
The Loft
"Are you planning on wearing that to Debbie's tonight or do I need to dress you myself?" Brian chuckled as he eyed Justin sitting in front of the television wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a pair of track pants that had seen better days.
"I think I'm going to pass on Deb's tonight, but you go on ahead," Justin answered.
"I seem to recall her summons involved both of us attending," Brian reminded.
"I know, but I'm not in the mood for a family dinner tonight."
"Since when are you not in the mood to stuff your face with Deb's pasta and Vic's pastries?"
"I don't know, I just don't..."
"Look, if this is about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern forget them. They're not worth your energy. Besides, tolerating their presence for a few hours is a hell of a lot less painful than dealing with Debbie's wrath," Brian pointed out. He could understand why Justin was reluctant to spend time with Ted and Emmett, but also knew that it was impossible to avoid them.
"You're right," the blond conceded, as he turned off the television.
"I'm always right," Brian grinned smugly. "Now get your ass off the floor and get into the bedroom and change into one of your stunningly atrocious student ensembles," he instructed.
***
An hour later, Brian and Justin were seated in Debbie's kitchen with the other family members. Fortunately, by the time they had arrived, the only two seats remaining were the ones furthest away from Ted and Emmett.
"So, Sunshine have you been up to anything exciting recently?" Debbie inquired as Brian merely pushed the pasta around on his plate. He drew the limit at consuming such a vast portion of carbs after seven.
"Uh, no, not really," Justin gave Debbie a puzzled stare. It seemed strange that she had singled him out amongst the other family members.
"How about you Brian?"
"Just the usual, Deb."
"That's too bad. I could have sworn Vic and I saw you on television Friday afternoon."
"Television?" Michael turned to give his best friend a perplexed look. "What are you talking about, Ma?"
"Amazingly enough, as Vic and I were watching our favorite game show on Friday..."
"Shit," Justin murmured to himself. He had a feeling what was coming next.
"Game show?" Melanie repeated in surprise. "While I can see Justin being on a game show, there's no way in hell Brian would degrade himself in such a manner."
"That's right Melanie," Brian confirmed. "Now how about we change the subject," he suggested. He should have known that Debbie of all people would watch The Price is Right.
"Just out of curiosity, what game show was it?" Ted inquired curiously.
"Well if it was Ma and Vic's favorite game show, it would have to be The Price is Right," Michael revealed. "However, there's no way in hell Brian would be on a show like that."
"You got it, Mikey."
"That's odd, Brian. I could have sworn that one of the contestants looked just like you. Wouldn't you agree, Vic?"
"Absolutely, Sis. The resemblance was remarkable."
"Wait a minute!" Emmett exclaimed. "Justin went to L.A. for his spring break!"
"That's right, he did," Debbie recalled. "However, he seemed to have neglected to add that Mr. Kinney went with him."
"Just because we went to L.A. for a few days by no means gives credibility to Debbie's mistaken belief that Brian and I were on The Price is Right," Justin attempted to cover their tracks.
"I suppose we'll just have to let the family be the judge of that. Fortunately, Vic and I were able to get the episode on tape."
"Fuck," Justin whispered.
"Look, Deb, I really don't think anyone is interested in watching a silly breeder game show," Brian objected.
"Oh, but we are," Lindsay grinned deviously. If Brian truly was a Price is Right contestant, she wasn't about to miss it.
"Definitely," Ben agreed.
"I'm not going to believe it until I see it," Michael declared, still having trouble comprehending that his best friend would do such a thing.
"Well, since it looks as if we're finished with dinner, why don't we gather in the living room, and you can all see for yourself just what an adventure these two little assholes had in L.A," Debbie commented, as Brian and Justin exchanged flustered glances.
***
"Christ, Brian, could you have been any more of an asshole?" Michael commented after they finished viewing the episode.
"I'm surprised Justin is still speaking to you," Lindsay giggled.
"So, Bri, are you going to have us over to enjoy your barrel sauna?" Ted asked with an evil smirk.
"Fuck off, Theodore."
"To answer your question, Ted, Brian ended up refusing all of the prizes in his showcase," Justin indicated.
"Wow," Ben remarked in surprise.
"Well, had you seen those hideously tacky prizes in person, I'm sure you would have rejected them also," Brian grumbled.
"Did you keep the cash at least?" Debbie questioned.
"Of course I kept the cash."
"Let me guess, you've already used it to order the entire Armani Spring Collection," Emmett surmised.
"Actually, he's using the money to take me to Ibiza," Justin announced happily.
"Ibiza?" Melanie shook her head at Brian. "I can't say that I'm surprised. Only you would take your boyfriend to a virtual fuck fest for a vacation."
"Did you ever stop to think that maybe I'd like to go there?" Justin inquired, already growing tired of the family's stinging barbs. While Ibiza hadn't been his idea, he was more than pleased with Brian's choice.
"Well, it's your vacation, honey," Lindsay smiled. "If that's where you'd like to go, it's the least Brian can do since you practically won the money for him in the first place."
"See, I'm not such a bad boyfriend after all," Brian smirked. "Now if you'll excuse us, Justin and I have an early day tomorrow and it's time we headed home."
"Since when do the two of you make it an early night?" Michael asked.
"Quite often actually," Justin replied. He knew full well that Brian was tiring of the family's usual rhetoric and would much rather be spending his time doing other more enjoyable things.
"See ya," Brian drawled, as he placed his hand on the small of Justin's back and proceeded to lead him out of Debbie's.
***
"I see our episode aired on Friday," Brian stated as they made their way back to the loft a few minutes later.
"Yep. Somehow I didn't think you'd be interested in re-living the experience."
"You know me too well, Sunshine."
"I did tape it, though. In case you're interested. Daphne got quite a laugh out of your antics."
"I'm sure she did," Brian grimaced.
"Do you think anyone at Kinnetik saw it?" Justin wondered.
"I doubt it," Brian shrugged.
"Well, I only hope for your sake they didn't," Justin laughed. He knew that if some of their employees had viewed the episode, Brian would be in for it.
Midnight
The Loft
Justin walked out of the bathroom after having enjoyed a steamy shower with Brian to hear the phone ringing.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Jus, it's Ben. Sorry to be calling so late; hope I'm not interrupting anything," the professor chuckled.
"No, not at all. What's up?"
"I was going to ask if you wanted to meet for lunch later this week. There's something I've been meaning to run by you, but with all the excitement surrounding your Price is Right episode, I didn't get a chance," the professor explained.
"Yeah, there was a bit of excitement, wasn't there? As for having lunch this week, I think it's a great idea. Does Thursday work for you?"
"Thursday should work," Ben agreed. "I'll see you then."
"See ya Thursday, Ben."
"It's awfully late for the professor to being calling," Brian observed, coming out of the bathroom.
"He wanted to know if I could meet him for lunch this week; he said there's something he wanted to talk to me about," Justin explained.
"It's probably his snooze of a bestseller."
"I doubt if it's about his book. I suppose I'll just have to wait and see," Justin shrugged before turning back the covers and getting into bed.
The Following Morning
10:30 a.m.
Kinnetik
Brian was making his way to the office when he ran into Nathan James.
"Hey, Brian," Nathan greeted.
"James," Brian coolly acknowledged.
"How's that barrel sauna of yours?"
"Excuse me?"
"You know that whiskey barrel thing you won on The Price is Right that's supposedly a sauna," Nathan elaborated.
"Oh, that," Brian gave the ad executive an icy stare "Don't you have work you should be doing, James?"
"Of course. I just thought I'd ask..." Brian stormed off before Nathan could even finish his sentence.
***
"Good morning, Brian," Cynthia cautiously greeted her boss as he approached her desk. "How was your meeting at Eyeconic Optics this morning?"
"Not bad."
"Good to hear. I've left your mail in your office and Julie dropped off some proofs for Brown Athletics."
"Thanks, Cyn," Brian turned to enter his office.
"Oh, and uh, Brian?"
"Yes?"
"You might want to keep a bit of a low profile today," Cynthia advised.
"And why is that?"
"Unfortunately there are a few Price is Right fans here at Kinnetik, and well, naturally word has gotten out about your, uh, how shall we say appearance on contestants' row."
"Lovely," Brian scowled.
"I believe one of the staff members even brought in a tape of Friday's episode."
"I see. Do you happen to know which of my loyal employees came up with this genius idea?"
"No, I'm afraid not."
"Well, Cynthia, you had best get to it. I wouldn't want that person to remain employed here any longer than necessary." While he knew he couldn't very well fire the asshole responsible for bringing in the tape, he knew a few little tidbits dropped into the grapevine by Cynthia would be enough to take care of the gossip surrounding his horrifying experience on the game show.
"Right," Cynthia smiled, knowing exactly what her boss was implying.
12:30 p.m.
Justin's Office
Justin was sitting in his office, having recently gotten off the phone with Sean Connolly when Brian entered.
"Hey, Bri, I was almost on my way to look for you," the blond remarked.
"What's up?"
"Sean called. He and Baz are in town for the summer and I thought we could have them over for dinner one night this week," Justin suggested.
"Dinner?" Brian grimaced. "Isn't that a tad bit domestic? Why don't we take them to Woody's or Babylon instead?" he countered.
"I thought after the way they welcomed me into their home in London, we could return the favor. Besides, they aren't that big into the club scene anymore."
"I see Connolly is still as boring as ever," Brian observed dryly.
"Brian, come on, having them over for a few hours isn't going to kill you. Besides, I was planning on making that grilled salmon you like."
"Alright," Brian reluctantly agreed. Sherbourne Hotels was one of Kinnetik's most lucrative accounts after all, and he supposed it wouldn't kill him to make nice with Sean and Baz for a few hours.
"Thanks, Bri," Justin broke out into his trademark smile.
"You're going to me owe for this one, Sunshine," Brian warned. "You're going to owe me big time."
"I'm sure you'll think of a way for me to repay you," Justin grinned before leaning in to hungrily caress his lover's lips.
Thursday, May 13th
Noon
Carnegie Mellon
"Thanks for bringing lunch," Ben said as he sat in his office with Justin. "I would have liked to have been able to meet you somewhere, but unfortunately I'm drowning in papers."
"Not a problem," Justin smiled.
"So, has Brian recovered from the indignity of everyone finding out about his Price is Right experience?"
"One would hope. Everyone at the office knows, but I think they're all too afraid to really harass him about it."
"Why am I not surprised," Ben laughed. "How are you doing?"
"Hanging in there, I guess. There hasn't been all that much improvement in terms of my art, but I've been pretty swamped with work recently. Brian is focusing all of his efforts toward the latest campaign for Brown Athletics, leaving me to pick up the slack so to speak. I'm not complaining, too much, though. After everything he's done for me, it's the least I can do for him."
"Have you managed to at least talk to him about your art?"
"No. I guess I really don't see much point in it."
"I still think you should talk to him," Ben offered.
"We'll see," Justin chose to remain noncommittal. "Anyway, I didn't come here for us to talk about me. I seem to recall you inviting me here for a specific reason."
"Ah, yes, the matter I wanted to discuss with you..." Ben hesitated. "Wow, I'm not really sure where one begins."
"How about the beginning?" Justin joked.
"Alright," Ben took a deep breath. "I asked you here today because I wanted to hear your thoughts about marriage."
"M-marriage?" Justin repeated in surprise.
"Marriage," Ben nodded.
"As in gay marriage?"
"That would be it."
"Uh, wow, I uh, I guess I never really thought about it to be honest. I mean, it's not like it's legal here, and besides it's not as if Brian and I would ever think of getting married."
"True, but it's legal in Toronto."
"Really? I thought that I heard about it being legalized there, but I guess I never realized that it was possible."
"I've looked into it quite a bit, and I can assure you that it is. So, getting back to my question, if marriage was legal, and it seemed fitting to your relationship, would you ever consider it?"
"Yeah, I guess," the blond shrugged. "Wait a minute, are you thinking of...."
"Yes," Ben blushed.
"Holy shit!" Justin exclaimed. "That is absolutely amazing!"
"I take it you approve?"
"Of course, I approve. You and Michael have a wonderful relationship and you deserve a chance at happiness."
"Thanks, Justin. Your approval means a great deal to me."
"I'm glad I could be of assistance. Now, I take it you have a plan when it comes to proposing to Michael?"
"I'm working on it."
"Good to hear. Have you thought about commitment rings at all? You know I have connections when it comes to Grazzini's," the artist reminded.
"I might take you up on it," the professor remarked. "However, until then, there is something you could help me with."
"Sure. What is it?"
"Since this is going to be something of a surprise for Michael, I wondered if you could keep today's conversation between us."
"If you're worried I'll tell Brian, I can assure that I won't. I'm not about to open that can of worms with Mr. Kinney," Justin laughed, knowing full well how his partner felt regarding the subject of marriage.
"Thanks."
"However, I do expect to be the first to know when it comes to your happy deed."
"Trust me, you will be," Ben promised, as Justin smiled back, genuinely pleased for his friend.
Meanwhile
The Gym
After finishing a strenuous workout, Brian decided to hit the steam room before heading back to the office. Like always, he was quickly able to find someone to amuse himself with, while he sat back and let steam among other things relax his tightened muscles.
Enjoying the feel of his trick's mouth caressing his hardened length, Brian barely even noticed another man enter the steam room. It wasn't until he heard a familiar French-Canadian accent that Brian looked up to see Bonbois dropping his towel before taking a seat on the bench next to him.
"I didn't realize you worked out here, Kinney," Bonbois remarked, as a trick immediately went to work on his cock. "I suppose it's not a bad gym," he continued, as Brian rolled his eyes. "Although, I prefer my own club."
"Then why aren't you there?"
"Unfortunately, it's closed this week due to some ridiculous renovation."
"Ah," Brian groaned in response to his trick's administrations.
"So, your Justin tells me he's an artist. I'll have to invite him over one evening. Tell me, Kinney, is he interested at all in nude studies?"
"No."
"You're a bit possessive, aren't you?" Bonbois observed.
"I don't do possessive. However, what I do mind is irritating Frenchmen who seem to..."
"Québécois, not French," Bonbois corrected, not giving Brian the chance to finish his sentence. "Oh and Kinney, he's not very good," Bonbois motioned to Brian's trick. "I had him yesterday," he remarked, before getting up and exiting the steam room, leaving his trick completely unsatisfied.
7:00 p.m.
The Loft
"Thank God, you're home," Justin breathed a sigh of relief as Brian entered the loft. "Sean and Baz are due to arrive at any minute." The blond had been secretly worried that his lover would fail to make an appearance.
"I suppose I had best get changed," Brian drawled before heading into the bedroom, bracing himself for the agonizingly boring evening that lay ahead of him.
***
"So, what's for dinner?" Brian questioned as he entered the kitchen wearing a black Hugo Boss Merino wool sweater and pinstriped pants.
"Grilled Atlantic salmon, as promised, twice baked potatoes, and asparagus, along with a fresh tossed salad. I also stopped at Presto and picked up a chocolate chiffon cake for dessert."
"I see I'll be spending a few extra hours at the gym this weekend. At least I won't have to worry about running into Bonbois again," Brian murmured.
"You ran into Bonbois at the gym?"
"The man seems to be popping up everywhere these days. If I didn't know better I'd think he's stalking me," Brian commented.
"I doubt he's stalking you," Justin laughed. "Although, considering how much you two have in common, it's hardly surprising that you keep bumping into one another."
"Excuse me?"
"Well, just take his loft for example. His décor is almost identical to yours. Then there's his high-end sports car, his amazingly toned physique, and his penchant for wearing almost identical clothes to the ones you own, and last but not least, his uh, how shall we say active sex life."
"And just how do you happen to know so much about Bonbois?" Brian demanded.
"My keen powers of observation."
"Very funny, Sunshine," Brian mocked. "While you might see these mere coincidences as being similarities, I can assure you that I have little or nothing in common with that French asshole."
"Don't you mean québécois asshole?" Justin corrected.
"Christ, what is it with you people?" Brian grumbled just as the buzzer to the loft rang.
"It's show time," Justin announced. "Now I expect you to put a smile on your face and be on your best behavior."
"Yes, dear," Brian muttered sarcastically before heading to the door to let in Sean and Baz.
***
"Justin, this salmon is delicious," Baz complimented over dinner.
"Thanks."
"So, when are the Clio Awards?" Baz questioned. "Sean was virtually ecstatic when he heard about your nomination."
"They're at the end of June. Although I doubt I'm going to win."
"You will," Baz assured. "Even if you don't, you'll still have a fabulous time. Aren't they in Chicago this year?"
"Yep. I believe they're at the Park Hyatt."
"Now, that's a hotel," Sean remarked, impressed by the choice of hotel.
"Have you thought about what you're going to wear?" Baz asked.
"One would assume that Brian being the label queen he is, will help Justin come up with something spectacular," Sean winked at Brian. "You must be so proud of him, Brian," he continued. "I know when Baz was up for one of the top interior design awards in the U.K. last fall, I was ecstatic."
"I'm sure you were," Brian offered quietly. He wasn't sure how much more of the happy couple he was willing to stomach.
"Speaking of the interior design, what do you think of the loft?" Justin asked Baz, eager to change the subject, as Brian's continued lack of enthusiasm for his nomination had not gone unnoticed.
"It's impressive," Baz responded.
"You'll have to give Brian all the credit for it. When it comes to the décor, I just live here," Justin laughed.
"I can tell," Baz noted. It was obvious even to the untrained eye that the loft was geared toward Brian's tastes.
"You should see our new neighbor's loft. It's almost identical to ours, except Jean Philippe seems to prefer a dark red and black color scheme."
"Jean Philippe sounds a bit hedonistic," Sean chuckled.
"He is," Justin confirmed. "Although I haven't a clue as to what he does for a living," the blond realized. "He seems to come and go as he pleases."
"Sounds like you have a bit of a mystery on your hands," Baz observed jokingly.
"That we do," Justin agreed.
***
"So, Justin, do you have any of your recent artistic masterpieces on hand?" Sean asked over coffee and dessert.
"Unfortunately, I don't," the blond sighed regrettably. "The majority of my recent work is in my studio at PIFA," the artist wasn't about to let on about his recent dry spell.
"What about all the sketchbooks lying around the loft?" Brian questioned, curious to hear how his partner would respond. Justin had yet to open up to him about his artwork.
"Those are just full of random doodling. Trust me, there's nothing of interest in them."
"Well, Sean and I will have to stop by your studio one afternoon before we head back to London," Baz decided. "If your artwork is anything like your advertising, I can only imagine how incredible it must be."
"Trust me, it is," Sean promised, as Justin smiled uneasily.
10:30 p.m.
The Loft
"Aren't Sean and Baz one of the most amazing couples you've ever seen?" Justin remarked as he finished cleaning up the kitchen not long after the pair had left.
"Try utterly boring instead," Brian sardonically laughed.
"Brian, how can you say that? Just look at how much they love each other, how in tune they are. One can't help but envy their relationship."
"Envy? What the fuck is there to envy? The endless monotony of monogamy?" Brian argued. "The boredom of being with the same person day in and day out? Hell, if you ask me, I consider it a fate worse than death."
"What about love?"
"Who needs love when you can have fucking," Brian aloofly replied as he failed to see the point his lover was trying to make.
"Well, maybe for them, mutual love and adoration is important. Just take Ben and Michael as an example."
"Ah yes, another boring couple."
"They're hardly boring. In fact, I admire them."
"Please, Mikey and professor? Give me a break, Sunshine, they're completely dull," Brian rolled his eyes at the thought of his best friend and Ben. "Why the fuck are we wasting our time talking about relationships anyway?"
"Perhaps because I think they're important."
"Well I don't," Brian stated. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to head to Woody's for a few drinks. I've had all I can take for the evening when it comes to relationships," he declared, leaving Justin to stare at him in disbelief.
Midnight
Woody's
As Brian sat at the bar, downing another shot of Beam, he couldn't help but cringe as he thought of the way Justin had been carrying on about relationships. He should have known better than to have allowed Connolly and his obnoxious partner over for dinner. The meal had been incredibly dull with its incessant chatter about their utterly pathetic relationship. To make matters worse, the couple had felt it necessary to drone on and on about Justin's recent rise to Clio "greatness."
It had taken almost all of Brian's willpower to contain his sarcasm, and play the polite host.
After the nauseating couple had finally left, after what had felt like an endless eternity, the last thing Brian had wanted to do was to listen to Justin proclaim the perfection of Connolly and Baz's relationship. He should have known the pair would fill the blond's head with silly notions pertaining to love and relationships. While he had hoped that Justin had moved beyond that phase by now, it was obvious a part of the artist's desire for what he couldn't have was still lurking in the background. However, there was no way in hell Brian was going to sell out and turn into some pathetic queer. He had comprised his principles enough when it came to Justin, and he wasn't about to compromise them further.
2:00 a.m.
The Loft
Lying awake in bed, Justin couldn't help but glance at Brian who was sleeping soundly next him. After arriving home from Woody's, Brian had barely said two words to him before stalking into the bedroom and promptly falling asleep.
While Justin knew he had probably pushed the envelope when it came to his comments about relationships, he hadn't been able to stop himself from forcing the issue. After listening to Ben confide his plans to marry Michael, and seeing first hand the loving relationship Sean and Baz had built, Justin couldn't help but envy both couples in some small way. He knew that Brian gave him the best he could, and that he had agreed to accept Brian for the way he was, but it sometimes wasn't enough to stop the blond from wishing for more.
Justin's Clio nomination was a prime of example of wishing for more. Hell, Sean and Baz were prouder of him than Brian was. When it came to the award, Brian had made it clear in more ways than one that he wasn't the least bit happy for him. Brian's lack of enthusiasm over dinner had been yet another opportunity for him to show how little he cared when it came to his nomination.
The more Justin stewed over Brian's behavior, the more he realized that perhaps it was time to confront his partner about it. As far as the blond was concerned, he deserved the support of his partner, and if Brian wasn't willing to give it, then he wanted to know it up front, instead of beating around the issue.
by Kim
Making it Through Another Summer
Chapter 12
[Pt 1/2]
Sunday, May 8th
6:00 p.m.
The Loft
"Are you planning on wearing that to Debbie's tonight or do I need to dress you myself?" Brian chuckled as he eyed Justin sitting in front of the television wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a pair of track pants that had seen better days.
"I think I'm going to pass on Deb's tonight, but you go on ahead," Justin answered.
"I seem to recall her summons involved both of us attending," Brian reminded.
"I know, but I'm not in the mood for a family dinner tonight."
"Since when are you not in the mood to stuff your face with Deb's pasta and Vic's pastries?"
"I don't know, I just don't..."
"Look, if this is about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern forget them. They're not worth your energy. Besides, tolerating their presence for a few hours is a hell of a lot less painful than dealing with Debbie's wrath," Brian pointed out. He could understand why Justin was reluctant to spend time with Ted and Emmett, but also knew that it was impossible to avoid them.
"You're right," the blond conceded, as he turned off the television.
"I'm always right," Brian grinned smugly. "Now get your ass off the floor and get into the bedroom and change into one of your stunningly atrocious student ensembles," he instructed.
***
An hour later, Brian and Justin were seated in Debbie's kitchen with the other family members. Fortunately, by the time they had arrived, the only two seats remaining were the ones furthest away from Ted and Emmett.
"So, Sunshine have you been up to anything exciting recently?" Debbie inquired as Brian merely pushed the pasta around on his plate. He drew the limit at consuming such a vast portion of carbs after seven.
"Uh, no, not really," Justin gave Debbie a puzzled stare. It seemed strange that she had singled him out amongst the other family members.
"How about you Brian?"
"Just the usual, Deb."
"That's too bad. I could have sworn Vic and I saw you on television Friday afternoon."
"Television?" Michael turned to give his best friend a perplexed look. "What are you talking about, Ma?"
"Amazingly enough, as Vic and I were watching our favorite game show on Friday..."
"Shit," Justin murmured to himself. He had a feeling what was coming next.
"Game show?" Melanie repeated in surprise. "While I can see Justin being on a game show, there's no way in hell Brian would degrade himself in such a manner."
"That's right Melanie," Brian confirmed. "Now how about we change the subject," he suggested. He should have known that Debbie of all people would watch The Price is Right.
"Just out of curiosity, what game show was it?" Ted inquired curiously.
"Well if it was Ma and Vic's favorite game show, it would have to be The Price is Right," Michael revealed. "However, there's no way in hell Brian would be on a show like that."
"You got it, Mikey."
"That's odd, Brian. I could have sworn that one of the contestants looked just like you. Wouldn't you agree, Vic?"
"Absolutely, Sis. The resemblance was remarkable."
"Wait a minute!" Emmett exclaimed. "Justin went to L.A. for his spring break!"
"That's right, he did," Debbie recalled. "However, he seemed to have neglected to add that Mr. Kinney went with him."
"Just because we went to L.A. for a few days by no means gives credibility to Debbie's mistaken belief that Brian and I were on The Price is Right," Justin attempted to cover their tracks.
"I suppose we'll just have to let the family be the judge of that. Fortunately, Vic and I were able to get the episode on tape."
"Fuck," Justin whispered.
"Look, Deb, I really don't think anyone is interested in watching a silly breeder game show," Brian objected.
"Oh, but we are," Lindsay grinned deviously. If Brian truly was a Price is Right contestant, she wasn't about to miss it.
"Definitely," Ben agreed.
"I'm not going to believe it until I see it," Michael declared, still having trouble comprehending that his best friend would do such a thing.
"Well, since it looks as if we're finished with dinner, why don't we gather in the living room, and you can all see for yourself just what an adventure these two little assholes had in L.A," Debbie commented, as Brian and Justin exchanged flustered glances.
***
"Christ, Brian, could you have been any more of an asshole?" Michael commented after they finished viewing the episode.
"I'm surprised Justin is still speaking to you," Lindsay giggled.
"So, Bri, are you going to have us over to enjoy your barrel sauna?" Ted asked with an evil smirk.
"Fuck off, Theodore."
"To answer your question, Ted, Brian ended up refusing all of the prizes in his showcase," Justin indicated.
"Wow," Ben remarked in surprise.
"Well, had you seen those hideously tacky prizes in person, I'm sure you would have rejected them also," Brian grumbled.
"Did you keep the cash at least?" Debbie questioned.
"Of course I kept the cash."
"Let me guess, you've already used it to order the entire Armani Spring Collection," Emmett surmised.
"Actually, he's using the money to take me to Ibiza," Justin announced happily.
"Ibiza?" Melanie shook her head at Brian. "I can't say that I'm surprised. Only you would take your boyfriend to a virtual fuck fest for a vacation."
"Did you ever stop to think that maybe I'd like to go there?" Justin inquired, already growing tired of the family's stinging barbs. While Ibiza hadn't been his idea, he was more than pleased with Brian's choice.
"Well, it's your vacation, honey," Lindsay smiled. "If that's where you'd like to go, it's the least Brian can do since you practically won the money for him in the first place."
"See, I'm not such a bad boyfriend after all," Brian smirked. "Now if you'll excuse us, Justin and I have an early day tomorrow and it's time we headed home."
"Since when do the two of you make it an early night?" Michael asked.
"Quite often actually," Justin replied. He knew full well that Brian was tiring of the family's usual rhetoric and would much rather be spending his time doing other more enjoyable things.
"See ya," Brian drawled, as he placed his hand on the small of Justin's back and proceeded to lead him out of Debbie's.
***
"I see our episode aired on Friday," Brian stated as they made their way back to the loft a few minutes later.
"Yep. Somehow I didn't think you'd be interested in re-living the experience."
"You know me too well, Sunshine."
"I did tape it, though. In case you're interested. Daphne got quite a laugh out of your antics."
"I'm sure she did," Brian grimaced.
"Do you think anyone at Kinnetik saw it?" Justin wondered.
"I doubt it," Brian shrugged.
"Well, I only hope for your sake they didn't," Justin laughed. He knew that if some of their employees had viewed the episode, Brian would be in for it.
Midnight
The Loft
Justin walked out of the bathroom after having enjoyed a steamy shower with Brian to hear the phone ringing.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Jus, it's Ben. Sorry to be calling so late; hope I'm not interrupting anything," the professor chuckled.
"No, not at all. What's up?"
"I was going to ask if you wanted to meet for lunch later this week. There's something I've been meaning to run by you, but with all the excitement surrounding your Price is Right episode, I didn't get a chance," the professor explained.
"Yeah, there was a bit of excitement, wasn't there? As for having lunch this week, I think it's a great idea. Does Thursday work for you?"
"Thursday should work," Ben agreed. "I'll see you then."
"See ya Thursday, Ben."
"It's awfully late for the professor to being calling," Brian observed, coming out of the bathroom.
"He wanted to know if I could meet him for lunch this week; he said there's something he wanted to talk to me about," Justin explained.
"It's probably his snooze of a bestseller."
"I doubt if it's about his book. I suppose I'll just have to wait and see," Justin shrugged before turning back the covers and getting into bed.
The Following Morning
10:30 a.m.
Kinnetik
Brian was making his way to the office when he ran into Nathan James.
"Hey, Brian," Nathan greeted.
"James," Brian coolly acknowledged.
"How's that barrel sauna of yours?"
"Excuse me?"
"You know that whiskey barrel thing you won on The Price is Right that's supposedly a sauna," Nathan elaborated.
"Oh, that," Brian gave the ad executive an icy stare "Don't you have work you should be doing, James?"
"Of course. I just thought I'd ask..." Brian stormed off before Nathan could even finish his sentence.
***
"Good morning, Brian," Cynthia cautiously greeted her boss as he approached her desk. "How was your meeting at Eyeconic Optics this morning?"
"Not bad."
"Good to hear. I've left your mail in your office and Julie dropped off some proofs for Brown Athletics."
"Thanks, Cyn," Brian turned to enter his office.
"Oh, and uh, Brian?"
"Yes?"
"You might want to keep a bit of a low profile today," Cynthia advised.
"And why is that?"
"Unfortunately there are a few Price is Right fans here at Kinnetik, and well, naturally word has gotten out about your, uh, how shall we say appearance on contestants' row."
"Lovely," Brian scowled.
"I believe one of the staff members even brought in a tape of Friday's episode."
"I see. Do you happen to know which of my loyal employees came up with this genius idea?"
"No, I'm afraid not."
"Well, Cynthia, you had best get to it. I wouldn't want that person to remain employed here any longer than necessary." While he knew he couldn't very well fire the asshole responsible for bringing in the tape, he knew a few little tidbits dropped into the grapevine by Cynthia would be enough to take care of the gossip surrounding his horrifying experience on the game show.
"Right," Cynthia smiled, knowing exactly what her boss was implying.
12:30 p.m.
Justin's Office
Justin was sitting in his office, having recently gotten off the phone with Sean Connolly when Brian entered.
"Hey, Bri, I was almost on my way to look for you," the blond remarked.
"What's up?"
"Sean called. He and Baz are in town for the summer and I thought we could have them over for dinner one night this week," Justin suggested.
"Dinner?" Brian grimaced. "Isn't that a tad bit domestic? Why don't we take them to Woody's or Babylon instead?" he countered.
"I thought after the way they welcomed me into their home in London, we could return the favor. Besides, they aren't that big into the club scene anymore."
"I see Connolly is still as boring as ever," Brian observed dryly.
"Brian, come on, having them over for a few hours isn't going to kill you. Besides, I was planning on making that grilled salmon you like."
"Alright," Brian reluctantly agreed. Sherbourne Hotels was one of Kinnetik's most lucrative accounts after all, and he supposed it wouldn't kill him to make nice with Sean and Baz for a few hours.
"Thanks, Bri," Justin broke out into his trademark smile.
"You're going to me owe for this one, Sunshine," Brian warned. "You're going to owe me big time."
"I'm sure you'll think of a way for me to repay you," Justin grinned before leaning in to hungrily caress his lover's lips.
Thursday, May 13th
Noon
Carnegie Mellon
"Thanks for bringing lunch," Ben said as he sat in his office with Justin. "I would have liked to have been able to meet you somewhere, but unfortunately I'm drowning in papers."
"Not a problem," Justin smiled.
"So, has Brian recovered from the indignity of everyone finding out about his Price is Right experience?"
"One would hope. Everyone at the office knows, but I think they're all too afraid to really harass him about it."
"Why am I not surprised," Ben laughed. "How are you doing?"
"Hanging in there, I guess. There hasn't been all that much improvement in terms of my art, but I've been pretty swamped with work recently. Brian is focusing all of his efforts toward the latest campaign for Brown Athletics, leaving me to pick up the slack so to speak. I'm not complaining, too much, though. After everything he's done for me, it's the least I can do for him."
"Have you managed to at least talk to him about your art?"
"No. I guess I really don't see much point in it."
"I still think you should talk to him," Ben offered.
"We'll see," Justin chose to remain noncommittal. "Anyway, I didn't come here for us to talk about me. I seem to recall you inviting me here for a specific reason."
"Ah, yes, the matter I wanted to discuss with you..." Ben hesitated. "Wow, I'm not really sure where one begins."
"How about the beginning?" Justin joked.
"Alright," Ben took a deep breath. "I asked you here today because I wanted to hear your thoughts about marriage."
"M-marriage?" Justin repeated in surprise.
"Marriage," Ben nodded.
"As in gay marriage?"
"That would be it."
"Uh, wow, I uh, I guess I never really thought about it to be honest. I mean, it's not like it's legal here, and besides it's not as if Brian and I would ever think of getting married."
"True, but it's legal in Toronto."
"Really? I thought that I heard about it being legalized there, but I guess I never realized that it was possible."
"I've looked into it quite a bit, and I can assure you that it is. So, getting back to my question, if marriage was legal, and it seemed fitting to your relationship, would you ever consider it?"
"Yeah, I guess," the blond shrugged. "Wait a minute, are you thinking of...."
"Yes," Ben blushed.
"Holy shit!" Justin exclaimed. "That is absolutely amazing!"
"I take it you approve?"
"Of course, I approve. You and Michael have a wonderful relationship and you deserve a chance at happiness."
"Thanks, Justin. Your approval means a great deal to me."
"I'm glad I could be of assistance. Now, I take it you have a plan when it comes to proposing to Michael?"
"I'm working on it."
"Good to hear. Have you thought about commitment rings at all? You know I have connections when it comes to Grazzini's," the artist reminded.
"I might take you up on it," the professor remarked. "However, until then, there is something you could help me with."
"Sure. What is it?"
"Since this is going to be something of a surprise for Michael, I wondered if you could keep today's conversation between us."
"If you're worried I'll tell Brian, I can assure that I won't. I'm not about to open that can of worms with Mr. Kinney," Justin laughed, knowing full well how his partner felt regarding the subject of marriage.
"Thanks."
"However, I do expect to be the first to know when it comes to your happy deed."
"Trust me, you will be," Ben promised, as Justin smiled back, genuinely pleased for his friend.
Meanwhile
The Gym
After finishing a strenuous workout, Brian decided to hit the steam room before heading back to the office. Like always, he was quickly able to find someone to amuse himself with, while he sat back and let steam among other things relax his tightened muscles.
Enjoying the feel of his trick's mouth caressing his hardened length, Brian barely even noticed another man enter the steam room. It wasn't until he heard a familiar French-Canadian accent that Brian looked up to see Bonbois dropping his towel before taking a seat on the bench next to him.
"I didn't realize you worked out here, Kinney," Bonbois remarked, as a trick immediately went to work on his cock. "I suppose it's not a bad gym," he continued, as Brian rolled his eyes. "Although, I prefer my own club."
"Then why aren't you there?"
"Unfortunately, it's closed this week due to some ridiculous renovation."
"Ah," Brian groaned in response to his trick's administrations.
"So, your Justin tells me he's an artist. I'll have to invite him over one evening. Tell me, Kinney, is he interested at all in nude studies?"
"No."
"You're a bit possessive, aren't you?" Bonbois observed.
"I don't do possessive. However, what I do mind is irritating Frenchmen who seem to..."
"Québécois, not French," Bonbois corrected, not giving Brian the chance to finish his sentence. "Oh and Kinney, he's not very good," Bonbois motioned to Brian's trick. "I had him yesterday," he remarked, before getting up and exiting the steam room, leaving his trick completely unsatisfied.
7:00 p.m.
The Loft
"Thank God, you're home," Justin breathed a sigh of relief as Brian entered the loft. "Sean and Baz are due to arrive at any minute." The blond had been secretly worried that his lover would fail to make an appearance.
"I suppose I had best get changed," Brian drawled before heading into the bedroom, bracing himself for the agonizingly boring evening that lay ahead of him.
***
"So, what's for dinner?" Brian questioned as he entered the kitchen wearing a black Hugo Boss Merino wool sweater and pinstriped pants.
"Grilled Atlantic salmon, as promised, twice baked potatoes, and asparagus, along with a fresh tossed salad. I also stopped at Presto and picked up a chocolate chiffon cake for dessert."
"I see I'll be spending a few extra hours at the gym this weekend. At least I won't have to worry about running into Bonbois again," Brian murmured.
"You ran into Bonbois at the gym?"
"The man seems to be popping up everywhere these days. If I didn't know better I'd think he's stalking me," Brian commented.
"I doubt he's stalking you," Justin laughed. "Although, considering how much you two have in common, it's hardly surprising that you keep bumping into one another."
"Excuse me?"
"Well, just take his loft for example. His décor is almost identical to yours. Then there's his high-end sports car, his amazingly toned physique, and his penchant for wearing almost identical clothes to the ones you own, and last but not least, his uh, how shall we say active sex life."
"And just how do you happen to know so much about Bonbois?" Brian demanded.
"My keen powers of observation."
"Very funny, Sunshine," Brian mocked. "While you might see these mere coincidences as being similarities, I can assure you that I have little or nothing in common with that French asshole."
"Don't you mean québécois asshole?" Justin corrected.
"Christ, what is it with you people?" Brian grumbled just as the buzzer to the loft rang.
"It's show time," Justin announced. "Now I expect you to put a smile on your face and be on your best behavior."
"Yes, dear," Brian muttered sarcastically before heading to the door to let in Sean and Baz.
***
"Justin, this salmon is delicious," Baz complimented over dinner.
"Thanks."
"So, when are the Clio Awards?" Baz questioned. "Sean was virtually ecstatic when he heard about your nomination."
"They're at the end of June. Although I doubt I'm going to win."
"You will," Baz assured. "Even if you don't, you'll still have a fabulous time. Aren't they in Chicago this year?"
"Yep. I believe they're at the Park Hyatt."
"Now, that's a hotel," Sean remarked, impressed by the choice of hotel.
"Have you thought about what you're going to wear?" Baz asked.
"One would assume that Brian being the label queen he is, will help Justin come up with something spectacular," Sean winked at Brian. "You must be so proud of him, Brian," he continued. "I know when Baz was up for one of the top interior design awards in the U.K. last fall, I was ecstatic."
"I'm sure you were," Brian offered quietly. He wasn't sure how much more of the happy couple he was willing to stomach.
"Speaking of the interior design, what do you think of the loft?" Justin asked Baz, eager to change the subject, as Brian's continued lack of enthusiasm for his nomination had not gone unnoticed.
"It's impressive," Baz responded.
"You'll have to give Brian all the credit for it. When it comes to the décor, I just live here," Justin laughed.
"I can tell," Baz noted. It was obvious even to the untrained eye that the loft was geared toward Brian's tastes.
"You should see our new neighbor's loft. It's almost identical to ours, except Jean Philippe seems to prefer a dark red and black color scheme."
"Jean Philippe sounds a bit hedonistic," Sean chuckled.
"He is," Justin confirmed. "Although I haven't a clue as to what he does for a living," the blond realized. "He seems to come and go as he pleases."
"Sounds like you have a bit of a mystery on your hands," Baz observed jokingly.
"That we do," Justin agreed.
***
"So, Justin, do you have any of your recent artistic masterpieces on hand?" Sean asked over coffee and dessert.
"Unfortunately, I don't," the blond sighed regrettably. "The majority of my recent work is in my studio at PIFA," the artist wasn't about to let on about his recent dry spell.
"What about all the sketchbooks lying around the loft?" Brian questioned, curious to hear how his partner would respond. Justin had yet to open up to him about his artwork.
"Those are just full of random doodling. Trust me, there's nothing of interest in them."
"Well, Sean and I will have to stop by your studio one afternoon before we head back to London," Baz decided. "If your artwork is anything like your advertising, I can only imagine how incredible it must be."
"Trust me, it is," Sean promised, as Justin smiled uneasily.
10:30 p.m.
The Loft
"Aren't Sean and Baz one of the most amazing couples you've ever seen?" Justin remarked as he finished cleaning up the kitchen not long after the pair had left.
"Try utterly boring instead," Brian sardonically laughed.
"Brian, how can you say that? Just look at how much they love each other, how in tune they are. One can't help but envy their relationship."
"Envy? What the fuck is there to envy? The endless monotony of monogamy?" Brian argued. "The boredom of being with the same person day in and day out? Hell, if you ask me, I consider it a fate worse than death."
"What about love?"
"Who needs love when you can have fucking," Brian aloofly replied as he failed to see the point his lover was trying to make.
"Well, maybe for them, mutual love and adoration is important. Just take Ben and Michael as an example."
"Ah yes, another boring couple."
"They're hardly boring. In fact, I admire them."
"Please, Mikey and professor? Give me a break, Sunshine, they're completely dull," Brian rolled his eyes at the thought of his best friend and Ben. "Why the fuck are we wasting our time talking about relationships anyway?"
"Perhaps because I think they're important."
"Well I don't," Brian stated. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to head to Woody's for a few drinks. I've had all I can take for the evening when it comes to relationships," he declared, leaving Justin to stare at him in disbelief.
Midnight
Woody's
As Brian sat at the bar, downing another shot of Beam, he couldn't help but cringe as he thought of the way Justin had been carrying on about relationships. He should have known better than to have allowed Connolly and his obnoxious partner over for dinner. The meal had been incredibly dull with its incessant chatter about their utterly pathetic relationship. To make matters worse, the couple had felt it necessary to drone on and on about Justin's recent rise to Clio "greatness."
It had taken almost all of Brian's willpower to contain his sarcasm, and play the polite host.
After the nauseating couple had finally left, after what had felt like an endless eternity, the last thing Brian had wanted to do was to listen to Justin proclaim the perfection of Connolly and Baz's relationship. He should have known the pair would fill the blond's head with silly notions pertaining to love and relationships. While he had hoped that Justin had moved beyond that phase by now, it was obvious a part of the artist's desire for what he couldn't have was still lurking in the background. However, there was no way in hell Brian was going to sell out and turn into some pathetic queer. He had comprised his principles enough when it came to Justin, and he wasn't about to compromise them further.
2:00 a.m.
The Loft
Lying awake in bed, Justin couldn't help but glance at Brian who was sleeping soundly next him. After arriving home from Woody's, Brian had barely said two words to him before stalking into the bedroom and promptly falling asleep.
While Justin knew he had probably pushed the envelope when it came to his comments about relationships, he hadn't been able to stop himself from forcing the issue. After listening to Ben confide his plans to marry Michael, and seeing first hand the loving relationship Sean and Baz had built, Justin couldn't help but envy both couples in some small way. He knew that Brian gave him the best he could, and that he had agreed to accept Brian for the way he was, but it sometimes wasn't enough to stop the blond from wishing for more.
Justin's Clio nomination was a prime of example of wishing for more. Hell, Sean and Baz were prouder of him than Brian was. When it came to the award, Brian had made it clear in more ways than one that he wasn't the least bit happy for him. Brian's lack of enthusiasm over dinner had been yet another opportunity for him to show how little he cared when it came to his nomination.
The more Justin stewed over Brian's behavior, the more he realized that perhaps it was time to confront his partner about it. As far as the blond was concerned, he deserved the support of his partner, and if Brian wasn't willing to give it, then he wanted to know it up front, instead of beating around the issue.