Making it Through Another Summer: Chapter 17
Making it Through the Summer & Making it Through Another Summer
by Kim
Making it Through Another Summer
Chapter 17
Sunday, July 4th
1:30 p.m.
The Loft
"Hey," Justin smiled at Brian as he entered the loft carrying a grocery bag filled with fresh fruit.
"Hey," Brian looked up from his newspaper. "Find what you were looking for?"
"Yep," the blond nodded in confirmation. "It should be perfect for this afternoon," he added, referring to Debbie and Vic's Fourth of July barbecue. "You're planning on attending, aren't you?"
"You know holiday barbecues are hardly my scene. Besides, the calorie content of Vic's apple pie alone is enough to keep me on the treadmill for weeks."
"Somehow I doubt you'll be partaking in it," Justin laughed.
"You know me too well, Sunshine."
"Well enough to know that twisting your arm and forcing you to attend would be a futile effort on my part?"
"You got it."
"But don't you think you should..." the artist began to protest as he watched his lover stand up from the sofa and saunter his way towards him.
"What?" Brian smirked. "Do this?" he purred before reaching in and capturing Justin's lips in a burning kiss, making it clear that he had other more pressing matters on his mind.
***
"Don't tell me you're still going to Deb's," Brian groaned as he watched Justin roll out of bed and search for his clothes.
"I promised I would. It's still not too late to change your mind."
"Nice try," Brian smirked.
"It was worth a shot," the blond shrugged. "What should I tell the others about your absence?"
"That something came up," Brian offered nonchalantly as he reached for his cock and absently began stroking it, confident that he could change Justin's mind when it came to his afternoon plans.
5:00 p.m.
Debbie and Vic's Backyard
After yet another heated fuck with Brian, followed by a steamy shower, Justin finally made his way into Debbie and Vic's backyard.
"Sunshine!" Debbie smiled excitedly at her favorite blond. "I was beginning to wonder if you were going to make it."
"As you can see I'm here," Justin smiled.
"And your worse half?" Vic posed.
"Something came up," the blond offered sheepishly as the others rolled their eyes.
***
Minutes later, Justin found himself sitting next to Gus and listening to him talk animatedly about the summer camp he was attending at his Montessori school. As he stared down at the boy, Justin couldn't help but feel frustrated with Brian for yet again forsaking another opportunity to spend time with his son. The blond had secretly hoped that after their return from Chicago, Brian would make more of an effort where Gus was concerned. However, this had yet to happen, and once again Justin found himself taking over Brian's role.
"How are you holding up, honey?" Lindsay asked as she came to sit beside Justin and Gus.
"Fine."
"Are you sure?" Lindsay had difficulty believing her friend, especially after everything Brian had done. "I know it must be difficult having Brian back after his..."
"Look, Lindsay, I appreciate your concern, but as far as Brian's concerned, his trip to Ibiza is water under the bridge."
"Water under the bridge?" Melanie repeated in disbelief as she found herself joining the conversation. "After the way that bastard treated you, you honestly think its water under the bridge?"
"Do we really need to discuss this?" Justin sighed. While he knew Lindsay and Melanie had trouble accepting his opinions, they were the last two he felt like sharing the current status of his relationship with. As far as he was concerned, they didn't need to know that while he still had issues with Brian, he was working to resolve them.
"Michael!" Suddenly everyone's attention was diverted towards Debbie as she anxiously greeted her son and his partner. "I didn't think you were coming home until tomorrow, sweetheart."
"We thought we would surprise you, Ma," Michael revealed.
"Well, you certainly did that," Debbie grinned, pinching her son affectionately on the cheek.
"We also have some news we'd like to share with everyone," Ben announced.
"News?" Vic's ears piqued with interest. "Now this ought to be interesting."
***
"Before we left for Bermuda," Ben began once the family had seated themselves together, "I had the great honor and privilege of asking Michael to marry me."
"M-marry?" Debbie parroted with complete surprise.
"That's right, Ma. Ben asked me to marry him," Michael confirmed happily.
"Oh my goodness!" Debbie exclaimed. "I don't think I can believe what I'm hearing."
"Believe it," Ben grinned. "Luckily for my sake, Michael accepted, and instead of flying directly to Bermuda, we stopped in Toronto so that we could be legally married. From there we embarked to Bermuda for our honeymoon."
"Married! My baby's married!" Debbie smiled with joy.
"This is so romantic," Emmett smiled dreamily, as Ted wiped a tear from his eye.
"Who would ever imagine it?" Vic shook his head with pride.
"Congratulations guys," Justin came over and gave his two friends a hug. He was thrilled at the announcement of their marriage.
"What a wonderful surprise," Lindsay added. "It's just a shame that we couldn't all be there to share in it with you."
"You can say that again," Debbie agreed as the shock of her son's announcement began to wear off, and reality set in.
"I know!" Emmett exclaimed. "We'll throw them another wedding here."
"That's a brilliant idea," Melanie agreed. "I second it."
"You'd make me the happiest mother alive," Debbie proclaimed.
"Well, in that case, I suppose we'll just have to do it all over again," Michael grinned at Ben. They both knew that when it came to the family there would be no backing out of a second wedding.
9:30 p.m.
Woody's
After spending the early hours of the evening catching up on work at the office, Brian decided to stop at Woody's for a quick game of pool. As he focused on lining up his current shot, he was surprised to see Michael standing in front of him.
"Mikey, what a surprise," Brian drawled after he sank his shot. "I was beginning to think that you and the professor got lost in the triangle."
"Very funny," Michael rolled his eyes. "I called the loft a little while ago, and Justin told me that I might find you here."
"Lucky for you," Brian smirked. "Why don't you grab a cue and join me?" he invited.
"Maybe some other time. Listen, can we talk for a minute?" Michael requested.
"Sure, why not?" Brian agreed. "I'll even let you buy me a drink," he laughed as he set down his cue and followed his best friend to a table beside the bar.
***
"So, what's up?" Brian questioned as Michael set two shots of Beam down in front of them.
"There's something I, uh," Michael began uncomfortably.
"You, uh, what?"
"I uh..." Michael began playing uneasily with the ring on his left ring finger.
"Mikey," Brian's eyes widened in disbelief as he suddenly observed the ring on his best friend's hand. "Tell me that isn't what I think it is."
"It is what you think it is,"' Michael admitted uncomfortably. "Before Ben and I left for Bermuda we flew to Toronto. It was legal for us to be married there."
"But I thought you still loved me best," Brian protested in mock indignation. "Besides the fact that it's the most pathetic idea I've ever heard."
"Maybe Ben and I don't consider it to be pathetic at all."
"Obviously," Brian rolled his eyes. "So, tell me, Mikey, did the professor at least do something useful while he was down on his knees?"
"Do you have to be so crass, Brian? You know it just so happens that a lot of gay men want to be married."
"I hate to break it to you Mikey, but I certainly haven't seen any. Since when did you have the least interest in getting married anyway?"
"I didn't," Michael acknowledged. "But not because I didn't want to, but because I never thought I could. It wasn't a story I told myself like straight kids did. I never imagined that some day I would meet this special person and that we'd fall in love and have a big wedding," he confessed. "It was never real for me, but then all this stuff started happening in Massachusetts and California and now here..."
"And all of a sudden a whole wide world of wonderful opportunities opened up for us?" Brian interrupted with sarcasm. "Bells and rice and registering at Pottery Barn?" he shook his head, purely mortified by the idea. "Not to mention an acrimonious divorce, an ugly settlement, and having your kid hate you."
"Brian," Michael began to whine in protest.
"Mikey, listen to me. Are you listening?"
"I'm listening," Michael sighed, having a sinking feeling as to what his best friend was going to say next.
"We're queers, Mikey. We don't need marriage, and we certainly don't need the sanction of dickless politicians and piteous priests. We fuck who we want to, when we want to. That's our God given right," Brian declared.
"But isn't it also our God given right to have everything that straight people have?" Michael objected. "Aren't we every bit as human as they are?"
"Christ, Mikey, tell me we're not really having this conversation?" Brian annoyingly raked his hand through his hair.
"Why can't you accept that this is what I want?" Michael asked. "Why can't you accept that this is the happy ending I never thought I could have, and now I'm finally being given the opportunity to write it?"
"Then write it, but don't look to me for approval. You know where I stand, Mikey."
"And what if Justin wanted the chance to rewrite his own ending?"
"Justin would never be that foolish," Brian laughed. "He also knows that we'll never be seen walking down the aisle in matching Vera Wangs."
"I take it that asking if you would like to be my best man in the ceremony the family is planning is out of the question?"
"I think I'm the last person you and the professor want by your sides," Brian grimaced. "Now why don't you do yourself a favor and go home to your husband. I'm sure he's waiting for you," he said as he stood up to leave, eager to distance himself from his friend's latest bout of insanity.
The Following Morning
7:30 a.m.
"You're up," Justin observed, as he exited the bathroom to see Brian standing in the kitchen. "I would have thought after the late night you had that you would have wanted to sleep longer."
"Clearly you thought wrong," Brian murmured. Just because he hadn't returned to the loft until the early hours of the morning didn't give the blond the right to automatically assume that he'd be too tired for the office.
"I take it Michael shared his news with you last night?"
"Yep," Brian confirmed grimly.
"He and Ben seemed just like newlyweds at the barbecue yesterday, and Emmett's already put himself in charge of planning the wedding of the year."
"If you ask me, the whole thing is entirely pathetic," Brian remarked.
"Let me guess," Justin sighed. "You told Michael that as well?"
"I more than told him that. Although after listening to his nonsense, one would be hard pressed to believe he was queer."
"I see."
"The stupid fuck also had it in his head that I would agree to being his best man for the sham wedding the others are planning."
"Brian, I know how you feel when it comes to the subject of marriage, but don't you think you're being a bit harsh? Michael is, after all, your best friend, and while you personally don't believe in marriage, would it really be such a hardship to offer him your support?"
"Christ, don't tell me they've managed to brainwash you also?" Brian shook his head. "Didn't I teach you better than to buy into their bullshit?"
"It's not about buying into their bullshit, Brian," Justin argued. "It's about being there for your family. If Michael and Ben want to take their relationship to the next level and marry, who am I to judge them? If it makes them happy, why shouldn't I support them?"
"Because we're queer, and queers believe in fucking, not love, and certainly not marriage," Brian scoffed.
"Well, this queer believes in love, and like it or not, he's going to be there for his friends regardless of what his partner or anyone else thinks. So, you had better get used to it, because like or not, I'm attending their wedding and I've also agreed to be Ben's best man," Justin declared, as he gathered his things and headed out of the loft, extremely disappointed with his partner's attitude.
10:30 a.m.
Brian's Office
Kinnetik
In an attempt to take his mind off Michael's unbelievable foolishness and Justin's surprising reaction to it, Brian focused his attention on the Wall Street Journal article laying in front of him. The article was about Remsom Pharmaceuticals, a Los Angeles-based company that had been recently granted approval from the Food and Drug Administration for its newest HIV wonder drug, Endovir. Brian had first read about the company when he had been in L.A. with Justin, and had been surprised to learn that the owner had originated from Pittsburgh.
With his Grazzini campaign still over a month away, Brian knew he had ample time if he wanted to take on the challenge of pitching Remsom. He also knew that with the release of its breakthrough drug, the company was ripe for the picking. The question became, was he willing to take the risk?
The more Brian considered the drug company, the more attractive it seemed. Landing a high profile account like Remsom would definitely generate attention. It would also provide Brian the opportunity to prove that he was still at the top of his game in addition to proving that no matter how talented and successful Justin thought he was with his Clio, he still had a long way to go if he ever hoped to accomplish one-tenth of what he had done.
Convinced Remsom was the perfect solution to his problems, Brian decided it was time he moved forward when it came to the pharmaceutical giant.
***
"Remsom Pharmaceuticals?" Cynthia remarked, as she sat taking notes in Brian's office.
"I take it you're impressed?"
"Definitely. Just imagine what landing an account like that would do for Kinnetik's name."
"I can more than imagine what it would do. That's why it's imperative we move forward with this as quickly as possible."
"Absolutely," Cynthia agreed. "Do you have a team already in mind?"
"I have some definite ideas."
"One would assume you'll be involving Justin?" Cynthia asked.
"Actually, I thought it might be better to let him focus on some of our other accounts," Brian indicated.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Cyn, how long have you worked with me now?"
"At least five years."
"And when have I been known to be wrong when it comes to my instincts?"
"Rarely," his assistant admitted.
"Try never," Brian corrected arrogantly. "You should trust me when I say that I know what I'm doing."
"We'll see, boss. We'll see," Cynthia frowned. She had a feeling Brian was making a huge mistake when it came to excluding his partner from the Remsom proposal.
Tuesday, July 6th
Noon
Presto
"I can't believe you're taking my mom to Bali for two and a half weeks," Justin commented, as he sat with Royce in the popular restaurant.
"I take it you approve?" Royce grinned.
"Absolutely. Mom could use some fun in the sun."
"You could use some fun in the sun yourself. Jennifer mentioned that your trip to Spain ended up being canceled due to some problems at the office."
"Yeah," Justin frowned uncomfortably, not about to share the real reason behind his failed trip. "I'm hoping to take a few weeks off in September before school starts."
"That sounds like a good idea. Europe is far less crowded then anyway," Royce remarked, as he sensed there was more to Justin's failed trip than he was willing to admit.
***
As their lunch neared its conclusion, Justin couldn't help but notice Royce shift uncomfortably in his chair. Knowing this behavior was uncharacteristic for the polished attorney, Justin wondered if there was something bothering him.
"Is something wrong?" Justin questioned.
"No, not at all," Royce attempted to brush the blond's worries aside.
"Are you sure about that?"
"Oh, hell," the attorney grinned sheepishly. "I might as well just get this over with or else I'm never going to have the guts to do it."
"Do what?"
"Uh," Royce coughed uncomfortably. "I know it's been somewhat difficult for you to accept me, but I feel that we've been able to grow somewhat closer in the past few months and that's why I wanted to ask your permission for your mother's uh...."
"Hand in marriage?" Justin finished dryly for the attorney. He had to admit there was something mildly amusing in watching a maverick like Royce struggle to get the words out.
"Yes," Royce smiled. "In the past two years I've grown to love and respect Jennifer in ways I never..."
"It's okay, Royce, I understand," Justin grinned.
"You do?" the attorney stared at the blond in surprise. He had anticipated having a much more difficult time in obtaining Justin's approval.
"Of course," Justin laughed. "I suppose the only thing I can say is that it's about damn time," he added happily as Royce openly breathed a sigh of relief.
***
Half an hour later, Royce had finished providing Justin with his plans to surprise Jennifer with a wedding in Bali in addition to assuring the blond that he would do everything in his power to make his mother happy. However, there was one last thing the attorney wanted to accomplish before they left the restaurant.
"I have to admit, it's a relief to know that I have your approval when it comes to marrying Jen," Royce began as Justin set aside his dessert plate.
"I know you're going to make her happy, and after everything that happened with Craig, that's all I ask."
"You have my promise that I'll do everything in my power to do just that," the attorney vowed. "Speaking of Craig," he hesitated uncomfortably. "I know that it can't always be easy, being estranged from your father as you are. While I know I can never take the place of Craig, I hope you know that if you ever are in need of a father figure, I'm here for you. And unlike Craig, I'll be proud to have a gay stepson. Not because he's an accomplished artist or successful businessman, but because he's true to himself and he stands up for what he believes in."
"Just as I'll be proud to have a stepfather who accepts me as I am," Justin returned the compliment. While Royce was right in that he would never take the place of Craig, Justin was grateful to the attorney for wanting to have a place in his life, and planned on having an even stronger relationship with the man in the future.
Meanwhile
Brian's Office
Kinnetik
Brian was in the process of reviewing the research his Remsom team had compiled when he looked up to see Cynthia standing in his doorway.
"Yes, Cyn?"
"Debbie Novotny is here to see you," Cynthia indicated. "She doesn't have an appointment, but she insisted that you would see her."
"Go ahead and send her in," Brian instructed, having a sneaking suspicion as to the purpose behind Debbie's visit.
***
"Shouldn't you be at the diner?" Brian asked as Cynthia showed Debbie into his office.
"I took the afternoon off," Debbie responded, making herself at home in one of his chairs.
"I see."
"I take it you know why I'm here?" Debbie questioned as she studied Brian carefully.
"I know why you're here, but if you expect me to grant Mikey and the professor my approval, you're wasting your time. You know how I feel about marriage."
"You're right. I do know how you feel about marriage. However, you're missing one key thing."
"And that is?"
"This isn't about you, it's about Michael."
"Right, Mikey's sudden desire to join the ranks of the other so-called queers who suddenly profess their undying belief in the sanctity of marriage. Spare me the bullshit, Deb."
"What's bullshit is the fact that you won't stand behind your best friend."
"He knows better, Deb. Christ, I taught him better than that."
"You did, Brian. No one can deny you taught Michael everything he knows. However somewhere along the way, Michael wised up. He had the balls to learn that being gay isn't just about fucking. It's about having the right to find someone he wants to spend the rest of his life with. It's about having the right to be able to express his love for Ben in any way he chooses, whether it be fucking him or marrying him. It's about having the right to be entitled to the exact same things that straight people are entitled."
"Do you people ever stop with this pathetic nonsense?" Brian shook his head in disbelief.
"I'll tell you what's pathetic," Debbie declared. "What's pathetic is a best friend who is too stubborn to put his own ridiculous beliefs aside for one fucking moment and give his best friend the support he deserves. What's pathetic is a thirty-three year old man who is too blind to see the beauty of love and enduring commitment. What's pathetic is a man who refuses time and time again to treat the man he claims is his partner with the love and respect he deserves."
"Are you finished?" Brian inquired coldly, having heard more than enough when it came to the subjects of love, marriage, and relationships.
"Do I look like I'm finished?"
"I thought I had made it clear before, I don't believe in marriage, and just because Mikey and the professor decided to join the ranks of the other pathetic queers who felt the urge to marry, doesn't mean I'm suddenly going to cast aside my beliefs and support something that I consider to be an absolute sham and..."
"I assumed there would be no getting through to you," Debbie frowned with disapproval, having given up for the time being. "But I suppose it never hurts to try. Just a word of advice, Brian; be careful of your relationships. I think you'll find you can only push people so far," Debbie warned as she turned to leave, clearly disappointed in Brian's refusal to bend.
8:30 p.m.
Woody's
Hours later, Brian sat at the bar nursing a scotch. After Debbie left his office, he'd had difficulty focusing on his work. While he knew that everyone wanted him to push aside his principles and offer Michael his support, he refused to comply. It wasn't that he didn't want to be there for his friend, it was the fact that he simply didn't believe in marriage.
After experiencing the hatred and destructiveness of his parents' marriage, Brian had sworn to himself that he would never allow himself to fall into that trap. Michael on the other hand had never been forced to endure the ugliness that came hand in hand with marriage. Because of this, Brian believed he was somewhat naïve, and didn't want to witness his best friend watch his relationship with the professor disintegrate before his very eyes.
Not only did Brian oppose marriage, he also believed strongly that queers weren't intended to marry. He believed that being queer meant having the freedom to fuck who he wanted when he wanted. For almost thirty years he'd lived by that belief until Justin came along. While the blond had challenged his beliefs and made him realize that there were some benefits to having a relationship, Brian prided himself on the fact that he still lived his life the way he wanted to with the freedom to fuck as he pleased without the burdensome shackles of marriage.
Just because the idea of gay marriage had become en vogue, didn't mean that Brian was suddenly going to change his beliefs. Even as he watched his best friend embark on a potential disaster, Brian refused to compromise his principles for the sake of friendship. As far as Brian was concerned, Michael could do whatever the hell he pleased, as long as he understood that under no circumstances would he support his marriage.
Meanwhile
The Loft
Justin had only returned home from the office a few minutes earlier when he heard a knock at the door.
"Hey," the blond opened the door in surprise to find Jean Philippe standing on the other side.
"Salut," Bonbois grinned. "Care to invite me inside?"
"Of course," Justin said. "I was just sitting down to grab a bite to eat and to watch The Amazing Race."
"I know, that's why I stopped by. I thought I might join you. For a reality T.V. show it's not half bad," Bonbois remarked as Justin nodded with surprise.
***
Thirty minutes later, Justin and Jean Philippe were lying on the floor pillows in front of Brian's television, deeply engrossed in the episode, as they watched the teams race across Venice, Italy with tremendous difficulty.
"It looks amazing there," Justin sighed, as he took in the sight of the Grand Canal.
"It is. You should go."
"Maybe I will. I was thinking about taking some time off in September. It would be cool to backpack around Italy."
"I imagine it would be quite the adventure. I take it Brian won't be joining you?"
"Can you honestly see him backpacking?" Justin laughed. "Besides we never seem to have much luck when it comes to actually going on vacation with one another."
"Well, if you change your mind about Italy, you could always go to Montreal. I'm sure Jacques and Etienne would be more than happy to show you around."
"What about you?" Justin found himself asking.
"I'll be busy with hockey, but...," his eyes took on a sexy glint, "I'm sure I could find the time to show you a thing or two."
"I'll have to keep that in mind," Justin blushed as they suddenly heard the key turn in the lock.
***
Returning from Woody's, Brian was annoyed to see that Justin had his infernal race show on. He had hoped to spend a few hours working on his computer before bed. Now it looked like he would be stuck listening to the obnoxious show for at least the next half hour.
"Hey," Brian heard Justin call out from where he was lying in front of the television. It only took Brian a second to realize his partner wasn't alone.
"Hey," Brian found himself greeting tersely back as he saw that it was Bonbois with Justin. "I didn't realize we were having company tonight."
"Jean Philippe started watching the race with me a few weeks ago," Justin commented casually, as Brian attempted to keep his mouth from dropping open in surprise.
"You should join us Kinney," Bonbois invited. "This show isn't half bad."
"And here I thought we had similar tastes," Brian commented sarcastically. "Obviously I misjudged you, Jean Philippe. Only someone with the brain span the size of a flea would waste his time watching such a ridiculous farce."
"Brian!" Justin stared disbelievingly at his partner. "How dare you say something so insulting."
"I was only stating the truth."
"Somehow I doubt that," Bonbois laughed bitterly. "Come on, Justin," he said holding out his hand. "We can continue watching at my loft. At least there we won't be interrupted by an arrogant asshole who has nothing better to do with his time, but to cruelly insult his partner.
"Gladly," Justin agreed, as he took Jean Philippe's hand but not before sending an angered stare in Brian's direction. It was obvious they still had a long way to go when it came to fixing their relationship.
Thursday
8:00 p.m.
Woody's
Feeling restless after a long day at the office, Justin decided to stop at Woody's on his way home. Ever since he had walked out on Brian with Bonbois, there had been tension in the loft. Neither had made any effort to discuss what had happened, and it had only served to increase the strain that already existed between them.
As Justin entered the crowded bar, his eyes found themselves resting on the familiar face of Jean Philippe who was playing pool. Anxious to take his mind off Brian, he headed toward the tables.
***
"Hey," Justin grinned at Bonbois.
"Bonsoir," Jean Philippe cocked his head in acknowledgement. "Care to play?" he motioned to the table.
"Sure, why not?"
"Bien, grab a stick," Bonbois instructed with a seductive glint in his eyes. He was pleased that Justin had sought him out.
***
Soon, the two were focused intently on their game. Neither noticed Ted and Emmett enter the bar and begin eyeing them with keen interest.
"You almost beat me," Bonbois observed dryly after he had sunk the eight ball.
"Better watch your back," Justin smirked.
"Keep in mind I said almost," Jean Philippe reminded. "How about buying the winner a drink?"
"Of course," the blond agreed, as they walked toward the bar.
***
"So," Bonbois began once they were seated at the bar having a round of Beck's. "You wouldn't happen to know those two over there, would you?" he motioned to Ted and Emmett who were seated at a nearby table.
"U-uh..." Justin hesitated uncomfortably as he locked eyes with the pair.
"They've been avidly staring at us for at least the past half hour. If I didn't know better I'd think they were looking...."
"Actually," Justin blushed sheepishly, "They're sort of my friends."
"Sort of?"
"It's kind of complicated but basically through Brian I've become part of his motley collection of a family. Ted and Emmett are part of it. While Brian insists they are by no means his friends, I think you'll find that they are."
"Are they your friends also?"
"At one time they were, but now I'm not so sure."
"I can't believe I'm asking this," Bonbois rolled his eyes, "But what makes you unsure?"
"It's a long story."
"Well, how about you keep buying," Jean Philippe motioned to their drinks, "and I'll keep listening."
"Are you sure?" Justin had a hard time believing Bonbois was interested in hearing more of his problems, but at the same time, he supposed it wouldn't hurt to confide in him. For whatever reason, Justin found himself opening up to Bonbois in ways he no longer could with Brian.
"Just don't make me regret my offer," Bonbois laughed, before motioning Justin to continue.
***
"So, you're mad at Ted and Emmett for involving themselves in your relationship with Brian and for not respecting your privacy and confidences?" Bonbois surmised once Justin had finished.
"Something along those lines," Justin confirmed. While he had explained the basic facts surrounding the circumstances involving Ted and Emmett, he hadn't gone into specific detail when it came to the main issues at hand. While the blond valued his relationship with Bonbois, Justin believed that what happened privately between him and Brian in the bedroom was none of Bonbois' business.
"I guess you learned a lesson," Jean Philippe offered.
"And that is?"
"When it comes to Ted and Emmett you need to be careful of what you confide. If you ask me, those two remind me of Jacques and Etienne. While they're decent enough friends, minus their occasional pathetic moments, I know for a fact that the only way I can trust them with privileged information is to put a padlock on their mouths."
"Are you suggesting I do the same with Ted and Emmett?"
"It's your call. I will say this, though. It's obvious you still like them, so why not cut them a little slack and forgive them? Besides, now you at least know the extent to which you can trust them," Bonbois added.
"Maybe you're right."
"I'm always right," Bonbois grinned smugly. "Speaking of friends, I suppose I had better invite you to this weekend's festivities before Jacques and Etienne place it upon themselves to do so."
"I take it they'll be in town?"
"What and miss the greatest tragedy of the year?" Bonbois rolled his eyes.
"This doesn't have something to do with you turning thirty, does it?"
"Unfortunately, my life ends tomorrow at eleven fifty-nine p.m."
"I take your friends will be throwing you an elaborate funeral on Saturday?"
"If that's what you choose to call it. If you ask me, the entire fucking day is going to be an endless nightmare. Between lunch with Etienne and Jacques, dinner with my teammates, and then the private party Luc and Marie-Claire are throwing it will be a miracle if I make it through the evening without killing anyone."
"Sounds like you're in for some fun," Justin smirked.
"Try agony. Although, you could always find a way to liven up this dead man's day."
"How might I do that?"
"Come to my party," Bonbois invited casually.
"What do you want for your birthday?" Justin asked.
"You know what I want," Bonbois smiled knowingly.
"I do?"
"I'll leave you to figure it out," Jean Philippe drawled while standing to leave. "Au revoir Sunshine," he said, as the blond looked back at him in bewilderment.
***
Meanwhile, Emmett and Ted had observed Bonbois' departure and were studying Justin with concern. Even from across the room, it had been virtually impossible to ignore the sexual tension that had been radiating off the two men.
"Is it me, Teddy?" Emmett began to worry, "Or is Brian Kinney about to become a thing of the past?"
"I'd say he's soon to be history," Ted frowned. "Unless, that is, he does something fast."
"I don't know," Emmett mused. "After everything Brian's done, maybe it might be too late."
"You could be right, Em. I suppose there's nothing else for us to do, but sit back and watch as things unfold. I only hope for Justin's sake, he knows what he is doing."
"Me too, Teddy, me too," Emmett grimaced. He hoped Justin wasn't about to make a huge mistake.
Friday, July 9th
7:15 p.m.
The Loft
Justin had only recently arrived home from the office and had changed into a black t-shirt and fatigue colored cargo shorts, when he turned from the kitchen to see Brian enter the loft carrying take-out bags from their favorite Arabic restaurant.
"I didn't realize you were bringing dinner home," Justin remarked as he watched Brian set the bags on the counter.
"I thought we'd stay in tonight," Brian announced. He knew after his boorish behavior from the other night, he was on thin ice when it came to the blond.
"S-stay in?" Justin stared at his partner in shock.
"Is there a problem?"
"No, of c-course not," Justin replied uncomfortably. "I'm just surprised that's all."
"Well, don't be. Now, how about you take our dinner and set us two places in the living room while I go into the bedroom and change."
"U-uh, alright," Justin agreed reluctantly while Brian headed in the direction of the bedroom.
***
"So, uh, are you going to the carnival tomorrow?" Justin inquired over dinner. He thought the subject of Kinnetik's summer charity event might be a good way to break the ice between them.
"I'm afraid it's not going to be feasible."
"Not going to be feasible?" Justin parroted in surprise.
"I have a shit load of work to get through this weekend if I want to stay on target with my Remsom proposal," Brian explained.
"Remsom? Is that the pharmaceutical company Eric Frasier mentioned to me the other day?" the artist asked, referring to one of the ad executives that Brian worked with frequently.
"Yep."
"Would it make it any easier if I offered to help?"
"While I appreciate the offer, I think you might be better suited to focusing your attention on our existing clients," Brian stated.
"Right," Justin nodded. It was obvious that his partner wasn't the least bit interested in accepting his help. "So, getting back to the carnival, don't you think our staff will be wondering where the hell you are?"
"Perhaps, but I'm sure once you tell them that I'm working on a multi-million dollar proposal, they'll think twice when it comes criticizing my absence."
"And Gus?" Justin posed.
"What about Gus?"
"Well, considering the fact that I'm taking him tomorrow, don't you think he'll wonder where his father is, especially since we're at an event for your company?"
"I'm sure you'll come up with a sufficient explanation." Brian brushed his lover's concerns aside.
"Maybe I'm sick of making excuses for you."
"Then tell him whatever the fuck you please," Brian muttered.
"Brian, what the hell is wrong with you? I thought you were going to..."
"Look, Jus, I'm not interested in discussing this further. Now why don't you do us both a favor and just drop it for now."
"Fine," the blond sighed. "It's your life, not mine. If you want to continue fucking it up, I suppose there's nothing else I can do."
"That's right, Sunshine," Brian declared bitterly as he stood up from the living floor, and headed toward the door.
"Where do you think you're going?" Justin demanded in disbelief.
"Out."
"I thought you were going to stay in tonight?"
"Maybe I changed my mind," Brian shrugged. "Later Sunshine."
"Bastard," Justin swore to himself as he watched Brian stalk out of the loft, certain he was about to embark on yet another evening of pain management.
Saturday
10:30 a.m.
Point State Park
"Pretty cool park, huh, Gus?" Justin asked as he led Brian's son to the area Kinnetik had reserved for its carnival.
"Wait until I tell Momma and Mommie about the fountain we saw."
"I bet they'll be impressed," Justin agreed as they approached Cynthia.
"Oh, would you just look at what a cutie this little guy is," Cynthia cooed while rushing over to greet them.
"Gus, this is Cynthia, Daddy's assistant," Justin introduced. "Do you remember what I told you about her?"
"Sure, Jus. She helps Daddy."
"That's right," Cynthia smiled. "Speaking of Daddy, where is he?" she turned her attention to Justin.
"Working on Remsom."
"I thought as much," Cynthia frowned. "However," she turned her attention back to Gus, "I'm sure you'll have much more fun with Justin than you would your father," she assured as August came over to meet Gus.
***
"Do you want to see if we can find Auntie Em and Uncle Teddy?" Justin asked Gus after they had finished talking to Cynthia and August.
"Sure," Brian's son agreed. "Jus?"
"Yeah?"
"Was Mommy telling the truth when she said that I might be able to throw a pie at Uncle Teddy today?"
"She sure was," Justin grinned, knowing Gus was in for a real treat when it came to his Uncle Ted.
***
Soon, Emmett was gushing over Gus while Ted grumbled about the upcoming pie contest. Neither had commented on Brian's absence as they assumed that being spotted at a carnival would be too unseemly for Mr. Kinney's tastes.
"Hey, Justin," the blond looked up to see Nathan and Brendan approach.
"Hey, guys."
"Who's this here?" Nathan inquired, motioning to Gus.
"Gus," Brian's son introduced himself.
"Your nephew, right?" Brendan turned to Justin.
"Uh, yeah," Justin nodded, as he reached out to ruffle Gus' hair, not wanting to reveal that these days he was more like Gus' father. "Gus, these are my friends Brendan and Nathan. Can you say hello to them?"
"Hi," the child smiled. "Do you work with Jus too?"
"We sure do," Brendan confirmed. "Did Justin tell you about the award he won recently?"
"The Clee Award?"
"Clio," Justin laughed. "Yeah, I told him. He drew me an awesome congratulations card to go with it."
"Are you interested in art, Gus?" Brendan inquired.
"Uh-uh," Gus nodded. "Mamma is an artist like Jus, but she works in a place called a gallery."
"She must be pretty talented," Brendan observed.
"She is," Justin confirmed. "I'll have to take you to see her work some time."
Meanwhile
The Loft
Sitting at his computer desk, Brian stretched in his chair in an attempt to stop his mind from wandering from the work lying in front of him. After coming home late the night before, he found himself having difficulty sleeping as his mind had once again found itself focusing on Joan. It amazed him that after six weeks, he was still struggling with the hateful image of his mother condemning him to hell. To make matters worse, he had been forced to deal with his delusional best friend, along with his further deteriorating relationship with Justin.
Since he knew he wouldn't be completing any work any time soon, he decided to get up from his desk and head into the kitchen for another cup of coffee. As he stood up from his chair, his eyes fell on a stack of Justin's sketchbooks lying in the corner. Without consciously thinking about it, he found himself picking one up and taking it to the living room sofa. As he pulled back the book's cover the last thing Brian expected to see was a naked sketch of Bonbois.
"Fuck," Brian breathed as he continued flipping through sketch after sketch of the naked hockey player.
Walking back toward his desk area, Brian was horrified to discover that the other two books resting in the corner were filled with additional nude sketches of his nemesis. It was becoming more and more obvious as Brian saw page after page of the sketches, that Justin was once again having an affair....
2:00 p.m.
Point State Park
"Uncle Teddy looks so silly," Gus laughed as he stood with Justin and watched Kinnetik's charity pie throwing contest.
"He most certainly does," Justin agreed.
"Can we throw a pie at him too?"
"Absolutely," the blond smiled, knowing that it was time he finally made things right with Ted and Emmett.
***
"That was awesome, Jus!" Gus exclaimed after they had together thrown a pie at the conclusion of the contest.
"You can say that again," Justin laughed as he watched Emmett and a slightly worse for wear Ted join them.
"You two have quite the throw," Emmett observed.
"Tell me about it," Ted grumbled. "Melanie certainly taught her son well."
"Thanks for volunteering, Ted," Justin offered sincerely.
"Thank your worse half. He virtually blackmailed me into participating."
"Figures," Justin rolled his eyes. "So, uh, I've been thinking," he continued uncomfortably. "I think that maybe I was a little harsh on both of you before, and that maybe I owe you an apology."
"No, baby, Teddy and I understand," Emmett protested.
"Still, I shouldn't have acted like such a drama queen."
"Everyone is entitled to have their moments now and again," Ted brushed Justin's apologies aside.
"Anyway, I wondered if you two might want some assistance in planning Ben and Michael's wedding."
"We'd love it if you helped, Sunshine," Emmett smiled warmly. "Isn't that right, Teddy."
"Of course," Ted agreed enthusiastically.
"Great," Justin broke out into his trademark smile. "I was thinking maybe I could call in a few favors and see if we could have it at The Sherbourne," he suggested.
"That would be fabulous!" Emmett raved.
"Not to mention classy," Ted added.
"I'll see what I can do," Justin laughed, relieved that he had finally been able to make peace with his friends.
9:00 p.m.
The Loft
"Hey," Justin greeted Brian breathlessly as he rushed into the loft. After dropping Gus at Lindsay and Melanie's and then staying for dinner, Justin found himself returning home with just enough time to shower and change before meeting Bonbois and his friends.
"Hey," Brian looked up from the paperwork he was skimming to see Justin hurry his way into the bedroom.
"You missed a fun afternoon," Justin remarked while he shed his clothes.
"Is that right?"
"Yep," the blond confirmed before walking naked into the bathroom.
***
Hearing the shower turn on, Brian wondered if Justin had dropped by Bonbois' after the carnival. Having suffered the indignity of the fiddler, Brian knew the blond was probably taking a shower to clean the smell of the repugnant Frenchman off himself. While Brian found a part of him wondering if perhaps he was being a bit paranoid, the other part knew damn well that Justin was cheating on him again.
After having spent all afternoon stewing over his discovery, Brian was now convinced more than ever that Justin was fucking Bonbois. Hell, it had been under his nose for months, yet he'd been too blind to see it. The more Brian considered it, the more angered he became. To think Justin had the nerve to judge him for going to Ibiza when the whole time he had been fucking Bonbois behind his back. It was enough to make him ill.
***
Standing in front of the closet a few minutes later, oblivious to the thoughts running through his partner's head, Justin debated on what he should wear. While he didn't want to give Jean Philippe any further ideas, Justin found himself reaching for his leather pants and a sapphire blue sleeveless tank. Just because he wanted to look his hottest didn't necessarily mean he was planning on giving into temptation.
***
"Going somewhere?" Brian drawled as he observed Justin exit the bedroom dressed to the nines.
"Yeah," the blond confirmed, deciding it best not to mention Bonbois. He was in no mood to listen to his partner's complaints.
"I see," Brian murmured tightly.
"I should be back by three," Justin indicated as he grabbed his car keys and headed for the door. "Later," he threw over his shoulder.
"Later," Brian whispered back, knowing without a doubt that Justin, dressed the way he was, was clearly on his way to see the French hockey player.
2:00 a.m.
Babylon
After spending several hours at the private party thrown by Luc and Marie-Claire, Justin, Bonbois, Jacques, and Etienne had decided to conclude their evening at Babylon.
"So," Bonbois turned to stand beside Justin at the bar, "When do I get my present?"
"What present?"
"My birthday present," Jean Philippe elaborated.
"Have you forgotten about the painting I gave you only a few hours ago?"
"Not at all. However, I seem to recall asking for something different."
"What makes you think you're going to get it?" Justin shook his head in amusement.
"I always get what I want."
"Alright," the blond gave a mock sigh. "One dance."
"One dance? You're kidding right?"
"Not at all. You can take it or leave it."
"Oh, I'm taking it, mon cheri," Bonbois assured, reaching for Justin's arm.
"And no kissing," Justin reminded as he followed Bonbois out onto the dance floor.
"We'll see about that," Bonbois gave a seductive laugh, not about to be deterred from his goal.
***
Once on the dance floor, Jean Philippe pulled Justin up tightly against him as they began swaying to the rhythmic beat of the music that pulsated its way through the club.
It's only when I lose myself in someone else
That I find myself
I find myself
Reaching for Justin's prominently displayed ass, Bonbois found himself running his hands across the blond's leather encased bottom.
"Oooh," Justin moaned into Jean Philippe's neck as he felt the hockey player's hands begin caressing his bottom in a way that made his cock harden instantaneously.
Something beautiful is happening inside for me
Something sensual, it's full of fire and mystery
I feel hypnotized
I feel paralyzed
I have found heaven
"You have such a hot little ass," Bonbois purred seductively into Justin's ear, causing the blond to shiver in response and press himself deeper into his embrace. "I want to thrust my burning cock inside of it and make you scream with pleasure."
"Jean Philippe, please," Justin began to protest.
"Please what? You want me to do this?" Bonbois breathed as he leaned in and hungrily began kissing Justin's neck, nipping at the enticing flesh.
"N-no.... Oh God," Justin found himself moaning at the sensations Jean Philippe was arousing inside of him.
There's a thousand reasons why I shouldn't spend my time with you
For every reason not be here
I can think of two
To keep me hanging on
Feeling nothing's wrong
Inside your heaven
"Like that?" Bonbois smirked, knowing he had Justin exactly where he wanted him.
"Y-yes," Justin panted as he found himself reaching to caress his neighbor's muscular chest, anxious to feel the incredibly toned skin against his flesh.
It's only when I lose myself in someone else
That I find myself
I find myself
***
As Justin and Jean Philippe continued their sexually-charged dance, they were oblivious to the shocked stares of Ted and Emmett who were observing from the catwalk.
"Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?" Emmett turned to look at Ted in disbelief.
"You're seeing it," Ted confirmed grimly.
"Do you think he knows?" Emmett glanced nervously at the backroom.
"Nah, he's probably too busy getting his dick sucked."
"One can only hope," Emmett frowned. "Although it's possible he already knows."
"You think?"
"With those two, anything is possible," Emmett declared as he shook his head with disappointment.
***
While Ted and Emmett continued to look on in shock, Justin and Bonbois continued to grind themselves against one another with an intensity that had Babylon's patrons take notice.
"Come home with me tonight," Bonbois demanded seductively, snaking his arm around Justin's waist to pull him even closer. He wanted the blond to know exactly how hard he was.
"I can't," Justin protested, as he tried to keep himself from being caught in the web of desire that Bonbois was spinning around him.
"Stop denying yourself. Kinney's not worth it. You deserve better."
"I..." Justin hesitated. As appealing as Bonbois' proposition was, he knew it wouldn't be fair to Brian, not when they were still together.
"Forget about him," Bonbois whispered, before swooping down and taking Justin's mouth in a storm of passion.
I can feel the emptiness inside me
Fade and disappear
There's a feeling of contentment
Now that you are here
I feel satisfied
I belong inside
Your velvet heaven
Feeling as if the room were spinning around him, and that his legs might give way any second, Justin found himself gripping Jean Philippe tightly as he felt Bonbois' tongue plunder its way into his mouth. This storm of passion had been brewing between them for months, and as much as Justin had tried to deny it, he wanted Bonbois just as much as Bonbois wanted him. Because he knew, that underneath it all, only Bonbois could take away his pain.
It's only when I lose myself in someone else
That I find myself
I find myself
***
Walking out of the backroom, after a less than satisfying fuck, the last thing Brian expected to see was Justin and Bonbois together on the dance floor kissing each other with sheer unadulterated lust.
Did I need to sell my soul, for pleasure like this...
Did I have to lose control, to treasure your kiss...
As he stood taking in the sight of the repugnant Frenchman plundering Justin's mouth, Brian felt a sinking sensation deep inside the pit of his stomach. He knew now, without even being told that it was too late...
Did I need to place my heart in the palm of your hand...
Before I could even start to understand...
He'd lost Justin... Lost him before he had even had the chance to realize what was happening. Lost him to someone who was only marginally better than himself. Yet, Brian knew that when it came to losing Justin he only had one person to blame, and that was himself...
It's only when I lose myself in someone else
That I find myself
I find myself
"Only When I Lose Myself" ~ Depeche Mode
Lyrics: Martin L. Gore
by Kim
Making it Through Another Summer
Chapter 17
Sunday, July 4th
1:30 p.m.
The Loft
"Hey," Justin smiled at Brian as he entered the loft carrying a grocery bag filled with fresh fruit.
"Hey," Brian looked up from his newspaper. "Find what you were looking for?"
"Yep," the blond nodded in confirmation. "It should be perfect for this afternoon," he added, referring to Debbie and Vic's Fourth of July barbecue. "You're planning on attending, aren't you?"
"You know holiday barbecues are hardly my scene. Besides, the calorie content of Vic's apple pie alone is enough to keep me on the treadmill for weeks."
"Somehow I doubt you'll be partaking in it," Justin laughed.
"You know me too well, Sunshine."
"Well enough to know that twisting your arm and forcing you to attend would be a futile effort on my part?"
"You got it."
"But don't you think you should..." the artist began to protest as he watched his lover stand up from the sofa and saunter his way towards him.
"What?" Brian smirked. "Do this?" he purred before reaching in and capturing Justin's lips in a burning kiss, making it clear that he had other more pressing matters on his mind.
***
"Don't tell me you're still going to Deb's," Brian groaned as he watched Justin roll out of bed and search for his clothes.
"I promised I would. It's still not too late to change your mind."
"Nice try," Brian smirked.
"It was worth a shot," the blond shrugged. "What should I tell the others about your absence?"
"That something came up," Brian offered nonchalantly as he reached for his cock and absently began stroking it, confident that he could change Justin's mind when it came to his afternoon plans.
5:00 p.m.
Debbie and Vic's Backyard
After yet another heated fuck with Brian, followed by a steamy shower, Justin finally made his way into Debbie and Vic's backyard.
"Sunshine!" Debbie smiled excitedly at her favorite blond. "I was beginning to wonder if you were going to make it."
"As you can see I'm here," Justin smiled.
"And your worse half?" Vic posed.
"Something came up," the blond offered sheepishly as the others rolled their eyes.
***
Minutes later, Justin found himself sitting next to Gus and listening to him talk animatedly about the summer camp he was attending at his Montessori school. As he stared down at the boy, Justin couldn't help but feel frustrated with Brian for yet again forsaking another opportunity to spend time with his son. The blond had secretly hoped that after their return from Chicago, Brian would make more of an effort where Gus was concerned. However, this had yet to happen, and once again Justin found himself taking over Brian's role.
"How are you holding up, honey?" Lindsay asked as she came to sit beside Justin and Gus.
"Fine."
"Are you sure?" Lindsay had difficulty believing her friend, especially after everything Brian had done. "I know it must be difficult having Brian back after his..."
"Look, Lindsay, I appreciate your concern, but as far as Brian's concerned, his trip to Ibiza is water under the bridge."
"Water under the bridge?" Melanie repeated in disbelief as she found herself joining the conversation. "After the way that bastard treated you, you honestly think its water under the bridge?"
"Do we really need to discuss this?" Justin sighed. While he knew Lindsay and Melanie had trouble accepting his opinions, they were the last two he felt like sharing the current status of his relationship with. As far as he was concerned, they didn't need to know that while he still had issues with Brian, he was working to resolve them.
"Michael!" Suddenly everyone's attention was diverted towards Debbie as she anxiously greeted her son and his partner. "I didn't think you were coming home until tomorrow, sweetheart."
"We thought we would surprise you, Ma," Michael revealed.
"Well, you certainly did that," Debbie grinned, pinching her son affectionately on the cheek.
"We also have some news we'd like to share with everyone," Ben announced.
"News?" Vic's ears piqued with interest. "Now this ought to be interesting."
***
"Before we left for Bermuda," Ben began once the family had seated themselves together, "I had the great honor and privilege of asking Michael to marry me."
"M-marry?" Debbie parroted with complete surprise.
"That's right, Ma. Ben asked me to marry him," Michael confirmed happily.
"Oh my goodness!" Debbie exclaimed. "I don't think I can believe what I'm hearing."
"Believe it," Ben grinned. "Luckily for my sake, Michael accepted, and instead of flying directly to Bermuda, we stopped in Toronto so that we could be legally married. From there we embarked to Bermuda for our honeymoon."
"Married! My baby's married!" Debbie smiled with joy.
"This is so romantic," Emmett smiled dreamily, as Ted wiped a tear from his eye.
"Who would ever imagine it?" Vic shook his head with pride.
"Congratulations guys," Justin came over and gave his two friends a hug. He was thrilled at the announcement of their marriage.
"What a wonderful surprise," Lindsay added. "It's just a shame that we couldn't all be there to share in it with you."
"You can say that again," Debbie agreed as the shock of her son's announcement began to wear off, and reality set in.
"I know!" Emmett exclaimed. "We'll throw them another wedding here."
"That's a brilliant idea," Melanie agreed. "I second it."
"You'd make me the happiest mother alive," Debbie proclaimed.
"Well, in that case, I suppose we'll just have to do it all over again," Michael grinned at Ben. They both knew that when it came to the family there would be no backing out of a second wedding.
9:30 p.m.
Woody's
After spending the early hours of the evening catching up on work at the office, Brian decided to stop at Woody's for a quick game of pool. As he focused on lining up his current shot, he was surprised to see Michael standing in front of him.
"Mikey, what a surprise," Brian drawled after he sank his shot. "I was beginning to think that you and the professor got lost in the triangle."
"Very funny," Michael rolled his eyes. "I called the loft a little while ago, and Justin told me that I might find you here."
"Lucky for you," Brian smirked. "Why don't you grab a cue and join me?" he invited.
"Maybe some other time. Listen, can we talk for a minute?" Michael requested.
"Sure, why not?" Brian agreed. "I'll even let you buy me a drink," he laughed as he set down his cue and followed his best friend to a table beside the bar.
***
"So, what's up?" Brian questioned as Michael set two shots of Beam down in front of them.
"There's something I, uh," Michael began uncomfortably.
"You, uh, what?"
"I uh..." Michael began playing uneasily with the ring on his left ring finger.
"Mikey," Brian's eyes widened in disbelief as he suddenly observed the ring on his best friend's hand. "Tell me that isn't what I think it is."
"It is what you think it is,"' Michael admitted uncomfortably. "Before Ben and I left for Bermuda we flew to Toronto. It was legal for us to be married there."
"But I thought you still loved me best," Brian protested in mock indignation. "Besides the fact that it's the most pathetic idea I've ever heard."
"Maybe Ben and I don't consider it to be pathetic at all."
"Obviously," Brian rolled his eyes. "So, tell me, Mikey, did the professor at least do something useful while he was down on his knees?"
"Do you have to be so crass, Brian? You know it just so happens that a lot of gay men want to be married."
"I hate to break it to you Mikey, but I certainly haven't seen any. Since when did you have the least interest in getting married anyway?"
"I didn't," Michael acknowledged. "But not because I didn't want to, but because I never thought I could. It wasn't a story I told myself like straight kids did. I never imagined that some day I would meet this special person and that we'd fall in love and have a big wedding," he confessed. "It was never real for me, but then all this stuff started happening in Massachusetts and California and now here..."
"And all of a sudden a whole wide world of wonderful opportunities opened up for us?" Brian interrupted with sarcasm. "Bells and rice and registering at Pottery Barn?" he shook his head, purely mortified by the idea. "Not to mention an acrimonious divorce, an ugly settlement, and having your kid hate you."
"Brian," Michael began to whine in protest.
"Mikey, listen to me. Are you listening?"
"I'm listening," Michael sighed, having a sinking feeling as to what his best friend was going to say next.
"We're queers, Mikey. We don't need marriage, and we certainly don't need the sanction of dickless politicians and piteous priests. We fuck who we want to, when we want to. That's our God given right," Brian declared.
"But isn't it also our God given right to have everything that straight people have?" Michael objected. "Aren't we every bit as human as they are?"
"Christ, Mikey, tell me we're not really having this conversation?" Brian annoyingly raked his hand through his hair.
"Why can't you accept that this is what I want?" Michael asked. "Why can't you accept that this is the happy ending I never thought I could have, and now I'm finally being given the opportunity to write it?"
"Then write it, but don't look to me for approval. You know where I stand, Mikey."
"And what if Justin wanted the chance to rewrite his own ending?"
"Justin would never be that foolish," Brian laughed. "He also knows that we'll never be seen walking down the aisle in matching Vera Wangs."
"I take it that asking if you would like to be my best man in the ceremony the family is planning is out of the question?"
"I think I'm the last person you and the professor want by your sides," Brian grimaced. "Now why don't you do yourself a favor and go home to your husband. I'm sure he's waiting for you," he said as he stood up to leave, eager to distance himself from his friend's latest bout of insanity.
The Following Morning
7:30 a.m.
"You're up," Justin observed, as he exited the bathroom to see Brian standing in the kitchen. "I would have thought after the late night you had that you would have wanted to sleep longer."
"Clearly you thought wrong," Brian murmured. Just because he hadn't returned to the loft until the early hours of the morning didn't give the blond the right to automatically assume that he'd be too tired for the office.
"I take it Michael shared his news with you last night?"
"Yep," Brian confirmed grimly.
"He and Ben seemed just like newlyweds at the barbecue yesterday, and Emmett's already put himself in charge of planning the wedding of the year."
"If you ask me, the whole thing is entirely pathetic," Brian remarked.
"Let me guess," Justin sighed. "You told Michael that as well?"
"I more than told him that. Although after listening to his nonsense, one would be hard pressed to believe he was queer."
"I see."
"The stupid fuck also had it in his head that I would agree to being his best man for the sham wedding the others are planning."
"Brian, I know how you feel when it comes to the subject of marriage, but don't you think you're being a bit harsh? Michael is, after all, your best friend, and while you personally don't believe in marriage, would it really be such a hardship to offer him your support?"
"Christ, don't tell me they've managed to brainwash you also?" Brian shook his head. "Didn't I teach you better than to buy into their bullshit?"
"It's not about buying into their bullshit, Brian," Justin argued. "It's about being there for your family. If Michael and Ben want to take their relationship to the next level and marry, who am I to judge them? If it makes them happy, why shouldn't I support them?"
"Because we're queer, and queers believe in fucking, not love, and certainly not marriage," Brian scoffed.
"Well, this queer believes in love, and like it or not, he's going to be there for his friends regardless of what his partner or anyone else thinks. So, you had better get used to it, because like or not, I'm attending their wedding and I've also agreed to be Ben's best man," Justin declared, as he gathered his things and headed out of the loft, extremely disappointed with his partner's attitude.
10:30 a.m.
Brian's Office
Kinnetik
In an attempt to take his mind off Michael's unbelievable foolishness and Justin's surprising reaction to it, Brian focused his attention on the Wall Street Journal article laying in front of him. The article was about Remsom Pharmaceuticals, a Los Angeles-based company that had been recently granted approval from the Food and Drug Administration for its newest HIV wonder drug, Endovir. Brian had first read about the company when he had been in L.A. with Justin, and had been surprised to learn that the owner had originated from Pittsburgh.
With his Grazzini campaign still over a month away, Brian knew he had ample time if he wanted to take on the challenge of pitching Remsom. He also knew that with the release of its breakthrough drug, the company was ripe for the picking. The question became, was he willing to take the risk?
The more Brian considered the drug company, the more attractive it seemed. Landing a high profile account like Remsom would definitely generate attention. It would also provide Brian the opportunity to prove that he was still at the top of his game in addition to proving that no matter how talented and successful Justin thought he was with his Clio, he still had a long way to go if he ever hoped to accomplish one-tenth of what he had done.
Convinced Remsom was the perfect solution to his problems, Brian decided it was time he moved forward when it came to the pharmaceutical giant.
***
"Remsom Pharmaceuticals?" Cynthia remarked, as she sat taking notes in Brian's office.
"I take it you're impressed?"
"Definitely. Just imagine what landing an account like that would do for Kinnetik's name."
"I can more than imagine what it would do. That's why it's imperative we move forward with this as quickly as possible."
"Absolutely," Cynthia agreed. "Do you have a team already in mind?"
"I have some definite ideas."
"One would assume you'll be involving Justin?" Cynthia asked.
"Actually, I thought it might be better to let him focus on some of our other accounts," Brian indicated.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Cyn, how long have you worked with me now?"
"At least five years."
"And when have I been known to be wrong when it comes to my instincts?"
"Rarely," his assistant admitted.
"Try never," Brian corrected arrogantly. "You should trust me when I say that I know what I'm doing."
"We'll see, boss. We'll see," Cynthia frowned. She had a feeling Brian was making a huge mistake when it came to excluding his partner from the Remsom proposal.
Tuesday, July 6th
Noon
Presto
"I can't believe you're taking my mom to Bali for two and a half weeks," Justin commented, as he sat with Royce in the popular restaurant.
"I take it you approve?" Royce grinned.
"Absolutely. Mom could use some fun in the sun."
"You could use some fun in the sun yourself. Jennifer mentioned that your trip to Spain ended up being canceled due to some problems at the office."
"Yeah," Justin frowned uncomfortably, not about to share the real reason behind his failed trip. "I'm hoping to take a few weeks off in September before school starts."
"That sounds like a good idea. Europe is far less crowded then anyway," Royce remarked, as he sensed there was more to Justin's failed trip than he was willing to admit.
***
As their lunch neared its conclusion, Justin couldn't help but notice Royce shift uncomfortably in his chair. Knowing this behavior was uncharacteristic for the polished attorney, Justin wondered if there was something bothering him.
"Is something wrong?" Justin questioned.
"No, not at all," Royce attempted to brush the blond's worries aside.
"Are you sure about that?"
"Oh, hell," the attorney grinned sheepishly. "I might as well just get this over with or else I'm never going to have the guts to do it."
"Do what?"
"Uh," Royce coughed uncomfortably. "I know it's been somewhat difficult for you to accept me, but I feel that we've been able to grow somewhat closer in the past few months and that's why I wanted to ask your permission for your mother's uh...."
"Hand in marriage?" Justin finished dryly for the attorney. He had to admit there was something mildly amusing in watching a maverick like Royce struggle to get the words out.
"Yes," Royce smiled. "In the past two years I've grown to love and respect Jennifer in ways I never..."
"It's okay, Royce, I understand," Justin grinned.
"You do?" the attorney stared at the blond in surprise. He had anticipated having a much more difficult time in obtaining Justin's approval.
"Of course," Justin laughed. "I suppose the only thing I can say is that it's about damn time," he added happily as Royce openly breathed a sigh of relief.
***
Half an hour later, Royce had finished providing Justin with his plans to surprise Jennifer with a wedding in Bali in addition to assuring the blond that he would do everything in his power to make his mother happy. However, there was one last thing the attorney wanted to accomplish before they left the restaurant.
"I have to admit, it's a relief to know that I have your approval when it comes to marrying Jen," Royce began as Justin set aside his dessert plate.
"I know you're going to make her happy, and after everything that happened with Craig, that's all I ask."
"You have my promise that I'll do everything in my power to do just that," the attorney vowed. "Speaking of Craig," he hesitated uncomfortably. "I know that it can't always be easy, being estranged from your father as you are. While I know I can never take the place of Craig, I hope you know that if you ever are in need of a father figure, I'm here for you. And unlike Craig, I'll be proud to have a gay stepson. Not because he's an accomplished artist or successful businessman, but because he's true to himself and he stands up for what he believes in."
"Just as I'll be proud to have a stepfather who accepts me as I am," Justin returned the compliment. While Royce was right in that he would never take the place of Craig, Justin was grateful to the attorney for wanting to have a place in his life, and planned on having an even stronger relationship with the man in the future.
Meanwhile
Brian's Office
Kinnetik
Brian was in the process of reviewing the research his Remsom team had compiled when he looked up to see Cynthia standing in his doorway.
"Yes, Cyn?"
"Debbie Novotny is here to see you," Cynthia indicated. "She doesn't have an appointment, but she insisted that you would see her."
"Go ahead and send her in," Brian instructed, having a sneaking suspicion as to the purpose behind Debbie's visit.
***
"Shouldn't you be at the diner?" Brian asked as Cynthia showed Debbie into his office.
"I took the afternoon off," Debbie responded, making herself at home in one of his chairs.
"I see."
"I take it you know why I'm here?" Debbie questioned as she studied Brian carefully.
"I know why you're here, but if you expect me to grant Mikey and the professor my approval, you're wasting your time. You know how I feel about marriage."
"You're right. I do know how you feel about marriage. However, you're missing one key thing."
"And that is?"
"This isn't about you, it's about Michael."
"Right, Mikey's sudden desire to join the ranks of the other so-called queers who suddenly profess their undying belief in the sanctity of marriage. Spare me the bullshit, Deb."
"What's bullshit is the fact that you won't stand behind your best friend."
"He knows better, Deb. Christ, I taught him better than that."
"You did, Brian. No one can deny you taught Michael everything he knows. However somewhere along the way, Michael wised up. He had the balls to learn that being gay isn't just about fucking. It's about having the right to find someone he wants to spend the rest of his life with. It's about having the right to be able to express his love for Ben in any way he chooses, whether it be fucking him or marrying him. It's about having the right to be entitled to the exact same things that straight people are entitled."
"Do you people ever stop with this pathetic nonsense?" Brian shook his head in disbelief.
"I'll tell you what's pathetic," Debbie declared. "What's pathetic is a best friend who is too stubborn to put his own ridiculous beliefs aside for one fucking moment and give his best friend the support he deserves. What's pathetic is a thirty-three year old man who is too blind to see the beauty of love and enduring commitment. What's pathetic is a man who refuses time and time again to treat the man he claims is his partner with the love and respect he deserves."
"Are you finished?" Brian inquired coldly, having heard more than enough when it came to the subjects of love, marriage, and relationships.
"Do I look like I'm finished?"
"I thought I had made it clear before, I don't believe in marriage, and just because Mikey and the professor decided to join the ranks of the other pathetic queers who felt the urge to marry, doesn't mean I'm suddenly going to cast aside my beliefs and support something that I consider to be an absolute sham and..."
"I assumed there would be no getting through to you," Debbie frowned with disapproval, having given up for the time being. "But I suppose it never hurts to try. Just a word of advice, Brian; be careful of your relationships. I think you'll find you can only push people so far," Debbie warned as she turned to leave, clearly disappointed in Brian's refusal to bend.
8:30 p.m.
Woody's
Hours later, Brian sat at the bar nursing a scotch. After Debbie left his office, he'd had difficulty focusing on his work. While he knew that everyone wanted him to push aside his principles and offer Michael his support, he refused to comply. It wasn't that he didn't want to be there for his friend, it was the fact that he simply didn't believe in marriage.
After experiencing the hatred and destructiveness of his parents' marriage, Brian had sworn to himself that he would never allow himself to fall into that trap. Michael on the other hand had never been forced to endure the ugliness that came hand in hand with marriage. Because of this, Brian believed he was somewhat naïve, and didn't want to witness his best friend watch his relationship with the professor disintegrate before his very eyes.
Not only did Brian oppose marriage, he also believed strongly that queers weren't intended to marry. He believed that being queer meant having the freedom to fuck who he wanted when he wanted. For almost thirty years he'd lived by that belief until Justin came along. While the blond had challenged his beliefs and made him realize that there were some benefits to having a relationship, Brian prided himself on the fact that he still lived his life the way he wanted to with the freedom to fuck as he pleased without the burdensome shackles of marriage.
Just because the idea of gay marriage had become en vogue, didn't mean that Brian was suddenly going to change his beliefs. Even as he watched his best friend embark on a potential disaster, Brian refused to compromise his principles for the sake of friendship. As far as Brian was concerned, Michael could do whatever the hell he pleased, as long as he understood that under no circumstances would he support his marriage.
Meanwhile
The Loft
Justin had only returned home from the office a few minutes earlier when he heard a knock at the door.
"Hey," the blond opened the door in surprise to find Jean Philippe standing on the other side.
"Salut," Bonbois grinned. "Care to invite me inside?"
"Of course," Justin said. "I was just sitting down to grab a bite to eat and to watch The Amazing Race."
"I know, that's why I stopped by. I thought I might join you. For a reality T.V. show it's not half bad," Bonbois remarked as Justin nodded with surprise.
***
Thirty minutes later, Justin and Jean Philippe were lying on the floor pillows in front of Brian's television, deeply engrossed in the episode, as they watched the teams race across Venice, Italy with tremendous difficulty.
"It looks amazing there," Justin sighed, as he took in the sight of the Grand Canal.
"It is. You should go."
"Maybe I will. I was thinking about taking some time off in September. It would be cool to backpack around Italy."
"I imagine it would be quite the adventure. I take it Brian won't be joining you?"
"Can you honestly see him backpacking?" Justin laughed. "Besides we never seem to have much luck when it comes to actually going on vacation with one another."
"Well, if you change your mind about Italy, you could always go to Montreal. I'm sure Jacques and Etienne would be more than happy to show you around."
"What about you?" Justin found himself asking.
"I'll be busy with hockey, but...," his eyes took on a sexy glint, "I'm sure I could find the time to show you a thing or two."
"I'll have to keep that in mind," Justin blushed as they suddenly heard the key turn in the lock.
***
Returning from Woody's, Brian was annoyed to see that Justin had his infernal race show on. He had hoped to spend a few hours working on his computer before bed. Now it looked like he would be stuck listening to the obnoxious show for at least the next half hour.
"Hey," Brian heard Justin call out from where he was lying in front of the television. It only took Brian a second to realize his partner wasn't alone.
"Hey," Brian found himself greeting tersely back as he saw that it was Bonbois with Justin. "I didn't realize we were having company tonight."
"Jean Philippe started watching the race with me a few weeks ago," Justin commented casually, as Brian attempted to keep his mouth from dropping open in surprise.
"You should join us Kinney," Bonbois invited. "This show isn't half bad."
"And here I thought we had similar tastes," Brian commented sarcastically. "Obviously I misjudged you, Jean Philippe. Only someone with the brain span the size of a flea would waste his time watching such a ridiculous farce."
"Brian!" Justin stared disbelievingly at his partner. "How dare you say something so insulting."
"I was only stating the truth."
"Somehow I doubt that," Bonbois laughed bitterly. "Come on, Justin," he said holding out his hand. "We can continue watching at my loft. At least there we won't be interrupted by an arrogant asshole who has nothing better to do with his time, but to cruelly insult his partner.
"Gladly," Justin agreed, as he took Jean Philippe's hand but not before sending an angered stare in Brian's direction. It was obvious they still had a long way to go when it came to fixing their relationship.
Thursday
8:00 p.m.
Woody's
Feeling restless after a long day at the office, Justin decided to stop at Woody's on his way home. Ever since he had walked out on Brian with Bonbois, there had been tension in the loft. Neither had made any effort to discuss what had happened, and it had only served to increase the strain that already existed between them.
As Justin entered the crowded bar, his eyes found themselves resting on the familiar face of Jean Philippe who was playing pool. Anxious to take his mind off Brian, he headed toward the tables.
***
"Hey," Justin grinned at Bonbois.
"Bonsoir," Jean Philippe cocked his head in acknowledgement. "Care to play?" he motioned to the table.
"Sure, why not?"
"Bien, grab a stick," Bonbois instructed with a seductive glint in his eyes. He was pleased that Justin had sought him out.
***
Soon, the two were focused intently on their game. Neither noticed Ted and Emmett enter the bar and begin eyeing them with keen interest.
"You almost beat me," Bonbois observed dryly after he had sunk the eight ball.
"Better watch your back," Justin smirked.
"Keep in mind I said almost," Jean Philippe reminded. "How about buying the winner a drink?"
"Of course," the blond agreed, as they walked toward the bar.
***
"So," Bonbois began once they were seated at the bar having a round of Beck's. "You wouldn't happen to know those two over there, would you?" he motioned to Ted and Emmett who were seated at a nearby table.
"U-uh..." Justin hesitated uncomfortably as he locked eyes with the pair.
"They've been avidly staring at us for at least the past half hour. If I didn't know better I'd think they were looking...."
"Actually," Justin blushed sheepishly, "They're sort of my friends."
"Sort of?"
"It's kind of complicated but basically through Brian I've become part of his motley collection of a family. Ted and Emmett are part of it. While Brian insists they are by no means his friends, I think you'll find that they are."
"Are they your friends also?"
"At one time they were, but now I'm not so sure."
"I can't believe I'm asking this," Bonbois rolled his eyes, "But what makes you unsure?"
"It's a long story."
"Well, how about you keep buying," Jean Philippe motioned to their drinks, "and I'll keep listening."
"Are you sure?" Justin had a hard time believing Bonbois was interested in hearing more of his problems, but at the same time, he supposed it wouldn't hurt to confide in him. For whatever reason, Justin found himself opening up to Bonbois in ways he no longer could with Brian.
"Just don't make me regret my offer," Bonbois laughed, before motioning Justin to continue.
***
"So, you're mad at Ted and Emmett for involving themselves in your relationship with Brian and for not respecting your privacy and confidences?" Bonbois surmised once Justin had finished.
"Something along those lines," Justin confirmed. While he had explained the basic facts surrounding the circumstances involving Ted and Emmett, he hadn't gone into specific detail when it came to the main issues at hand. While the blond valued his relationship with Bonbois, Justin believed that what happened privately between him and Brian in the bedroom was none of Bonbois' business.
"I guess you learned a lesson," Jean Philippe offered.
"And that is?"
"When it comes to Ted and Emmett you need to be careful of what you confide. If you ask me, those two remind me of Jacques and Etienne. While they're decent enough friends, minus their occasional pathetic moments, I know for a fact that the only way I can trust them with privileged information is to put a padlock on their mouths."
"Are you suggesting I do the same with Ted and Emmett?"
"It's your call. I will say this, though. It's obvious you still like them, so why not cut them a little slack and forgive them? Besides, now you at least know the extent to which you can trust them," Bonbois added.
"Maybe you're right."
"I'm always right," Bonbois grinned smugly. "Speaking of friends, I suppose I had better invite you to this weekend's festivities before Jacques and Etienne place it upon themselves to do so."
"I take it they'll be in town?"
"What and miss the greatest tragedy of the year?" Bonbois rolled his eyes.
"This doesn't have something to do with you turning thirty, does it?"
"Unfortunately, my life ends tomorrow at eleven fifty-nine p.m."
"I take your friends will be throwing you an elaborate funeral on Saturday?"
"If that's what you choose to call it. If you ask me, the entire fucking day is going to be an endless nightmare. Between lunch with Etienne and Jacques, dinner with my teammates, and then the private party Luc and Marie-Claire are throwing it will be a miracle if I make it through the evening without killing anyone."
"Sounds like you're in for some fun," Justin smirked.
"Try agony. Although, you could always find a way to liven up this dead man's day."
"How might I do that?"
"Come to my party," Bonbois invited casually.
"What do you want for your birthday?" Justin asked.
"You know what I want," Bonbois smiled knowingly.
"I do?"
"I'll leave you to figure it out," Jean Philippe drawled while standing to leave. "Au revoir Sunshine," he said, as the blond looked back at him in bewilderment.
***
Meanwhile, Emmett and Ted had observed Bonbois' departure and were studying Justin with concern. Even from across the room, it had been virtually impossible to ignore the sexual tension that had been radiating off the two men.
"Is it me, Teddy?" Emmett began to worry, "Or is Brian Kinney about to become a thing of the past?"
"I'd say he's soon to be history," Ted frowned. "Unless, that is, he does something fast."
"I don't know," Emmett mused. "After everything Brian's done, maybe it might be too late."
"You could be right, Em. I suppose there's nothing else for us to do, but sit back and watch as things unfold. I only hope for Justin's sake, he knows what he is doing."
"Me too, Teddy, me too," Emmett grimaced. He hoped Justin wasn't about to make a huge mistake.
Friday, July 9th
7:15 p.m.
The Loft
Justin had only recently arrived home from the office and had changed into a black t-shirt and fatigue colored cargo shorts, when he turned from the kitchen to see Brian enter the loft carrying take-out bags from their favorite Arabic restaurant.
"I didn't realize you were bringing dinner home," Justin remarked as he watched Brian set the bags on the counter.
"I thought we'd stay in tonight," Brian announced. He knew after his boorish behavior from the other night, he was on thin ice when it came to the blond.
"S-stay in?" Justin stared at his partner in shock.
"Is there a problem?"
"No, of c-course not," Justin replied uncomfortably. "I'm just surprised that's all."
"Well, don't be. Now, how about you take our dinner and set us two places in the living room while I go into the bedroom and change."
"U-uh, alright," Justin agreed reluctantly while Brian headed in the direction of the bedroom.
***
"So, uh, are you going to the carnival tomorrow?" Justin inquired over dinner. He thought the subject of Kinnetik's summer charity event might be a good way to break the ice between them.
"I'm afraid it's not going to be feasible."
"Not going to be feasible?" Justin parroted in surprise.
"I have a shit load of work to get through this weekend if I want to stay on target with my Remsom proposal," Brian explained.
"Remsom? Is that the pharmaceutical company Eric Frasier mentioned to me the other day?" the artist asked, referring to one of the ad executives that Brian worked with frequently.
"Yep."
"Would it make it any easier if I offered to help?"
"While I appreciate the offer, I think you might be better suited to focusing your attention on our existing clients," Brian stated.
"Right," Justin nodded. It was obvious that his partner wasn't the least bit interested in accepting his help. "So, getting back to the carnival, don't you think our staff will be wondering where the hell you are?"
"Perhaps, but I'm sure once you tell them that I'm working on a multi-million dollar proposal, they'll think twice when it comes criticizing my absence."
"And Gus?" Justin posed.
"What about Gus?"
"Well, considering the fact that I'm taking him tomorrow, don't you think he'll wonder where his father is, especially since we're at an event for your company?"
"I'm sure you'll come up with a sufficient explanation." Brian brushed his lover's concerns aside.
"Maybe I'm sick of making excuses for you."
"Then tell him whatever the fuck you please," Brian muttered.
"Brian, what the hell is wrong with you? I thought you were going to..."
"Look, Jus, I'm not interested in discussing this further. Now why don't you do us both a favor and just drop it for now."
"Fine," the blond sighed. "It's your life, not mine. If you want to continue fucking it up, I suppose there's nothing else I can do."
"That's right, Sunshine," Brian declared bitterly as he stood up from the living floor, and headed toward the door.
"Where do you think you're going?" Justin demanded in disbelief.
"Out."
"I thought you were going to stay in tonight?"
"Maybe I changed my mind," Brian shrugged. "Later Sunshine."
"Bastard," Justin swore to himself as he watched Brian stalk out of the loft, certain he was about to embark on yet another evening of pain management.
Saturday
10:30 a.m.
Point State Park
"Pretty cool park, huh, Gus?" Justin asked as he led Brian's son to the area Kinnetik had reserved for its carnival.
"Wait until I tell Momma and Mommie about the fountain we saw."
"I bet they'll be impressed," Justin agreed as they approached Cynthia.
"Oh, would you just look at what a cutie this little guy is," Cynthia cooed while rushing over to greet them.
"Gus, this is Cynthia, Daddy's assistant," Justin introduced. "Do you remember what I told you about her?"
"Sure, Jus. She helps Daddy."
"That's right," Cynthia smiled. "Speaking of Daddy, where is he?" she turned her attention to Justin.
"Working on Remsom."
"I thought as much," Cynthia frowned. "However," she turned her attention back to Gus, "I'm sure you'll have much more fun with Justin than you would your father," she assured as August came over to meet Gus.
***
"Do you want to see if we can find Auntie Em and Uncle Teddy?" Justin asked Gus after they had finished talking to Cynthia and August.
"Sure," Brian's son agreed. "Jus?"
"Yeah?"
"Was Mommy telling the truth when she said that I might be able to throw a pie at Uncle Teddy today?"
"She sure was," Justin grinned, knowing Gus was in for a real treat when it came to his Uncle Ted.
***
Soon, Emmett was gushing over Gus while Ted grumbled about the upcoming pie contest. Neither had commented on Brian's absence as they assumed that being spotted at a carnival would be too unseemly for Mr. Kinney's tastes.
"Hey, Justin," the blond looked up to see Nathan and Brendan approach.
"Hey, guys."
"Who's this here?" Nathan inquired, motioning to Gus.
"Gus," Brian's son introduced himself.
"Your nephew, right?" Brendan turned to Justin.
"Uh, yeah," Justin nodded, as he reached out to ruffle Gus' hair, not wanting to reveal that these days he was more like Gus' father. "Gus, these are my friends Brendan and Nathan. Can you say hello to them?"
"Hi," the child smiled. "Do you work with Jus too?"
"We sure do," Brendan confirmed. "Did Justin tell you about the award he won recently?"
"The Clee Award?"
"Clio," Justin laughed. "Yeah, I told him. He drew me an awesome congratulations card to go with it."
"Are you interested in art, Gus?" Brendan inquired.
"Uh-uh," Gus nodded. "Mamma is an artist like Jus, but she works in a place called a gallery."
"She must be pretty talented," Brendan observed.
"She is," Justin confirmed. "I'll have to take you to see her work some time."
Meanwhile
The Loft
Sitting at his computer desk, Brian stretched in his chair in an attempt to stop his mind from wandering from the work lying in front of him. After coming home late the night before, he found himself having difficulty sleeping as his mind had once again found itself focusing on Joan. It amazed him that after six weeks, he was still struggling with the hateful image of his mother condemning him to hell. To make matters worse, he had been forced to deal with his delusional best friend, along with his further deteriorating relationship with Justin.
Since he knew he wouldn't be completing any work any time soon, he decided to get up from his desk and head into the kitchen for another cup of coffee. As he stood up from his chair, his eyes fell on a stack of Justin's sketchbooks lying in the corner. Without consciously thinking about it, he found himself picking one up and taking it to the living room sofa. As he pulled back the book's cover the last thing Brian expected to see was a naked sketch of Bonbois.
"Fuck," Brian breathed as he continued flipping through sketch after sketch of the naked hockey player.
Walking back toward his desk area, Brian was horrified to discover that the other two books resting in the corner were filled with additional nude sketches of his nemesis. It was becoming more and more obvious as Brian saw page after page of the sketches, that Justin was once again having an affair....
2:00 p.m.
Point State Park
"Uncle Teddy looks so silly," Gus laughed as he stood with Justin and watched Kinnetik's charity pie throwing contest.
"He most certainly does," Justin agreed.
"Can we throw a pie at him too?"
"Absolutely," the blond smiled, knowing that it was time he finally made things right with Ted and Emmett.
***
"That was awesome, Jus!" Gus exclaimed after they had together thrown a pie at the conclusion of the contest.
"You can say that again," Justin laughed as he watched Emmett and a slightly worse for wear Ted join them.
"You two have quite the throw," Emmett observed.
"Tell me about it," Ted grumbled. "Melanie certainly taught her son well."
"Thanks for volunteering, Ted," Justin offered sincerely.
"Thank your worse half. He virtually blackmailed me into participating."
"Figures," Justin rolled his eyes. "So, uh, I've been thinking," he continued uncomfortably. "I think that maybe I was a little harsh on both of you before, and that maybe I owe you an apology."
"No, baby, Teddy and I understand," Emmett protested.
"Still, I shouldn't have acted like such a drama queen."
"Everyone is entitled to have their moments now and again," Ted brushed Justin's apologies aside.
"Anyway, I wondered if you two might want some assistance in planning Ben and Michael's wedding."
"We'd love it if you helped, Sunshine," Emmett smiled warmly. "Isn't that right, Teddy."
"Of course," Ted agreed enthusiastically.
"Great," Justin broke out into his trademark smile. "I was thinking maybe I could call in a few favors and see if we could have it at The Sherbourne," he suggested.
"That would be fabulous!" Emmett raved.
"Not to mention classy," Ted added.
"I'll see what I can do," Justin laughed, relieved that he had finally been able to make peace with his friends.
9:00 p.m.
The Loft
"Hey," Justin greeted Brian breathlessly as he rushed into the loft. After dropping Gus at Lindsay and Melanie's and then staying for dinner, Justin found himself returning home with just enough time to shower and change before meeting Bonbois and his friends.
"Hey," Brian looked up from the paperwork he was skimming to see Justin hurry his way into the bedroom.
"You missed a fun afternoon," Justin remarked while he shed his clothes.
"Is that right?"
"Yep," the blond confirmed before walking naked into the bathroom.
***
Hearing the shower turn on, Brian wondered if Justin had dropped by Bonbois' after the carnival. Having suffered the indignity of the fiddler, Brian knew the blond was probably taking a shower to clean the smell of the repugnant Frenchman off himself. While Brian found a part of him wondering if perhaps he was being a bit paranoid, the other part knew damn well that Justin was cheating on him again.
After having spent all afternoon stewing over his discovery, Brian was now convinced more than ever that Justin was fucking Bonbois. Hell, it had been under his nose for months, yet he'd been too blind to see it. The more Brian considered it, the more angered he became. To think Justin had the nerve to judge him for going to Ibiza when the whole time he had been fucking Bonbois behind his back. It was enough to make him ill.
***
Standing in front of the closet a few minutes later, oblivious to the thoughts running through his partner's head, Justin debated on what he should wear. While he didn't want to give Jean Philippe any further ideas, Justin found himself reaching for his leather pants and a sapphire blue sleeveless tank. Just because he wanted to look his hottest didn't necessarily mean he was planning on giving into temptation.
***
"Going somewhere?" Brian drawled as he observed Justin exit the bedroom dressed to the nines.
"Yeah," the blond confirmed, deciding it best not to mention Bonbois. He was in no mood to listen to his partner's complaints.
"I see," Brian murmured tightly.
"I should be back by three," Justin indicated as he grabbed his car keys and headed for the door. "Later," he threw over his shoulder.
"Later," Brian whispered back, knowing without a doubt that Justin, dressed the way he was, was clearly on his way to see the French hockey player.
2:00 a.m.
Babylon
After spending several hours at the private party thrown by Luc and Marie-Claire, Justin, Bonbois, Jacques, and Etienne had decided to conclude their evening at Babylon.
"So," Bonbois turned to stand beside Justin at the bar, "When do I get my present?"
"What present?"
"My birthday present," Jean Philippe elaborated.
"Have you forgotten about the painting I gave you only a few hours ago?"
"Not at all. However, I seem to recall asking for something different."
"What makes you think you're going to get it?" Justin shook his head in amusement.
"I always get what I want."
"Alright," the blond gave a mock sigh. "One dance."
"One dance? You're kidding right?"
"Not at all. You can take it or leave it."
"Oh, I'm taking it, mon cheri," Bonbois assured, reaching for Justin's arm.
"And no kissing," Justin reminded as he followed Bonbois out onto the dance floor.
"We'll see about that," Bonbois gave a seductive laugh, not about to be deterred from his goal.
***
Once on the dance floor, Jean Philippe pulled Justin up tightly against him as they began swaying to the rhythmic beat of the music that pulsated its way through the club.
It's only when I lose myself in someone else
That I find myself
I find myself
Reaching for Justin's prominently displayed ass, Bonbois found himself running his hands across the blond's leather encased bottom.
"Oooh," Justin moaned into Jean Philippe's neck as he felt the hockey player's hands begin caressing his bottom in a way that made his cock harden instantaneously.
Something beautiful is happening inside for me
Something sensual, it's full of fire and mystery
I feel hypnotized
I feel paralyzed
I have found heaven
"You have such a hot little ass," Bonbois purred seductively into Justin's ear, causing the blond to shiver in response and press himself deeper into his embrace. "I want to thrust my burning cock inside of it and make you scream with pleasure."
"Jean Philippe, please," Justin began to protest.
"Please what? You want me to do this?" Bonbois breathed as he leaned in and hungrily began kissing Justin's neck, nipping at the enticing flesh.
"N-no.... Oh God," Justin found himself moaning at the sensations Jean Philippe was arousing inside of him.
There's a thousand reasons why I shouldn't spend my time with you
For every reason not be here
I can think of two
To keep me hanging on
Feeling nothing's wrong
Inside your heaven
"Like that?" Bonbois smirked, knowing he had Justin exactly where he wanted him.
"Y-yes," Justin panted as he found himself reaching to caress his neighbor's muscular chest, anxious to feel the incredibly toned skin against his flesh.
It's only when I lose myself in someone else
That I find myself
I find myself
***
As Justin and Jean Philippe continued their sexually-charged dance, they were oblivious to the shocked stares of Ted and Emmett who were observing from the catwalk.
"Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?" Emmett turned to look at Ted in disbelief.
"You're seeing it," Ted confirmed grimly.
"Do you think he knows?" Emmett glanced nervously at the backroom.
"Nah, he's probably too busy getting his dick sucked."
"One can only hope," Emmett frowned. "Although it's possible he already knows."
"You think?"
"With those two, anything is possible," Emmett declared as he shook his head with disappointment.
***
While Ted and Emmett continued to look on in shock, Justin and Bonbois continued to grind themselves against one another with an intensity that had Babylon's patrons take notice.
"Come home with me tonight," Bonbois demanded seductively, snaking his arm around Justin's waist to pull him even closer. He wanted the blond to know exactly how hard he was.
"I can't," Justin protested, as he tried to keep himself from being caught in the web of desire that Bonbois was spinning around him.
"Stop denying yourself. Kinney's not worth it. You deserve better."
"I..." Justin hesitated. As appealing as Bonbois' proposition was, he knew it wouldn't be fair to Brian, not when they were still together.
"Forget about him," Bonbois whispered, before swooping down and taking Justin's mouth in a storm of passion.
I can feel the emptiness inside me
Fade and disappear
There's a feeling of contentment
Now that you are here
I feel satisfied
I belong inside
Your velvet heaven
Feeling as if the room were spinning around him, and that his legs might give way any second, Justin found himself gripping Jean Philippe tightly as he felt Bonbois' tongue plunder its way into his mouth. This storm of passion had been brewing between them for months, and as much as Justin had tried to deny it, he wanted Bonbois just as much as Bonbois wanted him. Because he knew, that underneath it all, only Bonbois could take away his pain.
It's only when I lose myself in someone else
That I find myself
I find myself
***
Walking out of the backroom, after a less than satisfying fuck, the last thing Brian expected to see was Justin and Bonbois together on the dance floor kissing each other with sheer unadulterated lust.
Did I need to sell my soul, for pleasure like this...
Did I have to lose control, to treasure your kiss...
As he stood taking in the sight of the repugnant Frenchman plundering Justin's mouth, Brian felt a sinking sensation deep inside the pit of his stomach. He knew now, without even being told that it was too late...
Did I need to place my heart in the palm of your hand...
Before I could even start to understand...
He'd lost Justin... Lost him before he had even had the chance to realize what was happening. Lost him to someone who was only marginally better than himself. Yet, Brian knew that when it came to losing Justin he only had one person to blame, and that was himself...
It's only when I lose myself in someone else
That I find myself
I find myself
"Only When I Lose Myself" ~ Depeche Mode
Lyrics: Martin L. Gore