Lost and Found

Part 5

When Brian got home from work, Erik had dinner waiting. Brian showered and changed into some jeans and a t-shirt, then made his way over to the dining table, taking a seat.

“Smells delicious.” He said with a smile as he picked up his fork. Erik smiled in return, though it was not sincere. Brian picked up on that immediately. “What’s wrong?”

“I had a talk with Ethan today.”

“Oh, really?” Brian asked.

“He said that he and Justin are getting married.” Erik noticed immediately that Brian’s entire body tensed. He cleared his throat and tried to play calm.

“Yeah, Justin told me about that.”

“Ethan mentioned that you and Justin had gotten together for lunch.” Brian nodded and Erik decided to continue. “He also mentioned that Justin is a little worried that he may have pissed you off.”

“He did?” Brian feigned ignorance.

“Yeah, he did. Any reason why Justin would think he pissed you off?”

“Not that I know of.”

“Maybe because you stormed out of the restaurant and you refuse to talk to Justin.” It was said more than asked. Erik raised an eyebrow as he looked at his lover. After a moment, Brian sighed, defeated. “Why would Justin and Ethan getting married make you angry?”

“I guess I’m just a little jealous, that’s all.” Brian refused to meet Erik’s gaze.

“Is it because Ethan and Justin are getting married? Or is it because Justin is marrying Ethan…….and not you?” Brian’s head shot up at that last question.

“Erik….why would you ask me that?”

“I know you still have feelings for Justin.”

“Erik…..Justin was the first man I ever really fell in love with. I'm always going to have feelings for him. That doesn’t change the fact that I love you.” He reached across the table to take Erik’s hand but the other man pulled away. “Erik…”

“So you’re saying that you’re jealousy has nothing to do with the fact that it’s Justin?” Erik looked Brian in the eye. The other man held his gaze for a minute, then looked down at the table.

“I…..I don’t know. Maybe deep down inside it does. But most of it is over the fact that they’re getting married. I want what they have, Erik. But I know we’re not ready for that yet.”

“That’s obvious.” Erik snorted.

“Erik….I love you, you have to know that. Please believe me. Justin is the past. My feelings for him stay in the past where they belong.” Erik stood and looked at Brian for a moment. He went into the bedroom and grabbed his duffel bag. He’d packed it earlier just in case. “Where are you going?” Brian asked as Erik started to walk out the door.

“I’m going to a hotel for a couple of days. I need some time to sort things out.”

“But….you’re coming back, right?”

“I don’t know, Brian. I honestly don’t know.” Erik then left, shutting the door behind him. Brian stood there staring at the door for a moment before he ran into the bedroom and threw himself down on the bed, crying himself to sleep.

*****

Brian woke up early the next morning and got ready for work, then made his way across town to Ethan and Justin’s apartment. He hoped that Justin wasn’t there when he knocked on the door. Just his luck, the blonde answered the door.

“Brian, hey.” Justin said with a slight smile.

“I need to talk to Ethan.” Brian said matter of factly.

“Oh, sure, come on in.”

“Alone.” Brian insisted. Justin nodded and went to get Ethan, the violinist came out a little while later.

“What’s up?” Ethan asked.

“Why did you have to tell Erik?”

“Tell Erik about what?”

“About Justin and me.”

“I thought he might be able to shed some light on the subject.” Ethan switched to defensive mode automatically.

“This is between Justin and me. It’s none of your business.”

“It is my business when my fiancé comes home practically in tears because his best friend is mad at him.” Ethan replied.

“You should have stayed out of it.” Brian said.

“I felt the need to find out what was going on.” Ethan answered.

“Do you feel the need to make me miserable?” Brian asked. They had been standing in silence for a few seconds.

“What?” Ethan was obviously shocked.

“It was bad enough when you stole Justin right out from under my nose but now you make Erik leave to? Why can’t you just let me be happy?” Before Ethan could reply, Brian turned and left. Ethan opened the door and walked inside, nearly running into Justin. Tears streaked the blonde’s cheeks and he knew that Justin had heard everything. He sighed and looked down, not sure what to say.
 

*****

Erik walked out of the hotel and made his way to the near by coffee shop. He ordered a latte, then took a seat at a table, looking out the window as he sipped his coffee. After a few minutes, someone walked up to the table.

“Mind if I join you?” A familiar voice asked. Erik looked up to see Justin standing beside him.

“Not at all.” Erik replied. Justin took a seat and looked at Erik for a minute. They sat in silence, Justin watching Erik the entire time. “What?” Erik asked.

“I understand that you aren’t living in the loft anymore.”

“Who told you that?”

“Brian.” Erik swallowed hard.

“Really?”

“Yeah. He came and talked to Ethan. He was pretty upset that you left. Got mad at Ethan, though. He thought that Ethan should have stayed out of the problem between Brian and me. He thinks that Ethan is the reason you left.”

“Ethan had nothing to do with it. Brian’s reaction to you and Ethan getting married is what made me leave.” Justin could tell that Erik was getting angry.

“So Brian got a little jealous. That’s no reason to walk out. He really loves you, you know?”

“Then why did he get jealous?” Erik asked with a raised eyebrow. When Justin said nothing, Erik continued. “Brian still loves you, Justin. I’ll never be able to compete with that. He obviously loves you more than he thought.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, Erik. While Brian may still have feelings for me, we’re more friends now than anything else. Brian doesn’t let just anyone into his heart. It takes someone very special to get in under the wire. You may think that Brian doesn’t really love you, but that’s a load of bullshit. He's happier with you than he ever was with me. You should have seen his face when he was talking to Ethan. He’s miserable without you, Erik.”

“I’d really like to believe you, Justin. I would.”

“Then believe me. I know Brian better than anyone and I can tell you that he is deeply and madly in love with you.” They sat there in silence for a minute before Justin spoke again. “Look, you don’t have to decide right away. Just think about it. Decide how you really feel about Brian and whether or not you think he’s worth fighting for.” Justin stood and left before Erik could say anything in reply.
 

*****

It had been a week since Erik walked out and Brian was pretty sure that he wasn’t coming back. He spent most of his nights at home watching old movies. He stopped cooking for himself, ordering take out all the time. If it weren’t for the fact that he spent the evenings alone, everyone would start to think the old Brian was making a come back. Brian worked late every night since he didn’t have anyone to go home to. When he got home around eight thirty, he opened his door and stopped in his tracks.

The loft was filled with candles and soft music. There was a trail of rose petals leading to the bedroom as well as roses everywhere. Brian dropped his briefcase by the door and made his way into the loft. He was about five steps into the apartment when Erik appeared in the bedroom doorway. He was wearing a tight black sweater with matching slacks. They stood there looking at each other for a moment, no spoken words passing between them. After a few moments of just standing there, they started moving toward each other.

They came together in the middle of the loft, Brian’s arms going around Erik’s waist, Erik’s arms going around Brian’s shoulders. Brian rested his head on Erik’s shoulder. They stood there, holding each other, for what seemed like an eternity. After a minute Brian looked up just as Erik looked down and their lips met. What started as a tender touch of lips became a heated, passion filled kiss. Soon Brian and Erik were slowly making their way to the bedroom. They fell onto the bed, Brian on top of Erik. Before long they were both naked, Brian still lying on top of Erik. They were moving so that their erections rubbed against each other, each moaning into the other’s mouth.

“Fuck me!” Erik whispered urgently when they finally parted to catch their breath. Brian smiled and kissed Erik again as he reached for the condoms and lube. Soon, with condom in place and lube applied, Brian slowly entered Erik. Though they had been sleeping together for months, Erik usually topped. Brian closed his eyes and moaned as he entered the man he loved. Erik moaned loudly as well, pushing down, trying to get as much if Brian inside him as possible.

After taking a minute to catch his breath again, Brian started thrusting slowly at first. The thrusts became more hurried as Brian neared his orgasm. He reached down and started stroking Erik. Soon they came together, both yelling the other’s name in pleasure. They collapsed onto the bed and after a moment Brian was lying in Erik’s arms, his head resting on Erik’s chest. Erik had his arms around Brian, tracing little circles on his upper arm. They lay there in silence, just enjoying the other’s company before falling asleep.
 

*****

Brian made his way to Ethan and Justin’s apartment. When he knocked on the door, Ethan answered. He could tell by the look on Ethan’s face that the young man was not exactly happy with him.

“What do you want?” Ethan asked.

“I came to apologize.” Brian replied, looking down. “I shouldn’t have blamed you for Erik leaving. It wasn’t your fault. I’m sorry.”

“You know that I want you to be happy, don’t you?” Brian looked up at Ethan.

“You do?” Ethan nodded.

“Brian….you’re a good friend. Before you met Erik, you were so lonely. That’s why I wanted to introduce you to Erik. In the hopes that you wouldn’t be so lonely anymore. At the very least you’d have a friend other than Justin and me. I would never want to do anything to hurt you, Brian. At least not intentionally.” Brian nodded.

“Thanks.”

“So, are you okay?”

“Erik and I are back together if that’s what you mean.” Brian smirked and Ethan laughed.

“I’m so glad. I was really afraid I messed things up for you.”

“Like I said, Ethan, you didn’t have anything to do with it.”

“Well, would you and Erik like to come over for dinner tomorrow night?”

“I’ll have to check with Erik.”

“Okay. Just give me a call and let me know.” Ethan smiled.

“I will.” Brian returned the smile, then walked off.

*****

Brian woke up to the smell of bacon cooking. He smiled and got out of bed, slipping on his robe before heading into the kitchen. Erik was standing at the stove wearing nothing but a pair of sweat pants. Brian walked up behind him and slipped his arms around Erik’s waist, resting his head against Erik’s shoulder.

“I hope you’re being careful. Cooking bacon without a shirt on can be dangerous.” He kissed Erik’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry, I’m being careful.” Erik smiled and leaned back into Brian a little bit. Brian smiled, then sighed happily.

“Can you believe it’s been a year already?” Brian asked.

“In two weeks, baby.” Erik said with a laugh.

“And two weeks away from us living together for eight months.” Brian once again kissed Erik’s shoulder.

“Doesn’t seem like it’s been that long.”

“You know what they say, time flies when you’re having fun.”

“I have definitely been having fun.” Erik smirked. Brian started to slowly run his hands up and down Erik’s chest.

“I have too.” Brian smiled as Erik sighed softly. Brian moved so that his mouth was right next to Erik’s ear. “Why don’t you turn the burner off and come back to bed?” His hand started to slowly make it’s way down to Erik’s crotch.

“I think that’s a good idea.” Erik quickly turned the burner off and moved the pan to an empty burner. He then turned and looked Brian in the eye. Brian smiled. Erik started to kneel down as if to blow Brian right there in the kitchen, when he changed course suddenly, throwing Brian over his shoulder and carrying him into the bedroom. Erik threw him down on the bed, removed his sweatpants and practically pounced on Brian who was laughing the whole time.
 

*****

“Come on, we’re gonna be late.” Brian called from the kitchen. He and Erik were heading over to Debbie’s for dinner with the rest of the gang.

“I don’t see why you couldn’t tell them that we wanted to spend the evening alone.” Erik said as he left the bedroom. “It is our anniversary after all, I think they would understand.”

“I haven’t been to Debbie’s in a while. Besides, it’ll make her happy if we’re there, even if it’s just for a minute. She’ll understand if we leave early.”

“Fine.” Erik sighed. He came over and kissed Brian. “Happy anniversary, baby.” He smiled and Brian returned the smile.

“Happy anniversary.” They exchanged a passionate kiss before heading out the door.
 

*****

When they got to Debbie’s they noticed that the house was completely dark. Brian and Erik exchanged curious looks, then started to head to the house. Brian stopped suddenly, a small smile forming on his face.

“What?” Erik asked when he noticed Brian wasn’t following him.

“It’s a surprise party.”

“How do you know?”

“Our little group is very fond of surprise parties. And then there’s the fact that Deb was almost insistent that we come. And the house is completely dark. It’s a surprise party.” Erik laughed.

“Well, what do you want to do?”

“I have an idea. Come with me.” Brian took Erik’s hand and led him around to the back of the house. They stood quietly off to the side of the back door. After a few minutes, the lights started to come back on. They could hear someone in the kitchen grumbling. Brian chuckled softly, then slowly opened the back door. He and Erik slipped into the kitchen. Luckily no one was there. Just as they were both inside, Debbie walked into the kitchen. She put her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow.

“Who told you?” She asked. Brian and Erik both laughed.

“Nobody told us, Deb.” Brian finally said.

“Then how did you find out?”

“He figured it out.” Erik said, pointing to Brian.

“You shouldn’t have turned all the lights off, Deb.” Brian answered. Debbie turned to the people gathered in the living room.

“Forget it, guys. They’re here.” She sighed and walked back into the living room. The party continued with everyone congratulating Brian and Erik, giving them hugs. Toasts were made, and of course everyone was eating. Finally it came time to open the many presents that the couple had been given.

“The first one is from Ben and Michael.” Debbie said as she handed Brian the gift. Brian was sitting in one of the chairs with Erik standing behind him. Erik had his hands on Brian’s shoulders. When they first sat down, Debbie had taken a picture of them. Brian slowly opened the gift. It was a beautiful designer clock. They both looked at Ben and Michael.

“It’s the modern first anniversary gift. And I thought it would look wonderful in the loft.” Ben said with a smile.

“I couldn’t decide so I let him pick.” Michael admitted. Everyone laughed at that. Debbie handed over the next gift.

“This one is from Ted and Emmett.” Brian looked down at the gift with a wary eye. He suddenly remembered the get-well gift Ted had given him.

“Maybe we should save this one for opening at home….” He looked up at Erik.

“That might be a good idea.” Ted said as he looked over at Gus who was playing on the floor. They all just laughed and Brian put the gift away. They continued to open gifts. Most of them were household items such as things for the kitchen and so forth. Debbie handed over a large gift that could only be a painting.

“This is from Justin and Ethan.” She announced. Brian and Erik both smiled at the other couple, then Brian unwrapped the gift. It was a painting of himself and Erik. It had been done from a picture that had been taken at Justin and Ethan’s the last time they were over there. They were sitting on the couch, holding each other, Brian’s head resting on Erik’s shoulder. Erik smiled as Brian wiped a tear from his eye.

“It’s beautiful, thank you.” Brian said. Justin nodded and smiled. Debbie looked at the gift table.

“Well, it looks like that’s all of them.” She said as she started to clean up the wrapping paper.

“Not yet….” Erik said as he came around to the side of the chair. “There’s one more.” He smiled.

“Erik…you didn’t have to get me anything.” Brian smiled. He tried to remain calm, but for some reason his heart was pounding.

“I know, but I wanted to.” There was a collective gasp from the group as Erik got down on one knee beside the chair in which Brian was sitting. Brian’s eyes went wide as he watched Erik pull a ring box out of his pocket. Erik opened the box and inside was an antiqued sterling silver band with the word “Love” raised in silver. Brian looked from the ring, to Erik, then back to the ring before his eyes fell on Erik again.

“Brian, I've loved you from the first time I saw you. You’re the most wonderful man I've met in my entire life and I know that I'll love you for eternity. I’m never happier than when I'm with you. So….here I am, in front of everyone, asking you a very important question. Brian Kinney….will you marry me?” The room was so silent you could have heard a pin drop on the carpet. Brian opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted before he could say anything.

“Oh that’s so wonderful!” Debbie almost shouted. Everyone started to congratulate the couple. Erik took the ring and slipped it on Brian’s finger and kissed him passionately. Brian just sat there in shock as everyone gave hugs and kisses and congratulations. He stared at the ring on his finger, one thought running through his mind. I never actually said yes.
 

*****

It had been a year. Brian and Justin were sitting in the loft having dinner together. They would have preferred to spend the day with their spouses but the orchestra that Erik and Ethan played for was playing in another city so they spent the time together. Not long after the party at Deb’s, Brian and Erik talked and it was decided that they would in fact get married.

With that news came the decision to have a double ceremony. Six months later the two couples stood in a church in front of Reverend Tom and the ceremony commenced. That had been a year ago. They were both deliriously happy in their respective relationships, though they spent a lot of time together.

Erik and Ethan traveled a lot with the orchestra so Brian and Justin were left at home a lot. Rather than remaining lonely, the two friends would take turns spending time at each other’s residences. This time Justin was staying with Brian. They talked and watched movies together. They would also reminisce about old times. On one occasion the two had been sitting on the floor in front of the couch watching The Yellow Submarine. They'd been drinking wine and the two of them had consumed almost two bottles when they started talking about their past relationship.

It had been just six months into their marriages and while they were happy with the men they'd married, it was hard to deny old feelings, especially with the amount of alcohol coursing through their veins. They ended up in bed together. Both were amazed to find the next morning that they didn't regret what happened, though they'd both just committed adultery. Neither Erik nor Ethan ever found out about the incident. Now it was the one-year anniversary of their marriages and they were once again apart from their partners.

“When do they get back again?” Brian asked.

“They should be back in the morning. They’re on their way right now.”

“That’s good. At least we’ll only be celebrating one day late instead of longer.” Brian sighed.

“That’s true. And….at least we’re not having to spend the night alone.” Justin said with a smile as he placed his hand on Brian’s shoulder. The older man smiled back. They stared into each other’s eyes. Without even realizing it, Brian was moving in to kiss Justin. Just as their lips came together, Brian’s phone rang. They both jumped and Brian quickly ran to answer it.

“Hello?” He said. Justin listened to Brian’s end of the conversation, growing increasingly concerned when the brunet’s face went pale and his whole body started to shake. “Yes….thank……thank you.” He said and he hung up the phone.

“What is it?” Justin asked as he walked over to Brian.

“There’s been an accident.” Brian said finally finding his voice again.
 

*****

When the two men arrived at the hospital in Altoona about an hour and a half later, Brian shortening the normally two hour drive by speeding along and darting through traffic, they went directly to the emergency room desk. They were both panting slightly having run from the parking garage.

“Can I help you?” The nurse asked.

“We’re……looking for….Erik Kelley and….Ethan Gold….” Brian managed as he tried to catch his breath.

“And you are?” The nurse questioned.

“Their partners.” Justin said. She nodded and started to look something up in the computer. She sighed heavily and looked at the two men sadly.

“You’ll need to have a seat, the doctor will be with you shortly.” She said. They both nodded and went to take a seat. As they sat there, they noticed several people sitting around with just scrapes and bruises and various bandages here and there. Most of them were members of the orchestra. One man walked by that Brian recognized.

“Excuse me.” He said. The man stopped and looked at him. He seemed to recognize Brian and smiled sadly as he took a seat beside the other man. “Um…..can you tell us what happened?”

“Well, we were on our way into Pittsburgh, of course. There was this spot on the highway where it was down to like four lanes and there was a cross street. We were on the cross street trying to get onto the highway again after stopping to get some gas. The driver never saw the stop sign and we pulled out in front of a semi. Slammed right into the side of the bus, almost flipping it.” He answered. Brian’s face went pale and he almost fainted. Justin didn’t look much better.

“Thank you.” The blond managed. All kinds of images came into his head as to what could have happened to the men they'd married. He started to hyperventilate and Brian held him until he calmed down enough to at least breathe normally.

It was three hours later before anyone came to talk to the two men. In that time they contacted Jennifer and she made her way to the hospital. She came in and sat between them. Brian had his head resting on her shoulder and Justin was lying down across the chairs with his head in her lap. She was absently stroking Justin’s hair with one hand while her other hand rubbed Brian’s back. It felt to her as if she were comforting her two sons rather than just one.

“Mr. Kinney? Mr. Taylor?” The doctor asked as he walked over.

“Yes?” Brian said as he sat up. “I’m Mr. Kinney.” Justin sat up as well looking at the doctor expectantly.

“Are they okay?” He asked. He saw the doctor’s expression change and instantly regretted asking.

“I’m afraid that Mr. Kelley and Mr. Gold were in the part of the bus that received the most damage. Mr. Gold was killed instantly. I’m very sorry.” He answered. Justin looked at the man in shock. He couldn’t believe it. Ethan was gone. Tears started streaming down his cheeks. Jennifer put her arms around her son. He rested his head on her shoulder and started to cry. Brian watched them for a minute before he remembered they had only heard of Ethan’s fate.

“What about Erik?” He asked, his voice shaking slightly.

“He’s alive, but not for much longer. The damage was just too extensive. We’re making him as comfortable as possible, but there’s nothing else we can do.” He sighed, hating this part of his job the most.

“Can……can I see him?” Brian questioned as he ran his fingers through his hair. The doctor nodded and led him to the area where they had Erik. Brian gasped when he saw his lover on the bed. He was covered in blood soaked bandages. His face was bruised. He was hooked to several IV’s one of which being blood, and a heart monitor that was beeping irregularly. Brian was amazed when Erik opened his eyes. He couldn’t stop the tears that rolled down his cheeks as he made his way over, sitting in the chair by the bed and taking Erik’s hand gently in his.

“Baby…..” Erik said softly, his voice barely a whisper.

“Shhhh, just rest, okay?” Brian somehow managed, though his voice cracked.

“I’m dying, Brian.”

“No….they…they said….” Brian sniffled, more tears rolling down his cheeks.

“I know what they said, baby.”

“You can’t die…” Brian sobbed.

“I’m so sorry, baby.”

“This isn’t your fault. Don’t be sorry.” Brian once again sniffled. Erik managed enough strength to reach up and put a hand on Brian’s cheek, using his thumb to wipe away the tears. He smiled slightly when Brian nuzzled his cheek into his hand. “I love you.” Brian said before closing his eyes. He put his hand over Erik’s, holding it to his cheek.

“I love you too.” Erik whispered. The heart monitor started to slow down and it was obvious that he wouldn’t last much longer. “Promise me something.” He said.

“Anything.” Brian answered.

“Promise me…..you’ll make it…..work this time…..” His voice was almost inaudible. Brian wasn’t sure what he meant, but he didn’t want to deny Erik anything.

“I promise.” He then opened his eyes. Erik smiled. Brian leaned down and kissed Erik. Mere seconds after their lips touched, the heart monitor flat lined. The doctors started to come in, wanting to move Brian out of the way so they could try to resuscitate Erik. The doctor in charge looked at him a minute. “There’s…….there’s no point……..he’s gone…..” Brian sobbed as the tears started once again. The doctor nodded.

“Time of death, 11:57pm.” He said before he and the nurses left the room.

“Three more minutes. Why couldn’t you wait just three more minutes?” Brian asked his dead lover as he rested his head on the bed. His whole body started shaking as he cried. He couldn’t believe that Erik was really gone. After several minutes, Jennifer came into the room and knelt beside his chair. He looked at her for a minute, then hugged her, resting his head on her shoulder as he continued to cry.

“I’m so sorry, Brian.” Jennifer said as she rubbed his back and let him cry. Her shirt was now soaked with a mixture of both Brian’s and Justin’s tears, but she didn’t care. It was better that they cry than hold it all inside. They decided to get a hotel room in Altoona for the night rather than trying to drive back to Pittsburgh.

Jennifer drove them to a near by hotel, leaving Brian’s car in the parking garage at the hospital. They would get it in the morning before heading back. They only got two rooms, one for Jennifer and one for the men. She made sure the rooms were next to each other.

“I’ll see you in the morning.” She told them, kissing each cheek before moving into her own room. Brian unlocked the door and they entered the room together. It was decorated just like every other hotel room they had ever seen. There were two double beds, a TV on a three-drawer chest, a two-drawer nightstand and a table with two chairs. Brian sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.

“I’m gonna take a shower.” He said. Justin nodded and sat down on one of the beds. Brian moved into the bathroom and undressed, turning the water so that it was almost scalding before stepping under the spray. He hated hotel showers because they were designed for people of average height. He remembered telling the workmen that redesigned the bathroom in the loft that he wanted the showerhead placed six inches above the normal placement. He had to bend his knees to get his hair wet so he could wash it. Once he was finally clean he wrapped the towel around his waist and went back into the main room.

Justin got up and went in to take a shower. Since he didn’t have any other clothes with him Brian slipped his underwear back on and climbed into one of the beds. He used both of the pillows because they were so thin. When Justin came out of the shower, he too redressed only in his underwear. He started to prepare the other bed, then stopped and looked at Brian. He noticed the other man was sleeping only on the right side of the bed rather than in the middle. He took the two pillows and moved around the bed, putting them on the left side.

“You don’t mind, do you?” He asked tentatively. Brian shook his head and pulled the blankets back. Justin climbed into the bed and they instinctively moved into the center. Justin rolled onto his side so that his back was to Brian, the older man wrapping his arm around the blond. Justin moved back a little into the touch and Brian closed his eyes as he nuzzled his face into Justin’s hair. He hadn’t realized how much he'd missed holding the artist like this. The last time they had slept like this was just before Justin had left him for Ethan. Taking comfort in the embrace, the two fell asleep almost instantly, having been exhausted from the events of the day.

A week later a double funeral was conducted in the same church in which they had gotten married. Reverend Tom once again presiding over the service. Neither of them had planned it, but during that week Justin had unofficially moved into the loft. Neither of them wanted to be alone and found that they could only sleep if in the same bed as the other. There was nothing sexual about the arrangement, simply two friends taking comfort in each other’s company.

They went back to the loft after the funeral, opting out of the reception that Jennifer had planned. Brian grabbed a bottle of Jim Beam as soon as he came in the door, loosening his tie on the way to the couch. Before he reached the couch he changed direction mid step and went into the bedroom. He set the bottle on the nightstand, stripped to his underwear and climbed into the bed. Justin stood in the doorway.

“Are you planning on getting drunk?” He asked.

“Yes, I am.” Brian answered.

“Mind if I join you?” Justin questioned.

“Not at all.” Brian replied with a slight smile. Justin undressed to his underwear and crawled into the bed next to Brian. About an hour later the two had finished off the bottle of Beam and lay there together. Brian was on his back with one hand tucked behind his head. Justin had his head resting on the older man’s chest, Brian’s other arm wrapped around the blond. Justin had his hand on Brian’s stomach, drawing small circles with his index finger.

“Thanks for letting me stay here.” The blond said after several moments of silence.

“Anytime.” Brian smiled. He kissed the top of Justin’s head. Justin looked up at him for a minute, smiling. He moved so that he could kiss Brian’s jaw. Brian then kissed the tip of Justin’s nose. Justin returned the favor, though he kissed Brian’s lips. What started out as a gentle, chaste kiss quickly turned heated. Justin pressed his lips harder against Brian’s. The older man’s tongue ran along Justin’s bottom lip before the blond parted his lips and granted it entrance.

Brian brought his hand down and wrapped his arms around Justin, pulling the blond on top of him. Justin moaned into the kiss as Brian’s hands found their way down to his ass, massaging and pushing their crotches together. When Justin broke the kiss and leaned his head back, Brian took advantage of it and started to lick and kiss and suck on Justin’s neck.

Brian moved his hands, slipping them inside Justin’s underwear. He moved his hands closer to the center until his middle fingers brushed against Justin’s hole. Justin shifted his hips so that their erections could rub together, the friction causing both men to moan. In one quick movement Brian rolled so that Justin was under him. He continued to kiss and lick and suck on Justin’s neck.

It wasn’t long before they had both shed their underwear; their leaking cocks rubbing together still. Brian reached over and grabbed a tube of lube from the nightstand. He opened it and squirted some into his fingers, warming it before slipping a finger into Justin. The blond moaned loudly, arching his back. Brian continued to finger his ass, soon adding a second finger.

“Oh Brian.” Justin moaned loudly. Brian hadn’t realized how much he’d missed hearing the younger man call his name like that. Without thinking about it he reached over to grab a condom that wasn’t there. He hadn’t bought any condoms since the commitment ceremony so there were none in the loft. He looked at Justin a moment. Justin looked into his eyes and saw the turmoil there. He’d had a condom on him the time they’d done this before, but now neither of them had one. He reached up and put his hands on Brian’s cheeks, pulling him into a passionate kiss. When they came apart he kept his lips against Brian’s as he spoke.

“Fuck me. It’s okay. Just fuck me.” He looked into Brian’s eyes and Brian looked back. Brian saw only trust and love in the twin pools of blue. He nodded and kissed Justin again as he entered him in one smooth motion. Both moaned loudly into the kiss at the contact. They’d never fucked each other raw and it felt better than Brian thought possible. He stayed where he was until Justin started to thrust his hips, trying to get Brian to move. Brian started to thrust, slowly at first, taking what seemed like an eternity to pull out so that only the head of his dick remained before just as slowly moving back in. He wanted to revel in the feelings that were coursing through him.

“Oh God!” Justin leaned his head back and screamed as Brian shifted his hips to hit the blond’s prostate on every entry. Too soon for his liking, Brian’s thrusts became more hurried so that it was almost like he wasn’t leaving the blond at all. He reached between them and started to stroke Justin’s cock. Before long the younger man arched his back. “BRIAN GOD YES!” He yelled as the cum was ripped from his dick, shooting between them. The feel of Justin’s hot cum on his stomach as well as the contracting muscles around his dick sent Brian headlong into his own orgasm.

“JUSTIN!” He yelled as he came, shooting deep into the artist’s ass. His entire body shook as he road out his orgasm before finally collapsing onto Justin. They lay there panting and sweaty for several minutes. When they finally regained their strength, Brian moved so that his softening cock slipped out of Justin, then he rolled onto his back. Justin lay there for a minute before rolling over, once again resting his head on Brian’s chest. Neither said anything as they lay there, holding onto each other. After a few minutes exhaustion finally claimed them and they both fell asleep.
 

*****

When Brian woke up the next morning, he was a little surprised to find someone in his bed. He’d been expecting to wake up alone. It was at that moment that the events of the prior evening came flooding back. He sat up as he remembered exactly what happened. A small smile crept onto his lips as he looked down at the blond sleeping next to him. He reached out to stroke the silken locks and stopped mid motion as a wave of guilt came crashing over him. Here he was, reveling in the fact that he and Justin had made love the night before when just hours before that, they had both buried the men that they loved. He got out of bed and made his way into the shower, turning the water almost hotter than he could stand before stepping under the spray.

The sound of the shower woke Justin from his sound slumber. He sat up and scrubbed his fingers through his hair before rubbing his hands over his face. His head hurt just a little and he remembered having helped consume an entire bottle of Jim Beam. The slight pain in his ass as he moved reminded him of the other thing he’d participated in the night before and a smile spread across his lips. A smile that soon faded as he remembered the reason he and Brian had been getting drunk in the first place. He got up and went into the bathroom, joining Brian in the shower.

“Morning.” He said as he shut the shower door.

“Morning.” Brian answered, handing Justin the soap. Neither of them made a move to get closer to each other. When Justin would move under the spray, Brian would back off a little. It was almost as if they were afraid to touch each other.

“Do you want me to wash your back?” Justin asked tentatively. After a couple of seconds thought, Brian nodded and turned around. Justin quickly ran the soap over the skin and moved to let Brian rinse off. Brian turned and took the soap from Justin’s hand then motioned for him to turn around. The blond complied and Brian swallowed hard as he looked at the firmly rounded ass. He shook his head to clear it and quickly washed Justin’s back. Once that was done, Brian turned the water off and they left the shower, drying off quickly. Justin slipped into some sweats and Brian grabbed a pair of jeans, sliding into them before sitting down on the bed.

“We need to talk.” He said as he looked at Justin. The younger man nodded and took a seat beside Brian. “What happened last night…..”

“Was done out of grief.” Justin completed the sentence. “We were lonely, and drunk and…..” He sighed.

“Do you regret it?” Brian asked.

“No.” Justin said. “But it didn’t mean what we think it meant.” Brian nodded in agreement.

“Can we still be friends?”

“Of course.” Justin smiled, taking Brian’s hand. “Nothing will keep me from being your friend, Brian.”

“I don’t think I could handle it if you weren’t my friend.” Brian said honestly. Justin nodded.

“Me too.”

“So….what does this mean?”

“This means that it’s about time I go back to my own place.” Justin said a little sadly. Brian simply nodded.

“That's probably better. Wouldn’t want something like last night to happen again.” There was the tiniest twinge of anger in Brian’s words. Luckily Justin was just distracted enough that he didn’t hear it.

“We’ll still talk. And get together for dinner. Our relationship hasn’t changed, Brian. And it never will.”

“Yeah.” Brian said. He watched Justin start to pack up his things and wondered whether it was good or bad that things between him and Justin would always be the same.
 

*****

Seven years later

“Oh God Brian yes!” Justin moaned loudly as he came, the cum squirting from his slit over and over until he was finally spent. Brian followed shortly thereafter and the two collapsed onto the bed, panting heavily. When their breathing was finally under control, Brian rolled off of Justin, discarding the condom in a waste basket beside the bed and reached for his pack of cigarettes. “You know, you’d think after a bout with cancer that you wouldn’t have picked that up again.”

“Old habits die hard.” Brian commented as he took a long drag. Justin took the cigarette from his fingers and took a drag as well before giving it back.

“That was amazing.” He said as he moved so that he could kiss Brian’s lips.

“Definitely.” Brian agreed with a smile. They lay there in silence for a minute before he looked at the blond again. “So……why’d you break up with this one?”

“He was so fucking annoying it was ridiculous.” Justin answered.

“And just two weeks ago you told me how amazing he was.”

“That was before I figured out he was so annoying.” Justin said and Brian laughed. Justin laughed as well before they shared another kiss.

Since the night of the funeral, the two had come to an agreement. They wouldn’t discount the idea of relationships with other people, but if neither were in a relationship, they would be, essentially, fuck buddies. It seemed, however, that they always found fault in the people that they were dating and broke off the relationships. There was even one point where both were in a relationship. Three days after Justin broke up with his boyfriend, Brian said good-bye to his. They were in bed together less than twenty-four hours later. Though they constantly found themselves naked in the same bed, they still insisted they were only friends.

“You still going to Molly’s birthday party tonight?” Justin asked as he got up.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Brian smiled.

“She’ll be happy for you to come.”

“That’s why I plan to be there. Besides, I need to talk to Peter.”

“Can you believe that my sister and your nephew are together?” Justin asked with a laugh. Brian simply shrugged.

“He may be my nephew, but he’s still a Kinney and you Taylors just can’t seem to resist us Kinney men.” Brian smirked and Justin smacked his arm. He got dressed and kissed Brian lightly on the lips.

“I’ll see you there.”

“Where are you going?”

“I’ve got some shit I have to do before the party.”

“Okay. So…..I guess I’ll see you there.”

“Later.” Justin said as he started to leave.

“Later.” Brian responded before getting up to take a shower.
 

*****

Brian was on his way to Molly’s, having just picked up her gift, when his tire blew out. He almost careened into a wall but managed to get his Lexus under control in time. Brian had changed to the luxury car shortly after his fortieth birthday. He got out and sighed heavily. Molly had told him to dress nice so he was wearing one of his best suits and now he had to change a tire.

“Fan fucking tastic.” Brian sighed as he started to get the tools he needed out of the trunk. It was almost an hour later before he finally showed up. Jennifer ended up answering the door and Brian looked less than happy. He was filthy and his suit was possibly ruined.

“What happened?” She asked, concerned.

“I had a blow out. I had to change a tire in the middle of the street.” He sighed.

“Oh, Brian…I’m sorry.” She moved aside to let him in. He walked in and noticed a crowd standing around Molly.

“Did I miss anything interesting?” He asked.

“Your nephew proposed.” Jennifer said.

“What? Really?” Brian blinked.

“Really.” Jennifer couldn’t keep the smile off her face.

“That’s great.” He said. Two seconds later he was practically tackled by a newly twenty one year old blond girl.

“BRIAN! I’m so glad you made it!” She moved back a little. “Oh my….what happened?”

“Flat tire.” He said.

“You’ll never guess what happened?” She said.

“Your mom told me. Congratulations.” He kissed her cheek.

“Mom……” Molly pouted and Brian could only laugh.

“So I guess you’re really going to be family now, huh?” He asked.

“I guess so, Uncle Brian.” She smiled. They shared another hug before he held out a small wrapped box.

“Happy birthday, Mol.” He smiled and she took the box and unwrapped it, then opened it.

“Oh Brian…..it’s beautiful.” She said as she pulled out a sterling silver heart shaped necklace.

“It’s a locket.” He commented. Molly opened it and her eyes filled with unshed tears. Inside was a picture of the two of them that was taken during their trip to Europe. They were both smiling and looked like father and daughter. There was also an inscription that read, “I’ll never forget.” A tear rolled down Molly’s cheek as she looked up at Brian.

“Thank you so much.” She hugged him again and kissed his cheek. Brian took the necklace from her and motioned for her to turn around, helping her put the necklace on. She hugged him one more time and he kissed her cheek.

“I’m glad you like it.” He smiled. The rest of the party went by with talk of the wedding and so forth. Brian found himself standing in the corner with his nephew while the women talked.

“That’s a great ring.” He said.

“I had to save for three months to pay for it.” Peter commented.

“You could have asked me, I would have helped.”

“And spoil the surprise?” Peter smirked.

“You think I would have told her?”

“I mean, the surprise for you. I know how much Molly means to you.” Peter said and Brian laughed.

“Besides……it feels good to know that you bought that for her yourself, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah, it does. Makes me feel like I really can support her.”

“Of course working for Vance will help. Especially considering how much you’ll be making.”

“Not right off. You of all people should know that.”

“So….how’s your brother?” Brian questioned. He hadn’t heard anything from or about John in several years. When Peter chuckled, Brian raised an eyebrow.

“You’ll never guess what happened.”

“What?”

“He came out to mom and Gramma the other day.”

“He what?!” Brian almost yelled. A couple of people turned to look at him, but then turned back to Molly.

“John is gay.” Peter said with a laugh. Brian started to laugh too.

“Talk about poetic irony.” He chuckled. “So, how did your mom take it?”

“She was less than happy. Oh, and I should warn you. They both blame you.”

“I figured they would.” Brian sighed. He ran his fingers through his hair. “I can’t believe you’re all grown up. And I mean both of you.”

“Time does seem to fly, doesn’t it?”

“That it does.” Brian smiled. Just then Molly came over and looked at Peter.

“Mind if I steal your uncle for a second?” She asked with a smile.

“Not at all. He was starting to get on my nerves.” Peter said with a chuckle. Brian smacked him upside the head before walking off with Molly.

“What’s up?” He asked.

“Well….Peter and I were thinking about getting married in August.” She said.

“That soon?” He raised an eyebrow.

“We want to wait until after he graduates but that’s only a couple of months away so….”

“Okay, so…..you’ve got a point to get to, young lady.” He smirked. She laughed, then turned serious.

“I haven’t heard from my dad in almost two years.”

“Jen told me. I’m sorry. I wish he wasn’t such an asshole.”

“I know. Me too. But…..that’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Oh?”

“Do you remember when we were playing Barbies back not long after you first moved in?” She smiled and Brian chuckled.

“Yeah, I remember.”

“And you remember the promise you made me? About….if my dad wasn’t going to be at my wedding…”

“I promised you that I’d be there.”

“I’d like you to give me away.” She looked him in the eyes as she said it. Brian blinked, then smiled.

“I’d be honored to.” He answered. She hugged him, wrapping her arms around his neck. He wrapped his arms around her and held on tight.

“Thanks……dad.” She whispered in his ear before kissing his cheek. Brian couldn’t keep the tear from rolling down his cheek.
 

*****

It was three weeks until the wedding and Brian was supposed to meet Molly for dinner. The rest of the men in the wedding party were going to get fitted for their tuxes, but since Brian already had a tux, they decided to get together. When he arrived he noticed a car out front that didn’t belong to anyone he knew. He got out and knocked on the door. Much to his surprise, Craig Taylor opened the door.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” He demanded.

“I’m having dinner with Molly.” Brian said.

“Like hell you are.”

“Dad, stay out of it.” Molly said.

“Why is he here?”

“Because I invited him.” She told her father.

“Well, I’m officially uninviting him. Now get the fuck out.” Craig looked at Brian.

“I don’t think you really have a say in that.” Brian said with a raised eyebrow. “Molly is an adult now. She has a right to choose who she wants to associate with.”

“She might be an adult but I'm still her father and I don’t want her associating with a sick pervert.”

“Stop it now!” Molly almost yelled. “You don't have the right to tell me who I can and can't spend my time with. You’re the one I don’t want here so you can just leave.”

“Is he the reason I had to find out about your wedding by seeing the announcement in the paper?”

“You didn’t send him an invitation?” Brian asked Molly.

“No, I didn’t.” Molly looked down.

“Molly….I told you you should…”

“I didn’t want to.”

“What?” Craig asked. Brian looked at him.

“I told Molly that she should send you an invitation. The fact that you didn’t get one had nothing to do with me.”

“Why didn’t you want me there?” Craig asked his daughter.

“Because you weren’t there for me for the past ten years. Why would you be there now?” She said honestly.

“I’m your father, I’m supposed to give you away.”

“I have someone else to do that.” Molly glanced at Brian quickly before looking back at Craig.

“Him?” Craig asked, pointing over his shoulder with his thumb at Brian.

“Yes, him.”

“But why?”

“Because he’s been a better father to me than you ever were. Brian helped mom with the bills when you stopped paying child support just because we were helping him when he was sick. He took mom and me to Europe just because he wanted to. He’s helping pay my tuition because you’re too cheap to help. He’s done everything that you were supposed to do so I figured he could do one more thing because at least he gives a shit about me. He cares enough to be there for me when I need it.

“He even went through six months of practical torture just so he could keep a promise he made to an eleven-year-old girl. Can you say that you’ve done any of that?” She was crying by this point. Brian wanted to go to her but he thought better of it. He didn’t want to provoke Craig. The other man simply sighed and lowered his head. “Well then, Craig. I think it’s time for you to leave.” She put emphasis on the fact that she used his name. He nodded and turned. Brian moved out of the way so that Craig could leave. When he was gone, Brian moved into the apartment and pulled Molly into his arms. He held her and rubbed her back as she continued to cry.
 

*****

Brian was meeting Molly for lunch almost a week after the confrontation with Craig. He’d been helping her and Peter plan the wedding, having offered to pay for it. When she’d asked him why he was willing to pay regardless of the expense, he’d simply stated that the father of the bride always paid for the wedding. That, of course, earned him hugs and kisses from both Molly and Jennifer. They were meeting to discuss the menu.

When Brian arrived at the restaurant Molly picked, he was taken immediately to the table where she was waiting. He noticed that she was looking through a magazine and that she had several stacked in front of her. She looked almost frantic as she flipped through the pages. He took a seat and ordered his food, Molly having already ordered.

“What’s wrong?” He asked.

“I can’t find a dress. I’ve looked through hundreds of wedding magazines and I just can’t find the right dress. It has to be perfect and there’s nothing…..” She sighed. “I only have two weeks and I don’t even have one picked out yet. I still have to get it fitted and….”

“Molly, calm down. Two weeks is a lot longer than it seems.” He reached across the table and took her hands in his. “Just take a deep breath and try to relax or you’re going to give yourself a heart attack.” He smiled as she did as instructed. “Now then, I think I have a way to remedy your dress situation. But that will come after lunch.” He smiled once again when she nodded. After lunch was over and the bill was paid, Brian was walking Molly out to her car. They had gotten the menu taken care of and the music while they ate.

“So….you have my dress situation solved?” She asked.

“Well, I think I do. It depends on if you like it or not.”

“Only one way to find out.” She said with a nod. She got into her car and Brian got into his, then she followed him as he left the parking lot. Molly was a little surprised when they pulled up to a house rather than to Brian’s loft. He got out of his car and waited for her, then went and knocked on the door.

Joan Kinney was a little more than surprised to see Brian standing on her doorstep with a beautiful blond young woman standing beside him. It took her a minute to recognize the woman as the girl that she’d seen Brian with at the mall all those years ago.

“What are you doing here?” She asked as she opened the door and moved aside so they could come in.

“Nice to see you too, mom.” He said with a smirk. Molly’s eyes went wide. She'd never forgotten the way this woman treated the man she’d grown to care for. She was instantly angry with the woman before her.

“Are you going to answer my question?” Joan asked.

“Molly here is getting married in two weeks and she seems unable to find a wedding dress.” Brian answered.

“Oh no you don’t.” Joan said.

“Mom, don’t. You have no reason to keep it and it was actually left to me anyway since I was the only member of the family she could stand.” Brian said. Molly was more than a little confused now.

“I said no.”

“I’d really like to see you try to stop me.” He commented before grabbing Molly’s hand and leading her up to the attic. It was filled with dust-covered boxes and he couldn’t hold back a sneeze. Molly looked around.

“What are we doing here?” Molly asked.

“Solving your dress problem.” Brian smiled. He walked over to one corner of the attic where there was a large wardrobe. He opened it up and pulled out a white plastic garment bag, then moved back over to where Molly was standing. Brian unzipped the garment bag and removed it, revealing a beautiful wedding dress. It was cream colored with long sleeves made of lace that came to a point at the end of the sleeve. It had a low, v shaped neckline and a fitted bodice. The lace had little pearls sewn into it all over. The skirt flowed out from the waist and the train had to be at least three feet long.

“Oh Brian….” She said.

“It was my grandmother’s.” Brian smiled. “It was supposed to go to Claire but she couldn’t get her fat ass into it. Besides the fact that she only has two boys, but of course you knew that.” They shared a chuckle. “My grandmother told me to give it to the woman I would marry. And since that’s not going to happen, and I’m not going to have any daughters of my own…..”

“It’s perfect.” Molly said as she kissed his cheek. “It must be very old.”

“Almost a hundred years if I remember correctly.” Brian told her and Molly’s eyes went wide. “My grandmother was fifteen when she got married.” He told her.

“Thank you so much.” Molly said, once again kissing his cheek. He smiled as he put the dress back in the garment bag and gave it to Molly.
 

*****

It was the day of the wedding and Brian was pacing just outside the bride’s dressing room. He was wearing a black Armani double-breasted suit with a white shirt and deep purple vest and tie. Molly had chosen white and purple as her wedding colors thinking it would be easier to find flowers to go with that theme. In Brian’s lapel was a boutonniere of one white rose and one purple Dutch Iris. The two flowers actually looked very good together. About an hour before the wedding, Jennifer came out of the room.

“Molly wants to talk to you.” She said with a smile. Brian returned the smile and walked in. Molly looked absolutely beautiful in his grandmother’s wedding dress. She had her hair up in an elaborate twist with little curls hanging down and framing her face. Around her neck she wore the locket that Brian had given her for her birthday.

“You look beautiful.” Brian came over and kissed her cheek.

“Thanks. You don’t look half bad yourself.” She smiled and Brian chuckled.

“Thanks.”

“So, do you have a date?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

“No.” He sighed.

“Couldn’t find anybody?”

“Didn’t want to.” He answered honestly. Molly nodded and turned back to the full-length mirror she had been facing so that she could finish touching things up.

“Not meaning to bring up old pains but I remember your wedding.” She said looking at Brian through his reflection in the mirror.

“I was thinking about it recently, actually.”

“Did you ever think you’d get married?” She looked at him over her shoulder.

“Not really. For the longest time I wasn’t exactly the marrying type.” He ran his fingers through his hair.

“Think you’d ever want to get married again?”

“I don’t know. I’d have to find just the right guy.” Brian smiled softly. Molly turned and looked at him a minute, a smirk on her lips. She decided to let Brian come to his own conclusions. Molly kissed his cheek.

“It’s almost time.” She said.

“Yeah. How do you feel?”

“Fine.” Molly said with a tight smile.

“You know what fine means?”

“What?”

“Freaked out. Insecure. Neurotic and Emotional.” Brian smirked.

“Oh well then I am definitely fine.” Molly answered and they shared a laugh.
 

*****

After giving Molly away Brian took his seat next to Jennifer, the seat that was customarily reserved for the father of the bride. He smiled as he watched the ceremony. The two Taylor men were missing from the wedding but for very different reasons. Craig had been summarily told that he should not attend if he knew what was best for him. Molly didn’t want him there and since it was supposed to be the happiest day of her life Brian would have done anything to make sure that didn’t happen. Justin, however, was called out of town on an unavoidable, last minute business trip.

Brian listened as the minister went on and on about how wonderful marriage was and things like that. Brian sighed, memories of his commitment ceremony coming to mind. Jennifer took his hand and squeezed gently. He smiled at her and she returned the smile. He looked back up at the couple saying their vows just as Peter began his. Brian listened to each one and wondered if one day he would ever find another person he was willing to commit his life to. He looked up at the ceiling. Give me a sign, he thought to himself. Just one little sign to show me I won’t spend my life alone.

Almost as soon as the thought was completed, there was a loud bang at the back of the church. Everyone turned to see a very red faced Justin standing just inside the door. Apparently he’d tried to enter quietly and lost his grip on the rather large door.

“Sorry.” He said, then made his way up to where Brian and Jennifer were sitting. As soon as the blond sat down the wheels in Brian’s head started turning. He looked up at the ceiling once again and mouthed a thank you before turning his attention back to the ceremony.
 

*****

The reception was held in the ballroom of one of the fancier hotels in Pittsburgh. Brian sat at the head table with Molly and Peter, though at first everyone was confused as to which side of the table he should sit on. Since he was the groom’s uncle he could sit on that side, but he was also the bride’s surrogate father. Finally Peter decided that Brian should sit beside Molly and everyone took their seats. Jennifer took the seat one down from Brian, forcing Justin to sit next to the older man.

“I can’t believe it. Molly’s married.” Justin said before taking a sip of his wine.

“To my nephew.” Brian smirked and both of them laughed.

“So we really are family now, huh?”

“I guess so.” Brian said with a shrug. “If being my nephew’s brother-in-law makes you related to me.”

“I guess not.” Justin chuckled. They looked each other in the eye for a minute, then Justin looked at the dance floor.

“Managed to get out of the trip?” Brian asked.

“Finished up early.” Justin answered.

“Didn’t have a date lined up just in case?”

“No.” Justin answered. He looked back at Brian.

“Justin……I was doing some thinking….”

“Oh?”

“I've noticed how we keep effectively sabotaging our other relationships so we can be together.”

“Yeah…..I kind of noticed that too.”

“Justin….” Brian reached over and took both of the younger man’s hands in his. “This is going to sound totally silly but….during the ceremony I asked for a sign. I asked to be shown some kind of sign that I wouldn’t spend the rest of my life alone.”

“And?” Justin sounded hopeful.

“And you came through the door.” Brian smiled. Justin smiled as well. They looked each other in the eye for several minutes.

“I don’t think I want to date other people anymore.” Justin admitted.

“I don’t think I want to either.” Brian said.

“So….what does this mean?”

“Well….I guess it means that we want to be officially a couple.”

“I guess it does.”

“I love you, Justin.” Brian said with a slight smile. Had this been the old Brian, Justin would have been totally shocked. But over the time that Brian had been with Erik the blond had heard Brian say, “I love you” on more than one occasion. He smiled one of his bright sunshine smiles.

“I love you too, Brian.” Brian’s smile changed to an ear-to-ear grin. The two came together in a passionate kiss, completely forgetting about everyone else in the room. Off to one side, Molly and Jennifer stood watching the two. They were both smiling.

“I wondered how long it was going to take them.” Jennifer said.

“I knew they’d figure it out eventually.” Molly smiled.

“I’m just glad it happened before they were too old to do anything about it.” Jennifer commented with a smirk.

“And now they can live happily ever after.” Molly said. The two women exchanged a look before bursting into laughter.

 

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