RAGE REDUX
Banner courtesy of the queensoftarts
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“Brian, are you sure this is a good idea?”
“Why Sunshine, I’ve never known you to be shy or to back away from a challenge.”
“I don’t. But this is different. The last time I trusted Brett Keller I was
burned and embarrassed, and most of all disappointed.”
It had been five years since Rage - The Movie was shelved in lieu of a religious
blockbuster. Gay had gone out of style, or so the studio bigwigs thought. But
since the California legislature had voted to approve gay marriage over a year
before, gay had suddenly become stylish once again.
The more gay friendly a studio was, the more positive attention it received.
Films that were normally destined to appear at a few select festivals and then
go straight to dvd distribution were making money at the box office.
The curiosity factor was certainly a big part of it, but it was more than that.
There was a democrat in the White House and all the states that voted him in
were reviewing the issue of permitting gay marriage, or civil unions, more
seriously. Politicians knew where their bread was buttered, as did the studio
heads -- with the populace -- the voting and and spending populace.
With all these conditions in place there was very serious talk of resurrecting
Rage - The Movie, but with a different studio, as punishment to the original
studio that shelved the project.
A completely new cast would be brought in, and if Justin had anything to say
about it, Connor James would be out. The last person Justin wanted in the lead
role was an old trick.
Justin Taylor, artist, had succeeded in making a small name for himself in the
northeastern part of the United States. He was happy and had an agent, so as
soon as possible he returned to Pittsburgh from his ten-month stint in New York
City. He returned to his life, his family, his friends and most of all, to his
home with Brian at Britin. While the two frequently stayed at their loft in the
city, they relished their solitude in their country manor.
It had been two years since they had put the rings on their fingers, right where
both agreed they belonged, but there was no ceremony, no golden gardenias, no
fanfare, no words -- just a fire in the fireplace and two men deeply in love.
Now two years later, Brian had insisted that Justin at least read the proposals
for the resurrection of the biggest disappointment in his professional career.
While Michael and Justin continued to produce the comic book, Rage, as partners,
Michael had sold his rights without any stipulations, and was therefore not an
integral part of the decision to reinstate the movie. However, Justin’s initial
involvement as a creator and assistant art director, and subsequently terminated
contract with Brett Keller, did include a clause that stipulated if the movie
were to ever be considered for production in the future, Justin Taylor had to
approve. Thanks to careful perusal of the initial contract by Brian’s attorney
this little element had been included and was now proving valuable.
“Is this fucking plane ever going to land?”
“Justin, relax. Remember you’re in the driver’s seat this time. You get the
right to pan the project if you feel it necessary. You have the power, despite
Brett Keller’s ridiculous bravado, to close the book on Rage - The Movie, so to
speak.”
Justin sat back a moment and thought about Brian’s words. Being in control was
important now and he had the control. He could put the brakes on as fast as the
studio did the first time around. “It would be nice to get some money from a
production like this. I know Michael would love it.”
“It’s not about the money and you know it.”
“I know. It’s about getting the word out that being gay doesn’t, and shouldn’t,
limit anyone, anymore than being a member of any minority.”
“Now that’s the tough twink I know and love.” Justin smiled at the words of
encouragement and the relaxed way that Brian was able to use that four-letter
word in a sentence.
Brian and Justin set their chairs in a reclining position and rested for the
remainder of the flight, hands touching gently on the armrest.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Two days later Brian and Justin left their big meeting with Brett Keller and the
producers.
“I can’t believe it. I don’t know how your lawyers did it, but I had a lot more
leverage in that room than I realized I’d have.”
“How does it feel to be a big Hollywood mogul again?”
“Fucking fabulous! But you know what’s even better?”
“What pray-tell, Sunshine?”
“That I do NOT have to work on this film. My art career is in a place where I’m
comfortable and whenever I need a little extra work I can always help with the
graphic designs for one of my partner’s ad campaigns.”
“That’s only because your partner is smart enough to know when and where he can
find brilliant, yet cheap, labor.”
“I’ll have to think about that the next time you ask me for an invoice.” Justin
couldn’t help but keep the smile on his face.
The day had gone his way. Rage - The Movie might actually become a reality that
would be seen by millions of people and he didn’t have to leave home for six
months to help make it happen.
The skills he’d developed with his state-of-the-art graphics design programs,
accompanied by his widescreen monitor, would enable him to work from home if
Brett ever did ask his art team to consult with the original artist.
While Brian and Justin began to stroll to their rental car Justin noticed Brian
getting more and more distracted.
“Brian.”
No response.
“Brian, are you okay?”
“Oh yeah, Sunshine. Just thinking.”
“Always a dangerous thing.”
Brian just laughed as they got in the car and started driving.
“Brian, where are we going. The hotel is the other way.”
“If you must know, I had hoped today would be the unequivocal success that it
was so I arranged a special celebration.”
“How, when?” Although he tried to contain it, Justin’s enthusiasm and curiosity
were definitely getting the better of him.
“With the concierge, while you were checking one or two last e-mails in the
room. Now sit back and enjoy the scenery.”
Brian continued driving up the coastal highway. Each mile became more
picturesque than the previous one.
Apart from one rest stop along the way, which also doubled as a high protein
break, they continued to drive for almost three and a half hours at which time
Brian pulled off the road.
To Justin’s surprise, he took a small piece of paper out of the car’s console
and began following the directions.
About ten minutes later they finally arrived at what looked to be a small home
overlooking the ocean. It was absolutely charming. Justin wouldn’t use that word
out loud knowing how Brian would tease him for even thinking anything charming,
but that was the only way to describe the cottage.
Let’s go Justin, we’re expected.
“Brian, what the fuck are we doing here? Is this some little off-beat restaurant
or something.”
“Or something would be closer. Now stop questioning.” Then Brian turned to face
Justin and gently placed his hands on his shoulders. “Do you trust me?”
“Brian, what’s going on?” Confusion was written all over Justin’s face, tempered
with worry. “Is something wrong? Is this a doctor?”
“No, I’m perfectly healthy.” Brian once again looked deep into Justin’s eyes and
somehow Justin knew how important this was. “I repeat, do you trust me?”
“With my life,” Justin whispered, barely
audible above the sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks below.
“Justin, I asked you this once, but it wasn’t really the right time. It’s legal
here and unless I’ve missed about a thousand cues, we’re both ready.”
A tear streamed down Justin’s cheek but he never broke his gaze into Brian’s
eyes.
“Justin Taylor, artiste extraordinaire and Hollywood mogul, will you finally
marry Brian Kinney, genius ad exec with brilliant creative talents in and out of
bed?”
Justin smirked, “Now that’s a Brian Kinney proposal I can sink my teeth into --
amongst other things.”
“So...”
“So I say a resounding, YES! I would be proud to be legally married to you.”
The two kissed on their spot overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
“Then I think we’d better keep our appointment with the Justice of the Peace.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It was a brief but meaningful ceremony because the only two people who needed to
be there were present.
They exchanged the simplest of vows and re-placed their rings on each other’s
fingers. The witness/entertainer sang (almost on key) a lovely old love song
from the 1970’s and the wedding was complete.
As the two walked hand in hand to the back porch of the cottage the Justice of
the Peace handed them a small package. Brian opened the delicately wrapped outer
paper and handed the box to Justin.
“How did you find this?”
“With the help of a very efficient assistant.”
Justin gently held the golden gardenia in his hand. They both looked on as the
sky began to turn a beautiful combination of reds and burnt oranges.
“Look, Sunshine, it’s the new blue.”
Justin softly laughed, kissed Brian and then leaned into him. “It’s better than
the new blue. It’s ours, all ours.”
“The world is ours today. Does it feel any different?”
“In some ways no, but knowing that it’ll be recorded forever does add a special
luster.”
“Just like seeing your smile as we watch a Pacific Ocean sunset together.”
Justin’s smile was as genuine as the ocean was wide and equally as beautiful and
it was reflected in the smile worn by his new husband.
[The End]
Return to Shadownyc's Fanfic