Better and Easier
The idea for this came to me last week after a brief conversation with an acquaintance about our Valentine’s Day celebrations. While it’s not the first QAF fic I’ve written it is the first one I’ve had the guts to show anyone. Probably because there’s no conflict in it. LOL!
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The diner is surprisingly quiet for a Monday morning. Debbie moves about as if walking on clouds. Ted sits in the corner of the large booth listening to something on his discman. Emmett stares off into space with a goofy grin on his face while he twirls a beautiful rose in his fingers.
Michael is engrossed in a comic book. Ben watches him smiling. Occasionally, Ben peeks over Michael’s shoulder at the colourful story. Vic quietly picks at a muffin.
Mel distractedly stirs her coffee and Lindsay rests her head on the wall behind her and lovingly rubs her swollen belly. They are the picture of relaxation.
“So, how was everyone’s Valentine’s Day?” asks Deb cheerfully.
“Great” “Fantastic” “Wonderful” “Fabulous” everyone answers at once.
The door opens and Justin and Gus walk in. Gus runs for the table climbs over Emmett and launches himself into Lindsay’s arms.
“Mommy”.
“Oh I missed you sweetie,” she says hugging her son.
“Hey, there little man. How was your weekend with Daddy and Justin?” asks Mel. “And remember to be careful with Mommy. You don’t want to hurt the baby,” she adds pulling him into her lap.
“Sorry , “ Gus says as he turns to Lindsay and pats her belly.
“It’s okay. Did you have fun?”
“Yeah, went to movies and pizza and park and make snowman and Daddy buy me stuff and Justin and me make cookies and daddy eat one and we watch cartoons and Justin put up tent inside and we sleep in it. So cool we only eat camping food and Daddy got Justin…..”
“To clean up the whole mess by himself,“ interrupts Justin.
“I’m glad you had a good time. Now give me another hug,“ says Lindsay.
“Buddy, why don’t you sit at that table and draw some more pictures with the new colored pencils I got you,” Justin says opening the boys backpack.
“Okay, but eat too?”
“Sure, do you want strawberries on your pancakes?”
“And whip cream,” adds Gus climbing back out of the booth and going over to the other one. “Justin, big people talk huh?”
“You are so smart for a three year old.”
“Yeah.”
After Gus is settled and happily drawing Justin returns to the others. “So, what is everyone talking about?”
“Valentine’s Day” answers Ben.
“Honey I can’t thank you enough for taking Gus for the whole weekend. We had the best time at the spa. It’s just the rest and relaxation we needed,” says Lindsay.
“No problem at all we always have a blast when Gus stays over.”
“Lucky for us Brian doesn’t do Valentine’s” adds Mel.
“You do look less stressed. I was a little worried last week. You have to start taking better care of yourself. Our little muffin in there needs you to take it easy,” smiles Justin.
“I know I will and I feel wonderful right now.”
“So, how was it? Tell me all about it,” says Emmett.
“We had massages, herbal wraps, facials, we did yoga, the whole nine yards,” says Mel.
“I am so jealous,” pouts Emmett.
“I would think that the rose means that Scott came through for you too,” offers Debbie.
“Oh, he did. He really really did. In more ways than one,” smiles Emmett. “First he brought me flowers and candy. Then we went to a very romantic, secluded restaurant for a delicious meal. Then he took me dancing at this fabulous little bar that had the most amazing live jazz and we slow danced for hours and then we went home where the real celebration began.”
“That sounds great,” says Justin.
“What about you Ted? Did you and Bill have a good time?” asks Mel.
“We went to the symphony on Friday and the opera on Saturday and yesterday we searched for rare CDs. I finally found the one I’ve been looking for for over three months. So Bill bought it for me” answers Ted holding up his discman.
“Deb, I can’t help but notice that you are glowing today. How was your weekend?” inquires Ben.
“And be very careful about how much information you offer. PLEASE” adds Michael.
“I had a great night. Carl took me to this comedy revival and we laughed until we almost pissed our pants.”
“You’re approaching the too much info line,” says Michael.
“Then we had a quiet dinner in a small restaurant and… Michael doesn’t want to know the rest,” she finishes with a devious smile.
“You go girl,” laughs Em.
“Uhh, even when she doesn’t actually say it I still get the picture…” says Michael rubbing his eyes as if to erase it. “Uncle Vic quick tell us about your date.”
“Well, for a second date it was pretty good. Good food, good conversation and great company.”
“I’m so happy for you,” says Justin giving him a hug.
“What about the two of you?” asks Vic looking at Michael and Ben.
“I went with Ben to
“I had a meeting with my editor,” explains Ben.
“We went for a ride in central park, had dinner and went to see the “Lion King”.
“Okay, now I’m jealous,” says Vic.
“I’d love to see that. I’ve heard the costumes and sets are like works of art,” says Justin smiling.
“We are just being awful awful people. Here we are gushing about our wonderful holidays to Justin who is living with the grouch. I bet Asshole didn’t even get you a card.”
“You know Brian,” says Justin.
“I’m going to give him a piece of my mind the next time I ….where is he anyway? You guys didn’t fight on Valentine’s Day?” Deb asks.
“He had a very early breakfast meeting but he’s going to meet me here.”
“Good”
“Leave him alone Deb. I made the mistake once of thinking I needed cards and flowers and fancy words to prove to myself that he loves me. I’m not going to do that again because he shows me all the time how he feels. Everyday in a lot of different ways.”
“Yeah, right,” smirks Michael.
“What do you mean sweetie?” wonders Emmett.
“I don’t expect you to understand,” says Justin quietly.
“You’re just making excuses for the asshole. Again!” corrects Mel.
“It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks only what I know and feel.”
“How does he show you? I know he loves you but I haven’t seen him show it much,” says Deb trying to help.
“There’s too many to talk about.”
“Right,” says Ted. “He’s a regular Romeo.”
Justin starts to feel angry that everyone thinks things are the way they used to be. But a sense of calm comes over him as he realizes that they don’t know the real Brian.
“If you must know he shows me when he holds me after one of my nightmares. When he stops everything to ensure total silence when my headaches get bad. He massages my shoulders when I’m working at the computer. If my hand starts to cramp from working too long, he’ll rub it until the spasms stop.”
“Before Christmas he actually made me dictate one of my papers to him so my hand could rest. He watches my ink and paper supplies and replaces them long before I’d get the chance. He buys all the junk food I like for the loft. Even though, he’d never eat it. If we shower together he washes my hair and always makes sure the water isn’t too hot for my skin. If we don’t shower together he makes my breakfast. He watches the movies I want to.”
“He made me homemade soup last time I was sick. He reminds me to take my allergy medication. He’ll sit for hours while I draw him.”
“Daphne and I often find our cupboards restocked. He drove across town on his lunch hour to bring me an umbrella on a day he couldn’t pick me up.”
“He automatically gets Cds and books from my favorite artists and authors. He checked the book list from my American Literature class and read the ones he hadn’t already so we could talk about them. When Daphne and I were cramming for finals he stayed away so he wouldn’t be a distraction but he sent regular food deliveries to keep us going. And they all came with an encouraging note.”
“Last summer, it took us three weeks to realize that the new air conditioners in our bedrooms were from Brian and not added by the landlord. Then, before Thanksgiving our linen closet was miraculously filled with flannel sheets, thermal blankets and comfy quilts.”
“He hates the neighborhood we live in and adds new locks to our windows or doors every few weeks.”
Justin stops and looks at his friends who are all shocked. Some jaws are even hanging open.
“And that’s just some examples, there are many more. He does everything he can to make my life better and easier,” Justin finishes.
“What are you trying to do? Ruin my image?” says Brian leaning against the opening to the back of the diner.
“I was just telling them I learned my lesson and appreciate everything you do for me. Even if it’s not the stereotypical forms of affection. When did you get here?” says Justin jumping up to give him a kiss.
“Awhile ago,” Brian says before his lips are attacked.
“How was your meeting?”
“Great. I
signed a 2 million dollar account before
“Oh, really and what are your plans?” asks Justin with a smile.
“Since we’ll both be done around eleven, we could have some fun with my newly earned bonus.”
“What did you have in mind?”
“We could start looking for what we talked about yesterday.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely, let’s go we have to stop at the loft and check on…” Brian pauses “something.”
“Yeah, we probably should.”
“Look at Gus. He’s concentrating so hard he hasn’t noticed I’m here. Just like you do,” he nudges Justin.
“Sonnyboy, I don’t want to interrupt but I’d like a hug goodbye.”
“Daddy,” Gus jumps into Brian’s embrace and wraps his little arms around his neck.”
“Bye Buddy. Justin and I have to go but we’ll see you soon. Give your Moms a break. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
“Let’s go Chatty Cathy,” says Brian grabbing Justin by the back of his coat and pulling him out behind him.
“They seem to be doing okay,” states Ben.
“I think they might actually make it work this time,” smiles Deb.
“Brian is Brian and over time Justin will give up on him again. Brian is never going to change,” offers Michael.
“Weren’t you paying attention? He already has,” answers Emmett.
“No he hasn’t. Brian has always been generous and protective but he’s still emotionally closed off and not very thoughtful.”
“Mommy”
“Yes sweetie,” answers Lindsay.
“See pictures now?” asks Gus.
“I’d love to.”
Gus places them on the table and Emmett pulls him over to sit next to his moms.
“You drew a lot,” says Ted. “Are you going to be an artist like your mom?”
“And Justin,” Gus nods.
“These are wonderful, honey. Tell me about this one.”
“Me and Justin in big bed,” he says pointing to a square with two stick figures in it.
“Where’s Daddy?” asks Mel.
“Backroom of
“In kitchen making breakfast.”
“Why isn’t Justin helping him?” asks Lindsay.
“Sleeping. We eat on bed. Fun”
“Breakfast in bed,” Emmett says looking at Michael.
“What about this one?” says Mel.
“Daddy’s house.”
“Daddy doesn’t have a house.”
“Gonna buy one. With room for me with a door.”
The guys snicker.
“Picture Justin make for Daddy,” Gus says looking at another drawing. “Daddy cried.”
“Daddy cried? What was the picture?” asks Michael concerned.
“Prom,” says Gus. “Mommy what’s prom?”
“It’s a dance.”
“Oh. Sam!” says excitedly Gus pointing to a brown dot.
“Sam?” asks Emmett.
“Justin’s puppy. He gonna share with me.”
“Justin has a dog?”
“Heart day present from Daddy.”
“Heart Day?”
“He can’t say Valentine’s,” explains Mel.
“What are these?” asks Ben looking at another picture.
“Flowers. Justin buy for Daddy and Daddy buy for Justin. But make Justin sneeze so we take to hospital and give to sick people.”
“Is this a present?” says Lindsay looking at a picture of a box with colored circles on it.
“No Justin room at his partment. Daddy fill with balloons. We play and swim in the balloons,” Gus giggled.
“Swim in balloons?” asks Mel.
“Balloons up to roof,” explains Gus his arms stretched out.
“Wow ! I guess things do change,” says Deb.
“I can’t believe it,” says a shocked Michael.