More Repercussions
Part 12
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Brian sat in his office looking at pictures on the computer. He couldn't help but smile at the pictures of Justin laughing. I can't believe that we've been married for almost a month, he thought.
"Boss, have you decided which picture is going to the framers? I have to get these other ones over there or they won't be ready for tomorrow's presentation."
"I don't know. I had decided on one of Justin and Gus but you said I should pick one of the two of us."
"Justin will appreciate it more."
"Yeah, you're probably right. What do you think of this one during the ceremony?"
"Perfect. I'll send it off right away." Cynthia smiled and then leaned over the desk and whispered. "Is the picture for your one month anniversary?"
"No," Brian snapped. "It's because Justin has been asking about the pictures. He's very concerned that they all get printed up and put in a scrapbook."
"That doesn't sound like something you'd go along with," she chuckled.
"When they start the treatment memory loss is a likely side effect of the surgery. He's scared he'll forget so he wants to make sure there's plenty of things around to trigger his memory on the important stuff."
A sad look came over Cynthia's face. "How's he doing?"
"The new drug they started him on as part of his pre-op preparation has really helped. The pain is better most of the time, so he's actually doing things again. Thank God he's not sitting in that fucking chair."
"Good. I pray for him every night."
Brian resisted the urge to comment on religion. "Thanks."
"I'll get this sent to the framers now."
"I'm going to go over a few contracts before the meeting."
Pulling the papers from the file on his desk, Brian leaned back and started to read. His eyes kept wandering over to the computer screen.
Images of their weekend in Toronto flashed through his head. The "reception dinner" had been at Casa Loma a beautiful old castle in the city. The food was a buffet of succulent lobster, fine cuts of steak, grilled salmon, stuffed baked potatoes, and a vegetable medley. Champagne and fine wine flowed freely. Dessert had been a dozen varieties of small cakes. Brian refused to call them cupcakes and it was definitely NOT a wedding cake. Even if he and Justin had shared a cream cheese frosted carrot mini cake.
Justin's health had cooperated and their wedding night had been very special in the best suite Brian had been able to book on such short notice. The gang had all enjoyed their time in Toronto sightseeing and the guys had gone to Church Street, Toronto's version of Liberty Avenue. Justin and Brian kept to themselves most of the time but joined the group for an evening of theatre. Emmett had particularly enjoyed "Mama Mia," a play that used ABBA songs.
The drive back to Pittsburgh had been very hard for Justin and his meeting with the doctors the following Tuesday was even more strenuous. Brian thought about how proud he was of Justin's strength and courage. Before long Cynthia buzzed him telling him that his clients were there for the meeting. Brian sighed and left his office, wishing he could go home and see how Justin made out at school that day.
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"Sunshine!"
"Hey Deb," Justin said as he gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Where's the hubby?" Emmett drawled, squishing Ted over to make room for Justin at their booth.
"Work. He had a dinner meeting, so I thought I'd eat here."
"Were you at class?" Ben asked looking at Justin's backpack.
"Yes, it's good to be able to get back. I'm not really taking much art wise but I have an art history class and an English Lit. class. They're easier to get caught up on if I have to miss a class or two, or ten."
"How have you been feeling, Baby?" Emmett asked.
"Pretty good. Still have a few bad days, but this drug is making it much better than it was."
"Good."
"What can I get you?" Deb asked hurriedly.
"Grilled chicken breast and a garden salad. Please."
"Okay. Coke?"
"Water."
Deb turned toward the kitchen. I wish he would eat like my old Sunshine, she thought.
The bell above the door jingled and Gus came through the door followed closely by Mel and Linds.
"Jus!" The toddler squealed.
"Hey Little Man," Justin said pulling the boy into his lap.
"Dada?'
"Not here," Justin answered. Seeing the child's face fall he continued, "Maybe later."
"Kay."
The girls sat in the booth behind them.
"How are you sweetie?" Lindsay asked.
"Pretty good today. How are you guys and how's my Little Man?"
"We're all pretty good. Busy day so neither of us wanted to cook," answered Mel.
"Yeah! I didn't feel like cooking for myself either."
"Where IS the asshole anyway?" Mel asked.
Justin leveled a glare at her. "I don't know who you are talking about."
"Sorry."
"I really wish you would stop saying those things, especially in front of Gus. It is unfair to Brian but even more so to Gus."
"You're right. I should know better. I really do apologize," Mel said, sincerely.
"Here's your food, Sunshine," Deb interrupted.
As the gang talked about their days and some current events while they ate, Justin was just picking at his food, when he noticed how busy the diner was and looked around. "Is Deb working by herself?"
"She said Kiki called in sick," Michael said with his mouth full.
"I know what that's like," Justin said, getting up and grabbing a coffee pot. He went around the tables refilling coffee cups.
"Sunshine, I appreciate the help but please go sit down. I can handle this and I don't want you to overtax yourself."
"I'm just pouring coffee. I'm okay, I can do this just go get the orders. The rush will be over soon enough."
"Okay, but please take it easy. Rest if you get tired."
"Yes, Deb," answered Justin, kissing her cheek as he passed by.
A few minutes later he returned to his seat having refilled all of the customer's coffees. He sat down and popped a few bites of chicken into his mouth.
"That was nice of you, Justin." Ben said.
"I know what it's like to get slammed with customers when you're working alone."
Justin and Gus played with his dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets for awhile. They laughed uncontrollably. The others watched them and smiled. It was good to see Justin happy.
"Okay, Buddy. I'm gonna go help Grand Dee some more but I'll be back."
"Yep."
Justin leaned over and kissed the top of the boy's head and stood up. Too quickly. The sudden movement made him sway a little and Ben jumped up to steady him. Immediately, everyone was very concerned.
"Here, sit back down," Ben said.
"Have some water," said Michael, offering him a glass.
"I'm okay. I just stood up too quickly. Everyone calm down." He took a deep breath and stood up. "See I'm fine. I'll be right back after I get more ice for the water jugs."
"Please just sit down and rest," pleaded Lindsay.
"God! You guys are worse than Brian," smiled Justin as he went to the back.
They all watched him go and then sat in silence for a few minutes, not sure of what to do. Michael pulled out his cell phone and hit speed dial.
"What?"
"Brian, I'm at the diner."
"Good for you, Mikey. I'll see you in a little while. I am on my way there but I'm stuck in traffic from hell."
"Brian, it's Justin."
"I'll be there in two minutes," Brian yelled and threw the phone onto the passenger seat. "FUCK!!!"
Michael looked at the phone puzzled.
"Well?" Ted asked.
"He's on his way."
Justin came back with a tub of ice and filled the water jugs.
"He seems okay now," Emmett said, watching him closely.
"Where was Brian?" Lindsay asked.
"In traffic on his way here."
"Good. Justin looks tired to me and his hand is starting to shake. Unfortunately, he's almost as stubborn as his husband, so he won't sit down now that he has decided to help."
"Brian will stop him," Emmett said.
"I don't think I will ever get used to people referring to Brian as someone's husband," chuckled Ted.
Justin took the tub he had the ice in back to the kitchen. Just then a frantic Brian ran through the door.
"Where is he? What happened? Did he pass out again? Did he have another seizure? Did he hurt himself? Did you call an ambulance? Where is he? Why are you all just sitting there like that? WHAT?"
"Brian."
"What? Will someone fucking say something! Where is he?"
The group was speechless. They had never seen Brian like this before. However, their silence was only increasing his panic.
"WHERE IS HE?" He yelled.
This pulled Lindsay from her stunned trance. "He's okay. We are sorry. We didn't mean to scare you. He was here eating with us "
"Was? Where is he now?" Brian snapped.
"He noticed that Deb was very busy and working all by herself so he decided to help out."
"Fuck!"
"Yeah, he refilled everyone's coffee and then sat down with us again. He seemed fine."
"Then?" Brian was getting increasingly impatient.
"When he went to stand up he got dizzy and looked like he was going to pass out. We tried to get him to sit down again but he went to get ice. That's when I called you," Michael explained.
"You could have told me he was okay on the phone. I drove like an idiot getting here."
"You didn't give me a chance."
"You're probably right," Brian sighed and slumped into the booth. His adrenaline level collapsing. He shot up again when Justin came through the swinging door. Justin smiled at him.
"What are you doing?"
"Helping Deb a little. I'm okay."
Brian looked closely into his husband's eyes.
"I'm okay."
"I know that now but Mikey called me and I jumped to the wrong conclusion and scared the shit out of myself."
"Sorry," Justin said, pulling Brian into a hug.
"Sit down. You're tired."
"I'm okay and I was just going to refill some water glasses. Poor Deb is working alone and this place is crazy," Justin said, looking around.
"I'll do it," Brian replied as he grabbed the water pitcher from the stunned blond. He went from table to table pouring water. The whole diner froze watching Brian "fucking" Kinney serve people. Deb came out of the kitchen and saw Brian. "What the fuck?" She gasped loudly.
The people who weren't in his line of sight chuckled and snickered. Brian completed his task and returned to the group's table.
"Let's go home."
"I want to stay for a little. I haven't seen anyone in a long time. Besides, we should eat because there's nothing good at the loft."
"Dada eat wit me?" Gus asked sweetly.
Brian sighed. "What is everybody doing tonight?"
"Nothing."
"Not much."
"You're looking at it."
"Okay, why don't you all come over to the loft for dinner?" He pulled two hundred dollar bills and dropped them on the table. "Stop somewhere and get some food."
"Give us an hour or so and then come over," Brian said. He picked Gus up. "You want to go to Dada's house?"
"Yep," Gus squealed and wrapped his arms around his father's neck. Brian threw the boy over his head a few times making him giggle.
"What would you like for us to get for dinner?" Michael asked, picking up the money.
"Whatever. Just make sure there's something that isn't too fatty or spicy for Justin.
Justin rolled his eyes. "Eating isn't as fun as it used to be. With my ulcer my diet is as boring as his now," Justin said, pointing to Brian.
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Justin rested his head against the jeep's cool window and closed his eyes.
"I really wish you wouldn't push yourself like that. You don't work at the diner anymore for a reason," Brian said with his eyes fixed on the road.
"I was just helping out. I'm okay. It's only a slight throb. A pill and a power nap will take care of it."
"I'll call Mikey and call off our dinner guests."
"No. Please don't."
"You need to rest."
"I can't rest tonight. I have a paper I have to write. Besides, we have to eat. I'll take a nap when we get home and when they get there, I'll eat and then Lindsay can help me with my paper."
"I could help you."
"It's an art history paper."
"When is it due?"
"The day after tomorrow."
"And you haven't started?" Brian gasped.
"I did all the research and reading. I just have to actually write it. It shouldn't take too long."
"How long does it have to be?"
"One to two thousands words. I think mine will be about fourteen hundred."
"I don't want you working too hard. You have to build up your strength for the operation "
"Bri, you know I do better when I can keep busy. I won't, however, be getting my job back at the diner. All of that going back and forth and bending over made me kind of dizzy."
"I knew it. We're home. Let's get you in bed for a rest before everybody shows up."
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Ninety minutes later Brian slid the door open. "Quit pounding."
"Sorry," Michael said from behind a large bag of Chinese food that sat on top of several pizza boxes. He was followed into the loft by Ted with subs, Emmett with fried chicken, and Ben held a variety of soda and a bag from Boston Market.
"Fuck! Did you buy all the junk in the city?" Brian asked.
"Almost," Lindsay said as she, Mel, and Gus followed the guys in. Lindsay held Gus and Mel had a bag of gourmet ice cream. "How's Justin?"
"He's sleeping. He's okay. He'll get up in a few minutes." Brian said taking his son from his mother.
"We have to be quiet Sonnyboy. Justin is sleeping."
Gus nodded his head silently.
Everyone set up the food as quietly as they could on the island in the kitchen. Brian held Gus but watched Justin's silhouette as he slept in their bed.
"Should we put some in the oven and keep it warm until he wakes up?" Mel asked.
"No. He wanted me to wake him when you guys got here. He doesn't usually sleep this soundly. The pill he took kicked in fast."
Brian and Gus went to the bedroom. Brian gently placed his son down on the bed. The boy crawled over and kissed Justin's cheek.
"Jus, I here to eat wit you. Wake up," Gus said softly.
Justin stirred but didn't wake up.
Gus repeated it a little louder.
"Hmmm." Justin said, opening his eyes, Seeing Gus there made him smile. "This is a great way to wake up, both of my favorite men here at the same time."
"Jus, get up. Me hungy."
"Again? You ate all the chicken dinosaurs at the diner," teased Justin.
"There peeza here. Let's go," declared Gus before he stood up in the middle of the bed and walked to the foot and jumped down. He turned, looking at the two men on the bed. "Get up!!"
"Okay. Okay." Brian said. "You're starting to sound like your Momma."
"Brian." Justin corrected. "I think he might come by that take charge attitude biologically."
"Maybe," Brian conceded. He turned his attention to the man lying beside him. "How's your headache?" He asked looking into those beautiful blue eyes for any sign of pain or discomfort.
"Better. I'm a little foggy from the pill but otherwise, fine. Let's go before your son comes back in here to find out what is taking so long."
Justin got up and went to the bathroom while Brian joined the others.
In the bathroom, Justin splashed cold water on his face trying to clear his head. He looked into the mirror and rubbed his forehead. With a sigh, he joined the others.
Brian sat on the floor next to Gus as they shared a slice of vegetarian pizza. The boy loved picking the green peppers off and feeding them to his father. Emmett and Ted each had a sub and a piece of fried chicken that was sprawled out on the coffee table. Lindsay and Mel set up a little Chinese food picnic on the floor with some of Brian's large pillows. Justin sat on the chaise next to Brian and Gus. His plate had half a sub, some rice, and a roasted chicken breast. Michael and Ben ate pizza. The conversation was light and pleasant.
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Gus and Justin played with the boy's blocks while everyone else cleaned up after dinner. When Brian noticed Justin's hand starting to shake endangering the growing tower, he went to help his boys so it wouldn't topple over. Gus was very excited because it was the highest tower he'd ever built. After showing everyone present the impressive structure, he gleefully pushed it over and laughed as dozens of colorful blocks fell to the floor. Prepared for the crash Justin was able to mask the pain the noise caused.
"Okay, Sonnyboy, let's put them all back in the box," Brian said. Gus helped his father pick them up and proudly told the man the color of each one.
"We should probably get going," Lindsay said. "He should go to bed soon," she explained looking at her son.
"Why don't you guys stay and watch a movie while I write my paper. Gus can sleep in our bed. I'll read to him. I could really use your advice on my paper," Justin said.
Lindsay glanced to Brian who nodded.
"Are you sure you're not too tired?" Emmett asked, concerned.
"No, I'm fine. It's nice having more people around. I've been cooped up in this place alone or with Mr. Talkative for too long. Please stay."
"Okay, on one condition," Mel replied.
"What?"
"When you get tired, you tell us and we'll go."
"Deal. The paper does have to get done tonight though."
"I won't have any problem telling you all when I think it's time for you to leave," Brian offered with a mischievous grin.
"Gus, do you want me to read you a story?"
"Yep. On big bed?"
"Yep." Justin repeated. He went over to a large basket that sat on Brian's bookshelf and put it on the floor. "Which one do you want to read this time?"
Gus walked over and took some of the books out and looked at them. Then he repeated the process until he had several piles of books all around him.
"Where did all the books come from?" Mel asked.
"Daphne spends afternoons here with Justin quite often. You know she is premed and she forgot her child development text book here. I was looking through it and came across a section on encouraging children to love learning. It said that age appropriate books and books of all kinds should be on hand at all times. I know you always send a few when he comes over for an afternoon so you obviously know what I'm talking about. Ever since then Justin and I have started a collection for him here. I went on line and bought the best sellers for his age group and then the three of us spent an afternoon at a children's bookstore that Justin has gone to since he was a child. You can take some of them home with you because now Justin is very interested in the art work of the different illustrators so I think the collection will grow much faster than Gus will." Brian smiled as Justin and Gus walked past the group up to the bedroom. Then he looked over to the bookshelf and frowned. "They are getting into the habit of making messes that I have to clean up."
"Get used to it Gus does it all the time a home. We are trying to get him to at least help us though," Mel said.
"I'll let it go tonight. Hopefully, Justin can get him settled and then we can watch a movie."
Michael and Emmett walked over to the entertainment centre trying to find a few movies that everyone would enjoy.
A half hour later, Justin emerged from the bedroom. "He's sound asleep. Any longer and I would have dozed off too," Justin admitted stretching.
"Here," Brian said, handing Justin a bottle of water and two pills.
"I can't take them for another hour because of the one I took when we got home."
"No, these don't interact with that one. It's the purple one that has to be timed correctly," replied Brian.
"Are you sure? I thought it was this one too."
"I'm positive. I asked both doctors and the pharmacist."
"Cool," Justin said popping them in his mouth and taking a gulp of water. "Did you guys decide on a movie?"
"Yeah, Moulin Rouge," smiled Emmett. "Will it bother you while you work on your paper?"
"No, I usually listen to music while I do homework anyway."
Justin went to the computer and everyone else settled around the plasma TV. Brian watched the movie but would look over at the young man often. The others noticed this and smiled to themselves. The sound of Justin steadily hitting the keys could be heard. He would stop and read his notes and then return to his task. When the movie was half over, Justin got up and walked over to where Brian was sitting and cuddled into him, closing his eyes.
"How's it going?" Brian asked.
"Not so good," mumbled Justin.
"What's wrong? You seem to be going at a pretty steady pace."
"I'm at the conclusion. All I have left is to show that I proved my point."
"Great!"
"Not really. I don't think I have a point," sighed Justin.
"So what are you going to do?"
"Well, either I start all over-which is out of the question, or I'll bullshit my way out of it."
"Sounds like a plan. Most of my papers were bullshit in university."
"Yeah, I just need a few minutes to collect my thoughts and rest my eyes."
Brian nodded and took Justin's right hand and massaged it while he watched the movie. Justin had his head buried in Brian's chest and relaxed to the sounds of Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor singing.
All at once Justin sat up. "I got it!" He said and returned to the computer. He frantically typed for about ten minutes and then the printer could be heard.
"Lindsay, would you mind reading this. I'm not sure about it," Justin said quietly.
"I'd love to."
"There might be some typos. My hand still shakes and I sometimes miss the right keys. If you see any, circle them," Justin said, handing her a small stack of papers and a pen.
Justin again settled into Brian and closed his eyes.
"When did you start this paper?" Lindsay asked.
"I did the research and reading over the last few weeks but I only started writing it tonight. It sucks huh? I'm open to suggestions on how to improve it."
"You mean you wrote this whole thing while we watched a movie," she gasped.
"Yes."
"That's amazing Justin. This is a wonderful paper, informative yet entertaining. Apparently, you are just as gifted at writing as you are at art."
"Thank you. I'm not happy with it though. I can't figure out what the problem is but something is missing in it."
"I think it's perfect. Other than a couple of typos that I circled, it is completely thorough. More so than a lot of the text books on that era of art. Ben, you have to read this."
"May I?" Ben asked.
"Only if you promise to be honest. Any comments or suggestions you might have would be great. Maybe if I rearrange things it will be better. I don't know."
Ben quietly read the paper and made a couple of notes in the margins. He handed it to Brian. "Is he asleep?" Ben whispered, motioning toward Justin.
"No." Brian answers. "Justin, Ben's finished reading."
Justin turned over and rested his head on Brian's knees. "Yeah."
"I agree with Lindsay. This is an amazing paper. I didn't know anything about the subject and I feel well informed now. The structure and content are great. The only suggestion I have is to interchange these two paragraphs," Ben said, pointing at them. "Otherwise, I would only fix the typos."
"Thanks, Ben."
"No problem. Lindsay is right. You are a gifted writer. I'm very impressed that you wrote such a professional paper in less than two hours."
Justin blushed. "I'll go make the corrections. I really appreciate the help. Thanks guys," Justin said, getting up and going to the computer.
"Let's have the ice cream," Emmett suggested. "Then we'll watch the last part of the movie."
Ice cream containers were opened and spoons placed in each one. Everyone except Brian and Justin grabbed a bowl. Brian was busy checking on Gus and Justin was still editing his paper. The phone started ringing.
"I got it," Brian said picking up the cordless. "Yeah?'
"B-brian?" The voice over the phone asked.
"Yes. Who is this?"
"I need to talk to Justin," a marbled female voice replied, followed by sobs.
"Molly? Is that you? Are you okay?"
Justin looked up with alarm.
"It's Daphne. Please let me talk to Justin. He's the only one who can help me," she said, before she started to cry again.
"Sure."
Brian walked over to Justin. "It's Daphne and she's crying."
Justin grabbed the phone. "Daph?"