"So, what's this surprise, Bri?" Justin demanded for what had to be the hundredth time.

"I'm still not telling you," Brian sing-songed.

But Justin could tell that he was starting to grate on Brian's nerves. He couldn't help it. He had never been able to handle surprises well. Sighing and resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Justin sat back and tried to relax.

About ten minutes later, Justin looked out the car window as the driver pulled into an open field and parked the car. The driver got out and opened the back door, allowing Justin and Brian to exit the car.

"Okay, Brian, why are we here?"

Brian smiled and looked up, pointing at the sky. "That's why."

When Justin looked up, his eyes widened. "Is that what I think it is?"

"Oh, yeah. A hot air balloon."

Justin couldn't believe it. Brian had surprised him alright. He remembered when Brian had confided to him about always having a fantasy of making love in a hot air balloon. But he had told Justin that he was only going to do that with the man he loved and had every intention of spending the rest of his life with. That had been two years before and, at that time, Brian had said that the fantasy was a moot point. He claimed that he would never find love. Now, here they were.

Justin smiled his huge 'sunshine' smile and looked at Brian with loving blue eyes. "Does this mean what I think it means?"

Brian smiled and nodded. "I took some classes and learned everything I needed to know for operating the hot air balloon. That way we could be alone."

"So, that's where you've been these past few weeks." Brian nodded.

When the hot air balloon landed, the operator walked over to them. He looked at the certificate, that he was handed, stating that Brian had completed the required course. "Be careful, gentlemen. I'll see you in two hours."

Brian and Justin walked over to the balloon and got inside. Brian fired it up and they were airborn. "You even had them bring a picnic basket?!" Justin exclaimed.

"I figured I should do this right," smirked Brian.

After about five minutes, Brian turned to face Justin and began to speak, hazel eyes locked with blue. "Justin, you know that I've never been good with putting my emotions into words. I've always been better at letting my actions speak for me. As I am, now. Me bringing you up in this hot air balloon is my way of telling you that I love you." Brian pulled a small box out of his pants pocket and took a deep breath. Justin's eyes bulged.

Looking deep into Justin's eyes, Brian asked, "Justin... will you marry me?" When Brian opened the small box, Justin saw a gold band. It was a ring to show that he was promised to another until he and Brian exchanged official rings.

Justin couldn't help the tears that escaped his eyes. He nodded. "Yes! Oh God, Brian, yes I'll marry you!"

Brian chuckled as Justin threw himself into his waiting arms.

Justin and Brian's lips met in a sweet kiss. After a few minutes, they broke apart, and Brian smirked. "Ready to get to the second part of my fantasy?"
Justin smiled. "Absolutely!"

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