Brian awoke with a start. He was having another dream about Vic. Or rather Vic was still haunting his dreams, to be more precise. In this dream or nightmare or whatever the fuck it was, Vic had been decorating a Christmas tree. He was adding little silver bells to a huge Christmas tree that twinkled while he adorned it. That was the only sparkling part of the dream. Vic had been talking to him, taunting him, telling him that he was growing old just like Vic had. Vic was warning him that he would be old and alone before he knew it.

But he wasn't alone. Brian reached towards the other side of the bed, but Justin wasn't there. Justin was in fucking New York. Is that what Vic had been saying, that Brian should go to New York and be with Justin? But why had Vic been decorating a fucking Christmas tree?

Brian had been with Justin last weekend, only three days ago. They had talked about what they would do for Christmas. Justin was going to come to Pittsburgh arriving Christmas Eve. He would have liked to have been there earlier, but there were too many things on his schedule. There were several parties that he was required to attend for the holiday season, and a lot of art got sold as Christmas presents. Justin needed to be there at the gallery that was representing him, and at the parties which would raise his profile in the New York art scene.

Rolling onto his back Brian stared up at the ceiling trying to figure out what the dream meant. Since Vic's death the man had more than once haunted his dreams usually tormenting him with images he didn't want to see, like that fucking pulverizing ray gun when he had had radiation for his cancer. Sometimes Vic teased him or tortured him and sometimes he acted as his conscience, warning him that something needed to be done. Which was it this time?

Brian was sure this dream had something to do with Justin. Why else would Vic be telling him he was going to be old and alone? And why now when he had finally come to the conclusion that alone was not an option. He needed Justin, more than he could ever admit, more than he ever had admitted.

He remembered that night when Babylon had exploded and he had been so scared that Justin had been hurt or worse… He wasn't going to think about that. Too many bad things had happened to Justin already. Was Vic trying to tell him that Brian was what caused those bad things to happen? Brian had gone to the prom, and he owned Babylon, and Justin had been hurt by both of those. Maybe Vic was telling him that he should let Justin go, for Justin's own good. Maybe that was the warning. Brian was meant to be alone. That was his destiny, old and alone.

Brian let out an audible groan, but there was no one in the loft to hear it. If that was his fate then he might as well go up to the roof and jump off. However, there was no way that Brian Kinney was going to be remembered as a pile of crap at the corner of Fuller and Tremont. No way was that going to be his end.

Somehow Brian didn't believe that he was meant to be old and alone, at least not yet. He and Justin had been through so much that it didn't seem possible that it could just end. They would always have a tie, a connection that could not be broken. That was what he had said to Justin. "It's only time." And what he had meant was that they were timeless. That eventually they would be together. But did he still believe that?

When he was with Justin he believed it. Last weekend in New York he had never been surer of anything than he was that they were meant to be together. When they came together the sparks that flew were white hot. They melted into each other, gave each other such a monumental high when they had sex. No one else had ever done that to Brian, especially not time after time, guaranteed. They also satisfied and fulfilled each other when they made love. He was sure of that. At least he had been sure of that … last weekend. Could he have been wrong?

Brian looked at the clock. It was approaching six a.m. He might as well get up. With a final sigh, because he knew he wasn't going to get any hard and fast answers to his questions, he headed into the bathroom. He turned on the shower and took a piss. He wondered what Justin was doing right then. He was probably sound asleep. That boy liked his sleep.

Brian stepped into the shower and started to soap himself. His mind went back to the dream. What was the fucking Christmas tree doing in the dream? Brian didn't believe in Christmas. He had always refused to have a Christmas tree. Every year Justin had asked to have one and Brian had refused. They always went to Deb's on Christmas Day and she always had a tree. Brian always said that was enough. The last couple of years they had gone to Jennifer's too and she always had a beautiful tree filled with ornaments that Justin said had been in the family for a long time. There was even one that said "Justin's First Christmas". Brian had teased Justin mercilessly about that one, wanting to see pictures of baby Justin. Jennifer had been only too happy to show him.

Justin had been mortified especially by the obligatory photo of him naked on the bearskin rug. He had been mortified until Brian whispered that he would buy a bearskin rug and Justin could pose just for him like he had done for that photograph. After that Justin had been mortified that he had a hard-on for the rest of the visit. Brian had taken care of that for him once they left Jennifer's.

Brian smiled as he jerked off remembering Justin on the fake bearskin rug that he had found one day at the Big Q. Michael had dragged him there to get some fucking cheap piece of crap that he wanted, and then Brian had seen this bin of plush fake bearskin rugs.

He had bought one much to Michael's amazement and annoyance when Brian wouldn't tell him what he was going to do with it. In fact, the rug was still in his storage cupboard. Picturing Justin coming home to the loft and Brian peeling off his clothes and laying him out in all his glory on that fucking rug was all it took for Brian to shoot his load against the shower wall.

The only thing better would be when he fucked Justin face down into the plush rug. He could almost feel it beneath his knees, his hands in Justin's hair and his dick up that sweet, tight ass.

"Fuck, Kinney!" Brian chastised himself. He was turning into a goddam fucking lesbian. He turned off the shower, knowing that he would be thinking about Justin on that rug all day long.

As he shaved he remembered exactly when he had become a full fledged lesbian. He had bought that fucking mansion and had promised Justin the sun and the sky. He had gone against every principle that he believed in. He had made his grand gesture to Justin and where had it got him? Right where he was now, in Pittsburgh, in his loft, alone. He should just quit trying. He could never get the love thing right.

Brian was gathering up his keys ready to leave the loft when the phone rang. He was tempted to let the machine get it, but he decided to pick it up.

"Hello," he said abruptly.

"Hello yourself," Justin's voice said.

Brian felt the usual stirring in his loins. He felt that whenever he heard Justin's voice or was near the boy. "Isn't it kind of early for you to be up?" Brian asked.

"I don't sleep till noon. I work."

Brian could hear the testy edge to Justin's voice, but he didn't want to fight. "So why are you calling at this fine hour of the morning?"

"I had a favor to ask of you."

"A favor?"

"Yeah."

There was a long pause. That meant it was something that Brian was probably not going to like. "Are you going to tell me what it is?"

"I guess, but I don't want you to turn me down."

"When do I ever refuse you anything? And I know you're rolling you're eyes at me."

Justin laughed. "Yeah, I was."

"So, what do you want?"

"I want to have a party at the loft over the week between Christmas and New Year's."

"A party?"

"Correct, and that's a party, not an orgy."

"I'm not into orgies anymore."

Justin snorted. He didn't know what Brian did in the weeks between their visits, but he was sure the man wasn't celibate. Then again neither was he. He also knew how much Brian liked orgies. He had always fucked his way into them and through them. "Can I have the party?" he asked.

"Why do you want a party?"

"I just do. Isn't that enough?"

"I guess so. Okay, you can have a party."

"Thanks," Justin said grudgingly. Just once he'd like to ask for some simple thing and have Brian say yes without pause, without reserve, without him having to practically beg, barter or sell himself to get it.

"What do you want me to do?"

"You don't really have to do anything. I'll be there on Christmas Eve and we can make the party for later in the week. That will give me time to get things ready."

"Great," Brian said unenthusiastically.

"You could try to show a little interest."

"You know how much I love parties," Brian snarked. "Do you want me to invite people?"

"Um … no, thanks, I'll call everyone."

"Afraid I'll invite a hustler or two, or maybe some tricks?"

"Of course not," Justin declared although there was some part of him that thought Brian might do just that.

"Okay, one party coming up."

"Thanks, Brian, and … um … there is something you could do for me if … if it wouldn't be too much trouble."

"What's that?" Brian asked immediately feeling that he was going to have to refuse this and Justin wouldn't like it.

"Could we have a tree for Christmas?"

"You know what the fuck I think of Christmas and trees and fucking decorations."

"I know," Justin said with a sigh, "but it's the holidays and it would be so pretty for the party, and we could sit and look at it on Christmas Eve when I get home." Justin stressed the word 'home' hoping that might have the desired effect and get him the tree he really wanted.

"Fuck, Justin, that would mean that I have to go buy a fucking tree and buy ornaments and decorate the fucking thing."

"Yeah, I guess that's a lot to ask." Justin paused hoping Brian would say he would do it anyway. When the silence continued, Justin knew there would be no tree. "I guess if it's too much trouble, it doesn't really matter. I'll see the tree at Mom's and the one at Deb's."

Brian breathed a sigh of relief. He was off the hook. "Look," he said, "since the party will be near New Year's, let's make that the theme. In fact you can have it on New Year's Eve if you want. I'll help you shop and decorate."

"Great," Justin said flatly.

"It doesn't sound great by the tone of your voice."

"It's fine. I'm sure the party will turn out fine and I'll get to see everyone that I've been missing."

"Including me?"

"Including you. I guess I should let you go now. Bye, Brian."

The line went dead.

Brian looked at the phone for a second before setting it down. He should be feeling good that he had got out of the whole Christmas tree fiasco, because that's what it would have been if he tried to do a tree. He had absolutely no experience in that regard, and he didn't want any. Then why did he feel vaguely troubled that Justin was pissed off at him. It was just a minor thing. The kid would get over it.

Brian grabbed his keys and headed off to work.

About two hours after he had been at work, he heard some commotion out in the foyer of Kinnetik. He went out to see what was going on. There stood a Christmas tree with Cynthia and Ted and many of his other employees decorating it. Someone had brought a supply of eggnog which many seemed to be sipping out of paper cups. Everyone was very cheery until they saw the look on Brian's face.

Cynthia hurried over and pulled Brian back into his office saying that she needed to speak with him. "Don't blow a gasket, Brian," she cautioned.

"What the fuck is going on out there? Are you responsible for the tree?"

"No, no, I'm not. Actually the tree was sent over by Eyeconics. When Ms. Aberfoyle was here the other day she noted that we didn't have any Christmas decorations."

"And you told her that was because we didn't want any decorations, right?"

"Um … no, I just said we hadn't got around to it yet. I didn't want to offend her and say that we didn't decorate for Christmas."

"Then you should have sent her to me and I would have told her my views on the subject."

Cynthia could see the vein in Brian's neck pulsating and she knew that he was furious. "Brian, the staff are enjoying decorating the tree."

"Meanwhile none of them is getting any work done."

"They'll make sure they have their work done. I'll see to that. Besides with all of them helping we'll be done in a few minutes."

"I should throw the fucking tree out in the alley."

"Brian, Ms. Aberfoyle will be here next week for an appointment. I'm sure she's going to want to see her tree. It really was very thoughtful of her to send it over, decorations and all."

"Very thoughtful," Brian muttered. "All right, the fucking tree stays, but get people back to work, and soon, or there will be no Christmas bonuses for any of you."

"Yes, Boss," Cynthia said contritely. She knew Brian was still angry but he had accepted the tree and life would go on. She beat a hasty retreat before he changed his mind.

Brian slumped down into his chair. What the fuck was with all these Christmas trees that seemed to be invading his life. Maybe Vic was trying to tell him that Christmas trees signaled the end of the world.

When Brian got home that night he was in a foul mood. He had picked up some Chinese food on his way home and he practically threw the bag into the sink. He wasn't sure that he wanted to eat any of it. He went up to the bedroom and changed his clothes. These were the kinds of nights that he used to be able to call Mikey and they would sit around eating and reminiscing about their high school years. They'd smoke a little pot and mellow out. In the morning everything would be all right.

Except, now Mikey had a husband and a couple of kids and he didn't really want to associate with Brian. Mikey had grown up and Brian hadn't, as he had told Brian many, many times. Fucking Mikey was the golden boy who did everything right, and Brian was the asshole who still clubbed and fucked around and made a mess of his private life. Like he had a private life! It seemed like everybody knew far too much of his business and always had advice on how he should conduct it.

Having changed into jeans and a t-shirt, Brian decided he might as well eat some of the food he had bought. He dished himself up a plate, grabbed a beer and went to sit in front of the TV. He picked at the food with his chopsticks. The memory of lying on the futon and having Justin nip his nose with his chopsticks came back to Brian. He smiled. Chinese food always tasted better when he had it with Justin.

With a sigh he set the plate on the coffee table and downed the rest of his beer. He rubbed his hand across his eyes. Why the fuck couldn't he have had a normal childhood with parents who celebrated Christmas with gifts instead of with a bottle of whiskey? Maybe then Christmas trees would mean something good to him instead of the hypocritical piece of shit he saw them as.

Finding nothing worth watching on TV, Brian decided to haul out one of his old movies that he had in his collection. They were classics and he always enjoyed them. Maybe he should try one of the old Christmas ones. "Miracle on 34th Street" was a real tearjerker, although mostly he found it funny. Even Christmas couldn't produce miracles for Brian.

He paused at "It's a Wonderful Life". Frank Capra was an interesting filmmaker. Some of his works like "Lost Horizon" had been booed and laughed at until he re-cut them. They really were pretty sappy. But he did get a kick out of Clarence, the angel trying to earn his wings. Nobody who looked like that actor ever got to be in films nowadays. Brian pulled out "It's a Wonderful Life" and stuck it in the DVD player.

He went to the fridge and got another beer settling back on the sofa to watch the film. He was at the part where Jimmy Stewart was just realizing that nobody knew who he was, that he had never existed in Potterville. The ringing of his phone brought Brian back to the present.

"Hello," he said.

"Brian, when is Justin coming home?"

"Good evening to you too, Deb."

"Answer my fucking question."

"He'll be home Christmas Eve."

"Shit!"

"Why is that a problem?"

"I'm having trouble thinking of what to get Carl for Christmas and I thought a sketch of him done by Sunshine might be something Carl would like. To say nothing of the fact that it might be worth something someday."

"Deb, Justin is working, and working hard. I don't think he would have time to…"

"Okay, okay, it was just a thought."

"What about a new razor or something like that?" Brian suggested.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, same old same old."

"Pardon me for commenting."

"I'm sorry. I just can't come up with anything good and there's only a week left before the big day."

"I was watching an old movie. Does Carl like video stuff?"

"Hey, that gives me an idea."

"Thank the gods," Brian whispered to himself.

"What did you say?"

"I said think about odd things."

"Whatever the fuck that means? You and Justin are going to be here Christmas Day, right?"

"Yes, Mother."

"See you then, Brian. I know you miss him."

"Bye, Deb."

Brian cut the connection and set the phone down. Then he picked it up again and hit one on the speed dial.

"Hello," Justin's voice came back to him over the miles.

"Hey."

"What are you up to?"

"I just rescued you from having to do a portrait of Carl Horvath."

"What? What are you talking about?"

"Deb called and wanted to know if you could do a sketch of Carl since she couldn't think of anything better to give him for Christmas."

"What did you tell her?"

"I told her to get him some video equipment or movies. That you were too busy to do the sketch."

"Even if I'm busy, I still could have done it."

"I … I thought I was doing the right thing putting her off."

"Yeah, I guess you were."

"Justin, is something wrong? You sound funny."

Justin debated telling Brian what he was really thinking but decided against it. If he was going to tell Brian, he would do it face to face. "Nothing's wrong," he said. He really hoped that was true after he got finished having the talk he planned to have with Brian when he got to Pittsburgh.

"Well, I just thought I'd let you know," Brian said wondering how the good thing he had done had suddenly gone sour.

"I have to go. I'm in the middle of something."

"Sure," Brian said and the line went dead.

Brian knew then that something was not right with little Sunshine. Justin usually was very happy to have Brian call him. He never ended a call so abruptly as he had tonight. Brian couldn't help but wonder what was going on. However, he decided that rather than brooding over what was wrong with Justin he would hit the backrooms and see what he could find. That usually made him feel better, and today had been for shit.

When Brian returned home well after two, he was decidedly high and feeling no pain. He had found a couple of passable tricks to do blowjobs. He had drunk some and snorted a bit. He felt better than when he left. He downed a bottle of water and dropped into bed quickly falling asleep.

Brian was in the loft watching Vic decorate a Christmas tree. Vic kept holding up little silver bells, shaking them in his hand so they tinkled softly. Brian tossed and turned on his bed trying to figure out why he was having this dream again.

"Why?" Brian mumbled in his sleep.

"Because, you dumb faggot, if you don't wake up soon you will be old and all alone."

"No," Brian groaned.

"Oh yes. How long do you think you can have everything your way and never let Justin have what he wants?"

"I give him everything," Brian insisted.

"Everything that you think he should have, never what he truly wants."

"No."

"Protest all you want, but you won't get many more chances."

"What…what are you talking about?" Brian continued to mumble.

"You'll find out and you're going to be sorry."

"Don't do apologies."

"How about regrets?" Vic laughed and shook another tiny silver bell at him.

Brian awoke with a feeling of panic. What the fuck was with this dream? He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He got up and went for another bottle of water. Maybe it was the drugs. The rest of the night was made up of fitful bouts of sleep and a lot of unrewarding thinking.

The next night was much the same. Brian wondered if he were losing his mind. If he wasn't, many more nights like these would certainly drive him over the edge.

When Brian went into the office, Cynthia net him in the lobby and told him that Ms. Aberfoyle of Eyeconics would arrive at ten. Brian nodded taking his messages from her. He walked past the Christmas tree now twinkling serenely in its place of honor in the lobby. He hoped Ms. Aberfoyle would be pleased with how it turned out. Fucking bitch!

Cynthia buzzed some time later to tell him that Ms. Aberfoyle had arrived. Brian went out to meet her. She was surveying the Christmas tree with a critical eye.

"I hope it meets with your approval," Brian said.

She turned and gave him an appraising look. "Your staff did a nice job."

"Yes, they did."

"I take it you didn't participate."

Brian glanced at Cynthia. He knew she would never betray him by telling Ms. Aberfoyle that, but he had to wonder how she knew.

"That was a guess," she said. "Nobody told me anything, but your disdain for Christmas came across in a couple of things you said to me."

"So, were you baiting me to see what I'd do with the tree?" She nodded. He knew she was a bitch. "I wanted them to pitch the tree out in the alley."

Ms. Aberfoyle laughed. "I've always liked your honesty even though I don't often agree with your views."

"I've always liked your balls even though I'm much more used to them on men, Ms. Aberfoyle." Brian drew out the Ms. into several syllables.

She laughed heartily. "Isn't it about time you called me Gwen, Mr. Kinney?"

"If you call me Brian," Brian replied looking at her through new eyes. "What did you expect to accomplish by sending me that thing."

"I wanted to see what you would do with it, and you didn't disappoint me. And I hoped to spread a little Christmas cheer."

"Fuck Christmas cheer," Brian reacted. He was immediately sorry for using the "f" word in front of her, but he refused to say so.

Gwen laughed. "I see you have really strong feelings about this, but I always feel Christmas brings out the best in people. You know, like random acts of kindness."

"Or fucking secret Santa's."

Cynthia cringed. "Um … Brian."

"Right," he said, "our meeting. Shall we get started?"

Giving Brian a strange look Gwen preceded Brian into his office.

It was late when Brian left Kinnetik that day. He had had a brainstorm about a new campaign for Eyeconics and he had spent hours playing with it until it was in a fit state to go to the art department the following day. It was approaching ten o'clock when he left the office. He had intended to stop by one of his favorite stores and get Justin a new robe for Christmas. He wanted one that would suit Justin, that would be easy to peel off and that would reveal all the right things at the right times. Looking at his watch he knew his favorite store on Liberty would be closed already, and they might not have it anyway. He had seen an ad in the paper for just what he wanted, except that the store carrying it was at the mall. He hated the fucking mall. But he remembered seeing in the ad that all stores in the mall would be open till midnight from tonight till Christmas Eve. With only three days left till Christmas and two till Justin arrived, Brian felt he better get the robe tonight if he really wanted it, and he really did. His cock was telling him it was the right gift for his boy. Maybe the mall wouldn't be too crowded at ten thirty at night. All the breeders and their children should be home in bed.

Brian pushed open the door to the mall with some trepidation. If the place was packed he was leaving. Surprisingly it didn't look too bad as he started down the concourse. He had checked the map at the door and thought he knew the location of the store that he wanted. He would get in and out quickly with a minimum of effort and a maximum of results. He smiled as he saw the store sign up ahead.

The men's store was very quiet, only one other customer. The clerk who waited on him was obviously gay and was seriously cruising him. He wouldn't give the poor schnook the time of day, but he did give him his credit card and got him to wrap the present.

Brian left the store with a spring in his step. He had conquered the mall and had no scars to show for it. Somehow, though, he managed to make a wrong turn and instead of heading back the way he had come in he was in uncharted territory. He studied the overhead signs looking for JC Penney which was near where he had come in. The sign directed him down another path that he had not traversed before.

Suddenly he was standing in front of a Christmas tree store, a whole fucking store filled with nothing but fake trees and all the gaudy crap to decorate them. Brian shivered involuntarily. This was what Justin wanted. This was the indignity that he would be forced to endure if he did what Justin wanted. With another shiver he walked away from the store and went on with his quest to find JC Penney.

He hadn't gone very far when he stopped and an unwanted memory flooded his brain. He remembered walking home one cold night and stopping at the flower vendor's stand. He had picked up a bunch of roses. He had almost bought them. And then he had changed his mind. He had put them back. He had refused to buy them for Justin, even though he knew how much Justin would have appreciated them. And as a result, Justin had found romance and flowers with Ethan. Brian's shiver this time was more violent.

Could it be that he was doing the same thing this time, only with the tree? Justin had sounded like he really wanted a Christmas tree but Brian had blown him off. Ever since, Justin had been very curt and withdrawn on the phone. Was it the tree that was the root of the problem?

Undecided about what to do, Brian just stood there. Getting the Christmas tree went against his beliefs, yet he had let them have the Eyeconics tree at the office. And then there was that fucking dream he kept having. Maybe he was supposed to have a tree this year. Maybe this was his last chance to make it right.

He turned around and with no trouble at all found his way back to the Christmas tree store. Sucking in a deep breath Brian walked in and proceeded to buy everything he would need to decorate a tree. The clerk who helped him wanted to sell him a tree too, but he wanted a fucking real tree if he was going to do this, and apparently that was what was going to happen. The clerk told him there was a Christmas tree sales area at the east end of the mall. That's where he would go next.

Twenty minutes and four hundred dollars later Brian was ready to leave. The clerk had advised Brian on all the things he would need, and Brian had gone along with his advice, not having any other frame of reference. The guy even got permission to help Brian carry everything out to his car. They had trouble getting it all into the Corvette. The trunk, the tiny backseat, the passenger seat and the floor in front of the passenger seat were all filled with bags of decorations and lights.

Brian then set off for the east end of the mall parking lot. He had decided he better do all this tonight before he lost his nerve. The man selling the trees was about to close up, but Brian talked him into showing him what trees he had left. There weren't many and they were well picked over.

"There is this one," the guy said. "It's too tall for a lot of houses, but if you have high ceilings…"

"I do," Brian said with a smirk. This was certainly the best looking tree of the lot. "I'll take it."

The man agreed to saw off the bottom of the tree and anchor it in the stand that Brian had bought. With warnings to be sure to water the tree every day, the guy helped Brian tie the tree to the top of the Corvette. Some day he would have to get a more practical car. He hoped the tree branches didn't put a hole in the roof. Justin better appreciate the fucking sacrifices he was making to get him his Christmas tree. With tree sticking out over the hood and trailing off the trunk of the Corvette Brian set off. Carefully and painstakingly slowly he drove home.

That was just the beginning of his work, however. It took the better part of the next half hour to get the tree into the fucking building and then angle it into the elevator so he could get it up to the loft. If anyone had been around to see Brian Kinney wrestling his Christmas tree into submission, they would not have believed their eyes. And they would have declared the tree the winner.

Finally he had the tree standing in front of the window with all the bags of supplies he had bought to adorn it surrounding it. He looked at his watch and it was after one o'clock in the morning. No wonder he was fucking tired. That tree had put up one hell of a fight. He filled a pitcher with water and dumped it carefully into the well of the stand. His tree needed lots of water so the man said.

That done he went to bed exhausted and didn't once dream of Vic or his Christmas tree.

When he awoke the next morning he stretched and felt like he had had the best night's sleep in a long time. He showered and checked his tree. It took another pitcher of water. He decided that he would come home from work in good time so he could get all the ornaments and lights on the tree and have it all ready for when Justin arrived the next day. Before he left for the office he went through some pictures until he found the one he wanted. With an evil grin he put it in his pocket.

The office was abuzz with talk about the new campaign Brian had come up with for Eyeconics. Brian's idea was to use the phrase "Catch the Spirit of the Season". Each season and holiday, be it Christmas or Valentine's or Fourth of July, would have the Eyeconics sunglasses reflecting things from that holiday or season. Everyone thought it was a brilliant concept.

Brian accepted his rightful congratulations on his latest brilliance and quickly went into his office. He immediately got on the phone to Mitch, the head of his art department.

"Get your ass up here," Brian ordered.

When Mitch arrived a few minutes later, he immediately began apologizing. "I'm sorry that I told everyone about your Eyeconics campaign, but it was so brilliant."

"That's fine. I like the peons to know that they are working for a genius," Brian smirked. "But that's not why I called you in here."

"Oh, okay, what can I do for you?"

Brian handed him the picture. "I want you to make this real. I want something the size that could go on top of a Christmas tree."

"Exactly like this?"

"Exactly, in every detail."

"I don't know," Mitch said shaking his head.

"I need it for tomorrow, no later than noon."

"But what about Eyeconics?"

"This takes precedence. Eyeconics can wait. Can you do it?"

"I think so."

"Then go, get started."

Mitch gave Brian a look and left the office.

Brian brought home some Thai food after work. He figured he needed some sustenance before he tackled the tree. As he was eating the phone rang. He picked up the receiver saying, "Hello."

"Hey," Justin's voice replied. He sounded happier than he had the last time they talked.

"What's up? You're not canceling your trip home, are you?" Brian asked with momentary panic.

"No, I'll be there around six o'clock."

"I'll pick you up."

"You don't have to. I can grab a cab."

"No way. I'll be there."

Justin had to smile in spite of himself. "There's something I want to talk to you about," he said hesitantly.

"That sounds serious."

"It is … kind of."

"Care to give me a hint?"

"No, we'll talk when I get there."

"Okay. I miss you."

"I miss you too. See you tomorrow."

Brian hung up the phone wondering what Justin would tell him tomorrow. Maybe he had decided to stay in New York. Maybe he would never come home for good. Maybe it was nothing that serious. Maybe he needed to borrow some money. Maybe he better stop thinking about this or he would be bringing up the dinner he had just eaten. And he still had to decorate the tree.

With a sigh he got started opening all the boxes and checking everything. He realized that the lights, strands and strands of them, should probably go on first so he started with those. When he had them arranged he plugged them in and the tree came to life. Even without ornaments it looked quite festive with the lights peeking out through the branches. The clerk had been right about needing twice as many lights as Brian had wanted to buy. He unplugged the lights until he got all the ornaments on the tree. Then he would have the grand tree lighting ceremony.

With a chuckle Brian went to the stereo and tuned in one of those radio stations that had been playing Christmas music all day every day for the last six months. He might as well catch the spirit of this thing, to quote his new Eyeconics catch phrase.

Brian spent the next two hours carefully placing the ornaments around the tree. He saved one box till last. It was a container of a dozen tiny silver bells that actually tinkled when you shook them. As soon as he had seen them in the store, he knew he had to have them. He picked one up and shook it.

"Here's to you, Vic," he said as he hung it on the tree.

When all the bells were placed, Brian picked up the electric cord for the lights and plugged it in. He almost gasped as he stood back and looked at the masterpiece he had created. It was a truly beautiful tree. He knew Justin would love it. It had been worth all the effort.

The next day at Kinnetik, very little work was accomplished. They were only there for a half day and everyone had eggnog or mistletoe or little gifts for each other, to say nothing of the steady diet of Christmas cookies that were provided by all and sundry.

Brian stayed in his office knowing that he would give out the Christmas bonuses just before everyone went home. He did a little more work on his Eyeconics idea. About eleven o'clock Mitch tapped on his office door. He was carrying a box about the size that shoes come in.

"I hope this is what you want," Mitch said holding the box out to Brian.

Brian took the lid off the box and the smile on his face rivaled one of Justin's.

"You like it?" Mitch asked.

"Not bad."

"That's a relief."

"Thanks Mitch," Brian said shaking Mitch's hand. "Let's go give out those bonuses."

Brian and Mitch went out to the lobby and Cynthia made sure everyone was assembled. Brian knew he would have to say a few words.

"Ahem," he cleared his throat. Everyone quieted down. "I want to thank you all for a good year's work. Kinnetik is doing remarkably well for such a young company. That is due to the hard work all of you have put into your jobs. As a result Cynthia will be distributing your Christmas bonuses. I think you'll all be pleased with what they contain."

To a chorus of "Oohs" and "Aahs" everyone seemed pleased with what they found in their envelope. Many personally thanked Brian and shook his hand.

"Time for you to go home to your family and friends … and … have a Merry Christmas," Brian said.

"I've never heard you say that before, Boss," Cynthia said standing on tiptoes to give Brian a kiss on the cheek.

"I guess you liked your bonus if that kiss tells me anything."

"More than liked," Cynthia grinned.

"Go, start your holiday. I'll see you after the New Year."

With a smile Cynthia went to clean off her desk and get her coat. Brian went into his office and was quickly followed by Ted.

"Brian," Ted began. "I want to thank you for the great bonus, but more than that I want to thank you for giving me another chance … here at Kinnetik. You gave me back my life."

"You don't have to thank me, Theodore. You work hard and I don't know what I would do without you."

"Thanks anyway," Ted said as he pulled Brian into a hug. He actually felt Brian hug back. "I'll see you and Justin at Deb's tomorrow?" Brian nodded. "Merry Christmas, Brian."

"Merry Christmas, Ted."

Brian finished up a few things and cleared off his desk while he waited for all of his staff to go home. When the place was empty, he walked out into the lobby carrying the box that Mitch had given him. He looked at the Eyeconics tree as everyone called it, and he decided that next year he would have a tree that he provided for Kinnetik. It did add a certain something to the spirit of the Christmas season.

Brian walked out to his car and made the short drive home. In the loft he placed the contents of the box on the top of the tree having to get out his little step ladder to reach the very top of the tall tree. He had a shower and placed his gifts under the tree after he added some more water to the stand. Who knew trees were so thirsty?

Brian knew he still had a couple of hours before he went to the airport. He turned on the radio and listened to some more Christmas music. If any of his so called friends could see him, they would die of shock.

As the time approached when he should set out for the airport, Brian felt some butterflies in his stomach. He really wanted Justin to like the tree, to like being back in Pittsburgh, to like being with him. On a whim he called Justin's favorite Italian restaurant and ordered all the things he knew Justin liked. He asked for them to be delivered at seven-thirty. He plugged in the tree as it was now dark. It still looked beautiful. And he left the radio on playing Christmas carols.

Brian met Justin at the airport and they held onto each other for a long time. They said very little as they walked out to the Corvette. Brian put Justin's suitcase in the trunk and they set off for the loft.

"What was it that you wanted to talk to me about?" Brian asked after a while.

"It can wait till we get home."

"It sounds serious."

Justin sighed. "I've been doing a lot of thinking about … us."

"And what have you decided?" Brian asked feeling his stomach flip over.

"I haven't actually decided anything, but I thought you should hear what I've figured out."

"And just what have you figured out?" Brian asked with a frown.

"That we have a relationship of extremes. There's no middle ground for us. It's all or nothing and that is very tiring."

"I see," Brian said slowly although he wasn't quite sure what Justin meant.

"Do you?"

"No."

Justin chuckled. "I didn't think so."

"Care to enlighten me?"

"It's like everything is too much. We sweat the big stuff and ignore the small things. Sometimes small things are nice. I want them, more than I want the big things. You know, like the mansion with a stable. Remember all the times I've walked out or you kicked me out. We never talk and do ordinary day to day things. We always take it to the max. I think we need to concentrate on the small things."

"That's what you think, is it?"

"Yes," Justin replied looking tentatively at Brian as they pulled up in front of the loft. He wasn't sure how Brian was reacting to what he was saying. He didn't know if Brian had really heard him.

"It's starting to snow," Brian said as they got out of the car.

"A perfect Christmas," Justin said with a touch of irony in his voice.

"It just may be."

Brian quickly ushered Justin into the loft building and upstairs. They could hear the Christmas music as Brian unlocked the door.

"Have you got Christmas carols playing?" Justin asked with his mouth hanging open.

"I think that's what they're called," Brian smirked. "And that's not all." He pulled back the loft door and waited for Justin to enter.

"Oh my fucking God!" Justin said as he saw the tree. "It's so beautiful."

"You like it?" Brian asked as he grinned like a little kid.

"I love it," Justin replied as he walked towards the tree. "Did you do it all yourself?"

"Everything."

"Oh thank you, thank you. I love it so much."

"I'm glad."

"But I thought you said we couldn't have a tree."

"Sometimes I'm an idiot."

"What made you change your mind?"

"A combination of things."

"Brian, this is what I was talking about. Usually you won't do simple things like this. This is the best gift you could have given me, much better than that stupid mansion."

"Simple, huh?"

"What?"

"You have no idea how much work was involved in putting this thing up."

"A lot, I bet, and I appreciate every minute you spent on it."

"And I guess I understand what you were getting at in the car. You want the spirit of the season rather than the expensive gift or the grand gesture."

"Exactly," Justin said walking into Brian's arms and hugging his lover to him. "But the occasional gift is good too," he added smiling up at Brian.

"Of course." Brian felt the warm body that he knew so well pressed tight against him and he had never known anything that felt better.

"I love that you did this for me."

"Oh, there's something else."

"What?"

"Look up there," Brian said pointing to the top of the tree.

"Is that what I think it is?" Justin asked with a giggle.

Brian nodded. "It's you."

"In my angel costume from Babylon."

"An exact replica."

"Anatomically correct?" Justin asked with a laugh.

"You know, I didn't check that out. Anyway, who cares when I have the real thing right here," Brian said giving Justin's cock a squeeze.

Justin giggled and backed up. "Well, I look pretty good up there on the top of the tree."

"You look pretty good anywhere," Brian said giving Justin's dick another caress.

Justin squirmed away as he gave a little gasp, his cock stiffening at Brian's touches. As he twisted he bumped against a branch of the tree. One of the little silver bells tinkled. "An angel just got his wings," Justin stated with a laugh remembering the old Christmas movie that Brian had made him watch one time.

"Congratulations, Vic," Brian said looking skyward.

"You think?" Justin asked.

"I do."

"And I think this is going to be the best Christmas I've ever had."

"I think so too, Sunshine," Brian whispered as he pulled his lover into a warm kiss, before they sat on the sofa and watched their twinkling tree.