Ghosts of Christmas

"Just like that?" Justin quizzed Brian as they took their accustomed positions in front of their fake fireplace. "No complaining, no fussing? Just 'OK'?"

The Christmas decorations were also lit, and a holiday atmosphere pervaded the loft. Still Justin was apprehensive.

"Yeah," Brian told him, "Just like that. Actually I want to go so there's no use arguing about it. Not that I really have a choice."

"It's just not like you, Brian. You've actually been in a Christmas mood this whole month," Justin explained, "And that scares me. You are feeling all right, aren't you?"

"Yeah, Baby," Brian smiled at him, "But just so that you'll feel better, I could complain about it if you want me to."

"The Ghost of Christmas Past," Justin allowed.

"I don't even want to think about the Christmases before I met you," Brian told him, "But I've liked all the Christmases since."

"And I don't think I even remember the Christmases before I met you," Justin responded.

"You were too young to remember," Brian gibed.

"Now you're beginning to sound more like the Brian Kinney I know and love," Justin gibed back.

"That's the Brian Kinney you know and love?" Brian echoed.

"Any Brian Kinney is the Brian Kinney I know and love, any Brian Kinney at all" Justin confided, "But let's get our plans set so we can tell Mikey what we're doing."

"When's he going?" Brian wanted to know.

"There are four performances," Justin answered, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, and Sunday matinee. Mikey and Ben are planning to go Thursday and Saturday, but I bet they'll go to all of them. After all, it's Hunter's first big play at the Performing Arts High School."

"But we're only going once, right?" Brian said. "Don't you think once is enough for us?"

"Whatever you say, Bri," Justin agreed. "I think we should do whatever you want to do."

"Now that's the Justin Taylor that I love, but not exactly the one I know." Brian laughed.

"Maybe we should change the subject, Honey," Justin suggested with a knowing smile on his face.

"Well who would want to play Bob Crachit anyhow?" Brian pointed out, "That's a terrible role. If I were in it, I'd want to play Scrooge."

"And nobody would consider you for any other role, Honey," Justin laughed, "But you're safe this time around. The cast is all students. Malcolm is helping out with the direction though, and I predict Hunter will be a great Bob Crachit."

"I guess we ought to go one of the times Mikey is going to be there," Brian thought. "Don't you think so?"

"Whatever you want," Justin agreed. "Hunter doesn't think it will be sold out for any of the performances so we have some leeway there."

"Not sold out," Brian marveled. "They must need some star attraction in their cast. Maybe I really should volunteer to play Scrooge. I'll bet that would fill the joint for all the performances."

"I don't think so, Bri," Justin laughed at him. "Everybody has seen you play Scrooge so often in real life that I don't think they'd want to pay to see you do it on stage."

"Well then maybe we ought to get you to play Tiny Tim," Brian retorted. "You're always spouting that sweetness and light crap."

"Yeah," Justin admitted, "But that would be type casting too. Everybody knows how good I am."

"No they don't," Brian told him, "Not about some things. And they're not going to find out either."

"Cut it out, Brian," Justin smiled at him, and then he decided to change the subject. "Are you satisfied with the way the loft is decorated? I think it's just right but we can change things around if you want to."

"Yeah," Brian answered, hugging the kid just a little bit tighter, "I like it just the way it is. Everything's perfect. I like everything the way it is. I don't want to change anything - and I don't want anything to change."

"That sounds awfully romantic, Brian," Justin told him, "Maybe you couldn't play Scrooge after all. You seem to really like Christmas these days."

"Must be the Ghost of Christmas Present come to haunt me," Brian guessed, "But I am kind of looking forward to the holiday stuff. Seeing Gus on Christmas morning, visiting the hospital, exchanging gifts…."

"Me too," Justin agreed. "You know, I hope I get those stereo earphones I want."

"Sounds like it's the Ghost of Christmas Presents that's haunting you, you mercenary twink," Brian laughed.

"That's a mean thing to say, Brian," Justin admonished him, "I'm not mercenary at all. I am probably the least mercenary person you know. I was just trying to let you know you got me the right thing. I thought that would make you happy."

"And how are you so sure, Baby, that I got you those earphones?' Brian laughed. "Snooping?"

"Not at all, Sweetheart," Justin cajoled, "It's just that you always do the right thing."

"Can I quote you on that when I need to?" Brian asked.

"I wouldn't count on it, Honey, but why would you ever need to?" Justin wanted to know.

The conversation died out as it was often wont to do during these sessions in front of the fireplace. The guys enjoyed sitting huddled together just watching the flames fly.

"Brian," Justin finally resumed the conversation. "This is our third Christmas together, and they keep getting better and better. Have I told you lately that I love you?"

"Yeah, you have," Brian answered in a matter-of-fact tone. "But probably not as often as you should - and certainly not as often as I'd like."

"Well then," Justin concluded, "I will make sure I tell you more often. I want you to know."

Another lull in the conversation followed that exchange.

And it was Justin who eventually resumed the conversation, as it usually was. "You have a weird look on your face, Bri," Justin told him. "Is there anything the matter?"

"Nothing at all, Sunshine. Nothing at all." Brian told him. "I think I was just being visited by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. And there is absolutely nothing the matter. Believe me, there is nothing the matter. Have I told you lately that I love you?"

"Yeah," Justin answered him, "But it's OK to say it again. I never get tired of hearing it."

There was a weird look on Justin's face.

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