Blended

Chapter 8

********

Brian and Justin stared at each other, letting the many times that they had had sex in the past few days, weeks and months flow through their minds. "No, that's impossible, we're always careful. I'm just hungry," Justin said as he started eating again. Brian finished drinking his coffee and turned to the side, leaning his back against the wall.

"Are you two coming to Babylon tonight?" Michael asked as the bell above the door sounded and Hunter walked in, followed closely by Trey, Ricky and Charlie.

Justin looked at Brian and shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah, we'll be there," Brian said.

"What's up guys?" Hunter said as they all walked over. Junior stood up and started reaching for the older boy. Hunter reached out and picked up the little girl.

"Hunter, Hunter, we go to the park?" Junior asked as she pulled on the straps of his backpack.

"Nope," Hunter said as he tickled her tummy. "Oh, by the way, this is Trey, Charlie and Ricky," Hunter said, pointing to each one as he named them.

"Hey," everyone said, except for Brian who just nodded and Justin who was too busy eating to talk.

"Where are you guys headed?" Ben asked as he looked at his son. It had taken a lot of time and effort but they had helped Hunter turn himself into a pretty decent adult. He was not ashamed of his past and he did as much as he could to learn from it.

"Philadelphia," Ricky said with a smile. Charlie was at the counter ordering something to eat.

"Philadelphia? What's in Philadelphia?" Michael asked. Hunter bit his bottom lip and looked at all the members of his 'family.' He knew it was either now or never. Why not tell them all together? They all found out everything anyway.

"FDR," Hunter said. He noted the confused look on their faces. Brian just smiled and shook his head a little. He knew what the FDR was. "It's a skatepark; one of the best. We, umm, well… we are going to practice for an upcoming nationals tournament." Hunter put Junior down and watched as she walked over to Justin. He picked her up and started to feed her some of his breakfast.

"When is the tournament?" Ben asked.

"It's in two months," Brian said with a smile as he looked at Hunter.

"How'd you know?" Hunter asked.

"I run their campaign," Brian said as if it should have been obvious. Justin drank some of his orange juice and shared some with Junior before handing her over the table to Brian. Brian took his daughter and sat her on his lap.

"Two months? Don't you have to be back at school in two months?" Ted asked, always the accountant. Hunter sighed and looked at Ted with daggers before looking at Michael and then Ben.

"Yeah, see umm, that's the thing. I… dropped out. Two semesters ago," Hunter said. Brian started to laugh as he called for a refill on his coffee.

"Well, we're going to go now," Emmett said as he got out of the booth and gave Ted a look. He didn't want to get stuck there if and when there was going to be a scene.

"Late, Uncle Em and Uncle Teddy, late," Junior screamed as Brian let her go and she stood up in the booth. She waved and waved long after they were gone.

"Bye baby," Emmett said as he and Ted walked out the door.

"What?" Ben and Michael said at the same time.

"Are you out of your mind?" Michael asked.

"What have you been doing in California all this time? How were you taking care of yourself?" Ben asked, concerned.

Hunter knew that they were going to be upset but he was actually surprised. They were being a lot calmer than he thought they would be. "I worked odd jobs and competed. The prize money is pretty good."

"Hey man," Trey said uncomfortably. "We're gonna go wait outside," he said as he walked by carrying a Styrofoam container and a cup of coffee, his backpack carrying a change of clothes and his board strapped safely to his back.

Charlie and Ricky were already on their way out the door.

"Cool," Hunter said as he focused his attention back on his dads.

"If we win this nationals competition we're going to go pro," Hunter said happily. Ben smiled a little. He loved the passion, desire and determination that Hunter had when he talked about skating. It was like the passion Michael had when he found a new comic book.

"That's what you're going to do for the rest of your life, ride a skateboard?" Michael asked. Ben rested his hand on Michael's lap, and gently squeezed his thigh.

"How much are the prizes, usually?" Ben asked.

"Well, the prize for the national competition is one hundred and twenty thousand dollars, but, I have won over seven thousand dollars so far," Hunter said happily. Michael looked at Ben and Ben smiled, his lips held tightly together.

He didn't agree with Hunter dropping out of school but he was not a baby anymore. He could make his own decisions and he seemed to be taking care of himself just fine.

"Okay, okay," Ben said. "Just be careful." Hunter smiled and hugged them both before heading to the door of the diner.

"Oh," Hunter said as he held the door open. "The guys are moving here. We're gonna all get a place together like we had in California." Hunter went through the door and Michael and Ben watched as all four of the boys got into a cab and drove off.

"I cannot believe that you just let him take off like that," Michael said as he slid out of the booth. Ben got up after him and threw some money on the table.

"Look Michael, as much as we'd like to treat him like a baby forever, we can't. He is almost twenty-one years old. We can't control him forever."

"Yeah, well, we can try," Michael said as he started walking toward the door. "Don't forget, Babylon, ten o'clock," he threw over his shoulder.

"Ten clock, okay, bye bye, late," Junior said as she tried to get out of the booth. She sat back down and tried to get Brian's hand off of her arm. He was holding onto her so she wouldn't go running around the diner, greeting everyone and grinning. "We go to the park?"

"Yup, we're going to the park," Brian said as he finally let her go. She took off out of the booth and ran over to a rather large bear. Justin went to the bathroom while Brian paid the check.

"Hey," Junior said as she patted him on the leg.

Everyone on Liberty Avenue knew Brian and Justin's daughter. They were one of the only couples with kids who refused to move out of the vicinity of the club district.

"Hey Junior," the bear said as he pinched her cheek. Justin came out of the back and Brian walked over to the bear. They all talked for awhile before heading out of the diner.

"Bye bye, gramma," Junior waved as Brian held onto her hand.

********

"You're late," Daphne said as she saw Justin and Brian walking toward her.

"Sorry," Justin said as he sat next to her on the bench. Damien walked over and grabbed onto Junior's hand, taking her over to the playground equipment with him.

"Come on J, come on," Damien said as he dragged the small girl behind him. She laughed and giggled as she followed her friend up onto the lowered platform and down the slide.

"Hello Daphne, you look beautiful today," Brian said as he sat down and pulled out a cigarette. Justin turned to face Daphne and smiled.

"Thanks Brian, you too," Daphne said.

"Where's Cedric?" Justin asked.

Daphne looked over at Damien and smiled. "He had to work today. There are many benefits to being married to an engineer. Him working on the weekends sometimes is not one of them," Daphne said with a smile.

They talked for a few more hours while the kids played together, until Junior walked over, covered in dirt and grass stains. Damien walked over in just as bad shape. "How did you get so dirty?" Daphne asked. "We were watching you the whole time."

"Okay, I think we can go now," Brian said as he thought about his dirt covered daughter getting into his clean car. They all walked back to their cars and said their goodbyes. Justin climbed into the front and waited while Brian strapped Junior into her car seat.

"Hurry up, I have to pee," Justin said as he sat in the car, fidgeting.

Brian finished getting her snapped in, closed the door and walked around to get into the driver's seat. He started the car and pulled away from the curb. "The next time we go to the park together we're taking your car," Brian said.

********

"Hey Lindsay," Justin said as he watched Junior run around and around her playroom, chasing nothing. "How would you like to spend lovely, quality time with your favorite little girl?"

"Sure Justin, we'd love to," Lindsay said.

"Great, do you want us to drop her off or do you want to come over here?"

"We can come over there. It'll be easier," Lindsay said. They talked a little longer before hanging up. "Okay, we'll be there around, what? Seven?"

"Yeah, seven is great. Thanks Lindsay," Justin said and hung up.

Brian walked up behind him and kissed the back of his neck. "Lindsay and Melanie are going to come over around seven," Justin said as he turned around and kissed Brian.

"I don't know if I can wait that long," Brian said as he ran his hand over Justin's jean covered cock, speeding up the motions. Justin started to breathe hard as he rested his head on Brian's chest. He bit his lower lip and moved his hand over Brian's, stopping the movements.

"It's almost seven now, we have to hurry," Justin said as he kissed Brian one more time before heading up the stairs. "Come on J," Justin yelled as he walked up the stairs. Junior stopped running and made her way, dizzily to the stairs and slowly started to climb.

"Daddy, where we going?" Junior asked as she followed Justin up the stairs.

Justin walked into Junior's bedroom and flicked on the lamp, almost tripping over her stuffed duck. "We, are not going anywhere," Justin said as he grabbed her pajamas and a towel out of her bathroom closet before walking into her bathroom and turning on the water.

"We not go anywhere?" Junior asked as Justin started to take her clothes off.

"Nope, me and dad are going somewhere, you miss Junior, are going to spend the night with Aunt Lindsay and Aunt Melanie," Justin said as he lowered her into the water.

"YAY," Junior said as she grabbed her rubber ducks and started to play while Justin washed her up. "They coming now?"

"Yeah, they are coming, but first you have to get out of the bath and eat your dinner," Justin said as he washed her face and ears.

"I don't want to eat dinner," Junior said as she grabbed at the soap bubbles in the water.

Justin laughed and added more baby wash to the towel in his hand. "I know you don't. You are just like your dad, but, unlike him you have to eat," Justin said.

"No, not hungry," Junior said as she shook her head from side to side.

"I know you're not. Come over here so I can wash your hair." Junior scooted over to Justin as he held onto her arm to keep her from slipping.

"Okay, look up," Justin said. Junior tilted her head so far back she almost fell backwards. "Whoa, not that far back," Justin said with a laugh as he caught her head.

Junior started to rub her eyes as Justin rinsed the shampoo from her hair. "Daddy, where's Hunter?" She asked as Justin stood her up and held her close as he rinsed her off.

"Hunter is in Philadelphia."

"In Feela…elphia?"

Justin laughed as she tried to repeat after him. "Yeah, Philadelphia," Justin said as he lifted the small girl out of the tub and started to dry her off. Junior laughed as Justin tickled her feet before drying them.

"He gonna come here?" She asked as Justin put lotion on her and handed her a small pair of white panties.

"Not right now," Justin said as he slipped the over sized white tee shirt over her head. It dropped to just below her knees.

"When?" she asked as she tried to get out of Justin's grasp and get her ducks that were floating in the soapy water. Justin rolled his eyes and leaned over to release the stopper. "When is he coming ,daddy?"

"Later," Justin said as he dried her hair off with the large bath towel. "Okay, let's go see dad. He has something good to eat," Justin said as he followed his daughter out of the bathroom. "And then after you eat you can brush your teeth."

"I don't want to brush my teeth," Junior said as she scooted down the steps on her butt.

"You have to brush your teeth," Justin said as he followed behind her.

"But, I don't want to brush my teef," Junior said as she moved her long hair out of her face. Justin made a mental note that she needed to have her hair cut.

"If you don't brush your teeth, they'll all fall out," Justin said. He watched as his shocked two year old thought about what he said. She thought for a few minutes and then stopped on the stairs, looking up at her daddy.

"But daddy, I brush my teef dis mornin'," she reasoned with a huge smile on her face as she started down the stairs again.

Justin let out a breath and ran a hand through his hair.

"You have to brush them again tonight," Justin said as he walked into the kitchen.

Brian was at the door taking the order of food from the delivery guy. Justin watched him as he shut the door and carried the Thai over to the counter. "What?" Brian asked as he saw the look on Justin's face.

"I ordered you a pizza," Brian said and pointed to the counter behind Justin. "How could I forget the million times that you said you wanted pizza as we drove from the park, in between you telling me to drive faster because you had to pee," Brian said as he took the containers out of the paper bag.

"I did not say it a million times."

Justin cut up a slice of pizza into pieces and gave it to Junior. The little girl climbed into her chair and started to eat. Brian sat on the sofa, with Justin right next to him. "She is getting so big," Justin said.

"Yeah," Brian said as he picked a piece of meat out of his container. "I've been thinking about what the guys were saying earlier at the diner," Brian said.

"What about it?" Justin asked as he took a bite of his pizza.

"I mean, you have been eating a lot more lately and you have been getting sick a lot," Brian reasoned as he watched Junior grab her cup and start to drink. Justin finished eating his pizza and drank some of his water.

"But we use protection all the time," Justin said as he took Brian's Thai food container out of his hand and started to eat. Brian looked over at Justin and raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, maybe you should take a test anyway. Just to make sure," Brian said. Justin shrugged and kept trying to protest as he ate the rest of Brian's noodles.

"I don't want anymore," Junior said as she got down off of the table and ran over to Brian.

"Look at your hands," Brian said as he caught her and led her back over to the kitchen to wipe her hands.

"My hands are dirty," Junior said as she tried to snake herself around Brian's long legs. Brian held onto her arm so she couldn't go all the way through.

"I know they are," Brian said as he wiped them off. The door buzzer sounded and Junior ran toward the door. Brian walked over and pressed the intercom button. "Yeah," Brian said into the box.

"It's us," Lindsay said.

"Who?" Brian asked sarcastically.

"You know goddamn well 'who' ,asshole," Melanie said into the intercom. Brian pushed the button and let them into the building.

********

"Hey," Brian said as he wrapped his arms around Michael and kissed his cheek.

"We didn't think you guys were coming," Michael said. Emmett and Ted walked off the dance floor and grabbed their beers that Ben and Michael were watching.

"Yeah, we very rarely see you out anymore," Ted joked.

"We were just out with you two days ago," Justin said with a laugh. Brian let go of Michael and walked over to Justin, pulling him with him onto the dance floor.

"Come on… let's dance," Brian said.

They walked onto the dance floor and lost themselves in the music, grinding into each other as their hands roamed over each other's bodies. They were not aware of the people who had stopped to watch them as they undressed each other on the dance floor.

Justin's shirt was hanging off and his shirt was open. Brian's belt was unbuckled and his jeans were unbuttoned.

Justin moved his hand inside Brian's jeans, smiling against Brian's lips as he realized that his husband was not wearing any underwear. Justin smiled as he felt Brian get hard. Brian took a step forward, holding Justin around the waist and backing him toward the backroom.

They found an empty space and devoured each other. Justin frantically got Brian's jeans down low enough to expose his leaking cock. Brian slid a condom on as Justin turned around. Brian entered Justin quickly and with no preparation, causing the smaller man to catch his breath.

Brian pulled out and slammed back in again. All Justin could do was grunt as he lost himself in the sensations. They moved together for what seemed like forever until Justin finally fell over the edge, taking Brian with him. "Ugh," Justin said as Brian pulled out of him.

"That was great," Brian said as he pulled the condom off and tossed it into the overflowing trashcan before pulling his pants up. Justin leaned against the wall, pulling up his jeans and catching his breath. Brian looked at Justin and put his hand on the blond. "Are you okay?" Brian asked when Justin didn't move.

Justin shook his head 'no' and took a deep breath. "What's wrong?" Brian asked worried. "Did I hurt you?"

"No," Justin said as he turned around slowly. "No, I just… I…." Justin took off before he could finish saying anything. Brian followed him out of the backroom. Justin cut through the dancers as fast as he could, trying desperately to get to the bathroom. Justin reached the bathroom and rushed to the first empty stall he saw, not bothering to close or lock the door.

Brian reached the stall just as Justin was starting to throw up for the third time. Justin leaned over the toilet, emptying his stomach of everything that he had to offer. "Oh God," Justin said as he sat back on his legs. Brian frowned as he watched Justin sitting on the dirty floor.

"Justin, are you okay?" Brian asked.

"I need some water," Justin said as he leaned back over and started to throw up again. Emmett walked into the bathroom and walked over to the sink. He stopped short when he saw Justin and Brian's reflection in the mirror.

"Hey," Emmett said as he walked over. "What's wrong with him?"

"Get me some water," Brian said. Emmett turned around quickly and hurried to get Justin some water. Emmett came back in record time and handed the bottle of water to Brian. "Come on Justin, drink some water," Brian said as he helped Justin get up off the floor.

Justin drank some of the water and willed his stomach to stop churning. "I just got nauseous all of a sudden," Justin said as he held onto the water bottle. His stomach was still doing flip flops as Brian led him out of the bathroom.

"We're going," Brian said as they walked past Michael and Ben. "Justin doesn't feel good."

"Are you okay? What happened?" Michael asked. Justin smiled and willed the nauseous feeling to go away.

"I'm fine, I just feel a little sick," Justin said as he swayed a little. Brian held onto him and led him out of the noisy club.

"Sorry," Justin said sleepily as he lay in the backseat of the car while Brian drove back to the loft. Even though they had left early it was still pretty late. It was after two o'clock in the morning when Brian helped Justin through the door.

Melanie and Lindsay were tangled together on the sofa, an old movie playing on the television. Brian closed the door and helped Justin upstairs to the bed before walking back down and waking Melanie and Lindsay up. "Brian, what time is it?" Lindsay asked as she yawned and rubbed her eyes.

Melanie sat up and ran a hand through her hair. "What are you doing back so early? We thought you'd still be out getting your dick sucked," Melanie said.

"Justin doesn't feel good," Brian said as he looked at the two women. All he could really see were their silhouettes.

They both turned to look at him. "Is he okay? What's wrong?" Lindsay asked.

"He says he just feels a little nauseous. He threw up a few times at the club," Brian said as he moved to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water.

"Do you need us to do anything?" Melanie asked. Brian twisted the top off the water bottle and headed toward the stairs.

"No, it's after two. I just wanted you to know that we were here. You can stay if you want to," Brian said.

Melanie stood up and Lindsay followed. "No, we're going to go home. Thanks though," Lindsay said as she kissed Brian on the cheek and walked out behind Melanie.

"Thanks for watching her," Brian said.

"No problem," Lindsay said. "And if you need anything, or Justin needs anything just call, okay," Lindsay told him. Melanie smiled and closed the gate.

********

Brian walked into the loft and called Justin's name. There was no answer so Brian climbed the stairs and walked into their bedroom. Justin and Junior were both in the bed sound asleep. "Justin, come on, get up," Brian said as he shook Justin's arm. Justin sat up slowly and looked at Brian.

"What? I don't feel like getting up. I'm so sleepy," Justin said as he pushed the nauseous feeling back down. Junior moved a little closer to where Justin had been laying and turned her head to the other side.

"I brought you something," Brian said as he tossed the small paper bag at Justin. The blond opened the bag and pulled out the box.

"What is this for?" Justin asked as he looked at the pregnancy test in his hand.

"This is to see if you are pregnant. You've been sick all week, off and on. I think you should take it."

"I don't need to take a pregnancy test Brian. I told you I just have a stomach bug." Justin lay back down and pulled the covers back over his head.

"Yeah, I know, you told me. Now can you please get the fuck up and take the fucking test?" Brian asked as he pulled the covers back and waited for Justin to get out of the bed. Justin opened his eyes and looked at Brian before getting up and stomping to the bathroom. Brian pulled his shirt off and opened up the closet, stopping short when he heard Justin going to the bathroom.

Justin finished in the bathroom and walked back out, flopping into bed and curling around his daughter. Brian sighed and walked over to the bed again. "Justin," Brian called.

"Go away," Justin said. He was hot and cold all at the same time. "I'm sick, leave me alone." Brian wanted to scream but he did not want to wake up Junior.

"Justin, get… up," Brian said as he pulled the duvet off of his blond and pulled him up out the bed.

********

"Will you just pee already," Brian said as he sat on the counter in the bathroom. Justin looked down at his dick and frowned.

"I can't," Justin said as he willed his bladder to release. Junior was still in their bedroom sleeping soundly in the middle of their bed. Brian waited impatiently, dangling the cardboard box in his hand, as Justin tried to pee. "Give me some water," Justin said as he held his hand out and waited for Brian to hand him another bottle of water.

"You drank four bottles already," Brian said as he handed Justin another bottle. Justin drank the cold water and handed it back to Brian, dropping it on the floor when Brian did not reach out fast enough. The bottle landed on the floor next to the bottle that Justin had drank less than ten minutes ago.

"You shouldn't have peed the first time," Brian said.

"Shut up, I can count, asshole," Justin said as he looked over at Brian. "You know, maybe if you stopped watching me, I could actually…" Justin said as he started to use the bathroom. "Oh man, I'm going… I'm going, give me the test." Justin held out his hand and took the test from Brian. He peed on the plastic stick and handed it back to Brian.

Justin finished using the bathroom and washed his hands. "We have to wait. If its positive there will be two blue lines," Brian said as he stared at the stick.

"Well, don't stare at it or it'll be just like a microwave… or boiling water," Justin said as he stared down at the test. "Boiling water… kinda makes me want a hotdog," he mumbled to himself. Brian shook his head and watched for the blue lines.

Less than two minutes passed and there were two very prominent blue lines in the windows on the plastic strip. "It's positive," Brian said as he looked at the test. Justin looked up at him and then back at the white stick.

"What?" Justin asked.

"It's… positive," Brian said slowly.

"Fuck… me," Justin said as he snatched the test from Brian's hand. Brian hopped off the counter, washed his hands and walked out of the bathroom.

"I think we have taken care of that step," Brian joked. Justin came out of the bathroom and sat on their bed. Junior shifted slightly as she heard their voices.

"I can't believe it. We were so careful," Justin said as Junior started to wake up. She sat up and rubbed at her eyes before yawning and focusing her eyes.

Brian scoffed as he looked through the closet. "Not careful enough," Brian said as he pulled out a black shirt.

"I wonder how far along I am," Justin said out loud as Junior climbed down off the bed and made her way over to the bathroom. Brian and Justin watched as she walked to the bathroom without asking for help. "She didn't ask for help," Justin said as he looked at Brian.

"Good," Brian said as he changed shirts.

********

Justin moved through the gallery, smiling and talking with all the guests. Vanessa mingled happily, pleased with the turnout of the opening. She made her way over to Justin and tapped her glass against his. "You did a great job. It looks amazing," she said as she took a drink of her champagne.

Justin smiled as he touched a hand to his stomach. The soft scent of the perfume that Vanessa was wearing was making his stomach turn. "Thanks, but you did all the hard work," Justin told her.

"This is true," Vanessa said with a laugh. "But you, you brought it to life." Justin looked around at his work and smiled. If he was honest with himself it was one of the best jobs he had done. "I can't wait to see your show."

"Oh, its not going to be anywhere near as big as this one," Justin told her as they moved around, looking at her pieces as if they had not seen then a thousand times before.

"We all have to start somewhere," Vanessa said as she hooked her arm with his. "Just think, before you know it, you will be famous."

"I hope so."

"I know so," Vanessa said and kissed him on the cheek.

"Vanessa," someone said, grabbing onto her smooth arm. "How have you been? It's been ages."

"Yes, it has," Vanessa said to the smiling man. "Please excuse me," Vanessa said to Justin as she let go of his arm and walked over to her friend, kissing him firmly on the lips. Justin stared at her for a minute before moving around the gallery.

"I heard that the guy who put this show together was hot," Brian said as he walked up behind Justin.

"Yeah, he is," Justin said with a smile.

Brian took a drink of his wine and smirked. "And so conceited," he said. Justin hit him in the arm and laughed.

"What are you doing here?" Justin asked.

"I wanted to see the show that you have been working on for the past few months," Brian said as they walked around.

"Bullshit."

Brian looked at Justin, hurt in his eyes. "I'm hurt," Brian said. "Do you really think so little of me?"

"Oh don't pretend to be offended. Who brought you?" Justin asked as he looked around, his eyes landing on the rest of their 'family.' "Oh my God, I cannot believe you all came," Justin said as they all came over.

"Of course we did sweetie," Melanie said as she kissed his cheek and walked off to find Lindsay.

"Oh sunshine, this place looks fucking gorgeous."

"Thanks Debbie," Justin said with a smile.

"Wouldn't have missed it for the world," Ted said as he ate one of the olives out of his drink.

"Yeah," Emmett said. "We wouldn't miss the chance to come out and see your work."

"Yeah, I'm sure it has nothing to do with that new club just around the corner that opens tonight," Justin said.

"How could you think so low of us?" Ted said in mock offence.

"We're still going there afterwards, right?" Emmett said.

"Yeah," Ted answered. Justin laughed and grabbed another glass of water from one of the passing waiters.

"You must be so excited, you're practically glowing," Emmett said suspiciously as he pointed a finger at Justin, moving it up and down.

Justin felt the breath catch in his throat as Brian snaked a hand around his shoulder and turned him away from the group. "Come dear," Brian said mockingly. "Show me around."

They walked away from the small group and moved further into the gallery. "I don't know why you just won't tell everyone," Brian said as they stared at one of the paintings.

Justin looked over at Brian and raised both eyebrows. "Yeah, like you were in such a hurry to tell everyone when you were the one who was pregnant. I seem to remember someone not leaving the loft for the last few months of his pregnancy. Who is watching Junior?"

"Hunter and the gang, she was so happy about that and I happened to look like a whale. I gained thirty-five pounds," Brian said with a shudder. Justin rolled his eyes and drank some of his water.

"Please, you lost it in no time… and I am going to tell them. I just want to know how far along I am first. I am going to the doctor tomorrow," Justin said quietly as he looked around to make sure that none of the family was around. "I think I am showing a little."

Brian moved back and looked at Justin's middle area. "You look the same to me," Brian said. Justin looked down at his stomach and frowned.

"Really?"

"Maybe a little more, umm, puffy," Brian said as he drank the rest of his wine and put the empty glass on a passing waiters tray. Justin huffed and looked at Brian.

"Puffy, you think I look puffy?" Justin asked; his voice louder than he wanted it to be. Brian pulled him close and kissed him on the lips, letting his tongue slide into Justin's willing mouth.

"You look hot, stop worrying."

Emmett and Ted found Justin and Brian and said their goodbyes. They were going to the club around the corner to 'check out the scene.' Brian lounged in Justin office while he wrapped up the show, content to surf the net while Justin worked his magic. He almost jumped out of his skin when he heard the door crack open.

"Ha, I should have known I wouldn't be the only one trying to get away," Daphne said as she walked into the office and sat down in one of the chairs.

"Daphne," Brian said as she dusted some invisible lint off of her black dress. "Where is your worse half?" Brian asked. He never did really like Cedric and made it a point to let Daphne know it. Daphne bit her bottom lip and opened her mouth to answer. "And remember, I'm not Justin, so no bullshit."

Daphne closed her mouth and thought about what she should say. She opted for the truth. "Who knows? Fucking one of his co-workers for all I know. He is such a fucking asshole," she said.

"Then why are you still with him?" Brian asked as he leaned on Justin's desk. Daphne pulled the black clip out of her hair and let it fall down her back and frame her face.

"I don't know."

"Well, I guess that's as good a reason as any," Brian said as he turned back to the computer, leaving Daphne to think.

********

"What are you doing?" Hunter asked as he came around the corner. Ricky and Charlie were sitting in the middle of their new living room. He walked over and plopped down on the sofa. Junior was sitting on the floor eating powdered donuts. She was covered in powdered sugar and crumbs. "What the fuck are you guys doing?"

Trey put the video game on pause and turned around. "You guys are so fucking stupid," Trey said as he shook his head and turned back to the T.V.

"Dude, she has eaten like eight of these things in a row. We're trying to see how many she can take," Ricky said as Charlie gave her another donut. Hunter got up and took the donut from Junior.

"Hey," Charlie and Ricky said at the same time. Junior finished eating the piece of donut in her mouth before grabbed her cup off the floor and drinking.

"What the fuck man," Charlie said. Hunter picked up the small girl and moved over in front of the T.V.

"We're supposed to be watching her, not making her sick, dumbass," Trey said as he restarted the game so that Hunter could play. Junior tried her best to help control the players before falling asleep in Hunter's lap. "I almost feel like we've had a baby, I mean, besides those two," Trey said with a laugh as they heard Ricky and Charlie fucking in the next room.

"Yeah, she is around all the time, but I don't mind," Hunter said as her smoothed a hand over her long dirty blond hair. Trey looked over at the sleeping girl and smiled.

"Me either man, I mean… it's almost like I have my sister back." Hunter nodded and ran his hand over her hair again, mesmerized by the long braid that Trey had put in her hair.

"What are you doing?" Hunter asked as he sat down next to Trey.

"Braiding her hair," Trey answered as if it was the most natural thing in the world. He looked over at Hunter's shocked face and laughed. "My sister loved to have her hair braided, so, we all made it a point to learn. Especially after she got sick; we just never knew who was going to be there in the hospital when the desire to have her hair braided hit her."

"You really miss her, huh?"

Trey gave a small smile and turned back to the video game. "Some days are better than others."

********

"Can we get out of here yet?" Brian asked as he walked up behind Justin. He had walked Daphne to her car and had a cigarette. He was beyond ready to go. Justin turned around and smirked.

"You drove your own car," Justin pointed out. Brian looked up to the ceiling and smirked. Justin knew that the brunet did not want to admit to wanting to wait for him. "I should be ready to leave in like five minutes."

"Okay, so by the time I walk to the door you'll be ready to go." Justin nodded and watched as Brian walked slowly to the door.

********

"Are you going to meet me at the doctor's office?" Justin asked as he got out of the shower. Brian turned off the water and stepped out after him.

"No, I have a meeting." Justin nodded and walked out of the bathroom. He knew that Brian had a meeting, but he figured he'd ask anyway. They both got dressed quickly, Brian in slacks and a black shirt and Justin in dark jeans and a tee shirt.

Brian walked out of their room and down the stairs. Justin followed him down the stairs and started collecting all his drawings and supplies that he needed for the day. "Are you taking Junior with you today?" Brian asked.

"Yeah, Hunter is practicing today so she is going to hang with me and then I am going to drop her off with you after my appointment," Justin said. "And don't look at me like that. Your precious meeting will be over by the time I drop her off."

Brian grabbed all his stuff and kissed Justin deeply before walking out the door. Justin stood at the counter drinking a glass of orange juice and trying to stop the butterflies that he felt in his stomach all the time. "DADDY!" Junior screamed, shattering Justin's silence.

He pushed away from the counter, put the glass in the sink and walked up the stairs. "Why are you screaming?" Justin asked as he walked into his daughter's room. "All you have to do is roll out of the bed and walk downstairs."

"Daddy," Junior said as he leaned over and kissed her. She giggled and attached herself to Justin's neck.

"Come on, we gotta get you dressed." Justin got up off the bed and Junior held on, wrapping her legs around him. Justin moved her up a little so she wouldn't be sitting on his stomach. Justin walked her into the bathroom and washed her up.

"Okay, what do you want to wear today?" Justin asked as he opened her drawer and pulled out some pink panties with a little white bow. Junior sat down on the floor and struggled to get them on without her daddy's help. Justin pretended not to notice as she wiggled across the room.

"Want to wear pink," Junior said as she finally got her underwear on. The back was rolled down and Justin bent over to roll it up. Justin pulled out a pair of grey shorts and a pink shirt with grey letters on the front. He sat them on the floor for her to try and get herself dressed.

Junior grabbed the shorts and slid them on, but the shirt got stuck over her head. "Daddy," she cried. "Daddy, ahhhhhh, I stuck." Justin laughed and helped her pull her shirt down. Justin sat down on the bed and pointed over at the closet.

"Go get your shoes," Justin said. Junior ran over to the closet and grabbed the first pair of shoes she saw. "No, not those shoes; get the pink ones. The pink Converse," Justin said. Justin smiled as she searched for a pink pair of shoes. They had been working on her colors and she was getting really good. She picked up her pink shoes and brought them over.

"Dees ones daddy?"

"Yeah," Justin said. "Why do you have so many pairs of Converse?" Justin asked as he put the pink pair of shoes on her feet. "Okay, let's go get you some breakfast so we can go."

"YAY, oatmeal," Junior said as she ran out of her room. She waited at the stairs for Justin to follow.

Justin made her some oatmeal and gave her some juice. He made sure he had everything ready to leave the house. Junior got down off her chair and walked over to the door. "Ready to go, daddy."

"Not yet. We have to comb your hair," Justin said. Junior flung her head into the loft door and slid her body down to the floor. She sprawled out on the floor and closed her eyes. Justin looked at her and frowned. This was something new. "Junior, get up." She laid there on the floor with her eyes closed.

Justin walked over and leaned over her. "Junior Marie, get up off the floor, right NOW." Junior opened her eyes and got up off the floor. Justin took her hand and walked her over to the sofa and started to comb her hair.

"I don't like my hair done," Junior said as tears started to stream down her face. Justin sighed and finished putting Junior's hair into the other ponytail. "Daddy, I don't like it."

"I know, but you don't fall down on the floor. Do you hear me?"

"Yes, daddy," she said and rubbed her eyes. Justin finished her hair and stood up. Junior walked over slowly to her playroom and grabbed her teddy bear. It was medium sized and brown. Brian had bought it when she was first born.

"Let's go," Justin said as he picked up his portfolio and grabbed Junior's snack bag. "Are you bringing your bear?" Justin asked as he watched his daughter walk down the two small steps.

"Yes."

 

Justin closed the door and walked with Junior down to his car. "It's hot outside," Junior said as Justin strapped her in.

"I know." He closed her door and walked around the back. He put his things in the back and got into the driver's seat. Justin looked at the clock and drove a little faster.

********

"Hey, my name's Justin… Taylor. I have a ten o'clock appointment." Junior stood in front of Justin's legs holding onto her bear as she watched the other patients in the waiting room. The nurse looked up his name on her computer and confirmed his appointment.

"Okay, you can fill out these papers and I'll call you as soon as the doctor is ready to see you," she said with a smile. Justin smiled and took the clipboard from the nurse.

"Thanks," Justin said as he went to sit down. He pulled Junior onto his lap and started to fill out the papers. He got up and handed the clipboard back to the nurse.

Ten minutes passed and Junior was getting restless. "Daddy," Junior asked. "We gonna see the dock'er?"

"No, I'm going to see the doctor, but you'll be there too." Justin looked up as a nurse walked out and called his name. He stood up and followed the nurse into the back. She opened the door to an empty room and stepped to the side.

"The doctor will be right with you," the young nurse said as she smiled at Junior.

"Okay," Justin said as she put his chart on the outside of the door and closed it behind her. Justin sat down in the chair in the room, pulling Junior onto his lap. Junior looked around the room as she chewed on her teddy bear's ear. "Eww, don't chew on that," Justin said as he pulled the bear's ear out of her mouth.

"It's nasty?" Junior asked as she wiggled to get down. Justin sat her on her feet and watched as she moved over to the full length mirror in the room.

"Yeah, it's nasty," Justin said as she looked at her reflection. The door opened and Junior watched as the doctor walked into the room.

"Hey, Justin, I thought it was you," Dr. Marring said as he closed the door and shook Justin's hand. "It's good to see you." Dr. Patrick Marring had treated Brian throughout his entire pregnancy, taking the time to make special house calls when Brian refused to leave the loft.

"You too," Justin said.

"You guys had a little girl, right?"

"Yeah," Justin said as he pointed to his daughter standing over in the corner. Patrick turned around and looked at the beautiful little girl.

"Well, hello, aren't you pretty?"

"Thanks," Justin said. "Her name is Junior."

"Wow, that's… different, for a girl," Patrick said as he watched Junior walk over to Justin and try to climb into his lap. "And she's so short."

"Yeah, unfortunately she took after me in that department. At least she has for now." Justin bent over and picked her up. Patrick sat down and opened Justin's chart.

"Yeah, I can see that. So, what brings you in today?"

"I took a pregnancy test a few days ago and it said it was positive. I just want to make sure and see how far along I am."

"Okay, well then, first things first, you're going to take another test and we'll be able to get the results right away. Then, if it's positive, we'll take a sonogram of your abdomen and see how far along you are. Does that sound good to you?"

"Yeah, that sounds great."

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