Falling Down the Primrose Path

Part 2

Brian was finally taking Steve home to meet his friends and family. It had taken a bit of work on Steve's part as Brian said that everyone was still angry at him for choosing Steve over Justin or as they put it, 'dumping' Justin. It had been almost a year and they needed to get over it and move on. Brian had been home a couple of times but never had taken Steve.

So here they were in Pittsburgh for the weekend. The flight had been smooth, and since they were in Brian's hometown, they had rented a car. Their suite at the hotel was good and comfortable although Brian complained that it could have been better.

Steve knew that Brian was nervous about introducing him to everyone. Since it might be one of the few visits that he made, he tried to get Brian to do that, introduce him to everyone, including his mother and sister but Brian had steadfastly refused.

After they unpacked, they had driven over to see Lindsey and Gus. Knocking on the door, Brian was surprised when the door was almost instantly thrown open.

"Dada!" Gus cried out excitedly as he threw his arms out to be picked up.

Brian laughed and picked up Gus. "Hey, Sonny boy! How are you?"

Steve stood aside smiling as he watched Brian and Gus greet each other. Lindsey stood in the doorway smiling. "Well come on in. He's been waiting for you all day."

Brian smiled at Gus as he walked in. "Lindsey, this is Steve. Steve, Lindsey."

Steve continued to smile and shook Lindsey's hand. He noticed the slight slip of her smile but her welcome seemed genuine enough.

"Hello Steve, it's about time we met you." Lindsey said as she looked him over.

Steve knew that she was comparing him to Justin. He had known that that was going to happen a lot this trip a lot. Justin was a member of their family and he was the outsider who had caused Justin pain.

At first there was tension in the air but as long as they focused on Gus, things were fine. They found out that Mel was out of town caring for her aunt who had fallen and broken her hip. Brian was secretly thankful for that as it meant one less confrontation.

They ended up staying for dinner. Brian called Michael and told him that they would see him tomorrow. Brian knew that Michael was a little pissed about that but knew it would blow over. Brian and Steve continued to enjoy their evening. It wasn't until later when Gus insisted that Brian be the one to put him to bed that the tension returned.

Lindsey watched Brian carry Gus up. Steve watched Lindsey. "I love him you know. And I make him happy."

Lindsey turned and looked at Steve. "I know."

Steve looked at Lindsey. "But I'm not Justin."

Lindsey nodded. "No, you aren't. Just remember this Steve. Justin loved and made Brian happy too. Everyone in the family loves Justin and we were all very mad at what happened. We've never met you until now. You're still a stranger to us but for Brian's sake, we're going to try to get to know you."

Steve looked intently at Lindsey. "Fair enough. I hope that one day I'll be considered family as well."

Brian came down the stairs smiling over the evening he had spent with Gus. Steve rose and met him at the bottom of the stairs with a smile. "Asleep already?"

Brian nodded. "Out like a light."

Bending down, Brian kissed Steve thoroughly.

"Can I get you two something more to drink?" Lindsey asked, moving toward the kitchen.

"No thanks." Both men said in unison.

"Brian, I'm sure Lindsey is exhausted herself, being the only parent home right now. Why don't we help her clean up and then go home so she can have some quiet time and go to bed." Steve suggested.

"Sounds like a plan." He said as he began to walk toward the kitchen, passing a surprised Lindsey. "Come on Lindsey. The faster we do this the sooner you can take a bubble bather and relax."

Lindsey smiled and shook her head. "That does sound good. You two can do the dishes and I'll pick up the mess in the living room."

Lindsey could hear the murmuring and quiet laughter and shook her head sadly. She wondered why Brian couldn't have been this way with Justin. She also wondered if she should warn him about the dinner at Deb's that was planned for tomorrow night. At the sound of laughter, she decided not too. They'd find out when Deb ordered them over.

In no time at all everything was done and they stood at the front door making their goodbyes. Steve said goodnight and moved on to the car to give Brian and Lindsey a little time alone.

Brian watched Steve walk away and turned to face Lindsey. "Thanks Linds."

Lindsey looked puzzled at Brian. "You're welcome but you know you can always see Gus and have dinner anytime."

Brian shook his head. "That's not why I was thanking you. Thank you for giving Steve a chance and not throwing Justin in our faces."

Lindsey looked down and sighed. "Brian, we love you. That's why, but to be honest it's hard."

Brian nodded. "Because he isn't Justin?"

"Yes." Lindsey said looking back up at him. "And because he is the cause of all of Justin's pain."

Brian sighed. "Linds, I'm the one who caused the pain because I chose Steve, not Justin. I'm the one who broke Justin's heart. Steve didn't do anything."

Lindsey bit her tongue. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

Brian knew that Lindsey was changing the subject and sighed. "I don't know. Depends on what Michael has planned. If not, how about brunch on Sunday?"

Lindsey nodded. "Sounds good. Give me a call, okay?"

Brian leaned forward and kissed Lindsey. "Will do. Later."

Lindsey watched as Brian joined Steve in the car and drove away before going inside and picking up the phone.

*****************************************

The next day after lying around, making love, and relaxing, Brian and Steve walked into the diner a little after noon. Brian didn't remember the diner being quite so busy before.

Debbie saw Brian and cried out. The diner suddenly seemed to grow quiet as everyone looked at the former stud of Liberty Ave. Debbie walked over and hugged Brian tightly to her. "It's good to see you kiddo."

Debbie looked over and eyed Steve. Before she could say anything however, the bell rang and the cook hollered. "Deb! Order up!"

That seemed to break the spell on the place as it erupted once more with noise. "I'm short a waiter. Find a seat." She said as she began to walk away.

"Oh! Dinner! My house tonight. Seven, be there!" Deb yelled over the noise.

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