The Birthday Gifts
“HE GOT YOU WHAT!”
“A hustler.” Justin repeated. “Maybe you could yell louder Daph. I don’t think the whole cafeteria heard you.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be yell.” Daphne lowered her voice. “I don’t believe that asshole. What did you say?”
Justin shrugged his shoulders. “I told him thank-you.”
“THANK-YOU?”
“Shhhh!”
“Thank-you? Justin why do you let him get away with that shit, why didn’t you say something? Was that what you wanted, a hustler?”
“Not really. Actually, I think he enjoyed it more than I did.”
Daphne’s jaw dropped. “He joined in?”
“He watched.” Justin said.
“Fucking pig.”
“Don’t make a big deal out of it Daph, you know how Brian is.”
“Yeah, and I also know how you are. You’re selling yourself cheap Justin. You’re worth way more than you’re getting.” Daphne insisted. “He’s suppose to be your boyfriend, you’d think he could forget about dick long enough to get you a decent birthday present.”
Justin looked down into his tuna salad platter. “He meant well.”
“Bullshit, he gave you dick because that’s all you are to him, another dick. When are you going to wake up? He doesn’t love you.”
“Yes he does Daph.”
“Does he tell you that when he’s fucking other guys in front of you, or when he’s getting his rocks off watching other guys fuck you? That’s sick.” Daphne took a bite of her sandwich.
Justin attempted to defend his relationship. “You’re judging us by your standards. Gay men aren’t like straight couples. We don’t pretend to walk off into the sunset, happily ever after. We’re more realistic about relationships. It’s not realistic to expect to only be with one man.”
“Since when did you start thinking like that? I distinctly remember you stating that Brian was the only man you wanted to be with.” Daphne reminded him.
“That was before.” Justin said.
“Before what, before Brian refused to give you what you wanted, or before he made you believe that what you want isn’t important?”
Justin sighed. “Let’s just eat our lunch.” he said.
Gus was now quite familiar with the loft. His favorite place to explore was the bedroom, particularly Brian’s lower clothing drawers. Lindsey watched as her son came dashing across the room dragging Justin’s blue robe. He took it to Brian. “That’s Baby’s robe.” Brian said calmly. “Take it back.”
Lindsey watched as Gus obeyed his father, and toddled back to the bedroom. “You’re good with him Brian.” she smiled.
“You think so?”
“I know so. I always knew you’d be a good father.”
“How did you know that? Don’t tell me I give out hetero vibes.”
“As a matter of fact you do, but that’s not why I wanted you to be Gus’s father.” Lindsey said. “You’re brilliant, handsome, successful......”
“Bullshit, I’m the only man you could get who was willing to jerk off on a cup. Everybody else wanted to fuck you.” Brian smirked.
“That’s not true. I wanted somebody who would be a positive male role model for my child, someone nonjudgmental, and opened minded. As luck would have it, Gus has two positive males in his life. He loves being with you, and Justin.”
“Sometimes I think he’d rather be with Justin, than with me.” Brian said.
Lindsey smiled. “I think Gus thinks Justin is his age. He’s got that baby face, and he’s so tiny. ”
“He’s not that tiny.” Brian grinned.
Lindsey ignored the pun. “Does it ever bother you that he looks so young?”
Brian thought for a moment. “Sometimes, usually when he’s just out of the shower, and bundled up in my robe. He looks like he’s about twelve years old then. Sometimes when he’s sleeping, I swear he looks like he’s about Gus’s age. Don’t tell him I said that.” Brian added.
“What about when you go out?” Lindsey asked.
“The people at our regular haunts are use to him. It’s the asshole breeders, and their snide remarks who try to give us a hard time.”
“Speaking of going out, where’d you take him for his birthday?” Lindsey asked
“We didn’t go out. We dined in.”
“Ummmm even better, a romantic dinner for two.”
“Try three, I got him a rent-boy for his birthday present.” Brian grinned.
Lindsey looked at Brian in disbelief. “You got him what?”
“You haven’t been out of circulation that long have you? I got him a rent-boy, a hustler, a pro.” Brian attempted to clarify himself. “Ouch, what’d you hit me for!”
“For being stupid, inconsiderate, and a goddamn pig. How could you give Justin a hustler for his birthday, what’s wrong with you?”
Brian could hear Gus laughing from the top of the bedroom steps. “Don’t hit me in front of my kid.” Brian said.
“I should do more than hit you, I should beat you. What were you thinking Brian?”
“Justin didn’t complain, I think he liked it. In fact I know he liked it.” Brian grinned. Lindsey pinched his arm. “Ouch, stop it! That’s going to leave a mark.”
“What kind of birthday present is a hustler? Couldn’t you think of anything more romantic than an impersonal fuck from a stranger?”
“He’s not impersonal, his name is Evan.” Brian blocked another punch.
Gus decided to join in the fun. He ran over to his father, and hit him on the leg. “Look what you’re doing. You’re teaching our son violence.” Brian blocked a second hit from Gus. “Stop it sonny-boy.”
“Don’t try to change the subject.” Lindsey snapped. “How do you think that makes Justin feel?”
“From the look on his face, I’d say he was feeling just fine.”
“You watched?”
“It was his present, you didn’t expect me to join in did you?”
“Poor Justin.”
“Poor Justin? I paid five hundred bucks for.....”
Brian couldn’t finish his sentence before Lindsey swatted him again. Gus added another lick for good measure. “For five hundred dollars, you could have gotten him something really nice.” she said.
“But I.....”
“Don’t you dare say it.” Lindsey growled. “How could you think he would enjoy that?”
Brian picked up Gus, and placed him on his lap. “I know he’s pretty, but Justin’s not a girl. We’re not lesbians, men don’t need all of that romantic shit.”
“It’s not shit. Everyone wants a little romance, even you.”
Brian rolled his eyes. “Please.”
“I’d call showing up at Justin’s prom, and dancing with him in front of everybody to be pretty romantic.” Lindsey reminded him.
“That was a political statement.” Brian said.
“Political my ass.” Lindsey frowned. “You did it because you knew it would make him happy. Would it kill you to sometimes let Justin know how much you love him?”
“He knows.”
“Does he?” Lindsey asked. “Maybe he doesn’t feel as secure as you think Brian. Maybe that’s why he went to Anthony Massey. Maybe Tony gave him more than just dick.”
“Maybe you should mind your own business.” Brian snapped. “Don’t you have some shopping to do?”
“As a matter of fact we do. Come on Gus, we’re going bye-bye with dada. Go get your shoes Brian.” Lindsey ordered.
“For what? I’m not going anywhere.”
“Yes you are.” Lindsey growled. “We’re going to go pick out a decent birthday present for Justin.”
“The fuck I am, I already gave him his gift.”
Lindsey sneered at Brian. “You’re so goddamn bullheaded Brian Kinney. You’re going to fuck around, and end up loosing Justin. You’re going to end up a lonely old queen, paying rent-boys just for a little companionship.”
“Why don’t you go home to your companion?” Brian sarcastically suggested. He then watched from the sofa as Lindsey, with Gus stormed out of the loft.
News of George Schickle’s sudden death shocked the business world. His funeral was attended by some of the most prominent business persons in the country. Among them was Anthony Massey. Tony watched as Emmett was forcibly escorted out of the church, followed by Ted. He waited until the commotion died down before discreetly exiting the services. Outside on the sidewalk, Ted was attempting to console his friend. Tony walked over to them. “I’m so sorry Emmett.” he said.
Emmett looked up through teary eyes. “Tony, thank you.”
“Is there anything I can do?” Tony asked.
“No, I’m fine.” Emmett lied.
“The bastards, he just wanted to say goodbye.” Ted growled.
“I know George would have liked that. You made him happy Emmett.” Tony said gently.
“Thank-you.” Emmett sniffed.
Tony thought for a moment. “Listen, I have my car here. Come, let me buy you and your friend a drink. We’ll have a toast in George’s honor.” he suggested.
The three men climbed into Tony’s limo, and headed for Nordic Hills Country Club. Charles, the maitre d’ greeted them “Hello Mr. Massey, it’s good to see you again sir. Will you and your guests be dining?”
Tony turned to Emmett, and Ted. “Is anyone hungry?” he asked. The two men said no. “We’d like seating in the lounge, we don’t have reservations though. Will that be a problem Charles?”
“Never a problem for you sir.” Charles signaled for a waitress.
Ted was mesmerized by the posh surroundings, and the upper-crust clientele’. Several of the seated patrons, and working staff greeted Mr. Massey as they made their way to a table near the fireplace. The three men ordered a first round of drinks, then sat back to recall memories of George Schickle. Emmett shared with Tony the details of how he, and George met. Tony told Emmett of his first meeting with George, and the successful merger he had orchestrated that saved George’s company. Ted was in awe of Anthony Massey, and delighted to find out that Tony was intrigued by his Jerk At Work site. As the liquor tab tallied, and the afternoon changed to early evening, the subject of the wedding incident surfaced.
“That was very kind of you, not to have him arrested.” a tipsy Ted said. “Brian’s always been somewhat of a hothead, even more so when it comes to Justin.”
“That’s how it is when you’re in love.” Emmett slurred.
Tony took a sip of his drink. “I don’t blame Brian. I was out of line. I would have done the same thing.”
“How do you know Brian?” Ted asked.
“We’ve met socially. Funny, I never took him for the jealous type.” Tony said.
“He’s not, only when it comes to Justin. The boy’s got gold in more places than his hair, if you know what I mean.” Ted grinned.
Tony smiled.
“Don’t forget Michael.” Emmett said.
“Who’s Michael?”
“Brian’s best friend, they’re like brothers.” Ted said.
“Brian loves Justin, Justin loves Brian, Michael loves Brian, Brian loves Michael, and I loved George.” Emmett sobbed. “No one loves me.”
“I love you Em.” Ted was trying to hold back his own liquor induced tears.
Tony patted his sloshed guest on the back. “Take it easy Emmett.” he said.
“Love is so hard to come by. You should never take love for granted. You know what I mean Tony?” Emmett slurred.
“I know what you mean.” Tony agreed.
“That’s what we keep telling that prick Brian, one day Justin’s going to leave his ass. Some “Prince Charming” is going to come along, and carry his princess away, like George almost carried me away.” Emmett looked down into his drink, and began to sob again.
“Shhhh, Emmett people are beginning to stare.” Ted whispered.
“Let them stare.” Emmett said defiantly.
“You’re embarrassing Mr. Massey.” Ted tried to excuse his friend. “He’s not usually like this Tony, he’s just very upset now.”
“I understand.” Tony said.
Heads in the normally reserved lounge turned as Emmett slowly rose from his seat, while singing a drunken rendition of “Someday My Prince Will Come”. Ted caught his friend’s arm. “Ok, it’s time to go now Em. We’ll meet you outside in the car Tony.” Ted said as Emmett sang even louder.
Tony smiled as he watched the two men stumble toward the door. He signaled for their tab, and offered their waitress an apology for his inebriated guests, along with a sizeable tip for her annoyance.
There was more singing going on in the next door dining room. Justin smiled as the waiters, and waitresses of the private country club gathered around his table to sing Happy Birthday.
“Make a wish Justin.” Molly said. Justin closed his eyes for a moment then blew out the nineteen candles. “What did you wish for?” Molly asked.
“It’s bad luck to tell.” Jennifer said.
“I wished for a quiet little brother.” Justin teased. The staff returned to work, and Justin proceeded to cut the double fudge cake.
“We knew you would be busy with Brian yesterday, so we thought we’d extend your birthday until today.” Jennifer said. “Did you have a good time yesterday sweetheart?”
“The best. Mel and Lindsey took me to a music recital. Debbie fixed my favorite chicken parmesan, and Brian took me out.”
“Where’d you go?” Jennifer asked.
“Just to “Babylon”, then we spent a quiet night together. That’s what I wanted.” Justin lied.
“What did he give you?” Molly asked.
Justin had to think quickly. “He didn’t give me anything. He’s going to take me shopping, and let me pick out my own present.” Justin lied again. He quickly changed the subject. “I wore the new jacket that you gave me to the recital. It looked really nice mom.”
“What about my tie?” Molly asked.
“Your tie was perfect, everybody complimented me on it.” Justin smiled to himself, that one was just a white lie.
The trio finished their cake. Jennifer signaled for the check, and doggie bags for the leftovers, while Justin and Molly went to the washrooms. As Justin opened the door to go in, he was stopped by a million dollar smile. “Justin. How are you princess?”
It had been over a month since the illicit lovers had spoken. Justin had wisely chosen not to call Tony, and as per Tony’s promise the older man had kept his distance. Justin was taken aback by the chance meeting. Tony looked fantastic. Dressed in designer black, tailored to perfection, and emitting that heated aura that drove Justin crazy. “Tony, I’m fine. How are you?” Justin smiled.
Tony walked back inside the washroom with Justin. “I’m ok. What are you doing here? Is Brian with you?”
“No, I’m here with my mom, and my sister. They took me out for my birthday.”
“Is today your birthday? You never told me.”
“Actually, it was yesterday.” Justin said.
“I have to give you something.” Tony said. Justin watched as Tony began to search his pockets. He looked at his Rolex, then the gold bracelet next to it. Finally Tony’s brown eyes lit up as he decided on his impromptu gift. He loosened his tie, and unfastened the top button of his shirt. He then removed a gold chain from around his neck, and placed it on Justin’s. “Happy birthday princess.” he smiled.
“I can’t take this Tony. It’s too expensive.”
“Still selling yourself cheap I see.”
Justin quickly changed the subject. “I’m sorry about what happened at the wedding reception. Thanks for not having Brian arrested.”
“I wanted to see what he’s got. I hope that wasn’t his best punch.” Tony smiled. Justin rolled his eyes, and shook his head. The two men laughed. “I’ve missed you princess.”
“I’ve missed you too.” Justin heard himself reply.
“May I have a birthday kiss?” Tony asked.
Justin hesitated. He was all too familiar with the magic in Tony’s arms. Once folded inside Justin knew that all of his willpower would disappear. Still the enchanted teen couldn’t resist. He placed his arms around the older man’s neck, as Tony snaked his arms around his waist. Justin closed his eyes as their lips met softly at first, then the teen then opened his mouth, and allowed his lover inside. “Oh god, when can I have you?” Justin panted.
“Do you want me now?”
“Yes.” Justin took Tony’s hand, and headed toward a nearby stall.
Tony pulled back. “No Justin.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Not a public bathroom princess.” Tony said.
The washroom door suddenly opened. It was Emmett searching for the nearest stall to throw up in. Ted followed along, holding his hand over his friend’s mouth. They darted past the lovers without noticing them. Justin suddenly came crashing back to reality. He looked at Tony, who calmly reached into his jacket pocket, and pulled out his penthouse four key card. He placed it in Justin’s hand, and quietly exited the washroom.
Brian was in an unusually good mood when Justin returned to the loft. He sauntered over to the teen, and wrapped his arms around Justin’s waist. “Where the hell have you been?” Brian kissed him before Justin could answer.
“Mom, and Molly took me out to dinner for my birthday.” Justin said. “You’re in a good mood, don’t tell me you have another present for me.” Justin glanced over toward the bedroom.
“What if I do?” Brian purred.
Justin pulled away. “Not tonight Brian, I don’t feel like it.”
Brian followed Justin to the bedroom. “Headache?” he asked.
“No I don’t have a headache.” Justin said. He removed his jacket, and hung it in the closet. “It’s just that this place is becoming like the backroom of “Babylon”.”
“You talk as if that’s a bad thing.” Brian said. He walked over, and began to undo Justin’s tie.
“Don’t you ever just want to be with me, just the two of us?” Justin asked.
Brian smiled. “You miss me baby?”
“Yes.”
“How badly do you miss me?” Brian slipped the tie from around Justin’s neck, and began to unbutton his shirt. He came upon the gold chain. “Wow, that’s nice. Jennifer must have maxed out the “Visa Card” for that one.” he said.
Justin had forgotten about Tony’s gift. “I’d better take it off. I don’t want to break it.” he said.
“Leave it on. It looks sexy on you.” Brian purred. Justin closed his eyes, as Brian’s lips lightly brushed across his neck, and Tony’s gift. “It’s just the two of us here now. What do you want to do?” Brian kissed his baby’s ear.
I want you to talk to me Brian.” Justin said.
Brian removed the teen’s shirt, and began to undo his pants. “Ummmm, nasty little boy. Daddy’s going to.......”
“Not that kind of talk Brian. I want to hear about your day. What happened at work?” Justin suggested.
Brian slipped his hand inside Justin’s fly. “I’d rather stick my dick so far up your ass.....”
“Stop it Brian.” Justin pulled away, and refastened his pants.
Brian sighed. “Ok, let’s talk.” he said. “I had swordfish for lunch, secured the “Brown Athletics” account, made partner, spent an hour at the gym, had two beers at “Woody’s”.....”
“Wait a minute, back up.“ Justin said. “You made partner?”
Brian smiled.
“You make partner?” Justin asked again.
Brian opened his arms. “Come and congratulate me.” he beckoned for the teen.
Justin leaped into his lover’s arms. He hugged Brian’s neck, and began to shower him with kisses. “I knew you could do it.” Justin said.
“See, I’m good at some things.” Brian said, as the victor accepted his spoils. “So you hated my birthday present huh?” Brian said amidst the celebration.
Justin interrupted his kisses, and looked at Brian. It always amazed him how Brian could dismiss one subject, for another so abruptly. “I never said that.” Justin said.
“You didn’t have to, everybody else did.”
“I didn’t hate it. It just wasn’t what I expected.” Justin lied sweetly.
“What did you expect?” Brian asked. Once again Brian began to undo Justin’s pants.
“I don’t know, something personal, something I could look at that would remind me of you.” Justin said as his pants, and shorts slid to the floor.
Brian sat down on the bed, and pulled Justin next to him. He rolled over on top of the teen, and kissed him. “You have me, why do you need a reminder?” Brian asked as his kisses began to slowly extend the length of Justin’s body.
“I don’t have you all the time.” Justin stroked his fingers through his lover’s hair.
“That’s what you say.” Brian chuckled. He kissed his baby’s tummy, then glided his tongue around the head of Justin’s cock.
“What about when you’re with other guys?”
“What other guys?” Brian swallowed the lengthening member, then slowly pulled back.
“I’m trying to talk to you Brian.” Justin said as he closed his eyes, and instinctively began to move hips.
Brian removed Justin’s stiff rod from his mouth, and leisurely began to stroke it. “I’m listening to you baby.” he smiled. “I’ll tell you what, tomorrow we’ll go and pick out something nice for your birthday. Would you like that?”
“Really?” Justin smiled.
“Really.” Brian promised. “Now turn over for me baby.”
By two o’clock the next afternoon Brian was beginning to regret his promise. Justin had been to every shop along the trendy strip, in search of the perfect gift that would always remind him of Brian. The gift had been the topic over breakfast, during the ride to the mall, as well as over lunch. As a last resort to save his own sanity, Brian finally decided to choose the gift himself.
He took Justin to a family owned jewelry store, that specialized in custom made pieces. They took a seat at the counter. “I’m looking for a medallion, something nice, but not too gaudy.” Brian told their salesman, Mr. Delano.
“Medallion?” Justin said.
“You can wear it on your mom’s chain. That way you’ll always have both of us close to your heart.” Brian smiled.
“May I see the chain?” Mr. Delano requested. Justin removed Tony’s gift from his neck, and handed it to the jeweler. “Exquisite.” he said on first look. The jeweler pulled out his loupe for a closer inspection. “Gold pave’, with a diamond pave’ clasp, I’ve never seen a rope like this. Is this a family heirloom? Where was it crafted?”
Brian looked at Justin, who innocently shrugged his shoulders. “I’ll have to ask my mom.” Justin quickly lied.
“Exquisite.” Mr. Delano said again. “I have some pieces that would be beautiful on that. I’ll be right back.”
Brian looked at Justin. “What’s the matter baby?”
“I’m not really into jewelry Brian. Maybe I should choose something else.”
Brian leaned over, and kissed him. “You’ll love it, and It’ll always remind you of me.”
“And Tony.” Justin said to himself.
Mr. Delano returned with a tray of Medallions. Brian selected one, approximately the size of a nickel, trimmed in pave’ diamonds. “That’s an excellent choice.” the jeweler approved. “May we engrave that for you Mr. Kinney?”
“Yes.” Brian pulled out a small pad, and pen from his breast pocket. He scribbled something on the paper, and handed it to Mr. Delano.
Mr. Delano smiled. “I’ll have this ready for you in about thirty minutes.” he said.
The lovers strolled hand in hand along the counters, stopping briefly to admire any piece that caught their interest. “I have to get one for you.” Justin said.
“I’ll wait until you’re a famous artist. You can bring it when you stop in town on route to your next show.”
Justin wrapped his arms around Brian’s waist, and pulled him close. “Wherever I go, I’m taking you with me. You’ll be my boy-toy. I’ll layer you in designer garments, and have you dripping in jewels.”
“Dripping?”
“Yes, dripping.” Justin put his arms around Brian’s neck, and pulled him in for a long kiss.
Brian could feel Justin’s cock awakening against his thigh. “Speaking of dripping.” he whispered.
Justin giggled.
Other customers in the busy shop were beginning to take notice of the same sex couple. Some smiled, some pretended not to care, others whispered. A particular couple at the end of the counter were selecting engagement rings. They looked at Brian and Justin, then at each other, and snickered. Brian fixed his eyes on them, and hugged Justin tighter. “Don’t mind him.” Brian said to the disapproving pair. “He always gets frisky like this when I buy him jewelry. Don’t you baby?” Brian gave Justin’s ass a firm smack.
Justin wiggled his hips, and smiled. “Yes daddy.” he cooed.
“Oooooh shit.” Brian moaned, and smacked Justin’s ass again. He looked at the future groom, and smiled. “Don’t you just love it when they call you daddy?” he hissed. The now crimsoned faced couple, promptly turned away.
Mr. Delano came from behind the craftsman’s booth, still polishing the newly engraved piece. He threaded the medallion through Tony’s chain, and handed it to Brian for inspection. “Excellent, close your eyes baby.” Brian said to Justin. The other customers watched as Brian positioned Justin in front of the mirror, and fastened the chain around his neck. “Open your eyes.” Brian said amidst their whispers of approval.
Justin opened his eyes. “Oh Brian.” he gasped. The brilliance from the medallion’s diamond trim, combined with the glistening pave’ gold chain, created a fireworks affect that danced around the teen’s neck. Justin reached for the medallion and read it’s inscription. “B/J.” Justin looked at Brian, and smiled.
“Do you like it?” Brian asked cautiously.
Justin could barely get the words out. “I love it.” he whispered.
“Happy birthday baby.” Brian smiled.