CHAPTER 8

3 MONTHS LATER

Brian nervously glanced at the arrival board in the baggage claim area. It had been three months since the ski trip, and he and Justin had spoken every night since. They were determined to make their newfound relationship work, and in order to see where it was going to go Justin had booked a summer internship at a gallery in Denver. Brian was taking summer classes 3 days a week at the Academy, and in order for them to spend as much time together as possible he had found them a small furnished loft apartment in Castle Rock.

"Hey, ready whenever you are," Justin said as he walked up behind Brian causing him to jump.

"Hey," Brian said as he grabbed one of Justin's bags, "let's get out of here I have something to show you."

~~~~~~~~~

"Brian, it is absolutely gorgeous," Justin said as he stood in the doorway of the loft. All of the walls were red brick and the living area was open with a large sectional black leather sofa and matching oversized chair. The kitchen was fully stocked with black appliances, and a small island countertop with barstools for seating. As they walked further into the room he noticed a small corner perfect for working on his art along with a large picture window overlooking the back terrace, "I love it."

"Need any help unpacking," Brian asked as he walked over and pulled some water out of the refrigerator.

"I got it. Thanks though," Justin called as he walked into the bedroom. He was immediately drawn to the king size bed which was covered in a deep navy duvet. The pillowcases and sheets were light blue, and the throw pillows were white. A modern oak dresser sat in the corner next to a large walk in closet, and a joining door led into a modern bathroom with marble counters, two sinks, and a large walk-in shower with brushed steel fixtures.

"I can't believe I got such a deal on this place," Brian said as he walked up behind his dazed boyfriend and wrapped his arms around him.

"Hmm," Justin sighed as he leaned into the embrace, "it couldn't be more perfect."

"Thanks," Brian whispered as their lips met in a kiss.

~~~~~~~~~

Later that evening Justin sat in the middle of the couch putting some final touches on a sketch that he had to complete before his gallery meeting the following Monday.

"What are you working on?" Brian asked as he switched off his laptop and walked over to the sofa.

"A gallery sketch that I have to have done for my internship meeting on Monday. Want to see?"

"Sure," Brian said as he reached over for the sketchbook. The image on paper was two left hands entwined. The hand on bottom was slightly smaller than the other but still obviously male, and out of the detail stood two wedding bands. He shivered slightly at the thought of him possibly marrying one day, but not out of fear, mostly anticipation of what it meant.

"What are you thinking about?" Justin whispered pulling Brian from his thoughts as he caressed his skin softly.

"How beautiful your work is," Brian replied as he relished the gentle strokes.

"Hmm," Justin whispered in Brian's ear as he ran his hands underneath his shirt. "I want us to be close again."

"I do too," Brian whispered as he guided Justin into their bedroom.

~~~~~~~~~

I don't quite know

How to say

How I feel

Those three words

Are said too much

They're not enough

If I lay here

If I just lay here

Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

The lyrics of Chasing Cars woke Brian causing him to stir slightly. He turned down the volume on the radio so it would not wake Justin. He then stumbled to the shower. As the hot steam and water rained down on him, the ski trip and the night before came flooding into his head. Justin's touch and the taste of his lips on his own had been beautiful. He couldn't help but think what was yet to come. In fact he had just the plan to tell Justin how he felt.

All that I am

All that I ever was

Is here in your perfect eyes, they're all I can see

I don't know where

Confused about how as well

Just know that these things will never change for us at all

If I lay here

If I just lay here

Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Justin turned over and stared at the bathroom door. He had an overwhelming urge to go join Brian in the shower, however he was still nervous. The ski trip, and the evening before had been wonderful. The skin on skin contact, and Brian's taste had been amazing; however, he was confused at how just being in the same room with and kissing alone could take him to that level of commitment. He had never felt this close to anyone before, and he felt now was the time to tell Brian how much he was changing his life.

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