New Year's Dilemma

Brian knew that the week between Christmas and New Year's was going to be slow so with little difficulty he was able to give his regular employees the week off with pay. Cynthia, who, next to Brian worked the hardest and the longest hours certainly deserved the time off to spend with her family. She had taken a considerable pay cut to stay with him and in the end her sacrifices paid off. Ted too, was able to spend the time constructively, after he advised Brian on some last minute donations that he could make not only to drum up good PR, benefit Brian and Kinnetic with a tax break but also do some good in the community, Ted went to spend the holidays with his mother. A few of the eager execs thought the time could be used to work on their own pet projects and Brian made himself available to them by phone and via email.

So after numerous ‘family' dinners and obligatory holiday parties Brian was forced to attend to represent his agency, Brian was rather grateful for the quiet. The only drama queen moment that occurred was sometime during the day after Christmas. Brian, not very well versed in Christmas decoration etiquette thought that since Christmas was over, it was time to take down the tree. As he reached for an ornament, a very untwink-like growl emanated from Justin, accompanied by a Justin death glare warning Brian that if one strand of tinsel or ornament was removed before Justin's express permission, Justin would have Brian's remaining ball. Brian looked down at his precious crotch, winced and then pretended to flick an imaginary bit of dust off the ornament in his hand. He gingerly backed away from the tree, much to Justin's satisfaction.

Overall, Brian was taking as well deserved break. It took him a bit by surprise when he realized it was three days before New Year's Eve and he had made no plans. Brian was also surprised that Justin didn't mention anything about it either. Still believing in their unconventional undefined relationship, Brian would never presume to make plans for the both of them. He figured he'd go to Babylon and hoped that Justin would go along too. Brian padded around the loft battling with this dilemma.

As the war raged on in Brian's head, he sat on the sofa to peruse the latest addition of the Wall Street Journal, checking on stock quotes and reading articles about potential investments, his eyes wandered across the ads. Brian could never separate the ad man in him no more than Justin could turn off his artistic spirit, a simple ad caught his eye.

"Whatever you're doing at the stroke of midnight is what you'll be doing all year."

Brian continued the silent debate while Justin was waging his own battle in the kitchen preparing Debbie's chicken soup recipe. An early cold spell hit the Pitts making it just right for soup. A crash of pots and pans momentarily distracted Brian from his dilemma.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Soup."

Justin didn't feel the need to elaborate. He let his chopping do it for him. Considering the brevity of Justin's answer and the waving of many sharp utensils, Brian felt much safer on the sofa. He watched while an innocent bunch of carrots found themselves expertly diced and thrown in the pot. Next were several onions and a heart of celery. The chicken had already made its supreme sacrifice.

Brian's demeanor, sighs and brow furrows were not lost on Justin. Justin had finely honed his Kinney-speak translation skills. He knew that something was up and suspected it had something to do with the next holiday that was looming upon them. He also knew that Brian was unable or unwilling to bring up the subject. Justin would have to take the bull by the horns or in this particular case, the queen by the dick. While stirring, tasting and adding a pinch of pepper, Justin ventured the question.

"Brian, do you have plans for New Year's Eve?"

Brian sputtered a moment, again reminded of just how on to him Justin really was, but before he lost face, Justin rattled on.

"I mean it's probably too late to make a reservation somewhere."

Brian nodded an agreement.

"We could go to Deb's and watch the ball drop. Emmett's already cooking up a storm but I'm kinda familied out, if you know what I mean."

Again Brian nodded. He had to admit he did enjoy the time he spent with his family but he was just as ‘familied out' as Justin. The furrows in his brow deepened.

"Or we could do something here. I'm sure you could convince Emmett that while he's doing all that cooking he could add a few extra platters of hors d'oeuvres. He'd do it for you. And I'm sure you still have your list of special tricks somewhere on your hard drive. But then again, some tricks don't know when its time to leave."

Brian shook his head knowingly. How true, some tricks don't take the hint and he'd hate to have to be rude on New Years morning and throw someone out. No, an orgy just wasn't worth the hassle. Justin threw in some fresh parsley while Brian's eyes scanned the ad again.

"I guess we could be like the rest of the queers on Liberty and go to Babylon or to Woody's. I know Woody's is sold out but they'd make an exception for you. You did save Liberty Avenue."

Brian almost blushed. Normally, most fags have the attention span of a gnat. But his contribution to the cause as the Committee for the Concerned Citizens had not been forgotten. The doors of the business owners of Liberty were always opened for him. Brian humbly bowed his head.

Justin allowed himself to smile, he was definitely on the right track. As Justin concentrated on the bubbling vat of soup, he cautiously offered his last suggestion.

"I know this would be the last thing on your mind. It is a highlight of the year and you did get some fabulous new shirts to show off and I do realize it would be rather boring but we could spend it here. In the loft. Alone. Together. Just you and me. Maybe some snacks and wine. Watch the ball drop and make, uh fuck, at the stroke of midnight."

Brian watched the back of the blond head bob away as Justin rambled on about the boring New Year as he stirred the pot of soup. The aroma of the soup filled the loft and brought back some of Brian's happiest memories. He and Mikey, sitting in Debbie's kitchen on a cold winter's day, sipping mugs of her soup. He felt warm and protected in Debbie's home, his sanctuary where the pain of his own house couldn't touch him. Now Brian felt that same warmth. Not just from the soup but from the man stirring the pot.

"Whatever you're doing at the stroke of midnight is what you'll be doing all year."

Justin was still babbling as Brian arose from the sofa and crossed over to the kitchen. Brian edged Justin away from the stove, setting the spoon aside and turning the heat down to a slow simmer. He guided Justin around the island and set him on a stool. Squeezing himself into the V of Justin's legs, Brian hugged Justin as Justin wrapped his arms and legs around his lover. Brian then whispered into Justin's ear.

"I can't think of anything better than a boring New Year's Eve."

Brian felt Justin's smile at his neck and heard the light snuffling of allergies. Brian had got it right; proud that he was finally learning Justinese. He leaned back just enough to see Justin's eyes brimming with tears. The lovers kissed then rested their foreheads together. Brian closed his eyes as he revealed his heart.

"If making love to you is boring, then I hope I'm bored for the rest of my life."

Happy Boring New Year's to my Tribe.

Sabina

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