He was alone, it was Xmas eve and he was alone in the loft. It was the 1st Xmas since Stockwell, since he and Justin got back together.  Their 'relationship' uck that word was doing well, very well, he almost thought himself happy.

He was okay not totally broke but no extravagance.  He bought Gus a train set that Brian knew Gus would like and an art book that Justin had been eyeing a while ago and that was it.

His former clients proved themselves more loyal than anyone had thought demanding that he return to Vanguard or be hired as a consultant, Brian chose the latter.

So here he was on Xmas eve sitting on a bar stool at the counter picking on a dry turkey sandwich.

The rest of his dysfunctional family were off doing something Xmasie.

After finishing his sandwich he sat on one of the few pieces of furniture he managed to buy and watched TV.  As all the Xmas shows were about to drive him insane the loft door screeched open.

In walked Deb and Vic holding steaming dishes and pots; Em, Ted and Justin with bags of groceries and decorations.  Ben and Mikey came in with a tree.  The only way Brian could describe the tree was a 'Charlie Brown' tree.

A few minutes later Molly, Daph and Jennifer came in with a portable table and chairs.  And then the Muncher with linens, more food and Gus.

"Dada"

"Hi ya Sonny Boy"

Brian gave his son a hug and a kiss then left the room.

Brian climbed the steps to the bedroom shut the panels and closed the blinds.

Over the next 2 hours his family were busy.  He heard the laughter, the noise and smelled the wonderful cooking.

Then it got quiet as his family sat around the table.

"I'll get him", said Justin.

The family all watched Justin climb the steps and gently knock at a panel.

Just heard the grunt allowing him to enter the inner sanctum.

Justin saw Brian sit up in the bed and wipe away the obvious stream of tears that stained his face.

After letting the older man compose himself the younger man approached and held out his hand.

Brian arose and took the offered hand.

The two went out and joined the family.

As Brian walked down the steps he saw the amazing transformation of the loft.  And as in the Charles Schultz story the tattered little tree was also transformed into the most beautiful Christmas tree Brian had ever seen.

Brian allowed Justin to guide him to the table.  Before sitting Brian saw a box of candy canes.  Picking one up he walked to the tree and hung it up on a branch, then sat at the only empty chair between Gus and Justin.

Justin leaned into him and gave him a peck on the cheek.

Everyone raised their glasses and said, "Merry Christmas everyone".

Brian raised his glass, "Yeah Ditto."

Then they all dug in.


A very happy, merry Christmas to the Tribe!

Love,
Sabina

Return to Sabina