The Nature of Things

Chapter 35

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The next month was spent with Justin getting acclimated to living under the same roof as Brian once again. He also had to get used to his mother being close by as well.

Molly continued to do well and the baby was thriving. The doctors were optimistic still that the baby would not have any adverse effects from the medications. The ultrasounds showed a normal baby that was growing rapidly.

Brian and Justin continued to furnish the nursery and planned to sign the final papers the day after Molly gave birth. They had even started to bounce names around for the new addition to the family.

Molly was taking an online course through NYU on film and was getting used to staying in bed all day. Everything seemed to be going according to schedule.

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Lindsay called Emmett and the two got together to plan a surprise baby shower for Brian and Justin at the diner. All was set except getting the boys there and that was left to Cynthia and Jennifer.

Jennifer was sitting at the kitchen table drinking tea with Cynthia when Brian came in from a late meeting with EyeConics. By the looks on their faces he could tell they were up to something.

Jennifer spoke first. "Brian, there you are. I was just trying to reach you to let you know that Lindsay asked us all to dinner tonight at the diner. She said something about wanting to discuss Gus's birthday party."

"Where's Justin?"

"I left a message on his cell to meet us there. He had a showing at a gallery at four. He should be just about done."

"Fine, give me a minute to change and catch my breath." Brian took the stairs two at a time. Once upstairs he called Justin's cell to find out what he'd been told. Getting his voicemail he left a message for him to call as soon as he got the message.

Changing into jeans and a black tee, Brian zipped his Prada boots and gave Zoey a bowlful of food before heading back downstairs. He met Jen and Cynthia at the door.

They were just parking across from the diner when Justin walked up. Giving his mother a quick kiss on the cheek he joined Brian as they crossed the street.

"What's going on?"

"I have no clue Sunshine, I was hoping you could tell me."

They both found out when they entered the diner to find everyone gathered for the baby shower.

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An hour into the party Brian was trying to find a way to escape. Ted noticed and slid in the booth next to his boss, teasing him about being "hetero-chic".

"I am not hetero anything, Theodore Schmidt."

"Touchy, touchy."

"Help me find a way out of this Hell and I'll double your salary for the next two years."

"As tempting as that sounds, Emmett would have my balls on a silver platter if I ruined his little soiree."

"Well it's better to be rich and balless than it is to be poor and have 'em hanging to your knees. Now get off your ass and find me an escape route."

"I'll see what I can do, but no promises. Why don't you just enjoy it. This may be your last outing before full time parenthood rears it's ugly little coneshaped head."

Brian watched Ted leave and said a silent prayer that he could escape soon.

Justin on the other hand was enjoying the ritual of opening baby gifts and playing silly little games all about baby. They were just starting the game of how many baby items you could remember once they were covered. All eyes turned to Brian and he was true to form in his answer.

"Thirteen inch dildo."

"Brian Kinney, behave yourself," Lindsay scolded while everyone else laughed.

He spent another hour watching Justin open the gifts without joining in on the fun. As soon as the cake was rolled out of the back, he found his opening.

"No cake for me," he said looking at his watch. "I have an early meeting tomorrow morning." He shot Cynthia a look daring her to contradict him and made his exit after a quick kiss to Lindsay, Justin, Debbie and Jen.

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Brian left the shower and headed to the hospital with a full report for Molly. Even though he'd complained through the whole thing, he had really enjoyed seeing his friends and family as excited about the baby as he and Justin were. He knew Molly would want to know everything and he was prepared to actually let someone in on the fact that he'd enjoyed it.

When he got there, there were doctors in Molly's room and the pace was frantic. Brian demanded to know what was going on. One of the regular nurses filled him in.

"The baby's heart rate has dropped and we may have to deliver tonight."

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