The Nature of Things

Chapter 38

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Brian heard Maya crying but was still half asleep. Rolling over he threw an arm around Justin and snuggled in deeper. He was instantly awake and a smile spread across his face remembering the night before.

They'd started out with just a kiss, but things quickly progressed further until they were in bed making love. Brian felt his cock stir again and quickly thought of Joan to get a grip on himself.

Paying closer attention he heard Maya's soft cries again. Throwing back the blankets he moved Zoey from his side of the bed and padded off down the hall to check on his daughter.

Finding her awake and teary eyed, he picked her up, carrying her downstairs for a midnight snack. Heating a bottle for her, Brian stared absently into the refrigerator not looking for anything in particular.

He was startled when Molly turned on the light.

"Is she okay?"

"Fuck, Molly, you scared me."

Molly took the baby from him and whispered to her, "Daddy, has a bit of a potty mouth, doesn't he?" She looked to Brian and added, "You should start now with the censoring yourself."

"No fucking way. Gus hears me all the time and he doesn't curse at all. Hell the kid thinks shut up is a bad word."

"Let's just hope that this little angel is the same way. Can I feed her?"

Brian handed the warm bottle to her and they both headed back to the nursery. Molly sat and rocked Maya while Brian watched. His heart was full watching Molly with their daughter and he was thrilled that she was warming up to the idea of being a part of Maya's life.

Justin sat in bed watching Brian and Molly with Maya on the hi-tech baby monitor that Brian had installed in every room in the house that Maya would ever be in. He smiled to see that his sister was doing well with the whole situation.

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Michael sat two blocks from Brian's house debating whether or not to actually go knock on the door. He hadn't spoken to Brian since the night he'd told him about Justin and wasn't sure that Brian wouldn't punch him again.

Debbie had kept him informed about the baby and Michael was happy to see Brian settling down into a life that had meaning. He'd even felt relieved to learn that Brian and Justin were trying to make a life together with their new daughter.

He looked over at the pastel pink wrapped baby gift and decided that it was now or never to try to make amends to Brian and Justin.

Almost an hour after he'd made the decision to go see Brian, he pulled in the drive and gathered his courage to do what he'd come to do. He knocked on the door and waited for an answer. When Jennifer opened the door he could tell she was shocked to find him standing there.

Letting him in, she showed him into the living room and called for Brian. Excusing herself she left Michael alone to face his friend.

Brian entered the room and stood at the door, blocking Michael from the rest of the house.

"What do you want?"

"I brought the baby a gift and to see how you and Justin are doing."

"Don't act like you're still a part of this family, Mikey. Stay away from Justin and from our child."

"I didn't come here to hurt anyone, Brian. I just wanted to congratulate you and wish you well. And I thought it would be a nice gesture to bring your new baby a gift."

"Thank you, Michael, now get out of my house."

Both Michael and Brian turned at the sound of Justin's voice. Brian crossed to stand between Justin and Michael. He took Maya from Justin and held her tightly to his chest. Facing his former best friend he stood silently.

"I guess it was a mistake to try to say I'm sorry for everything. I just want you to know that I am truly happy for you both and I hope that one day you can find it in your hearts to forgive me for all the pain I've caused."

Michael set the gift on the couch and let himself out. Starting the car he steered it towards Woody's.

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Later that night in bed Justin questioned Brian's feelings about Michael.

"Could you forgive him?"

"No."

"But he's been your best friend for so long, how can you just turn your back on him?"

"Because he hurt someone that means everything to me. I love you, Sunshine. I used to love Michael, but only as a friend. He destroyed that when he hurt you. There was never any doubt that I'd choose you."

"I love you too, Bri. You know it's still strange hearing you say it so freely."

"I've grown up, kid. Hell I've got two children now and a partner."

"Brian Kinney's gone responsible."

"I must be close to death, or getting senile."

"Well you are starting to get a little long in the tooth."

"Fuck you, I'm long all right, but it ain't a tooth."

Their kiss was interrupted by a small ball of black and white fur climbing over Justin to nuzzle Brian's nose. Brian absentmindedly stroked her fur while watching Justin.

Justin shook his head and laughed out loud. "Sometimes I think you love that fucking cat more than you love me."

"No fucking way, but she has wormed her little way into my heart."

"I'll say, you bought her a fucking pair of Prada shoes to sleep in. You've never bought me Prada."

"You'd never wear it and you know it. But if you want your very own pair of Prada shoes because you're jealous of a little bitty cat, I'll run right out tomorrow and buy you a pair."

"I don't need Prada to know you love me. I never did."

"Maybe that's why I loved you so much. You never expected too much out of me, yet you encouraged me to be honest with you. Without you I don't know if I could ever have found the strength to live this life."

"You would have found someone eventually to tame you."

Brian picked the cat up, turned over and cuddled with her. Justin's laughter filled the room.

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Emmett spied Michael across the bar and worried about his friend. He knew that Michael had been sober for a few months now, so to find him sitting in Woody's downing tequila was a bad sign.

"Honey, what's going on?"

"Go away and find some other soul to save, Em."

"Sorry, tonight your name was on my post-it."

"Whatever." Michael downed another shot and waited impatiently as the bartender poured another.

"I think it's time we called your sponsor, honey."

"He's out of town."

"Then let me call Debbie or Carl."

"I don't need my mommy and daddy to come rescue me. I'm an adult. Now go the fuck away and let me enjoy my misery."

Emmett did as he was asked. He stopped at a nearby table and phoned the one person he knew could get through to Michael.

Twenty minutes later Ben sat down next to Michael and put a hand over the drink on the bar. Michael turned and found himself staring at his past.

"It's time to come home, Michael."

"I don't have a home anymore. I have nothing."

"You have more than you realize." Ben took Michael's hand and led the way to the car.

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