Domestic Bliss

Housewarming

Justin looked in the fridge at all the food he had bought and/or prepared. There were several salads in enormous plastic bowls. The steaks were marinating waiting to be set on the barbecue. Brian had had a fit when he saw the bill for them, but Justin had insisted that they needed to feed their guests in style. He was not going to scrimp when he invited people to their home for the first time. Butter was sitting on the counter softening next to the bags of buns. Bread was always filling in case they didn't have enough of everything else.

Justin was about to open the freezer door to check on the ice cream they had bought for dessert when he felt strong arms encircle his chest and pull him back.

"Will you relax," Brian whispered in his ear. "Everything is great. The party will be fine." Brian nipped Justin's earlobe and sucked it into his mouth eliciting a moan.

"Look who's talking, Mr. Panic Attack!"

"I did not have a panic attack. Stop saying that."

"I'm sorry. I'm just nervous. I want everything to go well," Justin said sliding around in Brian's arms so he could face his man.

"Everything will be great. Now stop worrying." Brian gave Justin a quick kiss on the lips promising more with the look that followed. "We need to leave. Time to meet them at the GLC."

"Shit, is it time already," Justin asked looking around the kitchen, panic apparent on his face.

"Justin! Come! Now!" Brian ordered.

"I'm not a fucking dog," Justin protested.

Brian snorted. "Come on, Rover."

That earned him a swat from Justin but Brian had a firm hold on one of his lover's hands as he dragged Justin behind him out to the 'Vette. The drive to the GLC took place mainly in silence. They had already planned how this was going to work.

When they arrived Melanie, Lindsay and Gus were already there sitting in their car. As they pulled in so did Debbie's old heap. Michael was driving with Ben beside him. Debbie, Hunter and Vic were crammed in the back seat. Jennifer arrived next with Molly beside her. All they needed was Ted and Emmett. Trust them to be late.

Michael got out of the car and came over to Brian who sat in the Corvette. He knew if he got out he would be bombarded with questions that he didn't want to answer. Justin still sat beside him and he groaned inwardly as Michael approached.

"Brian, what the fuck is going on?" Michael started in. "What are we doing here? What are you planning?"

"All will be revealed, Mikey. Be patient."

"You can tell me. I'm your best friend for fuck sake."

"Michael, you'll find out the same time as everyone else," Brian sighed.

"Isn't that Ted's car?" Justin asked as a car pulled into the GLC parking lot.

"About fucking time," Brian reacted. He pushed open the door of the 'Vette making Michael step back. "Everyone follow me!" he yelled.

The cars started and the headlights came on. There was a chorus of "Where the fuck are we going?" and "This better be good!".

Brian pulled the Corvette up to the exit and waited for everybody to line up behind them. When there was a big gap in the traffic he pulled out, looking in the rearview mirror to make sure all the cars exited at the same time. He started off towards the new house and the surprise that awaited their guests. He felt Justin's hand grasp his arm for reassurance. He looked at his lover and gave a tight smile.

"It will be okay," he said, half for Justin's benefit and half for his own. He hoped he was speaking the truth.

They made their way slowly out into the suburbs. Brian didn't want to lose any cars from his train. He chuckled to himself when he thought that. It reminded him of another kind of train. Justin gave him a quizzical look, but he just shook his head.

Finally they pulled into the driveway. "Ready for the dog and pony show?" Brian asked as he got out of the car.

Justin chuckled. "Bring it on," he said with more bravado than he felt.

Brian helped the cars get situated in the driveway and on the street. He refused to answer any questions about whose house this was or what they were all doing there. When everyone was assembled near the front door, Brian cleared his throat gaining their attention.

"Surprise!" Justin called out. They all looked at the young man like he had two heads.

"Thank you all for coming tonight," Brian said with a smirk. "Justin and I want to welcome you to our housewarming party. Open the door and let the party begin."

There was a collective gasp as Justin unlocked the front door. The whole group streamed in oohing and awing and gawking at the house.

"This is really your house?" Emmett asked Justin, giving him a big hug. Justin nodded. "Oh sweetie, this is wonderful. I can't believe you two made this move." Justin knew he meant 'move' on many different levels. He could hardly believe it himself.

The rest of the group was exploring the kitchen and family room. They all seemed to like the new furniture.

"How long have you guys been living here?" Ben asked.

"Why didn't you tell us, asshole?" Melanie demanded.

"I can't believe you didn't say anything," Michael observed shaking his head.

"Look, a pool," Hunter called gazing out the French doors from the family room.

"We're having a barbecue on the patio if that suits everybody," Brian stated opening the doors and leading them all out to the covered patio area. "And I'm cooking."

The sudden silence and open mouths told Brian that he had had the desired effect. He had been practicing his barbecue skills almost every night since they moved in.

"You're cooking us dinner?" Ted asked in amazement.

"Oh, goodie!" Emmett gushed.

Brian smiled in spite of himself. "I'm going to get the steaks started. Justin will get you all drinks if you head back inside."

Brian felt a tug on the leg of his jeans. He looked down to see a small version of his own face looking up at him. "Dada," Gus said. He looked slightly scared.

"It's all right, Gus. This is where Justin and I live now, and we have a room for you, one of your very own." He picked Gus up sensing the little boy needed further reassurance.

The little boy stared at his father not quite sure what to say or do. "My own room?" he asked repeating Brian's words.

Brian nodded. "Daddy has to cook now, but I'll take you up to see it after dinner," Brian promised. "Would you like to stay with us soon?"

"Tonight?" Gus asked looking into his father's eyes.

"I don't know about that, Sonny Boy, but soon. Want to help me barbecue?"

Gus nodded his head as Brian set him down and lit the barbecue closing the lid to let it heat up.

"Come," Brian said extending his hand. Gus fit his little hand inside the big one and they walked into the kitchen. "You can carry the tongs for me," Brian said solemnly handing them to Gus. Gus carried the long object resting it in his folded arms as he followed his father to the fridge. Brian took out the tray of steaks and flipped them over in the marinade.

"You're actually cooking?" Michael asked as he came over to Brian carrying his bottle of beer.

"I'm actually cooking," Brian replied.

"When did you get so fucking domesticated?" Michael asked with a tinge of incredulity in his voice.

"We all have to grow up some time."

"Not Brian fucking Kinney."

"Michael…" Brian began but he didn't know how to finish that. He wondered why his best friend insisted on trying to keep them both fifteen years old. Michael had a relationship and a foster child. He should be grown up. Why couldn't he allow Brian to move on with his life too? "Come on, Gus, we have meat to roast."

Brian carried the tray of steaks out to the barbecue with Gus trailing behind solemnly carrying the tongs.

"Are you ready for a big boy job?" Brian asked his son.

Gus looked up at him with his large hazel eyes. "Yes, Dada," he said with great sincerity.

Brian handed him a piece of paper and a pen. "I want you to take this to each of our guests," Brian explained. "Their names are listed on the paper. Ask them how they want their steak cooked and get them to write their answer on the paper. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes, Dada," Gus replied solemnly nodding his head. He was very impressed that he was being given such an important job to do for his father.

"Go ask Debbie and Vic first," Brian instructed. "They're over there."

Gus hurried off to where Debbie and Vic sat at the patio table they had by the French doors. Brian watched as Gus made his carefully worded request. He seemed to be using the exact words his father had told him. Brian smiled as Debbie took the paper and wrote down her preference. He turned away to oil the barbecue so he would be ready when Gus returned with his list.

"I've got most of the food set out on the counter in the kitchen," Justin said coming up behind Brian. "Are you ready to start cooking, oh great chef?"

As Brian turned around Justin slipped a "Kiss the Cook" apron over his head. "Where the fuck did this come from?" Brian asked. He didn't wear aprons.

"Every good barbecue chef needs the proper equipment," Justin explained turning Brian around and tying the apron at the back for him.

"Who the fuck told you that?" Brian asked teasing.

"Common knowledge," Justin declared. "I think everything's going great so far."

"They seem happy. Did they each get a drink?"

Justin nodded. "Gus is faithfully making the rounds with his piece of paper. That was a great idea. He loves to be included. Makes him feel like a big boy."

"Everyone seems fine except … Michael."

Justin grimaced and decided to change the topic. "They want a tour of the whole house after we eat," Justin said.

"I guess we can do that. It's probably standard practice for a housewarming party."

"Happy barbecuing," Justin said heading back to the kitchen. Brian waggled his head from side to side and made that "ha, ha ha!" sound that he thought was cute, and it was.

"Brian," Lindsay's voice said from the other side of him as Justin disappeared. "This is a beautiful house. How long have you been living here?"

"About a month."

"A month? And you never told us? What if something had happened to Gus?"

"You would have called us and we have the same telephone number," Brian sighed. He hated it when people tried to guilt trip him.

"I'm surprised you wouldn't tell the mother of your son that you were moving," she persisted.

"Let's not do this," Brian said with another sigh.

"Are you and Justin happy here?" she asked. Something sounded funny about that question. It was almost accusatory.

"So far."

"I'm … I'm pleased for both of you. What happened that made you take this step?"

"What makes you think something happened?"

"I can't see you taking this step voluntarily," Lindsay chuckled.

Brian frowned. "And why the fuck not?" He could feel the anger rising.

"It's so unlike you. You never wanted a relationship … with anyone."

"Well I have a fucking relationship with someone, and his name is Justin."

"Brian, I…"

"Let it go, Lindsay. I don't want to talk about this again."

"Sure, sure," she replied wondering why he had gotten so testy with her. "Can I help you do anything?"

"I'm fine," he responded tersely.

"Brian, I didn't mean to make you upset."

"Of course not," he said the sarcasm apparent in his voice. He continued to fidget with the barbecue dials trying to ignore the feelings of hurt and anger that had suddenly overwhelmed him. This was supposed to be a party. He was supposed to be happy. Why couldn't they just let him be?

"So," Lindsay said trying to return to that breezy quality her voice had when all was well with the world. "When do I get my key?"

"Key? Key for what?" Brian asked.

"Why, for the house, of course, so I can bring Gus over."

"There's no key, Lindsay," Brian said trying to keep his voice steady. "If Gus is coming over Justin and I will bring him or we'll be here when he arrives. Justin and I will be the only ones with keys to our home."

"But…"

"There's nothing more to discuss about it," Brian said putting an end to her sentence.

She gave him a look of such hurt that he almost relented. When he didn't say anything though, she turned and walked away, probably to find her husband and pour out her woes. Brian was sure he'd hear from Melanie before the night was over.

"When do we get to come for a swim?" Emmett asked coming over to Brian.

"We thought it was a little cool tonight, but in a week or two when the weather warms up we'll invite you over," Brian said trying to be extra nice after his confrontation with Lindsay. At least Emmett wasn't asking for a fucking key.

"Oh, I can hardly wait," Emmett gushed in that inimitable fashion of his. "Um … by the way, Brian, I think it's great that you and Justin have made this move."

"You do?" Brian asked turning to face Emmett. He was surprised by that for some reason.

"I know you love him," Emmett said with a smile. "This just shows how much, and I know you're both going to be so happy!"

"Thanks Emmett," Brian said sincerely. "I wish I could believe that."

"You don't think you'll be happy?" Emmett asked in astonishment.

"There'll be happy times," Brian said thinking of all the great times he and Justin had already had in this house during their month alone. "But we don't have the best history of sustaining them.

Emmett looked thoughtful like he was trying to decide the best way to respond to that. "I've always understood that you don't know what happy really is unless there's some sad to compare it too. I see you two having some of each … and that will make the happy times that much sweeter."

Brian looked like he was ready to come out with one of his scathing, sarcastic comebacks. Instead his face softened and he reached out to hug Emmett. "I appreciate that thought. I hope you're right."

When Brian released him, Emmett moved away quickly. He was so surprised at Brian's reaction and hardly knew what to make of it. Somewhere deep inside he knew that he had said the right thing and that Brian really had appreciated it. He smiled as he skipped into the kitchen to get another beer.

"Dada," Gus said tugging at the leg of Brian's jeans. Brian was pulled from his thoughts about Emmett's words and looked down at his son. "All done," Gus said proudly handing him the paper with the list of everybody's preference for their steak.

Brian scanned it and mentally calculated how many medium, rare, and well done he needed to cook. He added himself to the list. "Good job, Sonny Boy," Brian said and Gus beamed up at him. "Can you go tell Justin that I'm starting the steaks?"

Gus nodded and trotted off. Brian started to put the steaks that would be the well done ones on the barbecue.

"So you're finally settling down," Vic's voice said from over his shoulder. "About time."

"You approve?" Brian asked.

Vic gave him a quizzical look. "Do you care whether I do?"

"No."

Vic chuckled. "I thought not. Nice apron," he said with a smirk. Brian grimaced. "Are you happy?"

"What?" Brian asked not sure what would prompt Vic to ask such a thing.

"This is a big move. Are you happy?" Vic repeated.

"Yes," Brian said slowly. "Yes, I am." And he knew that was true. He was happy that they had done this. He was happy that he and Justin were making a life together. And he was happy that his strange little family was here to celebrate with them, and that they would go home when the party was over. Later it would just be him and Justin, just like he wanted it.

"I never thought I would hear you say that, Brian, but I'm very happy that you've reached the point where you can. Justin and you are … lucky. I wish…"

Vic didn't complete the sentence but Brian knew that Vic was thinking about his own life and loves, and how they hadn't worked out quite the way the older man had wanted them to. Brian was glad that he had taken this step, that he had given his relationship with Justin this chance to move forward.

"Don't fuck it up, Brian," Vic said as he cleared his throat and gave Brian a hug.

"I'm trying not to," Brian admitted returning the hug.

Vic turned away, neither of them welcoming the display of emotion that seemed about to overwhelm them. Brian watched the older man walk away. Vic was a good man. He wished things could have worked out better for him, but he seemed to have a pretty good life with Debbie. He was relatively healthy for now and seemed to be enjoying working with Emmett in the party planning business. Brian turned back to his steaks wondering who would be the next one to give their two cents worth. He didn't have to wait long.

"Cool house, dude," Hunter said sidling up to Brian. "I still can't understand what you're doing here with blond boy instead of me."

"Someday it will come to you," Brian said with a smirk.

Hunter looked at him in a funny manner. "You love him, don't you?"

"That's between me and Justin."

"Fuck! I knew it."

"Thanks so much for your input on the matter," Brian chuckled.

Hunter turned and walked away. Brian hoped he hadn't ruined the poor boy's day. Actually he didn't care if he had ruined the boy's day. Maybe this would stop Hunter hitting on him at every opportunity.

The next group of steaks went on the grill. Brian waited wondering who would be next to take him on. They would all have to get their two cents worth in before the night was over.

"What the fuck did you say to Lindsay?" Melanie demanded her hand on her hip and her negative attitude providing a frosty chill to the warmth of the evening.

"I'm sure she told you," Brian said making a face.

"You upset her, asshole."

"That wasn't my intention. I just … told her how things are."

"She's always had a key to the loft, so why can't she have a key to this fucking place?" Mel demanded.

"Because I don't want you two walking in on Justin and me anytime you fucking feel like it."

"We … we never did that intentionally."

"Maybe not, but it sure as fuck seemed like it."

"Fuck you! Why can't you just give her a key?"

Brian sucked in some air. "I'll fucking give her a key when you fucking give me one to your place!"

Melanie recoiled like she had been slapped. Brian knew that would be her worst nightmare, him having access to her place anytime he wanted. Like he'd want to catch them unawares. The thought made him shudder. Melanie turned on her heel and marched away. Brian added the last of the steaks to the barbecue. They'd be ready in a few minutes. He wiped his brow and it wasn't from the heat of the barbecue.

"Almost ready?" Justin asked hooking his arm through Brian's.

"Yeah."

"Everyone's getting their plates and loading up on salad. They'll be out in a minute."

"And when will they be leaving?" Brian asked sarcastically.

"Did … did something happen?" Justin asked frowning.

"No, no, tell them the steaks are ready. We'll talk about it later. Okay?"

Justin took that as a good sign that Brian said they would talk, but he wondered which one of the charming group had pissed Brian off. The possibilities were numerous. About the only one he was sure hadn't done it was Gus.

Steaks were served, refills of drinks provided and seats arranged so that everyone was comfortable. Finally Brian and Justin sat down together on the chaise and started to eat their own steaks.

"These are good, Brian," Justin said his mouth stuffed with a big piece of meat. "You did a great job."

"Thanks," Brian said taking a bite of his very rare steak. It was just the way he liked it.

"The food is fabulous," Ted called over to them.

There was a chorus of agreement which made them both smile in spite of themselves. There was some chatter for the next while, but mostly people just ate enjoying the delicious fare that their hosts had put together.

When everyone was finished eating they all carried their plates into the kitchen where Justin loaded them in the dishwasher. Brian cleaned the barbecue and gave Gus a lesson in the proper care and handling of a top of the line "q". Gus was very attentive and duly impressed with his father.

As Brian finished up his job he heard Justin saying that they would do a tour of the house before they had dessert. "Go find mommy," Brian told Gus. "You can see your new room."

Gus started to run inside but turned back when he realized his father was not coming. "Dada," he said. "Come." He held out his hand. Brian was about to say no but the look on Gus' face made him change his mind.

"Do you want me to show you your room?" he asked knowing what the answer would be. He took Gus' hand and said, "Let's sneak up ahead of everybody else. You should get the first look at it."

Gus skipped along beside Brian as they made their way to the stairs. The rest of the group was giving the living room the once over. Brian held Gus' hand tightly as they climbed the stairs and made their way down the hall.

"Ready?" Brian asked as he stopped in front of the door to Gus' room.

Gus bounced up and down nodding his head. Brian smiled at the enthusiasm and opened the door. Gus' mouth dropped and he hesitantly made his way into the room. The bed had a headboard that looked like box of Crayola crayons.

"Look, Dada," Gus said pointing in amazement.

The bedspread was a brilliant royal blue, as were the drapes. The room was a riot of color. All the furniture was white but Justin had put an accent of color on each piece. There was a little play table and storage box for toys, some of which were already stuffed inside having been brought from the loft. A little easel sat by the window. It could be a blackboard when turned around. The little bookcase was filled with Gus' books from the loft. Gus crawled up onto the bed and found the stuffed rabbit that he often slept with when he was at the loft.

"Mine, Dada?" Gus asked his eyes very big.

"All yours, Gus," Brian said sitting down beside him. "Do you like it?"

"Can I stay tonight?" Gus asked.

"I told you that I didn't think that was possible but next weekend for sure," Brian explained. Gus didn't look very happy about that, but he was too excited about having his new room to get upset.

"Here they come, Gus," Brian said as he heard the noise of everyone coming up the stairs.

Gus hopped off the bed. "Mommy, Mama!" he yelled. "I got a room!" He dashed out the door and soon reappeared dragging his two mothers to see his new room.

"Wow," Melanie said taking it all in. "You did this?" Brian nodded.

"It's beautiful," Lindsay said losing some of her former animosity. "Gus loves it."

The rest of the group had been peering in the door and they all concurred that the room was great for a kid Gus' age. Justin ushered them down the hall to the master bedroom. Brian, Gus, Lindsay and Melanie followed. Gus pulled his rather reluctant father along. Brian really didn't want anyone in their bedroom except them. He hung by the door while they looked around at the furniture, the bathroom and the little room which they had decided would be Justin's work room. Several people looked at the heart sculpture in the niche, but no one said anything. Brian wondered if any of them got it.

As the group started to make their way back downstairs, Brian still leaned by the door.

"Nice digs," Hunter observed.

"That bed looks really comfortable," Debbie said with a smirk.

"That shower is to die for," Emmett crowed.

Ted merely looked at Brian with a sheepish grin and shook his head. Brian decided to say nothing. He wasn't at all sure he wanted to know.

"Nice sculpture," Ben said as he went by. "Very subtle." Brian raised his eyebrows. Ben grinned.

"Are you sure you can afford all this?" Michael asked.

"Yes, Mikey," Brian replied.

"Do you have something for me?" Michael asked staring at Brian.

"No."

"This house is fucking magnificent," Debbie stated interrupting Michael. She gave Brian a smooch on the cheek, and then rubbed off the lipstick she had deposited there.

Finally they were all on their way downstairs. Justin had gone ahead to set out the ice cream and fixings to make sundaes. Brian felt like stepping back in the bedroom and locking the door behind him. He was ready for this to be over. However, he knew his partner was downstairs waiting for him. Justin would never forgive him if he didn't put in an appearance on this important night. He sighed and started down the stairs.

A couple of hours later people were beginning to straggle out. Mel had carried a sleepy and cranky Gus to the car while Lindsay said their goodbyes. Brian had promised Gus he would spend the next weekend and Lindsay wanted to make sure that was a firm commitment. She was planning a little alone time with her husband. The hard feelings over the key seemed to have been forgotten.

Jennifer and Molly kissed Justin and then Brian. "The house looks great and the party was a success," Jennifer said making her way down the front steps. "Call me, sweetheart."

Everyone else expressed their envy of the new house. They complimented Brian and Justin on their decorating skills and on sharing such a great house together. Debbie told Brian not to fuck it up and Vic told Justin he had been a most gracious host. He didn't tell Brian the same thing, but he did wink at him.

Finally all had made their way to their cars except for Michael. He pulled Brian over to the side of the front steps and asked, "When are you giving me a key? I've been waiting all evening."

Brian groaned. "You're not getting a key, Michael. Only Justin and I have keys."

"But…"

"Mikey, we've grown up. You have a home with Ben and Hunter and I don't have a key to it. My home is with Justin and you don't get a key for that either."

"I never thought you'd say that to me," Michael said looking hurt.

"Say what? It's the truth."

"Say that you didn't want me in your life."

"I said no such fucking thing, Michael."

"I … I have to go. Ben's waiting." He quickly ran down to the car and got inside.

Brian ran his hand through his hair as he watched his best friend leave in a huff.

"Thank you," Justin said putting his arms around Brian's waist.

"For what?" Brian breathed.

"For sticking to our agreement. I heard Lindsay making a fuss about the key too."

"And Michael."

"He'll get over it."

"Yeah. Let's go to bed," Brian said heading inside. "I'm glad this fucking night is over."

"It's not over. I have plans," Justin said batting his eyes at Brian.

"Do you now?"

"Oh yes."

They locked the door to their house for which they had the only keys and made their way up to their bedroom.

"Shower?" Brian asked.

Justin nodded and gave him one of those sunshine smiles. They quickly undressed and made their way into the new shower that they both loved. Brian pressed his young lover against the tiles and had his way with him. The release was powerful and satisfying for each of them. It cleansed their bodies and their souls from all the angst associated with the party and the revelation to their friends about their new living arrangements.

As they crawled into their beautiful new bed Brian pulled Justin against him and their fingers entwined. Brian looked over at the sculpture sitting in its niche. Justin followed Brian's gaze.

"Nobody noticed," Justin said with a grin.

"One person did."

Justin's eyebrows shot up. "Who?"

"Ben."

Justin chuckled. "Trust Ben." He was about to add that he wondered how Ben put up with the whiny and dim-witted Michael, but he bit his tongue. Michael was still Brian's best friend, and he didn't want to set Brian off with his criticism.

"Ben is a smart guy," Brian said meaning it as a true compliment.

"Think he'll tell Michael?" Justin asked.

"He doesn't actually know what the sculpture means, although I think he made a good guess. He may keep it to himself, but I don't really care."

"That's good," Justin said untangling their fingers and rubbing his palm against Brian's chest.

"The party went well. You did a great job on everything."

"Thanks," Justin beamed. "What upset you down by the barbecue?"

"Nothing," Brian said. He looked into Justin's eyes and knew his partner wasn't buying it. "They … had trouble believing that I could make this move, that we could start a new life together."

"Why don't they want you to change?" Justin asked with a sigh.

"I'm their idol," Brian chuckled his eyes twinkling.

"You are, you know," Justin replied. "But can't you be allowed to grow up anyway?"

"I'm growing up?" Brian asked in mock disbelief. "Oh no, Wendy, you promised I'd never grow up."

"It's all right, Peter, I'm here to help you through it," Justin promised.

"And a good thing you are," Brian admitted as his lips captured Justin's.

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