Then Comes Marriage
Chapter 2
Later on in the afternoon of Sept. 4th, the
"What's your excuse this time, Asshole?" Debbie snarked as she gave her favorite lost boy a kiss. "Lose your dick up Sunshine's ass?"
"No, he lost his up mine," Brian snarked back. Debbie could tell there was a bit more to it.
"Brian, help me get the meat on the grill."
"Sure, Deb."
As they started grilling the chicken and sausages, Debbie pressed on. "What is it, Brian? Something wrong?"
"No, not really. I think the reality of our domestic bliss is getting to Justin."
"Already? You've only been married for a few months. Does he want out?"
"No, I don't think that's what it is. I think he thinks that I may want out. Sometimes he doesn't believe that I can do this and that the old Brian won't rear his ugly head and dick."
"But you won't."
"No, I won't. I made a promise to him and I keep my promises. I'm not perfect but I'm doing my best."
"I know you are, kiddo. And I believe you. So do many of us. We have faith in you. What brought this on?"
"The plants."
"Plants? What plants?"
"The plants on our sun porch."
"You have plants on your porch?! That would give any one of us a heart attack."
"Gee thanks, Debbie. If you, who has seen it all, gets hyper about a few pieces of twigs and leaves, think about the impact on our little Sunshine. He's seen me at my worst. Even he can't believe I can water a plant. Or cook a simple meal or make this commitment to him."
"Brian, do you love him?"
"Of course, I love him. It's taken me years to admit it to myself, let alone say it out loud. But I make it a point to tell him and often. No more hiding behind walls. Besides, he's good at breaking down walls. Deb, all I want him to be is happy and I want to be happy with him."
"Then, honey, that's all that matters. Give him time. I know it sounds silly but there is a difference between just living together and becoming committed to each other."
"Speaking of commitments, when are you and Carl going to tie the knot? You've been living together for years now. Don't you think it's a little silly to hold that ring you wear as hostage and not follow through."
"Brian, Carl understands my reasons for not marrying him."
"I'm sure he does but that doesn't stop him from wanting you to become Mrs. Carl Horvath. And no one would think any different."
"Huh, Brian Kinney giving out marital advice. You better turn the chicken before it burns."
"Yes, Maw. I'm serious Deb. Marriage, commitment, fags having babies, something's gotten into this cwazy wittle family of ours. Now, Claire and Steve, which was a long time coming. John didn't get all his stubbornness from Jack. Took a little push to get those two on track."
"Do I detect the hand of the master?"
"Moi? Nope, didn't have a thing to do with that one. I think my minions gave them a push in the right direction."
"Hmm. Keep an eye on the sausages, I'll get the steaks and burgers."
"Better get some hot dogs. Gus and JR love them."
"How sweet."
"What?"
Out in the yard Emmett and Sam were walking down to the stream. Emmett, forever the romantic was hoping that the commitment bug would take a large bite out of Sam.
"Sammy, honey, Brian decided to buy his building. There's an
apartment available on the first floor with a very large kitchen. My business
is really flourishing. I was thinking that it would be perfect for us. You have
a lot of clients in
Emmett hoped that Sam would take the hint. Lately, Emmett noticed that Sam was getting restless. He figured they could use the privacy and Emmett really needed a large kitchen to create his delectable masterpieces.
"Em, I'm not so sure about that. I like it up here and I already have my own home."
"But, I thought..."
"That's just the trouble, you think too much. Look, we're having fun, aren't we? We don't have to do what the rest of your family is doing, do we?"
"They're your family too."
"Not really. I enjoy spending some time with them but I miss my own friends. I like hanging out with the boys. You used to like it too."
"What are you trying to tell me?"
"I think we need to take a break."
"A break? What the fuck do you mean by a break? We barely see each other once a week and when we do I have to borrow a car to drive up here because you feel funny about fucking at Deb's. Are you breaking up with me?" Emmett was almost in tears.
"I think I need to be alone, Emmett. I'm going home." Sam turned and stomped back to the yard and to his car leaving Emmett standing in shock by the stream.
"Sammy! SAM!" Emmett shouted but got no response except for the croaking of a frog.
"Go away, frog. Leave me to wallow in my own misery," Emmett mumbled.
"Talking to yourself, Honeycutt? Not a good sign." Brian had witnessed Sam's leaving as he brought out a tray of grilled meats. Using the excuse of needing a smoke, Brian decided to see what was up with the queen and went to the stream.
"Not you too. Seems like your woodland friend over there delights in mocking me."
"What's wrong?"
"Sam and I just broke up."
"Are you sure? Maybe he wanted a little break."
"Yeah, well, we hardly see each other more than once a week. How much more of a break does one need?"
"Em..."
"Don't, Brian, I don't need you to rub my nose in it. I feel like shit already."
"I wasn't going to rub your nose in it. Sam's a nice guy but if you think about it, he never really fit in with us. It takes a very special kind of fag to be able to put up with this family of ours. Someone strong and big enough to keep a nelly assed bottom queen like you satisfied."
"Thanks, I think. Brian, what's wrong with me? I mean besides the obvious. I know what I am, what I look like and it's taken me a lifetime to be secure in my own skin. And I know my flames burn brighter than most but this is me. This is how I am. I can't change it."
"And you shouldn't have to. Not for me and certainly not for anybody else. I'll let you in on a little secret. I've always admired you. You're out and proud. And yeah, you are annoying sometimes but what you see is what you get. I've always been able to hide behind my ambiguity. I can flame if I really want to and I can be as conservative as that asshole in the Whitehouse but you are the real deal. Don't let anyone change that."
"Thanks, Bri. I never knew you cared that much."
"Well, I do. And if you ever tell anyone, I'll rip your fucking balls off. Now, I just grilled a shitload of food with Debbie, so let's put on our happy face and go back and eat it."
Before entering the yard Brian turned and spoke to his flaming but sad friend. "Emmett, that apartment is still yours, whenever you want it. And I'd be relieved to have someone in the building I know and trust. Change is in the air, Emmy Lou. Go with it."
Brian allowed Emmett to give him a hug and a peck on the cheek. As Brian sauntered back to the yard, Emmett swished happily along.
"Hey, Sonny Boy," Brian called to his son who had just scarfed down a hot dog and a burger. "I think you inherited your appetite from Justin," Brian giggled.
"Oh, Dad," Gus answered back with a roll of his eyes.
"Got that from Justin, too. Don't forget the salad and the fruit before you have the cake."
"Yes, Daddy dearest," Gus snarked but he went to fetch some salad and an apple. He was raised right.
"Good boy. Later I'll let you beat me in a round of chess."
"Sure, Pop." Gus bit into his apple and grinned at his father with a mouthful.
"Oh, yeah, real attractive, Sonny Boy." Father and son shared a giggle.
*****
"Justin?"
"Yeah, Ted."
"When are you and the big guy going to have one of your own?" Teddy asked as he nodded toward Brian and Gus.
"Geez, Ted. We've only been married for five months. Give us time."
"Justin, that's only a technicality. You've been together for years."
"Ted..." Allen jumped in. "Don't tease him. He's right. Besides, Justin's just now getting established. He has to travel and so does Brian. When they're ready, I'm sure they'll consider it." Allen had a quiet way about him that grounded Ted and he seemed to be able to find his niche within the family. Everyone liked him.
Justin looked gratefully at Allen and mouthed a 'thank you,' then took up the challenge.
"What about you, Ted? Any little Schmidt's in the near future?" Justin broke out into a laugh as a shocked look came over both Ted and Allen as they both shouted out, "NO!"
As the party began to wane, later that night, the sleeping arrangements were announced. Ted and Allen along with Emmett decided to go back to the city. Carl and Debbie took John's old room. Michael and Ben camped out on the porch. Lindsay and Mel promised to behave and were invited to Brian and Justin's cottage. They settled the children into Gus' room, Gus gallantly took the upper bunk so that JR could sleep on the lower. Brian and Justin were discussing where the Munchers were going to sleep.
"No, Justin, what if they do icky lesbian things on that bed. I'll have to burn the mattress."
"Well, it's that or on the futon and do you really want them sleeping that close to our room?" Brian shuddered at the thought.
"Okay," Brian mumbled, finally conceding Justin's point. "But if there is one stain on that mattress that we didn't put there, I am going to burn the mattress," Brian huffed out indignantly. "You tell them. I need a drink."
Justin shook his head and then offered the sun porch bed to Lindsay and Melanie. Neither one of them had ever seen the bed or the porch with all the plants. It was still too early for the adults to go to sleep so Justin was about to set out some hors d'oeuvres and dessert wine on the table in the porch. The porch was lit by hidden track lights.
"Brian, can you help me with this tray?" Justin had been preparing new canvases and had strained his hand. He was afraid he might drop the heavy glass tray.
"Be right there, Sunshine. Ladies..." Brian beckoned to the women who were sitting in the living room admiring the decor. Lindsay and Mel followed Justin into the porch as Brian took the tray.
"Oh my god, I think I've entered the Twilight Zone!" Melanie cried out as she took in the opulent plants and serene furniture arrangement.
"This is beautiful. I mean it was lovely before with just the furniture but the bed and the plants! Gorgeous," Lindsay gushed.
Looking like two old married couples, they quietly sipped their wine and nibbled their snacks.
"Brian, is it true; are you really going to buy your loft building?"
"Yeah, with so many of the tenants moving to the burbs, there are at least two vacant apartments. Very large vacant apartments and a vacant apartment brings in little revenue. I have the luxury of being able to take over the building and wait for the right tenant who appreciates being close to the hub of the business district.
"Emmett's planning to move into the first floor apartment. It has a kitchen to die for, so he says. I'll leave that opinion to him." Brian took another sip of brandy, a habit he was beginning to relish after a long day. He'd lounge on the settee in the porch after a hard day at work and he and Justin would relax.
"Will Sam be joining him?" Lindsay inquired.
"I don't think so." Brian stated and refused to comment.
"How do you know so much about Emmett's plans?" Melanie was curious. She didn't think that Brian actually liked the tall queen.
"We talk."
"Talk?" Melanie and Lindsay said together.
"Yes, talk. It's refreshing to be able to hold an eye to eye conversation with someone. He's so, so...tall," Brian smirked at the not so tall people in the room.
"Asshole!" Melanie and Justin said together. Brian and Lindsay let out a giggle.
"I think we should get in touch with Drew," Justin stated.
"Justin, stay out of it. Don't go playing matchmaker. Emmy Lou has been through enough."
"Come on Brian. Drew's perfect for Emmett and Emmett really likes him. I think Drew would jump at the chance to get reacquainted."
"Uh, oh. The gerbil is running on overtime in your little blond head. Well, one thing's for sure, Drew is finished sowing his wild oats. And he's retired from football."
"How do you know all this, Brian?" asked Lindsay.
"I still use him as a model. He has a beautiful body and it doesn't hurt that he's still quite the popular jock."
"Are you sure he's had enough of being the stud?" Melanie quipped.
"I may not be fucking everything on two legs anymore but I do know who is and he's not one of them."
"Then I say you should call him. Arrange a lunch, invite them both," Justin added.
"And I take it I won't hear the end of this until I do, eh Sunshine?"
"It would make me happy to know that Emmett is finally happy and settled. He's really a good friend."
"If it makes you happy, then I'll see if the good fairies can arrange something. In the meantime, it's time I get my beauty sleep. Night ladies and please for fuck's sake, no icky lesbian shit on my bed."
"Brian, what's the real reason you want to buy the loft building?" Lindsay had a sneaking suspicion there was more to it.
"I don't want anyone else sleeping in our bedroom." Brian looked lovingly at his partner then sauntered out the door.
Justin smiled brightly then turned on a small light on a stand and turned off the main lights.
"Goodnight, guys, see you in the morning."
"Night, Justin, and thanks." Justin left to join his lover in bed.
"Linds?" The girls stripped down to their underwear then crawled under the luxurious bedding.
"What, honey?"
"Can you believe Brian and Justin?"
"What do you mean?"
"They're so...domestic. They put us to shame."
"When Brian makes his mind up to do something, he usually does it right."
"Apparently. So you want to do some icky lesbian thing in their bed?"
"You just like getting on Brian's nerves."
"Yeah, I do."
"Okay." The girls giggled then proceeded to do something very icky.
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