Then Comes Marriage
Chapter 8
As Drew and the boys approached the airport, John was pulling up in front of the cottage. Even in the cold of winter, the cottage was warm and inviting, truly reflecting the men inside and their love for each other. The Christmas lights were ablaze across the front of the cottage. John could almost hear Brian grumbling about all the lights and how he made Justin promise to take them down after the holiday. John shook himself out of his stupor and let himself into the cottage.
Due to the late hour, Drew was able to find a parking spot close to the terminal. The four friends quietly climbed out of the huge truck and went into the terminal. Identifying themselves as family of a passenger on the troubled flight, they were directed to a special waiting area, away from the prying press. Drew was recognized immediately and questioned. All he said was that he, like the rest of the people waiting, had a family member on the plane. He rejoined his family and the rest of the families that were waiting for news.
John opened the cottage door and turned on the lights in the kitchen. Carefully he made his way into Brian and Justin's bedroom. With just enough light streaming in from the hall, John could make out Justin sleeping peacefully in the large four posted bed. Justin was huddled in the middle looking like a small boy as he hugged Brian's pillow. John crept closer and sat at the edge of the bed. Gently, he shook Justin awake.
"Brian?" Justin sat up, groggy and swiping at his eyes.
"No, Justin, it's John."
"John? Why are you here in our room?"
"I have to tell you something."
"What? John, what's happened?!" John grabbed the younger man and held him close to his chest.
"God, I wish they'd tell us what's going on," Emmett sniffled as he spoke the words out loud.
"We'll know as soon as they have something to tell us," Ben said almost too calmly. Ted began to pace and Emmett went to console his friend and former lover.
"Brian will make it. I know he will. He's too stubborn to let something like this get him," Drew tried to be encouraging. Ben nodded. Brian had survived a lot of shit including his cancer.
"He is stronger than he lets on," Ben commented. Physically, Ben was stronger but he also knew that mentally there was no one stronger than Brian Kinney. He was the foundation that this whole crazy family was built upon. Ben had no doubts that the family would survive without Brian but no one would be able to live without Brian. Ben had a sneaking suspicion that that's what was wrong with Michael. Without that link to Brian, Michael was falling apart.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," an airport official addressed the room. "May I please have your attention. The pilot has been given his final approach instructions. The runway has been prepared. The Captain of this flight is one of our most seasoned pilots. We are confident of a positive outcome."
"Positive outcome!" Teddy complained. "What the fuck does that mean?" Teddy was on the verge of losing it. Ben placed a strong arm around the accountant.
"Ted, it will be all right," Ben reassured his friend. Ted nodded and then leaned into the bigger man.
John set the kettle on the stove after he lit a fire in the fireplace. Justin quietly took in all that John had told him as he sat Justin in the living room. Justin was bundled up in front of the fire, shivering. John turned on the radio, refusing to allow Justin to turn on the TV. The radio news would be enough.
John handed Justin a mug of tea and held him close as they waited for news.
"Drew? Justin. Is someone with Justin?" Emmett's eyes grew large as saucers at the thought of Justin alone.
"Easy, baby. John's with him. Brian called John from the plane. John went over immediately. Justin is well looked after." Emmett sighed with relief. He just prayed that Brian would come back to look after Justin for the rest of their lives.
Bobby paced the cottage holding Patrick. Sensing something was wrong,
Patrick wouldn't go back to sleep. So both Bobby and Little Red paced waiting
for any news. Bobby wanted to call Claire and Debbie but he thought better of
it. They'd know everything sooner or later. If Debbie knew then all of
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the plane is down. Everyone on board is safe. They'll be here in a moment!"
The waiting room let out a loud roaring cheer as family and friends cried with happiness. Ben called John, Ted called Allen as they waited for Brian to appear.
"Thank God. Have him call when he can. Justin, it's okay! Brian's okay." John and Justin hugged as they burst into happy tears.
Brian was one of the last passengers to deplane, allowing the elder passengers or overly anxious to be led off first. He grabbed his bags and coat and went into the terminal.
It was like a fog hit Brian. The press was snapping photos, flash bulbs went off around him. He felt his coat and bags gently pried out of his grip by the boys who hugged him in turn and then began to lead him out of the terminal. The fresh crisp December air served to bring back Brian to full alertness. Then Brian began to shake.
Ben and Emmett caught Brian around his waist as they walked the short distance to Drew's Hummer. They helped Brian into the back seat, flanking him to keep him warm. Drew carefully drove them all back to the loft.
When they arrived at Emmett's apartment, Allen was there to greet them. He had spoken to Bobby and Michael. Drew cracked open a bottle of Beam and slipped a tall one into Brian's hand before passing out shots to everyone. Silently they all toasted each other and the gods who kept their Brian safe. Brian attempted to call Justin with his cell but Brian's shaking hands couldn't manage the small buttons. Emmett took the cell out of Brian's hand and handed him the phone. It was already ringing.
"Justin."
"BRIAN! Oh God, Brian!" Justin cried and couldn't say anything more. The boys moved into the kitchen to allow Brian the privacy to speak with his husband. They couldn't help but overhear the words of comfort Brian cooed into the phone. Tears began to stream down Brian's face as well as Emmett's and Ted's. This was just too close of a call for any of them to handle.
"Shh, it's okay. I'm okay. I'll be home in the morning. Hey, Sunshine, where's that beautiful smile. Shhh. Stop crying. I love you Justin. I love you so much. You're my Sunshine, I can never leave you. Justin? Oh. Yeah, I'm good, John. Thank you for being there. I'll drive home in the morning. No, you don't have to. Okay, okay, no need to pull rank on me. Yeah, I'll be here. See you in the morning. Let me speak to him again. And thank you, big bro, I love you too. Justin, I'm going to stay with Emmett. John insists on driving in with you and then he'll follow us home. You get some sleep. No bleary red-eyed twinks for me. I love you, Justin. Later." Brian cut the connection then slumped.
Ben, taking the phone out of Brian's hand, helped Brian into Emmett's bathroom so he could get out of his clothes and take a quick shower.
"I don't think I can stand up, Professor."
"I'll help you."
"You just want to see me naked."
"Yeah, well, it has been a while. I need the thrill. Brian, you'll feel better after. You're still in shock, we need to get you warm." Brian nodded. He was too wiped out to argue. He allowed Ben to help him out of his suit and into the shower. Ben stripped down to his underwear and got in with Brian. Holding Brian around the waist, Ben turned on the shower. The warm water sluiced over Brian, warming Brian's core.
Ben helped Brian out of the shower then grabbed some towels. By then Brian felt stronger and was able to stand on his own without teetering. Drew brought in a set of sweats for both men. They dressed then went back out to the living room.
It was nearly dawn before anyone could get a little sleep. Brian insisted that Ted and Allen go back to their apartment. Drew and Emmett retired to their room. Brian lay on the couch while Ben settled into an overstuffed lounge chair. They all managed to get a few hours sleep before Justin and John arrived.
John and Justin were approaching the
They pulled up in front of the loft. John had barely stopped the truck before Justin started pulling at the seat belt. John let out a low growl and leered at Justin with his own version of the Kinney death glare. Justin immediately stilled his hands and waited for John to put the gear into park. John nodded to Justin who released his seat belt then flew out of the car. It was times like these that John truly had paternal feelings for Justin. Justin waited for John at the front door of the building.
Brian was jarred out of his not so peaceful sleep by banging on Emmett's door. Emmett, half in a robe, made a dash to the door.
"Keep your fucking shirt on," Emmett groused as he slid back the loft door. There stood Justin and John.
"Hiya, honey," was all that Emmett could get out as Justin pushed his way past and flung himself into Brian's arms.
Brian caught Justin. Justin's arms were slung around Brian's neck as he was trying to hook his legs around Brian's waist. Brian held onto Justin, hoisting up Justin's butt. The lover's kissed and continued to kiss as Brian shuffled their way over to the couch. Brian maneuvered them both onto the couch, never relinquishing Justin's lips. The boys were about to get a show.
Ben was as fascinated as the rest of them but he was able to break free of the spell long enough to suggest they all go up to Ted's apartment to give Brian and Justin a little time alone. Drew and John nodded in agreement, their eyes never leaving the sight of Brian and Justin trying to consume each other. Emmett was glued to the floored. Ben and Drew lifted Emmett and dragged the stuck queen out of his apartment and into the elevator. John mumbled something about being back in an hour and slid the door closed. He smiled and then softly chuckled as he joined his other awestruck friends in the short ride to the fourth floor.
"What's so funny?" Ben asked John.
"Nothing. Just happy to see those two behaving normally."
"That's normal? They didn't a say word to each other."
"Believe me," John started, he was used to seeing Brian and Justin locked in their inseparable embrace. "They just spoke volumes."
The four friends laughed their way up to Ted's apartment.
After about an hour, a sharp tapping was heard on Teddy's door. Allen opened the door to see Brian and Justin, holding hands and with that just fucked look about them. Allen ushered them in and they each received hugs then coffee and breakfast. Another hour later, Brian was driving Justin home to the cottage with John following behind them.
John saw them both into their cottage and was preparing to go home to his own husband who was anxiously waiting for him.
"John, thank you for being there for Justin. I, I..."
"Don't say any more. I'm liable to start crying. I love you, Brian, and I'll always be here for the both of you whenever you need me."
"Ditto, big bro. Give your husband and son a kiss for me. And I'm sure I'll see you tomorrow. We have to get ready for the Christmas shindig."
"Brian, you don't have to do this."
"Yes, I do. And I want to. For him, if for no one else."
"You're a good man, Brian Kinney."
"No need to start rumors. Now get out. I have a lifetime of fucking to do before Santa shows up." The brothers hugged. John drove off to his own cottage and Brian was about to take his husband to bed.
Brian shut the door, and his hand became glued to the handle. The events of the past forty-eight hours hit Brian like a ton of bricks. He couldn't move. Brian's heart was pounding in his chest and in his ears. He couldn't breathe. Then he felt Justin's strong arms snake around, steadying him, supporting him. Justin pried Brian's hand off the door handle and guided him to the kitchen. Justin had Brian sit on a stool as he got Brian a bottle of water out of the fridge. Brian glanced at the fully stocked refrigerator. It wasn't too long ago that the only things Brian Kinney ever had in his refrigerator were water and poppers.
What a waste, Brian thought to himself. So many years, so much time, he had wasted when he could have had the life he now shared with Justin for so much longer. All that time wasted on tricks and poppers, when he could have been with Justin and spending time with Gus. Brian shook his head and cursed himself.
"I'm sorry, Justin."
"Sorry for what?"
"Sorry for being an asshole. Sorry for wasting so much time before realizing that I should have made this commitment to you years ago. Sorry that I wasn't a better father to Gus, wasn't a better partner to you."
"Stop it! Stop it right now! Brian, shit happens and we learn from it and we grow because of it. This is our time. We didn't waste it, we had to learn from it, to appreciate what we have now because of what came before. You weren't ready and I certainly wasn't grown up enough to have taken this step with you. We didn't waste any time. You were right about me finishing school, going to New York. I did it and look at the results! It's paying off. And you needed the time to accept the changes we've both gone through. Drink your water, you're dehydrated, then we're going to take a nice long warm shower. And then I'm taking you to bed. No arguments, Kinney. You need to sleep and so do I. We have a lot to do later."
"My bossy bottom."
"You got that right, mister. Now finish your water."
"I love you Justin, love you so fucking much. When the plane was circling the airport, I prayed that you'd be all right. You had to be all right. I didn't care about anything else. My only regret was not telling you what I should have told you before."
"Brian, no shoulda, coulda, wouldas. And you've always told me, I've always known, even when I was too stupid to hear it. I've always known you love me. Now, march."
"Sir, yes, sir!"
*****
Christmas morning of 2010 dawned with a clear crisp blue sky and nary a cloud to be seen. The families of Liberty were preparing to go to the cottage. All of Pittsburgh was aware of what had happened three days prior. The hometown newspapers had Brian's face plastered all over them. "Prominent local businessman almost lost on troubled plane, yada, yada, yada." Brian was kind and courteous to all well-wishers that called him.
Father Tom was saying his mass for the morning. He had volunteered for the early mass, because he too was invited to the cottage for Christmas dinner. Brian had called him before the incident to say a special blessing since this would be his and Justin's first Christmas at the cottage as a committed couple. The invitation was made more poignant since the near tragedy was avoided. Father Tom's homily was again of peace, love, tolerance of others and of appreciation of family and friends because you never knew when they might be lost.
"Father, beautiful sermon today."
"Thank you, Mrs. Kinney. I hope you're spending the day with your family."
"Well, as you know I don't have much family left. But I will be with family."
"I'm happy to hear it. I'm sure you're relieved about Brian."
"Brian? I'm not sure what you mean?"
Somehow Father Tom was not surprised that Joan Kinney had no clue that she almost lost her son.
"The airplane that had trouble with its landing gear. It was on the news. Brian was on that plane."
"Oh, of course. Yes, I am relieved. I must be going now, Father."
"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Kinney."
"Merry Christmas, Father."
*****
Father Tom was asked to be at the cottage around eleven. The rest of the family would arrive at one. Claire, Steve, Hunter and Nick, John, Bobby and Patrick, along with Carl and Debbie were already there fussing with food, more decorations and piling heaps of gifts under Brian and Justin's humongous tree. It was in the front, by the bay window. It could be seen from outside with its lights twinkling in all the colors of the rainbow. It was so damn large that Brian needed a step ladder to reach the top to place the Christmas angel that Debbie had given them.
Father Tom drove up the private lane and took in the serene surroundings. He could only imagine how lush and beautiful the cottage was when the foliage was in full bloom. He parked his car and made his way to the front door.
"Father Tom! How the fuck are you?" Debbie had gotten to the door first.
"I'm well, Mrs. Novotny. And you?"
"It's Mrs. Horvath now and I'm fan-fuckin-tastic. Come in, let me take your coat. I have to tell you; you could have knocked me over with a stick when Brian said he invited you here."
"Could have knocked me over when he called me. But when Brian Kinney calls..."
"Yeah, don't I know it? Well, I'm happy you're here. Now what can I get you? We have eggnog, wine..."
"It's a little too early for me. But tea would be great."
"One mug of tea coming right up. The boys are in the studio. Carl, honey, would you show Father to the porch?"
"Sure, sweetheart. Right this way, Father."
Carl led Father Tom to the porch and right into the middle of the lion's den.
"Brian, it would be perfect!"
"Justin, that's a hell of a lot of work and a lot of money."
"Bullshit, we can afford it and that's not the point."
"What is the point, oh master Sunshine?"
"Brian, the yard is wasted. We can't agree on a garden or a gazebo. This would be like having both. And we can use the space more efficiently. You tell him, John."
"Look, I drew up a preliminary plan. We extend the glass house the whole length of the house. Your room is on the back wall. I install sliding glass doors so you can access the porch from your bedroom. We can install a jacuzzi, you know for all those aquatic activities you like so much. The brass bed can go on this side. Justin's studio will remain where it is and he wouldn't need to break it down every time we have a family dinner. The center will have a large crystal chandelier; under it you can get a real dining table and chairs, a long one to accommodate all of us. And then groupings of your wicker furniture on either side. I'll use more steel beams, and tempered glass. It will look beautiful. I can put in a larger door at the back and then a patio with grill. I can even do a fireplace or stove on the side with the bed. Although, you two already generate enough heat. Brian, use your imagination. Think of all the possibilities."
Brian was using his imagination, his eyes were dilating, his cock twitched and he was leering at Justin like he was Brian's last meal.
"Uh oh!" John mumbled. A quick smack to Brian's arm brought him
back from his lust filled day dream. Carl took that moment to clear his throat
and make their presence known.