Springtime for Justin

Chapter 2

As Emmett was bringing out his selection of light and airy desserts, across town another new beginning was budding.

"Curtis, do you have everything?" Raph asked as he knocked on the spare bedroom door.

"Yes, sir," Curtis called out from the room. This was his first weekend at Dr. Raph and Hector's house. He still couldn't believe that they went to all this trouble to redecorate a room for him … and Matty. It was Saturday night. Curtis had spent most of the day at the clinic. The clinic closed early on Saturdays so they were all home by three. Raph and Hector helped Curtis with his homework and helped to get him situated in the room they designated as his. The last time Curtis had a room all to himself was when his grandfather was alive. Curtis was a little overwhelmed but did not want to appear ungrateful.

"Um, you can come in, sir," Curtis said softly.

Raph slowly opened the door and stepped into the room. "Hi, I just want to make sure you're comfortable. We can change things in here if there's something you don't like." Raphael hoped he kept his nervousness out of his voice. "And you don't have to call me 'sir' all the time. Please call me Raphael or Raph or Dr. Raph, if you're that uncomfortable with using my first name. But I'd like to think I'm too young to be called sir," Raph whined slightly, screwing up his face into a mock grimace. Raph laughed when Curtis broke out into giggles.

"That's better. Curtis, I know you don't know me and Hector that well and you have every reason in the world to be suspicious of people who claim to want to help you. But we'd be honored if you gave us a chance."

"Why?" Curtis asked. He knew that the Hardigans had been out for money.

"Why? I don't know how to answer that. Why do we want you to be happy or why do we want you to decide to stay with us and give us a chance at being foster parents?"

"Why to all of it," Curtis said as he brought the blankets up to his chin. Matty was making herself comfortable by his side. She was turning around in circles then began to knead the blankets, purring loudly.

"Did you know that cats purr when they're content and sometimes when they're nervous? It's thought the act of purring comforts them in some way. Most cat species purr, from the little ones all the way to the largest. They all have that in common. Most people want children. Men, women, gay, straight, it doesn't matter. We all have that in common too. Of course there are some people who shouldn't be within ten feet of a child and then there are others who have so much love to give that they find a way of having children even if they're physically unable to bear them."

Raph paused while he tried to make his desire for a child make sense to Curtis.

"Some gay couples find surrogates to bear children for them. Lesbian couples use artificial insemination. Your lawyer, Ms. Marcus, she and her partner have two children. Her partner had one and so did she. They had close friends father them. Hunter was adopted by a gay couple. Hector and I have been thinking of adoption although we knew that wasn't going to be easy. Not every judge would allow it."

"Maybe that judge who helped me would let you," Curtis said with true concern and hope.

"Maybe she would. The point is that Hector and I would very much like to share our home with you. We can't think of anyone more deserving. We know you've had it rough for a couple of years and we would never try to take the place of your grandfather; no one can do that. But we would like you to be a part of our family."

"But I'm not a fa..., I'm not gay."

"And that has nothing to do with it. Your sexual orientation has nothing to do with your parents or who you want to be with when you choose your life mate. What matters is that you're honest with yourself and with whoever might become your foster parents or who may adopt you. Now I think Matty is asleep and I think you should be too. We'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight, sir, I mean Dr. Raph. And thank you, dinner was good and thanks for the help with my homework."

"Goodnight, Curtis."

Raph shut off the overhead light then closed the door.

"Think he'll give us a chance?" Hector said as Raph joined him in the living room.

"I don't know; it's up to him." Raph sat next to Hector. "We have to wait and see."

"Angel, I know how much you want this; I don't want you to get hurt."

"I know but it's not all about me. It's about a poor hurting boy who lost everything good in his life. I don't want to be the cause of more pain and confusion. If it's meant to be then it's meant to be."

Both Raph and Hector sighed loudly as they cuddled before deciding to go to bed.

 

*****
 

"Sleepy, Dada," Bree said laying her head against Brian's shoulder. It was way past Bree's bedtime, but she hadn't wanted to leave. After her little speech she had been the center of attention, everyone congratulating her and saying what an amazing little girl she was. She had enjoyed basking in all the adoration, but eventually it had taken its toll. She was exhausted.

"I think we should take Bree home," Justin said to Brian.

"I was ready to leave after Bree's speech," Brian snarked.

"Stop it. You enjoyed yourself," Justin chastised him.

"Shall we go back to the loft or home?"

"Let's go home," Justin said. "Bree can sleep in the backseat, and I want to work on a painting tomorrow."

"Sounds good to me. Let's see if John and Bobby et al are ready to leave. We can make a convoy."

Justin giggled. "I'll find them. Take Bree to say goodbye to Mom and Seth," Justin ordered as he headed off across the room.

Brian saw Seth and Jennifer talking to some people and walked over carrying Bree. He waited till the chat was over and then stepped forward.

"Someone's tired," Brian stated.

"Aw, Sweetheart, you made such a lovely speech for me and Seth."

"I try, Gamma Jenn," Bree said with a yawn.

"You did great, young lady," Seth added.

"We're going to head home," Brian said gently.

"Thank you for being here and supporting me," Jennifer said sincerely. She stood on tiptoes and kissed Brian's cheek.

"Am I still your favorite son-in-law?" he asked with a wink and a smirk.

"You and Owen both are," Jennifer replied quickly, not wanting to play favorites.

Brian snorted. "Justin will be along in a minute," he told her. "I'm going to take Bree out to put on her pajamas and get her into her coat.” The evening spring air was still brisk.

"At least you won't have to fight a blizzard to get back to Edna's Treasures," Jennifer reminded him with a twinkle in her eye.

"One major blizzard a year is enough," Brian stated as he walked off with Bree.

Justin came over with John and Bobby and their family. "Mom, did Brian tell you we're leaving?"

"Yes, he went to put Bree's coat on."

"Lovely party, Seth, Jennifer," Bobby told them.

"I'm so glad you all were able to come tonight."

"I wouldn't have missed it," John added. "Emmett always throws quite the shindig."

"I'd hardly call this a shindig," Claire stated. "It was beautiful, and I was so honored to be included in Bree's Gamma Corps," she laughed.

"That was an amazing speech for a four year old," Seth laughed.

"Four going on twenty-four," Justin said shaking his head.

"They do grow up, sweetheart," Jennifer warned him and kissed his cheek. "I know that all too well."

"Can you believe she'll be five soon?"

Everyone stopped to think about that for a moment.

"I'll be eight," Patrick interjected.

Everyone laughed and the moment of meditation was broken. They all took their leave and headed out.

 

*****
 

Sometime later Brian and Justin were lying in the big brass bed. They had decided to sleep on the sun porch since the sky was so clear and the stars were twinkling. Bree had slept all the way home, and hadn't woken up when Brian carried her to her bed. He was very glad he had put her pajamas on so he didn't have to wake her when he put her to bed. Her new dress hung safely in her closet.

"Mom seemed happy tonight," Justin mused.

"Of course she is. She's found the person she wants to spend the rest of her life with … and she's getting laid."

Justin smacked his husband's chest and laughed. "What about you?"

"Me? I've already got the person I want to spend the rest of my life with … and I get laid all the time."

Justin beamed at Brian and leaned over to kiss his lips. "I love you."

"I love you; you can count on that."

"I do … all the time, you big Smoosh."

"You haven't called me that for a while," Brian said thoughtfully.

"We've been so busy. We get sidetracked from what's important sometimes," Justin admitted.

"Never," Brian protested with a chuckle. "This is what's important." He grabbed Justin's crotch making Justin squirm and laugh.

"You are so evil."

"I am? Who's the one with the hard dick?"

"Me," Justin said sheepishly. "You gonna do something about it?" he asked huskily.

"Count on it," Brian replied and rolled over on top of his husband.

 

*****
 

Seth and Jennifer were saying goodbye to their last guests. Emmett was packing up and his team was cleaning up.

"Emmett, it was a great party. Thank you so much," Jennifer said giving the tall party planner a kiss on the cheek.

"It was my pleasure, Miss Jennifer," Emmett grinned.

"It will be Mrs. Jennifer sometime in the future," Seth chuckled.

"Have you two set a date?"

"Not yet, but we're thinking about it," Jennifer replied.

"We couldn't have had a better engagement party," Seth contributed. "You are worth your weight in gold." He shook Emmett's hand.

"You two head on home and enjoy yourselves, if you know what I mean," Emmett laughed. "I'll make sure everything's finished up here."

"Thanks again, Emmett."

"Oh, I almost forgot. I made you a little box of desserts. Enjoy!" Emmett handed them the box and they left the ballroom hand in hand. "Young love," Emmett said wistfully when they disappeared out the door.

 

*****
 

"Did you enjoy the party?" Susan asked as she and Craig got ready for bed.

"Why would I? It was my ex parading around like a young bride to be. You'd think she was trying to copy Molly. She used to show more decorum."

"Stop being such an old poop. Jennifer looked lovely and she was not parading around. She and Seth just made sure that they visited each of their guests."

Craig snorted in a manner that Brian Kinney would have been proud of. "All that expense for nothing!"

Susan sighed. "Bree's speech was priceless." She hoped the change of topic would put Craig in a better frame of mind.

"Yeah, right. I am her only grandfather. Seth Harris will never be her grandfather," Craig adamantly stated.

"Of course, darling. I love that she calls me Gamma Susan."

Craig was about to make a disparaging remark about Susan's real place in his granddaughter's life, but thought better of it. "She is a remarkable little girl. She definitely has Justin's brains. You know he got 1500 on his SAT's."

"Yes, you've told me that before," Susan replied patiently. "I wonder if they'll be having a big birthday party for Bree's fifth. Can you believe she'll be five?"

Craig shook his head. "Time does pass by."

"It would be nice to attend a party for her if they have one."

"Like Kinney would ever allow us to go," Craig snorted. "We'll have a dinner for her here … if he lets us."

Susan sighed. Why did everything have to be so difficult with Craig, and why did it all have to come back to Brian Kinney?

 

*****
 

After an excellent round of loving, Brian and Justin lay cuddling together on the big brass bed, not caring how sticky they were. Justin's head lay close to Brian's heart, the rhythmic beating threatened to lull Justin to sleep.

"Bri?" Justin murmured.

"Hmm?"

"I really would like to have a big party for Bree."

"I have no objections and I'll even make the call tomorrow to Emily. At a decent time, of course."

"Of course, but, um, Bri?"

"Spit it out, Sunshine."

"I'd like to invite Craig and Susan to Bree's bash." Brian pushed Justin off his chest as he turned to look at Justin face to face.

"Are you out of your fucking mind?" Brian screeched as quietly as he could without waking the cottage. Beau grumbled with concern from his corner. "It's okay Beau," Brian reassured their protector.

"You thought it was a possibility earlier."

"I thought we'd have them to dinner with Bree.  I don't think I want them here with the 'family'."

"Brian, Edna's Treasures is so beautiful in the Spring and if we're lucky, it won't rain. But even if it does, we have enough room to hold the big party in here. We proved that during Christmas."

"Justin, what does the fucking weather report have to do with you inviting your son-of-a-bitch father to Bree's party? Your homophobic father who will be surrounded by fags. I'd lose it if he said anything to Gus. You know Gus is just finding himself and I was contemplating inviting Simon and Ken and their boys. Damn! The fucking weather better hold out."

"Bri..."

"Justin, can you guarantee me that your father will behave himself in front of our daughter and our son and our other guests?"

"You know I can't," Justin whispered. "But I think he wants to be a part of Bree's life and he'll be forced to behave if my mother has anything to say about it. And there's Debbie and Claire; they'd watch him like a hawk if we ask them to."

Brian's scowl slowly twisted into a lopsided and evil grin.

"What?" Justin asked.

"We could sic dear old Joan on Craig. She loves the kids. She wouldn't stand for any shit from that bastard."

"You know, Bri," Justin began as he snuggled back onto his lover's chest. "You are really one evil dude."

"I thought I was your Smoosh."

"Yup," Justin said with a yawn. "One big adorable, loveable, and evil Smoosh." Justin barely finished his sentence when sleep took him blissfully away.

"Yeah, I love you too, Sunshine," Brian murmured into the golden mane as he hugged Justin closer then fell asleep.