Wedding Bell Blues

Chapter 19

June 15, 2007

Justin woke up with a smile on his face, rolling over and onto Brian who had a matching smile of his own.

"Morning, big guy, did you approve of my 'work' last night?" Justin asked Brian as he kissed the tip of Brian's nose.

"I admire your diligence and your hard work ethic. I'm sure I'll be walking bow legged today." Justin's smile broadened for a moment then quickly turned into a frown. "Did I say something wrong, Sunshine?"

"Brian, was I too rough? You don't bottom that often."

"Justin, look at me. While I may not be as proficient as some of us in this room in the art of being a bottom, you could never ever be too rough with me. Now, I suggest we take a nice warm shower, dress and get over to the main house. Auntie Em's bus should be arriving soon with a million calories in frozen hors d'oeuvres, a bus load of trannies and cross dressing waiters and our suits. I need some of Claire's strong coffee. Are you going to continue fretting about my abilities as a bottom or take the compliment?"

Justin saw the sincerity in Brian's eyes, his frown vanished and was instantly replaced by the full sunny smile that Brian craved.

"Good boy," Brian whispered, kissing his smiling boy. "Only good thoughts from now until tomorrow. Agreed?"

"Agreed."

The lovers showered, dressed and with Ted, walked to the main house for breakfast.

"John, what's the plan for today?" Hunter asked while buttering up a biscuit.

"Emmett and his crew should be here in a couple of hours. They will be setting up the tables and chairs. Tomorrow they'll put on the table clothes and set up the decorations."

"What about the benches?" Bobby enquired.

"We'll do them a couple of hours before the ceremony. They're constructed out of raw wood. If we put them out tonight, they'll absorb the dew. Everyone's clothes will be ruined."

The family was enjoying the quiet and calm breakfast, not wanting to risk angering the gods and brook another crisis. They spoke in hushed tones, knowing full well it would be getting very noisy with Emmett's arrival.

"Brian, your suits, they're coming with Emmett's crew, aren't they?"

"Yes, Claire."

"I'm sure your tailor did a marvelous job but what if they need a stitch or two."

"Ah, our fairy godmother has talents that lie in that direction." Teddy snorted at Brian's choice of vocabulary.

"Our dear Emmy Lou, knows how to wield a needle and thread. He used to do the alterations when he worked at Torso. Besides, Giuseppe is a professional. The suits will be perfect, or there'll be hell to pay."

No one at the table had any doubts at the 'hell' that would have to be paid if the suits weren't perfect. Breakfast continued at a leisurely pace while they waited for Emmett.

Emmett's crew did arrive in a bus. A special bus where his "waitresses" could change and last minute preparations could be done while not messing up Claire's impeccably clean home. Sam dropped off Emmett and he showed his crew the barn. His elves began setting up the tables including the long tables that will be holding the food. Emmett swished his way into the house with an arm full of perfectly tailored suits.

Brian, Justin and Hunter scrambled up the stairs to change and to admire the handiwork. They came down and modeled their suits. Brian had chosen a deep, almost black Armani, perfectly cut, that accentuated his statuesque figure. The Hugo Boss for Justin was in a midnight blue with a pale blue shirt. He looked delicious. Hunter was also in a Hugo Boss but in charcoal grey. He looked handsome as well as lean and mean. Everyone was impressed as Brian knew they would be.

As Emmett was supervising, Bobby came out and asked him a question.

"Emmett, I just thought of something. How will all the guests know where the ceremony will take place? Are we going to lead them there?"

"A very good question, my dear sweet redhead. And Auntie Em has that all taken care of." Emmett brought Bobby to the bus. Inside were boxes of deep purple and white balloons ready to be inflated and a helium tank. In another box were rolls of ribbon and dozens and dozens of shiny gold and silver colored bells.

"We inflate the balloons, tie them to the ribbon and to a bell. Then we bunch several together. We will use these to line the path to the clearing and decorate the benches, near the altar and the yard. The benches for the family will have bows tied to them. You likey?"

"I likey, I likey a lot. You're a genius."

"All in a day's work for fairy godmothers and party planners. Now, if I can get you boys to help inflate the balloons, we can work in assembly line and we'll be done in no time."

"I'll rally the troops."

"Good man. Well, big Red, let's get a blowin'."

The assembly line idea was working well. John and Claire handled the measuring and cutting of the ribbon. Brian was attaching the bells. Emmett and Hunter were tying the ribbon to the balloons that Justin and Ted were inflating. Hunter had started to inflate the balloons but he was quickly reassigned to the ribbon tying detail when Hunter began sucking the helium out of the balloons and sounding like a munchkin. After the initial silliness, the work proceeded in earnest and soon the house looked like a carnival with dozens of balloons standing tall.

"Should we put them out now?" Claire asked Emmett.

"No, I don't want them to get dirty or have some raccoon bat them around all night. We'll have plenty of time in the morning."

The family gathered around Emmett and he could sense their apprehension about tomorrow.

"Okay troops here's what's going to happen in the next 24 hours. Tonight around 5PM we're going to have the rehearsal. That shouldn't take more than a couple of hours. Hunter I want you to fill in for Gus."

"Me?"

"Yes, you, don't talk back to your elders. When we're done, we go to the Honey Bear for dinner. John, make sure to pack your overnight bag and bring your suit to the cottage."

"Why do I need an overnight bag and why is my suit going to the cottage?"

"Because it's bad luck for the bride to be seen by the groom. You will be staying at the cottage tonight. And you two, will make sure he has no late night rendez-vous." Emmett made it a point to look at Brian and Justin so they knew John was their responsibility. "I have a meeting with the caterer in an hour and I'm driving my crew to the B&B. I'll be bunking with them tonight. I'll be back here for the rehearsal. Tomorrow, I'm sure we'll all be up at the crack of dawn. And it will be all hands on deck except for Bobby and John. I want you two to sleep late and relax. And no sneaking off to meet each other. If you can prove to me that you'll behave I'll let you keep your cell phones and you can have phone sex. Nothing more than that. We set out the benches, balloons and decorations. The hors d'oeuvre will be heating up and the caterer will be bringing the buffet. The cake will be stored in a special refrigerator until it's needed. The guests arrive about noon for the cocktail hour, the ceremony will begin at 1:30, with the reception to follow afterwards. The days are long and it promises to be a warm sunny day with low humidity, thank god. Nothing worse than a party planner with bad hair. It will be perfect. So are we all clear on this?"

A collective, "Yes, Emmett," was his response.

"Good. Now I have to go to town and check in with the caterer. Ta ta, ya'll!"

Emmett swished his way out of the farm.

"Wait just a fucking minute! Why am I the one being escorted down the aisle? Shouldn't it be the other way around? I'm older, I'm taller and I popped the question!" John shouted out at all who assembled at the clearing for the rehearsal.

Claire, Bobby and Emmett surrounded John and tried to explain why they thought it best that Claire walk her son down the aisle but nothing was sinking in. It only proved to be fodder for the fire. Before the shouting got any louder, Justin stepped in and pulled John away and past the big rock.

Justin leaned John against a big tree to calm him. "John, you and I have a lot in common."

"Justin, I don't mean to be rude but what the fuck are you talking about?"

"We both fell in love with the first man we ever slept with. John, I know that being a bottom, we're sometimes looked at as being the 'girl' in the relationship but we both know that isn't true. And I know that you and Bobby are very versatile."

"Yes, that's true. But Justin, I don't feel any different when I bottom for Bobby. I still feel manly, just more completed when we're together. Do you know what I mean?"

"Yes, I do. Let me ask you something and I want an honest answer. I know when people take one look at me and Brian together, I'm categorized as the 'girl'. I can't help the way I look but do I act like a girl?"

"No, you don't. You're very young and sometimes that youth is very exasperating but you're all man. You compliment Brian in ways that any other man couldn't. You really are meant to be together."

"And you and Bobby?"

"I can't see myself with anyone else, male or female."

"Then what's the problem? You both know who and what you are. Be proud of it, I am."

"Did I say exasperating? I meant to say wise, very, very wise. Let's get back before anything else happens."

John and Justin joined the others and the rehearsal went on without a hitch. Justin was honored that Bobby asked him to be his best man. Justin thought Bobby should ask one of his other friends, since they hadn't known each for that long. But Bobby insisted. It was through Justin that Bobby and John got together in the first place. John didn't want anyone but his brother to stand up with him.

After the rehearsal was done, they all piled into their cars and went to the Honey Bear for a nice long dinner. The intended couple danced the night away. They played several slow ones so that Claire and Steve were able to join in. Emmett danced with Sam. Brian and Justin did a PG rated version of their show and Hunter consented to a dance or two with Ted. It was a wonderfully relaxing way to end the stress filled weeks prior to the wedding.

"Bri, do you think they'll ever get out of the car?" Justin asked out loud as he and Brian stared through the cottage window at John and Bobby who were hungrily sucking face in the front seat of John's Navigator.

"I have no idea," Brian answered. "Jus, can I ask you something?"

"Anything, big guy."

"Earlier, at the stream, what did you and John discuss?"

"He was a little upset about being 'the girl'."

"The girl! What does that mean? My big bro is no girl."

"I know that and so does everyone else. But he has doubts about what others think about him."

"He shouldn't think so much. Bad habit. Justin, does it bother you? I tease you about being a bottom boy and I know you're not. Do I insult you when I say things like that? Cause I never want to hurt your feelings."

"Never Brian. I know you're teasing. And lately, our roles have been reversed. I thank you for that."

"No need to thank me. You've earned the right. I've never met any other man who could top me properly. Shit, I know I don't tell you often enough, I barely tell you at all but I do love you."

"Brian, I've learned a lot from you and especially that actions speak louder than words. I know you love me. I've always known."

"But sometimes, I should remind you," Brian said as he drew the blond into his arms. "Justin Taylor, I, Brian Kinney formally declare that I love you and am in love with you."

Justin was about to show Brian his appreciation for his declaration when he remembered the two men who were still out in the car.

"Brian, hold that thought."

"What? Hey, where ya going?"

"To get John before those two run off somewhere and then we'll never hear the end of it from Emmett."

"Wait, I'm coming with you."

"Don't you always." Brian and Justin got to the car in the nick of time. John was trying to persuade his fiancé to drive off together.

"Out, big bro. You heard Emmett. No fooling around before the wedding," Brian commanded as Justin got John's bag from the back seat. "You go home," Brian said, addressing Bobby.

"This is my home." Bobby countered.

"Not officially until after the honeymoon. Now, scram! Before I'm forced to get tough."

"You and what army, old man!" Bobby laughed at the scowl on Brian's face. "I'm going, I'm going. I'm more afraid of Emmett than you, you big softy."

"Hey, I'm never soft. Goodnight and get some sleep. You'll need your energy when my brother gets you alone tomorrow night." The two couples laughed as Bobby gave John another kiss, with promises of a lifetime of kisses and drove off.

Ted was settled on the sofa, Brian and Justin in one room and John was pacing the other bedroom. "Justin, I'm going to talk with John. If he doesn't get some sleep soon, he'll be a wreck tomorrow."

"Okay." Justin said softly as Brian slipped out of bed then into a pair of sweat pants and out the door.

"John, it's Brian, can I come in?"

"Sure." Brian opened the door to find a miserable looking older brother.

"I see Justin's gerbil has been making the rounds again and has landed in your head."

"What's that supposed to mean?" John grumbled.

"Nothing other than that you're thinking too much. What is it this time? Worried about the ceremony?"

"Not really. More like what happens after."

"That's the easy part. Everyone congratulates you, we eat like pigs, drink like fish, open tons of presents and watch you two go off on your honeymoon."

"No, no. After that."

"Ah, John, I think you know what happens on a honeymoon."

"Don't be an ass. I'm worried if we're doing the right thing. Will I make Bobby happy? And..."

Brian sat on the bed as a wave of despair flooded his brother's face.

"John, what is it?"

"What do you call it when you do it without a condom?"

"Raw or bareback. John, have you and Bobby been doing it raw?" Brian asked almost in horror.

"No, but we're planning to. This past year, we've been tested and retested. And tested again. We're both clean. Healthy as horses. We were hoping to really consummate our commitment to one another and without condoms, on our honeymoon."

"John, I am the last person you should be having this conversation with but Justin..."

"He wants the same thing, doesn't he?"

"Yes. You and Bobby, you're so different from me and Justin. I know you two were monogamous from the start but knowing that doesn't prevent me from worrying about it. This is a big decision with serious ramifications. And from what I've learned about Bobby, he didn't sleep around, and when he was intimate I'm sure he was careful and responsible. Me and Justin, I made so many mistakes with that boy. Forced him into doing things he never really wanted to do and shouldn't have done. I put him in danger with my lifestyle. We're both negative but I have no idea how we managed that miracle. I was so foolish and just plain stupid."

"I can't believe that."

"Yes you can. All those men, for all those years. Two, three a night and I'd drag Justin with me. God, he was so young, still is and still so innocent in so many ways. Either one of us could have ended up like Hunter or Ben. It's only now that I'm beginning to realize that I don't want anyone else. But even if we were exclusive for the rest of our lives I'm not sure I could do it without a condom."

"You're scaring me, Brian."

"Good. I'm sorry I don't really mean that. I've just started learning about love and relationships and being monogamous. Shit, now I have the gerbil. John, you and Bobby will be the poster boys for Gay marriage. I have confidence in that. If doing it raw is what you want then do it but make sure you and Bobby are very honest with each other. If you ever even think about straying, always, always be prepared. And never get yourself in a situation that puts you at risk. I've just found me a brother and I have no intention of losing him any time soon."

John gave Brian a hug. "I promise Brian, I'll do nothing to risk losing you or Bobby."

The brothers were quiet for some time. "God, I'm bushed."

"You want me to stay a while?"

"Watch over me like you watch over Justin?"

Brian blushed and nodded his head.

"I'm fine. I think I can sleep. You go back to your boy. And thank you for being so candid with me. Brian, I've come to know you well enough to know that if you put your mind to something like an exclusive relationship with Justin, you will find a way to do just that. Whatever you did in the past is just that … in the past. This is a fresh start for all of us."

Brian nodded again and left the room. The gerbil was very busy. Brian had a lot to think about.