Sonny Boy - 3 - Notes: Misty is 100% responsible for this AU – kisses and hugs to Misty Warning: character death ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 6 years later Justin was sitting in his office. It was once again February 13th and he was quivering with anticipation wondering what tomorrow would bring. For the past 5 years each Valentines Day had been full of surprises. The biggest surprise of course was the first date. The fact that Brian had asked him out in the first place - of course ranked right up there. Justin had dressed in his best suit. Gus had picked out the tie he was to wear and the little boy was as nervous as if it was his first date. Even Brian had to admit later that his kid had an eye for fashion and color. When Brian had knocked on the apartment door, rather than use his key - well that was another surprise because it had been a few weeks since either of them used the formality of knocking when one or the other was expected. Dressed in dark Armani with a rich red silk shirt - Brian was enough to take Justin’s breath away - he was so handsome. The bouquet of red roses was amazing and the kiss on Justin’s cheek made his knees tremble and all words of thanks left his head. He felt like an idiot, but he could barely stammer. Justin still laughed each time he thought of the rest of the evening. The limo waiting for them out front of the Tremont Avenue building was a pleasant surprise. Brian took Justin’s hand as they walked outside. He helped Justin into the back of the elegant car lightly brushing his hair off his forehead with the back of his hand. When the car drove off - Brian handed Justin a glass of champagne that he poured from a chilled bottle nestled in a silver ice bucket. “To an evening of firsts Sunshine” was the toast Brian offered. Justin grinned. “I wasn’t expecting anything like this.” “You can thank our boy. He somehow felt I was ‘date’ challenged” Brian laughed. “He polled his little friends and came up with a list for me of what to do and how to act. --- and where to take you.” Brian tilted his glass of champagne at Justin. “I did substitute the champagne for mountain dew - somehow I couldn’t find the best year for that beverage - I have to admit the champagne was my idea.” “Much as I love mountain dew - the champagne is great.” Justin smiled shyly at Brian. “To a great ‘first date’ he offered as his toast. “Now Sunshine, because I know that our son will be waiting to quiz us on how the evening went - I want you to know - I’ve done my best to follow his list.” The limousine pulled into the largest McDonalds in the Pittsburgh area. “Gus felt this restaurant had the best ambiance - his word - I’ll show you the list later.” Justin couldn’t help grinning as Brian held the door for him and hand in hand walked him to the entrance of the brightly lit building. Brian held the door for him and led him to the rear where birthday parties were generally held. In this area the lights had been dimmed and only one table was inside the roped off area. Brian held the chair out for Justin kissing him again on the cheek. Justin blushed with pleasure as he looked around. No one paid the elegantly dressed men any attention, the main group of customers were well away in an area filled with activities for the children who usually frequented the restaurant. A young girl dressed in her uniform came out with their dinner. “I took the liberty of pre ordering dinner for us.” Brian smirked - “it seemed somehow more ‘first date-ish’ he said. Justin laughed out loud as they were served hamburgers, fries and large glasses of chocolate milkshake. The smiling girl added two apple pies. “Compliments of the management” she said before leaving them to their dinner. They sat there for the next hour, laughing and talking like they had never had before. They fed each other fries, some with ketchup and some without. They joked about the thick consistency of the chocolate shake and Brian wondered what they used to make it impossible to suck up through the straw. Justin demonstrated his ability to not only suck it up - but to do it so suggestively that Brian began to squirm and Justin knew he’d made the older man hard. The evening ended with Gus’ suggestion of Brian taking Justin dancing - Gus liked the music that was played at the mall to the south of town - and that’s where they went. Brian waltzed Justin around the food fair and down one of the hallways, providing entertainment for any shoppers who might have been out on for Valentine’s Day shopping. Justin couldn’t contain the grin that kept threatening to explode into full fledged laughter. He had never had so much fun before in his life. Afterward, when Brian stood outside the double glass doors of Justin’s apartment, he became almost shy when he said. “Gus said I was allowed to sleep over.” “He did?” Justin laughed. “Did you bring your jammies?” he opened up the door and pulled Brian inside using Brian’s tie. “Cause you won’t be needing them big guy. I do believe I’m about to ‘put out’ on our first date.” “Thank gawd, because Sunshine, I’m too horny to walk upstairs.” That evening was the beginning of their relationship - feelings that Justin had held back for the tall auburn haired man surfaced and love began to blossom. The second Valentines Day came faster than either man would have thought possible. By now Brian spent almost every night with Justin and Gus - no one even pretended to look for him anywhere else. Justin and Gus were seated at the dinner table on February the 13th -- it was Brian’s turn to cook, so he was dishing out the Chinese food he’d ordered in. When the meal was over he handed Justin a fortune cookie. Justin wasn’t even suspicious even with both Brian and Gus gazing at him in anticipation. “Will you be my Valentine” asked the piece of paper inside. Justin looked at the two faces and grinned at them both. “Of course.” He said. “Great Pops, ‘cause Daddy has the perfect place to take you this year.” Gus bragged. “Jamal said I could sleep over at his house tomorrow night, so you guys have some privacy.” “Somewhere different this year?” Justin asked with his eyebrows raised. “Perhaps somewhere romantic?” “Romance is where you find it Sunshine.” Brian smiled and patted his hand. “It will be a surprise.” That year, Valentines dinner was at Chuck E Cheese - the third year it was Pizza Hut, the forth year the Liberty Street Diner - the fifth year - a small Italian Restaurant that had become a favorite of Gus’. Justin was trying to change the boy’s taste in restaurants for just such a reason and it appeared to have worked. This was the sixth year and no hint had been provided by either Brian or Gus where this ‘date’ was going to be. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ August of their 6th year together Justin went into his bedroom to change after work and looked at the hand made card that sat propped up on his dresser and smiled widely. The hand lettering and the cut out doilies were charming, the words ‘Be My Valentine’ made him giggle thinking of Brian writing them. But inside was the best yet. “Justin - Roses are Red, Your eyes are Blue, Gus is sweet and I LIKE you.” - Brian Brian walked up behind him and wrapped his arms around the smaller man’s shoulders kissing him on his ear. “Throw that out - the damn thing is spoiling the look of the room.” “I’m keeping this forever.” Justin declared like he had declared every time Brian commented on the now well worn and tattered card. “Let me buy you a silver box or something to put it in.” Brian tried. “I have three silver boxes you’ve bought and I’m not putting my card away. I’ll never forget the night you gave it to me - every time you piss me off; I look at the card and remember you’re still growing up.” Justin grinned at his lover. “You know Sunshine, it works both ways - I read it over too when you get on my nerves.” Brian bit the lobe of Justin’s ear gently. “Like tonight - Gus is going to be wondering where we are. I’ve been ready for an hour - you’ve been up here mooning over a tattered piece of construction paper.” “He’s with Emmett isn’t he?” Justin asked as he wiggled out of Brian’s embrace and headed for the bathroom to shower. “He is - he said you would drive him crazy if he had to wait for you to get dressed.” “The little shit - we’ve waited for him plenty.” Justin laughed as he turned on the shower and stepped inside. He was letting the pleasantly hot water run through his hair when he felt the draft of the shower door opening and Brian stepping inside with him. “Hmmm Brian - I thought you were all dressed and waiting.” Brian turned Justin around until they were facing each other and began to shampoo his hair. “I thought you might need a hand” he kissed the lips that smiled up at him. Justin melted into his embrace, the hot water acting like an aphrodisiac to them both. Soon they were lost in each other; time was forgotten as they found pleasure in being together. The pounding at the bathroom door made them stop only for a moment. “Go away Mikey” Brian called out. “How do you know it’s him?” Justin asked in a whisper. “Who else other than Gus knows how to ruin the moment?” Brian said back to him not trying to lower his voice. “I heard that and Gus told me to get you guys out of the shower.” Michael called back. “Everybody is waiting.” “It’s really happening - Justin marveled.” “Well not if you don’t get dressed it won’t.” Brian chided - “I love you naked - in fact I may keep you that way forever - but the rest of them are waiting and I’m not letting half the fags in Pittsburgh look at that perfect bubble butt unclothed.” “You say the most romantic things Brian.” Justin teased. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian had said nothing about their annual ‘date’ but Justin was confident that it would be as fun and amazing as the last 5 had been. Brian and Gus had been having ‘secret’ conferences for weeks - mysterious telephone calls had happened and lately Emmett had taken to bursting into tears when ever he happened to encounter Justin and Brian together, much to Justin’s dismay and Brian’s amusement. On the morning of the 14th Brian had placed a single red rose on Justin’s pillow for him to find when he woke up, but he slipped away to work without waking him. Justin found another rose on the seat of his car. And when Justin arrived at the office - yet another rose lay on the top of his desk and a fourth lay in his place on the conference table when he entered for their morning meeting with the heads of each department. Everyone’s eyes studiously ignored the rose and the deep blush that washed over Justin’s pale features. The fifth rose was on the seat of Justin’s car when he got in to drive home and the sixth one was tied with a golden bow, to the door handle of the apartment. Only this one had a card with it. Justin brushed away a few tears as he opened the card. This year it looked like Gus had allowed Brian to make it all on his own. “My Valentine” was scripted in gold across the front of the hand made ivory paper. Inside - protected by tissue were a few dried rose petals and Justin knew they had to be from the first roses Brian had given him. He folded the tissue back to reveal the words inside. The first year - I liked you more than anyone I’d ever met The Second year - Your touch caused butterflies to race in my stomach The Third year - I ached when we were apart The Fourth year - I realized I was empty of life without you close by The Fifth year - I knew I loved you more than life itself The Sixth year - Let me take you on our annual ‘date’ and I will tell you For someone in advertising - Brian was surprisingly inarticulate when it came to his personal feelings - but Justin had known that for years and smiled through his tears at the words. Not sure what kind of ‘date’ it would be tonight - Justin nevertheless dressed in his new suit after showering carefully. It was unusual not to have Brian around when he came home from work and he could only hope it was because he was getting ready at his own apartment for the evenings entertainment. Justin was finishing up by brushing his fingers through his long blond hair when he heard a knock on the door. Just hearing the knock made him smile and sent a tremor through his body. It had been six years and yet each day was like the first with Brian. “Hey beautiful” Justin said when he opened the door. He placed his hand to the back of Brian’s head and pulled him closer for a kiss. Like their first date, Brian handed him a bouquet of roses. “I would give you a rose for every moment we’ve spent together - but I didn’t think there would be enough Allegra to keep your allergies under control.” Brian teased. “I’m not sure I’m up for the golden arches if you are planning a rerun of our first date.” Justin replied as he placed the roses in a crystal vase and set them on the coffee table in front of the sofa. “Something different tonight Sunshine.” Brian took his hand and instead of leading him out the main doors of the apartment, he took Justin to the elevator. Justin looked at him quizzically but rode up to Brian’s floor in silence, content to hold hands. Brian pulled open the metal door and Justin looked inside - not sure what he’d find - with Brian you never knew. There was music playing and the lights were low. Justin walked into the room and he could see that Brian had the table set for two, using his best china and silver. Wine was chilling in a silver bucket and something delicious smelling was sitting on the counter in silver chafing dishes. “Justin, tonight - Brian hesitated. “I wanted it to be special.” “Each Valentines Day has been special Brian.” Justin leaned into the taller man, reveling in his strength.” “Yes, I hope Gus learns to like a little better class of restaurant before he starts dating.” “You mean we’ll let him date?” they looked at each other and shook their heads “Naaaa.” They both said and laughed which broke the tension somewhat. “Let’s eat.” Brian said - “I want you to know the menu was suggested by our son - with Emmett’s encouragement - and I’m sure he’ll be checking on how much we ate. That’s why I thought we’d get it out of the way first.” “Sounds ominous, but smells good.” Justin kissed Brian. “Relax, what ever you have planned is alright with me. After all these years, unless you’re running away with your secretary and that’s what has you so nervous - I’m pretty much okay with what you want to do.” “But this is a big step and it’s something I never thought would ever happen to me.” “Brian, you’re scaring me here.” Justin looked across the table and he was worried when he saw how scared Brian looked. “Is everything alright? Are you dying or anything? No dread diseases, not going blind, you haven’t broken anything, you’re still working?” “Geeze Justin, give me a break.” Brian laughed nervously. “I, I - he stumbled over the words again. “Iwantustogetmarriedlikeacoupleof dykes.” Brian said fast. “Pardon me?” Justin’s head was cocked to one side as if this would help him to understand what Brian had just said. Brian took a deep breath. “I want to marry you. Will you marry me Justin?” The light of understanding went on in Justin’s eyes. “Of course.” He said. “Can I have the chili and hot dogs.” He pointed to one of the chaffing dishes. “Of course and can you have some damn chili?” Brian looked outraged. “I beat myself up over asking you to marry me for weeks and that’s all you have to say?” “Brian, we are already as good as married.” Justin smiled at him as he helped himself to the chili. “What’s a piece of paper matter?” Brian got up from the table and walked to the window to look outside at the snow that was tumbling down. “I thought you’d be - I don’t know - more romantic.” He said quietly more to himself than to Justin. Two arms snaked around his waist and a blond head rested on his back. “Brian Kinney, after all I’ve put up with you for the past umpteen years - don’t you think I’m entitled to tease you even a little bit?” Justin moved around until he was facing Brian. He reached up and with the tips of his fingers; he brushed them over the pouty lips. “Do you know how long I’ve wanted this to happen? Forever Brian, but I didn’t even dare to hope that it ever would. I know your views on same sex marriage - they’re damn near as bad as Jerry Farwell’s” he teased. “Are not.” “Do you love me Brian?” “You have to know I do Sunshine.” The nickname a caress and Justin tingled inside like he did every time Brian called him that. “Do you love me?” Justin laughed with the absurdity of the question. “With every fiber of my being Brian.” “Should we tell the children?” Brian asked - he always referred to Emmett and Michael and Ted as well as Gus this way. “Like they don’t already know.” Justin laughed. “Do I get a ring or anything?” he was curious. “Shit - I forgot the ring.” Brian fished in his pocket and pulled out a ring box. “I bought it last Christmas, but I chickened out.” Brian admitted. “I would like you to wear it now - but I can wait until we actually get married.” Brian felt he was holding his breath and he had to keep telling himself to breathe. Brian opened the box and took out the simple gold band. He slipped it on Justin’s finger. “I love you Justin Taylor, will you marry me?” he asked again. Justin beamed at him and shouted “YES” before smothering Brian with kisses. “I’ll get you a ring tomorrow - we can shop for it together.” “I was kind of hoping you would want to that.” Brian smiled down at him. “Darn right - it’s not everyday I get to put my brand on the man I love.” Justin joked. “I haven’t had a sleep over at your place for a long time” Justin began. Brian picked him up - threw him over his shoulder and headed for the bedroom. “Who’s going to sleep?” he asked as they both fell on the bed. Brian made sure Justin was comfortable then he leaned over him, staring into his eyes. “Why does that ring on your finger make me feel giddy and silly and like I was thirteen all over again?” he asked in wonder. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “What’s taking them so long?” Gus asked Ted for the hundredth time. “Everybody is waiting.” “You know Brian and Justin, once they’re alone for two seconds, they can’t keep their hands off each other.” Ted quipped. Gus glared at him. “Jealous?” Gus was almost twelve and as tall as Ted. It didn’t take much for Ted to see his father in him. Ted just smiled at Gus; he wasn’t going to answer that question, because the truth was he was a little jealous. Ever since Gus was born and Justin had first set eyes on Brian Kinney, that was the only man for him. Ted used to watch from the sidelines and wonder when the blond would make his move. He’d been as surprised as anyone when Justin patiently waited until Brian was ready and with a push from Gus, ‘that was all she wrote.’ And now the big day had arrived. Brian and Justin were actually tying the knot. It was just a small commitment ceremony here in Pittsburgh, but Ted knew that Brian planned on a formal ceremony in Niagara Falls, Ontario the next week. The two of them would be driving there for their honeymoon - but Brian had other plans. The man had been determined to make this pledge as binding as possible. Gus would be traveling with them which might put a damper on the night time activities, but Ted figured Brian had it all under control. He usually did. “They’re coming” Gus said with a large grin on his face. Justin’s loft had been transformed into a wedding chapel by Emmett - rows of chairs, elegant with steel gray slip covers piped in crisp white edging were lined up - all the usual furniture had been removed - the loft was now being used exclusively as a Gallery - but today was special and the chairs were filled with family and friends. Michael took his place up at the front by the Pastor Dave, a long time friend and the one who would perform the commitment ceremony. Michael stood there nervously fingering the rings in his pocket - being Brian’s best man was more than a little nerve wracking. A picture of Lindsay and Melanie stood on a small table near the front - surrounded by white roses - Gus threw the double doors open triumphantly - he nodded to Ted who cued the music then he went outside and took the hand of his father and Justin - together the three of them walked between their friends toward Pastor Dave. Brian and Justin both bent down and kissed Gus’ cheek before they took their place. Already there was hardly a dry eye in the room when the complete happiness of Gus radiated through. Brian tried to look suitably solemn but even he, usually stoic couldn’t stop beaming and Justin, well Justin radiated light. The ceremony was brief - and Justin later - knew he’d barely be able to remember the words he’d said, so lost was he in the depths of his lover’s eyes. He kept looking at the ring - even though he’d been wearing it on his other hand for months - somehow having it placed on his finger by Brian during the commitment ceremony - somehow the gold sparkled more - felt warmer - and he felt more complete - which was strange because little was changed. “Does it feel different Pops?” Gus asked - he’d been watching the blond glance at his ring ever since the ceremony. “You don’t feel trapped or anything do you.” Gus suddenly realized that maybe this was the problem. “Trapped?” Justin was truly puzzled. “Now why would I feel trapped?” his question was so genuinely asked that Gus relaxed at once. “It was just a question.” Gus looked embarrassed. “Is our house going to be ready when we get back from the Falls?” “I sure hope so - Justin sighed. “I’m feeling claustrophobic upstairs - your father needs an apartment just for his clothes.” Gus giggled -“I can wear his sweaters now - don’t tell him. I wish we didn’t wear uniforms to school, dad has some hot clothes.” “I don’t thing the average eleven year old needs to get used to Armani.” Justin teased. “Almost twelve.” “Sorry, I forgot.” Justin looked at the young man who at eleven stood eye to eye with him - he was going to be taller than his father and just as handsome. “I hope there’s good shopping on our trip.” Gus grinned at Justin. “I like museums and stuff, but shopping is the best.” “You are your father’s son alright.” Justin put his arm around the painfully thin boy. “You are going to be quite the heartbreaker someday.” “Do you think I’m gay?” Gus asked out of the blue. “Pardon me?” Justin was at a loss as to how shopping became ‘am I gay’. “You know - do you think I’m like you and dad?” Gus explained patiently as if Justin perhaps didn’t understand the concept. “I have no idea Gus - that’s a personal thing - it’s really only you who will know the answer to that.” Justin looked around. ‘Where was Brian when you needed him?’ “Well, I wondered is all - I like Jamal - he’s been my best friend like forever - and I like Stacey - we’ve been friends same as Jamal - but I don’t want to kiss either of them.” He looked at Justin “Maybe I just don’t like girls or boys - maybe I’m some kind of freak.” “Or maybe you’re eleven going on twelve and just haven’t found anyone who turns you on, boy or girl.” Justin was practical. “But Stacey is always talking about boys. She almost drools when the senior football team walks down the hall at school.” Justin laughed. “Girls mature faster than boys.” He looked at Gus “What about Jamal and Stacey - have you talked to them about this?” Justin was curious - he’d had Daphne to confide in at Gus’ age. “Stacey is always trying to get us to practice kissing her, but Jamal and I think it’s too weird kissing her. She’s like a sister or something.” Gus looked disgusted. “What about Jamal? What does he think about --- Justin was at a loss for words. “Jamal’s kind of like me, we aren’t sure what we feel - but we both know we don’t want to kiss Stacey - she can learn somewhere else.” Justin didn’t laugh, though he wanted to at the strangeness of the conversation while around them everyone was laughing and eating and drinking - for a reception was being held where the wedding took place. “Maybe taking this little holiday away from everything will put things in perspective for you Gus.” Gus looked more cheerfully - “Yeah, Pops, you’re probably right.” He turned and looked around. “I’d better go get some food before it’s all gone - I’m starving.” Justin watched his son walk across the room so tall and confident at such a young age. His eyes misted up as usual and he was about to turn away when a fresh soft linen handkerchief was handed to him and Brian put his arm around Justin’s shoulder. “You did pretty good with him.” He smiled fondly. “No Brian, WE did good - he’s his father’s son - the way you would have been had you had the chance. The way you are and the way I’ve known you since the day we met. It’s just taken you this long to know yourself.” “Thank you Justin.” Brian’s words were softly spoken. He let the fingers of his hand trace the contours of Justin’s face as he looked deeply into the sapphire blue eyes. “I couldn’t have done it without you. You are my heart.”