Chapter 18 - Another Birthday

Brian

Ian is finally dressed, cuffed, and ready to be carted off. Well, the sooner he's out of our hair, the better. He is still holding his crotch, and I so hope that Justin hurt him quite a bit. He'd deserve it, fucker that he is. Carl Horvath is approaching us just when I button up Justin's shirt. The little shit was trying to swat my hands away, but I've been stubborn. So he finally relented and allowed me to dress him. "Do you think you could come down to the station right away? So we can take your statements, and then we can finally do something about Michael's birthday." He winks, and I gasp. Oh shit. I'd completely forgotten about that. Fuck.

"That'll be fine. Everything to make sure that Ethan gets what he deserves this time." Justin smiles sweetly at the fiddler, who just stares blankly. It's like he doesn't really understand what's going on. Well, that isn't our problem, is it? He looks at my Sunshine with big eyes, whispering his name over and over. Justin just shakes his head. "You need to get help, Ethan. This ... this isn't love. I don't think you even know what love is supposed to be..." Shit, this is really getting to him. Like he failed Ian or something. And that's total bullshit. Then again, it's typical for Justin. Just look at me. How often did I hurt him, how often did I push him away. And he held on. Until it all became too much. Fuck! Mikey was right - I should have done something to make him stay. Thankfully, Justin came around and... Fuck, fuck, fuck. This happens when you have a shrink for a friend. You start to think!

The fiddler's eyes are suddenly hopeful, and he's smiling. What the fuck is up with him now? "You will help me, yes? Be... because you love me." Gods, what else does Justin have to say to get the truth into that greasy head. "You will be by my side, won't you?" Holy fucking shit. I swear, if it were up to me, I'd crush his fucking face. Justin reaches for my hand, needing my support. I know how hard this is for him. Because once upon a time, when the big bad wolf didn't give the little princess what she needed, it was the fiddle fuck who helped said princess. In other words, my partner once cared about the fucking fiddler. So it hurts him to see Ian like this. Even though I'm sure the anger prevails.

He sighs, and shakes his blond head. "No, Ethan. It wouldn't do either of us any good. Besides, I need to focus on the things that are important to me. Like my show, my studies, and of course my family and..." he twines our fingers, "my loving partner." Did the little shit just call me his... Oh, you are so going to pay for this, Sunshine. I catch his gaze, and he grins at me as if he knows full well what he just brought down upon himself. And he's actually looking forward to it. "I love Brian, Ethan. And ... I'm really sorry that things got so out of hand, but..." Now he's biting his lower lip, and doesn't he know what that does to me? "I never meant to hurt you, but when I said you were pain management ... it was the truth. I was so frustrated, and you promised all the things I thought I needed. But all the romance in the world can't compare to what I have with Brian, what I always had with him." One of his Sunshine smiles is gracing his features as he looks at me. "You have to let go, Ethan, because, whatever we had, it's over. And there's no chance of a repeat..." Yeah, because the fiddler will be in jail for a long time. A very long time.

The fiddler stares at Justin as if he's seeing him for the first time. Yes, you heard that right. It's over, for good. Justin releases my hand to pick up the rest of his things when Ian sneers, "Don't be too sure that you have him, Kinney. I'll always be there. He'll always remember me. And part of him will always be mine!" That does it for me. Before anyone can react, I'm punching the fiddle fuck, and isn't the sound of a breaking nose the most beautiful noise in the world? I step back, smirking when his cuffed hands fly to his face. "Fuck!" He glares at Carl, "Aren't you going to do something? He fucking attacked me!"

But our dear Detective is just shaking his head, "I'm sorry, but I didn't see a thing. Besides, I know that Mr Kinney is anything but aggressive, so why would he assault you?" I think being with Debbie has rubbed off on him. Which is a good thing right now. I give him my tongue-in-cheek grin, and slowly turn to Justin. He just frowns at me. Shit. In know that after all the things his father did, and especially after the Prom, he began to hate violence in any form or fashion. Well, I'm sorry, Sunshine, but this once you will have to bear with me. I just couldn't take anymore of Mr Gold's opinions.

Blood is dripping from between the fiddler's fingers, and Carl pushes him down on the bed, dipping his head back. "Someone get me a cool cloth? I don't want him bleeding all over the car..." One of the cops goes to the bathroom, and moments later re-emerges with a wet towel, which Horvath places on Ian's neck. "There, that should stop the blood flow." The fiddler just glares. "Why did you have to be so clumsy and run into the door..." Oh yes, Debbie has rubbed off on him alright.

"You're on his side, aren't you? You're all on Kinney's side." Well, there's no one on your side, Ian, that's for sure. "And you're covering up for him. Like he's an innocent little angel." I'm certainly not. I haven't been innocent since I was fucking fourteen. As for being an angel - Justin's so much better at that. "Think of all the things he did to Justin! He cheated on him, never made him feel wanted or needed..." I can see Jus' eyes flash angry sparks in the general direction of the fiddler, and if I were him, I'd shut up right about now. But then, I know how to use my brain. He doesn't. "Kinney's been treating him like shit! But still everyone is so forgiving..."

"Shut the fuck up! Or I'll make sure that your broken nose is the least of your problems!" Why Sunshine, I never knew that you had it in you to be so angry. I'm really proud of him. I taught him well. "Brian never cheated on me, because he never made any promises. And you know what? He hasn't been tricking for five months now, because we are finally ready to take that step - together. As for treating me like shit... Kidnapping me, almost raping me, and shooting my lover... That qualifies as 'shit' in my book." With those words, he turns on his heels and storms out of the room, leaving a rather stunned fiddler in his wake.

Horvath smiles and motions to me to follow Justin, and I'm only too happy to oblige. Cause I'm not sure what would happen if I stayed around Ian for much longer. I finally find Justin in front of the motel. His back is to me, and I'm wrapping my arms around his waist and rest my head on his shoulder. "You know, of course, that I should strangle you... Honestly, Sunshine, what the fuck were you thinking?" He turns his head to me, and does that thing with his lower lip again, and I'm almost melting – almost. "You know that it's dangerous to park in such a dark alley – even without the fiddle fuck around." Justin nods, giving me his best kicked-puppy-look. "And this is not going to work, Jus." Yeah, right. Who am I trying to kid here? The little shit knows exactly how to play me – how to get what he wants from me. Fuck!

"I just... I was late, you know. Which is partly your fault..." he winks. "And I had really intended to go to the mall. But then I saw that free parking space, and..." I know, I know... It was handy. Besides, my little twink doesn't like the garage at the mall. He's always afraid of ramming into one of the pillars. Especially with our family car. "And I never intended to stay that long. It was just that Sidney and Linz told me about their idea for my own show and stuff. After all, I wanted to help you with the preparations for the party..." Shit, I've to call Em, cause he's to take matters in hand now. And I have to call the loft to let our assembled family know that everything is fine, and that the little fucker – Justin, that is – is still alive and kicking.

But before I'm going to do any of the above, I'm going to make him swear that he'll never do anything like this again. "Promise me, promise me that you will never ever do something so stupid again. And this time you better mean to keep your word." I step around him, and cup his face with my hands. "Justin, I really mean it. Either you swear that you will do the right thing from now on, or I'll tie you to the bed when we get back home, and never let you get up again..." Okay, maybe I shouldn't have said that. I don't think he sees this as a threat – rather a reward. Damn it.

"Oh, I don't know, Brian. Do you think you could tie me to the bed even if I promise?" Cheeky little twat. But then he gets all serious, "I'm really sorry, Bri. I ... I didn't think that it would be so... I'm sorry. And I promise." Shit, his allergies are catching up with him. Well, the truth is, I was actually waiting for this to happen. I pull him closer, and feel him begin to shake against me. "I promise, Brian. I promise..." We're standing there for what seems like hours, and I'm making a vow to myself. I'll make sure that he is safe, and if it's the last thing I'll ever do. Because I can't lose him. Shit. I can't believe I really told Linz... I'm so fucked.

When the door of the motel opens, and Carl leads Ian to the police car, Justin breaks our embrace, and quickly wipes away any traces of his tears. He's not going to show the fiddler how strongly the kidnapping has affected him. Did I mention how proud I am of him? A few minutes later, we're sitting in Horvath's car, and I'm quickly making my phone calls. Everyone is so fucking relieved, and if I were honest with myself... Shit. I was so scared. So fucking scared that we would be too late, that Justin would be injured – or worse. Once again I'm wondering why people are actually spending their lives searching for this – for love. It fucking hurts. But it's too late now... There's no turning back. Fuck it all.

---

Justin

I'm so glad when I see Mel at the precinct. She seems to have called the D.A. already, and he's there with her. "I'm really sorry this happened. I knew that Mr Gold wouldn't stop, but that he'd go this far..." He gazes apologetically at both Brian and me. "Rest assured that I will do everything I can to get a different judge this time around. One who realises that Mr Gold is in desperate need of help." No shit. Ethan needs to be committed, the sooner the better. "I'm going to have a doctor do a check-over on him. Are you sure you're alright, Mr Taylor?" I nod. My Knight in Shining Armour was just in time.

Brian is holding my hand, and I see Mel try to hide that big smile that's spreading all over her face, and fail miserably. "Make sure the doctor pays extra attention to the fiddler's crotch, and his nose." Bri smirks like a shark – shit, he reminds me of Mel. "It seems like he ran into the door. Repeatedly." The D.A. grins. Apparently he's heard about what happened already. Shit, I was really mad at Brian for a second, and disappointed. Because I never thought that he would ever resort to violence. Then again, Ethan nagged him until he snapped. And if I'm honest with myself, I sort of liked to see the more forceful side of my partner.

"Don't worry, Mr Kinney. I don't think anyone will listen to Mr Gold's claims that you attacked him. Not after what he did..." Okay, Brian warned me never to trust politicians, and in a way the D.A. is one as well, but fuck it. I really do like him. He seems to have a heyday here. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to start meddling, and I have to get the judge I want. Maybe she'll even quash the previous sentence." And wouldn't that be great? After all, the fucking judge didn't do a good job, did he? Ethan went against the restriction orders, abducted me, almost raped me... I don't want to think of that. I ... I mean, I know that it wouldn't have changed Brian's feelings for me, but still...

Half an hour later, we're sitting in the jeep – Mikey picked us up yet again. I think we should start paying him something for his services as a chauffeur. "Ben went to the gallery to get your car, Justin. But let me warn you... If you ever do something so stupid again, I'm going to kill you. That is, if mom doesn't get to you first." Uh-oh. For some reason I don't feel like going home anymore. "By the way. Care to tell me why Emmett told me to get the fuck out of the loft?" Um, I've no idea. Brian also pretends to be oblivious. Wouldn't do to tell Mikey that, despite all the shit that went on last night and today, he's still going to get his birthday party.

When the lift finally stops in front of our door, it bursts open, and I'm suddenly crushed against Debbie. "Don't you ever do this again, Sunshine! We were all sick with worry." Fuck, I can't breathe, and I think if Deb would hold me any tighter, she'd break some of my ribs. Shit. "What the fuck have you been thinking?" Sorry to break it to you, Deb. But Brian already questioned me... "Honestly, Sunshine. Did you have a death wish or something like that?" She's letting me go, and I'm breathing a relieved sigh. But then she pinches my cheeks, and fuck, that really hurts.

"Um, Deb? Do you think you could refrain from killing Justin? You know, I still have plans for him." Thank God for Brian's intervention. I don't think I would have been able to stand much more of Debbie's signs of affection. Bri is dragging me away from his surrogate mother, and into the loft. Linz comes running, and embraces me. But for some reason she ignores Brian. "Oh come on, Linz. I really didn't mean to, you know... In front of Gus." What the fuck is going on here? Brian seems to realise that I'm staring at them rather confusedly, and ventures to explain, "I think I told our dearest Detective to stick his ... what was it again? Ah, yes. I told him to stick his fucking rules up his ass. And Gus heard." He's giving me his tongue-in-cheek grin. "Come on, Sunshine. You do agree with me that Linz is overreacting here, don't you?"

I decide not to comment on that. Since it's my fault that Brian said such things in the first place – in some roundabout way. Linz just shakes her head, but then kisses Brian's cheek. "Just never do it again, okay. I don't want to have to explain to his kindergarten teachers why he's using certain words..." Brian actually looks contrite, and I can't help but laugh at that. Which, of course, earns me a death-glare. Oh well, too bad. I excuse myself when I spot Gus, and we both sit in front of the TV again, watching his favourite Sponge Bob episodes.

About an hour later, all party preparations are finished, and Brian calls Ben so he can bring the birthday boy over. I'm reminded of the party two years ago, when Brian managed to make everyone mad at him. Well, that's not going to happen this time. Besides, I know why he did it. Mikey had been so obsessed with his idea of Brian and Mikey that he gave up on his chance with Doctor Dave. It doesn't matter that their relationship didn't work out in the end. Brian had to make sure that Mikey tried at least. Unfortunately, no one wanted to see that. Except for me – or so I like to think.

Mikey's birthday celebration is in full swing when the buzzer sounds. I look around, and realise that Ted isn't here yet, so I just unlock the door downstairs. Brian comes over, brushing a quick kiss on my lips. "Theodore?" I nod. "Well, about time. Mikey might think that he doesn't like him anymore..." We share a smile, and Brian walks over to the door, and pushes it open. And freezes... Cause it isn't Ted after all who's just getting out of the elevator. It's his sister – Claire. Shit. Holy fucking shit! Brian is tensing up, and I can only remember one other time he's been like that. When his mother showed up at the hospital.

Claire looks somewhat uneasy, and I really can't think why that is. Fuck! "I ... I come at an inopportune moment, right?" Brian can't even nod, he's just staring at his sibling. "I just... I heard what happened on the news and ... I wanted to make sure that you were okay." What? "Mom told me about your partner, and I... While she was ranting and raving, I have to admit that I was really happy for you, Brian. Because after all the shit that happened to you during our childhood, you finally allowed someone close again." I don't believe I'm hearing what I'm hearing. "Actually, I wanted to visit you as well, but then thought that you might... But I couldn't stay away now. I just had to see that you were alright..."

Fuck, Brian begins to shake because he never thought he'd ever hear something like this from his sister. I'm wrapping my arms around Bri, and he gives me a tense smile. "I ... I'm okay, we're okay. Justin wasn't hurt or anything, so..." Shit. I think he's close to breaking point – because last night did take its toll on him. "We ... we are celebrating Michael's birthday – you do remember Mikey, don't you? From Pa's funeral?" Claire nods. "Would you like to come in? There's enough food and... Maybe you would like to see Linz again, and ... and your nephew." Claire gasps. I think she didn't know about Gus yet. "Oh, and by the way," he draws me close and kisses me gently, "this is my partner, Justin Taylor."

Claire smiles – well, I think it's a smile – and shakes my hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Especially since you took a chunk out of our mother. She took some time, and lots of booze to get over that." She blushes and quickly covers her mouth. I don't think she meant to reveal that. Brian is grinning now, and I'm glad to see that. I hate it when he retreats into himself because he is somehow reminded of his past. True, it's gotten loads better, thanks to Kathleen. But he still prefers not to think about his family. Which is sad in a way. But maybe this visit can at least rebuilt some of the bridges Brian tore down so long ago. Claire seems to be genuinely interested in him – in us.

She steps inside the loft cautiously, as if she is afraid that someone might attack her. "Gus? Where are you, Sunny Boy?" Brian is looking around, and it's funny to see the stunned expressions on many of the faces turned towards us. I think no one here expected Brian's sister to show up. Finally, Brian spots his son, who is eyeing this unfamiliar woman rather sceptically. "Come on, I want you to meet your Aunt Claire. And trust me, she's not like your Auntie Mollusc..." Brian winks at me, and I just glare. Nice, very nice, Bri. Not that he isn't right. Molly is turning out to be a menace. Thankfully she's at that camp now, and maybe, just maybe she'll come back a better person. 'Yeah, wishful thinking, Taylor.'

Gus is slowly walking over to his father. "New auntie?" Brian nods. "Gus want pwessy. Auntie missed birfday." Brian chuckles, and even Claire smiles. Gus steps up to her, and extends his tiny hand to her – and shit, he's becoming a little WASP. "Hello, I'm Gus. You is my new Aunt?" Claire nods. "Want pwessy." Claire looks rather nervous because she obviously doesn't have a present for the little boy. I'm quickly getting the colouring book we had bought at the aquarium in Paris – and kept forgetting to give Gus – and hand it to Brian's sister. Luckily, Gus doesn't see that, but squeals in delight when Claire hands it to him with a big smile. "Dada, Jussie! Fishies!"

That seems to break the ice, and soon Claire's attention is claimed by Deb and Mom, and I dread to think what they are discussing. Linz and Mel join them before long, and I'm feeling something like pity for Claire. I'm pondering if I shouldn't go and rescue her when Mikey is drawing me to the side. Gods, I'm hoping that this won't be a return to the old days when Michael was still out to get rid of me. But when Mikey smiles, my fears are quenched. "I'm really glad nothing too bad happened to you – I mean, who else would be drawing for Rage..." He smirks, and I mock-glare at him. "But - and don't get this wrong - I think it was good in a way. Because Brian turned to his friends for help, and that's a first." Shit, so something good came out of this whole shit. "He actually accepted our help ... and at first I couldn't believe it. And I know that this is thanks to you. If it wasn't for you, he'd still be Brian Fucking Kinney, unfeeling bastard and Stud of Liberty Avenue." Mikey! I'm shocked. "You have come a long way – together." Fuck, I guess this is his way of telling me that he thinks he's my best friend as well now, and my allergies are kicking in again. I hug him tightly, and thank him for being there for Brian. And not just last night.

"Not again!" That's Brian, and he's pissed, or at least he pretends to be. "How often do I have to tell you that Justin is off limits to the lot of you. He's mine! My lover, my partner, my non-husband." I hear Claire coughing in the background – apparently she never thought she'd ever hear her brother say something like that. "As for you, Sunshine. I would have thought you learnt your lesson. I don't want a repeat of the Ethan-sh..." Linz glares. "... the stuff with Ethan." Mikey chuckles, and pushes me into Brian's arms. "I love you, Taylor. And I don't share." And as if he feels the need to prove his statement, he kisses me senseless, much to everyone's delight. Especially Gus seems to enjoy seeing Brian and me like this because he explains to Claire, "Dada 'n Jussie a-ways kissing, Aunt Cwaire."

---

Brian

I still can't believe that Claire showed up. It's like she's really willing to set aside her grudges – and there are many – and forget about the past. I'm just not quite sure if that's what I want as well. I remember that I used to be angry with her because Jack never went after her - at least not physically. But I didn't realise that the psychological abuse she suffered was just as bad as the one I'm still working through. Maybe it is time that we became a family again... I'm sure Justin would like that. He's a sucker for family and such. Speaking of Justin... I'm so fucking relieved to have him back, and I actually told him so. I'm such a pathetic faggot, it's not even remotely funny. Or maybe I'm just his loving partner who's no longer afraid to share his feelings. Shit.

Now that our guests are finally gone – yes, Theodore made it eventually, his old and new boyfriend tagging along. And Blake has really changed, I had to admit that much. Anyway, now that they are all gone, I'm going to show Justin just how happy I am that he's here – and unharmed at that. When I saw him and the fiddle fuck on that bed... I don't want to think about that now. Kathleen will make me face my fears early enough... Anyhow, I'm going to show him how much he means to me. And I really like his idea of a little bondage, too. But I think I'll leave that for later. For a certain, very special night.