Chapter 25 - A New Home

Brian

When we finally get to the house – I think I'll need a while yet to call it our home – night has already fallen, and all around us houses are lit in that disgustingly cheerful way. I really hate Christmas. I just hope that Justin won't demand some unhealthy – and uncalled for – display of the Christmas spirit because I sure as hell won't spent hours on a ladder, only to fall off when attaching the last fucking light. I've no intention to spend the Holidays in a hospital. Been there, done that – and hated every minute of it. Well, except for the moments when Justin was blowing me or jerking me off. That had been kinda nice – as nice as things can ever get at a hospital.

Anyway, where was I? Ah yes. We had left the party right after I signed the contract, and I was really looking forward to trying out our new bed and the shower. But, of course, Justin had different plans. Or at least the Monster. So we stopped at the diner, which lead to a lengthy discussion of my making partner with Deb. And then Emmett and Mikey showed up, and that was that. "Oh baby! That is fantastic. I'm so proud of you!" Nope, Emmett wasn't talking to me, but Justin. Well, I would have been forced to kill him for calling me 'baby', so I guess that was alright. But the huge hug he gave Justin wasn't. I had to save my Sunshine. "Oh, lay off the caveman routine. Justin's like a brother to me..." Uh-huh. "My very handsome and sexy step-brother." I was close to strangling our resident queen at that point. Justin stopped me though, spoilsport that he is.

Emmett went on about how thrilled he was for me, and not only because I was finally using my upper brain as far as Justin was concerned. No, it was also great that I was a full partner now, and could I maybe put a campaign for his company together... Businessman Emmett Honeycutt – the mind reels. I don't quite know what made me agree, but I think it might have been a certain blond twink batting his lashes at me. I suspect he realised that he can get me to agree to almost anything when he does that. And isn't that pathetic? Emmett also said he'd be at the loft to help us as early as humanly possible tomorrow – meaning he might show up at noon – if we're lucky. I'm going to make a point of packing up my clothes first thing, so that they are already at the house when he arrives – or he's going to fawn over them all day, which would render him useless to us.

Deb promised to send some food over tomorrow, so it'll be pasta for lunch. She also gave us some lemon bars "for the road" and Justin was almost falling over himself with gratitude. I had to drag him out of the diner and push him into the jeep. It's already eight fucking p.m. when Justin unlocks the front door to reveal what he's been up to all day. Downstairs bathroom looks great, I've to give him that. Even though I was opposed to the terracotta-coloured tiles at first. He really has an eye for these things. Naturally, I'm not going to let him know that, but the Sunshine smile he gives me tells me that he saw through my "It's not bad..." Are we surprised? Nope, I guess we aren't. He had been on to me right from the start after all. Which was why post-bashing Justin and his deeds shocked me so much. I had depended on his empathy, and suddenly it had been torn from him. Suffice it to say that I never ever want to go back to those days. Not when what I have now is so much better than my wildest fantasies – even if it is a little scary. Um, make that a lot. But I'll survive – if I don't die of an overdose of mawkishness...

"So, show me, Taylor. Show me my baby." Justin rolls his eyes, but drags me upstairs nonetheless. First, I've to inspect the guest-bathroom, as he dubbed it. It's very much like the one downstairs, only this time he chose tiles in a light orange. "Since the room point to the east, the tiles will make it appear sunny even after the sun has rounded the house..." Now that is clever. But fuck! I want to see my shower – now! Our shower. "Um, Bri..." Uh-oh. It's never a good sign when he starts off like that. "Before we go over to the master bathroom, there's something I've to tell you." He sees my anxious expression and chuckles, "Don't worry. Your baby is just fine. It's just... You know how we wanted to put up the shower in the centre of the eastern wall?" I nod, and I'm really wondering what he did during those four days I didn't manage to come here. Work has been a bitch, which was kind of unusual for this time of the year... Oh no, you didn't, you little shit!

He must have asked Vance to heave upon me so he could have his way... Fuck you, Justin! "I moved it a little and got one of those corner bathtubs..." Shit! I can't even be mad at him for this since my cock apparently likes the idea very much. Which isn't exactly surprising... Cause there was that one time at Deb's... And I remember wishing for a larger tub so I could really show him all the perks of bathing. Shower sex is great, but bathtub sex can be stellar. Oh yes, my dick most definitely agrees with me and can't wait to try out his new playground. I must have schooled my features better than I thought cause my face doesn't seem to give my excitement away. Else Justin wouldn't mumble, "I'm sorry, Bri. I just thought it was a good idea... I'm sure we can get everything back to the initial plan..." He bites his lower lip and casts his eyes to the floor. It really amazes me how gullible he can be at times when he can read me like a fucking book usually.

I can only shake my head in wonder. "Taylor, Taylor... You truly are a piece of work, aren't you? Can't do anything the easy way, can you?" I think he picked that up from me. And that's totally fucked as it's not exactly a trait I'm too proud of. "Just show me already. I promise I won't rip your head off – I still have plans for it." I give him my tongue-in-cheek grin, and that does the trick. When we step into the master bedroom, I'm stunned into silence. It's still bare save for the bed and the wardrobes, but... Fuck, those red fields of his really enhance the effect of the room – and the bed. It's identical to the one at the loft save for the cream-coloured sheets and pillow covers. Here and there are a few red patterns, and I don't want to know how long it took him to find something that matches his colour scheme. It's a miracle he managed all this and the logo. "It's..." Amazing? Beautiful? Breathtaking? "...great." There goes my eloquence.

But it seems to be enough for Justin. Fuck! He contents himself with so little, far less than he deserves. And I'm the reason for it. Whenever he did something for me, he could consider himself lucky if I even noticed. He never got to hear a 'thank you' or something like that. He enriched my life – nope, I'm no longer afraid to say that – and that was how I thanked him for it. I think I'm forced to agree with Debbie – I am a fucking asshole. Well, no more misplaced modesty for you, Sunshine. You don't give yourself nearly enough credit. It's time to change that. "Justin? It's really great ... the entire house, I mean. I still remember how I put together the loft – and I have to concur with your mom on one thing. It was my fuck pad and everything in it had only one purpose. To impress everyone who entered. If memory serves, you were quite impressed yourself, weren't you?" He nods.

"I didn't want our house to be anything like that." I reach for his hands, and his eyes come up to meet mine. "I know that you were happy at the loft. But it never felt like home to you, did it? Because it was – for lack of a better word – cold. Artificial. Like I had been. You changed that..." Gods, it's happening again. I'm going lesbian on him, and there's nothing I can do to stop myself. Not that I would if I could. "I want a place that is us. I want a home with you. Somewhere where you're not reminded of my tricking every time you look around. Take the sofa... I know that you still see me with the zucchini man on it when you had a bad day. And even though my tricking days are over, you are still faced with my past each and every day." And that's not going to change because the loft will be his studio. Oh fuck! "Justin, if you want... We could sell it and you could start with a new..."

His left hand covers my mouth while he raises his right one so that I see the cowry-shell bracelet. "See this? This is all that matters. Whenever I'm reminded of our not so perfect past, I only have to look at it. And then I remember – then I know. We're not the same persons we were back then. And I trust you, Brian. I don't think I trusted you when I was living with you after the bashing. I mean, I trusted you, but I didn't believe that you could ever love me. I do now. So even if you hadn't come up with this idea – of buying a house and stuff – I would have been more than happy. True, the loft holds some unpleasant memories, but also some of the best of my life. It's where we made love for the first time..." I tell him that it wasn't love, and that I only gave him a rim job and fucked his brains out. But I don't really believe that myself. And neither does he. He just smiles and whispers, "It was love to me..."

And I catch myself returning his smile. Great, just great. Thank God he doesn't comment on it, but continues dragging me down memory lane. "The loft was my safe haven after the bashing, it was my home." I gaze at him doubtfully. "It was, Brian! It's also the place where we finally talked about the bashing and all the other things that had been left unspoken for far too long. It's where we forgave each other for our mistakes..." I want to tell him that he's the biggest drama queen I know, except for Emmett of course. But I can't. Because he is fucking right. "And most importantly, it's where we began our new life together – as equal partners..." Oh yes, there'll always be that. "So, if you ever suggest selling it again, I'll hit you. Because once in a while, I will need you to fuck me under those blue lights – for memory's sake."

Gods, he's such a romantic that my teeth start hurting. And had he said that he wants me to make love to him under the lights, I think I would have thrown up. Not because I don't do love, but because it would have been too much fucking loving in only a few minutes. It's time this conversation returned to the original subject. "Okay, no selling the loft. Got it. Anyway... I want this house to be as much yours as it is mine. And it is. It has this comfy feel to it, and even you have to admit that the loft never had that." He giggles and shakes his head. "Good to know that we agree on something here. I love what you did to fucking Britin in less than two weeks. I really do ... and if you tell anyone, I'm going to kill you." I smirk, and he gives me another Sunshine smile. "It's your home as much as mine. So if you want a bathtub, that's fine with me. As long as I can have my wicked way with you in it..."

"Why, Mr Kinney... You are not requesting sexual favours in return for more jobs, are you?" Well, of course I am, Mr Taylor. I thought you figured that out by now. "I'm going to have to think about it." I know he's trying to ease up on me since that little conversation we had just now... Well, he knows he's to take things slow with me since I'm still new to all of this. And while those three little words come pretty easy now, to actually talk about my feelings is still ... well, a bit of a challenge really. "Now come on, your baby is waiting..." And it's lovely – the shower that is. But somehow my eyes keep darting to the tub in the corner of the room. It's more like a little Jacuzzi, at least in size if not in accessory. I can't wait to try it out...

"You know, Justin... I think you are kind of dirty. And the shower, well, I think you need a bubble bath to get all the grime off your delicious body..." I wink, and he giggles, calling me a pervert. Yeah, well, he's right there. So what? But he promises me a special bath later on. He just wants to eat dinner before we do anything. "Where's your sense of adventure?" The grumbling of his stomach is all the answer I need. "Gods, where do you put all the food, huh?" He shrugs. "Well, get going. And show me those sketch-books of yours, okay?" Five minutes later, we are both in the kitchen – he's cutting a pineapple into small pieces while the chicken breast is slowly roasting. And I'm sitting on a stool, leafing through his sketches. Shit, I'm so domestic.

---

Justin

"Jesus fucking Christ!" I slump back against him, completely boneless after one of the most intense orgasms of my life. Okay, in a while. Yeah, right. Today. Most intense orgasm today. Though, this morning in the shower was quite nice as well... Um. He wraps his arms around me, bringing our lips together for a slow kiss. "I guess you agree with me that the tub was a good idea, yes?" He smirks, and suddenly yawns. I guess the day has finally caught up with him and he needs some shut eye before the moving marathon. "Come on, old man, take me to bed..." We get out of the tub and dry each other off. By the time we get back to the bedroom, we are aroused again, and he draws me onto him and into him, and if I never have to leave this bed again, it will be too soon.

I'm setting an unhurried pace, eliciting moans and soft sighs. And I'm reminded of the first time he let me top him, and this is so far from it. Back then, he was tired and probably not really willing to put up a fight. So he just let it happen. Oh yes, he enjoyed it. I know that. But... I think I finally understand why he turned away from me, lying down on his stomach. It's his eyes. I could have seen all of his emotions in them, and he wasn't ready for that. Now, however, things have changed, and as I'm gazing into those sparkling hazel pools I can see that he's no longer holding back. He lets go completely, trusting me not only with his body but also his heart. And he'd have a fit if he knew that I see through him. But it is the truth. His trust in me runs so deeply, just like his love...

"Justin..." We kiss again, and my thrusts gain momentum. He's close – I can feel that he's only barely holding on. He cups my face, and studies me intently. I'm feeling so exposed, so vulnerable under his gaze. But I'm not afraid. This is Brian, after all. And I'm safe with him. "I love you..." And then he comes with a groan, his head thrown back, and I have to lean in to lick his neck while spilling my seed inside his tight channel.

When the fucking alarm goes off, I'm hard put not to drown it in our new bathtub. Damn. It's only seven a.m. - Brian must have had an insane moment when setting it. We drag ourselves out of bed, and I'm starting the coffee machine while he gets the shower running and the heat adjusted. Half an hour later, we're sitting in the kitchen and make plans. For some reason, he wants to get our clothes first. Well, that's alright with me. I need to sort out all my college stuff anyway before we can take it over to the house. And then there's all the books, the computer, DVDs, CDs, etc. Shit, if we finish before the New Year, it'll be a miracle.

"So, do you want to go to the diner first? To get some proper breakfast?" I think that means I'm not getting my usual protein shake. Shame. I shrug, and nod. "Why don't you take the abomination then? I'll join you as soon as possible." Okay, he wants to get me out of his hair for some reason. Well, I've learned a long time ago that I'll never get him to tell me something he doesn't want to share. I'll just ask Mikey. And if he doesn't know, there's still Linz and Cynthia. Maybe I should call Cyn right away... Hmm.

About twenty minutes later, I'm sitting at the diner, enjoying pancakes and syrup, when Ted and Blake slip into the booth opposite of me. "So, did Brian survive the shock?" Shouldn't I be asking you, Ted? After all, dear old Teddy looked quite scared when I showed up yesterday. "It's really great for him, isn't it? And it was so funny how he scared the big boss. I think he was close to running out of the room, especially after that kiss Brian gave you..." Blake rolls his eyes, and I chuckle. Ted's right. Vance was positively terrified. Which was what Bri had intended, of course. Everything to distract everyone from his own feelings. And he was shocked, and stunned, and fucking surprised and happy. I could see it in his eyes.

"So, do you want us to ride with you to the loft, or should we take Ted's car?" Blake is really sweet. The way he tries to blend in and everything... He's changed – even more than Brian. There's nothing left of the former Crystal addict, and somehow, his times as a user made him stronger. Ted has told us about Blake's work in rehab, how he helped numerous people get over their addiction. I smile at him, and then tell them that they could come with me since the Sharan is by far the largest car we have at our disposal. "Okay, I'll just get my bag from the car then. We got something to drink, water and the like. Cause we didn't know how well-equipped your fridge is..." Why, thank you, Blake. We do have things besides Brian's guava juice. He kisses Ted, and just exits when Brian enters.

He walks up to our booth, and stares at the empty table. "Sunshine? Where the fuck is my breakfast, huh?" Um... "You didn't think that I can sustain myself on that sad excuse for coffee you've been brewing this morning, do you?" Well, if you put it that way... Hang on. Sad excuse? You asshole! "Now, don't get your undies in a twist... Kiki? Can I have some waffles, please? And coffee? Oh, and some orange juice as well..." It's amazing how charming he can be when he wants something. Complete with 'please' and 'thank you'. He reaches for my fork, and munches away on the piece of pancake I was just going to eat.

Ted snickers, and Brian gives him his death-glare. "Oh, you two are just too sweet for words." Uh-oh. I think there will be bloodshed, and soon. "I never thought I'd live to see the day that Brian Kinney settles down in his own house... But if someone could get him so far, it was you, Justin." Thank you. I'm kind of proud of it myself. And Brian... He continues to glare, but remains silent. I'm wondering if that's a good or a bad sign. Then Kiki places his food in front of him, and he's distracted. "And to think that Brian Kinney eats something like waffles..." Um, Ted? It's not very wise to go on teasing Brian like this...

"Well, Theodore... Unlike you I can afford greasy food. My partner," his arm comes around my shoulder in that possessive way of his, "my partner keeps me up all night at times, so I need all the energy I can get. I'm very sorry that Blake isn't as insatiable. But I'm not sharing." He sticks out his tongue, and I'm cracking up. "What the fuck is wrong with you, Taylor? Can't take a compliment like a man? I think I went for the wrong guy after all." He sighs dramatically. "I should have known." That earns him a slap to the back of his head. "Justin. I would appreciate it if you stopped your Debbie impersonation – now! I'm not Mikey, okay?"

Blake returns at that moment, and asks a chuckling Ted if we are always like this. "Oh, this is nothing. You should see them at our family dinner – and you will on Thursday – they are all over each other. There was this one time when Vic actually threatened to get his camera." Oh, so you want a show, do you? Well, be my guest. I lean in to kiss Bri like there was no tomorrow, slowly falling back in the booth, drawing him on top of me. "See, that's exactly what I mean. They are impossible. Always have been. Which was the first sign that Brian really cared about Justin..."

"I didn't just care about him, Theodore, I loved him. I thought you would understand distinctions like that." Brian smirks as he sits up again and returns to his waffles. And I... Well, I'm still surprised how seemingly easy it is for him now to tell everyone and their dog that he loves me. But I'm no longer expecting the world to end. I'm just happy. Bri elbows me, and I glare. "Pass me the syrup, would you?" I keep glowering while I hand him the bottle, rubbing my arm. "Oh, stop the queening, it's unbecoming. Besides, your arm isn't going to fall off. You have a lucky charm on it after all." He reaches for the cowry-shell bracelet and runs his fingers over it. Fuck, he can turn me to goo in the blink of an eye. How pathetic is that?

Blake's voice saves me from more silly musings. "Justin? Could you give me your keys? So I can put the bottles away?" I search my pockets for a second or two, then throw the car keys to him. "Thanks. I'll be right back." Brian mumbles something that sounds like "we can hardly wait", and I'm forced to slap him again. Linz is right – he is full of shit. Just like Mel is right when she calls him an asshole. What the fuck have I been thinking when falling for him, huh? But I guess it's just as well, because I wouldn't want to change anything. Well, safe for a few things...

It's ten o'clock when we finally get to the loft. We had to make a stop at the mall to get more boxes and such. I think Brian was ready to kill me when I told him to find more duct tape. Well, I wasn't going to let him choose my gift wrap. I'm not suicidal after all. Mikey and Ben are already waiting for us, and even Mel and Linz have made an appearance. Gus is colouring a new book Claire has given to him, but the moment he sees us, he jumps up and launches himself at his father. "Dada! We here to help you move!" He gives Brian a wet smooch, and then reaches for me, "Jussie! Missed you, Jussie. You never come play with me anymore."

Oh dear, how do you explain that you've been busy with work – and other things – to a two-year-old. "Well, a friend of your Dada asked me to draw him a special picture so he could surprise your Dada. And I had to make sure that your new room was everything you want it to be, didn't I?" Yup, one of the guestrooms is intended for Gus. I even asked him what colours he liked best, and tried to incorporate them as well as possible. "But I missed you, too, buddy." He hugs me tightly. "So, are you ready to help us? You can carry some of my sketches. Would you like that?" He nods vigorously, and smiles proudly.

I set him down while I hear Brian ask Linz to carefully fold his shirts... I can't believe he's making her pack his clothes. Well, two can play this game. I hand Mel a box and say, "Just throw everything in here. And don't worry if it's his or mine..." I'm dragged to the bathroom by the ear, and then Brian spins me around, glaring daggers at me. I bat my lashes, and his eyes soften. "Aww, I knew it. You can't resist me, Mr Kinney." He growls but still catches my lips in an almost tender kiss.

When he draws back, he smiles. "This is it, Justin. We are moving to our new home. Excited?" I nod and start to bounce. "Yeah, I can see you're as thrilled as my Sonny Boy." Suddenly, he embraces me, burying his head against my neck. "You are so great with him. And soon you'll be a father as well. This Christmas ... it's a new beginning for us, isn't it? A new house, a promotion, and soon a new family member. I ... I love you, Justin. And I'm proud of you." The mushiness can only last so long until... "Almost as proud as I am of myself..."