Chapter 28 - Christmas Day

Justin

"Please, Justin? Please?! Just a tiny hint? Please? Pretty please?" Fuck, I knew this would happen, I just knew it! Even though we had all agreed on doing the gift-giving tomorrow when all our friends and family would be gathered at Britin, Molly obviously has changed her mind. Like I knew she would. Ever since we got to the condo, she's been all over me, trying to get me to tell her what she would be getting from Santa. Yeah, as if I'm going to tell her that Brian has gone crazy and arranged riding lessons for her. Even though I told him that this obsession with horses is just a phase. At least I hope it is. Mom won't be able to afford a horse, and I sure as hell won't let Brian buy her one. Cause the moment the Mollusc realises that she can get practically everything from her brother-in-law... Let's just say she would whine and nag until she got everything her greedy little heart desires. Yeah, and Mom would have our heads. So that's not going to happen.

Molly starts again, and I'm about to get really pissed here when Mom interrupts. "Molly, stop it. You can wait until tomorrow, I'm sure you can. Besides, Christmas isn't all about getting presents..." Um, is she aware that she's talking to an eleven-year-old? Molly wouldn't understand the Christian background if we took her back in time to that crib in Bethlehem. I think she'll turn out like Brian as far as those things are concerned. According to him the only believable representation of the life of Jesus is that funny little movie by Monty Python. Which could also have something to do with the fact that the major character shares Brian's name. Anyway, Molly isn't going to get it if you spell it out for her, so Mom might as well save her breath, cause it's never going to work. And true enough, my darling sister starts whining yet again. "Molly! Stop it right now! Or do you want to spend the rest of the day in your room?" Uh-oh. Mom is really angry now. I think the Mollusc realised as much since she's shutting up. Finally.

Brian is sneaking up to me, wrapping his arms around my waist while resting his chin on my shoulder. "You know, Sunshine, had I known how entertaining dinner at my in-laws could be, I would have accompanied you last year." I think this is his way of saying, "I'm sorry I was such an ass last year. Please forgive me. It won't happen again." Well, lucky for both of us that I retrieved my edition of The Brian Kinney Manual and Dictionary. I know that I'm right when he kisses my cheek and whispers, "I love you, Justin." Shit. I don't think I'll ever get used to hearing these words. I've waited for so long, hoping against hope, and when I finally realised that he doesn't have to say them, he surprised me by doing just that. Okay, that first time had been ... well ... the situation was rather unpleasant. But it turned out to be one of the most liberating experiences of his life. The need to let me know how he felt had been greater than his fear of his own emotions, and once he opened his heart to me, he realised that it was safe. That I wouldn't go and use it against him.

And ever since that night of the shooting... Let's just say he turned into the Brian I always saw beneath all his masks. The person I fell in love with when I saw him with his son. Actually, he didn't turn into anything. All he did was lower those fucking walls he had erected around himself and allow the people he loves to really get to know him. I think that was a first, even for Mikey and Linz. Sometimes, it's still hard to believe how far he's come. How far we have come. And save for all the shit with Ethan, and my little trip into insanity – or rather jealousy – things have been improving rather nicely. Of course, Brian is still himself, and acts rather irrational at times – as could be seen during his queen-out over his fucking clothes. But generally speaking, we are now where I always wanted us to be. Where we almost were just before the bashing. Only it's a hundred times better. And not only because we have our own house now, and are monogamous, no. He finally let go of certain things and got the help he needed. Thank God for Kathy and Eamon.

But the thing that is most surprising, especially for me, is how Brian and Mom have gotten closer. It started right after my return to sanity. So I'm guessing that it had to do with what Debbie told Mom. Oh yes, dearest Deb was never able to keep her big mouth shut, which is why we all love her. Anyway, I think back then was the first time Mom ever said that she was happy for us. Us! As in Brian and me. Sure, she had gotten over her hatred for the man who'd stolen my innocence a long time before my Prom – probably at the same moment she finally came to accept me for who I am. But she always held on to that belief that Brian wasn't the right man for me. That he was too old, that I should find friends my own age. Fuck, that reminds me of that party of Daphne's. That was so screwed. In can't even say at which moment I felt the worst – when I kissed that boy, or when I turned Brian on him. Actually, I think it was when Brian realised that I had kissed someone other than him. He tried to hide it, but I could see his pain in his eyes.

After the Rage party – or rather, the evening following it – Mom seemed to accept Brian's place in my life. She asked me once if I was sure I was doing the right thing, and when I nodded in affirmation, she hugged me and wished us luck. She and Brian have been building a relationship ever since. I think Debbie revealed certain parts of Brian's past to Mom – I'm not sure if he would be too thrilled about that – and she seemed to be set on becoming yet another surrogate mother for him. Fancy that. From child molester to son-in-law in less than two years. She even helped him find Britin, and I'm still not sure if I should forgive her for not telling me about it. After all, I'm her fucking son, aren't I? Anyway, Mom and Brian – yes, that is really the most obvious sign of change. And this newly found acceptance of Melanie. I never thought I'd live to see that day they start acting like the adults they are – most of the time. And Brian accompanying Mel to her lesson... I have to give it to Linz. She knows how to achieve her goals.

"Sunshine? Hello? Anyone home?" Brian is knocking on my forehead, and I realise that I must have been lost in thought while my non-husband was telling me something. I smile at him, and he just rolls his eyes. "You know, if this absentmindedness has anything to do with certain activities, you aren't getting any from this day onward. Which might be a good idea, anyway, because – as I was saying yesterday – you and Mikey come up with the strangest things after ... you know..." Oh, so Brian thinks we only started Rage because of the E we'd been taking that night at Babylon. Well, if that is the case, he's got another one coming. Cause Mikey and I can be childish whenever and wherever we want to be. Though right now I'm not sure I ever want to see Mikey again. Shit. If he mentions 'waving' or 'nighty night' tomorrow, I'm done for. But only after killing both him and Brian. Mikey because he witnessed my ... well ... silly spell, and Brian because he gave me the fucking joint.

I smile wistfully before turning in Brian's arms to indicate that I'm still with him. Or again. Whatever. "Anyway, I was saying that I think we should treat your mother and Molly. I mean, I would be all for only treating your mother, but you know ... Molly might take offence. Jennifer has been so great about the house and everything, I think they deserve some time away from the Pitts..." What the fuck is he trying to say? "Do you think they would like to go skiing? In Vermont?" Um. Well ... I'm not sure. "Please say they would like it, Jus. I already made the necessary arrangements." Fuck, he's spoiling Molly rotten. Mom will have kittens over it. Then again...

"We used to go to Vermont or the Rocky Mountains every winter, so... I'm sure they'd love it. But Brian... Do you really think this is such a good idea? The riding lessons and this trip? Not to mention the books and CDs..." But Brian just stares. Yeah, I'd known that he would do that. While we were shopping he already explained it all to me. "They are our family, so I'm allowed to share with them, aren't I?" And that was it. No room for discussion. And to think that two years ago he was close to losing his fucking job – and his money. "Alright, alright. Have it your way. You'll do it anyway." He smirks and gives me his trademark tongue-in-cheek grin. Oh shit. I'm reacting like I always do, and this is neither the time nor the place for it. And worst of all, he knows exactly what up. Pun intended.

"Why, Sunshine. You look flustered. Maybe I should ask your mother for something cool for you to drink. We wouldn't want you to get seriously sick, it being Christmas and all..." I so hate him! And perversely that's also one of the reasons why I love him so much. Fuck it all. 'Think, Taylor. Think of the Munchers and their make-up sex. Think of anything that will make your hard-on go away.' Oh, that's easy. I only have to remind myself of yesterday evening and ... voila. "Oh, but you seem to have gotten things under control yourself. How sad. I thought you might show me where the bathroom is..." You'd love that, wouldn't you? But I think Mom wouldn't be too thrilled about it...

"Brian? I can show you where the bathroom is..." Uh-oh. Molly is batting her lashes at my partner, and I get the impression that she has a crush on him. Fuck. Brian plays along, though, and I can hear Molly chat away about school and the camp – as if we don't know all those stories by heart already – and Christmas and stuff. And Brian doesn't freak. He doesn't try to run and hide. He just listens and nods, even asks a few questions. But I know that he must be relieved when they finally reach the bathroom and he can get rid of his newest admirer.

"He's changed so much." Um, yes he has, Mom. "When I first met him, he wasn't too thrilled to have you around. And now... He really loves you. Has loved you for some time... It just wasn't something I was prepared to see. That he could want to be with you – for yourself. Not just as a ... you know..." Boy toy? I think I was never a plaything for Brian, not even during that first night. "And he makes you happy. After the bashing... You were so angry, and I thought... But it was he who helped you through it all. I just didn't want to acknowledge it. And then ... I could feel how you were becoming restless, and I believed that he was to blame..." Well, in a way he was. We both were. "But now... I'm so happy for you, Justin. And so very proud." She's hugging me, and gives me a huge smile. "And I have to admit that I'm also proud of Brian. Not because he made full partner, no. But because he came to me about the new house. As if I was one of the family..." I tell her that both she and Molly are. And she blushes and almost flees to the kitchen. Women!

---

Brian

Justin is giving me that look that says, "I know you're up to something, and I will do everything in my power to figure out what the fuck it is." Well, hate to disappoint you, Sunshine, but this time, you won't figure it out. There's only one other person who knows, and she's already proven to be a brilliant ally. I'm smiling to myself as I remember the little talk I had with Jennifer while Molly was showing Justin some new additions to her room. I think Jen was quite surprised – at first. But then she just nodded and said that it was a fantastic idea. Well, of course it is. It's my idea after all. We still have four months to get everything straightened out, but Jennifer said that it was high time we started planning. I can't wait to see Justin's face. It will be worth the wait though...

"Spill it, Kinney. I know you've something up your sleeve..." I don't know what you're talking about, Taylor. I really don't. "Will you cut it out. Don't give me that look. I've known you for too long to fall for that bullshit." And yet, you haven't learnt one of the most important lessons. If I don't want to tell you something, I won't. And just like I managed to keep the house a secret... Well, he's in for a long wait indeed. "Fine, you don't want to tell me? Okay. I don't want to know, anyway." Sure... "Actually... I really don't want to know. Because I kinda like your surprises. Paris, New York, the house..." He grins at me just as I stop the jeep in front of the house. Nope, I'm not calling it by that ridiculous name he coined. I'm not that far gone...

"So tell me, Sunshine. When are Vic and Debbie due tomorrow?" He's got to be kidding! At nine? As in nine a.m.? "Are you completely out of your mind? How could you agree to that? Ever heard of sleeping in while you can? It's Christmas for fuck's sake..." He just shrugs and tells me that a turkey needs time in the oven and I shouldn't be such a baby about it. I beg your pardon! "That's it! When the fucking alarm goes off at eight, you'll be the one to get up. I'm going to roll over and get some more shut-eye. Understood? Good!" I storm off and into the house. So I'm having another little queen-out. So what? We are talking about the Holidays here! And I had plans for us. Damn it.

"Um, Bri?" Piss off, Sunshine. I'm not in the mood. Yeah, right. "I was thinking..." You better stop doing that, Justin, or else you might grow yourself a brain. "You know, we have this fantastic fireplace now, and we haven't properly christened it yet..." So you want to fuck in the fireplace? I'm afraid you'll have to find someone else for that little adventure. "We could start a fire and... Well, start one of our own in front of it..." He's biting his lower lip, and shit, he really knows me too well. Doesn't mean that he'll get to know what I'm up to, though... I catch his lips in a searing kiss before breaking away just as suddenly.

"Is that a bribe for that stupid nine o'clock idea?" He shrugs. "Well, alright then... I'll be in the living room..." He's chuckling while I waltz over to the fireplace, using a lighter to set the dry wood on fire. I hear him close the front door and set the alarm – he's learnt from his past mistakes. When he joins me, he's already in the middle of getting rid of his clothes, and I'm doing my best to catch up with him. Once he's stark naked, he pulls the rug closer to the fire and throws me a few of the pillows from the sofa. Then he bends down to his discarded cargo pants to retrieve a small tube of lube. I taught him well. He's never leaving the house unprepared nowadays. "Hmm, you do know that this is such a fucking cliché. Sex in front of the fireplace... It's..."

He smirks, "I know... It's ridiculously romantic. Don't worry. You've done it before. And you survived." He drops to his knees, drawing me down with him. "I don't think I have thanked you for your gifts yet... Let me remedy that." Well, who am I to deny him? I'm being pushed onto my back, and feel his luscious lips all over my neck, chest and stomach. He's kissing a trail down my throat, dipping his tongue into the small hollow before tracing my collarbone. His delicious mouth reaches my nipples, licking and nipping them before blowing cold air on them. I shudder, my already leaking cock hardening to an almost painful point. The little shit must notice it as well, but does he act upon it? No. Wouldn't do to make me too comfortable. He continues his slow journey, making an extended stop at my belly button. He's circling the small indentation with his tongue before plunging into it – again and again. I swear my eyes are rolling back into my head, and I'm forcing myself to keep my hands on the rug. I don't think he'd react very well to coercion at this point.

Finally he reaches his goal – my goal – whatever. But instead of taking pity on me, he ignores my dick and begins to place little kisses on the soft skin of my inner thighs. This is fucking torture. What was I thinking when I taught him all of this? I guess I just never thought he'd still be here now to turn tables on me. Well shit! Suddenly his lips are gone, and I crack my eyes open to see what he's up to now. He's watching me, a small smile gracing his beautiful face – and where the hell did that come from? I know what he's waiting for. But I'll never beg. Never! Damn! "Justin... Please..." There. I did it. And I didn't die because of it. I just hope it was enough for my Sunshine... He's propping himself up on his elbows, poised over my cock, smirking. Alright, you asked for it. "If you don't blow me right now, you won't get any for at least a week." It's an empty threat, and he knows it. But for some reason he's still lowering his head, and I'm engulfed in his heat...

I didn't even realise that he still had the lube in his hands. But I do notice the fingers probing at my hole. What the fuck does he think he's doing. He already fucked me this morning, and I'm not bottoming twice in a row. Unless I broke his poor backside with a preceding fuck-fest. Oh yes, and shower sex doesn't count... I'm about to tell him to get this idea out of that blond head of his when he... Oh sweet Jesus! I'm on sensory overload here. His mouth wrapped around my dick, his fingers massaging my prostate... I want, no, need more. "Jus... Inside me... Now!" He pulls away and grins. Don't rub it in. Don't you dare to, Sunshine. But he's smart enough to drop it. Instead he coats himself generously, and soon – but not soon enough for my tastes – he's pushing into me and all I can do is hang on. He truly learnt from the master. Lucky for him that I am said master.

He's fisting my cock, timing his strokes with his thrusts, and I'm arching off the rug, cause this is just too much. Too much pleasure and too much ... well, what was that? Love is something that straight people tell themselves they're in so they can get laid. I think I just turned straight. Or maybe not, cause I still prefer Justin's cock were it is, thank you very much. But shit, has it ever been just a physical thing between Justin and me? Especially as far as him topping me is concerned? Fuck. It's no wonder that I've been hiding from emotions whenever I could. They make you think, even when your in the middle of a mind-blowing fuck. My dick doesn't seem to mind, though. Which is good. I wouldn't want to alert Justin to my little brooding session. Where was I anyway? Ah yes... It's too much... But when I catch his sparkling blue eyes I know that it can never be too much, because it'll never be enough. Oh shit. I'm such a fucking dyke. Not even Linz is this bad. Or so I think. If both of the Munchers were like this, they wouldn't manage to get anything done in bed. Oh no, that's not a thought I want to dwell upon now – or ever.

We both were close when this frantic coupling – did I just call our little romp coupling? What the fuck is wrong with me? Anyway, we were close when he split me open with his gorgeous dick, but somehow we managed to calm down a bit. The rapid thrusts have turned to languid strokes, and not even I could refer to this as fucking anymore. Well, the old Brian wouldn't have done anything like this, so... Until a certain blond twink showed up, that is. Fuck, this is getting old. But somehow I'm not growing tired of it. Somehow this thought fills me with pride for Justin. He succeeded where even Hercules would have failed. And I don't think I'll ever understand how he did it. He always said he was onto me. But why? What was so special about him? Scratch that question. It's redundant. If I believed in any of the shit dear old Zen-Ben preaches, I'd say that we were probably destined to be together. As it is, I'll just say that I was damn lucky and leave it at that.

"Bri?" He's smiling his Sunshine smile for me, and the light of the fire is bested by the glow that's radiating off him. "Love you..." That's it, I think. The big secret. He fell in love with me before he got to know me. And somehow, instead of blinding him to the truth, his love enabled him to see right through me. Damn it! If I'm getting any more mushy, he'll be able to wipe me up with a wet cloth. And I might blab... He leans forward to twine our tongues together, which saves me from disclosing certain things. I always knew Justin would be there to help me out. Even though he just helped me to keep something from him. And while our lips are still locked in a seemingly endless kiss – who needs air anyway – his thrusts are speeding up again. By the time he draws away because, sadly, we're still human and have to breathe at times, we are both mere moments from climaxing. "Oh, Bri... I'm..." Coming? Yeah, I noticed. Only I don't manage to make any smart remark like this one. I'm too busy coating his hand with my come.

We need a little while to come down from the heights, and unlike last night they aren't drug-induced. When I'm finally able to form a coherent sentence again – somehow coherent thoughts are one thing, actual words quite another – I'm whispering, "You're amazing..." He is startled. Well, I'm not quite finished yet, Sunshine. So hear me out. "Actually, I'd even say that you're almost as good as your teacher. Almost." He slaps me, and when exactly have I signed up for an abusive relationship? Huh? "Now, if you don't mind, we should grab a shower ... or maybe even a bath." I wiggle my eyebrows at him, and he just shakes his head, calling me single-minded and insatiable. "Um, and your point is?"

He snickers and climbs off me. "Why don't you already head upstairs and get the shower – or tub – ready for us? I'm going to take care of the fire and ... well ... this mess we created here." The floor is scattered with our clothes, and the pillows have to be put were they belong. Cause I don't want Deb to get here first thing in the morning and see... She'd walk around with that look upon her face all day. And then everyone would ask her what was up... I can just see where this would be going. So no, thank you. I'm forced to endure a Family Christmas in my new house, which is already bad. I don't need to add to the sappiness. Because Debbie would think this whole sex in front of the fireplace thing so fucking romantic... Which it was, maybe... But I don't need people telling me that.

I'm putting everything back in order, picking up our clothes as I go. I'm checking the alarm system because I simply can't help myself. And as I make my way upstairs, secretly wondering why the Monster hasn't demanded more food, I'm thinking of tomorrow. I'm really trying not to be scared shitless, okay? But it'll be all of them, the whole family. Including members of my real family. I'm just glad that I won't have to do it all alone. I have my partner at my side, and shit, here I go again. I'm going to be so grateful when this whole Holiday bullshit is over and I'm back to normal. Because all this mawkishness is driving me fucking nuts!