Brian and Justin embraced quickly. Brian's hand went into Justin's hair, pulling his head back to have better access to the blonde's mouth. Justin wove his arms around Brian, his fingers clutching at the soft material of Brian's dress shirt. The frustrations Brian had felt for the last few hours fueled the kiss, making it edgy and powerful. For that moment, neither of them noticed anyone else, nor did they care who was there, or who may be watching. They were together. Finally.
Pulling back from the kiss, Brian let his hand fall to the back of Justin's neck then brought his forehead rest on Justin's and took a deep breath. Also breathing hard, Justin continued to hold on to Brian but now he let his hands loosen on Brian's shirt. Pulling back further, Brian looked into Justin's face. Justin's eyes were closed and his relief was evident in his smile.
"You're late," Justin said opening his eyes to look at Brian. He smiled brighter as Brian tilted his head cockily and smirked at him.
"I'm here," said Brian, cupping Justin's face with his hand, his thumb grazing Justin's cheek.
"Well, it's about fuckin' time," huffed Debbie, her indignation covering up her relief that Brian had come to the opening, "what the hell is the matter with you being late to such a big night?"
Brian looked at Debbie, the woman who had been more of a mother to him than his own had been and gave her a classic Kinney look of annoyance. After the time he had getting here he'd be damned if he took shit from her or anyone else. From behind her, Brian could see Michael coming to his rescue.
"He's here now, and that's all that matters," said Justin warmly. He had total faith that Brian would arrive. He reached up and took hold of Brian's hand, squeezed and then let it go. Justin knew that Brian Kinney didn't hold hands.
"Justin's right. Lay off Ma," said Michael, putting his arm around Deb and squeezing, "always have to make an entrance don't you Brian?" Michael quipped, his eyes sparkling with humor and relief. He leaned over and kissed Brian lightly. Michael could tell that Brian was fairly radiating with tension, and it would be better for everyone to leave him and Justin alone. "Come on Ma. I want you to see the painting Justin did of you protesting."
Michael took Debbie's arm and started to pull her towards Ben and Hunter who were already looking at Debbie's portrait.
Still somewhat indignant, Debbie frowned. She wasn't going to let Brian get off the hook that easily, even if he had come in holding roses. The expensive flowers still lay on the floor where Brian had dropped them. Craning her neck around, she looked at Brian intensely, "Well are you at least going to give Sunshine his flowers?" she asked with exasperation.
"That was the plan," Brian muttered, and then turned back to pick up the slightly crushed roses. Walking back towards Justin, he held them up softly asking, "You want your flowers Sunshine?"
Justin bit his lip and then shook his head yes and murmured his thanks. He knew that for Brian to bring him roses, Brian was feeling fairly impulsive and possibly insecure. Justin smiled again and kissed Brian quickly, "they're beautiful Brian. I really love them."
As wonderful as having his own gallery opening was, it was now even more intensely wonderful because Brian was here to share it with him. He felt powerful and thrilled to have Brian there to share in his triumph. He only hoped that he could show Brian how much he still needed him in his life, that the words he told him six months ago were still true, that they didn't need rings or vows to prove that they loved each other. They had gotten past that.
"Come on," said Justin, "I want to show you everything and show you off to everyone."
Justin quickly led Brian away, introducing him to various important art critics and others in the local art scene. Brian played nice, and pretended that he didn't notice that everyone was watching them. He small talked, sipped wine, and tired to behave, which proved difficult, as being a snob was one thing, and he knew that he was, but being surrounded by them was another.
Justin then started showing him the paintings that he was most proud of. They were done mostly in oils and in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Over and over again, Justin had painted different series of images and concepts of the word Commitment. The ones that struck Brian the most were the images that Justin had painted of people that they knew. There were images of Debbie and Justin's mother, Jennifer, protesting, holding there own against anti-Gay protesters. The images of the women showed strength and resilience. These women were fighting for their children's rights, and they were not about to stop.
There were paintings of Michael, Ben, and Hunter standing together as a family, a stop Proposition 14 sign in their yard. Chillingly, Justin had painted an image of Michael wounded from the Babylon bombing and Ben sitting next to his hospital bed, his face ebbing with grief and worry. Other images of Michael showed him standing in front of a podium speaking out against violence and about Gay rights.
Then there were several of Emmett and Ted laughing and sharing coffee at the Liberty Diner. Their friendship clearly painted.
Lovingly, three of the paintings held images of Mel and Lindsay together. The first held just the women, arms wrapped around each other. Next, came a picture of the women with Gus holding their hands. Lastly, was an image of the family, now with Jenny Rebecca snuggled in Mel's arms.
At each image, Brian was struck by the sheer talent of his lover. The paintings had been done with care and precision, forcing the viewer to see the commitment of the individuals' lives. See the importance of their choices. Pride filled Brian's chest. Again and again, he was struck by awe. This was why it had been so important for Justin to come to New York. Justin's talents had to be shared with the world. Anything less would be unthinkable.
"What do you think?" Justin questioned cautiously while they stood in front of the last painting of Mel, Lindsay, Gus, and Jenny Rebecca. Brian intently looked how Justin had painted his son. Freckled and grinning up at the viewer. There was a hint of the good looking man that he would become.
He had asked Brian his opinions about his art before and had only gotten a pointed, "would you like it better if I liked it?" response. The statement had been made during one of their many break ups. Justin remembered saying that he would still like the painting even if Brian didn't, and had been rewarded with Brian's typical honest opinion.
"They're all beautiful Justin. I'm really amazed by you," Brian told him honestly.
Justin smiled warmly. Although he didn't need the compliment, it still pleased him greatly. The man he loved was proud of him. Amazed by him. Justin felt like he could take on the world.
"I want to show you the rest," Justin said. He leads Brian to the crowded room to where people were focused on what he felt was truly his best work. Large canvases held images of men dancing together at Babylon. Lights moved over their bodies, while slashes of confetti rained down on them. The images were dynamic, throbbing, inviting the viewer to join in the celebration of life and sex. In the forefront of the canvas, drawing the viewer's eye was the sight of two men interlocked, mouths fused and hands clutching. It was obvious after seeing the two men, who they were. Brian looked at the canvas and saw himself kissing Justin, surrounded by his loyal subjects, and it fueled him. Forgetting everyone around them Brian reached out and pulled Justin to him.