Epilogue
Six months later …
January 2006
Justin checked the dining room table again. All of the party platters had been set out for their guests. There were thirty or so people invited.
He looked around the house again and still couldn't believe it. Living at the loft with Brian was nice, but the two decided that they needed more room and bought a five bedroom home not too far from Michael and Ben's place. Brian grumbled a little about becoming a 'Stepford fag', but changed his mind when he saw the hot tub and three car garage. It was a perfect place for them with enough room for Justin's huge drawing table, Brian's office, a master bedroom suite and two guest rooms.
Justin had completed his first year of art school and Moonrider comics had just recently hired him on to their staff. He had also enjoyed some success drawing some comic-like modern art pieces for local galleries that had been selling surprisingly well. He was looking forward to starting his second year of college. It was more success than he'd dreamed of.
Brian had been true to his promise of being his and his alone. Oh, there were bumps along the way, a few arguments, but nothing that they couldn't work out.
Guests for the housewarming began to arrive. All of their friends and family soon came in from the winter's chill and circulated around their home. Brian was ever the gracious host and seemed to be enjoying himself, but there was something about his behavior that night that Justin couldn't figure out. He looked a little nervous. Justin chalked it up to the conformity of domestic life being uncomfortable to him.
Brian went around and asked that everyone assemble in the living room. "Hello, may I have your attention? Everyone?" The crowd quieted. "Great. Well, Justin and I have a couple of things that we'd like to say." He smiled at Justin. "You first."
"Oh, OK. Um, well, thanks everyone for being here. Brian and I appreciate all of the gifts and you're sharing in our new home." He paused and reflected for a second. "You know, for the last few years I haven't felt like I had a home, my Mom and Dad in turmoil and then all of those months on the road." He looked apologetically at Jennifer. She smiled back and nodded. "I didn't feel like I was at home until I started spending more time with this guy here." He reached for Brian's hand and they smiled at each other. "The best times of my life have been with him."
Emmett and Ted said "Awww."
Justin grinned and continued. "Anyway, now that we have this great place and we've made it ours, I really feel, for the first time maybe ever, I am truly home. Thanks again, everyone. And thank you Brian for … everything." They kissed as the folks in the room applauded. Emmett wiped a tear from his eye.
Brian cleared his throat and turned to the gathering. "As Justin said, thanks for all of the housewarming gifts. It looks like a fucking wedding reception in here."
"So get married!" Michael said loud enough for everyone to hear. Many guests chuckled, knowing Brian's views on marriage.
Brian gave a smarmy smile. "No, Mikey. That's fine for you, but, Justin and I have discussed it." He looked at his partner. "Until it's legal in this state, no thanks. Maybe not even then." Justin gave him a one armed hug and gave a brief nod in agreement. "However, we are legal partners, with all that entails, and we co-signed the mortgage for this place." Brian reached for a box on the mantelpiece. "But there is one more thing that I'd like to have to show our promise to each other." He opened the box, revealing two rings.
Emmett gasped. Ted choked on his drink. Michael said, "Are those…?"
Brian gave a defensive look. "Once again, not wedding rings." He looked at Justin. "Let's call them promise rings. I had them made per my design. The Celtic knot represents me and it's tied to the moon, for you, Moonrider."
Justin's mouth opened in astonishment. "Brian, they're beautiful."
Brian began to put the ring on his finger. "Justin, let this ring symbolize my love for you and my promise that I'll do my damndest to be the best partner I can, protecting you and being with you always." He held his hand and smiled.
Justin marveled at the ring on his hand. As he looked up at Brian, he grinned. "You asshole."
"What?" Brian chuckled as he handed him the other ring.
"You had all of this time to prepare and I have to make something up on the spot." A number of people heard him and snickered.
"You can just put the ring on me and …"
"No." Justin tilted his head back, looked at everyone hanging on his words and laughed. He closed his eyes and then opened them to see Brian's hazel eyes stare back at him. He got serious. "Brian, as I said before, I truly feel at home here with you. Until I met you I didn't know true love. I was everywhere and nowhere. You helped me focus on what I wanted and encouraged me to follow my dreams." He began to slide the ring on Brian's finger. "I promise to be with you in good times and bad … to love you always."
They kissed and held each other tight. Everyone in the new home applauded and cheered. The guys pulled apart and smiled as they faced the crowd. Brian reached his hand up and snapped his fingers. "OK, boys."
Two very handsome waiters entered the room carrying trays of champagne. The waiters were dressed in black dress pants and vests. The vests didn't do much to cover their toned and tanned arms. The two looked like models for the cover of a fitness magazine.
One of the waiters went directly to Brian. "Your scotch, Mr. Kinney." He held a glass towards him.
"Thanks, Jeffrey."
He turned to Justin. "Champagne, Mr. Taylor?"
"Th-thanks, uh, Jeffrey." He took a glass as the waiter smiled and turned to the other guests. Justin gave Brian an incredulous smile. "No champagne for you?"
"Nah, it makes me sick. I've sworn off the stuff." He clinked their glasses together. "Jim Beam on the rocks for me."
Justin took a sip of his champagne as he watched the toned ass of Jeffrey walk around the room. "No Jeffrey for you?"
"He's something, isn't he?"
Justin's mouth curled into a smile. "He's fucking hot."
"No, Moonrider. I've sworn off of other men, remember?"
"Ah yes, the promise, with the rings to prove it." Justin looked again at the ring on his finger.
"I meant every word."
Justin's eyes sparkled brilliant blue as he replied, "Me, too."
