Holiday Happenings
This story is a sequel to "Sickness & Health, Good Times & Bad". You don't have to read that story first but this story will make more sense if you do.
Brian and Justin are established partners, sharing custody of Gus and raising Brian's nephews. This is how they I think they would celebrate fall & winter holidays.
I don't own the characters just the situations.
Chapter 10
Ben's morning started on a high note. He got a call from his medical insurance company to let him know they had all the information they needed to approve his HIV medication prescription refilled. His good mood ended right after his first class when he checked his cell phone and listened to a message from the manager at his credit union. The message was that the checks that had come in for payment exceeded the balance in his checking account.
Ben went to his office and called back immediately. He knew there was plenty of money in the checking account to cover the checks he had written. There had to be some kind of mistake. When the manager told Ben about Michael's withdrawal Ben had to sit down. One of the checks that was being presented for payment was the mortgage payment on their home. Ben couldn't understand Michael doing this without talking to him first. The manager told Ben that he had to make a deposit to cover the checks or the manager would be forced to return them as NSF.
Ben said the only thing he could think to do was to transfer some money from his retirement account. The manger reminded him that there would be a penalty for early withdrawal and whatever amount he withdrew would be taxable as new income.
Ben was aware of the penalty and tax consequences but he had no choice. He also had to be at the credit union to sign the withdrawal paperwork before noon. Ben had scheduled office hours so he posted a notice on his office door saying he had to take care of an urgent matter and rode his bike to the credit union office.
The manager told Ben that he had asked Michael if Ben knew he was withdrawing the money. He said that Michael told him he had the right to withdraw the money from the joint account and the manger had no right to question him. Ben just nodded and signed the required forms, anxious to get back to his office for at least part of his office hours.
During the rest of his day Ben worked hard at getting over his upset with Michael making the large cash withdrawal without even mentioning it to him. He had always blamed Debbie for never making Michael grow up. Now he was realizing he had contributed to this as well. He never expected Michael to equally contribute to the running of their household. It bothered Ben that they made no financial contribution to JR's upbringing and it bothered him even more that Michael felt no obligation to contribute.
Ben realized that things were going to have to change. Michael was going to have to accept adult responsibilities. Obviously if the comic book store couldn't even pay its own expenses there were going to have to be big changes. Michael was going to have to step up and be an equal partner or Ben didn't think they were going to be able to continue together.
A home healthcare assistant picked up Joan at the hospital and took her home. Joan thought the woman was too familiar acting. When the worker addressed her as Joan she was quickly corrected. Joan insisted upon being called Mrs Kinney.
When the walked in the house Joan was shocked to see that it had been cleaned. Joan hated that someone had come into her home when she was not there. Her privacy was being destroyed. Joan was sure Brian had arranged the cleaning and she was not happy.
The plan was for Joan to start Senior Daycare the next day so the worker stayed for the afternoon. She prepared lunch for Joan. Joan watched and criticized pretty much everything that the worked did. She made the woman so nervous she dropped a glass in the sink where it shattered. Joan immediately called the homecare service and told them she didn't want this woman to come back. That was good news for the worker.
The late afternoon worker was an older woman and more of a match for Joan. When Joan declared the supper too spicy she was told it was good for her. It was a no nonsense preparation for bed which was still embarrassing for Joan. Joan was also not pleased when cautioned to take it easy with the vodka while she was taking the pain medication. Joan protested that she didn't drink that much and was rewarded with an eye roll from the worker.
"Please Mrs Kinney, let's not play games! I have been in this business quite a while. There isn't much food stocked in your kitchen but there are two bottles of vodka. That gives me a good idea where your priorities are."
Joan just frowned in reply.
At Kinnetik Brian doubled checked all his travel arrangements for Chicago on Monday. He had to be back Tuesday evening so he could attend Eden's sonogram on Wednesday afternoon. He was certain Justin would kill him if he wasn't present for the sonogram. Plus if Brian was honest about it he would hate to miss seeing how much the babies has grown and possibly if they were expecting sons or daughters.
At home Justin was supervising the crating of his art work for the NYC art show the weekend after next. He and Brian were going to New York for the weekend. Jennifer and Tucker were coming to stay at the house and babysit John, Peter & Gus. Gus was offered the option of staying with his Moms but he wanted to come and spend the weekend with Grandmom Jen.
Justin sat with John & Peter while they ate supper and listened to the rundown of their day at school. Sometimes he felt like he needed to pinch himself. He found it a little surreal to be an acting parent to two teenage boys. They had been living together for almost 6 months and the routine had become so natural to all of them.
Justin knew they were lucky to have meshed so well. He supposed that John & Peter were so happy & grateful to have adults who were interested in them and looked out for them that they were really open to accepting Brian and Justin. He also knew his mother had played a huge role in helping the boys adjust to their new home.
He smiled as the two boys competed to tell him their stories. Alice & Charlie were sitting on kitchen stools and listening in and occasionally laughing at something that was said. Once they were finished eating John & Peter cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher. Charlie and Alice left for their cottage. John & Peter went up to their rooms to do their homework.
Justin called Daphne and caught up with what was happening in her life. He knew this was an open night on her schedule so they were able to spend over an hour laughing and talking. Once the call was over Justin called the local Chinese restaurant and ordered his and Brian's favorite entrees.
As Brian drove down the road toward home he saw a car turn into the driveway. He wondered for an instant who it could be and then it came to him, food delivery.
When Brian made the turn toward the garage entrance he saw the deliveryman at the front door. By the time Brian parked in the garage and came through the door to the kitchen Justin was waiting to welcome him home with a sunshine smile.
Brian grabbed his favorite blond in a hug and indulged in a long hard kiss with those inviting pink lips. When he pulled away Justin looked up at him with an even brighter smile. Justin slid his hand down the side of Brian's face.
Brian could feel the calluses on the fingers Justin used to hold his paint brushes and sketching pencils. Brian knew that he would recognize those calluses even blindfolded. Brian took Justin's hand in his.
"All your masterpieces get sent off to the Big Apple?"
"Yup. You need to go get changed before the food gets cold."
Brian gave Justin one more quick kiss before heading upstairs to change his clothes. Justin got out plates and chop sticks. He opened a couple beers and sat at the table waiting for Brian to return.
When Ben got home Michael was sitting in the dark living room with his head in his hands.
"Michael what is going on? Why did you take all that money out of our account and never say anything to me. Our mortgage check almost bounced. Luckily the manager called me. I had to take money out of my retirement account to cover your withdrawal."
"I had to take that money to pay the back rent on my store. The owner locked me out and was going to confiscate everything. Brian and my Mom refused to help me. I had no choice!"
Ben dropped into a chair.
"How much rent did you owe?"
"Almost six thousand. Business has been off. I was counting on Christmas business to make up the shortage. I couldn't let the landlord keep all my stuff."
Ben sat quietly for a few moments trying to wrap his head around Michael's story.
"Will you even make that much money at the store this month?"
Michael shrugged.
"I hope so."
"What are your normal profits for December?"
"I'm not sure."
Ben suddenly noticed the cardboard box on the coffee table.
"Michael what's in that box?"
"Oh that's just a couple things I bought on line the other day. It was a great deal. They're really going to appreciate in value quickly."
Ben tried to remain calm and failed. He leaped to his feet.
"You owe the landlord for your store thousands of dollars and you are still fucking buying this crap! What the fuck were you thinking? What is wrong with you! We are selling all the shit you have bought. Hopefully we can get close to the amount that you took out of the checking account."
The tears were flowing down Michael's face as he told Ben what had happened in his store earlier. He had checked with Carl who told him there was very little chance of recovering his stolen collectables. If he expected any sympathy from his husband he was disappointed.
"Okay this is over! I have always blamed Debbie for keeping you from growing up and acting like an adult. Now I realize I have been doing the same thing. I let you play with that store. I never expected any money from you but I believed you were covering your own expenses.
I make enough to support us and I just didn't expect you to contribute. That is done. We are selling everything in that store for whatever we can get. You are getting a job that pays a regular salary and you are going to turn over all the money you make to me.
If you don't get a job within a month our marriage is over. I can't be with someone I can't trust. It's time for you to step up and be an equal partner!"
Michael had no choice except to agree. He hoped that things would settle down and Ben would relax some of his demands.
Brian and Justin enjoyed their dinner together. Brian was always kind of fascinated by the fact that Justin could keep up a seemingly endless stream of chatter while consuming large amounts of food. Brian did contribute his plans for his presentation next week to the dinner conversation.
Brian wasn't surprised but was pleased when Justin said how much he would miss him when he went to Chicago for two days. Justin also said how much he was looking forward to spending time alone with Brian when they went to New York for his art show. Brian also got a condensed version of John & Peter's day at school.
Eventually John & Peter appeared back in the kitchen. Brian asked a couple questions about school to let them know that Justin had brought him up to date. The four of them went to the media room where Justin and the boy enjoyed some show while Brian complained about the sad state of current television programming.
The next morning Brian winced slightly as he extricated himself from Justin's embrace and got out of bed. That was the result of Justin taking charge of their lovemaking last night. Brian enjoyed bottoming but did so infrequently so there was always some soreness the next morning. He smiled in the shower as he remembered Justin taking care to loosen his ass before forcefully thrusting into him. It still surprised him to feel so special about the connection with Justin. It was so different, so much more satisfying for Brian than any past sex with other partners.
Brian was still smiling as he dressed and lifted the pillow off Justin's face to kiss him good bye. Brian took Justin's face in his hands and was rewarded by those beautiful blue eyes opening and Justin smiling back at him.
"Love you Sunshine. Later."
"Later."
Brian replaced the pillow over Justin's face and heard the blond chuckle.
A new home helper arrived at Joan's house on Friday morning. Joan was already downstairs and had poured herself a glass of orange juice with a couple shots of vodka. The helper made Joan a breakfast of bacon and eggs with toast & tea.
At the parish senior daycare Joan sat by herself and read her bible. She refused all offers of joining in any activity. The workers at the daycare had no idea about Brian' generous anonymous contribution but they did know they received a check for $1,000 for Joan to attend daycare for two weeks. When most attendees paid $10 a day Brian's check was the cause of much positive comment. Everyone tried to make Joan feel comfortable. Joan was determined to show how unhappy she was to be at daycare.
The afternoon homecare assistant picked up Joan from the parish hall and took her home. While the worker prepared chicken for dinner, Joan was surprised by a phone call from John. He told his grandmother that he, Peter and Justin wanted to bring her lunch on Sunday. She was glad to be able to skip daycare for at least one day. Joan would have liked to veto Justin coming but knew that meant John & Peter would not come.
Joan hated to admit it but she missed seeing her grandsons. They had been a big part of her life when they lived with Claire. She took them for granted but now that she saw them so infrequently she missed them. Joan also hated to admit to herself that she was often lonely.
Late Friday afternoon Justin was in the media room watching TV with Peter & John along with a couple overnight guests, Patrick & Kevin O'Brien. Greg and Roxanne were going to a dinner dance fundraiser for Downs Syndrome. Brian and Justin had, of course, made a financial contribution and also offered to keep the boys overnight.
The heard Gus calling that they were home when he & Brian arrived. Kevin was off like a shot calling Gus's name. It was a surprise for Gus to have his friend visiting. Both boys yelled in delight and hugged when they got together in the hallway. Kevin then turned his attention to Uncle Brian and gave his legs a hug.
Brian grabbed Kevin in his arms and spun him around which had Kevin shrieking and laughing.
"Well Master Kevin what are you doing here at my house?"
"You and Uncle Justin are babysitting me and Patrick. You know that!"
Justin and the other three boys came out of the media room to welcome Brian and Gus home. Gus was thrilled to know that Kevin was staying overnight. The boys immediately started to plan out what they would do. One important part of the plan was for Papa/Uncle Justin to make Mickey Mouse pancakes for breakfast tomorrow morning.
Justin had a huge smile on his face as the two little boys clung to his legs and begged for a special breakfast. When he agreed they jumped up and down in excitement as they expressed their thanks.
Alice had started dinner and John with the assistance of Patrick was in charge of putting the finishing touches on the meal. Peter was in charge of setting the table. Since this was kind of a special occasion Justin decided they should eat in the dining room.
Patrick had taken Justin aside and wondered about Kevin possible spilling or breaking something. He thought it might be better for dinner to be eaten in the kitchen. Justin assured him that he thought Kevin would do fine but if there was spillage or breakage it would be no big deal. He did have the boys put a plastic runner under the chairs where Gus & Kevin would sit to protect the oriental carpet.
Brian changed to his at home clothes and they all sat down to salad, roast chicken, sweet potato casserole, creamed corn and roasted cauliflower. Everyone complimented John & Patrick for their food handiwork. Brian assisted Gus in loading his plate and cutting his food and Justin did the same for Kevin. John, Patrick and Peter sat on the opposite side of the table.
There was a lot of laughter during the meal. It was still a rare treat for Kevin to spend time away from home. It made him feel grown up to be here without his parents. He loved spending time with Gus and Uncle Brian and Uncle Justin were always fun to be around. He and Gus were already planning to spend time in the studio with Uncle Justin tomorrow and hoped to do some finger painting. Uncle Justin was always so patient and Kevin loved to see his big smile and hear his praise for the artwork Kevin created.
For dessert Alice had prepared a flourless chocolate cake so there was no problem with Kevin having the same dessert as everyone else. After cleanup all five boys played fish at the kitchen table while Brian and Justin spent some time together in the study.
There was time to watch a video before Justin went to the game room with the older boys and Brian took Gus and Kevin upstairs for a both. They had a bubble bath loaded with toys in the hug tub in the Master Bathroom. Kevin was amazed that anyone had a bathtub so large. Brian was kept busy spreading bath towels on the floor to sop up the water and bubbles that got sloshed out of the tub by Gus and Kevin's activities. All three of them laughing the whole time.
Once the boys were dried and dressed in their PJ's Brian texted Justin to come and read a bedtime story. When Justin appeared Brian went down to the game room to be Peter's partner in the ping pong games. They had pulled the trundle out of Gus's bed and both boys had their favorite stuffed animal tucked under the covers with them.
Gus actually fell asleep first and Justin sat on the side of the trundle bed and gently stroked Kevin's hair until he also dropped off to sleep. He turned on the monitor so they could hear if either boy woke up and went back down to the game room with the monitor receiver. It was after midnight when the games concluded.
John & Patrick slept on the twin beds in Peter's room and Peter slept in John's room for the night. Peter felt obliged to complain about giving up his sky ceiling not that his brother really cared.
Brian and Justin knew they would have early morning visitors so put on T shirts and boxers after their late night shower. Right on schedule Gus knocked on the master bedroom door Saturday morning. Brian said to come in as Justin rolled away from his side and covered his head with a pillow.
Gus ran in the room followed by a somewhat reluctant Kevin. Gus turned to his friend.
"It's okay Kevin. I always come in and get in bed with Daddy and Papa. Come on."
Gus jumped into the bed and snuggled against his father. Kevin came over to Brian's the side of the bed. He was kind of amazed to see the usually well-groomed Uncle Brian with a serious case of bedhead. Brian smiled down at Kevin.
"Good morning. Did you have a good sleep?"
Kevin nodded.
"I woke up once and wondered where I was but then I saw Gus and I knew everything was okay."
Brian smiled.
"That's good. C'mon up."
Brian reached down and lifted Kevin into the bed and dropped him next to Gus. Kevin looked over at Uncle Justin who had a pillow over his head with a puzzled look on his face.
Gus chuckled.
"Papa is always a sleepyhead in the morning."
Gus raised the corner of the pillow and saw his Papa smiling at him. Justin threw off the pillow and sat up in bed.
"Well Little Man it is hard to be a sleepyhead when you are around!"
Justin grabbed Gus and gave him a kiss on the top of his head before starting to tickle him. Gus started to squirm and shrieked with laughter.
Brian gave Kevin a poke.
"You should help your buddy get away from that tickle monster."
Kevin crawled across the bed and tried to grab Justin's arm. Justin was too quick for him and grabbed Kevin with his free arm. Now there were two boys being tickled as they squirmed and laughed.
Gus appealed to his Daddy for help getting away from the tickle monster.
"Okay. I'll distract the monster and you guys get away."
Bran leaned over and gave Justin a kiss and the boys were able to get away. They climbed over Brian to make their escape. His reward for freeing them was some boney knee jabs to his chest, side and back.
Now that they were safely behind Brian, Gus whispered in Kevin's ear.
Kevin looked over at Justin.
"Uncle Justin is it time for pancakes?"
Justin looked over at Gus who was doing his best to look innocent.
"Gus how come Kevin had to ask about pancakes?"
"Well you always say we have to make guests feel welcome. I thought since Kevin is a guest he should ask about the pancakes because you would want to make him feel welcome. You might have told me to wait a while until you were more awake."
Justin laughed.
"Little Man you get more like your Daddy every day!"
Gus smiled because there was nothing he like better than being told he was like Daddy.
Kevin thought maybe Uncle Justin felt bad that Gus wasn't like him.
"Uncle Justin Gus is good at art things like you are. He's like you too."
Justin gave Kevin one of his sunshine smiles.
"Thanks! Since you are being so nice I guess it really is time for me to make pancakes. Let me just get washed real quick and put on some pants."
Gus and Kevin cheered and ran back to their bedroom to put on their bedroom slippers.
Down in the kitchen Justin took the gluten free pancake batter that Alice had made from the refrigerator. He also assembled the ingredients for regular pancakes. John, Peter and Patrick came downstairs as Justin mixed and Brian got the electric grill heated.
Gus and Kevin helped to set the table. As Kevin carried two glasses across the kitchen one slipped from his hand and smashed on the floor. Kevin quickly looked over to Justin and Brian his eyes filled with tears.
"I'm sorry! It was an accident."
Brian started over to pick up the glass but Justin grabbed his arm.
"Brian you are in your bare feet. Kevin I know it was an accident don't worry about it. Just move away so you don't get cut.
John get the broom and dustpan please. Peter get the swifter with a duster pad, after John gets the big pieces swept up, you swifter to get any smaller pieces."
Once Justin was satisfied all the glass has been cleaned up breakfast preparation continued. He handed Kevin a single glass and said maybe it was better to carry one glass at a time. Patrick tried being a big brother and said maybe Kevin should carry something not breakable.
That earned Patrick a dirty look from Uncle Justin.
"It will be fine as long as we do one glass at a time. You don't have to concern yourself."
Breakfast passed without any further incidents and all five boys carefully carried the dirty dishes from the table to the sink and John loaded the dishwasher while Patrick wiped off the grill.
Gus and Kevin came over and stood on either side of Justin's chair as he sipped his coffee. Gus put his hand on Justin's arm.
"Papa do you think that Kevin and I could do finger painting today?"
Justin nodded.
"That sounds like a good idea. You guys get dressed and we'll go to the studio."
Brian went along to help with any dressing issues.
Patrick came over to Justin.
"My Mom and Dad will pay for the glass Kevin broke."
Justin shook his head.
"A broken glass is no big deal. There really isn't any reason your parents even have to know it was broken. It was as much my fault as Kevin's. I should have just given him a single glass to carry. I don't want him to feel bad about dropping the glass."
It wasn't long before Gus and Kevin reappeared ready to finger paint. Brian went down to the game room with the three older boys.
Justin had surprise for Gus and Kevin. He had taken a photo that Tucker took of Gus & Kevin reading with Jennifer when they spent the weekend with them and had it blown up. Tucker made a wide wooden frame to hold the photo. The frame had room for Gus and Kevin to put their handprints and names beside the photo.
Justin suggested that would be a great Christmas present for Grandmom Jen. Gus and Kevin were very excited about the idea. Justin painted Gus's hand red and helped him place it firmly against the frame. Next he painted Kevin's hand green and again helped the boy place it firmly against the frame.
Justin printed Gus and Kevin's name above their handprints. Gus was able to paint the letters of his name in green with a small brush. Justin helped Kevin's paint his name in red. Justin painted a Christmas card with Gus and Kevin wearing Santa hats to accompany the frame. He got Gus and Kevin to sign their names inside the card.
Next Gus and Kevin put on some old shirts of Justin's with cut down sleeves to protect their clothes. Justin put two large pieces of art paper on his work table along with finger paints and the boys went to work.
While Gus and Kevin painted and laughed, Justin prepared a canvas to work on. Once the finger painting was done he suggested Gus and Kevin take turns reading to him while he started a new painting. Kevin wasn't sure he thought that was such a great idea but Gus was so positive Kevin decided it would be okay.
Gus picked a book from the studio shelf that he knew didn't have a lot of big words. He and Kevin did a great job at reading while Justin painted. Gus explained to Kevin that it helped Papa to paint when they read to him. Justin hid his smile and he wondered how much longer Gus was going to believe that was true.
Everyone got back together for lunch which was Alice's homemade vegetable soup. As they were finishing up lunch Greg arrived to pick up his sons. After the O'Briens left Brian announced he and Justin needed some alone time. They went up to their bedroom and John & Peter went to the media room.
They went out to dinner at an Italian restaurant they all liked. John & Peter asked Brian about his upcoming presentation. Brian was happy to answer their questions and talk about what he planned for this prospect. Justin listened to the conversation smiling as he enjoyed seeing the comfortable interaction between Brian and his nephews. He kept his hand in Brian's thigh under the table and his smile widened when Brian placed his own hand on top of Justin's.
When they got home they watched one of Brian's black & white movies.
On Sunday morning Justin got a big batch of mac and cheese ready to be baked. He also cut up some chicken breasts into bit sized pieces and breaded them so that they were ready for oven. He and Brian had breakfast alone since the nephews slept in.
Since it was sunny day, although cold, Brian and Justin decided to bundle up and take a walk around the property. They talked about the sonogram on Wednesday and how the babies would change their life. Brian was not really happy about Justin taking the boys to visit Joan but realized it was the right thing to do. Justin talked about his nervousness about next weekend's art show. He felt the NYC art critics were tough to impress. Brian told him that he was crazy to worry about what the critics would have to say. He was sure they would be blown away by Justin's art but even if they weren't everyone knew Justin was a genius.
When they came back in the house John and Peter were straightening up after their breakfast.