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 21
Justin and Gus walked into the kitchen with their purchases and took them up to the studio. Justin put some sheets of paper on the work table. He opened jars of red, green and gold paint and let Gus paint some custom wrapping paper. When it dried overnight Gus could use it to wrap his gifts for his cousins, Brian and Kevin.
Once Gus had finished decorating the paper he and Justin went back downstairs. They found the nephews watching a holiday show in the media room. They told Justin that Brian was in the study. Peter rolled his eyes behind Gus's back.
Gus settled on the couch with his cousins to watch the show while Justin walked down to the study. He gave a quick knock on the closed door and went inside. Brian had a fire going in the study fireplace and was sitting on the sofa staring at the flames. Justin noted that the glass Brian was holding still had some Beam in it which was a good sign.
Brian looked up and smiled when he saw Justin; who walked over and sat in Brian's lap resting his head on Brian's shoulder.
"Hey stud! How you doing?"
Brian started to raise the glass to his lips but Justin took the glass and drained it himself.
"Talk to me Brian. What's going on?"
Brian sighed.
"That was my first glass of Beam just in case you wondered."
Justin kissed Brian's neck, an area he knew to be a sensitive zone for his lover.
"I knew since there was liquid left in the glass that it wasn't a problem. I'm more concerned about you and what's going on in your mind. Keeping it all inside is not a good plan, please talk to me."
Brian let out a long sigh.
"Why does she still get to me? I hate her and everything she believes in but I still let her get to me."
Justin shifted so he could look Brian in the eyes.
"Brian everything in life tells us that mothers are supposed to love and protect their children. Books, movies, church, fuck even real life tells us how great mothers are supposed to be. Stepmothers are evil but mothers are great!
So from the time you were a little boy you kept expecting Joan Kinney to be what a mother is supposed to be. Unfortunately Joan is the exception to the rule that mothers love and protect their children. Maybe her life fucked her up so bad she can't be a good mother, maybe she has a mental illness maybe she is just a fucking evil bitch. None of what makes Joan such a shitty mother is your fault!
When everything tells you that mothers are good and your mother is fucked up you have to start to think it must be your fault. I know me saying it isn't your fault doesn't really help. You need to look around at your life and look at all the people who love you. I think you are the most amazing person in the world. Gus adores you. John and Peter love and respect you. My mother and Molly love you, at times I think even more than they love me. Debbie loves you like a son. You have lots of friends who truly care about you.
No one loves Joan Kinney, NO ONE! She is all alone in the world. She has no friends, no one who really cares about her. I know you can't just turn off your feeling for Joan but you have to concentrate on what you have and what she doesn't."
Justin moved in to kiss Brian who put his arms around Justin and held him close.
"What would I do without you Sunshine?"
"Lucky for you that is something you don't have to worry about. You are my life!"
Brian and Justin stayed entwined for several minutes without talking. Finally Justin pulled back.
"We have to think about what we are going to do about dinner. Let's go see what Alice has frozen."
Brian chuckled but released Justin so they could walk down to the kitchen at the other end of the house. As they passed the media room door they heard Gus and his cousins laughing at whatever they were watching on TV.
Justin squeezed Brian's hand and softly said.
"Three boys feeling happy and safe in your home! Joan never had that experience."
Brian didn't say anything but returned the hand squeeze. In the kitchen Justin put a tray of frozen beef stroganoff in the oven. Brian started to cut up some tomatoes and cucumbers for a salad and suggested to Justin that he stir fry some sugar snap peas when the main dish was ready to serve. Justin agreed as he opened a bottle of Chianti so it could breathe before dinner.
Brian covered the diced tomatoes and cucumber with plastic and put the bowl into the refrigerator before he and Justin headed down to the media room. As soon as Gus saw his Daddy he ran over so Brian could scoop him up for a hug and kiss. Brian and Justin settled on the large sectional to join in the TV viewing.
Gus stayed on Brian's lap and Justin molded himself against Brian's side. John and Peter smiled to see that all was just as it should be in the house. At dinner a smiling, happy Gus sat between his cousins. Conversation was mainly about "The Nutcracker" ballet which Jennifer had invited everyone to attend the next day. Justin had explained the story to Gus and was looking forward to attending. Gus was happy to be doing something with Grandmom Jen. The Kinney men had never attended a ballet and were not completely sold on the idea.
Justin did not want Gus's perception to become too negative so Brian received an occasional pinch in the side and both Peter & John got Justin's version of Jennifer's narrow eyed look when their comments got too negative. Most of this passed right over Gus's head. John & Peter did kitchen cleanup and as usual Gus was delighted to be a part of that process.
After dinner the cousins & Justin taught Gus a new card game, crazy Eights. Brian sipped wine and laughed at the card game but resisted all invitations to join in. Gus had a busy day so after a few games his eyes were starting to droop. Daddy announced it was time for bed. He told Gus he should take his bath in the morning so he was nice & clean for attending the ballet with Grandmom Jen.
Justin came up for the bedtime story but instead of reading a story he told Gus the story of the Nutcracker again. Gus asked some questions and Brian got in trouble with Justin for giving silly answers. Gus laughed when Papa told Daddy to go to their bedroom while he finished telling Gus the story. Daddy smiled as he gave Gus a kiss good night so Gus knew that Papa wasn't really mad at Daddy.
When Justin came into the bedroom Brian was reading in bed. He looked up and smiled at the stern look on Justin's face.
"Am I in trouble Papa? Are you going to punish me?"
Justin couldn't stop himself from laughing at Brian as he walked over to the bed. He leaned down and kissed Brian as Brian started to unbutton Justin's pants. As Brian took Justin's cock into his mouth Justin gasped and ran his fingers through Brian's hair.
"If you do a good job I may forgive your bad behavior."
Brian stopped for moment.
"Oh I intend to be very bad!"
Justin knew what Brian needed so Brian wound up on his back. His legs crossed behind Justin back as his Sunshine thrust into him again and again. After they had both cum, they cleaned up and put on boxers so they were prepared for Gus's morning visit. They lay together, Justin sprawled against Brian's side his arm over his stomach. Brian had his arm around Justin holding him tight.
They talked quietly about trivial things. Christmas gifts, the ballet trip the next afternoon, Gus's continuing fascinations with his cousins, existing without Alice & Charlie for a week; when Justin's replies became mostly grunts Brian tightened his hold.
"Sunshine you know how I feel right? You understand how important you are to me."
Justin put a finger over Brian's lips.
"I know! I keep telling you I'm not that insecure boy anymore. I know what we are to each other and I love you."
Justin kissed Brian's chest as Brian ran his fingers through the soft blond hair of his partner and they both drifted off to sleep.
Deb was on duty early Sunday morning when Joe walked into the diner. Debbie greeted him with a big smile.
"Hi Sweetie! You're up early today. What can I get you for breakfast?"
Joe sat at the counter. This whole situation was making him uncomfortable.
"Um, I'm not really sure what I'm allowed to order. I guess there is some sort of limit per day or per meal."
"Sweetie you can order whatever you want. How about bacon and eggs with hash browns?"
"Sure that sounds good. Can I have the eggs sunny side up?"
Debbie wrote the order on her pad before turning to Joe her big smile still in place.
"What kind of toast? You'll need that for dipping."
Joe couldn't help smiling back.
"I like wheat toast."
Debbie put in the order and came back to where Joe was sitting.
"I hear you've been doing some grocery deliveries. How's that working out for you?"
Joe shrugged.
"Well I'm getting to know the neighborhood. I don't have to look at my map every time now."
Debbie poured a cup of coffee and put it up on the counter. Joe shook his head so Debbie took it for herself.
"You could make more money bussing table here."
"The grocery store gig is all cash. No paperwork to fill out."
Debbie observed Joe over the rim of her cup.
"I think you need a friend and I just want you to know I'm here if you need to talk."
"I'm okay."
Debbie continued to just look into Joe's face.
"I've worked here for a long time and I've seen a lot of boys in bad situations. I know the signs. I see the multi-colored bruises that are mostly hidden. I know why people don't want to fill out paperwork.
Sweetie I can tell you are escaping from a bad situation. How old are you fifteen or sixteen?"
Joe looked away.
"Listen. If you are thinking about contacting some fucking social worker I can just move on now. I know all about people wanting to HELP so they can feel better about themselves."
Debbie walked over to the pick-up window to get Joe's order. She walked back and put the plate in front of him.
"Listen you little fucker. You know NOTHING about me. Don't you dare characterize me as some do-gooder who has no fucking idea about the shit life can throw at someone. You are too young and too fucking green to survive on your own. You are going to need help from someone but I guess you still need to figure that out for yourself."
Debbie walked away to take care of other customers. It was the morning rush and she got busy and for a while didn't look over at Joe. When she did she saw Nico, a small time pimp, sitting beside Joe and talking to him.
Debbie hurried over to the counter and stood hand on hips in front of Nico & Joe.
"Hey Nico. Leave this kid alone!"
"Cool your jets Deb. I'm just talking to Joe. I know he's new to the neighborhood so I wanted to buy him breakfast. Just trying to give him a nice welcome to Liberty Avenue."
Debbie snorted.
"Nico you are a fucking piece of shit. You have never done anything without a fucking purpose. I know very well what your interest in this kid is. Now I'm telling you again stay the fuck away from this kid!"
"Who I talk to and what I do is none of your fucking business. If you know what's good for you you'll just move along and take care of your customers. Joe and I are just having a nice conversation."
Debbie let out a hoot of laughter.
"I don't need a piece of shit like you telling me how to do my job. Joe is not interested in you pimping out his ass so just move along and there won't be any problems."
"Listen, I don't want to forget our years of friendship. You need to mind you own business old lady or you could be very sorry."
"Years of friendship! I have never been a friend of yours! What happens in this diner is MY business. How dare you threaten me. I am NOT afraid of you so save your bullshit threats for someone who doesn't know what a useless, little fuckhead you really are."
Nico stood up and leaned over the counter towards Debbie who stood her ground. Two bikers eating in a nearby booth stood up and came over to stand behind Nico.
"Hey Debbie, is this guy giving you any trouble? We'd be happy to take him out in the alley and teach him some manners."
Nico glanced over his shoulder and looked a little uncertain about the situation he found himself in.
Debbie shook he head.
"Thanks boys but I don't need any help handling Nico."
The bikers sat back down. Joe was looking between Debbie and Nico. He knew Nico was bad news but was amazed at Debbie taking on Nico.
Nico smiled at Debbie.
"We won't always be here in the diner Debbie. You need to watch your step. I don't appreciate people talking shit about me even if they are old ladies."
Debbie leaned down so she was right in Nico's face.
"Nico you have no idea what you are getting yourself into by threatening me!"
"I know your boyfriend is a cop. I don't care about that. I know how to cover my tracks. I'm telling you to mind your own business."
Debbie smiled again and talked softly to Nico.
"I wouldn't bother Carl with something as minor as your threats. You need to remember that I have rich, powerful friends. My friends know great private investigators. Those investigators would have no trouble finding out about all the fucking illegal shit you got going on.
After they gather information about all the fucking illegal shit you are involved in, my friends will give all that juicy information to their friends at the newspapers. Once there are a couple of fucking exposes about you in the press the big guys you report to will have no trouble eliminating an insignificant little piece of shit like you. You know what happened to that fucker Tino when he got himself into some trouble with my friends.
So what I am telling you, Nico, is stay away from Joe and don't give me any more fucking lip or you'll be sorry for the short duration of your fucked up life. Now get out of my diner and stay away for a while until I forget about what an annoying piece of shit that you are."
Nico stood up and handed Joe a business card.
"Give me a call kid if you are looking to make some money."
Nico sauntered out the door while Debbie grabbed the card from Joe and tore it up before throwing it in the trash. She gave Joe a serious look.
"I need to take care of some customers. You fucking sit right here until I get back!"
A startled Joe just nodded.
Debbie moved through the diner taking orders, delivery check and bantering with the patrons. Joe drank his orange juice and watched the "Debbie show" from his stool.
Eventually she came back to talk with Joe.
"Listen kid, you need to steer clear of Nico. If he starts harassing you, just let me know. He is only interested in making money by having you sell your ass."
Joe was a little shocked by Debbie's candor. She was unlike anyone he had ever met before.
"I know enough to avoid guys like Nico. Do you really have rich friends like you told Nico?"
Debbie chuckled.
"You met one of them the other day, Justin. He and his partner Brian are millionaires. Nico knows who I meant so I don't think he'll try anything with you but just watch out for him."
"If those guys are millionaires why are they eating at a greasy spoon place like this?"
Debbie swatted Joe on the shoulder.
"Listen you little fucker; don't be criticizing this diner. It's the fucking heart of Liberty Avenue! Brian and Justin didn't always have a lot of money. Justin is an artist and gets paid a lot of money for his pictures. They own Kinnetik a big ass advertising company here in Pittsburgh and they make a shitload of money there. Brian is a fucking advertising genius.
Brian went to school with my kid. His father was a drunken abuser and his mother is a cold hearted bitch. He spent a lot of time at my house when things got too bad at home. Justin's father is a homophobic asshole who told him he had to get out of the house if he was going to be gay. Like it's a fucking choice he made!
So Justin spent some time at my house until his mother divorced her asshole husband. He used to work here at the diner. So that is why they still eat here at this fine dining establishment. Plus my little grandson, their son Gus, likes to come here and see the sights. He calls it Grandmom Debbie's diner!"
Joe was kind of stunned by Debbie's story. He didn't understand how the little boy could be Debbie's grandson since she had no blood relationship with either of his fathers. He sensed instinctively that he probably should not question her statement.
"Do your friends make a habit out of paying for peoples' food and housing?"
Debbie smiled.
"They give a lot of money to charity. They are good boys! It was Gus who asked them to help you. He's is a very kind hearted little boy and he didn't want you to be hungry or not have some place to stay. Eventually you are going to have to trust someone. You can't expect them to pay for your room and board forever and you can't just keep running."
"I know I just can't keep on the move forever. I appreciate all the help you and your friends are giving me but I need to think about what I need to do. I'm not sure who I can really trust yet. I'm sorry."
Debbie nodded and gently put her hand on Joe's arm.
"A little healthy skepticism is a good thing. Please don't just leave without talking to me. I promise I'm not going to contact child welfare."
Joe nodded and left the diner. Debbie stood with a frown on her face and watched him walk down the street.
In Washington Township Gus paid his usual morning visit to his fathers' bedroom. He was happy to see them both in bed. Gus like things to be normal and expected. He ran over to the bed and burrowed between his Daddy & Papa.
Daddy told him good morning and gave him a hug & kiss. Gus lifted the pillow off his Papa's face and gave him a good morning kiss. As usual he giggled at the look on Papa's face before he pulled the pillow back over his face.
Gus snuggled next to his Daddy and they talked quietly until Justin woke up enough to throw the occasional comment their way. Once Justin woke up enough to throw off the pillow and sit up Gus started talking about breakfast. Gus casually suggested that Mickey Mouse pancakes might make a good breakfast which made the two men laugh.
Brian went into the bathroom first which gave Gus snuggle time with his Papa before he took care of his bathroom needs. Gus got sent to put on his slippers while Brian and Justin put on T shirts and they all went down to the kitchen.
Brian turned on an oven to pre-heat as he loaded a baking sheet with slices of bacon. Justin assembled the ingredients for pancakes. The coffee maker timer was set so coffee was ready and both men sipped their coffee during breakfast preparations.
Once Justin was ready to start making pancakes he sent Gus upstairs to wake up his cousins for breakfast. When the three boys came down to the kitchen breakfast was just about ready to eat. Justin and the three boys had pancakes but Brian stuck with his normal dry wheat toast and some fresh fruit.
After breakfast John & Peter were doing cleanup assisted by Gus. Justin was letting them know what they should wear to the ballet. Peter asked if Justin has ever seen the Nutcracker.
"We used to go every year at Christmas. We all loved the music, the dancing and the story. Mom's family used to go to see the Nutcracker every year so this is a long time family tradition. "
Brian smirked.
"The ballet every year. Mother Taylor was really making sure the whole gay thing stuck."
Justin turned to look at his partner with a serious look on his face. He spoke in a low voice.
"First that is an incredibly stupid thing to say. Second this afternoon is very important to my Mother and if you are going to be an ass about this please stay home. I do not want my Mother to be disappointed or upset!"
Brian didn't say anything but he knew he was in serious trouble. Worse than that he knew Justin was right.
Gus started to feel nervous. His Daddy & Papa never fought but this felt like how his Mommy & Mama acted before they started yelling at each other.
Peter & John exchanged an anxious look before Peter asked a question.
"Uncle Justin why did you stop going to see the Nutcracker?"
"After Mom divorced Craig she wanted to start new Christmas traditions that wouldn't make us think about Craig. Now with all of you joining the family Mom wanted to restart this tradition. It's important to her."
Gus felt relieved that there wouldn't be any yelling. John & Peter said they were looking forward to seeing the Nutcracker for the first time. John suggested he, Peter & Gus play some games of Crazy Eights until it was time to get dressed.
Brian walked down the hall to the study. Justin went over to the counter to pour another mug of coffee. Gus looked over at him with a smile.
"Want to play cards with us Papa?"
"No thanks Little Man. You and your cousins have fun. I just have to check on a couple things with your Daddy."
Justin walked into the study and shut the door behind him. Brian was sitting at the desk his laptop open in front of him. He looked over at Justin.
Justin stood by the door; he raised an eyebrow. "Brian…"
"You don't need to say anything. I know I was wrong to say what I did."
Justin shrugged and walked over to the desk. He bent down and gave Brian a kiss.
"You are just lucky you are so cute and that I love you so much."
Brian was genuinely unhappy with that description.
"Cute? You are saying I am cute!"
Justin chuckled.
"I think you are extremely cute especially when you are trying not to be. I just don't want John and Peter to think that if they enjoy a ballet that means they are gay. If anyone else had made that statement you would have been the first to call them on it."
Brian smirked.
"I think if we were both there I would have been the second person to take umbrage with that ill-advised comment. You can be quite the little spitfire Sunshine."
Justin maneuvered himself onto Brian's lap.
"It would be a good idea, Mr Kinney, to keep that fact in mind."
Brian's only reply was to give Justin a kiss. The two men spent some time making out but didn't really have the time for serious sex. Brian needed to get Gus bathed and dressed so they were ready to leave on time.
Justin walked back to the kitchen and interrupted the card game. He sent John and Peter upstairs to get ready and took Gus up to Brian who had Gus's bath run and his clothes laid out on the bed. Justin took his shower and dressed so he could take over Gus duty while Brian got ready to leave.
With plenty of time to spare the five of them headed to the city. They met Jennifer, Tucker, Molly & Mark in the lobby of the Benedum Center. Jennifer was the happy recipient of hugs and kisses from all her boys, including Brian who felt Justin's eyes burning into his back. Brian wanted to be sure his Sunshine could find no fault with his behavior. He had serious plans for Justin's ass when they got home tonight.
Jennifer had purchased tickets for center orchestra seats. Justin, Brian and the boys were in row 9. Jennifer, Tucker, Molly and Mark were right behind them in row 10. Gus sat between his fathers with John beside Brian and Peter beside Justin.
Gus was fascinated by what was happening on the stage and Peter was transfixed by the music and dancers. Justin divided his attention between watching the stage and keeping his eyes on Brian & John to be sure they behaved. Once John leaned in to say something to Brian who shook his head and pointed a finger in Justin's direction. John glanced over, saw Justin's face and got the message to sit back and enjoy the show.
Brian and Justin planned an after ballet dinner at Le Mont, their favorite restaurant on Mt Washington. Gus had been here once with his Daddy but didn't really remember it. Peter had been here for lunch after the Bloom Gallery deal was finalized. It was a first time visit for John & Mark who were duly impressed by the panoramic view of Pittsburgh's golden triangle below them.
Brian had a host menu so no one else knew the prices of the meals. Since everything was a la carte the final bill would run into the thousands of dollars. Jennifer and Tucker offered to split the tab but of course Justin refused to consider it.
Everyone, including Brian & John, told Jennifer how much they enjoyed the matinee and thanked her for arranging it. When Jennifer announced she planned to make it an annual event the smiles on Brian & John's faces dimmed just a little.
During dinner Gus sat between his Daddy & Papa. He really enjoyed the time he spent with his fathers especially because it always involved other people. There were his cousins, Grandmom Jen & Tucker and Aunt Molly tonight. Other times there was Alice & Charlie, Kevin along with his brother and parents. When he spent time with his mothers there were very few interactions with other people. He loved his mothers and sister and was really happy that his Mommy was back home but for fun times there was no competing with Daddy & Papa.
After they were finished dinner and just sitting and talking a smiling Gus reached up to hold hands with Daddy & Papa. Each man looked at him and returned the smile and gave a gentle squeeze to his hand. Grandmom Jen was watching him from across the table and also gave him a big smile. Gus wondered if life could ever be better than this time being surrounded by people he loved and who loved him.
This had been another busy day for Gus and after hugs and kisses good bye he felt kind of tired and yawned. Papa picked him up and Gus put his arms around his neck as Papa carried him out to the car. Cousin John strapped him into his booster seat and in minutes Gus was asleep.
The other four occupants of the car talked quietly about the ballet and dinner as they drove home. Gus didn't really wake up as he was unstrapped from the car and Daddy carried him up to his bedroom. Daddy changed him into his pajamas and gave him a good night kiss. A half asleep Gus snuggled down in his bed feeling happy, secure and loved as he drifted deeper into sleep.
In the Master Bedroom a naked Justin waited in bed for Brian. The room was only illuminated by the fire Justin had lit when he came into the room. Brian locked the door and quickly dropped his clothes as he walked to the bed. Justin was kneeling there with his arms open as Brian climbed on the bed. They kissed as their hands explored their lover's body.
They broke apart and Justin grabbed lube from his bedside table. He prepared himself for Brian who continued to kiss Justin body, paying lots of attention to Justin nipples. Justin groaned as his nipples hardened. Justin lay on his back and widely opened his legs. Brian moved into position and pushed his cock in Justin. Justin emitted something that was a mixture of a groan and a growl as he ran his hands up and down Brian's body. Now it was Justin's turn to play with Brian's nipples as their mouth met and their tongues battled for dominance.
Twenty minutes later they had both cum and fell apart sated and exhausted. Once his breath returned to a normal pattern Brian grabbed some wipes and cleaned Justin and himself. Justin snuggled against Brian's side. Brian had his arm around Justin as they continued to kiss, gently now.
Eventually Brian turned his body and started to kiss down Justin's body, delighting in the soft, pale skin. He took Justin's awakening cock in his mouth sucking and swirling his tongue over the most sensitive areas. Justin lubed his hand and reached for Brian's cock which was already hard. Justin stroked Brian's cock as his lover continued pay oral homage to his. It didn't take long for both men to orgasm again.
Brian kissed his partner allowing him to taste his own semen. After a few moments Justin grabbed a wipe to clean up Brian and his own hand. Brian got out of bed to gather his clothes and put them onto a chair. He checked to be sure the glass doors of the fireplace were completely closed and got boxers out of the bureau for him and Justin to put on before unlocking the bedroom door.
As soon as Brian got back in bed Justin slipped on his boxers and molded himself to Brian's side. Brian gently played with Justin's soft blonde hair and sighed with contentment.
"There's no one like you Sunshine. Each time we make love it just gets better and better."
Justin kissed Brian's shoulder.
"You make it better Brian. I'm the luckiest man in the world. No one has ever been loved like this."
Their mouths met to kiss some more before they both drifted off to sleep. Like Gus they both felt happy, secure and loved.