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 29
The house lights went down and the illuminated decorations around the club were turned on. Brian & Justin's invited guest would all receive lighted bracelets to wear when they arrived. The bracelets would allow them free drinks. People who purchased tickets got the food buffet free but it was a cash bar for them.
As they waited for the other people to arrive Brian & Justin each got a beer while Ted & Blake stuck with their normal club soda with lime. The four men sat at the bar talking and laughing. Justin teased Ted about his conservative clothing. He was wearing navy slacks with a silky white shirt. Blake, like Justin, used guy liner to highlight his blue eyes. He was wearing tan leather pants and royal blue silk shirt.
The next to arrive were Emmett & Rusty along with Michael & Ben. Ben had considered not coming tonight But Michael said it was a night to forget their issues and just have fun and Ben agreed with those sentiments.
It was obvious that Emmett had selected his and Rusty's outfits for the night. Emmett was wearing gold pants and a silver top with purple trim. Rusty has silver pants with a gold top that had purple trim. Justin told them they looked great but Brian just rolled his eyes.
Michael was wearing tight jeans and a "Happy New Year" Captain Astro T-shirt. Ben also had on jeans with a sleeveless black shirt. Gold band on his biceps highlighted his arm definition.
Now there were eight men laughing and talking. The DJ started the music and Justin & Blake were the first ones down on the dance floor. Emmett & Rusty followed them onto the floor.
Just as the dancing started the Washington Township contingent arrived. Justin interrupted his dance to greet them.
The three couples all agreed they needed to dress up for their night at a gay nightclub. Roxanne & Mary had, of course, already visited Babylon with Molly and Bill had spent the occasional night here with his brother.
Chuck & Nancy were first timers but were determined to enter into the spirit of the evening. Nancy & Alice had worked on her dress together. It was a spaghetti strap silver lame dress and she wore filmy shawl around her shoulders that was trimmed with sequins. Chuck went for a rhinestone cowboy look. Highly polished boots, jeans that were altered by his mother to be a tighter than normal fit and a black cowboy shirt bedazzled with silver & gold rhinestones.
Mary had on a white jumpsuit with a bright red belt and trim. Bill borrowed a pair of his brother's leather pants. The pants loosely laced up the sides they gave a little glimpse of the white jock strap he wore underneath them. His shirt was white satin with red trim.
The O'Briens were also determined to enter in the spirit of Liberty Avenue. Their faces, chest cleavage & arms were coated with gold glitter. Their heavily moussed hair was also dusted with gold glitter. Both wore gold satin stretch pants and white satin shirts that bared their midriffs and displayed their navels adorned gold crystal.
Brian and Ted came over to give Greg a hard time which led to everyone laughing and congratulating their straight friends for embracing the Babylon ambiance. Justin started to defend Greg until he realized Greg was actually enjoying the attention. He did admit that Roxanne has created their outfits and dared him to wear it.
Some ticket holders were starting to arrive along with Lindsay and Melanie. Lindsay wore blue chiffon with silver ribbons entwined in her elaborate hair do and chunky silver jewelry. She made ample use of makeup with lots of blue eyeshadow and bright red lipstick. Melanie wore a tailored gold pantsuit with a red halter top. Lindsay had a huge smile on her face but Melanie looked a bit more subdued.
Like Ben, Melanie considered staying at home. Lindsay seemed so excited about a night out that Mel didn't want to see her disappointed but she was determined to avoid Brian & Justin as much as possible.
Justin came over to tell Lindsay that she looked beautiful and asked her to dance. A delighted Lindsay followed him out on the dance floor. Blake laughed as he announced apprently that he lost his dance partner.
Ted came over to welcome Melanie and give her a kiss of the cheek. Ted, Blake & Mel all moved to one of the high topped table set up around the bar area. Blake got refills for himself and Ted and a glass of champagne for Melanie.
Mel downed half the glass with one swallow. Ted frowned.
"Everything okay Mel?"
Mel finished her champagne with a second swallow. "I'll be right back."
Melanie walked over to the bar to get a refill and came back to rejoin Ted & Blake.
"Fucking Brian and Justin expect to be able to control every aspect of our lives because they have provided us with some money."
Ted & Blake looked at each other unsure how to reply. Ted shrugged.
"What brought this on Mel?"
"They came to pick up the kids today in Justin's supposed Christmas present, the new SUV. I just mentioned that that it was a gift to Justin but Brian was driving it. He always wants to put on the big show to impress everyone.
Justin gets on his high horse and gives me a bunch of shit about criticizing Brian in front of Gus. Tells me they are going to call the mortgage loan due and stop paying JR tuition. I guess it made him feel like a big man. He's been around Brian so long he's starting to be just as big an asshole!"
Ted grimaced.
"That seems a little harsh Mel. Brian and Justin have provided a lot of assistance to you and Linds. Financial support, emotional support. Justin and Jennifer even went to the Petersons' house to pack up Lindsay's belongings. They have taken care of both kids when needed.
I know it's hard to always be on the receiving end but they have both been really good friends to you both."
Melanie sneered.
"Well I guess there is no doubt who pays your salary. I thought we were friends."
Ted showed his genuine hurt on his face and Blake's faced hardened as he turned to Melanie.
"Tell me Mel, who was it that sat in a hospital half the night with you when Lindsay had her breakdown? Where did you go to escape from Michael? You have no right to be a cunt to Teddy. He has been a good friend to you!
I know you find it hard to believe that you are ever wrong about anything but we have all noticed the hurt on Gus's face when you criticize his father in front of him. I've never heard Brian or Justin criticize you or Lindsay in front of Gus. God knows they would have plenty of ammunition this past year.
Maybe it is time for you to talk to someone about your issues. I know you have had a lot to handle, a lot of responsibility on your shoulders this last year but I also know without the help that Brian and Justin gave you it would have been much worse."
Mel didn't say anything, she was not used to Blake having much to say and he wasn't done yet.
"You seem to have difficulty seeing any viewpoint but your own. How dare you say something so hurtful to Ted! He has been a loyal friend to you and also managed to be a loyal friend to Brian. I won't stand by while you spew your venom at him.
Teddy and I both understand what it is like when you lose control of your life. I really do think you could benefit from some counseling so you can understand that it take a strong person to accept help and not resent the people helping you. As far as I can tell you have always been jealous of Brian and Brian has encouraged that jealousy. He, however, has the maturity to draw the line at involving Gus in your feud, a strong confident mother would do the same. Come on Teddy let's dance and enjoy ourselves. Mel seems to prefer her own company."
Blake took Ted's hand and went down on the dance floor. Mel stood at the table alone with her mouth hanging open. Lindsay came up the table flushed and smiling after dancing with Justin.
Mel looked over to see Brian and Justin surrounded by friends all laughing and having a good time. Brian leaned over to kiss Justin and the two of them moved out onto the dance floor. As usual they moved like one person, so in tune with each other and commanded the attention of everyone on the dance floor.
Molly and Mark walked into Babylon. Molly was wearing a silvery, sequin covered dress. It originally belonged to her mother. Molly had it altered to fit her and she loved the look and feel of the dress. It absolutely put her in a partying mood.
Mark had on a pair of dress pants but did unbend enough to wear a silver shirt that Molly bought him so that they coordinated. Cynthia and her man of several minutes, Kyle, entered the club right after Molly & Mark. Kyle & Cynthia have dated for several months which was longer than most of Cynthia's relationships.
Cynthia was wearing a slinky red silk dress and had her blonde hair piled on her head in an elegant hairdo. In her ears were her new ruby earring that she purchased with a part of her end of the year bonus. Kyle went retro with a "Saturday Night Fever" inspired white suit with a black T-shirt.
Molly spotted Brian & Justin on the dance floor and stopped to watch them for a few minutes. Cynthia came up behind her and put her hands on Molly's shoulders.
Molly turned with a smile which Cynthia returned.
"They are amazing to watch. They move like one person on the dance floor."
Molly chuckled.
"The only problem is that they know the attention they attract and get off on it."
Greg & Roxanne were on the dance floor but he spotted the arrival of Cynthia and gave her a quick wave. Cynthia burst out laughing.
"Oh my god! Greg looks like a solid gold dancer."
The foursome made their way to the bar. Bill and Mary were standing there talking to Bill's brother, Don, and some of his friends. Mary greeted Molly with a hug.
"Molly! I have been waiting for you. I need a dance partner."
Molly grabbed her hand and they headed out onto the dance floor. When she spotted them, Roxanne abandoned Greg to join Molly & Mary. Greg happily headed over to the bar. Nancy joined the ladies group which allowed Chuck to follow Greg to the bar area.
Everyone enjoyed drinking beer and watching the action on the dance floor. Check & Greg were pretty amazed by some of that action.
Once Jennifer & Viola had finished the little girls' manicure, Alice & Debbie decided it was time for dinner. The counter in the kitchen was loaded with tossed salad, sloppy Joe sandwiches, Lasagna, chicken parmigiana and homemade French fries.
Alice & Jennifer made sure the youngest boys & the girls got their plates filled and settled at the kitchen table. Jennifer assisted Kevin in making gluten free choices. The older boys loaded their plates and the adults made do with what was left. Jennifer decided that for New Years all the boys & men needed to have one fingernail painted. She chose dark purple glitter as the polish of choice for the male members of the group.
Jennifer went table to table letting the boys chose which nail to apply polish to. There was lots of laughter but very little resistance to Grandmom Jen. She was pleased to see that John & Peter were doing their best to make sure Joe felt comfortable & welcome.
The men voted to have both their thumbnails painted and Jennifer was happy to comply. Again there was much laughter and Debbie decided photos needed to be taken. The laughter level escalated along with the competition for the most outrageous photos.
Gus, Mark & Kevin & the girls screamed with laughter as the older boys and the men found new & different ways to show off their painted nails. Tucker, Charlie & Carl raised the stakes by requesting all their fingernails get polish. Viola got called in to assist Jennifer.
Debbie & Alice got dessert on the counter so when the photos were all finished, everyone dug into dessert.
When the kitchen cleanup was done, Viola played "Candyland" with the girls. Debbie joined the poker game while Alice & Jennifer went down to join the fun in the game room. Eventually Jennifer brought the smaller boys up to play fish while Alice defended her ping pong winning streak.
As the younger children's eyes started to droop Jennifer and Viola got them settled on the family room couches. They promised the kids they would wake them up in time to welcome the new year.
Viola said she would watch over the napping children so Jennifer went back down to the game room.
At Babylon Brian and Justin took a break from the dance floor and returned to the bar area. Emmett & Rusty were also taking a break after a marathon session on the dance floor. Greg & Cynthia were on the dance floor as was Bill with his brother and his group of friend.
Mark and Kyle both deserted by their dates were spending their time getting acquainted with Chuck Simpson. Ben spent his time on the catwalk watching the action below. Michael found some other comic book lovers to hang out with while keeping an eye on Ben.
Justin had been watching Ben for a while. He whispered in Brian's ear before grabbing Emmett's hand and pulling him towards the stairs to the catwalk. Ben did not look happy to see them as they walked over to him and took up positions on either side of him.
Justin looked Ben in the eye.
"Do you still love him?"
"I'm can't forgive what he did. His refusal to face facts, his taking money without asking me. I just can't accept his immaturity anymore."
Justin nodded.
"That isn't what I asked. Do you still love him?"
Ben looked away and was quiet for a few minutes.
"God help me but I do still love him. I just can't keep living like we have been. I want to be a husband not a parent."
Emmett spoke up.
"You do understand that you have enabled him to not grow up. I think we all have contributed a little to that but you have played a big part in it."
Ben was quiet again but did nod his head.
Justin spoke up again.
"Ben, are you really ready to end your relationship. You seem conflicted to me."
"Michael hasn't even tried. No job, no taking responsibility for the mistakes he's made. If I stay in the relationship it means I accept everything that Michael has done. I have to accept him as he is now. I don't want to do that!"
Emmett looked at Justin and shrugged. He felt like they had done their best and he understood Ben's feelings. Emmett was also glad Ben hadn't brought up Michael's fascination with Brian as an issue in his breakup.
Justin frowned and thought for a moment before speaking.
"I'm not sure I should tell you this or not. As far as the job situation there is a solution. Kinnetik has two openings for receptionists. Not the greatest job but it does have full benefits. Michael would report to Cynthia and she is a taskmaster. I think it might actually be a good thing for him."
Emmett and Ben looked equally surprised. Ben turned to Justin.
"Has Mike applied?"
Justin noticed Ben's use of "Mike", that was something only Ben called Michael. Justin took that as a positive that Ben used that name for the first time in this conversation.
"Michael doesn't know about the job. Your mother-in-law cried to Brian when we were at the diner this afternoon. We all know Brian does not deal well with tears. The positions are open, this isn't a job he created for Michael.
He told Cynthia that he wants Michael hired. To be honest, she is not thrilled by the idea. I really think that might be a good thing. She is going to make sure Michael understands he has to do the job, no special treatment because of knowing Brian."
Ben nodded and glanced down at Michael now standing alone near the bar. Brian, Ted, Blake, Rusty & Greg were standing together and talking, Michael stood on the fringe. He was listening but not really a part of the group.
Justin and Emmett could see Ben looking down at Michael and his face softened.
"Thanks guys! "You're right about me being at fault as well as Michael. We have some work we need to do together. I'm thinking we really need to look into marriage counseling so we can have a more equal relationship but I do love him.
Justin can I tell Mike about the job? It's a sure thing right?"
Justin smiled and assured Ben that as long as Michael wanted the job it was his. He stressed again that Michael would report to Cynthia and he could expect no special treatment.
The three men went down to the bar area. Michael looked over at Ben with a hopeful smile on his face. Ben went over and gave him a hug. He whispered in Michael's ear that they needed to talk.
Justin had a smile on his face as he walked over to Brian and told him he needed the key to the private office. Brian insisted on keeping an office for his use even though he seldom came to Babylon these days.
Justin took the key over to Ben and Michael and told them they could use the office to talk. Justin was shocked when Michael gave him a hug and thanked him.
Ben & Michael walked away hand in hand. Emmett & Rusty left for the dance floor. Brian looked at Justin with a smirk.
"Are you taking up couples counseling Sunshine?"
Justin smiled.
"It is self-preservation really. If Michael and Ben break up we both know Michael is going to consume more of our time. Even if it is just time spent trying to avoid him."
Brian chuckled.
"I'm never sure why people think you are the kind and caring one in this relationship."
"Oh Brian, it really makes me hot when you use the R word."
Brian smiled and suggested they return to the dance floor. Justin grabbed his hand and they made their way out onto the dance floor. Everyone from their group was out on the dance floor. Justin was surprised that Chuck had some pretty good moves on the dance floor.
The DJ started a slow number and Justin moved into Brian, putting his arms around his lover's waist. Brian's arms came around his back and Justin sighed with contentment as they swayed to the music. His face was turned sideways and rested on Brian's chest.
Justin could see their friends and family on the dance floor. Everyone looked so happy and he had to fight back the tears that threatened. He couldn't think of a better way to spend New Year's Eve. He caught Molly's eye and she and Mark danced by them and she smiled at her brother.
When the buffet was put out, Justin abandoned the dance floor to load his plate with food. The group of family & friends gathered together to eat and tease and laugh.
Michael & Ben finally returned from their discussion and they both looked happy. Brian was less than happy when Michael engulfed him in a hug, profusely thanking him for a job at Kinnetik. Brian quickly extricated himself.
"For fucks' sake Mikey. You might not be so grateful once you spend some time working with Cynthia. Just do a good job, that's all I want from you."
"But we'll be able to spend time together, we can lunch at the diner. It'll be great, kind of like when we were in school together."
Cynthia spoke up.
"Michael! The reception desk is nowhere near Brian's office. I wouldn't count on spending too much time together at Kinnetik. Your lunch time will be scheduled and since you will be low man on the totem pole, it will probably either be early or late. It is doubtful your lunch will coincide with when Brian normally goes to lunch."
Ted tried his best not to laugh out loud at the look on Michael's face. Blake poked him in the side & rolled his eyes. That didn't help and Ted disguised his laughter with some faux coughs. Blake played along by patting him on the back.
Michael turned to look at Brian, who shrugged. Justin took Brian's hand and gave it a squeeze.
"Mikey, I told you Cynthia is the boss. This is a job, not an opportunity to just goof around together."
Ben put his arm around Michael's shoulders.
"Mike, we talked about this. It's a great opportunity for you and part of the new beginning for us."
Michael was able to come up with a small, not very convincing, smile. He & Ben went over to load some plates from the buffet.
Cynthia looked over at Brian.
"You so owe me big time!"
Greg & Ted laughed the hardest at the grimace on Brian's face. Justin took pity on his lover and leaned over to give him a kiss.
Jennifer took a break from the chaos of the game room. She came upstairs with some empty snack bowls to refill. She smiled as she came into the family room. The three boys were curled up, sound asleep, like puppies on the floor with pillows, cushions and fleece throws.
The three girls were sleeping on a sofa together and Viola was napping in a chair with her feet up on an ottoman. Jennifer grabbed a throw from the pile Alice had assembled earlier and carefully draped one over Viola.
When Jennifer got downstairs with full bowls of snacks Alice was just winning another ping pong game, this time against Joe. Alice announced she needed a rest. Jennifer went over to a closet loaded with games & toys. She grabbed the "Twister" box and suggested that might be fun for the boys to play.
Josh & Peter said they preferred to play a game of pool but the other four boys were up for a game of Twister. Jennifer spun the wheel and called the moves. She and Alice laughed until tears ran down their faces. There was a lot of good natured pushing and shoving among the boys. Grandmom Jen made sure it stayed good natured.
The poker players made their way downstairs. Charlie & Carl started a ping pong game. Debbie tried out one of the pinball machines and Tucker came over to sit beside Jennifer. He draped his arm around her and pulled a smiling Jennifer close to his side.
Around 11:30 everyone went upstairs to wake up the nappers and prepare for the midnight celebration. Champagne & sparkling cider was opened and poured into glasses. Everyone put on a hat and grabbed noisemakers.
The TV was turned on and tuned to the program from Times Square. Everyone got very excited about the countdown to midnight. When the ball started its descent Alice & Charlie led the way out the front door. Everyone screamed "Happy New Year" and made ample use of their noisemakers.
Champagne & cider was consumed with good wishes for the new year. Tucker had some firecrackers which he set off and they could see fireworks in the sky from nearby houses. The chaperones all exchanged a kiss with their significant others before they trooped back into the house.
Charlie & Alice departed for the cottage with their grandchildren. Jennifer & Debbie took charge of getting the younger kids settled down for the night. Jennifer made sure Gus & Kevin brushed their teeth and changed into pajamas before tucking them into bed. She started to read them a story but after two pages she realized the boys were both sound asleep.
Debbie had a similar experience with JR & Nina. They were sharing the bed in the small guest room. The girls' eyes were drooping even as they changed into their pajamas. They were both mostly asleep by the time Debbie got them tucked into bed. She gave them each a kiss before turning on a night light and leaving the room.
Viola said good night before Charlie & Alice left. She got washed up in the downstairs bathroom before retiring to the sofa in the study.
When Jennifer & Debbie got back downstairs, Josh & Peter said they were going up to bed to read for a while before sleeping. Peter came over to give Grandmom Jen a kiss good night before they disappeared up the back stairs.
The three older boys went down to the game room with Tucker to gather empty bowls and trash while Jennifer & Debbie straightened the kitchen while sipping champagne. Carl said good night and gave Debbie a kiss before heading up to the big guest room.
The plan was for Joe to sleep on a cot in the room with Debbie & Carl. When the boys came back upstairs John announced that they decided Joe should sleep in his bedroom with him & Patrick. Debbie went upstairs to assist in moving the cot before Carl went to sleep.
Jennifer & Tucker settled on a couch in the family room with two glasses of champagne and enjoyed the quiet after a pretty rambunctious evening.
Debbie didn't say anything but she was delighted that Joe seemed to have made friends with John & Patrick. He has come here tonight under heavy protest but she could tell he had enjoyed the night.
While Joe got changed, John & Patrick came down to thanks Grandmom Jen and Tucker. Jennifer got a couple more good night kisses. When Debbie came downstairs the three adults sipped champagne and chatted before deciding it was time for them all to go to bed.
At Babylon once food & drink was consumed it was back to the dance floor. As the time moved toward midnight it was a signal for couples to dance together. Bill & Mary did join Bill's brother, Don, & his group of friends. Nancy laughingly thanked them when they officially voted her their fag hag for the night. They told Bill he was their token breeder.
Molly & Mark danced near Brian & Justin but they weren't sure the older men even noticed them since they were so caught up in each other. Cynthia & Kyle along with Greg & Roxanne made up a foursome and Blake & Ted stuck with Emmett & Rusty. Michael and Ben stayed on the fringes of the group, kind of a commentary on their current actual position within the group.
As midnight approached everyone made sure they had a drink for the midnight toast. The DJ stopped the music and led the countdown to midnight. A cheer went, everyone took a drink and a deluge of glitter & confetti rained down from the rafters.
Brian grabbed Justin in a tight hug and they kissed passionately. It had been an eventful year and they were looking forward to the new year and the arrival of their twins. All their friends gathered around to wish them a happy new year and thank them for the party.
The dancing & drinking continued until close to 2 AM when the limousines were ready to take most members of the group home. Ted & Blake dropped a very drunk Brian & Justin at the loft.
The loft held a lot of memories for them. They dropped their clothes across the loft floor on their way to the bedroom. A lot of sex had taken place in that bedroom and tonight was no exception. It was close to dawn when Brian and Justin finally went to sleep.
The next morning John, Patrick & Joe were the first ones down to the kitchen. They started to organize breakfast under John's guidance. Peter & Josh appeared a short time later and after them Gus & Kevin arrived in the kitchen.
Jennifer & Tucker were the first adults to come downstairs. Their plan was to get breakfast started but were surprised that the boys were already set to prepare breakfast. John was going to prepare scrambled eggs and Joe was planning to make cinnamon French toast. Joe and his mother had often prepared that French toast for breakfast.
Viola walked down from the study and was amazed by the beehive of activity going on at the opposite end of the house. Peter asked if she would like some coffee and when she said she preferred tea a kettle was immediately put on the stove.
Jennifer suggested that since hot water was being boiled that Gus & Kevin would probably enjoy some hot chocolate while they waited for breakfast. She walked upstairs to check on JR & Nina who were awake and playing Barbies on the floor of their bedroom. Jennifer got them to put on their robes & slippers and come down for breakfast.
Jennifer and the girls were just starting down the stairs when Debbie & Carl emerged from their room. Debbie offered to help with breakfast but was told it was under control. She & Carl joined the other adults at the kitchen table and were served coffee by Josh.
The four little kids sat at the breakfast bar drinking hot chocolate while breakfast was prepared. Peter delivered Viola's tea while Patrick loaded a tray of English muffins in one oven to toast. Peter has already loaded the other oven with baking sheets of bacon & sausages.
Patrick did coffee refills while Peter & Josh took orders for juice. Jennifer & Tucker had seen the boys prepare and serve breakfast before but the other adults were amazed by the efficiency of breakfast preparation. It didn't take long for everyone to be eating and enjoying breakfast. Patrick and John ate at the counter so they could keep an eye on the four youngest diners. Peter, Josh & Joe joined the adults at the kitchen table for breakfast.
When everyone was done eating Tucker announced that the adults would take care of cleanup. All four adults were lavish in their praise for the delicious breakfast. Joe's French toast was a big hit. He blushed when Debbie told him that his French toast was "fucking delicious".
Viola was not used to Debbie somewhat colorful language and was a little shocked. Everyone else just laughed. Gus explained to Kevin & Nina that it was OK for Grandmom Debbie to say those words but if any of them said words like that they would be punished for sure. JR backed up what her brother said.
After cleanup Viola, Debbie & Carl got dressed and packed up to leave. Jennifer help Nina & JR get dressed and packed. While she was doing that Molly & Mark came downstairs for breakfast. There was a fresh pot of coffee made and left over eggs & French toast were available for microwaving.
All the boys had retired to the game room. Gus was still fascinated with his train setup and Kevin was, as usual, happy to go along with whatever Gus wanted to do. Kevin loved staying at this house. There was always stuff to do and everything here was fun. To spend time with Grandmom Jen was really the icing on the cake!
When the Pittsburgh contingent was ready to leave, Carl came down to collect Joe. Joe had spent the best couple days since his mother's death. He was as reluctant to leave as he had been to come here in the first place.
At the loft Brian woke up and reluctantly opened his eyes to look at the clock beside the bed. It was a little before 9 AM. He got out of bed and walked naked to the kitchen to make some coffee. Justin groaned as the bed shifted when Brian stood up.
Brian drank his first mug of coffee standing in the kitchen. He poured a second mug for himself and one for Justin and walked back to the bedroom.
"Here's some coffee Justin. It's nine o'clock, time to rise and shine."
Justin's response was another groan.
He lifted the pillow off his face for a moment.
"I need some water before I drink that coffee."
Brian chuckled but went and got two bottles of water from the refrigerator. He lifted the pillow off Justin's head and threw it into the living room before laying the cold bottle of water on Justin's chest.
Justin sat up in bed and grabbed the bottle before it rolled onto the floor.
"That was fucking unnecessary!"
"Hey I got you your water. It is not my fault that you have forgotten how to have a good time."
Justin took a big swallow of water and glared at Brian.
"Sometimes you are annoying."
Brian's answer was to chuckle again as he sipped his own bottle of water. He felt like shit but he was not going to admit that to Justin.
Eventually a shower including a quick fuck got Justin fully awake and pretty much cleared away any remnant of Brian's hangover.
When they got home Jennifer & Tucker were relaxing in the family room. Tucker was grading some student essays and Jennifer was doing some needlepoint. Patrick, Kevin & Josh had been picked up. John & Peter were in the media room playing a video game.
Brian noticed Tucker's purple fingernails.
"Tucker that is an interesting new look for the new year. I'm sure those fingernails will be a huge hit at school."
Jennifer & Tucker laughed. Before Jennifer replied.
"I think it looks sexy."
Justin looked a little pale and headed to the kitchen to get another bottle of water.
