"Must we really tell everyone in person? All we really need to do is tell Loud-Mouth McGee and all of greater Pittsburgh will know within the hour." Brian groaned as he begrudgingly followed Justin, Daphne, and Suvi up the porch steps towards Debbie's shockingly red door. Why did it look a brighter shade every time he saw it?
"We all agreed that this was the best way. " Justin shook his head as he laced his fingers with Brian's.
"Correction: we didn't all agree…you caught me during a moment of weakness," Brian smirked in remembrance; whispering in the blonde's ear, "when you know I can't say no to you."
Justin smiled. He had accomplished many arduous tasks by implementing that very tactic.
"Regardless, we are already here, so no turning back." Justin knocked on the door before Brian could reply…or run. Justin smiled devilishly back at the brunette. Brian reached down and picked up Suvi, placing her on his hip. "What are you doing?" Justin laughed.
"Insurance." Brian nodded affirmatively. "Debbie won't smack or hug too hard if I am holding the child."
Justin rolled his eyes. Daphne, who had been looking around aimlessly as they waited, turned towards the men. "I'm so hungry!" She exclaimed with wide eyes.
Brian let out a deep laugh. "Your appetite rivals his now." he pointed to Justin, who replied only by sticking his tongue out in retaliation.
Moments later the door flung open. "Well, I'll be damned!" Debbie yelled as she enveloped Justin and then Daphne as she stepped aside so they could enter the house. "Sunshine, why didn't you tell me you guys were coming?"
"We wanted to surprise you." Justin smiled brightly.
Brian squeezed in beside the red head, just barely escaping her vice grip as she huffed in resignation.
"I hope I have enough food for everyone." Debbie worried as the group looked to the table. Emmett, Drew, Ted, Blake, Michael, Ben, and Hunter were all working to clean their plates as an entirely untouched pan of lasagna cooled in the middle of the table.
Brian smirked. "I don't think there will be any shortage of food. Though, between these two, you just never know." Brian motioned towards Justin and Daphne who had already pulled up chairs and were greedily digging in to the saucy creation. "Where's Horvath?
Debbie returned to her chair with an annoyed look on her face. "Got called in because some rookie got shot on his first day."
"What happened? Some cops never have to use their guns their entire career. Must have been something big going down?" Ted asked.
Debbie rolled her eyes. "The little shit shot his own foot because he got spooked when a car backfired during a routine traffic stop."
Everyone laughed.
Brian looked to Suvi who sat quietly perched on his hip, watching the adults excitedly. "Shall we?" He asked as he motioned to the group. Shaking her head impatiently, the small girl wiggled until Brian set her down and she took off towards the group.
"Emmy!" She squealed, launching herself on to Emmett lap before he had a chance to process what was going on.
Brian took the seat that Michael vacated when he started collecting dishes to wash, as he watched in horror as Justin and Daphne practically inhaled their food. Debbie prepared a smaller plate for Suvi and handed it to Emmett; Drew dug around in the utensil drawer before producing the small fork and spoon he had been searching for. "For you, my dear!"
"Thanks, Drewboy." Suvi smiled sweetly.
Drew winked causing the girl to giggle before turning her attention to her food.
Emmett leaned over to kiss his boyfriend appreciatively. "Why does she call you that? Don't get me wrong, it's cute as all get out; it's just…different."
Drew shrugged. "No clue. Maybe because my last name is Boyd?"
Speaking around his mouth full of food, Justin ventured in. "She also hears Brian call Gus, Sonnyboy. Maybe she thinks it's an actual name thing?"
"Remember when she used to call him 'Giant' for a while?" Ted asked as the group laughed loudly.
"I got her that book, My Friendly Giant, for Christmas a couple years back." Michael jumped in, glancing over to Drew. "I guess she thought you fit the bill."
Hunter spoke up. "Remember when we were all at that conference when Drew announced he was retiring last year? That reporter pissed you off and Suvi got upset because she thought they were being mean to you. She could barely form coherent sentences and yet she was yelling at the guy for hurting your feelings."
Drew ruffled Suvi's curls. "You've got my back, don't you, pal?" He asked; Suvi nodded her head as she shoveled more food in to her mouth.
Justin and Daphne went in for seconds as Debbie eyed the two in wonder. "What's with the urgent urgency? That food isn't going anywhere."
Brian grinned. "She's eating for two. I still don't know what the fuck his excuse has been all these years."
Debbie threw a roll at the brunette. "Language!"
Everyone stilled as they took in Brian's words; all eyes traveling to the pair who sat shoveling the food blissfully in to their mouths. Brian rolled his eyes as he waited for the onslaught.
3…2…1…
"What did you just say?" Debbie shouted as she pushed her chair away from the table.
Everyone's attention turned to Brian who flitted his hand towards Justin and Daphne. "Ask them."
Justin tried to swallow the food as he wiped at his mouth. Glaring over to his husband, he tried to explain. "That's not exactly how we had planned to tell you guys, but yes, Daph's pregnant."
Debbie and Emmett shrieked as everyone else offered congratulations and celebratory hugs.
"How long have you known?" Debbie admonished with a smack to the back of Brian's head.
"I knew I should have kept the kid with me." Brian grumbled.
"We took the initial test a little over a week ago, but got the confirmation test at the clinic a couple days later." Justin said as Daph nodded her head in agreement; one more fork full reaching her mouth before she sighed happily and pushed the plate away.
"So how far along are you?" Blake asked.
"Almost a month." Daphne smiled.
"Our first ultrasound is in a few days." Justin said.
"I'll never forget Mel's first ultrasound." Michael replied wistfully. "You'll get to hear the heartbeat."
"Or heartbeats." Justin's eyes lit up.
Brian closed his eyes, sighing. "The first ultrasound needs to be done at the clinic in Allentown on Saturday, so we'll have to make the trip back out. Deb can you watch Suvi? It will likely take all day to get there and back."
"No fair, Deb got her last time." Emmett interjected. "We are long overdue for some shopping, aren't we missy?"
Suvi's eyes lit up. If there was one thing she loved more than anything else, it was shopping and playing dress up.
As much as she hated it, Debbie relented. "Actually, I am working a double for Kiki on Saturday."
Daphne smiled at her daughter as she sat happily in Emmett's lap, playing with the rings on his fingers. "You sure you don't mind, Em?"
"Are you kidding, me and my little fashion maven will have a blast." Emmett exclaimed as he and the child clapped their hands enthusiastically.
"Well you just make sure you guys stop in for lunch, or else." Debbie warned, determined to get her fill of the all-too lovable child somehow.
"It's a date." Emmett declared with a nod of his head.
Debbie's eyes grew large as she made her way across the kitchen. "Speaking of Kiki, wait till I tell her about this."
As the redhead reached the phone, Brian leaned across the table to get his husband's attention. Satisfied with himself, he grinned widely as he pointed to Deb. "What did I tell you?"
[o][o][o][o][o]
"You know, after all the hit and miss attempts over the years to get away on vacation, you would think we would just damn well give up." Brian stated as he poured a shot of Beam in to one of the glasses on the liquor cabinet.
"We never did make it to Vermont…well, besides the wedding. I think you still owe me that week of snowboarding and fucking you promised me." Justin remarked, a playful grin encompassing his entire face.
"Or Ibiza." Brian pointed out.
"We never got a honeymoon either."
"Well, that's what happens when you elope with a day's notice over the weekend."
Justin nodded in concession.
Brian ambled towards the couch in his office, his eyes dark. "If I remember correctly, however, we spent that entire weekend in bed anyways."
Justin shrugged his shoulders when the brunette sat down. "I wanted to get away so bad, all those years ago, because I thought that was the only way I could get your undivided attention."
"And now?" Brian raised his eyebrow slightly.
"After ten years, that weekend I spent alone in Vermont is looking better and better." Justin bit his lip trying to suppress his smile.
Brian shoved the blonde away from him with a huff. "You little shit."
Scooting back towards his husband, Brian leaned away and Justin seized the opportunity to place a soft kiss on his neck. "You know you love me."
"You're fucking lucky I do." Brian tried his best to remain stern in his disposition.
Eventually giving in, the two settled in to a comfortable silence as they waited for their expected company to arrive.
"You sure you're ok with this?" Brian asked as he maneuvered his arm behind the blonde's head.
"I wouldn't have signed the papers if I wasn't." Justin smiled softly, leaning his head back on Brian's arm to take in his husband's calm exterior. Brian rested his free hand on Justin's thigh, pulling the blonde closer to capture his lips with his own. With everything going on lately, the two had found little time alone; a problem that Brian hoped to rectify sooner rather than later. Before they could get too involved, however, their visitors began to arrive.
The glass door to his office swung open as Daphne walked in; concern etched all over her face. "I dropped Suvi off with Em and Drew, what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." Brian stated simply.
Daphne looked around exasperated. "You told me to drop Suvi off with Em and get down to the office right away. I thought something was wrong, you don't normally send such cryptic messages."
"Sorry for Brian's rather uncouth manners at times." Justin apologized. "Nothing is wrong, Daph. There are just some things we need to talk to you about and thought it might be easier if Suvi wasn't within earshot."
Ted and Cynthia entered the room after a brief knock on the door, followed closely by Ben. "Look who we found out in the hall." Ted motioned to Ben.
"Everyone is here." Brian stated as he stood up from his spot on the couch and walked over to his desk. Grabbing a folder, he motioned for Daphne to take his spot beside Justin and waited for the others to take their seats. Brian remained standing. "Let's get started."
Daphne turned to Justin. "What's going on?"
"I've got to say, I'm surprised to be here myself. At least, at the request that I specifically not bring Michael with me." Ben spoke up.
Justin laid a reassuring hand on Daphne's arm as he watched Brian. Emotions were checked at the door; he was in total business mode. "I've asked you all here because Justin and I have updated out Wills, as well as our Medical Proxies, and each of you will be directly affected so we wish to lay out the details so no one is caught off-guard in the event that these should become necessary."
Daphne's mind felt like it was melting. Brian was talking about Wills and medical proxies, and Justin didn't want Suvi to hear any of it? What did this mean…oh shit! "Brian is your cancer back?" Daphne yelled as she jumped up off the couch. "Are you dying?"
Brian was physically startled by her sudden outburst, but what alarmed him even more were the tears that pooled in her eyes almost instantly. He probably could have aproached this better. It was easy to see how she could make that leap given his past medical history.
"Daph, calm down." Brian eased, placing his hands on her shoulders and directing her back to the couch. "I got a clean bill of health at my last appointment. Despite some people's misgivings, it looks as though I will be around for a while."
"Then why the sudden need for all of this?" Daphne waved her hands towards the papers he had laid out on the table.
Justin realized he should have prepared his best friend before letting her walk in to this blindsided. He just hadn't realized she would react this emotionally. "With you being pregnant, we just wanted to make sure everything was in order. We hadn't updated anything since we got married and signed everything for the legal partnership, so this was long overdue." Justin reassured her.
"Ok." Daphne conceded; settling back in to the couch.
Brian continued. "It's all pretty straight forward and most is already notarized and filed, but there are a few things we need to get confirmation on before we can file. Obviously, if something should happen to either Justin or I individually, then the other would retain control of our combined estate and whatnot, but this is how things will work in the event something happens to both of us." Brian winked at the blonde when he noticed his hands shake slightly. Justin was better than he used to be at discussing issues such as these but he still had his moments of fear, as far as what their futures held.
"Daph, with your permission, we want to name you as guardian. Obviously, Gus would remain with Linds and Mel, but Justin and I feel you would be the best person for the job. Any children of ours will be close to you and Suvi, and in the event that this becomes necessary, the littlest amount of outside disruption would be most beneficial."
Daphne looked back and forth between Brian and Justin; not liking the nature of the conversation but understanding why it needed to be addressed. If something ever happened to Brian and Justin, she knew instinctively that she wouldn't be able to also handle losing their children in her life as well. Guiltily, she realized that she had yet to set up her own wishes as far as Suvi went, should something happen to her. "Of course."
Justin largely remained quiet. Supporting his best friend through a conversation he knew would prove stressful, and letting Brian take the reins. They had discussed the details of their wishes in depth prior to, so now he would simply support the two people who were closest to his heart.
"One more thing, Daph. Since you will be listed as guardian, we would also like to appoint you as the executor of our estate, which means you would have control of Britin; which means you and the children wouldn't have to move. This will also include any combined assets of mine and Justin's outside of our business ventures; all we ask is that everything be divided equally between the children; this obviously includes Gus and Suvi. We know we can trust you unequivocally to look out for the kids, and understand and abide by our wishes." Brian rattled off when he heard Daph gasp and knew what was coming.
"Brian…Justin…I know you both love Suvi but you don't have to…" Daphne started before Brian cut her off pointedly.
"That is nonnegotiable." Brian insisted. He let it all sink in before he continued. "Now can we list you as executor or would you feel more comfortable if we asked someone else? We know this is a lot to ask of you." Brian's eyes softened when he saw the pained look in the woman's eyes. He saw these issues as necessities to ensure his family was taken care of no matter what. He didn't allow his emotions to get in the way, but he realized, he often negated how it might affect others.
All Daphne could do was nod her head in agreement. Water pooled in her eyes, once more, as she looked to her lap to try to compose herself. Justin wound his arm behind her; pulling her in to his side with a gentle kiss to her temple. "Just let him do this for you and Suvi." He softly whispered.
Daphne nodded once more against his shoulder with a groan. "Fucking pregnancy hormones."
Brian grinned at Daphne's exasperation before continuing, focusing on the others who had been watching patiently. "Kinnetik will be divided evenly between Cynthia, Ted, and Daphne." Brian looked to Ted and Cynthia. "You two know this business as well as I do and I trust that you would continue in the same manner. Just remember," Brian grinned as he looked to Ted with a knowing grin, "always ask yourself, 'What Would Brian Kinney Do?' Daphne would be a silent partner on behalf of the kids. Is that clear?" Everyone nodded.
"Justin wishes to relinquish rights concerning his art to Jennifer on behalf of herself and Molly as we trust that she will divide any future earnings appropriately." Justin nodded.
Brian picked up a piece of paper. "Lastly, Babylon will be split between Ted, Michael, and Emmett."
"Brian, Kinnetik I barely understand you letting me have a part in, but Babylon too? That's…" Ted stuttered nervously before Brian silenced him. He really didn't want to go in to why he felt he needed to leave the club to his friends; they understood what Babylon meant, not only to him, but everyone on Liberty Avenue. He trusted they would handle it accordingly.
"Ted, every time I give you a project to complete, even when you don't think you can do it, what is it that you always tell me?" Brian asked.
"That I won't let you down?"
"See to it that you don't." Brian confirmed as he looked between Ted and Cynthia. "That is all I have for you two, you can go back to work now. Actually, it's close enough to lunch, go ahead and leave early. I'll get Malinda to man the front desk, and I am sure the numbers can wait, right Theodore?"
Ted stood up quickly and Brian braced himself as it looked like the man might actually try to hug him, but he must have thought better of it as he extended his hand instead. Brian accepted it. "Won't let you down, boss." Ted quickly left the office.
Cynthia walked towards Brian, a knowing smile spread across her face as she placed her hands on Brian's shoulders; leaning in towards him, she whispered. "I got it all under control."
"You always do." Brian replied in the same hushed voice, kissing her cheek before she too, left the office.
Turning towards Ben, Brian finally decided to sit down and took the seat closest to the couch. "I know you have to be to class soon, but there are just a few more things I wanted to talk to you about."
Ben's ears perked up curiously. "Go on."
"The reason I asked you not to bring Michael was because, like Emmett, they would have reduced themselves to sobbing heaps cluttering my floors and annoying the hell out of me at the first mention of the Will. So I thought it was best if they just remain blissfully unaware." Brian explained with a knowing grin.
"I can see the logic in that." Ben nodded. He loved his husband dearly, but when it concerned Brian and his health and future, Michael could get a bit emotional.
Emmett, on the other hand, was just a walking emotional contradiction some times.
"I've set aside something…special, for Deb, but we've also set aside a trust for JR." Brian started as Ben squirmed in his chair; he soldiered on. "We're not trying to step on anyone's toes, here, it's not anything substantial. But she is Gus's sister. She can use the money for college or a new car, or whatever she wants once she turns 18, but it is already set up." Brian declared.
Justin ventured in. "We love JR and she stays at the house sometimes when Gus visits. We just wanted to let you know because if something should happen to us, we know you will be the only one who could…how should I say this…talk Michael down from the ledge?" Justin scrunched his nose.
Ben couldn't help but laugh. "That is very generous of you two. I would argue that you don't need to do it, but I know that will make no difference once your mind is set. While I hope this never needs to be addressed, at least not before its naturally conceivable, I will do my best to explain it all to Michael if that time should come." Ben stood up and extended his hand to Brian.
Brian stood quickly. "There's one more thing, Professor. Many years ago, before you were ensconced in our eclectic little family, clean-as-a-whistle Blake put our boy Ted in a coma one night, at which point I found out that the bastard had listed me as his medical proxy. If he hadn't have woken up when he did, which was rather ironic timing, I would have eventually had to decide whether to pull the plug or not. I had no clue why he listed me, but he eventually explained that I was basically a heartless son of a bitch who wouldn't make the decision based on emotions. I would know when to pull the plug or not."
"I've heard the story." Ben laughed. "Though, not quite told like that, I must admit. What does this have to do with me?"
"Well…" Brian started as Justin stood up from beside Daphne to stand next to Brian. "…we want you to be our heartless bastard."
Justin rolled his eyes.
"I don't even know…" Ben started.
Justin jumped in. "We want you to be our medical proxy."
"Why me? What about Jennifer or Deb, or even Linds or Michael?" Ben questioned, his voice dropping low as he sat back down in his chair.
"That is not a decision a mother should have to make. Hell, a brother or sister, or best friend…they should not be left with that decision." Brian ran his fingers through his hair and leaned back in his chair.
Justin's hand rested on Brian's knee as he looked once again to Ben. "We think you would know what the best course of action would be. You wouldn't let your emotions lead the way and cloud your judgment. My mom and Debbie, even Linds and Michael, they would hold on even if there was no hope because they would fear letting us go."
Ben tried to wrap his head around everything. Never in a million years did he think he would be having this conversation. But he also respected the two men even more for not only being responsible with their future and that of their children and family, but they had the courage to ask him upfront and not just saddle him with the decision in the future. He sighed heavily. "Again, I hope it doesn't come down to it, but in a weird way it is an honor that you both would entrust me with that responsibility." Ben smiled wearily.
"You know this means you'll likely have to go up against Jennifer and Deb, right?" Brian warned, only half joking; a smile tugging at his lips.
Ben considered this for a moment and turned to Justin. "Your mom is a fair, loving woman. I think she'll eventually understand your decision. Debbie…well, I've personally dealt with Debbie in a similar situation, so I've seen her first hand. I can handle her."
Brian thought back to those horrible hours he had spent in the hospital after the bombing, not knowing whether his best friend would live or die. He also remembered how Ben had taken charge when it came to Debbie's severe emotionality. Brian couldn't remember a time he had respected Ben more, as when he had reprimanded Debbie's selfish worrying and effectively shut her up. Debbie had later realized just how right her son-in-law was.
"Many men have tried to tame the beast, but few have succeeded." Brian stated in mock solemnity.
Ben had regretted his outburst that night; being the type of person who squelched conflict before it climaxed, he had felt horrible for yelling at the frazzled mother.
To Brian, however; once the fear of the unknown had worn off and the dust settled, literally, Brian had greatly appreciated the balls it had taken for Ben to make that bold move. "Considering the situation, that was a fucking rare and brilliant moment when Debbie was rendered speechless."
Ben sighed heavily at the memory. Brian had regaled Justin with the story many times once it was clear that Michael would pull through, especially when the two would get high. It was one of the few instances when Brian Kinney would actually giggle.
Brian extended his hand to Ben. "Thanks."
Ben shook his hand and then Justin's, smiling brightly despite the nature of their meeting. "You're very welcome. Now if you will excuse me, I've got a room full of despondent students waiting for me to lecture them for the next two hours when they would rather be anywhere but in my classroom." With a final wave, Ben exited the office.
The two men breathed out heavily as they turned towards the couch.
Daphne had remained silent, contemplating many things that swirled in her head. She didn't notice, at first, when Brian and Justin sat down on either side of her. She also hadn't registered when the room had emptied of its other occupants.
"Daph, you ok?" Justin asked worriedly.
Daphne nodded.
Brian sighed as he laid his hand on her shoulder. "Probably should have told you ahead of time what was going on, huh? I didn't think it would be that big of a deal to you." The brunette shrugged hopelessly when Daphne turned to him suddenly.
Her eyes flashed at his incredulity. "A little warning would have been nice, yes. I thought you were dying or something, at first."
Brian shifted his weight uncomfortably. "Well just look at it this way. If I were dying, you would be that much closer to a hefty little payday." Brian attempted to joke, only to be met with two sets of very angry eyes.
"Ass-hole!" Daphne enunciated loudly as she jumped to her feet to stare down at the bewildered man. "Let's not even go in to how much it would hurt me if something happened to you, but what the fuck do you think I would tell Suvi? If something happened to you…to either of you, that little girl would be devastated…as would the rest of us. So don't you start trying to joke your way around this to avoid dealing with my fucked up emotions." Daphne yelled hotly.
Brian suddenly seemed unable to form rational thoughts as he tried to wrap his head around the woman's outburst.
Justin didn't know whether to punch Brian for his careless remark, or laugh triumphantly at the way Daphne had just rendered him speechless.
Brian held up his hand in mock surrender. "Ok, ok. Bad choice of words, I get it. I just didn't think you would get this upset. Is this a pregnant thing?"
Daphne punched his arm. "No, Brian! This is a friend thing. Pregnant or not, the idea of you not being here really fucking sucks, so just stop, alright?"
"My lips are sealed on the subject from now on." Brian relented; rubbing his arm affectively.
Standing up cautiously, not putting it past Daphne to deliver a swift kick to any number of valuable places on his body, Brian opened his arms. "Are we ok?"
Leaning back to study the brunette's expression, Daphne decided he was being sincere so she walked towards him and let him wrap his arms around her. "I guess." She sighed.
Justin huffed loudly from where he still sat at the couch. "Don't mind me. I'll just sit here while you two continue your love fest." He stated dramatically with a wave of his hand.
Brian turned his head towards the blonde. "Fuck it. Come on, Sunshine. Care to join in?" He relented as he pulled the blonde up and wrapped his arm around his waist before he pulled back suddenly. "If anyone walks in right now, you two are totally frisking me."
Justin laughed loudly. Tis the way of Brian Kinney.
A/N – Ok, this chapter stumped me (which is why it took so long to post), but I think of this as more of a progression chapter. Little details here and there to set up future scenes, but please let me know what you think. I actually already have half of the next chapter finished, so it should be up in the next day or two if all goes well.
But I must warn everyone. Both of my godson's birthdays are this week (Monday and Tuesday) and a friend of mine is scheduled to have her daughter on Wednesday, family is flying in Thursday, Sunday is our family reunion, and then next Wednesday I am flying down to Florida for a couple weeks. My goal is to get at least one more chapter posted before Thursday, if not two! This next week will be tough, but once I get to Florida, I am still going to try to work on new chapters.
Anyways, just wanted to give the heads up in case things get really lazy around here for this story, but I am going to try not to let that happen. But, of course, the best way to motivate me to get more done and posted is to review! The more reviews I get the more I am fueled to push harder!
Evelyn