The Taming Chapter 5 Plot bunny Katie (starlight) “Mrs. Taylor please.” Brian was standing at the reception counter of the real estate office. Dressed in his best Armani, he was there to impress and get his own way if at all possible. “Do you have an appointment Mr.. “Kinney, Brian Kinney. No I don’t have an appointment. We are old friends.” “Hello Brian, you shouldn’t fib dear. An old friend is stretching the truth just a bit.” Jennifer had appeared behind him. She smiled up at the man. Brian Kinney was a handsome man. “Come back to my office.” She led the way through a labyrinth of cubicles until she arrived at a small office. “I’m afraid it’s not as large as yours is. But it suits the purpose.” She moved to sit behind her desk leaving Brian to choose one of two chairs. “What can I do for you?” “Mrs. Taylor, I wasn’t sure if you’d remember me.” “It’s not likely I would forget the man who took my son’s virginity and then broke his heart.” Her tone was upper class and hostile. She wasn’t about to give an inch. Brian had the grace to flush. He was at a disadvantage with women like Jennifer Taylor and he knew it. And so, he suspected did she. “Today is Justin’s birthday. I’d like it if you and Molly would join the two of us for dinner at La Mansione this evening.” “I beg your pardon?” Jennifer Taylor wasn’t sure she’d heard him correctly. “You are taking Justin out for dinner, a date, today, on his birthday, and you want myself and Molly to join you?” “That’s it.” Brian smiled, he hoped winningly. “Why?” “Why?” Brian asked. He hadn’t expected that. “Well, um, it’s his birthday. I want it to be special for him.” “He has refused to celebrate his birthday for six years Brian. He spouts some nonsense about celebrating achievements and that being born is hardly an achievement.” She shook her head. “We used to have such wonderful birthday gatherings.” Brian sighed. He knew why Justin was now refusing to celebrate his birthday. It was all his stupid fault for trying to hide his own disappointment at missed birthdays. “It’s time we changed that don’t you think?” He asked his voice soft and almost shy. “I want Justin to remember this birthday. I want it to be special for him. He loves you and Molly, his family is important to him. I know that he will love having you there tonight.” “I take it that you and Justin are seeing one another again.” “We are.” “And are you serious this time or are you going to break his heart again?” “I was always serious Mrs. Taylor. You and I both know that if I’d let Justin continue as he was, he wouldn’t be the man he is today. He would have gone from you and your husband looking after him to me doing the same. He would never have grown and matured. Do you think that it didn’t break my own heart to push him away? Well let me tell you, that day has haunted me daily for six damn years.” Brian turned his head away from Jennifer. He couldn’t allow her to see the emotion in his eyes. He wanted to keep some semblance of his dignity. He sighed. “I have a second chance with him. I don’t want to fuck it up. I want him in my life.” Brian had turned too late. Jennifer had seen the anguish in the man’s eyes, it was the same anguish that she often saw reflected in Justin’s eyes. It was apparent to her that Brian Kinney loved her son. She certainly knew that Justin loved Brian Kinney. She knew how stubborn and loyal he was. He’d never stopped loving the man. “What time do you want Molly and I to be there Brian?” she asked. “How about eight o’clock. I’ll make reservations for eight.” “Should I bring a birthday cake?” “I’m sure they can come up with something.” Brian smiled. “But knowing Justin, I bet he wouldn’t mind some presents.” “Justin always did love presents. I’m sure that must have been the hardest part on him when he gave up celebrating his birthday.” She smiled, her enthusiasm kindled. “Let me see what Molly and I can do. I’ll meet you there tonight.” She stood up. “Call me Jennifer Brian, I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of one another.” “I hope so Jennifer.” Brian said. His step was light as he wended his way through the maze and headed for the front door of the real estate office. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin had a lull in his morning and decided to take the time to call his mother. Maybe she would remember his birthday. Though he’d let her know often enough in the last few years that he wasn’t interested in celebrating it. Still it would be nice to be noticed. “Hey Mom.” He said when she was put on the line. “Justin, how nice to hear your voice honey.” “I just had a few minutes and thought I’d call.” He sighed. “How’s Molly?” “You know teenage girls, up one minute down the next.” “Mom, how would I know?” “Well you and Daphne were close.” Justin laughed. His mother had a point. “Do you want to meet somewhere for lunch today?” “Sorry dear, but I have a showing at noon, maybe tomorrow. Molly and I are going out tonight or I’d ask you over.” “That’s okay, I’ll call tomorrow.” “Good bye dear.” Jennifer hung up. She hadn’t asked Brian if tonight was a surprise. But knowing Brian, it probably was. Justin felt disappointed though he knew it was his own fault. He looked up at when there was a knock on his office door. “Justin, a delivery for you.” Emmett came in with a white florist box. Inside was a pot of blue African violets. He smiled as he placed them on his desk. He opened the card “The florist assured me your allergies would be okay with these. The color reminded me of your eyes this morning.” That was it, no salutation, no signature. It was so Brian it made Justin smile. The man just didn’t do romantic easily, but he was trying. Justin picked up the phone and called Brian’s office. “Kinney” Brian barked. “Hey, I got flowers and I didn’t even have to fuck you.” Justin was grinning and the grin carried through in his voice. “Just think what you would have got if you had of fucked me.” Brian said with a laugh. “Is this to say thank you for the blow job?” “No, the popcorn I made and you didn’t eat was the thank you for the blow job.” “I’ll have to remember that the next time I have the urge for popcorn.” Justin teased. “You’ve been such a cheap date that I have the urge to be wildly extravagant tonight. I’ve made reservations at La Mansione for eight. Is that alright with you?” “I love that place. They make a chocolate cake that is out of this world.” “I’ll even let you have your own piece. I’m not so cheap that we have to share.” “As long as you pay the waiter with cash and not your dick, I’ll be happy.” “My dick is reserved for someone else.” “Oh, anyone I know?” “I’ll give you a hint. He’s blond.” “Sounds like a lot of people. Have I mentioned that I’m a top?” Brian laughed. “That’s what you think.” He continued to chuckle. “I don’t put out for pretty flowers and a good dinner. I’m cheap, not easy.” “I’ll remember that Sunshine.” “Later Brian.” Justin hung up the phone. His smile could light up the room. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian’s phone rang almost immediately; he picked it up. “Hey, I’ll see you tonight.” “I know that asshole. I want to talk to about that.” “Who is this?” “This is Molly, Justin’s sister. My mom just informed me that I have to appear at dinner with you and Justin tonight. Like I don’t have any say in my life anymore.” Brian rolled his eyes. Molly had certainly changed from the quiet shy nine year old he remembered. “Molly, it’s just a dinner to celebrate Justin’s birthday. It’s no big deal.” “Well it’s a big fucking deal to my mom and I bet it will be to Justin too. I suppose you plan on surprising him. You know he HATES surprises. They usually always backfire.” “This one won’t backfire.” Brian assured her. “Does your mom know you’re calling me?” “Duh, like not too fucking likely. I’m not stupid you know.” “Why are you calling, just to bitch me out because you’re getting a free dinner at a fancy restaurant?” “No asshole, I’m calling to tell you that if this is some kind of trick to break Justin’s heart again you’d better give it up now. Because I’m not any little kid anymore. I’m tough and I have friends. You’d better not hurt my brother.” Brian smothered a laugh. “Molly, don’t worry about Justin getting his heart broken. Worry about him breaking mine as a payback for six years ago.” “Like as if.” Molly said. “Justin has been mooning over you for years. It’s not fucking likely he’d kick you to the curb, not that you wouldn’t deserve it. I’d even help him. You really messed him up.” “Molly I give you my word that I won’t hurt him.” “You better not. I’ll be watching you.” Molly hung up the phone. Brian sat in his office and laughed and laughed until Cynthia came in to see what was so funny. “Private joke Cynthia.” He said chuckling to himself. He’d better remember to bring something for Molly tonight. Maybe she would like a single red rose. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin had placed the violets on the table across from his desk. Light from the skylight above shone down on them. He was sitting on the floor cross-legged sketching them when Alan walked in. “Hey Taylor, what’s up?” “You apparently. I thought you were going to New York this week.” “I did, now I’m back.” He sat down beside Justin and watched him sketch for a while. “How’s the whole Brian thing going?” “Pretty good, I spent the night at his place last night.” “No shit. How is he? Is he still hot when he’s naked?” “He’s pretty hot.” Justin smiled remembering Brian in the shower, the taste of his cock, the smile on his face. “I’m sorry I missed Velvet Acres.” “Yeah, it would have been nice if you’d been there. Brian was cool about it.” “I bet he was hard the whole evening.” “That he was.” Justin smiled remembering. “Where are the two of you going tonight?” “La Mansione.” Justin put the finishing touches on the sketch and closed the book. “I think I’ll wear my new Armani.” “Wear that dark blue silk shirt with it. And don’t wear a tie; keep it open at the neck.” “Yeah, that sounds doable.” Justin stood up and then pulled his friend up. “Why don’t you and Daphne come too? I know she’s wanted to try it out since they renovated. I’m sure Brian wouldn’t mind.” “I’ll call her. But it’s kind of short notice.” “You’d better call Brian as well and clear it with him. After all it’s his date.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian was heading back to his office after a meeting in the boardroom when a tall thin black man enveloped him in his arms, planting a wet sloppy kiss on his cheek. “Brian, you don’t mind if I call you Brian do you? Brian I’m Alan, Justin’s friend, frat brother and long time fuck buddy. I think we’ve met once before.” “Would you get off me?” Brian pushed away. He looked at the man, his expression leery, “I know who you are. What are you doing here?” He moved past Alan and continued into his office. He wondered where the fuck Cynthia was, she was supposed to head off nut cases. Alan followed Brian in and stretched out on his sofa. “So, you’re taking Justin out on a big date tonight. Do you know it’s his birthday?” “Yes I know it’s his birthday.” “I want to come to and so does Daphne.” “Perhaps you and Daphne don’t understand the concept of date? Let me explain. It’s when two people go out together. ALONE.” “But it’s Justin’s birthday and I already called La Mansione and you made reservations for four, so therefore, as a date, there are already too many people.” “I suppose you increased the reservation to six?” “I wanted to save you the trouble and I was talking to them anyway.” Alan shrugged. Brian sighed, he might as well give in, and besides it was Justin’s birthday. This date was turning into a full fledged party. “You have to bring him a present.” “Really, it’s going to be a birthday party, you do know Justin’s views on birthday celebrations don’t you?” “Of course I do. But it’s time to change. And Alan, it’s a SURPRISE party. His mother and Molly are the other two guests. “Cool, Daphne and I can do surprise. We’re awesome at surprise. We exceed surprise many times.” “Shut up, I get the point.” Brian looked at the man lying on his sofa. “So Alan, do I have to worry about you and Justin becoming more than fuck buddies?” he had decided that blunt was the only thing this guy would understand. “Hell no, Justin and are fuck buddies only. I’m too young to be tied down to one guy. I have a contract with Disney that takes me all over the world. Places to go and people to fuck, you know the whole routine.” He laughed. “Besides the little shit insists on being the top, whereas clearly I’m the top.” “I’ll have to remember that.” Brian drawled. “Well don’t let me keep you. You and Daphne have some shopping to do. Be there by eight.” Alan stood up; his lanky form loomed over Brian’s desk as he leaned forward. “Oh and Brian, Justin has a lot of friends who love him dearly, he’s the best, if you fuck up this second chance you have with him, you’ll have a lot of people pissed with you. That wouldn’t be a good thing hun, believe me.” “I know he has.” Brian looked into the chocolate brown eyes of one of Justin’s friends. “If I fuck this up, I deserve anything any one of you could do to me. I’ll probably be doing it to myself anyway.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin could smell something delicious coming from the staff kitchen. Emmett had been bustling about all day, running back and forth from his desk to the kitchen. At first Justin thought he must have some kind of function that he was catering, and then later he figured it was just Emmett baking, getting ready for the Friday open house. When four o’clock came around and the entire staff of Kinnetek gathered in front of his office, Justin looked up, surprise registering on his face. “What’s up guys?” he asked. “Happy Birthday to You” they began to sing. Emmett walked into the office carrying a beautifully decorated birthday cake. Chad, one of his designers carried a tray with plates and cutlery. Someone handed Justin a card with all of their signatures on it. Justin flushed, pleased and touched that they had all pitched in. “How did you guys know it was my birthday?” Justin asked. Ted, looking shy spoke up. “I do the payroll, I saw the date when I was entering the data. I hope you don’t mind.” Justin smiled at him. It had been a long time since he’d celebrated his birthday. “Thanks Ted and all of you. I’m really touched.” “Have a piece of birthday cake sweetie. It’s Vic’s coconut cake with lemon mousse filling.” “Sounds wonderful.” Justin accepted a plate. Soon everyone was perched all over his office eating the delicious birthday cake. “So, what have you got planned for tonight?” Someone asked. “I’m going to dinner at La Mansione.” Justin replied. “Wow, great place to celebrate your birthday.” They all agreed. Justin didn’t have the heart to tell them that it was just a dinner. And that Brian had no idea when Justin’s birthday was. A delivery person stuck his head in Justin’s office, “Sorry, no one was out in the reception area. I have a deliver for a Justin Taylor.” “He’s right here honey, I’ll take it.” Emmett took the large white florist box from the man’s hands. Someone else signed for the box and another person gave the guy a tip. “Oh sugar, more flowers.” He placed the box in front of Justin who opened it to find three more African Violets nestled together in a bed of soft tissue. Each one a variation of the one that was on the table, all four blues blending well together. Justin carried them over to join the other plant before taking out the card. He wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to do, read the card in front of everyone, but no one seemed to be leaving. He opened it up. Each shade of blue is reflected in your eyes. There is the blue of passion, anger, hope and love. I have always wondered which shade will greet me each time I see you. Your soul is reflected in your eyes Sunshine. Again it wasn’t signed, but Justin knew without a doubt that had sent the flowers. He grinned at them all. “Sorry, can’t read it out loud. It’s personal.” There was some joking among all of them before they left Justin’s office. Emmett looked thoughtful. Justin must have a boyfriend that no one knew about. This wasn’t a good omen for Brian. He wondered if he should tell him. As soon as his office cleared, Justin hit redial on his phone. “Hey, are you out of your mind?” he said looking at the flowers and smiling. “No” “The flowers arrived.” “Good” “They made me smile.” “No sneezes, no red eyes, no tears?” “Maybe a tear or two” “Good ones?” “Good ones.” “Are you going to wear something easy to remove to dinner tonight?” “No.” “It would be the friendly thing to do.” “You are such a slut.” “I try” “Later Brian.” Justin’s voice was a soft caress full of promise and hope. He didn’t wait for Brian’s reply but gently broke the connection. Justin looked over at his violets. He wondered if Brian knew the meaning of the flower, or if he had only chosen them because they wouldn’t cause him an allergic reaction. Violets are a symbol of faithfulness. Blue violets say "I'll always be true" and signify constancy. The hope that Brian was talking through the flowers he sent surged through Justin’s heart. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin had left Kinnetek early for him. He had decided to go home and soak in a tub full of scented water, pampering himself in anticipation of the evening ahead. He loved to soak in the bath. And one of the first things he’d done when he’d bought the apartment was to install a deep tub suitable for two. He thought as a former boy scout, he should always be prepared. Eyes closed in the darkened bathroom; only the flicker of two candles providing any illumination, Justin relaxed in the tub full of scented water. He had a small pitcher of icy sangria nearby, an indulgence he rarely took, but as it was his birthday and Brian would be driving, he thought why not. At first he was going to unplug his phone, but just in case Brian called, Justin had the phone by the bath as well. One could always hope he grinned to himself. He turned the jets on in the tub just enough to keep the heat pump working and the water warm. The inline heater he’d installed had been a great investment, as had the extra quiet pump motor. The sound of soft music enveloped him, the sangria went down cold and refreshing, the scented water lulled him into peaceful relaxation. When the phone rang he opened his eyes and glared at it before answering. “This had better be good.” He growled. “Did you have a bad afternoon Sunshine? Should I have send more violets?” “Hey Brian” Justin’s voice softened. “Sorry, I was in the tub relaxing.” “Tub Sunshine?” “You should try it. It beats your shower any day. Of course the fact I’ve had half a pitcher of sangria might make me a tad prejudiced.” “Sangria?” Brian laughed. “And candles burning and bath oil and soft music.” He sighed. “There’s only one thing missing.” “What’s that?” “You” Justin said and then almost bit his tongue. He should really not drink before he talked to Brian. “Me?” “To wash my back and get me something to eat. I’m starving.” Justin tried to make light of what he was saying. “Oh, you want a slave.” “Not just any slave.” Damn he did it again. “No, but an Irish one would do.” Justin giggled. “If it was the right Irish one.” He finished his glass of sangria and poured another one. “hmmmm, that feels delicious.” He’d fished out a piece of orange and was rubbing it over his hot nipples. “What are you doing?” “Rubbing a piece of orange from my sangria over my nipples. Now I’m eating the orange. I told you I was hungry.” “You’re making me hard Justin.” “You’re always hard. Which is pretty amazing for someone your age.” Justin giggled again. “How much have you had to drink?” “I don’t know. Did you know that your cock floats in the water? It’s kind of like a boat.” He giggled again. “Do you want to play boats with me Brian? My boat will torpedo your boat and hide in your underwater cave.” “You are smashed.” “Maybe a little.” Justin shut his eyes and let his one hand drift down to his hard cock. “It’s early yet. I don’t have to be a good sober little boy for at least another hour.” “I heard something today on the advertising grapevine. It seems a certain blond graphic artist has been offered a position in a rather prestigious firm in LA.” “Yes, I’ve heard that to.” “Well?” “Well what?” “Is he going to take it?” “No” “Why not, it’s good money and the job carries considerable prestige.” “Don’t care. I don’t need the money and I have all the prestige and fame I can deal with now. Besides, I happen to like the Pitts.” “I heard the blond was offered in the high six figures.” “You seem to be turning into a gossipy old fag. And here I was under the impression that Brian Kinney didn’t stoop to gossip.” “I don’t. The information was emailed to me by someone this afternoon.” “Email back that you have it on good authority that the blond turned down the offer two weeks ago.” “He did?” “He did.” “Why?” “He’s blond; I can’t explain how his mind works.” Justin drank the last of Sangria. He put his empty glass down reluctantly. “How does he feel about children?” “Sorry, he’s not ruining his boyish figure for any man no matter how hot he is or how big his dick is.” “Jerk off” “I am but you’re spoiling my concentration.” Justin giggled. “Justin, I’m looking forward to this evening.” Brian was serious. “Brian, so am I.” “Do you think we could ever go back to what we were?” “What an arrogant asshole and a desperate twink? No thanks.” Brian laughed. “I guess that wasn’t a good question. You know Justin, I’ve thought about you often in the last six years. I had no idea you were in the Pitts all that time.” “I guess we don’t move in the same back rooms.” “I’m going to hang up now before you turn all pruny. Later Justin.” “Later Brian.” Justin disconnected and put the phone down. He lay back in the water and continued to stroke his cock while he pictured Brian sitting on the chaise lounge in his loft doing the same thing. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian arrived at Justin’s place at seven forty five. He rang the buzzer and wondered what shape the young blond would be in. He’d seemed pretty smashed only an hour before. “Hey Brian, come on up. I’m running a bit late.” Justin buzzed him in. Brian took the elevator up. He stepped off and noticed Justin’s door was ajar. “You shouldn’t leave your door open Sunshine.” Brian said. “I knew it was you.” Justin hurried out of the bathroom, his face pale, his eyes red and of course his black one was turning a lovely shade of green. “You look like shit.” Justin glared at him with one eye. “Note to self, don’t drink a pitcher of sangria in a hot bath after eating coconut cake.” He looked at Brian. “Do we have to go out?” he whined. “Yes we do Sunshine. A date is a date no matter how hung over you are.” Brian located Justin’s suit jacket and helped him put it on. “Nice touch Sunshine” he wiped drool off of the corner of Justin’s mouth. “Oh gawd I think I’m going to die.” Justin moaned. “Here I am, trying to show you how reformed I am. I completely have boned up on the dating handbook as you suggested. I’ve made a reservation at one of the nicer spots in the Pitts, I’ve even made sure that there was dancing available. And what do I get for a date. A hung over, slightly nauseous brat.” “Are you bragging or complaining?” Justin asked. He visibly straightened up. “I think the Pepto Bismal is kicking in. Let’s go.” Brian laughed. “Oh to be young again.” He held the door for Justin to walk through. As Justin passed him, Brian kissed the top of his wet head. He’d obviously barely gotten out of the shower or did he duck under the water in the tub Brian wondered. Justin stopped moving and sighed with pleasure at Brian’s touch. “How come you have the ability to make me feel better just by touching me?” Justin whispered more to himself than to Brian. “Because how you feel is important to me Sunshine.” Brian whispered back. Justin sighed with pleasure but kept on walking, handing Brian the key to lock the door behind them. The two of them rode the elevator hand in hand, their closeness speaking more than words ever could. Brian let Justin step out first and then led him to his car where he opened the door for Justin. Justin turned to get in and ended up inches from Brian’s face. Taking a chance, Brian leaned down and captured Justin’s full lips with his, the kiss was intended to be short and sweet, but the soft moan in the back of Justin’s throat drove Brian to greater depths as he gave in to his pent up passion of the last few days leaving them both breathless when they broke apart. The drive to the restaurant was accomplished with the both of them having silly grins on their faces. Justin’s hang over had disappeared and Brian was almost giddy with glee at the results of the kiss. He parked the car in front of the restaurant. A car jockey ran out and opened Justin’s door. Brian joined them, handing the young man his keys. “You hurt the car and you die.” He muttered much to Justin’s amusement. “You old guys and your mid life crisis cars.” Justin laughed, “You’re so anal about them.” Brian’s large hand gripped the back of Justin’s neck and he squeezed gently. Justin took the squeeze as an excuse to pull close to the taller man and kiss him, and this time he was aggressor. Brian laughed when he broke apart from Justin and took his hand, tucking it into the crook of his arm to lead him inside. “Mr. Kinney, Mr. Taylor, your table is ready.” The maitre de began to lead them through the crowded dining room to a table near the dance floor. “OH MY GAWD BRIAN” Justin all but shouted when he saw his Mother, Molly, Alan and Daphne by the table. There was a centerpiece of blue violets sprinkled with white baby’s breath. Everyone stood up and took turns embracing Justin and wishing him a happy birthday. Brian stood back and watched a smile of pleasure on his face. When Justin was ready to sit down, Brian held his chair for him. “Brian, I can’t believe you did this for me. You knew it was my birthday all along.” He looked at Brian. Brian took his thumb and wiped the tear from Justin’s eye that was threatening to escape and then kissed it to seal it in. “Justin, I’m so happy to see you and Brian together tonight honey.” His mother looked at them both fondly. “He makes your eyes light up the way they used to.” She turned to Brian. “Thank you Brian.” “Hey Justin, I’ve already warned Brian that I’ll have his ass if he hurts you.” Molly said with a quick glare at Brian. Justin burst into laughter. “Tell me you didn’t do your scary little sister thing.” “She did, I had to promise to be on my best behavior.” Brian smirked. “I’d like to keep my balls intact.” “Molly Taylor, you didn’t call Brian at his work did you?” Jennifer asked. “You must have had a busy day Brian.” Alan drawled. “I paid the amazing Brian a visit as well.” “I didn’t, I stayed home.” Daphne volunteered. “And to think, you still took me to dinner.” Justin leaned his head on Brian’s shoulder. “My friends and family didn’t scare you away.” “I’m Irish, I don’t scare easy Sunshine.” Brian said. The dinner was filled with laughter and fun, everyone enjoying themselves. Justin felt like he was the happiest he’d ever been. He still couldn’t comprehend that Brian had arranged this. A chocolate birthday cake arrived complete with candles. Justin blushed deep red as the staff of the restaurant and all its occupants sang happy birthday. He held Brian’s hand as he blew out the candles. “What did you wish for Jus?” Molly asked. “I can’t tell, or it won’t come true.” Justin replied flushing at the idea of him actually voicing what he wished for. The waiter took the cake away to cut it into serving pieces and everyone took the opportunity to bring out gifts from beneath their chairs. “You guys bought me gifts?” Justin grinned. “Brian said we had to.” Molly replied. “I was going to anyway, he doesn’t scare me.” “He scares me. I got you something Taylor.” Alan said as he handed Justin a heavy package. Justin unwrapped it first. It was a small sculpture that Alan had done in white jade; the form was smooth and abstract, though it was clearly two men kissing. Justin brushed away the tears in his eyes and looked hard at his friend. He knew it was a gift that said goodbye. They would no longer be fuck buddies; Alan was telling him that he approved of Brian. Their eyes locked and the message was given and received among tearful smiles on both of their parts. Even Brian had grasped the significance; he nodded his thanks to Alan who nodded his acknowledgment back. Daphne’s gift was a gift certificate at a day spa for a complete beauty treatment. There was a lot of teasing about this one. It was a traditional gift that they gave each other every year so the two didn’t mind the teasing. His mother’s gift was a weekend for two at a resort in Vermont. It was a year round resort he’d been to before. Skiing in the winter and hiking and boating in the summer. Or fucking in the luxurious rooms all year round. Justin grinned at his mother. “Hey thanks Mom. I’m going to use this as soon as I can.” Brian roared with laughter when Justin opened Molly’s gift of a pair of bright red sweat pants. Justin had to pinch Brian’s thigh to get him to stop. He leaned over and whispered. “We can wear them out to the gym together.” “Don’t hold your breath Sunshine. You’d have to be some damn special piece of blond boy ass for me to go out with you in matching red sweat pants.” Brian whispered back, though he caressed Justin’s cheek to take the sting out of the words. Justin tidied the table, putting his gifts on the empty chair beside him. The waiters delivered the birthday cake and everyone had a piece. “Always have to out do the other guy, you bought a whole cake.” Justin teased. Brian handed him a small gift-wrapped present. “Brian, this dinner and all the violets, are enough.” “No, they weren’t. Besides, I have a lot of birthdays to make up for.” He said quietly. No one was paying them any attention as they were all intent on their cake. Justin opened the box carefully, it was very light, almost as if there was nothing inside. He took out a small card that had been hand lettered on a piece of velum. There was a badly drawn stick figure of a man juggling and another one walking on his hands. Inside carefully printed were the words. “Justin, I promise that from now on these are the only tricks I’ll do.” It was signed and dated. Justin looked from the paper to Brian. He blinked back tears as he took out his wallet and carefully placed the small paper inside. He looked at Brian. “Should I have this framed?” Brian grinned and handed him a heavier package. Justin opened it. Inside was a Lucite paperweight with the same note suspended forever in the clear plastic along with a single blue violet. “You knew” Justin whispered. “I’m in advertising, of course I knew.” Brian whispered back. “Hey Justin, you aren’t eating your cake, can I have it?” Molly asked. “Sure, I think Brian and I will share.” “Not because I’m cheap.” Brian stipulated. “No, not because he’s cheap.” Justin said with a wide grin. “You can have another piece you know. There was a whole cake.” Brian reminded him. “I know, but sharing this with you is special. I happen to like your lips tasting of chocolate.” Tbc.