Holy S*** Ch 3-5
If anyone is reading this please comment just to let me know you are out there and that I am not posting for my own entertainment.
Thanks!
Deb
I OWN NOTHING, THIS IS FOR FUN, THIS IS THE PRODUCT OF A LONE THOUGHT BUNNY GONE AWRY.
ALL ERRORS ARE MINE.
Chapter 3
Justin
August 2003 NYC
I am so excited...Brian is come up for a week to see me. He promised he would not do any work which is amazing since can't seem to leave his 'baby' alone, not that he doesn't trust that Cynthia and Ted can hold it together for a week. And while this is great news for me it also concerns me, I mean he has not been feeling very well lately and he is never sicker than minor cold. I find myself wondering what could be wrong. He'll be here tomorrow so I guess I'll know soon enough. What if this has something to do with the broke condom from a couple months ago?
It’s Friday night and I am standing at the gate waiting for Brian's flight to land, I'm little early so I stop at the Dunkin Donuts (Starbuck's Smarbucks!) and get myself a dark roast coffee and settle down with my sketch pad. About 45 minutes later Brian emerges through the gate, rolling luggage trailing behind him. It’s all I can do to keep myself from running into his arms and throwing my legs around his waist. Lucky for me Brian crosses the terminal quickly and picks me up off the ground in a tight hug, followed by a nice, long kiss- fuck the people giving us dirty looks it’s probably the hottest thing they've seen without having to pay the cable company!
We make it to the doors and hail a cab to my apartment, which I have managed to clean and remove all signs of unwashed clothes, dishes and beer bottles. Yay Me!! As we enter the hall way leading to my 4th floor apartment I thank my lucky stars the elevator is working so I don't have to listen to Brian bitch about why I won't let him pay for a nicer place. Although he seems happy to be with me I feel like Brian is trying to decide how to tell me something. I decide to let him off the hook.
“What do you want to say to me?” I ask and not giving him a chance to interrupt push on, “Brian just spit it out! Whatever it is we can work it out, together.”
“Ok, here goes nothing” he says as he sits me down on the couch and does that thing with his lip sucked in and his head tilted down, I am so hard for him right now. “Well...I went to the doctor a couple of days ago, and it appearsyouknockedmeupSunshine.” He actually blushes as he says it.
After picking my lower lip off the floor I ask him how the hell I could possibly have gotten him pregnant. Oh my...he must be freaking out right now the Great Brian Kinney, reigning king of Liberty Ave, is pregnant.
“Brian, would you please repeat that...very, very slowly. I don't think I heard it correctly the first time.”
He looks up at me those mesmerizing, gold flecked, hazel eyes which are truly the door way to his soul and says, “Congratulations Mr. Taylor in approximately 7 months you are going to be a daddy.” He is once again met by a stunned silence.
“Justin, say something....please” he pleads.
“I love you, I love you, and I fucking love you so much right now. I have so many questions. How, when, why...do you have a doctor. What are we going to do? I have to sublet my apartment, let Alix know I am moving home and will be working from Britin.” I am forced to take a breath and throw myself into his lap, kissing him all over the face and neck.
“Thank God, I thought you had lost the power of speech, thus causing the world to stop spinning.” he smiles and kisses me softly on the lips. “Are you really happy about this? It’s going to make becoming the next Pollack or Warhol much more difficult.”
Am I sure?! What the fuck! Do not try to push me off of Mnt. Kinney!
“You moron, of course I'm happy. Amazed but ecstatic, have you told anyone else?” I ask hoping I am the first to know.
“You are the first person I ever tell anything to, you are my partner. You are the only one that matters.” he says quietly. “I love you, Justin.”
Chapter 4
Justin
August 2003
Oh.my.God....Holy Shit...breathe...in with the good...that's right breathe....OH.MY.GOD.
Don't get me wrong I am SO excited that I am going to be a father, to Brian's baby! Who would have ever thought it would happen...not me that's for damn sure. I have always wanted a baby, but I figured the only way that was going to happen was if I was the one getting pregnant, but alas I am lacking in the ovaries department, Daphne had agreed to be having a baby with me if neither of us were parents by the time we hit 25. This is so much BETTER. Although....I am not looking forward to the mood swings, complaints about stretch marks, having to shop at Bob's Big and Tall, weight gain and cravings. Ok I am excited about the cravings-Brian may actually eat for a change!
I can't wait to go to the doctor with him next week; I have some questions of my own that I would like to ask. Of course Brian has a very important question he wants to ask, the result of a conversation we had after a 2 hour session of making love, because that is exactly what it was...slow, intense, passionate and tender (but don't tell Brian).
The conversation went something like this:
“Justin, you are never getting near my ass again. Not that anyone would want to after I have pushed out a watermelon through it.” At this point he sits up briefly then falls back and covers his head with a pillow, “I am going to be so loose that I am going to need to buy stock in adult diapers!!! Maybe Mikey can tell me where he used to buy Dr. Dave's”
Even in mid queen out my baby is a clever devil.
“Brian....Briiiaannn...you can't hide there forever. Calm down and let’s ask the doctor when we see him next week. After all after a woman gives birth her vagina gets smaller and is not loose.” I try to reassure him as I move the pillow, “and you can always do kegal exercises to tighten up.”
By this time it is 3 a.m. And if we plan on getting my shit packed up in the next 2 days we need to get some sleep. As I snuggle into Brian's side my hand slips gently onto his abdomen and I begin rubbing small circles, this seems to relax the both of us and before I know it I hear the slight wheeze that lets me know Brian as fallen asleep. I am so ready to start my new life with the man that has always been my past, present and future. We are finally going to be a family. Oh shit...the 'Family'!!! How are we going to tell them? Is Brian ready to do it? Am I ready for that? Who should we tell first?
Brian
August 2003
I slept better next Justin than I have since he moved. I have said it before and I will say it again...my life is so much more than I ever expected it to be. I have a loving, although odd family, a partner (it just gets easier every time I say it) who loves me, a beautiful son and now a baby on the way. My life is good....arghhhh its time for the bathroom, fucking morning sickness!!!
“Brian....are you okay?” a very sleepy and ruffled Justin asks from the door way.
“Yeah, could you maybe get me some ginger ale and saltines? The doctor said they would help with the morning sickness (all the time sickness more like it).” I ask as I make another deposit into the NYC Sewers.
“Here you go....” Justin stops in mid sentence.
“What?”
“I almost called you baby....sorry I know you hate pet names.” Justin smiles softly.
“Just don't call me that when anyone else is around. I don't mind when we're alone, it’s kind of nice actually. A hell of a lot nicer than my old one....’asshole'.” I smile up at him from my seat on the floor.
“Ok, let’s get cleaned up and head for the deli down the street for breakfast.” Justin says and heads for the shower. “We have a big day ahead of us, renting a truck, packing, I have to call Alix and set up a time to let her know I am moving home. And then we have to talk about telling the 'family'.”
Fan-fucking-tastic! Do we really have to go back to the Pitts?
We have a nice long shower, with some petting and stroking, mostly Justin washing my back and gently spending time on my belly soaping and kissing and talking to his little “peanut”.
“Sunshine I draw the line at 'little peanut', especially in public” I drawl as I am drying his hair.
“Fair enough but when we are at home it is fair game.” he smiles. “Now get dressed! My baby needs to eat.” Sure it has nothing to do with the monster living in his stomach! And off we go to the deli down the block. We have a nice breakfast. I have fruit, 1 egg, an English muffin, bacon and an OJ followed sadly by a cup of decaf. Justin on the other hand orders the entire menu it seems, although I am glad he did, because as soon as I saw his Western Omelet I had a sudden craving for ham, onions and peppers with cheese.
“Justin...give me some of that ….please.” I nearly beg. “The baby wants it.”
“Sure.” he smirks and slides half of the omelet onto my plate. “Baby” (evil twink)
Justin
Breakfast went well, I am so happy that Brian is able to eat. He says the morning sickness should pass in the next month or so. I hate seeing him sick as much as he hates being sick. After breakfast we split up, me to meet my agent and Brian to rent a truck and get packing boxes.
“Justin, this is a shock to say the least. We are finally making a name for you and you want to leave the city? Why?” Alix asks, she is a great agent and has become a friend.
“Well, it seems like the right time and some personal issues have changed some of my priorities about where I live and work.” I say calmly, “I have given this a great deal of thought, my last show sold out, the write ups were and I quote you, 'stellar'. I have commissions for 5 paints that will make me $50,000 this year. I will only be a short flight away and I am keeping the apartment for when I have to be here for shows or commissioned works.”
“It’s true you have made a name for yourself very quickly and the write ups have been stellar. But do you realize how much harder it is going to be for you to show and sell your work living in Pittsburgh?” she asks. Alix is nothing but supportive of me and I know she will find a way to make this all work out.
“Of course I do but Pittsburgh is my home and if I am really honest with myself it is my heart. My family is there, Brian is there and he is my greatest inspiration.” I am glowing by now and I know I have to tell her the rest, “And it is where I want to raise my family.”
“Justin are you pregnant?” she asks in astonishment.
“No, Alix, I am not” I answer with a bright smile, “but, Brian is and I don't think I could stay away from him even if I wanted to try and stay here to work.”
“ Oh my Gosh that is so fuckin' fantastic...but I don't even dare think about how the queen is going to be to live with...he must be beside himself.” she laughs, “I mean it’s not like Armani is going to come out with a maternity line for men anytime soon.”
“Yeah, let’s keep those comments to ourselves shall we.” I groan.
“Not a problem sweetie. When are you leaving?” she smiles back at me.
“Brian is getting the boxes and renting a truck as we speak. Since I am not giving up the apartment I really only need my clothes, cd's ,sketch pads and my 'tool box'. I am taking the unfinished canvases with me and will tag the finished ones and send them to the gallery for you to take care of.” I have it all planned so she relaxes a little bit. “I am only a phone call away. Alix this is going to work out.”
After a few more minutes of reassurance Alix heads off to her gallery in Soho, with a reminder to me that I have a small show lined up for February. I was so lucky to get her to represent me, she only takes on artists she likes and then gives them a show in her gallery to introduce them to the art world. My sold out show was at her gallery and she has been getting calls ever since. I'm not foolish enough to think that I will always be this successful so easily but ,when I left for New York I already have several canvases finished and scanned onto my website so it was a pretty rapid progression to a show.
I can't wait to get back to the apartment to see Brian and begin the next
wonderful part of our life together. I am the luckiest man on the planet.
Chapter 5
September 2003
Justin POV
We were able to pack everything in about 2 days, get my canvases to Alix and make a totally stealthy return to Pittsburgh. In fact we avoided everyone for almost a week, and had not told anyone I was moving home permanently. Brian and I actually sat and talked about the future. And the earth remains on its axis! We also talked about who to tell and when to tell them, because much to his dismay Brian had already begun to have a baby bump, and how to tell them. Of course Brian wanted to just send out announcement cards and let the family guess who was pregnant. I, on the other hand, thought it might work out better if we told the most “friendly” people first.
“Brian I think we should tell my mother, alone. You know she is worse than you are with emotions and showing them in front of other people.” I say before he even suggests telling the others.
“I agree.” he said and took another spoonful of Chunky Monkey. “do we have any more Oreo's?”
“Geez Brian...we just ate 2 hours ago. Your ass is going to be huge if you keep it up”
“Sunshine, I can always 'keep it up'. And right now your kid wants Oreo's and Chunky Monkey ice cream.” he responded with a smirk and the sound of an Oreo package opening, “so who should be next on our 'hit list'?”
“ I want to tell Daphne, so how about with do Daphne and Emmett together, that way we get all of the squealing and clapping out of the way at once. And Em will have someone to hug as he tears up at the news.” I suggest as my hand is slapped away from the Oreos.
“ Ok, but then we really have to tell Deb. I do not want to deal with her being the last to know. I can already feel the smack to the back of my head” Brian said with a side ways smile.
“Why don't we tell Deb and my mom at the same time? That way the PFLAG hotline doesn't need to be fueled up.” I suggest as I dial my mother’s cell phone.
Brians POV
So here we sit waiting for Jen and Deb to arrive. Justin suggested they come to the loft for brunch that should have clued them into the fact that something was going on. As my “baby daddy” (as he calls himself to piss me off) is busy making coffee cake and setting the table I tidy up and get the medical information set out on the coffee table.
At precisely 11am the buzzer rings and I let our mothers in to the building. After a crushing hug from Deb and a polite kiss from Jen, Justin settles us all down at the table and sets the cake and coffee out.
“Mom, Deb thanks for coming over today” Justin says taking my hand under the table.
“Of course darling thank you for inviting us.” Jen says.
“No problem baby, lets dig into this cake it looks fabulous Sunshine” Deb beams at him.
After serving the cake and freshening the coffees, because you know Justin loves a good spit take when he gives Deb good news, Justin proceeds with our news.
“Deb, mom. Brian and I have some news for you. Please let me say it before you interrupt.” Justin says pushing on quickly, “As you know Brian and I have continued to see each other almost every weekend since I moved. Some things have changed in the past couple of months that you should know about....”
“Oh no you’re not sick are you? Did you meet someone in New York? What did the asshole do. Justin you can tell us we're here for you” Deb says quietly glaring at Brian.
“For Christ Sake Deb...” I cut in because I am so patient, “I'm 4 months pregnant. Justin is moving back, we are going to move into Britin and he is going to keep painting and will be a big fat fucking success! His agent knows she is going to work it all out, he has made a name for himself quickly and already has about 4 months worth of commission work to do.”
As I predicted Deb coughed up some coffee, smacked me in the head, and started crying.
Jen, ever the WASP, asked what she could do. And then before I knew it I was lying on the couch being fussed over by 2, make that 3 mother hens.
“I am only 4 months pregnant, there is no reason for me to be laying here being waited on, not that I mind of course. But the doctor said I am in great shape, everything is progressing well and he sees no complications arising.” I said standing up to stretch and get another piece of cake.
“Drink your juice and take your vitamins” Justin said as he cut me more cake.
“Yes dear”
Debbie's POV
One of my babies is having a baby!!!!! I am so excited, I am already thinking about the blanket I am going to make for Brian and Justin. But shit who would have ever thought Brian “Fucking” Kinney would get knocked up. I can only imagine how Michael is going to react. Not only is he about to find out that his hero does indeed take it up the ass like the queer boy he is, but he lets Justin fuck him and now he is pregnant. Maybe this is the perfect thing to finally show Michael that he will never be more than Brian's best friend.
“Vic you will not fuckin' believe what Brian and Sunshine just told me and Jen. Brian is pregnant!!! Justin is home for good and they are moving to the mansion in W. Virginia.”
Vic smiles up at me from his spot on the couch and simply says “Good”, with a twinkle in his eye.
Justin's POV
I can't wait to share the news with Daphne and Emmett, I think they are going to be our greatest supporters. Emmett is by far the most open, accepting and supportive of all Brian's friends. He is the only one that doesn't join in the snark fest's that take place when Brian is mentioned. Even Mikey gets involved. I am so not looking forward to telling Michael, he is going to freak out!!!
Emmett arrives first and grabs a beer from the fridge before he settles down on the couch with Brian to watch James Dean until Daph arrives. Neither one will ever admit it but they really do have a great friendship and share the no bullshit perspective. And no matter what has happened between Brian and me, Emmett has always been there for me. When Daphne arrives I hand her a beer and grab water for Brian and I. We all settle in to seats in the living room. Brian and I on the couch and Emmett and Daphne in the matching Barcelona chairs.
“Baby I can't wait any longer! What has you and the big bad inviting little ole me over to your den?” Emmett drawls playfully.
“Well....” maybe Brian will just jump in again...no such luck, “Brian and I are going to have a baby in about 6 months.” At this point the squealing, clapping, jumping and crying take place. Brian and I sit back, arms around each other and wait. I occasionally hand one of them a tissue.
“Justin...” Daphne smacks my shoulder, “I can't believe you didn't tell me you are pregnant!!!”
“As a matter of fact Justin is not pregnant...I am.” Brian says matter of factly.
And the Emmett fainted.
“Em. Emmett. Are you ok?” Daphne shakes his shoulder
“Oh Sweetie I'm fine. I think I have had too much caffeine and beer...but I would swear Brian said he is pregnant” Em says taking a gulp of water and looking at Brian.
“Honeycutt...you did not imagine that. Look you can see the baby bump.” Brian said from his spot on the couch. Then he stands up and lifts his shirt so we can all see the little bump that is our baby.
“oh Brian...can I touch it?” Daphne squeals.
“Sure, you've been dying to get your hands on me for years now!” Brian laughs. “You too Emmett I know you want to... so get it over with already.”
After some hugging, baby bump touching and promises from Emmett not to share the news Brian and I are finally alone.
“That went better than I anticipated” I smiled and started rubbing Brian's belly softly.
“Yeah, now tomorrow Mikey, Ted and the munchers...I think we should tell them together. That way we can just get it out of the way.” Brian says stifling a yawn.
“Let's go to bed. We will deal with the “girls” tomorrow” I say guiding him to our bed.
Thanks!
Deb
I OWN NOTHING, THIS IS FOR FUN, THIS IS THE PRODUCT OF A LONE THOUGHT BUNNY GONE AWRY.
ALL ERRORS ARE MINE.
Chapter 3
Justin
August 2003 NYC
I am so excited...Brian is come up for a week to see me. He promised he would not do any work which is amazing since can't seem to leave his 'baby' alone, not that he doesn't trust that Cynthia and Ted can hold it together for a week. And while this is great news for me it also concerns me, I mean he has not been feeling very well lately and he is never sicker than minor cold. I find myself wondering what could be wrong. He'll be here tomorrow so I guess I'll know soon enough. What if this has something to do with the broke condom from a couple months ago?
It’s Friday night and I am standing at the gate waiting for Brian's flight to land, I'm little early so I stop at the Dunkin Donuts (Starbuck's Smarbucks!) and get myself a dark roast coffee and settle down with my sketch pad. About 45 minutes later Brian emerges through the gate, rolling luggage trailing behind him. It’s all I can do to keep myself from running into his arms and throwing my legs around his waist. Lucky for me Brian crosses the terminal quickly and picks me up off the ground in a tight hug, followed by a nice, long kiss- fuck the people giving us dirty looks it’s probably the hottest thing they've seen without having to pay the cable company!
We make it to the doors and hail a cab to my apartment, which I have managed to clean and remove all signs of unwashed clothes, dishes and beer bottles. Yay Me!! As we enter the hall way leading to my 4th floor apartment I thank my lucky stars the elevator is working so I don't have to listen to Brian bitch about why I won't let him pay for a nicer place. Although he seems happy to be with me I feel like Brian is trying to decide how to tell me something. I decide to let him off the hook.
“What do you want to say to me?” I ask and not giving him a chance to interrupt push on, “Brian just spit it out! Whatever it is we can work it out, together.”
“Ok, here goes nothing” he says as he sits me down on the couch and does that thing with his lip sucked in and his head tilted down, I am so hard for him right now. “Well...I went to the doctor a couple of days ago, and it appearsyouknockedmeupSunshine.” He actually blushes as he says it.
After picking my lower lip off the floor I ask him how the hell I could possibly have gotten him pregnant. Oh my...he must be freaking out right now the Great Brian Kinney, reigning king of Liberty Ave, is pregnant.
“Brian, would you please repeat that...very, very slowly. I don't think I heard it correctly the first time.”
He looks up at me those mesmerizing, gold flecked, hazel eyes which are truly the door way to his soul and says, “Congratulations Mr. Taylor in approximately 7 months you are going to be a daddy.” He is once again met by a stunned silence.
“Justin, say something....please” he pleads.
“I love you, I love you, and I fucking love you so much right now. I have so many questions. How, when, why...do you have a doctor. What are we going to do? I have to sublet my apartment, let Alix know I am moving home and will be working from Britin.” I am forced to take a breath and throw myself into his lap, kissing him all over the face and neck.
“Thank God, I thought you had lost the power of speech, thus causing the world to stop spinning.” he smiles and kisses me softly on the lips. “Are you really happy about this? It’s going to make becoming the next Pollack or Warhol much more difficult.”
Am I sure?! What the fuck! Do not try to push me off of Mnt. Kinney!
“You moron, of course I'm happy. Amazed but ecstatic, have you told anyone else?” I ask hoping I am the first to know.
“You are the first person I ever tell anything to, you are my partner. You are the only one that matters.” he says quietly. “I love you, Justin.”
Chapter 4
Justin
August 2003
Oh.my.God....Holy Shit...breathe...in with the good...that's right breathe....OH.MY.GOD.
Don't get me wrong I am SO excited that I am going to be a father, to Brian's baby! Who would have ever thought it would happen...not me that's for damn sure. I have always wanted a baby, but I figured the only way that was going to happen was if I was the one getting pregnant, but alas I am lacking in the ovaries department, Daphne had agreed to be having a baby with me if neither of us were parents by the time we hit 25. This is so much BETTER. Although....I am not looking forward to the mood swings, complaints about stretch marks, having to shop at Bob's Big and Tall, weight gain and cravings. Ok I am excited about the cravings-Brian may actually eat for a change!
I can't wait to go to the doctor with him next week; I have some questions of my own that I would like to ask. Of course Brian has a very important question he wants to ask, the result of a conversation we had after a 2 hour session of making love, because that is exactly what it was...slow, intense, passionate and tender (but don't tell Brian).
The conversation went something like this:
“Justin, you are never getting near my ass again. Not that anyone would want to after I have pushed out a watermelon through it.” At this point he sits up briefly then falls back and covers his head with a pillow, “I am going to be so loose that I am going to need to buy stock in adult diapers!!! Maybe Mikey can tell me where he used to buy Dr. Dave's”
Even in mid queen out my baby is a clever devil.
“Brian....Briiiaannn...you can't hide there forever. Calm down and let’s ask the doctor when we see him next week. After all after a woman gives birth her vagina gets smaller and is not loose.” I try to reassure him as I move the pillow, “and you can always do kegal exercises to tighten up.”
By this time it is 3 a.m. And if we plan on getting my shit packed up in the next 2 days we need to get some sleep. As I snuggle into Brian's side my hand slips gently onto his abdomen and I begin rubbing small circles, this seems to relax the both of us and before I know it I hear the slight wheeze that lets me know Brian as fallen asleep. I am so ready to start my new life with the man that has always been my past, present and future. We are finally going to be a family. Oh shit...the 'Family'!!! How are we going to tell them? Is Brian ready to do it? Am I ready for that? Who should we tell first?
Brian
August 2003
I slept better next Justin than I have since he moved. I have said it before and I will say it again...my life is so much more than I ever expected it to be. I have a loving, although odd family, a partner (it just gets easier every time I say it) who loves me, a beautiful son and now a baby on the way. My life is good....arghhhh its time for the bathroom, fucking morning sickness!!!
“Brian....are you okay?” a very sleepy and ruffled Justin asks from the door way.
“Yeah, could you maybe get me some ginger ale and saltines? The doctor said they would help with the morning sickness (all the time sickness more like it).” I ask as I make another deposit into the NYC Sewers.
“Here you go....” Justin stops in mid sentence.
“What?”
“I almost called you baby....sorry I know you hate pet names.” Justin smiles softly.
“Just don't call me that when anyone else is around. I don't mind when we're alone, it’s kind of nice actually. A hell of a lot nicer than my old one....’asshole'.” I smile up at him from my seat on the floor.
“Ok, let’s get cleaned up and head for the deli down the street for breakfast.” Justin says and heads for the shower. “We have a big day ahead of us, renting a truck, packing, I have to call Alix and set up a time to let her know I am moving home. And then we have to talk about telling the 'family'.”
Fan-fucking-tastic! Do we really have to go back to the Pitts?
We have a nice long shower, with some petting and stroking, mostly Justin washing my back and gently spending time on my belly soaping and kissing and talking to his little “peanut”.
“Sunshine I draw the line at 'little peanut', especially in public” I drawl as I am drying his hair.
“Fair enough but when we are at home it is fair game.” he smiles. “Now get dressed! My baby needs to eat.” Sure it has nothing to do with the monster living in his stomach! And off we go to the deli down the block. We have a nice breakfast. I have fruit, 1 egg, an English muffin, bacon and an OJ followed sadly by a cup of decaf. Justin on the other hand orders the entire menu it seems, although I am glad he did, because as soon as I saw his Western Omelet I had a sudden craving for ham, onions and peppers with cheese.
“Justin...give me some of that ….please.” I nearly beg. “The baby wants it.”
“Sure.” he smirks and slides half of the omelet onto my plate. “Baby” (evil twink)
Justin
Breakfast went well, I am so happy that Brian is able to eat. He says the morning sickness should pass in the next month or so. I hate seeing him sick as much as he hates being sick. After breakfast we split up, me to meet my agent and Brian to rent a truck and get packing boxes.
“Justin, this is a shock to say the least. We are finally making a name for you and you want to leave the city? Why?” Alix asks, she is a great agent and has become a friend.
“Well, it seems like the right time and some personal issues have changed some of my priorities about where I live and work.” I say calmly, “I have given this a great deal of thought, my last show sold out, the write ups were and I quote you, 'stellar'. I have commissions for 5 paints that will make me $50,000 this year. I will only be a short flight away and I am keeping the apartment for when I have to be here for shows or commissioned works.”
“It’s true you have made a name for yourself very quickly and the write ups have been stellar. But do you realize how much harder it is going to be for you to show and sell your work living in Pittsburgh?” she asks. Alix is nothing but supportive of me and I know she will find a way to make this all work out.
“Of course I do but Pittsburgh is my home and if I am really honest with myself it is my heart. My family is there, Brian is there and he is my greatest inspiration.” I am glowing by now and I know I have to tell her the rest, “And it is where I want to raise my family.”
“Justin are you pregnant?” she asks in astonishment.
“No, Alix, I am not” I answer with a bright smile, “but, Brian is and I don't think I could stay away from him even if I wanted to try and stay here to work.”
“ Oh my Gosh that is so fuckin' fantastic...but I don't even dare think about how the queen is going to be to live with...he must be beside himself.” she laughs, “I mean it’s not like Armani is going to come out with a maternity line for men anytime soon.”
“Yeah, let’s keep those comments to ourselves shall we.” I groan.
“Not a problem sweetie. When are you leaving?” she smiles back at me.
“Brian is getting the boxes and renting a truck as we speak. Since I am not giving up the apartment I really only need my clothes, cd's ,sketch pads and my 'tool box'. I am taking the unfinished canvases with me and will tag the finished ones and send them to the gallery for you to take care of.” I have it all planned so she relaxes a little bit. “I am only a phone call away. Alix this is going to work out.”
After a few more minutes of reassurance Alix heads off to her gallery in Soho, with a reminder to me that I have a small show lined up for February. I was so lucky to get her to represent me, she only takes on artists she likes and then gives them a show in her gallery to introduce them to the art world. My sold out show was at her gallery and she has been getting calls ever since. I'm not foolish enough to think that I will always be this successful so easily but ,when I left for New York I already have several canvases finished and scanned onto my website so it was a pretty rapid progression to a show.
I can't wait to get back to the apartment to see Brian and begin the next
wonderful part of our life together. I am the luckiest man on the planet.
Chapter 5
September 2003
Justin POV
We were able to pack everything in about 2 days, get my canvases to Alix and make a totally stealthy return to Pittsburgh. In fact we avoided everyone for almost a week, and had not told anyone I was moving home permanently. Brian and I actually sat and talked about the future. And the earth remains on its axis! We also talked about who to tell and when to tell them, because much to his dismay Brian had already begun to have a baby bump, and how to tell them. Of course Brian wanted to just send out announcement cards and let the family guess who was pregnant. I, on the other hand, thought it might work out better if we told the most “friendly” people first.
“Brian I think we should tell my mother, alone. You know she is worse than you are with emotions and showing them in front of other people.” I say before he even suggests telling the others.
“I agree.” he said and took another spoonful of Chunky Monkey. “do we have any more Oreo's?”
“Geez Brian...we just ate 2 hours ago. Your ass is going to be huge if you keep it up”
“Sunshine, I can always 'keep it up'. And right now your kid wants Oreo's and Chunky Monkey ice cream.” he responded with a smirk and the sound of an Oreo package opening, “so who should be next on our 'hit list'?”
“ I want to tell Daphne, so how about with do Daphne and Emmett together, that way we get all of the squealing and clapping out of the way at once. And Em will have someone to hug as he tears up at the news.” I suggest as my hand is slapped away from the Oreos.
“ Ok, but then we really have to tell Deb. I do not want to deal with her being the last to know. I can already feel the smack to the back of my head” Brian said with a side ways smile.
“Why don't we tell Deb and my mom at the same time? That way the PFLAG hotline doesn't need to be fueled up.” I suggest as I dial my mother’s cell phone.
Brians POV
So here we sit waiting for Jen and Deb to arrive. Justin suggested they come to the loft for brunch that should have clued them into the fact that something was going on. As my “baby daddy” (as he calls himself to piss me off) is busy making coffee cake and setting the table I tidy up and get the medical information set out on the coffee table.
At precisely 11am the buzzer rings and I let our mothers in to the building. After a crushing hug from Deb and a polite kiss from Jen, Justin settles us all down at the table and sets the cake and coffee out.
“Mom, Deb thanks for coming over today” Justin says taking my hand under the table.
“Of course darling thank you for inviting us.” Jen says.
“No problem baby, lets dig into this cake it looks fabulous Sunshine” Deb beams at him.
After serving the cake and freshening the coffees, because you know Justin loves a good spit take when he gives Deb good news, Justin proceeds with our news.
“Deb, mom. Brian and I have some news for you. Please let me say it before you interrupt.” Justin says pushing on quickly, “As you know Brian and I have continued to see each other almost every weekend since I moved. Some things have changed in the past couple of months that you should know about....”
“Oh no you’re not sick are you? Did you meet someone in New York? What did the asshole do. Justin you can tell us we're here for you” Deb says quietly glaring at Brian.
“For Christ Sake Deb...” I cut in because I am so patient, “I'm 4 months pregnant. Justin is moving back, we are going to move into Britin and he is going to keep painting and will be a big fat fucking success! His agent knows she is going to work it all out, he has made a name for himself quickly and already has about 4 months worth of commission work to do.”
As I predicted Deb coughed up some coffee, smacked me in the head, and started crying.
Jen, ever the WASP, asked what she could do. And then before I knew it I was lying on the couch being fussed over by 2, make that 3 mother hens.
“I am only 4 months pregnant, there is no reason for me to be laying here being waited on, not that I mind of course. But the doctor said I am in great shape, everything is progressing well and he sees no complications arising.” I said standing up to stretch and get another piece of cake.
“Drink your juice and take your vitamins” Justin said as he cut me more cake.
“Yes dear”
Debbie's POV
One of my babies is having a baby!!!!! I am so excited, I am already thinking about the blanket I am going to make for Brian and Justin. But shit who would have ever thought Brian “Fucking” Kinney would get knocked up. I can only imagine how Michael is going to react. Not only is he about to find out that his hero does indeed take it up the ass like the queer boy he is, but he lets Justin fuck him and now he is pregnant. Maybe this is the perfect thing to finally show Michael that he will never be more than Brian's best friend.
“Vic you will not fuckin' believe what Brian and Sunshine just told me and Jen. Brian is pregnant!!! Justin is home for good and they are moving to the mansion in W. Virginia.”
Vic smiles up at me from his spot on the couch and simply says “Good”, with a twinkle in his eye.
Justin's POV
I can't wait to share the news with Daphne and Emmett, I think they are going to be our greatest supporters. Emmett is by far the most open, accepting and supportive of all Brian's friends. He is the only one that doesn't join in the snark fest's that take place when Brian is mentioned. Even Mikey gets involved. I am so not looking forward to telling Michael, he is going to freak out!!!
Emmett arrives first and grabs a beer from the fridge before he settles down on the couch with Brian to watch James Dean until Daph arrives. Neither one will ever admit it but they really do have a great friendship and share the no bullshit perspective. And no matter what has happened between Brian and me, Emmett has always been there for me. When Daphne arrives I hand her a beer and grab water for Brian and I. We all settle in to seats in the living room. Brian and I on the couch and Emmett and Daphne in the matching Barcelona chairs.
“Baby I can't wait any longer! What has you and the big bad inviting little ole me over to your den?” Emmett drawls playfully.
“Well....” maybe Brian will just jump in again...no such luck, “Brian and I are going to have a baby in about 6 months.” At this point the squealing, clapping, jumping and crying take place. Brian and I sit back, arms around each other and wait. I occasionally hand one of them a tissue.
“Justin...” Daphne smacks my shoulder, “I can't believe you didn't tell me you are pregnant!!!”
“As a matter of fact Justin is not pregnant...I am.” Brian says matter of factly.
And the Emmett fainted.
“Em. Emmett. Are you ok?” Daphne shakes his shoulder
“Oh Sweetie I'm fine. I think I have had too much caffeine and beer...but I would swear Brian said he is pregnant” Em says taking a gulp of water and looking at Brian.
“Honeycutt...you did not imagine that. Look you can see the baby bump.” Brian said from his spot on the couch. Then he stands up and lifts his shirt so we can all see the little bump that is our baby.
“oh Brian...can I touch it?” Daphne squeals.
“Sure, you've been dying to get your hands on me for years now!” Brian laughs. “You too Emmett I know you want to... so get it over with already.”
After some hugging, baby bump touching and promises from Emmett not to share the news Brian and I are finally alone.
“That went better than I anticipated” I smiled and started rubbing Brian's belly softly.
“Yeah, now tomorrow Mikey, Ted and the munchers...I think we should tell them together. That way we can just get it out of the way.” Brian says stifling a yawn.
“Let's go to bed. We will deal with the “girls” tomorrow” I say guiding him to our bed.