When Brian encountered Michael again, it was at Woody’s after the meeting between him with his lawyer, and Melanie and Lindsay with theirs. He was sitting with Ben at the bar staring into the drink in front of him. Ben seemed to be trying to console Michael, who was saying something about being a pornographer. “Don’t change your hair for me. Not if you care for me.” Brian quipped as he walked up to greet them. “Fuck off.” Michael snapped. “What’s your problem?” “You hired that attorney for Melanie and Lindsay didn’t you?” Michael spat. “Of course you did. How else could they afford it?” “If Brian wants to hire Mel and Lindsay a lawyer, it’s his money.” Ben countered. “He can do with it what he wants.” “Including stab me in the back?” Michael grumped. “Christ!” Brian hissed. “Don’t you get it, yet?” Michael’s mouth dropped open in surprise but he didn’t speak. “This isn’t about just you, Michael.” Michael rolled his eyes. “While you’re trying to be father of the fucking year, you’re creating more problems than you could ever solve.” Michael huffed and looked down at the bar. “Well, there isn’t any problem now.” Michael said sarcastically. “That hot shit lawyer of yours made me sound like a fucking deviant. I got visitation only, supervised visitation at Melanie’s.” Michael shook his head. “I thought you were my best friend.” “I am.” “Then how could you help them?” “I would have done the same for you.” “But, instead you help them take my daughter away from me.” “Oh, no.” Brian said shaking his head. “You started this. Not me.” Brian slammed his drink down on the bar. “You threatened the people I care about, Michael. I just put a stop to it.” “I swear sometimes I don’t even know who the fuck he is.” Michael said as Brian stalked away. -- Brian left out an enormous sigh of relief when he pulled into the garage. He sat there for a second or two before opening the door and heading inside the house. When he got to the kitchen, he could hear Justin quizzing John on vocabulary words. He smiled at the simple domesticity of it then walked on in. “Abbreviation.” Justin said looking at a paper sitting on the counter in front of him. “A-b-b-r-e-v-i-a-t-i-o-n.” John spelled. “Good.” Justin said. “Location.” “L-o-c-a-t-i-o-n.” “Starvation.” Brian said from the doorway. “S-t-a-r-v-a-t-i-o-n.” “Hey, Uncle Bri.” John said smiling. “I thought you were going to be late.” Justin said. “I thought so, too.” Brian said accepting a chaste kiss from the blond. “I got the mess with the Richmond account untangled. Thanks to the help of Ted and Cynthia, who I might add, is turning into quite the taskmaster, so I took them to Woody’s for a drink. To celebrate the un-fucking up we did on one big mother of a fuck up.” “My hero.” Justin teased sarcastically Brian rolled his tongue into his cheek. “And, I saw Michael sitting with Ben at the bar.” “Oh.” Justin said noncommittally. “Yeah, I guess the custody meeting didn’t go exactly as he planned.” Brian said then pressed his lips between his teeth. “Melanie retained full custody and Michael has supervised visitation.” “Supervised.” “I told him to stop.” Brian explained. “I know how good Gabriel is and not just at his job.” Justin looked up startled then looked at John who didn’t seem to understand what Brian was talking about. “Gabriel flayed Michael. From what Lindsay told me, he dug into Michael’s not-so-angelic past. He brought up Michael’s recreational drug use, the fact that he’s living with two men who are HIV positive, and that he makes his living writing a violent, pornographic gay comic book.” “Ouch.” Justin said cringing. “But, ‘Rage’ isn’t really -.” “Of course it is, Sunshine.” Brian said cutting Justin off. “That’s why your fans buy it.” “But, shouldn’t it make a difference that the two HIV pos guys he lives with are his partner and his foster son? A foster son forced into prostitution by his own mother?” Justin asked. “And, come on, Ben and Michael love each other. Hunter’s pretty damned lucky to live with them, I think.” “I do, too.” Brian said. “But, in the eyes of the law -.” “Was he mad?” “Of course he was mad.” Brian scoffed. “And, he made it all about us. About our friendship. As usual.” “So, where do you two stand now?” John asked. “He’s like your best friend, right?” “Yeah, but he’s angry and he’s hurt, and he’s determined to blame me.” Brian sighed. “Which means that either later this evening or early tomorrow morning Debbie will probably make a encore appearance and ream me out for what I did.” “But, you didn’t really do anything.” John stated firmly. “That’s not how she’ll see it.” Brian blew out a breath. “So, what’s for dinner?” “I ordered out.” Justin said. “Didn’t know if you were going to be here or not.” “Let me guess.” Brian smirked. “Pizza?” “Yeah,” Justin confirmed, “but I got a Caesar salad, too, so you don’t have to carb up so late.” “I knew I kept you around for a reason.” Brian said pulling Justin into a kiss. “Jeez.” John said rolling his eyes. “Wise guy.” Brian chuckled just as the doorbell rang. “Dinner is served.” Justin said heading toward the front door. -- Surprisingly Debbie didn’t show up at the house either that evening or the following morning. Brian figured it was just the lull before the storm, but was hopeful that the storm would pass over without her making an appearance. He tried not to dwell on it as he drank his morning coffee. “Justin!” John called down the stairs pulling Brian out of his thoughts. “Where is my black t-shirt with the skull and cross bones on the front?” “I hung it in your closet!” Justin called back. “I can’t find it!” John sulked. “It has to be there somewhere!” Justin called. Brian looked at Justin and smiled despite himself. If someone had told him, when he first encountered Justin under that street lamp just a few short years ago, that he would be living his life with Justin and sharing in the raising of his nephew, he’d have either laughed himself to tears or made a ripping remark about how stupid ‘relationships’ are and that he was glad that he neither believed in nor would ever willing participate in one. Oh, how times have changed. Justin looked up to ask Brian if he’d seen the missing shirt and saw the smile. “What?” Justin asked. “Nothing.” Brian said trying not to smile again, thus completely turning into a lesbian on the spot. Justin moved over, wrapped his arms around Brian’s neck, and kissed him lightly on the cheek. “I’m still on to you, you know?” Justin whispered teasingly. “Yeah?” “Oh, yeah.” Justin said imitating Brian’s tongue in cheek smile. Brian pulled Justin into a far more intimate kiss parting only when John loudly cleared his throat upon entering the kitchen. “Don’t you ever get tired of doing that?” John teased. “Nope.” Brian said kissing Justin once more before allowing Justin to pull away. Justin blushed and went back to packing John’s lunch. “Jeez.” John said rolling his eyes. “Anything special going on at school, there, bucko?” Brian asked. “Not really.” John said around a mouthful of pop tart. “I have a field trip next week, which reminds me.” He pulled a sheet of paper out of his backpack and handed it to Brian. “I need you to sign this.” “Where are you going?” Brian asked pulling a pen out of his inside jacket pocket. “Natural History Museum.” “Cool.” Brian said signing the slip and handing it back to John. “It’s okay.” John said. “Danny and me used to go there with Dad sometimes. Danny always thought the dinosaurs were scary. I think they’re pretty neat.” “Does your class need any parents to volunteer?” Justin asked. “No, I think they have all they need.” John said. “Well, you’d better hurry, Nat’s Mom’ll be here to pick you up soon.” Justin said. John finished his breakfast just as the horn sounded. “That’s my ride.” He called. “See this afternoon.” He waved as he rushed out the door. “Do you drive car pool, too, my widdle wifey?” Brian teased as he wrapped his arms around Justin’s waist from behind. “Wifey, my ass.” Justin said. “Actually I only drive if there is an emergency.” “Cause they’ve seen how you drive?” Brian said in mock seriousness. “No, smart ass”, Justin said nudging Brian in the ribs and turning around, “because I have early classes and the other parent’s know I wouldn’t get to class on time if I did the kid run, too.” “You know the car pool people?” Brian asked shocked. “They aren’t from another planet, Brian.” Justin scoffed. “I met them at the PTSA meeting.” “You joined the Parent/Teacher/Student Association?” “Kinda.” “Kind of?” Brian asked astonished. “How do you kind of join the PTSA?” “Well, I went to a meeting and, filled out a form, and they handed me a membership card.” Justin explained. “Why would you be at the meeting in the first place?” “It took place the night John got his award for his science project.” Justin said. “When you were out of town -.” “On business.” Brian interrupted. “Haven’t you told me that you despise it when couples finished each other’s sentences?” Justin asked. “Yes, now don’t change the subject.” “Well, I was talking to Natalie’s mom and she asked if we were members and handed me a form.” Justin sighed. “Seemed like a good idea at the time.” “‘We’ are members of the PTSA.” Brian said rolling his eyes. “Good God, kill me now.” “Stop.” Justin said laughing. “What are you up to today, Big Boy?” “Not much actually.” Brian said sitting down on the couch and pulling Justin onto his lap. “I could even go in late if I wanted to.” “Really?” “Given the proper incentive.” Brian said. “I could be convinced to stay home all day.” “Well, lucky for you I have a excellent incentive program.” Justin whispered against Brian’s ear then took the lobe between his teeth. Grabbing Brian’s hand, he put it on his crotch and smiled a wickedly seductive smile. “Wow.” Brian said stifling a moan. “That’s one big boner.” “Mm-hmm.” Justin hummed against Brian’s skin the vibration going straight to his cock. Justin then let a surprised squeak when Brian stood up lifting him up over his shoulder and headed for the stairs. -- “Tell me again why we’re going to brunch in Muncherville?” Brian asked as stepped out of the shower and starting to towel off. “Because Lindsay and Melanie wanted us to be there.” Justin said stepping out behind him. “And, so does Gus.” “And, Michael’s gonna be there?” Brian asked arching his eyebrow. “And, Ben.” “Christ.” Brian hissed throwing the towel over the shower door and walking naked back into their bedroom. “Are we trying to be one big happy family?” Justin shrugged. “Maybe everyone can all get along again.” “Dream on, Sunshine.” “You never know.” “Right.” -- Brian and Justin arrived at Melanie’s house 10 minutes late. Justin looked at his watch and shook his head as Brian knocked on the door. “Shut up.” Brian said ignoring Justin eye roll. “You need to stop looking so hot when you’re wet.” Justin was about to respond when the door opened. “Hey, Brian, Justin.” Melanie said when she opened the door. “Come on in.” She kissed Justin on the cheek and Brian kissed her on the cheek. “Always the fashionably late one, huh?” She whispered. Brian smirked and followed Justin into the dining room. “Daddy!” Gus said as he tried to get down from his booster seat too quickly. The chair started to fall over and Ben grabbed Gus by the arm. “OW!” “Sorry, champ.” Ben said maneuvering him up into his arms to make sure he was all right. “You okay, buddy?” Ben asked looking at Gus’ arm. “Mommy.” Gus whined. “It’s okay.” Lindsay said soothingly and she took Gus from Ben. “You have to be more careful when you get down, little man. You could have fallen and hit your head.” Gus just nodded his head and buried his face in Lindsay’s shoulder. “You still want to see Daddy?” Gus nodded and Lindsay handed Gus to Brian. “Hey, there.” Brian said as Gus put his head on his father’s shoulder. “Next time I’ll come to you, okay?” Gus nodded and then smiled. “Brian.” Ben said. “Ben.” “Hey, Justin.” Michael said. “I brought those new panels with me if you want to go over them later. Or, you could take them with you and we could go over them at the store tomorrow after you get out of class.” “We can check them out after we eat.” Justin said with a nod. He looked at Brian then motioned toward Michael with his eyes. “Michael.” Brian said with a nod. “Hey.” “Where’s JR?” Justin asked. “She’s napping.” Melanie said. “She’ll be up in about an hour or so.” “We were thinking about taking the kids to the park.” Michael said. “You guys want to come?” “Maybe.” Brian said noncommittally. “Please, Daddy.” Gus said. “I want you to push me and Justin on the swings like you did last time.” Justin blushed and hurriedly sat down while Brian watched him a tongue-in-cheek smile spreading across his face. Michael stared from Brian to Justin and back before taking a seat next to Ben. Brian sat Gus back in his booster seat next to Lindsay and walked over to sit next to Justin. Brian whispered something to the blond who smiled and nudged him in the ribs before Brian pulled Justin to him giving him a soft, sweet kiss. They’d been talking and eating for nearly an hour when JR’s crying could be heard over the baby monitor. Michael and Melanie stood up at the same time. “I’ll get her.” Michael said. “No, that’s okay.” Melanie said. “I’ll go.” “I can do it.” Michael said raising his voice a bit. “This is my house.” Melanie said. “And, she’s my daughter.” “She’s my daughter, too.” Michael shouted. “How could I ever forget that?” “Well, if is wasn’t for me, Jenny Rebecca wouldn’t even be here!” “If it wasn’t for my hard-headedness you wouldn’t have been her father!” Gus began to fuss forcing them to stop and look around. Everyone at the table was staring at them as they argued. Michael looked stricken. “So, you’re saying that you would have asked someone else?” “No, I’m saying we did.” Melanie countered. “I’m going to take Gus upstairs so he can wash up.” Lindsay said. “I’ll check on JR while I’m up there.” Melanie gave the other woman a slight nod and Lindsay disappeared up the stairs with Gus. “So, I wasn’t your first choice.” Michael said then looked to Brian who stared back without faltering. “Of course not. How could I have been so stupid?” He said putting the pieces together. “So, when the Great God Kinney said, no, you decided on me, huh?” He turned back on Melanie. “Why did you pick me to father your child?” “Because I mistakenly believed you wouldn’t give us any trouble.” Melanie said quietly. “I thought that you would be easier to deal with than Brian. Had I only known what you were capable of, I would never have made that mistake.” “So, now it all comes out.” Michael said shocked. “You think me fathering your child was a mistake?” Melanie pressed her lips together saying nothing. “And, that if you had only allowed Mr. Perfect over there to be the father, your life would have been so much easier?” “Well, he wouldn’t have tried to drag us into court over her that’s for sure.” “I was only trying to do what was right for my daughter.” Michael snapped. “No you weren’t.” Lindsay said as she came into the room with JR in her arms and Gus at her side his arms wrapped around her leg and his head resting against her thigh. “None of us were, are. We’re only concerned about ourselves, our rights, and none of us are even thinking about what all of this could do to our daughter. Or our son.” Melanie and Michael were shocked into silence by Lindsay’s statements. They looked at her then looked at one another. Then back to their daughter’s face as she looked back at them with her sweet little smiling face. Gus smiled, too then ran over holding his arms up wanting to be picked up by his Momma. “Now, we can sit here and b-i-t-c-h about each other all day.” Lindsay scoffed. “Pointing fingers and making accusations, or we can try to get along. We can try to actually take our children’s welfare into account, so that they can be happy. Because that’s the only thing that truly matters.” “Momma, can we got to the park now?” Gus asked once he was up in Melanie’s arms. She looked at Gus and smiled as tears sparkled in her eyes. “I think we can do that.” Melanie said smiling at her son. “Michael? Brian? What do you two think?” “I think we can definitely do that.” Brian said nodding his head. Justin slid his hand into Brian’s under the table. “Michael?” “Yeah.” Michael said walking over to take JR from Lindsay. “You wanna go to the park, Sweetheart?” “Yef!” She said then shrieked with laughter when Michael blew a raspberry on her neck. They all stood and walked toward the door grabbing jackets and bundling children as they made their way outside. “You know,” Brian said to Lindsay as they walked down the porch steps, “you’re pretty damned hot when you go all maternal like that.” Lindsay just smiled and shook her head before hurrying up to take Gus’ hand so they could cross the street. Justin took Brian’s hand as they met at the sidewalk. Brian looked at Justin pulled their hands to his lips and kissed Justin’s knuckles. Justin’s smile got impossibly wider and all but skipped along the street as they followed the rest of the family toward the park. The end.