A/N: The whole logo idea is "stolen" from Wren's brilliant story Experiment. I just loved the idea of Justin designing the new logo :)
Justin
"No, Mikey. I don't want the Rage poster for the studio. I have my own Rage, remember?" The big bad wolf huffs and puffs, and Mikey snickers. "However, I would like some of the artwork for the loft if that's okay with you." Mikey agrees, and then comes up with the worst idea yet – worse even than the poster for the studio. "No. Brian certainly doesn't want a print of the blow job scene for the study." Mikey whines while Bri looks indignant, and folds his arms over his chest – and I feel like kicking both of them to the moon. Am I the only one who remembers the fact that there'll be minors in our house? And somehow I don't think Mel and Linz would appreciate any premature sex-ed for Gus. Not to mention Mom and Claire. Mikey mumbles something like 'spoilsport', and I'm sighing deeply. "Look. I'm really glad that you're all helping, but posters and prints aren't exactly high-ranking right now. The bathrooms are being done with those new tiles we got... Anyway, Brian is getting a little antsy because he still didn't get the shower he wants." The man in question sticks out his tongue, and stalks up the steps with another huff. "And now he's pissed cause I told you."
"Oh, I don't think that's the only thing he's upset about. Thank God Vanguard's Christmas party is next Friday..." Yeah, there's that as well. Bri hasn't talked about my project anymore, but I know it still bugs him. "He'll be so surprised... Full partnership, at thirty one! Bet he never imagined that. Then again, it probably isn't as unexpected as the developments in his personal life. Never thought he'd settle down – least of all with the Boy Wonder." I have to laugh at his use of that particular nickname. There was a time, when his words stung but now I can only chuckle. "I'm really happy for you, Justin." Suddenly, he sounds subdued, and I can't help but ask what's up. "Oh, it's nothing... Just... Fuck, it's that hustler again. He's been taken to hospital because of some kidney infection, and gave them Ben's number, claiming Ben was his uncle." Holy fucking shit. "And I don't think he's going to straighten things out, if you get my meaning..." I do, Mikey, I do.
"Have you tried to make him see your point?" Of course he has. But Ben – dear old Zen-Ben – apparently only pretends to listen. Shit. "Okay, if they think Ben is that Hunter's next of kin, won't they make him pay for the treatment? Since I don't think the kid has a health insurance policy." How much? Did Mikey just say 'a couple of thousand'? Fuck! "And he's willing to settle that bill?" Mikey says Ben just went to the hospital to clear up things, but he's not too hopeful. Cause you never know with altruistic Ben. "Shit. I know I told you to support him in this. But it's bordering insanity by now. I just hope that Ben gets himself out of this before ... you know..." I draw a deep breath. "But whatever happens, you know you can always count on us, yes?" He chuckles. "Cause we are also counting on your help with all the stuff we have to move to the new house. Shit, that reminds me... Mikey, I've to go. I've to call Daph..." He seems to think that very funny and is laughing his ass off when he hangs up. Great!
After ringing up Daphne, and practically begging her to get some of the stuff I stored at her place after Mom had sold the house – I somehow never managed to get them to the loft – I'm slowly climbing the steps to see what Brian's been up to. Well, he isn't pouting anymore. On the contrary. In fact, I'd say he is having a great time. He must have taken a shower while I was on the phone, cause there are still a few droplets of water on his chest and stomach. Oh, and his hair is damp. Almost didn't see that as my eyes are drawn to Bri's right hand, which is stroking his hard cock. Once in a while, his thumb moves over the purple head that is already slick with pre-ejaculate. Fuck! He looks like a debauched angel, spread out on our bed so I can have my wicked way with him.
Somehow my pants have shrunken in size over the course of just a few moments, so it's only natural that I pull them off, right? The rest of my clothes joins them as well, because it's also gotten quite hot. I'm stepping onto the platform surrounding the mattress and drop to my knees between his spread legs. "Hmm, I was beginning to wonder how long you wanted to just stand there and watch me." He throws back his head and moans as he speeds up his strokes. Oh no, Mr Kinney. Your cock's mine! I slap his hand away, only to swallow him whole mere seconds later. "Fuck!" He's arching off the bed, and I'm moving my hands to his hips to pin him down. "Justin..." None other. I'm chuckling at my private joke, and the vibrations in my throat make him gasp. "Oh shit!" He's running his fingers through my hair, gently coaxing me onwards. Like I need to be coerced to blow him.
Brian's groaning steadily now, and it's only a question of seconds... He's grabbing my hair in a near painful way as he comes undone. I'm drawing back a little, because I need to taste him, and swallow every drop he gives me. When he finally releases my head, I'm licking my mouth like the cat that got the canary, and he smiles that satisfied smile of his that tells me everything is just fine. He's pulling me up for a kiss, and I'm sharing his own flavour with him. Fuck, it's so hot and my cock is growing harder still. "You taste delicious... Or make that we taste delicious." He smirks as he pushes me onto my back. "Your turn..." Moments later, he's poised over my crotch, his tongue darting out to lick away the small pearl of pre-come. "That's even better..." I'm about to tell him to stop being a tease and to just get on with it, but his mouth is already wrapped around my dick.
Gods, I think my eyes are rolling back because of this seemingly endless pleasure. He's truly a master, and it fills me with just a little glee to know that I'm the only one he's going down on. Bri's swirling his tongue around the head of my straining cock while he swallows again and again. The muscles in his throat cause such a wonderful feeling, and I'm floating, his hands on my hips the only things that ground me. All of a sudden, a well-lubed finger is probing at my hole, and when it slips inside to rub my prostate, I'm falling apart. I think I'm actually blacking out for a moment or two, and when I finally return to the land of the living, I'm whispering, "That was..."
"Amazing, I know. Well, I am amazing, so everything I do must be amazing, too." Oh dear. Amazing and so very humble. "But, just so you know – you weren't half bad, either." Why thank you, Mr Kinney. Your approval means the world to me. Not! Bri's stretching out next to me, his tongue-in-cheek grin firmly in place. But then his face softens, and the smirk gives way to a genuine smile. "Eight months, Justin. It's been eight months now, and I'm not missing anything. Isn't that odd? Brian Kinney, Stud of Liberty Avenue, is happy with just one sex-partner. Who would have thought?"
Um, I did I guess. That was what I was dreaming of during those early days, before I accepted that it would never be, that it simply wasn't Brian. And now... It is odd. I think I never had as many problems with his tricking as he did with mine. Fuck. He got jealous whenever I was dancing with someone else, let alone fuck them. Unless you count our date nights – and how I hated them. Well, they have been reinstated, but this time around we're talking real dates here. Yes, Mr I-don't-do-dates has been doing them quite often lately. And, even though he would never admit it, I know that he loves them. Hell, most of the times he comes up with a new restaurant he wants to try, or this movie we have to watch. Not to mention the nights when he just orders some food and gets some DVDs – though I don't think he'll do that again for some time since I got on his nerves with my little obsession with the Lord of the Rings movies. Truth be told, he also loves them, but that's beside the point. At least in his book.
He's gazing at me, and I remember that he might want some sort of reply. Alright then. "Well, everyone knew that eventually you would have to settle down, you know? Cause even Mr Brian Kinney doesn't get younger. And to think – sweet Jesus – someone might have turned you down one day." He glares. "Lucky for you that you chose a young and randy lover. I'll keep you entertained for years to come." Now he groans. "Eight months, huh? It's really amazing that you are still alive..." Before he can punch me for that, I catch his hands in mine, "I love you, Brian. And not just because of those eight months. You finally let people see who you really are..."
"Yes. A pathetic faggot with no backbone at all." I slap him, and if his eyes weren't twinkling, I'd really be pissed now. "Or maybe ... maybe I finally grew one. A backbone that is. Thanks to you." Shit. How does he do it? Fucking allergies! "Else I don't think I'd have been able to say, you know ... that I love you. And I do..." I think he just realised how sappy he's become, and he quickly adds, "But you know, I'd love it even more if I got this fucking shower!" Yup, that's the Brian Kinney I fell in love with. "I think I have to make a few calls again because, fuck, it can't be so hard to get it." He's practically fleeing the bed, and I'm chuckling. He's still spooked by himself at times. And isn't that absolutely sweet?
---
Brian
Four days to go. Well, five really. And then our family will crowd Britin. Justin's so pathetic, I think he took lessons with Mikey. He came to the office again on Wednesday, and was grinning like mad. "You know what I just realised? We haven't christened the house yet." And here I had thought the romp in front of the fireplace counted as christening... "Not what you think, Mr Single-mindedness. We have to name it." I never knew that a house needed a name. "And I came up with the perfect solution." Sure he did. "What do you say to Britin?" I have to admit that it took me a few moments to get it. Bri-tin indeed. I think I have to ask Kathleen to have a look at him. He comes up with the craziest things.
Anyway, five days to go, and the house is anything but ready. Most of the furniture will be delivered on Monday and Tuesday, but luckily I managed to get the cupboards and wardrobes and such to the house already. So we can start moving our things over the weekend. That'll be fun. Justin already warned me that there's loads of things Daphne had stored for him, and I'm almost afraid to see what inane shit he's been hiding from me for more than two years. If he has a fucking Sponge Bob collection, I'll scream. You know, I never liked Dr Dave, but I understood one thing. That he tried getting rid of Mikey's comic stuff. Well, if Justin wants to clutter his studio – fine with me. But the rest of the house is taboo.
"Sorry to interrupt your daydreaming, boss, but Justin's on line one." Well, if it isn't Cynthia, bursting my little nightmarish bubble. I already saw the whole house filled with Teletubbies and Sponge Bobs and other idiotic things. I think I owe her a pay raise or something like that. "Um, Brian? The phone?" Then again... She's patronising me way too often. There goes your salary increase. Sorry about that. I pick up the phone, and usher her out of the door.
"How may I help you this fine day, Mr Taylor?" If he needs me to get any more duct tape, I'm going to scream. Or wrapping paper for his fucking presents. Luckily, it's none of the above. He just informs me that The Shower is being delivered as we speak, and he doesn't want to leave before it's installed and the water is running and everything. So he'll be a little late for the Christmas party. "Well, why don't you just stay where you are. Cause I've no intention of going to that godforsaken party. You know, I'm fearing that I might kill the next person I hear singing Joy to the World or something like that." Justin seems shocked, and starts with the arguments I knew he'd come up with. That I'm a partner in the agency, etc. "Well, I checked the contract and it doesn't state that I've to make a fool of myself. So I'll let this one pass if it's all the same to you."
"Fuck it, Brian! You have to go!" Now this is interesting. Why does he think I have to go to a silly party? "Bri, just... Trust me on this one, okay. You really have to attend. Else... Let's just say, Gardner would have my head if you didn't show up." Gardner?! Since when are we on first-name basis with the big boss, Sunshine? "Please Bri?" If he were here, he'd probably bat his lashes right about now. "It's just a little party. No one is going to harm you – too much. Besides, I always thought Christmas Carols were just lovely." Well, you're the WASP here. I'm just a Mick who got lucky. Give me an Irish Jig and ... I'll throw up. I positively hate the American version of St. Patrick's Day. "Bri... Please? I'll rescue you, I promise." It has already been established that I have no resistance as far as he's concerned, right? Good.
"If you're not here by four, I'll leave. I swear. Even if you are only one fucking minute late, I'll be gone." I think I just heard him sag in relief. Fuck! "Oh, and another thing. If anything happens to my shower, you're sleeping on the sofa. For about a month. And you'll give me a blow job whenever and wherever I want. While you won't be allowed to come." He asks if that's my idea of punishment, and I just chuckle. "You haven't heard the worst yet, Sunshine. And pray that you never will..." I hang up before I can destroy my moment of glory by saying something ridiculously romantic like 'I love you'. I switch off my notebook, and leave my office for the conference room. Passing Cyn's desk, I ask her to get a cab to pick up Justin in half-an-hour. I'm nice like that. And anyway, don't want to sleep on my own. No fun in that after all.
The whole room is decorated with bows, and mistletoes, and even a fake – no, wait a second – a real Christmas tree. Uh-oh. I think I'm close to panicking again. A tree. A fucking tree! I forgot the tree! So it's back to Cyn. "Cynthia? You know that I love you, right?" She sees right through me and asks what I want this time. Smart girl. "I was wondering if you could be an angel and get a tree delivered to the house on ... say, Tuesday? During the afternoon?" She gives me that look of hers, and asks if there's anything else I forgot – like getting my partner a present. "Cyn, I'm not that stupid, okay? Besides, isn't the house a big enough present?" She shrugs. "Okay, okay. I got easels and brushes and paint for him. So he can start working whenever he wants to."
"Ever the romantic. Never knew you had it in you, boss." If she wasn't such a great assistant, I'd fire her for that remark. Cause I don't do romantic. Never have, never will. Oh shit. My life is so fucked up. "Don't worry, he'll love his presents. Just like you..." Fuck! She also knows the big secret. This is just perfect. Next, I'll find out that Debbie is in on it as well. "Oh, stop looking so grumpy. It'll all be just fine. And not only for you..." What's that supposed to mean, huh? I glare, but Cyn just smiles sweetly. Okay, have it your way then. I don't really want to know what you're up to anyway. 'Yeah, would be great if you could make yourself believe that as well, wouldn't it, Kinney?' Shut the fuck up!
On my way back to the conference room, Ted intercepts me. He's working for Vanguard again, after Blake made him realise that the porn site was, well, maybe not really him. I really like the former tweaked-out Twinkie. "Why. Theodore. Fancy meeting you here. Did Justin call you to make sure that I didn't run and hide?" Ah, got you there. Justin's so dead! Or he would be if it wasn't so heart-warming... Heart-warming?! Jesus fucking Christ. Can't the Holidays be over already? "Well, then... Come on, and do his bidding. Else he might be completely pissed, and we don't want that for our family Christmas dinner, do we?"
An hour later, the party is in full swing, and I'm considering climbing the roof of the building and doing the Superman. Death seems like the better alternative right now, because if I hear just one more fucking Carol, I'll scream. I mean it! Justin enters the room, and is intercepted first by Vance, then Cyn, and lastly Ted. And if Mr Schmidt thinks he's being quiet, he's another one coming. "Thank God you're here. He's been driving me nuts..." Well, flattery won't get you anywhere with me, Theodore. You should know that by now. Justin smiles, and shakes his head as he approaches me.
"My, my, my. Can't leave you alone for a few hours, can I? I know how much you like to scare the shit out of poor Ted, but is it really necessary? Especially on a day like this?" He drags me a few feet to the right, and then points up. "Look. A mistletoe. Now, I know how much you abhor all those silly Christmas traditions..." Not this one, Sunshine. I draw him into a toe-curling kiss, and when we break apart, he's swaying a little. Good. Maybe this party isn't a total loss. I'm about to take him back to my office to celebrate a private party with him when Vance calls for attention.
"I know you aren't here to hear a boring speech of your boss, so I'll cut right to the chase." Giggles here and there. "When I bought this agency earlier this year, many of you weren't exactly thrilled about it." Now that's an understatement. "But after Brian," he's raising his glass to me, "had been made partner, you settled down and Vanguard has been on the way to success ever since." Thanks to me, Gardner. "Since Brian has brought in many of our major accounts and clients, plus some brilliant freelancer for our Arts Department," Justin's blushing a deep shade of red, and I grin at him, "I thought it was time to show him my gratitude." Uh-huh? "By cutting his profit share for the year." What?! "That is, if he accepts what I'm going to offer now." He moves across the room until he stands right in front of me. "What do you say to full partnership, Brian?" Did he just...
I'm not going to do the carp here, I'm not. So I just raise my eyebrow, and gaze at my flustered partner – Justin, that is. "You knew about this, didn't you?" He nods weakly. I lean in and whisper into his ear, "You are such a little piece of shit, Taylor. And I'm so going to make you pay for this – tonight..." Then I turn my attention to Vance and give him my tongue-in-cheek grin. "Well, I guess I could be convinced to accept your offer..." He smiles and gives Cyn a sign. She joins us with a board in her hands. There are a few cells on it – letterheads, business cards – all with this new logo. And with my name right next to Vance's. "What the..."
"Oh, this is the project Justin has been working on these past few weeks. I hope you like it because I already ordered new signs and such for the office." Um. Right. A new logo. Full partnership. My brain's on overtime here. "So what do you say? A few grant off your annual profit share to buy yourself into the company?" I can only nod. "Great. I had my lawyer draw up the necessary papers, and Justin had your lawyer check them over." So Mel also knew. This just keeps getting better and better. I feel like the ground just opened beneath my feet, and I have to get a grip. Fuck it. "Brian?" Still here, Gardner. Just a little shaky.
But it wouldn't do to let that on, would it? I feel Justin's gaze on me, and that does the trick. I lean in for another soul-searing kiss, and once his lips are swollen – and something else along with them – I turn to Vance who looks just a little scared. My grin is firmly in place as I advance on him, and I know what he's afraid of. Aww, I'd never do that to him, at least not in front of everyone. So I just hug him, and after the initial shock, he returns the embrace. But I can see he's glad when I draw back and shake his hand. "Full partnership... Sounds good to me." Everyone is clapping their hands now, and I know I'm grinning like a lunatic. Cyn was right. I love my Christmas surprise.
I'm excusing myself because I want to have a look at the contract before signing it – Vance already has. When I hear the knock on my office door, I know who it is before Justin even enters. "You ... you're not angry because I created the logo behind your back, are you?" Let's see. The man I love, the man who knows me like no one else, is designing the logo of my new company – shit, I love the sound of that – putting everything he knows about my likes and dislikes into his work. Of course I hate it! Fuck, where does he get these ideas?
I glower at him for a moment or two, then enfold him in my arms. "I'd rather have you designing it than any of those idiots in Arts, you should know that." I smile. "I can't believe it – full partnership! Not that I don't deserve it, but still..." He giggles. "But tell me one thing, Sunshine. Who didn't know about it, huh? Except for me, of course." He chuckles again, and tells me that only Michael, Linz, Mel, and probably Ben knew. Yes, and Ted and Cyn. Thank God for small favours. But I know why they didn't tell Deb. She could never keep a secret. I glance at the contract. "So Mel thinks it's okay?"
Justin nods. "She made sure some things were added... Oh, and she scratched the non-competition clause." Now how did she manage to do that? I think I'm going to have to thank Ms Marcus. Shit. Check if the world has ended, quick! "She also told me to tell you that you can sign it right away. Provided that you trust her." Why the fuck is he grinning right now? Is it so hard to imagine that I could trust my own fucking lawyer? She's brilliant at her job. Doesn't mean that I have to like her, does it? Only ... I do. And isn't that a scary thought, boys and girls? Particularly after our little bonding last Thursday. Fuck!
I pick up the papers again, and sign them before I can have any second thoughts. Cause I have faith in Mel. As my lawyer! "So tell me. Is the shower in working order? And what about the other bathrooms? Everything as it should be?" Justin tells me not to worry, and that, since the bed has also been delivered already, we could actually stay at Britin tonight. Provided I agreed to it. Well, I can't very well deny him when he's bouncing like Emmett – and that really is an unnerving trend I'm observing here. He's picking up the worst traits of our friends. What will be next, huh? Theodore's enormous confidence? Now that would be fucked.
"Oh, and Daph sends her love. She brought my old stuff over already because her family treated her to a trip to Europe and she's leaving on Sunday." I shudder at the thought of boxes of his old things. He seems to realise it and smiles. "It's really not as bad as you think." Oh yeah? "It's mainly old sketchbooks, and other artsy stuff. If you want to, you can actually browse through them while I cook something. I really don't want Deb and Vic to be the first to use our new kitchen..." Gods, we are growing domestic. "I think you will actually like those sketches... Most of them are of you." Well, I always knew that he had great taste...
I'm quickly getting the contract to Vance before whisking my partner away for the first night in our new home. I'm sure it's going to be a memorable night, even if we're still a little short on furniture. But as long as we have the shower and the bed, we'll be alright. I'd even say we'll be more than alright...