For Sentimental Reasons Written for Mookie Warning: a tad sappy and romantic Song: ‘I Love You for Sentimental Reasons’ – sung by Nat King Cole and Brian Kinney Post 314 “Does it bother you Justin, that Brian never says he loves you?” Emmett asked. The two of them were sitting, one at each end of the sofa in Emmett’s living room. They sat with their legs folded tailor fashion facing each other, a frosty pitcher of margaritas on a lacquered tray between them. Each one held a partially filled glass of the drink and a spoon. The drink, thick with crushed ice, strawberries and tequila was a frosty dessert for the hot summer night. Justin wouldn’t normally have answered this question at all or if he did, he wouldn’t answer truthfully. “Sometimes Em, it really bugs me. It’s not as if I don’t know he loves me, he shows me how much a thousand different ways – and he does say he loves me – but only when he cums and then it could just be the passion of the moment.” “I know what you mean – the old ‘love the one you’re with’ syndrome, but I don’t think that’s Brian’s problem. I think it’s because if he says the words, then he really and truly has to grow up.” “Have you picked your song for the karaoke contest at Woody’s Saturday night?” Justin asked changing the subject. “I can’t make up my mind whether I’m going to do a romantic ballad or something more upbeat.” Emmett reached over and pulled a pile of CD’s off the end table. “I’ve been going through some CD’s and can’t decide.” “Geeze, I hope Michael doesn’t enter – his voice sucks.” Justin declared. “It’s not so bad. That night he sang to Ben was unusual – he’s really very good if we keep him off the Beam.” Justin giggled. “Do you think Brian will sing something – it’s for charity.” Emmett rolled his eyes as he topped up his and Justin’s drink – “I’m not expecting hell to freeze over honey.” Emmett laughed. “Brian never does stuff like that.” “Brian never does stuff like what?” Brian asked, he’d let himself in the door. The casually dressed man walked over and kissed Justin’s cold and sticky lips. “Mmmmm, strawberries and tequila, my favorite.” He murmured to Justin and kissed him again. “What are you doing here?” Justin asked. “I thought you said you needed time to think.” “I did, and the more I thought about it, I knew that I can’t think unless you’re in the loft with me.” Brian sat on the arm of the sofa and wrapped his long arms and legs around Justin, pulling him in close. Emmett barely rescued the pitcher of margaritas, or what was left of it, from the bouncing sofa. “So I came to retrieve my lost youth before you over indulge in one of Emmett’s fancy drinks.” Justin offered him a spoon of the mixture and Brian dutifully opened his mouth, he swallowed and then kissed Justin. Emmett looked on astonished as they both giggled lost in a moment of remembrance. “We were wondering if you were going to be part of the Karaoke night at Woody’s on Saturday?” Emmett always the brave one ventured forth with the question. “As a matter of fact, I put my name on the list on my way over.” Brian said with a smirk. “No shit.” Justin exclaimed, “What are you going to sing?” “Something I heard on the radio today – it’ll be a surprise.” Brian answered. “Come on you can tell us.” Justin and Emmett both wheedled. “It wouldn’t be a secret then would it Sunshine.” Brian nipped Justin on his ear then kissed the sting away. Emmett knew now what Justin had meant. Brian did love the blond; he loved him with a comfortable passion that few seldom ever reach. He smiled to himself, because he’d been allowed to see a side of Brian that no one other than Justin ever saw. Saturday night came faster than usual for Brian, who was having nervous qualms about what he was about to do and for Justin who had no idea what Brian had planned. Having been on the receiving end of one of Brian’s schemes, Justin had reason to be nervous. There had been more than thirty entries for the contest. By the time Brian’s turn came, the place was packed. “Bri, you don’t have to do this.” Justin said quietly. “Do what Sunshine?” Brian laughed and pulled his Sunshine close for a passion filled kiss. “I’m going to sing like you did and Mikey did and even Emmett did.” He pretended to preen “I did have six years of singing lessons when I was in school, I don’t suck at it.” “I never said you did Bri, but this is different. Maybe if you told me what you were going to sing?” Justin looked at him, his eyes pleading for understanding. Brian’s name was announced and he swaggered up onto the stage amid catcalls and piercing whistles. He picked up the microphone and looked out into the audience directly at Justin. “Hey everybody – Deb saved the best for last.” He bowed at the cheers. “Someone asked me something last week – I won’t say who – but I think this person was genuinely puzzled about why I love my partner, Justin Taylor.” An audible gasp could be heard through the room and silence fell. Brian nodded to the DJ and the dulcet strains of an old Nat King Cole ballad were heard. Never taking his eyes off of Justin, Brian began to sing. I love you for sentimental reasons I hope you do believe me I’ll give you my heart I love you and you alone were meant for me Please give your loving heart to me And say we’ll never part. Brian held out his hand for Justin and mesmerized Justin moved through the crowd toward the stage. I think of you every morning Dream of you every night Justin, I’m never lonely Whenever you are in sight I love you for sentimental reasons I hope you do believe me I’ve given you my heart Justin had wrapped himself around Brian, their lips drinking each other Only Nat King Cole’s voice was heard as the song finished I love you for sentimental reasons I hope you do believe me I’ve given you my heart. “Brian, can’t you do anything normal?” Justin asked. “Nope, I figured if I was going to say the words, then the whole world needed to hear them as well. It’s not as if I’m going to say them often.” “You say them every time you look at me, touch me, kiss me, make love to me.” Justin breathed. “Let’s go home Sunshine.”