Lois and Carolyn, thanks for the beta...you’re the greatest!
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Author’s comments:  Here’s a collection of vignettes that tells what happened the next morning.  Sorry for unusual length of this chapter.  I really couldn’t find a place to split things without dragging this out unnecessarily.  I hope that you’ll forgive me for the chapter length, but I’ll be away on a project for a few days, and I wanted you to have something to read in the meantime. (smile)
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Chapter 54 – The Morning After
Early The Next Morning…(Day 48)

<center>Gus and Nicky</center>

“Wake up Gus, it’s morning,” Nicky pointed out, shaking his roommate awake.

“Are you sure?” Gus asked, trying to slide down under the covers.  Gus was beginning to wonder if his roommate-of-the-moment ever sleeps.

“Gus wake up.  Now!”

“Why?” Gus asked, thinking this had better be good. “What’s wrong?”

“Jus has to make us Mickey Mouse Pancakes,” Nicky explained.

Gus groaned as he wondered if his torture at the hands of Nicky would ever end.

“He will,” Gus assured him.

“When?” Nicky needed to know, not wanting to leave anything to chance.  He stood there with his hands on his hips glaring, at Gus and waiting for answers.

“As soon as he gets up to fix breakfast,” Gus explained, being well aware of the routine of the house.

“Can we go and wake him?”  Nicky asked, realizing this was something that he was particular good at.

“No!” Gus said, envisioning the consequences.  “Dad will open his door once they’re up, or they’ll come and get us.  Go back to sleep Nicky.  Jus, will wake us for breakfast…I promise,” Gus had to say for emphasis.

“Ok,” Nicky finally agreed, and settled back into his bed.  

A few minutes later, Gus once again found his rest disturbed by Nicky. Gus opened his eyes once again to find Nicky standing by his bed again. 

“Now what?” Gus innocently asked.

“I can’t go back to sleep,” Nicky said sadly.

Gus took pity on his friend, “Here, climb into bed with me,” he said, pulling back his covers.  Nicky immediately climbed into bed with Gus.  He made himself comfortable and within minutes, they both fell back to sleep.  

Brian lay there listening to the voices through the monitor and smiled.  He gently leaned down and kissed the top of Justin’s head.  ‘You were so right,’ Brian thought to himself, ‘We have absolutely no idea what Nicky and Gus talk about when we’re not around.”  

Brian made himself comfortable and snuggled in closer to his partner.  Brian waited for Justin to wake up. 

***
<center>Ben and Michael</center>

“Good morning,” Michael said to Ben, as he arrived downstairs into the kitchen. “You’re up early.”

“I have to get started on my muffins,” Ben teased. “You never know what may happen.  If I bake a batch of perfect muffins, Justin may want to paint their picture for the packaging,” Ben mockingly teased.

“You can’t be serious?” Michael had to ask, shaking his head.  He reached for the Captain Crunch cereal and poured it into a bowl.

“No, I’m not serious,” Ben said with a laugh.  “But I do want to bake extra muffins for Justin.  I can give them to him tomorrow.”

“That’s better,” Michael said with a smile. “I notice that you got up extra early this morning.” He reached in the refrigerator for the milk.

“I wanted to look at our budget and our finances.  I’m trying to see what we might be able to do to help Melanie and Lindsay with JR.  I considered what we spend monthly for our visits to Toronto or for them to fly here. I also considered what Hunter is going to need.  But I think with just a little belt tightening, we can at least contribute to her college fund.  That’s what you do when it’s your daughter,” Ben patiently explained.

“I never thought about it.  Mel and Linds were so clear that I wouldn’t have any financial responsibilities for my daughter, that I never gave it a second thought.  But now that you’ve pointed this out, I see that it’s the right thing to do,” Michael revealed.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Ben said with a measure of satisfaction that Michael was beginning to understand about responsibility.

“But it doesn’t change the fact that I think they should move back here to live,” Michael continued to state, lest Ben misunderstand his intention.

“I know that.   I understand how you feel.  You just shouldn’t say anything about your feelings to Melanie and Lindsay,” Ben reminded him one more time.

“I know you’re right,” Michael said with a sigh.

Ben was still hopeful that Michael wouldn’t disturb the delicate balance that existed between the family and Lindsay and Melanie.

“Just think, you’re going to spend the day with your daughter,” Ben reminded him. “That’s what’s important.”

“You’re right.” Michael said with a big grin.

“I guess we should get ready to go to Debbie’s to pick up JR.” Ben finally said.

***
<center>Carl and Debbie</center>

“The coffee smells good,” Carl said, as he made his way to pour a cup. “Good morning, Honey. Good morning, Jenny.”

“Hi Carl.  Now what would you like for breakfast?” Debbie asked.

“I think I’ll just have toast and coffee this morning.  That way I’ll have room to have lunch with you.  What’s the pink plate special today?”

“It’s Saturday, probably the Dick of Death,” Debbie said with a laugh. “Although I’m thinking maybe I should hang around here today…just in case someone needs me.”

“Debbie, if someone needs you, believe me Honey, they definitely always know where to find you,” Carl suggested.

Debbie handed Carl his cup of coffee and placed a handful of Cheerios in front of Jenny.  Jenny immediately began the laborious task of eating the cereal one morsel at a time. 

***
<center>Jennifer and Molly</center>

“You made me blueberry pancakes for breakfast,” Jennifer said with surprise, as she came into the kitchen at the condo. “Thank you, dear.”

Jennifer knew that occasionally Molly would try her hand at breakfast.  But Jennifer couldn’t help wondering what her teenage daughter was up to.  

“You’re welcome, Mom,” Molly quietly responded.

“So, what are your plans for today?” Jennifer cautiously asked.

“I thought I would call Brian,” Molly said nonchalantly, making it sound as if calling Brian was the most normal thing in the world.  “Of course, I need to borrow your cell phone to do that.”

“I see,” Jennifer said, wondering if she was about to lose another child to the charms of one Brian Kinney.  After all, Molly hadn’t stopped talking about the house and Brian since “their date” a few days ago.  Of course, Brian and Justin had legalized their union, so she knew she had nothing to fear, but still Jennifer had to wonder about Molly’s new interest in Brian.  “Sure honey, you can call him, but let’s wait until after breakfast, just in case Brian and Justin are sleeping late.”

“Sure,” Molly said with no resistance.  “Gus should probably be there by now, don’t you think?” she asked, seemingly out of the blue.

“I think Debbie said that Lindsay and Melanie were arriving last night.  Why?” Jennifer wondered.

“Do you think Nicky is here yet?” Molly persisted with her questions.

“He probably came in with his dads last night as well.  Why do you ask?” Jennifer continued to be perplexed.

“I was going to see if Brian would let me visit with Gus and Nicky.  After all, he did suggest it at dinner the other night.  Maybe he’ll even let me stay over in the new guest room,” Molly continued.

Jennifer couldn’t suppress a smile.  

So Molly was planning on charming Brian into letting her come out to the mansion for a visit, so she could see Gus and Nicky.  Molly may have a crush on Brian, but she clearly had other priorities today.  ‘Teenagers,’ Jennifer thought to herself.

“Why don’t you call Justin instead of Brian?” Jennifer casually inquired, just dying to hear this answer.

“Brian’s just easier to deal with,” Molly said emphatically. “Justin is such a pain!”

Jennifer couldn’t help laughing at the difference in the characterizations.

***
<center>Melanie and Lindsay</center>

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Melanie said to Lindsay.

“I’m surprised that you’re awake,” Lindsay said, rolling over to give her partner a kiss. “Did you get Jenny up and dressed?”

“Are you kidding? Debbie was in there with our daughter as soon as she was awake.  I wouldn’t be surprised if we found her downstairs having coffee with everyone.  I heard Debbie and Carl go downstairs earlier,” Melanie recounted.

“We need to call Gus this morning to find out about his evening.  We were both so tired after our flight and dinner that we just fell into bed,” Lindsay tried to remember.

“I’m sure that Gus is having the time of his life.  He’s with Brian and Justin not to mention Nicky and Paul and Jason.  I’m sure he had a very busy evening himself.  I think we should leave Gus alone, and wait until he calls us.  You know that he will.  He loves to call us and tell us all about his day,” Melanie reminded her.

“I must admit that I really love to hear his nightly status reports.  A lot must have happened at the mansion, for Gus not to call last night.  But he was probably as tired as we were.  Maybe he’ll call us this morning,” Lindsay said hopefully.

“If Gus doesn’t call us tonight, then we’ll call him.  How does that sound?” Melanie agreed.  

“I wanted to call Justin this morning and drop a subtle hint.  I really want an invite out to see the mansion,” Lindsay said longingly.

“Are you sure that you’re ready for that?” Melanie asked cautiously.

“What do you mean?” Lindsay challenged.

“Are you sure that you want to see the house that, in your fantasy, should have been yours?” Melanie challenged.

“Who knows, if we move back here, maybe Brian would let us stay with him until we get back on our feet.  Then I would get a taste of living at the mansion.  I could hold on to the fantasy a little longer, and I know that Brian would agree since he would get to spend all that additional time with Gus.  You know how he loves to spend the time with Gus,” Lindsay continued to explain.

“The mansion is a long way away from everything and everyone.  If we were to move back we would need to be here.  No, if we were to move back the most likely scenario would be that we would end up staying with either Debbie and Carl or Michael and Ben until we were on our feet again.  Neither of those are particularly enticing options,” Melanie pointed out.

“Or maybe, Brian would let us live at the loft?” Lindsay continued to fantasize.

“And where would Brian take his tricks?  Besides, there are no walls at the loft.  That would be a problem with two kids,” Melanie continued to explain as the voice of reason.

“I know that you’re right,” Lindsay said with resignation in her voice.

“I know that you’re unhappy with the way things are in Toronto.  I’m sure that’s part of the reason that you want to run away to Paris for the summer.  I really do understand, Lindsay,” Melanie said, showing her understanding.  “I’ll just have to see what we can work out.”

“But I also understand why you don’t want to move back to Pittsburgh.  I want more for Jenny than to be smothered by Debbie and Michael.  That isn’t why we had her, and we owe her more of a life than that,” Lindsay said, with her reasoning ability returning.
  
“Thank you for seeing that.  But I think she loves the attention she gets when she visits here or when Debbie or Michael visit us, and I like the idea of us staying close to the family.  As long as we aren’t too close,” Melanie added quietly. 

“They are almost the only family we really have,” Lindsay added, “I like the idea of being close to them too.”

“But you know, Gus is thriving from all the contact with Brian and Justin.  These last few weeks he’s been a lot happier. He’s doing well in school,” Melanie began to reveal her observations, “So my hypothesis seemed to have been correct.  Gus is going to need more than just us if he is to grow up and be well adjusted, and Brian is making such an effort with Gus.”

“I just wonder if Justin is getting any painting done.  How can he with a house full of guests and two rambunctious kids running around?” Lindsay asked.

“Look, you know how protective Brian is where Justin is concerned.  I’m sure he figured out how to handle things for this weekend.  Otherwise Justin would be in New York instead of at the house, and Paul and Jason wouldn’t be visiting with Nicky,” Melanie responded, almost thinking aloud.

“Justin belongs…locked away in his studio…in New York.  I don’t care how carefully Brian has planned things,” Lindsay stated emphatically.

“So you could have Brian all to yourself this weekend?  I know it’s been awhile,” Melanie asked with a laugh.

“I miss Brian coming to me with all his troubles and sharing everything with we me.  We’ve been very close for a very long time.  I thought you understood about that?” Lindsay revealed.

“I do understand.  I’m just cautioning you not to get too attached to Brian.  He has his own life.  He’s been doing a really good job of managing his life without consulting with you at every turn.  You saw him at the airport.  He’s never looked happier,” Melanie said as a way to caution Lindsay.   Melanie was thinking about what she overheard last night.

“I just want to have some time to catch up on things with Brian.  That’s all,” Lindsay finally admitted with a smile. 

“You can have Brian,” Melanie finally teased,  “I’d much rather catch up with Justin.”

“You’ve always liked Justin better…even when he was a little kid.” Lindsay reminisced.

“Justin was never a little kid,” Melanie said with a laugh, “If you will remember he was always more mature than Brian.  It just took Brian a long time to figure things out.  It will probably take him a lifetime to figure out how to deal with Justin.”

“Maybe,” Lindsay said, but deep down she was wondering if Brian would waste a lifetime on such a daunting task.

“Well, I guess we should get dressed and go down for breakfast before our appointment with Elizabeth,” Melanie suggested.

“And maybe we can call Gus and Justin after breakfast,” Lindsay reminded her.

 ***
<center>Paul and Jason</center>

“So you decided to finally wake up,” Jason teased his partner.

“Of course, I’ve been awake.  This house is so quiet.  I miss our monitor,” Paul explained with a laugh. “Brian and Justin put the receiver in their room.  I wonder what Nicky and Gus are up to?”

“So that’s the reason you miss the monitor,” Jason teased,   “You miss spying on Gus and Nicky,” he said with a laugh.

“Gus and Nicky seem to be so happy together.  I’m really glad Brian made us come,” Paul commented.

“Do you really think that Justin will get any painting done with all of us here?” Jason hesitantly asked.

“Not if Gus and Nicky are going into his studio to paint with him,” Paul said with a laugh.

“I don’t know.  You saw the painting that Justin did for Gus.  Wasn’t it wonderful?  Did you see Nicky’s eyes light up when he looked at the painting?  You’re probably right, if only Gus was in the studio, maybe.  But Gus and Nicky together, Justin will get no painting done at all,” Jason said, unable to contain his laughter.  “And of course, if Justin gets no painting done, Brian is going to kill us.  Did you think about that?” 

“I prefer to think about the painting.  Brian and Gus captured on horseback.  We have got to send a picture of the painting back to the moms,” Paul said trying to change the subject.  “Dealing with Brian if his plans go astray is not going to be pleasant. You know what a control freak he is?”

“I’m betting that Jus will know how to handle Brian,” Jason said with a laugh, “And that he will protect us. Otherwise you and I are toast.”  
 
“Tell me about it,” Paul said with some concern. “Well there is nothing that we can do about this now.  We’ll just have to play it by ear.”

“I wonder if Justin has entered the new painting on his website yet?  I wonder if he shows Gus as the official owner?” Jason continued to ponder, thinking about more pleasant thoughts than Brian’s wrath.

“We’ll have to check,” Paul suggested.

“When we first arrived, while you were resting, Justin let me watch while he unpacked all these paintings from New York.  There was one painting in that group of Brian in bed among rumpled sheets.  It was totally awesome!”  Jason recounted, “Even more magnificent than the one he did for Gus.  You should see it.  I think Justin painted it as a present for Brian.”

“Brian didn’t say anything about receiving a painting last night when we were together,” Paul reminded him.

“Justin probably hadn’t given it to him yet,” Jason pointed out.

“You know that I’ve known Brian since college, and we’ve know Justin for years.  Because Justin is our friend, sometimes you just forget he is this famous artist, especially when you see him with the kids,” Paul said wistfully.

“ I know.  I’m so looking forward to vacationing with them,” Jason said eagerly.

“Me too,” Paul agreed.

***
<center>Brian and Justin</center>

“Good Morning, Sunshine,” Brian said with a smile, as two very blue eyes looked up at him.

Justin leaned up to give him a kiss, before snuggling again into Brian’s chest. “What are you doing awake?” he asked.

“Well, I was listening in on the morning conversation between Gus and Nicky,” Brian said with a smirk.

“You were.  What did you hear?” Justin asked with renewed interest.

“I was thinking of taking you and everyone out for breakfast this morning, but Gus and Nicky are conspiring to get you to make Mickey Mouse Pancakes,” Brian nonchalantly revealed.

“Noooooooooo,” Justin tried to say in protest.

“Yeeeeeeessssss,” Brian said in reply.

Justin couldn’t suppress a laugh.

“Now I would spend the morning fucking you into the mattress again, but I know that Gus and Nicky would just interrupt us.  So I think we’re going to have to table that until tonight,” Brian suggested.

“But, you fucked me into the mattress last night,” Justin casually reminded Brian. “I think under the terms of our equal partnership agreement, I think it’s my turn to do the fucking.  Don’t you remember? It must have been on one of those papers we signed?” Justin teased.

“I listened very carefully to everything that Max said,” Brian quipped, “There was nothing in those documents that specified that you were doing any fucking.  But I can see how your devious little mind is working.  I’m going to have to be more careful, now that we’re legally bound and all,” Brian said, with a mocking tone to his voice.

Brian received a gentle slap on the arm for that statement.

***
<center>Brian, Justin, Nicky, and Gus</center>

“Oh oh, I hear little people stirring,” Brian commented as he looked over at the monitor.  “And here they come.”

“You’re kidding,” Justin asked with a laugh.

Brian got up and opened their bedroom door.

Justin received his answer with the sound of approaching little footsteps, and two little heads appearing at the foot of their bed.

Brian and Justin couldn’t resist a smile.  Justin propped himself up in bed, as Brian rejoined him.  Brian patted the bed and Nicky and Gus curled up between them, completely smothering Justin.

Brian pulled them over to his side. “What are you two doing up so early?” he innocently asked, already knowing the answer.

“Nicky’s hungry, Dad,” Gus explained.

“Well, that’s good,” Brian explained with a smirk, “I was planning to take everyone out to breakfast, how does that sound?”

“That’s a wonderful idea, Brian,” Justin answered, and then he watched the faces of Nicky and Gus turn to sadness.

“Jus, can’t we stay here.  Can’t we have Mickey Mouse pancakes?” Gus suggested.

“But Gus, you love going out to breakfast,” Brian quipped.

“But Nicky has been waiting a whole week for Mickey Mouse pancakes,” Gus suggested as he looked over at the pitiful expression on Nicky’s face.

“A week, huh?” Brian teased. “That’s not very long,” he said with a laugh.

Gus and Nicky decided that Brian was useless in their negotiation, so both of them moved over to snuggle into Justin’s arms.

Justin found himself looking into two pairs of sad eyes. “What’s wrong?” he innocently asked.

“Jus, will you fix Nicky Mickey Mouse pancakes?” Gus asked, as he put his arms around Justin’s neck.  Nicky copied the move.  Brian simply watched the complex negotiations and tried not to laugh.

“Sure,” Justin finally said.  “Give Brian and me time to get dressed first, ok?”

Nicky and Gus broke into big smiles.  Brian couldn’t conceal his own smile, as Gus and Nicky gave Justin wet kisses.  Then the kids disappeared, leaving Brian and Justin alone.

“You’re so easy!” Brian quipped, wrapping Justin in his arms. 

Justin just smiled.

***
<center>Paul, Jason, Nicky and Gus</center>

A few minutes later, Paul and Jason heard a knock on their door.  The knob easily turned.  Two pairs of little feet scampered across the floor, and two little heads appeared at the foot of their bed. 

Paul and Jason looked at each other and smiled.

“What are you two doing up?” Paul innocently asked, opening his arms to his son.

Jason patted the bed beside him for Gus to join them, and he willingly curled up in Jason’s arms.

“Are Brian and Justin awake?” Jason innocently asked.

Gus quickly nodded yes.

“We’re having Mickey Mouse Pancakes,” Nicky informed them.

“What a surprise!” Jason said with a laugh. “So the two of you wore Jus down first thing this morning, huh?”

“Dad and Jus are getting dressed,” Gus informed them.

“Then I guess, we’d better get dressed too,” Paul said.

“Ok you two, why don’t you go to your room and figure out what you want to wear today.  Paul and I will get dressed, and then we’ll come in and help you get dressed.  How does that sound?” Jason suggested.

Gus and Nicky, with visions of Mickey Mouse Pancakes in their heads, scampered back to their room.

*** 
<center>Gus and Nicky</center>

“We get to paint after breakfast,” Gus explained to Nicky.

“How do you know?” Nicky asked.

“Jus likes to paint in the morning light.  He’ll let us paint in this studio with him,” Gus explained.

“He will?” Nicky asked with excitement and total amazement.

Nicky was already excited about his day…Mickey Mouse Pancakes and painting with Justin.  He thought things just didn’t get any better than this.

***

<center>Debbie, Emmett, Melanie, and Lindsay</center>

“Good Morning, Debbie,” Melanie said, as she arrived at the table.

Jenny was already at the table playing with her cereal.

“Where’s Lindsay?” Debbie asked.

“She’s hasn’t quite finished getting dressed,” Melanie explained. “For some reason it always takes her a lot longer to get dress than it takes me.”

“I can understand that,” Debbie said with a laugh. “How would you like your eggs?”

“Scrambled, please,” Melanie said.

Debbie was in the process of fixing the eggs, when Melanie asked her, “So tell me about Brian and Justin?”

“What do you mean?  They’re very happy,” Debbie replied. “You saw them last night.”

“Debbie, I heard you and Carl talking last night.  So I know,” Melanie said quietly.

“Don’t tell me that you fucking eavesdropped on our personal conversation,” Debbie protested harshly.

“Will you calm down?” Melanie responded. “I couldn’t sleep.  It was while I was tossing and turning that I heard you and Carl talking.  I know that Brian and Justin have legalized their relationship.”

“Oh Melanie, you can’t say anything to anyone about it,” Debbie begged.

“Why not?  The news is going to eventually be published in the papers.  Then the whole world will know.  What’s the secrecy?” Melanie asked, obviously perplexed by the secrecy issue.

“Brian and Justin swore me to secrecy. They’ll kill me if they find out that you know,” Debbie explained, as she loaded the eggs and bacon and toast on a plate and handed it to Melanie.

“So who else knows?” Melanie asked with a smile, thinking to herself that Brian and Justin must know that Debbie can’t keep a secret.

“Carl, of course, and Emmett.  Justin told Jennifer.  I don’t think anyone else knows,” Debbie practically whispered.

“Emmett?” Melanie questioned, realizing if the gossip queen knew then all of Pittsburgh must also know by now.

“He overheard me talking to Carl yesterday.  So you see you can’t say anything,” Debbie pleaded.  “Emmett blackmailed me into telling him the details.”

Melanie thought to herself she would have loved to be a fly on the wall for the discussion between Emmett and Debbie that resulted in Debbie revealing everything to Emmett.  She couldn’t help the smile that crossed her face.  Then she thought about the seriousness of the situation, and she composed herself.

“Lindsay and Michael are probably the only ones who don’t know.  You have to give Brian time to tell them himself,” Debbie demanded. “He told me that’s what he planned to do.”

“I can’t believe that Brian did this.  If I heard you correctly Brian legalized his partnership with Justin.  They did the new legalized domestic partnership thing.  That means that Brian essentially gave Justin rights to everything he owns.  The Law now sanctions their relationship.  They are stuck with each other for life.  I never thought Brian would do that after they didn’t get married last year.  I wonder how Justin pulled this off,” Melanie said in disbelief, almost just thinking aloud to herself.

“From what I understand, this was Brian’s idea.  You know he really loves Sunshine.  He’s just not hiding his feelings anymore,” Debbie professed.

“Who’s not hiding his feelings anymore?” Lindsay asked, as she finally joined them for breakfast.

“Brian,” Melanie answered nonchalantly.

“Brian is really crazy about Gus, isn’t he?  The two of them have spent a lot of time together.  They are so cute to watch,” Lindsay revealed.

Debbie and Melanie just looked at each other.

“I was just telling Debbie, about how Gus and Brian are when their together,” Melanie lied.

“I’m just so glad to hear it,” Debbie agreed, hoping this line of discussion would end soon.  “How would you like your eggs?” she finally asked Lindsay.

“Scrambled,” Lindsay said, as she sat down to help Jenny with her cereal.

“Coming right up,” Debbie announced.

A few minutes later, Emmett came down to join them.   He noticed the strange looks passing between Debbie and Melanie, but he didn’t say anything.

“What will you have, Em?” Debbie asked pointedly.

“Good morning.  Just coffee,” Em said, “I’m not awake enough to process breakfast yet.”

“Do you have a client this morning?” Debbie asked.

“No, but I have some shopping I need to get done, so I want to get an early start,” Emmett explained.

“Good for you,” Debbie added.

***
<center>Brian, Justin, Gus, Nicky, Paul, and Jason</center>

Paul headed downstairs, and found Brian in his study.  “What on earth are you doing?” he asked.

“Trying to find just the right spot for my new painting,” Brian explained. “Justin gave it to me as a present last night.”

“May I?” Paul said, as he approached the painting.  He took one look and found the painting to be all the Jason had said, and so much more.  “Brian it’s beautiful.  I don’t know how Justin can take something so simple and turn it into something so beautiful.”

“You know it’s always a surprise to see myself in his eyes.  He always surprises me,” Brian said quietly.

“Well you ARE his favorite subject.  You’re so lucky,” Paul reminded him.

“Yes the world is becoming quite familiar with all aspects of my form,” Brian teased. “I wonder what he plans to paint for Milan?”

“He hasn’t said anything?” Paul asked with a laugh.

Brian just shook his head. “Not a word.”

“We’ll all find out when we’re in Milan this summer and see the exhibit.  I can hardly wait.  Do you think you’ll get a preview of his painting?” Paul asked with excitement.

“Justin doesn’t like anyone to see his work before it’s finished.  But hopefully, he’ll show it to me before he ships it off to the gallery in Milan,” Brian said hopefully.

“Where is Justin?” Paul asked.

“In the kitchen.  I just came out to move my painting.  It was sitting on his easel in his studio, and according to my plan, I know that studio should be where he’s headed right after breakfast,” Brian said confidently. “I didn’t want there to be anything in his way.”

“You know that Gus and Nicky aren’t going to let Justin out of their sight?” Paul reminded him.

“Don’t worry, I planned for that.  I actually did figure that into my plans.  I know that we won’t see Justin, Gus or Nicky for a while,” Brian explained.

Jason, Gus and Nicky suddenly appeared at the doorway to Brian’s study.  Brian couldn’t conceal a smile at seeing them all together.

“What’s that?” Gus asked.

“It’s a painting,” Brian explained easily.  

Gus and Nicky scampered over for a closer look.

“Did Jus do that one too, Dad?” Gus immediately asked.  “It’s a painting of you, isn’t it?”

“You recognized me, huh?” Brian teased. “What do you think?” he asked and then waited to hear his son’s reply.

“Jus made you look pretty,” Gus said with a sigh.

“I couldn’t agree with you more,” Brian said with a smile, taking another look at the painting.

Once again, Paul lifted Nicky up for a closer look at the painting.  Nicky just smiled and then hid his face in Paul’s shoulder.  Jason picked up his son from Paul and cradled him in his arms.

“It’s a beautiful painting, Brian.  Jus showed it to me last night when he was unpacking his paintings.  You’re so lucky,” Jason reminded him.

“I know,” Brian said with a smile.  He then placed the painting against one of the walls in his office.  “I’ll get Thomas to help me hang it after breakfast.  In the meantime, we should go in and see if Justin needs any help.”

They all made their way to kitchen.  Justin had already cooked the bacon and sausage.  He was mixing up several batches of batter.

Gus and Nicky placed themselves on nearby stools, so they could see the stove.  They were most keen to watch their pancakes develop.

“Hi, I know Gus and Nicky want Mickey Mouse Pancakes, but I thought you might like some regular blueberry pancakes.  Teres got fresh blueberries.  Would anyone like any eggs or anything with their pancakes?” Justin asked.

Brian and Paul set the table, while Jason tried to watch Justin as he made the pancakes.  Jason was enthralled as Justin poured the batter, and he watched the Mickey Mouse Pancakes take shape.  Jason felt it was due to Justin’s artistic talents that the batter was perfectly shaped for the design.  Jason thought about what unusual shapes appeared for pancakes he often tried to make at home.  Jason realized that he just didn’t have Justin’s talent.

As the Mickey Mouse pancakes were served to two wide-eyed kids, Justin began making the regular blueberry pancakes for everyone else.  Once again Jason couldn’t believe the ease with which Justin seemed to attain the perfectly shaped stacks.  He felt a twinge of jealousy.

“It’s ok,” Paul said, wrapping his arms around his partner. “You have other talents.  You make great waffles.”

“Oh sure, with the help of a waffle iron, all things are possible,” Jason quipped, eliciting a laugh from everyone.  “Jus is just a true artist,” he finally said with a sigh.

“So did you find a place for your painting?” Justin asked Brian.

“I’ll get Thomas to help me hang it after breakfast.  While you and two little some ones are sequestered in your studio,” Brian mentioned so that Justin could hear his determination.

“I guess this means my designer shirt is going to be pressed into service,” Paul teased.

“Did you have any doubt?” Justin quipped.

“Of course Gus, you have to call your mom first.  We forgot to call them last night before you went to bed,” Brian reminded Gus. “I’m sure that she wants to hear from you.”

“Sure, Dad,” Gus mumbled, as he took another forkful of his pancake.

During breakfast, Brian looked at his dry whole grain toast with egg, and looked at the stacks of stacks of pancakes on everyone else’s plate.  Gus made sure to shield his plate so that Brian couldn’t have any.  This left Brian to look at Justin with very pitiful eyes.

“Oh for Christ sake, Brian, here,” Justin said, as he gave Brian a plain blueberry pancake.

Brian smiled as he accepted the pancake, and then he proceeded to steal bacon and sausage off of Justin’s plate.  Gus and Nicky couldn’t stop laughing into their hand.  Paul and Jason just shook their heads.

After breakfast, it was time for Gus’ phone call to Lindsay.

Gus told Lindsay all about his new painting.  He did his best to describe that he and Brian were on horseback.  Gus was sure to mention how he decided that it should be placed over the fireplace.  Lindsay was thrilled to hear the description, but it only made her more anxious to get that invitation to come out to the house.

Finally, Lindsay couldn’t stand it any longer, and she asked to speak to Justin.  

When she did get Justin on the phone, she practically begged to be invited out to the house…finally asking what she had to do to get said invite.  At this point Lindsay was not above bribery.   

Justin laughed and asked if she would like to come out to the house for a late lunch and to visit with Paul and Jason after her appointment.  Justin also asked if she and Melanie would like to go watch Gus have his riding lesson later this afternoon.  

Finally, Lindsay was thrilled to get both offers and she eagerly accepted for both her and Melanie.

Brian rolled his eyes during the last part of the conversation.  

Paul and Jason were definitely anxious to see Lindsay and Melanie.  Paul was very surprised that Gus had a riding lesson today; he couldn’t help wondering how Brian was going to fit that in to an already packed schedule.

Gus talked to Melanie, as did Paul and Jason.  Then Paul and Jason said a quick hello to Lindsay and told her they were looking forward to seeing her.

Finally the phone was handed back to Gus, so he could say goodbye to Lindsay.

“Mommy, I had toast last night,” Gus tried to explain before he finally said goodbye.

Lindsay tried to figure out why the fact that Gus had toast last night was newsworthy, but evidently it was important to him so she played along. “Did you enjoy the toast?”

“Yes, it had bubbles and tickled my nose,” Gus explained.

Suddenly Lindsay got a totally different picture.  “You were celebrating,” she said.

“Yes,” Gus agreed.

“What were you celebrating?” she asked.

“Jus will belong to us forever,” Gus explained.

“That’s nice, dear.  I know how fond you are of Justin,” Lindsay said, already quite aware of how Gus felt about Justin.  She couldn’t help laughing at how possessive Gus was where Justin was concerned.  Lindsay didn’t’ fully understand what was going on, but Gus was happy about it, and that was all that she cared about.

“Well I just wanted to say goodbye,” Lindsay added, “I’ll see you later for lunch.  Justin just invited us.”

“Ok, bye Mommy.” Gus hung up with a smile.

***
A few minutes later, Brian’s phone rang.  “Hello Jennifer,” Brian said, after noticing the caller ID.  

“No, Brian, it’s me,” Molly said quietly into the phone.

“Molly?”

“Yes.”

Justin couldn’t resist laughing when he found out who the caller was.  Paul and Jason looked confused.  Justin whispered to them about Molly and Brian’s date a few days ago.

“Someone else caught in Brian’s charms?” Paul teased. 

“Will you shut the fuck up?” Brian said to silence the chatter at the kitchen table.

“Bad word, Dad,” Gus commented.  Brian just rolled his eyes in response.

“What were you saying, Molly?” he asked into the phone.

“Are Gus and Nicky there?” she asked.

“Yeah, they arrived last night. Why do you ask?” Brian wanted to know now that his curiosity was peaked.

“You said I should spend some time with Gus and Nicky.  I was wondering if I could come out to the mansion today?” Molly asked point blank.

Brian couldn’t suppress a smile. “Sure, would you like to come out for lunch?” he asked, already knowing the answer. 

“Really?” Molly gushed.

“You have to check and be sure it’s ok with Jennifer,” Brian insisted.

“She doesn’t care,” Molly quipped.

“I guess I need to pick you up, huh?”  Brian cautiously asked.

There was silence on the line. Then Molly came back.  “No, Mom said she would drop me off.  Thanks Brian.”

“No problem,” Brian said as he hung up the phone. Once Brian had hung up, he once again talked to the crowd at his kitchen table.  “Well it looks like we’ll have lots of guests for lunch.  Since I know there isn’t time to press Em into service, I guess I probably need to make a trip to the deli.”

“Sure, I’ll go with you,” Justin quickly suggested.

“Think again, Sunshine!  My plan calls for you to migrate to your studio.  You have a date with some paint.  I understand that you probably have two little assistants at your beck and call.  So unfortunately, you will be unable to accompany me,” Brian pointed out with a sinister smile.

“Don’t worry Jus, Paul and I will go with him and see what we can do to help, while you and the kids are in your studio.  Don’t worry…we’ll take care of everything.  It’ll be fun.  You know how we love to hang out with Brian?” Jason said.

“See Sunshine?” Brian said, “Problem solved.”

“I see that,” Justin admitted. “Well, I guess the guys and I should move into my studio.  But I guess we should go upstairs and make sure that we have something for you guys to wear while you paint.”

“I heard that Justin.  I’m counting my shirts when I come up there,” Brian said in protest.

Justin couldn’t refrain from laughing out loud as he led Gus and Nicky upstairs.

***
<center>Melanie, Lindsay, Debbie, and Emmett</center>

Lindsay hung up the phone.  She turned to Melanie and Debbie to relay the conversation.

“They must have been celebrating out at the house last night,” Lindsay said. “Gus tried to tell me about the toasts.”

“Did he say what they were toasting?” Melanie asked cautiously.

“Gus is excited because Justin is going to belong to him forever,” Lindsay said with a laugh.  “Brian must have created a mock celebration for them.  Of course, it’s nothing new…Gus has always believed that Justin would belong to him forever.  He’s always said that ever since he could talk.” Lindsay rambled on, and once again, she couldn’t help laughing.  

The room had gotten particularly quiet.  Lindsay could only hear the sound of her own voice.  She looked over at the expression on the faces of Debbie, Emmett, and Melanie, and the color had drained from all their faces.  They all looked as if they had all just seen a ghost. “What’s wrong,” Lindsay asked in a panic. “How come you’re all not laughing?”

Everyone tried to convince Lindsay that they were all just surprised by Gus’ remark.    Lindsay wasn’t buying this explanation.  She demanded to know what was going on.

Melanie reached over to take one of Lindsay’s hands in hers. “Honey, I have something to tell you,” Melanie began. “And I need you to really listen to me.”

“Melanie you’re scaring me,” Lindsay said, already becoming quite nervous by the turn of events.

“Do you remember what the Legalized Domestic Partnership is?” Melanie asked.

“Is that so that someone can be covered by the insurance of their partner?” Lindsay asked.

“No, No, that’s just the regular domestic partnership.  Do you remember about the Legalized version?” Melanie began to clarify.

“I know it’s sanctioned by law, it’s like a marriage only for life,” Lindsay answered mindlessly. 

“You remember, we read about it?  Two people agree to legalize their union until death do them part.  They agree to give each other the rights to each other’s assets.  If they want to break their legalized status, they have to go to court to try to abolish the union,” Melanie slowly recanted.

“I remember that we talked about it.  Why?” Lindsay answered.

“Because…Brian and Justin legalized their domestic partnership,” Melanie said definitively.

“No!  That’s not possible,” Lindsay protested.  “Brian would have discussed it with me before he made a step like that.  How on earth did Justin force him into something like this?  This has to be a mistake.  If it’s a mistake, Brian can get out of it, can’t he?” Lindsay rambled on.

“Sunshine didn’t force Brian into this.  Brian convinced Justin to make this step.  He confessed that to me yesterday.  Brian wanted this, and Justin agreed.  They gave each other the rights to everything they own now…and will own in the future.  But most of all they are legally a couple,” Debbie explained.  “And I’ve never seen either of them happier.”

“That’s not possible.  Justin has a career in New York.  Brian is still here.  I knew that Justin convinced Brian to open the house, but what you’re talking about is something that Brian would never do.  He’s made his feelings about this sort of thing well known ever since I’ve known him,” Lindsay continued to protest.

“I don’t know why you’re so surprised,” Emmett joined the conversation. “Brian asked Justin to marry him last year.”

“But they didn’t get married.  Justin went off to pursue his career.  I really thought that they had given up on the marriage thing,” Lindsay pointed out.

“Hoping were you, Lindsay?” Emmett asked sarcastically.

“What do you mean by that?” Lindsay challenged.

“Well, one minute Brian and Justin were about to get married.  You evidently convinced them otherwise, so the next thing we knew, Justin was off to New York.  Now why do you think that was?” Emmett continued to press for answers.

“Emmett!” Debbie cautioned him. 

“Never mind, I think we all know the answer to that, now don’t we?” Emmett quipped. “Look, I hate to leave this little tea party, but I really have things to do.  I’ll see you all later,” he said, as he left to finish getting ready to leave.

Lindsay sat there looking stunned.  In fact, she looked as if she had been slapped.

“Lindsay, are you all right?” Melanie asked with some concern. 

“I’m fine.  There must be some mistake.  When we see Brian, he’ll straighten this all out.  He just created the mock celebration for Gus’ benefit, that’s all,” Lindsay rattled on.

“But…” Debbie started to say, but was interrupted by a look from Melanie.

“Well, I guess we should get ready to go too,” Melanie suggested.  “We have some things to take care of before we have lunch at the mansion.  So we should get started.”

“Sure,” Lindsay said, still in some kind of fog. “Debbie, you’ll be here so Michael can pick up Jenny?”  Lindsay asked as she reached over to hug her daughter.

“No problem.  I’ll be here,” Debbie agreed, hugging Lindsay goodbye. Melanie reached over to hug Jenny goodbye.

Lindsay and Melanie gathered their things together, leaving Debbie and Jenny alone together in the kitchen.