Title: Christmas Presents…
Story Type: AU
Word Count: 6501
Rating: R, Porn…
Warnings: Passion, Lust, M-Preg…
Beta Queen: BigJ52
Banner: aaa_mazing
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, plot, etc. are property of their respective owners, including, but not limited to Russell T. Davies, Cowlip, and Showtime. The author of this story is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended…
Summary: Their big day is finally here, and they’re both having trouble keeping their emotions in check. Now if they can just get through the day without turning into total lesbians in front of all their friends…
Chapter Twenty Five ~ From This Day Forward…
“Justin, honey. You really have to stop worrying, everything’s going to be fine.”
“I’m not worried, Mom!”
“They why are you pacing? You’re going to wear a path in the carpet.”
“I’m just going over all the details in my head. I want our wedding to be perfect.”
“Everything’s going to be fine, Emmett’s a professional.”
“I really need to see Brian. I didn’t think it would be this hard not having him here with me.”
“Justin, I’m sure Brian’s just as nervous as you are right now. I mean, you don’t think he’ll change his mind or anything, do you?”
“What! No! God no, I hope not… Do you think he’s changed his mind? Did he tell you he was getting cold feet?”
“No, of course not.”
“No, you’re my mother, he would never confide in you.”
“I’m sorry, Justin. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“I better call Ted, he’ll know. Oh God, what if he has?”
“Justin, honey…”
Emmett breezes into the sitting room in Justin’s suite. Startled by the look on Justin’s face, he rushes to him.
“Justin! What is it? Is something wrong?”
“I don’t know. I need to see Brian. You don’t think Brian’s having second thoughts, do you?”
“WHAT! No! Why would you say that? What did he do? I’m going to kill him!”
“No, no… It’s nothing. It’s just me worrying about everything. I just wish I hadn’t insisted that we not see each other before the wedding.”
“Oh, you scared me. I thought something actually happened. Here, I brought you something to eat, it will help calm your nerves.”
Emmett hands Justin a plate of fresh fruit and tea sandwiches. Justin looks at him like he’s lost his mind.
“I haven’t had anyone cut the crust off my sandwiches since I was six years old. Besides, I’m eating for two these days, so we’re going to need more than tiny sandwiches.”
“Just try them.”
Justin takes a bite and makes a face. “What the hell is that?”
Jennifer, on the other hand, smiles nostalgically and says, “I haven’t had cucumber and watercress sandwiches since my bridal shower.”
“Emmett, do you think I could get a Reuben or maybe a cheeseburger? Eating always seems to calm me down.”
“You don’t want to be sick on your special day. Now try the chicken salad, or even the deviled ham.”
“Why in the world would you ruin ham and chicken like this? Maybe I could have some fried chicken instead?”
“Justin, you need to eat something light, something that won’t make you feel bloated or uncomfortable.”
“Em, in case you haven’t noticed I’m five months pregnant, and expanding by the minute. I’m already feeling bloated and uncomfortable.”
“Well, you look great! You’re so handsome, and you’re glowing.”
He can’t help smirking, remembering Brian always tells him that right after they have sex. Realizing he’s not going to get anything else to eat, he tries the chicken salad sandwich. It couldn’t be worse. He swallows, even though he’d like to spit it out.
“So is everything going according to plan, so far? No problems?”
Em just looks at him, smiling. His mind flashes to the case of champagne that was dropped in the driveway, the wrong colored tablecloths that were delivered, and the piano player who has a case of stomach flu. The stress of finding another pianist is worrisome. If need be he can always ask a few of the musicians from the small chamber orchestra that is set to perform during the beginning of the reception to play, even though Brian wants a solo pianist during the ceremony.
“Everything’s perfect, right on schedule. Now I have to get back to the kitchen. You try and relax. I’ll send Daphne up as soon as she arrives.”
Meaning as soon as she finds someone to replace the pianist for the ceremony; she’s sure her friend from the music school can fill in.
“And don’t worry about Brian, I’m sure he’s just running behind. Everything’s going to be fine.”
~~~
Once out in the hallway he whips out his phone, calling Teddy to find out where the hell Brian is. Waiting for him to pick up, he wonders how many times today he has already said, ‘Everything’s going to be fine…’
He just keeps telling himself that because he knows he can fix anything that happens, he’s a professional. He just wishes that everything would stop happening.
He enters the room set up for the ceremony and comes to a screeching halt. No, no, this can’t be happening…
“What is the meaning of this?”
“Oh hi, you must be Emmett. My friend, Devin asked me if I could fill in for him. He’s sick and he said you needed someone at the last minute. I don’t play piano, but I play violin.”
“I know you play the fucking violin! But you’re not playing the fucking violin here, today, for this wedding! Now get out of here! Go! Now!”
Ethan just stares at him. “Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider? At least make sure you can get someone else as a replacement?”
Just then they hear someone clear their throat behind them. Emmett cringes, Oh dear God, kill me now…
They both turn and look right at Brian, who glares at them with raised eyebrows.
“You’ve got to be kidding me, right? What the fuck is Ian doing here?”
“Emmett stutters, “It’s not what you think. He was just leaving.”
Daphne comes rushing into the room and runs right into Brian. She looks around him, blinks then freezes. The silence is deadly…
“Good news. Carolyn can be here in a half an hour so pianist problem solved.”
Brian’s still staring at Ethan, wanting to strangle him for no other reason than the fact that he’s still breathing. He better not be here to see Justin.
“I guess you won’t be needing me after all.”
“We never needed you!”
“It’s good to see you too, Brian. Now don’t tell me this is your wedding? Who in their right mind would marry you?”
Emmett grabs hold of Ethan’s arm, pulling him out of the room, while Brian and Daphne just stare him down.
“Did I really just see that slimy musician here, in the same room where my wedding is going to take place?”
“Nope, I’m pretty sure that was just an illusion. Now please stay calm, Brian. Everything’s going to be fine.”
Emmett rushes back into the room with Teddy, directing them both to Brian’s suite. He already has Brian’s club salad ready and waiting for him. “You just need to relax and have something to eat, it will help calm you down. Quickly exiting the room, he shakes his head, saying to himself, ‘Just take a deep breath, and remain calm. Everyone needs to remain calm. Everything’s going to be fine’.
~~~
Daphne knocks and enters Justin’s suite. Jennifer is now the one pacing, wondering if Brian might actually leave Justin at the altar. After all she’s left him countless messages, and he’s not answering his cell. Justin’s lying on the bed with a wet washcloth covering his face.
“Brian, is that you?”
“No, it’s me.”
“Daph, I need to find Brian. Something’s wrong, I just know it.”
She stares at him, then concludes that he really doesn’t know anything about the Ethan fiasco downstairs.
“Brian’s fine, I just saw him. He and Teddy are in his suite having a bite to eat, before he gets ready.”
“Did Emmett make him have tea sandwiches, too?”
“Tea sandwiches? Do people still eat those things?”
Justin waves to the plate of mostly untouched tiny crustless sandwiches. Wrinkling her nose, she opens up her big canvas bag and pulls out a large Tupperware container filled with cartons of Chinese food.
“Oh God, Daph! I love you so much, you’re a life saver!”
“So if Brian is here, why hasn’t he returned any of my messages? Is something going on we should know about?”
Just then the phone rings, and Justin grabs it. “I need you! I have to see you! Now!”
“All right. I’m right next door. I’m pretty sure these suites connect to one another.”
Before Brian can finish his sentence he’s standing right next to Justin. They hand their phones off to Jennifer and Daphne and fall into each other’s arms.
“I’m sorry I insisted you leave the house this morning at six o’clock. I’ve missed you so much, and I was practically on the verge of a panic attack.”
“I missed you too, you little twat.”
“So where have you been? What have you been doing all day?”
“Well let’s see. I started out at the baths for the early-bird special. Then I hit the massage parlors when they opened, and ended up at Woody’s to scope out the scene for one last hurrah.”
“Brian! You didn’t?”
“I was at work. Where do you think I was? We’re going to be gone for almost a month, and I had a lot of loose ends to tie up.”
Raising his eyebrows he says, “Not that kind of tied up. I’m saving that for later.”
Jennifer looks away, blushing.
“Sorry, Mother Taylor, but sometimes he just needs a good spanking.”
Jennifer doesn’t know if he’s kidding or not, so she just continues to look away, blushing even more.
~~~
Downstairs, Emmett’s directing the kitchen staff, checking on the bartenders, making sure everything’s set up for the cocktail hour before the ceremony. He’s inspecting the wait staffs’ uniforms, instructing them on the timing of the dinner service, and to make sure all the guests have champagne before the toast to the newlyweds begins. New linens have arrived, this time in the correct color, the tables are being set up and the flowers are being arranged. Hors d’oeuvres are being prepared, the wine and champagne glasses are all washed and ready for service, and the cappuccino and latte bar is ready. He circles around once more, happy with the results, then makes his way into the main kitchen where dinner service is being prepped.
The chef is overseeing the sous chefs, as they prepare all the different courses. Brian insisted that it be very formal, with each course being served. No buffet-style tables at his wedding. It seems that all of gay Pittsburgh will be attending this wedding, if not as guests, then as waiters, bartenders and valets. Nothing’s too good for the Lord of Liberty Avenue, and the King of Babylon. Maria and Consuela have arrived with Gus and Jamie and they’ve been escorted to their suite next to Brian and Justin’s. Gus will be part of the ceremony and attend the reception briefly. He looks just like Brian, so handsome in his matching miniature tuxedo, and contrasting red shirt, complete with black tie. Justin is still having separation anxiety when he’s away from Jamie, so having the kids close by is reassuring, and helps calm his nerves.
Ted has arranged for a car service to drive Joan, Claire and the boys to the wedding; Joan and Claire are taken aback when they see how beautiful and lavish the venue is, just like a palace right out of a fairy tale. Once they’ve arrived Jennifer excuses herself to check on them, and make sure everything is going according to schedule. Ted escorts Brian’s tailor to their suite; he’s brought them their suits and is here to make any alterations that might be needed. Brian didn’t tell Justin, but he had a second larger suit made just in case their little butterball had a growth spurt. Besides, he might want another suit on their honeymoon. Lord knows Brian kept his tailor on retainer during his pregnancy. Heaven forbid he not look like a GQ model at all times.
The guests have started to arrive, and waiters are circulating with trays of hors d’oeuvres. Bartenders are serving fine wines, and the tea and cappuccino bar is in full swing. Carolyn is playing classical music, while Jennifer, Daphne and Cynthia are mingling in the crowd acting as hosts and making introductions. The guests range from Brian’s prestigious clientele and business associates, Justin’s fellow art students, a few friends from Hollywood, and their family and friends. The hotel is elegant and sophisticated with marble floors, and beautiful architectural details, crystal chandeliers and a grand piano. There’s even a fountain in the middle of the room, and several seating areas with plush furniture and a dozen small bistro tables and chairs, arranged around the edge of the room.
The cocktail party has been in full swing for the last half hour, and the guests will soon be escorted to the hall where the ceremony will take place. Brian is helping Justin into his suit, amazed at how gorgeous he looks. The kid cleans up well, although you’d never know it by the paint-spattered clothes he usually wears. Brian’s mind flashes to the last time he saw Justin all decked out, and it takes his breath away. He remembers them turning heads as they parted the crowd, clearing the dance floor until it was just the two of them. They’re in their own world, floating across the dance floor in the most romantic moment of their lives. He leans down and kisses Justin passionately, whispering how beautiful he looks, determined to recapture those special moments for Justin, giving him a dance he’ll never forget. Justin blushes, loving that Brian finds him so attractive. He’s still slightly nervous, but Brian’s in his element. He’s used to entertaining clients, and dressing to the nines, it all comes naturally to him.
He takes Justin’s hand and leads him to the mirror, showing him how handsome he is. Brian straightens his tie, dusts off his shoulders, then reaches down to get the boutonniere to pin to Justin’s lapel. Even though it doesn’t show, he’s overwhelmed by what’s about to happen himself. He never thought he’d want this, want to belong to someone else, or be in a committed relationship. He never thought he’d be able to love someone this much, or be loved in return, but now he knows just how wrong he was. He’s amazed at how his life has changed in the last two years, he no longer prowls the bars and backroom after midnight. These days he looks forward to checking on Jamie and making sure he’s sleeping soundly, and reading Gus a bedtime story and tucking him into bed. Soon his little family will be expanding once again. And then there’s Justin, who never knew how full his heart could be until he allowed himself to love him. He completes him in every way. He truly is his partner, his soul mate and his equal and in just a few more minutes he’ll be his husband.
“What are you grinning about?”
“You, us, everything… This is the best day of my life!”
“Mine too!”
“I love you, Brian. You have no idea how long I’ve wanted this. It still amazes me that it’s finally happening.”
“I love you too, Justin. I can’t imagine my life without you these days, and I never want this feeling to end.”
Just then there’s a knock at the door. Ted sticks his head in to let them know everything’s ready whenever they are. Brian leans down again, kissing Justin’s cheek, swiping his tongue across the shell of his ear. Justin shivers with anticipation and takes Brian’s hand, walking him towards the door. Brian stops momentarily, and Justin’s heart skips a beat. Oh God, no…
“Wait.”
Justin’s eyes get really big as he stares at Brian. Brian takes his hand in his, and smiles. “Let’s switch your engagement ring to your right hand, that way it won’t be cumbersome when I put your wedding band on your left hand.”
His heart soars, as he chides himself for ever doubting Brian’s commitment to him.
As they’re approaching the outside of the double doors there is beautiful classical music filling the air. Emmett hugs both of them, then steps forward and opens the large ornate doors. The music changes and everyone stands as they walk inside hand-in-hand, and down the aisle towards their future. Justin’s overwhelmed with emotion as they stop in front of the altar. Brian reaches over and dabs Justin’s eyes with a silk handkerchief, smiling at his soon-to-be husband. He takes Justin’s hand in his to help quiet his nerves. He’s surprised at how calm he is, how natural all this feels, never feeling so sure of anything in his life before.
Brian and Justin stand together, the candles on the altar glowing, illuminating them and the scent of fresh golden gardenias fill the air. They’re finally ready to take their vows.
Father Thom smiles and nods to them. “Everyone, please sit.”
“We are gathered here today to witness the union between Brian and Justin. To celebrate their love and commitment, as they are joined together as one.”
Justin’s tears are back as Brian once again gently dabs his eyes as they sparkle and shine like blue sapphires. Justin looks up at Brian as he starts to speak.
“Justin, the night I met you, you stood proud and tall, illuminated under a streetlamp, much like you are tonight by these candles. You awakened something in me that had been missing for so very long, and truthfully it scared the hell out of me. I didn’t understand at the time, and it took me a while to recognize it. But it was there deep inside of me, and I’m so grateful that you felt it too. Through persistence and perseverance you finally broke through all the walls I had built around my heart. I’m so honored to be able to call myself your husband, and I look forward to sharing my life with you.”
Needless to say, Justin’s tears are flowing again as Brian kids him. “If I had known I would have brought a whole box of Kleenex with me.”
He dabs the tears from his cheeks and eyes, then Justin clears his throat. He’s truly choked up by Brian’s words of commitment.
“Brian, you are my life, you’re everything I need, and everything I’ve ever dreamed of. I may have been young when we first met, but I knew right from the start that you were the one. It may have taken me a while, but I was determined to make you see it too. Our love for each other knows no bounds. I love you so much that sometimes it hurts. We’ve been through deep pain and sorrow together, but we’ve survived and it’s only made us stronger. You’ve always been there for me, even when I wasn’t there for you. You showed me you loved me in so many ways, even if I couldn’t see it at that time. I’m so grateful for your support, and to have you as my best friend, my lover and now my husband. I’m so proud to share my life with you, to raise our family together, always supporting one another until the end of time.”
Now Brian’s the one who’s choked up. He should have known that his little twat would pull at his heartstrings. He’s brought all his emotions right to the surface, especially with that ‘until the end of time’ part. He knows there’ll be no getting rid of him now, not that he’d ever want to.
Gus is squirming in his seat, not used to having to sit still or be silent for so long; Melanie shushes him, hoping he’ll settle down. Brian turns to him and Gus smiles and waves. “Hi, daddy.”
Brian grins and motions for him to come stand next to him. Gus is relieved as he wasn’t sure when he was supposed to join them. Brian looks down at him, so proud of his little boy. Gus takes something out of his pocket, handing it to Brian.
“It’s a honey bear, daddy.”
“I see that.”
“It’s for your moon…”
“Moon?”
Then Brian snickers, “Well, that gives a whole new meaning to honeymoon.”
“Yeah, daddy. I thought it would be better than that grease you were talking about.”
Melanie looks like she’s going to have stroke. Justin grins, mouthing, “Grease?”
Brian chuckles, ruffling Gus’s hair as he tells Justin, “Later…”
He kneels down to straighten Gus’s suit and smoothes down his hair. “Ready, Sonny Boy?”
Gus just nods, reaching in his other pocket to take out a small Spiderman action figure, a roll of Lifesavers and finally the ring box, handing it to Brian. Father Thom continues with the service, foregoing the part about if anyone should know of any reason these two should not be wed.
Brian and Justin decided to go with traditional wedding vows, surprising everyone in attendance.
“Brian, would you repeat after me, ‘I, Brian Aiden Kinney, take you, Justin Coleman Taylor, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death do us part’.”
Brian leans down slightly, taking Justin’s hand then kisses it and continues. He slides the platinum band onto his left ring finger. Then of course, he wipes the tears from Justin’s eyes.
His voice is filled with emotion as Justin says, “I, Justin Coleman Taylor, take you, Brian Aiden Kinney, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death do us part.”
Brian once again dries Justin’s tears. Slightly trembling, Justin takes Brian’s left hand and glides the shiny wedding band onto Brian’s finger, while he whispers to him, “This is the happiest day of my life.”
Before waiting for Father Thom to announce it, Brian takes Justin into his arms and kisses him passionately, eliciting oohs and aahs from the audience. Surprisingly, Debbie doesn’t shout ‘get a room,’ she must be on her best behavior today.
Gus tugs on the hem of Brian’s tuxedo, asking, “Are we married yet, daddy?”
“We sure are, Sonny Boy.”
Brian lifts Gus up into his arms and Brian and Justin simultaneously kiss him on his cheeks. Then they proceed down the aisle, hand-in-hand, Gus sitting on Brian’s hip with his arms around Brian’s neck, giggling and waving to everyone as they pass.
The receiving line is long. Surprisingly, everyone they invited to the wedding has shown up, so after an hour of hugs, kisses and well wishers, they take a small break and check on Jamie. Melanie and Gus had decided to enjoy a little down time themselves; Gus is playing with his action figures on the floor in his underwear. Melanie had insisted that he take off his tiny tux so as not to get it dirty or wrinkled. It’s funny, but after years of insults and bickering with each other, Brian and Mel seem to have come to a truce. It now seems that Lindsay was the one who loved to push each of their buttons to make them turn on each other.
Brian pops the cork on a bottle of sparkling apple cider, since both Gus and Justin shouldn’t be drinking champagne. Mel toasts to them, saying how thrilled she is for them, that they seem to finally be on the same page, and she hopes that they have a long and happy life together. For once, Brian sees the sincerity in her words and he’s glad that she’s supportive, and will be co-parenting with them to raise Gus. Justin’s finished giving Jamie his bottle, who has just fallen asleep, when Brian suggests that they join their guests to celebrate their marriage. Mel says she’ll bring Gus over in another twenty minutes or so, knowing that he won’t last long after dinner service.
~~~
Justin enters the dining hall which is decorated tastefully with the chamber orchestra playing classical music off to the side room, only adding to the ridiculously romantic setting for the evening. He isn’t disappointed that Brian has decided not to hire a band or DJ for the evening, everything seems perfect to him. They decided not to have groomsmen during the ceremony, but they asked their close friends and family to join them as part of the wedding party at the front table. Daphne and her boyfriend, Joel, Jennifer, Tucker and Molly. Emmett and Josh are seated to Justin’s right, while Ted and David, Claire, Joan and the boys are seated to Brian’s left. Brian felt it was only right to ask his family to join them. After all, they had been making a real effort to accept him and his relationship with Justin.
Brian finally agreed with Mel that Gus would be better off sitting at a nearby table with her, Debbie and Carl, and the lesbian contingency. Dusty and Marie have brought their children so Gus has someone to play and dance with after dinner.
The wait staff serves what seems like an endless number of courses throughout the dinner, and Justin is in heaven, his taste buds dancing with delight at all the delicious flavors. He’s consciously trying not to eat too much, as he doesn’t want to get sick from so much rich food on his wedding night. Brian hands him a glass of ginger ale. Sliding his arm around his waist, he leans in and gives Justin a deep, passionate kiss. They both gaze out at the crowd, mingling and enjoying themselves. Daphne is the first one to make a toast to the happy couple.
“Justin and I have been best friends since kindergarten, and there was a time growing up that our parents were sure that we’d get married someday. But, obviously things turned in a different direction, although neither one of us was surprised by this development. Justin always had his eyes on my Ken and Allan dolls when we played Barbies. But who knew he’d actually grow up and find his own stunning Prince Charming?”
Everyone laughs, knowing that it was no secret that Justin was gay.
“I remember the first time I saw them together. Brian’s jeep raced towards St. James’, swerving down the road like he intended on taking out a few students as they crossed the street. As he came to a screeching halt, everyone stood and stared in shock as he kissed Justin good-bye. Walking into school, grinning like a fool, he says to me, ‘I just met the face of God, and his name is Brian Kinney.’”
More laughter from the audience.
“He was already totally and completely in love with Brian, he even confided to me that, “He loved him and that he was going to live with him someday…” And of course he did, repeatedly over the next couple of years. But this time around, it will be forever, because there’s no mistaking the love and passion that they both feel for each other. Please join me in a toast to celebrate the commitment they’ve finally made to one another!”
Ted stands. “Thanks, Daphne. How am I supposed to top that?”
The crowd once again laughs.
“I, too, remember the first time I saw Brian and Justin together. Justin was standing under a lamppost, and he looked like an innocent angel glowing in the distance. It was no surprise that Brian was drawn towards him, he was beautiful and alluring. That old saying that opposites attract had never been truer. It was like the rest of the world faded away until it was only two of them.”
The audience sighs, hearing how romantic their first meeting was.
“Brian may have been blind to it, but it was obvious to those who knew him that his life was about to change, and he didn’t seem to have any control over it. Oh, he may have denied it, he may have consciously run away from it. He even tried his best to push the poor kid out of his life, but Justin had other plans. He saw something in Brian that no one else ever did. He saw right through all his mantras and so-called self-imposed rules.”
The crowd chuckles.
“Justin saw through all his layers, seeing the real man in Brian that was deep beneath the surface. He chased him, challenged him and finally captured him. He brought out something in Brian that no other man ever could. He melted his heart and filled him with love. Yes, Justin has changed Brian, making him finally realize that life is not worth living without being loved.”
“So let’s all raise our glasses to the man who did the impossible, and tamed the wild beast that we once knew as Brian Fucking Kinney.”
Everyone stands and claps, toasting to the couple who will always been known as royalty on Liberty Avenue.
Brian stares into Justin’s eyes, whispering in his ear, “You know, little boy, I’m going to have to spank you for all this lesbionic talk of cuffing my balls.”
“I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait.”
Then Justin leans in on his tippy-toes and kisses Brian, showing his love and devotion. Brian wraps his arms around him, lifting him off the floor, deepening the kiss. This makes all the guests swoon, seeing the passion between the two of them. They all break out clapping, hooting and hollering.
Finally they break their kiss and Brian puts his arm around Justin’s shoulder, pulling him in as Justin leans his head on Brian’s shoulder.
“Thank you, Daphne, and Ted. I’d like nothing more than to deny all of it, but it’s true. I may not have seen it coming. I may not have wanted it, or welcomed it, but this little twat somehow slipped in under the wire. He made me feel things I never knew existed outside of fairy tales and romantic novels. It took almost losing him for me to admit to myself that I loved him, and even longer to admit to him my true feelings.”
He turns to Justin, looking deeply into his eyes. “I love Justin! I always have, and I always will!”
There’s another round of applause and then the traditional sound of the silverware tapping the glasses, demanding a passionate kiss from the happy couple.
Ted, acting as MC for the wedding, directs everyone’s attention to the cutting of the wedding cake. Brian and Justin make their way over to the cake table. It’s beautiful with layers and layers of white and dark chocolate cake and white and milk chocolate frosting. On the side they have French vanilla and chocolate fudge gelato ice cream, one of Brian’s secret obsessions.
They remove the top layer, because Justin is a fond believer in all the traditional wedding customs, so they’ll freeze it for their first wedding anniversary. That is, if Justin can wait that long. Cutting the cake, Justin can’t help getting teary eyed. At this point Brian’s sure it’s a hormonal thing, although it could just be Justin being a sentimental twat. Feeding each other the decadent confection, Brian can’t resist mashing it on Justin’s lips and cheeks. Of course that gives him a reason to lick Justin’s face in public while giving him more passionate kisses. Justin smirks, knowing he has asked the chef to have some of the gelato sent to their suite for later that night, to help celebrate their union privately.
Gus is sitting at the table with the wedding party enjoying his cake and ice cream. He’s having the time of his life, but the late night hour is catching up with him and he’s having a hard time keeping his eyes open. They decide to take him back to the suite with Maria and Consuela, and tuck him in for the night. This also gives Justin a chance to check on Jamie, and spend a few minutes with him before they return to the reception. While they’re away the chamber orchestra packs up their instruments, and the band sets up.
Once they’ve returned to the ballroom they’re mingling with the guests enjoying themselves, when Justin gazes out over the crowd and is surprised.
“Brian?”
“Yes, Sunshine?”
Justin is starting intently across the room trying to decide if what he is seeing is real, he’s sure he is seeing things.
“Brian, did you hire an Adam Lambert impersonator?”
“Justin? Do you think I would really hire someone like that?”
Justin looks up at him, seeing his smug face grinning back at him.
“Do you really think he looks like Adam Lambert?”
Justin doesn’t know what to make of it, as he looks back across the room, slightly confused. He’s about to tell Brian that yes, he really does think he looks just like Adam. Then he notices Tommy Joe Ratliff walking in sync with Adam towards them.
“Brian! Brian, what’s going on?”
“Justin, you didn’t actually think I wouldn’t have a band play for our wedding? Don’t you know how much I love dancing with you?”
Justin is practically gaga, he loves, loves, loves Adam Lambert. He can’t believe that Brian arranged for him to play at their wedding. Could this night get any better!
Justin is so happy, as he squeezes Brian’s hand in all his excitement.
Adam is taken with the beauty of the newlyweds, he had no idea they were so gorgeous. It’s obvious to him that they’re both completely head-over-heels in love with each other. He’s totally charming as he approaches them, introducing himself and Tommy, although they need no introduction. Justin’s tongue tied, as Brian welcomes them and thanks them for making an exception to play at their wedding at such a small venue. Adam tells them that he’s honored to play for them, and wishes them well, congratulating them on their marriage. Then he nods to Brian, mentioning that he understands there’s a special song he’s requested for the first dance, then he excuses himself, and he and Tommy join the band.
Justin looks at Brian questioningly, but Brian just smiles, whispering, “Hopefully you won’t forget this one.”
Just then Ted announces, “For the next part of the reception, it is my honor to welcome Adam Lambert!”
Everyone turns around and starts clapping, most of them almost in as much shock as Justin.
Adam says, “I’d like to start tonight with a traditional dance between the grooms.”
Brian takes Justin’s hand and the lights are lowered, and much like on prom night they find themselves alone in the center of the dance floor glowing in the spotlight.
They hear soft strumming of the guitar, and soon Justin recognizes that they’re playing what is now their song, ‘Save the last dance for me.’
Brian holds him close as they start to sway to the music, starting their ridiculously romantic tango. Justin listens to the words of the song, really hearing them for the first time and wonders if Brian actually requested this song for them at his prom. Soon Brian’s dipping him at just the right moment, then he spins him around and pulls him in close again.
They continue their provocative dance as their movements come so naturally to them, like they’ve practiced their ballroom dancing routine for years. Their guests look on in awe, as the two of them float around the dance floor appearing lost in each other.
Justin beams his sunshine smile, as he surprises himself by twirling Brian around then suggestively removing his tuxedo jacket, tossing it to Daphne. His mind flashes and he sees his younger self performing a similar dance move. He closes his eyes as he sees the look in Brian’s eyes from that night so long ago. Opening them again he looks at Brian, his facing showing so much emotion and love, and they both know he remembers.
So many emotions locked away until this very minute, finally breaking free and filling his heart with awareness of the love that Brian felt for him, but didn’t know how to voice. His heart soars with this knowledge, and he feels overwhelmed. He curses Chris Hobbes for taking away from him such an important moment of his life. But that was so long ago now, and they’re finally back on track, right where they should be. Brian pulls him back in close and then the two of them kiss, practically making the audience swoon, feeling their love for each other.
The newlyweds finished their magical dance, leaving everyone mesmerized by how stunning beautiful they were. Next they dance with their mothers, switching partners midway through. Yes, it was a little awkward at first for Brian and Joan, but soon she relaxed and actually enjoyed herself. She remembers how it felt to be young and in love so very long ago. She flashes back on her life and truly regrets spending so many years unhappy and resentful. She makes a promise to herself that she’ll change her outlook on life and embrace her future, hoping that it’s not too late to rebuild her relationships with her children, and be a loving grandmother to her grandsons.
The band sounds great and everyone is enjoying themselves, the dance floor crowded as Adam belts out one hit song after another. Brian and Justin continue dancing on and off for the next hour or so, but the night is catching up with Justin. These days Justin’s pregnancy often leaves him tired and exhausted, and he rarely stays up much past nine or nine-thirty in the evening. Justin’s sitting on Brian’s lap as he holds him close in his arms, and Brian realizes that he’s beginning to get worn out, which is fine with him. He’s ready to take his husband to bed and enjoy their first night as husband and husband. Even though he’s always said it’s just a piece of paper, and it wouldn’t change anything, he’s not so sure anymore. He already feels different, and he has the thrill of excitement in the pit of his stomach, similar to when he was still a very small child and got excited about Santa Claus.
They circulate around the room one last time, thanking everyone for coming and letting them know how much it means to them that they shared this special evening with them. Of course, Ted won’t let them escape so easily, he makes an announcement of their imminent departure. All the guests gather around and unbeknownst to them they have all been supplied with tiny bottles of bubbles to blow at the retreating couple. Justin can’t help grinning his sunshine smile, loving the opalescent spheres as they reflect all the colored lights floating around them. After several minutes, Brian smiles and says good-night one last time. Then he raises Justin up in his arms, then over his shoulder and carries him out of the ballroom for a romantic wedding night together.
TBC…
