“You look terrifying.”

He looks up and sees her standing there, eyebrow raised and coat on, ready to relax for the rest of her weekend.

But Malia’s jab won’t be getting to him today. Fuck no. He’s not going to take this terrifying grin off his face and become suave and stoic right now. It’s Sunday so there’s no one in the office except for him, Malia, and two of his new workaholic employees trying to show their worth. He doesn’t need to keep up the intimidating boss routine up. Not when something this big has happened. Once he tells her what’s going on, she’ll look terrifying as well.

“We got them.”

Malia pauses then marches over to his desk.

“We got who? Don’t get my hopes up with your vagueness. Be more specific.”

Brian stands up and walks around his desk to hold onto her arms.

“Coca-Cola said yes to our campaign. They want to change up their image since they’ve been around so long and have the money to do it.”

Malia laughs and says, “What’s the yearly budget? You wouldn’t tell me!”

“3 billion dollars.”

“Three Billion?! Oh my god! I’m getting a raise!”

Brian shakes his head.

“Not just that. You’re getting a new position as an ad exec. One of the ideas they singled out was yours. You are one of the reasons why we’re about to be filthy rich.”

Malia takes a step back and stares up at Brian.

“You’re messing with me.”

“No, Malia. I’m not messing with you. I think you are going to do great things. You’ve put forth great ideas ever since you made me sit down and listen. I’ll miss you as an assistant but I’ll get over it eventually. I’ll even train you. I haven’t personally done that for a while. And you can find someone to replace you. Hopefully we’ll transition you to a senior advertising position within the next six weeks or so.”

“Wait, you mean junior, right?”

“No, senior. You have been doing just as much as the junior advertising executives. You have worked your ass off and unofficially filled two positions. You have come up with just as many great ideas. You made sure I saw you as more than an assistant. You deserve Senior. Hey, are you okay?”

But Malia is too busy tearing up to answer. He hates dealing with crying women.

“Malia, you’re going to have to toughen up if you are going to be a ruthless ad man.”

Malia glares at him and wipes her tears.

“Shut up, Kinney.”

That’s a bit more familiar. He’s about to give her a light pat on the back but is interrupted by her charging forward to hug him.

“Thank you. I mean it,” she says softly then lets go to straighten her posture and become professional once more.

“You done?” Brian asks, straightening his suit.

“Yes,” Malia says, defensive, “Tiana and I are going to head out. I’m sure she’s bored of coloring at my desk. She wants to see a movie.”

“Which one?”

“Spongebob.”

Brian huffs out a laugh, “Saw it.”

“When have you even had time to see a movie?”

Brian shrugs, “Lily was begging to go last Saturday even though it literally came out just the day before. I had Duncan for a few hours while Emmett catered an event. Drew was at some pediatric benefit and Eric was overseeing construction in Bensonhurst so I got stuck with them. Eric and I only have a nanny for Lily a few hours on the weekdays and Emmett and Drew only have an occasional babysitter since Drew has more time on his hands now that he’s retired from football. I don’t know why we don’t have a full time one. Something about how we should spend quality time with our kid. Why did we think that was such a good idea?”

“Ha! Sorry, I’m just imagining you trying to keep a hold of two pre-schoolers in the city. It’s so domestic.”

Brian ignores the comment. He likes talking about Lily so it doesn’t matter.

“I went to the Regal on Court Street so it wasn’t too far. I kept a death grip on each of their hands. There ended up being no issue. I just needed for them to sit down and chill out. It wasn’t too bad. It had time travel and talking dolphins in space, shit like that. Typical acid induced Spongebob. Lily and Duncan loved it. They’ve known each other for less than two months and every time they see each other they act as though they have been separated by war and are reuniting after years apart. Twenty minutes later they are arguing. Then they’re running around and laughing up a storm. Then Lily gets mad that he doesn’t want to play tea party or he’s mad that she doesn’t want to play with his toys. They’re so back and forth but Lily usually cries when he goes home or she has to leave him.”

Malia smirks but doesn’t say anything. He hates when she does that.

“What’s with that look?” Brian asks, a little confused and suspicious.

“Nothing,” Malia insists but gives in at Brian’s raised brow, “Just sounds like your baby may have a bit of a crush.”

“Oh, shut up. You sound like Emmett. They aren’t even four years old,” Brian insists.

“I’m sure it’s adorable.”

“Speaking of Emmett,” Brian says as he pointedly ignores his assistant, “He and Drew are coming over with Duncan today so I’m going to get going as well. I’ll make the announcement about Coke tomorrow morning and we’ll get to work first thing.”

Brian follows Malia out of his office and Malia calls out, “Tiana, let’s go see a movie!”

“Is Brian coming?” Tiana says as she hands her mom a picture.

“No, baby. He already watched it with Lily. This is mother-daughter time.”

“Okay!”

The three of them leave head for the front doors, tell the new workaholics to have a good day, and head out.

“We’re just going to go to the AMC on the next block over so we’re heading this way. See you tomorrow, Brian!”

Brian waves them off and catches a cab back to Brooklyn Heights.

He can’t wait to tell Eric about the new campaign. He’ll be excited for him. Maybe they can celebrate later this week. Although he knows that Eric will probably be extra enthusiastic in bed tonight to let him know how proud he is.

But of course he has to deal with their child first. Who, by the looks of it, is quite a handful right now. Her toys are out and all over the living room floor and she’s dragging her costume trunk down their steps as he walks in.

“Lily, what are you doing? You’re going to fall.”

“Will not!” she grunts out as she drags it down another step.

Eric looks up from where he is trying to straighten up Lily’s things and glares at up at his daughter when he sees what she’s trying to do.

“Lily, you are really toeing a thin line here! I told you not to bring more toys down. I WILL call Emmett and Drew and tell them to leave Duncan at home!”

Brian snorts at the threat and at Lily’s look of pure terror.

“No no! He HAS to come over!”

“Then start taking some of your toys back to your room. Now. And no costume trunk.”

“But I have prince outfits he can wear and we can be the prince and princess.”

“That would be adorable,” he hears Eric mutter.

“Fine. But let Daddy carry it the rest of the way down. And come take some of your dolls and stuffed animals back upstairs.”

“Okay!”

Lily steps to the side and the trunk slides down the stairs and bursts open in the foyer.

And Brian is just laughing at this point. His day has been really on point so anything minor that goes wrong is sort of hilarious to him.

“Sorry, Daddy! I’ll put them back in the trunk.”

He bends over to help Lily put all of her costumes back in and picks up the trunk to carry it to the corner of the room.

Then he turns to his daughter, “Listen to your papa and pick up some of your things. You know you don’t need everything down here. And put them in your room where they belong, don’t just toss them in the middle of the floor.”

Lily walks into the middle of the living room and looks around at all her toys.

“Okay. I’ll take this and this...and this upstairs. But I am leaving this. Duncan will think it is the coolest toy ever and we’ll have so much fun. But I’ll take Nala back upstairs and my Polly Pocket set too.”

Lily loads her little arms up with toys and goes up the stairs to carry them up to her room.

Eric sighs and kisses Brian hello.

“God, Brian. She’s been such a pain today. She’s driving me crazy.”

“And here I thought you were the patient parent,” Brian smirks.

“You don’t know how off the walls she’s been since you left this morning. I tried to get her to watch a movie but she wouldn’t sit still. I took her to the park but that didn’t wear off some of her energy like I thought it would because when I tried to get her to take a nap she just kept getting up. Since Duncan is coming over she’s just been focusing on him. Her crush is adorable but god she’s obsessive.”

Brian frowns.

“I don’t think she has a crush. They’re just best friends.”

Eric laughs at him.

“Brian, please. It’s obviously very innocent but little kids get crushes on their friends and classmates all the time. They don’t know what it means. Just today she wanted to talk about our wedding and what she would have to do as the flower girl. I told her about what’s planned and she said, ‘Well when Duncan and me get married, we’re going to have tigers and elephants at our wedding.’ As though that made her wedding plans so much better than ours.”

Brian grimaces.

“Look at you,” Eric teases, “Going into protective dad mode so soon.”

“I am not. I’m just thinking of how expensive that wedding will be.”

Eric laughs at that and Brian puts his arms around him.

“I have something to tell you.”

"What is it?”

“We got it. Kent called my cell when I went into the office this morning.”

Eric steps back.

“Kent? That’s-”

“The CEO of Coca-Cola. It’s a three billion dollar campaign.”

Eric breaks out into a grin and Brian smiles just as widely back and pulls his fiancé in for a kiss.

“Brian, that’s fantastic! I know how much you wanted it. I am so so proud of you,” Eric says as he caresses his face.

“It’s so big. It’s-”

“Everything you’ve worked towards. I know,” Eric finishes gently.

“I’m making Malia a Senior Advertising Executive. She’s helped a lot with the campaign. She deserves it. Ted and Cynthia are freaking out. They are coming in later in the week to discuss where to go from here.”

“We’ll have to celebrate while they’re in.”

Brian sways with Eric. He feels high right now and Eric is indulging him in his uncharacteristic silliness. They’re making out and fuck, he wants to go further but Lily comes stomping down the stairs, cock-blocker that she is, and he forces himself to pull away.

“There. I did what you asked. Happy now?”

“Ecstatic, darling,” Brian calls out grandly as he sweeps his little girl off her feet and swings her out while he turns around.

“Daddy, what are you doing?” Lily yells.

“Daddy is money-happy, baby. He’ll be like this all day.”

“Money-happy?”

“It’s a very real emotion. Money pays for the tigers and elephants," Brian teases and raises an eyebrow at Lily in question.

“What? Papa, I told you that in secret!” Lily scolds before she demands to be let down.

“You didn’t tell me it was a secret.”

“Well, it is.”

Eric raises an eyebrow and Lily runs up the steps and goes into her room.

“What a drama queen,” Eric drawls.

“She gets it from somewhere,” Brian reminds him.

“Yeah, from you.”

Brian playfully pushes Eric’s shoulder and heads into the kitchen to get some water then sits down.

“I’m starving. I didn’t eat breakfast or lunch today,” Brian hints as he looks up at Eric with big eyes.

“Then why don’t you make yourself something to eat?” Eric mocks.

Brian just tilts his head.

“Fine. You’ve convinced me. What about a torta? That’s what Lily wanted for lunch and I have some meat left over.”

“Random choice for a three year old.”

“It’s her heritage, Brian. At least Mexicans have decent food. I, for one, am glad she chose it.”

“Hey, don’t diss the Irish. We have potatoes.”

“Which originally came from South America.”

“Which the Europeans eventually found and claimed as their own you mean. Why are we even discussing this?”

“I’m not sure. We ran out of potatoes when you made chicken and mashed potatoes last week.”

“It’s fine. I’m craving a torta now anyway.”

“Then why are we talking about potatoes?”

Brian just shrugs and waits for Eric to heat up the meat and put his meal together.

“Hey, did you get a hold of Dr. Tessler for Justin? I didn’t get to bring up the subject yesterday when I got home since we went out for Valentine’s Day.

“Yeah. She always has a waiting list but she said she would fit Craig in if he or Justin got a hold of her on Monday.”

“Good. Justin was pretty upset when he came over the other night. I was worried about him.”

“Me too.”

“I know you were.”

Eric puts the sandwich in front of him and sits down across from Brian. Brian changes the subject from there. He doesn’t want to think about Justin calling him so fucking worried about the man who kicked him out. They had just put Lily to bed when Brian’s phone rang and Justin had been quiet then finally said, “You’re the only one who knows about how I felt when everything went down with my dad. I’m having trouble with all of this. Shit, I shouldn’t be calling. I don’t know why I called.”

And since Brian promised himself to not take part in any more secret phone calls, he told Justin to hold on for a minute. Then he took a deep breath and told Eric what was going on and asked if it would be okay with him if Justin stopped by to talk about what was going on with his dad.

Eric had surprisingly said it was fine. When Justin hesitantly accepted the invitation, Eric had offered him something to drink, made some small talk, and was scarce on and off. Of course he didn’t leave the house. Brian can’t blame him for that. He probably wouldn’t knowingly leave Eric at home with one of his exes either.

Justin had stayed for a couple of hours. He choked up talking about what went on that day and, while Brian didn’t particularly feel a strong amount of sympathy for Craig, he wanted him better. He could tell how much it tore up Justin that Craig was this depressed and messed up. He didn’t know what he could do to really help Justin or Craig though. He sat there and listened, asked a few questions, wondered why Justin was here of all places.

Eric had caught enough of the story when Justin first came in. It had been when he passed through to get a drink of water he said, “What about Dr. Tessler? Does your dad still live in Pittsburgh, Justin?”

That left him explaining how they knew Dr. Tessler. His poker-faced therapist who sometimes dabbled in couples’ therapy on Brian and Eric’s behalf in their early years. The woman that helped him come to terms with his break-up with Justin and completely commit himself to a man he loved just as much.

He didn’t say all of that, of course. He had just said, “You know how fucked up I used to be, Justin. Hiring a therapist was long overdue and she’s one of the best on the east coast. I saw her once to twice a week for over eight months and had appointments about once a month after that until we moved to Chicago. I still call her sometimes when I get too stressed and have an occasional appointment with her when I’m in Pittsburgh. She became someone I could confide in. I can call her tomorrow and see if I can get her to bump your dad up on her constant waiting list. You know how persuasive I can be. He has to want help and be open to it though.”

“I think he is,” Justin had answered, “I told him that he needed to start seeing a psychiatrist after what happened at the restaurant and he nodded. I’ll tell him that she’s good.

“It’s probably best you don’t tell him I recommended her to you. I don’t think she would have any biased feelings about it since I don’t think he was ever brought up but he might be biased against her if he knows.”

And it had been decided. Brian eventually called Eric back in to sit next to him and Justin said he needed to get back about 20 minutes after that. They walked him to the door and wished him goodnight. When Brian led Eric to the bedroom, he handed over the tube of lube and turned over on his stomach. He had been itching to get fucked for most of the day and Eric being so gracious had topped off the reasons as to why it had to happen.

“You alright?” Eric presses.

Brian shakes himself out of his thoughts and smiles.

“Just thinking of when you were fucking me the other night and how good it felt.”

He wasn’t lying. His dick was getting hard just thinking about it.

Eric’s eyes widen and he laughs, “And here I thought you were a bossy and exclusive top. There’s still hope for you yet.”

Brian smirks, “I’m only a bossy top 70% of the time, remember?”

“I recall you saying 75%. I’m glad you find my estimation more accurate.”

“What can I say? I’m engaged to a genius.”

Brian stands up and comes around the table. He’s about to bend down to kiss Eric but his partner is quick on his feet and pushes him into the refrigerator. And then...damn, Eric knows how to give a good kiss.

“Lily’s...upstairs,” Brian gets out in between kisses.

“It’s fine, she’s pissed at me and won’t be down for a while,” Eric insists as he kisses Brian’s face.

And Brian’s about to give in. He’s just about to fuck Eric against the counter. Or let Eric fuck him against the refrigerator. He doesn’t give a shit. As long as they both come, it’s fine. Lily may come down any second. She might actually be quiet for once and accidentally walk in on her dads fucking. She’d get over it. He could call Dr. Tessler for her too.

Unfortunately, the doorbell rings and pulls them out of the moment. He has to laugh when Eric glares in the direction of the front door and straightens out his shirt in a huff. He turns away from Brian to go and answer it and that’s when they hear the high pitch squeal from upstairs.

“DUNCAN’S HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

They make it to the living room before Lily does, even though she forgoes the steps and climbs onto the banister to slide down instead. He doesn’t get how she can do that since it’s taller than her. Just like the time she hung from the pots and pans over the stove, Jesus Christ.

Brian catches her before she makes it all the way down so she doesn’t get hurt.

“What did I tell you about sliding down the bannister?”

“Nothing yet! That’s the first time I’ve done it at this house,” Lily chirps.

“Well, the same rules apply. Don’t do it.”

“You should try it. Maybe you’d have more fun,” Lily mumbles but then runs to the door.

Eric peaks through and welcomes in Emmett, Drew and Duncan.

That’s when the greetings begin. Lily is immediately squealing and she and Duncan are hugging it out, Emmett is cooing and snapping pictures, and Drew is offering them both butch handshakes.

“Daddy, where’s my rocket ship at? I wanna show Lily,” Duncan asks as he turns to Emmett.

“It’s in the bag I brought, Baby. I’ll get it out for you once Pa and I get in and sit down,” Emmett says as he unzips his son’s jacket. As soon as Duncan gets his jacket off and recovers from yet another epic reunion with Lily, he turns to Brian and Eric then looks up and waves.

“Hi!”

“Hi, Duncan! I’m glad you could come over. Lily has been so excited to see you,” Eric says as he bends down to return the boy’s hug. When Eric releases Duncan, he barrels himself over to Brian and hugs his legs.

Shit, the kid may not be related to Emmett or Drew by blood but he’s built just as solid as Drew is. Once the kid gets taller, he may actually manage to knock Brian down.

“Hi, Brian!” Duncan says as he looks up at him.

“Hi, Duncan,” Brian says back as he ruffles the little bit of hair that he has.

“Duncan, come here! Put these on over your clothes!” Lily insists as she reapproaches them, already wearing one of her costumes.

“Oh my goodness, how cute! Yes, Duncan, go dress up like a prince so I can take pictures!” Emmett says as he snaps away.

Brian doesn’t even try to resist rolling his eyes. Emmett has turned into this over-the-top scrapbook parent who can’t get enough pictures of his son. Drew had taken almost as many pictures at first but probably realized that Emmett was getting every possible moment in. And even though Brian was happy for Emmett since even he could admit that Emmett was one of the nicest people he had ever met and deserved everything he had now, he knew how cute Duncan was already. He didn’t have to see every picture he took of the boy.

The four of them sat down and caught each other up on what was going on since they hadn’t seen each other since last Saturday and watched the kids act like animals around the living room. Kids are fucking weird.

“Meow,” Lily said as she clambers into Brian’s lap and away from Duncan, who is barking at her.

“I don’t like cats. Why is there one in my lap?” Brian said with a glare.

“Meow,” Lily answers as she licks the back of her hand.

“Go play. Don’t claw the furniture or get hair on anything.”

Lily hops down and she and Duncan go and do whatever the fuck on the other side of the room.

“Brian, you should tell them,” Eric says as he nudges his side, “The kids are more or less keeping to themselves now.”

“Ooh, tell us what? Is it exciting?” Emmett says while he claps.

Brian looks at them and gives in, “Alright, fine. Emmett, Ted may have told you but Kinnetik had a very important meeting a few days ago with Coca-Cola for an ad campaign. They are willing to put three billion dollars towards advertising a year so it’s fucking huge. Anyway, the CEO called me today. He must have similar ideas when it comes to working on the weekends but said he made a decision while he had breakfast this morning and decided to go with us.”

“Brian, that’s great!” Drew tells him sincerely.

“I’m so proud, Baby!” Emmett squeals as he runs over to hug Brian.

“Alright, alright. That’s enough, Honeycutt,” Brian says after he returns the hug and starts warding off Emmett when the man doesn’t take the hint.

“Sorry. I just know how hard you worked for everything you have. It’s inspiring to see you achieve this.”

And that’s not a tear he feels in his eye. It isn’t. And since it isn’t he pushes Emmett back towards the couch.

“Go sit next to your husband before he gets jealous.”

“You’re probably right. He does know about that one time at Babylon when I first arrived in Pittsburgh. Remember how you staked out the new guy, Brian?” Emmett winks.

Brian is about to reply but a shouting match interrupts them.

“We’re going to play princess in the castle!”

“No! I don’t want to play that! I want to play Power Rangers!”

“I don’t want to play Power Rangers!”

“I do!”

“I don’t!”

“I-”

“Hey! Stop arguing! Lily, he’ll be here for a while. You can play both. Duncan’s the guest. Play what he is wants to play first.”

Lily glares at Eric.

“Don’t give me that look. I’ll put you in time-out upstairs if you are going to be like that and Duncan can stay down here.”

“But he was yelling too!” Lily cries.

“You both need to stop yelling. Now either figure out how to combine Power Rangers and princesses, let him go first, or pretend to be something else.”

Lily stews in her anger for a minute, stomping around with her arms crossed. It makes Brian want to root for Duncan in this stupid scenario but unfortunately Duncan decides to make peace.

“You be a princess and I’ll be the red ranger and save you from the big dinosaur at the castle.”

Lily perks up immediately.

“Okay! I’ll go stand over on the seat by the window ‘cause that’s where the castle is. Daddy, will you be the dinosaur?”

“No.”

She looks towards Emmett and Drew so Brian intercepts before she has a chance to ask.

“They’re busy, Lily. We’re talking. Just pretend like there’s one.”

Lily makes an exasperated sound, “Fine. I don’t know why they don’t want to play, Duncan. Daddy pretended to be a bear yesterday when I wanted to play Goldilocks.”

“Aw, Brian! I bet you were a marvelous bear.”

Brian scoffs, “Shut up, Honeycutt.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The kids finally wear themselves out a little bit and Eric puts in a movie for them to watch in the living room while the adults go and make dinner. Well, while Emmett and Eric make dinner. Drew and Brian try to stay out of it as much as possible and eventually sneak out to the sunroom out back and take a few hits off a joint, something Drew hasn’t done for years since he stayed clean and healthy for his football career. He starts feeling it before Brian does and hands the joint back.

“We shouldn’t be doing this with the kids in the living room. You’re a bad influence, Kinney.”

Brian shrugs, “They were minutes away from passing out. I don’t do it as much anymore since I have a kid in the house but I find time to let myself unwind. I cut out every other drug except for this and alcohol. I don’t even smoke cigarettes anymore. Lily and Gus ganged up on me last summer and asked me to stop. So I don’t feel guilty about it. Especially when Lily has been climbing the walls today. She’s crazy about your kid. It’s annoying.”

Drew snickers, “Yeah, Duncan wouldn’t shut up about her on the whole ride here. Emmett thinks it’s the cutest thing he’s ever seen and probably drives the whole family crazy with the pictures he keeps sending. He keeps talking about a joint birthday party since Duncan is only a week older than Lily.”

“Lily would get excited but then get pissed at Duncan for not wanting a princess themed birthday party.”

“Duncan would probably hold his ground and insist that everyone dress up as astronauts. He is usually a very easygoing kid and has been very appreciative over everything but the boy likes what he likes.”

“I have noticed the last few weeks that he’s a lot more comfortable giving you two shit now.”

Drew laughs, “Yeah, but it makes me happy that he’s becoming more rambunctious. I think it means he’s more comfortable with us now and is really seeing us as his parents. He even started calling us Daddy and Pa on the 6th. We told him he could call us whatever he was comfortable with when the adoption went through and the fact he decided that he would call us that means something. It made Emmett cry, that’s for sure.”

“I bet you weren’t completely dry eyed either since you remember the date.”

“I’ll never tell.”

Brian passes the joint back to Drew and watches the smoke blow out from the man’s mouth.

“So how much have the topics of your marijuana-fueled conversations changed in the last twenty years?”

Brian laughs at that as he thinks about how they just rambled on about their kids and silently compares it to a conversation he had at nineteen when he admitted to Michael that he was conflicted about whether or not he was turned on by fisting. Michael, fucking baked as can be, hugged Brian and said it was okay as long as he and his partner were safe.

Huh. He had forgotten about that. He did eventually figure out that fisting a guy didn’t do that much for him and he would never agree to being on the receiving end because fuck that.

Drew may be reminiscing about a previous high conversation as well since he’s not saying anything. It’s nice to sit here quietly. With the high paced environment at work and a preschooler at home, it doesn’t happen that often.

“Hey, where are you gu- Are you kidding me? Drew! Are you smoking weed?” Emmett says disapprovingly as he side eyes Brian.

Drew sighs, “It’s been years. Brian mentioned his stash and the kids are practically asleep.”

“Don’t mind me. I suppose I’m jealous that you didn’t get high with me for your first time in what? 18 years? You could have invited Eric and me.”

“You were cooking,” Brian insists, “And we were getting baked. See? We all have purpose in life and we just fulfilled it.”

Drew and Brian try to hold back their laughter but don’t quite manage.

“Well, as one of the cooks, I announce that dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes. So put out your joint and come help.”

Brian and Drew get up and follow Emmett back into the main part of the house and into the kitchen. Brian sees Eric stirring a pot on the stove so he comes up behind him to put his arms around him. Eric reaches back to pat Brian’s cheek, turns to accept a kiss, then narrows his eyes.

“You were smoking without me? Fucker.”

“I have enough for tonight.”

“I only do it a once a week after Lily’s fast asleep. I already hit my max this week.”

“I don’t know why you insist that your week starts on Mondays. It’s Sunday so it’s close enough anyway. Indulge with me, Eric.”

Eric rolls his eyes, “Lily has been a handful. I might take you up on it tonight. We’ll see.”

“And then I’ll rim you and suck you and fuck you-”

“Brian, stop trying to turn me on while I make dinner. I’ll end up burning everything. Will you go check on the kids?”

Brian lets out a put upon sigh, “Fine. But you still owe me from earlier this afternoon.”

“Oh I’ll pay you back very graciously later, lover,” Eric sarcastically purrs.

“You do know we can hear everything you are saying, right?” Emmett butts in.

Eric laughs and Brian shrugs before going into the living room to see what the kids are up to.

Brian was right when he said they were tired. They’re sitting up but Lily has her head on Duncan’s shoulder and Duncan’s head is leaning on top of Lily’s hair and they're both fast asleep. He does end up taking a picture on his phone but only because he knows Eric will want it.

Brian leans down and wakes them both up then ends up carrying their lazy asses into the kitchen. They wake up more once they realize how hungry they are and the six of them sit around the dining room table, passing the bread and butter and indulging the kids by listening to their ridiculous stories. And Brian’s enjoying himself a lot. He even thinks the Brian of fifteen years ago would like this, even if he wouldn’t admit it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After Emmett, Drew, and Duncan go home and Lily stops crying over Duncan not being able to sleep over, they read a couple of books with her and play Hungry Hungry Hippos because it's fast and mindless. Then he and Eric make good on their plans once she’s tucked in.

They suck and fuck and rim several times. In between fucks, Eric does end up taking a few hits from a joint. Eric doesn’t get high often. He’s more responsible than Brian’s ever been. But he loves Eric when he’s high. He’s so sweetly handsy and laughs at almost anything.Frankly, it's adorable. But he also gets sleepy a lot more quickly so he’s out before Brian is. And, although Brian knows that he needs to get some rest for a big day tomorrow, he can’t sleep. The highs of of the day are keeping him up and he wants to talk about them more. Brian Kinney wanting to talk. It’s unfathomable. But he’s proud of himself and he’s proud of his company. So be it.

And maybe it’s the excitement of telling Eric and a couple of his friends about the big news that makes him want to text Justin too. Justin had been there when he created Kinnetik. Hell, he named the place. So fuck it, they’re in a good place. He’ll send him a quick text now.

Hey, thought I’d tell you that
Kinnetik got Coca-Cola.

It’s not even thirty seconds later when Justin responds.

:DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
THAT’S GREAT!!!!!! I’m really happy
for you. How are you celebrating?

Drugging, Tricking. You know me

Haha, yeah right.

Brian smirks at Justin laughing off his last text. It really isn’t him anymore although he had fucked and smoked. But in comparison to ten years ago, it's definitely a change. He's glad Justin knows who he is now. He never even thought about doing more than asking Eric if he wanted to go out later in the week.

Emmett and Drew are came over
with Duncan. They stayed for dinner.
Kids drove us crazy.

Ah, so was a domestic couples’ night.

Fuck off. Lily has to play with someone.

Very true and she and Duncan are adorable together.
Hope you had fun! :)

He really doesn’t want to ask this certain question. It’ll bring the playful banner down but he knows it’s a possibility that Justin is having a stressful time right now and might feel like he can't talk about it.

How's your dad?

There's a no response for a few minutes and Brian's afraid he may have put Justin on the spot. But then he gets a response.

Not good. He isn't himself. I told him that
I wanted him to stay in the guest room until he
went home. He said he didn't want to get in the
way. But he ended up having a minor panic attack
while we were out. I'm not sure what triggered that
one. You couldn't really tell unless you were looking
for it. But I was looking for the signs so I took a cab
and had him check out of his hotel early. He went to
bed at like 8. I walked past his door around 9 and I
could hear him crying. I don't know over what. Today
went pretty well. I showed him the gallery and
introduced him to my friend, Liam and his girlfriend.
I should have went in to comfort him or at least check
on him but I didn't know how to handle it. I feel awful.

It probably would have upset him more if you caught
him like that. He probably needed to decompress on
his own and that's why he went to bed so early. Don't
beat yourself up over it.

I just don't understand what's happening to him.
Like, okay. I get that he feels guilt over everything
that went down with us and he wants to get to know
me again. That's fine. But there's something wrong.
I don't understand.

It sounds like he let everything build up to the point
where he can't handle it anymore. He probably obsessed
over it and eventually spiraled and now he can't function
like he once did. Maybe it's some specific mental illness
that's hereditary and it was bound to happen sooner or later.
Let Tessler diagnose him and go from there.

I can't just forget about him and leave him in
Pittsburgh. I can't.

I know you can't. I know you well enough to
realize that you've already decided to give him a
chance. Just be there for him. Show concern.
Let him know that he can talk to you and hash
out the bad blood once he’s more stable.

Yeah, the last time I said anything was
when I met him for brunch. I can’t put
him through too much stress when he’s
like this. I can figure it out once he’s
recovered more. It’s just hard to see him
like this.

:/

...

What?

Did Brian Kinney just send me an emoticon?

I’m allowed to send emoticons to display my
conflicted feelings on your father’s
predicament.

Lol, i just remember u getting pissed whn i
used 2 send u quick emails looking like this

Internet language still pisses me off. Looking
at that text is is painful so never write like that to
me again. Emoticons just give me a quick out
when it comes to expressing myself.

:)

Smartass.

:D

>:(

:P

Shit, I have to get to bed soon.
Busy day tomorrow.

Yeah, my dad asked about a few museums.
So I’m taking him to a few low key ones.
Then I’m going to be working non-stop to
catch up.

Hmm. You think you’ll be in Manhattan anytime
this week?

I’ll actually be at David Zwirner Gallery around
10 am on Thursday to talk about an upcoming show.

That’s not that far from my office. You free
for lunch?

He doesn’t know what made him ask that. Fuck, why is he suffering from foot in the mouth syndrome via text? He has been itching to just hang with someone and he’s not close with that many people here. The reason why his relationship with Eric worked so well is because they both firmly believed that it was important to have lives outside of each other. The two of them hung out with Emmett and Drew (and occasionally Justin and Nathan) but they always had the kids. He went to a club with Emmett just one time. He and Drew are getting to the point where he could consider calling him up and asking if he wants to get a beer but they aren’t quite there yet.

But it probably would be more understandable than meeting with Justin. Justin, who hasn’t texted him back yet.

Shit.

He’s about to text back a, “Nevermind, it wasn’t right of me to ask” when his phone vibrated in his hand.

Okay. I can meet you at Kinnetik a little before noon and we can decide from there. That okay?

Brian hesitates over the previous message he was typing. Then he takes a breath, erases it, and sends back his answer.

That’s fine. See you Thursday.

Alright. Night, Brian.

Goodnight, Justin

Well, that wasn’t a phone call.

But fuck, he just planned lunch with his ex-boyfriend.

Eric said that he liked Justin though. He said that he didn’t mind if they became friends with him and Nathan. If he works up the nerve, he’ll even be upfront with Eric. He’ll tell him that Justin is going to be by Kinnetik on Thursday and they were going to meet for lunch.

It’ll be fine.