They quickly load into the ridiculously huge reception tent, the interior donned with tealights, white wooden chairs and dozens of round tables, a large dance floor, and a stage. Small wedding. Yeah right. There were about 150 people here, which isn’t ridiculous, but Brian and Eric went all out for it. It was nice though. And besides, it let him see a lot of his friends again so Justin was grateful for that.

Justin decides to spend time with Nathan while he can so he takes his hand and leads him over to Lindsay and Mel to say hello.

“Hey, guys!” Mel says, hugging the both of them.

“Hey, Mel! I didn’t get to see much of you earlier today so I wanted to say hello in case you both were busy later.”

Mel waves him off, “Too busy for you? Impossible. You’re one of the few people I’m going to make a point of spending time with tonight.”

Justin chuckles and turns to Lindsay, who is dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

“Linds, you alright?”

Lindsay lets out a wet laugh, “I’m fine, Justin.”

“She chokes up at almost every wedding we go to,” Mel reveals, “The fact that it was Brian’s made it even worse.”

“He just looked so happy and at peace,” Lindsay says in a wobbly voice, “Peter Pan has grown up. I’m happy for them. He is so in love and I am so grateful for that.”

Mel steals a concerned glance at Justin who just gives her a small shrug, letting her know it’s okay.

“They’re a great couple,” Justin agrees, “I was moved by the ceremony myself.”

Lindsay nods and pulls herself together.

“I don’t know why I get like this on happy days. I’ll probably get choked up at Gus’s speech and the first dance too.”

“If they ever get around to it,” Mel laughs, “As soon as Brian and Eric were back down the aisle, I saw Brian drag his new husband away and up to the estate. Probably wanted to fuck his brains out since he was kept from doing so last night.”

Justin raises his eyebrows, “Brian agreed to not see Eric before the wedding?”

“He wasn’t happy about it but Eric was set on it so he gave in.”

Justin is about to reply but that’s when Emmett walks over and lets out a sigh.

“The wedding was beautiful, Em!” Lindsay tells him sincerely, touching his shoulder.

“Thank you, baby,” Emmett answers, “It got a little stressful right before the wedding but it didn’t affect either of the grooms so I call that a win.”

“Duncan also did a great job,” Mel says, knowing Emmett loves to talk about his son.

Emmett’s expression breaks into a smile as he dives in.

“Oh, he did, didn’t he? He’s such a good little boy. I was so proud over how perfect he was. He even was able to get Julian to stay in line. Don’t get me wrong, Julian is a good boy too but he’s a toddler and who can compare with Duncan’s performance?”

Justin has to stifle a laugh at Emmett’s bias before asking, “Do you know what time the band should be up on stage?”

Emmett rolls his eyes, “It depends on when Brian and Eric get back. I told him not to take long and he glared at me. Hopefully they keep it to just one quickie. I texted him to tell him to make sure he let me know when he was leaving the room so we could get everything in place for their arrival. Horny bastard. We have an instrumental band playing during dinner. Then The Accidental Natives will go on for the first dance as well as the rest of their set, and then we have a lady singer from Westchester filling up the last part of the night. If the party is still going on after she’s done, I have music prepared to play on the speakers. It’ll be fine. It has to be fine.”

“Are you always this nervous about the weddings you plan?” Nathan asks, raising an eyebrow.

“No. Just Brian’s. He’s a drama queen perfectionist. Justin, you know this.”

“I do. Although, I did think he would be more blasé about a wedding.”

“It took a while, but he eventually liked the idea of planning everything out. He would ask to meet up in order to make plans since he wanted to surprise Eric with certain things. Don’t tell him I told you, but he really did become a bit of a bridezilla. And besides, he and Eric are two of my closest friends and Eric is so sweet. They deserve a perfect wedding, which they got to have. So now they should have a perfect reception."

"I'm sure it will be beautiful," Lindsay assures him.

“If Brian ever brings him back down,” Mel mutters.

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

“God, fuck me! Right there. Fuuuuccckkk,” Eric moans as he pushes back to meet Brian’s thrusts.

“Is this...what you expected...when you thought of our first fuck...as husband and husband?” Brian pants out in between thrusts.

“Fuck, Brian. I don’t even care. I’ll make love to you on a bed of rose petals later, okay?”

Brian laughs at that then really drills into the man until neither of them can form words. Eric shoots his load and Brian follows soon after with a groan. He lays his forehead on the back of Eric’s shoulder, kisses his back, and gently pulls out.

“Brian, did you come in me?” Eric asks, reaching back.

“I told you I didn’t have a condom,” Brian defends himself, getting up.

Eric glares and lightly and playfully kicks his thigh, “I don’t want to have the first dance with cum leaking out of me.”

“Just...push it out and wipe it off. I’ll watch.”

Eric snorts, “You’re such a perv.”

“You know that’s why you married me,” Brian murmurs as he lies back down and rolls on top of Eric.

Eric smiles softly as he picks his head up to bring Brian in for a kiss.

“I love you.”

Brian holds his husband’s face and looks into his eyes.

“I love you too. I’m glad I married you. You’re smart, creative, and keep me in check.”

“Someone had to remind you that we needed to hang our tuxes up after we ditched our reception to fuck.”

“We didn’t ditch it. We just...took a break in between the wedding and the party. That’s completely acceptable. It’ a big day.”

“Lily could be looking for us,” Eric reminds him.

“She’s probably hanging out with your siblings or Cynthia. She’ll be fine.”

“We have to get dressed, Brian.”

Brian rolls off of him and puts his face into the pillow, “But I don’t want to.”

“Stop acting like you’re four,” Eric snorts.

Brian feels the movement of Eric getting off the bed so he turns his head to let his eyes follow his husband around the room.

Husband. It’s surprising how easy it is to think of Eric as that.

“You want me to clean you off?” Brian asks, seeing Eric reaching around to wipe himself off.

“This is all your fault,” Eric mumbles as he stands up.

“Oh honey,” Brian says sarcastically as he walks into the bathroom to kiss Eric’s neck, “I thought you liked it when I came in your tight little ass.”

“I do,” Eric admits, “But not when I have places to be.”

“I will let you return the favor tonight,” Brian sings.

Eric laughs, “Oh, you bet I’m returning the favor tonight. I’m returning the favor all week.”

Brian raises his eyebrows, “What? You plan on making me your bottom boy for our whole honeymoon?”

“Fifty percent of the time, yeah.”

Brian smirks, “Forty. Maybe.”

Eric thinks about it and nods, “I can deal with forty. Now get dressed and text Emmett. He’s probably pissed that he planned a wedding for two sluts.”

“He’d be one to judge!” Brian calls out while he puts his boxer briefs back on.

The newlyweds get dressed in a timely fashion, despite Brian sticking his hand down Eric’s pants twice. He texts Emmett to tell them they are on their way back only to get back a,

>:(

Call Brian a dick, but he doesn’t care that he kept people waiting for over twenty minutes. Besides, people who know him should know his priorities. Those aren’t going to change now that he’s married.

They come up to the reception tent and see Emmett tapping his foot, looking pissy. He sees Eric look bashful over it but Brian just thinks the expression on Emmett’s face is hilarious.

“Oh, look at who finally decided to come back!” Emmett says sarcastically.

“Sorry Emmett,” Eric apologizes genuinely.

Emmett turns to Brian and waits for him to say something.

“What? We were gone for less than half an hour.”

Emmett rolls his eyes, “I’ll announce the two of you. Come on.”

The three of them walk in and Emmett reaches for the microphone.

“Ladies, Gentlemen, and anyone in between! May I have your attention, please? While the newlyweds got distracted, they have now decided to grace us with their presence. Please welcome Mr. and Mr. Davisson-Kinney!”

Brian and Eric walk through the room and accept the embraces and congratulatory remarks from friends, colleagues, employees, and family members. It takes longer than expected to reach their table in order to sit down but they do manage to accomplish that. They get to the center of the table, sit between Gus, and Lily, and finally let out a breath.

“Where were you?” Gus asks.

Brian turns his head and tilts it, giving him a look that says, ‘Come on, Gus. Do you really have to ask?’

Gus is his son. He’s not dumb.

“Gross,” Gus mutters.

“You asked,” Brian reminds him.

“But now I need brain bleach,” Gus tells him, rubbing his eyes.

Brian just shrugs and turns to Eric.

“Are you traumatizing Gus again?” Eric asks as Lily crawls into his lap.

“Of course. It’s one of my favorite pastimes,” Brian tells his husband truthfully.

“Daddy, did I do a good job?” Lily asks, excited over the big affair.

“Yes, you did!” Brian tells her, “I was so proud. I bet all eyes were on you and they forgot the real reason they were there.”

“I don’t know about that...But maybe,” Lily admits, “Does my hair still look pretty?”

“Yes, Lily. Your hair still looks pretty.”

“When do we start dancing?”

“After food and cake,” Eric answers.

Lily gasps, “Cake!”

“Lily, you knew there was going to be cake.”

“But I just remembered again!”

Lily sits back in her seat and bounces with excitement.

“We’re not feeding each other in front of everyone, by the way,” Brian says to his husband.

“Oh, fuck no,” Eric agrees, “We’ll take some of it back to the suite tonight and I’ll lick it off your-”

“Oh, Brian! I am so happy for you!” Debbie exclaims emotionally, running up to the grooms’ table to lean over the table to hug and kiss him.

“Thanks Ma,” he tells her, voice muffled by her tits.

Debbie lets go, looks at them, and then cries, “Eric, oh baby!” before doing the same to him.

Brian turns to Gus and they both roll their eyes. Fucking Debbie.

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

“I met Brian when I was 14 years old,” Michael begins after greeting the crowd, “He had moved to Pittsburgh in the middle of 8th grade and had this elusive, can’t touch me kind of attitude. I was sort of intimidated by him, to be honest. I mean, he was gorgeous but if I saw him coming my way I would go in the other direction. He sat outside at lunch so that he could sneak cigarettes and didn’t really talk to anyone. Never raised his hand in class but whenever the teacher called on him he got the answer right or said something ridiculously on point and profound. He was so different than I was. I never thought he would be interested in being friends with me. But one day, when I was getting called names and stuffed into a locker, there he comes barging in. He got suspended for a week because he punched Timothy Maxwell and broke his nose just because the kid was bullying me.”

“Ha. Fucking Timothy Maxwell,” Brian thinks, ”Getting suspended was worth it. What a dick.

“And from then on, we were the best of friends. I can’t tell you how many times he’s saved the day when it came to bullies or my grades and even money problems once or twice. Meeting Brian, you’d think he would have a standard for friends, like he does with his clothes. But he really is one of the most open-minded and loving people I have ever known. He had a hard time showing it, but it’s true. He doesn’t care how rich you are or how poor you are. He doesn’t care about how much of a nerd you are. He’s faced a lot and had his own ups and downs. He’s not perfect, even though I always thought he was. Despite caring for his friends, he wasn’t always the kindest person. He’s always been blunt and harsh. In your face and controversial. Not very many people could get through to Brian in order to make him consider changing his ways, except for a couple of people.”

Brian can’t help but glance over at Justin at that. When he his eyes do land on him, he realizes that his ex-partner is staring right back. Good. He knows that he’s one of those people then. If he didn’t then Sunshine was a lot dumber than he thought.

“When Brian introduced us to Eric, we were a bit apprehensive. Not because of Eric. Eric’s gorgeous, kind, and successful. There’s literally nothing wrong with him. But Brian had just gotten out of his only serious relationship less than a year before so we couldn’t predict where it was going to go. Little did we know, his relationship with Eric led to one of the most beautiful and happy romances any of our friends had witnessed. Eric, I don’t know if you realize this but you’ve helped Brian open up so much. He’s so happy and at peace with you and you are such a good match for him. When he talks about you, he has so much pride in his voice. He’s crazy about you and Lily and loves that you immediately welcomed Gus into your heart. I am so happy for you guys. So yeah, that’s my speech and all I really have to say.”

The room applauds for Michael’s emotionally fumbling speech as his best friend walks over to give him a hug.

“You’re such a girl,” Brian mutters.

“I-I’m just really happy for you,” Michael says, sniffling.

“Come here, Michael,” Eric grins.

Michael goes over to give a big hug to his husband. Great. They can both be saps together.

When Eric sits back down, Brian turns his head to look at the rest of the groomsmen.

“Next!” Brian calls down the table, bringing out a laugh from the crowd and a playful smack on the wrist from Eric.

Rick stands up and takes the microphone and Brian sees Eric perk up in anticipation for his best friend’s speech. Rick, in his manly and loud Boston accent, starts to speak from the heart.

“I met Eric when we were in college together at American University. I actually met him through his girlfriend at the time. Yeah, yeah. Times have changed. But I liked him from the get go. Honestly, who doesn’t like Eric? Super nice guy, easy on the eyes. You can’t stay mad at him or you’ll feel as guilty as hell over it, usually because you’re the one that was an asshole in the first place. I don’t know how you can even manage to have a good old fashioned lover’s quarrel with him, Brian. You can’t stay mad at that face. Just look at him. Anyway, we used to go out on double dates. He and Eva would go out with me and the girl I was seeing at the time, Jessica, and we’d have a good time. Even though he wasn’t that into sports and didn’t talk about pretty girls even after he became single, I always liked him and considered him a good friend. He saw past my bullshit and my walls. He didn’t question that I was smart despite my background or my accent or what I was into and I really appreciated that.”

Brian knows the story of Eric and Rick’s friendship and he does have to wonder if Rick is going to say what happened that made them so close.

“We were both single our junior year of college and decided to get an apartment together. We’d go out and I’d hook up with women. He usually wouldn’t and I would say, “Come on, man! That girl is interested in you.” And he would take the bait less and less. He would go out on his own and not invite me. I found out later it was to go to gay bars but at the time I just thought he was being a dick. But we still had our good buddy-buddy relationship. He’d catch a football game with me and I would go to a museum with him. We supported each other’s interests because we were buddies.”

“It wasn’t until our senior year of college when I realized Eric was going to be one of the most important people in my life. On December 6th, I got a call from the priest at my family’s cathedral back home...shit, this is still hard to talk about. But he called to tell me my family had died. Gas explosion. Broken gas line caused it. They had been inside asleep and didn’t have a chance. I was a wreck. I threw myself into planning the funerals and, even though I know I was a total cunt at the time, Eric went to Boston with me to help me bury my family. When we got back to DC, I drank and did drugs. I didn’t know how to cope. I couldn’t fucking cry because I wasn’t a sissy and I thought it was preferable to put my life on the line instead.”

Brian widens his eyes when Eric’s abrasive and very hetero friend gets teary eyed.

“Eric confronted me one day. I had just gotten over alcohol poisoning a few days before. He took care of me then too. But this day he caught me when I was sober. He took my hand and he just looked at me and said, “It’s okay if you’re not okay.” And I just looked at him like I didn’t know what the fuck he was talking about and stood up because I wasn’t going to deal with him. He followed me and spun me around. Let me tell you, I was ready for a fight. But then he just put his arms around me and hugged me and wouldn’t let go. I tried to push him off, said nasty and despicable things, but he wouldn’t budge. And finally I couldn’t keep it in anymore and started bawling my eyes out. I never cried like that in my life. I was taught that you couldn’t be like that, especially in front of another guy. But he didn’t judge me, he just held me. Finally, probably hours later, I had stopped crying and he could tell I was embarrassed. He told me not to be. I said, “Easy for you to say! You have dirt on me acting like a”...well, you know. I wasn’t very politically correct back then. And he’s like, “What? You want dirt on me?” And I said, “You’re fucking Mr. Perfect! What, did you forget to clean your room once?” And he said, “No, Rick. I always remember to clean my room so I can bring guys over to-” Rick looks over at Lily and censors himself, “be with when you aren’t at the apartment.”

Brian glances at Eric, expecting to see him shaking his head at his friend’s foul language only to find him crying over the whole story. Brian reaches over to grab his hand and Eric takes it and wipes his eyes.

“I was in shock. I thought he was joking. Then he came right out with it and told me he was gay and that I was the first person that he’s told. I wasn’t as open as I am now. I never bullied anyone who was gay but I was an Irish Catholic from Blue Collar Boston so the fact that one of my good friends could be gay this whole time baffled me. But, instead of being a hothead or sticking my foot in my mouth, I took a minute to think about it. This was the guy who had been a good friend to me since my freshman year, saw past my bullshit, took care of me when my family died, nursed me back to health when I tried to drink myself to death, showed me compassion and got me to open up. And I decided who gives a fuck if he’s gay? And the fact that he told me of all people first showed me that my friend was a lot braver than I thought he was. So I said, “Alright, if that’s what you’re into then that’s cool.”

“And then you made it your mission to find me a boyfriend,” Eric cuts in with a wet laugh.

“It was a good way to distract myself! And besides, you were always just sleeping around! You were too sweet for that shit and deserved better!” Rick yells at his friend before lowering his voice back down to a normal level, “I liked all of your boyfriends okay, except for Joshua...and Darren. But when you first told me about Brian, I knew he was different. I had never heard you talk about someone with so much love and admiration. As soon as I got off the phone with you I turned to Sally and told her that you had it bad. And we were so happy for you. You had introduced us and led us to happiness, to marriage, to our kids. We wanted that for you. And when we met Brian we looked at each other and knew you two had something special. So Brian, I want to thank you. You’ve made my best friend the happiest man in the world. You’re a good father to Lily and you treat him well. I can’t thank you enough for loving my best friend in the world. I truly hope you two live a happy life. But if you ever break his heart, I will come to Brooklyn and-”

Rick is cut off by Eric who has gone over there to hug him fiercely. The room applauds and laughs as Gus says, “How am I supposed to follow that?”

“You’ll do fine,” Brian tells him.

Eric comes back to sit down and mutters, “Fucking Rick. Gotta love him.”

Brian pats his husband on the shoulder and watches Gus get up and take the microphone.

“I grew up with three parents in my life. It was unconventional and sometimes I would get strange looks from some kids but it was all that I knew and it didn’t bother me because I knew I was loved by all of them.”

Gus takes a breath and continues, “My moms have been a couple for twenty years. They are so in sync and, even though they argue, they are very happy. And then there’s my dad. I am aware that for the longest time he didn’t want a relationship. He didn’t believe in them and wanted to be alone. Even though that’s okay, I am so glad he changed his stance on that. He because with the two relationships he’s had, he’s given me two people that I can truly depend on when I need someone to talk to. They have both played active parts of my life and I love them both. I guess my dad is officially adding Eric to the family now, but that’s not accurate because he has been a part of the family for years. He’s come up for school events, taken me and my sisters on vacations, spent holidays with me, given me advice, comforted me, took turns with my other three parents when I was in the hospital for appendicitis last year. He loves me like I was his flesh and blood. He’s a really great person. My dad is lucky that he found him. He deserves someone who is good and kind and understanding. Eric’s that person and I couldn’t be happier for them.”

Gus hands the microphone off, sits back down, and Brian puts and arm around the kid’s neck to kiss him on top of the head and Eric comes over to hug him from behind.

“You guys are so touchy-feely today, stop,” Gus complains.

Brian rolls his eyes and lets go as Eric presses a kiss to Gus’s temple and says, “Love you too, Gus. So much.”

“I know,” Gus says softly.

“And now it’s my turn,” a light southern accent says through the microphone.

“Jesus Christ,” Eric mutters, standing back up straight to go sit back down by Brian, “I am terrified right now.”

“Think he took any shrooms like he did on Thursday?” Brian mutters.

“Knowing my brother, probably.”

“My little brother, a married man,” George says shaking his head, “Pretty much anyone who knows the two of us knows that Eric and I have a weird relationship. We aren’t much alike. We don’t talk the same. Besides the eye color, we look like we don’t even come from the same family. I took more after good old Dad and he took after our mama. And our personalities have always clashed. Growing up, Eric was the golden boy. He got straight As, was class president, well mannered and well behaved, learned Spanish, our mother’s first language, pretty much right out of the womb while it took me a little longer to catch on since I got bored too easily. He was such a good kid while I pissed our parents off constantly. I stayed out late, made a 2.5 average, didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, our parents caught me with weed all the time, I went through girls like candy. Although, I do have a special girl now. I’m looking at you, Starshine,” George calls out pointing at his current girlfriend.

“I love you, Baby!” Clover calls out, standing up. Brian tries to hold in the laughter as Eric bangs his forehead against his shoulder.

“Eric and I were often at odds because of our differences growing up. Oh, we loved each other but brothers are just like that, especially ones who don’t have similar interests. I called him a lame nerd and he’d call me a pathetic loser. Both of which were probably true at the time. But as we grew older, we started having each other’s backs more often. When I attracted the attention of an agent due to my surfing skills, our parents were pissed that I would even consider taking the professional sports route. They felt that it didn’t fit in with long term goals and it wasn’t like it was something like football where I would make a lot of money. Surfing isn’t televised on big budget stations. But it was something I loved to do and to get a chance to make a living at it intrigued me. Eric, despite our differences and weird relationship, stood up for me and said he supported me if I wanted to do it. It was odd because he was only 13 at the time so it was the perfect age to be a dick about things but he wasn’t. He knew how important it was to me. And I will always remember that kid standing up for me and my dreams. That’s what I remembered when he out to our family when we were in one Christmas. I remember our parents’ disapproval and shame and that just got to me because Eric, you had been the perfect child and had grown into this responsible and successful young man. But the first thing that came to my mind when you made the big reveal was that time you stood up for me and the dream I had. So I want you to know, little brother, that I will stand by you. I will support you for as long as I live and be here for you and Brian, for whatever that’s worth. I respect you and I love you, even though we are very different people. Brian, you better treat him well. A man like that deserves it. Now I don’t like to get serious, but you all needed to hear that. These two are good men and deserve to have a great time. That’s all I’m gonna say because I just gotta hug the both of you and give you some love.”

Eric rolls his eyes as his older brother comes over to envelop him in a bear hug, “That was a nice speech, George. Thank you.”

“Anything for you. And Brian, don’t you think you are getting away! I have enough love to share. We’re brothers now too.”

Brian awkwardly pats the man’s back, “Thanks…bro.”

George hugs Lily and kisses her head and Brian barks out a laugh at Lily’s eyeroll. She really does take after them.

Emmett picks up the mic, “I think we need to give another round of applause for the best mens’ speeches. It takes a lot of courage to bare your feelings like that.”

People take the cue from Emmett to applaud and cheer before Emmett speaks again.

“Now, we eat!”

“Thank god!” Lily exclaims, throwing her head and arms down on the table as Brian and Eric turn to look at her in complete surprise, “I thought they would NEVER stop talking! That was so boring!”

Brian and Eric look at each other before bursting into fits of laughter as Lily pouts.

“Why are you laughing at me?”

Brian wipes eyes, “You’re just a funny kid, Lily.”

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

“Just guess what the song will be,” Eric requests over dinner.

“Macarena,” Brian answers sarcastically.

“No, that’s the next song. Guess again.”

“Never Gonna Give You Up.”

Eric glares, “You’re not even trying.”

Brian laughs and softens his gaze, “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

Eric looks like he is about to scold him only to have the words register. His face breaks out into a grin and he leans in to kiss Brian’s cheek.

“You remember.”

“I do. I did initiate that dance. It must have struck a chord with both of us. Is that why you picked it?”

“Yeah. But also because it was the first time in my life I felt like I was living in a romance novel.”

“Because I fucked you in six different positions after?”

“Dad!” Gus says suddenly, “We’re right here.”

Brian sneaks a glance at Lily but she’s too busy convincing Duncan that Rapunzel is a MUCH better Disney Princess than Snow White. Despite Brian’s love of classics, he is inclined to agree.

“Testing 1, 2,” Nathan says into the microphone.

“Who’s singing it? Nathan or Petra?” Brian asks.

Eric shrugs, “I just told them what song I wanted. I never asked or requested who would sing it.”

“Guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

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

“It’s that time for the newlyweds to have their first dance! Brian, Eric! Come up here!

From his table, Justin watches as Brian takes Eric’s hand and leads him to the dance floor. As the music begins, Brian puts a hand on Eric’s waist and assumes the leading position and they look into each other’s eyes. It’s like they’re the only two in the room. He remembers how it is dancing with Brian.

“Nathan has such a good voice,” Molly sighs.

Justin gives her a double take, “Are you drooling over my boyfriend? When yours is sitting right there?”

“I’m not the jealous type,” Hunter insists.

“Probably a good thing, considering you are dating someone who could be a model,” Ben says to his son.

Hunter beams and Molly and Justin roll their eyes at the exchange.

They watch the performance and the couple silently for several seconds before Molly breaks the silence again, “They’re really good together.”

“Yeah,” Justin admits.

Molly turns her head and reaches out to touch his hand.

“You alright?” she says in a low voice.

Justin swallows and nods, “Fine.”

“Yeah. Okay.”

He is fine. It’s hard to watch them because it brings him back to all the times at Babylon and the time at Pride but he’ll get through it by being happy for them like he was at their wedding. He watches them as they sway, kiss almost compulsively, and talk and laugh only loud enough for the other to hear throughout the whole song. When the song ends, Brian dances with Debbie and Eric dances with Amanda. Other couples start to join when Eric dances with Lily and Brian dances with Michael and the party goes into full swing.

“Dance with me, Jester,” Molly says when she comes back with Hunter, pulling at his hand.

“I don’t know-” Justin starts but stops short due to the scowl on Molly’s face, “Okay. Let’s dance.”

Molly drags him out on the floor while Hunter goes to dance with JR. The song is an original of The Accidental Natives and it is quicker in tempo. As he and Molly dance, he looks around and sees Lindsay and Mel laughing, Ben bringing Michael in for a kiss, Drew hiding a smile as he follows an enthusiastic Emmett onto the dance floor, Duncan and Lily jumping and dancing in an almost maniacal way that only small children can pull off, and Ted and Blake dancing a bit slower than the tempo calls for.

The song ends and a slow one takes its place so Molly puts her hand on his shoulder and he puts one on her waist then dance to that song as well.

“So, about Hunter,” Justin begins, trying to get her to elaborate more on what’s going on.

“What about Hunter?” she asks, eyebrows raised.

“What...how did that happen?”

Molly shrugs, “He listened to me when I needed someone to talk to about Dad. About you. About my life.”

“So, what? He just had to listen and you fell for him?”

Molly glares, “He’s funny. He’s driven. He’s overcome a lot and he’s doing well. Unlike me, he followed his dreams. He’s fun to be around.”

“He lives across the country,” Justin cuts in.

A flash of pain briefly appears on Molly’s face before letting her expression go blank again. Shit. It’s more serious than he thought.

“I know that,” she insists looking away.

“And he’s positive,” Justin adds.

“That’s manageable. His drug cocktail works really well for him and his cell counts are perfect.”

“That’s good to hear,” Justin tells her, honestly relieved, “But it may become a problem in the future.”

“I could slip and fall right now, bust my head open, and go into a coma. You don’t see me dwelling on it.”

“I would catch you before that could happen.”

“Not my point, Jester. My point is that shit happens. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve someone and it doesn’t mean I should ditch him because things might go south one day down the road. Besides, medicine is advancing and things are getting better for people who are HIV Positive. Ben and Hunter will probably lead full lives.”

“I know. I know that. I just don’t want you getting sick,” Justin finally admits.

“We’re careful.”

“What if you want kids one day?”

Molly laughs, “Jesus, Justin. We’ve only been seeing each other for a few months. Most of that time our conversation was done by phone and skype conversations. Kids are way down the road, if we’re even still together at that point. But if it does happen, adoption is always an option. I could go to a sperm bank. Sperm washing is an option, although it’s an expensive one. If something were to happen by accident, his viral load is almost undetectable so the risk of passing it along is low. Not that he’d risk it. He’s pretty obsessive about not risking it at all whatsoever.”

“Good,” Justin says forcefully, “I’m glad he cares about your health.”

Molly nods, “He cares about me a lot. He hopped on a plane as soon as the show wrapped to be there for me.”

“What happened with Dad that got you so upset?” Justin asks.

Molly sighs, “I witnessed one of his panic attacks. He hadn’t answered his phone for a few days so I drove up to Pittsburgh to check on him. Turns out, he hadn’t left his house and kept muttering to himself. I don’t think he is hearing voices or anything but he’s alone most of the time so I imagine he does it to fill the quiet. He got upset that I saw him like that, started apologizing, then couldn’t catch his breath. I called his psychiatrist and she made a house call. She gave him a mild sedative to calm him down and took him in the other room to talk with him. She changed his dosages and he’s doing better. But we also sat down together and he gave her the okay to tell me what he’s been diagnosed with so far. He was diagnosed with severe depression, anxiety, a panic disorder, and mild to moderate agoraphobia. She says that he’s most likely bipolar. I figured someone would form that earlier in life and she said that it’s very possible that he had a mild form of it since he was a young man but it’s gotten more severe due to him being untreated and getting depressed. Some days he’s almost fine. He went out to eat with a couple of his coworkers a week ago, so that was a good sign. But he was freaking me out the day he had his attack. I was so upset by it and didn’t want to call you and upset you too.

“You could have called,” Justin tells her, “I should know about what is going on with him, especially if he’s this mentally ill.”

“I know it’s still hard for you to talk about him.”

“I’ve called him every week to check in. Nathan calls him too. We care, despite everything.”

“I know. I’m sorry I didn’t call.”

“But you called Hunter.”

“He technically called me. Just to talk. He could tell something was wrong and I broke down in tears. He finally got me to tell him what was going on. The next day he was calling me from the Pittsburgh airport, telling me to come pick his ass up. He helped me with Dad.”

“He helped you. With Dad. He’s met Craig Taylor?”

Molly nods, “Yeah, Dad likes him. He doesn’t know that Hunter is positive or about his past but he knows that he was adopted by Michael and Ben. He approves so far. I don’t know if he would if he knew everything, but we don’t have to tell him yet. But we stayed at Dad’s for a few days before heading back to Morgantown. It’s been nice. He’s going back to LA tomorrow.”

The song ends and, before Justin can respond, he feels someone tap him on the shoulder.

“I told you I would save you a dance,” Brian tells him.

Justin turns and Molly smiles and steps away to go back to Hunter. He looks over to see Eric dancing with Lily once more. Eric looks up, gives a smile and a nod of approval before looking down at his daughter again.

Brian reaches for his waist and pulls him in as Petra’s voice croons through the speakers. They don’t say a word. They don’t need to. They just keep their eyes locked with one another through the whole song.

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When The Accidental Native’s set is over, Nathan comes to sit back down and they both have a glass of champagne before Justin pulls his boyfriend out to the floor.

“I’m not the best dancer,” Nathan admits, looking away from Justin.

“Just one dance,” Justin asks, holding out his hand.

Nathan looks at him with a serious expression before nodding and letting Justin lead. Justin kisses his cheek and says, “You guys were fantastic.”

“Thanks. It’s not our usual kind of venue but I think it was a good show,” Nathan admits.

“I did miss you when the couples started dancing though. Molly, Emmett, Mel, and Lindsay took pity on me.”

“And Brian,” Nathan adds.

“True,” Justin admits, “But he’s a groom. He has to dance with everyone.”

“I guess that’s true. Sorry I couldn’t stick around. It’s your fault, dating a musician.”

“I guess it is,” Justin laughs.

Nathan smiles a little but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes and Justin frowns.

“You’ve been strange today. Sad. Is everything okay?

Nathan’s silent for a few beats before saying, “We can talk about it later, Justin.”

“That’s not what I want to hear.”

Nathan sighs, “Don’t worry about it. It’s me, it isn’t you.”

They spend the rest of the song in silence and, when Justin doesn’t expect it, Nathan bends down to kiss him.

“I love you,” Nathan says with emotion.

Justin takes Nathan’s face in his hands and frowns, “I love you too. What’s the matter?”

Nathan shakes his head, “Nothing. I probably just drank too much.”

“Nathan, you just had a few glasses of champagne. Here, let’s go sit down.”

Justin takes Nathan’s hand and leads him back to their table, “Are you alright?”

“I’m okay.”

Justin narrows his eyes, “I wish you would tell me what was going through your head.”

Before Nathan can answer, Eric comes up to them with bashful looking Lily in tow.

“Nathan, I wanted to thank you for saying yes to perform again. I know how busy you guys are getting. You’re a really great friend,” Eric tells him sincerely.

Nathan forces smiles, “It’s no problem. You both have always been very gracious so it’s the least I can do.”

“We enjoyed it a lot. I love your sound, you know that, but I think you have another huge fan. Lily wanted me to take her over here so she could ask you something.”

Lily turns her body back and forth, looks at him with big eyes, and asks, “Will you dance with me?”

Justin looks over at Nathan and he’s surprised to see his boyfriend’s eyes soften, “I would be honored.”

“Yay! Come on, let’s go!” Lily insists, taking Nathan’s hand to pull him to the floor. The little girl surprises Nathan by standing on top of his feet.

“I guess musicians do get all of the girls,” Eric laughs before turning to Justin, “Do you want to dance?”

Justin does a double take.

“Wait, what?” he blurts out.

Eric shrugs, “I’m trying to get a dance in with all of my friends. I even got Rick to dance with me. Granted, he’s kind of drunk. But it still counts.”

Eric stands there, waiting for his answer. So Justin stands up and says, “Alright. Let’s go.”

So there he is, dancing with his ex-boyfriend’s husband. And they are actually having a good time. They talk about art and even exchange stories about the man of the hour. Sneaking a glance at Brian, Justin finds him looking at them extremely baffled.

“I think Brian’s confused by this,” Justin mutters nodding over to the man.

Eric turns his head, flashes Brian an open grin and waves, before turning back to Justin.

“He’ll live. I bet he’s dying to know what we’re talking about though. Watch, he’ll come over in three, two, one-”

“How adorable,” Brian comments, putting his arms around both of their shoulders, “You both move so flawlessly together. What are you guys talking about?”

“Opera music,” Eric lies.

“Lies,” Brian mutters, “Fine. Don’t tell me.”

But Brian doesn’t let go. He just holds onto their shoulders.

Eric sighs, “Brian, would you like to join in on this dance?”

“Well, if you insist.”

Eric takes the arm that his holding Justin’s hand and wraps it around Brian’s waist and, since Justin doesn’t know what to do with his newly free hand, he tentatively wraps it around Brian’s waist too.

“How much have you had to drink now, babe?” Eric asks.

“Who keeps track of trivial things like that?” Brian answers.

Eric laughs and shakes his head, “Don’t get too drunk. We’re not going straight to bed tonight.”

Brian’s eyes darken with lust and Justin looks away.

“You know, I can step out of this dance if you wan-” Justin begins before Brian cuts in.

“No. It’ll ruin it. This song is meant to be danced to by three people.”

Eric turns his head then mouths to Justin, “Drunk.”

It is probably the oddest part of the night, but it is surprisingly not too terribly uncomfortable.

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As it gets later, people start to leave the party. Brian and Eric haven’t danced with anyone else in hours, just swaying in the corner and sometimes outside of the tent with each other. Drew leaves around 10 with Duncan and Lily, saying he’s taking them up to the room and he’ll have Lily up to say goodbye to them in the morning. Debbie and Carl turn in as well as Lindsay, Mell, and the kids. They go over to Emmett to see if he needs any assistance and he waves them off with a wink and says, “Enjoy your first night as a married couple!”

Brian decides he can’t wait any longer and drags Eric out of the tent. When they get to their door, Eric decides to fuck with him by using a deceiving amount of strength to pick him up in a fireman’s carry.

“Eric, what the fuck?” Brian growls, “I am not the bride. I repeat: I am not the bride.”

Eric laughs before putting him down on the bed and pouncing on him.

“It’s my turn to return the favor,” Eric whispers huskily before smashing his lips against his.

Brian groans against the kiss and pulls off quickly pulls off Eric’s tux as he feels his own removed from his body.

Eric reaches over to grab the lube as Brian spreads his legs and breathes out, “Fuck me. Want your dick in me.”

Eric prepares him before aligning his body with his and shaking his head.

“I told you I would make love to you later. That’s what I am going to do.”

“It’s fine,” Brian pants, “There’s no rose petals so the previous arrangement is null and void.”

Eric smirks then adjusts his cock so it’s at Brian’s entrance to slowly push in.

“I’m going to make love to you,” Eric repeats, “Slow and steady. Have you begging for more. I want to make you feel good. I want you to know that you’re loved.”

Eric hits his prostate and Brian gasps out only to grip onto Eric’s back.

“I know,” Brian tells him, voice trembling, “I know that I’m loved.”

Eric smiles and gently kisses him and Brian wraps his arms around him, whispering, “I love you, love you, Eric, please.”

Eric slowly moves in and out of him until it’s physically impossible for him to hold back anymore. Brian shoots his load on his stomach and chest then feels the heat and wetness when Eric comes. And, although they take a small break, their dicks perk up and they fuck again. And again. And then one more time.

It’s the perfect ending to a perfect day.

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They get their things together and make sure their tuxes are hung up for Emmett before meeting the family downstairs an early breakfast. They don’t have long since they have to go Queens to make it to JFK, which Brian only found out today since Eric even kept the airport a secret. They wanted enough time to say goodbye to Lily though. She seems to be handling it well up until they are heading outside to get their suitcases in the car.

“I don’t want you to leave,” Lily whimpers, tears spilling over onto her face.

Brian sighs and picks her up, “We’ll miss you too. But you’ll have a good time with Duncan, Emmett, and Drew. And it’s only for a week. We’ll be back before you know it.”

“But I’ll miss you,” Lily sobs, wiping her eyes.

Eric comes over to rub their little girl’s back, “We’ll miss you too, baby. But we’ll call you every day and talk to you on the computer. I promise. You’re going to have a lot of fun. Drew is taking you and Duncan to a play on Wednesday. That’ll be fun.”

“Yeah,” Lily says in a small voice, looking down.

“We love you,” Brian says, kissing her wet cheek.

“So much,” Eric adds, kissing her other one.

“I love you too,” Lily tells them, pouting and nodding her head.

“You’re going to be a good girl?”

“Yes, Papa.”

“And you’ll take care of your rats?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Okay, baby. We’ll call you tomorrow, okay?” Eric says as Brian puts her down.

Lily runs over to Drew and cries into his leg, which makes them both stop, but Drew waves them off as he bends down and pets her hair.

“She’ll be fine,” Drew says, “Go on.”

The two of them go to get in the back of the car. Eric gets in first and, just as Brian is about to get in, he sees Justin, Nathan, Molly, and Hunter getting into a car several yards away. Justin turns his head and they make eye contact so Brian holds up his hand and waves. Justin waves back and gets into the driver’s seat of the car.

Brian gets into the vehicle and Eric takes his hand and smiles. It’s going to be a good week.

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The drive is mostly silent as he takes Molly and Hunter to LaGuardia Airport. Uncomfortably so. He knows the two of them are having a hard time since they are about to part for god knows how long. He can sympathize. He remembers the feeling of heartache when Brian would drive him to the airport to drop him off.

He tries to lighten the mood but it’s hard. Nathan isn’t helping, quiet for unknown reasons himself. Justin wants to think it’s because he’s tired due to not being a morning person but he knows something else is on his boyfriend’s mind. He just doesn’t know what.

They arrive at the airport. Hunter’s plane leaves an hour before Molly’s so they wish him goodbye first and stand back as they watch the two lovers cry and hug it out. Hunter wipes his eyes and turns to walk away when his flight is called and Molly starts walking back over to them.

“Molly,” Justin murmurs as he gently takes her wrist.

But Molly pulls away and chokes out, “I need to go to the bathroom.”

She lets out a sob before going into the women’s restroom, a place she knows they can’t exactly follow her.

“Poor kid,” Justin says as he sits back down.

Nathan has tears in his eyes and Justin turns to him in concern, “Babe, are you alright?”

“I just feel bad for them,” Nathan sniffles, “Pulling away from him must have been really hard for her. Their lives are in different places.”

Justin rubs his back, “If it’s meant to be then they’ll work out. Maybe things will change one day for them and they’ll be in the same place.”

“There’s no way of knowing that though. Especially when it feels so impossible for them now.”

Justin stays silent and Nathan wipes his eyes before Molly comes back out, looking as though her mini-breakdown never happened.

Justin makes sure to give her an extra long and tight hug and it looks as though Nathan had similar ideas. They walk her up to the terminal and she gets in line for the plane. As soon as she makes it into the air, they make their trip home, a trip that is possibly even more silent than the one to the airport.

When they get back, Justin takes his suitcase to their room and heads to the kitchen to open the fridge.

“Nathan?” he calls out, “Do you want something to eat?”

He doesn’t get an answer so he calls out again but, like before, no response.

Justin walks back out into the living room and sees no one there and pokes his head into the bedroom to see Nathan zipping up his larger suitcase.

“What are you doing?” Justin asks, stepping into the room.

Nathan lets out a sigh and seems to search for the right words.

“I don’t think it’s meant to be, Justin.”

Justin feels his pulse quicken and his mouth dry up, “What are you talking about?”

“I saw you. With the kids. How happy they made you. How you became sad when Julian asked you if you were a dad. You said it doesn’t matter if I end up not changing my mind. But it clearly does. I don’t want to keep you from that. I refuse to make you regret not having a family just because you feel obligated to stay with me.”

“Nathan, stop,” Justin orders forcefully, stepping forward, “Don’t do this. Please, just-”

“Don’t touch me,” Nathan says quietly, backing away.

“Nathan, please,” Justin gasps out, tears starting to form, “It really doesn’t matter. I can wait and if it doesn’t happen, it won’t. I love you-”

“I know that,” Nathan sniffles, “And I love you too. I...I’d really like to try being friends after it hurts less. It might take a while but m-maybe that will be better.”

“You don’t have to do this,” Justin cries, “Just put your suitcase away and we’ll talk.”

As Justin feels his heart cracking, Nathan comes over and puts his arms around him.

“I’m sorry,” Nathan whispers, “I know I’m hurting you. It’s hurting me too. But if hurting you now means I will save you from hurting a lot more in the long run then I’m going to do it.”

Justin softly sobs in Nathan’s neck and forces out, “Maybe you just need a b-break. Maybe just think on it before doing anything permanent.”

“Maybe so,” Nathan admits, “But I am not in a position where I should make a lot of personal decisions right now. I’m still...I’m still so fucked up. Even after seven years. I need to work on me. And you need to look for something or someone that can make you truly happy.”

“YOU make me truly happy-”

“You make me happy too,” Nathan laughs, not able to hold back the tears. He takes a few breaths and stares at Justin in the eyes, “Maybe in a few years we will be on the same page. Maybe we’ll run into each other at a show or a coffee shop or an airport and we’ll decide to give it another go. If we’re meant to be then it’ll work out. But right now, I think this is for the best.”

Nathan steps away, grabs his suitcase, and clears his throat.

“I’ll still help with the rent. We signed the lease together. It might take me a little time to get all my stuff. I’ll have to figure out some arrangements. Petra should let me stay with her for a while though. I’ll be okay.”

Justin closes his eyes, feels a couple of more tears run down his cheek, and suppresses his sobs as Nathan leaves the room.

“I’m sorry, Justin,” Nathan’s voice cracks.

Back still turned, he hears Nathan walk through and close the front door.

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Petra’s not even been home for an hour when she hears someone knock on the door.

Her cat, Jim Morrison, jumps off her lap and meows at her apartment door in anticipation for the unknown guest.

She had been hoping to just relax by herself on her day off but with a sigh, she gets up and looks through the peephole to see Nathan on the other side. Unlatching the door, she swings it open and says, “Can’t you call first?”

“I did,” Nathan mumbles, “It went to voicemail.”

“Oh,” she says, remembering that she put her phone on silent. Before she says anything else, she gets a good look at her friend and sees his head hanging down low, slouched shoulders, and a suitcase in hand.

“What’s going on?” Petra asks, alarmed, while she lets him in.

“Can I...Can I stay here for a while?” Nathan says, looking up only to show her he’s barely keeping it together.

“Nathan,” she murmurs, stepping forward, “What happened?”

“I broke up with Justin. He deserves better than....than-”

Nathan lets out a loud and heartbreaking sob, bending over at the force of it.

“Nathan? Oh, it’s going...it’s going to be okay...Come here. Shhhh,” Petra consoles, tears filling her own eyes at her friend’s complete devastation.

Petra lifts him up and he collapses into her, a complete mess. She leads him over to the couch, puts his head in her lap, and just lets him cry.