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Author's Chapter Notes:

Justin takes some initiative. Brian and Eric have their big post-Thanksgiving dinner.

When Justin wakes up Friday morning, he looks at his alarm clock and reaches for the phone. The first thing on his mind - for once - isn’t on his babies. He usually texts or calls Arianna every morning to check on her and see if she needs anything. No, right now it’s on Molly and the way she had looked last night before heading to her room. He doesn’t want to text her yet. He doesn’t want to make her feel like she has to talk to him right now or get her more upset. No, when he reaches for his phone, his goal is to text Hunter and check on her through him. Because while Hunter is incredibly loyal and devoted to Molly, he’s also blunt and at least won’t lie or be vague about how Molly held up after he and Tucker left if Justin presses him.

 

So yeah. That’s the first thing on his mind. But as soon as he picks up his phone, he sees a text from Debbie that came in only fifteen minutes ago.

 

Debbie: It’s done. I told the loudest person in the family and she wants to talk to you when you get back to me.

 

Justin: ...But you’re the loudest person in the family.

 

He’s not sure Debbie sees his text or not, considering within seconds, Justin’s phone is ringing with Debbie’s name on the screen.

 

“Oh my gosh!” Lily exclaims before Justin barely gets out a hello, “JUSTINNN!!!!!!!!!”

 

“...Lily!!!” Justin tries to yell back, despite only waking up three minutes ago.

 

“You’re having babies!” Lily says joyfully, “Two! That’s so many!”

 

“You took the words right out of my mouth," Justin says.

 

“Grandma Debbie said that they are going to be boys,” Lily continues, getting down to business, “I think girls are the bestest and you should have tried harder, but boys are okay. Maybe next time?”

 

Justin huffs out a laugh, both at Lily’s insinuation that he will even try to have more than two kids and at Debbie’s insistence in the background for Lily to stop pacing around so much with her new phone.

 

“Maybe,” Justin gives her, “Probably not, but maybe.”

 

“They’re going to be so cute!” Lily squeals, “Me and Duncan are so excited! We’ll help you so much, don’t worry! We need to practice because when we get married, we’re going to have lots and lots of babies! Daddy says no, but I say yes!”

 

At the mention of Brian, Justin is curious of what he’s thinking of this right now, nervous about it too. So Justin tries to be nonchalant as he asks Lily, “Hey, where is your Daddy? Did you tell him my big news yet?”

 

It takes him a moment to even get an answer from her. Normally, Lily can keep her attention on a conversation for a while, enough that Justin sometimes forgets that the girl is only four years old and is very capable of getting distracted. Justin can’t be sure, but from what he’s hearing, he thinks that Lily is distracted by something called the ‘Justin’s babies’ dance’ and he’s pretty sure Duncan came up with that one, considering that’s what Justin hears the little boy yell before the sound of laughter and little feet hitting the ground follow.

 

“Lily?” he tries again, “Lily…”

 

“Huh?” Lily says as the sound of pattering feet coming to a halt.

 

“Are your Daddy and Papa there?”

 

“No,” Lily says, “Daddy, Papa, Gussy, and Emmett went shopping for the dinner we’re having tomorrow. They just left, like seventy-three seconds ago. I slept over at Duncan’s last night and Gussy, Aunt Lindsay, and Aunt Melanie stayed with Daddy and Papa to sleep at our house. I wanted to stay with Duncan and Grandma Debbie because I love them.”

 

“Can’t blame you. I love them too,” Justin says, smiling, “But seventy-three seconds ago? Wow, I barely missed them.”

 

Justin can practically hear Lily roll her eyes, “They’ll be back. You don’t need to be sad. Anyways, Papa is really excited for you too! And Emmett! They said they might stop and get you some stuff for the babies! Isn’t that fun? They’re getting you presents!”

 

“Yeah! I can’t wait to see what they get!” Justin tries to enthuse, but it’s kind of hard when Lily left Brian’s reaction out all together.

 

“Daddy said he felt bad for you and then got all huffy and puffy,” Lily says, “Like the big, bad wolf but taller.”

 

Ah, there it is.

 

“But I don’t feel bad for you,” Lily says, “Like I said, me and Duncan are going to practice on your babies. Because we’re going to have babies. Lots and lots of babies. I will grow them in my tummy, because that’s what you do! A lady grew me in her tummy and another lady is growing my baby sister in her tummy! And we’ll adopt, because that’s how Drew and Emmett got Duncan! And Duncan is the bestest.”

 

“I thought girls were the best,” Justin asks, feigning confusion.

 

“Well, yes, but…” Lily starts as she tries to find the right words, “There’s always cept-ones.”

 

“Cept-what?”

 

“Cept-ones!” Lily groans, then takes a few calming breaths as if she’s trying to find the patience to dumb it down for Justin, “...Okay, so think of it like this. Duncan doesn’t like yellow or red apples, but he likes green! Green apples are cept-ones!

 

“Oh, exceptions,” Justin says, and honestly? He’s impressed at how well Lily did explaining what she meant to him. The kid really is smart.

 

“That’s what I said!” Lily stresses, then snaps out of it, “You coming to dinner tomorrow, right?”

 

“I am,” Justin confirms, “Hunter and Molly are too. Maybe my mom and her boyfriend. You’re going to have a lot of people there.”

 

“I am so, SO excited to see Hunter and Molly,” Lily says, “I am so excited they are moving here! Hunter is so fun and is a good dancer and Molly is so, SO pretty and really smart too! She knows a lot about elephants and I know a lot about elephants! We talked about them at Daddy’s and Papa’s wedding, after I saw Hunter and Molly kissing and Gussy paid me money to bother them.”

 

Justin has to laugh at that but forces himself to sober up as Lily continues.

 

“Are Hunter and Molly getting married? I asked before and so did JR but they didn’t say,” Lily presses, “Are they going to have babies too? I really think they should, Justin. I could be their flower girl! JR too, I guess. And Molly would be a good mommy and Hunter would be a good daddy, don’t you think?”

 

Justin could tell her that there are more urgent worries for Hunter and Molly at the moment. He could tell her that Hunter and Molly have to plan more than a lot of straight couples do if they ever want a biological kid, that while Hunter’s viral load is undetectable, they still need to be cautious. He could tell her that Molly probably shouldn’t take on an infant during her first year of med school unless they are Justin’s kids because Justin is too selfish to tell her to just focus on herself. Plus, there’s the fact that his sister has had a psychotic stalker since she was a sophomore in college. That’s something that needs to be addressed and taken care of permanently.

 

But no. He can’t say any of those things to Lily. She won’t understand at best and she’ll be scared by it at worst. So all he says is, “Maybe! You should ask them tomorrow! I’ll see you then, okay?”

 

“Okay!” Lily agrees, “And don’t worry, Justin, I will tell everyone! Grandma Debbie said I could so I will.”

 

Justin shakes his head, “You’re doing me a favor. I might have to pay you like Gus did.”

 

“Okay, but I cost a lot,” Lily warns, “Bye!”

 

“Bye, Justin!” he hears Duncan yell in the background before the call ends.

 

He takes a moment to see if any texts or calls came through from anyone else. There’s a genuinely sweet text from Eric, telling him how happy he is for him and to just ask if he needs anything. There is a text from Emmett, consisting solely of two baby boy emojis and a slew of hearts. There are even simple “Congratulations!” texts from Drew and Gus. He replies to all of them, gets probably a little too sentimental with his response to Gus, and checks one more time to see if he missed anyone.

 

No text from Brian.

 

Justin tries not to stress out about it too much and tries to redirect his focus onto Hunter and Molly instead.

 

Is Molly doing okay?

 

The ellipsis bubble doesn’t take long to pop up, but the message takes longer than Justin would like it to. When Hunter does finally send something, it isn’t as long as the wait was hinting it would be.

 

She’s okay-ish.

 

Ish meaning what?

 

I’ll just come down and talk to you. She’s on the phone.

 

Justin forces himself to get out of bed to brush his teeth and put on a pot of coffee. Maybe he should make it clear to Hunter and Molly that while he is making a cept-one himself today, having guests before 10 am is generally unacceptable. Unless they want to take care of the babies and let Justin sleep. That’s the only time they are allowed down here in the morning.

 

Yeah, he’ll just keep his mouth shut.

 

When Hunter does come in, he doesn’t look all that well-rested and Justin does feel bad that he had been annoyed a few seconds ago in the first place.

 

“Woah, are you alright?” Justin asks, shutting the door, “Molly didn’t make you sleep on the floor, did she?”

 

“No,” Hunter sighs, not seeming to even have it in him to look amused by Justin’s assumption as he follows the smell of coffee into the kitchen, “She didn’t stay mad after you left. She let me stay with her. She didn’t talk much. She was sort of clingy, if anything. She was crying but couldn’t even talk it out with me. I think I fucking scared her with those statistics.”

 

Justin shrugs as he sits across from Hunter at the island, “I hate to say it, but she should be scared. She needs to be scared. She’s been prioritizing her self-sufficiency over self-preservation and it needed to fucking stop. And I wouldn’t worry about her not talking to you about being so upset by it. She usually processes upsetting and stressful shit alone. The fact that she allowed you to be in the same room means a lot. The only time she ever wanted my company when she was upset was when we went out the day before Emmett’s party and...never mind.”

 

Hunter gives him a strange look before his expression fills with clarity, “Oh, you’re talking about when she tried to let me go because ‘I deserved better’, got super drunk, made out with a random guy at a bar, and cried on your couch? Don’t worry, she told me about that as soon as I got her to the hotel room after I left Emmett’s. I was too horny and happy that she said yes to moving in with me to stay upset about it for more than a minute. We were technically in an open relationship anyway. I never fucking acted on shit and she didn’t until that night so I don’t know if it was ever actually open. Thanks for not letting her go home with the guy though. Means a lot, considering you were weird about me and her for months.”

 

“Yeah, well,” Justin says, then shakes his head, “The guy wasn’t even Molly’s type. She would have turned him down flat if she hadn’t been absolutely wasted and heartbroken over the distance and apparently this shit. Knowing her, she might have been trying to self-sabotage if you weren’t believing her on the ‘deserving better’ bullshit.”

 

“Well, at least we’re past that,” Hunter says, “And I’m hoping that we’re getting past her keeping all Seth related things to herself. Or anything about the creeps in her life, like her damn boss. I’m fucking glad he won’t be in the picture much longer. I just want to get Seth out. But her calling your mom this morning to talk to her about what’s been going on was encouraging.”

 

“She told Mom?” Justin asks, “Yeah, that is encouraging. But I can’t help but think my mother is going to have a fucking heart attack over all of the big announcements being thrown her way.”

 

“Oh, I wasn’t even on the phone and I could hear your mom crying,” Hunter says, wincing as if the memory bothers him, “Yeah, she’s not taking the escalation of this shit well and I think she’s hurt that Molly has been keeping it from her. She said she’ll be over in an hour or so. I think Molly wants you there to distract your mom with baby talk.”

 

“Of course she does,” Justin says, rolling his eyes.

 

“She doesn’t want to say anything to your dad, but feels like she should,” Hunter says hesitantly, “I have to say that I agree. Molly is moving soon, and like you said, Seth may escalate if he finds out. She’s only an hour and a half away from her dad now and is going to be six and a half hours away from him soon. He lives alone and she’s worried that Seth might hurt him in one way or another, even though he hasn’t tried hurting Craig or Jennifer yet. It’s not as bad as it could be. You’ve been checking on him a lot more. Mason has been checking on him a lot more too and coming home for breaks. He’s stayed with him on all of them except for this one. I guess Thanksgiving is a thing with your ex step-mom.”

 

“I wouldn’t know,” Justin says honestly, “I’ve only met the woman a couple of times and never exchanged more than a few words with her. I’ve seen Mason a few more times because of Molly, but I don’t know much about him either.”

 

Hunter nods and maintains eye contact, all while staying momentarily silent, and it’s kind of making Justin uncomfortable.

 

“...You know,” Hunter finally starts, clearing his throat, “She’s on the phone with Mason now. That’s who she’s talking to upstairs. She really doesn’t want to bother him with this stuff. She’s protective of him. But she’s getting it through her head that he should know that this is going on and that she’s worried about your dad. You’re getting close with your dad again. You might consider talking to Mason too. Or maybe going upstairs to say hi. Just a suggestion.”

 

“Hunter, I don’t know the kid at all,” Justin says, feeling an inexplicable dread over the prospect, “I respect that Molly sees him as a brother but-”

 

“He is her brother,” Hunter says harshly, “Legally as well as emotionally. Your dad adopted him over a decade ago when he married Madison so that actually makes him your brother too. And that relationship didn’t stop with Molly or Craig just because Madison and Craig got divorced.”

 

And yeah, Justin feels terrible for wording it like that to someone who is also fucking adopted.

 

“Why are you so protective over Mason?” Justin asks, trying to move on from what he just said, “I get why Molly is, but why are you? I know he was at Hazel’s wedding and we saw him there but-”

 

“Yeah, and you were both awkward and quiet as shit together,” Hunter interrupts as Justin tries to continue.

 

“But it’s not like you know him well either.”

 

Hunter scoffs, “I’ve had more conversations with that kid than you have. He came in for his Spring Break while Molly and I were staying with your dad. He didn’t plan on it but was freaking over something and wanted to be home. We talked about what he was going through. I told him that I used to be a fucking prostitute to make him feel better about his life and he accepted it. We took him out for his 21st birthday. We stopped over in New Hampshire to see him when we were visiting your mom and Tucker. I’m friends with him on Facebook, which is more than I can say about the two of you.”

 

“I don’t dislike him,” Justin says helplessly, “It’s just weird. I don’t know him. I barely think about him and I’m not trying to say that to be a dick. I haven’t spoken to him or seen him enough to want to be closer to him. Molly barely even mentions him to me. My dad hasn’t brought him up once since I started talking to him again. I think he’s afraid bringing him up will hurt my feelings. He might be right. He adopted him when he was practically disowning me. I don’t hold a grudge against Mason for that, I don’t, but it doesn’t help.”

 

Hunter’s eyes soften at that and he looks away, “Okay, I get that. I’m sorry that I came off as a dick about it. I didn’t mean to. If Molly didn’t feel like she was in the middle of two separate families, I wouldn’t care. I just think that might be a good thing for her, if you guys tried - if everyone was willing to co-exist, interact, and be there for her. We stressed her out a lot last night. You didn’t see her after you came back down here. I just...I don’t know, Mason will probably be coming over to visit a lot anyway. I don’t want her to feel like she can’t see you when he’s here or she can’t spend time with you both at the same time or bring him around your kids. I know that she got stressed out by all of the back and forth of having two families growing up. She definitely has enough to stress out over now. If there can be one less thing, I’m going to push for it. I didn’t fucking plan on doing this when I came down here, but it’s happening. Besides, you might be surprised. You might get along with Mason. You have more in common with him than you think.

 

Justin snorts, “I know I said I don’t know the kid but I do know he’s a total jock.”

 

“He is,” Hunter agrees, but then seems to feel conflicted, “...Look, I shouldn’t be telling you this but I honestly think you won’t tell anyone, since you ‘don’t know’ Mason and all, so here it is: the kid is closeted. Sort of.”

 

Justin feels his eyebrows raise at that, “Mason’s gay?”

 

Hunter shakes his head, “Probably bi. He’s gay for one guy. Very gay for one guy to the point where he would never hook up with anyone else. He’s had some problems though. A few of his friends on the lacrosse team already gave him shit over it when they found out. A few guys from his fraternity too. His boyfriend, roommate, best friend - whatever the fuck he calls Ezra - doesn’t give a shit about what people say. Mason gets more upset by it. He hasn’t tried to break things off, he never would. He's in love with Ezra and in too deep with the guy, but the fact that he’s so affected by what other people think is probably putting a strain on things."

 

Justin tries to think of something to say to that, but what is he supposed to say? He doesn’t know these people at all. But before he can conjure up any kind of empathetic advice, Hunter continues.

 

“Ezra is a theatre major and has been out as pan since high school. He doesn’t face nearly as much grief over it,” Hunter tells him, “When I met him, I could tell off the bat that he was out and proud. If you could take Emmett’s enthusiasm and kindness, Debbie’s mouthiness, and Brian's charisma and alpha-like presence, then you would get Ezra. He wants to move here after he's done with school and work his way up to Broadway. He’ll fit in fine there. Plus, he’s graduating in a month anyway so he cares even less about what people think of him. But with Mason, it isn’t just about some snooty jocks at Dartmouth finding out. He needs to get over that and I think he has actually made a lot of progress there. He's joined LGBTQ groups that Ezra is in and he's distanced himself from a lot of people who weren't supportive and I think he will continue to do that, especially if he’s doing a work study away from school for his last semester. He got an offer from a company here, a non-profit that aims to help women and minorities. I think he applied there in particular because he is trying to get more involved and live more openly, but I know he applied to a company in New York to be with Ezra. Being closer to Molly is probably just a plus. But even though he's planning on following his boyfriend here and he's not as concerned about friends and classmates knowing anymore, he’s not getting over his fear of being disowned. He’s traumatized due to how Craig treated you, despite barely knowing you. He’s terrified that if he comes out to anyone in the family besides Molly, Craig will find out, freak out, disown him, and he won’t have his dad anymore.”

 

Justin lets out a breath, “But he knows that Dad and I have mostly patched things up. He saw us talking at Hazel’s and Samira’s wedding and sat with us at the same table at the reception. He knows we’re getting along. He knows Dad attended a lesbian wedding. He shouldn’t be worried about Dad, not anymore.”

 

Hunter nods, “Molly and I told him that. Hazel did too. Multiple times. He doesn’t care. I think the fact that he isn’t blood related to Craig plays into it. Molly said that he told her back in April that he’s nothing to Craig in comparison to you, so just because Craig reconnected with you, doesn’t mean Craig won’t cut ties with him. Dude’s stubborn.”

 

“Fuck,” Justin mutters, “...God damn it, Hunter. Why did you have to tell me all of this shit?”

 

“Because making you feel uncomfortable and guilty is as almost as important to me as making Molly happy,” Hunter says, shrugging, “Two birds, one stone.”

 

“I have enough shit on my mind,” Justin says, “I only let you into my apartment to talk about Molly and how she’s doing, not about this. I don’t need to worry about some brother I don’t even fucking know.”

 

“At least you’re calling him that.”

 

“You suck. I thought I was done hating you last night, but I was wrong,” Justin says, then pulls out his phone.

 

“Who are you texting and how much are you complaining about me?” Hunter asks, leaning over the bar in an attempt to sneak a glance at Justin’s phone.

 

“No one,” Justin says, sending Hunter a glare that must be at least scary enough to get Hunter to sit back down, “I’m friend requesting Mason on Facebook.”

 

“Well, I’m sure he’ll be shocked.”

 

Justin huffs, “You’re the one who suggested that I reach out. This is me reaching out.”

 

He had been telling the truth when he had said that he rarely thought of Mason. So rarely, that Justin honestly had forgotten that Mason’s last name is Taylor. He had to look through Molly’s friends to find the kid and he can’t help but feel bad about never even trying when he sees that they fucking share a last name. Maybe it’s because Hunter had already hammered him with guilt, but he can’t help but feel like shit, even though on the rare occasion that Justin has thought of his step - no, adoptive - brother, he had never been tempted to reach out at all. If anything, those rare thoughts had brought out sadness and jealousy, but never a yearning to get to know him.

 

Shit. God damn it. His life is a fucking clusterfuck and it had already felt that way when he was only finding out he was having twins.

 

“Done,” Justin says, putting his phone down on the counter, “Can we please talk about literally anything else?”

 

“Golf?”

 

Justin’s expression becomes one of disgust, “I’d rather talk about Tucker and my mother having s-...Actually, no. No, I wouldn’t.”

 

Hunter shrugs, obviously not bothered by the mere thought of his practically in-laws hooking up, “Thanks for trying. I think Molly will be really happy if you guys try. That might make her day. Or freak her out and make her over-analyze. I am hoping for the first one.”

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

When Molly ends up joining them downstairs to get there before their mother arrives, she does end up expressing gratitude when it comes out to him reaching out to Mason, even if it is for a weird reason.

 

"I couldn't get him off the phone," Molly says quietly, "He was freaking out over what Seth's done in the last couple of months and wanted to come stay with Dad in his hotel room so that he can see me in person. Which would be whatever, but I don't want to stress Dad out while we are here and have him drive back on Sunday all upset. I couldn't talk him out of it and then he got your request notification. He basically went into a daze and said he would come down and help me move after his finals, then finally hung up. So thanks for that, I guess."

 

"Well…" Justin starts, not even sure what to say to that, "...Hopefully I didn't scare him."

 

"Why now?" Molly asks, her eyes narrowing, "After all of the awkwardness and barely acknowledging each other's existence-"

 

"It was an awkward situation!" Justin defends himself, "It wasn't like I could ignore Dad and pick up Mason to take him to a basketball game or whatever the fuck he likes."

 

"He likes long sticks," Hunter speaks up, smirking, as he goes over to sit on the couch with Molly, "Plays lacrosse, obsessed with hockey, appreciates baseball, likes di-"

 

Hunter cuts himself off with a cough and Molly immediately gives her boyfriend a look of confusion, glances at Justin, then looks back at Hunter in exasperation.

 

"Really?" Molly says, "You told him? You are a freaking blabbermouth on this trip. How did Mason even get brought up?"

 

"Maybe because you were on the phone with him?" Hunter says slowly before looking at her with pleading eyes, "And I didn't mean to. I just really want your brothers to bond over their gayness and be here for you because I deeply love and adore you."

 

"You're so full of shit," Molly scoffs but lets Hunter put his head in her lap anyway and strokes his hair with affection and annoyance and it kind of makes Justin want to kick their coupley asses out.

 

Before he can do that or be an immature dick by wedging himself in between the both of them, the doorbell from the speaker rings, causing them all to look up.

 

"Talk about the babies," Molly asks desperately, "Please. Talk about them non-stop and if she tries to change the subject to me, say that you've booked a grandma/grandsons photoshoot with one of your famous photographer friends and that you are knitting her a grandma cardigan, one with birds or a lighthouse or something-"

 

"Do these ideas come to you as you talk or have you been thinking of ways to torture Mom?"

 

"Justin, please!" Molly begs, all while Hunter stares at his girlfriend with concern from her lap.

 

"She's going to want to talk about it, Molly," Justin sighs, "You did let her know what was going on - and that's good, she should know - but I'm not going to be able to keep her from talking about it to you. "

 

The bell rings again, sounding more insistent this time, and Justin looks towards the door.

 

"I'll go down and get it," Justin says, walking towards the door, "I will let her know that you're tired of talking about it and to keep any other questions and hearts to hearts regarding that psychotic fucker short, then insist she focus on me."

 

"You do deserve it!" Molly agreeably calls out right before he heads downstairs.

 

He doesn't know what he was expecting upon greeting his mother. Maybe for her to be stressed and worried, distracted and barely paying any attention to Justin at all in order to get to her younger child.

 

He certainly hadn’t expected her to be in tears.

 

"Is she upstairs?" his mother chokes out, foregoing any kind of appropriate greeting as she steps inside. Tucker is the one who looks stressed and worried. He's sure some of that is over Molly but Tucker has known for almost twenty-four hours now. No, right now, most of Tucker's concern is aimed at Jennifer Taylor.

 

"Why didn't she tell me?" his mother cries, "After all that...that boy did to her, how badly he hurt her and how he wouldn't stop harassing her, why wouldn't she tell me he was still doing all of this?"

 

"Honey, she told you," Tucker stresses, putting a hand on his partner's back, "She told you on her own this morning."

 

"You saw how badly he injured her!" Jennifer weeps, "You had to help her get dressed because of how much pain she was in! I can't see that happen to her again, I can't!"

 

His mother puts her face in her hands and Justin lets out a breath before putting a hand on her shoulder, "Mom, she's going to be okay. She'll be fine. She's staying with Jerome and his girlfriend until she moves up here. I am going to check into adding extra security to the building. Hunter isn't going to let anything happen to her. He would take a bullet for her in a heartbeat -"

 

"Don't say that!” his mother says, before letting out a distressed whine, “I don't want him to get hurt either! He's wonderful to Molly and I want them to grow old together!"

 

"Oh my god-" Justin says under his breath but cuts himself off, "It won't come down to that. It's an expression. We will all be fine. This is really stressing Molly out. Seth, obviously, but everyone worrying and getting all worked up is just getting her more upset. I'm not letting you into my apartment until you calm down."

 

That seems to snap his mother out of her woeful state, at least enough to get her to look more offended instead.

 

"I'm not saying you can't talk to her about it," Justin says quickly, slightly disturbed by the death glare his mother is sending him, "Just don't interrogate her, let her know to keep communicating about it with you, and let her know how grateful you are that she told you something was wrong. She wants me to keep the focus on the babies and pretend that I am knitting you a grandma style cardigan-"

 

"Don't you dare," Jennifer says, still sniffling, "I know I will love my grandsons with all of my heart, but I will never wear something like that. Ever. I don't care if you go out of your way to make it for me. I don't care at all."

 

"Noted," Justin snorts, then turns around to lead Tucker and his mother upstairs.

 

His mother mostly goes by his advice, with only a few things like 'Oh, sweetheart, why didn't you tell us?' said during bouts of silence.

 

They do actually keep their focus on the babies though. Surprisingly. It does seem to cheer everyone up and when they go out, Molly and Justin swing by the hotel to get their dad to come along on their adventure around Brooklyn so that Molly can distract herself from everything and focus on baby clothes. And they actually all get along, even his father and Tucker. Molly drags them into a hipster baby boutique and begins choosing two of everything she picks in the newborn to six month range, then some clothes in the 6 month to 12 month range, even though Justin has been in this store and literally hates it, including its name. Smoochie Baby is a stupid name and he’s almost embarrassed that he’s in here.

 

“Why do my sons need shirts that say ‘Vote’ on them?” Justin asks as Molly takes two and tosses them over her arm, “Seriously, why?”

 

Molly looks at Justin as if he’s dense and has no fashion sense at all, “It’s never too early to become politically cognizant, Jester. I want my nephews to know that.”

 

“You…” Justin starts, then dismisses that because whatever, “Okay, then what about the Andy Warhol onesies? Which one of their infant peers is going to even recognize him?”

 

“Justin,” Molly starts, sounding incredibly impatient, “The boys wearing these will honor both your Pittsburgh roots and their artist father. If you would let yourself silently analyze my choices for a second, you would realize that my choices when it comes to clothing for my nephews are the right choices.”

 

“Your nephews this, your nephews that,” Justin says under his breath as Molly begins to hand clothes over to Hunter once her arms are full, “You do realize that you are probably racking up four hundred dollars worth of clothes, right? This place isn’t cheap.”

 

“This is also the clearance rack,” Molly says, “Learn to read.”

 

“That literally means nothing here,” Justin answers, not even caring if the store manager hears him because this is price gouging. Buying all the stuff his sister has might not put a strain on his wallet but it probably will on his sister’s.

 

“It’s okay,” Hunter says, the pile of baby clothes in his arms growing, “I made bank on my gig that wrapped in October. Only two months of filming and Molly and I are set for at least two years on my salary from it alone. I can get them.”

 

“You’re not getting shit,” Molly scowls, taking back the clothes from Hunter’s arms to make a point, “I’m buying everything I pick. You pick out some stuff if you want to treat the babies that badly.”

 

“No joint couple presents to the boys, got it,” Hunter nods, looking incredibly exasperated, “You are the most stubborn person I have ever met in my life.”

 

“I think you’ve said that before, yeah,” Molly answers, but doesn’t budge in her resolve. Hunter does, however, pick a few things for his kids and even more for Michael’s and Ben’s son, which causes Molly to also pick out clothes for Michael’s and Ben’s son, all while his mother browses through the edgy baby clothing with confusion and Justin stands back with his father and Tucker, waiting for them to finish. Soon enough, Hunter and Molly have collected so many bags that they have to make a trip back to the apartment before meeting up with Michael, Ben, and JR for lunch.

 

It honestly isn’t that bad of a day and by the end of it, Mason accepts his friend request and sends him an awkward, short, generic, but oddly sweet message.

 

Thanks for adding me. Congrats on becoming a dad :)

 

Justin isn’t going to get into the hows and whys the request got sent in the first place. It would be weird to tell him that he’s here if he wants to talk about coming out or about his father - their father. He doesn’t want to bring up Molly or Hunter or the fact that he wants his kids to have all of the family they can get. He’ll keep it awkward, short, generic, and oddly sweet too.

 

No problem! Thanks for adding me back and for the congrats, I appreciate it :)

 

It’s not much but it’s enough for now.

 

It’s just strange - and a little hurtful - that he’s gotten a message from the adoptive brother he barely knows yet Brian hasn’t tried to reach out at all.

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

"You are ridiculous, I hope you know that."

 

Brian glances back at Eric in confusion as soon as he finishes putting the turkey in the oven. He glances at the oven, glances at Eric, then glances at the oven again.

 

"But honey, I thought you were all for abolishing gender roles. For you to put me down just for cooking-"

 

"I didn't mean that," Eric snorts, taking a sip of his coffee, "You look sexy when you cook, not ridiculous. But yet here you are, being ridiculous, pouting and hurt over nothing. It has almost been 24 hours since Debbie told Lily and Lily...well, told everyone. You are acting as if the biggest secret in the world was kept from you."

 

"No," Brian answers slowly, even though Eric has called him out on his shit, "If I am pouting over anything, I am pouting over being awake this early on my day off. It's absolutely unreasonable. Let's send everyone home. Except for Gus. He can stay. He sleeps until noon. Best kid, knows what he's doing with his life."

 

"Uh huh."

 

Brian and Eric enter some sort of staring contest and honestly? Brian doesn’t like it. At all.

 

“Oh, fuck off,” Brian mumbles, walking over to wash his hands before pouring himself a second cup of coffee.

 

“Wow,” Eric says, coming over to Brian to bump his shoulder, “You are mad over Justin keeping this from you.”

 

“I am not.”

 

“I don’t see why you are that upset,” Eric continues, “He didn’t keep ALL of it from you. You mentioned yesterday he told you about checking into surrogacy after you gave him our pamphlet. He told you when his surrogate was pregnant when the rest of us knew nothing. So are you more mad over him not telling you it was twins or mad about him not telling you he’s having twin boys?”

 

Brian rolls his eyes and tries not to get bitchy, “Neither. Whatever Justin keeps to himself is his business-”

 

“Because I can understand if it’s the twin boys thing,” Eric says, as if he’s thinking on it, “I was a little jealous when we found that out. Just a little. But if you tell Lily or Nina anything about me initially wishing one of them had been a boy, I will deny everything.”

 

“Oh, so it’s back to Nina now,” Brian answers, nodding, “And I literally couldn’t care less about Justin’s kids being boys or girls. I don’t care if my kids are boys or girls and - except for Nina - they’re already fucking here.”

 

“...We could always trade them in-” Eric begins to suggest but is cut off by Mel entering the kitchen.

 

Mel stares at them both in confusion, “Why the hell are you two up?”

 

Brian tilts his head, “It is custom to wake up early as fuck to put a turkey in the oven on Thanksgiving, or whatever the Saturday after Thanksgiving is.”

 

“Just didn’t think you’d think to do it,” Mel yawns, going over to sit down at the kitchen table as Eric pours her a cup of coffee, “I figured I would come down and do it.”

 

“Well, you snooze, you lose,” Brian says.

 

Mel stares at him for a moment, then laughs, “God, you are domesticated. Only a domesticated Brian Kinney would think a loss consists of not waking up first to put a turkey in the oven.”

 

Brian tries to brush that off and not glare. He can be the mature one by going over to mess up Mel’s hair without saying one dickish word.

 

“It’s so weird seeing you with long hair, smelly Melly. Emmett shaved his hair off and you’re growing it out,” Brian yawns as he sits next to her, “I thought you’d stay soft butch forever.”

 

“I bet I can beat you at changing a tire,” Mel practically challenges.

 

“Please,” Brian says, snorting, “If I am going to get on my knees, then Eric is going to benefit from it.”

 

“Never estimate a safe ride home, babe,” Eric smirks.

 

“You know what I meant,” Brian says, then gives his husband a once over, “Unless you’d like me to show you. I’m sure Mel wouldn’t mind. Maybe she can time me.”

 

“God, you’re gross,” Mel says, too tired to show true disgust, “And it isn’t a good time for your little challenge anyway. Lily and Duncan are up. They were annoying JR so she demanded to sleep in our bed and that’s why I’m up. She kept grumbling about how she slept so much better at the hotel with her dads.”

 

“Well, I can’t hear them from down here, so as long as they aren’t bothering me, then I don’t mind,” Brian says, shrugging, “They’ll probably target Gus next. That’s always funny, but you aren’t allowed to laugh or he’ll be a bitch for the whole entire day.”

 

“Yes, it’s best to keep a straight face and take his side,” Eric agrees.

 

“God forbid you laugh at a four year old’s antics,” Brian sighs.

 

“She snuck into his room and hid all of his clothes Wednesday morning, then pretended that she didn’t know where they were and said that he would just have to wear his pajamas for the rest of the trip,” Mel points out, “Can you blame him for being upset?”

 

Brian tsks, “They’re just clothes.”

 

Mel stares at him, bewildered, “Did you hear the words that just came out of your mouth?”

 

“Yeah, seriously, Brian,” Eric says, frowning, coming over to feel Brian’s forehead, “You don’t feel warm-”

 

Before Brian gets a chance to say anything to either of them, his phone vibrates on the table and he picks it up.

 

Emmett: We’re here. Didn’t want to ring the bell in case the kids were still asleep. Drew and I might need help carrying some stuff in.

 

“Emmett is here,” Brian says, standing up, “Be prepared for his enthusiastic ass or his caffeine deprived bitchiness. I can’t tell which one it’s going to be. He didn’t put any emojis or exclamation points in his text to me so it might be the second.”

 

Emmett turns out to be the first and while Brian can usually appreciate a happy Emmett - hell, he usually WANTS a happy Emmett - it's too early for all of that. Here Emmett is, hugging him as if he hadn't seen him just yesterday. It's kind of making him rethink the trip to St. Maarten next August. It had been a good (albeit disgustingly domestic) idea at the time, the four of them plus Duncan, Gus, and the girls. But does he really want to deal with Emmett greeting them and the day with such enthusiasm? Does he really-

 

"Baby, I didn't expect you to be up!" Emmett says as he releases Brian from the embrace, "I'm glad you are though, even if you look grumpy as can be. Care to help me and Drewsie with the dishes? The back is completely loaded up."

 

Brian follows him out to the van and Emmett has yet again gone above and beyond.

 

"Shit, Emmett," Brian says, staring at what has to be over a dozen different dishes, "You really didn't have to do all of this."

 

Emmett gives him a strange look, "Brian, sweetie, have you seen your guest list?"

 

"It's not that many people-"

 

"Thirty-two people," Emmett says, "Including you and myself and assuming that Eric's family is still coming, thirty-two people. Your place is big for Brooklyn but we should have rented a banquet hall."

 

Christ. He doesn't want that many people in his house. Not for a fucking dinner. Maybe for an orgy, way back when, but not for a dinner.

 

"Well, Louisa decided not to come, but 'sends her love' yeah fucking right," Brian says, still feeling some disdain from his last visit to his mother-in-law, "But the rest of Eric's family got in last night. His father and grandmother are sharing a hotel room. I'm glad James gets along okay with his mother-in-law because if I had to share a suite with my mother-in-law…"

 

Yeah. Brian doesn't know what he would do. He just lets the thought go.

 

"In-laws," Emmett tsks, giving a glance towards Drew, "Drew's dad refused to come on Thursday because of me, so I understand. It's tough."

 

Brian shrugs, "I don't give a shit about what Louisa thinks of me."

 

"Oh, I don't care about what anyone thinks of me either," Emmett says, "But it's different when it affects Drew or Duncan. I'm sure it's a similar feeling since Louisa not coming affects Eric and Lily."

 

Brian doesn't have anything to say to that. He can't deny it but he's not about to admit Emmett's right and have some heart-to-heart with him. Nope, not happening. Ever.

 

After they get the dishes inside and Emmett sorts out what needs to be heated up and what needs to stay refrigerated, he - of course - wants to see his son. And despite what Brian said about not caring what Lily and Duncan get up to as long as he can't hear them, he wants to see both of the kids too. They've been awake and quiet for far too long and that normally means they are being extra good or extra conniving and he should probably find out which.

 

He follows Emmett upstairs and into Lily's bedroom. As soon as they step in, both children duck down behind the wall of the top bunk, or more like the roof. Eric had built Lily and over the top Tudor house bunk bed and Brian doubts he has ever interjected his opinion into one of his husband's designs more than this one. Eric had fought for Lily to have bunk beds in her room, while Brian had been against it. For once, he was the more protective parent but he had a good reason: he knows his daughter and the daredevil she can be. He knows that if she saw the opportunity, she would jump from the top onto a pile of pillows, miss, and break her arm. It's completely inevitable yet completely avoidable as long as she never had the opportunity. With this bed, she can't do that. Standing up, the roof comes up to her chin and she has a slide leading down from the top bunk to distract her from being more adventurous. Brian can admit it is a super cool bunk bed. Over the top, but beautiful and intricate. But while Lily admittedly has a cool room, it also has a floor that is now cluttered with toys. He had the kids pick up last night and make it look immaculate, but of course there are toys all over the floor again. The larger stuffed animals, however, are in a circle around a cauldron prop left over from Emmett's Halloween party, all of them wearing Lily's jackets and sweatshirts, their faces partially covered with hoods.

"Daddy, shhh!" Lily whispers from the top bunk, her face appearing next to the slide, "We are hiding from the witches! They want to eat us because it gives them more powers!"

 

"Uh huh," Brian says, glancing at the coven.

 

"Yeah, and we don't want that!" Duncan says, his face appearing next to hers before his eyes light up at the sight of Emmett, "Daddy!"

 

Duncan throws caution to the wind, slides down to the floor, and runs over to Emmett to hug him around the waist, all while Lily groans, "Duncan, no! They'll get you! Duncan!"

 

Brian watches his daughter disappear as she dramatically throws herself onto the bed. Sometimes he wishes he could have a more normal child. Like Duncan, who can snap out of his imagination and be happy to see his father.

 

"Don't worry, baby," Emmett says, picking up Duncan to gently tickle the boy, causing him to laugh, "I'll protect you from those mean, hungry witches."

 

Lily sighs, giving one last apprehensive glance at the evil coven she no doubt created herself, before sliding down the slide to walk up to her father.

 

"Daddy," Lily prompts, looking up at him with big eyes, "Will you play with us? You can be a sorcerer or a grem-land. You choose which. I don't mind."

 

"Maybe later," Brian says, "But since you are both awake what you need to do is clean your room and put away your toys. Again."

 

Lily gives him a fed up look, "But why? We're not done playing yet! Why clean up now if we are just going to mess it up again right after? That's silly!"

 

He hates when his kid is logical and presents a rational argument. It's been happening more and more lately and while he's sure it will be a useful skill for her when she's an adult, it's so annoying to hear it come from her four year old mouth.

 

"I really need your help," Brian says instead, "There's so much food that needs to be made and I need your advice. You do have your own cooking show. I only accept help from the best."

 

"You want to play Sous-Chef?!" Lily squeals as she interlaces her fingers in front of her mouth with excitement.

 

"No," both he and Emmett say in unison, which causes both Lily and Duncan to bow their heads in disappointment.

 

"I don't think you want to clean up TWO big messes, do you?" Brian asks.

 

Lily thinks on it for a moment, the cogs turning in her tiny genius brain, before she lets out a sigh, "No. I 'pose not."

 

Brian nods, "That's what I thought. Now, both of you: pick up, then come downstairs to help. Remember to feed Vermin and Bian-yuck before you come down."

 

Daddy, don't call them that!" Lily says, stomping her foot, "I don't prece-ate it and they don't too!"

 

"I agree, Lily," Emmett says as he puts Duncan down, gesturing for him to start picking up, "Name calling isn't nice. Your daddy should apologize to them."

 

"Yeah, 'pologize!" Duncan says, opting to temporarily forego cleaning by standing next to Lily and crossing his arms in solidarity.

 

"Oh, I will get you," Brian mutters to Emmett as the man snickers before he walks over to the rats' cage and clears his throat.

 

"I'm sorry you are both so gross," Brian says solemnly, "It isn't your fault you were born like that."

 

Lily sighs, "Daddy, that is not a good apology. But you tried. That's what matters. But try harder next time, okay?"

 

"Of course," Brian says, trying not to roll his eyes as he leaves his daughter's room, "As long as you try harder to keep your room clean."

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

As they ride the train into Brooklyn Heights, Justin isn't sure if he made the right call on everyone knowing about the babies before he sees them.

 

On the one hand, a second announcement is unnecessary. That's a load off his mind. But he has a feeling he's going to be bombarded by his friends. Maybe he can convince Michael and Ben to continue talking about how much they love Molly and that they feel like she's already a part of their family. It wouldn't be hard. They've said it on this trip multiple times freely. He thinks he can somehow make Molly the center of attention and not him. If she hates him for it, fine.

 

His plan is sort of derailed though, as soon as they arrive. He doesn't even get to redirect the attention towards someone else since as soon as Brian's front door opens, Emmett is standing there with a huge smile on his face, squealing.

 

"My baby is having a baby!" Emmett exclaims as he pulls Justin in for a crushing hug.

 

"Two babies," Molly adds, which only seems to make Emmett hold on tighter.

 

"I can't believe it!" Emmett says, finally releasing him as they all step inside, "You are going to have your hands full! Literally. One baby in each arm."

 

"Stop reminding me," Justin says, trying to sound like he's joking but honestly? He's not. He really would like those reminders to stop. He's had nightmares about dropping little blonde babies on and off since he found out.

 

"Oh, honey," Emmett says sympathetically, "I've never had a newborn, but from what I understand it's pretty routine care. Sure, there will be twice as many diapers and their sleep schedules might go out of sync, causing you to not sleep at all. Plus, they're identical and that'll be a challenge all on its own. Just imagine changing them, especially when they learn to crawl and run around-"

 

"I thought you were excited. Why are you set on torturing me?" Justin groans.

 

Emmett laughs, "I'm sorry, baby, I didn't mean to make you nervous. I am excited for you. We are all really excited for you. We have four babies coming into our little family soon! It makes me want to give Duncan a little brother or sister. But I will wait my turn, I suppose. Maybe Molly and Hunter will be next! Molly is a teacher and can manage lots of little ones, Hunter is wonderful with JR, Lily, and Duncan. They're completely ready for a baby!"

 

Before Molly or Hunter can even react to that, Justin watches in amusement as his mother starts to fret.

 

"I think it's a bit soon to be thinking about that, don't you think?" she says nervously, "They're only just now moving in together and I...well, two grandchildren are enough for now. I accept that."

 

And if Molly had been put on the spot by Emmett's words, she's now more fueled by her mother's. Justin knows that the second Molly gets an instigating glint in her eye, the one that tells Justin that Molly is going to fuck with their mother hardcore.

 

"Mom…" Molly starts, acting hesitant, "I've been meaning to talk to you. Justin's journey into parenthood has inspired me greatly. Hunter too. We have decided that we are going to aim to have a child within the next year. We are going to start trying immediately."

 

And really, Justin should get his sister to quit it, but he's sort of an asshole and wants to see how it plays out. When Justin glances at Hunter, he sees the man rolling his eyes hardcore but not saying anything either, letting his girlfriend play her own mother.

 

"Wha-..." his mother starts, looking completely flabbergasted. Part of Justin is amused that she's believing it to begin with, but he supposes he can't blame her. She's been thrown a lot of curve balls on this visit.

 

"And I know, I know," Molly sighs, "We aren't married. But I can change that-"

 

"No, nuh uh," Hunter says as soon as Molly pretends like she is about to kneel, pulling her up so she's fully standing once more, "I can only let you mess with your mother for so long."

 

Molly frowns, seemingly sad, "I can't believe you would interrupt my elaborate proposal to you. I've been planning it for a full fifteen seconds."

 

"...Let's go find my dads," Hunter finally says, shaking his head in amusement as he ushers Molly further into the house.

 

Emmett watches in confusion as the couple walks away, then looks at the three of them, "You...You mean...She was just faking it?"

 

"My sister has a twisted sense of humor," Justin snorts, "Since she's moving here, you should probably know that."

 

"I'm so sad," Emmett sighs, "I love a good proposal and I wanted to see Michael's and Ben's faces at the thought of being grandpas. Nothing would make me happier."

 

"Maybe someday," Justin says with a laugh.

 

"In the future," his mother adds, sounding relieved, "At least three years from now."

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

Brian is avoiding him. That has been absolutely established.

 

Justin hadn't been sure at first. There are a lot of people here - at least twice the amount Justin had at his own dinner and his dinner had been overwhelming to say the least. So Justin gets that Brian has a duty as one of the hosts to talk to everyone and not just focus on a couple of people. From what Justin's observed, a lot of his attention is going towards a few people. His kids, since Lily talks up a storm and has a demanding presence and Gus isn't always here so Brian is inclined to spend extra time with him, Justin gets that. He is spending a lot of time with Eric, and that doesn't need an explanation. Brian frequently checks on Rachel, the surrogate, who looks like she is going to give birth in two weeks, rather than two months. None of those people need an explanation. Justin gets that they take priority.

 

He's a little more surprised to see Brian talking to his father-in-law so much. It isn't that Justin feels like he shouldn't, but he does know that Brian's relationship with Eric's parents has always been strained and distant at best. He's playing a lot with Eric's nephews, which makes a little more sense since Eric's nephews are Brian's nephews. The relationships that Brian has with Eric's siblings and their significant others seem friendly. He can't be put off by that either. He's glad that Brian gets along with them and is getting a chance to visit with Eric's family today.

 

But despite those excuses, Justin knows Brian is being a fucking drama queen over the fact Justin didn't tell him about the twins. First off, despite spending quality time with several people, Brian has had a chance to talk to him. Eric literally dragged Brian over so that they could congratulate Justin. Eric seems ecstatic for him and shows a lot of thoughtfulness by giving him a large gift bag filled with clothes, toys, and necessities and Brian barely says a word throughout the whole exchange. Brian isn't standing that far away when Lindsay and Mel pull him into a hug and gush over 'how much he's grown'. Even Ted stops him during a business conversation with Brian, telling him that he's happy that Justin's happy, all while looking grateful that he's not in Justin's position.

 

It's weird. He wishes he could get Brian alone. But how can he do that with over thirty people here?

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

"Would you quit being a dick to Justin?"

 

The words are said to him after Eric pulls him aside so that no one can hear. Brian's kind of thankful for that, if not for the request.

 

"I don't know what you mean," Brian says nonchalantly and Eric glares.

 

"You do too. Congratulate him. Or at least acknowledge the fact he's becoming a dad to two kids. He may be your ex, but he's also one of your best friends. He deserves your love and support," Eric says.

 

"He has plenty of love and support," Brian counters, but Eric shakes his head.

 

"You can never have enough. And you are the one who encouraged him to do this in the first place. Debbie said he was extremely nervous about telling everyone at his dinner. Please, just tell him that you care and will be there for him," Eric says, looking at him with pleading eyes.

 

Brian looks at Eric, bewildered, "Out of all the husbands I have had, I have never had one push me towards an ex so insistently before."

 

Eric shrugs, then presses a quick kiss against Brian's lips, "I guess I am just the most open-minded out of all of your husbands. And the least jealous. I'm a keeper, what can I say? Now, I have to go talk to my dad."

 

"Why?" Brian asks, "You've been avoiding him almost as much as I have been avoiding Justin."

 

Eric gives him a small smile that doesn't reach his eyes, "I know. I'm a hypocrite, aren't I?"

 

Brian takes Eric's hand to pull him back in, then brushes Eric's cheek affectionately, "He came. Your mom didn't, but he did. He's trying, fucking finally. You don't need to be nervous."

 

Eric nods but still looks uncertain and Brian really hates seeing that so he kisses him to get him to relax, then once more to drive the point home.

 

"Okay, okay," Eric laughs, cutting off a third kiss, "It'll be fine, got it."

 

"It'll be fine," Brian confirms.

 

And everything is fine. Sure, Brian holds off on talking to Justin. He doesn't know if he is doing it to make him squirm or if he's waiting until he can talk to him more privately. Maybe both. He doesn't really get much of a chance to say much anyway, not until everyone is done eating and Justin offers to start taking plates into the kitchen. Eric gives him a look then, one that says, 'You better fucking help him and use the opportunity to say something nice'. And since Eric has been known to occasionally withhold sex for a whole entire night when Brian isn't nice, he surrenders silently and does what he knows Eric is wanting him to do.

 

Justin is sorting dishes and loading the dishwasher when he arrives in the kitchen. If anyone is nice, it's fucking Justin. This has to be at least the third time he's done the dishes at Brian's house without being asked to once. And Brian doesn't know why, but seeing Justin standing there loading the dishwasher with plates and utensils suddenly makes him feel immensely guilty for not talking to him all evening.

 

"...Hey," Brian says, causing Justin to jump only slightly and turn around. As soon as Justin sees that it's him, the expression on Justin's face is one that Brian can't quite describe. Exasperated? Amused? Surprised? Hurt? Yeah, Brian doesn't know. Some weird combination of the four.

 

"He speaks!" Justin says, leaning back against the counter to look at Brian fully. And yeah, Brian supposes he hadn't been that subtle.

 

"When my mouth isn't doing something more productive, sure," Brian answers, shrugging as he brings the plates over to the counter so that he can start washing them by hand.

 

"So that's what you were doing instead of talking to me," Justin says, nodding, "Sucking dick. Got it. You were very discreet. I'm impressed."

 

Brian can only shrug, not really having it in him to keep up the banter. He just wants to get this over with, tell him congratulations on the twins, and move on.

 

"Why didn't you say anything?"

 

...Well, that came out wrong. Oh well. Too late to take it back now, as much as he'd like to.

 

Justin gives him a curious glance, "I did. I made a nerve-wracking announcement at my dinner. I told Nathan, Daphne, Liam, and Carmen. Weirdly told Hunter the morning before I told everyone else later in the day. I told people."

 

Brian lets out a humorless laugh. Of course Justin isn't going to make this easy. Of fucking course not.

 

"I meant why didn't you say anything to me."

 

Justin watches him closely, "I made sure you found out."

 

Brian gives him a look, "From my hyperactive four year old? I would have rather heard it from you myself."

 

"Sorry."

 

Brian lets out a breath, "So? Why didn't you tell me? About the twin thing or it being identical boys? Did you think I wouldn't care?"

 

Justin shifts on his feet and looks away, opting to hand Brian a large pan to clean, "I just found out about them being boys a few days ago. The gender reveal came back with a prenatal test my surrogate and I opted for and they asked me if I wanted to know. I thought I didn't, but apparently I did."

 

"Uh huh," Brian says, watching Justin be evasive as fuck, "That doesn't answer my question at all."

 

Justin doesn't say anything for a moment, then lets out a groan, "You really want to know? I thought you would laugh your ass off. There, Brian. That's my answer."

 

At first, Brian doesn't know what to think about Justin's response. Initially, he thinks it's funny, that Justin is that worried about Brian laughing at him with pity. But then the hurt sets in, just enough to make him feel frustrated.

 

"You really think that I am that much of an immature asshole?" Brian scoffs, scrubbing at the pan a little bit harder than needed.

 

Justin purses his lips, "No. Not anymore. If it makes you feel better, I am assuming the worst possible reactions out of everyone. I just...fuck, Brian. You have to know by now that your opinion means a lot to me. For some reason, at least in this case, caring about what you'll think or how you'll react made it harder to tell you. If it means anything to you, I am sorry that I didn't tell you myself."

 

Brian feels himself deflate a little at Justin's response, "It's whatever. It's your business. I have no right to be pissy over you not saying anything."

 

"Sure you do," Justin says, frowning, "The boys wouldn't exist if it weren't for you. I should have told you first. Thanked you. Or blamed you. It depends on the day, honestly. I've...I've been a fucking mess, Brian. Up and down about it constantly. I was nervous enough when I thought there was only going to be one. Now, there's two. And maybe it's because of Lily or how attached I got to JR when she was a baby, but I was kind of hoping for a girl. I had a gut feeling that I was having girls. Got two boys instead. I wasn't disappointed, at least I don't think. I was just...I don't know, everything about this is throwing me for a loop."

 

"Eric wanted a boy," Brian says, having no issues ratting out his husband if it makes Justin feel any better at all, "Should you want to swap one of your twins out, he might consider it."

 

Justin laughs at that, "I would definitely have an easier time telling my kids apart. I would talk it over with him but...I don't know, I guess I am already really attached."

 

"Funny how that works, huh?" Brian says, clearing his throat.

 

"Yeah."

 

And Justin, for the first time since Brian started this conversation with him, seems at peace.

 

"You'll-" Brian starts, only to break himself off when his voice cracks and seriously? Why the fuck is he getting emotional right now?

 

"Oh, don't you dare cry on me," Justin says, sounding both humored and emotional all at once.

 

"I'm not crying," Brian says, glaring at Justin for assuming that he would, "I'm not a lesbian."

 

"I…" Justin starts, looking confused, "Brian, I could have sworn that you were. All this time, I thought-"

 

Whatever bullshit Justin was about to spew, he doesn't finish as soon as Brian roughly pulls him in for a tight hug, one that's loving and supportive. And that should be fine with Eric. He had asked Brian to give Justin his love and support, so here he is: giving it to him. Eric shouldn't get jealous either. After all, he is the least jealous husband Brian has ever had.

 

He wants to say that Justin is going to be a wonderful dad, that those two boys will be two of the luckiest kids alive and will want for nothing. He wants to tell him how fucking proud he is, marvel over how mature he is, and tell him that he's always going to be there for him.

 

But he can't. He won't do that to Justin, especially when his arms tighten around Brian and he starts to sniffle. He also won't do that to himself. Saying those things will feel too much like a final chapter and a new beginning all at once. And when it comes to Justin, those are two things that Brian hasn't quite been able to make himself fully face in eight years.

Chapter End Notes:

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