"Brian."

"It's alive!"

"What are you talking about?"

"Justin, do you have any idea what time it is?"

"Uh, no."

"It's after nine. You've been in your studio for over twelve hours. I'm surprised your stomach is still talking to you."

"It is. And very loudly. I didn't realize I was painting for so long."

"Well, you have been. Go get cleaned up and join me in the kitchen. I have dinner ready."

"You cooked?"

"Nothing spectacular but I think it's edible."

"I'm sure it'll be wonderfully edible."

When Justin joined Brian at the island, Brian had dinner plated up for them.

"Sunshine, do you still want a housewarming party? July 4th is in a couple of weeks. We can make it a weekend extravaganza. Barbecue to our heart's content."

"You'd do that? Have all those people traipsing in and out of our new home?"

"Justin, I said I would and it's not like we have a bunch of breakables like Debbie, all over the place. You did a fabulous job with the cottage. I think we should show it off. Besides, I want to thank John properly. He did a great job restoring our home to its former glory. I owe him."

"We owe him," Justin said as he gave Brian a hug.

"Justin, are you happy? Do I...do I make you happy?"

"Brian, how can you ask me a question like that? Everything you've done for me has made me the happiest man on earth."

"That's impossible."

"Why?"

"Because I'm the happiest man on earth." Brian picked up his happy boy and swung him around the room.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

"So where is this castle that Kinney built?" Teddy snarked as he drove Allen, Emmett and Sam to the Kinney-Taylor cottage.

"Not far. I wonder if it's a mansion with a swimming pool, tennis courts and room for a pony," Emmett replied as he snuggled into Sam's arms.

"This is Brian Kinney we're talking about. I bet it's huge. Twenty rooms at least. I'm surprised he didn't ask us all to pack an overnight bag like we do when we go to Claire's.

At least I won't have to sleep on the couch. Come to think about it, the only one who was asked to stay for the weekend was Gus."

"I'd expect that from Brian, but not from Justin. I fear that boy his learned all his lessons too well," Emmett sighed.

It was Saturday July 4th and as promised Brian had Justin invite the Liberty Avenue gang, the Andersons and Rachel's family including the doctor and Mrs. Morrison to the party. With that many mouths to feed, Claire, Debbie, and Jennifer came early to help the boys get ready. Hunter and Nick drove Hunter's pick up truck so they could bring the extra table and chairs. Claire and Steve came together as well as John and Bobby. Rachel and her family would get there later. Carl brought Debbie. Ben and Michael had joined the car pool with the rest of Liberty Avenue.

By the time the Liberty Avenue contingent arrived, the salads and hors d'oeuvres were on the table as well as all the fixings for sandwiches. The barbecue was fired up and the meat seasoned and awaiting the flames. Brian had rented a big tent similar to the one John and Bobby had on their wedding day. Brian still wasn't sure what he wanted to do with the back of the house. Brian thought gazebo; Justin thought garden. So until they could come up with something they both could agree on, they agreed to wait. And they were in no rush.

Ted, as the lead car, made the turn onto the private lane that took them to the cottage. He pulled up so that the other cars would have room to park and then he got out of the car.

"This can't be right," Emmett exclaimed as he took in the picturesque cottage. As each car parked and its inhabitants got out, they all stood in awe and wonder.

"This is not at all what I expected," Michael piped up. "I do not believe what I'm seeing."

"I can," Ben said with a self satisfied nod and smug look on his face. He had gotten to know the new and improved Brian very well and this was exactly what he expected.

"Mommy, do you think Daddy has a treehouse?" Gus asked Lindsay.

"I'm not sure, Lambskin. I don't think Daddy and Justin had time to build one. But Daddy did say you have your own room here."

"I bet it's the size of a closet," Melanie grumbled. No matter how much time had passed or how much evidence she had proving Brian's maturity, Melanie would never believe it.

"I still don't believe we're at the right house. This is so, so..." Teddy just didn't have the words.

"Quaint," Ben finished the sentence for him. "I suggest we go knock on the door and find out." The gang followed Ben up the path toward the door. The hedges were now lush and green, the roses on the trellis in full bloom. Their gentle aroma filled the air.

"These are beautiful. I don't understand why our roses don't have a scent," Melanie griped.

"These are old roses," Ted began.

"How can they be old? They just got the house." Sometimes Michael's ignorance was annoying.

"No. I mean the roses are of an older variety. It's the old strains that have retained their scent. In our efforts to make bigger and better roses, we've sacrificed their scent," Ted explained.

"Oh." Michael still had no clue. "I guess we should knock." Michael lifted the heavy brass knocker and rapped on the door. In a few seconds Brian opened the door.

"Welcome to Chateau Kinney-Taylor," Brian said with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek. Brian stood back and watched as his family filed into the living room. One by one, Brian received a kiss, a hug, a case of beer, a few bottles of wine and a cake. The cake was from Lindsay.

"Brian, this is beautiful!" Lindsay gasped. Her artistic eye appreciated the gentle understatement of the muted coloring. She sighed and nodded; she knew exactly what Justin had done and she was so proud that Brian went along with it. Everything fit. Even the juxtaposition of the vintage fixtures and the modern appliances. The cottage truly said Brian and Justin.

Brian gave the gang the fifty-cent tour and even allowed them a peek into the master bedroom. Ben hustled Brian aside and whispered his approval and his gratitude for not being called to help put together the four poster. Michael huffed and crossed his arms. He couldn't understand how his ex-best friend became his husband's new best friend.

"Okay, Brian. So where is the real house? This is just the summer home to a larger mansion, right?" Ted couldn't get over that his boss who was earning millions decided to live in a quaint little cottage. There was no denying that the cottage was wondrous but this was not Brian Kinney.

"No, Theodore. This is the house I chose for me and Justin." Then ignoring the looks he was getting from some of his so-called friends, Brian led Gus to his room. It was all furnished and there were curtains up but the walls were blank.

Brian opened the door for his son.

"Gus, we purposely left the walls white. You can pick out what color you want and Justin will help you decorate. Is that all right with you?"

"Oh yeah!" Gus gave his Dad a hug then went about exploring his new room. Lindsay leaned over to Mel who appeared to be flabbergasted and snarked. "This is some closet."

"Come on, guys, we're wasting some valuable chow down time. You guys are hungry, aren't you?" Brian asked his still stunned friends. They all nodded.

"Well, then follow me." Brian led them through the studio/sun porch to the patio. Again Brian's ears could hear the gasps of amazement from the gang.

"Oh Brian, a studio and it faces west. Justin must be so happy," Lindsay expressed her enthusiasm. Spying some of the finished canvases leaning up against the wall, Lindsay couldn't help but comment and take a peek.

"May I?" Lindsay asked. Brian nodded. These would be going to the gallery on Monday.

"They're magnificent!" Brian beamed with pride.

"Come on people. Everyone's outside." Brian gestured toward the patio. "Let the hugfest begin!"

The afternoon was warm with a cooling breeze. Everyone was having a great time and bellies were full. The family was sitting, enjoying the day and each others' company. Brian and Justin were sitting in a lounge chair together sipping wine and nibbling on each other's lips.

"Brian, I can't get over the change in this place. You did a phenomenal job," Jennifer commented.

"I did nothing. John is responsible for the miracle and my partner handled the decorating. I just signed the checks."

"Brian, you know I consulted you as I decorated." Justin wanted the family to know that they did this together.

"And I didn't do anything without your approval, little brother. You didn't need your tool belt but you certainly were responsible for all of this," John added and Justin agreed.

"Well, I think this house is fucking fantastic!" Debbie chimed in. "I'm proud of you, kiddo. You did good for your Sunshine." Brian blushed and hid behind Justin's hair.

When Rachel and her family arrived another major hugfest ensued. When it was over and the family was settled again, the tone of the conversation somehow shifted back to Brian. And Brian wasn't very happy about it.

"So Brian, this place is in the middle of nowhere. Have you found a new place to trick?" Michael said it as a joke but very few were laughing.

"Michael, that's uncalled for," Ben admonished his sometimes rude partner.

"Michael, honey, you don't know what you're saying." Debbie was starting to get angry at her son.

"Of course I do, Ma. I don't care what kind of house Brian bought. He'll never have the kind of relationship me and Ben have. We love each other and we've been monogamous for years. Brian can't keep his dick in his pants longer than two seconds." That remark garnered more than just disapproving glances.

"Michael, this is my home. I don't appreciate you insulting my partner like that."

"Don't worry about it, Sunshine. He has no idea what he's talking about," Brian tried to calm his incensed partner.

"Brian, I am not going to let them continue to think the worst about you. If you won't defend yourself, I will." Justin was seeing red at this point.

"Don't worry, Justin. I'll take care of this." Ben was prepared to defend his friend.

"It's not worth it, Sunshine. They'll only believe what they want to believe," Brian spoke softly.

"I don't understand what the big deal is about. We all know a leopard can't change his spots," Melanie ranted. "Brian, I'm sure you're being discreet. I certainly haven't heard anything about orgies or hustlers. I just figured you found a new place to pick up tricks."

"You certainly went through everyone who's doable on Liberty Avenue," Emmett added.

At that last remark, Brian pushed Justin off his lap and stormed off toward the stream.

"Sometimes you guys are a bunch of assholes!" Justin growled and ran off to find his partner.

"Debbie, say something," Ben pleaded. He knew the truth and so did Debbie.

"I can't. I promised him." Debbie looked so forlorn. She did know the truth but she didn't have Brian's permission to say anything.

"Well, I didn't promise anything and I certainly won't sit here and listen to Brian's friends insult him," John came to his brother's defense.

"John, I'm not sure that's wise. You know how private Brian is."

"I know, Bobby, but this has gone on long enough. I'm surprised and disappointed at you all. Brian has helped each one of you when you needed it and when you didn't. Michael, you wouldn't have your store if it wasn't for Brian. And Ted, you got your second chance from that man. And Melanie, you know exactly what that man gave up for you. We all know it. Emmett, did you know that half your clients come from Brian. When he learns that any of his clients have an event coming up he gives them your card. Now I want all of you to listen to me because I will not get the chance to repeat this."

John took a deep breath and prayed he was doing the right thing. "Brian has not had a trick in three years. They officially became monogamous on the day of our wedding."

A chorus of "oh my gods," and "I don't believe its," came gushing out.

"Well, believe it. I saw him say the words myself," Debbie stated. "And he gave our Sunshine a commitment present that day."

"The bracelet that Justin wears?" Lindsay asked.

"Yes. He bought it in Mexico. That's where it really started. Brian had plenty of opportunity to trick when we were on our trip but he never did. He made his declaration during our ceremony," Bobby continued.

"I'm sure when Justin went to New York, Brian slipped," Michael said.

"You're wrong, Michael. They even renewed their pledge. Brian wears a necklace that Justin got him before he went to New York. I know; I've seen it. It's beautiful. A simple token of love but it explains everything."

"How do you know all of this?" Michael needed to know.

"We go to lunch."

"Lunch?"

"Yes, lunch. You know that meal somewhere between breakfast and dinner. We pick a place, have lunch, talk about our day and about our partners. Lunch, Michael. Maybe one day you should try it. He still loves you."

"This is unreal. I can't believe you all think that Brian Kinney is capable of making a commitment like this. It's so out of character."

"Why, Melanie?" Claire asked. "How would you know what Brian's true character is? You've spent most of the time you've known him seeing the pretense, the arrogance he dons to protect himself. When we met him, we were privileged to see the real Brian. I know he can still cut anyone down with one of his remarks but his heart is bigger than all of yours put together. And when any one of us needs him, he's right there ready to help; ready to give us what we need. Can any of you say the same?"

John stood up and gave his mother a big hug.

"I'll admit when I first met Brian, I thought Justin was making the worst mistake of his life but when you get past the bullshit, my son couldn't be in better hands. Brian loves Justin. And Justin has never been happier in his whole life. If Brian has made this commitment then I know he'll follow through. He's not a saint but neither is Justin. And we certainly don't have the right to pass judgment or interfere." Jennifer knew that Brian would take good care of her son.

The back yard that was full of people became very quiet.

"John."

"Yes, Mother."

"I think you better go find them. Make sure they're all right. I'll go put on some coffee and tea. I can use a cup."

"Good idea."

John got up and walked toward the stream as Claire, Debbie, Jennifer and Lindsay went into the cottage to prepare the coffee and desserts.

When John got close to the stream, he saw the great rock and his brother and Justin lying on the soft grass near it. At first John thought they were fucking then he realized that Justin was holding onto Brian.

"Brian? Justin? Are you okay?" John asked as he sat beside them on the grass; his heart bursting with love for these two men he had grown to admire and respect.

"We're okay," Justin answered. "We just needed a little time alone."

"I can understand that. Do you want me to get rid of them? Rough one or two up a little for you?"

Brian lifted his head off of Justin's chest and turned to meet his brother's eyes. John could see that Brian's eyes were a little red and puffy.

"No, big bro. Although I appreciate the gesture." Brian gave his brother a little smirk.

"Then let's go back. Mom put the coffee pot on."

"That's good," Brian said as they all got up and dusted themselves off. "I can use a cup."

"Me too," Justin agreed.

"Justin, would you mind if I have a private word with my brother?" John asked as he gazed into Justin's beautiful eyes.

"Of course not." Justin gave his lover a kiss then sprinted ahead to let them talk.

"What is it now?" Brian looked into the hazel eyes that mirrored his own.

"You're not going to like this but I had to tell them."

Brian groaned out loud. "You didn't."

"I did."

"Did you tell them for how long?"

"Yes."

"Shit. Couldn't you let me live in ignorance for a little while longer?"

"No, I couldn't. And it had to be said, Brian. Debbie, Ben and Jennifer were there for you as well as Bobby and mother. I know Michael was your best friend but I couldn't sit back and let that little toad talk about you like that."

"Speaking about toads, we've disturbed their quiet home long enough. Let's get back before one of them gets me." Brian and John shared a chuckle and John knew the great Brian Kinney was back.

The beautiful twin-like brothers sauntered back to join their partners and the family.

"Christ! Look at those two," Bobby whispered to Justin as Brian and John approached the yard. "Tall, lean, it's like I died and went to homo heaven." Bobby felt his nether regions react to his lover and to Brian.

"Hey!" Justin said as he backhanded Bobby lightly in the stomach. "That's my partner you're ogling."

"You can't tell me that when you see them together like that, that it doesn't affect you."

"It affects me all right. I just hope it isn't too obvious." Justin added as he looked down at his own crotch.

Justin and Bobby continued to huddle and giggle as they were dishing out slices of pie and cake.

"Brian, I think we're being watched." John nodded toward their partners.

"We are a sight to behold, big brother."

"You really think so?" John asked in all innocence.

"John, I know so. Everyone thinks that Justin leads me around by my balls, uh ball. But it works both ways. And you have it too."

"I do?"

"Try it. You'll see I'm right. Give Bobby that Kinney 'I want to fuck you till you drop' look and he'll stop in mid chew."

"You go first."

Brian stood his ground and leered at Justin with his best suggestive look. Justin could feel Brian's gaze and he immediately put his cake on the table and scurried into Brian's arms. With his arms full of blond, Brian mouthed to John, 'go for it.' John used the same look at Bobby and suddenly found himself with his arms full of redhead.

Debbie couldn't help but notice and she laughed out loud. "Thank God some things never change." Then she helped to pass out more coffee and cake.

As the party was waning, more of the family toured the cottage and complimented John, Brian and Justin on the work that they had done. Rachel put up with the family all wanting to pat her swollen belly for luck. Hunter got to feel the baby kick. As they were getting ready to leave, Rachel asked the question.

"Brian, Justin, have you set a date for your commitment ceremony?"

Brian looked at Justin and he nodded back his permission to Brian.

"We've spent a lot of time discussing this and we agreed that this year is out of the question. Just too many things going on. So we decided on next May. May 15th to be precise."

"Why wait a whole year?" Michael asked while nibbling on another piece of pie.

"I know why!" Emmett said with a flourish and a few tears in his eyes. "And I think that's the most romantic thing I've ever heard."

"What?" "What is?" the family rang out.

"Can I tell them?" Emmett asked.

"Go for it," Brian allowed.

"Because, my clueless friends, they will be together, more or less, for ten years!" Emmett gushed with flames burning bright.

"Oh my God!" The family shouted back. Another major hugfest began.

So ended Brian and Justin's housewarming party.