Britin (![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} _alicesprings) wrote in ![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small} qaf_challenges,@ 2008-02-25 19:12:00 |
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THE SIXTH CHANCE
Title: The Sixth Chance
Written By:
theophanusophia
Timeline: post 513
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: None
Summary: What’s the perfect gift for Justin’s birthday?
Author's Notes: Thanks toshadownyc, the best beta imaginable!
Theme: Second Chance
The Sixth Chance
I have to admit, at least to myself, that I didn’t make the smartest decicions concerning Justin’s birthday presents:
His 18th birthday I ignored entirely, not taking into account the little “celebration” at Babylon and in the loft, the night before.
Justin’s 19th birthday was the most disastrous of them all, I guess. First I told him I would only celebrate accomplishments. And being born is hardly any accomplishment! Then I ignored all the well meant suggestions of our extended family concerning what Justin might like for his birthday celebration or present. But the worst part was giving him a hustler, when all he really wanted was me.
I do know that now. I already knew that back then but was too stubborn, and cowardly, I have to confess. We all know how that giant mistake ended – he left me for the fiddler.
The 20th birthday we both cautiously ignored, because the memories of the previous year were still too fresh and we both feared another fiasco.
His 21st birthday Justin spent in L.A. We had a long talk on the phone, which we both enjoyed a lot... But there were no presents at all.
On Justin’s 22nd birthday we were in one of our separation phases once more – so no reason for a gift.
~~~
Now Sunshine’s 23rd birthday is approaching fast and I’ve been pondering for weeks what the perfect gift for him could be. Justin had been living in New York for several months. Who would have thought, that some small article in an art magazine could open some doors for him in the New York art world?
It’s no rapid career, of course, but Sunshine made some good, solid contacts and found himself a capable agent, who advised him to create his art at home in Pittsburgh because his inspiration seems to fly highest there. I guess it’s true. According to Justin, I’m his muse. Not that it flatters me at all! Right?
So my Sunshine, smart as he is, is coming home the day before his 23rd birthday. And because coming home means coming home to me and the loft, I have to find the perfect gift. This thought is torturing me continually. No matter what ideas my imagination may produce, they all have some major drawbacks.
The first thing I thought of were flowers, but that’s so pathetic and hetero and not Brian Kinney style for sure. Besides, who knows which flowers Justin is or isn’t allergic to, he’s allergic to so many things? Although I remember an incident involving the fiddler, dark chocolate and one single red rose. So should I give him a whole bouquet of roses? Brian Kinney doesn’t do bouquets at all! That’s just too sickeningly romantic. Brian Kinney also doesn’t do romance! But I could give him a single rose as a gesture…which makes a lovely accessory but not a present in-and-of-itself.
So what other choices are there?
Another suggestion from Debbie had been candies. What the hell is the point in that? I think sweets are trite – and one of silliest gifts imaginable.
What about jewelry? Yeah right, except for his nipple piercing – a spontaneous action of youth – Justin never wears any jewelry. In that case jewelry is no option either.
I’d like to propose once more. That would be a wonderful present apart from the fact that my proposal already failed in the past. At the present moment we have to learn to live together again and be partners.
There’s one gift Justin would love above all: the promise of monogamy. Brian Kinney keeps all his promises, but I’m not sure about this one. Would I be strong enough to resist when opportunity arises? No, I’m afraid not. As a result foregoing condoms would be out of the question. I’d never jeopardize Justin’s health. As I once said, I want him safe; I want him around for a long time.
I’m absolutely clueless and the birthday draws inexorably near.
I’m torn from my thoughts when I hear Daphne’s voice from the answering machine. I didn’t even hear the phone ring! “Hey Brian, this is Daphne. Can we meet as soon as possible, please? Tomorrow at lunch maybe? It’s really important. I’ve got to show you something you might be interested in. Call me! Bye!”
Several days later, evening of Justin’s birthday
Coming home from Sunshine’s birthday party at Debbie’s – she had insisted on it in no uncertain terms (“Now that our Sunshine is back for good!”) – Brian and Justin flung their jackets over the kitchen counter and Justin flopped down on the sofa while Brian went to the bedroom and soon came back with a small package in hand, wrapped in light blue paper with a tasteful dark ribbon.
He looked a little unsure when he gave Justin the present. That got Justin’s interest. Carefully he removed the paper and found a home video inside. Curios as he was, he immediately had to watch it. In the meantime Brian anxiously paced around the loft until he heard a sob from the sofa. Tears were streaming down Justin’s face when they finally looked at each other.
“Did I choose the wrong gift again?” Brian whispered.
Smiling despite his tears, Justin replied, “No, that’s the best gift I ever got in my entire life. Where did you get this from?”
“It’s from Daphne. She got it from a former classmate, who found it recently when preparing to move to a new home. Are you really okay with this?”
“Yeah, I really love it. Now I can see with my own eyes what you and Daphne told me about the prom. Now I have the evidence to prove how much you loved me even back then. No one can take this away from me ever again. Finally, I have my memories from the best night of my life, even if they are saved on a home video instead of in my head. Thanks for the best night of my life, Brian!”
Justin wrapped a hand around Brian’s neck and drew him in for a loving kiss.
“So the sixth time was the charm,” Brian thought before returning the kiss.
Title: The Sixth Chance
Written By:
theophanusophiaTimeline: post 513
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: None
Summary: What’s the perfect gift for Justin’s birthday?
Author's Notes: Thanks to
shadownyc, the best beta imaginable!Theme: Second Chance
I have to admit, at least to myself, that I didn’t make the smartest decicions concerning Justin’s birthday presents:
His 18th birthday I ignored entirely, not taking into account the little “celebration” at Babylon and in the loft, the night before.
Justin’s 19th birthday was the most disastrous of them all, I guess. First I told him I would only celebrate accomplishments. And being born is hardly any accomplishment! Then I ignored all the well meant suggestions of our extended family concerning what Justin might like for his birthday celebration or present. But the worst part was giving him a hustler, when all he really wanted was me.
I do know that now. I already knew that back then but was too stubborn, and cowardly, I have to confess. We all know how that giant mistake ended – he left me for the fiddler.
The 20th birthday we both cautiously ignored, because the memories of the previous year were still too fresh and we both feared another fiasco.
His 21st birthday Justin spent in L.A. We had a long talk on the phone, which we both enjoyed a lot... But there were no presents at all.
On Justin’s 22nd birthday we were in one of our separation phases once more – so no reason for a gift.
Now Sunshine’s 23rd birthday is approaching fast and I’ve been pondering for weeks what the perfect gift for him could be. Justin had been living in New York for several months. Who would have thought, that some small article in an art magazine could open some doors for him in the New York art world?
It’s no rapid career, of course, but Sunshine made some good, solid contacts and found himself a capable agent, who advised him to create his art at home in Pittsburgh because his inspiration seems to fly highest there. I guess it’s true. According to Justin, I’m his muse. Not that it flatters me at all! Right?
So my Sunshine, smart as he is, is coming home the day before his 23rd birthday. And because coming home means coming home to me and the loft, I have to find the perfect gift. This thought is torturing me continually. No matter what ideas my imagination may produce, they all have some major drawbacks.
The first thing I thought of were flowers, but that’s so pathetic and hetero and not Brian Kinney style for sure. Besides, who knows which flowers Justin is or isn’t allergic to, he’s allergic to so many things? Although I remember an incident involving the fiddler, dark chocolate and one single red rose. So should I give him a whole bouquet of roses? Brian Kinney doesn’t do bouquets at all! That’s just too sickeningly romantic. Brian Kinney also doesn’t do romance! But I could give him a single rose as a gesture…which makes a lovely accessory but not a present in-and-of-itself.
So what other choices are there?
Another suggestion from Debbie had been candies. What the hell is the point in that? I think sweets are trite – and one of silliest gifts imaginable.
What about jewelry? Yeah right, except for his nipple piercing – a spontaneous action of youth – Justin never wears any jewelry. In that case jewelry is no option either.
I’d like to propose once more. That would be a wonderful present apart from the fact that my proposal already failed in the past. At the present moment we have to learn to live together again and be partners.
There’s one gift Justin would love above all: the promise of monogamy. Brian Kinney keeps all his promises, but I’m not sure about this one. Would I be strong enough to resist when opportunity arises? No, I’m afraid not. As a result foregoing condoms would be out of the question. I’d never jeopardize Justin’s health. As I once said, I want him safe; I want him around for a long time.
I’m absolutely clueless and the birthday draws inexorably near.
I’m torn from my thoughts when I hear Daphne’s voice from the answering machine. I didn’t even hear the phone ring! “Hey Brian, this is Daphne. Can we meet as soon as possible, please? Tomorrow at lunch maybe? It’s really important. I’ve got to show you something you might be interested in. Call me! Bye!”
Coming home from Sunshine’s birthday party at Debbie’s – she had insisted on it in no uncertain terms (“Now that our Sunshine is back for good!”) – Brian and Justin flung their jackets over the kitchen counter and Justin flopped down on the sofa while Brian went to the bedroom and soon came back with a small package in hand, wrapped in light blue paper with a tasteful dark ribbon.
He looked a little unsure when he gave Justin the present. That got Justin’s interest. Carefully he removed the paper and found a home video inside. Curios as he was, he immediately had to watch it. In the meantime Brian anxiously paced around the loft until he heard a sob from the sofa. Tears were streaming down Justin’s face when they finally looked at each other.
“Did I choose the wrong gift again?” Brian whispered.
Smiling despite his tears, Justin replied, “No, that’s the best gift I ever got in my entire life. Where did you get this from?”
“It’s from Daphne. She got it from a former classmate, who found it recently when preparing to move to a new home. Are you really okay with this?”
“Yeah, I really love it. Now I can see with my own eyes what you and Daphne told me about the prom. Now I have the evidence to prove how much you loved me even back then. No one can take this away from me ever again. Finally, I have my memories from the best night of my life, even if they are saved on a home video instead of in my head. Thanks for the best night of my life, Brian!”
Justin wrapped a hand around Brian’s neck and drew him in for a loving kiss.
“So the sixth time was the charm,” Brian thought before returning the kiss.