Challenge #96: 'Tis the Season Title: Fixing It, 28-35 of several; series begins here. Author: Xie Condoms: 8 to Brian Warning: Minor Character Death; WIP
28.
Brian pulled the Corvette up to the curb about half a block from Debbie's. He let his arm rest over Justin's shoulder as they walked towards the house, and they both stopped when they got to the pathway.
"She really should be on one of those shows next year." Justin was standing at the bottom of the path, watching the mechanical carolers swinging their lanterns and bells.
Brian propelled him towards the door with a hand on his back. "Don't encourage her."
Justin took a deep breath and reached for the bell. Brian rolled his eyes and opened the door.
29.
A wave of noise hit them, then silence, and then Debbie yelled, "Sunshine!"
Brian let the wave of noise wash over him as everyone pulled them into the room, took their coats, got lipstick on their faces, and rubbed it off. He just rode it out, waiting for…
Michael was standing right next to him, and Brian felt him pushing at him with his shoulder. He let himself be pushed, through the kitchen and out the back door.
He turned to his oldest and dearest friend and smiled. "Thanks."
Michael grinned, reached in his pocket and pulled out a joint.
30.
Brian's smile got bigger. "Mikey, Mikey, Mikey. Just when I think you've become the perfect husband, father, and Stepford fag of the year, you do something like this."
Brian lit the joint and took a lungful. Michael watched him holding it, and said, "What are best friends for?"
Brian let the smoke out in a long stream, then handed the joint to Michael. "Exactly."
They took a few more hits, and then Brian looped his arm around Michael's neck. "Thanks."
Michael looked at Brian. "I thought you guys weren't coming."
Brian shrugged. "Justin decided he was. It's pointless to argue."
31.
"Is he okay?" Michael had that wrinkle between his eyes that meant he was worried.
"Of course he's not fucking okay." He unhooked his arm from around Michael's neck. "But he will be."
Michael nodded. "I just think how I'd feel if my mom died."
"I know just how I'll feel when mine does."
"Brian. You don't mean that."
"Of course I…"
Lindsay came out onto the porch, pulling her sweater tightly around her. "What are you two doing out here?"
Brian snorted. "Getting stoned and wishing it had been my mother instead of Justin's."
"Brian!" Michael and Lindsay chorused.
32.
When Brian went back inside, Justin was sitting on the floor in front of the Christmas tree, playing with some kind of exploding collapsing toy with Gus. He looked calm and relaxed; he was even smiling. But there was something around his eyes that Brian recognized.
He sat down cross-legged with them. "Hey."
Gus looked at him. "Where did you go, Daddy?"
Justin was trying not to laugh, and Brian had to bite his lip. "I had to talk with your Uncle Michael outside for a minute."
Gus nodded and went back to destructing and reconstructing his amphibious armored vehicle.
33.
Brian moved so he was sitting next to Justin, and put his arm around him. "I don't suppose you want to go?"
Justin didn't look at him, just moved the pieces of Gus' tank around on the rug. "We just got here."
Brian nodded. "And we wouldn't want to miss the food."
Justin looked at him sideways, but didn't say anything, just smiled.
Brian got up and went into the kitchen. "Got anything stronger than wine, Deb?"
She gave him a shrewd look. "You've known where I keep the hard stuff since you were 14 years old, Brian. Help yourself."
34.
Brian tried not to think about the damage Debbie's cheap scotch was going to do to his stomach, liver or reputation, and filled a glass.
"Maybe you should fill one of those for Justin, too" Debbie said. "He's looking a little shaky."
"Wouldn't you?" Brian snapped.
Debbie held up her hand. "Don't bite my head off. I'm on your side." Her face softened. "I couldn't believe it when I got the news about Jennifer. How did you find out?"
Brian felt the scotch burning its way down his throat. "Justin's sister called. She didn't have his cell number in Japan."
35.
Somehow he was sitting at the table with Debbie, her hand covering his. "That must have been hard on you, too, sweetie," she said. "I know you and Jennifer were close. For in-laws, I mean."
Brian shrugged. "She was all right." He took a gulp of the scotch. "For a mother-in-law, I mean."
Debbie frowned. "Brian, I know you have to take care of Justin right now, and you won't listen to a thing I have to say. But don't forget this happened to you, too."
"Nothing happened to me." He stood up and walked back to the living room.