The 37 Days Of Gusmas
Title: Night Moves Author: vl_redreign Prompt: Silent night
Notes: Well, I read something tonight that makes me feel like an untalented hack. But I started this, and I mean to see it done. So here you go!
I
It was Gus’s last day in Pittsburgh, and Brian wanted to spend as much time as he could with him. They played in the snow in the morning, and spent the afternoon killing things on Wii. Justin joined them for the snow, but begged off the gaming. He sat and sketched them instead.
“It’s interesting how you manage to capture him when he’s not paying attention,” Lindsay said quietly, watching.
“Usually I can only get him when he’s sleeping. If he knows I’m drawing him, he tenses up.”
“I know. Remind me to send you sketches I did in college.”
II
Brian helped Gus pack his bag before bed and stayed until he fell asleep. Then he stayed a little longer. Justin found him there and took his hand.
“Come on.”
Brian followed him to the bedroom and joined him on the window seat. Justin sat between his legs and leaned back. Brian rested a hand on Justin’s stomach.
“This was the best holiday I ever had,” Justin said softly.
“I’ll be glad when it’s just us again.”
“I’m surprised you haven’t run screaming from all the togetherness.”
“Well, sometimes we sacrifice for the ones we love.”
Justin turned around, amazed.
III
Brian cocked an eyebrow. “It’s been almost two years. I figured it was time to say it again.”
“Okay, you added some pages to the operating manual when I wasn’t looking.”
“I don’t have to prove anything anymore. I learned my lesson the last time.”
Justin stared a moment longer, then turned and resettled against Brian’s chest. “So, are you going to stay here when I go back?”
“I thought I’d stay at the loft during the week, then come out here for the weekends. I didn’t think I would, but I like it out here. It feels like-“
“Home.”
IV
“I was thinking. I have my show next month. Depending on how that goes, I think…I think I’m ready to come back.”
Brian was quiet.
“Brian?”
“It hasn’t been that long, Justin. Are you sure you don’t want to stay there a little longer?”
“Well, I could, but…I’ve made some good contacts there. The last show I did? I had six pieces in it, but I sold every one of them. I may not sell every painting every time, but if I sell even half of them, I’ll have proven that I can make a living at it. I’m ready.”
V
“When?”
“By June, I think. I want to see what happens with this show. If it’s successful, then I’ll start looking for an agent to handle things.”
“You’ve given this some thought.”
“I have.”
Interestingly enough, they both were reminded of a time when those words took on a whole new meaning. A time of change, of a fundamental shift. This felt like that.
“The pool will be ready by then.” Brian said.
“Can we have cabana boys, too?”
“Yeah, I’ll snag some dancers from Babylon.”
“I can’t wait.” Justin tipped his head back and kissed Brian deeply.