The 37 Days Of Gusmas
Title: Arms Entwined, The Chosen Few Author: vl_redreign Prompt: New Year's Eve
Notes: Almost done. One more day and several threads to tie off. 6 for tonight, enjoy! And a Happy New Year to those for whom the bell has tolled 12 times already.
*title taken from U2's New Years Day*
I
Brian watched from the catwalk as Justin danced with Emmett and Daphne. Ted and Blake were standing at the bar with Robert and Drew, and Michael was wrapped around Ben. Hunter seemed to have disappeared for the moment, perhaps to the bathroom. Brian told the bartender that he could serve Hunter one beer, and one glass of champagne at midnight for the toast. He wasn’t looking to have his liquor license pulled.
He looked around as the crowd danced under the lights, glitter falling like snow from above. This was where he lived and who he was…once upon a time.
II
He thought back over the last few weeks and found that something had changed, some fundamental paradigm shift that happened when he wasn’t looking. Yes, he still liked fucking other guys, but these days, couldn’t be bothered to go chasing after them. In the week that Justin had been home, he barely spared a thought about Babylon. He had better sex over the phone.
He was a father, a partner, and owned two businesses. And he found that it didn’t give him a rash. He felt proud, accomplished. Fulfilled.
Justin waved from below, smiling. Brian nodded and raised his glass.
III
Justin saw that look on Brian’s face and headed for the stairs. It was his brooding look, only…not. More like a contemplating one. He reached Brian’s side, slipped his arms around him and kissed him.
“Dollar?”
“What?”
“Well, your thoughts used to be worth a penny, but inflation, you know.”
Brian smiled. “I was just thinking that I always used to say ‘no apologies, no regrets’. That finally feels true.” He looked down, his face serious. “For the first time in my life, I don’t have any regrets.”
Brian mentally noted that Angel deserved a raise for making sure his office was stocked with lube, condoms and come towels. It had been awhile since he’d fucked anyone there.
Justin was currently in his lap, riding his cock hard, grinding his hips down and thrusting his tongue in Brian’s mouth. He leaned back, and the chair rolled away from the desk. Justin never slowed, not even when they smacked into the wall. Brian tilted his head to keep from giving himself a concussion.
“Fuck, Justin…” Brian came so hard he saw stars. Justin followed, moaning.
“That was hot,” Brian panted.
V
At about five til midnight, Pittsburgh’s Finest made an appearance at Babylon, in the guise of Carl, followed by Debbie. Brian went over and threw an arm over Carl’s shoulder.
“It’s alright, everyone, he’s family.” He frowned at Carl. “You’re not on duty, right?”
“I just got off shift. Deb wanted to come for the countdown.”
“Hi, honey!” Debbie yelled in Michael’s direction. He groaned and pulled his hand out of Ben’s pants.
“Ma!!”
“So, can I get you some champagne, Detective?” Brian asked.
“No, it gives me heartburn. How about a scotch?”
“Shot of Chivas,” Brian told the bartender.
VI
Streamers poured from the rafters as the crowd shared kisses, hugs and wishes. Brian remembered the reopening of Babylon, surrounded by his friends, and later, Justin. He thought that, although some things had changed, others had stayed the same.
He looked down into Justin’s eyes, bright with excitement, his grin as big as the first time he’d seen it. Debbie’s Sunshine. He smiled and kissed him again.
“It’s going to be a good year, I can feel it,” Justin said.
Brian thought of the house waiting for them, summer nights by the pool, winter nights by the fire.