HAPPY BIRTHDAY [livejournal.com profile] yvonnereid !!!

Jan. 26th, 2012 12:13 pm[personal profile] later2nite
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Title: Who's in Control?
Author: [livejournal.com profile] later2nite
Beta: [livejournal.com profile] delvalmom Thank you so much!
Timeline: 2 years post 513
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
A/N: All prompts given by [livejournal.com profile] galehot. I chose 'Parental Control'




"God, I'm beat! I'd ask you to run in and get Molly for me, but I haven't seen my mom in a long time. I'll make it fast. This jet lag is kicking my ass."

"Talk to your mom," Brian says. "She's worried we're gonna up and move to L.A. if that impatient gallery owner starts making demands on you. I'm just sorry I told Lindsey we'd pick Molly up on our way home from the airport." Glancing down at Justin's lap, he runs through the checklist of positions he'll be utilizing when they get home. "I've got plans for that jet-lagged ass of yours, you know."

Welcoming a jolt of much needed energy through his body, Justin leans toward Brian. "I missed you the last two nights. Going out of town without you to take care of business really sucks." Kissing him in a prelude of what's to come, he whispers, "I love you," before opening the car door.

Brian's face breaks into a wide smile, his crooked upper left incisor evoking in Justin the memory of the very first time he'd ever smiled at him.

Justin's wise enough to know this happens once in a lifetime.

---------------------

"Hi, honey! How was L.A.?" Hugging him tightly when she opens her door, Jennifer quickly scans the porch. "Where's Brian?"

"He's waiting for me in the car. Is Molly ready to babysit Gus?" Justin asks, giving his mom a peck on the cheek. "Maybe we can get together this weekend," he adds. "Do you and Molly want to come out to the house for dinner? I'll make-"

"Why don't you and Brian come in?" Jennifer interrupts, hoping to warn him before the shock kills him. "Justin, someone came over and-"

"Hi, son. It's good to see you."

Justin hasn't heard the sound of his father's voice in years. Daring to peek inside over his mom's shoulder, he lays eyes on a figure who's much smaller in stature than he'd remembered, although decidedly happier.

"I stayed until you got here. Can you come in and talk?"

Mining Jennifer's eyes for answers, Justin wonders what the fuck is up. He shifts uncomfortably from one foot to the other when she urges him in, Craig Taylor smiling at his son and crossing the living room to shake his hand.

"Dad, I thought . . ." Justin doesn't know which of his failures, in his father's eyes, to bring up first. ". . . that you never wanted to see me again," he forces up and out of some dark hiding place. "You said-"

"Justin, life is too short. I hope you can forgive my atrocious behavior. Come on in. Sit down."

"I can't stay. My husband's in the car." Atrocious behavior? Justin snorts to himself. Let's see how your behavior holds up with that little piece of information! He wants to feel rotten for goading his father into a scene right there at his mother's front door, but he doesn't. An eternity of hurt has taken its toll.

"I'm so sorry for all these years," Craig admits to his son. "I'd like to meet your husband before you go."

Examining his dad's face closely, Justin doesn't get how he can look so perfectly sincere. And contrite. "You'd like to meet my husband? He's gay, too. Is that going to bother you?"

Jennifer's house is suddenly filled to the rafters with Craig's booming laughter, she and Justin both peering at him rather warily before sprouting small grins of their own. They soon find themselves belly laughing right along with him.

"What did I miss?" Molly asks her family, walking up beside her dad.

Craig's eyes are misty. "Your brother's really funny! I've missed that all these years!"

"Molly, why don't you ask Justin's husband to come in for a minute?" Jen suggests. "Justin won't mind."

"Go ahead," Justin nods at Molly. "He's wondering what's taking me so long."

"When did you get married?" Craig asks when Molly slips outside.

"Two years ago this June. We had a big wedding."

"I'm sorry I missed it. Your mom says you're a gifted artist. I'd love to see your work sometime."

"Dad . . ."

"I know. It's my fault that I don't know my own son. I'd like for that to change. Maybe someday . . ."

"What's up? Molly said you wanted me to come in?" Stepping into the house, Brian places his hand on the back of Justin's neck, drawing him forward until their lips meet.

Justin's in no hurry to end the kiss, actually prolonging it for effect. "Brian, I'm sure you remember my father, Craig Taylor," he says when he thinks it's been long enough. "Dad, this is my husband, Brian Kinney." Taking a step to the side to better observe his father's reaction, he anticipates the showdown.

"It's good to see you again, Brian." Craig extends his hand. "After all this time," he adds awkwardly when it's stuck between them in limbo.

Eyes growing wide with suspicion, Brian feels a sharp twinge in his ribs. Speechless, he turns to Justin for direction.

"It's okay," Justin breaks the silence. "He's sorry. He wants to make up for lost time." Lifting Brian's right hand, he connects it with Craig's. "It doesn't bother him anymore that you're gay."

Craig laughs again, not quite as loudly this time.

Brian shakes hands with him cautiously. "You're sorry?" he starts. "For all the years of-"

"Brian." Justin lets his eyes finish, Brian abandoning his would-be diatribe.

"Jen was right," Craig says, facing Brian man-to-man. "She told me you're a special breed. That your love for Justin is fierce. I don't blame you for being skeptical. Hopefully, in time, your opinion of me will change."

Brian's face softens. "Jen said that? You know, I've always admired Mother Taylor. She gave me the benefit of the doubt very early on, and that took guts. We've been friends ever since."

"She didn't deserve the way I walked out on her." Craig eyes his ex-wife with sorrow. "And I can never get back all the years with Justin that I threw away. I've been so foolish."

"Okay, we've gotta get going," Justin announces, briskly changing the subject. "You ready, Mollusk? We'll drop you off at Lindsey's." Hugging his mom good-bye, he doesn't forget about his weekend invitation. "So, we'll see you and Molly for dinner on Saturday? How does five o'clock sound?"

Craig looks at Brian. "It was a pleasure to see you again," he says, offering his hand once more. He's happily relieved that Brian's less standoffish, shaking it with a hint of acceptance.

"Justin." Craig approaches his son and hugs him emotionally.

Less than fully engaged, Justin's eyes are on Brian's, a tacit idea passing between them. "Why don't you come to dinner Saturday with Mom and Molly?" he asks his dad, freeing himself from the embrace. "Maybe we can get to know each other again. Maybe we won't, you know, hate each other this time."

Forced chuckles on everyone's part replace the previous easy laughter, the reality of the last six years pervading his and her thoughts.

"I'd really like to get to know you again, Justin," Craig says. "Thanks for the invite. I guess Jen can tell me where you live."

Kissing Jennifer good-bye, Brian takes Justin's hand as they leave, Molly following closely behind.

"Fuck! Talk about a shock!" Justin gasps, shaking his head when they pile into the car.

Brian leans over, kissing the side of his face. "I'd say you handled that extremely well. All things considered."

The corners of Justin's mouth creep upward. "Yeah. All things considered. I love being in control! We're slugging the asshole in the jaw and kicking the shit out of him when he falls to the floor if he cops an attitude or lets one wrong word out of his mouth."

"Yes, dear," Brian laughs. "It is kind of gratifying to give him enough rope to hang himself."

"Or maybe you guys will be surprised," Molly pipes up from the back seat. "Lately, it seems like he's a totally changed person."

Brian and Justin come to a silent understanding. "We'll decide," they say with one voice.




THE END

Date: 2012-01-26 08:49 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] rulisteningbj.livejournal.com
Wow, what a surprise. Can't believe that Craig has changed and wants a relationship with his son and son's husband. That was nice. I have never read a fic where Craig did an about face. Thanks for sharing Vonnie's gift with us.

Dee Dee

Date: 2012-01-27 02:53 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] later2nite.livejournal.com
Thanks, Dee Dee. Yeah, I know it's pretty out there to believe Craig could be serious, but the intent was to put Justin and Brian in control for a change, instead of being the victims of his hate.

Glad you liked it. ♥

Date: 2012-01-26 09:21 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com
Wow now that's what I call a development for Craigs character :)
A little late, but better late than never, right? :)

Date: 2012-01-27 02:56 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] later2nite.livejournal.com
Yes, quite a huge development, but it's totally high time he try to make amends for being an asshole all those years.. Better late than never is exactly right. ♥

Date: 2012-01-26 09:43 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] 7wildwaysup.livejournal.com
Definitely surprising for Justin and Brian but can they really trust him??? Seems like a great start for a longer fic...

Later Darling ~ Kathleen ♥♥♥

Date: 2012-01-27 03:02 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] later2nite.livejournal.com
Yeah, very surprising, I agree. They don't know if they can trust him, but at least now they're in the driver's seat. They can beat him up and throw him out if he's still an asshole. I just liked the idea of them being in control of the situation, not the victims.

I hadn't thought of making it longer, but... You've given me food for thought.

Later ♥

Date: 2012-01-26 11:54 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] trintiff.livejournal.com
ext_152815: (Quote  B/J Secrets)
I really enjoyed this! No teary eyed confessions but a couple of steps toward each other. Umm, I' d REALLY like it if you wrote about the dinner Saturday night! Really, really like it! :-D

Hugs, Cindy

Date: 2012-01-27 03:08 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] later2nite.livejournal.com
Thanks, Cindy. Glad you really like it. I hadn't thought of continuing on, but you've given me food for thought. Maybe I should write about the dinner.

Hugs ♥

Date: 2012-01-27 03:24 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] trintiff.livejournal.com
ext_152815: (Quote Justin YAY)
Awesome!!

Date: 2012-01-27 02:05 am (UTC)From: [identity profile] kmacorina.livejournal.com
Mmmmm can we belive in Craig´s new mood?
I don´t think so...

I like the fic!!!

Kissessssss

Date: 2012-01-27 03:12 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] later2nite.livejournal.com
Thanks! Glad you like it. Craig's new mood may or may not be genuine, but at least Justin and Brian are in control of the situation now, not helpless victims.

Kissesssssssss ♥

Date: 2012-01-27 01:24 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] aaa-mazing.livejournal.com
If only... Not for Craig. For Justin. It's the worst thing to be rejected by your parent. Who used to love you.
Great idea!

Date: 2012-01-27 03:15 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] later2nite.livejournal.com
YES!!!! You've understood my intention. It's for Justin. He deserves to know his father is sorry, and deserves to be in charge of the situation now, no longer a helpless victim of the hate.

Hugs you, Nastya. ♥

Date: 2012-01-27 01:40 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] mitakay.livejournal.com
ooh- I liked this a lot. Life is too short, Craig is right about that.
I would love if you wrote a part two with the dinner scene...

Thanks for sharing!
xoxo

Date: 2012-01-27 03:20 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] later2nite.livejournal.com
Thanks so much. I'm happy you liked it. I knew it would turn a lot of people off, but I wanted Justin and Brian to be in control finally, not the victims of hate.

I guess I should continue it with the dinner. A few people have asked for it, along with you.

Hugs ♥

Date: 2012-01-27 01:50 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] guavejuice.livejournal.com
Great use of the prompt, sweetie. Very intense and honest.
Very well done
*hugs you tight*
V.

Date: 2012-01-27 03:22 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] later2nite.livejournal.com
Thanks, V. So glad you liked it. ♥

Date: 2012-01-27 02:02 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] isijus.livejournal.com
I think it's the first fic I read where Craig attempts a realistic approach to Justin unconditionally, I liked it, kisses

Hahahah I love Traslator

Date: 2012-01-27 03:24 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] later2nite.livejournal.com
Thanks so much, Linda. I'm happy you liked it. Just thought it was time for Craig to change. ♥

Date: 2012-01-27 08:10 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] pam81.livejournal.com
Great story sweetie ♥ Loved to see that Craig has opened his eyes.
It’s not going to be easy, but it’s a start. *hugs*

Date: 2012-01-27 09:46 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] later2nite.livejournal.com
Thanks so much, Pam. Yeah, it won't be easy, but maybe Justin can take a small bit of comfort in knowing his father is contrite and wants to change. At the very least, he and Brian can control things from now on.

Hugs ♥

Date: 2012-01-27 09:07 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] rainbow1907.livejournal.com
You'd like to meet my husband? He's gay, too. LOL Absolutely priceless!

It's almost too good to be true but sometime people do change :)

What a lovely gift for Vonnie ♥ Thank you very much :) Rena

Date: 2012-01-27 09:53 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] later2nite.livejournal.com
Thank you, Rena. Glad you liked it.

Yeah, I just thought it was high time that Justin get some love from his father. It might be potentially too good to be true, but at least Justin and Brian will call the shots from now on. I wanted them to finally be in control.

Hugs ♥

Date: 2012-01-27 10:05 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] shenova.livejournal.com
That a surprise but I suppose people can change and at least this time Justin will decide if he wants a relationship with his dad.

Date: 2012-01-27 10:25 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] later2nite.livejournal.com
You, my dear Shenova, have gotten to the crux of the matter! My intention, exactly, was to have Justin make the decision whether he'll let his dad into his life, or not. We don't even have to know what that decision is, only that Justin is in control of the situation now.

Thank you so much for your comment! ♥

Date: 2012-01-28 04:51 am (UTC)From: [identity profile] mander3-swish.livejournal.com
I still wouldn't trust Craig as far as i could throw him. Great look at the first steps towards some familial healing. (ps I LOVE that Molly's babysitting Gus!)

The whole time reading this, the song stuck in my head was 'Control' by Janet Jackson (as sung by Glee) ...the lyrics are rather fitting for Justin's situation.

Date: 2012-01-28 08:48 am (UTC)From: [identity profile] later2nite.livejournal.com
True. He could very well not be trust worthy, but Justin and Brian will have the opportunity to evaluate the situation and make choices: first steps, like you say.

'Control' by Janet Jackson is totally fitting. I'd forgotten all about that song til you mentioned it. ♥

Date: 2012-01-31 06:58 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] yvonnereid.livejournal.com
I really enjoyed this alot.Thanks so much for writing it for me hon.I don't read much where Craig and B/J are friendly.

Thanks so much for this,Love you xoxox

Date: 2012-02-01 12:02 am (UTC)From: [identity profile] later2nite.livejournal.com
Hey... there you are! I thought you got lost on your weekend away! I'm glad you enjoyed the fic. Galehot had given us a few prompts, and the one I chose was 'Parental Control'. Of all the parents on the show, Craig was the one who needed to be written about! LOL I just wanted Justin and Brian to be able to choose what to do about him, instead of being victims of his hate. I'm like that - always wanting to rewrite the show!

So, did you get your tattoo? Can we see pics of it? I'm sure you liked Nastya's fic about the b/j tattoos. I loved that one.

Hugs ♥

Date: 2012-02-05 02:12 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] techgirl-on-ij.livejournal.com
I really like this as a one shot!!

So great to read a fic written by you.

Smooch

Date: 2012-02-05 08:09 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] later2nite.livejournal.com
Thanks! Yeah, it works much better as a one shot. You're right about that. I'm so happy you saved V.V. ♥

You're so sweet to say that.

*Smooches you back*

Date: 2014-06-21 03:59 am (UTC)From: [identity profile] hikinggirl70.livejournal.com
ext_63172: (Brian&Justin)
I love how you make Justin's dad finally come to realize that accepting his son is gay and married is great but it would not happen in the show. Wishing thinking for this scenario but cool never less.

Date: 2014-06-23 02:53 am (UTC)From: [identity profile] later2nite.livejournal.com
Thanks! Yeah, I know this scenario would never have happened in the show. I just like the idea of Brian and Justin being in control of the situation instead of being victims of Craig's hate. Glad you liked it! ♥
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