More Repercussions

Part 3

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"What about a new insurance policy?" wondered Deb.

"This would be a pre-existing condition," Jennifer replied from the back seat of the jeep.

"Some policies don't ask those questions. My neighbor's daughter is extremely diabetic and they have struggled with her drug and hospital bills for years. She got married last summer and now everything is covered under her husband's plan. It has been such a relief to them," Deb explained.

"Well, it's something to look into that's for sure!" Jennifer agreed.

"I'm going to drop the two of you off at the diner and meet you back," Brian said. "I have an idea."

He pulled out his cell phone, "Linds, can you and Mel meet us at the dinner as soon as possible-- it's complicated—great! See you there."

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"He said he would sell the loft?" Mel asked stunned.

"Yes," replied Jennifer, still shocked.

"I'm not surprised at all," said Lindsay. "He loves Justin more than anything."

"Where did he go? I thought he wanted to meet us for some reason. Did he call the guys too?" Mel asked.

"No, just you two. He said he had to get something," answered Debbie.

"Here he is," Jennifer said.

Brian slid into the seat next to Mel and dropped a bundle of papers on the table in front of her.

"What are those?" Debbie asked.

"When I made partner they made a big deal about the improved benefits package and mentioned several times that it was the same for `homosexual employees and their partners'. Why can't Justin be covered on my policy? I didn't pay much attention at the time. All I cared about was how Gus would be covered. Justin was doing well then, and I thought he had insurance."

Mel was looking through the papers, "I haven't found the conditions yet, but I think it would be considered a pre-existing condition."

"Did you go home? How is he?" Lindsay asked.

"He was a little better, watching TV and eating cereal," said Brian. "Maybe, I'll try to get him to go somewhere tonight."

"I'm going to have everyone over tomorrow night, tell him I'm not taking no for an answer," said Debbie.

"I'll try."

"Wait, here it is," Melanie mumbled to herself as she started to concentrate.

"Well?" Brian asked after a few minutes.

"It says that employees who are or get married, their spouses have full coverage with no conditions, pre-existing conditions included. It takes six months for the coverage to begin after being hired or getting married. Employees who live common-law have the same six month waiting period but without a legal marriage license it does not cover pre-existing conditions."

"Great, Justin has been living with me for more than six months. We should call the doctor," he smiled.

"Brian, you and Justin don't have a legal marriage license so you would be considered common-law," Mel tried to explain.

"We couldn't get legally married in this state even if we wanted to. How would they know if we have or haven't had a commitment ceremony? They will have to take our word for it, right?"

"No, they have covered their asses. It says they will recognize a license from any other state or country as long as it's legally binding in its place of origin," Mel stated as she continued to read the papers.

"Fuck!" Brian said standing up. "That's discrimination."

"Actually, it's one of the most liberal policies for same sex couples that I have ever seen. Most don't go anywhere near this," Mel corrected.

"I'll get the papers from Craig. Hopefully there is a loophole," Jennifer said to Brian.

"We'll have fundraisers if we have to," offered Deb.

"Fuck!" Brian growled as he left the diner.

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This has been the best night that we've had in a long time, Brian thought as he looked at his lover who was sleeping peacefully. We have to figure something out so it will be like this all the time.

Brian eased out of bed and got a glass of Beam. He sat in Justin's spot looking out the window. He thought about their dinner at the new Italian place and how Justin ate most of his entrée. Then they tried the movies again, only Brian planned better and they entered the theatre just as the lights went down to avoid the crowd. Justin had laughed at the silly comedy, occasionally looking to Brian, smiling. I have to bring that smile back permanently, he thought.

Just then Justin cried out.

"NO! STOP…please don't. HELP! HELP!"

"Noooo!" He screamed jolting upright in the bed. Brian rushed to his side; he took Justin in his arms and held him close.

"It's okay. You're safe. I'm here. You are alright," Brian repeated over and over as he rubbed the boy's back.

Slowly, Justin started to calm down. His breathing went from gasps to normal and he loosened the death grip he had on Brian to a comforting embrace.

"Sorry," Justin said sheepishly.

"You have nothing to be sorry about. I wish I could do more to make you feel better," Brian admitted.

"Really? Well, we'll have to come up with something," Justin whispered, as he slid up Brian's body and kissed him passionately.

"What did you have in mind?" Brian smiled.

Justin licked his way down Brian's body and began to fondle him. Brian quickly started to respond and Justin took control. Soon, Brian was a quivering heap on the bed, gasping and yelling Justin's name. Justin looked up and locked eyes with Brian. Satisfaction was evident on both their faces.

"But, I thought this was supposed to make you feel better?" Brian asked slowly, turning Justin onto his back and capturing his nipple ring between his teeth.

"Ahh," breathed Justin.

Brian worked his way down Justin's abdomen and then lower, leaving a trail of wet kisses.

Justin was moving closer and closer to release as Brian continued his intimate assault. Brian concentrated on controlling the boy's reactions in the way only he could; he wanted to give him the most pleasure possible.

"Ohh!"

"That's it, Baby, let it go," Brian encouraged.

"OH GOD!" Justin yelled.

"Yeah, come on," continued Brian.

"OH FUCK! STOP!" Justin shrieked, holding his head.

Startled, Brian instantly stopped and got off of Justin's legs. "What?"

Justin pulled away and curled into a ball, tears running down his face. He was holding his hands over his eyes.

"Where are the pills?" Brian asked, jumping to his feet.

"Bathroom"

Brian rushed off and soon returned with them, a bottle of water, and a cold cloth which he placed over Justin's forehead. Justin was squinting in the blue glow of the room.

"The lights," he groaned.

"Shit! I'm sorry!" Brian reached to switch them off.

Justin took three pills and slumped down onto his pillow waiting for the deep sleep he was about to fall into.

Brian lied down beside him and pulled him close. "I'm sorry, Justin. I shouldn't have started…"

"You didn't, and there's nothing to be sorry for. The headaches don't have anything to do with what we were doing. It has sort of been starting since the restaurant," sighed Justin.

"Why didn't you say something?" Brian said, with alarm in his voice.

"I didn't want to ruin our night. I was having a good time," Justin answered sleepily.

"Me too!" Brian smiled and kissed Justin's forehead. "Why didn't you take a pill?"

"They make me so tired and everything seems so out of focus. Sometimes, I'd rather deal with the pain and keep my feelings clear," Justin explained snuggling into Brian's chest.

"How is the pain now? Does it go away completely?"

"No, but it's better. I can open my eyes and hopefully it will be gone by morning. Goodnight!" Justin whispered.

"Goodnight," Brian said, tears welling in his eyes.

All night Brian held Justin and thought of how brave he was. How could he choose to endure such pain for his feelings? Hell, I spend most of my time avoiding my feelings without the threat of physical pain.

Brian looked down at Justin's beautiful face but he didn't look peaceful tonight. Brian waited to see if he was having another nightmare. He's not. He must still be in pain, even while he's asleep. Brian's heart ached at the thought.

"I have to do something," Brian sighed. He spent the night considering his options, by morning he had made his decision.

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