Chapter 2

Brian didn't know how he was going to get Justin to be able to be in crowds and around people again. He knew they needed to start working on it if Justin was going to attend PIFA in the fall. He was committed and willing to do anything to get Justin back to the happy boy he was. Justin had been keeping himself quietly entertained on the couch when Brian approached him.

"Hey, Sonny Boy, how about going with me for a little walk?"

Brian could see the teen immediately tense up.

"Outside?"

"No around the loft, of course outside. It's a nice day out. You need some fresh air."

"Do I have to?" Justin pleaded with his eyes that were so full of fear it was breaking Brian's heart to look at him.

"Justin, you'll be safe; I'll be with you. We won't even go that far. You can't stay in the tower forever, little princess."

Justin rolled his eyes smiling, "Brian."

He thought for a moment. "Will you hold my hand?"

Brian thought he could spare a little of his dignity if it meant getting Justin on the road to recovery.

"Whatever it takes to make you feel safe." He meant it to.

Brian held out his hand and Justin hesitantly took it. They took the stairs slowly. Brian could feel Justin's trembling body next to his. With every step towards the front door Justin's fear became like a vice in his chest. His heart thundered in his chest. He was becoming the color of pale milk and a light sweat broke out on his brow. When Brian got him to the front door Justin stopped in his tracks.

"No, no, please, I can't Brian. I...I'm sorry, I just can't."

Justin broke away from him and ran back up to the loft. Brian sighed to himself as he climbed the stairs. One step forward, twenty back. When he entered the loft Justin was in the kitchen throwing up in the sink. His body was trembling like a leaf. Brian put his arms around him to steady him. Justin snuggled into Brian's arms. They sank to the kitchen floor. Brian held him in his arms and gently rocked him. His thumb traced slow circles on the back of his neck soothing him. Justin looked up into hazel eyes. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. What was there to say? Without words Brian hugged him closer letting him know it was all right. They sat like that for nearly a half hour before the hard floor got the better of them.

Brian decided Justin needed a distraction. (no, not that kind of distraction.) He'd distract him with one of Justin's favorite movies. The really long one, seven hours long. Justin loved the 10th Kingdom. It was a movie that he always got caught up in. It was all faerie tales, fantasy and happily ever afters. Also Justin thought the guy who played "wolf" was hot. Brian had to admit he was kinda hot; he'd fuck him tail and all.

Brian started the movie and sat down on the couch sideways. He opened his legs creating a space for Justin to sit. Brian noticed that Justin was holding the bear he had got for him. Today must have really been tough for him. Brian snagged the throw and covered Justin with it. He was settled snugly between his legs, his back resting against his chest. After the bashing Justin always seemed cold. Brian was always there with a soft blanket and his own added body heat.

They had watched half of the movie. Neither was sure who started it but they made out like teenagers. It went no further than the heated kisses and occasional fondling. Justin was mentally and physically drained.

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Justin was in a dark cold place all alone and scared. He tried looking for Brian but he couldn't move. Frantically glancing around told him that he was alone. He didn't feel alone though. He heard a clattering noise that was steadily coming towards him. It was a baseball bat. It rolled next to his foot. It had blood on it. Somehow he knew it must be his. Then suddenly his dream changed. He was in a bright garden with blindingly brilliant flowers. Justin saw an arch of red roses and standing there smiling at him was Brian with his arms held out to him.

Brian had taken to sleeping lightly or not at all because of the nightmares Justin had nearly every night. Justin's cries of distress and whimpers woke him instantly. He learned from past mistake not to shake him. He began to rub his back in slow circles and murmured soothing words into his ear. Brian gently thumbed away the tears that had leaked out onto his face. Slowly Justin began to settle down and drift into a more peaceful sleep. He knew the worst was over when he saw a small smile curve Justin's lips. Brian wondered what he was dreaming about. Maybe he was dreaming about a gigantic cock, no that was usually his dreams. Brian shrugged to himself. He didn't care as long as the nightmares stopped.

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Justin was truly the strongest person Brian knew. Just the other day Justin was puking his guts out at the mere thought of walking among the crowds. Today Brian had his arms securely wrapped around Justin and they were walking down the street from his loft. Justin was doing well but he was trembling like a leaf and he had a death grip around his waist that would probably leave a mark. He didn't want to push it so they only walked down the street and back.

Once Justin got back to the loft he began to relax and his breathing returned to normal. Brian sat down and began to massage Justin's trembling hand. He worked the muscles so they would relax and not be so stiff.

"I think you deserve a little treat since you were such a good boy today."

Justin's ears perked up at the word treat and he noted the playfulness in Brian voice.

"What kind of treat?"

"How about we work on your hand therapy?"

Justin made a face. "That doesn't sound like a treat to me."

"Oh ye of little faith, trust me, you'll like this. Don't you know by now I can make anything fun and enjoyable?"

Justin considered this and wondered what Brian had in mind. Brian led him over to the chaise; he kissed him deeply then began removing his clothes. Justin stood before Brian naked. Justin sat on the chaise and watched as Brian removed his clothes making a sexy show of removing each item. He then sat on the end of the chaise lounge facing Justin.

Brian grinned, "Lets get to work, shall we? I want you to touch yourself Justin. I want to watch you jerk yourself off with your right hand."

"Brian."

"You can do it."

He took Justin's right hand and placed in on Justin's straining erection. Justin awkwardly curled his hand around his member and began to stroke his cock as Brian watched him. His eyes never left Brian's as he pleasured himself. Although with his hand still not working right, it didn't feel nearly as good. Brian joined in mirroring Justin's movements with his own cock. Justin ran his hand down the length of his cock then back up again. He played with the sensitive tip till precum bubbled from his slit wetting his hand. He used it as lube. Brian was incredibly turned on by this.

Justin sped up, fisting his cock with faster strokes. His hand was quickly tiring and he could feel tingles of numbness in his hand and wrist. He was so close he could taste it.

"Brian," Justin moaned. "Help me out?" He shook his hand indicating the problem.

"You got another hand use it," Brian panted.

"Please, Bri, I need to cum."

Justin was giving him an utterly pathetic look. He decided to take pity on him. He moved closer bringing their dicks together and began stroking them both while rubbing them together. It was like having one big enormous cock which turned Brian on even more. Brian arched his back crying out in a feral growl. They drenched each other in thick ropy streams of cum.

When Justin found his voice he was able to get out, "I like your idea of therapy."

Brian panted, "See, I knew you'd find it stimulating."

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"Bri, why don't you go to Woody's tonight and have some fun? Go hang out with the guys. You've been looking after me every day. You really haven't had any time to yourself."

Brian thought about it. A beer or two would be nice. He really didn't mind spending time looking after Justin but maybe the kid was right; he could use a break.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I don't need a babysitter twenty-four seven."

"How about you come with me?"

Justin shook his head. "No, it's too soon. You go, I'll be fine."

Brian tugged on his boots. "Ok I'm gone, but I'll only stay a few hours, ok?"

"Sure whatever."

"I want you to call me if there is a problem, ok? If you get scared just call me and I'll come back."

"I'll be fine, just go."

"Trying to get rid of me?"

"Yeah, I'm planning a threesome after you leave," Justin said sarcastically.

"Condoms are in the bowl," Brian shot back.

Brian was thoroughly bored at Woody's. Half the queer population had gathered to watch some dumb ass gay soap opera. It didn't hold his attention. There was no sucking or fucking in it. It was like watching Ted's life on the screen. Brian shuddered at the thought. Again the munchers brought up the stupid hero award he was supposed to accept. He didn't want the fucking thing. He wasn't a hero, just the opposite. He was the one that got Justin bashed in the first place and he sure as hell didn't save him. He made some sarcastic remark about it being suck o' rama at the Tool Shed and he couldn't possibly make it. Then he left.

Predictably Mikey was right on his heels as he left the bar. He needed to get back to Justin. Even though the teen put on a brave face for him he knew Justin couldn't tolerate being left alone for long periods of time.

"Brian, wait up. Guess what I scored us?"

"Uhh, some really good E."

"No, passes to the comic book convention."

Brian groaned inwardly. Would Mikey never grow up?

"So you're coming, right?"

Brian stopped to light a cigarette. "I don't know, Mikey. I can't really leave Justin alone for long periods of time or he starts freaking out, which is why I have to get back to the loft."

"Oh come on Brian" Mikey whined. "Justin is a big boy; he can take care of himself. If you're that worried about him drop him off at his mother's. Let her take care of him."

"She was the one who dumped him off on me. He's my responsibility now. Look, I'm not going to get into this with you. It's none of your business. You'll either see me or something came up."

Brian stalked off to his Jeep leaving his friend staring after his taillights.

Brian pulled the heavy loft door open and in his best falsetto called out, "Honey, I'm home."

Justin leaped into his arms giving him a big kiss.

"Miss me?"

"Terribly, so did you have fun?"

"Fuck I was so bored I should have stayed home with you. We could have found better ways to pass the time."

"We can start now." Justin ground his hard on against Brian's thigh.

"You read my mind, Sunshine."

Brian picked Justin up and carried him up to the bedroom where he tossed Justin on the bed and pounced on him. He absorbed most of the weight with his arms. He nuzzled his neck making Justin giggle. They rolled around on the bed fighting for dominance. Just as soon as Justin thought he was getting the upper hand Brian would pin him effectively in place with a leer.

Brian pulled off Justin's shirt. As they kissed Justin tore open Brian's pants and pushed them down around his legs. Justin hungrily attacked Brian's hard on. He ran his fingers through the blond locks that were bobbing over his groin. Brian pulled him off and up to kiss him deeply, tasting their combined flavors. They quickly rid themselves of the rest of their clothes.

"Roll over."

Justin eagerly complied, his ass twitching in anticipation. Brian brought him up on his knees, ass in the air and head down. Justin heard the snap of the lube cap opening. Soon Brian's long digit was entering him. Justin moaned and pushed back.

"You like that? Me finger fucking you."

"Yes, more, ahh don't stop, Bri."

Brian fingered his rosy hole. When his fingers left him Justin whimpered. He was soon filled with Brian's condom covered cock. Brian thrust into him. They began to move together intensifying the pleasure. Brian's hand wandered over Justin's slick chest. He tugged on the golden hoop through Justin's nipple, creating moans that Brian thought of as music. Brian swiveled his hips dragging his cock head against Justin's prostate. His hand traveled down to Justin's freely leaking cock and began to jack him off in time to his thrusts. Their hips blurred as they sought completion. They came within seconds of each other crying out the other's name. After Brian pulled out and disposed of the condom they lay in a sweaty heap. All bad dreams banished for the night.

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Justin clutched Brian's arm in a vice like grip as he lead him down the sidewalk. He hated these walks but knew they were necessary. He needed to get over his little phobia and on with his life. Justin was grateful that Brian cared as much as he did and put up with him.

"Ow!" Brian tried to loosen the death grip Justin had on his arm.

"Sorry," Justin loosened his hold a little.

"It's ok, do you wanna go back?"

This walk was farther than all their previous ones.

"No."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah look, no hands."

Justin let go of Brian's arm and held them up smiling slightly. Just then a stranger bumped into him and he felt a jolt of fear and anger.

"Don't touch me, fucker!"

Brian pulled him close and wrapped both arms around him steering him over to a less crowded spot.

"It's ok, it's ok, it's ok, Don't let it throw ya."

Justin sank into the warm comforting arms.

"I think you've had enough for today. Let's head back."

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Brian decided to treat Justin to a full body massage. After their walks Justin was usually very tense. It kept Brian thinking up new and creative ways to relax Justin.

Justin stretched out naked on the bed resting on his stomach. His head rested on his crossed arms. Brian straddled him sitting on his legs. Brian uncapped the oil. Justin's nose twitched as the smell of a Hawaiian paradise filled the air. It smelt like a spring breeze with coconuts and flowers in the air. Brian heated the oil between his large palms. He kneaded Justin's shoulders working out all the stiff knots and tension.

His fingers trailed down Justin's spine till his hands came to Justin's cheeks. Brian palmed the perfect ass squeezing and kneading it. He leaned over and rained kisses on it. Justin sighed in contentment. Brian parted his cheeks and breathed hot air against his quivering hole. He moved down and started work on his thighs. They were creamy soft and parted of their own free will. Justin wiggled slightly rubbing his erection against the cool sheets. Brian caressed his ankles and massaged his feet which tickled and made him laugh.

Brian rolled Justin over sitting on his upper thighs. Justin's cock was erect and saluting him. The tip was weeping glistening strands of pre cum. He gently caressed Justin's face. Leaning over, he placed a kiss on his slightly parted mouth. His hands splayed over Justin's young hairless chest, tweaking the rosy nipples till they were hard little buds. Brian leaned in for a leisurely lap. With a little more oil Brian massaged Justin's balls. He rolled them around in his hand till they were shiny from the oil. Justin was writhing on the bed clutching the sheets and trying to fuck the air with his thrusts. Brian held Justin's hips steady and took the tip within his mouth. He rolled his tongue around the blunt cap. He leisurely licked the underneath and let his tongue trace the veins along the shaft. Brian swallowed the shaft hungrily. He loved the taste of Justin. There was nothing else like it.

His tongue licked at his slit willing it to give him what he craved. Soon his tongue felt a small trickle of semen bathe his tongue. It was just a little taste of what was to come. Seconds later Brian's mouth was flooded with Justin's salty sweet cum. He swallowed quickly milking every last drop he could. When no more was forthcoming he let Justin's dick slip free of his mouth and rested his head on Justin's stomach. He felt fingers run through his hair caressing his scalp.

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The day had come for Justin to resume working at the Liberty Diner. He had mixed feelings about it. He missed Debbie and he wanted to get back to his old life. It remained to be seen though if he could actually be around people without freaking out. Brian was being wonderful about the whole thing. He always took Justin's needs into consideration.

Brian had talked to Debbie and he was all set to start working the after breakfast rush. He figured it would be best to start out slow when there would be hardly any people to wait on. Debbie would only let him work a few hours so as not to tire him and he was to depend on others to help carry stuff so he wouldn't overwork his hand. Brian went to the diner with him. He said he'd grab an early lunch but he couldn't fool Justin. He'd sit there the entire time eating, barely, keeping an eye on him. He'd make sure he was ok and see how he would do. In some ways Justin was grateful for his subtleness. He'd appear to others as normal while only Brian and himself would know what it took just to make it through the day without totally falling apart.

They walked into the diner and Debbie was rushing over to Justin crushing him in a big hug.

"Sunshine! Glad to have you back; we all missed you." Debbie's voice got louder as she addressed the few people who were there. "Hey everyone, Sunshine is officially back."

Justin got a round of applause. He smiled and blushed.

"Now get your bubble butt in gear; there's work to be done."

Brian was seated at the counter amusing himself with the local fag rag. Justin put on his apron and got to work. He awkwardly poured Brian a cup of coffee with his left hand before he moved on to more challenging duties.

As Justin waited on the other customers he overheard the gang go on about an article that was written about Brian. He wanted to strangle Bellweather. He had all but slandered Brian's name. The absolute worst was the article made Brian out to be a child molester. Brian said very little. He joked about it and pretended to be very pissed off that the paper got his age wrong. Actually he probably was very pissed off about that. He was very sensitive about his age.

Justin's hand was tiring and he slopped Mikey's water. They both sopped up the mess.

"Hey Justin, you wouldn't mind if Brian comes to a comic book convention with me, would you?"

"No, why would I?"

"Well, Brian made it sound like he couldn't leave you alone, that you'd be too scared on your own."

Justin ground his teeth at this. Mikey was making him sound like a little kid who couldn't take care of himself.

Justin kept a cool tone. "Brian is free to do whatever he wants."

Mikey smiled gleefully at Brian. "Ya hear that Brian, you don't have to stay with him. You're free."

"Woo fucking hoo," Brian said sarcastically.

Justin stormed off to the kitchen.

Brian shook his head at his friend's callousness. "Whatever the fuck."

Justin's short shift was almost over. He only worked three hours but he was exhausted and his hand was starting to tremble. As Justin made change for a customer their hands accidentally touched. Justin jerked back his hand like he'd been shocked. He dropped the money and the change bounced along the counter. Brian watched the whole incident. As Debbie passed by, he stopped her.

"Deb, have someone else do the money. Strangers touching him is still a problem for him."

"Well I'll be. Kinney gives a fuck about someone besides himself."

"He just shouldn't have to go through any unnecessary struggles. He's been through a lot, more than you can ever know."

"Duly noted."

Justin called it quits for the day and sank into the booth that Brian had claimed later when he ordered his dry ass turkey sandwich still half uneaten. Brian propped his leg on the bench and Justin slid between his legs. He rested against Brian's chest. Brian's arm curled around him protectively. Debbie brought him a soda and he drank it gratefully. The cold drink revived him a little.

"Hard day?"

"A little, it'll get easer after awhile I hope."

"Sure it will; give it time."

"Bri, can we go home now? I think I feel a headache coming on."

"Yeah, let's get you back to my place."

By the time he got Justin up to the loft he was leaning heavily on Brian. By the pained expression on Justin's face it was a bad one. He got him up to the bedroom. Justin sunk down to the bed quietly whimpering. Brian retrieved his pills and some water. He helped Justin to sit up so he could take a pill. Then he set about making the loft as dark and as quiet as possible. He turned off all the phones insuring they wouldn't be disturbed. When he entered the bedroom Justin was curled in a little ball on the bed. He was rocking slightly and holding his head. His face was buried in a pillow. Brian grabbed his feet and pulled off his shoes and gently undressed him. He crawled up next to Justin to hold him.

Justin whispered, "Oh God make it stop, make it stop."

Brian rubbed his back in slow soothing circles. He also made little circles against Justin's neck with his thumb which always relaxed the boy. Justin was in so much pain tears streamed down his face. Brian wished he could take the pain away. He would gladly take the pain into himself just so Justin could be spared. Brian did the only thing he could do. He held him until the pain medication kicked in and the pain lessened. Justin fell asleep in his arms. Long after Justin had fallen asleep Brian still lay awake watching over his boy.

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It took a while but Brian was confident Justin was ready to walk through the crowds on his own. The day before he explained to Justin what they would do. He would stand several hundred yards away and Justin would have to walk to him. Brian would keep an eye on him the whole time and if he couldn't handle it Brian would be able to get to him quickly.

Brian stood on the sidewalk waiting for his boy to come to him. He was glad it was a sunny day so he could wear his trendy sunglasses. They hid the tired eyes smudged with dark circles that he'd been covering religiously. What sleep he got was broken up by Justin's nightmares. Sometimes the boy was plagued with nightmares all night long. Brian could see Justin slowly make his way towards him. Brian watched him anxiously.

Justin took a deep breath and willed himself to be calm. Brian was near and he wouldn't let anything happen to him. It made Justin anxious that he couldn't see Brian from where he stood; there were too many people. He felt shaky and nauseous but he had to this for himself and he didn't want to disappoint Brian. Justin slowly made his way through the crowd. He was concentrating so hard it all didn't seem real. He faltered, flinching away from someone that had passed by too close. Justin stopped and closed his eyes taking a deep breath and getting his bearings.

Brian's muscles tensed when he saw Justin falter. "Come on, Sonny boy."

Justin looked up and he could see Brian with his arms held out to him. He just had to make it a little bit further. More than anything he needed Brian's arms around him. He smiled confidently walking toward Brian, and then those arms were holding him tight. Justin's arms trembled slightly around Brian's neck from relief and pent up exhaustion.

"I wasn't sure I could do it," Justin admitted.

"I was."

Holding him in his arms Brian kissed him. He was so proud of Justin.

Justin smiled. "What was that for?"

Brian teased, "You know how much I love sex in public places."

He challenged him with a look. "Then suck me off right here right now in broad daylight."

Brian smirked, holding him close. "Wow, you are improving nicely."

"Bad as new," Justin beamed.

"One step at a time, first we walk back to my place then I suck you off."

"I can do it by myself."

Brian looked at him skeptically. "You can give yourself head?"

"No, I can walk back without a chaperone."

"You're not trying to lose me, are ya?"

"Mmm hmm, now I'm sick of you always following me around. Don't you have any friends your own age?"

Brian could hear the teasing note in his voice. "Yeah, but none of them adore me as much as you do."

"I can think of one that does. Anyway you have a big important fundraiser to attend."

"Oh, you mean a boring, insignificant waste of my time."

Justin stroked his face. "You're a hero no matter what anyone says." Justin kissed him trying to make him feel the depth of his words.

"Thank you for the standing ovation."

Justin steeled himself, prepared to walk back to the loft alone. "Ok here goes, later."

Justin hung onto Brian's hand till he has to let go.

"Later."

Brian watched Justin walk away from him. In that moment he made a decision. He let Justin get a good head start then followed him, making sure he got back to the loft all right.

Justin hadn't been at the loft long when Brian came in. He figured he must have followed him.

"Brian, what are you doing here? I told you I don't need a chaperone. Did you think I wouldn't be able to do it?"

"Well for one I live here and of course I knew you'd be able to walk back. I seem to remember I promised you a blowjob after we got back and I always keep my promises."

Justin smiled, "What about the awards banquet?"

Brian crossed the loft to where Justin stood. "I'm right where I want to be."

Brian slipped a hand around his neck and pulled him into a deep kiss. "I'm proud of you, Justin. You did great out there today."

Justin tugged him into the bedroom. "Well since you're here I'd like my blowjob now."

Brian gave him a tongue in cheek smirk and pushed him back on the bed. He tore off Justin's cargo pants. Brian crawled like a panther between Justin's splayed legs. They locked eyes as Brian took the tip between his red lips. He curled his tongue and laved the sensitive tip. He slid his mouth down the shaft till his nose was buried in Justin's golden pelt. His nostrils flared as he breathed in his boy's scent. Brian worshipped Justin's cock till the teen was writhing on the bed. Brian stiffened his tongue and tapped the tip of Justin's cock. Each tap sent a shock wave through Justin's entire body. Little did Justin know Brian was tapping in Morse Code. He tapped out I love you. Justin came in great gushes down Brian's throat, which he eagerly swallowed. A mutual blow job and several fucks later Justin looked at the clock.

"Bri, you missed getting your award."

"I don't want it. I have what I want right here." He pulled Justin closer to him.

"If you leave now you could still make some of the comic book convention."

"Mikey'll understand."

"He just wants to hang out with you, Brian. He's expecting you."

"Fine, I'll go."

"Good boy."

"I'd take that back if I were you," Brian said as he tugged on his clothes from earlier.

Brian leaned over and brushed a kiss across Justin's lips. "Keep my spot warm."

"Have a good time."

Justin heard Brian snort then the loft door slid shut with a bang.