Chapter 3

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On the morning Justin was to be released from the hospital, Brian left Molly with her brother in his room and pulled Jennifer out into the hall with him. "Here," he said handing her a key. "Can you go to Justin's apartment and pack him a suitcase?" He then handed her his key card from the hotel.. "Put it in my room in the hotel and kind of make it look like he's been there with me.

Jennifer looked puzzled. "Brian, what's going on? Why all the intrigue?"

"I told him we're married."

"I was wondering when you were going to explain the rings to me."

Brian ran a hand over his face. "I brought them from Pittsburgh. I decided that it's time to have him come home, Jennifer. I don't want to live without him anymore. I put the ring on him before he woke up, thinking we could talk about it when he was able."

"Then he woke up and thinks you two are happily married," Jennifer finished for him.

"Right, and as far as I'm concerned, we are, but I don't want to have to explain why he currently lives in New York. I think all of that will fall under the doctors' too much information rule. When he asked what we were doing here, I told him we were here for his show."

"Okay," Jennifer agreed. "So when are we going home and what about his apartment?"

"I booked our flight for tomorrow afternoon and we'll just deal with his apartment later. Hopefully his memory will be back soon and we can cope with all of this together. He wants to go to the gallery tomorrow to see his show. His agent said it almost sold out. I'm glad we gave the go ahead for it to go on without him."

"Are you sure it's wise for him to see all that, Brian? I mean his work is so different than it was before the bashing."

"I know, Jen, but maybe it will help trigger something. His art is such a personal part of him."

Jennifer nodded thoughtfully. "I just hope it doesn't trigger one of the more traumatic memories." She shook her head and cleared her throat. "Well, I'll get Molly and have her help me with his apartment and his stuff."

Brian placed an arm around her shoulder as they moved to go back into Justin's room..

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The next morning Justin walked through the gallery where his first solo show had been a resounding success. All the paintings were still hanging, though most had sold stickers on them. Brian, Jennifer and Molly hung back as Justin examined each piece critically..

He had been fairly quiet the last few days in the hospital and had slept quite a bit. Brian suspected he was basically trying to avoid the whole situation for as long as he could. He really hadn't asked any more questions about his lost time yet. Brian wondered if that would change now that Justin was faced with a whole gallery of his most recent artwork. He approached Justin from behind and wrapped his arms around his waist, settling his chin on Justin's shoulder.

"It's so weird," Justin commented. "I don't remember painting any of it."

Brian just tightened his hold on his husband.

"It's so different," Justin almost whispered.

"Your style changed a lot over the years," Brian answered.

"Why?"

"Lots of reasons," Brian replied. "You changed and matured. A lot has happened since your prom, Sunshine."

"Fuck, this sucks!" Justin exclaimed, rubbing a hand over his face.

"Yes, it does," Brian turned Justin in his arms and kissed him soundly. "But you still have me."

Justin looked into Brian's eyes. "Thank God."

Brian pulled Justin toward the exit. "C'mon, Sunshine, let's get your mom and sister and go home."

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They arrived in Pittsburgh that evening. The rest of the family had been notified of Justin's accident, but had been instructed to stay away until they were called.. Brian didn't want Justin overwhelmed and he wanted to talk to everyone personally before someone opened their big mouth and blabbed something stupid to the poor boy.

Brian helped Molly and Jennifer up to the door of their townhouse before he and Justin headed back to the loft. Justin had fallen asleep in the limo Brian had hired to bring them all back from the airport. It was late and they were all tired from the stress of the last few days. Brian kissed the women and turned to leave when Jennifer suddenly grabbed his arm.

"Oh shit!" she exclaimed.

Brian raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Vic," was all she said in reply.

Brian's shoulders slumped. Fuck. Vic. Justin had been close to Debbie's brother and, of course, he didn't know about Vic's death a few years ago. He would have to be told before he saw the others again. "I'll tell him tonight."

"Are you sure?" Jennifer asked. "I can do it if you want me to.."

Brian shook his head. "No, it should be me. Christ, are we going to have to relive every fucking painful memory."

Jennifer was surprised at Brian's frankness. She knew he must be exhausted to be so open with her. She moved to rub his shoulders and pull him into a hug. "Just remember all the good memories you'll get to relive as well."

"Right now, the bad seems to far outweigh the good."

"I know," Jennifer answered sympathetically. "I'll call you guys tomorrow and you call me if you need me before then."

"I will," Brian answered as he turned and headed back to the limo and his sleeping husband.

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Brian and Justin walked into the loft and Justin took a good look around. "It's pretty much the same."

Brian nodded.. "Well, no reason to tamper with perfection."

Justin snorted and moved up to the bedroom. "Hmm, no more blue lights. I like this, though," he pointed to the different light fixture over the bed.

"Thanks," Brian replied as he followed Justin into the bedroom. "Want a shower?" he asked.

Justin turned and pulled Brian into his arms. "I can think of something I want more," he replied.

"Oh," Brian raised an eyebrow. "And what would that be?"

"You," Justin answered as he pulled Brian into a passionate kiss.

"I think I can provide that for you," Brian replied, pulling Justin down onto the bed with him. "You still remember how to fuck, don't you?" he asked as he yanked Justin's shirt over his head.

"Just fucking kill me if I ever forget that," Justin replied as he unbuttoned Brian's pants.

"Duly noted, Sunshine," Brian gasped as Justin bit his nipple. "Duly noted."

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Hours later as both men lay in their post coital haze Brian ran a hand up Justin's arm. "Are you ready to see everyone tomorrow?"

Justin nodded.. "Yeah, sure. I mean, in my mind, I only saw them a few days ago. Is everyone really different?"

Brian shrugged.. "Not really. There will be some new people for you to meet and I suppose they all look a bit older. Of course, the girls won't be there. I already told you about Canada."

"I'm kind of glad for that. It will be weird with Gus. I think I need more time."

"I agree," Brian said and then took a deep breath. "I need to tell you something."

Justin looked hesitant and a bit fearful. "What is it?"

"It's about Vic."

Justin took a shaky breath. "He's dead, isn't he?"

"You remembered?"

"No, but it makes sense. The odds weren't great that he'd last six more years." Tears began to slide down Justin's cheeks. "Tell me."

Brian took Justin into his arms and told him all about the time of Vic's death. He even included the part where he mouthed off like an insensitive asshole and Deb had hit him. And he told Justin all about the renaming of the AIDS hospice to the 'Vic Grassi House' and then he held Justin as he cried all over again for a man he had loved like an uncle.