CHAPTER 7

"Michael, Justin," Ben shouted as he caught sight of Michael walking through the mall area with Justin following steadily behind on his crutches.

"Hey, what's up, baby," Michael replied, wrapping his arms around Ben and kissing him deeply.

"Not much, I was thinking you and I could go hit the slopes then grab dinner."

"Awesome idea, let's go."

"See you both later," Ben called as he walked off hand in hand with Michael.

Brian stared at Justin for a few minutes then stammered, "About last night, I just want you to know that it won't…."

"Brian, don't worry about it. I was going to go to Aspen and do some shopping then see a movie and grab dinner. One of the parks has a fantastic view of the slopes, and I would love to go take some pictures and sketch a little bit. Would you like to join me?"

"Sure, I need to go grab some of my extra cash and bus pass then we can go."

"Okay, I will go ahead and head on over there and wait on the bus. If I were to try to go back to the room with you, I might not make it. These crutches are a killer."

"Do you need anything from the room?"

"No I'm good, thanks though."

"No problem, be back in a bit."

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The day went by very quickly. Both men enjoyed each other's company, and there was never really mention of the awkwardness from the night before. They went to the park where Justin drew and Brian shot photos of the breathtaking mountainside. They didn't even notice how late it was getting until Justin was interrupted from his art by Brian's hand making contact with his shoulder. He turned to face him and smiled, "What's up?"

"I officially need to thaw out. Why don't we go grab some dinner at that place right across the street then catch a cab and go to that movie?" Brian said as he picked up Justin's bag and threw it over his shoulder.

"That sounds nice," Justin said as he slid his sketchbook into the bag then reached down and grabbed his crutches.

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The restaurant Brian had chosen was absolutely gorgeous. The decor was artistic and the bar was dimly lit with candles on each table. It was rustic yet romantic, but many groups were gathered so it wasn't too romantic.

"Brian this is awesome," Justin whispered. "Where did you find out about this place?"

"The visitor's guide that we picked up at the shuttle stop had info about the restaurants in the city. I wanted us to go some place quiet to talk and it caught my eye since it's artistic," Brian said grinning. "Let's eat; I'm starving."

Dinner was spent enjoying one another's company. The food was delicious and both men ate until they were stuffed.

Once dinner was over and they had paid the bill, Brian had become a lot more comfortable. "Why don't we forget the movie and head back to the hotel. I have something I want to show you," Brian suggested

"Okay, I'm ready whenever," Justin said as he slid out of the booth and balanced on one foot.

"Ok, let's go," Brian said as he slung the messenger bag over his shoulder and leaned down to give Justin a hand to pick up the crutches.

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"Brian, it's gorgeous," Justin whispered as he looked out over the mountain pass into the star filled sky, and leaned back into Brian's arms.

"I found this place last night when I bailed on you. I'm just really nervous about what I'm feeling," Brian said as he wrapped his arms around Justin's shoulders.

"We can get through it," Justin whispered as he leaned further into Brian's embrace. "Let's go warm up."

Once back in their room, Brian pulled off his coat and threw it over the chair. As he sat down on the bed to remove his boots, he trembled slightly as a chill rushed through his body. Justin noticed his nervousness and limped over to the bed. After he removed his own shoes, he placed his hand gently on Brian's and asked, "You okay?"

"Yeah," Brian whispered as he slowly brushed his fingertips across Justin's face as to memorize every inch of his profile, "we don't have to do anything that you don't want."

"I know," Justin mumbled as their lips met in a soul searing kiss.

A few hours later Brian stirred and checked the clock. He quietly untangled himself from Justin's grasp, and stumbled to turn out the lights. After slipping on his jeans and boots he gently kissed the sleeping blond and stepped out into the morning sun. As he took in the view of the pass, he couldn't help but think how wonderful the evening before had been.

"It's gorgeous now too." Brian jumped when he felt one strong arm wrap around him. "I'm going to the clinic to grab a walking brace, and then I figured we could go get breakfast. Want to come?"

"Sure," Brian replied.

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How are you two doing?" Ben asked as Brian held the door for Justin to walk into the cafe

"We are really good," Justin replied before Brian could even answer.

"What do you want to eat?" Brian asked.

"Bagel and large cappuccino," Justin said handing Brian a few bills, allowing his hand to linger a little longer than normal which caught Ben's eye.

"What was that all about?" Michael asked.

"Just paying for my breakfast," Justin said smiling a coy smile.

"Michael, don't we have a date with the slopes?" Ben asked giving his boyfriend the hint to give them some time alone.

"Yeah, talk to you later."

Justin sat quietly while Brian stood in line. His thoughts quickly returned to last night and how amazing their time together had been. Brian's taste and the touch of his skin against his own were still fresh in his mind and on his body, and he knew that he was feeling something more than he had with anyone else.

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