This was written for the LiveJournal community fanfic100 'Ultimate Fanfic Challenge'.

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Justin swallows hard against the lump in his throat, the burning in his chest easing somewhat at the movement. Vaguely, he hears the minister complete the benediction and he blinks his blurred eyes as the crowd of people begins moving about.

A small hand slips into his and he looks down into compassion-filled blue eyes.

"You okay, kiddo?" Debbie asks, her own face damp with tears.

He mutely nods, squeezing her fingers lightly.

Debbie reaches out, engulfing him in a quick, tight embrace. Stepping back, she says, "Everyone's going back to my house for a while. You need a ride?"

"No, Brian's here," he whispers as his eyes meet his father's across the open grave. He flinches at the cold expression on the man's face then looks away. Glancing back down at Debbie, he gives her a weak smile. "Thanks for being here, Debbie."

"Your mother was a good woman, Justin. And my friend." Debbie caresses his cheek tenderly for a moment. "Remember when she and I decided to share you?"

His thoughts skip back to that day right before his prom, when Michael Novotny was still planning to move to Portland. Debbie had been upset about the impending loss of her son, and his mom offered to share Justin with her. He remembers the laughter.

"I can't take Jennifer's place, Sunshine, but I'm here if you need me." Her hand slips from his face to grip his upper arm, where it tightens briefly. "You're one of mine."

Justin leans over and kisses her cheek. "I love you, Debbie," he murmurs into her ear then steps back.

Debbie smiles at him as she takes Michael's arm. "I love you too, Sunshine. We'll see you back at the house." Michael is silent, but places a sympathetic hand on Justin's shoulder for a moment before leading his mother toward the waiting cars.

Justin takes a deep breath and squares his shoulders before moving around the grave to where his father and sister stand waiting. He nods sharply at Craig then takes Molly in his arms and hugs her close. "Hey, Mollusk."

"Hey yourself, Jester." Molly's voice is watery, trembling slightly.

He pulls back slightly to look at her face. "How are you doing, Molly?" Justin asks as he brushes a strand of hair off her forehead. He hasn't seen her much in the past few days. She's been living with Craig since the car accident that killed their mother.

Molly shrugs. "All right, I guess." She peeks sideways at Craig then pulls Justin a step or two away from their father. "Daddy's been nice to me and Rebecca…" She shrugs again, her distaste for their young stepmother evident in her expression.

Justin doesn't respond to his sister's statement, but mildly offers, "Maybe we can get together this week, have dinner or something." He grins at her. "I'll even take you to that pizza place you like so much."

Molly nods, but before she can say anything, Craig interrupts. "Molly, go wait for me at the car."

She gives her father a defiant look, but deflates when Justin gives her a small nod and pushes her toward the vehicles. "I'll call you tomorrow, Justin," she tosses over her shoulder as she walks away.

Justin turns to his father, bracing himself for the attack he knows is coming.

Craig looks at him, eyes narrowed. "I want you to stay away from her."

"Dad, I don't want to do that."

"And I don't want her corrupted by you, Justin."

"Christ, Dad, she's my sister. I'm not going to corrupt her." Justin glances over at the cars, where Molly is pacing anxiously. "She just lost her mother. Show a little compassion."

Craig glares at him. "I mean it, Justin. Leave her alone."

Justin returns the glare. "She's seventeen, Dad. If you come down too hard on her, you'll lose her."

"She's living in my house, so she'll abide by my rules."

"And should I remind you just how a seventeen-year-old reacts to your rules, Dad?" Justin laughs bitterly. "I moved out because of them, remember?"

Craig waves one hand dismissively. "That was your decision, Justin."

Another bitter laugh. "Right, Dad. Like you gave me a choice."

"You did have a choice, Justin. You could have given up your disgusting lifestyle and stayed home." Craig stiffens and shoots a venomous look over Justin's shoulder.

Justin feels someone come up close behind him. He doesn't look around, but takes a small step back until he makes contact with his lover's strong body. "You're right, Dad. Actually, we both had choices, didn't we?" He stretches his arm backward and clasps a warm hand. "I chose love and you chose hatred."

Craig starts slightly. "Justin, I don't…" He gives a small shake of his head. "Never mind. Just remember what I said." He moves away, walking briskly to the car without looking back.

"What an asshole."

Justin chuckles shakily at Brian's words as he turns to face his lover. "Yeah, he is."

Slender fingers wrap around Justin's chin and tilt his head until their eyes meet. Brian is quiet as he studies Justin's expression then he lowers his head until their foreheads bump gently. He says softly, "I love you."

The corners of Justin's mouth turn up in a faint smile. "Love you too."

"Let's go. The family is waiting for us." Brian slips an arm around Justin's shoulders and guides him to the Corvette.

Justin settles into the passenger seat and watches Brian's profile as they drive to Debbie's house. He thinks about what he said to his father about choices. This man seated beside him is the one he chose to love; the people waiting for him are his chosen family.

He leans his head against the car seat, closes his eyes and smiles.

He's made some wonderful choices.

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