SYNOPSIS:

Michael returns from Portland as a man on a mission. How is he going to respond when he finds out just how much things have changed? And will he finally figure out that it’s time to design his own life, instead of trying to plan Brian’s?

It’s decision time… and not only for Michael.

Again, a MAJOR shoutout goes to Lorie, who is helping me to endure the Committee of Whine and Coo at constant war in my head. And also to Cathy Sunderland (BritinManor) and Deb Tanner for the bunnies that is inspiring the continuation of this series. All of you ladies are AAAAaaa-MAZING!

*COMPLETE*

HAPPY READING, Y'ALL!

No one had been more shocked than Brian when Melanie, of all people, had suggested that, since she didn't really celebrate Christmas, but J.R. was heading to Pittsburgh to be with her dads, perhaps Brian and Justin would rather come to Toronto to have a more subdued celebration with Lindsay and Gus.

"Lindsay never really gets to enjoy the decorations she puts up, since we're rushing around and then traveling during this time," Mel had explained. "I just thought it would be nice if you and Justin wanted to come to our place instead… You know, let Linds and Gus go all out, and then have a nice quiet holiday at home." 

"Quiet" was all Brian needed to hear before he agreed. 

***

Brian and Justin travel to Toronto to spend Christmas with a small part of their chosen family.

Justin returns from working on Rage in LA and becomes depressed and must also face his largely untreated PTSD from the bashing. AU from 501. This series follows Justin and Brian as they navigate mental health diagnoses and treatment. Alternating first person POV with the focus always on Brian and Justin's relationship and their evolving dynamics - both as individuals and as a couple - as they navigate learning to manage chronic mental illness. Angst and Emotional Hurt/Comfort with themes of hope while challenging stigma around mental health.

Never in my life will I forget your presence. You found me torn apart and you took me back full and complete.
-Frida Kahlo

NOW COMPLETE!

It’s funny how life works sometimes -- in cycles, repeating the same themes in different ways with different situations. Leaving it up to us to recognize a familiar situation and call on our past experience to get through it. But sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees.

***

Justin decides to make a huge transition in his career, but things are not always what they seem.

Continuation of the "Stripper" story.    Brian and Justin are living in Pittsburgh and Justin is enjoying his success as a painter.  Justin was ready for his life to move forward and enjoy his success, but now someone from his time as an exotic dancer is back in his life.

Life in the Taylor- Kinney family continues.  Brinn is going away to school while Brian accompanies Justin on his European tour.  The whole extended family finds there way back to Brian and Justin as the family grows and expands.

Early in season two, after a row with Justin, Brian mulls over their relationship and considers what to do to keep the boy around. A subsequent conversation with Debbie, which goes a little differently than in canon, propels him to act immediately. Steaminess ensues.    

Brian told Justin to get some friends his age – what if the kiss Michael saw was misconstrued? What if miscommunication was only the start of it all? Just how far does the butterfly effect go? 

Four years, rich business man and artist Brian Kinney was shot and nearly killed but an angel, called Justin, saved his life, it took two years of rehab for Brian to return to almost being the Stud that he was before. But neither of them have forgotten the other; so when they are brought back together by Liberty Avenue's Mistress of Love, Marilyn, and his close friend, Emmett, sparks fly, to the delight of most of The Avenue, as well as Justin's friends Daphne and Chris.

But the thought on everyone's mind is who tried to kill Brian? Why did they do it? And just why is Michael's childhood best friend, Mercy, back in town? What is the secret she is hiding? This is a story of mysteries, justice and revenge but most of all love.

Brian, Justin, and their extended family continues to go through life.  There are ups and downs but there is nothing they can't do when they do it together.

Warning: Chapter 20 does have the death of a child in it but it is not a core character and the rest of the story does not contain anything like that.

Brian and Justin have been separated for some time.