For some reason, being in Pittsburgh always got me thinking about all of the ways in which our lives had changed over the years, and all of the things that added up to make us into who we eventually became -- the version of us that has been married for close to twelve years now.
***
Brian and Justin take a few days in Pittsburgh to just relax and be with each other. However, with Brian's birthday and the anniversary of his accident fast approaching, there's a lot going on in Brian's head.

This story fits into the "Changed" verse.

Wants versus Needs.... That's what Justin Taylor's life has come down to. Having traveled the world as a dancer, Justin now faces the choice between continuing his lucrative career or rebuilding the tumultuous life he'd left behind in Pittsburgh. Enter Brian Kinney with an offer he may not want to refuse. 

A series of text messages exchanged by the gang. 

Leaning back against the leather headrest, Brian let out a shaky breath, already feeling sweaty and a little disoriented. He realized he had two choices here, both potentially impacting his dignity in a major way. As much as he wanted to try to tough it out the additional half hour, to endure whatever happened next in the comfort of a Four Seasons Hotel suite, the reality of the situation was that Lindsay and Melanie’s neighborhood was much closer. And it was absolutely inevitable that Brian's body was going to revolt sooner than later.

Well, fuck.

***

Brian's planned trip to Toronto to spend time with Gus is interrupted by a very-much-unplanned illness, which gives him a lot of time to think, and leads to some unexpected revelations.

Here I go with my first multi-chaptered story in over 3 years.  I really hope you will enjoy it.  Some time ago someone suggested the idea of turning around the series plot involving the Prom bashing 180 degrees, and then seeing what might have happened if it was Brian who was Hobbs' victim rather than Justin.  I found the idea intriguing, so I'm going with it.  Of course there will be drama and angst, but just remember how my stories end up and take heart.  So without delay, here is the beginning of a whole new light on the love story of Brian and Justin.  

But first, of course, I must give my undying appreciation to my dear Judy for her beta help.  And a special appreciation to the very talented and thoughtful Kim for the evocative banner for my story.  I love you girls dearly.

Brian is an Art Critic for the Sun Times, who has obsessive compulsive disorder. Justin is a well-known, yet lonely artist. For six years, Brian has written words regarding Justin's work for the paper. Justin feels that the words the critic wrote were as though he had painted his paintings himself and knew each piece as he himself knew them. For six years, Brian is too shy to ask for an interview, much to his boss' annoyance. Due to the way Brian dresses…in clothes from Wal-Mart with the exception of his sports jerseys, Justin assumes the man is straight, though he secretly keeps a scrapbook and sketchbook devoted to the man. What happens when Brian's boss draws the line and insists that Brian conduct a one on one interview with Justin Taylor?

The Kinney-Taylor family must deal with Joan's death.

Storey #57 in the Sunshine Files.

“Sonny Boy--” Brian began, intentionally ignoring Justin’s question.

“--You had no idea why she sent me down,” Gus interrupted, his words more of a statement.

Brian shook his head. “Your mother neglected to inform me of her intentions.”

***

Lindsay has ulterior motives when she sends Gus for an unscheduled weekend visit with Brian and Justin.

Brian and Justin are enjoying life.   They are splitting their time between Britin and their vineyard in California.  But trouble starts when Kinnetic's NYC office needs Brian's attention just as the family is ready to go back to the West Coast.  When Brian misses Gus' 20th Birthday party Justin is furious.  It takes a death in the family for Justin to realize we all make mistakes.

Justin heads for L.A. and the boys deal with it.

The Kinney-Taylor family thinks it might be time for some culture.

Story # 56 in the Sunshine Files

A dangerous handsome stranger becomes fascinated with the boys.