What if, after overhearing the doctor leaving a message on Brian's machine, Justin had confronted Brian, instead of going to Michael? How would things have been different?

Canon divergence begins midway through episode 408. Plot bunny by Deb. Thanks to Sandi for being my beta.

This was the same, only different.

This time, his filters were firmly in place, because Justin knew that kicking, punching, and destroying wasn’t going to fix this. It wasn’t going to take away the fact that his lover had cancer.

Justin and Brian are coming up on the 10th anniversary of the day they met.  Justin plans an art show at Lindsey's gallery. Brian runs into a female lover from 20 years earlier. Brian remembers this love as he plans a surprise for their anniversary.

I still can't believe this is my life. Two days ago I was the stud of Liberty Avenue and a successful adman, today... today I am a father. I still recall the words he whispered in my ear that night, as we all sat in Lindsay's hospital room: "You deserve to be loved Brian. Don't let anyone make you think you can't, don't let them win. Show them they are wrong"

I've dedicated all my life to show Saint Joan, Jack and every homophobe out there that underestimating me was a mistake. I became a successful businessman, being the head of the advertising department in Ryder's Advertising. I had the money, the looks, the gang and everyone wanted me... but I was still hallow.

I've proved them all wrong in everything, but one thing. I ended up believing their words, that I was unwanted, that no one will ever love me, that I was not desired, that I should have been aborted.

However, all that changed two days ago. When, I met a fallen angel under a streetlight, no matter how lesbian I sounded, to me that was true. Looking so innocent and pure, he was just asking for me to pick him up. I don't normally go for blonds, but I wanted to be in that world- that world of light- at least for a night.

Justin has not met Brian yet and has a secret that no one knows. Brian is interested from their first encounter, but can't figure out why Justin turns down every guy who hits on him.

Set during Season 3, after Brian and Justin’s reunion but before Brian is fired from Vanguard. Brian takes Justin on a trip to make amends.

Mystic is a small village near the ocean, which makes it the perfect romantic getaway. Justin takes Brian on a holiday where they have an appointment with a couple therapist to rekindle the fire. Brian is all against it. Justin is at the end of his patience. Their marriage is in shambles. Their therapist does his best to salvage their relationship and remind them all the reasons they fell in love with each other.

What if Brian and Justin hadn't moved so fast after the bombing? What if they had talked things over and began a more open relationship? Would Lindsay have had the same success in making them part ways? Or would they have stayed together?

Now that Brian has a way to contact Justin, he'll do whatever it takes to win his Sunshine back.

But what happens when our favorite teenager tries to move on from the stud of Liberty Avenue?

Will Brian be able to win him over in time?

Or lose him forever?

Future-fic in which Justin and Brian keep up a sporadic romantic relationship.