What a sad depressing chapter! This said, it's because Justin is finally letting out the things that hurt him the most and he must face Brian and tell him that, even if Brian must know it, he can't imagine how bad it hurt Justin; they must be together in a session and deal with the elephant in the room. Then, as Alex said, they can move forward.

Even with the sad parts, we can see that Justin is getting better as he spent quality time with Debbie, Vic, Mel, Gus and Brian.

Like I said, this is so heartbreakingly sad. And emotional. I can empathize with your Justin, so strongly. Quick, write me something happy... TAG

Wow!  A lot of talk with Alex.  I hope that Justin tells Brian how he felt toward the end of their relationship, because that is what it was even if Brian didn't know it.

I dont know how but you keep penning chapter after chapter that is just as powerful and compelling as the ones before it.  Maybe even more so.  This one was no exception, to bring Gardner front & center and move him into a positon to become a povital cahracter was a twist I didnt see coming. And yes, Im annoyed with myself that I missed the "seed" you planted earlier, Im determined to go back and read through again and find it!

Also thanks Kerri for working through the computer fiasco that you were dealing with to bring us a new and moving chapters. I went through a kleenex or two on this one! I figure by the time the story is finished, I will own stock in the Kleenex Company!  Candy

A very beautiful chapter full of surprises cause Gardner realized that gossip isn't what makes a person and that from now on he won't judge someone by the cover but get to know the Real Person not the reputation.

Brian and Justin being in the same place but leading separate lives is good it shows Justin that despite Gardner being Tommy's dad he got this internship based on merit, and it will ease Brian's mind that Justin is near by and for a few hours he is somewhere Brian can help him if he is needed, plus they can work on building their friendship.

Superb Chapter :)

Whoa, just whoa!

Gardner is quite impressive here; OK, Tommy is his son, so it could explain a lot.

As for Brian, I could feel his pain and desperation when he started talking about Justin' brain damage. I didn't think he would be able to tell Gardner all what he did.

Great update!

This is a different side to Gardner then the one we saw.  That Tommy was his son was a surprise, but in the case a welcome one.

WOW, what an amazing chapter.  Out came the tissues so you know how good it was.  Totally different look on Vance and Brian and you did a fantastic job.  Just love how this story changes constantly.  Great job.

Holy shit......that scene with Mel had me in tears...I think in a way, it was good for Justin that he was all business there for a little bit, he was thinking clearly, taking care of himself properly, legally while reconnecting with Mel. Omg though, I'm so glad he's accepted her again! But then... he's become so cynical & closed off from love or even the very thought of it. Brian has a lot of work to do, convincing Justin of his true intentions, motives & feelings. I hope Justin actually tells someone of his plan to leave the Pitts...

God I love Daphne so much! Keeping it real, telling Brian like it is and always having Justin's back! Awesome!

Another great chapter.  Glad that Justin is going to get better.  Now he and Brian just need to get things straightened out.  Great writing.

It's a new step for Justin, and Brian, but the hurt is still very present. At least, Justin knows what he wants; the only touchy part is that he knows he wants the love of someone, but he can't love the person back; his heart is a useless organ: that's so sad.

Daphne is a little less distrustful towards Brian; she let him pick up Justin and get him back home. She's like a pit bull and she won't let go until she is sure it is safe for Justin.

Brian can see that Justin didn't have a home before and didn't even have part of a home to expose his art, to clutter one room with his possessions.

There is so much more for him to discover and to accept before being able to have a relationship with Justin; at least, he feels it's still a possibility.

Hi there, I’m missing my latest instalment and getting twitchy! Hope all is well with you. If you are ever in need of a beta, you only need ask!

kind regards

You chose a story that breaks my heart and pisses me off cause it is about lies and unearned forgiveness.

Brian and Justin's story is about facing truth and earning forgiveness, not to absolve oneself of wrong doings but to bridge a path towards a new way of love and friendship.

Jennifer sees how her actions keep forcing Justin to keep her at a distance, she expects Justin to excuse her behavior because she loved him, but since she didn't fight for him Justin can't trust her.

Deb always believed that if Michael had a father he would have been better, Justin had a father in name only and still he got hurt repeatedly, and yet Justins still believed that Love Is Stronger Than Disdained and Hate.

Now Justin has to relearn to embrace what love means and it is also a lesson Brian has to learn too.

Justin came out of the darkness he talked, cried, allowed Brian to hold him, kiss him briefly it is one of their best beginnings.

A new day begins and perhaps a new start to Justin and Brian writing a new chapter in their lives.

Why do you enjoy making me cry? ;)