That's true, TAG, but although they both felt guilt over the other being bashed, Brian and Justin would definitely not handle their feelings in the same way.  Justin cares so much for Brian that he truly believes he is doing the right thing by leaving him alone this time.  He knows that Brian has lots of support in healing after the bashing.  Hugs, Grammy

I know.  I hate making him suffer such torment, which makes him as much of a victim of the bashing as Brian.  Yet it does fit in with the original plot on the series.  I've always thought that Brian suffered as much in his own way over Justin being bashed.  When you care about someone so much, you hurt like they do after something so tragic.  Thanks for the comment, TAG.  Huge hugs, Grammy

Thank you, TAG.  This was a painful chapter, but it will get worse of course, before things get better.  Hugs, Grammy

So happy to read comments from you again, TAG.  Thank you so much for checking out this story.  Huge hugs, Grammy

Thank you again for such lovely comments, Mamab.  The boys are finally starting to re-connect, and there will be many more times spent together as Justin works hard to bring back the Brian who cared so much about him.  I'm so happy that this story is working for you.  Huge hugs, Grammy

Now that Brian is back in the picture for Justin, I don't think Ethan will find it so easy to seduce his prey as he did during the series.  Justin will be far too busy trying to remind Brian as to why he was important enough for him to attend a Senior Prom... a most unlikely place for the old Brian to be.  Thank you for the great comments, Yum Yum.  Huge hugs, Grammy

I love how you use the name Ian instead of Ethan.  LOL!  I actually gave him the name Ian in one of my stories.  It always tickled me how Brian would refer to people he didn't like.  Looks like poor old Ethan isn't going to have as much luck with Justin as he did in the series... not now that Brian is interested in learning more about the young man everyone keeps talking about.  The next chapter will give you more insight into that 'getting to know you' session.  Thanks again for the great comments, Glo.   Huge hugs, Grammy

The reason that Brian isn't at all curious about Justin, in the beginning, is that the young man is a complete stranger to him for now.  And truly, Brian has never really cared about strangers at all, such as all the countless tricks he has had.  He only cares about those he knows best, but he is totally loyal to those select few.  Now, of course, he has been hearing so many things about Justin, that his curiosity is starting to be aroused, which was reinforced once he actually saw the young man in person at the courthouse.  He probably would have sought Justin out right after that if it hadn't been for Justin leaving immediately for Maine.  You are right about the next chapter.  The boys will finally meet, but of course, the road back to what they once were is not going to be a smooth one.  It never went smoothly for this couple, but it's how it ends that matters.  The next chapter will be up very shortly.  Thank you so much for such insightful and interesting comments, Glo.  I love hearing from you.  Warm hugs, Grammy

Yes indeed, you read that correctly, Glo.  Justin is returning to the fold and it will change things profoundly for more than one person.  Justin did get a full scholarship so he is home to stay.  Brian, in the meantime, is trying to understand why he keeps having images of a young blond.  Only time will tell how much he'll remember and when.  Next chapter will be ready shortly.  Thank you so much for your wonderful comments.  Huge hugs, Grammy

Oh, he did get a guilty verdict, YumYum; just not the justice he deserved.  A suspended sentence means he'll spend no more time in jail.  When he was arrested, he spent a few days in jail before making bail and that was his 'time served'.  Looks like my Judge was as bad as the series Judge.  LOL!  

Don't worry because I can't keep our boys apart forever.  However, it is going to be a rocky road back, but then when has it not been for those two.  Justice delayed doesn't mean justice denied forever either.  Thank you so much for your comments.  I appreciate it so much.  Huge hugs, Grammy

I'm so sorry you are confused by this, Glo.  Justin's reaction is based on multiple reasonings.  He is not only feeling tremendous guilt over what happened to Brian, but also devastation over Brian not remembering anything about him.  In the next chapter, you may see more clearly why he felt it was better for Brian if he stayed away.  As for leaving Pittsburgh at this time, he did that for his own sanity.  He knew he couldn't handle being so close and yet not seeing Brian.  He won't be gone for long, I can promise you that.  Thank you so much for such an insightful comment.  I hope I have explained my thinking in a way that helps you.  Warm hugs, Grammy

Thank you so much for the warm welcome back, Glo.  I am definitely in a much better mental space now than I have been during this last year.  I feel reinvigorated and hope it shows in this story.  

Michael will be Michael, but Debbie will always be around to keep him in check.  Brian is just beginning to be curious about this young man named Justin after hearing so much about him.  But unfortunately, he is still a stranger to Brian who thinks of the bashing as simply the usual kind of attack on a gay man.  He isn't quite ready to wrap his head around the idea of him caring that much for any one man.  Give it time.  

I really appreciate your wonderful comments.  Thank you again.  Hugs, Grammy

Merci d'avoir vérifié mon histoire, cricri.  J'espère que vous allez profiter de tout cela.  I do hope I translated this correctly.  Câlins, Grammy