The conversation with Peter and Michael went well; they were eager to learn about their friend and didn't discard her information as trivial.  She hated bearing bad news, but she knew if John were her friend she would want to know about his situation.  It appeared that Peter and Michael didn't know about the letters. That made sense, as she doubted John would have shared that he was sending them; a part of him probably knew it was wrong.

Closing the door to Brian's office, she joined Brian and Justin in the kitchen.  Justin was sitting at the table playing with his coffee cup.  He turned it around and around, staring into space. As she walked into the kitchen, she hoped Justin would look her way in an unspoken request for information, but he didn't even turn his head toward her.

"Did you reach him?" Brian asked, eager for information and hopefully some closure to the situation.

Daphne pulled out a chair and sat at the table, searching Brian's eyes for some information about Justin's state of mind.  Brian shook his head in a barely imperceptible movement and Daphne nodded her acknowledgement.  She toyed with the idea of ignoring Justin's presence and talking to Brian, but knew if she were in his shoes, she would want people to talk to her rather than her partner.  She reached out to Justin and gently tapped his hand while repeating his name to get his attention.  After a few attempts, Justin looked at her, slightly confused as to why she was calling his name.

"I reached Peter Helio and Michael Strong, his partner.  Michael is a therapist; therefore he understood the legal and psychological situation.  It was helpful not to have to explain my concerns in more detail."

"What'd they say?  I mean did they know....  I would hope...." Justin asked, unable to complete a full sentence.  Despite his difficulties, it was easy for Daphne to understand his meaning.

"Peter was the one who told Carol about Mr. Scott in the first place.  He thought his friend was acting strange, but he didn't know about the letters.  I think only you, me and Brian knew about those.  And I guess the police.  I doubt they would have allowed you to get a restraining order without them."

"Ok.  So you talked to them.  What good does that do?  They guy thought his friend was acting weird, but it still doesn't change the situation.  I mean, the man applied for a job at Kinnetik and acted like he was Justin's partner.  What the fuck is anyone going to do about it?" Brian raised his voice at the end of the short conversation and slammed his hand on the table.  Wincing at the pain, he held it for a few minutes before he looked at Daphne for answers."

Daphne's phone rang before she could answer Brian.

"Hello."

"....I see."

"....Ok.  Thank you for calling." She pushed the button to end the call and looked at her companions across the table.

"That was Michael, Peter's partner.  He said they called the police and Mr. Scott is being held in the Psych ward for 72 hours.  They plan on coming up to talk to the doctor tomorrow or the next day." Daphne said as she heard the tick of the clock in the background.

"The psych ward?"  Justin asked, realizing he had not thought about the ramifications of the arrest until now.  He'd been so relieved to have the police take the man away and stop his unwanted advances.

"The police can send someone to the psych hospital for evaluation if they have sufficient reason to believe the person is a danger to himself or others.  When Mr. Scott violated the restraining order and started spouting love proclamations, it gave the police some additional evidence that he might be harmful to you."  She drank some of her tea as it was getting cold.  She pursed her lips as she weighed her next words.  "The legal system is complicated when it comes to mental illness.  The police want to keep citizens safe but they also have to protect the rights of the mentally ill individual as well.  Mental illness is no different than having Diabetes or Heart disease. A person doesn't choose to have a mental illness and it isn't a sign of weakness or bad judgment."  Daphne finished her short PSA and inwardly smiled as she thought of the many PSA's Brian had been subjected to by Justin through the years.  He used to tease him regarding his frequent use, but ultimately decided they were a part of Justin's personality and accepted them as he did Justin's other quirks.    She stifled a yawn, but Brian glanced at the clock and realized the time.

"Why don't you stay in the guest bedroom?  It's late and I'd like you here in the morning," Brian said as spoke volumes more with his eyes.

"Ok.  I'll get my bag out of the car.  I usually keep a change of clothing with me.  It's saved my ass a few times."  Daphne smiled warmly at Brian and took another look at Justin.  Her heart went out to her best friend and wished there were more she could do to help him, but knew sometimes the best thing was just to be there.  As she walked out of the kitchen, she mentally reviewed her schedule for the following day trying to decide if she could ethically cancel those appointments to be by her friend's side. Justin's mood in the morning would be the discerning factor.  She leaned over to give Justin a gentle kiss on his cheek and walked to her car.

"Justin, what is going on in that blonde head of yours?" 

"I'm sorry. I...."

Before Justin could continue with his unnecessary apology, Brian leaned over and kissed him on the mouth.  Justin felt the warm lips meet his, Brian's tongue slip out and caress his lips; the love and acceptance transmitted by the silent actions.

"No regrets. No apologies.  We can't alter the past, so stop apologizing for shit that can't be changed.  You're here.  You're safe.  No one is getting away with declaring his love for you in the lobby of Kinnetik except me and that is highly unlikely; after all I have a reputation to uphold," Brian said, tongue in cheek.  He leaned back in his chair and watched Justin's face. 

Justin laughed a little and Brian was pleased at his ability to get Justin to smile, even if it wasn't a typical "Sunshine smile". 

"Tomorrow, we'll call Mel and Carl and discuss our options.  And yes, before you start in on "you're sorry" kick yet again, it is our problem.  If you want to blame yourself for being stubborn and not asking for help, then we can just take it one step further and I can say I'm to be blamed as much as you."  Brian bit his upper lip and tapped his fingers on the table.  The hum of the fridge broke the silence in the room.    

"I knew you were struggling; I hadn't seen a painting of yours in several months and you had stopped talking about your work.  I didn't want to ask why there were no new pieces; you know how I so love "to talk".  Brian added the finger quotes in the air as he said the last part of the sentence.  "Brushing it under the rug doesn't make the problem go away; it just pushes it in the dirt and makes it dirtier. Instead, I just ignored the facts.  You had gone to New York to make a name for yourself in the art world yet you weren't even producing any art.  How crazy was that?   I should have pushed for a reason instead of ignoring the facts that were right in my face."  Brian leaned forward in his chair, almost close enough to kiss Justin, but then backed up slightly so he could look into his eyes.  Brian's voice cracked as his emotions pushed to the surface.

"So Justin, I'm sorry that I didn't ask why you weren't painting.  I didn't ask about studio time or new pieces.  Instead I just visited and fucked your sweet bubble butt.  We both paid for our silence."  Brian felt the moisture forming in his eyes as he remembered the horrible time after Justin's accident; a time when he wasn't sure he would ever have his partner back. While his partner was there physically, the memories of their time together had been erased in a split second when the taxi he was riding in was hit by another car.  They had both paid a high price for their unwillingness to talk about their lives, needs and wants.  I'm sorry didn't undo the damage they both had suffered.  "I've learned that sometimes talking is necessary." Brian reached out for Justin's hands, clasping them in his hands and squeezing them with reassurance and a silent apology.

Justin returned the clasp and nodded slightly, acknowledging the unspoken words of his partner.  They walked upstairs, undressing in silence; they each prepared themselves for bed and climbed under the sheets.  Justin lay on his side and Brian lay with his chest to Justin's back, curling his arm around Justin's waist.  Laying in silence, Justin was comforted by his partner's presence and fell asleep from exhaustion, allowing himself to rest in the protective arms of Brian.

Brian woke in the morning, the sunshine peeking out from the curtains in their bedroom.  He lay quietly as Justin slept.  Glancing at the clock he saw it was only 7:30 and too early to call Mel or Carl to discuss their next step.  The feel of Justin's warm body in his arms combined with the familiar scent of Shea butter and avocado caused his cock to stir.  It seemed that even though he was interested in letting Justin rest, his dick had other ideas.  They had gone to bed earlier than normal; therefore Brian decided making love was not a bad idea.  They could always sleep afterward.

Brian started exploring with his hands, massaging and caressing the shoulders and upper torso of his lover.  He loved that Justin was still as fit as he was when he was a senior in high school.  Recently Justin had been hitting the gym with Brian a few days a week and the definition of muscle in his arms and back only added to his already wonderful physique.  Brian's hands made small circles as they moved to his waist and the little indention in his upper back.  His hands moved down to the white globes of his gorgeous bubble butt and he kneaded the round humps.  Anytime Brian played with Justin's butt cheeks, he couldn't resist the urge to taste them.  Bending down and separating the cheeks, he stuck his tongue out to taste.  Swiping his tongue along the crack and then down to the pink pucker, he could feel his dick reach its full potential.  Brian continued to lick and taste Justin enjoying his treat.  Justin moaned in appreciation and pushed his cock into the bed to add some much wanted friction. 

"You're awake.  I was beginning to think I'd lost my touch," Brian teased as he swiped his tongue along the familiar route.

"You're evil.  How could I sleep through your expert rim job?" Justin said as he pushed up a little giving Brian more access.

With the extra room Brian reached in front of Justin and grabbed his cock, fisting it and smearing the precum over the sensitive head. 

Justin pushed his dick into Brian's hand then alternately pushed his ass into Brian's tongue, thus giving him dual stimulations. Brian could hear Justin's breathing increase as his arousal grew.  Letting go of his cock and sitting up, Brian reached over to the bedside table and grabbed the lube and a condom.  Brian lubed Justin's hole, even though it was pretty wet from his rim job.  He put some additional lube on his cock, spread Justin's cheeks and pushed gently as he breached the first ring of muscle.  The tight fit never lost its appeal and as always his first thought was this is the best feeling on earth; joining with his partner.  Waiting for Justin to signal his readiness for Brian to continue, he made a concerted effort to still his movements. Justin adjusted fairly quickly, hitting Brian's thigh; their familiar sign to move forward. Brian grabbed Justin's hips and used the leverage to move in and out of the tight channel.  Justin grabbed for his own cock, pulling it as Brian pushed into him.  Both men knew they weren't going to last long, but tried to postpone their completion, but failed as they felt their orgasms rush through their bodies.  Justin's cum covered his fingers and Brian filled Justin.  Brian stayed in Justin until his breathing recovered and then reluctantly pulled out.  Justin pushed his fingers toward Brian who licked them eagerly.

"Best breakfast ever," he remarked as he finished sucking each finger.

Justin's stomach chose that moment to growl loudly.

"Ah, but I see that we must feed your beast real food."

Justin's stomach growled a second time and they both laughed.

"I swear their really must be a beast inside you," Brain teased as he swatted Justin's ass.  "I'm taking a quick shower. Wouldn't want our guest to be jealous of my cologne, eau de Justin." 

"Anyone ever tell you that you are crude?"

"And, your point is?"  Brian got out of bed and walked to the bathroom, starting the shower for them.  "You coming?"

"I thought I just did," Justin answered, returning the playful banter.

"Yes, you did.  But are you joining me in the shower or do I have to start my day without shower sex?"

"Coming," Justin said as he made his way to the bathroom.  "But who's to say you will be having sex?  You just asked me to join you in the shower."

"Twat," Brian said as he kissed Justin when he walked into the shower.

 "Well maybe I will consent to shower sex.  After all it's the best way to start the day," Justin said as he pulled away from the kiss.  They bathed each other as was their ritual and also gave each other mutual hand jobs.  After drying and dressing they went to the kitchen where they found Daphne drinking a cup of coffee.

"I wondered if I would have to send a search party after you two.  It's after 9:00 and you never sleep this late," she teased. 

Walking up to the counter, she grabbed two mugs for coffee and poured coffee for each man.  Handing a mug to Brian, she watched as he put three sugars and two creams in his cup.  Justin placed one sugar and one cream in his and blew on it before taking a sip.  He smiled at the taste.

"You are a goddess, Daphne.  Maybe I could hire you to fix coffee every day," Brian said as he swallowed his first sip.

"No.  I think your housekeeper would be offended.  I'll keep my day job and just make you coffee when I stay over."  Her words took the playfulness out of the conversation, reminding each of them why she was gracing their kitchen in the early morning.

"What's next?  I mean the guy is in a psych ward and will be there for 3 days.  But what happens after that?  How do we protect Justin?"  Brian asked, hoping Daphne's knowledge would be beneficial in this situation.  Brian grabbed some eggs from the fridge and a bowl from the cabinet.  Justin had been hungry a few minutes ago and while the conversation was definitely more serious than their playfulness in the shower, he still had to eat. 

"There are a lot of what if's," she said as she opened the fridge taking out some cheese and mushrooms and grabbing a can of black olives from the cabinet.  She grated some fresh cheese into a bowl and cut up the mushrooms; happy that Brian and Justin always had fresh ingredients. 

"What if's?" Brian asked as he cracked the eggs into a bowl.

"The psychiatrist will evaluate Mr. Scott.  He will most likely visit with him on several different occasions. They keep the person for three days to get a good evaluation.  The first interview could be very different than the second or third one," she said as she opened the can of olives, cutting up a few and placing the remainder in a container for later use.  She made a note to tell the housekeeper they were in the fridge so she could put them in one of the dishes for later that day or tomorrow. 

"At the end of the three days, they will decide if he can be released or needs further care."  She placed spices into the mixture and handed it to Brian so he could add it to the eggs that were cooking in the fry pan.

Justin watched them, amazed at how comfortable Daphne was cooking in their kitchen, but realized that she'd been there a lot in the last few years, especially after his accident. He loved that she'd been there for both of them, but was saddened that their lives were filled with such disaster that her expertise had been needed.

"Further care?  What does that exactly mean in layman's terms?"  Justin asked as he grabbed some bread out of the bread box and popped it in the toaster; he could at least make toast.  Grabbing the orange juice out of the fridge, he poured small glasses for everyone and placed them on the table.  "And what if he doesn't need "further care" and comes back?  This is all so surreal." The smell of eggs and toast permeated the kitchen and Justin hoped breakfast would be served soon.

"Justin," Daphne said as she went to the table where Justin had seated himself and gave him a hug from behind.  "I know this is all so scary, but we are here for you and now we know who he is, we can act.  His friends are coming up today and will talk to the doctor.  I'm sure they will be there for him as well.  Now that they are aware of his delusions, they can ensure that he doesn't come back here alone.  Having someone who is aware of the situation will help a lot."  

She went to the cabinet and grabbed plates for the eggs and placed the toast on a larger plate as well.  She grabbed the butter from the fridge and placed silverware on the table.

"For now, we can't do anything.  Peter and Michael said they would call me and give me an update after they see him and talk to the doctor.  He's lucky to have friends who will come and take care of him."

Brian brought the eggs to the table and divided them up three ways.  He took two pieces of wheat toast and placed them on the plate.  Taking a bite of his eggs, he watched as Justin placed some food on his plate.  He was ready to intervene if he did not see his partner eating, but was relieved to see Justin take a few bites of the eggs.

"I thought we could go see the new exhibit at The Carnegie Museum.  You've been talking about going," Brian said.

"What about Kinnetik?  Don't you need to meet with Cynthia and Ted to talk about the interviews yesterday?" Justin said, looking at Brian and then at Daphne.

"A decision doesn't have to be made today. Kinnetik is my company, but Ted and Cynthia have a lot of input into decisions, especially this kind.  They'll talk about it between themselves and I'll talk to them later today.  Tomorrow will be soon enough to pick a candidate.  Today, I want to spend the day with you.  The last thing you need to do is sit around here and second guess your every move."

Justin ate a few bites of eggs and drank some juice.  His coffee was empty so he got up to pour himself a new cup, more for the need to get up from the table then wanting a second cup.  "I'm sorry I'm such a burden.  Maybe I should just go...."

"Justin Taylor.  You are not a fucking burden and stop fucking apologizing.  We've had a few stressful weeks and finally can see the light of day-  the creep was arrested and while he is under lock and key, I'd like to enjoy some time with you without looking over my shoulder."  Brian stood up and walked to Justin's chair, pulling it away from the table and kissing him soundly on the lips.  "Sorry is bullshit and I don't want to hear that word from your lips.  We need to spend some time together that doesn't involve reporters or the police."

Brian was frustrated with their lives and the lack of control.  He couldn't worry about who Kinnetik would hire for the art department, what the legal system would ultimately decide about "the stalker" or if Justin would ever create another work of art.  The one thing he could control was his love for Justin and he was determined to reconnect with his partner, reminding both of them that they were in a relationship which meant two people caring and supporting each other, no matter what else was happening in the world.

Justin looked down at the table and took a last bite of his toast and finished his eggs.  "Okay.  The museum sounds like fun," he said with less enthusiasm than Brian would have liked, but he realized Justin was most likely humoring him.  He needed to figure out a way to get his partner back on track, painting, visiting friends and even working on Rage.  Seeing art, even someone else's creations often got Justin in a creative mood, so he hoped this was a good way to move Justin back to his previous carefree self. 

"Daphne, can you come by tonight and give us an update on Mr. Scott?"  Brian asked as he cleared the table.

"Sure.  I've got to get going.  I've got appointments starting at 11:00." Watching her friends interact, Daphne decided she could leave Justin's in Brian's capable hands.  Daphne put her plate in the dishwasher and kissed Justin on the cheek.  She leaned down and gave Brian a kiss as well, grabbed her bag and left Britin.

Brian turned toward Justin. "Go get your wallet and phone and we'll go.  I've heard from Cynthia that the exhibit is excellent."

Justin went upstairs as Brian told him and returned a few minutes later. 

"Ok," Brian said as Justin walked downstairs.   I'll set the alarm and meet you in the garage." 

Justin got in the car and waited for Brian.  They drove into the city, neither man talking, but both lost in their own thoughts.

TBC