Justin sat on the small cot that wasn't large enough to be classified as a bunk. He shook his head in grim acceptance of his new and more isolated surroundings. There was nothing here. A makeshift bed fashioned from a small mattress, a window elevated high above that couldn't be reached; yet thankfully, a toilet and small basin in the corner. He looked around in what he construed as nothing more than a large box, a moment of amusement befalling him when he realized he could pace off miles in what would take a matter of minutes. How sad that he could find amusement in that. He was thankful that there was more light provided in this small room than he had anticipated. Justin didn't know what he had expected, he just knew that he hadn't thought to find a cell so clean and well-preserved. Perhaps he had watched too much late-night television... for this wasn't quite what he'd expected from solitary confinement. He did understand these cells most likely varied in different facilities. At this point, he figured he could only look on the bright side. Things could always be worse.

He visibly jumped when he heard the metallic clanging of the door opening. Why now? He was just adapting to his new box of a home... and he was faced with confrontations already. To no surprise, he found it to be Brandon. Justin had been more than slightly surprised when the warden had transferred him to this section. Was he that worried about his behavior? He hadn't done anything to be in this tiny little hole. Justin knew this isolation was considered to be the cruelest of torture to some prisoners. Perhaps in some institutions, but it was merely cramped in his opinion. He would survive this... and perhaps with all his free time, he could devise a way to make the arrogant warden suffer as well. As appealing as that was to him, Justin found it less than likely. Warden Kinney obviously had a heart of stone. Making him suffer was impossible.

"I brought you a present, Taylor. A couple of them, actually." Brandon looked at the unhappy prisoner, still finding himself amazed by how quickly his situation had changed.

Justin looked at him curiously, uncertain he wanted anything to do with his supposed gifts. "I'm fine... but thanks."

"So you don't want your book that you were so desperate to get from the library?" Brandon mockingly waved his book before his eyes.

Standing up from his bunk, he looked at it in an almost hypnotizing manner. "My book... I didn't think I was allowed to have it here."

"It varies. This block, regardless of it being solitary, still awards some privileges. I also brought your radio from your cell." He handed them to Justin, unable to miss the gratitude on his face.

"Thank you, Sir. I really mean it. Thank you."

"Your welcome, Justin." Brandon looked at Justin closely, his eyes really taking him in closer than what he had been so far. Faces tended to blend in after a while in this place. Brandon quickly realized that the pre-conceived notion had been a mistake in Taylor's case.

The boy was quite beautiful. He could see why the prison was in such an uproar over him... and why Brian had become instantly obsessed. Brandon knew himself very well. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that if he had the same power as the warden, he wouldn't have been able to resist the temptation of sampling him. But it wouldn't have been an isolated instance. Justin Taylor was ideal for repeated use. Despite knowing Brian's one-fuck-only policy, it was difficult to fathom him not making an exception in Justin's case. Fuck. He sure would. Brandon realized he probably hadn't dwelled much on Justin's attributes for the simple fact of knowing it to be a waste of time. One look at the warden every time this inmate came near was a clear enough message to back off. As he thought back to the meeting in Warden Kinney's office a short time ago, Brandon realized he was mistaken in something else. The warden was doing this because he felt it necessary. The want had still been in his eyes. That meant one thing - Taylor was still untouchable. As much as the idea intrigued him, Brandon valued his job and his head on his shoulders. He wouldn't cross that line.

Justin peered at the small bag his guard held. "Is that mine too?"

"Yes. It's just some basic toiletries that you are allowed to have here." Brandon handed Justin the bag. "Empty it out. I need to remove the bag from your cell."

Rolling his eyes, Justin took the bag and did as his guard told him. "Ridiculous process," he mumbled underneath his breath. "I'm not suicidal... however, I might be homicidal."

Brandon bit his lip to refrain from laughing. Such remarks should be reported, but he wasn't going to bring that to the already irritated warden's attention. It was all in bad temper... and a bit of sarcasm. He didn't take it seriously. Poor Warden Kinney. It definitely appeared as if he had burned his bridges with Justin - whether intended or not. It was a shame Justin wasn't on the outside. In a setting where it wasn't a matter of his job being on the line, he just might try to challenge the good warden for the privilege of having this beguiling blond. "I'll check in on you later. I do believe the warden intends to visit you before he leaves for the day."

Justin's back immediately tensed as he put his things away. "Thanks for the warning."

"If you need anything, just call out through the door. I'm stationed close by. I'll hear you." Brandon's eyes briefly scanned the room making certain everything was in order, before leaving as quickly as he had arrived. How he would love to have a front-row seat to the private meeting between warden and prisoner. However, this time, he had a feeling Brian would push for privacy. Looking toward the cell with infinite regret, Brandon decided he couldn't blame the warden one little bit.

Brian made his way to the isolation area of the prison, his visit here going against his own better judgment... as well as Ben's most prudent advice. Ben warned him that no good would come from this visit, unless he suddenly decided to level with Justin about the true meaning behind his new living arrangements. Brian was certain he could refrain from doing that. Too much was at stake here. Whether he wanted the fact made visible to anyone other than himself - Justin walking out of here in the same condition he arrived in, was his primary objective. Brian knew it was supposed to be maintaining the order of the prison - first and foremost. It angered him that this little blond had somehow affected him to the degree that his responsibilities took second place in his priorities. Once Justin was released, he could get his clear perspective back... and the aspect of approaching the hot little blond on the outside held a great deal of appeal as well.

Brandon nodded in greeting, more than a little surprised that Brian had held off until the end of the day for this visit. "Good afternoon, Warden. I'll open the cell for you."

"Unlock it and leave the door ajar. I don't envision Mr. Taylor trying to make a run for it." Brian smiled briefly, a smile derived from necessity and not from any sort of warmth. "Go grab a cup of coffee and take a short break. I know you haven't had many opportunities today."

"Thank you, Sir. I appreciate that." Brandon knew that wasn't why he was being given a break. He wanted to be alone with Justin. That wasn't a surprise. What was the most shocking aspect was how obvious the warden continued to be in regard to this particular inmate. It wasn't standard Kinney operating behavior - in or outside of this structure. Brandon couldn't deny being more and more intrigued about the complicated relationship that had developed between these two men. Silently, he opened the door, backing away immediately from the small opening. "Call me back if you need anything, Sir."

Brian nodded, his attention totally transfixed on the boy laying on what now constituted his bed. He quirked a brow as Justin stared stonily ahead, not even bothering to look at who had entered his cell. A brief smile passed his lips. Justin knew who was visiting him now. He just wanted to stay in as much control as possible. Brian crossed his arms against his chest, a blank look on his own face as he watched the emotions flickering across Justin's. A beautiful face even in anger, he couldn't help but reflect to himself. Brian didn't have a doubt that he was beautiful at any moment. To this date, he hadn't found a reason to question that.

Bravely, Justin broke the ice first. "As you can see; I am all adapted, Warden. No need to check on me."

Looking over his shoulder to see that Brandon was discreetly exiting the block, Brian gave Justin an admonishing look, before he mockingly answered, "Seems like someone has grown a set of balls. Quite the reversal from the boy in my office."

Justin shrugged, still looking at the wall just at the end of his small bed. "I decided the scared little boy is only causing me more problems... like you said. Perhaps a more aggressive nature won't get me in these situations."

"Really?" Brian mused doubtfully. "Quite an epiphany such a short time into your new confinement."

Sarcasm, just great. Justin forced his eyes to remain focused straight ahead and not on the beautiful, yet asshole of a warden that stood towering above him. "Perhaps that's all it takes."

Brian rolled his eyes, exasperation quickly setting in. It was fine that the little shit hated him right now... but he was the fucking warden of this institution. He would damn well respect him and his presence. "Cut the bullshit, Taylor, and fucking look at me!"

Justin turned his head on the bed, his eyes looking at the warden's agitated face. He shook his head, before saying, "I've never seen anyone rise to anger quite so fast as you do."

"What can I say? I'm very hot-tempered." Brian looked around Justin's cramped space in assessment. "Regarding your accommodations, I know it's small... but it's safe. That's the feel I was going for."

"Right. Safe." Justin stood to his feet, his blue eyes intensely probing the hazel eyes that continued to remain aloof. "I can't believe this was necessary. In fact, isn't it standard procedure to place the rule-breakers in this atmosphere... and not the ones who do nothing wrong!?"

Brian's eyes bored into the suddenly ballsy little blond. What had gotten into the boy? Didn't he realize how vulnerable he was now? Much more so than in their previous meetings. They were completely isolated. No one could see or hear them. A cruel smile twisted Brian's lips. It wasn't acceptable for him to lose control... any of it. He would have to get things back in line right now. "Taylor, I do believe we had this discussion, earlier and on other occasions regarding minding your loose tongue... and the respect I expect to receive."

Justin stood to his feet, a myriad of emotions on his face. He was hurt, angry... but most of all confused. The warden's signals continued to be conflicting. That wasn't something he was enjoying at all. "Yes, we have, Sir. But I believe you told me not too long ago that when we were alone, different rules would apply."

Keeping his expression blank and cold, Brian snapped, "I believe I told you when we were having a personal moment, just the two of us; it was never in regard to prison business."

"Oh," Justin whispered, more than slightly dejected. He looked away and off toward his window, not wanting the warden to see how his continued uncaring manner affected him. Forcing himself to pretend not to care, he shrugged his shoulders and realized he needed to get rid of him now. The last thing he wanted to do was break down in front of this man... and he knew he was so close to doing just that. So far he had convinced the warden of his bravado. If he accomplished nothing else here today, he hoped that continued. "Was there a particular reason you came down here to see me?"

Brian eyed him closely, to his irritation suddenly finding it hard to read the boy. "Could you please do me the courtesy of looking at me when you are speaking to me?"

"Certainly, Warden. You are in charge..." Justin agreed, turning his head to meet cold eyes with a blank stare of his own. He was determined to win this battle of wills; if nothing else he would break even, and not come out of it the pathetic loser.

"Indeed, I am," Brian told him softly, his eyes drilling perceptively into the blond; as always looking for any sign of weakness or rebellion. Sadly, he found neither. Right now, any sign of emotion would be appreciated. All he could see in the blank, yet still beautiful blue eyes was uncaring acceptance. He couldn't tell Justin how everything would be alright for him soon. Doing so carried far greater risks than alienating him further. Other guards would watch his cell as well. He didn't know who he could trust. For that matter, he didn't even know if he could trust Brandon completely. Brian only knew he was as close as he could come to doing so in here.

Justin looked at the warden expectantly, uncertain of how long he could effectively manage this blasé demeanor. "I haven't done something else wrong... have I?"

At that moment, Brian snapped. He began to swear repeatedly, his hand reaching up to touch the confused and entirely too desirable blond. His eyes narrowed in frustrated agony when Justin flinched backwards, anger and accusation sparkling in the beautiful depths of blue. Justin wouldn't even let him touch him now. Not even in a gesture of comfort. Fuck. What a mess. For the first time, Brian began to doubt his ability to get through to him when this was over. Ben had been right. He shouldn't have come here. All it did was make matters worse. Justin hated him... and he couldn't really say he blamed him. "I'm not going to touch you, Justin. You can relax."

"Thank you, Sir. That's the last thing I want - now..." Justin continued to meet the warden's gaze head-on, only slightly registering the flicker of pain he saw in Brian's eyes.

Brian released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He needed to get out of here before he said or did something foolish. The end was near for Justin. He couldn't risk that now. "To answer your question - no, you haven't done anything wrong. You are here because it's our best way to protect you. I know you don't understand that now... but someday you will."

"Cryptic words, Warden." Justin's tone was bitter, right now consequences not high on his list of concerns.

"I must be going." His eyes trailed slowly over Justin, knowing it would be the last time he would see him for the next few days. He hated that most of all. "If you need anything the guards will get it for you... toiletries, more books - whatever it might be. This isn't designed to be a punishment, Justin."

"Perhaps not... but that's exactly what this is, Sir." Justin's eyes became softer and more open as he looked at the man that had filled him with hope and excitement in one moment, to being hurt and disillusioned in the next. Justin knew he could have loved this man. Now, all he felt was confusion and pain. What hurt him the most was the feeling of being used. Right now, he hated himself more than his uncaring jailor. That was a feeling he knew would torment him for many days, perhaps even weeks to come.

Brian watched as Justin returned to his place on the bed, instinctively knowing at this moment, the best course of action would be to say nothing. He stepped out of the small cell, closing the door behind him, standing against the other side, waiting for Brandon to return to secure it. He could have performed that task himself, but found himself frozen when he heard the muffled sobs coming from the other side. Clenching his fists at his sides, Brian was an instant away from going back inside and divulging everything to the vulnerable and tender-hearted boy when Brandon stepped into the block. Brian knew it was for the best... yet he couldn't help feeling regret and temptation to go to Justin now.

"Is everything okay, Warden?" Brandon asked, his eyes taking in Brian's anxiety in one simple glance... not to mention the not so silent sobs coming from the other side of the door.

"Fine. He's a bit upset, but nothing unexpected." Brian pushed himself away from the door, forcing himself not to look back. As he was passing through the entryway of the cell block, he spoke in what was more of a question than a demand - "Take care of him, Brandon. Please."

Brandon's eyes widened in amazement. "Of course, Sir." He looked at the cell briefly then back at the warden. "I think we know this kid doesn't fit in here." He just watched as Brian exited the block, the warden's normally stiff shoulders not as proud and upright as usual. This relationship completely befuddled him, but he wasn't one to question it. He locked the cell door down and made a quick tour of the others in confinement further down the block. A few moments later he returned, gratified to see that Justin's sobbing had ceased. He opened the cell door, smiling at Justin when he received a glare in return. "Hey, no need for that, Taylor. I'm not the big bad warden. Okay?"

Justin laughed. "I bet you wouldn't say that to his face."

Shrugging his shoulders, yet nodding, Brandon had to agree. "You're right." He knew he was going over and beyond, and some would frown on this - namely Warden Kinney, but he couldn't help but want to make this kid feel more at ease. Not to mention another simple fact - Justin Taylor was damned easy on the eyes. "I was thinking - well, unless you have much too busy of a schedule, you might like to play some cards." He reached into his pocket and retrieved a sealed deck of playing cards.

"Busy schedule." Justin reached up to scratch his chin thoughtfully. "You know... I think I could squeeze in a game or two... or maybe even ten." Justin knew this wouldn't lessen the hurt he'd felt when Brian was here... but it was a nice diversion. Right now he would take as many of those as he could get. "Will you get in trouble for this?"

"Only if I get caught..." Brandon whispered almost conspiratorially. "You won't tell on me, will you?"

Justin shook his head. "My lips are sealed."

"Perfect..." Brandon answered, a wide smile spreading across his face as he sat down across from Justin. He realized he couldn't linger too long. This was a clear violation of ethics and safety... but he couldn't resist. The kid was not only miserable, but beautiful as well. Brandon realized this was as close to Justin Taylor he would probably ever get... but he was doing that and following Brian's request to look after him. As he looked into those soulful blue eyes, and all too tempting lips... Brandon determined being this kid's watchdog was the most pleasant and simple of tasks. In the back of his mind he could hear one voice cautioning him - would Warden Kinney feel the same toward his dedication or would it lead to even more complications? Brandon hoped he never had to worry about that.

TBC