Smoldering by Tagsit

[Reviews - 149]

1. Chapter 1 - Decompose. by Tagsit [Reviews - 6] (2594 words)

If any of you read the short fic, 'Smolder' by LovelessSouls (posted on another site) you might have been as captivated as I was by the story.  I loved the premise and the author's characterizations, especially the first two chapters. I really thought the story had a lot of potential. I love the way LovelssSouls writes these characters but I wanted more of it.  I was haunted by this story - I thought about it endlessly and finally I decided I had to continue writing it in my own way. So, with the permission of the author, I am reprinting the first two chapters of this fic and then continuing it on after that point.

This is a MUCH darker fic than anything I had previously written. I hope you like it. I hope I wrote it in a way that will make LovelessSouls proud. I hope you don't all die from the angst of it all before I can get you to the inevitable happy ending. I hope that eventually, we can find world peace and everyone will live happily ever after. Ahhh! Hope! TAG

2. Chapter 2 - Waste. by Tagsit [Reviews - 4] (3155 words)

Reposted with permission of author, LovelessSouls.

3. Chapter 3 - Refuge. by Tagsit [Reviews - 2] (3961 words)

This is the first chapter that I wrote beyond what was originally done by LovelessSouls. I have occasionally quoted directly from the original story, but the essence of the story is mine from here on out. Again, this is a VERY DARK FIC! Be warned accordingly. Justin is not happy in this AU - he's been very abused and it will be up to Brian to try to help him out of the dark place that Craig has left him. Hope you enjoy this.  TAG

4. Chapter 4 - Shelter. by Tagsit [Reviews - 2] (3145 words)

Brian is starting to get a deeper look at what Justin is going through. He wants to take care of Justin - he feels compelled to care for this street kid who so desperately needs someone - but this is far outside of Brian's usual comfort zone. It will be very, VERY hard for Brian to determine what Justin needs to make him whole. Enjoy. TAG.

P.S. There are still a few quotes here from LovelessSouls. All credit for these wonderful, compelling lines goes to the original author. I'm just borrowing them to further my own story. Thank you, LovelessSouls! TAG

5. Chapter 5 - Rescue. by Tagsit [Reviews - 2] (3702 words)

Brian finds Justin and brings him back to the loft. Unfortunately, Brian still isn't really understanding what caused Justin to leave in the first place. When he finally does start to understand, it's likely to shatter his belief that he truly can help this boy. Angst to the max - warning! TAG.

6. Chapter 6 - Confusion. by Tagsit [Reviews - 4] (4196 words)

Brian begins to get some clues as to what has happened in Justin's past to cause him to be like he is. Angst warning - Again. Very dark. But, a little Gus humor is added to lighten the mood a little. Hope this isn't too overwhelming. TAG.

7. Chapter 7 - Misconception. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (3091 words)

More clues about why Justin is acting the way he is. Unfortunately, it all leads to some surprising mistakes on the parts of both boys. Hope you enjoy. TAG

8. Chapter 8 - Perception. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (4018 words)

Justin is finally provoked into starting to communicate enough that Brian begins to understand a little bit better. Can Brian convince Justin to trust in him enough to let him help? Major angst alert and totally OOC Brian warnings - Just my little fantasy about caring, protective Brian for all of you angsty die-hards. Hope you enjoy. TAG

9. Chapter 9 - Engage. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (4581 words)

Brian is working hard to find the thing that will let him break through Justin's shell and will keep him at the loft. He's getting very close. But, it's not going to be easy to combat years of psychological abuse and neglect. Go, Brian! Hope you enjoy! TAG

10. Chapter 10 - Disconnection. by Tagsit [Reviews - 5] (4532 words)

Brian is feeling rejected. Justin is feeling overwhelmed and is about to bolt. Gus to the rescue! What a threesome, huh? Plus, you get another glimpse, and a very scarey one at that, of what has happened in Justin's past. Hope you enjoy - angst and all.TAG

*** Warning - Major Angst.  Also, description of childhood psychological abuse.  ***

11. Chapter 11 - Dichotomy. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (5911 words)

The day starts out so nicely for the boys. Justin is feeling more relaxed and he decided to go with Brian to Kinnetik for the day. But the second half of the day doesn't go quite as well. Funny how that happens sometimes.

Hope you like this one. So sorry that it's a super long chapter. There just didn't seem to be a better place to break the narrative. I know you all hate when I write a lot anyway, but I guess you'll just have to deal. TAG

 

12. Chapter 12 - Resolution. by Tagsit [Reviews - 4] (4158 words)

As one of the reviews commented - we are getting progress but not complete resolution. Justin comes to a decision about whether or not to stay with Brian. But, that decision has some interesting side effects. Brian is once again put in an awkward position forcing him even more OOC. But, he handles it with aplomb as always. Go Brian!  Hope you enjoy this emotion packed chapter - I added just a sprinkling of smut for all you lusty readers, as well as a little bit of humor since I felt the need to balance out several past chapters of over the top angst. Enjoy! TAG

13. Chapter 13 - Inception. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (4184 words)

Brian is still trying to be the noble gentleman and avoid jumping Justin, but Justin isn't happy about it. Justin had a plan and Brian isn't complying with it. How can they resolve this? Brian comes up with a 'Plan' of his own - I'm not saying its a good plan, an ethical plan or even a workable plan, but it is a plan. Which is a start, right? TAG

14. Chapter 14 - Flashback. by Tagsit [Reviews - 4] (4129 words)

Brian starts with his 'alternative' form of therapy.  It doesn't go all that smoothly though. You'll see. TAG

*** Warning - graphic descriptions of child abuse ***

15. Chapter 15 - Disclosure. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (4164 words)

This chapter is the beginning of the better times for Brian and Justin - it was much easier to write and hopefully a little happier, although things are not always going to go smoothly for the boys in their new 'therapy program'. But, so far, so good. Enjoy! TAG

16. Chapter 16 - Amelioration. by Tagsit [Reviews - 4] (4712 words)

Justin is making a lot of progress and it's all thanks to Brian's patience. Not that domesticated, patient Brian is going to stay the norm, though. For now, things are going pretty well for the boys. Hope you enjoy the relatively light angst. Oh, and I threw in a nice little shower scene too, just for fun! TAG

17. Chapter 17 - Accommodation. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (4020 words)

This chapter came out more as fluff than substance. Sorry. But, I needed to get some happy feelings in here for a bit to relieve the mood before the coming angst hits hard in the next few chapters. Enjoy. TAG

18. Chapter 18 - Betrayal. by Tagsit [Reviews - 4] (5599 words)

Extra long chapter for you here. Brian is reacting, as expected, to all the domesticity from the past few days with Justin.  The incident brings up a lot of insecurities in our poor Justin.  So, the boys are finally going to have to start dealing with the tougher questions now.  Lots of issues to deal with.  Can Brian handle it all?  We'll see.  Read on!  TAG

19. Chapter 19 - Discourse. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (3965 words)

Lots of dialog and lots of angst - take warning! Justin's still not through with his 'mad' and he's really taking it out on Brian. Brian is being remarkably open and understanting about it all too. What's with that? Anyway, the boys are getting into the nitty gritty of what is bothering Justin. Read to see what they discover. TAG

20. Chapter 20 - Gratification. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (3691 words)

Per Reader Linda's request, we have a small pleasant interlude for you before more angst. Justin gets his first ever paycheck and has absolutely no idea what to do with it. Plus, a little Gus time. Enjoy! TAG

 

21. Chapter 21 - Adumbration. by Tagsit [Reviews - 4] (4606 words)

Lots of foreshadowing of what's to come. Warning - some cute Gus moments included. Hope you enjoy. TAG

 

22. Chapter 22 - Catharsis. by Tagsit [Reviews - 4] (2836 words)

We are reaching a climax here together, readers! Aren't you excited! Sorry about a shorter than usual chapter, but it kinda had to end where it did - you'll see why. Lots of Angst mixed in with Lots of Cute Gus moments in this chapter so be warned. But, for Flossee and any others who can only take so much Gus cuteness before their gag reflexes kick in, you should know that if you can only make it through this one more chapter then Gus's role will have been fulfilled and he'll be much scarcer for the rest of the story. Hope you all enjoy! TAG

23. Chapter 23 - Revelation. by Tagsit [Reviews - 4] (3861 words)

When I was writing this chapter, I remember thinking: 'Ack! Somebody stop me. I just can't stop writing this fic. It's taking over my life.' I got very good at typing my stories on my Iphone using the Google Docs app during my breaks and lunches and bus rides. Plus, it helps if you just can't sleep because you're too excited about writing. One big revelation here - but thanks to Justin's new attitude, ala Gus, he's not freaking out over it the way he might have at the beginning of the week. More revelations to come, hot and heavy, in the next few chapters. Other things are likely also to be cuming hot and heavy, but you'll see that for yourselves as you keep on reading! Enjoy! TAG

24. Chapter 24 - Restoration. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (3303 words)

Can't sleep. Have to keep writing. So tired.. . . . Very important chapter here. Justin is getting so much closer to a stable life. Brian still has a lot to do though to get Justin to where he can be a confident, whole person again.  He's trying to restore a life to Justin, little piece by little piece. It may even work. Hope you enjoy! TAG

*** Chapter dedicated to my Banner Goddess, Marny - Hope I get this posted in time so it's there for you when you wake up dear.  Good Morning! ***

25. Chapter 25 - Percipience. by Tagsit [Reviews - 4] (4473 words)

Are you ready for the big night? Brian is. He's got a ridiculously romantic DATE planned. Yes, I said it - realizing that it's OOC and everything - Brian's taking Justin on a DATE. But, if Brian were going to take Justin on a date, I just know he'd go totally overboard and do it magnificiently, right? Well, here's my version of what Brian MIGHT do if he were so inclined. Hope you enjoy. TAG

 **** Warning - Ridiculously Romantic Drivel complete with possible sentimentalism and maybe even true emotion. Read at your own risk!! ****

26. Chapter 26 - Recovery. by Tagsit [Reviews - 4] (4021 words)

This is for Charming1 - Not satisfied with a light, fluffy, romantic chapter, huh? Well, here's your rauchy, filthy, sweaty for you. Next time, have a little more faith - I'll get you there, Baby! Hope you enjoy! TAG

27. Chapter 27 - Betterment. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (4538 words)

Okay - It's a little bit schmoopy but with just enough smut thrown in to keep my critics happy, I hope. Please don't be too mean to my OOC Brian - he really is trying to be a heartless asshole but it's tough with a beautiful naked Justin around all the time. Still having trouble coming up with good ways to keep them out of bed now that they've fallen into it.  Keep those ideas coming, readers.  Hope you all enjoy. TAG

28. Chapter 28 - Alterations. by Tagsit [Reviews - 4] (5330 words)

Lots of big changes in this chapter and those coming.  Will Brian adjust to the idea of Justin living with him full time.  Will Justin ever become fully comfortable with who he is and the concept that he is a person in his own right.  We'll answer these questions and many more in the next episode of  . . . .  Smoldering.  TAG

*** Warning - Topsy! Justin scene - Don't like, then don't read! ***

29. Chapter 29 - Ensnared. by Tagsit [Reviews - 2] (4372 words)

Everyone's heading for a trap. Brian's already been captured by Justin - that's a given - but now Justin might just be trapped into having to deal with his mother before he's ready. And Craig is walking into his own, very personalized trap. Just look at little old me - the Spider - luring them all into my web of traps. He he he. I'm doing the evil laughter thing while I write... TAG

30. Chapter 30 - Discord. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (4074 words)

You knew things couldn't keep going that smoothly, didn't you? Nothing is that easy with our boys. Unfortunately. Really, what did Brian think would happen if he took Justin out to Babylon? . . . You'll see. Enjoy! TAG

31. Chapter 31 - Fallacious. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (3420 words)

It's a very angsty resolution to last chapter's cliff hanger. I'm not sure how well you will like it. I expect to see LOTS of 'Poor Justin' comments. Can't wait to see how you all like this one. TAG

32. Chapter 32 - Logic: Part I by Tagsit [Reviews - 2] (4308 words)

Daphne to the Rescue! With her keen mind and sharp wit, Daphne Chanders can topple even the biggest load of Bulls**t! Watch her work, ladies and gentelmen. Enjoy! TAG

33. Chapter 33 - Logic: Part II by Tagsit [Reviews - 4] (4419 words)

Watch Daphne take on the Big Bad Brian.  See him cower in abject fear of her mighty powers of logic. Run! Hide, Brian. You are no match for . . . The Daphne! (Or for your own emotions, you big dolt!) Hope you enjoy! TAG

34. Chapter 34 - Reunification. by Tagsit [Reviews - 2] (3800 words)

Finally, Justin and Jennifer meet. I don't think it's going to be as easy as Jennifer thinks though to just get right back into her son's life. We'll see. Hope everyone enjoys! TAG

**** Chapter dedicated to reader DavidR, who was onto me from the start with the whole 'Meeting Jennifer at the Diner' plot twist, even though I tried to convince him otherwise. How'd you see that coming? ****

35. Chapter 35 - Divulgence. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (4084 words)

This chapter has a little for everyone, I hope.  A little bit of light hearted fun for the boys first. Then, a little bit of smut for my hard core readers who were missing that element in the past few chapters. And, then the angst when Brian finally finds out the worst thing that Craig did to Justin - as if he didn't have enough reason before to drag the monster into financial ruin and public notariety. Hope you enjoy. TAG

36. Chapter 36 - Machinations. by Tagsit [Reviews - 4] (4318 words)

OOOOOOHHHHHH! The plot thickens - very, very thickly now. Brian's schemes are going so well. Everything looks like its going to be a piece of cake. Craig is going down and so far Brian has steered clear of any problems. Mwa ha ha. Not likely! Get ready for all that foreshadowing you've picked up on my dear readers to start to come to fruition. Can't wait to hear the reviews I get after this chapter!  He he he. Enjoy! TAG

37. Chapter 37 - Repercussions. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (3375 words)

Here it is - all the repercussions of Brian's evil machinations are coming back to bite him in the a**. Hope you enjoy! TAG

38. Chapter 38 - Deliverance. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (4123 words)

Welcome to the Continuing Adventures of Brian Kinney and his amazing pants-free rescue attempt. Enjoy! TAG

39. Chapter 39 - Confrontation. by Tagsit [Reviews - 4] (3729 words)

The conclusion to the hospital scene. For all you 'Hate Craig' folks, this one's for you. Enjoy! TAG

40. Chapter 40 - Trusting. by Tagsit [Reviews - 3] (6651 words)

Why is it so hard to write the end of a story? There's this almost physical aversion to sitting down at the computer to write the story after you get through the big climax. I did manage to write a bit more, but I'm still not quite done yet. Mostly, I just felt like writing lots and lots of smut so I could avoid finishing the plot. I know you will all hate that, but oh well. Enjoy! TAG.

41. Chapter 41 - Compensation. by Tagsit [Reviews - 2] (4387 words)

Just a short little follow up chapter. I hope you enjoy the little nuggets of humor I tucked into this wrap up chapter. Enjoy! TAG

42. Chapter 42 - Identity. by Tagsit [Reviews - 4] (4369 words)

It was so hard to write this final chapter. I didn't want to see the story end. It turned out really, really great though, so even though it's almost midnight here, I just had to post it right away.

***Warning: Lots of Sentimental drivel ahead. Plus a little bit of smut, too!***

I hope you all like the resolution I've given our boys. Enjoy!   TAG

43. Epilogue. by Tagsit [Reviews - 9] (5478 words)

Here it is folks - All wrapped up with a neat little bow. Hope you like it.  Thanks to all my devoted and inspiring readers. I wouldn't have done it without your encouragement. Enjoy! TAG