Justin has grown up in a very different household than seen in canon. He is living on the streets when he is found by the Liberty Diner gang and is rescued - malnourished, exhausted and ill - and taken home by Brian. Can Justin be brought out of this hell he's been resigned to by his hateful father? Can Brian find the one thing that will make Justin whole again?

This story is based on a prior fic - 'Smolder' - by LovelessSouls.  All credit for the haunting story premise goes to the original author, as well as my thanks for letting me repost the first two chapters of that story.

I am a sucker for "Brian in Peril" stories and this is one of the best I've read. The author does a great job dissecting Brian's complex mind. Phenomenal writing, interesting premise, and a satisfying ending. Can't ask for much more! -charming1

After Justin leaves for New York, the remaining members of the Liberty Avenue family go about their everyday lives, never suspecting that something serious is happening to Brian. When the realization hits, they find that everyone's lives are irrevocably altered.

Post 510.

Brian and Justin both have encounters in the wake of the Babylon bombing and face their fears. 

Includes a very minor canon character.  

Michael wants Justin to leave Brian.

Justin is kidnapped and later Brian is kidnapped.

(Brian & Justin do not 'meet' in this story. This is the story of why they didn't meet in 101.)

Brian suddenly becomes a father to Gus when Lindsay and Melanie die in a car accident. Because Brian was not there to meet him, Justin goes home, but later, in different circumstances he is bashed by Chris Hobbes. This is their story prior to their 'official' meeting which happens in the sequel.

Gus and JR are moved back to Pittsburg.

SUMMARY:  That damned Showtime channel and their time limits. Due to circumstances beyond their control (I'm sure), Cowlip et al were exceedingly surprised when the finale of QaF was cut short by a few minutes. It changed everything and, boy, were they pissed. But... what were a couple of rich, influential producers of a successful ground breaking hit show to do? Apparently, nothing. The milk had been spilled, the cart overturned, the bridge burned... But, here is how the ending was ACTUALLY filmed. (I swear, this is true. I heard it from a friend who has a cousin who works with this guy who dated a celluloid vault-keeper's sister...)    

Everyone knows that Brian Kinney does not do Christmas. 

What happens if he's forced?  Will things get weird?

Summary:

POST SERIES AU chronicling the highs and lows of Brian and Justin's attempt to keep their long distance romance going. Will they find out that they are stronger together or more productive apart?  

Justin Taylor is a former marine, discharged after three tours in Iraq. He’s struggling to find his feet in the civilian world he has returned to and decides to go in search of the unknown man whose photo he believes was his good luck charm during the war. His search takes him to Pittsburgh where he meets Brian Kinney, who’s busy dealing with his own demons. Together the two men might be able to heal each other. Inspired by the movie/book of the same name.