Everyone eventually left the room after over an hour of tears, hugs, kisses, and ‘I love You’s. Brian, however, refused to move. He had taken up residence in a chair next to Justin’s bed, silently demanding everyone work around him. He was encouraged by Michael, Deb, and Jennifer alike to go home and rest. His response was a fervent shake of the head. Michael attempted, once again, but was pulled back by Emmett who gave Brian a knowing, reassuring smile. It amazed Brian just how well Emmett knew him. He came to the conclusion that it was because Emmett was the only one who knew his true feelings for Justin, even before he himself did. Emmett had spent a lot of time with Justin, either at the Diner, or Woody’s, or even Babylon, talking about everything. He could tell Justin’s feelings for Brian were not merely a schoolboy crush. He was the first one to see this during that tumultuous first year before the bashing. He also was able to read how Brian acted around Justin. He could see Brian’s affection, which later turned to love. Brian made a mental note to spend more time with Emmett. So now here he was, watching the slow rise and fall of the chest of the person who had from the very beginning owned his heart. His eyes traveled to the stuffed bear resting next to his Sunshine’s golden head. He couldn’t believe the news he had received today from Mel and Lindz. How could he have never before heard this information about his son? His mind traveled to the future, seeing Gus graduate and live a happy, successful life. He believed that no matter what his son did in his life, he could not ever be more proud of him than he was right now, at the tender age of one. Brian had never seen himself as the paternal type, yet he loved his son from the moment their matching hazel eyes locked. Justin, on the other hand, it seemed, was destined for fatherhood. Even at seventeen, then eighteen, he had instantly loved Gus as his own and also seemed to know what the young infant needed at all times. Justin, Brian realized, had been in Gus’ life just as long as he had, and had definitely spent more time with him than Brian had. Yet, Justin was the only one who never criticized Brian as a parent. In fact, he voiced the opposite. Brian looked to Justin’s form and realized just how fortunate he was to have the blonde in his life. He leaned forward and whispered, “I hope you know I fuckin’ love you,” and kissed Justin’s forehead. He then leaned back in the torture device known to the hospital staff as a chair and waited for his love to awaken.