As she watched Brian walk away, Jennifer sighed. Robert turned to her and said, "Is that the Brian?" "The one and only", she confirmed. While Jennifer understood why Brian had left, she wished he would have stayed. Brian had always been so good at taking care of Justin, and being able to read his needs. Robert and Jennifer went back into Justin's room, hoping that his attitude had improved. Brian sat on the airplane and downed his drink. The stewardess attentively replenished his glass. First class did have its advantages, he thought. Brian replayed the recent scenario in his mind. Boy what a fool he was, thinking that Justin might need him. Brian hadn't been involved in a relationship since Justin's departure. Sure he still tricked, but not even on a regular basis anymore. He found that no one measured up to his Sunshine. Now to find out that Justin was with someone, he oddly felt betrayed. Seeing Robert, took Brian back to the days of Ethan. All of his insecurities had surfaced when Justin chose Ethan over him. Remembering the pain Brian promised himself, 'I'm never going to let him hurt me like that again. Let his boyfriend take care of him. He's not my responsibility anymore', Brian reasoned. He spent the entire flight home trying to convince himself that he was doing the right thing. Over the next six weeks, Jennifer stayed in New York to be near Justin. Not wanting to repeat a past mistake, Jennifer told her son that Brian had immediately flown to New York to check on him when he heard the news. "Why didn't he visit me?", Justin asked. "Never mind. I wouldn't want him to see me like this anyway." Jennifer would never understand their relationship. They both obviously still cared for each other. Justin was relieved Brian didn't see him in his pathetic state. He certainly didn't want his former lover's pity or sympathy. He couldn't handle it, especially not now. Jennifer called Brian every week to inform him of Justin's condition. Brian always politely offered his help, but Jennifer never took him up on it. The only thing that she did ask him to do, was to check in on Molly (who was staying with Debbie) once in a while. Every time Jennifer hung up the phone she felt conflicted as to whether or not she should have told Brian about Justin's mental state. Justin was exhibiting angry outbursts, and signs of depression. The doctor had wanted to prescribe an anti-depressant, but Justin refused. Although Brian didn't call Justin, or visit him, he kept close tabs on his progress. He had found out who his doctors were, and how many times he went to each therapy. Brian had also done a little research on Justin's so called boyfriend. The young man who had replaced him in Justin's heart, appeared to be an authentically nice guy. He was also educated, and well respected in his field. Brian felt better knowing that Justin was with someone that he deserved, and treated him well. The time came for Justin to be released from the hospital. Brian had been made aware of the exact day Justin was to be discharged to go home. He also knew (because Jennifer had told him), that Robert would be living with Justin, and taking care of him. Jennifer had finally left New York, and gone back to the Pitts, having made the necessary arrangements for someone to always be there for her son. A nurse would be provided for when Robert was at work, and Justin would receive his therapies as an outpatient. The occupational and physical therapy sessions were scheduled to be continued in his home. Justin was in a dark place. He didn't even try to hide it. Life had dealt him a raw deal again. On top of his physical condition, Justin was also diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury. While he was glad to know that there was a label to the way he was feeling, it didn't help ease the symptoms. People afflicted with this condition often exhibited behavioral or mood changes, trouble with memory and concentration, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, depression, word finding problems, increase in confusion, restlessness, and loss of coordination. Unfortunately for Justin he seemed to be experiencing most, if not all of these. There was also the frightening possibility of a seizure. When Robert decided to live with Justin full time (because he already spent most of his time at Justin's apartment) he braced himself for the worst. Justin had been next to impossible to deal with in the hospital, and this only continued once he returned to his apartment. For now, Robert was just thankful to have the man he loved home. He remained patient and loving, and always tried to view things through Justin's perspective. Justin, on the other hand, was demanding, moody, difficult, and negative. It was still hard for Robert to see his boyfriend like this. Justin had been so kind and loving before the accident. But Robert tried his best to cope with this new person Justin had become. Robert had been caring for Justin for two stressful months. He was exhausted physically and emotionally. Things had not gotten better, as he had hoped they would. Although Robert still loved Justin, he knew he couldn't do this anymore. After a particularly bad day, he told Justin that he made a decision. He was too young to be tied down like this. Robert loved him, but couldn't take the abuse any longer. He was sorry, but he was leaving as soon as Justin made other provisions for his care. Justin wasn't surprised at all. He knew it was a matter of time before he drove Robert away. He really couldn't blame him. After speaking to Jennifer that night, he realized that he had no other choice, but to return to Pittsburgh, and live with his mother. His only request was that Jennifer not tell anyone just yet, for his own personal reasons, to which she reluctantly agreed. The following day, Justin was being wheeled by a steward to the plane. He hated this feeling of helplessness, and having to rely on other people. But even more than that, he dreaded the idea of going back home, and facing his family and friends, especially Brian.