AU after Season 4. The year Justin turns 23, he and Brian get the news that over the next year he's going to gradually lose all of his hearing. The series tracks the next three years of their life as they manage their new reality, after-effects of the bashing, their eventual move to New York, and their ever-evolving relationship. Told in first-person chapters from their points of view and some outsiders, with some angst, a lot of hurt/comfort, and loads of humor. Never any big relationship drama, and no one ever takes themselves too seriously.

Summary: That which does not kill us..

Timeline: Post 513. All canon assumed. Spoilers for all seasons.

Warnings: Strong language. Explicit sexual content depending on the chapter.

Disclaimer: I own nothing except my thoughts, and even then sometimes, I rent. All recognizable characters are the property of CowLip and Showtime. 

Author's Note: This is a work in progress. I am a slow writer - there's no getting around that - but I promise that it will be completed. Comments feed the muse. Just sayin'.

4/8/22  So. That author's note was written a long, long time ago. I wrote it with the best of intentions, I swear. But life happened, and for reasons I won't go into here, I couldn't bring myself to continue writing a story with this subject matter. But that little folder has lived on my desktop for all this time, and I have never forgotten where I left our boys. And so, one day a month or so ago, I opened it up and spent some time reminding myself just how much I love Brian and Justin and Queer As Folk. I still have reservations writing about cancer for 'entertainment'. I am no medical professional, nor have I personally experienced anything like what Brian is going to go through. But I've done more research for this than anything else I've ever done, and I've tried to treat it with the sensitivity and respect it deserves. Please forgive any inaccuracies.

I don't even know if anyone will give it a chance again, but I owe to those of you who trusted me and read it all those years ago (and to the boys) to keep my word and try to finish this beast. I hope you'll join me.

It takes place during the first season ... Justin has problems at home and runs to Brian, who tries to deal with his feelings...

Synopsis: After Rage party. Ethan never happened. It seems to be the theme with my stories so just run with it. Justin walked away when he saw Brian with Rage. 

The title of this story is based on my all-time favorite song from QAF It’s called Underworld by Sola Sistim. 

Review, and remember to be kind!

I sigh and tip my chair back so I can rest my back against the wall, mostly because I want to fidget. Because I’m sitting alone in an exam room in the NewYork-Presbyterian emergency room, waiting for someone to wheel Gus back in -- and for someone to tell me what the fuck’s going on.

***

Gus is admitted to the hospital. Brian and Justin clash over the best ways to be there for him.

Justin regrets leaving Brian the moment he turned his back. He had this wild notion that Brian would come after him. He deluded himself into thinking that Ethan loved him. All Justin wanted was to feel loved. But shortly after he moved in with Ethan, he started changing. He knew it was happening, but he couldn't get himself out of it. He fell down a rabbit hole of depression, fear and humiliation. How does he get away from Ethan?

Justin is feeling down. Brian wants to help.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Justin felt like being stuck at home alone with Brian had been a blissful blessing in disguise. 

Several months into it? Not so much.

No one:
Absolutely no one:
Absolutely no one who has ever lived:Me:
What if I rewrite the entire series but give Justin cystic fibrosis?

There’s a new member in the Kinney-Taylor household who is constantly getting in the way of all things in Brian’s life. I will let the banner speak for itself.

These are the works from Intersect Interactive, a Tumblr that will have one-shots, drabbles, deleted scenes, and answers to questions and requests pertaining to the Intersect Universe. Stories written will not give spoilers on future chapters or sequels to Intersect or its sequels. See story notes for more details.

This is a sequel to Back for Good. Three years after Justin has forgiven Brian for keeping their son Luke a secret from him and Brian and Justin gave their relationship another try they are happy with their relationship and their children Gus and Luke. Or aren't they? What does fate have in store for them now?

This story is finished and will be updated regularly!

Everything was perfect.

Brian and I were finally together in New York, making both of our dreams come true. I was working from a spacious, comfortable studio in SoHo, and the first show of my return to the city was scheduled for the following weekend. Brian was out with a real estate broker, looking at potential office spaces for the soon-to-be New York expansion of Kinnetik. We had wedding rings on our fingers, having finally tied the knot a few years before, in front of all of our family and friends in Pittsburgh.

Our lives were full of new and exciting opportunities, both professionally and personally. I felt like everything was falling into place in a nice, neat, orderly fashion, one piece after another.

Then, I had the misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. And the puzzle that was my life -- so carefully and painstakingly assembled over the years -- was picked up and thrown to the ground, scattering the pieces everywhere.

And everything wasn’t so perfect anymore.

As 18-year-old Gus leaves Pittsburgh to go out of state for college, he leaves behind some unresolved issues concerning his dad's failed relationship. After a chance encounter at a café in Brooklyn, Gus decides to take action and help the people he cares about.

“I’m sorry,” Brian repeated, his tone serious and deliberate. “For a lot of things over the last two days. I… I didn’t know what to do with what happened before I left Pittsburgh, and I wasn’t ready to talk.” He paused, sighing. “And I don’t know how to lie to you. I haven’t for a long time, and you know that. So sometimes, it’s easier to piss you off, so you’ll leave me alone until I find enough of my remaining ball to face you -- as irrational as I know that sounds.”

“Or,” Justin said, a small smile playing on his lips, “you could say, ‘Hey Justin, I’ve got something on my mind that I’m not ready to talk about, and I need a little space.’” He gave his husband a meaningful look before continuing. “Brian, I know what you’re doing when you do it now… But what I don’t understand is why, almost two decades into our relationship, you still think the solution to anything is to push me away -- if for no reason other than it won’t fucking work.”

***

Brian gets some unexpected and difficult news and turns to his usual coping strategies. Justin knows better.

No one had been more shocked than Brian when Melanie, of all people, had suggested that, since she didn't really celebrate Christmas, but J.R. was heading to Pittsburgh to be with her dads, perhaps Brian and Justin would rather come to Toronto to have a more subdued celebration with Lindsay and Gus.

"Lindsay never really gets to enjoy the decorations she puts up, since we're rushing around and then traveling during this time," Mel had explained. "I just thought it would be nice if you and Justin wanted to come to our place instead… You know, let Linds and Gus go all out, and then have a nice quiet holiday at home." 

"Quiet" was all Brian needed to hear before he agreed. 

***

Brian and Justin travel to Toronto to spend Christmas with a small part of their chosen family.

Justin returns from working on Rage in LA and becomes depressed and must also face his largely untreated PTSD from the bashing. AU from 501. This series follows Justin and Brian as they navigate mental health diagnoses and treatment. Alternating first person POV with the focus always on Brian and Justin's relationship and their evolving dynamics - both as individuals and as a couple - as they navigate learning to manage chronic mental illness. Angst and Emotional Hurt/Comfort with themes of hope while challenging stigma around mental health.

Never in my life will I forget your presence. You found me torn apart and you took me back full and complete.
-Frida Kahlo

NOW COMPLETE!

Brian’s lost in a downward spiral since Justin’s bashing left him in a coma. But they share a love that refuses to die. Now they just need to find their way back to one another.

Brian Kinney is the editor of "Out & Proud," a well-known gay publication. Justin Taylor is a brilliant young journalist working for the same publication and Brian's life partner.  During their ongoing search for new, interesting items to write about, Brian sends Justin to meet with Vic Grassi, who was one of the prominent figures of gay life in the Pitts in the 1970's and 1980's.  Justin is somewhat reluctant to take the assignment at first, but after he learns more about Vic and his fascinating life story —as well as his special bond with Brian — he's more inspired than ever before.

I was in Atlanta when I first started noticing the strange, intermittent numbness and tingling in the fingers of my right hand. I was finishing up some paperwork, and I was having a hard time holding onto the pen, though at the time I thought it was just because I couldn't feel my fingers in the way that I was used to. I knew I'd been pushing myself too hard, spending too much time working on my laptop and not enough time doing yoga, so I thought it was probably just stress. I needed a break, although I wasn't sure when I was going to get one, because I was only scheduled to have two days at home before I had to leave again to travel to Dallas.

***

Rob has a health scare that leads him to reevaluate his life. Brian helps support him along the way.

Brian seems obsessed with a young blond twink and Justin really doesn’t like it.

Here I go with my first multi-chaptered story in over 3 years.  I really hope you will enjoy it.  Some time ago someone suggested the idea of turning around the series plot involving the Prom bashing 180 degrees, and then seeing what might have happened if it was Brian who was Hobbs' victim rather than Justin.  I found the idea intriguing, so I'm going with it.  Of course there will be drama and angst, but just remember how my stories end up and take heart.  So without delay, here is the beginning of a whole new light on the love story of Brian and Justin.  

But first, of course, I must give my undying appreciation to my dear Judy for her beta help.  And a special appreciation to the very talented and thoughtful Kim (Predec2) for the evocative banner for my story.  I love you girls dearly.

An alternate ending to season two and how Justin and Brian could have avoided the break-up.

Sequel to "Simple and Straightforward"

--------------

Counting down the days until Brian’s final radiation treatment was like counting down to normalcy -- at least, as normal as their life together ever had been or could be. At the very least, it would be an end to the runaway roller coaster ride of the last six weeks. Life had been speeding through a shitload of twists and turns, dragging a breathless Justin and Brian along for the white-knuckled ride as they both struggled to make sense of the scenery flying by.

This story was written in July 2018.

This was why he didn’t do boyfriends. He didn’t do love. He didn’t do commitment. Because when you do boyfriends...love...commitment...you let yourself get attached. When you do boyfriends, you hope and pray they won’t ever leave you. Because if they do, you’ll feel like your soul has been torn out and you have nothing left to live for.

**************

This is a song fic based on Lifehouse's "Flight." It takes place shortly after the series finale.

It was the second fic I wrote for the QAF fandom in July 2018.

How will Justin and Brian spend their time on Valentine's Day?

Craig Taylor leaves his son a letter explaining his cruel actions during his life. It's up to Justin if can ever forgive him for the way he was treated.

Last Christmas I gave you my heart, but the very next day you gave it away. Inspired by the song Last Christmas from Wham, also I wrote this after watching Call Me By Your Name.

A fic with random moments in the series where Justin wants to show Brian that being all "couple-like" doesn't have to be so bad.
And in all secrecy: Brian likes it, even if he doesn't show it.

20 year old Justin Taylor is a college student bullied for over a year by his homophobic classmate Chris Hobbs. Mockeries, insults and humiliations are his daily life.

25 year old Brian Kinney is an ad exec during the day and an advisor at the gay helpline "Keep holding on" by night, since a drama changed his life 9 years ago.

Little does Justin know that one call, one night, would maybe change his life...

Story will be updated once a week

One shot. Set 25 years post-series. Standalone fic.

How do you feel your way through the darkness once the sun has gone out?

Brian's journey into the light.

Major character death. You'll want some tissues.

Sequel to "Once Upon A Time." 

It's been a year since Justin Taylor, a young under butler arrived at Britin manner in Pennsylvania. While Justin slowly adjusts to his new status as Master Kinney's close companion and lover, Brian learns to trust and love again.

An unexpected guest appears in Britin on one October day and puts all of Brian and Justin's love and trust to the test.  Who will prevail? *STORY IS NOW COMPLETE!*

Brian Kinney is a professional escort with a clients list that includes most of Pittsburgh's gay, wealthy men.

Justin Taylor is a wealthy, young, handsome gallery owner from NYC who hires Brian for a one night stand at his hotel room while on a business trip to Pittsburgh.

Where will they both go from here? *STORY IS NOW COMPLETE!*

Brian and Justin spend their last night together before Justin heads for New York. What were their thoughts during that time?  Ep. 513 Gap Filler.

The first time Debbie Novotny heard about Brian Kinney, Michael was in the eighth grade. It was just after spring break. He’d come home from school chattering away excitedly about the new boy in his class who’d just moved to Pittsburgh from some town she couldn’t remember. All through dinner it was Brian this, and Brian that. Michael was clearly enamored with this Brian kid.

Justin Taylor is a young under butler at Master Brian Kinney's estate in the late 1880's in Pennsylvania. Brian keeps  a painful, dark secret from his past. Could a chance encounter between the master and the under butler on a cold, October night lead to a brighter future?

Justin returns to Pittsburgh for Christmas after his first year spent away from Brian in New York, and discovers that Brian has been keeping something from him.

This is the first year of life for the Taylor-Kinney sextuplets.

This story is a WIP and will be updated when possible.

Brian is a career man who doesn’t have time for any kind of socializing. That includes going to clubs and tricking. He has devoted his life to his work and only work. But one day he’s forced to go to his boss’s and his wife’s fortieth anniversary party with a date. Yes, the date will be Justin, that’s a given. Their boss is a hopeless romantic and thinks Brian and Justin are very much in love. But Justin can’t stand Brian and Brian is a very cold person who doesn’t care about other people’s feelings.

This story is now finished!

Sequel to Stitch by Stitch. Nobody has seen or heard from Michael in years... until now.

Justin has returned from NY. He and Brian are ready to start their own family.

Daphne catches Brian on one of his nights playing vigil at Justin's hospital door. Feelings are revealed.

This is part 3 of the Heels Over Head series. 

Both Brian and Justin stress out about confessing their sins…

Brian and Justin are in a relationship for 6 months but their couple is in shambles. Their sex life is the biggest problem. Brian is losing his mind as Justin is pushing him away, feeling not comfortable with intimacy.

For not losing his lover, Justin takes him on a special couple retreat in the hope to bring the couple close again.

Will the couple be able to overcome their problems and find their way back to each other?  What make Justin so uncomfortable with intimacy?

STORY IS NOW COMPLETE.

Thanks to Alois for the great banner :-)

After Justin Taylor gets his heart broken by famous Hollywood actor Brian Kinney, he finds that having famous friends comes with a price.

Brat with a big attitude, answers to name Justin Taylor. Blond, blue eyes, short, very snappy, might bite. For any sightings call Brian Kinney 754-4131. Reward: 500$.

Post-513. When Justin’s travel plans take an unexpected turn due to weather and he falls ills, Brian is there to help. 

Set a few months post S5. Justin is in New York. He gets a phone call from his mother that precipitates a bit of a crisis.

Mystic is a small village near the ocean, which makes it the perfect romantic getaway. Justin takes Brian on a holiday where they have an appointment with a couple therapist to rekindle the fire. Brian is all against it. Justin is at the end of his patience. Their marriage is in shambles. Their therapist does his best to salvage their relationship and remind them all the reasons they fell in love with each other.

This is part 2 of the Heels Over Head series. 

Justin panics after watching the bashing…

Brian's offer to help his partner has some unforeseen consequences. 

Sequel to The Buzz of the Wasp.  Luther gathers enemies of Brian, Justin and Zee...yes includng those two...to seek revenge for his humiliation.

He thinks he's got game he is so very wrong!

Sequel to HIDDEN? Brian and Justin just had a new baby and are fighting over the sex. Boy or Girl? Twins, Triples, Single? And someone from the past wants to make amends with Justin.

Sequel to Whispers are as Loud as a Shout...Lindsay and Michael combine forces...big mistake...huge!

After Justin moved to New York in 513, he cut off all ties with his family in Pittsburgh. What happens now, five years later, when he comes into contact with Brian and tells him the reason he left?

Brian reveals a dark secret about his past to Justin...

After a lifetime of crime and only each other could former foster kids Justin and Daphne change their ways? But most importantly do they even want to? Could they leave their fast and furious lives for the simple and domestic, when they're both borderline psychopaths? And what does billionaire Brian A. Kinney have to do with all of this?

A series of drabbles about coming of age, and dealing with real life issues…
Categories: QAF-U.S. FICTION, Alternate Universe, Angst, Drabbles, Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Real Life Issues Characters: Brian, Gus
Challenges: None
Series: None
Chapters: 11 Completed: No Word count: 10629

Justin moves to New York. He runs into an old acquaintance of Brian's, who is going to play a big role in their relationship, testing its strength. It's one of the most emotional stories I've written so far.

Another work fic but not really the most cliché one.

Ethan is condescending towards Justin during his panic attack.

Justin’s mom died on his eleventh birthday. His dad, Craig married Debbie and he moved to Debbie’s house in New York. He and his stepbrother Michael didn’t go along. One day he met a young singer Brian Kinney and fell in love with the handsome brunet, only to get hurt over and over.