Brian snapped his head in the direction of the nearly inaudible sound, while his hands remained secured around Michael’s neck. He faced a pair of beautiful azure orbs. He released Michael with one final push against the wall. He quickly scurried to the side of his incapacitated lover. “Hey, Sunshine,” he said with a smile. “How are you feeling?” “Like shit. I hurt all over. What the hell’s going on? Why are you trying to kill Michael, and more importantly, what the fuck are you doing here?” Justin inquired with a hint of anger and confusion in his voice. Brian was taken aback, to say the least, by his lover’s sudden outburst. “I’m here because you were hit by a fucking car, Justin,” he responded in awe. “I’m painfully aware of that. What I’m asking is what are you doing here?” “Where else do you think I’d be?” “With your dick up somebody’s ass,” Justin replied under his breath. “You know, I think we’ll leave you two to talk for minute, okay? So glad to see you finally awake, Baby,” Emmett declared as he push Deb, Jen, and Michael out the door. “Thanks, Em,” was Justin’s response before he returned his attention to Brian. Brian took this time to begin explaining. “Justin, there are some things I need to say to you and I need you to listen without interrupting me until I am finished, okay?” Justin responded with a hesitant nod. “Okay,” Brian breathed. “First of all, I love you. Let me just get that out in the open right now. I love you so much. I’ve felt something for you ever since that first night, but I know for a fact I’ve loved you since that whole Kip Thomas thing.” At this, Justin’s eyes widened, yet Brian pushed on. “Now before you say anything, I found out what you did from a very pissed off Kip. I knew then how much you really loved me and how much you were willing to sacrifice for me. It was then I knew that my feelings for you were safe. Yet, I was still scared you would hurt me in some way. Hence the zucchini man. People kept talking about how much I’d changed now that I was in a relationship and I let my ego and pride get in the way of what I really wanted and I pushed you away. It was wrong and I’ll never forgive myself for that. Now, Mikey told me what he said to you as you were leaving the Diner and I swear everything he said was a fucking lie. I didn’t take you in because I felt sorry for you. I took you in because I wanted you with me. I sleep better with you beside me and I’m generally in a better mood when you’re around. Just ask Cynthia. She knows when I walk into the office with a smile on my face that you’ve done something, consciously or not, to put me in a good mood before leaving for work. You’re the only person who makes me happy Justin. I need you with me. I really do. Another thing, before you say anything, I am capable of change. I don’t give a shit what Mikey says. He still has this mindset of a fourteen-year-old, thinking I’ll be the same forever. Well, believe it or not, I’m ready to grow up, and I want you with me for the ride. It’s amazing Mikey still doesn’t believe I can change, considering he knows full well I’ve broken every single one of my bullshit rules for you.” Justin smiled slightly at that last comment. “Now,” Brian declared, “I’m done. Anything you’d like to say Sunshine?” he asked with a smirk. “Wow,” was the first thing to enter Justin’s mind and the first to leave his lips. “Well, that’s a lot for being awake for all of five minutes,” he said with a smile. “You sure you’re ready for this, Brian?” he asked, prepared to be shot down. “Absolutely. I’m ready to be an adult and face the real world, as long as you’re there next to me,” he responded with almost childish shyness, awaiting his lover’s response. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” Justin smiled. Brian leaned down and softly captured his lover’s lips with his own. “I love you, Sunshine.” “I love you too, Bri. Now, let’s get this family reunion over with.” Brian chuckled, knowing that’s exactly what would happen. Once the rest of the family heard Sunshine was awake, they would flood in like a tsunami. He walked to the door to let Jen, Deb, and Emmett know they could go in. He didn’t even notice the absence of one Michael Novotny.