Justin stood there silent and unmoving. Brian shook him by the shoulders and said, "Did you hear me Justin, I said you're free." Justin blinked and seemed to come back to earth. He stared at Brian incredulously. "I'm getting released from prison, this Friday?" "You've got it Sunshine. Congratulations." Justin exclaimed "Oh my God", and pulled Brian into a bear hug. Brian chuckled and quipped, "I better go back to my office and get to work on the details of your release." Justin loosened his vise like grasp, allowing Brian to slip out of his embrace. "Later" he chimed as he made his escape. Brian was truly happy for Justin. Good for him, he never should have been in this awful place to begin with. Brian was determined to keep his promise to Justin. He had assured the boy that he would find him a job, and a place to live. Brian didn't have to think about it too long before he picked up the phone, and made a call. "Hi Deb, it's me." "Hey kiddo, what have you been up to?", the red haired woman asked. "That's precisely the reason I called. Listen Deb, I need your help with something..." Debbie Novotny was more of a mother to Brian than his own mother had been. She was his best friend's mother, and she knew him since he was 10. Debbie was a big hearted woman, with a warm, vivacious nature, and an infectious smile. She owned a diner in the heart of Greenwich Village. Her son Michael was gay, and her brother Vic was gay too. Brian sometimes thought that Debbie would jump at the chance to be a gay man if she could. She was the ultimate fag hag. Once Brian had explained Justin's plight, Debbie was more than eager to offer her assistance. The studio apartment in her small but quaint house, had been vacant for months. She had decided after a disastrous experience with her last tenant not to rent it out at all. Debbie made a comfortable living with the diner, and she didn't really need the extra income. She especially didn't need the headaches. Debbie loved Brian like a son, and trusted his judgement. She would take this boy Justin in, and give him a job at the diner, and cook hot meals for him. Debbie missed taking care of Michael, and relished the thought of having someone else to fuss over and mother. She was Italian after all, and taking care of others was ingrained in her since birth. Everything was set. Justin would work part-time at the diner, and attend classes at the local University. Brian felt at ease knowing that Justin would be living and working in a gay friendly neighborhood. At least he wouldn't have to go crazy worrying about the boy. The day had come. Justin's papers were processed, and he was being released in one hour. Brian arranged for a cab to take Justin to Debbie's house. Brian knew that he would have to say goodbye to Justin, but was dreading it. The kid was young, and had his whole life ahead of him. He didn't want Justin to feel indebted to him in any way. Brian wanted Justin to experience life. He wouldn't stop him from becoming the man he was destined to be. Justin had conflicting emotions. On the one hand, he was excited about leaving Riker's to begin his new life. But on the other hand, he was anxious about being in the real world and dealing with real life issues on his own. Justin wasn't sure if he knew how to act around people anymore. He was full of insecurities. Justin was also unsure of what would become of his relationship with Brian. However, it was time to get his answer. Brian hugged Justin, squeezing him tightly to his chest. "Make me proud Sunshine." He threaded his fingers through the boy's silky hair, and expounded a wistful sigh. When Brian relinquished his grip, Justin could see that his eyes were misty. At that moment, Justin realized that Brian was imparting a final goodbye to him. Justin sniffled to stop the tears that started to well up in his own eyes. "Will I see you again?" he asked, trying not to sound too desperate. He got his answer when Brian just said, "Take care of yourself kid." Justin was upset, but there was nothing more he could do. Brian had been his saviour, his confidante. Maybe he had been wrong all along, and Brian had just felt sorry for him. If Brian truly loved Justin then he would never have been able to say goodbye. Not now, when Justin was being set free and they could finally be together. He looked at the man before him that he loved more than anything, and knew he had to be strong. He managed to get through the next few minutes without breaking down. "Bye Brian. Thanks, for everything. I'll never forget you." He turned, and his legs trembled as he walked out the door. For the final time, Justin was led through the corridors of the facility he had called home for the past two and a half years. He couldn't resist taking one last opportunity to gaze at the mural he had painted in the cafeteria. He grinned to himself, thinking of the fond memories it evoked of countless hours spent with Brian. Perhaps they were never meant to be, but Justin knew in the depths of his soul that he would love him forever.