Brian couldn't sleep. He was amazed that Justin had fallen into such a deep slumber, given the circumstances of their plight. Brian could hardly believe that his arms were wrapped around the blond haired kid for the second night in a row, making him feel uncharacteristically comfortable and content. His head stayed wedged into the crook of Justin's neck, resting on tufts of the kid's soft hair. He could feel every move his young lover made, and every breath he exhaled. Brian became allured by the smell of sweat and fear, mixed with Justin's unique scent. Knowing that they might not survive, Brian found himself grappling with some surprising truths. He was sorry that he didn't get to really know Justin until these last few days. This was highly unusual for him, because Brian Kinney didn't do regret. But he also conceded that Justin was the exception, since no one had ever effected him the way Justin did. The kid was brave, loyal, intelligent, not to mention, pretty damn hot! He was growing accustomed to having Justin's youthful, pliant body pressed up against him. The kid began to shift with uneasiness. Brian tried to soothe his restlessness by stroking up and down his arms. This seemed to work, because he soon snuggled his body back into Brian, his perfectly rounded ass flush against Brian's growing erection. Fuck! Brian sighed, the kid had no idea of the power he had over him. It scared the shit out of him, and at the same time, garnered his disgust over behaving like a fucking lesbian. When Justin awoke with Brian's body molded to his, he smiled. It felt so right, so natural. Breaking the spell, reality hit him like a sucker punch to his gut. He realized he may never again wake up to Brian, his beautiful hazel eyes clouded with lust, and his splendid body ripe with arousal. Justin knew in his heart they were kindred spirits, and he also knew that deep down inside, Brian felt the same. However, he was also well aware that Brian would never admit his feelings. He had at the very least, learned that much about his lover during their forced imprisonment together. In any case, being the forthright person he was, Justin made a decision to bare his soul to Brian, while he had the chance. It was possible that Brian might perceive him as being weak, but he didn't care. Brian loosened his embrace, and Justin turned to address him. "Did you get any sleep?" "Some", Brian lied. "Perhaps we better get some clothes on, since our breakfast will be served soon." As they each slipped into their worn garments, Justin was puzzled by Brian's odd behavior. It was as if he had detached himself from Justin emotionally, when he had relinquished his physical hold this morning. Gone was the ardent, compassionate man of the night before, replaced by a cool, aloof exterior. Justin didn't let this deter him from his original plan. He gripped Brian's arm. "Brian, listen to me." While Brian didn't vocalize a response, he showed his attention, by arching an eyebrow and peering into Justin's face. Justin dropped his hand, and continued, nervously wringing his hands. "I just wanted to tell you...wanted you to know..." He closed his eyes to gather strength. Opening them again he declared, "I've never felt this way about anyone. You make me feel so...alive...and complete. I guess what I'm trying to say is..."I love you". There, he said it. Brian just stood there in silence. He wasn't prepared for Justin's proclamation of love. Christ! Did the kid even know what it meant? He didn't even know. But the absolute surrender, adoration and hope radiating from Justin's eyes right now, nearly broke him. He almost took the kid in his arms, but he knew he couldn't afford to do that, couldn't open up, especially not today. His voice deliberately devoid of emotion, Brian broke eye contact with Justin and said, "We need to go over our course of action again. We can't make any mistakes." Justin would have ordinarily been devastated at this dismissal of his admission, had he not been encouraged by the brief flash of emotion he caught in Brian's eyes, just before he erected his mask. Justin was disappointed, but wasn't entirely shocked by this type of reaction from Brian. The man was seriously in denial, and had constructed sturdy walls to protect himself from feeling anything. Even if Brian couldn't return the sentiment, Justin was relieved that he had expressed to Brian how he felt. He knew it would be foolish of him to deny the gravity of Brian's spoken words, so he compliantly crouched down next to him. They commenced in reviewing their next crucial steps towards gaining their freedom. Brian and Justin ate the slop they were served by their captors this morning. They had both done their best to remain impassive when the English speaking guard mentioned that Ahsraf, their abuser, would be returning to the camp today. It made the inception of their plan all the more urgent. A short time later, Justin was doubled over in pain, grabbing his stomach, and groaning. Brian came to his assistance. When the kid's obvious discomfort became increasingly louder, it eventually alerted the guards. They opened the door to investigate the problem. Brian yelled, "What the fuck are you standing there for, can't you see he's in pain? He needs help!" One of them leaned closer to further assess the degree of Justin's illness. Justin suddenly reached out and grabbed his neck, slamming his head into the concrete floor. At the same time, Brian attacked the guard who was standing near the door, first kicking him in the stomach. Then elbowing him in the back, making him crumple to the ground. They wasted no time in departing the cell, and locking the dazed guards in their former residence. Dashing up the stairs, taking two at a time, they were encouraged to see that no other guards were stationed at the top of the steps. Once out of the building, they would be able to disappear into the surrounding marshland. Their impending escape within their sights, Brian and Justin were looming at the side of the building, their adrenalin making their hearts race. Unexpectedly, Brian detected a click, and his heart stopped when he heard Ashraf's icy voice. "I suggest you turn around very slowly lieutenant." When Brian carefully turned he was engaged by the interrogator's steel cold eyes, as he was pointing a gun at Justin's temple. Justin stood frozen, aware that his life could be extinguished in a split second. Brian's eyes transitioned to dark green as he took in the ominous sight before him.