Brian chided himself. 'What the fuck was he thinking bringing Justin here...letting him sleep in his bed and comforting him.' It was inevitable that it would lead to this, getting caught up in the closeness and the chemistry the two of them had always shared. Brian wouldn't risk opening old wounds. Right now, he had to put some distance between himself and Justin. Over the next few days, Brian avoided Justin as much as possible. He often left the loft to "go to the office" for a few hours. Justin found himself spending more and more time in Charlie's company. The times when Brian and Justin were alone, they conversed about innocuous topics such as Justin's therapy, or Gus, or even the weather. Justin couldn't bear to be rejected again. In the evening, after assisting him into the bed, Brian would retire to the couch, or sit at the computer. It was a crisp, clear day, when he dropped Justin off at a restaurant for his luncheon date with his mom. After the usual pleasantries to Jennifer, Brian politely made a swift exit. He knew Justin needed to have a heart to heart talk alone with his mother, and he did not want to impinge on their privacy. For her part, Jennifer Taylor was elated to see her son again. He seemed better, yet there was something else she sensed. Although it was subtle, she saw it in his eyes, and heard it in his voice. "Sweetheart, what's wrong? Is it Brian?" Justin sifted his fingers through his hair, and then let his hands fall to the table. He looked into her eyes and confessed, "I still love him mom. Even though I know he wants me too, he won't admit his feelings. He can barely stand to be alone in a room with me." Jennifer sighed, she wasn't surprised. "I was afraid something like this would happen. I was hoping that you had both grown since your time apart." She didn't know why it was so hard for the two of them to have a conversation with words. "Honey...Justin, you need to give him some time to work this out for himself. When he's ready, he'll come to you." Justin frowned and questioned, "Since when did you become an expert on Brian Kinney?" "Well, I've gotten to know him better these past few years. One thing I've always suspected, even when you were in New York, and living with Robert, was that he still loved you." "Until recently I couldn't even face my own feelings. I told myself that I didn't love him anymore, and I was ready to move on. I honestly loved Robert, just not in the same way I loved...love Brian. I'd do anything to recapture what we once had." "Then let it be. Brian has to find his own way back to you, without you pressuring him or being needy." Justin considered Jennifer's words. His mother had always given him wise advice. Maybe she was right, Brian would eventually realize they belonged together if he gave him some time. Jennifer wheeled Justin outside the eatery. Since Justin's call, Brian had been waiting patiently in the 'Vette. When he spotted them, he quickly got out of the car, and opened the passenger door. Justin slid into the seat from his wheelchair, using mostly his upper body strength. He gave his mother one last parting smile, as Brian steered the 'Vette away from the curb. Jennifer prayed that the two of them could work things out. Brian was cognizant of Justin's reflective mood the entire ride home. They settled into the loft, and he finally broke the silence. "Did you have a nice time with mommy?" "Actually yes. It was the best talk we've had in months." "So glad you and Mother Taylor are getting along now." Brian took a deep breath in preparation for his next little speech. "Justin", Brian began in a serious tone. "I have to go back to work on Monday." Justin was upset, but heeded his mother's warning, and didn't show it. Brian stood there, waiting expectantly for Justin's complaint or protest, but to his surprise the young man never did. Instead, Justin stated calmly, "I wouldn't expect you to give up your job and take care of me. You've been really great about this whole situation Brian. In fact, I insist that you take back your bed, and I'll be fine sleeping on the couch." "No Sunshine, as expensive as that couch may be, it's as uncomfortable as shit. Neither one of us will sleep on it. Look, we could share the bed, if you promise to be a good boy." Brian couldn't believe those words just came out of his mouth. "I promise to try and control myself", Justin agreed with a smirk. "What about you, Saint Kinney?" Brian answered, "I never professed to be a saint. But I'll stay on my side of the bed, and keep my hands to myself, twat." Brian planned to relieve himself before he climbed into bed, otherwise he'd most assuredly be in an embarrassing state every night. It was either that, or he'd have to insure that he was thoroughly exhausted, and too tired to give a shit about anything. Justin inwardly wondered if he would be able to restrain himself from seeking out Brian's warm body to curl into. He'd have to be strong. He had no choice. The next week passed quickly. When Brian left for work, Charlie took over Justin's care. When Brian came home, they ate dinner together, and he would assist Justin with his exercises. True to his word, Brian remained on his side of the bed, only reaching out to soothe Justin when he had a nightmare. Even though they were happening less frequently, Justin was still disturbed by them. Brian would stroke his arm until he fell back into a restful state. Justin's hard work was starting to show. He was now able to stand with assistance. More than anything, he relished Brian's remark, when he told him he should be proud of his accomplishment. The loving gleam in Brian's eyes gave him the incentive to maintain his resolve to afford the older man his space, and to keep focusing his energy on his therapies, to attain his goals.