I'm sad this story is unfinished because it's really good. But I'm glad it ended with Gus and Justin addressing that issue. It didn't end with a lack of closure.

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That painting 💔

Another masterpiece of a fiction 

One of the best happy endings I have read! Your writing is infectious 

I am going to love this!!

Ha Ha, this was a great little one shot!!!   I can understand Brian getting a little weirded out from that message from Adam, but I'm glad that Justin went right to him to talk it out, as well as make him understand that he only wants Brian.   And poor Ted.   He had a front row seat to the Brian and Justin show, and it certainly had an effect on him.   LOL

I enjoyed your series so much. It would be great to read an update. Thanks for sharing.

Love it

love it

Just finished reading the series and I love it. Please update soon. :-) Thanks ~Ally

Uh oh! I don't see Justin getting closure when what he has done is thrown down the gauntlet in front of Brian. Game on!

one more fucking chapter of this.   my profanity is not meant to be mean i hope you know that.  it's how i express myself when i'm really digging something.   it's almost five am and i'm still reading this thing.    why?   i don't know.   They are making me so angry but i can't turn away, it's just like the show.

okay this story is peeing me off.    see i am stopping the cursing.   What was the big deal?   What else were going on.   

okay now ur totaly got me going craxy what is going on?    Did he not wanna end it?   Was something wrong

i thin i read someting wrong or i'm just not following this story.   WTF man?   Okay i'll be patient and if i have toi'll go back and read more.   So far so good though i think.

There is nothing like that feeling you get when you re-read a favourite story -just like that, all is right in your world:-)

Your "One Heartbeat Away" series is wonderful. I just discovered them yesterday and immediately wolfed them down.

It's touching to see Gus maturing and reconnecting with Justin. I do worry about angst ahead with Gus and drugs. I'm wondering if Sap will reappear or if Hobbs will be involved.

Can't wait for more when RL permits. Many thanks for this series!

Author's Response:

I'm so glad you've been enjoying the series, and I appreciate the review :))).  Gus's issues will be addressed as soon as I get a chance to write the next chapter.  I hope to get it done soon, so stay tuned!

I'm glad they explained things to Gus. And that he is excepting Justin. Great chapter. Thanks for the update. Btw I love asparagus, gonna eat the white one tonight. Yummie.

* hugs *

Author's Response:

LOL!  Hope you enjoyed it.  As always, thanks for your nice comments, Marny.  Hugs!

Oh what a wonderful chapter Brian and Justin actually sharing with Gus the horrific events after the prom

Author's Response:

It was so hard for them, but I'm glad they shared it.  Thanks for the review!

i like the Brian and Justin told Gus about the prom but what I liked the most was Gus and Justin talking at the end that was just a special moment they won't ever forget

Author's Response:

Yeah, I enjoyed writing that one.  They're getting more comfortable with each other, and that can only be good!  Thanks for reviewing :)

I can't wait for the next installment. Gus's reaction to Justin being bashed...Gus getting in trouble with drugs & what Brian & Justin do about it...It's a lovely story about the continuing love between Justin & Brian. Thank you for thinking of it.

Author's Response:

No, thank you for reading it!  It's a lot of angst, I know, but the boys can handle it :)

Thank you for asking.

I think there are two main reasons I find it troubling.

First, I want happy endings, and, second, I like 'nice' people.

Drug dealers are not nice people, and to have Gus be one is upsetting.

And, it makes it harder to see where a happy ending could come from, short of a magical 'and it was all fixed and no one was hurt' scenario.

You even have Ash voicing concerns along these lines.

Author's Response:

I can see what you're saying.  I like to write about imperfect people, people with inner flaws.  I like to poke at their demons and see how they react, and how they got that way.  Justin and Brian have plenty of these, and Gus has some himself.  As the story progresses, I hope to explore this.  Why does he deal?  How does he resolve whatever drives him?  There's a reason for it, I promise.  I admit that not everyone I write about is nice, but it's life, yes?

Thanks for responding!  I appreciate your thoughts, and I hope you continue reading.

This story troubles me, I find it hard to read.

That being said, it is well written, and the characters are canon.

I hope there is a happy ending.

Author's Response:

Well, now I'm curious!  What troubles you about it?  If it helps, I never write a sad ending.  I've read some very good stories that ended with tears, but I hate writing them.  These characters live in my head, and I would hate to carry around that kind of sadness.  I promise the ending won't disappoint.

I'm glad you think the characters are canon.  I try so hard to imagine them ten years older and portray them accurately.  Thanks for reading!

Happy to see that Gus is considering giving Justin a second chance as long as he and Brina keep their pants on.  If Gus tays for very long he might see more than he wants.

Author's Response:

So true!  Let's hope Brian and Justin can be discreet lol!  Thanks for reviewing :)

Wow what a brilliant chapter so much angst and now we have the debrief time together. I am looking forward to this chapter as much as I enjoyed this one

Author's Response:

I am too lol!  I'm glad you liked it!

I loved this chapter as much as I did the previous one. The sex was probably amazing but yeah, rough if it left so many bruises on Justin’s skin. And still – this was what Brian needed. It brought him relief, it made the pain lessen. I admire Justin for his strength and his brilliant mind. Impressive, really.

I loved how Brian was feeling upset because of the bruises – protective Brian is my favorite :) Along with the jealous one. The next scene with Brian ‘apology’ was very hot – ah, I wish I could see it on the screen! Passionate and intense.

Brian’s conversation with Gus was heartbreaking but very much needed. You showed their emotions in an amazing way – I’m ecstatic to see that now Gus seems to soften to Justin.

Great update, as always!

    

Author's Response:

Thanks for both your reviews, Sev!  I'm glad you're enjoying it as much as I am.  Wasn't sure people would understand about the rough sex scene, about what it really was about, but I think they did.  Thanks again!

Yay!  Finally Gus is wishing up.

Author's Response:

LOL!  Yes, he is :)

Just read the last two chapters. I'm glad Brian told Gus his story. Love how Gus will give Justin a chance. And that last sentence LOL.

Love how you write. thanks

 

* hugs *

Author's Response:

Thanks, Marny!  I hope it continues to be interesting.  

This couldn't be more perfect.  Especially the last line.

Author's Response:

Oh, I loved writing that LOL!  Thanks for your review!

Gus is starting to get it not just his father but Justin with Brian and its a good thing

Author's Response:

Yes, he is.  Let's see how things go :).  Thanks for reading!

      That was a wonderful chapter, beautifully written.  The

balancing of so many opposites, acceptance vs anger, calmness

vs. action, plus all the other conflicts too many to mention

was amazing.  Sadly though, It doesn’t appear that Gus gets it. 

Happy though, Justin does and he is more important  than

Gus.

    Thanks for the terrific chapter and equally terrific story.

    DavidR

Author's Response:

Thanks David!  I'm glad you're enjoying it :)

Very powerful and wrenchingly beautiful update. Don't know how you got through writing that, but I'm wrung out from reading it.

Author's Response:

I actually enjoy deeply emotional chapters, although they also give the most trouble.  I'm always afraid of making them too sappy!  I'm so glad you liked it :)

Hi! Even though the pause between the updates seemed endless, it was so worth it. Great chapter, I enjoyed every bit of it. Brian is being so cold and closed off, I wonder why he is ignoring Justin. Doesn’t he know by now that Justin is always there for him, that he’ll do anything – offer support or just go away, considering what Brian needs most in that moment? I wonder if Brian’s going to realize he’s wrong. Or how long Justin will manage to remain patient when Brian disappeared and Gus keeps attacking him.

I understand Gus, I do, but he still annoys me. Maybe that’s because I love Justin so much. Gus doesn’t know him, he’s naturally protective of Brian, but he should have really asked Brian about what happened before jumping to conclusions! I’d be mortified if my partner’s kid hated me, I have no idea how to even deal with it. I can’t wait to see the next chapter!  

Author's Response:

Hi Sev!  The next chapter should be out sooner since it's already with my beta.  Thanks for being so patient!

I love Justin too, and I always kind of considered him to be Brian's savior.  He helped Brian to see what real love is.  He definitely plays this role in Second Chances, for both Brian and Gus, but I don't want to give anymore away!

Stay tuned :)

I blame Gus mom's and his dad for his action 

Author's Response:

We shall see how he turns out!  Thanks for reading!

Poor Justin.  Just what he needs, a sullen, resentful Gus and Brian is nowhere to be found, drowning in his misery and booze.

Author's Response:

Brian's pain management leaves a lot to be desired, doesn't it?  What he needs is Justin, but will he realize it?  Stay tuned!

I must say, Brian’s actions really are making Justin look like the bad guy and Gus better get over himself real quick before he finally says or does something to cause a major rift in his father’s relationship.

Author's Response:

Hmm . . . teenagers.  Always thinking it's about them!  I hope Gus doesn't seem too unrealistic LOL.  Thanks for your reviews, Jazz :)

Hi, Brynneth! I finally caught up with this wonderful story. I was so excited to see you start a sequel – I usually don’t like stories about Gus, but this is one is increasingly interesting.

I loved how you portrayed Brian and Justin’s relationship. Somehow you made it clear that they’ve been apart for too long, that they had history and still love each other, but their relationship now is half new. They are getting used to having each other again, but the tenderness and love between them is palpable.

I was pleasantly surprised they chose to be monogamous! It’s time. But I think this issue might still prove to be problematic because Gus has brought a lot of negativity along with him, and some of it may result in problems between Brian and Justin. Gus reminded me of the reason I’m hesitant to have children. I’d be ready to kill such a brat! Coke, strange friends, disrespect, rudeness… oh my. He is beyond difficult. Poor Justin, it must feel awful to have your partner’s son hate you... and poor Brian – it’ll be unbelievably hard to remain calm and collected between two people who mean most to him!

Claire is a bitch, I was always astounded at how she was asking for help and insulting Brian simultaneously. It’s heartbreaking to think of a person like Brian growing up in that house. And he still hoped that his mother would come around… it’s sad. I hope Brian will let Justin help him – I’m angry at him for saying Justin shouldn’t come to the funeral. I understand why, but I’m still angry. The atmosphere in Britin is getting more and more tense.   

Thank you for a wonderful story, Brynneth! I saw you mentioned you’ve written many Dragon Age stories – where can I find them?

Thanks again – I can’t wait for the next chapter!         

Author's Response:

Hi Severus!  Good to hear from you again!  Thanks for all your kind words :).  I admit I'm making Gus look pretty horrible, but I promise there's a reason and all will be understood eventually.

All my works, including Dragon Age, can be found here:  http://archiveofourown.org/users/Brynneth/pseuds/Brynneth.  Most of my Dragon Age stories are M/M.  I hope you enjoy them!

Hugs!

let me just say I can not stand a bad ass teen. Just saying, will comment more later.

Author's Response:

I can't either, and they are everywhere LOL!  Hang in there . . . you'll find out why out Gus is acting the way he is.  Thanks for the comment!

Glad to see this again.  I'm sorry to see that Gus had something against Justin.  What a surprise to see that Claire showed up and to find out that Joanie was dead.  Somehow I can't see St. Peter letting her past the pearle gates.  So looking forward to your next chapter!

Author's Response:

I can't see it either, so we'll leave that aspect of the story to the imagination.  I'm glad you're enjoying it so far :)

Brian sure has a lot going on in his life, dead mother, troubles son, worried lover.  Can't wait to see what happens next.  Great story.

Author's Response:

Thanks!  Hope you continue to enjoy it :)

I hope you write more of this story your a great writer I would like see if gus and Justin become friends and brian and gus bond before he returns to Canada I like to how the rest of this story and see gus to learn a good listen and be a good boy again

Hi, Brynneth! I’m so ashamed I haven’t commented on this beautiful story before – I kept putting it off until I had to re-read to refresh my memories – and I fell in love with it even more!

It’s so painful to even think about Brian and Justin being apart for so long. The saddest thing is – I can totally see it happen. Brian might get scared and try to push Justin away – again, because basically, that’s what he did in canon in the very end – he pushed Justin to go to NY with his behavior. He chose a clever strategy.

It’d also sad that your Justin’s reaction is very much in character. He fought for Brian for so many years, I can see that he would just choose to give up after Brian’s umpteenth attempt to push him away. And so eleven years have passed… when Brian and Justin met for the first time in that club, I just froze. I still remember that scene vividly – it was incredible, so emotional and raw, fantastic! When Justin said ‘fuck you’ to Brian, I felt my heart breaking for both of them - especially for Brian, even though I was quite angry with him.

I’m glad you didn’t make Justin jump into Brian’s arms right away. This topic is very personal for me, and I know for sure I’d probably never forgive a person who made such important decisions for me – like Brian did to make Justin give up. But you showed so realistically how they found their way to each other again, how Justin slowly began to trust him, and how darkness that engulfed Brian without his blond gradually started to let go of him.

I loved all artistic details you added about Justin’s career and his paintings, it was beautiful and inspiring!

I saw that you started to write a long sequel to this brilliant story – I can’t wait to start reading it! I’m so happy you decided to write it, I’m thirsty for more chapters, more information about Brian and Justin. I feel there is a lot left to be said!

Thank you so much for this captivating, painful but beautiful piece of work – I loved it tremendously!    

Author's Response:

Thank you for such a kind review!  It made my day!  Yes, I'm continuing their story, although the writing is a bit slow, so bear with me.  Hope you like the rest!

I can't find the words to tell you how grateful I'm feeling right now for your beautiful story.  Truly lovely.  I look forward to reading more stories from this universe you so vividly created.  *hugs*

Author's Response:

Thanks, Fray!  So glad you enjoyed it :)

A beautiful painting - the way you described it made me see it perfectly.

I'm wondering what Brian *wants* - Justin wants closure, but what does Brian want?  I'm not sure he knows.

This is wonderful so far :)

Wow a very different Gus from usual.  Very interesting twist to the story.  I'm anxious to see what the bad attitude is all about. 

Author's Response:

Gus, being the typical teenager, has issues LOL!  Is he usually portrayed as being sweet and good?  I swear I'm going somewhere with this :).  Thanks for reading!

What an amazing chapter.  Will we learn what Gus' problem is?  I'm glad that Brian is acting responsible and hopes to be able to repair what damage there might be.  Next chapter please.

Author's Response:

More to come soon!  Glad you're enjoying it :)

* claps hands * they are "married".

Hope they can Gus straight * sigh *.

 

Great beginning. Thanks

* hugs *

Author's Response:

Thanks for the review, Marny, and your banner is awesome!  Love it!

Thanks for continuing the story. Looking forward to the plot you're knitting ;)

Author's Response:

Thank you for your kind comment!  

Intriguing concept.  I'll be looking forward to each and every chapter.

Author's Response:

Thank you!  I know there's been many stories about Gus, but hopefully this one is different.

Wonderful! Can't wait to read more

Author's Response:

Thank you!

Well written, thank you! :) Will there be more? Maybe from Justins POV?

Author's Response:

The next one will be from Justin's POV since the last two were from Brian's.  Thanks for the review!

Omg I really loved this story well done it was wonderful 👍 Chris

Author's Response:

Thank you!  It's turned into a series LOL!

Wow, I absolutely love this. The dream, Brian's emotions and Justin's presence, everything was perfectly writen. Thank you

Author's Response:

And thank you for your kind review!

Love, love, love this.  Hopefully all those dreams will fade away.

Author's Response:

Thank you!  

Hey

I feel good knowing MW gets your fics first, thanks.  I hope that draws people to come to this website.  Brian and Justin get caught; this seems to be the norm for this couple and the perpetrator is one lucky individual. Although, I've never heard anyone describe Ted as lucky. lol   I liked what Justin said as that was, classic.

It's good to see you continue this story.  Update soon if you can, please.

Cheers :)

Author's Response:

Well, I don't have a huge following, but if it helps, I'm glad!  I always recommend this site on FB.  The best stories are found here.  Thanks for reading mine :)

Thanks for the follow-up.

Just gitta live that little green-eyed minster :)

Author's Response:

Thanks for reading!

I really enjoyed this! Love your story of writing. And always enjoy a voyeur fic with the boys that demonstrates their love for each other.  Thank you.  *Hugs*  ~Kim

Author's Response:

So glad you enjoyed it!  Hugs!

Loved it! The ending had me in a fit of giggles ;) xoxo

Author's Response:

Thanks!  Glad you liked it :)

LOL!!! This was seriously sexy funny...poor Ted LOL...next time he really should take Brian's advice ;)

Author's Response:

And I'm sure there will be a next time if Brian has his way :)  Thanks for reading!

"Exactly how long did you know Ted was watching?"

HA! Excellent. :)

Author's Response:

I enjoyed writing the funny bits the most!  Thanks for the review :)

Loving this.  Justin reading Brian correctly.  The hot sex.  And poor Ted. 

Author's Response:

He always seems to be poor Ted, doesn't he?  Thanks for reading!

I think all had been said

:)

Congratulations for this great story

Hope to see more

~alois~

Author's Response:

Thanks Alois!