Brian’s POV: God this is the happiest I have been in so long. He’s here by my side holding my hand, looking absolutely incredible. I lift up his hand to my mouth and place a soft kiss against the back. So soft. He looks over to me giving me a bright smile, which I return of course. He could make anyone smile with that smile. “So how’s everyone doin?” Justin asks. “Everyone’s been doin really good but they all missed you very much and worried about you constantly. Shit Deb calls me three times a day to check on the progress, of the P.I.’s which I really don’t blame her for since I wanted to call the P.I.’s myself every time I turned around.” “You mean you hired a private detective to find?” he asks in a surprised voice. “Of course I did. When I went to Daphne’s after Mikey came and told me what he did to you, and she told me that it was a lie you weren’t leaving and then when we found your note saying that you in deed leave and weren’t coming back we tried to call your cell phone and it wasn’t on, and I just wouldn’t wait around for you to call since we had no idea when that would be and I didn’t want to wait another minute and I didn’t want to be without you any longer than I had to.....but it seems that I had a very bad P.I. because he never found you, we even looked in Chicago it was the second city we looked into but nothing of course because you were righht outside of the city limits.....but you would think that they would’ve looked into the immediate surrounding areas. But it doesn’t matter anymore your home now that’s all that matters.” I say giving him a smile and taking his hand into mine giving it a squeeze. God it feels perfect having him back with me. “How is Daphne?” holy shit..... “Oh my god we have to call her! I can’t believe I didn’t call her the moment I found out you were back. God she is going to kill me.” I say but he’s laughing. I look over to him with raised eyebrows. “Oh it’s just funny how you are so scared of a little 5'2 girl.” hunh well. “Oh just wait till she gets a hold of you she’s seriously going to kick your ass.” I tell him with a smirk you see him straighten up really quick the smile slipping away from his face. I squeeze his hand again, he looks over to me less happy then I’d like.....”Don’t worry, Jus I’ll protect you.” I say with a smile that he returns. “Thanks.” he says with a chuckle as we pull up to the front of the diner. He looks over into the window, as do I and the whole gang is here.....”whoo maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.” he says. “Don’t worry baby they are going to be so happy that you are home and that your ok. Plus I’m here right by your side and if anything happens that isn’t happy reunion stuff I’ll take care of it. I promise.” I tell him looking into his eyes. He nods his head and I let go of his hand get out of the Jeep and go around to meet him as he gets out. I take his hand back into mine and lean down and kiss him softly. “You ready?” I ask “Ready as I’ll ever be.” he says. And we walk into the diner him lagging behind. The bell on the door rings announcing our arrival. And everyone in the whole place looks to me. “Guess who came home?” I say pulling him from behind me. ****************************************************************************** Justin’s POV: Oh my god everyone is just staring at me and I knew that this wasn’t a good idea I should’ve known better. What if Brian was all wrong what if he just never saw it either that they just tolerate me? “Why the fuck is it so god damn quiet out here...” Deb says coming out of the back....stopping dead in her tracks as she see’s me. Her hand goes over her mouth and I see the tears coming down her cheek. “Hey Deb.” I say in a small voice. She motions with her hands for me to go over to her, and I do. When I reach her just a few steps away she envelopes me into a hug that would rival any I have ever gotten crying into my shoulder. I put my arms around her rubbing her back and whisper. “Please don’t cry.” “Oh Sunshine I can’t help it......god I have missed you so much and I we just didn’t know when you’d be back or if you’d be back. And ....and.” oh she breaks out into another sob. “It’s ok Deb. I’m so sorry I didn’t know, and I didn’t mean to hurt you that’s the last thing I ever wanted.....I love you way to much to do that to you.” I tell her softly. “I know, I know what happened and why you left. And I am so sorry for my son.....” “No you had nothing to do with that.” I tell her. “Alright but just so there is no miss understandings, I love you as if you were my own son.....so never doubt that ever again no matter what anyone ever says, do you understand me?” she says looking into my eyes and cupping my face. I just nod my head to affraid that I’ll break down in front of everyone. She hesitantly steps back from me, holding onto my arms and looks over to the table with where everyone is sitting, and when I look over at everyone I see Ted with a big smile Em with his hand over his mouth with a couple of tears coming down his face, Lyndsey’s got tears coming down as well and Mel has a smile while rubbing Lynds’ back. “Well what the fuck is everyone waiting for?” I hear Deb say and then it seems everyone gets up at once and has me in a big group hug. “Ah baby we missed you so much.” “Never do that again, we were so worried about you.” “Oh god I am so glad you are ok.” this coming from all their mouths before finally...... “Ok everyone let me have him back.” I hear Brian say. Then they we all kinda chuckle as we let go of each other and I step back into Brian’s awaiting arms, where he hugs me and gives me a kiss on the forehead and tilting my head up he gives me a sweet kiss on my lips. “Ahhhh!” everyone in the diner sighs. “Oh god.” Brian says and pulls me against him for a hug. I just giggle, this is great. “Come on lets sit down.....” “JUSSIN!!!!! JUSSIN !!!!” I hear coming in fast behind me. I turn out of Brian’s arms and get down just in time to catch Gus as he flings himself into my arms. With his arms firmly around my neck I stand up and squeeze him to me, closing my eyes and just thanking the heavens that I can have him back in my life, I feel a tear creeping down my cheek and I don’t care I have missed him so much, I could barely believe it myself. “I missed you so much little man......” I tell him. “I know daddy saided you did.” he tells me. I pull back just a bit so I can see his eyes. “He did, did he?” I question. He nods his head. “Uh huh. And he saided that you loved me very much.” I just nod my head. “Well he was very, very right I did miss you and I do love you very, very much.” I tell him wiping at my eyes just a bit and turning to give Brian a sunshine smile.....when Gus puts his hands on my face turning me to look at him once again. “Jussin.....pleeze don’t go away again....ok?” he says in a small voice.....oh boy I never meant to hurt him. “Never again Gus I promise and if I ever have to go somewhere I will always make sure that you can always call me whenever you need to or want to....ok? How does that sound?” he brightens up. “Sounds goood!” he says with a smile. “Ok so what do you say we sit down and eat? I am starving.” I tell him. “Me too!” he says as I sit us down in the booth behind the others.....their just isn’t enough room. I sit near the wall with Gus by me and Bri on the other side of Gus. ****************************************************************************** Brian’s POV: The family looks so happy to have him home. Debbie I know was both happy and relieved to have him home. I know how worried she was when he was gone with no one to turn to and no family. Plus knowing everything that I did to get him to leave and everything that Mikey did. She was just a big ball of worry and tension, and the moment she saw Justin standing in the middle of the diner I just saw it all drain away. She looks a hundred times better. And god when Gus came back in and saw Justin. You could just feel the room brighten up I swear. He has missed ‘his Jussin’ so much, and now he has him back. Like father like son. Justin is good for us. But then I saw Mikey standing behind him and my blood began to boil. I couldn’t help it I saw the shock and confusion on his face, and when he looked up at me, I gave him a look that no one could miss interpret. It was a look saying I swear to god I will kill you if you fuck this up for him. And I will. I wont stand for him to hurt Justin anymore, it wont happen. Plus I promised Justin a happy reunion and that’s what he’s going to have one way or another. Shit I got to call Daphne. I take out my phone as Justin and Gus examine the menu.... it’s so cute watching how good Justin is with him reading off the different choices and telling him what it comes with......ah! Ok, ok I am off track again.....but with both my boys beside me how could I not? No I guess I can’t call Justin a boy anymore.....he’s definitely a man.....My Man! I smile at the thought. “What are you smiling at?” I hear Justin ask. I look over to him and see a silly grin on his face and my smile never wavers as I tell him. “I was just thinking how happy I am to have my son and my man sitting beside me.” I tell him watching as his silly grin turns into a full fledged sunshine smile and I feel his hand rub the back of my neck. “I love you.” he tells me and without hesitation I tell him... “I love you too baby.” and I lean over behind Gus to give him a soft peck. “Alright I have to call Daphne.” I say turning my attention back to my phone.... “It’s good to have you home Justin.” I hear Mikey say and I look up to see him standing at the end of the table. “Um it’s good to be home....thank you Micheal.” Justin says and I look over to him, and he looks a little apprehensive. I don’t blame him......”would you like to sit down and have breakfast with us?” Justin says and my mouth literally just drops open. I can’t believe after everything he is willing to have breakfast at the same table as this man...but than again he forgave me all my misdeeds. But then again he loves me. Shit I don’t even want to have breakfast with this fuck. “Yea uncle Mikey have beakfust wif us.” Gus says. Ah fuck I groan inward and wait for his response. “Sure I would like that.” Mikey says and I just look to him telling him in my own way to still not fuck this up, he nods his head I know he understands me, and sits down across from us. “Well Gus have we decided on what we want?” Justin asks. “Yeppers...I want pancakes wif whip cweam and, and cocwate chips.” Gus says with finality. “K. Sounds good....” he says looking over his shoulder and waving down Deb, I am sure. “You decide what you want sunshine?” she asks with a huge smile on her face. “Yep.” and then he goes off on what he wants and Gus wants and Mikey orders as well and I notice that Deb gives him a similar look as I did. Good maybe that will keep him quiet. “And what would you like sweety?” she asks me. “Coffee, and dry toast.....” but Justin interrupts me. “Oh no Bri eat something a little more than that......” “Justin.....” Mikey starts to cut Justin off but with one deadly look from me he shuts up....good because he did not want to finish that sentence. “Alright baby, how about I have some eggs and a donut with my toast?” I ask him I see him smile and nod his head and hear Deb writing it down. “Good alright, it shouldn’t be that long. And I’ll be back with your drinks in just a minute.” Deb says with same big smile, as she walks back to the kitchen window. She bring us our drinks and continues with her orders and other customers. “Daphne! Damn it.” I flip open my phone and hit the speed dial before I can get distracted once again. ‘Ring........ring’ “Hey Brian what’s up?” she ask cheerfully. “I was wondering if you could meet us at the diner?” I ask her. “Who is us cause you know I just can’t stand that little whiny sniveling thing you call your best friend.” I have to laugh she hates mikey with a passion, and I don’t blame her. “Daphne you know that hasn’t been true for a long time now.” I tell her cause the moment I found out what he had done....that was it I realize he wasn’t my true friend, my happiness never mattered to him it was always what he was waiting for what he could get what he was feeling and so on and so on. “Good just making sure.” she tells me. “So you coming down?” “Yea I should be there in about fifteen minutes I was over near their anyways.” “Alright then see you soon.” I tell her. “Yep...bye” “Bye.” I tell her and flip my phone shut. I look over to Justin and he is watching me waiting for me to tell him whats going on.....”she said she would be here in about fifteen minutes.” “Ok.”he says. Looking to the door as we hear the bell ring I see Jennifer walk in with a huge smile on her face. “Hey mom.” Justin says with a smile to match. “Hi sweetheart.” she says making her way to our booth. “Brian honey.” she says leaning down giving me a kiss on the cheek before getting into the other side of the booth and leaning over the table and giving Justin a kiss on the cheek before sitting down. “Hello Jennifer.” Michael says. When she realizes who she is sitting next to, you can see her face fall, all of her excitement gone, as she looks at him with nothing but disgust, before looking to me for answers. I shake my head looking towards Justin. Telling her silently that it wasn’t my idea. Shaking her head and putting on her best wasp smile looks over and says “Hello Michael.” then looks away. Turning her attention to way more important things being Justin and my son. “So how’s my son?” she’s with a true smile on her face now. “I’m doing really good. How’s my gorgeous mom?” he asks with a radiant smile. “She is doing a lot better with her son sitting across from her.” she says sincerely. “Good. I’m glad.” he says. “Hey Jenn! Isn’t it great that sunshine is back?” Debbie says coming and dropping off our orders. “Oh god yes.” she replies. “Have you eaten yet?” Deb asks her. “No......could I get a chef salad?” “Sure you can....but are you sure that’s all you want?” “Yes I’m sure but thank you.” “Ok it’ll be just a few minutes anything to drink?” “Just some ice water.” “Ok be back in a minute.” and then she’s off. Jenn takes Gus’ plate and cuts up his food for him while we get into our breakfast. Michael is keeping quiet and I am very thankful for the fact. Justin is eating with a smile on his face watching his mother cut up Gus’ food and get him situated. I know how he feels. Right as Deb is bringing over Jenn’s food the door to the diner opens up and low and behold it’s Daphne, smiling as she sees me. And walking over to me. She looks over and stops dead in her tracks. “Justin!” she walks quickly over to our side literally pulling me out of the booth and practically tossing me to the side, I am quite surprised I had no idea she was that strong. I quickly turn before she can do anything else and grab Gus out of her way, just barely getting by as she throws herself into the booth and into Justin’s arms. ****************************************************************************** Justin’s POV: “Ah Daph I missed you so much.” I whisper into her ear holding her as tightly as I can. “God I missed you too, why didn’t you call me?” she says. Why? Well that’s a good question. “I just wasn’t ready yet. I’m so sorry for everything. I know that me leaving wasn’t easy on you.” “Your damn right it wasn’t!” She says pulling back from a little so our eyes meet. “Don’t you ever even think of doing something like that again do you understand me?” she yells. And of course the attention is again drawn to us. “I won’t. I promise.” I tell her bringing her back into my arms. “You scared the shit out of me Jus.” she whispers, with a slight sniffle. “I know. I’m sorry. Never again. Ok?” “Ok.” after she finally let’s me go and that was only because Gus started getting cranky waiting to get back to his food. We all sat around talking about what I had been up too. So I told them about my show and all the contacts and how every piece of my work was sold and so on. The other table listened in to and my mom Daph and every one was really proud and excited for me...well except for Michael of course but I understand that he hates me, and that’s fine. Plus Brian and he are best friends and I know he said that we never have to see him again but I know that, that’s not true they need each other in their lives and I would never try and take that away from Brian. They will make up and it will be back to the regular old times. I really hated those times with him. And I’m sure that I will again but hey when you love someone you have to compromise so that’s what I do. I compromise. Anyways getting off that subject cause I don’t want to spoil today. I caught up on everyone and everything thanks to Em. They caught up on me, and then people had to start heading out to their errands. Lyndsey and Mel were the first to go with Gus in tow but only after I promised that I wouldn’t go far away again which of course I promise... I hate the fact that I hurt him that way....I never meant too. I’ll have to spend some extra time with him to make up for my absence. Then it was Ted and Em. Who asked us to meet them at Woody’s later on......Brian replied with “we might”...... then my mom had to go and with her Daphne had to go because she had a date. I gave them both long hugs and kisses. And promises to call later on. Geesh the woman in my life, are so demanding...but no I don’t mind I missed them more than words. Then it was just Michael Brian and I. You can only imagine just how quite the table got. So I thought I would break the ice a little see if I couldn’t help heal this relationship up a little bit. “So you two how’s the comic book going?” “It’s not.” Michael replies. Well that’s weird. “Why not?” I ask. “Because you gave your share to Brian and he wouldn’t allow me to do anything with it until you came back and that was only if you agreed to still work with me.” Michael says with a little bit of resignation. I look over to Brian. With questions swimming in my eyes I don’t need to verbalize my confusion. He gives a sigh..... “Michael you know why I did what I did, so don’t try and act all innocent. Also Jus....this is half your project I couldn’t see letting you give it up unless I was sure it wasn’t for any other reason, than you just didn’t want to do it any more.” he’s rubbing my legs looking into my eyes and I see that he was just trying to make sure that this is what I really wanted. To tell you the truth I kinda liked doing Rage but I just can’t work with him anymore. It’s just not a good situation for me and I don’t want to be put into it. “Well thank you Brian but I really don’t want to work on the comic anymore.” I tell Brian and Michael. “Ok then. What do you want to d o with your share?” he asks me. “Bri I gave that to you do with it whatever you think is best.” “No Jus you worked hard for this. You put a part of yourself and experiences into that comic book..... it’s yours and you need to do what is right for you with it.” he tells me. And I guess he’s right. “We could talk to my lawyer if you’d like?” “Oh you have got to be kidding me.” Michael says exasperated. I look over to him and decide right there. I don’t want anymore to do with him then is absolutely necessary, I don’t want to have to deal with anything concerning him. I will deal with him when it comes to family matters and when I can’t avoid him in situations with Brian.....but other than that I’m done. “He can have it....my share he can have it.” I say finally. I shake my head clearing my thoughts I really wanted to just have a good day getting see everybody, and enjoy the fact that I am back with Brian and just knowing that we are really together now. That’s all I wanted one day just to be totally happy, but I guess that’s just not in the cards for me. “Are you sure Justin?” Brian asks with concern and alittle surprise. “I am absolutely sure. Now if you could excuse me I need to use the restroom.” I say I just need a little time to get myself together. So Brian reluctantly scoots out of the booth as I slide out behind him. When I stand up he brings me into his arms kissing me softly before letting me slip from his grasp and make my way to the restroom. ****************************************************************************** Brian’s POV: I watch as Justin makes his way to the bathroom, and god I am so happy to have him back with me to be able hold him and kiss him if I feel the need to, to just feel his heat next to me is enough after having him gone for so long. However I know that Michael has started to ruin this day for him and I just can’t handle it anymore.....he should’ve kept his mouth shut. I turn to face him after I watch Justin disappear behind the back door. He has a bit of a smile on his face and is now drinking the rest of his coffee. “Are you proud of yourself?” I ask him. Leaning back with arms crossed against my chest. “What are you talking about?” he asks. As if he doesn’t know I just snort, not believing his little game for one second. “I am talking about the way you just treated Justin....as if he has no rights when it comes to the comic book....as if he should get some kind of compensation for the work he has done to put it on the map to get it started. He put his story into that book not yours. Now he wants out of it so bad, actually I think he just wants away from you so badly that he is willing to give all to you just so he wont have to deal with you anymore.” I say in disbelief that he can be so unbelievably ruthless. I thought we had gotten past this or at least that he had started to get over this vindictive hatred that he has for Justin. I should’ve known better. “Brian he just doesn’t want to do it anymore. You said for him to do what he thought was best....and he did. Giving me his shares is the bet thing he has done since I met him other than helping me start the comic.”he says as if it’s the most truthful thing in the world. “I can’t believe you! I thought you had gotten over all this....” “I have!” he says. “No....no you haven’t and that has become abundantly clear to me today. So I am going to tell you this once and only once, are you listening?” he just nods his head looking pissed at the moment. “You leave him alone, you stay away from him and me. You don’t have any reason to be in mine or Justin’s business any longer so don’t ever bother to try nd push your way in. Ever! And If I find out that you have been bothering him or pushing him around or harrassing him in anyway I will make sure you regret it. Do you understand?” I tell him in a deadly serious voice. “Brian you can’t be serious.....” I stop him with a wave of my hand. “No more Michael....I don’t want to hear anymore. Justin is my partner, he is the one I love the one I want in my bed, it will never be you, could never be you. I don’t even want it to be you. Now I will do what ever it takes to protect Justin....even from you. I want him happy and I plan on making sure that he is no matter what it takes. Now do you get it? You know what it doesn’t matter anymore, just make sure that you stay away from him Michael and we wont have anymore problems.” I finish up as I hear the back door to the diner opening, then swinging shut. I look over my shoulder and seeing him coming to the table I stand up throw some money on the table. I feel Justin wrap his arms around my waist. I put my arms around him and kiss his lips as he looks up at me. “Are you ready to go home?” I ask him, running my hand down his cheek. He nods his head..... “Yeah take me home.” he says softly. Standing on his toes to give me a kiss. “Ok.....hey Deb! We’re going to go home now.” I yell. “Ok Bri. But you Sunshine don’t go running off again you understand? Oh and don’t forget about Sunday dinner you two!”she yells at us from the counter. “Yes Debbie!!” we both say in unison. As we make our way to the door and home.