testdog65 (testdog65) wrote in qaf_challenges, @ 2007-02-20 19:40:00 |
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Original poster: _alicesprings
Title: Pain Management
Written By: sfscarlet
Timeline: Post Series
Rating: R
Summary: Brian uses his time honored pain management techniques, but do they still work?
Author's Notes: Thank you to Jilla for the beta. Her feedback and commas are greatly appreciated. Any mistakes are mine. This is part 2 of the story.
He had another forty five minutes until he’d be allowed to see Brian again, so he went down to the lobby to call Daphne. It was too cold to go outside, so he sat in the row of chairs in the lobby.
“Hey,” he said when she answered her phone.
“Everything okay? I didn’t expect to hear from you,” Daphne asked as she put down the papers in her hand and started to grab her car keys.
“Nothing’s changed. I just needed to hear a friendly voice.”
Daphne put down her keys and sat back in her chair. “So…”
“I called Cynthia and Melanie. I had to find out if I was Brian’s Medical Proxy and she said I was. Of course, then I had to explain why I needed to know.” Justin got out of his chair and helped a pregnant woman with some packages. She was struggling to hold them and the balloons she was carrying.
She smiled at him and mouthed, “thank you.” He nodded and continued talking.
“Melanie and Lindsay showed up here a little bit ago. They went in to see Brian and Lindsay broke down crying. They offered to have me stay with them,” Justin said as he tried to keep his voice neutral. He slammed his fist on the chair in frustration.
“They had to put Brian on dialysis, too. Oh Daph, I don’t know if I can do this.”
“Justin Taylor,” Daphne scolded him. “You will do this and you will do it well. I’ll be there in about...” She looked at her watch. “Twenty- five minutes. We can talk when I get there.”
Justin sighed as he wiped away a stray tear that had fallen down his cheek. “Thanks, you’re the best.”
Daphne laughed, “Don’t you forget it. I’ll find you in the ICU waiting room.”
Justin knew he couldn’t see Brian for at least thirty minutes, and he didn’t want to go back to the waiting area. He put on his coat and scarf and walked down to the gas station to buy some cigarettes. There was too much going on for him to think about quitting smoking now.
He smoked a cigarette on his walk back. What am I going to do if he doesn’t wake up? Do I have the ability to tell the doctors to pull the plug? Wait a minute, Taylor, he isn’t dying and Dr. Houston never said he was at death’s door. He’s just in a coma. Mind you, no one knows if and when he’ll ever wake up. This is a different kind of hell than what he had to face with Ted. Ted was connected to all kinds of machines. The only machines Brian has are not life-saving. Geez, leave it to Brian to have a medical crisis that isn’t life threatening, but still very serious. He will wake up. He’s too stubborn to stay in a coma, besides I have to kick his ass a thousand ways from Sunday. He savored each puff, and was sad when he arrived at the hospital, since that meant he couldn’t smoke another one.
He took off his coat when he entered the hospital and took the elevator up to the ICU floor. There was a young man sitting by the window, just staring out the glass and Justin approached him.
‘Hi,’ Justin said as he stuck out his hand to shake the other man’s.
“Hi,” the man said back. “I’m waiting for the doctor. My wife was in a car accident. They don’t know if she’ll make it,” he said as tears rolled down his eyes. “We’ve only been married three years.”
“I’m sorry,’ Justin said.
“Who are you here for?”
“My partner. He’s in a coma and on dialysis,” Justin said with little emotion. He was surprised that he didn’t choke up when he explained Brian’s condition. He didn’t think that after two days he’d be used to it.
“I’m sorry. I hope he gets better,’ the man said as he stood up. “I see her doctor coming out of her room, and I want to talk to him.
“Thank you. I hope your wife is okay,” Justin said as he looked at the clock. Time had managed to flow, and he could see Brian again.
The machines in Brian’s room were still loud, and Brian still hadn’t moved.
“I guess I’m talked out. Bet you never thought you’d hear that? Anyway I’m just going to sit with you,” Justin said as he pulled the chair closer to the bed. He ran his finger over Brian’s arm and softly caressed his face. He traced his lips with his finger. They were dry and cracked. He took out the lip balm he always carried and applied some to Brian’s lips. Brian hated kissing him when he put the balm on, but Justin always told him to get over it, as he would hate kissing cracked lips more.
“I love you. Please let the machines work and help you wake up,” Justin said as he leaned over Brian to touch their foreheads together. “Later,” he whispered when it was time to go.
He walked out of the room and saw Daphne waiting in the family area.
“Daph,” he said softly as he hugged her. “Thanks.”
“No problem. I got to work kind of early today so I could skip out,” she said as she returned his hug. “How’s Brian?”
“The same. I…” Justin started to talk, but then tears began to fall.
Daphne held him while he cried. When he stopped, she pulled him toward some chairs.
“Justin, I can’t tell you it will be fine. I’m here for you. Do you want to go home?”
Justin looked at his friend and was very grateful for her friendship. He knew she would be there to listen to his ranting and hold him when he needed it.
“I can’t. Visiting hours aren’t over till 9:00.”
“Justin, he didn’t even come see you when you were in the hospital. Why do you need to be here every waking moment?” Daphne said with irritation.
“That happened six years ago and things are different now. Since then he’s told me he loved me and even asked me to marry him. How can I abandon him?”
Daphne held Justin with both hands at arm’s length. “Justin Taylor. You are no longer obligated to that man in there. He told you so last summer when he broke your heart yet again. I can’t believe I just heard you say that.”
Justin pushed her hands off his arms and looked defiantly at Daphne. “I don’t expect you to understand us. The fact that Brian didn’t change his Medical Proxy means a lot. He still cares for me, and in his twisted mind he thinks that if he tells me to go away it’s for my own good. Not necessarily what he wants, but for my own good. I need to stay.”
Daphne looked at her best friend, seeing the determined look and love in his eyes. She couldn’t deny that they made a great, if exasperating couple. “Okay, but have you eaten?”
“I ate lunch about 2:00. I’m not really hungry.”
Laughing, Daphne said, “You, not hungry. Hurry, someone call Guinness.”
Justin punched her in the arm, and he laughed as well.
They talked quietly together the rest of the evening. Justin went into Brian’s room once an hour and talked to him, but Brian never stirred. After Justin’s last visit, he returned to the nurse’s station.
“I’m leaving for the evening. Please call me if Brian’s condition changes.”
The nurse smiled at Justin and said, “Of course, Mr. Taylor, but we really don’t expect any changes for a few days.”
Justin returned to Daphne’s home where he took a shower and collapsed into bed. His alarm went off at 8:00 the next morning. He and Daphne had a bowl of cereal and some yogurt, and she drove him to the hospital once again.
“Call if you need anything. I’ll leave work early and come sit with you.”
“You don’t have to, Daphne,” Justin said as he opened the door.
“You’re my best friend. Of course, I do.”
By now the route to the nurse’s station was a familiar one, and once there he flagged down one of the busy nurses.
“Excuse me, how is Brian?”
The nurse picked up his chart. “He had a quiet evening. He’s having his second dialysis treatment now, but you can see him in twenty minutes.”
“Thank you.’
Justin went to the waiting area and saw the same man from yesterday. He sat down opposite the man.
“How’s your wife?”
“Alive. The doctor stopped her bleeding. They say the next 24 hours are critical.”
“That’s good.”
The two men sat in silence for a few moments.
“Oh, how rude of me. How is your partner?”
“The same. Thanks for asking.”
Justin had brought his back pack today with his art supplies, hoping to make the time go faster. He pulled out a small sketch pad and began drawing the man in the waiting room. The worry lines on the man’s forehead and around his eyes seemed to age him almost daily. The man had told him he was only thirty, yet Justin thought he looked closer to forty; the circles under his eyes were almost black from lack of sleep and his unshaven face cast a dark pallor on his skin. When he kept busy, time seemed to go faster, and soon it was time for him to see Brian.
He walked into Brian’s room, hearing the beeping noise of the ECG machine and seeing the readout of the Pulse Ox meter. He didn’t understand their purpose, but knew they were monitoring important bodily functions. Brian looked peaceful, and if it weren’t for the wires and tubes coming out of his body, Justin would think he was sleeping. His slight snore comforted Justin, knowing that this part of Brian was unchanged. He walked up to Brian, caressing his arm, telling him a few short tidbits about his day and putting Chap Stick on his lips. His fifteen minutes passed quickly and he touched their foreheads together and said, “Later.”
________________________________________
He developed a routine of sorts over the next week. Talk to Brian, draw, pace, walk down to the gas station for a snack or cigarettes, and eat.
Justin had kept Lindsay and Melanie informed, and they had told the rest of the family. Everyone showed up at least once a day for a few hours, and Justin was forced to give up some of his visiting time, as still only two visitors were allowed in the room.
Justin had been keeping his vigil for ten days. He was getting ready to leave Brian’s room, having said his ritual goodbye- touching Brian’s forehead with his own and saying, “Later.”- when Brian’s eyes fluttered open.
“Jus...n,” Brian mumbled, but then his eyes closed again.
“Brian! Brian!” Justin exclaimed. “Nurse, he said my name,” Justin yelled as he ran to the nurse’s station.
The nurse followed Justin into Brian’s room and took his vitals again. “It sounds like he could be waking up. We’ll watch for further signs of consciousness.”
For the first time since his arrival, he was hopeful as he left Brian’s room in the ICU. The first thing he did was to go to the lobby.
He scrolled through his phone and he pushed the button.
“Hey Justin. Everything okay?” Daphne anxiously asked.
“He said my name!” Justin almost yelled.
“He’s awake. That’s wonderful. Did he say anything else?”
“Daph, that only happens in the movies. The doctor told me when he does start waking up, it would be several days before he can be coherent enough to talk,” Justin said.
“That’s great news. I know you’re relieved. I wonder if they’ll move him out of intensive care?”
Justin paced in front of the windows that were on the south side of the lobby as he talked. He tried sitting, but soon found himself popping up like a Jack in the Box. “I just hope these next few days go by fast. I really want him to be awake. I have a few choice words for Mr. Kinney.”
Daphne shuffled some papers on her desk. “I have to go, but I’ll be there around 5:30.”
“Okay. See you then.”
Justin closed his phone, and then sat in the chair. He had another call to make and he scrolled through the numbers in his phone until he found the correct entry. He dialed.
“Red Cape Comics,” Michael said.
“He opened his eyes. He’s coming out of his coma,” Justin said as he stood up again.
“Great! That’s wonderful! Now that he’s okay, you can go back to New York.”
Justin stopped his pacing and took a few deep breaths. “I’m not going anywhere. Brian needs me and I’m going to be here until he’s well.”
“I’m his best friend. You left and went to New York. You hadn’t seen him in months,” Michael whined.
“I don’t need your permission to stay. I’ll leave when I decide to, not when you do. Goodbye, Michael.” Justin disconnected the phone. He put on his coat and walked outside.
He took a few more deep breaths and started walking to the gas station two blocks away. He really wanted some cigarettes, and he’d run out last night.
“Damn Michael Novotny, and damn you Brian Kinney for making Michael think he ever had a chance with you. Yeah, he’s married now and has his Stepford fag family, but he still pines for you. My life would have been so much easier if you had squelched his fantasies years ago. When you really wake up, you are going to tell Michael… What the hell am I doing? I’m talking to a man who just came out of a coma and is in the hospital several blocks away. I’m really losing it. It’s just so damn frustrating to see Michael undermine my relationship with Brian. Yes, it’s a relationship. He won’t use those words, but we both know they’re true.”
Walking up to the counter, he waited behind several other customers.
“Lucky Strikes, please,” he requested.
“That’ll be $4.00.”
Justin handed over his money and the clerk gave him his cigarettes. He lit one as he walked back to the hospital. “I wish I could smoke at the hospital, it would have made the waiting so much easier.” Taking a last drag, he put out the butt, and eagerly went up to the ICU.
Daphne came to the hospital that night, as did Lindsay, Melanie, Michael and Debbie. Justin knew the rest of the family would probably show up tomorrow. Since Brian was still in ICU, only two visitors were allowed at a time, and that meant Justin didn’t get to see Brian until the last visit for the night.
“Hey, you,” Justin said quietly. “I always liked when you said my name since you frequently refer to me as Twat, Little Stalker, or Twink but this afternoon, I don’t think I’ve ever heard more beautiful sounds.” Justin looked at the familiar machines with their multitude of wires and tubes hooked up to Brian. “Soon you won’t need the Dialysis or the Pulse Ox machines, but I guess they’ll keep the ECG machine hooked up for while.
He leaned over Brian, touching his forehead with his own and said, “Later.”
Justin and Daphne left for the night, and Justin slept better than he had since returning to Pittsburgh. For the next five days, Justin continued to spend his days at the hospital, and each day Brian had longer periods of consciousness. The nurses documented his increased awareness. His kidney function had improved, so they stopped the dialysis, but kept the shunt in.
Dr. Houston completed his morning visit to Brian and went to the patient waiting area to talk to Justin. “Mr. Taylor, I think we’re ready to move Mr. Kinney to the Med/Surg unit. We’ll keep the shunt in for a few more days while we continue to monitor his urine output and blood work,” Dr. Houston explained. “Dr. Mora will be assigned to his care.”
“So, he’s going to be okay?” Justin hesitantly asked.
“His kidney function is at eighty five percent and appears to be improving every day.”
“But….”
“Mr. Taylor, Mr. Kinney has been in a coma for almost two weeks. He damaged his kidneys and while they’re functioning, they’re still stressed. In addition, he damaged his leg and he is weak. He will have at least a month, if not more, of rehab,” Dr. Houston said as he his pager went off. “I have to go. The nurses will answer any other questions.”
“Thank you,” Justin said to the back of the retreating doctor and turned toward the nurse’s station.
“Excuse me,” he said. “Dr. Houston said my friend, Brian, is to be moved to Med/Surg. Will that happen today?”
Picking up Brian’s chart, the nurse flipped through the latest notes. “The orders are written. I’ll call the Med/Surg unit and make arrangements. His room probably won’t be ready for several hours.”
“Thank you. I appreciate all you’ve done for Brian,” Justin smiled one of his ‘sunshine smiles’.
“You’re welcome,” the nurse smiled at Justin, his smile brightening her day.
Three hours later Brian was moved to the Med/Surg floor.
“Brian, I’m so happy that you’re going to be okay,” Justin spoke softly as the orderlies pushed Brian’s bed to the new floor. He walked along the bed, holding Brian’s hand. After the nurses set Brian up, Justin sat with him in his room. When visiting hours were over, he gave his now-normal goodbye.
“It’s time for me to go,” Justin leaned down touching his forehead to Brian’s, “Later,” he said.
“Later,” Brian said back.
Justin picked up his messenger bag and went to the lobby to meet Daphne. She drove up to the familiar circle where patients are dropped off and Justin got in her car.
“Let’s go out for a drink,” Justin suggested as he threw his messenger bag in the back.
“Sounds good. Did something happen? You’re practically lighting the interior of my car,” Daphne kidded.
“Brian was moved to a new room. He’s no longer in ICU,’ Justin informed her.
“That’s great! I know you’re relieved. Wanna go to Woodys?”
“No. I don’t want to run into any of the gang. What about some hetero bar? I just want a quiet night,” Justin answered as shook his head no.
“Okay. There’s a bar down the street from my apartment where I meet my friends sometimes. It’s like Woodys for heteros.”
“Sounds good.”
They walked in and found a small table. The waitress came up and took their orders, bringing them both back beers.
Daphne swirled her beer in the wet spot on the table, “So, Brian’s been moved out of the ICU?”
“Yep. I got to spend two uninterrupted hours with him this afternoon,” Justin joked. “Mind you he was doing his rendition of Sleeping Beauty during most of it, but still.”
“Sleeping Beauty?” Daphne asked, her eyebrows rose.
Justin took a swig of his beer and placed it on the table. “Yeah. He slept through most of it. I think even moving made him tired,” Justin laughed. “I don’t think Brian’s slept this much since he was a baby.”
“Did you guys talk?” Daphne asked.
“No, not really. He said ‘hey’ and asked if he’d been moved. We flipped through the channels on the TV mostly. He’s staying awake for thirty minutes to an hour these days, but he still hasn’t asked what happened.”
Daphne frowned. “I thought you said he’d been awake for several days. You haven’t talked to him yet?”
“Today was the first day I got to be with him for any length of time. Hard to have a significant conversation in only fifteen minutes. Besides, the fifteen minutes for visiting didn’t always coincide with his being awake. He’s usually more awake in the morning. I imagine tomorrow he’ll probably start the third degree.” Justin finished his beer and stretched his body. “You about done? This sounded like a really good idea, but now I want to go home, shower and go to bed.”
Daphne nodded and finished her beer. “Sure. I’ll drop you off at the apartment. I’ve got some errands to run and then I’ll be home.”
Daphne placed the last of the eggs on a plate and took the pancakes out of the microwave where they had been keeping warm.
She knocked on Justin’s door. “Breakfast is ready.”
“Go away,’ Justin mumbled into the pillow.
“Can’t. I’ve got to get to work and you’ve got to Brian sit,” she yelled through the door.
Justin sat up in bed, dragging his hands over his face and stretching his arms over his head. “I’m coming. Let me brush my teeth; it’s been so long since I drank anything with alcohol that it tastes like something died in my mouth.” He threw on some clothes and went to the bathroom to take care of business.
“I didn’t think you had enough pans to cook this amount of food,” Justin grinned as he eyed the breakfast on the table. He got out two plates, silverware, and poured each of them a glass of juice and milk. Sitting down, he motioned for her to join him.
Daphne put a pancake on her plate and poured a little syrup on top. She picked up her fork and knife and cut a section off. “So, now that Brian’s awake, what are your plans?”
Justin placed two pancakes, some eggs and two pieces of bacon on his plate. He picked up a knife to butter his pancakes, not stopping his food preparations. “What do you mean? I plan on going to the hospital, just like I have every day since I got here, and help Brian with his recovery. He may be awake, but he’s going to have to have Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and maybe even Speech Therapy. He’s been in bed for almost two weeks and his muscles are really weak.” Justin took a fork full of eggs and ate them. “These are good,” he commented, somewhat surprised.
“I mean, are you going back to New York? Brian woke up, and the medical decisions are made.”
Justin dropped his fork with his piece of pancake on it and glared at Daphne. “You know, I would have thought you would be different. Michael asked me when I was going back to New York, too. I thought you understood!”
“I do understand, Justin. It’s just that I hate to see you hurt, and you and I both know that Brian won’t be nice when he wakes up.”
“Daphne, I know that Brian has a mean streak as big as your apartment, but I also know that it is tempered by his generous nature. No one believes me when I say that, but I know it’s true.”
“Okay. I don’t want to fight with you. I just want to be sure that you know what you’re doing.” Daphne picked up her fork and stabbed a piece of pancake. She ate several more bites and took a drink of juice, and then put down her fork. “What about your show? I know its coming up, and I know neither you nor Brian would want you to lose that opportunity.”
“I’m not sure. I have some time before I really need to worry about it, but you’re right - I need to paint.” Justin took another bite of eggs before answering. He pushed the plate away from him and stretched. “Strong emotions and upheavals tend to give me a boost when it comes to my painting. I was getting a little stale in New York. I lacked my edge. I can feel it coming back now.”
“So Brian’s coma was a good thing for your art?” Daphne asked as she brought her plate to the sink.
“It’s not like that, Daph! You make it sound like I need bad things to happen for my art to be good.” Justin picked up his plate, dumping the remaining food in the trash and then giving the plate to Daphne. “My art comes from in here.” Justin put his hand over his heart. “I feel every piece I paint.”
Justin looked at the clock and said, “I need to shower so I can get to the hospital. Can you take me on your way to work or do I need to catch the bus?”
“I’ll drop you off. Now go, or I’ll be late,” Daphne said as she pushed him toward the bathroom.
Justin had a bounce to his step. He never thought he would look forward to going into a hospital, but after the last two weeks, he finally didn’t dread walking in. He knew that Brian was going to be okay. He pushed the button for the 5th floor and walked to Brian’s room.
He knocked out of politeness, but he didn’t really expect to be told he couldn’t come in. Brian was sitting up in bed and drinking some juice.
“Hey,” Justin said as he walked into the room. “I see that you’re enjoying real food.”
“What the hell happened?”
Justin had dreaded this question and wasn’t really sure how he wanted to answer it. “You’re in the hospital,” he said, deciding to keep it simple. He knew there was a lot of time to address the other shit later.
“I know that,” Brian said as he glared at Justin. “Tell me why I’m here.”
“Oh that.” Justin walked over to the window and opened the blinds to let the sun in. “It’s a beautiful day, sunny but a little cold.”
“I don’t fucking care about the weather, Justin! Just answer the damn question,” Brian yelled, using up most of his reserves.
“You were in a coma,” Justin said as he kept all the particulars absent from the answer.
“What the fuck? A coma...” Brian leaned back against his pillows and was silent.
Justin turned toward Brian and saw that he had closed his eyes again.
That went well. I can’t wait to tell him how he got in the coma. That should be really fun.
Brian slept for the next several hours, so Justin took out his sketch pad and did the most natural thing in the world. He sketched Brian. He sketched the face without the catheter in his neck; otherwise, Brian was unscathed from his ordeal. He still had his beautiful brown hair and the most gorgeous facial bone structure.
Justin had been sitting for an hour and needed to stretch. He left his sketch book on the chair and walked into the hallway. He walked the length of the hallway several times and used the bathroom. Even though Brian was awake, he still wanted to ask the medical staff about his progress; therefore, he stopped at the nurses’ station to check on Brian’s condition.
“I’m Justin Taylor. Can you tell me how Brian Kinney in room 514 is doing?”
The nurse picked up his chart and said, “He’s doing well. His urine output is normal and all his blood work is satisfactory. His stitches appear to be healing as well.”
“Thank you,” Justin said as he started to walk away, but then turned back to the nurse. “Stitches. What stitches? I wasn’t aware that he had any stitches.”
The nurse reviewed the chart again. “He had stitches in his leg. They should be coming out tomorrow.”
“Why did he have stitches?” Justin asked as he tried to remember if the doctor had said anything about stitches.
“You’ll have to ask his doctor. I think he’s already seen Mr. Kinney. Maybe you can talk to him tomorrow.”
“Thank you,” Justin said as he walked back toward Brian’s room. If he has stitches, that means they are somewhere not very visible. Brian is going to shit. I hope that they will be well hidden. I can’t imagine the Stud of Liberty Avenue with a scar in a strategic place.
Justin returned to Brian’s room and picked up his sketch pad. About an hour later, the dietary department came with a tray for Brian. Justin eyed the dishes. There was Jell-O, clear broth, and dry toast. At least he would eat the dry toast. I can’t imagine Brian putting any of the other food in his mouth. He’s lost so much weight. I guess I’ll really have to work on getting him to eat. He needs his strength to get better. If they feed him this shit, he’ll never get well.
Brian woke up a few minutes after the food arrived.
“Hey, you’re awake,” Justin said as he smiled at Brian.
“I knew you were smart. Is that my lunch? Or should I say, is that what passes for food in this place?”
“Yeah. It’s your lunch. You need to eat so you can regain your strength,” Justin urged as he pushed the rolling table closer to Brian’s bed.
“Stop treating me like a child. I know what I need to do,” Brian said. “Go home, Justin. I don’t need you here.”
“You’re not a child and I’m not going home. I want to help you.”
“I don’t need your help,” Brian said as he tried to sit up.
Ignoring Brian’s little tirade, Justin went to Brian’s bed and helped arrange Brian’s pillows so he could eat. He didn’t comment on Brian’s statement.
Brian ate a few bites of toast and a few spoonfuls of broth.
“This smells like your gym shoes. Get it away from me.” Brian tried to push the table away, but barely had the strength to move it more than two inches.
Justin moved the cart away from the bed. “Can I get you anything?”
“Some real food. That stuff will kill me.”
“I’ll see what the nurses say you can eat.” Justin went to the nurse’s station. “Excuse me, my friend, Brian doesn’t like his lunch. Is there something else he can eat?”
The nurse smiled at Justin and picked up Brian’s chart. “It says a liquid diet. You can give him some white soda like Ginger ale or Sprite. He can have Jell-O, clear soup, and ice chips. We may have some popsicles. If he doesn’t have any problems with those, he can try soft foods tomorrow.”
“I’ll get him a soda.” Justin went to the soda machine and bought Brian some Ginger Ale. He brought it back to the room, but found Brian sleeping again.
He placed the soda can in the wash basin along with some ice from the pitcher. He hoped that it would keep the soda somewhat cool.
He watched Brian sleep. He felt his body relax, knowing it was temporary and that Brian would soon wake up. He picked up his sketch pad, drawing his lover as he slept peacefully.
----------------------------------------
When Brian woke up, it was dark outside. “You’re still here? What time is it?”
Justin walked to the bed, picking up Brian’s hand and placing it in his own. Giving the hand a squeeze, Justin bent down and kissed Brian on the cheek.
“Yeah, still here. Told you I wasn’t going anywhere. It’s about 9:00. I have to leave soon as visiting hours are almost over, but I’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Who the fuck said I wanted you here?” Brian croaked out.
Justin poured some water for Brian and he drank it quickly. “Don’t you have better things to do then to sit in this stupid hospital all day?”
“You don’t get to decide this time. I’m staying. And, no I don’t have better things to do.”
Brian took his hand back and sighed. “I’m hungry. Go get me something to eat.”
Justin found the soda he placed in the tub earlier and opened it. “Drink this. They said you could have only a liquid diet today.”
Brian took the soda and drank about half of it. “I’m going to get fat drinking this sugary crap.”
Justin ignored the comment and began packing his art supplies. “Good night, Brian. I love you.” He leaned over to touch his forehead to Brian’s, but Brian leaned out of his way so Justin touched Brian’s pillow instead. Sadly, Justin slung his messenger bag on his shoulder and walked out of Brian’s room.
Justin retrieved his cell and called Daphne, hoping she was home.
“Justin,” she answered. “I’m almost to the hospital. I thought you’d be about ready to go home.”
“I love you, Daphne. I was so not looking forward to riding the bus tonight. Brian may be awake, but he is really a bear,” Justin said as he pushed the elevator button to go to the lobby.
“I’ll be there in about ten minutes. Wait in the lobby and I’ll drive up,” Daphne said as she maneuvered her way through the light traffic.
“Good. I’ll be waiting,” Justin said as he walked out of the elevator and shut his phone. He took a seat by the door so he could watch for Daphne’s car. A few minutes later, her car drove up to the patient loading area and he got in it.
“Thanks, I’m exhausted,” Justin said as he placed his bag on the back seat. He laid his head back and closed his eyes, dozing off as Daphne drove them home.
When they arrived home, Justin woke up. “Sorry. I guess I’m exhausted. I never appreciated what my mother went through after the bashing. Not only did she spend a lot of her day at the hospital, but she also took care of Molly.” Justin gathered his messenger bag from the back seat and brought it into the house. “I’m going to bed. They’re supposed to get him out of bed tomorrow. Let him sit in a chair and maybe stand for a few minutes. I want to be there when he gets up.”
“Good night, Justin. It’s Saturday, so I don’t have to work. I can stay with you at the hospital if you want.” Daphne hung her keys up on the hook by the door, took off her coat, draped it on the chair, and yawned. “I guess I’ll go to bed, too. It’s been a long week.”
The next morning, they ate a quick breakfast, getting an early start on the drive. Daphne made her way onto the highway and matched her car’s speed with the other cars. “So how is Brian? Have you told him what happened?”
Justin fiddled with the radio, turning the volume down before answering. “He’s in a really bad mood. He doesn’t like the food, keeps telling me to leave and having a conversation with someone who can only stay awake for fifteen minutes at a time is difficult.”
Daphne didn’t like the song on the radio and she pushed a different button for another station. Pulling down her visor, she handed Justin a CD. “Put that in. I don’t know why you insist on listening to the radio. There’s nothing but crap on.”
Justin put the CD on and The Fray played loudly.
“Still think you want to stay here? If he’s like that again today, it will be even harder than normal.”
Justin laughed. “Normal. What the hell is normal for Brian Kinney? Brian never wants anyone to do anything for him, and he always wants to tell me what I should do. He thinks he knows best. Well this time, he doesn’t get to tell me what to do.” Justin watched the snow fall on the road as they drove.
“Your show’s in two weeks. Don’t you have to go back?”
“Yeah, I do, but only for the night. I talked to my mom, and she said she’d buy me the ticket. I could leave right after lunch, and be back the next morning.”
“Are you sure? Do you really want to put your life on hold like that?’
Justin turned toward Daphne and said, “I’ve done a lot of thinking these past few weeks and I’ve made a decision. I can paint anywhere, but Brian is here, and I need to be with him. I can go to New York a few times a month to talk to galleries, but I don’t want to live there anymore.”
“Okay, but what if Brian doesn’t want you here?” Daphne asked as she played devil’s advocate. “He told you to go away,” she reminded him.
Justin frowned at her logic. “True, but he left me as his Power of Attorney and Medical Proxy. I’ve been gone almost a year and half. I’ve got an agent, and my work is selling. I’ve done the New York thing, now I need to return to my life and Brian.”
Daphne sighed. “You’re still the romantic, but Brian’s a hard sell.”
“I know, but I wrote the Brian Kinney operating manual, and this is just a new chapter in the book.”
Daphne signaled to get off the highway. She followed the signs to the hospital and parked the car in the parking garage. She unbuckled her seatbelt and watched Justin do the same.
“Justin, I don’t want to see you hurt. Can’t we talk a little longer before you go up?”
Justin looked at his watch and shook his head. “Not now, Daph. The nurses told me they would be getting him up after breakfast and that should be any time now. We’ll talk later. Are you staying or will you be back?”
Daphne sighed. “I’ll be back in a few hours - I have some errands to run. Will you promise that we’ll talk then?” she asked as she grabbed his hands and placed them in her own.
“Okay. We’ll talk later, but I’m not promising it will be here. It depends on how Brian is doing.”
Justin pushed the button for the 5th floor and walked to room 514. He knocked and went in. Brian was just finishing his breakfast.
“Hey,” Justin said as he sat down.
Brian pushed the cart away. “At least this morning, I got eggs. I can’t wait to have some real food.”
“How are you feeling?” Justin asked, trying to judge Brian’s mood.
“How do think I feel? I’ve got this tube sticking out of my neck and a tube in my dick. I haven’t had a shower in …what day is it again? And I can’t stay awake more than two hours at a time,” Brian grumbled.
Justin didn’t know how to answer him, so he didn’t.
The nurse came in, smiling at Justin and Brian. “Good morning, Mr. Kinney. Ready to get up? I’m going to help you sit in this chair.”
“When do I lose the tubes? This one in my dick is not conducive to great sex.”
“Your kidneys appear to be working well. Your doctor will be in to see you shortly and you can ask him.” The nurse went over to Brian and helped him to swing his legs over the side of the bed. She placed his arms around her neck and pivoted him to the chair. “I’ll be back in about half an hour to help you back into bed.”
Justin looked carefully at Brian. Even sick, Brian still looked beautiful to him. His eyes traveled down his body toward his cock, and to his legs. His mouth dropped open when he saw the black sutures that lined Brian’s entire left leg.
“What?’ Brian asked. “What the fuck are you staring at?” Brian asked, and then looked down at his own body. “Shit! What the hell happened to my leg?” Brian said as he moved his hand to touch the stitches. “They go all the way up to my cock. Did you know anything about this, Justin?”
“No. The nurse mentioned stitches yesterday, but she said I had to talk to the doctor. Holy shit, Brian. They go all the way down your leg,” Justin said as he stood up to examine Brian.
“Get the fuck away from me. I’m not on display,” Brian said as he attempted to push Justin away.
Justin hurried back to his chair. “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry’s bullshit. Wait till I talk to that doctor. I’ll have his balls for doing this to me!”
Justin just sat there and didn’t say a word. A few minutes later the doctor came in to check on Brian.
“Good to see you awake, Mr. Kinney. I see your urine output has returned to normal. As long as you continue to do well today, we’ll take the shunt out tomorrow,” Dr. Mora said as he examined the notes in the chart. “Looks like your stitches are healing well too. They should come out in a few days as well,” the doctor said as he pulled off the gloves he had put on to examine the sutures.
“What about the tube in my dick?”
Looking at the chart notes again, he said, “When we take out the shunt in your neck, we’ll take the catheter out of your penis.”
The doctor started to leave, but Justin asked, “Dr. Mora, why does Brian have stitches? He was in a coma, and I didn’t think that it had anything to do with his leg.”
“Mr. Kinney was apparently unconscious for several days before he was found. He was on his side, his leg awkwardly positioned, which combined with blood pooling and impaired circulation to create some serious blood clots. When he came in, the leg was in peril, and we needed to open the vessels to increase the blood flow. Once the flow had been restored, we stitched his leg back up. This all occurred before your arrival, Mr. Taylor.”
“Thank you, Doctor. When do you think Brian can be released?”
“I can’t really answer that question. Every day he will get stronger, but we won’t send him home until he can care for himself. So before he can go home, he’ll need to go to rehab in order to build up his strength. Two weeks of being in bed can really make you weak.”
“I see. Can the rehab be done at home?
“The initial treatment planning needs to be completed in the hospital, but when he is more independent, he can go home.”
The doctor left the room. Justin didn’t say anything. For once, he was going to take Brian’s advice and shut up. The nurse came in a few minutes later and assisted Brian back in bed.
“We’ll get you up again in two to three hours. You have to build up your strength. Do you need anything?”
“To get out of this shit hole.”
“I’m sorry. He’s not usually this rude,” Justin apologized to the nurse.
“I’m used to it. Most of my patients are in pain and don’t want to be here.”
Brian fell asleep after returning to bed. Justin watched him sleep as he thought about the doctor’s speech. Brian would need therapy, just like he did when he was bashed. He hoped that Brian wouldn’t have the problems that he’d had when he got out of the hospital. He didn’t know if he was strong enough to help Brian. He’d be leaving in two weeks to go to his show, but he really needed to go back to New York before then to talk to his agent, and take care of his studio and his apartment. Then he’d have to find studio space and an apartment here. He hadn’t really thought through all the ramifications of moving back to Pittsburgh. What if he was wrong and Brian really didn’t want him here? No, he told himself, Brian hadn’t changed his Medical Proxy; Brian still wanted him here.
^^^^^
“So you woke up? Good for you?” Vic said as he stood in front of Brian’s bed, wearing a Hawaiian shirt.
“You said I wasn’t dead. So why are you still here?” Brian asked as he glanced down at his body in the hospital room.
“No, you’re not dead, but you sure screwed up. You drugged yourself into a coma and messed up your leg, your kidneys … even your neck’s going to be scarred,” Vic said as he walked around the bed, examining Brian’s body. “What were you thinking, Brian? That little twink over there loves you. Were you missing him that badly?”
“No,” Brian answered too quickly.
“I know better. Can’t lie to me, Brian. Did too many drugs to ease the pain and now you got more pain coming your way than you ever bargained for. Ironic, isn’t it. You couldn’t tell him you missed him, so you almost killed yourself to get him to come home. You need to grow up and accept your feelings.”
Brian squirmed. “Vic,” he said, but Vic had disappeared again. Brian slept a little longer and woke up feeling more confused and unsettled than before.
^^^^^
Justin watched Brian sleep for awhile, and then he got his sketch book; once again drawing Brian, something he never got tired of doing.
“Twat,” Brian croaked as he woke up again. “Come here.”
Justin put down his sketch pad and walked over to Brian. He motioned to take Brian’s hand and Brian obliged. “What the fuck happened?”
“You were in a coma,” Justin said.
“I know that. Tell me how I got in this lovely coma,” Brian said, the snark coming back.
Justin didn’t respond right away. How do I tell him he OD’d on drugs and alcohol and I don’t believe for one minute that it was purely accidental? How do I tell him I hear his call for help and I’m here? How do I tell him I love him and I’m coming home? How do I tell him I won’t let him fail? How do I tell him…? I don’t. He’s Brian Kinney and he knows without my speaking the words. I have to show him.
“Well, I wasn’t there. The hospital called me when you arrived in the ER.”
“Jesus, Justin. Stop walking on damn eggshells and just tell me. I’m not going anywhere, and I need to know,” Brian sighed, exasperated with the conversation despite its short length.
He swallowed hard and looked away from Brian’s eyes. “You overdosed on drugs and alcohol.” A tear ran down his face, and he wiped it away. He hoped Brian didn’t see it.
“Your allergies acting up again?” Brian asked.
“Yeah, allergies,” Justin said.
“So, I O.D. ‘d. No wonder Vic’s been kicking my ass.”
Justin gave Brian a curious look. “Vic?” Justin asked as he looked into Brian’s eyes, trying to make sure he was really awake and still not sleeping.
“I guess I’ve been dreaming about the old queen. He’s ripped me a new one, too.”
“Oh,” Justin said, encouraging Brian to talk.
“Never mind. Why are you here?”
Justin let go of Brian’s hand and walked to the window. He had hoped the inquisition wouldn’t start so soon. He really wasn’t up to fighting with Brian today.
“You listed me as your emergency contact and Medical Proxy. They called me when you were brought in.”
“So I have you to thank for the Frankenstein design on my leg?” Brian said angrily as he pulled the covers off his legs. “Now they might let me be the Freak of Liberty Avenue rather than the Stud of Liberty Avenue!”
“Don’t, Brian. Just don’t. The scars will fade in time. Besides, most of your conquests are in the back room, and if I remember correctly it’s rather dark in there. No one will notice,” Justin joked, trying to lighten the mood. Justin pulled up the sheet and looked at the stitches. He gently kissed Brian’s knee, staying away from any of the angry red and black lines. “I think you are still beautiful.”
Brian rolls his eyes. “So if I’m no longer critical, you can go home.”
Justin sat down in the chair. “I don’t want to go home. You need my help, if for no other reason than to keep the family at bay. Debbie and Michael and Lindsay come here every day. Lindsay just cries and Michael tells me to leave and, well, Debbie yells at the nurses,” Justin said as he tried to paint a picture of his daily interactions.
“Okay. You can stay and keep the family away. But, once I get out of here, you leave.”
“I’m not talking about it now, Brian. You tried to get rid of me when you had cancer, and it didn’t work. It’s not going to work this time, but you need your rest. I’m getting some lunch.” Justin walked over to the bed and leaned over touching his forehead to Brian’s and said, “Later.”
Just like he had every time he left Brian’s room the last several weeks.
When Justin returned from lunch, he heard voices in Brian’s room. He hesitated a few moments before entering, since he still didn’t like to interact with the family. As Justin pushed open the door, Brian looked over to him with relief in his face. “You’re back, Sunshine. Now, do your job and tell Mikey to leave,” Brian demanded half serious, and half in jest.
Michael looked at Brian and then back at Justin. “Briannnnn,” Mikey whined. “What does he need to be here for? I’m your best friend and you two aren’t together anymore. He just came since the doctors say he has something called a Medical Proxy.”
Justin walked in the room and closed the door, hoping to keep the noise down and not disturb other patients. “Michael, as I have been telling you for the last two and half weeks, I’m here because I want to be here. Brian kept me as his Medical Proxy for a reason and that reason does not involve you.” Justin walked over to Brian and kissed him on the lips. “If you’re going to complain every time you visit, then I will have to insist you be taken off the visitor’s list.”
“Brian, I…”
“Shut up, Michael. I don’t need to hear you two go at it. I need my rest.” Brian lay back on his pillows and closed his eyes, effectively shutting out Michael.
“Justin, can you tell the nurse I’m ready to get up again. By the time he comes back, I want you gone, Michael,” Brian said as he waved Justin out the door.
Michael crossed his arms and said, “Fine, I’ll leave. But this isn’t over.” Michael stomped out the door.
Justin returned with the nurse, who assisted Brian out of the bed. After the nurse helped him into the chair, she left to see other patients.
Brian looked at Justin, grinning at his cleverness. “I think you make an excellent gate keeper. Maybe I should hire you to guard the front desk at Kinnetik.” Suddenly Brian’s face went white.
“Brian, Brian, Are you okay? Do I need to call the nurse?” Justin frantically was touching him for a response.
“I’m fine, Justin. Mentioning Kinnetik did it. I assume you have kept Cynthia and Theodore apprised of my condition. Kinnetik is still standing, isn’t it? I need to talk to Cynthia. Do you have your cell phone? I’ll call now,” Brian urgently demanded.
Justin took a few short breaths, calming his racing heart. He returned to his chair. “Of course, I’ve informed Ted and Cynthia. Ted’s been up a few times, and so has Cynthia. She’s your friend, not just an employee.” Justin dug in his messenger bag for some papers. “I’ve been making notes from her daily calls. She said I didn’t need to, but I insisted on keeping up with the business for you.” He showed Brian the notebook, but didn’t give it to him. “You can see it tomorrow when you’re not tired and can think clearly. It’s Saturday and nothing earth shattering will happen before Monday. We can call her tomorrow.” He placed the book back in his bag, placing it out of reach of Brian.
“Okay. So, how’s the hospital cafeteria. The food in my room is for shit, but you don’t seem any worse for wear,” Brian looked at Justin, eyeing him from head to toe.
“The food is tolerable. What’s really a bitch is that I can’t smoke in the building, and they don’t even sell cigarettes here! I have to walk two blocks to buy smokes and it’s freezing out there,” Justin used his mini drama queen voice.
Brian laughed for the first time, and Justin smiled when he heard the sound. ‘It’s good to hear you laugh and see you smile. I’ve missed that.”
A few minutes later, the nurse returned and assisted Brian back into bed. Brian was exhausted and closed his eyes, sleeping for several hours. While Brian slept, Daphne returned to the hospital, and Justin went out to the waiting area so they wouldn’t disturb Brian.
“Get your errands done?”
“Yeah. How is he today?”
Justin reached out to hold Daphne’s hands in his. “We talked and I told him he O.D. ‘ed. We also found out he had hundreds of stitches all the way up and around his leg. Seems he fell on it, and laying on it for 48 hours caused some blood clots. He sort of looks like Frankenstein, but I didn’t tell him that,” Justin laughed at his statement. “Michael came by and Brian kicked him out. That was pretty cool. Overall, it’s been a good day.”
“Justin, I know you love him, but is it enough?” Daphne asked as she squeezed his hands.
“Yes. I think this time it is. I’ve grown up a lot in New York. I know what I want, and I want Brian Kinney.”
“But what if he doesn’t want Justin Taylor?”
“I think he does, Daph, but if he doesn’t really want me here, then I’ll leave. I owe it to myself to try. He did ask me to marry him once- that should count for something.” Justin stood up and walked to the soda machine. Daphne followed him.
He put money into the machine and pushed the button for a Pepsi. “Want anything?” he asked Daphne.
“No, thanks.”
Justin returned to the waiting area, and motioned for Daphne to sit. “He always pushed me away because he thought he knew best. This time, it’s my turn. I’m painting and I’m doing what I want to do. I can do it here with him as my inspiration or I can do it in New York with my heart in pieces. I’d rather do it here.” Justin opened the soda and drank half the can. He passed it to Daphne, who took a few sips, and then passed it back to him.
“I hope you’re right,” Daphne said as she stood up to leave. “Gotta go. I promised my mom that I would help her paint my old room. I’ll be back about 8:00.”
“Thanks, Daphne. See you later.”
Justin returned to Brian’s room just as Brian was waking up.
“I hate that. Falling asleep in the middle of a conversation. I don’t want to talk anymore, Justin. Anything on the TV?”
Brian flipped through the channels, and they found an old Black and White James Dean movie on AMC. Brian quoted some of the lines, but mostly just watched the movie. Dinner was brought in and Brian ate about half the soup, all the toast and some Jell-O.
“The nurses say you’ve been improving every day. Tomorrow you can have whatever you want. Want me to bring you some Lemon Bars and a turkey sandwich from the diner?”
“Sounds good. I’m not sharing, so be sure to bring enough for yourself. I haven’t had a decent meal in a long time,” Brian said as he pushed himself up on the pillows. Justin moved the dinner tray away from the bed, and then watched the end of the movie with Brian.
“Daphne’s going to pick me up soon, so I’ve got to go down and wait for her. Anything else you want me to bring tomorrow?”
“Bring me my mail. I may have to have you take care of a few things.”
“But Brian, I’m not you. I don’t have access to your accounts,” Justin said as he packed his bag.
“Wrong, twat. You do. When we were going to get married, I made you my Medical Proxy and Power of Attorney, and I put your name on all my accounts. You have access to whatever you need.”
“But, I never knew. Why didn’t you tell me?” Justin asked as he looked at Brian.
“I was going to tell you, but then things changed, and then you left town, and well I’m telling you now,” Brian said in one fast sentence. “It’s not a big deal. I know you’re not going to steal from me or anything. It’s just for something like now.”
“Does anyone else know this?” Justin asked, as he envisioned the questions and accusations that would fly when the family found out this little tidbit.
“Ted knows, and Melanie. They needed to know. No one else, and they’re sworn to secrecy.”
“Okay.” Justin walked over to the bed, leaned over and touched his forehead to Brian’s saying, “Later.”
“Later,” Brian repeated.
Justin turned around with a huge smile on his face. Placing his messenger bag over his shoulder, he left the room.
He waited only for a few minutes for Daphne to pull up. Tonight, he placed the bag in the back seat and turned up the CD in the player.
“What’s up, Justin. You look like you won the lottery,” Daphne said as she pulled into traffic.
“Brian told me to bring up his mail so I could help him with his bills.” Justin bounced along with the music.
“But you don’t have that kind of money, Justin. What was he thinking?” Daphne demanded.
“That’s where you’re wrong. He told me that he put my name on all his accounts when we were going to get married. He never changed them.” Justin smiled one of his ‘Sunshine smiles’ as Debbie called them. “He soooo loves me.”
“I guess you’re right. He must love you to let you have access to all his money.”
“I don’t care about his money and he knows that. Hell, half the time he yells at me because all my clothes come from the Gap and I take the bus everywhere. He hates my place in New York, and is constantly reminding me about the luxury I should be living in.”
“Yeah, you never were really part of the country club set,” Daphne giggled as she eyed his cargo pants and blue hoodie. “What do you want to do tonight? It’s Saturday night and I don’t have to go to work tomorrow.”
“Right now, I want to go home and shower. We’ll talk after I eat. Hospital food really is as bad as everyone says.”
Daphne maneuvered her car through the streets of Pittsburgh and they sang along with the CD as she drove. When they got home, Justin went straight to the bathroom for a shower, and Daphne put away her purchases from earlier in the day.
When Justin finished his shower Daphne took one. Justin went into the kitchen, looking through the cabinets for dinner ingredients. He found some noodles and a jar of spaghetti sauce as well as a package of ground beef in the freezer. He defrosted the beef and added some spices to the pre-made sauce. He cooked the noodles and was draining them when Daphne came out of her bedroom with a towel wrapped around her head.
“So, what you making?” She asked as she took out the plates to set the table.
“Spaghetti. It’s easy and you had the ingredients handy.” Justin placed the noodles in a big bowl and then stirred the sauce.
Daphne went over to the stove, lifting the spoon out of the pot to take a taste. “Its good,” she said as she took another taste.
Justin moved her out of the way as he mixed the sauce with the noodles and beef. “Glad you like it. Poor starving artists have to know how to cook to stay alive in expensive New York.” He brought the bowl to the table. “You ready? I’m starving.”
Daphne removed the towel, went to the bathroom, brushed her hair, and then returned to the table. “Sure.” She sat down and placed some spaghetti on her plate. “Speaking of expensive New York, do you think Brian intended to give you money since he put your name on his accounts?”
Justin put a heaping mound of spaghetti on his plate. He picked up his fork, twirled it around the noodles, and plopped the food in his mouth. He didn’t answer her until he had three more forkfuls of the spaghetti.
“Brian is Brian and he does what he wants to do. He offered to help pay some of my expenses when I first went to New York, but since we haven’t really talked since this summer, he obviously hasn’t said anything about it lately.” Justin took a drink of his beer and ate another forkful of spaghetti. “Besides, I wouldn’t have accepted his money. I needed to do New York on my own terms.”
“Why do you think he put your name on the accounts?” Daphne said, and then ate another bite of spaghetti.
“I told you. We were going to get married so he changed all his accounts.”
“But, Justin, you didn’t get married. Why is your name still on them?”
Justin wiped his mouth. “Daph, promise you won’t tell anyone this?”
“Of course. Who would I tell? Your mother? Michael? Lindsay? Debbie. Come on, dish, Justin.”
“The night before I left we talked, or sort of talked for us. I told him we’d still see each other and he said “It’s only time.” He said it didn’t matter if we saw each other next week, next month, or ever again. Daph, I know that is Brian speak for ‘it is only a matter of time until we are together.’ Neither one of us knew when we would see each other again, but I think we both knew that at some time in the future we would be back together,” Justin said as he smiled at the thought.
“That’s it. That’s your big secret. Justin, you are such a romantic.” Daphne drank some of her beer and picked at the label on the bottle. “Look, I’m sure you’re tired of talking and thinking about Brian, let’s do something fun tonight.” Daphne got out of her chair and turned on the computer. “Let’s see what’s playing at the movies.”
Justin placed the left over spaghetti in a container and cleared the plates. When all remnants of dinner were cleared, he went to stand by Daphne, looking at the computer screen.
“Nothing sounds good. Why don’t we go dancing? I haven’t been to Babylon in ages,” Justin said as he put his hand on his stomach and moved his ass a little to the imaginary music.
“You sure that’s a good idea? Don’t you think that would bring back some bad memories?” Daphne looked at Justin as he danced.
“Daph, its not like he’s gone or we’ve broken up. He’s just not going to be there tonight.”
She looked at Justin like he’d lost his mind. “I seem to remember a really pissed off man who sat in this very apartment last summer, saying he never wanted to see Brian Fucking Kinney ever again. I get that he gave you his Medical Proxy and Power of Attorney and that he put your name on his accounts, but you’re acting like you two are married, and you’re not, Justin. You’re not married and if he hadn’t overdosed, you wouldn’t even be here.” Daphne got up and went into her bedroom, closing the door.
Justin stopped dancing, standing in Daphne’s living room with his mouth open. He went into the kitchen and filled the sink up with water so he could wash the pots from dinner. As he washed, he replayed the short conversation in his head. She’s right. We’re not together and this is exactly how I’ve gotten hurt in the past. In the last few weeks, I’ve found out some things that I don’t think Brian was ready to let me know. I’ve got to be careful or we’ll be back where we were in July.
Justin dried his hands on the dish towel that hung on the oven. He went to Daphne’s door, knocking quietly. “Can I come in?” he asked.
“Sure. It’s unlocked.”
“I’m sorry, Daphne. My emotions are just on a roller coaster. First Brian’s in a coma and I find out I have to make medical decisions that may affect his life, and then I find out that he has my name on his accounts. He’s anchored me into his life, and I didn’t even know it. What am I going to do?” Justin asked as he lay on her bed, his head hung off the side.
Daphne joined him in his pose on her bed. “You take it one day at a time. Now, do you have Brian’s bills, or do you need to go to the loft to get them? Can you get into the loft?”
Justin sat up. “That makes me dizzy. I can get in the loft, and yes, I need to go over there since I don’t have his bills, or any of his other stuff. Now that he’s awake, maybe he’d like his own shampoo and shaving cream. I could bring it to him.” Justin got up, grabbing his messenger bag from his room. He took some paper out and started making a list of things he needed to get from the loft. He looked at his watch. “Shit its 8:30. It will take me two hours to go there and come back. I better leave now.” He stood up and started walking to the door.
“Stop right there. I have a perfectly good car and I’m taking you to the loft. You can grab what you need, and then we will go rent Borat.”
Justin turned and gave her a hug. “Thanks, Daphne. You’re the best.”
She smiled and punched him lightly on the upper arm. “That’s what best friends are for.”
________________________________________
Tbc