You will probably be scandalized to hear this, but I first fell in love with Brian through fanfic and YouTube clips before I ever saw a full episode of the show. Even without knowing the full backstory, I was drawn to Brian for many of the reasons you and Vamp mentioned -- for his strength and vulnerability, for his fierce love for Justin, for the way he quietly takes care of the people around him.
And, yes, for his gorgeous face and hot bod.
Once I started watching the episodes, I only loved him more.