Justin was worn out from hours of rehab. There had been a slight set back during the day's session, but that all drained away when he saw Brian waiting for him in the lobby when he came out.
Brian saw a sullen-looking Justin coming towards him, but as soon as they locked eyes the surly look was replaced by the sunshine smile that would brighten anyone's darkest days.
Walking over to Brian, Justin was rewarded with a soft kiss, which earned them an audible 'awww' from those who observed it.
Laughing now, Brian took Justin's hand in his, leading him to the car. Once they were seated inside, he turned to the blond, asking, "How did it go?"
Shaking his head sadly, Justin glanced at Brian as he replied truthfully, "Not very well. I had a bit of a set back. My hand started trembling, and it took a long time before it stopped. They think now that I have a pinched nerve or something, and told me that massaging it with heat might help." He paused for a moment, suddenly feeling awkward as he admitted, "During during the counselling session, I...broke down." He revealed, "They want me to consider taking an antidepressant."
Pulling Justin into his arms, Brian kissed the top of his head, "How do you feel about that? And I can help you with the massage. We can pick up some oils to use."
Melting into his lover's embrace Justin let out a grateful sigh. "Thank you, that will really help. As for the medication, I'm not sure that I'm ready for that. I am already on anti-seizure and pain medication. I feel like a big pill box"
Kissing Justin's head again, Brian held him close, "Whatever you decide, I'll support you, Sunshine. How about we go to the diner for something to eat before picking up the oils, and then try out one of those massages? I think you might even like it," he added with a smirk.
Hugging Brian and smiling into his chest, Justin blushed as he responded, "I'd like that, thank you," and with one more kiss they set off for the diner.
Even though the diner was busy, Justin and Brian sat at their usual booth, waiting to give their order. It wasn't long before Debbie spotted them.
Smiling at the boys, Debbie asked, "How is my favourite couple today? And Sunshine, how did you do at rehab?"
Shaking his head, Justin gave her a sad smile. "Not so good today. It's why we're here," he explained. "You always cheer us up."
Kissing her Sunshine and Brian, Debbie tried not to cry after hearing that. "I'm glad that I can do that for you. You do the same for me, you know," she told them. Pulling her pencil from behind her ear and pulled out her order pad from her apron. "So do you want your usual?"
Both boys nodded as Debbie took their order to the kitchen, doing the same for Emmett and Ted when they arrived and joined the other guys at their table.
Emmett noticed right away that something was very wrong with Justin. "Hey, honey! You need some Honeycutt magic?"
Sipping his water, Justin smiled, "I think you're right Em. I sure could. It's just been one of those days."
Ted added, "I have an idea! Why don't we have a poker night or something? I know you're not ready for major crowds. So why not do something like this at one of our places?"
Brian gave Ted a thankful smile, replying, "I think that is a brilliant idea! Why don't we get together tomorrow night at the loft?" he suggested. Turning to Justin, he asked, "What do you think?"
Justin smiled a real smile. "I say let's do it! Thanks, guys." Just then their food arrived, and the conversation turned to other topics.
Next Evening - Brian's Loft
Brian had snacks and non-alcoholic drinks ready, and had even rented a real poker table for the night, much to Justin's amusement. Brian just shrugged his shoulders, saying he wanted the night to be perfect for him. That earned him a toe-curling kiss just before the guys arrived.
The night was going very well, with lots of laughter and smiles. To everyone's surprise, Justin won the first and second game, while Brian and Ted followed after that.
Sometime during the night, a funny look came over Justin's face. Brian jumped into action, lowering Justin to the ground just in time.
Everyone peered over at them in shock and concern as the blond started to convulse uncontrollably.
Michael cried out, "Jesus, Brian! What is happening? Should we call an EMT or something?"
Nodding, Brian choked out, "Yeah, yeah, call 9-1-1!" because it was his longest seizure yet.
Once Justin stopped, Brian pulled him onto his lap, stroking his hair and whispering words of comfort. "It's going to be okay; help is on the way."
Justin groaned, leaning into Brian's chest. "Wha-what happened?"
Kissing the side of his head, Brian struggled to keep his emotions in check so as not to frighten his lover as he told him softly, "You had another episode, but it's going to be okay; help is on the way."
Leaning more into Brian's touch, Justin's eyes widened as he realized, "I think that I forgot to take my medication today! I'm so sorry, I'm sorry," he kept murmuring, his tears soaking Brian's shirt they streamed down his cheeks.
The guys watched in horror, worried about what had happened in front of them and very scared for their friend. Ted let the EMT people in as soon as they arrived, explaining what had happened.
Once loaded onto the stretcher, Brian took Justin's hand for reassurance as questions were fired at him, explaining that Justin had neglected to take his prescribed medication.
Michael touched Brian's arm before they left. "Go with him. We'll clean up and make sure the loft is secure, and then I'll meet you at the hospital so I can bring you both home."
Smiling at his best friend, Brian thanked him, emotion clearly heard in his voice. "Thanks Mikey."
They all stood watching as Justin was wheeled out of the loft with Brian and the EMTs. They had never seen the results from the bashing, and it scared the shit it of them over how bad it apparently was.
Thankfully, after a few hours of bed rest and some tests, Justin was given the all-clear at the hospital, along with a lecture about taking his medication properly. Brian reassured them that it would not happen again.
Just as he had promised, Michael was there, waiting to take the two boys back home. Most of the drive was spent in silence, which was welcome after the extremely emotional night they had all experienced.
Brian and Justin didn't hesitate going to bed as soon as Michael had dropped them off and they had entered the loft, spending the night wrapped in each other's arms and sharing the love they felt for each other.