A/N: I think you'll like this chapter better than the last two - at least, I hope so! Thank you for having patience with my updates. My work schedule has been unbelievable... but now I am finally on vacation. Hoping to get a lot of writing done on the days I am home. :)

Chapter 7

Brian straightened his tie, his head turning to the side as he examined his appearance. Perfect as always, he thought. Not a hair out of place, nor a blemish to mar his skin. He arched a brow as Justin appeared behind him, his hands crossed in front of him, his attire displaying he had no intention of appearing at this special day in court. "You're not coming with me? I thought you might want to see justice being served. In fact, it might be therapeutic."

Justin grunted. "Is that what your friend, and staff member, the shrink told you?"

"I don't think Ben would appreciate being called a 'shrink', whether it's the common form of slang or not." He turned to face his partner, his hands reaching out to clasp Justin's shoulders, thankful they had gotten past the stage of Justin flinching at every casual touch from him. It had been eight long weeks. The first six had been the longest. Justin wouldn't even sleep in the same bed as him. Every night, he would wake up to the sound of Justin's screams. At first, Justin would allow him to pull him into his arms to comfort him; then his awareness and self preservation instincts would kick in. At that point, he stiffened in his arms, and asked for his release. This was fucking hell. And, Brandon was going to pay for every fucking minute of it.

Standing still as Brian kneaded his shoulders, finally able to allow the casual touch, Justin bit his lip uncertainly, knowing he was disappointing Brian by not attending the sentencing… but unable to put himself through it. "I want to go, really I do. I just can't stand to see Brandon's smug face again. Having to look at him and point him out when I was forced to testify was enough. I was so scared, Brian. More than I'd ever been in my entire life. But… not of him. You know what his attorney put me through up there. He made it sound like I asked for it. That it was consensual. I barely got through it."

"You were so strong, Justin. I have never been more proud of anyone than I was of you in that moment…" Brian fervently affirmed. "I agree with Ben here. I think this would give you more closure." A cold smile passed over Brian's lips. "You might actually enjoy this part; I know I will."

Justin shook his head, moving away from his partner, finding himself with mixed feelings over Brandon's possible punishment. "You really believe the Feds will hold to their promise? And… I'm not even sure it's wise, Brian." He looked at Brian as he heard him approaching. "How will you stay impartial if Brandon is under your control?"

"I'm not worried about impartiality…" Brian hissed, his eyes darkening as he thought of how the man that he had trusted abused his partner. He would make Brandon's time incarcerated a living hell. And he would do so within the bounds of the law - at least, for the most part. He turned to face Justin, rage causing his eyes to glitter. "You aren't the only one that needs closure. I will have mine each and every day at the prison. I just wish you would come along to have yours too."

Justin shuddered, before slumping down on the couch. "I think it would only cause my nightmares to return. I never want to look into his conniving eyes again."

"I need to go, then. The judge frowns on late arrivals in his courtroom." Brian moved to the couch, leaning down to give Justin a quick kiss on the cheek, a sigh of relief escaping when Justin didn't flinch away. It had been baby steps so far. He missed so many different aspects of the closeness they once shared, the fucking only being one of them. Each day, Justin accepted more from him. He had to trust that Ben was right. It would take time for Justin to heal. Until then, he would wait and be all that Justin needed him to be. Brian looked down at Justin in concern, frowning at the deep concentration on Justin's face. "Are you going to be all right here on your own… not knowing what is going on at the courtroom?"

Nodding, Justin told him, "Daphne called me while you were in the shower. She's on her way here now. We're going to hang out today. Maybe watch a movie, order some take out… something-"

"That sounds like a good idea, Sunshine. I'll call you as soon as the sentencing is in. Then… I have to go to the prison. With new prisoners arriving today, it will probably be a late night." Brian warned, although knowing his partner as he did, realizing Justin would still wait up for him. That was something that had remained unchanged. Justin was always awake and ready to hear about his day, no matter how tired he might be. It was strange how odd that had felt at first… but now, it was such a welcoming part of his day. He hated ending a day without that particular ritual.

"Okay, Brian. I'll be waiting." Justin bit his lip thoughtfully, before interjecting, "Please be careful, Brian. And… I don't mean physically; I know you are always that. I mean if Brandon does end up incarcerated in your prison. Don't forget the consequences should you grievously overstep."

Any so-called consequences would be worth it; at least, they would in his opinion. He wouldn't tell Justin that, though. He was clearly upset enough. Perhaps after the sentencing, Justin would begin to more fully heal. At least, he hoped so. "I'll call you…" Brian whispered hollowly. He hated the haunted expression that flickered in and out of Justin's beautiful, expressive eyes. Fuck, he wanted to kill Brandon. Not doing so when he held his fate in his hands would be more tempting than he cared to admit.

Justin watched as Brian left, quick to his own feet to slide the lock closed, a slight shiver overcoming him during the short moments of being alone without the door secured. He knew it to be a ludicrous fear. The loft was only accessed by knowing the passcode or being allowed up, and Brian had only been gone for mere seconds. In fact, he doubted he'd even made it to the elevator yet. Fuck! He couldn't stand this constant state of fear. Brian was right. There was only one clear way to make that happen. It was time for it to end. And, he could only think of one way to accomplish that-

The two of them having just reached the door that led into the courtroom, Daphne scrunched up her nose before asking, "Justin, are you sure you want to do this? That you can do it?"

Swallowing deeply, Justin nodded, his breathing coming in and out sharply. "Yeah, Daph. I have to do it. You can wait out here, if you like."

Shaking her head, she looked at him incredulously. "Are you kidding? I want to see this asshole get what's coming to him. Let's go!"

The guard standing outside gave them an admonishing stare before opening the door. "Better hurry if you want in the courtroom. The judge doesn't like late arrivals."

So, I've heard… Justin thought to himself. Slipping into the room, Justin wasn't surprised to find the courtroom nearly filled to capacity. This was a very big case to the media... but, he grudgingly accepted such a case would be. He was about to take a seat in the very back of the courtroom, when Brian turned around, noticing his arrival. There was no mockery in Brian's gaze, only a look of welcome and understanding. All the seats next to him were filled, but several were open directly behind him. Justin motioned Daphne forward, deciding he wasn't going to hide in the back… but be in a more central and visible location.

Before Brian could say a word to him, Justin leaned forward to whisper in his ear. "Someone gave me some sound advice… so I changed my mind."

Brian smirked, and nodded his head. This was the most positive sign yet. He hoped that closing this chapter, would bring back the Justin he loved, and undeniably missed. "You're right on time. Looks like it's about time to start." Brian smiled in gratitude at Daphne, his head turning when he noticed Jennifer, and Debbie making their way into the courtroom. "Looks like you have plenty of support, Sunshine."

Justin turned around, smiling brightly when he noticed the new arrivals. "I guess I'm not the only one looking to see justice served…" In the next moment, Justin flinched, when the object of his deepest distress turned around from his seat at the defendant's table and smiled at him, mouthing a kissing gesture at him. Justin's eyes widened. He couldn't speak. His breath came in sharply, barely able to remember to exhale. Terror and hatred coiled within him.

His teeth gnashing together, Brian hissed for Justin's ears only, "Ignore him. He won't be so cocky in a minute."

Looking down merely to keep his eyes from Brandon and any gestures he might extend, Justin found himself back at that night, facing the unknown, which quickly led to rape and the deepest of despair. Was he ready to face this head on? Right now, thanks to Brandon, he was uncertain of that. Not looking up until court was called to order, and everyone was directed to stand, Justin forced himself to concentrate on the events in the courtroom… and not dwelling on the horrific past that was the cause of this session in court.

The words everyone had been waiting for were finally spoken by the judge. All eyes on the man that was directed to his feet. "Mr. Greene, the jury has found you guilty of two crimes, both of them carrying severe consequences. This court intends to exact the maximum punishment for these premeditated crimes. For the count of being an accessory to a prison escape of multiple prisoners, the court sentences you to 10 years in prison."

Raising his head as the media, and various spectators began to murmur aloud, he pounded his gavel on the base, his eyebrows raising before he admonished, "There will be silence in my courtroom - or I will clear it!"

Once again, Justin found himself looking straight into Brandon's cold, yet amused eyes, shuddering as the green eyes slid over him in appraisal. Brandon then turned his gaze to Brian, his smile widening when he saw the rage on the warden's face… determined that he was still the victor in this war. Ten years in prison was fine… as long as that was all he received. Parole would be halfway through that. Then, sweet little Justin might have another return date with destiny.

Brandon's face fell, his mouth dropping open when the rest of his sentencing was revealed. Gasps were heard all around the courtroom.

"On the count of rape, Mr. Greene, the court is most severe. You will be sentenced 20 years. In total, 30 years in all. Possibly of parole not until you have served 20 years of your sentencing. You will be immediately transferred to Greensburg State Correctional Institution."

Brian silently willed Brandon to look at him now. He wasn't disappointed. He knew the prick wouldn't be able to resist. Once Brandon was looking fully at him, and this time not beginning with tormenting Justin, Brian winked at his soon-to-be prisoner, the look on his own face more than discernible. It would have been impossible to miss the 'I have you now' look that he effected so well. Brandon thought he had gotten the best of them; in the end, Brandon knew his life had just become a living hell. He couldn't wait to watch the flames begin to consume.

Justin's mouth was agape when court was adjourned and Brandon was led from the room in handcuffs, his head shaking when he stood to his feet, briefly exchanging a tight hug from Brian. "Fuck. 30 years, Brian. I never expected…"

"In truth, I didn't, either. The judge took a hard line." Brian looked at the time, mentally calculating how long he would have to arrive at the prison before Brandon's arrival. "I'll need to go soon, Justin." He rolled his lips under as he pulled back and looked at the flushed, yet still paleness of his partner. "I'm so proud of you for coming here today. I know it wasn't easy."

"It wasn't… but it felt like the right thing to do. I'm glad I did." Justin bit his lip thoughtfully, as he considered his words carefully. "About what I said earlier… uhhhh, I was upset. I know you will do the right thing - I mean, regarding Brandon. You won't throw your career and life away on an act of revenge."

Don't be so sure of that, Brian thought to himself. At the moment, he felt ten feet tall with the power swelling in him that he now held control over Justin's rapist. That would be hard not to abuse… but he would try. He had a solid reputation, one that it taken many years of hard work and discipline to effect. He didn't want it lost on a whim. Not that he hadn't ever stretched a rule - here and there… but, he had done so judiciously. He hoped he could do the same with the insect that he held incarcerated for at least the next twenty years. "I'll do my best, Sunshine. I've held this kind of power over many men that I would personally rather see executed; Brandon is only different because it's more personal. I will try to stay detached."

"I love you, Brian. Just remember that." He glanced over his shoulder seeing that his mom and Deb were approaching, knowing that meant his time with Brian was nearly over. Perhaps that was for the best, Brian did have business calling him away. "I know you will stretch your boundaries, just keep in mind what we have. I know you'll never risk that."

Brian leaned forward, brushing his lips lightly over Justin's. He kept the kiss brief, mindful that more than that had been too much for Justin after the traumatic events in Jamaica. "I won't ever risk us, Justin. Now, I see you will be entertained for the day… it's time for me to go to work."

Justin nodded, willingly allowing his mom, and then Debbie to hug him, an unimaginable relief flooding him as he accepted this nightmare was near to being over. "Thanks for being here…" Justin whispered, at once feeling overwhelmed by emotion.

Debbie looked from Brian to Justin, rare tears shimmering in her eyes. "Where else would we be, Sunshine?"

Jennifer wiped her own tears away, looking at her son and Daphne quizzically. "I know you probably had plans… but I was hoping we could go to lunch together, all of us." She looked apologetically at Brian. "I know you can't Brian. You obviously have some work to do."

"Damned right he does!" Deb cackled. "Give him hell, Brian. He deserves no less."

Brian laughed. Count on Debbie to always bring things into perspective. "You know I will."

Kissing his partner one last time, encouraged that he not only allowed it, but returned the short kiss, Brian felt more hope than he'd felt since this nightmare had started. Finally, he thought to himself. At long last, his partner could be on his way back to him. God, he hoped so. Surprisingly, it wasn't just about the sex; although, that did factor in. He had just missed the totality of Justin. Having him fully back in his life meant more than anything.

"Later…" Justin whispered in return. For the first time in months, although it had felt like fucking forever, he felt some hope for the future. He bit his lip, before saying words he knew Brian would understand. "I'll be waiting for you tonight, Brian. No matter how late it is… I will be waiting." Seeing how Brian's eyes flared in understanding, Justin smiled brightly. Coming here today had caused them to turn a corner. He couldn't wait to see what was on the other side of it.

TBC

A/N: Probably only 1 or 2 chapters of this story remaining. I did a bit of research on the possible sentencing for Brandon. I was in line with the most severe; however, I am not an expert in the judicial system. This is merely a work of fanfiction - please keep that in mind. Thank you for reading. Again, comments are much appreciated, and truly what motivates me to keep going forward. I will be working on 'Sultan's Revenge' next.