Brian helplessly stood there as he watched Justin cry.  His only consolation was the relief on the boy's face, which appeared shortly after the barrage of tears.  Justin's reaction convinced him that all his efforts weren't in vain. Brian <i>knew</i> that he had finally managed to get through to Justin. The kid was slowly beginning to realize that he was the victim in all of this.  
 
Justin wiped the tears that had fallen, and reflected upon Brian's words.  <i>"None of this was your fault. No one would blame you for what you did."</i>  He let the words sink in, and felt this heavy weight lifted.  Justin sniffled, and thought about how he longed to feel Brian's strong arms around him.  As if he read Justin's thoughts, Brian regretfully admitted, "I'm sorry for what you've been through. I wish there was more I could do to comfort you, but the rules still stand."  With that said, Brian addressed Justin again. This time he announced in a determined voice, "I'm going to find a way to get you out of here, I promise."  Justin looked up at him forcing a smile. He replied in a voice choked with emotion,  "<i>Thank you....for everything</i>."
 
"You can thank me <i>when</i> and <i>if</i> I get you out of here."  Brian snarked.  Their session time had long ago expired, and they could now hear the guard tapping lightly on the door.  Brian called out to the guard, and bit on his lip, as he accompanied Justin to the door.  He raised an eyebrow as he said, "See ya", before Justin turned and walked away.  Brian immediately stalked back to his desk, and fully embraced his mission to get the kid released. 
 
After reviewing Justin's files yet again, and making some phone calls, he had a decision to make.  Would he advise Justin to appeal his sentence in court and wait for the judicial system to right a wrong?  Or was Justin's best bet preparing for a parole hearing that was already scheduled for next month?  In the end, he chose to present the choices to Justin, so he could have a hand in his own fate.
 
Justin focused intently on the older man as he outlined the options.  He had a few questions to ask before he made a decision.  "How long would it take if we appealed in court?"  Brian answered him honestly, "It could be months to get a new trial, maybe even a year."   Justin sighed.  "Okay, let's say next month the parole board ruled in my favor, and released me, then what?  What would I do?  I'd be destitute with no job, and no where to live."  Brian was impressed, the kid was asking all valid, important questions.  Brian assured him that the penal system gave departing inmates a stipend, and usually lined up some job interviews. However, to further assuage Justin's fears he added,  "Don't worry Sunshine, if the parole board commuted your sentence,  I would personally look into securing a job, and a place for you to live."  Justin beamed, "Thanks Brian, I feel better knowing that."  Brian <i>so</i> cared about him!
 
This next step was crucial, so Brian advised Justin to take his time mulling things over.  He reminded the kid that he would be there to support him, in whatever course of action he decided to take.  Justin walked away feeling the stress of the decision he knew he would have to make sooner, rather than later.  He went back to his cell deep in thought.  What was he going to do?
 
The next day, Justin entered Brian's office and sank onto the sofa.  Taking in Justin's weary appearance Brian began with "Good Heavens Sunshine.  Did you happen to get <i>any</i> sleep last night?"   Justin confessed, "as a matter of fact, I didn't.  I thought about my options all night long...but at least I finally know what I want to do."  Brian waited, feeling his heart start to race from the anticipation.  "I want to take my chances with the parole board.  I've wasted too much time in here.  I want to be free to live my life the way <i>I</i> want to."
 
Brian didn't say anything, but his smile spoke volumes.  Justin could tell Brian was pleased with his decision.  God, did he know the effect he had on Justin?  In that moment, Brian absolutely took his breath away.  Justin became painfully aware of the woody he was now sporting.  Grabbing a nearby pillow, he placed it on his lap in an effort to hide his growing erection.  Brian was amused that the kid was actually blushing.  Christ, he looked adorable.  A jolt of heat flashed through him.  Remaining professional was going to be even <i>more</i> difficult than he imagined.