TOWJWAGABI, Part 2
This is more experimental than I usually am. Usually, I totally know where the story is going and even though I adore comments and feedback and suggestions from readers, I've already got the story mapped out in my head, so the suggestions don't really figure in to the rest of the story
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Yes, Brian was a first-class asshole. But I don't think he ever intended the separation to be permanent. Remember his words to Mikey in Part 1? Brian thought he and Justin would get back together naturally one day. He just wasn't ready for it yet. I think he saw himself becoming domesticated and even worse liking it. So in typical Brian fashion decided relocating Justin to another state was the easiest way for him to enjoy himself without temptation until he was resigned to his fate.
But also in the manner of fathers wanting their sons to excel in sports to satisfy their own wasted opportunities, having decided freedom and independence was best he was determined Justin had to live the carefree college life he could no longer have himself in NYC of all places. Thinking he was doing Justin a favor to make sure he lived it up before things between them settled down and at such a great school too. In his own unique screwed up Brian way he made sure Justin got accepted into the best school he could find for the setting of his salad days, giving Justin what he thinks is the best of everything because he cares so much about him. But never letting go of him completely.
Ah, Brian, you are one mixed-up piece of work. LOL
(Caution! I need to employ extensive nautical metaphors to explain my take on Justin's situation.)
Quoting Myrna herself: go with the fucking flow. That's what I see Justin doing here. He likes Dan, I even believe he loves him, but not more than he loves Brian. But Brian cutting him off so out of the blue and with no explanation whatsoever, left Justin adrift in life. Moving about rudderless, merely being swept along with the current trying to stay afloat. Then he drifted (or paddled) his way into a calm inlet: i.e. Dan. That's what I see Dan representing for Justin. A safe, stable haven to rest and just be still for awhile before trying to brave the rapids(life with Brian) again. Especially after his mom's death. He lost the strength or courage or interest to get back out there.
Not that I think he's chickening out or anything, but I'm sure he knows he's not done with Brian yet. They left things too unresolved to believe that for a moment. But he was in no hurry to get back to that anytime soon. Justin is just going with the flow in his relationship with Dan. He didn't choose to leave Brian, he had no choice. And his being with Dan just kind of happened, he didn't set out to get in a new relationship, I don't think. He was just lonely and horny and Dan seemed nice and was just there. I think he's more with Dan because he prefers companionship to loneliness. It's more by circumstance than choice.
Which is why I see Justin choosing Brian over Dan. Justin is not a passive person, but right now he is just drifting with the flow of things: i.e. school, work, recreation, boyfriend. He does them because that's what you do, you live. But he's not really choosing the course of his life right now. But with Brian you have to take a very active role in your life or you will capsize and go under. You really have to be 'the captain of your fate' with him. And I always thought that was more Justin's style, that was what he thrived on about Brian. It was one wild ride! Or how else did he survive with Brian all this time until now?(at least in Myrna's fiction universe)
So, that's why I think he will choose Brian over Dan. Dan may be nice and stable and relaxing, but if that was what Justin liked, why was he with Brian in the first place? Because he likes the adventure and there will always be plenty of that with Brian.
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While your vision doesn't exactly mesh with my own, you've given me plenty to think about!
I think Justin's relationship with Dan is something that just sort of grew and progressed naturally, as opposed to Justin's relationship with Brian, much of which was orchestrated with great determination by Justin himself!
Being with Dan is easier than being with Brian because Dan doesn't fight the idea of a relationship. But you have a really interesting point in that maybe easier isn't what Justin's really after!
Much to think about now! Much to think about!
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