A/N: This is the FINAL CHAPTER. Thank you all that have stayed with this one. I know it's been a tough read at times. This brings me to two WIP's remaining - FINALLY! Hopefully, I can update more quickly going forward. :)

Final Chapter

Brian watched through the one-way glass window, the obligatory search of the prisoners, his eyes cold and calculating as he watched Brandon's impassive expression as he awaited his turn. When he was due to be examined, Brandon's head raised and he looked straight at him through the window, both of them knowing he couldn't see him, yet acknowledging in his own way that he knew the Warden to be watching. When the guard tersely instructed Brandon to bend over in the exam position, Brandon sneered in response. Brian couldn't be sure whether it was meant for him, or the guard… perhaps even both of them. That didn't matter, though. This was the beginning of his former guard's degradation. That was truly all that mattered.

He didn't look up when he heard the throat clearing from behind him; Brian had known Ben would appear. He always looked in on the prisoners upon arrival, just to get an idea of the men he would soon be dealing with. Brian respected Ben for that. His prison psychologist was a consummate professional.

"An easy day. Only three new arrivals," Ben observed.

"All's well that ends well… and all of that crap," Brian muttered, his eyes only touching on the other two prisoners briefly, all of his attention focused on the man he despised with all of his being.

"That it did," Ben agreed, not missing the tension in his boss, fully understanding the cause of it. He was silent until the prisoners were led from the room, each of them heading for the showers, and their new prison attire. Ben didn't have a doubt that one of the new prisoners would be a visitor in the Warden's office very soon. "How is Justin doing?"

Brian's entire expression softened at the mention of his partner's name. Fuck, how he loved that man. He was amazed at how easily that thought came to his mind now. "This morning, Justin declined coming with me to court. But… he showed up right before the sentencing started. I'm not sure how or why, but it seemed to be his epiphany. I think he's on his way back."

Ben smiled, shaking his head in wonder. It wasn't what Brian had said. He had known Justin would find his way back. The young man was resilient… and clearly had every reason to fight. Seeing how Brian's entire demeanor transformed when he spoke of his former prisoner, Ben felt a warmth inside that he never expected to feel in regards to Warden Kinney. Brian was deeply in love with Justin. It was such a pleasure to see. "I'm happy for both of you, Brian. I knew he would find his way. He just needed time, and the right motivation."

"It's a day I've been waiting for for so long. I hope to get out of here at a decent hour. Much will depend on how our new prisoners adjust to their new environment." Brian frowned. "The only thing that went wrong was that the escaped prisoners didn't get any additional prison time."

"That's true, but often typical when recaptured so quickly. And… the fact that a guard aided in their escape, it was easy for them to cast doubts on some of their guilt. They had a solid story, all of them throwing Brandon to the wolves, ascertaining that they compelled out of fear for the guard involved." Ben grunted. "I doubt they really needed that much coercion."

"No, it's all part of the game. In order to get the big sentence on Brandon, we had to lose elsewhere." Brian's eyes glittered in his rage, continuously tempering himself not to seek his new prisoner out and beat him within an inch of his life. He couldn't do that… however, there were other ways to produce the same result. "I want Brandon in my office as soon as the prisoners are fully processed."

"I'll let them know." Ben bit his lip, uncertain if he should ask… but honor bound to do so, forged ahead, "about the placements, are you really sure you want to do this? If an incident occurs, which I think we know will, it won't look good on you if you placed a former prison guard in with general population."

Turning to make sure he and Ben were alone, Brian looked at his friend, but right now more his employee, before he spat out, "Do you think I give a fuck how it looks? If my superiors have a problem with it, and question me, then I will make a change. For now, though, my order stands. Brandon will be in general population." Brian walked to the door, without a backward glance; however, knowing Ben would feel the need to have the last word.

"As you wish, you are the Warden. Keep in mind one thing, though. Abusing Brandon isn't going to change what happened to Justin. The justice system has done the right thing. Perhaps that should be enough."

Brian's back tensed as he turned around, unable to believe Ben would try to push him so far, most especially on the day of Brandon's arrival. "I'll tell you what I told you when Justin was assigned to me here - stay the fuck out of my business. I run the prison; I make the decisions. Just stick to your psychoanalysis and leave your sanctimonious bullshit to yourself! Are we clear?"

"Crystal…" Ben mumbled in response, uncaring of the insincerity of his tone, determined for Brian to know that he disapproved of how he was handling a volatile situation. He feared this would not bring about a healthy closure for Brian, but it was out of his hands. It was up to fate, and how the other prisoners reacted to Brandon. His status as a former guard could go one of two ways; either they would fear him because of his own strength and fighting skills, or they would work together against him. It was his fear the latter would be the case.

Brian was the picture of boredom as Brandon was escorted into his office, his guard curtly asking, "Warden shall I remain in here with the two of you?" The guard's eyes slithered over Brandon in distaste.

Brian smiled in response. Brandon would be the definition of a parasite to his more devout prison guards. "That won't be necessary, Henry. I can handle this prisoner." Brian watched as the guard reached for the door. "On second thought, Henry, perhaps you should cuff one of his wrists to the chair-" Brian arched a brow when Brandon glared at him in response, immediately deciding this little visit would be so much fun.

He sat back in his chair, his hands lacing behind his head, deliberately he lifted his legs onto his desk, crossing them at the ankles as he projected his most relaxed, even bored expression. He watched as Henry performed what was a common practice with the more dangerous prisoners, knowing it really wasn't necessary in Brandon's case; however, it felt fucking fantastic. "That will be all, Henry. I'll let you know when we're finished."

Brandon's head turned to give the guard he had formerly worked with a scathing glance, in a way glad he was no longer in the 'Kiss the Warden's ass club'. "This really isn't necessary… Warden." Brandon sneered, refusing to let Brian get the better of him. Sure, Brian had won the overall war… but the battle he had won had been sweet.

"SHUT YOUR MOUTH!" Brian barked. "Apparently you didn't hear my address downstairs. You speak when I tell you to speak. I am in complete charge here!"

Unflinching in his gaze, Brandon kept his eyes on the Warden's unyielding and clearly unforgiving gaze. He was probably handling this all wrong. His hatred for the warden ran deep. He couldn't seem to help himself. Antagonizing him just felt too damned good. Although, no good could come from it now. Or could it? A bit of a light brightened in the back of his mind. Could he provoke Mr. In Control so deeply that he lost his cool? That he went too far in the management of one prisoner? If that information got in the hands of the right people… and he would make sure that it did - the warden could be out on his ass, and perhaps even brought up on charges. If that happened… his life would get infinitely easier. And when his time finally came to face the parole board - he would have a fighting chance.

Brian laughed sardonically. "You fucking imbecile. Fuck! You don't even try to hide your contempt for me. I can see the wheels turning as I sit here watching you. Tell me, Brandon, what's your big plan? I assume you hope to see me make a public spectacle of myself in front of the other prisoners, as well as the guards. I'll tell you what you'll see, little fish. Absolutely nothing! Tougher men than you have tried... and ultimately failed."

"I'm sorry, Warden. Was that a question? I wouldn't want to speak out of turn… again." Brandon's expression was uncaring, although inwardly he was seething that Brian had so easily figured him out. Why was it so hard to get the advantage on him? He had done it one time… and one time alone. If he hadn't engineered the prison break, he would have never gotten his hands on sweet little Justin. "However, no plan, Warden. Twenty years is a long time. I know you'll snap long before then."

"Twenty?" Brian sneered. "I guarantee you, it will be the full thirty-year sentence. You will NOT be paroled. I think you forget just how much leverage my testimony can be. And… I'm sure they will be even more interested to hear it in this particular case." Brian took in a deep breath, determined not to let Brandon rile him further. "Now, I will be clear, Mr. Greene. I will not allow any disruptions in my orderly prison. I know you will try to be one. Each time you do, you will be severely punished. However, don't get your hopes up. I won't place you in solitary - ever. You don't get to hide from the others in solitude. I think your placement will more than keep you in line."

Brandon swallowed. They hadn't told him yet. What the fuck had Kinney done? "My placement?"

"Indeed." Brian chuckled in amusement, more than pleased that one of the guards hadn't revealed this fun little secret. "It appears that you are in general population. And… I think it's time for you to go home, Mr. Greene. I will summon Henry now."

"No!" Brandon gasped, unable to hide his fear or emotion. "You can't do that, Warden. I used to be a guard of these prisoners. No matter what I've done, I don't deserve that. There will be riots. They will gang up on me. You know that!"

"My decision is the law here, Brandon. And… I have decided you can best serve your time in general population." Brian's smile was cold, his eyes even more glacial. "I thought you were such a tough guy. Surely you can handle it." He had been so close to bringing Justin into the discussion… reminding his new prisoner of how he had abused his partner, not giving him the choice to fight. But no, this was better. Both of them knew why he was making these decisions… but he was being professional by not speaking of them. Yes, Brandon could try to burn him… but he wouldn't respond to such tactics. In the end it would be Brandon consumed by the hatred and vengeful prisoners now surrounding him. He would enjoy his vantage point. Ben's sanctimonious speech wouldn't affect him, either. It didn't matter if this didn't change what had happened to Justin, in doing this, justice would be served on a deeper level. He would enjoy his vantage point.

Pressing the button on his desk, smiling coldly as Brandon's eyes followed the movement, Brian spat into the intercom, "Henry, remove this prisoner from my office. The sight of him sickens me." He stared at Brandon with contempt clearly visible on his face. "Don't cross the line, Brandon, or cause any more problems. You may think things are bad now. That is nothing compared to the horrors that could face you. Fuck with me, or my prison… and you'll learn that very quickly."

Brandon glared at the Warden, then at the guard that now released his wrist that had been cuffed to the chair. He preceded the guard, turning back to take one final shot at Brian, somehow fearing he would have few opportunities. "By the way, dear Warden, it was still worth it. No matter how long I'm here… I will remember every sweet moment. Do tell him that… won't you?"

"Get him the fuck out of here!" Brian snarled, barely able to restrain himself from launching himself across his desk and strangling every last breath from him. Brandon was a monster. He didn't deserve to live. Brian's glare remained when he saw Ben standing in the doorway, his eyes averted from him as he watched Brandon being led away. "If you've come for more of your psychoanalysis bullshit - save it for the fucking inmates!"

Ben flushed guiltily. "Actually, I had intended to approach you again… but now I changed my mind. I'm sorry, Brian. I should have known you saw something sinister in Brandon to make the decisions you did. I heard every word. There is no remorse in him. My heart breaks that something so evil touched your lives... especially one so young and innocent as Justin had been."

"Thank you, Ben. I know that isn't easy for you to say, even knowing how twisted Brandon truly is. I will take this placement one day at a time. You know I won't allow my prison to become a place of chaos. In time, he might need to be reassigned. For now, though, he will remain with those he may have bullied as their guard. If he's that strong, he will prevail over them. If he doesn't… well, he will soon learn what it means to be the bitch of the block." Brian snickered. "I think I know exactly which one it will be."

Ben whistled. "I'm sure glad I am a law abiding citizen and won't be in Brandon's shoes. Deserving or not, you are one cold-hearted SOB at times."

"They pay me to be, Ben. You know that." Brian grimaced when he looked down at his desk. "I have about a dozen files to study here, and a few prisoners to see. Then, I hope to get out of here at a decent hour." His attention pulled to his cell phone suddenly vibrating on his desk. He glanced at it, a smile curving his lips. "Yes, I hope a very decent hour."

"I think you will manage to slip away, Brian. What you have waiting for you - that is life. I'm glad to hear that Justin is ready to start living it again." Ben smiled, before walking through the doorway and closing the door behind him. He might still have some reservations about Brandon's placement, but not as many as he had earlier. Everything was working out for the best now. He would believe in that. And… seeing Brian's deep commitment to his decision, he really didn't have a choice.

Brian typed the words into his phone, determined to keep it short. He needed to stay on task and finish his work. Then, he would be fleeing the prison in record time. Make sure to eat your dinner, Sunshine. When I get home all I want is you. If you are waiting in our bed, I'll know you haven't changed your mind. If you are there, it will be a reunion like no other…

In what he deemed as too many hours later, Brian slid open the door to the loft, slamming it shut and locking it in quick order. He couldn't miss the candlelight illuminating the haze around the bed, easily able to discern the figure curled up in the middle of it. Was Justin sleeping, he wondered? Fuck… he hoped not. Abstinence wasn't something that functioned well in him, and with Justin constantly here, so close and yet so untouchable, his life had been hell. Still, it had been a sacrifice he had been more than willing to make. Another testament of his great love for the blond.

Setting his briefcase down, Brian shrugged out of his overcoat, hanging it carefully on the hook, before moving toward the platform that seemed to silently beckon him. The sheet was twisted around Justin's hips, his partner's chest bare. Brian swallowed. He couldn't wait to see if the rest of him was the same. His eyes moving downward, his hands idly removing his suit jacket, then his tie, Brian didn't notice Justin's eyes opening… not until his blond had rolled onto his back, a smile of warmth and happiness brightening his face. "I thought you were sleeping."

"I took a nap; I wasn't sure how late you might be." Justin bit his lip, hoping he was as ready for this night as he thought he was. There was only way to know for sure… and he was anxious to find out. "A-are you hungry? I - I uhhhh made you a mango Thai salad. I thought maybe you would eat that after seven o'clock."

Lifting a brow, Brian reminded him, "It's long after seven o'clock, Sunshine. However, that's not what I want to taste right now. Perhaps later…"

Justin moaned. Brian's words and tone never failed to turn him on. "W-what did you want to taste?"

Brian removed his shirt, before sitting on the bed to unlace his shoes, taking them off before the rest of his clothing followed. He smirked when he saw the bottle of lube resting on the bedside table, another sign his boy was all ready for him. What was the best part of all was no packets of condoms next to it. They were monogamous and medically tested and cleared to fuck raw. He had never thought that would make such a difference… but fuck, it was amazing.

Pulling back the sheet, Brian's eyes widened when he saw the hard-on his naked blond was sporting. He was ready for him. Thank God for that. He didn't know how he had waited so long. "Right now, I just want to kiss you. I've missed that so fucking much."

Justin moved closer, his hand on Brian's chest, "I've missed it too, Brian. I never meant to hold you at a distance for so long. I just couldn't-"

Laying his finger across Justin's lips, Brian whispered, "Shhhh. Let's forget about that now. It's time to move forward." Brian watched Justin closely, determined not to push something his partner wasn't truly ready for. He loved him too damned much for that. "I want you to kiss me, Justin. I need to know that this is what you want."

Nodding, Justin took in a deep breath, turning on his side to face the man he unconditionally loved. "I need to explain something, Brian. I should have made this clear during this hellish ordeal… but I was so wrapped up in my own pain that I just didn't think how my responses were interpreted by you."

"Justin… this isn't necessary… not now. It's time to look beyond all of that, and go back to living our lives. Too much has already been taken from us. I don't want to lose any more of it." Brian told him, uncaring of how much his heart showed in his eyes.

"I want that too, Brian… but please, I need to say this." Justin pursed his lips, his gaze solemn and direct, a look that would tell his impatient lover that he insisted on being heard. "When I pulled away from you, it was never about you - I need you to know that. I was never afraid of you or your touch. Fuck. I could never be afraid of you. I fucking worship you, Brian." Justin's voice cracked at the end of his declaration, unable to stop when he saw the tears in his lover's eyes. "I hated how I shut you out; I needed you so much, but I just couldn't let you in. This was just something I had to overcome. Every time you touched me, or anyone touched me, all I could see was him touching me, degrading me. I couldn't get Brandon out of my head."

Brian smiled, reaching out to trail his fingers along the side of Justin's face, the strength and goodness of him never ceasing to amaze him. "I love you, Justin. I know I don't say it a lot… but I hope you always know the truth of it. That brings me to make my own announcement-"

"Announcement?" Justin asked, uncertain where this could be heading.

He moved to prop his chin on his elbow, before beginning to stroke a finger up and down Justin's chest. Now that he could touch him again, he couldn't seem to resist. "I can't promise that a deranged man won't escape my prison, or that one won't be paroled and not come after us. It doesn't take a genius for anyone to see my weakness. Being a warden has been my life for so long… but for you, Justin, I will give it up. I just want you to be happy, and feel protected. The only thing that matters is that we're together. The rest of it is irrelevant.."

"No it's not…" Justin protested. "You are Warden Kinney… the man I fell in love with; I wouldn't want any of that to change. Being the warden completes you; it's who you are. No, Brian. I don't want you to stop… unless it's what you wanted for yourself. But, I hope it never is. You would be miserable."

"I would survive…" Brian countered dryly. Continuing to run his fingertip up and down Justin's chest, Brian fervently proclaimed, "You are wrong about one thing, Justin." Looking deeply into his partner's eyes, making certain he had his full attention, Brian words sounded more like an oath. "Being the warden doesn't complete me… being your partner does." Brian shook his head, unable to believe the sheer perfection of the man beside him. The tears of joy that shimmered in Justin's eyes made him even more beautiful to him. "Now… I think we've talked enough; I think it's time to get on with our long overdue reunion." Brian arched a brow. "Unless you have any objections-"

"None at all, Warden…" Justin huskily whispered, his hands reaching out to pull Brian over him, his lips eagerly lifting to meet the ones that held back only until Justin had initiated the contact. "I love you so much, Brian. I don't ever want to be apart from you again-"

His lips moving slowly over his partner's, Brian showed Justin in action just how much that more tender emotion was returned. Before Justin, he would have never anticipated such a gentle embrace. It was no longer about achieving his own pleasure - first and foremost; now it was about being all that his lover wanted… and needed.

As lips, hands, and bodies rediscovered the other, each of them rejoiced in the knowledge that nothing could ever tear them apart. No matter what crisis life thrust upon them, they would always fight their way through it - together. Justin smiled as Brian began to slowly join them together. This joining being far different from any of their previous ones. This was a possession of love, and a positive feeling of hope for the future.

The Warden's obsession - now and forever. Now, his heart soared knowing even more completely than before - he possessed Brian's heart just as deeply. There was no room left for doubt. If that was what this nightmare had taught him, he decided it was a sacrifice he could more than accept.

END

A/N: I hope you enjoyed the ending of this series. I know it held a great deal of angst, and it ended with more fluff than I typically write… but in the scope of this story, and all they endured, I felt it needed to be resolved in such a way. I decided not to end this with too much sex, and their typical lust. This just felt the way to proceed with how Justin had to fight his way back, and fall into his partner's loving and protective arms. Thanks for reading and commenting. I deeply appreciate the support! :)