The deep blue orbs had not left his. A hand, wrinkled with age, had found his own as the words tumbled out of Justin. And as he told the story, told of their love, he’d seen a soft smile reach the gentle face. Josh had listened intently, and just for a moment, Justin was sure he was remembering as well.

Alzheimer’s had taken it’s toll on the man he loved, the man that had been a part of his life for so long. It hurt Justin, deep inside, to know that Josh no longer remembered the things they shared, the love they had. It hurt that he no longer remembered Justin. It hurt because he still felt so much for this man, and he could see it, every time he sat in front of Josh. He could see Josh struggling to remember, trying with every piece of his heart. But his mind couldn’t grasp it.

Now, as the story came to an end and Josh’s eyes started to drift closed, Justin knew he’d be there when Josh woke up again. He’d vowed to him, a long time ago, that he’d always be there for him, through everything. Through the good and the bad. Letting his fingers trail softly over Josh’s cheek, caressing the skin with gentle strokes, he watched as Josh’s breath evened out.

The words were soft, barely a whisper in the quiet room. His eyes were still closed, his breath still even. But Justin heard them, loud and clear.

“I love you, Justin.”

It was the most bittersweet thing he’d ever heard in his life. For a moment, in his half consciousness, Josh had remembered. He’d remembered who Justin was, and everything they’d shared. He’d remembered everything they’d gone through in their lives together. And hearing those words, hearing the truth behind them, made Justin’s heart soar.

But at the same time, he knew that it was only temporary. He knew that Josh would wake up again, look at him with questioning eyes, and ask who Justin was. But just for a moment, Justin let those simple words, that he’d heard so many times in his life from this man, be enough. And he knew that the next time Josh awoke, looked at him with questions in his eyes, that he’d just smile and explain it all over again. It was all he could do, and he’d never let himself stop.

The End