Michael walked into the kitchen looking for Justin. Justin was standing by the sink his face in his hands. Michael didn’t know exactly what he was going to say to comfort the teen, but he walked over to Justin anyway. “Justin?” Justin turned revealing tears sliding down his face. The sight torn at Michael’s heart. “I guess asking you it you’re okay would be kind of stupid, huh?” Michael placed his hand on the teen’s shoulder and squeezed. “Want to talk?” Justin didn’t answer at first just wiped at his tears with the sleeve of his shirt. Michael didn’t press he just stood there and waited until Justin was ready to speak. “Why do I let him do this to me?” Justin asked. “Why does it still fucking hurt? He acts like he doesn’t give a fuck one minute then he’s all over you to make sure I take care of myself the next.” He sniffed. “It’s so damned confusing.” “He loves you.” “Love is bullshit.” Justin said angrily. “Now you sound like him.” “Fuck you, Michael.” “Damn it, Justin.” Michael hissed startling Justin. “He’s fucking miserable. You’re fucking miserable. The only time the two of you were happy was when you were together. Even I can see that.” “But, I can’t go back to the way it was, Michael.” Justin said through clenched teeth. “And he won’t change. So, what exactly am I supposed to do?” “Tell him.” Michael said flatly. “Tell him everything you’re telling me. Make him listen.” Justin turned away in obvious frustration. “Justin, look, I remember an annoying little blond twink who wouldn’t have let Brian’s bullshit stop him from getting *exactly* what he wants. I’m not so sure about the ‘pod person’ you’ve became, but that determined twink is in you somewhere, Justin and unless you want to lose Brian forever, you had better find him.” Justin glared at Michael before pushing past him back out into the dining area. All Michael could do is hold his breath. He hoped what he said would make Justin all the more determined to get back with Brian. He only prayed he hadn’t pushed the teen too hard. He didn’t want to have to referee a boxing match between his best friend and Justin. He bit his lip and then made his way back out to the dining area as well. “What’d you say to, Sunshine?” Debbie asked when Michael returned. Michael shrugged. “He shot out of here like a bat out of hell.” “Nothing he didn’t need to hear.” “Michael Charles Novotny,” Debbie began, “if you hurt him or Brian anymore than you already have.” “I just gave him a dose of reality.” Michael said. “The same thing I’m trying to do to Brian. They’re just so hard headed and stubborn.” “Yeah.” Debbie nodded. “That describes both of them.” “But, they need to be with one another.” Michael said. “They may not want to see it, but I do. Brian’s miserable. Justin’s a zombie. If they don’t get back together soon, I’m going to grab them by the ears and drag them together.” Debbie looked at Michael surprised. Michael just stood, dropped money on the table for his bill and stalked out the door. -- When Michael got to his comic shop, Brian was standing on the step waiting. Silently Michael unlocked the door and walked in. Brian followed equally silently. They stood staring at one another for several minutes before either said anything. “Mikey, what are you doing?” Brian finally asked. “I don’t know what you mean.” “Yes, you do.” Brian countered. “Why are you all over Justin and I?” “Because, since the two of you broke up, you’ve been in self destruct mode and Justin is moving through life like it doesn’t matter to him anymore.” Brian was taken aback by the ferocity of Michael’s words. “And, I have a ring side fucking seat for it all. As two people I care about fall to pieces. Well, I’m tired of it.” “But, didn’t you get what you wanted, Mikey?” “I thought I would.” Michael admitted. “I thought that once Justin was gone that some how we’d get together. Yeah, I’m delusional. I have a really sweet guy who loves me and I’m still hung up on you.” Brian’s eyes widened. “But, you aren’t mine and you never will be. Even if we did end up together, your heart wouldn’t be in it. And, do you know why?” Brian shook his head. “Because, asshole, your heart belongs to Justin Taylor and it has since that very first night. Why do you think it bothered me so damned much?” “Mikey -.” “No, Brian.” Michael interrupted. “Let me finish. You love Justin. We all know it. He knows it, too, he just needs to hear the words. So, take your cowardly ass to him and tell him the TRUTH!” Brian could only stare at Michael. “Because if you don’t, I’m done. I refuse to follow after you and make sure you don’t kill yourself any more. It’s not my fucking job.” Brian remained silent. “So, do you have anything to say for yourself?” Brian stared at his best friend as if he’d never met him before. His voice refused to work for several moments. “Okay, you want to know the truth, Mikey?” Brian began. “It’s true. I do love Justin. More than I ever thought possible. And, the very prospect scares the living hell out of me. When has anyone who said they loved me not turned around and hurt me, Mikey?” Brian let out an exasperated breath. “Even you hurt me when you see it as a means to an end.” Brian spoke softly. “How do I love him when I’m so afraid of losing him?” “You just do it.” Michael whispered. “Look who I’m in love with. Complications with Ben’s HIV could take him any time, Brian. You remember how I was when he ended up in the hospital. I was a complete basket case. But, even if I had lost him then,” Michael voice cracked, “I wouldn’t have given up the last few months with him for anything in the world.” Michael put his hands on Brian’s shoulders. “It’s more than worth the risk, Brian. Trust me.” Brian nodded and cleared his throat. “So what do I do now?” “You already know what you have to do, Brian.” Michael countered. “The question is do you have the balls to do it?” End Chapter 5.