*AUTHORS NOTE:  It's short.  I know.  School and two jobs is kicking my ass...next chapter is the big one :) *


Justin felt incredibly vulnerable from his position and quickly but gently moved out from underneath Brian.

The older man stepped back and pulled up his pants, watching as the blonde carefully, almost shy, did the same.

"Are you hungry?"  Came a whisper.

Justin ran a hand through his hair.  "Brian."

"I can order Thai.  Or there's a new Chinese place that opened up..." Brian went on as if he didn't hear the younger man.

"Brian."  The blonde said more firmly planting himself in front of Brian.

"Justin..."  The brunette trailed, almost warning him not to say anything else.

The smaller man closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around Brian.  "Just tell me."

Brian wrapped his arms around Justin, and just held him.  

"Please."  It was a whisper.

All the ad man could think to do was hold Justin tighter.  Resting his head on the blonde's shoulder, he let out a shuddering breath.

"What?" Justin continued to whisper as he rubbed his hand up and down Brian's back.

Brian didn't want to let go.  Just wanted to stay that way and not have to face exposing all his shit for Justin and then eventually all their friends.

"Shh...just...don't say a word."

So Justin did just that.  He didn't know how long they stood there holding one another.  But he would stand there, with Brian, for however long he needed.  

Before long, Justin felt Brian start to slightly shake with every breath he took and realized that the older man was crying.  It was a shock because Justin had never really seen Brian cry before, ever.  He storked his hair and kissed the side of his head, and just waited until Brian was ready.

"I'm...I..." The brunette stuttered as he pulled away, quickly wiping his eyes.  "I'm going to go take a shower."  

Justin watched his retreating back, determining if he should follow him or not.  Not one out.  The blonde knew that Brian would need some time to himself.  Instead, Justin concentrated on starting dinner.  

Peering into the fridge, he found some Guava Juice, a few apples, some bottles of water and some beer.  Shaking his head, Justin left a note for Brian informing him that he was going to the store.  

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Brian stepped out of the bedroom with a towel wrapped around his waist to a silent apartment.  For a moment his heart stopped as he figured Justin had left again and this time he wasn't coming back.  That was util he saw the note and found himself able to breath again.  

This was going to be a long night.  No more hiding behind anything.  Brian thought he might throw up from nerves.  He wasn't use to openly discussing his problems.  But now Justin was going to find out.  He was going to know.  And he was going to leave.