"What happened?" Brian asks softly, guiding Kevin to the sofa.

I don't know what to do, so I head into the kitchen for some ice.

I can't believe this.  Why the fuck?  Kevin?  Here?  Back in Brian's life?  

Throwing the ice into a rag, the urge to throw something takes over.  Okay, Kevin's hurt.  I get that, but why did he come here?  

Throwing myself down into a kitchen chair, I can't process this.  Then of all things, Brian fucking invites him to spend the night.  

I look up and see Brian take a seat across from me.  

"I'm sorry."  Is all he manages.

Nodding, I shove the rag of ice towards him.  "Give this to Kevin.  It'll get the swelling to go down.  I'll go get the first aid kit upstairs and something to clean him up with.  He may need stitches."  I'm already standing up.  

"Justin..."  Brian calls.

"Don't.  Just...don't." I force out.  I can't deal.  I'm too fucking pissed.  Brian inviting his ex to stay with us tonight.  I know I sound like I'm 12, but this is the man that Brian once promised his life to.  Yes he's hurt.  I know, I know.  But Brian?

He nods and grabs my hand as I brush past him.  "I love you."

Closing my eyes, I pull my hand back.  "Give that to him."

I spot Kevin on the sofa on my way upstairs.  I have the urge to throw him out on his ass.  How dare he come here?  So, instead I bury those feelings and rush up the stairs and to our bathroom to get the kit.  I just need to stay focussed on the kit and heading back down stairs.

Brian is sitting with Kevin now, his arm around him as he presses the ice to his face.

"I have the kit." I anounce at the foot of the stairs and walk to the sofa and sit next to Kevin.  Taking out some gauze, I hesitate.  

"I don't have HIV." Kevin whispers.

Nodding, I drench the gauze in hydrogen peroxide and start to rub his fae. 

Twenty minutes and four heavy duty bandages later and Kevin is all patched up.  Brian still has his arm around the man.  

"Do you want any aspirin for the pain?" I ask repacking the kit.

"Tylonel?" He replies.

I shrug and stand up.  "Sorry.  No Tylenol.  I'm allergic."

"Aspirin's fine." He says in a small voice leaning into Brian.  I feel my blood boil.

"Let me show you to the guest room."  I say without thinking.  

Kevin slightly smiles.  "I know where it is."  

"Of course you do." I plaster a fake smile on my face.  "I'm heading up to bed.  Brian?"

"In a minute.  I just want to make sure Kevin gets settled okay."

I nod and hurry to our room.  

Throwing off my shirt and pants, I toe off my shoes and crawl into bed.  Just as I start doozing, Brian comes in.  

Looking at the clock, it's been a half hour.  

"Kevin's asleep."  Brian informs me as he strips down to nothing.  Like I care.   

"Great." I reply a little too sarcastic.

"What the fuck is your problem?" Brian asks sliding into bed.

Sitting up, I cannot believe he just asked that.  "Like you don't know."

He sits up too.  "Just because Kevin's fucking staying one night?

"He's your ex-husband!  He used to live in this very house!  With you!"

Brian just stares at me.  "I know." He states calmly.

"And you don't think this bothers me?  Your partner, husband.  Christ Brian!" 

"Justin, you are making too much out of this.  Now come on."  He puts a hand on my shoulder.  

I shrug him off and stand up.  "You invited him to stay here without regard to my say."

"It's not a big deal.  Fuck.  I'm not going to argue with you about something so fucking stupid." He flops down and shuts off the lamp on the side table.  "Now get back in bed.  I'm tired.  It's late." 

"No, I think I'll stay in Gus's room." I answer and head down the hall.


<center><b>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</center></b>  

I can't sleep.  I'm not used to sleeping without Brian next to me.  

Groaning, I get up and head back to our room.  I pass by the guestroom on the way and notice the door is slightly ajar.

Peering in, I see Brian sitting on a chair.  <i>Fuck</i>  I shake my head a trudge back to Gus's room.