Justin brought the preliminary drawings to the comic shop after his last class of the day. Michael looked at them marveling at Justin’s talent. “These are really good, Justin.” Michael said enthusiastically. “They’re just rough drafts, Michael.” Justin said dismissively. “They’re still good.” Michael said as the bell over the door jingled causing both men to look toward the door. Michael was about to say something to whoever was at the door when he realized it was Brian. Justin immediately looked down at the drawings in front of him. Brian just walked past Justin carrying the graphic computer he’d bought for the younger man several months before. Brian said nothing just sat the computer on the counter staring intently at the back of Justin’s head. When it was painfully obvious that Justin wasn’t going to say anything, Michael walked behind the counter and looked questioningly at his best friend. “You’ll need this.” Was the only thing Brian said before turning and stalking out the door. As the bell jingled again, Justin finally looked up at the closing door. Michael watched as Justin shook his head then lightly touched the lid of the laptop. “I could have used the graphic computer at school.” Justin said to no one in particular. “I guess he wanted you to use what works best for you.” Michael said as he began to set up the computer. “But, why?” Justin asked suddenly turning to face Michael. “It isn’t like he really gives a shit.” “Come on, Justin.” Michael began. “You cannot honestly believe that Brian doesn’t care about you.” “Not enough to change.” Justin countered his voice nearly a whisper. “Not enough to know that I needed more. Still need more. More than fucking and tricking.” “Justin-.” “Drop it, Michael.” “But-.” “No personal business remember.” “But, this-.” “No.” Justin said firmly. “Just fucking drop it, Michael, or I’ll leave.” Michael shut his mouth, clamping his lips together. He really didn’t want to fight with Justin so he turned back to the computer and continued to set it up. ~~ Ben watched silently as Michael paced back and forth in front of him raging on and on about Justin being as stubborn as Brian if not more so. “And, how was your day?” Ben asked once Michael had calmed down somewhat and he could get a word in edgewise. Michael stared at Ben. “What?” “I said, and, how was your day?” Ben repeated. Michael looked at Ben strangely for a second or two until he realized that he hadn’t even said hello to his lover before launching into his rant about Justin and Brian. “Fuck.” Michael breathed. “I’m sorry. Here I am going on and on about Brian and Justin and I haven’t even kissed you hello, yet.” Ben shrugged. Michael crossed to his lover and swooped in for a kiss that left them both breathless. Ben pulled Michael down on the couch beside him. “I just feel so helpless.” “I understand.” Ben said as he started to rub Michael’s tense shoulders. “You know, you may have to face facts here about Brian and Justin. You might not be able to fix them.” “No.” Michael said. “They still love each other. I know they do. What’s more they belong together.” Michael closed his eyes and dropped his head onto Ben’s shoulder. “Who’d have ever thought that I would be working so hard to get Brian and Justin together?” He looked up at Ben. “Is this what being mature is all about?” Ben nodded. “Do you think this means that I’ve managed to mature a little?” Ben held up his thumb and forefinger about an inch apart. “About that much.” Ben said making Michael laugh. “Very funny.” Michael scoffed tackling Ben back on the couch. Ben laughed as Michael began tickling him. ~~ Michael decided that watching Brian and Justin ignore each other was a lot like watching a tennis match. When Brian would look in Justin’s direction, the teen would look away only to turn back once Brian looked away again. Michael watched them with growing annoyance. “By the way, Brian.” Michael began. “Thanks for bringing over the computer. Justin works a lot better on it. The computer at his school is okay, but it’s slow.” “Well, I knew he’d need it.” Brian said distractedly. “His hand still gets tired after extended use.” “Yeah.” Michael said allowing the comment to slide. “But, he has medication for the pain.” “Don’t let him take that shit on an empty stomach.” Brian said suddenly not realizing all he was revealing about his true feelings for Justin. “It’ll make his stomach cramp. Milk’ll work in a pinch, but it’s better if he eats. And, make sure he doesn’t get the pain pills mixed up with his damned anti-anxiety pills. Those damned things make him loopy especially on an empty stomach.” Justin was bussing a table behind them and it was clear to Michael that the teen was listening even though he tried not to act as though he weren’t. “But, most of the pain should be gone now, right.” Michael continued to bait Brian. “No, Mikey.” Brian said sharply. “And, don’t let him wear himself out. He won’t quit unless you bug him. He still gets headaches sometimes, too.” “Right, headaches.” Michael decided now was as good a time as any to push Brian just a bit more. “I hope all this shit of his won’t delay work on the comic. The publishers, not to mention the fans, are chomping at the bit for the next issue, you know.” “What the fuck, Mikey.” Brian raised his voice. “Fuck your next issue. In fact, fuck you. Justin’s not a God damned machine.” “I know that.” Michael said timidly thinking that he might have pushed too hard. Brian froze realizing all that he had said. He turned to find a pair of familiar blue eyes staring at him intently. Brian pressed his lips together, dropped money on the table for his bill, and made a hasty exit. Justin stood motionless. He stared after Brian then looked directly at Michael. Michael held his gaze until Justin looked down at the table he was still clearing. He finished and hurried toward the kitchen nearly knocking Debbie down as he passed her. “Whoa, Sunshine.” Debbie laughed. “Where’s the fire?” When she didn’t get an answer from Justin, Deb walked over to where Michael was sitting. “What was that all about?” She asked. Michael just shrugged and headed after Justin. End Chapter 4.