AJ slowly woke up from his nap. He was confused when he felt someone in his arms with their arms around him sleeping. He raised his hand and gently placed it on the person's head and felt curls. Brian.
'Why is Brian in my bunk sleeping? I am so confused. I hate feeling confused. But, it does feel good having Brian in my arms. He belongs in my arms. God I love him so much.' AJ thought.
He felt Brian stir.
Brian opened his eyes when he felt AJ's fingers in his hair.
"Hey there." Brian greeted softly.
"Hi." AJ said still somewhat confused and a little scared.
AJ felt Brian snuggle closer to him.
Brian could sense something going on in AJ's beautiful head.
"Penny for you thoughts." Brian said softly placing a kiss on AJ's forehead.
"I am just so confused." AJ said.
"Confused about what, Baby?" Brian asked.
"Why you are here in my bunk with me.I thought you hated me." AJ admitted sadly.
"Oh, Alex, Baby. I could never hate you. I have always loved you." Brian said softly.
"What?" AJ asked completely shocked.
'I couldn't of heard what I just heard.' AJ thought.
"I love you, Alexander James McLean. I always have, just didn't realize it." Brian said softly.
"I must be dreaming." AJ said closing his eyes.
Brian looked at AJ for a long moment.
'Convincing him is going to be harder than I thought.' Brian thought.
AJ's eyes shot open when he felt Brian's lips upon his own.
Brian pulled away and saw the shock on his love's face.
"Is it really that hard to believe that I'm in love with you?" Brian asked sadly.
AJ mentally cursed himself for bringing Brian sadness.
"No, Bri. Its just that I never thought I would ever hear you tell me you loved me. So, its a shock. I have been wanting to hear you say you love me since I first met you." AJ said.
"Well, I do love you so much, Alex." Brian said softly.
"I love you so much more, Brian." AJ said leaning forward to kiss Brian.
*******************
Everything was so dark.
All around Nick there was nothing but darkness. He ran, his hands out around him to try and feel his way, searching for an exit, a light switch. He was panicing, lost in this dark place.
From the shadows he heard a cold, mocking laugh, and chilled when he realized where it came from. He could recognize that laugh anywhere. That was Kevin.
"Did you really think I'd want you?" Kevin's voice mocked.
Nick spun to where he'd heard it, his hands extended, but, nothing was there. It came again but this time behind him.
"You're nothing but a pervert. I would never love someone like you. I wouldn't even have you spit shine my shoes. You little bitch." Kevin said disgusted.
Nick woke with a start. He looked down and saw Kevin still asleep with his head on his chest. He felt his heart break as he thought about the nightmare. When he felt tears fill his eyes, he slowly and carefully got out of Kevin's arms and out of the bunk. He took on last glance at Kevin's sleeping face before closing the bunk sadly. He bowed his head and let a few tears escape.
"Nick?"
Nick slowly turned around and saw Brian standing behind him. He noticed AJ getting out of his bunk behind Brian.
"What's wrong?" Brian asked concerned seeing the tears on Nick's cheeks.
Nick just looked at them before bursting into tears.
Brian looked at AJ and saw AJ nod.
"I'll go get me something to snack on. You guys go into the entertainment room." AJ suggested.
'Thank you.' Brian mouthed to AJ.
AJ winked at Brian and turned and walked off.
Brian turned to Nick and took his arm and led him into the entertainment room, shutting the door behind him.
Nick felt himself being turned around and pulled into a comforting hug. He wrapped his arms around his former best friend and cried.
"I'm so sorry, Brian. I'm so very sorry." Nick sobbed.
"What's wrong, Nick?" Brian asked.
"I'm in love with Kevin." Nick cried.