Title: Membership

Rating: T for language

Summary: On the other hand, this was a very elite club....

Warnings: none

Disclaimer: I own nothing and no harm is meant.

Beta: None, all mistakes are mine.

A/N: This was actually originally written for a completely different fandom but I never posted it so I changed it up a bit and here ya go!

"Son of a bitch"

The cold sting of the alcohol had Ted cursing under his breath but it was still loud enough for Cody to hear.

"Hold still will ya? I'm almost done."

Cody was seated on the floor on his knees next to Ted who was sitting on the lid of the toilet currently biting his lip trying to stifle another cur-

"For fucks sake, Cody. That stings."

So much for that.

"Stop acting like a baby and just sit still. I wouldn't have to use so much if the whole right side of your face wasn't covered in scrapes and cuts." Cody informed him as once again he brought a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to blond's cheek.

Ted winced and tasted blood as he bit down hard onto his bottom lip. He'd had enough.

"Fuck it! I'm done." He stood up so abruptly, Cody almost fell over on his side.

"Drama queen." The brunette mumbled as he watched his friend examine his face in the mirror. The cuts weren't that bad or deep enough to warrant any concern. More damage was done to the man's pride.

Ted hadn't lost the fight exactly but you really couldn't say anyone won considering both guys had had a fair amount to drink and ended up sprawled on the bar floor unable to pick themselves up.

"You wanna talk about it?"

Silence

"Hey Teddy,"

"No, I don't want to talk about it." He huffed as he placed the band-aid under his eye. "It never happened as far as I'm concerned."

He stomped out of the bathroom leaving the younger man staring at his back in disbelieve.

Ted sat down on his bed as he listened to his messages taking note to give Brett a call and to change his number so that girl would quit calling.

"Well those pretty little bruises on the side of your face would beg to differ." Cody reminded his as he walked into the bedroom. His friend looked deadbeat tired, no a better description would be he looked 10 years older.

Lately Cody had noticed that the man was becoming tired after doing the most mundane activities. Taking the stairs had become a chore, leaving him huffing and puffing before he even reached the top. The most noticeable change was his temper. The once care free, laid back southerner would blow up at the drop of a hat. Every little thing bugged him and even the smallest mistake sent him into a temper tantrum.

He carefully sat down on the bed facing the older man and reached out to stroke his left cheek. He was worried that there might be something wrong but he couldn't figure out why Ted refused to tell him. They were the best friends after all.

"What's wrong, Teddy? You don't just beat the shit out of someone for no reason."

"Randy does,"

"YOU don't!" He stated firmly staring intently into blue eyes.

"I know, I know"

The others worried gaze disappeared as Ted closed his eyes, took a deep breath and grasped his friend's wrist, stopping the strokes. When he opened his eyes a clear blue set questioned him in a way Cody himself never had. This scared him to the bone. The worst part was the fear he could make out swimming around accompanied by anxiety, a little bit of anger and...oh god was that pity. He didn't want pity.

"The fight was stupid, started just to vent some pent up emotions. Cody, I..."

Could he tell him, I mean this was his best friend and all that lovely jazz. If he couldn't tell him than who.

On the other hand, this was a very elite club where only Ted, the doctor and a few nurses knew what was going on. Could Cody Runnels join the club?

"Cody, I...I have cancer."

Yeah, membership was being extended his way.