Taking their reserved seats, Mason and Liam sat right in front of a raised stage that featured a long, oblong table covered in a white tablecloth. Small microphones stood in front of several paper name placards as folding chairs were pushed in behind the table. To the left of the stage, a podium and stool had been set up as con attendees and fans began to trickle inside the auditorium, completely filling the room within a matter of minutes.

Screams, hoots, and hollers vibrated inside the chamber as the forum's host made his way up the steps of the stage to get the show started and to hype up the crowd. Entertainment host and popular podcaster, Hardwick Cross, took his seat on the stool as he adjusted the podium mic and began to address the audience.

"Hello everyone and welcome to another year of the LAFCI's hosting of the popular television show, Beacon Hills!"

More hoots and hollers filled the room, drowning out the hundreds of claps that seemed to reverberate inside the building.

"I'm your host, Hardwick Cross!" The host declared. "However, enough about me." His voice said calmly as things started to quiet down inside the room. "You are here because you're a fan of Beacon Hills so, without further ado, let's introduce our panel of guests!" His face gestured right wing of the stage. "First off, is our creators and writers who came up with a supernatural genre show! Give it up for Stiles Stilinski-Hale and his husband, Derek Hale!"

Applause rang out and rightfully so. Stiles Stilinski and Derek Hale were the gay power couple of the moment. A former boy band member of the popular late 90's and early 2000's pop group, The Maze Runners, Stiles became a Hollywood screenwriter and producer after the group disbanded. It was around late 2009 that he met his boyfriend and future husband, Derek Hale, a former model turned heartthrob actor, most known for the iconic cult film, Queen Bee Mean Girls. Opting to work behind the scenes instead of front of the camera, the pair formed their own production company, The Hale House, and began cranking out successful television shows and a few blockbuster films within the last decade as well as becoming activists within the LGBTAIQ community as demonstrated by their same sex union and partnership.

Now sitting only a few feet away, Liam admired the pair for all their accomplishments and silently thanked them for creating Beacon Hills. Hardwick Cross continued with the next pair of guests.

"Next is the human monster killer you all love to hate and the villainess fairy girl, Beacon Hills very own Amos and Maven, Garrett Matthews and Violet Logan!"

More applause came from the audience. Starstruck, Liam watched in awe as the blond, Garrett Matthews, and the dark haired, Violet Logan, took their seats next to Stiles and Derek. Their performances as Amos and Maven, the antagonists of the show, were so convincing that he needed some pointers of his own in how to be the absolute best bad guy on a hit t. v. show. Certainly, it would help with his own acting career for more meaty roles. Plus, playing villains and heavies were much more challenging and fun.

"Coming to the stage," Hardwick announced. "Your werewolf general, Wallis Sinclair and witch bitch, Hennie Shellen, as played by these two, Vernon Boyd and Malia Tate!"

Claps were heard all around as Boyd and Malia waved to the audience and too their seats next to Garret and Violet. Mason elbowed Liam in the arm. "Guess who makes Vernon look good up there!" He laughed.

"I get it, Mason," Liam groaned. "Your stunt work makes the character of General Wallis come to life! Humility, you do not lack!" He snickered.

Hardwick Cross still was not finished. He clutched the mic and leaned in. "Finally, the pair you all have been waiting for. The vampire prince and the werewolf monarch. Beacon Hills' very own Sherman and Christian…" He paused as the cheers got louder to the point of chanting. "Issac Lahey and Theo Raeken!"

The crowd went nuts. They screamed. The hollered. They cried in a frenzy. It was like watching an old Beatles' concert. Issac and Theo gave a nervous wave to the crowd and quickly took the last of their seats at the table. However, it did not stop the adulation as the audience roared in excitement of having the two lead actors there.

Hardwick raised a hand and attempted to control the crowd. "Okay, everyone. I know we're all happy to be here as fans, but we need everyone to settle so we can begin."

Slowly, the room quieted down and allowed the host to go through his list of questions.

Hardwick addressed his questions with the creators. "Stiles and Derek, we're reaching the end of our fourth season and the show is stronger than ever in the ratings. Any upcoming secrets you wish to reveal of what is to come?"

A whistle could be heard from the back and everyone, including Liam, listened closely for any future spoilers. With his hazel brown eyes staring at the audience, Stiles grinned at his partner, Derek, with a playful gesture of a I'm going to give you just enough to make you keep wanting more look.

"Certainly, Hardwick," he paused. "All I can say is that there are going to be plenty of surprises and changes that are going to shock and surprise fans as we reach our season finale."

Derek got on the mic, his green eyes and flirty smile, teasing the crowd with just a hint. "Let's just say that after watching it, Beacon Hills will never be the same!"

Another wave of hoots, whistles, and cheers drifted from the audience as fans wanted to know more from the creators' cryptic message.

Hardwick continued with his round of basic questions. "We're now in our fourth season and the reviews and responses to the show have been phenomenal. Even college essays and journal articles are being written about the series as a metaphorical themed pop culture work of art that encompasses themes of politics, socioeconomics, teen issues, and class systems. Care to elaborate?"

"Of course," said Derek. "Sure, we're telling a story that is entertaining in the fantasy-horror genre, but we created the show to give the audience something symbolic of what is happening in the world today. The monsters and creatures featured are a representation of things like government, political ideologies, economics, and caste systems and the constant warring of the characters is an extension of that."

"Derek has a point," Stiles added. "The show is a personification of real-issues. The monsters are a metaphor of the horrors of high school, feeling like an outsider in the world, and allowing yourself to think about and question topics that are controversial. We purposely included LGBT characters in the show to showcase the persecution of the community by conservative and religious groups in the form of monster hunters or a fairy villainess, played brilliant by our fellow cast members, Garrett and Violet here!"

He gestured to the pair as the audience hollered in approval at the two actors. Garrett blushed before throwing his fist in the air with approval. Violet let a sweet smile as she flirted with the fans inside the room.

"Thanks, Stiles," Violet giggled. "I love playing a magical monster hater."

Garrett took the mic and shouted playfully. "Fuck yeah!" The frat boy bro attitude was strong in this one.

Everyone cheered at his response, but Hardwick tried to rein in the crowd and shot Garrett a disapproving look. "Please be aware that some of the audience members are under the age of 18."

A scoff could be heard from the crowd. Even Liam had to agree. If a parent brought their child to an adult themed discussion, it was bound to get rowdy with some colorful language.

"My bad," Garrett apologized. However, his apology only made the audience laugh even more as Violet covered her mouth to hold other continual giggles.

Hardwick then turned his attention to Boyd and Malia. "General Wallis and Hennen, how does it feel to be the strong supernatural archetypes of a combat war veteran and a seasoned witch?"

"Fucking awesome!" Boyd yelled excitedly. Realizing his mistake, his covered his mouth. "Sorry…I mean freaking awesome." He winked at Mason across the way. The crowd ate it up and cheered. "You got to realize that playing a bad ass is thanks in part to my amazing stunt double. Let's give it up for Mason Hewitt!" He pointed to Mason's direction. "Man, stand up!"

Proudly, Mason stood from his chair and waved to the applauding crowd and quickly sat back down. Inwardly, Liam knew his good friend was soaking up the admiration.

"For those that don't get it," Hardwick was explaining to the audience at the podium. "The intense, fierce action scenes and fight choreography is done by Boyd's stunt double Mason here. As a side note, he is also the main stunt guy for the superhero flick, Pantherman. So, be sure to check out his other body of work too!"

More applause rang out as Mason sat proudly quiet in his chair. The recognition of helping to bring a character to life made him appreciative of this business.

Hardwick then addressed Malia. "What about you, as the seasoned witch? You're the heart that balances all these crazy characters on this show."

Malia smiled and leaned into her microphone. "Well, someone has to. When you have all these supernatural groups at each other's throats, you need someone to be the mediator and my character, Hennie, is really the only voice of reason on the show. That is why she comes across as a quote unquote witch bitch. It's a name she wears proudly because she doesn't pull any punches and has to be direct when the rest of the characters are not thinking clearly."

More whoops from the audience. Theo admired Malia's articulate method of explaining and analyzing her character. It's true, Stiles and Derek specifically wrote her role to be really the only the counselor or guide in this universe of madness. Someone needed to keep Beacon Hills sane and her character, Hennie, provided that. It is what helped anchor the show.

He turned to his costar, Isaac, and noticed a bit of nervous twitch in his body language. That's weird. What can he be so nervous about? Theo knew that these large conventions were quite taxing on the body but necessary to promoting a television show. They just needed to get through this forum. His eyes scanned the room. The usual crowd of geeks, nerds, and fanboys and girls. He said to himself. People dressed as their favorite characters or wearing the branded memorabilia. Theo did not quite understand the extreme fascination with Beacon Hills, but he did appreciate the audience for coming out and supporting the cast and crew. His eyes drifted from the crowd to one person seated in front of him, a handsome, blondish-brown haired boy sitting next to their stunt person, Mason Hewitt, looking back at him with blue eyes.

Liam. That is the name Mason referred to his friend. God, I'm such an asshole. He repeated in his mind. It was not his intention to be rude, but the pair just caught him at a really bad time. Hopefully, he can make it up to them later.

Hardwick finished with the last of his basic questions before turning to the crowd again. "Now is the time where people from the audience can form a line and ask of our guests a question."

Oh great. Theo groaned in his head. The Beacon Hills star hated the usual round of basic fan questions like, What's Your Favorite Color? Where do you get that dress? What brand of make-up to you wear? (This one was usually reserved for Malia or Violet.) Some would even be bold enough to ask, Are You Single? Usually, it was the thirsty, desperate fans that think they had a shot with a celebrity. Within seconds, a long line formed to ask a question from the panel.

"This one is for Isaac," a female fan giggled while blushing. "Are you single?"

And here we go! Theo snickered. It's good thing Isaac knew how to dodge these types of inquiries.

Liam even leaned in as he wanted to know which side of the fence the actor played on. Being the ever so charming Brit, Isaac leaned into his mic and spoke.

"Sorry, love," Isaac smiled, playing it professional and cool. "I have a girlfriend back home in England."

A collective aww drifted through the crowd. Liam could sense many hearts breaking at the actor's admission. Damn, he's straight. He said in his head. At least, he could still fantasize about the Christman thing in his head.

Isaac continued. "Yeah, it's been difficult trying maintain a long-distance relationship but we're trying to make it work. This is a hard industry to be in and you have to decide sometimes if the sacrifices are worth it."

THEY ARE!

Someone yelled the comment from the back causing the crowd to laugh. Shyly, Isaac pulled away from the mic and kept quiet. Liam could tell something was off about the actor.

WHAT ABOUT THEO? ARE YOU SINGLE?

Another heckler yelled from the back. Oh great. Theo rolled his eyes. I'll have to answer now. He took the mic and attempted to be professional.

"Yes, I'm single." He said with a cool smile. Screams of silly girls echoed from the crowd. However, Theo was not done. "Sorry, I'm not looking for anything serious right now." He returned to his seated position as Hardwick tried to regain control of the event as many collective hearts again broke at the news, including Liam who embarrassingly was sucked in too.

"Okay, everyone," Hardwick announced sternly. "This isn't a forum about the actors' private lives. Please keep the questions respectful and toward the topic of the show!"

A teenage girl in a colorful Beacon Hills beanie took her position at the microphone. Her face exhibited something more on topic. "I have a question, and this is a serious one for the creators, Stiles and Derek. With the popularity of the anonymous fanfiction writer BH90210's The Passion of the Christman, is there any possibility for the creators to make Christian and Sherman canon?"

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers. Overall, the fans wanted this from the way they were rooting for an answer to this question. A few boos came the crowd, but they were quickly overshadowed by the growing chants of Christman being a reality, including a loud clap from Liam himself.

Theo gulped. Issac covered his mouth in surprise, while Stiles and Derek did their best to answer the question.

"For many of you that don't know, or if you do, The Passion of the Christman, has been circulating online as one of the most popular fanfics on the internet." Stiles informed the crowd. "Derek and I have read it and commend the author for such creativity. As far it being canon, that is hard to answer."

Derek then took his turn to add his perspective. "Certainly, it would be great to explore the personal lives and the bond between two strong male characters like Sherman and Christian, but shipping two people together has to happen organically. It can't be forced. As a viewer, you want to grow and watch a relationship develop."

"Exactly," Stiles agreed. "Shipping Christian and Sherman is certainly something we sympathize with, but we would need to have everyone on board. Plus, we are asking a lot from Isaac, and Theo. They've breathed life into these characters and to pull a complete 180 by on them by declaring their gay, straight, bi, or fluid would be a disservice to them. Again, this is a personal decision that needs to be discussed so we can't commit to a concept from a fanfiction that had not contributed to the writing room."

"Absolutely," Derek nodded. "We'll leave the fantasizing to the fanfiction writers and we'll come up with our own storylines in the future."

Disappointed awws drifted through the crowd. Liam sank in his chair in disappointment, but he had to admit they were right. The fans did not write the storylines. The creators and the writers did. I guess I'll just stick to my Christman fantasies. He told himself.

"With that said," Hardwick announced. "We're going to end this forum with a thank you from the guest panel of Beacon Hills. Please stop by their booth on the convention floor where they will be signing for an hour and selling merchandise!"

With the guest panel leaving the stage, the crowd quickly got up and headed out the door. Liam and Mason did too as they became the last ones to leave.

"What did you think?" Mason asked his buddy.

"It was enjoyable," Liam told him. "Thanks for convincing me to tag along. Though I'm a little disappointment with the creators making that Christman comment."

Mason cocked his head. "Remember, Stiles and Derek, are the writers and creators of the show. They can decide if they want to make that a thing, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen."

Liam sighed and shrugged. "I guess. Now let's get to our booth and finish this day so we can forget this hellish convention."

"Ditto," his friend replied.

They exited the auditorium and joined Hayden and Kira who had a few curious attendees at their booth.

Later that evening…

Still moist from the beads of water dripping down his naked torso, Theo sat upright on his king size bed wrapped in a towel as he scrolled through his phone. The hillside three-bedroom condo he was living in provided a nice view of Los Angeles but was far enough away from the busyness of the city to be considered suburban in his little community of Silverlake.

His mother, former supermodel Jennifer Blake, had purchased it when Theo was four after his father, famed rocker, Deucalion Raeken, died of a heroin overdose in a cheap motel in Vegas, leaving behind a widow, a son, and a disabled daughter. Finding herself as a single mother, Jennifer left her two children to be raised by nannies while she jetted across the globe accepting lucrative modeling gigs to support her family. Now in her fifties, the ex-model married an oil billionaire and relocated to New York while Theo ended up raising himself and caring for his younger sister, Tara, who lives in an assisted facility for individuals with down syndrome.

The sound of the shower turning off caused him to put down his phone as steam from the bathroom clouded his bedroom. Dripping but wrapped in a damp towel, Violet Logan began to dry her dark hair curls as she positioned herself next to him on his bed.

"I forgot how quiet this neighborhood is," Violet remarked, giving Theo a kiss on the cheek. "Hell, if I could afford it, I'd move to Silverlake too."

Theo grinned. "One of the perks of being the son of rich parents." He picked up his phone again to look at the screen. "What did you think of today's forum?"

"It was okay," Violet noted. "But I got this vibe that Isaac was little off, like he was in his own head thinking about something important."

Theo exhaled. "Yeah, I got that too. You don't think it had something to do with that Christman question?"

Violet snickered. "That gay fanfiction thing?" She shook her head as she ensured her towel was still wrapped up tightly. "Nah, I think it's something else. I saw him talking privately with Stiles and Derek."

This piqued his curiosity. "About what?" He put his phone down and laid back against his pillow, causing his wet hair to dampen the sham.

Violet shrugged. "I don't know, but it must be something important."

She was interrupted by his phone buzzing. Theo saw Derek's name as the contact and answered it.

"Hey Derek, what's up?"

"Sorry to call you so late, Theo," the creator apologized. "But could you meet Stiles and me in our office at ten tomorrow morning? We need to discuss something important concerning future plotlines for the show."

"Yeah, sure," Theo answered. "I'll see you then." He ended the call.

"What was that about?" Violet asked her costar.

Theo shrugged. "Not sure but all Derek said was that he wanted to discuss Christian's storylines."

Violet snorted.

Confused by her response, he addressed her.

"What?"

"I just have this feeling," she started. "That all this Christman thing might be influencing Stiles and Derek to make it a real thing on the show."

"Oh no!" Theo groaned covering his face with his hands. "Don't say that!"

Violet clucked. "Relax. What is the big deal with making your character LGBT? I mean I find it hot to see two dudes kissing and going at it. Hell, I love watching gay porn."

Theo stared at her in surprise. "Seriously?"

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, grow up, Theo! Sexuality is a construct and studies have shown there is plenty of room on the Kinsey scale. Speaking for myself, I've been with girls and guys which makes me bi, pan, and just sexually fluid. I'm not embarrassed by it. I mean look at you!"

Theo flinched at her remark. "What are you talking about?"

Violet clucked her tongue again. "Get over yourself, Theo. I know you check out other guys. The hot twink that was with Mason? I saw you eyeing him."

Theo sighed. He felt comfortable around Violet to share his innermost feelings. He figured he would come clean. "I guess I wasn't being subtle."

"Maybe it's a gaydar thing," she continued. "But I can just tell." She sat up on his bed. "Look, it's nobody's business how you self-identify but you should never deny that part of yourself that is truthful. I believe everyone should be honest with one another instead of hiding and letting things fester inside. Look at this arrangement we got going on here. We agreed to be just fuck buddies and hook up from time to time. No strings attached. No expectations. No commitments. Just keep things simply physical."

"Friends with benefits," Theo pointed out.

"Exactly," Violet agreed. "We're both trying to build our careers in this business. Who has time for a relationship?"

Theo stared at the ceiling. "Would you ever want one?"

Violet shrugged. "I don't know. I mean I'm only twenty-two. I'm way too young to get tied down. I just want to have fun and enjoy my life as a single woman. Being in a relationship is too much for me. No thank you. How about you, Theo? Are you ready to for a ball and chain?"

The young actor laughed. "I don't know. I've never pictured myself in a relationship after seeing how my mother jumped from one man to the next when my dad died. I guess that impacted me and soured my taste to be with anybody. That's why sex comes easier for me because I don't have to invest any emotional connections or feelings into it."

"Good point," Violet exhaled. "You know what they say. Sex and love don't equal the same thing." She suddenly grabbed his phone from his hand.

"Hey!"

She ignored his protests and scrolled down his Photogram social media feed. There was a group picture of Mason, Hayden, Kira, and Liam on the beach in Baja from a year ago. "Liam Dunbar, ah? I see you've been doing some stalking."

Theo took his phone back. "I'm just doing some research. I just wanted to keep tabs on Mason in case he wants a referral for future stunt work."

"Uh-huh," she twisted her mouth. "And I'm sure that having to go through Mason's Photogram account to find Liam's had nothing to do with that. You know you could download the gay dating app, Cruisr. There are plenty of hot guys on there that would be willing to hook up with you."

Theo groaned. "You mean guys that probably want to rape, murder, or rob me. That app is so problematic and superficial. You only go there if you are extremely desperate and horny only to get your feelings hurt."

"No fats, no femmes, no blacks, no Asians," Violet joked. "That's pretty much sums up what I heard."

"Seriously?" He replied sternly and in disgust. "And this is justified as preference?"

"Forget the dating apps then," Violet suggested. "Here, give me your phone."

Theo reluctantly gave her his device. "What are you going to do?"

"Just how many guys have you been with?" She asked him directly as she tapped his Photogram page.

"A few guys here and there I've messed with," he admitted. "Nothing serious. I've mostly dated women. Why?"

"We're going to make a love connection," she told him, and she brought up another screen and began to type away. "Hey. Thought you were great. We should meet up sometime. Here's my number. Send."

"What?" Theo's eyes widened. He grabbed his phone back, but it was too late. The message was sent.

Theo Ranken has slipped into Liam Dunbar's PM's.

"You're welcome," Violet grinned as she got up from the bend to grab her clothes to put them on. "Quit being a chickenshit and take a chance. See where this goes. You only live once." Once she was fully dressed, she tossed the wet towels on to the floor and exited his bedroom.

The sound of her closing his front door when she left made him ponder her words. Yeah, he was chickenshit. And yes, he needed to give this Liam Dunbar a chance.

Or rather, a quick hookup?

Since the gentrification of Los Feliz in the 1990's, the affordability of living in the hip, trendy neighborhood made rent prices expensive. Luckily, Liam and Hayden decided to become roommates to ease the blow of the ridiculous housing prices and rent out a cute bungalow in the area. After a long day at the con, the pair settled on grabbing takeout and some beers as they headed home for the night.

"God, I'm so glad we're didn't have to one more day of promotion on the last day of the con," Hayden tossed her back. "I don't think I could stand listening to another airheaded cosplay bimbo talk about how much she loved the cute guys on Restless Lives!"

Liam snickered as he held the large size pizza box in his arm. "Don't be such a mean girl, Hayden. That soap opera helped our acting careers. We should be grateful."

"I know," she groaned, holding the six pack of beer in her arms. "But we left the show when we both turned eighteen. That was seven years ago! People need to get over it and realize that actors can do other things."

"Let's just enjoy this pizza and the beers and take in a cheesy rom-com on Interflix," he suggested.

"Touché!" She declared.

They got just a few feet before they saw two male figures standing by their front porch. The porch light shined on one of them causing them to frown.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Hayden scowled.

Through the dim light of both the street lamppost and the porch light, the image of blondish-brown hair and blue eyes could be seen as Liam swallowed hard and tried keep his composure through his confused feelings. Here was his ex-boyfriend, Brett Talbot, standing in front of him next to an exotic, tall, dark stranger who Liam could only assume was his ex's new love interest.

"Brett," Liam paused. "What do you want?"

"Look," Brett began. "I'm not here to fight or cause trouble. I just left a few things at the house that I need to get."

"HE DOESN'T OWE YOU SHIT, ASSHOLE!" Hayden spat. She carefully put down the case of beer and pointed an accusatory finger at the man. "YOU DON'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE! YOU'RE THE ONE THAT CHEATED, SO YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO ANYTHING IN OUR HOUSE, SO FUCK YOU!"

"Who's this bitch?" Brett new boytoy jumped in.

"YOU WANT TO SEE A BITCH?" Hayden hissed. She reached behind her pack pocket and pulled out a large switchblade. "COME ON AND SAY THAT AGAIN, PENDEJO! I'LL CUT YOU!"

Brett's new boyfriend stepped back, forcing Liam to step in.

"Whoa!" Liam dropping the pizza and bearhugging her arms. "Hold on there, Orange is the New Black! Before you go all West Side Story, let's put away the weapon." Hayden calmed down and carefully put away her knife. "When did you start carrying contraband?" He asked her as he slowly released her.

"I'm from south central L. A.," she muttered. "Chola blood runs in my family."

Liam picked up the pizza and the beer and gestured to Brett. "I have the rest of your stuff ready inside. You can come in and get them but your…" He hesitated to stare down at the new lover.

"It's Josh," the new man clucked. "Josh Diaz. I'm his boyfriend now."

"Riiight," Liam rolled his eyes. "Your Josh Diaz can stay outside."

"But…" Josh started to protest.

Liam snorted. "Don't worry. Hayden can keep you company outside." He paused. "If she doesn't murder you first."

"Believe me," she glared. "I'm itching for blood, motherfucker!"

"Chill," Liam warned Hayden. While still holding the pizza and beer, he fumbled for his house keys and opened the door, letting Brett inside. His ex took in the new décor of new artwork, wall hangings, and furniture.

"You didn't take long with purging any memories of me," he clucked his tongue.

Liam ignored him, set down the pizza and beer on the dining room table and crossed over to the nearby closet. Grabbing a large plastic bag of stuff from inside, he tossed it at Brett's feet while grabbing a large box of items and dropping it in front of him. "Here's all your shit, you can go now! Consider it closure!" His voice dripped with resentment.

Brett folded his arms and frowned. "Come on, Liam. Don't be like that. We don't have to end things with hostility."

Liam scowled. "Seriously? I'm not the one who was caught cheating six months ago! I'm not the one who decided to end seven years of a relationship by not being honest! I'm not one who wasted those same seven years believing that the guy he was in love with, his first love, the only guy he hoped to have a future with, would go off and fuck other guys behind his back!" Tears began to well up in his eyes. "Jesus, Brett! Did you ever love me at all?"

Brett could not look up at him. He sighed. "I do…I mean I did, Liam. I'm sorry but we were moving too fast. You were already wanting the fairytale ending, the white picket fence, maybe a dog or some kids! I'm not ready for that level of commitment! For fuck's sake, I'm only twenty-six and I'm too young to be thinking about these things. I mean I was your first boyfriend when we met on the set of Restless Lives and you were still figuring yourself out. You hadn't even been with other guys, much less any girls."

"I was dating Hayden," Liam whispered.

"Who was your first and only girlfriend at fifteen," Brett added. "By that time, I was your age I already messed around with a few guys and even had a sugar daddy boyfriend who was in his thirties. You lost your gay virginity to me, remember?"

Liam exhaled. "I had hoped you would be the last."

"The truth is we both in our twenties," Brett explained. "We should be out exploring, playing the field, seeing what's out there. That's where we differ. You're just too young and naïve, and even too prudish to be honest, to put yourself out there. I'm sorry, Liam, but I'm not the right guy for you."

He hated to admit it, but Brett was right. Liam really had not explored himself since coming out at fifteen, but he had hoped that his ex-boyfriend had been really the one. His blue eyes glanced pitifully at his former lover. "Tell me, Brett, what does Josh have that I don't?"

Picking up his stuff, Brett curled his mouth. "A hot bod and connections." He stated directly.

"You're fucking him because he can help your acting career?" Liam shot him a side eye. The truth was finally out. "God, what did I ever see in you?"

"A pretty face and banging body," Brett snorted. "Admit it, Liam. You were attracted to me because of my good looks, because I'm a male model, and because deep down you get off on the fact that your boyfriend is hot!"

Liam clucked his tongue. "Don't flatter yourself, asshole! At least, I don't have to sell my soul to get work in this business! I don't need to use people or sacrifice my integrity because I have something you completely lack, Brett Talbot! And that's talent!"

"Fuck you!" Brett sneered, picking up his stuff. "You just another washed up child star who is going nowhere with a mediocre career!" He dragged his stuff to the front door. "Do yourself a favor, Liam. Get drunk, do drugs, and get fucked! Because you're certainly not going to be remembered for anything!" He slammed the door behind him, forcing Liam to chase after him outside.

Josh helped Brett put his stuff inside his car parked right in front. Hayden turned to see her bestie heading toward her as Liam's ex and the new boytoy got inside their vehicle and sped off into the night as Hayden flipped them the bird as she watched them roll down the street.

"You okay?" She asked her BFF.

"Pissed but surviving," Liam confessed.

"Let's head back inside," she suggested. "There should be a pint of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream still left in the freezer. Between the pizza, beer, and dessert, let's just eat our feelings tonight."

Liam nodded. "I couldn't agree more."

He followed Hayden back inside their bungalow to consume away all the drama that unfolded this evening.