A/N- It was pointed out to me that the last chapter was ooc, and I agree fully. I just didn't know how to word it to get everything in there that needed to be said. Hopefully, this one isn't that ooc...

Don't be mad at me... you have to hang in there with me. And there will be twists and turns...but maybe not the way you think. And the more reviews I get, the faster the last chapter will be posted! Cheers!

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14- Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace

Drake was standing on a platform, hands behind his back. Butterflies fluttered inside his stomach as nerves overtook him. Soft music was playing as couples arm-in-arm strolled down the aisle. As they drew near, they separated, the girls settling themselves across and the men standing near him.

It was when JJ took his place behind Drake, that he felt somewhat discouraged. JJ looked ravishing in his tuxedo, but the fake smile made him look miserable. The darkness in his blue eyes stabbed a knife through Drake's heart.

Next to JJ was Dee. He recalled their conversation a week ago. "I think you're a fucking looneytoon to even consider marrying her…Someone loves you more than Cyndi ever could…" Was he really crazy to be up here? Maybe Cyndi isn't his one true love.

His eyes flickered down the line to Kyle. Over the music, Kyle's angry voice filled his mind. "Drake is throwing away the best thing in his life…He'll have a comfy home with his wife and children by the time he realizes--the only true place he ever belonged was JJ's heart."

Drake glanced at the girl in the white dress coming toward him. He supposed she was beautiful but not as attractive as JJ. He once again found himself staring at his Best Man. This time, JJ's eyes and his locked. A shudder rung throughout his body as JJ's eyes clearly sported a sign that read: "You're a traitor."

The future wife took her spot, and Drake had to peel his gaze away from JJ's. The minister began his spiel, but Drake was far off in his own thoughts to listen. He had to think quickly; otherwise, he could make a vital mistake. He really should've thought of this beforehand; but something suddenly clicked in his head that what he was doing was wrong. A memory from long ago flashed across his mind.

"Shhh. He he…Be quiet!"

"Ow! HAHAHA! There's a door there!"

"You're an idiot."

"A drunk idiot!"

Two boys stumbled into a bedroom, laughing and tripping over themselves. They collapsed on the bed, wrestling around and trying to pin each other. The heavier one beat the other into submission and laid on top of him.

"You're a real cutie."

The teen beneath blushed and halfheartedly tried to bat his friend off of him.

"I mean it. You're adorable."

"That's so.."

"Gay?"

"Well, yeah."

"I am."

"…you are?"

"Yep."

"…Well, that's okay, I guess…"

The teen above him smiled. "Still friends?"

"Always." Without thinking, the smaller teen leaned upwards and captured his friends lips.

Drake shook his head in an attempt to shake out troubling memories. When the memory with his first kiss with Kyle flew away, it was replaced with his first kiss with Cyndi. It was after their first date when they were walking home. It was quick and simple, nothing to it. No sparks or fireworks. Come to think of it, none of the kisses afterwards did either; they were just something you did. But he did experience that fire in a kiss once with someone else.

Drake strained to look behind him without drawing attention to himself. He barely could see JJ and found himself wanting to turn completely around and stare at the man forever.

Drake cursed inwardly. There was no way he could say anything. He would be hunted down if he broke off the wedding. He hoped and wished JJ would speak up, but the entire room was silent and the ceremony continued. Drake spun through all the swears he knew in his head. His stomach lurched and head spun uncomfortably. He should not be standing here; if he had to be, it shouldn't be with Cyndi. He wanted JJ standing next to him.

He was nudged softly in the arm and turned to see JJ. His eyes were watery and red, a clear indication that he didn't want Drake to go through with this. Now, Drake didn't want to either, but had no idea how to stop it. JJ kept probing him with his index finger and held out his hand palm up. In his palm was a small golden band with a small diamond.

"Oh." Drake shakily brought up his hand and placed it on JJ's. He closed trembling fingers over the ring. His and JJ's gaze met, and for a fleeting moment JJ's fingers latched on tightly to Drake's, refusing to let go. With pleading eyes, JJ whimpered, "Don't do it."

Drake turned away, unable to look at his friend any longer. But the sight before him wasn't any more pleasant. He didn't want this, he wanted JJ. He chanced another glance at his possible true love, who was softly crying but trying to keep other people from noticing.

In all his years he knew JJ, besides quite recently, he had never seen him cry this much. JJ was always a strong and vibrant man, too cheerful to shed tears. JJ was the one you went to if you need a high in life. He could bring a smile to your face without really trying. Above all things, he was intelligent. Looking at him, you wouldn't think such a thing. Or if you met him for a brief moment, he would come off ditzy and loudmouthed. But if you dug deeper, and he let you, he would show you his many talents. Like the fact he was very musical and could do complicated math in his head. His handsome appearance and brilliant mind had infatuated many men and women, but he barely gave any of them his time. He only wanted--

'Me.' Drake thought. 'He only wanted me. And I always knew. But I never wanted to admit that I was falling for a guy.'

Drake was lost. He had no idea what to do. Could he tell Cyndi that he was in love with JJ? Not if he wanted to live. Could he just make a run for it? Not if he wanted to live. Could he really do anything? Not if he wanted to live. He fidgeted nervously. He had to act now or never.

He froze when it came time for him to put on the ring. Drake skimmed the people in the pews. He saw Cyndi's parents staring at him expectantly. His eyes traveled over to his parents. They seemed very happy that their last born was tying the knot. He wanted to scream out for help.

Drake suddenly remembered something strange. Ryo had come up to him right before the ceremony began. He was calm and collected like always, but there was something conniving in the way he said his words. "You'll regret this. Cyndi isn't who she claims. Neither are you. I'm warning you; get out of this right now. You will regret it." There was some hidden meaning behind his words, but Drake had no idea what the meaning behind his words were.

He gave in. The vows had been said and rings exchanged. Drake swore he heard a whimper behind him. Then the bride and groom were led over to a small table, to sign the wedding certificate.

Cyndi swished her name prettily over one line. She smiled hugely at Drake and handed him the pen. He brought his trembling hand down, the pen tip placed at the beginning of the line. He risked a glimpse at his groomsmen. JJ had a steady stream of tears flowing down his cheek. Beside him, Dee wore a scowl. Drake gazed on down the line. Drake studied Ryo's expression carefully. He looked amused. If Ryo was an obnoxious person, Drake was sure he'd be laughing heartily right now. Something was not right with that man.

"Come on, Silly Pee," cooed a gentle voice. He was prodded in the arm with a manicured finger. The pen in his right hand quivered.

Drake sighed heavily and scribbled his name on the line. It was all over.

The wedding party and newlyweds strolled back down the aisle. The majority of groomsmen wearing frowns, while the bridesmaids were simply beaming. As soon as JJ hit the end of the walkway with the Maid of Honor, he pushed her away and ran toward the bathroom.

His entire life felt completely worthless now. There was no one to live or die for. JJ collapsed in a corner clutching his knees. He wasn't going to cry. He wasn't going to feel sorry for himself either. Nor did he ever want to see Drake again. Too much heartbreak would ensue if he ever laid eyes on his precious love. He would, however hard, move on.

The door opened letting in Dee and Ryo. Dee sauntered over to JJ and kneeled next to him. Ryo leaned up against the door casually, blocking anyone else from entering.

"How are you?" Dee asked softly.

JJ raised his eyebrows. Sarcastically, he replied. "I'm doing just swell. Best day of my entire life."

"Drake made--"

"His choice!" JJ interrupted.

"No," Dee countered. "A mistake."

"Just…" JJ looked down at his shoes. "Please, don't talk right now."

"Alright." Dee fell off his knees and sat on the tile floor. He engulfed his friend in his arms and embraced him tightly. There were no shuddering cries, nor any pitiful words.

The trio never moved for a long time. Only Ryo talked, and that was only to people trying to get inside. Ted and Kyle both attempted to enter, but Ryo still refused. And to JJ's utmost horror, Drake also made an effort to get them to all come out. Ryo had to explain to him that they wouldn't be able to ride in the limo and they would meet at the reception. Grudgingly, Drake left among everyone else. Ryo peeked out the door and double-checked to see if everyone had left. Besides a few unimportant drifters, no one else remained.

"We should go," Ryo advised.

He helped Dee get JJ to their car. A short, quiet time later, they arrived at the hotel and entered the ballroom. It seemed like everyone was already there; all the guests were seated at many round tables, while the wedding party sat up front along a long table. The only people missing were the newlyweds.

JJ and Dee took their designated seats up front, while Ryo disappeared off to the bar. While Ryo was hopefully get strong drinks, Dee tried to chat up his lovelorn friend.

"Hmm, this is a pretty nice place. Must've cost a fortune," Dee said. "There's a cute guy over there." He pointed at a handsome man at the third table.

JJ glanced in that direction, a simply stated, "Straight."

"Okay..." Dee gazed across the rest of the guests, realizing there weren't too many stunning people to get Drake off JJ's mind. He tried a different approach. "Did you know Bikky and Carol are somewhere in this mass?"

"Nope."

"They're supposed to be, but I don't see them. You know, since Carol's over twenty-one, Bikky'll probably bribe her to get him some alcohol."

"How old is he?"

"Nineteen. Scary, ain't it?"

"Time flies." JJ toyed with the tablecloth absentmindedly. "Especially when you're alone and realize everyday you get older, the chances of finding someone diminish slightly."

Dee was afraid of some sort of answer like that. "With your age-defying looks, it'll take fifty years for you to be considered too old."

JJ waved him off, too engrossed in what was happening by the entrance. His blood boiled when he saw the bride and groom appear through it, loud cheers and applause greeting them. Without passion, he clapped along to make people believe he wasn't a complete ass. Ryo returned with three glasses; JJ snagging one and downing all the liquor in one shot. He feared he'd need a lot of those to get through the night.

The newlyweds made their way to the front and took seats in the middle of the long table. Drake seated directly on JJ's right. Cheekily, Drake leaned over and whispered into JJ's ear, "You look yummy."

JJ's eyebrows shot up. "Drink too much in the limo?" His answer was a giggle. JJ presumed that meant yes, Drake was hammered. If the groom could be, then the Best Man should be able to be too.

JJ reached to his left and caught Dee's wrist. He snagged the glass out of Dee's enclosed hand and drained all its contents.

"Well, geez. Take whatever you want," Dee teased with a small grin.

"I wish," JJ mumbled, sulkily eyeing the man on his right . Drake caught the look and grinned.

"I know you lurve me," Drake said at JJ, whom had decided to go an embarrassing shade of pink.

Knowing all had been lost, JJ plainly replied, "Yes, I do."

Drake's grin split his face, and he chuckled out, "Good."

JJ blinked rapidly a few times. Why did Drake say that? To worsen his misery? He muttered, "I hate you." There was a short chuckle, but he wasn't entirely sure if it came from Drake or not.

Something terrible happened. A man with a microphone started towards him, speaking out loud, "As the buffet is being put out, I'd like to hand this mike over to the Best Man of this glorious evening. He'll present us his (hopefully beautifully written) toast. Then we'll see if anyone else wants to say something." With that, he handed JJ the microphone and walked away to his seat.

"Fuck, shit, double shit," JJ cursed quietly, making sure the microphone didn't pick it up. He heard Drake laugh and mutter something that sounded like, "Forget?"

JJ stood up straight, seeing that everyone was staring at him. Putting the microphone near his mouth, he hoped he was a genius impromptu speaker. Taking a deep breath, he started down the only road he truly knew, hoping he could end just as nicely.

"For people who don't know, I'm JJ Adams. I have known Drake for about ten years; being assigned partners at New York's twenty-seventh. We've been through a lot together, what with work and other troubles in our life. He has helped me out of many rough patches. But that's Drake for you; always kind and considerate of others, but never really looking at how he feels. He's one of those secretive types; the people who would do anything other than tell you what's going on inside their head. But he has never faulted on being a good friend, the loving person that he is. Many people adore and envy that trait. And I suppose Cyndi may have fallen for it as well as many others.

"So I give--I hope--um…They'll live a happy life, through and through. So…congratulations." He help up some wine glass that had appeared from nowhere, everyone else following suit. He took a sip then sat down heavily.

"That was beautiful, JJ," Drake whispered. "Especially for making it up right on the spot."

JJ fumbled with the microphone in his hands, not sure what to do with it. No one seemed to want to add anything. He set it carefully on the table. The man that had given it to him in the first place, took it, then announced people could go up and get food.

The wedding party was first dismissed. They made their way to the buffet, JJ being the only one to dodge the food and head straight out the door. He flew through the hotel lobby and outside. He scanned for a place to sit alone. Since there were no people around, he had a lot of places to choose from.

JJ wondered why he had even decided to show up. Last night he was supposed to stay in the hotel with everyone else so he could get there on time. However, JJ realized he had forgotten his tuxedo at home in the morning and traveled back to retrieve it. He managed to get home quickly, but getting to the ceremony proved difficult. There was a five-car accident that led to a huge pileup, and nowhere for him to go. Sure, he realized no one believed him, but honestly, he wasn't that cruel no matter how much he didn't want the wedding to happen.

He trotted over to the parking lot, strolling in between the cars. Leaning against a black SUV, he surveyed the vehicles over. He was surprised to see so many old and battered cars. Then he remembered where Cyndi's family and friends came from and decided the cars were actually quite fancy for them.

JJ stole a glance at the doors to the entrance. He cursed as he saw a redhead making his way over to him. JJ searched for somewhere to hide, but with the way Ted was approaching, there was no escape.

"Hola, amigo!" Ted called from two cars down. JJ waved his hand while walking behind the vehicle next to him.

"Where ya going!" Ted yelled, sprinting after his friend. JJ didn't bother to move any further, letting his spunky coworker catch up to him.

"Why did you run?" Ted asked when he reached the lavender-haired man. JJ shrugged and leaned up against another (but red) SUV.

"What do you want?" JJ queried exasperatedly.

"To give you this." The redhead held out his hand, a napkin folded in his grasp.

"Do I have something on my face?" JJ questioned, observing the napkin skeptically. Ted shoved the napkin into JJ's hand and walked away without a word.

Curiously, JJ unfolded the fancy paper napkin. On the white surface, ink scratched across to form a peculiar note that is usually only found in movies. How cliche.

Meet me up in room 500 at 7:00.