48 hours. His entire life had changed in less than 48 hours. Brian said he loved him but with everything that has happened, the hope that blossomed deep in his chest was hindered by a debilitating doubt. When he first walked into that loft he was finally sure they were ready, sixteen years of tears, pain, love, lust, confusion all but disappeared and Michael was left with only possibility. Everything leading to that moment was the past. Now it was the future they were heading for. But the second that loft door opened and that flash of red caught his eye he knew. They weren't ready.
Grand spectacles were Brain's specialty. Mikey's own white knight would swoop in just in the nick of time if things got too tough for this boy wonder then disappear quickly behind the aloof image of perfection carefully crafted for protection. There was no doubt that in the moment every word that was said was meant. But after the dust settled, how could he ever be this lucky? Would any of this be happening if it wasn't for the entire pasta night debacle? How could the great Brian Kinney, king of Babylon, want to settle down with the semi-cute boy next door? How could he ever fool himself into thinking that he was good enough?
Question upon question swirled in Michael's head making him long for the weight of the silver ring that he had foolishly left behind. Less than twenty minutes after putting it on and the meaning was stripped away. His own mother had looked him in the eye and taken everything the ring symbolized. But for those first twenty minutes it meant he finally belonged somewhere, with someone. The comforting weight served as a reminder of that feeling while he slept.
But now it left him walking aimlessly down the desolate streets of Liberty Avenue, painfully aware that the vibrant colours painting the sky in preparation for the sun would on any other day be beautiful. Now they served only as reminders of things lost. He longed for the night sky and stars you could wish on. He longed for home, for Brian. As tears began to force themselves toward the surface Michael hung his head in shame. It was then looking down at his left hand longingly that it hit him. Square in the chest knocking him to the ground. It hit him
The loft held a particularly eerie quiet when Brian had finally worked up the courage to leave the bathroom. A quick survey of his home showed that everything was back the way it was before his rude awakening, save one thing. The beautiful brown-eyed angel he had the privilege to wake up beside was replaced by the simple elegant silver band placed on top of a note.
I understand. Whatever you decide, I understand.
I'll Love You For Always.
Michael
With that note pressed firmly to his chest. With that elegant silver band adding a welcome weight anchoring him to the only man he would ever love, Brian fell into a deep sleep. Finally allowing Justin's harsh words to be pushed to the back of his mind, if only for a moment, he had peace.
Sirens wailed mixed with the sound of concerned voices that were muted by the pain coursing through his entire body. Every breath needed to be wretched from his tired frame as he fought to hold on. He tried to find the voice of his white knight through the din and hum of conversation. Finally giving up when the paramedic said that everything was going to be okay.
"Brian..."
He whispered before succumbing to the dark. Finally for a moment, he had peace.
Brian was jolted awake by the shrill ring of the phone as the loud sound reverberated through the empty loft. Clutching Michael's note in his left hand he grabbed the phone with his right. Debbie's choked sobs were enough to send a shiver of cold dread down his spine. When he finally found his voice, he fought to keep the panic from rising.
"Deb what is it? What's wrong?"
The last thing he heard before he dropped the phone swam in his head as he grasped at any semblance of sanity.
"Brain, oh god, it's Michael. There was an accident..."