**Note: Sorry it took so long for me to post Chapter 3. I've been having some family issues and what I've been a bit busy. Anyways...here is Chapter 3. Enjoy! J**

Howie's POV

I must have zoned out while we were in the limo because the next thing I see is the driver pulling up to the hotel Howard's staying at. I glanced over at Howard, who also seemed to be in a world of his own. I cleared my throat, trying to get the other man's attention. "Uh...Howard? We're here." I mumbled, flashing a smile.

Howard turned to look at me, then glanced over my shoulder me at the hotel. "Oh. I guess I...wasn't paying too much attention." He chuckled awkwardly, muttering an apology afterwards. I shrugged it off and allowed him to get out first before following after him.

We walked in without any trouble and made our way to the elevator, staying rather silent the whole time. Once we got in, he pressed the button to close the door, hitting his floor botton next. It's just us two and I was trying to stay calm, distracting myself with anything. I stuck my hands in my pocket as the elevator's silence grew more awkward and uncomfortable-even the music wasnt playing.

"So...we haven't hung out in a while." Howard commented, bringing me out of my thoughts. I felt like it was mainly my fault, since I've been so focused on hiding my feelings. I've blocked out everyone I care about, including my wife.

I let out a small sigh and nodded my head. "I...I know. It's been too long." I replied, rocking on my heels nervously. I couldn't stand being in this small area with...him. I could feel my palms getting sweaty from nerves as I glanced over at Howard. He was looking my way, but I couldn't see his eyes under the shades he was still wearing. A blush made it's was onto my face, causing me to turn away.

The elevator ride was silent after that. I was too shy to say anything and I was pretty sure Howard might have been a bit embarrassed at being caught looking at me. I didnt mind the silence though, as I was left with my thoughts.

My main concern should have been my family; my wife and children. Yet my mind kept drifting to the man next to me. The ding of the elevator startled me, causing me to let out a small noise of surprise. I heard Howard chuckle from beside me, breaking some of the tension.

"You okay there Howie?" Howard teased lighlty, causing me to playfully roll my eyes.

I didn't say anything in return and instead just waited for Howard to leave the elevator. He soon did, and I followed out after him, catching up quickly. We walked side by side, our hands occassionally brushing, until we reached his room. He slid his key card in the door and opened it, stepping aside to let me go in first. I awkwardly made my way around him and into the room first, his footsteps close behind me.

I made my way to the couch, sitting down on it as I made myself comfortable while Howard stopped in the kitchen and grabbed two water bottles. I turned on the television as I saw him making his way back over, handing me one of the water bottles. I mumbled a small thank you as I searched through the limited channles the hotel had.

I tensed up immensly when I felt Howard sit rather close to me, causing me to pause my movements for a few seconds. I turned my attention back to the television when I regained the ability to, biting the inside of my cheek. I could practically feel the heat radiating off of him, the sound of the television changing channels was the only noise in the huge room.

" Can we, uh, talk Howie?" Howard asked after a few minutes of silence, causing me to tense up yet again. I switched the tv back off and slowly, hesitantly turned my head to look at him, worry flashing in my eyes. Did he know? How could he know?

"Sure." I said calmly. "What's up?" Multiple thoughts were running through my mind as I tried to figure out what he would want to talk to me about. I gave a weak smile, turning a bit to get a better look at him.

"What's been going on with you?" He asked, deeply concerned. He slipped off his shades to make it more serious. "You've been acting really...strange lately." He added, our eyes connecting for a split second before I turned away.

"I-I'm fine." I stuttered out. I really didn't want to talk about this. Especially with him. "I've just had a lot on my mind lately." So...it wasn't technically a lie. I did have quite a bit running through my mind. I just didn't want to tell him what was on my mind.

"Cut the crap." He said rather harshly. I furrowed my eyebrows and looked over at him again. "You've been pushing us all away Howie. We haven't hung out in a while. And I'm not the only one who's noticed. Sharon said you've been acting weird with her too. She said something about you and Terry." I winced when my wife was mentioned, hoping Howard didn't notice. He did. "Sharon said you guys have been..." He trailed off with a shrug.

"We had a rough patch. No big deal." I muttered under my breathe, just wanting the topic to be dropped once and for all. "I'll call her later."

"I just wan-" He started, but I was quick to cut him off.

"Just drop it, okay?" I snapped. The silence in the room was deafening, making me regret my actions. I sighed and ran a hand over my bald head. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap." I apologized, honestly meaning it. Howard really didn't want to know what was wrong with me.

The topic changed quickly, which I was rather thankful for. We started to joke around, the tension diminishing. We somehow got closer and closer to each other, our knees eventually bumping. My breath hitched as the atmosphere grew serious again.

We connected eyes again, both of us turning serious. It was amazing how fast we could go from being joksters to completely serious. I had no idea what to say as our faces were so close by now. I could feel every breath he took.

"Howard." I breathed out at the exact same moment Howard said, "Howie." We both laughed, the serious moment gone for only a moment. "You can start..." I offered, a playful smile on my lips.

He nodded his head, letting out a laugh-the same laugh I had grown to love. "Howie, what's really going on with you?" He asked seriously. He was honestly so concerned about me. He was such a humble, caring person. I chewed on the inside of my cheek, tasting the metallic tase of blood in my mouth. "I just want to make sure you're okay." He added quickly, seeing my discomfort.

I drew in a deep breath. I didn't know what to do, or what to say. Should I just tell him?

**Cliff hanger? Sorry it took a while. I hope it's still good. I have a lot of people who apparently enjoy this story. Thank you so much for the support though. I love it all, and it's all appreciated. I actually want the reader's opinion on something... I wanted to know if you guys want a chapter in Howard's POV or if that would kind of ruin the story. Let me know in the comments. Thank you for reading my story and your reviews are appreciated. THANKS AGAIN!**