"Are you finally going to talk to me?"

"Yes, Brian. Let's talk. Please explain to me why you refuse to get along with Gabi?" Will asks, exasperated.

"Because she's a bitch!"

"Whether or not that's true doesn't matter. The sooner you accept she's a part of my life, the better we can all get along."

"I accept that she is part of your life. I just can't stand her."

"Then please explain what it is about her that you just can't stand."

"Will," Brian sighs, looking deeply into his boyfriend's eyes and grabbing his hand. "I hate how she talks to you. How she treats you. You don't deserve that. And you never stand up for yourself against her. So, I do it for you."

"But, I never asked you to stand up for me."

"I love you, babe. And I hate seeing how upset she makes you. I just want to help."

"But how are you helping when all you do is argue with each other? You make this arrangement worse than it needs to be."

"Let's not pretend like Gabi is innocent in all of this. It's not like she tries with me either."

"Brian, that is not the point and you know it. Gabi has to be around for Ari. I have to deal with her to make this as easy on my daughter as possible."

"And you think I make things harder? Is that what you are trying to say?"

"Yes. You make it almost impossible to deal with her. And if you don't figure out how to deal with Gabi, then we will have some decisions to make."

"Wait," Brian whispers, shocked. "Are you saying I either have to get along with Gabi or we are done?"

"No," Will sighs. "Not exactly."

"Will, what are you saying then?"

"My daughter comes first, Brian. No matter what."

"So, she's a priority. I get that. But where does that leave me?" Brian asks, sadly.

"I love you, Brian. You know that. But if I have to pick between you and Ari, I will always pick Ari. So, don't make me choose."

"Honestly, Will. I don't know what you want from me."

"Brian," Will sighs. "You get along with Gabi. The end. And if we have to have this discussion again…."

"Ok. I get it. I need to behave around princess Gabi."

Will glares at Brian and seethes, "This is exactly what I am talking about!"

Will takes a deep breath and continues. "Right now, I can't be around you. We will talk when Gabi comes back and gets Ari. Until then, I don't want you around. Me or Ari."

"But," Brian begins to object.

"No. I am done with this conversation Brian. Grab your things and go stay somewhere else for the next couple of days. Some space is needed right now."


Brian is recalling his relationship with Will. All the memories, good and bad. Their relationship has been tumultuous. And he knows that his temper and jealousy tends to get in the way. Will is usually pretty calm about it, but lately something has changed in him. He doesn't let Brian's behavior slide as much anymore. Will doesn't laugh off his comments about Gabi, instead he defends her. He can't quite figure out where the change has occurred or why.

Brian didn't learn about Will's daughter until he was already head over heels for him. Brian had met Will at the gym. He noticed that amazing body of his while Will was running on the treadmill. Brian was on the machine behind him, just watching Will run. Then when Will got off and turned around, Brian saw the most entrancing blue eyes stare back at him. He knew at that moment, that he wanted to get to know this gorgeous guy with the amazing body. He saw Will walk over to the juice bar and decided to follow and introduce himself.

"Hey. I'm Brian. How long have you been coming here? I know I would have remembered seeing you around." Brian says as he gives the guy a once over, liking what he sees.

Will blushed, like he always does when he's complimented. "I'm Will. I've been coming here for a while. I just don't usually come at this time. I'm usually here later."

Brian quickly noticed Will's adorable half grin. The way he didn't make a lot of eye contact. The way he turned red anytime Brian stared at him, consuming him. Brian knew he wanted to get to know this guy.

"So, are you single?"

Will almost chokes on his drink. "Oh. Ummm…yeah. Sort of."

Brian motions for Will to follow him to one of the tables and Will complies, although Brian can read uncertainty in Will's eyes. Will's eyes always gave him away.

"Not really? Does that mean you are interested in someone? Just broke up?"

"Oh. No. No current interests. Just not really looking at the moment."

"Living the bachelor life? I understand that."

Will nods his head in agreement, refusing to make eye contact with Brian. Brian continues, "But if you are looking to have a little fun, let me give you my number."

Brian motions for Will to hand over his phone, which he does begrudgingly. Brian inputs his number in Will's phone, then calls his phone so he has Will's number.

"I'm going out tonight. If you aren't doing anything, you should join me."

"Oh, I don't know if I can do anything tonight. I kind of already have plans."

"Well, let me know when you don't have plans. And we can grab drinks and get to know each other. I really would like to get to know you."

Brian gives Will the once over, again, and smiles. Will can feel his face heating up. "Ok." Is all Will can whisper before Brian gets up from the table.

As Brian is walking away, he yells out to will, " Don't forget to call me."

A couple of days later, Will calls Brian to hang out. He figures what's the harm, this guy is clearly interested. And Will could use some adult entertainment.

Brian never anticipated falling in love with Will. Or finding out he had a daughter 4 months later. Then breaking up with him because he wasn't ready to be a father. Realizing that he loved Will and that maybe he could learn to love his daughter. But Brian never did get comfortable with Ari. He still sees her as a nuisance, but he tries to pretend he cares about her for Will's sake. Their relationship has gone through a lot, all because of that girl. He kind of blames her for Will pulling away recently. He just wishes she would go away, so he could have Will all to himself. He was tired of sharing his boyfriend. And he was pretty sure he was reaching his breaking point with that little girl.