(no subject)
Figure it out ONE SHOT
Elise
pg
capitals
Brooks Laich/Mike Green
“What was wrong with her this time?” mike green said, taking the picture frame from Brook’s fidgetting hands.
Brooks gave him a sour face, “You make it sound like this happens often.”
“It does happen often.” Mike said, placing the picture back on his mantel, adjusting it a bit, lining it up.
Brooks watched his friend, smirking at his OCD. “It does not. Amber and I were very happy, thank you very much.”
Mike sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, for a bit, then you come up with some problem and have to end it. So, I say again, what was wrong with her this time?”
Brooks stood up from Mike’s couch, hands raised. “Fine, if you’re going to be down on me, Greenie, I’m just getting out of here. I came to you as a friend. Because I dumped my girlfriend and I’m bummed a bit.”
“You two were happy.” Mike said, “And really cute together in a rather gross kinda way. Like the kind they write crap romantic movies about.”
Brooks raised an eyebrow, “And I’m sure you’ve a lot of experience with romantic movies.”
Smirking, Mike walked to the couch, adjusting the pillows again, “How many times did Amber make you see Love, Actually?”
“That’s my point!” Brooks said, “She was clingy, and disappointed that I never could be romantic and crap like that. It was a lot of pressure. She said I was distant.”
“You are distant.” Mike pointed out, “When it comes to your relationships. You shut down, then dump them. You come here. We pig out and watch John Candy movies, and by tomorrow, you’ll have another girlfriend. You’re fine, Brooksie, I promise you.”
“That’s not fair.” Brooks said, ducking his head, “it’s not like that.”
Mike merely gave Brooks a pointed look. Brooks threw up his hands, “Can you just support me?”
“Fine. Amber is a bitch.” Mike said, defeatedly, “What about the girl before her, Ronda?”
“Rhoda.” Brooks corrected, making a face, “She hated that I spent time with my friends.”
“Ok fine.” Mike said, standing up and crossing his arms, “How about Jennifer?”
“She talked with her mouth full, and was always picking at her face.” Brooks shook his head, “I couldn’t handle that. It was too gross.”
“Mary?” Mike said, hoping Brooks would catch his point.
“Her lips were funny.” Brooks said, then paused, “I see what you’re doing.”
Mike rolled his eyes, “Maybe you shouldn’t date for a bit, Brooks. I love you, man, but I’m tired of dealing with your break ups.”
Mike turned, but not before catching Brooks’ hurt look. Mike sighed, deciding to clean up instead of continue the conversation. Brooks turned, and walked out of Mike’s apartment. Mike let out a growl of frustration and threw a pillow. He turned and went outside his apartment. “Brooksie! Brooksie! Hold up!”
Brooks waved him off, taking the stairs. “See you at practice, Greenie.”
Mike stood by Brooks’ locker, waiting for him before practice. He got some weird looks from his teammates but Mike held out, patient. Dave raised an eyebrow, “You and Brooksie have a lover’s tiff?”
Mike shot Dave a look, causing the other man to laugh. “I’m only kidding, Greenie. Man, you’re wound up.”
“It’s none of your business.” Mike said, his voice serious and low.
Dave shook his head, “Damn. Must have been some fight.”
Brooks finally walked into the locker room, his step hitching only a moment once he laid eyes on Mike. Mike looked up, hopeful. “Hey... Brooksie... about last night.”
“Consider it water under the bridge, Mike.” Brooks said, slipping his shoes off and kicking them aside.
Mike’s mouth opened slightly and he shut it, nodding, moving over to his own locker. Dave watched, leaning back. He let out a low whistle. Brooks glared at Dave. “If you’ve got something to say, Steckel... bring it out into the open.”
“I’ve never heard you call him anything but Greenie.” Dave said, “You really that mad at your boyfriend over there?”
Brooks leaned in close to Dave and hissed back, “He’s not my boyfriend. Mike,” He said with extra emphasis, “and I are fine. I just want to get out there and play.”
Dave raised his hands and grinned, “Alright, Brooksie. He’s not your boyfriend.”
“He’s not.” Brooks said again, “I’m straight. I’ve got a girlfriend.”
“Me too,” Dave said, “Doesn’t mean I don’t like playing the field.”
“I’ve got a girlfriend. And I’m faithful.” Brooks went back to dressing for practice.
Dave shook his head and finished lacing his skates up. “You’re in a lot of denial, my friend. Don’t shoot the messenger, alright? Who is your girlfriend today, anyway? Amber? Gracie?”
“Jessica.” Brooks said, his voice louder than he wanted it to be, “And she’s a great girl.”
Mike, at this point, walked by Brooks and gave him a look. “I told you, Brooksie, you’d find another one in no time.”
Brooks’ face turned red as he watched Mike leave for the ice. He turned to his locker, ignoring Dave. Apparently, the team caught on, leaving him alone for the better part of practice. Practice went quickly, and Brooks focused on scoring as much as he could. He left immediately afterwards, driving to his house, instead of stopping by Mike’s.
Mike sat on the bus, staring at his old roommate, and seemingly exfriend. Brooks’ silent treatment had last three torturous days so far and it was driving the defenseman a bit nuts. Everyone had noticed, Olie even attempting to get the two to talk. Mike looked towards the back of the bus, his eyes making contact with Brooks. Brooks immediately turned away, rolling his eyes. Mike hit his arm rest and stood up, making his way towards the back. Brooks watched him, eyes nervous but still glaring. Mike sat down next to Brooks, who rolled his eyes again. “You need something,” Brooks said, “Mike?”
Mike cringed at the tone and said, “Yes I do.”
“I’m all ears,” Brooks said, sarcastically.
“You need to cut this bullshit out.” Mike pointed out, “I’m your best friend, Brooksie.”
Brooks looked down quickly at his hands and said, sourly, “Yeah, I know.”
“Why aren’t you talking to me?” Mike asked, his voice a whisper to keep their privacy.
“If you don’t know, Greenie, I’m not saying.” Brooks crossed his arms and Mike smiled a bit, caught by how adorable it looked.
“You called me Greenie.” Mike said, smiling.
“Did not.” Brooks said, turning his head away, but the corner of his mouth was turned up.
“Did so.” Mike leaned his head down on Brooks’ shoulder, “So are you going to forgive me for whatever it is that I did? I’m not going to back down on this girlfriend thing. I think you’re making a bunch of poor decisions.”
“My decisions to make.” Brooks said stubbornly, “Besides, I think I’ll be single for a bit.”
Mike rolled his eyes, “What about Jessica?”
“She dumped me.” Brooks said quietly, “Says that I’m in love with someone else and she can’t compete.”
Mike turned his head to look at Brooks. He furrowed his eyebrows. “Like... who?”
Brooks shrugged, “I don’t want to talk about it, Mike.”
“Greenie.”
Brooks smiled, shaking his head, “Fine. I don’t want to talk about it, Greenie.”
“Later? Tonight?” Mike said, “You want to talk to me then, Brooksie? It can be just you and I.”
Brooks shifted uncomfortably and said softly, “Maybe.”
“Fuck this maybe shit.” Mike said, “Say yes.”
Brooks moved, looking into Mike’s eyes. “Yes to what? Dinner? movie? Planes, Trains and Automobiles?”
“You make it sound like we’re dating.” Mike said, a smirk on his lips.
Except that Brooks didn’t find that funny. His smile dropped and his face blushed red. Brooks turned away and said, “Maybe not tonight.”
Mike sat up, placing his hand on Brooks’ knee. “Brooks. Look at me.”
“No.” Brooks said, his eyes focusing on Mike’s hand.
“Yes.” Mike said.
“No.” Brooks repeated.
Mike rolled his eyes and sighed, standing, upset at their childish bickering. “Fine. I’ll see you tonight. You and me time.”
“I don’t know...” Brooks said, his voice soft.
Smirking, Mike whispered, “Like you have a choice. you’re my best friend, and I’m going to get to the bottom of whatever is bothering you.”
Brooks looked into Mike’s face and nodded. “Fine. Tonight. Doesn’t mean I’ll talk.”
“I know your secrets.” Mike said, “I know how to get you to talk. I know everything about you.”
“Because we’re best friends.” Brooks said, his voice sad, wishing Mike really did know everything about him.
“None better.” Mike said, misinterpretting Brooks’ sadness.
Mike walked away and Brooks fell against his seat, his stomach twisting. He didn’t want tonight to ever come. Mike was relentless, especially when he thought Brooks was holding something back from him.
Sitting in the hotel bar, Brooks had promptly ignored every single one of his team mates after winning the game. He merely nursed his beer, avoiding his room, and avoiding that Mike may be there. He’d have to return to the close quarters, with Mike, who never slept on an argument. They were like a married couple. Brooks rested on his hand and sighed. He felt someone sit next to him and Brooks sighed. Looking to his left, Brooks raised an eyebrow at Olie, who was staring at him expectantly. “What?” Brooks said.
“You going to talk to Greenie?” Olie said, signalling to the bartender for a refill.
Brooks shrugged, “I’m sure. I’m a bit tired, so I might just pass out.”
Olie shook his head, “That’s not what I meant, kid.”
Brooks turned to Olie and put a hand on the goalie’s shoulder. “Listen, I appreciate the concern. I’m just in a bad mood. Mike and I... he’s just tough on me with the dating thing.”
Snorting into his drink, Olie said, “Gee, i wonder why?”
“What’s that supposed to mean, kolzig?” Brooks asked, eyes lowering into slits.
“Listen, Brooks,” Olie said, his voice softer, “I’m not going to judge you, or tell you what to do, but you’ve got a man waiting for you upstairs, and instead you’re trying to be someone you’re not.”
Brooks’ jaw dropped slightly and he turned, looking straight ahead, speechless. Olie let out a deep breath, “It’s ok, you know. We’re not going to kick you out or jump you in the locker room. There’s nothing wrong with being gay.”
“I’m not gay.” Brooks said, grinding his teeth.
“What if you were? What would be so wrong about that?” Olie said softly, but still not backing down, “What if Green really likes you? He’s not going to wait forever.”
“I can’t...” Brooks said quietly, eyes still focused ahead of him.
Olie stood up and placed an arm around Brooks’ shoulder, pushing the younger man’s beer away. “You can. It’s ok. Now get out of here, would you?”
Brooks nodded, reaching for his wallet, but Olie stopped him, almost pushing him towards the stairs. Brooks began to walk towards the stairs but stopped. “Olie... thanks.”
Olie rolled his eyes and smiled, walking back to his other teammates.
Letting himself into his and Mike’s hotel room, Brooks felt his anxiety increase, his palms sweating. Mike looked up from his bed and Brooks caught the look of hope and fear, before Mike masked it. “Hey, Brooksie.”
“Hey, Greenie.” Brooks said, hesitant, and looking down. “So, good game, yeah?”
Mike smirked and nodded, “Oh yeah. I think Ovie is going to make it to 70 this year. I can feel it.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Brooks said, dragging a hand through his hair, “Looks like he will.”
Brooks felt awkward. Perhaps he was paranoid, but the air felt thicker and his body sluggish. Mike was completely unaffected, reading a book. Mike yawned and said, “Sasha was pretty amazing as well. I really want him to get a hat trick.”
Brooks grinned, his shoulders relaxing slightly, but his hands still clenched nervously. He took a step towards Mike, his thoughts in a flurry, and he stuttered out, “Oh yeah, definitely. Sasha deserves that. I’m gay.”
Mike froze and Brooks shut his eyes. He could hear Mike setting his book down and moving on the bed. Brooks sighed, “I just said that part out loud? Right?”
“Right.” Mike said, swinging his legs over the bed to sit up.
“Like very outloud? You heard that.” Brooks covered his face, feeling the warmth of his embarrassment, “I don’t feel so good.”
“Perhaps you should sit.” Mike said slowly, although a smile was forming on his face.
Brooks shook his head, “I think... god... let’s forget I said anything. This never happened.”
“No.” Mike said, standing up and walking towards his friend. He pulled Brooks’ hands down, dismayed that Brooks was still clenching his eyes shut.
“Yes.” Brooks said.
“No.”
“Yes!” Brooks said, frustrated, “Just... I...”
Mike smiled sadly and said, “If we forget about it, you’ll never be happy. You’ll just serial date women again, never being happy.”
Brooks’ eyes opened slightly and Mike’s stomach twisted at all the fear in them. “No...” Brooks said, his voice barely a whisper, “It’s not like that...”
Mike licked his lips and leaned forward, lightly brushing his lips across Brooks’. Brooks inhaled, kissing back. Mike leaned their foreheads against each other, holding onto Brooks’ hips. “Yes, it is. You can stop that... you can be happy.”
“Mike...” Brooks said, “I don’t know what to do. I’ve never... I’m sorry.”
“You’re my best friend, Brooksie,” Mike said, his voice soft and confident, “We’ll figure it out together. Right?”
Brooks let his hands shakily hold Mike’s hips and he nodded. He leaned forward, kissing Mike. All the knots in his shoulders and stomach began to loosen. He felt confident as he felt Mike returning the kiss. Leaning back, Brooks smiled, his lips red and his breathing faster, “Don’t leave... me.” Brooks said, voicing his fears, “I’ve thought about this for too long.”
“I’ve waited just as long,” Mike said, “I’m not going anywhere, Brooksie. I’m staying right here.”
Letting out a laugh of disbelief, Brooks shook his head, “I’ve been stupid, Greenie, I’m so sorry.”
Mike winked at him and said, “That’s why you need me around. Now, what do you say we just watch a movie, order in, just you and me?”
“I’d like that.” Brooks said, this time his smile genuine.
Elise
pg
capitals
Brooks Laich/Mike Green
“What was wrong with her this time?” mike green said, taking the picture frame from Brook’s fidgetting hands.
Brooks gave him a sour face, “You make it sound like this happens often.”
“It does happen often.” Mike said, placing the picture back on his mantel, adjusting it a bit, lining it up.
Brooks watched his friend, smirking at his OCD. “It does not. Amber and I were very happy, thank you very much.”
Mike sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, for a bit, then you come up with some problem and have to end it. So, I say again, what was wrong with her this time?”
Brooks stood up from Mike’s couch, hands raised. “Fine, if you’re going to be down on me, Greenie, I’m just getting out of here. I came to you as a friend. Because I dumped my girlfriend and I’m bummed a bit.”
“You two were happy.” Mike said, “And really cute together in a rather gross kinda way. Like the kind they write crap romantic movies about.”
Brooks raised an eyebrow, “And I’m sure you’ve a lot of experience with romantic movies.”
Smirking, Mike walked to the couch, adjusting the pillows again, “How many times did Amber make you see Love, Actually?”
“That’s my point!” Brooks said, “She was clingy, and disappointed that I never could be romantic and crap like that. It was a lot of pressure. She said I was distant.”
“You are distant.” Mike pointed out, “When it comes to your relationships. You shut down, then dump them. You come here. We pig out and watch John Candy movies, and by tomorrow, you’ll have another girlfriend. You’re fine, Brooksie, I promise you.”
“That’s not fair.” Brooks said, ducking his head, “it’s not like that.”
Mike merely gave Brooks a pointed look. Brooks threw up his hands, “Can you just support me?”
“Fine. Amber is a bitch.” Mike said, defeatedly, “What about the girl before her, Ronda?”
“Rhoda.” Brooks corrected, making a face, “She hated that I spent time with my friends.”
“Ok fine.” Mike said, standing up and crossing his arms, “How about Jennifer?”
“She talked with her mouth full, and was always picking at her face.” Brooks shook his head, “I couldn’t handle that. It was too gross.”
“Mary?” Mike said, hoping Brooks would catch his point.
“Her lips were funny.” Brooks said, then paused, “I see what you’re doing.”
Mike rolled his eyes, “Maybe you shouldn’t date for a bit, Brooks. I love you, man, but I’m tired of dealing with your break ups.”
Mike turned, but not before catching Brooks’ hurt look. Mike sighed, deciding to clean up instead of continue the conversation. Brooks turned, and walked out of Mike’s apartment. Mike let out a growl of frustration and threw a pillow. He turned and went outside his apartment. “Brooksie! Brooksie! Hold up!”
Brooks waved him off, taking the stairs. “See you at practice, Greenie.”
Mike stood by Brooks’ locker, waiting for him before practice. He got some weird looks from his teammates but Mike held out, patient. Dave raised an eyebrow, “You and Brooksie have a lover’s tiff?”
Mike shot Dave a look, causing the other man to laugh. “I’m only kidding, Greenie. Man, you’re wound up.”
“It’s none of your business.” Mike said, his voice serious and low.
Dave shook his head, “Damn. Must have been some fight.”
Brooks finally walked into the locker room, his step hitching only a moment once he laid eyes on Mike. Mike looked up, hopeful. “Hey... Brooksie... about last night.”
“Consider it water under the bridge, Mike.” Brooks said, slipping his shoes off and kicking them aside.
Mike’s mouth opened slightly and he shut it, nodding, moving over to his own locker. Dave watched, leaning back. He let out a low whistle. Brooks glared at Dave. “If you’ve got something to say, Steckel... bring it out into the open.”
“I’ve never heard you call him anything but Greenie.” Dave said, “You really that mad at your boyfriend over there?”
Brooks leaned in close to Dave and hissed back, “He’s not my boyfriend. Mike,” He said with extra emphasis, “and I are fine. I just want to get out there and play.”
Dave raised his hands and grinned, “Alright, Brooksie. He’s not your boyfriend.”
“He’s not.” Brooks said again, “I’m straight. I’ve got a girlfriend.”
“Me too,” Dave said, “Doesn’t mean I don’t like playing the field.”
“I’ve got a girlfriend. And I’m faithful.” Brooks went back to dressing for practice.
Dave shook his head and finished lacing his skates up. “You’re in a lot of denial, my friend. Don’t shoot the messenger, alright? Who is your girlfriend today, anyway? Amber? Gracie?”
“Jessica.” Brooks said, his voice louder than he wanted it to be, “And she’s a great girl.”
Mike, at this point, walked by Brooks and gave him a look. “I told you, Brooksie, you’d find another one in no time.”
Brooks’ face turned red as he watched Mike leave for the ice. He turned to his locker, ignoring Dave. Apparently, the team caught on, leaving him alone for the better part of practice. Practice went quickly, and Brooks focused on scoring as much as he could. He left immediately afterwards, driving to his house, instead of stopping by Mike’s.
Mike sat on the bus, staring at his old roommate, and seemingly exfriend. Brooks’ silent treatment had last three torturous days so far and it was driving the defenseman a bit nuts. Everyone had noticed, Olie even attempting to get the two to talk. Mike looked towards the back of the bus, his eyes making contact with Brooks. Brooks immediately turned away, rolling his eyes. Mike hit his arm rest and stood up, making his way towards the back. Brooks watched him, eyes nervous but still glaring. Mike sat down next to Brooks, who rolled his eyes again. “You need something,” Brooks said, “Mike?”
Mike cringed at the tone and said, “Yes I do.”
“I’m all ears,” Brooks said, sarcastically.
“You need to cut this bullshit out.” Mike pointed out, “I’m your best friend, Brooksie.”
Brooks looked down quickly at his hands and said, sourly, “Yeah, I know.”
“Why aren’t you talking to me?” Mike asked, his voice a whisper to keep their privacy.
“If you don’t know, Greenie, I’m not saying.” Brooks crossed his arms and Mike smiled a bit, caught by how adorable it looked.
“You called me Greenie.” Mike said, smiling.
“Did not.” Brooks said, turning his head away, but the corner of his mouth was turned up.
“Did so.” Mike leaned his head down on Brooks’ shoulder, “So are you going to forgive me for whatever it is that I did? I’m not going to back down on this girlfriend thing. I think you’re making a bunch of poor decisions.”
“My decisions to make.” Brooks said stubbornly, “Besides, I think I’ll be single for a bit.”
Mike rolled his eyes, “What about Jessica?”
“She dumped me.” Brooks said quietly, “Says that I’m in love with someone else and she can’t compete.”
Mike turned his head to look at Brooks. He furrowed his eyebrows. “Like... who?”
Brooks shrugged, “I don’t want to talk about it, Mike.”
“Greenie.”
Brooks smiled, shaking his head, “Fine. I don’t want to talk about it, Greenie.”
“Later? Tonight?” Mike said, “You want to talk to me then, Brooksie? It can be just you and I.”
Brooks shifted uncomfortably and said softly, “Maybe.”
“Fuck this maybe shit.” Mike said, “Say yes.”
Brooks moved, looking into Mike’s eyes. “Yes to what? Dinner? movie? Planes, Trains and Automobiles?”
“You make it sound like we’re dating.” Mike said, a smirk on his lips.
Except that Brooks didn’t find that funny. His smile dropped and his face blushed red. Brooks turned away and said, “Maybe not tonight.”
Mike sat up, placing his hand on Brooks’ knee. “Brooks. Look at me.”
“No.” Brooks said, his eyes focusing on Mike’s hand.
“Yes.” Mike said.
“No.” Brooks repeated.
Mike rolled his eyes and sighed, standing, upset at their childish bickering. “Fine. I’ll see you tonight. You and me time.”
“I don’t know...” Brooks said, his voice soft.
Smirking, Mike whispered, “Like you have a choice. you’re my best friend, and I’m going to get to the bottom of whatever is bothering you.”
Brooks looked into Mike’s face and nodded. “Fine. Tonight. Doesn’t mean I’ll talk.”
“I know your secrets.” Mike said, “I know how to get you to talk. I know everything about you.”
“Because we’re best friends.” Brooks said, his voice sad, wishing Mike really did know everything about him.
“None better.” Mike said, misinterpretting Brooks’ sadness.
Mike walked away and Brooks fell against his seat, his stomach twisting. He didn’t want tonight to ever come. Mike was relentless, especially when he thought Brooks was holding something back from him.
Sitting in the hotel bar, Brooks had promptly ignored every single one of his team mates after winning the game. He merely nursed his beer, avoiding his room, and avoiding that Mike may be there. He’d have to return to the close quarters, with Mike, who never slept on an argument. They were like a married couple. Brooks rested on his hand and sighed. He felt someone sit next to him and Brooks sighed. Looking to his left, Brooks raised an eyebrow at Olie, who was staring at him expectantly. “What?” Brooks said.
“You going to talk to Greenie?” Olie said, signalling to the bartender for a refill.
Brooks shrugged, “I’m sure. I’m a bit tired, so I might just pass out.”
Olie shook his head, “That’s not what I meant, kid.”
Brooks turned to Olie and put a hand on the goalie’s shoulder. “Listen, I appreciate the concern. I’m just in a bad mood. Mike and I... he’s just tough on me with the dating thing.”
Snorting into his drink, Olie said, “Gee, i wonder why?”
“What’s that supposed to mean, kolzig?” Brooks asked, eyes lowering into slits.
“Listen, Brooks,” Olie said, his voice softer, “I’m not going to judge you, or tell you what to do, but you’ve got a man waiting for you upstairs, and instead you’re trying to be someone you’re not.”
Brooks’ jaw dropped slightly and he turned, looking straight ahead, speechless. Olie let out a deep breath, “It’s ok, you know. We’re not going to kick you out or jump you in the locker room. There’s nothing wrong with being gay.”
“I’m not gay.” Brooks said, grinding his teeth.
“What if you were? What would be so wrong about that?” Olie said softly, but still not backing down, “What if Green really likes you? He’s not going to wait forever.”
“I can’t...” Brooks said quietly, eyes still focused ahead of him.
Olie stood up and placed an arm around Brooks’ shoulder, pushing the younger man’s beer away. “You can. It’s ok. Now get out of here, would you?”
Brooks nodded, reaching for his wallet, but Olie stopped him, almost pushing him towards the stairs. Brooks began to walk towards the stairs but stopped. “Olie... thanks.”
Olie rolled his eyes and smiled, walking back to his other teammates.
Letting himself into his and Mike’s hotel room, Brooks felt his anxiety increase, his palms sweating. Mike looked up from his bed and Brooks caught the look of hope and fear, before Mike masked it. “Hey, Brooksie.”
“Hey, Greenie.” Brooks said, hesitant, and looking down. “So, good game, yeah?”
Mike smirked and nodded, “Oh yeah. I think Ovie is going to make it to 70 this year. I can feel it.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Brooks said, dragging a hand through his hair, “Looks like he will.”
Brooks felt awkward. Perhaps he was paranoid, but the air felt thicker and his body sluggish. Mike was completely unaffected, reading a book. Mike yawned and said, “Sasha was pretty amazing as well. I really want him to get a hat trick.”
Brooks grinned, his shoulders relaxing slightly, but his hands still clenched nervously. He took a step towards Mike, his thoughts in a flurry, and he stuttered out, “Oh yeah, definitely. Sasha deserves that. I’m gay.”
Mike froze and Brooks shut his eyes. He could hear Mike setting his book down and moving on the bed. Brooks sighed, “I just said that part out loud? Right?”
“Right.” Mike said, swinging his legs over the bed to sit up.
“Like very outloud? You heard that.” Brooks covered his face, feeling the warmth of his embarrassment, “I don’t feel so good.”
“Perhaps you should sit.” Mike said slowly, although a smile was forming on his face.
Brooks shook his head, “I think... god... let’s forget I said anything. This never happened.”
“No.” Mike said, standing up and walking towards his friend. He pulled Brooks’ hands down, dismayed that Brooks was still clenching his eyes shut.
“Yes.” Brooks said.
“No.”
“Yes!” Brooks said, frustrated, “Just... I...”
Mike smiled sadly and said, “If we forget about it, you’ll never be happy. You’ll just serial date women again, never being happy.”
Brooks’ eyes opened slightly and Mike’s stomach twisted at all the fear in them. “No...” Brooks said, his voice barely a whisper, “It’s not like that...”
Mike licked his lips and leaned forward, lightly brushing his lips across Brooks’. Brooks inhaled, kissing back. Mike leaned their foreheads against each other, holding onto Brooks’ hips. “Yes, it is. You can stop that... you can be happy.”
“Mike...” Brooks said, “I don’t know what to do. I’ve never... I’m sorry.”
“You’re my best friend, Brooksie,” Mike said, his voice soft and confident, “We’ll figure it out together. Right?”
Brooks let his hands shakily hold Mike’s hips and he nodded. He leaned forward, kissing Mike. All the knots in his shoulders and stomach began to loosen. He felt confident as he felt Mike returning the kiss. Leaning back, Brooks smiled, his lips red and his breathing faster, “Don’t leave... me.” Brooks said, voicing his fears, “I’ve thought about this for too long.”
“I’ve waited just as long,” Mike said, “I’m not going anywhere, Brooksie. I’m staying right here.”
Letting out a laugh of disbelief, Brooks shook his head, “I’ve been stupid, Greenie, I’m so sorry.”
Mike winked at him and said, “That’s why you need me around. Now, what do you say we just watch a movie, order in, just you and me?”
“I’d like that.” Brooks said, this time his smile genuine.