Patrick Roy is sitting on my lap right now, my cock is in his ass and his is rubbing against my stomach.

Am I really letting this happen?

Stong thighs clenched on either side of mine as he raised up and forced himself back down. He moaned into my ear as he pulled up again.

Apparently I am.

My fingers ran up his well-muscled back to his shoulders as he sat down fully on my lap again.

He leaned forward, kissing at my open lips, sliding his tongue between them.

Jiri... My baby...

No!

I wouldn't do this to him. Or to us.

My hand shot up to his hair. Grasping tightly, I yanked his head back, hard.

He hissed in pain and ceased all movement, my cock half in him. I leaned in close to him and growled, "Get the fuck off me."

"You... you can't be serious." He said breathlessly.

I tugged harder on his hair, "Wanna bet?"

"Shit... let go!" He cried, grabbing at my hands.

"Get off!" I screamed. Suddenly, my hands left his body entitely, only to return as I shoved him off me onto the floor.

I staggered to my feet, pulling up my boxers and shorts; which were still around my ankles.

He quickly stumbled up, and surprised me by punching me across the face. Completely caught off guard, I fell back onto the bed. My hand flew to my mouth, which wouldn't move. It was stuck halfway open.

You've got to be kidding me. If Mike Vernon could kick his ass, he can't hit that hard.

Forcing my jaw back and forth, it snapped into position with a painful crack. If it was broken, so help me God, I'll kill him.

Hands grabbed my shoulders and pulled me up. I suddenly had a close up of a very angry goalie.

"If Jiri meant so damn much to you, you wouldn't have done this!" He yelled at me.

"What?!" I cried, smacking his hands away and jumping up. I had quite a height advantage as I grabbed his upper arms and shook him, "This is your fault, you Canadian piece of shit! You did this, not me! Jiri means more to me than anyone in the fucking world!"

Now he was the one who slapped my hands away from him, "If you loved him you wouldn't have let it get this far." He growled, close to my face.

"You don't know the meaning of the word." I leaned in impossibly closer, "Get the fuck out of here." I said quietly.

With one last glare at me, he pulled his boxers and pants back on. Grabbing his shirt, he headed for the door. Just as he opened it, he turned back to me, "You know Chris, you've turned into a pussy-whiped bitch. You had absolutely no problem sleeping around on Mats."

"People change." I told him, not moving from my spot by the beds.

"No." He said, stepping into the hallway. "They don't."

_________
Chris' PoV

The plane ride home the next day was un-Godly long.

I absolutely could not believe that had happened.

I've thought about it so much, trying to make sense of it all, that it's starting to blur in my mind and I can't place all of the events correctly. It's like it was just some terrible fucked up dream. But I knew in my gut that it had happened. That it wasn't a dream.

Did it count as cheating?

I didn't fuck him. I didn't make a move on him.

-- Yeah, but you didn't stop him either. --

The hell I didn't! I shoved him off me, right onto his sorry ass!

-- After he started to fuck you. --

Shit! The damn voice in my head was right. I could have stopped Patrick.

But I was just so fucking shocked. I didn't expect it at all. I didn't know what was going on... why he was there, or anything. It all just happened so fast!

For the third time today, I sunk my head into my hands and cired.

Oh God, what am I gonna do?

Everything I have ever read about people cheating says not to tell your lover. Just don't do it again.

But could I do that? Could I lie like that to Jiri? He'd hate me if he found out I had been deceiving him. He'd never forgive me.

-- He's never going to forgive you anyway. --

Shut up! That's all I need right now, is my conscience berating me.

-- You have to tell him. You're never going to be able to live with yourself until you do. --

No, no, no... I can't. I can't lose him.

-- You're going to lose him anyway if Patrick decides to tell him. --

My head snapped up. He wouldn't do that.

Would he?

-- Of course he would! You embarrassed him and rejected him. He'll jump at the chance to hurt you back. --

Or better yet, hurt Jiri.

-- Bingo. --

I sighed deeply, more tears rolling down my cheeks. I had to tell Jiri. I couldn't let him find out from Roy.

-- Good boy. --

Shut the fuck up.

________
Jiri's PoV

Nick and Homer ended up spending the night with me.

Get your mind out of the gutter.

They slept upstairs in the other guest bedroom.

I had tripped last night when I was trying to change the DVD in the player, and Nick lept from his chair, steadying me before I fell.

After that, he insisted on staying until Chris got home.

I wasn't exactly thrilled with the prospect of Tomas sleeping over, but there wasn't much I could do about it without offending Nick and hurting Tomas. I still like Tomas, don't get me wrong. He's a nice guy and I want to be his friend, but the water between us is still pretty murky.

And I can't imagine that Chris is going to be to exciteded that my ex slept over.

I crawled out of bed at ten, hoping that I could get the two of them out of here before Chris got home. But all hope was dashed as I heard the front door open.

I bit my lip, hesitant to go out to him. But the yearing I had to be close to him was winning over.

Walking more by myself than depending on my crutches, I made my way out into the living room. He looked up the moment I entered.

My smile quickly faded from my face as I got a look at him. "Chris?" I asked, "Are you okay?"

As we stood about a foot apart, I looked him up and down. He looked like shit. His cheeks were flushed a dull red and his eyes were bloodshot. He'd been crying. A whole hell of a lot.

"Chris, what is it?" I asked, placing my hand on his shoulder. "Is it your family?"

Red eyes met mine, and I could see the tears beginning to form.

He didn't say anything. He just stood there. He was really starting to worry me. "Chris, please, answer me. What's wrong?" Tears began sliding down his cheeks.

Forgetting my condition, I let go of my crutches, causing them to fall to the floor; I grabbed him to me. His hands were immediately grasping my shirt as he sobbed into my neck.

It was as if our roles were in reverse. Chris was always the strong one, supporting and comforting me. Making sure everything would be all right. But now, I was the one who was holding him. I

had to make sure he was okay.

And let me tell you, it was scaring the hell out of me.

I rubbed my hands up and down his back as tears continued to dampen the throat of my shirt.

I was almost frantic at this point, "Chris, what is it? Please tell me."

Please let everything be okay.

_________
Chris' PoV

Oh God, I can't do it.

"Chris, what is it? Please tell me." He was practically begging me to tell him what was wrong.

I didn't want to lie to him. I had made up my mind on the flight home that I was going to tell him everything.

But I couldn't.

I just couldn't do it.

How could I tell him that I had almost betrayed him?

That I basically cheated on him.

I clutched him tighter to me as I cried harder. If I tell him, it'll most likely mean the end of our relationship.

I can't do it.

I just can't.

_________
Chris' PoV

Jiri clutched me to him, begging me to tell him what was wrong. But I couldn't. Not even if I wanted too.

I was full out sobbing into his neck, to the point where I was gasping for breath.

"Chris, please!" Jiri said, almost frantically, "Chris, what is it? You're scaring me."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, and tried to stop crying; breathing as slowly as I could.

My body was still shaking, but I wasn't almost hyperventilating like I was on the verge of a few moments ago. Jiri's hands rubbed up and down my back as he rocked me slightly, murmuring into my hair, "Chris, please..."

After a minute, I was back in control of myself. My crying had slowed from torrential to slowly leaking. I shifted my head from under his chin to resting on his shoulder. My hand, under his arm, was still grasping his shirt. The other ran up his chest to the soaked spot at his throat. From there it slid around to the back of his neck.

And I simply let him hold me.

I needed it so bad.

After all, this was probably the last time he was ever going to want to touch me, let alone hold me.

-- He'll understand. --

Oh the fuck he will! He's going to hear me say "Patrick", "hotel room" and "bed" and leave me on the spot.

-- Give him some credit. --

I can't tell him.

-- You don't have a choice. --

My rational side was right. I had to tell him, even if I didn't want to. I had contributed to what happened by not stopping it sooner, and he deserved to know that I was almost un-faithful to him... partially un-faithful.

Hugging him tighter to me, I used the hand on the back of his neck to draw him down to my level; covering his mouth with mine.

I sucked his bottom lip in between mine, biting it gently. Jiri moaned softly as he slid his tongue into my mouth. His hands pulled me closer as I tilted my head, deepening the kiss. I had to give him my all with this one.

In case it was the last one we ever shared.

This was the second time in our relationship that I've had to give him, what could possibly be, our last kiss.

God, I fucking hate myself.

I pressed my lips to his one final time before pulling away.

His hands cupped my cheeks as I looked into his scared blue eyes. "Chris, please talk to me." He whispered.

After a moment, I slowly nodded.

I love Jiri more than anything, and now it was time for me to show him that I also respect him.

I'd tell him everything he wanted to know, and probably a lot he didn't.

As I was about to lead him over to the couch, I realized for the first time that his crutches were on the floor. I stooped down and righted them for him, "Sorry." I said quietly.

He shrugged and took them from me, leaning some of his weight on them as they were situated under his arms, "Don't worry about it." He looked at me, "Where do you want to talk?" He asked.

The couch no longer seemed like the ideal place for this conversation. "Our bedroom." I told him.

He nodded and took a few steps forward before stopping, "Nick and Tomas stayed the night." He said suddenly.

I stared blankly at him. They stayed the night? Well, I guess that would explain the presence of Nick's Trail Blazer in my driveway. "Where are they?" Surprisingly, I wasn't mad. In fact, I found I hardly cared at all.

Which was really strange. But I was happy for it. I was starting to lose my anger towards Tomas.

"Upstairs guest room." As he said this, the two of them appeared at the top of the stairs.

My eyes widened slightly. If they had been listening, or watching, I'd kill the both of them.

So much for my disolving anger.

Neither one of them said a word. Nick took his keys from the kitchen table and headed towards me. "I insisted on staying last night." He said.

"It's okay." I told him quietly as I looked over his shoulder at Tomas.

I felt the sudden urge to hurt him. I guess I was still retaining most of my hatered for him. But it was still good that it was at least starting to disipate.

Nick looked at Jiri and offered a small smile, "If you need anything," He looked back at me, "call us." He touched my arm for a moment before he and Tomas left out the front door.

Now Jiri and I were alone.

We walked to the foot of the stairs. I took his crutches from him and leaned them against the wall before taking his hand in mine. Slowly, I helped him up the stairs one at time.

Finally we were seated on our bed. This was the first time in almost a month that Jiri and I have been in here together.

And if I hadn't fucked everything up, I could probably welcome him back here without any problems.

But I did fuck everything up.

And now I had to deal with it.

My eyes pricked with tears, but I wasn't going to release them. At least not yet. I was sure that by the end of this conversation I was going to be crying like a baby.

Jiri sat across from me, taking my fingers with his; his thumb gently rubbing against the back of my hand. He said nothing. Just waited for me to speak.

I took a deep breath to calm my heart rate, even though it wasn't helping at all. Swallowing, I looked into his eyes, which were alight with worry.

"Jiri..." I tried, "I... I don't..." Shit. "Jiri, I can't..." No, that wasn't how I wanted to start. I ran my fingers through my hair and began again, "Jiri... I..." This wasn't working. "Fuck." I hissed, looking away.

His hand was on my chin, turning my head back to him, "Chris, calm down and talk to me." He said softly, "Take your time."

I studdied him. This young man before me was so much more than my teammate or my protege. He's my lover. Maybe even my partner. I don't know how he feels about it, but I've been thinking of making our relationship permanent. Seriously permanent. He'd probably be estatic over the idea of us exchanging rings, but soon he wouldn't want that.

I love Jiri more honestly and truely than anything. I know he loves me the same way.

And I was about to proverbially turn our lives up-side-down.

__________
Henrik's PoV

Pavel sat on the bed watching me as I emptied out my night stand. It was the last thing to be done before his house was officially Hank free.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

I was tempted to ignore him, but I didn't. "Nick is letting me stay with him, 'til I find an appartment."

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see him nod.

I shuffled some loose pictures together and handed them to him, "If you want any, take them." I said without looking at him.

Soundlessly he began to leaf through the photos, sliding out one every now and then while I continued to sift through the drawer; tossing the things I was taking with me on top of it.

Extra cell phone battery, puck from my first powerplay goal... I thought that was in the basement, mine and Pavel's rookie cards, letter from my grandpa, ticket to the Pistons' Final's win. God, when did I become a pack rat?

Well, that looked like everything. "Is this okay?" Pavel asked, holding out a small stack of pictures.

I took them from him and flipped through them. He'd selected all pictures of us. The one that Mac took of us kissing on New Year's, the one of us lounging by the pool at Shanny's Forth of July party last year. A couple from training camp and a few from our fishing excursion on Lake Michigan.

I bit my lip as I was forced to remember all of these events.

"Yeah, that's fine." I said giving them back before my eyes could mist any more.

I grabbed the rest of the pictures and all the stuff off the night stand and stuffed it into a small duffle bag. With a last look around the room, I turned to him, "I guess that's everything."

He nodded, "I guess so." When he gazed up at me, his eyes were slowly filling with tears. The sight made my heart clench.

No. This was his fault and I would not feel sorry for him.

Shouldering my bag, I lifted my two suitcases and headed for the stairs. Pavel was quick to open the front door for me and I headed out to my car without a word.

Once I had all of my things situated next to my hockey gear in the trunk, I went back inside, sliding the house key off my keyring. "Here." I said, holding it out for him. I had put all of my other things into storage when I moved in with Pavel, so there was no need for me to keep the key. I wouldn't be coming back.

He was hesitant to take it, so I grabbed his hand and shoved the key into it.

He looked at me with watery eyes, "I never thought it would end like this." He whispered.

"I never thought it would end." I said, a hint of anger in my tone; but my sadness was more evident.

His eyes fell from mine, "I'm sorry, Henrik." He said quietly.

Heaving a great sigh, I swallowed my agression towards him and placed my hand on his cheek. Almost immediately I could feel tears running onto my fingers.

After a moment I tilted his head up, "I'll miss you." I said.

His lower lip quivered, "I'll miss you too." He sniffed, "Don't forget about me... okay?" He asked quietly.

I shook my head, "I could never do that."

A moment of silence passed between the two of us, before I leaned in slowly and pressed my lips to his.

One last time.

__________
Tomas' PoV

Nick's cell rang extremely early this morning. He shifted as he reached over and picked it up from the nightstand.

I grumbled and rolled onto my side, facing away from him. There really wasn't much point in me going back to sleep. We had to get up soon anyway. But that didn't mean I had to be excited about it.

Now, thinking back on it, I probably should have had him turn it off last night.

"Does he know I'm living here?" I asked, completely agitated.

"Of course." Nick said as he put a freshly washed cover on one of the guestroom pillows.

"Well does he know we're together?"

"No." He said simply.

I stared at him, "Why didn't you tell him?" I cried exasperatedly.

"Because I didn't think it was pertinent to the conversation." He said as he folded back the top of the comforter.

I threw my hands in the air, "Why didn't you ask me before agreeing to this?"

Nick tossed the pillow onto the bed and turn to face me; gently setting his hands on my shoulders, "Hank doesn't have anywhere else to go." He started.

But I didn't want to hear the rest of it, "You invited another man to come live with us!"

"Henrik is our teammate and our friend." He said strongly, "He stayed with me his rookie year, and nothing ever happened between us, so why would it now?"

Damnit. I was hoping that he wouldn't catch onto the fact that I was a little jealous of Henrik. He's eight years younger than me, and has a beautiful body.

But of course, Nicklas the psychiatrist picked up on my hidden emotions.

He cupped my cheek in his hand, "Pavel is the first man that Henrik has ever had a relationship with. Leaving him is already a difficult enough experience for him. Don't make it harder than it has to be. Besides," His hand slid around my shoulders, pulling me closer to him, so he was whispering in my ear, "You're the one I love." Fingers brushed through my hair and came to rest on the back of my head, "Don't you know that by now?"

I nodded slightly before his lips brushed mine. I tilted my head and parted my lips. His mouth opened and his tongue slid over my teeth to meet mine. As our tongues danced together, Nick slowly brough his lips down around them, covering my mouth.

My sweet God in Heaven, can he ever kiss.

Just as his hand slid down my back to lightly rest on my ass, the doorbell rings.

"Shit." I grumbled as he pulled away from me.

He gave me his father look, "Be nice, Tomas." He kissed me softly again, "I love you."

"I love you too." I said softly before he smiled at me and lead us from the guestroom.

I guess its time to greet my new "roommate".

_________
Mike's PoV

"Shit!" I gasped as Brett's tongue wiggled its way into my hole.

I was laying on my back, with my hands tied to the headboard (my punishment for losing nine consecutive hands of blackjack last night).

"No talking." He said while nipping the exposed skin of my ass. I was going to say "sorry", but settled for a nod. "Good boy." He murmured before lowering his mouth to me again.

I threw my head back as he continued to work on me. Brett and I rarely tied each other up, in fact, I've never done it to him. I've never really even had the urge to do so. I'm so content bottoming, that the thought hasn't crossed my mind. In the four years we've been together, I've only fucked him a handful of times, so needless to say, when I do, I'm not patient enough to engage in much foreplay.

But he, on the other hand, takes his time. With moves like this, no wonder I never want to top.

A groan bursts past my lips, but he doesn't seem to mind. Instead, he grasped my ass and lifted my lower half completely off the bed as he fucked me with his tongue. My knees were propped up on his shoulders and my toes curled at the sensation of having his tongue inside me.

Sergei and I have never done this. Nor did I ever want to. Brett is the only person in the world that I've ever had the desire to be so intimate with (and I'll wonder later if I'm the only one he's ever felt this need for. After all, Brett is much more experienced than I am).

But that was the furthest thought from my mind right now. I tugged uselessly at my restraints, trying in vain to touch him. I wanted nothing more than to be connected to him in every way possible.

"Brett please!" I gasped. I knew he wanted me to be silent while he pleasured me, but I couldn't contain myself any more.

"What?" His raspy voice was thick with lust, sending a shiver up my spine. "What Mike?" He asked again, sucking now at the base of my erection.

If he wanted me to talk, he needed to ease up, "Untie me... please... I... I..."

He shook his head, taking my cock into his mouth and sucking harshly a few times before moving back to my ass.

He obviously sensed I was growing impatient, because this time he went in for the kill. Thrusting his tongue roughly in and out of me. I could do little more than lay there and enjoy it.

And enjoy it I did.

After only a minute or so more, I was crying out and exploding all over my stomach.

My body went limp as he set the lower half of it back down on the bed. I was still panting heavily as he laid down next to me and cleaned up the mess on my stomach with his tongue. I somehow found the strength to lift my head and watch while he did.

It was always such a turn on to watch him do this.

When finally he was at my side, he kissed me softly. I moaned into his mouth at tasting myself. I broke away from him, pushing my head into the pillow, staring at the ceiling. Brett mirrored my position though his hand was on my stomach; stroking slowly up and down it.

"Brett." I said after a few quiet moments. He turned his head to me and I jerked my hands, drawing his attention to them.

"Oh," He grinned, sitting up and untying them.

I sat up after he finished freeing me, rubbing gently at the red marks on my wrists before wrapping my arms around him and kissing him.

"I didn't hurt you did I?" He asked as we laid back down.

"No." I grinned, "That was very enjoyable."

He laughed and pulled me so I was laying half on his chest. "Last night was rough." He said after a moment.

I lifted my head slightly, "What are you talking about? We spent most of it with Jiri then came back here and went to bed."

"That's what I mean. Do you realize that we didn't have sex last night?"

I laughed loudly, "What, and the three times that we did during the day weren't enough for you?"

He grinned, "Not when it comes to you."

I sighed and curled in to him, "What are you gonna do when I go back to Dallas?"

He was silent a moment, "We'll deal with that later." He kissed me softly, "Now, where were we?"

We kissed again, "Jesus, you're almost forty, where do you do you find the strength?"

He smacked my ass, "None of that. You're only five years younger than I am."

"That's still a world of difference, old man." I said playfully. His eyes widened, "You're gonna need Viagra soon if we keep this up."

"Why you!" He leapt at me, but I scrambled off the bed; getting tangled in the sheets and almost falling.

I laughed as he chased me out into the hallway and down the stairs. Brett is the first one in the media to talk about how slow he is, but let me tell you, he's exaggerating. He was right behind me until I found safety behind the table.

He stood on the other side, waiting for me to make a move. I couldn't stop laughing as he glared across at me, "I'm gonna kick your ass." He said.

"Really granddad?" I asked.

His mouth dropped open, but he couldn't hide the smile that was fighting for control of his face. He faked running to the left, so I took off to mine. But he quickly doubled around and tackled me to the floor as I tried to run into the living room.

Brett quickly crawled onto my back and spread my legs, "You're the one who's gonna need Viagra by the time I'm done with you." He growled in my ear.

He thrust his hips up, pushing his erection hard against my ass. I moaned deeply as he nipped and sucked at the back of my neck. "Brett..." I groaned, "Need you..."

He haistily complied with my wish, entering me quickly.

I moaned as he started to thrust, sliding his hand under me; driving my cock against it with every plunge.

It didn't take long before he swelled and burst inside me. With a nicely placed squeeze, I too came, spurting all over his hand.

And I couldn't have been happier.

________
Jiri's PoV

I sat on the bed, facing Chris with my heart in my throat.

Ever since he started to cry, an idea about what could possibly make him so emotional has been forming in my mind. But I know Chris wouldn't do anything to endanger our relationship. At least I don't think he would.

"Jiri, I... shit, I don't know where to start." He said, tugging at the hem of his shirt nervously.

I took his hand, "How about at the beginning. Was it something at the reunion?"

He shook his head, "No, the reunion was great. I loved seeing my cousins," his eyes lit up talking about his family. Being Greek, I know that it's a very important part of his life. "My nephew, Jake, is walking now, it's so cute." He grinned.

I couldn't help but smile, "So then, what happened?" I asked.

His grin faded as he spoke, "I went back to the hotel."

He stopped. "And?" I pushed.

"Well, I wanted to get a shower," He paused, "I took off my shirt, grabbed a beer, and I was gonna watch TV for a minute." He swallowed hard, "There was a knock at the door." He stopped again. I waited silently, "I... I answered it... and..."

He didn't seem to be able to continue, "Who was there, Chris?" I had a feeling who it was and I wanted desperately to be wrong. Chris looked at me, eyes blurred with tears. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. "Who was it Chris?" I asked more forcefully. It couldn't have been him...

Licking his lips, he forced the syllable out, "Roy."

My heart stopped.

No.

It couldn't have been... He didn't...

"I was... stunned," He pushed on, though I still hadn't moved. "I wouldn't have let him in, but I was caught off guard and-"

"Did you fuck him?" I burst out. I didn't want to hear the story, I wanted to know right now if he had been unfaithful to me.

He didn't answer.

My eyes grew wide and I snatched my hand back, "You did, didn't you." I said, not questioning.

"Sort of." He said quietly.

"'Sort of'?! How do you 'sort of' fuck someone?!" I yelled.

"He jumped me!" He defended, "I fell on the bed when I was trying to get away from him, and he was on me before I could stop it." His eyes were wide, pleading with me to believe him.

"So what, he raped you? Is that what you're telling me?" I practically snorted, thought dimly it felt like I was crying.

He shook his head, not looking at me.

"What happened?" I demanded. He didn't speak, "What the fuck happened?!" I screamed.

Chris looked a bit shocked at the tone I had just taken with him. But I hardly gave a fuck.

He forced himself to talk, "He... he sat on me."

"And?" I growled.

Tears were now rolling down his cheeks. "And... he... started to fuck me."

It felt like my heart was breaking. There were no words for the utter dispair and pain I felt. Chris, the one man that I have ever loved. The one I gave myself to for the first time. The one who has taken care of me, taught me and protected me for years has cheated on me.

_________
Chris' PoV

This wasn't going well

I couldn't stop crying and now Jiri was sobbing into his hands.

"Jiri, I-"

"You didn't stop him!" He moaned.

"I did Jiri, I stopped him as soon as I got a hold of myself!" I insisted.

His head snapped up, "Was that after you came?" He spat at me.

That hurt. But I guess I deserve it, after all, he was partially right. If I had not opened the door to Patrick, this wouldn't have happened. I tried to take his hand, but he pulled away from me before I could touch him.

"Before, actually." I said quietly, my head hanging. "It was right after he started... like a few seconds, I swear."

He didn't seem to be listening to me though.

"I grabbed his hair and told him to get the fuck off me, then I shoved him onto the floor." His crying seemed to lessen slightly, even though his face was still buried in his hands. "He left after that." I finished.

He took a moment before he looked up, wiping his eyes, though it didn't stop the flow of tears.

Before I knew what happened, I was sprawled out on the floor; my right cheek throbbing madly.

Jiri stood over me a few seconds later, holding onto the bedpost for balance. I grasped my cheek, quickly pulling my hand back as it screamed in pain when I touched it. I stared up at him in disbelief.

Jiri had just hit me.

I couldn't blame him though. If he had done what I did, I'd probably have done worse to him.

"I deserved that." I said quietly.

An extremely thick and uneasy silence settled between us.

And for a long time we just looked at each other. Neither moving or speaking.

I flinched back as he thrust his hand out. I stared at it for a moment.

After hesitating for a second, I gently placed mine in his. And with a strength I had forgotten that he posessed, he pulled me to my feet.

We stood, me staring up at him as our hands still clasped. I tried to read the emotion in his eyes, but he kept what he was feeling well hidden from me. I wanted to speak, to ask him the question that my mind and heart were crying out... were we over?

But nothing happened. I couldn't talk. I was afraid to break the silence. And more importantly, I was afraid of what he might say.

_________
Chris' PoV

I couldn't stand it any longer.

"Jiri?" I whispered.

"What?" He asked quietly.

I hesitated. I wasn't sure I wanted to hear this, but I had to know. I swallowed hard, "What now?"

He looked down at me and was silent a moment longer, "I... I don't know."

_________
Nick's PoV

Tomas and I welcomed Henrik to our house and I took him back to the room he lived in his rookie year while Tomas checked on the turkey in the oven. It's not widely known, but I'm quite the little cook.

Tomas didn't seem to be very angry once Hank was inside, which soothed me greatly. I really should have asked him if it was all right with him before I invited Henrik to stay with us. But I really wasn't thinking. Plus, I didn't think he'd mind.

So I was beyond happy when he didn't act rude to Hank.

I pushed open the door to the guest room and took his suitcase over to the closet, "I really appreciate this, Nick." He said softly, sitting on the edge of the bed.

I walked over and stood next to him, "It's my pleasure."

He was staring down at his feet, and I'm sure his mind was on the fact that he had just left the love of his life. I didn't really know what to say though. I might be a sweet talker, a smooth lover and a considerate boyfriend, but I'm not very good at the whole comfort thing. I never know what to say.

So instead, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, letting him lean into me and kissed the top of his head, "You can stay as long as you need to."

Weakly, I felt his hands resting low on my back.

As terrible as I feel to admit it, Henrik fits nicely in my arms. He's so delicate when he's not one the ice, that I feel like I'll break him if I hug too tightly.

I didn't want to let go of him, because I didn't know if he wanted me to. So I stood there while he held on to me.

Soon, his hands were on my arms and he was pulling away from our embrace. He leaned back and looked up at me. My stomach tightened. He's so beautiful.

Don't get me wrong, I don't love him and I don't even really know him well enough to want to date him. Especially not when I have Tomas, but I'm appreciative of his looks. And we've shared moments like this before.

Softly, I pressed my lips to his.

There was no tongue and it wasn't even sexual, it was just me showing him that I care about him. And I deffinately didn't want to give him the wrong idea, so it was only for a brief moment.

But I guess I failed in not wanting to give him the wrong idea, because as soon as I pulled away from him, he leaned up and attempted to kiss me again.

Quickly, I seperated myself from him. There was a lingering flash of hurt on his face, and immediately, I felt the need to explain about Tomas and myself. But I hadn't cleared it with him, so I couldn't share that information.

"Henrik..." I began.

He shook his head, "I'm sorry. I don't know what I was thinking." He sighed, "I'm just stressed out."

I nodded. That was quite understandable. I placed my hand on his cheek, "Don't worry about it." He smiled softly, "Dinner should be ready in a half hour." I headed for the door, "I'll be upstairs if you need anything."

"Thank you." He said quietly.

And at that, I left him alone.

__________
Tomas' PoV

I don't know what inspired this moment between Nick and I, but I wasn't about to complain.

I had come into our bedroom to get washed up, when Nick appeared behind me and pressed me into the wall.

Soon we were kissing like mad and groping every inch of each other we could get at.

He grabbed my hands in one of his and pinned them above my head, kissing me roughly, as he rubbed the bulge between my legs.

"Nick," I panted against his lips, "please..."

He knew what I wanted. And I'm beyond thankful that he complied.

Faster than I thought possible, he had my pants and boxers around my ankles and had sunk to his knees.

I grasped the back of his head as he began deep throating me; panting like mad, "Nick!" I gasped.

He pulled away from me slightly, "Hush... Hank's downstairs."

I tried to nod, but I was already lost in the heat of his mouth. I threw my head back, attempting to lean against the wall for support, but it wasn't working. I felt like Nick was trying to suck my brain out.

And it felt fucking great.

__________
Henrik's PoV

What the hell was that?

I looked up at the stairs. I had come out of my room to sort of explore the downstairs, when I heard a groan or something come from upstairs.

It took me a minute, but ultimately I decided against investigating.

_________
Chris' PoV

Jiri had left me standing in our room without another word. When I finally went downstairs, his keys were gone, and a quick look in the garage showed me his car was too.

I was going to sit around and wait for him all night, but as the afternoon faded into evening, my house had suddenly become too confining. Grabbing my car keys I headed to Brett's.

Mike wasn't there, and I couldn't bring myself to give a shit where he was.

Brett and I went out back and sat on the stairs leading off the patio and I told him everything.

"Jesus, Chris." He said, brushing his fingers lightly over my brusied cheek, "Did you kick his ass?"

I shook my head and looked down at the beer in my hands, "There wasn't any point. He'd probably sue me for aggravated assult and then the whole world would know what happened." I bit my lower lip, trying my best not to cry. "God." I whispered, "Jiri fucking hates me."

"He doesn't hate you Chris, he's just pissed off." I looked over at him, "If he hated you he would have left right after you told him." He slid his arm over my shoulders, "He loves you."

I allowed a small smile before looking back down at the beer in my hands. I felt kind of sick at the thought of drinking any more. So I set it down between my feet.

Looking back up at the sky, I reveled in the peaceful silence between us, "I miss moments like this." I said.

"Moments like what?" He asked quietly, his hand rubbing gently at the base of my neck.

"Like this. You and me." I answered, looking over at him.

He smiled slowly, "I miss you too Chris."

Damn. He read between the lines, just like he always does.

Leaning over, I covered his mouth with mine.

My hand came up to cup the back of his neck as I parted my lips. He followed suit, albeit hesitantly. We kissed open mouthed, but nothing more for a few moments. Until I slid my tongue just past his lips, waiting for his.

Soon, it touched the tip of mine. Our mouths got reaquainted with each other through a series of slow shy kisses.

I know this is the last thing I should be doing right now, but I have to. I want to know if I feel anything. Not for Brett, but if I feel the lust I used to. I need to know if I'm able to still be faithful to Jiri. Brett and I slept together casually for three years. If I couldn't kiss him and have it not mean anything, then maybe I should let Jiri go. Maybe I wasn't good enough for him.

So far so good. Brett's fingers were in my hair and no where else. One of mine was on his upper thigh while the other still held his neck.

But I still have to push it.

I sunk my tongue deep into his mouth, rubbing mine against his. I felt the first stirrings of arousal when he moaned softly into my mouth. Okay, I need to stop.

I pulled away from Brett.

I did it.

Thank you God. Maybe I was good enough for him after all.

Brett opened his eyes and looked at me. Shit. I forgot to tell him why I was kissing him.

I opened my mouth to explain and his was on mine instantly. My eyes went wide as he parted my legs with his hand and began rubbing at my crotch. I groaned and pulled away from him, "Brett," I said breathlessly. I was starting to get hard and the pressure of his hand was more than enjoyable.

He looked at me, waiting for me to continue. I swallowed hard, "Brett, we can't do this."

"Why?" He asked, his hand still on the still swelling bulge between my legs.

"This is why I'm in trouble in the first place." I said removing his hand.

His eyes were full of confusion, "But you were the one who kissed me."

"I know, and I'm sorry. I just wanted to know if I could still kiss you and not follow it up with fucking." I explained. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to give you the wrong idea."

"You didn't give me the wrong idea. I just thought you needed me."

Okay, now I was confused, "What?"

He sat back down at my side, "Whenever you were stressed out or pissed off, you'd come to me and I'd make you forget about it. I thought that's what you wanted now."

My cheeks flushed, "No. I'm sorry, that's not what I was trying to do."

He shrugged nonchalantly, "Don't worry about it. Next time, state your intentions."

Well shit, I guess I'd have to. Slowly, I brought my beer back to my lips.

When I finally set it back down between my feet, I tangled my fingers together and stared at them. "Brett..."

He turned to look at me, waiting for me to continue. But I had to be sure he was listening before I did. So I waited for him respond vocally, "Yeah?"

I still wasn't looking at him as I spoke, "Were you Mike's first?"

I could feel his gaze burning in to me, "Why?"

"You never told me." I shrugged.

He could tell I had a reason for wanting to know, so he told me, "Yeah. I was."

I took a breath, "Who was yours?"

He had to take a moment before responding. My first thought was that he had forgotten. But I knew that was impossible. No one forgets their first, "Adam Oates."

I simply nodded. I wasn't sure that I wanted to continue with my questioning any more. So he questioned me, "Who was yours?"

For the first time since I had initiated this bizarre conversation, I looked at him, "Mats Sundin."

"You were Jiri's first, weren't you." He said, stating it.

I nodded, sighing. "I still don't know why he picked me."

"Chris," he practically groaned, "He didn't 'pick' you." I looked over at him, "He was in love with you. You don't pick who you love."

"He wasn't in love with me. Not back then." I shook my head.

"Yes he was." That grabbed my attention.

"Way back then." I snorted.

"Yes, way back then. Jesus, Chris, you were the only one who couldn't see it." My brow furrowed and I suddenly felt a little guilty, "Shit, Shanny told me he teased the hell out of him for years about it." My head tilted in disbelief, "When I first came here, I could tell, and I had never met the kid before."

I wouldn't let myself believe that I had been oblivious to Jiri's true affection for years, "You're full of shit."

He grabbed my chin and forced me to look at him. I was shocked to see anger in them, "After all the shit you two have done to each other; mainly you to him, he still loves you." That hurt but I knew it was the truth. I had hurt Jiri a lot more than he had ever hurt me, "He will always love you Chris." The anger quickly gave way to sadness, "No matter what."

And with that, Brett forced himself up and stormed back into the house; leaving me bewildered in his wake.

What the hell just happened here?

_________
Chris' PoV

I downed my beer and followed Brett into his house.

I had no idea what the hell had just transpired between the two of us, and I wasn't sure I wanted to.

So when I found him standing in the kitchen, digging through the refridgerator, I just put my bottle down on the counter and waited for him to look at me.

After a minute of silence, he righted himself, a bowl of pasta salad in his hand. I walked over to him, taking it out of his hand and setting it down; I pulled him into a hug.

"I've got to go." I said quietly, rubbing his back.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

I pulled back and kissed him softly for a moment before touching his shoulder and leaving.

I finally made it back home, and I breathed a tremendous sigh of relief when I saw Jiri's Explorer in the driveway. I can't even begin to explain the fear I felt the entire time he was out. Especially in the state I had put him in.

But he was home, safe and sound, now and hopefully in a better mood.

Not that I could blame him for the way he was probably feeling about me right now.

When I entered the house, I knew instantly that something was wrong.

All the lights were on and the basement door was open. I was about to head down to the basement, but I heard a noise upstairs.

I was almost terrified of what was waiting for me, I climbed upward with my heart in my throat and my sweaty hand on the rail.

I saw movement in our room and slowly pushed the door completely open.

My heart stopped.

Jiri's was standing at the side of the bed, closing his suitcase.

________
Jiri's PoV

I knew that Chris was standing there, and frankly, I didn't give a flying fuck.

Clickling shut the lock, I walked over to the desk and grabbed my coat off the chair along with my car keys.

"Jiri..." Chris started, "What are you doing?"

I took a deep breath. You can do this Jiri. You have to.

I wandered back to the bed without looking at him, sliding my coat on as I went.

Picking up my suitcase, I made to walk out of the room, but Chris grabbed me forcefully, "Jiri, where the fuck are you going?" He was practically pleading with me.

I tried to twist out of his grasp, but he wouldn't let up. "Where the fuck do you think?! I'm going home!" I yelled at him.

My response seemed to throw him, because I was able to shove him off of me. But I was quickly in his arms again, "Jiri, you can't!" He sounded so desperate, but I closed my eyes against his voice. He wouldn't do this to me.

"The fuck I can't!" I growled, pushing him hard.

As I finally broke free, I hurried past him and down the stairs. I knew he was right behind me, "Jiri, wait!"

I bit my lip. No he couldn't.

I threw my suitcase into the back seat of my car and started the engine. Chris grabbed my arm, keeping me from climbing into my Explorer. "Jiri, please don't leave me! I'll do anything to fix this, please don't go!" Tears were now pouring down his cheeks.

I lowered my head, taking several deep breaths to keep from crying myself, before I slowly turned to face him. I gently cupped his cheek as he stood before me, looking more pittiful and torn than I have ever seen in my life.

And it was breaking my heart.

At least it would be if he hadn't broken it already.

"I'll call you when I get home." I said quietly.

He grasped my hand, "Jiri, please don't go, I need you here."

I ignored him, "My flight leaves in a half hour, I have to go."

His eyes widened in un-mistakable fear, "Flight? I thought you were going... home."

There. He got it.

"The Republic?" He asked, more tears flooding his eyes, "You're going back to the Republic?"

I nodded. "I'll call you."

And with that, I tore away from him and clamored inside; slamming and locking the door behind me. I knew he was still standing there, with a look of complete disbelief and shock on his face.

As I drove off, I saw Chris run out into the street. He just stood there, staring after me as I drove away.

That's when it hit me. What I had done. After all the shit we had been through together, I just left him.

I had ended my relationship with Chris Chelios.

_________
Mike's PoV

I was driving around for a while after Brett and I got into a heated debate over his contract negotiations with the Wings.

Personally, I want him to come home. Back to Dallas and more importantly, back to me.

But he was set on staying in Detroit. And from fucking nowhere, he tells me I should sign with the Red Wings.

Was he fucking crazy? I'd been with the Stars for the entire duration of my sixteen year NHL career. After Hatch left, I was made Captain. There was no way in hell I was going to give up everything I had accomplished in Texas.

He didn't like my saying that. So instead of fighting, I had left for a drive.

When I got home, Brett was on the phone, "Who is it?" I asked quietly, while hanging up my jacket.

He covered the reciever, "Chris. Jiri left him, he's going back to the Czech Republic."

My eyes were huge. Had they broken up? What the hell for? "Why?" I whispered. He flashed his first finger at me, so I sat down on the couch and waited until he hung up. "What's going on?" I asked, as I stood again.

Brett sighed, "When Chris was in Chicago, he had a near-cheating encounter with Patrick Roy." I stared, all of this was news to me, "He told Jiri and now Jiri is at some airport, getting ready to leave."

He began pulling on his coat, "Where are you going?" I asked.

"To Chris'. He's in tears."

Damn. Chris Chelios, the man that used to fuck my boyfriend, was in tears over his young lover leaving him. I couldn't help but allow a small grin.

Oh how the mighty have fallen.

But damn... poor Jiri.

I knew exactly how he felt. Brett had cheated on me in more ways than one over the durration of our relationship together. I'm not a perfect person either, so we more or less worked out all of our problems. I accepted Chris and he accepted Sergei. Just as Chris was forced to accept Tomas, and Jiri, Brett.

Jesus, my relationship with Brett is more like Jiri's with Chris than I think any of us have ever realized.

And even though I dispised Chris Chelios for what he had done to my happy ending, I felt for Jiri.

I had been in his shoes more than once.

And I know how bad it blows.

Brett gave me a quick kiss and left. Then I hurried into the kitchen, searching out my plane ticket. What the hell airport had I come in at? Digging through the drawers, I finally found it, Detroit Metro.

That's where I was going.

I knew it was probably in vain to attempt to find Jiri, but I had to try. I don't even know how many fucking airports there are in this city.

So I was just following my gut instinct. And the hopeless romantic that I am was surfacing.

Whatever, it didn't matter the reason I was here, the point is I am, and I need to do something about it.

Ignoring the "No Parking" signs, I threw Brett's Boxter in park. He'd throw a fucking fit if he knew I got his precious Porsch towed.

I quickly approached the ticket counter, pissing off several people when I jumped in front of them. "Sir, you're going to have to go to the-"

"Where do the European flights take off?" I asked.

"Sir, please-"

"Where the fuck do the flights take off?!" I yelled, pounding my fist on the counter.

The lady behind it jumped and pointed off up a flight of stairs, "C and D gates."

"Thanks." I said as I rushed off.

I'm probably going to be arrested before the night is over.

Oh well, I can't deal with that now.

I have to find Jiri.

I sprinted up the stairs, taking them two at a time. When I reached the top, I looked at the overhead signs. Great. C and D terminals split off down two different hallways.

I play for Dallas and Jiri for Detroit... D it was.

Okay, I know my logic is a little screwed up, but I really didn't have anything else to go by. I didn't even know if he was in this fucking airport. I was running on pure gut feelings.

They've never led me astray before...

Catching sight of a mess of dirty blonde curls, I smiled to myself. And they still haven't disappointed me.

I pushed my way through a crowd of not very happy people. I didn't want to draw too much attention to Jiri. Detroit is the most avid hockey city I've ever been in. If they knew there was a Red Wing in their midst, I'd never get to him.

Some guy shoved me and called me an asshole. Fucker. No time to fight.

Finally, I was right behind him. Just as he was about to hand his ticket to the man behind the desk, I grabbed his arm and pulled him forcefully out of line. "What the fuck?!" He growled, as I turned him away from everyone else, "What the hell's your... Mike..." He said, his anger instantly disapating. "What are you doing here?"

I was slightly out of breath from running around the entire airport, but I continued to pull him farther away from the counter. "We need to talk."

"Mike, I have to go-" He began, but I quickly cut him off.

"Jiri, you're making a huge mistake."

His anger was back full force, "Don't tell me Chris sent you after me-"

I shook my head, "No, Jiri, listen to me." I tried to gather my thoughts. I really hadn't had a lot of time to prepare what I was going to say. "I don't know the whole story about what happened, and I don't want to. Brett said that Chris didn't cheat. True?"

"Mike..." He sighed.

"Just answer me Jiri, did he fuck Roy or no?"

After a moment he grumbled, "No."

"Then why are you leaving? Don't you think you can work through this?"

He rolled his eyes, "Who are you to give me relationship advice?"

"Because I've been through this same thing."

His face softened slightly, "With Brett?"

I nodded. This was one of the most painful experiences of my life, but if I could save Jiri from the heartache I had gone through, then it was worth it to tell him, "Brett cheated on me." His eyes grew wide.

"When?" His voice was quiet.

I swallowed, "Brett was dating Jeremy Roenick for a year before we met. We were together six months..." I had to take a few deep breaths, this was harder to think about than I thought it was, "He got drunk when the Flyers were in Dallas and..." Shit, I hated thinking about this. I love Brett and I've forgiven him for his mistake, but I haven't forgiven JR. Just the thought of him brings the taste of bile to my mouth, "They had sex in his hotel room."

I wasn't holding eye contact with him any more. "Wow." He whispered. "How did you deal with it?" His voice seemed to waiver.

"I was really hurt. I thought I had the perfect partner, someone who wouldn't do that to me, but I was wrong." I shook my head and released the anger from my voice, "Brett loves me." Our eyes caught one another's. "That's what got me through it. I knew that it was a mistake, one that he would never make again."

His eyes were filled with tears as I discretely took his hand in mine, "We're guys Jiri. We make mistakes."

He blinked and released a stream of tears down his cheeks, which he quickly wiped away, "So, what do I do?"

For the first time, I could see just how young he really was. Our ten year age difference was so palable right now. He's a scared kid.

"Do you believe he loves you?"

He nodded.

"Do you love him?" I asked quitely.

He looked down at where our fingers were laced together, and finally back up at me; eyes brimming with tears, "Yes."

"That's all I can do." I said with a slight shrug and a soft smile, "It's up to you."

I smiled slowly and placed my free hand on the side of his face, rubbing my thumb softly over his flushed cheek. Tears ran slowly over my fingers as we stood there, suspended in time.

"Last call for boarding Flight 676 to Prague, in the Czech Republic."

_________
Brett's PoV

I finally got Chris calmed down enough to the point where I felt he would be okay alone. But I didn't want to leave him. It'd been so long since I'd seen just how weak he can really be.

Who would have figured that a twenty three year old Slovak would have Chris Chelios in a state of heartwrenching dispair?

Certainly not me.

But he insisted on me going back to Mike. There was only so much arguing I could do with him. Besides, even when I fight with Mike, I want to be with him. Especially now that our time together is drawing to a close.

He's going to have to go back to Dallas next month to start training camp and I have to go in September. Unless of course I get him to change his mind and sign here in Detroit.

Don't laugh, it could happen.

But Mike didn't like the idea at all. I guess I'd have to work on him.

When I got back home, I grabbed a beer and went upstairs, intent on getting in the bathtub for a while.

And I would have done so if Mike had been anywhere in the house. But he wasn't. I was a little worried that he had taken my quick departure to Chris' the wrong way. After all, he has made it very clear that he doesn't like Chris.

Shit. I hoped to hell he wasn't out running the roads again. It was almost three am.

A quick glance in the garage showed both cars were there. But my eyes narrowed. My Boxter had been moved.

_________
Mike's PoV

I sighed as I sunk low in the water of the hottub. I am so glad Brett took my advice and bought one.

It was so relaxing out here. And with his yard being fenced in and so far away from his neighbors, I didn't have to bother with a swimming trunks.

One of my favorite past times is being naked, so there was no reason for me to not take the opportunity as it presented itself.

Slowly, I slid under the water, wetting my hair. When I surfaced, I pushed myself out into the middle of the jacuzzi and stood; shaking the water from my eyes.

_________
Brett's PoV

I was pretty set on bitching at Mike for taking my Porche out, but all thoughts of such fled my mind at the scene before me.

Mike had just emereged from the steaming water and stood with his back to me. My eyes locked onto his ass, which was partially visible. Shit, just the sight of his naked body is enough to give me wood.

He shook his head, flinging the rather long strands of hair from his eyes. I laughed lightly, drawing his attention, "Are you practicing for your Herbal Essences commercial?" I teased.

He turned in the water, giving me a chance to check out his front. Smooth, hairless chest, god-like abs, and yes, part of his cock was in my range of sight.

I was now officially hard.

"And what if I said yes?" Mike's hands went to his hips when he noticed me looking at him, "Can I help you?"

My eyes met his, "I sure hope so."

He sank back into the water, sitting down and stretching his arms out on the back of the tub, "Well, Mr. Hull, why don't you join me and I'll see what I can do?"

I shook my head slightly, but began stripping my clothes off.

My Mikey is such a little horn dog.

I climbed into the hot tub and he wrapped his arms around me. He pulled me into a kiss as I pressed myself against him.

Just as I was about to take this a bit further, he broke away from me and stared into my eyes. I didn't know what he was looking for or I would have said it out loud. "What is it?" I whispered.

He said nothing and leaned forward and let his tongue slip into my mouth again. It probed slowly around before he pulled away from me again, "You kissed him."

My eyes widened slightly, "What?"

"You fucking kissed him." Mike hissed, shoving me away from him. He quickly climbed out of the hot tub, grabbing a towel and his clothes before storming into the house.

Fuck.

_________
Chris' PoV

I was alone.

Completely alone in our house.

Well, I guess now, it's my house. Since Jiri decided that he no longer wants to be with me, I should probably start calling it 'my' house again.

That thought sent my eyes filling with tears.

And I found that I simply no longer cared.

I burried my head in my pillow, and let my saddness and fear take over. I cried. Harder than I think I've ever cried before.

I had really lost Jiri.

And I love him. I love him so much.

Why can't he believe me that I stopped it as soon as I could? Why wasn't it enough for him that I'm sorry? Didn't he love me anymore?

Finally, all of my emotions were too much, and my fatigue took control of me. I fell into the most un-pleasant sleep of my life.

I began dreaming of him.

He came back to me and stood in the doorway, watching me. He chose to come back and give me another chance; to give us another chance. After a while he moved forward and sat on the side of my bed, running his fingers through my hair.

I smiled softly, and curled in towards him, "...love you." I heard myself say.

After a long while, he responded, "I love you too, Chris."

And that's when I realized, this wasn't a dream.

________
Jiri's PoV

Chris opened his eyes.

My God, did he ever look terrible.

"Jiri..." He whispered, his voice hoarse from crying.

My heart clenched in my chest, I had put him through this. "Hey." I said uncertainly.

He pushed himself up on his elbows, "You came back."

I nodded, slowly taking his hand in mine, I avoided his eyes, "I'm sorry." I said.

He sat up fully, "You have nothing to be sorry about. This is entirely my fault. I can't tell you how-"

"Chris, do you love me?" I interupted, looking directly into his eyes.

"Yes." He answered sincerely.

And I believed him. With every inch of my being, I believed him.

A smile quietly overtook my face.

"Do you... love me?" He asked, fear evident in his voice.

"I do." I whispered.

His eyes swelled with tears and I took his face in my hands, "You're staying?" He asked, brokenly.

I leaned in and covered his mouth with mine, giving him as much of myself as I could from this simple gesture.

"I am."