~~

AJ slouched back down on the couch. He looked over at the sleeping figure beside him. Destiny was so peaceful and so content, holding tightly to his waist. AJ’s breathing quickened as he thought over Lin’s words. He didn’t know if he should believe her, after all she wasn’t the kindest person and she was never to pleasant to be around but then again, he never recalled her lying. AJ raised his free arm and used his fingers to wipe unwanted tears away. Slowly, he removed Destiny’s arm from his body and left the house, slamming the door behind him.

~~

Destiny winced at the loud noise and opened her eyes. Realizing AJ was gone, she ran over to the door only to catch the glimpse of his car speeding off. She was baffled and lost by his actions. Her reflex was to grab keys to one of AJ’s other cars and follow him. Destiny hoped she could figure out where he was going but since it was dark and his car was out of sight, she doubted her ability to do that. Destiny approached the garage and frowned as she saw the only car remaining was the expedition. She struggled to get into the large vehicle and started the car.
“Men with their monster sized cars. I can understand that some want to make up for what they don’t have but AJ doesn’t have that problem and yet he chooses to drive this thing. ” Destiny spoke to herself as she slowly backed out of the driveway.
She drove through the dark streets and made her way to the highway. Traffic was heavy considering the hour and Destiny was thankful for that since she could see AJ’s car a few feet before her. She noted which direction he was driving in and realized he could either be heading toward Nick’s house or Howie’s. Both a possibility but why would he go anywhere without telling her?

~~

AJ rubbed his sleepy eyes as he made his way through the busy lanes. His vision was blurry and he felt an unexplained need for something. Something to make him feel better, to take the pain and hurt he was feeling deep down but he decided not to rush into anything before he knew the truth. And he knew where to find the answer. The only person other than Destiny who knew the absolute truth was Nick and since he wasn’t getting anywhere with his own girlfriend, maybe his brother would give him the answers he needed. Hopefully, the answers he wanted.
AJ’s car phone rang. He ignored it. It rang again, the ring drilling in his already pounding head. AJ ignored it. The phone rang for the third time. Angrily, he answered the phone.
“What?” AJ muttered.
“Don’t you yell at me, McLean.” Kevin’s voiced was just as frustrated.
“Sorry. What did you want, Kev?” AJ questioned, focusing on the busy road.
“Do you know where my dear cousin is?” Kevin asked.
“At home, I guess.” AJ shrugged.
“Think again.” Kevin snapped.
“I don’t know, man. I’m not Brian’s keeper. Call his cell.” AJ returned the attitude.
“I already tried that. It’s off, genius.” Kevin snarled.
“Then wait until it’s on. I have other things to deal with right now.” AJ replied.
“Fine. He better be at work tomorrow.” Kevin warned.
“Speaking of Kev, I’m really not in the mood to record. Just delay it.” AJ anxiously tapped his fingers on the wheel.
“I can’t just delay it, AJ. We have had our studio dates set already just because drama has returned to your lives, doesn’t mean we can just slack off.” Kevin lectured.
“Then we’ll work harder the next few days. Please Kev? I don’t think either one of us really wants to sing.” AJ pleaded.
“I’ll see what I can do...Later bro.” Kevin hung up. Relieved by the end of the conversation, he shut off his phone. No interruptions, not now.

~~

Destiny had already figured out he was going to pay Nick a visit. She followed behind him, trying to look inconspicuous. She was spying after him. Destiny knew it wasn’t right but her heart was telling her to follow. It was telling her that she would have a part to play in the events that will occur tonight so she kept on her track.
“A wig, hat and sunglasses would be useful right now.” Destiny whispered as she parked in front of a stranger’s house, a few houses away from Nick’s.
“Hopefully, they won’t notice and if they will, I’ll just have to fetch my car from wherever they tow it too.” Destiny shrugged as she jumped out of the van and walked over to Nick’s house.
Destiny wrapped her arms around herself, trying to stay warm as the cool breeze sent shivers up her spine. She scolded herself for not taking along a sweatshirt. Destiny’s conscious kept reminding her that she should stay away from Nick’s house but deep down she didn’t want to leave Nick’s house. She was walking down the path to trouble.

~~

AJ pounded on Nick’s front door. Impatiently, he walked around in circles waiting for someone to answer the door. He could hear yelling but couldn’t make out the words. He gritted his teeth and pounded on the door again. He could see an eye through the peephole and seconds later, the door opened widely and let him in.
“Hey Alex.” Lin smiled sweetly.
“Yeah, hi. Where’s Nick?” AJ gently pushed her aside and walked into the room.
“In the livingroom. I think he’s preoccupied though.” Lin closed the door behind him and leaned against it.
“Is that Carrie?” AJ’s eyebrows furrowed as he recognized the screaming voice.
“And she’s not very happy.” Lin added.
“I could tell that much but then again, I’m not very happy with him myself.” AJ admitted.
“Oh, so that’s why you’re here. You wanted to make sure I was telling the truth?” Lin offered a half smile. The pride in her was rising. She actually got a reaction from AJ and it was a good one, he was very mad. Lin warned Nick over and over again of the consequences of one mistake but he wouldn’t listen. He never listened and now he would pay.
“No offense but I can’t believe everything I hear. If I did then I would probably think I had 4 kids with 4 different women across the country and that Kevin was actually 60 years old. The rumor mill loves to stir commotions in the tabloids especially when it comes to us.” AJ tried to lighten the mood. The woman standing before him didn’t deserve any crap from his. Lin was the only one being truthful with him.

~~

“I don’t believe you could actually do this to me, Nick.” Carrie stopped yelling. She felt an anxiety attack approaching. He wasn’t worth it. Carrie kept repeating that line in her head. No man was worth physical pain. She tried to remain calm.
“I didn’t mean to.” Nick was pacing in his living room.
“You didn’t mean to? What happened? You tripped and her lips broke your fall? So you wanted to make sure she was alright so you started feeling her up. Can’t forget touching her ass, cause we both know how much damage can be done to one’s god forsaken ass.” Carrie started yelling again.
“That’s not it, Carrie.” Nick said softly.
“That’s exactly what it looks like to me. Don’t you dare tell me anything else. You made me leave my fiancee for you.” Carrie’s eyes welled up with tears. She tossed her head back, trying to prevent them frm showing.
“I didn’t hold a gun to your head and force you to leave with me. You wanted to come with.” Nick refused to take blame for wrecking her marriage.
“And how stupid I was for doing that. Tell me what her name is and how the two of you got together.”
“Does it really matter? I met her in Europe. We were drunk. She kissed me. I didn’t resist. One thing led to the other and we slept together.” Nick licked his lips.
“You make that sound like you’re telling a story about you going to the market to buy a gallon of milk. You cheated on me. You fucked up our relationship and god knows you fucked up my emotional state right now. And the worst thing about this entire thing is that I had to hear it from your ex girlfriend! Your sorry ass couldn’t even tell me the truth. Well you know what? You’re going to end up by yourself. Cheating dogs will only attract people like them. Fuck you, Nick. I’m leaving.” Carrie grabbed her purse and left Nick alone in the room. He felt guilty and very much baffled.

~~

“Hey Carrie. Bye Carrie.” AJ managed to get out as Carrie ran before him.
Carrie gave him the smallest wave and slammed the door behind her. She jumped into her car and drove off. In seconds, the only recollection of her ever being there were the dead flowers she ran over when she parked.
“Never was a good driver.” AJ shook his head.
“Your turn.” Lin pointed toward the living room.
“I didn’t know there was a line but thanks anyway.” AJ straightened his jacket and walked into the livingroom.
Nick’s head turned and his bloodshot eyes looked into AJ’s anger-filled brown ones. Nick let his head hang in shame, ready for another lecture.
“What are you doing here?” Nick rubbed the back of his neck.
AJ let himself drop on the couch facing Nick.
“I’m going to act civilized with you, Carter, but I expect the truth.” AJ started.
“And nothing but the truth? Do you want me to swear on a bible for you?” Nick patronized.
“I highly doubt you even keep a bible in your house, Nick.” AJ glared at Nick.
“I can always borrow one from Brian.” Nick rolled his eyes. Time wasting comments.
“Did you kiss Destiny?” AJ asked.
“Why don’t you ask her?” Nick avoided telling him the answer.
“Because I don’t want to. Now tell me if you did.” AJ demanded.
“Yeah, I did.” Nick was tired of lying.

~~

AJ’s hands were more fidgety than usual. They went from his jacket’s pockets, to resting on his knees, and to the back of his head. He finally crossed them and slouched back on the couch. Clearly to both men in the room, AJ was deep in thought.
“I see.” AJ managed to get out from his quivery lips.
“She pushed me away if that makes you feel any better. She might have even prevented me from ever having kids.” Nick blurted out.
“That does make me feel better. You deserved every amount of pain you received.” AJ grumbled.
“I guess I did.” Nick said, carelessly.
“You don’t even think you did anything wrong, do you? You’re so fucking ignorant, Nick. You’re going down a wreck less path, hurting everyone you meet. If you were on the god forsaken rebound and needed the company of a woman the least you could do is found a stranger to screw or better yet a fucking prostitute. That’s their job, screwing losers who can’t find their own woman. Where in the world do you get off going after my girlfriend? Who the fuck do you think you are? Selfish, no good piece of shit.” AJ yelled at the top his lungs. The last piece of logic in his body pushing him to say seated, to not completely lose control.
“At least I’m not as screwed as you are, AJ. I’m on top of the world. The only thing you will be remembered for is being a junkie and a drunk. Since Destiny didn’t even tell you what happened, she probably liked it. She was probably kicking herself in the ass for not dating me to begin with. Instead, she landed up with a loser like you.” Nick’s anger was taking the best of him. All he could see was red. He didn’t care about anyone or anything anymore. His heart and compassion left when the love of his life did.

~~

The logic AJ possessed was gone. All previous lessons of patience were erased from his mind. There was only one thing that mattered, hurting the person standing in front of him and hurting him until there was no danger of him hurting anyone else again. Especially not AJ. Betrayal, Hate, Disregard and Revenge were the only emotions he experienced. It was over.
AJ jumped from his seat and started throwing punches at the taller man before him, ignoring the yelling of the familiar female voice in the room. He was ignoring the yelps escaping Nick’s mouth. He ignored Destiny’s arms around his waist, trying desperately to push him off Nick. He ignored everything that surrounded him. He kept hitting his own brother. AJ didn’t care anymore. Everything that mattered wasn’t there anymore. He was alone and the one to blame for that was Nick, his personal punch bag. Soon the blonde fell to the floor, trying to defend himself with no success. AJ was too violent, too stubborn to stop, too powerful to be controlled. It seemed as if hours passed and yet he didn’t stop. He was slowly getting tired and Nick was managing to fight back a little better but AJ was nowhere close to giving up. He kept going and going and going...

~~

AN: I’m kinda shocked and I’m the one writing it so I’d really love to hear what you think. REVIEW! Much love. Don’t do drugs. Peace in the middle east.