Chapter 4- Beautiful Stranger
        Howie called his brother John as soon as they reached his car, knowing that Nick wasn’t in a good mood, and told him to go pick up their mom. Nick sat in silence on the way back to the hotel that Brian had put them up in for the night. He had of course offered for them to stay at his house, as did Mrs. Littrell, but Nick wasn’t sure that if he was around Brian so close to the wedding that he would say something to ruin what was supposed to be the best day of his life. Nick knew that if he at least had Howie by his side that he could bare the extreme loss and pain that he was feeling deep inside. They pulled around the back of the hotel, luckily the wedding had been kept a secret and the people who did know would assume that they would be staying with Brian. Nick and Howie insisted that they didn’t want to be in the way, especially with the hectic schedule of a wedding.

          Howie opened the door to the hotel room as Nick spoke the first words since they left the restaurant. "I’m getting a shower." He stated abruptly, shutting the door to the bathroom behind him. Howie fell onto the bed. He stared at the white ceiling, trying to figure out what the hell to do. Even though his head had been telling him for weeks not to fall for Nick, his heart deceived him. It all started when Howie noticed that Nick was becoming detached from the group, staying at home by himself all the time when the guys had made plans for dinner. The rest of the guys had known that Brian and Nick had a relationship before Brian had met Leighanne. Yet none of them probably knew how serious their relationship was. Howie still wasn’t sure, but all he knew was after Brian told Nick he was engaged, Nick’s world collapsed, as if reality had slapped him in the face.

          About a month later, Howie decided that he was going to force Nick from his depressed state of mind. Nick hadn’t spoken to any of the guys in over a week, which was unlikely for Nick. He had grown up with the guys since he was 13 and had not gone at least 3 days without speaking to at least one of them. Howie decided he had no choice but to drive to Marathon and find his friend.

*** Flashback***

        Howie punched in the security code to enter Nick’s property and drove his car around the back to where he knew he would most likely find Nick, in the water. It was the one place that comforted Nick, gave him peace, and calmed his fears. He found Nick sitting at the edge of the dock, staring blankly into the water. His toes were lightly skimming the top as the wind blew through his tussled locks of blond hair piled on top of his head. Howie silently walked along the dock, pausing only steps away from his friend. "What are you doing here?" Nick said softly, the sadness and depression evident in his tone. He didn’t even look at Howie as he spoke, his eyes fixated on the water lapping around his feet. Howie moved closer and sat down Next to Nick. "I’m here because I’m worried about you Nicky, none of us have heard from you in over a week and…" "I’m not a fucking baby any more Howie…I can take care of myself…plus, nothing’s wrong…I just needed some time alone." Nick said abruptly, interrupting Howie. "Nick, I can tell something is bothering you, it has been for awhile now ever since…"Howie stopped, not wanting to bring up what obviously was already upsetting Nick. "Ever since what Howie?" Nick said forcefully, glaring at Howie, his blue eyes burning. Howie didn’t know what to say. Nick seemed furious that he had even showed up and especially now that he had brought up the reason he was so upset. "That’s what I thought…You have no idea what you’re talking about. No one knows or can understand…"Nick said as he rose to his feet and began to walk back to his house in a rage. " You love him!" Howie called after Nick. Nick stopped in his tracks. Howie slowly walked closer until he reached his friend. "I know you still love Brian Nicky, and it’s tearing you up inside." He said softly before Nick turned around and embraced his friend tightly. Tears that he had been crying for weeks once again escaped his body as he held on tightly to one of his closest friends. They stood there for a long time, Howie rocking their bodies back and forth like a mother trying to calm her child’s cries. He ran his hand up and down Nick’s back as he listened to him sob, muttering between breaths how he had lost his angel, he was gone forever and how much he had loved his adored Brian.

            Howie had eventually walked Nick back into his house, made him a hot cup of tea and they both sat down in front of Nick’s fireplace. Howie knew that Nick was still upset but he also knew that Nick needed to release all the feelings he had been keeping to himself since Brian’s engagement. "Thanks Howie…Nick said as he stared into the fire, his eyes still slightly bloodshot from crying earlier. "Nick, look at me…"Howie said, placing his hand on Nick’s shoulder. "You’re my friend, and I would never let anything or anyone hurt you. I know you might not want to hear this…" Howie paused, sliding his hand gently down Nick’s arm, resting it on top of his hand before continuing. "But I can’t stand seeing you so depressed and hurt like this. I know that Brian is your best friend, hell he’s my friend too, but you also have to see what this is doing to you." Nick was now squeezing Howie’s hand, staring back into Howie’s deep brown eyes, recognizing the sadness and depression he had been facing since Brian’s engagement. "I just…I can’t help it Howie…I…" "I know Nicky, you love him." Howie responded lovingly as he placed a comforting arm around Nick who had rested his head on Howie’s shoulder. "But you can’t live like this." " I just want him to be happy." Nick said softly, turning his head to look at Howie in his eyes. "And I just want you to be happy Nick." Howie said, unable to stand seeing Nick so sad anymore.
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Chapter 4 (cont)