"I love you," Shane said, his words slurred.

Nicky stared at him, the combination of the loud music and Shane’s not very clear speaking making him uncertain of what he’d just heard.

Shane moved closer, the smell of alcohol filling Nicky’s nostrils; "I love you, Nicky…"

At that instant Shane stumbled. As Nicky caught him Shane turned his head and brushed his lips against Nicky’s neck. Nicky could feel a tingling sensation in response to the brief touch.

"Shane, I think it’s time to go."

"Awww… just a little bit longer, one more drink?"

"No, you’ve had enough. Let’s go." Nicky practically dragged Shane out of the bar, shocked and confused by what had just happened.

To make matters worse they met Kian in the corridor when they came up.

"Where the hell have you been?"

"The bar," Nicky replied wearily.

Kian shot a look at Shane.

"Hi Kian… why are you looking at me that way?"

Nobody bothered to answer him. Kian fell silent and Nicky turned to unlock the door to the room.

"You know what I think?" Shane said suddenly. Kian and Nicky looked up. "I think you two are both sooo incredibly sexy, why don’t we get it on together; like a threesome?" Shane said and giggled.

Kian was motionless and Nicky went pale.

"You should see your faces right now!" Shane erupted into a fit of girlish-like giggles.

Nicky finally pulled himself together, mouthed sorry to Kian and managed a smile. "Come on Shay, that’s enough. Let’s go in and put you to bed."

They were just inside the door when Shane brought his hand to his mouth. "Nicky, I think I’m gonna…" he didn’t say anymore but Nicky took the hint and pushed him into the bathroom.

Nicky supported Shane as most of what he’d consumed that day came back up, then Shane fell into his embrace, crying bitterly.

Nicky stroke his hair, "Shhhh… it’s ok."

"No, it’s not. It’s not ok; I miss him you know… I miss him like crazy."

Nicky tightened his embrace, "I know Shane. It just… wasn’t meant to be."

"Yeah, but I love him."

Nicky nodded, "Come on, let’s go to bed, yeah?" Shane nodded and got up.

"Nicky?" Shane asked as they were lying in their beds.

"Yeah?"

"Why is life so unfair? I mean, why are you able to fall in love with people that won’t love you back?"

"I don’t know Shane. But remember that 'no one is worthy of your tears, and if you ever find someone who is, they won’t make you cry'."

Shane didn’t reply, and Nicky thought about it. He would never make Shane cry. He wished Shane would see that.

When Shane woke up the next morning Nicky wasn’t in his bed. He sat up, and closed his eyes at the dull pain in his head. He opened them again, slowly. God, he had had a few too many drinks last night. He stood up, found his bath robe and wrapped it around him.

He looked out the window and saw Nicky standing on the balcony. He was deep in thought, looking out of the city, still calm as not many people had woken up yet.

He was thinking about Shane. He had done that a lot recently. Ever since Kian ended it two weeks back. He’d seen Shane’s life fall apart, felt his pain, cried at it. He’d been angry at Kian, angry with him for hurting Shane like that. He knew Kian had never loved Shane, after all, he was already sleeping around with other guys. And girls.

He thought about last night. He’d been so worried when Shane disappeared, and even more when he found him in he bar. He was scared. Scared of loosing someone he cared so much about, loved with all his heart.

Shane’s stomach felt like a knot as he looked at Nicky standing there, a soft breeze sweeping through his hair. He knew then what he’d tried to deny for so long. He loved him. He’d loved Nicky for some time, but he’d denied it, getting off with Kian to satisfy his desires.

But this wasn’t only want, desire; it was something deeper. Need. He needed Nicky. He needed him to take care of him, to hold him when he felt weak, to guide him when he was lost.

Suddenly, he knew what he had to do, and now was the time to do it. He would have to play by his heart, erase the voices in his head telling him not to do it.

Nicky turned around as he heard the door open. He smiled as he saw Shane. "Hey, how do you feel?"

Shane walked over. "Like crap."

Nicky stood beside Shane and placed his fingers on Shane’s temples. Shane closed his eyes and totally gave in to the feeling of Nicky’s fingers massaging his temples, it felt so good. So good to have the man he loved touch him like that.

Nicky moved his hands and ran them through his hair instead. Shane rested his head against his chest, sighing happily.

"You know, Nicky… what I said yesterday, It’s true, I love you…" He could feel Nicky nod.

"I love you too…" he whispered as his hands slid inside Shane’s bath robe. Shane groaned, then turned around and placed a soft kiss on Nicky lips.

"Let’s finish this inside, yeah?" Nicky didn’t reply, he just took Shane’s hand and practically dragged him inside.