DISCLAIMER: I don't own Hayden of course, nor do I own the song "Ordinary World."

Rating: PG-13 - language
Summary:Hayden must deal with moving on after a break-up

"I can't do this anymore..."

"What are you talking about? Do what anymore?" Hayden asked casually.

The two had been sitting on the couch in Hayden's suite. Kristen had flown out to visit him on location during his film shoot.

"This...this long distance, never seeing each other...you're a voice on the phone...I haven't even seen you in two months," Kristen said.

Hayden sat down on the hotel bed, almost in shock. "So...I'm just a voice on the phone to you...after four years together, you can't handle distance for a couple of months?"

"Hayden, this has been an ongoing thing. Its not just about this time."

"Kristen, this is what happens in my line of work. You knew that before we even started dating...." Hayden was at a loss for words.

"I know...and I thought I could handle it...for awhile I could....but I've met someone..."

Hayden sat up in his bed in a cold sweat. Since that night, he'd been having recurring nightmares of reliving the heartbreak of that conversation. It wasn't enough that it plagued his conscious moments - it was tormenting his subconscious as well. He was coming to the end of the shoot- after four months. The film shoot that had cost him his relationship.

In many ways, he dreaded the end of work. At least throwing himself into his work had been a great way to avoid the issue. He had been constantly fielding calls from his mother and apologizing for not coming back to visit since the break-up.

Shooting progressed through the week and the film wrapped on Friday. Hayden dreadfully boarded his plane to head home.

Tove was waiting for him at the Pearson International Airport.

The two hugged, "what's up bro? Long time no see!"

"Yeah, man, how are ya?" Hayden asked.

"I'm doing well....you have a nice a flight?" Tove asked.

"Yeah, tiring but decent," Hayden answered and went to retrieve his suitcase.

After he had gotten his luggage, the two headed to Tove's car.

"Mom is going to be so excited to see ya...she was pretty ticked that you didn't fly back for Uncle Tom's birthday party."

"I know I'm gonna get the third degree on that, but its a long flight," Hayden answered.

Tove just silently nodding, knowing that Hayden's hesitancy to come home sooner had nothing to do with the long flight.

The two were silent for several moments. Normally, Hayden welcomed quiet. However, this was very out of character for Tove, especially since they hadn't seen one another in several months. The silence even bordered on awkward.

"Ya know man, you don't have to walk on egg shells around me." Hayden replied.

"Man, I know...I just wasn't going to bring it up if you didn't," Tove responded.

"I know, but it might as well be talked about in the open...we broke up, its over, that's it," Hayden replied.

"I am sorry man. I know it sucks," Tove responded.

"Yeah, it just came as such as fucking shock, ya know?" Hayden said, lighting a cigarette.

Tove nodded, "I know, women are great at doing that."

"I didn't even have a clue though...not one damn clue. How could I have been so blind not to see signs that she was unhappy?"

"Maybe she didn't really show any signs...maybe it all built up internally and then just all came out at once....and...never mind," Tove stopped.

"What?" Hayden asked.

"Nah, you'll just get pissed."

"No I won't...what were you gonna say?" Hayden asked.

"It's just that whole theory about nice guys finishing last. You're the nice guy. You're the nice guy who buys flowers and expensive dinners...and gets dumped," Tove explained.

"Thanks bro, that's real nice," Hayden looked at him.

"Man, I'm not trying to piss you off....its just an unfortunate fact of life that most girls get tired of the nice guy and move on to one who treats them like shit....shit apparently has mystery. It leaves them wanting more and seeking approval....get my drift?"

"What the hell are you, a psychologist?" Hayden asked. "I'm not gonna be an asshole to get girls to stay with me, that's deranged. Kristen wasn't like that anyway."

Tove shook his head. "Kristen was a nice girl, but something happened."

"Distance is what happened," Hayden said.

"She met another guy who for the record, is an asshole," Tove said, immediately wishing he could take back that last statement.

Hayden sat up in his chair, "what did you say? how do you know what her boyfriend is like?"

Tove squeezed his eyes shut, "dammit! I must have the biggest mouth in this country...."

Hayden just kept looking at him as if to coax him to say more.

"Kaylen may have mentioned it to me but she and I had decided it was best not to mention anything about Kristen's relationship to you...it wasn't appropriate. I'm such an ass!"

"No, I'm glad you told me," Hayden said.

Hayden settled back in his seat while Tove continued the drive to their Thornhill neighborhood.

As he sat there, Hayden couldn't help but wonder what else his brother might know but not be telling him.