How it Happened is Irrelevant (Mabbell)

30

A/n: update 3/4

That night, we went out for our usual drinks. TJ and I were a bit closer than usual, laughing and occasionally sneaking a kiss or two. Eventually though, Max came up to me and whispered something in my ear. "Can I talk to you for a sec?" He asked. 

I looked at TJ, who seemed preoccupied with his drink. "Sure," I nodded. "I'll be right back!" I told TJ. He gave a a dark look, but waved his hand dismissively nonetheless. What's that about?

TJ's POV:

There they go again, off to chat in secrecy about God knows what. Before they were talking about Max's drug problems, but I didn't realize that it was this bad. Unless of course, that isn't what they were talking about. I drained another cocktail. 

By the time that Craig and Max came back, I'd lost count of how many drinks I'd had. At this point though, it was enough liquid courage to be borderline blackout. Of course, Craig and Max being together didn't help at all. A feeling that was half-jealousy and half-fury rose to my chest, except I couldn't keep it down. Not now. 

"Have fun with Maxie? " I asked Craig rather loudly. 

The look of terror on his face only further fueled me. "I think you've had more than enough to drink, " He told me, pushing away my next glass. "Let's get out of here before you make a scene, " He added, quieter. 

"Not till you tell me what's going on! " I yelled, holding my ground, but feeling like my stomach was about to come up any minute now. 

He paused. "You're jealous? Why are you jealous? Max is my best friend! I would never... I didn't do that to you. God, TJ! Haven't you been paying attention?" 

"Oh, yes I have. " A little reflux came up my throat, but I swallowed it. 

"Not clearly enough. For fuck's sake, what reason do you have to be insecure? Girls fawn over your because they thing you're the single most attractive person on this entire goddamn planet, and dammit they're not wrong. Why would I do that to you after I just agreed to actually be with you officially? " 

I covered my mouth, not because I was embarrassed, but because I couldn't respond without throwing up. 

"And also, why would I cheat on you with Max? He can't keep his mouth shut. " 

"That's really nice, Craig, " Max said from behind him. "I trusted you. And I would never hurt you, TJ. You really think that I would do such a thing? " He stormed off. 

"You guys make me sick, " Robert said. "Listen, I understand that you're both the centers of attention, but think about someone else for once. This is exactly why Max said romantic involvement with your bandmates is a recipe for disaster." He looked away. "How could you do that to him? Don't bother apologizing. We'll be lucky if he's still around tomorrow. " He left to go after Max. 

"How could you do that to Max? " Ronnie asked. 

"This is all your fault! " Craig snapped. "You told me-" 

"I told you to have fling! Not to let TJ be a jealous asshole and hurt Max! " He shook his head. 

I looked at Craig. "What have we done? " 

He shook his head.