After I calmed down, Mike asked me what was wrong. I told him that I was dating TJ, and when TJ told Monte, he got mad and came over to TJ's room. "That's why he was in such a hurry to leave?" He asked me. "I would imagine." I sniffled. "Don't worry. Everything happens for a reason. Monte is just going to have to learn to deal with you and TJ dating. I know it's hard for him, but he can't just go around trying to fuck up your relationship. If he does, let me know. I'll handle it. You're a really good friend, and I don't care if he's my brother, I will bitch him out. He knows just as well as I do that it isn't right to make someone feel like this. He's just doing it because TJ has what he wants; You. Believe me, if anything happens between you and TJ that hurts you in any way, Monte will be ON IT. I hope that helped." He said. "Yeah, it did. Thanks, Mike." I said, sniffling again. He licked his thumb and fixed my makeup with it. "There. All better." He smiled. "Thanks," I laughed. "No problem. You want me to take you back to TJ's room?" "Please." I smiled. "Alright. Let's go." He sighed, getting up from his bed, and helping me up. He closed the door and walked across the hall with me. I knocked. It got quiet inside. I wanted to start crying again. I looked to Mike. He made that I'm-sorry-i-wish-i-could-help-make-things-better face and hugged me. Monte opened the door. "Hey Caity. Mike, go away. You don't need to get involved in this." He said. "Monte, don't tell me what to do. I'm up to speed. I'm not letting her come back over here until everything is sorted out. She's not staying here by herself, with you two. I don't want you to start fighting and then make her cry again. I'm staying here unless she wants to leave. If you want her, you're getting me as well." Michael said. "It's TJ's fault she even started crying in the first place!" Monte hissed. "No, it's yours. You fucking scared her." Mike argued. "What? How did I scare her? I was after TJ, not her." Monte explained. I slipped past Monte as he and Mike came inside, talking. I walked up to TJ who was standing in front of the window, facing it. "TJ," I said. He didn't respond. "TJ." I said again. I saw his jaw clench shut and his hand turn into a fist. "TJ, please." I said, starting to get worried. He turned the slightest bit, and I could see his eye. It was red. He had tear stains on his cheeks. "TJ, I'm sorry." I said, wrapping my arms around his waist. He didn't move. Just breathed unsteady breaths. It felt like hours had passed, and he still wasn't talking, or moving. "TJ," I started. I was panicking, about to cry again. "TJ, I.... I love you." I said.
