I Can't Go Another Day Without You

Confession: Part I

*REWRITTEN CHAPTER*

Tyler sat across from Brian on the brown leather couch, studying Brian's unusual behavior. It had been nearly fifteen minutes, yet Brian still hadn't said but a word to Tyler. It was obvious that something was eating at him deep inside- something that Tyler couldn't grasp. It had been a couple minutes since Tyler last urged Brian to speak, but- what was the use? Whatever was going on in Brian's mind was something he didn't feel like sharing- he made that fairly clear. Still, Tyler couldn't help but look into his best friend's bloodshot eyes hopelessly, searching for an answer that had seemed so undistinguishable to him. Brian was motionless as he watched the swaying of the trees in the Alabama breeze outside the window. He took deep, shaky breathes as he tried to focus on something other than his dark, mysterious thoughts. Tyler didn't know what to say any longer- he couldn't comfort Brian and he knew that. No matter what he said, Brian didn't seem ready to spill those painful memories. And Tyler, being his best friend, had to learn to accept that. From then on he could only hope that Brian would learn from these angry feelings and move forward to better himself as a person- that was all he could take away from it. After looking at BK a moment longer, he finally brought himself to his feet. He had lost track of time- Kiefer of Thompson Square had asked to meet them at the gym. He figured if he got ready now, he'd still be able to make it in time. Leaving his best friend alone with his thoughts, he brushed off his sweat pants and walked to the doorway. He suddenly heard his phone's text tone, surprised to see he had received a text from Tracker. Not again, he thought, hoping he wouldn't have to cancel his plans.

Hey boys. I just got word from Luke's manager that after the show tonight Luke want's to meet in his bus to discuss some things with you. Thanks and enjoy your day. Be back for sound check at 2:30. –Tracker

Tyler brushed a hand through his messy hair and let out a sigh. He turned to look at Brian, who was immersed in his phone.

"You got the text?" He asked, his southern drawl still raspy. At the sound of his voice Brian looked up at him, nodding slowly.

"Yeah, I got it."

Tyler raised his eyebrows in reply, before he retrieved his suitcase from his bottom bunk. He rifled through his piles of clean tees and picked out a black one, his go to. He decided to pair it with some shorts, since the weather seemed to be pleasant. He had just pulled out his suitcase of shoes when he heard Brian's hesitant voice in the longue room.

"Tyler- maybe we should, you know, talk." Tyler raised an eyebrow, surprised. He hadn't expected that. He looked to his left to see Brian's flushed face, still emotionless. He could see in his eyes, however, a sense of determination. Tyler nodded after a few seconds, a small smile upon his face.

"Yeah, yeah. Maybe we should. If that's what you want, I mean." He tossed his outfit pairing to the side, leaning against the door frame.

Brian swallowed, knowing the truth would come out sooner or later, and it was probably best if Tyler heard his side of the story before it got twisted. He took a deep breath and shut his eyes tightly, preparing to relive the painful memories he had tried so desperately to push to the back of his mind.

"Kelsey-," he swallowed again, trying to focus on the topic at hand, "It's Kelsey." He said her name with reluctance and remorse, almost as if he had dreaded that name. That name- every time he'd hear it he'd think of her. Even if it were years from that moment, in a big crowd, possibly with a new love interest and maybe even a family, if he heard her name, he'd still feel that sting. He would still wonder what could have been, and who had been holding his true lover that night. Brian knew he wouldn't be happy again- at least for a long while. Kelsey was irreplaceable- it was as if she had been perfectly molded for Brian. No one could possibly take her place in his heart, no matter how hard they tried. She had been so special to him- his everything. He looked to Tyler, taking in his surprised expression.