SFW Impractical Jokers fanfics

Q 22

*bri is bolded in texts, you're plain*

You wouldn't consider yourself a psychologist, but... you're known amongst your friends as the best advice giver in the lot. Relationship, money, style, life in general... you could handle it all.

Tonight was, shocker, no difference. Your best friend, Brian, has been dating this woman for the past 2 years. Well, had, you should say.  They had been having problems lately, but that was to be expected. It seemed like they got in fights at least once a week anymore. You just waited for the day he would send you the text. That one text that said the inevitable.

Today was the day.

22:45

Hey, are you up?
Hardly, but yeah. What's up?
...it happened.
It?
It.
Come over, we'll talk about it.
See you in 5.
it's unlocked.

He lives, literally, in the same apartment complex as you. It won't take him but 2 minutes to get to yours, but you weren't gonna think about what he was doing with the other 3. You put on your lazy clothes and waited on the couch with nothing but the tv on.

And, unsurprisingly, there he was exactly 5 minutes later. He was also in probably the trashiest comfortable clothes he owns, but hey, the man just got out of a 2 year relationship. He had a reason. He plopped down beside you and sighed; you could tell in his face he was crying, but his voice was a dead giveaway. You gave a sympathetic sigh and put your hand on his knee, but that seemed to make him cry harder.

"Shh, hey now... C'mon..." You said, throwing out all the generic sympathetic friend phrases. You pulled him onto you so he could lean on your shoulder, but slowly leaned back so you both were basically laying down, but nothing too "far". He let out a shaky sigh before saying anything. "I can't believe... It's over..." he said, wiping his eyes.

You put your arm around his shoulder and held him close to you, leading to the emotional breakdown conversation of the night.

It was only hurting you, Bri. You needed a break.
I mean, I guess, but... I put my everything into her.
Yes, but she never appreciated it.
So what? I wasn't alone. It was great.
Would you rather be alone but happy or in a relationship but miserable?
Why can't I have both?
You can, but you couldn't with her. That's what I'm getting at. She would never have let you have both. She wanted things her way, and when she didn't get them her way, she'd get upset. That's not healthy.
I guess... I'm just gonna miss her, (y/n).
Are you gonna miss her or the idea of her?
What do you mean?
Are you actually going to miss her, personality and all, or are you going to miss having someone to call your own?
*silence*
Yeah, that's what I thought. Bri, babe, I know it seems rough now. That your future is bleak and dark, but it doesn't have to be. Not if you don't let it.
Why do you seem to know so much about this?
I've been... Nothing. I'm just wise, I guess.
(y/n), is there something you've been hiding from me?
This conversation is about you, not me. I'm not gonna make it about me when you're the one that needs help.
No, I want to know. What brought you to this point?
Alright... remember (ex's name)?
That jackwad you've been dating for like 5 years on and off?
Yeah.. Anyway, we kinda split up a few months ago. It was a nasty breakup. I cried over them for a few months, it took me a while to feel like myself again. Hell, I'm still recovering. Every time I think I'm done, someone brings them up and I'm reminded of what I no longer have. I've learned so many different coping mechanisms; granted not many of them worked, but the ones that do I make sure to tell you guys. That's why I'm so good at advice, I guess. I live through these things and share my experiences in hopes of someone getting some use out of them.
Why didn't you tell me, (y/n)?! I'm your best friend... Why am I just finding out about this?
I'm always helping you guys out with your problems I just kinda keep mine to myself. I'd rather help you guys than dwell on my own.
That's... not necessarily healthy, (y/n).
I'm aware.
Well, instead of talking about your problems, what do you do?
Well, I come home and I cry. Then I take a shower and stress eat, sometimes combining the two. And if I'm not out doing something I'm helping you guys with your issues. It's really not a big deal. I'm always gonna put you guys first.
Oh my god, (y/n)! Literally, why don't you tell me these things?!
I don't want to bother you! You've got your own stuff to worry about!

You were both sobbing at this point, holding each other for dear life. He held on to you tighter than what was probably safe and your hands were tangled in his hair, playing with it in an attempt to calm down.

"I'm sorry." he said quietly in a rough voice. "For what?" you asked genuinely confused. "Dropping all my problems on you always. You have your own problems, and I need to accept that." he said, looking up at you. "Oh, no, babe, don't. That's what I'm here for. I'm sure that's my purpose in this world - to help people, more specifically my best friends. Don't worry about it. I think we could both benefit from some sleep, though. We can talk about it more tomorrow." you said, running your fingers down his back.

"Yeah, I should probably get going..." he said, starting to get up. "Wait! You dont have to go... Just stay here. I don't want you on your own quite yet." you said with a warm smile. He smiled for the first time all night and cuddled back up to you. "I-I love you, (y/n)." he said sheepishly. "And I love you, Bri. Now get some rest." you said as you started playing with his hair and running your fingers across his back, calming you both down immensely.