This is the promised companion piece to 'Messed Up', which I'm so glad you all like and thank you for all the reviews and favourites etc, it really means a lot to me and I really appreciate it.

You don't have to have read 'Messed Up' to understand this, although some of you might find it helps.

Also if anyone wants something written and dedicated to them, then just let me know. You can give me an idea or I'll come up with something, either way, I'd be happy to do so.

Everyone messes up, and when they do, things need fixing.

They fixed people up everyday; it was their job after all.

Yet they'd never been able to fix themselves.

Ethan had tried to fix things, Cal hadn't wanted to listen.

Cal had never tried to fix things, Ethan still wanted to listen.

When it came to such a simple thing - something they were both capable of when it came to complete strangers - they couldn't do so, even to save their lives.

"I love you."

Cal should have said it more; Ethan thinks he should have said it less.

"My safety net."

Cal knew he should have just admitted his weakness; Ethan never knew of it, because he was to concerned on hiding his.

"You're my brother."

Cal was the older; Ethan was the younger.

"Brother."

The word went beyond age.

"Brother."

The word couldn't surpass such trivial arguments.

It couldn't surpass the major ones.

"Brother."

It could surpass hate; it just hadn't managed it yet.

Cal was wrong. He'd messed up.

Ethan was to harsh. He'd messed up.

Both of them needed to fix this new mess, but neither knew how, nor who should move first.

Cal knew he should get Ethan's money back - though maybe his love should come first.

Ethan knew he should offer Cal a shoulder to cry on - though maybe his life savings should come first.

Or maybe it was time they just looked out for each other?

They'd wait for each other.

One of them would have to do something sooner or later. Right?

Though they both knew they could wait.

Stalemate.

Checkmate.

Beaten.

Beaten by life.

How long could they wait before something terrible, something almost tragic, might happen to tear them apart permanently?

Now.

Now was the time, now needed to be the time.

No matter what.

They needed fixing.

Together.

So, I hope you liked it. :)

P.S. I know it's been a while, but I have now updated my multi-chaptered story, 'The Past is Past' is anyone is interested in reading it. x