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Prologue

The clock ticked loudly, echoing the waiting room. It seemed to swarm the room, swelling and overwhelming, synchronizing with the nervous heartbeats. The hospital walls were white, sterile. If you stared at it for long enough, it was almost as if you could sink into the pure abyss, twisting and turning until you were lost, with no concept of what was north and what was south. It was so suffocating and did nothing to keep Justin's mind off the reason why they were there in the first place.

He clutched at Brian's hand tightly, and shifted his head to rest on his shoulder, nuzzling his exposed neck and breathing in the strong smell of designer cologne that he had dabbed on after his shower. He closed his eyes briefly. He was not sure why he felt like he needed the comfort that comes with physical contact, but the urge was too strong. Brian squeezed the hand in his and inclined his head on top of the blond mop, accepting the comfort the familiar smell of his fruity shampoo offered him. He needed it so much, probably more than he would admit to himself. This was it; there was no turning back now. A shot of fear rushed through him and he tightened his grip almost desperately.

"Um, Mr. Kinney?" the nurses' voice came from behind the reception desk, reading the clipboard and gazing out across the waiting room for a response.

Justin tensed at the name. He did not say anything but felt Brian look up to acknowledge the call of his name.

The nurse smiled encouragingly. "The Doctor will see you now. Room 14B."

He muttered a thank you before slowly and reluctantly untangling himself from the blond beside him, standing up straight. He breathed out heavily and glanced nervously to the blond. Brian knew he could not be in the room but he needed the support, the hope, the belief that everything would be okay.

Justin forced a smile. It was wide and strong, beaming and could pass as genuine. In the past few weeks, he had become an expert on making everyone believe nothing was wrong. The smile stayed in place, only faltering once the brunet man had disappeared from his view.

Tilting his head skyward, he prayed for the best.