Over the next few weeks Brian would find his son moping about. Each night he would climb into bed with Brian and cuddle into his side. When he first realized that Zack wasn’t coming back he burst into tears and hid under his bed. Brian attempted to follow but found himself in his bedroom crying too. Jared could see how sad his dad was so that issued many hours of cuddling when Brian was off work and Val wasn’t babysitting. More often than not Val had come over to help Brian around the house; she had heard about what happened and felt greatly saddened for both of the boys. She knew Zack had his reasons but she just wanted to punch him.

Zack had been back at work for a few days. Luckily Johnny got to stay as his producer; Zack had confided in him where Jimmy was Brian’s rock. Johnny threw a pitch at the owner as to have Zack slowly work his way back up in the ranks; kind of like earning a right of passage. That kept Zack’s ass safe for the time being because in the beginning boys normally only finger and masturbate themselves with toys. Johnny spared Zack some time saying the video wouldn’t come out so they would have to re-shoot. Zack knew what his friend was doing and he was very thankful.

Zack had cried himself to sleep every night since he left Brian’s house. He remembered how just that day he told Brian that he had no intention of leaving him. In all truth he hadn’t left Brian he had just moved out. They hadn’t spoken a word to one another during their separation but Zack knew that he had hurt two of the most amazing people he would ever meet.

Johnny couldn’t postpone it anymore. Zack had to go through with his first penetrative shoot. This guy Jason Berry was set to do the shoot with him in an hour. Zack lazily rolled out of bed and took a shower. He felt miserable as always but he knew he couldn’t resist this anymore. This was what his life had become once again. He was constantly depressed. Johnny would give Jimmy feedback on how Zack was doing and the lanky man would tell Brian. Little did Brian know; Jimmy was doing the same for Zack.

Zack had just gotten on set when he got a message from the number that had been calling him all week. He ignored it once again, not wanting to speak with Brian. Zack had disrobed and was getting into position to be taken dry and unscratched. When a loud “No” ricocheted off of the walls. Zack’s gaze turned to the familiar voice. His eyes widened when he saw Pauline running down the walkway to him. “This shoot ends here.” The woman quickly grabbed his arm and threw his clothing at him.

“Hey lady you can’t do that.” Jason stated; standing from the bed.

“Actually yes I can.” Pauline grabbed Zack’s arm only to have it pulled away.

“Did B- I mean Syn send you?” Zack asked not wanting to give Brian away.

“Syn as in Synyster Gates?” Jason asked from behind Zack.

“Yes.” Zack stated.

“No your boyfriend didn’t send me Zack I am here for legal reasons.” Pauline stated grabbing his bicep and pulling him along.

“Boyfriend” Zack heard muttered. “Are you telling me that both you and Gates are together and both of you have walked out of a shoot with me?”

“It looks like it. I have to go.” Zack stated as he pulled on his shirt.

When they had exited the building Zack was nearly thrown into a car and driven to a near by diner. Zack’s heart stopped when he saw Brian’s car in the parking lot.

“You said this wasn’t about Brian.” Zack stated getting ready to exit the car when she had parked.

“This is about legal issues Zack. Brian and I have been going over this case for a while and he found something you may want to hear. Besides, don’t you want to see the little boy? He’s missed you an awful lot.” Pauline laid on her thickest guilt trip; somehow knowing that Jared would be Zack’s soft spot.

Zack groaned and began walking with Pauline into the Diner. “I hope you know I will probably get fined even more for missing this shoot.”

“Honey, trust me. You would have regretted staying later.” Pauline soothed as she led him back to a booth. When Brian saw them approach his head lifted, Zack could see his eyes full of hope. Before anyone could stop him Jared stood up and ran to him. Zack kneeled down and embraced the little boy in a hug. Picking him up and holding him.

“Hey buddy; I missed you.” Zack whispered while looking over the boys shoulder to Brian.

“I missed you too.” Jared tightened his grip then all the sudden loosened it. He leaned back in Zack’s arms with a frown. All of the sudden the boys fists were meeting Zack’s chest over and over. “You left just like mom.” By the time Brian took him Zack no doubt had a few bruises on his chest.

“I’m sorry.” He spoke for his child.

“Don’t worry about it. I don’t blame him.” Zack whispered scooting into the booth. It was one of those u shaped booths so Zack was stuck sitting next to the sulking boy.

Zack glanced up at Brian seeing that his boyfriend was in a rather sad looking state just like himself. “So what did you drag me here for?” Zack’s eyes met Brian’s brown orbs; Zack felt like he was being cast under as spell. One were things were okay and it was okay for him to feel drawn to Brian. Everything was silent for a few minutes; the boys just looking into the other’s eyes.

The waitress broke the silence by taking everyone’s orders. When she had left Brian found the courage to speak. “I found a loophole.” Zack’s eyes widened and he nearly spit his water out on the table.

“What?” He asked towel drying his mouth.

“I found a loophole in the contract.” Brian stated peeking over at Jared to make sure he didn’t know what they were talking about.

“Wh-what is it?” Zack wondered setting his cup down and looking at Brian out of curiosity.

“You died.” Brian stated looking over the table at his boyfriend.

“That’s not fucking funny Brian.” Zack stood and glared at Brian. “I get it, I hurt you so you have to do something to hurt me too.”

“Zack that’s not it.” Brian was shocked at the outburst.

“No! I don’t want to hear it. I didn’t mean to hurt you; either if you.” Zack took a glance at Jared, noticing that the little boy was watching too. “But that doesn’t mean you need to get my hopes up just so you can crush them.”

Zack stormed out of the restaurant not once looking back. He was quite shocked when he got to hi car door to be thrown against it. Brian was heaving and in his face looking madder than Zack had ever seen him. “Don’t you dare do that; you assume shit before even hearing the story and I’m sick of it Zack!” Brian growled in his face.

“Leave me the fuck alone Brian. If all you want is to antagonize me then please save it I am as miserable as I can get.” Zack tried to turn but found himself snugly pressed against his car.

“No you listen to me!” Brian grabbed his biceps to keep Zack from getting away. “You died!”

“What does that mean; that I am dead to you Brian?” Zack nearly shouted getting himself so worked up that he began panting.

“No. That’s how you are getting out of contract you dummy.” Brian stated loosing some of his anger.

“I can’t pretend to be dead Brian I just can’t. They would notice things and you have to have a fucking doctor’s report before you are officially cut from contract.” Zack stated exasperatedly the fight draining right out of him.

“I have proof Zack. I have the document that we need to show the courts.” Brian stated reaching into his back pocket and pulling out an envelope.

“They will know that’s forged. You need a doctor to testify that they signed it Brian.” Zack gave up and leaned against the side of his car door looking utterly defeated.

“I have all the proof that we need to get you out of it. Zack you died.” Brian replied taking a step forward.

“Will you stop saying that its creepy Brian I am not dead. I’m right here.” Zack held out his arm as if to make a point.

“You don’t remember do you?” Zack raised a brow. “Baby when you got into the accident you flat lined. You were pronounced dead for a minute before the doctor revived you.” Brian stated wrapping his arms around the shorter man.

“No- I forgot. Are you sure it will work.” Zack gave in and wrapped his arms around Brian.

“I am positive.” Brian pulled back and looked into Zack’s eyes. “You were legally dead for a tiny bit of time. The contract states that it’s void if the signer dies. Zack you are free.”

“I- shit.” Zack slumped against his car and took a deep breath. “How did you figure this out?”

“Pauline and I have been working on this day and night to find way to get you out.” Brian stated. “We found one about a week ago but you refused to answer calls and I knew that we had to get to you before today or else-” Brian cut himself off with a blush.

“Or else what?” Zack was honestly curious now.

“Or else you would have to go through with the shoot.” Zack’s brows shot up in surprise.

“How did you-?” Zack cut himself off when the answer hit him. “Johnny!”

“How do you think I have been able to make sure you were okay lately?” Brian asked placing his hands on Zack’s shoulders. “I love you baby. I needed to know you were okay. I’m sorry if I stepped too far but you wouldn’t even talk to me.”

“It’s okay.” It was Zack’s turn to blush. “I’ve had Jimmy keeping tabs on you too. He would visit and tell Johnny who would in turn tell me.”

“Those little fucks were relaying information for both of us and never said a thing?” Brian let out a chuckle; all the sudden his features became serious. “Will you come back home now?”

Zack looked up into Brian’s eyes and shook his head. “I can’t yet Brian. I think we moved to fast. I know for sure I love you yes but we moved in before we even started dating. Hell we fucked before we even moved in together. Can we take this one step at a time that way we know that things are for sure going to work out?”

“If that’s what you want then okay. At least I will get to talk to you right? I mean you won’t avoid my calls anymore will you?” Zack shook his head.

“No. I will talk to you don’t worry.” Zack looked to the bench just outside the restaurant to see Jared and Pauline talking. It’s a good thing they were on the other side of the parking lot. “Besides I feel like I need to make it up to someone else; to earn his trust before I can become a bigger part of you guys’ life.”

“You want to make it up to my son?” Zack nodded looking up at Brian. “You can start when you come over to pick up Nix tomorrow night. That should give him time to cool off and let you deal with your business during the day. Take him out; on a dog walk or to your house to play games. Do something to get him talking to you first. He hasn’t said much in the past few weeks so maybe you can break that cycle.”

“I’ll try. What time should I swing by?” Zack spoke turning his attention to Brian again.

“Six; ill cook us some dinner before you guys set out if that’s okay with you?” Zack nodded.

“Yeah as long as you don’t plan on sex,” Zack joked pretending to push Brian away.

“Okay no sex but I can’t guarantee no kissing.” Brian leaned forward to place a tender kiss on Zack’s lips. Instead they met the warm skin on the shorter mans cheek.

“No kissing either.” Zack stated; Brian was about to protest. “Since you and I are starting over; when you get the balls to ask, you may be able to find out if I kiss on a second-first date.”