When Michael arrived at the apartment that he and Ben shared, he saw Ben sitting on the couch staring off into space.
After shutting and locking the frontdoor, he walked over and stood in front of Ben. After a moment, he spoke hesitantly. "B-Ben?"
Ben's eyes slowly locked with Michael's and he said, "Sit down, Michael. We need to talk."
Michael dreaded those words. Anytime someone said they needed to talk, it never boded well. But, Michael did as Ben said, and sat down beside him. Ben turned so that they were facing each other, and took a deep breath.
"Michael, I know that Brian is your best friend. I also know that you... love him." When Michael opened his mouth to respond, Ben held up a hand to stop him. "No, let me finish. I know that you love Brian, that you have since you two were kids. And, I've been very accepting of that. In my opinion.
"But, what you have been saying to Justin... Well, I just find that extremely reprehesable. Why on Earth have you been so rude and derogatory toward Justin. Is it because Justin has Brian?"
"I... uh... I don't really know what to say. I don't really know why I've lashed out at Justin. I know that my behavior could be better. But, you don't know Brian like I do. Brian doesn't do relationships or boyfriends. Never has. Never will. In the long run, Justin's just going to get hurt."
After a moment, Ben said, "Are you telling me that you've been treating Justin like that for his own good?"
"Yes!" Michael said, relieved that someone, that Ben, finally understood.
Ben shook his head. "You're lying. You're treating Justin like shit because you're hoping he'll leave. That he'll leave Brian. Let me ask you something. If Brian were to ask you to, would you leave me? To be with him?"
At Michael's deafening silence, Ben nodded. "I figured as much. You know what, Michael, you need to evaluate what and who is important to you. I've played second fiddle to Brian for too long. I'm not going to anymore."
Ben stood up and said, "I'm going to stay at a hotel for tonight. Meet me at the Diner tomorrow, at noon, and tell me your decision. Do you want to remain my life partner? Or, do you want to wait around for a love that's never going to happen. And, while you're at it, you might want to ask yourself if you're willing to lose Brian's friendship over your unreturned infatuation.
"Because, I've got to tell you, I may not know Brian as well as you do. But, I can see that he cares a great deal for Justin. You need to open your eyes and see it, too."