Michael and Peter lay in their bed, each listening for any noise coming from their guest bedroom.  Michael, Sam and John had returned from Pittsburgh several days ago and they had insisted John stay with Michael and Peter until after the court date. 

"Do you think he understands how serious all this is?" Peter asked Michael, relying on his partner's professional expertise in this situation.

"We talked quite a bit on the ride home; five hours can be a very long time to have a conversation." Michael sat up in their bed, propping his pillows against the head board for support.  "Honestly, I don't think he really has a grasp on the situation.  John talked about going back to Pittsburgh and making Justin understand their commitment."

"Do you think he'll stay here?  I mean, from everything you said, if he went back and contacted Justin it would be disastrous.  He could go to jail for disobeying the court order."  Peter mirrored Michael's actions, placing his pillows against the head board and pushing his back against them, holding them in place.

"We won't let him go back.  That's why he's here, to protect both of them.  However, after the court date, I don't think John will voluntarily stay here.  I think we need to get him some professional help." He laid his hands on the blanket, pulling it up to cover his legs.

"How are we going to get him help, if he doesn't see there is a problem?  I seem to recall that the first step is always admitting you have a problem." Peter thought he was being clever quoting a common phrase from the 12 step program.

"That is the first step when you are dealing with substance abuse, but it is also key in this case as well.  You can't really treat someone voluntarily who doesn't believe there is anything to treat." The wind from the outside could be heard through the window.  The temperature was going to be much colder tomorrow if the force matched the sound.

"See, I do listen to you when you talk therapist," Peter teased as he leaned over to give Michael a kiss.

"Of course, you do," Michael said as he returned the kiss.  "But all kidding aside.  John agreed to stay with us while we wait to return to Pittsburgh, but he's convinced there is no merit in the case and I think we will have problems then." Michael didn't want to alarm Peter but he knew it was not as simple as explaining why John's thinking was faulty.  As a therapist, he felt that a combination of therapy and medication would be key to John's healing.

Peter frowned as he listened. "What can we do?"

"I know he understands that you can't lie in court.  Court records are public information. We may have to ask the clerk to print us a transcript of the proceedings.  Maybe hearing and seeing the evidence will change his mind.  If he reads that Justin and Brian are in a relationship and that his advances were unwanted, then maybe he'll believe that.  He knows the difference between right and wrong and if he accepts that someone would not lie in court, it might help make him see the problem.  Although I really don't think that will have the impact we want either.  I think we will have to get him to talk to a therapist, someone well versed in this area."

"Wow. You have been thinking about this, haven't you?"  Peter heard the heat kick on and smelled the familiar scent of heat pushing through the vents. It had been unseasonably warm in the last few weeks so the heat had not kicked on recently.  The smell was a familiar one and he involuntarily sighed.  He knew that winter was close by.

"I have, but I'm still not convinced it will be that easy.  John has some strong delusions about Justin.  He talked a lot on the way home about his life with Justin and their home, etc. Each time he started a conversation about Justin, I asked him questions, trying to demonstrate holes in his thinking.  Occasionally, he did appear to think about the statements.  I think the court appearance may actually be helpful.  Hearing other people talk about his behavior and question his beliefs may be the key for him to see that he is not in a relationship with Justin."

"But if he doesn't believe there is a problem, how are you going to convince him to take any medication?" Peter had talked to Michael sporadically about the visit but this was the first time they had really discussed the treatment options.  While he'd been teasing earlier when he quoted the first step in a twelve step program, he knew that unless John accepted he had a problem, it would make this whole situation difficult.

"That is one question I think I can answer.  The court may be our best friend.  They may make treatment a part of his sentence.  Courts can mandate treatment.  If he is mandated, we can make sure he sees someone here.  I've been thinking about a few colleagues that I could refer him to." Michael could feel the drop in temperature despite the heat coming on.  Their apartment was older and despite their best efforts, it still had a draft.  He got out of their bed, walked to the closet and grabbed another blanket.

"Do you think the courts will mandate treatment as part of the case?  If so, it would really help the situation." Peter helped Michael spread the blanket on the bed and felt immediately warmer.  "Thanks.  I really didn't want to get out of bed but it was definitely cold in here."

"Based on the conversation we had with Dr. Farsi, the hospital chose not to keep him in protective custody. They left it up to the police; however, the courts will only hold someone if they are a threat to themselves or others.  All Dr. Farsi's exam told them was that John would most likely not harm Justin.  I think if the courts interview John regarding his actions, they will see he has delusional thoughts when it comes to Justin."

"So, you think they will interview John?" Peter asked, not thinking this was a possibility.  He knew if a judge talked to John, they would quickly realize he had delusions regarding Justin; but, if they based their court appearance on just the unwanted hug, it would be different.

"If I were involved in the case, I would.  His lawyer, Alan Crawford suggested John get medical help.  Remember, he questioned him regarding the events of the day and there were some huge holes in the story.  I would use that as defense, if they use defense in these types of cases.  Obviously, John is not basing his relationship in reality." Michael put his finger to his mouth, a common pose when he was thinking.  "We could talk to Mr. Crawford and ask him if he would question John in front of the judge.  You know, explain this would help everyone-  John would be mandated treatment and the judge would hear John's ‘logic'."

"If the court questioned John and also got a report of the incident, they would have a good picture of the situation."  Peter said as he nodded his head in agreement as he visualized the court appearance.  His only knowledge of the court system was based on tv. He knew real court did not work like that, but it made sense to him.  The heat kicked off as the apartment had reached its desired temperature.  They had the setting very low for night time, both to save money and to sleep better.  Cold was more inducive to good sleep. 

"True.  I hope you're right.  It's been a long day." Peter yawned and covered his mouth to hide it.  "Sorry, it isn't you."

Michael pulled Peter to him and gave him a hug.  "No worries.  I know this whole situation has been stressful for you.  While I deal with people who have mental health issues all day, none of them are my best friend.  You're torn between wanting to help John and denying there is a problem."

Peter nodded his head in agreement.  "I've accepted there is a problem; it's what to do about it that is the issue.  I know John doesn't think there is a problem so how do I help him when he doesn't think anything is wrong?"  Peter turned toward the night stand and grabbed the glass of water he kept by the bed.  Taking a drink and then placing the glass back on the coaster, he said, "and then there is Darren.  John asked me to go with him to talk to him.  How do I support John without breaking his confidence but still stress that there is a problem?"

"That would be tricky.  You're not a therapist so you aren't bound by the ethical dilemma of sharing the nature of the situation.  You can't tell, or should I say shouldn't tell Darren about the job interview."

"Jeez. The water just keeps getting deeper and my life raft is nowhere to be found."

"Maybe Darren has noticed the behavior and you can just share your insights into the situation."

"I hope you're right.  But for now, let's go to sleep." Peter reached out to the lamp by the bed and twisted the knob to turn it off.  Michael mirrored the action on his side of the bed, plunging the room into darkness.

The men moved their pillows from against the head board and placed them on the bed.  Michael lay on his side and Peter spooned against him from behind. After draping his arm around Michael, Peter gently kissed Michael's neck and closed his eyes, letting sleep take him.

In the morning, John and Peter headed out toward John's work.  They jumped on the subway and as usual the crowds were very thick, not allowing for any real conversation.  When they got out at their station, they had several blocks to walk until they came to John's business.

"Thanks for coming with me.  I'm going to have to give Darren some type of explanation regarding why I didn't check in sooner.  I don't really want to tell him that I was interviewing for a job." The wind blew leaves around the sidewalk giving the street a colorful back drop.

"Why don't you tell him that it took the company a few days to make up their mind?  You said they are a current customer, but that doesn't mean they accepted the pitch immediately," Peter said, suggesting a solution.  He knew this would be a difficult talk and hoped Darren wouldn't push too much.

"True.  But I should have called."

"Yes, you should.  What do you want to do?"

"Well, when I did call Darren, I said I'd been sick.  I guess I could go with that one."  A huge gust of wind blew right in their faces, almost like the weather was giving an opinion to the situation.

"True.  But what about your trip in a few days?  What are you going to say to that?" Peter was not trying to be combative, but rather trying to explore all possibilities so John would be prepared.  It was not every day that you went in to tell your boss that you were hospitalized by the police and you need to go back to the city so you can appear in court.  He didn't think John intended to share all that information with Darren, but he should make sure they had discussed what they were going to talk about.

"I'll tell him I got myself into a little legal trouble and have to go back for a court date.  It's true. I just don't understand why Justin would put a restraining order on me.  I mean, can you imagine Michael telling the courts he didn't want you near him?" The wind picked up again and John zipped up his coat.

Peter wanted to confront John with his delusions, but everything that he and Michael had talked about the night before had told him that it would be counterproductive.  He should try to ask John questions, hoping he could see the inconsistencies in his stories. He thought for a few moments before responding.

"Do you remember hugging him in the lobby of Kinnetik?" He knew the answer to this question, but decided it was a good start to the conversation.

"Of course.  I was so happy to see him." John smiled widely.  Peter was taken aback by the smile, never having seen such happiness on his friend's face.

"We're you surprised to see him there?  I mean he is an artist.  Why would he be there?" Peter had gained his trust and now he had to start the true questions.

"He was there to see Brian. Brian is his current partner."

Peter's ears perked up at this piece of information.  He knew that Brian Kinney owned Kinnetik and was Justin's partner, but he didn't think John knew that piece of information.  Maybe he'd finally found the key to their problems.

"How can Brian be his partner if you're his partner?" They stopped at the end of the block since the light was green.  They waited with all the other New Yorkers who walked the streets of this urban jungle.

"He was just with Brian until we could be together," John said, as if Peter's question was superfluous.  He thought that Peter knew the answer and wondered why he asked such a silly question.

"So Justin was cheating on Brian?" Peter hated that word, cheating.  It had all sorts of bad connotations.  Of course, by all definitions, cheating was bad, but some people had different versions of cheating.  There were some open relationships where some gay couples didn't look at sex with other men as cheating.  He never understood that concept and knew he would be devastated if Michael slept with another man.

"No, Justin wouldn't cheat.  He's too good a man to do that." John bristled at the words, knowing that cheating was deceitful and Justin wouldn't be deceitful.

"Can you tell me how he was with you and Brian if he wasn't cheating?" Peter pushed forward, hoping for the hole to open up and for John to finally realize that there was no explanation for the events besides the one everyone had been sharing; he was delusional. 

They were in front of the building where John's company was located.  John stopped walking and turned to Peter.  "He.... We..."  John saw a bus bench and walked toward it, sitting down.  Thankfully it was between rush hour and lunch time and there was no one in the shelter.  He put his hands to his face, scrubbing them up and down. Tears fell down his cheeks as he thought back to the events of the last month.  He'd been so sure that Justin belonged to him, with him. They were so happy and he was finally going to have what Michael and Peter had, a committed relationship.

"Justin isn't my boyfriend, is he?" he asked in a small plaintive voice.

Peter's heart broke seeing his friend so distraught and broken.  He wished he had Michael with him when this happened.  He would know what to do. 

"No, John.  He belongs with Brian.  Brian is his partner."

 "What do I do?"

Thoughts of all the things Michael and he had discussed in the last few days came flooding back.  He wasn't sure where to start and he knew this time was critical for John's recovery. 

"Let's just go and talk to Darren.  Tell him some things happened in Pittsburgh that you have to take care of.  You might need to be off for a week or two to get them addressed.  After we leave Darren, we can go see Michael.  I don't know what his schedule is today, but I'm sure we can see him during his lunch hour.  His office is only a few blocks away.  Lucky, he doesn't work on the other side of town." Peter wanted so badly to pull out his cell phone and call Michael on the spot. He wanted an answer, some way to help his friend, right at that moment.  He had to push down the urge to call Michael as they entered the building.

"Okay.  Thank you so much for being my friend." John seemed to shrink in the last few minutes.  He was like a child who had lost his favorite toy and in a way, this was true.

The two men went to see Darren, John's boss and while John was vague about his situation, he agreed to give him several weeks to take care of his problem.  He was friends with Peter and he understood that Peter's presence at the visit had some significance. 

"John.  Take care of your business.  You are a great employee and I would hate to lose you.  I don't know what is going on with you and you do not have to tell me, but Peter's presence here today tells me it is serious.  When you come back I want you at 100%."  Darren walked around his desk and shook John and Peter's hand.  He walked to the door and motioned for them to leave.

"That went easier than I thought it would," John said as they took the elevator down to the lobby.  "Let's go see Michael and hope he is free.  I need to get back on track."

They chose to walk to Michael's office. The day was sunny and the leaves were almost gone from the trees.  The time it would have taken to wait for the bus and to ride to the stop was more than it would take to walk.  Peter also thought that John could use the freedom.  He knew if they were in a bus, he wouldn't talk, but knew if they were walking, he might be willing to open up some more.

"Darren was great.  I'm so lucky to have him as my boss."  John pulled the zipper of his jacket up, trying to block the gust of wind that picked up as they started to walk.

"You're a valuable employee and Darren knows that.  I've known him for almost 7 years now and I know he's very fair."  Peter was beginning to have second thoughts regarding their decision to walk as the wind seemed to get really cold.  He pulled up the hood on his jacket and pulled the strings tight to block the cold air.

"I think he would have asked more if you hadn't been there.  I'm so glad you came." John shoved his hands in his pockets.

"Here is the building." Peter said as he pushed open the door to the lobby.  His office is on the second floor.  We can walk; it will be just as fast as the elevator.  Besides that elevator gives me the creeps.  I feel like I'm on the Tower of Terror at Disney every time I enter."

John laughed.  "I'm sure the elevator is not possessed by ghosts."

"No.  You're right.  It's just creepy." Peter was happy to hear his friend laugh, giving him hope that maybe this nightmare may have a happy ending.

They walked up to the second floor, turning left down the hall until they located Michael's office.  Walking in, Michael went up to the window and smiled at Caley, the receptionist.

"Hi Caley.  Is Michael free?"

Caley looked up at Peter, smiling at him.  She was always glad to see him as his arrival meant Michael would be in a good mood the rest of the day.  Not that Michael was really in a bad mood, but a visit from his partner always made him happy.

"He's with a patient, but he's almost done.  He has a break until 1:30," she said as she clicked on Michael's calendar on her desktop.

"I'll wait.  He wasn't expecting me."

"Okay.  When his patient leaves, I'll let him know you're here."

Peter joined John in one of the seats in the waiting room.  There were three other people sitting in the room.  There was a tv on in a corner broadcasting a cooking show. Peter remembered Michael saying they kept it on the cooking show as it was a very neutral show.  He didn't want his clients getting upset over the news or other events.  Who knew what talk shows would choose as appropriate topics these days and Michael said he and the other therapists that shared his office decided to keep everything controversial out of the public eye.  Of course, their patients were hungry when they left after being subjected to pictures of chef's creations, but that was a small price to pay for peace.

They watched the cooking show, choosing not to speak.  The chef was making some side dishes for Thanksgiving. 

"I think Thanksgiving is just another word for gluttony," John said.  "We used to start cooking several weeks before the big day.  I swear you'd think that no one had eaten in a week instead of breakfast that day.  There was so much food and my mom used to give most of it away to the relatives.  She always said there wasn't enough room in the fridge.  Honestly, I think she was afraid if she kept it, she'd eat it all."

"Thanksgiving was always small in my house.  I don't have a large family."

Before they could continue the conversation, Michael came out of the back offices and stood in front of the two men.

"Well, this is a surprise.  Come on back."  He motioned for John and Peter to go to his office.

Closing the door to his office, he motioned to the chairs and each man took a seat.  He went to his office chair and sat down.

"Can I get you any coffee?  Tea? Water?" He turned around to his credenza and poured a fresh cup of coffee into the mug that was next to the coffee pot.

"I need help," John said. 

Michael raised his eyebrow, but did not speak.  He tented his fingers and waited for John to continue.

"Peter and I were talking on the way to our visit with Darren.  He asked me if Justin would cheat on me.  Well actually he asked who Brian was and then when I told him he was Justin's boyfriend, Peter asked would Justin cheat.  I told him of course not, he's too good of a man to do that.  And I understood."

"I see."  Again, Michael did not start to ask questions or interrupt, waiting for John to talk.

"It feels so real.  You know.  Justin asking me to come visit him, being his model for his upcoming project.  The pictures of his dancing- just for me.  What can I do?"

"I think you would benefit from therapy, maybe some medication.  What do you think about that?"

"Okay.  I love Justin." John paused when he realized what he was saying.  "Well, I thought I loved Justin.  I want to figure this out." He looked down at his hands resting in his lap, unable to make eye contact with Michael.

"I've got some names of some therapists that I can recommend.  They are all very good." Michael reached into his drawer and opened his notebook, searching for the names of the therapists that he had been compiling.  Taking out a piece of paper, he wrote down three names and their phone numbers.

"Any of these therapists will be happy to work with you.  I know this will help with the court appearance as well.  They will see that you are addressing your problems."  He took a sip of his coffee and handed the paper to John.   "Call them today and make an appointment."

"Can't I just work with you?" he asked anxiously.  "I don't know any of these guys and I'd feel more comfortable with someone I know."  He folded the paper in quarters and stuck it in his jacket pocket.  He leaned forward in his chair, eager for Michael's response.

Michael shook his head. "No, I'm afraid not.  It wouldn't be ethical to treat you since I know you.  Besides, you want to please me as your friend and that isn't how therapy is supposed to work.  You need to work with the therapist for yourself."

"Okay.  I'll call when I get home.  Thanks." He leaned back, slightly defeated but able to make eye contact, albeit only for a few moments.

"You're welcome.  Just remember, you can work through this." Peter said.  "While Michael can't treat you, we are still your friends and can support you." He leaned over and gave his friend a hug.

Small tears ran down John's face and he wiped them with his hand.  "I better get going.  I've got some phone calls to make."  He stood up and walked to the door.  "Thanks for today, Peter.  I'll never be able to repay you."

"I'll see you at home.  You're going back to our place?" Peter asked.

"Yeah. I think I need you around for a while.  Besides, we have a road trip to make in two days." John walked out the door and retraced his route from the morning.  This time he took the bus as it was getting even colder.  As promised he was at Peter and Michael's home when Michael returned from his errands.

Peter walked in the door later that afternoon, pulled off his gloves and hung his coat on the rack.  He shivered involuntarily. "It's gotten really cold out there.  Wish I was inside all afternoon like you."

John looked up from the book he was reading and smiled.   "Glad you're here.  I called the first therapist on the list and I'm seeing him tomorrow. His receptionist gave me an appointment quickly when I mentioned Michael. Otherwise, it would have been next week. Thank you again for today."

"Good.  I'm going to take a shower to warm up and then I guess I'll start dinner."  Peter started toward their bedroom, but stopped before he walked through.  "I'm proud of you John."

"Thanks.  Now go get clean.  I think we should make spaghetti and meatballs in celebration.  I'm going to tackle this, thanks to you guys."

Peter closed the door behind him and readied himself for his shower.  He was thankful the day had turned out so well and just hoped that John's treatment was just as successful.  Tomorrow he would return to work and then they would leave for Pittsburgh. He was cautiously optimistic about the outcome now that John realized he was delusional.

TBC