Casey presses himself against the wall, head cocked, silent and straining to hear the muffled voices. "...not fucking joking," Matt's saying, and even Casey can tell he's pissed, not at all his usual, genial self. "What'd you think was gonna happened? 'Oh, I'm sorry, Matt, I know it's been months and I didn't even let you know I knocked this girl up, let alone that I was gonna marry her' --" "What the fuck are you talking about, I fucking called --" "Shut the fuck up, alright. I'm talking now; we're on my time. You can't just waltz back into my goddamn life like that, let alone my -- Jesus, Ben, what were you thinking? Do I look like your bitch? Is that all I am to you anymore? Fucking dog that comes running when you whistle?" "That's a fucked up thing to say," and Casey has to strain to hear Ben. There's nothing of Ben's usual fuck-you bravado in his voice -- just exhaustion and an odd note of desperation. "I couldn't invite anyone, hell, not even my brother" (Thanks for thinking of me) "or the paparazzi would've --" "Fuck the paparazzi," Matt retorts, whip-fast. "You think I give a shit? Fuck, man...if we're letting the press come between us, what do we have left?" "Everything," Ben answers in a low, fierce whisper. "I'm nothing without you." "No, no. You don't get to say that to me." "You saved my life, Matt," and it sounds to Casey like Ben could almost be on the verge of tears (and wouldn't that be a fucked up situation, given what Casey's seen Matt do to himself over Ben). "I'd've killed myself without you." "I don't want to hear this. You don't owe me anything. That's not what I... Look, you're with her now. Concentrate on that. Your wife." "You think she doesn't know? You think I'd've married her if she hadn't accepted us, what we have?" "You married her because she was pregnant." "Partially. Matt, c'mon...please..." "Don't. Don't touch me." "Me and you, remember? No matter what, no matter where, time, distance, we're us. You can't pretend it doesn't matter anymore just because you're pissed at me for becoming a father." "I didn't pretend anything. You did. First the drinking, then the gambling, then fucking J-Lo and the tabloid covers every week, and now this... Jesus, man, how more clichéd could you get? How long did you expect me to pick up the pieces for you?" "I don't...I don't know." "Neither do I, but it's over. The free ride is over, collect your door prize and head home." "Not much of one without you, you know," and Casey could certainly attest to that, hallelujah, amen. They both start to lose their shit when they haven't seen each other for a few months. "You're not my bitch, Matt," Ben continues, still in that same quiet, desperate voice. "And I don't need you to be my knight. Not anymore. I just need you." "Took you long enough," and Casey heartily agrees. Maybe his brother's not as stupid as he'd thought. "This mean you forgive me?" "Well, now, I wouldn't go so far as to say that," Matt drawls, and now Casey can hear a hint of that familiar bite. "I mean, you did just crash my premiere..." Casey turns and makes his way back to the party, content that he's heard enough. With any luck, Matt'll make Ben grovel some more (a LOT more) before he forgives him. Casey hopes Matt makes his brother go down to his fucking knees for that weak-ass shit. Jennifer gives him a questioning look from across the room and he gives her a thumbs up as he slides an arm around Summer's waist. He's certain his own mirrors the look of relief on Jennifer's face. "Where were you?" Summer asks. He places a kiss to her cheek, thankful for his own simple life. "Just making sure things are as they should be."
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