The next morning saw Cooper at work before dawn. He'd tried to call Everett a half dozen times and never gotten any response. Though he was worried, he also knew that sometimes wallowing in misery was the only way to get over a bad break-up. //And things with us... that's a lot to deal with on top of it.// He consoled himself with the thought of seeing Cameron again and was happy to see that his new co-star was there bright and early. Cooper ushered the man backstage. "I'll call you up once Cam's here," he assured with a conspiratorial smile before heading back to the stage to get things set up.

Finding it difficult to sleep--which was unusual for Cameron, who could curl up anywhere and drift off like a satisfied tabby--his mind kept wandering back to Cooper and the electrifying kiss they had shared. It was the last thing he should have been focusing on. The play needed to be first and foremost in his mind, as well as getting to know his co-star tomorrow. Probably not every actor made the effort, but it was important to strengthen the integrity of the piece. Cam finally succumbed to sleep, with Cooper's painfully handsome face filling his mind once again.

Morning came, and he was scrambling to shower in an excited rush. Then, he dressed and grabbed a cab for the theatre. He held the script and the new pages in his hands, fairly thrumming with anticipation. When he arrived, he paid the driver and hurried inside the building. There he found Cooper waiting, and a bright smile lit up Cameron's features. "Morning," he called out, "how are you?"

"Amazing!" Cooper answered with enthusiasm. He couldn't help smiling right back at the man. "Come on, time for the introductions." Even though the decision was made and he was absolutely sure of his decision, Cooper still felt an uneasy fluttering in his stomach at the thought of making sure that Cameron loved the young man who'd been cast just as much as he did - though maybe not too much. After dragging Cameron onstage, Cooper motioned for him to stay put before darting backstage and grabbing his costar, who was idly sipping his coffee and waiting. "Cameron, this is-"

Jesse took a step forward and held out his hand. "Jesse St. James... but you already knew that." He glanced over at Cooper and shrugged. "I may have neglected to mention that we've already met. In high school."

"Oh..." Cooper tried not to look too disappointed at the revelation and instead offered Cameron a lopsided grin. "Well, I guess it's a different kind of surprise than I was hoping for, but..."

Cameron's heart plummeted, and he literally felt all of the blood draining out of his face. Jesse St. James, the boy who had broken his heart, and absolutely the last person he ever wanted to see again. Now, here he was standing before him, and Cam wanted to drop the script and dash for the nearest exit. "It's been a long time," he managed, putting on the acting performance of his life. Tentatively, he accepted Jesse's offered hand while painting on a smile. Images of his last encounter with Jesse flashed unbidden in his mind. The way in which he'd been used and cast aside, without a single hint of remorse on Jesse's part. Cam had been a complete fool, and he couldn't believe he'd ever thought he was in love.

"Too long. You get better looking every time I see you," Jesse answered easily. As usual, Cameron was a consummate professional. He also looked sinfully gorgeous. Jesse clasped the other man's hand and gave it a warm shake, unable to keep from thinking that this was going to be a lot more fun than he'd thought. As far as he was concerned, the past was past. It wasn't like it had been a big deal. A quick screw, a little drama, and then it was done.

Cooper could read the sudden tension in Cameron's shoulders and felt a flicker of unease, especially after Jesse's commentary. He began to wonder just how terrible a decision he'd made. "Well, since you two already know each other, maybe we should see about a read through before you catch up." He couldn't quite force a little tension from his own tone. He didn't like the way that Jesse looked at Cameron, and he didn't like the fact that the man obviously put Cameron off.

"Let's. I'd like to go through it while it's all fresh in my mind." Jesse turned to Cameron as he opened the script to the very scene Cooper had edited just the night before. "Do you mind going through this one? There's a lot of charge, and I want to make sure my delivery is perfect."

He swallowed hard, focusing on the lines and his character's motivation. Cameron found the whole situation surreal, as if he was reliving a moment he'd once shared with Jesse. The words were hauntingly similar to the whispered confession he'd once made. Words that had led to a feverish first-time in the back of Jesse's car, only to be cruelly discarded afterward. He felt a lump of emotion forming in his throat at the painful memory. But Cam used it to his advantage as he played out Cooper's beautifully written scene. Would Cooper call "Cut!" after Jesse finished his next line? He dearly hoped so. Because after that would be the kiss, and Cameron had no idea if he could act his way through that moment without giving away that he was not at all happy with Cooper's choice of co-star.

It was on the tip of Cooper's tongue to halt the scene as soon as the lines were done, but before he could, Jesse closed the last of the distance separating him from Cameron and swept the more slender man into his arms. It was a gesture filled with passion and untapped longing. Anyone who didn't know better would have thought the pair madly in love. It just made Cooper feel ill. He couldn't really protest. The moment was absolutely true to the script and honestly it was beautifully performed, but he was shocked at just how much he hated seeing Cameron with someone else - especially someone with whom he obviously had history.

For his part, Jesse was more than happy to use that past to his advantage. He knew knew precisely how to get Cameron Hummel off his guard. He knew exactly how to bring their lips together to make the man melt, and he used that knowledge without hesitation as he drew Cameron's body in tight against his own and kissed him for all he was worth.

"That'll do it," Cooper finally managed, swallowing hard and forcing a smile. "It was great. Perfect. I need to get a few things settled with the props department, so if you'll excuse me?" He needed a minute, just a minute to get ahold of himself.

Jesse watched the director leave with apparent indifference and looked back down at Cameron. "I meant it. You really have gotten even prettier."

The kiss left Cameron reeling. Whatever his feelings towards Jesse, the other man had not forgotten how to kiss. And he hated him even more for that. He'd never forgotten that first kiss he'd shared with Jesse, or the way in which he'd been tossed aside shortly afterward. "And you haven't changed a bit," he conceded, fighting hard to conceal that Jesse's kiss had had any effect on whatsoever. "When Cooper told me I'd be meeting my co-star today, I never expected it would be you." Cameron folded his arm across his chest, sighing as he scrutinized Jesse. "Why didn't you mention knowing me to Cooper?"

"More dramatic this way," Jesse answered simply. "Besides, he seemed so excited about the big reveal, I couldn't bring myself to do anything that might mess it up." He found himself dragging his eyes with obvious relish over the other man's body. Cameron had been cute in high school - adorable, really. Now he was gorgeous. Any trace of baby fat was gone, and the delicate features that had been pretty were honed into absolute perfection, sharp and beautiful. "We should go out for a drink, do some catching up. It's been too long."

Cameron found himself genuinely thankful he did not have Jesse's nerve in his tooth. "Catching up? You and me? Please tell me you're joking?" He gave an exasperated sigh before slapping his hands at his sides in frustration. "The last time I saw you, you were unceremoniously dumping me in no uncertain terms." Lowering his voice out of fear of Cooper overhearing, Cam tried to tamp down his anger as he continued, "Why in the world do you think I would ever have a drink with you?"

"Because high school was a long time ago," Jesse answered simply, smiling a little at the edge in Cameron's voice. "Shelby had what she wanted with Rachel, I was going back to Carmel... obviously, we weren't going to go anywhere being at rival schools. It was kinder to end it before things could get ugly. Besides, it was high school. That never lasts." He had certainly never intended to stay with anyone he dated in high school past the doors opening and letting them out into the world. It was foolish to think that was even possible. "We're older, we're wiser, we're hotter, and I don't see any reason we can't get along just fine. With the two of us headlining, this thing could run forever. We may as well be on good terms."

"There we agree," Cameron replied, unwilling to let his guard down. He knew in his heart that anything confided to Jesse might be used against him. Deciding to take his chances, he risked, "This play means everything to Cooper. I've never met someone as passionate as he is. He's put his heart and soul into it this, and I don't want whatever happened between us ruining his dream." Cam realized a little too late that he'd probably revealed more about his burgeoning feelings for Cooper than he wanted Jesse to know. He could feel his body warming over the thought, and he quickly deflected, "We both want this to be a success, right? So, let's call a truce and leave the past in the past, okay?"

Jesse inclined his head and smiled. "Of course. I think that's the best way to go about things." He couldn't resist leaning in just a little to add, "But the drink offer still stands."

Cooper had stepped back onto the set just in time to see Jesse moving away. The proximity had actually made his heart stop for a moment, and he chided himself for being absolutely ridiculous. Having a crush was juvenile. Having a crush on his lead actor was idiotic and unprofessional. Also counterproductive. "Glad to see you boys are getting along! Look, I have a little work to do on some of the staging and the big group numbers, so if you boys want to touch base with wardrobe, I should be ready for you in a half an hour." It was easy to bury himself in work. By the time they were running through the last of the scenes that evening, Cooper felt at home again. The tension between Cameron and Jesse seemed to have dissipated, and they worked together like a dream. "Alright, that does it, everybody!" He started a loud, enthusiastic round of applause that everyone joined in with. "We're back in tomorrow, but go have some fun tonight. You deserve it!"

Cameron had never been one to indulge in drinking. But, right now, he could most definitely use something to soothe his frazzled nerves. Running into Jesse again had dredged up memories best left forgotten. Not only that, he would have to deal with him every night from now on. Performing romantic scenes, being held and kissed by him over and over. His mind whirled at the implications, and Cam wondered how he would ever be able to act convincingly night after night opposite someone who had broken his heart so badly. Jesse had been an enormous part of why he'd gone on to pursue his career instead of romance. Meeting Cooper had been the first time since High School that Cam has seriously considered taking a chance on someone. Now, with Jesse hovering nearby, that seemed impossible. It was probably for the best, he tried to convince himself.

//God, I really need a drink...//

Leaving the theatre, he hailed a cab and told the driver to take him him to the nearest bar. That turned out to be a club, which Cam didn't mind too much even though it wasn't his scene at all. He ordered a whiskey, which burned his throat as he slugged it down. It did little to calm him, and Cam realized it was going to take more than glass to help soothe over the day's events.

Everett couldn't remember the last time he'd been at such a low. The truth was that he tended to be a bright, upbeat kind of person. He liked smiling, he liked being around people. But he'd barely made himself roll up of the couch to even get to the gig. When they'd booked it - a bar not far from his own apartment - Ev had been ecstatic. Not only did he get to stay close to home, but maybe he could drag Finn to one of his performances for once. Instead he found himself staring out at a sea of strange faces and not really wanting to look at any of them. After catching an "I'll kill you if you fuck this up" glare from the bassist, Ev stepped up to the mike. Thankfully the venue was small and low key. No one seemed to mind that the playlist was decidedly on the somber side. When the door opened and a familiar face finally did make itself known, Everett almost choked in the middle of a song. He managed to push through but had never felt such relief or anxiety at the close of a gig.

The guy from the video - the same guy who'd been at Cooper's apartment - was leaning against the bar and downing his second shot of whiskey. Everett himself had required two bottles of beer just to get himself onstage, and he knew his judgment wasn't at its most refined. For that reason alone, he didn't question his own choices as he sauntered over and took a stool right next to the pretty stranger. The video really didn't do him justice. Up close the guy was all pale skin, bright eyes and cheeks flushed a beautiful pink from the liquor. Everett hated him just a tiny bit more for looking pissed, depressed and still sexy as hell. He suspected that he looked a little on the homeless side himself with stubble and unkempt hair because he simply hadn't bothered to fix any of it before heading out.

"I'd ask if you come here often, but since I don't, that... it seems like the wrong way to start off," Everett heard himself saying. He had no idea what the babbling meant, but he'd known that he had to say something eventually instead of just staring at the guy. "So, anyway, uh... I'm Ev." He motioned for the bartender to bring the stranger another and one for him as well. If he was going to act like an idiot, he might as well be drunk enough for it to make sense.

Already feeling a little buzzed by the time the stranger approached him, Cameron glanced up and acknowledged his greeting. "Cam," he replied with a slight nod. Then, he frowned and peered at Ev a little closer. There was something familiar about him, and yet he couldn't decide what it was. He had only vaguely registered the other man's singing. But he definitely recognized talent when he heard it. "You gave a lovely performance," Cam complimented, only to sigh as he nursed his drink. "Look, mister--I appreciate you being friendly and all. But I'm probably not the best company tonight."

"Me either. I think that makes us perfect company for each other." Ev had no idea where the smooth line had come form, but he was happy to let it go. He downed the rest of the whiskey and asked the bartender to follow it up with a beer. "Thanks, though - about the performance. Kinda feel like shit tonight, so I figured I'd sound like it. Glad to hear it came out okay." Even his voice was pretty, Ev thought with a flash of bitterness. And what did he have to be upset about anyway? He got to go home to Finn, didn't he? The thought almost brought tears again, and Ev shoved the idea forcefully away. "Look, this is going to sound a few different kinds of crazy, but I live a few blocks away, and the booze is free - well, y'know, it would be free for you, so... want to come over?"

Cameron blinked at the other man, taken aback by Ev's spontaneous offer. He wasn't the type to go home with just anyone, and he was about to tell Ev exactly that when... he found himself recklessly agreeing. "Sure, why not? Thanks..." It was the alcohol talking. Otherwise there simply was no explanation for his impaired judgement. His day was completely shot, and he didn't see how going home with Ev could make it any worse. Cam stumbled as he pushed himself away from the bar, inadvertently leaning on the musician for support. "Sorry," he apologized, flashing Ev a lopsided grin. "I'm not much of a drinker as you can see."

Even couldn't help smiling back despite the situation. "Me either. Not usually. We can keep each other from falling over." He gamely looped an arm around Cameron's waist as they headed outside. He didn't know what he was doing. Revenge wasn't his style usually, and Cameron seemed nice. He really did. He probably was really nice. He definitely smelled nice. The whiskey was doing its damndest to destroy the last of Everett's ability to think about anything critically, and by the time they reached his apartment building, the desire to lean in and kiss the long curve of Cameron's neck was becoming something of an obsession. To his credit he managed to stifle the need until he'd unlocked the apartment door and welcomed his companion inside. "It's, uh... yeah, it's a mess. Been a rough few days." Ev shrugged and found himself getting distracted somewhere between closing the door and offering to get Cameron a beer as he began staring at the other man's mouth instead.

Cameron had managed to sober a little from the journey to Everett's apartment. He suddenly felt quite foolish for accepting the other man's invitation. Just because he'd had a run-in with his ex that didn't mean he needed to go home with the first handsome man to come along. Ev seemed nice, and just as miserable as him, but Cam knew absolutely nothing about him. //You've lost your damned mind, Hummel...// "Thanks," he said, taking the beer from Ev's hand. It wasn't his favorite drink in the world--in fact, he loathed the smell of it--but, right now, he needed to forget about Jesse. "It's okay," Cam indicated the state of the musician's home, "I understand what it's like when you don't feel like bothering with anything." He shoved a pile of clothes aside, then took a seat on the sofa. "So, do you want to tell me what happened? I'm actually a very good listener."

Everett felt ridiculous telling the source of his problems about his problems, but he began uncertainly, "My boyfriend was... he was cheating. With me. I mean," Ev clarified, taking a swig of beer to punctuate the thought, "that he was with somebody and I was the other guy. So, I guess... not my boyfriend. Because... y'know... he was... with somebody." It only about half made sense, but he didn't care. It was close enough. Ev forced himself to look from the bottle to Cameron again, and he found himself struck by the fact that in better lighting, he was prettier than ever. It hurt that he could see precisely why Finn was so taken with him. It would've been so much easier if he'd been hideous or a jerk, but he was neither. "What about you? What are you trying to forget?"

//Ouch.// Cameron's heart went out to Ev, who was clearly hurting and obviously needed more than alcohol to soothe the pain. "Well, I landed a dream job," he explained, taking another swig of beer. "It's everything I've wanted, everything I've been working for. And guess who shows up? My ex boyfriend from high school." He sighed and shook his head, which wasn't the best idea in the world as the room began to spin a little. "He's still the same, only he's even more attractive than ever. And I know that no matter what I say or do, he's going to find some way to mess everything up."

So things weren't perfect in paradise. Cameron had a wandering eye too, and not just for him. Maybe he and Finn really were perfect for each other. He might have laughed at the thought if Cam hadn't looked every bit as miserable as he felt. "Maybe it'll work fine. Maybe he's... calmed down or whatever." The suggestion was lame and Everett decided it was stupid to keep trying to talk when neither of them had come back to do that. You didn't go back to someone's apartment stumbling drunk to chat. Throwing caution and common sense to the wind, Everett finally gave in and leaned forward, his lips brushing the soft, slightly stubbly skin on Cameron's neck. "Taste good," he murmured absently before repeating the gesture with more enthusiasm.

Cameron gasped, shocked by the intimate contact and yet, at the same time, not drawing away. His mind was addled from too much liquor, making it difficult to judge right from wrong. He closed his eyes, unconsciously exposing his throat as a shiver of desire gripped him. "We... we shouldn't do this," he faltered, trying to find reasons not to indulge. "You just broke up with your boyfriend, and I..." Cam trailed off, flushing hotly. "...I haven't been with anyone in a long time." He lifted smoky eyes to Everett's, his head spinning and his body trembling. Ev was undeniably gorgeous, and the thought of having to face Jesse on a daily basis made finding comfort in a stranger's arms all the more appealing.

nstead of staying his hand, the mention of his "boyfriend" only strengthened Ev's impulsive resolve, and he stopped the words with a kiss. It was passionate but slightly sloppy. The alcohol had done nothing for Ev's coordination or technique even if it had done a great deal for his libido. He let the liquor swim through his veins and burn away everything but the baser instincts of action and reaction. He heard Cameron's breath catch and pressed in closer until he felt the heat of the other man's body burning through his shirt.

In less than two days Cameron Hummel had been kissed by three gorgeous men; Cooper, Jesse, and now Everett. It was nothing short of a record for him, especially owing to the fact he hadn't allowed himself to get close to anyone since High School. Broadway had been his lover, and it was something of a shock to find himself faced with a trio all attracted to him. He returned Ev's smoldering kiss without another thought, leaning into the other man and wrapping his arms around his neck. Alcohol clouded his judgement, leaving onto a blind, reckless desire in its wake. Groaning faintly, Cam discovered that Ev's soft, sweet lips reminded him an awful lot of Cooper's. And that memory fueled his actions as he plunged his tongue into Ev's liquor-laced mouth.

Everett gave himself over to the embrace. Soon he was pressing Cameron back against the couch. He forgot everything but the sweetness and warmth of having someone else's body tightly held against his own for a few moments. Then an awkward grab for support dislodged one of the afghans slung haphazardly over the back of the couch. It fell half on top of them, and Everett was overwhelmed by an all-too-familiar scent. Finn's cologne. It struck Everett like a blow, and he jerked backward as if he'd been tazed, very nearly falling off the couch in the process. He stared at Cameron's flushed face and felt guilt creeping in like a sickness. "Oh, god... god, you were... right. This is... it's a bad idea. Too soon for me and... and you shouldn't let your ex ruin things... if you care about somebody, you can't... you can't let anything mess it up." He blinked back tears and swallowed. "I'll give you money for a cab. God, I swear I'm not usually an asshole..."

Cameron, reeling from the kiss and Everett's abrupt breaking away, shook his head as if waking from a dream. His hand shot to his mouth, covering his tingling lips. He quickly sobered, which was nothing short of a miraculous feat considering how much alcohol he'd ingested. "It's not your fault," he assured the musician. "I... I don't know what I was thinking." His features warm even further as he added, "Believe me, I don't normally go home with strangers." Everett was terribly sweet, and Cam offered the other man a sheepish grin. "You're right, of course. I shouldn't let Jesse get to me. And you... you should talk to your boyfriend." He swallowed, knowing it wasn't his place but feeling compelled to give advice. "If you don't, you're gonna drive yourself crazy."

It was all Ev could do to keep from crying, though he managed to nod. "Yeah," he finally whispered. "I just... I think... he's where he wants to be. He deserves to be happy." Trying to shake it off, Ev rose on slightly unsteady legs and found himself wondering how he'd let the situation get so out of hand. Cameron wasn't a bad guy - or at least didn't seem like one. He didn't deserve to get jerked around. Maybe him being at Cooper's place was totally unrelated. Maybe it was chance. //Maybe I shouldn't drink so much anymore.// Ev swallowed again and ran a hand through his hair, which only served to make it look even wilder. "I'm sorry about this. Just... take your own advice, okay? I mean, uh, with... with not driving yourself crazy. Trust your instincts."

"Hey, you don't have to be sorry about anything," Cameron assured him. "If your boyfriend can't see what a terrific guy you are, then it's definitely his loss." If things had been different, Everett seemed to be exactly the type of man he could easily fall for. Who in their right mind would cheat on him? He leaned forward and boldly pressed a soft kiss to Ev's flushed cheek. When he drew back, his eyes were still sad even as he offered up a warm smile. "I think what we both needed was someone to talk to. And I have to thank you for that." Straightening, Cam got back on his feet and felt the room spin sickeningly as a result. He vowed then and there to never drink another drop of alcohol again.

"Hey, wait..." Everett scrambled up and headed to the bedroom where he fished some cash out of the sock drawer and returned to triumphantly hand some to Cam. "Seriously, for a cab. I don't want you wandering around the street like this. Or at all. The city's great, but wandering the streets will get your ass mobbed." He nodded solemnly and then swayed before falling back onto the couch. He found himself smiling at Cameron, surprised at how much he liked the person he'd been pretty determined to hate. Or fuck. That was a little fuzzy, but grinning at him like a loon didn't make sense either way. "I think I'd really like you if, y'know, this wasn't such a bad time." //And you weren't shacking up with the guy I'm in love with.//

"Same here," Cameron replied, pocketing the money and tossing another bashful grin in Everett's direction. Then, he frowned a little with concern. "Are you sure you're gonna be okay?" His hand closed around his wallet, and on instinct, he removed one of the cards he kept just in case he ran into any Broadway producers. Then, he passed it to Ev. "If you'd like to talk again, give me a call." Cam found it strange to feel a connection with this man he barely knew. Maybe it was because Ev reminded him of a lost puppy who needed cuddling. It was especially true with those sad brown eyes. "We'll probably both be half-dead tomorrow," Cam assessed, his stomach lurching. "But I'd like to know that you're alright."

If the situation had been anything else, then Everett might have caved. He might have begged Cameron to stay just so he could curl up with the other man on the couch and have someone for the night. Instead he just gave a slight shake of his head that left him reeling a little. "Thanks. I... I'll hang onto this. Don't have any of my own, but... look for gigs if you want. I play around here a lot." Crazy as it was, he wouldn't mind at all seeing Cameron again. "Get home safe. Remember not to let your ex get under your skin. If things are good, just let 'em be good."