Stef sat gingerly on the couch of the hotel lobby thumbing through random magazines as he waited for the return of the ever punctual Brian who had gone out for the evening to have a bit of fun at a local pub. After all, it was their last show for the next year, and why not celebrate by doing what the Placebo boys do best? Stef had opted not to join his two bandmates, but rather sat in the hotel, and attempted to catch up on some much needed rest. Not to mention take that last stretch to wellness, recovering from a horrid cold. Though after a sleepless day had passed, and finding the night hours just as unproductive, he found himself waiting in the lobby for his companions.

Stef glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner of the room as it struck midnight. "Well, it's midnight Cinderella, time to come home from the ball."

Stef was just about ready to give up and return to his room as the hotel doors opened, and a very angry looking Brian stepped in. He looked stunning in his long black coat, black jeans, and his ultra cute "cut here" shirt. And Stef couldn't help but stare as Brian reached into his pocket and pulled out a fag. He presses it to his ruby lips, and flipped open the lighter in a well practiced manner. Then, as he took his first long drag, breathing deeply and glancing around the room, his eyes fell on Stefan.He angrily blew smoke in the direction of the desk manager who had asked him to step into his room to smoke, and quickly made his way towards his friend. His makeup flawless, his tight ass swinging in his jeans, his cute rock star-prima donna atitude, Stef watched Bri stalk towards him, with a hint of lust and heart full of love for him. But was soon snapped out of his Molko induced trance as the tiny figure reached his destination and angrily took another drag from his cigarette. Stef opened his arms wide in a peace offering hoping that Brian wouldn't have too much bitching to do, but Brian stopped short of the hug, standing just in front of Stef, motionless and pouting.'Oh grand' Stef thought 'here we go'.

"Steffy! Steve left be at the bar abd dobody wadted to talk to be abd I was sdooooo bored abd den I coubd't get a cab abd I walked back adb it's raiding abd I thidk I caught your cold." At this the petite pile of complaints stopped to sniff dramatically at Stef and sneeze softly twice to the side. Then turning back with a pathetically red nose and bloodshot eyes, he looked at Stef." I deed a hug." At this he rubbed an itch away from his nose with the back of his hand in a childlike gesture and fell into the arms of the tall swede. Stefan ran his hands through Brian's hair and kissed his forhead lightly, feeling the warmth there. "Come on love, let's get you a nice cup of tea and some dry clothes."

The two of them walked down the corridor together as Brian continued to complain about the events of the evening in between coughs and sneezes and sniffs. Stef's heart dropped to hear Brian in such an uncomfortable situation, and cursed himself for letting the nancy boy convince him to let Bri sleep in the same bed as him when Stefan had had this cold. But Brian had insisted on making Stef "feel better" and one just doesn't refuse Brian Molko. Bri was not generally a fun, happy person when he was ill. Stef opened the door to suite they had been staying in for the last few nights and helped Bri onto the bed. Then hopped into the kitchen to put the kettle on.  With a sigh, he pondered what the next few days would bring.

Brian had just settled into his pajamas as the kettle started whistling. He pulled the comforter up around his tiny frame, and snuggled against the warm fabric, then gratefully accepted the steaming mug being offered by Stef. Stef watched as Brian took the first few sips of his tea and smiled appreciatively. Stef always did make the best tea. "I'b dsorry I'b do fud today Stef." Brian sniffed. "I kdow I'b cradky whed I'b sick."

"It's alright Bri. You were there for me when I wasn't at my best, I'm here." Stef kissed the top of Brian's head and walked to the bathroom to search the medicine cabinet for the cold medications they had stocked up on a week earlier. He returned a few moments later with two blue pills and a glass of cool water. "Take these, they'll help you feel much better." Brian took the pills, examining their royal blue color, and interesting oblong shape, before popping them into his mouth.

"Yuck!" He exclaimed. Stef just laughed at him, and sat down on the bed. He slipped his shoes off, and pulled his shirt over his head. Brian watched him, taking in his strong muscled chest, his delicate shoulders, his long neck, and finally meeting his beautiul eyes. He could drown in those eyes. He loved to watch Stef, no matter what he happened to be doing. It was just his way, to be naturally graceful, and beautiful, and generally appealing. And that was only upon your first glance. Once you got to know him, he was the nicest friend anyone could ask for. There was something about Stef that Brian loved. Maybe it was his personality, maybe it was his appearance, or maybe it was the fact that he finally had someone who loved him for him. Not just what he was on stage, or when he was at his best.

"Cuddle be Stefan....pweeeeeeeeease?"