It was never a surprise when Steve left. He always left to go.. do whatever it is he did. It crossed TJ's mind once that they guy might have a family somewhere, but Steve just didn't seem the type. But what did he really know about the man? He never stayed around long, but he always came back. TJ promised himself he was done with all this: the vanishing for weeks, for months at a time and all the secrets and distance. But as soon as Steve showed up at his door, all his resolve melted away.

Maybe if he was sober, he'd have more willpower. Yeah, right. TJ liked trying to convince himself he'd be a better man if he would just kick all his bad habits: drugs and booze... and Steve. But what could he do when Steve showed up again, just standing at the door like there was nowhere else he was supposed to be? Inevitably, they ended up in bed. Again. Once all the fire of anger and passion cooled and they lay there in the dark, TJ started wondering why he kept trying to convince himself this was a bad thing.

"How long are you here?"