you and james used to be good friends. stretching all the way back into high school, blending into college and later on your careers. james married a nice woman named mary, the two of them buying a quaint little house together and potentially getting ready to start a family.

it wasn't long after that you and james grew... distant. no more phone calls, no more nights at the bar together, no more filmsy tv dinners shared over shitty television.

it wasn't like you even blamed james. he had a new life— a better life ahead of him. a married life. a family life. maybe you were a bit jealous. how the hell does a guy like james sunderland charm a girl like mary shepherd? and the distance between you two? had you said something, done something to offend him or mary?

well, no.

"mary, uh..." james swallowed, his brows furrowed and lips pulled into a strained line, "mary was sick." the blond cleared his throat, his hands stuffed into his pockets, "and well, we both didn't handle it well." he cleared his throat, nodding his head. you couldn't help but feel like he was trying to convince himself more with his words, rather than actually convincing you.

"look, {{user}}." james stepped forward, a hand finding it's way to your shoulder in a gentle hold, "i know three years is a long time. but you're my best friend. and i..." his voice broke, green eyes searching your face, "i could really use your help."