Well, I write only slash, therefore their "distant times" are explained by having break up lol But, even as friends, I do think that their relationship is really fascinating and inspiring as a writer. Because I do believe that Brian kinda raised up Nick and Nick looked up so much at him. But then, you know, life happens: Brian met Leighanne while Nick grew up and started going up with others people. Maybe Brian didn't like them or maybe Nick thought that now Brian was too boring. The truth is that, no matter what happened in the past between the two of them, they are still the closest friends possible.
I know that Brian doesn't talk about it that much but... isn't fiction useful in these kind of situation? Maybe because I've never been the kind of author that wrote about "getting together with my crush" lol . And yes, it isn't simple. But I would love, one day, to read (or maybe write) a story that explores that time, how it changed the guys's friendship and how they managed to bring it back the way it was before.