If the last chapter was emotional... well, I think you topped it in this one. :) I like that it's not maudlin or overwrought--it's more about being honest with theselves about their feelings and the genuine impacts of their respective experiences.
It's so interesting how since the altercation in the bar, Brian's and Nick's behavour toward one another has become one of offering something, rather than expecting or taking. It's like they both wanted to get past their, well, past, but could not find the way forward.
Nowhere is this more poignant than in Brian's reaction to Nick's offer to help him with his vocal issues. It's clear how much he wants this help and how much he wants to believe that Nick can help him, and that they can return to their previous dynamic. It's a complete 180 from his earlier decision to quit, and speaks to how deeply he yearns to regain his voice and ability to perform within the group.
In fact, the fireceness of Brian's hope is almost scary, and I can see how easily he could come to expect this second chance to materialize. But I prefer this state infinitely to his defeated attitude before.
Okay, this was way too long. You can tell I had a long gap between reading and reviewing, for lack of time.
But please keep up the great writing and I hope you post more soon! I'm so curious about how this 'help with therapy' thing will work, not to mention how it will, at the same time, affect Nick and Brian's friendship.

Author's Response: I was nervous about writing this chapter because of the emotional/heavy content that it presents. I tried not to linger too long on the Lou Pearlman stuff. I knew I wanted it to be the crux of their disconnect, but it was a really delicate topic to tread - especially since I didn't want to actually say it happened, only that it was suggested to him. It was hard making sure that much was clear in the way Nick confesses what happened. Brian's change from defeat to hope was important too. A second chance, an opportunity to get back what he's lost. Brian's vocals are almost like a metaphor for his relationship with Nick at this point: it's broken, he's trying but it's hard to go alone, and now Nick's in to help, too...

Boom. Called it. Crowd goes wild.

Author's Response: *holds out the spork for you to avenge baby Nick with*