"Genuinely, I'm about to kill her," Billy threatened through the tears, chest heaving and eyes manic. "I can't- Stu, I can't-"
His voice broke and the knife in his hand dropped to the floor with a clatter.
Stu looked down at his best friend, who was now on his hands and knees as he tried to scramble for the blade again. "Billy, look at me," he ordered.
Billy did. He sat on his knees, legs spread slightly, and arms hanging limp at his sides. He had frustrated tears running down his face and sweat soaking his shirt, but Stu knew he wasn't any less capable of having a conversation with him now than he was at lunch today.
"Tell me what's wrong," Stu said. He was sitting on the couch, and he motioned for Billy to join him. "But I need you to take deep breaths. Okay, Billy? Calm down."
Billy crawled to the edge of the couch, still catching his breath from his previous outbursts. He rested his head on the cushion next to Stu's thigh and opened his mouth, only to choke and need to try again.
"I- she," he took a big gulp of air while getting his thoughts under control. "I am upset because she likes me," he said finally, jaw clenched.
Stu hummed. "And her affection sickens you?"
Billy pressed his face deeper into the cushion. "It sickens me until I can't think about anything except spilling her guts."
"You know we will," Stu said softly. He ran a hand through Billy's sweaty hair, petting him softly, soothing his emotions. "You just need to wait for the anniversary. You can do that, right Billy?"
Billy let out a muffler groan and pressed up against Stu's hand. "Why can't standing her be as easy as loving you?"
Stu felt a twisted smile appear on his face, but he suppressed it. "C'mon, let's get you in the shower. I'll make instant noodles for when you get out."
He helped Billy up from the floor and kissed his head.
