the man with luminous eyes

4.

Brett stared at the one empty seat in disdain. His eyes met with his as Brian patted the chair. 

"Come on, sit down." 

Eddy swallowed, his gaze faltering as Brett took a seat. 

"You're not one to submit to peer pressure," Brian greeted. He placed a cup in front of him, filling it with beer. 

Brett's eyes met with Eddy's again, his brow furrowing visibly to let him know he was not pleased. "I was forced to come here." 

"Is that so?" 

The chatter of the musicians filled his ears as plates clanked against the table. Hot pot boiled away nearby. 

"Hey, Chen, tell me what you did to get this old grandpa out of the house." 

Eddy laughed awkwardly, shoving a spoonful of rice into his mouth. 

"Just... asked him," He muttered. 

The rest of the evening went smoothly. Brett drank quietly, trying his best to ignore the regard of the other man. It was difficult; people were surrounding him like he was a celebrity, demanding he take a drink from every single person there. 

It wasn't long before Brett noticed the lull of Eddy's head. Brett noticed the bottle of kaoliang knocked over nearby. 

Oh, god. 

The table had quieted as many left for a second round. Brian was knocked out next to him, snoring heftily. 

After being sure his deskie had a safe ride home, he found Eddy's phone and scrolled through his contacts. 

His brows furrowed at the shockingly empty list. There was only one contact; one with an awfully familiar number. 

"...Uh?" The man flinched, his eyes darting towards the drunk. He blinked slowly, tilting his head. "Whatcha doin' with my phone?" 

"Trying to get you home. Where's your parents' phone number? Or your friends?" 

"...Don't have any," He shook his head. "Don't have family or friends." 

"...Why is my number...?" Brett's voice trailed off. Eddy's eyes met with his as he smiled softly. His heart did a backflip. 

"Brett's is the only one I want," He slurred his words hopelessly, gently taking the phone from Brett's hand. He scanned the room through a half-lidded gaze. "...Everyone's gone? Where'd they go?"

"Second round."  

Brett swallowed. Eddy softly hummed along to the restaurant music, swaying from side to side. A whirl of unidentified emotions crept up on Brett as Eddy giggled to himself. 

"Hey, kid," Brett tapped his shoulder. Eddy turned to him faster than he could react, his brows furrowing dramatically. 

"Don't call me that," He snapped. "Old man." 

Brett rolled his eyes. "Yeah, ok. Come on, I'll call you an Uber." 

"It's alright," He wobbled to his feet, taking a slow breath. "I live around here. I can walk. Mhm. I have legs." 

"You'll fall flat on your-- face." 

Heaving a sigh, Brett helped him to his feet. "You live in the area?" 

"Uh huh," Eddy nodded. Brett hesitated, closing his eyes as he wrapped his arm around Eddy's waist, placing Eddy's arm over his neck. The smell of his familiar cologne and alcohol stung his nose. 

"Type in your address," Brett ordered, handing him his phone. Eddy took a moment to process his words before obeying silently. 

It was a 2 minute drive. Brett would manage. Then he'd go home and knock out. "Ok. Let's get you home."