the man with luminous eyes

17.

When Brett opened his eyes the next morning, he didn't even want to ask how it happened. Why he was in the arms of the man he loved, in his bed, their arms and legs entangled like yarn.

His skin felt warm against his touch as he breathed deeply.

Brett's eyes scanned the younger man's face, wanting to take in every detail, every inch, before he'd never see him again. Before he went off the to land known as Sydney to live out only the best life for a musician.

Surely, he'd forget about Brett. He'd meet a much better musician, a much better teacher, a much better partner— someone better suited for the talented university student, in all aspects.

Brett would just be a figment of his past, long forgotten in his sea of success.

But... for now, he wasn't gone. Not yet.

Brett could be a little selfish.

He inched closer ever so slowly, hoping he wouldn't wake Eddy up.

His forehead bumped gently against his chest, his arms tightening over Eddy's waist. He sighed deeply, hoping he could stay like this forever.

His eyes burst open when he felt arms tighten around him.

"...Morning," Came Eddy's groggy voice. "How'd we end up like this?"

Brett held his breath. His eyes scattered, blinking quickly as his pulse quickened.

He pulled away, sitting up quicker than he probably should. His head spun with his hangover as Eddy sat up next to him.

Pained groans escaped both their lips. Eddy laughed softly, a light sound that made Brett want to smile.

"Sorry," Eddy laughed. "Didn't mean to sleep in your bed."

"You're alright," Brett looked around for his glasses when he didn't feel them on his nightstand. "Where..."

"Here," Eddy pushed them sloppily onto his face. "They were on my side."

My side.

Eddy had his own side on Brett's bed. He adjusted his lopsided glasses, smiling to himself as Eddy climbed out of the bed.

"Wanna order in?" Brett asked as he watched him stretch.

"Sure."

The rest of the morning was full of nausea and the occasional migraine. Brett didn't mind, though; Eddy was there to soothe his back whenever he keeled over the toilet. Eddy was there offering him water when he felt like his head was going to split open. Eddy was there when he felt too lazy to do the dishes and did it for him.

Eddy was there.

Brett was scared to think about what he'd do when he no longer wasn't.

. . .

The orchestra was murmuring with excitement as the maestro explained the reason for Eddy's quick leave. Brett watched in silence as he returned to his seat, getting a few pats on the back and his hair ruffled.

It was hard to watch Eddy pack his violin for the last time. Brett tried his best to pull his eyes back from the sight, but it was hard when Eddy looked like he wanted to slow down time.

"Hey, you're leaving in a few days, right?" Brett heard Eddy's deskie, Vivian say. "Goodness, the Sydney Symphony. And at your age! You must be excited."

"Mhm," Eddy nodded halfheartedly. He masked it with another one of his brilliant smiles. "Can't wait!"

Brett felt a pang in his chest as he listened to the conversation. Eddy's smile, though bright, didn't reach his eyes. Brett knew him well enough to see the cracks in the play, the way Eddy's movements were a bit too controlled, his responses just a bit too rehearsed.

As the other musicians gradually packed up and filtered out of the room, Brett lingered by his own seat, pretending to be absorbed in tidying up his sheet music. He wasn't sure what to say, or if he should say anything at all. Part of him wanted to walk over and say something reassuring, but another part of him feared it would just make things worse.

Vivian gave Eddy one last congratulatory squeeze on the shoulder before she headed out, leaving the two of them alone in the echoing rehearsal space. The silence felt both comforting and suffocating, like a secret they both knew but refused to say out loud. 

Eddy finished packing his violin, his movements slow and deliberate, as if he was savoring every last moment in the room. Brett felt his presence linger behind him, like a child waiting in anticipation for their Christmas gift. 

"Brett," Eddy called softly, and he turned to him with a hesitant smile.

"Hey," He replied, his voice softer now that they were alone. Eddy glanced around the room, as if taking it all in one last time. "So... in two days, huh?" 

Eddy nodded. 

"How do you feel?" 

Eddy shrugged. "I thought I'd be more excited, you know? But now that it's actually happening..." He trailed off, his gaze dropping to the floor. "I guess it never hit. Imma miss this place. And, well... you." 

Brett's breath caught in his throat, and for a moment, he wasn't sure how to respond. He hadn't expected Eddy to be so open, so vulnerable. It made everything feel more real, and the reality of Eddy leaving hit him harder than he anticipated.

"I'll miss you too," Brett said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You, uh, make a good practice partner." 

Eddy laughed softly, a sound Brett knew he would miss with his entire being once he was gone. "That's all I was? Wow." 

Because that's all you should be. 

The words caught in Brett's throat. Eddy reached over and gently tugged at his wrist. 

"Don't look so sad. I'll come visit," He said, though the smile that followed looked faker than the one he had reassured Vivian with. Brett furrowed his brow at the sight, unable to look at him any longer as he turned his head. "You'll let me sleep over when I do, right?" 

A plea. A plea so small, yet Brett noticed it instantly. 

You won't forget about me, right? 

His hand found Eddy's as he held it reassuringly. Eddy's smile seemed much more genuine, and the sparkle returned to his eyes. Brett smiled fondly at the sight, and for a moment, nothing else mattered but the fact that Eddy was here now, in front of him. 

"Of course. Come visit often?" 

"For sure."