the man with luminous eyes

23.

Brett's favorite part was the shower that followed the next morning. Eddy massaged the shampoo into his hair as Brett wrapped his arms around his waist. The sounds of the water muted around them as Brett melted in his embrace, feeling his eyes droop. The warmth of the water and the rhythmic motion of Eddy's hands in his hair lulled him into a state of calm he hadn't felt in... well, forever.

"You're going to fall asleep standing up," Eddy chuckled softly, his voice vibrating through Brett's chest.

"Maybe," Brett murmured, his lips brushing against Eddy's skin. "You'll catch me though, won't you?"

Eddy smiled, his hands still working through Brett's damp hair. "We could stay here all day, you know."

Brett smiled, burying his face into the crook of Eddy's neck. Eddy gently ran the showerhead over the back of his head.

"Brett, you gotta let go so I could rinse you properly."

"If I let you rinse me then we're gonna have to get out."

Eddy laughed, a sound that echoed off the tiled walls. Brett felt it vibrate against his skin, softening his smile as he took a microstep back.

"You look pretty without your glasses," Eddy noticed as Brett closed his eyes. "I noticed it last night. You should wear contacts."

"Can't be bothered," Brett drawled as rinsed the remaining shampoo out. "I'm more comfortable with my glasses anyway."

Eddy kissed his forehead. "Well, you're beautiful either way."

Brett's cheeks warmed, a blush creeping up his face that had nothing to do with the steam from the shower. He opened his eyes, catching the tender look in Eddy's gaze. "You're just saying that because you're my boyfriend."

Eddy smirked, turning the showerhead off. "Maybe, but it doesn't make it any less true."

Brett grinned, leaning in to brush his lips against Eddy's, a light kiss that left them both breathless. "Thanks," he whispered, pulling back just enough to see Eddy's face.

Eddy's hands lingered on Brett's hips, his touch warm and steady. "I mean it, Bretty. You're perfect. Just the way you are. You don't even need to try. You're just flawless."

Brett's smile softened, the weight of Eddy's words sinking in. He always admired Eddy's confidence, how he seemed to have everything figured out. "You make it sound like it's easy."

Eddy shrugged, a playful glint in his eye. "Maybe it's easier when you've got someone who loves you."

Brett tilted his head, studying Eddy's expression. "You love me?"

"Always have. Thought I made myself pretty clear last night," Eddy replied immediately, his voice steady and sure. "But... in case you need to hear it again."

Brett closed his eyes, smiling as Eddy left a soft kiss on his lips.

"I love you, Bretty."

Brett felt his heart swell with emotion, a mix of gratitude and something deeper that he couldn't quite put into words. He reached up, cupping Eddy's face in his hands. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Eddy's smile was soft, almost shy. "Good thing you don't have to find out, then."

Brett leaned in again, resting his forehead against Eddy's. "I'll hold you to that."

"Good," Eddy whispered, his breath mingling with Brett's as they stood there, wrapped up in each other. "Because I'm not going anywhere."