It's All Fun and Games

Chapter 2: Speak No Evil

The trio ate in silence, a palpable tension falling over them like a blanket. Occasionally, Eddie would clear his throat and attempt to start conversation. James and Aleks would only nod curtly and mutter a "yes" or a "no" if need be. After multiple failed attempts to get them talking, the Latino simply sighed and gave up, focusing instead on finishing his work as quickly as possible. It was obvious that something serious happened, though he had no clue what. Rather than dwindle on what transpired, however, Eddie instead decided to let his friends work it out, as it obviously didn't concern him.

Aleks was the first to leave. Once his food was gone, he picked up his keys and gave Eddie a tight smile. "I'm going home. I'll see you later, Eddie." He swallowed roughly, refusing to so much as look at James. How could he look him in the eyes after what had just happened? His face felt hot, cheeks turning red with embarrassment. Quickly, he turned around to prevent the others from noticing. The last thing he wanted was to bring attention to himself. Aleks didn't say anything else-- No goodbye to James or a reason for leaving. He just rushed out the door to get as far away from everything as he could.

"Yeah, bye." James murmured to himself, his eyes following Aleks until he was out the door. He didn't need Aleks to tell him he regretted what happened, after all, it didn't take an idiot to figure it out. Letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding, James rolled his eyes and turned back to his computer. How the hell was he going to patch things up between them? More importantly, how was he going to explain this to the others if they noticed? He pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling his stomach drop. It was going to be a long week.

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"Wake up James. We gotta get to work." A warm hand shook James' shoulder lightly, as if he was afraid of his reaction. James groaned in response, reaching his arm up to pull the sheets over his head, though his hand met only the air. Confused, he groggily opened his eyes, seeing a desk and a computer screen rather than sheets and pillows. Dan stood behind him, wearing a vaguely amused smile across his face. "Fell asleep while working, huh? Happens to all of us. You must've been up late working. Sly said you were still up when he left around midnight." He patted his friend's shoulder before pointing to the kitchen. "Jordan brought some donuts and brewed some coffee. I'd suggest getting some. You and Aleks are supposed to stream tonight." 

Great. Just what he needed. To be stuck right next to Aleks in front of thousands while things were off between them. "Yeah, thanks." He replied, stretching awkwardly in his chair before following Dan's advice and grabbing some food and coffee. From what he could see from the kitchen, Dan, Jordan, and Eddie were all here. It didn't look like Aleks was here yet, or if he was, he was staying far away from James.

As if on cue, the front door opened and in came Aleks, wearing his favorite black and white hoodie. "Damn, it's cold out there." He said with a grin, shutting the door behind him. That grin, however, dropped as soon as his eyes met James', replaced by a much tighter half-smile. "Hey." The Russian forced out, giving him a small nod.

"Hey." James echoed, returning the other's nod hesitantly. He hadn't expected Aleks to acknowledge him. Even if it was just for show, it made James' stomach flip for some reason. The others went quiet, watching the awkward exchange between the two. The following silence lasted but a few seconds, but to James and Aleks, those seconds stretched on for what felt like hours before Jordan cleared his throat, summoning their attention.

"I'm not sure if you dumbs have picked out any games for the stream yet, but I'd suggest doing that if you haven't." Briefly, James contemplated whether or not he should be offended Jordan would assume they were ill prepared, but upon realizing him to be correct, he settled with an agreement before heading out to buy some games.