“So, I watched your stream with James the other day.”
Aleks momentarily looked away from their co-op game, raising an eyebrow at Eddie, and giving him a suspicious look.
“Yeah, so?” He asked, narrowly avoiding being sniped in-game and ducking for cover, hissing out a swear.
“You guys work really well together. Like, really, really well.” Eddie giggled a little as he killed Aleks’ avatar, and Aleks groaned in frustration and set down his controller. “I was just wondering if you guys had any other, eh, special plans at some point with each other?”
Now putting his full attention on his friend, Aleks asked bluntly, “Okay, why are you asking this shit all of a sudden? It’s weirding me out, dude.”
Eddie raised his hands in defense, controller still in one hand, looking as innocent as possible.
“I just wanted to say that you guys have something really great going on. I think you’re an awesome match.” Eddie felt like he hit the jackpot when Aleks ducked his head slightly, eyebrows furrowing in embarrassment. He could almost see the red on his cheeks, and it was beautiful.
“Yeah, I guess…” Aleks mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t get what the big deal about it is, though. We’re friends.”
“Just friends?”
Aleks’ head snapped up, his eyes nearly blazing in realization. Eddie felt a cold sweat drip down the side of his face. Whoops.
“I know what you’re fucking doing, dude, and you should stop right now,” Aleks said lowly, “what James and I are up to have nothing to do with anyone.” Eddie released a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, relaxing as Aleks calmed down (the last thing he wanted was Aleks to snap at him and storm off; mission failure to say the least).
“Hm,” Eddie hummed, “I’m sure he feels the same way, if the way he acts around you means anything.”
“Wh- what about the way he acts around me?” Aleks asked, voice cracking. The nervousness was back, and Eddie wanted to pat himself on the back for an excellent recovery.
“Dude, Aleks, he adores you. Just watch the stream footage sometime and see how he looks at you when you aren’t looking. It’s really cute.” He chuckled, pretending not to notice the way Aleks was blatantly flushed red over his cheeks. Hook, line, sinker.
Eddie waved a hand dismissively. “But just go talk to him if you’re curious about it. You won’t regret it. Now, are we playing or what?” He settled back into his seat, fingers at the ready against the buttons of the controller.
“U-uh, yeah.” Aleks unpaused the game, looking relatively shaken up, but nevertheless returning to the shooter (where he proceeded to die several times until rage-quitting, Eddie’s laughter bouncing off the walls of the house).
—
Eddie was elbow-deep in internet fanmail when his phone buzzed from his pocket. Taking it out immediately, he scrolled up through his recent messages (apparently he missed several angry ones from James— what a shame) to the newest one.
“fuck you. stay out of our business.” Eddie made soft “tsk” noises to himself, and his phone vibrated once more while still in his hand.
“but thanks I guess”
Attached was a picture of Aleks leaning up against James, flipping off the camera that James was holding above them. Eddie nearly leaped out of his chair when he noticed the two were holding hands, pumping a fist into the air and laughing loudly.
Mission accomplished, go team.
