Closer

27.

They had work today. Brett hadn't shown up. They had work yesterday. Brett hadn't shown up. Eddy wanted to scream.

Waiting for him to pick up his phone was a gamble at best. He had stopped picking up half time after the party at Ray's.

Eddy leaned against his kitchen counter as the beeps transformed into the pre-recorded message from Brett where he said something about being busy.
"Yeah, busy fucking. We've got work to do, asshole," Eddy mumbled, hanging up before it got to the tone.

He hadn't really thought his plan through as he grabbed his jacket and slipped on his shoes, almost throwing his violin on his back before heading out. If Brett didn't want to come to work, work was coming to him.

"Eddy... What... What are you doing here?" Brett asked wide-eyed as he opened the door to reveal his best friend. It was obvious what he had been up to just a moment ago from the red marks on his neck and slightly swollen lips, and of course the fact that he wasn't wearing a shirt.

Eddy had to swallow hard to gather his thoughts before answering.

"We have work to do. We haven't done anything in days, and since you're appearently allergic to my house I'm bringing work here," Eddy said, stepping past him to get inside.

"Uh Eddy, Leonora is still..." Brett began, but Eddy put up a hand to signal him to shut up.

"She's still here, yeah, no shit. She can suck you off under the table while we record or something, I don't care," Eddy spat as he walzed into Brett's kitchen to put on coffee. "Get some clothes on, we have shit to do."

Brett stared dumbfounded at his friend, not really able to process what he had said. He ran a hand through his hair.
"Eddy, I can't work today. I'm sorry, but I promised Leonora I'd take her shopping today," Brett explained, sounding apologetic. Eddy just snorted.

"Yeah? What money are you gonna spend there? Cause we're losing money right now, Brett," Eddy said, not even turning to look at him as he got the coffee brewing. An entire pot, figuring he'd need it himself.

"Of course we aren't losing money, Eddy..." Brett began, but was silenced by Eddy turning around with a bitter laugh.

"And how would you know that, Brett? You haven't done anything for the channel the last two weeks," Eddy pointed out to him, and Brett felt guilt stab his stomach. His first instinct was to defend himself.

"Well, I wouldn't have to patch things up with Leonora if you hadn't been so fucking needy and crying to guilt trip me into fucking you," Brett spat back before thinking about what he was saying. Eddy froze in place.

"You asked what you could do to make me feel better," Eddy mumbled, putting his violin case down next to the kitchen table and sitting down. "I didn't mean to fuck up your life for you."

"I asked what I could do to make it up to you that I didn't come to work," Brett corrected him and found some cups for their coffee. "But I guess I was in on it too, yeah."

Their heads turned as Leonora, wearing one of Brett's merch hoodies and a pair of his sweatpants, entered the kitchen. She immediately went up to Brett and kissed him softly, Brett automatically placing his arms around her waist. Eddy lookef away.

"Morning, babe," she said sweetly before turning to Eddy. "And you must be Eddy, right?"

Eddy made himself lool at her and even smile. Brett could probably tell it was a fake smile, but nobody would get to tell him he didn't try.
"Yeah, hi. You're Leonora, right?" Eddy asked, holding out his hand so she could shake it. "Nice to finally meet the girl keeping Brett from work."

She snorted, and Brett quickly interrupted the tension that wss created.
"Would you like some coffee too, beautiful?" he asked, kissing her cheek quickly and she nodded as a reply, sitting down on a chair across from Eddy at the table.

"So, what are you doing here, Eddy?" she asked, crossing her legs. Eddy ran a hand through his hair, trying his best not to be outright rude to her. It wasn't her fault Brett had decided he wasn't good enough anymore.

"I thought we were working today, but I guess not after all," Eddy shrugged, watching Brett as he poured coffee for all three of them and sat down. "Sorry for interrupting your morning."

"Dude, you don't have to think about that. I'll be at work tomorrow, promise," Brett sighed, but Eddy couldn't help but laugh.

"You know you said that yesterday too, right?" he said, leaning back. "Just forget it, Brett. I get that I don't matter anymore."

"Geez, Brett is coming to work tomorrow," Leonora said, rolling her eyes. "I'm gone all day, anyway. Just don't let him fuck you again, and it's cool."