Closer 2

42.

"Congrats on the 1st prize," Eddy told Brett with a brave smile as they shook hands backstage. It was very obvious that he was disappointed with his own 2nd prize, and Brett almost wanted to apologize. He wasn't supposed to be there in the first place, he didn't want to compete this year. Exams were too much as it was, but his teacher had insisted.

"It should have been yours, Eddy. You played really well," Brett sighed, patting his shoulder. "I'm sorry I ruined this for you."

"I wouldn't have deserved it. You are better than me," Eddy shrugged, licking his lips. "Don't worry about it."

...

"I didn't know you were even auditioning for concert master this year," Eddy said a few years later with the same brave smile. "Congrats on making it."

"Look, I'm sorry. My teacher made me sign up and I know you really wanted it..." Brett began, but Eddy just shook his head before interrupting him.

"No, no, Bretty, you're gonna do a great job. They picked you because you were the best choice," Eddy said, turning away to grab his music from the table. "I guess I should go home and practice some more. See you tomorrow."

Brett wasn't really able to feel happy about his achievement as he watched Eddy pretty much run away from him. He had ruined it for Eddy again.

...

It wasn't until Eddy confessed to him how he felt he realized he had pretty much ruined his love life growing up. He had been leading Eddy on, never realizing how his smiled just made Eddy stick tighter to him.

In a way, he hadn't just ruined his love life. He had ruined his social life too. Eddy always sought him out, always tried to get his attention, and Brett had always been with other people, always taken Eddy for granted. How blind could one guy be?

...

Brett looked over at Eddy, who was sleeping soundly next to him on the bed, and he couldn't help but feel ashamed. How selfish hadn't he been to expect Eddy to stick by him after all that? How selfish wasn't it to keep leaning so heavily on Eddy, to keep taking him for granted?

"You're crying, Bretty," Eddy mumbled, making Brett jump. He didn't think he was awake.

"I'm so sorry," Brett whispered back, trying to wipe his own tears
Eddy was quicker, turning towards him and reaching a large hand out to wipe his tears.

"Why are you sorry, Bretty mine? You have nothing to be sorry about," Eddy whispered back, pulling Brett into a hug. "You're okay, shh..."

"I have a million things to be sorry about, Eddy," Brett sniffled, closing his eyes and hiding his face in Eddy's chest like the selfish asshole he was. Always leaning on Eddy and expecting him to be there for him when he had not been there for him for years and years. He didn't even know why the feeling of all this overwhelmed him right now.

"Like what, Bretty? You've done nothing wrong," Eddy tried to assure him, kissing his forehead. He could never imagine what Brett would say next.

"I'm so sorry I ruin your life, Eddy. I'm so sorry."