When Brett Yang and Eddy Chen were in a hotel near the beach and both woke up early, they walk along the shore. It was Brett's birthday and Eddy just wants to give him a great day, despite of what he saw the night before.
warnings: expletives, angst and fluff
Third Person POV
Eddy Chen tries so hard to forget the image of his love with another woman on the hotel bed. He doesn't want to hold it against Brett. He knew that somewhere along the relationship, Brett will stop loving him. Of course, even if he has entertained the idea, it doesn't mean that it won't kill him if it happens. He loves Brett too much and if Brett wasn't happy with him then he'll allow the older to leave. Not that he doesn't want to fight for it, but the fact that Brett no longer loves him is enough to let go.
He understands, though. He would get why Brett would leave him. He was too judgmental sometimes, he's too much of a perfectionist, he doesn't easily lose his temper but if he does he explodes, he never wants to go out as much as Brett wants and he really wants his space. He comes off as independent, as if he doesn't need Brett, but he does. He's holding onto Brett for his dear life but he didn't want Brett to think he was weak. He was also not as beautiful as anyone else.
Eddy knows these things all too well and he tries to change them to become a better person. He's doing it for himself.
That was the night that Brett didn't address it. Eddy has seen this way too much for his own good. They're still together because it seems like both are just waiting for the other to end it. Even if the memory was still fresh on Eddy's mind, he set it aside for the birthday of his beloved. He swallows his pride and of course, he still wants Brett to be happy.
Even if the relationship ends, Eddy is still Brett's best friend and vice versa.
Eddy was sitting on the lobby. He was looking for places to go since they both had the free time today. They especially made the day free so they could celebrate his birthday together. Even if that mess happened, a birthday is still a birthday. They still have to celebrate it, lovers or not. He really couldn't find a nice place so maybe a stroll or a swim by the beach near the hotel will be okay.
Eddy has not slept yet, it was obvious in his appearance. The woman did spend the night with Brett anyway. She was beautiful. Eddy can't help but feel small when she saw him. He thinks it's one of the reasons why Brett will leave him. Eddy doesn't know when but he feels that Brett will break it off soon.
He smiles bitterly to himself as he sees Brett walk towards him. The older man has guilt written across his face as he saw the younger. Eddy brushed it off and smiled at Brett. It wasn't a fake one, it was a real genuine smile.
"Eddy, I'm sorry." Brett said, looking at the ground.
"You don't have to say sorry. I understand. Happy birthday, you have to enjoy your day Brett. I have plans, are you ready to go?" Eddy said calmly.
"Yeah, are you hungry, Eddy?" Brett asked.
"No, but if you are we can go to this diner that's walking distance from here. It has a nice view of the beach."
"Yeah, sure. Coffee sounds lovely at four thirty in the morning."
They left the lobby and walked to the cafe. It really wasn't that cold, but Brett felt the breeze beat down his back. Eddy took his denim and pink jacket for Brett to wear. Eddy could smell the woman's perfume that lingers on Brett's clothes but he decides to ignore it. They will talk about it after this.
They arrived at the diner and Brett ordered his food and coffee. Eddy just ordered coffee, he doesn't have the appetite to eat. They sat quietly, having small talk and admiring the skyline between the sky and the sea.
"Eddy, I'm sorry. I really am." Brett said all of a sudden.
"Brett, we've been over this. You don't have to say sorry, I understand. I know. Let's just enjoy your day and talk about it tomorrow. I don't want you to feel bad on your birthday." Eddy said honestly and felt the atmosphere relax a little.
They were quiet after that. When Brett finished his food and Eddy paid for it, they walked on the shore. The sun was rising and its rays slowly warm up Brett. They were walking side by side until they both settled to sit down on the sand. Both didn't say anything, allowing the waves to be heard.
Brett closed his eyes and sighed. He set a distance between him and Eddy. Eddy didn't mention it, but he allowed it. He knew Brett was still feeling guilty. So what he did was hold Brett's hand. Eddy wasn't mad or sad about the whole situation. He was just waiting for Brett to tell him the truth.
He felt Brett go closer to him and laid his head on his shoulder. He could feel the tears stream down the older's face. He wiped them all away, hoping that the older will stop. Eddy was shocked when he felt Brett place a soft kiss on his neck, but didn't move away from the affection. It might be the last one he will ever get.
Eddy stood up and asked Brett to do the same. He really didn't know what to do so he just ran away from Brett.
"If you can't catch me, you're a violist." Eddy screamed and laughed.
"Oh, you're on, Viola King." Brett said as he ran towards Eddy's direction.
For a moment, they forget what truly happened last night. Brett finally got a hold of Eddy and tackled him. Brett was on top of Eddy as they both panted. They were tired by their impromptu game. Brett giggled and Eddy was laughing loudly.
"Who's a violist now?" Brett challenged, not removing himself from Eddy.
"You're still a violist, old man." Eddy said laughing.
"What did you say, Eddy?"
"You're still a violist, old man." Eddy said slowly, emphasizing the sentence.
"You asked for it."
Out of nowhere, Brett started tickling Eddy. Eddy screamed at the sudden attack and he tries to get Brett off of him.
"What did you say again, Eddy?"
"Okaaay, you're not a violist anymore." Eddy said breathlessly. "But you're still old." Eddy added.
Suddenly, Brett got quiet. He was only looking at the younger boy beneath him. He smiles to himself as Eddy closed his eyes. Their bodies were pressed so close against each other and their faces was inches apart. Brett closed the gap between them and Eddy just allowed him to do so.
The kiss was soft, almost apologetic. Brett was still holding Eddy close and Eddy just allowed Brett to do so. They pulled away and Brett gestured for Eddy to sit down. Eddy followed as Brett was still straddling him.
"Thank you for always understanding, Eddy." Brett said genuinely.
"It's not something to thank me for, Brett." Eddy said as he avoided Brett's gaze.
"Still." Brett said as he lightly grabbed Eddy by the chin. Making the younger look at him. "How did I ever deserve you? You're too good for me."
"Maybe." Eddy said quietly.
"No, not maybe. Definitely."
They were wrapped around in silence again. Staying in that position until they felt the sun slowly hurting their skin. Brett held Eddy's hand and made them stood up. It was now noon and they didn't realize the time moving.
Brett never let go of Eddy's hand. He still can't believe that this younger man was patient enough to deal with him. They walked back to the hotel and Brett lied down on the bed. He felt the tears spill out again. Eddy said nothing and sat next to the bed.
Eddy tried so hard not to cry. He didn't want Brett to feel even worse than he already did.
"Eddy we really need to talk about this. About us." Brett said, voice nasal due to the tears.
"You don't have to tell me, Brett. I know. I already know, I've felt it." Eddy said, brushing the older's hair back. The older continued to cry and Eddy just comforted him.
"Please just make sure that it really can't be us, okay?" Eddy added, a hint of sadness and longing in his tone. Brett said nothing, he held Eddy tight and just let the tears stream down his face. Eddy closed his eyes and stopped his tears from falling.
"You're still my best friend. You don't have to worry about losing me. I'll always love you, Brett." Eddy said, still holding Brett and holding his tears back.
"I'm still in love with you, though." Brett whispered.
"No Brett, you still love me but you're not in love with me, anymore. It's okay. I know, who would love me? I'm difficult. I won't ever hold it against you. I know myself as much as you know me."
"Eddy, I still want you as my love. This morning, when you did all of that for me, it's when I knew that I'm still in love with you and I still love you. You've done so much for me and you've even put your feelings aside just so I could have a great birthday. If that isn't unconditional love, I don't know what is. I'll be better, please. Just don't let me go." Brett declared.
"You better make sure this time, Brett. I'll hold you to that." Eddy said as he kissed Brett again.