《con bravura acceso - twoset one shots》VII. piano quintet in f minor by César Franck
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Eddy Chen has been married for a few years now. He realized that he loved his best friend of two decades when he already has a kid and is happy with his wife. Brett Yang wasn't taken by anyone. Does Eddy act on his feelings or does he just sweep it under the rug and pretend it never existed?
Third Person POV
Eddy Chen was happy.
He has an amazing life and he feels fulfilled by his accomplishments. If you look at it, he has a wonderful and lovely wife, he has a beautiful four year old daughter, he provided them for both them both, he has a nice house, and he still has his YouTube channel, co-owned with his best friend ever since they were young.
The two had been best friends for so long, that they're dependent on each other in some situation or in some way. Eddy knows that if he feels something wrong, he can immediately sort it out with his wife or Brett.
It's nice knowing that I always have three people I have that's within reach. Eddy thought.
Eddy's wife, Stephany, loved Brett too. She saw how much of an older brother Brett is like for Eddy and sometimes even envied their relationship. She kinda wished that she had a best friend like that when she was younger. So, when Brett was around, even Emilia was enjoying his company.
Stephany and Brett grew closer, with Brett treating her like the way he treats Eddy. Of course, it was the same with Emilia, except he was much more overprotective. There was something about Brett Yang that evoked calmness and peace, making you feel grounded and just plain happy. The Chen's knew this so well.
Eddy, of course, knew it much better than the two, after knowing Brett for a long time. Eddy just arranged a date for him and Stephany for tomorrow. He was just talking to Brett in the phone about babysitting Emilia. Brett immediately said yes.
Another thing about Brett, he's single. It also seems like he never dated anyone. The topic never really came up, so Eddy doesn't know. He made a mental note to ask Brett about it.
They talked for a while and Eddy just felt so happy. After hanging up the phone, he felt a little bit empty. Almost as though he had the urge to call Brett again and stay up all night with him. But Brett probably needed the sleep since he's watching Emilia tomorrow.
Eddy crawled on the bed, next to his wife and spooned her. She kissed Eddy's cheek and let him cuddle her, feeling safe in his arms. Both fell asleep with peace and a sense of calm. Almost like what Brett makes them feel.
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When they woke up, both smiled immediately. Knowing that they had the day to themselves. They heard the doorbell ringing and Eddy stood up to answer it. He knew who it was by heart.
"Eddy!" Brett said as he hugged his best friend.
"Hi to you, too." Eddy said as he hugged back.
Even if they aren't living together, they had a routine. Especially at Eddy's house. So, quietly, while Stephany gets ready, Eddy's making coffee for the two of them as Brett chats with the younger. Just catching up with each other, even if they do see each other almost every day.
Eddy remembered the mental note from last night.
"Oi, Brett. I have a question."
"What?"
"I never hear you talk about your love life."
"That's because I don't have one." Brett said as a matter-of-factly.
"Why though?"
"No reason. I just can't find someone who likes me that I like." Brett said honestly, but there's still a hint of mystery in his voice.
They both heard small footsteps coming towards the kitchen. They found Emilia, barefoot and rubbing her eyes. With the mess a top of her hair, you can most definitely say she just woke up. Brett sighed and Emilia immediately reacted when she saw Brett.
"Uncle Bwett! I missed you." She said, making grabby hands, signaling for Brett to carry her. Brett never corrected the way she says his name because it's cute.
Brett stood up from the chair and picked her up under her armpits. She hugged him and kissed his cheek. Brett laughed as he looked at her. She had a great combination when it came to her parent's looks. The thing that stood out the most to Brett is the fact that she got Eddy's eyes and lips.
Brett can never tell Eddy how much he truly loves him, so he masks it with brotherly affection. Eddy's already happily married and he knows he doesn't want to ruin that. He's also pretty sure that Eddy just saw him as a brother and a best friend.
Eddy on the other side of them, felt his heart flutter at Brett's laugh. He instinctively put his hand on his chest and smiled.
Brett looks so good with kids. It makes me wish I have a kid with him.
Eddy thought. What the fuck, Eddy? You can't say shit like that. Not when you're married and in love with Steph.
Stephany entered the kitchen and beamed when he saw Emilia in Brett's arms. She grabbed the coffee and signaled Eddy that he could prepare. Eddy nodded as she kissed him.
Brett can't look at the exchange. He feels as though he's intruding, or maybe it's ache. After all those years, Brett doesn't really know.
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Eddy left the room and prepared for their day out.
"Well, Brett, I don't think we have to instruct you because she tells you everything." Stephany chuckled and drank her coffee.
She's so beautiful and kind. No wonder Eddy picked her. Brett thought.
"Mama, can we come with you and papa?" Emilia asked innocently.
Brett will never get use to the sound of that.
"Em, your mom and dad are going to have a date. You should let them enjoy. I have plans for us, you wouldn't want to let that go to waste, wouldn't you?" Brett coaxed her and she looks at him with a knowing look.
"Okay." She said as she proceed to hug Brett tighter.
Stephany mouthed a 'thank you' before she took another sip of her coffee. A few moments later, Eddy came out of their bedroom. Looking his best, knowing that he has a good day ahead of him. He went up to Stephany and hugged her from behind.
I should just unlove him. Brett thought. He smiled to himself bitterly.
The married couple pulled apart and approached Emilia and Brett. Stephany kissed Emilia's cheek and hugged Brett. Eddy did the same, except his hug lingered a little longer than expected.
It doesn't mean anything. Brett thought again.
"Em, be a good girl for uncle Brett, okay?" Eddy said as he ruffled he's hair.
"Yes, papa." Emilia said as she kissed his dad's cheek. Stephany was looking at them at awe. Brett feels as though he's intruding a family affair.
"Bye, Em. We love you and see you later." Stephany said as she and Eddy walk out of the door, hand in hand. Brett closed the door along with his eyes. He sighed and looked at the beautiful, little girl in her arms. The very reminder of their love.
I will let him go and I know it. But not now. I will, but not now. Brett thought as he smiled at the girl.
- - - - - - - - - -
Eddy Chen and Stephany Chen were out and about. She has always been beautiful in his eyes. He knows that he'll always love her. It's just, the thought of loving Brett has got him questioning that love.
Eddy examines her under the sunlight. She still looks the same as he met her eight years ago. She just looks a little older, but she's happier. She smiles a lot and she radiates so much energy that he live for. She smiled at him and asked.
"What's on your mind, dear? Is there something wrong?" She asked as she looked over at Eddy with concern.
"Nothing. I'm just looking at you, Steph, that's all." Eddy said with honesty.
"You just never change, do you?" She said with an amused voice and a soft chuckle.
"I love you everyday, so it's good, right?" I said as I kissed her cheek.
"Much more than good, Eddy my love."
Eddy's smile tastes bitter as he realized something as he looked at her.
I love you but I'm not in love with you, anymore.
- - - - - - - - - -
When the couple gets home, they notice that it's eerily quiet. The moment they enter, they were greeted with their toddler sleeping on top of Brett. Stephany grabbed Emilia from Brett's chest, waking up Brett in the process.
"Sorry." Stephany whispered.
Eddy was just watching the scene unfold.
"It's okay. I'll be leaving soon, too. Goodnight, princess. See you soon, Steph." Brett said as he stood up and kissed Emilia on her forehead and kissed Stephany on her cheek.
"Thank you so much, Brett."
With that, Eddy felt his chest constrict as he watches Brett kiss them. He wants Brett. That's the thing, he knows it. He always knew it at the back of his mind.
It has always been him.
Stephany sent Emilia to bed and it was now Eddy's duty to walk Brett to the door.
They walked outside and Eddy closed the door behind them. They faced each other, both not knowing what to say. Both their hearts are beating unrhythmically and fast. Eddy was the first one to break the silence.
"Thanks for watching her. I hope she was a good girl today." Eddy said with a smile.
I want you to stay with me forever, Brett.
"She was. She always is. How about your date, how was it?" Brett asked.
Please, don't answer that. I already know, Eddy.
"It's okay. I love her so much. I mean, it's probably not my business, but you should find someone for you." Eddy said, concerned for his best friend.
Don't look for another, I'm already here, Brett.
"I will, don't worry too much about me." Brett said reassuringly.
You're the one for me, I know it. Maybe in the next life. I'll make sure I won't be too late and we can be with each other. I'll never let you go in this life, and I certainly won't in the next life, Eddy.
The two men hugged and nothing else was said.
"See you tomorrow, Brett."
I love you.
"I'll be there, Eddy."
I love you.
Little did they know, both were professing their loves for each other in their minds.
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