"No, but really. Cook for me again. I need that cacatoo, whatever it's called that you made tonight, in my life."

Blake grinned at Nick as he shook off his coat and hung it on the rack. They'd arrived at the apartment a few moments ago, and Blake wasted no time mentioning the food again. It seemed like he'd really liked it and a smile tugged at Nick's lips.

"Cacciatore," Nick corrected. "And, sure, I can make Italian food again."

Nick didn't expect a follow up on a vague promise of future dinners, since most people would say 'cool' and go on their way. But Blake wasn't most people. He followed up. "Let's say next week same day?"

"...Well, uh..." No. Nick instinctively wanted to say 'no, I don't think that's a good idea.' But why? He didn't really have a good reason to say no, and he didn't want to shatter the fragile peace they'd established tonight. "Yeah, okay."

"Awesome! I'll do the groceries again, and you'll cook."

Blake didn't leave any space to argue about their new 'arrangement.' With a smile still playing on his lips, he disappeared into his bedroom. Nick was finally alone again, like he'd wanted all along. But now that he was, the apartment just felt too quiet. Quiet was bad, because it meant he was alone with his thoughts.

Nick followed Blake's example and went into his bedroom to watch a show—the chances of any homework being done tonight were below zero let's be honest— and took out his phone because he still needed to do something about Sem. When Nick checked his notifications, however, he saw Alex had also texted him while he was at the Ace of Spades.

Hey! I already miss our board game night :(

do you want to play a game online together?

The message was sent around eight. Nick and Blake were long done with dinner and already at the Ace of Spades by then. Unfortunately, the clock at the top right of Nick's screen read 10:43PM now. Way too late to play a game considering Nick had classes tomorrow.

Sorry, I didn't see this until now. I was at the Ace of Spades actually.

But another time I would definitely be up for that.

Next on Nick's list was figuring out what the hell he was supposed to tell Sem about Alex and being bi, but his phone buzzed as Alex already replied.

Yeah! I heard from Lara you played Tichu tonight. Together with your roommate too

and that she and Carson hooked up. Fucking finally.

Nick replied to Alex with a laughing emoji while he snorted in real life. He and Alex hadn't talked about Carson and Lara and their 'relationship' much, but literally everyone had noticed there was something going on between them. It was still funny too, in a way, how Nick had started his afternoon just yesterday thinking he'd try and get with Lara himself. He was just glad he felt little about her anymore now. A smile lingered on Nick's lips... until Alex send his next message.

So, how about you and Blake huh?

Me and Blake what?

Nick felt an embarrassed flush spread across his face. He knew exactly what Alex was hinting at even if he played dumb. What he couldn't figure out was how Alex could even consider the possibility that there was anything like going on.

Seriously. Whatever you're thinking, no.

Lara said it felt a little like a double date at some point hahaha that's all.

If I would go on a date with any guy it's much more likely to be you.

Alex sent him a heart. Then it was quiet for a long time as Alex was typing for what felt like fifteen minutes.

Same. But I don't do long distance, sorry. I don't have good experiences with it. Maybe if I'd been there longer or we lived near each other. But I'd like to play game again some time.

Nick's stomach dropped. He'd already assumed that this wouldn't actually turn into anything since Alex went home. Still, it felt like a rejection, even if they'd only known each other for like two days. Nick breathed in and out deeply.

Yeah I get that. And sure!

I don't know many people who can actually challenge me in card games

Blake could, apparently hehe

Did Lara just transcribe the entire evening for you then?

Lol no not at all. Just the part that you and Blake completely kicked their ass because you're both competitive af. And that there's definitely tension between you two.

I didn't tell her a thing about us so go figure. Sorry Nick, your bi energy can't be stopped anymore. It's showing.

Nick pressed a hand to his forehead. What the actual fuck. Yes, there was tension but not every tension was fucking sexual. Certainly not the type between him and Blake. Lara really had to stop fantasising about stuff like that.

I can assure you there's nothing like that going on.

Oh come on. He's not my type but he's cute.

Have you never thought about it? not even once?

NO.

It was a truthful, all-caps response: Nick had never in his life considered what it would be like to do anything remotely romantic or sexual with Blake Passant. If anything, this felt like a distraction from Alex' side to ensure Nick knew nothing was ever going to happen between them again, and to ensure Nick was moving on from their one night fling.

But, of course, now that Alex put the idea in his head, Nick's overthinking brain decided to consider it. Blake would be a tease in bed, because he was in everything he did and—Nick psychically shook his head to shake himself out of it.

hahaha okay okay

Really. no.

Anyway, let's play something online another night.

After a brief discussion, Nick and Alex agreed to meet on Tabletop Simulator in two days. Then Alex went to bed. He'd probably already forgotten all about what he said, but Nick couldn't. Words repeated itself in Nick's head long after the conversation was over. He reread the text in which Alex basically told him they'd never date, then his remarks about how Lara thought he and Blake had 'tension.' The longer Nick stared at it, the worse he felt.

One thing was true: Blake was in his head a lot, and he shouldn't be. Why was that, really? Why did Blake get under his skin this much? Blake was hardly the only person Nick knew who had the sharp tongue and could put his finger on the sore spot and poke. It also wasn't like there weren't plenty of people laughing at him after the big football failure. But whenever he thought Blake was laughing at him he got hung up on it.

It wasn't like he wanted to impress Blake. Not like he did with Emma for years, or even with Lara for the few days that lasted. He was only annoyed that Blake always seemed to quietly or overtly make fun of him, even if Blake claimed he was only teasing.

And if you didn't care at all, you wouldn't care about his teasing either.

A knock on the door made Nick's heart leap into his throat. "Yes?" he said, the word coming out more hoarsely than he wanted.

The door opened and Blake peeked around the corner. "Hey!" he said with a bright smile. "Just one more question then I'll stop bugging you, okay? Do you want bacon and eggs tomorrow morning? Just so I don't make it for nothing again."

Nick let out an awkward laugh, feeling his face turning beet-red. "Yes," he said. "That's fine."

Blake winked. "See you tomorrow then roomie," he said sing song, closing the door behind him.

Nick's heart raced. Before, Alex' words drummed in his head. Now, only a single sentence did: and if you didn't care at all, you wouldn't care about his teasing either.