#zane x eli.oo2

[ofwishfulthinking]

who: zane @dadiism

The morning had come sooner than Eli had hoped it would. He'd fallen asleep, thoughts racing, and had woken up with the same thoughts swirling around in his mind. He and Zane had kissed. But why? And what was he supposed to do about it? Ignore it? Make a joke? Pretend he'd forgotten? With a groan, Eli swiped a hand across his face. Noah was still asleep. With any luck, he'd have an hour or so before he the toddler woke up. With the way his head throbbed, Eli knew he could benefit from any Noah-free time he could get. On quiet feet, he padded to the bathroom. Eli took his time making his way through his morning routine before walking quietly to the kitchen. What he needed was coffee. He filled the pot, and flipped the switch being sitting at the small wooden table resting his forehead against the cool surface as he waited for the kettle to whistle.

[ofwishfulthinking]

"You think you'd have to tell me twice to propose to the hottest guy in town?" Eli had joked before about finding Zane attractive, had even joked that they were essentially married, but it felt different saying it now that they were on a date. He'd be lying if he said that a part of him hadn't always found Zane attractive, but that had been such an inconsequential part of their friendship that he'd simply chalked it up to objective fact -- his best friend was handsome and anyone would be attracted to him -- but now Eli was forced to consider that maybe he'd always been attracted to Zane. Maybe this was inevitable. There were certainly a handful of people who felt that way.

"You're right." Maybe it was that simple -- they clearly had more than friends feelings for one another, so why make it more complicated than that? When Eli thought of it like that, most of the nerves dissipated. The rest of the evening passed by without a hitch and Eli felt himself expel a breath he hadn't even realized he'd been holding for some time. After they'd finished eating and had taken care of the bill, Eli stood. "So, bowling? Or are you tired? I know you've been working a lot. We could call it a night and just hang at home. Your choice."

It's almost a relief when Eli admits that he's nervous, because Zane is too. This wasn't a normal first date and they both knew it. There was a lot more at stake here. If things didn't go well, would it change their friendship? That was the last thing either of them wanted, but Zane knew it was on both of their minds.

"Me too." The brunette says after the waitress leaves, teeth digging into his lower lip for a moment. Eli's description of the two of them elicits a chuckle though, shaking his head at his best friend's words. "Deal. But if it does work out, I fully expect you to put a ring on it and make if official." Zane's mostly teasing, but the thought really wasn't that absurd. They were a family already, practically married in every sense other than legally. Plus they were raising Noah together, and Zane knew Eli trusted him with his son. "Um." It wasn't that they didn't have anything to talk about, it was just that anything that that would talk about was just...normal for them. Maybe they were putting too much pressure on themselves. Zane felt a little silly about it. "Why are we like this? This is silly. I like you, and you like me...and yeah, maybe it's a little weird we're just now going on a first date, but we're here and we can talk about whatever we want." Zane points out, nudging Eli's foot under the table with his. "I'm not going anywhere and I know you aren't either. So let's just enjoy ourselves, okay?"

[ofwishfulthinking]

"You're right," Eli couldn't help but agree, albeit reluctantly as he raised his glass to Zane's. There was nothing to be nervous about really. He'd never felt uncomfortable when it came to Zane. In fact, if there was one person in the world who knew him better than he knew himself, it was Zane. So, unlike with other first dates, Eli didn't have to worry about being impressive. He didn't have to worry that he'd accidentally say the wrong thing or talk about his son too much or find some other way to scare this person off. Instead, he found himself worrying that the date itself would fall flat, that they'd known each other for so long that the magic that came with meeting someone knew would be lost.

"I'm uh... I'm actually nervous," Eli finally admitted clearing his throat as the waitress approached. His attention shifted to her, watching as she quickly and patiently taking their order before leaving them again, and the conversation drifted back to Eli's previous statement. "If this doesn't live up to the hype, we just forget it happened, and go back to being two guys who live together and raise a kid, right?" He was mostly teasing even though the description perfectly described their current situation. "So," Eli paused, tapping his fingertips against the tabletop, "what do you wanna talk about?"

"Someone has to do them." Zane teases, chuckling quietly. In all honesty, they split most the chores. He had made it very clear when he had agreed to stay with Eli that he wanted to split things, and that included both rent and chores. The last think he ever wanted to be was a freeloader, not that he thought Eli would see it that way. It was more for his own pride than anything.

"Spring rolls, yes. And bowling. I can't remember the last time I went bowling." Zane agrees, nodding his head. Even though they were on a date, it still felt like they were just hanging out, but maybe that was what being on a date with your best friend should feel like. "Hey, c'mon. We can do whatever and we're gonna have a good time. We both know this." He says, reaching for his water glass, holding it up. "To us and whatever the night holds."

[ofwishfulthinking]

The day had flown by. Eli had spent much of it running errands, then a few hours with his son at the carnival, and when he'd finally dropped Noah off at his parents', the tiny child had been so hopped up on sugar that Eli had considered canceling and staying home with him for a brief second, but then Noah had started screaming and Eli had handed him over to his mom with a relieved smile. She and his father had sent the toddler back to Eli in worse condition on more than one occasion, so he didn't feel as bad as he could. "I would've at least texted. It's kind of hard to ghost you when you know where I live," Eli joked. "Good. He ate so much sugar that I almost felt bad for my parents, but they'll deal."

Eli shrugged and nodded in the direction of the restaurant. "Read to do this," he asked. He was nervous, more nervous than he'd been for any date recently. Not that he frequently went on dates nowadays. Most of the interactions he had of a romantic variety were to scratch an itch. There weren't very many people he wanted to actually introduce to his son. "How was your day?"

"Yeah?" Letting out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, Zane smiles, nodding his head. "That sounds perfect. I'm sure your mom won't mind at all." He chuckles, hearing Eli's words exactly in his mom's voice. "Your kid's got all of us wrapped around his little fingers. I'm not even gonna deny it." Zane was definitely included in that comment. He'd do anything for Noah or Eli. I'll see you tonight then. It's a date."

Even though they've eaten out together plenty of times before, Zane is still oddly nervous as he approaches the restaurant, having agreed to meet Eli after he dropped Noah off. Waiting outside, he tucks his hands into his pockets, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet until he spots Eli, nodding in his direction. "There you are. I was starting to think you were going to stand me up." He teases, shaking his head. "How was the carnival?"

[ofwishfulthinking]

It was worth a shot, wasn't it? Worse case scenario, they could have an awful time on their date and realize that being friends was the best thing for them, but they'd never really know unless they did it. "Yeah, we could do that," Eli agreed. "I was planning to take Noah to the carnival. So, maybe we could grab something to eat afterwards and hang out just the two of us? I'll ask ma about holding on to him for the night. I'm sure she won't mind. She keeps telling me that I'm keeping her from her grandkid even though it's been less than a week since I took him over there."

That settled, Eli returned his attention to his breakfast. "I'm gonna run to the grocery store today. So, text me anything you need." He laughed a bit self-consciously. "You know I have no idea what we need to stay alive."

The timing between them had never been right. What Zane needed growing up was a best friend, and Eli was that. He was more than that. He knew Zane better than he knew himself, all of the good and the bad, all of his insecurities and biggest hopes and deepest fears. Eli was the only person who knew him that well, and the thought of doing anything that may cause him to lose the one person in the world that truly knew and understood him was a thought that he couldn't bear.

"Yeah, yeah. So stupid." The brunette repeats, his heart sinking just a little bit at the words. At least their friendship wasn't going to be affected. They were both set on that. "What?" The question catches Zane by surprise, his head snapping back up to look at Eli carefully. "I mean, yeah...of course that's okay. As long as we keep talking to each other about our feelings." He says, chewing on the inside of his cheek. This definitely wasn't how Zane thought his morning would go. "What if...we got dinner together? I know we always get dinner together, but, like, a date. I'm sure we could convince your parents to let Noah sleep over for a night, if you want."

[ofwishfulthinking]

Eli should've let it go. He knew that, but he also knew that the question would have burrowed its way into his brain and taken up residence there until he knew. "Makes sense," he replied with a quick nod, and it did. He'd never thought about a relationship with Zane, not really, at least. It had been mentioned to him in the past, and Eli had laughed at the idea because this was Zane. This was his best friend. There was no way that Zane thought of him in that way, let alone wanted to risk their friendship on the off chance that they worked as a couple. Eli knew what he was like in a relationship and the idea of crossing that boundary made him nervous.

It was good to know that Zane felt the same way. "It was a stupid thing, Zane. That's not gonna affect our friendship." He was determined about that. Still, a little part of him couldn't help but wonder if this was worth the risk. There was no one who knew him better than Zane, no one he loved more. They already lived together. His kid adored this man. Wasn't that what he wanted from a significant other? "What if I don't know what I want?"

Okay, so maybe they weren't cool. The words leaving Eli's lips and the expression on his best friend's face didn't exactly match. Zane knew him too well, knew all of his looks and tells, just like Eli knew all of his. He knew when the other man was lying, and in this moment, he was.

Still, he's happy not pressing the issue further (at least for now). That is, until Eli continues questioning him, causing Zane to choke on the sip of coffee he had just taken. "Uh..." There wasn't a good answer to the question, really. Zane wasn't really sure why himself. "I don't know. I mean, I guess the timing? One of us has always been in a relationship...or getting out of one." Maybe the timing wasn't the best now either, but what had happened had happened and they couldn't take it back. Besides, there was no such thing as a perfect moment anyways. "I know. Me too, honestly. I think I've always just been a little scared? You're my person, Eli. I don't want to let a kiss ruin our friendship. So if we want to just let it be a one time, drunken lapse of judgement, then I can live with that. But only if that's what we both want."

[ofwishfulthinking]

As Zane spoke, Eli's gaze remained on his face intent on making sure that his words matched his reaction. If Zane wasn't okay with what had happened last night, Eli would apologize and promise to never let it happen again. He'd call it an accident and just chalk it up to the drinks they'd had and the fact that they were both lonely and comfortable with each other. "Yeah, good," he replied, though somehow agreeing made his stomach twist. It didn't have to mean anything. "Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. You're my best friend, babe. Nothing's gonna change that."

With that settled, Eli returned to his breakfast in silence. He needed to make sure that he was all set to work or Yaz would have his head. More likely, she'd want to talk about what was bothering him and Eli wasn't sure he knew the answer to that. "What took you so long," he asked, suddenly. Eli wasn't sure why he was pursuing the topic. It would've been easier to just let it go, but there was a curious part of him that wanted to know. "I mean, we've been friends for years. I mean, I thought if we were gonna kiss, it would've been in high school. So why'd you kiss me now? "

"Oh, I know. I think I woke up with a dinosaur lodged in my spine the other day." Zane chuckles, shaking his head. He probably should've checked the couch better for Noah's toys, but usually after a long overnight shift at the diner, he ends up passing out on the couch in his work clothes. He wouldn't put it past Noah to sneak him a toy while he was sleeping though. He often woke up with random things in bed with him. It was sweet, even if waking up to a Tonka truck leaving an impression on your face wasn't exactly the way Zane meant to start his day.

When Eli confirms that they had kissed, Zane nods, slightly relieved that Eli didn't mean to be feeling too weird about it. Honestly, he was surprised that they had never kissed before given how attached at the hip they were. There was always something preventing them, he supposed. Until last night, when they had just the right amount of alcohol. "Yeah, yeah...it's all good. Doesn't have to mean anything." A lie. Zane wanted it to mean something, but that conversation could wait until they both weren't hungover and reeling from the night before. "What about you? You okay with it?"

[ofwishfulthinking]

With a nod, Eli moved around the kitchen. He set out the plates and utensils before sitting. He enjoyed watching Zane in the kitchen. The other man was confident, and a part of Eli was jealous of that. Eli never knew what he was doing when it came to cooking. He threw things together and hoped for the best. He was grateful every day that he and Noah had Zane and that Zane seemed happy enough to keep them all fed.

"Looks good," he said when breakfast was ready and set. "He's in his dinosaur phase so hopefully we can find a few books." Not that he was worried. Carly had a way of finding books Noah would be interested in, and sometimes, she even convinced Eli to check out a few books. Not that he had a lot of time for reading. He'd been in the middle of shoving food in his mouth when Zane spoke again. Eli nearly choked. He'd hoped that they could get through breakfast without mentioning the events of last night. "Uhm... we kissed," he said. It sounded weird to say that out loud. "Guess we were drunker than we thought," Eli joked as he scratched at the back of his neck, mildly embarrassed. "You okay with that?"

"Nah, I got it. Thanks, though." Zane replies, offering Eli a smile. He didn't mind doing the prep work, most of it second nature by now as he starts on frying some bacon. "You can grab a couple of plates if you want." He adds, nodding towards the cabinet. The best thing about his hangover breakfast (besides being delicious) was that it didn't take too long to make.

"That sounds nice." The brunette muses at the mention of the library, nodding. "Tell little man to pick out some new bedtime stories. We gotta switch it up." Zane says teasingly, knowing full well that he'd be perfectly happy reading Noah the same three stories every night if it made him happy. He'd do anything for that kid. "I'm working the night shift. I'll be around for dinner and bedtime though, I don't need to be there until eight."

Despite their conversation being a completely normal, talk about your day, chat between two friends, Zane couldn't help but feel the slight edge or air of awkwardness that was in the air between them. Turning the stove off once their food is done, he plates it up, turning to face Eli. "So...last night." He says, lips pressing together for a moment. "Did we..?"

[ofwishfulthinking]

The first sip was like heaven. Finally, Eli understood how people could be so cranky without their coffee. Quietly, he nodded his head in recognition of Zane's thanks. "Need help with anything," he asked as he watched the other man move around the kitchen. Zane moved around the kitchen with a confidence that Eli simply doesn't share and though he'd offered, Eli knew that Zane would probably be better off without his help. So, he returned to his chair to observe instead, close enough to help if Zane needed it.

"Uhmm..." he mumbled. "Grocery shopping for sure." They were running low on a few staple supplis and he wanted to get ahead of it. "Maybe we'll head down to the library. See Carly for a bit." If there was anyone who could keep Noah entertained, it was Carly. "You're not working today?"

"Thanks." Accepting the mug, Zane offers Eli a small smile, taking a sip before he starts to move around the kitchen to gather items for their breakfast. The silence between them, while usually comfortable, feels a bit off. Maybe it was just because they were hungover, he thinks, or maybe they were trying not to wake Noah. Either were fine excuses. But that's just what they were — excuses.

"It won't take long." Zane promises at the mention of breakfast. Luckily, it was one of his specialties. Cracking a few eggs into a bowl, he starts to whisk them, his focus half on cooking and half on Eli's presence in the room. "I'm not sure. You know I'm no good with doing nothing all day." If his head wasn't throbbing, he'd consider going for a run, but that sounded terrible right now. "You? I don't remember seeing Noah having anything on the calendar."

[ofwishfulthinking]

At the sound of Zane entering the kitchen, Eli lifted his head, a small smile on his lips. "Morning." The apartment was small, just the room that he and Noah shared, the kitchen, and a living room area. Still, the three of them made it work. He hadn't been joking when he'd offered to alternate between the bed and the couch with Zane, though he was almost sure that sleeping on the couch was comfier than sleeping with Noah. Even though he was small, he seemed to take up all the room on the bed, and he had a way of always kicking Eli in the back while he slept.

"I'm actually looking forward to it. I feel like I haven't eaten in weeks." He stood and made his way to the kettle. He pulled two mugs out of the dishwasher and mixed the coffee, pushing Zane's over to him when it was ready. "So, what do you have planned for today?"

Zane was pretty sure last night had been a dream. At least it felt like it. The evening had gotten a little hazy at some point and Zane was pretty sure he had kissed Eli, which was...something. It wasn't a bad kiss by any means. In fact, it had been the opposite. Which was why Zane had spent most of his morning wondering if he should say something between the time he spent tossing and turning on the couch.

Already half awake when he hears Eli moving around in the kitchen, Zane sits up, running a hand through his hair. "Morning." He calls out, waiting for a moment before he moves to his feet, making his way to the kitchen. "I believe I owe you breakfast."

[ofwishfulthinking]

As they settled at their table, Eli found himself falling into silence. Hanging with Zane had always been comfortable. They'd been friends for so long that silence wasn't something scary. Still, Eli couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. He'd never crossed the line with a friend before. At least, not a friend of Zane's caliber. "Sounds boring," Eli replied with a little roll of his eyes. He hated household chores, hated everything about being an adult actually; if it wasn't for Noah, Eli was sure that most of the adulting tasks he did on a daily basis would've gone undone. At Zane's question, Eli nodded. "They've got these avocado spring rolls that I really like. And wings too."

He flipped open the menu, glancing over the list of appetizers just in case there was something else he wanted. Finding nothing else, Eli set the menu aside. "When we're done here, want to grab a late night movie? Or maybe go bowling?" It had been a while since Eli had had a night without Noah and he almost didn't know what to do. All he knew was that he wanted to maximize the opportunity to just let loose and be a twenty-nine year old who didn't have to worry about keeping a small human alive. "Or we could just go home and hang out. Watch a movie. Not have to worry about being social. It's up to you."

"This is true." Zane laughs, shaking his head. The idea of a sugar loaded Noah definitely sounded like a nightmare, so he was glad that he was with Eli's parents for the night, especially if it meant that they got to go on this date. Zane had been thinking about it all day, and while he was a little nervous about it, he was looking forward to it too.

"Yeah, let's head in." He says, following Eli into the restaurant. Once seated, he clears his throat softly, folding his hands into his lap. "It was good. I did some chores around the house." It wasn't all too exciting, but then again, he and Eli knew each other so well that they didn't have to get into all of that awkward first date small talk. "You want to get a couple apps and share?"