Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Y/N was the most sought out editor in LA, she loved the youtube community and she loved her job. She did not however love her sad-ass love life.

The bar she was sitting at was playing some baseball game she glanced at periodically, pretending to be there for reasons other than getting tipsy for cheap. She took another sip of her rum and coke then asked the bartender for another. Twirling the little plastic umbrella in the glass she sighed, and scanned the room.

She wasn’t extremely proud of it, but she needed something stronger than Jack Daniels to fill that specific void in her heart. She was looking for some cute guy she could take home, ride like a mechanical bull, then never call again. Just to repeat this cycle again and again.

But tonight was a bust, Tuesdays were always the most empty anyways, she downed her new drink and asked to pay her tab before getting out her phone to call an Uber back to her apartment. When she opened up her phone, she saw that a youtuber she had worked with several times before had sent her a text:

Chad (Chelsea): Hey dude! Hope your week is going alright, me and a few other content creators are meeting up for a rooftop hangout on Saturday, you should drop by and network!

She looked at her text and felt a sinking bit of dread. Y/N wasn’t a socialite by any means, she liked to: A) Make lots of money by doing the job she was great at, while B) Sitting in a dark room talking to nobody and getting dicked down on a bi-weekly basis. Y/N was smart, she knew that she wanted to find capital L love eventually, and she was going to ruin her eyes if she spent every hour of her life staring at screens in dark rooms. So she responded:

“Hey! What time should I come over? And Will I know anyone but you?”

“Yeah, I think so? You did some work for Kurtis right? He’s down for some collabs, so he’s gonna be there.”

Y/N felt more dismay, she knew Kurtis but only as a business relationship, so Chelsea was essentially the only person she was going to know. But her new year's resolution was to be less of a shut it… 

“OK, well count me in”

“Great! You’re on Beer duty, nothing gross! No natty light! LOL”

That night Y/N couldn’t sleep, she was so sure that this was the biggest mistake of her life, and she was sure that she was being melodramatic as well. Instead of getting her eight hours she scrutinized her looks in the mirror, tried to plan her outfit, decided she had absolutely shit clothing options, talked to her cat like he was a human about all of her hardships (“but sushi you have it sooo easyyyyy, you don’t ever have to do anything hard! Ugh!”), and contemplated canceling well over twenty times before falling asleep.

The rest of the week went by shockingly fast, before she knew it, it was saturday and time to head over to the party. She sat in the backseat of the uber trying to regulate her breathing, it's gonna be fine Y/N, people do this all the time! It’s LA for gods sake, people meet strangers they aren’t fucking or getting paid by every day. Don’t be weird .

Chelsea’s house reflected her personality perfectly, it was dark and prettily decorated with jewel tones painted on her walls on her top floor apartment. Y/N glanced around, the weight of the beer case she was responsible for digging into her palms. Chelsea spotted her immediately, smiling at her widely.

“Y/N! You made it!” Chelsea’s voice cut through the chatter, pulling a quick hug from her. 

 She grabbed Y/N's hand to drag her up the stairs and onto the roof, into the circle of content creators. Y/N felt the knot in her stomach gradually loosen.

With a nervous laugh, Y/N made her way towards Kurtis, who was grilling some burgers and hotdogs with a “kiss the cook” apron on, because it allowed her a break—a moment to acclimate before succumbing to small talk. As she approached someone caught her eye.

His hair was dark and long on the top, and his eyes were so dark they almost looked black. He was handsome, to say the least, with thick eyebrows and a classic mustache above his lip, along with an eight o’clock shadow, and glasses that perfectly framed his adorable face. It was Eddy Burback, leaning casually with a red Solo cup in hand, his laughter rich and warm as it floated amidst the conversations.

Y/N had only worked with him once; their collaboration had been smooth and professional, leaving her with a faint impression of his baritone chuckle. She tore her eyes away from him to talk to her closer acquaintance.

“Hey, Kurtis!” Y/N called, her voice slightly shaky. Kurtis turned around with an easy grin before enveloping her in a quick hug. “Chelsea put me on beer duty—grab a cold one.”

As Kurtis thanked her and moved away to tend to the grill, Eddy sidled up to her, offering a small nod of recognition. He looked casual yet effortlessly put together in his laid-back attire, his eyes catching the rooftop’s glow in a way that made them look like gold.

Eddy sidled up unexpectedly, his casual greeting nearly making her jump. “Hey, Y/N,” Eddy's deep, warm voice wrapped around her like a pleasant surprise.

“H-hey, Eddy,” she stammered, internally wincing at her lack of composure. “Um, you’re... here.” She wanted to bite her tongue. Of course, he was here; stating the obvious only underscored her awkwardness. Stupid, stupid, stupid, why didn’t she remember him being so… hot!

Eddy chuckled, an easy sound that didn't mock but instead seemed to say he found her presence unexpectedly delightful. His smile was reassuring, though—kind in a way that helped soothe her nerves.

They slipped into a hesitant dance of small talk, each exchange a shuffle and sidestep as Y/N navigated the unfamiliar terrain of mingling with someone who seemed content to orbit her peculiar world. Eddy’s patient lead was a lifeline, his easy questions and amazing humor coaxing her out of the shell she habitually retreated into.

He leaned in conspiratorially, lowering his voice to a near whisper. “You know, I almost didn’t come tonight.”

The unexpected confession drew Y/N’s gaze, curiosity and appreciation lighting her eyes. “Why not?” she asked, the words barely above a murmur.

Eddy shrugged, a casual gesture that belied the intent behind his words. “Too much noise, too many people. I’m more of a small group kind of guy.”

Y/N nodded, a spark of recognition igniting within her. “I get that. Big parties like this feel… overwhelming.” Her admission left her exposed, yet the vulnerability felt oddly liberating.

“I gotta say Eddy, I’m surprised you’re more of an introvert, I see you online and you’re always ranting about something and wearing your heart on your sleeve. In a very entertaining way of course” Y/N said in a lightly teasing way

Eddy chuckled, his laugh rich and genuine, tapering off into a charmingly sheepish grin. “Yeah, I suppose I do give off the impression of someone who never stops talking. I mean, my job kind of demands it. But I always say there’s the ‘on-camera Eddy’ and then there’s just… me.” He tapped his chest lightly, as if to emphasize the difference.

Y/N hummed in mellow agreement, before subconsciously checking her phone. 

“Oh shit, is tonight the 31st?” she said with panic in her voice

“Yeah it is, why, what's wrong?” 

“I have a video I have to send to a youtuber at midnight tonight, I gotta go home so I can send it time” She said calling her uber 

“Are you leaving already?” Chelsea said

“Sorry Chad! I messed up big time and my client needs to get this for their sponsor agreement” She said putting her coat on and heading out the door

“Will I see you later Y/N?” Eddy questioned, but just as he asked, the door was closed and she was out of earshot.

Chapter Text

Eddy leaned against the railing of the dimly lit rooftop, the city skyline stretching out behind him like a painting. He sipped his drink thoughtfully, his mind half-focused on the swirling conversations around him and half on the recent upload he had hesitated over more times than he cared to admit. He was known for his candid, almost frenetic online rants, an undeniable extension of himself—but a part of him always longed for quieter moments like this.

Seeing Y/N tonight had been an unexpected twist. He remembered her from their brief working stint together, a memory marked by her quiet brilliance and efficiency. In the YouTube community, Y/N was a legend, with most creators eager to have her magic touch on their videos. Eddy admired that about her, the way she seemed to thrive behind the camera, in her element with every click and cut.

And, as if on cue, reality pulled Y/N back to her professional world. Eddy watched with a pang of disappointment as she checked her phone, her eyes widening with realization. She was leaving. And he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t at least a little bummed about it.

The departure was abrupt, with the usual pleasantries hastily exchanged as she slipped through the door and vanished into the night. Eddy stayed, savoring the final sips of a beer, his thoughts lingering on their unexpected exchange.

The crowd around the rooftop began to thin as the evening wore on. Eddy's gaze drifted over to a pair that was hard to miss—Danny Gonzalez and Drew Gooden. Both were wrapped effortlessly in each other's company, their chemistry infectious as they shared inside jokes only they seemed to understand.

His eye was caught by Ted, Eddy's best friend, who approached with a wry grin. Ted was Eddy’s grounding force, always ready with a quip or a comforting ear. Tonight, his presence was a balm against the anonymity the bustling city often impressed upon him.

“Eddy! You look lost in thought,” Ted called, offering a familiar clap on the back. “Contemplating the mysteries of life?”

“Just trying not to overthink Y/N heading out so early,” Eddy admitted, his voice slipping into an easy confessional tone with Ted. “You know, big parties and all that.”

Ted raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “The Y/N, the editing genius? Here? Wow, what a rare Poké—people say she’s a legend!” His exaggerated whisper catapulted their little group into bubbling laughter.

Eddy didn’t say anything in response, but something about the way Ted looked at him told Eddy he knew that there was something behind his laughter.

When Eddy got home that night after being driven by Ted, Eddie trudged up the narrow staircase to his apartment, the evening’s cool air still clinging to his jacket. The door swung open with a quiet creak, and he stepped into the familiar warmth of his living room. Home was a comforting clutter of mismatched furniture and half-finished script ideas scattered across the coffee table.

He flopped onto the well-worn couch, letting out a deep breath as he sank into its cushions. The energy from the rooftop party still buzzed faintly in his veins, a pleasant hum that blended with the distant city sounds seeping through the window. His trusty sidekick, a fluffy gray cat named Marlowe, sauntered over to nuzzle against his leg, purring softly. 

“Hey, buddy,” Eddie murmured, scratching Marlowe behind the ears, grateful for the familiar company.

The evening had been as lively as these gatherings often were, filled with laughter, stories, and the palpable sense of belonging that always seemed to linger among creators. Despite the enjoyment, Eddie found his thoughts drifting back to Y/N at various moments—her quiet presence had been an unexpected yet comforting constant amidst the chaos.

He replayed their conversation in his mind, considering the subtle ease with which they’d connected, how she’d listened so intently, and the genuine curiosity in her questions. 

Eddie reached for his phone, a habit ingrained by years of content creation. He scrolled absently through his social media notifications, pausing as he saw a picture from the party tagged with familiar faces. There was Danny gleefully mugging for the camera, Drew pulling a silly face beside him, and in the background—just out of focus—stood Y/N, her attention fixed on something beyond the frame.

The image brought a smile to his face. Even when she was slipping away, she was making an impression without even trying.

Deciding he couldn’t leave it at just that, he opened his messages, fingers hesitating above the screen. Though tempted to reach out, he wasn’t sure what he’d say beyond an earnest “It was nice talking.” But it wasn’t his style to rush things; Eddie liked letting moments breathe, seeing where they might lead naturally.

Instead, he drafted a quick, simple message:

"Hey Y/N, it was great seeing you tonight. Hope the video got to the sponsor on time! Maybe we can chat more next time."

He reread it once, then deleted it and tried again with a different tone:

“It was nice seeing you tonight, was everything cool afterward?”

Ugh, why is this so hard? Jesus…

Eddy thought he would try again in the morning when he was rested and feeling ready to think logically. Right now, he just felt like someone was crinkling paper in his chest. His head felt slightly lighter from the few drinks he had, but he wasn’t drunk enough to forget anything.

He went to his bedroom to get out of the button-up shirt he wore to the party get into his sleepwear and take off his glasses, before brushing his teeth and taking a leak. He plopped himself down onto his bed, tossing his phone onto the nightstand. Marlowe, he could hear, followed him in and placed herself squarely on his chest as he snoozed.

Chapter Text

It had been about two weeks since the rooftop talk with Eddy, and Y/N felt like she was going insane. Every time she opened youtube she saw his face, and it felt like she was going insane. She woke up in the morning and kept having dreams that made her feel like she was going insane. 

The dream was always the same, with slight differences from time to time. She was naked, but not nightmare-at-school naked,comfortable. Walking through a long hallway made out of plants and flora. When she reached the end of the hallway there was a large beautiful room.

Y/N would find herself in a space that felt unfamiliar yet oddly comforting—a cozy café bathed in the warm, golden glow of late afternoon sunlight. The air was rich with the aromatic scent of freshly ground coffee, mingling with the soft hum of indistinguishable chatter surrounding her.

As she glanced around, her eyes settled on Eddy, who sat at a nearby table. He was dressed casually, a softly fitted shirt and jeans that highlighted his relaxed confidence. His hair fell in gentle waves, catching the sunlight and illuminating the kind of smile that made her feel as if the world had narrowed to just the two of them.

She would blink and his clothes would be off, and no matter how much she wanted to look down, to drink it all in, her eyes were locked onto his.

When she reached him, Eddy rose smoothly, offering a hand that she took without hesitation. His touch was both firm and gentle. His hands felt large, calloused and warm, a grounding feeling that resonated deep within her bones. 

They leaned toward each other, the world falling away as if the very room conspired to draw them nearer. Y/N could feel his warmth, the faint scent of his cologne mingling with the heady aroma of coffee, he smelled like Eddy.

Their lips met in a slow, deliberate kisses that seemed to spark new sensations within her, each movement precise and full of intent. She leaned into him, their contact an anchoring presence that banished the lingering shadows of uncertainty that sometimes haunted her waking moments.

Y/N's skin tingled with the thrill of being so near him, each subtle brush of his fingers against her back sending shivers along her spine. As the fervor of their kiss deepened, she felt his hands tenderly explore her form, tracing patterns that elicited both comfort and heat. Despite the ethereal setting, their connection was tangible, each caress and each sigh a testament to their undeniable chemistry.

They moved in sync, he kissed her neck softly, he whispered compliments and confessions into her ear. Every movement he made was calculated and planned out. He was confident. 

Then she would wake up. And she would feel fucking insane.

She went about her day, she edited videos, and she pretended everything was normal. She needed to get it together, if she spent all day editing videos, why was it taking so long for her to edit this guy out of her head.

She tried to find refuge in her routines, in the comfort of what was known and controllable, but something about her time with Eddy lingered.

Finally admitting that perhaps there was no escaping it, she allowed herself a singular indulgence—calling Chelsea for a little advice under the guise of casual conversation over weekend brunch.

The café was bustling with weekend energy, the air ripe with the promise of avocado toast and bottomless mimosas. Chelsea, with her relentless enthusiasm and colorful personality, was a known fixture here.

For Y/N, the raucous, animated brunch scene was both comforting and dizzying, but she welcomed it, even if just as a distraction. There, amidst the familiarity of clinking cutlery and Chelsea's infectious laughter, Y/N decided to broach the subject. After all, she couldn’t deny that the silent pull towards Eddy was becoming harder to ignore.

“So, Chelsea,” Y/N began, slicing into her breakfast with a deliberate precision that belied her nonchalant tone, “do you think—hypothetically speaking—that people can genuinely connect when their paths cross at the most unexpected times?”

Chelsea raised an eyebrow, her fork pausing mid-air as a knowing smile curled at her lips. “Hypothetically speaking,” she teased, “did the universe decide to align your star chart with someone else's?”

“Actually…Maybe?”

“Interesting” Chelsea laughed, drawing out the word. “Y/N, you're too cute. Spill it—who’s the unlucky soul?”

Leaning back, Y/N dropped the façade of idle chatter, a sigh escaping with her confession. “Remember Eddy? From the rooftop party?”

Chelsea nodded conspiratorially. “Oh, Mr. Mustache? Yeah, he's practically made of charm. What about him?”

“We talked for a bit, and ever since… I can’t stop thinking about him,” she admitted, a tinge of disbelief in her voice. “It's all inexplicably ridiculous, but… I even dream about him.”

Leaning forward with her characteristic intensity, Chelsea fixed Y/N with a look, her voice dropping an octave as if to ground the conversation. “If he’s really under your skin like that, maybe you should reach out. Don’t be so scared, girl. You’re a grown woman, you should ask him out if you want to ask him out. If he does say no, it’s not the end of the world”

“Chelsea it would literally be the end of the world. I would have to resign myself to never leaving my apartment, I would have to become a hermit, It would be the end of the line for me. You’d have to put me down like a dog if he said no”

“Okay! Okay, I see your emotional fervor Y/N. Maybe just ask him to hang out, if you see the stashe’ up close and personal maybe you’ll get the ick and stop thinking about him? Or maybe he’ll ask you out, who knows?” 

“I don’t think i’ll get the ick from his mustache, but maybe texting him is a good Idea” Y/N admitted begrudgingly 

Y/N toyed with the edge of her napkin, comforted by the candid ease only friends like Chelsea could bring, even when dealing with the perplexing dance between fancy and reality.

But beneath it all was a subtle excitement—a thread tying her thoughts to Eddy’s warm laughter, the promise of new beginnings laid bare beneath the veneer of friendship and curiosity. Maybe, just maybe, it was time to see where those dreams led.

As the brunch wore on, Chelsea seamlessly shifted their conversation to lighter topics, leaving Y/N with a sense of support and the decision that simmered quietly, unfolding with each step she took back into her day.

Back home, with the evening sun casting long shadows across her apartment floor, Y/N picked up her phone. Her fingers hovered over the keys, each tap deliberate and considered.

Chapter Text

Eddy's phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with Y/N’s message: “Hey Eddy, would you be interested in hanging out sometime, I had a great time talking at the party :)”

His heart gave a little leap, a mix of relief and a tinge of anxious excitement coursing through him. He stretched out on his couch, Marlowe eyeing him with feline indifference, as the question hovered in the space around him. She wanted to see him again, and just like at the rooftop party, there was something just comfortably right about it.

He pondered for a beat longer than necessary, crafting his reply with care. "Hey Y/N! I’d love to hang out and talk. How about coffee on Friday? There’s this spot I love with amazing breakfast pastries”

Hitting send, Eddy let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, eyes flicking back to the TV, though he hadn’t followed the show’s plot in the last ten minutes. 

When her response came—quick and enthusiastic—"Friday sounds perfect. Would love to check it out with you. What time?"—a pleased smile settled over his face. 

His thoughts drifted to the memory of Y/N on the rooftop, the way she mingled genuine curiosity with a sprinkle of humor, and how she’d listened. Really listened. The kind of attention that made people feel seen. He appreciated that in her, how she seemed utterly present, a rarity for someone working as intensely as she did.

The days leading up to Friday slipped by with their usual rhythm, his daily routines laced with a fluttering undercurrent that occasionally made his concentration waver.

Friday morning arrived. Eddy took his time choosing an outfit—something that said casual confidence—and ran an extra comb through his hair. He thought briefly of the stache’—his trademark—and decided it didn’t need any additional grooming today. Let it be real, like everything he hoped this day might be.

He smiled at himself in the mirror and allowed himself to appreciate his features. Not that Y/N was going to be thinking about how he looked, they were just meeting to chat after all. He did secretly hope that she would appreciate his styled hair and meticulously chosen clothing.

Heading out, he found he was ridiculously early, which completely nullified the chill, laid-back aura he was aiming to maintain. Arriving first at the café, he welcomed the quiet hum of pre-rush chatter, easing into a corner table where the soft aromas of coffee and pastries mingled comfortingly. 

When Y/N arrived, a warm gust of energy seemed to accompany her, and Eddy found his nervous thoughts softening in the presence of her smile. It was grounding, this feeling, and his earlier nerves started to feel more like a joke between friends rather than something worrisome.

“Y/N!” Eddy greeted, rising in a way he hoped conveyed a cool demeanor rather than immediate eagerness.

“Hey,” she grinned back, her spirits seemingly aligning with his own relieved ease, “So, are these pastries really as good as you say? Because now the expectations are high.”

He relaxed, settling into their banter as they explored the assortment of pastries, selections undoubtedly made tastier by her presence. Their interaction flowed seamlessly—effortlessly. He marveled at how easy it was to drop the mask of on-camera bravado, letting the quiet parts of himself stretch comfortably into the surface.

“So,” Eddy asked, overly curious yet completely engaged, as if the story she might spin would fully color the café’s already charming tint, “how’s everything in the world of editing genius?”

Her laughter in response was warm, genuine—a sound he realized he was already memorizing. They spoke of their crafts with shared enthusiasm, their common ground expanding with one tale after another painted across the cozy backdrop of their intimate setting.

“Honestly,” he ventured, sincerity thrumming beneath his confession, “I’d thought about reaching out after that rooftop party, but… I didn’t want to intrude.”

Y/N's playful chuckle—like music—played right into the affectionate exchange they’d grown. She let his words sit for a few moments, in a comfortable silence

“If we’re being honest, I don’t usually enjoy talking to most people, Eddy. I mean, especially YouTube people, ironically enough. But talking to you at the party, and even right now… It’s just, actually enjoyable. It’s nice. I want you to intrude. I like talking to you” She said thoughtfully

Eddy looked at her, his heart in his throat. He liked her. Like, a lot.

His stupid dumb brain was short circuiting.

Say something Burback! She’s waiting for you to say something!

Eddy's mind raced, piecing together thoughts rapidly as if sifting through a million well-crafted video scripts for the right words. She likes talking to you, the words echoed in his head. He realized he might be staring, so he broke into a smile—one he hoped masked his internal flailing and conveyed the genuine warmth he felt.

As the weight of Y/N's words settled, Eddy's thoughts spiraled in a frenetic dance of excitement and disbelief. Flattery warmed his cheeks, and although part of him felt slightly bashful, another part urged him to seize the moment.

“Yes.” he managed to reply, a sincere smile breaking through the jumble of feelings. “I mean, i agree.”

There, he’d done it. He let his feelings seep into the honesty of his words, noticing the softening of Y/N’s expression—the way her eyes seemed to hold an invisible thread of camaraderie he wanted nothing more than to follow.

A comfortable silence enveloped them momentarily, the ambient noise of the café filling in the gaps. During that pause, Eddy took a sip of his coffee, grateful for the warmth running through him, both from the drink and the company he was in.

“So,” he began, searching for the perfect line of inquiry, something to elongate this moment without steering it into mundane territory. “Do you ever think about what it would be like if you weren’t in this whole YouTube game? Like, if you had taken a completely different path?”

“Yeah… sometimes I imagine what it’d be like to, I don't know, run a cozy bookstore. A place people come not just to read but to escape, to find their own little corner in the world,” she mused, easing into her thoughts with the dreamy indulgence he found utterly captivating.

“That sounds amazing,” Eddy said, and he meant it. There was something genuine in her vision, something that momentarily painted even him into the scene she described, warm and inviting.

“What about you?” Y/N asked, turning the spotlight back onto him. “What would Eddy Burback be doing if he weren’t gracing the virtual screens and reacting to shitty content from the past?”

Eddy hesitated, considering how his response might sound. “I think I’d be lost in audio somewhere,” he confessed, chuckling. “Like, maybe radio or something. Just talking nonsense into the ether, but on some level hoping it connects with someone, you know?”

She nodded, an understanding that didn’t need words passing between them. “I could definitely imagine you doing that,” Y/N replied, her voice warm with encouragement. “It suits you, the talking. You have a way of making topics come alive, even when you’re just being silly.”

They delved deeper into hypotheticals, from dream vacations to favorite nostalgic TV shows, each topic pulling them closer, the ease between them grounding any fluttering nerves Eddy initially harbored.

As the morning stretched into noon, the café began to fill with the lunch crowd, lively conversations overlapping and bringing a natural conclusion to their breakfast adventure.

They stepped out into the brilliant sun together, and Eddy paused, glancing at Y/N with an openness he hadn’t dared express until now. “Hey, this was really nice,” he said, his hand automatically reaching to rub the back of his neck in a shy reflex. “Can we do this again? Soon?”

Her answering smile was bright, and there was a delightful hopeful note in her agreement. “I’d like that, Eddy. Definitely.”

As they left the café, the city outside wrapped around them with its usual bustling embrace, and Eddy found himself inarguably calm, she liked talking to him, wasn’t that a step in the right direction? 

Later that evening, Eddy returned to his apartment, his thoughts still lingering on the day's meeting with Y/N. The excitement from their time together simmered gently in the background of his mind as he opened the door, stepping into the familiar coziness of his space. Marlowe, his perpetually aloof cat, barely acknowledged his entrance, instead favoring the warmth of a sunbeam streaming through the window.

Despite the bustling day outside, his apartment was a sanctuary of calm, filled with muted sounds of the city—a stark contrast to his ever-turning mind. He tossed his keys into the bowl by the door and ambled towards the couch, pulling off his jacket and letting it drape over the armchair on his way.

The TV flicked to life with the press of a button, quietly murmuring about plot twists and character arcs that didn't hold his attention. Instead, Eddy found solace in replaying snippets of conversation from earlier, the laughter they shared, and the comfortable silences that had felt anything but empty.

In the quiet of his apartment, Eddy's thoughts felt both expansive and grounded. It was the first time in a while he didn’t feel the need to fill every moment with noise or content creation. He leaned back, sinking into the couch’s cushions, feeling the warmth of contentment settle over him, as real and comforting as Marlowe’s heavyweight presence nudging closer.

Picking up his phone, Eddy scrolled aimlessly through social media, but nothing there seemed as illuminating or engaging as the simple message from Y/N earlier. The one that had set this whole day in motion. And so, before he could second-guess himself, he found the conversation thread and typed.

"Hey! Just wanted to say thanks again—today was really great 💫"

The simplicity of the message mirrored the genuineness of his interactions with her, and he hoped it conveyed the sincerity he felt.

As he waited for her reply, a sense of nervous anticipation ebbed within him like a tide, pulling and releasing all at once. He knew it was funny, feeling this way over something so seemingly trivial as a text. But there was something refreshing about the possibility—about the connection blossoming, one sparked not by algorithms or cameras, but genuine human rapport.

While waiting, Eddy absently flipped through one of the various notebooks strewn across the coffee table, pages filled with half-baked ideas and jokes waiting for their moment of clarity and inspiration. After a few aimless flips, he let it fall closed, deciding to give his busy mind a rest.

Marlowe elbowed her way to his lap, eventually sprawled in a display of soft contentment. Eddy gazed down at her, gently stroking her fur, his mind half-focused on the comforting rhythm of the motions.

Then, a familiar buzz pulled him away from the moment—a reply from Y/N glowed on the screen.

“Today was amazing! Thanks for chatting😊 Hope the rest of your evening’s as nice, talk soon?”

His smile grew unconsciously broader, the simple exchange brightening the space around him, more effective than any overhead lamp could. He typed back quickly, feeling a shy eagerness wind itself around his words.

“Definitely, looking forward to it. Have a great night, Y/N”

When the conversation wound down, and the apartment sank back into its quietude, Eddy found himself replaying the moments shared with Y/N. There was a warmth that lingered, wrapping around him gently like a cozy, familiar blanket. The day's events had been a delightful reprieve from the usual automated scripts of his life, and now, in solitude, the emotions surfaced fully.

His gaze lingered on Marlowe beside him, her purring a soft, contented rhythm blending seamlessly into the room's ambience. The apartment felt bigger somehow, like it was holding its breath, listening to the silence wrapped around it as if expecting something. Eddy shifted, turning his attention back to the illuminated phone screen, Y/N's words an echo of the day's brightness still fresh in his mind.

He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the memory of Y/N’s laughter fill the spaces behind his eyelids. It was an ember of light in the solitude of his apartment. He cherished it, and as the ember glowed softly, an urge for more intimacy surged gently yet persistently within him. There was something exhilarating about the day that had begun to unfurl inside him, a need for further exploration—a desire to connect more, to be open and real, if only with himself right now.

He felt a tightness start to arise in his boxers as the thoughts of Y/N’s lips flooded his mind.

He adjusted his position on the couch, sinking deeper into its forgiving comfort until he felt fully enveloped. A sense of freedom accompanied the privacy of his thoughts, like a safe haven crafted purely for moments such as this. Carefully, he allowed the tender thread of excitement to twist into something tangible, something he could explore further, wrapping its electric potential around his thoughts.

Shaft in hand, he sighed as he started to move his hand slowly up and down the length. He opened his thighs wider slightly as his panting increased in volume and timing.

His hand moved with a gradual deliberation, an exploration drawn from the whims of the heart rather than any immediate necessity.

Eddy allowed himself to become lost in the warmth of the moment—its raw, unfiltered essence weaving through his mind and body. The world outside his windows continued uninterrupted, life bustling away, but here, in his private slice of quietude, it was as though the universe had gently paused just for him.

He focused on those cherished images of Y/N from earlier, her comforting presence a lively echo in his thoughts. Each recalled laughter, each shared smile, added layers to the gentle crescendo building within him. Like harmonic waves, they washed over him tenderly, soothing and exciting all at once.

He Imagined what she would look like while making love. Would she breathe heavily? Moan? Scream even? Would she leave scratches down his back from pulling him closer? Would she kiss him desperately, or take her time exploring every square inch of his mouth with her tongue?

He wondered would she look like orgasming?

The latter notion earned a twitch from his length as he gasped out a soft moan.

Eddy's movements grew more instinctive, guided by the images swirling in his mind, the comforting hum of connection lingering in each electric caress. 

He felt the wetness of sweat drip down his forehead and back. The room pulsed with a warmth that drew from his heart, from Y/N's tenderness instilled in memory, the threads coalescing into a stunning tapestry of feelings. It was both grounding and freeing—a reminder of the beautiful complexity woven into simple moments.

As the crescendo rose within him, his mind circled back to Y/N’s words, the sincerity carried vividly. There was a flicker of anticipation, an understanding that the day's encounters were only beginning; a potential woven into the quietude of this simple moment.

A grunt escaped him, quiet and contented, as the experience unraveled into its climactic conclusion. As he went to shower and grab a clorox wipe, feeling mildly disgusted he decided to masturbate somewhere so prone to staining, he felt a twinge of remorse for his actions.

Y/N was his friend, he thought it was a bit perverted of him to be unable to stop himself from imagining her while he was relieving himself. He felt like a pubescent boy, what would she think about her new friendship secretly harboring feelings of lust? 

As the room returned to its own rhythm—the city's muted sounds filtering back into focus—Eddy smiled to himself softly, curled up alongside Marlowe on the couch's cushion, content in the solitude shared between himself and the echoes of an otherwise very good day.

Chapter Text

Y/N saw Eddy’s newest video and even she could tell something was notably off about him

"Hello, everyone! Today, we’re diving into a cinematic masterpiece from the 90s—if by masterpiece, you mean a movie so absurd it’s actually amazing. Yes, indeed, today we're tackling 'Dinosaur Island.'"

"Let’s start with the plot, which is, shall we say, barely existent," Eddy quipped, gesturing to the screen where scantily clad characters were being menaced by clearly artificial dinosaurs. "Apparently, a group of army guys crash lands on an island inhabited by prehistoric predators and—wait for it—Amazonian women. Because why not?"

With each ridiculous scene, Eddy broke down his thoughts, expertly weaving humorous commentary with snappy edits. "Did the producers spend more on those dinosaur costumes or their actors’ salaries?" Eddy mused, showcasing a particularly atrocious dino costume shambling across the screen. “I mean, the women are so oversexualized they bareilly even have costumes, so we know they didn’t have to spend money on that”

“Now, let’s talk about character development,” Eddy said, stifling a laugh. “What character development? It's like the scriptwriters threw darts at random plot points. But, 'Dinosaur Island' was never meant to be Shakespeare, right?”

“Speaking of unlikely romances,” he blurted, feigning interest in a particularly awkward romantic subplot, “you ever get the feeling that movies are way too optimistic about relationships? It’s kind of sweet in its own, completely unrealistic way.”

Each gag and self-deprecating one-liner carried a subtext of admiration, melting through the comedy straight to his heart. Eddy paused for a moment, pressing a hand to his temple as if trying to refocus. "If only winning hearts were as easy as outrunning a rubber dinosaur. Am I right?"

Casting a cheeky look at the camera, he proceeded to imitate the film's villains, weaving through his room as if dodging clunky models. "Alright,” he panted, pretending to escape the 'dinosaurs.' "It's much harder than it looks! And maybe, just maybe, chasing down someone special is a little like this: a ridiculous spectacle resulting in you spinning in endless circles until it makes sense."

With a lopsided grin, he waved a final goodbye. "Thanks for spending time with me today. Drop me a comment about the silliest movie you’ve ever watched, or maybe tell me about someone who's been on your mind lately."

When Y/N opened the comments for the video, she found other people were just as questioning as she herself was. 

TigBities69: Bro y is this vid so aroused? Is bro brickd up? Lmao

xXxGaymerfacebrodiexXx: Yo eddy r u crushin?

DannyGonzalez: Great vid as always from the Ed-ster! Keep it up :) 

BraveLilBirchTree: Is it just me or is he blushing at 13:08? 

xXxGaymerfacebrodiexXx: @BraveLilBirchTree Yuh I think he is lol. Bro is a horndog for the dinos lol.

BiGuyForRealz: this guy looks just like luigie wow. edit: not the guy who shot the amerecan healthcare dude, like Mario’s brother i ment.

LadyBoyGirlGuyMan: Dude, I can’t believe this movie is gonna be thirty soon. Makes me feel really fuckin old.

ChildOfBurback: He looks kind of flushed when he’s talking about “winning hearts”

BroBororhj: Bro is getting mind infiltrated by the huzz. W rizz?

DrewGooden: Bad video Edward. Zero starts. Never upload again. Delete this and your channel forever. 

EddyBurback: @DrewGooden Alright, I’ll take your advice immediately. This is my last video, goodbye!

TravisGlan23441: I loved this movie as a kid lol. Just dudes being guys. Guys being dudes. Dude-in around. Guy-in and dude-in.

Well, some comments thought similarly to Y/N, others just thought he was getting hot and heavy looking at dinosaurs.

But Y/N knew better. She knew that the way Eddy acted wasn’t just a fluke, and he probably didn’t want to do any lizards. He was clearly drawing a connection between the stupid movie and something else happening in his life. And if the “Dinosaur Island” could draw this out of him, it had to be something that was really weighing on him.

But what caused this? Who caused this?

She didn’t feel like asking him outright was the right thing to do, but she wanted to check on him. So she went to her phone’s contacts.

Under the “D” category is where she found who she was looking for: Drew Gooden. The last time they had talked had been a few months ago when she edited a video for a colab with him and Kurtis; she typed out the message:

“Hey, hope your afternoon is going well. I saw you commented on Eddy’s post and just wanted to ask if you noticed anything off about him? I may be reading to much into it, but it feels strange to me.”

Y/N stared at her screen, hesitant to press 'send'. She wondered if she was overthinking the situation, yet something deep in her gut told her that this was more than just a quirky video moment. With a sigh and a nod to herself, she tapped the button and watched her message whoosh away.

She paced around the room, wondering what Drew’s reply might reveal, if anything. Drew was known for his dry humor and sarcasm, but he also cared for his friends, and that gave her hope for an honest answer.

Her phone buzzed with a response sooner than expected, and she eagerly grabbed it.

“Y/N! Good to hear from you. Yeah, Eddy’s definitely been acting differently. He’s been dodging plans and spacing out mid-conversations. I dunno, maybe he’s got someone on his mind? Why, did you notice something specific?”

Y/N chewed her lip, her mind racing with possibilities. Eddy had been one of the most authentic individuals she knew. If something – or someone – was bothering him, it had to be significant. She typed back quickly, her thumbs flying across the screen.

“I think so. The latest video seemed a bit... off. He kept drawing parallels between the cheesy movie and relationships, like he was thinking about something, but hiding it behind humor.”

Another pause, and then Drew responded: “That does sound like Eddy’s style. Mask feelings with jokes. Got any ideas on what it might be?”

Y/N pondered the question. She thought of Eddy’s usual upbeat demeanor and the way he'd subtly shifted into this contemplative mood. Realization dawned slowly, like the sun piercing through a thick fog. Could it be that he was trying to express something personal, using the veil of his 'Dinosaur Island' commentary?

“Honestly, it’s just a hunch, but I wonder if he’s worried about opening up or having issues with some relationship in his personal life.”

Drew’s next response came quickly, the tone lighter yet resolute. “Maybe reach out, casual-like, see if he'll open up. Sometimes a friend reaching out can do wonders.”

Taking his words to heart, Y/N smiled to herself. She went over to her bed, she had made her decision. She would reach out not with confrontation, but with understanding, and offer Eddy a chance to talk.

Y/N set her phone aside, an ember of resolve lighting up within her. She valued her friendship with Eddy too much to let this pass as merely another quirky video. After all, beneath Eddy's entertaining exterior lay a heart full of untold stories, and right now, one of those stories was begging to be heard.

The evening sun spilled into her room, bathing it in hues of gold as she crafted her message. She wanted it to feel natural yet genuine, a virtual space where Eddy could, if he wished, let his guard down. Her thumbs danced over the screen, composing each word with care.

"Hey Eddy! Just watched the 'Dinosaur Island' video—hilarious as always! Hope everything's alright with you. If you ever need someone to talk to or chase rubber dinosaurs with, I'm here!"

She paused after hitting send, a soft smile on her lips. The casual invitation to talk was now in Eddy's court. All she had to do was wait and see if he would take it.

The night moved into a serene calm as Y/N busied herself with mundane tasks. The juxtaposition of her bustling mind with the quiet outside only heightened the anticipation. It wasn't long before her phone buzzed, pulling her focus back to that small rectangle of digital hope.

"Hey Y/N, Thanks for watching. And yeah, life’s a bit of a 'dino chase' right now. Appreciate you reaching out. Might take you up on that offer soon."

Y/N felt a warmth spread through her as she read Eddy's response—a signal of openness, however cautious. It wasn't an outright cry for help, but it was a step, and that was more than enough for now. Her fingers crafted a quick reply, hoping to keep the conversation light yet inviting.

“Good! I’d love to hang out and chat whenever you feel like you could use a friend :)”

The digital conversation with Eddy left Y/N both relieved and anxious, her heart dancing with a mix of anticipation and hope. As she placed her phone aside, she gazed out her window, the city lights twinkling like stars in the approaching night.

Chapter Text

Eventually this has to stop.

Eddy cannot keep doing this, he sees her as so much more than a friend, and frankly, he felt like a creep for leading her on like this.

It was probably not great for his liver for him to drink as much as he did when he way trying not to think about her, Ted thought so too.

“Dude, Eddy, you gotta just bite the bullet man. You’ve gotten rejected before, it’s not going to kill you if it happens again”

“It’s different now, with her I mean. I just, like… ugh.”

Eddy put his head in his hands and combed his fingers through his hair nervously. He laid back and sank further into Ted’s blue couch. Ted patted his back and gave him a soft smile, in an attempt to comfort his friend.

“I think you know that I'm right, Eddy,” Ted gently scolded in a soft tone.

Eddy shot him a look from between his hands and grumbled something about another beer before he got up and left to the kitchen.

He knew Ted was right, but he just couldn’t stand the idea of him and Y/N not talking anymore not being able to share jokes and stories. But at the same time, the more he saw her, the more he realized she wasn’t just someone to fill the void of loneliness.

He was falling for her, and the idea of her not being in his life was too much to bear.

But he had to tell her, it was only fair.

He decided that the next time they saw each other would be it. He was going to tell her everything.

He had to.

The next time they met was at a small coffee shop near Y/N’s apartment. They had agreed to grab coffee and catch up, something casual, yet Eddy's heart was racing like he was about to perform a stand-up routine for the first time.

Y/N walked in, looking gorgeous. She was dressed in a simple yet charming outfit that made Eddy want to reach out and pull her into a tight embrace.

He was able to pull himself together and smiled at Y/N. "You look nice."

Y/N returned the smile, “Thanks, I wore this old thing just to make you feel underdressed." She replied playfully, sipping her coffee.

They talked about their work, their recent projects, and the usual banter between friends. The conversation was easy, flowing like the river of coffee that seemed to be keeping them both alive.

But as the minutes ticked by, Eddy could feel the weight of his confession pressing down on him like a boulder. He took a deep breath and decided to jump into the deep end.

"Y/N, I need to tell you something," he said, his voice cracking slightly. Y/N's eyes met his, and she nodded, her expression open and concerned.

He could feel his hands start to shake in front of him on the table, sweat forming on his brow, a flush starting to creep up on his neck.

Eddy swallowed hard. "I've been thinking a lot about our friendship, and... well, I've realized that I feel more than just friendship towards you." He paused, watching her reaction closely. "I know it's weird and probably not what you were expecting to hear, but I've had feelings for you for a while now."

Her eyes searched his, looking for any sign of a joke or a punchline, but all she saw was sincerity.

She paused, Eddie struggled to read her face, to tell what emotions she was feeling. But just as he started to regret letting everything out and mentally cursed Ted for talking him into this, she reached her hands from her lap and laid them atop Eddy's trembling ones.

She unfurrowed her brow before opening and shutting her mouth a few times over, as if she was trying to figure out the right words to say.

"Eddy," she began, her voice softer than he had ever heard it, "I... I had no idea you felt the same way."

She sighed, partially relieved and partially an entirely new kind of anxiety, "But I didn't want to ruin our friendship, I thought it was better to keep it to myself."

Eddy felt like he could breathe again. The confession had been like ripping off a giant band-aid that had been suffocating him for months.

He looked into her eyes and felt the world around them fade into the background. "Y/N, I've missed out on so much time because I was too scared to tell you. I don't want to miss out anymore."

The air between them was electric, crackling with anticipation. Y/N leaned in, her breath warm against his cheek, and whispered, "Then let's not waste any more time."

And with that, they shared a kiss that felt like it had been building for an eternity, the café's chatter and clinking of cups fading away into a sweet symphony of their hearts finally beating in sync.

The scent of coffee and sweet pastries mixed with the heady scent of desire.

The rest of the evening was spent in a haze of smiles, shared secrets, and the gentle touch of their fingertips. When the time came for her to go home, Eddy knew he had to invite her to his place.

Y/N agreed, and soon they were walking through the quiet streets of LA, the city's neon lights painting a path before them.

Eddy was a little worries about the messy state of his apartment, but it was a reflection of his personality, he thought: comfortable (hopefully), a bit messy, but full of life with the laughter of his videos echoing off the walls.

He led her into his bedroom, where the only light came from the glow of his computer screen, casting a soft blue light across the rumpled bed and scattered clothes.

"Wow, almost thirty and still have the chair laundry I see" Y/N teased, seemingly trying to reduce Eddy's apparent nerves.

He laughed nervously and shrugged, "What can I say, I'm a creature of habit."

He turned the light on and she saw the mess, but instead of the judgment he anticipated, she just smirked.

"It's kind of charming, like a real life person lives here" she said as she kicked off her shoes and curled up next to him on the bed.

They talked more, about their fears, their hopes, and what they wanted from each other. It was like peeling back layers of an onion, each reveal making them more connected and more vulnerable.

And when the conversation lulled, they just sat there in comfortable silence, the only sounds the distant honk of a car, the LA streets, and their synchronized breathing.

Eddy felt a warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the caffeine from the coffee shop. It was a warmth of belonging, of finally finding someone who truly saw him, not just as a content creator but as the person behind the screen.

Y/N’s arms wrapped around his neck, her legs tangling with his as she pulled him closer. Eddy trailed kisses down her neck, his lips soft and warm against her skin, his hands slipping under her shirt, pushing it up and over her head. 

His mouth found her breast, his tongue circling her nipple, making her moan softly. Y/N’s head fell back against the pillow, her hands gripping the sheets as Eddy’s lips and tongue worked their magic. He took his time, exploring every inch of her, his hands and mouth driving her wild with desire. She reached for him, her hands fumbling with his belt, her breath coming in short, desperate gasps.

Eddy helped her, his fingers working quickly to shed his clothes, his body pressing against hers as soon as he was free. He looked into her eyes, seeing the desire and love reflected back at him, and his heart ached with the intensity of it. “Are you sure?” he asked, his voice thick with emotion.

Y/N nodded, her hands reaching up to pull him down for another kiss.

He reached into his bedside drawer, clumsily knocking over some spare change and his keys without the help of his glasses, to grab a condom. He checked the expiration date of the blue colored trojan before tearing the corner of the package open, careful to not accidentally add unnecessary friction to the condom itself by ripping down the middle of the square plastic and foil package. 

He put the condom on, pinching the tip and beginning to roll down his length before Y/N stopped him

“Here, let me” She said, taking the liberty to gently and sensually roll down the condom the rest of the way, smiling and maintaining eye contact with a flushed Eddy the whole time.

He positioned himself between her legs, throbbing with anticipation. He entered her slowly, giving her time to adjust, his eyes never leaving hers. Y/N gasped at the sensation and Eddy let out a breath it felt like he had been holding in for weeks. Her body was tight around him as he filled her completely. “You feel so good ,” she murmured, her hands running down his back before .

Eddy began to move, his hips rocking gently at first, then with increasing urgency. Their bodies moved in sync, their breaths mingling, their hearts pounding in unison. The room filled their moans, their gasps, the soft slap of skin against skin echoing off the walls.

Y/N’s hands gripped his shoulders, her body arching off the bed as the pleasure built. “Eddy, oh god… ” she cried, her voice breaking as her orgasm approached. He resisted his urge to quicken his pace, his thrusts becoming more urgent, more desperate, his own release building to a fever pitch.

Her nails dug deeper into his broad back as she pulled his warm body closer to hers. The sweat on her brow glimmered, making her look all the more beautiful as he approached his own apotheosis with a sharp exhale.

Eddy got up and shucked off the condom, tying it off and putting it into the trashcan in the corner of the room before lying on top of Y/N

Y/N giggled, “Should we get into the shower, or at least grab a washcloth?”

“Is that an excuse to give me a sponge bath, nurse Y/N?” he joked in a sleepy tone. 

“Oh, you know it, Burback,” She said as her eyes went wide, smile growing across her face in an adorable, yet devious way.

“Why are you making that face? Is Ashton Kutcher gonna pop out and tell me I’m on Punked?” Eddy mumbled from between the pillows

“Well, you know how we wore a condom this time? If we don’t next time, do you know what that’s gonna be?” 

“Please, enlighten me Y/N”

“That’s riding Eddy Burback, bareback.”

Eddy just smiled and rolled his eyes.

He leaned over and kissed her again, feeling the electricity between them crackle once again. They were going to be okay, he knew it. They were going to be more than okay.