Written for CMBYN Bingo 2021, using the prompt 'Modern AU'.

* Please do not translate or repost this story.

Oliver has been in bed for some time now, but it's been a long and busy day and he always struggles to get to sleep after a whole day of filming. So after another hour of tossing and turning he grabs his phone from the bedside table to do some mindless scrolling – only having just opened Instagram when a YouTube notification pops up.

It's been about two years since he has last seen the name 'Elana Perlman', but he still remembers how he had first started noticing her videos popping up around the time he had started out on YouTube after gaining quite the following after being the youngest participant on that year's MasterChef. He didn't think he had it in him to try and make it out there in the restaurant business – especially at his age – so he had chosen to take the social media route instead. It had been a great success, and before he knew it he had a line of own products in the supermarkets.

He had never been too interested in social media, but after starting to making a living off it, he had started paying more attention to it, and more and more often the name Elana Perlman started popping up. The music-obsessed seventeen-year old who made videos talking about her life, her friends, the things she had bought that week. Oliver couldn't quite figure out why people would be so interested in a stranger's life, yet he had found himself subscribing and watching every single one of her videos, even the 'My boyfriend does my make-up' or the 'Get ready with me while I chat about my week' videos.

Elana had gained a huge following and she would post a video every day, until one day she had just disappeared. It had taken a year before she had started updating her Instagram again. But she was no longer posting selfies or quick video updates. Any trace of her old self had disappeared and instead she seemed to have started focusing on photography.

Oliver had never unfollowed her – not that he ever expected her to start posting videos again – but something about unfollowing her had seemed too final. But now that he sees her name pop up again, his heart skips a beat – a nervous jolt of energy rushing through him at the thought of her having posted a new video.

Hey everyone. Thank you to everyone who has stuck around for two years. I'm sure this isn't the video you were waiting for, but I couldn't come back without doing this. I'm really nervous to post this, but it feels like the time is right, so let's do this. Xx E.

Oliver can't help but wonder what the hell Elana is talking about, so he clicks on the link. A photo montage starting right off the bat. A young Elana with her parents – Samuel and Annella if Oliver remembers correct – a teenage Elana around the time she started making videos. Elana looking bright-eyed and happy. Elana looking sallow-eyed, her thin body hidden away in dark oversized hoodies. Elana with short dark curls, a shy smile on her face. Elana in the hospital, a blue balloon in her hand.

It's a boy.

Oliver swallows hard, a proud smile growing on his face as he watches the young man wave to the camera, his cheeks flushed with nerves.

"Hey everyone. Elio here. I guess ehm…" He shrugs, awkwardly running his hand over the back of his neck. "Yeah."

Oliver can see how nervous he is, yet how big of a relief it is. Because Elio lets out a chuckle, his cheeks flushing even darker.

"I'll see you soon."

The video ends, but Oliver keeps staring at the screen. Wanting more. Somehow still half-expecting Elio to come back and tell his whole story. But the screen goes dark, and he can't help but smile to himself. Appreciating the simplicity. Elio showing where he's been the last two years – showing who he is. Not trying to dramatize it for views, but a simply 'Hey, this is me.'

Oliver opens Instagram, his smile growing bigger when the first photo that pops up on his timeline is one that Elio has just posted. It's one of him sitting in the grass, guitar in hand, a focused look on his face.

Oliver goes to his account, a little nervous when he starts typing a DM, because although he had watched Elana's videos and Elana had liked his Instagram photos, they haven't actually ever spoken to each other. But he sends Elio a message anyway.

Hey man. Just saw your video. Congrats.

I was wondering if you're going to the Con next week. Want to meet up?

Oliver (OliverKeepsCooking)

Oliver doesn't expect to get a message back anytime soon, seeing as Elio must be getting hundreds if not thousands of comments and messages after posting that video. So he lays his phone back down on the bedside table, forcing himself to let it sit there and not check every two minutes.

When Oliver wakes up, the first thing he does is to check his phone. He is used to getting messages on Instagram all day long, so he doesn't pay too much attention to it – until he remembers sending Elio a message last night.

He scrolls through his new messages, his heart skipping a beat when he sees Elio's name pop up.

Hey!

Thanks, Oliver!

I'll be at the Con. See you there!

Oliver isn't sure if they should set up a meeting or if they should keep it casual and hope to run into each other there. He doesn't want to seem too keen and seem weird – not even sure why he's so excited to meet Elio. Sure, he had watched his videos even though the videos themselves weren't exactly of interest to him. And sure, he had always been excited to see a new photo of Elana pop up. But it's not like he had had a crush on her. Elana had had a boyfriend and Oliver had had a girlfriend. It had really only been professional interest, right? Keep an eye on the competition – even if they were both definitely on different ends of the YouTuber spectrum.

But something about this fluttering in his stomach, the excitement of getting to meet Elio, it makes Oliver wonder if maybe he had had some kind of crush on Elana after all – if maybe he still has a crush on Elio today.

Great, see you there. =)

He tries not to keep checking his phone, curious to see if Elio sends him a message back. But there is no reply and Elio posts no more updates.

Not until the day before the Con, when he posts a short video thanking everyone for their support and to talk about how excited he is to go to the Con and to see everyone again. Oliver types up a comment, telling him he can't wait to see him, but then he quickly deletes it. Knowing fully well how the YouTube rumor mill works, and that if people know that they will meet up there – people will be keeping an eye out just to capture the moment on camera.

So instead, he sends Elio a DM.

Hey man. Still want to meet up tomorrow?

It only takes a moment before he gets a reply. Elio's excitement only making Oliver growing more impatient.

Yeah, of course! Give me a call when you get there!

Oliver keeps staring at the message for a moment longer, that goofy smile still on his face. But then he shakes it off, too much to do before he has to catch his flight later today.

The first time he had been invited to a Con, he had made some kind of lame excuse. It had only been a few months since he had started out on YouTube, and the thought of walking around there – where people knew him not only from MasterChef but from his videos – it had scared the living daylights out of him. But last year a friend had gone with him as moral support, and he had had the greatest time. Sure, it had been a little weird to have people coming up to talk to him about his videos, and it felt a little uncomfortable to have his face up on a poster, but the other YouTubers hadn't treated him like an outcast as he thought they would. He hadn't been seen as a fake because he hadn't made his name on YouTube – in fact, he had been one of them, no matter where he had gotten his start.

So when he had gotten the invite this year, he hadn't hesitated to accept. He had been excited to be part of a talk, to meet up with people he had met last year – to meet new people. But now that he's going to meet Elio, he feels the nervous jitters again. He almost feels like the new kid again, who has to be on his best behavior to try and impress the cool kids.

Oliver had barely gotten any sleep last night. He had arrived late at the hotel, but he could hear the laughter and the slamming of the doors – knowing that he could simply go outside and join the other YouTubers in the fun and for a few drinks. But he had gotten nervous again and he had stayed in his room, listening to the noise – wishing he wouldn't let his nerves get to him so much.

This morning he had given himself a kick up the backside though, and he had forced himself to go downstairs and have breakfast with the others. He had been a little nervous to meet Elio, but Elio hadn't been there. Oliver had recognized a few people he had met last year though, so he had sat with them, and they had spent some time catching up before they had to go pack their things and head over to the Con.

Oliver has just stepped off the stage when he hears someone calling out his name. He has heard his name so many times today that he almost doesn't even notice, but there is something about the voice that seems familiar. So he turns around, only to find a nervous-looking Elio heading over to him.

"Hey, man!" Oliver smiles, almost feeling like he is meeting up with an old friend – but quickly realizing that they are strangers who have spoken no more than two or three times via DM.

"I've been looking for you," Elio says, "But this place, it's…"

"It's your first time here?"

"Yeah." Elio nods. "It's a little overwhelming. Especially so short after… well, I haven't really been a part of this whole ehm…"

"What's it like to be back?"

"Overwhelming," Elio repeats, a sheepish grin on his face. "Deciding to do a Con this soon after coming back, it was probably a bit… it's a bit soon. But people have been great. You've been here before, right?"

"Just the once." Oliver nods, a little too aware of how awkward it feels to be talking to each other in real life. How little they probably have in common – how fast his heart is beating just because Elio is smiling at him.

"I was surprised when you sent me a message," Elio admits. "I used to watch you on MasterChef, and I've been following you since…"

"Really?" Oliver blurts out.

"Yeah," Elio laughs. "You should have seen how excited I got when you started following me on Instagram," he admits, a little embarrassed. "So when I got your message the other day… it meant a lot to me. I mean, a lot of people sent me messages, but… yeah…" He awkwardly runs a hand over his jaw, lowering his eyes to the ground – too embarrassed to face Oliver.

Oliver can already see people starting to gather around them, some with their cameras out, others to try and get their attention either to have a chat with them or to guide them over to wherever it is that they need to make an appearance next.

"Maybe we can ehm…," he begins, wanting nothing more than to meet up with Elio away from prying eyes. To maybe go out for drinks, maybe have dinner. Let's face it, what he really wants is to go on a date with him. But he can't get the words out, and instead he blurts out, "Make a video together?"

"Sure," Elio chuckles. "I'm not a great chef, so let's leave the cooking for what it is, but we'll figure something out."

"Great." Oliver smiles, kicking himself for not just saying what it is that he wanted to say. But also breathing a sigh of relief, because what if he had asked him out in front of everyone and Elio had rejected him?

"I'll see you later."

"Later." Oliver nods, watching as Elio walks off – a group of girls immediately storming after him for a selfie.

Oliver has just gotten back to the hotel, having chosen to order in room service instead of going out with some of the others. He is exhausted, and although today has been great, all he wants to do is get into bed, order some bad food and spend the night watching reality TV. But as soon as he kicks off his shoes, his phone starts buzzing.

Hey!

Mind if I come over?

Oliver lets himself fall down on the hotel bed, closing his eyes for just a moment as he considers it. Sure, spending the night watching reality TV while gorging down on a disgusting burger and greasy fries sounds great after a long day, but this is Elio Perlman. He isn't going to say no to him, is he?

Sure, I'm in room 201.

The second Oliver has sent the message, there's a knock on the door. He jumps up and he finds Elio standing there – his filming equipment sitting next to him – a sheepish grin on his face. But when he sees the tired smile on the other man's face, the grin quickly leaves his face.

"Sorry, I didn't mean… I only brought it just in case. But I noticed you weren't having dinner with the others, so I just thought maybe we could eat together," he quickly explains. "But if you want to rest, I can…"

"Come on in," Oliver interrupts. Elio drags his things into the room, looking a little uncomfortable, but when Oliver tells him to order in room service while he goes take a shower, he relaxes and makes himself comfortable on the couch.

When Oliver gets out of the bathroom, Elio is on the couch – phone in hand – a smile on his lips.

"Letting the boyfriend know how it went?"

"Letting the parents know how it went," Elio chuckles, before looking up at him. "I don't have a boyfriend."

"Oh, right…"

"Was that your way of asking me if I have one?" Elio asks, a teasing smile on his face, but Oliver quickly grabs his water and takes a swig. "Are ehm… are you seeing anyone?"

"No." Oliver shrugs, his voice coming out all high and squeaky. He scrapes his throat, trying to brush it off, but from the grin on Elio's face he can tell that he knows exactly why he is blushing right now. "Sorry…"

"So… I've ordered burgers and fries. Is that okay? I know it isn't MasterChef worthy, but…"

"What? You think I only eat at Michelin star restaurants?" Oliver laughs. "Burgers and chips are fine."

"What are you going to do now?" Oliver asks, before stuffing another mouthful of chocolate cake into his mouth. "With the YouTube channel, I mean."

"Make videos…"

"Yeah, I get that," Oliver chuckles, pulling his legs closer up to his chest as he sinks down deeper into the bed. "But the videos you used to make… no offence, but I don't really see you making that kind of stuff anymore."

"Yeah… I'm not sure, to be honest," Elio admits. "I didn't really expect anyone to still be around, or to still care about my channel, you know? It's been so long, and I'm… well, I'm not exactly 'Elana Perlman' anymore," he sighs, his name being more of a brand name - representing the bubbly teenage girl who used to talk about make-up, clothes and boys. "I need to figure out who's 'Elio Perlman', I guess. I was hoping to figure it out while I was here, but I feel like everything's already been done, you know?"

"You're right." Oliver nods, a blank stare on his face. "Once something's been done, it can't ever be done again. I mean, look at me. Thank fuck I decided to start making videos, or there'd be no one making cooking videos…. Right?"

"Fuck off," Elio laughs, noting the obvious sarcasm. "But I can't do what you do. I don't cook, I don't…"

"So? Do what you can do. Talk about shit you care about." Oliver shrugs, something about Elio's insecurity making him feel a little better about his own nerves about coming out here.

"Were you serious, about wanting to make a video together?" Elio asks, breaking off a piece of a cookie before stuffing it into his mouth. Oliver staring at him, wondering if he should admit that he was trying to ask him out. But he's still thinking about it by the time Elio swallows down the cookie and continues, "If you do, we could maybe do one of those stupid games, or…"

"What, like truth or dare? You're going to make me run around the hotel naked and get us both kicked out?" Oliver laughs.

"Yeah, let's not do that. I'm pretty sure we can't put that on YouTube anyway," Elio chuckles. "So let's keep our clothes on, huh?"

Oliver shrugs as he puts another bite of chocolate cake into his mouth, trying to stop the grin from spreading all over his face – but failing miserably.

Elio picks up his phone, listing off a number of things they could do – before pointing out why they can't. Not having a plastic bottle and egg, not having any cinnamon, not having enough room to do a dance routine etc.

"How about 'Never have I ever'?" Oliver finally suggests after finishing his cake. "I'm pretty sure I have some paper and a marker around here somewhere."

He can see the uncomfortable look on Elio's face though, and he immediately feels bad for suggesting it – although he isn't quite sure why it would have upset him.

"I'm sorry, if…"

"Can we keep it casual though? No… nothing too… you know…"

"Nothing too personal?" Oliver realizes. "Don't worry, man. Never have I ever… dyed my hair. Gone camping. Eaten cat food."

"That's disgusting," Elio laughs, but then he gives a small nod. "Thanks. For not… you know…"

Oliver gives the other man a reassuring pat on the leg, before getting up to look for paper and markers – while Elio sets up the camera.

Oliver has worked with other people before, but only to cook with them. Not to do one of these typical YouTuber videos with a fellow YouTuber – one he just so happens to fancy. It makes him feel all nervous and jittery, and when he catches Elio's eye, a chuckle escapes him.

"I'm nervous," he admits. "I'm not used to this."

"Me neither," Elio laughs. "I haven't done this in years. Not really."

"Oh shit… are you sure you want to do this?" Oliver asks. "Your first video after…"

"Yes!" Elio laughs, his cheeks flushing when he realizes how quickly it came out. Oliver ignores it though, and he sits down next to him on the hotel bed and hands him two pieces of paper and a marker.

Within minutes, they're chatting to the camera as though they've been doing this together for years – introducing each other as though they haven't just met. Laughing and joking around like old friends – aware of how nervous the other is and making sure that they are okay.

"Never have I ever… watched Harry Potter," Elio says, holding up the 'I Have' sign with a big grin on his face. Shocked when he sees the 'Have Not' sign Oliver is holding up. "What?!"

"I haven't," Oliver chuckles. "I tried to watch the first… maybe it was the second." He shrugs. "But I didn't care for it."

"No." Elio shakes his head. "I'm not having that. I'll come over to your place, and we'll have a Harry Potter marathon. How can you…"

"Deal." Oliver grins, his stomach flipping over. "I'll hold you to that," he adds, not failing to notice the blush on the other man's face. "Never have I ever… made out with a celebrity."

"Have not." Elio shrugs, nudging Oliver in the arm when he doesn't hold up a paper. "What about you?"

"Sort of?"

"Sort of?" Elio grins. "Who were they?"

"He wasn't really a celebrity, just…" Oliver tries to shrug it off, but he can tell that Elio isn't going to let it go. "I went out with a guy from some band for a while…"

"A guy from some band? Come on!" Elio laughs. "You'll tell me later, right?"

"Sure."

"Okay, my turn," Elio thinks for a moment, before grinning again. "Never have I ever… hooked up with a fellow-YouTuber."

He holds up the 'I Have' sign, Oliver for a moment so curious to find out more about this, that he forgets to answer for himself.

"Who?"

"My ex, he started his own channel after we split up," Elio explains, Oliver still remembering watching the videos they had made together. Still remembering how he had always disliked the guy – thinking Elana – or Elio – deserved better. Not willing to admit that part of it was jealousy.

"Right…" He nods, trying to hide his dislike – fully aware of the camera. He holds up the paper, giving a little shrug. "Have Not."

"Well… the night is still young," Elio teases, Oliver so shocked that all he can do is stare at him with open mouth. "What?"

"I…"

Elio playfully kicks him in the leg, already moving onto the next 'Never have I ever' to keep the video going. Oliver still thinking about his comment long after they have finished filming.

"I should probably get back to my own room…," Elio sighs after they've chatted all about their lives, their families – their friends. "We have a long day tomorrow."

"Or we could watch a movie. Order in some snacks…"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, why not?" Oliver shrugs. Trying to keep in the 'Because we have to get up early' – 'Because we are here to work' – 'Because if we spend any more time together I might actually end up kissing you'.

Elio sinks back down into the bed, Oliver getting up to order in more food. His heart skipping a beat when he looks into the mirror and he catches sight of Elio stretched out on his bed – a relaxed smile on his face as he's flipping through the channels.

"Elio?"

"Mhm?"

"What you said earlier… about hooking up with…"

"Oh… that," Elio chuckles embarrassedly. "Sorry."

"No, it's just that…" Oliver can't get the words out, and he almost wishes Elio could read his mind so he wouldn't have to say anything. By the smile on his face he thinks Elio might actually already know, but he doesn't say anything, and it would be really awkward if he assumes wrong.

"Do you want to go out some time?" Elio finally blurts out after listening to some awkward ehm-ing and ah-ing from Oliver. "Not to a Con, I mean. But…"

"A date?"

"Sure," Elio chuckles. "Maybe a bit more casual than that? Don't expect me to show up with flowers, or take you to some fancy restaurant… but yeah."

"I can cook for you?" Oliver suggests, feeling his cheeks flush when he hears how excited he sounds. "Or ehm…"

"I'd like that."

"And we can watch Harry Potter."

Elio shakes his head, smiling to himself, but when Oliver crashes down next to him on the bed, the smile leaves his face. He begins to lean in, but just as they are about to kiss, there's a knock on the door.

"Oh, for fuck's sake." Oliver rolls his eyes. "Hold that thought, will you?"

He jumps up, rushing to bring in the room service – before sitting back down on the bed. The moment has passed though, and he can tell from the look on Elio's face that it feels a little awkward now. So instead of trying to kiss him, he reaches out and he grabs a piece of cake to hand it to him.

"So… what do you want to watch?"

After no more than two hours of sleep, Oliver's alarm clock goes off – waking both him and Elio. They had fallen asleep watching some dating show, and although they hadn't even met until yesterday, it doesn't feel awkward waking up next to each other.

"I should probably go take a shower," Elio laughs, taking a sniff of his t-shirt and pulling a disgusted face. "But do you want to go down for breakfast together, or…"

"Yeah, sure." Oliver nods. "And ehm… last night was nice. Hanging out, and… you know…"

"I know," Elio chuckles, running a hand over the back of his neck. "So I'll ehm… yeah, I'll see you in ten?"

Oliver rushes to get ready – kicking himself for not bringing a better shirt now. Putting on way too much cologne before trying to wash it off again. Not even sure why he is so nervous, when Elio still wants to spend time with him, even after spending the night with him and hearing him snore.

He is just putting on his shoes when Elio knocks on the door, and he almost stumbles over the bed trying to rush to open the door.

"Hey man, I just…," he rambles, but when he finds Elio standing there – a sad-looking bunch of tulips in his hands – he can't help but laugh. "What the hell?"

"If you're going to cook for me, then the least I can do is bring you flowers, right?"

"Did you just take those from the lobby?" Oliver laughs, Elio flashing a sheepish grin. "Did you?"

"Maybe…"

Before Oliver realizes what he's done, he has leaned in to kiss him. Elio wrapping his arms around him – not for a second hesitating to kiss him back.

"I take it you like the flowers, then?" Elio laughs.

"I do." Oliver nods, still a little shocked that he has just done that. A big smile forming on his face when Elio awkwardly picks at the tulips – clearly as excited but overwhelmed as he is.

"So… breakfast?"