The Dangers of Extended Family 2

A/N: My sleep cycle is still somewhat confused with daylights saving time but that somehow also means I'll have more time to write. Let's see how Bryce and Blake fare with Eli.

Eli let out a low whistle as he looked around Blake's home. "Must've cost y'all a fortune to get this place," he said, shaking Blake's hand as he came downstairs. "Nice to meet you, you must be the roommate."

"Roommate?" Blake questioned, glancing at Bryce before smiling. Fine, Blake could work with that. "We've been living together for such a long time that it feels like we're practically best friends." He joked, heading into the kitchen and tapping Bryce to follow him.

Bryce shifted, wondering what Blake was about to say since Eli had just walked through the door.

"Thanksgiving is a few days away, and I swear if he says something with even a hint of homophobia, you're sleeping on the couch," Blake said, bracing his hands against the counter.

"Wow, I don't even get the guest room?" Bryce asked, watching Blake shake his head. "Rude. I'm sure it'll be fine, if it wasn't, then he wouldn't even be here."

"He hasn't spoken to his sister in who knows how long," Blake replied, rolling his eyes. "He deliberately missed her wedding, how does that sound fine?"

Bryce huffed, making sure Eli was upstairs before giving Blake a quick kiss. "Alright, it doesn't. But there's nothing like the holidays to get things clear," he said with a shrug, being slightly taken aback at how Blake glared at him.

"If he even looks at us the wrong way, he's out of here."

Bryce grinned, leaning towards Blake. "Y'know, it's kinda hot when you set boundaries," he said, wrapping his arms around Blake as the other man laughed.

"Shut up, I'm serious," Blake said, pulling away as Eli came back downstairs and sat at the counter.

"Did y'all already go see Sandy n them? I'd hate to impose if y'all had to drive back over there cause of me." Eli said, tugging his brown leather jacket on. "I can jus' order a cab if—."

"Actually, we were gonna head back anyway." Blake interrupted, taking an extra step away from Bryce. "Mom, uh, Sandy wanted us to help prep the ham."

Eli nodded, messing with his hat as he asked, "Carol there already?"

"Probably," Bryce answered, jumping as Blake nudged him. "Maria was supposed to let me know and she hasn't texted me yet, so I'm not sure." He said, walking towards the front door.

Bryce's attempts at conversation during the car ride weren't as great as he would usually do. If he was being honest with himself, Blake was most likely mad at him or on his way there. He didn't know and that was worse than knowing Blake was upset at him. Eli, well, he wasn't sure what Eli was thinking.

"Y'know I haven't spoken to Carol since high school." Eli started.

Ah shit, so it was that long ago. "Really?" Bryce replied, swallowing as he pulled into his parents' driveway and noticed Maria's car. Considering that meant that Aunt May was also in the house. . .with his mom, it also meant Aunt May might've said something completely out of pocket and ticked mom off.

Bryce knocked, slowly opening the door just in case he had to close it again. "Are you kidding me?" he mumbled, stepping into the house. "We were gone for like an hour." He said loud enough for Aunt May and his mom to look at him.

"Y'all came back quick," Sandy said, tossing the knife into its place on the rack and ignoring Shadow as he asked her to put it back normally. "Is Eli with y'all?"

Bryce sighed, opening the door further to reveal his cousin and husband. He really hoped preparing this ham wouldn't take all day.