More romance as a warning for those who don't like. Super short and inspired by a silly art piece I saw from another fandom.
They were paired up for another project. By now it is no surprise to anyone and it is painfully obvious that it is done on purpose, but no one can say anything because the two never actually volunteer. So once more they are together for this classwork. It is required to go to the library and everyone is scattered around and for once they are not shoved in the back corner. There is no shame in being together. After all, it is part of the project. So this time they are around the front, bent over their computers as they set to work on their research.
They have been friends long enough now that even Steve does not slack. When they are given a task they both do equal parts work. Where once Steve would have scoffed and turned his nose up at the notion of pride in a job well done, now he values it just as much as Eli.
For once, in fact, Eli is the one who lets his focus slip first. He glances Steve's way. "Hey, Steve." He waits for recognition.
Steve lifts his gaze from the screen and peers at Eli. "Yeah?"
Eli's eyes light up and a sly smile curls his lips. Steve really has gotten in his head all too well. He raises an arm and offers his hand to Steve. "Can you hold this for me?"
Steve blinks down at Eli's hand. Empty. "Eli…that's your hand." He returns his gaze to Eli's eyes. He's pretty sure he isn't missing anything.
"Yep." Eli giggles, a smile blooming on his lips. He drops his hand beneath the table, holding his breath and hoping the message comes across loud and clear.
Steve hesitates, doing a once-over of the surrounding area, then slides his hand under the table and twines his fingers with Eli's. His cheeks color despite his effort. The same as ever. It has been months since the first time Eli held his hand yet his reaction never changes. He really shouldn't be doing this in public, especially since no one even knows that they are friends, let alone…whatever this this. Yet here he is, set abuzz and barely held together as he nearly melts in front of everyone. "You really should keep this in your pockets," his voice nearly cracks as he says the most foolish of things.
Eli closes his eyes and basks in this perfect moment. "My heart only fits in your hand," he says absently.
Steve starts before the sincerity sinks into his own heart and a dopey smile spreads over his face. The blush even deepens slightly. Eli really needs to stop. "Shut up and do your research, nerd."
Y'all, I'm so conflicted. Like you have no idea. On the whole I prefer their relationship as a friendship, but the more I watch their episode and all their other little moments and see stuff about them on tumblr the more I'm like 'but it could be so CUTE'. Plus Eli is totally gay anyway even if he doesn't have feelings for Steve. If the show tries to give him a girlfriend in 3 Below I swear to God we gon fight. Anyway, the point is they could so totally work as a romance and I am so torn which one to write more of since I like both. haha
More importantly, I've not been feeling so good lately so updates will probably slow down. And I know this is short and complete shipping trash, but I hope you like. lol Please review!