Kanaya sat across from Eridan, smiling gently amidst a cloud of steam from the mug of tea she cupped in her hands.
"What's wrong?"
Eridan huffed, avoiding her gaze and gripping the table's edge nervously.
"I met a guy."
Her eyebrow quirked ever so slightly, but her smile didn't waver.
"And?"
"I think I like him."
"Romantically?"
"No, I fuckin' like him as an enemy! Yeah, romantically!"
She flinched a little, her expression calm.
"Now, Eridan, there's no reason to get angry."
Eridan lowered his eyes a little. Slouching his shoulders, he tightened his grip on the table.
"I know. Sorry."
Normally, he wouldn't apologize, but he and Kanaya had experienced quite a few "issues," if you will, in the past. That woman could be fucking terrifying if she wanted to.
"Why don't you tell him?"
He sighed, giving her a tired look.
"There are so many things that could go wrong. Maybe he's not gay. Or bi. Or pan. Or anythin' that would give me a chance. He had a girlfriend, y'know, but she died. Even if he was, he probably doesn't like me back. He doesn't even really know what I look like."
"Did you meet him online? That's not quite the safest place to-"
"He's blind, Kan."
"Oh."
Eridan glanced up a little at her, grimacing.
"Yeah."
Kanaya appeared uncomfortable, straining to find a response for him.
"Well, you could – you could-"
"Thanks, Kan, but I don't think I have a chance with him. I don't know why I asked for help, I don't even need it."
He began to get up, but she interjected.
"Oh, Eridan, I'm sure even if he doesn't like you, he'll react appropriately. Just tell him. It will make you feel better."
He paused, drawing in a breath. Smiling a little, he looked at her for a minute before standing.
"I guess."
-(Another time skip courtesy of Dave Strider. Only two and he's already tired. Sorry, Dave.)—
Eridan stood outside of Sollux's house, his heart beating so fast he thought he would faint. Sollux had given him his address, another dumb trustful action, and now he was both glad and terrified he had. He raised a shaking hand to knock.
"Coming, coming-"
The door opened to reveal Sollux, looking inquisitive and ever so slightly worried.
"Hey, Sol."
"Oh! It's you. Yeah, whataya want?"
"Uh-"
Eridan's voice caught in his throat. He swallowed, tense, and forced himself to continue.
"-can I come in?"
He was aware of everything. He could hear his own ragged breathing and his own heartbeat, both painfully loud. He noticed the way Sollux's face moved, as if confused, at his question and the apprehensiveness with which he opened the door a little wider.
"Yeah. Sure."
Sollux moved slowly, brushing the wall near the door with his hand to guide himself. Eridan watched him carefully. He found it enrapturing in an odd kind of way. He had probably memorized the layout of his house, but he could never be sure, could he?
Eridan seated himself on an aging couch in Sollux's living room. His whole house was pretty old, but it wasn't like his was any better. He shut his eyes, feeling guilty for being grateful Sollux couldn't see what a wreck he was. Sollux plopped down next to him.
"Is there a specific reason you came?"
Eridan nodded, immediately flushing when he realized Sollux couldn't see. Had he done that before? He probably had. God, he was such an idiot.
"Yeah."
A sharp, uncomfortable silence wedged its way between the two. Sollux raised his eyebrows, expectant.
"And what might that be?"
"I think-"
This was so stupid. He was so, so stupid.
"I think I'm in love with you."
(Pfft. Stupid mushy romantic stuff. But hey! Romance! Finally!)