relationship: benny weir/ethan morgan, ethan morgan/sarah fox (mentioned)
rating: teen
word count: 729
summary: Benny is tired of seeing Ethan do nothing about his crush, so he gives him a push. The results do not go as planned. He cant exactly complain.
read on ao3 or below the cut
Benny was beyond tired of hearing Ethan pine over Sarah. For some reason Ethan had been into her since day one. At first Benny hoped he would just get over it. However, that didn't seem to be happening anytime soon. Benny wasn't jealous, per se; but it was annoying having his best friend's attention be taken away so often. Whatever. He was a good friend, and he supported Ethan's little crush on their mutual friend.
He was always encouraging Ethan to confess, but it never worked. It was frustrating. Ethan was a fucking catch, but it was clear he didn’t view himself like that. The complete lack of confidence in himself was painful to watch. Not just because it was wildly embarrassing, it was, but because Ethan deserved better. Which is why he is currently in his kitchen making a potion for Ethan.
It was a confidence boost of sorts. At first he contemplated telling Ethan, but after a moment to reflect, he decided not to. His grandmother wasn't home either, so not a single other soul knew what Benny was up to. Luckily it wasn't a difficult potion. It was actually one of the easier ones to make. He had even taken it once himself. The plan was to give the potion to Ethan in some innocuous way before school, then get him to confess to Sarah at some point in the day. Super easy. Which did not explain why there seemed to be a sort of heaviness in Bennys chest at the thought. He pushed it down.
The next day his doorbell rang on schedule. Benny doesn't know why Ethan still insisted on doing that after all these years. He knew it was just Benny at home- Benny who was expecting him- and he’d had his own key for years now. It sits right next to his own house key on the necklace he wears under his shirt. Benny has an identical one. As soon as he heard the doorbell ring though, he was rushing down the stairs. The door wasn't even fully open before Benny started talking.
“Good morning, Ethan! I made us breakfast,” he took a hold of his best friend's arm, and pulled him towards the kitchen, “Tadaaa!” Ethan seemed taken aback, but not suspicious, though if Benny didn't know better he would say that he did seem flustered.
“T-thanks?”
“Well eat up!”
“Wow this is actually good!” Ethan got out between bites.
“What's that supposed to mean?” Ethan just replied with a look. They took one look at the clock, and scarfed down the rest of the food, before chugging their drinks, and rushing out the door.
They actually got to school on time before the bell, despite their late start. Unfortunely they had to seperate for their first class. Benny felt the ache in his chest at his friend's absence, but luckily their classes were right nearby, and close to their lockers.
As soon as the bell rang, Benny was out of his seat, and on his way to see Ethan. The potion should be setting in by now. He rounded the corner and caught sight of Ethan leaning against his locker. The heavy feeling in his chest was back.
"So buddy? How are you feeling" Benny tried to casually ask Ethan.
"Good! Has anyone ever told you how pretty your eyes are when you smile?"
Benny was taken aback by the question- compliment?- and didn't know how to respond.
"Uh, thanks I guess?" he blushed but recovered, "you should try confessing to Sarah today." Ethan just groaned in response
"Not happening B!" Benny found that unusual. It didn't sound as self condescending as usual.
"Why not?"
"I don't actually have a crush on her"
"What?" Benny replied a little too loud.
"Dude, volume!" Benny grabbed his arm and pulled him into a nearby empty classroom.
"Wait no Ethan what do you mean you don't have a crush on her? You've had a crush on her since the day you met her!"
"Ugh, no you don't understand, it was easy to pretend to like her. I was worried someone would figure out my real crush." He looked up at Benny with a smile.
Benny felt sick. Ethan didn't even like Sarah. Wait, who did he like? God please don't be Rory
"Who would that be?" He covered his nerves and disdain.
