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The snap of resin hitting resin rang through the pool hall as Rowan watched his chances of winning roll into a pocket of the pool table. Eugene had arrived about an hour before everyone was supposed to meet up. Y’know, to get some extra practice in. However, it would seem that Rowan had the same idea, as he was already at a table and attempting to better his aim (or maybe his technique? Skills? He kinda sucked at everything to do with the game).
Eugene had taken it upon himself to try and train Rowan in the art of pocket billiards. But, his plan failed spectacularly (probably because he also wasn’t great at the game), so they resorted to just playing a few rounds. Naturally, Eugene had won each game, given he had the advantage of actually understanding how to play.
Rowan was becoming increasingly frustrated due to his continuous losses and was about to take a quick break to refuel when the rest of their gang piled in through the door.
“Yo! The pool champion has arrived!”
Their previously (somewhat) quiet space quickly filled with the noisy greetings from some of the newcomers. Rowan smiled, always excited to see his friends, and started handing out the snacks he’d gotten for the group.
“Thanks,” Teddy said simply as Rowan handed him a can of coke. The blond's fingers gently brushed against Rowan's before he took the drink, and the redhead tensed slightly in his shoulders.
Weird.
Teddy definitely wasn't a threat (he could be if he wanted to… but he wasn't) so Rowan had no idea why the contact made him tense up. Or why there was a fluttery feeling in his stomach. Or why his face felt like it was getting warmer.
Did he usually feel this way when he was scared?
“No problem mate.”
He quickly shook off the feeling—not wanting to make anyone uncomfortable—and looked around the room. His eyes found the pool table he and Eugene had abandoned earlier. Walking over confidently, he called over Eugene to start another round.
– – –
Rowan moved to set up the table after getting his ass whooped yet again. While he was collecting the billiard balls, he made eye contact with Teddy who was just… watching him.
“Hey man,” Rowan called. Teddy blinked, like he hadn't been paying attention (or was lost in thought or something), before making his way over.
“What’s up?” Teddy didn't verbally reply, offering a shrug instead. Rowan, thoroughly confused, turned away from the shorter boy and continued his set up for the next game. He could feel those purple eyes staring at him, and decided to just move on. It wasn't like Teddy was doing anything weird.
He took the triangle frame and placed the collected balls in the centre.
Right, he wasn't. Rowan was the weird one for being sensitive without reason.
He straightened and glanced over his shoulder at Teddy, who simply smiled at him. That weird feeling in Rowan’s gut returned, so he quickly turned his gaze forward and focused back on setting up the game.
“You ready?” Rowan asked Eugene as he handed him a cue stick. The brunet took it, pushing up his glasses and lining up his shot. He hit the cue ball, watched it roll past his target, hit a cushion, and stop.
“Damn it!” Eugene hissed, stepping back a bit to let Rowan do his thing.
The redhead stepped up confidently to the table, scanning the surface to determine the best way to go about things. He lined up his shot and was about to take it, when he felt a warm breath against his neck.
Rowan jolted, spinning around to find Teddy taking a sip of his coke.
“You’re doing it wrong,” he said, staring down at his can. Rowan took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself.
“Let me help you.” Teddy put his drink down on one of the tables, then he took Rowan’s empty hand and positioned it in a way that would better the accuracy of the shot. Rowan thought Teddy’s hand lingered for longer than it would normally, but he assumed he was overreacting yet again.
He lined up his shot again, but his hands trembled a little when he felt Teddy rest his head barely above his shoulder.
“Easy, you got it.” Rowan thought the other boy’s voice sounded breathier than usual, but he brushed it off again. He went to take the shot when Teddy gently grabbed his hand.
“Try using less force.” Rowan nodded, keeping his eyes trained on the cue ball. Teddy let go of his hand and he missed the contact. The taller boy blinked, he felt his face start to flush and shook his head to try and get rid of the thought.
Rowan took a shaky breath before taking the shot. The cue ball knocked his targeted billiard ball into a pocket, causing Rowan to shout in excitement. He turned to thank Teddy, and was yet again caught off guard.
“You got it.” Rowan’s words died in his throat when he saw the look on Teddy’s face. It was probably the softest, most genuine smile he’d ever given him, and it made his stomach do backflips.
Rowan laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck before saying his thanks.
“No problem.” Teddy grabbed his can and walked back to the table he usually played at.
Rowan stared after him, thoroughly confused by the weird feeling in his gut and the blush creeping over his face.