Chapter Text
It happens at a party.
Cooper is sitting in the corner watching Oliver talk to a group of people in the kitchen. They're all laughing at what Oliver is saying, which doesn't surprise Cooper. His best friend is charismatic. He's charming. He's witty.
The problem arises when the girl standing next to Oliver puts a hand on his arm. She looks at him like she would listen to anything he says. Oliver looks at her and smiles, as if her subtle hold on his arm is the best news he's gotten in a long time. And it hits Cooper like a helicopter blade to the head. He wants to be that girl.
The rest of the party goes by agonisingly slowly. Cooper's newfound realisation causes him to drink until Oliver has to carry him home.
"You're my best friend, Ollie," Cooper slurs. Oliver laughs. "You're my best friend too, Coop," he says.
"Dude," Cooper says, although he means "I love you."
Cooper wishes Oliver knew what he meant. And that he felt the same.