The enormous flat-screen TV cast a soft glow over the living room, flickering as the movie played. Aiden and Tyler were sprawled out on the plush sectional, the remnants of popcorn scattered across the coffee table. The rest of the group had gone to bed, leaving just the two of them awake.

Tyler was actually trying to watch the movie. Aiden, of course, was not.

"You're breathing really loud," Tyler muttered, eyes glued to the screen.

Aiden grinned, shifting closer. "Oh, am I? So sorry, Ty." He exaggeratedly inhaled and exhaled right next to Tyler’s ear, dragging out each breath like he was trying to fog up a window.

Tyler shoved him. "Dude, stop."

"Why? Is my existence bothering you?" Aiden smirked, nudging Tyler’s leg with his foot. "Tragic. Truly heartbreaking."

"You are literally the most annoying person I have ever met."

"And yet," Aiden sing-songed, leaning his head on Tyler’s shoulder, "here you are. Not leaving. Almost like you enjoy my company."

Tyler stiffened for half a second before shoving Aiden off again, this time a little harder. "I’m here because this is the only place in the house that has surround sound. Don’t get it twisted."

Aiden huffed a dramatic sigh. "Ouch. So cold. You wound me." He clutched his chest like Tyler had just stabbed him.

Tyler rolled his eyes. "Wouldn't be the first time."

Aiden gasped. "You wouldn't dare. Who else would make your life interesting?"

"I think I'd manage."

"Lies," Aiden drawled, shifting until he was sitting sideways, fully facing Tyler. "Admit it, Ty. You’d be miserable without me."

"I’d be at peace."

"Same thing." Aiden grinned, resting his chin on his hand. "Come on, you like having me around."

Tyler finally looked at him, expression flat but with the smallest twitch of amusement at the corner of his mouth. "You're really fishing for compliments tonight, huh?"

Aiden gasped again, dramatically flopping backward onto the couch. "So mean. So cruel. And after everything I’ve done for you."

Tyler arched a brow. "Like what?"