Jack and Eric sometimes referred to themselves as heterosexual life partners. Neither one of them knew when it had began, but all they knew was that it was the perfect description of what their relationship was like. They were people whose bond was stronger than blood, and whose friendship was above labels. Fate, decidedly, was very kind to them.

It was pure chance that they moved in with each other. Pure luck that Eric happened to find a guy who went to the same college as him, was looking for an roommate, had an avocado fridge, and loved the Godfather Part II as much as he did.

But it wasn't like the brotherhood didn't have its difficulties as well. Fighting over apartment space, bickering over whose clothes were left on the floor, calling dibs on the hot girl three doors down. Jack's arrogant attitude and Eric's innocent naivety clashed often, but they were still best friends and they eventually got over most things.

There was one thing Jack couldn't quite get over though, and it was the undeniable feelings he had for Eric, the funny idiot everyone loved. Living with someone for as long as the two boys had and knowing each other as well as they did, they were bound to start thinking romantically about each other. Or maybe that was just true in Jack's case.

He remembered the first time he realized he was in love with Eric. If he were to tell it out loud, he would probably say it in the same way Cory did about Topanga, with a dreamy smile and far away look. Something corny like that.

Jack thought often about the moment. He had come home to the apartment after a long, weary day of classes to an always-cheerful Eric, who was reading one of his assigned books with a concentrated intent in his focus and an enjoyment in his eyes. Jack had collapsed on the couch next to him, resting an arm behind Eric's neck. He had taken a look at the novel his roommate was reading and immediately was confused. Eric wasn't usually known for being the sharpest crayon in the book, and he seemed to be devouring the book with a simple understanding and looked like he was actually interested as well.

"Eric?" Jack asked, rubbing his fingers together in a thoughtful kind of habit.

Eric took a moment to pause and put down his book, looking at Jack was a tilt of his head. "Yes?"

"Why do you pretend like you don't get things? I mean, I see these books piled in your room and yet, you seem to act… not like you do when you're reading." He had hoped he didn't sound as offending as he thought he did.

The other male looked at him with a tight-lipped smile and responded with something that surprised Jack. "I act stupid because it's better that way. People feel threatened with someone who might be smarter than them and if they think they're superior, things go more smoothly and everyone's a bit happier. I don't mind it. I'm the adorable goof, which is not a bad persona." Jack thought about it and looked back at Eric, who had already resumed reading, with an awed smile. There was suddenly something so attractive about his best friend.

It wasn't like him realizing his feelings for the other boy was awkward. For Jack, it felt completely natural, nothing similar to girls, who sent mixed signals and confusing needs. Perhaps it was the fact that they knew each other so well, or maybe it was the fact that it was just Eric and everything came so naturally to him, but Jack knew, from the moment his stomach flop-flopped when Eric flashed him that semi-sweet smile and launched into an analytic discussion about the main character of the book he had just finished, he knew.

Jack didn't do anything about it for months though, his fear overpowering his bravery.

Eric had, however, and it was a sunny day in Philadelphia when he pulled Jack in for a kiss and made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

Fin.