Page 2 of Cross the Line

Jason whoops. “I knew you’d help me out. You’re the best.”

“I didn’t agree yet,” Theo points out, even though they both know Theo can never tell Jason no.

“I just need your help to plan a little party.”

“Little like something with the twins?” Theo tries, knowing he’s going to be wrong.

“Sure, they can come too. And all of Alec’s teammates and his friends in the fraternity and the football team and?—”

“Is there anyone Alec isn’t friends with?”

“Probably not,” Jason answers honestly. “He could make friends with a rock.”

As a child Alec had multiple pet rocks, so this really isn’t that far off base. Alec has always had a way of making friends and amusing himself wherever he goes. It’d been adorable when he was a child, a little envy-inducing when he was a teen, and now, well, maybe it’s still a little envy-inducing. From the stories Jason tells about Alec in college, he’s exceedingly popular, as much for his starting spot as a forward on the soccer team to his status as the big man on campus.

“You’re doing that pinched face thing again. What could you possibly be overthinking right now?”

“Did you want a list?” Theo retorts, not at all planning on giving him one if he says yes.

He’s not jealous of Alec’s ability to make friends with people. He’s not. He’s probably just hungry. That’s the only explanation for the weird swirl of emotions in his gut. Theo gets cranky when he’s hungry and the donut is definitely not hitting the way he needs after skipping lunch.

“Look, you've been working on your big boring report for weeks on trash or whatever.”

Theo rolls his eyes. “The report isn’t about trash. At least not directly. It’s about tracking the indicators used to measure environmental and human health over time while taking into account environmental factors.”

“You are so smart. I still can’t believe you didn’t go into grad school with that big brain of yours.”

Theo has no reply to this. While Jason’s monetary and familial situation had allowed him the freedom to continue his education post-bachelor’s degree, Theo hadn’t had the same privilege. Not that he really wanted a Masters, but the option would’ve been nice. It’s not something he likes to talk about, though, not even with Jason. It’s not his fault Theo had a half-absentee single parent, and needed a job ASAP to pay off the school loans he was drowning in. He knows Jason, and the King family, would’ve helped him if he asked, which is exactly why he’s never said anything, and doesn’t plan to.

“So this party,” Theo prompts, eager to get the conversation back to more comfortable territory. “What exactly do you need me to do? If you’re asking me to get snacks and beer at Costco on a Friday night, I’m just letting you know that it's going to require a substantial bribe.”

“I don’t need you to go to Costco.”

“Decorations?” Theo guesses. He’s not sure what Jason might have in mind to go with a dick banner and condom balloons, but he could probably swing something. Decorating isn’t his strong suit, but he’s not a complete disaster. At least he doesn’t think so. He looks down at his sweater, suddenly unsure.

“Decorations were not exactly what I had in mind,” Jason says, pulling out his wallet. He passes Theo forty bucks.

Theo’s confusion rises. “What the hell is that for?”

“Alec’s gonna be starving when you pick him up from the airport. For someone so small he can eat a lot.”

“You want me to pick up Alec from the airport?” Theo blinks at the money in his hand.

“If I do it, he’s gonna ask me too many questions,” Jason grumbles. “You know how…persuasive he is.”

Persuasive is certainly one way to describe Alec. Theo can’t help but be amused by the way he manages to wrap all his siblings around his finger.

“You literally coach 250-pound football players, are you telling me you can’t go toe-to-toe with your baby brother?”

“Fuck, yes that is what I’m saying. Have you seen him? He’s fucking scary when he’s stubborn. Besides, you know I can’t lie for shit. I’m gonna spill the beans the second he starts pestering me and then the entire surprise will be ruined.”

That’s not untrue. Jason’s good at smooth talking through bullshit in parent conferences but when it comes to flat-out lying, he’s comically terrible, but when it comes to denying Alec he’s even worse. He used to get in so much trouble with his parents for constantly letting Alec have ice cream for dinner, just because Alec would come to him instead of their parents.

“Listen, we both know you’re the only one who has ever been able to resist Alec. On behalf of all of the King brothers, we need you.” Jason makes an exaggerated show of pleading, hands clasped together in front of him as he attempts what is probably supposed to be a puppy face, but just makes him look constipated.

“Fine, I’ll pick up Alec from the airport,” Theo concedes. He doesn’t actually mind. He might not be as close to Alec or the twins as he is Jason, but he likes them all. “Then what, just bring him to your parents’ place?”

“You’ll need to give us a few hours to get it all together. Take him out to eat.”

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