Page 65 of Cross the Line

“What?”

“It’s an alert from my doggy cam.”

“Stella again?” Theo guesses.

“Yes,” Jason sighs, pinching his nose. “How the hell did she get in the yard? She’s just stupid enough to try and dig her way out or use the patio furniture to get over the fence. I swear to god that dog is Houdini.”

“You going to come back after you get her inside?”

“I dunno, man, it’s gonna take me twenty minutes to get home and even if I can get her in quickly, she’s gonna cry once she sees me and?—”

“You won’t be able to leave them again without feeling guilty,” Theo finishes. “Also the line. You’d probably never get back inside even if you did come back.”

“You’re not mad, are you? I know you don’t usually come here alone.”

“I’m not alone, Alec’s here. Somewhere. Besides, you know I would never be mad at you for anything.”

“You should. Maybe not this because it kind of sucks and isn’t my fault this time, but you don’t feel your feelings enough.”

Theo groans. “I thought we were having club time, not therapy time.”

“Bro code says it’s always therapy time when feelings need to be felt.”

Despite the uncomfortable mix of emotions churning in his gut, Theo can’t help but smile as he shoves Jason. “Get the hell out of here.”

“Fine, but make sure and watch out for Alec.”

“Alec’s a big boy,” Theo says, unsure if he’s trying to convince himself or Jason.

“Dude, you remember that conversation in the kitchen.” Jason’s words might be vague, but the meaning is clear. “I’d feel better if I knew you were watching out for him. Make sure no assholes try anything.”

The ‘anything’ is underlined even if Jason doesn’t say it. Theo knows exactly what Jason is worried about. He’s been here enough. While plenty of people come here just to dance and have fun, a town like Santa Leon doesn’t have a huge queer scene, and while there are tons of inclusive spaces, this is the only one like this.

“I’ll watch out for him,” Theo promises.

“Thanks.” Jason claps him on the back before disappearing into the crowd.

Once Jason is out of sight Theo heads to the bar, wasting no time in ordering himself a drink before sitting in the corner. His position gives him the benefit of a perfect view of the entire club. His eyes track the booths along the far wall filled with college kids enjoying their last weekend of freedom before the semester kicks off, strangers looking for a connection, or people nursing a drink after a long week.

There’s no sign of Alec there, and Theo sips his beer slowly while scanning the crowded club for any sight of wild curls and freckles. Fifteen minutes pass before Theo gets frustrated by his inability to locate Alec. When Theo comes with Jason they usually get a booth and hunker down, waiting for someone else to approach. Of course Jason isn’t here and Theo’s not looking for a hookup tonight, which means his propensity to chill in one spot isn’t going to work if he wants to keep his promise to Jason and watch out for Alec.

Grabbing his beer, he inches closer to the dance floor. Unfortunately the club is more crowded than Theo has ever seen, and a single loop around the edge provides no sight of Alec, especially since Alec doesn’t exactly tower above the people around him.

Changing tactics, Theo decides to look for Hunter and his boring, plain face instead. Sure enough, a few minutes later he spots Hunter’s head of dirty blonde hair near the center of the dance floor. The best Theo can do for now is keep an eye on Hunter and wait, hoping Alec is still with him.

Standing there staring at Hunter makes Theo’s anxiety rise. Usually he can distract himself with Jason’s endless conversation or playing the ‘who looks like they might be good to hook up with’ game. Neither of those distractions are available to Theo tonight, leaving him far too much time in his own brain.

Hyper-aware of his surroundings, he notices the way the heavy bass of the music vibrates in his chest. The flickering neon lights above the dance floor seem brighter than usual, the music louder and the crowds more oppressive. His natural instinct is to find a corner and hide there, but that would mean losing sight of Hunter and therefore any chance of keeping an eye on Alec. Instead he remains in place, even when someone stumbles into Theo so hard it sends his beer sloshing all over on his hand.

“Sorry,” Theo apologizes automatically, even though he’s the one who got knocked into.

“Fucking move,” the person grumbles.

They’re clearly drunk so Theo doesn’t bother replying, shaking his hand before wiping it on his pants. When he returns his gaze to the dance floor, he’s dismayed to realize Hunter is no longer there. Theo moves forward with a frown, fully prepared to get on the dance floor to find them when Alec comes stumbling out of the crowd, hand clasped in Hunter’s.

Theo’s tongue is like sandpaper in his mouth and he gulps the last of his beer as he watches Alec drop Hunter's hand in favor of pushing sweaty curls off his forehead. Hunter is saying something to Alec but it's too loud to hear what. All Theo can make out is Alec’s nod before Hunter turns and makes his way towards the bar, leaving Alec alone.

Somehow, Theo expects him to head off the dance floor entirely now that he’s alone. Instead he closes his eyes and raises his arms overhead, moving his body to the beat of the music. That’s the thing about Alec, he can have fun anywhere, even a crowded dance floor without a partner.

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