Page 29 of Cross the Line

The kitten mews, its little paws on the edge of the sink as Alec carefully cleans the muck and dirt from its fur. Theo tries not to think about the similarities between them. He tries and he fails because those big, vulnerable eyes make him feel protective. Of the kitten? Maybe. Of Alec? Absolutely.

It’s difficult to tell if the silence is awkward or that’s just Theo, but every time he thinks of something to say he closes his mouth, not wanting to ruin the peaceful look in Alec’s eyes as he washes the kitten. He makes sure to add extra sugar to Alec’s coffee while he watches him work, mesmerized by the gentle way Alec handles the squirming kitten.

“Here’s your coffee.” He sets Alec’s cup on the counter before returning to his previous spot. He sips his coffee, sighing with pleasure at the first drink.

“Still a coffee addict, I see,” Alec says. He takes the kitten out of the sink and wraps her in one of the clean dish towels hanging off the cupboard. He holds her close to his chest, her scraggly face peeking out of the towel. With her fur all wet, she looks smaller and more vulnerable, and an unsettled feeling settles in Theo’s chest.

“Guess I am,” Theo agrees, taking another drink. He watches Alec do the same, unable to keep his questions in any longer when Alec hisses, unable to drink the coffee because of his split lip. “What were you doing at the riverbed in the dark anyway? That’s dangerous.”

“Thanks, Dad.” Alec sticks his tongue out, a sure sign he’s not actually mad at Theo’s prying. “I was out for a run and?—”

“Why were you out for a run so early?”

“Sometimes I can’t sleep. It's not a big deal. I won’t bore you with the details.”

“Why would you think knowing about you would bore me?”

Alec appears to choose his next words carefully. There’s nothing accusatory or malicious in his words or tone, yet they sting. “I’m just your best friend’s annoying little brother. I know you guys used to try and hide from me when you didn’t want me following you.”

Guilt hits Theo like a goddamn freight train. There’d been a short time where he and Jason had been idiotic, awkward teenagers doing stupid shit and they hadn’t wanted Alec around to butt in or tell Jason’s parents. He just didn’t realize Alec ever knew they were hiding from him. Somehow he and Jason thought they were being subtle. Apparently not.

“Look, it’s fine. I was an annoying kid.”

“You’re not annoying, Alec.”

“I said I was an annoying kid, not that I’m annoying now. Anyone would be lucky to spend time with me. I’m a fucking delight.”

“They would,” Theo agrees.

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

“Why didn’t you call Charlie?” Theo counters, trying to deflect.

“Charlie’s already got three cats, an elderly hamster no one wanted from the pet store and a dog.” Alec’s eyes remain on the kitten, something heavy in his tone. “He said if I bring him any more animals, he’s gonna send me to the rescue center.”

While Theo suspected Charlie’s large menagerie of pets was due to Alec, he’d never asked. He’s not sure what to make of that.

“Jason?”

“He’s got two dogs already and he doesn’t have time for more pets, which is why he told me to stop tempting him with strays.”

Theo hums in agreement. Jason probably would cave if Alec called him, but his apartment isn’t huge and he really doesn’t have room for more pets.

“Why not Andrew? Your parents?”

“Andrew doesn’t want pets right now. You know what a control freak he is. I think he’d have a panic attack if his place got covered in pet hair. And my parents said they’re done raising kids and animals. They wanna start doing old people shit, like cruises and bingo nights when they’re not working.”

“They’re not that old.”

“That’s what I said.” Alec snorts, dropping a kiss to the top of the kitten’s towel-covered head. “I could maybe sneak Rio into the apartment, but last year I got caught with animals twice and I’ve been told in no uncertain terms if I get caught again I’ll be in serious trouble, and I can’t risk my place on the team. Besides, that would be a dick move to my roommates. I think Logan is allergic anyway. Stupid campus housing rules.”

“If you don’t like the rules, why don’t you live at home?” Theo asks. “Jason told me your parents offered to let you stay home and?—”

“Wow, look at the time! I should go,” Alec loudly interrupts, making it a whole two steps before Theo stops him, hand curling around Alec’s bicep.

“No way, let me clean your wounds first. A deal is a deal.”

“I can’t even drink the coffee,” Alec moans. “You’re really going to hold me to that deal?”

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