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Worries at Midnight
It turned out Alex missed a lot being holed up at Deep Sky. Like Kyle nearly dying. That one probably hit the hardest. Reconnecting with him has been incredible. Alex hadn’t realized how much he really missed Kyle in his life. Hearing that he was seriously hurt second hand caused him a panicked feeling that made his chest tight. He’s really only felt that for one other person. Guerin.
He didn’t want to dwell too much on that right now. But he knew he needed to see Kyle, like yesterday. Turned out he was still on medical leave, though insisting he’s fine. It was Guerin of all people who told him where Kyle would be. When did they become friends or friendly, he wondered? Alex really did miss a lot.
He made it to Kyle’s door in record time. He took a shaky breath, he was nervous. It was just Kyle why was he nervous. He knocked.
Alex was not expecting the sight he got when Kyle opened the door. Messy hair, low riding pajama bottoms with flamingos on them. That’s it. Alex’s brain may have short circuited just a little bit. That’s when he remembered it was midnight and people who aren’t Guerin or Maria sleep at this hour.
“Alex?”
“I’m pretty sure, yeah. I don’t have any potentially evil clones.”
That got a chuckle out of Kyle. “I guess..” he took a moment to yawn and stretch. “I guess I meant more, ah. What brings you to my door at almost one in the morning?”
“Yeah. Sorry. I…I just saw Michael and Maria and they told me you nearly died and the whole Max and Liz thing. And I just had to come make sure you’re fine, with my own eyes.”
Something flashed in Kyle’s eyes at that. Alex couldn’t read what it was. “You don’t need to worry about me.”
“Someone has to. You’re the most selfless person I know, Valenti.” That got a smile out of the man. “Also, can I come in or…?”
“Oh. Right. Yeah. Of course, you want a beer?”
Alex gave a nod. He watched Kyle walk to the fridge, which was a mistake. Kyle looked really good from all sides apparently. He could feel his face flush. Definitely could use that beer.
They made their way to the couch, sitting in silence for a bit. “You know, I expect to hear Guerin did something and almost died. But you?”
“In my defense, I didn’t got looking for a fight. But I’m also not going to let a asshole be an asshole.”
“You’re ok. Right?”
“Yeah. I…I mean. I think so?”
“Think?”
“Max healed me. Jones healed him healing me. Weird by the way. Evans feels way too much at one time, for the record. Like, I’m not one to say feelings are bad because they’re not. But someone needs to maybe share a little bit more because feeling his feelings was like a feelings tornado.”
Alex nearly spit out his beer. “Guess it’s not just Guerin who’s an angsty cowboy. So handprints really do link you?”
“Didn’t we learn that from Liz?”
“They had feelings for each other already. We didn’t really have a control.”
Kyle rolled his eyes, “Yes, I’m alien voodoo linked to Max Evans. And the handprint is just above my hip. The universe has a cruel sense of humor.” Alex couldn’t help but laugh at his expense. “Yeah yeah. Laugh it up.”
“Hey that Alien voodoo didn’t leave a scar.” Kyle just gave him a deadpanned stare, taking a swig of beer. “Sorry. Sorry. Just. Ok. So Max healed you. Which caused Max’s heart issues to transfer to Liz which led Max to be healed by the suspicious clone. And you’ve been ok? Since all of that.”
“Yeah. Recovery is fine. Nothing to worry about but to not arouse suspicion from everything that’s happened I have to take the ‘normal’ time off. I’m sure Guerin told you also no alien side effects.”
“By the way, when did you two start…uh. Hanging out? Getting along?”
“What, jealous?” He smirked at Alex, giving him a light shove. It earned him an eye roll. “Ah. Well. He helped me out with this radio thing my dad left me. Had alien tech in it. Figured he’d be the best choice for help since you weren’t around. I don’t know, we talked a little. He became my man-sitter slash body guard while Maria was making sure I didn’t end up in a coffin.”
“Wait. Man-sitter?” Alex was suppressing giggles.
“Maria had someone with me at all times until we thought I was out of the woods. Guerin actually volunteered. But I’m pretty sure it was to let Maria go do more important things. He’s been…nice? Lately. Or trying to be less…Guerin? He needs to work on his people skills though. I think they’re a bit rusty. He’s either six feet away from you or manhandling you. There’s no middle ground. And if I’m going to be manhandled he’s not who I’d prefer do the manhandling.
Alex did spit out his beer at the last part. “Oh my god! That’s..!” He was practically doubled over on Kyle’s couch. “I mean. That’s not untrue…but…wait. Who would you WANT to manhandle you?”
Alex saw color rise from his chest, neck, to face. He thought that it was cute. “Ah…I. Um.”
Alex watched him squirm, “Soooo? Liz?”
Kyle merely took a swig of beer.
“Isobel? Maria?” Nothing. “Max?”
He scrunched his nose.
“So who? Not Gregory is it? I mean I get my brothers great but – ”
“You.”
“Me?”
“Tu.”
That made his heart flutter. Alex was finding words difficult. “Me?”
“I thought the two languages was to make that clear…” Kyle was still avoiding meeting Alex’s eyes. “I don’t know. Uh. So. Remember when you totally shoved that mortician like a boss. That was totally hot and…I don’t know, Manes. Maybe I think you’re kinda hot in general and sweet and brave but after everything and we were finally friends again those seemed like thoughts I shouldn’t have in the first place and –”
Alex, acting on impulse for once, gently grabbed Kyle’s face, so their eyes met. He saw vulnerability in Kyle’s eyes. And fear. That wouldn’t do. Impulse continued, he leaned in and softly kissed him. He felt the tension leave Kyle’s body, and a hand on his wrist. He let the kiss continue for a few moments before he pulled away.
“Alex…”
“You know. When I heard you were hurt, I felt like I couldn’t breath. I…needed to make sure you were ok. For myself. Before I could relax. I’ve felt that way only once before. You’ve been my rock. You’re who I want to come to first when I have good news or bad. I guess I didn’t realize it until I almost lost you, but somewhere my feelings weren’t just…platonic anymore. And for the record, I’ve always found YOU hot. But I have to say, this whole…sleep hair and pajamas thing is a very distracting look.” That got a smile out of Kyle. And…before you ask about Guerin. I’ll always love him and care about him. But it doesn’t mean I’m still IN love with him. Or still want to be manhandled by him.”
Kyle laughed, finally relaxing. “Maybe Max isn’t the only one who needs to talk more about his feelings…”
“Maybe.” Alex ran a hand through Kyle’s hair, earning him a shiver.
“We can always…continue this conversation in the morning.”
“Right. It’s late. I should…” Alex moved to get up but Kyle’s hand on his wrist tightened.
“Don’t go?”
“If you want me to stay. I’d..love that.”
“YES. I mean yea.” Managing a hint of that Valenti swagger, “Bed’s a king.”
Alex laughed. “Seems unnecessary. I’m a snuggler.”
This wasn’t how either man planned the night to go but it sure was the best night’s sleep either of them has had in months.