12. Theo

CHAPTER 12

Theo

It's a good thing Theo is already leaning against the car, because watching Alec walk towards him with a wide smile and unmistakable confidence is enough to have Theo's knees trembling.

He's seen Alec spend a year wearing a superhero cape to soccer practice when he was in elementary school and seen him in various stages of teenage awkwardness. More recently he's seen Alec in nothing but athleisure, a style that suits him. But Theo's never seen Alec like this. Gone are his sweats and barely-there tanks, his oversized hoodies paired with tiny running shorts. Tonight Alec is dressed in a pair of loose fitting jeans that hang so low on his waist Theo has no idea what's even keeping them up. The thick waistband of his stretchy boxer briefs are visible along with the Adidas logo. The band is crisp white, like they're brand new, and the mental image is enough to have Theo glad his pants are way too tight to show off his own reaction.

As good as Alec's pants and boxers look, the shirt is the star of the show, or perhaps lack thereof. Theo doesn't know much about fashion, but what he does know is that Alec looks sexy as hell in his crop top. The shirt has a low scoop at the neckline, showing off the hollow of his throat and collarbones, both of which have a glorious amount of freckles. The boxy fit of the shirt flutters when he moves, hanging free around his chest and showing off his impressive physique.

The fact that Alec is a D1 athlete is all too obvious in the expanse of muscles on display, his belly taut with a defined six pack. Even the jut of his hips are sharp enough to cut diamonds. The most tantalizing of all are the freckles splattered across his belly and around his hips. Theo got glimpses of them when Alec showed up on his doorstep with Rio, but he'd been a lot more worried about tending to Alec's wounds than mapping his freckles. He's interested in tracing them now, his tongue too big for his mouth as his eyes hone in on a dark cluster near Alec's treasure trail, both of which disappear beneath his waistband.

Appreciating Alec's beauty before had felt almost objective, like looking at a piece of art and recognizing it was stunning. Whatever he's doing now is anything but objective.

"You clean up nice, Theodore. You trying to get someone's attention?"

"You never know. I might see someone at the club worth picking up," Theo lies, knowing there won't be a goddamn person there who can compare to the man in front of him.

"Of course," Alec says. His smile slips for half a second, gone and back so quickly Theo isn't sure if he imagined it. "I'm sure you're very popular. You could have your pick of anyone."

"Maybe—"

"Here I am," Hunter announces, skidding to stop next to Alec.

"Hunter is coming," Alec says, swinging an arm around Hunter's waist. "Isn't that great?"

It's only years of practice schooling his facial expressions in front of his boss that stop Theo from frowning. He met Hunter the day Theo helped Alec move in. He'd been kind of quiet, blunt, and overall not very memorable. He'd also been, to Theo's knowledge, straight. Then again, Antonio and Riley are straight and always touch Alec, but this is different. Hunter's looking at Alec like, well, like he also knows how good Alec looks tonight. Not that Alec seems to notice.

"It's going to be great," Alec insists, turning his attention away from Theo and onto Hunter. "You want the front or the back?"

"I get carsick in the back. You mind if I take the front?"

"Not at all. Right, Theo?"

"Of course I don't mind," Theo smiles, lying through his teeth. He minds very much. He was looking forward to a few minutes of alone time with Alec before they met up with Jason. He also wanted to find a way to tell Alec how much he enjoyed watching him play, to see if he might casually suggest Theo come again so he'd have an excuse to do just that. Now instead of fifteen minutes alone with Alec, he's got some kid he doesn't know climbing into his front seat.

To make matters worse, by the time he's walked around the car to the driver's side, Alec has situated himself behind Theo so he can more easily talk to Hunter, who he is instructing to put on whatever music he wants. When Theo starts the engine, something very loud and very country blares through the speaker.

"This okay?" Hunter asks and Theo forces on a smile.

Theo doesn't like country music. Theo doesn't like that Hunter is sitting where Alec should be sitting. Theo especially doesn't like that he's so put out by the entire thing when he has no reason to care, and certainly no right to have an opinion on where Alec sits or whether he wants to bring a friend clubbing with them.

"It's fine," Theo insists, pulling away from the curb with a heavy foot and the sound of tires screeching on asphalt.

"Try not to crash! You have precious cargo in the backseat," Alec yells.

Hunter laughs and something unfamiliar and unwanted twists in Theo's gut, the same feeling he'd had watching Alec dance with Riley at his birthday party.

"You laugh, but you know it's true," Alec says loudly enough to be heard over the blaring music. "I am irreplaceable."

Theo's hands grip the steering wheel so hard his knuckles go white. Where he would normally smile at Alec's cockiness, this time it's Hunter who smiles, and that makes something heavy settle in his chest. He tries to ignore the feeling, focusing on the traffic and the annoying beat of the music as he drives them across town. Alec never stops talking, but the majority of it is directed to Hunter, which saves Theo from having to make small talk, but also increases the uncomfortable weight in his ribcage.

It's a good twenty minutes with traffic before Theo is pulling into the city lot across from the club, at which point he's developed a headache and aching fingers from gripping the wheel too tightly. It doesn't take them long to park and exit the car, and Jason flags them down the second all three of them hit the sidewalk.

"Over here," Jason yells, like they can't see his massive frame towering above the people around him. "Dude, I was starting to think you guys ditched me."

"Never," Theo tells him. As sure as he is that Jason is joking, Theo affirms him anyway.

Sure enough, Jason's face breaks into a massive smile. The sight reminds Theo of what this night is supposed to be: a few friends heading out to celebrate Alec's win and take him to his first club.

It's only a few seconds before Theo's gaze drifts sideways to Alec, who looks like a kid in a candy shop, his hips already swaying to the beat of the music that spills through the open door. He's so uninhibited, oblivious to stares as he lifts his arms up and dances.

"Someone is excited." Jason laughs.His voice drags Theo back from the edge. If he wants any hope of surviving tonight, he needs to get himself in check and remember what's at stake—his friendship with Jason.

"We should probably get in line." Theo eyes the crowd of people around them. Aside from the groups milling around street corners and sidewalks, the line itself is already wrapped around the side of the building. With all of the students back on campus it makes sense, but Theo hadn't really stopped to consider how much more crowded the club might be tonight. Apparently neither did Jason, judging by the silent conversation he tries to have with Theo with his raised eyebrows.

"We'll be lucky to get in before eleven at this rate," Jason says with a shake of his head.

Theo falls into step beside him, realizing Alec isn't following suit. Before he can say anything, Hunter leans in to whisper something that has Alec's eyes snapping open and a smile blossoming on his face as he nods.

The tightness in Theo's chest is sharp and uncomfortable and he wishes the line weren't so long, desperately needing a drink to dull the edges of bitterness taking hold.

"Hey asshole!" Jason yells when he notices Hunter and Alec walking towards the front door. "The end of the line is over here."

Alec and Hunter exchange embarrassed looks before bursting into laughter. Before they can follow Jason and Theo, the bouncer is lowering the rope.

"He can come in," the bouncer says, pointing at Alec.

There's a flicker of surprise on Alec's face before he grins, blowing the bouncer a kiss. The bouncer appears unaffected but Theo can't help marveling at the way Alec takes the attention in stride.

"Dance for us, sweetheart!" someone yells from the line, followed by a few catcalls and whistles.

"Hey, that's my baby brother!" Jason yells, but no one pays him any attention.

Alec turns, standing in the open doorway, the pulsing lights flickering behind him as he turns to Jason and offers him two middle fingers. "Cock blocker."

Jason is saying something, but Theo's ears are filled with white noise as he stares at the curve of Alec's spine, remembering the freckles that hug his lower back.

"Dude, I said move it or they'll get in without us," Jason repeats, grabbing Theo's arm.

Theo curses under his breath, hurrying to follow, but the bouncer shakes his head, pointing to the end of the line. It's impossible to tell who is more upset, Theo who gets a sick feeling at the idea of Alec in there without him or Jason who looks like someone stole his piece of birthday cake.

"He's my brother," Jason says, lifting his chin.

The bouncer shrugs. "Hottest ones first."

"I'm hot." Jason frowns.

"Of course you are, big guy," Theo tells him, clapping him on the back.

"We're hot," Jason repeats, clearly put out. Theo can't even be offended because one of his main goals in life is to be invisible, so he can't be annoyed that the bouncer agrees. Besides, he and Jason always wait in line and it's never been a problem. Then again, they've never brought Alec before.

"This is bullshit," Jason grumbles. "What if someone in there makes a move on Alec? At least Hunter is there, I guess. What's his deal, is he?—"

"Are you guys coming?" Alec yells, popping his head back out of the door.

Theo doesn't want to think too hard about the fact that Alec noticed that they weren't with him. His heart skips a beat.

"We would, but he won't let us in," Jason says, frowning at the bouncer like he's responsible for every wrong Jason has ever suffered in his life. It occurs to Theo that Jason and Alec are equally dramatic, though Jason tends to be a bit quieter about it. Apparently this time he's too offended to keep his mouth shut.

"I'm sure he would for me, wouldn't you?" Alec grins, leaning against the doorway. He arches his back, crossing his arms in a way that pulls his top up even further and exposes most of his stomach and ribs as he stares at the bouncer sweetly. When that doesn't immediately work, Alec leans forward, whispering something in the bouncer's ear that has him nodding solemnly before lowering the rope.

Theo holds his breath watching the exchange, eyes darting between Alec and the bouncer when the man's stoic countenance breaks. Jason and Theo don't wait for further permission, hurrying inside after Alec.

"What did you tell him?" Jason asks, yelling to be heard over the music.

"None of your business," Alec retorts. "You're welcome for saving your asses, by the way."

"I could've got in on my looks if I tried," Jason grumbles.

Theo wonders if maybe they're both getting too old for this kind of thing. More than once, Theo's left the club physically and emotionally unsatisfied. Jason, the serial monogamist, never picks up at clubs and only goes for the vibes.

Until right now, Theo had never stopped to think about the source of his growing dissatisfaction. He hadn't ever let himself consider that maybe he's tired of blow jobs in the back of a club or nameless bathroom sex. He hadn't ever let himself think about the fact that he's growing tired of cheap hookups, that maybe he's tired of them altogether. Probably because admitting that means admitting he might want something else. But does that mean he wants a relationship? He sure as hell never has before. He's not a relationship guy. He promised himself a long time ago he'd never fall in love or deal with that level of heartache.

Unfortunately, looking at Alec standing there so carefree and sexy, he can feel his heart wanting things his brain has no intention of letting it have.

Jason scoffs. "I'm still in my prime."

"Sure you are," Theo agrees.

At the exact same time Alec yells, "You're old!"

"Fuck you!" Jason fires back.

Alec laughs before turning towards the dance floor. He watches for a few seconds before turning to Jason and Theo. "I'm going to dance. You guys coming?"

Theo shakes his head. "I'm gonna get a drink first.".

"I'll dance," Hunter says, almost making Theo wish he'd said yes. He has no reason to dislike Hunter, yet every time he looks at him he likes the guy less. Theo watches them weave through the crowd, his heart lodged in his throat at the sight of Alec's delicate fingers curled around Hunter's forearm. He's holding on to him so they don't get lost in the crowd. Probably.

"I need a drink, pronto. How about—" but Jason cuts himself off, pulling his buzzing phone out of back pocket from a frown. "God dammit."

"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.

It's clear Alec's an athlete and not just from the impressive cut of his Adonis belt above his boxers or the miles of abs on display. The real evidence is in his muscle control and the way he knows every inch of his own body, at complete ease in his skin. It's a wonder to watch, and Theo's eyes are honed in on the sway of Alec's hips.

Without warning or permission, an unfamiliar hand curls around Alec's hip. His eyes fly open as he tips his head back to seek out the source of the contact. There's a flicker of surprise when he sees it's not Hunter. Theo fully expects Alec to push the man away, but then the guy's fingers spread wide on Alec's hip, far more familiar than they have any right to be, and he's leaning down to whisper something in Alec's ear that has Alec laughing. To Theo's complete and utter disappointment, Alec doesn't step away or tell the guy to fuck off, letting his arms encircle the man's neck as he tips his back against his chest and rocks his hips.

The guy is easily twice Alec's size, from the breadth of his chest and thighs to the massive hands that encircle Alec's much smaller waist. He's older too, maybe even older than Theo with dark scruff on his face and the hint of lines at his eyes. Theo holds his bottle so hard he's surprised the glass doesn't shatter.

That's not some youthful college guy. That's a man. If Alec had danced with someone who looked like Riley or Hunter, would he be having this same reaction? Or is the sight of someone so similar to Theo in age and build that has his pulse racing and his feet moving?

Unsure what he's doing but equally unable to stop, Theo stalks toward Alec and the stranger, planting himself directly in front of them. The man lifts his eyes to meet Theo's gaze, unblinking as the guy looks Theo up and down before spreading his hands wide over the center of Alec's belly.

White hot anger pulses in Theo's veins. It's just being protective, he tells himself, refusing to think about why he wants to punch the guy touching Alec when he's never been in a fight in his entire life.

Alec laughs, eyes flying open. "That tick—oh, Theo." His expression changes rapidly, his amusement shifting into something impossible to read.

"You know him?" the man grumbles, the fingers curled around Alec's hip tightening.

A flare of jealousy rages inside of Theo, consuming and demanding and so unlike anything he's ever felt before. There's no pretending he's only being protective now, even if he wishes he could. Theo never cared about the people he hooked up with being with anyone else. Hell, his ex had all but admitted to cheating and the most Theo could do was be glad he was going to disappear so Theo didn't have to break up with him. He's seen men and women he hooked up with leave the back room of the club and immediately seek someone else out and not give a damn. Yet some guy has his hand on Alec's waist and Theo's heart thunders in his chest so hard he can barely breathe.

"Theo, are you alright?"

The man leans down to whisper something in Alec's ear, but he doesn't laugh this time, shaking his head and trying to taking a step forward. It's clear the man isn't eager to let Alec go, his grip unwavering. Theo is ready to throw his first punch, but it's unnecessary because Alec pries the hands off his waist with a frown, stepping closer to Theo.

"Fucking tease," the man snarks. "You're not worth it."

Alec's shoulders tense and despite being positive that guy could probably lay Theo on his ass, he's never been closer to punching someone.

"Alec."

"Don't," Alec mutters.

"Don't what?"

"Just…don't," Alec says, averting his gaze. With those two simple words, some of his light dims. It makes Theo want to punch that man even more. Alec should be allowed to have fun, to dance and enjoy himself, without assholes assuming they're entitled to things from him.

"Drink time," Hunter announces as he slides in between Theo and Alec, unaware of what he just missed. He passes Alec something colorful with a cherry in it before his eyes land on Theo and he frowns. "Why do I feel like I'm interrupting something?"

"You're not," Alec answers, taking his drink. Rather than sip it, he chugs it down quickly. Some of the sticky sweet drink runs down the side of his mouth and drips down his chin. He licks the last of it off his lips, leaving them stained a pretty pink.

"Alec," Theo tries, hardly sure what he wants to say.

"What?"

"Be careful."

Alec visibly bristles. "I'm a big boy, I can handle myself. In fact, I need another drink."

"Don't you think you should—" but before he can finish that thought, Alec makes a beeline for the bar. "God dammit." Theo sighs, running a hand through his hair and wondering how the hell he always manages to fuck things up with Alec despite his best intentions. It's a good thirty seconds before he realizes Hunter is still standing next him staring. "Uh, that was…that is to say that?—"

"That was awkward," Hunter says, taking a leisurely sip of his own beer.

"Yes." Theo sighs.

"You know he can handle himself pretty well, right?"

"I know." Theo groans, because he does know. Alec is strong and Theo's a fucking neanderthal who got jealous and possessive and made things uncomfortable for Alec, who was just trying to have fun.

"Wow."

"What?" Theo asks.

"Just wow," Hunter answers, taking another slow sip of his drink. "You're not what I expected."

"I have no idea if that's a good thing or a bad thing," Theo replies, utterly confused by this kid.

"Me either," he shrugs, so utterly honest Theo can't even be offended. "This beer is shit, by the way."

"People don't really come here for the quality of drinks," Theo admits.

"So why do they come here?"

"To meet someone, usually."

"And you brought Alec?"

"Well, me and Jason."

"So you and Alec's big brother brought Alec to a queer club to meet someone."

"That's…no," Theo shakes his head.

"So you don't want him to meet someone?" Hunter asks, his level of eye contact slightly jarring.

Somehow that feels like a trick question and Theo's anxiety spikes, his limit for small talk reached. He takes a step backward, mentally rehearsing his sentence before he blurts out, "I'm gonna go look for Alec and get a drink."

"Can you tell Alec I bailed?" Hunter yells.

Theo pauses, turning around with a frown. "Won't he miss you?"

"I don't think I'm the one he came for," Hunter says, closing the distance between them and passing Theo his beer.

"Do you need a ride?"

"I can call an Uber. Don't worry about it. Just be careful with him." The warning is reminiscent of Jason's but there's something softer there. Where Jason's warning was loud, Hunter's is quiet, the implications far more subtle.

"I thought you said he could protect himself."

"Just because he can doesn't mean he will. See you later, Theo."

With that, Theo is left alone for the second time tonight, confused and out of sorts and still eager to reassure himself of Alec's well-being. As Hunter's words echo in his head, he heads to the bar, but it's more crowded than before. The reason for that becomes clear when Theo pushes himself closer and sees half a dozen men watching Alec. What they're watching he isn't sure, until the bartender slides over a shot glass, a lemon wedge, and salt shaker.

"Alec." Theo snaps his mouth shut, wondering why he seems to have no control over his words or feelings around Alec anymore.

Alec's head swivels towards Theo and he grins, that playful smirk back in place. He mouths a hello before lifting his hand. There's a half a second where Theo forgets how to breathe, watching Alec's pretty pink tongue dart out to lick to spot between his thumb and forefinger, moistening it with his own saliva before he sprinkles salt. A few of the guys whistle and cheer, making Alec laugh.

"Hurry up," someone yells, which earns the guy a middle finger from Alec and a chorus of laughter and barks from the people around him.

Undeterred by the positive and negative attention he's gathering, Alec grabs the shot but pauses to lift his face to Theo. He holds his gaze for exactly three seconds before he winks, his smile hidden behind his hand as he licks off the salt he just put there. The people gathered make more lewd sounds and cheers when Alec takes the shot, sucking the lemon wedge dry before slamming the empty shot glass on the counter.

Not even ten seconds pass before one of the guys from the crowd leans in far too close to Alec. His body is angled into Alec's space, his hands overly friendly as he curls one of them loosely around Alec's wrist and moves his mouth to Alec's ear. It's too loud to hear what he says, but Alec slides off his barstool, taking the fruity drink the bartender slides him and holding it above his head to avoid spilling while he lets this new guy pull him to the dance floor.

Once Alec is gone, the group of people disperse quickly, half of them finding various positions at the bar while the rest slink off to the dance floor, leaving Theo alone again. He plops himself on one of the barstools at the end with a grunt, eyes boring holes on the throngs of people dancing. He sips at the beer Hunter gave him and sighs heavily. It is shit, bitter and weak, just like Theo's rapidly souring mood.

Unlike before, Alec isn't hidden away in the middle of the dance floor. This time he's on the edge, sipping at his drink and laughing while the guy who brought him out there eye fucks Alec without an ounce of shame. His gaze is hungry, roaming over the lines of Alec's pretty face and down to his stomach, most of it exposed with his arms overhead and his crop top lifted. There's so much tanned skin, so many freckles and muscles. Though the guy's eyes wander, his hands remain firmly on Alec's hips, swaying them side to side before pulling him closer between the spread of his long legs.

Much like the guy before this one is older, maybe twenty-five if Theo had to guess. His face is clean-shaven, his hair perfect, and his clothing all but painted on. He's big, too, and Theo's brain short circuits at the idea that Alec must have a type. Bigger. Older. Confident. Or maybe it's a coincidence. Maybe those men have a type? Maybe they like them smaller and pretty like Alec, his body a juxtaposition of hard lines and muscles meeting delicate lips and hands.

When the man's thumbs hook under the waistband of Alec's boxers, Theo chokes on his beer. When Alec doesn't pull away, he chokes on something else, the bile in his throat sour. Every part of Theo is screaming at him to turn away, to find something, anything, to distract himself. He doesn't. He doesn't look away. He can't.

Whatever flip was switched in his brain can't be turned off. He can't pretend Alexander King isn't the most beautiful man he's ever seen. Attractive without a doubt, but more than that, his confidence and personality shine brighter than every strobing light. Theo isn't the only one who notices, the eyes of Alec's dance partner and more than a few others nearby unmistakably on Alec as he moves his body freely.

Eyes still shut, Alec gulps down the remainder of his drink in one go. Once it's gone and the cup deposited on an empty table nearby thanks to his dance partner, Alec's movements grow wilder. The man he's dancing with gets handsier, pulling Alec's hips closer until Alec's writhing against his leg, damn near humping it. Not once does Alec open his eyes, lost in his own world as he rolls his hips and throws his head back.

Without warning the man leans down, drawing his tongue along the hollow of Alec's throat while he digs his hands into Alec's ass, trying to shove his finger in places he definitely didn't get permission for.

Theo's up and moving before Alec's eyes have even opened. When they do, a frown mars his face and he attempts to step back, but he's once again prevented from doing so by the hands on Alec's ass.

"Where do you think you're going, baby?" the man says in a disturbingly saccharine tone.

"Who the fuck said you could call me baby or lick me?" Alec asks, giving him a hard shove and spinning on his heels, crashing directly into Theo's chest. "Fuck you, I—oh, it's you."

"It's me," Theo says, unsure what to do with Alec now that he's got him.

"Where's Hunter?"

"Oh, he told me to tell you he left. I don't think the club is his scene."

Alec nods, accepting the news easily. Maybe he's not as surprised as Theo assumed he'd be. "S'hot," Alec grumbles, blowing his hair out of his eyes. His curls are hanging heavy, clinging to his forehead while rivulets of sweat drip down his neck. The neck another man just had his mouth on. "I'm thirsty. I need a drink."

"I feel like maybe you've had enough."

"What are you, the alcohol monitor?" Alec asks, blinking up at Theo with those big eyes of his. They're brown, the color so deep and warm Theo could get lost in them. He knows over the years people have commented on his own blue eyes being special, but as far as Theo is concerned, Alec's eyes aren't just his favorite color, they're the color of everything grounding and safe and beautiful. They're the very color of the earth itself if Theo dug his hands into the soil and let it cling to his fingertips.

"Just worried about you," Theo admits.

"I knew you cared about me." Alec grins, swaying into Theo's personal space. He lays his palms on Theo's chest, patting him. "Big, big softie. So big."

Theo inhales sharply, watching as Alec toys with the button at the center of his chest. "Theo, will you dance with me?"

More than anything, Theo wants to say yes. He wants to let his hands wander, for his own hands to be the ones wrapped around Alec's waist. He wants to be the guy standing so close he can feel the thrum of excitement when Alec sways his hips, feel the thud of his heartbeat if they were to be pressed chest to chest. He wants to trail his own mouth down the curve of Alec's throat and taste the sweat and leftover fruity drink that clings there. He wants to devour Alec the way those other men had, and it makes him just as bad as they are.

"I, uh?—"

"It's okay," Alec says, smiling despite the flicker of hurt in his eyes. He pats Theo's chest. "I'll find someone else to dance with."

Theo's hand flies out, his fingers curling around Alec's wrist. He's never held Alec's wrist before and he didn't realize exactly how delicate it might look in his much larger hand.

"What are you doing?"

"You need to be careful."

"I can handle myself, Theodore." Alec grins, his eyes crinkling in the corners as he tries to step away, but Theo doesn't let go. He can't.

"They only want one thing, Alec."

Alec's body goes rigid and when he turns to face him, the smile is long gone. "So?"

"So, that's not what you want."

"How would you know what I want?"

"I was there in the kitchen," Theo reminds him. "I know?—"

"You—" Alec pokes Theo in the chest. "Don't." He pokes him harder. "Know anything."

"You don't want to fuck some random guy in a club," Theo says, shocked at his own boldness. "I know that much."

Alec's inhale shudders. "Well, the person I want doesn't want me, so what the fuck does it matter what I want?"

"Alec, they're gonna take advantage of you." I want to take advantage of you , he thinks, knowing exactly why he can't dance with him. Theo's not built for relationships and even if he was, it's clear Alec is in love with someone else, which is yet one more reason Theo needs to be careful. "Just don't dance with them."

"Then you dance with me," Alec challenges. There's a fire blazing in his eyes, the rise and fall of his chest rapid. For all the delicateness in his features, it's easy to forget how strong Alec is. Strong in ways that have nothing to do with muscles. Strong in ways Theo only dreams of.

Alec isn't afraid of Theo, isn't afraid of anything, but maybe he should be.

"Alec," he whispers. It's not a yes or no, but it's the only answer he can give and it's the wrong one.

"Fuck you," Alec grits out, yanking his arm from Theo's grasp. "So what, you won't dance with me, but no one else should either?"

Theo doesn't say anything. There's nothing he can say. He's too much of a coward to let Alec know how much he wants him and just enough of an asshole to ensure no one else can have him.

Casual hookups and one-offs in a club are fine for people like Theo, but not for Alec. Something like that would ruin him. Theo might not know Alec like he used to, but he knows how much he wants romance and love and all the things his parents have. Despite his loud bravado, Alec has a gentle heart and it deserves protecting. Even from Theo. Especially from Theo.

The silence stretches on too long and Theo's inability to reply only makes Alec more upset.

"I can't believe you," Alec groans. "I'm going to get a drink."

"I'm coming."

"Now you talk," Alec snaps. He pulls the coin that dangles from his necklace between thumb and forefinger, tapping at it rapidly, agitation oozing from every pore. "Don't follow me, Theodore. Don't you dare."

With that he stalks off, leaving Theo alone for the third time that night.