#malex is a hot mess

[pastelwitchling]

Malex au Rearview Town chapter 2 teaser.

***

              “How’d it go?” Maria said in lieu of a greeting. She placed both palms on the bar, a rag clutched in her fingers, a smirk on her red lips. “Did Alex go wild for your curls?”

              Michael scoffed, trying not to let his feelings show on his face. “We didn’t have any time. Some archivist showed up and . . .” he hesitated. Had Alex meant to tell the others about his new job yet? Or had Michael been the first to find out?

              “I was going to tell you when the time was right.”

              Had Alex meant that he’d wanted to tell all of them when the time was right? Or just Michael?

              “Just some guy,” he said gruffly. “Alex”—he worked his jaw—“works with him.”

              If Maria noticed his tone, she didn’t comment on it. Instead she raised a brow and grinned, “Yeah? Is he hot?”

              No, he’s not, Michael wanted to snap, but realized how it would sound and managed a tight smile and wearily rubbed his face. “You seem to be in a better mood.”

              She shrugged a shoulder. “Well, you know that business meeting I had this morning?”

              Michael did not. He rarely listened to Maria when she talked about her expansions. He just never felt like he had any room to speak. Maria’s perfect imaginary world never seemed to have any space for him.

              “Yeah?” he lied.

              “Well, your wife knocked it out of the park,” she said with a delicate flip of her hair, “that’s all.”

              Michael automatically smiled. He waited for that instinctive pride that came almost against his will whenever Alex did anything, even something he didn’t like. It didn’t come. “Hey, good job, babe.”

              “Thank you,” she said, and snickered, wiping down the counter with an extra spring in her step. “So this guy, does he know about you?”

              “Mhm,” Michael said curtly. “Alex trusts him.”

              Maria paused in wiping. “How old is he?”

              He shrugged. “About our age. Why?”

              “Yes!” she grinned. “Finally, a chance for Alex to move on!”

              His eye twitched. “What?”

              “Yeah,” she said like it was obvious. “Now we won’t have to worry about him obsessing over you. Oh my god,” she cackled, “imagine if he found someone else because he came back to help you. Can you say ironic?”

              “Ironic,” Michael said in a monotone, horrified and trying not to be at the threatening idea that had been bothering him since last night when he’d gotten back home and tried to fall asleep. Intentionally late to ensure his wife would already be out like a light.

              “They’ll work together, get to know each other,” Maria went on, heedless of Michael’s inner turmoil, “that’s if Alex hasn’t already got somebody back in Washing—”

              “He doesn’t,” Michael cut her off edgily. Maria turned silent, her smile finally dimming.

              They both looked away from one another, the silence blanketing them turning heavier and heavier with every passing second. Michael opened his mouth to say something, anything to fix the mess his own temper had landed him into, when Maria spoke first.

              “It’ll be good for him, you know,” she said, having gone back to rigorously wiping down the counter. She was pointedly avoiding Michael’s eyes. “Finding someone new. I know you feel guilty, Guerin, but . . . do you really want him to spend the rest of his life pining after someone that doesn’t love him?”

              “You have no idea . . . you can’t imagine what it’s like to lose everything because of a legacy you can’t control. But Forrest and I do . . . and I will never let anyone else feel that way. It’s enough to kill you, Guerin. It really is.”

              Michael said nothing, staring through the hardwood floors, as he imagined not Alex’s pain, but Alex’s eyes as he’d sword to protect Forrest. As if Michael was the enemy. He certainly hadn’t seemed to be pining then.

              “No,” he finally agreed quietly. “I can’t think of anything worse.”

***

Prompts are still open, if any of y'all want to submit something. I've got one more to work on and then my inbox is officially empty.

[burntotears]

🤲👀💁‍♀️ for the writer emoji asks =)

Fanfic Writer Emoji Ask Game

🙋‍♀️ Do any irl people know you write fanfic? (I think this is the one that was meant... I don't see the other emoji on the list)

I was talking about this in the literal skeletons discord the other day−when I was 12 my brother found my slash boyband fanfic on my PC (I had my own computer because dad is a PC technician and built us PCs) and "outed" me to my mom. It was a weird conversation, but didn't really result in a lot, honestly? I didn't get in trouble, she was just kind of baffled but I started writing other generic fiction too and posting that online so it became a whatever thing. Dunno if she realizes I still do it and I'm sure my brother has forgotten all about that happening.

My husband knows I write fanfic and that I RP too, obviously. I ask him weird/random questions all the time when doing research or am looking for the right words. He just rolls with it−he's a good sport.

👀 Tell me about an up and coming wip please!

I talk about a lot of them, but I guess I will mention the new one sigh. I decided to write a holiday fic which I don't usually do, but I read one of the prompts for the RNM New Years Countdown and got inspired to write a Malex fic based on the 2006 movie The Holiday, which is basically one of my favorite holiday movies ever for reasons unknown.

It's going to be long and that's not what I wanted to happen, yet here we are. So now I'm just going to say it covers three of those prompts or something because ugh. Also it's going to be background Greg/Isobel because reasons. I have a thing for that pairing and I wanted it instead of kybel.

🤲 Would you please share a snippet of a wip? From The Holiday AU:

“Hey, Iz,” he said and headed back toward the primary bedroom. “Did you conveniently forget to mention that your brother would be coming here?”

“No,” she replied, sounding offended, “but he lives like five minutes away so it’s not hard for him to stop by.”

“Not Max. The other one.”

Isobel was silent for a few moments. “Right. So… I might have forgotten to tell him I wouldn’t be there.”

“No shit, Iz!” Alex rubbed his temple, exasperated.

Isobel scoffed. “You didn’t exactly mention there would be a sobbing man on your sofa either.”

“What are you talking about?” Alex frowned. 

“Looks like you, says his name is Gregory and he lives here?” Isobel prodded.

“He’s not supposed to be there.”

“From what I have gathered, his girlfriend broke up with him,” Isobel said, sounding disinterested.

“Shit. They were supposed to go on a cruise.”

“Oh god,” she replied, sounding upset.

“I know,” Alex agreed.

“No, that they would go on a cruise. They’re so unsanitary.”

Alex groaned. “Really not important right now, Isobel. What about your brother? Can’t he go stay with your parents?”

“Would you subject your brother to your parents?” Isobel asked skeptically.

“I thought that you liked your parents.”

“Yes, but Michael has a… difficult relationship with them.”

Alex raised his eyebrows. “Okay…” What the hell did that mean?

“Look, just… he’s really nice once you get to know him.” Isobel didn’t even sound convinced of it herself.

“That’s not the ringing endorsement you think it is.”

“He’s got Nora there, so he’ll be even better behaved!” she tried. It sounded like one hell of a fishing trip she was on.

“Wow, you’re really talking this guy up.” Alex deadpanned. “Does he know you think so highly of him?” 

Isobel snorted. “I have to deal with your sobbing mess of a brother here, so the least you can do is look at my hot brother for a little while.”

“Did you just call your brother hot?” Alex shook his head. “No, not the point. Anyway, you don’t have to deal with Gregory, he can just go…” Alex tried to think of someplace in Roswell Greg could possibly spend the next two weeks.

“Yes?” She prompted.

“Fuck.” There was nowhere for him to go. Alex sure as fuck wasn’t going to send him to their dad’s place.

“Exactly. So we’re both stuck, looks like,” she said.

He sighed. “Fine. I’ll give it a few days, but if he’s still as obnoxious as his first impression was, I’m not making any promises.”

“Of course. Maybe Gregory will stop crying long enough that I could even watch TV,” she shot back testily.

[foramomentonly]

4.02 Ficlet

Spoilers for 4.02

Read on AO3

This is sort of a reaction ficlet, but not a coda. @haloud and I were just casually freaking out about Sanders calling Alex pretty, and Sanders as protective dad, and Sanders’ “Alex ain’t shit” phase, and this little Lost Decade scene popped into my head. @christchex and @lambourngb and @arielana are also, no doubt, to blame.

Wow, it feels good to write to completion again lol.

As dawn burns a garish pink slash across the horizon, Walt sits in his office portable with a stack of receipts and watches the Manes boy sneak out of Michael's trailer, shaking his head. Manes is down the rickety steps of the Airstream and halfway across the dirt to his waiting Jeep before he pauses, eyes dark and gleaming even at a distance as he turns back towards the silver bullet.

"Come on, son," Walt mutters into his coffee cup. "You know you wanna stay."

The boy stands frozen for a long minute, one foot twisted behind him in flight, the other planted firmly forward. But then, like pieces of a Rubik’s Cube, his body turns away from the trailer in segments; hips, then shoulders, and finally his head, gaze lingering to the last moment on the dark interior visible through the small, papered window. He climbs into his car and drives away.

Walt sighs, dropping the papers in his hand back onto the clutter of his desk.

The kid'll be hell in cowboy boots today, that's for damn sure. Always is, after a visit from Alex Manes.

They're few and far between now Jesse Manes has his way and all four of his sons serve Uncle Sam. But no matter if the boy's in town a month or 24 hours, he finds his way to Michael's door like there's a magnet melted into the metal. And it always ends the same. Alex leaves, Michael stays, and the kid's heart breaks all over again.

Sometimes, Manes is gone while Michael’s still dead to the world, slipping away into the dark night or the brisk, early morning. Other times, they spill out of the trailer like dominoes, one after the other, angry, pleading voices carrying across the desert. Few years back, Michael all but chased Alex out the door, shirtless and barefoot, his sneakers gripped tight in one hand and his shirt draped over his shoulder. That memory's always a little too vivid for Walt's taste.

The glow of the Airstream's low light flickers on through the little window and Walt stands slowly as Michael's dark figure begins to shuffle around inside. He crosses the small office to the ancient coffee maker, pouring a new cup without bothering to refresh his own.

Walt used to wonder why Michael didn't kick Manes's ass to the curb. Sure, he's a good-looking kid. His features are pretty in a way his daddy no doubt hates; Jesse Manes mistakes beauty for weakness, even after his wife showed him the steel of her spine. Walt sees her most in Alex Manes, in the curve of his cheekbones and the dark depth of his eyes. And they damn well have chemistry, sounds like Walt has never heard before, he's sorry to admit, echoing through the thin walls of the trailer.

But Michael's got his own charm; sandy hair darker than Ms. Nora's, but his curls catch in the light same as hers, and his young body is lean and strong thanks to years of ranch work. He does more than all right with the women of Roswell when Alex isn't around.

He’s around eventually, though. He comes back. He always comes back. Manes inevitably stands at Michael's door and shifts his weight, flexing his muscles like he could even make his legs carry him away if he wanted them to. And Michael hems and haws, squints his golden eyes like he could look through Alex if he glared hard enough, like he could look away. And then he pushes the door wide open and Manes steps inside, and when it shuts behind them it stays that way for hours, all day, a weekend. 

The kids want to be together. Nothing's stopped them so far, and Walt's come to realize nothing probably ever will. Not even some damn self-preservation.

Michael bursts out of the trailer dripping wet and stormy-eyed, and Walt steps out to meet him, holding out the steaming mug of fresh coffee like an offering.

"We're backed up today, kid," he says instead of a greeting. "Drink fast."

Michael looks surprised, tries to cover it with a roll of his eyes.

"How long you been here, old man?" he asks, slurping the coffee greedily.

Up close, his eyes are shaded by dark circles.

"You get any shut eye?" Walt asks pointedly in lieu of a straight answer, raising a knowing brow, and Michael huffs, head rolling back in exasperation.

"Relax," Walt grunts, clapping him on the shoulder. "I'm not gonna tell you something you already know and don't wanna hear."

Michael tilts his head forward, nodding slowly and looking anywhere but Walt's face. He fights the urge to cup Michael's chin between his fingers, the ghost of a gesture Ms. Nora once used to still Walt's restless energy. But the kid's a grown man, and Walt's not his father, not for lack of trying. Instead, he squeezes Michael's shoulder.

"He'll be back," he says, and Michael's eyes fly to his, wide and shining with hope.

"That so?" Michael asks, and Walt nods, turning back towards the office as a classic truck rattles into the lot, the first of the day.

"If he knows what's good for you," Walt calls over his shoulder. "And I think he does."

[kneedeepindramaandcocaine]

Genuine question, what happened to Sanders??

[sunflowerdigs]

...didn't the show use this exact same plot for these exact same characters like 2 seasons ago?

They really had to give us a super sweet malex moment before having Alex get kidnapped 5 seconds later. 😭 I feel so betrayed! But what's worse is no one's gonna suspect anything bc they'll all think he's just away for work.

[ladymajavader]

I am an Alex person first and a Malex shipper distant second and to this day it annoys me that 1x10 is considered Alex walking away again. If s4 is doing something semi-decently on the Malex front (and this might 100% be an accident that the show never intended) it's finally acknowledging that Michael has NEVER been all in with their relationship. He's JUST getting to that point now, and Alex had to be literally underground for that to happen. A lot of the s1 defense of Michael hinges on people acting like Malex could have started a satisfactory relationship if only Alex physically stayed present at some point past high school as if s1 Michael didn't keep 90% of his life a secret from him until he was forced to share and as if trying to leave the actual planet his entire life doesn't immediately trump any but 'Alex walked away x times' arguments. For three seasons, Alex had to do all the work (even after s2) in their relationship, and now, we couldn't even get one season where Michael has to pick up the slack. Yes, I am fully aware that s4 treats Michael as an abuse survivor like shit, and it's gross, but he's still massively failing Alex one last time, and it's just going to be handwaved in 4x11/4x12, whenever Alex is found, like nothing happened.

YOU! You get it!! *pins an Alex Manes Defense Squad badge on your person*

This is exactly what hurts me the most. This was supposed to be a soulmates story, a 10-years-apart-couldn't-diminish-their-love-story, the kind of cheesy bs that I was really excited to see in mlm version, y'know? But for all of Michael's talk of never looking away, canonically it's only Alex who never did (the extent of his 'relationship' with Forrest was a few dates, sex and thinking about maybe asking him to be exclusive - a far cry from falling in love and being as or more happy than in a relationship with his soulmate). S2 tarnished the soulmates story (not just that M*luca happened, but how it happened, how it ended and what Michael did after) and s3 somehow played it off as if it was still Alex who had to show his commitment and devotion to win Michael back until Michael finally decided to trust his heart to him again??? Either the character-s1-storylines-in-permament-marker theory is true or it was another case of the writers going Everything is Alex's Fault so clearly Alex had to do all the work to bring Malex together, even though the last he heard from Michael was that he didn't love him, he liked M*ria and no longer saw them as having a future together?????

But it's fine. The Michael Guerin that lives in my headcanon and loves Alex Manes with all the force of s1 metaphors and Vlammy's heart eyes, he would never. He's a little shit, a hot mess and equally culpable in his own relationship problems as his soulmate, but he's allowed to be as ride-or-die for him as he wishes and also to acknowledge and fix his mistakes.

[notsowrites]

Untitled Malex 3x09 Coda #1

I am not having a great morning, but it’s not anything to do with this, so I’ve been struggling to write even though the idea has been percolating in my mind since last night. I don’t know if I love this, but I love that we’re seeing Malex communicate and share fears, and really openly support one another.

Anyway, enjoy! <3

--------

Alex pushes open the front door, and takes a moment to stare at the pile of mail on the floor. Evidence of his own mistakes. The bag containing the food Michael had dropped off from the Crashdown to remind him to eat is up against the wall, and Alex sighs. Two days into this new relationship of theirs and Michael was already taking care of him, and here he had been the one to almost ruin it completely.

"Oh," Michael breathes out, coming up behind him and focusing on the same mess on the floor.

"It's fine, Guerin."

Michael shakes his head, already reaching down and picking up the old Crashdown bag, a new Crashdown bag in his other hand. "I'll clean this up. Why don't you go, uh, relax?"

Alex shakes his head. It isn't Michael's responsibility to clean up after him. "You don't have to-"

"Alex," Michael interrupts him, placing the bag down on the table and stepping into his space. Alex feels his hand on his face, and can't help but lean into it just a little. "I want to."

He relents, nodding his head and trying to ignore the mess, heading further down the hallway and into his bedroom. 

Two days ago everything had seemed better, like with letting Michael in on everything he knew about the Lockhart machine and the work he was doing at Deep Sky, he would be able to work safer and smarter. A good lie he'd told himself, in fact. 

His phone buzzes in his pocket with a text message from Eduardo. It's the photo from the security cameras outside Deep Sky, of Michael standing in perfect view, jacket held open, the words EDUARDO VALENTI I COME IN PEACE written in large black sharpie on his t-shirt. He'd seen the shirt earlier, once things had calmed down, the letters poking out from underneath Michael's jacket.

Michael had been so worried he'd walked up to the front door of Deep Sky for him, and demanded to be let inside.

A fresh wave of guilt washes over him thinking about the desperation Michael must have been feeling to make such a decision. They'd planned a date, they'd made the choice to go out together, to be seen together - and instead Alex had let himself get pulled into the issues that plagued the Lockhart machine, as if it was somehow more important.

Making the photo the contact picture for Michael in his phone is an no-brainer. Because maybe one day he'll be able to laugh about it, and not feel the guilt surrounding this. And he is entirely grateful that Michael did worry about him, because if he hadn't, if Michael hadn't stopped by for their date… 

Removing his prosthetic is a chore, his stump sore and aching for fresh air. He debates the merits of a hot bath, but knows that if he gets in, the only thing he'll want to do afterwards is go to sleep. And right now, he needs to also eat something. They'd stopped at the Crashdown quickly on their way back, Michael saying something about making sure Alex ate. He hadn't even realized the diner was closed for it's yearly fumigation until Michael pointed it out to him. As his stomach rumbles, reminding him, he changes into sweats and pulls on an old Air Force hoodie, before making his way out of the bedroom.

Michael is in the kitchen, standing at the stove flipping what looks like sandwiches on a hot pan. Alex stands just out of view, though he's surprised with his crutch Michael hasn't heard him, and just takes a moment. A moment to let himself appreciate Michael, for taking care of him, for caring about him. It's always been a fear of his, and one that his own hallucinations had reminded him of, that he'd never be enough, that he and Michael were destined to always have issues greater than the ability for them to be together. 

"I've never seen you cook before."

Michael spins on his heels, a smile on his face, and Alex pulls himself up into the stool at the counter so he can sit down, carefully leaning his crutch against the wall. "Wait until you taste it before you judge me."

Alex laughs, thinking of Maria telling him how good a cook Michael is, the surprise in her voice as she told him about the breakfast omelettes he'd made for her. It's nice that now though, he finally gets to see for himself, though he's never doubted Maria's assessment.

"What are you cooking?"

Michael turns back to the stove, and Alex watches as he checks to make sure nothing burns. "Hamdalorian and cheese sammies. Figured since you didn't eat the ones I left for you, you could try them now."

Alex ducks his head. He still feels awful, for all of it.

"I am sorry I ruined our date," he says, not for the first time tonight.

Everything was supposed to be different. They shouldn't be here, sitting in his kitchen, cleaning up after his mess. They should have been out in public, enjoying each other's company, and not dealing with the aftermath of Alex's own demons.

"I know," Michael replies, sliding a plate in front of him, and leaning against the counter next to him. "But hopefully we'll have lots of them in the future."

"Yeah?"

He tries to sound excited, he tries to sound sure of himself. But all today had done was confirm to him that there are still things he needs to work through, even with Michael by his side. It had helped to hear that Michael had been battling with some of the same fears about their future, about the weight of everything that had happened to them being too much. At least they were battling them together now.

"You know, Sanders called me out - about us," Michael says, and Alex feels him slip his hand in his own. The bandana is gone, even though Alex knows it had been there earlier today. "I called you a friend, and he uh, he sorta saw right through me."

"When was this?"

Michael's cheeks go pink, and he ducks his head before looking back up at Alex. "After the radio tower. He's been giving me shit about it since I asked him for advice."

Alex smiles, thinking of the metaphor Michael had shared earlier. He's happy that Michael has Sanders in his life, someone who knew his mother, to tell him what she was like.

He watches Michael push back from the counter just as takes a bite of his sandwich, looking around quickly.

"I know you probably want to be alone, and maybe sleep for a couple days, so I'm gonna head out."

Does he want that? Does he want Michael to leave? Now that he's here, in the house, in his space, Alex isn't sure he wants him to leave. He's always had issues with allowing people into his personal space, a fear that stayed at the forefront because of his father. But he's spent too much time alone with his thoughts the past two days. He doesn't need more alone time with them.

"Michael?" He calls out before Michael gets too far away, turning towards the hallway, and watching as Michael's curls pop back up around the corner.

"Yeah?"

"Would you stay?"

[stayextrafrosty]

If you're still up for a fluffy Malex request, one where Alex tries to make Michael dinner but fails miserably (except dessert!).

Tbh I imagine both of them being able to cook pretty well but this was fun and might totally not be taken from personal experience... Please enjoy!

Fluffy fic requests open until 11/11/21 at 11:59pm Pacific Standard time

-

Alex cursed under his breath. This should have been easy. Pasta was the easiest thing in the world. But instead something wasn’t right with the filling. Of course he decided to do homemade ravioli as opposed to sticking with regular spaghetti. But here he was, messing up an old recipe Isobel had given him from her mom.

Supposedly it was a favorite of Michael’s. Which made all of this even worse.

The mushrooms and spinach and cheese smelled off. Had the cheese gone bad when he had just bought it yesterday? He couldn’t seem to get the amount of salt right either. He tried the mixture and realized that in his worry that it would taste bad, added too much.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. After calming himself down, he moved the bowl to the fridge instead of flinging it across the kitchen like he wanted to.

Alex knew he didn’t need to impress Michael. But their one year anniversary was something of a big deal. Thirteen years of dancing around each other and he wanted to make this special. It needed to be special.

He pulled the pasta dough out of the fridge instead. It had been sitting for about half an hour which it what the recipe said. He unwrapped the ball only to find it much more firm than he thought it would be. He tried flattening the almost rock hard food for ten minutes before rereading the directions.

‘Let sit at room temperature for…’

“Damnit!” Alex yelled as he grabbed the ball and flung it at the wall. The flour that was spread over the counter puffed up and covered the wooden floor and now his clothing. He groaned and ran a white hand over his face before he thought about it.

He looked back over in the direction that he threw the dough, expecting some kind of mess. Instead it just hovered in the air a few inches from the wall. Alex spun to face the doorway and Michael leaned against the frame, eyebrow raised and fighting a smirk.

“Babe, I think we’re a bit old to be having food fights.” Alex’s shoulders sagged as he watched him pull his signature cowboy hat off his head. The ball of dough floated back to the counter and landed with a soft thud and another small puff of flour.

“How long have you been standing there?” Alex mumbled, looking away in embarrassment.

“Would it make you feel better if I said not long?” he joked, tucking a finger under Alex’s chin and turning his face back to him. Michael’s eyes sparkled with amusement and a deep fondness that still stole the breath from his lungs every time he saw it. “I’m sorry. You were just so focused and it’s hard not to watch you when you get like that. It’s cute and incredibly hot at the same time.”

Alex rolled his eyes but a small smile snuck onto his face anyway. He looked around the disaster zone that was once the kitchen. This would take forever to clean. And even longer to find something else to make for dinner.

“I’m sorry, Michael. I meant to have a real dinner ready for you but it just… went all kinds of wrong.” He heard him chuckle and before he knew it, Michael was holding his face and pressing his lips to Alex’s.

Instinctively, Alex held onto Michael’s arms and leaned into him. He forgot about the flour that covered him and when they pulled apart, most of Michael’s clothing had a dusting of white on it as well.

“I have an idea. How about we skip right to dessert? We can pick up something from the Crashdown later,” Michael mumbled as he traced his lips over Alex’s cheek and to his jaw. Alex turned his head slightly and let his eyes flutter closed.

“I did manage to make a chocolate cake,” Alex said as nonchalantly as possible. Michael’s distractions stopped almost immediately as he lifted his head to beam at him. He would never get tired of that childlike excitement that overtook his face whenever something sweet was mentioned.

“All this for an anniversary? Alex you know the only thing I need is you.”

“I love you, Michael. I just want to make sure I show it.” The fond look returned as he shook his head and pulled Alex into a hug.

“I love you, too. Why don’t I help you with the pasta making tomorrow? Show you all the tricks I’ve picked up over the years.” Alex smiled and wrapped his arms around Michael’s waist and snuggled his face into his neck. He inhaled deeply and the smell of rain washed over him.

They cleaned the kitchen together, completely pitching the filling Alex had made but Michael insisted the dough could still be used. Just needed time to thaw. By the time they had all the pans set out to dry and flour swept up, the sun was starting to set.

Michael wrapped his arms around Alex’s waist, kissing up his neck as his fingers slipped under his shirt.

“Why don’t we go for a ride? Watch the sun set from my truck bed?” Alex smiled and tugged his lip between hit teeth.

“Stargazing included?”

“Of course. But I hadn’t planned on taking my eyes off you.” The blush warmed his cheeks as he turned in his arms. Alex pressed his lips to Michael’s. Merging stars would be jealous of them.

[skinsharpenedteeth-1]

that last gift has “i’m about to tear this shit UP” written all over it. Alex Manes : Alien Thirst Trap.

[female-overlord-3]

This is a sneak peak for @winged-fool cause she be Going Through It and I saw her post Malex which destroyed any impusle control I had at the moment! Another spite fic 😘 they're just so much fun to write okay. Currently titled "I know you better" but might be changed.

This is pretty much the start/ first part of the fic! Still have my opinions on this utterly dumb alien show (affeftionate) but god these 2 drive me insane and I've missed them

Michael is absolutely blissed out as he and Alex enjoy the afterglow. For the third time. God he really loves having anniversaries now.

Two years down and the rest of their lives to go.

"Gonna have to push that party another hour Alex. You made me inoperable for the next 40 minutes." The happy sigh he lets out is answered by Alex's who presses even closer to him.

"Sounds good."

After a good 10 minutes to calm down and get his brain back online, Michael has two glasses of water and an apple glide through the doorway.

"You feelin hot or cold?"

Hands skate slow and lightly over the bare skin of Alex's back, goosebumps rising as he shivers from the sensation.

"I feel like indulging so hot."

He tilts his head up for a quick kiss before nudging Michael to move.

That gets an eye roll but another quick kiss as Michael gets up to grab what they need from the bathroom. He throws a wink behind him as Alex's heavy gaze follows him.

Once Michael's beautiful body gets blocked by the doorframe, Alex rolls over and buries his face into Michael's pillow and melts.

Footsteps then soft lips trail up his spine before a warm damp towel wipes away the mess that's trying to dry, a gentle nudge makes him roll over to get to his front.

A second towel is handed to him without thought so he can get Michael's backside in their well done dance of cleaning up.

It's taken time but Alex allows this care and Michael too. Allowing each other to clean and care with love. It's no longer rushed or something seen as an end before parting ways but an additional moment to be intimate.

They enjoy a few more minutes of cuddling before both their phones alert them about reality.

Michael of course groans and goes to hide his face in Alex's neck as warm arms hold him in place.

"It's our anniversary so we can show up whenever we want."

They get 4 more alerts before resigning themselves that they have to leave their lovely bed to venture out for what their friends and family have planned.

Going through the quick routine of getting ready together. Turning or nudging, helping adjust clothes or grab needed items, doing their best to keep their hands and lips from wandering too much.

It's only when Alex is doing a quick sweep to make sure they've got everything and their home is secure, that the slight apprehension of going to their destination starts to bubble up before he sets it aside.

It's his and Michael's fucking anniversary so whatever happens, happens and he'll still be coming home.

[lovecolibri]

SaL anon here bestie and seeing how 911 is REALLY gearing up for Monday's S6 premier I think it's time to wrap up our S4 RNM thoughts. So, a little sadly, i present our final episode song, which of course is Tethered. Of course a big part of this choice is that we got our Malex wedding, but it's also because this song also gives me 4x12 feels (more of a Malex episode than their own damn wedding) of being there when the other needs it. Also "cat's cradle etiquette" is just a gorgeous sentiment.

Oh many, the 911 brainrot is REALY, especially after that Oliver/Ryan interview! 😳😳😳 It’s a good thing because that and Vlamburn going all out on Malex wedded bliss is keeping me from being too sad or thinking about Malex being over forever. It’s a shame we didn’t get to do more songs this season but I think you picked such a good one to end on! 

We talked about Tethered last year in May, and it had a really good quote from Ryan, part of which was “that sounded a lot like relationships - a series of taking turns and making something together that is better than what we could have created alone” which is so perfect for where we ended up with Malex!

we were married by the ocean. we were tethered by the sea. we tied string around our fingers to remember our ideals.

Okay but this is right away giving me teen Malex feels with them seeing a future together and holding on to that, remembering the picket fenced yard and dad band ideal life, and ultimately fighting for it to start coming true.

i’ll be brave when you are frightened. you’ll be strong when i am weak in the knees. i’ll be calm when you have had enough of these rushing waves. you’ll be the oxygen i need.

Ahhhhh this is SO perfect for Malex this season! Michael was so scared in the first episode about messing things up and Alex was able to be brave enough for the both of them and lot let Michael’s fears triggering his own, but talk them through it. And then, when Alex was sick and weak, Michael helped him walk, and helped make sure they escaped. When Alex was casually trying to throw his life away, Michael stayed calm and adamant that he was not going to let Alex die. And then when Michael lost hope and couldn’t breathe, Alex was there, the steady presence once again, demanding Michael fight for them. 

we’ll take turns to untangle the knots, though our hands may be tied, it’s all a part of the plot. cat’s cradle etiquette, we oblige, as we learn to enlace for the rest of our lives.

This season really saw Malex taking turns to be the support the other needed which was so good to see! We finally got them communicating and on the same page, and working on untangling the mess of their past to build something new.  Also in the quote from Ryan was this gem. “I also loved the idea that, in this game (cat’s cradle), we make mistakes [then] we start over.” which is so lovely for where Malex are right now, and how they are enlacing their lives together!

you’ll be balance when i waver. i’ll be warmth when you are shivering cold. you’ll be patience when i’ve had enough of this waiting game. i’ll be the anchor cast below.

I just love how this song is all about balance which we really saw from Malex this season. When one was wavering, the other was there to help, and when Michael was wavering without Alex, it was Kyle being a steadfast reminder about Alex’s love that helped him keep it together. Also, I love the line about being warmth because we all know Michael runs hot! But also, Alex was feverish in 4x12 and Michael was there, keeping him close and keeping him warm. Then we have another callback to Kyle reminding Michael to be patient and keep working when he was getting fed up, AND a nod to Max telling Michael to be an anchor to bring Alex home! You really hit the nail on the head with this choice!

we’ll take turns to untangle the knots, though our hands may be tied, it’s all a part of the plot. cat’s cradle etiquette, we oblige, as we learn to enlace for the rest of our lives

This song is just so lovely and so spot on for Malex and where we got to see them this season, so in sync and so supportive and so READY to start their new lives together, practicing cat’s cradle etiquette of taking turns, working together, and making something beautiful.

It has been a JOY and an HONOR to talk Malex songs with you over the past year and nearly a half and I look forward to many more song, rant, joy, whatever asks from you in the time to come, especially with 911 season upon us! This is also everyone’s reminder to go listen to Sleeping at Last and sob into your pillow about it. You’ll feel better, I promise.

Also! One last thing since it came up when I was thinking of “Tethered”, Moonwater (who has done several songs for RNM) also has a song called “Tethered” which is very Malex Wedding joy, and even includes the line when I can’t find the stars/you show me home’s not so far away/our hearts are tethered together soooo, go listen to that too!

[spaceskam]

Pretty Little Picture (2/3)

for day 2 of @malex-cupid and yes it still counts becuase I haven’t slept yet 

ao3

Alex woke up before Michael.

Michael slept on his back with the blankets pulled up to his chin, his mouth open. Alex carefully reached over to close it before he pulled his arm back into his own space. Michael’s hair was dry now, fanning out across the pillow. He looked good. So good. Really, obnoxiously good.

Alex had lived with this man for three years. They’d known each other for way longer than that. Sure, they hadn’t really been close in high school, but they were friendly by way of Alex being friends with Liz and Liz dating Michael’s pseudo-brother. It just made sense for them to share a house.

At first, it was a little difficult to get used to. Michael had always been attractive and Alex had gotten a little flustered when he realized how often he’d go without a shirt. He worked part-time as a mechanic before he got this internship and came home regularly a fucking mess and Alex’s blood would simply rush from his brain and leave him light-headed. But, after a while, he got used to it. They got closer, touchier, more comfortable and Alex didn’t see him as just a hot man using his kitchen and burning himself on the stove every morning because he always forgot to keep his arm away from the pan. He was his friend.

But now he was really starting to feel like the hot man with grease stains on his face all over again, only worse, because he was giving Alex ample attention.

Alex carefully turned so his back was to Michael and he grabbed his phone, unlocking it to text Liz. He needed that for his brain.

Alex: I’m not saying you’re right, but also how would one go about not falling for a man who keeps being super nice and flirty and touchy with you

Liz: ALEX !!!!

Alex: shhh he’ll hear you

Liz: ha ha.

Liz: Make an excuse to leave. You’re gonna regret it if you don’t.

Alex: okay, BUT what if I’ll regret it if I leave? Like I know Michael doesn’t mean any of it like that and nothing’s gonna happen, shouldn’t I just enjoy it?

Liz: Alex that’s sad. You deserve more than just enjoying attention while it lasts.

Alex: I mean, it’s Michael, he’s going to keep giving me attention after this because he wants attention too. He’ll just go back to normal

Liz: please be careful, your heart is so fragile

Alex: I’m rolling my eyes so hard right now

Liz: make sure that’s the only thing that’s hard 

Alex: STOP

Liz: I’m kidding!

Alex: pls don’t tell Max about this

Liz: he wouldn’t listen even if I tried

Alex: ??? are you sure you should be the one giving me relationship advice then?

Liz: I MEANT because he doesn’t want to hear about Michael’s sex life, don’t be rude

Alex: suuuuuuure

Alex dropped his phone in shock as Michael’s alarm started blaring, the standard Samsung alarm more than a little startling. Michael apparently thought so too because he shot up and frantically reached to shut it off. Alex happily pretended to still be asleep as he slipped his phone under the pillow.

“Fuck,” Michael breathed, voice a few steps deeper due to the morning as he fell back against the pillow. He was still for a minute before shifting and Alex soon felt fingertips on his back between his shoulder blades.

Alex was absolutely, extremely, unfathomably fucked.

“You awake?” Michael asked, dragging his fingers up until he touched Alex’s bare neck. He moved his hair out of the way and everything. His voice was so deep in the morning that Alex was pretty sure he was going to have a heart attack.

“Yeah,” Alex whispered.

“Good, we gotta get up soon,” Michael said, scooting closer. Alex had never liked the sound of movement under sheets before that moment.

Michael was warm as he pressed up close behind him. Alex swallowed hard, his heart thudding in his chest and his face burning so much that his ears started ringing. His warm hand trailed down his arm and wrapped him in a hug, squeezing him so tight he never wanted to be let go.

“You’re so soft, dude, what the fuck,” Michael said, bowing his head in the crook of Alex’s neck. Alex huffed a laugh, wiggling his arm free just enough to pat his head.

They laid there for a few seconds and Alex couldn’t help but think about how nice it was to wake up to someone like this. Wake up to Michael like this. He took a deep breath and allowed it to sink in a little more.

Which was fine and relaxing until Michael’s lips pressed against his neck and Alex’s eyes flew open, his heart picking up pace again. It was just a short little peck, but it was there. Michael lifted his head afterward and laid it back on the pillow with no mention of it, no comment of it. It was almost jarring‒just in the best way possible.

“Okay, so, today we go to breakfast. I think Curtis plans to have a talk with his employees during it, so we might be separated. Keep your phone on you and good luck if we do. Then we’re going to, like, this… I guess it’d be like a pseudo-conference. Curtis is gonna give a talk about, like, balancing work and home life and some shit like that. Then, I’m sorry, but couples yoga led by Jeannie. It’s gonna feel super cult-y, but play nice because I think it’s like their secret dream jobs. Then lunch. Then a nature walk because, well, you saw this place is surrounded by trees and shit,” Michael said, sounding more awake now as he leaned over Alex’s shoulder to tell him. His hands idly played with the hem of Alex’s shirt as if this was just something they do.

“I really feel like you should’ve warned me about couples yoga, what if I don’t have anything to wear?” Alex asked. Michael paused and tilted his head.

“You’re Alex, you wear yoga-appropriate clothes all the time. You’re telling me you didn’t bring one pair of those leggings that are borderline obscene but you think are totally socially acceptable?” Michael asked, his voice soft and warm. 

Alex huffed a laugh, smiling easily at him as he tugged on his arm and urged him to come over him completely instead of laying half on him. Michael did so, rolling over him and laying in that tiny space between Alex and the edge of the bed. Alex held onto his hips‒so he wouldn’t fall, of course. 

“I mean, yeah, but you could’ve warned me.”

“My bad, I’ll warn you next time we have to do couples yoga,” Michael said flippantly. Alex snorted and nodded his head. “Anyway, then we’ll have a repeat of last night, basically, socializing and dinner, but it’ll be a little bit more casual. Tomorrow, though, brunch and then another Curtis Talk, probably a bit of free time to bond as a couple, and then an early, more secluded dinner before we get sent off.”

“How is any of that supposed to gauge how good of an employee you’ll be?” Alex asked, mindlessly rubbed a small circle against his hip.

“Uh, what do you mean? What’s more telling of someone’s character than hell well they follow instructions, keep a cool head while in new situations, poker face under stress, and how well they can play well with others that they don’t know that well and could possibly be annoying and yet have to spend a bunch of time around them?” Michael explained. Alex stared at him for a moment before he huffed a laugh.

“I didn’t even think of it like that.”

“It’s okay, I’ve got my mind on one thing and it’s this business venture,” Michael said. But then his eyes, still half-lidded and a bit dark-ringed from sleep, drifted across Alex’s face. “Well, mostly one thing.”

Alex shook his head. “Such a charmer.”

“Absolutely,” Michael said, “And so are you. That’s why we’re pulling this off so well.”

“Mm, the only reason?” Alex teased. Michael grinned and shrugged a shoulder.

“I don’t know, guess we’ll find out,” he said. Before Alex had to come up with an answer, Michael rolled towards the edge of the bed and somehow landed on his feet. Alex shook his head against and stayed in his spot. “Gonna go tame my hair. Wear something hot.”

“Don’t I always?”

“True.”

Alex’s eyes followed Michael into the bathroom, waiting for the door to click shut before he kicked his legs and covered his face with his hands. Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit.

He didn’t bother messing with the smile that stayed comfortably on his face as he searched through his bag for something yoga-and-workplace appropriate. He settled on a pair of those leggings Michael apparently liked more than he realized and a flowy tank top that covered anything that could really be described as obscene. He pulled on a cardigan over it to give it some semblance of a day-wear vibe.

“Remind me to stand behind you when you bend over so no one just stares at your ass,” Michael said as he came out of the bathroom. Alex laughed and stood up straight from where he was bent over to plug in his charger.

“Is that just a lame excuse so you can stare at my ass?” Alex asked. Michael just shrugged and went to his own bag.

“Who’s to say.”

“You’re ridiculous,” Alex laughed, “I’ll be right back.”

“Don’t stay gone for too long, I might miss you.”

Alex rolled his eyes and closed himself in the bathroom. He took a deep breath for his own sanity, but he was simply hit with the smell of Michael’s curl cream and leave-in conditioner and that made it actually impossible to regain any semblance of sanity.

Still, he managed to focus as he dealt with his own hair, brushing through it and then pulling half of it back into a small ponytail and making it a bit purposefully messy. He again drew on his eyeliner, doing something simple because he still was working on making a good impression.

He finished up pretty easily, brushing his teeth and double-checking before he walked out. Michael was in jeans and a collared shirt. Alex scoffed 

"Wait, wait, wait, you get to wear jeans? Are you going to do yoga in jeans?" Alex laughed. Michael rolled his eyes, wiping his hands over his thighs.

"I've got a pair of athletic leggings underneath, but I'm not comfortable in them," Michael admitted. Alex rolled his eyes.

"Take those off, I'll give you something more comfortable," Alex told him, going to his own duffle bag. He dug through it for a second before pulling out a pair of gray sweats that were loose around the crotch and thigh area but got tight around the calves. "You'll look like an asshole, but they'll be comfier."

"Why do you own them if they make you look like an asshole?" Michael asked as he unbuttoned his jeans. He dropped them to the floor and–Yeah, those leggings didn't leave much to the imagination. Alex shook his head.

"Comfy," Alex said simply, "Also I got them a few years ago."

"Ah," Michael said, his thumbs hooking in his leggings and yanked them down. Alex averted his eyes. "I don't care if you look, Alex, nothin' you haven't seen before."

"Yeah, well," Alex breathed, swallowing. Michael laughed and took the pants. Alex gave it a few seconds before looking back at him. "Okay, tell me you have a better shirt?" 

Michael stared at him blankly.

"Michael, I know you wanted to look nice, but come on," he laughed, going back to his bag, "You're lucky I'm a chronic over-packer."

"Mm, I feel lucky," Michael hummed. Alex rolled his eyes again, but his smile came back in full force. 

Alex handed him a loose tank top that was a black version of the one Alex was wearing.

"They'll think we're cute and matching," Alex said, "Please tell me you brought at least one flannel."

"Of course I do, I'm not an animal," he scoffed. Alex grinned. 

"Go grab it and we'll go down for breakfast," Alex told him, shoving his shoulder lightly. Michael swayed forward to peck his cheek before leaning back and pulling off his shirt with one smooth motion. Alex took a deep breath.

They both slipped on their shoes and started to head towards the elevator. Again touching, poking, prodding, laughing. Alex hummed as Michael slowly backed him into the corner of the elevator.

"When the door opens, they'll think we can't keep our hands off each other," Michael said, voice low. Alex raised an eyebrow.

"I didn't know that we could keep our hands off each other," Alex said, tilting his head as he grabbed the waistband of his sweatpants and tugged him in closer. Michael’s lips parted and his eyes widened, that same level of awe on his face that he had whenever he’d make the ‘on your knees’ comment from the night before.

“You, Alex Manes, are gonna be the fucking death of me,” Michael breathed, leaning forward until their foreheads touched.

Michael was pressed up against him at their hips, their upper body only separated by Alex’s palm. Their breath mingled between them and Alex slowly began to wonder if Michael wasn’t just teasing. Maybe he never had been. And, honestly, Alex wouldn’t mind. Actually‒wouldn’t mind was a gross understatement.

Alex, never one to back down from something that he wanted, gave him his best set of ‘fuck me’ eyes and licked his lips. Michael breathed in deep as his eyes drifted down and then back up to meet his eyes, back and forth a few times before his head started tilting and he started moving his jaw a bit closer.

Their noses touched.

“Oh! Wow, okay,” a voice said. Michael quickly moved off Alex like they’d just been caught doing something they shouldn’t be doing‒and maybe they had been. Callie stood in the open elevator door, her bulky glasses not hiding her amused expression one bit. “Should I leave or…?”

“Sorry,” Michael said, clearing his throat. He pulled at the sides of his sweatpants before tugging at the hem of his shirt. Alex felt a little dizzy at the idea that he needed to cover something up. “Didn’t know you’d be barging in.”

“It’s an elevator, Guerin, you’re the one that should learn to keep it in your pants,” Callie said, walking in and letting the doors close. Alex kept his breath even as Callie gently shoved Michael.

“It’s very clearly in my pants, Kemeny,” he joked back.

“And for how long?” Callie said, gaze drifting over to Alex, “Because I know how you can be.”

“You that bad at keeping your cool at work?” Alex asked, raising his eyes at Michael. 

“I’m perfectly capable of self-control!” Michael argued. Alex and Callie both snorted a laugh at the same time and Michael’s bottom lip protruded in a pout. “You’re both so mean to me.”

“I’m the nicest person you’ve ever met,” Callie insisted. Michael rolled his eyes even though his pout faded. “See I was gonna slyly tell Alex I stole a good bottle of whiskey if he wanted to get away from you for a little while, but I can clearly see things have transpired.”

“Transpired?” Alex echoed.

“She knows you’re just my roommate,” Michael said, “She called me out when I told Curtis I’d be bringing my boyfriend ‘cause she knew I didn’t have one of those. And nothing transpired, Kemeny, we were just… playing.”

“Mhm, playing. That’s what I told my mom when she caught my high school boyfriend hiding under my bed.”

Michael elbowed her and hissed a childish, “Shut up.”

“I’ve said nothing,” Callie grinned.

The elevator doors opened and she walked out first. Michael glanced over at Alex before holding out his hand.

“Breakfast?” he asked. Alex took it willingly and let himself be led to the dining area.

There were a lot of things Alex knew about Michael. He was touchy and flirty and he was a genius. Clearly, he wasn’t the only one who knew that. He was obvious enough that Callie knew and they didn’t hang out outside of work as far as Alex knew. And, surely, it was normal for people to fall for Michael.

However, it never occurred to him that he’d be interested in Alex that way. It was fun to push with no expectation and fun to push with theories. You’re just my roommate, Michael had said, nothing transpired. So he must’ve meant it that way. Alex had a little crush, but Michael didn’t reciprocate. They were just playing. This was just what he did.

Which was fine. But how much playing could Alex get away with?

“So,” Alex started as he stabbed the cube of cantaloupe with his fork, “Playing, huh?”

Michael pointed at him with his own fork. “Not you fucking with me too.”

“I’m not!” Alex laughed, “Just, you know, wondering.”

You’re roommates, his brain suddenly reminded him, stop it before you fuck that up. Alex didn’t stop. He didn’t want to. This weekend wasn’t real anyway.

“Why?” Michael asked, slowly lowering his fork. Alex shrugged.

“I mean, this weekend isn’t really, like, serious, you know? Things go back to normal when we go home,” Alex said. Michael stared at him for a long few seconds.

“What do you mean?” he wondered.

“This is the first Valentine’s since my junior year of high school that I’m not getting laid,” Alex pointed out, grabbing his glass of coffee and taking a sip.

“Jesus, Alex,” Michael breathed, laughing softly as he shook his head as he stood to go have breakfast with his coworkers in the other room, “You’re gonna make a man do something stupid one day.”

Alex shrugged, a smile on his face.

“Do it. I dare you.”

-

Curtis was, in the nicest way, not meant to be a public speaker.

Despite his well-written script that he had memorized, his charismatic personality, and the flashy PowerPoint, he had no fucking stage presence. He wasn’t captivating to watch and it was the most boring thing Alex had sat through in awhile. Michael nearly passed out four times and Alex had resorted to pinching his thigh to keep him away.

“I’m gonna have bruises,” Michael grumbled as they moved towards the room they’d be doing couples yoga in.

“I wasn’t about to ruin all your hard work by letting you fall asleep,” Alex hummed. Michael took a deep breath.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

Alex had done yoga a pretty decent amount before, mainly with Maria back in high school and then with random other friends that wanted someone to go with them. He wasn’t bad at it and he definitely didn’t hate it, it was just never something he really remembered to keep up with without someone else. 

Michael, on the other hand, probably had never done anything similar to it in his entire life. Alex wasn’t even sure he could touch his toes and he wasn’t even that tall. Though, with Isobel around, it didn’t make sense. Still, Alex didn’t have high expectations.

They sat beside each other on a relatively large mat, waiting for things to get started. Michael kept looking over at him as if waiting for him to do something, though Alex wasn’t sure what. He ignored it, though, and shrugged off his cardigan and placed his phone in the bundle. Michael slowly mimicked him with his flannel and put it beside them on the mat.

“Alex,” Michael whispered.

“Hm?” 

“About what you said earlier…”

“When?” Alex asked. Michael blinked at him and then shook his head.

“Nevermind.”

Alex eyed him for a moment and then wondered if just by bringing it up that morning had been pushing their little game of pretend too far. Maybe it wasn’t as pretend as he was assuming. Alex turned his head to him entirely and made eye contact.

“If I made you uncomfortable, I’m sorry. I was just joking. I don’t mind you being touchy and cuddly, but I also don’t expect anything like that from you either, okay? You’re my best friend,” Alex said honestly, keeping his voice low. Michael nodded slowly.

“Okay,” he said, “You’re my best friend too.”

They stared at each other for a few more seconds until Jeannie started talking and they had to pay attention.

She led them through a bunch of exercises. They sat with their backs together and stretched each other’s spine (Alex was indeed more flexible than Michael who complained at every big movement). When Alex had to lay against him to stretch, it was fine, but when Michael had to lay on Alex, it was a little bit more tense.

“Tell me if I’m crushing you,” he whispered. Alex huffed a laugh.

“You literally couldn’t crush me if you wanted to.”

“I mean… I could, though,” he said, “If I squeezed.”

Alex took a deep breath and had to tell him to shut up. He did, thankfully.

They eventually moved to have their feet pressed together and pulling each other forward and Alex was met again with Michael’s lack of bending. He could pull Alex until he was almost bent in half, but Michel struggled to even get a little bit.

“I do not believe no man has tried to bend you in half before,” Alex mumbled. Michael gave a pathetic little whine.

“They always worked me up to it at least.”

“Mental images all around.”

A few more stretches, more touching, more becoming viscerally acquainted with Michael’s body. It was meant to be for non-sexual intimacy and trust, but Alex couldn’t help himself. It was a little overwhelming the longer he had to help him stretch and work up a sweat.

By the time it was over and Alex felt loose and pliable, it was almost cruel to just tell them to go get freshened up for lunch in an hour.

“I wasn’t uncomfortable, by the way,” Michael said as they walked into their room, more distance between them on the way up than there had been since they arrived at the trip, “I just didn’t really understand what you meant.”

“But you do now?” Alex wondered. 

“I think so.”

With a newfound understanding of some sort, they took turns cleaning up. Once Alex came back out of the bathroom, he found Michael curled up in bed again. Temptation was too much and he walked near him, reaching out to run his fingers through his hair. Michael’s eyes slid open slowly.

“I want a nap,” Michael whined, “Let’s skip lunch.”

“Well, we can’t skip, that’d be bad,” Alex said, “But we can lay down for a few minutes.”

“Set an alarm, please?” Michael asked, pouting. Alex did, setting one for ten minutes before lunch was scheduled. “Set?”

“Yeah, so‒”

Michael cut him off by grabbing his arm and tugging him down. Alex landed on top of him with wide eyes, but he didn’t seem to mind as he wrapped his arms around him and held him there. So apparently they were an equal enough understanding to do that.

Alex bowed his head against his chest and happily let himself stay kept there, crush be damned.

-

“Alex. Alex. Alex. Alex. Alex.”

“Oh my God, shut up or I’m going to push you into that creek.”

“It’s important.”

Alex took a deep breath and pulled out his earbuds to give Michael his attention. They’d agreed that on the nature hike, Michael would let Alex listen to some of the pieces he had to have memorized for his test in a couple of weeks. But apparently Gesualdo’s Moro, lasso, al mio duolo wasn’t as important as whatever he had to say was.

“Look,” he whispered from where he was crouched by the creek. Alex sighed and walked closer, leaning over his shoulder. In the water, there was nothing but tadpoles. “Look, this one has its legs and everything.”

“This was important?” Alex asked softly.

Michael blinked up at him and nodded. Alex sighed and sat beside him, taking one of his earbuds and putting it in Michael’s ear.

They listened to renaissance music and watched the tadpoles together for well over an hour before they had to go get ready for dinner and somehow, stupidly, that did nothing but make Alex feel like he was crushing even more. And suddenly the game wasn’t funny or playful and he was starting to feel like it was too much.

Alex: mistakes have been made. He listened to Gesualdo and des Prez with me by water while we watched tadpoles what kind of backwoods ass romcom am I living in Liz help

Liz: ABORT MISSION

Alex: I CAN’T 

Alex: I’D BE THE WORST FRIEND EVER

Alex: Liz

Alex: he listened to the three masses with me

Liz: oh no

Liz: how can he do that and expect you not to fall in love with him???

Alex: THAT’S WHAT I’M SAYING

Alex: oh my godddd

Liz: maybe he likes you back??? I’m literally catholic and I simply could not

Alex: ...why would you give me false hope like that

Liz: I’M JUST SAYING

Liz: play it cool. Don’t drink too much. One more night.

Alex: if he corners me in the elevator again, that’s it, I’m jumping him

Liz: HE DID WHAT?

“Literally what the fuck,” Michael scoffed, “How do you look so good? How did I go so many years without knowing I was bisexual when you were right there?”

Alex rolled his eyes as he buttoned up his shirt. He left the top two open, but he usually left three or four. Modesty, he supposed. At least for his own sanity.

“I don’t know, denial?” Alex suggested. Michael laughed, coming up behind him in the mirror. He wrapped his arms around him and rested his chin on his shoulder. Alex was going to faint. “You keep sayin’ stuff like that without an audience and I’m gonna start thinking you like me.”

Michael took a deep breath and shrugged, hugging Alex tight.

“Menace,” Alex accused. Michael’s brilliant response was to let his teeth drag across Alex’s neck.

Because that’s apparently what friends did.

“Michael,” Alex said, a little more serious than intended. Michael tilted his head in attention, arms already beginning to loosen up. “Don’t fuck with me like that.”

“Who said I was fucking with you?” Michael asked.

They stared at each other in the mirror for an absurdly long time. Alex’s mind was racing through all the things that had happened yesterday and today and how it was a lot of confusing things that were all his best friend just being flirty because they were faking it. And Alex thought he pushed too far by making it too real, but apparently, he wasn’t even the worst offender.

“We have a dinner to go to.”

“Yeah,” Michael said, “We do.”

It was officially the longest dinner Alex ever had to sit through.

While Michael didn’t corner him in the elevator, he did hold his hand beneath the table while they ate. And then it went from resting on top of Alex’s leg to between his thighs and steadily moving up. Alex’s heart was thudding in his chest and his stomach grew warm at the same speed his slacks grew tighter. He stayed still, managing not to shift even as Michael very much decided to screw all professional behavior.

“Aren’t you supposed to be showing how good of an employee you’ll be?” Alex hissed at him at the loudest point of conversation so no one would overhear. 

Michael’s thumb traced the seam beside his zipper.

“I am,” Michael, smiling like they were talking about the wine, “Poker face while under stressful situations. You’re so good, Alex, no one suspects anything. Best decision I’ve ever made.”

“Well, yeah, this isn’t the first time some boy with a pretty face has felt me up under the table of important people,” Alex responded, his face calm despite the fact he was losing his damn mind. Not only with confusion, but also because what the fuck. “Though, last time, he wasn’t trying to win them over.”

Michael shrugged, just casually rubbing their joint hands against him as if he was just being sweet. He was quite literally being the opposite of sweet.

Alex leaned closer to put his lips by his ear so he could whisper, “I thought we were friends,” without anyone hearing.

“Friends can’t help each other out?”

“Didn’t realize we were at that level of friendship.”

“Weren’t you the one who said this weekend wasn’t real?”

“Fair enough. Keep going.”

Alex focused back on his food and Michael’s coworkers, making small talk with ease despite the fact he was just steady getting more and more worked up by just too much pointless movement and not enough actual friction. Michael’s face was completely normal as did the same. Both of them sipped their wine and no one suspected anything.

Maybe that made them bad people, but Alex didn’t even fucking care anymore.

It did get a little difficult when they stopped sitting and had to walk around and chat. Michael thankfully pulled away long enough for Alex to calm down a little, but his mind was still on it as he stayed glued to Michael’s side.

“You play the piano? So do I! Well, I haven’t played in a while,” a girl whose name Alex couldn’t remember said.

“It’s like riding a bike, you don’t forget it,” he said, laughing warmly. Michael’s hand was low on his back. Normally it wouldn’t be anything out of the ordinary. Currently, Alex was about to explode.

“I bet! I’ll have to play sometime again. Oh, wait, let me go get Ivan, he’s a classically trained violinist,” she said, turning to go find him. Michael leaned into his ear.

“The more composed you are, the harder it is to keep my hands to myself,” he said. Alex huffed a laugh.

“They have never been kept to yourself.”

“You get what I mean.”

“Yeah, I really do.”

Ivan came up and they talked. Will came up and they talked. Callie, Emily, Alisha, etc, etc, etc.

“The more I look at you, the more I think we should leave,” Michael said as the night started to wind down and Alex needed to get away from all of them.

“Then let’s go. Let’s leave,” he said, Michael nodded.

“Yeah.”

“Michael! Alex!” Jeannie called before they could make a run for it.

“Oh my god,” Alex whined softly. Michael grinned.

“Hey!” Michael cheered. Alex put on his award-winning smile to match.

“Can I just say you boys are the sweetest?” Jeannie said, her voice hushed as if it was a secret, “So many couples come to this thing and I’m not even sure they like each other. And, honestly, I’m so over men who just complain about their spouses at work. It’s nice to see you two. You’re really in love and it’s so comforting to know that it’s still something you can find.”

If only she knew.

“Thank you so much,” Alex said earnestly, “I think people just need to find something worth fighting for.”

“I completely agree! Seems you’ve found it,” she grinned. When Michael’s hold on him tightened, Alex didn’t react. 

“We try.”

“Ah, well, I don’t wanna keep you. I know two lovebirds like you wanna go celebrate Valentine’s Day properly, so go on! I’ll see you in the morning,” Jeannie said, shooing them away.

“Goodnight,” they said together, not even arguing as they headed for the elevator.

“Is it weird that your boss’s wife thinks we’re gonna have sex in a room they’re paying for?” Alex asked. Michael took a deep.

“Probably less weird if she’s right.”

“I totally agree.”

Alex had never kissed Michael before.

It wasn’t like he’d never had the opportunity‒they’d been at parties together where it’d totally been plausible. Michael had drunkenly climbed into his bed and puckered his lips for a kiss before. Alex had been cornered in the elevator this very morning where he could’ve if he wanted to.

But the point was that he hadn’t and yet, when he finally did, there was no adjustment needed. They stumbled into their room attached by their lips, frantically trying to touch any and every part of each other that they could. Alex forgot he was his roommate and best friend, he forgot that this was a boy he had a crush on and he was very certain didn’t feel the same way, and he did nothing but pull him closer.

He got Michael out of his shirt and his pants, pushing him onto the bed and kneeling between his spread legs. Alex breathed heavily as he trailed his fingertips over Michael’s chest and arms and thighs. A pout formed on his face as he realized the pinching from earlier actually did bruise him.

“You bruise so easy, I’m sorry,” Alex said, moving to kiss over the little tiny marks. Michael heaved a breath. “I’ll be careful.”

“Alex, honestly, I don’t care if you’re careful as long as I can cover it,” Michael insisted. Alex’s hand stayed on his thigh as the other one slid back up to his chest. He liked touching him. He wanted to do it forever.

“You’re strong. And you did so good today, so good for me,” Alex told him, his thumb rubbing small circles into his upper inner thigh. Michael’s eyes slid closed and he swallowed hard. And the compliments from the last couple of days suddenly made a lot more sense.

“Alex,” he breathed out. And it sounded nice.

“Michael,” Alex said back softly, leaning down to kiss him on the lips just once, “Let me see what you look like on your knees.”

“Okay.”

And, truly, Alex didn’t care about how right Liz was anymore.

Fair enough.

[cosmicclownboy]

Malex spent two seasons going in circles because Carina was obsessed with the idea of hot mess Michael who was somehow still the perfect attentive boyfriend even traumatized as long as he was with a woman but couldn't possibly have a conversation with the man he's in love with. Now the show had to craft a one-season Malex arc that would get the ship some actual onscreen development with payoff but also wouldn't magically handwave their problematic patterns. Of course we're revisiting some bad habits before moving forward. And it's certainly not the actors' fault they can't say more about it. Vlamburn have been advocating for better Malex treatment extremely loudly for a long time now.

I don't want Malex immediately together it'd take me out of it. I've said it 1000 times the reason I dislike Echo is because everything got pushed under the rug and it felt so fake to see them immediately together after everything that went down with Rosa.

I don't want Malex to feel hollow. (looks at Tarlos)

I want them to feel genuine.

What we are getting narrative wise as an arc is the one I always wanted FOR THEM.

When Malex got together in 1x06 they immediately had sex and sex has been their form of communication for a decade. It's not a way to communicate and it's not something you should have as the foundation for your relationship. I'm not saying sex was all Malex was but it's all that they thought they could have and in turn it became a pattern.

In order for these two to have a healthy relationship there has to be a good form of communication. One that isn't provoking to get any words out of the other. Being friends creates that opportunity.

Everything I'm getting from that 3x06 scene is growth. Michael is no longer creating the façade of you were the only option he admits to wanting Alex there investigating with him. Alex does communicate even if it's very poorly. The growth in this is that they BOTH want to communicate and seem really over fighting one another.

Which means to me follow up scenes and acknowledgement is underway.

[sunflowerdigs]

So, I did a little sarcastic-y review from the salt mines for RNM 3x09. Warnings for excessive sodium content, Maribel mourning, a desire to recycle cardboard, and, of course, Malex opinions. Without further ado:

- Every time Michael smiles I forget for like 5 whole seconds how much I hate that Malex keeps me shackled to this show. Too cute that he brought Alex lunch (and probably hoped he could sneak a glimpse of him) and they're going on their first date (omg omg omg).❤❤❤❤❤

- Kyle should yell at people more. Starting with his garbage friends who left him in a barn without proper triage or jello cups while he was in a coma (why didn't they just keep him at DS if he's having appointments there anyway? Nevermind... ). Alas, he's starting his understandable rage tour with Uncle Edgelord, who, naturally, makes a dramatic statement and tries to leave. I am so glad Kyle called him on that.

- Delmanes would be cute if Greg didn't have the personality of cardboard. They've created a character who is actually only here to remind us of how special and amazing Maria is. Turns out that's not super interesting. And it's so painfully obvious that it's a pair-your-spares situation. I really wish they'd just give her Kyle, he has the patience of a saint. Anyway, Isobel's pigtails are cute af (rip my Isobel/Maria/Kyle heart - I would have taken Isobel interrupting Delmanes and Heather's post with pigtails today as signs if not for genetics).

- Anatsa and Isobel's development seems to have taken place completely off-screen, like everything else gay on this show, so I'm guessing it's gonna stick. Honestly...I guess this is controversial but Isobel and Maria have really good chemistry and a history. I know their bond is supposed to read "sibling" but it doesn't for me. And rather than waste time watching them flirt with these one-note (ah, Greg chimes in right on time with a convenient line any rando could have delivered) LIs, I'd much rather see them get closer. The whole related thing has thrown a wrench into it for me. That said, it's nice to watch a woman be encouraged to go after another woman. 🎉

- Alex the sci-fi/fantasy nerd figuring out immediately that the hallucination is his own subconscious is 100% legit. Much like Kyle not letting his uncle pull a classic tall-dark-and-broody exit, I appreciate Alex's 4th-wall break moment.

- Not Max and Liz proving that discussions about s2 drama can occur on Roswell New Mexico?! What? Must be a straight thing. Lucky them.

- Isobel is actually acting a lot like Sherlock Holmes when he's on a case, from the wardrobe to the focus, and it's hot. Also, totally believable that Isobel would be able to pull up that pod from under the ice because we know she's been training even if it didn't happen onscreen. Because she told us. Just a suggestion.

- I love the idea of Jim Valenti as a double-agent, but I don't see how Eduardo thought he could keep Kyle safe by never knowing him. It feels like there's a lot more here Eduardo isn't saying.

- It wasn't a sister-fight that Maria and Isobel had, but whatever (no one got physically shoved or brought up a horrifying memory from 100000 years ago to shove in someone's face in public - doesn't count).

- Also, why would you waste a glass by throwing it into the fireplace? Wouldn't it just explode back in your face? Man, the show is trying so hard with Maria and Greg, I want to give them some kind of romance-novel award for effort (but not success).

- Not Liz and Max showing us that it's possible to move forward by discussing your past mistakes like adults instead of pretending they didn't happen!? What? Must be a straight thing. Lucky them.

- Draw a line on the bottle? No way, Valenti, he obviously wants you to chuck that whole thing straight into the fire in a fit of passion to prove that his words had an emotional impact.

- Also, Kyle wins the prize for this episode for that speech to Uncle Edgelord. Everyone go home. When do I get a Kyle and Alex spin-off where they travel the world, defying sci-fi tropes and seducing beautiful men and women?

- Not Liz and Max talking loudly about aliens while breaking and entering! This one is actually very believable, I take it back.

- It was idiotic of Liz to trust Heath. And Echo keep having this same fight because MAX IS RIGHT BUT THE SHOW WON'T LET HIM BE. Which is so obnoxious. I would forgive Liz for almost any sin (like, idk, getting a better romantic storyline because she's straight) because she's gorgeous and smart and tough and I wanna go live with her and her mad scientist energy on a deserted island somewhere. But she's being real dumb rn.

- I love the t-shirt and if Vlambase doesn't sell one I will. But he couldn't have held up a radio and blasted some Barry White? I feel like that would have cleared everyone but Alex put of the building real fast. Also, what is time on Roswell NM? Was Alex just setting the alarm every so often for kicks? Does Eduardo really not check in on staff who are working with dangerous technology for days on end? Also, why is this entire plot happening over a single goddamn episode instead of two or more so that we can really feel Alex wasting away under the machine's influence? The reason this twist is at all surprising is also the entire plot's undoing - Alex's demeanor wasn't exactly one of a man obsessed (or an addict, tbh) in his last scene.

- Anyway, back to Rizzoli and Isles. I definitely am always super excited to hear the details of my sister's sex life. All the time. That is totally a sister thing except where it's really not. Do any of these writers actually have a sister? I feel like they must because the Michael/Max/Isobel sibling chemistry is always bang on but Maribel is just...flirty lady city. Oh, and look, the beard just showed up with coffee to cockblock - it really is R&I!

- Back to Alex's plot line, which, much like Isobel's coffee, is Express To-Go. He's become haggard and worn in the time it's taken Michael's mom to find a cute sweater in the void. Seriously, we wasted like 3 whole episodes where Alex was presumably sitting in DS twiddling his thumbs and now he's being worn down by the machine in a single episode? Why didn't this plot start back in episode 3 or 4? Like...look, I don't come on here to be an asshole. But I just really hope they're taking note of what worked this season and what didn't because HOLY PACING FIASCO BATMAN. Just because you're giving us Malex doesn't mean everything else can just be hot garbage (not the acting, Taylor's doing his best to sell this). Also, when did Alex put his leg back on? I have so many questions but they aren't the good kind, so Michael better ride in soon and save this mess.

- Regarding what Nora is saying, it's fine, it makes sense but the zero build up makes it completely ineffective. Alex is afraid he doesn't love enough - it would have been nice to see that over several episodes instead of just being told in a burst of sudden exposition but, you know. Nice straight things we can't have, I guess.

- If Michael and Alex want their relationship to "purr" they could, idk, talk through their past misunderstandings like people in relationships do. Or the show could keep throwing exposition bombs at them, idek.

- Are those empty toilet paper rolls inside the machine? I knew the CW was budget but come on...

- And we finally get the Heath connection and it's to our brand new trope-y character, Wise Old Black Man Dallas. It's surprising but only because the 4th alien didn't exist before this episode. So, good job.

Overall, not the worst episode of RNM ever. I only wondered why I watch this show maybe 3 times this episode. And Michael's enthusiasm for Alex was adorable.

[justlightlysedated]

I’m not sure if this is what you were after with your message earlier, but anything more with the Malex Charmed AU where Alex is a witch and Michael is a white lighter would be wonderful 💖💖💖

set in this au:

Michael’s never been so nervous about an assignment before. But that’s probably because he’s never been given such an important assignment before. Usually he takes care of future White Lighters or low level witches just learning to use their powers.

But these were not only the children of a Charmed One, but also the children of Jesse Manes, one of the most notoriously evil warlocks, who even the Source was rumoured to fear.

So yeah, he was nervous, but he knew what his strengths were, and he knew that he was chosen because he was the best at blending in and staying in character and the Elders really wanted to keep an eye on the Manes Brothers, without them actually knowing that they were being watched.

Michael takes a look at his reflection in the rearview mirror, and he looks just as terrified as he feels.

He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath trying to find his center, and calming himself down just like Max had taught him back when Michael had first become a White Lighter.

Once he feels more calm and less nervous, he gets out of his truck, making sure to grab his tool box.

Michael closes the door behind himself and looks up at the Manes Manor.

The architecture put it firmly somewhere in the early eighteen hundreds, and the mauve color of the wooden boards made it stand out even more in the neighborhood full of monotone colors.

Michael’s story was pretty easy to remember and to input. The Manes had several nosy neighbors, and Mrs. Karen Johnson, their next door neighbor had been heard complaining loudly about the fact that the boarded up windows at the Manes Manor hadn’t been fixed since they’d been broken almost a full week ago.

So Michael had decided that the best way to infiltrate was to pose as a handyman, after all, old Victorian Manors sometimes did need a lot of work done, if no one kept up with the upkeep, and something told Michael that the Manes were more concerned with other matters than their home falling around them.

Something which is proven when Michael gets closer and realizes that the door wasn’t left open, but was actually leaning against the door jamb, on it’s side.

Michael is trying really hard not to be judgemental here, but he’s surprised that they’re still alive at this point.

As he stops right by the edge of the welcome mat, covered in wood chips and what he’s pretty sure is green demon goo, and sets his tool box down, he can almost perfectly hear the argument going on inside.

“-should just admit that you have no idea what you’re actually doing,” one voice says, sounding very much on the edge of condescending.

“Just because you can’t do it, doesn’t mean that my patch job is bad,” another voice says sounding on edge.

There is silence for two seconds and then the sounds of wooden boards hitting the ground, along with the small metal sounds of nails falling.

“You were saying?” the first voice says.

Someone else scoffs, and then Michael hears footsteps.

Michael doesn’t bother hiding as the first brother appears, Flint, the middle one, walking out from where he thinks the living room is located and into the short hall that leads towards the front door, heading towards the stairs that lead up to the bedrooms.

But no one seems to notice him as his two brothers follow after him.

Gregory, the eldest and the tallest one of the three of them, is the one to speak next, “I agree with Alex. We should consider hiring someone.”

Michael clears his throat and takes a step closer to the entrance, but no one pays attention to him.

Flint stops right at the bottom of the stairs and gives Gregory a truly vicious look, “Of course you agree with Alex.”

Alex, who is the youngest brother, shares a look with Gregory and then obviously rolls his eyes, almost with his whole entire body, leaning back against the small table where an empty vase is located.

He’s the only one with his back to Michael, and yet, no one else notices that he’s standing right there.

“I’m just saying that your way didn’t work, maybe we should consider-”

“Dad always said that real men fix their own messes,” Flint interrupts.

Alex makes a truly impressive disgusted noise with his mouth, “Dad is also an evil bastard warlock who keeps sending demons to steal our powers, do you really want to keep listening to his advice?”

"Excuse-" Michael tries trying to interrupt them, but they keep talking over him.

Flint rolls his eyes with his whole body just like Alex did, “Just because you think he’s evil-”

“He’s sending demons after us to steal our powers,” Alex repeats.

Flint gives him an annoyed look, “Powers that we only have because of you.”

Alex pushes off the table then, making the vase rock alarmingly. "You're really still blaming me after the last demon confirmed that dad would've sent them after us anyway?"

Flint opens his mouth, but Alex cuts him off, before he can say a word.

"Do you want to be dead? Because that's what you'd be right now. Dead."

"I can't believe that you're willing to take a demon's word for it, when it's our dad-"

Alex scoffs, "Dad has wanted me dead our whole lives-"

Michael moves forward and knocks on the door, and he sees Alex twitch towards the sound, but at the same time Gregory speaks up, loudly.

"I think that maybe we should table this conversation for some other time," Gregory says speaking over his two brothers, who turn to face him. "And I also think that we should put it to a vote."

Flint and Alex just look at him expectantly.

"Should we call someone to look at the damage and give us an estimate so that we at least know how much money before deciding it costs too much and do it ourselves?" Gregory asks.

Flint scoffs, but doesn't move.

Alex raises his hand immediately, "I say we should."

"So do I," Gregory says, raising his own hand.

"Fine," Flint says, and turns around and stomps up the stairs.

Michael winces as the slamming of his bedroom door echoes loudly downstairs.

Alex and Gregory just look at each other.

"You make the call, I'll make the coffee," Gregory says, and turns around, heading towards the dining room and to the kitchen.

Alex just sighs and turns around and makes direct eye contact with Michael.

Michael feels very much like someone just punched him in the stomach and forced all of the air out of his lungs.

Michael had seen pictures of the three brothers to be able to tell who each one was and who had what power, but pictures really didn't do Alex Manes justice.

There was something magnetizing in his kohl lined gaze, and even though he was looking at Michael with suspicion, his gaze was so intense that Michael didn’t think he could look away, even if he wanted to.

Alex takes several steps forward which snaps Michael’s attention away from his face and down the rest of his body. The way his shoulders stretch out the thin fabric of his black t-shirt, and how thick his biceps look and down to how his black skinny jeans stretch across his thighs, and the flash of pale skin in the strategically placed rips.

Michael feels a stab of attraction low and hot in his belly and he thinks, oh, oh no.

“Can I help you?” Alex asks, sounding hostile, and Michael stares at him for a second longer, at the way he’s moved so that he’s right in the middle of the hall, but close enough to duck into the living room if Michael were inclined to attack.

Michael pulls himself out of the daze he’d fallen in, and lifts a hand and waves, "Hi. I've been trying to get your attention."

Alex gives him an expectant look like he expects Michael to explain why, so Michael does.

“I was fixing the back door for your neighbor, and she mentioned something about your windows, and I figured I might as well take a look since I don’t have any other jobs lined up for the next couple of hours.”

Alex looks him up and down for a second, taking in the toolbelt and the tool box that Michael had set down earlier.

“Which neighbor?” He acts like he’s testing Michael.

“Mrs. Johnson?” Michael responds, more like a question

Alex deflates at the answer, face losing all of it’s tension as he steps even closer, sending Michael a small, sheepish smile that almost sends Michael into a daze.

“Karen needs to mind her own business,” he says, sounding amused. “But since she has been dropping by with food and hints about knowing someone that would help, I’m not surprised she got tired of being ‘subtle’ and actually sent someone over.”

He does finger quotes around the word subtle, and Michael thinks that he maybe falls in love with him a little.

Michael shakes his head, and looks away from Alex. He hopes that this attraction thing is short lived, since he has a job to do, but a small part of him already knows that it’s not going to be as easy as that.

The only thing that he’s pinning his hopes on right now is that Alex is not interested and straight.

“Yeah,” Michael says weakly. “I heard the last bit of your conversation there, and I can give you an estimate right now if you want?”

He looks back to Alex, who looks up and then turns to look behind himself, the move making his shirt lift up, and showing off the rainbow studded belt he’s wearing.

Michael’s heart jumps in his chest, and he tells himself that that belt could mean anything, but that combined with the eyeliner and the cuffs around his ears are a blatant sign in a language that Michael is fully fluent in.

“That would be great,” he says turning back to face Michael, and the small smile on his face gets a little wider as he realizes that Michael had been staring at his belt.

Michael looks away from him then, and he leans down and reaches for his tool box, telling himself firmly that he has a job to do, that that’s all this is, a job, and that there are rules against this sort of thing. Rules that clearly state that relationships between witches and White Lighters are strictly prohibited.

He walks into the house, and signals to the door, “Should I add the door into my estimate as well?”

Alex looks over to the door, and makes a face, probably at the mess that’s on the welcome mat.

“Yes,” he says looking back at Michael, and then he takes a step closer, so that he’s within reaching distance.

“I’m Alex, by the way,” he says as he puts out one hand.

Michael swallows hard, but he reaches out with his free hand.

“Michael,” he says just as their hands make contact.

Alex inhales sharply, eyes falling shut as his hand squeezes Michael’s hand lightly.

Michael can feel the wave of magic that pours out of him momentarily, and he already knows that Alex is the one who can see the future, which means that he probably just got a premonition.

Michael needs to act like this isn’t something that he would know about, but before he can make an appropriately worried face, Alex is opening his eyes.

He licks his lips and looks at Michael with too wide eyes, pupils blown wide, and his eyes drop down to Michael’s mouth, and then even lower, before he looks back up to Michael’s eyes.

“It’s going to be so nice knowing you,” Alex says, in a low and breathy voice.

Michael’s eyes go wide and he feels heat flooding his cheeks as Alex’s voice hits him right in the middle of his stomach.

Fuck, he thinks. He is utterly fucked.

He wonders what the hell that could mean, what kind of premonition Alex had that would make him say that, but then Alex’s face goes a little panicked as he realizes what he just said, and he lets go of Michael’s hand, taking a step back and clearing his throat.

“I mean, nice to meet you,” he tells him in a completely unconvincing tone. “Let me show you the windows.”

He turns then and walks into the living room, and Michael watches him go, still feeling a little warm.

Oh no, he thinks again, and follows after Alex.

[litwitlady]

Omg I just know you’re gonna write the hell out of these sleepy prompts haha 37 or 3 for Malex :) can’t decide!

#3 - ‘Don’t be nervous, you can come closer.’

On the radio, a twangy country superstar sings about lost romance and broken hearts. Dirt and debris soaking up most of the sound. It’s midday and the junkyard is quiet. Michael is bent over a brand-new Silverado, engine already wrecked. He swears as he cuts his finger on a jagged piece of metal jutting out where it doesn’t belong. Sucks the wound between his lips and wipes the sweat from his brow. It’s only 10am but the day has already gone on for far too long.

He tosses his wrench onto his workbench and reaches down into his beat up cooler. His fingers glance across the long neck of a cold beer before settling around a half-frozen bottle of water. Twisting the cap off, he gulps down the entire bottle, eyes never leaving the beer. The day stretches out even further ahead of him, sober and sun-drenched.

Back beneath the truck’s hood, Michael cranks away at the broken, jangled mess. After all these years, the work is monotonous. Dull enough to let him loose inside his own head. He tries to drown out his hectic thoughts by humming along with the current song floating faintly from the radio. The same twenty-five song playlist in rotation damn near every day. Except on the weekends which are dedicated to decades past – golden oldies Michael considers the soundtrack to his youth. Lonesome melodies haunting the empty, loveless houses he’d once passed through.

He hums through two more songs, getting lost in his work. So lost he doesn’t notice when he starts to sing under his breath. So lost he doesn’t notice when the lyrics no longer match those echoing out from the radio.

Would you meet me in the middle, could we both stop keeping score

Michael sighs and presses his knuckles into his eyes. Alex’s song sneaks past his defenses at least once a day. And he’s found no cure. Not screaming along at the top of his lungs. Not biting his tongue bloody. Not refusing to listen to music for days on end. Nothing has worked. It always finds him no matter where he hides.

Resting on the truck’s bumper, he pulls out his phone and thumbs through his contacts. Leaving grease smudges behind. He stops on Alex’s number and sits staring – wondering what might happen if he actually went through with the call. Behind him, a soft whining breaks through his thoughts. He ignores the tiny noise at first. The junkyard is filled with whines – bad engines, metal signs blowing in the wind, the rickety roof shifting above the makeshift workshop. But the sound continues, and Michael decides to go investigate. He could use a good distraction.

What he finds is a blue-gray pitbull puppy inside a rusty yellow VW Beetle – windows all busted out and flowers growing wild through the wheels. Little paws propped up against the door, tongue swatting up at his nose. Michael approaches slowly – the puppy trembling and clearly terrified at his presence, disappearing into the car’s footwell.

A dog is not what Michael needs. He sighs and turns his back. But the puppy starts to cry again – more desperate now, lonelier somehow. He spins on his heels and yanks the door open, puppy scrambling away.

‘Don’t be nervous, you can come closer. Not going to hurt you, little bit.’ He reaches down and wraps his fingers around the dog’s soft belly. Picking him up and cradling him against his chest. He’s warm and still shaking, but he nuzzles into Michael’s t-shirt anyway.

A dog is not what Michael needs. He finds an unused crate and lines it with newspaper, tossing in a couple of clean shop towels for good measure. Places the pup onto the improvised bed and watches him squirm around, sniffing at his new home. His temporary new home. Because a dog is not what Michael needs.

He tries to climb out, tumbling over backwards. Tries again with the same results. Michael finds himself smiling – almost laughing. And he forces himself to look away. Digging around in his toolbox for the screwdriver he needs to keep working.

But it’s no use. The puppy keeps mewing and Michael’s heart can’t stand the pitiful noises. He hoses off a dusty hubcap and fills it with clean water. Grabs his phone and dials Maria’s number.

‘Guerin.’

‘DeLuca.’

They haven’t talked much since the hospital breakup. Polite hellos and sad smiles whenever Michael enters the Pony. But she’s the first person he thinks of when he considers his current predicament. ‘Do you have any dog food – or something a puppy could eat?’

He hears her whisper something over her shoulder and then, ‘What – a puppy? When did you get a dog?’

Michael sighs. ‘I didn’t get a dog. But there’s a puppy out at the junkyard. He needs to eat and I’m working. All I’ve got is some stale breakfast bars.’

‘Call Isobel. Or a vet. I’m working.’ She hangs up. He supposes it was too early to start asking favors.

But she’s right – he should call a vet. Or, better yet, drop the dog off at a vet and get back to his very simple, not at all complicated mutt-free life.

He calls Isobel instead.

‘Michael, make it quick. I’m at the Women’s Action Committee luncheon and about to give a speech.’ Other people might sound flustered before public speaking. Isobel sounds like she’s at a day spa.

‘Would you mind swiping some leftovers a puppy could eat and heading over to the junkyard after?’ The puppy in question starts to yip. Finally hoisting himself over the side of the crate and splashing headfirst into his new water bowl.

‘Oh my god, Michael. You got a dog?’ He can barely hear her over the clatter of the luncheon.

‘There is a dog temporarily in my care. That’s all. Can you help me or not?’

‘Not until later tonight. I’m meeting with the mayor about the abandoned UFO museum. We’re hoping to start a women’s shelter. Call Max.’ Someone shouts her name. ‘Gotta go, Michael.’ She hangs up.

The puppy’s ears are soaked. Dripping in the sand as he busily noses about. Tail wagging so happily his entire body wiggles. That’s the first moment Michael knows he’s in trouble.

Against his better judgment, he phones Kyle. ‘Valenti, you’re a doctor. Help me.’

‘I’m not a vet! And I’ve got surgery in thirty minutes. How did you even get my number?’ He hangs up.

Michael refuses to call Max on principle.

That leaves him exactly one option. One terrible choice. He scrolls back up to Alex’s number. But he can’t make his finger press the call button. No matter how hard he tries.

He plops down in the dirt and pulls the puppy to him. He nips at Michael’s fingers playfully and chews a hole in his threadbare shirt. Michael likes dogs – he does. Has always wanted one, but never had the ability to properly take care of one. Having barely been able to care of himself most days. ‘Wonder where you came from, little guy?’ He scratches the puppy behind its ears. ‘Where all your brothers and sisters wound up? Probably safe and sound in warm homes.’ He swallows, hating the emotion that has crept into his voice. ‘Snuggled tight in the arms of some little girl or boy.’

The puppy licks his chin and Michael hugs the puppy closer. ‘But you got thrown away. Or maybe your ran away, huh?’

Scrambling out of his arms, the dog hops back to his water and continues splashing about. Michael returns his attention to Alex’s phone number. ‘He probably won’t answer anyway.’ The puppy ignores him. ‘He has a boyfriend now.’ He rolls in the dirt, little feet pawing at the air. Michael leans back against the Chevy and closes his eyes.

He hasn’t seen Alex in weeks. Has worked tirelessly to avoid seeing Alex for weeks. But he has seen Forrest. Fucking everywhere. The hardware store – the minimart – the gas station. Back at the library and even at the grocery store late one night. In the goddamn cereal aisle.

‘Guerin.’

‘Forrest.’ Michael’s heart beating so hard it breaks.

‘See you around. Enjoy the cereal.’ And Michael had smiled tightly. Watched Forrest leave and imagined him driving straight to Alex’s and crawling into bed beside him.

When he reopens his eyes, the puppy is gone. The junkyard far too silent. Sun so hot everything looks hazy. ‘Where’d you go?’ Michael calls, panic bubbling up in his chest.

That’s when he hears the frantic yapping. He climbs to his feet and jerks around the corner of the Silverado. Eyes scanning the yard as quickly as possible. But the puppy is fine. Better than fine, even. Locked safely in the arms of none other than Alex Manes. Barking and licking at whatever bit of skin is closest.

Alex grins down at squirming puppy and then back up at Michael. ‘Hey.’ The dog barks and bites at Alex’s ear. ‘Is he yours?

The sight is overwhelming. Too much for ordinary afternoons at the junkyard. Michael’s eyes soften. ‘He is.’