17
They wake up late, drifting comfortably in the warmth of the blankets and each other before they have to get up and finish the rest of the meal prep. The prospect of two months away from home and from this — particularly after Paul’s unfulfilled request last night — is starting to loom unpleasantly.
Alex gets dressed thoughtfully. He knows everyone who’s going to be here and doesn’t have to worry about good impressions. But he’s here with Paul in an odd, undefined role somewhere between co-host and principal orphan. Even if he’s not sure how he could, Alex doesn’t want to screw it up.
“Oooh, soft,” Paul mutters approvingly, when he wraps his hands around Alex’s waist and smooths the fabric of the gray wool sweater down with his thumbs. He kisses Alex before he goes to check on the tu
