18
After fifteen minutes and no Alex, Paul goes looking for him. He finds him on his side on the bed in the dim. Alex has one hand on Todd who, eyes closed and purring, is in a state of bliss in his party-exile.
“Hey,” Paul says quietly as he sits down on the edge of the bed. Alex blinks before focusing on his face. He looks startled. It’s still a look Paul finds incredibly appealing.
“Sorry for disappearing,” Alex says.
“How are you doing?” Paul scratches behind Todd’s ear, then rubs his thumb over the back of Alex’s hand.
“Recharging. I’m okay.”
“Do you need anything?”
Alex shakes his head.
“Stay up here as long as you need,” Paul tells him. He loves having Alex next to him downstairs, but he knows Alex is strange with crowds. Paul wants to be able to give him the space he needs.
