In the living room an atmosphere was intensifying.
Jake was sitting on the couch being the target of Nicolas' deadly gaze, still curled up in the covers. Unable to say a single word such was his surprise at finding out about those two. Had he seen correctly? When Milles had opened the bedroom door he was only wearing trousers and from what he had seen, Nicolas was only in his boxer shorts.
― Did you lose your ass on my face?
The platinum man let out a low chuckle and denied it with his head, looking completely fascinated by the jigsaw puzzle in front of him.
― Dirty little mouth as always, hein shorty.
― Looking at your face makes me pissed. Could you turn your back, please?
― Someone taught you to say "please". You're finally growing up, Nicolas. With me you always growled.
A vein popped out of the omega's forehead, which miraculously contained his growl.
― You're definitely cousins, equally insufferable.
― Here bro. ― Milles handed a white cup of coffee to his cousin, hearing his low laugh.
― No family lunch?
― I just woke up, give me a break.
The blond alpha sat on the couch stroking his forehead, where there was the recent scar from his wound. Noticing that, Jake had been quick to point it out.
― What did you do to your forehead? That looks ugly.
― Ah, during the match I ran too much and ended up injuring myself. But I'm fine.
― During the match? Were you that agitated?
― It was either that or miss the play-offs. ― Milles smiled sipping his coffee, looking over his shoulder where he could hear a growl ― Why are you frowning?
The brunette snorted, pushing Milles' torso so that he leaned back against the upholstery so that Nicolas could curl up in his lap. He squirmed like a lazy cat defending its territory while directing curse-laden glances at his enemy.
― I'm ready to hear how that situation unfolded. I'm all ears ― Jake commented cheerfully, or even fascinated by that sight ― The last time I saw them was when they were about to go out on the punch.
Nicolas had just pulled at the collar of the blond's shirt showing the bite, having Jake almost spit out his coffee. He had blinked a few times, running his hand over his chin wiping the coffee dripping from his mouth.
― 'Wait a minute, you guys bit each other? But I thought... Wow.
― A few things happened ― Milles said scratching the back of his neck, lifting one leg to support his arm on it. He seemed completely relaxed unlike the other who remained alert and defensive.
― I see. But if you're happy, then that's a ten for me.
― Look at this jerk trying to be cool.
― He called me an jerk? ― asked Jake, stunned, receiving a nod from his cousin, who was clearly telling him to leave it alone.
― What are you doing here in town? ― Nicolas asked impatiently, glaring at the platinum haired alpha still fiercely.
Jake cracked a simple smile, staring at the cup in hand.
― I came to clean up some mess I made. You might think I'm on business. ― Nodded at the platinum man, again sipping his coffee. ― But it's not easy to set foot in here while the family's gathered, so Sadie called me to let me know it was opportune.
― My sister called you? I thought my parents deleted your number from her mobile phone the same way they did with me.
― Ha, that was hell, bro. ― complained Jake, ruffling his hair. ― They stopped me from approaching you in every way, even in Orkut I couldn't add you guys. And don't even ask me how, I only know that they deleted me completely.
― Ah, I almost felt sorry, but it's over now. ― Murmured Nicolas opening a cheeky smile.
― You don't have to be cold with me, Nicolas. I know very well why you're angry with me and I don't take away your reason.
The omega let out a nasalized laugh, even as he rubbed his cheek against Miles' chest searching for his unconscious scent. Now that the bite had been done to his body, his omega instinct was uncontrollable always needing to be near his alpha. Still, Nicolas remained the same, his mischief and bad mood accentuated thanks to the tiredness he felt.
― Now I felt sorry, he thinks I'm being cold.
― Aren't you?
― I've already put together a dossier on different ways to kill you, and now I'm choosing one to put into practice.
― Take your time, then. I'm in no hurry, and I'm gonna be here for a while.
― You will? ― It was Milles's turn to look surprised, pulling the blanket over Nicolas's body as the curtains fluttered in the wind. ― Here in town I mean. Aren't you afraid my aunt and uncle will see you?
― They're traveling on business, according to Sadie. So, I can walk quietly around here.
Yawning sleepily, the omega had pulled the covers down far enough to look Jake straight in the eye. Not allowing him to run away from himself, though it was hard. He would never run away. He'd love to go to sleep, as his body was too weak still, but he wouldn't give himself away until got the answer he wanted. But before he could say anything, Jake had soon pulled up the long-awaited subject.
― How is he? Theodore, I mean.
Milles hadn't answered, he knew very well that the one who would have the best answer would be Theodore himself. He hadn't seen his cousin in a year and had no idea how he would have handled the situation. Would telling him about Theodore being with someone else break Jake's heart?
― Just fine without you, dung.
Jake let out a low chuckle.
― I thought you'd lie to me, Nicolas, just to make me feel like crap. Or you'd say it was none of my business.
― You're already rubbish, you don't need much effort.
― Yeah, yeah, sleep on it. ― Milles mumbled, laying Nicolas' head on his shoulder. ― Don't tell me you came here to talk to him, did you?
― It's one of the goals. ― Agreed Jake with a broad smile ― I've already sent several messages by MSN, but Theodore never answered me. I couldn't imagine what things could have happened, and I wanted to at least know that he was okay.
Nicolas and Milles exchanged a look and then sighed.
― He's better, and he's moved on.
Jake's clear eyes rose curiously at the couple. Milles scratched the back of his neck, then pointed to the kitchen.
― Get some more coffee, it's a long story.
Taking the advice, Jake stood up and brought the fresh bottle of coffee into the living room, and then the blond alpha began to tell the story. Milles hadn't even tried to hide his share of blame about the problems Theodore had faced since then, at the same time clarifying he had talked to the omega and resolved their differences.
Jake's shoulders were bowed more and more, and the charismatic countenance was soon exchanged for guilt itself. Nicolas listened to the conversation fighting his sleep, but without taking his dark eyes off the platinum alpha analysing his every behaviour.
Jake was a good person. Even Nicolas was drawn to his natural charisma. While playing under his leadership, the omega had known what it was like to be a captain and wished to be just like him. When Theodore had told him that the two of them were together, he had been worried by the weight of the McKenzie surname.
But at no time had Jake ever mistreated Theodore.
He had been a good boyfriend, even if the relationship remained a secret. He took good care of Theodore, covered for him when his scent got intense, and even protected him when necessary. Even when the rumours of him being an omega began to circulate, Jake had remained on his side.
He just hadn't been able to do more, as the McKenzie's acted on their own.
― I never thought things would turn out this way. ― Jake murmured, running his fingers across his forehead ― I should have taken Theodore with me, but I thought he'd have a hard time adjusting to the capital.
― If people here already look at him funny, who will say in the capital.
― Take him to the capital? Just over my dead body. ― growled Nicolas, finally closing his eyes and being defeated by tiredness. ― Don't even think about getting close to my...
In seconds he had fallen asleep.
― He... Are okay? He need to see a doctor?
― No, it's because of the bite. ― Milles had calmed down, letting out a chuckle. ― Since I was unconscious because of the accident, he was nervous around me the whole time. So he needs to restore his energy.
― What a hard life of an omega.
― Wait, you knew? ― Milles questioned wide-eyed.
― That Nicolas is an omega? Always. He smells like one. ― Smiled Jake sipping his coffee, having his cousin stare at him in shock. ― You didn't know?
― Not until he told me. Was it that obvious? His smell had always fooled me.
Jake let out a low chuckle.
― Because I was close to Theodore, I'd gotten used to smelling omega boys. ― Looking down at his hand, the alpha remained reflective for a moment before looking at his cousin. ― And the guys at school already know about you two?
― Not a chance! The most they know is that Nicolas is with someone, but nobody imagines it's me.
― And from your reaction it's likely that they don't know yet that Nicolas is an omega as well, right? ― Smiled Jake even though Miles denied it with his head. ― I don't want to be the annoying guy like your parents, but... How long do you intend to hide this?
The blond sighed, lowering his eyes to his lap where Nicolas was fast asleep, curled up in his arms. His face partially hidden in his shirt, where he could smell his scent. Dipping his long fingers into his dark strands, Milles hadn't known how to readily answer that question.
Noticing the silence, Jake leaned over and gave his cousin's knee a squeeze.
― Look, I'm going to tell you the truth because you're my blood. You don't owe anybody anything, but if you try to hide it someone will find out. You only know there's a secret when you find out about it.
― I'm going to graduate and Nicolas still has one more year. I can't help thinking that he might go through the same thing as Theodore. Even if he has a short fuse, it doesn't mean that people are going to stay on their toes.
― Have you talked about it? ― Milles merely nodded in response. ― If he tells everyone he's an omega, what are you going to do?
― No idea, bro.
Squeezing Miles' knee, Jake gave him a friendly smile.
― I regret not being there for him when he needed me the most. How can I say I loved him when I wasn't there? It's pure cowardice. Unlike me, you'll have someone supporting you.
― What do you mean?
― When the shit hits the fan, I'll help you no matter what. You're welcome, both of you. ― Jake had said, also looking at Nicolas.
Milles had understood those words and couldn't help but smile. Facing problems alone takes courage, but knowing that you have someone behind you is another level.
Maybe some bad things come to good.