Love Over Blood

Chapter Two: In Which She Realises Things Aren't The Same

The thrum of the car could clearly be heard from the lounge room, I waited on the couch, constantly separating the curtains. What's taking them so long? They should have here an hour ago?

Finally I get to see my Xander again.

Stupid jerk forbade me to see him, but I'm not one to be ordered. A week after his sentence I drove up to the penitentiary only to be rejected. He had stated he wanted no visitors apart from Benjamin. Like I haven't seen his at his worst, we have been through everything together, and he didn't want me to see him like that. Please. Besides green would look good on him, it'll match his eyes.

We have never been apart from when he was at boarding school, and even then it wasn't as long as this. He never stayed long at boarding school before he'd be kicked out from one to another. It's horrible to say but each time he was I was happy.

The gates opened and like a cat with its ass on fire I sped out the doors and down the driveway. Xander must have had the same idea because before the car came to a halt he all but fell out. Not caring that I looked like a mess I jumped into his arms, his familiar strength and warmth squeezing the life out of me. But there's no way I'm complaining, it's been too damn long.

"Alexander." I screeched the name foreign on my tongue.

I collided into him and wrapped my arms around his ribs, and leant my head against his chest. He was much taller than me, 6'3 to my 5'5. He was my sanctuary, the place where everything made sense. And he was back. I know it must have looked strange when Benjamin passed, his fiancé holding onto his brother, especially since I was holding onto Xander for dear life, but he was all too aware of the context of our relationship.

"Hey." He whispered. It was soft and it was all it took to make me want to cry.

Once we entered the house I left to get a glass of water to compose myself whilst Xander and Benjamin went into the lounge room. I'm not sure how he'd taken the news of the engagement, everything seems the same. When I entered I noticed the condemnation in Benjamin voice when informing Xander of his apartment and job.

I don't know why he doesn't let him be, Xander is happy with his life, and Benjamin should accept him for what he is. Besides tradies are hot, when I'd turn up to his job site he'd be shirtless, sweat dripping down his body in all tanned and ripped gloriousness. Even though I see him shirtless all the time, is his element something stirs inside of me. But I'd never go there, that's my Xander and I'm his Ari, and it'll always be that way...strictly platonic.

Joining him on the couch I waited for their conversation to be over, I don't have to wait long, Benjamin stomping off in a huff, getting ready for tonight. Xander reached in and wiped the smudge of paint from under my chin, and I smiled at the action. I was transported to the first time he did it, except back then it was mud, and we were children.

"Why are you all dirty?"

"I have a studio here." I pointed upstairs, and waited to see if he'd say anything. I never spent time at Benjamin's house without Xander, so this would be a clue to see if he was told of our news.

"Why he-?"

Benjamin cut him off and it was all I needed to know Xander wasn't told. We'd never kept secrets from each other, and this one was churning me up. I slightly cursed the responsibility was laid on me. Whatever would happen Xander would be happy for me, just as I'd be happy for him if he ever met someone and settled down. That would be unlikely, the Deveraux brothers, especially Xander weren't known for sticking with the same woman. You could say they love to spread their seed which has gotten him in quite a bit of trouble in the past.