The Price of Love (Boyxboy)

5

alex p.o.v.

Dean's words repeated in my head long after he had closed the door. Not being able to love anyone. I hadn't anticipated something so deep coming from him, especially with how he had been acting this morning. I shook my head to clear my thoughts and stepped away from the door, collapsing back on the couch.

I couldn't help him. The only thing I could do was hope that he could find someone who he loved and who loved him. I was surprised that the thought didn't disgust me as much as it used to. Dean must be getting to me. I stood up and walked over to the fridge, opening the door and wrinkling my nose at the stench.

I reached out for a beer, but stopped just before my hand touched the bottle. I didn't want to get back into the old routine. Instead, I pushed the door all the way open and tried to find the source of the smell. After discovering that everything in the fridge had spoiled, I cleared out the whole thing, including the beers, and grabbed a random jacket draped across the couch.

Shrugging it on, I grabbed my keys and wallet from the table and made my way down to the car. It was only when I sat in the drivers seat that I realized I had grabbed one of Dean's jackets. His scent invaded my nostrils and I tried not to choke on the overpowering cologne.

I made it to the store in record time, and bought a few supplies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I was debating whether or not to get any toaster waffles when someone bumped into me. I turned around.

"Watch it," I snapped, before seeing who it was. "Mr. Tulley?"

"Alex! How nice to see you. We missed you today at the office," Tulley replied. My mouth hung open.

"But sir, you gave us the day off today," I protested, trying not to whine.

"That's correct, but I sent out an e-mail this morning that asked everyone to come in. The entire office arrived at work on time, apart from you. I assume you have a good reason for this infraction?" Tulley said. I felt like I was a schoolboy again.

"No sir. I haven't checked my e-mail all day and I used today to get to know my new roommate, which is no excuse to miss work. I'm very sorry sir, it won't happen again," I apologized.

"It's quite alright Alex, I still consider you one of our top employees. I'll see you Monday morning," Tulley said, and walked away without giving me a chance to say goodbye. I quickly flipped him off and immediately felt better. I decided to get the toaster waffles, and I plopped a box of them in my basket before heading to the checkout.

I grabbed my bags after paying and carried them out to the car. I slid into the drivers seat and pulled out of the parking lot, driving quickly back to the apartment building. I parked and made my way through the lobby and into the elevator. When I reached the top floor, I walked straight to my room and unlocked the door.

I unpacked the groceries and found myself on the couch again. I decided Dean wouldn't get mad at me if I watched more episodes in order to catch up, so I ended up watching Supernatural. By 1:30 I was almost done with Season 7, and I was curled up on the couch, the flickering light of the TV the only source of light in the room. I paused it and stood up, groaning as I stretched out.

I shuffled to the sliding door and walked out onto the balcony, leaning against the half wall and looking out at the city. A cool breeze brushed softly against my face and I closed my eyes, letting it gently pull at my hair.

I could see the stars shining dimly in the black velvet sky. The moon was full tonight, and it bathed the balcony in a soft white light. I ran a hand through my hair and tugged at the ends. Dean being here brought back some memories that I had buried and sworn never to think about again. Memories of my father.

After a while of standing, I started to get cold so I walked back inside, shivering. I closed the door and lay down on the couch. I covered myself with a blanket and closed my eyes just before I heard a key turn in the lock.

I was too tired and lazy to open my eyes, so I stayed still on the couch, hoping he wouldn't see me. I heard the clatter of keys on the table, and the sound of footsteps making their way toward me. I felt his hands as they pulled the blanket farther up on my shoulders and smoothed it out. I heard him turn the TV off and set the remote back down on the coffee table.

I could still feel him standing there, so I waited for a second, breathing evenly. Suddenly, I felt lips pressed against my temple.

My heart sped up. What was he doing? What the hell did he think he was doing? I almost got up and confronted him, when I realized he thought I was asleep. I tried to keep breathing normally, but my chest had tightened and my breath kept catching. I was pretty sure my arms were shaking.

Finally I heard his footsteps carrying him away from me. My eyes snapped open and I stared at the dark ceiling. I shook my head and padded softly to my room, taking off my clothes and pulling my sweatpants back on. When I lay down in bed, I tried to fall asleep.

But all I could see was his face.

dean p.o.v.

A few hours earlier

I stared at the closed door for a second. I'd never opened up that much - to anyone, much less my client. I shrugged and walked to the elevator. I didn't really have to go to work, since I was getting paid already, but I didn't want to be out of shape when this was all over.

I pulled out my phone in the elevator and texted Miles.

He made a joke about me staying. Opened up to me during a game. Was staring when I ate a banana and when I dropped my boxers changing for work. Watched a TV show with me and didn't flinch when I made gay comments. Hope that's enough progress.

I locked my phone and slid it into my front pocket. The rest of the ride down I was mostly preparing myself for the job. On the streets, people knew me as a cool, sophisticated sex god. Not an adorably flustered roommate who had been tasked with making a man fall in love with him.

I collected myself and walked out of the elevator in a way that would make most men and women fall on their knees, kissing the ground where I walked. It took a few minutes to walk to my usual postition on the corner. Once I reached it, a man immediately came up and laced his fingers through mine.

I allowed him to drag me to a door in a dirty side alley. He pushed it open, revealing a large mattress that had been placed in the middle of the floor. I mentally sighed, and prepared myself for a long night.

-

It was around 1:30 when I finally decided I was done. Tonight was rougher than usual, and I ached. I wished that it hadn't all been with strangers.

It took me a little longer to get back to the apartment. I picked at my nails the entire elevator ride up, and shifted uncomfortably, trying to get rid of the stabbing pains. I trudged along the hallway to the door and pulled out my keys, unlocking the door.

When I walked in, the first thing I noticed was that the TV was on, but had been paused. I smiled when I saw that Alex had made it to the last few episodes of Season 7. I saw Alex's figure curled up on the couch, and I smiled briefly.

I dropped my keys on the table and walked over to him. I pulled the blanket up farther around his shoulders. I grabbed the remote and turned the TV off, placing the remote back on the coffee table. I stood for a second, looking at Alex.

A shaft of moonlight shone on his face, softening his features and making him look more vulnerable. His lips were slightly puckered, and he seemed to be begging for a kiss. I watched his chest as it rose up and down, frowning. It seemed like he was awake. I watched him until I was sure that he actually wasn't asleep before I leaned down and planted my lips on his temple.

I stayed standing there for a second, watching as his breathing grew ragged and his arms starting to quiver a little. I smirked and walked away, leaving him on the couch. I texted Miles quickly, letting him know, before peeling off my clothes and pulling on some long pajama bottoms and sliding into bed.

That should give him something to think about.