It's All Fun and Games

Chapter 9: Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

A/N: So, as we all know, since my last update, Aleks and James have moved in together. For the time being, I'm keeping Aleks living with Eddie and not with Domi, so keep that in mind. Of course, I'm going to cover that later, but not right now. After this, things will certainly pick up the pace in more than one way ;) That said, sorry for the wait, and enjoy this chapter! ~Ace

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With a defeated sigh, Aleks rested his forehead against the wooden door, cursing under his breath. As tempting as it was to brave the cold and walk back home, he would rather avoid getting hypothermia and freezing to death. Which left him stuck here, with the one person he wanted to avoid. Tomorrow, he was going to have quite the talk with Eddie.

"Look, Aleks, I'm sorry we had to lie to you but it was the only way to get you here." James cleared his throat before speaking, gathering his courage as best he could. "I can't go on acting like I don't give a shit because I do-- I do and I can't help that. I know you don't want to be here, hell I can't blame you, but we've gotta deal with this sooner or later and I'd rather it be sooner."

Aleks turned to face the other, arms crossed as he listened to James speak. He was right; There were probably at least a hundred places Aleks would rather be right now. Like somewhere far, far away where he could just push this out of his mind. But everyone had gone through so much already. The least Aleks could do was hear him out.

"James, look. This isn't about you anymore. This is about me." His voice shook as he spoke, hesitation laced with the words. He preferred to avoid awkward talking about his feelings, though it didn't seem that anyone cared about his preferences as of late. "I can't do this anymore. The whole fucking world knows more about us than even I do!" Jaw tightening with anger, the Russian scowled, falling back into a state of silence that had become expected.

This time, the sigh that came forth was one from James. "I know. Believe me, I fucking know. You're so caught up in your own self-pity that you're forgetting that I'm in the same goddamn boat as you!" Frankly, he was appalled that the other could be so selfish. They were both revealed. They were both exposed. They both had their privacy invaded and honestly, he was pissed that that little fact was forgotten. "Do you think I know anything either? I never had any of these problems before you, Aleksandr!"

"Don't fucking call me that! You've lost the right to call me that, you utter asshole!" Aleks spat the words hatefully, his middle finger rising as he spoke. "I can't fucking believe you, James. I'm the selfish one? Have you taken a goddamn look at yourself lately?"

Anger puling through his veins, James sharply rose to his feet, retaliating by flipping off the other in return. "Do you wanna fucking say that again? You're the selfish one! I'm doing my best to fix all this while you sit on your ass and mope like a fucking child! At this point, I'm not even sure if this is worth fixing!"

If the shocked expression that crossed Aleks' face was anything to go by, his words were like daggers. A new silence fell, tense and daunting. For a brief moment, James considered apologizing. He hadn't meant to hurt Aleks-- The words had just tumbled forth before he could stop them.

"Are you fucking kidding me?!" The Russian's eyes narrowed, taking a step forward as he glared vehemently at the other. "Fuck you. I'm done with this shit."

"Fuck me? No, fuck you!" Rough hands grabbed Aleks' shoulder, a thud resounding as he shoved him. His back hit the wall harshly, prompting a surprised grunt from the Russian before he bit down on his lip, eyes alight with anger.

"Fuck you!" He snapped back, moving forward and shoving James back in return.

"Fuck you!"

"Fuck you!"

"Fuck you!"

Back and forth the same words were repeated, punctuated by an angry push each time. In the back of his mind, James felt the fluttering urge to laugh. For adults, they were acting quite like children. Just like they used to back before this. Before the ignoring and the fighting and the drama. Back when they were just 'two best friends that teased each other'. But this was so different from that. Now, they truly fought. Hurt and hatred fueled the fight rather than a familiar sense of understanding. There was no laughter now. No barely suppressed smiles.

As if tearing James from his reminiscing, a fist connected with his cheek, causing him to stumble back and clutch the area tightly. Shocked, his gaze lifted from the floor to Aleks, whose face was still contorted into a grimace. Another wave of red hot anger passed through James, urging him to repay Aleks.

And repay he did.

Rising to his feet, the older Creature rushed forward, tackling Aleks to the floor with a guttural snarl. His fists came down one after another, connecting with either side of Aleks' face with thud after thud. The Russian's eyes squeezed shut, hands splayed in front of his face to protect himself during the onslaught before grabbing James' shoulders, flipping him over so as to pin him down.

With the change of position came the change of control. Straddling the other, much as he did when they first kissed he noted, his hands wrapped around James' throat tightly, eyes wet with tears that threatened to spill. At first, James was frozen in shock, though that quickly changed as his airway was held shut. Reaching up, he clawed at Aleks' hands, twisting his hips to free himself.

A split second was all it took. Aleks' grip loosened, feeling James' hips rotating against his in a movement that was all too familiar. Taking advantage of the moment, James pried off his fingers, flipping them over once again with a huff. To say that he was surprised at Aleks' actions would be an understatement. He was well aware of his anger-- After all, they were both quite upset-- but for him to choke him was something he hadn't exactly expected.

Swinging up, Aleks' fist travelled towards the side of James' head, stopping just before they could meet. James clutched his wrists tightly, holding them down above Aleks' head to call an end to the fight. It was then that he realized it too. Realized how familiar this all was; How similar it was to what he considered the pivotal moment in their relationship.

But so much had happened since then.

Huffing with exhaustion, James leaned forward, resting his forehead on the ground above Aleks' shoulder, whose head turned away in an effort to establish that he was, in fact, still quite livid. This, however, went unnoticed by the other, who drew in deep breaths laced with the comforting scent of the Russian.

"Aleks." James breathed after a few moments, leaning back to look down at the other's boyish features. "I don't want to fight with you anymore."

Slowly, almost painfully, Aleks turned his head, gaze locking with James' as he nodded hesitantly. "Me neither."

Swallowing, James let go of Aleks' hands, rolling off of him with a sigh. "Listen, I know I said some fucked up shit, we both did, but I've gotta tell you that I didn't mean it." A pause. Adjusting himself, James propped himself up on his side, chewing on his lip as he spoke. "I don't want to just let go of what we have-- had, I guess. I still think about you every day, you know. But if you want call this off for good, I'll walk away no problem."

Aleks didn't respond at first. So long passed that James wasn't sure if he was even listening. Then, softly, Aleks spoke up, stopping to clear his throat. "I can't guarantee you that everything will be sunshine and rainbows, but I do too. I want to be with you James, I really do, but I'm afraid. What will everyone say?"

Reaching over, James trailed his fingers down Aleks' arm, forcing a smile as his fingers laced with the younger's. "Fuck everyone else. It's just you and me, Aleks. Together."

The Russian turned, scooting over to curl up against James' chest. "You really mean that?" Despite their proximity, Aleks still found a way to look up and meet James' gaze, drawing circles on his hand with his thumb.

"Absolutely."

Nodding, Aleks' gaze fell downward again as he moved closer, letting go of James' hand to wrap his arms around his chest.

"I love you, Aleksandr."

"I love you too, James."