mala fide (lams)

mīrābilis

Miracle

ALEXANDER THREW ON at least four different clean shirts on the floor because he just didn't like how any of them looked on him at all.  He was so very frustrated. 

"I'm heading out, Kid.  What're you—" Mulligan furrowed his brow.  "Could've sworn your room was clean twenty minutes ago."

"Don't judge me!"

"Hey, hey, fire head, calm down.  I'm not judging you.  I am... merely commenting.  Making an observation.  Did all your clothes shrink in the dryer or something?"

"No," said Alexander, pulling at the political commentary shirt he was trying on.  "I just can't find something that looks good and I have to leave in like, ten minutes."

"You're very stressed.  What's got the tomcat's tongue?"

"Stop cross-breeding idioms!  I—" he sighed.  "I think I'll just wear that white one.  I don't know what I'm even going on about."

"White shirt, leather jacket, you know you'll look super snazzy.  Who're you going out with?"

"Nobody.  Just a friend.  I can look nice for myself, you know.  I don't have to dress to impress other people."

Mulligan put his hands up in defense.  "You're right. ...So it isn't John?"

"You're leaving, aren't you?" he asked to avoid the question.

"Yeah.  You have your house key?  Doors better stay locked—"

"—at all times; yes, yes, I know.  Windows locked at night.  The whole shabang.  I hear ya."

"And please, be safe.  For the love of—"

"—God, be safe; yes, I know."

"Hey.  I know you know.  Take a deep breath, throw on that shirt, and comb your hair.  Have fun.  Text me when you're safe at home after the game, all right?"

"Yup."

"My bags are already in the car, so I actually am going, now.  There's uh, some extra cash in the—"

"You'll be gone only a couple days, man.  I have money."

"I know.  Just letting you know.  Hide the valuables when—"

"I know."

Mulligan sighed.  He forced a smile.  "Yeah.  I know you know.  Well... here I go.  Bye, Alex.  Love you."

Alexander mumbled a goodbye.

It didn't bother Mulligan as he left that he didn't get quite the affectionate response.  He knew Alexander loved him.  He knew he wasn't too keen on saying it and he knew why, so he wouldn't push him or anything.  He just smiled as he left, walked out the door, and let his face fall when he was in the car.  He gave the house one last longing look-over as he went.  He knew Alexander was going to be okay.

Alexander pulled on the white shirt and ran to the bathroom, brushed his teeth, combed his hair, splashed his face, and put on a smile for himself to get a feel for his mood.  He was pulling on his jacket when he saw a text from John giving him about five minutes, give or take. He muttered a curse, Mulligan having absorbed too much of his time. He had the worst trouble lacing up his shoes, feeling incredibly shaky for no reason whatsoever.  None.  There was no need.  He angrily pinched himself.

The doorbell rang and he cursed again.  He didn't have his wallet or keys or his right shoe.  He didn't want to leave John hanging outside...

"Hey.  I'm—sorry, I got stuck talking to my—" he always hated introducing Mulligan.  He was just his legal guardian, no blood relation.  "—Cousin before he left.  I'm barely dressed."  That was a lie, he was 99% dressed, save for his right shoe.  "Well, no, I'm dressed, I just... you wanna come inside?"