"Something I can help you with?" Jason asked the person crouching next to his car.
Lein looked up to see Jason towering over him. He became nervous again. It was a bad idea, he knew that but here he was, crouching next to Jason's car without a valid reason. He didn't know what he was hoping for when he came, maybe… he just wanted another glimpse of the man.
Jason examined his features briefly "Are you unaware of the condition you're in right now?"
Lein silently stared back .
"Get up."
Using the car as support, he slowly came to his feet. He felt weak all over, maybe it was because he was in a crouch for quite a while.
Jason inspected the back of his neck to discover he was indeed wearing a pheromone patch, so why were his pheromones all over the place? "Rosalein, I think-"
"Sorry. I don't know why I came here." He rambled with wide eyes "Earlier today, I didn't mean to, I was just-"
"Rosalein, you shouldn't be here."
His face fell "I'll leave."
"You're about to get your heat. You shouldn't be here."
Lein reached a hand to his nape, there was nothing out of the ordinary; no pain, no itching… actually, he felt fine. If he were in heat, he would at least know about it, right? "I'm not… I'm fine. Look, about earlier-"
"Have you been to the hospital since then?"
"No."
Jason had taken the time to properly look him over. Lein was sweating a little, his features were a little off, not to mention his rampaging pheromones. "I think you need to go to the hospital."
"Jay-"
"Do your parents know you're here?"
"N-no. I didn't mean to bother you. I'll leave I just-"
Jason held open the door "Get in the car."
"What?"
Jason stared at him quietly.
"Sorry." He scampered into the car.
"How do you feel?"
Lein placed a hand over his heart "It's beating kinda fast."
The doctor nodded in agreement and glanced at the monitor displaying Lein's vitals, the man's heart had clearly been working overtime for a minute but his blood pressure was normal, in fact, besides the racing heart and mild fever, this person was a picture of health save for the fact that his pheromone levels which were off the chart. "When was your last heat cycle?"
"It has been a while. I was told it would be about a year before it would go back to normal."
She frowned, flipping through his medical report to get a better understanding. She nodded contentedly when she found what she had been looking for. His history of going into shock and drug use would be a fact but dominants usually recovered fast albeit, not this fast. "And when exactly did this start?"
Lein shifted uncomfortably in his chair "When I was out earlier, I think it was fine cause the person I was with didn't say anything but…" pointed to the person in the corner who had been watching them with hawk-like eyes "…when I saw him earlier today, he said my pheromones were going haywire." He whispered.
The doctor followed his finger "Are you not partners?" She whispered back.
Lein shook his head.
She gasped in horror "Sir, there has been an oversight on my part. Forgive me." She promptly apologized, before turning to Jason "Please could you exit the room, I assumed you were partners. You can't be here."
Jason said nothing and stepped out obediently.
The doctor returned her focus to Lein "I'm very sorry for that. You must have been uncomfortable and a little scared getting into pseudo-heat after meeting a stranger."
"No, no... He's actually... Actually, he's my ex. I saw him for the first time today since we broke up."
"Oh..." she glanced at the door and then, back at Lein "Ohhh…" she nodded as the realization dawned "Then, I'll prescribe you some mild modulators, you should be fine in a few days but if this keeps happening, I recommend you visit a specialist. Okay?"
The ride back was filled with nothing but awkward, heavy silence. In all the ways he had fantasized meeting Jason, this probably had to be at the very bottom of the list. Acting like he didn't know him, stalking him, basically going into heat and being taken to the hospital... It was the worst. He wanted to disappear.
"I called your parents when we were at the hospital." He explained after bringing the car to a stop in front of Lein's house "They must be worried."
The two remained seated, neither making a move to actually exit the car.
"Thank you... For everything." Lein had his eyes fixed on the pack of medicines and patches rested on his legs "For everything, really. You helped me out several times, and I never got to thank you and I just... Jay, I am so… so sorry."
Jason leaned back into the chair, turning his neck to face him "Have you been doing well lately?"
Lein was surprised, it felt like the man hadn't heard a single word he had said "Jay..."
"I guess this isn't something that happens often, if your parents didn't know about it."
He scratched his nape "N-no. This was a first."
"Hmmm…"
The car fell into uncomfortable silence again.
"You suddenly stopped messaging but I'm glad you're doing fine. You seem to be doing fine." He turned to him with a curious look "Gavin?"
"Fuck no!" He replied almost immediately "He's just a friend I made in rehab, and he's married, no, I mean he has a partner and... and today, I wasn't sure how to handle suddenly seeing you. I wasn't ready so I panicked and I did that. I didn't mean to act like I didn't know you, I just freaked out and… and…" he trailed off when he turned to see Jason watching him quietly.
"…okay."
"I swear... I-"
"I get it. It's fine."
They fell into silence again.
"I wasn't sure if you still wanted to hear from me… after… after everything." He mumbled
"What?"
"I didn't think I had the right to contact you anymore, after everything. Ma told me, you found me the second time, and you took me to the hospital and paid the bill. I didn't know about that."
"Rosalein, don't think too much about it. Just do what you want."
He was speechless.
He rested a cheek against the wheel and watched the other's confusion play out with affectionate amusement "You should do whatever it is you want, that's what suits you best."
"Can I really?" he asked with hushed, breathless anticipation.
"Yea." He straightened, ready to put an end to the night "You should head in, your parents will get worried if you stay out too long, right?"
Lein felt electrified and emboldened, he leaned over hoping to steal a brief kiss before the other kicked him out only to be pulled back by the seatbelt that he had forgotten to unbuckle. He freed himself from the hold of the nefarious object, eyes fixed on his prize, not caring that he was currently being laughed at. Wetting his lips, he asked "Can I really do what I want?" without waiting for an answer, he leaned over and without restraint, took the other's lips hungrily. He felt a low rumble from Jason. Sure enough, he was being laughed at.
Ethan was nervous.
No, he was ravished by anxiety because today, mostly out of fear of what his parents might do if left unchecked, Alexei would be meeting with his family. Of course, he had many… many reasons to be wracked with anxiety. He pulled on the thread of his now unraveling shirt.
"Sit properly."
Immediately, like always, the twins straightened and remained rigid in their seats. It was always like this, they were expected to be nothing but the perfect example of elegance. Every movement was expected to be graceful, their voices mellifluous as can be and their cadences melodious. They were expected to be versed in various topics, with just enough knowledge to hold a conversation with the other party but not so much that, they would dominate the conversation. Every single detail and habit was tailored to suit whichever alpha might take a fancy to them. And this investment seemed to have paid off, although not with Edwin as they had expected but with Ethan. Clarisse and Thessa prided themselves on a job well done. Even if it would only be for a moment, he managed to snag quite the catch. They needed to make the most of it.
Alexei arrived and Ethan's nightmare began,
For Alexei, the best way to describe the pair would be interesting with an air of sophistication and maybe… elegant? If one were to ignore the overwhelming stench of desperation, that is. Although Ethan looked like his omega parent, Thessa but the way he clearly expressed himself was much like Clarisse. He had nothing positive to say, especially with how they completely disregarded and continuously put down Ethan.
It started first when Clarisse placed the order for the table, well everyone except him. Halving a restaurant serving that is not even enough food? That's absurd. Also, his baby preferred seafood and not a single seafood dish on the table. It was a no brainer that there'd be no desert.
Honestly, this was not the craziest thing. Travel around a bit, meet some people here and there, one was guaranteed to see all sorts of crazy things. Ethan didn't seem particularly interested in the meal, this was a problem easily solved. He would take him away and fill him with his favorite food, later. Simple.
Next, the conversation was okay, good in fact it you were interested in listening to their shallow views and whatever the fuck these ladies were saying. Ethan wasn't talking, no, he basically wasn't allowed to speak. Whenever a question was directed at Ethan, one of the parents would speak before the boy could open his mouth. Even a question as simple as "Ethan, would you like some more water?" Was answered on his behalf. Thessa, even though her voice was soft, he found her voice nothing but shrill and grating on the ears, her words were so out of pocket that his jaw almost dropped to the floor a few times.
Thessa sighed "Sweetie, haven't you had enough to eat? Ethan, just because he likes you now, you shouldn't become careless and let yourself go."
Alexei's fork actually slipped out of his hand. He didn't know about the other boy, but the fact was Ethan had not even had a bite to eat this whole time. He had just been mindlessly poking at the vegetables on his plate. And 'he likes you for now', what does that even mean?! What the fuck does that mean?! They had no qualms with someone casually playing with their child? Is that it? FUCK! If Father were here… shit! He completely forgot about taking Ethan down the Glasshouse and these… he knew, didn't he? That fucking old man just-
"Sweetie, you shouldn't be working so much. Spend some more time taking care of yourself. You look a little rough."
That's it! They were leaving. Right now! Right now, before he flipped the freaking table over… is what he was thinking but he saw Ethan and remembered his promise to behave. He did not recognize this Ethan.
"Maybe you should work less, don't you think?"
First of all, Ethan does not need to take better care of himself. Irene would for certain pick out many faults with that ridiculous statement as she managed everything and anything concerning Ethan. He was her little doll, she made sure she never to scrimp on his budget and Alexei had more than enough money to spoil the boy rotten and he made sure he did. So… no lady, Ethan did not need to take better care of himself. He glanced at Ethan, damn! His skin was practically glowing. What is this lady saying? Where did his baby look rough?
Secondly, his job? As much as he did not like the fact that Ethan was working at a no name company, never would he demand the boy quit, and for what?
"Alex dear, even though Ethan is a little dull, I hope you won't mind it much. His personality is gloomy, but he has always been that way."
Excuse me?! Who is gloomy? The bright and shiny little sun that he can for into his arms? The boy that was constantly squealing in delight and pulling pranks? This gleeful little imp? These people clearly knew nothing about their son. Jay was right about needing a lawyer at hand, he wanted to rip out her tongue.
The dinner was finally over, thank heavens! But they were not done.
"Ethan why are you still so inconsiderate?" Clarisse questioned when she saw Alexei lead Ethan to his car "You can find your own way home, why do you have to bother Alex?"
"That's right, Sweetie. I'm sure he's very busy. Don't be a nuisance, call a cab."
Alexei froze, before laughing in disbelief. They didn't even know where their son lived and why do they keep calling him Alex, since when did they become close? "This is crazy." He mumbled, tightly holding Ethan's hand in his, just in case the boy tried to run away. He had been ignoring their annoying little remarks because Ethan had asked him to do so but this was too much. "We live together..." Even though he was livid, his voice remained calm "We've been living together for almost a year now and you would know that if-" he felt Ethan squeeze his hand. "This was a lovely evening. Let us meet again for dinner again, I'll host it. Have a great night." He all but threw Ethan into the car before climbing in himself. He signaled the driver to start the car. He wasn't even interested in their reactions to what he had said or how they'd get home. He only cared about Ethan.
"Baby..." He pulled him on to his legs, like he always did, even when they were fighting "Baby, say something. I haven't heard your voice all night and I think I'm about to lose my mind."
"Alex." He allowed himself from be cuddled, burying himself deeper in his hold.
"Yes baby?"
"Kiss me."
He placed a kiss on his cheek "My baby has become so spoiled..." Another one his chin "...and demanding." Then his lips, gently, taking the time to savour the exploration of every bit of his mouth "I love it. You should be more spoiled and even more demanding..." He stared at him fondly "Be as unreasonable as you want Ethan, I'll give you everything but first, how about a nice meal?" he patted the other's backside lightly "Huh? Would you like that?"
The racing circuit was something all three actually had stake in.
Lein was meeting up with Gavin and his partner, Curtis, a recessive omega. He was a little excited, he had never been to a racing circuit before. It felt so thrilling. What he didn't expect was the trio he encountered at the lounge Gavin had told him to wait.
The explanation for this was simple enough. Gavin, as a show of his new found… no, it was not new… a rekindling of his sense of responsibility, was redefining his close circle and decided to include the pair of brothers his parents loved so much. Also, he had work that he needed their help with but… yes, friendship. He extended an invite to Jason, who had no qualms showing up. Gavin, at the time thought it was a good idea as this would serve as a way to mend the atrocious first meeting between his friends…at the time. Same with Alexei, who simply asked if he could bring his lover who had been down in the dumps lately.
The thing with Jason and Lein… Gavin only learned the truth of their relationship days after the meeting was set and not from the people involved.
Ethan could barely contain his joy when Lein walked into the room. He pried himself free, with great difficulty, from Alexei and hurried to his side with bright eyes. As usual, Alexei was not very pleased with this reaction, but it was fine, as long as Ethan was happy, anything was fine.
Gavin and Curtis showed up soon enough, it wasn't as awkward as Gavin had anticipated. Lein was chatting with Alexei's partner while the two brothers were watching, occasionally exchanging words. It was… peaceful? He didn't know the details of their breakup but thinking about what happened last time, he assumed it was pretty bad, but they were chill, comfortable even. There was no reason to be worried after all.
Introductions were made. This would also be the first time Curtis would be officially meeting the Rockwell brothers. Soon there was a good flow of conversation going.
There was something, just a minor issue, that everyone noticed.
Curtis seemed to absolutely hate Gavin. Every time Curtis would shuffle away from Gavin whenever the latter tried to come close, swat Gavin's hand away or just look at him with burning annoyance. This, no doubt, caused the conversation to lag a bit, leaving everyone in a rather peculiar position, especially, Lein. Since he met Gavin, he had only heard that Gavin had a marked omega who was currently pregnant, that after all, was why he was in rehab. For his family, but said family seemed to want him as far away as possible. He wasn't sure what to make of it.
"Baby, do you want to take a look around?" Alexei offered the whole group some respite from the discomfort of having to watch Gavin get repeatedly rejected.
Ethan nodded enthusiastically and Curtis offered himself up as a tour guide.
"I see he still hates you." Alexei commented once the three were gone.
Gavin sighed, feeling a little bitter "I honestly don't know what to do."
"Maybe you should build a time machine." Alexei replied, doing nothing to hide his amusement with the situation.
Jason shook his head "You really fucked it up. How did you even manage to get him pregnant?"
"Dude like... Did you force-"
"I was high at the time. I was…" he heaved "…I didn't mean for it to happen." He ran a hand through his hair "This is so fucked." He muttered, feeling just as shameful and regretful as he did after he realized what he had done.
"Sucks to be you." Alexei snickered.
"Can you not?"
He snickered again "Dude, I can't even feel bad for you and I will not. You're like the absolute fucking worst."
"You tormented him for years and cost him his career." Jason recounted.
"I even heard he almost lost his family."
"True."
"That was a misunderstanding." Gavin defended.
"A misunderstanding that nearly cost him his family." Jason rebutted "Let's not forget the mark."
"Ha!" Alexei laughed "Gavin, you're so fucked."
Gavin rubbed his face "When you guys find people you like, you'll understand I was just doing what I could to keep him by my side."
"Nah..." Alexei poured himself a glass of spirit and took a sip before shaking his head "...not gonna happen. Ethan literally chased me down here. I'm good, no need to understand you."
Jason walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window to gaze out at the track, watching all the bustling activity before the race "You're the literally cautionary tale of what to not do to your partner."
Alexei went over to his brother's side "Yup. We had a literal conversation about it like what? 5 years ago?" He smiled when he caught sight of Ethan excitedly taking in the sights "Plus I already have my mate and..." He pointed to Jason "...he has his. We're good."
Gavin joined them, softening when he saw Curtis's smile "I'm glad I was useful for something at least." The three went silent for a while, watching their partners below. "Uh... Jay, you and Lein… I had no idea that-"
"I'm sure you didn't."
"You guys really keep your partners away from the messy stuff, huh?"
The brothers exchanged a look.
"Speaking of messy stuff, I assume you don't know about the video?"
"What video?" Alexei asked.
Gavin pulled out his phone, sourcing video in question, before handing it to Jason "When I told one of the guys that I was meeting up with you, they sent me this. There're some pictures too. I think someone was stalking Lein or he's involved with some real shady guys cause this…" He explained while Jason expressionlessly watched the video "…it's kind of crazy."
"Wow... My brother is so wild. You think I can get Ethan to try this with me?"
Jason clicked his tongue and pushed Alexei's head away "I'll get rid of it." He said handing the phone back.
"Well..." Still watching Ethan, Alexei suddenly grew serious "...it can't be anything above board or entirely legal if you dragged us out of the office. Don't you think you should tell us why?"
"I just wanted to reignite our flame of brotherhood?"
Both brothers looked at him like he had said something stupid.
"Fine..." Gavin gave up "...there's someone feeding my actors trash. Even if it's not really public knowledge, you do own part of Blue Star ENT."
"Tsk. What's the point of having you Steins run it if we have to constantly step in to solve every problem."
About that, some ten years ago, Blue Star ENT. was on its last legs. It was the same old story poor management, lack of funds and a board full of parasites, but they had the name and the reputation, something Alexei valued. So… the brothers stepped in, bought out the shares, did a clean house and handed management over to the most capable person, who at the time, was Gavin's father. This was their third successful investment. Gavin was a bit of a wild card but the boy, ultimately had his head on straight, just some… unsavoury influences.
"This is a rather serious problem. Heard of Rush II?" He knew they had heard of it. It was what put Lein in the hospital. He continued without waiting for an answer "It's all in the rage now but it's absolute trash and some fucker keeps slipping it to the actors."
Meanwhile, the trio downstairs had somewhat of a similar conversation.
Curtis diligently took them around, ending the tour at an open cafe. He pointed towards a window on the building across the cafe "They can watch us from there." He informed them.
Lein and Ethan were not bothered at all, they even seemed a little happy about it.
"Gavin says you met in rehab."
"Yes, it was just some stupid shit I got involved with…" Lein glanced nervously at Ethan "…you're probably disappointed."
Ethan shook his head "No. I still think you're cool. You even cooler now."
Lein and Curtis laughed at his unquenchable enthusiasm.
They talked for a bit, learning more about each other. Curtis was a recessive omega about to turn thirty. He was originally an actor signed under Blue Star ENT. but somehow ended up taking up jobs as stunt driver because he had good intuition and needed quick funds.
"Um... Do you… if it is not… do you hate Gavin?" Lein asked, scratching the back of his neck "Is that okay for me to ask? It actually looks like you hate him."
Ethan was also curious but never dreamed of asking, he was even shocked that Lein would ask.
Curtis toyed with the straw in his cup "It's complicated." He answered after a moment of thought "I used to love him so much but then..."
Everyone knows this story.
Curtis needed money.
He needed a lot of money. All he had was his mother and younger sister, both omegas. They were already in a tricky situation, being a family of all omegas. His mother was growing frail as each day passed, constantly exhausted by trying to keep them afloat. She eventually became ill and ended up in the hospital. He and his sister decided to take up the mantle, he was lucky enough to get signed to an entertainment company, also taking up whatever small jobs he could on the side. His sister wasn't so lucky at the bar she ended up in, she was constantly being harassed and couldn't fight back because whenever she did, it caused a lot of trouble. One day, she lost it and broke a bottle over some idiot's head. That person ended up in the hospital, and that person was coincidentally, the son of a local thug who used that as an opportunity to tax them for money, while threatening to sell his younger sister into prostitution.
If he needed money before, well now he desperately needed it.
He felt like his head was under water. It was at this time he got a minor role as a biker. It was just one scene, the pay was just enough to put food on the table for a few days while the rest was dumped into the black hole that was his mother's medical bills and the parasites that had its fangs deep in their pockets, but still, he was grateful. He must have done something really good because the director asked him back to the set, not as an actor but as a stunt double. His intuition was good, his reflexes were sharp and his reaction time was almost impeccable, those were the words the direction used to keep him on the set. The money wasn't much, but it was sufficient enough to stop the harassment and keep them fed. Now, he could focus on his mother's bills.
There was a small catch though, omegas could not be stunt doubles, it was too much hassle and the paperwork, and with omega rights up in everyone's business, no one wanted to go through all that hassle, so he went ahead and told everyone he was a beta.
It was in this way, Curtis made his cross from actor to stunt double. He didn't particularly like it or dislike it, it was just something he did for money.
He was introduced by the same director to a garage where he could hone his skills, perfect his driving craft, so to speak. The man was kind to him and Curtis was very grateful, so he did as he was told. Sometimes, even taking up extra jobs for the garage.
Life was good for a moment, just a brief moment until his mother's condition took a turn for the worse and the thug returned, apparently easy money was hard to let go. They doubled down on the harassment. Curtis was stressed out, so much that he forgot his beta cover, did not take a heat inhibitor and went into heat at his work. Gavin and his friends happened to stop by the garage that day. Gavin was also the closest to him at the time. Both men were shocked, but Gavin recovered quickly, pulling him away before anyone could notice.
They spent the night together, Gavin gave him a temporary mark so his work life wouldn't suffer. He promised to keep his secret. They formed an unlikely friendship, spending more and more time together. Curtis thought they were falling in love, at least he was, for Gavin, not so much. And why wouldn't Curtis fall in love with the person who solved all his problems with just a snap of his fingers? No literally, Gavin snapped his fingers and not only did the thug disappear, his mother was moved to a better hospital, his sister got a job at Blue Star ENT., and their standard of living got better. He felt like he could breathe. Gavin was quite literally his blue star, and he was the place where Gavin would come to for comfort. He was Gavin's place of solace.
Gavin had his own troubles, his father was breathing down his neck, constantly comparing him to the Rockwell duo. He always felt suffocated at home but beside Curtis he could breathe, that was what Gavin always said.
The illusion quickly unraveled when Gavin started bringing Curtis to meet his friends. It started with comments and actions he could easily ignore but each time he met with them, things got harder and harder to ignore while Gavin simply did nothing. He just watched, got high and got drunk.
One day, still with the same friends, someone tried to force themselves on him, he fought back, confronting Gavin about it hoping for some justice. Gavin simply told him to shut up, he was nothing but a bought and paid-for prostitute so he should do as he was told. It was jarring but ultimately, it was true.
He had always thought himself different from the omegas paraded about by Gavin's friends, but clearly, he was in denial. Clearly, Gavin thought they were all one-and-the-same and it was true. He had been bought.
He did not wallow for long. He awoken from his reverie with a new goal, to return everything Gavin had given him, and not a dime less. Luckily, his mother had no need to remain in a hospital, which was one burden less, but the bills were exorbitant. No matter what he would pay it back and free himself from Gavin. He took on more jobs both at the garage and on set.
When Gavin finally noticed he was missing, he called him but unlike before where he would come running, Curtis never showed up, instead sending him an envelope full of cash and a note stating he would get the rest of his money soon and if Gavin didn't like cash, he would deposit it in his account. Sure enough, Gavin was enraged but Curtis didn't care.
He met a young director on a new set. She was genuinely kind to him, they shared many interests. She even asked if he wanted to try his hand at acting again but he declined, saying he preferred behind the scenes work. She seemed really invested in his future, no one could say if it was a personal or professional interest, but her interest was evident to everyone. This news got to Gavin, it made him livid. So, he invited the young director to one of the meet up with his friends, using her presence as a lure for Curtis. It worked, he ran there as soon as he got the message. This was the first time Gavin told everyone he was an omega, after that, he told Curtis to suck him off in front of the director of he didn't want him to end her career out of spite.
He was trapped and trampled on repeatedly, eventually, news got out. No one wanted to work with him, no one wanted to get close to him either, they didn't need someone like Gavin harassing them.
Fed up, Curtis left the city with his family, but Gavin just wouldn't leave him be. He was literally hunted down and dragged back, repeatedly. He gave up and stopped running but Gavin wasn't satisfied, he kept demanding that Curtis go back to how he used to be, but the latter was not following the script. His family was not unaware of his predicament, in fact, almost everyone knew of it. The whole city knew of it. There was a running joke that you and your partner were good as long as no one did whatever Gavin had done Curtis.
The stress made his mother sick again, she had to be hospitalized once more. He had promised to take her to the hospital, together with his sister. Curtis pleaded and begged but Gavin refused, dragged him to a party. Curtis tried to sneak away to make a call to his sister so they wouldn't wait anymore but the high Gavin saw this as him trying to escape, flew into blind rage, pinned him down and marked him there and then in the club.
It sparked a civil incident.
A lot of people had seen this happen. Omega rights enthusiasts were on his neck, Gavin's parents were pleading with him, and Gavin was being held in detention. Curtis just wanted peace for himself and his family, he didn't pursue the case and simply told everyone to leave him alone. Gavin was eventually released. Gavin's mother helped Curtis file a restraining order against her son, which was a good move at the time for the company. He got suitable compensation, so he picked up his family and left the city. He finally had the peace he longed for, everything was good.
Everything was good, that is, until Gavin showed up at his doorstep. Curtis was already mentally and emotionally exhausted at this point. He couldn't fight him, they were already bonded, what was he going to do about it? It cost too much to wash off the mark. It was also a heavy emotional, physical and mental burden and he had had enough of that. He simply wanted to focus on his mother's health at the moment. He just let the man be. Rather than the batshit Gavin he had become accustomed to, this time Gavin was pretty mellow, only coming close when he was allowed which was almost never. Maybe he learned something in detention, no one knew but he wasn't the pompous piece of shit Curtis had grown to hate. Sometimes Gavin would disappear for a while and reappear, not that Curtis really cared. To be candid, Curtis would have preferred it if he disappeared forever.
Gavin disappeared again, but this time, when he returned, he didn't seem quite right in the head. This Gavin was reminiscent of the one Curtis was more familiar with. That day his mother and sister were out of the house, leaving him alone with the rutting Gavin who was also high as a kite. Curtis had nowhere to go so it happened, his heat was triggered, they slept together, Gavin knotted in him. It was done, by the time the episode was over there was no point in taking contraceptives. Even if Curtis managed to wash off the mark, what if they had a kid? After everything, Gavin went on his knees and pleaded for Curtis to forgive him and Curtis, as usual, was just over it. He simply said there was no way he would have expected anything different from Gavin at that point, that would be waking up hoping to see fish swim the sky.
Gavin was devastated.
When the pregnancy was confirmed, Curtis was shattered. He wept, asking if loving Gavin was a sin so great that he needed to be constantly punished. Gavin's family intervened before either could do something detrimental. Somehow, Curtis and his family were convinced to move back and Gavin put himself in rehab.