Alain came over to Isaac with a tasting spoon of some…corn thing that smelled delicious—garlic and chiles and onion. God, he was hungry. “Open up, please, Master Doctor Sir.”
Isaac’s smile was kind, fond even, and he opened up taking the offered bite. The way Isaac’s eyes popped open wide made him grin. “Mmm.” Isaac nodded, mouth still full. “Mhm.”
“Does it need salt? Chou, you wanna try, Sir?”
Did he want to try? Shit. He was more than eager. “Gimme.”
He opened his lips in anticipation, and Alain held the spoon for him. “A bite for you, Master Chou.”
“I don’t think it needs salt, it has so much flavor. This is such a treat.” Isaac stood. “I’m getting a beer. Anyone else want one?”
Alain glanced at him, and he nodded. “Feel free, Kitten. I’ll take one, please, Guapo.”
“Three beers.” Isaac opened the fridge, pulled out three cans and set one down on the table in front of him. “For you, Smokey.” A quick kiss followed that, and a smile. Someone was in a good mood.
Isaac sat with the other two and opened them both, then held one out to Alain. “For you.”
“Thank you, Sir.” Alain took the beer, fingers stroking Isaac’s for a second, and Neil could damn near see the sparks.
“You’re welcome, boy. Do you need any help? I’m sure Neil would be happy to assist.” Isaac grinned and sipped his beer.
He chuckled. “Oh, that’s how it is, is it? You’ve got two of us to push around now?”
“Well, yes, actually.” Isaac sank back into his chair. “It seems I do.”
“I’m fine, Sir, thank you. I’m seasoning. You cain’t trust a Texan on that.”
“Hey!” He swatted Alain lazily on the way by, loving how his kitten lit up for him.
“No?” Isaac caught his eye. “Are they too bitter or too salty?”
“Hee hee!” Alain just giggled from where he stood drinking beer and stirring. “They taste just right, them, but then they start adding jalapenos, and it’s all over.”
“I am fixin’ to whup your heinie, cayenne boy.”
Alain wiggled for him, and Neil chuckled, licking his lips, which were burning, come to that. Lord, that boy.
“He’s amazing, isn’t he, Guapo?”
Isaac was nodding thoughtfully. “Amazing. Yes.” Isaac sipped his beer, watching. “Alain, I’m expecting a call from Master Cyrus tomorrow, to check in. What do you want me to tell him?”
Alain swallowed, frowned over. “I’m not sure how to answer, Sir. I don’t want to be bad.”
Neil shook his head, stopping Alain when he would have run back to the stove. “There’s no wrong answer, Kitten. You need what you need. And if that’s this, us, that’s fine. If it’s not, it’s better to be honest.”
“If I knew the answer, I wouldn’t have asked the question. I want to know what you want. Whatever that is, that’s what I’m going to tell Cyrus.” Isaac leaned forward, setting his beer down. “But I’ll tell you something. This guy over here,” Isaac pointed to Neil, but his eyes stayed on Alain. “I’ve never seen him so relaxed. He’s happy with you here. He likes you. A lot. And I think we’re getting to know each other, you and I. So, if it helps, you’re welcome if you want to stay. And if you don’t, that’s okay too. We want what’s best for you.”
“I want to stay!” Alain blurted out. “I’ll pay rents and work hard and cook, but I want to be with y’all. Please. Please, Chou. Master Doctor. Let me be with you.”
“Come here.” Isaac waved Alain over. “Right here. Sit. On my lap.”
Neil watched as Alain walked right to Isaac, muttering, “Good job, Kitten.”
Isaac pulled Alain in close, long arms wrapping around him. “I’m happy you’re staying.”
“Oh. Oh, me too. Moi aussi. I want y’all. I’ll be good, I swear to god.”
Neil took a deep breath, pulling air into his lungs, because his hands were shaking.Please, he thought.Please don’t fuck this up. This is it.