#I really like that Toby while being a little sweet potato is still ya know

[lickstynine]

Misadventures of Kit: Chapter Nineteen

written with @ocsickficsideblog

It was about half past ten when Siofra woke, slightly thirsty but otherwise unaffected by the previous night’s indulgences. She was nice enough to leave the living room light off when she walked through to the kitchen, grabbing eggs, bacon, and potatoes from the fridge to start on breakfast.

Alistair didn’t stir until half eleven, and that was only because Julius was shaking him gently. He’d rather expected Alistair to be fast asleep, even after all his pining last night. “Star, you really should get up now. Siofra and her brothers can’t use the sofa.”

Alistair just groaned and grabbed Julius’s arm, trying to pull him down too. Siofra laughed from where she stood at the counter; she’d been more than happy to let Julius in rather than dealing with Alistair herself. Finny had gotten up to “help” Siofra make breakfast, but now he was back in the living room, happily greeting Julius. Julius fussed over him, kneeling so Finny could practically leap over him if he wanted. “Hello, gorgeous…”

Finny put a paw on each of Julius's shoulders, licking his face and boofing happily. He almost knocked the boy over, but Julius just laughed, stroking Finny. “Ahh, isn’t he lovely?”

“He slept with me all night,” Alistair said fondly.

“I would call 'im a traitor for not sleepin’ with me, but I don't think Kit woulda liked it.” Siofra laughed. “And Finny's near as big as he is, he might get squashed.”

“How is Kit?” Alistair cried, suddenly sitting bolt upright. He lurched so badly he almost fell off the sofa, groaning. “Oh god, my head…”

Siofra snorted. “Still asleep, last I checked. I wore 'im out good last night.”

“Okay, okay,” Alistair groaned, pulling a face. Julius laughed at his reaction.

Siofra shrugged. “You asked. Breakfast is in the kitchen. I left out some plates an’ forks so you wouldn't hafta dig around like an idiot.”

“Ugh, god, I can’t eat,” Alistair mumbled. “Who got me drunk?”

“You got you drunk.” Siofra rolled her eyes.

“You were begging me to come stay with you at two in the morning,” Julius laughed.

Siofra grinned. “That you were. It was almost sweet enough to not be annoying.”

Alistair groaned, curling up in a ball on the sofa. His shirt pulled up, exposing a part of the tattoo on his lower back; it was the reason he wore a shirt swimming now. Siofra snorted, poking the ink. “And what exactly is that?”

Alistair yanked down his shirt at once, while Julius started giggling. “It’s nothing,” Alistair said.

“I have eyes. It's clearly somethin’.”

“It’s just a tattoo,” he mumbled, holding his shirt down as if he expected Siofra to raise it up with telekinesis.

“Of?” She wasn't about to let it go.

“Nothing…”

“I can do this all day, or you can just suck it up and tell me what it is.” Siofra rolled her eyes.

Alistair scowled. “I got it when I was super drunk, okay?”

“Okay. And what is it?” She was grinning now.

Alistair sighed heavily, lifting his shirt and turning his back for her to see. It had Julius’s name written in elaborate, swirly italics, dotted with stars and hearts and flourishes. Siofra guffawed, slapping the arm of the couch.

“Fuckin’ hell! Better hope you two stay together…’

“If you dump me now, Jules, I’ll look like even more of a tool…”

Siofra was still cackling when Kit came round the corner, wearing only his underwear and a blanket he'd pulled off the bed. Compared to him, Alistair looked bright and healthy. His hair was a tangled mess, and his face was a pale greyish colour. He rubbed at his eyes and adjusted his glasses.

“Why must you all be so loud?” He groaned.

Siofra just grinned. “The zombie has finally risen.”

“Jesus, Kit, you look rough,” Alistair said.

“Thanks.” Kit plunked down in a sofa chair, groaning in dismay when Finny tried to climb in his lap and greet him. Siofra chuckled, but shoved the dog off the chair.

“Down, boy.”

Finny huffed, padding back to Alistair, who he knew would give him attention. Alistair patted his own lap, giggling happily when Finny leapt up onto his knee. Siofra grinned.

“Big idiot thinks he's a lap dog.”

“He’s a lap dog if he wants to be,” Alistair said, his voice muffled under Finny. The dog licked his face appreciatively, and laid down across Alistair. “He likes me,” Alistair said happily, like a little kid.

“Can you like him more quietly?” Kit grumbled. He was slouched down in the chair, wrapped in his blanket like a cocoon.

Julius gave Kit’s blanket a gentle pat. “Would you like some coffee?”

“Yes please.”

“There's a pot in the kitchen.” Siofra offered. “Bacon an’ hash browns, too. There's also eggs, but they aren't cooked cause I didn't know how ya take 'em.”

“I don't.” Kit mumbled dramatically. Alistair gave him a look, and he sighed. ”Not right now anyway.”

“We’ll let you off this morning, Kit, but we can’t fall out of the eating habits,” Julius said.

“I know.” Kit sighed, “I just don't want to spend the ride home throwing up.”

Siofra had gone into the kitchen while the boys were talking, and she returned now with a glass of ginger ale, offering it to Kit. He seemed surprised, but accepted it gratefully. She just patted his shoulder.

“Do you want me to make breakfast, Siofra?” Julius offered. “It’s the least I could do, since you let Star stay.”

“It's already made. Have some if ya want. There's plenty.” She shrugged.

“Thank you! Star, what are you having?”

“Nothing.”

Julius rolled his eyes. “What’re you having?”

“...Toast.”

“There's bread in the cupboard, butter in the fridge.” Siofra told Julius. She'd just settled on the arm of Kit's chair, otherwise she might've bothered to go and make it herself. Julius thanked her and pottered off obediently.

“Don’t tell anyone about my gay tattoo,” Alistair mumbled.

Kit laughed hoarsely. “Ooh, she saw?” He was clearly delighted.

“Yep,” Alistair sighed.

“Don't pout so much. At least it's spelled right.” Siofra snickered.

“Thank god. I don’t even remember getting it.”

“If you'd gone somewhere reputable, they would've turned you away for being drunk.” Kit mumbled.

“I was with Toby, we never go anywhere reputable. They wouldn’t let him in,” Alistair said.

“Well there's the problem. Don't go out with Toby.” Kit replied.

“Oh, he’s alright. Nobody else likes him,” Alistair said, grinning. “And I know you two don’t get along.”

“Why would we? He makes you seem sophisticated.”

“You like me. I hope.”

“I do, but that doesn't mean I like all of the company you keep.” Kit said. “Toby is essentially a caveman with a cellphone.”

Alistair laughed. “He is. But I feel bad for him sometimes. And he’s alright for a laugh.”

Kit just shook his head. “If you say so.” He sipped at his ginger ale, looking up when Julius returned. The younger boy was carrying toast for Alistair, coffee for Kit, and a real breakfast for himself. Kit smiled gratefully when Julius handed him the mug, and he set the ginger ale on the side table. Julius ruffled his hair fondly, trying not to drop the plates. He handed Alistair his food, prodding at him until he started eating it.

Siofra just sat on the arm of Kit’s chair, sipping her own coffee and watching the boys. Finny was looking at Julius imploringly, hoping he might get bacon since Alistair had shared food in the past. Siofra nudged him with her foot.

“Oi! No beggin’.”

Julius couldn’t resist him though, slipping him a piece of bacon when Siofra had stopped looking. Finny scarfed it down and gave Julius grateful licks. Siofra heard the chomping and rolled her eyes. She’d busied herself smoothing and braiding a lock of Kit’s sleep-bedraggled hair. It wasn’t entirely clear whether he didn’t mind or just hadn’t noticed.

Alistair looked a little bothered again - he felt like a five year old Alistair was inside him yelling “he’s my Kit and nobody can have him but me!” - but Julius distracted him, trying to count the freckles on his hands and shoulders and face. It was a trick he used to distract Alistair a lot, because it really annoyed him.

“Get off,” Alistair grumbled, swatting at him.

Siofra chuckled. “If ya tried that with me, you’d be here for a fuckin’ year.”

“They’re ever so pretty. They remind me of star maps,” Julius said earnestly.

“Huh.” She mused, “That’s a new one. Riagán says I look like I sat too close to a Jackson Pollock in progress. Cilli says I look like a strawberry when I blush.”

“Kit’s allergic to them. You’d better check if his penis is swollen,” Alistair said, and Julius almost spat his tea onto the carpet.

Kit choked on his coffee, his face burning red. Siofra cackled, thumping him on the back. She was gentle, for her, but it still nearly sent him toppling out of the chair.

“You have to be super careful with him,” Alistair said.

“Sorry.” Siofra rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. Kit just sunk down in his seat, his face going red.

“He’s just a bit fragile right now,” Alistair said, ruffling his hair. Kit didn't seem consoled, but Siofra nodded understandingly.

“Yeah, sorry. I'm just used to my brothers. We practically shove each other out windows for fun.”

“Really?” Alistair looked confused. “You mean you fight a lot?”

Siofra rolled her eyes. “Not real fights. Normal siblings just roughhouse.”

“Don't mind Al,” Kit mumbled, “he doesn't ever go outside enough to know how normal people act.”

“I never exactly had a sibling I could play with,” Alistair said, shrugging.

“I'll roughhouse with ya.” Siofra grinned. “You're a good bit older'n Cilli, an’ I shove his stupid arse around plenty.”

“How do I do it? Just like, fake wrestle with you?” Alistair asked doubtfully.

“It's not really fake.” She explained. “You're just… not tryin' to do serious damage, just mess with 'em.”

“Huh. Me and my brother only ever fought for real.”

“Like I said, it’s what normal people do.” Siofra grinned.

Alistair stuck out his tongue at her. “You’re not normal.”

“Normaller than you.”

“Slightly.”

“At least I can go outside an’ talk to people.” She shrugged.

“Outside is overrated. People too,” Alistair mumbled.

Siofra rolled her eyes. “Then go live in a mountain cave instead’o takin’ up my couch.”

“You said that in your vampire voice,” Julius giggled, nudging Alistair.

“I did not!”

Siofra snickered. “Vampire voice?”

“That special melancholy voice he does when he’s saying something emo and goth.”

“That's hilarious.” She grinned.

“Until he does it in public and people look at us like we crawled out of a crypt.” Kit chimed in.

“That’s not a bad look,” Alistair argued.

“It is for people who aren't as weird as you!” Kit cried.

“You’re pretty fucking weird, Kit.”

“No, I'm rich and pretty, so I'm eccentric.”

“That’s so shitty. Be careful though, most rich eccentric guys end up molesting children or something. I know, I do history,” he declared.

“And you like to read about child molesters?” Siofra raised an eyebrow.

Kit felt like he was supposed to laugh, but he couldn't manage it. He just felt gross and uncomfortable, wishing the subject would change. Alistair realised what he’d said, and cringed, wishing he could take it back. “No,” he said quietly. He moved over to sit on the arm of the chair by Kit, squeezing his hand to show he was sorry. Siofra watched him from the other arm; she was quite aware of the mood change, but knew better than to ask about it.

“Julie, did you get enough breakfast?” She asked, “I made a bunch cause I didn't know how much his highness and the royal idiot would eat.” That got a small laugh out of Kit.

“I did, thank you,” Julius said. He knew better than to point out the atmosphere too.

“Are you just going to continue to call me stupid?” Alistair grumbled.

“Well ya didn't like Carrot Top, and I'm in no position to call anybody Gingersnap.” Siofra shrugged. “You've hardly told me about ya, so what else do I have to go on?”

“Can’t you just call me by my name, Galway Girl?”

“I guess I could,” Siofra said, “but that's not very fun.”

“I’m keeping that nickname for you then,” Alistair said.

“Don’t you dare.” Her tone was light, but her gaze was murderous.

“What’ll you do about it?” Alistair asked, grinning.

“Won't let ya play with Finny anymore.”

“Ooh… You bitch.”

Now it was Siofra's turn to grin. “I know.”

“Fine. Siofra,” Alistair said defeatedly.

“Thank you. Alistair.”

“Oh, I didn’t think you’d reciprocate.”

She laughed. “I'm not a total bitch.”

“No,” Alistair agreed. “You’re alright.”

Finny boofed in agreement, and Siofra chuckled. “Thanks, boy.”

That got Alistair smiling properly. “Isn’t he a sweetie?” Finny licked his face. “Can’t we get a dog, Jules?”

“We already have a cat.”

“They’d make friends.”

“Your lease still doesn't allow dogs, and I just got you a hamster.” Kit reminded him.

“We’ll get a dog as soon as we move somewhere that lets us,” Julius promised. “And Kit’s right, you’re already enamoured with that hamster.

Siofra was looking at them incredulously. “You actually got that hamster?”

“Yes,” Alistair said proudly, like a new parent. “He’s called Oliver. Want to see pictures?”

Siofra chuckled. “Sure.”

Alistair flicked through his photo library. “It’s hard to get one where he’s still, but I have good ones.”

“When did you get him?” She asked.

“Just yesterday, actually.” Kit answered. “We went out before your show.”

“And you've already taken this many pictures?”

“He kept doing cute shit! I have pictures of Finny too.”

Siofra looked even more surprised. “When did you take those?”

“I took some when I first met him.”

“Figures.” She rolled her eyes.

“So…” Alistair clapped his hands. “Okay, elephant in the room, I’m gonna ask it. Are you two seeing each other or are you more for the casual shagging type?”

Poor Kit had just picked up his coffee again, and he nearly dropped it on his lap. After all these years, he still wasn’t used to his cousin’s embarrassingly blunt nature. Siofra, on the other hand, just laughed.

“I mean, me personally? I prefer casual relationships. Like, hangin’ out, goin’ out, fuckin’, all that good shit, but less commitment. If you see somebody else pretty, fuck ‘em, I don’t mind.”

Alistair glanced at Kit. “How’s that?”

Kit looked very overwhelmed, looking between Alistair, Julius, Siofra, and even Finny as he tried to figure out how to reply. “Er… well… I mean… I think that would probably suit me better, too. I mean, the last time I tried to properly commit, that was a right mess.” He sighed.

“You could try this for now. While you’re on the rebound,” Alistair said.

“Don’t call it that.” Kit huffed.

“What do I call it then?”

“I don’t know.” Kit sighed. “Rebound just sounds so tacky.”

“You’re on the affluent rebound,” Alistair giggled.

Kit groaned, and Siofra cackled.

“So who’s wranglin’ your new hamster while you’re out?” She asked, mostly just giving Alistair grief. She knew it lived in a cage.

“I’ll text Isabelle to. But I gave him enough water and food,” Alistair said, looking fussed.

“Isabelle?” She raised an eyebrow.

“Our flatmate,” Julius clarified.

“Ahh. How many people live at your place? It didn’t look that big.” Siofra said.

“Just us three. We used to have another friend on the sofa, but he got his own place. Isabelle has been staying with her boyfriend while we’ve had Kit with us,” Julius explained.

“That’s nice’o her.” Siofra nodded.

Kit sighed quietly - he felt like such an inconvenience, even if he knew the others didn’t mind.

“She practically lived there anyway. I didn’t like her and Jasper sleeping at our place because they’re...loud. At night,” Alistair said, pulling a face.

That cheered Kit up a bit. “Yes, because I’m sure you and Julie are silent as monks.”

“Oh god, I hope they haven’t heard us,” Alistair said, paling.

“Did you actually never think about it from that point of view?” Kit asked.

“Well...we’re not that loud, are we?” Alistair turned to Julius.

“I don’t know! I’m a bit preoccupied at the time, I don’t notice.”

Kit sighed and shook his head. “You two…”

“What?” Alistair huffed.

“Nothing.” Kit went back to his coffee.

“What?”

“It’s just bizarre how absorbed you are in each other.” Kit shrugged.

“Isn’t that how couples are meant to be?”

Kit just shook his head. “Nevermind. Talking to you about this is pointless.”

“Talk to Jules then,” Alistair huffed.

“Or I could let Julie finish his breakfast so we can leave.”

“We’re leaving then?”

“I’m not going to just lounge here all day.” Kit said. “I’d like to put on clean clothes, maybe shower, read.”

“What, you don’t want to sit here in your underwear lettin’ Finny lick your leg?” Siofra grinned.

“Not particularly.”

“I would,” Alistair said.

“Then you can stay here, and I’ll go back to your place and nap in your bed.” Kit mumbled.

“I’m staying with you,” he said at once.

Kit rolled his eyes. “Then finish your toast so we can go.”

“I’m eating,” Alistair said quickly, taking a bite. Julius had long since finished, since he just ate instead of gabbing away. Siofra grinned at the smaller boy, rolling her eyes at the bickering cousins.

“They’re always like this,” Julius laughed.

“Thanks for the warning.” She chuckled. Finny was nosing curiously at Julius, hoping he might have more bacon. Julius had left the crispy edges for him, holding out the plate. The dog scarfed it up happily, while Siofra rolled her eyes. “He’s gonna beg whenever you’re here now.”

“Ooh, really?” Julius’s eyes shone hopefully.

Siofra sighed. “You kids are somethin’ else….”

“You just nailed one of us “kids.” I’m not gonna be lectured by a pervert,” Alistair said.

Kit blushed, but Siofra snorted. “Oh yeah, Mr. Jules-are-we-loud-in-the-bedroom?”

“H-he’s my age!” Alistair cried, flustered. “I’m not loud!”

“Yeah, you are,” Julius giggled. “Worse than me.”

Now Kit was giggling, too, and Siofra was cackling. “Ooh, you’ve been outed!”

“I am not loud!” Alistair shrieked, outraged.

“You’re not Jasper and Isabelle loud. Just...a bit of a moaner,” Julius said, giggling.

“Does ‘e scream your name?” Siofra asked.

“No!” Alistair cried.

“He does moan it though.”

“Ooh, so you’re good in bed?” Siofra asked Julius, ignoring Alistair’s indignance.

Julius blushed. “Oh, well, I’d hope so. I do my best,” he said earnestly, and went redder when Alistair burst out laughing.

“It’s not a bloody exam, Jules!”

“I mean. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.” Siofra said.

“I’ve got no complaints,” Alistair said, seeing Julius was looking at him expectantly.

Kit rolled his eyes. “I know you’re not the flattery type, but you could at least try to say that in a less backhanded way.”

“It’s fucking awkward while you two are here! It’s only marginally less awkward than with Toby.”

“That’s just rude.” Kit huffed.  

“Granted, Siofra is teasing and he’s serious, so it’s not quite as bad,” Alistair said. “Anyway, I’ve finished my toast and have had enough of everyone talking about how I have sex, so let’s go.”

Kit chuckled. “Alright, let me go get my clothes.” He climbed to his feet, squeezing between the two on his armrests.

“Are you okay to manage it alone?” Alistair asked.

“I'm fine.” Kit nodded, shuffling off down the hall. It took him a bit to find his clothes and put them on the right way, but eventually he came out in his outfit from last night. He was a bit rumpled and covered in Finny's fur. “Where did my coats end up?”

Siofra paused to think. “They were on the couch at one point…”

“You were on the sofa, weren’t you, Star?” Julius said.

“I don’t remember putting coats anywhere.”

Finny was nosing at a pile of fabric behind the couch - Alistair had knocked the coats onto the floor in the night. Siofra followed him and picked them up, shaking the coats off before handing them to Kit. He nodded gratefully, already in a state of fur-covered defeat. Alistair knelt down beside Finny, cuddling him. “Isn’t he clever!” Finny licked his face.

Kit grinned. “Compared to you, maybe.” He teased.

“Oh, ha ha. Isn’t he mean to me, Finny?”

Finny boofed happily and licked his face again. Alistair bent right over so Finny could lick him easily. “You’re such a good boy!”

The dog climbed onto his chest, happy to slobber lovingly all over Alistair. Kit groaned. “I thought we were leaving.”

“I’m just saying goodbye to Finny.”

Kit rolled his eyes, but didn't argue. Siofra patted his shoulder. “You're welcome to come back whenever. Just text to see if I'm home.”

“I’ll walk Finny whenever you need,” Alistair chipped in.

“Noted.” Siofra laughed, but she knew he really would be reliable about it. “Come on, Finn, let ‘im go.” Finny obediently backed off.

“Aww…” Alistair gave Finny one last pat, then followed Julius and Kit out the door. Kit led the way, but he started to lag before long, and he was breathing heavily by the time they reached the car.

“I’ll carry you when we get back,” Alistair said, as Julius leapt into the front to see Taddy.

Kit sighed. “You don't have to do that. I have time to rest on the drive.” Despite his words, he was clearly still winded as the car took off.

“I’m doing it anyway.”

Kit groaned, but he didn't argue, leaning against Alistair as they drove. Alistair hugged him fondly. “Did you have a good time then?”

Kit nodded. “It was nice. I feel lousy now, though.” He sighed. While he didn't feel too queasy anymore, a steady ache was still jackhammering away behind his eyes.

“You were plastered last night,” Alistair laughed.

“I know. Well… I assume. It’s a bit fuzzy.” Kit admitted.

Alistair snorted. “Not surprised. I was talking to Taddy while you two snogged in the back.”

“Did you have a nice chat?” Kit asked.

“Well. Yeah, he was nice.”

Kit chuckled. “Good.” He snuggled up to Alistair, quiet and half asleep for the rest of the ride. He didn’t object at all to being carried upstairs, allowing Alistair to just dump him in bed.