Alfred's POV

Maybe in a few hours I'll feel bad about what I said. Truth be told I'm not even a hundred percent sure why I did it anyway. Sure he said I had a fat ass and did nearly killed us but deep down I know he didn't mean it. He cares yet I'm being an asshole for no reason.

But no I do have a reason, not a good one but one none the less. If it was Kuro instead I wouldn't have said anything but now…wow I really am a dick. Why can't I get it through my head that he is not Kuro? It's like I'm taking out all of my pent up frustration out on him, actually no I am taking it out on him. I know and he probably knows it as well since he didn't even blink when I said it.

While I climb the steps I let out a sigh knowing that now I really have to apologize for not just snapping at him but for what I said earlier in the courtroom. The front door opens as I reach the top of the stairs. Since it doesn't slam shut I assume he's not too mad at me so I continue on my way to Peter's room as Scott down below throws his boots into the closet.

I stop listening to what he's doing as I open Peter's door. I knew my baby brother was growing up but I didn't realize it would be this soon. Even before I take a step in the room the light scent of pre-heat hits my nose. He's curled up in a ball with most of his clothes thrown around the room. "Oh Peter…" I start to say as he lets out a quiet whimper. "It's okay Little Buddy."

I sit on the edge of the bed and rub his bare back in small circles. He's already coated in sweat and as I touch him his whole body tenses at my touch. "Easy." I coo as he cries out, "One week and it'll be over."

His face is buried into his pillow as his hand tries to reach out for mine. "Alfie." I hear mumbled into the pillow. "I'm so hot."

"Yeah Buddy that's what happens." I say as I look up to see Scott now standing in the doorway. His large hand cups his mouth and pinches his nose. "Can you run and grab a few things for him?" When his eyes widened he made a quick retreat, "Wait um down stairs I'll be right there." And like that he was flying down the stairs.

Once he was gone I turned back to my brother, "I'll be right back." He starts to roll over and his eyes are full of hot tears. "Make your nest and I'll help with everything else."

"Right…" He answered in a shaky voice as he reached for a few blankets. I grabbed a few more and two pillows from the closet before leaving him to make his tiny nest.

By the time I make it down the stairs Scott has a scarf pressed to his face with a pad of paper in his hand. "Alright so what do I have ta get besides the obvious." He says in a slightly muffled voice.

"Well first," I say as I lower the scarf, "I closed his door so we have another day or two before his heat really starts. Though I do recommend you spend the week more in your office than,"

"I already figured." He says cutting me off as he clicks his pen, "Now what do I need ta get for the poor lad and you."

Instead of telling him I take the pen and paper and write out a simple list, "I'll go out when he's asleep and grab a few more things but these should get him through the first few days."

Once I'm done he reads it over, "Naw I'll get him everythin'." He folds it up and slides it into his pocket. "You're gonna smell like 'im so I don't care what it is I'll go get it."

As I watch him go for his keys I let out a small sigh, "They can clearly tell I'm not in heat."

"And I don't give a shit." He says as he slides his boots back on. "Some will find any excuse so call me overly protective or over bearin'." He gives a slight eye roll as he says it, "But I know how the world is."

"Trust me I do too." I answer as I hand him his jacket. "Just knock when you're back."

"Will do." He says as he goes for the door.

As he takes a hold of the door knob I take his other hand, "And about earlier um-"

He turns back and kisses me. It's the last thing I expect but I'm relieved to see as he breaks away there's a warm smile on his face, "Don't worry about it." As I'm standing there he opens the door and walks out into the chilly air. "Go look after your brother."

I nod but before the door closes completely I hear him say something else, "I love yah."

For a second I stand there wondering if I heard it right. Thankfully he's not here to see my face redden, "Yeah…" I manage as I go back upstairs, "I…yeah."