Summary:

Justin find himself searching for answers, but between working overtime at The Substation and Harper stealing Alex's free time. He find himself frustrated because they haven't seen each other. And it doesn't help when Mason decides to show up to cause trouble.

Notes:

A huge thank you to my Beta reader TheWolfHourX for helping review the long awaited chapter! Super excited to be sharing an extra long chapter with everyone as the plot develops.

Warnings: Incestuous themes and smut

Does He Know?

Justin spent his whole life determined to find answers when confronted with a situation. To him it didn't matter how long it took or even the amount of studying he needed to do. What mattered was the responsibility he felt when people came to him for help.

Sure, he liked the feeling he got when he was right, but it wasn't the only reason he took on so much. Not that he would admit it, but he knew that his reasons nine times out of ten involved Alex. The present moment included, as he currently sat in the Family Lair researching spells and magical artifacts.

Gently flipping through the pages of 'History of Magical Relics & Wands: Wizardry Edition', he continued to jot down notes. Taking a deep breath, he twisted his pen between his fingers and sighed.

There has to be a safer solution…

The weight of his thoughts pulled at him. It was almost as if he could mentally hear a soft ticking clock counting down in his mind. Only he didn't know how much time it had before it went off. It was just a white noise humming in the back of his mind. A constant reminder of what was at stake. Just ticking.

Justin rubbed his mouth as possible outcomes began to invade his thoughts. The fact that Harper had been seconds away from catching them, didn't help. He knew the question was now no longer 'if' someone found out, it was now 'when'.

He knew the sentiment was a bit dramatic and he needed to get out of his head, but couldn't. Not after the way he felt this morning. This was the exact reason they'd established The Steps in the first place.

Justin huffed loudly before nodding his head. He needed to talk to Alex about following The Steps more closely. Even though she would probably just roll her eyes and tell him to relax.

Pursing his lips, he looked around the Family Lair and paused at the ingredients shelf. He tapped the back of his pen against his mouth before setting it down on the table.

Step One: Act Normal, he thought, exhaling shakily.

"Probably just need some relaxation tea."

Making his way across the room, he collected ingredients and got to work. He started mixing various powders and herbs. After many long nights of studying and stressing about schoolwork, making tea had become like second nature.

"There. Now just a pinch of lemon balm." He spoke softly, sprinkling the fine powder into the beaker as he leaned against the table.

A distinct crackling sound came from behind him and before he could pinpoint the source, her voice interrupted the quiet.

"Whatcha doing?"

The sudden question made him jump. He bumped the table and he responded with a 'Gah' instead of actual words. He quickly did a 180, instantly seeing Alex wearing a smirk and Harper shaking her head.

"Seriously, Alex?" He scoffed, silently thankful he hadn't thrown his tea across the room. "Why are you always trying to make me spill my relaxation tea?"

Justin leaned against the table behind him as she continued to look at him with a lifted brow. He sighed, crossing his arms. Immediately she squinted and lifted her chin.

"Doesn't look like you needed help with spilling your little tea." She said, looking past him.

He quickly turned around and instantly saw the knocked over beaker. Pulling out his wand from his pocket, he proceeded to cast a simple siphoning spell. Directing the tea from the surface and back into the beaker.

"Alex,-" Harper said her name sharply, "-you know why we're here, and it's not so you can annoy Justin. We need his help."

"I know that. It's not my fault he's prone to clumsiness and scares easily." She said with an amused chuckle while he pocketed his wand.

Justin felt a tug at his features as he turned to fully look at her. Even if she was the reason he spilt the tea, he couldn't bring himself to be frustrated. If anything, seeing her made him feel soft while the tension in his shoulders seemed to momentarily lessen.

Step Two: Keep distance between each other.

Looking down he paused the moment he noticed the spellbook in her hands. A subtle tightness returned and pulled at his shoulders while he tried not to react. There had to be some kind of explanation.

Holding his breath, he watched her casually hand him the book. It couldn't have been more than a few seconds, but he found himself getting lost in her eyes.

Step Three: No staring or touching.

The feeling of her fingers brushing against his felt intoxicating, even after years of subtle touches.

Check one, two, and three. The Steps a mere afterthought seconds after seeing her.

What are you doing, Alex? He thought to her and turned away to set the book down on the table behind him.

Before she could say anything, Harper's sharp gasp made them both jump.

"Alex! Have you been stealing Justin's books?"

Alex pursed her lips and ruffled her fingers through her hair as she avoided Harper's gaze.

"What? Psh, no. " She paused, "Well, maybe."

"Alex," Harper repeated her name.

"Okay, fine. I have." He watched her turn towards him as if she was telling him in the moment to go with it.

All it took was a brief moment of eye contact for him to understand. With furrowed brows, Justin opened his mouth and lifted his finger while his other arm remained crossed.

"Is that what's been happening to the spell books I've been reading?" He turned to look at Alex who slowly nodded.

"Mm," she squinted at him and he pursed his lips with a tilt of his head.

"Hang on. If you stole them, then why are you giving them back?" Harper asked.

"It was boring waiting for him to realize it was me." She said, shrugging as she looked at him with a laugh, "Although I have to admit, it was pretty amusing when you couldn't find them, Justin."

He couldn't help but feel proud of her quick thinking. Even if it was considered devious.

"Oh, yeah, 'hilarious'." He replied, making sure his words came across sarcastically and rolling his eyes.

"Huh. Guess that makes sense." Harper said with a shrug.

Relaxing a little, he briefly met Alex's eyes. They really needed to be more careful, especially with another close call.

"Well, are you gonna ask him about the wand?" Harper wondered, and Justin looked between them knowing there was something he was missing.

"What wand?" He asked, standing up straighter with his arms crossed.

"The family training wand." Alex sighed.

She took a few steps closer to him and handed it to him. Justin immediately noticed the crack down the middle of the wand.

"How'd it happen?" He took it into his hands, running his finger down the side of the wand.

"I'll tell you," Alex paused, while he looked over the splintered wand. "But… you need to promise you won't get upset. Okay?"

Her words instantly made him stop. He felt a slight tug in his chest and found her eyes. There was something about the way she had said it that made him feel uneasy.

"What happened, Alex?" His voice was low and she pursed her lips.

"Well, Mason sort of stopped by this morning," she took a second to find her wording as he clenched his teeth together, "and he may have stepped on it by accident."

"Oh, he accidentally stepped on the wand?" Justin scoffed, shaking his head.

"Mhm." She hummed and began chewing on the bottom right corner of her lip.

"How?" He looked at her, trying to understand exactly what happened and why he was in her apartment. Breaking things.

"He didn't see it on the floor in the kitchen." She offered.

"I'm sure." He said, his voice laced with obvious disgust. "Did it look like an accident to you, Harper?"

"Uh, well," she grimaced and shrugged, "I was sort of on the phone talking to Zeke. So, I didn't see it happen."

He quickly turned back to Alex.

"Well it's not like we told him to come in, Justin." She huffed, crossing her arms.

"If you didn't invite him in, then how did…" he trailed off and inhaled sharply, "Alex, are you telling me that he just walked in?"

He watched Alex momentarily look at Harper who wore a pinched expression.

"Well, I guess he sort of does come in without waiting for us to let him in." Harper said, and Justin looked at her. "He's Mason, so I haven't thought anything of it."

"I'm sorry. Harper," He paused, uncrossing his arms, "What?"

"Oh, would you calm down?" Alex huffed, finally looking at him. "I had it handled. And no. That doesn't mean I ignored it the way I usually do."

Justin pursed his lips together and closed his eyes. The thought of Mason walking into her apartment without permission was over a line. Setting down the wand on the table beside the spellbook, he took a deep breath.

"So, let me see if I'm understanding correctly, Alex." He turned back towards her with crossed arms, "Mason walked into your apartment without permission, got you alone, and then 'accidentally' broke the training wand?"

"Yes, but-"

"-Do I need to explain why allowing an emotionally unpredictable werewolf to just walk into your apartment as he pleases, is a bad idea?" He interrupted her, refusing to look away. "Because I can think of a few pretty darn good reasons."

"Really, Justin?" Alex asked, lifting both brows in amusement. "Darn good?"

There was a heavy drawn-out stretch of silence. Justin could feel his heart racing and a tightness in his shoulders. He knew she was trying to lighten the mood, but he couldn't understand how she was downplaying Mason overstepping, again.

Harper pulled him from his thoughts with a quick interjection.

"I'll give you guys a second to talk. This seems like a private conversation." She said before making her way out of the lair.

He sighed and rubbed his mouth when it was just the two of them.

"We need to be more careful, Alex." He looked for her eyes. "And that includes locking your door."

"We are-"

"-No. We've been selfish. Doing what we want, when we want." He shook his head. "Between Harper almost catching us this morning and Mason, I think we both need to be more aware of our surroundings."

Looking up to see her eyes heavy, he took a step towards her. Pausing he looked at the door to confirm they were alone before taking her hand into his.

"We are, we just need to… to-" She trailed off while he pursed his lips.

"Follow The Steps." He finished her statement with lifted brows.

Alex began chewing on her bottom lip with a heaviness in her eyes. He could see that she also thought it was the right thing to do while they tried to find an answer.

Justin rhythmically brushed his thumb against the back of her hand. "We only need to follow closely while we figure out what we're gonna do."

"Fine, I'll follow them." She mumbled.

"And?" He lifted a brow.

Alex rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth, "I promise to lock my door and that we'll keep our distance from Mason."

With a small tilt of his head, he smiled, "Thank you."

The door opened and he instantly dropped her hand and quickly crossed his arms again while Harper walked towards them.

"Okay, please tell me you both are attending Zeke's party in two weeks." Harper sighed.

"Probably. I know Zeke was still trying to find a theme." Justin shrugged, taking another look at the broken training wand.

"He did. The theme is 'Lake Party'." Harper sighed, "Alex, I need your help figuring out what outfit to make. Parties with college students make me nervous."

"Fine, but as long as I don't have to physically help." She shrugged.

The door to the Lair opened as their dad made his way inside with Max trailing behind.

"There you guys are," Jerry sighed as he lifted his hand, "I need help-"

Before he could finish Alex shook her head and cut him off.

"-Sorry dad. I can't. I promised Harper I would help her with something already and it's time sensitive." Alex walked over and pulled her friend towards the door. "Otherwise I would totally help."

"We don't-" Harper stopped talking and Justin shook his head.

He had to hand it to her though, she was pretty quick when getting out of things. Then she was gone without a second look.

Justin pursed his lips while looking at Jerry who had furrowed brows knitted in confusion.

"She wasn't going to help anyway." Justin said with a shrug. "At least this way she won't be complaining the whole time."

Jerry nodded, "I'll deal with your sister later. Right now I need both of your help painting the Substation, but by hand."

"Why would-" Justin started but his dad shook his head.

"-Yeah. I already tried. Your mother wasn't having it. She said customers would question the sudden change if either of you used magic." He waved his hand and Justin rolled his eyes.

It was going to be a long Sunday.

Between researching the spell, fixing The Family Training wand, and helping paint, it was probably good they were taking a moment to follow The Steps. At least until things were less chaotic.

One Week Later

For most of Justin's life, he had always thought he did extremely well with maintaining self-control. He had always been able to logically lay out a situation in his mind and tell himself why he should or shouldn't act on said thoughts.

Well, that had been the case until this summer when that first bet with Alex happened. It opened a door that he no longer knew how to close.

Now here he was exhausted from being overworked with the extra hours painting The Substation. Irritated that he hadn't been able to put much time into researching the Spell or fixing the wand. Annoyed that Harper was taking up all of Alex's time. But most importantly extremely on edge because of the pent up frustration from not seeing Alex in over a week.

Sure, he'd seen her in passing a few times and she would send him a look that would make him hold his breath. But for the love of Merlin, why was she wearing skirts all the damn time now. She was literally going to be the death of him and the little self-control he had left was about to break.

She had to be doing it on purpose. There was no way she wasn't missing him as much as he missed her. Even if it had only been a week.

The only time he had to research and look at the Family Training wand was in the mornings. Not that he'd made much progress, if any.

In need of a break, Justin made his way from the Lair into the Substation. Instantly, he noticed the long line, bustling tables and his dad quickly putting sub sandwiches together. From around the corner he saw his mother standing outside the kitchen at the register as she thanked guests before they left.

"We appreciate you stopping by. Hope to see you again." He noted her voice was polite, but weary.

"Thank goodness. Theresa. Justin's here!" His dad said and Justin turned to see him peering over his shoulder.

"He is? I thought Max looked in there." She peaked around the corner with a huff.

"He said he did." Jerry shrugged while she rolled her eyes.

"At this point, I really don't care." She said, momentarily looking back at the line, "Justin, we could really use your help busing tables."

"Sure thing." He nodded, rolling up his sleeves he grabbed an apron from the counter and picked up a clean hand towel.

Making his way past people standing in line, he looked at a younger couple holding hands. Pushing away a slight pang of jealousy, he looked away. He couldn't help but wonder what life would actually be like if he could hold Alex's hand openly and proudly like he wanted to.

He gathered trash and wiped down tables. Chewing on the inside of his cheek, he walked into the train cart. Leaning against the first table, he stacked empty red plastic baskets and started wiping the surface. Then he heard her voice.

"Oh, would you people move," Alex huffed, "Excuse you."

He spun around and instantly saw her pink and purple blouse paired with a lace black skirt that stopped mid-thigh. Relaxing at the sound of her voice, he set down the rag as she found his eyes.

"Hey," he said, looking at her with a smile and noted the subtle rosiness in her cheeks.

"Hey, yourself." She said, pursing her lips to hide a small smile of her own.

"How've you been?" He asked and she pursed her lips with a nod.

"Good." She said. "You?"

"Could be better." He shrugged.

Momentarily forgetting it wasn't just the two of them, he tilted his head and she tucked some hair behind her ear.

God, she's beautiful, he thought with a sigh.

"So, is there a reason you came to find me?" He wondered with a chuckle.

"Oh, right. I need you." She said looking over her shoulder, using her head to motion towards the other side of the restaurant.

The moment he heard her say that he almost knocked over the stacked red baskets beside him. She might not have meant it to be suggestive, however that is where his mind instinctively went

"I'm sorry?" He asked just to be sure he'd heard her right.

"I need you." She said again and he took a deep breath.

"That so?" He asked, somewhat curious as to why she needed him.

"Yeah."

He mirrored her squinted expression and crossed arms. Lifting one brow in a slightly suggestive manner, he watched her looking to see if anyone was around.

"I considered pretending that I didn't hear you so I could hear you say that again." He bit his bottom lip to stop a chuckle and noticed a rosiness in her cheeks intensified.

Right on cue she rolled her eyes, "I'm gonna ignore that and move on to the part where we go to the 'freezer'… to chat."

Before he could say anything she entered his space. He felt her fingers against his forearm then gently slid into the bend of his elbow.

"Alex…" he said her name, looking into her eyes causing her to stop.

All it took was a look and she furrowed her brows. Lifting an eyebrow, he watched her take a deep breath before exhaling forcefully. The warmth of her fingers still resting on his arm.

"Alex, could you go check on Max?" Theresa pulled their attention and Alex quickly removed her fingers from his arm. "Said he wasn't feeling well earlier."

"Oh ew, is he sick?" She asked, taking a step away from Justin.

"I don't know, Mija." She said walking past them with an order.

"You know you could help, Alex," he shrugged, looking into her eyes. "Then we can 'chat' when the lunch rush is over."

There was something in her chocolate stare that made him feel warm, and he found her refusing to look away.

"Fine." She said with a shrug, "I'll help, Justin. But you owe me."

Instantly he grinned, taking a step towards her and turning his head so no one but Alex could see.

"Deal." He whispered, and proceeded to wink at her.

The rise and fall of her chest quickened. He took the opportunity to brush his fingers against her forearm before stepping away while she squinted at him. He couldn't help but chuckle, reaching for his rag on the table beside them.

You're blushing, he thought looking at her with a smirk.

Am not, she quickly thought back.

"Are too." He whispered out loud making sure she could hear his smug tone.

"I'm sorry, Alex. Did I just hear you willingly agree to work?" Theresa asked and Alex groaned loudly.

"Don't make me say it again."

"Okay, but you still need to go check on your brother." She spoke pointedly as she walked back to the kitchen.

"Yeah, yeah. Thank God I don't live here. I do not want to get sick." Alex said, shrugging.

He watched the sway of her hips as she walked away from him towards the staircase. Maybe he could pause The Steps for the evening. The thought made him immediately shiver as memories from the night in the kitchen filled his thoughts.

When she left his view, he cleared his throat and looked back to the table. The familiar soft chiming bell from the front entrance sounded in the background. He instantly dismissed it, mixing in with the chattering conversations. Then stopped cleaning the table when he heard scuffling shoes followed by a familiar accent.

"There you are, Justin. Thought I might find you here."

Turning around he instantly saw Mason standing in the archway with arms crossed. Justin held the washcloth in his hand.

"What do you want, Mason?" He asked, making the disdain for his presence apparent. "Alex doesn't want to see you."

Justin had never really been a physical person. Always preferring to dispute any unresolved tension with words. However, the rather smug look on his face only made Justin want to hit him. Mason fucking Greyback had no right to be here, let alone harass Alex.

"I actually came to see you." He nodded his head, briefly looking around The Substation.

"Well," he said with a shrug, "I find that hard to believe."

"I needed to ask you a question," he paused, taking a few steps closer, "It's 'bout, Alex actually."

Justin swallowed, refusing to let any of the conflicting emotions touch his expression.

"I'm not answering your question, Mason. It's probably best if you just leave." He said sternly, refusing to look away.

"Why? Is it because the question's 'bout Alex?" Mason wondered, while Justin scoffed.

"No, it's because I don't like you." Justin said with a shrug. "And the fact you don't respect Alex or her boundaries. You need to move on."

Justin noticed the flexing of his jaw while he nodded his head again. There was something about Mason that didn't seem right. He was on edge and tense.

Looking away, Justin grabbed the empty red plastic trays from the table, and attempted to walk past him. Mason reached up and briefly held his hand, forcing Justin to stop.

He was about to say something when Mason took a deep breath. Looking down at him, Justin noticed the shift in Mason's eyes. It was a rather subtle flash, but from researching werewolves he knew it was tied to his emotions. The look was familiar and made him hesitant.

"Mason…" Justin's voice was low.

"Has anything changed since Alex and I were together?" Mason asked, looking into his eyes.

"Changed?" Justin repeated with a squint, his fingers resting on the handle of his wand.

There was a brief pause, and Justin recognized the subtle golden glow in his eyes. A cold wash of uncertainty grazed the back of his neck. Logically, he knew there was no way Mason actually knew anything. However, the look he had seemed to tell him otherwise.

"Look, Justin," he said with a shrug. "Let's stop beating around the bush. Shall we?"

"I agree. If you've got something to say, Mason, then say it."

"Fine." Mason said, slowly nodding, "Is she seeing someone?"

"What?"

"Is Alex seeing someone?" He repeated.

He remained still, refusing to break their unwavering eye contact. His mind screamed he knows, he knows, he knows. Yet at that moment, all he could do was stare while his heart raced.

"Not gonna deny she is, are we?" He wondered, lifting both brows.

"Look, I can tell you're on edge right now." Justin spoke softly. "And I'm pretty sure that whatever I say here won't change what you think is happening."

"Is that so?" He asked, "You know, it took me a moment when I was in her apartment the other morning, but when she lied, I could tell. She's seeing another Wizard, isn't she?"

Justin set down the plastic trays and crossed his arms. "Mason, you need to leave."

"The fact that you're not denying anything, is very telling, Justin."

Justin took three steps into Mason's space and looked down into his eyes. He ignored the heat in his face and the tension in his muscles. All that mattered was getting Mason to leave.

"Fine, but just so you know," He hesitated with a shrug while taking a few steps backwards as he spoke rather nonchalantly, "It's obvious that she's with someone based on what I saw at her apartment. I mean she's a decent shag and cute, even if her manners need work."

All it took was the vulgar accusation and everything around him felt like it was at a tilt. With a tightly clenched fist, Justin saw red and felt his knuckles connect with skin.

Mason stumbled backwards into an empty table with a sudden scraping sound of metal against tile. Justin felt a sharp stinging jolt ringing from his fist to his shoulder with a hiss.

Gasps echoed and chatter softened while Justin shook his hand out with tightly pursed lips. After a moment, a soft chuckle and a wince pulled his attention.

"Seems I hit a nerve with that one. Hm, Justin?" He chuckled and stood up straight again.

"Don't fucking talk about Alex." He growled and looked down at his knuckles.

"Careful, Justin." He paused, licking his bottom lip. "There's a bit of a difference between being the overprotective brother and acting like a jealous boyfriend."

Justin continued to glare, extending his fingers while Mason shrugged.

"Justin Russo," he turned to see his mother walking past people towards them, "What on earth is going on?"

"Nothing. Mason here was just leaving." He shook his head as Mason wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Mm. Suppose I was. Nice to see you Mrs. Russo." He gave a half smile and looked back at him. "Justin."

Then walked away without another word. The moment the bell chimed, Justin silently continued gathering the trash.

"Hey," he looked up at his mom, "Don't think we're not having a talk later. I don't know what just happened, but fighting is unexceptable."

Justin nodded, "I know. He insulted Alex. So I can't pretend I didn't mean it."

Theresa's features softened just a little as she sighed.

"Okay, but don't think you're not in trouble." She said pointedly while looking at the room settling down. "Oh, and that thing you've been waiting for came today. It's by the register."

"Thanks, Mom." He mumbled as she walked back to the other side of the room.

He knows… the idea made him take a deep breath. There was no way he could know, but the whole incident felt off. He felt off.

Justin looked down at his hand. He noted the pink of his knuckles and slight evidence of bruising already surfacing. He couldn't help but wonder how Alex would react when she heard.

It was almost 8:00 PM, and Alex couldn't believe he'd talked her into wasting her time working. Even if he owed her, it didn't change the fact she'd already spent all week helping Harper plan Zeke's party. Not that she'd even signed up to help with that either.

"That'll be $12.50." Alex said to the customer as they handed her money.

She handed them the change and politely told them to have a good day. Looking at Justin wiping down tables in the back she noticed the change in his expression. Something had been off with him for the past few hours. He wouldn't even look at her.

That was when she overheard her mom and dad talking in the kitchen.

"You need to talk to him, Jerry." She whispered. "I don't know what's been going on with him lately, but picking a fight isn't like him."

"You think that I don't know that."

"I do, I just. I don't know, Jer." She sighed.

"Look, I'll talk to him, but in all honesty, whatever Mason did to get Justin to punch him," Alex froze, "He probably deserved it."

Alex instantly turned to look at Justin again and felt a slight panic somehow intertwined with irritation. So much for following The Steps and acting normal. Slipping off her stool, she watched the last customer step inside. Theresa stepped up to the register and Alex made her way to the train cart. Then proceeded to smack Justin on the arm once out of view.

"Are you stupid?" She sneered quietly.

"Ow," he rubbed his arm, "What was that for?"

"I don't know. You tell me." She crossed her arms glaring while he sighed.

"It's been a long day. Not now, Alex."

"Picking a fight with a werewolf in front of people. Really, Justin?" She scoffed, shaking her head, "You are the worst at following The Steps. You know that?"

"Me? I'm not the one who's all of a sudden started wearing skirts everyday, Alex." He said, emphasizing his words dramatically whilst remaining as quiet as he could.

Shaking her head she promptly reached out and grabbed his wrist to examine his hand. There the proof was, a faded pink with slight bruising.

"Seriously, Justin. I was talking about how you apparently punched Mason, not about your staring." She hissed, while he glared down at her.

Dropping his hand she shrugged.

"I said not now, Alex." He rolled his eyes, looking away as he continued wiping the table.

He wasn't going to brush this aside and keep her in the dark. Gritting her teeth, she reached around and yanked the rag away from him, throwing it on the floor.

"You don't want to talk about it?" She repeated, "Too bad. Mom and Dad are in the kitchen talking about how different you've been acting lately."

"How am I supposed to act?" He huffed. "Like everything's normal?"

"Duh. That is literally one of The Steps." She said, rolling her eyes.

Justin scoffed as he bent down and picked up the wash rag. Alex looked over her shoulder at her mom helping the last minute customer and her dad in the kitchen. Then she noticed him starting to walk past her and out of her reach.

He was not going to leave without telling her what happened.

Near the table close to the wall she noticed the paint can. Without thinking it through, she breathed a wandless spell and knocked over the can. The second the paint began to spill he turned around to see her just as she finished the spell. Her satisfaction was however short lived as he quickly reached out in an attempt to steady himself, but only ended up pulling her down with him.

"Dammit." She hissed, landing on the ground in a puddle of heavily scented wet paint.

"Have a great evening." Her mother's voice was fuzzy in the background while the bell chimed.

Alex faintly recognized the sound of shoes squeaking against the floor before she heard her mother's voice saying her name.

Crap…

Alex looked up to see her mom looking down at the two of them. Then turned to see Justin beside her, also covered in paint.

"I fell?" She tried and her mom gasped while her dad sputtered.

"You- and the paint- its- then Justin- I… Alex." He couldn't get out a full sentence and she knew he was pissed.

"I saw you use magic, young lady." Her mother snapped. "What were you thinking? That customer could've seen you!"

"He started it." Alex quickly huffed trying to stand but slipping to her knees.

"I don't know what is going on between you two, but you both need to knock it off." She shook her head and held out her hand. "Wands."

Alex groaned, reaching for her boot.

"Can't we clean this up before you take them?" Justin asked.

"No. You both need to listen to your mother and take some time to think about responsibility. That means cleaning up messes the hard way." Jerry said sternly.

Alex handed over her wand and used the table to stand up. White paint covered her whole backside, legs, forearms, and hands. This was Justin's fault for not just talking to her.

Justin handed over his wand as well and she noticed that most of his front was covered in paint. He exhaled sharply and grabbed a rag to wipe his hands.

"Now you two can have these back once this is clean. If you do it now, it'll be easier than when it dries." He shrugged, as Theresa went upstairs without another word.

Alex grit her teeth extremely annoyed with Justin. It was his fault she lost her wand and had to clean. All she wanted to do was come talk to him about her idea to see if it would work.

Jerry locked up and finished clearing out the register while they started cleaning in silence. Both obviously fuming from what happened.

The moment their dad left, Justin exhaled harshly.

"Seriously, Alex." He snapped, jaw clenched. "You just had to go ahead and make a huge mess. All I said was not now."

"Oh, please. You think you're so perfect, Justin." She sneered as she started scrubbing the ground with a wash rag.

"I never said I was." He said while he tipped over the paint can and attempted to scoop some of the paint back in.

"You sure act like it," she rolled her eyes. "You think just because you know more spells and are better in school, that you're so much better than everyone else. When in reality, all you're good at is memorizing words."

It had nothing to do with why she was angry, but it sure felt good to tell him off. Looking away from him as she continued scrubbing away the paint. She knew her characterization was harsh, but it didn't change how tired she was of him telling her what to do all the time.

"Is this because I wouldn't tell you what happened or because I said we need to follow The Steps?" He asked and she rolled her eyes.

"You're supposed to be smart. Has it occurred that it might be more than just those two things?" She huffed.

Without warning, Justin entered into her space and tugged at her forearm.

"Don't." She said, yanking her arm away.

"What do you want from me, Alex?" He growled.

"Nothing." She bit and he just rolled his eyes.

"You think I want to fight with you?" He asked, remaining in her space. "Because I don't."

"No, but I do think you want to control everything. Even when I have a right to know something." She challenged, knowing he couldn't refute his own innate need to control the situation around them.

"What I want, Alex-" he said, shaking his head, "-is for you to stop pushing situations as if there are no consequences for your actions. Including using magic."

"Seems like you should take your own advice, Justin." She said, standing up watching him follow suit.

She noticed him take a step towards her, looking down and finding her eyes. Quickly noting the apparent frustration in his features. Alex was done. First he said they need to follow The Steps, putting distance between them. Then he was too busy to talk, but he could easily keep her in the dark about things even though it obviously had to do with them.

Please…

Gritting her teeth together she reached up with both hands, she planted her feet and gave him a forceful shove. What she hadn't expected was him to grab hold of her wrist just in time to yank her towards him and into his lap as he landed harshly into the booth.

Alex tried to catch her breath, having the wind knocked out of her. She began to push herself off of him as he coughed from the impact.

"Clean this yourself." She said through her teeth and tried taking a deep breath as she attempted to stand.

"No." He quipped, pulling her back into his lap.

She looked into his piercing grey eyes, hard with anger and pent up frustration. If she wasn't so angry with him she would've found his authoritative demeanor rather attractive. Scratch that… she found it extremely attractive.

"I didn't ask for your opinion." She spoke slowly through her teeth.

"You don't get to leave." He said firmly as he slid his arm around the side of her body. "Not until we talk about this."

Quickly, before she could say anything, he moved her onto the bench and underneath him. Alex glared at him as he wiggled his way between her legs. If she hadn't been so frustrated with him, she might've put up more of a fight.

Apparently, the same thing crossed his mind as he abruptly crashed his lips against hers. It was biting and desperate for something she couldn't place. Out of all of their kisses, she'd never felt his movements so demanding and sure. The abrasive movements made her head spin before he pulled away to look at her.

"Fuck you, Justin." She whispered as he lowered his face towards hers again.

She felt his hardon pressed against her and the feeling of paint starting to dry on her skin was an afterthought. Kicking off her boots she refused to break his heated gaze.

"Alex."

He said her name forcefully with a pause as he pushed up her skirt and roughly yanked her panties down the length of her legs. He adjusted between her legs as she squirmed, feeling the cold leather booth against her bare skin.

With the sound of his belt buckle followed by his zipper he pulled her towards him by her hips.

Her breath caught in her throat when he finished his statement, "Stop talking."

Without a proper chance to respond she felt his hardened member against her slick heat, making her gasp. Then he was inside her, sinking into her as far as he could with a groan.

He mumbled words under his breath and a warm wave of magic enveloped them. It took her a second, but she remembered reading about advanced concealment charms a while ago. Not that she would say it out loud, but she was impressed. That spell was difficult with a wand, let alone casting it wandless.

Brushing away the thought, Alex refused to look away from his eyes as she adjusted to his abrupt entrance. The pure frustration flashed in his eyes, melting into her chocolate ones. At least they wouldn't be caught.

A blooming heat filled her as he quickly recovered and pulled back his hips. She licked her lips, the overwhelming pleasure was almost too much. She turned her head to the side only to see his forearm beside her and his palm flat against the booth. Lifting her leg up toward the wall, she moaned as he thrust back inside her. Again and again… and again.

The booth creaked and they both gasped for air. The pleasure rushed all the way from her toes to her finger tips. Alex bit her lip to stop herself from moaning his name. Because he didn't deserve the satisfaction from hearing her enjoy this as much as she did.

"Fuck," he growled in her ear, "Is this why you're acting out?"

She refused to respond and felt him shift before pulling at her chin so she would look at him.

"You wanted this. Didn't you?" He asked, looking into her eyes.

Alex gasped as he paused his thrusts to grind himself into her, causing her to rock her hips. Screw him for knowing just how to push her closer to an edge. With his hand still on her chin, he pulled at her bottom lip. She could feel damp paint from his hands on her thighs and hips marking where he continued to pull her to him.

The distinct paint smell surrounded them as he continued fucking her. She felt him pull out slowly, leaving the tip of his member inside her. Then thrust his hips forward roughly, causing her to break her silence.

"Yes… I did." She bit out the words begrudgingly.

"Say my name, Alex." He murmured hotly, lowering his lips against hers. "Tell me you wanted this."

"I wanted this," she breathed, "I wanted you, Justin."

The wave of pleasure hit her abruptly. His name slipped from her lips as she felt her orgasm rushing through her. Her thighs quivered against his hips as she whimpered.

She barely heard him coaxing her along as he kept thrusting into her. The pleasure pulsed inside her as she gasped. He pulled her against his body harshly as she kept rocking against him.

The high lessened enough for her to pull him into a bruising kiss. She bit down on his lip causing him to wince and pull back. She loved him, but this right here was about release of anger. Letting go of pent up feelings ever since he told her they needed to follow The Steps more closely.

Her eyes met his while he reached between them and put pressure on her already sensitive clit. Alex dug her nails into his shoulder while he quickened his pace. The pain felt satisfying as his thrusts became sharper and he groaned through his teeth. She needed to make him mad more often if he was gonna fuck her like this.

Irritation guided his movements as he leaned closer. She closed her eyes while he trailed half-hearted nips at her skin followed by soothing kisses. Even when angry he couldn't hurt her.

Justin cursed, digging his fingers into her hips and remained flush against her. It took her a second before she recognized the hot rush of his seed inside her. The warmth filling her sent her right back to the edge as she nestled into his neck.

In a moment of bliss, she gasped I love you against his neck. All she needed was Justin. Even if he was an asshole sometimes.

Her breathing slowed as did the high. Focusing on the feelings around her, she noted them. Her lips buzzed from the aftershocks of pleasure. His thrusts were slow and inconsistent, until he stilled inside her. She could feel where he dug his fingers into her thighs, knowing they would likely leave soft speckled bruises.

Opening her eyes she met his softening gaze, the tension from earlier faded. Reaching up to touch his cheek, he placed a gentle kiss on the inside of her wrist.

"I'm sorry." He whispered against her skin before looking at her with a heavy expression and she shook her head. "I shouldn't have-"

"Justin no," Alex interrupted him, pulling at his cheek, "I'm the one who needs to be saying sorry. I pushed and refused to stop."

"No. You pushed because I wasn't communicating. I could've easily told you we needed to talk alone and it wasn't fair to brush you off." He leaned into her palm, his voice soft. "You pushed me so I would stop being a jerk. I needed you to push me."

"You needed me to push you?" She tilted her head.

"I did," he shrugged, "You make me stop being stuck in my head so I can think about others when I'm being stubborn... You make me a better person, Alex."

The light was dim since the sun set hours ago and the lighting in the train was already poor. Brushing her fingers against his jaw, she noted the subtle amount of stubble and exhaled shakily.

"You think I make you a better person?" She whispered.

The slight reflection of light danced in his eyes before he nodded, "I know you do."

Alex was at a loss. He'd never been so vulnerable with her like this. Shaking her head, she pulled him into a gentle kiss. Inhaling softly, he pulled back to look at her as she shrugged.

"You make me a better person too." His smile reached his eyes and she rolled hers.

"Though, I'm sure it didn't help that I literally pushed you so you would fall into a puddle of paint." She pursed her lips.

"Well, I pulled you with me. So I think we're even." He chuckled.

The corner of her lips curled and she shook her head.

"Fine by me, but I did want to add that if you're going to use sex as punishment," she pulled him closer, "I'm going to keep intentionally trying to piss you off."

Alex couldn't help but snicker as he scoffed.

"Well, maybe I prefer when we take our time," he paused and moved to her neck where he pressed his lips against her skin, making her shiver. "I'd rather not take my frustration out on you."

"I feel like that's the best way to release… frustrations." She mumbled with a smirk.

He slowly pulled back and attempted to hide a smile, "You do know that you're a bit of a pain sometimes. Right?"

"Psh, you love me." She laughed and he rolled his eyes.

"I do."

Shaking his head with a laugh, he kissed her temple and detangled himself from her. Then she felt a slight warmth knowing he'd whispered the wandless spell.

"I do think we need another Step." He said and adjusted his belt buckle. "One that has to do with how we need to limit physical touch around others."

Alex laughed, "Please. You still wouldn't follow The Steps."

Alex stood up to adjust her skirt as she felt the warmth around them fade, signaling the concealment charm had stopped. Turning around, she paused to see all the paint they had gotten on the booth including the perfectly placed hand prints. So much for cleaning up their mess.

"Uh, no. I follow The Steps just as well as you do." He argued.

Looking at him, she squinted in disagreement.

"Wanna bet?" She wondered with a smirk.

He mirrored her expression and nodded. "I do."

"Okay. What's the bet this time?" She shrugged, intrigued by the idea.

"Whoever breaks the new step first, has to give the other their wand for a whole day." He said as he ruffled his fingers through his hair to make sure it wasn't messed up.

"Oh, so we're going back to the first one?" She laughed.

"I recall you not being able to last more than half a day, so yeah. I think it's fitting." He shrugged, crossing his arms.

"Deal." She reached out and shook his hand.

This was gonna be fun… Alex thought with a smirk.

"Now, are you going to tell me why you punched Mason?" She asked to change the subject, still rather amused.

Spotting her underwear, she fumbled it back on before turning around. The silence was prolonged and evident something was off.

"Justin?" she whispered his name and walked over to him as he sighed.

"I don't know for sure, " he shook his head before looking at her, "But I think Mason might know about us."

Alex froze. At first she couldn't remember the last time she felt this way. Then it hit her as she called out Justin's name before he was taken from her. Reaching beside her, she used a table to remain standing while he reached for her. Probably to help her from falling.

"How would… Are you-" she took a deep breath, unable to speak her thoughts as quickly as they came.

The way he had looked at her in her apartment. The way he was talking. Even his small micro-reactions to the things she did and said. Grabbing Justin's forearm, she found his eyes.

"I think you're right."

Sorry for the long wait! hopefully the next chapter comes sooner. dont for To comment and favortie!