The next evening, Alex waited outside the back door of Bad Weather.

In the wee hours of the morning, the club's staff slowly trickled out the door, some paying him no mind as they walked past. He leaned cooly against the brick wall, arms folded across his chest. While his eyes kept watch, his brain raced with ideas on what to say, where to even begin. By the time Desmond appeared, he hoped he'd have something to say.

But Alex didn't.

When Desmond walked out, it was with a giant yawn as he zipped up a white hoodie over his work uniform. He was instantly aware of Alex's presence- But instead of being on high alert, he looked at him casually, warmly even. Perhaps… With a hint of relief. Desmond smiled at him, and jerked his head slightly, an indication that he wished for Alex to follow. And Alex compiled without any further instruction.

They fell into step, hands in pockets, Desmond's breath coming out in white puffs in the cool air. This late at night, they were the few of the only people actually out on the street. Some windows were lit up, but many were dark. Despite its reputation, New York actually did have its moments of peace and quiet. It was almost a pity to ruin that moment with relationship talk.

Still unable to come up with a good question, Alex eventually blurted out-

"So what are we?"

In a very casual, totally smooth, not awkward in the least kind of possible way.

"Jesus!" Desmond laughed. "You're the least tactful person on the planet, you know that?"

"Sorry," Alex mumbled in apology. He didn't know how else to ask. This wasn't exactly his area of expertise.

"I dunno," Desmond shook his head and laughed again. "I just met you like, what a week ago or something? We're not even Facebook friends."

"But you're interested in me," Alex said. "You made that clear yesterday."

"In a morbidly curious kind of way," Desmond smirked. "You're also weirdly attractive but what would I know? I'm a fucking werewolf for Christ's sake. I guess weird attractions are my M.O."

Despite having no blood to blush with, Alex still felt hot around his face.

"You wouldn't say that if you've seen the real me," Alex objected. "The me not wearing some other guy around like a skin suit."

"Well you've already seen the "other" me so like, how much worse can it get?" Desmond asked. Alex could tell he was being teased, not that it was difficult to do. Yet, he felt like Desmond wasn't understanding the full gravity of what it meant to be the Blacklight virus. Though, in fairness, he couldn't fully comprehend being a werewolf either, so maybe they were even in that sense.

"Do… You wanna be something though?" Desmond continued. "You and me, together?"

"I don't know," Alex shrugged. "I don't know if I'm attracted to you back or just… Like the attention you give me."

"Nothing wrong with that, really," Desmond said. "You're pretty hard to ignore."

Alex's lips sealed together in a thin line. He did not respond, and just continued walking alongside the other man. He didn't mean to be a pest, or a pain in the ass either. All he wanted was…

Was…

"I don't have a whole lot," Alex confessed. "I guess I was excited… You and I, we're… We're…"

"Exactly alike," Desmond finished.

They both paused to look at each other.

The moon was high above Desmond's head, the tiniest black sliver edging into its side. No longer at its fullest, and yet, Desmond's eyes still gleamed at him with a wild light. It felt like the Wolf could jump out at any moment, always lurking under the surface. The predator that watched from the shadows, daring its adversary to move.

Alex couldn't begin to describe how elated he felt, having that look on him once more.

Did he too, without realizing it, look upon Desmond the same way? Like he was both a challenge and yet, not worthy of his time? That to trifle with him was to court death? He hadn't felt this way towards anyone in a long time. Not since the outbreak was all wrapped up, and he was alone at the top of the metaphorical food chain.

But now? He wasn't as alone as he thought he was.

They had inched closer without either realizing it, hands sliding out of pockets to grip each other's clothes as their lips gently melded together. It was a hot, fiery kiss, more bite than passion. It was like they were trying to claim the other, make a mark for everyone to see.

Perhaps they had no label, not yet. They were just telling each other, you're mineminemine.

Almost immediately, Alex found his back against Desmond's mattress. But they were both still fully dressed, sans Desmond's jacket that he tossed to the side the moment they walked into the apartment. This was the Desmond he had first known, just another bartender in a crowded room, who otherwise would have been glanced over like the rest.

But there was that same look.

The apex predator in the room.

Desmond had told him before not to stare, but Alex couldn't help it. He was too mesmerized. And maybe a little stupid.

Above him, Desmond sighed and gently touched his cheek, dragging his fingers down Alex's chin and along his throat. Alex blinked slowly, and exhaled uselessly.

"You know, you scared me the other day," Desmond confessed. "When I woke up, and you were gone."

"I didn't mean to," Alex replied.

"I know, I know, I just… I get it, ya know? I've been alone… Just by myself for the longest time. 'Cause I've been too scared to open up, to let anyone in. I've been so afraid, of hurting anyone that I just… I just couldn't. And then you walked in and it's like… I realized I can't afford to lose you. Not now."

"Because we're exactly alike," Alex echoed. His whole body thrummed with internal glee, every cell chanting in delighted unison, yesyesyes.

"And things are moving so fast, and I didn't mean to make it that way," Desmond shook his head. "I guess… I got pretty excited too. Because now I don't have-"

He paused and looked away, voice hitching for only the briefest of moments. Alex slowly rose, pushing Desmond off him enough to allow him to sit up, but keep the bartender cradled in his lap.

"I don't like being alone either," Alex said. "Even though I'm not, no one else gets it. Not like you do. But it's scary, to be so seen and so wanted all at once. I'm not… Used to that."

"I get it, believe me," Desmond chuckled breathlessly. He bent down to rest his cheek atop Alex's head. "But I can't help it I guess. It's like a primal instinct. Like a need or else I'll die. I don't care what it is, I just… Want you."

"You don't even know the whole me," Alex mumbled. "You don't know everything I've done… What I'm really capable of… You want all of that?"

"Our first date was you literally ripping the other half of me out to play," Desmond snorted. "I think… I can handle whatever you got."

"But what if it's too much?" Alex asked. "More than you think you can handle."

"I guess I'll learn," Desmond shrugged. "I can barely handle myself on a good day, but I'll try. For you. Just as long as I get to keep you."

Alex closed his eyes and buried his face into Desmond's chest.

To be wanted?

Needed?

Desired?

How strange.

It didn't sound or feel real.

But he could not detect a hint of a lie in Desmond's words.

That was the scariest part of all.

And even scarier?

"I want you too," Alex confessed back.