This is Random Crack because and no other good reason exists

[element_wizard]

The spatula waved in the air as Alec sang the Beatles to the empty apartment. He was making a stir fry for dinner, under the assumption that Andrew would be back from work in time for dinner. If not he'd just save the rest for lunch the next day or snack later.

It didn't matter in the long run.

He just was cooking, having a good time, and singing about being a paperback writer while dancing horribly.

The day had been good. Quiet. He'd done well on his test in class. Andrew would be hopefully pleased. A little.

He'd even finally saved up enough money - when he got his allowance today - to get that laptop he wanted.

So.

He was happy.

Comments

[element_wizard]

Alec looks away quickly at the rebuke, as that's clear what he's thinking and afraid of.

[rianofski]

"He's your brother, Alec, and while I don't expect that you two will get along all the time, I expect you to be welcoming. Your position is not going to change within the household."

It's his exceptionally clumsy and non-emotional way of saying that there's room for both of them in his life, but he'd never put it in those terms.

[element_wizard]

"It sounds like he's going to be staying," Alec says softly.

[rianofski]

"I don't know," Andrew says honestly, and for him to admit he doesn't know anything is strange, to say the least. "It depends on a lot of factors."

[element_wizard]

The few times Alec's heard him do that have been strange ones indeed.

"I don't know if I know how to be a big brother. I was the baby." And then an only child.

[rianofski]

"I don't think you need to do much of anything except avoid beating him up on a regular basis. And perhaps putting up with the fact that he's bound to be slightly irritating, as most seven year olds are. You don't need to change your general nature simply because he's been added to the house."

[element_wizard]

"I can try, sir." He says solemnly. "I think he'll be irritating in that he's trying not to be irritating."

[rianofski]

"Is there really any way he can avoid being irritating, then?"

[element_wizard]

In a rare burst of mentioning his past - his mother in particular - Alec says, "Mum used to suggest locking me'n Lar in the closet until we were twenty-one when we got really irritating."

[rianofski]

"I'd be half-tempted," Andrew said, chuckling, "Though I think eighteen might be a more reasonable prospect."

[element_wizard]

"I wouldn't mind eighteen." Alec's almost eighteen, after all.

[rianofski]

"I don't think I'll be locking you in a box at all."

[element_wizard]

"I'd appreciate that, sir." He bites his lip. "You are going to be doing some parenting, right? Not just me?"

[rianofski]

"Of course I am. I parented you, did I not?"

And for a certain definition of parenting, he had. He'd kept Alec fed, clothed, in school, and generally out of trouble, except in the minor ways. His lack of emotion could be a problem at times, but he thought he did a good job on the necessities, if not the affection.

[element_wizard]

"Yeah... but how much am I going to have to watch him?"

He did. But still.

[rianofski]

He sighed. "He'll be in school. You'll be in school. I don't think you're going to become his permanent caretaker, but it can't hurt for you to keep an eye on him occasionally when you're both at home."

[element_wizard]

These things are IMPORTANT for fifteen year old boys. "What am I supposed to say about you if he asks?"

[rianofski]

"In general, or if I'm not at home? If I'm not at home and he wants me, tell him I'm working. If you want to talk about my character, try not to malign me as much as possible."

[element_wizard]

"I wouldn't say anything bad about you!" He sounds surprised at the thought.

[rianofski]

"I'm simply covering my bases. I'm sure he has plenty of questions. If he asks you anything uncomfortable, direct him to me. I don't need him further confused."

[element_wizard]

"All right." He tilts his head briefly as the doorbell goes off. "Pizza's here."

Alec holds out his hand for money.

[rianofski]

Andrew pulls out the money and hands it to Alec. "I'll be there in a few minutes. I just want to finish up this paperwork."

A few minutes usually translates to around fifteen, but at least he's making an effort to have dinner with them.

[element_wizard]

"Yes sir," he says, completely realizing that it'll be a few minutes before Andrew will be at the table. He does try.

As he walks by the living room he yells, "Jack! Pizza's here!"