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Alexander wasn’t able to find a seamstress, but he did find twenty travel-size sewing kits in the ship’s gift shop. He purchased all of them. Luckily, a beau Alexander had met and befriended during a trip to have Professor Plum serviced had been working the guest service station, and Alexander was able to spin a tale that earned him a key to Emily Broussard’s room. Did Alexander really buy Ms. Broussard an elaborate statue depicting her likeness that he wanted to surprise her with? No, but the man at the desk bought the story. Well, it was either the concocted story or the way Alexander batted his lashes at the man like a tramp, but he didn’t have time to hypothesize about the young man’s intentions. With the keycard tucked in his front pocket, he rushed back to his cabin, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible.

Alexander’s heart was racing in his chest, and it wasn’t out of fear. It was down to Elliot. It was down to the kiss they’d shared. The overwhelming sense of completion he found in Elliot’s soft lips. Alexander was no stranger to physical acts of intimacy, but when it came to matters of the heart, his track record was spectacularly disastrous.

There was his first boyfriend, Shane, who was arrested for kidnapping a barista shortly after he and Alexander made things official. Then there was his ex-fiancé, Esteban. They were engaged for six months before Estaban announced it was time for him to take responsibility for his life and settle down with a nice woman, and have a “real” family, as he called it. Alexander hadn’t known how he’d get over the feeling of betrayal, but a year later, he attempted romance yet again. Chase was a lovely bisexual man, just like Estaban. Alexander was wary to date another bisexual for fear of being hurt again, but he knew from experience you couldn’t judge a whole group by the actions of one horrible, hateful man. He was right to give Chase a chance, because the men were together for three years before one day, Chase sat Alexander down and told him he couldn’t handle the monopoly Alexander’s career held on his life. With a heavy heart, Alexander let Chase go, allowing him to find someone who could give him everything Alexander couldn’t. They were still very close friends, and often, Chase and his husband invited Alexander over for an adult’s night in. They were gentle lovers, and if Alexander’s heart hadn’t been dormant for the past five years, he may have even taken them up on their offer of bringing Alexander into their relationship. As much as he enjoyed the time they spent together, he couldn’t bring himself to relinquish his heart. It was already spoken for.

So, while Alexander didn’t know much about love, he knew the feelings he had for Elliot were strong, and he wasn’t willing to lose the chance to explore them. Sweet, broken Elliot with his feigned smiles meant to mask the hurt. Gentle, kind-hearted Elliot whose heart broke over the prospect of sending a lonely fieldmouse back into the wilds of Sugarplum Island. Alexander’s new friend who just tried to throw himself into the sea for a few precious moments of freedom.

Alexander made a vow to himself, and, he supposed, a vow to Elliot. Even if they didn’t share a romantic spark in the end, he wouldn’t allow Elliot to be returned to Jared Price.

When he entered his suite, Alexander’s heart raced. Elliot was sitting on Alexander’s bed, looking like he hated the world. He was wearing one of Mrs. Peppercorn’s wigs as she stood in front of him, styling it with her curling iron. When Elliot noticed Alexander, his cheeks darkened.

“You’re back,” he said, sounding surprised.

Alexander cocked a playful brow. “Did you think I was just going to leave you here?” Elliot shrugged, but he didn’t respond. Alexander couldn’t stand the thought of Elliot thinking he might abandon him, so he took a seat beside the man and rested his hand on Elliot’s knee. He stared at the half-styled wig on Elliot’s head. “You look adorable.”

“I look ridiculous,” Elliot muttered.

“Well,” Mrs. Peppercorn said. “The good thing is, you’ll only have to wear it once. After that, we’ll be right as rain.”

As Mrs. Peppercorn continued styling the wig, Alexander couldn’t keep his eyes off Elliot. The way his short, blond hair brought out the browns in his eyes. How each freckle on his face seemed strategically placed. The smooth skin of his neck, just begging to be kissed.

“Alexander?” Elliot whispered as if he was hoping Mrs. Peppercorn wouldn’t hear, despite the fact she was standing directly in front of him. “May I hold your hand?”

Alexander swallowed, nodding. “Yeah. You can hold my hand whenever you want. I don’t mind.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” To prove it, Alexander weaved their fingers together and squeezed.

“I’ll tell you,” Mrs. Peppercorn interrupted. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cuter couple in all my life.” She furrowed her brow, staring sternly at the men. “Don’t you dare tell Periwinkle and Arthur I said that. You’d break the poor boy’s heart.”

Once Mrs. Peppercorn’s wig was styled to perfection, she excused herself to Alexander’s private ensuite. Alexander and Elliot remained on the bed, their hands locked, and their bodies tense with nerves. Alexander couldn’t remember the last time he felt so shy. Slowly, he stroked the side of Elliot’s hand with his thumb.

“Are you okay?” Alexander finally asked. “I know today must have been hard for you.”

“I’m okay. Just embarrassed.”

“You have nothing to be embarrassed about. You did nothing wrong.” Alexander looked over to find Elliot’s jaw trembling.

“But, Jared—”

Alexander tightened the grip on Elliot’s hand, cutting him off when he said, “You wanted to be free. There’s nothing wrong with that, Elliot. I’m proud of you for standing up for yourself.”

Squeak, squeak.

Professor Plum peeked his head out from Alexander’s shirt pocket and looked up at Elliot before twitching his tail rapidly. Alexander smiled at the mouse, stroking his forehead with his thumb.

“This little guy missed you,” Alexander said. “I think he knew you were here earlier. He led me right to you.”

Elliot was staring at Professor Plum with an awestruck look in his eyes. “Is this the same mouse from before? From the island, I mean.”

Alexander nodded. “Yeah. I promised you I’d keep him safe. He’s been a really wonderful friend to me these last few years.” He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled the little guy out. “I had him for six months before his health started to decline. I probably should have just let him pass naturally, but somewhere along the way, I fell for him, and I couldn’t stand the thought of letting him go.”

“I don’t understand. How were you able to keep him alive for . . .” Elliot’s face fell. “Five years.”

It pained Alexander that Elliot had lost so much time, thanks to Ms. Broussard and Jared Price. “Ms. Broussard helped me, actually. I’ve been trying to find the perfect beau for years. I had one commissioned, but after losing him, I decided to try to find a beau who had been returned. When I told her about Professor Plum, she was able to work her magic.”

Elliot shook his head. “There’s no such thing as magic, though.”

“I know.” He tickled Professor Plum’s head. “She recreated his body, then she placed his brain inside.”

Elliot’s jaw dropped. “She cut his head open and scooped out his brain?”

Alexander winced. “Yeah. Sorry, I know it’s not a pretty mental picture.” Alexander stared down at the mouse, his heart swelling when Professor Plum rubbed his furry cheek against Alexander’s thumb. “Like I said, I probably should have let him pass in peace, but he’s the closest thing to a friend I have.” Alexander brought the mouse to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead before handing him to Elliot. He watched as Elliot’s eyes lit up while holding him. Elliot’s touch was gentle, almost shy.

“Well,” Elliot said, mirroring Alexander’s actions by pressing a kiss to Professor Plum’s forehead. “I, for one, am very happy you kept him around.” Elliot lifted the mouse even higher until they were eye to eye. “It’s lovely to see you again, Professor Plum of Sugarplum Island.” Then, after a pause, he added, “I hope we can be friends.”

Alexander stroked a finger down the mouse’s back. “I’d say he already considers you as such. I’ve never seen him take to anyone else this fast.”

“No, Alexander. I didn’t mean me and him, though I do hope for that as well. I was talking about us.” Elliot tore his eyes away from the mouse long enough to look Alexander in the eyes. “You said he’s your only friend. I would like to be your friend.” His cheeks darkened. “If that’s something you’re interested in.”

Alexander’s heart swelled in his chest. “I’d like to be your friend, too.” He cleared his throat, wanting to look away, but unable to do so. Elliot needed someone to take charge because he was nervous by nature, and Alexander knew the man was probably having trouble voicing his wants. “Maybe more than friends.”

Elliot’s eyebrows shot up. “What do you mean?”

“It would appear I’m rather fond of you. I was hoping you might be open to the idea of courtship.”

“Courtship? With me?” Elliot studied him, his eyes flickering all across Alexander’s face like he was searching for sincerity. “Why? You could have any man you wanted. Why on earth would you want me?”

Alexander cupped Elliot’s cheek, an action that sent tears welling up in Elliot’s eyes. “Because you’re the sweetest, gentlest man I’ve ever met.” He stared down at Professor Plum. “You cried because you thought you’d have to send him back into the woods. You wanted to cry when you told me goodbye, too. I could tell. Your eyes were flashing the most gorgeous shade of blue I’ve ever seen.” He watched as pink lights flickered in the corners of Elliot’s eyes. “Oh, sweetheart.” He stroked Elliot’s cheek. “Your colors are beautiful. I want to see more of them. Every color you’ve got. I want to take those blues and reds and oranges and turn them all pink, because nothing in this world matches the look of pure joy on your face. You deserve that joy, Elliot. You deserve that and so much more.”

“I’m nothing special,” he said, though he couldn’t be further from the truth if he tried. “I’m not a very good cook. And I forget to clean sometimes. I cry most days. Master Price says I’m his greatest disappointment.”

“I’ll spend as long as it takes proving that’s not true. I don’t care about cooking or cleaning. Elliot, I care about you. I care that you’re happy and healthy, and I’ll do everything I can to make it so you never have to cry again.” He brushed his thumb over Elliot’s knuckles. “Will you give me a chance? Will you be my guest for the rest of the cruise?”

Any resistance Elliot may have been feeling must have fallen by the wayside, because his head seesawed up and down rapidly. “I would like that very much.”

The door to the small ensuite opened, and when Mrs. Peppercorn emerged, Alexander had to do a double take. She was wearing a flowing maroon gown that clung snugly, the bell skirt giving her an hourglass figure. The wig she wore looked just like Ms. Broussard’s hair. The only thing off about the ensemble was her face. Though she tried to apply her makeup in a similar fashion to Emily Broussard, they looked nothing alike. They were at least thirty years apart in age, and Mrs. Peppercorn had wrinkles like canyons across her forehead. She must have realized Alexander wasn’t buying what she was selling, because she held her hands up in surrender.

“I know,” she said. “I’m very much aware we don’t look alike.” She waltzed to the door leading into the hall and poked her head out. “Rodolfo, I need your assistance, sugar.” She glanced over her shoulder at them. “Trust me, I’ve got an absolutely foolproof idea. Lover boy and I are going to take a midnight stroll. Don’t wait up.”

Before either of the men could respond, Mrs. Peppercorn was gone, leaving them alone again.

“So, what do we do now?” Elliot asked.

Alexander looked at the clock on the wall. “It’s almost one in the morning. I think it would be best if we got a little rest. We’ll need it for tomorrow, I’m sure.” He looked down at the queen-size bed, blushing when he realized there nowhere else for Elliot to sleep. “I can take the couch.” He darted his eyes to the small loveseat next to the chest of drawers.

Elliot shook his head. “I’m not making you sleep on the sofa. You paid for a suite in order to be comfortable. I would feel terrible knowing you had a poor night’s rest on my account. I can just power myself down on the floor, I won’t even feel it in the morning.”

Alexander gaped at him. He may not be an automaton expert, but he had an automaton before. His first beau, Gus, said the act of powering oneself down felt like going through the process of dying.

“Why would you power yourself down? That’s supposed to feel like dying.”

Elliot nodded. “I know. It’s not terribly pleasant, but you get used to it after a while. I don’t mind. Truly. Jared Price—”

“Can go straight to Hell,” Alexander interrupted, his voice firm. “Never again. I promise. You’ll never have to do that again.”

Elliot sniffled. “You really mean that, I can tell. Thank you,” Elliot whispered, looking frightened. “I’ve done it so many times, it’s like second nature. Just another part of my day. That’s why I don’t mind resting on the floor. It’s where I recharge every night. By the outlet.”

“The more you speak of him, the less I care for Jared Price,” Alexander said, trying to lighten the mood. He could strangle Jared for hurting this gentle man. “I don’t want you to sleep on the floor.” He bit his lip, trying to work up courage. “We could share my bed.”

“Oh, dear,” Elliot said, his eyes bulging. “Together? In your bed?”

Alexander snorted a laugh. “I promise, I won’t try to get fresh with you, if that’s why you’re worried.”

Elliot swallowed. “You won’t try anything untoward? May I have your word? I don’t believe I’m ready for that.” He bit his bottom lip and stared at Alexander, letting a silence linger like the scent of a blown-out candle. Shyly looking away, he added, “Though I wouldn’t be opposed to a cuddle.”

Alexander’s smile widened even further. “You have my word. And I’m a big fan of cuddles, too.” He stood, breaking the lock they had on each other’s hand and carrying Professor Plum to his cage atop the chest of drawers. Once the latch was unfastened, Alexander opened the top drawer and pulled out two sets of pajamas. The ones he selected for Elliot would probably be too big, as Elliot was far shorter than Alexander, but they were pink and had little mice all across the fabric. He turned and handed them to Elliot. “Sorry, I know they might be a little big on you, but we can go to the gift shop tomorrow and see what they have if you’d like.”

Elliot shook his head. “I spent the last of my money on the bus fare. Yours will work well.”

“I’d like to treat you, if that’s all right.” Once Elliot nodded, Alexander made his way to the ensuite to change, allowing Elliot the privacy to change in the room. He splashed a bit of cool water on his face before patting it dry. Knocking twice on the door, he cracked it, calling out, “Are you decent?”

“I’m ready if you are.”

When Alexander walked out, his heart fluttered. Elliot was standing in front of the full-length mirror secured to the wall, the pink pajamas looking fifty sizes too large for the small man. He was holding the fabric taut from the back, displaying his bump. Elliot had his other hand on his tummy, slowly rubbing circles around it.

“You look beautiful this way,” Alexander said, resting his weight against his shoulder on the wall. “You’re practically glowing.”

Elliot looked over his shoulder. “I don’t glow, Alexander. I wasn’t given that upgrade.”

Alexander blinked at him. “Wait, that’s a thing? You can have a beau upgraded so his skin glows?”

Elliot sighed. “That was meant to be a joke. Better luck next time, I suppose.” When Alexander snickered, he caught sight of Elliot’s mouth twitching into a quick smile. “I don’t know what to do about this girl.” Elliot’s hand continued rubbing softly at his tummy. “She feels like a girl. I . . . I’ve just been thinking of her as another obstacle to overcome, but now she feels like a girl. Maybe Mrs. Peppercorn can instruct the Creationist to deliver the baby when it’s time, and then we could find a lovely home for her. I don’t think it’s best that I keep her. I don’t know how to raise a child. Especially on my own. It’s months away, so I’m sure you’ll probably be tired of me by then. I apologize for bothering you with this.” His jaw shook, and Alexander slid behind him, wrapping his arms around Elliot’s waist, touching his bump.

Alexander turned them until Elliot was facing the mirror, and their gazes met. “It’s okay if you want to keep her, you know,” Alexander whispered. “It’s okay to want to be her father. Ms. Broussard may have thought she was Jared’s property, but she’s yours, too.” Alexander knew the process of automaton pregnancy. Ms. Broussard talked his ear off about it the last time he took Professor Plum to be serviced. She said they weave the host’s data with DNA sourced from the beau’s husband, creating a perfect mesh of the two. The baby was half Jared, but she was equal parts Elliot. “If you don’t want to keep her, I’ll help you find a way, but if you do, I want you to know that’s okay, too. You don’t have to give her up if you don’t want to.”

Elliot looked over his shoulder. “Is it okay if I don’t know yet?”

“It’s always okay,” Alexander promised, kissing Elliot’s head. “Everything is always okay. If you’re scared or worried, I want you to let me know. Let me be scared and worried with you.” His hand roamed gently up and down Elliot’s bump. “You don’t have to decide anything until you’re ready. Now, are you ready to get a little shuteye?”

Elliot’s sad expression faded, replaced almost instantly with a grin that could only be described as ‘giddy.’ “I’ve never used my charging station while I was still powered on. Master Price made me shut myself off, but Mother says when you charge while conscious, you enter a state of stasis where memories play out like dreams.” He cocked his head to the side, staring Alexander in the eyes with a curious expression. “What does it feel like to dream?”

“Like the whole world belongs to you. Like a movie playing out in front of you.”

“Not a scary movie, I hope. Master Price adored them, but they made me terribly uncomfortable.”

“No, Elliot,” Alexander promised, running his fingers through Elliot’s hair. “Like a good movie. Maybe even the best movie.”

“I believe I would enjoy that quite a bit.”

After crawling into bed, Alexander used the charging port Mrs. Peppercorn left behind, plugging it into the wall, then took a seat at Elliot’s feet. He watched as Elliot reached down and lifted his big toenail, he then inserted the prong into the small USB port. Elliot leaned back against the pillows, then turned on his side, facing the wall. Alexander walked around the bed and slid in behind him, lying on his back.

They were silent for a while until Elliot finally whispered, “Alexander?”

“Yes, sweetheart?”

Elliot’s body tensed at the endearment, but before Alexander could scold himself for letting it slip, Elliot said, “Would it be okay if we cuddled? You mentioned cuddles earlier. I’ve never really had one before.” Alexander rolled onto his side and wrapped an arm around Elliot’s waist. “Is this it, then? Are we cuddling?”

“Yeah,” Alexander breathed, his breath tickling Elliot and making him giggle. “Cuddling. Spooning. Whatever you want to call it, that’s what we’re doing.” He buried his face in Elliot’s neck, making the young man purr like a kitten. “Do you enjoy it?”

Elliot’s hand found Alexander’s under the covers and squeezed softly. “I believe I enjoy it very much.”

“Good. I’m really glad to hear that, because I’m a bit of a cuddle whore.”

Elliot looked over his shoulder and shook his head. “No, Alexander. You’re far too beautiful to dirty your mouth with vulgarities.”

Alexander’s cheeks flooded with heat. “You think I’m beautiful?”

Elliot turned to face the wall again, but didn’t let go of Alexander’s hand. “Very much so.”

“Well, the feeling is mutual.” He shifted and kissed Elliot on the cheek. “Get some rest. Tomorrow, I’m going to show you the time of your life.”

He dreamed in shades of pinks and purples. Memory after memory replayed in Elliot’s mind, filling his charging cycle with visions of Alexander Davenport and Sugarplum Island. Not just the memories he already remembered, either. Though there weren’t very many of them, a few forgotten moments played out in Elliot’s mind like little puzzle pieces, stitching his history back together.

Elliot remembered his visit to Sugarplum Island. He remembered walking across the small patch of heaven, sun shining on his cheeks, as he ventured to Twylah’s Sugarplum Treats. Jared loved his cookies, and Elliot’s only task that week was to collect them. When he reached the bakery, he spotted Alexander in front of a display case, placing cookies on the shelves. Elliot became distracted by Alexander Davenport, and he lost all track of time. Eventually, Ms. Twylah emerged from what Elliot assumed was the kitchen in the back, and she placed a kiss on her son’s forehead, looking overjoyed by his presence. They danced across the empty bakery, sharing a familial bond Elliot realized he would never have for himself. At the time, Elliot wanted to bask in their love just a bit longer, and the next thing he knew, the sun had set, and Elliot knew he needed to get back to the dock. Alexander went into the back, and a sinking feeling settled in Elliot’s gut, because he wanted to see more of the man. He was just so terribly fascinating with his seemingly unending smile. He waited a few minutes more before entering and purchasing his cookies. Alexander didn’t reappear while Elliot was inside, and it made Elliot’s heart hurt, though he didn’t know why. Once he eventually made it across the island, he realized he missed his ferry. Professor Plum found him shortly after, nibbling a potentially fatal amount of cookies—for a mouse, at least—as Elliot slept. It was worth it, Elliot thought at the time. The time he spent watching mother and son was worth every bit of hurt and hate Jared was sure to throw his way.

During his sleep cycle, there was another vision that startled Elliot. A mental snapshot of red gloss on white marble. He didn’t know what it meant, but he knew he didn’t like it.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” Alexander said from behind him, startling Elliot. Alexander had kept an arm around Elliot all night, holding him as close as humanly possible. Elliot couldn’t think of a time he ever felt more comfortable than he did in Alexander’s bed, and in his arms.

“I like it when you call me that,” Elliot admitted. His hand slipped lower until it was resting on his belly, and because Alexander’s hand was on top of his, Elliot brought him along for the ride. Elliot slowly rubbed his bump like he was trying to kickstart the little life inside him. The life he hadn’t wanted until Alexander told him it was okay to want it.

“Has she kicked yet?”

Elliot shook his head. “Mother said it isn’t likely until the final trimester, whatever that means. I didn’t get much training on pregnancy. At least, I don’t think I did. I don’t have any frosting-filled holes where those memories should be, but who knows.”

Alexander snuggled closer, making it feel like Elliot’s heart might leap out of his chest. “What would you like to do today? The world is our oyster.”

“I don’t care for oysters,” Elliot joked, hoping Alexander might laugh. After his disastrous attempt at humor the night before, Elliot feared he might not be very talented in the art of comedy. Thankfully, Alexander snorted a laugh, then pulled the blankets back and released the grip he had on Elliot’s hand.

“I don’t either. Do you know what I do enjoy?”

Elliot turned to face him, sucking in a sharp breath as Alexander removed his shirt and tossed it into the hamper.

Alexander Davenport was a walking work of art. His body looked more defined than all of Elliot’s i-Series brothers combined. Mother always said they were sculpted to perfection, and that no human could compare, but she was wrong, because none of their bodies held a candle to Alexander’s. He had a solid six pack—a term Jared often used for himself, though he didn’t actually have visible abdominal muscles beneath his clothing—and there was dark fur peppering his chest and stomach. The hair spiked in the center, creating a thick patch down the middle of his chest, growing thicker and thicker until it reached his . . .

Good heavens.

Elliot could feel himself stiffen; his eyes went wide and he yanked the blanket back over his lap to shield it. Alexander either didn’t notice, or he simply didn’t point it out. Either way, Elliot was thankful.

“I was thinking we could start with breakfast, then we could relax by the pool. Was there anything you’d like to do instead?”

Cuddle, Elliot thought, but they could hardly cuddle all day, so he nodded. “That sounds very fun.”

Alexander flashed a smile at him through the mirror as he selected his clothes for the day. “Do you have anything to wear today?”

Elliot only brought two outfits with him. The clothes he wore the night before, and a set of Mother’s standard uniform for her bountiful beaus; white trousers, white top. The picture of innocence, she always said.

“I have my bountiful beau ensemble.”

Alexander chewed his cheek. “I’d offer to lend you more of mine, but the pajamas are massive on you, so I don’t think my day clothes would be much use, either. We’ll stop by the gift shop on the way and try to find something you like. We’ll need to get you a swimsuit as well.”

Elliot’s eyes widened. “You’ll allow me to swim?”

Alexander sighed, but it wasn’t one of annoyance, Elliot thought. It seemed to be filled with sadness. He turned and approached, taking a seat beside Elliot. “I know it’s hard to remember, so I’m going to remind you every chance I get. I don’t have to allow you to do anything, sweetheart. You’re free now. You don’t belong to me.” The words made Elliot’s heart drop, and Alexander must have noticed, because he reached forward and squeezed Elliot’s thigh, only inches away from his morning erection. “No matter what happens between us—if it works out and we wind up something more than we are right now—I still won’t own you. You’re not a possession to be had, you’re a person.” He lifted his hand to cup Elliot’s cheek. “I think you might end up being my favorite person.”

Elliot whimpered. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” He leaned closer and kissed Elliot on the cheek. “Go on, then. Get dressed, and then we’ll head out. I’m going to make this the best day of your life.”