Chapter Text
It all started with winter proofing.
That at least was what Michael was going to tell Max and Dallas when they finally returned from Oasis. That the crisis that hit their lives while they were off saving their home planet, was entirely human and yet they were no more equipped to deal with it, than their last big alien disaster.
It was a boring Saturday afternoon, with the junkyard shut and Michael knocking around like a lost tennis ball in their home. The golden gleaming shine of being able - encouraged even - to say he has a home has not worn off yet and maybe it never will. Michael hopes it won't. That he'll always be thrilled to say the word and know he has one of his own.
A home, shared with the love of his life who had spoken the same vows in front of all their family, pledging forever.
Sometimes he still wakes up wondering if he's dreaming.
He loves every nook and crevice of the building. He is still low-key terrified of breaking things - there are so many things that are fragile in nearly every room - and still maybe a little compulsive about putting things back where he found them...but they were work in progress. There was no tension though. Michael could honestly say that despite his worry over Dallas and Max, these last four months had been some of the happiest of his life.
They were happy. Settled even, he thinks with that same thrill. They certainly didn't fight about the usual couple stuff, Michael often thought with a laugh. In the four months they had been married and that was pretty much the time frame of him living full-time in this house - they fought over very little. Their younger selves; their hurt, embattled and scarred selves would be shocked to learn this.
In truth, Michael is very house proud and he worries about Alex tripping over things. Alex was raised in a military regimented childhood home with a homophobic violent father, so their house is tidy and clean. There is no clutter...on the floor at least. Michael's 'home desk' as Alex declared it with a expression of utter glee, is very much like his former trailer one. Crammed with books, papers and drawings. He would panic about it being messy, but Alex looking over from his desk had appeared so happy to see him there, Michael let it slide.
They actually had a shared home office now. Michael liked his corner near the doors to the front yard, liked leaning back in his chair with his feet on the table, to look at the stars or birds from an angle.
They spend evenings playing music and just enjoying being together. Its a bliss Michael had only dreamed of having. They don't fight over the tv. They like crime shows, documentaries and Alex has his fave dramas, neither of them being into sports. Michael never judges Alex's love of sci-fi and fantasy shows, just curls into his side and soaks in the bliss or reads with his head on Alex's lap.
Its hilarious and to quote Izzy, 'so married', but they somehow had just dropped into sympathetic roles. Michael cooks mostly and Alex does the dishes with Michael drying each item chatting beside him. They kiss over at the sink and sometimes slow dance in their kitchen. Whoever is not making breakfast gets out the cutlery and juice and makes the coffee. Alex is the king of laundry because he firstly, cares about care labels and secondly, he actually likes ironing. Michael volunteers to fold everything, which earns him a soft look and a pleased smile every time.
Alex never has to complain that Michael doesn't pick up his clothes or that he refuses to clean. They actually clashed once both trying to do the same things which was funny and kinda sad.
"Schedule?' Alex suggested.
"Yeah."
Now they have an unofficial schedule of each taking a turn doing the main chores. Sometimes Alex is in too much pain and Michael loves being able to help. Gardening is kinda split between them, with Michael being the more enthusiastic of the two and home repair is Michael's domain. Not because Alex can't or won't, he just accepts that Michael is usually already there on the step ladder or disassembling the problem item.
So with all of his chores done and still two hours to go before Alex gets home, Michael cuddled their cat who was always available for adulation, dropping down to the couch for a minute. Dylan, their Labrador puppy looks up from his basket, chew toy between his paws. His tail starts wagging immediately as he spots Michael. "Hey you." At his voice, he jumps up and pads over to to sit on Michael's feet. "Such a good boy."
Galaxy meows and butts his chin as he strokes her gloriously soft fur, the tiny bell on her collar ringing slightly. You would think they had owned her for years not a few weeks. She had settled into their lives as if she had always been there.
And then there was Dylan.
When Alex's birthday had come up recently, Michael had been at a total loss for what to get him.
So while Alex called him 'their puppy', Dylan was technically Alex's dog. A birthday gift Michael had agonized over for weeks.
Another thing teenage Guerin would never have believed.
Alex had wanted a dog since the age of five apparently but he was nervous about getting one. Over Michael who had known a few violent dogs in his time in foster care. He had been placed in homes with drug dealers and users, in streets that catered to both ends of the spectrum and the types that raise dogs for the fighting rings or for 'security' were plentiful. There had been a time or two when they had been out where he hadn't wanted to get too close and Alex had noted his skittishness. Not helped when Isobel had told Alex that Michael had always been nervous of them.
But this wasn't just any birthday and this wasn't something Michael felt he couldn't get over. Arturo was right. He just needed to find the right breed. He knew that Alex would love any dog. Hell he suspected part of the reason Alex dated Forrest in the first place was his beagle Buffy.
He tries to rationalize his issues. The ones he had met as a kid were mistreated and raised for violent purposes. It would be different. But when it came down to it, he was nervous. And nervous meant rattling things and moving furniture with his telekinesis. He had just settled into their home as Alex's husband, so he didn't fancy the idea of feeling unsafe there.
Then there was the sensible part. Michael had long experience on some of the more traditional sheep farms with the collie breeds and they were great, but he knows realistically that Alex has one leg, cannot walk for miles and so buying him a dog that requires a lot of exercise is setting him up for heartache. Alex uses crutches at home after eight pm usually and often moves around with one crutch or just using the wall and hopping. He can fall and it pisses Alex off deeply, to have that mentioned or advertised. He knows this from watching Kyle fall down that rabbit hole.
So to buy Alex a dog for his birthday, to celebrate a new life together and the very fact that Alex was alive, he wanted a dog that was easy to train, non-violent with a nice nature and few health problems. He figured if the dog had health issues and some certainty do have genetic issues, Alex would be fucking devastated.
What to get him? Alex likes the idea of bull dogs but they have a huge list of health problems.
So a decent life span.
He seriously considers a German Shepard, famed for being highly trainable but again that high energy component makes him second guess the idea. He goes through the terrier breeds, realizes a lot of them are considered hard going for first time pet parents and second guesses again.
Maybe not so big either. Alex loved the idea of a beagle and Maria mentioned him cuddling her and their house was not massive. A small dog might be less likely to knock over Alex and wouldn't trigger Michael either. Beagles were a Forrest thing and Michael didn't want to look like he was trying to compete.
Lost in a sea of articles that he made sure Alex didn't see, he caved and asked a rancher friend of his from Colorado. Garth called him back while he was at the Pony with all their friends, leading him to hurry outside for the big verdict.
"Get a Labrador." Garth said with his usually drawl and dry as dust voice. "Train real easy. Nice nature. The ones my buddy Nate has are from the gun dog line. No health problems."
'They are cute." Michael had agreed with trepidation. Would Alex think he was making a disability statement if he buys him a Labrador?
"Yeah. Trainable. Nice nature. Easy to feed. Good with exercise but not energetic. Good with kids. Good with elderly and such too. That's what I'd go for. You want gold or black? Nate got both."
Alex likes black..but...."Gold." Michael had replied and it was done.
Which was how the morning of Alex's birthday, he handed him a pint-sized puppy with golden cream fur and soulful amber eyes.
It was love at first sight.
He was named Dylan - after Bob Dylan, Michael presumes - and true to the hype about his breed, picked up training easily. He seemed hyper aware that Alex only had one leg, so moved out of his way quickly or brought him things like his shoe if he thought he might need it.
Isobel seemed bemused they were pet people now, except Michael watched her get lost in petting that super soft fur and had to raise his brows at the ham slice that just floated in the air for Dylan at the family barbecue they were doing to introduce Dylan.
"I'm a little surprised you went for a dog." She had remarked the day Dylan was introduced while Alex and Valenti were talking nearby. "And a Lab too."
"What's wrong with him? I was gonna get a collie from Billy Ray but they're so high energy." Michael had replied a little defensively. "Besides, Alex loves him."
"You said you were going for small."
"Yeah well...look at those eyes and tell me you can say no." Michael retorted. "I know Nate and I know his dogs. I've worked with him on and off for years. He had this dog called Saffron and she was so sweet."
"They get fat really easily." Isobel points out, needling him because Max wasn't there and the absence of him hurts.
"So do people." Michael retorts. "I feel safe with him because he's a Lab. They not really known for biting people. And they're good with kids. And elderly. Gotta think of Sanders."
Alex had come over and seamlessly slid into place at his side, kissing his cheek. His eyes had been bright and incredibly soft. "I have the best husband."
Isobel had smiled genuinely then, "That you do. Happy birthday Alex." She called as she left for Kyle's side.
Michael had huffed a laugh. "Think I do, so agree to differ soldier."
Alex shook his head. "Never." He declared and wrapped his arms around Michael tightly, "We have a home. We're married. We have a puppy. I've never imagined a more perfect life. And for the record, I love our puppy and I love that you feel safe with him."
Michael had imagined many times the kid Alex used to be. He knew now he had been lonely, depressed by all the things that felt like they were impossible for him just because he was gay. Abused, hurting in so many ways, getting out had seemed the only way to have what he wanted and then, he had still felt that he couldn't have it, didn't deserve it. He imagines the little boy who dreamed of a husband and a house, a dog and maybe some kids, knows that he passed him in hallways and never noticed him back then. He looks at the man he shares this life with and kisses him sweetly.
"Me neither. Want to go to the pet store tomorrow and buy him a collar and dog bed? I had no idea what to get him."
Alex's eyes had shone.
The best thing about Dylan is that he has the personality of the ultimate social butterfly. He loves people, other dogs, cats, even small creatures - though there Michael would never personally trust him with someone's pet hamster, he is a breed created for hunting - but he is so affectionate, so happy. He's never moody. Always so excited see them, even if its been ten minutes.
Then there was Galaxy.
He never intended to adopt a cat. Well any pet. But there had been a foster home years back with a cat and he could remember sitting in the corner and the small little cat had sat with him, letting the shaking alien stroke his fur and breathe listening to the purrs. He can't remember the cat's name if he ever knew it.
Galaxy had appeared in the garden while he was weeding, thin and filthy, with the prettiest blue eyes he had ever seen. They were solid turquoise and her fur looked like it might be a soft cream color beneath the dirt. She was so tame, inspecting his fingers as he waited, pretty sure he was about to be torn up. After an hour when she hadn't left, pawing at the patio door to be let inside.. he gave in and let her in.
Alex was a little confused to come back to a bathed, brushed and frankly beautiful cat sitting with his husband and their puppy in their living room as if this was a normal night. Her coat was soft cream, with caffe latte stripes on her legs and a grey face... and a black nose. She seemed to know instinctively that Alex was the one to win over.
Dylan was treating her like a favorite sister already.
She purred like a Chevy engine and went around his legs in adoration. "Um...hello...who is this?" Alex had looked up from the cat at his feet, to Michael's hopeful face.
"I couldn't leave outside on her own!" He protested to the silent question in Alex's eyes.
And Alex bless him, saw that hope and melted, no matter his reservations about cats in general.
They asked around - well Alex did, Michael was more of a finders, keepers type of guy. No one came forward for a Ragdoll kitten and Michael was becoming more and more attached. The vet said she was four months old and thankfully Dylan adored her which was such a plus. She was so chill and so affectionate winding around his feet, uninterested in returning to the outside world of hardships, when she had a palace inside with air conditioning and central heating.
Eventually they called her Galaxy and for an apparent non-cat guy Alex could often be found with her on his knees as he worked, or - and Michael loved this part - he would move her cat bed so she could sit at his feet, one elegant hand reaching down to pet her head every few minutes. She knew how to work her crowd, with soft sounds and purring. Michael said not a word but Valenti did tease him for it.
He told Alex one night about that little cat. Told him how he'd been crying, trying to hide in this storage cupboard he thinks and that cat had just decided to be his friend for a little while. He told him about the farm cats he always petted at this one cattle ranch he worked on years ago, trading chores so he could be the one to feed them.
Alex had moved his arm so his hand could press his fingers to Michael's heart and he had kissed the back of Michael's neck, spooned up tightly behind him. If he had felt wetness seep through his curls, he didn't say anything, uncomfortable with Alex grieving for him, but he had accepted that Alex was always going to. Alex was a crier. One of those people who can let tears fall and look beautiful - without turning into a blotchy mess like Michael. He had been reading the emotions in Alex's heart using those dark brown orbs for years and so didn't say a word, just stroked his arm. "Let's keep her then." Alex had said voice thick.
Alex was a wreck only a week after officially adopting her, when they had her neutered. Michael wasn't sure who was more relieved for the cone to be off her head, Galaxy or Alex. Only to go through the same thing with Dylan.
They had a cat and a dog now. It was unbelievable most days.
Michael was hoping to raise the potential topic of adopting a kid next.
Right now though, it was a nice afternoon and he had no where to be. He could go work in his bunker for while or attack one of his upcycling projects. He could get started on dinner but Alex would be late, as he often was on a Saturday. "Secrets of the universe and all that." He said to Galaxy who was busy washing one paw diligently.
Dylan went off for a drink in his bowl in the kitchen and Galaxy left his side to tear into her cardboard scratch pad and then scaled up her elevated cat bed like the pirate she is. Michael used telekinesis to toss one of her feather studded cat toys into the bed, prompting a rapid attack with her feather duster sized tail swishing.
"So cute." Michael commented. And as if trying to prove both pet kids could entertain themselves, Dylan picked up his chew toy and rolled around in his bed. "Are you copying the cat?" Michael asked him laughing, taking a picture to show...well everyone.
Fall was coming to an end and winter was fast approaching. Usually this meant a strict process for surviving in the Airstream, but this was his first winter in a house. Michael had on the quiet been watching all the guides for winter-proofing your home.
Now he thought might be the best time for some of those chores. Alex wouldn't be back for hours yet and he could check and test things without having to explain why. It would be one less thing for Alex to worry about when it was actually snowing and it was kinda of exciting to be doing this for the first time.
He had already checked the furnace and the sensors on the heating, changed all the smoke alarm batteries and added a carbon monoxide sensor as well. He had begun to stock his shelves to Alex's amusement, with long life food items and had tested his space heater.
Thanksgiving was only around the corner and Michael wanted their first winter to be magical. Alex might not want to think about it and that was his right, but Michael wanted him to keep warm, knowing his leg acted up when the temperatures dropped.
He was on the roof checking for any problems, knowing that November was often the time it rained and was surprised to see Alex's car pull into the drive. Alex had his messenger bag and stalked up the driveway to the front door, not having heard Michael's greeting. Something said that Alex hadn't had the best day. Concerned, Michael went to his stepladder and was midway down when Alex opened the patio doors. Dylan was at his knee, tail wagging.
"Michael?"
"Here darlin'!" He calls, pleased that he's finished and happy to finally have his husband home. Some days, especially Saturdays, it feels like an eternity to wait for six pm. He turns on the ladder to greet Alex with a smile...which falls as he catches sight of Alex's face.
Uh oh.
Alex looks...strained, though when he sees Michael he relaxes somewhat. He reaches out to kiss Michael in greeting and frowns at him. "Do we have a roof problem?"
"A few loose tiles. Dealt with though." Michael reassured him swiftly and leans back in for another kiss. "You're home early."
Time had taught Michael that when something was wrong, he could often get an answer in the first ten minutes of the problem. If Alex deflected, he wasn't ready to talk.
Alex smiles, the one that doesn't reach his eyes and strokes Michael's chest. "I was all done for the day. Come inside, its cold out." He says kissing Michael's jaw. "I'm gonna take Dylan out for a walk. Where's our galactic baby?"
"Oh she got a little scared when I got the ladder out. Genuine alien invasion." Michael jokes, a little uneasy. Something had upset Alex, it was there in his eyes, but whatever it was, he wasn't mad at Michael.
"That was so bad baby." Alex snorts and kisses Michael hard before calling for Dylan.
"Looks like we're gonna have to wait." Michael says to the cat as he watches his husband and dog walk down the short driveway.
--------
As dusk drew in, Michael put some music on choosing to go completely neutral and went with Santana. Because if he's peeling potatoes why not enjoy Maria, Maria at the same time? He's a home owner now, he can sashay in his kitchen to romantic electric Spanish guitar melodies.
Especially if Alex was singing.
He had the fire going and Galaxy was chowing down in her food bowl, his chicken fajita was off for the moment waiting for Alex and his chocolate chip blondies were almost cool, fresh from the oven. One bowl, one pan and twenty minutes in the oven and he had something to add to Alex's backpack in the morning.
He was just righting them on his cooling rack when he heard the front door shut and Dylan rushed in for a welcome home pat. And with hope that Galaxy had left cat food for him. "Outta luck bud. Cat chow is no good for you."
"I think I'm in luck." Alex says from the living room, coming over to him. "And I'm not just talking about your incredible ass."
"Oh?" Michael says with mock offense and tilts a hip, wearing just a wife-beater and jeans. "My husband doesn't think I'm attractive anymore. You gonna leave me for a younger man?"
Alex sidles up to him and kisses him like its the end of the world. Michael leans against the counter and welcomes him between his legs, feeling the intensity of his kiss turn sultry. Michael notices because of course he does, that Alex is not just turned on but his kisses are reverent as well as hot. Its not like Michael needs much convincing, especially since he turned everything off earlier. "No one in this world but you." Alex mumbles against his lips.
Michael is not really sure how they end up on the couch. Its not that far away but the actual steps of clothes removal and the journey from the kitchen counter to the living area is a blur of Alex's kisses and sensual touches.
He is shoved to the couch but can't complain when Alex straddles his lap, moving to reclaim his mouth. Alex's hands stroke through his curls, cupping the back of his neck and Michael melts into him, hands supporting him then giving up and using his telekinesis instead.
He runs his palms along lean thighs, loving the drag of denim and Alex's groan. They part for breath and Alex presses kiss after kiss to Michael's forehead and hair as they struggle with jeans, underwear and Alex's boots.
All of Alex's attention is on Michael and that's pretty normal for them, but tonight feels different, an edge of desperation that hasn't been them for a long time. Michael thinks about being adult and pushing Alex back for honest conversation about whatever it is that Alex is avoiding, but its hard to think when Alex is nuzzling his nose behind his ear to that really sensitive spot at the top, using a bit of teeth so Michael shudders helplessly. He doesn't stay there either, letting Michael pant as Alex sucks marks across his throat, down to his collar bone.
Michael rocks up and Alex groans deeply arching up allowing Michael to pull him into another kiss. "How do you want me?" Michael gasps the question in the air between their mouths, Alex's dark eyes nearly crossing as he tries to look at Michael's eyes then his mouth, dragging his hotter hands down Alex's back. He shifts wantonly on Michael's lap naked from the waist down until he pulls off his t-shirt too. "Want you in me. Bare." Alex moans squeezing his thighs. "Want to make you feel good." He adds like a plea and damn is that not a good sign.
Michael tips him back a little and fists him loosely eying him carefully. No, something wasn't right but there was a fragility to Alex tonight. Michael understood that need to be good for someone, to remember that you're wanted, that indescribably good feeling of connection. Because he gets it and sees want in Alex's eyes, feels the more usual demand in his hands caressing Michael's chest, he tugs him in for another kiss.
Maybe all Alex wanted was to ground himself in the pleasure of them. Remind himself that while his demons were real, this was their new reality. Pet and home owners, sharing their life. They were married now and while that didn't mean much to other people, it meant everything to them. The rings they wear are symbols of commitment, their vows an indelible part of them. They had their public ones but on the night of their honeymoon, Alex and Michael had both sworn a different more personal set of vows.
That Michael would tell Alex what he felt instead of bottling it up and Alex would commit to partnership. Not with his heart or body, Alex had always been monogamous and faithful, but with his decision-making. Michael got to say no and Alex respected it. Alex pledge to verbalize his wants and Michael promised to give him the space to do that. They vowed on that bed in that hotel room, to share their burdens and their wants.
Sometimes they both get shaken and Michael has really tried to understand, living with a man who suffers from PTSD that some days are always going to be hard no matter what he does. All he can do is be there. So thinking it might be that, Michael puts solid effort into sensual and slow lovemaking. Such a burden for him, he thinks laughing, swirling his tongue around Alex's left nipple, enjoying how he writhes and tries to keep Michael's head right there pinned to his chest.
"Love you." Michael breathes into his sternum and hears Alex's throat work, a choked reply escaping, "So much. I love you so much."
There is a bottle of lube hidden in a ceramic pot on the shelf with some of Alex's decorative pieces of art he's collected. The clink of the lid rising and the bottle exiting is barely audible over Alex's pants in his ear as Michael strokes him. It falls to Michael's hand and tips a generous amount into his palm, before he tosses the bottle off to the side.
Nothing else matters but the man in his arms.
Michael slides his fingers down Alex's crack, free hand kneading his right cheek as he circles his hole. Alex makes that special broken moan as he feels Michael's fingers begin to rub just right dipping into his body. Michael loves this, loves Alex's quiet uncontrollable noises, loved it at seventeen in the back of his pick-up and loves it now.
He sucks Alex's tongue as he sinks two fingers into him and they slide in easily with the amount of sex they have these days. Who said being married kills your desire? If anything they have more sex than they used to, still using touch as their primary language.
That and Michael would have to be dead not to be turned on by Alex Guerin.
So he groans into Alex's mouth at the feel of Alex's body drawing in his fingers, still magical after all this time and scissors him open. Alex urges him on never interested in Michael taking time and care in preparing him when he's like this. Sometimes Michael is allowed to finger him for hours, bringing him to the edge then starting all over again as Alex writhes in his lap.
The sound Alex makes as he slides down is filthy, face full of rapture and he doesn't stop kissing Michael's skin, as if he's pressing love into everywhere his mouth touches. He kisses his eyebrow, his temple, along the curve of his skull, fingers caressing and kneading down his neck to his shoulders. "Michael," He pants, back arching as he bottoms out. Michael busies himself with licking the first bead of sweat from the hollow of Alex's throat, bussing kisses to the underside of his jaw and chin to distract from the bliss of tight velvet heat.
Alex with one hand grips his shoulder tightly while his other migrates from Michael's hair to his chest, cupping his face or catching his bicep. He fucks down onto Michael finding a rhythm he wants but slaps Michael's hand away from his cock when he tries to fist him. "Just you." Alex gasps rolling his hips and clenching down on him when he bottoms out.
"But I love it when you come all over me." Michael tells him, voice dropping an octave. He leans deeper into the backrest of the couch, plants his feet and thrusts up. Alex's lets out a moan and for a small eternity they work in tandem, driving each other mad.
"Michael...close..." Alex pants in his ear, groaning as he feels Michael telekinesis helping him so smoothly.
"I know...so beautiful...come on, let go." Michael chants drinking in the sight of Alex given over to pleasure.
Michael kisses his neck, teeth on his earlobe sucking at his ball stud. It tips Alex over into the free fall of orgasm, hips chasing his release, Michael's name a plea. White splashes liberally over Michael's chest and he knows Alex is watching when he doesn't pause his own thrusts, because he is so close..but he does fist Alex's cock just so he can lick it off his fingers in front of him.
Alex's eyes smoulder.
---
It very much later by the time they get to the fajita and his roast potatoes, but its an easy reheat. Alex's mood has lifted with sex and good food, though Michael likes to think his chatter might have helped too. They share the blondies and Alex makes obscene noises, that Michael only hears when baked goods are involved.
Things stay upbeat as they do the dishes and clean up, but instead of going to the home office or to the couch, Alex wanders off with the cat in his arms to the bedroom. Curious Michael follows, knowing that whatever upset him earlier is brewing again. Alex can be like that. Its tidal forces almost the way he can put aside how he feels and then return to it. Its nothing that Michael could ever do. He can distract himself and focus elsewhere but he's still as upset. Alex seems to work differently.
This is only reinforced when he puts Galaxy down on the bed and folds himself in Michael's arms, head tilting for a kiss.
"What's wrong?" Michael asks assuming he's going to be shutdown.
Alex sits on the bed and Galaxy takes advantage of the moment and claims the pillows. "I spoke to Greg earlier."
Michael sits beside him and Galaxy chooses to ignore his stern look. To Alex he opts for neutral and positive, not really sure where this is going. "That's nice. He doin' okay?"
Things with Greg are both great and a little strained. Alex has not forgiven him for not attending the wedding, no matter the actual reason why. They are still talking so Michael - who has never heard the reason - assumes that it was a solid one. Michael hasn't let himself have an opinion for two reasons. The first being that Greg has never been homophobic to them and that wasn't the reason. Secondly, Alex wants his brother in his life and doesn't need Michael holding a grudge.
"We had a fight." Alex tells him. "Mom is there visiting."
Michael swallows nervously, never sure what the heck to say when Mindy Manes appears in conversation. Alex never talks about her. She is alive, widowed and he thinks she still lives in New Mexico. Where she was involved with the alien part, he has no clue. Whether she actually accepts Alex for being gay is another unanswered question. What he does know is that she left her kids with Jesse Manes. There were probably seriously good reasons for why but she has never told Alex why or he hasn't wanted to know. There is twenty years of hurt buried beneath Alex's calm tone.
As far as Michael is concerned, Mindy has done very little to merit the reconciliation she claims to want.
"So he wants you to visit and you argued about the wedding, since she didn't want to come and things were said?" Michael suggests into the quiet.
"He said that if I don't want to recognize my native heritage and our celebrations I should stop ruining the white American ones for you." Alex says flatly. Except, his dark eyes glance at Michael anxiously and he realizes that this is far more that just a stinging hurt over angry words between siblings. "And I realized I don't know what holidays matter to you. And I feel like a dick for never asking and I don't want you think that you have to...not do things because I don't like them."
So Jesse Manes and his ghastly shadow rose from the dead again.
Michael lies down on the blankets and Galaxy marks up his head lovingly. He strokes her head not looking at Alex, listening to that engine-loud purr. "I want a better relationship with Christmas." He says choosing not to do the knee jerk thing and just say that Alex denies him nothing and he's an alien and what does Greg know?
"Christmas?" Alex repeats and turns on the bed to look at him.
"I hate Christmas and winter in general." Michael says dryly. "No one needs a rancher in December and if you need a mechanic its going bad. I've spent most winters cold and hungry, skipping between jobs and when I was living rough...it was hard. When I was a kid, it meant no school cafeteria and being trapped in with abusers. And Christmas? Every person in the state seems to have family or friends to go to and its just a reminder that no one wants you."
Galaxy settles down near his head as if she's comforting him. "When I met up with Max and Izzy? First Christmas they wanted me there, but the Evans don't like me and I said no to avoid the trouble it would cause them. But its stupid..."
"What?" Alex asks quietly. "Its not stupid."
"Them having Christmas as a family, it made me relieved in a way. Because it meant they were a real family. And I want that for our kids. I don't mean stick a nine foot reindeer on the roof, just some decorations and a family get together. Maybe a tree. I could grow one. And...I don't know, I like the idea of us doing Christmas. Izzy loves the holiday and we have a house, so I'd like to do like a family dinner thing at least. Make posole. "
Alex moves so he's tucked into Michael's side. "What about the other ones?"
"Most of them are commercial, invented by advertisers in the 1950s so Americans went out and bought more stuff." Michael says flatly, "Thanksgiving is a harvest celebration wedded to a religious ceremony that also whitewashes genocide. Not a big fan. I'm not religious and every single person I have ever lived with as a kid, none of them were remotely grateful for any damn thing. But they expected me to be." He looks at the ceiling. "4th of July is okay. Beer is sometimes free but I'm in my bunker for most of it usually. Max and Izzy are into all that. What about you?"
"Not so fond of fireworks and all the big holidays are kinda stained by my dad." Alex says slowly. "I'm not ruining anything?"
"No baby." Michael says kissing his head. "We make our own rules. You and me? We're our own family."