My Stepbrother, My Enemy {BL}

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A few minutes later, the conversation quieted down into a stillness typical of when you’ve run out of questions but still haven’t figured everything out. Outside, the soft snow we’d admired before had turned wild-thick flakes swirling viciously against the window, the streetlamp across the street a mere hazy glow in the storm. The wind howled around the corners of the little house, rattling the loose pane in the living room window like it was trying to find a way inside.

Rachel got up to clear the empty water glasses and paused at the curtain, pulling it back just enough to peek outside. "Lord have mercy," she muttered, letting the curtain fall again. "That’s become a full-blown snowstorm. What a bummer you two have to head back out in this mess." She turned to us, worry creasing her brow. "You’ve got a car waiting, right? Something with four-wheel drive at least?"

Adrien rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish half-smile spreading across his face. "Actually... the SUV broke down a few miles out. The radiator hose gave out. We walked the rest of the way."

Rachel’s hand flew to her chest, and her eyes widened with genuine shock. "You walked? In this? Oh, honey, no. Absolutely not. You’re staying the night here. End of discussion."

I straightened up, already shaking my head. "We really don’t want to intrude. You’ve been so kind letting us crash here-"

"Intrude?" Rachel interrupted, laughing incredulously and waving a dish towel like a white flag. "Sweetheart, there’s no way I’m sending my best friend’s son and his lovely friend back into a blizzard at night. I’m not a monster!" She put her hands on her hips, feigning seriousness. "This place might look like a disaster half the time, but I’ve got a spare bedroom that’s mostly clean, and I’m pretty sure the bed’s big enough for two. You’ll manage. Unless you’re allergic to sharing, of course."

My brain short-circuited, and I felt my face heat up. Sharing a bed. With Adrien. One bed. My mouth opened and closed as I searched for a polite way out. "I-I could totally take the couch! Or the floor, honestly, I’ve got a thick coat, I can just-"

Adrien rolled his eyes so dramatically I thought they might stick to the ceiling, a teasing smirk forming on his lips. "Noah," he interrupted, his voice warm and amused, "it’s fine. We’re grateful, truly. Thank you, Rachel. We’ll take the room."

Rachel’s face lit up with victorious satisfaction. "There, see? Reasonable adults." She clapped her hands together, already heading toward the kitchen. "Perfect. Now I’ve got to figure out dinner before we all freeze. How do you two feel about macaroni and cheese? It’s basically the only thing I have enough of to feed unexpected guests."

Adrien sprang up without hesitation, stretching his long frame. "Mac and cheese sounds perfect. Let me help you in the kitchen."

Rachel beamed at him as if he’d just offered to wash her car in the storm. "Look at you-handsome and helpful. Joanne would be bragging to everyone she knew." She waved him after her. "Come on, then. You can stir while I dig out the good cheese."

They slipped through the bead curtain, their voices fading into comfortable chatter about pots and whether extra breadcrumbs were a crime or a blessing. I stayed rooted on the couch, still blushing, staring at the faded floral pattern on the cushions as if it might provide me with an emergency exit strategy.