In retrospect, Alex shouldn't have worn a crop top if he truly didn't want someone to notice or make a big deal out of it.

And if anyone was going to make a big deal about unexplained bruises it was Steven De Mayo-Maheswaren. He set his beer down so quickly and so intensely that it dented as he surged for him. Alex, expecting an assault of kisses tipped his head up but was surprised when Steven dropped to a knee and shoved up his shirt. "What are these?"

Alex's eyes widened as Steven poked one and grew stoic, an uncommon look for the hybrid. It was scary. Sexy as all hell. And his hands were warmer than he remembered them being. "Guess I just had a bit too much wine last night. You know how it is."

Stevens eyes flickered up to his. "I only drink wine with Connie when she has it out. I do not know how it is. Explain it to me."

The deadpan, intense side of Steven Universe only came out when his friends were injured in some way. To him, bruises were a red flag for Alex since he wasn't all that rowdy or sexually active to his knowledge. Since Doll was the nickname they were always calling him (based on his affinity to be a pretty boy at all times and dressed as they pleased mostly and spoiled as all hell) it was as bad as someone breaking something sacred. They all swarmed around to see and his face turned red as they grew upset.

"Didn't you have company over last night?" Anna asked. "Theater nerds."

"Would be a shame to have to wipe out a faction because they hurt our friend. Let me take a look." Adam moved Steven's hands away to take a look for himself while Alex tried to find his voice. "These are intentional. No accidents here. Based on where it is it couldn't have been just from laying funny. Four on one side, three on the other."

"Bullying Alex again?" Jacob walked in with a thermos and pep to his step. "Fun."

"Come take a look at this." Connie motioned him over and pointed. "Someone's messed with our Doll."

Jacob took a long hard look at the bruises, and then a sip from his tea. He stayed silent until he caught Alex's eyes pleading silently. "Well... they're nothing to worry about." They turned on him and he grinned.

"What is wrong with–," Steven facepalmed as it dawned on him. "Guys, wait. We might be stupid."

Jacob shoved a hand in his pocket and shrugged. "Might? Try probably."

"You little whore! Why didn't you say anything?!" Jasmin cried. "I was thinking up alibi's!"

"I'm still shy about it! Too many hands are on my body and all this weird sappy shit makes it hard to think! I was hoping you'd just lose interest!"

Steven released a breath he didn't know he was holding and stood. "Jesus, Alex. I'm so glad." He planted a kiss on his forehead, but the bruises didn't melt away.

"Uh, hey. You didn't heal them," Alex pointed out.

Steven snorted as he scooped up Connie and threw her over his shoulder. "Why would I? You earned em," He explained. "In this house–,"

"We wear our badges of honor proudly," Adam finished with a tussle of Alex's hair. "But if someone ever does put their hands on you, you know who to call out for." He gave him a serious look leaving no room for bitching.

Alex swatted his hand away and sulked, arms crossed as his body refused to move from the spot they'd cornered him in earlier. "Lion."

"Then you duck as a portal of Hell opens up to rescue you."

Overprotective was the word generally used for how the band loved Alex. It was nice to just be cherished, and loved. Still, it made him uneasy.

"Why are you guys so nice to me?"

They all paused and considered that.

"Hm. Must be that we love you or something," Jasmin muttered as she got out a carton of milk. "Don't quote me on that. Say Steven said it."

"That and touching our crew when you're on the outside will land you in the hospital," Jacob added. "We take care of you the way we take care of our girls if it helps. Not that we see you as one, but you're just as precious." He waltzed over and brought his hands to his hips, pressing exactly where he had last night after everyone had left to make those bruises. "Don't let anyone touch you unless it's us or we've at least met them. No one should be leaving bruises or hurting you in any way intentionally." Alex tried to look away but Jacob moved into his sight again and pressed harder. "I'm not fucking kidding, Alex. I need you to hear that I'm not just fucking around, I will hurt people to keep you safe. Are you hearing me?"

The blonde nodded, trying not to acknowledge the head rush he was getting from all of this. "O-of course. I don't like other people anyways."

"Bloody good! You guys want crème brûlée? I've got the shit."

"Fuck yeah we do!"

Alex mumbled he was going to grab his blanket and tried to will the flush away. "Fucking overprotective friends. Weirdos. Dorks."

He got rid of the blush, but not the stupid grin.