Chapter Text
Running Buddies
Alex wasn’t sure how it came to be. Every morning of every day he takes the same trail. Alex liked the scenery, how it goes through the woods and goes up a large hill. When he finally reaches the top, he could see the whole city in the morning light. It was never too hot or cold. Just the perfect temperature.
It started about two weeks ago. One morning at seven in the morning, he was running and all of a sudden there was someone running beside him. A tall lean boy. He has blue eyes and a mop of brown hair. They don’t talk, they just run side by side. Sean thought it was weird how Alex was running with a total stranger for two weeks without even introducing yourself.
Whenever the ginger asked why he didn’t say anything to this stranger, the blonde just shrugged and went back to work. He doesn’t know why he just somehow trusted this tall brunet. For all he knew, the man could be a serial killer but that doesn’t seem likely. (After all, he WAS running beside this dude for two to three weeks now. He would have killed him by now.)
Some of his other co-workers told him just to stop running. He quickly shut them down, then they just tell him to pick another trail but they just don’t get it. Alex loves running, he needs it. It helps keep the nightmares away sometimes. His job as a 911 phone operator sucks sometimes. Half the time the calls are stupid but he somehow manages to keep a thirteen year old girl from being kidnapped the other night.
It was hard to stay calm sometimes but he learned how to keep his feeling away during the call. He doesn’t let anyone know those feelings come back later at night so hard that he ends up having a panic attack. But he loves his job, saving people just by picking up the phone call and sending help gives him happiness.
Alex understands that it doesn’t make sense to them why he runs, even with his running buddy but it helps him in the long run. Just breathing in the morning air with music blasting in his ears and the stranger beside him keeps him calm. Makes his job just a little easier is all he could ask for.
For instance, as Alex gets to the starting point of the trail and sees the stranger waiting for him, then silently just takes the spot to his right just helps relaxes him. The first time that happened had Alex stumped. Why was this guy waiting for him? Someday he hopes he will get an answer but maybe he should say something to him. When they reach the top of the hill that overlooks the city as Alex standing in awe. He tilts his head up and just takes a deep breathe. Man, today feels like it is going to be a good day.
Seems like he wasn’t the only one thinking the same thoughts. He feels a tap on his left shoulder and he takes his ear buds out and looks at the brunet. “Sorry I haven’t introduce myself yet. I’m Hank McCoy.” He says in a deep smooth voice that Alex ignores the shudder that runs through his body. Hank holds up a hand and Alex smiles at him. “Alex Summers. Now I can have a name to my running buddy.” He says and shakes Hank hand. The brunet smiles at him and clears his throat.
“I know what you mean.” He says and chuckles. The blonde smiles amused as he sees the taller man look out at the horizon. “Looks like I’m not the only one who runs up here to enjoy the view.” Alex says with a smirk on his face while leaning against a tree with his arms crossed. He takes a deep breathe and turning his head to look at the view once more and doesn’t notice
that Hank looks over at him. “Yeah, it’s beautiful.” The brunet says still looking at the blonde.
“What were you listening to?” Hank asks and Alex hands him a ear bud. Hank smiles shyly and gently puts the ear bud into his left ear. The younger blonde turns the volume down a little and clicks play. Hank smiles and listens to the song for about thirty seconds. “I like it. Good beat.” He says then grabs his ear bud and hands it to Alex. The shorter man had to step in close, like very close in order to put the ear bud in and had to hold his breathe and try not to blush. He listens to the man’s music and he didn’t mind the song. “Nice, I like it.” He says, stepping back.
Alex sighs and closes his eyes. He takes out his phone and looks at the time. “Well, I have to get jogging back in order to get to work on time.” He says and puts his earphones back into his ears. “I run with you.” He says and Alex grins and clicks play. He takes a breathe and starts to jog back with Hank taking his left.
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Hank smiles when he walks into the lab. He grabs his lab coat and slips it on. He grabs his glasses and puts them on. He had taken his contacts out when he parked his car. You see, running with glasses on sucks. They kept on falling off, so the next best thing to do was put in some comfortable contacts that were suitable for running.
He didn’t know why he saw the blonde running the same trail for a week every morning and one day he just decided to run next to the man. He didn’t really know why he did, and he really didn’t know why it took him two weeks to introduce himself to the blonde. No, Alex Summers. His friend, Raven had told him to talk to him. After all, she was curious about the stranger as well. It also didn’t help that she had to hear him talk to her about the guy constantly.
Hank wasn’t going to deny the fact that he felt attracted to the young male. How can anyone? With his blonde hair and his blue eyes with his handsome boyish looks. A smile directed at anyone would have them swoon. Today he felt proud of himself. He finally introduced himself and gotten a name to his running buddy.
“Your smiling. Something good must have happened to you.” Charles says with a smile. Hank smiles at his father. When Hank was elven years old, Charles was in charge of a foster home and after six months had adopted him in the long run. Hank will always be forever grateful for his foster father for a great life. He had hired him in the Xavier Foundation and Hank had became head scientist in the labs. He was good at what he does.
“I finally gotten the strangers name.” He says and grabs a clipboard and starts to do his daily check through. He sees Raven’s head shot up and she rushes to him. “Your running buddy? About god damn time, so what is his name?” She asks. She was insistent to get his name but when she decided to pick him up at the end of the trail and got a good look at the blonde then became even more persistent.
“His name is Alex Summers.” He says and Raven grins then frowns. “That’s it?” She asks and when Hank doesn’t reply she just look disappointed. “Oh come on Hank.” She whines and Hank puts his hands up in surrender. “Look, he had to go to work. Maybe tomorrow I can get more out of him.” He says and Raven nods. “You better.” She grumbled and walks away to get back to work.
Hank looks down and softly smiles and gets back to work. If a certain blonde keeps entering his thoughts throughout the day, where nobody but him knows about that.
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Hank doesn’t know why he puts himself through this. Gets up just before the sun kisses the horizon, makes himself a tiny breakfast (AKA cereal with two pieces of toast and a cup of coffee.) Then gets dressed in his running gear, puts in his eye contacts and grabs his headphones, his phone and sets of keys then gets going and out the door. He quickly jogs down to the start of the trail and settles down for the ten minute wait.
Hank tries to keep his excitement down. Hopefully he will learn more about Alex and maybe get his phone number as well. He checks his time and looks up to see the blonde crossing the street. Right on time as usual. “Hey.” Hank says and Alex grins. “Hey man.” He replies and gets his phone ready. Alex sets his music up and then proceeds to put in his ear buds. “Talk more up top?” The blonde asks and the brunet nods.
He sees the blonde grin and starts to jog. Hank, as usual takes the spot on Alex’s right. It usually takes about thirty-five minutes to get to the top of the hill at the pace they are going. They were both panting when they reach the top and Alex looks out at the city. Hank walks up and stops beside him. “What do you do?” The brunet blurts out and the blonde quickly looks over at him. “Why the sudden interest to know who I am?”
“Now that we are on speaking terms, I’m curious to know who you are.” Hank says and softly smiles when he sees Alex look down and turn his head away. He wasn’t quick enough because he could still see the hint of the blush that was spreading across his cheeks. “Well then, I have a few minutes, what do you want to know?” He asks and the other male grins.
“Where do you work and what do you do?”
“I work at the local police station. I am one of the 911 phone operators there.” He says and raises an eyebrow when he sees the brunet grin. “You’re a brave one. Having to deal with stressful situations.” Hanks says and he watches the blonde shrug and look back out. “It can be but man I still love my job.” He says with a soft smile on his face. He then turns to him and gives him a look. “What about you?” He asks and Hank looks down. “Well, uh, my job isn’t has cool as yours but I work at the Xavier Foundation. The head scientist in the labs.” He awkwardly says while rubbing the back of his neck.
“Ah, you’re a science nerd. That’s cool bozo.” He softly teases and Hank knew that he was only playfully teasing if the smile on his face didn’t give it a way. “Bozo? For real?” He says with a straight face. Alex chuckles and shoots a full blown smiles at the taller male. “I only call them what I see them.” He says and Hank softly smiles in return. Alex looks at his phone then straightens up. “Have to go?” The brunet asks, trying to ignore the sense of disappointment that sparks inside of his chest.
“Yeah, I’m sorry.” He says and looked pretty disappointed as well. (And my god, he hopes he never sees the look on his face again. The blonde looks like a kicked puppy and that just makes his chest hurt.) “On your left.” Hank says and Alex smiles. They both put their ear buds in and starts to jog back.
People had to be careful on the trail. With tree roots sticking out and all the curves, not to mention that little part where you are running alongside a cliff. They don’t stop when they get out of the trail. They just turn and wave at each other and go their separate way. Alex going to the right and Hank himself going to the left. He stops and groans. He smacks himself in the face and calls himself stupid.
He forgot to ask Alex for his phone number.
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Alex was just jogging along and stops when he gets to his apartment building. He takes one ear bud out and walks up the few flight of stairs to get to his level and takes his keys out. Alex looks at the time and curses. He is going to either have to skip the shower or skip the breakfast. He hums and walks in and closes the door behind him. He wrinkles his nose at the reflection in the mirror. “Skipping breakfast then.” He says softly and turns to the shower.
He lost track of time. He never loses track of time but here he is having to rush through a shower, puts his clothes on and out the door.
Alex sighs as he gets into his car and starts the ignition. If Alex was honest, he needs to shut whatever they were doing down and soon. No one can handle dating a person who takes 911 phone calls everyday. And if they even did, the relationship never lasts long, because then they bicker about the fact that they have no free time to go on dates. But what do they expect?
Alex can’t take time off. There are (usually) scared people who rely on the person on the other side of the phone to help them. (Unless it is something stupid or just a prank call, then Alex just want to kill them all.) Everyday, there are kids, teenagers, young adults and even elderly that are calling because people want to hurt them or scare the hell out of them.
The traffic seems to be okay for once and actually get to work a few minutes early. He was impressed. He opens the door and nearly screams when someone covers his eyes with their hands. “Damn it Sean! Don’t scare me like that.” He says loudly and Sean cackles with laughter. “Sorry man, I couldn’t help myself.” He says with giggles coming out of his mouth. “One of these days, you are so going to get punched.” He mutters and Seam pouts. “No need to be a killjoy Lex.” He says and Alex groans. “Please don’t call me that.” He grumbles and sits down at his spot.
“But there was something new today.” Sean points out and sits down beside him. Darwin gives them a look and leans back into his chair. The three were a team. Whenever one answers the call, the other two would listen in and type out any information. They listen just in case the person handling the call missed any important information. “And what’s that?” Alex asks in a bored tone. “You were smiling when you walked in those doors back there.” Sean says smugly and Darwin gasps. “Only if that were the day. Alex tell me everything.” He demands and Alex closes his eyes.
God its me Alex, I know I haven’t talk to you in a while but please give me strength so I don’t kill these two.
“You know my running buddy? Well, I finally got his name.” He says and they both lean forward for more information. “And? What is it?” Darwin asks and the blonde silently counts to five. “Its Hank.” He says and starts to put on his head set. Their shift was about to start in a few. “Hank? That has got to be a short form. For what though?” Sean says and Alex just ignores him. “Hey, don’t think you are off the hook. We will get back to this.” Darwin says and Alex just ignores him and picks the call up.
“911, what’s your emergency?”
Time skip to about eight hours later.
Alex had enough today. Today is slow and awful. They are getting more prank and dumb calls by the minute. “A freaking toothbrush, for real?” Darwin grumbles when they end the call. “Now that was just stupid.” Alex mutters but patted Sean on the back because he did look like he was about to smack his head off the table. “Good job on the call there bud.” Alex says gently and Sean groans. “Thanks man but god that was hard. I wanted to say so many things that would have gotten me fired.” The ginger says and stands up.
“Taking a break?” Darwin asks as Sean mutters his affirmative and goes for a small walk. “So, Hank huh?” He says to Alex after a minute in silence. “Really? Can’t you drop it?” He asks and sighs when he sees Darwin give him the look.
Darwin was a bit older than Alex and took him under his wing when Alex became the new rookie in the business. Alex wasn’t going to lie but he was grateful for what he did and now thought of him as a older brother, so he knew that Darwin was about to give him that “younger brother” talk.
“Alex, you are like my younger brother. I want you to be happy. When was the last time you went out for a date?” He asks and Alex pauses. Good question, how long ago was that? “Uhhhhhh, about a year ago?” He says in a unsure tone and Darwin gives him a pointed look. “See, you can’t even remember the last time. You should loosen up, at least be friends with the guy.” He says and Alex rolls his eyes. “Dude, what do you want from me? To find someone who loves me and keeps me warm at night to keep the nightmares away?” He grumbles but immediately regrets saying those words when Darwin smiles at him.
“Yes exactly man!” He says and the phone rings. “I got it.” Says a girl across the room and answers the call. “Darwin, I can handle myself. I don’t need anyone.” He says and the older man sighs. “I know you can but trust me. Sometimes it feels nice to have someone who loves you.” He says and glances at his photo of him and his wife.
The blonde understands, he truly does. Darwin has a family at home. He is married to his wife, Angel, for four years now. He would know, he was the best man at their wedding. Alex looks back and frowns. Man was he young when he started this job. He knew that the cops at the police station didn’t like him. Twenty years old with a bright future ahead and Alex knew what they were saying about him at first. They really weren’t afraid of saying it in front of him.
He was twenty five and still Darwin was trying to set him up with someone. The older man tried setting him up with women and when Alex finally trusted him enough and told the man that he was gay, he only shrug then proceeded to set him up with men.
See he believes in soulmates and love at first sight and all that because of his mom. She always told him stories about how love works in mysterious ways. Well, she used to until he came out to his parents and they don’t want him around anymore. He was seventeen at that moment and he knows what its like to live at rock bottom. Or well, in the streets.
He learned how to steal and con money out of people. Luckily the police officer who found him at eighteen was nice and took him to a diner and got him some food before he took him into the station. He will never forget what the older man did. It was actually that same police officer who told him that he would be good at the operator business then proceeded to help him collect enough money to get into the school for it.
“Yeah well, some people are just lucky that way.” Alex retorts and the older man smiles fondly at him. Darwin sighs and sees Sean come back into the room. “At least try for me.” He says softly and Alex relaxes. “Alright but no promises.” He says and the darker man nods. Accepting the conversation at the moment then got back to work.
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“Rough night last night? You are a bit faster than usual.” Hank comments and Alex rolls his eyes. “If you call stupid idiots calling just for fun rough, then yeah.” He says and plops down beside the taller boy. Hank winces and sighs. “Sounds shitty.”
“Yeah.” Alex looks down and sighs. He thinks about what Darwin says and he looks up at the sky. Damn it Darwin, damn you and your stupid wise words. “Hand me your phone.” Alex says and Hank turns his head to look at the blonde so fast that Alex was surprised that Hank didn’t get whiplash. “What?” He asks and Alex holds out his hand. “You heard me.” He says and Hank stumble around but manages to get his phone out. Hank turns it on and unlocks it for the shorter male.
Alex clicks onto his contact list and clicks the add new contact. He inputs his number and his name at the top. Once he was finished, he handed the phone back to the brunet and he sees Hank looking to see what he did then looked up at the blonde with a grin on his face. “If you send me a single cat meme, we are done. I’m blocking you.” Alex threatens but both men knew the threat was empty. “Okay.” He says and Alex chuckles. “I mean it.” He says and both men laugh.
“I am so texting you all through today.” Hank says and Alex smiles softly. “Okay, but if I don’t answer right away, don’t get offended. Busy with work.” He says and the taller male nods. “I get it. You are busy trying to save someone.” He says and Alex looks down. “Do you have to go yet?” Hank asks almost shyly and Alex checks his phone. “Nah, I still have a few more minutes.” He says and smiles when he sees Hank brighten up.
“My real name is actually Henry, but my adoptive dad calls me Hank.” He says. The blonde looks over at him and raises an eyebrow. “I bet you were wondering.” He adds quickly and a blush forms on his cheeks. Alex grins and looks at the view. “Your adopted?” He asks and Hank nods. “Yeah, I was in foster homes for a while until Charles decided to adopt me when I was eleven.”
Alex nods in understanding. “That’s good. Good to know that Charles was there.” He says quietly and Hank nods. “If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know where I would be today.” He says and the blonde sighs. “Parents can be awful.” He says and Hank looks over to him. “Not too close with your parents either huh?” He asks quietly and Alex nods. “Uh yeah, when I was seventeen years old I told my parents that I was gay. The news didn’t go so well and they kicked me out of the house. Told me I wasn’t welcomed and not to come near Scott, my younger brother again.” He says.
“Man that sucks.” He says and Alex smiles relieved. “You are like the first person who understands. Every time I tell people that they give me looks of pity and I fucking hate it.” He says and Hank sighs. “I know what you mean.” He mutters. Alex sighs then stands up. “Race you back?” He challenges and the brunet grins. “Your on.” He says and they both take off down the trail.
“And I win!” The blonde shouts in victory as he stops and grin at the other male. “Man, you are really fast, but it was close.” Hank says impressed. “You can win the next one.” He says and the brunet shyly smiles. “I will.” He says and then hesitantly part ways. Hank doesn’t know why he was starting to trust this guy. It might be because they have a tough childhood. He quickly gets changed and drives to work. He sighs and takes out his phone.
Hank: Thanks for your number. Now I can finally bug the hell out of you.
He looks up to see Raven looking at him with a smirk on her face. “What?” He asks and she smiles innocently. “Nothing. Just wondering who you are texting?” She says in that sweet mocking voice and Hank sighs. “Alex finally gave me his phone number.” He winces at her squeal and looks up to the ceiling. Why was this his life?
His phone vibrates and Raven gasps. “What he say?” She really needs to stop getting into his business. “Raven, Hank get back to work.” Charles demands and they both duck their heads and smile sheepishly at the older male. “Sorry dad.” They both say and he nods. “You better be.” He says and walks off. “I’ll look at it later.” He promises and she huffs but walks off.
The door opens and everyone quickly looks up to see who it was then quickly gets back to work. Erik comes in with his face stoic. “We have that party at our house coming up.” He says when Charles walks up to him. Their relationship was still a surprised to Hank. They are still together since forever but a happy cheery male with a emotionless tough one somehow works. Opposite attracts is the only thing that Hank can think of.
He sneaks a glance down at his phone when it vibrates once more.
Alex: Great, looking forward to it Bozo.
Hank chuckles at Alex sarcasm. He doesn’t quite get it with the nickname but he doesn’t mind it all too much to his own surprise.
Alex: Save me from this hell. My two friends won’t stop bugging me.
Hank: Sorry man, can’t be in two places at once.
“You will be there right Hank?” Erik asks and the brunet quickly looks up. “Umm, say what now?” The German grumbles and Charles smiles at him. “The house party. In the backyard, that we do every year.” He says and Hank nods. “Right of course I will be there. When is it again?” He asks and Erik gives him that look. “Tomorrow night.” He says in a clipped tone and the scientist smiles sheepishly.
“Got it, will be there.” He says and both of his parents nods. “Excellent.” Charles says and he sighs. He has a feeling that his family is up to something and he doesn’t like the look of it.
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Alex sighs when he walks out of the station. Today was just another long day and he felt exhausted. “Hey Alex, wait up!” Sean shouts and the blonde stops short and turns to the ginger. “What’s up?” He asks and Sean grins. “There’s a party at my friends house. I wanted to invite you, it will be good to loosen up from the long day we have.” He says and Alex looks down. He couldn’t remember the last time he went to a party.
“Yeah, when is it?” He asks and Sean beams. “Don’t worry man, I’ll drive us there after work tomorrow.” He says and Alex nods. “Sounds good. Goodnight Sean.” He says and gets into his vehicle.
He doesn’t understand why he doesn’t socialize much anymore. He remembers being at parties and being friends with everyone in school when he was much younger but it went all to shambles when he came out to his parents and they kicked him out. It would have been fine since he had his car and was living in it for a while but Scott didn’t know how to keep his mouth shut and told his friends what happened at home.
Then it spread like a wildfire. Next thing he knew, he went to school and everyone was pushing him to the ground and calling him a fag. It hurt, but he tried to ignore it and to show others that he didn’t care about the fact that he lost all of his friends, that he was living in a car, that they all hate him just because he was gay. Alex could see why he doesn’t socialize anymore all of a sudden.
“Fuck.” He mutters as he enters his apartment and shakes the dark thoughts away. Maybe Darwin was right, he should let go and not be lonely anymore. Fuck relationships, much easier being single and controlling my own life. He thought viscously. Alex groans and flops onto his bed feeling suddenly exhausted. Sleep is good, sounds great actually, he just hopes that it will be his friend tonight.
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He jerks awake when his alarm blares and he groans loudly. He doesn’t feel like he slept at all, but his mind was thankfully blank. Nightmares can go to hell for all cares. He stumbles into the kitchen and like a zombie, starts making himself coffee in order to feel human again. He wasn’t much of a morning person and he snorts at the irony because he forces himself up and goes for a run.
“Man, I really need to get out of this routine.” He mutters as he lists what makes up the routine of his entire day. (Get up, go for a run, work, eat, work, go home, eat, sleep, repeat.) He could see why Sean and Darwin thinks he doesn’t have much of a life. Next thing he knew, he was change and grabbing his music and walking out the door. He takes a deep breath once he is out in the cool morning air.
God he loves mornings, he just hates waking up at the same time. Does that make sense? “God I am becoming a crazy person.” He sets off and let his mind become blank. With the music blasting in his ears and setting off towards the trail, the day might just be a good day. He comes up to it and sees Hank. Alex couldn’t lie, he felt attraction to him but he doesn’t know if it is a good idea to let him in. The last thing the blonde needs is to let someone in his heart and then walking out because they couldn’t deal with being second to his job.
Like he thought earlier. He can’t take time off his job. He felt heartbreak many times before and after his last relationship went wrong, he knew he couldn’t handle another one with the stress from his job. There is only some emotions he can run from but heartbreak is not one of them sadly.
He smiles and waves at Hank and they both set off. He stares ahead, his thoughts going a thousand miles per hour. He wonders if his life would be different if his parents just accepted him. Would he be happier? Not get in trouble with the law? He sighs and rests against the tall oak that was at the top of the hill. By the cliff and the morning light shining across the city where he could vaguely see the traffic and the morning rush.
He wonders where those people are going. To work, or just off to get out of the city. He wouldn’t mind that. Going out in the country for a few days. Where the air is clear and mankind has not touched or destroyed the habits where the animals live. “Penny for your thoughts?” Hank’s voice pulls Alex out of his head and looks over at the taller male.
“Oh I was just looking at the city. Wondering where people are going and all that.” He says and sits down beside him. “Wow, glad I’m not the only one who does that.” He says and Alex smiles. “Yeah, Sean is forcing me to go to a party. He is one of my co-workers. I was just realizing why I stopped being social. You are pretty much the only person I talk to outside of work.” He continues on, needing to get these thoughts out of his head and into the open.
Hank smiles shyly and bumps his shoulder against the blondes. “I feel honored to be the first one you talk to.” He says and they both blush after Hank’s reply. “Really it was all you. You were the one to introduce yourself to me so thanks for that.” Alex says honestly and they both smile at each other. “Man I don’t want to go to work today.” Hank says and lays back onto the grass, looking up at the sky. “I know what you mean.” Alex says laying down beside him.
“Bozo, do you think that maybe there is a reason why we met?” He asks and looks over at the brunet. “I don’t know. Some people say that we meet others for a reason. It helps them guide them along the path. All I know is that I’m glad that we met and still talk.” He says and turns his head to the side to look into the blonde’s bright blue eyes. They just stare at each other, content and their heartbeats thundering inside of their chests in time. Both men jump when Alex’s phone alarm goes off.
“Uh sorry, I set it up so I don’t get late for work.” He says softly and Hank stands up. “Nah, it’s all good, I understand.” He says and helps Alex up off the ground. “Well, lets go.” He says when they get ready to run back down the trail.
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Hank sighs as he gets ready for the party. It was really a gathering in the backyard. A very big backyard because Erik and Charles live in a mansion but the party is outside thankfully. The last thing they need is party guests getting lost because of how big the place is. Really, ever since Hank was adopted by them he hated these gatherings. They were just rich obnoxious people just trying to be friends with Charles and Erik because they want more money.
He would always stay in the corner and either have his nose buried in a book or with Raven by his side and both of them quietly teasing and mocking the older richer people. It was kind of funny and when Charles found out he just smiled fondly and told them to make sure they never found out. They never did find out and it still makes him and Raven crack up over it. Hank sighs when he pulls up the long driveway and parks his car. “Home sweet home.” He mutters under his breath.
The gathering was already in full swing when he enters the backyard. He smiles at his father and Erik grins back. “God to see you made it here.” He says and wraps an arm around the brunet’s shoulders. Hank pushes his glasses up his nose and grins. “Yeah, I never missed this.” He says and Erik shakes his head. “I hate them to but Charles insists on having them once a year.” He says and Raven walks up to them with a glass of champagne in her right hand. “At least it is not once a month.” She says and Erik looked horrified.
“Is it me or are there a lot more younger people here?” Hank asks once he looks around the yard. “I might have invited some of my friends so the old men don’t stare at me.” She says and looks around. “You look lovely Raven.” Hank says and she grins. She was wearing a red dress that ended at her knees. Her beautiful blonde hair was up into a neat bun and with silver earrings that dangles. “Thank you.” She says and looks at the entrance.
“Sean!” She calls out and waves. A ginger walks up and smiles. “Man, you weren’t kidding when you said you grew up in a mansion.” He says amazed and Raven giggles. “I don’t lie.” She says and Hank snorts and only smiles at Raven’s glare.
“Jeez bozo, you didn’t tell me your parents were rich.” Says a voice and Hank freezes. He turns his head in shock and sees Alex standing there with a smirk on his face. “You are never going to call me Hank are you?” He blurts out and flushes at Alex’s laugh. “Only in your dreams man.” He says and the brunet tries hard not to blush. He doesn’t want to give away that Alex does show up in his dreams. “One of these days you will.” The brunet teases and the blonde smiles.
“Well, I shall leave you two be, now where is Charles?” Erik says and walks off to find his husband. “Didn’t know you were coming to this party.” Hank says and Alex shrugs. “Sean kind of forced me to come. Wish he warned me that the party was with rich people. I feel underdressed.” The blonde says and Hank looks at the shorter male’s clothes. The blonde was wearing a white buttoned down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows with a pair of black jeans.
“You look great. Only they wear ridiculous outfits.” Hank says that brings makes Alex chuckle and he couldn’t help the smile that made out on his face. “Not a fan huh?” Alex asks and Hank nods. “I’ll show you around the place.” He says and Alex smiles. “Sounds like fun bozo.” He says and the brunet chuckles.
“Follow me.” He says and opens the back door. He led Alex through about half the mansion pointing at the rooms and telling him what they were. He opens a door and walks in. “And this is my old room, which Charles never touches unless he is dusting.” Hank says and sits down on the bed. “Wow! It’s huge.” He exclaims and jumps on the bed. “You definitely had a better life then I did.” He says and snuggles into the big warm bed. “You had a home too.” He defends and Alex gives him a pointed look. “Bozo, I was kicked out of my house at seventeen and lived in my car.” He says and Hank blushes and looked down. “Oh.” And Alex nods in agreement.
“Famous in science fairs huh bozo?” Alex asks as he walks up to a shelve with a lot of first place trophies for science fair. “Yeah I was. Sports were not for me.” He says and watches closely at the blonde and notes his expressions. Alex stops in front of the family photo. Hank remembered that day at the beach where they asked a stranger to take a photo of the family.
Charles, Erik, Raven and himself. He sees the sad smile on the blondes face and looks at him.
“Looks like you had fun for a nerd.” He says and Hank nods, knowing that what Alex had said was a defense mechanism. “Alex? How did you know that being a 911 phone operator was for you?” He asks. Hank wasn’t sure how Alex went from living in a car to get a successful job. “Oh uh, that’s a long story.” He says and flops down beside the brunet. “I’ve got time.” He says and Alex sighs as he stares at the ceiling.
“Well, when you live in your car and don’t have any money, you tend to be forced to break the law. I had to steal food in order to eat, con people and pickpocket their wallets to take there money. I didn’t just steal food. I stole clothes, shoes, water, pretty much anything I could get my hands on. One day, I got caught by the store manager and called the police. The police officer took one look at me and helped me surprisingly.”
“Before he took me to the station, we stopped at a local diner and he told me to order whatever I wanted. I thought it was just a trick, but he got me food and made sure I ate all of it. He kept on asking on where my parents are and if they knew what I was doing. I told him that they don’t care and they kicked me out.”
“It was the same officer that helped me gather the money to go to college. He said I would be good for the job and it turned out he was right.” Alex explains and Hank stares at him with a small smile. “That’s amazing.” He says and the blonde smiles. “Yeah, he changed my life. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t know where I would be today.”
Hank smiles, he was glad that Alex’s sad story turned into a happy one. If it wasn’t for that man then he would have never met the blonde. “Have you ever tried to contact your parents? Or Scott?” The scientist asks and the shorter male sighs. “Nah, I still haven’t forgiven them for what they did to me.” He mutters and Hank nods. “I understand that.” He says softly and lays down beside him.
Alex yawns and blinks tiredly. “Man I am tired. I should really get home, oh wait, Sean drove me here crap.” Alex groans and the taller male laughs. “If you want, I can drive you home.” He offers and Alex looks at him surprised. “Are you sure? I don’t want to be a burden.” The blonde stammers out and Hank chuckles. “You are not a burden. I’ll love to drive you home.” He says and Alex relaxes.
“Thanks.” He says softly and let the brunet lead him to his car. “Well shit, this is fancy.” He murmurs looking at the grey sports car. “I never use it, I only use it to drive to Charles when he has his parties.” Hank says and unlocks the car and opens the door. Alex looked a little uncomfortable when the door opens up, not side ways like a normal vehicle. “Why?” He asks interested. “Because, the first time I came in my normal Honda Civic, everyone thought that Charles was a awful dad who didn’t treat his adopted child well.” He says and Alex cringes.
“Yeah, Charles was not happy either, so we made the agreement that I drive this car, very rarely I must add, to show those rich obnoxious assholes that he is a great parent.” He says and Alex nods. “Makes sense.” He says and smiles. “Your not judging me are you?” Hank asks and the blonde grins as the brunet drives off. “Nah, it makes sense. You just don’t want to give your dad any trouble.”
Hank smiles and quickly glanced over at the blonde. The streetlights made Alex’s blonde hair glow and his bright blue eyes stand out. Matter in fact it made him look good in the fancy car, it made him look ….. beautiful. Alex softly gave him directions on where he lived and pulls over to the curb and parks in front of a apartment building. It was a good neighbourhood, he knew since he lived near by, and now Alex opens the door.
“Thanks for the ride.” He says softly and gets out. Hank rolls the window down and smiles. “It was good seeing you again Alex.” He says and the blonde softly smiles. ‘See you tomorrow morning?” He asks and Hank grins. “Yeah.”
“Goodnight Bozo.” He says and walks to the front door and take out his keys. “Night blondie.” He says loudly and smiles when he hears and sees Alex laughing as he walks into the lobby and gives the brunet one last wave. Hank leans back against his seat and chuckles. The blonde was a unique character. He shakes his head and drives off with a small smile on his lips.
Alex sighs as he flops on the bed and groans into the pillow. What the hell? Why does this always happen to him? He rolls over and looks at the ceiling. That nerd somehow got his life story out of him. He never told anyone that before, he still wasn’t sure if he should trust the guy but he must trust him since he told the guy his freaking story.
He stands up and sighs tiredly and walks into the bathroom. A hot shower sounds so good right now, he shudders as he turns the hot water on and frowns. He looks into his hallway and makes sure his front door was locked before he went into the bathroom and closes the door. He strips himself out of his clothes and relaxes as the hot water relaxes his muscles. Man he was tired but something felt off, he wasn’t sure how but he knew better than ignoring his gut. He grabs the shampoo and put some soap into his hand.
He loves this apartment. He only lived on the second floor but he really didn’t mind it. It was big and open, and the rent was good. He has been in this place for about four years now. He quickly washes his hair and body. He turns the water off and grabs a towel. After the conversation he had with the taller male and asked about Scott had gotten his brain working. He couldn’t help but wonder how his younger brother was. Where was Scott now? What was he doing now? If Alex was right, he should be graduating from grade twelve this year.
His chest aches thinking about his once said family. Does his parents miss him? Or have they completely erase him from their minds? Alex hates that he has so many questions but no answers, it was why he tries to push those thoughts away. Sometimes it works, other times not so much. He sighs as he walks into the bedroom and changes into some comfy clothes. Really it was a oversized sweater with a soft pair of pajama pants.
He felt exhausted but he knew that if he goes to bed now he would not be able to go to sleep just quite yet. His phone rings and he jumps. He chuckles at himself and answers the phone call. “Hello?”
“Hey blondie.” Hank says and Alex couldn’t help but grin. “Hey bozo, what are you up to?” He asks and walks into the kitchen. “I couldn’t sleep, so I tried my luck to see if you were still awake.” He says casually and Alex blushes. He was glad that the nerd wasn’t around to see him. “Well, looks like you are in luck tonight.” He says quietly and continues walking around, not too sure what to do.
“Well, any chance I can come over? I need to get out of my apartment.” He says and Alex nods then almost smacks himself when realizing that Hank can’t see him. “Yeah, buzz when you get here.” He says and they both said their goodbyes and end the phone call. He look around and just notices the mess. “Shit.” He curses and cleans up quickly. He throws away the garbage, does the very few dishes that are in the sink, puts his laundry away and then sits down on the couch.
God he feels like a sixteen year old waiting to be noticed by their crush. He groans and flops to his side and stares hard at the television that was off. He looks at his reflection and sighs. He was pretty lonely, maybe he should get a pet. Like a cat, he was still a bit busy for a dog, but that was definitely in the future.
There was a buzz and he unlocks his door and walks down the stairs. He smiles and presses a button before opening the door. “Hey bozo.” He says and Hank walks into the lobby and follows the blonde up to his apartment. “Hey man, you look tired.” He comments and the blonde shrugs. “Happens, sometimes I just can’t sleep.” He says and lets Hank into his apartment and walks inside after the brunet. Hank looks around the place as Alex locks his door. “Nice place you got here.” The brunet says and Alex grins.
“Thanks, you want something to drink?” He asks and Hank sighs. “Nah, I’m okay.” Alex nods and passes him the remote. “Put on whatever you want to watch.” He says quietly and sits down beside the other male. Hank turns it on and flicks through the movie section. “What about Avengers?” He asks and Alex nods. “Why do you stay up at night for?” Alex asks his curiosity getting the best of him. Hank shrugs and then sighs. “When I do my experiments, sometimes its hard to shut my brain down. It continuously keep thinking of new ways of improving on what I do.” He says and Alex nods. “Nightmares for me.” He says and the brunet nods. “I get that.” He says and the blonde smiles. He settles down and starts to watch the movie.
Hank sighs about halfway and whipped his head to the side when he feels a warm presence on his side. He sees Alex’s head against his shoulder, his eyes closed and sleeping. Hank smiles and pauses the movie. He gently turns and puts his arm underneath the blonde’s legs and his other arm around his shoulders. He picks him up and was surprised that he was pretty light. He gently walks into the bedroom and places him onto the bed.
He pulls the blanket over the blonde and smiles gently. “Goodnight Alex.” He whispers and gently kisses his forehead. He walks out and turn the light off. He was feeling exhausted and lays down onto the couch. He relaxes and turns the television off. Next then he knew, he was asleep.
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Alex jerks awake and groans when his alarm goes off. Nothing is worse then that stupid high beeping sound that only gets louder the longer you ignore it. Without lifting his head, he blindly reaches out and smacks the alarm clock, only to do it again when it doesn’t shut up. He winces when he hears the alarm clock hit the ground but was relieved that it blissfully went quiet. The blonde opens his eyes and wince at the brightness in his room.
“Another day, lets see how this one goes.” He mutters and rolls out of bed. He rubs at his eyes when he shuffles into the living room. “Morning.” He mutters when he passes a man on his couch sleeping. He stops when he gets into the kitchen. Wait what? He looks back into the living room to see Hank getting off the couch. How the hell did he get in his apartment?
Alex then remembers what happened last night. He almost smacked himself in he face for forgetting last night. “Coffee?” He asks and the taller male grunts and the blonde assumes that was a yes. He quickly gets the coffee maker ready and turns it on to brew. “You don’t have a Keurig??” Hank asks and Alex scoffs. “Hank you almost insult me. Those things are shit, only for lazy people.” He grunts out and turns to see the older boy looking at him with an eyebrow raised.
“Take a picture, it’ll last longer.” He teases and smirks when he sees Hank turn red. He splutters and tries to say words. “Relax, I was just teasing.” Alex says. Who needs coffee? This is one of the best mornings Alex ever had in a while. Damn it, he really needs to socialize more. “Get ready for our run.” He says and then walks into his bedroom to grab his running gear. “I haven’t had any coffee yet.” The brunet whines pathetically and the blonde had to hold back a giggle. “Come on you big baby.” Alex says and laughs at Hank’s look.
“You are evil.” He pouts and Alex grins. “What can I say? It runs in my family.” He says and grabs his phone. “Wait up.” He says and grabs his backpack. “You had a bag this whole time?” Alex asks, he couldn’t remember when the other male brought it in. “Of course, I assumed I was sleeping over.” He says and Alex raises an eyebrow.
In record time Hank was dressed and ready to go. “Don’t need coffee, the morning air should wake me up.” Hank says as he walks out of the apartment and waits for Alex to lock his door. “Now that’s the spirit.” Alex says cheerfully and together they walk down the stairs and out of the lobby. They walked in a comfortable silence, content to be around each other. Alex heart skips a beat when their hands brush together and he only hopes that the scientist doesn’t notice that Alex is blushing and if he does, he doesn’t comment on it.
Alex wasn’t sure how and when he started getting feelings for the bozo, but he finds that he doesn’t mind it. Alex feels less lonely around Hank and was a little afraid of how fast he became attached. His parents didn’t want him, his friends didn’t ant him and he had to go make a fresh start. Who doesn’t say that Hank might reject him as well? He shakes his head and felt relieved to see the trail. “Meet you up top.” Hank says and together they start to run.
Once they got up top, they both plop down and look out at the horizon. “Raven is going to bug me.” Hank says. A little confused, the blonde looks over. “Why?” He asks and a confused tone and Hank sighs. “She has been bugging me about you for the passed four weeks.” He says honestly and Alex grins. “Aw bozo, you talk about me?” He asks and Hank scoffs and pushes his shoulder. “Shut up.” He mutters while the other giggles. “If it makes you feel better, Sean and Darwin have been bugging me about you as well.”
“That actually does make me feel better.” He says quietly and they smile at each other. “Bozo, I just want to thank you.” He says. Might as well get everything out in the open. “For what?” Hank asks and Alex bites his bottom lip. “For being my friend, I know I don’t really socialize much and you haven’t given up on me.” He says sincerely, truly thankful for everything. “Of course, but I have to say the same. I don’t have a lot of friends outside of work either. I think we became fast friends because really, we were two lonely people trying to find a place in this world.” Hank says softly and Alex smiles.
“That’s really deep bozo.” He says and Hank rolls his eyes. “Alex, we are having a moment here.” He says seriously and Alex clears his throat. “Of course, go on.” He says professionally. “It’s too late now.” He exclaims and they both laugh. Hank stops laughing watches the blonde. The sun shines onto his golden hair, making his blue eyes pop out. Alex looks over at him with a wide smile on his face. “What are you staring at bozo?”
“You.” He says almost breathless. Alex blushes and looks down. “Why is that? Do I have something on my face?” He asks and Hank shakes his head. “Your beautiful.” He whispers and softly yet slowly places a hand onto the smaller man’s cheek. Alex freezes and stares at the other man. “Hank…..” He whispers and the brunet leans closer. “You finally said my name.” He says and cups the blonde’s jaw and pulls him into a kiss. Alex whimpers and wraps his arms around the taller male’s neck. Hank smiles into the kiss and brings him closer. Alex straddles Hank’s hips and they both moan. “God Alex, been wanting to do this for so long.” He says roughly and starts kissing Alex’s neck. The blonde shudders and gasps. “What took you so long?” He asks and Hank tightens his hold on the blondes hips. “I have no idea.” He murmurs and kisses just below Alex’s earlobe and the blonde melts. “Bozo, are we really doing this? Do you want to try?” He asks and Hank pulls back and smiles.
“Thought you never ask.”