Chapter Text
At first, Alexander didn’t think it was done purposely. Misplacing a few inconsequential items happened quite often in an apartment shared by two work-orientated men. So, whenever something appeared on the top shelves that were just too high, Alexander dragged a chair over and moved on with his day. It just wasn’t annoying enough for the wasted seconds to even register on his radar.
He realised that these strategic misplacings were deliberate when the toothpaste was moved to the highest cabinet in the bathroom. Alexander may have been able to reach it if not for the sink in the way; the cold edge dug into his hip as he stretched upwards. His fingertips brushed the edge of the shelf, nowhere near the toothpaste. Cursing, he wanted to forget about his teeth, go to bed and sleep because work had been hectic lately and it had been weeks since he and Thomas were both free on the same night and Alexander hadn’t slept properly during that time and he was really really tired…
“I can literally see you rambling in your head,” Thomas said, moving into the ensuite and standing behind him. Placing a hand on Alexander’s hip, he didn’t even have to stretch to grab the toothpaste.
Noticing his boyfriend’s smirk, Alexander snatched the toothpaste off him and said, “You’re mean.”
“Plan your revenge after you sleep, darling,” he said before kissing Alexander’s forehead and slipping back out of the bathroom.
**
See, their relationship was built on antagonising each other so Alexander couldn’t ignore the challenge – it would go against their whole foundation. Executing the perfect revenge was vital for maintaining their relationship (and his pride).
He waited a few days – in that time Thomas moved several of his files and Alexander was annoyed that he didn’t figure out that something was going on earlier – until Thomas lowered his guard. Starting small, Thomas barely blinked when he found cooking utensils in the bottom kitchen drawers.
It escalated rapidly from there.
From stationary to hair products, Alexander moved all of Thomas’ possessions to the lower drawers and even the floor in the wardrobe. He didn’t show his annoyance until it took him ten minutes to find his dress socks in the storage under the bed. Apparently, he made Thomas ten minutes late for a very important work event and Alexander nearly died from laughter as Thomas tried to smooth the creases in his trousers.
It all came to a head the next morning.
**
“The coffee’s off limits.”
Not even attempting to be subtle, Thomas had placed the coffee on top of the fridge. Smiling at Alexander’s mournful expression, he said, “So, I win?”
“Truce?” he offered instead because Alexander does not admit defeat.
“Why on earth would I agree to that?”
Spying his wallet, he thought of the perfect plan, “Truce or I will go and buy extortionately priced coffee each morning instead.”
“Fine,” Thomas agreed easily, “Truce.”