Work Text:
𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐
• ———— •
“Please, please cover for me?” Romeo begged quietly into his phone, sitting on his bed beside his pre-packed bag.
“What’s in it for me?” Anya responded.
“I’ll pay you”
“how much?”
“How much do you need?” he said, Anya hummed from her end of the line, reaching across her bed and dragging something closer to herself, he could make out from the rustling.
“Well” she clicked her tongue, “I’m currently saving up for a new mountain bike…”
Romeo huffed, already knowing that’s what she’d refer to and fully aware of the hefty price she’d have to pay for it.
“I’m not giving you a grand”
“Wasn’t asking for a grand” she said dismissively, “what’s your highest price?”
Romeo bit his lip, thinking for a moment. “Three hundred”
She laughed spitefully, “Three hundred?” she whistled, “you are desperate”
“Shut up!” He whined, “listen, I only ever see him in school and… I couldn’t not take up his offer when he said to come over for dinner” he said, smiling at the thought of his boyfriend. His boyfriend who only Anya knew about, his parents were very, very much out of the loop, for good reason.
“Can I make a prediction?”
“Oh my god-“
“He’s actually working for a secret organisation and will kidnap you for a ransom”
“No, he will not” Romeo dismissed, always aware of the possible breaches of safety in his day-to-day life. Not that he genuinely thought someone would go out of their way to hurt him for a price, but sometimes body guards had been a necessity in the past when curious crowds grew too big and news reporters wouldn’t leave him alone.
“What’s his name again? Moe?”
“Moreau” Romeo said stiffly. Anya laughed.
“You’re so easy to rile up. Alright, three hundred it is. Venmo?”
Romeo grumbled under his breath as he put Anya on speaker and opened up the venmo app, passing three hundred into her bank. They had shared their details with each other quite some time ago, even if their conversations were littered with insults and glares, they trusted one another more than anyone else on the planet.
“Now all I need is two hundred and twenty six dollars. Think Henry and Alex will bail me out?”
Romeo rolled his eyes, “you have to stop asking my dads for money”
“It was one time” Anya defended, “I really wanted that animal crossing game”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Thanks”
“Stay safe, whore” she cooed and hung up, Romeo sighed and pocketed his phone, hauling his bag onto his back and hurrying down the staircase.
Moreau, last year’s new student, and inarguably the prettiest boy in the entire school. He grew to popularity instantaneously, even if he didn’t spend time with any of the wildly popular students. His name spread across the grounds due to his mother and her contributions to the community. She was the type of person to expect the best from her son; best grades, best behaviour, best attendance, member (and if possible, leader) of every single club he could weasel his way into, all the while maintaining a perfect mental health, body and attitude.
Moreau was… sort of like that. He had great grades, was a valued member of the debate team, the football team, and the chess club. He spread himself across small clubs and bloomed them into something more, especially the ‘Mental Health Society’, and the ‘LGBT+ Safety Net’.
However, he wasn’t the son his mother wanted. Romeo felt terrible for him and wanted to try and help; but he realised there wasn’t anything he could do other than be a constant in his life. A genuine one, too. He’s never had such a stable relationship before and Romeo plans to, no matter what, give him another chance at happiness.
He had been miserable in his old school across the state; he’d do everything to make his experience here better.
“Hey, mum, dad” he smiled as he stepped into the kitchen, falling into the habit of referring to Henry as ‘mum’ ever since June made a ‘mother hen’ joke, which made him laugh so hard he fell off his seat.
“Kiddo” Henry shot him a smile over his shoulder.
Alex, who was chopping up onions on the counter, pouted. “I want to be mom. I’m a better mom”
“Sorry, papi, it’s never gonna happen” he grinned, leaning up to press a kiss to his cheek. He sighed sadly but it was obviously put on, as he smiled straight after, sliding the chopped vegetable onto the frying pan Henry was attending to. He flinched at the sizzle and hissed when oil splattered across his hand. Alex called him a crybaby, and their bickering began.
Both in their early forties they still found the immaturity to act like children.
“Guys?”
“Yes, mijo?” Alex left Henry half unattended, even after all these years he didn’t trust him to cook.
“I’m going over Anya’s tonight” he said, Henry glanced over, eyebrow cocked.
“Why didn’t you tell us this morning?”
“It was a last minute thing” he half lied. Technically, Moreau inviting him over was a last minute thing. He was a blushing and stuttering mess, Romeo found it heartwarming.
“Yes, I’ll come over” he had said, giving him mercy.
Moreau shut his mouth, then grinned wide. “Really? That’s- great. But, what about… security?”
“I’ll say I’m going over to Anya’s, she’ll cover for me. She’s on the trusted list so we’ll be completely alone” he said jokingly, wanting to drift his fingers across his arm but knowing in such a public area (the car park) it would be a terrible idea. Moreau wasn’t out yet, and admitted he didn’t want to come out to the school at all. Romeo respected his wishes as he technically wasn’t out to the media yet, even after two years since telling his parents, then a few months later telling the rest of their large family.
Moreau chuckled, “guess that means I’ll have to keep you protected?”
Romeo snorted, “you couldn’t save me from a wasp”
He blushed, “that thing was coming straight for me!”
“You didn’t have to leave me behind!”
“Every man for himself!”
Moreau always made him feel a surplus of gender euphoria.
“Her parents are out of town” he continued when he saw a flash of hesitation cross their features. “She doesn’t really like to be alone. That and if you don’t let me she’ll ask for you to pay for her mountain bike” he added, smirking. They both pulled a grimace, turning to their cooking.
“Alright, you can go” Alex acquiesced, he bounced on the spot giddily.
“Thanks! Love you! See you tomorrow” he kissed both of their cheeks, skipping towards the doorway.
“Do you need a ride? It’s getting late” Henry offered, Romeo slipped his shoes on by the door.
“It’s fine! Anya’s picking me up halfway” he hollered back, waiting until they both said their goodbyes before opening the door and stepping out into the busy streets of New York. The sun was beginning to set, casting an orange beam across the sky.
Jumping down the few steps leading to the front door he pulled out his phone and shot Moreau a text - I’ll be there soon!
Without waiting for a response he hurried down the sidewalk, smiling shortly at whoever glanced at him in passing. He has managed to maintain a polite outward appearance to the general population and does his best to keep it up. The only real slip up he’s ever had was when he was twelve, sitting in a fancy restaurant with the whole family. Outside were rows upon rows of paparazzi and it made him overwhelmed.
He began to cry at the table and had to be taken away, pictures were snapped, the news tomorrow morning bombarded with hit pieces against his parents, accusing them of making him cry. Since then, he’s vowed never to give reporters or journalists the light of day, and he’s kept it up for four years so far.
Moreau lived in the suburbs away from the busy, bustling city life. It took half an hour to reach his street and another five minutes roaming around until he saw his two story home. He had sent him a picture earlier today. It was a clean white with dark blue accents, a picket fence, beautifully kept lawn and a few flower baskets hanging around the front porch.
It was like a doll's house.
Although, worryingly there was a car sitting halfway inside the attached garage, Moreau had promised they’d have the night to themselves.
His mother was a hardass. She harassed him day in, day out to do better, be better, as if he wasn’t stretching himself thin already. He could break with the workload she forces onto him. Romeo assumed she was using him for her own self-image and selfish gain. Over the past year she had rocketed in the community, introduced different safety measures across their suburbs, made general rules about children running around unattended and how loud someone could be after ten pm. She advocated for many things, too many things Romeo could list out, and generally spend her time shaming other mothers and wooing husbands.
He disliked her, but to respect Moreau, would treat her with kindness and respect. Fortunately, they haven’t met yet. She didn’t really interact with the children who went to Moreau’s school but who didn’t live in their suburbs, which he was thankful for, otherwise she would have insisted he date her son due to the fact he didn’t exactly pass for a man just yet.
He knew she would make him feel terrible about himself without intending to. But if he came out, she’d sit him down and try and ‘talk him out of it’, something she had already done to someone else in their street.
As soon as he was made aware of this he found the student, hugged and reassured her she didn’t need to do anything she had said, that she was perfect and valid no matter what. She appreciated it, and they’re still in contact from time to time. Mostly for Romeo to check in and ease his worries.
The door to the house opening snapped him from his thoughts, he blinked up, beaming upon seeing Moreau, but it dropped when he noticed his worried expression.
“Babe-?”
“My mom lied,” he whispered once close enough, taking him a few paces away from the house and hiding behind one of the trees lining the sidewalk.
“What do you mean?” Romeo frowned.
“She said she wouldn’t be here, that she was staying over her friends but-“ he sighed, “apparently not anymore”
“Oh…” he felt a painful disappointment settle in his stomach.
Moreau looked down at him, glanced around the darkening street before leaning in and kissing his cheek. His heart swelled fuzzily.
“Don’t frown,” he said, cupping his face and pushing his thumb against the corner of his lip. He automatically smiled, wrapping his hand around his wrist.
“How could I with you?”
Moreau blushed, shifting. Romeo had picked up on his flustered responses. The way he’d instantly blush and fidget, glance to the left and curl his lips inward. It was adorable.
“You can still come in” he said after a moment, Romeo couldn’t hide his thrill, which made Moreau laugh. “Is that why you were sad? I wasn’t going to send you away” he assured, stroking the bone beside his eye. “We’re spending the night together, trust me, you’ll just have to sneak in and I know that can be… or feel degrading, I guess, and you don’t have to if you don’t want to” he said, dark brown eyes never leaving him.
Under the sudden glow of the street lamps, he looked breathtaking. His olive skin glowed, somehow deeply reflecting the freckles adorning his cheeks and connecting over his nose. His hair was dark and magnificently curly, soft enough for Romeo to reach up and touch, which he did seconds later. Moreau giggled, leaning into his palm.
“I don’t care about that, of course I want to. I want to be with you” he said sincerely. Moreau blushed, ducking his head and shifting on his feet.
“You’re so sweet… c’mon, we have to go in through the back” he explained, reaching to hold his hand and silently taking him back towards the house. Romeo stuck close to his side, ducking with him under the side windows to avoid being caught. Apparently his mother was in her office and wouldn’t be out for a few hours, but Moreau said to be careful anyway as she was never to be trusted.
Their garden had a huge swimming pool currently covered with a large tarp, there were a few gnomes dotted about and two tall trees towards the corners of their property.
“She wants to get rid of them” Moreau frowned, “I think they’re nice. Give a sense of privacy, y’know?”
“Yeah, they are nice” Romeo agreed, watching the leaves full of life way too and fro in the soft breeze.
“Hopefully she forgets it for now” he shrugged, sliding open the glass door and ushering Romeo inside. As soon as the door was shut he reached over and rubbed Romeo’s arms.
“Cold?”
He smiled, “not so much, but thank you”
Inside was just as doll-like as the outside, family portraits clung to the walls, flowers in beautiful decorated vases perched on tables. The walls were seemingly untouched and the wooden ground appears as if no one has stepped on it in years.
“Your home is nice” he complimented quietly, the two heading up the carpeted staircase.
“It’s… a house, for sure” Moreau shrugged, “I’m sure your house feels more like a home”
Romeo squeezed his hand, “I can take you there one day”
He grinned, “I can’t wait”
Inside of his bedroom he quickly shut the door, curled his arms around Romeo’ waist and drew him in for a languid kiss, reaching up to stroke his cut short hair behind his ear. It didn’t stay there for long but the sensation made him sigh and lean into it, silently begging for more.
“Handsome man” he whispered against his lips. Romeo grinned, eyes sparkling.
“Flatterer”
Moreau chuckled and took him over to his bed.
“Movie?” He suggested, reaching to grab his remote and flick on the television.
Romeo toed off his shoes and settled across the left side of the bed, nodding.
“Movie”
Next morning, the peace and serenity usually floating around Saturday mornings across the brownstone was broken by Alex drawing in a gasp and sitting up abruptly in bed.
Hazily Henry rolled over to him, blinking. “What is it?” He slurred in early morning tiredness.
“Shit” Alex hissed, “shit, shit, shit” he scrolled rapidly down his phone. Worried, Henry pushed himself up, reading the article over his shoulder and paling.
“Shit” he repeated.
“Romeo has a boyfriend…?” Alex gazed at the photo snapped without Romeo’s or his boyfriend's permission, of them under a tree, the latter kissing his cheek.
“He wasn’t going to Anya’s after all…” Henry drifted, holding a hand to his face. “Bloody hell”
“I’m going to kill him”
“No, you’re not”
“I’m going to ground him until he’s dead!”
“No, you’re not” Henry dismissed again, resting his chin on his shoulder.
“Henry, he-!”
“He’s being a teenage boy” Henry cut him off, “doing stupid things because that’s what teenagers do”
Alex wilted, tossing his phone to the side and running a hand through his growing hair. He needed it cut soon, but the way Henry braided it when they cuddled up at night before falling asleep was too calming to let go of.
“Did he tell you?”
“About his boyfriend? No. Though, I’m not too surprised. He doesn’t want you to flip out”
“Too late” Alex grunted, Henry smiled and kissed his jawline.
“Remember sixteen years ago when Romeo was born?”
Alex leaned into him, frowning. “Simpler times”
Henry rolled his eyes, “do you remember what you told me?”
Alex pointedly remained silent, Henry shifted and pulled him into his chest, “you told me we were going to do things differently. We were going to make sure there were no secrets between us or our child” he recited, Alex huffed, recalling that night in the hospital as if it were yesterday, holding Romeo wrapped in a pink blanket, stroking his cheek and imagining their future where they were open and honest. He knew what it felt like to hide things from his parents, how much it hurt, how stressful it was. He never wanted Romeo to go through that.
“Then what did we do wrong…?”
“Nothing” Henry assured, “this isn’t Romeo’s fault”
Alex paused, lifting his head to meet his gaze. “His boyfriend told him to keep it a secret” he said, clocking on. Henry nodded, frowning.
“I don’t know why, but… Romeo would’ve told us if he had a boyfriend. Or a girlfriend. It’s still a bit… confusing” he admitted, stroking Alex’s arm absentmindedly.
“Well, right now he has a boyfriend. And for some fucking reason, his boyfriend doesn’t want us to know. I won’t like him unless he gives us a good fucking reason” he grabbed his phone again, ready to call Romeo up before he paused, finger hesitating over the button.
“Christ, he’s going through the same thing we did…”
Henry frowned, “I know. Do you think he’ll still come out on his seventeenth..?”
Alex grimaced, “hard to say. When the press do this it… it feels like, they’re taking something from you”
“I know. He might not want to tell them anything if they keep prying”
“Why the hell aren’t there laws against taking pictures of minors in public” Alex hissed, tossing the blanket aside and standing up from the bed, pacing across the room with his phone in hand.
“You know how the press are” Henry shuffled to the end of the bed, pressing his feet against the floor. Alex groaned, running his hand through his hair one more time before pressing the call button, putting it on speaker for Henry to hear.
“If his boyfriend’s done anything-“
“He’ll be fine,” Henry assured, squeezing his wrist. “I’m sure of it”
Half an hour away a constant buzzing awoke Romeo from his deep slumber. He groaned quietly, rubbing his eyes and pressing his face into something warm. Moreau’s chest.
“Baby?” He mumbled above him, squeezing his waist. “Someone’s calling you…”
Romeo whined, “tell them to go ‘way…”
He chuckled and reached to the bedside table, reading over the contact.
“It’s your dad”
“Shit” Romeo peeled himself away and took the phone, answering a second later and holding it to his ear. “Dad..?”
“Romeo” Alex said, from his tone of voice Romeo knew he knew he lied. He sent Moreau a worried look, taking it from his ear and putting it on speaker.
“Yeah..?”
“How’s Anya?”
“Dad, please…”
“We’re not mad at you” Henry jumped in, “we’re worried. Have you checked the news?”
Drawing his eyebrows together Romeo looked towards Moreau, he took the hint and found his own phone, opening up the news app and scrolling for a few seconds until his eyes widened, lips parted in horror.
“Oh, no, no, no, please” Romeo gasped, dropping his device and looking over Moreau’s shoulder, reading the article headline and feeling sick to his stomach when he saw the picture underneath.
‘Breaking: Princess Elizabeth Mixed up in Romance as She Shares Kisses with New Boyfriend’
“Oh, god, I didn’t…” he looked towards Moreau who appeared just as worried as he felt, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know I was being followed”
“They follow you?” Moreau looked towards him, “that’s… sick”
“I know, well I didn’t, I didn’t- Christ, I’m so sorry, what if your mum sees this? Moreau, I’m so sorry” he stumbled over his words in a rushed apology. Even if Moreau looked almost ready to have his own panic attack he wrapped his arms around Romeo’s waist and tugged him close, holding his lips to his temple.
“It’s fine” he murmured, “I’m more worried about you. What do the press do about… relationships? I… I don’t really keep up” he admitted, looking away, almost sheepish. “Are they rude about it? I-.. I feel like an old man”
Romeo chuckled, though their moment was disrupted by a muffled voice. He pushed away their quilt and grabbed their phone again.
“Dad?”
“Romeo, come home now. We need to talk about this. And you’re grounded for lying about going to Anya’s” Alex said sternly, he winced and glanced towards Moreau apologetically.
“Can… can my boyfriend come over, too?” He said hesitantly.
Alex paused, “you did not just say that” he said in disbelief.
“Dad, please, you don’t understand. He… he needs to be involved in this conversation. For…” he glanced at him, “for a lot of reasons”
There was a long silence, in a desperate attempt, Romeo rushed out; “please, he’ll leave straight after”
“Okay. He can come over” Henry acquiesced, Alex made a noise of annoyance but didn’t verbally disagree, so it was settled.
Ending the call the two rushed to change into clothes, all the while Romeo profusely apologising.
“Baby, it’s okay” Moreau pulled him close, their bodies flush. “It’s fine. This isn’t the end of the world” he assured, reaching up to stroke his cheek. Romeo leaned into him, sighing and softly shutting his eyes.
“I know, it feels it”
Moreau managed a weak smile. “Yeah, but, at least Henry will like me, right?”
Romeo chuckled, “yeah, true…”
Moreau’s mother was still asleep as they crept down the stairs and out of the house, hurrying down the street and sticking close with a sense of urgency. The sun was just tipping over the horizon and there wasn’t another soul to be seen until they reached the city. All the while, they kept glancing over their shoulder, thinking they might see the flash of a camera, or abruptly have a microphone shoved in their face.
Moreau couldn’t handle that. So early, Romeo wouldn’t be able too, either.
By the time they reached Romeo’s brownstone it was seven o’clock. Reaching to grasp his hand, Romeo hurried up the stairs and knocked a few times on the front door. Seconds, seconds later it whipped open, an unimpressed Alex appearing in the doorframe.
“Dad…” Romeo breathed, “I’m… I’m so sorry. I didn’t think anyone was watching, I swear, I didn’t know” he expressed sincerely, Henry appeared during, his face softened into sympathy.
“Come inside” Alex murmured with a head gesture. They did just that, allowing the door to be shut behind them.
As soon as the public world was hidden, Romeo was pulled into Alex’s chest, buried into his pyjama shirt. Moreau stepped back and watched with a small, relieved smile at the sight of Henry coming up behind, wrapping them all in a family embrace.
He knew Romeo hated when his parents were upset with him; they must’ve recognised that too from years of raising him.
Minutes later they were seated in the living room, Romeo made a show of sitting beside Moreau even if he was gestured to take the armchair. Alex looked tense but with Henry’s hand on his thigh, he didn’t say anything.
“Important questions first” Henry began, facing his son. “How are you feeling, sweetheart?”
Moreau rose his eyebrows in shock, the notion didn’t go unnoticed by Alex.
“I...I don’t know. Embarrassed? Scared?” He expressed, sending flickers of worry across both his parents faces. “I didn’t think I’d ever be followed. It’s… frightening. And uncomfortable”
“It is, we felt the same when we were outed” Alex assured, “it’s something we had to become used to, as horrible as it is. Unless you become better at hiding, or have your security guard, which you would have had if you didn’t lie” he reminded, more so to encapsulate the importance of having security when he’s going to an unfamiliar area.
“I know, I’m sorry” he murmured, squeezing Moreau’s hand. He squeezed back, chest aching.
“Mr. Díaz, if I may…”
“You may” he said, voice hardening.
Moreau swallowed, “I… initiated this. I invited him over and he agreed and I didn’t want him to tell you-“
“Oh, we know that already” Alex dismissed, Moreau looked shocked, glancing at Romeo who shook his head.
“No, babe, I didn’t say anything. I swear”
“He didn’t” Henry agreed, “we know he wouldn’t keep this from us unless he was asked to by you. Which poses only one question...why?” His eyes narrowed in an interrogative way. It was obvious they were both protective over his son, honestly Moreau expected this response. Romeo was well cared for and looked after, they were worried for all the right reasons.
“Because, well…” he coughed, embarrassed. “I’m sure you don’t want me hanging out with your son anymore, ironically, my mom didn’t want me to spend time with him, either”
Alex furrowed his eyebrows, “why? He’s wonderful!” He said defensively. Henry rolled his eyes fondly, Romeo hid a smile behind his fingers.
“Not entirely because of him… because of you two” he looked between his dad’s, they only needed a second to visibly clock on, their faces dropping.
“I see” Henry murmured, squeezing Alex’s thigh.
“Yeah. She’s… really homophobic. Not even religious. Just homophobic to be homophobic. I’ll be in enough trouble caught dating Romeo, considering he’s not out yet, it won’t be that bad, but… when he comes out at seventeen I don’t think I’ll have a place to stay. She’s pretty smart. She’ll know I already knew he was a boy. Is a boy? Is a boy. And, well” he rubbed a hand over his face, sighing. “Yeah, that’s it, sorry, didn’t mean to make a pity party”
“You’re fine” Romeo whispered, “I’m not coming out”
Moreau snapped his head to him, “what? Why?”
“For you, your safety is more important than my comfort”
“But-... baby, this is killing you, you can’t not- you can’t put me before this”
“I can, and I am. I already decided this morning” he said sternly, eyebrows drawn down.
“I really think you should reconsider-“ Moreau tried but Romeo shook his head, turning away in an aura of stubbornness.
“Nope. I’m not doing it until you’re in a safe situation, I’d be outing you, Moreau, I couldn’t do that” he crossed his arms, his universal sign his mind had been made and nothing one could say or do would change it. He sighed, shoulders sagging forward. He recalled their secret moments spent hidden in the library of the school bathrooms, gushing about the day he’ll come out to the world and finally reveal his true self. To have that all scrapped, because of one damn photo, it was crushing. Heartbreaking, in fact.
Both the boys went silent.
Alex glanced at Henry who shared his worried, pitiful look.
“That’s very mature of you, love” Henry smiled, “are you sure?”
“One hundred percent” he nodded his head.
“It’s the right decision,” Alex agreed. Moreau shrunk down further.
“No, it isn’t. You know how much he’s been excited about coming out” he murmured, almost afraid to defy his fathers.
“Is your safety not important?” Henry challenged. Moreau ducked his head.
“I’d… I’d find a place to stay. What about those homeless shelters you run?”
“Those are for youth with no other choice. Right now, you have a home, until you move out to college or wherever your future lays, Romeo will stay in the closet. If that’s what he wants” Henry added, sending him a warm smile. Romeo nodded again, smiling towards his boyfriend who felt his heart shatter. But he couldn’t change anything. It was a losing battle.
“You look sad,” Romeo pointed out.
“I’m fine, baby” he whispered.
“This is a safe space” Alex said, leaning back, yet his expression read anything but ‘safe’. He still didn’t like nor trust Moreau, that was obvious, but he was trying. For his son's sake, if nothing else.
Moreau looked towards Romeo and knew he couldn’t keep his whirling thoughts from him. “I just- don’t want to cause any… trouble. Or hurt you. I really, really like you” he said lowly, eyes turning bloodshot as a wave of threatening tears washed over him.
Romeo shifted impossibly closer to him, kissing his cheek. “I really, really like you too” he giggled, “which is why I’ll wait. I don’t care about waiting. I want you to be safe, and I’ll have you in any capacity I can have until it’s safe. My parents did it, I can to” he grinned determinedly, Moreau chuckled watery and leaned in to kiss him.
Alex grunted, looking away. He and Henry were both aware of the irony in the situation, their promise made at Romeo’s birth, assuring he’d never experience the hardships they did. Turns out, they couldn’t control everything, but the way Romeo smiled at Moreau, they’ve never seen him look so… happy before. Elated. In love, even if he wasn’t aware of that yet.
They’ll help their situation in anyway they can if it means Romeo is happy.
“I still don’t like this… dating thing” Alex gestured between them when they split apart, “and if you hurt him, you’ll regret being born”
Moreau shrunk, “yes, sir. I’d never”
Satisfied, Alex smiled. “Good, now go home. Romeo’s grounded for the next week. I don’t want to see your face again unless I let you over. Understood?”
Moreau nodded swiftly, rising from the chair. “Yes, sir. Thank you, for not being mad”
“He’s mad” Henry corrected, standing up too. “But he doesn’t hate you”
“I beg to differ-“
“Ignore him” Henry cut him off, slapping a hand against his mouth. “Come on, I’ll show you out” he gestured towards the door and Moreau nodded, glancing back when Romeo tugged his hand. Suddenly, he was brought into a kiss.
“Three seconds is more than enough” Alex broke in, glaring mildly.
Romeo laughed, “tell that to Henry. You snog him for five minutes straight!”
“That’s different,” Alex teased back, grabbing Romeo around his torso and picking him up. He screeched out a laugh, calling goodbyes to Moreau as he was hauled up stairs.
“Bye, baby!” He waved, watching fondly as he was taken away.
“Will you be alright?” Henry asked as he opened the front door, Moreau stepped out to the warming heat of New York.
“With my mom? Yeah. She’s not terrible, or anything. I can try to lie but she’s pretty smart. I won’t be grounded though, or harped on, or anything. She’s not-...” he trailed off, clearing his throat before he accidentally overshared their entire relationship.
“Anyway, thank you, sir”
“My pleasure, don’t make my son lie to us again”
Moreau nodded, “promise”
“Good. Walk safe” with that, Henry shut the door. He didn’t know what to entirely make out of the situation yet, with questions still left unanswered, but as long as Romeo was happy, he was too.
Although, with the press inching their way further and further into their privacy, he worried how well they could keep Romeo’s gender a continued secret.
And if they couldn’t; what that’ll cause for Moreau.
Alex hurried down the staircase a few minutes later, cheeks flushed. Henry could tell he and Romeo had a pretend play fight in his room.
“He has a boyfriend” Alex sighed as he sat down. Henry hummed.
“A boyfriend in an awkward situation”
A beat of silence passed. “I’d rather shoot him then give him a place to stay here”
Henry chuckled shortly, “I think Nora would say the chances of him ending up here are, at least, in the seventies”
“Which is what worries me” Alex groaned, “I hope they break up. I hope he breaks his heart so I can break him”
“You don’t” Henry dismissed, curling an arm around his shoulders. “You’re happy for him. You’re happy to see him look the exact same way I do when I look at you” he teased, Alex scoffed, leaning into him.
“Sap”
“For you, anything”
• ———— •
𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒃𝒚𝒆