Archive of Our Own

"Honey," Eliza's soft voice was heard in the quiet room. A too quiet room. The only noises were steady breathing and quiet rustling of material, as she put a hand on Alexander's shoulder and gave it a gentle shake. "Come on, you've fallen asleep three times already."

Alexander raised his head and rubbed at his eyes, trying to wake himself up at least a bit, without drinking coffee. Eliza was afraid that if he had one more gulp, he'd end up with a heart attack.

"No, I've got two more chapters till the end." Ah, yes, the same she's heard from him at least five times in an hour. "I'll go once I finish."

"Do you even understand what's going on in it?"

"... Well… I know it's about economics… in, uh…" Yes, he's so sleepy that he literally had to check the cover. "Macedonia..?"

He didn't even know why he had a book of it, and why it's from 1995, but well, if it's on his shelves, why waste it, and not read it? 

"Come on, you'll study economics once you get some sleep." Eliza put a bookmark and closed his book by force, then caught his arm and helped him stand. She knew he could've fallen asleep for the fourth and even seventh time, but he'll finish the book, not understanding a single thing. And then, once rested, he'll read it again. He already did it with a few books she gave him for the anniversary. A few days earlier, but he was delighted that he had something to read. "I'm surprised how quickly you change your interests; first law and economics of the United States, and now Macedonia? What's next, France?"

"If you're trying to make a Jefferson joke, please don't. I bet my whole life he doesn't know where France is."

She laughed quietly and removed Alex's hair tie, letting his auburn locks fall freely over his shoulders. She loved playing with it, and giving him different hairstyles, but hated when he had to slightly cut even a little but in order to keep the hair healthy. 

One time, he got knots so bad (thanks to Jefferson putting some sticky thing in his hair when Alex was asleep), that even many washes didn't help, and he had to cut it. Fortunately, he only had an undercut, but oh God, how handsome he was. She even had one herself, to keep her boyfriend company.

Eliza still looks through photos of her and Alex with an undercut. They were hot back then. Very hot. As if they're not hot right now. But she still thinks about getting the undercut again. Maybe she'll discuss this with Alexander once he's fully rested. She hated things changing, but she loved the hairstyle after a few days.

She brushed her fingers through her boyfriend's hair, getting some loose strands out of his face and smiled slightly.  It was so calming for her, just standing there in silence and just combing his hair with her fingers, or burying her face in them. Oh, how she loves that. How she loves him. And how Alex loves her . It has barely been a year, but both of them are thinking about a wedding.

Suddenly, she feels hot breath on her face and lips on her soft ones. Eliza embraced him and kissed him back. It was short, but surely gave enough emotions. Then, they ended up embracing each other for several minutes. Just like that. They end up either looking into each other's eyes, bluish-violet meeting hazel, almost brown ones, or just quietly standing and hugging each other, almost falling asleep in the process.

"Let's make some chocolate, maybe?" Alex broke the silence suddenly with his gentle, quiet voice. Even his voice sounded exhausted. And that's what he was. Exhausted . Keeping his work on several projects, learning, and working can take a toll on his health, starting on exhaustion and sleep deprival, ending on blood pressure problems and depression or anxiety. Not even speaking of more physical illnesses.

Alex's had kidney problems since he can remember. He usually has them in late summer, every year. And besides that, his immune system is shit. So basically, there isn't a quarter without him getting a cold, or some more serious issues. 

And every time, Eliza is really worried about her boyfriend; his every spike of fever, his coughing, and just him feeling miserable. She wishes he didn't have such problems. She hates seeing him hurt. He quietly wishes for that, too. But he's happy that it's not his girlfriend. If it was her, he'd be heartbroken. It's already hard for him to watch her get a cold, so a flu or a kidney stone would be very stressful.

"No, honey, you have to rest." Eliza's voice was also quiet and gentle, with a slight glimpse of smile. "You're barely standing. I can feel you swaying and nearly falling asleep in my arms. Come on, go to bed and get some rest. You'll get sick again if you don't."

He laughed slightly. "Alright. But let me get some water, my throat is so dry it's starting to get sore."

"Fine." She let him go, but squeezed his shoulder lightly. "But come back soon and don't collapse on the way."

"I won't, I promise." He gave her a final smile and a kiss to the forehead. "Love you."

And with that, he turned around and disappeared from the room, heading to the kitchen.

Eliza laid down on their mattress (yes, they have a mattress instead of bed), covering herself and listening to the sounds of footsteps, clinking of glasses and quiet curses, probably from spilling water. She fell asleep seconds later, listening to the footsteps getting closer. 

She was pulled out of her slumber when she felt the mattress bending, and warmth. Alexander laid beside her. He wrapped his arms around her and snuggled his face in her hair.

"Goodnight, Betsey."

She mumbled something back, too sleepy to form words, and fell asleep seconds after this.

★

When Eliza woke up again, it was still dark, so it was quite early. Looking at the clock, she saw it was 5 am. She was shocked that she managed to wake up so early and feel refreshed, because she's used to waking up quite late. But what shocked her even more was the presence of her boyfriend still in bed, sound asleep. He's a very light sleeper, getting woken up easily, or waking up randomly, writing something down or doing something. He was curled up under the covers, his head barely sticking out, ginger hair sprawled on the pillow. 

Eliza smiled and gently pulled the covers down a little bit, exposing his face, to make sure he doesn't suffocate. He looked so… Young, and peaceful. A bit pale, but he wasn't sick. Yet . It was a matter of time, since he was pushing himself too much, and his immune system was already being crappy enough. There also were dark bags under his eyes, evidence of his exhaustion. She gently brushed a strand of hair out of his face and kissed his forehead.

Walking down the corridor from the bathroom, she went into the kitchen to drink something. She tripped on her own feet and nearly fell, but propped on the wall quickly. She's beauty, she's grace—

Eliza froze when she heard something. Looking behind, she didn't see anything. Probably Alex woke up . She left that thought behind and got a glass of water. 

When Eliza came back, she saw Alexander laying on the bed wrapped in a blanket that he got before falling asleep the night before. So that was the noise . The covers were kicked aside, a blanket warm and cozy enough to  warm him.

Well, more for me, then . She laid back down, wrapping herself in the cover, happy of the warmth. One last thing she remembered was the shifting on their mattress as she fell asleep again.

★

Eliza woke up again to a clank of pot falling on the floor and a curse. Alright, Alex is in the kitchen, safe women and children first. She decided to ignore it and go back to sleep. She wasn't suicidal or something, just tired as hell. She'll deal with it later. Or not.

Damn, it was quiet all of a sudden. Too quiet . Eliza rose up. Did he kill himself with a pot or something?  

But then she heard some more curses, and some noises. Alright, everything is fine with him. But she was worried about the kitchen and rest of the apartment. 

She picked some clothes and went to get dressed for the day. A simple oversized hoodie (Alexander's, but it's their hoodie now) and jeans. She was putting her hair in a quick ponytail, some strands sticking out, when she smelt something… burning. 

It wasn't strange, she was used to Alexander burning something or adding semolina instead of flour to their pancakes, but she was surprised every time this happened, because he could do… interesting things.

Such as putting milk in a kettle in hope of warming it up like water.

Which he has done now.

"Fuck," Alex was running with their kettle to the sink, and then opened the window. "Fuck, fuck, fuck- Oh, hey, Liza. Did I… wake you up, or something?"

"No, of course not." she cracked a smile. "The pots fell on their own, and the kettle decided to set himself on fire on its own, right?"

"... Yeah, something like that."

She snorted quietly, not being surprised at all, and massaged her temples. Her siblings have done something similar many years ago, except they also set the curtains on fire. She didn't know how it ended up, she went on a 3-day trip to her friend's place. Just in case. 

"Turn it off and get it under cold water," She opened the second window. It was warm outside, much to her liking. They both hated autumn and winter, because it was cold. And they hated the cold, but enjoyed sitting under blankets together, drinking hot chocolate and watching TV. "But try not to burn yourself."

She heard a quiet hiss and pinched the bridge of her nose. And I want to marry him .

"I'm fine, no worries." She heard him saying quickly. "Just a little, um… accident. From touching something hot."

"Put it under cold water. but please , do not hurt yourself in any way."

Alex put his hand under the faucet, letting cold water run on his hand, and watched the kettle.

"It's smoking."

"Yes, it's normal for a hot thing to smoke."

"But you don't smoke."

Eliza smiled and laughed quietly. Alex and his attempts to flirt. Not always so successful, but still cute.

"Well, in order for something to smoke, you have to heat it up and pour some moisture out."

Alex stood silent for a moment, looking at Eliza, thinking about something.

"Is that a sex reference or am I just that horny."

She got a broom from the corner of the room and hit him lightly on the head.

"bonk. off to horny jail."

He smiled slightly, much to Eliza's confusion. But then she knew what was coming when he turned the water off and embraced her, kissing her on the lips.

"Only with you, my dear."

She smiled gently and pecked him on the forehead.

"Now, mr. Horny, leave doing breakfast to me. I really want to still have an apartment to live in."

He laughed and sat on the kitchen counter, hitting his head in the process. 

"That damn counter– I'll leave it to you and just… observe."

"Thank you very much."

As she started making pancakes, humming quietly, her back turned to him the whole time, she suddenly came to a conclusion that it was quiet. Too quiet.

"You didn't crack your skull open, right?"

Still silence.

"Alex?"

Eliza turned around, and saw her boyfriend sleeping. While still sitting on the counter, his head propped against a wall, just below another counter he hit his head with. Is he asleep or did he actually crack his head–

And then she saw him stirring, and then sneezing. Alright, he's still alive.

"Bless you."

"Thanks." 

Alex rubbed at his eyes and sat more comfortable, propping his elbows on his knees and hiding his face in his hands, still rubbing on his eyes with his fingers.

"You're gonna move into another galaxy if you keep doing this."

"I already did." He put his head up and looked around. "It's a great feeling, you know. You should try that sometimes."

"My nerves have already reached another universe. More than once."

"Fair enough."

"Come on, astronaut, food is ready." Eating breakfast at 5 AM wasn't in her usual routine, but she was hungry.

Once they finished their pancakes and cleaned up (also throwing the kettle out), Alex decided that it was a perfect time to lay down again. And Eliza agreed happily. They laid down on the mattress, cuddled up with each other. And soon after they were asleep.

★

"Betsey." Alex put a hand on his lover's shoulder and gave it a light shake. "Come on, I have a surprise."

Her beautiful hazel eyes opened and she put a few brown strands out of her face. God, she was beautiful. He's the luckiest man alive to have her.

"What's up?" She propped on her elbows and rose up, rubbing at her eyes to wake up. She looked at the clock; it was 1 PM. "I've slept for half a day?"

Of course he ignored the second question. "I have a surprise for you. Come on, I'll get an uber."

"Where are we going?"

He smiled and put a hand on her cheek, rubbing it with his thumb, kissing her on the forehead. "You'll know once we get there."

Alex already got dressed and drank coffee, letting Eliza sleep. She was rudely woken up and making breakfast earlier, so this time, he tried to act as quiet as he could. 

But where did he heat the water up, if he didn't have a kettle? 

In a pot.

Like a scout.

Those good old times.

As Eliza went to the bathroom to brush her teeth and get her hair done, he sat on a couch in the living room and tapped aggressively on his phone. Ah, yes, Alex in his natural habitat, already arguing with people on twitter.

"What are you watching?" Eliza sat down on the couch beside him, looking at the screen from behind his shoulder.

"Some memes. Hey, wanna see my parents?"

"Wait, but you—"

Before she could answer, Alex showed her a black photo.

"... Alex."

He snorted and shook his head. "Sorry. But do you want to see my cousin?" He showed her the same photo again.

"Alex—"

"Oops, sorry, wrong one."

Then, he showed her a photo of a chandelier.

Eliza went silent for a second, and then slapped him in the shoulder, Alex laughing all the time, and then making an "ow!" when the slap came. She then sat, fingers on the bridge of her nose.

"Will you ever stop making jokes about your traumas, dark humor, sex and suicide?"

"Hm, let me think… No."

He chuckled and hid his phone, got up, tapping Eliza on the shoulder.

"Come on, we'll be late."

"Can you at least give me a hint where we're going?"

He stopped, turned his head in her direction, and smiled. 

"You'll like it."

When they sat comfortably and put on their seatbelts, Eliza turned to him.

"Can't you really give me any hint?"

Alex contemplated for a moment, and then smiled slightly.

"A furry surprise."

"You're not gonna walk around in a fursuit, right?"

Both the driver and Alex laughed.

"No, no, no worries." Alex wiped the tear away. "To the animal shelter, please."

Eliza thought for a moment, clearly connecting the dots, and then her eyes widened. If they're going to the shelter, then…

"WE'RE GETTING A PET?!"

Alex chuckled. "Yes!"

"OHMYGODILOVEYOUSOMUCH" She threw her hands around his neck, squeezing him in a tight hug.

"Betsey I can't breathe—"

"I'm sorry, I'm too excited." She let him go, a wide smile on her face. "Are we really getting a pet?"

"We are indeed."

"Aren't you allergic?"

"I'm allergic to rodents. We're not getting one. I mean, if you want to, then yes, and I'll be taking medication."

"... Are we getting a dog or a cat?"

"You'll find out."

She was looking outside the window for the whole ride, flapping her hands from excitement, a smile not leaving her face.

"Are you excited?"

"YES, excited as hell, don't you see it?"

Alex chuckled. "Right, sorry."

"What breeds do you like the most?"

Eliza had to think about it for a bit, but soon found an answer.

"I like every cat and dog." She didn't move her eyes from the sights outside. "But if I were to choose, I'd get a husky, or a golden retriever. Ohhh, or a pug. And a cat… I don't know, maybe maine coon, or turkish angora. Oh, or a bobtail. Or just a ginger or black cat. Breeds don't really matter to me, what matters is to love and be loved."

Alex smiled at the words. It always warmed his heart when Eliza spoke about such topics. How her words were soaked with love, happiness, and caringness (is that even a word?) . He truly didn't deserve her.

Just how caring she was when he had another migraine or flu, or kidney stone truly made his heart melt. And how worried she was when this was happening. It always broke his heart, having to see Eliza stressed like that. And it truly also broke her heart, to see her boyfriend not feeling well again, passed out on his desk or on the bathroom floor, or delirious with fever. Or how she just sat with him under the blankets and helped him relax. He truly didn't deserve her.

And he also was caring about her. Whenever Eliza was not feeling well, he was by her side, giving her painkillers, massages, or sitting beside her, when she was sick, and when she was laying in her bed, her breathing ragged, hair sticking to her forehead, her shifting whenever a bad dream came up (and while having a fever, she had lots of them). It was stressful for both of them when one was sick, and they often caught the sickness from each other. But it was mostly Alex.

"If I were to choose," He said, "I'd also pick a golden retriever. And a border collie. Or just a random one. It doesn't have to be any breed. And for cats… Javanese. Did you know they act like dogs? But they're really expensive. Or a siamese, they're also beautiful. And a maine coon, like you. But… I'd go for a calico, or just any brown one."

"If I may add," The driver said suddenly, "I'd suggest you to get a grown up, if you want to have a certain type of behavior. If you get a kit, you won't have a guarantee that it won't be running around and knocking things over."

"No worries, my boyfriend already does that." Eliza patted Alex on the shoulder. "They'd match."

"And what's next? You'll end up forcing me to walk around in a fursuit or something?" Alex teased her and nudged her shoulder with his elbow.

"Enough with this, Alex. Don't tell everyone what we do at home."

"It was nice talking with you, but we'll be there in about a minute."

★

Once they arrived, Alex paid and both left, heading for the shelter. 

Eliza couldn't stop her excitement, grinning wildly and flapping her hoodie sleeves.

"Are you happy about it?"

"Of course I am!" She stopped abruptly and hugged him. "I can't thank you enough."

Alex chuckled and hugged her back, patting her head lightly.

"You're welcome, dear." He kissed her head and stepped back. "Come on, let's pick a pet."

★

Once they stepped in and asked to show them a cat, they were led into a room with many cages. Eliza swore her heart ached and her throat clenched a bit from that sight. Some of the animals never experienced real love, either abused, or born and raised in this place, and might never experience it. It brought tears to her eyes, but she took two deep breaths and wiped them away. She was very empathetic, especially towards pets, so a sight like this made her cry a few times.

And then, she saw Alex handing her a long-haired (long-furred?) brown kitty with beautiful, green eyes. Eliza actually noticed that its right eye had a bit more yellowish, almost brown, so the cat had heterochromia. Adorable . 

She took the cat in her arms and sat down on the ground, cross-legged, petting it, as it snuggled into her chest, purring. Her eyes teared up a bit again, but this time from joy and cuteness. It was just adorable to see a cat like this. She loved petting them and hugging them; the fur gave her a good sensory sensation, which was great for her. As a child, she loved to bury her face in her long-haired (long-furred?) cat's belly. She wanted to do the same now, but she didn't want to scare the pet.

"It's a male," Alex said and sat across from her, holding a chocolate colorpoint cat, nodding his head towards the one Eliza was holding. "And it's a she-cat."

"She's really cute." She said, still hugging the cat. "I think I want that one."

"Maybe you'd want to meet other ones?" The shelter worker asked, as she crouched down. "There are many different cats that want to play with you."

"It's a great idea, but I'm afraid I'd end up adopting all of them."

The woman chuckled. "There actually have been situations where someone wanted one cat, and walked out with three. Your apartment and budget actually allows you to get two. Do you want the ones you're holding now?"

Alex looked at Eliza, having a silent conversation whether they want those, or want to look at the other ones.

"We'd want to see more of them." Alex said, petting the kitty on the chin. "If there's a possibility."

"Of course there is." The employee opened another cage and gave them a ginger kitty. "It's a tom. He's really energetic and loves playing. He actually gets along well with the she-cat you're holding. She may look shy and annoyed at first, but later on they'll play together."

Alex handed the cat he was holding back to the worker and grabbed the ginger tom, already holding out a toy for him to play with, and the kit bounced after it happily. Eliza noticed he had wide, beautiful, blue, almost violet eyes. His fur was long and slightly striped, also being a little tangled. Considering his energy, it'll be fun to brush him. 

They've seen a few more cats; a white-furred and blue-eyed tom that was deaf, but also really loving and curious, sniffing and rubbing against them, a black kitty with amber eyes, which actually was too shy and even hissed at them a little, but it's understandable, it didn't know them. There have also been two tortoiseshell cats, who both were really cuddly and loving; one had green eyes, and the other one had amber eyes, and a gray, hazel-eyed tabby, which had a missing paw (they learned that he was born like this) and despite having only three paws, was really playful and also loved cuddles.

But the two of them knew which two cats they'd get.

"We'd like the first two. The ginger and brown ones." Eliza spoke for both of them, after agreeing about it. "All of them are lovely, but those two got our hearts from the start."

"That's a good thing that you get both of them," The woman said, handing them the two kitties. "They're inseparable. Good thing is, they're three months old, so they're old enough to be adopted. They're already neutered and well developing, so there shouldn't be any bad things with them. If so, call the vet. I'll get their proof of ownership and record books."

Once everything was settled, they were in a taxi with two transporters, heading back home. Eliza had her smile plastered to her face the whole time, her leg bouncing, so excited and happy to have those lovely two furballs. She always loved cats and always wanted to have one. And finally, she has two. Together. With Alex. She was ready to marry the man here and now.

The ride went mostly quiet, or so she thought. But really, Alex and the driver changed the topic three times already; the economics, politicians, and other politics shit. He found out that their thinking was really similar. He also learned that the man has lived with dogs all of his life, ever since he was born, but also liked cats. He couldn't get them though, because his wife was allergic.

Once they arrived and paid, they took the transporters and headed to their apartment.

"Hey Lexie, there's one problem." Eliza opened the door and stepped inside, putting her transporter down. She waited for Alex to do the same and closed the door. "We don't have any stuff for them."

"I already took care of it yesterday." Alexander smiled and kicked his shoes off, disappearing into their spare room. "Look, we have everything."

He showed Eliza the canned food, toys, bowls, and two little baskets with a blanket inside. "It's not much, but we'll get more things later."

"It's really great." Eliza walked up to Alex and hugged him tightly. "Thank you again."

He smiled and hugged her back. "No problem, honey. I'm glad you like it."

"Like it? I love it!" She stepped back and grabbed the bowls. "C'mon, let's put all this in their places. We'll release the kitties then."

Alex smiled and grabbed the food. "Alright, let's go."

Eliza quickly set the bowls down on the floor near the entrance, because there was enough space for it and she was sure they wouldn't step in them. While Alex was opening the cabinet and putting the cans away, the last one fell on his foot.

"F—" He bit his tongue and grabbed his foot, muttering a low "Fuuuuuck"

"Oh, honey. "Eliza walked up to Alex and cupped his face in her hands, kissing him. "Does it hurt?"

"A little, but it's better now. Thanks to you."

She put the last can in and closed the cabinet door, so no one would hit their head on it. 

"Come on, Alex, let's get the kittens out." She grabbed his hand and walked with him to the two transporters, in which were a calm kitten, sitting in the corner, and a meowing one, pawing at the crates, curious of his surroundings.

"Alright, alright, I'm taking you out." Alex chuckled and opened the little door for the ginger one, who immediately jumped out and started sniffing everything. 

Eliza opened the second one's door, allowing her to step out and immediately snuggle to her. "Awwww, hey there, little one, how do you like it?" She walked into the bedroom and sat cross-legged on the mattress, kissing and petting the brown kitty.

The little toy suddenly flew inside the room, the ginger kitty storming after it. Once he caught it, he started biting and scratching on it, rolling on the floor. Eliza laughed,  watching him. "He reminds me of you, you know."

Alex walked into the room, sitting beside her. "I know, but I don't do things like that."

She kissed him on the cheek. "Maybe sometimes."

"Only when I'm bored. Which is… Maybe a little bit too often."

"A little bit is nearly every time you have more than five minutes of free time." She kissed him again. "But I love you for this, you know."

"Really?"

"Yeah." She smiled at him. "At least it's not boring."

Alex chuckled and hugged her, careful not to hurt the cat in her arms. "We need to name them."

"Right." Eliza looked at the brown kitty in her arms, petting her head. "I think I'll name her Pocky."

Alex chuckled. "Why? Are you that hungry?"

"No, not really. She's just sweet, like the pocky we ate together for the first time."

"Ohh, I see now. That's really nice."

Eliza looked at the ginger cat, now curling up beside them. "What about him?"

Alex thought for a moment. "I don't know yet."

"Let's eat something, I'm hungry." Eliza stood up, Pocky sitting on her shoulder. "Or let's order something, maybe?"

"It's nearly evening." Alex looked at the clock. "Are you sure?"

"Yep. Let's get some sushi, maybe."

He smiled and grabbed the phone. "Sounds great."

★

They started eating as soon as they got their order. Alex put on some music from their playlist.

"It's delicious, as always." Eliza smiled and put another sushi in her mouth.

"I don't like it that much, but you're right. They have the best sushi."

When Eliza finished eating the fourth one, she heard one of their favourite songs playing, which was "Shut up and dance" by Walk the Moon.

Just as Alex opened his mouth to say something, Eliza grabbed his arm and hauled him to his feet. "Shut up and dance with me!"

Alexander smiled and stepped away from the furniture, and started dancing with her, happier than ever. They didn't really know how to dance, but did this matter? Not at all. To them, it was even better, to see each other just be themselves, dancing as best as they could.

Later, they took a quick shower and sat down to finish their sushi, listening to the playlist again.

"The ginger kitty really enjoyed his shower." Alex said, pointing to the cat licking himself. "I think I'll name him Fish."

Eliza laughed just as she finished her food. "That's a fantastic name for him."

Alex smiled and started looking for something, just as "Lover" by Taylor Swift started playing.

Still smiling, he sat beside Eliza.

"Eliza Schuyler," He kneeled beside her. "will you make me the happiest man on earth," He pulled out a little box, opening it to reveal a ring. "and marry me?"

Eliza's eyes widened, and she smiled so wide, the widest smile he's ever seen. She put a hand on her mouth, tears in her eyes. 

"Yes." She whispered. "Yes, yes, yes! Yes, of course I'll marry you!" 

Alexander put a ring on her finger and Eliza hugged him tightly. And Alexander hugged her back. And they sat there, embracing, tears of joy falling on their cheeks, as the song ended.

Can I go where you go?

Can we always be this close forever and ever?

And ah, take me out, and take me home (forever and ever)

You're my, my, my, my

Oh, you're my, my, my, my

Darling, you're my, my, my, my

Lover