Chapter Text
Alexander was sitting on the couch, curler up next to his boyfriend. He smiled, content as his nuzzled closer, burying in his face in Thomas's shoulder. They were watching a movie they both enjoyed. You've Got Mail has been rewatched a total of eighty-nine times since they started dating.
Alex would probably be able to recite it from memory, if he really wanted it. He wrapped his arms around Thomas's next and pressed a chaste kiss to his jaw, looking up at him adoringly. Thomas smiled down at him and took his hand and squeezed it tight.
Alex went to kiss him properly but Thomas pulled away from his before he could. Alex furrowed his brow, hurt and confused.
"Tom? What-?"
Thomas sighed heavily and reached over to grab the remote. He paused the movie and settled the remote in his lap before going to take cradle Alex's hand in both of his own.
"Alex. I think it's time we had a very serious discussion." Thomas said, biting his lip nervously. Alex's lips parted as he softly gasped in surprise. "You...We-..What?"
This couldn't be happening. He thought they were happy together. They had been living together for six months now, dating for two years. Everything had been just perfect. If Thomas said what Alex expected to hear after such an omnious conversation starter.
He was already preparing himself to bolt. Or to stay strong and keep the tears back until Thomas left. He took a deep breath and nodded. He could do this.
"What abou-t?" Shit. His voice cracked at the end of the question and Thomas's brow quickly furrowed with worry.
"Oh, darlin'- It isn't anything bad. I - I mean I'm hoping it will make you happy-"
Alex swallowed nervously, pulling away slightly and trying for a weak smile. "Oh-"
Thomas slid down onto the floor in front of him, still holding his hand tight.
There he was, on one knee in front of Alexander. Still confused, Alex watched Thomas' every move.
"Thomas what are you-...?"
Thomas withdrew one hand to pull a small velvet box from his sweatpants pocket and opened it, revealing a beautiful diamond ring. "Alexander...I love you so much. We had such a rocky start, but these few years have been the best in my life. I want to spend the rest of my years with you. So...will you marry me?" Thomas asked.
The diamond was beautiful. Not too flashy or big. It was modest and the only stone on the band. Thomas knew him well.
Alex let out a small sob of relief. They were okay. Better than okay. Thomas didn't want to leave. He never wanted to leave him.
Then he smiled widely.
"Are you serious? Is this real?" He asked, tears threatening to fall down his face. Thomas chuckled and teased, "No, I decided to propose to you with a fake ring- Yes it's real, you idiot."
Alex was beaming.
"Oh my god, oh my god-...Yes I'll marry you!" He grabbed the box from Thomas eagerly, taking the ring out and admiring it. "It's beautiful.." He said in a hushed tone.
"Only the best for you, darling. Can I put it on your finger for you?" Thomas asked, gently reaching to take it from him. Alex nodded, laughing as he passed Thomas the ring. He held out his left hand expectantly.
Thomas gingerly took his hand and slowly slipped the ring onto Alex's ring finger.
After he was finished, Alex looked down at the ring and then traced over the diamond with his right pointer finger. "It's gorgeous."
Thomas smiled lightly. "I'm glad you like it.."
Alex beamed up at him. "Oh, I love it! I love you!" He slid off the couch to hug his new fiance tight. Thomas hugged him back, a little startled.
"Hey Alex-about work. Is 'us' still a secret?" Thomas asked, just to make sure. Alex pulled away and looked at Thomas and laughed.
"Oh, you know how the interns gossip. They will see the ring on my finger and go ballistic. It'll be amusing to watch them try to make sense of it all."
They smiled at each other and then Alex hugged him again. "I really, really love you." Alex said. Thomas squeezed him tightly and hummed. "Tomorrow at work is going to be fun.." He said quietly.
"Mhm.." Alex squeezed him tighter in agreement.
As always in the morning, Alex made breakfast, already dressed and ready to leave for work before he went to wake up Thomas. They ate together like they always did, and then Alex left to work right when the plates were cleared. Thomas said goodbye and did the dishes quickly before he went to get ready for the day.
Because of this routine, they would show up at work at different times, tossing suspicion off themselves.
Alex got to work and then walked straight to his office, not making an attempt to hide his ring. He was so excited, everyone could tell he was practically bouncing off the walls. He finally got to his office and was told by a small note that had been slipped under the door that he had a presentation meeting to go to.
He smiled and tucked the note in his pocket to throw away later.
Alex walked into the meeting with his head held high and shoulders back. He sat down and put his folded hands on the table in front of him. Washington called him up to present the prepared powerpoint. He saw Thomas sitting at the opposite side of the table. He smirked before he stood and walked to the projector.
He began presenting, exclusively using his left hand to enunciate a point. The ring sparkled beautifully, catching the sunlight from one of windows to his left.
Many interns sitting in immediately latched their devoted attention to it. Peggy Schuyler in particular, seemed quite intrigued by this course of events.
Her eyes widened and then she quickly started jotting things down.
Alex smirked as he turned around to go to the next slide.
Let the guessing games begin.