Chapter Text
It takes Alex three days to realize that Henry is hiding something from him.
In a typical relationship, that would be pretty average.
But Henry and Alex?
They can typically read one another like an open book. It’s one of their more annoying traits as a couple according to Nora.
Not to mention the fact that long ago, they had established a “no lying” pact with one another. They told each other everything, and more than that, they wanted to tell each other everything. There were no secrets in their relationship.
So the fact that Henry is holding on to a secret and Alex didn’t notice for three days…is highly unusual, and Alex curses himself for not figuring it out sooner.
There are some extenuating circumstances however, Alex muses as he watches Henry disappear down the hallway that leads to his office, speaking quietly on the phone.
Circumstance number one is their 8-month-old, currently trying to drop his snack on the floor for the dog to eat, giggling like a little mad man.
Alex rolls his eyes fondly at the baby before heading over to interfere. The last thing they needed was to take David to the vet and hear he’s 5 pounds overweight…again.
In the eight months since they adopted their son, Oliver Arthur Claremont-Diaz Fox, affectionately known as Ollie, Henry and Alex, like many other parents, had found it more difficult to reconnect just the two of them.
The adoption had been a stressful experience, but the joy it brought in the end made it all worth it. It became clear however, that their lives had been upended by a 6lb baby boy.
A perfect baby boy, Alex thinks with a smile as he gently wipes Ollie’s face clean with a washcloth.
He pulls the baby out of his high chair with a kiss to his head and places him in the playpen, watching as his son immediately starts scooting towards his toys, babbling the entire way. Ollie sits up with a smile, slapping his hand down on the toy drum set his Tia June had given him on her last visit.
“The noisiest toy in existence,” Henry often complained, but Alex noticed he made no effort in stopping their baby from his performances.
“Play away mi corazon,” Alex croons before sitting down at his desk, attempting to get some work done while Henry is still home.
After bringing Ollie home, Henry and Alex had both taken paternity leave for the first three months. Everyone had assumed that it would be Alex who would be itching to return to work, but in a shocking reversal of roles, it was actually Henry who had to be reminded to put down his phone.
Not that he could blame his husband.
Before the adoption, Alex was working as an associate at a small law firm in Austin, specializing in immigration.
Meanwhile, Henry had recently taken over as President of the Okonjo Foundation after Pez had uncovered some wrongdoing by the previous President.
Henry, Pez had explained in one of the few instances he was serious, was the only one he could trust to take over. Henry was also trying to open a new shelter in Austin, which would double as a second headquarters for the Foundation’s operations in the Americas.
His husband had a lot on his plate.
At the end of their paternity leave, although sad to not spend every waking moment with their beautiful boy, Henry was excited to return to work.
Unfortunately, Alex did not have the same feelings.
On their last day of paternity leave, Henry had taken Ollie for a walk around the neighborhood while Alex took advantage of the alone time to go through some case files his boss had dropped off earlier in the week. His boss had explained that he wanted Alex to hit the ground running as soon as he returned.
Alex didn’t understand at the time why that made his chest feel heavy.
But the more he started reading the case files, the more overwhelmed he felt. His chest felt tight, he was shaking all over, and he was finding it hard to breathe.
When Henry returned from his walk, he had found Alex gasping for breath, in the middle of a panic attack. After helping Alex calm down, they had one of their honest conversations, where he finally admitted that the idea of leaving Ollie in the care of a nanny while they were both at work filled him with anxiety and panic.
“I don't think going back to work will make me happy,” Alex had admitted. And to Henry’s credit, he was immediately supportive of Alex becoming a stay-at-home dad.
Alex had worked out a deal with the law office where he would work on a part time research basis from home, helping the lawyers with their cases, but not actively participating.
Taking care of their baby full time fulfilled something in Alex, and honestly made him feel the happiest he had ever felt. Henry was relieved as well, both that Alex was happy, and that they didn’t have to rely on nannies.
It also helped that they had a good support system. Since moving to Austin 5 years ago, several family members had also returned.
Alex's Mom and Leo had moved back into his childhood home after serving her last term as president. They were both retired now, although Leo had recently begun teaching a course at UT Austin. They were thrilled to become grandparents, and stopped by often to help Alex with Ollie, and Ollie had already had sleepovers at Nana and Grampy’s house.
Nora was another surprise transplant, as she accepted Henry’s offer as the Director of Public Relations at the Okonjo Foundation and moved with her wife Sarah, a chef at a local farm to table restaurant.
Nora and Alex had become even closer in the past few years, fully referring to one another as siblings. Alex felt lucky to have her and Sarah around. It helped that Ollie adored them.
June, now living in Washington, D.C., and working as their father’s chief of staff, was a frequent visitor, often stopping by with her arms overflowing with gifts for baby Ollie. She had just started dating an artist named Andrea, but Alex had been sworn to secrecy.
Sometimes June would be accompanied by their dad, but Oscar Diaz was often busy with his work as Secretary of State. But when he did stop by, Ollie only had eyes for him, and would spend hours playing and getting cuddled by his Abuelo.
“The Brits” as Alex referred to Bea, Percy, Catherine, and Philip were more frequent visitors over FaceTime, although they had all made the trip over the holidays to visit in person. But Ollie adored chattering on FaceTime, and Alex loved when his little face would light up at the sound of the phone ringing.
Zahra and Shaun had also settled nearby in Dallas, her hometown, where she worked as CEO of a nonprofit dedicated to recruiting more women to run for office. They’d had twins a few years prior, and Shaun had also decided to become a stay at home dad. He and Alex often found themselves on the phone together, talking about their experiences.
The support system that Alex and Henry had developed had been critical in the months since Henry had returned to work. As President, Henry was suddenly traveling a lot more, going to New York and London at least once a month, and then also to visit different project sites.
Henry had actually just recently returned from a trip to Vancouver for a visit to their newest shelter. He had been enthusiastic to see Ollie, so maybe that had distracted Alex, but now he knew.
Henry was keeping something from him.
Alex looked up as feet shuffled down the hall, Henry reappearing sans phone. He had a look on his face that Alex instantly recognized.
Guilt.
Alex sighed as Henry approached. “Where do you need to go now?” He asked, and immediately winced at the somewhat accusing tone.
Predictably, Henry bristled.
“I have to go to New York for a few days to meet with the board. You know I wouldn’t go if I didn’t have to,” he explained with an annoyed look.
Alex sighed again and nodded. “I know baby, I’m sorry. I’ve just missed you, and you only just got back.”
Instead of diffusing the situation, Alex’s statement might as well as set it on fire.
“I feel guilty enough,” Henry snapped. “You don’t have to add onto it.”
These little fights were becoming more common, frustrating them both. They didn’t like sniping at one another but couldn’t seem to stop.
Alex holds his hands up in surrender. “I know you’re frustrated, but you don’t have to take it out on me,” he says, “Little ears are listening.”
He and Henry both look towards Ollie, who sure enough is staring up at them, and an uncharacteristic frown on his face.
The sight of their little baby looking unhappy takes the wind out of Henry’s sails a bit, although he still shoots Alex a disgruntled look.
“All the same, I would appreciate it if you could withhold the judgment for just a few days,” Henry says in a cheerful tone, not at all matching his words.
Alex rolls his eyes as he walks into the living room to grab his water bottle off the coffee table. “Yes, your majesty,” he mumbles. “As always, we’ll still be here when you deem to return.”
“Oh Alex, come on. I’m doing the best I can,” Henry says loudly, which immediately makes Ollie start crying.
Henry pulls the baby into his arms, who immediately starts squirming, crying getting louder.
“I understand you’re doing the best you can for the foundation,” Alex says over the crying. “But can you honestly tell me you’re doing your best for this family? We just want to see you a little more often… or at all, really.”
“That’s not fair,” Henry retorts, cheeks growing red with anger. “You know that you and Ollie will always be my priorities. But the foundation is important too, and we’re trying to fix the damage that Carl caused before he resigned. That can’t happen overnight!”
Carl Porter was the previous President of the Okonjo Foundation. Although he had plenty of experience, he had slowly and quietly driven the finances of the foundation into the ground. Alex knew that Henry was still cleaning up a lot of the mess.
Ollie's scream goes up an octave as Alex shakes his head.
“All I’m saying, Henry, is that in the past month, Ollie and I have only seen you for 5 days. 5 days,” he exclaims, holding up his fingers. “My sister lives in another fucking state and she’s spent more time here than you have!”
Another wail comes from Ollie at the continued raised voices.
“Well maybe if you would just come with me, like I suggested, we could have more time together!” Henry starts pacing, trying to get Ollie to calm down.
“Oh yes, because dragging an 8-month-old all over the world is such a realistic plan. Besides, we need a support system, and our support system is here,” Alex says, trying to calm himself down. “I’ve been sick for 2 weeks straight, Henry, how would we have handled Ollie if we were on our own in Canada!?”
“We would have figured it out together,” Henry shouts. “Just because I’m not home all the time doesn’t mean I can’t take care of my son as well as you can.”
Henry inhales suddenly, his eyes going wide. Almost as if he hadn’t meant to admit that.
Flabbergasted, Alex takes a step back. Before he can respond and ask Henry what he means by that, Ollie lets out a loud screeching sound, his face going red as he cries. The baby twists in Henry’s arms and reaches for his daddy.
Without thinking, Alex reaches for him and pulls the baby into his own arms. Ollie immediately quiets, cuddling into Alex’s neck, sniffling.
Henry and Alex exchange a shocked look. A look of devastation crosses Henry’s face before he looks down to the floor, stung by his son’s rejection.
“I’m sorry,” Henry says, much quieter than before. “I’m sorry, Alex, I lost my temper. I’m tired of the constant travel too. I’ve been missing too much around here and I hate that.”
Alex sighs as he considers his husband.
“I think we need to have a talk, just the two of us,” Alex says. “Things can’t continue this way. I don’t like being yelled at by you, and I especially don’t like yelling at you.”
The tips of Henry’s ears grow pink and he nods. “I don’t like yelling at you either. You don’t deserve that. I’m sorry”
Alex moved forward, quickly placing a kiss on Henry’s cheek.
“Hey, I love you. We’ll figure this out.”
Henry returns the kiss, before pressing another one to Ollie’s forehead. “I love you too. I have to leave tomorrow morning, but I should be back within a few days. Maybe your mom can watch Ollie and we can go on an actual date.”
“God remember when we used to go on those,” Alex laughs, Henry joining in a moment later. “Listen, why don’t we put work away for the rest of the day and spend some family time together?” He suggests.
Henry nods with a small smile. “That sounds nice. At least until Ollie goes to bed. Then I really do have to prepare for this board meeting.”
Alex nods. One step at a time.
“Let's go make some dinner then,” he says, pulling his phone out of his pocket. “Pizza or Chinese?”
A few days, Henry had promised.
Liar.
A week passed, and if Alex didn’t get a break soon, he didn’t know what would happen. Henry was supposed to be arriving home soon, but Alex had been told that before, so he didn’t have a lot of confidence in him. And didn’t that just hurt.
In the week since their argument, Henry had been in New York the entire time, putting out fires and taking meetings with donors, delaying his return each day.
Meanwhile, Alex and Ollie had come down with some kind of virus, and it was making them both miserable. Alex had been feeling sick for quite a while, weeks if he had to think of it. But being sick at the same time as Ollie was not a fun experience.
His typically calm and happy little baby had quickly turned into a raging monster, and it seemed like nothing would soothe him.
Alex and Ollie were currently in the bathroom with the door closed. Alex had the shower running and the steam from the water seemed to be the only thing to stop the screams. Alex was seated with his back leaning against the glass shower wall. Ollie was snuggled up on his chest, still sniffling, but at least quiet for now.
Alex had tears streaming down his face as he sat there. He felt terrible, he was drained of his energy, and he and Ollie were both running a fever. He hasn’t allowed anyone else into the house in case they were contagious, but he seriously regrets that now.
He needed help.
Without warning, a sob flew out of his mouth. With that, the floodgates opened. Soon, both he and Ollie were sobbing while sitting on the bathroom floor. This is a new low point, he thought.
Neither he nor Ollie noticed the door to the bathroom slowly open, otherwise they would have caught Henry’s horrified stare.
“Alex, love!” Henry exclaimed, startling them both as his husband skidded across the floor towards them. “What’s wrong?”
Henry kneeled down in front of them, placing a hand on Alex’s cheek, gasping at the heat radiating from it and wiping some tears away.
“You’re burning up!” He whispered, before turning to Ollie. “You both are. Oh my loves, why didn’t you tell me you were sick? Let me get you off the floor.”
Henry reached over to turn off the shower, and Alex panicked.
“No,” Alex sobs, reaching a hand up to try to stop him. “He’ll start screaming again! He just won’t stop screaming. He won’t stop Henry.”
Henry leans close to Alex, wiping away more tears. “Ok, sweetheart. I won’t turn it off, just try to take a breath,” he croons, his other hand coming up to stroke through Alex’s sweaty hair.
Alex takes a shaky breath, willing himself to calm down. Ollie whines against his chest, reaching towards Henry. Henry immediately pulls the baby into his own arms and stands up, swaying back and forth.
“Oh my poor darling,” Henry whispers. “Are you feeling poorly, love? Papa’s here, Papa’s here,” he says. Ollie had clearly missed his Papa, and he immediately snuggled into his chest, sighing and closing his eyes.
“There’s a good boy,” he whispers, before turning back to Alex.
“Alex, love, do you think you could take a shower? It might make you feel better. I’ll take care of Ollie, alright, darling?” Henry says, giving Alex a sympathetic smile.
Alex nods in relief. “Yes, that would be nice,” he says softly.
“Alright, I’ll bring you in some fresh clothes too, and see about getting you some soup.”
Henry extends a hand, helping Alex stand up. He doesn’t let go of his hand, pulling Alex towards him and into a hug.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been here, my darling,” his husband whispers. “But I’m here now, and I’m going to take care of you. Both of you.”
Alex lets out a sob of relief. “Okay,” he says. “I’m going to get in the shower now.”
“Okay, I’m going to try to put this little one down for a nap. Let me know if you need anything, I’ll just be down the hall.”
With that, Henry gives him some privacy. Alex almost immediately hops into the shower after stripping out of his clothes. He leans against the wall as he lets the water fall over him, breathing in the steam.
He quickly cleans himself off, eager to join Ollie in a nap now that Henry is here to take care of them. Alex didn’t realize how much he needed his husband to just take care of him. He had missed him so much.
As he steps out of the shower, Henry steps in, a pile of clothes in his hands. He receives a smile from his husband.
“Hi darling, here’s some clothes. Let me take your dirty ones.”
“Thank you,” Alex croaks, but Henry just shakes his head at him.
“It’s the absolute least I can do. I’m so sorry I haven’t been here. I just about had a heart attack when I opened this door and found you both on the floor, honestly, I might have nightmares,” Henry says, face pale.
Alex winces, knowing that the sight would have frightened his husband.
“Alex don’t be angry, but I called your mother and asked if she and Leo could take Ollie for the night,” Henry says, turning to him with earnest eyes. “I think you could use a break, and I think it’s more important than ever that we talk.”
Alex sighs and nods. “I didn’t want to get anyone else sick, but yes, I think we need the help,” he says.
“Good,” Henry smiles. “She’ll be here in about 20 minutes. Where do you want to go? Do you want to get some sleep in our bedroom, or the couch?” he asks.
Alex considers, and then grabs Henry’s hand, pulling him down the hallway towards the bedroom. “I’m going to lay down, but I want you to join me,” he says.
Henry nods, and smiles at him. “Sure darling. Let me help you get settled, and I’ll join you after your mom leaves.
Henry helps him into bed, tucking the covers around him. He goes over to the rocking chair in the corner and grabs the throw blanket, securing that around him as well. He presses a firm kiss on Alex's head.
“I love you,” Henry whispers. “I’ll join you in a bit, get some rest.”
Alex sighs as he enjoys the quiet room. Now that Henry was back, everything would be ok.