Chapter Text
Henry leans heavily on his chair, neck aching and head throbbing. He’s stretched thin, thoroughly stressed and overworked. He’s always been busy as the CEO of Crown Studios, the film production company under the Mountchristen Group, a global mass media and entertainment conglomerate. Especially now with online streaming platforms boosting the number of movies being released, the competition has been tough and there has been a constant pressure to produce a higher quantity and better quality films. But his dream since he was a young boy was to publish books, and he’s infinitely grateful that after years of pitching and planning for it, as well as his profitable handling of Crown, he was given the chance to add a publications company to their family’s conglomerate. And so he pushed for Orion, his very own publishing house, despite already being busy with Crown. Orion is just a few months old, but having the backing of being part of the well-established Mountchristen Group has already put it on the industry’s proverbial map.
He is terribly appreciative of his job, especially with the success of Crown and the fulfilment of Orion, but he’s so exhausted and drowning with work right now. He knows he’s near his threshold of being burnt out. He hardly sleeps, is constantly working, and has been involuntarily zoning out a little in some meetings which he knows is bad for the businesses.
Heaving a sigh, he reaches out to check his phone, knowing he has plenty of messages to answer. Worth noting is his best mate’s glaring twelve messages. Knowing he’d suffer even more if he ignores that any longer, he proceeds to open them only to see Pez badgering him to attend a party tonight. On a Thursday.
Sorry, Pez. I’m really so drained lately and I’d rather just go home after work. Relax in the bath and then sleep until I have to go and work again tomorrow.
Take a bath and sleep? Not even read or watch Bake Off? My dear Hazza, you seem not yourself right now. And I haven’t even seen you in weeks. Are you quite alright?
I’m honestly not.
I don’t even recognize myself anymore, Pez. I feel so awful. I still have a ton of documents to sift through, meetings to review and meetings to prepare for, partnerships and contracts to follow through, et cetera.
I seriously do not know why I’ve done this to myself. Tell me, am I biting off more than I can chew?
Was I wrong to push for Orion knowing that I already have too much on my plate with Crown?
Hush, dear. That’s you spiralling. Go home early and take a breather for now, lest you break down.
But Haz, we all know you can handle this. You just need a bit of help so you won’t be overwhelmed and too swamped with work.
You have an amazing secretary. Can’t he help you?
Shaan, bless him, does his job well in handling my hellish schedule, fielding all my calls, reserving venues for my meetings outside, and other secretarial matters. He even keeps me fed and hydrated when I forget. But even as a stellar secretary, he wouldn’t have the time and the capacity to help me with the other matters.
Then I believe what you need is an Executive Assistant. They can help you with administrative matters, research, communications, planning, et cetera. God knows my EA is a blessing that makes me able to have a fun life outside my responsibilities.
God, that sounds great. Yes, I need that. Help, please.
Percy “Pez” Okonjo isn’t his HR head, and even if he is a major investor both in Crown and Orion for the risky and out of the ordinary projects that most other investors don’t want to gamble in or attach their names with, he isn’t technically a part of the two companies Henry is handling, given the fact that Pez himself manages part of Okonjo Industries and its entire non-profit sector. But Pez surely has the resources to find him a good employee. And Pez knows a lot of people. He’s as extroverted as one can be and has always been, ever since Henry met him back when they were still in London and in boarding school.
I got you, mate. Any specifics of what you need?
You know what I do. I need someone to attend meetings with me, take notes, and follow through after. Someone smart with good communication skills and a pleasing personality that can talk to clients, investors, business partners, as well as key people within the company by himself/herself. Someone who can organise all my affairs in extensive lists. Someone who has proficiency in doing research, some writing, and preparing binders and briefs. Please, find me one.
On it, babes.
***
Henry shouldn’t really be surprised it only took a short time, but he is still astounded four days later when he sees a new hiring document from the HR department on the pile of papers he has to review and sign. A certain Alexander Gabriel Claremont-Diaz, 28, to be hired as his Executive Assistant. He raises an eyebrow at the handsome monthly salary and benefits listed, and lifts his other eyebrow as he scans the attached resume. A degree in Government from the University of Texas and an MBA from Georgetown University. Has worked for NGOs in Texas and business consulting companies in Washington.
He takes his phone and dials immediately.
“Good morning, darling Hazza,” Pez answered at the second ring.
“I am deeply thankful for your swift help, but I am terribly confused. You sent this directly to my HR and expect me to hire him on the spot? Are you that sure about this person?”
“You wound me. I reviewed more than fifty resumes, shortlisted about twenty, and interviewed nine of them. Of course I am sure. I promise, you’ll love him.”
Henry frowns at that last sentence.
“If this man is a stuck-up employee that will–”
“I assure you, he is not a stuck-up person. Far from it. And Alexander is charming and pretty amusing. I’m fairly sure he is what you need,” Pez cut him off with a suspicious lilt in his voice.
“How did you even find him? Especially someone with these credentials?”
“I have the pleasure of being…acquainted with his sister, June. I asked her for referrals and she mentioned that her brother has just moved to California and is still unemployed at the moment. In my utmost delight, June forwarded to me his resume.”
“...And? When you interviewed him, what was he like?”
“He was very interested to work for Mountchristen Group, of course. And when I told him it would be for the CEO of Crown and the newly minted Orion, he became even more animated and told me extensively how much he admires that ever since the new CEO stepped in several years ago, there have been very well publicised positive changes. He talked about Crown’s unorthodox films, and the support for the employees that influenced change to the entire media industry. He was truly…to put it mildly, impassioned, when he was talking about those things.”
Henry hums, his interest piqued. He knows he changed many things when he became CEO of Crown. Things he’s observed when he was working the several positions he held in the company before being given the CEO title. Things he was frustrated with and wanted to change. And the movies, well. Apart from blockbuster films, he also actively seeks for films that bring to light societal issues, promote mental health endeavours, tackle the history and unfairness that the queer community has gone through, open the general public with the truth that love is for everyone, and many other unorthodox ideas that are not produced in mainstream cinema. Films that only big companies would have the budget and entitlement to produce but never had the courage or urge to do so.
So, if this man seems passionate about those things too, then Henry likes him already.
“Okay. But I think I should at least interview him as well.”
“Oh, dear, you wound me again. Don’t you trust me?”
“God help me, but I actually do.”
“Then just sign it and he can start working bright and early tomorrow!”
“On a Tuesday?”
“As I’ve said, he’s currently unemployed. But he’s exceptionally competent, so you should grab that man before he gets snatched away by any other.”
Henry feels like there’s something he’s missing. But he trusts Pez and this Alexander seems to be really promising. And most of all, he really, badly, needs the help as soon as possible.
He sucks in a breath and signs the document. He walked out his office and wordlessly gave the file to Shaan whose station is right outside his door. Shaan understood the urgency and nodded before briskly walking away. “There. He’s hired.”
“Brilliant! I’ll go ahead and give him the good news.”
“Pez, you can let the HR do that. You’ve honestly done more than enough. Thank you, really.”
“You’re welcome, Hazza. Anything for you. But no, I’m actually headed to their apartment right now so I can tell him personally.”
Henry stops dead in his tracks. “When you said you’re acquainted with his sister…”
“Yes. And we had a spectacular time last night. I am dropping her and her equally gorgeous girlfriend back to their apartment where Alex is also currently staying.”
Henry closes his eyes. He doesn’t even want to think about what Pez meant by that, although he has an inkling. He can already feel another headache coming. “Pez, I –”
“Don’t worry. I assure you, I chose Alexander without any biases. As I’ve said, he is extremely competent and has the same views as you do.”
Henry sighs, choosing to believe in Pez. Ultimately, he knows Pez will never do anything that will lead him to harm, albeit the frequent questionable decisions.
“Alright, thanks again. I really hope I won’t regret this.”
***
Henry is already regretting it.
It was an oversight that he didn’t even notice there was no photo in Alexander Claremont-Diaz’s resume. It was a mistake to not even ask for it or check his LinkedIn page.
Because now he is totally unprepared for the devastatingly handsome man currently waiting in his office while he’s pacing in his personal bathroom like the flustered gay that he is. He must have looked like an idiot earlier. He was immersed in reading the outline of a story pitch when an HR assistant knocked and entered his office, escorting a gorgeous man with golden skin and pretty curls and beautiful eyes. It was too much for Henry’s sleep-deprived brain. He was speechless and just nodded as the man introduced himself as Alex, then he promptly excused himself to hold himself together.
In his defence, he really can’t be blamed. Alexander is breathtakingly beautiful.
He sucks in a breath and steels himself before returning to his office. Shaan and Alex are seated at his conference table where a laptop is now set up and Shaan seems to be giving Alex a rundown of Henry’s schedule and other things. Alex doesn’t even look nervous for his first day of work. He looks happy and animated, with a charming smile that sends Henry’s insides to a tapdance. He asks pertinent questions and he sounds professional and casual at the same time. He exudes confidence and warmth, and it is very clear that he is a competent individual as well as a nice guy.
He pulls out his phone and texts Pez with a simple, “I hate you.” Then he proceeds to sit on his chair as he waits for Shaan and Alex to finish talking, while he pretends to look at the papers on his desk that truly don't make any sense at the moment.
“And because your office is still being arranged, you’ll be staying here for the time being. You can use this conference table as your space for now,” Shaan says as he wraps up.
Fuck, that’s right. Because the position didn't exist until five days ago, the Executive Assistant’s office isn’t ready yet. The meeting room across Henry’s office is being renovated but is yet to be completed by next week.
Henry is truly doomed. How can he function properly with Alex in his periphery the entire time?
Then again, Alex actually will be in his sight all the time because they will be together in all his meetings. And, as Henry glances up at his glass wall, he realises that Alex’s future office is in his line of sight when the blinds aren’t drawn.
It wasn’t supposed to be a problem. But it is now a goddamn problem because Alex is the most incredible thing he has ever seen. And that ought to count for something because he’s met hundreds of beautiful actors and actresses and ordinary people since he was a child. Alex is gorgeous on a different level. And don’t get Henry started with that body. Alex makes a formal suit and tie downright sinful. But more than that, Alex’s appeal goes beyond his beauty, very much evident despite being in his presence for only less than an hour.
Shaan closes the door and Henry knows that’s his queue to speak.
“So, Mr. Claremont-Diaz…”
But Henry doesn’t know what to say. His degree in Economics and Management, even his masters in English Language and Literature, nor his MBA, and his years in working in the industry couldn’t have prepared him for this.
“You can just call me Alex, Mr. Fox-Mountchristen,” Alex says with a dashing smile that emphasises his Fibonacci jawline.
Henry’s heart stuttered. “Okay. Alex. You can also just call me Henry.”
But Henry doesn’t actually do that. Nobody in the company apart from his family calls him Henry. He’s never told any client or investor or business partner to call him by his first name either, with the exception of those who he’s been acquainted with before he started working.
“Henry.”
He feels a shiver down his spine and resists the urge to bite his lip. He clears his throat to remind himself of propriety.
“So, Alex. We don’t have any meetings today, thus you can focus on orienting yourself. For now you can review the different departments and their roles in the company in that binder Shaan has given you. Then later and in the coming days, we can walk through the different companies we are working with, the current projects we have, the potential ones we are still scoping out, and all the other stuff both for Crown and Orion. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Alex nods. “Alright. This industry is pretty new to me so I’d be needing a bit of hand-holding at first. But don’t worry, I’m a pretty fast learner.”
Henry decidedly does not think about hand holding as he glances down on Alex’s big hands with those prominent veins.
He nods and fumbles at his phone as an excuse to look away. He breathes carefully through his nose as he watches Alex in his periphery start to settle with his things. He focuses back on his phone in which Pez has sent him several messages. A gif of a laughing baby, a popcorn emoji, and several texts.
I assume you’ve already met Alexander then.
You’re welcome!
And also, tell me more.
A warning would have been nice.
I did tell you that he’s charming.
That is a terrible understatement and you bloody well know it. I looked like a fool, Pez! I couldn’t even speak at first. Why did you make me hire such a gorgeous man? How, in God’s name, could I ever focus on my work?
He’s really perfect for the job. And to see such a pretty man every day to alleviate your stress is an amazing bonus, isn’t it?
Pez does have a point. But Henry is worried for his heart.
“Henry?” Alex calls out, breaking his reverie.
“Hmm?” he hums as he looks up, and nearly chokes at the sight. Alex has removed his suit and is now wearing glasses.
“This binder is mine now, right? So I can write and put notes on it?”
Henry glances down at the table. Alex’s laptop, the binder, a pen and pencil, and several colours of sticky notes. Good lord, how will he survive this? The competency and diligence is definitely doing it for him too.
“Yes, of course. Go ahead.” Henry is thankful he doesn’t sound as faint as he feels.
They continued working quietly independently for the next hour and a half until Shaan knocked to remind them that it’s already lunch time. Both of them nodded at him with thanks.
Alex gets up and then looks at Henry curiously. “Aren’t you gonna go eat?”
“Uhm, I.. don’t really go out to eat lunch. I usually just order in.”
Alex raises his eyebrows and looks as if he’s considering something for a moment. Then he sits back down and picks up his phone. “Then I’ll just join you here. What would you like to eat?”
Henry’s heart skips a beat. “You don’t have to join me. You can go out and have your lunch.”
“I’m still not finished reviewing these things anyway, so I’ll just stay in,” Alex says as he scrolls on his phone, probably on the delivery app.
“I–”
“Or do you want to be alone? Do you not want me to join you for lunch?”
“No, no! I like your company! I’d really like it if we have lunch together!” Henry exclaims, forgetting to turn on his brain-to-mouth filter, and promptly tries his best not to blush.
“Then what’s the matter? Hey, do you like Chinese takeout?” Alex says casually.
But Henry fails to be as casual in his answer. Really, he doesn’t want Alex to feel awkward about leaving for lunch just because they’re basically sharing an office. “I… I’m just worried you’re missing out or something. You don’t have to do this, you know. It’s not being disrespectful to me or anything.”
“Well, you’re missing out on not going out to eat. How about some Mediterranean cuisine? Or something easy like burgers?”
“It’s comfortable just staying here. Besides, it’s…kind of lonely and awkward to eat outside alone.”
Alex pauses in his scrolling and then looks at him as if he’s already expecting that answer from Henry. “Nobody to eat with?”
Henry feels perceived. He’s not even lonely about it, but it feels odd having Alex point that out so easily like that. “I feel like eating fish and chips. And by chips, I mean what you Americans call fries.”
Alex looks at him as if he wants to call him out on the subject change, but apparently decides to drop it instead and then grins. “Well, what place would you recommend? You’ve been here in LA longer than I have.”
“Hmm, El Mar is great. They also have a great variety of dips.”
Alex nods and goes back to his phone to order. Henry bites the bullet and initiates the conversation this time around.
“So, why did you move to LA?” Henry asks. “If it’s not a personal thing to ask,” he hurries to add, considering he himself has just evaded a topic.
Alex raises a confused eyebrow. “Didn’t Pez tell you? We talked about it when he interviewed me.”
Henry just shakes his head. He’s curious but he doesn’t want to push Alex.
Alex hums as he finishes ordering. “It’s a pretty long story. Are you sure you wanna listen to it?”
“We have an hour for lunch break,” Henry shrugs as he walks toward the conference table to sit with Alex.
“Well, I wanted to be a politician when I was a kid. I took up Government and worked for NGOs in Texas with that in mind. When my mom became a Senator, I moved to Washington to work at her office. But being that close to all the action got me disillusioned with politics, so I felt lost and I didn’t know what to do with my life. Then I thought, if there’s something I’m sure of, it's the fact that I’m good at studying. So I took up MBA while I was still deciding what to do. Part of the program was interning for a consulting company, and I ended up just following that career path when I finished the degree. The pay is great but I wasn’t happy. And to be frank, I felt lonely there. So I figured, might as well come here. At least I’d have constant company. My sister lives here with her girlfriend, who’s also my bestfriend, and my dad lives in San Diego. Taking a break and having a good support system here allowed me to realize that–” Alex suddenly stops, looking sheepish. “Sorry, I tend to run my mouth and overshare.”
“No, it’s okay. Go on. What did you realise?”
Alex pauses for a few seconds and seems to see Henry’s eagerness to listen to him. “Well, the reason why I wanted to be a politician when I was younger was because I wanted to help and bring change. And even if I gave up that dream, I haven’t been able to let go of that reason. So maybe apart from being lonely, I also felt miserable because I felt like I was not contributing anything to society with my job.”
Henry nods understandingly, knowing the feeling of wanting to contribute to the world perfectly well.
“And then my sister suddenly asked me last Thursday if I wanted to work for Crown. I said yes, and the rest is history. Or, I mean, you know what happened.”
“Surprisingly, I don’t. How did that go?”
“I gave her my resume and received a very long questionnaire the next day. Then I was surprised to get called in for an interview on a Sunday. And then to my shock, Pez, who was the one who interviewed me, arrived at my sister’s apartment yesterday and told me I’m hired and is expected to come to work the next day, which is today. Honestly, I didn’t expect it to be all so….fast.”
Henry chuckles. “Neither did I.”
Alex raises a curious eyebrow at that. “What do you mean?”
Henry tells him how the position was basically conjured just last Thursday and that he was also surprised when Pez straight up had him hire Alex yesterday after just a mere four days. Alex is amused and says that even though he’s just talked to Pez twice, he seemed like an eccentric person that can do anything. Henry agrees and shares some anecdotes about Pez.
Their food arrives and while eating, Henry voices out something that piqued his curiosity since Alex told him about his career journey. “I’m curious. Why did you want to work for Crown?”
Alex looks at him incredulously. “Why would I not want to?”
“I mean, you said you realised why you weren’t happy with your previous career choices. One would think you wouldn’t go back to working for a big company.”
“Maybe it’s still too early to say that I think I could do some good here. But for all it’s worth, I know you are a great contributor to the people, so I’m glad to be working for you.”
Henry blinks several times and chokes on his food. “W-well, I, it’s not, I… I think that’s an exaggeration?”
Alex snorts at that. “Henry. People in this industry sing praises about you. The queer community loves you. Mental health advocates honor you. A lot of people know you, and not just because you’re drop-dead gorgeous, but also because you’ve brought influential change. The Crown’s commitment to producing films for the benefit of the general public’s awareness is commendable. Those types of films are generally indie in nature, but you bring it to mainstream cinema. The changes you made for the welfare of Crown’s artists, writers, actors, and other employees extended to the other companies of the Mountchristen Group, and influenced the entire media industry. The first book launched by Orion is an anthology of queer romance across history that recognized love in its purest form and made people feel seen. Why wouldn’t I want to work for you? You already have so much legacy and I cannot wait to contribute to that.”
Henry is halfway in love and full on blushing by the time Alex finishes his speech. Pez was right in saying that Alex was impassioned when talking about this. He gestured wildly and even put their food and drinks in danger of toppling several times. Henry feels giddy because of the praises and appreciation, and also because of how Alex looks so… alive. His heart is thrumming and he feels drunk with all the emotions he’s feeling right now.
He looks down, shy and overwhelmed. “Thank you. Really. I am deeply grateful that I am able to do good with what I have and for people to appreciate it. I… don’t know what else to say, but thank you for such kind words.”
“Hot and humble. Do you know that’s what the internet says whenever you attend public events?”
Henry knows. Pez delights in showing Henry the tweets and articles. But hearing it still makes him feel embarrassed, and hearing it from Alex makes him feel like he’s burning.
Alex is laughing softly. “Look at you, you’re like a tomato!”
Henry recognizes the offer for a way out. He huffs and finally looks up. “It’s tomato!”
They laugh in chorus and Henry appreciates the warm feeling as he watches Alex’s eyes crinkle in mirth.
They kept talking until they finished eating, and then went back to their respective work. Alex asks a question every twenty minutes or so. Turns out Alex is researching all the companies and people that Henry has in his calendar so that he could understand more and have better insight on the upcoming meetings. He also asks Henry what the meeting agenda are for each one, and subsequent questions like how or why those are necessary. It makes Henry admire Alex even more because he is obviously competent, but more than that, he’s intelligent and smart and hardworking.
A couple hours later, he notices Alex standing up from his chair.
Henry looks up at him. “Do you need the restroom? You can use the one in here,” he says as he points at the door beside the shelf behind him.
He definitely does not want to dwell on the fact that he will be sharing his private bathroom with Alex.
Alex shakes his head. “No, I’m actually gonna go to the pantry to get coffee. I really need my fix. Do you want one too?”
“Oh,” Henry blinks, surprised. “I, uh, actually prefer tea. But I can just call in Shaan to get us coffee and tea.”
Alex gives him a knowing smile that transforms into a smirk. “I’d actually prefer to get my own coffee and get to familiarize myself around here.”
Henry looks down, ashamed. “Y-yeah. Right. That’s fine too.”
There is a beat of silence before he hears Alex speak again. “Hey, I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.” Henry can hear the hesitancy in Alex’s voice. The first time he’s heard it. “I was just teasing you. Is that not alright?”
Feeling his cheeks warming a bit, Henry bravely looks back up at Alex and shakes his head. “No, it’s okay.”
Alex’s smile turns mischievous and it makes his dimple dig deeper. He pushes the door open while still looking at Henry. “Alright, Your Majesty. I’ll go and get you some tea as well,” he says cheekily with a wink.
Henry closes his eyes and tries not to die.
He is truly, royally fucked.