Chapter Text
It has been six months since Alex and Henry settled down in their own brownstone nestled in good old Brooklyn, New York. Alex transferred for his next year to NYU from Georgetown so he could support his boyfriend in his dream of starting a shelter.
New York was the easiest and, most possibly, the best decision they made. Being in such a big city made it easier to find some alone time, which was the greatest desire besides the constant need for each other's bodies. So, they made the decision, and finally, after all the hassle of choosing the place, its design, and ensuring the brownstone met Royal and White's House safety standards, they were finally able to start their new life away from the drama.
The brownstone has a cozy and comforting vibe, with their primary living room facing the backyard with large French windows on one side and their open-floor kitchen on the other. A kind of small library as Henry likes to say, with a yet-to-be-filled family room adjacent occupying the remaining floor plan on the ground floor.
Their master bedroom upstairs for very apparent reasons was decorated to have vibrant vibes which did not thankfully follow their bathroom and walking wardrobe. Three more rooms on the floor were still coming together, one of them as a guest room, one as an office/study space for both, and the last still open for ideas. Before moving in it was decided that the basement would act as an office and resting place for the 24/7 security along with their PPOs which Henry and Alex ensured was full of high-end amenities along with a stocked pantry.
Henry loved the Big Apple's fast-paced life and his work at the shelter. As for Alex, it was much more comfortable than the White House though the cold weather still made him miss Texas the same. David was also enjoying being in America and having two dads instead of one to shower him with all the love and pamper him with treats.
It took them a while to set their routines and find each other's way of doing everyday tasks. Having constant arguments about the British way versus the American way which most of the time ended in both being naked in bed. One such day Henry finally asked, "Why do we always end up being naked instead of solving the issue, babe?"
Alex says, "Coz honey, that's way better than actually having to think about it", with his dimples and those gorgeous eyelashes making Henry forget the reason for the argument entirely. Alex gets up from their bed and starts dressing, "So, here's an idea, why not we try to combine and make A coffee and A tea counter although let's move it closer to the backyard that way we both win, sounds good?"
Henry follows with his clothes and remembers the whole issue of whether they should have a coffee counter or a tea, which made zero sense to Henry being the reason, "Well, that was an easy answer, I'll get started on ideas. Anyways, I do not have to go to the shelter today as we are finally fully staffed".
"I am so glad to hear that, though wish I could be home as well but remember, I have extra classes this week too, apparently being away for White House events wasn't a good enough excuse to skip them." - Alex
The next morning Alex gets up a little later than he intended to and scrambles out of their bed already missing the warmth of the London boy sleeping peacefully next to him. He freshens up quickly and rushes down to their kitchen to start a fresh batch of coffee. He has a lot of homework and reading to catch up on before attending classes later this afternoon.
The last few weeks have been the busiest with Midterms coming around and discussing their appearances between various events for the White House and the Royal family. It sometimes feels like they are kids of divorced parents who want them both to attend their events, giving no regard to others though the White House tries its best to accommodate things better than the team over at the palace. One good thing to come out of this, would be the Royal family's efforts to accept their relationship, which is a huge win considering their traditions and long-standing history.
As Alex dives into his books, Henry wakes up to an empty bed and regrets it instantly as well. He should have gotten up early to help his love in ways he can, is the first thought that enters his mind. He had made plans to surprise Alex with occasionally home cooked food although his cooking isn't the best, living in NYC has improved his skills immensely. So, he freshens up and slowly makes his way down to not distract Alex from his work. But when did his plans follow through, and just like that David jumped from his position next to Alex's legs and ran towards Henry as soon as he heard footsteps approaching them.
"Ah! Good morning, your majesty!" As Alex continues, Henry rolls his eyes with an all too well-known smirk on his face, like he has given up the idea of correcting him eons ago. Plus, he knows that Alex deliberately uses it to get that expression from him. "I have already started a kettle for your tea", Alex looks up from his laptop and gives a flying kiss to Henry before staring back at his screen.
"Morning babe, thanks, you didn't have to do it, now focus on your work. I will take it over. Does pancakes sound good for breakfast?", Alex just shows a thumbs up from the couch as Henry makes his way to the kitchen. After enjoying the not-so-best but at least not a burned breakfast either, Henry gets around tidying up the place, before taking David for his morning walk, and leaving Alex alone with his work.
"I am proud of you babe, you got this as always! I will be back in a little while. Don't forget your coffee it's getting cold and please control your intake, it's not healthy to consume this much amount. Love you!", he moves closer to give him a kiss followed by, "Yeah, I know, I am working on it. Love you too!", replies Alex with his mouth approaching Henry's.
It is almost 8 o'clock at night, and Alex usually gets home by seven but Henry understands that, sometimes classes tend to go overboard, plus the nasty New York traffic, so he patiently waits, and decides to start the next bake-off episode. Midway through the episode, he hears the key being turned on their front door, and a slumped, exhausted Alex enters the house.
Henry pauses the show and makes his way to his boyfriend, "Welcome home, love! You look tired, go and freshen up, the food is about ready!" With a quick peck on the cheeks. "I appreciate it, baby, it has been a long day, the classes were tiring today. Anyways, what's for dinner?"
"Your favorite, Pepperoni and mushroom pizza from Joe's", Henry makes his way to the kitchen to warm up the pizza, and seeing Alex's tired look also decides to open a bottle of wine, hoping it will help him relax a bit.
Alex heads upstairs to freshen up, he decides to put on Henry's comfy but worn-out hoodie before heading downstairs. "I just washed it, baby, do you have to put it on, again, you know we have a wardrobe full of other clothes?" With his devilish smile, Alex replies, "Obviously, Hen it's mine now, and, plus I haven't worn it since the day before yesterday, and you know how much I love it!"
Alex heads towards the kitchen cabinets to get the dishes with wine, and heads over to their couch. He apparently forgot to grab lunch or any snacks besides another cup of coffee between his classes. This is not at all healthy, and Alex knows it but with the workload, and all the other drama combined this is the best he is able to do, for now. He promises himself to cut down on coffee, and to start incorporating a healthy diet as soon as the midterm ends.
Henry gets Alex up to speed about the current bake-off episode before resuming it, while enjoying their dinner. Despite the hunger, Alex wasn't able to eat more than a slice. Seeing this worries Henry, although he has gotten quite used to this type of routine, he feels something is off today. After some thinking, he decides to have a conversation with Alex, as this is tending towards becoming a regular thing, and it's about dam time he should interfere.
"Baby, what's wrong? You love this pizza. Did you have anything else before coming home?", Henry's voice is full of worry, and trying to look for answers on Alex's face. With a sigh, he replies, "I am aware, it's just..... I don't feel like eating today. And no, actually, nothing besides a cup of coffee, (Henry rolls his eyes at another cup of coffee while Alex continues), I should be starving but can't seem to eat much".
With another sigh, he moves over to lean on Henry's shoulder. Seeing that he also moves a little closer to let Alex rest on him, "Oh, is everything okay? … You kind of look exhausted. I am noticing you pushing yourself too much these days.”
“I don't think so H. I have been much busier during my mom's campaign. This isn't it; I might be coming down with something." Henry looks up at that, and after a while, he slightly nods, and says, "Hmm if you think so, in any case, let’s get you up in our bed, a nice long sleep might just do the trick", Alex gives a tired smile and says, "Cuddled with you definitely", and presses a soft kiss on his cheek. They leave the cleaning for tomorrow's problem and head over to bed with David racing them to the top.