Work Text:
“Aren’t you supposed to be working?” Henry asks.
With a thud, he drops the stack of flyers he’s been holding onto his desk. Pez is slouched down on the couch in Henry’s office, his feet up on the small coffee table and his phone in hand.
“Oh, but I am, Hazza dear,” Pez answers with a glint in his eyes. “I’m considering updating our website and will require a photographer.”
“So, naturally, you turn to Instagram.”
“And TikTok,” Pez corrects him.
Unable to hold back a chuckle, Henry shakes his head. “Have you found anybody at least?”
“Oh, I’ve found multiple somebody’s,” Pez smirks.
“Let me rephrase: have you found anybody for the photographer position?”
“Potentially.”
“Alright,” Henry sighs, taking the seat next to his best friend. “Show me then.”
“I thought you’d never ask!”
Pez slaps Henry on the thigh and turns his screen towards him. The first account he shows him is filled with gorgeous pictures of New York buildings, to which Henry replies that the outside of theirs is not something to write home about. Besides, it’s what happens inside that counts, not what their façade looks like.
Next, there’s an account with aesthetic shots of all sorts of dishes and baked goods.
“I might have skipped lunch,” Pez confesses. “Their siren song called to me in my hour of need.”
“Do they bake?” Henry wonders. “If so, we might ask them to lead some workshops.”
“Afraid not,” Pez says solemnly. “All pictures are of local establishments.”
“Then I suggest we skip this one, shall we?”
Henry raises an accusatory eyebrow when Pez shows him a photographer specialising in animal photography. He’s unsure if Pez realises what that might imply about their guests and residents.
There are a few more accounts Pez has high praise for. The common denominator, Henry finds out soon enough, are the posts or stories that feature the artists themselves. They are all interesting and beautiful people. No wonder Pez got distracted.
“Perhaps you should go about this a different way,” Henry suggests.
“Such a spoilsport. I’ve got one more! I think you’ll enjoy this one in particular.”
Knowing his best mate, Pez won’t relent. Henry might as well indulge him for a few more minutes so they can get on with the day. Besides, Henry suspects the account is owned by a good looking male, if Pez’s expression is anything to go by. Wouldn’t hurt to have a look.
“Fine,” he says with an exaggerated sigh. “One more.”
Pez fully hands him the phone this time and Henry starts scrolling. He has to admit, these photos are extraordinary. All of them taken around the city, all of them featuring real people. Someone waiting at a bus stop, someone carrying an oversized dog on the subway, a couple sharing an ice cream. They tell a story and Henry instantly wishes he could learn more about the people in them.
“Now tap his stories,” Pez encourages him with more anticipation than necessary.
“Why?” Henry asks, already scrolling up.
“Just watch.”
Henry does. He taps the profile picture and waits for whatever Pez wants him to see. There’s a shot of an alleyway, somewhere in the city. A warm voice comes out of the tiny phone speaker.
“Alright,” it says, “I’m gonna show you on of my favourite tips today. I really like this, because it creates an interesting picture. See this wall here?”
A strong hand enters the frame, giving the brick wall next to him a sturdy tap.
“If we shoot along side it, it gives the photo a frame, something for the eye to follow. Now, if we make the foreground a bit blurry and focus solely on the subject, me, it should get an interesting result. We could even make this alley look good! Ready to try it out?”
The camera wobbles for a moment and a second later the man attached to the voice comes on screen and Henry is going into cardiac arrest.
He has to admit that the man’s voice was something he might have dreamt up. However, there is absolutely no possibility that his brain could conjure up anything remotely as beautiful as this man.
“Told you,” Pez grins next to him.
But Henry isn’t listening. Not to Pez, but also not to what the man is saying. Phrases like depth of field, aperture, and focus are mentioned, but Henry has only one focus, and that is the demigod that must have just walked right out of a Greek myth. Honestly, this man must be a threat to national security. Every man and woman would walk into upcoming traffic once they get a glimpse of the golden skin and deep, warm eyes. And that smile? So bright ships would mistake it for a lighthouse.
The story ticks over to the next one, showcasing the results. The photos are all similar, but slightly different due to the different settings. Sure, it’s interesting and the pictures are amazing, but Henry would rather watch the man who took them and absorb his smile.
So, he does. He taps the screen and starts from the beginning.
That evening, Henry looks up ACD-Photography on his own phone, finds the man’s Instagram and spends more than a couple of hours combing through it.
The next morning, groggy after no more than three hours of sleep, he’s determined to let go of his unhealthy obsession, only allowing himself to view the latest posts as they come in. No more scrolling down.
It works, somewhat, but the precaution can’t stop his heart from making a small jump, or his cheeks from warming up, when ACD himself comes into view.
At first he merely leaves a like on the Instagram posts, but eventually, when there’s an exceptionally striking picture of an older woman feeding ducks on his feed, he feels the need to type out a compliment. ACD responds by liking the comment and Henry feels a giddy bubble crawl up his throat, ending in a giddy chuckle. Naturally, it becomes a habit.
“This is ridiculous,” he mumbles to himself on a Sunday afternoon.
He once again rewatched ACD’s latest story for the fifth or tenth time. He had lost count. David lifts his head from where he was resting it against Henry’s leg and looks up curiously.
“Come on, boy, let’s go for a walk.”
On his way out, he grabs the book he has been reading. He needs a healthier distraction than his phone, he reasons.
They make their way to the park where they stroll around the pond to stretch their legs before Henry finds a bench and lets David off of his leash. The beagle immediately takes advantage of his freedom and storms off. Henry chuckles fondly as he watches him go.
“Stay close!” he shouts to no one. Henry has no illusions David is actually listening to his warnings.
As he watches his dog run around enthusiastically, the autumn sun finds its way through the clouds. Henry pushes up the sleeves of his jumper and soaks in the warmth. This might be one of the last times he will be able to enjoy spending an hour or two on a park bench before it gets too cold to sit still for that long. Well aware of that fact, he sits back with a contented hum and opens his book.
Every few sentences he looks up, only getting back to reading when he has spotted David. The beagle is happily strutting from tree to bush, sniffing every blade of grass, and greeting every other dog that walks past. When he eventually gets tired, he makes his way over to Henry and lies down by his feet. Henry knows he isn’t asleep, if the active ears are any indication, but he lets David rest for a while nonetheless.
When the sun disappears behind some clouds and a chill runs over Henry, he decides it’s time to head back. He slides a bookmark between the pages and hooks the leash onto David’s collar.
“Let’s go home, Davie.”
During his walk, Henry has set a new rule. He’s only allowed to watch ACD’s stories two times. As it turns out, that’s not only a challenge on the stories where the man shows his face; even on the ones where he’s explaining his editing process his voice makes Henry’s spine tingle. Listening to it feels like sipping on chocolate milk while sitting by the fireplace. A combination Henry happens to love.
However, as hard as it is at times, his rules help Henry remain at least somewhat sane.
That is, until he scrolls through his feed one Wednesday afternoon during lunch, and promptly chokes on his sandwich. His heart is beating so fast he’s certain it will never slow down again. He will have to get used to a constant thrumming in his chest from here on out.
Suddenly, he’s rather glad he didn’t take Pez up on his offer to go to a bistro nearby, because he would not have been able to process this in the company of his nosy best mate. He’s uncapable of processing it at all, actually.
Still coughing up a lung, he pulls the phone closer to his face. No, he wasn’t mistaken. That is, in fact, a picture of him, on a bench, in the sun, a book in his hands, completely at ease.
Once again he checks if it really is ACD-Photography who posted it and once again he confirms it: ACD has posted a picture of him.
Even through the shock, he realises he has never looked this good. What sort of magic is this? His bluish grey jumper pulls the eye towards him amidst the colours of a starting Autumn. The warm sunlight gives his hair a golden glow, making him look almost angelic. The arm not holding the book is slung over the back of the bench, almost as an invite to join him.
It’s stunning.
He is stunning.
Sure, he knows he’s not bad looking. He’s been called ‘hot’ before. He never thought of himself as beautiful, though. Until now. Until ACD.
There’s only one thing he can do, and that is click on ACD’s name, and send him a private message.
Fox-and-Hound
Do you usually post pictures of people without them knowing?
Reading it back, his message comes off a bit harsh, but his hands are shaking, and his brain is firing off on all cylinders. He’s not capable of nuance at the moment.
He throws his phone on his desk and walks out of his office to splash some water on his face. He needs to calm down and he needs to do it quick.
When he comes back there’s a notification. ACD has replied.
Well, so much for calming down.
ACD-Photography
oh, shit man
did I post a picture of you?
I can take it down
which one is it?
didn’t mean to offend you
this never happens
usually the people I photograph don’t even see them
Fox-and-Hound
Does that make it alright, then? If they are not aware?
ACD-Photography
well, shit, I don’t know
I should know
but it’s a bit of a gray area
seriously, I’ll take it down
Fox-and-Hound
Please don’t, it’s absolutely beautiful.
ACD-Photography
lol, you’re giving me whiplash, man
so, I can leave it up?
still don’t know which post we’re talking about
Fox-and-Hound
It is your latest post, if you insist. I’m the man reading on the bench. And, yes, leave it up. You managed to make me look rather good.
ACD-Photography
you’re joking, right?
have you seen you?
YOU make you look rather good
Fox-and-Hound
That’s a matter of opinion, I’m afraid.
ACD-Photography
so, don’t get mad but I sorta just checked out your account
I remember the beagle
cute dog
Fox-and-Hound
Thank you. He is indeed rather cute. Quite photogenic as well.
ACD-Photography
you don’t have any pictures of yourself though
you should
Fox-and-Hound
I’m afraid I’m a bit too self-conscious for that.
ACD-Photography
why though?
Fox-and-Hound
Not sure I can explain it adequately.
ACD-Photography
that’s alright
I get it
I was kinda nervous when I started putting myself in my stories
now I’m used to it though
Fox-and-Hound
You’re stories are wonderful! They make your account feel more personal.
ACD-Photography
yeah, guess you’re right
show the man behind the camera and all that
Fox-and-Hound
Exactly.
ACD-Photography
did you learn anything from them though?
Fox-and-Hound
Honestly? No. But that is just due to me and my lack of an artistic eye.
I do love your passion.
ACD-Photography
alright, alright, we can’t all be photographers I guess
you could be a model though
we need those as well
Fox-and-Hound
Now you’re just exaggerating for the sake of it.
ACD-Photography
absolutely not!
I’d love to stay here and convince you some more
but I gotta get back to work
Fox-and-Hound
As should I. Have a wonderful day.
ACD-Photography
you too man!
Henry spends a few more minutes reading through their conversation, feeling like an absolute knob. He started the message with the intention of praising the man’s work, which he failed at miserably, and ended up feeling flustered by ACD’s compliments. It’s remarkable how he’s capable of running an entire youth shelter, but unable to maintain any form of decorum when messaging a gorgeous man.
Pez is going to have a field day with this, isn’t he?
It takes no more than twenty minutes for Pez to burst into Henry’s office.
“Tell me you’ve seen it!” he exclaims loudly.
“You will have to be more specific,” Henry says, trying to postpone the inevitable.
“ACD’s post!” Pez answers.
He’s already unlocking his phone and shoves it in Henry’s face as soon as he finds the photo. Henry takes a deep breath.
“I have.”
“How are you not dancing in your chair right now?” Pez asks incredulously, rounding the desk and pulling Henry out of his chair by his arms.
“It’s rather overwhelming, actually,” Henry answers. “I’m not quite sure what to do with this knowledge.”
“You praise the lord that the man you’ve been pining over has noticed you!” Pez shouts. Henry winces and starts to protest.
“I’m not…” he sputters. “That’s not… No, it’s not like that. I’m just a random person on the street. He saw an aesthetically pleasing photo opportunity and he took it.”
“You are an aesthetically pleasing photo opportunity,” Pez smirks, wiggling his eyebrows.
“Don’t be so crude,” Henry tells him off.
“What?” Pez asks innocently. “That was completely PG!”
“I’ve known you long enough to be able to read between the lines, Pez.”
“And I’ve known you long enough to know you’re going to let this opportunity pass you by, and that is a bloody shame, if you ask me.”
“Yes, well,” Henry says with a shrug.
Pez will never leave it alone if he confesses he has already spoken to ACD and fell flat on his face. No, he will continue to admire ACD from the safety of his screen and Pez will have to move on to teasing Henry about other attractive men. He certainly will.
Pez leaves him alone a few minutes later. Not by choice, but because his next appointment arrives.
“The last word has not been spoken about this,” he warns Henry on his way to the door.
“Surely there is nothing left to say on the matter,” Henry tries.
“I assure you, there is.” With a wink and a smirk, Pez steps out into the hallway, disappearing around the corner.
Henry rolls his eyes and takes his seat behind the desk. A notification calls for his attention. He could hold off until he has had some actual work done, but curiosity wins out and Henry unlocks his phone.
ACD-Photography started following
Right. There goes his sanity and any chance of getting anything done.
It’s late that same evening, when Henry’s scrolling through Instagram. The events of the day left his brain fired up, and he’s fully aware it will take him hours to fall asleep. Of course, staring at a screen won’t help the matter, but at least he’s entertained.
That is when a private message comes in.
ACD-Photography
saw you were still online and gotta ask
is your dog really named David?!
Fox-and-Hound
He is. He’s named after Bowie.
ACD-Photography
okay, that makes it a little better
still keeping an eye on you
you know… to make sure you don’t dress him up in vests or anything
turn him full tax attorney
Fox-and-Hound
I wouldn’t dare. He would kill me in my sleep if I tried.
ACD-Photography
well we can’t have that
but good on him for standing up for himself
I know a shih tzu named Jonathan
he and David should start a club
Fox-and-Hound
Really? What would they talk about. Their wonderful owners who spoil them rotten?
ACD-Photography
I was thinking they could complain about tax season
but that could work
Fox-and-Hound
We met a Rottweiler named Maximus the other day. Should I extend an invitation?
ACD-Photography
hell no
that’s a kick-ass name
Fox-and-Hound
We’ll let you be in charge of the guest list, then.
ACD-Photography
absolutely!
you bring the dog cookies
other question
what were you reading?
you know
in the park
Fox-and-Hound
Oh, right, I was reading ‘the secret lives of country gentleman’.
ACD-Photography
is it any good?
Fox-and-Hound
I rather enjoyed it, yes. It is a historical queer romance, so it might not necessarily be your preference.
ACD-Photography
I’m all for expanding my horizons
tell me about it?
no spoilers though
might still read it
As Henry gives Alex a short summery of Gareth and Joss’s struggles, ACD informs him he’s already on Amazon, ordering a copy of his own. Henry chuckles at the speed in which ACD’s brain seems to function. It’s fun and exciting and Henry would hate for it to end. He’s certain it will. It doesn’t seem feasible for someone as energetic as ACD to want to stay in touch with someone who would rather stay unnoticed and spends their Friday nights on the couch with their dog. Henry is, however, adamant to enjoy it while it lasts. Which is why he’s reluctant to remind ACD of the time.
Fox-and-Hound
I should try to get some sleep. It’s past 2 a.m.
ACD-Photography
oh, shit!
didn’t mean to keep you this long!
Fox-and-Hound
No worries. I’m a world class insomniac.
ACD-Photography
a fellow night walker, I see
long live coffee am I right?
Fox-and-Hound
I prefer tea, actually.
ACD-Photography
of course you do!
I’m Alex btw
figured you might as well know
if we’re gonna be keeping each other company at night
Fox-and-Hound
I’m Henry. Nice to somewhat officially meet you.
ACD-Photography
nice to meet you too, Henry
have a good night
I’m sure we’ll talk again soon
Fox-and-Hound
I hope so. Good night, Alex.
Henry’s cheeks are glowing. They had been for quite a while. Even before Alex had the audacity to give Henry his real name, only to then made a comment about keeping each other company at night. His brain started firing of all sorts of images at that. None of them PG.
It takes a lot of willpower to hold off on unlocking his phone as soon as Henry wakes up. His fingers ache with the need to send Alex a good morning text. While he’s at the kitchen table, enjoying his tea and some toast, he gets the notification, letting him know Alex thankfully doesn’t have the same resolution.
ACD-Photography
morning!
sleep at all?
I’m gonna need at least 5 cups of coffee to wake up
Fox-and-Hound
That sounds completely safe. Might as well stop by your local hospital and ask for an IV straight away. Pump the caffeine right into your veins.
ACD-Photography
I’d pay good money for that actually
speaking of money
gotta go or the boss will kill me
Fox-and-Hound
And we can’t have that. Have a good day!
ACD-Photography
you too!
During lunchtime, Alex sends him a picture of a beagle he has met on his way to work, telling Henry her name is Cassie and might very well be David’s long lost sister. When Henry tells him David was born in the UK, Alex just sends him an ‘oooooooooooh that makes so much sense!’ and doesn’t answer when Henry asks him what makes sense until Henry’s home and had dinner. Apparently, David being from the UK made Alex realise Henry is from the UK, and that explains the proper texting. Or ridiculously proper, as Alex calls it. He even calls Henry ‘your majesty’ for good measure. Henry protests, of course, but only half-heartedly. He enjoys the banter too much, the back and forth. It’s easy.
Alex receives his book and insist on commenting on every chapter, much to Henry’s delight. Alex has picked up on a couple of details Henry had glanced over, and Henry explains a few themes he has noticed on his read through.
When Alex sends him a picture of his homecooked meal, Henry tells him he’s not much of a chef and sends him one of David in return. Alex promises to teach him how to make Tamales someday. Henry wishes he will make good on it, but isn’t under the illusion that it will actually happen.
The night Henry is watching a Star Wars film an entire debate breaks out over which film in the franchise is the best. Henry misses the better part of the movie but wouldn’t have it any other way.
A few nights later, Alex offers to watch Rogue One together, starting the movie at the same time. Henry immediately loves the idea and settles in on the couch with a blanket, tea, and Jaffa cakes. Alex has apparently opted for spicy hot chocolate.
ACD-Photography
hot drinks don’t mesh with glasses
can’t see shit
Fox-and-Hound
I didn’t know you wear glasses. You never do in your stories.
ACD-Photography
only at night when my eyes get tired
I don’t like them
Next thing he knows, Henry receives a selfie of Alex, snuggled into his blanket, a steaming cup under his chin and fogged up glasses on his nose. Henry might have died right then and there. It takes him a moment to get his wits about him.
Fox-and-Hound
I do. I like them.
ACD-Photography
yeah?
Fox-and-Hound
Yes, they look good on you.
ACD-Photography
I’ll reconsider them then
now…
where’s my payment?
Fox-and-Hound
Your payment?
ACD-Photography
yeah
I believe it’s customary to send one back
when someone sends you a selfie
Fox-and-Hound
Oh, I don’t know if I should
ACD-Photography
I do
you should
Of course, Alex won’t push him further if Henry declines, but because he’d hate to let Alex down, Henry opens his camera app, lifts his phone so David is in the picture as well, and snaps a few photos. They’re not terrible, but he won’t win any awards with them either.
Before he can think too hard about it, he sends one of them in their chat.
ACD-Photography
knew you could do it
proud of you
you look cozy
Henry suggest they start the movie, not wanting to dwell on it any further. He’s certainly glad he started blushing after he took the picture. Surely he wouldn’t have survived that devastation.
“You look nauseatingly happy,” Pez remarks a few weeks later. “What has gotten into you? Or, wait, who has gotten into you? Do tell!”
They’re spending an afternoon at a bar, celebrating procuring a very generous donor, and taking the opportunity to catch up.
“Nothing, Pez,” Henry answers with an eye roll. “And no one.”
“Something has been different though, and it’s been driving me suitably up the wall that I don’t know what.”
“I’m fairly certain I’m still the same person.”
“No, you are not,” Pez says.
He takes Henry by the jaw and swings it one way and then the other, studying him intently.
“What are you hoping to accomplish here?” Henry chuckles.
“Merely ensuring you’re not an android, replacing my best mate, infiltrating my organisation.”
“If such technology existed, don’t you think it would be a major flaw if you could tell by looking too closely at their faces?”
“No one looks that closely. I’m sure they haven’t considered it.”
“They haven’t met you though, have they?”
“That they have not,” Pez grins, finally letting go of Henry’s face. “Still, spill, before I am forced to resort to more desperate measures.”
“If you must know,” Henry says, with as much nonchalance as he can muster, “I made a new friend recently. It has been quite wonderful getting to know someone new.”
“A friend, you say?” Pez asks, leaning in closer with one elbow on the table.
“Yes, a friend.”
“Is it a naked kind of friend?”
“No, Pez,” Henry sighs, rolling his eyes. “He’s not that kind of friend.”
“Do you want it to be?”
“He is rather attractive,” Henry confesses, “but our conversations are enough for me. It’s nice, having someone to talk to who isn’t you or my sister.”
“It wounds me that we are not enough for you!” Pez says, gripping his heart. “But if it means that much to you, we are willing to share.”
“You are, once again, incredibly generous,” Henry chuckles lightly.
“Tell me,” Pez goes on. “Where have you met the man?”
“Ah,” Henry pushes out, slightly worried about Pez’s reaction. “We’ve met online. On Instagram to be more precise.”
“Hazza,” Pez says cautiously.
“I know what you are going to say, and yes, I am being careful and I do know he is real. I’m not being catfished.”
“I wasn’t only thinking about physical or financial safety.” Pez’s tone turns soft and caring. “I do know you, dear, and you have a tendency to give your heart away so easily. All I ask is for you to be cautious. Don’t let that man break it.”
“He won’t,” Henry says with certainty. “That’s not what’s happening here.”
Even as he says it, he realises it’s not completely true. He has been gradually falling for Alex, for his wittiness, his humour, his passion, for his ability to make Henry feel seen and heard, all through text alone. He is also highly aware that Alex might very well stop replying at any moment. They haven’t talked about what their connection means to them. It might only be a means of distraction for Alex. Henry has allowed himself to indulge in it for as long as Alex will have him in his life and he is not willing to give that up at the moment.
“If you’re certain,” Pez nods.
Henry can tell his best friend has his concerns, but they’ve known each other long enough for Pez to know Henry will come to him if and when he needs a listening ear. They trust each other.
“I am. Thank you,” Henry replies, as he smiles gratefully at Pez and Pez leans back into his seat again.
“At least tell me something about him. I cannot believe you’ve been able to hide your secret friendship for this long!”
“I wasn’t hiding it, exactly. It just didn’t come up.”
“Keep telling yourself that, Hazza,” Pez smirks. “Now, spill.”
Henry tells as much as he can without revealing Alex’s identity. He will at some point, but currently he does not care for Pez’s inevitable meddling.
He talks about Alex being a lawyer but omits the part where he is a talented amateur photographer. He shares how he learned of Alex’s love for cooking and Latin music, and how the two of them are an inseparable combination in the man’s eyes. Henry tells Pez that they’ve talked about every topic under the sun, from literature, to films, to politics. He has even shared some of his own personal stories, careful not to name names, and read about when Alex’s parents divorced and what that meant for him.
All the while, Pez’s attention is solely on him. His eyes twinkle with mirth and his grin encourages Henry to keep talking.
“You’re so in love with the man,” Pez concludes.
“We’re friends!” Henry protests, his voice an octave to high.
“Of course you are,” Pez replies with a nod and a pat on the arm.
“For all I know the man is straight,” Henry tries, reminding himself of the fact in the process.
“He might very well be,” Pez agrees, “which is why I feel the need to repeat my warning. Be careful, will you?”
“I will,” Henry promises. If it’s not already too late.
ACD-Photography
tell me something funny
I need someone to cheer me up after today
Fox-and-Hound
That bad?
ACD-Photography
lost a case because of my idiot co-worker
he made some huge mistakes
mislabelled evidence
and that’s just the start of it
Fox-and-Hound
I’m so sorry. I know how hard you work. That must feel devastating.
ACD-Photography
fuck it does
we’re going to appeal though
and fucking hunter is off the case
Fox-and-Hound
Good. You’ll win in the end. I know you’ll do anything not to let your client down.
ACD-Photography
yeah I will
it does mean I’ve got to put in double time though
and I’ve got some other opportunities coming up
so I might not be as chatty the next few weeks
Fox-and-Hound
That’s alright. You do what you have to do. I’ll be here when you get back.
ACD-Photography
enough with the dramatics!
I’m not going to war or anything
jeez
Fox-and-Hound
I’m sorry, will you not be fighting tooth and nail to win your day in court? Sounds like a battle to me.
ACD-Photography
no war
just one battle
fighting the man and all that
Fox-and-Hound
And I’ll be here, waiting patiently for your return, staring out the window, reminiscing on days long past.
ACD-Photography
are you sure you’re not a time traveller?
no one in this century talks like that you know
Fox-and-Hound
This century is rather boring if that’s the case.
ACD-Photography
nothing’s boring with you there sweetheart
keeps me on my toes
Fox-and-Hound
Does that mean I sufficiently distracted you from your woes?
ACD-Photography
you know what?
somehow you did
Fox-and-Hound
Glad to be of service. Now, didn’t you have a dinner date to go to?
ACD-Photography
I do, I do
my sister’s gonna call in a rescue party if I don’t show up soon
Fox-and-Hound
You better hurry then. Enjoy your evening!
No, Henry did not miss the term of endearment. In fact, he almost chocked on it. He often wonders what it would be like to talk to Alex face to face. However, in moments like this he is quite relieved Alex isn’t able to see the blush creeping up on his cheeks and down his neck.
Alex was correct is his assumption that he wouldn’t have much time to talk. There are still the good morning and good night messages, the occasional picture or jab, but there seems to be no time for their established movie-nights or book reviews.
Henry doesn’t like it, of course, but he’s aware Alex doesn’t owe him anything and isn’t doing it out of ill will. He’s busy, is all.
So, he spends his nights reading, going for a drink with Pez or watching British Bake Off. It feels impossible to shake the feeling of longing, of wanting to talk to Alex, however. The man has been so ingrained into his life at this point, it feels like a loss. Which, coincidentally, is exactly what Pez has been warning him about.
Pez, noticing the decline in Henry’s cheerful disposition, does his best to pull his mate out of his slump. Knowing Henry’s affinity for writing, he asks him to go through the website and rewrite some of the pieces for their inevitable upgrade. It gives Henry something to do, something to help him take his mind off of the man behind ACD’s account. Pez is right, of course, and as soon as Henry has clicked his way through their website, his hands are itching to get started.
---
ACD-Photography
gonna need a David picture to get through today
don’t leave me hanging!
Fox-and-Hound
As I’m currently in the office, so that might be difficult. I will find one of him as a puppy.
ACD-Photography
that will do!
you’re a life saver!
---
Fox-and-Hound
I have a feeling you haven’t eaten anything today. Go get a sandwich.
ACD-Photography
are you spying on me?
my stomach agrees with your accusation
I feel outnumbered
Fox-and-Hound
Good. Enjoy your meal.
ACD-Photography
Thanks
---
ACD-Photography
just came across an international store
they’ve got those cakes you like
THEY’RE HORRIBLE!
how can you eat those?
Fox-and-Hound
Excuse me? That’s our British heritage you’re insulting.
ACD-Photography
it’s my tastebuds that got insulted
who do I sue?
Fox-and-Hound
Try the Queen. Surely she will take pity on you.
ACD-Photography
get me her number and I’ll make sure of it
Fox-and-Hound
I’ll get right on it.
---
“Hazza, do you have a moment?” Pez asks, hanging from the doorframe with one hand.
Henry has just been going through another round of editing, unable to stop tweaking the text on their homepage. Perhaps it’s a good idea he gives it a rest.
“Sure,” he says, “what do you need?”
He makes sure the file is saved and closes his laptop.
“Actually,” Pez replies and Henry doesn’t trust that tone one bit, “I’m more in favour of what you need.”
“That makes little to no sense.”
“I’m aware,” Pez laughs. “Just follow me. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
Henry makes his way out his office and through the hallway towards the entrance, Pez one step ahead. As soon as they round the corner, it’s evident who Pez wants him to meet, prompting Henry to simultaneously want to hug his best friend, hug the man standing there, and run away.
“Alex?” he asks in a bit of a shock, frozen in his tracks.
Alex, who has been admiring the mural on the opposite wall, spins around curiously. His jaw drops the moment he notices who has spoken.
Christ, he is even more beautiful in person. He looks completely at ease, with his hands in the pockets of his chinos, his legs spread, and his camera bag seemingly carelessly slung over his shoulder. Henry knew Alex was gorgeous. He was not prepared for the charisma his entire presence permeates, however.
“Henry?” he gapes, coming into action. He takes a few steps, one of his hands now combing through his hair, the other one reaching out and dropping down again. “What the fuck? You work here?”
“I do,” Henry tells him, now closing the distance, confused to no end. “What are you doing here?”
“Percy hired me.”
“You know Pez?” Henry asks surprised.
“You know Alex?” Pez asks, equally shocked.
“Did you know?” Alex asks, frowning. Henry’s fingers itch to reach out and wipe it off.
“I didn’t. I had no idea.”
“No idea of what?” Pez interjects. “Can someone tell me what the bloody hell is going on here?”
“You tell me, Pez,” Henry says, his attention torn between the man who is very likely the love of his life and his best mate. “You hired Alex?”
“I did, as the photographer for our website. Did I not tell you?”
“You must have forgot to mention that bit,” Henry bites towards him.
“Oops?” Pez replies in a tone that is far from apologetic.
“So, wait,” Alex says, waving his hands around and shaking his head, “the business you and your best friend started is a shelter for queer kids?”
“That’s the long and short of it, yes,” Henry nods.
“Why the fuck didn’t you tell me that?” Alex ask, his eyes growing even bigger. “That’s incredible!”
“I didn’t want to boast.”
“Boast away, sweetheart,” Alex says with a huff. “I’ve been interested in your work for ages! And now you’re telling me I know one of the founders?”
“You’ve been interested in us?” Henry asks, finding it harder and harder to breath.
“Yeah, I was even looking into doing some pro-bono work for you guys,” he nods fervently. “You know, before shit hit the fan at the office. And then Percy contacted me…”
“Right,” Pez says, interrupting them again. “I feel like I’m missing out on half of the conversation. What is going on and how do you two know each other?”
He crosses his arms and looks at Henry expectantly.
“Ah, that,” Henry mumbles with a chuckle. “Remember the guy I told you about?”
Realisation dawns on Pez’s face immediately.
“Are you joking?” he asks, somewhat offended. “This is the man you have been secretly engaging with?”
“I wouldn’t say secretly,” Henry defends himself.
“Engaging with?” Alex laughs. “What the hell have you been telling him?”
“Nothing untoward, I assure you,” Pez tells him with a mischievous smirk. “Hazza here merely told me he has been making a friend. You should know that getting to know you has remarkably improved his mood.”
“Pez, that’s enough,” Henry tells him quickly, already feeling his cheeks warming up.
Now that the first shock is over he feels oddly exposed.
“Has it now?” Alex asks with a cheeky grin.
“I like him,” Pez states, beaming at Henry.
“Great,” Henry says, rolling his eyes. “There’s two of you.”
“Now, I was going to give the good man a tour, but I think he’d rather have you show him around, don’t you, Alex?”
“Yeah, that would be nice, actually,” Alex says with a small smile. He hasn’t taken his eyes off of Henry, which he had only noticed because he himself can’t look away.
“Great,” Pez says with a clap of his hands, making the both of them wince. “Start in your office, I recommend. I will be around when you need me.”
With that, Pez slaps the both of them on the shoulder, turns around, and leaves.
“Right,” Henry stammers.
“Your office?” Alex asks, looking a bit lost.
“My office,” Henry nods, grateful to have an obtainable goal.
He leads Alex down the hall and into his office, closing the door behind him.
“I feel as if I need to apologise,” Henry says as soon as they’re in private. “I’m just not sure what for.”
He motions for Alex to take a seat on the couch and follows his example, both of them shifting in their seats to face each other.
“For what, though? You didn’t know,” Alex shrugs.
“I suppose,” Henry answers slowly.
He’s trying to wrap his head around the fact that the man he’s had a crush on since he first saw him, the man he’s been getting to know over the last couple of months and has most definitely been falling in love with, is sitting right next to him. This is so surreal.
“It’s kinda funny, if you think about it,” Alex chuckles.
“I have to admit my brain is not fully up to speed with the reality of you being here in the flesh.”
“You talk like you type,” Alex comments with a pleased grin. “I like that.”
“Thank you?” Henry asks, a little uncertain. He’s smiling, however, unable not to mirror Alex’s expression.
“You’re welcome,” Alex laughs. Then he lets out a quick sigh and continues: “so, you’ve told Percy about me?”
“Don’t look so smug,” Henry tells him off without any bite. “I did. He was right, you know, meeting you did lighten my mood. He had noticed and asked me who was responsible. I didn’t tell him much. I didn’t even tell him your Instagram handle.”
“Why not?” Alex asks curiously, throwing one arm over the couch to lean in further.
“I’m not sure,” Henry says. “I didn’t want him to intervene. He was worried about me.”
“You were worried he was going to call me out or something.”
“That would not have surprised me, yes,” Henry nods. “But also, I was worried he was going to do something like this. I was sure he would seek you out and invite you to the shelter on a ruse. He would have used his vague plans for the website, most likely, before his plans solidified and he became serious about it. That’s actually how I stumbled onto your account. Pez was the one who showed it to me when he was looking for potential photographers.”
“Seriously?” Alex asks with gleeful excitement. “Pez introduced us twice?”
“I guess you could say that,” Henry laughs.
“How obnoxious is he going to be about that?” Alex’s eyes twinkle with playful wonderment.
The only reason Henry is not getting lost in them, is the rest of Alex, begging for his attention. The way his chinos are strained by his muscular thighs, his strong hands accentuating his words, the curls on his chest popping out of his henley with the first two buttons undone. There is much to see.
“Extremely,” Henry says with an exaggerated exhale.
“So, remind me not to let him give the best man speech.”
“Best man speech?” Henry croaks.
The world narrows down to a single point that is Alex in front of him, his entire body ceasing to exist.
“Right,” Alex says, a warm blush flooding over his toned skin. “Getting ahead of myself. I… Maybe I should explain?”
“I would like that, yes,” Henry manages to answer, because there is absolutely no feasible way Alex means what Henry think he means, is there?
“So, right,” Alex stammers, rubbing the back of his neck, his eyes flitting all over the place. “When I saw you in the park I thought you were beautiful and I really wanted to talk to you.”
“Oh,” Henry’s tight throat lets out without his consent.
“But here’s the thing, I’ve never thought that about a guy before, so it kinda confused me, y’know? And then, you messaged me and I panicked a bit. First, because I thought you were annoyed about posting your picture without your consent, which I would have understood, but later, I panicked because I realised you were the guy who sorta propelled me into a sexual awakening and I wanted nothing more than to keep talking to you. And then I fell for you for real.”
With that confession he looks back up to Henry, hope and trepidation palpable on his face.
“You fell for me?” Henry asks on a near whisper.
His mind is spinning with Alex’s admissions, but that particular one stays in the forefront with big neon arrows pointing at it.
“Yeah, so, I’ve been wanting to ask you on a date since, like, forever, but I kept chickening out. And then Hunter made that stupid mistake, and I had to work overtime every day, and Percy messaged me about taking pictures for your website, and I couldn’t say no to that, because I’ve been looking into you guys ever since I realised I was bi.”
“This…” Henry stammers. “This is a lot.”
“You’re telling me!” Alex sighs, throwing his hands in the air.
“Are you alright?” Henry asks, putting a calming hand on Alex’s knee. “That’s a lot to go through.”
Alex releases a slow breath and leans back into the couch with a warm smile.
“Yeah, thanks,” he says. “Talked to my sister about it. She helped me through it.” He looks down at Henry’s hand, still on his knee, and weaves their fingers together. “So,” he continues, “that brings me to the point. Would you go on a date with me?”
“Yes,” Henry says with an incredulous chuckle. “Yes, I’ll go on a date with you. Are you free tonight?”
“Fuck, Hen,” Alex laughs, sounding rather relieved, “we can make that happen. Let me take a few quick photos and I’m all yours.”
“I’m not sure calling them ‘a few quick photos’ instils a lot of confidence,” Henry retorts, raising an amused eyebrow.
“You know damn well I won’t let you guys down,” Alex smirks.
“I have faith in you,” Henry smiles at him.
For a moment they are quiet, staring into each other’s eyes.
Henry is still astonished by the series of events that let them to this point. He can’t help but wondering if this is what fate feels like.
“Are you ready for that tour?” Henry asks eventually, being spurred on by the promise of a date.
“I am,” Alex nods as he jumps up.
Henry stands up next to him, their fingers still intertwined. He tugs at it to make Alex step closer.
“Before we go,” he murmurs, putting his other hand on the back of Alex’s neck to pull him in, “I would really like to kiss you.”
“Read my mind,” Alex whispers, his lips already an inch removed from Henry’s.
They both smile into the kiss. It’s exactly what Henry has been dreaming of and more. There’s an ebb and flow to their movements, alternating give and take, as their mouths move together. It’s new and exciting, but also somehow familiar.
When they eventually pull apart, Henry leans back in for one more quick kiss before he fully steps back.
“Alright,” he says with a broken voice, “now we can go.”
Alex laughs wholeheartedly as he picks up his camera bag and slings it over his shoulder. He presses a quick kiss to Henry’s cheek as he passes him to the door.
“You’re so gonna be in some of these photos,” he tells Henry.
“I will absolutely not,” Henry scoffs with a grin.
“Yes you will, because if you had been on your website in the first place, I would have known where to find you.”
“You know where to find me now, though."
“Fine. We can make a deal. Only ten.”
“One.”
“Five it is.”
“From the back.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously.”
“I’m not complaining.” Alex gives in with a knowing smirk and a quick pinch of Henry’s arse. “Your back looks absolutely fine.”
“I take it back,” Henry says, swatting Alex on his broad chest. “No photos. None.”
“We’ll see about that!”
Henry ends up on the shelters website in no less than three different photos and in an innumerable amount on Alex’s phone. Those, however, will never be shared with the public. Some things are better left private.