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‘You’re being ridiculous Jun-’
Alex is cut off by a cough that barks out of his chest. He can hear June sighing at the other end of the phone. It’s a classic in the big sister repertoire.
‘Yeah, I’m the one being ridiculous… Can you please just go to the ER?’
‘I’m more likely to pick up something worse. It’s just the flu.’
Alex is barely convincing himself, nevermind June. He’s wrapped up in his duvet, his curls are damp with sweat and the trash can by his bed is filled with tissues. He can hear muttering on the end of the phone, it sounds like Nora.
‘You know he won’t go. It’s one night, we’ll take him as soon as we get there tomorrow afternoon.’
Alex rolls his eyes, nothing like your best friend and your big sister teaming up on you. There’s silence on the line for a minute, Alex is trying his best not to cough. He feels like shit, but not enough for June and Nora to stop their lives and fly across the country for him.
‘I know you heard that Alex. Is that okay?’
‘I don’t really have a choice, do I?’
‘Damn straight Alejandro!’ Nora’s voice booms down the line, Alex jumps out of his skin. He’s shivering, when did he start shivering?
‘I’ll let you know our flight details. Please drink lots of fluids and rest up. We’ll see you soon.’
‘Sure, Bug.’
Alex hangs up before June can reply. He’s in too much of a crappy mood to argue. There’s rain hitting the window panes and Alex feels each pitter patter in his temples. The lights of New York City melt into the indigo night sky. Alex rolls onto his side, blinks over and over as he tries to focus. The shadows of his room and colours of the cityscape blend together into an overwhelming mess that finally makes him close his eyes.
At first Alex can’t tell where the ringing is coming from. His ears sting with the high pitch of it, he remembers feeling like this when he had an ear infection as a kid. As he rolls over, his eyes adjust and he sees his phone screen lit up amongst the sheets. June is smiling up at him and it hurts how bright it is. He taps furiously at the screen and pulls it up to his ear.
‘Hi, you there?’
Alex responds or at least thinks he does.
‘Alex, hello?’
‘I’m here.’ A voice croaks out. Alex coughing up a lung promptly follows. When he finally focuses, he can hear June and Nora bickering between each other.
‘We’re not going to make it. The damn storm has halted our flight.’
Storm? Alex wrangles himself around to look outside, when he finally focuses he can hear the rush of the wind as rain whips the windows.
‘It’s fine. I’m fine. I’ll be f-’
More coughing rockets up Alex’s throat. June is cursing at the end of the line.
‘Listen Alex, can I get a friend to come check on you? Just to give me peace of mind. They can drop off groceries, I know your fridge is barely stocked.’
Alex furrows his brow. It’s annoying how accurate June can be.
‘Fine. But it better not be-’
‘Henry? Of course I’m sending Henry, I know he won’t put up with your bullshit.’
Alex groans, his temples feel tighter just thinking about the blonde British giant.
*****
June had met Henry at college and thanks to her annoying generosity, invited him home for the holidays ever since. Alex was a nice guy, he gave everyone a chance. He wanted to see past the white complexion, accent that screamed upper class snootiness and stupid smile that looked a little too perfect. He really tried, honestly.
Firstly, Henry’s wardrobe was fit for a middle aged attorney, not a college student in their twenties. Every meal, movie night or festive outing, he was buttoned up in swaths of grey and beige. (‘Are you afraid of colour or something?’ ‘Grey is a colour, thank you very much.’)
Secondly, Alex couldn’t stand how much of a kiss-ass he was clearly trying to be. He brought flowers for his mother, something that became a tradition for every Christmas. He gifted them red wine from some friend’s winery, who the hell is casually friends with a vineyard owner anyways? It screamed trust fund and made Alex’s insides feel molten.
Thirdly, he insisted on doing yoga every day, even Christmas. Alex woke up to the sound of gongs at 7am. When he went to the front room to find out what was going on, he found a YouTube tutorial on the television and Henry, shirtless, stretched out on a yoga mat. Alex paused, wiping sleep out of his eyes, twining a hand through his bed head to make it more manageable. Henry turned and practically guffawed when he saw Alex standing there perplexed. He launched up right and scrambled with the TV remote.
‘I didn’t realise anyone else was awake, I’m so sorry.’ Henry’s soft vowels just annoyed Alex more. His arms were crossed over his chest, it was clear to Alex he was athletic. The yoga pants were practically sprayed onto his muscly thighs.
‘Alex, are you alright?’ That’s when Alex realised he was staring at some guy’s thighs. He grunted at Henry, something that could be interpreted as ‘turn it down’ and swiftly made his way back to his room. He lay back in bed, blinking away naked torsos and stupid British accents until sleep took him again.
*****
‘Why Henry? Please, anyone but that stuck up asshole.’
‘You’re insufferable. I don’t get what your problem is. Henry’s the best.’
Alex pinches his nose, rubbing the bridge in hopes of alleviating the pressure. He never understood what everyone else saw in Henry; June, his parents, even Nora loved him. It was like he had them under a spell that stopped them from seeing the snooty asshole Alex really knew him to be.
The line goes quiet for a moment, he can tell June and Nora are doing that weird thing where they have a conversation with just facial expressions.
‘He’ll bring his dog?’
Alex furrows his brow, he’s a sucker for cute animals and June is clearly playing dirty.
‘Fine. I’ll leave the door open. I’m going back to bed, okay?’
‘Sweet dreams, I’ll tell him to visit in a couple of hours.’
June Claremont-Diaz
You sure about this? I can ask a neighbour or something.
It’s not a problem, I’m only ten minutes away.
Try making him coffee. He’ll warm up to you that way.
Bribery? I’m shocked, June.
Are you saying Bea wouldn’t say the same about jaffa cakes?
Touche. Send me a list of his favourites and I’ll see what I can find in the bodega. Shopkeeper is crazy to stay open but right now I’m rather thankful.
On it. You’re the best!
Alex wakes when his feet feel wet, did he really sweat that much? Wait… That’s a tongue.
‘David!’
The British accent pierces his ears, and not just because of who it belongs to. He sits up slowly, his body aches more than earlier. When he’s got his bearings, a beagle jumps up on his lap.
‘Hey there buddy…’ Alex splutters, rubbing the dog behind his ears. When Alex looks up, he sees Henry standing in the hallway. His hair is damp and out of place, Alex hasn’t seen him so undone before.
‘You’ve met David then.’
‘You named your dog David? That’s gotta count as animal cruelty.’
Henry rolls his eyes, folding his arms over his chest.
‘It’s after Bowie. Apologies, if it's not obvious enough for you.’
Then it’s Alex’s turn to roll his eyes. David seems to pay no mind to the awkward tension in the room, coaxing all the scratches he can get out of Alex before settling next to him on the duvet. Alex is thankful for the furry hot water bottle, maybe not his owner who won’t stop staring at him.
‘Quit staring at me, you’re making me feel like a zoo animal.’
Henry’s face flushes as he looks to the floor.
‘I’m sorry, you just… well, you don’t look yourself.’
Before Alex can reply, Henry makes a swift exit heading towards the kitchen. In his head, he’s shouting a million different comebacks. In reality, Alex is curling around David and wishing his sinuses were clear. He hears noises from the kitchen; the cabinets opening and closing, the tap turning on and off, the fridge whooshing. Probably the groceries that June forced Henry to buy him. But then he smells something magnificent and familiar. Coffee. Damn, good coffee. There’s a quiet knock on his bedroom door before Henry shuffles in with a tray. There’s a large cup of coffee, apple slices and toast.
‘Your sister told me this was your go to when you’re sick. I’ll be back in a moment.’
Alex sits up against his pillows and takes the coffee. It’s exactly like his favourite coffee shop, he can’t remember picking up coffee grounds last time he was there even though he keeps telling himself to. Henry comes back with a large paper bag which he empties out onto the bed, there’s every cold and flu medication that can be found at the bodega across the street, Alex recognises the stickers.
‘I think that should cover you. Mrs Chen sends her regards by the way. Thank goodness she’s still open.’
Alex blinks a few times as he processes.
‘You’re on a name basis with my bodega lady?’
‘Our bodega owner. Why do you think June called me? I’m a block away.’
‘You’re what?’
Henry chuckles and Alex cannot believe the audacity of this guy. So close all this time and didn’t think to say hello. Not that Alex would have liked that but still. It’s weird.
‘The coffee shop down the street, that’s mine. I live above it.’
That explains the coffee at least.
‘Wait, you own Foxtale Coffee?’
Henry nods with a humble smile, Alex might find it adorable how bashful he was if he were another person.
‘Well, your coffee is pretty good. For an English dude anyways.’ He takes another sip of the delicious nectar that he swears might be curing him. Henry lets out a huff before getting up. He’s muttering under his breath but Alex can’t be bothered to pay attention. He heads back towards the kitchen and there’s more noise which makes Alex feel queasy. He should really eat something. He attempts some apple slices, there’s very little taste but there’s moisture, that’s something. Next he tries the toast but after a few bites, his cough comes back with a vengeance. His chest throbs as he brings up mucus, David is sitting up right as if trying to expect it.
‘Alex, are you alright? What can I do?’ Henry is by the bed, his voice breathy and rushed. There’s a spoon in his hand which is dripping something onto the wooden floor. Alex looks at him, mirroring the alarm in Henry’s face.
‘Just a cough.’
‘Are you sure you’re alright?’
Alex nods, trying to soften his stare. Henry looks frantic, it’s unnatural for him and freaking Alex out if he’s honest.
‘Can you clean that up please? My landlord will kill me if it stains.’ He points to the splotch on the floor and Henry quickly jumps into action. Alex only notices as he’s bent over with a sponge that he’s wearing sweatpants, they fit his sculpted thighs impeccably and that’s why Alex realises he must be ill if that’s where his mind is wandering.
The streets of New York are at a stand still, freak winds and record breaking rain are only occupying them now. Alex likes the sound of the rain usually, but this is too chaotic and sporadic. It reminds him of how his mind is sometimes. Okay, let’s close that door for a moment.
He’s napped in and out all day. Henry has mostly stayed in the other room, occasionally dropping off food or coffee. Although not as many cups as Alex would like, they’ve argued about it several times now. David has kept him company, snuggling in tight while he zones out to Brooklyn 99. He is wishing June was here. She knows how to distract him from the way he wants to squeeze his head like a pimple. Before he knows it, Henry is calling for David as he puts on his oversized winter jacket. It should look ridiculous and yet Henry pulls it off, because of course he does.
‘The winds are easing and I don’t have any more food for this one so we better head off.’
Alex hesitates, he isn’t even sure how to reply. It’s not like he and Henry have spoke to each other, but knowing someone is there has helped.
‘Will you come back tomorrow?’ He croaks out, Henry’s brows shoot in the air before settling with a tight smile.
‘Of course. If you need us before then, you have my number. And I’ve got the spare key.’
Alex waves his phone weakly to acknowledge this and instantly feels like an idiot. Henry nods, opens his mouth to speak but shuts it again and puts on David’s leash and adorable navy raincoat.
‘Good night Alex.’
He leaves, Alex coughs up more mucus and lets out a groan. He really fucking hates being ill.
A mere ten minutes later, Nora is calling him. Well she tries to FaceTime at first but he knows it’ll worry June.
‘How is the patient? Playing nice with your nurse?’
‘Hilarious. You should be a comedian.’
‘Quit it. How you doing Alejandro?’
‘I feel like shit but Henry bought a shit load of flu meds and they’re working a little. And his coffee is okay I suppose.’
Nora laughs like a hyena down the phone, making Alex grimace.
‘You are a big fat liar who lies in Lyington.’
‘Again, you should really go into comedy.’
‘Shut up and talk to your sister.’
‘That make-’
‘Alex, how are you feeling? Did Henry get you everything you need?’
Alex takes as deep a breath as he can, it hurts but he can’t tell June that.
‘I’m okay. Just need to rest up. Henry got everything off your little list, don’t worry.’
‘Good, good. As soon as the airlines are up again, we’ll be there.’
‘June, I’ll be fine.’
‘And yet you refuse to FaceTime…’
‘June.’
‘Alex.’
Alex rubs his temples. His body longs for yet more sleep, despite spending the entire day in his bed. He fakes a yawn which turns into a genuine one.
‘I need to sleep Junebug. I’ll text in the morning.’
‘Night night.’
Alex clicks the call off and switches off the bedroom lamp. He rolls onto his back and listens to the howls outside until sleep takes him again.
‘Hello love… long day?’
Blue eyes. Blonde hair.
‘Too long. So rude that my job kept me away from you.’
Plush lips. Soft kisses. Firm kisses.
‘You’re here now. Home, with me.’
British accent with a deep, wanting tone.
‘Come here. I need to recharge.’
Skin on skin. Freckles. More kisses.
‘Fuck, Henry , that feels so good.’
Alex wakes in a fray of thrashing limbs. He coughs up more mucus in the frenzy and spits it directly into the overflowing mountain of tissues in the trash can. There’s spots of light peeking through the curtains. The clock next to him reads 8.39am. He makes his way to the bathroom slowly, his chest feels like it's being squeezed in a vice. He sits back on the toilet when he’s done, his t-shirt is stuck to him. He slinks it off and puts a hand on his chest. It’s clammy and he longs for a shower. It’s a few feet away and yet feels so far away. His heart sinks when he hears the door unlocking and the footsteps and pawfalls of Henry and David.
‘Alex? Where are y- oh.’
Henry blinks over and over until finally focusing on Alex, leaning back against the wall and staring at the shower. He shuffles off to put things down in the lounge before coming back empty handed. He crouches down next to Alex and puts a hand on his head.
‘Jesus, Alex you’re completely burning up.’
‘You calling me hot?’ he chirps back with a sloppy grin, Henry hangs his head.
‘Can you get in the shower? Let’s get you cooled down.’
He pulls Alex up, hands under armpits with very little effort, annoyingly. They make their way to the bath, Henry gathers Alex in his arms completely before placing him in the tub delicately. Alex is still smiling, he’s too out of it to remember to change expressions right now, he’ll get back to it later. Henry turns the dials and starts the shower. Alex is still in his boxers but he doesn’t give a damn. The water soothes, pouring over his hot skin like a thin salve. Henry kneels by the tub, watching dutifully and Alex meets his eye. They’re so wonderfully bright. Alex hadn’t noticed before.
‘Your thoughts are a little loud today, aren’t they?’ Henry comments, Alex’s eyes widen as he realises his mistake.
‘I’m ill, leave me alone.’
‘Not happening. Not even if my eyes are wonderfully bright.’ Henry teases. He puts his hand on Alex’s head again, Alex finds himself leaning into his touch. His hands are so soft.
‘A little better. Another five minutes and we'll get you out.’
Alex just nods and shuts his eyes. His mind is a whirl of colours and flashes of his dream. A dream that must have been caused by a fever. Only possible cause. Henry shuts the shower off and lets Alex climb out of the bath, it’s still a little Bambi on ice but certainly more stable. He wraps him in a towel, his face inches away from Alex’s. They catch each other’s eyes. Alex opens his eyes properly, he wants to see what Henry does, he likes messing with him. Henry finally backs away and makes sure Alex gets to the bedroom. Alex’s lips curl into a smug smile.
‘Where’s your pyjamas?’
‘I have sweats in the bottom drawer. T-shirts in the top.’
Henry shuffles around and pulls out a dark grey pair, they happen to be Alex’s favourite. Lucky flook. Henry grabs an old NYU t-shirt and puts them both on the bed next to Alex, arms by his side but hands sticking out. There’s a pink flush growing up his neck and it makes Alex chuckle.
‘I can get dressed by myself Henry. A little privacy would be nice.’
The flush covers the entirety of Henry’s face and he quickly apologises as he paces out the room. If Henry didn’t usually annoy Alex so much, he’d find it adorable.
*****
‘So you’ve got coffee, you’ve got snacks. David, Laptop charger… Anything else?’ Henry stands at the end of Alex’s bed, there’s a tea towel on his shoulder and it’s weirdly working for him. Alex blinks as he processes the thoughts he’s having. Unfortunately his mouth is working faster than his brain right now.
‘Do you like Star Wars?’
‘Love it.’
‘Wanna watch with me?’ Alex’s mouth is truly the captain now. What was he thinking? Damn, mucus meddling with rational thoughts. Henry scratches the back of his head.
‘Sure.’ He goes to Alex’s desk and starts pulling the chair out. David watches them as he curls around Alex’s feet. Henry slides next to the bed as Alex sets his laptop in between them and the movie starts. Alex has lost count of how many times he’s seen the Star Wars movies. It’s a comfort movie through and through. He looks over to Henry, his arms are curling around him as if to give himself a hug. His gaze softens, the light of the laptop shows off his cheekbones. Back to the movie, Alex can’t deal with these weird fevered tangents.
‘Which one’s your favourite then?’ Henry asks halfway through the movie. Alex looks at him as if he asked the size of the moon. Henry shrugs and looks back to the screen. Alex shrinks further into the duvet, his body slowly feeling like it’s turning into an icicle.
‘Alex, are you okay?’
‘Cold. Really, fucking cold.’
‘Hold on.’
Henry is shuffling off his shoes and crawling under the duvet in seconds, Alex doesn’t move. His body is frozen, in all senses of the word but his brain is sounding the alarm. Henry’s arms are squeezing him tightly. And it feels far too good.
‘Is this alright?’ Henry asks, his voice small. Alex’s face is inches away. He can’t stop looking at Henry’s lips. So pink. Plump. He nods, not risking any fever induced mania escape. Henry’s hands rub up and down his back, a warmth is taunting his limbs, not entirely sinking in. But he no longer feels like he’s lying in a freezer.
‘It’s Empire by the way.’
Henry’s brow furrows, his hands stop for a moment.
‘My favourite.’ Alex reminds him. Henry laughs, his breath smells like earl grey tea. Alex has never liked tea but this isn’t unpleasant.
‘Oh I understood that. It makes a lot of sense I suppose.’
‘And it’s not your favourite?’ Alex squeaks. This whole being ill thing is really ruining his dark and handsome reputation. Henry shakes his head.
‘Return of the Jedi. I like how neatly the story ties up.’
‘Of course, the prince charming type likes the happy ending.’
Henry’s eyebrow raises up and Alex finds himself gulping for air.
‘Prince charming, eh? That makes you the damsel in distress I suppose.’
Alex is in trouble. He’s in bed with an annoyingly attractive man and this is not how this is supposed to happen. Red alert. And that’s when his chest decides to bark some more. He rolls over to avoid Henry, the coughing fit rattles his rib cage and tires him out. He rolls back into his back and Henry is still there, his hand goes for Alex’s forehead.
‘Are you alright?’
Alex isn’t alright. He hates admitting it. He’s the one who manages. He doesn’t need codependency on anyone. Especially not Henry. And yet…
‘Can you hold me again please?’
Henry’s hand slides down Alex’s face, his thumb caresses his cheek as Henry nods his head.
‘Of course, dear.’
‘We’re going to be late.’
Hands on his chest, hands around his neck.
‘They won’t notice. We can be quick.’
Hands in his hair, fingers on his lips.
‘You make a gorgeous Leia you know.’
Soft, radiant giggles that could melt candy floss.
‘Why thank you darling. You are the perfect Hans.’
When Alex wakes up, he swears his pillow is moving of its own accord. It’s when he hears a slight whistle above him that he realises he's actually sleeping on Henry’s chest. He looks up, Henry’s sleeping soundly. He looks so calm. Safe.
Alex’s mouth feels like the Sahara desert. He moves carefully to drink some water without disturbing Henry. The clock reads 8.04pm, Henry should be heading out by now. When he looks outside, the rains are still pounding, just like the pain in his head.
He gently shakes Henry awake. Henry sits up quickly, taking in his surroundings and finally finding Alex’s face. He smiles and it hits Alex’s right in the chest.
‘How are you doing?’
‘Better, thanks.’
‘Good, good.’ Henry chews on his lip and leans forward to check the time. He gets up and starts to put his shoes back on.
‘Henry…’
Henry swivels back around, knees up on the bed.
‘Do you think…Well it might be easier if… Could you stay over?’
Henry looks out at the window and his shoulders relax.
‘I think that would be for the best. And besides, David seems to like you a lot.’
Alex looks down to see David sleeping between his legs, his tail twitches occasionally. Alex hopes he’s dreaming about something nice.
‘I like him a lot. He’s a very good snuggle buddy.’
‘The best.’ They both look at David and then back to each other. Alex lingers, there’s a look on Henry’s face he can’t quite process. It’s like he’s restraining himself. His shoulders are hunching up again and Alex is starting to think that’s his default position. Tense, uneasy. He thinks back to holidays past and seeing that tall, tight frame rarely relaxing. At least during yoga, he was getting the stress out. Stress that Alex now wanted to get rid of.
‘I should put food out for David. I brought extra, just in case. He wasn’t exactly happy to go out in the rain again yesterday.’
Henry gets out of the bed and heads to the kitchen. Alex rubs David behind his ears, making his back paws twitch. He starts to wake up when he hears the dry food clattering in his bowl. He runs off and Alex decides to make a move. He swings his legs out of the bed, the world isn’t spinning this time so that’s an improvement. After a minute or so, he manages a trip to the bathroom. When he’s done he finds Henry in the kitchen, he’s reading the label on a can of soup.
‘Microwaving soup a little too advanced for you?’
‘Says the man who has been living on said soup. I do believe I served it piping hot.’
‘So what? You just wanted a bit of light reading?’
Henry exhales through his nose, pushing a bit of his hair back. He puts the can with a solid thunk.
‘Did you need something or did you just want to criticise my bedside manner?’
Alex puts his hands up, Henry’s wrath is something he is overly familiar with. They weren’t allowed to play board games together over winter breaks for a reason.
‘It’s all good. Want to continue with Star Wars? I feel like a change of scenery.’
Alex nods to the couch. Henry rolls his shoulders back, and nods with a fake smile. Alex widens his eyes and deposits himself on the couch. Henry finally starts putting things in the microwave and ten minutes later, the screen is blasting the familiar music of John Williams and they’re gulping down tomato soup. David finds a spot next to Alex and Alex is secretly celebrating inside that he’s been favoured. He needs that win right now.
Henry shifts and turns to Alex.
‘I know how to heat up soup. I just wanted to make sure I did it properly. You’re ill and it would have killed me to make you feel worse.’
Alex looks down at the empty soup bowl and back to Henry. Henry looks like a broken vase, glued together but barely holding on. Alex smiles, his hand stretches out but he scratches David before it can touch Henry.
‘I appreciate that. I’m sorry I can be a real asshole when I’m sick.’
Henry snorts, putting a hand over his mouth a moment too late. Alex lets out a groan.
‘Okay, and when I’m in perfect health too.’
‘Glad to see we finally agree on something.’
Alex limply throws a cushion at Henry, he’s laughing and Alex doesn’t hate it.
‘I’m ill, be nice to me.’
‘I’m simply agreeing with you, dear.’
Alex nervously joins the laughter before they turn back to the movie. While normally he’d be sucked into Leia and Hans’s shenanigans by now, all he can hear is ‘dear’ echoing in his mind.
As the movie draws on, Alex slouches further into the sofa. David eventually jumps down to eat more of his food. Alex lets his body stretch out into the space. The movie becomes more and more blurry as Alex finds sleep hitting him again.
‘You know I used to hate you.’
A harmonious laugh. A chaste kiss.
‘Hate? What changed your tune?’
Bright eyes. Henry’s eyes.
‘You cared for me. When I didn’t deserve your care.’
Lips on his forehead. Gentle squeezes.
‘You always deserve care Alex. You always deserve love.’
Tears. Sad, but mostly happy. Relief.
Alex is blinded by the morning light when he first opens his eyes. It’s evident he’s still in the lounge. It’s also evident that there’s an Englishman snoring on his chest. There’s a dull ache there but the warmth from Henry eases it, as if he’s needed there. He looks adorable, his mouth is open just a touch and his hair is messy for a change. Alex wants to remember these details. He wants to see them again.
One fever dream is a happenstance.
Two fever dreams is a coincidence.
Three fever dreams is a giant neon flashing sign that you are attracted to this caring, beautiful man. Long limbs and British accent and all.
He stretches out a hand, combs the hair out of Henry’s face. Of course it’s ridiculously soft. It would annoy Alex if he didn’t want to keep brushing his fingers through it. Henry stirs slowly, nibbling his lip in his sleepy state.
‘Good morning sweetheart.’
He stiffens when he feels Henry’s body adjust, each muscle flexing. A worry climbs his chest, Henry’s going to move. He’s going to leave. But then, stillness.
‘We must stop meeting like this.’
Alex looks down, Henry’s looking at him with sunlight and possibility in his eyes. There’s a question there and Alex hopes he has the right answer.
‘Must we?’
Henry shakes his head with a grin. He slowly gets up, his hands either side of Alex’s head as he hovers over him. Alex hates that there’s even the tiniest gap between them. But the gaps in his head are filling up. The frustration. The gazes that lasted way too long. The guilt. The hurt that he somehow wasn’t good enough for him.
‘Hey, what are you thinking about?’
‘Just how ridiculous it is that it took the flu and a storm to figure out that I actually have a major crush on you.’ It comes out nasal as hell but Alex is glad he’s said it.
‘You’re right, that is absolutely ridiculous.’
Alex messes up Henry’s hair as he laughs. Alex’s hands linger around his neck.
‘I really want to kiss you. But I don’t want to make you sick. This is real life torture, Jesus.’
‘Henry will do.’ Alex rolls his eyes but he can’t help but grin. The storm outside is finally settled and the storm inside might just be settling too.
‘I think if I was going to get sick, it would have happened by now. You’ve practically drooled on me in my sleep.’
Alex’s brows shoot up.
‘Excuse me your majesty but I think you’ll find the evidence on my t-shirt to the contrary.’
Henry leans in, Alex tastes earl grey and lemon on his breath.
‘Do shut up and kiss me.’
A week later, when they’re lying on the couch together again, Henry sniffling as they binge watch the Great British Bake Off, Alex still thinks it was 100% worth it.