Work Text:
Alex was tipsy, his lips stung with salt from a few too many tequila shots. Nights like this were a rarity, but the semester was done and he deserved to blow off a little steam. A law school buddy’s partner owned a bar and the end of semester lock in had become a regular occurrence. Eventually partners and friends came along too, forming somewhat of a partners of law students support group.
Last he'd seen Henry, he'd been yapping with someone from his study group about a romance series. The image felt correct. Henry in a high back brown armchair, large gin and tonic in hand, leg crossed over the other and a vicious nod as he followed the conversation. However, he was no longer there as Alex turned the corner. One girl looked up from the conversation, tilting her head at Alex like she'd found a lost puppy.
‘He’s in the garden out back.’
***
Henry marvelled at the fairy lights strung along the shelter roof above him. Between the gaps he could see the light snow overhead. He liked the New York winters far more than Alex, the frost temperatures reminding him of home. He pulled his scarf tighter around him. The door whined as it opened behind him. A pair of warm arms scrunched around Henry's waist.
‘Here you are, baby.’
Henry turned to face Alex, placing a delicate kiss on his forehead.
‘Just needed a spot of quiet.’
Alex nodded with a goofy smile and leaned his head into Henry's chest. Henry chuckled as he tightened his hold around a somewhat flimsy Alex.
‘Good evening, darling?’
A muffled ‘mhmm’ eventually came. For a while, they clung to each other. Alex breathed deeply into Henry's chest, as Henry smelled the amber of Alex's shampoo. The noise of the bar rumbled quietly between the whistling winds.
Alex finally lifted his head up.
‘Can we just stay like this forever?’
Henry smiled and kissed him tenderly.
‘I’d love to.’