Work Text:
Alex knew he shouldn’t have favourite customers. He prided himself on everyone paying a fair price for a good service. But maybe he let Mrs Babbit stick around longer to chat about her girls at cheerleading camp, even gave her an extra cup of coffee. He might have opened the scotch for when Zahra came by like clockwork with her suits to adjust. And then there was Henry.
Alex still remembered their first appointment. He’d been referred by Percy, an entrepreneur who’d been seeing Alex for years at this point. They were best friends, so Henry came up in conversation a lot. But when they finally met, he was not what Alex was expecting.
‘You’re the famous Henry then?’
Henry’s cheeks pinkened, but he nodded. He held out a hand, Alex shook it with a coy smile.
‘You’re the famous Alex, Percy recommends you highly. I apologise for the last minute appointment.’
Alex shook his head, finally dropping Henry’s hand. Part of him wanted to hold on.
‘Don’t worry about it, that’s kind of my speciality. Last minute fixes for the suits of NYC.’
Henry smiled at that, looking directly at Alex before back down at the floor. Alex led him to the changing room to their left.
‘Let me know if you need any help.’
‘You want to help me out of my clothes?’
Henry looked up at Alex, eyes stretched wide. Alex’s throat felt stiff.
‘I am so sorry, that was so inappropriate.’
Alex bit his lip as he smiled.
‘Don’t worry about it. I’ll be out here when you’re ready.’
Henry cleared his throat and swiftly shut the door. Alex let out a deep breath he didn’t realise he’d been holding. He grabbed his chalk and measuring tape, strapped on his pin cushion on his wrist. He smoothed down his pants, despite steaming them immaculately only hours ago. He rubbed his hands together, restless energy fizzing in his veins.
Henry came out in a charcoal grey suit, that Alex believed was doing nothing for his complexion. But that wasn’t his place to say. Henry faced the mirror, his chin lifted. His shoulders were as stiff as a good quality shirt collar. This was a different Henry being presented.
‘So remind me what you’d like adjusted?’
Henry began pointing out areas around the suit. Alex quickly got to work, pinning, marking and noting Henry’s posture as they agreed on each adjustment. The man could have been a statue. Alex got on his knees and Henry stepped up on the small podium. When he looked up and met Henry’s gaze, he was the one looking away now. Those blue eyes were intoxicating. Alex wondered what they'd be like rolling to the back of his head.
‘Ouch!’
Alex’s pin strayed in the wrong direction. He immediately pulled it away, and stood up.
‘I am so sorry- are you alright?’
His hands have placed themselves on Henry's arms. There was a pull there, he needed to be touching him. Henry’s eyes softened. His hands came up and pulled Alex’s down slowly.
‘No harm done. No need to fuss over me.’
Alex opened his mouth to speak but nothing came. He looked down to see his and Henry's hands, together. He felt calmer.
‘What if- and please tell me if I've read this wron-’
Henry shook his head, eyes pleading with Alex.
‘You haven't. You really haven't.’
Alex couldn’t help but chuckle.
‘You going to let me finish?’
Henry pressed his lips together, then mouthed sorry.
‘I’d like to make a fuss over you sometime. Would you like to get a drink tonight?’
Henry beamed, his blush was back but he was less sheepish about it. Alex wanted to see that blush all over him.
‘I’d love to.’