Archive of Our Own

When Alex was twenty-one, his life had fucking changed it's trajectory.

His mum had decided to run for presidency, and so it had began. Flying all over the world, charming people whose names he couldn't remember, shaking hands with people he couldn't give a fuck about. That, and befriending a whole ass fucking Prince at the Olympics held in Rio. So, yeah, twenty-one had been weird.

He still doesn't fully understand how they'd gotten there. Like, he'd accosted Henry, walking up to him, shoving his hand forward to shake his hand when they'd had a breather from the events. Henry had turned red, tipping his head in a nod, and had walked away with a tight smile. Sure, Alex had been miffed. Everything had made sense when he'd found Henry hyperventilating in the bathroom later, though.

Alex had put his hands on Henry's shoulder, urging him to breathe. When that hadn't worked, Alex had given in to urge to cup Henry's cheeks, brushing his thumbs over those fatal cheekbones until he'd calmed down enough to breathe in shakily. He'd given Alex the barest of smiles, and Alex had settled in next to him, on the filthy bathroom floor, taking Henry's hand in his. He'd sat in silence with the fucking Prince of England, watching as he collected himself piece by piece.

He'd watched as Henry had pulled his long fucking legs to his chest, wrapping his arms around them. He'd set his cheek on his knees to gaze at Alex, eyes soft. Alex didn't think there was a need to follow any royal fucking etiquettes after holding Henry's face between his hands, wiping the tears away. So, he'd bumped their shoulders together, brushing his thumb over the knobs of Henry's knuckles.

He'd wondered about how surreal his life was as he'd rested their knees together, thinking back to how he'd traced those same cheeks with his fingers-- the only difference was that before, he'd pressed his fingertips to a glossy page of a magazine with the Prince's face smiling up at him. June had relentlessly teased him about leaving greasy stains behind and he'd taken it, cheeks rosy.

The thing is. The thing is seeing Henry so unsettled had reminded him that Henry was not just a picture on a magazine, but he's a real person with complexities and issues, and it just made Alex want to get to know him more. So, disregarding all rules, he'd wrapped an arm around Henry's waist to slip a hand in Henry's pocket to steal his phone. Henry had blushed, his cheeks scarlet, and Alex fought the urge to press his lips to that pretty flush. Instead, he'd taken advantage of Henry's surprise and shoved Henry's phone in his face, unlocking his phone. He added his number in Henry's phone, pressing the locked phone to his chest.

"Forgive me if I'm being too forward, but text me if you ever have one of these again, sweetheart," Alex had smiled. "I'll talk you out of it. Something tells me you've had to keep it all to yourself for far too long."

Henry had said nothing, eyes still fixed on Alex. He had straightened out from when Alex had slipped an arm around him, but remained still otherwise. 

"Why?" Henry had asked then, his voice raspy.

"I mean, if my mom becomes President, we're going to be running into each all the time. I'm new to all of this. I could use a friend. Plus, it'd make all those functions bearable. So, what do you say?"

Henry's eyes had been calculating. Alex had grinned that grin that showed off his dimples.

"Fine," Henry had exhaled, a hand coming up to rest on Alex's knee. "A friend would be nice, I suppose."

So, that's how it began. For five years straight, Henry had been the anchor that had kept Alex in place as his life was taken up by the fucking storm, tethering him to the ground. Like, that was Alex's best fucking friend. The love of his life, not that the oblivious fucking asshole knew. Alex would go to war for him.

In another lifetime, Alex would rather have his ashes be shipped to Heathrow than go to the Royal Wedding, but in this one, he couldn't fucking wait to see Henry again. He hadn't seen his best friend in two whole months, and he's having withdrawals, alright? He looks at the date he's marked on his calendar, counting down the days. He might be too eager, sure. He has no fucking shame.

Alex doesn't see Henry as the guests are welcomed into the Westminster Abbey. He’s a little mad.

Henry had fucking promised Alex that he'd meet him at the gates to greet him, Bea on his arm. So, like, where the fuck was he? Alex titters as he walks in the ballroom, June by his side.

"So, where's that yummy prince of yours?" June asks, a smirk on her face.

"June!"

"What? You're halfway in love with him, anyway. There's no shame in admitting it now."

"Fuck off!" Alex scowls, his cheeks heating up. "I don't know where he is. I'm going to give that motherfucker a piece of my mind when I see him."

"Ah, yes. How dare he not drop everything to greet you the second you touched down," June teases.

"June, he'd promised," Alex whines in a way no self-respecting twenty-six year old should. "We haven't seen each other in two months!"

June laughs as she shakes her head at him. "Two months too long, hmm?"

"You're making fun of me. Don't make fun of me."

"You're sulking over your best friend at your big age. Of course I'm going to make fun of you, Lil Bit," June smirks.

"You know I'm in love with him, Bug," Alex murmurs, lowering his voice as he leans in to whisper in June's ear. "It really shouldn't be a surprise I'm so. Fine, so desperate to see him."

June's eyes soften as she squeezes his arm, throwing him a small smile. Alex can't help but scan the room again, looking for Henry. The crowd has started tricking into the room, but there is still no sign of Henry. As he's looking around the perimeter, his eyes find Pez, and he can't help the grin that overtakes his face.

Pez. Hanging out with Henry had meant hanging out with Pez, and Alex had never met anyone who'd been as intriguing as that man. Pez is clutching a champagne flute, clothes more subdued that Alex is used to. Pez throws him a smile, making his way over. He picks up another flute as he drifts closer, presenting it to June with a flourish.

"For the most beautiful woman in this establishment," Pez grins, making her laugh.

"And what about me? My drink? The most beautiful man in this establishment?" Alex teases.

"Alexander, babes, you know I love you," Pez starts, eyes darting to someone behind Alex. "But you, my love, cannot hold that title when Hazza exists."

Alex twists around comically fast, paying no mind to how Pez has started cackling. He frowns when he realises Henry's not fucking there.

"Okay, yeah, lets all laugh at the guy who just wants to see the man he's in love with," Alex scowls.

Look, him being in love with Henry is no secret. At this rate, Henry is the only person who doesn't know. So, like, Alex isn't afraid to say it. Admit it. The statement usually makes June squeal in excitement. Makes Pez smirk in that cryptic way. This time, though, Pez's lips twist downwards. It wouldn't be as noticeable if Alex hadn't spent the last five years learning his tells with Henry's help.

"What?" Alex demands, narrowing his eyes as he notices the shift.

"He's, um, he's bringing someone," Pez says cautiously.

"Bringing someone," Alex repeats, his lips thinning.

"Yes."

"Bringing someone to the Royal Wedding?" Alex asks incredulously. "Isn't that, like, meeting the family? This is a big deal. Fuck."

Before Pez can say anything, Alex cuts him off again.

"Where is he?" Alex snaps.

"Alex-"

"No, fuck this," Alex says, cutting June off.

He turns around to march outside the ballroom, pulling his phone out as he pulls up the text thread with Henry.

Sweetheart <3

Yes, love, I promise.

I'll be there at the gates
to see you the second
you get here, darling!

I miss you too much.

miss you more loser

you are a filthy liar
who fucking LIES and
im so pissed at you

where the fuck are you

im serious henry im
already so mad dont
fucking play with me

pez told me youre
bringing someone????
i thought we told each
other things???????

why did i have to find
this out from someone
ELSE henry

When no reply comes through, Alex titters, calling Henry instead. The thought of Henry ignoring Alex for someone else makes him want to crawl out of his skin. For the past five years, Henry has been a constant in his life, in his fucking heart. He can't stand the thought of someone else replacing him. He's the one who gets to see Henry, all sleep-rumpled. He's the one who gets to hear Henry whining about tea at odd hours of the night. He's the one who gets to hear Henry talk about his terrible fucking family. He's the one who Henry trusts. Who Henry loves. Sure, Henry might not be in love with him, but Henry does love him. 

Henry does pick up, even though it's on the last fucking ring.

"Yes?" Henry asks, breathless.

The tone makes Alex's stomach turn.

"Who are you with?" Alex demands, picturing Henry all ruffled, his hair messy from someone running their hand through it. He clenches his fists in anger.

"Nobody," Henry says, tone confused. "I'm just running a little late, love."

Alex can hear him shuffling around the room, David barking in the distance. He's truly alone, and Alex lets the sound of David's snuffles calm him down slightly.

"Pez said you're bringing someone," Alex explains, jaw clenched.

The line falls silent and a bitter taste settles over Alex's tongue as his fears are confirmed.

"...I am," Henry says softly.

"The fuck is he?" Alex grunts, his stomach heavy.

"It's, uh, it's a she," Henry murmurs, and Alex feels all the fight drain out of him instantly.

"She," Alex says, just as soft. "Baby..."

"I know, darling," Henry says. "I'm twenty-eight. Gran has been on my arse about, well, not settling down. Said it wasn't respectable, especially since Pip was getting married. I had to. It was either that or getting married off to the first respectable girl, and I just couldn't do that, Alex. I could not."

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," Alex says. "I can't wait for her to fall into the grave that's practically shouting her name. I'll kill her myself if I have to."

Henry huffs out a laugh, and Alex can just picture him shaking his head fondly. Alex isn't fucking joking. He would willingly do time for Henry. Alex hears a car door slam shut and he feels restless with nerves-- he's going to see Henry soon.

"Do you... do you have to do this?"

"Afraid so, love," Henry says.

"I don't like this. I don't like how they're putting you through this, baby," Alex says. "It makes me want to go back into the ballroom with a fucking gun and shoot her head off."

"No guns," Henry laughs, albeit a little sadly. "Don't you worry. I shall be there in five and restrain you."

Alex ignores how that makes his pants tighten. 

"Better hurry," Alex smirks. "Or I'll nip one from Amy."

"Bold of you to assume she won't notice that," Henry mocks. "You wouldn't dare."

"Oh?" Alex asks, a little cockily. "Hurry, babe, so you don't have to find out. You know I would do it for you."

"I do know," Henry says softly. "I love you."

"I love you," Alex says, a little too sincere. "Hey, this doesn't mean you're off the hook, asshole. You weren't here to see me. You promised. I have the fucking proof."

"I would expect nothing else," Henry laughs. "I promise I'll make it up to you."

"Yes?" Alex asks, voice low. "How?"

"Guess you'll just have to find out," Henry whispers, his voice tinny through the phone.

Alex breathes in, feeling a little hot under his collar. 

"Whatever, loser," Alex snaps, trying to distract himself. "Get here already. I miss your stupid, ugly face."

"My face is gorgeous," Henry says loftily, and Alex tramps down a smile.

"Keep telling yourself that, coloniser."

"Calling me a coloniser whilst you're standing in that building? I could have you imprisoned for this, you know?"

Alex hears the sound of a car door opening and he starts looking around, trying to spot Henry. Any second now. 

"Yeah?" Alex asks, just as Henry steps into view.

He's walking towards Alex, and a brilliant smile crosses Henry's face as he spots Alex waiting for him. He looks fucking gorgeous, is the thing. Dressed to the nines in a suit, with a blue sash across his fucking chest, blond hair pushed back from his face.

"Gonna throw me in the dungeons, sweetheart? Leave me to the wolves?"

"No," Henry says slowly, and Alex can see his cheeks glow pink, even from a distance. "Not the dungeons."

"No?"

"No, I'd clearly have you killed," Henry laughs.

"Tell me it would be personal, at least. Sensual. Maroon silk sheets-- I'd look gorgeous against them-- a pillow over my face as you straddle me?"

Henry trips on his way over and Alex smiles. It's a good thing they're at the back entrance and nobody is around to see Henry like this. Thank God for small mercies and all that. Mary would have Henry thrown in the dungeons for this.

 "I could do it if that's what you want."

"Fucking. Fucking sprint so I can hug you, dickhead," Alex says, grinning as he hears Henry laugh.

He doesn't sprint, but he crosses the distance between them with long strides, his arms winding around Alex's shoulders as soon as they're within touching distance. Alex feels his warmth from where they're pressed together, their temples resting against each other. Alex winds the arm holding the phone around Henry's waist, closing his eyes as Henry's fist clutches the back of his suit jacket. It's going to leave wrinkles. Alex doesn't care.

"Missed you," Henry murmurs, lips pressed to Alex's neck.

"Missed you more, sweetheart."

"Nuh uh," Henry disagrees petulantly, pulling a laugh from Alex. "That's up for debate."

"Do you realise who you're talking to? You're going to lose, baby," Alex says, rubbing Henry's back as he shudders against Alex at the pet name. Henry tightens his hold on Alex.

Henry says nothing, and Alex walks them backwards, not loosening his hold until they're hidden in an alcove. They can never be too careful.

"Baby."

"Alex," Henry breathes, burying his face in the crook of Alex's neck.

"I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I'm sorry you're gonna have to do this. I wish I could hold your hand out there. Give you the courage you need. I wish you didn't have to do this at all," Alex says.

"You're going to help by just being there," Henry says, voice watery.

"I love you," Alex murmurs. "You're so strong, sweetheart. So fucking proud of you. Always. No matter what."

'I... I wish I didn't have to do it at all."

"Me, too."

It's a while before they pull away. They go inside only when Henry's phone starts blowing up so much they can't ignore it any longer. Alex squeezes Henry's hand thrice before he puts on his brave face, all the emotions bleeding out.

Henry urges Alex to go inside, telling him he has to wait for his date. It makes Alex's heart break in his fucking chest, for both of them. Henry, for having to do this. Alex, for having to watch Henry having to do this.

His eyes are fixed on the door, waiting for the love of his life to walk into the door with some other woman on his arm. Feels his eyes tear up when they do. Alex watches as Henry presses a kiss to his date's cheek, his eyes fixed on the point where Henry's lips touch someone's skin that's not Alex's.

He wants to be angry. He wants to be filled with bitter rage. Really. He wants to be mad. He can't be. He watches as Henry flutters around the room, talking to people, laughing that fake smile of his, fingers intertwined with a woman's. Alex wants to wrap his hands around Henry until he melts into his chest, all the tension leaving Henry's body. Instead, he drinks too much, fighting the urge to march over to Henry to drag him out of his goddamn country.

He spies Henry standing by the three-tiered cake alone a couple of hours later, tripping over his feet as he stumbles over to his best friend.

"Henry," he sing-songs, grabbing Henry's attention.

He watches Henry's mouth twitch up in a smile, barely noticeable, but to Alex, it's obvious. He can read that man like a fucking book.

"Alex. Always a pleasure."

Alex clinks his glass with Henry's, noticing how it's mostly full. Henry tends to avoid drinking at these things, always wanting to be in control. Alex usually does the same, but he's had to watch Henry wrapped around some woman for an entire evening, so he thinks it's only fair he gets drink this one time.

"You, too, Your Majesty," Alex says, just to be a little shit.

"It's Your Royal Highness, you know this," Henry says with a laugh.

"There it is," Alex murmurs. "Missed you laugh, sweetheart. You've been fucking miserable this entire evening."

"I have," Henry confesses.

"Run away with me," Alex says, startling another laugh from Henry.

Alex frowns. "I'm serious."

"You're drunk."

"Henry. Please. I don't like seeing you like this. It's like regressing to Rio Henry."

"Drop it."

"No."

"Alex, you're quite tipsy," Henry explains.

"I know. You look like you're going to kill yourself. You know what. Fuck this. I'm getting you out of this," Alex says, looking around.

Alex smirks, and before Henry can say anything, Alex walks backwards, purposely pushing into the table that's holding the cake. He sees Henry's wide eyes, his horrified look. Still, he pretends to stumble backwards harder, the glass in his hand falling to the floor. Smirks a little when the table tips slightly. Watches everyone's eyes dart to the monstrosity on the table. Then, in seconds, the cake sways as it falls to the floor, Alex bathed in it. In the chaos, he'd managed to pull Henry down as well, ruining his clothes. Alex lays there, Henry's disapproving glare on him, and he presses his lips together, lest a laugh escape him. Henry's pissed, he knows. Doesn't care.

"Henry!"

Philip.

Henry gets pulled away for a few minutes before being ushered in a room with an en-suite with Alex. He knows the Queen is furious.

Alex loses it as he watches Henry's face covered in cake. There's buttercream clinging to his eyelashes. He thought Henry would be pissed at him. Thought he'd shove Alex, demand what he was thinking in that posh accent. Henry's not angry, though. A little unamused. Alex might be a little surprised at his reaction.

Alex has sobered up, but the whole situation is so absurd that he can't take himself too seriously.

"You look so un-princely," Alex giggles, watching the frosting that covers the tips of Henry's hair.

"Are you quite done?" Henry asks drily, walking into the bathroom.

He turns the faucet on as Alex follows Henry, standing behind him. Alex doesn't stop giggling as Henry washes his face, scrubbing it clean of cake. Even though Henry's lips twitch up in the barest hints of a smile, his face remains serious. Impassive.

"I'm getting married," Henry murmurs, eyes trained downwards as he scrubs his cuticles.

Alex stops laughing.

"What?" Alex asks, voice barely a whisper.

"To Sophia. The woman who was at the wedding earlier. Gran wants it," Henry explains, voice neutral. He sounds detached, like it's all happening to someone else.

The only sound except them breathing is the sound of the dripping faucet. Alex swears can hear his heart beating.

"No," Alex says quietly, not unassertively. 

"No?"

"No," Alex snarls, lifting his eyes from Henry's hands to look at him through the mirror. "You're not marrying somebody else."

A pause.

"Somebody else?" Henry asks tentatively. There's a glimmer of hope shining in those blue eyes Alex adores so much.

Alex can't fucking help himself, alright? The air is crackling, the tension between them thick, and the man he's in love with looks so hopeful that Alex can't help but plaster his chest against Henry's back, wrapping his arms around Henry's tiny waist. He presses a kiss to the back of his neck, noting how Henry tenses up slightly.

Touching isn't something they're strangers to. It's Alex's love fucking language. He loves touching people. Touching Henry, especially. It's been a thing. He hooks his chin over Henry's shoulder, watching their reflection in the mirror. Their eyes meet. Henry looks terrified.

"Somebody else," Alex confirms, turning his head to press a kiss to the corner of Henry's mouth.

"Alex," Henry breathes, hands settling over Alex's.

"Baby," Alex murmurs reverently, his breath hot against the side of Henry's face.

Henry leans into Alex's embrace, closing his eyes. His mouth parts slightly as he tilts his head to rest it against Alex's shoulder, and Alex slips his hands beneath the fabric of Henry's starched shirt, seeking out the warm skin of his stomach. 

"Alex, please," Henry begs, his voice breaking.

Alex turns him around with his hands on his hips, cupping Henry's face as he leans their foreheads together.

"Whatever you want, sweetheart. You hear me? Whatever you want, you have it," Alex vows.

There's a battle going on inside Henry's head, and Alex waits it out patiently, brushing his thumbs over Henry's cheeks. He knows he has to let Henry be. Sometimes, it takes a while, but Henry always comes around.

"You," Henry finally says, eyes trained on Alex. "I want you."

"Fucking stellar, baby, because I've wanted you since I laid eyes on your stupidly gorgeous face," Alex smiles.

"Since Rio?" Henry asks, his face the perfect picture of awe.

"No," Alex says. "Bug had this magazine. Years before I met you. I saw you on the cover page, and I swear to God, I fell in love."

"Alex..."

"I did," Alex insists. "I love you. I'm in love with you, baby."

"I... Uh, I... I am, too. In love with you, that is," Henry says, and Alex feels like he can breathe for the first time in years. Like everything in his life is finally falling into place.

Their eyes are tearing up  and there's cake everywhere, and really, they should be cleaning because people are going to come to look for them soon, but. But. Alex has dreamed about this for years, so he leans their foreheads together after pressing a kiss to Henry's temple.

"Fucking love you, baby," Alex whispers, nudging their noses together. "Can I kiss you?"

"Thought you'd never ask," Henry smirks.

"Beat you to it, Foxy, don't be so fucking smug about it."

"I'll stop being so smug when kiss me," Henry taunts, and Alex has to do just that.

Eyes closed, he reaches out blindly, shutting the faucet. Then, he wraps his hands around the back of Henry's thighs, lifting him up on the edge of the sink. As Henry settles there, without breaking the kiss, Alex traces the seam of Henry's lips, slipping his tongue into his mouth, his hand settling in the blond hair to pull Henry closer.

Henry scoots forward, wrapping his legs around Alex's waist, urging him to settle against his body. As Alex's hand settles on the dip of Henry's waist, Henry tugs as his hair, making Alex moan.

"You're going to fucking kill me," Alex says in the space between them as he pulls away to breathe, their lips brushing.

"Yes, I am," Henry agrees. "You, too, you know."

Alex laughs as he tastes the sugar as his lips trace a path down Henry's neck, flicking his tongue out to lick at the icing. He nibbles at the skin there, just peaking out of the collar of Henry's shirt, hoping it leaves a mark. When they leave this bathroom, everyone is going to know Henry belongs with someone. Someone who isn't that fucking woman.

"Alex, love, please," Henry moans, pulling at Alex's hair as he sinks his teeth into the skin.

"Sweetheart, I told you. Whatever you want, it's yours. Could give you the fucking world if you wanted," Alex vows.

"Fuck me," Henry commands. "I need you to fuck me."

"Right here?" Alex asks, surprised.

"I need you," Henry says, his eyes tearing up. "I want you."

They slow down a little then, as Henry cups Alex's cheeks, pressing a kiss to Alex's forehead. Alex holds Henry, laying their foreheads together, breathing the same air in. Henry keeps looking at Alex with those soft eyes, lips parted.

"Well, I did tell you I'd give you whatever you want, didn't I, baby?"

"You did," Henry says softly, pressing a quick kiss to Alex's lips. 

"Well, let's get stripping then," Alex grins.

Henry gets off from the sink, stumbling into Alex. Alex catches him. He always will. They get keep getting distracted because Henry keeps stopping Alex to kiss him, his lips pressed to Alex's bicep, to his chest, but Alex isn't complaining. He closes his eyes, a tiny smile playing on his lips as he realises this is real.

"Have to be quick," Henry says from where kneeling down between Alex's legs.

The sight makes Alex groan and he has to close his eyes because the sight is too much for him. Henry's lips are swollen, his hair disheveled and Alex feels incredibly please as he realises he's the one who's done that. Henry is always so put together, and Alex loves being the reason of his undoing. 

"Henry, get up, or I'm not going to last. We don't have the fucking time to go two times."

"We can try," Henry urges.

"No, we can't," Alex reasons. "Baby, we have our whole fucking lives-"

Henry cuts him off with a groan, letting his head rest over Alex's hipbone.

"You can't just say things like that," Henry says, eyes closed.

Alex slips a hand in Henry's hair to tug him away, wanting to look at him. Waits until Henry opens his eyes. 

"Now that I have you, I'm not letting you go. I hope you know that, sweetheart."

"I know," Henry confesses. "I'm not either. It's going to be hard."

"Mhm," Alex agrees, kneeling down. "It is. We're still doing this, yeah?"

"Yes, love. We are. You give me the courage to," Henry says, kissing the beaming smile off of Alex's face.

"Now, am I going to fuck you or do you want to be sappy?" Alex smirks.

Henry shakes his head as he laughs, and he drags Alex into the shower, shoving him under the cold water. Alex squawks in indignation, turning them around so that Henry is under the cold spray. He hisses.

"Yeah," Alex laughs. "That's what you get."

The water is warming up, making Henry's cheeks grow pink. They're all sticky, the floor a mess from the cake, but Alex pays it no mind as he presses Henry against the wall to kiss him stupid.

"Fuck," Alex curses, pulling away from Henry's kisses. "We don't have the fucking lube. Or condoms."

Henry tips his head back, looking at Alex through half-lidded eyes. "I, uh. I'm..."

"Spit it out," Alex says, his hand slipping down to the small of Henry's back to pull Henry closer.

"I, uh, may have been late because I was, um. I was. You know, well, prepping myself," Henry mumbles, cheeks so scarlet they're maroon, eyes cast downwards.

"Baby!" Alex lets out a scandalised laugh. "Are you being for real?"

"Don't get a big head about this," Henry warns, biting the edge of Alex's jaw. "But I saw a picture of you as I was about to leave, and I couldn't help myself."

"Oh my God!" Alex shouts in delight, squeezing Henry. "You saw a picture of me and got so turned on you were late to your brother's very public wedding! The event of the fucking century!"

"I told you to not get a big head about it, wanker," Henry snaps.

"Oh, I don't know about me, but you're going to get a big head, alright," Alex teases, his fingers slipping between the crease of Henry's ass.

"You," Henry groans, resting his head on Alex's shoulder. "Are terrible."

"Hey, now, be nice, or I won't fuck you," Alex says, running a hand over Henry's back.

"Don't even joke about that," Henry says, lifting his head to glare at Alex.

Alex's eyes soften as he dips to kiss the frown from Henry's face. With some manoeuvring, Alex lifts Henry up, slamming his back against the shower wall as he wraps his legs around Alex's waist. They're both clean from tests they've had done a few weeks ago, and Alex can't wait to slip into Henry's heat.

"Hey," Alex says softly. "I love you so much."

"And I, you. More than you know."

Alex kisses Henry softly.

"Ready?" Alex asks, water clinging to his eyelashes, hands wrapped around Henry's thighs.

"Ready," Henry says softly, his lips pressed to the corner of Alex's mouth.

With a shaky hand, Alex guides him cock into Henry's hole, letting out a shaky breath as he pushes the tip in. Henry's hands tighten around Alex's shoulders, his wet hair tickling Alex's nose. He bottoms out slowly, Henry clinging to him, pressing soothing kisses to any part of his face Alex can reach.

"Alright?" Alex asks, tightening his grip.

"Yes," Henry exhales. "Move."

Alex starts gentle, moaning as Henry clenches around him. His thrusts are slow, and Henry digs his nails into the meat of Alex's shoulder. 

"So gorgeous," Alex says, kissing Henry's jaw.

His lips trail lower, biting into Henry's collarbones. He wants to leave a necklace of bruises behind, wants everyone to know just who Henry belongs with. Knows it's probably not wise to. So, instead, he digs his nails into Henry's thighs, hoping they leave a mark. He fastens his face, railing Henry to the wall, making him wail.

Henry's head is thrown back, his lip trapped between his teeth, and he's letting out little squeals as Alex repeatedly slams into him at a brutal pace. 

"Mine," Alex grunts, his fingers pressed to where they're connected. "You're mine, baby. Nobody gets to see you like this."

He's gone a little delirious with need, but he can't be blamed. Henry feels heavenly around him, his velvety heat, and Alex can't do anything but fuck him six ways to fucking Sunday, his lips marking whatever inch of skin he can reach.

"She wanted you, you know," Alex says, laughing a little meanly when a particularly harsh thrust sends Henry a little higher up the wall. "Sophia. She can't have you, though. To be married or not, you're fucking mine, and I'll be damned if she thinks she can have you, even for a second."

"Alex," Henry moans, clenching around him. "Yours. Always been yours. Since. Since Rio."

"That's right," Alex praises, pressing his lips to Henry's temple. "Fucking mine. Won't let them take you away from me, baby."

"Nobody, ah, nobody could," Henry cries, eyebrows scrunching. He tries sneaking a hand down to jerk himself off, but Alex bats it away.

"No, you come on my cock alone. My cock," Alex demands, setting a punishing pace.

Henry's heel is digging into his back harder, his face flushed in pleasure, eyes trained on Alex. His arms are still wrapped around Alex's shoulders, pulling him closer. The water feels heavenly over them, and Alex knows he's going to remember this moment until the day he dies.

"Close," Henry moans, rutting against Alex's stomach. "Please. Harder. Want to feel it for days. Want you to fill me up."

"Jesus," Alex curses, "you're perfect."

"Perfect, and yours," Henry cries, as Alex shits them around so that his cock hits Henry's prostate on every thrust.

"You are," Alex agrees. "My little whore, aren't you? My baby. Wish we could stay like this forever. Want to be inside you forever, baby."

Henry arches off the wall then, pushing into Alex, a breathless laugh falling from his lips. He coats their stomachs with his release and clenches around Alex tightly, and that spends him tumbling over the edge, too. Alex presses their lips together as he comes inside Henry, panting into his mouth, filling him up. It takes him a while to come down from the euphoric rush, but when he does Henry is still wrapped around him, pressing soothing kisses to the side of his face.

Alex is still inside Henry, still wrapped around his tight heat, and he doesn't pull out. He stays like that, Henry's lips on his skin, his hands around Henry's thighs, holding him up even though his muscles scream in protest. Henry's murmuring reassurances into the shell of his hear and Alex can't help but smile at that.

Slowly, gently, he sets Henry down, kissing him softly as he whines in protests as Alex's cock slips out.

"Shh," Alex soothes, pushing his fingers back in again. "I got you, baby."

Alex's release is coating his fingers as he gathers it and pushes it back in, laughing as Henry squirms a little as falls against Alex's chest, a content hum leaving him.

"I love you," Henry says, pressing a kiss over Alex's heart.

"I love you, too," Alex murmurs.

"Need to go out here soon," Henry says.

Alex pulls back then, taking a proper look at Henry. He looks absolutely debauched, mouth swollen, skin already turning purple from Alex's kisses. 

"You look like a whore," Alex says, irrationally pleased.

"No," Henry smirks. "I look like your whore."

Alex groans, pushing Henry into the wall again. Kisses him like he'll never get to again.

"We don't have the fucking time to go again, sweetheart," Alex whines. "Don't say things like that."

"Fine. Sorry," Henry laughs, intertwining their fingers together. "Wash my hair?"

"Yes," Alex agrees, grabbing the shampoo. "Always."

By the time they stumble out of the shower, free of cake, their phones have started blowing up again. Henry gives them ten minutes before Shaan comes looking for them. They slip into fresh clothes, Henry's eyes growing dark as Alex puts on Henry's spare clothes.

"Fuck," Henry swears. "You look like you're mine. Everyone is going to see you in my clothes."

"I am yours," Alex promises, pressing a kiss to Henry's lips.

"So..." Henry licks his lips, hesitant. "Are we... are we really doing this?"

"Yes, baby," Alex says, tone gentle. "I want you. You want me. We're doing this."

"Gran is is going to be a nightmare to deal with," Henry says, lips downward. "I don't know when I'll be able to tell people about us. I understand if that's going to be a dealbreaker."

"Sweetheart," Alex frowns. "The people who matter are going to know as soon as we walk out of this room. Bea. Pez. June. Nora. My parents. As for the world, I'll be as patient as you need me to be. As long as we're doing it together, I don't care about when we do the rest. We can do this on your terms."

"I love you," Henry cries, eyes teary. 

"And I love you," Alex smiles, running a thumb over Henry's cheek. "Don't forget that. And, well, if Mary wants to get you married off that badly, I'll drop to my fucking knee, right there, in that ballroom. Just say the fucking word."

Henry laughs, and Alex wipes his tears away. Kisses the crown of his head. Holds his boyfriend close as he rests his forehead on Alex's sternum. 

"Not kidding, baby. You're it for me," Alex promises.

"You're it for me, too," Henry murmurs, pressing a kiss to the side of Alex's neck. 

"I don't want you marrying anyone else, I fucking mean it," Alex says darkly, tightening his hold around Henry.

"I don't want to marry anyone else, love," Henry says.

"Good. The only person you're going to be marrying is me."

"Dating for less than a minute and you're already planning our wedding. Should've bloody known," Henry laughs, eyes misty.

"You know it, baby," Alex hides his grin in Henry's hair.

"They're going to be insufferable about this. Our friends," Henry says.

"Let them. We'll be more insufferable. I'll kiss you every time they tease us if there's nobody else around. Sounds like a deal?"

"Deal," Henry says, his smile pressed to Alex's neck.

"Stellar. Now, let's go, do this, baby," Alex says, pulling away to intertwine their hands together. Henry presses a kiss to the back of his hand. "Face the music."

"Together," Henry smiles softly.

"Together," Alex vows.