Chapter Text
“So you’ve moved in with the Fox’s fulltime?”
Alex nods. He likes Shaan’s office. Perhaps he had expected something clinical, Shaan’s a doctor afterall, but the room is wonderfully comfy. A squishy chair, cushions, incense burning off to the side which now has tricked Alex’s brain to calming every time he smells the scent.
Shaan sits in a chair opposite, tea in hand (the English really have been conditioned by the Big Leaf industry), listening to whatever ramblings come out of Alex’s mouth. And poor James, the student who’s the whole reason Alex can even access therapy without selling his kidney or ass, has been relegated off to the side. He’s stuck in an uncomfortable office chair - the cuck chair which Alex has named it privately in his mind - as he’s forced to listen to Alex’s nonsense. Alex hopes he at least gets a good grade…
“Yea, two weeks now.”
“And how’s it going?” Shaan asks from behind his mug.
“Good,” Alex nods again, “We took your advice and sat down to explicitly talk about stuff.”
“Would you like to share any of the boundaries you agreed on?”
“I don’t mind,” Alex takes a sip of his own tea. He’s still not convinced by the stuff but the sharp increase of Brits in his life has resulted in more tea in the last six months than in the last 23 years of his life. “One of the big ones is that I don’t want to feel like I’m freeloading, even if Henry doesn’t need me to contribute. He’s not comfortable with me contributing towards the mortgage - which, I guess is okay - so I’ve taken over the water and the electric bills. It’s something, but it’s not 50/50 like I’d rather…” Alex trails off with a shrug.
Shaan fixes him with that soft gaze, open and questioning, “Do you feel the bills should be 50/50? Do your incomes reflect the same split?”
Alex tilts his head in thought, strangely reminiscent of David when he’s trying to understand Ham-man and his nonsense, “What do you mean?”
“There’s a particular fallacy surrounding the idea that 50/50 being the epitome of fairness.” Shaan explains in the neutral tone Alex has come to rely on, “And while it can be, I would argue it isn’t for the vast majority of couples. I think a more effective way to look at it is in ratios. Imagine a couple move in together and have a combined income of $100,000 a year. One person brings in 70% of that money, the other brings in 30%. A 50/50 split wouldn’t be equitable for them but if you use the ratio model, a 70/30 split could be. Does that make sense?”
Jesus… How can Shaan possibly make things that have had Alex tied in knots seem so simple? Strange, English magician.
Shaan is truly worth the $300 price tag even if Alex isn’t technically paying.
“That’s a better way to look at it…”
“And his daughter?” Shaan continues, “Did you and Henry decide any boundaries regarding her care?”
That had been a more pressing conversation in Alex’s mind. The Saturday before the official move, Alex had insisted they sit down after Elody was asleep (much to Henry’s surprise since he’d hoped for an early night and perhaps sleepy handjobs) to talk about their expectations and boundaries.
“That was a big one for me…” Alex agrees. “I felt it was really important to know where I stood with them. Like, I love that little girl as much as I love Henry and don’t want to mess anything up because me and Henry have different ideas about where I fit in her life.”
“You like knowing what’s expected of you, there’s nothing wrong with that. Asking for what you need is an excellent step, Alex.”
Alex flushes at the praise. It doesn’t make his stomach churn like when Henry says kind things, but it still feels nice.
“Thanks. So we kind of agreed to divide stuff into different categories you know? Like praise is for both of us, discipline is for him. He said it's not that he doesn’t trust me, but he doesn’t want to risk souring my relationship with Elody…”
“The parent-child relationship is a unique one,” Shaan agrees, “I can understand Henry’s wish to reserve that part for himself. What about decisions in the day to day? Are you engaging in her care or does Henry rather reserve that for himself too?”
“Oh no, me and Elody spend loads of time together,” Alex, to be honest, would have been disappointed if Henry hadn’t let him share the childcare load. It’s been one of the highlights honestly. “Working at the center gives me loads of wiggle room in the morning so I drop Elody at school now. It gives Henry so much more time so he’s not rushing if he has lectures at 9am. On my days off I’ll pick her up too, though we’ve agreed I’ll text him any day I do go get her even if I think he knows.”
Shaan, who knows the story of the accidental kidnapping after Alex had shared a few weeks back, nods. “That’s a reasonable request, I think, and a sensible safety net to put in place.”
“I’m actually getting her today,” Alex continues, “After I go get the last of her birthday present sorted.”
“Aahh, what birthday is this? 8?”
“Yup,” Alex notices the hour’s coming to an end and leans forward to grab his backpack, “Henry made me promise to stick to a budget for her present. I think he’s worried I’ll bankrupt myself if I have free reign.”
The laugh which leaves Shaan is warm and kind. “I think that’s a fair concern.”
Alex rolls his eyes but it’s with a smile, “Another Englishman with little faith in my self control. Maybe I should take offence… Thanks for today, same time next week, yea?”
The world always seems lighter after his sessions with Shaan. Alex goes about his final errands for Elody’s birthday with a spring in his step despite the winter chill in the air which promises snow on the horizon. The idea of having snow on Elody’s actual birthday fills Alex with excitement, they’d be able to recreate the snowmen from the photograph perhaps, or make their own snow family. A snow Alex, snow Henry and snow Elody, complete with snow David and Callie to round out their little group of 5.
The daydream persists as Alex picks up what he needs, orange tissue paper and a beautiful gold box in lieu of wrapping paper. On a whim at the checkout he adds a decorative ribbon and bag of chocolate buttons - he’s still under Henry’s budget after all. He hides them in his backpack and checks the time. He is not running late yet, but it’s a close thing.
Alex hears the school bell just as he turns onto the right street. There’s the normal amount of parents, mostly mums, milling round and honestly Alex prefers not having to make small talk. They aren’t all bad, but too many of them look at the young Latino guy picking up a little blonde 7 (almost 8) year old like a puzzle which needs to be solved. It leaves Alex twitchy. Honestly it’s better if he just shows up without leaving too much time for ideal chit chat.
As the kids begin to flow out of the front door like a burst river damn, Alex shoots Henry the quick text they’ve agreed on.
Alex ‘the bi guy’
15.03 just waiting on little E. pizza tonight?
The three bubbles of ‘typing’ appear but Alex is distracted by the familiar running feet. He looks up just in time to see the blonde blur barrel before it barrels into him.
“Alex!” Elody squeaks. She’s almost bouncing on her toes, eyes big and wide which Alex has come to learn that she wants something. “Can Cleo come over to finish our frogs poster?"
Alex suddenly notices the smaller girl behind Elody. The Asian girl looks up at Alex from under a dark black fringe of the shiniest hair he’s ever seen. Alex can see Cleo’s hand gripping onto Elody’s nervously, waiting to see what this new man might say.
“Oh, um…” Alex flounders a bit. His immediate inclination is to call Henry and ask, but he refrains. It’s not a sanction, Elody’s not leaving his care. He’s just gaining another kid for a while. “Well what does Cleo’s mom say? Is she here?”
Cleo gives a little nod and turns to look at a strikingly beautiful woman who is chatting away with a group of other mothers.
Oh god…
Alex fakes a smile and ignores the temptation to just make up an excuse and squirrel Elody away. “Well let’s check with Cleo’s mom, shall we?”
He follows the pair as they sprint ahead. Cleo tugs on her mother’s winter coat and begins speaking quickly in what Alex thinks is Japanese. When her eyes look up and find Alex, it feels a bit like he’s being assessed, as if he’s a car which Cleo’s mother isn’t sure is safe for her daughter to ride in.
“You’re taking Elody home today?” She asks and Alex puts on his best customer service smile.
“That’s right. I’m Alex. The girls want to finish off their school project, I don’t mind taking the pair of them home. Once Henry’s back from work we can walk her home together or you can collect her if you prefer?” When she doesn’t answer right away, Alex feels the muscles in his cheeks begin to strain.
“You call your employer by his first name?” The woman asks finally, perfectly sculpted eyebrow raised. The bemusement is written all over her face. Alex fights not to squirm under the gaze.
“Oh, I’m not -” Alex raises his chin ever so slightly. He is not going to shrink. He thinks about all the hours spent with Shaan unpacking why he feels such a need to conform. Not anymore. “I’m Henry’s boyfriend but I’m happy to take the pair home, like I said. If that’s okay with you?”
Alex feels Elody’s hand slip into his and he can’t help the sudden rush of affection which fills him at the little touch. Can she feel his nerves? The little empath.
“And Henry knows you’re picking Elody up?”
The smile is getting harder to hold by the second. “Of course. We live together. I often pick Elody up, though I guess it’s normally from aftercare.” Alex, honestly, wants to forget the whole thing but it’s for Elody. He’ll do anything for her, including speaking to this snotty New York mom. Alex bits back a sigh and swallows his pride. “Would it make you feel better if I gave Henry a call?”
When Cleo’s mother nods, Alex doesn’t waste a second. The sooner he gets a yes or no, the sooner this conversation can be over.
“Hi love,” Henry sounds happy when he answers, “Did you get Elody okay?”
“Baby, hey,” Alex refuses to be embarrassed about using Henry’s pet name in front of this woman. Not when he knows Henry will be smiling across the city after hearing it. “Yea I’ve got Elody. She’s asking if Cleo can come over to finish their project, that okay?”
“Of course, if you’re happy to watch them, love. You don’t need my permission for -“
“Just I think Cleo’s mom wanted to speak to you before I head off with the kids,” Alex explains, “I’m going to pass you over, okay?”
Alex hears a few mutters but is already passing the phone across.
“Mr Mountchristian-Fox -“
Elody tugs on Alex’s hoodie, distracting him from the phone call. She summons him to bend down with a little wave and puts her lips to his ear. As an extra layer of protection, she cups her hand around her mouth so her whispers don’t travel.
“Daddy doesn’t like Mrs Sato, but he likes Cleo. Says Cleo must have been delivered by fairies.”
Alex snorts although tries to cover it with a cough. When he straightens up, Mrs Sato is holding out his mobile, seemingly satisfied.
“I suppose it’s alright for you to take Cleo. I’ve told your partner that I need her home before 7.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Alex pointedly ignores the twist of the lip at the word partner and instead gives a salute which makes Elody giggle. If she is willing for Elody and Cleo to be friends then it probably isn’t the gay thing which has that lip curling. Maybe the brown thing? Or was it the age thing? Alex makes a note to ask Henry once he’s home but locks it away to focus on the girls. He looks down at the pair and is relieved to see a small smile on Cleo’s face for the first time. “Alright, princesas. Let’s get going before we all freeze out here.”
It only takes the length of the walk home for Alex to realise why Henry would put up with dealing with such a bitchy woman. Cleo is a sweetheart. Shy and quiet, she holds on to Elody like a lifeline as they walk, letting her babble away at Alex enough for both of them. Elody never ignores her though, pulling her friend into the conversation wherever she could.
“And then we swapped snacks because Cleo prefers pretzels without salt, right Cleo?”
The little girl nods.
And a little later…
“Mrs Sato doesn’t like pets in the house. She says they cause too much mess, but David likes Cleo and I bet Callie’s going to love her too. She’s never met a cat properly before-“ Cleo shakes her head, “- just ones on the street.”
Alex privately marvels at Elody’s ability to walk the line between supporting Cleo in the conversation and pushing her too far. Adults spend years practicing such a skill yet Elody seems to understand the precarious dance innately. She never opens doors into their conversation which requires a verbal answer, but leaves them as an offering. The patience pays off as Alex unlocks the front door and the trio begin to peel back layers of winter clothes.
“Alex makes the best hot chocolate,” Elody explains as she hangs up her scarf for later use, “It’s got synonyms in it, you like that right, Cleo?”
Cleo’s confused expression is enough for Alex to chin in, “I think Elody means cinnamon, Cleo. And I think we have marshmallows. Would you like a cup?”
Cleo’s fingers grip onto Elody’s and Alex is sure he notices Elody give them the smallest of squeezes. Reassurance.
“Yes please, Mr -.”
Cleo’s eyes widen in panic and Alex realises he hasn’t shared his last name.
Alex bends down to her level and offers a smile, far more gentle and genuine than the one he’d flashed at her mother.
“Mr Alex Gabriel Claremont-Diaz at your service.” He shakes her hand formally and glows when Cleo lets out a small giggle. “But just Alex is fine. Why don’t you and Elody go see if you can find Callie and I’ll sort us all something warm to drink?”
By the time Henry arrives home it’s after 5. Twin empty mugs sit on the side with the remnants of hot chocolate and a half eaten plate of chocolate covered raisins, carrot sticks and crackers sit between the girls. Their heads are pressed together, blonde and black hair touching as they pour over their poster paper. So far they’ve achieved a large title “Amazon Frogs”, written and coloured in green glitter gel pen, a rather wonderful cartoon of a frog painstaking copied from a YouTube tutorial, and three facts printed in beautiful handwriting written inside leaves.
“Homework on a Friday? What a meanie Alex is,” Henry teases and drops a kiss onto the crown of Elody’s head. He smiles at Cleo, “Good afternoon, Cleo. Are you staying for pizza?”
The little girl chews nervously on her bottom lip, “I… Don’t know, Mr Fox.”
“Well you mom doesn’t need you back until 7,” Alex looks up from the tablet where he’s been looking for the best picture of a giant monkey frog for the girls - though he’s most unimpressed at its apparent lack of mokey features. “Pizza should be here in about 20 minutes. Cheese, Hawaiian and pepperoni - one of those sounds good, Cleo?”
Cleo nods, “Hawaiian is good. Thank you, Mr Alex.”
Over the top of the girl’s head he sees Henry’s mouth fall open in amazement. He nods down at Cleo’s head who’s returned her attention back to the poster and mimes his head exploding. Alex can’t help but feel a little smug. He’s good with kids and has never met a shy nut who he can't crack.
He hits print on the tablet screen and stands. “Can you help me out with the printer, Hen? It always jams for me.”
The excuse is a thin one, but neither girl takes notice as the pair slip from the room. The moment the men are out of sight, Alex feels a hand squeeze his ass through his jeans, followed by a kiss to the top of his spine.
“Mmm… How did I get so lucky? Getting to come home to the sexiest man in New York, whose sorted dinner and looking up pictures of frogs for homework?” Henry’s hands settle on Alex’s waist, the large hands tugging the younger man back against him. “Can’t keep my hands off you…”
Alex allows himself a moment of weakness. His head leans back against Henry’s strong shoulder as the hands begin their wandering across the flat expanse of his stomach. Henry maps the curve of Alex’s abdominal muscles, down the dip of his navel and across the soft happy trail of hair which disappears below his jeans.
“You tease,” Alex groans as Henry’s breath tickles against the sensitive skin of his throat. “Hen, we can’t…”
“Can’t right now,” Henry corrects, fingers toying with Alex’s zipper, fingers so close to where Alex desperately wants them. They can’t. Alex knows they can’t… and yet he can’t help but grind his ass back against Henry. “But later…”
Since their night away in the hotel, Alex has become rather enamoured with having Henry inside of him. Fingers, tongue, cock. Alex isn’t picky, just adorably desperate. He’s not above begging and Henry’s all too happy to listen to it. They’ve experimented with ways to support Alex’s comedown and accidentally stumbled across the younger man’s favourite thing. A hard fuck from Henry where he’s left shuddering, boneless and dripping with Henry’s cum. Then, instead of cleaning up, Henry tugs him into a sticky cuddle and slides two fingers back inside Alex’s hole. It’s not enough to continue the stretch from sex but solves the feeling of emptiness which Alex struggles with and keeps the pair connected as Alex comes back to earth, until he’s ready to sneak to the bathroom with Henry to clean up.
But, right now, they need to be sensible. Regardless of how tempting recklessness is.
With one more teasing push back against Henry, Alex forces himself to step forward and out of temptation’s distance.
“Later,” Alex agrees, avoiding Henry’s eyes as he bends to collect the coloured pages from the printer. “I’ll hold you to that, Fox.”
The chuckle Alex hears above him is wonderfully fond, “Deal.”
“Also, I’m going to need the backstory on Cleo’s mom,” Alex decides it's safer to change the subject away from dangerous territory. “Is there a reason she looked at me like I was shit on her shoe?”
“She did what?”
When Alex stands back up, he sees the man frown.
“Look, it's not a big deal. She thought I was your employee, then when I said I was your boyfriend she got, well not bitchy but…”
“Snotty?” Henry offers and Alex nods, “Darling, I’m sorry. Do you want me to-”
But Alex is already shaking his head. “It’s nothing I can’t handle, I’ve charmed worse. Is it the brown thing or the age thing? Can’t be the liking cock thing since she seemed fine with you.”
“Rather crass,” Henry swipes at Alex’s hip, “But accurate. If I had to guess its probably your age. Himari, that’s Cleo’s mother, is a battleaxe of a divorce attorney. Never met the dad but he’s some high up lawyer too. Ran off last year with some intern at his firm, according to Himari she’s barely old enough to drink.”
“Oh so I’m just your version of his arm candy?” Alex goads his boyfriend gently. “She thinks I’ve fluttered my eyelashes and bewitched you like that intern?” He bats his eyelashes and preens as Henry’s jaw tenses.
Henry’s not the only one who can tease.
“Careful,” Henry steps back into Alex’s personal space and a shiver runs up his spine. “Or I’ll take my arm candy and do some very unwise things to him.”
Promises, promises…
“Allllleeeeeex!”
Elody’s shout breaks the spell.
“Did the printer work?”
Henry leans forward and presses a quick kiss to his boyfriend’s check. “Come on, arm candy, let’s deliver the frogs.”
Alex loves watching as Cleo becomes more comfortable as the evening continues. He leaves Henry to change out of his work clothes and returns to the kitchen, frogs delivered to the pair. He sticks around the kitchen, wiping down the counters and putting away dishes while he’s asked to spell words. It feels a bit like a geography based spelling test.
“N-O-C-T-U-R-N-A-L.”
“C-A-N-O-P-Y.”
“C-O-L-O-R-S.”
“Don’t listen to him, Elody.” Henry corrects as he strides into the kitchen, looking perfectly comfy in his soft green sweater and tracksuit bottoms. “It’s C-O-L-O-U-R-S.”
“You live in America now, your majesty!” Alex tosses the sponge at the rogue speller and grins when it whacks into his shoulder.
“Menace!” Henry grins and tosses it back, though Alex is quicker with his dodge so it lands on the counter. “It’s not my fault that you Americans don’t know how to spell.”
Alex sneaks a look at the girls as Henry carries out a retaliation assault with a rolled up tea towel. But they’re fine. Elody is laughing, well used to the antics of the silly men who are supposed to care for her and Cleo is happy to take her cue from her friend, laughing along. It’s not loud like Elody’s cackling giggle, which is bright and summery and has fast become one of Alex’s favourite sounds, but its there. It’s quiet, a squeaking giggle like a mouse.
Adorable.
Lucky for all involved, the goodnatured argument is kept from going too far to by the front door buzzer announcing pizza.
“Elody, come give me a hand,” Henry drops the teatowel with a sign of surrender. “Cleo, can you make sure this menace cleans the table please?”
“Cheek!” Alex calls after Henry’s back as Elody skips after him. He looks down at the sweet little girl. “Right, Miss Cleo, you put the poster away and I’ll sort drinks. We don’t normally do sodas but I bought some Fanta since it’s Elody’s birthday tomorrow, does that sound good?”
The nod is so vigorous Alex thinks it must be as much of a treat for Cleo as Elody.
“Yes please, Mr Alex.”
He fills four glasses just as the pair of blonds arrive back, Henry with two boxes and Elody with the third. He raises an eyebrow at the soda on the table. Alex just grins.
“Problem, Hen?”
“Isn’t that for tomorrow? Elody’s actual birthday?”
He shrugs, “Cleo won’t be here tomorrow. And it is Elody’s birthday in other parts of the world… Like Australia, I think?”
Elody brightens at the idea of it already being her birthday and with one look at her face Henry knows he’s beaten.
“Soft touch…” Henry murmurs as he brushes past Alex to grab the napkins which he’d forgotten while sorting the table.
Alex decides he’ll wear that description as a badge of honour, especially from one as kind as his boyfriend.
Maybe he’ll have it put on his grave, ‘A soft touch. Could never deny the Foxes anything if it made them smile.’
If that’s his legacy then he’ll be happy enough.
Dinner passes with easy conversations and laughter. Alex takes every giggle from Cleo as a badge of honour, though tries not to be jealous when Callie causes the first full belly laugh when she jumps up on Henry’s shoulder to try and grab her share of pizza.
Henry offers to walk Cleo back with Elody and David, which suits Alex just fine. He needs to sort Elody’s birthday present for tomorrow and take a thorough shower. The look he gets from Henry as he ushers the girls and beagle from the door, eyes dark with the promise later, Alex knows the man is thinking the same.