All or Nothing - Chapter 5 - Duckling3 - Red White & Royal Blue (2024)

Chapter Text

On Monday Henry approaches his cubicle with a fresh coffee and puts the blue bobble hat on his desk.
“Morning love, I brought you your hat back. Thank you for lending it to me.”
“Oh no, I bought that for you, you need to keep it.”
“Well, I’m not really a hat guy.”
“I know, you’re more like a living and walking scarf. But believe me you should become one. Winters in New York can be pretty cold, and we don’t want your pretty ears to freeze.”
Henry blushes and sighs, defeated. “Alright, I’ll keep it, but I need to keep it away from David, otherwise it’s his.”
“Nope, property of Henry Fox. David has to get his own.”
“Nah, he doesn’t like hats either, he barely tolerates his coat.”
Alex’s phone calls for his attention and Henry turns to leave. “Thank you for the coffee, you can never have enough.”
“I would argue differently, but I know I would talk against a wall. I’ll see you at lunch?”
“Absolutely, sweetheart. I’ll be there.”

The following Saturday Henry asks him if he wants to join him at a new restaurant he’s dying to try. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine, and they want to check if it’s really as good as everybody says.
“They have a 4,8 rating on Google. I read that the roasted lamb should be divine,” Henry suggests when they look at the menu.
“Of course you had to say that mister one quarter Greek.”
“What about you, mister half Mexican? Do you find something to eat?”
“I always find something, I’m not a picky eater.”
“That's good to know. I already have to deal with one of them.”
“David is a picky eater?”
“A bit, he likes most meat, but his carrots need to be well done, he likes apples, but refuses to eat bananas… things like that.”
“I mean, you are his personal chef, if he doesn’t want to eat whatever you cook, it’s his loss.”
Henry chuckles and Alex is irritated, why is that funny?
“That’s not how it works, love.”

The waiter brings their drinks and takes their food orders. Henry suddenly seems nervous, he’s fidgeting with his hands.
“I can’t stop thinking about what you said on Friendsgiving, about that you being bi is a recent development.”
“I wouldn’t call it development, more like a realization. I know it sounds stupid, but I think it’s easier to come to terms with your sexuality when you’re gay. Liam was twelve when he told me that he’s gay and has a crush on another guy from our school. I was like ‘okay, cool. I’m an ally.’”
Henry chuckles. “Yeah, I knew it pretty early too. My brother once asked me when ‘it’ happened and I told him that I was born gay. When everyone wanted to rescue the girl, I wanted to marry the prince.”
Alex laughs. “Really? Which one? I mean we already established that you look like Prince Charming yourself.”
“I thought Prince Erik was cute, but my favorite film was Aladdin.”
“Oh yeah I liked that one too, but my favorite was the Lion King. Do you think Zazu and Iago are brothers?”
Henry shakes his head incredulously. “Oh dear. Next time I will take you to a library so you can read a book about birds. You know that Iago is a parrot and Zazu is a hornbill, right?”
“I do now. Okay, then lovers, perhaps.”
Henry pretends to think about it. “They are both annoying but loyal, I could sail on that ship.”
“Call me the captain of the ship, and we can sail into the sunset together.”
“That sounds lovely.”

“Sooo, back to me being bi, I think I had crushes on boys too. There was this one guy at my lacrosse practice, he was a year older than I and I couldn’t stop staring at him. Or more likely his ass in those pants. Later I wanted to be Han Solo, but I also thought he looked hot. Saving the galaxy is a major turn on. The thing is… when you’re attracted to women you can pretend that’s it. You can suppress the other side of you and still live a pretty normal life. Even be happy. I never questioned myself. For me, it was always clear: I like women, I like boobs, I like sex with them, so I’m straight.”
“So what changed that?”
Alex sighs. “I might have met someone who opened my eyes a few months ago. This attraction wasn’t deniable anymore. Straight guys don’t have crushes on other men.”
Henry looks stunned. “Huh. I didn’t know that. You never talked about dating a man or having a boyfriend.”
“Yeah, because I don’t. He’s already taken. It’s just my stupid fucking luck. The first time I’m really into someone and then this stupid idiot was faster.”
“Oh, love. I’m so sorry.”
Alex shrugs. “It’s going to be alright.”
He’s so close to telling Henry to break up with this stupid boyfriend, then he wouldn’t need to be sorry, but he can’t do that. They are just friends having a nice dinner.

When their food finally arrives, they eat in silence until Alex feels the need to ask a question that has been bothering him for quite some time.
“Does David like anything at all? I mean apart from food?”
Henry seems surprised by the question. He seems to think about it as he picks the last piece of his lamb with his fork. “I think he loves traveling or more exploring new places than the actual travel part: He also likes walks and loves to play ball.”
“Basketball, baseball, football or soccer?” It’s important to know which team David prefers as it says a lot about his character.
Waiter interrupts them. “Are you ready to pay?”
Henry hands him his card and the empty plates are taken away.
“You don’t have to pay. I can send you my part.”
“Nonsense, you paid for the brunch and the ice skating. It’s my turn.”

When they walk outside it’s snowing softly. The sidewalk is already covered in a thin layer and as it’s fucking freezing, it probably won’t melt.
“Rude! What the hell was that? What if I wanted another drink?” Alex asks exasperated. He’s so mad that he totally forgot his question from earlier.
Henry sighs. “I think you could have asked for that, but I read that they throw you out as soon as you finish the food. Apparently they are extremely booked and popular. They need the table.”
“That’s absolutely unacceptable and I will leave a bad review. The food might have been good, but you shouldn’t treat your customers like that if you want them to come back.”
“I agree. I would have loved to stay a bit, drink another glass of wine and talk. You could come back to my place if you like. It’s warm, and I have a bottle of red wine waiting.”
“Isn’t David home?” Alex asks, confused.
“He is,” Henry confirms.

Some kids are starting to build a snowman in the park next to the road. Alex takes a picture and sends it to June. He already knows that she will force him to go “snowmen hunting” tomorrow. It’s their tradition, where they walk through the parks, take pictures and rank the snowmen afterward.
“Let me guess, David hates snow.”
“Actually, no. While he doesn’t like rain, snow is fine. I have no idea why.”
He tells Henry about the snowmen tour. “Maybe you and David could join us. June would be delighted.”
Henry smiles. “I’d like to, but I already promised Pez to help him decorate the shelter tomorrow. David will join us too, so he can get used to the place without many people there.”
Alex is disappointed, but he can understand that. “That sounds way more important than taking pictures of snow.”

They take the metro home and walk towards Henry’s brownstone when Alex’s phone rings. It’s his mum who wants to talk about their Christmas plans. Alex promises to call her back as soon he gets home. He stops and looks at Henry apologetically.
“It’s fine. Go home and call your mom. You should be happy that she still calls you.”
“Hen,” he takes Henry’s hand. There’s a bit of snow on his hair. Alex gently removes the snow and Henry’s hair is just as soft as he always imagined it. This is the perfect moment to kiss someone. His brain unhelpfully supplies.
“You should really wear that hat, sweetheart.”
Henry blushed slightly. “Go home, you cretin. I’ll see you on Monday.”

🐶🐶🐶

He secretly hoped that it might finally lead Henry to break up with his boyfriend, but when he approaches him on Monday and the Brit tells him how great his Sunday with David and Pez at the shelter was, Alex has to take a break and go to the bathroom. He’s usually not the type to cry, but he’s so frustrated that he can’t stop the tears running down his face. With the sleeve of his sweater he silently wipes them away. He’s angry at himself for being hopeful in the first place. Fuck that friendship thing. He can’t do that anymore. Alex wants all or nothing, but right now David has everything, and he has nothing.

After a few minutes and a splash of cold water in his face, Alex walks into Zahra’s office. He tells her that he has a heavy migraine and wants to work at home. She takes one look at him and tells him to take the day off. He has no idea how he makes it home and the day passes in a blur of sleep and trash TV. In the evening, Henry sends him a text, asking if he’s okay and if he needs anything. He even offers to bring some chicken soup or medicine. Alex shakes his head. He would prefer a cold to this heartbreak any day, but he knows it will get better. So he answers that he’s alright, and orders pizza. Luckily Zahra allowed him to work from home for the rest of the week, and he has the next week off, so he can get a break from seeing Henry all the time.

The next day, for the first time in his life, Alex wears pajamas for work. On Wednesday they have a Zoom meeting at noon, so he changes into a clean shirt, but the pajama pants can stay. He gets up early, works till noon, cooks lunch and finishes on time. He never felt so productive and at the same time it feels like he still has the whole day ahead of him. If only it wouldn’t get dark so early. Stupid winter. But he should keep working from home in mind for long summer days. There’s a little voice in his head telling him that a dog would fit perfectly into that schedule.

On Friday Alex decides to do some last minute Christmas shopping before he and June fly to Texas on Sunday. He already ordered the perfect gift for Henry online, but when he sees a little Grogu Santa Funko Pop! figure on sale, he has to buy it. Happily he packs it in his backpack and continues his tour. He just entered the bookstore around the corner, when he sees a familiar face. Alex beams when he sees the familiar bobble hat on Henry’s head.
“Glad you came to your senses, sweetheart,” he says, pointing at the hat.
“Alex, it’s good to see you. Are you feeling better? I missed you at the office.” Henry looks concerned.
“Yeah, no worries, I just had a bad week. Thank you for the text and the offer to bring me soup.”
“Always. I know all about bad days. This arsehole Hunter complained that you didn’t look sick in your meeting.”
Alex takes a deep breath. “He’s lucky that I have some days off, so I can’t strangle him. I never said I was sick.”
“Well, you know him,” Henry looks at the bags in his hand. “Last minute shopping?”
“Yeah, we’re flying home on Sunday. When are you flying to London?”
“Er, I don’t. I canceled that trip. My mother had a severe depressive episode and went to a clinic, my sister has plans with friends anyway, so I thought: why bother flying home. For Gran and Pip? No, thank you.”
“But you bought all the gifts, and you were looking forward to seeing your family.”
Henry shrugs sadly. “As if anyone cares about the presents. We’re not children anymore.”
“You can’t stay at home alone, it’s Christmas.” Alex is seconds away from forcing Henry to come to Texas with him, when some icy water clears his head.
“I’m not alone, I have David.”
“Oh, right. I forgot about David. Then I’ll see you at New Year’s?”
“Yes, I’ll be there. Have a great Christmas, Alex.”
“Thank you, you too, Hen.”

🐶🐶🐶

Christmas is better than he expected. Alex has learned in the last years to keep the expectations low, so you can’t get too disappointed. His parents are only fighting once, that’s a new negative record. The food is good and on Christmas Day, Oscar and Leo are watching “The Karate Kid” together, drinking beer and discussing the movie. It’s strange, and it feels like the calmness before the storm, but the other shoe never drops. Alex comes out to his family after dinner, when they are all happily fed and sleepy. His parents hug him tightly and his mom tries to lecture him about safe sex, but June stops her.
“Mom, he’s not 15 anymore. He knows how condoms and lube work. Even if not, he can do some research himself.”
Alex smiles slightly. It’s good that June will never see his search history.

He has a great time in Texas and even manages to forget Henry for a few minutes. His abuela and the other grandparents are visiting them on Boxing Day. Alex proudly shows them pictures of his baking adventures. June tries to ask him about Henry several times, but he always changes the topic until she gets the memo. On Friday he meets Liam and Spencer at their favorite childhood diner. He doesn’t want their sympathetic looks, so he avoids talking about Henry. Instead, they are telling Spencer some of their childhood stories. Like the one where Liam fell from the swing, sprained his ankle and Alex carried him home piggyback style. They laugh so much that it hurts a little.

They are flying home the following Sunday with one day left to prepare for the New Year’s party. Alex wraps the gifts and bakes some rainbow cookies. He braces himself to see Henry again. After everything he knows he doesn’t think that he will bring David. Nora offered to give him a short New Year's kiss, but he declined. Not getting kissed at midnight is not the end of the world, even if Nora thinks otherwise.

On New Year's Eve he puts on his tight jeans which accentuates his ass and thighs, a black shirt that shows more than it hides and a leather jacket. The curls are curling, and he’s ready to party. It’s a pretty mild night in New York, the cold probably moved on to Canada. His cookies in the container and the gifts under his arm, he enters the shelter. Henry had sent him the address earlier. He’s a bit early, so it’s still pretty empty. Technically he planned to arrive with his sister, but June texted him that she will get ready with Nora and they will arrive separately. He looks around and is delighted how great the shelter looks. Henry, Pez and David did a great job.

“Alexander babes. I’m glad you made it.” Pez greets him happily. He colored his hair in a rainbow style for the occasion. Paired with black leather pants and a pink Prada jacket he looks eccentric, but stunning. “Hazza darling, your strumpet arrived.”
Henry appears seconds later with a smile. “Hey, did you have a good Christmas?”
Alex hands the cookies to Pez who eyes then enamored. “Yeah. My parents behaved pretty well, I came out to them and I had a great day with Liam and Spencer.”
“That sounds lovely. How did your parents react?”
“They were pretty chill, mum tried to give me the safe sex talk, but they didn’t seem surprised.”
Suddenly Pez giggles excited. “Wait here. I have something for you.”
They are both confused, but they wait until Pez returns with a big box of colorful pins.
“I thought we could wear a pin, so the other people feel safe,” he explains and picks a pansexual pin.
Henry smiles and searches for the gay flag. “That’s a wonderful idea, Pez.”
Alex pouts. “Great idea, but I hate those colors, why does it have to be pink and purple?”
“Don’t forget the blue, it’s the gender clichés colors and a mix of them. But you can also wear a rainbow pin, if you don’t want the bisexual one, that’s fine, whatever you feel comfortable with.”

Henry shows him around and Alex is impressed by the different rooms. Apparently there’s been a whole concept with colors and inventory. There is a music room, a yoga room, a small gym, a pool table and a table tennis plate, but also a silent room and one with art supplies.
“Hen, that’s amazing. I love it.”
Henry sits down on the piano bench and plays a few cords.
“Of course you can play the piano, posh boy.”
Henry chuckles. “I can also play the guitar, I’m not a professional, but I hope I can show those kids some things.”
“Are you going to volunteer here or are you leaving us?”
“I’ve taken the first week off to volunteer here. I’m so curious to see who will visit us. I mean, if anyone comes in at all.”
“Oh I didn’t know that, but it’s a good idea. I’m sure you will have your hands full.”
“You should come by one day, not to work, just to see how it’s going.”
“Perhaps I will, I could come by after work. Do you have a kitchen?” Maybe he could teach those kids some simple dishes.
Henry smiles. “Of course, we’re planning to make pizza on Friday.”
“The international language of love, pizza. Did you know that if you make it right you can make a rainbow pizza?”
Henry crunches his nose adorably. “I don’t know if I want blueberries on my pizza.”
“Don’t judge it before you try it, but obviously you should use red onions or eggplant. You could also use food color on some cauliflowers.”
“Huh, you’re clearly the better cook amongst us. I’ll keep that in mind.”

They sit down on one of the comfortable sofas in the lounge and Alex finally hands Henry his gifts. Henry leaves for a moment before he gets back with a parcel.
“I’m glad to hear you had a good Christmas, I found something I thought you might like.”
Alex unwraps his gift first and his eyes go wide. “Is that a signed copy of the original trilogy?” He asks surprised.
Henry nods. “Sometimes it’s helpful to be a Fox.”
“Fuck, now my presents look like shit, compared to that.”
“It’s not a competition, love.” Henry reminds him and starts unwrapping Santa Grogu. “Oh my god, he’s so cute.”
“He was just a bonus gift, because I couldn’t resist buying him. Now open the other one.”
Henry does as he’s told and looks at the book in awe. “A special collection of Shakespeare’s works,” he reads.
“Yeah, so you are prepared when you go to the theater in summer.”
“Thank you, that’s a great gift, but maybe you should borrow it, then we could watch the show together.”
“Or you could read it to me. Record it and I will listen to it as a bedtime story.” Alex suggests.
“Oh yeah, with the different voices and everything?”
“Yes, please.”

After they stored the presents in Pez’s office, Henry leads him to the big terrace on the second floor. The sky is getting darker, and it’s getting colder by the minute. Damn weather forecast.
Alex groans. “The damn Canadians are sending the cold back.”
“Of course they do, darling. I’m sure they put huge ventilators on the border.”
“I wouldn’t put it past them. Never trust a Canadian, Hen.”
Henry chuckles. In the distance they can see the first fireworks exploding. “Do you have any New Year's resolutions?”
Alex thinks about it. “Not really, but I’m thinking about getting a dog.”
Henry suddenly looks shocked. “Please tell me you’re joking. That’s not funny.” Oh, so he doesn’t like dogs, apparently.
“No, I thought about going to a shelter, and I wanted to ask if you want to join me? I mean a cat would also be fine, even if I would prefer a dog because I’d like to take a walk with them.”
Henry doesn’t say anything. He just turns around and walks back into the shelter. What just happened here? Why is Henry mad at him?

🐶🐶🐶

A few minutes later Alex follows him inside. He still doesn’t understand what went wrong, but he spots June and Nora, who are talking animatedly to one of Pez’s coworkers. June waves him over and he hugs them.
“Are you alright, Alex? You look like you have seen a ghost.”
“Yeah, have you seen Henry?”
Nora groans. “Oh not this again. I’m having a déjà vu. What did you do now?”
“Nothing.” He only told him something he hasn’t even discussed with June yet.

Henry avoids him for most of the night, but Alex still tries to have a good time. Pez introduces him to some interesting people and the drinks are free. When he sees Henry sitting alone at the bar, he takes his chance.
“You could have told me that you don’t want me to get a pet instead of leaving me out there.”
“It looks like you’re having a great time anyway.”
“It’s not the same without you,” Alex whines.
Henry shakes his head. “How many numbers did you collect tonight? Five? Ten?”
“Naw, are you jealous? I’m sure you got fifteen at least.” He probably should ask what David is doing on a day like this, but if he’s being honest he really doesn’t care.
“Come on, Hen. Dance with me.”
“Alex, no. I’m not a dancer.”
“That fucking British accent is driving me nuts,” he admits. Perhaps he had a cocktail too much, but if Pez offers a free bar, he shouldn’t waste the opportunity. Henry leans a bit over the bar to grab a bottle of champagne. His glorious ass is on full display and Alex really wants to lick it or grab it. Both preferably.

“Foxy, dance with me. Pleeeease.” Henry still tries to ignore him, so he hugs him from behind. “Pleeeease.” Alex can feel the goosebumps on Henry’s arm as he softly touches it to take his hand and pull him towards the dance floor.
“You’re a menace and the bane of my existence.”
“I can live with that. Now dance, sweetheart.”
Henry taps his feet and sways his hips slightly. Alex can’t help but burst out laughing. “You really don’t dance, but don’t worry. I’ll show you.” He grabs Henry’s hips and pulls him closer. “Follow my lead.” Instead of relaxing, Henry seems even more tense now. “Breathe and feel the music.”

The DJ saves Henry by announcing that it’s only 5 minutes till midnight, so everyone should get a glass of champagne and go to the terrace. Pez appears out of the blue and leads them outside. Alex can vaguely hear a countdown before he's pulled towards Henry’s chest, and he finally feels those soft plum lips he dreamed so many times about connecting with his. He needs a few seconds to process what’s happening, but then he kisses him back with full force. A loud cheer from Pez and Nora is interrupting them. “Get a room, loverboys.”

Alex wants to be happy, he really does, but there’s still David looming in his mind, driving him crazy. They barely notice how the crowd clears they are alone on the roof.
“Hen, please… stop playing with me.”
“What are you talking about?” Henry asks, confused.
“As long as you’re still with David, this can’t happen.”
Henry nods, tears forming in his eyes. “I’m sorry you feel that way. I don’t know why you hate him so much, but I will stay away from you. I don’t think we should be friends anymore.”
Alex feels numb, but Henry is right. All or nothing.

🐶🐶🐶

That’s the worst start into the new year which Alex could have imagined. He doesn’t say goodbye to anyone, he just stumbles home. The sky is still full of fireworks and that’s how he’s supposed to feel, instead there’s just a cold darkness. Thank you for nothing, Canada. Later, he can’t recall how he made it, but he wakes up on his own sofa where he spends most of his day. He doesn’t bother to shower, just changes into sweatpants and a shirt. Alex expected June to check on him, but either she thinks he and Henry are happy and busy or she doesn’t care and is busy herself. Perhaps it’s for the best, she would only ask questions he’s not ready to answer.

The only reason he makes it to work on Thursday is that he knows Henry won’t be there. He doesn’t understand what happened. Why would Henry kiss him if he’s still with David? Even if they have an open relationship he should have talked to him first. It doesn’t make sense. He feels like the answer is so close and yet so far away.

Now that he blew the thing with Henry completely, the urge to get a pet gets bigger. If he can’t keep a human friend, maybe he could get a furry one. After work Alex visits the closest pet shelter and a nice lady shows him around. For some reason she decided to show him the cats first and when he spots a gray cat with blue eyes who’s named Henry he feels mocked by his life. Cat Henry is very cute, but adopting him would be insane.
“Do you have puppies?” Alex asks the woman.
“No, at the moment we only have adult dogs. The youngest is three.”
“Oh, what would you recommend for me?”
“Our rules say that as a first time pet owner we wouldn’t give you a puppy anyway. We have a cute goldendoodle called Coco. She would match your energy.”
Alex meets Coco in the small garden area, and they get along swiftly. The woman is right, Coco is so energetic, it’s infectious. Something inside him stops him from taking her home immediately. The rational part of his brain tells him that he needs to check his lease contract if dogs are allowed, that he needs to talk to Zahra about working from home for a while, and he needs to buy stuff like a dog bed, food and toys.
“Can I come back soon? I think I still need some time.”
“Of course, but I can’t promise that Coco is still here then. Honestly I hope someone adopts her soon.”
“Good luck. I’m sure she will find a lovely home.”

The week after that Henry comes back to work looking like a lost puppy. Perhaps he finally broke up with David. Alex is still angry at him. He hates cheaters. They don’t talk or acknowledge each other's existence. The second mug sits forgotten in his drawer. Alex spends his lunch break wandering around the neighborhood to make sure he can avoid running into Henry. On his way he found a pet store and saw a cute dinosaur. He couldn’t resist buying it for his hopefully future dog.

Thursday Pippa makes an announcement after lunch: “Hey everyone. I just want to remind you that it’s ‘bring your pet to work day’ tomorrow. Zahra allows us all to bring one cat or dog. I shall remind you that snakes, guinea pigs and birds might stay at home.”
Hunter groans. “That’s unfair. I wanted to bring my gecko. If I can’t bring him, I will stay at home too.”
Alex rolls his eyes and turns towards Pippa. “Hey, so which one of your dogs are you bringing?”
She smiles at him. “I’m not sure if I should bring Prince or Barney.”
“You could bring both, and we’ll tell Zahra that one of them is mine.”
Pippa laughs. “Too bad she knows my dogs. It’s okay, I will see which one of them is motivated to join me tomorrow.”
“Great, I can’t wait to meet them.” He told her that he was thinking about adopting a dog the other day, and she encouraged him. She also offered that he could dog sit her pooches first.
“Do you already know what kind of dog you want?
“I did some research and walked through a park. I like a Labrador or a golden retriever, but they won’t fit into my apartment.”
“Then tomorrow will be a great day for you. Many colleagues own pets. Perhaps you will find one that you could imagine living with. Do you know that Zahra has a cat named ‘Trump the grump’?”
Alex laughs loudly. “No way. Zahra the cat lady? I would have taken her for a snake lady.”
“You will see it tomorrow, dear.”

🐶🐶🐶

On Friday Alex nearly jumps out of bed. He’s so excited to meet all those cute dogs and cats. He’s early at the office so he can spend as much time with them as possible. That’s going to be his new least productive day. When the clock hits 8 he has already greeted 5 dogs and two cats. Right now Apollo the goldie is his favorite.

Alex is greeting Paul the poodle, when Henry finally arrives. He’s not alone. Alex can’t believe what he sees there.
“Who's this cute guy?” Alex leans down to pet the excited beagle who tries to lick your face. He totally forgets that they don’t talk and aren’t friends anymore.
Henry looks confused. “I thought you hate dogs?”
“What? No! I love dogs. Especially such adorable ones. I told you I want one too.”
“Right. I thought that was a joke. Then why do you look like you could murder someone every time I talk about him?”
“I'm pretty sure you never mentioned having a dog, Hen. Otherwise, I would have forced you to bring him with you earlier.” He's still scratching the beagle’s ears.
Henry looks at him incredulously. “I talk about David all the time.”
“Yeah, about David, but never about your dog.”
Henry points at the beagle. “That's David.”
No. No. No. No. No. “You gotta be kidding me.”
“Why would I? I asked you to meet David all the time.”
Fuck. He did. “So David isn't your handsome, perfect, annoying boyfriend?”
“What are you talking about? Obviously not.”
He gets up. “Well fuck me.”
“Alex, not in front of the kid.”
“And the whole office,” Pippa chuckles as she watches them, her dog calmly sitting by her side.

David really seems to like him, he needs to steady himself to not fall onto his ass. He bends back down to pet the dog. “You are so cute, yes you are.”
Henry shakes his head. He looks like he can’t believe what he’s seeing. “You’re a bloody fool.”
Zahra, a very grumpy looking cat on her arm, reminds them that there’s still work to do.
“Can we talk later?” He asks Henry. “I really need to apologize.”
“You should join us for lunch, all the dogs go to the park then. And perhaps you could finally visit us at home later.”

It’s the best lunch break Alex ever had. It’s like a dog lover's paradise. The pups are running around chasing each other and playing happily. David is right in the middle, chasing a corgi. Henry smiles happily as he watches his little pooch. Alex feels stupid. Now everything makes so much sense. David spends the most of the afternoon under Henry’s desk and naps. He can’t believe he was jealous of a fucking dog.

Around 4pm David starts to get fuzzy and walks around the office looking for something or someone to play. Many colleagues already went home. It’s Friday after all. Alex remembers the dinosaur toy he bought. He forgot to take that home, and it’s still in his desk drawer.
“David, come here, do you want the dino?”
David runs towards him and nearly bites him as he enthusiastically grabs the toy. Seconds later a loud squeak fills the office as the dog repeatedly bites the toy.
Henry sighs and walks over to them.
“Where did that come from? Did you steal that from another dog?” He asks his dog.
“Calm down, sweetheart. I bought it a few days ago for my potential new dog.”
“Oh, then we should give it back.”
“Nah, keep it. I think I could get used to a certain beagle with a horrible name.”
Henry rolls his eyes and walks back to pack his back.
“So are you coming with us?”
“Abso-fucking-lutely.”

🐶🐶🐶

A few minutes later Henry, Alex and David walk towards the brownstone. He feels like there are ants running all over his body. He’s excited and hopeful, but tries to remain calm. It’s so stupid that he was heartbroken for months over a simple misunderstanding.

“What I don’t understand,” Alex starts, “is why you brought him today. I think he has this social anxiety?”
“He does, but somehow it’s okay when other dogs are around. I think it’s something about feeling safe inside the pack.”
“David, you are a very strange guy.”
Henry chuckles. “I think you mentioned that.”
Alex suddenly stops when he realizes how close he was to the truth all along.
“Oh my god. David the beagle.”
Henry looks confused. “Yes, David is a beagle.”
“No, I mean you follow him on Instagram.”
“I do. I was afraid that those people who follow me for my book reviews would be annoyed with all the dog stuff, so I made him his own account.”
“I’m such an idiot. Now it makes sense why David only drinks water, can’t eat sugar and spices and never cooks.”
Henry laughs. “You’re as thick as it gets.”

The brownstone is just as posh as Alex always imagined it, but it’s also cozy and way more colorful than he expected. Henry frees David from the harness and dries his paws before they walk into the living room. They sit down on the sofa. David jumps up and curls himself on the pillow in the corner.
“I told you I want to apologize,” Alex starts and Henry nods. “When we talked about my bisexual awakening, that was you, Hen. You are a fucking Greek god, and you’re driving me crazy. I was so jealous every time you talked about David. Stupid David who doesn’t work or doesn’t help with chores. I wondered how you can love someone so much who only offers cuddles. Now I can see why, but damn it Fox, how much time we wasted.”
Henry looks at David, a sad smile on his face. “I really thought you hate dogs and my heart broke every time you refused to meet him.”
“A lot of this is on me for being dumb, but you’re not so innocent either. Why are you taking him to the doctor? It’s called a vet. If this wouldn’t be your first language I would understand the confusion, but you never mentioned a dog. Only the love of your life.”
Henry laughs. “I guess we deserve each other. What do you think about a kiss now?”

Alex doesn’t answer. Instead, he climbs into Henry’s lap and kisses him senseless. Those lips are just as soft as he remembered it. Finally, the butterflies are allowed to fly.
“Let’s go to my bedroom. I don’t need a traumatized dog.”
Alex lets himself be pulled up and towards the stairs. When Henry drops down on his knees and takes his dick in his mouth Alex swears he hears the angels sing. This must be what heaven feels like. It’s better than he could have ever imagined. And how many times he did that stays between him and his shower.

A while later they are lying in the big comfortable bed. Henry’s head on Alex’s chest.
“Why the hell did you name him David? If you named him something normal like Buddy or Cosmo we wouldn’t have that problem.”
Henry sighs. “It's after David Bowie. I got him at a time when I was still deeply in the closet, so naming him Bowie was not really an option.”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. If we get another dog someday, I'll choose the name.
“We should name him Freddy, after Mercury,” Henry says cheekily.
“You are incorrigible.” Alex laughs and pushes Henry slightly.
“So we are getting a dog, huh?”
“Obviously. Don’t think you will ever get rid of me again.”
Henry laughs. “I remember that you said something about moving here, but first you have to prove your qualities.”
“Which ones would you like to see?” Alex wiggles his eyebrows and goes for another kiss before his hand moves down to unbuckle Henry’s pants.

An hour later Henry has ordered them some Thai food. They’re sitting on the sofa, watching a strange British baking show and David is trying to climb into his lap.
“David no,” Henry says sternly, challenging the beagle.
David huffs unhappily and goes back to his pillow and whines.
“Sometimes he's got this attitude and thinks the whole world revolves around him. That's why Pez gave him the nickname ‘His Royal Beagleness’.”
Alex laughs. “Never beating the ‘being secretly a royal’ allegation, sweetheart.”
When Henry isn’t looking Alex throws David a piece of his chicken and the beagle happily munches it. Of course Henry saw it anyway and rolls his eyes.
“Don’t give into this puppy eyes, he’s not starving. David gets dinner after our walk.”
“But Hen, look at him. I need him to like me.”
“You’re the one that didn’t like him, he always liked you.” Thinking about how the beagle greeted him earlier Henry might be right.
“Have you told him about me? Shown him pictures?”
“Shut up you bell-end. Are you staying the night?”
“I thought we established that I will stay forever,” Alex teases and leans over to kiss Henry softly. “No, honestly, I’d love to stay, but could we stop at my place on the walk? I need to get a few things.”
Alex packs an entire suitcase and when they are back home, David shows him how he likes to play ball.

Later that night when they start watching “A New Hope”, Henry's head rests on his shoulder and David is snugly curled in his lap while Alex strokes his fur. It feels like he finally got everything he wanted. It's the start of something new and maybe David is not so bad after all.

All or Nothing - Chapter 5 - Duckling3 - Red White & Royal Blue (2024)

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