Chapter 2:

Austin, TX: Lakehouse: Nov. 15

Alex could feel his eyes beginning to strain for the constant screen time on his laptop. He had been working countless hours on this case, but it still felt like there was no end in sight. The law firm he was working for was highly impressed with his credentials from NYU Law school; being the son of a former president did help a little as well. They gave him numerous high-level cases to work on, but this was the first one he was solely responsible. A small part of him was afraid that this case could make or break his career.

Ever since the scandal, Alex had been consumed with proving himself. After his mom won the election, he dived straight into law school determine to be the best. Despite being the president's son, his professors seemed determined to make an example of him and pushed him harder than he ever thought possible. If it wasn't for Henry, he wasn't sure he could have made it through his Bar exam. Henry supported him through everything, despite being overworked himself.

The various charity organizations Henry started had become widely successful, causing there to be weeks when they didn't see each other. This was nothing new to their relationship, however. Countless texts, phone calls, and Facetime had always been the temporary glue in their relationship; at least until Henry put his foot down and moved to Austin last year. Alex's parents were thrilled for them and decided to give them the Lakehouse. Henry's family, on the other hand, made it a point to show their distaste for the move. Despite everything, Henry packed his few belongings, including his dog David, and didn't look back. Henry's acceptance of himself had finally given him the confidence to do as he wished. He had unofficially become to poster child for the LGBTQ+ community. His youth shelters for disenfranchised queer teens and adults, plus numerous mental health clinics changed many lives for the better. Alex was so proud of Henry. He only wished he could be as confident as Henry.

Luckily, his mini meltdown was interrupted by the sound of the front door closing and a pair of arms wrapping around his shoulders.

"I see you haven't moved an inch since this morning", Henry said as he leaned down and kissed the side of Alex's neck.

Alex chuckled, "Actually, I have. This morning, I was in that chair", pointing at the chair across from him, "I moved here once the sun moved."

Henry moved Alex's chair out to face him. "You Americans and your smart arse-ery."

"Smart arse-ery? Is that even a word?"

"Yes, if I so declare it."

Alex laughed. "Is that so, your majesty?"

Henry grasped Alex's face in both hands. "It's your Royal Highness… and I think I've been very clear about that."

Henry leaned in and kissed him. Alex grabbed at his waist and pulled him so close he was almost straddling him. Alex could taste earl grey on Henry's lips and found it delicious. Henry eventually leaned away, sporting an enticing blush on his cheeks.

"How was your day?", asked Alex.

Henry rolled his eyes and walked to the refrigerator for a bottle of water, "Eventful. The opening of the shelter in Houston had homophobic protesters shouting and swearing throughout my speech. One of them even spit at me and said I was going to burn in hell for all eternity."

Alex jumped out of his seat. "WHAT?!"

Henry just grinned, "Calm down, darling. Before he could get too close, Shawn and the other guards had him on the ground."

Alex made a mental note to get Shawn an extra special Christmas gift. "I should have been there with you. Baby, I'm sorry."

Henry wrapped his arms tight around Alex. "None of that. This is nothing we haven't dealt with before, and if anything, it brought more awareness for the shelter.", Henry leaned back and grabbed Alex's chin, "You don't have to worry… I'm tougher than I look."

Alex smiled and touched his forehead to Henry's. "I love you."

"I love you, more."

"That's debatable", both chuckled.

Alex stepped out of the warm cocoon Henry created, "It's your turn to cook dinner."

Henry groaned. Even after five years of cooking lessons with Alex's dad, Henry still struggled. "Fine, but you're supervising."

Alex laughed, "Don't I always", and pulled him towards the kitchen.