Red, White & Royal Blue Stories

• Does It Get Any Easier? • Henry § Alex § Romeo •

𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐

this part is a bit dramatic! i apologise in advance

• ———— •

Moreau came over at two am last night. Henry was blearily awoken by the sound of the front door opening and shutting, padding of shoes against their hardwood floor slowly heading across the living room, down the hallway and up the stairs.

They passed by their bedroom, paused, and continued to Romeo's.

Henry was stricken. On the one hand, he didn't mind whenever Moreau would come over, telling Romeo beforehand or not. Sometimes he'd appear at random points during the day, sometimes he'd arrive before they were going to sleep with an apologetic smile and a box of cookies for compensation.

Or, like last night, he'd come in when they're asleep and find refuge in Romeo's room.

On the other hand, he was worried. Increasingly, for his situation at home and how he's dealing with it. He knew talking to Moreau about moving out wouldn't be the best idea, he's visibly not ready for it, but he only recently turned seventeen and letting him deal with his mother for another year before he splits off to university felt morally wrong.

Henry wanted to talk to him about it. But he didn't know when would be the right time, and he certainly didn't know how to go about it without making him feel terrible.

Maybe there isn't a way, he thought mildly.

Sitting outside and basking in the early morning warmth was Henry's ideal pass time in the morning. When Alex would sleep in, he could make himself a warm mug of tea, sit on the bench in their luxurious, blossoming garden and watch nature come to life.

The bees hummed insistingly, the bushes rustled with all sorts of animals waking up and scrounging for food. Birds chirped their morning music and distantly cars rose to life with blaring horns and roaring engines.

The breeze was nice. Comforting. It ruffled his hair and blew steam from his tea into his face.
The sun was still rising in the distance, the sky expanded in warm blue hues.

Clouds morphed into incredible shapes and Henry found himself trying to piece them together as six am rolled onto seven.

Grass rustling behind him caught his attention. He turned left, expecting Alex, surprised to see Moreau. He looked tired, hair ruffled, a pair of sweats hanging from his hips and a shirt borrowed from Romeo's draw fitted tight to his muscles.

He rubbed his eye and smiled lopsidedly.

"Morning, Henry"

Henry smiled and shuffled over, patting the spot beside him.

"Good morning, Moreau. Sleep well?"

It was never openly acknowledged when he would come late at night. Sort of an unspoken rule to just accept it rather than interrogate it.

Moreau sat beside him, blinking to ease away the remnants of sleep.

"Yeah. You?" He yawned.

Henry nodded, "yes, fine" he breathed after taking another sip.

"Your garden is beautiful," Moreau said, taking in the view. Tall bushes trimmed neatly, flower beds glowing with yellows, reds and pinks. There were two flamingos, Henry thought they were nonsensical, Alex fucking adored them.

They had gnomes too, cute ones, painted brightly and watching over their bit of nature.

As rich people go, they also have a pond. It was small with a fountain beside it, trickling water pleasantly. Birds hopped around it, washing themselves contentedly.