Red, White & Royal Blue Stories

• Intimate Cuddling • Henry § Alex •

𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐

this was short and sweet just to bring me out of a slight slump

will be updating 'trans kid fics' next, sorry for the cliffhanger

• ———— •

Henry hummed noncommittally, folding bed sheets over his arm to store away for later use. It was a nice day, cloudy, spots of drizzle here and there, but staying inside caused a cosy atmosphere to settle around him, encasing him in a gentle hug.

It felt so domestic, he realised with a growing smile.

One of his favourite parts since moving into the brownstone earlier that year was how homely it felt, allowing him the chance to live a life he was never granted before. The life he never thought he would have.

Raised to believe he would eventually move into Kensington, standing in New York, with his boyfriend down the stairs, studying away with his law books, David pattering around his feet, dragging around a toy he would sometimes throw, it was surreal.

He always thought he might wake up and realise it was all a dream; but he hasn't yet, so he's taking it as a sign.

Another gift the house unintentionally gave Henry was the knowledge that he could just be. He could exist in his own space, with people he loves, and be happy.

That's all he ever really wanted. A place he could be himself, write, and now function up and coming youth shelters. He was still surprised he managed to reach this point.

And he'd forever question what he did to deserve it.

Shutting the doors of the storage shelves, he scooped up the laundry basket and left it in his and Alex's room, ready to be filled with dirty clothes and bed sheets once more.

They washed their bed sheets too often to count; Henry worried it would wear down the fabric. Alex assured him it was fine.

As it usually went between them; Henry didn't believe him.

He sat down on the edge of the bed, dragging his hand across the soft blankets.

He could see himself and Alex laying together, cosied up and warm, basking in each other's bodies and lavishing in the skin-to-skin contact.

Aftercare was important for the both of them, Henry often forces himself to stay up just so he could take as much from their cuddles as possible, because they don't really do it much.

Cuddling generally? Yes, when they're winding down and watching T.V at night, or if they come up behind one another, wrap their arms around and just hug for a few minutes.

In the morning they'd cosy up if they weren't already in each other's arms, kiss languidly and exist until either of them insisted they needed to get up and start the day.

Henry didn't realise he was frowning until Alex bent down in front of him, eyebrows furrowed curiously.

"Oh, Christ!" He jumped, alarmed, falling back onto the bed.

Alex, like the doting boyfriend he is, threw his head back and laughed.

"Baby-!" He exclaimed, "I'm- I'm so sorry" he tried, Henry huffed out a breath, sending him a faux glare.

"I hate you"

"No, you don't" Alex mused, sliding into Henry's lap. Given easy access from his laid back position.

Henry sighed, falling all the way down. Alex hummed, pushing his hands under his shirt and drawing small circles into his skin.

"What were you thinking about?" He asked curiously.