Comfort --RWRB College AU

16. Perfect

Henry is having the best times of his life, with Alex in his eyesight every single second when he is awake. He sometimes feels stressed when he thinks of his family, especially his Mum is coming for dinner a few days later. But Alex will always find ways to make him feel better.

One day morning, Alex is wakened up by the constant fidgeting from beside the bed. He knows Henry is getting more and more anxious as his family is about to come. Not even opening his eyes, he turns around and throws his arm and leg over Henry like an octopus. "Mornin baby..." He can feel Henry's hand on his forearm, fingertips a little cold. "Em. Morning." Henry hums.

Alex opens his eyes and sees Henry lying on his back quietly. He stares at the ceiling, furrowing his brows. "Hey, hey, babe. Don't worry. Everything's gonna be just fine." He props his head on one hand and takes Henry's hand in his other hand, caressing the knuckles.

"I'm not worrying. It's just, after the fight, I haven't contacted any of them except for that short text to Bea. And today they're coming, wh-" His rambling is interrupted by Alex's lips on his. It's a chaste kiss but reassuring. "Don't be afraid, love. I'm right here beside you." Alex tightens his hold on Henry's hand.

"Do you wanna go around in the neighborhood today?" Alex walks to the window and cracks open the curtain. "It's the first sunny day after you arrived. C'mon, I'll show you around."

"Neighborhood?" Henry sits up, his eyes half-open. Alex chuckles, seeing his boy in such a sleepy state: his hair all messed up, dangling in front of his eyes; he's unconsciously pouting, making him even cuter.

Alex walks closer and ruffles Henry's already messy hair, shielding the boy from the sunlight. "It's the neighborhood I grew up in, moved here when I was 12 or so. Wanna show you my life before uni. What do you say, babe?" Henry nods, leaning against Alex.

Alex smiles fondly, playing with the hair on the nape of Henry's neck. His back is smooth like silk under the dim morning light. Alex thinks of the angels in oil paints. It would be better if some hickeys and bruises were littered here and there, Alex finds himself imagining, tracing his fingers along his collarbone to his shoulder. Because of the family dinner, Herny has forbidden his funny businesses for days now, claiming that he didn't want an unexplainable mark on display when their families meet.

"So, care to join my walk, princess?" Herny snorts not so elegantly. He holds Alex's waist and takes him by surprise, throwing him onto the bed next to himself. "Whose the princess?" Henry smirks smugly, standing up to put on his pants.

"Fine! I am. I am the princess." Alex hops down the bed. He swings his arms around Herny's neck, putting most of his weight on Henry's body. "And we're having a princesses' walk." He turns his head to plant a small kiss on Henry's neck.

Henry laughs, dragging Alex to the wardrobe with him. Alex laughs along with him. His whole body relaxes as he feels Henry is not tense anymore.

After cuddling for a bit longer, the pair heads out. Even though the sun is out, the winter wind is still chilly. Alex tightens his coat and turns around, finding Henry walking a few steps behind him. He's hiding behind his scarf, the tip of his nose tinted red.

"You cold, babe?" Alex stops to wait for Henry, grabbing his hand and stuffing their joined hands into his pocket. "Did I walk too fast?" Henry quickens his steps. "Uh- no. No." The coldness transfers from Henry's fingertips to Alex's palm. He can feel Henry squeezing his hand, as if he's confirming something. Alex squeezes back harder, assuring him. He sees, from the corner of his eyes, Henry's lips curl up in a smile, then hides his mouth and nose behind the scarf quickly. "No." He repeats, happiness laces in his voice.