Break All the Rules (LGBT) ✅

Break All the Rules Timestamp 1

Timestamp 1

The press found out three months later.

It was a blessing, really, that Alex and Freddie had had that much time without them. It'd made them complacent and Alex had thought, for a minute, they'd get through Freddie's divorce and have it finalised without any extra attention. So he was surprised when he was leaving the flat one morning and he suddenly had a million cameras and microphones thrust into his face.

It was reminiscent of when they'd found out he was soulmates with Freddie. The difference was, they weren't on his side this time.

"Alex!" A woman shoved herself into his personal space, no kindness in her eyes. "What do you say to the rumours you're dating Freddie?"

He was halfway through his Red Bull and the question caught him unawares. He wasn't sure but, at that moment, he thought he was doing a very good impression of a gaping fish.

"Is it true you're the "irreconcilable differences" behind their divorce?"

"When did you start your affair?"

They took Alex's silence as a challenge and the questions became more accusing and harsh until they were all but calling him the devil incarnate. It was intimidating being ambushed on his doorstep and Alex wished badly that he handled it better than he did. As it was, he barely had the presence of mind to utter 'no comment' before he was getting into his car and pulling away.

He drove to the office on autopilot, hoping to put this morning behind him. He'd have to face it sometime, of course, but work was at least something he was comfortable and familiar with. It was a constant and he needed that now. But when he walked into the building, the receptionist was waiting for him and it didn't look good.

"Hey," he said, forcing a smile, "what is it? I've got a conference call in half an hour."

"No, you don't." She said, averting her eyes. "Robert is handling that now. In fact, your whole day's free."

He swallowed. "Am I being pulled off my client?"

She looked genuinely apologetic. "I'm sorry, Alex. You should talk to the director. He's waiting for you in meeting room four."

The office Alex worked in was open plan, always a hubbub of noise, and he loved the friendly, relaxed environment of hot-desking and hourly drink runs to the machine. He liked having other people around, especially the other graduate trainees, and he'd gotten used to the pleasant murmur of conversation. It made him feel uncomfortable when he had to work in the meeting rooms which were, in contrast, soundproof. He hated the disconnect from the rest of the office so, already, he was ill at ease as he opened the door.

Christopher, the director, gestured to a seat, "Sit down, Alex. Do you want some water?"

"No," Alex unbuttoned his suit jacket as he sat, "I'll be fine, thank you."

"How are you?" Despite the fact he was asking out of politeness, he sounded interested.

Christopher could do that. He was quite possibly one of the friendliest guys in the office with a natural charisma about him that could put anyone at ease. He was also one of the youngest directors in the company, and for good reason. Because, when it came down to it, he could get shit done and he didn't shy away from the hard decisions. It was fitting he'd be the one to meet Alex.

"I had an odd morning," Alex said, because they both knew why he was here, "which I'd bet is what this meeting is about."

Christopher nodded to himself. "I take it you've seen the news?"