Just you wait~ Lams AU

Chapter 16: Romcoms and coffee

John's POV

Me and Alex got into a giggle fit about half way through the episode. I couldn't even remember what set it off but we were gasping for air through the laughs.

It felt just right. Perfect. It was as if it was me and Alex in our own little bubble, the harsh world outside his door.

The episode came to an end and we both started laughing again once we realised that we hadn't been paying any attention.

"Wanna watch something else?" Alex asked, reaching for the remote once again.

"Sure. Up for a romcom?" I asked through a mouthful of Nerds. Alex looked at me. "What?" I asked innocently.

"You're so gay." He smiled fondly.

I rolled my eyes, selecting The DUFF (a personal favourite).

"I love how you're first notification that I'm gay was the fact that I like romcoms. Not, like, the fact I kissed you." And have a huge fucking crush on you.

Alex looked up at me with a huge smile.

"John?"

"Yeah? I asked, reaching for the remote.

"Why did you kiss me?" Alex asked softly, blushing. My hand froze above the remote. I cleared my throat and dropped my hand to my lap.

"I guess- I guess I just kinda... um yeah I just thought...fuck um yeah." I cleared my throat again, running a hand through my hair.

Alex laughed beside me, leaning forwards with a glint to his eyes.

"Would you do it again?" He whispered, biting his lip.

I felt my face heat up, voice disappearing as my eyes widened. I inhaled sharply and nodded very slightly.

"Aw, that's sweet." Alex laughed, scooting to the other side of the couch. I frowned at him.

"Oi dickhead, you're not getting away with that." I stated incredulously, shaking my head as he suppressed a laugh.

Without warning, I pushed myself off the couch and pushed him backwards so he was lying flat. I straddled his hips and leaned in to his ear. I felt his breaths pick up against my chest.

"Payback time." I murmured into his ear, stifling a laugh as Alex shivered. I pulled my face back an inch, almost nose to nose with him. "I know just what I'm gonna do to you." I whispered.

Alex let out a girly shriek as my hands found their way to his side. I tickled him mercilessly, ignoring his pleas.
"John! John, stop!" Alex gasped, wriggling underneath me. His cheeks were bright red, eyes watering from squirming and laughing so much.

There was a sharp knock on the living room door, which stood open. Aaron was silhouetted against the hall, his head tilted and eyebrows drawn together. Alex stopped laughing immediately and tried to sit up. I refused to move from his hips, my eyes locking with Aaron's.

" I came to give you your hoodie, Alexander. You left it in my room." Aaron, smiled falsely, face devoid of any warmth.
"Um, thank you. Me and John were just watching movies." Alex said quietly, shrinking down into himself.
"It sure looks like it." Aaron hissed, emphasising every syllable. Alex squirmed underneath me again, pushing at my stomach. I reluctantly rolled off him and scooted away, keeping my eyes on Aaron. Alex caught my line of sight and rolled his eyes. What? I shrugged at him. He pulled his bottom lip between his teeth and frowned.

"So, John. What were you doing on top of my boyfriend?" Aaron asked.
"Harmless fun, Burr. No need to throw a fit." I responded, raising one eyebrow.
"I wouldn't. You don't affect me that much. It's a shame really, being so desperate to annoy me that you try get with my boyfriend."
"That's so not true, you egotistic fuck." I scoffed, crossing my arms.
"Well, I'm sorry John. Alex is mine. He chose me. You don't get him, he isn't yours."
"Fuck off, Burr. Alex can choose who he wants. At least I treat him right."
"Stop it, both of you! Jesus Christ! It's like I'm fucking invisible! Both of you need to stop trying to use me to get back at the other, it's awful and demoralising. John, I thought we were passed your whole asshole phase? You're treating me like shit right now!" Alex said softly, rolling his eyes when he heard Burr let out a satisfied scoff. "And you! My God, you were supposed to be my fucking boyfriend. You have no idea the shit I've been going through with Thomas at the moment and here you are acting as if I'm some pawn in your fucking game. I'm not just a notch in your belt, I'm a real fucking person!"

He stood up violently.
"Alex-." I murmured, reaching out a hand to his. He slapped it away with a huff.
"No, John. Leave me the hell alone. Go stay in Thomas's dorm or something. And you,"he turned to Burr with a frown, "you need to stay away from me. I should have known from the first time you hurt me that you don't care about me. If it wasn't clear already, we are over. Now both of you need to leave my fucking dorm."

Aaron grabbed Alex around the waist, whispering something before smiling and leaving the room.
Alex wiped his eyes furiously. What did he say?

****
"As soon as you want to come running back, just tell me. You won't stay away for long."
****

Alex silently went to curl up on the couch, avoiding my helplessly searching gaze. He pulled his knees into his chest and buried his face between them, sobs wracking through him.

"Alex, it's not true. Really. I like you- I don't have ulterior motives, I just can't stand seeing you hurt and Aaron just..." I stopped, sighing and falling into the couch next to him. He looked up at me through broken, red-rimmed eyes.

" God, I'm so fucking broken, John. Why would anyone love me as a person." His voice cracked, eyes scrunching as tears rolled down his cheeks. I pulled the little scrunched up Alexander ball into my chest, positioning him between my legs so I could surround him on all sides and protect him. I let him cry against me for a few minutes, whispering soothing words into his hair. He sat up, wiping his eyes and laughing softly.

"You must think I'm such a mess."

I stood up, pulling him up with me.

"John, what the hell are you doing?" He groaned, tugging on my hand.

I turned to him with a smile.

"We're gonna make a fucking pillow fort."