Only Know You Love Him When You Let Him Go

One [ch. 1]

When Alexander left for the bar that night, it was to have a fun night with his boyfriend. He ended up staying to get so wasted he would forget that he got dumped after over an hour of Alexander trying to have fun, and John finding reasons to just stay in a far corner.

"Jackie, what's wrong? You've been so distant all night. Are you alright?" Alexander spoke softly, hoping John couldn't see how worried he was. He reached across the table, forgetting his attempt so seem fine when John jerked his hand away from him.

"I think we should break up..." was all John had to say before silently getting up, paying for his tab and leaving, leaving Alexander sitting there, looking after him. He was known for always having something to say, but as he watched John walk out he had nothing to say. He sat there silently for a few minutes before getting up and ordering another drink. He refused to let himself cry, and instead decided to try and forget what he had just heard.

Of all people...

»»————- ————-««

Just as Thomas was laying down to go to sleep, Alexander barged into their dorm, tripping over a pile of books. He sighed, sitting up and turning the light on, only to see Alexander still on the floor.

"What the hell? I was just about to go to sleep."

Thomas watched as Alexander tried to get up, only to fall over again, this time with a louder thud. He got up and walked over, reaching out a hand to help him up. "Are you drunk or something?" He asked as Alexander took his hand, struggling to stand.

All he got in response was a nod, before he watched Alexander quickly make his way to the bathroom, the sound of him throwing up clear in the room. Thomas sighed, grabbing some advil and a glass of water before joining Alexander in the bathroom. The smaller man was sitting with his back against the bathtub, his hair messed up. He knelt down next to him, handing him the pills and the water. Without the need to say anything, Alexander smiled gratefully, taking the pills and downing the water.

Thomas helped Alexander pull his hair into a bun to prevent any puke from getting in it, luckily finishing just before Alexander had another round of throwing up.

After a while of Alexander throwing up and Thomas getting him water each time, Thomas decided to get him some clothing to change into. He grabbed a sweater he was sure the small man had stolen from his boyfriend, as it was gigantic and some sweatpants, walking back in and setting them down next to him. After one glance at the sweater Alexander broke into tears, shaking on the floor. He looked like a mess.

"Hey... breathe. It's alright." Thomas asked as he moved down to hug him.

"It's not okay. It'll never be okay. I'm alone again." He spoke between sobs, resting his head on Thomas' shoulder. "John just dumped me for god knows what, and now im crying in a bathroom, confiding in you of all people." Thomas looked taken aback by the last statement, but didn't let go. He stayed silent however, unsure of what to say.

They stayed like that for a few minutes, Alexander sobbing into Thomas' shoulder, while Thomas just sat there quietly. When Alexander finally pulled away, Thomas dropped his arms, looking at him.

"Sorry... I shouldn't have freaked out like that." Thomas felt bad as he saw Alexander look down, seeming to be focused on the tile.

"Don't be. It's alright. You had a rough night." He stood up and left the bathroom, taking the sweater with him. A few moments later he reentered, tossing Alexander one of his sweaters. "Now get changed and go lay down. It's late,"

Alexander nodded and carefully stood up, watching as Thomas left the bathroom. Once the door was closed he took a moment to look at the sweater Thomas had given him. He knew it wasn't his or John's... He tried not to cry as he thought of the name.