Only Know You Love Him When You Let Him Go

Take a Break [ch. 10]

Alexander awoke the next morning with a vague memory of being carried to bed and someone, most likely Thomas, laying down with him. When Alexander opened his eyes he then noticed nobody was in the bed with him now.

He sat up, relieved his head didn't hurt it. With a quick glance at his phone, he saw it was only seven in the morning. The small immigrant slipped out of bed, walking over to the bathroom to knock on the door. "Thomas? You in there?" When he received no response he opened the door, surprised to see anybody in there.

The next place he checked was the kitchen, with no such luck. From there he checked the back porch, relaxing when he saw Thomas sitting in one of the chairs on the phone with someone.

"Yes, mom. I'll see if he wants to." a pause. "I know dad's going to flip but he's the one that suggested it." another pause. "Alright. I'll text you to let you-" Alexander watched Thomas' eyes fall on him while he trailed off. "Actually, give me a minute." He watched while Thomas muted the phone and set it down, standing to move over to Alexander.

"Who was that?" Alexander leaned into it when Thomas wrapped his arms around the smaller male.

"My mother. Apparently, James mentioned me being here with someone to his family, and they rat me out to my father, who now is telling me to bring you over for the rest of our time here." Alexander nodded.

"You mentioned your dad freaking out though."

"James never said it was a guy I was with... They assumed you were a girl." Alexander gave him a small smile, hoping it would help calm the worry that was evident in the Virginian's eyes.

"So? It shouldn't matter. Besides, from what I remember of him he'd probably end up more pissed over the shit I say." Alexander's smile widened when Thomas let out a small chuckle.

"I mean you're not wrong. He was pissed when a tiny immigrant was able to hold his ground against him." Alexander pecked Thomas' lips.

"If you wanna see you're family I'm down to go. I'd need to let George and Martha, but it might be good for you to see your family."

Thomas nodded. "Okay." a pause. "Okay."

»»————- ————-««

That night Alexander and Thomas were pulling up Monticello's driveway. Before they got out of the car, Alexander pulled Thomas into a quick kiss. "Don't worry, okay? Everything is going to be okay."

Thomas nodded and got out of the car, Alexander following. The immigrant watched as an older looking woman strode out of the house and over to Thomas, pulling the much taller man into a hug. "Thomas! You made it!" She pulled away and turned to Alexander, grinning. "You also didn't mention it was one of Martha's boys!" Thomas gave a nervous laugh, and Alexander gave him a worrying look.

Alexander walked over and grabbed his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. He noticed the front door open and when he turned, recognised the two girls running out as Lucy and Mary, both of whom ran over and attacked Thomas with hugs. He let go of his boyfriend's hand and stepped back, looking over to the now wide open door, where two men now stood. One of them he knew to be Thomas' father. The other he assumed to be his older brother, Randolph he believed.

Peter, his father, have Alexander a look of surprise, then disgust. Alexander assumed he recognised him, and it made him smile. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad if Peter already knew Alexander's willingness to fight back. Randolph seemed to stare at him, giving him a look that seemed to read 'what kind of thing did you do to infect my brother'. The thought made him smile. He knew just how homophobic Thomas' father was from when he had seen him interact with John.