New York, New Man

Chapter 4

(TW: abuse, mild profanity)

"Comfy?" John asked Alexander, who was laying on the pullout couch in his apartment.

"Yeah," Alexander replied.

"You have your laptop next to you, I know there's no way you're going to actually sleep at 8." John crossed his arms.

"Well, you could always join me and help me with my stat homework."

"No way."

"Okay then," Alex chuckled as he slid a pair of spectacles up his nose.

It had been nearly three hours that Alexander had spent working on his computer. He just seemed to find anything that he needed to do, almost like he was trying to stay awake. All the lights in the house were off, the only light was from the computer. That is, until a flash of bright light illuminated the whole house for a second. Then it was gone. Alexander tried to figure out what it was, but then all his thoughts fled his mind and his heart skipped a beat as the unmistakable boom of thunder echoed through the house. Alexander struggled to breathe as he suddenly became aware of the rain, and the thunder and lightning becoming more and more frequent. He wanted to go sit with John in his room, but he stayed rooted to the sofa, paralyzed by pure terror. Suddenly, he heard footsteps coming into the living room. John switched on a kitchen light and filled a solo cup with water. He was about to go back to his bedroom when he saw Alexander, shaking like a leaf. He set the cup down and walked over to where Alexander was huddled, hugging his knees to his chest. "Alexander, are you okay?" John placed a hand on his shoulder.

Alexander gave a small nod.

"You're lying. What's wrong?"

"It's just the storm, I'll be fine." Alexander assured. His voice did crack a few times, making the whole statement less assertive.

"Okay, I'm not going to make you talk or anything if you don't want to, but do you want to lay with me, at least until the storm passes?"

Alexander nodded tearfully.

"Come on," John said in a very relaxed voice.

Alexander was still shaking as he stood up. "You know what, I bet I could..." John wrapped his arms around Alex and picked him up. He struggled to carry him into the bedroom, but he made it. He set Alexander down on the bed and sat behind him.

"What are you-"

"Shhh," John quieted Alexander, who was already a lot calmer.

There was a moment of just stillness, before John began to brush Alexander's hair.

"John," Alexander sighed.

"Shh."

The rain was still hitting the windows but Alexander was definitely calmer. He still jumped every time there was a flash of lightning or a crack of thunder, but the rain no longer worried him. John finally coaxed Alex into letting him braid his hair. "Do I look ridiculous?" Alexander asked once John had finished.

"Sort of," John chuckled. His freckles were so adorable. Everything about him was so adorable.

Alexander couldn't help himself. He glanced at John's lips for a brief moment, and then what happened next was the best thing Alex had ever felt. They kissed. It wasn't very long, but it was passionate.

"Sorry," Alexander mumbled.

Instead of replying, John just kissed him again.