Under the Sea bonus story! I had so much fun returning to this world and these characters. I just really wanted to write a little epilogue sort of chapter. If you enjoy reading at all, please comment and share, it always makes the world of a difference 💙
Alex heard the laughter of dolphins in his ears, the rush of bubbles against his cheeks as fish swam past. He opened his eyes to treasure; stones of different colors and sizes covered the ocean floor, seaweed, coral, sea creatures of all kinds floated past.
Once upon a time, Alex had feared the ocean as he feared nothing else. Now he knew he was safe in its waters, for the love of his life resided there. He felt hands on his hips, pulling him back against a warm chest, even under the cold water, and he laughed. He was safe, a bubble of air protecting his head down to the base of his neck.
“Have you no decency?” Alex asked even as he tilted his chin up, giving Forrest more access to his skin.
“I wish to kiss my fiancé,” murmured Forrest with a grin against Alex’s neck. “Am I not allowed?”
“Not here,” he huffed, “where someone might see us.”
Forrest turned Alex around, making him laugh. He held his face in his hands, the gold band on his finger cold against Alex’s cheek. Forrest’s long blue and gold tail swayed calmly in the water below them, but his voice was in a near growl when he spoke, “I care not who sees us. Let them envy me, for I am the one to marry the most handsome man in all of the oceans and on land combined.”
Even under the water, Alex’s cheeks heated and he hid his face in Forrest’s shoulder. “Honestly . . .”
“Don’t you dare look down,” Forrest whispered, tilting down so that his forehead pressed against Alex’s, the blue and gold in his dark eyes glimmering with an overwhelming fondness and love that threatened to kill Alex in the best way.
As he neared, Alex’s mouth instinctively fell open, and he found himself closing the distance between them, eager to taste Forrest’s lips in his, when suddenly –
“Oi! Can’t you keep your hands off each other for two bloody minutes?!” Kyle appeared, his green and gold fin swimming behind him. He grabbed Alex’s arm and tugged. “Stop hogging him all to yourself!”
“Oh, leave them alone, Kyle,” Maria sighed dreamily. “They’re in love.”
“They have their entire lives to be in love!” Kyle demanded. “I have only another short moment while Alex is a free man!”
Forrest wrapped his arms around Alex’s shoulders, his smile in place, but his eyes dark. “And what exactly do you assume will happen between you and Alex?”
“Don’t be such a stiff, Forrest,” Kyle rolled his eyes, tugging Alex, and therefore Forrest, closer. “I just want to talk to him. Without you.”
“That’s simply not going to happen.”
“Don’t you trust me?” teased Alex.
“Implicitly,” said Forrest without a moment’s hesitation, and narrowed his eyes at Kyle. “It’s his wandering hands I don’t trust.”
Alex laughed and kissed Forrest’s cheek. He nuzzled his neck. Even underwater, as fish tickled his feet and the world turned to a peaceful silence around them, Alex could still smell Forrest. Even down here, he smelled like the ocean.
“Who knew,” teased Jenna, the white pearls in her hair making her look like an angel, “that Forrest could be so possessive?”
“I did,” Kyle huffed, “since we first found Alex and he wouldn’t let any of us near him.”
“I was being protective,” Forrest insisted. “Oh, enough of all of you. Come along, my love. We’ve been down here long enough and soon people will start to wake. We best get back to the surface so that I can change to my human form.”
Alex nodded, but accepted the hugs from Kyle and the others first. Forrest had been right in that Kyle held on longer than the others, squeezing him tightly enough to make him laugh, and then he had his arms around Forrest again.
“Hold on tight to me, my love,” Forrest whispered into the space between them. Alex remembered a year ago when Forrest had said the same thing to him before saving him from the cavern and returning him to his home. Alex had held on trustingly. Forrest had been his one small relief, even if he hadn’t really known him.
Now, as they rose to the surface together, Alex was filled with laughter, his chest overflowing with love for the merman before him. When they broke the surface, the cold hit them first, but Alex clung to Forrest’s warmth.
“Go on,” Forrest encouraged him, his lips against Alex’s ear. “I’ll be right behind you.”
Alex nodded, and let go of Forrest. He swam to the shore, and walked up the rest of the way. As he stepped out of the waves, he saw the water change color, as though someone were shining a bright blue light underneath the surface, and he turned to find Forrest standing in the water, the waves lapping around his naked waist. His blue hair and the blue glow of his eyes were gone, and his still-glowing blue seashell nestled in his collarbone. Alex smiled. He loved this version of Forrest just as much, for the magic of the sea never seemed to leave him no matter what form he took.
Alex reached for the hidden clothes he kept wrapped in a towel behind a boulder, and handed them to Forrest. Once they were both dried and dressed, they made their usual way up the far left stone steps to the street above.
The marketplace was still mostly bare, but Alex spotted a merchant here and there, preparing their stall for the day. Some waved good morning to him and Forrest, some congratulated them, some merely ogled.
“I hate when they stare,” Alex murmured.
Forrest grinned. “They can scarcely ignore your beauty, darling. Don’t begrudge them for it. I can hardly resist staring at you myself.”
Alex blushed. “That’s different! And it’s not me they’re watching, it’s you!”
He laughed. “So you’re jealous, then?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he said, and kissed Forrest’s cheek for good measure.
When the wooden sign for Le Gateau au Chocolat – Gregory and Isobel’s pastry shop – came into view, Alex and Forrest decided to race the rest of the way. They both reached the door out of breath with giggles. Alex had won by only a small margin. Forrest had been getting much better at using his legs.
“Oh, Alex, good,” Gregory called from behind the counter. “I’ve decided to change the chicken to beef for tonight.”
Alex faltered. “Isn’t beef expensive?”
Isobel came in from the kitchens. She wiped her hands on her apron and put them on her hips. “Don’t you go worrying about that. We’ve taken care of it.”
Alex looked to Forrest, suspicious. “You didn’t . . .?”
Forrest leapt onto the counter. “Oh, I certainly offered. What’s the point of being a king with riches if I cannot spoil my love? But no, your brother and sister would not hear of it. This time.”
“Stop it,” Gregory scolded. “We’re older, we take care of you, that’s how it works.”
Forrest hummed, and his eyes brightened. “Until Alex and I are married. Then he’s all mine.”
Alex caught Isobel’s amused look, and turned away, his face red. He cleared his throat. “Anyhow. What time’s the dinner?”
“Eight,” Gregory pointed. “Do not be late, both of you. Oh” – he dusted some of the sand off Forrest’s jacket – “and try not to mention any merpeople, will you? The last thing we need is for Liz and Max to know the truth, too.”
“They wouldn’t tell anyone,” Alex defended.
Gregory and Isobel shared a look, and Isobel sighed. “We can’t risk Michael finding out, Alex. I love my brother, but . . .” she shook her head. “Ever since you announced your engagement, he’s been . . .”
“He isn’t happy,” Gregory said. “Let’s put it that way.”
Alex sat down, and looked at the band on his finger. A circle of gold with an aquamarine jewel imbedded in the center. He hated to admit it, but in the moments after his excitement at marrying Forrest had faded, Michael had come to mind. What he would think, how he would feel, react. He’d been anxious, and now he knew he was right to have been.
“It’ll be all right though, won’t it?” he asked, hearing the plea in his own voice.
Forrest’s smile dimmed. He never liked the mention of Michael, but he leapt from the counter regardless, stumbled, then came to sit in front of Alex. He took his hands in both of his and kissed his fingers.
“Everything will be perfect, my love,” he promised. “I’m certain he will come to this dinner with kindness and happiness in his heart. He will be happy only that you are happy.” He hesitated, then, “You . . . are happy, aren’t you?”
“Oh,” Alex breathed, and wrapped his arms around Forrest’s shoulders tightly, burying his face in the crook of his neck. “I love you more than I can say. I’m sorry, my darling, I don’t mean to imply any different.”
“Really, Alex,” Isobel assured him, “you’ve no reason to worry about Michael. I’ll make sure of it.”
Alex sighed, resting his head on Forrest’s shoulder. “I just want everything to be perfect.” He played with Forrest’s fingers. “You’re a king after all, you must have standards.”
“I do,” Forrest nodded. “Absolutely. If it’s not Alex, then I will not have it.”
“Oi, keep your distance, you two,” Gregory warned with his wooden spoon. “We have customers coming in soon, and this is no pub!”
Forrest had Alex’s face in his hands, and was nuzzling his nose. He whispered, “I don’t see any customers now.”
He took Alex’s lips in his own, one hand reaching into his hair, the other cupping his neck. Alex whimpered in the back of his throat, and Forrest tilted his head to deepen the kiss, their mouths slotting perfectly together, Forrest’s tongue sliding against his own.
He ran his hands down Forrest’s chest, and then Gregory threw a rag over their heads. “Were you not listening?” he snapped. “Your engagement dinner’s tonight, can you not contain yourselves?!”
Forrest pointed at Alex’s face, incredulous. “Have you seen him?”
Alex hid his face in Forrest’s shoulder, embarrassed, as Isobel laughed loudly.
“Which looks better?” Liz asked, holding up a deep green dress, and a bright red. “This one? Or this one?”
“I think you look beautiful in both,” Alex said cheerfully. Forrest sat next to him, eagerly shoveling down the biscuits Gregory had given them to have after lunch. Every so often, he offered Alex one, Alex shook his head, and then he ate the entire thing in one bite.
“Mmh – yes,” said Forrest. “Beau—ifful.”
“Oh, you both are useless,” Rosa sighed from where she sat on the counter. “Obviously, the red is terribly unsuitable.”
Liz frowned. “Is it?”
“Yes!” she took a biscuit from Forrest’s plate. “This is an engagement dinner. The red should clearly be saved for the wedding!”
“Do you think so, Alex?” Liz asked.
“Er – actually –”
“What’re you asking him for?” Rosa huffed. “You know he’s too nice to tell you the truth!”
Liz opened her mouth to argue when the front door swung open. Max smiled at them.
“Good afternoon, all!” He ruffled Alex and Rosa’s hair, and kissed Liz’s cheek. “Afternoon, darling.”
“Did you see the suit I put out for you?” Liz said in lieu of a greeting.
“Yes, darling.”
“Don’t you dare wear it until the dinner.”
Max’s smile widened. “Yes, darling.”
“We have to look our best for Alex and Forrest,” she said. Then she mumbled something incoherent to him and they glanced at Alex, as though afraid he’d heard. Max merely nodded in response.
“Honestly,” said Alex, leaning against Forrest’s side. “You don’t have to go through all this fuss. It’s just going to be a small, comfortable dinner.”
Liz put her hands on her hips. “Then why did Flint order a new navy-blue coat for the occasion?”
“Did he?” Alex blinked, and flushed. Since their last voyage, he had feared for his relationship with his brother, the distance the truth about their mother’s death may put between them. He had seemed happy to be invited to the engagement dinner, but Alex had feared it had been an act. To know he cared this much, it gladdened Alex’s heart more than he could say.
Rosa scoffed. “Well, I won’t need any help preparing. I know exactly what to wear.”
“Yes,” Liz said testily, “but will you know how to behave?”
“Oi!” she argued. “Don’t you start with me, it’s Michael you should be concerned about!”
Liz shot her a sharp look, while Max turned a nervous smile on Alex and Forrest. Forrest had stopped eating.
“She’s joking,” Max assured them. “Michael’s really happy for you, Alex.”
Forrest smiled, but it was polite and cold, not at all what Alex was used to. “I trust he will be on his best behaviour.” Then he grumbled, “If not, I’ll throw him into the middle of the ocean.”
Alex hooked his arm around Forrest’s and kissed his shoulder. “Are there any more biscuits left for me?” he murmured.
Forrest’s eyes lit up at once, and he handed Alex the largest he had. “I saved it for you, my love!”
Alex laughed, his heart and the atmosphere of the shop lighter at once.
Forrest insisted on watching the sunset before dinner, but Alex had not needed much persuasion. Once they’d excused themselves from the shop, they made their way down the street, Forrest’s arm hooked around Alex’s. There was a time he had clung to him to walk, but now he stayed close for the sake of staying close itself. Forrest played with his fingers, and Alex kissed the back of his hand.
“Congratulations, dears!” Mrs. Valenti called for what felt like the millionth time, as she liked to congratulate them whenever they passed by. “Isn’t it so exciting, Mr. Higgins?”
“Eh?” Mr. Higgins chuckled good-naturedly. “Yes, yes, terribly happy for them!”
Forrest’s eyes lingered, once again, on the frozen fish in Mr. Higgins’ market stall, but at a kiss to his cheek from Alex, his eyes brightened once again.
Instead of going down to shore, they sat on the brick wall that overlooked the ocean, their legs dangling over the end. The sand below was soft, so there was no fear of falling. Nonetheless, Forrest kept a tight arm around Alex’s waist, and Alex felt safe.
The sky turned to rose and violet and gold as the sun fell behind the ocean’s surface. Alex asked if Forrest had seen plenty of sunsets before.
“I try to,” he confessed, “but there’s quite a risk of being seen by sailors, even so far out at sea.”
Alex shuddered as he thought of Forrest tied to a ship’s mast, at sailors who were happy to harm him because of what he was. He burrowed deeper into his side and nuzzled his neck.
“I will never let anyone touch you again, sailor or otherwise,” he promised in a whisper.
Forrest kissed the top of his head. “And I will protect you with my life.”
“Will I ever see your underwater kingdom?” Alex asked.
Forrest laughed. “Certainly,” he said. “I will have a room prepared where not a drop of water would dare to enter.”
Alex closed his eyes and let the sun’s warmth bathe them both in gold. “I don’t fear drowning with you at my side.”
“And you never shall have to,” Forrest told him, his hold tightening and promising a king’s protection.
They kissed in the setting sun until their lips swelled. They kissed until Forrest’s hand sought out the hem of Alex’s shirt, and Alex realized that if they did not stop soon, they would not stop at all. Then all those walking on the street behind them would have a true reason to stare. They kissed until Alex started to want nothing more than to fall to the sand below with Forrest in his arms, and forget the engagement dinner entirely. To prove their love another way.
Then he took Forrest’s wrist and pressed their foreheads together, the two panting, and pulled them both to their feet at the first signs of the evening stars. They went hand-in-hand, laughing, back to the pastry shop.
Alex told Forrest about the gold coat he’d asked Liz for him to wear, and Forrest told Alex about the deep blue ocean flower he’d acquired for Alex’s coat pocket.
Then a voice cut through their conversation like knife through ice.
“Alex,” Michael said with a nod. “Forrest.” His eyes fell on Alex and Forrest’s intertwined hands. “Am I too early?”
His voice was subdued, and Forrest’s eyes had darkened.
“Good evening, Michael,” he said, his grip on Alex’s hand tightening. “Not at all. Please, come in.”
“Are you nervous?” Forrest asked from where he sat on the edge of Alex’s bed. Alex watched him through the mirror’s reflection.
Alex pulled on his coat and took a seat beside him. He interlocked their hands. “Are you?”
Forrest smiled, though it did not reach his eyes. “Only that you will change your mind.”
Alex raised a brow. “Do you truly imagine my heart so fickle?”
Forrest’s grip on his hand tightened. “I imagine that there is no one who can love as you can. I know it. It is for that reason that I cannot help but worry. He was your first love.”
“And you are my last,” Alex told him. “That carries far more weight, in my opinion.”
Downstairs, they could hear the muffled clinking of cups and plates as the sky turned dark and stars peeked out. In the distance, the waves lapped against the shore softly, a comforting reminder that there was always somewhere they could escape to, somewhere where the troubles of land could not follow.
Forrest said nothing for a long while, then, “I do not want to see you harmed.”
“I could only be harmed by losing you,” Alex promised him. “I am marrying a king, it is you who has far more prospects.”
Forrest scoffed half-heartedly. “I will tell you what I’ve already told your brother; have you seen you?”
Alex burst into giggles, his face warm. He felt the soft touch of Forrest’s lips to his cheek. The laughter faded as they pressed their foreheads together, Alex’s eyes closed as he breathed Forrest in.
“Stay close to me,” he whispered.
Forrest nodded once, his lips brushing Alex’s. “Forever.”
Dinner had started off well. Alex and Forrest descended down the staircase to the shop where a long table sat and fairy lights had been hung up. The table lay covered with platters of beef, cheese, fruit and bread. Glasses of wine sat at every chair. Isobel and Gregory had truly outdone themselves.
Liz sat between Max and Rosa. Beside Max was Michael, Isobel, Gregory, and Flint. Forrest pulled out Alex’s chair for him, making him blush, and kissed the top of his head before taking the seat beside him. Alex did not dare glance at Michael.
For the most part, they shared in their stories, and though Forrest could not share many of his own for fear of exposing himself, he seemed quite content to listen to Alex’s versions of his bravery and kindness.
“I hear you were responsible for helping to save Alex,” Michael told Forrest, for he had but one of the many different stories of Alex and Forrest’s first meeting. He bowed his head once. “I sincerely thank you.”
“I could not see anything happen to him,” Forrest said, smiling at Alex. “It was love at first sight, you see.”
Alex hoped Michael would not respond, but then he said, “Yes, I understand the feeling.” He was looking directly at Alex, his gaze pointed as though he was trying to share a secret message with him.
Then Forrest took Alex’s hand and kissed the aquamarine bracelet he’d given him so many months ago on the shore. “All right, darling?” he whispered, and Alex nodded, the smile returning to his lips at Forrest’s eyes on him.
“Goodness, Alex,” Liz sighed. “I do love that bracelet. Forrest made that for him,” she told Michael, “did you know?”
“Purely for selfish reasons,” Forrest confessed. “I’ve always wanted to see Alex in aquamarine. He looks so beautiful with it, doesn’t he?”
“Where did you get that?” Flint murmured. “Bottom of the ocean?”
Gregory nudged Flint with his elbow, but the five of them were already laughing at the private joke.
“Honestly, Forrest,” grinned Isobel, “do you care about anything but Alex?”
Forrest hummed, eyes narrowed. “No, I don’t think so. Why?” he asked, genuinely confused when everyone save for Michael started laughing, “Is there anything else to care about?”
“I would think someone of your position would have plenty,” Gregory thoughtlessly said.
Rosa frowned. “What do you mean, of his position?”
Gregory’s eyes widened and Alex tensed. Forrest, after all, was a king. He had plenty of concerns, yet the others at the table did not know that.
It was Isobel who chuckled nervously and said, “Well, you see, Forrest is very wealthy. He has so much to tend to back in – er –”
“Paris,” Gregory quickly finished. “Because, as you all know, he is from Paris. Isn’t that right, Forrest?”
“Certainly,” Forrest nodded. “I am from Paris.”
Everyone returned to their meat and potatoes when all of a sudden a loud CLANK! drove all other conversation away. Michael had roughly set his fork and knife down.
“Is that why you chose him?” Michael asked, breaking the heavy silence. “Because he’s so much wealthier than I am?”
Alex was staring, brows furrowed. He set his utensils down delicately. When he spoke, his voice was cold to his own ears, something fierce and protective overwhelming him. “I beg your pardon?”
Michael scoffed, shaking his head. There was nothing humorous about it.
“Michael,” Max warned, but Michael was already seething.
“I thought it was odd,” he said. “You’d known him for such a short time, yet you fell in love so quickly. Is that why, Alex? He could take better care of you than I could?”
“Michael,” Isobel hissed, “enough.”
“Is that why you wouldn’t even give me another chance?”
Forrest stood at once, but Alex took his arm. He’d never seen Forrest’s glare so full of anger.
“I will thank you,” Gregory said darkly, “to mind your manners, Michael.”
“I’m sorry,” Michael said, crossing his arms on top of the table, his eyes on Alex. “I’m sorry that I’m the only one who will acknowledge that there is too much about Forrest that we don’t know. I’m sorry if I’m the only one who wishes to make certain that Alex is not throwing his life away at the first man to offer him comfort after heartbreak.”
“No, you’re right,” Flint said, slumping in his seat. “I’d much rather my brother stay with someone who hurt him.”
“Please,” Alex said quietly, and the table turned silent. He raised his chin and held Michael’s gaze. “Forrest saved my life in more ways than I could say. I did not know of his wealth until I’d already loved him, and even if I had, it wouldn’t have changed anything.”
“Alex –”
“You are a guest,” Alex told him sternly, “in my home. Forrest is my fiancé, and I expect you to treat him with respect.” His shoulders fell, his tone turned pleading. “I want you to be a part of my life, Michael. Please don’t make me push you out of it.”
Michael stared back for a long moment, his jaw clenched. Then he stood, murmured an apology, and left.
Forrest wrapped an arm around Alex’s shoulders, keeping him close. He pressed soft kisses to his ear, his cheek, his jaw as Gregory and Isobel made quick work of returning the rest of the table to cheerier conversation.
Later that night, Alex woke in bed to find Forrest’s side empty. He sat up, looking through the house, and softly called for Forrest in the shop. When he did not find his fiancé at home, panic began to rise in his chest until he forced it down. His father could not harm Forrest any longer, yet Alex knew he would not rest until he saw his love’s face again.
Realizing there was only one place Forrest could be, Alex quickly threw on a coat and his boots, and made his way down to the shore. There, with his knees pulled up to his chest amongst the waves, sat Forrest, staring out at the ocean. His blue seashell glittered at his neck.
Alex hesitated, then came and sat beside him.
“Are you upset with me?” were his first words.
Forrest frowned. “What in the soundless seas for?”
“The dinner,” he said. “I told Michael I – I wanted him in my life.”
A smirk tugged at Forrest’s lips. “That is no secret, Alex. I’ve known it since before I met you. Don’t you remember?”
Alex did. Forrest had told him that that was when he had first fallen in love with him; when he’d heard Alex speaking of Michael to the stars.
“Forrest,” he said, “I love you. More than I’ve ever loved anyone. Stronger than I’ve ever loved anyone.”
Forrest chuckled. “You dove into the ocean to save me, Alex. I don’t question your love.”
“Yet you’re here,” he said, his chin on Forrest’s shoulder, “instead of in bed with me.”
Forrest turned to him, kissing his nose. “I fear the mess of my thoughts might’ve troubled your sleep.”
“I am only troubled when you are not there,” he murmured, and kissed Forrest’s shoulder.
“You will never regret me?” asked Forrest.
Alex clenched his jaw. “You are a king. I am a mere human. What could I possibly offer you?”
Forrest cupped Alex’s cheek fiercely, his hold tight. He let his hand fall down Alex’s jaw, his neck, and settled on his opened coat collar. As he leaned in, he whispered the words, as though he was shocked Alex did not know the answer already.
“You.”
Before Alex could say anything else, Forrest kissed him. Their lips pressed together again and again, and when Alex felt Forrest’s tongue slide against his own, a moan escaped his lips. When Forrest began kissing down his chin, his neck, Alex looked around to make certain that no one was watching. But then this was the middle of the night. He didn’t think anyone would be awake for hours.
The waves turned suddenly warm as they washed around Forrest and Alex, as their kisses deepened, as Forrest’s fingers undid the buttons of Alex’s coat and gently pushed him onto his back. The kisses turned rougher, more eager, and Alex felt as though they would never move away from one another again.
Alex released a breathy moan as he ran his hands up Forrest’s naked back. He imagined them, lying nude on the beach, Forrest thrusting into him, licking a line along his neck, the cold quickly turning to heat so thick that Alex couldn’t breathe and was happy to suffocate.
He ran his hands down Forrest’s bare cheeks, urging him in deeper. He was so in love he could hardly stand it. This man, bathed in moonlight and showered with drops of the ocean, was to be his husband.
Alex took Forrest’s face in his hands and kissed him as he’d never kissed anyone before. Forrest was all his, the beautiful merman of blue and gold belonged to him. He never imagined, that year ago when he’d first embarked on his father’s voyage, that he would find such joy. When he’d fallen over the ship’s edge and his world had changed forever.
The ocean waves hit the shore with a gentle shushing sound, protecting Alex and Forrest from searching eyes. They were safe here, Alex was safe here. With Forrest, with the ocean, with the life he’d been given when it seemed he’d been destined to drown.
“Hold on tight to me,” Forrest told him. And so Alex did.
“Which looks better?” Liz asked, holding up a deep green dress, and a bright red. “This one? Or this one?”
“I think you look beautiful in both,” Alex said cheerfully. Forrest sat next to him, eagerly shoveling down the biscuits Gregory had given them to have after lunch. Every so often, he offered Alex one, Alex shook his head, and then he ate the entire thing in one bite.
“Mmh – yes,” said Forrest. “Beau—ifful.”
“Oh, you both are useless,” Rosa sighed from where she sat on the counter. “Obviously, the red is terribly unsuitable.”
Liz frowned. “Is it?”
“Yes!” she took a biscuit from Forrest’s plate. “This is an engagement dinner. The red should clearly be saved for the wedding!”
“Do you think so, Alex?” Liz asked.
“Er – actually –”
“What’re you asking him for?” Rosa huffed. “You know he’s too nice to tell you the truth!”
Liz opened her mouth to argue when the front door swung open. Max smiled at them.
“Good afternoon, all!” He ruffled Alex and Rosa’s hair, and kissed Liz’s cheek. “Afternoon, darling.”
“Did you see the suit I put out for you?” Liz said in lieu of a greeting.
“Yes, darling.”
“Don’t you dare wear it until the dinner.”
Max’s smile widened. “Yes, darling.”
“We have to look our best for Alex and Forrest,” she said. Then she mumbled something incoherent to him and they glanced at Alex, as though afraid he’d heard. Max merely nodded in response.
“Honestly,” said Alex, leaning against Forrest’s side. “You don’t have to go through all this fuss. It’s just going to be a small, comfortable dinner.”
Liz put her hands on her hips. “Then why did Flint order a new navy-blue coat for the occasion?”
“Did he?” Alex blinked, and flushed. Since their last voyage, he had feared for his relationship with his brother, the distance the truth about their mother’s death may put between them. He had seemed happy to be invited to the engagement dinner, but Alex had feared it had been an act. To know he cared this much, it gladdened Alex’s heart more than he could say.
Rosa scoffed. “Well, I won’t need any help preparing. I know exactly what to wear.”
“Yes,” Liz said testily, “but will you know how to behave?”
“Oi!” she argued. “Don’t you start with me, it’s Michael you should be concerned about!”
Liz shot her a sharp look, while Max turned a nervous smile on Alex and Forrest. Forrest had stopped eating.
“She’s joking,” Max assured them. “Michael’s really happy for you, Alex.”
Forrest smiled, but it was polite and cold, not at all what Alex was used to. “I trust he will be on his best behaviour.” Then he grumbled, “If not, I’ll throw him into the middle of the ocean.”
Alex hooked his arm around Forrest’s and kissed his shoulder. “Are there any more biscuits left for me?” he murmured.
Forrest’s eyes lit up at once, and he handed Alex the largest he had. “I saved it for you, my love!”
Alex laughed, his heart and the atmosphere of the shop lighter at once.
Genuinely forgot I could use this as a six sentence sunday post until just now. Anywhodle. I’m having so much fun writing this bonus story for my forlex merman au, Under the Sea, I love revisiting this world and these characters.
No date on when this will be up, as I have, unfortunately and very stupidly, burned myself out in a massive way, and so I’ve been very careful about now overexerting myself (again). I’m writing as much as I’m able every morning, and stopping before I hurt myself. It feels as it did after the season 2 finale, but, hey, I wasn’t able to write at all last week, so this feels like a huge step forward. This bonus story is just meant to be a fun little addition to an already fun merman story. Under the Sea is not really popular at all, but it holds a special place in my heart, so I sincerely hope you can give the bonus story a chance when it comes out.
I also have plans for a lot more malex and forlex (and even kylex and max x alex!) fics, but as I’m in a sensitive writing stage right now (my imagination has been gone the entire week, it’s truly terrifying), I’m not going into detail about any of them, or a post date. I just hope you will stay with me as I work through this frustrating time 💙
If you're still taking Forlex prompts, can you do something where the only person in the friend group who likes Forrest is Kyle? You can take it anywhere you want but I'm really missing Kylex at the moment.
***
Alex tugged the hem of his jacket, staring out the window at the neon sign of the Wild Pony, flashing on and off in the dark, heavy rain.
They’d been parked for several seconds, and neither had made a move to get out of the car.
Finally, unable to take it anymore, Alex said, “We don’t have to do this, you know.” Forrest smiled, amused. “Seriously, we can go to my place, or – or another bar, or –”
“Babe,” Forrest said calmy, and Alex fell silent. “What’re you going to do, never see your friends again because of me?”
Forrest didn’t sound the least bit mad. On the contrary, he talked to Alex as if he was the cutest thing in the world for worrying. It didn’t make the sting in Alex’s heart any less painful.
“It wouldn’t be because of you,” Alex said. “If they can’t accept who I’m dating –”
“You mean they hate me,” Forrest interjected.
“They don’t hate you. They hate that I’m . . .” he trailed off, his cheeks red at the thought.
Forrest sighed. “They hate that you’re not dating their favorite cowboy.” Alex said nothing. “Michael wants you, and you don’t want him, and that upsets him, which upsets them.”
“Right,” Alex muttered. “So, if anything, it’s me they hate.”
He scoffed. “Who on this God-given earth could ever hate you?” He covered Alex’s hand with his own. “Listen to me. They can’t bully you into trusting someone you just don’t trust anymore, and they can’t chase us away. If they were really your friends, they would just be happy that you’re happy.” His grip tightened slightly on Alex’s hand, and his smile faltered ever so slightly. “You . . . are happy, right?”
Eager to erase that expression from his boyfriend’s face, Alex leaned over the console and pressed a kiss to his lips. He rested their foreheads together as he exhaled deeply, some of the tension in his chest dissipating at the warm, comforting touch.
“I’m happier with you than I ever thought I was allowed to be,” he said firmly. It wasn’t something Alex Manes usually said, not something that had been met with kindness in the past. But at the blatant, raw love in Forrest’s eyes, the way he followed Alex’s lips, eager for another kiss, Alex couldn’t find it in him to regret a thing.
“I just don’t want them to scare you away,” he confessed quietly.
“Hey,” Forrest took his face in his hands. “I’m tougher than I look.”
Alex scoffed half-heartedly. “You look pretty tough already.”
He smirked and kissed Alex again. “Exactly.”
With that reassurance, Forrest stepped out of the car. Alex stared at the neon sign a second longer before he followed. Forrest was at his side in an instant, his jacket raised over their heads. Alex couldn’t help but laugh with him as they hurried out of the storm. They were still smiling widely as they opened the door and stepped into the warmth and old music of the Pony.
Then Alex looked up and his smile dimmed. There he was, having noticed him immediately, was Michael, sitting at the bar. Alex was trapped, unable to look away until he felt an arm come around his waist.
“You smell good,” Forrest said, obviously trying to take Alex’s mind off the inevitable. “Like cake.”
Alex smiled despite himself. He ruffled his own hair, laughing as water fell and hit Forrest’s cheek. “You’re saying I smell like cake?”
“Is that not a complement?”
Alex bit his lower lip and hugged his waist. “Come on, weirdo.”
They both weaved their way through the crowd easily until they reached the bar. Alex had suggested, before they’d left, that they get a table on their own, far away from the others, but Forrest had insisted, “We haven’t done anything wrong, babe. We’re not running away.”
So there they were, taking two empty stools at the bar, only two seats down from Michael who had gone back to staring at his whiskey glass.
Forrest kept his arm around Alex’s waist, keeping him close. “Hey, Guerin,” he said.
Without looking at him, Michael raised his glass. “Forrest.” His knuckles turned white around his glass. “Alex.”
Alex cleared his throat. “Hey.”
They stayed like that, in awkward silence, for a few seconds before Maria came out from the back with several glasses in hand. She momentarily stilled when she saw Alex and Forrest together. Then she glanced at Michael, downing his drink, and turned a sickly sweet smile onto the historian.
“Forrest,” she said. “Good to see you.”
Forrest either didn’t sense the hesitance in her tone or chose to ignore it because he smiled back kindly. “Maria. Can we get a couple of beers?”
“Sure!” and she pulled out two ice-cold bottles from under the counter, handing them each one.
“Uh – how’s business?” Alex asked for lack of anything else to do or say.
“Good,” she said, still glancing at Michael. “Good.” She suddenly snapped. “Hey, uh, Alex, can I talk to you? Uh – in the storage room. Michael, you, too.”
Alex and Forrest glanced at each other, but unlike Alex, Forrest looked like he might laugh. Alex didn’t think it was so funny. He knew Maria would just pretend to guide them to the storage room and lock them in there for a while. Give them time alone to work through whatever she thought they needed to work through. A kiss, and all their problems would end. A kiss, and Alex would suddenly trust Michael again.
No, Alex thought, clenching his fist. He was so tired of being disappointed by those who promised to always love him and turned their backs on him.
Michael glanced at Alex and began to stand, but Alex said, “Maybe later? You don’t really need us both, right?”
Maria’s eyes narrowed. Michael stilled, as if he couldn’t believe Alex was giving up the chance to be alone with him. He slumped back down in his seat with a scoff, shaking his head, his smirk bitter.
“He’s too busy for his friends,” Michael said. “Right, Alex?”
Something in Forrest’s eyes darkened at his tone. “Easy, Guerin.”
“Wasn’t talkin’ to you, Forrest,” he said.
Alex grabbed his arm. “Forrest, let’s just go,” he said quietly, though he was sure Michael was listening intently enough to hear them.
But Forrest merely brushed Alex’s lips with his thumb and smiled softly. “It’ll be fine, babe.”
Alex gripped him tighter, frustrated. Didn’t Forrest get that Alex didn’t want him to hear any of this? He didn’t want Forrest to feel unwanted, not for a second. He was sure that Michael was fuming behind him, but he didn’t care. He only cared how Forrest felt now.
“Come on,” Alex pleaded, “we can go to my place, and –”
“Hey, buddy!” someone suddenly said, and Alex looked up just in time to see Kyle take the stool next to him. He slung an arm around Alex’s shoulders just as Forrest’s tightened his grip around his waist, as if they wanted to protect him from both sides.
“Uh – hey,” Alex said, startled. “How did you –”
“I called him,” Forrest said easily. “Thought he’d like to spend a night out after his double shift at the hospital.”
“I did,” Kyle huffed. “Real considerate guy you got there, Manes. You really need someone to get on you about taking a break every now and then.” He smiled at Maria. “Right?”
Maria, startled that Kyle and Forrest seemed to be together on this, smiled. “Y-Yeah.”
“Must be a relief for you,” Kyle went on. “Since you and Liz have been his friends all this time, unlike me. I bet you guys are really glad Alex is so happy now.”
Maria frowned. “But, I mean, Alex doesn’t really need a boyfriend to take care of him.” She gestured at herself and Michael. “He has us.”
Kyle didn’t answer, looking back to Alex with wide eyes as if to say, Got here just in time, didn’t I?
Alex started to smile. “Don’t you have an early shift tomorrow?”
“If I can’t be late for you,” he said, “who can I be late for?”
Alex scoffed, shaking his head. Kyle tipped his bottle at a displeased Maria in thanks, and Forrest gave him a wink before kissing his cheek. A glass shattered, but Alex didn’t look.
Half an hour later, Kyle got a call and excused himself for a minute. Alex glanced at Michael, then looked back to his boyfriend. “You good here?”
Forrest nodded, and happily accepted the peck to his lips before Alex walked out. He found Kyle standing against a wall, just hanging up.
“Hey,” he said at spotting Alex. “Get any glass on you?”
Alex winced, leaning his shoulder against the wall. “Guerin . . . has his moments.”
Kyle shook his head. “You’d think he’d be a little nicer to you, considering . . .” He huffed. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; angry cowboy.”
Alex considered him. “I’m guessing that’s why you showed up tonight? To . . . what, protect me? I’m an air force captain, Kyle, I don’t need protection.”
“This isn’t about protection, Alex,” he said, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “It’s about showing you that . . .” he sighed. “That you have someone on your side.”
Alex groaned, rubbing his face with one hand. “I don’t want sides. I – I want to be able to get a drink with my boyfriend, and not feel guilty for it.” He pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling shakily. “You know? Forrest was right, we didn’t do anything wrong. So . . . so why does it feel like I did?”
Kyle’s lips curled in a half-smile, the weariness not unlike Alex’s own. “Look, man, I’m not gonna tell you how you feel, and true love is lost on me anyway. But if you’re really happy with Forrest –”
“I am.”
“—then what else do you need to know?”
Alex tried to answer that question. But Maria, but Liz and Isobel and Max, but Michael . . . And he realized none of it mattered. Not comparing it to Forrest’s smile, or his warm touch, keeping Alex safe. For the first time, Alex felt so loved that it was like everyone else’s anger around him couldn’t hurt him.
Kyle seemed to hear his thoughts and clasped his shoulder. “Don’t think about it too much. For once, Manes, for this one thing, stop thinking, and just live.” He shrugged a shoulder. “And hey. No matter what happens, you’ve always got me.”
A smile tugged at Alex’s lips. “I do,” he said, brows furrowed. That was one thing he could trust in, he realized. One thing that had been fixed and made stronger with a lot more than a kiss. Something, somehow, a lot more important.
Alex straightened, the weight on his chest lessened and making it easier for him to breathe. “You going back in there?”
Kyle hung his head back, huffing out a white cloud in the chilly night air. “In a minute,” he said. “Those last couple of rounds took a lot out of me. The cold helps wake me up.”
Alex nodded and moved to stand beside him. Kyle peeked an eye open. “What’s up, Manes?”
“I’ll wait with you,” he said, and at Kyle’s raised brow, tilted his head. “You’ve always got me, Valenti.”
Kyle grinned, and nodded. “Good.”
And they stayed there for just another minute, staring out into the storm.
A prompt for forlex: (sorry if this sucks or its not what you're looking for) protective and head over heels Forrest...perhaps him going off on M*ria and trying to keep her away from Alex. And Alex just being extremely happy and free with him
I did not intend this to be a 2x06 spite fic of sorts, but that’s what happened.
***
There was this spark that lit in Alex’s eyes whenever he sat at his keyboard piano. A way he bit his lower lip as his fingers hovered above the keys, a way he smiled to himself whenever he tinkered with the notes and managed an accidental, beautiful melody.
“Not bad, huh?” he’d say with a shy smile that made Forrest want to grab his face and kiss him senseless to show him just how not bad it was.
Instead, Forrest would rest his chin on his palm as he watched Alex with a fond smile that he had no hopes or desire of ever controlling.
“That’s one way of describing it,” he’d say, and Alex would blush and look away, like he couldn’t believe the complement but liked hearing his boyfriend’s praise anyway.
Forrest had a love/hate relationship with that reaction. On the one hand, Alex Manes was the cutest man alive, screw whatever anyone else said, and he was glad to be the only one allowed to see that side of him.
On the other, he hated Alex not knowing how special he was. And when he remembered the quiet confessions made in diner booths and in the small space between them in bed, Forrest knew who to blame for it all.
He was laid out on the couch now, listening to his boyfriend play around with the keys and occasionally stopping to jot something down in his song writing book, when a knock came at the door.
Alex stopped writing and looked over his shoulder, brows furrowed.
Forrest lifted his head slightly off the armrest. “You promised you’d rest today, Alex.”
He shrugged. “I have no idea who that could be.”
Forrest sighed, pushing himself to stand. “I do. No, sit down,” he said as Alex began to move off the settee. “I’ll take care of it.”
“But I —”
Forrest took Alex’s face and smothered him with kisses, turning his objections to laughter.
“Okay, okay,” Alex giggled as he grabbed Forrest’s sweater, keeping him close instead of pushing him away. “Whatever you want.”
Forrest pecked his lips once more and returned his attention to the person who had knocked again.
His smile dimmed as he opened the door and found Maria. She tilted her head in what Forrest supposed was meant to seem cute. Clearly, she wanted something.
“Hi, Forrest,” she said. “Glad to see you’re here.”
“Hey, Maria,” he said with a sigh, leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed. “And yeah, Alex has a day off, so we’re working on some music and stuff.”
“And stuff,” she raised her eyebrows suggestively. “Well, it’s good. Alex needs a day off with his boyfriend.”
The tension in Forrest’s shoulders began to fade. “Yeah,” he said. “He does.”
“I won’t take up too much time,” she said, and the dread returned. She held up the laptop she’d been carrying in one arm and tapped it. “I just need him for, like, two minutes.”
As she moved toward the door, Forrest sidestepped to block her path, holding his hand up to keep the other side blocked, too.
“Yeah,” he said with grim resignation. “I don’t think so.”
Maria frowned at him. “Excuse me?”
“Maria, I just told you,” he said. “This is his one day off in months. Whatever you need, can’t you save it for tomorrow?”
“Alex doesn’t mind,” she defended.
“Because this is how he thinks friends are supposed to act,” Forrest said, getting more and more frustrated. Was this really how they’d been treating Alex all these years? He probably didn’t mind being taken advantage of, so it was okay?
“I want to talk to Alex.”
“I don’t really care what you want, Maria,” he said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I think what you want has taken enough priority in Alex’s life, don’t you? If you ask him for something, he’ll feel obligated to help you. But he’s finally having some fun, let him enjoy himself.”
She scoffed, offended. “You’re acting like I’m asking him for things all the time.”
“No,” Forrest said, “that would mean talking to him. And you don’t. You just pretty much take whatever you want, don’t you?”
She looked furious. “Where’s Alex?” she demanded. “I want to talk to Alex.”
Forrest checked over his shoulder to make absolutely sure Alex couldn’t hear them, and stepped down. “Why?” he asked. “Think if you’ll keep pushing, you’ll get what you want from Alex again?”
She blanched. “I... I don’t —”
“Oh, I think you do,” he said, somehow managing to keep his voice steady. “But, see, that won’t work this time. Because I’m here. And Alex knows that if he says no to you, I’ll still be here to keep him safe, to tell him it’s okay, to love him anyway.”
Forrest shook his head, disgusted. “I only wish Guerin had given him that same protection from you. But you both. Just. Needed him too much. Right?”
Maria stood, horrified and furious and near tears. Forrest didn’t care. The only person he cared about was sitting inside, creating stories with his piano. He turned and closed the door behind him, and made his way back to the living room.
“Hey,” Alex said distractedly, “who was at the door?”
Forrest sat down next to him, and kissed his shoulder. “I took care of it, Cap.”
Alex raised an amused brow at him. “Anything I need to know?”
Forrest shook his head, pulling Alex in closer by the waist and kissing his cheek, making his smile widen. At the sight and touch of him, warm and happy and safe here, Forrest felt himself able to relax again. “I took care of it, baby.”
I don’t know how many people would want to see it, but I’ve been reading my forlex fic, Under the Sea (rarest perks of having a crappy memory; I don’t remember almost anything I’ve written, so it’s like getting a whole new fic with my favorite tropes whenever I want it!), and I kind of really want to write a little bonus story about Alex and Forrest. I just love the setting and tone and all the characters, and I want to dive (ha!) back into that world for a bit. How many people would be willing to read that, if any? Especially if I included jealous Michael? 🤩
Alex’s eyes fluttered. He lied in Forrest’s bed, his warm gray blanket pooled at their hips, keeping the morning chill at bay. Forrest’s fingers ran softly up and down Alex’s spine, pressing kisses against his bare shoulder. Alex had one of Forrest’s oversized sweaters on, and his boyfriend seemed to want to take advantage of the naked skin it revealed.
“You awake?” Forrest whispered as he nuzzled the nape of Alex’s neck.
Alex hummed, tugging Forrest’s arm around his waist tighter and pressing his back against Forrest’s chest.
He felt Forrest’s breath fan his skin as he chuckled. “You sure?”
“Yeah, m’awake.”
Forrest sighed contentedly against him, pulling him in tighter so that there was no space between them at all. “You smell good.”
A sleepy smile tugged at Alex’s lips. “Yeah?”
“Yeah,” Forrest breathed. “So good.”
Alex bit his lower lip to keep his smile from widening. “Easy, baby.”
Forrest suddenly tightened his grip on Alex’s waist, and the airman burst into laughter against the pillow. “You know what that nickname does to me,” he purred against the shell of Alex’s ear.
Alex pressed his ass against Forrest’s hips and felt him inhale sharply. “Is your mind always in the gutter?”
“It is around you.”
“Well, I’m thirsty,” Alex said and looked over his shoulder to find Forrest’s eyes had darkened. “Not like that!” he laughed again and began to sit up. “I want water. I’ll be right back.”
“Lie back down,” Forrest said, pulling on his waist as he sat up. “I’ll get it for you.”
“No, I can do it myself.”
“Alex –”
But Alex took Forrest’s face in his hands, planting a kiss against his lips, effectively shutting him up.
“Stay,” he commanded, and swung his leg off the bed, grabbing his crutches.
He made his way through the small house, the rustle of Forrest’s bedsheets turned silent as he limped into the tiny kitchen. Forrest’s place on the Long farm was miniscule, but Alex had quickly grown to love it. It was cozy, fit perfectly for two, and had a trace of Forrest in every corner, every hung up leather jacket, every piece of gothic jewelry, every one of Buffy’s barks and her food and water bowls.
It was all Forrest’s, and Alex felt it in his bones every time he walked its halls. He felt safe, protected, comforted here.
That was why, as he filled a tall glass with water, the voice that came behind him was little more than an unwelcomed surprise.
“My, my,” Wyatt whistled. “Don’t you look comfortable.”
Alex sighed, pressed the bottom of his palm into his eye. The glass filled and Alex wordlessly had his drink as he heard Wyatt stepping further into the kitchen.
“What a treat,” he said. “A real-life war hero in my house.”
“It’s Forrest’s house,” Alex said with a huff, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “And you’re trespassing.”
“Funny, coming from you,” he said coldly. He crossed his arms as he cornered Alex against the sink. Alex wondered if he was supposed to feel threatened. “Where’s the town drunk? Don’t you two usually work together?”
“Town drunk,” Alex’s eyes narrowed. He scoffed. “Is that supposed to be Michael?”
“Michael,” Wyatt said with no small amount of disgust. “He in there, too?” he said, gesturing his chin to the hall that led to Forrest’s room. “Is that how you people do things?”
“You people?” Alex raised a brow. “Seriously? Are you still that upset that we didn’t let you shoot us the last time we were both here?”
Wyatt closed in on him, and Alex thought he would be sick with the strong scent of meat coming off the man. What’d he have for breakfast, grilled pork?
“I know those horses got out because of you.”
“We weren’t anywhere near the latch, Wyatt,” Alex said with a shrug. “You need to let that go.”
“No, you did something,” he said. “And you better be sure I’m gonna find out what it was.”
Alex turned away. “Okay, you’re standing way too close.”
“You may have made your way into my cousin’s bed, but that freak won’t.”
“Wyatt, I’m not kidding, back up.”
“Why?” Wyatt smirked. “I thought you liked this? Thought you liked it when men touched you –”
He reached out to touched Alex’s shoulder, where Forrest had kissed only seconds ago, but before he could, Alex took his arm, twisted it, and shoved him up against the wall, keeping him from moving a muscle.
“You listen to me,” Alex said, his voice dangerously low, “you demented son of a bitch. I am not some helpless one-night stand that you can take advantage of. I am an Air Force captain. When I say move, you move. You try to touch me again, you so much as breathe in my direction, and I will break your arm off. Oh.” He leaned in, growling, “And if you even think about threatening Michael Guerin again, I will kill you. Understand me?”
Wyatt was paralyzed. His expression was filled with fury and something akin to fear. He tried to open his mouth, whether to curse at Alex or plead for mercy, but all that came out was a stuttered whimper.
“Everything okay here?”
Alex looked up, releasing Wyatt at a leisurely pace as Forrest looked between them, brows furrowed. Despite the fact that Alex was the one pinning a terrified Wyatt, Forrest’s eyes raked Alex with concern, as if worried his cousin had hurt him.
“Everything’s fine,” Alex said, patting down his shirt casually. “Isn’t it, Wyatt?”
Wyatt looked like he wanted to kill Alex with his own hands, his jaw clenched so tightly Alex was sure it would draw blood. But instead of responding, he turned and roughly shouldered his way past Forrest out the kitchen.
They heard the door behind them slam shut, and Forrest took Alex’s face in his hands, looking him over more closely. “I’m so sorry,” he said. “He shouldn’t have been in here. Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” Alex said on an exhale, holding Forrest’s wrists and calming his heartbeat at the steadiness of the historian’s pulse.
Forrest kissed his fingers and pulled him in. Alex felt himself finally at ease as Forrest’s arm came around his waist, his other hand on Alex’s jaw, holding him still to kiss.
It was meant to be a quick peck, but Alex put a hand in Forrest’s hair and kept him in place. He tilted his head to deepen the kiss, devouring Forrest’s mouth.
When they pulled away to breathe, Forrest’s brows were furrowed. “If he . . . if Wyatt tried anything –”
“Wyatt Long doesn’t scare me,” Alex said and bit Forrest’s lower lip, pulling him in for another kiss. “Besides. No one can touch me while you’re here, right?”
Forrest’s expression softened and he cupped Alex’s cheeks. His touch was warm and he smelled like books. “No one,” he promised. “I’ll keep you safe, Alex.”
“It’s a tough job,” Alex warned, and his smile widened when Forrest’s arm tugged on his waist possessively.
“No one will do it better than me,” Forrest smirked. “I’m your protector, whether you like it or not.”
“My protector,” Alex muttered. If you even think about threatening Michael Guerin again, I will kill you.
“Hey,” Forrest’s voice was soft as his hand fell down to the side of Alex neck. “Where’d you go?”
“Nowhere,” Alex said and hugged Forrest closely, burying his face in the crook of his neck. “I’m with you. I’m always with you.”
The universe was mocking Michael, he was sure of it.
When he had come into the Crashdown that morning for breakfast, he couldn’t have imagined that he would run into the one couple he was actively trying to avoid. Why was it so unfathomable, one may ask? Well, the truth of it was that Michael had taken special care to memorize Alex’s schedule long ago. The airman ran a tight ship (or plane or whatever the hell he was trained in), so his comings and goings were fairly predictable.
Why did he memorize it? Simple. It was during a time (and by that, Michael meant a few months ago) when he was trying to catch Alex during the day. A single glimpse of him would’ve been enough to satisfy Michael, and give him heart to put on a smile every time he stepped into the Wild Pony or pulled his phone out to answer his girlfriend’s calls. It was weird, but Michael needed to see Alex to handle being around anyone else.
It came in handy because when Alex and Forrest started going out, Michael knew the places to avoid and the times to avoid them. That was why it really shouldn’t have been possible to see Alex and Forrest now, curled up in one booth, poring over a journal with their heads close together, both their cheeks red from laughing.
Forrest had his arm over the back of the booth, his fingers idly playing with Alex’s hair. Alex reached one hand up every so often and tugged at Forrest’s sweater, as if to get his attention, but he didn’t seem to realize that Forrest’s attention was on no one but him. The historian’s eyes were fond as he watched Alex, his smile soft, as if he couldn’t believe his own luck. But that wasn’t what hurt. What hurt, and what pushed Michael to go join them not long after, was that Alex, when he thought Forrest wasn’t looking, would look up at the historian with the same expression.
“Mornin’,” Michael plastered on a smile as he slid into the booth opposite them.
Alex blinked, surprised. “Hey!”
“What’s up, cowboy?” Forrest said, and he and Alex straightened a bit, though Michael noticed the way they scooted closer together, as if they couldn’t be comfortable if they weren’t pressed up against one another. He clenched his jaw.
“Nothing much,” he said, keeping his voice light. “Didn’t expect to see you here. Alex, don’t you have work?”
If Alex was surprised that Michael knew his schedule, he didn’t show it. He shrugged and turned a charmed smile to Forrest. “I know, but we thought we could come here for breakfast beforehand. Get some writing done.”
Michael very pointedly did not add, And by we, you mean Forrest?
But Forrest was patting the back of Alex’s head now, letting his hand fall to Alex’s shoulder and massaging the area, and Michael felt it more difficult to insult the man who so clearly wanted nothing more than to take care of Alex and give him a good morning.
“Oh, speaking of which,” Alex said suddenly, checking his watch. “I gotta go.”
“Okay,” Forrest said. “See you tonight?”
Alex’s smile widened as he leaned down, pecked Forrest’s lips, and said, “Yes, please.”
“Bye,” Forrest said with his eyes still shut, his smile content, and he pecked Alex’s lips again before Alex stepped out of the booth.
Forrest sighed as he leisurely wrapped his journal, leaned back in his seat, and waited a few seconds before he spread his arm out, as if silently telling Michael, Well, go follow him and tell him whatever you wanted to tell him.
Michael huffed, torn between not wanting to confirm Forrest’s suspicions, and uncomfortably aware of how calm and unruffled Forrest was that Michael obviously wanted to talk to his boyfriend. As if he was not at all threatened by the idea that Alex might leave him for Michael.
Still, Michael pushed the nagging voice in his head aside and went to follow Alex. He caught him as he neared his car door.
“Alex, hold up!” he blurted before he could help himself.
Alex turned to Michael, blinking. “Yeah?”
“Uh,” was the first word to leave Michael’s lips. He hadn’t really thought of what he would say to Alex once he got him alone. “You and Forrest have gotten pretty close, huh?”
Alex huffed a chuckle, his brows furrowed. “Guerin, I really have to go.”
Alex turned, and Michael, unable to get the image of him and Forrest together, said, “You having fun with him for now?”
Alex stopped abruptly. He turned slowly to Michael, his smile dimmer, his eyes narrowed. “For now?”
“Oh – uh – I just meant,” Michael shrugged. “You know, just that . . . you know.”
“No, I don’t,” Alex said, all traces of humor gone. “What does that mean, for now?”
Michael looked around for either of his siblings to suddenly appear and help him, but neither did. It was just him and Alex.
Finally, because he thought he would get Alex’s smile back or settle the tension that had suddenly risen between them, he laughed. “C’mon, Alex. It’s me. You and I both know this isn’t a forever kind of thing, this thing with Forrest.”
Alex’s brows raised, but his tone was cold when he said, “Oh it’s not?”
“Look, I’m just saying I know you –”
“What do you know?” Alex cut him off, tilting his head. “Hm? No, really, what do you know about me that you think you can tell me my relationship is doomed?”
“I know that it’s you and me,” Michael said, knowing that when all else failed, their cosmic connection would be enough to keep them together, to keep Alex satisfied and happy and at peace again.
But Alex certainly didn’t look satisfied, or happy, or anywhere near at peace with Michael. He laughed, and the sound was so distant that Michael couldn’t help but take a step closer, as if closing the physical barrier between them would be enough to keep the invisible one away.
“Oh, I get it,” Alex said when the laughter subsided. “That’s why you left that night. You thought you’d, what, give me some time with Forrest? That I could have some fun until you felt like you wanted to be with me again?” He scoffed. “And the second you came calling, I would leave him for you, right?”
Michael held up a hand. “I – I didn’t say that –”
“Yes, you did,” Alex said sadly, as if Michael had somehow disappointed him.
“Alex,” Michael shook his head. “Come on,” he pressed. “It’s us.”
“Yeah,” Alex said quietly. “And I don’t think I can take us anymore.” He stepped closer to Michael, but somehow, Michael felt as if the barrier between them was getting stronger. “I will marry Forrest Long before I let you break my heart again. Understand?”
Michael couldn’t think of anything to say, his heart turned to lead in his chest. He thought of the man who’d sung that love song at the Wild Pony months ago, the one Michael had turned his back on for reasons he can’t remember or rationalize now. Alex with someone else for good? Alex marrying someone else? Alex’s family being someone else?
“A-Alex –”
“I have to go, Guerin,” Alex said, and turned his back on Michael this time.
“You said you thought we’d always end up together!” he said desperately.
“I guess I got tired,” Alex said quietly, “of loving someone who didn’t love me back.”
And as Alex got into his car and drove away, Michael realized the universe wasn’t mocking him at all. It was punishing him.
“Screw you, you let me win,” Forrest panted, kneeling before him.
Alex blinked, the paintballs staining both his and Forrest’s clothes, though he himself was definitely much worse off. He tried not to wince as he dusted the hay off.
“I didn’t let you win.”
“You let me win, Alex,” he said, but as he shook his head, he smiled. “You military men, you think we regular folk are just made of paper, don’t you?”
Alex laughed. “Stop, I didn’t let you win, Forrest. Really! Besides, I –” he faltered as he moved to stand, the weight he’d been putting on his leg all day finally getting to him.
Damn it, he thought, his jaw clenched. Not now.
Forrest, however, seemed to notice, and his brows furrowed as he moved closer. “Hey, is your leg okay?”
“Oh yeah, yeah, I’m fine,” he said immediately, subtly pulling his leg in closer. Forrest offered his hand, and Alex took it, the historian’s fingers warm around his. Alex expected a crutch to just barely help him up, but with one tug, Alex was on his feet with a gasp, he and Forrest nearly pressed together.
“Uh….” Alex cleared his throat and stepped back. Forrest followed him with his eyes, his smile soft and genuine. Alex looked away. “Th-thanks.’’
Forrest frowned. “Alex, you’re limping, are you sure you’re okay? Here, let me check your leg.”
“No, really, the paintballs just – uh – they sting.”
Forrest regarded him a little hesitantly, as if unwilling to believe the Air Force Captain could be so badly injured by a paintball, but he lightly touched Alex’s shoulder and smiled comfortingly. “Okay. If you’re sure. You want to clean up and go get some beers?”
“After you,” Alex said, and as Forrest walked on ahead of him, his smile fell and he dug his fingers into his thigh, exhaling slowly through grit teeth.
He’d been waiting anxiously for days for this date. He wasn’t going to let his leg ruin things now. Come on, he thought. Just hold on a little longer.
For a while, Alex believed he would be okay. He sat in the passenger’s seat of Forrest’s car as they made their way down the road, Forrest’s still paint-stained fingers playing with Alex’s, tickling his palm and wrist until Alex was laughing, interlocking their fingers and letting go so quickly that Alex felt the loss of his touch more deeply than he would’ve thought possible.
As they sang along with the radio to How Far We’ve Come at the top of their lungs, Alex looked over to Forrest, and for a moment, he’d completely forgotten the pain in his leg. Forrest really was handsome, but every time he smiled shyly at Alex, every time he glanced at Alex when he thought the airman wouldn’t be looking, every time a visible blush rose to his cheeks when his stolen glances were met with Alex’s raised brow and knowing smile, he actually looked beautiful.
There was something so genuine in the way he reached for Alex, the way he worried for him, and though Alex wished he wouldn’t, he couldn’t deny it tugged at his heart to have someone concerned for him. It was when they arrived at the Wild Pony, stepping out of the car, that Alex felt the weight and the cold really refuse to leave him.
He clutched the car door tightly, keeping his head down to hide his clenched jaw. When Forrest came around, Alex had straightened his expression.
“I was going to open the door for you.”
Alex scoffed. “Sorry. Did I ruin your move?”
“Don’t worry,” Forrest winked. “I have a lot more where that came from.”
Alex shook his head, his smile widening. As they made their way into the Wild Pony, Forrest’s eyes fell to Alex’s leg. Alex tried not to limp, but it was impossible. He worried Forrest would ask him about it again, but the historian suddenly held out his elbow, like a gentleman inviting a woman to dance, and Alex burst into laughter.
He took Forrest’s elbow, leaning some of his weight – only some – against him. “Okay. That’s a pretty good move, I admit.”
“Are you totally wooed yet?”
“I…” Alex trailed off. At the front of the bar was Michael, a glass in his hand. And Alex and Forrest were heading right for him. Alex quickly let go of Forrest’s arm, but not fast enough as Michael seemed to spot him (Alex tried not to think of how easily he and Michael spotted each other in a crowded room), his expression faltering as he glanced at Forrest and realized what was happening.
Forrest followed Alex’s gaze. “Hey. Alien Guy.”
He smiled, but Alex couldn’t miss the way he’d moved over ever so slightly, as if asserting his claim on the airman. Michael, evidently, didn’t miss it either. And judging by his narrowed eyes and hollowed smirk, he didn’t like it.
“Nazi Guy. And Alex. Together,” he teased. “Well, I didn’t see this coming.”
“Me neither,” Forrest chuckled, crossing his arms. “Didn’t think the Cap would say yes, honestly.”
Alex caught Forrest’s eyes, and smiled despite himself. Then he caught Michael’s sharp glare, and his smile dimmed. He moved closer to Forrest’s side, and Michael’s eyes flickered down to his leg.
“You put too much weight on that again?” he asked, and Alex glanced quickly at Forrest, dread building in his chest. He expected the historian to start asking questions; was Alex still in pain? Why hadn’t he said anything? Was there something wrong with his leg? Alex really didn’t want to see the look on Forrest’s face when he explained why he walked with a limp. Not yet.
Before he could, however, Michael suddenly snickered, nudging his chin at Forrest’s hands, and asked, “What’s with the paint?”
Forrest looked down with a pout, rubbing his hands together. “Ah, that’s – uh – from our date earlier. Romantic, huh?”
“Very romantic,” Alex assured him, squeezing his arm slightly. Forrest seemed pleased with the answer, and he covered Alex’s hand on his jacket with his own.
“Okay, I’m going to go try to wipe the rest of this stuff off.”
Alex nodded, smiling at him until he was lost in the crowd, heading in the direction of the bathroom. His smile fell quickly, and he glared at Michael who was already smirking at him, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “He doesn’t know about your leg.”
“Stop looking so smug,” Alex rolled his eyes, taking the stool a seat down from Michael, keeping some distance between them. Michael didn’t look too happy about that either. “You and I both know you’re not going to tell him.”
“And you’re sure about that?”
Alex scoffed, crossing his arms and leaning back against the bar. “Please, Guerin. You really want to convince someone you’re the bad guy, try picking someone who doesn’t already know you’re the hero.”
Michael’s smirk fell away, and Alex laughed. Then he winced when Michael poked his right leg.
“Paintball? Seriously?” Michael pressed his lips together. “Are you trying to wreck your prosthetic?”
“You know I’m not made of glass, right? I can handle a little strenuous exercise.”
Michael stared, then, “You let him win, didn’t you?”
“I didn’t let him win.”
“You totally let him win.”
“Okay, you know what, I’m not having this conversation with you.”
“Do you like him?”
Alex smiled tightly. “Yeah, definitely not having this conversation with you.”
Michael took a sip of his drink, and after a moment, he said, “You’re too good for him.”
Alex, startled, burst into laughter. “How could you possibly say that? I thought you told me you didn’t know the guy that well.”
He pointed at his head. “I have a sense for this stuff.”
“Stop it, don’t say that,” he said, shaking his head. “I think he’s really cool.”
“I’m sure you do,” he muttered. “And that’s why you’re hiding the truth about your leg?”
Alex’s smile dimmed. He rubbed his hands together. When he asked his next question, his voice was quiet. “Do you think it’ll scare him away?”
Michael said nothing for a minute, and Alex wondered if he’d heard him. However, before he could answer at all, Forrest came back wiping his hands on his jeans and seemingly happy to see Alex still there. The thought that Forrest had somehow thought Alex would escape in the last few minutes, as if he couldn’t believe someone like Alex would want to be on a date with him, left a shy smile on the airman’s lips.
“Hey, I just thought of something,” Forrest said when he reached Alex. “You want to grab a late dinner instead? We could always come back for a drink.”
And somehow, as he spoke, Alex heard the real question; You want to keep this date going a little longer?
Alex’s grin widened. “I am pretty hungry.”
Forrest ducked his head, seemingly pleased, and he put his arm out for Alex again. Just as Alex was about to take the offer, Michael grabbed his arm, and turned him around.
“What –” Alex barely said before Michael’s hand came around the nape of his neck, his fingers digging through his hair, holding him close. Alex’s breath caught in his throat as Michael brought his lips to the airman’s ear.
“Anyone who walks away from you… doesn’t deserve to live.”
Alex’s brows furrowed, his heart hammering in his chest. “Michael….”
“So tell him,” Michael finished, pulling away. He sniffed, and saluted to Forrest over Alex’s shoulder with his glass before downing the rest of his drink. “You hurt a hair on his head,” he smiled cheerfully, his eyes dark, “and I’ll kill you.”
Without giving Forrest a chance to respond, Michael set the glass down on the table, grabbed his hat off the counter, and turned to leave. Forrest watched him with furrowed brows and a deep frown.
“Alex, what the hell just happened?” Forrest asked. He didn’t seem angry or annoyed, just confused. Alex couldn’t blame him. He could still feel Michael’s hands on his skin, in his hair, his breath against his ear.
