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Henry enjoyed how simple life could be nowadays.
Sure, most of the time, he was still going back and forth between New York and England, doing his princely duties as well as living in his brownstone with Alex just around the corner. But even then, it was a simple life. Maybe much less simple than other people their age, but Henry finds comfort in it.
They find the most comfort in the little things… the small moments he and Alex share. Like now, sitting on the couch in Henry’s brownstone (Soon to be Henry and Alex’s Brownstone). They’re not doing anything in particular. In fact, they’re taking a much-needed break from the world.
Henry is sat quietly, reading a book, though they’re only half paying attention to it, as Alex is lying on the couch with his head in Henry’s lap. He’s watching something on Tiktok (An App Henry liked to think he was too dignified to download, but had found himself downloading it once or twice only to delete it again a week later). He doesn’t have his headphones in, but it’s not like he’s blaring it out either.
Still, Henry can’t help but notice the sounds coming from his phone, and Alex’s reactions to each and every little thing. Though it’s not until he hears a very particular voice he actually asks about it. “What are you watching?” He speaks up, setting the book to the side.
“Tiktok,” Alex replies, slowly turning his head to give an almost evil grin to Henry. Henry just rolls their eyes, waiting for Alex to give a proper answer. Alex laughs before responding. “Just some clips from this show, Bluey. It’s an Australian show and-”
“I know what Bluey is, Alex.” Henry huffs slightly. The show had been damn near everywhere recently, many children in crowds he noticed were holding the dolls, or wearing the merch, and it was mentioned in other shows too. “My question is more of… why?”
Alex shrugged, looking back to his phone screen. “It’s on my For You Page, and it’s cute. “ He said softly. “This show is really good. I think everyone has a lot to learn from it. Not just kids.”
Henry gave a chuckle, gently rolling his eyes. “Hardly,” Henry replied. “It
Is
a children’s show.”
Alex sat up, facing him very seriously like Henry had just said the most offensive thing in the world. “It’s not
just
that!” Alex insisted, before looking off to the side, “
God, I can’t believe I just said that.
“
Henry chuckled, crossing his arms. Alex was great at arguing–hell, he was making a whole career out of it– so he was kinda interested to see how Alex pleaded his case, and argued in favor for the show.
Alex shook his head. “It has a lot of content and episodes made for the parents who are watching, things telling them how great they’re doing, and that their worries are valid, and showing them the most effective ways to treat their kids,” Alex explained, waving his hands as he talked as if he was gesturing to some invisible PowerPoint presentation. “And for teens and young adults, it heals the inner child, showing them love and affection just as much as the parents show the kids. And honestly, a lot of the stories are very personal. It’s like they looked at my childhood and ripped pages out of the book that is my life and stuck it in their show.”
Henry listened with intent, raising his eyebrows as Alex explained the feelings and intricacies behind it. He wasn’t exactly sure if he bought it but, they were happy to hear their boyfriend rambling about something like this.
Suddenly, Alex turned towards the TV, grabbing the remote. “See, now you’ve got me started. Now I’ve gotta make you watch it.” Alex said, directing his way to Disney+
“Darling, I think that I’d-”
“Shh!” Alex cut him off, moving just enough to sit on his lap. “Now you can’t move and have to watch at least two episodes with me. “ He said firmly, keeping his eyes on the TV.
“I could very easily push you off. “ Henry pointed out. Alex turned to look at him.
“But you won't.“ Alex said with a smile, turning back to the TV. He was right, Henry would never dare. It’s not like he minded having Alex on his lap. In fact, they cherished moments like this. Even if it was to indoctrinate him into something he wouldn’t normally enjoy.
The show was bright, the theme song was fun, and Henry could see immediately the kid appeal. And honestly, he thought that was all he would see in it. Like how he viewed the (few) shows he watched as a kid.
But Alex was right. He hated to admit it, but it really didn’t take long for the emotions to hit Henry. He saw how gentle the mum and dad were with their children, despite how annoying they could be. He saw how they apologized when they weren’t even really in the wrong.
And then that damn dog looked right into their soul and said “You’re doing great.” It wasn’t a message for him. He knew that. But they couldn’t help but feel it. It almost reminded him of how things used to be… the whole show reminded him of when his dad was alive. Hell, Bandit reminded him so much of his father.
“Are you crying?” Alex asked suddenly. They’d lost track of time, for sure. Alex had shown them more than two episodes… and Henry was kinda invested. With his arms wrapped around Alex’s torso and his head resting on his shoulder… they could see themselves sitting there with Alex all night.
“What? No.” Henry pathetically replied, wiping his face on Alex’s shoulder. He wasn’t crying. It was just… Henry took a deep breath. “...You were kinda right. “
Alex laughed, turning just enough to cup Henry’s face in his hand’s and give him a soft tender kiss. Usually, Alex would make a bigger deal of this win, but they both knew why he didn’t. It was a gentle, tender moment that neither needed words to know why it was this way.
Alex held Henry close, turning on a couple of more episodes, and letting them sit in perfect solitude. Henry wouldn’t trade this night for the world.
“I hope we’re as good of parents as they are one day“ Henry spoke up softly. It was something they’d mentioned a few times, but it was never a serious thought before. It was a thought for after they were eventually married. Not now. But it was something Henry couldn’t help but say.
Alex turned to look at him again. Henry could see him analyzing his face just as he always did. Then he smiled, pulling him close to his chest. “Me too…” He replied pressing a kiss to Henry’s forehead.
All in all… it was a simple life.