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Prince Henry Claremont-Diaz Fox tapped his fingers on the dining table in their cozy brownstone home, staring at the empty seat across from him. The clock on the wall ticked on, each second sinking deeper into the silence that filled the room.
He sighed and pushed the untouched plate of pasta away. Alex promised he'd be home by seven. But, of course, work always had a way of stealing his husband away.
Not that Henry minded Alex’s passion. It was one of the reasons he’d fallen for him. But what he couldn’t stand was someone else thinking they had a chance to take his husband away from him.
/
Alex had started working at this new law firm six months ago and of course he wanted to prove to the folks there that he got this position because he was worthy of it and not because he was the former President's son or because he was married to a British royalty. And in this zealous quest of his, he had fallen into the habit of running on way too much coffee and skipping lunch altogether.
Henry, noticing this, started worrying. So one evening he sat his stubborn fiery ass husband down and delivered an Oxford level lecture on ‘The Advantages of Eating Healthy and Disadvantages of Skipping Lunch’ and they reached an agreement: a freshly homemade lunch would be delivered to Alex’s office every day, and he would eat it on time.
At first, Henry took it upon himself to personally deliver lunch to Alex’s office. Because A. He was a loving, caring, attentive husband who worried about his partner’s health and B. He was a sap who missed his husband—even though he had just seen him that morning, which, in Henry's opinion, was a perfectly reasonable amount of time to start missing your spouse. So, almost every afternoon, Henry would show up at Alex's office. If he was lucky, they’d get to have lunch together, but more often than not, Alex would be tied up in meetings.
It was during one of these visits that Henry first noticed Lautner, Alex’s secretary.
Whenever Alex wasn't available to receive his lunch, Henry handed it to Lautner.The younger man was polite enough, always nodding and attempting a stiff, almost awkward smile but there was something about the way his eyes would flicker to Henry whenever he thought no one was paying attention.
At first, Henry had assumed it was homophobia, —something he’d grown accustomed to brushing off over the years. But as the weeks passed, those glances grew more frequent, more deliberate. Lautner’s subtle blushes became impossible to ignore, and Henry couldn’t help but notice the way his gaze lingered on them during their lunches, particularly when he and Alex were sitting close, sharing their quiet moments together and particularly towards Alex. Particularly towards his Alex, who was of course blissfully oblivious of the entire situation.
/
“Lautner? A crush? On Me? That’s ridiculous.” Alex burst out laughing as he leaned back on the couch, clearly amused.
Henry’s expression remained serious, his lips pressing into a thin line. “It’s not ridiculous. I’ve seen the way he looks in your direction.”
Alex rolled his eyes,“Oh, come on. I know he’s gay, but maybe he’s just happy and feels a little hopeful about his own future when he sees us together. Watching a healthy, loving gay relationship flourish in front of him—it’s bound to inspire some hope. No harm in that."
The moment hung in the air before Alex, clearly sensing Henry’s unease, stood and wrapped an arm around Henry’s waist, pulling him close. His lips brushed against Henry’s in a soft, reassuring kiss. "You’re overthinking this," he said with a smile, placing another kiss on Henry’s lips. "And besides, even if he does have a crush on me, because let’s be real—I’m irresistible,” he grinned, “you know I’m not interested in him, right?”
Henry’s eyes widened slightly at the hint of worry in Alex’s tone. He quickly reassured him before the thought could fester. “Of course, love. I trust you more than I trust myself.”
And it was true. Henry trusted his husband more than he trusted the sun to rise in the east. But that didn’t mean he was entirely comfortable with another man lusting after Alex. Alex was his, and while Henry didn’t mind people admiring him—he wasn’t blind, after all, and fully aware of how ridiculously attractive the man he’d married was—his tolerance had its limits. That little punk at the office better not cross any boundaries, or Henry wouldn’t hesitate to pull some strings and have him shipped off to Antarctica.
/
Everything went on as usual for the next few weeks, but things began to shift when Henry became busy working at the youth shelter. He found himself too occupied to spend time with Alex, so he arranged for the driver to deliver Alex’s lunch and occasional reminders of love—bouquets, fruit salads for the days Alex missed breakfast, and even handwritten letters.
Now any reasonable spouse would expect a thank you, or at the very least a more passionate kiss or a simple acknowledging smile, but Alex never mentioned the gifts. At first, Henry assumed Alex was just too busy to mention them, but when he finally asked about the flowers, Alex looked genuinely confused.
“Flowers? I didn’t get any flowers,” Alex half yawned, scratching his head.
Fucking Lautner! Henry's blood began to boil, but seeing how drained Alex was from the office work, he decided to hold back. He decided not to press the matter further that day.
But that didn't stop his mind from racing, insecurities started to creep in as days passed by.
What if he was not enough for Alex anymore? He was old, older than Alex and clearly much older than Lautner. Lautner was young, full of energy and seemed like the kind of person Alex could easily connect with. The guy had that natural flexibility, that stamina. Hell, his body was tight and lean, the kind Henry used to have when he met Alex. What if Alex needs someone who can keep up with him? Someone who doesn’t need to take breaks just to bend over or catch their breath?
The thoughts began to spiral, growing darker and darker and Henry realised one thing– it wasn't just anger he was feeling anymore but also fear, fear that Lautner could take everything he had, including Alex.
The thought twisted his insides and today, with only an hour left until Valentine’s Day was over and Alex still stuck at the office, Henry realized he couldn’t keep pretending it wasn’t eating him alive. He’d had enough.
/
Henry stormed into Alex’s office building, barely registering the receptionist’s startled greeting. He made his way to the top floor, ignoring the curious glances from the few employees heading out for the day.
And then, there he was. Lautner. Sitting casually at his desk just outside Alex’s office. He looked up, his expression shifting to a maniacally cheerful grin. “Hello, Mr. Fox!” he said, his smile almost too wide. “What brings you here? Sir’s in a meeting right now. Would you like to—”
“That’s exactly why I’m here,” Henry snapped, not bothering to return the smile.
Lautner frowned and stood up.
“And I thought secretaries had sharp memories, but in case you’ve forgotten, it’s Mr. Claremont-Diaz Fox.”
The color drained from Lautner’s face. “Of course, my apologies, sir. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“Oh, really?” Henry's tone turned sharp, his frustration bubbling over. “Then can you explain what my dear husband is currently doing in his office at 11 PM on Valentine’s Day?”
Lautner’s gaze dropped to the floor, a hint of unease creeping into his voice. “Well, I might have scheduled a late meeting today... and it ran a bit longer than expected.”
Henry's lips curled into a tight, unimpressed smile. “How very considerate of him,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Leaving his husband alone on Valentine’s Day while he works, and you are here making excuses like you didn’t know what you were doing when you scheduled the meeting on this day and this time.”
Lautner visibly flinched, but Henry turned on his heel and began heading for the elevator, his pace brisk and purposeful. "I think I am done here. Tell my dear husband I won’t be bothering him tonight. “
Lautner quickly followed, catching up with Henry as they reached the elevator. Before the doors could close, Lautner stepped in, blocking them from closing completely. “Mr. Claremont-Diaz Fox, please—just give me a moment.”
Henry’s eyes flickered up at him, “A moment for what?”
Lautner hesitated, then took a step closer, his voice quieter. “I need to tell you something. Something important.” Lautner looked around nervously, making sure no one else was nearby, then unexpectedly stepped forward and…..wrapped his arms around Henry in a quick, tight hug.
The move caught Henry off guard, but he didn’t pull away.
“I’m sorry. You’re right. I’m guilty. I deliberately scheduled this meeting for the last hour today because..because-”
“Because you have a little crush on my husband?” Henry asked, rolling his eyes.
“What? No!” Lautner blurted, his eyes wide with alarm as he instantly backed away from Henry as if burned.
“I don’t have a crush on Alex!” Lautner insisted, his voice cracking.
Henry paused, his anger slipping away for a moment as confusion took over. “You… don’t?”
“No!” Lautner exclaimed, clearly mortified. He avoided Henry’s gaze, mumbling, “It’s not Alex. It’s… you.”
The room fell silent.
“Me?” Henry said, utterly dumbfounded.
Lautner buried his face in his hands. “I didn’t mean for it to happen! You’re just… so sophisticated and kind and—and—well, just you-”
“Okay, stop,” Henry interrupted, raising a hand. The gears in his head started turning. So, every time he came to deliver Alex’s lunch, Lautner was watching him, not Alex? He had been intercepting Henry’s deliveries, not because he was jealous of him having Alex, but because of Alex having him.
That was... unexpected.
For a moment, he didn’t know what to say. He took a steadying breath, allowing the silence to stretch just long enough to gather his thoughts.
Henry’s gaze swept over Lautner, studying him as though seeing him for the first time. He was young—probably younger than Henry had realized until now. There was an uneasy energy about him, the way he shifted his weight like he wanted to disappear but didn’t quite know how. His face was flushed, eyes darting away nervously. There was no malice there, just embarrassment.
“Listen,” Henry began, his voice calm but resolute. “I understand that feelings aren’t always within our control. But this—” He gestured vaguely, his tone hardening, “—needs to stay professional. Alex is my husband, and he’s the only one I’ll ever love. Are we clear?”
Lautner swallowed hard, his shoulders slumping. “Yes, I’m so sorry. I—I’ll resign if that’s what you want—”
“There’s no need for that,” Henry interjected, his voice steady but unyielding. “But maybe, just maybe, don’t ruin my Valentine’s Day again.”
Lautner looked up, relief and gratitude mingling on his face. “Thank you,” he murmured. “I promise it won’t happen again.”
“Good,” Henry replied, nodding firmly. “Let’s just move on.”
/
Later that night, Henry and Alex were curled up on their couch, sharing wine and Chinese takeout from their favorite restaurant. The soft glow of the living room lamps bathed them in warmth, easing the tension that had clung to the air earlier in the day.
Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry, baby.” his voice softened, “I shouldn’t have agreed to that meeting today. I can’t believe I almost missed our Valentine’s Day together.
You know, maybe you were right all along. Lautner probably does have a crush on me. He’s the one who caused all this mess, isn’t he? I should have a word with him—set some boundaries.”
Henry, who had been absently twirling his glass of wine, blinked out of his thoughts. “Oh, uhm,” he said, leaning closer, “I don’t think that’s necessary. Maybe we’re reading too much into this. He probably did it by mistake. I’m sure it won’t happen again.”
There was no need to tell his husband the truth now, right? Admitting that he was wrong and that Lautner didn't have a crush on Alex would only lead to the revelation that Lautner actually had a crush on Henry. That certainly wouldn't be any better.
Alex frowned slightly “Are you’re sure…”
“I am,” Henry said, offering a reassuring smile. “Let’s just enjoy our evening.”
Alex reached for Henry’s hand, lacing their fingers together. “You know, the entire world could have a crush on me, and it still wouldn’t matter. I’m all yours.”
Henry chuckled, leaning in to kiss him gently. “Funny, I was thinking the exact same thing about you.”
The End.