Alexis
The next few hours for me were a blur. One big confusing, emotional blur.
After Julian had delivered his powerful coming out speech, the first journalistic piranha had asked him if I had somehow manipulated him into a same-sex relationship and implied that he needed to be rescued from me. Before Julian could fire back, Vanessa had quickly intercepted the question and called a quick ending to the press conference, pulling her client back before he could cause any damage.
I didn't even have time to decompress because Julian was quickly pulled into a meeting with Sharks management, and despite his loudest protests to have me with him, I was left outside by myself. Every minute that went by felt like agony, not knowing what my fiance was going through behind those doors.
An eternity later, Julian burst through the doors with a tired smile on his face. I could immediately tell he was putting it on for me.
"Hi baby," he whispered, pulling me in for a tight hug.
"Are you okay?"
Julian nodded. "Management didn't like being side swiped with the fact that one of their top players is engaged to a man, but we talked it out. Mostly."
Before I could even enjoy the warm embrace of being wrapped up in his arms, Julian was dragged away again by someone else with Vanessa hot on his tail. Julian's manager Ryle - whom I had met once before only because he was never as involved in Julian's life as Vanessa was - politely waved at me before chasing his client.
I sunk back into my chair and let out a sigh. I had so many conflicting feelings and emotions coursing through my body that I didn't even know where to begin.
For such a brief moment, I was riding a high that now I could embrace and love my partner in public like I had been dreaming of ever since the first moment we made love. But as soon as he was ambushed at the press conference by a journalist implying I flipped him against his will, that high wore off, and I was thrust back into a reality where there were consequences for actions, even if those actions were pure and honest at heart.
And now, my love and my future husband was bearing the brunt of the public's outrage to something they quite frankly shouldn't have an opinion on.
Ignoring my vibrating phone up until this point, I fished it out of my pocket and saw a few supportive and congratulatory messages from friends and family. I could also see some missed calls from numbers that no doubt belonged to nosy journalists somewhere in the world.
I dared to open a news website on my phone's browser and read the first headline that flashed out at me. JULIAN AMBROSE COMES OUT AS GAY AS FORMER SOBER COMPANION ENSNARES HIM INTO WHIRLWIND ROMANCE.
Ensnares. Not exactly a word that implies that Julian happily entered a relationship with me on his own terms.
I sighed and locked my phone, putting it back into my pocket.
My life would never be the same again, and as soon as I came to terms with that, then maybe this ache inside of me would finally go away.
Julian
I expected I was going to enter a shitstorm by coming out, especially leaving management in the dark about it. I had mentally prepared for all of the urgent meetings, discussions, and concerns about my future, and I was ready to deal with it all.
What I was not ready for was to be immediately separated from Alexis, seeing the pain in his eyes as he was torn away from me, and having him banned from all of these conversations that he should've been involved with.
"But he's involved," I argued each time.
"Of course, Julian, but this pertains to your career and contains sensitive information that we can't risk getting out," they would say.
Holding Alexis for those brief moments brought me so much love, warmth and strength, and then being ripped away from him again while I was led to another meeting with someone else high up in the Sharks HQ was a special type of pain.
After sitting through what felt like my 20th scolding that day of keeping management out of the loop of my life decision, which I reminded them did not affect them in any way, I had completely checked out.
I did not regret what I did; it's what I deserve, and most importantly, what Alexis deserves. But for the past almost two hours, I didn't feel like a human. I felt like a product of the Sharks with no feelings or emotions whatsoever, and everyone around me was trying to fix a PR disaster that one of their products had caused.
"We stand by you," someone had said.
"We support you and your choice to love who you want," someone else had said.
And even with all of these words of support, no matter how genuine they may be, all I wanted was to go pick Alexis up into my arms, kiss him on those beautiful round lips of his, and carry him back home to sleep. Because I was fucking exhausted.
"I can help your social media team come up with something to post about this," Vanessa had offered.
"No, we've got it covered," they replied, dismissing my publicist immediately.
Regardless of the shitty actions Vanessa had done in the past, I really appreciated everything she had done today. She had really stepped up for me here, protecting me from the frustration of management, and offering them to control the situation to the best of our ability.
I was grateful for all of the work she and the rest of my team had done so far in the past couple of hours, but now, all I wanted was to be with Alexis.
Finally, I stood up in the middle of the meeting with intent.
"Guys, I'm out," I said casually.
"What do you mean?" The Sharks GM said, confused.
I shrugged my shoulders. "I'm fucking exhausted, and I don't need to be here. You can keep talking about how my choice of whom I love somehow affects this organisation, but there's a beautiful man out there you snatched me away from who is out there probably worried sick about me, and I just want to be with him."
One of the big suits opened his mouth to stop me, but I simply raised my hand at him and cut him off.
"My team can help you with anything you need, but I'm out."
I quickly turned on my toes and left the room before anyone could try and convince me to stop. As soon as the door shut behind me, I looked around almost frantically, trying to find where my fiance was. When I didn't immediately see him, I broke out into a jog, running through the crisp white corridors and dipping my head into each room I happened to pass by.
A few curious heads glanced over at me and looked at me with recognition as their star player who just came out in a press conference for the entire world, but none of those curious heads belonged to Alexis.
Even though the news broke almost three hours ago now, I could still see and hear journalists outside of the stadium either trying to get in unlawfully, or loudly reporting their breaking news stories on my personal life.
As I came closer to the outside noise into the area where I had last hugged Alexis, a wave of relief washed over me as I found him sitting on a chair positioned discreetly in the corner, leaning against a wall with his eyes closed.
I stopped mid-step and began admiring my sleeping beauty, his long, dark lashes falling over his high cheekbones. His full, soft lips sat slightly parted on his face as he rested in a light slumber, albeit in a somewhat uncomfortable position.
Instinctively, I felt a tinge of guilt come over me. These past almost three hours had taken a toll on me and had exhausted me, but I had no idea of how much that also affected my beautiful fiance here. He didn't ask for this. He never expected something as simple as a human pursuing love would somehow affect the entire country.
Walking quietly towards him, I scooped my arms underneath his delicate body and deftly hoisted him up, cradling him against my chest. I made sure to be as smooth and gentle as possible so he wouldn't wake, but my sleeping beauty's eyes drifted open, his chocolate irises lighting up.
"Go back to sleep," I whispered.
"Where are we going?" he asked me with a tired slur.
"I'm taking you home. We're done here."
Alexis
For the rest of the day, I sat in a silent almost awkward tension, knowing that the world was buzzing about Julian and me. I kept movies streaming on the TV so I wasn't tempted to change over to the news, and besides getting up to use the bathroom or grab a snack, I don't think I moved from my spot on the couch.
It was an unusual feeling to describe that I'm sure not many people had experienced in their life. I was anxious, almost too frightened to leave the house in fear that I would be ridiculed or branded with a scarlet A by complete strangers because somehow the media had spun the story as if I was some predatory queer that flipped Julian against his will. But at the same time, I was elated because I was finally able to Julian how I wanted.
My considerate fiance was conscious of how I was feeling, and in between his attempts to give me space by working out in the gym or talking on the phone privately in our bedroom, he'd stop by and give me forehead kisses and remind me of how much he loved me, which is exactly what I needed.
Julian finished what felt like the sixth phone call from inside our bedroom and emerged with a half smile on his face.
"What are you watching now, baby?" he asked me casually.
"Some low budget romcom," I said dismissively.
Julian walked around behind the sofa, pretending to be interested in the television screen. He leaned down and kissed me on the crown of my head and rested his hand on my shoulder.
"Are you okay, Lex?" he said softly.
I nodded my head. "I'll get there."
Julian leaned down and kissed me on my cheek, leaving his head next to mine where I could feel his breath tingle against my skin.
"You know I will protect you with my life, right baby?"
"I know, my love."
"And I will never let anything happen to you."
I leaned my head against his. "I know. I trust you."
"Can I do anything to make you feel better?"
I patted the space next to me on the sofa with a feigned smile. Julian climbed over and dropped himself onto the cushioning next to me, immediately putting his arm around me.
I felt selfish knowing that today was a monumental day in the life of Julian Ambrose, yet I was here somehow making it about myself. To make it worse, Julian was too selfless to realise how big today was because he was busy checking in on me.
Julian brushed the loose strands of my hair behind my ear. "I love you, Alexis Ambrose."
"Hey," I said, playfully shoving him in the ribs. "I'm not Alexis Ambrose yet!"
Julian laughed a deep belly laugh and pulled me closer to him.
"Tell me something good, Julian," I said suddenly.
Julian kissed me on the side of my head. "Well, despite all of the blowback I had caused, my position with the Sharks hasn't been compromised, even if management resent me for dropping a bomb on them; Vanessa's been fielding dozens of calls from companies wanting to sponsor me so even if I were to lose any of my current sponsors, I have several to replace them with." Julian's arm tightened around me. "And most importantly, now I can hug you and kiss you whenever I want."
A genuine sense of happiness came over me, and my smile reflected how I felt inside.
He was right, as my future husband often was. Through the challenges and trenches that coming out was going to present him, and by extension the both of us, at the end of the day, Julian and I could finally be public about our love. No more hiding in our apartment, or walking with a few inches distance between us in case someone sensed the very apparent sexual tension between us.
I could finally embrace the happiness that I had been searching for my entire life.
"There's the smile I was after," Julian whispered.
I turned to face him. "I'm sorry, Julian. I've been really selfish today. This is your day and I feel like I'm ruining it. I just don't like that the media are painting me out to be some sort of villain again."
"Baby, you have nothing to apologise for. Given your history with the media lying about you, it's completely valid that they've got you feeling this way, but I will not let anyone or anything harm you, okay? I promise."
I trusted him with my entire life, my entire soul, my entire being. But even if I didn't, I would believe him when he spoke to me like that.
I smiled simply and snuggled up to him, resting my head in the crook of his neck.
"So, it's your first night as a free man," I said. "What do you want to do?"
Julian turned his head and kissed me on the top of my head. "Want to go out for dinner?"
"Sure. Should we... hold hands?" I said with pretend shock.
"Maybe. Maybe we could even... kiss?" he replied with a pretend gasp.
I stifled a giggle. "Julian Ambrose, you're so scandalous."
"Only for you, baby."
Julian pushed himself off the couch and offered his hand to me. As soon as I took it, he pulled me up to my feet with his impressive strength and threw me over his shoulder.
"Let's go baby," he said with a laugh. "We have no time to waste."
Julian
I got out of the car and rounded it quickly to open Alexis's door for him, eager to begin our first public date as a couple. Alexis looked up at me with a pleasant surprise in his chocolate eyes, and took my hand when I offered it to him.
"Baby," I greeted him with a cheeky smile.
Alexis got out of the car and gently closed the door behind him.
"My love," he said with a wink.
With a collective deep breath, I held Alexis's hand as we walked through the carpark towards the restaurant. Nobody noticed us at first, which made me feel a tinge of relief, but as soon as the first set of eyes registered who we were, the murmurs began, and quickly it felt like we were being watched by everyone within a five mile radius.
Alexis's grip on my hand tightened, and I squeezed it back to reassure him.
"I love you," I said softly. "Don't forget."
"I know, Julian. I love you too."
We walked through the front doors of the restaurant and approached the hostess, who also viewed us with obvious recognition.
"Hello. We have a reservation for two under Julian," I said confidently.
The hostess stared between Alexis and I for a bit longer before clearing her throat and checking the screen in front of her.
"Please follow me," she said.
Alexis moved his hand up to my bicep and squeezed it tightly as we walked through the restaurant, followed by more curious eyes. We sat down at our table where our hostess handed us menus and left us to ourselves.
"Are you alright, baby?" I asked him quietly.
Alexis bit his lip and nodded. "Are you?"
"I am as long as I'm with you, Lex."
I felt all the eyes on us and was hoping that Alexis was oblivious to it, but I could tell by his nervous lip chewing that he definitely wasn't. Our waitress began to walk over to take our order and she paused mid step when she realised who she would be serving.
Shit. It was going to be a long month.
She had finally resumed being a professional and closed the distance between us. "Hello there, I'm Rosa and I'll be your server this evening. Can I start you with some appetisers or some drinks?"
"We'll just have water for now, thank you," I said.
Alexis forced a smile on his beautiful face, but I could tell that Rosa's penetrating gaze was making him uncomfortable.
"Sure," she said finally, before turning quickly to rush off and gossip to her coworkers.
I could see the brave face that Alexis was putting on for the world, but especially for me. And I know he was putting in overtime to master it.
"Baby, you know I can read you better than anyone, right?"
Alexis nodded, letting out a soft sigh.
"I know you're uncomfortable, Lex, and I hate seeing you like this."
Alexis ran his hand through his hair and tried to give me a bright smile, but it faltered almost instantly, giving him away.
"Let's go home," I decided.
"No," Alexis said, shaking his head. "This is your big day, and this is our opportunity to finally embrace each other in public."
I stood up from my seat and walked over to Alexis, aware that almost everyone in the room turned to watch me.
I leaned down and kissed him on his temple. "We have the rest of our lives to love and embrace each other in public, but I want to do that with you when you're comfortable and you're ready, and you're not there yet, baby."
"You're right. I'm not," he whispered.
Alexis got up out of his seat and put his jacket back on while I fished out a $50 bill from my wallet and left it on the table to tip our waitress upon her return. I held my arm out for Alexis, who gripped onto my bicep and held onto it as we left the restaurant, leaving all of the curious eyes shocked by our quick escape.
"I'm sorry, Julian," Alexis said as we walked back to the car. "This is your day, and I feel like I've totally ruined it."
"You haven't," I said firmly. "My day is amazing, because I get to go home and eat takeaway and cuddle with the most beautiful man on this entire planet."
Alexis
Julian and I got food on the way home, and as soon as we had returned to the apartment, I kicked my shoes off and sank into the sofa with my Chinese in hand. Julian disappeared into our bedroom and emerged shirtless with a pair of navy sweatpants, his bare feet padding across the wooden floor.
"Want a drink, baby?" he asked casually.
"Sparkling water, please."
Julian grabbed a bottle of still and sparkling water from the fridge and brought it over with him.
"I don't know how you can drink that stuff," he said, scrunching up his nose.
"I can make you a believer," I said with a smirk.
Using the chopsticks provided by the restaurant, I lifted the noodles to my mouth and began eating, lazily paying attention to whatever TV show Julian had switched on.
"Lex?"
I looked over to Julian who was struggling with his own set of chopsticks. His big hands dwarfed the wooden utensils, and every time he attempted to pick up his food, it would fall back down to the wooden box almost immediately.
"Want me to get you a fork?" I asked him.
"No. I want to get this."
I watched, making sure to hide my smile, as Julian continued to try and use his chopsticks and failed each time.
"My love, come here," I said with a chuckle.
With a frown on his face, Julian shuffled closer to me and held his hand out for me.
"I can teach you how to use them another time, but for now..." I grazed Julian's fingers and took the chopsticks off him. I dipped them into his box, gathered some noodles, and lifted them up for him to eat.
"Mmmm," Julian hummed.
He swallowed his mouthful of food and leaned forward to kiss me on my forehead.
"This is perfect," he said.
"Are you sure?"
Julian reached over and squeezed my thigh. "I couldn't imagine a more perfect night than sitting on the couch with you, eating takeaway, and my beautiful fiance feeding me because his future husband is too much of an oaf to use chopsticks."
I placed the takeaway box on the coffee table and balanced the chopsticks on top. With my hands free, I mounted Julian's lap and placed his head in my hands.
"I love you so much, Julian Ambrose," I whispered.
"I love you too, Alexis Mendes soon to be Alexis Ambrose."
Julian cupped my butt in his hands as I leaned down to kiss him, savouring the taste of his lips against mine.
This was it. This was the fairy tale ending that my younger self had been yearning for, but was too scared to admit. To love, and be loved, more than anything else in the world, was as close to perfection as I could possibly get.
Julian hoisted me up into his arms and got onto his feet, eliciting a quick yelp as I was lifted into the air.
"Julian! What are you doing?"
Julian squeezed my ass cheeks and winked at me. "You know what I'm doing."
"But what about dinner?"
Julian kissed my lips, biting at my bottom lip. "I want to skip to dessert, baby."
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Over a year in the making. My old laptop broke and I lost motivation to continue this story, but I figured I owed it to my readers and myself to continue Julian and Alexis's story and lead it towards the ending that you're all waiting for. I appreciate your patience with me and hope you enjoyed this chapter!
