it's been months since the last time they were standing in the same room together, though the memory still follows him around like a shadow, appearing in his nightmares and clinging to the back of his mind during every waking moment. months that were plagued with uselessly trying to erase every reminder of henry's existence, of holding onto his anger with a tight grip until he couldn't anymore, entertaining different scenarios where things could've turned out differently, torturing himself with their emails until his vision blurred and words stopped making sense anymore. he's been preparing for this moment ever since zahra approached him with the guest list and an apologetic look, except not all the time in the world would've been enough to prepare him for the sight of henry again, tangible and real. alive and breathing, still unable to want him back.
all he needed was one picture with him, to avoid speculations of their falling out. you couldn't pretend to be best friends with someone and then ignore them completely during your first appearance together in months without the media noticing. alex knew they weren't asking him for much, but every fiber of his being screamed with apprehension at the mere thought of approaching him. fingers clung to the glass of champagne he'd been offered before drinking its entire contents alarmingly fast, and he took a last steadying breath before finally moving towards his direction. he made sure to lock eyes with at least one of the photographers, because he wasn't planning on sticking around where he was not wanted.
β your royal highness, β the words slipped easily from his mouth, using the correct title for once. he couldn't bring himself to act with the same disdain once held against the prince of wales. the truth was as painful as it was plain: alex didn't hate him in the slightest. he took his hand and felt his touch, what once had sparked excitement now only felt dreadful. β it's been a while. β it's sympathetic, meant for the people around them to hear. he smiles into the camera and tries not to flinch at the flash, finally letting go of his hand once the picture is taken. only one, that's everything he promised. he's humoring himself when he turns towards the prince once more, wanting another glance at his features. alex isn't sure what he's expecting to find there, yet he knows it's a mistake when his voice falters, losing all his momentum.
β½ Β β Β β‘ Β β Β βΎ β Β plotted starter Β , Β @andthe6.
