#c:Alex | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

asher-mccarthy · 1 year ago

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One Call Away || Alex and Asher

Tagging: @asher-mccarthy, @alex-abrams

When: Saturday March 25th

Where: Asher’s place and around Gradian

Warnings: Death is mentioned a lot

Notes: Asher is not okay and calls Alex for help. Angst, comfort and some ‘I love you’s’.

Alex, true to his word, was at Asher's apartment building within ten minutes. It didn't take him long to get to his boyfriend's apartment. He wanted to meet him at his apartment just in case Asher needed help with anything. He knocked at the door and patiently waited.

Asher had fallen into a fitful sleep the moment he’d arrived home from work. He’d been working for almost 20 hours by the time the woman had died and the other doctor had forced him to go home. He still doesn’t remember how he got home but all he knew was that he had made it as far as his couch before passing out. Despite this, he’d woken up with a yell and in a cold sweat several times before giving up on trying to sleep altogether. He’d been sitting on his couch staring at the wall when Alex had texted him back and he had almost cried in relief. When he heard the knock on the door, it felt like it was miles away. Somehow he was up on his feet and opening the door and his eyes focused on Alex. He opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out of his mouth and he just closed it again. Alex stood at the door after Asher opened it. He gave the other a small smile before reaching out to hug him, knowing that is what Asher needed at this time. Asher was still trying to form words in his brain when Alex’s arms surrounded him and he relaxed into them. He all but collapsed against Alex and the tears started to fall.

Alex brought a hand up and ran his fingers through his hair. He didn't know what else to do but stand there and hug him. Asher wanted to say so many things and explain to Alex that he was fine but there was something about Alex’s arms around him and his fingers in his hair that was breaking down the walls that he kept built for when he lost patients. Instead, he just held onto Alex like he was his anchor.

Alex stayed. He was determined not to let go unless Asher told him to. Even if that meant staying in the doorway all day.

The tears started to slow as Asher realised that Alex wasn’t going anywhere. The feeling that he had been punched in the stomach and had all of the air ripped out of his lungs hadn’t disappeared but at least the tears had for a moment. He pulled away a little from Alex to look at him for a moment. This time when he opened his mouth, words came tumbling out. “I’m sorry. I hope I’d didn’t wake you. You should come inside before my neighbours start thinking I’m having a meltdown. Which I am but that’s not the point.” Asher stepped back from Alex completely and out of the doorway so Alex could come inside. He ran a hand through his hair and stared at the wall again for a moment, his mind turning foggy again. "You didn't wake me, I promise." Alex gave him a reassuring smile. He went inside the apartment and shut the door before taking Asher back into his arms. “Okay. Good. That’s good.” Asher breathed out a sigh, happy he hadn’t screwed that up too. As Alex’s arms engulfed him again, he started to shake a little, a memory of the night flooding back. “I thought she was okay. All of her tests came back as normal but she kept getting worse and worse. The look she gave me just before she died, Alex, I-it-she knew I couldn’t save her. I’m supposed to save them, Alex. That’s what I’m supposed to do. She trusted me to save her and I didn’t.” Asher didn’t even know he was speaking, the words just tumbling out of his mouth before he buried his face in the crook of Alex’s neck with a sob.

"You tried to save her at least." Alex told him, rubbing his back. "She knew you were trying. Sometimes, you can't save them all, unfortunately. But you tried your best to save her and that matters greatly."

Any other time, Asher would have agreed with Alex and a small part of him knew that Alex’s words were rational but that part of him was being drowned out by the parts that were hurting and blaming himself. That parts of him that kept seeing the dying woman’s face as she looked at him before the all of the monitors started screaming at them. “I tried to bring her back. I tried for so long. I would let them call time of death because I couldn’t let her die. I don’t even remember when I stopped trying to bring her back. I think a few of the nurses had to drag me away because I couldn’t let her die. She died because of me and because I wasn’t smart enough to figure out what was happening to her.�� "Asher, even the most skilled doctors in the world lose patients. It's through no fault of their own." He rubbed Asher's back some more. "You're brilliant. It's just that sometimes these things happen. But I can't even imagine how you must feel. I may not understand just how bad you feel and I know I probably won't be able to make it better, but I'm here for you."

“I know. I know.” Asher really was hearing everything Alex was saying but he unfortunately knew that most of it was being drowned out by the negative thoughts inside his own mind. “Do you really think I’m brilliant?” He asked after a moment, pulling away to look at Alex and search his face for an answer. “Can you just stay here with me and talk to me? I don’t want to be left alone with my thoughts again.” His whole body ached and he was well past tired but he was too scared to fall asleep again and let his mind take over. "I really do think you're brilliant." Alex nodded with a smile. "We can stay here or we can go back to my place. Whichever you want to do. I won't leave you alone."

A small smile graced Asher’s lips at Alex’s words before he hugged his boyfriend again. “I don’t…Buddy shouldn’t be left alone for too long but I haven’t seen Alfie for a while.” He stopped talking for a moment and sighed. “I can’t even remember if I fed Buddy when I got home last night. I can’t remember anything that happened after she died.” "Buddy is more than welcome at my place. If you want to stay here, we can. We can order in some take out and I'll make sure Buddy is fed." Alex paused to take a breath. "Maybe we can take him on a nice long walk."

Asher pulled back from Alex for a moment as he thought about what to do with Buddy. When Alex suggested a walk, he smiled a little, remembering their last walk together. “A walk might do me some good actually.”

"Great! I'll get Buddy ready, and we can decide where to walk from there." He then laughed a little as he saw Buddy's ears perk up at the mention f the word walk. Asher nodded and then watched Alex getting Buddy ready for his walk. He tried to smile as he watched them but then his memory flashed back to the night before and all of the feelings came flooding back. He swallowed hard and tried to push the feelings away so they wouldn’t try to escape again. Asher knew he was being irrational about all of this.

Alex got Buddy ready for the walk with a smile on his face. He thought that the walk would do well to clear their minds. He looked over at Asher and quickly walked over with Buddy beside him. "Are you ready, or do you need more time?"

Asher had become lost in his own thoughts when Alex appeared beside him again. He blinked at Alex as he spoke. “Um, no, I’m ready.” He needed the distraction and he always found Alex to be a wonderful distraction. He forced a smile onto his face as he bent down to give Buddy a pat. "Okay." Alex smiled as he made his way to the door. "Where are you wanting to walk? The park, the woods by my place, or just a tour of gradian? I'm up for any and all options."

Asher followed Alex and Buddy to the door and shrugged. “Maybe we can just walk around and see where we end up?” "We can do that. And I'm sure Buddy will appreciate the long walk." He gave Buddy a pat before going out the door.

Asher nodded as he grabbed his keys before following Alex out and locking the door behind them. “Do you know what the worst thing is about all of this? I don’t like how empty it has made me feel. Because being a doctor feels like the only thing I do and I can’t even do that right.” He sighed as they walked.

"I can't blame you for feeling that way. But I believe you are good at being a doctor." Alex reassures him as they walk. "You have many other patients that would probably tell you the same thing."

“I know. I know you’re right.” He wanted so badly to believe what Alex was saying but the irrational part of his mind was telling him that his boyfriend was lying to make him feel better. “What happens if I’m actually a really bad doctor? What am I supposed to do with my life?”

"Well, there is always something else you could do." Alex reassured him. "There are lots of fields you can excel at and you could always go to uni for something else. But I think you're a good doctor."

Asher listened to Alex talk as they walked, frowning a little. “Yeah, I guess. It did take me fifteen years to finally become a doctor though so I’m not sure if I could give this up.”

"I'm sure you don't have to." Alex smiled at him. He knew Asher was a good doctor, even if the other was having trouble coming to terms with it right now.

Asher nodded and went silent for a while as they walked. He watched Buddy pulling on the lead to try and get to a person across the street. “I also don’t want to lose you either.” He whispered, realising how dumb that sounded as he said it out loud. He was scared though that Alex would see that he wasn’t the perfect doctor or even the perfect person and just run. Alex looked up from Buddy and gave a smile. "You're not going to lose me." He reassured Asher. Alex was determined to stay by his side as long as Asher wanted him. "I promise."

A small smile crossed Asher’s lips as he looked over at Alex. He knew people could lie and just tell other what they want to hear but Alex had never once lied to him and Asher knew he wasn’t lying to him now either. “Thank you.”

"Anything for you." Alex smiled over at him before turning his attention back to Buddy to make sure Buddy was behaving. The smile of Asher’s face faded as his mind drifted back to memories of the night before again. He didn’t even realise he started talking out loud. “I’ll never forget the way her mother screamed and cried when I told her parents that I couldn’t save her. It was the most gut wrenching sound.”

"I can't even imagine what that must be like." Alex sighed. He felt for the parents and especially for Asher. It had been more than rough for his boyfriend. He couldn't imagine what it would be like to have to deal with the memory.

“It’s the type of thing we hate to hear as doctors but sometimes it is inevitable.” He sighed and wiped away a stray tear that had slipped out. “We have to try and distance ourselves from the patients sometimes because of this sort of thing but I always had trouble doing that.” "You have a good heart, Asher." Alex told him with a smile. "I figure anyone with a good heart would have trouble distancing themselves."

Asher looked over at Alex for a moment. “Do you really think I have a good heart?” He had always tried not to care so much about his patients but he had always cared way too much about everyone in his life, patient or not. "I think you do." Alex nodded and put his arm around Asher's back.

Asher smiled as Alex’s arm went around him. “Maybe that’s why I still want to help people, even after all of this.”

"I think it is." He nodded and got closer to Asher as he watched Buddy.

Having Alex this close to him was helping to keep his mind off the night before. It also reminded him that he didn’t always have to try and pretend to be so strong all the time. Alex was helping Asher to realise a lot of things and he was so grateful for that. “Thank you, Alex. Thank you for just being you.” He wrapped an arm around Alex to keep him close.

"You're welcome, and that's what I do best." Alex gave him a wink as they walked. He was happy to be there for Asher, regardless of what the other was going through.

Asher smiled again and watched Buddy sniffing the ground as they walked. “Thank you for suggesting a walk. I’m starting to feel better already.” "I'm glad you're starting to feel better." Alex grinned, glancing over to him. “It does help that you know exactly what to do to help me feel better.” Asher caught Alex’s gaze. "I honestly just suggested a walk because a walk always helps me." Alex smiled. "Maybe we can stop for coffee." “Still, it worked.” Asher nodded. “Coffee sounds amazing! I really do need some, actually.” "Coffee really does sound amazing. I think I'll get a mocha. Coffee and chocolate sound like a dream." Alex smiled. “Mocha sounds like a great choice. I think I need something with more of a kick though so I’m going to go for a cappuccino instead.” Asher leant down to pet Buddy.

"You can always go with putting an extra shot of espresso." Alex nodded. “How many shots of espresso do you think is too many?” Asher asked with a faint smile. "I don't know." Alex chuckled and leaned against him. "I don't know that my heart wants to find out."

“Maybe I should just stick with two then to be safe.” Asher let out a small laugh. "Yeah, that's a smart idea." Alex laughed Asher nodded and leant against Alex again. “Especially since I don’t want to have a heart attack.” "Yeah, that wouldn't be good." Alex nodded, leading the way toward the coffee shop. Asher smiled again, nodding to himself as silence fell over them again. He watched some kids playing across the street and then frowned as his mind drifted again. “One day I think I want to have my own kids. But for now, I’m very much enjoying being able to hand my nieces and nephews back when they get too much.” He tried to pull his mind away from last night to focus on Alex instead. Alex smiled at Asher and then the kids. "I never really thought about kids. I should really get on that." He chuckled. "Yeah, it is nice to give the nieces and nephews back." Asher nodded as he focused on Alex and his words. “It’s okay if you haven’t. I know some people who never want to have children and that’s okay.” He smiled. “Especially because they are Levi’s kids and they have picked up one or two of his more…interesting traits.”

Alex nodded. "It's just that I've kept myself busy so much that I never gave myself time to think about it. Maybe a mini me would be cool." A smile. "I can see why." Asher hummed in agreement. “I didn’t even think about a family of any kind of my own until I finished my residency and realised I was in my 30s and almost completely alone.” He shrugged. “I guess alone isn’t the right word. I just mean that I found myself in the career I had always wanted and nobody to share the success with.” Alex nodded, completely understanding. "I understand that. I didn't have anyone to share the success of published works with. Until now, that is." Asher’s lips formed a smile. “Exactly. But now I have you to share all of those things with. Good, and bad. Like what happened last night. I don’t know who I would have called if I didn’t have you in my life.” "And I'm sorry that I was asleep when you texted me." Alex apologized again. "I'll always be here for the good and bad."

Asher shook his head. “I already told you that I would have been more upset if you had been awake because sleep is important.” He smiled again and leant closer to Alex, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I know and I thank you for that. Hopefully there won’t be more bad than good though.”

"I know, but I still feel bad." Alex murmured. "I hope it will be lots of good. We deserve it." You’re here now and that’s what matters.” Asher nodded. “We really do deserve it.” "I suppose that's true." Alex nodded. "Everyone does I think." Asher smiled and looked away from Alex for a moment to give Buddy another pat. He slowed as he saw the coffee shop came into view. “Everyone does but life can really be horrible sometimes.” "You’re right." Alex slowed when Asher slowed, wanting to keep as in step as possible. As they got to the coffee shop, he opened the door for Asher. "I'll find us a quiet table out here." “Okay. I’ll order our coffees.” Asher headed inside and over to the counter to order. He ordered Alex’s mocha, a cappuccino for himself, a cup of frothed milk for Buddy. He also ordered a few of the pieces of cake that looked delicious. Pointing out the table outside he saw Alex sitting at, he paid for the food and drinks and headed back outside. He sat across from Alex with a smile. “I hope you’re hungry because I saw cakes in there and couldn’t resist ordering a few slices.”

Alex sat with Buddy and pet the dog's head as they waited on Asher. Once he saw Asher approaching, he smiled. "I could definitely eat something."

Asher nodded and leant over to tickle Buddy under the chin. “Good. I could definitely eat all of it on my own but then I would regret it.” "I couldn't let you eat all of that on your own. I have too much of a sweet tooth for that." Alex laughed a bit. “Of course. No sweet foods would survive anywhere near either of us.” Asher smiled. "Nope. And I like it that way." Alex smiled and pet Buddy. “As long as there is enough for both of us otherwise I worry one of us might lose a hand.” Asher smiled, wider than he had all day. He wasn’t quite emotionally ready for a laugh yet but being near Alex was slowly helping him. "I wouldn't worry about losing your hand. I'm quite polite when it comes to my sweet tooth." Alex smiled back at him “I was actually referring to me. I get a bit possessive over my food.” Asher smiled again and looked up as their coffee and cake arrived. He thanked the worker and picked up his coffee to take a sip. Alex chuckled. He thanked the worker as well, then took a sip of his mocha. "The cake looks really good. “Doesn’t it? That’s why I couldn’t resist. He picked up one of the forks and ate a bite of the cake. “Tastes good too!” Asher poured the milk for Buddy onto a spare plate and placed it down for him. Alex picked up the other fork and took a bite for himself. "Oh, this is great!" He grinned before taking another sip of his mocha. Asher smiled as he took another bite and then picked up his coffee to take another sip. “I feel like the sugar is already helping me feel better too.” "I'm glad the sugar is helping you feel better." Alex smiled. He wanted Asher to feel better. “You’re helping me too. But there is just something about sugar when you don’t feel great.” Asher smiled. "Sugar produces dopamine. Dopamine is a happy chemical." Alex smiled. "I'm always glad to help." “See, I knew that but today my brain decided that it didn’t know that. I guess today my brain decided to just stop working.” Asher shrugged and sipped his coffee. “I know you are and I appreciate it so much.” "Your brain has just had a stressful night and needs a bit of a break is all." Alex smiled, knowing no matter where they end up, movies are in order. "Always." He sipped his mocha. “That’s true. My brain was working overtime trying to figure out solutions.” Asher paused for a moment to take a deep breath and then a bite of cake. Alex nodded. He knew what that was like. His brain worked overtime quite a lot. He took another bite of cake. Asher leant down to give Buddy a pat and then gave Alex a smile. “So what would you have been doing today if I had not so rudely interrupted your day?”

"I probably would have called you and seen if you wanted to have dinner." Alex smiled. "You didn't rudely interrupt my day. I like being with you." “Well, I would have said yes and not just because you’re a great cook.” Asher nodded, sipping his coffee. “I like being with you too. You’re quickly becoming my favourite person.” "You are becoming my favorite person, too. You're amazing to be around." He took another sip of his drink. Asher blushed. “Am I really? Even when I’m on the verge of a mental breakdown?” He asked, sipping his coffee. "You are." Alex smiled at him before taking another bite of cake and sip of drink. Asher smiled in return. “I knew there was a reason why I fell in love with you.” He took a bite of cake and paused. “I-oh. Did I say that out loud?” “You did say that out loud." Alex smiled. The words made him very happy. Asher breathed out a sigh of relief when Alex smiled. “Right, well, uh, yeah.” He blushed for a moment. “Now you’ve gone and made me speechless.” "That's not my fault. You're the one that said you are in love with me." Alex teased and grinned. "And I'm in love with you, too. You're kind, considerate, handsome, and great to hang out with." Asher smiled again as Alex told him he was in love with him too. He has been waiting for the right time to tell Alex and he was so scared of saying it too early and pushing him away. But he had said it and Alex had said it back. “I am in love with you. You’re the first person I want to talk to every day and the person I want to tell everything to. You’re so nice, smart, creative and handsome. I just love spending time with you.” He reached across the table to grab Alex’s free hand. “I just didn’t want to tell you yet as I was scared it was too fast and you would want to run away.” He blushed at Asher's words. "You could have told me the night we started dating and it still wouldn't have chased me away." Alex interlaced their fingers. “It would have been true then too. I fell in love with you long before that.” Asher blushed as he admitted that. “I just want things to go right between us because I don’t want to lose you as a friend or anything else.” He smiled and squeezed Alex’s hand.

"I also want things to go right. I don't want to lose you in my life, either." Alex brought their hands up and kissed the back of Asher's hand. “At least we’re on the same page about that.” Asher smiled wider at the kiss. “Well, I think you definitely succeeded at putting me in a better mood.” "I'm glad I put you in a better mood." Alex smiled. "I knew coffee was a good idea." “I know that I’ll probably still have trouble sleeping for a while and I will probably think about it a lot but knowing I have you to lean on really helps.” Asher sipped his coffee. “I told Levi what happened too and he wants to take me out and get me drunk to forget and I agreed. Don’t tell him I said this but it will be nice to spend time with just him.” "I don't blame you. It sounds like a rough thing to go through. I'll be there to lean on for sure. I even enjoy cuddles while I work." Alex sipped his own mocha. "I know the feeling. I love my nieces and nephews and Tobias is pretty cool to hang out with, but I like when it's just my siblings too." “Cuddles while you work? Well, if you insist.” Asher smiled. “But seriously, thank you.” He ate another bite of cake. “I think it must have something to do with knowing them your whole life. They just know you better than anyone else and luckily in our case, still love you.” "Oh, I insist." Alex smiled. "That's very true. They kind of get me and that's comforting." Asher nodded. “That’s the great thing about family. Friends too, actually.” He watched Buddy lay down and rest his head on Asher’s foot. “Speaking of work, how’s that been going for you? Hopefully not as stressful as mine.” "The best thing, in my opinion." Alex nodded and watched Buddy a moment before taking another sip. "Work's been great. I got a couple stories done and now I'm in a brainstorming mode for another." Asher sipped his coffee and smiled. “What are they about? Can I read them?”

"You can read them. They're nothing too fancy, but I like them." Alex grinned. “I love reading anything you write. I still read your poem any chance I get because it is both impressive and heartwarming.” Asher squeezed Alex’s hand. "You'll love these, then. One is about a boy who falls into a fairy ring. But that's all I can tell you about that one." Alex winked “I’m intrigued already. I cannot wait to read it!” Asher smiled. "I'm glad you're intrigued." Alex smiled at Asher's excitement to read his short story. “Of course I am. I am your biggest fan!” Asher grinned and downed the last of his coffee. “I definitely needed that coffee.” "I'm glad you're my biggest fan." Alex smiled and finished off his mocha. "My mocha hit the spot, too." “Although I’m sure you have a lot of fans out there.” Asher leant down to pat Buddy. “That’s great. Coffee can usually fix most problems. Coffee or cake.” "And they're special in their own way, but you are the most special ." Alex grinned. "Coffee is life elixir." “I like the idea of being the most special.” Asher smiled. “It truly is. But unfortunately it can only keep me awake for so long.” "Good."Alex's smile remained on his face. "That's true. Even coffee has its limitations." “I suppose it couldn’t be completely perfect.” Asher sighed and yawned. “See what I mean? But I also haven’t really slept for 24 hours so that could also be a factor.” "That's true." Alex nodded. Even coffee wasn't perfect. "That's right, too. Maybe we should let you rest for a while." Asher nodded. “Can I rest with you because I know the moment I close my eyes again I’ll see her?” He sighed, rubbing his free hand over his face. "Yes, of course you can rest with me." Alex nodded. He wouldn't have it any other way. “Thank you. I just hope I can sleep for more than five minutes without waking up screaming or crying again.” He had been fighting sleep for too long because he was scared of what he would see when he closed his eyes. "I hope you can, too. Maybe being with me will help." Alex suggested. “I hope so. I do always sleep better when I fall asleep with you.” Asher nodded. “Shall we head back to mine? We could watch some movies until I pass out.” "We shall." Alex smiled. "To tell you the truth, I might pass out, too. Especially while curled up with you and Buddy." “Buddy is a great cuddler, so I understand.” Asher smiled and leant down to wake Buddy. “Come on Buddy. Let’s go home where it’s warmer.” Alex stood and stretched. He was ready for the walk back to Asher's and the movie and nap to come. Once Buddy was up, Asher stood up. He held Buddy’s lead with one hand and took hold of Alex’s hand with the other hand as they started to walk. “What genre of movie do you think we should watch?” "I don't necessarily mind what genre we watch, to be honest." Alex replied as they walked. “Maybe I’ll just load up the first movie that appears on Netflix then. See what it turns out to be.” Asher mused. "That sounds good. We'll probably be out before halfway through." Alex mused “I don’t think I’ll even make it far enough into the movie to figure out what the plot is supposed to be.” Asher looked over at Alex and smiled. "Me either." Alex yawned. "Even though I slept, it was still a late night." “It’s honestly a miracle you and I get a chance to spend any time together awake since we both end up sleeping a lot.” Asher grinned. “But you do give great cuddles so I don’t mind.” "Nap dates are fun." Alex smiled. "Besides, the cuddles are a bonus." “Nap dates are some of my favourite dates.” Asher looked ahead as Buddy got excited and realised they were back at his place already. He searched his pockets for his keys as they reached the door and opened it. It didn’t look like Alfie was home but he often appeared at various times of the day. “We might as well head to my room. If we fall asleep out here, I don’t trust Alfie not to either wake us up or to do something childish to us.” He leant down to take the lead off Buddy and watched him take off towards Asher’s room. "Your room it is." Alex nodded and watched Buddy take off. He followed right behind. Asher smiled and followed his dog and his boyfriend into his room. The bed already looked so inviting so he knew that he was getting very tired. With a yawn, he kicked off his shoes and pulled off his jacket before climbing onto the bed, pushing Buddy over to make room for him and Alex. The bed looked very inviting and he noticed himself stretching out and yawning. Alex took off his shoes and jacket and took his place in the bed with a smile. Asher reached out to pull Alex to him and cuddled against him. He loved cuddling with his boyfriend. Buddy curled himself in between both of their legs as Asher reached for the TV remote. He loaded up Netflix, clicked on movies and then hit play on the spotlighted movie. “If one of us manages to stay awake for the whole movie, we can judge if it’s any good or not.” Alex loved cuddling with Asher, and Buddy made it even better. "That sounds like a plan. Though, I don't think either of us will make it through the movie.

Asher smiled and listened to the movie as it started. He had no idea what the movie was going to turn out to be and he knew Alex was right and neither of them would stay awake long enough to find out. Asher could feel himself already starting to drift but he was still scared to go back to sleep again. He didn’t want his mind to flash straight back to last night. Instead, he tried to focus on listening to Alex’s very alive heartbeat. Alex could already feel himself starting to drift off. He wasn't sure he'd even make it through the opening credits. Between Asher and Buddy, he felt really warm and that was helping him fall asleep even more. Asher was starting to relax a bit more now that he was more focused on Alex than his thoughts. He could feel himself starting to drift off into sleep again and let himself relax enough to finally go to sleep. He could only hope he didn’t wake up screaming. Alex felt himself relax and instinctively, he wrapped his arms around Asher. He got as close as Buddy would allow. He could feel his eyelids get heavy and they started to close. Asher smiled as he felt Alex’s arms around him and it only took a few seconds for him to finally drift off to sleep. It didn't take Alex long to drift off to sleep. As soon as he heard and felt Asher's breathing even out, he drifted off .

#c:alex #para: one call away

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asher-mccarthy · 2 years ago

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The Movie Night || Alex & Asher

Tagging: @asher-mccarthy, @alex-abrams

When: Friday November 25th

Where: Asher’s house

Warnings: It’s long and it’s cute. Sorry, not sorry.

Notes: Asher and Alex have their movie night and grow even closer

Alex straightened out his coat and shifted the picnic basket to his non-dominant hand before knocking. It had been a while since he had been to anyone's house besides his brother's, and he wanted to make a good impression. Especially since he started feeling a certain way toward Asher. He couldn't describe it, but that feeling made him want to be at his best. He hummed quietly to himself as he waited for Asher to answer.

After finally getting a chance to catch up on sleep, Asher had been cleaning his place in preparation for Alex coming around. He’d already kicked Alfie out for the night and had spent the last half hour pacing his room, stopping to check his hair in the mirror every now and then. To say he was nervous about Alex coming around would be an understatement. Ever since their walk in the woods, Asher wanted to impress Alex so he would want to keep spending time with him. Before he could stop and try and fix his hair again, Asher heard a knock at the door. Alex was here! He couldn’t get to the door fast enough and pulled it open with a grin. “Well hello!”

As soon as the door opened, Alex grinned wide. "Hello!" He greeted, then held up the picnic basket he'd had on their walk. "I come bearing snacks. And there might be dinner in here, too." He chuckled. "Anyway, I'm excited to watch some movies." The grin stayed on his face as he wondered what they would watch first. The grin stayed on Asher’s face as Alex spoke. He spied the basket. “The thermal basket has returned!” At the mention of dinner, Asher’s stomach grumbled. “You spoil me way too much!” He ushered Alex in and closed the door behind him. He led Alex over to the living area. “Me too! I managed to find my copy of Shaun of the Dead but then I got stuck deciding on other movies.”

“The thermal basket does indeed make its grand return." Alex grinned. "Nah, I spoil you just as much as you deserve." He followed Asher into the apartment and into the living area. He took in his surroundings as the other spoke, then nodded. "I'm excited to watch that. I'm sure we can find another way to decide." “Nope, you definitely spoil me way too much.” Asher grinned and watched Alex look around his place. He’d done his best to clean it as much as possible and make it look at least half presentable. “We should watch that first then and maybe it will spark inspiration on what to watch next.”

"If you say so." Alex chuckled as he put the thermal picnic basket down. He was just glad to be here with Asher. "That sounds like a great idea." “Did you bring the chocolate so we can make the popcorn with the chocolate drizzle like you suggested?” Asher smiled and picked up his copy of the movie and headed over to get it set up on the TV. “Awesome! I’m very excited to watch it!”

Alex nodded. "All I have to do is get it ready." He said. "So I'll need to borrow your kitchen." A chuckle left him. "I am, too. It's been a while since I watched Shaun of the Dead."

Asher smiled. “Sure! You can use whatever you need to. Kitchen is just there.” He pointed in the direction of the kitchen which was visible from the couch. “Do you want any help with any of it?” He asked, once he got the movie loaded up ready.

Alex nodded and headed toward the kitchen. "You can help if you want, or just keep me company if you want." He turned back toward the living room, realizing he forgot the basket. He picked up the basket and headed back toward the kitchen to get to work on the pop corn.

“Maybe I’ll do both!” Asher laughed as he followed Alex into the kitchen. He got out a saucepan for Alex to use to melt the chocolate and went searching for another bowl to serve the popcorn in.

“Both works just fine." Alex grinned as he got out the chocolate bars and the popcorn. "I've got dark chocolate, white chocolate, and milk chocolate. Any particular one you want, or do you want a drizzle of all three?" Asher’s eyes lit up when he saw all of the different types of chocolate. “I will never say no to a drizzle of all three. I mean, any type of chocolate is heaven so three different types at once?!” Asher let out a satisfied sigh. “But yes, all three please and thank you.” "A drizzle of all three it is, then. This will truly be some decadent popcorn." Alex chuckled and added half a bar of each type of chocolate to the sauce pan. "I'm just going to mix them all into one drizzle so it is nice and decadent for us."

“It’s going to be popcorn fit for the gods!” Asher laughed and snapped a chunk of milk chocolate off to throw in his mouth. “I think I might end up in a food coma tonight.” "Exactly! In fact the gods might be jealous of our popcorn." Alex laughed as he stirred the chocolate as it melted. "I might just end up doing the same thing."

“My couch isn’t as comfy as yours so if you do end up in a food coma, you might also end up with a sore back and neck.” Asher grinned and ate the chocolate while he went searching in the fridge for drinks. “What would you like to drink? I can offer you water, coffee, soft drink or wine.”

"It wouldn't be any worse than the back aches I'd get from the dorm beds from uni." Alex chuckled as he stirred. He looked up from the pot and at Asher with a hum. "Soft drink would be awesome."

“That’s true. There are some really horrible beds in dorms. At least I’m kind of squishy if you fall into a food coma on me instead.” Asher laughed and pull out two cans of soft drink. He opened one and handed it to Alex before opening his own. “The chocolate smells amazing!” "That's true. I'll just make sure to fall onto you." Alex laughed as he popped the popcorn while keeping an eye on the chocolate to make sure everything would come out perfect. "It really does. I'm liking this decadent popcorn already, and I haven't even tasted it yet."

“See, problem solved!” Asher grinned as he watched the popcorn popping. There was just something so satisfying about it. “I know I’m going to like it because you’ve made it. And also because it’s chocolate so how could I not?” "Exactly." Alex nodded as he went back to stirring the chocolate. "You make chocolate and I sound like the winning combination." He grinned. Once the popcorn was all popped, he carefully drizzled the chocolate mixture over it. Well, you and chocolate are a winning combination. Why wouldn’t I want a bit of both?” Asher grinned and watched in awe as Alex drizzled the chocolate on the popcorn. “Why do I feel like this is only going to last us five minutes?” Alex grinned and gave Asher a wink. "It usually only lasts me about ten minutes, so that's honestly a fair assumption." Asher picked up a piece of popcorn and threw it in his mouth. He let out a happy sigh. “We should probably start the movie then. At least we’re not at the cinema or we’d eat it all before the trailers finish!”

We probably should. And that's true. We'd be left wondering what happened to all of it." Alex chuckled as he cleaned up his mess. He then grabbed his soda and the popcorn.

Asher laughed and took his soda as they headed back out into the living area. He grabbed the TV remote before sitting down on the couch. He waited until Alex was sitting too before he hit play on the movie. He was already so excited to watch this movie again.

Alex followed him out to the living area. He sat beside Asher and held the popcorn so that they both could share it. He popped a piece in his mouth. "Mm. That's good." He smiled as the movie started.

Asher smiled as Alex ate some popcorn. “It really is. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to eat popcorn any other way again.” He picked up a few pieces of popcorn and relaxed back into the couch. “I’m glad we’re doing this.” "Well, it's really easy to make. The trick is to watch your chocolate carefully so that it doesn't burn." Alex grabbed a handful of popcorn. "I'm glad we are, too."

"I think the problem I’ll have is trying to eat the chocolate while it’s melting and burn myself.” Asher grinned and then laughed at something that happened on the screen. “It’s nice not having to be at work tonight. I’d much rather be here doing this with you.” "That's definitely a problem I might have had at first. I was impatient." Alex laughed at himself and something on the screen. "I'd rather you be here doing this with me too."

“Did you actually burn yourself or just almost burn yourself? At least if you do it now, I know what to do to help you out.” Asher laughed and took a handful of popcorn. “I tried to catch up on sleep but don’t be surprised if I just pass out at any point. I think I’m still running on fumes and coffee.” "I actually did burn myself. Patience was definitely a virtue reinforced the hard way that say. That's true, but I don't think I'll be doing that again any time soon." Alex laughed before eating some more popcorn. "I won't be. I promise not to wake you if you fall asleep unless you want me to." “Well at least you know now and you won’t do it again. That’s the main thing. Whether or not I’ll learn anything from you though, is up for debate.” Asher paused to watch a scene from the movie before laughing. “I don’t mind if you wake me up, especially if I start snoring.” "That's true. You might learn a thing or two from me." He laughed as the scene played. "I'll keep that in mind." “It’s been a while since anybody has been able to teach me anything so I’ll be happy to learn.” Asher grinned. “If I fall asleep, feel free to leave too, if you want. I won’t be offended.” "I'll be happy for the teaching moment." Alex smiled. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to get up and leave without at leat telling you goodbye first." “I’m sure. I don’t want you to end up falling asleep on the couch too and wake up with everything hurting. I’ll feel terrible!” Asher took a sip of his soda. He did wish Alex could just stay here with him forever but he thought it might be a bit much to say that out loud. “These two are like the best comedy duo though.” He pointed to Simon and Nick on the screen.

"I'm sure I won't wake up with everything hurting. Even if I did, that's life in my thirties." He chuckled, taking a sip of his soda. Alex was willing to sleep on the couch if it meant staying with Asher. He'd feel bad just leaving. "They really are." He nodded. “Don’t even get me started. Once I hit thirty it was like my body just started breaking down and now something always hurts.” Asher laughed and grabbed more popcorn. “I like any movie with these two in it. Can’t go wrong with a duo that knows how to bounce off each other.” "It's the same with me." Alex laughed as he grabbed another handful of popcorn. "You're right. The right duo makes all the difference. I like any movie with these two in it, too." “I don’t know how anybody over the age of thirty manages to survive.” Asher smiled and sipped his soda. “There are a lot of good comedy duos though. And then there are some that are just awful.” "It's a miracle that we do." He nodded and took another handful of popcorn before grabbing his soda and taking a sip. "There really are. Some people have chemistry and can play off each other, and some don't have it. When they do have it, it's magical." “Some days I don’t think I will survive when I wake up and everything just hurts.” Asher grabbed a handful of popcorn and shoved it in his mouth. He smiled as he chewed. “One of my other favourite duos is The Rock and Kevin Hart. There’s just something about them that is amazing!” "Same. That's a big mood, honestly." He laughed a little as he took a piece of popcorn into his mouth. "they're one of the duos that has chemistry. And amazing chemistry at that." Alex nodded. "I feel like I didn't sign up for this as I got older." Asher laughed and sipped his soda. He watched the movie for a moment as the characters were being chased by zombies. "Like, if there was a zombie apocalypse, anybody over the age of thirty would be screwed because we'd just do our back in and it would be all over." Asher nodded. "I mean the new Jumanji movies wouldn't be that good if those two weren't there to bounce off each other." "I don't think anyone did, to be honest." Alex laughed, laughing harder at Asher's comment. "That's true." He took a sip of his soda before pausing to watch the movie for a few moments. "I've never seen the Jumanji movies, except for the first one of course." “It makes me want to be young again because I liked it when I wasn’t in pain for no reason.” Asher sighed. “You should check them out! I do love the original because Robin Williams is incredible but the new ones are great if you like comedies. It’s different but the same, if that makes sense.” "That was the life. Not having random pain." He nodded. "Maybe I will check them out. I'm always looking for new movies to watch. That makes sense." "Sometimes I'm envious when I see kids running around because life is so easy for them and their bodies don't hate them yet." Asher laughed and sipped his soda. "Let me know if you do. I want to know what you think." "Me too." Alex laughed. "I just wish I had half the energy that kids do." He sipped at his soda. "I'll be sure to let you know how I like it." “I could never replicate the energy kids have even with the amount of caffeine I fill my body with.” Asher grinned and picked up a piece of popcorn. “Okay, great! Maybe we should make a list of movies we want to recommend for each other to watch!” "It's almost like they have endless energy reserves to draw energy from somewhere." He grinned and took another sip of his soda. "Now that would be an interesting list." “It’s insane. I think it would be more fair for adults to have more energy as they get older, not less. How are we supposed to survive adulthood with no energy?” Asher sipped his drink. “It really would be. I bet it would be quite an eclectic mix.” "Exactly. How are we supposed to work and pay rent with no energy?" Alex grabbed some popcorn and shoved it in his mouth. "Eclectic lists are the best, though!" “Apparently with caffeine and a whole lot of hope.” Asher picked up a handful of popcorn and relaxed back into the couch. “That’s true! I think we should both write a list and then show each other later. Or, maybe we should have regular movie nights with one of us choosing movies for the night to show the other.” "That makes sense." He laughed as he relaxed. "I like the regular movie night idea. That sounds like it could be a fun surprise." Asher smiled. “I also like that idea. Not just because it means spending more time with you either.” He sipped his soda. “I honestly forgot how much I love this movie.” "It is a good idea." He nodded. "And I like spending time with you, so even if it were just that reason I'd be okay with it." He sipped his soda. "Same here." Asher popped a piece of popcorn in his mouth with a smile. “I do really like spending time with you. I missed you while I was stuck at work for what felt like eternity.” Alex smiled and blushed a bit. He wasn't used to someone liking his company and missing him. "I missed you as well. It did kind of seem like an eternity." Asher smiled when he saw Alex’s blush. He wasn’t the type of person to be able to make others blush usually but he really liked being able to make Alex blush. “But at least I get to see you now. And I get to see your blush in person.” "That's true." Alex nodded as his cheeks heated up even more. "That also means I get to see yours." He reached for more popcorn. Asher smiled as his own cheeks started to heat up at Alex’s words. “Well you are the one who makes me blush the most so I suppose it’s only fair you get to see it.” The blush deepened as he sipped his soda. Alex nodded and smiled. "I'm glad I finally get to see it. Pink seems to be your color." He winked then sipped his soda. Alex’s wink made the blush darken and Asher looked back the screen for a moment to compose himself. “If you keep going, you’ll get to see if red is my colour too.” He sipped his soda before looking back over at Alex again.

Alex chuckled and nodded. "Maybe I want to see if red is your color. I bet it is." He took a final bit of popcorn, feeling a little bit full. Asher hid his face behind his hands as the blush deepened to a red colour. “I don’t think it is.” "Oh, come on." Alex teased. "Let me see. I promise I'll be honest." Asher smiled behind his hands and slowly slid them off his face. “Okay, be honest. I’m right, aren’t I?” His eyes met Alex’s. Alex smiled and shook his head. "No. Red is definitely your color." His smile grew bigger. Asher’s smile grew and he shook his head. “No, you’re lying. You’re just trying to get me to blush more.” "I'm not lying. Maybe that's true but it's only because it looks cute on you." Alex smiled again. “At this rate you’re going to have me blushing all the time.” Asher smiled. “I suppose it’s only fair though if I have you blushing all the time too.” "All the time? I don't think I have the proper skills for that one." He smiled. "You're right. It us only fair." “You’d be surprised. Just keep saying cute things and I’ll be a blushing mess.” Asher nodded. “Good. I’m glad we agree that you should show off your cute blush all the time.” "If that's all it takes, I need to start thinking of more cute things to say, then." Alex shrugged. "It's only fair if I'm making you blush." “It really is all it takes. And then you go and smile at me and make it worse.” Asher laughed. “We already know your blush makes me blush so I suppose we’ll both be blushing always.” "Oh? Like this?" Alex teased and then smiled big at him. "I guess so." Asher blushed even more and turned away from Alex out of embarrassment. “Yeah, like that.” Alex kept smiling, then put his hand on the other's shoulder. "If it's getting to you too much, I can stop if you want." Asher froze when he felt Alex’s hand on his shoulder. He turned back towards him. “No, it’s okay. I’m just not used to someone making me blush this much.” Alex felt him froze and removed his hand from his shoulder. "If you say so. I just don't want to make you uncomfortable." Asher shook his head. “I’m really okay. I’m just feeling like a lot of things at once and it’s very confusing for me. But I know I want to stay here and find out what all of these feelings are.” "I can relate. I'm feeling a lot of feelings as well." Alex nodded. "If you need to talk about it, I'm all ears." “You are?” Asher asked, relaxing a little. “I don’t even think I can put into words what I’m feeling, you know? I just know that I’m happy when I’m around you and I’m scared about ruining it.” Alex nodded. "I am." He listened carefully. "I feel the same way, honestly. But don't worry, I'm sure that you won't ruin it." Asher smiled. “I think I’m just worried about doing something that might change our friendship to something more and you might not want that.” "That's a very valid worry, but I'm honestly up for whatever happens." Alex smiled. "Whatever is, so be it." Asher let out a sigh of relief and his smile grew. “Okay, that’s good. I’m glad that I wouldn’t ruin anything. That’s all I care about.” Alex's smile grew when he saw Asher's smile grow. "It would take quite a lot to ruin things." “Hopefully I never have to find out what it would take.” Asher finished off his soda and relaxed again. “Also if you ever want to talk about anything, I am always happy to listen.” "I honestly don't think you will." Alex started to relax a bit more. "Okay." That’s good to know.” Asher turned his attention back to the movie as the final fight scene began. Alex smiled and turned his attention back to the movie. He realized he missed a lot of the movie just paying attention to Asher, but that was alright with him. Asher was more important to him than a movie. The final fight scene was entertaining to watch but Asher couldn’t help his attention shifting back to Alex. He was finding that Alex was becoming a lot more interesting to him than anything else. Alex's face still was lit up with the smile. He was content with where he was an who he was with. The movie had ended by the time Asher turned his attention back to it. He let out a yawn and a stretch. “That popcorn was literally the best thing ever. You weren’t kidding.” Alex's smile grew wider at the comment about the popcorn. "Sometimes I even put M&Ms in it and make it even sweeter. It really just depends on my mood." Asher nodded. “I could see that. I know I’m in the mood for as much sweetness as I can get most of the time but I am very much a sweet tooth.” "I am very much a sweet tooth as well." Alex nodded as he admitted that fact to Asher. If he could live of off sweets, he would. I” might be a doctor who knows that I need to eat fruit and vegetables to survive but sometimes I really just want to eat sweets instead.” Asher laughed. “If I could eat sweets all the time, I would." Alex nodded. "Too bad I can't." “I’m hoping that when I die, I get to go somewhere where I can just eat sweets forever.” Asher smiled. “Do you feel like watching another movie? And by watching, I mean hardly paying attention while we talk.” "That sounds like paradise, honestly." Alex nodded. "Yes. I do feel like hardly paying attention to another movie while we talk." “It really does.” Asher nodded. “Okay, perfect. Actually, we should watch a Christmas movie! It is November after all and I’m falling behind on my watch list.” "We can watch a Christmas movie. I usually just only have two Christmas movies on my list." He shrugged, he was bigger on Halloween than Christmas. “Now I have to decide which one we should watch. Oh! I know! We’ll stick with the British movie theme.” Asher climbed to his feet and went searching for the movie before putting into the DVD player. He made his way back to the couch with a smile. “This is one of my favourites.” "That sounds good." Alex nodded before relaxing into the couch. "Nice. I'm glad your showing me a favourite." “Do you want another drink at all?” Asher asked as the movie loaded up and started to play. “I warn you that it’s one of those cheesy rom-coms I was talking about.” "Another drink would be awesome, thanks. Water is fine." He smiled as the movie started to play. "Perhaps I should prepare tissues." He teased. “Great!” Asher smiled and jumped up to head into the kitchen. He came back with two glasses of water and settled back onto the couch again. “I don’t think this movie has made me cry before but I suppose there is a first time for everything.” He laughed. "Oh good to know." Alex giggled as he took his glass of water and settled. Asher smiled as he sipped his water. Hugh Grant’s voiceover started talking on the screen and he started getting excited. “So, I don’t know if you’ve ever seen this but this is Love Actually. A perfect combination of Christmas and different types of love.” “I've seen Love Actually. Alan Rickman was brilliant in it." Alex smiled. He was always down for just about anything with Alan Rickman in it. “He is amazing in it. He was amazing in any movie though but in this movie he knows just how to make your heart hurt.” Asher nodded and smiled. "That is true." Alex nodded. "He is one of my favorite actors. I think I have seen every movie that he was in." Asher sipped his water. “Oh, he was a wonderful actor. He made the character of Snape his own. Nobody else could have played the character with all of the layers and feelings that he did.” "You're absolutely right. He was definitely the right man for the job when it came to Snape." Alex nodded then sipped at his water. Asher smiled and turned his attention back to the movie. “There are a lot of really great British actors and actresses.” "There really are." Alex nodded as he turned his attention to the movie for a bit. Asher smiled softly as he watched the movie for a bit. Every scene of this movie was enjoyable to him and he knew it would always make him feel better. The problem he was having tonight though was that Alex was there too and he was becoming a huge distraction for Asher. Not that he minded though because Alex was a great distraction. "You know, I'm really glad that you helped me pick out a Halloween costume and we got to know each other." Alex closely watched the movie for a while. While rom coms weren't usually his this, this one had one of his favourite actors in it. It helped that this was a pretty decent movie as well. As Asher spoke, he smiled. "I'm glad for that, too." Colin Firth appeared on the screen while Asher watched and his smile grew. “I’m not usually one to have a crush on a celebrity but there’s just something about Colin Firth that gets me every time.” He laughed and sipped his water. “Keira Knightly is beautiful too. There is just too many beautiful people in this movie.” Alex listened with a small smile on his face. He sipped his water and nodded. "There really are a lot of beautiful people in this movie." Asher smiled. “Definitely. I always forget how old this movie is though. Like the boy in this movie is in his thirties now like us!” “Sometimes old movies are some of the best movies." Alex grinned. He had a soft spot for old movies. “That’s true. Do you like It’s A Wonderful Life? That’s a old movie that’s really good.” Asher smiled, sipping his water. “That is a movie I haven't seen in a very long time, but I do think it's a good movie." Alex nodded. “What are some of your favourite old movies?” Asher asked, his attention moving back to the movie for a moment. "The Universal Monster movies come to mind first." Alex replied with a soft grin. "I also adore Vincent Price movies." “Oh yeah, I know those. Like the old school Dracula and Frankenstein movies. Those were really good.” Asher nodded. “I don’t think I know any of the Vincent Price movies though.” "Vincent Price did a lot of Poe story adaptations. He also stood out on his own in other movies, too." He explained. "He was also in Edward Scissorhands briefly." Asher nodded in understanding. “Ah, okay. You’ll have to show me some of them one day. If you like them, then they must be good.” "I'd be happy to show you some of them. Perhaps at a future movie night. Oh, they're classics." Alex nodded. "I'm excited." Asher smiled and turned his attention back to the movie. "Actually, there was something I wanted to ask you." "Me too." Alex smiled before turning his attention completely away from the movie and to Asher. "You can ask me anything." Asher turned back to Alex and smiled. "So, like, I figure you were going to go to Max and Elliot's wedding given that they've invited the whole village. But, um, I kind of wanted to know if maybe you'd want to go there with me as like my date or something? Or like, we could go together? Yeah, something like that." Alex listened carefully as Asher spoke. He didn't know Max and Elliot personally, but he did appreciate that they invited the entire village to their wedding. "I would love to go with you." He smiled. Asher’s smile morphed into a grin. He didn’t really know Max or Elliot but he wanted to go along to be nice. He also wanted to go with Alex because at least then he’d have someone to spend time with. He quickly leant over to give Alex a quick hug before pulling away with a smile and turned his attention back to the movie. “Thank you. I thought might be a bit of fun.”

It was good to have someone to go with. Though, Alex blushed a bit at the hug as it was unexpected but felt nice. "You're welcome. It should be a bit of fun. I've never been to a wedding where the whole village was invited before." He then turned his attention back to the movie. Asher smiled again at Alex’s words. “I think the last one I went to was Patrick and Jackie’s wedding but that feels like forever ago now. But I think this one might be a bit more fun now that I have a dance partner. Wait until you see my moves!” He laughed. Alex thought for a moment. What was the last wedding he had been to. Nothing as recent as Jackie and Patrick's wedding. He'd came back to town after that. "I can't wait. I don't dance too well, so I'm counting on you to make me look decent." He teased. Asher grinned. “I can dance super well for both of us. But I’m sure your moves are still great. I imagine most of the people will be drunk by then and nobody dances well while they’re drunk.” Alex laughed. Of course, that was true. Drunk dancing was often dome of the funniest dancing he had seen. "You're right. They'll be too drunk to care that I'm two left feet." Asher laughed. “Maybe you’re two right feet. We’ll have to wait and see!” Already he knew they were going to have a great time at the wedding. He turned back to the movie and realised it was at the school concert so the movie was starting to come to an end. Alex laughed again. "That would surprise me." He joked then turned his attention back to the movie. Asher smiled. “I suppose we’ll have to wait and see.” He finished his glass of water as he watched the individual stories starting to wrap up on the movie. "We shall." Alex nodded before finishing his water and watching the movie. Asher watched the movie with Alex in comfortable silence as the stories all wrapped up and the final airport scene started to play. “Is it bad that I kind of want to watch a third movie just so you will stay longer? Even though I can barely keep my eyes open as it is.” Alex had his attention on the movie as well as the final scene started to play. He smiled a bit at Asher's words. He could get used to someone wanting him around. "That's not bad, but rest is super important." Asher sighed a little with a nod. He knew Alex was right but the selfish parts of him that never got their way normally were fighting with every other part of him. “Maybe we can put something on and I can just lay down and rest my eyes for a bit here.” He shrugged with a grin. Alex grinned. "We can do that." He nodded. Part of him didn't want to leave either. Asher’s grin grew as he loaded up Netflix on the TV as the credits started to roll and handed the remote to Alex. “You can pick.” He frowned for a moment as he assessed the couch situation. “Okay, the only viable options I see for resting my eyes properly are by putting either my feet or head in your lap. If that’s too much for you though, I can happily lay on the floor instead.” Alex listened carefully. "I don't mind either one." He said as he scrolled through the Netflix options and chose a nature documentary. He figured that would be less likely to keep Asher awake, unless nature documentaries were also his thing. Asher nodded with a smile and debated his options. He thought about going the safe option but then he figured life was too short for too many safe options. He grabbed the pillow he was leaning against and placed it on Alex’s lap with a smile. He manoeuvred his body around so he could rest on the pillow in Alex’s lap and laid his legs over the other end of the couch. He smiled when he saw what Alex had put on. “Ah, so you’re a David Attenborough fan?” Alex watched as the other manoeuvred himself. Looking back up at the TV, he smiled a bit and nodded. "Nature documentaries are pretty cool." Asher hummed in agreement. “They actually are. Very soothing when you just want to relax too.” He yawned. “I think you’re secretly trying to get me to fall asleep.” "You're right, they are very soothing." He nodded in agreement, then chuckled at the yawn. "Well. You did say you wanted to rest your eyes." Asher laughed. “I might have said that. Doesn’t mean I meant it.” He watched the documentary for a while and yawned again. “The problem is if I fall asleep like this, you’ll be stuck here.” Alex chuckled before nodding. "I don't mind being stuck here." He smiled. Asher looked up at Alex for a moment. “Are you sure about that? My couch is not as comfy as yours.” "I'm sure about that." Alex nodded. "Besides it means I'm here with you." Asher smiled and turned to look at the TV again to hide his blush. “Well, I’m glad you’re here. And I’m glad you want to stay.” "I'm glad I'm here, too." Alex smiled. "Of course I want to stay." Asher smiled and yawned again. He was really struggling to stay awake now, especially because he was very comfortable. He shut his eyes as he yawned again. “I’ll try not to snore too much.” "I wouldn't hold it against you if you did." Alex chuckled before giving way into a yawn himself. He was very comfortable and it was getting rather late. Asher could feel himself starting to drift as he heard Alex speak again. He didn’t hear what he had said but he felt the chuckle through Alex’s body and he smiled. There were many things he wanted to say but his body wouldn’t let him and before he knew it, resting his eyes had turned into falling asleep. Alex could tell that Asher was starting to fall asleep and smiled. By the time Asher had drifted off, so did Alex, having been more tired than he thought.

#para: the movie night #c:alex

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