#high ralbert

[loiteringandlurking]

i think it's high time I show you guys my newsies 2d designs bc I draw them ALL the time ... especially in my chemistry book LMAO. coming soon ...... in the meantime have ralbert :)

[dustyy-angel]

Ryan Breslin (OBC Race) and Garett Hawe (OBC Albert) went to high school together and their irl friendship is what inspired their characters dynamic in the show. So all you Ralbert shippers be thankful because it's all because of these two.

[all-hail-the-witcher]

blaze it bitches

in honor of weed day have this mess ______

ship: ralbertxweed

genre: the biggest load of crack to ever crack

warnings: weed juice, panera, there’s a shane madej quote, t h r e e quotes by Mr Michael Himself, uhhh, cowboys, oh mothman, general idiocy, and all credit for fruity pebbles to my good nugget mikey

words: 1041 it’s baddd yalll

editing: nope

_________

Race idly spun a pen on the counter, waiting for the clock to hit 10 so he could begin to close. He wasn't sure why he had chosen to work the closing shift at Panera. Pretty much no one came in after 9, especially on a Monday. Currently the only patrons were a group of annoying teenage girls more interested in taking snapchats than talking to each other, an elderly couple eating soup in the corner, and a high school age girl and boy sitting in a booth, eating nothing but bread and sweet tea, having an intense discussion about whales.

In essence, Race was bored out of his mind.

Until exactly 9:48 when Albert walked through the door, waving around two to go cups from starbucks. “Raaaaceeerrrrrrrr!” he sang awkwardly, tripping over his own feat and spilling a few drops of what looked like tea on the floor.

“Al get your high ass outta here,” Race sighed. “I’m workin and you’re just gonna bother me.”

“Butttt cupcakkkeeeee,” Albert whined. “I know how to get mothman!”

“Mothman ain’t real and neither am I,” Race muttered, taking the rag and wiping down the counter. “Now get outta here before Jack makes you.”

Albert sighed. “Least drink the tea I brought you?”

Race sighed, just wanting Albert to not get him fired for once. “Fine.”

Albert smirked.

“But then you have to go, alright?” Race said, holding the cup to his lips and taking a sip.

Albert plunged his hand into the pocket of his sweatshirt and pulled out a handful of fruity pebbles, dropping several on the floor. “O-kayyy.”

Race made a face. “What's in this tea Al? It don't taste like nothin from starbucks.”

Al gave him a half smirk. “You like my weed juice?”

“Weed juice? Is this- you made tea out of weed?” Race looked at the paper cup first in shock and then in awe. “Wait, this is brilliant.”

“Course it is,” Albert proclaimed. “I invented it.” He reached his hand back into his pocket for more fruity pebbles. “Want some munchies?”

“Sure why not.” Race could slowly feel the affectionately named “weed juice” taking affect. Hopefully he wouldn’t break too many things while he was closing.

“Racer can you go kick out those teen- wait a second, what are you doing here Al?” Jack looked at Albert skeptically before wrinkling his nose up in disgust. “Alright I don't know which of you brought the grass but I can smell it and I’m not dealing with this tonight so I suggest you two get outta here before you accidentally explode the place.”

Albert’s eyes widened in excitement. “We can go hunting for mothman!” he exclaimed, looking at Race expectantly.

Well, he wasn't gonna remember this in the morning anyway so might as well. “Yeah!” Race agreed, throwing off his apron and hat and wailing them at Jack.

“Try not to get arrested!” Jack called after them, shaking his head.

Once outside, Albert led Race to his car and opened the trunk. “Okay so I figured it out! Mothman wont show us to himself cause we don't look like him so we gotta dress in his truest form.” He handed Race a cheap cowboy costume and a hat.

“Mothman’s a cowboy?”

“Duhhhhh,” Albert rolled his eyes. “Cowboys are the most most cryptic, and sos mothman! It’s how’s he’s stayed hidden all these years.”

Race nodded solemnly in agreement, hastily pulling the costume on over his clothes and jamming the hat on his head.

“Oh I only have one pair of boots though,” Albert frowned. “Guess we’ll have to share.”

Race frowned in agreement. “Oh!” he perked up. “I’ll wear one of your boots and you can wear one of my vans!”

“Yes!” Albert pulled one of Races shoes off of his foot, knocking him backwards. “Now we just gotta go to the spot!”

•••

“The spot” turned out to be behind a bush in a kids playground.

“Are you sure we’ll find mothman here?” Race asked, peeking through his dollar store binoculars at his dark surroundings.

“My sources say yes.”

“You have sources?” Race asked skeptically.

“Course.” Albert took a swig from his to go mug.

“Are you still drinkin that weed juice?”

“Nah.” Albert looked at the cup fondly. “It’s my munchies. I can taste the colors.”

Race leaned over. Munchies sounded good right now. “Can I have some?”

“No! My munchies!” Albert wrapped the cup protectively in his arms.

“I want!”

“No!”

“Give!”

“Quiet you’re gonna scare away mothman!”

Race shut up immediately. He didn’t want to scare away his cryptid friend. He had to film a tik tok video with him and become famous!

After ten minutes though, he couldn’t be silent any longer.

“I’m tired,” he whispered loudly. “When is mothman gonna get here?”

Albert knit his eyebrows together, considering while he chewed on a few red fruity pebbles. “Oh I know!” he exclaimed. “Let’s talk about stuff mothman would like so he knows we’re friends.”

Race was intrigued. “Like what?”

“Hmmm,” Albert pondered for a few minutes before beginning to rant. “Crickets are scary but rubbing your legs together under a blanket as such is nice so crickets made some points i guess.”

Race nodded in agreement. “And like,” he thought for a second. “Ok so whales slap. But also they’re big and they don’t need to be.”

“Whales are very cryptic,” Albert yawned. “And I guess no offense to anyone who actually likes them but kiwi birds are weird and why did they need a fruit named after them and why are they fuzzy and who gave the Fruits the right to be fuzzy like what the fuck- WAIT WHICH CAME FIRST THE BIRD OR THE FRUIT- god they’re as cryptic as whales.”

“That’s a good point.” Race laid back in the grass. “Maybe if we go to sleep mothman will show up to kiss us goodnight.”

“You’re so right!” Albert quickly joined Race in the grass. “I’m tired anyway. So this is like,” he pressed his lips together, thinking hard, “killing two birds with one egg.”

“Birds work for the government,” race muttered. “Night Albie.”

“Night racer.”

Race dozed off, dreaming of yodeling with mothman and getting verified on tik tok.

__________

okay look idk either if you wanna read actual good high ralbert shit go to @papesdontsellthemselves cause I basically just stole his brand (and his quotes) for this fic so

feedback is always appreciated hmu to be on the tag list

tag list @fairly-awkward-trashcan @well-the-kids-do-too @racetrackcook @ughwaitwhat @aw-jus-let-em-try @tommy-s-s0cks @voice-foundshoe-lost @stopthe-presses @ridin-in-style @pinecovewoods @i-got-no-clue-what-im-doing @bencookisagod @be-more-chill-evan-hansen @stellar-alpaca @saxoph-ella @smolcanadiankid @disney-princess-sized @the-newsies-justice-for-zas-blog @insane-tomato @spot-conlon-king-of-brooklyn @have-we-got-news-for-you @thatfancyclam @myidkwhatmynameisblog @legoflambwrites @not-a-scam @albertdasillvaprotectionsquad @entschuldigung-bitches @thebroaaesthetic @tea-and-theater @seasickdolphin @auspicioustarantula @newsies-of-ny @mrs-higgins @sunshine-e-cigarettes  @spot-me50-papes @papesdontsellthemselves @deathcast-s @the-poodles-of-pulitzer

@hopefully-not-the-ghostbusters @humanracoon @irondad-spiderson-duo @albert-eats-cookie-cake 

[madamewalburga]

Ralbert but it's I Don't Dance from High School Musical 2. I'm not gonna say who's who, you already know.

[we-are-inevitable]

modern au davey and race are smoking buddies and jack and albert are drinking buddies and and jack and race are brothers so the family get togethers are always on point

[5-jorjas-in-the-fence]

“SHES CHEER CAPTAIN AND IM ON THE BLEACHERS”

Albert on the football team... race in band... watching Albert play as he holds his French horn helplessly... me thinks yes

[turtle-steverogers]

4/20 clown wig!

hehehehehhe high bois are BACK! (feat. a very exasperated spot)

warnings: weed and clowns

ship: platonic spralbert

editing: lmao no

word count: 1732

-

“It is officially the greatest national holiday and I bought tickets to the circus in town.”  Race froze, not shifting his gaze from his computer screen as his roommate’s words sunk in.

Slowly, he turned in his seat, fixing Albert with an incredulous stare, “Albert, what are you talking about?”

Albert stood in his doorway, weed-print snapback placed backwards on his head.  Race gave him a onceover, noting his weed socks and vans.  He blinked, looking behind him to glance at the date on the bottom of his screen.

April 20, 2019.

His eyes widened, “Jesus Christ I almost missed weed day!” He shut his computer quickly and stood abruptly from his seat, rounding on Albert once more, “You bought tickets to a circus?  We’re gonna go to a circus high?”

Albert shrugged, “why the fuck not?”  He clicked on his phone, seeing that he’d received a text, “Oh yeah, Spot’s gonna come too.  Said he wasn’t gonna let us drive high I guess,” he paused for a moment, thinking, “Although I’ve done it before.”

They stared at each other for a moment, expressions blank and serious, then Race shrugged as well, pushing past him to grab his keys from the hallway.

“Okay, cool,” He called over his shoulder, “Sounds fun!”

XXX

The three boys made the short trek from the parking area towards the tent, Albert and Race attempting to seem as sober as possible given the fact that they’d just hotboxed in Race’s car, much to Spot’s dismay.

“I don’t understand why you two couldn’t have just, like, hit Albert’s pen a few times on the way,” He grumbled, pulling ahead of his two friend as they neared the tent.

“Spottiee, that wouldn’t be respecting weed day!” Race said, jogging forward and leaning into Spot’s side, “We gotta go all out!”  

Spot rolled his eyes, blindly shoving Race off of him.  Race stumbled to the side, pitching towards the ground.

“Christ,” Spot hissed, swooping to catch Race before he was able to fall completely, “I regret coming.”

They entered the tent, taking a moment to find their seats.  It was fairly crowded, filled with families looking to bring their kids out for a fun activity.  Or expose them to clowns and scar them for life.  They were practically the same thing.

Spot was momentarily relieved to find they weren’t sitting next to any families with very young children.  No child should be subjected to the nightmares that were Race and Albert while high.

“It smellllllsss like, uh, hay in here,” Albert said, dazedly slapping Race on the shoulder to get his attention.

Race took a moment to sluggishly place some cotton candy in his mouth, before looking at Albert.  His eyes scanned slowly from Albert’s face to the center of the tent, where hay covered the ground underneath the small, circular stage platform.

His eyes widened comically, “Hey!” he hit Albert’s arm excitedly, “Hey! Albert, HEY! There’s HAY!”

Albert followed his gaze to the hay, bloodshot eyes lighting up, “Oh, I bet that’s where the smell is coming from,” he giggled, “Hey, Race, when you were telling me about the hay you said ‘hey’ and then you talked about ‘hay’...” he trailed off, frowning for a moment, “M’talkin’ stupid! I’m just talking so stupid.”

Race eyed him, amused, “yeah, you aaare, but you always do so it’s okay.”

Spot barely glanced up from his phone, “You both always do and it gives me a headache.”

The lights in the tent faded, coaxing the room to silence.  Suddenly, with a flash of color, the stage lit up, revealing the ringmaster standing in the center.

“Holy fuck I want his hat,” Albert stage whispered, leaning in close to Race as he gestured to the ringmaster’s top hat.

“Go get it,” Race whispered back, lifting his legs to let Albert out.

Albert shook his head, “I’m high and gay, not stupid and impulsive.”

Spot scoffed, “Incorrect.  You are, in fact, all four of those things.”

Albert frowned, opening his mouth to retort, but Spot held up a hand.

“I know this is a foreign concept for you two, but we gotta be quiet now.  It’s a performance,” He gestured to where a few trapeze artists were preparing their act.

“Okay, mom,” Race said, over exaggerating each syllable and slumping into his seat, stifling a giggle.

Albert flicked his eyes towards Race, eyes glinting.  He held a fist to his mouth, trying as well to hold in his own laughter.  Soon, both of them were snickering unsubtly in their seats.

Spot allowed his head to tilt backwards, exasperation itching the back of his neck.  He rolled his head to the side, taking in the view of hundreds of parents and suddenly feeling an odd sense of solidarity towards them.  

Several acts performed without much event.  Spot allowed himself to get caught up in the show, clapping along with other audience members at the acrobatics and trying not to cringe at the too loud cheering of his friends.

When the clowns came out, however, everything went to shit.

Albert let out a little scream, pressing himself further into his seat.  Alarmed, Spot looked over to see him cowering and covering his face.

“What, not a fan of clowns or something?” He whispered.

Albert shook his head, peeking out between his fingers, “They’re sooo weird,” he said, words slurring together, as he leaned dramatically over his armrest to look at Spot.  Spot’s eyes widened and he reared back slightly at his friend’s sudden closeness.

“And once,” Albert began, “Some kid in my class in, like, third grade told me I look like a clown ‘cause I’m pale as shit and have red hair.  So, for the rest of the year, everyone called me ‘Clownbert’.”

Spot couldn’t contain his laughter at that, “C-Clownbert!? Bro, I’m sorry, I’m gonna call you that from now on.”

Albert pouted, crossing his arms and facing front again, “And I want a divorce.”

“Okay, Clownbert.”

Race suddenly turned, looking from Albert to Spot rapidly, “Oh, that’s tragic, Spot what’re you gonna do!”

Spot shook his head, “Watch the show, assholes.”

“Oh my fucking….” Albert was transfixed, eyes bulging out of his head as he tuned back into the performance.

Spot followed his gaze to where fifteen or so clowns were climbing into a small car, seemingly disappearing inside.  He huffed a small laugh, looking back at Albert who’s mouth was still hanging open.

“Where do they all go?” He asked in awe.

Spot considered telling him that there was probably a hole in the car that all the clowns climbed into, leading underneath the stage, but he was enjoying Albert’s confusion.  He leaned over to check on Race, but frowned when he found his friend staring at the act, eyebrows furrowed and an indiscernible look in his eyes.  He looked incredibly bothered, but before Spot could question him, the elephants were brought out and Albert was once again screaming.

The rest of the performance passed rather quickly, only giving way to a few solo acts and some pretty impressive fire tricks.  When it was over, Spot stood and applauded with everyone else, motioning for Albert and Race to do the same.  Albert stood, enthusiastically cheering as well, but Race remained seated, still looking troubled.

“Okay, what’s gotcha put off?” Spot asked Race as soon as they got back into Race’s car.  It still smelled obnoxiously like weed and Spot wrinkled his nose, rolling down the window.

Race allowed his head to loll a bit, reaching into his pocket and extracting his own dab pen, taking another drag.

He allowed the weed to work its way into his system before answering, “Dunno, I guess I see why Ronald McDonald is so depressed.”

Spot choked, ignoring Albert’s mumbled requests for fruity pebbles from the backseat, “What?”

“Being a clown’s hard, man!” Race insisted, sitting up straighter, “Ya know! No one asks clowns how they are, they just think they’re fucking creepy all the time!  They always ask the clown who they are, but never how they are.”

Spot was dumbfounded, but Race was on a roll.

“You ever think there’s a reason that they climb into that little car, all of them at once,” He shifted his body so that he could see both Spot and Albert, “So they can consolidate together...mope in sadness...but of course they don’t want to stuff themselves into cars for your entertainment,” He shook his head, anger causing his face to scrunch up, “they’re paid to do this, but this isn’t right!  It shouldn’t be their job, that’s clown abuse…”

He sat in thought for another moment before nodding decisively and leaning back into his seat, loosening his seatbelt.

Spot stared at the road, lost for words, “Wow, Race….that was, uh, that was-”

“Poetic,” Albert said from the back, voice sounding strained.  Spot flicked his eyes to the rearview mirror to see tears glinting in Albert’s eyes and he resisted the urge to slam his head into the steering wheel.

“Thank you, Al,” Race said, “Anyway, m’hungry.”

“Me too!” Albert exclaimed, tears and clown rights forgotten, “Spot can we go pick up fruity pebbles?”

“Dontcha have some in your apartment?” Spot asked, taking the exit back to campus.

“Uhhh,” Albert cocked his head in thought, “I don’t know…”

Spot shifted his jaw, “I have an emergency stash at my apartment, let’s just go there.”

“Okay! Party!” Race cheered.

Spot managed to corral them to his room, seating them safely on the couch before venturing to the kitchen to retrieve Albert’s fruity pebbles.

“Whatcha want, Racer?” He called, pouring milk into a single serving cup of fruity pebbles.

“Mmmm mac and cheese,” Came Race’s garbled response.

“Shoulda guessed,” Spot said to himself, also preparing a Kraft microwavable cup of macaroni and cheese.

He handed Race and Albert their respective munchie snacks and perched himself on the armchair across from them, smirking when they began to scarf down the food.  

He picked up the remote, switching on youtube and pulling up the latest episode of Buzzfeed Unsolved, “Did you guys have a good Weed Day?” he asked.

Albert nodded, mouth full of fruity pebbles, “yeahhhhh.”

“How ‘bout you, Race?”

“I did,” he said, taking another bite of mac and cheese, “Also, I’m dropping out of college and going to clown school to become an advocate for clown rights.”

“Jesus Christ.”

-

lmao Clownbert,,,,i kinda wanna photoshop that

thanks for reading, chiefs

hmu to be added to my taglist

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[broadwaycantdie]

First Kiss

( ralbert ) + ( high school au )

a/n: i had a dream about this with someone else so uh here’s newsies

warnings: none ( kissing ? a lil bit of yelling ? )

background: Albert and Race have been best friends ever since they’ve lived next to each other (their whole lives). They were now juniors in high school and Albert was embarrassed of the fact that he’s never had a kiss and Race has kissed more people than he could keep track of. Albert also drives Race to/from school everyday cause he’s quite possibly the worst driver on the planet. ——————————————————————————

“So who was the guy in the hallway?”

“Who?”

“The one you were kissing all up on!”

“Oh! You mean Kenny? Don’t worry about him, we ain’t nothing serious.”

“Alright, whatever you say, dude.”

The boys sat in their last period, math. This was the class neither of them cared about.

They waited and waited until class ended and the boys walked out to Albert’s truck.

The ride home was short and full of music, not unlike any other day. But something seemed off with Albert. He missed the turn into their neighborhood and only noticed after Race reminded him.

Albert pulled into his driveway without dropping Race off. It wasn’t a far walk, but Albert had a normal routine.

“Hey, pal? You okay?” Race asked out sweetly.

“Uh, yeah! Cool.” Albert didn’t really listen to Race, his mind was somewhere else.

“So I guess we’re hanging out today?” Race called back, pointing out the fact that they were at Albert’s house and not his.

“Um, sure, yeah, sorry. Go in, I’ll be there in a second.” Albert replied, trying to pull his focus.

Race walked in to Albert’s empty house while he waited for his best friend to gather his thoughts.

Albert sat in the truck with his forehead rested on the steering wheel. He was thinking. He was lost in his own head and he couldn’t figure out why.

He grabbed his bag and walked inside the house, he couldn’t sit in his truck forever.

“Took ya long enough!” Race cheerfully yelled as Albert walked through the door.

Albert laughed back in response and flopped face-down on the coach, resting his head next to Race’s lap.

Race gently ran his fingers through Albert’s hair and watched as the boy breathed peacefully.

“What’s going on, Al? You ain’t been yourself today.”

Albert muffled indistinctly into the couch.

“Okay well when you’re ready to talk about it, I’ll be here.”

Race knew Albert very well. If he wanted to talk then he would, but forcing him would accomplish nothing. He learned the hard way to wait for him to come around instead.

Race leaned his head back and closed his eyes for a bit, assuming Albert was on the same track he was. Maybe after a nap he would be ready to talk.

Albert felt Race’s hand stop moving. He lifted his head to see the peaceful image of a dozed off Racetrack.

He pushed his body up close and rested his head on Race’s lap. Not realizing Race wasn’t all the way asleep yet, Albert rubbed his legs softly.

“Uh-uh” Race hummed, his eyes still closed.

Albert lifted his head and repositioned himself off of Race. He blushed slightly as Race rolled his head over to his direction and slowly opened his eyes.

“The couch isn’t comfy”, he said, standing up and walking towords the hallway.

Albert followed behind and found his way into his room. By time he got there, Race was already waiting for him on his bed. He watched as Race positioned himself in the blanket.

“It’s nap time”, Race said, softly.

Albert opened up the blanket and laid himself next to Race, leaving a space between them.

It was cold out, cold enough for at least two blankets. Albert was shaking under them both.

Race grabbed Albert by the hips and gently scooted him back towords his own body. Brining warmth to them both. He stopped shaking but his heart kept a steady quick-paced pound.

A bit of time passed but Albert couldn’t seem to rest his head. He was so tired but sleep wouldn’t come.

“Race? Are you still up? I’m ready to talk”, Albert whispered, unsure if he really wanted to or not.

“What’s up?” Race replied, sleepily but still awake.

Albert turned to face Race.

“How do you do it?” He started.

“Do what?” Race replied, confused.

“Kiss people. People you just met. People you aren’t even with. Just...how do you do it?”

“It’s called being a whore.”

“No I’m serious. How do you just kiss people?”

“I don’t know, Al. You just do. Find someone who wants to and just put your mouth on theirs. There ain’t much to it, yanno.”

Albert sighed.

“Al, you’re over-thinking it. Your first kiss doesn’t need to be anything amazing and perfect. Mine wasn’t! I don’t even remember my first time. The best part is once you get the first one over with you can just kiss a lot of other people to make up for the first one. Eventually you’ll be like me and not care.”

“That doesn’t really make me feel better, Racer.”

Albert sat up and faced away from Race.

“Well I’m just tired of you not having a first kiss already!”

Albert crosses his arms and pouted. He definitely was in a mood.

“Well then why don’t you just kiss me and get it over with!”

Albert put his hands over his mouth. He wasn’t suppose to say that. He thought about it—a lot acrually—but he wasn’t suppose to say it out loud.

Race sat up and reached his hand out to grab Albert’s arm but before he could make contact, he ran out the room.

“Al, wait!”

Race did everything he could to wait again; waiting for Al to be ready. But he couldn’t help himself.

He went out and found Albert on the couch. A layer of tears coated the underneath of his eyes and it was obvious he had been picking at his skin again. It happened when he was mad at himself.

“Albie?”

Race tip-toed into the room and kept his voice soft.

Albert didn’t move. Race spoke again.

“Did you mean what you said? About me kissing you?”

“No! Obviously...we’re friends...best friends. We can’t ruin that. I just—I don’t know I was frustrated—“

“But did you mean it?”

“I—I didn’t—I mean I don’t—it’s not that—if you wanted—I mean...”

Albert started getting angry again.

Race rubbed Albert’s leg, something that always calmed him down. It worked for a bit. They sat silently, waiting for the mood to dilute.

They waited. And waited. And waited. Until Albert spoke up.

“I did mean it...I meant all of it.”

“You—“

“But”, Albert continued, “I don’t want it to change anything.”

“How would it—“

“I don’t know, you’ve seen movies. It always does.”

Race decided it was enough talking. He just had one more thing to say. Clearly talking wasn’t getting them where they wanted to be fast enough.

“If you’re ready, and you want it to happen, I won’t stop you, but it’s your decision, Albert. It’s your life and I won’t stop you from doing what you want. I want to, so if you do too, do it.”

Albert looked at Race for the first time since he said it. His eyes were still damp and his face was still red. He took in Race’s words and let out a shaky breath.

He stood up and began to walk back to his room.

“I can’t do it here.”

Race followed behind.

They sat together on his bed. Waiting for the “right” moment. Or at least that’s what Albert was hoping for. He twiddled his fingers and awkwardly looked around the space he knew as his room. Race kept a soft eye on Albert’s movements and reactions.

“Look, Race, this isn’t gonna work. I ruined the moment. This is why no one wants to kiss me or be with me, I have to go and ruin everything I ever build up for myself. You said we could and here we are but I’m stupid and I don’t even know where to start and I just want to but I—“

Albert was cut off by a soft pair of lips pressed upon his own. He was caught off guard, unsure what to really do.

For a moment, he just sat there, waiting for what Race would do. But it was clear Race wanted Albert to lead and be comfortable with his first time.

Not after long, Albert let himself melt into Race. His lips became relaxed and formed to Race’s. He closed his eyes and felt every crevice and every perfect imperfection in Race’s lips.

Albert pulled away. Needing some air. Not yet learning the art of breathing while kissing.

He looked at Race. That soft and almost cocky smile that rested on his face was enough to send him.

He moved his eyes from being met with Race’s to his lips and back up.

Albert leaned back in again, continuing what they started. They kissed again and again. Race subtly teaching Albert what to do as they moved along. Guiding his hands, pushing his lips closer together when he opened them too much, showing him how to move without breaking apart.

Time passed and all the pain and embarrassment Albert felt when the day started was gone.

Everything felt okay for once.

No matter what happened to him and Race after this moment, they still had it. They had this moment. And no one could take that from them.

[enbymagnuss]

i drew some dumbasses on vacation! 

[krustywhore]

¿so what about a ralbert marching band au? i think that’d be hella cool (i love your blog by the way)

omg omg omg if you requested this because i’ve posted some stuff about being in my school’s marching band then thank you so much but if not, i hope you are because i need some band kid friends in this fandom!!

ok so first things first: instruments

albert is a drumline kid 100%

I imagine high school albert as a bit of a fuckboy (like style/appearance wise and in a good way lmao) and that’s usually the Type for the guys in my band’s drumline

he’s probably a snare or a tenor

also, I usually headcanon albert having some sort of adhd and I imagine music would be a way he got used to controlling it over the years, hence why he started playing the drums

race is a saxophone kid and no one can convince me otherwise

i’m guessing he probably starts as an alto and then progresses to tenor eventually (but he was never able to play the bari since it was too heavy and he is a stick boi)

i imagine they both play in jazz band too btw 

anyway, they became friends in elementary school and albert had always wanted to take drum lessons so when his parents finally let him start during middle school, race joined the school band to learn too so they could play together

(ok from here on there’s gonna be some niche stuff that i do in my band so i’m just gonna try to explain it as well as i can rip)

ok so on busses on the way to all of their competitions and performances, they have absolute ragers and albert brings his giant ass speaker and they blare meme songs and race is dancing on the seats and it’s a huge mess

but at night on the way back, everyone is exhausted from a literal entire day of work and it’s like a different world where you’re stuck in this limbo and suddenly all these teenagers toss all their cares and pride and masculinity and all that shit out the window and just let themselves be happy to just be in each other’s company

and basically everyone just gets really cuddly

and that definitely includes race and albert

(in my school’s band, bus rides after performances are the spawn of the majority of band relationships)

and after a few weekends of falling asleep on a bus at midnight and just gravitating towards each other they decide to give it a shot

so for people that are constantly seeing each other whether it’s the fact that they’ve been best friends their whole lives or the fact that they constantly have practices together, they’re always together somehow

even before they start telling people that they’re dating, everyone has shipped them for years

but they’re like the band “it-couple” and thankfully race is pretty light for his height because air he planks perfectly still, albert will let him lay across his tenors and carry him around it’s hilarious

also whenever the school does student concerts, they always do duets

and for their senior prom (they went to junior prom together too, but they had mutually decided not to make it as big of a deal as senior prom) albert gets their entire band (because they all ship them so hard that they’re basically the dads of all of the underclassmen) to go out onto the school’s football field and spell out prom in a drill movement (that just means like the shapes and arrangements that they make on the field) while they play some cute song that probably has some sort of significance to them and it’s so adorable

race just comes running down the bleachers screaming ‘yes’ over and over and the whole band is cheering and a bunch of other students watching are clapping too and it’s so precious

ok that’s all i got but if i ever write a newsies high school au you better believe this is going to be in it

also dm me if anyone wants a video of the band i saw last year performing a newsies/new york themed show it was amazing

[kings-of-newyork]

Personally, I like ralbert because they're best friends who happen to be dating. They don't really know when they started loving each other and they don't really know if they'll ever stop. They started dating because it felt right and it's either a massive reveal or something they've both been waiting for. For Years. They're reckless and impulsive to the core but know their limit. They stay up all night watching shitty movies and arguing about which High School Musical movie is the best because they can't sleep. They have unplanned dates at four am that consist of Race dunking chicken nuggets in Albert's milkshake whilst parked in a field listening to the one CD in Albert's truck (and it's Ariana Grande). They take dumb trips to another state that nobody believes actually happened until they see the photos. They wear silly matching couples costumes that make sense only to them. They have inside jokes and endless stories. They would get married in Vegas because they just so happen to be passing through Vegas one time randomly and, 'Hey, Racer, you know what'd be fucking hysterical?'. They get divorced for fun three years later. They know each other inside out but fuck if Race can tell you Albert's middle name and vice versa. They send each other dumb shit at 5am captioned 'us' and get a 'yeah' back. When they're around each other, Albert softens and Race quiets. They wholly, fully, completely and recklessly love each other.

And Sprace is cool too.

So real of you to say this. I am posing you a question, is ABBA featured in their "music for drives" rotation?

[thegroundsofbrooklyn]

omgomgomg okay. ralbert dickensian era au where albert is the son of a rich family and race is a street kid

so i'm thinking when they're both young, 13 or so, race pickpockets this expensive watch or something from albert's dad and nobody sees him do it except albert

albert has an extremely rocky relationship with his parents and hates how restricted and tied back he feels being forced to live in high society. he has a singular kind-of-friend finch, who's the son of a family friend but is nice to him and seems to understand him. so as he sees this random street boy's hand slip into his father's pocket and pull out the most expensive item he has on him, he meets this kid's eyes and they have suddenly this unspoken moment of solidarity

and this memory follows albert everywhere as he grows up, even though he never sees race again. because the idea that someone who he's always been told he's supposed to scorn and look down on was able to so easily fuck his father over gives him hope that maybe he's not as trapped in this life as he feels.

(also he always remembers the way they seemed to click together when their eyes met. he hasn't ever really been exposed to proper free interaction with other boys, but for some reason this just felt right)

fast forward to when albert turns 18. his parents are sending him to university and on the day he leaves, he has a huge argument with them. so the second he gets off the carriage and arrives at college, he just goes for a walk to clear his head because everything just feels like too much

and as he walks down the street he bumps shoulders with someone who's walking with their head down, and he feels their hand slip into his pocket and grab the pocket watch that his little sister smalls gave him. he yells at the person, but they sprint off before he even gets a chance to see anything except a flash of blond hair. he's heartbroken that he lost this object, and his bad day just got worse.

only that night he hears a knock on his window, and when he goes to investigate he sees none other than the person with blond hair who robbed him earlier, who he suddenly recognises as boy he met all those years ago. race holds out his hand and in it is the pocket watch - he tells albert that he only recognised him after he stole it, so he followed him back to return it. 'i couldn't just leave you, it's been years since that day and i ... i just wanted ...' the 'to see your face again' goes unspoken.

race finds himself knocking on albert's window more and more. he doesn't really mean to, but he can't stop himself from going back again and again and again. both he and albert see a lot of themselves in the other, and as they get closer and closer (and fall in love) it feels like they were made for each other.

unfortunately when the two bullies of the college, oscar and morris, discover albert's relationship with this street boy, they take great delight in letting his father know personally. of course, since this is set when it's set a lot of people are super homophobic, and albert's father is definitely included in that, so he immediately pulls albert out of his university studies and brings him home, giving him a very angry and probably physical telling-off about how he's brought shame upon him. albert knows that if he stays put and goes along with it, he won't ever have agency over his life, so he wastes absolutely no time in locking his bedroom door, grabbing the few things he needs, climbing out the window, and going to find race, before taking him to finch's house, who hasn't seen albert in several years but was always kind and is now able to pass them on to jack and davey, who help them disappear. albert and race are able to escape, running off to a different country where they are able to live privately, finally happy in their lives.

they finally feel like they don't have to run anymore. albert's family erase all record of his connection with them, and he can't really bring himself to care. finch visits albert and race from time to time, and they actually become really good friends. they're safe and happy ... and they all live happily ever after 👍

[daveysjackie]

ralbert and 24 for the spotify wrapped drabbles ?

The Story of Broken Dreams

Spotify Writing Challenge (No 1)

Song: Dastaan-E-Om Shanti Om by Shaan

Albert tugged at his hair in annoyance as he stared into the mirror. He was unused to it not being its usual flaming red.

Davey sighed. “I know, Al.” He exchanged a look with Jack over Albert’s head. “But remember why we’re doing this.”

Albert set his jaw tight, staring at the little picture in the corner of the vanity mirror. “For Race.”

________________________

If this was a spy drama, Albert would be walking into a dark and mysterious casino, full of interesting characters that spoke in hushed whispers, assurances from his friends through the earpiece he had hidden in his ear.

But real life was nothing like that. This casino (if you could even call it that) was dim and dank. That didn’t seem to bother the high profile clients this place served. They were all still dressed in their work suits, chatting with associates as they placed bets that would have any regular person wincing.

Albert felt a little growl of disdain in his chest. These people gambled frivolously. With money and lives.

He stopped at a roulette table, pretending to watch. In reality, he was trying to find Jack and Davey, the only allies he had left.

Davey was on the far side of the casino, at a blackjack table. He had arrived half an hour prior and had already seemed to make himself comfortable. Albert couldn’t help the little snort of amusement that escaped him. Davey was in his element. But a moment later he looked up and saw Albert, his eyes flashing in recognition. He subtly mouthed “Jack” before continuing his game.

To avoid attracting suspicion, Albert placed a bet in the next round while he scanned the casino floor.

Initially, all three of them were going to gamble. However, Albert didn’t own a suit and none of Davey’s suits fitted him. Jack’s did but he only owned one. It took some arranging but Jack called in a few favours and got himself a job as part of the security for the night.

Sure enough, when Albert’s gaze landed on the bar, there was Jack, standing vigilantly, his gaze darting between Albert and Davey. Catching Albert’s eye, he casually tilted his head. Albert followed the movement with his eyes and felt anger bubble inside him when he saw the reason he had come to this place.

Spot Conlon. Laughing raucously with his companions as they gambled, the pile of chips he had was significantly larger than everyone else’s. Albert wouldn’t have been surprised if that was a result of cheating. Spot Conlon would do anything to win.

Even kill.

“I’m sorry, Albert. Maybe if things were different but…I love Spot.”

But Spot didn’t love Race. And Race paid the price.

Albert walked over to the bar, next to Jack, buying himself a seltzer.

“He’s already half-drunk.” Jack paused as Albert swallowed his drink all at once. “Remember, Al. We just need him to confess. Revenge comes later.”

Albert just nodded and made his way over to the poker table.

“Mind if I join?”

Spot Conlon stared him down. “Do I know you?”

Despite how awful he felt dark hair was on him, he was glad Davey had insisted he dye it. “I don’t believe we’ve met.” He held out his hand. “Francis Sullivan,” he introduced, using Jack’s birth name. Spot didn’t recognise him and it would be best if it were kept that way.

“Spot Conlon.” They shook hands and Albert sat.

They played a few rounds and the entire time, everyone around the table shared stories of exploits, real and fictional. The common theme of utilising others made Albert feel unnerved.

“You’ve been awfully quiet, Francis.” Spot was staring at him, curiously. “A man such as yourself must know a good story.”

Albert had been keeping tabs on how much Spot had drunk since he’d arrived. If he hadn’t been drunk before, he certainly was now.

“Well, I did hear a very interesting story from a few years back.” He subtly reached into his pocket and covered up the click of the recording device with a cough.

“Let’s hear it then.”

“The story starts with a young man, an actor. He specialised in dramas and the like. Always one for some embellishment. And he had a friend who loved him.”

“But…I love Spot. Actually, we’re getting married.”

“But he didn’t love his friend. Instead, he was getting married to a big shot. Some man who earned his money in less than legal ways.”

The men at the table cheered. Of course they would cheer, the man in the story was like them.

But Spot had started to recognise…something. His eyes were fixed on Albert, all attention diverted from the game.

Albert didn’t falter. “The actor and his fiancé went to the place they wanted to get married. The…uh…”

“The venue,” Spot filled in, stretching the syllables in what Albert thought was either suspicion or a drunken slur.

“Yep. And the fiancé, no one knows why, burned it down…with the actor inside.”

Mutters erupted at the table, the game effectively halted.

“But there’s a part of the story that no one knows.” Albert locked eyes with Spot Conlon, keeping his gaze and voice steady. “The friend of the actor had followed them and had seen and heard it all. He tried to rescue the man he loved but failed. Nearly died. They say he’s out for revenge.”

“Who did you say you were?” Spot growled.

Albert shrugged and left the table, excusing himself.

As he walked outside to the alleyway, he knew he was being followed. But he didn’t turn until Spot reached out and spun him by the shoulder.

“I shoulda recognised that stupid voice of yours, Albert.”

“That’s on you, Spot. Just like Race’s blood is.”

“Anthony deserved what was coming. He was sticking his nose into business that didn’t concern him.”

“Your business?”

Spot roughly shoved him against the wall. “Yes. My business. He knew too much. He had to die.”

“Albert! I can’t get out!”

“It’s okay, Racer. You’ll be okay.”

Albert snarled and grabbed Spot, spinning them around so it was Spot pinned against the wall. “You didn’t have to kill him. He loved you.”

Spot stared at Albert for a long moment then started laughing. A deep, scary laugh that made Albert loosen his grip ever so slightly.

“‘There’s a part of the story that no one knows,’” Spot told him between chuckles, echoing Albert’s story earlier. “When the fire died out, the fiancé went back, to make sure the actor was dead. But that stubborn little bastard had found himself a little corner to hide in. So his fiancé had to finish the job.”

Albert’s eyes widened, hoping to God that the recording device was picking this up.

“What did you do?”

Spot grinned wolfishly. “That venue has a beautiful chandelier hanging from the ceiling, undamaged by the fire. A miracle really.”

Albert pushed against Spot harder. “What. Did. You. Do?”

“Directly underneath it,” Spot continued, as if he hadn’t been interrupted. “In the ground, there’s the body. Little bastard didn’t stop screaming even after his fiancé sealed his grave.”

Spot shoved Albert, who was so shocked, he just stumbled backwards.

But Spot was still laughing. “And now, the actor’s friend will join him in hell.” He reached into his coat and pulled out a gun, aiming it straight at Albert’s head.

“Drop the gun, Spotty. Or I’ll empty mine into the cavity where your heart should be.” Jack and Davey both emerged at the end of the alleyway. Jack’s gun was aimed directly at Spot.

“Well, if it isn’t my darling brothers-in-law.”

Albert saw Davey put a hand on Jack’s shoulder. “I only had one brother-in-law,” he said smoothly. “And you killed him.”

Spot snorted. “None of you have proof. Who do you think the police will believe, me? Or a lovelorn friend, an alcoholic brother and his enabling husband?” But he seemed reasonably cowed at being outnumbered because he pocketed the gun, spat on the ground and shoved past Albert.

Davey immediately rushed to Albert’s side. Jack kept his gun trained on Spot until he was out of sight before joining them.

“Didya get it?”

With shaking hands, Albert pulled out the recording device, pausing it. “I got it.” He held it against his chest as he watched Jack and Davey kiss.

They were one step closer to avenging his Race.

[to-be-a-dreamer]

"i don't wanna keep secrets just to keep you" for a fic title (i'm regretting this already)

Rae, what was that you were saying about me writing too much angst? I can’t remember. Anywho:

CW: child abuse, blood, mention of homophobic slurs

We're gonna do a Ralbert one, spice things up a bit (for me anyways)

I'm thinking a high school AU in which Race and Albert have been dating for a little over six months, but they're keeping it a secret because Al isn't out yet. Race has been out and proud since freshman year, but Albert's afraid of what his father would say/do.

So they don't tell anyone, not even their closest friends or Race's brothers. Gossip spreads fast in their little town and they don't want to risk it. Besides, they've been best friends since they were little, so the fact that they're so affectionate with each other isn't suspicious. (At least they think so. Race's brothers, Charlie and Jack, are very well aware)

While they're at school, out with their friends, or around any other person, they pretend they're just friends. Their relationship is made up of quick glances that hold a thousand words, touches that linger just a tad too long to be considered friendly, and stolen kisses from within every hidden alcove they can find.

The only place they can truly act like boyfriends is Race's bedroom (they don't do anything like that they just cuddle and kiss and talk all lovey-dovey in the ways they can't when they're in public)

And that's good enough for Albert. Sure, he'd love to be able to be with Race publicly, but he's happy just knowing that Race belongs to him, and he belongs to Race.

Loving Race in private already makes him feel like the luckiest person on the planet, he doesn't need anything more.

(It's not enough for Race, but Albert doesn't know that.)

So anyways, one day they're hanging out at Albert's house, not doing anything coupley at all. They are quite literally just existing but, at some point, Albert's dad calls Race the f-slur.

And Albert just goes off on his dad cause even if he's not out, even if he were actually straight, he would never let someone get away with talking to Race like that.

The argument quickly escalates into an all-out yelling match between the two of them and Albert is so mad he can't even care enough to worry about how angry his dad looks. Mostly because his dad has never hit him in front of another person before, but it starts to feel like a "first time for everything" kind of situation.

So he just grabs Race's hand and leaves, still yelling over his shoulder as the door slams in his face. He left his car keys inside so they decide to walk to the Larkin house. It's not that far, Albert used to walk there all the time before he got his license.

Albert is still very mad at his father so he rants the entire walk, apologizes for his dad's behavior, and then rants some more. He drops Race's hand as they pass by the busy corner store he knows their friends like to go to. Race wraps his arms tightly around himself so Albert doesn't try to take his hand again, even when they're in the clear.

It takes nearly the entire walk for Albert to calm down enough to realize Race hasn't said a word the entire time. Which is enough to make him stop instantly and force all the anger out of his voice.

"Hey, hey look at me. I'm sorry for yelling so much. Are you okay? We're almost home and then we can watch a movie or some-" "I can't do this anymore"

At first, Albert thinks Race is just upset about what happened, which he has a right to be, so he tries to apologize for his dad again but Race cuts him off.

He's done, he's done sneaking around, he's done lying to his family, he's done pretending they're just friends. Race doesn't want to keep hiding, he wants to love Albert publicly but he can't, and that kills him. And as he keeps talking, Albert can tell that this has been coming on for a while, it wasn't just what his dad said.

Al tries to talk him out of it, of course. He promises that they can do more, that they can be more open. They can hold hands at school, they can go out on dates where no one knows them, maybe they can even tell their friends! But Race says no. He won't let Albert put himself in danger like that.

"You heard what your dad was sayin', and that was just about me! Imagine what he'd do if he knew, Al, you can't just... If we keep doing this, he's gonna find out, you know he will, and I'm not gonna be the reason you get hurt, you hear me? If keepin' you safe means we can't be together then t-that's an easy decision for me."

And so that's that. They go into Race's house and try to pretend everything's fine in front of Jack and Charlie. (Albert tried to go back home but Race wouldn't let him, not with how furious his father had looked when they left.)

Everyone notices that something's wrong. Race's brothers, all their friends, even the teachers. But neither of them can tell the truth, so all they did was trade one secret for another. Except now they don't have each other to lean on.

Race is coping (barely). It hurts, a lot, but he's been considering a break-up for nearly a month at this point; hearing all of the awful things Albert's father said just gave him the final push he needed. He loves Albert, but he's not going to let him get hurt by being in a relationship with Race. He would never be able to forgive himself. That's the only thing keeping him from calling Albert at two in the morning when he misses him so much he can barely breathe.

Albert is decidedly not coping. He and Race had only been dating for about six months, but he couldn't remember a time in his life when they weren't best friends. They'd been attached at the hip since they met, and he's never not been able to talk to Race about anything and everything. So it's not just the fact that he lost Race as a boyfriend, he also lost Race as a friend, and that's the part that hurts the most

So he breaks. He's eating dinner with his dad and his older brothers, barely even listening to the conversation, when he hears that word again. They're throwing it around like it means nothing, laughing like it's some joke. And all Albert can think about is how he wants to call Race and talk about how awful he feels having to listen to his own family say such horrible things. How he wants nothing more than to call them out and teach them better. How he knows he can't because they'd never listen to him. And Race would tell him it's not his fault that they're stuck in their prejudice and it's not his responsibility to teach them to be better. He'd say that keeping himself safe is more important than trying to change the minds of people who don't want to change.

Albert just wants to talk to his best friend.

But he can't, and even if he did, the problem he wants to talk about is the exact reason Race broke up with him in the first place and he knows Race is probably right but he just misses him so much and his family won't stop saying that word.

He didn't even mean to say it, it just slips out before he can stop himself. He can barely even believe he'd actually done it but the conversation goes dead silent and when he looks up there are three pairs of eyes staring him down. His brothers look like a couple of deer caught in headlights, but his father is absolutely thunderous.

His brothers laugh awkwardly and try to divert the conversation, but Albert just lifts his chin and looks his father dead in the eye. It's done now. If he's going down he's going down with his head held high

His father doesn't yell, which is a surprise. Albert had thought he'd scream for at least a few minutes before he threw the first punch. But his father starts hitting first and then adds the shouting. Albert's not really paying attention to what he's saying, but he can make a pretty good guess.

He gets away, somehow. He thinks one of his brothers managed to get their father off of him long enough for the other to pull him to his feet and shove him out the door. He yells at Al to run and then the door slams shut.

Albert can hear more shouting and something breaking, probably a plate getting thrown at a wall (he hopes it's a wall). He takes the advice and runs. He's not even paying attention to where he's going but he isn't surprised when he ends up turning onto Race's street. He doesn't slow down until he can see the house that feels more like a home than his own. Some of the adrenaline wears off and he starts to feel the damage his father did.

It's still fairly early in the evening, but Albert doesn't want to knock on the front door if he looks half as bad as he feels. He goes to Race's window and knocks on it four times, the signal they came up with in middle school.

Race almost doesn't answer. He thinks he knows what Albert wants and it's not a conversation he wants to have again. But the second he gets a glimpse of Al's face he throws the window open instantly and pulls him inside. He doesn't even ask what happened, he already knows. Race calls out for Medda immediately and is met with several protests.

"Come on, she's gonna freak out, don't-" "I'm freaking out, Al, at least Ma knows how to hide it."

And she does. She gets Albert patched up without letting the kind, concerned expression fall for even a second, despite the rage bubbling beneath the surface. She's going to be having a very long conversation with Mr. DaSilva in the morning. She decides they don't need to go to the ER right now, but they might later if he starts showing signs of a concussion. By some miracle, nothing's broken so she just cleans the blood off Albert's face, puts a bandage over the cut on his temple, and gives him an ice pack for his headache.

Once she leaves to find some pain medicine, Race turns to Albert and gives him a look. And Albert has to explain what happened, what his family was saying, how angry and alone he felt, how much he just wanted to call Race and talk like they used to. And then...

"I didn't even mean to say it, honest! I know you're gonna be mad but I swear it just slipped out!" "Al. What did you do?" "I-I told him that I'm gay."

And Race is torn between being angry (because this is exactly what he told Albert not to do), proud (because Race had a hard enough time coming out to his own family and had known they would be supportive), and sympathetic (because even though they both knew how his father would react, Race knew it had to hurt, opening yourself up like that to someone who was supposed to love you unconditionally and getting it thrown back in your face)

He wants to yell, he wants to be angry, but Albert just looks so heartbroken and... almost... uncomfortable? Like he wasn't sure if he was supposed to be here, in this house that was the first place either of them had ever felt truly safe. And Race just can't bring himself to be mad (and yeah, he missed Albert too)

So while Albert waits for the inevitable lecture, Race leans forward and pulls his best friend into a hug. Just holds him close and rubs his back and mutters encouragement in his ear and lets Albert cry.

Things aren't all better now. Race still doesn't want to be in a relationship if they have to keep it a secret, his heart couldn't take another second of that. Albert doesn't know when or if he'll ever go back to his own house, or what might be waiting there for him when he does. They need to talk. About a lot of things. About everything. But they have each other back now, and they're never going to let go, no matter what comes next.

And when Medda comes back with the medicine (okay maybe she took a little bit longer than necessary), she just smiles and leaves the bottle next to the two boys who had fallen asleep in each other's arms.

[aerinthefish]

I was gonna make this into a fic but I’m too busy so here’s a buncha jumbled thoughts abt modern au high school Ralbert

So Ralbert

But Race likes to lie a lot and make sarcastic jokes with a deadpan face

And Albert is the only one who can tell when he’s being serious (his smirk is, like, slightly different but Al can’t explain it)

So Jack will regularly go to him if his brother is lying

And the group will all just turn to Al when Race lies to make sure he’s joking about breaking into the zoo cause, shit, we have class tomorrow Race!

And like Race will fake flirt w everyone

But also w Albert

But Albert can tell he’s not lying when he compliments his dimples

But Albert doesn’t want to call him out on it so like??? He just doesn’t?? Until they’re having a Friday Movie Night

And Race isn’t even paying attention to Mean Girls (the nerve)

So Albert does have to call him out

“Stop lookin’ at me, Race”

“I like lookin at ya”

“Your lies used to be more believable”

“‘M not lyin’, Al”

Oh. “Yeah I know”

“Oh, cool”

“Cool”

And one day after track practice, Race is like looking over at Al who is waiting for him for their weekly Friday Movie Night

And Jack is like oh shit

So he calls Albert up the next day and is like

“Dude, Race is so in love with you”

And Albert’s like “yeah ik”

“What do you mean you know?”

Albert shrugs “I can tell. He knows I know too. We just don’t really talk abt it that much”

Jack is just. Dumbfounded

“My little brother, the one you’ve been in love with since third grade—“

“Now wait a minute—“

“Don’t interrupt me. My brother that you’ve been in love with for years loves you back and you haven’t fucking done anythin??”

“I haven’t been in love with him since third grade, first of all. And second of all, we’re literally dating so like. I can’t marry him or anything. What else do you want me to do??”

And Jack is so shocked he just hangs up

Cause shit he didn’t know they were dating

And he starts to realize things like

Their movie nights? Dates

When Albert “left” his letterman jacket at their house and Race “happened” to forget his coat that day

When Albert brings two of everything in his lunch because Race hates school lunch but won’t pack his own

Their conversations in a few gestures and expressions, their jokes, the fact that they literally always touch some part of each other, whether it’s a hand, a hip, a shoulder

And, most obvious of all, all the times he’s gone into Race’s room after a quick knock to find a blushing Albert and a smirking Race on opposite sides of the bed

God, Jack is stupid

Davey agrees but he didn’t know they were dating either so ha! suck it Dave

So when Race turns nineteen and moves in with Albert, Jack isn’t surprised

He’s not surprised when they impulsively go to Italy for three months

And he’s certainly not surprised when Race proposes to Albert at the ripe old age of 22 and they elope the next week

He refuses to be surprised by his train wreck of a little brother and his new brother in law

[nyoomnyoomplane]

hello, i wrote a ralbert one-shot based on paper rings by taylor swift. Thank you to my friends who proof-read and helped me with it.

TW: Mentions of death.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Race rested his head on Albert's chest. Albert ran his fingers through Race's hair as they looked up at the sky.

"Did you there's 200 billion trillion stars in the sky?" Race asked, gesturing up at the sky. "We can only see 9,069 of them but even then we can only see about 2,000 of them without a telescope on a very dark night."

"Wow," Albert said in amazement. "That's so cool."

"Yeah. And stars travel in companions and clusters. I'd like to think you're my companion."

"We're definitely companions," Albert agreed, pressing a kiss to Race's forehead.

Race smiled and cuddled himself into Albert's chest.

"Look at the moon. It's so bright tonight," Albert commented. He smiled at the look on Race's face. "You look like you have facts. Spill."

"The moon is a quarter of the size of the Earth and the gravity there is a sixth of our gravity here." Race rambled. "It doesn't produce its own light too. It reflects light from the sun."

"You're just full of facts." Albert watched Race, smiling. "I love them."

Race blushed and turned around so he was lying face down on Albert's chest.

"The moon reminds me of when we met," Race commented. "It's so high in the sky."

"Like how Finch was so high he thought he was able to fly."

"That was kind of funny," Race laughed. "I don't remember much from the night except the really cute boy I was with all night."

"And who might that have been?" Albert teased.

"You," Race said, pressing a kiss to Albert's nose.

~~~

Race grumbled as he was dragged along by Jack.

"I hate you," he grumbled, glaring at the back of his older brother's head.

"No you don't."

"I don't," Race agreed. "But if you keep dragging me to parties I will."

"Racer, you need to get out of the house. All you do is study and play board games with Mama," Jack said. "You need to get a life."

"I have a life. I got into an Ivy League school and have great grades."

Jack sighed. "College shouldn't be your life."

"'College shouldn't be your life.'" Race mocked, a smug grin on his face.

Jack chose not to reply, deciding to wait until they were at the party to try converse with his brother again.

"Just have fun Racer," Jack instructed. "And don't do any drugs or drink anything you or someone you trust poured."

"Aye, aye, Cowboy." Race mock saluted before walking off in a random direction away from Jack.

Almost immediately he bumped into someone.

"Sorry," he blurted out quickly. "I wasn't watching where I was going."

"It's alright. I don't mind when pretty boys bump into me."

Race blushed at the compliment. "I'm Antonio." He held out his hand for the boy to shake.

"Albert," the boy replied, taking Race's hand and kissing his knuckles. "Can I get you a drink?"

Race nodded, ignoring Jack's prior warning completely. He technically knew Albert, even if his name was all he knew.

"I've never seen you around before," Albert commented as he poured Race a drink.

"I go to Columbia. My brother goes here and dragged me along."

"Ooh," Albert grinned. "An Ivy League boy. So you're cute and smart."

Race shrugged, hoping to hide the obvious reddening of his face.

Albert didn't notice the red colour of Race's face as his back was turned while he poured the drinks.

He passed one of the red solo cups over to Race.

"What's that?" Race asked.

"It's vodka. You've drank before, right?"

Race shook his head. "No. I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. If you don't like it I can get you something not as strong but you can try it if you want."

Race nodded and took a sip. He visibly cringed at the taste.

"That's- I don't even know what that was."

"Here, take this beer." Albert passed Race over another cup. "It's not as strong."

Race smiled gratefully, taking another sip. This time he didn't cringe at the taste.

"What do you study?" Race asked Albert as they leaned against a wall, away from the big crowds.

"General science," Albert stated. "No clue what I want to do with that but it's the one I did best at in high school so I went with it."

"You could always become a science teacher. They're always really cool."

"I guess but I don't care about that tonight. I just care about getting blacked out. Who needs to care about life when cheap vodka exists."

Race laughed.

He went to reply to Albert but was cut off.

"Hey Albert. We've got some pot, do you- Oh, you're with a guy. Never mind."

Albert looked over at the two boys and shot them a glare, they quickly went away.

"Sorry. That's my friends," he said with a small laugh. "They spend parties getting high."

"I'd be killed if I got high," Race said with a laugh, remembering Jack's rules. "My brother would never let me out of his sight again."

Albert and Race stayed talking the entirety of the night, enjoying each other's company and particularly enjoying the alcohol in their systems.

Race was eventually dragged away from his conversations with Albert at the late - or early - hour of two in the morning.

"Come on Race. We have to get home."

"Jack, do you know Albert?" Race asked, his words slurring from the alcohol in his system.

"Maybe, I don't know."

"Can you help me find his Instagram? I want to stalk him. He's really cute but he's a redhead. I think I could let it slide thought since he's so cute," he rambled, his words both incredibly slow and mushed together at the same time.

"Sure, whatever. Let's get home first."

Race passed out as soon as he got home but he wouldn't stop talking about Albert the entire walk home, Jack would have thought it was annoying if Race wasn't so hilarious in his drunkenness.

~~~

Race sat awkwardly on Albert's bed as he waited for his newly boyfriend. Albert had said he was going to go get snacks for them.

Not knowing what to do, he started to look around Albert's room, without moving though. There was nothing more embarrassing than being caught looking around someone's room.

His attention was quickly brought to a small pile of books beside Albert's bed. He'd heard of most of them but didn't recognise two of the titles.

Pulling out the second one from the top, the pink cover drawing his attention. He turned the book around to read the blurb. It sounded interesting, some romance book. Race had never been one for romance, or books, but this one didn't seem too bad.

After flicking through to make sure Albert wasn't in the middle of reading it, he put it in his bag to bring home and read later.

Albert came back into the room a moment later, carrying two mugs and some chocolate. "There isn't much in the apartment right now," he explained. "So I hope these are okay."

Race took one of the mugs from him and smiled. "It's alright. I like chocolate."

As he sat down beside Race, Albert noticed something was off about his bedside locker. "Why do I think something's changed?"

Race pulled the book out from his bag, holding it out to Albert.

"I'm stealing this," he announced proudly. "If that's okay, of course."

"Yeah, of course. It's a good book. You'll like it."

Race went on to steal all of Albert's books during the long length of their relationship.

~~~

Albert smiled across the table at Race as their waiter poured them glasses of wine.

He said his 'thank you's when the glasses were placed in front of them before he went back to staring at Race.

"Take a picture, it'll last longer," Race teased.

"I have lots of pictures," Albert replied, lifting up his phone. "But if you insist."

He quickly took a picture of Race, knowing that if he took too long Race would start making faces to annoy him.

"You look amazing," Albert said with a smile.

"You look amazinger," Race countered, a playful grin on his face.

"That's not a word."

"It is now."

Albert chuckled. "How's the wine?"

"It's cold, but in a nice way."

"Good. I got us a sauvignon blanc so it's supposed to be chilled," Albert explained, taking a sip from his wine glass.

"I don't understand how you know all the different wines," Race said with a smile. "To me there's just red and white."

"It's like you and astronomy. It just sticks in my head." Albert shrugged. "And it helps impress my cute boyfriend."

"Well I appreciate that you try to impress me."

Albert grinned across the table at Race. "Do I?"

"Most definitely yes."

The couple drifted into a comfortable silence, each simply enjoying the other's presence.

"Hey Racer," Albert said, breaking their silence. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Antonio-"

"Oh no it's the real name," Race whispered dramatically.

Albert looked at him helplessly. "Please. Just let me talk."

Race nodded and took Albert's hand. "Go on, I'll always listen to you."

"We've been dating for a while and I want to talk to you about our relationship."

Albert immediately frowned when Race's face dropped.

"No, It's not bad," he promised. "I love you so much and I know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Albert reached across the table and held Race's hand.

"We've been dating for a few years and I'd say we're fairly serious." Race nodded in agreement. "And I think we need to talk about some things before we get serious serious."

"Yeah," Race agreed. "What do you want to talk about."

"This is stupid but do you want kids? Not now but at some point in your life."

"I really do," Race said, nodding. "I've always wanted a little girl, to be honest. I always thought that if I ever had a daughter I would name her Clara after my mother."

"That's so lovely," Albert gushed.

Race smiled. "Do you want kids?"

Albert nodded, taking a sip of his wine. "I wasn't always sure if I wanted kids but since I met you I know I do."

"I guess we'll be fathers at one point then."

"I guess so."

~~~

"Hey isn't that that guy you were talking to at that party last week?" Finch asked, poking Albert in the side to get his attention.

Albert looked over his shoulder and groaned. "Do you even remember the party? You were that high I thought you were about to fly away."

"I felt like that but, Jesus, it isn't worth the feeling after."

"So I've heard. That's why I try not to take drugs," Albert pointed out.

Albert glanced over his shoulder and noticed Antonio was nearer to them than he'd anticipated. "Can you hide me?" he asked, his eyes pleading.

Mush blinked. "Why? I thought you two hit it off." He helped block Albert regardless, but his glances did not go unnoticed.

"We did but I said some stupid stuff," Albert grumbled. "And I was so black out drunk I can't remember what I said."

"It can't be that bad if he's coming over here now," Mush said, nudging Albert in the shoulder. "Maybe he actually enjoyed talking with you."

"Doubt that. I'm going to the bathroom."

Albert stood up and walked away from his two friends as quickly as he could, making a beeline for the nearest bathrooms.

"Hi, I'm Race," he heard Antonio say to his friends as he walked away.

Albert sighed once he was in the bathroom.

He really liked Antonio but he felt so stupid. He'd acted like an idiot in front of him the first time they met.

Or at least he thought he'd acted like an idiot, that entire night was nothing more than a blur to him.

A blur with the name Antonio and that beautiful face constantly popping up.

Albert sighed again and mentally cursed at himself for getting hung up over some guy from a party.

The creaking of the hinges on the bathroom door opening brought Albert back to the painful reality that he was standing in a public bathroom trying to avoid a guy.

He really wondered what his life had become.

"Hey Albert." The sound of Antonio's voice made Albert's heart jump for joy. "Your friends said I'd find you in here."

"Oh. Hi Antonio," Albert said, running a hand to his hair in an attempt to at least look put together.

"It's Race actually," Race corrected. "Everyone just calls me by my nickname. Except for my mother but, you know, mothers."

Albert looked down at his shoes. They were very nice shoes, in his opinion.

"My parents disowned me a few years ago so I moved here," he explained. "Mush is my cousin so I stayed with him and his parents. I never really had a great relationship with my parents anyway so, I don't really know."

Albert felt like an idiot telling a guy he'd only met once before when he was drunk stuff it'd taken him months to tell his friends.

"My birth mother died when I was six. I was adopted when I was fourteen though and I miss my birth mother but I also love my adoptive mother so much."

"That's nice. I like to think that blood doesn't really matter. I know me and Mush are related by blood but some of my other friends are basically my brothers."

"Yeah. I suppose so."

An awkward silence fell between the two of them, Albert rubbing the back of his neck while Race fiddled with some loose threads in his pocket.

"So, neither of us have straightforward families," Race said with a strangled laugh.

Albert smiled and took a half step closer to Race.

"Would you like to tell me more about your not straightforward family over coffee, or maybe cheap dinner because I'm a broke college student?" Albert asked.

"I would quite like that," Race agreed, a grin tugging at his lips. "As long as you won't give me the cold shoulder after it again."

Albert laughed awkwardly, offering Race a cheeky smile.

"I'm sorry about that. I thought I'd said some stupid stuff and you'd never want to see me again."

"Quite the opposite. I've been dying to see you again."

~~~

Race's breaths came out in pants as he sat up in his and Albert's bed.

Even after all those years of being out of his father's care he still had nightmares which left him waking up fearing for his life.

Albert always told him to wake him up when he had a nightmare but he never did.

Albert had enough to worry about without having to worry about him too.

In his opinion, the fact that he still got nightmares as a twenty-two year old was embarrassing.

And Albert didn't need to know that. It wasn't important.

Race glanced over at Albert, a small smile growing on his face.

He lay back down, facing Albert, watching him sleep peacefully.

"I love you," he whispered, barely audibly.

Race lifted his hand up and brushed a strand of Albert's hair with a mind of its own behind his ear.

Race wondered how he'd ended up with such a beautiful boyfriend whenever he got to witness him sleeping peacefully.

"Good night, Al." He pressed a light kiss to Albert's nose before closing his eyes and laying his head down beside Albert's head.

~~~

Race looked across the picnic blanket, smiling at the boy sitting across from him.

Albert was attempting to take their lunch out of the bag without any help from Race.

He refused to let Race even come near the bag.

Race didn't understand why but wasn't bothered to argue, he enjoyed being treated every once in a while.

It was one of his favourite things as he got to watch Albert. His hair falling over his eyes and the look of concentration of his face made Race's heart skip a beat.

"What are you staring at?" Albert teased, a playful grin pulling at his lips.

"Just a very handsome guy," Race replied. "He's a real catch."

Albert moved so he was sitting beside Race. "Oh really? Where is he?"

"Right beside me." Race gently grabbed Albert's chin and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

The couple ate their picnic happily, simply enjoying the other's presence.

"Can I talk to you Racer?" Albert asked seriously when they were half-way through their picnic.

"Of course. Is everything okay?"

"I like shiny things but I would marry you with paper rings," Albert said, looking into Race's eyes.

Albert pulled the box from his back pocket and got onto one knee. "Antonio Higgins, who'll you marry me?"

Race nodded, not able to form words in his state of pure joy.

Albert slipped the ring onto Race's left ring finger. He gently kissed Race as he did so.

"You're the one I want."

"I hate accidents," Race said once he had processed everything. "Except when we went from boyfriends to-" He lifted his hand with the ring on it in the air. "-this.

"I love you Racer," Albert said, leaning down to kiss Race on the lips again.

"I love you too Al."

~~~

Albert laughed at how much Race was shaking.

"Come one. You said you wanted to go swimming on our trip."

"Yeah," Race agreed. "But I meant in an indoor pool. Not one outdoors in December."

"Come on, it'll be fun," Albert teased, nudging Race in the side.

"I'm only going in if you do."

"Fine." Albert jumped into the pool, enjoying the feeling of the water surrounding him.

Sure it was cold but it made him feel so awake and alive, so human.

When he resurfaced an idea came to his mind, what could be better than playing a prank of his fiancé while they were away?

"It's warm," he said. "I'm pretty sure it's a heated pool."

Race nodded and jumped in after him, fully believing Albert's words.

As soon as he hit the water, he tensed up, trying to stop the cold water from touching him.

His attempts were, obviously, unsuccessful as a moment later he was fully submerged in the freezing cold water.

He quickly swam over to Albert and, as he resurfaced, playfully slapped him. "You are horrible," he shouted.

Albert grinned cheekily. "Thanks. I make sure to be horrible just for you."

"I think I'm going to die Albert," Race dramatised. "You have given the love of your life hypothermia."

"Okay," Albert replied calmly, ignoring Race's dramatics.

"This is it. I can see a bright light."

"That's because you're staring straight into the sun."

Albert covered Race's eyes with his hand to protect them from the sun, all while rolling his eyes quite profusely.

"Do you want to get out?" he asked, lifting Race so his head was on Albert's shoulder and the rest of him was floating.

"I don't want to make you get out of you don't want to."

"I think there's some better indoor things we could do," Albert pointed out. He swam over to the edge of the pool. "Let's go."

They both climbed out of the pool, Albert with significantly less grumbling than Race.

He wrapped Race in his fluffy towel, making sure to kiss the top of Race's head, even though his hair was wet and tasted of chlorine.

"Thank you Al," Race said appreciatively, leaning to he was tucked into Albert's side.

Albert wrapped Race up in his arms once he too had his towel wrapped around him.

"What do you want to do?" Race asked. "I think we should cuddle."

"I second that. Let's go."

~~~

Race flicked his paintbrush towards Albert, laughing at the splatters of blue paint that made their way to his face and hair.

"Look at you," he said, giggling as he spoke. "You're turning into a smurf."

Albert rolled his eyes and went back to painting the bedroom wall.

While he was painting, and Race was looking away, he painted his hand to get Race back.

He grabs Race's wrist with his unpainted hand and spun Race around to face him.

"What was that for?" Race laughed. "I'm not complaining, it's just unusual."

"I just want a kiss from my gorgeous boyfriend," Albert said with an innocent smile.

Race leaned in and kissed Albert, smiling the entire time.

Albert lifted his painted hand up to Race's cheek.

Race pulled away, a look of fake hurt in his face.

"Albert," he shouted in annoyance. "That was evil."

Race took his paintbrush and ran it across Albert's face.

"This is war," Albert said dramatically, dipping his brush in the paint.

Race squealed when he was splattered by a lot of paint, especially when some got in his mouth.

Albert laughed and wiped some of the paint away from Race's chin.

Race looked past Albert's shoulder and his face dropped.

"Jack's going to kill us," Race said, his eyes widening in realisation.

Albert looked over his shoulder and realised what Race was seeing.

They had splattered paint onto one of Jack's paintings, a painting undoubtedly of Santa Fe.

"I'm sure he'll understand?" Race tried to offer but the uncertainty in his voice clearly gave him away.

Albert stepped closer to the painting to examine the splatters. "Do you think we could get it off?" he asked.

"I think it's dried. Jack bought one of those fast-drying paints for the walls," Race explained. "It's too late now."

"We should go," Albert said, putting his paintbrush into the tray. "I'll write him a note."

"That sounds like a good idea. I'll call him too so he can't say we didn't warn him."

The couple put away all the painting supplies and quickly left the apartment arm in arm, after leaving many warnings for Jack, of course.

~~~

Race internally cursed as he watched Albert across the room. Though, some of his internal curses were not quite so internal.

"What do you mean 'you were texting your ex'? Why would you do that?" he shouted at Albert, slamming his hand down on the coffee table.

"I didn't mean to," Albert defended. "He texted me on Instagram and I thought he was trying to be polite. I didn't know."

"When has he ever been polite? Or civil? Or anything that isn't trying to get back with you?" Race queried, raising his eyebrows in anger. Albert went to speak but was promptly cut off by Race continuing on. "Never. That's how much. Never."

"Racer-"

"No," Race shouted, cutting Albert off. "You said you wouldn't talk to him after the first time but you did it again."

"I'm sorry." Albert moved forward, reaching forward to hold Race's elbow to steady him.

Race shook his head and pulled his arm away from Albert's touch.

A sob escaped his lips as he looked Albert in the eyes.

"Can I hug you?" Albert asked gently.

Race shook his head but when he leaned forward and almost fell onto Albert, Albert quickly wrapped Race up in his arms.

"I'm sorry. I really am," Albert promised him. "I keep trying to block him but he makes new accounts."

"I'm sorry for shouting. I overreacted and I let my feelings dictate my actions."

"I'm sorry too." Albert gently kissed Race's forehead. "Do you want the bed to yourself tonight? Some space might be good."

Race shook his head. "No, I want to be with you tonight."

"Let's head up then, you look exhausted."

~~~

Albert held Race's hand tightly as they sat outside the hospital ward, waiting for the nurse to give them the news.

They'd waited a whole nine months for this day and they honestly couldn't believe that they were about to meet their baby.

The suspense of it all was killing then too. Deciding that only finding out the gender after the baby was born was something they both mildly regretted.

The fact that they'd waited so long and they were minutes away made the wait feel so much longer.

"Are you ready?" Albert asked Race, holding his husband close.

Race looked unsure. "What if I turn out like my father? I don't want to be like that."

"You won't," Albert promised. "You know why, because you care and you love our baby. Even though we haven't met them."

"But he cared for me until Momma died. What if that happens too?"

"It won't happen because I'm not leaving you anytime soon and that's a promise."

Race nodded. "I trust you. I'm going to be such a better father."

"That's right. Our kid is going to have the best fathers," Albert stated.

"I'm looking for Mr. Higgins and-" The nurse didn't get a chance to continue thanks to Albert and Race shooting up out of their seats.

"That's us," Albert said.

"Okay. If you'd like to come with me and meet your baby." The nurse turned and started walking down the corridor before either of them had a chance to answer.

They followed quickly after him, Race's grip on Albert's hand getting tighter as they neared the nursery.

The nurse stopped outside the viewing window. "That's him over there-" he pointed to a baby boy. "-three in from the left. I'll leave you two."

"We've got a baby boy," Race said in amazement. "We have our baby boy at last."

"We do. He's beautiful." Albert smiled and dropped his head onto Race's shoulder.

Race brought his hand up and brushed his fingers through Albert's hair, loving the feeling of it running through his fingers.

"I can't believe we've come so far," he admitted. "I can still remember the day we met like yesterday."

"It's been a year since we got married. I just can't get that round my head," Albert laughed. "That's I've been married to the man of my dreams for a year."

"And now we've got a tiny boy to call ours."

"I've only seen him for, like, five minutes and he's already about to knock you off of your spot as the person I love the most," Albert joked.

"I could live with that."

"Do you want me to get you a coffee?" Albert offered. "You've been up for a while."

"I think I'll just stay here for a little longer," Race decided. "Keep an eye on him."

"You're going to be a great father." Albert kissed Race's cheek. "I know it."

~~~

Albert carefully held Race as he slept. They'd gone out to Medda's for their dinner, like they did every Sunday and Race was in a food coma like usual.

"You're really warm," Race mumbled against Albert's chest.

"I thought you were asleep," Albert commented.

"I was almost asleep but my human heater was awake so I decided to stay awake for cuddles."

Albert chuckled. "Your human heater?"

"That's you." Race poked Albert's arm. "You get the honour of being my human heater."

"Oh gee, I'm honoured," Albert dramatised.

Race giggled and turned so he was looking up at Albert. "You should be."

Leaning down, Albert pressed a gentle kiss to Race's forehead.

Nearly head butting Albert, Race shot up as an idea came to his mind. "I have an idea," he announced proudly.

"What might that be?"

"Origami. You always said you'd marry me with paper rings? I'm going to make us paper rings and we can wear them. I know we're engaged but I think we should have them until we get married."

Albert smiled. "There post-its on my desk. They might work."

Race climbed out of the bed and ran into the spare room that doubled as an office. "Thanks," he shouted as he left their room.

Albert laughed lightly and switched on his bedside lamp.

When Race came back in to their room, he climbed onto the bed and bellyflopped beside Albert.

"I got them." He held up the stack of post-it notes proudly.

"I don't know how to make these," Albert told him. "So either you know how or we're doomed."

"Of course I know how to make them," Race lied. "I just need to check to be sure."

Albert rolled his eyes playfully. "You do that."

After three different video tutorials, Race finally got the hang of how to make the rings.

"To quote you," Race started. "I like shiny things but I'd marry you with paper rings."

"Darling, you're the one I want," Albert finished.

Race smiled and slipped the paper ring onto Albert's finger.

"I love you," Albert said, gently kissing Race on the lips.

"I love you too."

~~~

"Where are we going?" Race asked as Albert took off from their apartment.

"It's a surprise darling," Albert teased. "It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you."

"Yes, that's fair, but have you considered I don't like surprises." Race poked Albert. "I think you should tell me."

Albert rolled his eyes playfully. "You don't like surprises because you're impatient," he pointed out. "So, no, I will not be telling you."

Race huffed but stopped asking. He wasn't too annoyed with the surprise in actuality, he just thought it was funny to see Albert pretending to be annoyed.

"This is nice. I haven't had you to myself in ages," Race dramatised.

"You have me to yourself every night," Albert pointed out.

"Yeah but we're sleeping most of the time so I don't get to properly spend time with you."

Albert took Race's hand. "We'll have lots of time together. I promise."

"And where will we have lots of time together?" Race tried again, a cheeky grin on his face.

"Nice try Racer. Not telling you."

They fell into a silence after that. They kept their hands intertwined for most of it, only when Albert had to change gears or indicate their hands separated.

"Oh my God," Race squealed as Albert pulled up and started to park the car. "Is this what I think it is?"

"What do you think it is?"

"Are we having a road trip?"

Albert sighed dramatically before reaching across Race and opening the glove compartment. "Yeah. I highlighted where we're going on the map in there."

Race squealed. "I love you so much Al. I've never been on a road trip. Can we buy lots of unhealthy food for in the car? I think we need unhealthy food."

"That's why we're here." Albert waved his hand at the Target

"Thank you." Race bounced in his seat with excitement.

~~~

Albert put his hands on Race's shoulders, cutting off their kiss.

Race groaned in annoyance and went to kiss Albert again.

"Race, stop. I need to talk to you about something."

Race immediately stopped and cupped Albert's face. "Is everything okay?"

Albert shook his head. "It's kind of stupid but I want to talk to you about it."

"Okay. I'm all ears whenever you want to talk."

Albert took a deep breath in and looked Race in the eyes.

"I think I'm ace," he blurted out.

"You think you're ace," Race repeated slowly to make sure he'd heard Albert right.

"Yeah."

Race smiled softly and ran his thumb across Albert's cheek. "Okay. Thank you for telling me."

Albert smiled and dropped his head onto Race's shoulder, wrapping his arms around his waist.

"Is there anything you aren't comfortable with?"

"I'm okay with most things but long kisses aren't something I'm comfortable with. I really like cuddles and forehead kisses and whatnot." Albert looked down. "I'm sorry for complicating everything. It's stupid but I just thought you should know."

"You haven't complicated anything. I love you for you and I don't care if you're ace because that doesn't change how I see you. I love you so much. No matter what."

Albert smiled. "That's the first time you've said you love me."

"Oh," Race mumbled. "Well, it doesn't matter because I mean it and I want you to know that. If you don't want to say it yet that's fine but you should know."

"I love you too."

Race smiled. "Great that we've established that. Do you want to cuddle now?" he offered, slipping his right hand into Albert's left.

Albert nodded. "Yes please."

~~~

"What's going on?" Race mumbled deliriously.

"It's Monday. You need to get up for work."

"No. I'll stay here," Race decided, wrapping himself tightly in the duvet.

Albert laughed quietly. "That's not happening, darling."

Race smiled. "Say that again," he instructed.

"That's not happening," Albert repeated.

"Darling," Race mumbled, imitating Albert's accent. "I wanted you to say it again."

"I won't say it again until you're up," Albert threatened.

Race rolled onto the floor, landing on Albert's feet. "Say it."

"You're on the floor."

"Good to know your eyes work." Albert rolled his eyes. "Now say it."

Albert sighed. "Okay, darling. Now can you please get off the floor?"

Race held his arm for Albert who pulled him up from the ground. Once he was up, Albert wrapped an arm around Race's waist and held him close.

"You should be illegal," Race told him. "You're too handsome to be let out."

Albert rolled his eyes. "I'm not illegal and we have work so get dressed and I'll make us breakfast."

Race nodded and kissed Albert one final time before getting dressed.

Albert started by making them both cups of coffee before getting into making their breakfast.

He was halfway through frying the eggs when Race came into the kitchen.

"Hello you," Albert said with a grin, placing a coffee in front of Race, who had dropped himself onto his chair at the table.

Race grabbed the cup of coffee and took a long sip. "I need a nap. Big time."

"You just woke up," Albert pointed out. "It'd be stupid to have a nap."

Race shrugged and took another sip. "I suppose."

"I'm going to go get dressed," Albert told him. "Hopefully you'll be more awake when I'm changed."

Race nodded and watched as Albert disappeared into their room.

~~~

"It's cold," Albert complained.

"It's not that cold. You're just weak," Race joked, poking Albert in the arm.

"Am not."

"Are too."

Albert rolled his eyes and wrapped his arms around himself tightly.

"Come here," Race took his jacket off and placed it over Albert's shoulders. "This'll warm you up."

Albert smiled and held his hand out. "You should keep me warm," he suggested.

Race rolled his eyes and wrapped his coat tighter around Albert.

"I would but we're a bit busy now." He waved his hand, reminding Albert that they were out on a date.

"Just wrap your arms around me. Keep me warm."

Race sighed dramatically and flung himself onto Albert.

"Are you warm now?" Race asked cheekily.

Albert laughed but nodded. "So warm. You have warmed me fully."

~~~

Race looked across the table at the love of his life, tears welling up in his eyes as he thought on how far they'd come together.

Jack passed him the microphone. "You've got this Toni," he promised Race. "You were perfect when we were practicing earlier. I could tell how much you loved him. Just talk from here-" Jack pointed at Race's chest. "-and everyone will know. I'm so proud of you."

Race nodded and took the microphone from him. "Thank you."

"Of course. That's what big brothers are for."

Race looked at Albert as he started speaking. "Albert. I remember the day we met like it was yesterday. Jack dragged me to a party because I'd been generally anti-social so he decided to change that.

"I hadn't even been there for two minutes when I walked into you and you flirted with me straight away. You offered me a drink and that was the first time I'd ever drank alcohol." Race looked at Medda. "This is also the first time my mother's hearing about this.

"Sorry Momma."

Race placed his hand on Albert's shoulder as everyone laughed, smiling down at Albert.

"I love you so much Albert and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you," he said. "And to quote a pretty handsome guy, I like shiny things but I'd marry you with paper rings.

"Darling." Race put on an impression of Albert as he spoke. "You're the one I want."

Albert smiled and reached up to hold Race's hand. As he did so, he mouthed 'thief' playfully to Race.

Race grinned at Albert. "I love you so much and, yeah, I just can't wait to make a life with you."

Race sat back down awkwardly, placing the microphone carefully on the table.

Albert leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to Race's lips. "That was adorable."

"Shut up," Race murmured, a blush starting forming on his neck. "I'm not looking like a tomato in my wedding day."

"Too bad. I've still to give my speech."

Race groaned and dropped his head onto Albert's shoulder. "If you embarrass me," he threatened.

"You'll what?"

"Not kiss you for a week."

"You couldn't go that long without kissing me," Albert laughed.

Race stuck his tongue out at Albert. "Your turn. But don't say I didn't warn you about what'll happen."

~~~

Albert felt fuzzy inside for the entirety of Race's speech. Not fuzzy in a bad way. Fuzzy in a way that could only be described as pure love.

And when he was messing with Race after Race's speech, he could have sworn he was going to explode from all the butterflies in his stomach.

"Your turn," Race reminded him a second time. "And no embarrassing me. Or else."

Albert stood up and picked up the microphone from the table.

"Race just told me that if I embarrass him he won't kiss me for a week," Albert started, looking pointedly at Race. "But I know that he won't stick to that so I'm going to embarrass him.

"I met Race when he was nineteen and I was twenty. As soon as he crashed into me the first time I knew that I was going to fall for him. And I did.

"I think Race fell for me more. Quite literally. Even after I ignored him for a while, he still talked to me. I'm glad he did because thanks to him I've gotten to meet so many people who have become like family to me.

"You are always there for me and accepted me. Even though I'm a redhead."  Albert started to choke up as he spoke while all their friends and family chuckled. "I can't thank you enough for loving me for me. And you know I hate accidents but, I think us going from friends to this is the best thing to ever happen to me.

"The last five years have been the best years of my life and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with the love of my life."

Race beamed up at Albert, immensely proud to get to say that he was married to that absolute angel of a human being.

Albert passed the microphone over to Mush, who he'd obviously chosen to be his best man, for his speech before sitting back down beside Race.

"Did you blush?" Albert asked teasingly.

Race playfully glared at Albert and crossed his arms. "I hate you," he grumbled.

"The ring on your finger says otherwise."

"Shut up." Race bumped Albert's shoulder.

~~~

Race and Albert looked deep into each other's eyes as they slowly danced.

They'd gone with matching suits, light grey with a white shirt, the only difference being their ties. Race had a hazel tie, to match Albert's eyes. while Albert had a blue tie to match Race's.

"I can't believe we're married," Race mumbled with his hands wrapped around Albert's waist.

"I know. I'd give anything to see you walk down the aisle again. You were so perfect. Like an angel."

Race's cheeks turned a light pink as he smiled up at his husband.

"I like shiny things but I'd marry you with paper rings," Albert said, playing with one of Race's curls as his hands rested on his shoulders.

"Darling, you're the one I want."