Meet the Foxx's [Nick + Alex]

[Couldn't resist ;D ]

Alex had never been out of Maville before, let alone the whole state. But there he was standing in his room, hands on hips as he started as his and Nick's clothing that was laid out on the bed. Their suitcase open on the floor. It had been his choice to go. He had arranged for Joe to stay with a friend for the long weekend that they would be gone. So everything was sorted.

Seattle wasn't far from Maxville, about two hours by car. That was where they were headed, to meet Nick's parents. Alex had reasoned that it would probably be a good idea for him to meet them seeing as he and Nick were eventually going to get married and adopt Joe. It seemed fair. Plus Alex wanted to have the added bonus of seeing Nick's baby photos. Just to make him smile.

Eventually Alex began to place their clothes neatly into the case. That was the worst part about going on holiday. The packing. Sighing Alex picked up one of Nick's sweaters and put in to his nose, taking in his boyfriend's scent. Smiling, he placed the item of clothing into the suitcase, closed it and took it into the main room where he placed it neatly by the door. Turning he went into the kitchen and pulled together a few sandwiches and chips for the journey.

Nick hadn't been especially ecstatic about visiting his parents, nor did he even pretend to want to go. But as always he had given in to Alex's begging and pleading for them to go. Not that it meant he was any happier about it. He had tired everything to stop them from going but it was too late now. It didn't matter really. It was only for a few days, plus Alex had promised him anything he wanted when they came back.

Moments later the key turned in the door.
It was almost time to go.

Nick entered his flat with a foul expression on his face. He did not want to leave again, because leaving would mean getting in his car and driving to Seattle, then explaining to his mother that her dreams of a big wedding were all impossible, and also explaining to his father why it wasn't a supermodel on his arm. His parents were ridiculously awkward. They wouldn't like this much. They wouldn't even pretend to, and that's what Nick was afraid of. They'd be horribly rude, and they might even cut off his allowance. No; his mother was too emotional to stop giving him money, and his father did everything she said when it came to Nick. After all, she had the power of denying him sex.

"I bought you a present," he said gruffly, greeting Alex by grabbing the boy, pulling him close and squeezing his arse whilst kissing his cheek. "I should've got it ages ago, but, you know. I'm no good at being organised. Here," he said, and offered Alex a black jewellery box, stepping away from him reluctantly to hang his jacket on the back of a chair.

Alex looked up as Nick entered, he smiled slightly despite Nick's expression. "Thank you," he said quietly. Deep down he had wanted Nick to do it properly. Down on one knee and presenting him with a ring. Not a bit of metal off a coke can. But it didn't matter now. He bit his lip and opened the box. He smiled, looked at it for a moment and closed it again, putting the little thing in his pocket to keep it safe. Alex bit his lip and went to make himself a drink. Nick would choose when they left, even if he didn't want to go at all. Alex would wait for him to be prepared at least.

"Aren't you going to put it on?" he asked, an offended expression on his face. He raised his hand and wiggled his fingers, a band of silver flashing on one of them. "I'm wearing mine... And I almost bought some gold ones for the wedding." He was a sucker for shiny jewellery, just like a magpie. The shinier, the better, but he didn't generally wear it. He just kept it. He had a collection of things he'd taken from women who'd stayed here, and from aunts and grandmothers when he happened to steal from them. It wasn't for the financial value, it was just because they looked pretty. When he was very young, he'd collected sweet wrappers and tin foil. Now he collected bracelets from Tiffany's and platinum rings. They all held the same value to him.

Alex smiled and took the ring back out of his pocket and slipped it on his finger. It was a perfect fit. As if it had been made just for him, not for someone to buy in a shop. It was beautiful and Alex loved it already. "I'm scared I'm going to lose it," he mumbled still staring at the band of metal around his finger. It was all so surreal. He hadn't even known Nick a year and already they were engaged. But Alex wouldn't have had it any other way. He smiled to himself and walked over to the other boy and kissed him gently on the cheek. "I love you," he whispered in the boy's ear before returning to his drink.