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“You know, I can see you growing up here. It’s all very you, I’m not surprised this is your home.”
”Its not. I mean yes it’s my hometown but Austin’s home now. Your home now”
”Well I like the sound of that, and I’ve been thinking-”
”TK?” A man stepped out of the coffee shop in front of them and stared at TK like a deer caught in headlights.
”Alex. Um-hi” TK got over his shock just as Carlos’ mind made the connection. Alex, the asshole that cheated on TK. The one that caused him to overdose. The one that almost killed him.
“You gonna introduce me babe?” Carlos asked trying not to sound too aggressive while looking the older man up and down, making it clear he knew exactly who he was and what he’d done.
”Carlos Alex, Alex Carlos. Hey ‘los why don’t you run in and grab our drinks? I’ll be fine. Promise.” TK added after seeing the apprehension in his boyfriends eyes.
”He trusts you. Not sure I’d be comfortable leaving my boyfriend alone with his ex.” Alex said as he watched Carlos disappear into the same coffee shop he’d just walked out of. The most awkward thing about breakups? Running into you ex at a coffee shop you both love afterwards. And unfortunately this shop was a favourite of both of them. Since it was one of the few ones in the city that did good coffee and wasn’t ridiculously overpriced.
”Well we trust each other. It’s why we work, unlike you and me”
”Listen Ty, I’m sorry. I made a mistake with Mitchell, he- uh he actually ended up cheating on me. I guess karma really is a bitch. I went to your place about a week after we broke up but your neighbor said you’d moved. To Texas of all places. TK Strand in Austin. I never thought you’d leave the city. I’m sorry I made you,” he looked genuinely apologetic but straightened up when he heard TK scoff.
“Let’s get a few things clear Alex. First off, my name is TK, not Ty, I hate that. Second, I’m sorry your boyfriend cheated on you. That sucks but I can’t say you didn’t have to coming. Third, you didn’t ‘make me’ leave New York. Its what was best for me. But I guess your right, I mean it is pretty hard to stay in the same city after you try to kill yourself. Yeah, I tried to kill myself. But guess what? I didn’t die. Because my dad saved me. And if anything I’m grateful. Not only because it made me stronger but because if it wasn’t for you I never would’ve met Carlos. So thank you.”
”You’ve changed, for the better. And you look happier without me” he replied smiling slightly.
”I am. Goodbye Alex.” TK said as Carlos walked out the coffee shop and they walked off together, hand in hand.
”You okay baby?” Carlos asked when they were out of earshot.
“I think I am. I didn’t think I would be but I actually think I am.” TK said smiling up at the man he’d grown to love more than he’d thought possible.