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The phone call comes far too early. He’s normally awake at this time, but his body isn’t cooperating even though he knows he has a significant agenda today. The sound of his ringtone rouses him. He looks at the ID. Thank the powers that be it isn’t spam. “Pez, to what do I owe the pleasure.”
He hears shuffling down the line and an unusually hoarse voice. “I regret to inform you that I am ill, and thus will not be able to make Drag Queen Story Time tomorrow.”
And that news shoots Henry out of bed, along with David who protests the movement. Drag Queen Story Time is a hit at the library and the short notice cancellation and the announcement of the back up program will be a nightmare. Before he can respond he hears a cough.
“I have it all sorted though, because I am nothing if not prepared,” another cough, “Alex, better known as Austin Tatious, is happy to fill in. He’s the one I told you about. The pretty one with the smart mouth.”
Henry groans. “Pez, this is serious! I need someone who knows how this works. I also am definitely not looking for love right now. We’ve been over this.”
“Haz. When have I ever steered you wrong or sent someone to fill in that I haven’t trusted on the rare occasions I couldn’t accommodate? Alex is good with kids and good in general. Breathe, dearest.”
And Henry sighs. Because Pez is right. Usually is, at the very least. “Give me his number so I can text him and give him some instructions prior to tomorrow.”
“Delightful!” He coughs. “I’d best be off. Going to take a page out of your book and drown in tea. Love you!”
And the phone clicks.
He takes a few minutes to breathe. This will be fine. He trusts Pez’s judgment, but he has a hard time trusting people he doesn’t know. He doesn’t know anything about “Alex” besides Pez’s descriptors. He seems nice enough, but his stomach is still twisting. He supposes he can text Alex to get to know him better and set parameters and expectations.
He decides to send a text message. It’s an easy segue.
To: Alex (Austin Tatious)
Hello, Alex. This is Henry. I got your number from Pez. You’re supposed to be doing drag queen story time tomorrow.
From: Alex (Austin Tatious)
hey Henry how are you pez told me a lot about you
And Henry shudders to think about the implications of the message.
To: Alex (Austin Tatious)
He didn’t tell me much about you. Have you ever done anything of this nature before?
From: Alex (Austin Tatious)
first time for everything but i’m excited! i’m in the library sometimes and i passed by when it was happening and it was nice to see
And that relieved Henry to know that he wasn’t totally clueless to the importance of this.
To: Alex (Austin Tatious)
Good to hear. Let’s talk on the phone to go over things in more detail.
From: Alex (Austin Tatious)
i have class in like an hour but should be done around 3 does that work?
To: Alex (Austin Tatious)
Yes, that works fine. I’ll speak to you later.
Alex seems to have a handle on this, or a desire to at the very least.It’s hard to tell through texts, but this might be okay; he might be making this more than it needs to be. He’s been told it’s a common behavior for him. He resents the notion, but it isn’t entirely inaccurate.
He calls Alex at 3:30, and the conversation goes well. Alex expresses understanding at all of his instructions and asks insightful questions. He keeps it brief because Alex says he has work to do and wants to make sure he completes it so he can wake up well rested. Henry bids him a good afternoon and goes about the rest of his day.
——
As per Henry’s request, Alex showed up to the library an hour early. His make up is already done and Henry is struck by how natural it looks. In the past he remembered Pez calling it something like “daytime chic.”
He notices Alex’s curls that look soft to the touch, and although it is clearly contoured to look more feminine he appreciates the strong jaw. His fucking eyelashes are accentuated by mascara and his bloody lips are plump and glossed, his Cupid’s bow accentuated.
Henry should not be thinking this way about a man he does not know, but he suddenly understands why Pez wants to set them up, at least for aesthetic reasons.
Alex breaks the silence and breaks Henry out of his reverie. “Hey, I’m Alex. How are you?” And he has a lovely, subtle drawl that is clearly not New York based. He heard it on the phone yesterday, but it is incredibly prominent now.
Henry straightens, becomes the epitome of professionalism. “I’m doing quite well. And you? And thank you for doing this. The children look forward to this every month.”
Alex smiles easily. “Doing well, and happy to do it. It’s a change of pace for me, but I’m glad to be able to do something good for the community and the kids.”
And Henry’s chest tightens and his heart expands. He’s so fucked.
Alex gets into full drag in a surprisingly short amount of time. He’s not in an elaborate dress—just a red a-line with straps that tie around the back of his neck—vintage looking, almost rockabilly style. It’s simple, but the red looks gorgeous against his tan skin. He’s also wearing t-strap heels in patent leather.
The shift between being masculine presenting in make up, and a fully feminine presentation is striking. Henry is genuinely blown away, because Alex’s style is so different from Pez’s, who is, ironically enough, quite ostentatious . Alex, at least in day time drag, is subtle glamour vs. Pez’s loud, sequined ball gowns—gorgeous, but not at all practical.
Alex walks in front of Henry, and grins. “Does this fall under ‘appropriate guidelines’?” He’s sincere, but there’s definitely a bit of teasing beneath the surface.
“Yes, you look amazing. Do you usually go this classic in your costuming?” Henry is genuinely curious. Because this is so different from his expectations.
“I’ll never tell. You’ll have to come to a show and find out.” Henry sees his grin turn rakish. “ I only started doing this seriously a few months ago. Pez said you come out to support him pretty often, so we might just miss each other when I’m there and you’re not.”
Henry has to think about the times he’s come to see Pez perform. He doesn’t think he’s ever seen Alex on the bill. “I might just take you up on that.”
Alex smiles brightly. “I mean Pez might already do it on his own, but I’ll make sure you get the best seat in the house, sweetheart.”
Henry flushes at the nickname, adjusting his cardigan and moving his hair from his eyes—a subconscious gesture. He settles himself by taking two deep but quiet breaths. “Right, let’s get you to the story circle. Today you’ll be reading ‘Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress’ by Christine Baldacchino.”
Alex smiles brightly. “Sounds good. How many kids usually come out for this?”
“It depends. Usually it’s anywhere between 80-100, and that includes parents as well. Sometimes it’s larger, especially during Pride.” Henry watches Alex, who appears so dialed into what he’s saying. Normally intensity of this nature scares him, but it currently feels alright.
“Wow, glad y’all get such a big turnout. I’m really happy something like this exists, and I’m glad I can be part of it, even if it’s only the one time.” Henry observes the thoughtful expression on his face, and he can hear how genuine Alex sounds when he talks about how happy he is. And that does something to Henry–knowing that Alex cares so much about something he was thrown into at the last possible moment.
“We run so many programs for the children at the library, but I think this is my personal favourite. Seeing the younger generations be so openly accepting and excited that this happens really makes me proud of my profession. It definitely is a small reason why I love what I do so much.” Henry can wax about the amazing nature of his profession so easily. It’s as simple as breathing, but as he looks at the time, he realizes it isn’t the time and he startles. “Oh, it’s almost time. Let me get you settled before the children arrive.” And he grabs Alex’s arm reflexively and pulls him over to the reading nook.
—
Henry sets up the nook the same way for every Drag Queen Story Time. A plush chair sits in the center with a cardboard, painted rainbow done by the older children, hanging behind it. There are various pride flags (which always have their place) hung around, and a table displaying the book being read and read-alikes are displayed on a table. The rug is the usual faire, with the alphabet and numbers, as well as an array of chairs for the audience. Henry and a few other library assistants funnel the children and their parents into the designated seating and it’s a smooth and organized process. Once the children are seated, Henry moves to the front, clapping his hands three times to get everyone’s attention, and smiling brightly when everyone claps three times in response.
“Hello everyone!” Henry greets warmly and smiles as they say ‘Hello, Mr. Henry,’ “thank you for that. So, unfortunately Sugar Sweets is not able to read for us today,” a collective groan choruses, “but we have a very special guest who will be taking her place. Let me introduce you to Austin Tatious!” And everyone claps politely as Alex rounds the corner. He watches Alex’s charisma radiate as he speaks to the group at large.
“Hey y’all. I’m Austin Tatious. Thank you for the warm welcome. I’ll be reading ‘Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress’ by Christine Baldacchino and illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant. But before we do that, why don’t we sing a few songs together. I’d love to hear your voices.” They sing a few songs together and Alex leads them in a very quick game. He provides a brief synopsis of the story, which Henry didn’t even instruct him to do and watches as Alex naturally spins the tale, using voices and making faces and taking the group into the palm of his hands with his words. Henry is also entranced, and a bit smitten if he’s being completely honest with himself.
It ends much too quickly. The library assistants have been taking pictures and video for the social media page, and if Henry plans to be the one to determine the ones that end up on the social media pages, there is only a small part of it that’s selfish. He watches as the children go up to Alex and thank him and Alex gives each of them his undivided attention. It’s admirable to see him so comfortable in a situation he’s never experienced prior to this. Henry is impressed by the ease in which Alex fit into the situation and excelled. After things quiet down and the children are gone, he notices Alex sidle up to him.
“How did I do?” He asks, and it’s clear he is actively seeking feedback, looking earnest and hopeful.
“You did wonderfully, Alex. The children loved you and you’re an excellent storyteller. I think you give Pez a run for their money, but can we keep that between us?” Henry smiles, full of mirth.
“I can keep a secret, sweetheart. Don’t you worry.” Alex retorts, looking entirely too coy for Henry’s comfort. Alex beams again. “I am going to change in the bathroom if you do not mind, and then I need to leave so I can read and outline 3 different chapters for two different classes and if Pez is feeling better, we have a gig tomorrow. So I’m gonna skedaddle. It was nice to meet you, Henry. Hopefully I’ll see you around.” As he moves in to hug Henry, even with heels, Henry acknowledges that Alex is still shorter than him, which is something he likes. Henry returns Alex’s embrace.
“I will see you soon, Alex. I’ll confirm with Pez that the show is still on, and I’ll be there. I promise.” He smiles softly.
“I’ll hold you to it!” And with that, Alex turns away, dress swirling with him as he goes.
–
Weeks pass. Henry has to miss club nights because of catching the flu from Pez and a flight back to London for his niece’s Christening. He and Alex do go out though. They’ve been on 3 or four outings—dates, he mentally corrects. They go to the MoMa, Alex takes him to the Strand bookstore for a book signing for an author he offhandedly mentioned he liked which caused Henry to melt internally; Henry even braved a rock concert at the Gramercy Theatre. Henry is a bit surprised at the enthusiasm of the concert goers as he watches one leave the crowd with a bloody nose, but watching Alex sing along to one of his favorite artists is a sight to behold.
After the second time, Henry initiated kisses as a goodbye, which Alex was enthusiastic to return. They text at all times of day and night—their mutual insomnia working in their favour. Alex sends sleepy selfies over law textbooks, pictures before drag shows when he looks immaculate and after shows when there is a layer of exhaustion even though he looks just as lovely. Henry is…smitten, to say the least. And he tells this to Pez who tells him ‘all you have to do is come to a show’, and Henry wants to. But the timing is never right. Except when it is.
——
Henry walks into XO; he’s been many times but the energy feels different knowing he gets to see Alex as Austin Tatious in the most authentic sense, versus the softness he exhibited in the light of day all those weeks ago. Pez reserved a seat in the front row for him, as he usually does. They also told Henry to wear “the red button down with three buttons unbuttoned and those black trousers that show off your arse.”
The lights are down low and a mix of music is playing—a blend of top 40’s, 90’s dance beats, classic rock, and a little bit of everything in between. The energy is already humming—it’s palpable. The show will start in about 15. He goes to the bar in the interim to grab a gin and tonic before taking his seat. People start filling in around him—singles and couples and bachelorette parties and more.
And then the music pauses and the lights dim again before shining a rainbow of lights down on the microphone. Pez walks out to cheers, appearing to float. Tonight’s ensemble consists of a deep blue dress, one sleeved, with a sweetheart neckline, draping down their body to a long slit all the way up the leg, equal parts satin and sequins. Pez is a vision, as always, and Henry couldn’t be prouder of his best friend. Pez’s voice booms through the speakers. -
“Hello my guys and dolls and all of those in between. I am your humble hostess, Sugar Sweets. And we have a show for you tonight, my darlings. On our bill tonight is Stiff Peaks, Austin Tatious, Dee Lerious and more to delight and entertain you. Are you ready?” And the cheers go up and the show begins.
The performances start and the energy in the room is palpable. Pez works the room in between performers and he performs a sung version of How Will I Know that gets the crowd on their feet. Henry flinches when a bouquet of roses flies too close to his head for comfort. Dee Lerious is clearly new. She means well, but the performance is clumsy at best. Henry gives her two dollars as consolation when she walks down to the crowd.
Pez comes back to center stage after Stiff Peaks does a riveting rendition of Hollaback Girl. “How are we feeling tonight my loves?” The cheers continue. “We have a treat tonight for you. It is my pleasure to announce the Texas born and bred Austin Tatious!”
Henry’s eyes flick to the stage and his breath gets caught in his throat because the other man looks stunning—and a far cry from the demure picture he presented a few weeks ago. Alex is in black patent leather stiletto heels, thigh high stockings clipped to a red bodysuit that hugs his body beautifully, showing off constructed curves. He’s in a rockabilly wig with a blue bandana. His highlighter accents his cheekbones, lips painted in a color to match his bodysuit. Henry doesn’t pick up the rest of his makeup, focused on the false lashes that should be a crime.
Before Henry can take in the vision further, the music starts.
Tarzan and Jane were swingin’ on a vine is how the song starts followed by the addition of big band in the background, and then Christina Aguilera’s voice comes in a whisper in the background, candyman, candyman and the song really starts.
Alex’s lips curl around the words immediately with no hesitation. Henry is immediately under his spell. He moves to the same choreography as the music video, coy and demure, until a certain set of lyrics that bring him right over to Henry:
There's nothing more dangerous than a boy with charm
He's a one stop shop, makes the panties drop
He's a sweet talkin' sugar coated candy man
A sweet talkin' sugar coated candy man
As soon as he’s against Henry’s lap, leaning back on his shoulder, he’s gone again, before Henry can give him all the money he has, for that moment alone.
Alex works the room again, flirting with everyone, which leaves a hot pool of jealousy in the pit of Henry’s stomach, which he urges away quickly. He doesn’t want that to get in the way of the beauty in front of him. Alex prowls around the room, basking in the attention, making everyone feel special, but then there’s a moment that is clearly for Henry alone, which settles him and sets him aflame in a singular moment.
Alex whirls back around, chocolate orbs settling on Henry, and before he is completely aware of what’s going on, Alex is in his lap, mouthing the words:
Well, by now I'm getting all bothered and hot
When he kissed my mouth, he really hit the spot
He had lips like sugar cane, oh
Good things come for boys who wait
Which is a clear message, along with the wink and the lollipop Alex gracefully pulls from his bra to stick into Henry’s mouth with a kiss on the cheek to leave him wanting more. Henry at least has enough of a mind left to give Alex 3 20 dollar bills before Alex flounces away again.
A few people around him slap him on the arms and wolf whistle, but Henry doesn’t fully pick up on it. He’s aroused and mystified by the power one man can have.
The rest of the show is entertaining but comparatively lackluster—not to say any of the performers are bad, but Alex, who has only been at this for a few months, has a confidence that speaks of years of expertise and it’s a marvel to Henry. He meets Alex in front of XO after Alex changes. He’s in an oversized sweatshirt and jeans, his hair a bit flat from his time in the wig and the flush on his cheeks from taking off makeup faster than he should have. Henry notices that although his face is mostly clear, his eyelashes are accentuated with mascara and there’s a fresh coat of lipstick on his lips. Bloody hell.
“You could have taken your time, love. You know I would have waited.” Henry admonishes gently.
Alex grins, shifting his garment bag and backpack. “I know, I know. I just wanted to see you, baby. I wanted to know your thoughts.” His grin shifts into a smirk, eyes sparkling with knowledge of how he affected Henry.
Henry blushes, but straightens his spine, returning the smirk. “I will tell you my thoughts and we can act on them. How does that sound?” He clearly has pushed a button based on Alex’s expression.
“Can we please leave?”
“I need to say bye to Pez and then we can go back to my flat for some privacy.”
“It’s an apartment, sweetheart.” Alex retorts.
“Prat,” is the only other word he mutters before pulling Alex into a kiss.
—
They take the subway back to Henry’s flat. They hold hands, and Alex leans on his shoulder which Henry finds incredibly endearing. He has an idea of where this will lead; still feels heat under his skin from the show. The performance will have a home in his fantasies for a long while.
Although their dates have not gone further than kissing, the innuendo and teasing was unquestionable, and both of them wanted it to lead to this. When they had dates in places with more privacy, they talked about their interests to an extent and Henry is excited to explore that tonight.
Henry helps Alex up when they get to the subway stop and they walk the short distance to his flat. It’s a fourth floor walk up, small but practical. Henry has been able to make it his own and he’s grateful for it. He locks the door behind him and takes Alex’s belongings from him, which causes him to raise an eyebrow.
“Someone’s eager.” Alex states simply, like it’s a fact. And it is.
“Well, you would be too if you had a beautiful man dancing on you and around you in a bodysuit, thigh highs and heels, looking like an absolute vision.” Henry responds, face flushing. Again.
“You flatter me, sweetheart. I’m glad you liked it.” Alex sounds sincere, the bite leaving him for a moment.
“Stop playing innocent—” and before he finishes his sentence, Alex’s mouth is on his own, warm and eager. Their lips fit perfectly. Alex pulls Henry closer, hands in his hair, which elicits a whine. Henry breaks off to mutter “bedroom,” before leading the way there, kicking the door shut behind him. He’s grateful Pez came by earlier to take David for the evening because he didn’t want any distractions. Not for this.
And as soon as they’re in the bedroom, Alex takes the lead, pushing Henry into his bedroom door, cradling his head to prevent it from hitting the door. Although he is little, he is fierce , Henry considers briefly before fully leaning into the kiss. Alex pushes their hips together, and Henry can feel Alex growing hard against his thigh. He pulls Alex’s hoodie and t-shirt over his head in one shot. Alex breaks the kiss to bury his head in Henry’s neck while unbuttoning his shirt.
“You call me a tease and then you wear that.” Alex points out before nipping sharply at Henry’s neck.
Henry unbuttons and unzips Alex’s jeans but leaves them open, playing with the waistband teasingly. “You have no right to speak.” This draws a laugh from Alex who surprises Henry by dropping to his knees. Henry’s about to ask what he’s doing when Alex makes quick work of his trousers and boxers without preamble. And the next words out of Alex’s mouth devastate him.
“Can I suck your cock, baby?” He asks, fluttering his eyelashes, and all Henry can do is nod, head leaning back against the door. Alex’s lips on his hip bones send a shiver through him, even though his mouth feels like a lick of flames. Henry feels the slick heat of Alex’s mouth at the tip of his cock, sinking down slowly until he’s at the base, nose in his pubic hair. Henry has not believed in God in a long time, but this makes him send up a prayer that he survives this.
Alex is enthusiastic and gorgeous while sucking cock, eyelashes fanning his cheekbones. He digs the tips of his fingers into Henry’s hips, and the pain/pleasure combination drives a moan from Henry’s throat. He notices the smear of Alex’s lipstick as he drags his lips to the tip, kissing it before swallowing down again. Henry grabs his hair to stop him while he’s halfway down, part of him wishing he didn’t. “I-I love this, but I want to come on your cock, love.”
Alex pulls off, grinning like sin incarnate. Henry shivers a bit, involuntarily. “It’s so fucking hot when you say shit like that.” Henry notes that Alex is hard in his jeans still, that he was so focused on Henry he didn’t touch himself. He helps Alex up from on his knees and when he looks down at Alex’s unzipped jeans he sees a flash of lace. He looks down, and looks up again and Alex winks. “Let’s go to bed, sweetheart.”
Henry’s mouth is suddenly dry as he pulls Alex to the bed. Without words he pulls out condoms and lube, and sets them to the side. “Take off your jeans. They can’t be comfortable.”
Alex does just that, and Henry gets the full picture of Alex. Lace panties resting low on his hips, black. Simple but beautiful. Smeared red lipstick and the smallest hint of brown around dilated pupils. Hair mussed. His cock is hard and he’s anything but small. He wants all of him. “ Please.”
“You sound so pretty when you say that, baby.” And Alex crawls into Henry’s lap. And Henry can feel how wet Alex is through his panties. Henry crashes their lips together, and it’s almost a dance, but Alex takes the lead in the end and it’s what Henry wants.
Alex crawls off Henry’s lap and Henry moves to his knees. Alex draws his nails down Henry’s spine and kneads his ass. Henry whimpers. He can hear the tell tale snick of the lube bottle and feel’s Alex’s hand on his hip. He hisses at the initial intrusion, but leans into it quickly. Alex takes his time and Henry wants to beg him to hurry up. He gets a distinct feeling that if he does, Alex will go even slower.
“You’re so beautiful, baby. Your ass is perfect.” Henry almost yelps when he feels teeth sink into the flesh of his arse.
“More, please.” He keens as Alex hits his prostate with one finger.
Alex adds in a second and then a third in quick succession, and Henry is far too close to an orgasm for his comfort. “Stop. I-I want to cum on your cock.” It bears repeating, and that makes Alex moan.
“Fuck, yeah. How do you want to do this?” He pulls down his panties just enough to release his cock, leaking and perfect. He’s already moving to slide the condom on and grabs more lube to slick himself up.
Henry maneuvers Alex so he’s sitting, and he moves so his back is facing Alex. He positions Alex’s cock as he sinks down, and bottoms out, mouth open in a silent moan. Alex is big, and he feels it right away. He hears Alex curse in Spanish, and it’s nice to know he’s affected too. Once he’s used to the stretch he rises to his knees and sinks down again, setting a slow pace.
He feels Alex’s fingers dig into his hips, trying to speed up, and Henry moves with it. He hears Alex praise him—calling him every compliment under the sun. Alex bites into his shoulder, and Henry whines. His breath hitches when Alex moves a hand from Henry’s hips to his leaking cock, matching the rhythm of his thrusts to the pace of his hand. And Henry is on the precipice.
“ Fuck. I’m so close.”
And with that, Alex goes from fast to punishing, moving Henry on his cock, and Henry cums without any further warning. And Alex isn’t far behind. They’re both panting, no words from either of them. Alex leaves another kiss on the juncture of his shoulder and throat. He helps Henry off his softening cock because if Henry was honest his legs are jello.
He watches as Alex throws away the condom and Henry directs him to the bathroom to get a washcloth so he can wipe them down. Alex walks to the bathroom, the crossing straps over his ass from his panties cause Henry’s eyes to widen further. Alex comes back quickly and wipes them both down. He wraps himself around Henry, kissing his neck again. “How was that?”
“You clearly know how it was. Stop fishing for compliments.” Henry says with absolutely no heat.
Alex grins. “I didn’t wipe off the lipstick. I like how it looks on you.”
Henry groans. “I will have to shower at some point. A washcloth isn’t going to cut it. But we can do that together.”
Alex chimes in sounding far too pleased with himself. “Aww baby you don't want my lipstick stains? You don’t like when I claim you with my marks?”
Henry sputters. His whole body, beyond the flush from exertion, is probably flushed from the mouth on this beautiful man. “Well, I… Christ , Alex, I hardly said that.”
“But you were thinking about it.” He grins brightly.
“And you don’t need to overthink it. This was fun. And you’re so fucking pretty when you blush.”
Henry turns to him. “That’s a lot, coming from you. All of you is pretty. You’re gorgeous. You make me look like a plebeian.”
Alex puts a finger to his lips. “Quiet in the library, I will not be having my boyfriend put himself down.”
“You talk far too much, perhaps I’ll have to be the one to quiet you down.” And Henry is pleased when he sees Alex is the one blushing this time.
“I like you mouthy. More of that, please.”
“We have all the time in the world for that, darling. Believe me, I am not letting you go.” Henry punctuates his statement by holding Alex close.
Alex dozes in Henry’s arms and Henry is so endeared already. He takes a guess that school, the show and their extra activities tired him out more than the other man would care to admit. Henry nudges him awake and bundles him into the perfunctory shower, dries them both off and gives him sleep pants and a t-shirt. He watches as Alex crawls under the covers and immediately grasps for Henry, almost automatically. He didn’t think a simple substitution at story hour would bring him this wonderful man, but here they are, and here they’ll stay.