Chapter Text
They had wrapped up the first day of filming at the studio a few minutes ago, they were all tired and heading to their own dressing room, when Greg decided to confront Alex, so he went straight to his door and knocked.
Alex had just entered the room, so he opened the door almost instantly, “hi Greg”, he was shocked to see him there.
“Can I come in?” Greg asked while pointing to the inside of the room.
“Sure” Alex said while opening the door and letting Greg through, “is everything alright?”.
Greg was worried his friend was having a rough time so after a few moments in silence, he gathered some courage and said “well, I’m not trying to be nosy and you can choose not to answer me, but is everything okay with Rachel? I noticed you are not wearing your ring”. It felt like he lifted a heavy weight from his chest, he had noticed the moment he saw Alex entering the studio.
Alex looked at his hand, were the ring used to be and said with a tone of melancholy “we are going through a rough patch, the first one in a very long time, but I’m ok, it was a long time coming and we talked a lot for a long time”, he couldn’t help to shed a tear, which he was too fast to wipe away.
Greg’s heart ached for his friend, he opened his arms and Alex didn’t hesitate to rest in Greg’s chest while he was being held by his big friend. They stayed a few minutes like that until Greg said “you could have told me, you know?”.
Alex limited himself to just nod with his head but stayed hugging Greg.
“Where are you staying? You could have stayed on my spare bedroom”
“This week I’m in a hotel, it is nice, they have breakfast. Next week I’m staying with Tim”, Alex said, breaking the hug.
“Wow, I have breakfast, too” Greg said with a sarcastic tone, “I even have dinner”. Alex was feeling better, he could see it in his face, this banter was good for him.
“I don’t want to be a burden”, Alex said almost too quietly.
“Do you have to stay longer here? Do you have a meeting with the Andys or something?” Alex shook his head, so Greg continued “In that case, pack your things, get changed, meet me in my flat” and went to his own dressing room to do the same, leaving an startled Alex behind.
As Greg gathered his belongings, he decided to make a quick call to his favorite local restaurant, ordering some comfort food for the evening. He figured a good meal might lighten the mood. After all, nothing mended a broken heart like a bit of humor and a good meal with a friend.
When Greg arrived at his building, he found Alex on the doorstep. The aroma of the delivered food filled the air, and Greg couldn't help but smile. "I thought we could use some cheering up," he said, motioning towards the bags of food.
Over dinner, the two friends shared stories, laughter, and a few drinks. It was a welcome distraction from the challenges Alex was facing. When they finished eating and chatting, it was already too late, so Greg insisted Alex stay the night and they could go to the studio together the next day. Alex didn’t argue back; he was really too tired and didn’t want to go to his hotel to be alone.
While Alex brushed his teeth, Greg prepared the spare bedroom and even lay out some clothes that might fit Alex so he can sleep on them. The simple act of preparing the room spoke volumes about Greg's genuine concern and friendship, creating a comforting atmosphere for his troubled friend.
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The next day Greg woke up earlier than normal, just to have time to prepare a delicious breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sizzle of bacon filled the kitchen’s air. He didn’t hear when Alex woke up, so he was surprised to see him already seated on the kitchen counter when he turned around to set two cups on the table. “How long have you been there?”
“Well, good morning to you, too”, Alex said with a smile while preparing the table for them.
Greg had forgotten his good manners, he wanted to punch himself. “Good morning” he said with a smile while getting juice from the fridge, “how did you sleep?”
They were both seated now and starting to eat, so Alex with his mouth full gave a thumbs up. After a few moments he added “really good, almost too good”.
Greg snorted while smiling “better than the hotel?”
“Mmmm, maybe… breakfast has more options there, though”, Alex said and finished with a wink.
While they shared their casual banter, Greg was feeling more at home than he ever had felt and Alex was really grateful to have Greg in his life.
Greg didn’t want to ask about Alex’ relationship and it seemed as if Alex didn’t want to talk about it, so Greg didn’t push it. He was truly happy that Alex agreed to stay the night.
After breakfast Greg insisted Alex take a shower and he lent him some small pants (for Greg’s size) that he was given some time ago and never used while Greg also took a shower in his ensuite.
The drive to the studio was filled with the usual banter between them. When they arrived at the studio, after they got out of the car, Alex walked towards Greg and hugged him. Greg was startled for a few seconds until he placed both his arms around Alex, holding him tightly.
“Thank you, Greg”, Alex said into his shirt.
“Any time” Greg said, not wanting to release Alex from the embrace until Alex was ready.
After a few minutes Alex let go, then smiled and started walking towards the building entrance “Are you coming?”.
Greg realized he was still standing beside his car, he nodded his head and started following Alex.