Chapter Text
Never had a rowdy redneck bar with stale beer stain smells and sticky tabletops and counters felt so much like a heaven on earth.
Alex never thought he would feel comfortable spending so much time around so many cowboys from his hometown. But, he also never expected to be so lucky as to be dating one.
In between generous sips of a locally brewed ale, Michael Guerin was dragging his hand across Alex’s skin and shooting him flirtatious glances. He looked gorgeous even in the faint dim glow of the bar lights. Not that Alex was surprised. In the months since he and Michael had started officially seeing each other, Alex had become even more enamored by him and attracted to him, if that was even possible.
Allowing himself the closeness that he so desired, Alex leaned more into his boyfriend’s space. Wordlessly, Michael responded with a reciprocated touch and a pleased smile.
If his friends, who were sitting around the table noticed, then Alex didn’t care. He wasn’t embarrassed or nervous like he had once been out in public with another man. But also he trusted Isobel, Maria and Liz to make him feel comfortable even as they were crossing the line into public displays of affection.
Alex took a sip from his own drink, just enjoying being here with him. It was amazing how well the two of them had fallen into a real relationship rapport and routine. At one point, Alex had been worried that they had operated for so long in their own little world that it would be hard to translate their relationship into interactions in public, outside their vacuum.
Happily, Alex had pushed himself outside his comfort zone and he and Michael had found they loved spending time together on dates as well as interacting as a couple in front of their friends. Just like tonight, they were always able to find small moments of intimacy in between being social with others.
Michael’s sister’s shrill voice pulled them out of their bubble and back into that social sphere. Leaning against the table, Isobel exclaimed, “That is hilarious. I can’t believe you have actual psychic powers but still use apps like these rooted in superstitions.”
Maria groaned, planting herself in a seat next to them. “It’s not superstitions, it has to do with the stars and alignment of the planets and–”
“It may be pseudoscience," Liz interrupted, “but it’s fun.” She patted Isobel’s arm dismissively.
Beside him, Michael scoffed, “Can’t believe the great, rational, scientist Liz Ortecho is putting stock into astrology.”
“This app,” Maria said, sticking her phone into their faces, “actually tracks the patterns of constellations and celestial bodies and correlates them to phenomena in relation to Earth.”
“You said it told monthly horoscopes like those cheesy teen catalogs from the nineties,” Isobel countered, a skeptical eyebrow raised.
“Well, like Liz said,” Maria muttered, “it’s mostly for fun.”
“And for scamming your psychic customers,” Alex added, cheekily.
With a wink at him, Maria scrolled on her phone and asked, “Alex, do you want me to tell you your future?”
Sighing, Alex said, “Why not?”
A disbelieving look appeared on his boyfriend’s face. Michael smirked, “You believe what it says could really happen? Or you’re just gonna go with it?”
Gulping down some more ale, Alex replied, “As long as you are still in my future, then that’s all that matters.”
Isobel made an “aww” sound while Liz pretended to vomit. Michael just chuckled, a blush blooming on his cheeks.
The atmosphere around the bar table became animated and joyous as Maria started spouting off facts like Mercury entering and activating a spiritual integration at the start of the month. Even as he rolled his eyes, Alex went along with it. Alex was sure Michael was about to make a sexual joke about Uranus beginning its annual retrograde triggering adventure and expansion.
Then, Maria told Liz hers, which signaled that Liz would feel empowered by the end of the month. Someone made a joke that the deep catharsis that would be released had something to do with Max, her boyfriend.
While Isobel refused, Michael offered up himself as the next subject, probably emboldened by alcohol. “Do you have a birthday?” Maria asked.
“We have a hatch day,” Michael shrugged.
“June 14th, right?” Alex confirmed.
Liz joked, her voice low enough in the crowded barroom, “Well, hatching from a pod could have the same astrological impact as being born on this planet, I suppose.”
“Oh, great,” Isobel complained, “so since we have the same ‘hatch day,’ I would theoretically have the same horoscope?”
“Well, this reading is just for him, since you don’t wanna participate,” Maria snarked. “I’ll look up what it is for a Gemini…”
“How about you skip the planetary alignments and the explanations," Michael said, “and get straight to the good stuff.”
Groaning at his impatience, Maria took a moment to peruse the information and summarize. “Okay, Guerin, your horoscope says that early in the month a special someone will give you a gift.”
Alex felt Michael’s eyes on him. Turning, he found himself the recipient of a very grateful look. “Oh, well thank you in advance.” He then leaned forward and gave his boyfriend a sweet kiss on the lips.
Understanding that Michael assumed the gift would be from him, Alex accepted the gesture and smiled after the gentle press of lips.
“And the middle of the month brings a lovers’ spat,” Maria continued.
Playing along, Alex leveled his gaze on Michael and joked, “Uh oh. What did you do to screw up the special present?”
Indignantly, Michael replied, “I would never ruin a special present from you, especially the sexy kind. Why would I do that?” Alex rolled his eyes.
Maria interrupted with the final update: “And then at the end of the month, a secret crush announces itself.”
Scoffing, Alex announced, “Whoever it is will get a rude awakening that you are taken. No one is allowed to crush on my man.”
Michael raised his eyebrows and said in a hopeful voice, “Does that mean that our lovers’ spat will be over?”
“Jealousy will save the day, I guess,” Alex shrugged.
An approaching voice called to them. “You guys having too much fun without me?”
Alex noted that Liz’s eyes lit up as her boyfriend came into view. “Max!” she exclaimed.
Michael shouted in greeting, “Hey, everyone, look it’s our town’s brand new interim sheriff!” At this jubilant introduction, everyone around the table started clapping. Alex got swept up in the cheery atmosphere and applauded as Max pretended to whip out his pistol by pointing with finger guns and then took a slight bow.
“Hey, that’s right it’s your first day,” Isobel said, grinning up at her brother. “You excited to lead the fight on crime against Roswell's most notorious criminals?”
After Liz gave her boyfriend a welcoming kiss, Max grabbed a chair and took a seat around the table. “I wouldn’t say I'm psyched. I’m glad that the old sheriff is not around anymore to ruin Michelle Valenti's reputation and work. I’ve been dreaming about a promotion for years, but I feel like I’m still not prepared.”
“No, Max,” Liz comforted, “you’re gonna be great.”
“Yeah,” he sighed, “except I'm better at being out on the streets than behind a desk. And I gotta figure out all this new technology.”
“It’s a little more complicated than finding porn on your home laptop?” Michael joked.
“Hey, be supportive,” Alex said, nudging him lightly with his elbow. “Or our lovers’ spat will start earlier this month.”
“Just don’t break up,” Isobel warned, “or that new crush will come in between you.”
Michael groaned and possessively or protectively slid closer to Alex. Alex wasn’t complaining. He chuckled at the fake worry and jealousy. There was no way anyone could come in between him and Michael. Not now.
It was kind of amazing that Alex could be so confident in that. And yet, he truly believed that Michael would never stray or leave him for someone else at this point. Michael’s pushing toward him as if proving his loyalty now confirmed that as well.
Maria hopped up to grab the new interim sheriff a drink as the rest of them continued to chat and ask Max about his work. After a while, Maria returned as the counter got less busy, and the conversation shifted.
Isobel shared a funny opportunity that came about through her work. “So this client just gave me three tickets to the new museum exhibit.”
“I can’t believe the UFO emporium is still finding new ways to drag people in,” Liz said.
Michael snarked, “Why would you accept the tickets? Why would you wanna go?”
“I thought it’d be fun,” his sister exclaimed. “The three of us could go this weekend and laugh about it. What do you say? Who wants to go make fun of stuff?”
Shaking his head, Max said, “Sorry, but Liz and I have plans this weekend.” Judging by his face, Alex didn’t think he was that disappointed about turning the invite down.
“Okay fine,” Isobel sighed. “Well, then Michael, maybe you and Dallas wanna come?”
“Pass,” Michael said, making a face. “Besides, I have some work to catch up on.”
“Well,” she said, pivoting, “in that case, maybe Alex wants to come.”
Immediately, Michael argued, “Hey, I didn't say you could take him.”
“You don’t own him, Michael,” Isobel said. “I can invite him to hang out if I want.”
“Maybe Alex would want to,” Liz offered, “since he used to work there.”
Finally, Alex tried to speak up. Even though he didn’t want to do anything that would annoy his boyfriend, he did like spending time with Isobel. He always felt that bonding with someone so important to Michael and fostering that relationship was important.
“I’d be down, but can we go in the morning?” he asked her. “That way I can spend time with my boyfriend in the afternoon or evening.” Michael reached out to lay his hand over one of Alex’s in thanks. He felt the warmth of his affection through more than just his touch.
“Fine,” Isobel relented. “Late morning, though.”
Maria chimed in, “Oh, I’ll come too! I’m free in the morning before I open the bar.”
“Great!” Isobel beamed, probably glad that she was able to use the tickets. Alex smiled back at her. Hanging out with her and Maria this weekend would most likely be a pretty fun time.
***
The UFO Emporium stood as a staple of Roswell’s downtown. Not only was it a tourist attraction, but its marque decorated Main Street and served as a landmark for many of the residents. The legend of the UFO crash had never meant much more to Alex than a fun fact about his hometown and a job opportunity.
Of course, now that he knew the truth, Alex thought about the museum differently. He would wonder how many facts plastered across plaques had been real and how many artifacts were legit. Michael had even admitted to stealing some things from the museum where Alex had once donned an itchy visor to sell tickets to tourists.
Walking through the halls as an adult, Alex felt oddly nostalgic but also interested in the fake propaganda. A lot had changed in the ten years since Alex had worked part-time here.
The newest exhibit turned out to be more hilarious than curious. Isobel, an actual alien, made fun of everything she saw and treated their trip as a silly adventure. Alex admitted he was enjoying himself, taking stupid photos and joking about the possibility of certain claims being true.
As they went around, Maria constantly asked what Alex noticed had changed. The answer was a lot. Graham Green had revamped so many of the exhibits and the new showroom was state-of-the-art.
They made their way into the large room and Isobel bragged about transforming it into a luxurious gala ballroom. The three of them were still joking around, laughing at the seriously interested tourists wandering around, studying all of the alien facts.
Isobel spun in a circle in the middle of the big showroom. “Hey,” she said, “who wants to go to the gift shop and get some tacky alien stuff?”
Maria excitedly said, “Yes, and then lunch!”
“Sounds good,” Alex nodded. “But I don’t wanna eat too much. Michael and I are going to dinner tonight.”
“Ooh, really?” Maria asked, somewhat teasingly. They were both giving him knowing looks, like they remembered Michael’s protestation at the bar at the idea of not seeing him today. “Somewhere special?”
“I don’t think so,” Alex replied, shrugging. “Michael said it’s a surprise. And when I asked what I should wear, he just said my normal clothes are fine.”
“Oh, a surprise!” Isobel squealed. “That’s so sweet. My brother’s so gay for you.”
Maria scoffed, “Well, that’s not a surprise at all. That’s well established.”
Rolling his eyes, Alex took their comments in stride. He was proud of the relationship he and Michael had built. And truthfully, Alex hadn’t wanted to go a whole day without seeing him either.
At first, Alex had been the one to plan their dates. However, lately, Michael had wanted to choose where they went and what they did. His new thing was to keep it secret from Alex until that night. Alex found he kind of liked the surprises.
Before they could make their way toward the gift shop, more people entered the main ballroom, escorted by Graham Green. The museum owner was saying, “...And that room can be open for photos all night with a lovely night sky backdrop. And over here would be where we would set up the ceremony.” The people following him looked to be a young couple who were eagerly examining the space.
Isobel gasped. “Oh, wow, are you having a wedding here?”
Graham turned toward her and boasted, “Oh yes. Ever since we remodeled, this beautiful showroom has been quite a popular spot for weddings. For locals as well as out-of-towners. It’s like a destination wedding.”
“A tourist trap destination,” Maria muttered under her breath. Alex stifled a chuckle.
“What was that?” Graham asked, looking toward her.
“Oh, nothing,” Maria said quickly. “It sure is a nice room.”
“It is,” Isobel said, her obliging smile a little too bright. “I remember the big re-opening gala. My event planner brain has so many ideas for how to best utilize this space for a wedding, though.”
“Yes, well, we are quite booked up,” Graham said, a pompous, proud grin taking up most of his face. “Can I interest you in a form for the waitlist? We’re so popular, we are booking a couple years out.”
“Really?” Isobel asked, curiously.
In a flash, Graham produced a form. “Leave it at the front desk if you’re interested.” After Isobel grabbed the form, he turned back to the couple. “So, I imagine the altar over here…”
As they moved out of earshot, Alex said, “Wow, who would’ve thought a museum on extra terrestrials would make a romantic venue.”
“Well, it would be for you, Alex,” Maria said. “Seeing as you and Guerin had your first kiss here. It would be so romantic to have your wedding here.”
“I agree,” Isobel said, dreamily. “I can already picture it.”
“You should totally put your name down and fill out the waitlist form,” Maria insisted, pointing at the paper in Isobel’s hand.
“What?” Alex said, recoiling at the suggestion. “That’s crazy. I’m not getting married. We- we aren’t even engaged.”
“Yeah,” Izzy said, “but if the waitlist is a couple years out, then maybe by that time you’ll have popped the question…”
Maria added, “And then by the time Guerin's ready to get married, you would have to wait another two years if you wanna get married here. He might not wait that long…”
“No,” Izzy said. “You’ll wanna lock him down and get married before he can chicken out and change his mind.”
Although he knew they were teasing, Alex felt the need to answer anyway. “He wouldn’t do that,” Alex insisted. “But, that’s all hypothetical and probably in the far-out future. Okay? We’re taking things slow right now.”
Despite Alex’s confidence in his words, he could feel his face heating up.
Isobel said, “Yeah, right now. But you’ve been in love for ten years. Don’t you want to take that step soon?”
“Well, sure…maybe…not too fast, but yeah, I’d want to blend our lives together more.” He was stuttering, but he didn’t know why. It was an insane idea and Alex knew he could just dismiss it simply, but the image of him and Michael getting married started swimming around in his brain and made him jittery.
“Oh, you should do it just for fun!” Isobel exclaimed. “It’s just a waitlist. If you don’t get engaged or even if you do, you don’t have to use it. But just filling out this form, thinking about a little gay alien wedding here sounds fun.”
After taking a much needed breath, Alex chuckled. “Alright. I guess there’s no harm putting my name down.”
“Yay!” Maria cried, excitedly.
As Isobel passed Alex the form, she said, “Well, maybe you both should put your names down. Just in case either of you get the wedding bug in a couple years.”
Maria shook her head. “I don’t think so. Even if Greg and I get more serious, I don't even know if marriage is in the cards for me.”
Alex looked at her curiously. He wasn’t sure if he realized that his friend had a negative view of marriage.
Isobel scoffed, “Spoken like someone who has always had the privilege of marriage. A few years ago, it wouldn’t be possible for me or Alex to put our names down for a same-sex marriage.” Alex nodded at her, remembering that she had been in a relationship with a woman for a while now.
“You were married before to a guy,” Maria argued. “You’ve never experienced a loss of privilege. By the time you explored your gay side, the law changed.”
“And thank god for that,” Alex said.
Glancing down at the form again, he noted that it didn’t look too complicated. Alex figured it couldn’t hurt to fill it out. If nothing else, it would plant in Alex’s mind the hopes he had for his relationship. Even if nothing ever came of it, Alex could gladly daydream.
A wedding wasn’t something that Alex ever pictured for himself, especially before the law changed. Even when it was only possible to have an unofficial ceremony or a civil union, Alex never saw himself as the settling down kind. That kind of overt romance just always felt too commercial.
Alex had been a pessimistic emo kid. And yet, Michael Guerin had made him re-think the old fairy tale happily-ever-after tropes. Now, Alex was done denying himself what he really wanted. If he were honest, the idea of a romantic wedding did sound appealing. But only if Michael was the one next to him on the altar.
So, Alex grinned, staring at the waitlist form and decided to give some potential to this dream.