strings attached ; firstprince

chapter three

"Henry," Alex pointedly glares at him. Henry freezes mid-chew. "What's his venmo?"

Henry, who is still flustered from earlier and has a mouth full of food, only musters a short "Sorry?"

"Pez's Venmo," Alex repeats. "Do you know it?"

"What's got you so hot and bothered Hen?" Pez asks, a small glint of knowing in his voice. Henry's eyes widen a little and a devilish grin overtakes Alex's face.

"Er-," Henry stutters, all eyes on him. "Could I have one question at a time, please? I feel like I'm being interrogated. Alex, no I don't know his Venmo."

"What about my question dearest-" Pez starts.

"Aren't you meant to be his best friend?" Alex interjects.

Henry's eyes flicker between Alex who is sitting across from him and Pez who sits beside him. "I haven't had any reason to pay Pez for anything."

"Cool, I'll get some cash then," Alex decides.

"Alex, you beautiful, stubborn soul, can you please let me take this bill? I promise you can be furious all you need afterwards."

"Fine, but I'm not happy about it," Alex pouts, crossing his arms. Quietly he adds "Thank you, Pezzy."

"My pleasure, Alexander darling," Pez says with an amused smile.

"So, Nora and I wanted to ask you something," June says, drawing attention to the two of them.

"So, June and I are organizing a fundraiser event for extra credit where all funds will go to underprivileged kids. We've decided we're going to do an end-of-summer ball, for all students to attend. Everyone brings a date, alcohol provided, all that jazz."

"That sounds spectacular," Pez comments. Alex and Henry nod in agreement.

"So, Alex..." Nora looks directly at him. "We were hoping you could perform a few songs, especially the slow dance type of songs."

"Yeah okay," Alex agrees. He thinks for a moment and adds "Do I still have to bring a date?"

"Yes," June says a little too quickly. "You're definitely not getting out of that."

"Fine," Alex smiles at her. "It'll be a tough pick from all the options I have lined up."

"You are so full of shit," June laughs outwardly. Alex rolls his eyes but notices Henry watching him.

"What about you, Henry?" Alex says, looking directly at him. "Do you have anyone in mind?"

"Um," Henry clears his throat. "Not at this stage."

Alex hums in acknowledgement. "Good to know."

"Anyway, it would be cool if you guys all came," June says. "It's late August. Two weeks before the fall classes start."

"Sounds good, I'll be there," Alex says.

"Yeah, Haz and I will definitely make an appearance, right Hen?" Pez looks to Henry who just nods politely with a tight-lipped smile. Pez gives Alex a knowing smile and a not-so-subtle wink.

While Nora, Pez and June get into a conversation that Alex can hear but isn't really listening to, Henry pulls out his vibrating phone and looks down at it with furrowed brows. Before he answers, he makes eye contact with Alex but is quick to avert his eyes and get up from his seat.

"Hello?" Henry says. He quickly walks away from the table, far enough for Alex to not be in earshot. Alex watches as Henry stiffens and his usually soft features become sharp and downturned. Alex feels his heart sink into his stomach and it turns into a nauseating kick in his gut. Who could possibly make Henry look so miserable?