Saturday sunlight spilled lazily through Alex's window, warm and golden. For once, he didn't rush anywhere. He was sprawled across his bed, laptop balanced on his stomach, phone in his hand. His screen lit up with Nate's name.
Nate: "What are you doing?"
Alex: "Missing you."
Nate: "Don't start."
Alex: "Too late. Already started."
Alex grinned, biting his lip as he typed back, fingers tapping quick and teasing. He could almost hear Nate's low, annoyed-but-smiling groan from here.
When the notifications paused, Alex turned his attention back to his laptop. Online shopping wasn't exactly his usual scene, but now... he had reasons. He had places to go, people watching him, and most of all — Nate.
Scrolling aimlessly, his eyes stopped on a dress.
A dress.
Not the kind he'd ever pictured himself in before. But something about the lines, the softness, the flow — it tugged at something inside him. A memory surfaced: watching Jules in the series, how freely she dressed, how she owned her femininity like armor and art all at once. Back then, Alex had admired it from a distance. That's not me. That's not my world.
But this Alex? This Alex had money. He had freedom. He had a boyfriend who made him feel like he could do anything.
His heart raced. He clicked Add to Cart before he could second-guess it.
He didn't text Nate about it. Not yet. He wanted the surprise, wanted to see Nate's raw, unfiltered reaction. That thrill made his chest buzz with anticipation.
Instead, he padded downstairs where his mom was sipping coffee, flipping through fabric samples scattered across the kitchen counter. She was glowing, even in her messy bun and oversized glasses.
"Morning, sweetheart," she said, not looking up.
"Morning," Alex said, trying to keep his tone casual. "Hey... question."
She glanced up at him, curious. "What's that tone? You only use that tone when you're about to drop something interesting."
Alex hesitated, then smirked. "What would you think... if I started experimenting with more feminine styles?"
Her brows arched. Then, slowly, a smile spread across her face. "You mean dresses? Skirts? That kind of thing?"
"Yeah." Alex shifted, scratching the back of his neck. "I don't know, I just... I see people pulling it off. And I think maybe I could too. Or at least try."
His mom set her coffee down and came closer, her hands resting warmly on his shoulders. "Honey... you'd look amazing in anything you chose to wear. And I'd be proud of you for trying. Clothes are just another canvas. You're allowed to play."
Alex blinked, throat tightening unexpectedly. He nodded quickly, muttering, "Thanks, Mom."
She smirked, patting his cheek. "Though I will say — Nate might combust. And honestly? I'm dying to see it."
Alex laughed, shaking his head, but the thought stuck. Yeah... Nate's reaction is going to be something.
Flashback — Telling His Mom
It had been just a few days after Alex's "rebirth." He was still adjusting — new house, new parents, new money, new everything. Then he got into a relationship with Nate. The weight of secrets pressed heavy on him, and he hated carrying them alone.
So one evening, he walked into the kitchen where his mom was sketching designs at the counter. His chest felt tight, his palms clammy.
"Mom?"
She hummed, eyes still on her sketchpad. "Mm?"
"I... I need to tell you something."
That got her attention. She set the pencil down and turned, giving him her full focus. "Alright. What's on your mind?"
Alex's throat felt dry, but he forced the words out. "I'm gay."
Her eyes softened instantly. No hesitation, no shock — just warmth. She crossed the room, cupped his face in her hands, and kissed his forehead. "Oh, honey. Thank you for trusting me with that. I love you. Nothing changes that."
Relief washed over him, stronger than he expected. But before she could pull back, he blurted out the rest.
"And... I already have a boyfriend."
Her brows shot up, lips parting in surprise. "Oh?"
Alex winced, then smiled nervously. "Yeah. His name's Nate. Nate Jacobs."
Her reaction was a mix of intrigue and motherly instinct. She leaned back, crossing her arms, giving him the look. "Nate Jacobs, huh? Handsome. Popular. Dangerous, from what I hear."
Alex's face flushed. "He's... different with me."
Her smile softened, though her eyes still sparkled with curiosity. "Different how?"
Alex met her gaze, steady this time. "He makes me feel like I belong. Like I'm his whole world."
That quieted her. After a moment, she reached out and squeezed his hand. "If he treats you the way you deserve, then I'll support you both. But, Alex..." Her voice grew firmer. "Don't ever let love blind you. Promise me you'll keep your eyes open."
Alex nodded quickly, though inside he knew — his eyes had never been more open.
Back to Present
Back in his room, Alex flopped back onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. His phone buzzed again.
Nate: "I'm picking you up tomorrow for the date."
Nate: "Wear something that makes you mine."
Alex grinned wickedly, hugging the pillow to his chest. Oh, Nate... you have no idea what's coming.
He glanced at the order confirmation still open on his laptop. The dress would arrive soon. And when it did, everything would change again.
Because this wasn't just about fashion. This was Alex rewriting his identity in this new world — piece by piece, layer by layer.
And he couldn't wait to see Nate's face when he pulled it off.
End of Chapter Twenty
