Work Text:
December 8 - New York City, one year later
I. Arrivals
Hal was not used to this weather. After living in San Diego for a good portion of his adult life, he had gotten rid of any winter coats and snow boots years ago. This left him floundering at John’s invitation to visit, trying to find anything appropriate for December in New York City. He opened his carry-on duffel bag and pulled out a long wool overcoat, scarf, and gloves. Hopefully my sneakers will do.
John was waiting at arrivals, similarly bundled up, and waved him over.
“Hey, lookin’ good,” John said as he grabbed Hal by the shoulders and smiled, “this all new? I doubt you get much snow.”
“Yeah, I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen the temperature below 60.”
Hal followed John outside and wished he bought a hat as well. It was below freezing and flurries whipped around in the wind, stinging his face.
“Are we getting a cab?”
“No, I parked in the airport lot. Come on.”
“You still have your car in the city?”
“They have private lots here. We’ll have to walk a block or two to the house when we get there.”
John’s car was comfortable, clean, and spacious. Hal was glad they didn’t opt for the cab. He loaded his bag in the trunk as John turned the heat full blast with the engine on. Useless. It would blow cold air until they hit the highway.
In the slowly warming passenger’s seat, Hal started to appreciate the view of the city. It looked like a snow globe. He hadn’t seen the New York skyline since the filming of Sons of Liberty, and that was over a decade ago. So much had changed between him and John since then, the city was most likely changed as well.
“So is it a high-rise or?” Hal made conversation.
“It’s a brownstone,” John smirked, “facing the park.”
“Jesus, how much did that cost you?” Hal laughed.
“Not nearly enough. Can’t put a price on happiness.”
John was being sarcastic. So this must have been a compromise. Hal never took John for the living in the city type. He would happily spend his whole net worth to be in a quiet house somewhere away from noise and neighbors. The thought made him uneasy. What was Adam like that a brownstone was a compromise?
When John pulled into the private garage, Hal was still turning the idea of Adam over in his head. He had never known John to get attached. Granted they were in their early 20s then, casual sex was king, but committed partner wasn’t a phrase he ever thought he would use to describe John.
“I’ll get your bag,” John popped the trunk and hoisted Hal’s luggage over his left shoulder.
“I can carry a duffle bag.”
“It’s a few blocks. You’re my guest.”
“Alright, I’ll take you up on that.”
Hal switched his thoughts back to the boyfriend. Adam Katz. He was what, 24, 25? I think I saw him in a few ads. He’s a model or something. He’s young. Ten years is a long time. Why settle down like this? Is John ok? The man in question was whistling and bobbing through the snow covered sidewalk up ahead. He seemed completely acclimated to this environment now. Strange. He’s the older, famous one. Isn’t Adam just chasing him? John could’ve easily taken the lead and made Adam move out West. It was the logical choice. None of it adds up.
II. The Boyfriend
Hal hurried after John inside. Once he passed the threshold, he could feel his face warming up again. It felt nice. It smelled nice. Cozy. Lived in. John took his scarf and coat and put them in the attached closet. They worked on unlacing their shoes.
Then, he heard unmistakable sound of canine claws on hardwood flooring. Two large huskies surrounded them, nosing at his legs and whining. John lit up and ruffled their fur.
“This one’s Rex,” he pet the lighter color dog, “and this one’s Ray.” The darker grey husky experimentally sniffed Hal, but ultimately decided he was of no interest.
“Are you two back?” Hal heard a voice from the other room. A fair, slender man no older than 30 entered. That must be him.
“Hey,” John finished taking his shoes off and shuffled over to Adam. He swiftly wrapped him in a half embrace.
“Ah, your hands are so cold!” Adam jolted when John touched the back of his neck.
He really loves him. Hal watched the softening expression on John’s face, the gentle look in his eyes. Then tracing his gaze hesitantly to Adam, searched for a similar expression. Adam was a bit uneasy, acutely aware of Hal’s presence, but otherwise leaned into the embrace. The way he held John’s gaze. Oh, I have nothing to worry about.
Quickly, Adam turned his attention over to him.
“Hi, I’m Adam. John’s boyfriend. Welcome to New York.”
The way he smiled was magnetic. Instantly charming, open and bright eyed. John never stood a chance. He carried himself with inherent grace and was expertly dressed in a baby-blue turtleneck sweater and pressed pants, thrown off only by the presence of house shoes.
“Thanks for having me,” Hal returned the smile.
“I’ll take this upstairs,” John offered as he lifted Hal’s luggage again.
“Alright. Hal, please have a seat. I’ll make some coffee.”
As quickly as he came, he left. Slipped away into the maze of rooms on the first level. Hal looked around from his place on the couch. It really is a nice house. The rooms were spacious and painted in attractive earth tones. Minimal furniture but functional. He wasn’t an expert in design, but it gave off a slightly mid-century feel. Like he was on the set of Columbo. At the wealthy murderer’s new mansion. The only thing grounding them in present day was the entertainment system.
He saw Ray’s head shoot up from her spot lounging on the floor. Shortly after, he heard John descending the stairs.
“Boyfriend? Why not fiancé?” Hal posed the question as John slid back on the seat next to him. His tone only slightly joking.
“It would be funny if you weren’t right,” John sighed, “I just haven’t found the right time. The right rings. I don’t know.”
“Sounds like excuses.”
“Maybe, yeah. Part of me is waiting on him to propose. He could too.”
“Also true. You know you don’t need to do any of this song and dance and one of you could just ask plainly.”
Adam was back with three cappuccinos. He set the tray, complete with a sugar bowl and biscotti, down on the table. Hal took his coffee and admired the beautiful matching cup and saucer, black and gold patterned on thin white ceramic. It felt good in his hands.
“So, you’re seeing the show tonight?” Adam asked, spooning sugar into his cup.
“Yeah. I’ve never really seen a Broadway musical so I’m not sure what to expect.” Hal smiled politely and looked back down at his cup.
Adam seemed a bit surprised at the admission. The conversation died. Hal looked to John for help but he was too busy watching Adam sip his coffee. What is with these two.
“Well I hope you find it enjoyable, at least, Adam offered.
“Yeah, it should be an experience.”
Hal was surprised at how quickly Adam had won him over. This morning he thought he was a disingenuous younger man, intent on getting whatever he wanted out of John. Now, he was enchanted. Maybe John is the lucky one.
III. Lunch
With hours to kill, John offered to show him around the city. It was the holiday season, things would be crowded, but there was no shortage of entertainment. They started with lunch.
John led him to a secluded Italian restaurant near the park. Adam suggested it. He seemed to just know everything, almost uncannily, and he was usually right. The food was great, no one paid them any mind, despite John being one of the most recognizable faces in America right now.
“Well, let’s see the show’s at 7 and it’s only a little after 1 right now,” John said between bites of his pasta, “what else do you wanna do?”
“You’re the one who lives here, you tell me.”
John seemed to really think about it for a few moments, chewing and looking around in intervals, as if he had no idea what Hal would find entertaining to do in the biggest city on the east coast.
“We could go see the big tree,” he offered.
Hal laughed.
“Rockefeller Plaza? On a Saturday in December? It’ll be crazy. And I’m not that much of tourist.”
“It’s early, come on.”
“We should go to the museums. The botanical garden. Something like that. Indoors.”
“You’re no fun.”
“I’m practical.”
“You haven’t changed at all,” John took sips of his wine, “can’t handle the cold. Wanna do boring shit like museums.”
“And you’ve changed a lot,” Hal treaded carefully, but breached the topic, “you swore you’d never settle down in the city. And here we are.”
“Hey,” John warned, “people can change, when it’s important.”
There was an uncomfortable silence between them now. The waiter returned and filled their ice water. John ordered a second plate of pasta. The wide noodles “al stracotto” must be very good.
“So, are you going home for Christmas or?”
“Yeah. I’ll be back there. I should see my nephew at least.”
“And Adam?”
“He’s coming too.”
“And his family?”
“Nothing. They don’t really do that.“
“Sure.”
John snickered. Evidently remembering something fondly.
“Hal, I think his mother hates me. She’s scary as Hell.”
Hal laughed too.
“Whatever you did, I’m on her side.”
John sighed and ran his hand through his bangs. Then, leaned back in his seat a bit too far.
“I really gotta get these rings.”
IV. Curtain
Hal glanced down at his watch. 4:30. Currently, he and John were walking up Central Park West to the house. The park looked beautiful in the snow. Maybe we should have done something outside. The thought quickly died when an icy gust of wind burned his face and ears. Never mind, the Met was a great idea.
Hal was having fun. He dragged John through several exhibits and amused himself at his friend’s general disinterest. It was crowded inside the museum and John was wearing a surgical mask to hide his face from prying eyes. But he seemed to light up more at the medieval armor. The expertly crafted swords and rifles. The hall of statues with its rows of marble made to look soft in the form of beautiful men and women. Yeah. He hasn’t changed.
Inside the house, heat greeted him pleasantly once more. The dogs scampered over to John. He indulged them while Hal took off his coat and scarf.
“What time do we need to leave by?”
“6. It shouldn’t take us long to get there.”
“Where are we sitting?”
John smirked.
“I got a box.”
John didn’t disappoint. The seats were private, they had the section mostly to themselves, and the view of the stage from above was excellent. The curtain rose and a young girl was singing with her grandmother. The scene changed. A revolutionary army killed the Tzar. A lighter tune, and peasants were singing in the streets. Oh, it’s Anastasia. Then Adam appeared on stage. He’s Dmitri. The music swelled. He was ducking around with his companion on stage.
“We’ll find a girl to play the part and teach her what to say, dress her up and take her to Paris!”
Wow, he can really sing too. He was weirdly perfect as a Disney Prince. Anastasia was Disney, right? The Princess in question was on the other side of the stage, dressed in rags, and avoiding the others. Throughout the first act Hal was mesmerized by Adam’s pure stage presence. By the end, he proved himself a born dancer too. The curtain fell on “Journey to the Past” and it took him a moment to adjust.
“He’s pretty good, right?” John leaned forward in his seat, somewhat smug.
“Yeah. I’d like to see you do all that.” Hal snickered. He stood up and checked his watch. “I’m gonna go downstairs. Be right back. You need to smoke?”
“No,” he flashed a familiar grin, “I quit.”
“Yeah right. How long this time?”
“Two years.” John held up his hand displaying the number on his fingers.
“You’re serious this time? I didn’t smell it in the house too. Figured Adam made you go outside.”
“He helps. Keeps my cravings down. Now hurry up. Go.”
Act two was much the same. The story resolved nicely. Dmitri and Anastasia make it out of danger. The story closes in Paris. Curtain. Hal gathered his things from the back his seat when John put a hand on his shoulder.
“Wanna go back there?”
“Back there? The stage?”
“Yeah. They know me. Come on.”
It was a tight squeeze, a chaotic shuffle, and it felt illegal, but Hal hesitantly followed behind John backstage. He heard his voice before they saw him. Adam was laughing and chatting with his fellow cast members. He was out of his costume now, in a grey t-shirt and jeans, but his hair was still styled and stiff. Hal smiled awkwardly at the group. Adam lit up when he saw John and walked over. Hal couldn’t see John’s face from his angle behind the pair, but something about the look in Adam’s eyes shook him.
Watching his friend who he always thought would go through life alone like him. Remembering the forced conversion after his own divorce. His joking dismissal at the paparazzi photos of John caught with Adam in L.A. Another one, really? He thought nothing of it at the time. But now? How could you think it was anything else? He felt a growing ache in his stomach. It didn’t feel bad, per se. He tried to place the feeling and the new thoughts creeping in his mind, far too much like wondering if he could be happy too.