So I started to write this work as a way to cope with exams week, and then my grandmother died and it became a way to cope with that. Cannot guarantee that it will be good, nor that it will always make sense, but here it is.
"Ah, Alexander, early for class again, I see." Mr. Washington smiled. "I changed seats for the new semester, let me check the seating chart."
"Alright, Mr. Washington." Alex placed his books down on the corner of the nearest desk. He looked around the room. History is definitely my favorite class. I love this room so much. Even though my dad is the teacher. His eyes roamed over the flags and maps covering the walls and wondered if he'd ever know it all. There's so much knowledge in the world.
"Okay, Alexander. You're in the back row, the second to last seat on the right." Mr. Washington pointed. Alex groaned. "I'm sorry, but I can trust you in the back, other kids, not so much. I put Hercules next you, if that helps." Having your dad as your teacher can be good and bad.
"It's fine, Mr. Washington." Alex picked up his books and walked into the corner. He was pulling back his chair when Herc walked into the classroom. "Hey Alex. Mr. Washington. New seats?" He asked, noticing Alex had just sat down in the back row.
"Yes, Hercules. You're next to Alex, in the corner. I hope I can trust you two?" Their history teacher asked seriously.
"Yes, sir." Hercules spoke. Alex nodded in agreement.
"Thomas, you're early." Mr. Washington added, noticing the boy who entered his classroom. "You have a new seat, it's..." He looked down at the paper in his hand, his finger running along it, mouthing the various names. "Front row, third seat from the left."
"Okay." Jefferson brought his books over to his new desk. "Hamilton. Mulligan." He curtly nodded at his classmates. They were in the middle of a truce that would last three more weeks. This particular truce was brought about by multiple teachers threatening them with detentions. George wouldn't mind him bringing home a detention, since he knew how annoying Thomas Jefferson could be, but Martha would kill him. And Thomas' parents were the same. So they had decided on a month-long truce in hopes that it would calm their teachers to see that they were getting along- even if it was pre-agreed and false.
"Jefferson." They spoke in unison, nodding back to him.
Slowly, their other classmates filtered in. The rows started to fill up, but the seat next to Alex remained empty. Hercules looked over at his best friend and whispered, "It's Laf or John Laurens."
Alex dramatically dropped his head down on his desk. "No!" He groaned. "The odds are against me."
"John, nice of you to be on time." Mr. Washington spoke calmly. "Your new seat is in the back row, next to-" He chuckled at seeing the state his adopted son was in. "Alexander."
"Herc, kill me now." The black-haired boy groaned.
"Ah, teacher's pet. And how are you doing this fine morning?" Laurens stated confidently.
"Just fine. How long did it take you to do your hair? Was that why you were late to homeroom?" Alex snapped.
"No, I was a bit busy with a male problem, if you know what I mean." He winked.
Alex gagged jokingly. "Yes, because if you really were masturbating, you'd tell me, of all people." So maybe that joke gag was somewhat real. How can he casually bring stuff like that up? He has no clue I'm gay. Oh dear lord this semester is going to be a new kind of hell.
"Maybe I would. Maybe I get off on knowing people know I'm masturbating." He smirked arrogantly.
"I'm not going to glorify that with an reply." Alex rolled his eyes.
"You just did, Lexi." John smiled.
Alex inhaled sharply. Everyone knew he hated being called Lexi. Even Jefferson never stooped that low. "I swear, Laurens, if you call me Lexi again, I'll-" But he didn't have to come up with a threat because the bell rang.
"Ah, Gilbert. Barely on time, as always." Mr. Washington commented. "I'm sure you can tell where your new seat is." Just in case he couldn't, Mr. Washington pointed his pen at the desk sitting empty in the center of the classroom.
"Thanks, Mr. W."
"Any time, Gilbert." Mr. Washington commented dryly. As long as Laf is on time, Mr. Washington doesn't mind his humor. Usually, whenever Laf is over, Dad's really friendly with him. He has to be professional during school hours, Alex reminded himself.
Mr. Washington started up the projector and started his lecture, changing slides as he talked. Alex scribbled down notes on the class and wrote down notes to Herc in the corner of the pages in his notebook. He continuously glanced over at Herc's notebook to look at the other boy's comments.
"Hey Lexi." Laurens whispered.
Alex breathed deeply, trying to remain calm. "Yes, Laur-Laur?" He shot back.
"You did not just call me Laur-Laur." Laurens said, shocked.
"What do you want?" Alex whispered sharply.
"If you miss some of the notes in class, would Mr. Washington give you his notes when you get home?"
Alex didn't respond. Why do I like this guy? I don't even understand my own hormones.
"Hey, come on, lighten up, it was a joke!" Laurens tried. "Alex, I was-"
"Mr. Laurens, would you like to tell me what's so important that it interrupts my lecture?" Mr. Washington interrupted.
Alex looked up from his notes and snuck a glance over at John, who's face had flushed an adorable bright pink. And now he wanted to slap himself for thinking that. "Nothing, sir."
"Well clearly it was something." Mr. Washington pressed. "Tell me now or I will keep you after class to give you a detention."
"I was just asking Alex if he could clear something up for me, since he seemed to understand it. I'm sorry, sir." Laurens covered.
Alex fully turned his head to look at his classmate. That was quite the clever lie. If Alex had to give Laurens one thing, he was good with cover stories and lies, something no one ever thought he could be. Also, he was wicked attractive when he blushed. "Alexander, is this true?"
Fuck. Of course his honor would be called into question. Shit. Should he lie to his dad? He knew Laurens was depending on him, and he couldn't bear knowing Laurens had gotten a detention because of him. "Yeah, Mr. Washington. He was asking me to clarify Jamestown's crops." That should be broad enough for Laurens to lie about.
"Well, John, next time you have a question on the material, ask. Did Alexander explain it to you or do I need to?" Mr. Washington queried. First names again, Laurens is in the clear.
"No, Alex covered it pretty well."
Mr. Washington went back to his slides, but Alex knew he'd be questioned thoroughly later. Is John worth it? He asked himself. As he saw Laurens slide down in his chair and whisper a quick, "Thanks, man." In his direction, he knew the answer was yes.