Later that night Alex lay in his bed, tossing and turning. Maybe bed was a bit of a stretch, as it was just a threadbare mattress that was laying directly on the floor. He hadn't yet saved enough to buy a new one yet. Try as he might, Alex just could not get yo sleep. Between the uncomfortable bed, the caffeine that was still coursing through his veins, and the constant replaying of today's events in his mind, he just couldn't settle at all. He had even tried reading some of his class material, but nothing could break through the visions of John.

On the floor next to Alex's bed, his phone chirped. Groaning, he rolled over and looked at the screen. It was a text from Peggy. Alex rolled his eyes, debating whether or not to open it right now. Not like I'm getting any sleep right now, anyway.

AndPeggy: ALEEEEEEEEEEX. I know ur awake.

AdotHam: its 1.30 am Peggy. I'm attempting to sleep

AndPeggy: *GASP* YOU? Trying to sleep?!

AndPeggy: OMG THE WORLDS ENDING! AHHHHHHHH

AdotHam:PEGGY. What do you WANT?

AdotHam:if you continue with the dramatics I may never speak too you again

AndPeggy: so much salt...

:AdotHamOK. No more talking to you anymore. I'm finding a new friend.

AndPeggy: PFFT. Like that will ever happen. You love me too much

AndPeggy: also, I just wanted to know if you were coming in to the shop tomorrow

Alex took a minute to think about his response. Did he want to go back too the shop after making himself look like a fool? Not really, but he did want to see John again. Sighing, he returned to his phone.

AdotHam: idk Peg, we will see. Probably though.

AndPeggy: you totally should! I know someone there would like to see you ;)

For a moment Alex was stunned into silence, his fingers frozen on the key pad. She couldn't mean John! Why would he want to see me again?

AdotHam: I highly doubt John wants to see me again any time soon

AdotHam:thank you for letting me look like an idiot in front of him, by the way. I appreciate it

AndPeggy: I was actually talking about me, so...

AndPeggy: but I can see whats got your mind occupied :D

Alex swore. Damn! I'm never going to live it down now! He could already invision the teasing he would be receiving from Peggy. Her sisters, too, more than likely. She could never keep a secret from the others.

AndPeggy:so I'm going to take that as a yes you'll be there.

AndPeggy: I'll even spring for your breakfast. I know you haven't been eating again (slacker).

She had noticed then. Resignedly he replied.

AdotHam: FINE. I'll be there.

AdotHam: you better spring for something gold!

AdotHam: and I make NO promises that I'll even speak to you.

AndPeggy: love you too Alex 3

AndPeggy: get some sleep, I'll see you in the morning.

AndPeggy: Sweet dreams! (Of John ;D)

Face flushed, Alex ignored that last message. Laying back onto his pillow, he sighed. Well, there's no way of getting out of it now. I'll just have to go and hope John forgets how I acted... Did he honestly want John to forget about him, though? As his mind and body relaxed enough for him to finally feel tired, he wasn't sure. Maybe he did want John to remember him. Tomorrow I'll just have to make a better impression. His last thought before his eyes finally slid shut was of a curly haired, freckle faced man.. So beautiful he yawned before sleep overtook him.


Meanwhile, Peggy was in her room, laughing to herself. She had noticed how Alex had gone speechless when he saw John, and how, when Alex left, John just stared out the door, mouth slightly opened and with a look of awe on his face for several beats. Every time the door had opened for the rest of their shift, John had looked up with a hopeful look, as though he was hoping Alex would walk back through the door. Each time she saw his smile slip a bit in disappointment, before coming back just as bright as before.

Hmmmm. I wonder... From the room next to her, she could hear her older sister Eliza moving around. She got up and dashed into the room, not seven bothering to knock. Jumping on the plush bed next to her startled sister she squealed "Lizzy! We have a mission!"

Noting the mischevious look in her sisters eyes, Eliza warily replied "okay... Calm down, little sister. You're like a little bunny hyped up with sugar... Or Like fer twelve cups of coffee..."

"Funny you should mention Alexander..." With a slightly demented smile she explained to her sister what had happened and what she was planning.

By the end of her story, both sister were laughing so hard they could barely breathe. Fully on board with the plan, Eliza gasped out "this is going to be awesome! We could all use some excitement around here!" She was about to say something else when suddenly she was hit in the back with some projectile. Turning around, she saw their other sister, Angelica. She looked none too happy.

"I will end you both if you do not shut up. Some of us are trying to sleep!" She shot both of her sisters death glares as they continued to giggle.

"Angelica! This is worth staying late for. Let me tell you what happened!" Peggy excitedly grabbed her sister and pulled her onto the bed as well, ignoring her protests. "You're going to LOVE this!"

Soon all three of them were giggling, plotting And scheming till almost daybreak.


Alex awoke the next morning earlier than he normally would. The room was still pretty dim, and he could tell it wasn't just because of the dingy windows in his apartment. No matter how many times he cleaned them, they always looked dirty. No, it was still raining, at least its just rain and not a full blown storm.Just the thought of another storm made him shiver.

Sitting up in his bed, he streched his limbs as much as he could. If anyone ever wondered why I rarely sleep, they should lay down on this piece of crap. Suddenly, a face appeared unbidden in his mind. He smiled. It was worth sleeping on this thing to have dreamed of John all night. Too bad he's probably straight and not remotely interested in me. He signed. His dreams had been strange, but oddly amusing. It had been he and John together in a tavern or pub of some sort. He wasn't sure why, but they had been wearing military uniforms- Revolutionary war, maybe- and singing had been involved.

He was still chuckling about the dream as he got off the bed. Hopping in the shower, he mentally tried to plan what he would wear today. Jesus. What has this guy done to me?! I don't even plan outfits when I date a girl! What is it about this guy that's got me acting like a little teenager? Shaking his head at how lame he felt, he got dried off and dressed. He paused to look in the cracked mirror in his bathroom. He didn't look half bad, wearing just a graphic T-shirt and jeans, and his converses that he had had for several years. He didn't do much with his hair, just pulled it back neatly into a ponytail. I really should get a hair cut...

Grabbing his bag and his Columbia University hoodie, he took off out the door, giving himself a silent pep talk.


When he reached the corner of the street where the coffee shop was, Alex stopped in his tracks. OK weirdo. Don't be a freak. Act like you are a normal person, who can actually meet someone and not just stare at them. Ugh. Who am I kidding. There's no way I can be normal! Laughing at himself, he walked into the coffee shop.

As soon as he walked in he was nearly knocked off his feet by a tiny cannonball that smelled like a cinnamon roll. Just by the scent alone, he knew who it was Eliza Schuyler, Peggy's older sister and, for a brief time, Alex's former girlfriend. They had called it quits after about a week, when Eliza had finally admitted she was NOT into guys. They had remained friends, although he was still closer to Peggy, and Alexander adored Eliza.

Throwing his arms around her, Alex gave her a huge hug." My dearest Eliza! I've missed you!" Letting go, he looked at her. There was something different about her, but he wasn't sure what.

"Hi Alex! I'm glad you came in today! I've missed you too!" The smile on her face was as sweet and genuine as one could have, and Alex couldn't help but smile back after. Her giggle was so contagious. She went behind the counter and asked "What'll it be? Let me guess, just a coffee, black as your soul?" Her eyes twinkled at him, and he laughed.

"Actually, I'm coming up in the world and am having breakfast as well. On Peggy's dime." He grinned wolfishly. " Sooooo, to start with I'll have... Who's cooking in the back?"

" Peggy, why?"

"No reason. I'll have an egg sandwich on an English muffin then. I know how Peggy just loves making those!" From the back he could hear Peggy muttering to herself about him, and he laughed out loud when he saw the tiny hand flipping him off. "Love you Peggers!"

He sat at the table closest to the counter, so he could talk to the girls and have a good view of the shop and door. While he waited for his order, he looked around intently. Not paying attention, he was startled when Peggy came to the table with his food. She took one look at the faint blush and smirked, making his cheeks turn redder. " And just what are you looking for, Alexander? Or maybe the better word here is who?"

"Kept it up Peggy. I can always order another Egg sandwich and request you to cook it for me." He smiled a fake sweet smile at the girl, who threw her hands in the air in exasperation.

"That's gross and plain mean, Hamilton! See if I offer to buy you breakfast any more!" She stalked off. Alex just shook his head, knowing it was all just an act. With an appetite he hadn't realized he possessed, he dug into the sandwich, finishing it in about three bites. From behind the counter he could hear the Schuyler sisters giggling, but he ignored them

Knowing those two, they're up to something, he thought as he took out his book. He read for a few minutes before he got bored and realized he was still pretty hungry. Since Peggy was paying for him today, he might as well have something else to eat, right? Leaving his book at the table, he went back up to the counter, where the girls had their heads bent together, whispering about... Something. He caught just a small amount of the conversation- is he? Yeah! He is about to- before he cleared his throat and made both girls jump.

"Alex!" Peggy screeched! "RUDE!" Alexander dodged the towel she threw at him as he laughed. One look at Eliza's face and he started to get suspicious... Something was up.

"What are you two doing?" He looked pointedly at Eliza, who had a terrible poker face. She said nothing though, just giggled and fled to the back room. Damn. Usually she tells me anything I want to know!

"Its none of your business what we were doing, nosy. Do you need something?" Peggy was much better at keeping a straight face than her sister, and judging by the set of her jaw, Alex knew he wouldn't be getting anything at all out of her.

"Just another sandwich. I'm pretty hungry."

Peggy glowered at him. "Maybe if you would take care of yourself you wouldn't be so hungry, Alexander." Knowing she wasnt really mad at him, her gaze softened." I worry about you sometimes. Me and Eliza both do. You know that, right?"

Talk about a guilt trip! Alex felt bad. He knew the girls cared for him, and seeing Peggy worried like this made him wonder just how bad it had gotten. "Sorry Peggy, I'll try to remember to eat more often. Come here." As she came around the counter he gave the girl a hug. "Thanks for taking care of me."

Peggy smiled up at him. "You're welcome. Since you apologized so nicely, I'll go make you another egg sandwich. Those things are so gross though", she continued, wrinkling her nose." Seriously! They stink!" All Alex could do was chuckle as he sat back down and picked up his book. Maybe now he could concentrate a little bit better.

Engrossed in his book, which honestly was a little more interesting that he had thought it would be, he didn't even register it when he heard the door open. Nor did he notice the person who grabbed whatever Eliza had handed him over the counter and headed to his table.

He didn't look up until he heard his name said in a voice that was oddly strange and familiar at the same time. Looking at the freckled hand that passed him his plate, he knew exactly who it was. He looked up into those beautiful eyes, the eyes and freckles that had filled his dreams all last night.

"Hi Alex" John flashed a brilliant smile at him.


John was so nervous this morning. He had woken up to a text from Peggy, asking him to come to the shop. Not to work, just to talk. Apparently Wednesday mornings were dead and she had been bored. That's what she had said, at least. Having nothing better to do, he said he would and had gotten ready.

He hadn't intentionally dressed a little nicer that he normally would, it just worked out that his favorite shirt and jeans were clean at the same time! He had to remember to thank his roommate when he got back to the apartment. Throwing them on, he had brushed his teeth and that was about it. He had left his curly hair down today, since having it up all afternoon yesterday had given him a headache. gf

Speaking of yesterday... As he walked down to the shop, he couldn't stop thinking about Peggy's friend, Alex. I hope he comes back in next time I'm on shift. Maybe then I will be able to talk to him and not spaz out! He was slightly embarrassed at the way he had acted when Alex left, not being able to say anything to him. He probably thinks I'm some weirdo...

Rounding the corner, he vaugly wondered what Peggy wanted to talk about. As he walked in the door, he saw Eliza behind the counter, smilimg at him. He started to say something to her, and then saw Alex. He stopped in his tracks, motionless. He wasn't even sure that his heart was still beating at this point. He's here! Alex is here! OK, Laurens, BREATHE. Taking a deep breath in an effort to calm himself, he walked over to the cou ter to say hi to the girls. Eliza was sweet as always, but he could see Peggy in the back, giggling about something. Who knew with that girl.

"Hey John? Can you take this plate over to Alex for me please? I've got to get that couples order really quick. Thanks!" Eliza thrust the plate into his hands before he could say anything and took off to help the people who had just walked in.

John stood in disbelief for a moment -what just happened here?!- before he caught a glimpse of Peggy laughing at him in the back. He made a face at her,took a deep breath to steady himself and turned around to take the food to Alexander. It was just a few steps to the table, but in those few seconds, all he could do was just look at Alex. He looked a bit different than yesterday, not as manic, with his hair sticking put every direction, and the wild, dark eyes of yesterday had softened, making John think the other man had gotten some rest. Why am I even concerning myself about his sleeping habits. That can't be normal...

"Hi, Alex." Without asking permission, he pulled out the seat opposition of Alex and sat down, pushing the plate towards him. Alex jumped, not having realized anyone had approached him. "Sorry,I didn't mean to startle you!" He flashed his smile at Alex, hoping it hid the nervousness he felt. "Eliza asked me to bring this to you."

Alex grabbed his sandwich." Thanks, I'm STARVING!" And took a huge bite of it. As he attempted to chew his food, John looked at the book that Alex had laid down.

"Is that the Federalist Papers?" He asked, wrinkling his nose a bit. "Is this for class or are you reading it for fun?"

Alex held a hand up, trying to finish chewing his mouthful of food. Washing it down with his coffee, he replied "This time? School. I read it before I got here though, so its stupid that I have to read them again. The idiot professor insisted on it, and I already got kicked out of the class once already for interrupting him too many times... What?" He looked at John to see him laughing.

John shook his head, still laughing. "You got in trouble for interrupting the instructor? Really?"

A slow grin spread over Alex's face. "Yes I did! Maybe if the idiot knew what he was talking about I wouldn't have, but he assumed that because I wasn't from the US I knew nothing about the government. Which is bullshit, because one, I went to school back home, and two, there is this thing called Google! I hate when people assume because I'm an immigrant I know nothing." He had worked himself up again, he could tell, seeing John's eye widen in surprise. "Sorry... I'm just..."

"Overdramatic? A loud mouth? OH!An insufferable know it all!" Both Alex and John laughed as Peggy came over to the table, bringing John his coffee. PattinAlexs head like one would a puppy, she continued. "Don't worry, Johnny boy. Alex tends to go off on tangents every once in a while, but he will usually calm down. Let me guess, you're going on about... Jefferson!"

Alex snorted." No, for once I'm not talking about that pasta obsessed twit. It was Lee this time. He's forcing me to read this" gesturing toward the abandoned copy of The Federalist Papers in disgust" because 'its a good initiation into the US Government, especially from someone not from here'. Condescending bastard, I doubt half the people in the class gave ever read it. Have you?" He questioned the two.

Peggy, shook her head no, but John nodded. "I have. It was a required reading from my father, so I read it when I was 13 or so."

Alex looked at him curiously, as if to ask why his father made him read such a thing as a teenager, but Peggy had seen the troubled look in Johns eyes and hastened to change the subject. "So what are you two dorks going to do today? Anything exciting?"

"You invited me here to talk Peggy! I was going to sleep in!" John exclaimed.

"I'm going to sit here all day and eat, since you so kindly offered to pay for it all. John, care to join me? We can make Peggy pay for yours too and eat till we can't eat anymore. Or till Peggy's broke."

"Yesssss let's! Since I was so rudely woken up and dragged out today..."

Peggy groaned as the two started ordering half the items the shop offered. Damn, there go my tips for the day. Lafs going to kill me, but at least these two are happy and talking. Winking at her sister as she walked to the back, Peggy couldn't help but smile at the thought of the two men at the table, talking like they had known each other for years.


Authors Note

Thank you so much for reviewing! I haven't written in a very long time, so I'm glad everyone has so far like this!