A/n Hello you guys! Ok so I'm updating again and I hope you like it! If you have any ideas on what you'd like to see I'd love to hear them so, please PM or comment your ideas and I'll incorporate and give credit! Oh, and tell me if I'm doing Alex and Eliza right or if there is anything I should add to them to make them more true to their characters. Also, there is a little 1 thing and that means I'll explain more in the end notes. Last thing quick thank you to Lily (guest) for your nice comment and that I'm so sorry for taking so long it's a mixture of being busy but also lazy! I had it written but not edited it and I got lazy and never did but here you go!

Disclaimer: I do not own Hamilton

Chapter 4

Philip's POV

This is my second week of me staying at the Hamilton's and they haven't broken their façade yet. I'm eating my cereal quietly as Eliza and Alex make small talk. I hate being here because I can tell they probably want to talk but not in front of me. Eliza probably wants to tell Alex how horrible and annoying I am and wants to call Ms. Jones immediately and tell her to take me back. I swirl my spoon around the plate not hungry at all and just focus on keeping down the few spoonful's I had. I sit my back hunched to help aching body that still after two weeks is sore. The parts that Alex could clean up are doing much better but it still hurts. A gentle female voice breaks me out of my thoughts "Philip?" My head jerks up and I sit up straight immediately thinking she is going to yell out me for my posture. "Sorry Ma'am" She frowns "For what, sweetie? I just wanted to ask if you would like some other cereal or something completely different. You're not eating much and I don't want you to starve" great she now probably thinks I'm ungrateful "Oh no its fine I'm just not very hungry" Which is true I'm barely keeping my food down. She doesn't look convinced but nods "Ok, darling…" I go look at my food and grimace hoping they didn't catch it. "May I be excused?" Alex and Eliza both nod and quickly take my plate to the sink and rush upstairs. I lay on my bed and wait for the nausea to go away.

Eliza's POV (I'm not as bad as I thought I was!)

As I watch Philip rush upstairs I can't help notice how skinny he is and how his face seemed to have gotten and greenish tint. I stare at the stairs mind filled with worry for my foster son. I feel a warm hand slip into mine and give it a squeeze pulling me back to reality. "Betsey? Are you ok?" I look at my husband's warm brown eyes and let out a breath. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's Philip I'm worried about. Alex his face was green and he probably ate like 3 spoonfuls! He is probably underweight and I care about him!" He grabs my other hand and looks me in the eye "I know, I know. It take's patience my dearest, Eliza" I smile at the name he said. It was a joke between Angelica and I and she would add commas to all the texts he'd send her. When he texted, he liked to talk all old and formal so he would say "my dearest Angelica" and she would edit the text for it to say "my dearest, Angelica" so now he likes calling me "my dearest (pause), Eliza" anyway I say "Since when did you become the patient one?" He smirks "since you became a mother" I laugh and pull him in for a kiss. Our lips are about to meet when my phone goes off. Alex laughs and I quickly grab my phone not even checking the caller id and answer with a rather annoyed "What do you want?" The caller on the other side clears his or her's throat and says "Well I'm sorry to bother you" it's a woman and it's my boss I quickly speak "No! I'm sorry I didn't check the id I thought it was one of my sisters." She gives me an unbelieving laugh and says "Anyway, I've had enough of your absence you will be here today or else I can find another teacher to teach your class. Permanently" She replies curtly

"Ma'am with all due respect I just fostered a boy and I don't want to leave him alone"

"How old is he?"

"13"

"Perfectly capable of staying home alone or better yet going to school!"

"He has been through a lot and is not the most sociable kid. He can have a temper if provoked and has panic attacks"

"Have you ever well I don't know punished him for doing this?"

"FOR HAVING PANIC ATTACKS!" I wince hoping I wasn't loud enough for Philip to hear

"Of course not! But he is probably staging them in need of attention. Scold him and force him to go to school you are his parent now"

"No"

"Ok then get to work!"

"Of course Mrs. Laurens" (Johns mom) I hang up the phone steaming at the entire conversation. How can this be the mother of John, sweet John? I feel Alex place a hand on my shoulder. He is dressed for work white button up, tie, slacks and dress shoes. His briefcase is by the door as well as his blazer. "Honey who was that?" I look at him and rest my head on his shoulder

"work"

"oh"

"Yeah I have to go in today or else I get fired"

"Oh, ok I'll call George and tell him I can't come in"

"Alex I don't want you to do that"

"And I don't want you to lose you dream job. George will understand" I let out a sigh of defeat and walk over to the stairs to go get changed for work.

Alex's POV

I go and grab my phone to call George that I'm not going into work today. I call the office instead of his cell since he is probably already at work. A lady answers it and directs it to George but instead, I get met with Jefferson. "Hello?" A voice with a southern drawl picks up obviously, Jefferson. "Jefferson? I'm calling for Washington" I ask annoyed "Well he is busy so I'll be taking calls, Hamilton" I take a deep breath because if I start yelling Philip will hear me and get scared

"Look tell Washington I'm very sorry but I can't be at work today but I'll get as much done at home as possible"

"Hamilton, you have to come into work"

"Look my wife needs to go to work and I have a foster kid I need to stay home with"

"Get a nanny"

"No, he barely trusts us"

"Put him in school"

"Do I need to repeat myself? Let me make it clear my foster son doesn't trust us. How will he do in school? He's not ready for that yet" I say really slowly trying to make him understand

"Hamilton, don't talk down to me!"

"Why not? You're not my superior!"

"I'm still an adult"

"Who is not capable of understanding BASIC INFORMATION!" My voice raised and it was just below Philip being able to hear me.

"Oh stop that you're being unreasonable! You-" I hear a muffled JEFFERSON! Then the phone being put on hold when I'm taken off hold it's George's voice "Alexander were you yelling?" I blush, shame rising in my cheeks I respond a quiet "Yes" I hear George sigh "Look, please try not to yell for the sake of your child. What if he heard you yell?" his voice sterner than usual because now the yelling could affect a child. I look down at my feet. "Sorry. It won't happen again, George"

"I'm sure it won't. Now I assume you called for another reason than yell at Jefferson?" His voice is stern to make sure I know my actions are not allowed but there is a hint of gentleness which means he is no longer mad "Actually yes. You see Eliza got a call and is now being forced to go to her job instead of being here with Philip. We don't want to leave him alone so I need to stay home, please." There is a pause before George answers "Of course, son." I let out a sigh of relief and say a quick thank you. I hang up and see Eliza giving me a worried look.

"So?"

"He said yes" She smiles and hugs me.

"Perfect! Plus, you could use a break!"

"Uh, Eliza I can't really do that. I have so much work to do and-" (a/n This is not take a break. This is just one of the many times poor Eliza wants Hammy to relax)

"No, you will take a break and spend time with your son. Got it?"

"Eliza" I whine and she frowns "Alexander you work too much. I'm sure whatever this is can wait until tomorrow." I'm about to protest again but she cuts me off "No" I slump my shoulder in defeat. "Fine!" She smiles and plants a kiss to my cheek. "Goodbye, love," she says while walking to the door. "If you really loved me you would let me work!" I yell back "No, Alex!" Then I hear the door close. I fall onto the couch. Great now what do I do!? I look over to the piano that my parents got us. I haven't played it in years, Eliza is the one who mainly plays it. I go over and start to play one of the songs I used to write. It was called Hurricane.

"In the eye of a hurricane, there is quite for just a moment I yellow sky. When I was 11 a hurricane destroyed my town, I didn't drown I couldn't seem to die. I wrote my way out wrote everything done far as I could see. I wrote my way out. I looked up and the town had its eyes. Passed a plate around total strangers moved to kindness by my story. Raised enough for me to book passage on a ship that was New York bound. I wrote my way out. I was louder than the crack of the bell. I wrote Eliza love letter until she fell. I wrote about immigration and defended it well. When my prayers were met with indifference I picked up a pen I wrote my own deliverance. In the eye of a hurricane, there is quite for just a moment a yellow sky. I was twelve when my mother died she was holding me we were sick and she was holding me I couldn't seem to die. I'll my way out write everything down far as I can see. I'll write my way out overwhelm them with honesty. This is the eye of a hurricane this is the only way I can protect my legacy" 1 To say I was surprised was an understatement. After years of not playing that I could play it! I turn around and see Philip when he sees that I noticed he was there his eyes widen.

Philip's POV

I stand their eyes wide. He's going to yell at me for being down here and listening to him play. I should have been upstairs those are usually the rules; stay in your room unless asked to come downstairs. I open my mouth to apologize but my mouth once more betrays me. "What are you doing here?" It's his house, Philip! You have no right to ask that! "Uh, I'm- I'm rea- really so- sorry! I'm sorry-" I rush out but he raises a hand and I immediately close my mouth and tense readying for a blow but he says "Hey, kiddo its fine this is your home too. You have every right to be down here and you have a right to ask me why I'm here. I'm usually not here at this time" He smiles a warm smile and I relax a little, only a little. He motions for me to sit down next to him "Wanna sit down, kiddo?" His voice is soft and it sounds like a question but it never is. I make my way and sit down next to him on the piano stool. He keeps his hands on his thighs never moving them and he keeps as much distance as me from him as possible, huh. That's never happened before maybe- No! He just wants to gain your trust. "Alright now to answer your question I'm here because Eliza had to go to work today but we don't want to leave you home alone yet. Not that we don't trust you but this is a new house and we want you to be as comfortable as possible." I notice how he doesn't say home but house he might care about me and is making sure I – no stop thinking like this, Philip he wants you to know this is NOT your home. I nod and say "Oh ok." I rub my neck sheepishly and say "Sorry for being rude, sir. I didn't mean to. I understand you had not spoken to me and it was not my place to speak." I look down and I feel someone hook a finger under my chin to which I flinch slightly. "Hey, Philip you were not rude and you can speak even if I didn't directly tell you that you could. If you ever want to talk about something or have a question just let me or Eliza know and we would be more than happy to listen to you. Also, if what you want to talk about can be anything, alright?" I nod not really believing him but wanting this conversation to be over. He takes his finger away from my chin and says

"Ok, now do you wanna watch a movie or something?"

"Uh, do you want to, sir?"

"I don't mind, kiddo. I'm just bored out of my mind!" He says. To prove his point, he lets his face fall onto the now closed piano he also lets the word bored and mind go on longer for emphasis. I smile slightly but quickly hide it. If he noticed it he doesn't let on. "Uh, I'm uh cool with a mo-movie" Gosh Philip, since when do stumble so much. What happened to all those fancy words, huh? I voice that I thought I had forgotten comes back and I let out a small shiver. Alex seems not to notice it "Alright!" We walk over to the couch and I notice he sits as far away from me as possible. I'm grateful but at the same time, I'm mad at myself. Great Alex, he's disgusted by you and wants to be as far away from you as possible. I jerked out of my thoughts when I notice Alex has been talking to me. I go with the option that will most likely get me out of whatever he was talking about "Yes." There is a pause and I brace myself for a yelling but instead am met with laughter. I look at him and he does his best to contain his laughter.

"You didn't hear a word I said did you, kiddo?" He is barely holding in his laughter "Cause if you were I've never heard about the movie called yes." My eyes grow wide and I blush furiously "Uh, I- I uh I wasn't listening, Mr. Hamilton. Sorry" I look down and tense. I hear his voice all the humor gone and replaced by… gentleness?

"Kiddo, I'm not mad everyone spaces out sometimes. Also, it's Alex, not Mr. Hamilton"

"But I- I was rude and-"

"You were not rude" He cuts me off sharply voice leaving no room for argument. He doesn't seem mad just intent on making me understand I was not rude. I nod and he gives me a gentle smile. "Alright, now what movie do you wanna watch?" Oh, great he wants me to choose! I've never watched any movie in my life! Yes, sad but with my parents we were poor and the one good family they made sure their kids were busy so no time. My other foster families didn't allow it. "I don't know many movies," I say quietly "Well we can watch a Disney one!" I shake my head "I've never watched any movies" I say even quieter. "Then I'll choose and since your childhood sounds like mine. I'll do what Laff did when he found out I'd never watched any movies. Which one did he show me? Oh, right Harry Potter1!" He put the movie on and sits down.

Alex's POV

I put the movie on and I see just how tired Philip looks. How much sleep does the boy get? He sitting stiff and straight but as the movie goes on each time I glance at him his posture is relaxing. His eyes are drifting shut and suddenly his body falls limp sideways on the couch. The posture looks uncomfortable and his body will be even sorer than before but I'm nervous as to how he'll react to my touch. After a while, I can't help myself the boy is in much pain as it is he may as well have a good sleep. I decide to let him stay on the couch and I maneuver his too light body so his head is in my lap and his legs stretched across the couch. Risky move but I want him to be comfortable and the couch is not the most comfortable place. I continue to watch the movie but give up. The boy in front of me takes up all my attention. I run my hands through his curls that he left down today. Carefully untangling them without pulling his hair too much. Hey, I've had plenty of friends with curly hair and I've seen them do it plenty of times my own foster brother has curly hair. I look at his face and notice the little scars, scratches, and bruises that I couldn't see before because I always kept distance between us. I continue to run my hand through his hair while noticing more about him. He has a lot of little scars everywhere and he is too skinny. I get a little distracted and pull on his hair a little. Philip gives a slight wince in his sleep and stirs. I wince as well for causing him slight pain. I lean over and whisper in his ears "Ssh you're ok, you're safe. Ssh, Ssh" After me whispering in his ear he calms back down. I feel myself falling asleep as well. I've probably been sleeping just as well as Philip because of work I sometimes just skip sleep. After a while of fighting it, I fall into a peaceful sleep.

Eliza's POV

I hear the last bell ring indicating school out. The kids rush to pack and for once I love their enthusiasm to leave school. They rush out and I follow suit a few minutes later. I run and one of the teacher stops me. "Hey kid, you know the rules no running in the halls" They hadn't seen my face they must think I'm just one of the students who dresses older for their age. I stop and look at the teacher "Mandy! It's me, Eliza!" She laughs and says "Well, I thought you were a student! Were you off that you're running out of here like one of the kids" I laugh as well "Home, I got a foster kid at home. First time I leave him well he's with my husband but still!" She smiles "Well, Liza see you tomorrow! Also, no running in the halls or I'll give you detention!" I laugh and say a quick of course before rushing to my car. I put my keys in and get out of there. The traffic is horrible and by the time I get home, it's 4:30 even though I left at 3:30! I park the car and run into my house. I'm about to call out to Alex tell him I'm home when I notice two figures on the couch. I quietly make my way to the couch and my heart warms at the sight. Philip's asleep with his head on Alex's lap and Alex is passed out an arm across Philip's chest protectively. I snap a quick picture and send it to my in-laws.

Eliza: Look at this! My two babies [picture]

Martha: I'm so happy! That picture is beautiful, sweetie!

George: Good Alex needs to rest! As well as Philip if I remember anything is that they get a lot of nightmares.

Eliza: Yeah I know he hasn't been telling us but I can tell Philip doesn't sleep well.

Martha: Trust takes time, sweetheart! Don't worry he'll come around! Falling asleep means he feels somewhat safe subconsciously.

George: Trust takes time, sweetheart! Don't worry he'll come around! Falling asleep means he feels somewhat safe subconsciously.

Martha: George, we sent the same thing at the same time! See that makes it extra true!

Eliza: *{smiley face1}* Thanks, Martha, George! Sending love from both Alex and me!

George: Love you too, sweetie

Martha: Love you, darling!

I close my phone smiling I always feel better after talking to them. The minute Alex I started dating junior year of high school they had already welcomed me as a Hamilton/Washington. Though Martha was embarrassing at times (every second I was with her) I loved and love her. She was the mom to everyone in our group of friends. Especially to John and Herc because their parents were hardly ever around. George was the stern dad but loved all of us, was also able to joke around and was understanding and gentle while still slapping some sense into us. I smile remembering the old days as I walk to my bedroom to change. I put on a plain blue t-shirt, washed out jeans and sneakers. I walk over to the kitchen and start making 2 plain cheese pizzas. I'm putting it in the oven when a half-asleep Alex walks in. I smile at how cute he looks and he comes over and wraps his arms around my waist. He plants a kiss to my cheek and I melt. How after being married for two years I still get that way! I'm not a high schooler anymore! "So, how was work?" he asks still half asleep "It was fine but I missed my boys" I turn to see Alex smiling at calling Philip one of my boys. He understands how the kid feels better than anyone and even though he knows I won't ever hurt him he likes to make sure I really care about Philip. He knows the pain of not trusting, being left alone and even though I hate to say it the physical pain. I finish putting the pizza in the oven and Alex helps me cut up the toppings so I can cook them.

"So how long did you sleep?"

"Since you left" I turn to him and laugh but then I turn serious "You never sleep that long! Alex, how much sleep have you been getting?!" He looks away. Oh, no that can't be good. He mumbles something "Huh?!" I answer furious but at the same time worried for his health "I haven't" he says and I barely catch it.

"What do you mean you haven't!"

"Uh, I haven't slept in uh three nights in a row for more than half an hour?"

"THREE NIGHTS!" He scrambles towards me "Ssh, Philip" He says pointing to the living room and I control my anger. "Three nights!" I whisper-yell and he nods.

"Alex why?"

"I don't know!"

"Yes, you do," I say firmly "No I don't" with he says with less conviction "Yes you do" doing my best to mimic George "No I don't?" I raise an eyebrow "Fine, yes I do! It's the stress of not being a good father combined with worrying about Philip just not being ok. I throw myself into work! Happy?!" He yells and I flinch he hardly ever yells at me. Sure, I'd heard him yell at other people (a lot: especially that in his words "good for nothing, annoying Jefferson) but me? Once or twice? Never this mad, though! He noticed my flinch and all the anger melts away in a second and is replaced with guilt. "Eliza! I'm so sorry! I know you were just worried about me. I shouldn't have yelled. I'm sorry!" I place a hand on his shoulder "It's fine. You're stressed." He doesn't seem fully convinced but good enough for now. "You need to sleep. You will be no good for Philip sick or weak because of not sleeping" I make sure to put emphasis on the fact that it will not help Philip. He looks down "What if I'm like my father? Or what if I get mad and- and hu- hurt him!?" My eyes widen and I clamp a hand over my mouth "Alex! You don't really think that?" He nods "No you will never hurt him, ever. Look I don't pretend to know the challenges your facing. The thoughts1 you keep erasing and replacing in your mind but I'm not afraid I know who married. I know you are going to be a great father!" He looks up eyes shining with unshed tears. He wipes the tears and wraps me in a hug whispering "Thank you". I melt into his warm embrace letting myself get lost in his arms. Memories come folding back our first kiss, our first date, the time I first met him and everything. I hear a soft muffled sneeze and turn to see Philip looking at us.

Philip's POV

I wake up on the couch. My back doesn't hurt as much as I thought it would from the potion I thought I'd fallen asleep in. Wait I fell asleep! Alex is probably mad at me for falling asleep during the movie! I notice that a blanket is covering me and a pillow under my head. Wait Alex did this for me? He cares for me? No, it's the calm before the storm he'll send me back but wants to make himself look good first. I sit up and stretch I decide to go to the kitchen to get a quick glass of water and hope they don't notice I was in there without permission. I have no such luck. When I walk into the kitchen I see Eliza and Alex hugging. I stand there stunned then turn around to make my way back to my bedroom but I sneeze. I try my best to cover it but they still hear me. Eliza turns around and Alex lets go of Eliza. I stand there frozen not knowing what'll happen to me. Eliza smiles and talks "Hey Philip. Sleep well?" I stand there stunned at her response but quickly recover and answer with a polite "Yes ma'am." They both smile and Alex makes his way over towards me "I'm glad, kiddo. Dinner should be ready soon. You're free to do as you like until then. I'll be in the living room if you need me and Eliza will be here, ok?" I nod but then a thought occurs to me "Wait what about the couch? Shouldn't I organize it again cause it's kinda of a mess?" He frowns

"I'll do that. No need to worry, Philip"

"But-"

"It's fine," He says this with a smile and I nod. I notice I haven't been in their backyard. I look at it but decide against they probably would prefer me to stay in my room. Alex seemed to have noticed me looking at the back door. "Philip?" I look back at him

"Uh yeah?"

"You don't have to stay in your room, you know."

"Oh, it's fine. I prefer my room." He frowns "You need the sun. You're going outside" He says firmly. I don't know why he did that. I thought he'd prefer me out of the way. I look down at my feet and nod but then ask quietly "Can I go get my sketch and notebooks also my pens, pencils, colors?" I look up at him hopeful and see him smiling "Of course!" I smile for the first time in the whole time I've been there. "Thank you!" I say enthusiastically. I don't care if I get in trouble I'm too happy. I get to go outside draw and write! I've haven't been able to do that since well since I was 8 and I was with that one family. I rush upstairs and get my stuff and then head downstairs and open the back door. What I see stops me makes me stop in awe. It's beautiful. There are trees and there is a wooden swing. There is plenty of shade and the air smells like fresh! I remember there is a lake somewhere like half an hour from here. I've always lived in the city. Even though the Hamilton's don't live super deep on the outskirts of New York it's beautiful. The backyard wasn't huge but it wasn't small either. Mainly the trees were from the other side of the brick wall. There was one tree but it was a big tree. The evening light gave just enough light for me to write and draw without needing extra light. I go and sit down under the tree and let my hand write and draw everything and anything that pops into my mind. I don't know how long I sat there but soon I already had a poem done and a sketch of the backyard done. I'm about to ink it when I hear footsteps and I notice that it's a little chilly and the backlight is on because the sky is already dark. I look towards the foot-steps. I see Alex and Eliza holding a large blanket both in long sleeves. In Eliza's hand is 2 pizzas and in Alex's hand is a paper bag. They come over to me and I start picking up and closing my books. Are they mad? Did they notice how obnoxious I am? Wait have they been calling my name for a while and I didn't even hear them and now there out here to send me back? "Hey, sweetie! Where going to eat out here if you don't mind." I nod and she looks at me "You must be freezing! Alex, can you get me his jacket that we bought him?" He nods and goes upstairs. Eliza sets up the picnic and Alex comes back but with a blanket. "Eh Eliza we haven't bought him a jacket," He says sheepishly. "Oh whatever just make sure he stays warm" He makes his way over towards me and sits down. He opens the blanket and looks at me first "Can I?" I nod a little wary and he wraps the blanket around me. I suddenly notice how cold and thankful for the blanket. Eliza pushes a plate towards me and says in the sternest voice I've heard her use "You're eating it all. Got it?" I nod and begin picking at it. Eliza talks about her students and tells me how much I'll like the middle school. She says she's heard a lot of good things from her students about it. I find myself laughing quietly at Alex's (lame) jokes and talking with them about what I like. Before I know it, the evenings gone and they're sending me off to bed. I reach my room and change into my pajamas. The last thought before falling asleep is "What have I done?" I've gotten too close to them. They'll send you home or hurt you and it will hurt you more than ever because you let yourself believed they cared.

A/n Hahaha you thought it'd end on a happy note! Though I did give you some happiness granted it didn't last long but oh well! Little 1 notes:

Thisistheeyeofahurricanethisistheonlyway I canprotectmylegacy".; Ok so before you tell me I go the lyrics wrong 1. I changed them up a little and probably made this song terrible but it had to go with more modern times 2. I don't cuss so I took that out.

Oh, right Harry Potter; Ok so confession time here's what I got (hehe Hamilton reference cause I'm hamiltrash) I've never watched Harry Potter or read the books but it's a popular movie so I decided to put it in there instead of my weird taste in movies that you've probably never heard of.

*{smiley face}*; I put this here for a dumb reason and it's because I'm lintrash so anything he's written I love and ready for a 21 chump street reference? Next thing you know we're texting day and night I trust her right away like whoa!

Look I don't pretend to know the challenges your facing. The thoughts; Before you go saying I messed up the lyric again changed it to match the situation. Alright, that's long but done! See ya!