A/N: WOOOO FINALLY FINISHED! Good lordy-lou you guys, school is insane right now, I have had zero time to finish this, but I finally did it! I hope you guys don't hate me too much for taking forever, and that you enjoy this one:) I think it's a bit shorter than the previous chapter, but I wanted to end it there. Okay, I'm gonna thank some reviewers reeaaalll quick and then on to the story!

msbunnykittenz- AHH I'm so glad you think so! Thank you so much, I'm really trying to keep their personalities consistent. Omg, I love when people point out the song refs, they're scattered through-out this fic because I listen to the soundtrack while I write:3

Moonlight D- OMG I'M YOUR GO-TO LAMS FIC?! THANK YOU! :D

A random person- I, too, screamed when they kissed xD

Lil'Chaos- Aw, thank you! :)

I didn't manage to fall asleep at all last night, due to a certain freckled Caribbean frequenting my thoughts. I tried to stop thinking about his messy ebony hair, and the way his eyes twinkled after he kissed me. I really tried, I swear. But he's not very forgettable, and neither are his soft, gentle hands, wandering over my hair and waist…

Wow, I just realized how dry my mouth is. I guess spicy Caribbean's do that to you, huh? Oh, my God, stop it, push those thoughts away. You're still in a guest in this home, guests don't have dirty thoughts about their hosts.

Unless your host practically throws himself onto you, pulling you into a passionate kiss.

"I need to get a hobby." I muttered, throwing aside my blankets and standing. When Alex and I had parted after writing late into the evening, I had gone back to my room.

Sometime during my absence, Eliza had woken and moved herself back to her room. Upon entering my room, I noticed she had made the bed and lit a candle for me, leaving it on my nightstand. The flickering light outlined a note, pressed under the candlestick holder.

John,

I apologize for my tiredness, I did not mean to steal your bed from you. I have been haunted by visions of my former lover, dueling my current lover. I know, I know, I should cease worrying. Alexander is a smart man, on occasion, and will continue to respect my choice. I have not heard from Hercules in four days, which has brought a new bout of worry to my mind. But, I digress.

I will try hard to not fall asleep in your room again, though it is difficult when you're an amazing listener and have incredibly soft shoulders.

Yours sincerely,

Eliza

She was, not a doubt in my mind, going to apologize again this morning when I see her. She would always apologize too much; whether it was for Alexander missing a meeting with her father, or she didn't put a fresh flower in the kitchen vase.

Moseying over to the medium dresser in the corner, I began to dress for the day. I usually just wear a white dress shirt under my vest, white pants, and my black tall boots, but today was different. I couldn't decide if I wanted to wear my navy-blue vest instead of my boring white one. But, why? Because I want to look good for him, that's why. Man, he'll still like you even if you dress in the colors of a peeled potato.

Damn my girlish thoughts. That man will be the end of me, I swear.

After choosing my usual ensemble, you look fine, John, I left my room and headed down the stairs. Halfway down, the smell of muffins made its way into my nose. Excited, yet suspicious since Eliza and Alex don't cook, I jumped off the last step and rushed into the kitchen. Alexander was settled on the floor in front of the oven, sitting cross-legged as he eyed the muffins baking inside. Eliza was nestled in the corner of the room, sitting at the small, circular dining table. She had a small pile of papers strewed around the surface, looking incredibly similar to Alexander at his desk. I lightly whistled, startling each from their focus. Alexander looked up at me with wide eyes, smiling when I gave a small wave. Why did you wave? He's like two feet from you, you can't just say hi?

I was too busy watching his big, playful brown eyes light up at the sight of me. Do I really mean that much to him? Oh, God, I'm probably hardcore blushing right now…

But, it's okay, because he was flushed as well, and had begun to rub the back of his neck. He giggled, actually giggled, and waved back.

A gagging noise from the other side of the room reminded us that we weren't alone. Eliza, having ceased her writing, was fake gagging. She pointed a finger in our direction, stopping her imaginary throwing up.

"You are disgustingly affectionate and awkward, I can't handle it anymore." She started to shuffle her papers together.

"No, no, wait, you can stay, 'Liza." Alexander offered, rising up from his spot on the floor. She gave him a pointed look, the one that meant "I'm not putting up with this shit, I'm leaving."

That was my personal favorite.

After she exited the room, arms filled with loose pages and quills, Alexander sighed. He signaled one moment to me, before crouching down to take the near-forgotten muffins out. I sauntered towards the small table, taking Eliza's vacant seat. I took a deep breath, savoring the warm smell of the baked goods. Alexander placed the muffin pan on the stove-top, trying to pull Eliza's floral oven mitts off his too-big hands. His face was scrunched up, intently focusing on ripping the mitts off without taking his skin with them. He looked so determined, which looked hilarious considering what he was so determined to do. After shoving his right hand under his left arm, he managed to tear the oven mitt from that one. With triumph filling his features, he removed the other one with his free hand.

"God, that was painful." He breathed, free of his flowery prisons. He turned away from the oven, searching for my eyes. They locked, my small grin disappearing the second I saw the dark bags under his eyes, exhaustion drowning his bright eyes. I sat up straight, turning serious as he ambled towards the table. He dropped down in the chair opposite me, rubbing the bridge of his nose with his index finger and thumb. I reached across the table, taking his warm hand in mine.

"What's wrong?" I asked. He glanced down at the table, swallowing heavily.

"Eliza hasn't heard from Hercules in five days. Five days, John!" He frantically whispered. "That's incredibly unlike him, especially when it comes to a woman."

I nodded. He was right, Hercules had a lady friend a couple years ago, and he would stay up all night waiting for her letters to arrive. He would get so giddy and immediately reply, writing some sappy shit that Alexander helped him think of.

"Maybe, he's been busy with work?" I suggested. "Or the messengers in Coleraine are just super drunk and slow? You know how the Irish are." He didn't laugh at my jab at Mulligan's people, which was odd considering he loved to make fun of how much Hercules drinks.

"John. I cannot put the notion away that something bad has happened." He whispered back. "I don't want to tell Eliza that, because she's already worried enough, but I think we should do something."

I scooted my chair around the table, stopping when I was right next to Alex. We stared at each other for a moment, trying to think of a plan.

"Why don't we write his brother, Hugh?" Alexander spoke suddenly, stroking his stubble in thought. "I met him a couple years ago, he moved to New York a few years ago."

"That's a good idea. Hopefully, he'll know what's going on with Hercules." I agreed. "You know, it's pretty attractive when you go all detective."

I smirked, watching his face go red.

"I..I need a muffin." He stuttered, rising and heading back to the stove. I leaned back once again, clasping my hands together behind my head. God, he looks even better from behind.

Instantaneously, that fact that Eliza was all alone upstairs, probably crying about her nonresponsive lover, hit me. I stood, shoving my chair back with the movement. Alexander whipped around at the sudden sound, raising his eyebrows when he saw my determined look.

"John… what are you planning?" He steadily asked, looking mildly concerned.

"Good God, Alex, 'Liza's alone in her time of need!" I rapidly whispered. "She needs someone to hold her, man!"

He looked like he was debating between running upstairs or eating the muffin tightly grasped in his hand.

"I mean, yeah… but, muffin…" He bashfully lowered his head, bringing it back up with puppy eyes aimed at me. "Would you…?"

Glaring, I muttered "Coward" and hurried out of the kitchen.

A/N: As always, please read and review! They make me sooo happy, and occasionally give me ideas for the next chapter! :)