Notes: So this is sort of a bonus chapter for Theodosia's BURRthday (which, if you didn't know, is June 21/the day that this is being uploaded), so it has some importance but is mostly fluffy (I think? I mean I attempted fluff so). Thank you to all commenters, favoriters, followers, and readers in general! You rock. Enjoy!

*****June 21- the Burr household*****

"Philip!"
"Theo!"

Per usual when Philip was greeted by Theodosia, he was engulfed in a warm embrace. When the two friends pulled away, they stood awkwardly beaming for a second until Philip broke the silence.

"Happy birthday," he breathed.

"Thanks. You sound… exhausted?"

"Yeah, I… walked here."

"You WHAT?"

"Look, I left a note for my mom, okay? I just didn't want to give her any more trouble than she already has."

"So things with them are the same?"

"I guess. I mean, I think it's getting a little better? Like, Dad doesn't sleep in the office anymore. He has a cot in their room. So... that's something?" He sighed. They hadn't gotten a chance to discuss Philip's family life in a while, as he had been avoiding the subject, especially around George. Theodosia, always understanding, never pried. "They just need time, Theo. I think they'll be okay eventually. They love each other, I can tell that they miss how it used to be."

"Oh, Philip," Theo murmured. Then her face suddenly brightened again. "Well, we're not here to dwell on your sad reality. I believe it is my birthday? I mean, you don't turn sixteen every day, now do you, Philip?" She was joking, and it made him happy. He could forget everything about home for a little, just to focus on Theo like he so often did.

"Of course, Your Majesty, and here is my offering to you, my most gracious and generous queen." As he responded, he knelt down and began bowing while placing a red gift bag on the floor in front of him.

Theo giggled. "Come in, then," she said, picking up the bag and adding it to a pile of presents on the front table. Philip stood up and followed her, tentatively at first. Even though they saw each other nearly every day at school, he very rarely went over to Theo's house, on account of not wanting to disturb his parents. More importantly, even though their fathers had made peace about their children's' friendship so long ago, Alexander was on the edge and was extra likely to blow up at anyone. Philip and Theo decided it was for the best to keep him away from Burr, at least for a while. Hence, the house had become unfamiliar and foreign to Philip, not to mention the party decorations and recent remodels made it almost indiscernible from its everyday appearance anyway.

Philip wandered through crepe paper and balloons, trailing Theodosia. When they finally made it out of the hallway, they had entered what Philip vaguely recognized as the family room. Garlands were strewn across walls and the ceiling, a table was set up with food, and the rug was covered in sequins, which were quite pretty but Philip imagined would be difficult to clean up later. It was beautifully decorated room- so well done, in fact, that Philip almost didn't notice the other person sitting in the room.

"Joseph? Why are you…"

The boy got up. He was, as Philip correctly identified, Joseph Alston, who went to school with Theo, Philip, and George. Sweet kid, a bit annoying sometimes. The Red One, Philip remembered, being hit with a wave of nostalgia as the silly third grade nickname came back to him. And then he remembered why Joseph had that nickname, and why he might be at the party without ever having been close friends with Theo before, and it all started to click…

"Hi, Philip. I don't know if you know this, but, well, I'm Theo's boyfriend now. I assume she told you…?" He trailed off as Philip shook his head.

"Um," Theo stepped farther into the room hesitantly. "I didn't tell you, Philip, because, I mean… we've only been dating for a few days, and it was after school was over… and I was worried you would be, I don't know, upset or something and I know, it was a stupid move and-"

"No, it's fine. It's alright." Philip smiled. It was most certainly NOT alright, especially the part about how she didn't think to tell him about her new boyfriend, but it didn't mean he had to ruin the day. Her day. And his, as well. No use making the situation worse, he supposed.

Theo seemed relieved. "Well, then, if that's cleared up, does anyone- oh, hold up," She was cut off by the ring of the phone. "I'll be right back." With that, she danced out of the room, leaving Philip and Joseph alone together.

Philip semi-reluctantly tried to break the ice. "Um… well, long time, no see, I suppose?"

Joseph chuckled a bit. "I mean, school ended a week ago, but sure. Hey, uh, you and Theo have been friends for a long time, right?"

At this, Philip laughed sarcastically. "We've only been inseparable since we met in Kindergarten. Is that a long enough time for you?"

Joseph backed up a little and put his hands out in front of him. "Woah, chill dude, I don't want to impose on your friendship. I just want to know where I stand with you, try to prove to you that I won't hurt Theo. I can imagine why you'd be protective of her." He paused for a second, locking eyes with Philip, who stayed silent. "Your friend George heard about us the day after we started dating. I guess you could say that he didn't… approve. That's partially why she didn't tell you. Look, kid," he stepped closer to Philip again. "She still likes you. You're not being replaced. Okay?"

After a second, Philip smiled. His voice was only slightly strangled as he responded. "When did I ever say I thought I was being replaced?"

At that moment, Theodosia came back into the room. "That was George," she announced. "He says he can't come. So, that's too bad," she glanced at the two boys. Philip looked at Joseph, and could tell he felt the same was as Philip did: not exactly unhappy with the fact that George wasn't coming. "But oh well. Who's up for some games?

The next few hours were spent just goofing around. Theo won Scrabble, while Joseph discovered a hidden talent for charades. A good portion of the time was spent by Theo and Philip belting Les Misérables songs at the top of their lungs while Joseph looked on rather uncomfortably. Philip didn't really care that Joseph felt left out as the only non-musical fan at the party, but Theo obviously felt bad for him, so they stopped their singing. Cake was eaten: Theo's favorite flavor was coconut, which neither of the boys really enjoyed, but Theo seemed to never get enough of it. After that was time for Theo to open her presents. Joseph gave her a beautiful golden necklace with her initials on it, and upon seeing it she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek before saying thanks. Philip's expression darkened a little at this, but nevertheless he proudly beamed when she opened his present: a can of "Zombie Repellent" that he had bought at a jokeshop. Her face lit up when she read what it was and she laughed and threw her arms around Philip, and all he could think was isn't this just the best feeling in the world, to be hugged this closely by someone like her? so that when they pulled apart, he just sat with a little smile on his face for a few seconds, ignoring how close Joseph had moved next to Theo.

Theo, forever non-stop, jumped up and started towards the back door. "Who wants s'mores?"

Both boys, still sitting on the floor, stared blankly for a second, until Joseph eloquently expressed what both of them were feeling: "Hell yes I want s'mores!" They scrambled after Theo, who was already on her way outside with a plate of graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows.

Once all three teenagers were on the back patio and the wood in the fire pit was aflame, they all rushed towards the supplies at the same time. Joseph stopped and signaled for Theo to get her materials first, causing her to blush furiously in the dark. Philip's anger started to return. He knew it was irrational, but thoughts riddled with annoyance at Joseph kept creeping into his mind- How dare he act like he's been best friends with her forever? That's MY job, MINE, and maybe George's. What gives him the right to treat her like he's her loyal and obedient servant, what gives him the right to act like he's better than me, what…

Philip was pried out of his fuming thoughts by Joseph, who tapped him lightly on the shoulder and nodded for Philip to get his ingredients next, just like he had done with Theo. Suspicious and surprised but not about to argue, Philip stepped up to the little table with the materials on it. Maybe Joseph wasn't so bad. At the very least, Philip figured he should give him another chance- or, at least, attempt to.

And so on the night continued, Philip occasionally burning his marshmallows in the fire, Joseph getting chocolate all over his face, Theo squished in between the boys on the ground where they were sitting and eating, snuggling into Joseph but with her arm around Philip.

"Philip! Your mother!" Aaron Burr, who had been absent in his office all day to let the kids have some time on their own, called Philip from the front hall.

"Shoot, I have to go. Bye, Theo. Happy birthday," he said, hugging her lightly, which she returned with a more forceful embrace.

"Bye Philip! Thanks for coming and everything."

"See you soon, I hope."

"You too." They made eye contact one last time before Philip turned to Joseph, who had been standing a little behind them.

"See you around, Joseph!"

"Touché, Philip. See you at school." After Joseph waved, Philip began to walk up towards the house to leave.

"Philip, wait!"

He turned with alarm. "What, Theo?"

She giggled. "You have marshmallow in your hair."