Musical Appearance

Modern AU

Just… you know

No ships

"Alexander, this is the fifth home that's contacted us about you being a problem. Causing fights, disrespecting the adults in your situation. What did we tell you? I can't believe you would do such a thing! That was your last chance you insolent brat! Who's going to want you now?" Alex flinched away from the social worker's harsh words. He'd heard them before of course, maybe not from a social worker, but definitely from foster parents. Of course, Alex knew he was causing trouble for the foster system, but it wasn't his fault. Well, at least for four of the homes he had been in.

"I think that's enough, Mr. Lee. Alex's social worker is here," came a booming voice. Alex jumped, hands wringing together as he looked towards the door to the head of the New York Foster Care branch, Mr. George King. He was a leering man, tall, but large around the middle. His blue eyes were piercing and sent shivers down nearly everyone's spine.

Shoving past Mr. King was Alex's real case worker, Mr. Lin. He had of course, demanded that Alex call him Lin, but years of being told to act respectfully unless he wanted a beating prevented the boy from agreeing to that request. Lin had tried to desperately place Alex in good homes, people who he personally trusted, but only one of them had actually worked out in the end, despite Alex's need to be removed. But in the end, Alex still trusted Lin. It wasn't his fault people were cruel. If anything, it was Alex's fault for screwing up decent placements. He was selfish. At least, that's what people said.

"Alex, mijo, I am so sorry," he said, kneeling beside the uncomfortable metal chair Alex was in. Lin placed a gentle hand on the table. It took everything in him not to flinch from the comforting touch.

"'s not your fault," Alex responded softly, pulling his knees up to his chest.

"On the contrary," Mr. King began, but Lin cut him off with a vicious scowl.

"It is none of your business to be here right now, Mr. King. I suggest you get out and leave me with my kid," Lin said calmly, though his eyes spoke different volumes. The taller man hmphed and left the room, Mr. Lee trailing after.

The remaining duo was silent for a moment before Alex whined softly. "Why can't you just take me?" He knew he sounded pathetic, but in the current present, Alex was terrified. He trusted Lin, sure, but he also was so scared of where he might end up. Lin had taken him in for a night when Alex's next placement wasn't prepared for him, and it had been one of the most amazing nights of his life. Vanessa had been nothing but perfect and Sebastian was the little brother Alex hadn't known he had wanted. But all good things end.

Lin could hardly meet Alex's eyes, so guilt ridden that he was nearly physically ill. "You know I can't. You know I want to, god, I really want to. But –"he cut himself off with a sigh. "I'm sorry, Alex.

"However, I think I found you a good home. Now, don't go making conclusions," Lin smiled when Alex abruptly snapped his mouth shut. "I know we've not had the best luck, but I really believe in this one."

"You really believed in the last one too," Alex muttered. "I'm sorry." He immediately responded, ducking his head. "Please, I'm really sorry."

"Hey, it's okay. No worries." Lin sent him a reassuring look before continuing. "It's a really kind couple, the Washingtons. They run a group home, currently housing three other boys and three girls. The family has passed every check-up with flying colors and Alex I really think this will work." They were silent for a few more minutes, Alex mulling over the possibilities.

He had almost been placed in a group home before after running away from foster home three. Lin had pulled up to the house and upon seeing the crying children and exhausted mother, had promptly turned around. Two weeks later, every one of the children in the home had been removed, including the ones that had been the parents' children by blood.

"But, the other one that you brought me to passed also," Alex mumbled. "I'm sorry, I'm doubting you I didn't mean to."

"Alex," Lin cut off his panic. "It is okay. But right now we don't have a lot of options. The Washingtons live in Virginia, but I have a colleague, Phillipa, who lives down there. I'll give you her phone number, and you need to call immediately if something is off, okay. None of this hero business, mijo."

Alex frowned at the ground. "Fine," he whispered. Lin gently wrapped his arms around Alex, who was trembling like a leaf. He burrowed his face in Lin's shoulder, trying desperately to stave off tears.

"It's going to be okay. I promise." But promises could be broken.

The train ride was silent, Lin sitting across from Alex, writing in a notebook while the foster child read a battered copy of Les Misérables, the title completely in French. He had read the novel almost two dozen times. It was the most treasured of his few possessions. His real family had been poor, but his beautiful mother had saved up for two years to give Alex a gift on his tenth birthday. His father had walked out the day after, having seen the leather-bound novel.

The duo hopped briefly on a taxi that dropped them off at the foster center in Virginia to exchange paperwork. The man in charge here was much nicer than Mr. King. Lin than introduced Alex to Phillipa. She was adorable, with long brown hair and the kindest eyes Alex had ever seen. Except maybe Lin. She greeted them enthusiastically, but calmly enough that Alex hardly flinched when she went to shake his hand. Phillipa sent him a sad smile, before brightening once again and beginning to ramble on about the Washingtons.

"I love them! They are such great people. They took in a set of sisters for me. They're still there after six years and are about to get the okay to adopt!" After a few moments she calmed some. "Alexander, if there is absolutely anything you need while in Virginia, call me okay. Literally anything. You could need a new toothbrush and I would bring you one. Just know that we're all looking out for you." Alex smiled up at her shyly before Lin led him back to a car and they drove to the Washington household.

Big didn't even begin to describe the house. Shrubs lined the space where a black iron gate didn't. The front circle of a driveway was perfectly paved, and the house must have been recently cleaned. The sun sparkled through every window. Alex gaped and shrunk back into the seat.

"Lin, I don't think this will work out," he whispered.

"You don't know if you never try," Lin responded with a bright smile. Alex looked away guiltily. It was clear Lin really believed in these people. More so than any other placement. He had to try, if not for himself, then for Lin. Then, he could finally get out of the Miranda's hair. They'd be happier without him.

Lin opened the door for Alex, who crawled out, hugging a backpack to his chest. Lin led him to the massive front door and knocked quickly. After only a few seconds, the door swung open to reveal a beautiful couple. The woman was short with greying hair and happy wrinkles around her eyes and mouth. The man was gargantuan. Large hands and eyes. Alex slunk behind Lin, trying to hide his face.

"You must be Alexander," the woman said, her voice quiet but sure. "I'm Martha Washington. This is my husband George." Alex was slightly shocked. The woman had addressed him, not Lin. She had hardly looked at Lin!

"Hello, son," Mr. Washington greeted. Alex flinched. George's voice was quiet, but that word. Son.

"It must be chilly. Come in, please," Mrs. Washington gestured to the large living room with plush rugs and brown leather couches, a large fireplace, and a flat screen television. Holy. Shit.

Standing in the living room stood six other children. Each smiled at him warmly, and for a moment, Alex knew that they all understood. They all knew exactly the position he was in.

"These are our children. This is Gilbert, or Lafayette as he prefers," Martha gestured to a tall, lanky teen with dark coiled hair, and gleaming brown eyes.

"Bonjour, Alexander," he waved. French. Alex could work with French.

"Aaron," Marth gestured to a shorter teen with chocolate skin and his head completely shaved. He said nothing, only grimaced and looked away. A neutral party then.

"And James," she concluded. Another chocolate skinned boy, dark eyes and short curly black hair. He was stocky, but still taller than Alex. He reached out a hand. Strong, competition, a thrill. Also something he could digest.

"And these are our girls, Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy, they're all sisters." So these were Phillipa's girls. One was tall with cocoa skin, skinny, but fierce eyes behind brown hair. Challenge, fun. Another, Eliza, Alex assumed, was shorter, skinny, and looked shockingly like Phillipa herself. Kind. Finally, the shortest of the sisters, Peggy, with full lips, long wavy hair and a genuine smile. Friend.

"Kids, this is Alexander, and his social worker Lin," Martha introduced. Each smiled brightly, and Alex knew, if only in that moment, that this would be okay. He would be okay here.

WC: 1614