*Dudes. And non-dudes.
ILY
Ive got such positive feedback about the first chapter- thank you all SO much! Hope this update is too your liking (even if there's not much lams in it- i promise the next chap will be a lams overload)
Enjoy- let's do this!*
Sitting and laughing with Herc and Lafayette, Alexander learned a great deal of new things.
He learned that Lafayette HATED peanuts, and that he was frankly disgusted at how much they were a feature of the American diet. He did, however, love almost literally everything else about America; Alexander supposed the foreigner's perspective must put a different angle on things: he'd never seen anyone more excited by the concept of free refills in his life.
He learned that Hercules worked for a tailor, and that he could knit just about anything- be it a shawl or a pastry. He had knitted the beanie that he was currently sporting, too.
He learned that the pair of them had once been kicked out of a supermarket for using their trolleys as chariots and racing down the produce isle.
He learned that they were roommates, and that they weren't dating (this a firm statement from Laf, though Alex was sure he had caught an uncomfortable look in Herc's eyes as he'd said it) although a lot of people thought they were.
"It's 'cause they bicker like an old married couple." John had put in at that point, sidling over to their side of the bar as he made some girl a cappuccino.
Speaking of John…
Alex couldn't keep his mind off him, ears pricking up whenever John was brought up in the conversation, which was surprisingly often. According to Laf and Herc, he spent so much time in their apartment that he might as well just live there.
"We haven't put the futon away for months." Herc grumbled. "It takes up the whole living room, too."
"He stays over that much?"
"Yeah. His roommate's an ass though, so I can't really blame him."
Their chatter earned Alex a jumble of similar disconnected facts and stories, which Alex immediately memorised, compiling a list in his mind and trying to build up a picture of the mystery that was John Laurens..
"Oh, he is a total- 'ow you say, Hercules?" Lafayette inquired at one point. "He is 'lazy'- but it is… more untidy."
"A couch potato? A slob?" Herc asked, expression mildly amused.
"Oui. A slob. His apartment is a bombsite. He cannot do laundry, mon ami, I do not think he knows how. And he snores."
"Oh, and you don't?"
"Of course not." Lafayette stuck his nose in the air, not looking at Herc. "I sleep most quietly."
"Sure, Laf" Herc grinned, rolling his eyes at Alexander from behind his friend's back.
"Dude, you should see John's drawings." Herc shook his head, apparently in disbelief, as he said it. "He's crazy good. He draws like, all the time- it's kind of creepy. He draws strangers on the subway sometimes, and they get all freaked out cause he's staring at them."
"It is his watercolours I am most fond of." Lafayette put in. "You remember that one he painted of the sea and the tiny boats? It was incroyable"
"Too right it was" Herc paused for a second, then glanced over at John, to make sure he wasn't listening. "How long d'you think it'll be before he's drawn Alex?"
"I give him two weeks." Lafayette decided. "Two and a half at the most."
"I'm going one. $10? $15?"
"$10. The deal is struck."
"Wait, you're betting on this?" Alex asked in disbelief, watching as they shook hands. Hercules shrugged.
"How else am I gonna make a living, huh? Laf's filthy rich and I'm on minimum wage so it's fine."
"Why would he want to draw me, though? I just met him- he doesn't even know me."
"Non, I am sure he is already considering it. He had that look- you saw, Hercules? When he shook Alexandre's hand- it said 'I want to paint a beautiful painting of this man'. Do you not think?"
"Yeah. He definitely had his drawing face on. Probably deciding on materials as we speak."
Alex was speechless. The thought that someone like John Laurens- someone as talented as Herc and Laf insisted- would want to create something beautiful because of him sent his head reeling. He'd always held a sort of reverence over people like that- musicians and poets and painters- having no artistic talent himself. All he knew was how to spout 51 page essays about the same damn subject (51 being his average over the last three years. Yes, he had calculated it.) He sank into a silence, mulling it over.
"He has a turtle fetish." Lafayette confided in him a little later. Alex nearly spat out his drink.
"A what?"
"Oh- je suis désolé- was that not the correct expression?" Hercules snorted with laughter.
"Not quite, Laf. He's just obsessed with them. Literally obsessed. Like, he has a stuffed one. He has a friggin' turtle guide book. He has turtle pyjamas. At this point, it might as well be a fetish, actually."
Alex, who had been struck by a sudden image of John in turtle pyjamas, his hair sticking up in different directions, eyes drooping half closed with tiredness, didn't answer. He was worried it would come out as a squeak.
A few minutes later, it was
"John drinks ketchup, man" from Herc. "I swear, if you don't stop him, there's more sauce on his plate than fries." Lafayette shuddered slightly.
"It is dégoûtant. I am ashamed to be his friend." He shook his head. Alexander couldn't keep himself from chuckling.
"Seems like a bit of a love-hate relationship with you guys, then?" It was Herc who replied.
"Yeah, it's like that with all three of us, though. We've all got gross habits and we hate each other for them, but we love each other anyway."
"Oui, who could ever hate that face?" Lafayette sighed. He glanced fondly over the bar at John and blew him a kiss when he turned in their direction. Alex stifled a laugh as John flipped him off.
It was nearing evening when Hercules and Laf got up to leave, shouting a "See you tomorrow, squirt!" and an "Adieu , ma petite tortue" to John, who ignored them stonily. Alex, having nothing else to do and not trusting himself to hold a conversation with John, got up to leave as well. Just as they were reaching the doors, he thought of something.
"Oh- hey, can I get your numbers?" At the surprise on their faces as they turned, he cringed internally and tried to backtrack. "Sorry if it seems forward- I'd just like to be in touch, you know, find some time to meet up? I mean, unless you don't want to- I know I'm not great company, people generally get tired of me pretty quickly and I really don't want to force myself on you I mean I had a great time today but that doesn't mean you did I'd hate to assume something like that and I'm really really sorry if I've been a nuisance or said something horrible and not realized or been really distant or something oh god I've probably given you a totally false impression of myself like I've been pretty quiet today but that's because I barely know you and I always talk way to much and oh god I'm doing it right now aren't I- I'm really sorry-"
"Alex, you're rambling." Herc smiled and held out his phone so that Alex could put his number in.
"Right. Sorry." Blushing, Alex punched his number into the phone, then passed it back with a hesitant smile, which Hercules returned.
"Lafayette doesn't have his phone on him because he's an idiot, so I'll put it in when we get home, and we'll text you, kay?"
"Oui, mon ami, we would love to keep in touch! We had a wonderful time today, I'm glad that you feel the same."
After a hug from Lafayette and a clap on the shoulder from Herc, Alex was on his way home with a spring in his step. Well that had gone better than he'd expected.
Before he was halfway down the road, he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. Pulling it out, he read the text and with a smile.
From: Unknown number (0-98267817):
hey dude its herc
To: Unknown number (0-98267817):
whats up, thanks for the great afternoon btw- you guys rock!
He cringed after he'd sent it- surely that was way too much- but was relieved when Mulligan's reply came through
From: Unknown number(0-98267817):
cool man we had a great time too hope to meet up soon
Hastily saving Herc's number into his phone, Alex made his way home, rushing as the rain started up. Luckily, he was almost back to his apartment, so didn't get nearly as drenched as he had the first time he'd visited the coffee shop. Setting his shoes to the side, he slumped onto the bed and reluctantly pulled out his laptop, ready to get in a few paragraphs of his latest essay. It wasn't due for a few days, but he liked to be on top of things. He almost always finished essays in advance- the other day had been an exception. Right now, however, he didn't seem to be able to string the words together properly. A certain freckled face kept creeping into his mind- a certain dimpled smile and pair of shining green eyes. He couldn't help thinking about how not finishing his essay that evening, and taking it to the Grind-Stone instead might mean seeing John again- and felt a little uneasy about how excited that prospect made him.
Alex had always been someone to fall in love easily. He had only known his first girlfriend, a girl from his high school called Eliza, for a few weeks when they started dating, and he'd had his eye on another girl, Maria, at the same time- complicating things no end. They'd broken it of in a mutual agreement that they were better off as friends- and as far as he knew, Eliza was now dating Maria herself. Strange, small world. They'd remained really close, helping each other out with boy and girl troubles alike- since Eliza had turned out to be Pan. He hadn't seen her in a while, though- perhaps he should call... Damnit, he was getting nowhere anyway. Abandoning his essay, he pulled out his phone and sent a quick text:
To: Eliiiiiiiza:
hey, Liza! how've you been- would you like to meet up soon? it's been forever!
He then set his phone down next to him, and got up to get a drink, but was startled when his phone buzzed with a text message before he'd gotten two paces. Surely Eliza wasn't that fast? He picked it up and saw a message from someone he realised immediately was Lafayette.
From: Unknown number(0-04519522):
Mon petit lion, Bonjour! This is Lafayette, from the coffee shop- now you will have my telephone number! Hercules and I were wondering whether you would like to meet us at the Grind-Stone on Friday. John's shift ends at 7:00pm that day, and the three of us will often visit a bar or pub together, and we would be delighted if you would join us!
Unable to keep a grin off his face, Alex replied quickly.
To: Unknown number(0-04519522):
hey laf, meeting up sounds great- if youre sure its no bother? i wouldnt want to intrude
Lafayette's reply didn't come for a few minutes, and Alex grew a little worried. What if he changed his mind? It wouldn't be the first time that Alex's over-politeness had crushed his social life. Using the time to save Lafayette's number (as La Baguette) he reminded himself that Laf could just be struggling with the English. He was very eloquent in his message- but perhaps he was asking Hercules for help. Eventually, the reply came through.
From: La Baguette:
Of course it is no bother, mon ami! I would not have offered if I did not mean it. Hercules says that you are a "worry wart" for asking, and I am also sure that dear John would have no objections ;-) ;-) ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Choosing to ignore the last part of the message, Alex replied
To: La Baguette:
alright sounds great! see you then
From: La Baguette:
Magnifique!
From: La Baguette:
Also here is Burr's number. Could you prank call him for me?
The last message was followed by a string of digits, which Alex saved into his phone with a smile.
That night (though it was more like early morning), he climbed into bed feeling happier than he had in a long while. Three new friends in a day? He must be doing something right.
That Monday morning, Alex stumbled into PoliSci just as the bell was sounding and skidded into his seat, almost tripping over his untied laces. He had slept through his alarm- again. He would really have to invest in a louder one, or he'd be arriving after class had ended soon. He swept his knotted mane of hair into a loose tie and hastily grabbed a pen to take notes on whatever Washington was saying, peering towards the front of the hall- he'd misplaced both his contacts and glasses in his rush. To his surprise, however, the lecture wasn't yet starting. Instead, the professor was standing at the front of the class with a nervous looking young man that Alex recognised immediately.
Burr seemed even more down-trodden than he had at the coffee shop, though he wasn't nearly as dishevelled as most of the students in the room. Holding his bag tightly, he stood, lock-jawed, at Washington's side. The man himself cleared his throat and the class lapsed into silence.
"Good morning class, I trust you all took plenty of rest over the weekend?" There was a general murmur of agreement, peppered with a few scoffs of 'what's "rest"?' from the students. "We have a new student with us today, his name is Aaron Burr and I trust you will all make him feel welcome. It's hard starting out in a new place, as I'm sure you all know, especially two months into the year. Actually, Mr Burr, is there anyone in this class that you already know?"
Burr hesitated for a second, shooting a glance at Alexander. Surprised, Alex realised that he was silently asking permission to answer the professor. Perhaps he was worried that their brief encounter didn't merit a mention. Alex, more than happy to take him under his wing, smiled at him encouragingly. It could be fun to mentor the guy- he'd often fancied himself a good teacher. Burr turned, relieved, to Washington.
"I actually had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Mr Hamilton over the weekend, sir."
"Excellent. Go sit by him, I'm sure he'll help you out if there's something you don't understand. And- Hamilton?" He looked pointedly at Alexander.
"Yes, sir?"
"Do try not to turn him into a menace."
There were a few snorts from around the room- Alexander's reputation was not a clean one, he knew. Burr slid into the seat next to him, setting down his books and giving him a timid smile. Alex returned it and held out his hand.
"Nice to see you again, Mr Burr, sir! Hey- that rhy-"
"Yes, Alexander, it rhymes." Burr shook his hand with a weary expression. "And don't pat yourself on the back too hard, you're hardly the first person to notice."
"But it's so convenient! You know what? I'm going to use it every time I talk to you."
"Please don't"
"But Burr, sir-"
"Settle down, we have a lot to cover" called Washington from the front, and began his lecture.
The rest of the class passed without much incident. Alexander was surprised by how much Burr contributed to the discussions- he'd seemed very shy to begin with. However, as he opened up, Alex began to recognise that Burr really knew his stuff. The only times he declined to comment were when he was asked for his own opinion. He was reminded of Lafayette's words: I think he has no opinions of his own- or, at least, he is too shy to share them.
He didn't take many notes, either, simply staring at Washington intently as he spoke. Alexander's own paper was covered on both sides in his own sprawling writing- almost everything that came out of Washington's mouth copied onto it- so that it hung limply when picked up. As he glanced down at Burr's paper at the end of the lesson, he saw five lines of text in a neat, square script, concisely summarising all that had been said, with a few quotes noted in the margins. Alex realised that he had greatly underestimated Burr's abilities. Walking shoulder-to-shoulder with him as they left, he stared at the man in something close to awe.
"Where did you learn to take notes like that?" he asked. Burr turned, confused.
"What do you mean?"
"You got that whole lecture down to like three sentences." Burr just gave a sort of shrug.
"I guess I just… waited till he'd finished making a point- he drags each one out for ten minutes or so- and wrote down the general idea of it. It's easy, really."
"Um… how?" Alex croaked, waving his own biro-coated sheet in Burr's face to emphasise his point. "Dude, you gotta teach me! Please? Meet me in the library after school or something- that shit is my one big downfall in this class- you're amazing."
"Well, thanks…" Burr replied, blushing slightly. "I have to- um- be somewhere after school today, but I'd be happy to do it some other time."
"That'd be great! Thank you so much, Burr… sir."
"Hamilton, please." Burr groaned, but there was a smile quirking his lips as he said it. He hefted the books in his arms to glance at his watch, then gave an apologetic grimace. "I'll see you around, then? I have to go get lunch or I won't fit it in."
"Alright, Burr, sir- I'll catch you later!"
As Burr retreated down the hall, Alex speed-walked to his next class, still smiling. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he pulled it out, reading the name "Eliiiiiiiza" with elation.
From: Eliiiiiiiza:
Hey Alexander! I'd love to meet up- it's been ages, hasn't it? Meet me outside the college tomorrow afternoon if you can- I know a great coffee shop nearby. Looking forward to it! 3
To: Eliiiiiiiza:
sounds good! I might actually know the shop youre talking about… but i guess well see when we get there. see you then :)
He shoved his phone back into his pocket as he rushed into his advanced English class, pulling out new paper as he did so. When a teacher he didn't recognise walked in, he couldn't help doing a fist-pump under the table. A sub meant no work in his book, and several other students were already putting their feet up on their desks. Watching in amusement as the poor substitute (Mr Adams, he had written on the board) tried to control the class, he pulled out his phone again and opened a group chat with Mulligan and Lafayette.
-You opened the chat Coffee Shop squad-
From: You:
yo guys, im bored as eff in this lecture. you?
Herc's reply came through around a minute later.
From: Herc:
dude i feel you ive been measuring identical strips of pink velvet for like 2 hours now
From: Herc:
who even needs pink curtains
From: You:
wow fun (also i can think of someone)
From: Herc:
who
From: You:
this asshole in my polisci i stg he wore a pink velvet suit to class last week
From: Herc:
nice
From: Herc:
ironically or
From: You:
nah just cause. thats jefferson for you tho
From: Herc:
wait THOMAS jefferson
From: You:
yeah omg you know him?
From: Herc:
dude thats johns roommate
From: You:
wtf rlly?
From: You:
jeez, no wonder john lives on your couch.
From: Herc:
yeah its kind of annoying but no man deserves jefferson so we let him
From: You:
aww, come on. john cant be *that* bad, surely
From: La Baguette
You are in this chat for literally two minutes and already you are talking about John. Alexander, you could at least TRY to be subtle.
From: You:
subtle about what?
From: Herc:
your undying love for john laurens man
From: La Baguette:
It is so obvious, mon ami. You could not take your eyes off him at the coffee shop!
From: Herc:
can we be your bridesmaids
-You left the chat Coffee Shop squad-
-Herc added you to the chat Coffee Shop squad-
-La Baguette changed the chat name to John and Alexander's wedding plans-
From: You:
*GUYS*
-Herc changed the chat name to what will alex and johns kids be called-
From: Herc:
i can babysit
From: La Baguette:
Hercules you cannot even keep a houseplant alive.
From: Herc:
laf my houseplant is plastic
From: La Baguette:
Oui. Plastic and DEAD
From: Herc:
i would never hurt a bby tho
From: Herc:
i bet john and alexs kids would be adorable
From: You:
guys please
From: Herc:
can u imagine tho like a tiny alex but with johns hair
From: La Baguette:
I am pretty sure that that is not how genetics work, Hercules.
From: Herc:
sssshhh let me dream
-You left the chat what will alex and johns kids be called-
Alex turned off his phone, shoving it into his bag. He was blushing like crazy, which only embarrassed him further, and he shrank back into his chair as if that could protect him. He knew that Herc and Laf were only kidding around, but the thought of being with John, of having kids with John, made his stomach flip. Why the hell was he acting like this? He had met the guy once. He had said a total of like, five words to him, and now he was fantasising about marrying him? About having kids with him?
He had to get this in check before Friday, or he'd collapse in a heap before the guy had even said 'hello'. As he left the classroom and headed to the lunch hall, a thought appeared and solidified slowly in his brain.
Tomorrow, he was going to tell Eliza everything.
*Thanks for reading!*
