Title: A Pup's Purpose, Pt. 3
Series: Hamilton: An American Musical
Written by: Rikareena/FoxieSango

Alexander had been busy finishing up packing to head to Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention. He was leaving in two days, and had tried to hide just how excited he was about being selected to attend, but everyone could tell that he was very zingy about the whole thing.

A few days had passed since the Hamilton family had taken John in, and he was still adjusting to his new form. At present, he had found himself sitting at Alexander's feet as the Caribbean threw articles of clothing this way and that, trying to figure out what to take on his trip. After sniffing at some of the apparel, John eventually got buried in a small pile and let out a small whine of frustration before releasing several muffled barks. He then started shifting about, unable to see where he was going.

"Woah! Easy there, pup!" he heard a voice say. It wasn't long before an undershirt and jacket were removed from his line of sight. Alexander sighed, lifting him up from the sea of clothing before placing him back on his feet.

"Why don't you go check on Eliza before you end up suffocating in my old, dirty rags, huh?" he laughed, standing and using his foot to gently scoot John out the door by his rump. John let out another couple of barks, but Alex shooed him along. After a low growl, the dog shook from head to toe before trotting along and looking for the lady of the house.

He found her sitting on the couch, staring lovingly at her youngest child while breast feeding him. John tilted his head to the side curiously before coming to stand by her feet and peering up at her. Eliza smiled down at him,

"Hi pup. Junior here was getting a bit fussy because it was lunchtime. Would you like to meet him?" she asked. John found his tail wagging subconsciously, but he also didn't want jostle Eliza or the baby. She giggled and patted the empty spot on the couch next to her.

"C'mon now, you can do it. Up!" she said. John looked from her, to the couch, and back to her. It was his first time realizing just how high up the couch was compared to his new, smaller size.

"You've got it!" she encouraged again. John let out a low growl before backing up and lowering on his front legs and pushing his tiny rump in the air. He wiggled a bit, preparing for his run. Then, he shot forward and launched himself upward, managing to land his front paws on the cushion. But his hind legs hung haphazardly, and he struggled to not fall back to the ground. Eliza took her free hand and reached out to help boost him onto the couch before gently rubbing his head.

"Good boy! Good boy!" she said, rubbing his ears before settling back against the couch. John panted a bit and Eliza could've sworn she saw him smiling before he turned his attention to the little one still suckling at her breast. He tilted his head again, realizing that even in recollecting his previous life, he had trouble recalling the last time he'd seen a human this tiny up close. The closest that came to mind was perhaps memories of his younger siblings, but even those were fuzzy and hard to recollect since many of them died when they were young and he'd spent much of his own time away from home growing up.

Alex Jr. turned his eyes from his mother to the strange creature at the other end of the couch. His eyes went wide in curiosity (he'd never seen such a thing before), but he didn't stop consuming his lunch. John's ears lowered as he trekked forward carefully, not wanting to hurt the baby or Eliza. He placed his front paws on her lap and raised himself up a bit, taking in the tiny being. The baby was practically a miniature Alexander…but with chubbier cheeks and bigger eyes. His skin was pink and he was very attentive, little silk whisps of hair laid smoothly atop his head. Perhaps the only difference was that he had his mother's hair color. Eliza brought her free hand up and gently caressed her son's cheek as she began to sing,

Look around, look around, and how lucky you are to be alive right now.

Look around, look around.

Look at where you are, look at where you're starting.

The fact that you're alive is a miracle, just stay alive, that would be enough.

My love, just know,

That you will never be alone.

We'll always be here by your side.

Just keep us close.

That will be enough.

I don't pretend to know, the challenges you'll face.

The obstacles awaiting you later in your life.

But I'm not afraid.

You're destined for great things.

Just always come home at the end of the day.

And that will be enough.

Your heart will write its own legacy.

You'll tell your own story.

Just let us grant you peace of mind,

And keep your family inside your heart.

Let your loved ones be a part of your narrative,

In the story you will write someday.

And no matter what comes your way,

Together we'll always staaay.

And we will be enough.

That would be enough.

That would be enough.

The baby's eyes had started to close under her soothing voice. John looked over at Eliza to find her smiling at him.

"That goes for you too, Jack. You're family now. And we'll be with you always," she said, gently rubbing the back of his ear. He sighed at her warmth and leaned more into her touch before hearing the tiniest grunt from the baby before them. He looked at Alex Jr. to find him moving his arms about, reaching for him.

"I think he likes you. Go on, say hello," Eliza said.

Slowly…cautiously….warily…John moved forward, softly pressing his cold, wet nose to the baby's face. Alex Jr. began fussing again, but it came out as a squeal, more of a laugh than a cry. His little feet began kicking as well and he reached up both hands to touch the English Foxhound's face. John felt his heart thrum in his chest as he gave the smallest of licks to the baby's nose. He squealed again, and John bowed his head, gently pressing his forehead against Alex Jr.'s. The baby stopped squirming and let out a soft sigh. After a few moments, John pulled back, he found the baby's eyes closed again—he'd been lulled to sleep. John then heard a sniffle and his attention was drawn to the lady of the house once more. She had tears in her eyes.

"I-I'm sorry. Ugh, I've been a sensitive, blubbering mess lately, no doubt. It's just…I'm so glad. Relieved. He feels safe with you…and trusts you. And you him. And…that…it makes me happy," she whispered. John let out another whine, not wanting her to cry. He licked her tears before nuzzling under her chin.

He understood. She wasn't just being emotional. Eliza put her family above all else, and wanted them all to be close. It was only natural.

It was the element that had been absent from his own life for far too long, and he was so happy they welcomed him into their world.

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