Something Wonderful
Alexander Hamilton was not a coward. Anyone who gave him a challenge learned that, and he wasn’t about to be a coward now. Alexander made sure his presence was known before he asked, “Mind if I join you?” He could feel a blush creeping onto his face as Laurens turned his head. Laurens smiled and nodded, helping Alex up onto the branch he sat on.
Alex looked up to the stars and felt his breath was taken away. The night was perfectly clear and the moon was full, and giant. “Amazing isn't it? Every time Angie invites me to one of these things I come out here.” Alex almost didn’t hear Laurens when he whispered. Alex smiled and looked at the grass, sporting a familiar glow under the grass. He lowered himself to the ground, hitting the grass hard, and causing a swarm of fireflies to jut from the ground and into the air. Laurens’ smile became even wider as he jumped from the tree. “How did you know they would do that?”
Alex shrugged. “My mom taught me. See before we were quiet and stepped lightly. So they were dim and quiet. But some still glowed under the grass, so the moment I made a commotion, they flew up and flashed in a panic to regroup.” He was almost to distracted to notice Laurens staring at him. He turned and locked gazes with Laurens, heart pounded.
Laurens held out his hands. “May I have this dance?” Alex cautiously nodded and placed his hand in the other’s, being yanked into a tight stance. The two spun in circles, their awkwardness eventually draining away and they started goofing around and laughing, attempting the waltz to their best ability. Eventually their feet tangled and they collapsed to the ground beside each other, laughing. Alex sat up and helped Laurens sit up beside him, their hands locking and Alex resting his head on Laurens’ shoulder.
***
The two stayed in the yard almost the whole night, until Alex felt himself being dragged back into the house by an overly eager Angelica and Lafayette. The two were bouncing around the living room with giant grins, talking almost complete gibberish. Alex couldn’t help but laugh at them. “Are you going to ask anything or just prance around like idiots?”
Lafayette froze and flopped down in front of Alex. “Tell us everything! How long? Are you official? Can I tell everyone I know?” Angelica laughed and sat beside Laf, crossing her legs.
Alex shrugged. “I don't know. I guess I’ve liked him since I got here. And we haven't really talked so we’re not technically dating and I don't know if it would be wise to tell everyone right now. Maybe just Herc and Burr for now.” He could tell a blush was rushing up his cheeks just from the looks Laf and Angelica were giving. “If it does become official then we’ll tell but I’d rather keep it quiet at first.”
A noise from the hall sounded and Laurens stumbled awkwardly into the room, smiling. He looked at Alex with a sly grin. “Tomorrow, 1:40, StarBucks right off campus. See you then.” He opened the front door and left with a flash, leaving Alex in a blushy and flustered mess, screaming into Angelica’s pillow.
Laf laughed and and picked Alex up, pulling the pillow away and helping him out the door. They waved their goodbyes to Angelica and walked down the sidewalk, enjoying the cool night air. Alex turned to Lafayette and sighed. “I was told you used your ‘assets’ to get Washington but I don’t understand, what assets? Also why do you and him work so well if you’re always apart? And-”
“One question at a time mon ami.” Lafayette interrupted with a laugh.
“Sorry but really, I wanna know.” Alexander could feel his nerves rising as he asked these questions.
Lafayette blushed as he started telling the story. “Well I don’t know what anyone means by assets. I’m assuming they mean my body and yeah, sure, I enjoy being skinny but I don’t knowingly use that to my advantage. But I did speak quite a bit of French on our first date accidentally.” He took another breath and continued on. “We work pretty well together I guess because we like each other. A lot. I can’t imagine my life without George, thank God he isn’t actually fighting ever.”
Alex nodded in understanding. “What other couples should I know about? I mean everyone here seems to know everyone but me and it might be nice to be in the loop of things for once.”
Laf nudged Alex’s shoulder with his own. “I mean by all logic it's only fair. You know about Herc and Aaron. There’s also Thomas and James, those two have been together since they met in sixth grade. Maria and Eliza adore each other but God knows when they’ll actually start dating. Peggy has a thing for this girl named Theodosia but she’s too shy. Angelica is aroace, and it's great to watch everyone flirt with her. George the third and Samuel are dating but they haven't been around much so you haven't met them. And John Adams and Charles Lee are fucking but aren't official.”
Alex’s head was spinning as they walked into the dorm’s front doors and up the stairs. “So how long has everything been going on?”
“God um… Well most everyone I mentioned has known each other their whole lives. I met them junior year of high school. Only a year before I met my beloved George.” Laf unlocked their room’s door and they walked through, laying on their beds. Laf propped himself up on his right elbow, looking over at Alex. “You best get some rest, you’ve got a date with Laurens and with that boy a ‘calm coffee shop date’ will often mean two hours of tree climbing.”
Alex laughed and laid back on his pillow. He pulled his blanket forward on top of him and he gently shut his eyes, dreaming of every possible way his date tomorrow would go amazingly or terribly. He didn’t get too much sleep.