grofflin

"Love is love is love is love is love"

Lin's pov

Today is the day bitches! Today are the Tony's. Groff and I just came out of rehearsals and I still hadn't worked on an acceptance speech in the off chance that I win. I pull out my phone to be absolutely bombarded with notifications. I stop abruptly with walking as I read the title of a news post.

Shooting in Orlando nightclub

This day suddenly goes from one of the happiest days in the year to a sad, sorrowful day. Apparently, some lunatic shot people in a gay club, swearing to take vengeance for American airstrikes in Iraq and Syria. Groff takes notice of me not moving. "Hey babe, you coming" he calls. "Yeah" I call back, putting my cell phone back in my pocket. I run towards Groff, taking his hand in mine. "Apparently there's been in a shooting in Orlando". His reaction is very similar to mine, he suddenly freezes in his tracks. "Where??" He exclaims. "A gay nightclub in Orlando". I reply, Groff immediately takes out his own cell phone, violently tapping buttons. "Who are you texting?" I blurt out. "I have a friend there, just texting to see if he and his friends are all right". He mutters his gaze still on the phone. I give a small nod even though he can't see it and give his hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'm sure he is all right". I state, trying to make him feel better. "Yeah, I hope so" He mutters. Putting his phone back in his pocket.

We sit down as I try to think about what to write. I don't want to freestyle today. I need something to hold on to. Groff just sits there next to me. I can see that he is anxious, because he keeps on pulling his sleeves up. "You want some distraction?" I wondered. "Yes please" he confessed, taking my right hand in his so I can still write. "So, what do you want to say if you win?" I ask him. "I'm not going to win Lin. I'm only in the musical for 9 minutes. It's a wonder I'm even nominated". He stated.

"You could still win, but if you don't want to. That's all right. How about you help me with mine. I know I want to say something about Orlando". I suggested, looking him in the eye. "Why don't you write about Vanessa, as a tribute to her". He advised, a sweet smile, on his face. "I know how much you still miss her". He mentions "Besides that will give you a nice opening for the Orlando stuff". I think about his words for a second. "Thank you Groffy. You're the best". I whisper, leaning forward to give him a long kiss.

As my lips leave his I start writing scribbling the words that are forming inside my head down. The next 15 minutes I work intensely on the speech, focusing on the words I should keep or cut. After the final word flows out of my pen. I look next to me. 'Where is Groffy' I anxiously think. I stand up, trying to find him.

My breathing accelerates as I call out for him. After I worry my ass off for what feels like 2 hours, I finally see him walking towards me holding two cups of coffee. I sigh, knowing he is alright. "you alright?" He asks. "Yeah, I don't know why I was scared for second there" I mumbled, wrapping my hands around him to hold him close. "I'm here don't worry. You couldn't get rid of me if you tried". He reassured me. I don't know why I freaked out there. I thought he might be freaking out over his friend or maybe he had disappeared again. I look at his face, reassuring myself that he's standing next to me. Groff's phone gets a notification. "Time to go back inside" he stated.

I sit in the seat nervously, Groff next to me. Honestly, I don't care if I win. I just hope Groffs friend is okay, besides all of these people are amazing and it's an honour to even be here. If Leslie wins, I will be even happier than if I win. I try to focus my thoughts back on the announcer. "The tony goes to.... Lin-Manuel Miranda" it sound trough the theatre. I get up reluctantly, not wanting to leave my Groffy behind. I give him a quick kiss before walking to the stage. The lights brightly flashing in my face, blinding my sight for a few seconds as I start talking in the microphone. Thinking about Vanessa I almost start to cry again.

"My wife used to be the reason anything got done".

I look for Jonathan in the audience, finally finding his face as we lock eyes.

"She nudged me towards promise by degrees".

I swallow loudly trying to keep my cool.

"She is a perfect symphony of one, our son is her most beautiful reprise".

I feel a tear go down my cheek, while Jonathan gives me a supportive smile.

"We chase the melodies that seem to find us until they're finished songs and start to play".

I look around the audience trying to find other faces in the audience.

"When senseless acts of tragedy remind us that nothing here is promised, not one day".

I see Oak and Daveed sitting together, their hands comfortably in each other.

"This show is proof that history remembers".

I look at Leslie and Anthony, nodding along with every word I say.

"We live through times when hate and fear seem stronger".

I see Pippa and Yazzy wiping away some tears. As I choke up a bit myself again.

"We rise and fall and light from dying embers".

I look at Renee, knowing she fought so hard for everything she has.

"Remembrances that hope and love live longer".

My eye's find Groffy's once again. He is full on crying. My heart stings as I speak with even more passion than before.

"And love is love is love is love is love is love is love cannot be killed or swept aside".

I basically yell, trying to get the words out without sobbing. I feel more tears flowing as I speak the last few sentences.

"As sacred as a symphony, Eliza tells her story and fills the world with music love and pride".

I take a few deep breaths after the last words, letting myself relax as the applause deafens my hearing. I step off the stage the lights blinding my vision again for a few seconds. The whole night "Hamilton" keeps on winning awards. Half of the main cast goes home with Tony's. We perform a rendition of Yorktown and History has it eyes on you. We won 11 Tony's! A lot of us try to honour the Orlando victim's trough the night and Pippa, Yazzy and Renee close the Tony's with the Schuyler Sisters.

When we get home. Groffy pays the babysitter as I check on Sebbie. "Dada" he softly calls from his bed. I walk closer, giving him a quick ruffle and sitting down next to his bed. His little angelic face peaceful, the little ball of energy is almost asleep. I start softly singing 'dear Theodosia' to him. When I finish his eyes are closed and his breathing steady. I turn around to see Groff staring at us from the door opening with a big smile on his face. "How long have you been standing there?" I smile, walking toward him. "Long enough to fall in love with you, all over again" he replied. I roll my eyes at him, pulling him closer for a kiss. "Did your friend text back?" I ask, disconnecting our lips. "Yes, he is fine. One of his friends got shot though". He says a little sadly. I give him a quick hug and pull him into our bedroom. "How about I cheer you up?". I suggested, pulling him in for a kiss. "Gladly" he whispers before connecting our lips.

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I totally reccomend watching Lin's tony accepting speech if you haven't watched it yet. It's realllyyy good. Lin's so talented😍