Tango

Hamilton?! Really?!

Even though Thomas had told Alexander that he would wait, he wasn't even sure if he could stand the wait. How long would Alex need to trust Thomas with his secret - what even was it? What could Hamilton possibly be hiding that would change the way he perceived him? Jefferson just chucked it up to Alex overdramatizing things as always. It had been another two weeks since their talk in the car, and Thomas was slowly trying to make a move on the younger man while the two were at work. Their late-night post-work snuggles in either his or Alex's bed weren't enough - Thomas longed for the Caribbean man's touch during the day.

"Thomas, Thomas? - Earth to Tommy?" Madison tried to get the other out of his trance.

"I told you not to call me that."

"Tough love, at least it stopped you daydreaming." James retorted.

"I was not daydreaming! Thank you very much." A frown flashed across the Virginian's face.

"Keep telling yourself that, and that blush on your cheeks is from the office heating, yes?" The man resumed cleaning his glasses.

"Shut up, James." Jefferson stood up to pace the room.

"So-" Madison stuck his glasses back onto his nose.

"Who's got you so worked up anyway?"

It was at that moment that Thomas understood what Alex had meant about enjoying their relationship in peace - he usually did a great job of not letting his thoughts show on his face, as Alex does but James had noticed now and wouldn't let it go. Even if Madison already knew Jefferson and Hamilton were on good terms. He didn't know that Thomas and Alexander are together, and Thomas wouldn't hear the end of it if he told his friend about it now.

"It's none of your business, James."

"Ooo, It's serious then." Madison's brow shot up.

"And why do you care, huh?"

Thomas was getting more and more annoyed with his friend's attitude.

"Thomas, let's not kid ourselves, please. Your last serious relationship was seven years ago, not to say you're out of practice but I don't want you to go into this with certain expectations and then have them be crushed while you crash at my place for two months like last time."

"This isn't like last time, James. For god's sake, I'm not a teenager."

The Virginian's patience was wearing thin as he hit the ground with his cane to emphasize his point.

"Maybe, Thomas. But you're human. I just don't want you to get hurt."

***

James' words kept swirling around Thomas's head 'I don't want you to get hurt', 'I don't want you to get hurt'. Why would he get hurt? And what's with everyone's apprehension about his and Alex's relationship? No one even knew they were together. Sure it might have been a while since he was seriously involved with someone but, that doesn't' matter. Love doesn't have a date - it isn't something you can be out of practice with. Thomas had enough experience from his past relationships as it was, and - even if he might be out of touch, there's nothing like a good old-fashioned honest conversation.

"Whatcha thinkin'?"

Alex pulled the older man out of his thoughts, the pair lying on Thomas's couch together watching a movie.

"Hmm? Oh, nothing, just something James told me earlier." He dismissed.

"Well, it must really be bothering you; you're not paying attention at all."