Tango

You can't hide Forever

And so their journey resumed. One day at a time, slowly but surely. They pushed through. Any time Alexander found himself plagued by doubt, Thomas was there to help ease his mind. Help carry his burden, shoulder his pain. And in turn, any time he noticed that look in Jefferson's eyes, he tried to help in kind. And in time, their relationship strengthened and improved. They spent more time together, as a family. And even tried to carve out time for game nights with their closest friends, with obvious unspoken family-friendly rules in mind.

It was also during that time that Lafayette introduced them to a new friend. One might even say, boyfriend... The revelation was met with many whistles and congratulations as everyone was dying to know how they had met. All the while Gilbert didn't want to say more than "He's my tailor's new apprentice." and hoped his new significant other wouldn't get too spooked by his friends' enthusiasm.

During that time he and Eliza also became Grace's Godparents. Being the only obvious choice for the two inexperienced parents, it was one of the easiest decisions they'd had to make in regard to their daughter's life, so far. And Madison had finally gained enough courage to hold Grace in his arms. He in fact found it hard to give her back once he tried. With a previously never-before-seen dauntlessness, he found himself throwing her in the air, and playing with her. Making her fly and jump from place to place like a superhero. Quickly securing himself the spot for funniest uncle, despite his sporadic bouts of asthma.

Before they could even blink, another six months had gone by. And Grace's very first birthday arrived with big, spry, and yet somehow unexpected steps. They had all gathered in Thomas' small NYC backyard, the english garden somehow, just big enough for everyone to comfortably hang out. With it being the beginning of August, the weather was perfect, sunny but mild. Definitely can't forget to put some sunscreen on Grace, though.

Thomas was manning the grill with Madison by his side, his daughter in his friend's arms, intently watching her Daddy's every move. At night she seemed to favor Alex, not willing to go to sleep unless he was the one to tuck her in but during the day. She for some strange reason always seemed to be fascinated by whatever Thomas was up to. The atmosphere was light, with everyone at ease, sipping on their drinks, and chatting amongst themselves, while Alex was still inside, preparing some more side dishes before the party was truly ready to start.

It was then, that Thomas noticed two strangers entering the backyard from the side of the house. He watched two women cautiously walk in with two small children in their arms. And it was then, it struck Jefferson who it was. He saw red, anger overtaking him in a blink of an eye, as he marched inside to confront Hamilton, leaving James to watch over the grill.

"Alex?!" He yelled from the back door as he made his way inside.

"Yeah?" His better half echoed from behind the kitchen counter, nonplussed.

"What? In god's name-" He briefly closed his eyes."-is my sister doing in our backyard?!"

"You're sister?" He frowned.

"Yes!!"

It took him a moment, but...

"Oh shit..."

He blinked as it dawned on him.

"Alex. What did you do?"

Thomas' patience was waning by the second.

"I didn't think they would show."

"They? What do you mean, they?! Who else is coming?"

"I sent invites to all your siblings."

Jefferson slapped his hands over his eyes in despair.