Lams One-Shots

Cold Fingers, Warm Lips

kinda short

Alexander raced home to see John, ever since he stopped coming to work, it had been terribly lonely. 

He unlocked the apartment to find his fiance, sitting on the couch, scrolling on his phone. Alexander walked over, sitting next to him. John looked up at him, smiling warmly, but his eyes looked tired. 

"Hey, Peaches," Alexander said, putting a hand on John's cheek. John leaned into the small touch. "How are ya feeling?"

"Alright," John mumbled. "Tired." 

"Washington says to feel better, even Jefferson asked how you were. Madison and Burr too, turns out they aren't all heartless assholes."

"They're republican," John points out, weakly chuckling. Alexander scowls.

"Never mind, they are heartless assholes." 

John had been diagnosed with stage two Acute Myeloid Leukemia two weeks ago, after feeling ill for a few months. Alexander knew something wasn't right so he forced John to the doctors, he didn't expect this, though. 

"I miss you at work, city hall's no fun without my favorite partner," Alexander says. He laces his fingers through John's, noticing how cold they are compared to his. He leans in and presses his lips against John's, they were warm. Like always, warm and comforting, John's lips were home. 

John smiled against Alex's kiss, before kissing back. "You know I love you, right?" John whispered, squeezing Alexander's hand. "No matter what happens to me, I'll always love you."

"Don't speak like that," Alexander said, starting to panic a little bit. "Don't speak like that, you're gonna get better and then come back to work...and then we're going to get married. Okay?"

John smiled, kissing Alex's cheek as a sign of comfort. "I'd like that, very much." 

~~~

"Alexander," John said, his voice hoarse and scared. He shook Alex again. When the man only rolled over, groaning, John shook him again. "Alexander, wake up."

"Wha--John? Are you alright, hon?"

"N-no," John's voice as wavering. "I don't feel well, Alex, something's wrong..." Alexander was wide awake by now, rubbing John's back. 

"What feels bad, do you need to go to the hospital?"

John was shaking and sobbing, nodding his head into Alex's chest. Alexander was scared himself but had to keep a steady head, pulled the two out of bed and downstairs. Hailing a taxi, John leaned against him for support, his mind beginning to go hazy. 

His hands were freezing and he was shivering against Alex's warm body. "Shh..." Alexander said, trying to comfort both John and himself. "You'll be okay, you're gonna be alright..."

John was admitted into a room and a couple of tests were done. They declared they needed to do surgery on one of his bones (sorry, idk the details pls dont get offended). Since John had passed out when they got to the Emergency Room, they asked Alexander for permission to do the surgery.

"Will it make him better?" Alexander asked, nervously tapping his foot. 

"There's a 75% chance of success," The nurse says. 

"And of failure?"

"25%, he won't die, but the cancer might spread."

Alexander thought it over, he needed John. Anything to help him. "Don't let him suffer, do the surgery."

~~~

It was nearing dawn when the nurse came out to give Alex the news that John was alright. Upon hearing that, Alexander ran into the room John was in. 

John looked like he was sleeping, his eyes closed and his lips parted, soft breaths escaping them. But Alex knew his John, crossing over to him, he put a hand against his cheek. 

"It's just me, sweetheart," Alexander whispered. "You can open your eyes." John opened one eye and gave Alexander a weak grin. "How are you feeling?"

"Alright," John said, searching for Alex's hand. Alex realized and put his hand on top of John's so their fingers could intertwine. His hand was warm, which was a pleasant surprise for Alex, hopefully, it was a sign of improvement. "When I was about to pass out in the taxi, Alexander, I didn't want to leave. I had been so sure I was going to die soon, but...but when I was slipping away, I just...I prayed I wouldn't die. I need to be here Alex, for you, I need to marry you and start a family, I--"

"Shh..." Alexander cut him off, carding his fingers through John's messy hair. He was sweating a little bit, his cheeks were rosy. "I love you, Peaches, with all my heart. I know you're strong enough to pull through, and you won't have to go it alone. I'll be here for you, every step of the way. I promise. We're going to get married soon. When I proposed to you, I meant it. That I'm committing everything I have to you, and nothing's gonna change that. We aren't married yet, but I promise...in sickness and in health."

John smiled, leaning against Alexander. "You make me feel like I'm some sort of prince, you treat me too well."

Alex grinned, pressing his lips against John's. "You deserve it." His lips were warm.