Someone So Perfect (JeffMads)

Silence

Tick, tock. Tick, tock.

Thomas stood in the silent entrance hall of Monticello, looking around. "James? Did you take the cake out yet?" He called out, slowly walking through the building towards the kitchen. Thomas peeked into the room, getting increasingly confused at James' absence. He wound the case clock, then stepped in front of the oven. Noticing it was turned off, he looked in and was alarmed at the sight of a burnt cake. "James, you're scaring me." His eyes scanned the kitchen and he noticed his pocket watch on the tabletop, along with a tiny folded up note. Thomas picked it up and unfolded it, reading the handwriting of James.

Sorry for the cake, Jefferson. Had a short nap. Went back to the office.

Thomas stuffed his watch into his pocket, turning to leave for the office with one thought in mind. He rarely calls me Jefferson.

~~~~~

James had gone back to his office and ensured the door was locked. He paced in front of the window, occasionally glancing at the ripped up pieces of the letter to Thomas. No, not Thomas. Jefferson. James turned his head up to stare at the door, hearing faint rushed footsteps down the corridor.

The doorknob rattled, then there was loud knocking. James continued pacing.

Then there were questions being asked through the door. James stopped to look out the window.

Now there was shouting. Something about 'sorry', or 'what did I do' in choked breaths. James admired the view his office had of the beautiful gardens.

Soon there was silence. Silence. What a pleasant word for something James thought to be horrific before he met Thomas. No, Jefferson. James sighed contentedly, walking up to the door. He calmly unlocked and opened it, and seeing there was no one in the corridor he decided to go for the stroll he intended to have earlier that day.

~~~~~

Being a silent man, James enjoyed his stroll without any troubles. Without interference. Without Jefferson. People around him were rushing past and paying him no mind, but someone was watching him. Someone must be watching him. James looked over his shoulder and his walk faltered when he spotted Jefferson. He turned back, staring down at the pavement, and walked faster.

"James!" Thomas quickly caught up with James, grabbing the man's shoulder. James kept silent, trying to walk faster. Thomas' grip tightened, managing to stop James. "What's going on?"

James turned around, glaring up at Jefferson. "Go and ask someone else, 'Jefferson dearest'." He spat, every word laced with venom.

Thomas stepped back, holding up his hands. "James, what are you talking about?"

James took out the ripped letter pieces and pushed them into Jefferson's hand, then he stormed off into the crowd.

Thomas looked down at the letter, silently reading it. "Wait, did you read the whole thing?" He ran after James.

That's fine, I've already thought about what to say when you get here. I feel it best if we terminated this romance. It's not that I don't harbor any feelings for you anymore, believe that you still do hold a special place in my heart.

It's just that I've received word of your relationship with your friend, James Madison. He's a real sweetheart, I can tell, and I don't want this to ruin someone that looks so fragile.