Just you wait~ Lams AU

Chapter 5: Alexander Hamilton

John's POV

After trying, and failing, to get to sleep, I stood up and grabbed my sketch book and pencils. I settled myself into my chair at my desk and began to draw.

A loud crash shuddered through the air and I glared out the window at the building storm. I turned back to my sketch book and tapped my pencil against the page. The line I had begun to draw was wonky due to the thunder.

I forcefully grabbed my rubber and began scrubbing at the paper. Another clap of thunder shook the window and bullets of rain began crashing against the open glass.

"Shit." I cursed quietly, shoving my chair back and reaching over to shut it. I slammed it shut and turned to go back to my art, when I caught sight of a figure.

They were wearing a t shirt and jeans, but appeared oblivious to the raging storm around them. Buffeted by gale force winds and sharp needles of rain, they were frozen. Upon closer inspection, I could see the tremors running through their vulnerable body. All at once, they collapsed to the floor on their knees and gripped at their ears.

Hamilton?

My eyes widened.

Wihout any rational or logical thinking, I pulled my shoes on and turned round, sprinting to my dorm door, grabbing my coat along the way.

My feet clashed painfully down the metal stairs as I ran, panting for breath.

Darting out of the main doors of the building, I sprinted through the wind and sheets of icy rain towards the shaking figure. I slowed as I reached Alexander's side, noting his erratic panting and floods of tears.

"Alex... Alex listen. Just take my hand. Come on." I murmured gently. His eyes shot up to meet mine and I saw them widen in fear. He pushed himself backwards and stumbled, hitting his back and elbows on the rough tarmac.

"Oh God, please don't hurt me..." he trailed off, tears and rain mixing on his pale face before sliding down his neck. I sighed and reached out a hand, ignoring the way he flinched away from me.

"Come on Alex." I whispered, soft words being carried away by the howling wind. He shook his head rapidly, strands of hair whipping round his eyes. Another resonating clap of thunder made him scream out in shock and instictively, he flew into my arms and I froze in surprise.

He sobbed into my chest and I felt him shivering, chest rising and falling rapidly. Slowly, so as to not startle him, I places my hands on his waist.

Momentarily, I forgot that this was Alexander. 

I forgot that he hated me.

I forgot that I was the one who had caused him, repeatedly, to feel such pain.

My hands gripped him slightly tighter and I gently pulled him up to standing. He gripped my shirt helplessly and wrapped my arms around him tightly.

"S-sorry." He whimpered. I sighed again and grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the main buildings doors.

His cold, shaking fingers trembled against mine as I took him, carefully, up the stairs and into my dorm. Once inside, I set him against my couch and rushed into my room to get him some dry clothes.

While I pulled a small t-shirt and a pair of grey sweatpants out, I thought.

He just looked so...

Sad?
Cold?
Lost?

Vulnerable.

I groaned in frustration and gripped at my curls. I turned back to my couch, handing the trembling figure my clothes.

His dark eyes shot up to meet mine and he smiled a sad, shaky, small smile.

He reached out and grabbed them, hauling himself to his feet. He swayed uncertainly but then breathed deeply and started to pull his shirt off.

I watched, shocked still, as the fabric ran over his bruised, skin. His pale midriff was a collage of dark purple and blue, sickeningly large bruises. My throat went dry as I realised that at least half were my doing.

What caught my eye the most was not the dirty word carved raggedly into his side, but the long web of scars running down his arms. And back.

I realised that he had stilled his movements and was staring at me with wide eyes. My eyes flitted to his face and back down his arms.

"It's... it's not what you think..." he stuttered, frozen in fear.

"What the fuck?" I breathed.

"It's r-really not what you think. He said again, pulling my shirt over him and hugging his arms around his chest.

Instinctively, I stumbled forwards and reached for his arms. He darted back and  glared at me.

"Alex?

"Do you self harm?"