Hamilton one-shots

Piano

The song I picture Alexander playing is: Nuvole Bianche by Ludovico Einaudi

***

Alexander Hamilton was an anxious man. This was common knowledge among his co workers, his friends and certainly his husband. Thomas Jefferson knew all about Alexander’s little ticks and habits. The Virginian loved him none the less, in fact, it gave him an excuse to cuddle Alexander when insomnia plagued the smaller mans mind. Alexander was not a good hider of many things. He couldn’t mask his emotions very well, nor could he lie but, if he truly didn’t want something to be known, he was the most secretive man you could ever meet… kind of.

Alexander had one thing he had hid very well. Even to his husband. He was pianist. Well, not really. He could play and he could play well. He never pursued a career, it was more of a recreational activity for him but it was something that relieved him of his constant stress. He had no idea why he was hiding this fact, it simply never came up in conversation; knowing Thomas, Alexander would be fussed over because of this small aspect to him.

Alexander was feeling particularly anxious on this particular day. He had work to worry over and chores to do. He decided it wouldn’t be efficient for him to do any of this if he was stressed, well at least thats what he told himself. As usual, he found himself in the music room beside the study, his fingers gliding over the slightly rusted piano keys. Music echoed throughout the room and he visibly relaxed at the pleasant sounds. He hadn’t a clue what composition he was playing, only that it sounded familiar. His mind was occupied and he hadn’t a care in the world.

It was just before noon when Thomas had walked through the front door to their shared home in Monticello. He hadn’t been expecting. Just a usual day, Alexander reading on the window sill or perhaps feeding the cat but no. When he entered the house, he could hear a light melody ringing through the walls and it appeared to be coming from the music room. He didn’t know of any musically inclined visitors nor did he think Alexander could play anything either. He put down the pizza he had bought for lunch and made his way up the oak stairs and toward the small room tucked neatly in the corner of the second floor. As he neared, the tune of the song became more prominent and he found himself swaying lightly as he walked. He noticed the door to the room was open and found himself peeking in and seeing his husband playing piano like professional. To say he was surprised was an understatement.

He suppressed an audible gasp and leaned on the doorway lightly so he wouldn’t be heard. He watched his husband sway and glide his fingers over the keys gently but beautifully. Alexander had his eyes shut and was completely lost in the music and Thomas was convinced he had never seen something more absolutely gorgeous than the love of his life so calm and relaxed. He found himself losing his thought with the music but it was the final note that brought him back to reality. He gazed lovingly at Alexander as he slowly opened his eyes and returned to the stresses of society once more. He found himself unconsciously clapping lightly, making the small man jolt to look at the unexpected sound.

“Thomas…” Alexander said almost silently in surprise.

“Alex,” Thomas replied fondly, making his way toward the stool and sitting beside Alexander. “I didn’t know you could play.”

“I didn’t know you were there.” The immigrant admitted.

“I know.” Thomas moved to brush a stray strand of hair from his cheek. “That was beautiful.”

“I’m only a casual player.” Alexander quickly tried to defend himself.

“Why haven’t you told me.” Thomas murmured, moving closer to Alexander, his lips ghosting over Alex’s cheek.

“Never came up in conversation.” Alex said softly. “I’m not that good, anyways.”

“Yes you are.” A frown took over Thomas’s face.