Innocent (Lams prison au)

9

The count down until Alex's trial had begun, and each day Alex was kinder to Lafayette and Mulligan, more affectionate with Laurens, and more arrogant with Jefferson.

It was Wednesday, just past lunch time, and Alex sat with John, Hercules, Marquis and Thomas Paine at a metal table in the yard. Across the yard Jefferson and his crew stood, looking down upon the other inmates and bathing in the glorious power bestowed upon them.

There were two ways to earn top dog, and some form of respect, in this environment. You either strike inmates with fear, scare them into obeying, or you appeal to them, allow them to obey you themselves.

Thomas Jefferson used method one, as he had a significant amount of muscle behind him. That muscle was allowed free reign to harass and assault the other inmates while Thomas was in charge, they were his obedient servants. Burr planned to appeal to the inmates when he went for top dog, earn their trust first, lead them honestly.

Alexander Hamilton didn't care, we was out of this shit-hole in a few days and planned to make the most of it. He didn't care what drama he caused and he didn't care if other inmates saw him with John, but obviously John did care, becuase when Alex slung his arm around John's shoulders in the yard, John shrugged it off.

Alex's heart snapped a little at that but he brushed it off. A while later he reached for John's hand but John quickly tugged it away, burying it in his pocket. Alex huffed in annoyance and stood up from the table, catching everyone's attention now. He swivelled around on the balls of his feet and began to walk away from the table.

"Alex!" Lafayette called out after him, "Where are you going?"
"Away," Alex yelled back as he made his way across the yard. John sat and watched Alex leave with a pain throbbing in his chest. I should've told Alex last night.

Alex was almost out of the yard when a group of men moved to stand in his way.
"Hamilton! Where are you off to? The weather out here is beautiful!" Jefferson exclaimed with a bright smile.
"I'm not in the mood Jefferson," Alex mumbled, trying to push past him, but Jefferson's muscle stepped in the way. "Hey!"
"Where are you going, Alexander." Jefferson asked again, his tone of voice noticeably dropping.

"What does it matter to you?" Alex replied, crossing his arms across his chest.
"It matters to me because I need to monitor the activities of other inmates and make sure nothing naughty is happening behind my back." Jefferson laughed, throwing his hands behind his back.
"Well who's monitoring you, Jefferson? Because I'm sure the only person who knows any of your naughty activities is Madison, and where is he right now?" Alex retorted, his hands clamping into tight fists.
"Don't bring Madison into this, just tell me where you're going and you can leave." Jefferson hissed.

"Why? What is the point of this conversation? This is a new level of pettiness." Alex laughed, his fists still clenched. "Now if you'll excuse me," Alex muttered as he advanced forward to push past Jefferson's men, but he was knocked backwards to the grass by a blow to the jaw. Alex dropped to the ground with a loud thud, holding his face in his hands and groaning.

"What the fuck was that for? Just let me leave!" Alex spat, slowly standing back up. Jefferson opened his mouth to speak but a voice beat him to it from behind Alex.

"Let him go Jefferson," Mulligan spoke up.
"He hasn't done anything wrong, stop being a douche," Lafayette joined in. Alex looked behind him and saw Herc, Laf and John all standing behind him.

"Aw relying on his cell-block-buddies for protection!" Jefferson teased, flailing his hands up in a childish fashion.
"I don't need protection! Leave me alone! All of you!" Alex yelled, shoving Jefferson out of his way and storming past. He felt a hand land on his shoulder and he turned around to meet John's apologetic gaze. He tugged his shoulder out of John's grasp and continued to make his way out of the yard.