Falling Through Time: Basking in Firelight: Book 2

The Impossible Duet vs. Shape of My Heart

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Warnings: Fluff, grief, mourning

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Hamilton was sitting in front of the fire in a relaxation room connected to his and Jefferson's room, a cup of tea in hand. Now that their relationship was known, they didn't have to sleep in separate rooms anymore but since they weren't presidents, they didn't get their old rooms which meant they didn't have access to their bunker either. They didn't mind that much, honestly, their new room was much cooler, though the rest of the people in the Manor would probably disagree. They pretty much chose to move into the attic, a room with massive windows that looked out to the beautiful Manor grounds, plenty of room, if a bit dusty, cold, and removed from the rest of the Manor. It would be a bit of a hassle for anyone that had to work but Hamilton and Jefferson didn't, they were just there because everyone insisted they move in so they could be protected.

Hamilton pointed out that perhaps the Manor wasn't the safest place since it just got invaded, but Jefferson countered that it took an entire force to break in and even then it required inside help whereas Jefferson's house, the Goveys pretty much just knocked down the door and shot them. Besides, he was improving the security. It was super convenient for him to be in the Manor while he remodeled a bit for the new security measures that we're going in. Goveys wouldn't be breaking in again.

It was odd being back in the Manor again, everyone seemed to automatically turn to them for everything as if they were the presidents and not Adams and Burr. Something important happened? Someone wanted an opinion? They were sought out, they were more than happy to help. Adams, however, wasn't the least bit happy, neither was Burr but he didn't seem to care that much. But when it came to official business, like when the entire Presidential staff sat around the table with foreign ambassadors and the ambassadors would address Hamilton and Jefferson as the people of power, they had to be sure to redirect it to Burr and Adams, which would, in turn, make Adams near exploding with anger, he did not like being disrespected, Burr didn't show a reaction, just smiled, but anyone who knew him really well could tell that it bothered him to be disrespected like that. There wasn't anything that Hamilton and Jefferson could do about it other than make themselves scarce. So they didn't go to those dinners very often.

Jefferson slid his hand onto Hamilton's shoulder, his own cup of tea in hand, "Darlin' are you doing all right?" Ever since Laurens' death, Hamilton had been more removed and quiet. With no work to throw himself into to push away the grief, he didn't know how to cope. You'd think he'd be used to death by now, that he would have gotten used to it. But the thing about death is-

It only gets worse.

"Yeah..." Hamilton replied distractedly like he barely heard.

Jefferson sat down next to him and pulled him close, holding him comfortingly and saying nothing, at this point, he knew that words wouldn't help, Hamilton just needed someone there for him. They stayed like that for many hours, just drinking tea and staring at the fire, it was almost like the easy days when all they had to deal with were a few nightmares. Funny, Hamilton never thought he would miss those days.

After a while, Hamilton looked over to Jefferson and spoke, "I want to explain what happened between Laurens and me."

"Darlin' there's no need-"

"Yes, there is, I don't want us to continue with even the slightest doubt in my loyalty to you," Hamilton cut him off. Jefferson lapsed into silence and Hamilton looked back into the flames of the fire. "It was nothing really, I almost accidentally shot John and he got me back by pulling me into a sudden kiss. I didn't know it was happening until it was over, it was too short for me to push him off. I swear, if I had known his intentions- I didn't even know he liked me like that. I mean, I should've, but I figured without his memories, it wouldn't be like that."