Hamilton One-Shots: Book 1

Chapter Six ~ I Tolerate You Too... I Guess ~ Lams ~ Modern

Alexander stood under a buzzing traffic light. The neon would flash on and off every so often, giving his shadowed out figure an eerie feel. The only part counteracting that feeling was the bright lights of the supermarket he was in front of. It was a cool August night in Charleston, the wind blew just the right way it seemed.

Alex lit his cigarette and leaned against the light. The smoke blurred out the neon lights, making it his normal habitat on a Sunday night. His phone rang six or seven times but he shrugged it off. It was probably his boss, also known as his adoptive-father, but he didn't care. His phone rang again and this time he threw it into his convertible.

From the distance, you could hear heavy breathing. Down the hill was a tall, tanned man, probably in his younger twenties. His fluffy hair was in a messy bun and freckles spotted his face. He was hauling ten large grocery bags, four on one arm, five on the other. His other hand was occupied by the car keys.

Alex was completely and totally oblivious to the man. He just sat there and smoked. It's not until the grocery bags crashed down in the back of his convertible that he noticed a single living organism.

"Well," the taller, tanned man said, "You're quite the help, Alexander."

"John!" Alexander said cheerfully, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey honey, you should've called, I would've helped. Honest!"

"I did call. EIGHT TIMES!" John said, throwing the keys to Alexander. "Maybe you should quit smoking so much and try paying attention to the real world."

"Hey, technically I do pay attention." Alexander said as he entered the car, "I pay attention to you. See right now. This is me, paying attention!"

"Just drive." John said turning the radio.

John flipped through some stations until he found a local country station. It was Charleston so EVERY station was a local country station.

"And now!" The radio host said, "For twenty-two consecutive weeks, here's the song that stole your hearts. Thomas Rhett, Marry M-."

"Hey!" John said turning on the radio as Alex had turned it off, " I like that song."

"She wants to get married, she wants it perfect

She wants her grandaddy preaching the service

Yeah, she wants magnolias out in the country

Not too many people, save her daddy some money" The song sang out.

"This. Is. So. Depressing." Alex groaned as he hit a red light. "Why can't we listen to Finesse or Havana? They're more upbeat and, I dunno, dance-able."

"Shut up and let me sing my song, City Boy!" John said as he broke out into song.

"Ooh, she got it all planned out

Yeah, I can see it all right now

I'll wear my black suit, black tie, hide out in the back

I'll do a strong shot of whiskey straight out the flask

I'll try to make it through without crying so nobody sees

Yeah, she wanna get married

But she don't wanna marry me" John sang along, extending a note or two.

They pulled up to the house. Alexander actually helped with the groceries this time and he put them all away. He checked his watch. It was about ten-thirty.

"Hey John, finish changing I wanna watch-" He paused. The door that led from their kitchen to the bedroom, full bath and, office was locked.

There was a note attached: "Your bed is the couch tonight. Lots of Love, John xox

"Fine." Alexander said, "As if I wanted to watch Keeping Up With The Kardashians with you!" He said sitting on the couch. He plugged in his headphones and laid down as he hit shuffle.

"Now I'm out here looking like revenge

Feelin' like a ten, the best I ever been

And yeah, I know how bad it must hurt

To see me like this, but it gets worse, wait a minute

Now you're out here looking like regret

Ain't too proud to beg, second chance you'll never get

And yeah, I know how bad it must hurt to see me like this

But it gets worse, wait a minute"

"Karma is such a.." he started as he started to listen more and talk less.

"Baby, I'm sorry, I'm not sorry

Baby, I'm sorry, I'm not sorry

Being so bad got me feelin' so good

Showing you up like I knew that I would

Baby, I'm sorry, I'm not sorry

Baby, I'm sorry, I'm not sorry

Feeling inspired 'cause the tables have turned

Yeah, I'm on fire and I know that it burns"

"Ugh." He said as he leaned on something.

He jumped not knowng what he leaned on. He looked over to see non-other than John. John was fast alseep.

"How in that span of-" Alex laughed and snuggled up next to him.

"I didn't say you could do that." John said, sluggishly though, "I'm only in here cause the T.V. is better."

"T.V.'s not on John, the light is my phone," Alex said, pulling up his music.

John eyed the song. "City Boy." He said as he started to fall asleep again.

"I love you John," Alex said as he laid down.

"I tolerate you too.." John said, "I guess."