Don't Throw Away Your Shot

17. Reprise

Hamilton POV

I smirked as I watched the flustered Laurens walk up onto the stage, smiling like an idiot. He cleared his throat, trying to calm his nerves. Maybe kissing him wasn't the best idea. He's barely even able to lift his head up. I chuckled into my sleeve.

"I am going to be auditioning for the role of Anthony Ramos with the song 'Burn'," he said. His voice was soft and full of uncertainty, but he still wore a grin and their was a hint of excitement on his face. You've got this John. The judges wrote down their needed information on their clipboards until Washington announced, "Please proceed whenever you're ready Laurens."

He took in a deep breath and closed his eyes. The music began to play over the speakers. The chilling piano notes lilted in the air. My gaze was locked on Laurens; the curls of his hair were pulled back, but some still hung down near his face, his freckled face which was still smiling. I saw him shake himself for a second before the words of the song started to flow from his lips. "I saved every letter you wrote to me. From the moment I read them I knew you were mine. You said you were mine. I know you are mine." His voice was slightly shaky, but their was so much feeling behind it. You could almost hear Anthony's smile and love through his words.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Madison and Jefferson slip their heads through the curtain to spy on his performance. I noticed Washington glare in the general direction of the boys. I turned my head to the two; they had scuttled to safety behind the curtain, snickering. I lifted my head to the music, tapping my foot to it. It was swiftly interrupted by the two lover boys scrambling towards me.

"He's really good," Madison whispered, nodding his head to the tune.
"Pfft, maybe if you like a clear accent and perfect vocal cords.." I could hear Jefferson's voice grow weaker through his southern dialect. Madison patted his arm, his smile struggling to be gentle.
"He's just jealous of your boyfriend's talents." My ear burned at that. My hands reached their way to my face to hide the explosion of pink.
"He's not my boyfriend," I mumbled at them, lifting my hands.
"Yet," they both said in unison, increasing my embarrassment.
"It's so obvious Alex, I mean you guys just kissed." Madison nodded along with Jefferson's remark.

Before I could hiss back at them the stagehands scolded us, putting their fingers to their lips as they worked silently, like ants. In the quiet my ears suddenly focused on Laurens' voice, the song reaching the end. The notes were perfect—obviously Laurens had had some vocal lessons before coming here.I winced when I heard him hit a note wrong, looking out at the judges. None of them seemed to notice, all focusing on the song. I gave a thumbs up to Jefferson and Madison, them smiling in return.

Then, as suddenly as it started, the song stopped. The judges applauded, waving him off the stage. I smiled at him, getting one in return. This was going to be a good day.

(Remember that Washingdad is on you're side)