Colors //Lams

Red

The beginning was red. It was like seeing everything through a haze of lust, as if my thoughts could not afford to coordinate and move together. My heart ached in vibrant color, my eyes strained through the tint. I tried to fight off the vibrancy, but it was to no avail; love has ensnared me, though I would not admit it.

I was working the café that day, and it was nearing closing time, so I had started to clean everything off and make the final preparations.

Then you walked through the twin doors, ordered a black coffee and stared out the window for the last twenty minutes of my day.

I thought you peculiar, and I watched you. I watched you, and I let time slip through my fingers as if I couldn't value it. I didn't even think as I stared at you, just let the distinct redness fill my brain until I could feel emotion in the color. You, by most standards, were exceptionally pretty, and in that perfect fading light you were beyond that. You were a marvel.

And all you did was look longingly into the sunset. Who can imagine such a thing? A beautiful creature, staring into another miracle of the natural world. There was solemnity in it all, and even as I knew I was supposed to close up ten minutes ago, I couldn't bring myself to disturb you. I just looked you over some more.

That was a mistake, obviously, because I got a text from my employer, Theodosia.

Boss Lady: John, it's time to close up. I can sense that you haven't.

Me: There's a guy here...

Boss Lady: ...why isn't he your boyfriend yet?

Me: stop it! I just don't want to make him leave. No one else will come in, just give him time to sit. He's so peaceful

Boss Lady: Send me a pic if you're going to do this

Me: [Attachment 1]

Boss Lady: He's so hot, John, I'd leave the shop open too. Stay as long as you want, don't get anything on the counter.

Me: Bye, Theo.

I slipped my phone into my pocket and walked over to the man, who was too absorbed in his staring to notice my approach.

"Sir?"

He snapped to attention. "Oh, hello. Is it time for the café to close, do I need to leave?"

I chuckled softly. "No sir, I was just wondering why you looked so distant. You've been watching the sky for half an hour now,"

"I was just thinking. It's easy for me to get off track,"

I sat cautiously in the chair across from him. "Does something trouble you?"

He sighed. "Yes. Are you homophobic?"

I shook my head, of course. I left all the homophobia to my father. "I'm gay, so not at all,"

He gulped and hunched his shoulders nervously. "I think I might be bisexual. I'm not sure what to do,"

My eyes widened. "W-well, What makes you think you're bi?"

He shook his head. "I'm not sure. I just always checked out guys as well as girls, and now I'm learning that straight people don't do that," he grinned nervously. "What am I supposed to do from here?"

I sized him up. "Well, you should ask out a guy and see if you like it. If you do, you're probably queer,"

He nodded slowly and his gaze went back to the horizon. "What's your name?"

"John Laurens,"

"Will you go out with me? It doesn't have to be long term, just one date, please,"

I blushed, hard. "I'd love to. Can I have your phone number?"

He nodded frantically and scribbled it down, glancing up when he was finished to say three words: "I'm Alexander Hamilton,"

Love?

Probably.