C H A P T E R O N E

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You're gonna be okay. It's okay, Aaron. Just breathe. Don't forget about your medication - wait, what? Oh, okay. It's only noon. You have another two hours. Just stay in control, don't lose your cool, don't talk. It's fine.

I slid my key into the door, opening it carefully. "Hello?" I shouted into the room before me. I didn't know if my roommate had arrived already, and I figured it would be rude to just barge in without acknowledgment. I slowly closed the door behind myself and saw someone swing around the corner.

"Hi! Are you Aaron?" The male in front of me asked with a smile. His hair was pulled into a simple ponytail and he wore a simple jacket and black T-shirt, skinny jeans, and black Converse. He had a cartilage piercing as I noticed, oddly. "Uh... Yeah. Preferably Burr." Alexander (I supposed) nodded. "Oh. Alright, Mr. Burr..?" He responded, although it came out as more of a question.

I simply nodded my head. "Alexander Hamilton, correct?" I asked while absentmindedly fidgeting with my pants. "Yep! I didn't pick a room. I thought it would be rude to decide without considering my roommate's preferences." He explained, causing me to nod. "Okay. I don't have a preference really, but I suppose I'll look." I stepped over to Alexander and he began to walk to the bedroom, trailed by me.

"So, this one has a desk inside, but the other one doesn't. That's just about the only difference I noticed." Alexander explained while turning back around to face me. I nodded in understanding. "I think I'm content with the smaller room." Don't be greedy, Aaron; be generous. "Oh, okay! Is that all you brought with you?" He asked, referring to my backpack. I nodded. I mean, it's all I've got. "I don't have much either. I don't have a lot of moving in to do." He explained, and I nodded once again. "Okay. Welp, I'm gonna get settled. Call me if you need anything; my information is on the refrigerator." Alexander stated, "Alright. Talk to you later Mr. Burr!" With this, Alexander was off in his bedroom.

I closed my book. The fourth damn time I've read this and I still can't bear the thought that Augustus dies. It pains me every time. I placed the book on the edge of my bed and laid down, staring at the ceiling. I have this weird thing where I cross my arms over my chest and lay like I'm in a coffin. It's odd.

A knock arose to my door, memories threatening in the forefront of my mind. I gulped. "Yes...?" I asked, my voice barely audible. The door opened, revealing Alexander. His hair was down but his bangs were pulled into a ponytail. He looked cute - wait. What did I just think?

"Mr. Burr, I'm going to this party with a few friends of mine. I figured I would invite you to join us." Social events were never my thing; I avoided them at all costs because I'd only ever been to a few. I shook my head, refusing to meet his eyes. "No, thank you." I briefly responded, my focus remaining on the cracks and crevices in the ceiling. "Are you alright, sir?" Alexander voice held a sort of... Sincerity.

What's he talking about? Why would he even care? What does my well being matter to him? Why would he ask such an absurd question? Why would he put himself into a situation where he could easily be turned into a long, drawn-out -

"Mr. Burr?" I was pulled away from my thoughts by Alexander's voice. I flinched, almost preparing to block a hit, but I grasped control of my actions and managed to not scream something odd. "Huh?" I responded, more to myself that to Alexander. "I asked if you were okay." He asked, yet again. "That doesn't concern you. Even if I was, what would it matter to you?" I snapped back

Why would you say that? He hates you now. Check yourself Aaron. Keep your goddamned mouth shut. Stop talking you dumb fuck. You need to get it together. No one likes you, no one liked you back at the orphanage or at the foster homes, Why would anyone like you now? Why do you even try?

I suddenly felt myself being sat up, then someone rubbing my back - Alexander? I choked on tears, fighting them back, refusing to give into my primary instinct to weaken and cry. "Shh... It's okay, Mr. Burr. It's alright. I'll take care of you." Alexander's voice was soft as he whispered into my ear. I've never had someone take care for me or even pay any true attention to me... What's this feeling?

Alexander proceeded to whisper in my ear as I had a panic attack, "You can cry if you need to; I always do when I have panic attacks." His voice was soft, and I felt tears spill from my eyes and stream down my cheeks. "It's okay to cry, Mr. Burr. You'll be alright, I swear. I'm here for you, I promise. I won't leave you." Alexander continued to reassure me softly.

After about fifteen minutes of me sobbing violently and Alexander whispering things to keep me calm, I finally relaxed. "I-I'm so sorry Hamilton. I don't know what came over me..." My voice was barely audible as I apologized quietly. "No, it's okay. I don't mind. I have panic attacks too; I suffered a hurricane back in Nevis - my hometown - and I... I've had PTSD from the disaster ever since." Did he just open up to me? I - He just put his trust in me...

I felt Alexander place a hand on my cheek. "Mr. Burr, I don't mean to intrude on your privacy, but... What triggered the attack?" He questioned, staring into my eyes. "You asked how I was doing." I responded in a hushed voice. Alexander brushed my cheek with his thumb. "Why is that a trigger?" He questioned, and I just noticed that I was blushing profusely. "I'd prefer not to say..." Alexander seemed to lean in closer. "Do people not ask you how you're feeling?" I shook my head in a simple negative response. Alexander looked sincerely sad about this.

"I... I have attention deficit disorder and panic disorder..." I mumbled softly, and Alexander nodded. "I promise, Mr. Burr, it's alright. I understand. There's no need to explain any further." I seriously could've sworn Alexander glanced at my lips before locking eye contact with me again. Alex moved his hand down to my neck and left it there for a moment before retracting it.

"Hamilton... I'm incredibly sorry for being such an issue. I didn't mean to interrupt your day..." I apologized again, only receiving a hug in response. "You've done nothing wrong." I hesitantly hugged back, feeling Alexander's grip tighten on me. I felt safe with him. I heard an all too familiar tone; my alarm.

"What's that?" Alexander asked, pulling away from the embrace. "My alarm..." Alexander furrowed his brow at my response. "For?" I shook my head and looked up shamefully. "Medication." I mumbled. "Oh, well. I have to get going. Stay safe, Mr. Burr, and call me if you have any issues, alright?" I nodded.

"Stay safe, Alexander..." The male before me nodded. "Goodbye." Alexander mumbled something at the end, too quiet for me to hear. "What?" He shook his head at my question, walking away. "Nothing, Mr. Burr!"

Man, That kid is weird.

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