Orphanage AU: Lams

Chapter 5: Tour Guide

I know no one actually wanted another chapter because like why but I felt bad about the last chapter being so short so... and because I have no life so it really doesn't matter that I spend my time writing. I realized my little notes at the beginning and end of each chapter are kind of long. So, sorry I'm so annoying. I'll try to write less. On with the show!

---Alex's POV---

John seemed to be watching me with a sweet smile that reached those forest green eyes.

I beamed back at him. "So, today's pretty freeform, I just need to show you around. Cafeteria first, before it becomes a war zone."

John smirked. "Is it as bad as a high school cafeteria? If not, I can probably handle it."

I got all the way through my third year of college on Nevis. Washington adopted my at 17, and I finished college in America.

"I-uh, didn't go to a, um, or I went to a different, a highschool different from-than most," I fumbled, sounding like a certified idiot. "What are high school cafeterias like?" I didn't really want to think about Nevis right now.

"Oh," John returned blankly. I steered us to the left as he replied, "Pshh, the cafeteria? Imagine hundreds of teenagers yelling, and running full speed, and the lack of deodorant, let's just say, high school is hell."

I laughed. "Lucky me."

"I'm sure I'll get used to the area," John declared sounding a touch lost, "But does anybody have a map? Because that would be so much easier."

I held open the door for him and he stepped inside, murmuring thanks. "Not really," I answered hesitantly, "But if that's what you need I can find some for you, or I can show you around until you get it on your own." I could spend more time with him! I was, clearly, very professionally motivated.

His eyes lit up again. "You would do that for me?"

I returned the smile, trying to ignore the fluttering of my heart. "I can be your guide."

John smiled shyly, his freckles becoming just a tad more visible over the light pink that flushed his cheeks. "Where to next?" He asked, clearly ready to get to know the orphanage more.

I considered the question, thinking out loud to answer him. "Lunch is in about..." I checked my watch's glossy black hands: 11:30. "Half an hour."

---John's POV---

I felt more safe with Alexander than I'd felt with anyone in a while. That's what happens when you like someone, my mind murmured smugly, but I was too busy observing him to care.

"We can help out in the kitchen," Alexander proposed. Alexander was smiling at me, a warm comforting smile that hugged me. "I promise it's good."

"O-okay," I blurted shyly like a little kid.

A dancey tune floated through the air, and soon I caught the words: "If the road gets muddy-y, focus on the goal 'till the rough stuff's gone, when you love somebody you put your-"

I turned to see a middle aged man wearing an apron over a pale, somewhat faded blue shirt.

"Hey Alex," The man greeted us jovially. "Who's the new guy?"

Alexander offered to help out in the kitchen. I, on the other hand, still hadn't wrapped my mind around the fact that he was fine about being around a stranger with no pants.

Mr. Heere, acting like a normal person, conceded to Alexander's suggestion. "For sure! You can grate cheese, cut fruit and croissants, assemble sandwiches?" He offered, gesturing to each station in turn.