ex-strangers || a jeffmads fic

chapter two

thomas jefferson.

It was Lafayette's party, really, Thomas knew. But he also knew that people would treat him as though he were the host, not because he and Lafayette were close buddies (of which they were, frequently joking about their similar appearances), but because Thomas always seemed like he knew everything.

Maybe that was because he did.

Thomas enjoyed parties. They were loud, excitable, and frequently gave him someone to one night stand with. Usually, he would be flocked by girls—and some guys—who wanted his number, and Thomas never gave it out. He didn't save contacts and certainly didn't want these girls texting him in the early hours of the day.

No, Thomas picked up his hookups at parties and then left them. They weren't in a relationship, just a good, old-fashioned hookup to satisfy Thomas and Thomas alone.

This evening, Thomas found himself at the refreshments table, searching for something to drink that wouldn't send him completely spiraling into drunkenness. He finally chose his drink and turned, feeling eyes on him.

A young man, maybe his age, maybe a little younger, was leaning against the wall. They met eyes, and Thomas flashed him a signature grin before greeting with a, "Hey," and slipping away.

But for some reason, the man's face stuck in his mind for longer than he wanted it to. Round-faced, soft-featured and attractive with dark eyes and even darker hair. He looked almost annoyed to be here, which only drew Thomas closer.

Someone grabbed his arm. A girl, wearing huge gold hoops and winged eyeliner pulled him into the crowd. He traced her hand across his chest, and she kissed him—the taste of strawberry cocktails lingering on Thomas' lips. But his heart wasn't in it, and he slipped away.

Perhaps he'd find the young man again. Thomas did really think he was attractive, and a one night stand with him might just satisfy Thomas fully.

As if someone had read his mind, the stranger appeared, picking through the throng of people as if they were all going to stab him.

Thomas stood still. The stranger would notice him in three... two... one.

"Oh!"

Thomas glanced down. There he was, staring straight at Thomas and looking mildly dazed. "I have to— I'm going to—"

"Slow down there, hon." Thomas shushed him. "Don't wanna burn yourself out."

The stranger eyed him cautiously, like he was a mouse watching a cat toy with him. "Hah, yeah."

Thomas' grin grew even wider at this. It was obvious he was flustered; giving Thomas an open window to snatch him. "You're quite the attractive one, you know that?" Thomas purred.

The stranger's eyes widened. "Oh, thanks... I suppose." Thomas chuckled and slipped his hand toward the stranger's, pulling him through the crowd without much resistance. The stranger seemed dazed and surprised.

The stranger didn't know who he was.

It was almost surprising, really. If he had, his caution would be for a totally different reason than to be nervous of a stranger.

Thomas was well-known as a charmer, attractive and fantastic. He was also extremely prone to cheating, lying, manipulating; and his favorite, "getting around."

If nobody had warned the stranger of Thomas, then he'd take advantage. Besides, he didn't intend to hurt the young man anyway. It was just a one-night thing.

They were now on the outskirts of the party, where people milled about; making out against the wall and wandering trying to find their friends.

Thomas kept moving. The stranger kind of meandered behind him, sort of getting dragged (but definitely not preventing it). "Where are we going?" he yelled over the music. Thomas glanced at him.

"Just over here," Thomas responded smoothly, stopping. The stranger bumped into him, releasing his hand.

He pulled the stranger close, hands landing on the young man's hips and eyed locking with his. Just one night.

The stranger melted in his grasp.

And the stranger initiated the kiss.