Orphanage AU: Lams

Chapter 55: Helpless

JUST FLUFF

---John's POV---

I tried not to be awkward, which backfired terribly. At least I wasn't the only awkward one. A kiss can do that to people.

"I, uh, hope you don't mind me using your car while you were, uh..."

"It's fine, it's fine, it's fine..." Alex assured me quickly, and silence came back, only to be broken by the soft whirr of the electric car as I turned it on.

I was just wondering what to say to fill the silence when Alex's bluetooth hooked up automatically and Miranda came on again, just like that first time.

Ooooh, I do, I do, I doooo, ooooh, I do, I do, I doooo and what do you know, Alex started singing along. God, did I love him.

"Boy you got me helpless, look into your eyes and the sky's the limit, I'm helpless..." Alex sang the whole verse, glancing at me and blushing.

I felt myself blush in return, my stomach fluttering, colorful butterflies taking flight.

I giggled, positively giddy as Alex winked shyly as he continued to sing, his rough tones reminding me strongly of the time I'd driven us to the orchard for that perfect day. Helplessly in love. Helpless had come on that day too.

Feel free to sing along. I won't judge. Alex's voice fluttered through my mind, solid but light like his hair in the wind.

Father had always slapped me when I opened my mouth to sing, after I came out. But the next verse was starting and Father wasn't here.

So I sang. "One week later, I'm writing a letter nightly, and my life gets better every letter that you write me..."

Alex stopped singing to listen to me. "Your voice is gorgeous!" he exclaimed with his eyes round with wonder.

I ducked my chin self consciously but pushed my father's voice away. Alex said my voice was gorgeous.

"Two weeks later, in the living room stressing. My father stone faced while you're asking for his blessing."

I glanced up at Alex, shy as a mouse, and blushed again at his indiscrete stare. He whispered in awe, "You're so good." He took my hand and I literally felt the cloud of Father disappear.

"And you turn back to me and smile~"

Alex let out an incredulous laugh as I hit the high note Vanessa sings. I still had the musical training! I felt him lift my hand, which he was still holding as casually as anything.

And then he lowered his head and kissed my hand. I swear, I turned a new level of red in that minute, brighter than the light I just stopped at as I couldn't help but let the happiness erupt into a huge grin.

"You should've done that earlier. Elizabeth Schuyler, a pleasure to meet you." I intoned, laughing.

Alex, blushing as much as me but much cuter, gave a timid shrug and a smile brighter than the sun. "I wasn't aware you were Eliza." He looked back at the straight, empty road ahead. "Light."

I started and quickly turned to the road as well, gently tugging my hand back with reluctance. "Oh, shit." I pulled forward until the next light, slowing the car to a quiet stop.

I missed holding his hand, but I couldn't hold it and drive through the upcoming turns, that much was obvious. So before I lost the courage, I turned to him and pecked him on the lips. Alex let out a little gasp, like he'd found a pretty trinket. It was positively adorable.