Poison

Chapter Nineteen

Jefferson opened his eyes against the harsh sun. He groaned and sat up, closing the curtains before laying back down. He turned his head and stared at Hamilton as he slept. He looked peaceful, and Jefferson almost didn't want to wake him. Jefferson propped himself up on his elbows and leaned down to kiss Hamilton. After a few moments, Hamilton kissed back, his hands cupping Jefferson's face.

"Morning, darlin'," Jefferson muttered as he pulled away.

"Mm, no..." Hamilton complained, pulling Jefferson's face back to his.

"Alexander, no," Jefferson chuckled. "Brush your teeth first."

"But I'm so comfy," Hamilton pouted.

"Then no kisses for you," Jefferson said with a smirk. He sat up and stretched before looking at Hamilton, who had quickly gotten up and headed for the bathroom. Jefferson chuckled. That was one way to get Hamilton out of bed. Jefferson got out of bed and went to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. Hamilton came in a minute later and hugged Jefferson from behind.

"Kisses?" Hamilton asked.

"I haven't even brushed my teeth yet," Jefferson said with a chuckle.

"Ugh, fine." Hamilton grabbed a cup and poured some coffee. He passed a cup to Jefferson and sat on the counter. He loved sitting on the counter. It made him feel taller.  Especially because it gave him a height advantage over Jefferson.

"Can I ask what happened last night? You looked pale when you came home."

Hamilton took a long drink of his coffee as he thought over his words. "I'm not exactly sure myself. I just remember some guy grabbed me and... uh... tried to take me upstairs."

"What!? Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"

"No, yeah, I'm fine. Someone named Samuel Seaburry stalled until Angelica came back and told him off. But that's not why I'm concerned."

"What could possibly be more concerning than that?"

"He kept going on about how everyone knew I go down on guys all the time, and he called me a slut a few times. But the worst part was that he said... he said Laurens told everyone that I slept around... and that I still do..."

"Oh, Lexi..." Jefferson whispered.

"Thomas, I'm scared," Hamilton admitted. "I don't want what happened last night to happen every day. I don't want these rumors to get out of hand. I definitely don't want them to impact Philip."

"Hey, don't worry. We'll get through this, okay?" Jefferson reassured.

"I just..." Hamilton chuckled humorlessly. "I guess I'm always scared for Philip. First this custody battle and now these rumors. Everyone's going to assume he's a result of forgetting a condom while sleeping around."

"Since when have you ever cared about what people think?"

Hamilton shrugged. "Since now, I guess. I don't want these rumors to effect Philip, especially as he grows up. By the time we graduate, he'll be old enough to have some ideas on what's happening."

Jefferson nodded. Hamilton looked down at the floor. Jefferson moved so he was standing right in front of Hamilton, and Hamilton shifted his legs so he was sitting criss cross. Jefferson noticed the shift and didn't move any closer, afraid he would make Hamilton uncomfortable again.

"Hey, if it would make you feel better, I can walk you to classes."

Hamilton looked away. "It's alright, your classes are on the other side of campus. I'll be fine walking myself."

"What about that other kid? Samuel, you said? Why don't you ask him to walk you?"

"I don't really know him that well. I promise I'll be fine," Hamilton insisted.

"Alex, please. I just want you to be safe." Hamilton opened his mouth, ready to argue, but stopped when he saw the look in Jefferson's eyes. He looked desperate and pleading with Hamilton, but also had a stubborn look that Hamilton knew meant he wouldn't give up.

"Fine, I'll ask Eliza if she can walk me." Hamilton tapped his nose in thought. "We have a few classes together."

"Thank you," Jefferson said with a small smile, He knew how much Hamilton hated being babied by him, but Jefferson just wanted to make sure Hamilton was safe. Besides, he knew the Schuylers must be worried about him. Angelica undoubtedly told her sisters about what happened. Jefferson stared at Hamilton as the smaller man drank his coffee, eyes closed as he absorbed all the warmth from the cup. He didn't want Hamilton to get hurt again, like how Laurens hurt him or how that guy at the party could have hurt him. Hamilton opened his eyes and, noticing Jefferson staring at him, raised his eyebrows. Jefferson just shook his head, dismissing Hamilton's unspoken question. A knock at the door distracted them both from their silent conversation. Hamilton hopped off the counter and walked towards the door, Jefferson following behind him. Hamilton opened the door and almost immediately Peggy burst in and hugged Hamilton.

"Woah, Pegs, hey. Hey, hey, calm down. Why are you crying? Come here, come sit do-"

"Lexi!" Peggy choked out.

"Pegs, breath." Hamilton guided Peggy to the couch while Angelica and Eliza came in after their sister. Hamilton payed the other sisters no mind and had all of his attention on Peggy.

"Lexi, they hurt Laf!" Hamilton's eyes widened and he looked up at Jefferson, frightened. Jefferson stared back at Hamilton, but only Hamilton could see how terrified Jefferson was. Hamilton glanced at Eliza and Angelica. Angelica's jaw was set and her eyes were hardened, and Eliza looked saddened.

Hamilton was speechless, but eventually found his voice again. "Where is he now?"

"He's at the hospital," Eliza said quietly.

Hamilton nodded and looked up at Jefferson. "I'll get Philip and we'll head over there now," Jefferson said, walking across the dorm in quick strides. Hamilton rubbed Peggy's back, whispering reassuring words while she sniffled. 

"Uh, Alex," Jefferson popped back in the living room. "Philip is gone."