Closed Flames|Burrliza

~Chapter Nine~

Court Date

Today was the day. Aaron was going to defend Eliza in court. He was going to help her get a divorce against Alexader. It was odd to think about Alexander had used to be his friend... and now he was defining his soon to be ex-wife in court. Aaron put on one of his best suits and walked to Eliza, holding his paperwork in one arm. "Well, are you ready for this?" He asked. Eliza took a deep breath. "Yes. I'm ready." Aaron then linked arms with Eliza and headed to the courthouse.

Alexander was there in the courthouse, defending himself with his head down. Aaron and Eliza walked in and as soon as she saw them, his eyes narrowed at Burr. "Court shall be proceeding..." The judge said. Aaron and Eliza went to one table and Alexander went to the other. "Proceed, Mr. Burr." The judge said. "Alright... so, Mr. Hamilton will need to sign this petition... It's contents are about how he would still have the house, half of their wages, and things in the home... Although Eliza would have full custody of the children." Aaron explained.

Though, there was plenty of backlash from Alexander. He had accused Aaron of brainwashing Eliza into this. He accused them of having a relationship behind his back, though this didn't do much to defend him. Especially since he decided to make it public that he had an affair with another woman while being married to Eliza. Alexander eventually got into signing the petition and the two were officially divorced. Alexander watched the floor, biting his lip and running his hands through his hair. Eliza turned and hugged Aaron tightly.

"Thank you so much, Aaron. You have no idea how much I appreciate this." Eliza laid her head on him, hugging him tightly. Aaron smiled softly and hugged her back. "Of course... I'll always be here to help you, Eliza." Aaron kept his smile and Eliza let go of him. They linked their arms together and walked away from the courthouse. Although, this was not before a certain man followed them. 

"Burr." 

Eliza and Aaron turned around and saw Alexander. "Hamilton." Aaron walked to him. "My first friend... my enemy," Alexander said. "I never expected this from you. The first man who ever welcomed me in this place..." he crossed his arms. Aaron nodded slightly. "I know, Alexander.  Though, you've changed. You're not the same young boy I once knew." Aaron told him. "I believe you're power-hungry. You don't want anyone to be stronger than you. You can't stand to have anyone take you down in any way." Alexander growled in response. "So, Alexander... What is it you want from me?" 

"I want you to duel me, Burr." 

Aaron's eyes widened. "A duel...? Alexander, you know how I feel about duels..." He said, taking a step back. Eliza took Aaron's arm. "Alexander, this is crazy. Have you gone mad?" She asked. Alexander looked at Eliza. "I'm doing what I have to do." He looked back at Aaron. "You. Me. Dawn." Alexander walked off. Aaron's eyes were wide in horror. Eliza bit her lip, hugging his arm tightly. Aaron gently set his hand on her arm. "Let's... just go home..." He said softly. 

Eliza nodded gently. They walked, their arms still linked and they walked back home. Before they went inside, Aaron looked down at her. "In case something happens... let's just have a good night tonight. Spend time with the kids... You know?" He asked. Elizabeth nodded softly. Aaron opened the door and they both went in. "Theo! Pip! Angie! Come on down!" Eliza called. The 3 kids came down and went over, Angelica following behind them. "There you both are," Angelica spoke.

Eliza went and hugged her sister. "Yes, we're back." "How'd it go?" Angelica hugged her back. "It went well at first... Alexander and I are now officially divorced..."Eliza said softly. "That's good! Though... when did this day go sour for you?" Angelica asked. Elizabeth took her sister's arm, taking her into a separate room to speak with her privately, as she didn't want to scare the kids. "Well... Alexander challenged Aaron to a duel... They're dueling at dawn..." Eliza mumbled.

"Oh my god... That's... I thought Burr was against dueling..." Angelica said. "He is... but that doesn't mean Alexander isn't... I mean, he would have shot Charles Lee if George has allowed him... and he still got his wish through John Laurens..." Eliza rubbed her arm to reassure herself. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost Aaron... He's been so much help... a-and I really don't want to lose him..." Elizabeth teared up. "A-Angelica, what do I do...?" Eliza broke down in tears. Angelica pulled her into a hug.

"Listen... Burr would never kill Alexander. He's never wanted to kill anyone before... Wouldn't Burr surrender...?" Angelica rubbed her sister's back. "T-That sounds most like him..." Elizabeth sniffled. "W-What if Alexander shoots him...?" "Then..." Angelica bit her lip. "We'll do what we can...to make sure he doesn't pass on..." Angelica said softly. Elizabeth nodded slightly. "Y-Yeah... you're probably right..." "I know.. Now, let's go spend time with him and the kids before this big duel." Angelica pat Eliza's back. Eliza nodded, heading back to Aaron and the kids.

The sisters walked back into the living room. That's when they saw the most heartwarming scene they had seen in a long time... Aaron was laughing happily, followed by the giggling of children. Theodosia was hugging one of his legs while Angie was hugging the other. Little Philip was on his shoulders as Aaron turned in slow spins, wobbling since he had children on his legs. Aaron smiled brightly, looking to Elizabeth and Angelica happily. Despite the oncoming horror, he was still able to make the most of his time before the mess.

Eliza's heart fluttered and she couldn't help but smile. This was one of the things she loved about him. She loved how he was with the kids... She loved how much he truly seemed to care. His smile always cheered her up. Now, she felt free to feel like this... There was no guilt about it anymore. It... was more than nice. Angelica looked at Eliza, and set her hand on her shoulder. "You picked a good one this time," Angelica said, before disappearing out the front door.