The Price of Love

Chapter 26

Alex's PoV

We sit in my room for a few hours, not talking very much, but just enjoying each other's company. There's some papers scattered around that I busy myself with cleaning up. But a voice in the bag of my head is nagging me, telling me that I need to reassure the people that I'm alive and I'm safe. But I want to stay here and take a break from my duties, just for a bit longer. Ah, who am I kidding? I can't wait to get back to my duties. I sigh deeply.

"What's wrong 'Xander?" John cooes. I feel my cheeks warm at the nickname.

"I need to get back to work now." I tell him. I see sadness and disappointment flash in his eyes. "I know. I want to spend more time with you, too, but everyone needs to see for themselves that I'm alive and well, and I need to know what's been going on these past two months."

"I know you do. You're such a good prince. New York couldn't ask for a better one." Pride and something I can't put my finger on shine in his eyes. He kisses my forehead and ruffles my hair, sitting up. "Come on." He says, standing up.

"Go on. Out." I instruct, picking up the rest of the papers on my floor and huffing with annoyance. I flip through them and then put them in their right stack on my desk, straightening the items on it. "Alright, lets go." I walk down the hallway and out the door. Dad either isn't home or is in his room. John follows behind me. "Okay. Let's make sure everyone knows I'm safe." I breathe.

"Here." John hands me something and I instinctively take it. "Just put it on. Please? You look so handsome with it on." He wheedles when I see what it is and groan.

"Only for you shall I wear it when not needed." I grumble, slamming the simple crown on my head and making sure it's lopsided. John 'fixes' it by pushing it on top of my head, but I push it back. "Leave it alone John. I'll wear it for you, but I'll wear it how I wear it."

"Fine." He says, then steals a quick kiss. I shove him gently and feel my face warm.

"Not in public you idiot!" I hiss. "Come on, let's go." Feeling slightly out of place, I start walking down the streets. The people I pass fall silent. "Why are you guys looking at me like that?" I call. "I'm no ghost! I'm back! I'm alive! Did you think I died or something?" I laugh. The silence is broken with a loud, collective cheer. I smile, slightly confused, as the crowd closes around me. "Do you guys really like me this much?" I yell over them. Everyone crowds around me, all trying to touch me. Pat me on the back, hug me, or just brush their hand over me. I get the same reaction from everyone else for the next few hours as I make my way through town, making sure everyone's safe and things are how they should be. Much to my relief, they seem to be. So after about three hours or so, John and I head to the bar. We never did get that drink eariler.

"Alexander goddamn fucking Hamilton, where the fuck have you been!?!" Sam yells the moment I walk into the bar. I feel my face split into a grin.

"Samuel Adams, it's good to see you too!" I walk swiftly to the bar and he pulls me into a tight hug, thumping my back. "Fuck man, I missed seeing you."

"Sit your ass down right now Hamilton and have a drink." He says harshly, turning around and grabbing a flask.

"You know what Sam? I'm not going to fight you about it just this once. I need a drink." I say, sitting down behind the bar. "Hey! I missed you guys!" I yell over the noise of the crowded bar. "It's good to be back guys!" I call as they all let out a cheer for me. "Now go back to your drinks, you idiots!" I shake my head, a smile pulling at my lips, and accept the beer Sam passes me.

"It's good to have you back Alex." He says. "But why the fuck are you wearing that thing?" I shrug.

"I felt like it. Am I not allowed to wear my halo of metal when I want to?" I ask, pushing it further down my head.

"You do what you want." He passes me another beer. I've barely even started on the first, but like I said, I'm not going to complain this time. Before I know it, I've downed four beers and I'm pretty damn drunk.

"I may not live to see our glory." I slur, slopping beer onto the floor. "But I will gladly join the fight." I lean heavily against the bar, my gaze blurry. "And when our children tell our story, they'll tell the story of tonight." My head lolls sideways and I grin at John. I feel my crown slip off my head and clatter onto the ground. "You're pretty." I slur heavily.

"Okay, I think it's high time we get you home." He says loudly, gently pushing me away as I lean towards him to try to kiss him. I pout and let him drag me to my feet. I stagger out of the bar after him. "Come here." He mutters, looping my arm around him. I giggle and press my face into his side.

"I love you." I mumble into him. "Do you love me?"

"Of course I do 'Xander." He says softly. "I love you more than anything in this life, dear boy."

"Then carry me." I say, making grabby hands at him. "Please?" He chuckles and scoops me up. It's night, not too many people will be around. And if anyone sees us, they'll think what's happening is all that's going on; My sober friend is carrying a very drunk me so I won't hurt myself. I bury my head into his neck and sigh happily. "I love you." I hum.

"I know you do, dear boy." He says. "Look, we're almost home." I whine and tighten my hold on him.

"I wanna stay here." I grumble. "In you arms."

"You're so silly when you're drunk." He laughs, quickly kissing my cheek. "I love you."

"I love you too Jacky." I bubble. "Are we home yet? I wanna tell Daddy I love you."

"You can't 'Xander. You'd get in a lot of trouble if you told him that. And yes, we're back at your house." He says, putting me down. I lean heavily against him as he opens the door and drags me inside.

"Hi Daddy!" I call. "I home!" I giggle and lean into John, trying to get him to kiss me. He gently pushes me away again.

"How about you go to your room and try to sleep?" He suggests.

"Okay." I stumble off to my bedroom and fall onto my bed. I roll onto my side, waiting for John to come in. He does a few seconds later and sits next to me on my bed. I smile at him and intertwine our hands. I hear someone clear their throat in my doorway.