Chapter Text
Thomas Jefferson, a rather tall man with a straight forward mind, walked the corridors of the college; something he hadn’t done in a while. It was past curfew, but he didn’t care, it was something he had used to do often. That was, until the new exchange student came in. An immigrant from the Caribbean, with the name Hamilton. Jefferson actually seemed fond of him, when they first met; he recalled to himself the first words he heard out of Hamilton’s mouth, “Mr. Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton.” He had said, cheerily. Jefferson sighed, remembering how later his good friend James Madison would explain to him Hamilton’s radical opinions. And How Jefferson would oppose him in said opinions; mostly known in their debate class, where the two would go at each other’s necks.
Jefferson lost track of time, and somehow found himself halfway across the college; great. He sighed, and turned to begin walking towards his dorm. That’s when he spotted them. A group of four men, of whom he could clearly recognize; Alexander Hamilton at the lead with John Laurens, followed by Hercules Mulligan and Marquis de Lafayette. “Well I’ll be,” Jefferson heard Mulligan say. “If it isn’t Thomas Jefferson!” The four approached him. “Monsieur Jefferson, how are you?” Lafayette said, clapping him on the back. Jefferson didn’t mind, for him and Lafayette were closely acquainted. Jefferson kept an eye on Hamilton, who was glaring back at him. Jefferson noticed how he straightened his back when he saw him, and how he tried to walk with more swagger. It made him chuckle; he also noticed how tired Hamilton looked. “Mon ami?” Jefferson turned back to Lafayette, “Why, I’m fine on this evening. What are you men doing out so late?” “We just came back from a movie, what about you, mon ami?” “I was just enjoying a nightly walk.” He smiled, then turned to Hamilton. “I greatly enjoyed debating you earlier this morning, Hamilton. You clearly have a way with words. If only those words were used for the right cause.” Hamilton….blushed? Jefferson couldn’t tell what it was. “Thank you, I would say the same to you, but that can’t be simply said to a man like you.” Hamilton laughed; the other men laughed as well, all except for Jefferson. “Take care of yourself, Jefferson.” Mulligan said, before the group walked on past him. Jefferson turned, watching them leave. He watched carefully as Hamilton soon relaxed. He snorted, shook his head, then began once again walking to his dorm. Better to have a close observation of your enemy.
“Man I hate that guy!” “I can’t believe you hang around him Lafayette!” Hamilton sighed, hearing his friends quarrel from the kitchen. They were hanging out in Laurens and Mulligan’s room, where he was supposed to be making them late dinner. He couldn’t focus though, them yelling. About Jefferson, nonetheless. Sure, he and Jefferson had their differences, but he could never really hate the guy. He actually in a way admired him. It was another man who stood for something he believed in, and a fun partner to debate. Although Hamilton knew Jefferson didn’t see it that way… He heard the conversations Madison and Jefferson had. But it’s not like he cared, Jefferson could hate him all he wanted! He didn’t want to exactly be friends with him… That was a lie. Although he never had and never would admit it to anyone, Hamilton’s adoration for Jefferson wasn’t just mild. It was borderline crushing, which in Hamilton’s case, was the worst thing that could have ever happened to him. But he would let it slide, just another stupid tiny crush. Just like the ones he had on the Schuyler sisters, and Maria Reynolds, and John Laurens- “Hey Alex, how them eggs coming!” John said, clasping him on the back. “Oh, fine John.” Alexander said, never wanting to admit that he couldn’t cook. “Smells good!” he heard Hercules yell from the other room. John laughed, and left Alexander to it. Blinking his eyes open, the tired Alexander finished up the eggs, and brought them out to the guys. “Dude, aren’t you having some?” “No,” Alexander yawned. “I’m actually heading out, see you guys later.” “C’mon dude, don’t be a bummer!” “Boo!” he heard them yell, but closed the door anyway. He stumbled down the hall, feeling a feeling well up in his chest. He knew exactly what it meant. He needed to get back to his room, or go back to the guys- no. he had convinced them that he was ok. He hobbled on, clutching his chest, noticing that his breath was quickening slightly. His eyes began to water, tears beginning to roll down his cheeks. He basically ran to the nearest door, and knocked. He was breathing rather quickly, and was crying at this point. The door opened, revealing Thomas Jefferson; of course. “What do you want?” Thomas said, malice in his voice; which turned to surprise by Alex’s state. “Can…..I…..” Alexander’s face scrunched up, and he fell to his knees. “My god,” Thomas kneeled down to him. “Hamilton, Hamilton!” He said, trying to get the other man’s attention. He pulled him inside practically, just in enough to close the door. “Hamilton, calm down.” He tried to tell him, but noticed his breath was quickening. Thomas looked over at his roommate, James Madison, who was awoken by the commotion. “James, get him a water please.” James got up, preparing to do so. Thomas wrapped and arm around Alexander, and pulled him close. He may have hated him, but he was not heartless. He would comfort him in his time of need. “Hamil-Alexander,” he whispered to him. “Calm down, please.” He rubbed circles into his back, an attempt at calming the other man. James came back holding a glass, and handed it to Thomas. “Alexander,” Thomas said, and then forcefully lifted Alexander’s chin. He looked wrecked, his face all red and his eyes puffy. “Drink this; it may make you feel better.” He gave him the glass, which Alexander hesitantly took. He began sipping the cold water, very slowly. He handed him the glass back, and wiped his face. “I-“he began to say, shaking. “I’m sorry….” He finally managed out after a moment. “Dude, its fine. You want to talk or something?” “No, I’ll just leave now.” He quickly stood, almost falling over from the rush. He grabbed onto the wall for support; and watched as Thomas stood. “How about I walk you back?” he offered. Alexander nodded, turning the door handle. Thomas gave a look to James, before exiting the room with Alexander. The two walked down the hallway in silence. “How much time has it been?” Alexander croaked. “Since you came to my room?” “Yes,” “about…” he checked his watch. “Twenty minutes.” Alexander didn’t respond, but instead picked up his pace. They soon arrived. Alexander looked for his key, which he clearly did not have. So he knocked, and luckily, Lafayette answered. “Monsieur Alexander, where have you-“he was shocked by the state the man was in. “Oh, Mon ami!” he pulled him into an embrace. Lafayette looked to Thomas, a dark gaze in his eyes. “Did you do this?” Thomas took a step back, putting his hands up. “No, no! He came to my room and-““Leave him be, Laf.” Alexander muttered, his body slumped against the other man’s. Shaking, he turned his head, looking at Thomas out of the corner of his eye. “Thank you,” he said. Thomas nodded, before turning, his robe swishing behind him. Lafayette pulled Alexander inside, and closed the door.