Aaron was freaking out. Despite the quiet building it was loud to him, his thoughts screamed and jumped from one thing to another. His mind raced around Thomas. What was that all about? He acted different around the man, more open... more.... Human? Aaron didn't like it. Well, he did but he didn't like how fast he opened up to Thomas, trust was fragile and it shouldn't be thrown about like that. Guard himself, it was cold but it was better than being hurt. And what was that about cat's? It was a simple question, not an interview! He probably sounded like a sap. Aaron shook his head tiredly and got to his apartment.

He flicked on the lights and heard a soft sound from outside his kitchen window. With a smile and knowledge, Aaron walked in and saw the same cat visiting him again.

"Hey there kitty," Aaron greeted and walked to his fridge to get a can of tuna.

Maria and James had told him if he was going to fed the thing then he might as well keep her. But kitty wasn't a housecat or a pet, she was a companion, and would you lock up your friends? Kitty lived on the streets and had a life. Aaron just let her crash at his place whenever she popped up. Kitty was a pretty cat; if it weren't the stench then you would think she was a housecat. Slim posture, agile, two bright amber eyes, and a shiny black coat. Aaron enjoyed her presence and paid her back with a small bowl of tuna.

Aaron set the bowl down on the container and opened the window. Without having to be asked, Kitty dashed to the food that probably smells better to her then it did for him. Chuckling, Aaron watched the cat gulped big bites then got another bowl and filled it with water.

"Tough day?" Aaron asked. Kitty stopped and looked at him then went back to the fish. "I'm not sure what that means but I think it's a so-so. Well, I don't think I can say the same. Woke up too early and Hamilton ruined some of our work, to top the day off I ruined my favourite sweater."

The cat didn't look up and just went to the water as the fish was gone. Aaron stroked her fur and felt a small smile tug at his lips.

"But I can't say it's all bad. A new guy showed up, Thomas Jefferson, he seems like a nice guy."

Kitty looked up and meowed.

"It's not like I like him. Like that at least. It would be nice to have another friend I guess."

Aaron swore he saw her roll her eyes before lapping up the water. Childishly he stuck out his tongue and retreated to the couch. Falling on it, he sighed as the throbbing pain slowly went away. He thought back on his day and wondered if anyone noticed. Hamilton didn't, James didn't, Angelica didn't, Thomas didn't, and Marai didn't. Running from his problems might seem stupid but Aaron just couldn't afford it right now. He might be a trust fund baby and a layer but it all went to Maria's daughter Susan. Maria! Shit, he promised he would call her. Pulling out his phone, Aaron hit speed dial and waited for her to answer. On the third ring the phone picked up.

"Aaron! How are you doing? I was starting to get worried."

"Hey, Maria," Aaron spoke softly.

"Oh no, was it a bad day?"

"Sort of."

"Tell me."

"It's fine, I already talked to Kitty about it."

There was a silent pause but it wasn't a bad one, Aaron knew Maria was just rolling her eyes. She loved Kitty but was worried shitless about the germs Kitty could pick up. Maria was a mother so Aaron always let her scold him for not even washing Kitty.

"That cat is gonna give you ebola one day I swear."

"Har-har," Aaron shifted around as the pain in his thigh returned.

"Anything good happened today?" Maria asked.

Aaron could hear the hope in the edge of her voice and it made his heart ache. She was the only one who knew of his low moods and everyday she would try to get him say something good that happened; besides seeing her.

"Um, there was a new employee that came in."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Imported from France, some big top lawyer that Washington rambled on about for the past week. James knows him too, childhood friends and all that. His names Thomas Jefferson," Aaron paused to think of what to say, thinking his words carefully, neutral and calm. "Hamilton and Angelica don't like him."

"What about you?"

Aaron bite his lip. He did like Thomas but it was too soon to tell anyone that. "It's too soon to tell. So far he seems like a good guy."

He heard Maria huff. "Well, Susan misses you, think you can make a visit some time?"

"Prehaps."

"You don't have to. I know how hard it is for you to get out and-"

"It's fine! I miss the little ankle biter."

"Speaking of kids, how did you not meet Thomas before now? If James and Thomas were friends since kids, how did you two not run into each? You would think you would at least hear James talk about him."

"I haven't thought about it a lot. I'll ask James or Dolley when we meet again."

"Cool. Hey, gotta go, the ankle biter is getting hungry."

Aaron chuckled. "Alright. Give Susan a kiss for me."

"Will do. Bye, Burr-bear."

"Bye Maria."

He hung up and tossed the phone aside. Aaron let his easy smile fade and his mind stir. What didn't James say anything? Or Dolley? Where they closer with Thomas? Or did they have a falling out? Aaron sighed. Too many questions and not enough answers.