A few days had passed since the incident, and although Alexander didn't mind spending extra time with his boyfriend, he found himself itching to get back to work. Rarely ever taking time off, it felt wrong to be at home so much, even though Washington had allowed him all the time he needed.

"Jack." Alex muttered, lightly shaking the sleeping man next to him. John opened his eyes, groggily turning over to face his boyfriend. "I'm going to work today."

"D'ya have to?" John muttered sleepily, draping an arm over him. "I don't wanna be alone..."

"You'll sleep most of the day anyways. It'll be fine." Alex ran a hand through his hair. "I have to get back... you can manage two days, I won't be gone the whole time."

"Fine... don't let me hold you back, go do the work thing." John mumbled, obviously still not fully awake.

"Jacky, you need blood before I go. Get up." Alex poked his cheek, and reluctantly, John sat up.

Alex sat up as well and pulled off his shirt, waiting as John searched his body for a spot to latch onto. He decided on just above his collarbone, and sunk his fangs in. It had become a routine by now, and Alex didn't flinch, only waiting while the vampire fed. The only annoying thing about this was the drowsy feeling that came with a vampire bite, but Alex could deal with this.

Soon John pulled back, then gave Alex a quick kiss. "See ya later." He said, before laying down again.

Alex stayed still for a moment, and groaned when he heard a knock on the door. You couldn't choose a worse time.

Quickly putting his shirt on as the knocking continued, Alexander stumbled out of the room, approaching the front door half dazed. He pulled it open to the familiar face of James Hamilton, his older brother.

"Hey Alex, how're ya doing?" James asked, letting himself in. "How's John?"

"Fine, we're fine." Alex muttered, leaning against the wall for support but trying not to make it obvious. "He's doing better, but... James, why're you here?"

"Damn, it's dark in here, you're gonna ruin your eyes." James commented, and Alex quickly grabbed his arm before he could throw open the curtains.

"It's fine... don't worry about it." Alex said, flinching as his brother's eyes narrowed at him.

"What's up with you? You're acting strange, did you get enough sleep?" James tilted his head.

"Yes... no... maybe?" Alex shook his head. "I'm fine, I'm fine. I'm coming to work today, things are good."

"You sure about that?"

"Yes. I'm sure, now let me get ready." Alex was about to turn back towards his room, before James stopped him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Alexander, is that a vampire bite?" James asked, staring at his neck.

Alex quickly moved his hand to cover it. "Maybe..."

"What did you do?"

"James-"

"Alex. No excuses."

Alex let out a small sigh. "During the last mission, one got me, a female. She was too fast, I couldn't do anything." He quickly lied.

"Did you kill her?" James asked, and Alex hesitated.

"Of course."

"You didn't... goddammit Alex." James groaned. "I'm telling pa."

"You wouldn't." Alex narrowed his eyes. "You know how much shit I have on you."

James thought for a moment before reluctantly nodding. "Yeah, you do have some shit... fuck... just go get ready, I'll wait for you."

Relieved, Alexander walked back into his room, closing the door. He quickly got changed and pulled his hair into a ponytail, this time making sure the various bite marks on his body were well hidden. Explaining one was bad enough, if someone were to see them all... they won't.

With one glance back at John, who was fast asleep once again, Alex exited the room, closing the door behind him. He approached his brother with a sheepish smile. "C'mon, let's get out of here."

As the two men exited the house, stepping into the early morning sunlight, Alex let out a small hiss, shielding his eyes. James chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm guessing you haven't been out much these last few days."

"Not really." Alex replied, blinking as his eyes got used to the bright light. "I've been taking care of John, you know that."

"What even happened to him?" James asked, "I asked pa, but he was busy, wouldn't tell me."

"He was attacked by a vampire, it ended up being a pretty violent fight. He got some pretty bad wounds, made it hard for him to walk and all, so I've had to help him get around." Alex responded, suddenly glad he had previously thought up an explanation. "He's doing a lot better now, I'm guessing he'll be ready to get back to work in a day or two."

"I see... that must've been tough, but I'm glad it wasn't anything too horrible." James said, slipping his hands into his pockets. "We've missed you at work. Well, most of us, Jefferson's been pretty happy."

"Of course." Alexander rolled his eyes.

Soon the two arrived at a dark, towering building, the outside showing age, though Alex knew it was much more appealing from within. He went right up to the large front doors and pushed them open, stepping inside with James close behind him. Alex couldn't help but smile, staring up at the familiar high ceiling and sturdy stone walls.

"I don't know anyone who loves work as much as you, weirdo." James patted his younger brother on the shoulder. "I'll see ya later, Alex. Pa's gonna want to see you, you should find him."

"Right, see ya James." Alex replied, watching as his brother headed down the right hallway. Alex decided to go left, towards Washington's office. He didn't get very far before he was tackled in an affectionate hug.

"Mon ami! It's been too long, welcome back!" The man exclaimed in his french accent, and Alex let out a light laugh, hugging him back before pulling away.

"I haven't even been gone a week, but it's good to be back." Alex smiled at his friend. He had missed Lafayette, the frenchman was always a joy to be around.

"'Ow's John doing? Is he back too?" Lafayette asked hopefully.

"He's not, but he's doing well. It won't be much longer until he can work again." Alexander replied. He wished that he could tell everyone what had really happened as he wasn't known for being great with secrets, but he knew he could never do that without serious consequences. He would like his boyfriend to stay alive.

"That's good to hear. When he's well enough we all have to go out and celebrate his recovery!" Lafayette exclaimed, and Alexander nodded with a light laugh.

"I'm sure he'd love that." He replied, "I gotta go see Washington now, but I'll see you later."

"Right, right, see you Alexander!" Lafayette gave a small wave as the short man continued walked, and Alex returned it with a smile.

Fidgeting with his clothes again until he was completely sure no bites would be visible, Alexander finally approached Washington's door, only for it to open before he reached it. Out stepped a man much taller than Alex with luxurious hair and a magenta outfit too bright for this line of work.

"Ew, it's Jefferson." Alexander scowled, glaring up at him.

"Someone's sour." Thomas shook his head, "Who sucked your blood this morning to get you so worked up, Hamilton?"

Alex flinched a bit at the comment, before remembering it was just a figure of speech and Thomas was being an ass as usual. Don't be stupid Alex, you're not stupid.

"None of your business. Get out of the way, I have to see Washington." Alexander spat, crossing his arms.

"Alright, run along to daddy." Thomas teased, but stepped out of the way anyways.

Alex glared at him intensely before pushing past, entering Washington's office and closing the door behind him. He turned around with a small grunt and approached the man's desk, who was looking at him with a slightly disappointed expression.

"You two never will get along, will you?" Washington said as Alexander sat across from him.

"He's unbearable. I hate him."

"I know, you've told me." Washington let out a small sigh. "Let's forget Jefferson for now. Alexander, I hope you've been doing alright. It must be hard being a constant caretaker, but I assume Laurens is doing better if you came in today."

"He's doing much better, you know yourself how fast he recovers." Alexander replied with a slight fake smile. "He's almost okay to start working again. It's been stressful, but I'm fine."

"That's a relief." Washington looked down at the desk. "I should have never sent you two on that mission alone. I misjudged the situation, and I apologize for that. If anything had happened to you..."

"Hey, pa, I'm fine. I'd stake myself in the heart before ever letting a vampire touch me." Alex replied, knowing how big of a lie that was with the amount of touching he had done with a vampire in the past week. "Stop worrying about me, I'm not a kid anymore."

"I know, I know, son. I just don't want to lose you." Washington responded. "But you've done well, despite your temper. I'm proud of you."

Alexander smiled again, for real this time. "I'll be careful, okay? I won't disappoint you."

Another lie. He'd never approve of me living with a vampire, let alone dating one. Alex's smile faltered. This was quite the mess he had gotten himself into.