( a/n ) i proof read this, but i've been half asleep for the last few days so be warned
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John waited impatiently for Alex outside the school. He had his small black car parked in the far corner of the parking lot. Despite being so far from the school, he still had his hood pulled over his head just in case anyone recognized him. He was sure there had to be some sort of security cameras around. Within a few minutes, he noticed the tiny boy amongst the crowd of teenagers. His energy levels seemed so much higher than normal, which was weird. He was a mess this morning.

"John!" Alex sat down inside the car and slammed the passenger door shut. "You'll never believe this, but," he was panting, "Eliza and I are dating! God, I thought today would be hellish, but no! I got myself a girlfriend! Also, we need to pick her up at her house later. She was gonna ride with us, but she wanted to get dressed up for me. All for me!"

John stared at him with wide eyes and his mouth slightly open. "You're... I... what? How did this happen?"

"So we're in English class, right, and Eliza randomly took my hand under the table, and then she said something like 'Oh Alex, I think I actually like you, so let's date!'"

John rolled his eyes, starting the car. "Good for you. I hope you know she's only doing it because she feels bad."

Alex's heart sunk a little, but he shook his head. "No, John. She actually likes me. I just never really gave her a chance to consider dating me. Why are you being so pessimistic, anyway? Just let me be excited."

The freckled boy narrowed his eyes. "I will, but I just want you to remember that nobody does anything for themselves. She could so easily get you to do anything, couldn't she? Any favour... you'd do it for her without a second thought. Do you know how much that scares me?"

"Oh, what? Is she gonna ask me who the fuck killed Martha and Francis? She isn't that nosy."

"That isn't what I'm worried about! I actually care about you, dumbass!" John hissed, cupping Alex's face. "You're the only person in my life that I can trust! If she told you to leave me, what would I even do? You're my everything."

Alex froze, pushing John away when his brain caught up to what he was hearing. "Out of some guy I met less than a week ago and my childhood best friend, who do you think I'll chose? Not to mention, you killed people. Ended lives. Eliza is the sweetest person I've ever met, and I really love her. You're just some asshole I met a few days ago."

John looked away. "Fuck you."

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Alex retorted, crossing his arms.

"Are you fucking five?"

"Let's not forget your exes."

"Stop bringing that up!" John growled, tears forming in the corner of his eyes. Damnit, he was not going to cry now. "I regret it, okay? I miss Francis and Martha. They were my only friends, and if I could go back, I wouldn't have killed them. I would've just helped myself through my problems."

"Mm, but you didn't," Alex smirked smugly. "And now your entire life is ruined. I could destroy you so easily, you know that?"

John gripped the steering wheel, taking a deep breath to calm himself. "Look, Alex. I don't want to fight with you. I know I'll fuck up and do something I regret. Just know I really am happy for you and Eliza."

Alex looked away. "It's whatever. Just drive me home."

So John did just that, dropping Alexander off in his driveway. The shorter boy didn't even say goodbye to him. John understood why, but it still hurt. He wanted Alex to pay attention to him, and him only. It was childish, but he felt like an older sibling. Eliza was the new and interesting baby, and she was all Alex wanted to focus on. John was much too used to this, with his four younger siblings.

Inside, Alex threw his bag against the wall and slumped down in one of the kitchen chairs. He let out a loud sigh, burying his face in his hands. His mother entered the kitchen, shaking her head.

"Rough day?" She asked, sitting down across from him.

Alex nodded, looking up at her. "I guess. I mean, it started out good. Eliza and I are dating now, but one of my friends made me feel like shit about it."

"What did they say?" Rachel took his hand, giving him a reassuring smile.

"He told me she was only doing it 'cause she felt bad about rejecting me earlier this week. It made sense, but I really don't want to think about it."

"It seems like he was just trying to look out for you," she whispered. Suddenly, she noticed the small black car outdoors, so she stood up and peeked out the window. She raised an eyebrow, turning back to her son. "Is that him?"

"Yeah.." Alex shrugged. "Okay, so, I have to get something else off my chest. You need to promise me you won't tell anyone. Including the police."

She crossed her arms. "Oh Lord, what?"

"His name is John Laurens." Alex played with his hands nervously, unsure of how his mother would react to this. She'd been around many other crimes, like the bullshit that her husband put her through daily, but hadn't called the cops. Alex guesses she was the safest person to go to about this. "He killed his exes, and he's kind of on the run, but he isn't all that bad. He gave me a place to stay when I ran away. He's still kind of an asshole, though."

"Bring him inside."

"What?"

"You heard me. Bring him inside. I want to meet this John Laurens."

Alex groaned, sliding out of his chair and heading back outside. He had absolutely no idea what his mother was planning, but he trusted her. He approached John's car, tapping on the window. John rolled it down, a confused expression on his face.

"Hm?"

"My mom wants to meet you."

John was visibly confused, but decided against protesting. He followed Alex inside his home. He took a seat at the table, looking around the quaint kitchen. "This place is cute.."

"Thank you, my dear," Alex's mother smiled. "My name is Rachel. I'm Alexander's mother. He told me about you... you're on the run?"

A flash of panic flickered in John's eyes as he immediately stood up. Alexander put his hands on John's shoulders and forced him back down. "Trust me, John. She isn't tattling on you."

"He's right, John. I actually wanted to know if you'd like to stay. If Alexander can trust you, then I can too. It isn't safe to be homeless."

Alex stared at his mother with wide eyes. "He isn't staying here!"

"Alexander, as much as I love you, you don't have a say in this," Rachel shushed him. "John needs us. Besides, I'm sure he's sweet."

John glanced at the other boy, who had his arms crossed. He wouldn't even look at John. He was just glaring daggers at his mother. Honestly, John didn't know if he should accept. It could easily be a trap, but then again, Rachel didn't seem like the kind of person to do that. Besides, he would get to spend every day with Alex. He adored the idea of that, so with a shaky voice, he accepted her offer.

"I'll stay. Thank you, Ms Hamilton.."

"No!" Alex shrieked. "He isn't living with us! Have you forgotten why he has to be here anyway? He's a fucking murderer!"

"Language!" Rachel narrowed her eyes. "You know your father would-"

"He doesn't get to have a say in what I can do or say," Alexander sneered. "And I really don't give a shit anymore, mom. John is allowed to kill people but when I say 'fuck,' I'm a sinner? Let's be honest. If anyone's going to hell, it's John."

John looked down, tears threatening to fall. He wasn't a sinner. He wasn't going to hell. He was a good person. He just made a mistake. It was just a tiny fault. One small problem. He didn't notice that the tears had fallen until the white tablecloth had damp spots.

"You made him cry!" Rachel gasped. "Alex, listen, you're his friend! You need to get used to him-"

"You only want him to stay because he's a replacement of my brother! That's all it is and you know it."

"Alexander James Hamilton," Rachel growled, breaking character and wiping her eyes. "Go to your room. Now."

Alex rolled his eyes, leaving the kitchen. The sounds of his feet stomping was the only noise Rachel and John could hear. John should've just left. Everyone would feel better. Clearly she was just doing this because she felt bad. She didn't actually care about him or want him here. This was out of pity.

"I'm so sorry, John." She sat down across from him. "Alexander is dramatic, but I'm sure he'll get used to it. He's just a little mad at you, isn't he? I just hope you know that I'm really proud of you."

John looked up, wiping the tears from his face with his sleeve. "What..? Why?"

"You took care of my baby." Rachel smiled weakly. "I might've never seen him again without your help. You also warned him about Eliza. Personally, I think you're right about her, but don't tell Alexander I said that. You really care about him, don't you?"

John nodded. "I do. I know I come off as an asshole, with killing people and stuff, but I feel terrible about that. You wouldn't know the amount of guilt that comes with it. I really screwed that one up. But with Alex... I want to protect him. He reminds me of my ex girlfriend and I don't want to let that go ever again."

Rachel took his hand. "I'll do anything to keep you safe, John. Feel free to stay here as long as you want. Just be warned, my husband might not treat you with as much kindness."

John smiled a genuine smile. "Thank you, Rachel. How can I repay-"

"You don't need to." She stood up. "You've done enough for us already. Anyway, you'll be sharing a room with Alexander. Good luck getting through to him before bedtime."

"I'm nineteen," John snorted. "I don't need a bedtime."

"Right, but Alex is influential. If he sees you going to bed before eleven, he might just do the same."

John rolled his eyes playfully. "Whatever you say, Rachel."

He headed upstairs, taking his time looking around the house. He eventually found Alex's room and slid inside. It was small and had cream walls, some of the paint chipping in the corners. Alex was on his phone, his fingers typing at a furious speed. He was most likely complaining about Rachel and John.

Alexander didn't even bother looking up when John sat on the bed. The curly haired boy had to resort to sighing loudly in order to get his attention.

"What do you want?" Alex glanced up.

"I kinda wanted to apologize. I know you don't want me here, but I don't exactly have a choice. I can't go to prison."

"I know, and I don't want you to," Alex whispered. "I don't really know why I freaked out, honestly. I was just mad about the Eliza thing... but she talked me through it, assured me she actually liked me, and I guess we're good. It won't be the end of the world having you here."

John shook his head, a tiny smile toying on his lips. "I'll be out of your way most of the time. Except... your mom wants us to share a room."

Alex groaned, earning a giggle from John.

"You'll get used to it."