(warning: there is SO MUCH CUTENESS)

555-6262: alex?

jouet de garçon: yes?

555-6262: this is john laurens

jouet de garçon: YAY I WAS STARTING TO THINK YOU FORGOT ABOUT TEXTING ME

body like WHOA: it's literally only been 30 minutes since you left

jouet de garçon: yeah but you could've texted me right when i left

body like WOAH: yeah but i had to get laf to stop eating, clean the kitchen, and then get him off my phone (where he put in your contact info btw) and then get him out of my dorm room. i thought you had an essay to write?

jouet de garçon: the essay's done. what'd he make my contact name in your phone?

body like WOAH: "jouet de garçon"?

jouet de garçon: AHAHAHA

body like WOAH: what?

jouet de garçon: change it to something else please ahaha

body like WOAH: okay?

smol cutie pie : he put you in as "boy toy" btw. or, more specifically, "toy of boy"

body like WOAH: WHAT

body like WOAH: you have no idea how hard i'm blushing rn

smol cutie pie: you have no idea how cute you look rn because you're blushing

smol cutie pie: that didn't come out right, i mean you're cute all the time

smol cutie pie: i mean

smol cutie pie: god idk what i meant

body like WOAH: idk what you meant but i liked it and now i'm blushing even more

smol cutie pie: john?

body like WOAH: alex?

smol cutie pie: what the heck i gotta do to be with you?

body like WOAH: you can start by taking me out, beautiful

smol cutie pie: i want to see you now

body like WOAH: why?

smol cutie pie: well you called me beautiful and my world just suddenly crumbled around me, and i want you to help me pick up the pieces

body like WOAH: wow.

body like WOAH: alexander hamilton?

smol cutie pie: yes, laurens, my dearest?

body like WOAH: take me out.

****

Alexander knocked on John's door. It had been a week since their first text conversation - a week of writing and working and daydreaming about John. They hadn't seen each other since the morning that John had made Alex pancakes.

Alex had finally officially asked John out on a date, and Lafayette helped him set up the perfect first date. Alex was on board with the idea ever since Laf suggested its general outline. Alex filled in the details, of course. Earlier today, Laf and Hercules Mulligan - the third part of the Laurens-Laf-Mull trio, and someone Alex had never met (but hoped to eventually) - had spent their afternoon setting it up.

Laf then ran to Alex's dorm room. He kicked out Aaron Burr, who was Alex's roommate and someone Alex didn't particularly care for. The first advice Burr gave Alex was "Talk less, and smile more." Alex thought it was stupid advice, especially prepared with his motto - "I'm willing to wait for it."

Anyways, Burr had gone to hang out with his Virginian cronies while Laf put together the perfect outfit for Alex. Eventually, Alex was dressed in black jeans, a red sweater, and red Converse. Laf almost went total fangirl when he saw Alex in the outfit. (Alex could almost hear him now, blabbing in French about how Herc, a fashion major, would totally and completely approve.)

Now, Alex's palms were sweating, and he wiped them on his jeans. He had never been on a date in the few months he'd lived in New York City, much less in Nevis. His stomach was jittery, his head spinning, and then John opened the door and Alex's knees almost buckled at the sight of the man.

He wore navy-blue jeans, an emerald green pullover that complemented his eyes, and white Adidas. His hair was down, his eyes were sparkling. The faintest tint of a smile hugged his freckles.

But what made him the most magnetic was not just his beauty. He was glowing.... he was brighter than anything Alex had ever seen. The whole room had been cast into his shadow - including Alex, who didn't like being overshadowed by anyone or anything. In this case, however, he was more than fine with it. John's happiness was contagious.

After a minute or so of Alex just staring at John like an idiot, John spoke nervously.

"Um, is this okay? You said casual and I figured -"

"It's great. You look great, John," Alex got himself together and grinned.

"John? I'm eating the last Drumstick..." a smooth voice arose, and suddenly a face to match popped out from behind John.

"Alexander Hamilton, is it? I'm Hercules Mulligan, but you can call me Herc. I'm glad to finally meet you, man," Hercules said, smiling.

Alex smiled back. "The pleasure is all mine, Herc." He attempted to send a silent thank you to Herc with his eyes, and Mulligan winked as a you're welcome, then shoved John out the door.

"Go be happy gay boyfriends together, would you? I want to finish my Netflix binge of Friends. Oh, and this Drumstick, as well," Herc held up something that looked like a wrapped ice cream cone, and then he shut the door.

Alex laughed and turned to John nervously. "Guess it's just us now, huh?"

John shyly smiled and slightly shrugged. "Guess so."

So Alex linked his arm with John's and started leading him to the elevator.

****

"So, what exactly are Drumsticks? I thought they were wooden tools that a person would use to play the drums, but then Herc held up an ice cream cone," Alex asked while he was driving John to their destination.

"You don't know what a Drumstick is? Man, your childhood must've sucked," John laughed.

Alex smiled a little and tried to ignore the painful feeling consuming him from inside. "You have no idea..."

They continued joking and laughing until Alex finally stopped the car in the parking lot of Hickory Creek Aquarium, making sure John didn't see the sign.

Alex jumped out of the car, where he immediately ran to the other car door and opened it. He offered his hand, and John accepted it. Alex helped John out of the car while tingles of electricity raced up his palm from the contact.

Alex closed the car door.

John didn't let go of his hand.

"Okay, close those stunning eyes, you gorgeous human being," Alex told John, only half kidding.

John blushed and closed his eyes tight. "Is this really necessary?"

"Absolutely, freckles," Alex replied, then led John to the open-air part of the aquarium.

After a couple minutes of Alex leading the six-foot tall man and trying not to accidentally run John into any poles, Alex stopped.

He smiled. It was even more perfect than he had imagined, and he thanked Laf and Herc with everything he had in him.

"Okay, darling, open your eyes," Alex whispered into John's ear.

John opened his eyes and gasped in delight.

ooooo cliffhanger

yup i'm that author hehehe

xoxo ~ luna ✨