#almost got to sleep at 11pm was gonna read a chapter before sleeping

[katyobsesses]

I've never really understood how a special interest can be disabling before but I think I do now

[junn-ahn]

Bang Chan x College Student! Reader

Pairing: Bang Chan x Reader

Word Count: 1.2k

Warning(s): Swearing, My first fic?,

Genre: Enemies to Lovers! College AU!

Chapter 3 of 3

↳ Go read Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3

Masterlist!

Summary: You just started your first year in college and now realize the struggle of dealing with dormitories. Your neighbor, Chris, was never a bother to you. Neither of you ever spoke to eachother, or interacted in any way.

That was, before his two friends moved in.

PREVIOUSLY: He tapped onto a song, and a more than familiar tune rushed into your ear.

This was a song by 3racha.

———————————————————————

Your head was swimming with questions. Is he actually part of 3racha? Did he somehow know they‘re your favorite now? Was he trying to prank you?

He must’ve noticed your shocked look, and knit his brows together. “Do you not like it?” He looked disheartened.

“No! No, I really really like it, which is why I’m kind of shocked—? Not shocked because it’s good! I’m just, wow are you really 3racha?” You babbled on, eventually blurting out the statement you were trying to convey.

“Yeah! My roommates and I are 3racha, I’m kind of surprised you recognized us?” His face lit up, his eyes crinkling into shining crescents.

“Holy crap dude I love 3racha—” The words tumbled out from your lips before you could think over your sentence. “O-oh really?” His cheeks flushed a rosy tint. “I’m glad, thank you,” his fingers grazed over your knee, before he pulled his hand over to rest on his own.

“I actually just discovered your music not too long ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since,” You tried to smother the growing smile on your face.

“Well,” Chris began, biting the edge of his lower lip. “If you’re not busy after tonight, would you wanna come meet everyone...?”

“Wait seriously? No shit?” You hopped off of the bench from the rush of excitement. He laughed at this gesture, your face flushing. “Yeah, I’m sure Jisung and Changbin wouldn’t mind. We were actually just going to finish up a new song. You’d get a sneak peak~” He raised his eyebrows, elbowing you playfully.

“Dude this sounds like a dream,” you hummed, a bright smile on your face as the two of you began to walk back toward the dorms. “So you weren’t kidding when you said you liked us, huh?” He tilted his head down, his dimples appearing like the sun at dawn. You noticed how his lips curved up into what you thought to be the perfect smile. How one side of his mouth quirked up a little higher than the other, and how his eyes would fold into sparkling little galaxies whenever he’d grin. You could still feel the burning sensation when his fingers grazed over your knee. You wanted to feel that again.

You were falling, and hard.

The two of you eventually made it back to your neighboring dorms, except this time, you went inside of his. When the door opened up you were expecting the stereotypical boys dorm. Messy, smelly, clothing thrown across the floor, dirty dishes in the sink, but it was quite the opposite. The room was extremely neat, clothes folded on top of drawers, clean dishes in the sink, and it smelled like... Chris?

“Chris did you bring back the—” His other roommate stopped in his tracks. You hadn’t seen him a lot before, besides when Chris went out with them all. He looked at you with a cold gaze. “Did he pay you to come here?” He asked nonchalantly. “Changbin shut up,” Chris punched his arm. “They’re an old friend of mine from highschool.” He avoided your gaze, almost in a bashful way. “Wait is this the person?” Changbin managed to get the full sentence out before Chris yanked him away by the collar.

“Ignore him,” he smiled almost in a sinister way, before hopping across the room. “Do you wanna see the studio?” He wiggled his eyebrows. You laughed and slipped off your shoes before following him. There was a little backroom that was, unironically, directly beside your dorm wall. It had 3 separate microphones lined up neatly in a row with a computer sitting behind in the center. It had dim lighting, but still offered enough to see, and was actually really professional. “Dude this is the coolest thing ever,” you shoved him playfully. He chuckled, watching you gawk at the room.

“You wanna hear a preview of our next song?” He sat down in front of the microphones and computer. “I’d love to,” you held your hand to your chest dramatically. He waved you over toward the seat beside him and began to login to the device.

Shortly after, a pressurized beat entered the room. It was so different in here conpared to hearing it from your room. It enveloped your body, you could feel the music literally and metaphorically. It was almost as if you’d been transported to some alternate reality.

Regardless, you enjoyed spending time with Chris. The two of you had fun in the studio, and you even got to talk to Jisung and Changbin.

“I swear, I always thought you were our scary next door neighbor but you’re really chill.” Jisung pat you on the head. Changbin scoffed, “You weren’t that scary—”

“Changbin you thought they were gonna throw hands and blocked the door with the sofa,” Chris cocked an eyebrow, which earned a laugh from you. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Changbin shot Jisung a cold glare as if exposing his scared self to the world.

Jisung and Changbin continued to wrestle and you and Chris went to hang out in their kitchen. He brought out two bottles of soda and the two of you chatted for what seemed to be hours. You caught up from highschool, talking about teachers and past projects. He shared about his passion for music, and how he began to pursue it in the late years of highschool and now, college and his roommates.

“Oh shoot, it’s 11pm already.” You skid over toward the door, glancing down at the now sleeping forms of Jisung and Changbin on the floor. You slid on your shoes and spun around to meet Chris’ close gaze.

“Ah! I’m sorry,” you instinctively went to back up, only to feel your shoulders knock into the door with a loud slam! “Hey,” he gently took your hand into his, intertwining your fingers slowly. “I just wanted to say I’m really happy I found you again.” His eyes shifted from you to your hands. “I had a lot of fun tonight, and I was thinking,” he paused. “Maybe we could do it again sometime, yeah?” His voice became softer, and more breathy. He moved inch by inch closer, shortening the distance between the two of you. You nodded at his statement, your eyes no longer focusing on his, but rather, his lips which were drawing closer and closer. Time seemed to slow when he pressed them to yours. It was hesitant at first, but when you leaned into him he deepened it. His other hand rested against the door beside your head, and the moment lasted a little to short than you had wanted it to.

He pulled away, and a dreamy half lidded smile etched itself onto his face. “I’ve loved you for a long time,” Your eyes locked with his, and you had to rip your gaze away from him to look down at your shoes. “I,” you fumbled for words. “Thanks for tonight,” you squeezed his hand gently. His grin grew, and he lead you out from his dorm. “I’ll see you tomorrow, kay?” You decided to be bold and plant a kiss on his jaw. He melted at the contact, and held his hand to his face where your lips had met his skin. “Y-yeah! I’ll see you tomorrow.” He waved at you through the crack of the door, and for the first time since highschool, your heart was flipping with bliss.

[smile-smile-ichthys]

Hosts of Japan - Chapter One

Featuring @whatdoyouexpectthistime @smutmylifeup and @hifftn

Hosts of Japan is a multi-chapter fic about a young woman, H, who runs a business of hiring out voltage men to travelling ladies to show them around Tokyo. But when she gets a phonecall with a strange request, will she finally let go of her past and learn to love someone who deserves it?

Inspired by these multi-chapter fics - MJS and High Voltage

“For three days? Yep, no that’s not too short, we do any length of time no problem” I said to a new potential client over the phone “Yeah of course, I’m sending over the terms and conditions for you to sign now via the email you gave me”

Typical day in the office really, me trying to talk to a client and explaining everything to them, all the while Mieke pulling stupid faces in the office opposite mine. Why did I rent an office floor with glass doors? Oh yeah, thought it had a nicer, more welcome feel to it all. Bad move.

“Yeah just read over them please, there’s not much to read unlike some companies” Mieke pulled another stupid face “and just sign it and send it back then we’ll pair you with a host” and another “sure sure, talk soon, thank you, bye!” I hanged up and she instantly stopped.

I stood and she turned back to her computer, but that didn’t stop me from going over to her little office.

I loved working here, it was my business after all, but I knew I had hired the best team when I actually enjoyed coming in to work every day. ‘Hosts of Japan’ was my idea, my business, my baby which had blossomed in the past couple of years. Each month was getting booked up within days of releasing it, it was getting so busy we were beginning to debate whether we needed a couple extra hosts. Who knew women coming to visit japan and wanting a handsome Japanese tour guide would be so popular? After all, who knew Japan better than the locals? The business was growing beautifully and with the next month of December being released in the next few days, I knew it was time to find new hosts.

“Mieke, you’re gonna have to stop doing that whenever I’m on the phone” I scolded her.

“Oh, but it’s so funny to try and make you laugh on the phone” Mieke laughed, spinning on her chair to face me.

“It’s really not” I argued.

“You do it when I talk to the guys! Remember last time I was on the phone with Nomura? You had me choke on my coffee and he genuinely almost came round to check I was ok! I was the one checking on him!” she laughed, making me reminisce. Ah good times.

Mieke was an awesome, kick butt, friend and colleague I had hired. She was mainly in charge of looking after the health and wellbeing of the hosts. With her no mess attitude, she made sure the guys stuck to the 11pm curfew when working with clients. Only if it had been agreed upon prior to the clients’ holiday would they be allowed to stay out with them past that time. It kept them safe, and gave them time to go home and get some sleep. In order to ensure they were going home and looking after themselves, I had to have someone who was willing to tell someone off, especially those who could charm their ways out of it. Mieke knew how to do that, and my God she could do it well. God only knows the amount of times Nomura has asked to stay past the 11pm curfew because his client was cute…

We knew things would happen from time to time. Ladies with attractive men who could flirt and charm their way out of anything, things were bound to happen. Yeah, we had rules about that but only loose ones. If they weren’t scheduled in and bound by contract, what happened in hotels, parks, beaches, whatever, we didn’t mind. Most of the time, the guys did as Mieke asked and behaved, I think there was only one instance when we first started when a host broke the contract. He didn’t stay, thankfully. Mieke kept them in line, that’s all I asked for.

“Ok, ok, that is true, how are the guys anyway?” I asked.

“Yeah, they’re good, they’ve sent their availability for December, and to be honest, we’ve got a good amount of time with them, but demands getting pretty bad now” Mieke expressed her worry.

“I know, I asked Miho if she’s managed to find some suitable guys to help ease the strain” I explained “think Jazz is coming in today to go through them with me, I think we should try two more guys for December and January before thinking about getting more”

“At least we’re six months in advance, so it’s shouldn’t be too hard” Mieke smiled.

“Nah, shouldn’t be” I smiled back.

“Shouldn’t be what?” Jazz asked as she came in to Mieke’s office.

“Too hard to find some guys” I said, perching on Mieke’s desk happily “Who have you got for me?”

Jazz chuckled, handing me a couple of folders. I opened them to find two extremely attractive guys, and yet they seemed a little different to the other men we had already hired. I wasn’t sure what, but they both seemed to…glow slightly. Some strange aura.

“Strange aura right?” Jazz said.

“Yeah, how did you…” I asked.

“I felt the same, even on the phone to them, they both seemed pretty confident in themselves, but I don’t know, just felt strange is all” she explained.

“In a bad way?” Mieke asked, taking one of the folders from me.

“Not especially, didn’t feel anything bad about them” Jazz said.

I read the file left with me, while Mieke read the other. ‘Miyabi’, aged 26, short ash blonde hair, loves to mingle with everyone, even shyer people, super confident, freely available.

“Hmm, this one looks good for those who are unsure about venturing out a bit, but also those who really want to go out and do new things, probably not good for those in between” I said.

“That’s what I was thinking” Jazz said.

“Hmm I’m not sure how to pronounce this guy’s name…” Mieke said “But he’s cute and seems to fit the in between section perfectly, someone respectable and understanding, he seems approachable too”

“I think he said Huedhaut, but he did also say Hue was fine” Jazz said “So, what do you think? Should I bring them in to interview properly?”

“Got the green light from me, two different guys to cover every kind of traveller” I grinned.

Jazz and Miho were perfect for the job. They mainly helped with how to run the business, advertising, legalities and all that, but they definitely knew who to hire and who not to go near. Also, them both having partners in the law and business department helped as well.

Miho was engaged to a fine gentleman Goto in the police force, high ranking, naturally. Only the best for her.  Jazz was with a business, and bar, man named Kunihiko. He was dashing and charming, again, only the best for her too. Every time we all went out together, even Mieke and her boyfriend, Ryosuke, I could certainly tell they truly loved their ladies.

That’s when my phone rang. It was him.

“H, if you answer that and it’s him, I’m gonna…” Jazz began but I had already picked the phone up.

“Shhh, hi, how are you?” I asked.

“I’m good, thank you kindly H, are you free tonight? I wish to ask you something?” Genzo asked, making my heart race.

Genzo, my close friend ever since I move to Japan all those years ago. He was with me through thick and thin, he even gave me the last of the money to get this business going. And yet, he had never felt the same way about me as I felt about him.

“Tonight?” I glanced at the girls, both of them annoyingly rolling their eyes at me. They didn’t like Genzo, both told me he’s a creep and I should move on, but…I couldn’t. “Yeah, I’m free tonight”

“Great usual place, see you at 7” he hanged up.

“H, don’t do this to yourself, look, Ryo knows someone who would be way better than him, why don’t we double date?” Mieke suggested.

“Kuni even knows a few single guys too” Jazz pitched in “don’t put yourself through this hope again that’s he’s going to ask you out”

“I’m not, I know he usually just asks about business plans each month, I mean December is due soon so, makes sense” I noticed them glaring “come on, I’m fine, honestly”

My office phone began to ring and I ran off, thankful for the disruption.

“I just hope someone snaps her out of it one day” Jazz said.

I plonked myself down in my chair once again and happily answered the phone.

“Hello, H from Hosts of Japan speaking, how can I help?” I smiled.

I was expecting a female voice, so I must have been quite shocked to hear a male since Mieke and Jazz were by my side instantly.

“Good afternoon miss H, my name is Aleck, I was wondering if I could speak with you about hiring one of your hosts for an important visit next month” the male voice explained.

“Oh, right, well erm, problem is…”

“I understand you are fully booked up, miss H, I have seen your website availability, however this may seem a silly request, if I may” he ever so polite, and spoke so softly, he even soundly slightly American.

“Ask away sir, no request here is ever silly” I grinned, but it sunk when he asked.

I must have been silent for quite a while as Aleck kept asking if I was alright.

“I…I’m fine, I do believe though, I will need some time to think and talk over with my colleagues about this request, is there a number I can call you on?” I took a number and hung up the phone.

“What? What was it?” Mieke asked.

“I think we need Miho here too…I’ve just been asked to host a two week holiday for the Prince of Liberty…”

[lrhbadomens]

When Souls Collide Chapter 2

A Lynn Gunn fanfic

Is love ever strong enough to survive distance? Is friendship ever enough between two lost lovers? A story about coming out, finding love, losing love and finding each other again.

Masterlist Chp 1 Wattpad

Lying side by side, looking up towards the white ceiling of my best friend's room. It's quiet, too quiet. Usually we would be having endless conversations but this time is different. She's not herself.

"Wanna tell me what's wrong?" I ask her, she tells me everything so I don't understand why she's not talking to me immediately.

"I eh, I stumbled on your tumblr yesterday" She starts and I want her to stop immediately. Panic sets in my stomach. I thought it was hidden very well, that no one would ever find it, how the hell did she? She read my posts about my sexuality, she knows I'm gay.

"Is there something you want to tell me? Maybe you don't want to tell me, that's up to you. It's none of my business really" She almost whispers, our eyes not leaving the ceiling. Somehow making it easier to have this conversation.

"I'm" I start but I'm interrupted by my phone ringing, for some reason we both groan but when I look at who's calling my face turns into a frown.

"Lynn?" I question through the phone, almost caught off guard by the noise on the other end.

"Kerry! I need you to come to the hospital, Brian has been in an accident and we don't know how he's doing" She frantically shouts, my shocked state not able to answer. The phone in my hand, my face turning white.

"Kerry! Did you hear me?!" Lynn repeats my name so I jolt up, panic shooting through my body.

"I'm- I'm on my way" I whisper, dropping my phone on the ground and taking off, out of the house and drive to the nearest hospital. Trying not to crash my car on the way there because of my watery eyes.

I storm through the giant doors into the emergency room to be met with Lynn, Alex and my mom and dad. I must look like hell with my mascara all over my eyes from rubbing the tears away. My mom and dad run over towards me and hold me tight.

"Is he okay? How is he?" I ask in between sobs. My mom shakes her head intensifying my fear and my tears.

"We don't know yet, baby. He's in surgery." Mom cries into my neck but lets go eventually. I stand there motionless for a second when Alex comes forward and pulls me into his tall, slender body.

"He's going to be okay. He just got sick of not having all the attention on him" Alex tries to lighten the mood, so I laugh humorlessly while shaking my head. I pull away and wipe at my eyes again when they catch Lynn's gaze. And it feels like at the same time we run forwards and engulf each other in a hug. The feeling of her arms around me settles the panic a little bit and my sobbing turns into just tears leaking from my eyes.

"He's gonna be okay, Ker" Lynn whispers in my ear and kisses the side of my head like she used to do when I got upset.

"What happened to him?" I pull away ever so slightly so we're still standing very close, her hands wrapped around my wrists, holding me close to her.

"We were about to go to the studio when Brian was crossing the street and this car speeds around the corner and drags him off the street. There was nothing he could've done to prevent it" She explains but I can see in her eyes that she must be shocked too, Alex as well. They've seen all of it happen.

"Are you okay?" I ask, now holding on to her arms as well. Lynn nods her head so I look at Alex and he nods as well.

"We're a little bit shaken up but as long as he's fine, then we're okay" Alex answer for Lynn. I drag Lynn to sit with my parents and Alex so we can wait until we know something more and until Brian is out of surgery. The longer I sit in this waiting room with Lynn by my side and Alex and my parents in front of us the more uncomfortable I get. I haven't been in the same room for this long since last year when I didn't realise I was gay. This feeling is not really welcome on top of all the feelings I'm already having.

Right as you're about to get up to 'get coffee' a doctor walks in asking for the 'Macdonald family', so we rise and rush over towards him.

"He's out of surgery and he's doing well. He broke two ribs and had some internal bleeding but we were able to stop the bleeding but he's going to need a lot of rest right now" The doctor explains and I feel a huge weight lift off of my shoulders.

"So he's going to be okay?" I ask for that little bit more of reassuring and the doctor nods his head.

"Can we see him?" My dad asks next. The doctor nods his head so I feel like there's a 'but' coming.

"Yes, but" I knew it, "He looks worse than he actually is. He's still in a deep sleep so he's not going to wake up for the next couple of hours" He says, in the back of my mind I'm thinking 'who the hell cares, just let me see him'.

The doctor leads us towards his room, opens the door for me and my parents to go in, Lynn and Alex stay behind to give is some privacy first. I walk in barely even recognising him. He's attached to tons of wires and his tan skin looks so pale right now. His face has bruises and scars, I have to keep reminding myself that he's okay. He's not dead, he's still breathing.

Mom and dad sit on either side of his bed, holding his hand and talking to him. I stand at the end of his bed feeling useless, so I stand there watching my parents cry and tell him how he needs to wake up. I pull up a chair so I can rest my arms and head on the end of his bed. If there's nothing I can do I might as well wait until he wakes up.

Eventually mom and dad stand up, I don't know how longs it's been but it's been a while.

"We're going home to get some of his things, do you need anything? Do you want to come home?" Mom squeezes my shoulder. I lift my head and nod my head.

"Can you bring me my notes from uni on my desk?" Mom nods her head and dad leans down to kiss the top of my head before they leave and I put my head in my arms again, occasionally checking to see if Brian opens his eyes but he doesn't.

I stir awake when I feel a blanket being wrapped around me. As I lift my head I notice that my neck is also cramped up now. I look around the room for someone but I don't see anyone except for Brian and well... He's still asleep, my notes are lying on the couch which means my parents have been back here. It's around 11pm right now so I move towards the couch in the corner of the room to get more comfortable when I see a familiar mop of blonde hair walk past the window of the room, my heartbeat picking up, what is she still doing here?

She walks in the room, looking towards where I was sitting before and she freezes in on the spot, confusion hitting her face before I clear my throat making her look my way.

"Oh, there you are. I thought I was going insane cause just a minute ago you were still there" She giggles softly. So, she was the one who put the blanket over me.

"I got you coffee, since you already slept for a few hours and the doctors said he should wake up any moment now" She adds, my eyes widen and excitement fills me up.

"He said that? Are you serious?" I sit up straight from my previous more comfortable position. She nods her head and moves so she's coming towards me and sits down on the couch, handing me the coffee.

"Thank you for the coffee"

"No problem" She shrugs. An awkward silence filling the room after that. I don't really know what to say, we haven't casually talked in a long time.

"Would you look at that, both in the same room" I almost cry when I realise the words aren't coming from Lynn's mouth but from Brian's. I shoot up and head over to his bed, his eyes are slightly open.

"Are you sure? You might still be delusional from the drugs they gave you" I try to joke, he starts to laugh but quickly stops as it causes him pain.

"Who would've thought it would take me to be in an accident for you two to talk again" His voice is hoarse and silent but I understand him and I want him to shut up.

"Shut up or I'll get the nurse to give you some sleep medicine" I threaten with a smile and grab his hand to squeeze gently.

"How are you feeling?" I eventually ask, sitting down on the side of his bed. Lynn also moving forward not to stand on the other side.

"Like I've been hit by a car? No, seriously everything hurts" He answers so I lean forward to press the button that calls for a nurse.

"The doctor says you're going to be okay so that's good. You had a few broken ribs and internal bleeding but they stopped it" Lynn speaks up, letting him know how he's really doing.

A knock on the door averts my eyes from Brian's face. A nurse in a white uniform comes in and checks his vitals and gives him some more pain medicine so the pain isn't so obvious anymore.

"Now that I know you're going to be okay I'm going to go home and come back tomorrow, okay? Kerry, do you wanna stay here? Cause I can drop you off at home if you want?" Lynn says but I shake my head.

"I'm going to stay here and go home tomorrow when mom and dad arrive" I answer, "but thanks though" I give her a smile to show her that I appreciate the offer, but I don't think I can handle any more awkwardness. So, Lynn kisses Brian's head much to his dismay, says her goodbye and leaves Brian and I to it. I pull the chair from earlier closer to Brian now and sit down.

"I'm never going to let you out in public ever again, you know that right" I shake my head. How am I ever going to not panic when he's going out?

"As if you can stop me, you weigh as much as a piece of paper" Brian smiles, keeping in his laugh cause the pain medicine hasn't kicked in fully. A silence falls over us with a smile on my face, which turns serious when I think of what to say next.

"Brian?" I call his name and he hums in response, I look straight at him, my heart beating a million miles an hour.

"I'm gay"

[kottawrites]

Chapter 3: Lafayette

Ao3 // FF.net // Wattpad

Time seemed like it was going in slow motion recently for Thomas. Every day was blurring together as he went through his routine:

Get up. Go to Work. Sleep.

Sure there was eating and a few other mundane activities thrown in there and of course he bickered with Hamilton as usual.

But he was just so very bored.

He’d always had James around to break his day up and make him smile, but, unfortunately James was on Holiday right now visiting his family in England. Thomas would have gone as well but he did not have enough holiday days left over, Madison got more than him because he occasionally worked weekends.

It’d only been just over five days since James had gotten on his flight and at first Thomas had been glad of some ‘me-time’ (James didn’t like it when he listened to his music loudly or when he ate macaroni for every meal) but now, he missed his other half so much he could feel the consistent ache in his chest.

He understood that James was busy with his family and the time difference didn’t help but he missed him so much and the few Snapchats or Facebook messages he got each day only made him want more of his Jemmy.

It was Thursday, James was due to come home around lunch time on Saturday. Not much longer to go now, but it felt like an eternity.

Thomas had got no work done today at all. He’d sorted through some post, ended up reading some junk mail out of sheer boredom. He started at the words on his computer screen blankly, willing he information to go in his head but it just want happening.

He pushed his chair back from his desk and swung it gently from side to side as he frowned up at the ceiling. His office felt too stuffy and cramped today,and the picture of him and James on his desk was only making him feel worse- he needed to get out.

He got an hour for lunch. So he figured he might as well use it and take a walk to clear his head. He looked at his phone as was pleased to see a short and sweet text from James.

From: Jemmy-bean<3 Received: 11:45 Text: Going out for dinner with mom and dad now, don’t forget to have your lunch. Love you. Xx

To: Jemmy-bean<3 Sent: 11:46 Text: Just leaving now! Have fun, don’t drink too much wine ;) love you too!! xxxxxxx

James texted back a wine glass, blushing face and a heart Emoji.

Thomas felt his heart swell as his lips curled up in a warm smile as he texted back two kissing faces and sparkly hearts.

The loving feeling that had washed over him left almost as quick as it came. He locked his phone with a sigh and put it in his jacket pocket. He powered his computer down and left his office locking the door behind him (in-case Hamilton felt like pranking him today- he was not in the mood).

---

The weather had been so perfect recently, brilliant sunshine and a calming cool breeze. But Thomas hadn't felt the want to enjoy the season with out his other half.

He desperately wanted to stop feeling sorry for himself. He thought that maybe some caffeine would give him the little kick he needs.

He continued walking down the street and stopped outside a little cafe that looked pretty empty, this should do pretty nicely. He thought he’d buy the strongest most extravagant coffee he possibly could order- he needed to treat himself.

The tall lady wearing a pink apron behind the counter smiled at him “Hello, what can I get for you?”

Jefferson looked quickly at the menu behind her “Can I get a cheese and tomato panini and a latte- but can you put three espresso shots in the latte please? Oh, and some chocolate sprinkles on top if you can?” he flashed his usual charming smile.

“Sure thing.” She shrugged rung through the order “Take a seat, I’ll bring it over.”

“Thank you.” he nodded and then looked for a table. The cafe was basically empty, apart from a group of four sat at the back. The group looked oddly familiar but he couldn’t place it, then it stuck him as one member of the group stood up and called out to him. He’d recognize that voice anywhere.

He just could not escape Alexander goddamn Hamilton.

“I leave the office for once and you still find a way to annoy me” Jefferson replied as he took a seat at the furthest possible table away from them

He could see out of the corner of his eye Alexander try to go over to him only to be pulled back in to his seat by two of his other friends (he’d met them before, Hercules and John he thinks their names are?). Jefferson was left to himself for a little while, his latte and pennini had been brought over a while back. He aimlessly scrolled through social media, he’d watched James Instagram story about fifty times it felt like.

“You seem so very lonely mon ami.”

Thomas looked up in surprise, “Lafayette? What are you doing here?” Thomas was glad to see a friendly face- his cousin.

“As much as you dislike him, the petit lion over there is a good friend of mine.” He chuckled, pulling a seat up to sit with Thomas “I work at the same university as your James, it’s not far away- I thought you knew this?”

The fact had completely slipped Thomas’s mind “Of course!” he sipped at his latte, the heat from his drink feeling very comforting “how are you holding up these days?”

“Very well merci- but I feel we should be talking about yourself Thomas. James is away I take it? I’ve missed seeing him each morning on reception.”

“Yeah, he’s away visiting his parents in England.” Thomas looked down at his drink sadly “I- uh, I miss him a lot too.” he muttered.

Lafayette cocked his head to the side as he looked at his cousin with concern “You are lonely.” He reached out and places a tender hand on Thomas’s knee giving it a reassuring squeeze “Sitting around by yourself will not fix this. Come.” He gestured to his table of friends at the back “Being around some friendly faces will make you feel better.”

Thomas shook his head and put a hand up in polite denial “Thanks but-”

“No buts!” Lafayette winked as he stood up “If you still feel down after ten minutes with us, then you may return to your lonely table.”

Thomas rolled his eyes and gave in- perhaps he could make a few jokes at Alexanders expense, that would make him happier. “Okay, but let me grab another drink first.”

“I’ll save you a spot.” Lafayette grinned.

Thomas went back up to the counter, where the original waitress stood now with a much younger and smaller waitress who wore a yellow apron (they looked very similar). The taller lady smiled “Back for more already? Are you gonna become a part of their little group?”

“We’ll see2 Thomas shrugged “I’m giving them a ten minute trial run.”

The smaller waitress piped up “Your gonna love em’! they are sooo funny.”

“Little Peggy here spends more time talking to them than working sometimes.” the taller girl (Jefferson caught her name tag to read ‘Angelica’) nudged Peggy lightly on the shoulder. “Do you want the same drink again or do you not want do die of a caffeine overdose?”

“I’ll just get a smoothie this time if that's alright?”

“Sure thing!” Peggy chimed as she quickly set to work “I’ll bring it over to you guys!”

Thomas turned and began his walk toward the group at the back of the room, he felt a little bit nervous for some reason, he hadn't had proper social interaction for about a week.

Lafayette waved him over and down in to his seat a bit too enthusiastically, Thomas smiled politely.

---

Somehow, Thomas didn't find Alexander as infuriating as usual.

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Somehow, he ran over his lunch break because he’d been having such a good time chatting.

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Somehow, Thomas went home that day feeling re-energized.

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From: Jemmy-bean<3 Received: 18:00 Text: Dinner was really nice, you would have loved it- I will have to take you there some day. I’m just going to bed now (it's 11pm here!) Did you have a good day? Not long now till I’m heading home to you. Miss you and love you. Xx

To: Jemmy-bean<3 Sent: 18:05 Text: I’ll look forward to it ;) I hung out with Hamilton and his squad would you believe- and I had fun! I must be going crazy Jemmy… Can't wait to see you again. Its 6 here, I’m gonna order a pizza and watch a trashy rom-com. Sweet dreams, I love you so much xxxxxxxx

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After a day of being surrounded by the most excitable group of friends Jefferson had ever met, he felt happy in the peace and quiet of his own home again.