Alex's POV

"John"

This is it. I must have lost my mind. John Laurens was stading right in front fo me in my apartment! I shook my head trying to make sure my eyes weren't playing cruel mind games with me again.

He turned around.

He stared at my face and then he gave me a smile that just seemed so genuinely sweet with just the right touch of shyness that unexpected warmth rushed through me.

Although as sweet as his smile was I still couldn't believe he was there. I conviced myself I was dreaming. I haven't seen him in six months now. And I know it might not sound like a really long time but for me it felt like forever.

"What are you..." I did not to take a step foward or move a single muscle scared that he might disappear in a puff of smoke.

He seemed to notice my uneasyness because he walked towards me. His curls moving from side to side by each step he took.

"I'm sorry for coming here without telling you. I kind of wanted to surprise you...and judging by your face I guess I did" he giggled as his hands fidgeted with one of his curls. I figured he might be nervous too.

I had a thousand things I wanted to say but no words came out. A million feelings, a thousand thoughts, hundreds of memories, all for one person... It was overwhelming.

It was too much for my poor heart to take in. I didn't know what to say or how to even feel about this situation. Should I be happy? Or scared that I've gotten to the point I'm hallucinating. It looks like my body knew exactly what I wanted because without hesitation I threw my arms around his shoulders and hugged him tighly. Tears were welling up at the corner of my eyes. A wave of relief washing over me as I confirmed that this was not a dream. John was really here, between my arms.

It took him a few seconds but he hugged me back just as tight.

I closed my eyes to take in this moment to its fullest, scared this will be the last moment I'd have him like this. I rested my head top of shoulder. Don't call me a creep but damn I missed his scent so much.

We stayed like that for a few minutes.

A comfortable silence surrounding us. I felt all my worries and tension be pushed away as I melted into the hug.

But as much as I did not want it to end, I had to push him away.

"John... why are you doing here?" I asked, hoping he wouldn't misunderstand my question and get offended.

"I...had to see you. I've been missing you so freaking much Alex" John whispered as he lifted his hand to carress my cheek. "I miss your voice, your smile, your jokes, your hugs, your kisses, I miss my best friend...I'm so happy to see you." He said as he smiled sweetly.

His smile was one of happiness growing, much as a spring flower opens. I could see how it came from deep inside to light his eyes and spread into every part of him. A person smiles with more than their mouth, and I heard it in his voice, in the choice of his words and the way he relaxed. It was beautiful.

"I missed you too" I said, "It was hard being apart from you...not even knowing where you went.."

"I'm sorry" he apologized as he lowered his gaze to the floor.

"What?"

"I'm sorry for taking so long. I n3eded time to sort out my feelings.." His voice was breaking. "I...I was scared that if I came back right away and our relationship did not work then I'd really lose you forever. I never want to see you in my future as a stranger Alex. We've built so much together. I never wanna watch you walk by me as if we never met. It will literally kill me inside. I'm so scared of losing you. Althought we've made promises, I'm just scared that those promises won't mean much in the future. I don't know where we're heading. I'm worried... We started off as strangers and I'm really hoping that we don't end as strangers. I'd not only lose my lover but also my best friend.."

I took both of his hands and stared into his green eyes that were at the edge of shedding tears. I gave him an honest smile. "I've thought about it a lot too John.. . But, we simply can't abandon the ship every time we encounter a storm, real love is about weathering the terms of life together." My smile went from sincerity to one of sadness, "and even if this doesn't work...I promise our friendship will not be affected by it."

After what I said he let go of a big sigh in relief.

I chuckled.

He directed his gaze towards our interlocked hands. An instan grin spreading across his face. Drowing himself in his thoughts. I wish I could tell what was happening in his brain.

I took that opportunity to fully observe him.

If I had to describe the sight in front of me with one word I'd say 'adorable'. Those freckles decorating his face and neck made him seem like a galaxy of stars, just waiting to be explored and loved. His eyes were more than plain old green. They were the green the brings the earth back to life after an unforgiving cold. The green that revives grass from the harsh conditions of winter. The green that, even in the darkest times can be that light that shows you the way home. The beacon of hope in the dreariest of days. And there, in that moment. I knew the true answer. I had already found my home. For then, I had figured out. Home is wherever you can find it. And I found it in his embrace.

I brought my hand to lift his chin. We stared into each other's eyes for minutes. It felt like hours to be honest.

In the meantime I was having a civil war going on inside my head. I wanted to kiss him so bad, but maybe that'd scare him away. I don't want to ruin this before it even starts. But god his lips were so inviting.

Insecure I leaned closer. His breath hitting my lips sending shivers down my spine. The next thing I knew, he had slammed his lips to mine and nearly knocked all air from my lungs. Of course I gave in the kiss. He kissed me and the world fell away. It was slow and soft, comforting in ways that words would never be. My hand rested below his ear, my thumb caressing his cheek as our breaths mingled. He ran his fingers down my spine, pulling me closer until there was no space left between us and I could feel the beating of his heart against my chest.

We broke the kiss and I was brought back to reality.

"That was..."

"Amazing" I said finishing his sentence, "I'm so happy that you are back."

"Me too" he said.

"Uhm John... I am really sorry about what happened. I shouldn't have done..I-" before I could continue John placed his finger on my mouth.

"Shh. It's okay Alex... I forgive you. I want to let go of those negative emotions and move on the positive ones left. And... I should have told you about the letters between Lafayette and Hercules so it is partially my fault too" he went on

"Thank you John" I replied. "Oh by the way have you seen Lafayette or Hercules yet?"

"Not yet. But I hope I get to see them tomorrow."

"I bet they will be more than happy to see you. And the others too"

"I will meet with them as soon as I'm given the chance" he replied.

Then I took notice of the time. Noticing it was late.

"It is getting dark outside. Do you want to spend the night here?" I offered. As a city persom I can admit the city can be dangerous.

"Sure. Thank you Alex" he accepted my help.

John's eyes inspected the living room.

"This place is a mess" he said

"So it need amendments"

He chuckled "I'll help you out picking up this trash" he said as he bent over to pick up a handful of crumpled papers.

I did so as well but then stopped my actions. An impirtant quetion popping up on my brain, "Hey John. I've been wondering...How did you get in here? I mean I'm okay with it, but I'm pretty sure I locked the door before I left."

He scratched the back of his neck. "Oh About that... I kept the spare key you gave me when we were dating. So I just went in"

I nodded satusfied with his answer and went back to picking up the trash when John hugged me from behind. His action taking me by surprise.

"What is it John?" I asked curious.

He gave me a big smile. "Happy Birthday Alex"

I smiled and gave him a quick peck on the lips. "Thank you John" Then I smirked "no presents for me~?"

"I am the present" he said then he pointed to himself proudly.

I laughed, "I love my gift.. thank you."

"Actually, you shouldn't thank me" he added

I raised a brow, "What do you mean?"

"I am your present, to you, from everyone"

"Everyone?"

"Laff, Herc, Peggs, Angie, Eliza and Burr"

I tilted my head. Still not being able to figure out what he was trying to say.

"They called me."

"Oh" realization hitted me. That's why they kicked me out the Schyuler's place so early. "But we didn't know where you were...?"

"I was in South Carolina. That's why no one could get in touch with me. But they managed to find me anyway" he explained.

I should have known.. Sometimes I forget how powerful the Schyulers are "I tried everything to find you!...the Schyulers make it look so easily" I whinned.

John laughed. "I'm sorry."

"I can't believe they conviced you to come back when you didn't even want to see my face" I massaged my temples. Maybe Burr used his persuasive skills to talk him into in.

"That's not entirely true. I missed you so bad but I did not have the guts to see you. That call gave me the little push I needed"

I turned around and wrapped my arms around John. "Well I don't know how they did it but I'm just happy you are here!"

"Me too" he agreed "now let's get back to work or else we'll have to stay up all night cleaning this place!"

"Roger that"

Best Birthday ever.

Sorry for the short chapter. The lovey-dovey was too overwhelming for me haha. (I love it tho _ )

I'm thinking of adding another smut scene. What do you guys think? Pleease help me out because I'm not sure whether add it or not.

Thank you.

Over and out!