Chapter Text
Angelica was heading back to her room when she heard someone shouting her “name”. She turned toward the speaker who was one of her kinder classmates, Turner. He smiled at her.
“Are you going to the ball next week?”
“Ball?” She frowned. She was so busy in the last few weeks that she couldn't pay attention to any social talks.
“Yeah, you know, it's next week and everyone is going. All the pretty girls of New York will be there and there is free alcohol.” He winked. “You shouldn't miss it.”
“Thank you, Thomas, I will ask the others and we will see.” Turner nodded and turned to go.
Angelica wondered on her way back whether it was a good idea for her to go or not. Eliza would definitely be there, Peggy not yet as she was not of age. Their father wouldn't let Eliza go alone, so he probably was going to accompany her. Maybe he wouldn't recognize her? Seeing his daughter as a soldier was probably the last thing he would expect to see, it's not like he was going to keep an eye on them.
She stepped into her room and saw Hercules and John sitting on their respective beds, chatting excitedly.
“Hey. Do you guys go to the ball?”
“Yeah, actually we were just talking about it. Everyone who matters will be there, so we must go too.” Laurens laughed. “We should all go together, be each other's wingmen, if you know what I mean.”
Angelica did not know, but Alexander chose this moment to step into the room and she was saved from the embarrassment.
“Hey Alexander, we just decided to go to the ball next week. You coming, right?” Alexander looked a little lost and Angelica figured he forgot about the event, too. “Uhm, I need to finish my essays, I really don't think I have time for this-”
“Come on, Alexander, girls! When was the last time you talked to a girl, huh?” If you would only know, Angelica thought. “I heard the Schuyler sisters will be there, too!”
Alexander slightly grimaced at that, which was probably not the reaction Laurens expected. “Schuyler?”
“Yeah, they are pretty and rich. And there are three of them! Almost all of us can get one of them.” It was Angelica’s turn to grimace. He was talking about her and her sisters like a fancy accessory.
“Actually, the youngest one probably won’t be there, neither the oldest.”
“And the middle one is already taken.” Added Alexander, with a meaningful glance at Angelica.
“Oh. Well, there are other pretty girls in the sea, aren't there? So, Alexander, what do you say?” Alexander was still looking at Angelica when he answered.
“I wouldn't miss it. I want to meet the famous Eliza Schuyler.”
The ballroom was beautiful. Angelica didn't even realize how she missed dressing up and dancing until she saw several girls doing just that. She looked at her own attire, her nicer uniform, and she felt naked all of the sudden. She wished she could turn back into Angelica Schuyler for a night.
“Are you okay?” Alexander asked beside her. He looked truly concerned.
“I am, don't worry.”
“Angel!” They looked toward the new voice that belonged to Eliza. She and Angelica agreed to play their part in front of Alexander. “I missed you.”
That part was true, of course. They didn't see each other in month.
“Miss Schuyler.” Angelica kissed her sister's hand, and they both almost burst out laughing. Alexander didn't look too happy though, he awkwardly stood off to the side, and he seemed determined not to look at the pair. “Eliza, let me introduce you to my friend, Alexander Hamilton. Alexander, this is Elizabeth Schuyler.”
Alexander forced a small smile on his face and kissed Eliza’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Schuyler. I heard a great deal about you.”
“Nice to meet you, too, Mr. Hamilton. I also heard about you a lot. Angel is very fond of you.” Eliza smiled mischievously as Alexander blushed a little.
“If you would excuse us, Alexander, we have a lot to catch up on. Eliza, would you come with me to the garden?”
“Of course. It was great to meet you, Alexander.”
“Oh my goodness, he is so gone for you!” Eliza giggled when they got out of earshot. “I felt sorry for him.”
“He will be fine. I will tell him the truth tonight. Do you have the letter?” Eliza presented her the letter in question from her pockets.
“Are you nervous?”
“Yes, a little. What if he will be so angry he rejects me?”
“I think he will be relieved, Angelica. You have nothing to worry about.” Angelica smiled at her.
“Thank you, dear, but let's talk about you now.”
Alexander was intent on getting drunk. It was better than thinking about what was going on between Angel and Miss Schuyler in that garden. He had been… he had been so stupid. He really believed that Angel liked him in the way a man likes a woman. He wasn’t normal. Angel loved Eliza Schuyler. He didn't love Alexander.
He should find a woman. Angel was talking about Angelica Schuyler, right? He said he would talk to her on behalf of Alexander. Maybe it would work out. Angel, Angelica, not much difference. Except there was a huge freaking difference. Alexander wasn't in love with Angelica Schuyler.
His friends ignored him in favour of women, so he drank. A lot. He drank himself even more stupid than he already was. And he had an amazing idea. He walked to the garden, but had some difficulties with finding Angel and Eliza. When he finally spotted them, they were sitting by a huge, beautiful tree. Angel smiled warmly at a giggling Eliza, and Alexander felt helpless.
“Angel.”
“Alexander? Are you okay? You look drunk.” Angel stood up and walked closer to him, reaching out his arm to put a hand on his shoulder.
“I am drunk and I need to talk to you.” Angel looked hesitant for a moment, but Eliza quickly stood up and excused herself, leaving the two of them alone. Alexander felt like a dam had broken in him, the words just spilled from his mouth uncontrollably.
“I don't want you to marry Miss Schuyler. She is lovely, but I love you more. I am in love with you and I don't even care anymore that we are both men I just want to kiss you and call you mine and I want you to love me back-”
“Alexander.” Angel cupped his face and smiled at him encouragingly. “I promised you a letter from Angelica. Please read it now.” He gave the letter to Alexander who looked at the paper dumbly. “Just read it, okay? It will all make sense.”
Alexander hastily opened the letter and held it so the moon would give enough light to read the words.
Dear Mr. Hamilton,
My sister informed me that you are interested in my person. She said you were an intelligent, brave and loyal man who deserved my attention.
She didn't need to tell me any of this. I knew. After all, you are my best friend, Mr. Hamilton. You understand me like no one ever did, not even Eliza. You are smarter than me, but you are not suffocating. You are interested in what I have to say, and your eyes sparkle when you look at me.
You are going to achieve great things. There is a million things you haven't done, that's what you said to me once. You are unstoppable and the brightest thing I have ever seen. You are handsome and have the most beautiful, expressive eyes. I will never forget your eyes, not even on my deathbed.
You are the first one I reveal my secret to. I came to the academy to find myself and I also found you in the process. I am in love with you, Alexander Hamilton. Please forgive me for lying.
Forever Yours, Angelica Schuyler
Or as you know me, Angel Schaller
Alexander had been quiet for a while. Angelica was pretty sure he finished reading, and he was too shocked to react. The silence made her uncomfortable, though. She needed to fill the silence.
“Alexander, I am sorry for ly-” Alexander grabbed her by the waist and pulled her as close to himself as possible. “-ing.”
“I don't care.” He said simply and kissed her just. like. that.
Angelica was never kissed before, but this felt really, really good. Alexander was both gentle and insistent and she couldn't help but sigh into the kiss. Alexander made a desperate sounding noise at that and Angelica laughed, accidentally breaking the kiss. Alexander didn't let her go, though, he chased her lips with his and kissed her again. She tangled one of her hands in his wavy hair, and put the other around his middle. He was still holding her waist but his free hand cupped her face and stroked her cheekbone with a finger.
Their kiss was soon ruined by a not-so-discreet cough. They break apart to see Laurens and Mulligan grinning at them.
“Fucking finally, you were killing us.” Laurens commented and gave a dollar to Mulligan. At Alexander's and Angelica's questioning look, he just shrugged. “Hercules had more faith in you than me.”