Chapter Text
Alex twisted around in the backseat of Angelica’s car to stare out the rear windshield. In the car behind them, James was driving and talking to Thomas in the passenger seat. Peggy and Maria were in the car too, but Alex couldn’t see them. He wasn’t really looking beyond the passenger seat though.
Alex had been sneaking looks at Thomas all day. He couldn’t help it when Thomas was wearing a t-shirt and sweatpants and glasses. When they’d all met early that morning at three to pack the cars, Alex had nearly dropped Eliza’s overstuffed duffel when he first caught sight of Thomas.
In three years of classes, Alex rarely saw Thomas so causally dressed, even during the long study nights they’d shared. He’d be a fool not to take advantage of every second of Thomas looking soft and calm and like he’d be so easy to cuddle.... It was a lot to take in.
Ten hours later, long into the drive from New York City, and Alex still hadn’t recovered.
“What are you doing?” asked Angelica from the driver’s seat, looking at Alexander through the rearview mirror.
"Double checking Peggy didn’t bail during that last gas stop; it must be hell being stuck in a car with Jefferson," responded Alex.
Angelica gave a small laugh. "I'm pretty sure Peggy will be fine as long as she gets to drool over Maria.”
Alex turned around so fast his seat-belt caught, the shoulder strap choking him. "I’m sorry, what?"
Eliza giggled as he uselessly yanked on the belt. Frustrated, he slammed the release button then shoved his upper body over the console separating the front seats. He was gaping at Angelica but she still didn't answer.
Without looking at him, she removed a hand from the steering wheel and tried to shove Alexander's face back. Undeterred, he swatted her hand away and turned to Eliza. "She's joking, right?"
"No," said Eliza, eyebrows drawing down in confusion. "Did you really not know?"
"How was I supposed to know if neither of you told me?"
"Alex, dear, there's nothing subtle about Peggy when she's got a crush."
Angelica snorted. "You're talking to the most oblivious man on the planet. Alex isn't even aware of his own crushes."
"Okay, I did nothing to deserve this attack.” Alex slumped back against his seat.
"Yeah, sure" said Angelica, "just put your seatbelt back on. I’m not having my spring break beach trip cut short after all this driving because you caused a car wreck on the interstate."
Eliza checked the Maps app on her phone. “We’re almost to the South Carolina border, then it should only be about two hours until we reach John’s house.”
Alex started to groan, but was cut off by Angelica turning up the volume on the speakers. Any complaints he had about how far away the Laurens’ family beach house was quickly drowned out by Eliza singing the Moana soundtrack.
___________________
“Never, ever again,” cried Angelica, getting out of the car and slamming her door shut. “Someone else is driving us home next week.”
“I didn’t think it was too bad,” said Hercules as he passed their car carrying a cooler up to the front porch. He, John, and Lafayette were already out of their car and working on bringing bags into the house.
“You had your boyfriends with you so you can’t complain. I, on the other hand, had Alex, who I’m pretty sure is still suffering from post-midterms sleep deprivation, and my sister, who has more Disney music on her iPod than any sane person should.”
Eliza shared a look with Alex as they got out of the car. “Yeah, I don’t think either of us is going to volunteer to drive home after those insults.”
“Or we could kick her out of the car?” Alex suggested, stretching out his limbs.
“Hey! It’s my car,” protested Angelica.
“Guess we’ll just have to tolerate your abuse then,” Eliza said with a smile, slowly backing away from the car and towards the house. “But I’m definitely not letting you pick your room first!”
Eliza darted for the front door, shoving past Hercules; Angelica immediately chased after her.
“I think the rooms are already assigned- ask John!” Hercules shouted after them. But the girls were already gone, and the only response was Angelica yelling about cheating followed by Eliza’s cackling.
Alex shook his ahead, amazed they had the energy after thirteen hours in the car. He was too exhausted and sore to care what room he ended up in.
A third car turned off the main road and started up the driveway. Not yet ready to deal with another sighting of a disturbingly causal Thomas, Alex grabbed the first bags he could reach and headed into the house.