Chapter Text
It was just like the last time Lin was at the Circle in the Square theater– opening night.
But this time, it was the end.
Just in Time's closing night, and somehow Lin had found his way here again. Some kind of a full circle event that no one asked for.
Jon was well, Jon.
It felt unreal, how Lin could feel his heart thrum in his chest– the same emotions spilling out just like they did all those months ago.
If Lin closed his eyes he could still see the starry eyed twenty-something-year-old yearning to become something. The glint in his eyes, still desperate as ever.
And a second later it was his King on stage, carrying himself with the same grace and pride; the same way he did every night a decade ago.
He was just absolutely mesmerising, Lin could watch him for hours. Every step he took across the stage and every note he hit, Lin was just in awe. His eyes were tearing up by the end of the show, emotions running high.
As the curtain call sequence started Jon walked down from the stage, holding his mic as he sang 'Dream Lover' in almost the same way he saw Jon in that tiny restaurant all those nights ago.
Lin was enthralled by the man in front of him, and when he lent his hand towards him for a dance, whispering Lin Manuel Miranda, dance with me please? away from the mic, a whisper that was only meant for the both of them to hear- all Lin could do was trust himself to take the outstretched hand.
It was the only thing he knew he had to do in that moment. The only thing that felt right.
Some day I don't know how
It had been so long since anyone held Lin like this, since Jon held him like this- soft, delicate, a perfect fit against his own body. The world dissipated around him, his focus on one thing only. On the way Jon was holding him in his arms, like Lin was the most precious thing in the room right now.
I hope he'll hear my plea
There were hundreds of people in the room that night watching and Jon was looking at him like he was the only one who mattered. Lin was so distracted by the man in front of him that his fingers almost slipped away from Jon's grip, who caught Lin just in time before he slipped from his grasp.
Some way I don't know how
He let himself get carried away by Jon, the taller man having Lin completely wrapped around his finger figuratively and literally as he twirled Lin to the fast beats. Let himself forget the cameras that were pointed towards them- that he was just another person in the crowd that Jon picked up every night.
He'll bring his love to me
He felt the familiar heat erupt in his chest again, as Jon settled his hands to the curve of Lin's waist, before dipping him without a warning- Lin's hands shooting up to Jon's neck to hold on.
Jon's touch lingered just a bit longer, before he steadied them both. The lights flashed a bright blue as his cue for the next set of the curtain call, Jon walked away with his toothy grin flashing across his face.
And what they just had was not enough.
It could never be enough for Lin.
But it was the only thing he could have now.
Lin posed the reasoning as if it would be for Jon's sake, "You've been doing eight shows a week for what, nine months now? It could be a great way to relax you know, instead of going away to a silent retreat for months this time", as if his selfish desire to have Jon with him for his new run in Hamilton was not what drove him into making such an impulsive decision.
And from Jon's reaction he seemed pretty convinced by it too.
"You won't catch me in another retreat, Lin. I think that I'm done with that for life" Jon giggled, a few seconds later he spoke again.
"Yeah" he breathed, sounding a little bit optimistic
"Yeah, I'll do it with you. I'll be your King George again."
And Lin was practically glowing at that, smiling from ear to ear. He tackled Jon into a hug, who immediately reciprocated it,
"Thank you." Lin whispered, letting out a long breath he'd been holding as he relaxed into Jon's arms.
A distinct voice– Alex maybe? called out to Jon from the other side of the room, beckoning him over for more pictures. Jon rushed out a yeah I'll be there before turning back to Lin,
"Jon, so the next time we see each other-"
"Will be at the Rodgers. Back to our studio apartment." Jon winked at him, and Lin giggled, feeling the heat rising in his cheeks.
"Yes. I could never forget."