Alex and James shared a terrified look.

"Well?" Alex asked, his anxieties clear in his voice.

Thomas's expression softened. He smiled at the two of them lovingly. Then, slowly, he reached out and grabbed one of their hands.

"I choose James." He whispered, pulling his friend's hand up to place a gentle kiss on his knuckles.

"What?" James' throat started to burn as he stared at the beautiful man before him. He struggled to keep the emotion from his voice as he said, "You'd rather have me than the colors?"

"Of course, JemmyJames." Thomas said, brushing a stray tear off his cheek gently. They were still clutching hands tightly, and James couldn't stop smiling.

"Tom, I-" He looked away, still smiling, "I didn't ever think…"

"Shh, it's alright. I've got you now." Thomas mumbled as he pressed a soft kiss to James' hair.

Someone cleared their throat. They turned and saw Alexander's face. James' smile immediately fell. "Alex-"

"No. I'll- um." Alex cleared his throat again, unable to keep eye contact. "I'll leave you to it."

Thomas grabbed him before he could leave. Both of their worlds engulfed into color. Alex forced himself to look up into Thomas' eyes. He was, once again, trying to hide his hurt behind anger. But Thomas could see through it easily. Alex was devastated.

"And," Thomas said lowering his hand down to lace his fingers with Alex's, "I choose you, too."

Alexander frowned, thrown for a loop, "What?"

Thomas smiled, gently pressing their foreheads together. "Alex, I like you a lot." He then turned to James, who was watching with wide eyes, "James, you're the closest friend I've got."

Both of them were silent as he pulled both of their hands up to his lips. "And I think the three of us have a real good shot."

When neither of them said anything, and they just stared at each other in shock, Thomas' nerves skyrocketed. He thought this was the perfect solution. But it needed everyone's approval for it to work. As the silence grew, Thomas started talking to fill it.

"This is what I want." Thomas said, holding up their connected hands. "This. All of us. Together."

"But…" James said, a confused frown on his face.

"I don't understand." Alex was blinking rapidly, his gaze locked on their connected fingers. "You want both of us?"

Thomas smiled, "Yes."

Alexander and Madison stared at each other, neither one of them expecting this. They both agreed the other was allowed to have Thomas if he chose them. But what if they chose both?

"What are you thinking?" Alex asked, "Threesomes every night? Because I am not fucking Madison. No offense."

"I agree." James added, "I don't want Alexander, I want you."

Thomas quickly backtracked, "No, neither of you have to have sex with each other. I don't care if you two even hold hands. You just have to share this."

James looked to Alex, "Can you do that?"

"I don't know." Alex looked unsure. He bit his lower lip, his gaze falling down to the cluster of clasped ands in the middle of them.

He isn't sure who asked the next question. His mind was too busy racing.

"Are you willing to try?"

"...Yes."

Alex moved in immediately.

Thomas teased him relentlessly, "Eager, aren't we?"

"I'm just making sure you don't have a chance to change your mind." Alexander said as he stepped into Thomas' home.

Jefferson scoffed, "I would never."

"Like how you wouldn't ever sign for the bill to-"

"Okay, okay. That's different. That was for the country."

"I think you meant 'ruining the country'." Alex was arguing because his nerves were completely shot. He was excited and nervous and overjoyed and worried. He didn't actually care that much about the stupid bill. He just was trying to hold off on the reality of what was happening. He was moving in with Jefferson. To live with him. As boyfriends. As soulmates.

"Is this all your stuff, or is more coming?" Thomas asked, looking down the street before he closed the door.

"This is all." Alex said, looking down at the meager bag full of clothes and books in his hands. "I don't have a lot of stuff."

"Don't worry, baby. We'll fix that." Thomas said, walking away. "Anything you want, you can have. Just tell me and I'll buy it for you."

Alexander was rooted to his spot for a second, because of the easily dropped pet name. Because of the air of comfort and casualty Thomas brought to the room. Because this was now his.

Hamilton scrambled after Thomas, "I don't need your petty pity cash, Jefferson. And I don't want anything from you."

Thomas turned around, and smoothly pulled Hamilton flush against his chest. Color flowed around them as Thomas leaned forward even more, breathing the air that Hamilton suddenly couldn't, "Really? Because a little birdy told me you wanted this."

Hamilton practically beat him to it, throwing his arms around Thomas's neck and kissing him intently. His first kiss, he was tired of waiting. Thomas squeaked at the neediness of the kiss. He picked Hamilton up and carried him through the house easily. Their lips never lost touch. Color surrounded them as Jefferson laid Hamilton on the bed.

"Ugh, not this stupid thing." Hamilton grumbled. But his complaints quickly grew as dry as his mouth as Jefferson knelt above him and started shucking off his layers of clothing. Alex stared at his shirtless soulmate, swallowing deeply.

"Are you alright?" Thomas asked after a second, "We don't have to-"

"No, no, it's just-" Alex's face grew bright red. He quickly hid it behind his shaking hands. "You're just really pretty!"

Thomas couldn't stop giggling as he kissed Alexander senseless.

Work grew even more interesting. They were finally able to get shit done around the place. Hamilton was back to working himself ragged, until Thomas came by and forced him to rest.

"Um, Mr. Jefferson? Why is hamilton sleepin on you?" Someone once had the gall to ask him.

Without looking up from what he was reading, Thomas said, "Because fuck you, thats why."

No one asked again.

The cabinet meetings were just as difficult as always. But no one really knew how to react the first time Jefferson and Hamilton went toe to toe.

"Baby, this legislation is bullshit. I don't care if your pretty little mind made it. It's shit." Thomas said, waving the papers in his face.

"Dearest, I'm telling you, this addition to the constitution is a mandatory edit that would do good for our nation!" Hamilton said in the harshest loving tone Washington had ever heard.

"Darling, I love that bleeding heart of yours, but it's going to get you in trouble some day." Thomas sighed, "This legislation is a waste of taxpayer money. We simply don't need it."

Hamilton had grown quiet, his face slack, "Wait, what?"

"We don't need it." Thomas repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"No, you said…" Hamilton's cheeks were turning dark as he realized they were in a room full of their coworkers. "That you… about me- my…"

Thomas' eyes widened in realization. "I haven't said that yet?"

Hamilton silently shook his head.

Thomas' face grew deep grey as he mumbled, "Oops."

"This is so fucking weird." Someone said.

"This is adorable." James sighed as he watched Jefferson blush. He was currently the only one in the room who could see color, since he had his knee pressed up against Thomas' and he was loving the view.

"Your shampoo is green." Hamilton said softly as he poured some of it into his hand.

Thomas kept his voice just as quiet when he replied, "I never knew that before."

Alexander couldn't hold back his smile as he gently massaged the suds into Thomas' brown skin. He loved the sight of the mint bubbles popping against that strong chest.

The water sprayed around them, heating up their bodies and allowing a light mist to dance around them.

Jefferson pulled his hair back as he washed the shampoo through it. His curls hung lower with the weight of the water. His eyes tracked the pattern Hamilton traced across his skin. His hand suddenly stilled over Thomas's heart.

"What's wrong, darling?" Thomas asked, gently tilting Alex's chin up.

Alexander sounded small as he asked, "You still … like me, right?"

Thomas pressed a soft kiss against his wet lips. "Yes, my dear. I do."

Alex was shaking, despite the hot water around them, "But, but I messed up yesterday at work. You were so stressed and I-"

"Shh," Thomas whispered, cupping Hamilton's face in his hands, "I wasn't mad at you, Alexander. And even if I was, I'm not going to leave you over law. I know your political views are shit." He pressed a kiss to his nose, "And I love you anyway."

"You're the one with shitty views." Hamilton grumbled, but he seemed much more satisfied.

Jefferson gently turned him around and started to massage shampoo into his hair. "Actually, I have a pretty great view right here."

He slapped Alex's ass and laughed when the other man gasped.

"JEFFERSON!"

James was around all the time now. He didn't live with them. Not yet, at least. They were still taking things slow.

"We're moving at your pace, darling." Thomas whispered as he held Alex tightly with one arm and James with the other. Usually James just came by after work and then hung out until night. Then he would go home with no more than a peck on the cheek from Thomas. He seemed fine with the slow pace, understanding the importance of Alexander's comfort.

"Yeah, yeah." Alex said slowly, "I know. Just give me some more time to get used to the idea."

Some more time had come and gone.

They were in the kitchen, Thomas's hands were sliding around his hips as he slipped between his legs. Alexander purred as Thomas nosed at his neck.

"You two are disgusting." A voice deadpanned from across the room.

Thomas looked up, a bright smile on his face. Alex relished in the warmth that he didn't pull away.

"Jemmy! How's it going?" Thomas's hand was curling through Alex's hair, knowing that the rhythmic motions soothed him.

James shuffled his feet, a bit awkwardly. "The, um, carriage is outside. If you'd like to help me bring in my things?"

Before answering, Thomas pecked Alexander on the cheek and whispered, "You still okay with this?"

Alex wordlessly nodded. Jefferson wasn't convinced, "Darling, it has to be completely consensual. If you don't want this, you have to say something."

"No, no. I'm fine with this." Alex mumbled, unable to keep eye contact. He took a deep breath. "It's just… a big step."

"One that we're taking together." Thomas reminded him. He pulled Alex into a long, loving kiss that left Alexander swooning into Thomas' touch. Jefferson grinned down at his boy and then turned to James, "Happy to help!"

James smiled a bit awkwardly, but waited until Alex hopped off the counter and the two walked over to him. He slid his hand into Thomas' and relaxed at the brightening smile he got.

"There isn't much. I decided I would still keep my old home. It's family property, so I only brought what I could fit in a carriage." James said as he led them outside.

"That's fine. Jefferson has enough sht for the three of us." Hamilton said, "And then some."

"Hey!" Thomas said, glaring at Alex.

"Oh, yeah. He buys anything that looks breakable. Doesn't even matter if it matches." James agreed.

"It always matches!" Thomas's neck snapped to look at Madison.

Alex hummed, "I disagree."

Thomas pouted when both men laughed at his expense, "I hate you guys."

Despite his words, two seconds later he was sneaking kisses and longing glances.

That night, Thomas lay in between James and Alex. Both men were curled around his sides, and he stared at the ceiling while they slept. He could see the shades, they were no longer grey. Not with his boys near him.

Alexander mumbled in his sleep and shifted closer to Thomas. The Virginian brushed his fingers through his hair, smiling at the soft moan it brought forth.

James slept like the dead. The only way to tell there wasn't a corpse in his bed was by feeling the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest as he breathed.

Eventually, sleep overtook Thomas. But with two warm bodies pressed against him; he didn't seem to mind.

The first thing Thomas heard when he came home one evening was:

"FUCK!"

Which is always promising.

"What the shit, James!?"

"I said sit still."

"And I said that this won't fucking - owowowowowow!"

Thomas followed the two voices to his kitchen, where Alex was sitting at the table, in just his underwear, and James was kneeling in front of him.

"What's, uh, what's going on?" Thomas said, slowly stepping into the room.

James looked over his shoulder and sighed. "Baby has a sunburn."

Thomas looked at his soulmate's newly darkly grey body and couldn't help but burst out into laughter. "Jemmy, I've never had that issue in my life!"

"I know, me neither. It's the only illness I haven't gotten." James laughed, turning back to Hamilton, "I thought he was dying when he came home, screaming about how his skin hurt."

"My skin does hurt, you assholes!" Alexander hissed as James gently rubbed some more tea into his skin.

"I already had him take a cold bath. Now I'm rubbing tea on him." James explained, "I've been told it helps."

"That's my sweet tea!" Thomas complained as he strolled over to them.

"You can lick it off me." Alex waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

James and Thomas shared a glance and then simultaneously pressed a hand to Hamilton's skin.

"SHIT!" Hamilton immediately screamed, "BAD IDEA BAD IDEA! LET GO LET GO LET GO LET GO!"

The two southerners burst out into laughter, James had to set down the jug of tea he was holding as e wrapped his arms around his waist. Thomas accidentally pressed a hand to Hamilton's burned shoulder, which made the man yelp. Thomas pulled his hand away, but couldn't stop giggling at Alexander's grey face.

"YOU GUYS SUCK!"

James was going to rip out his hair. The other two had been fighting ever since they left work. About some new law Washington is pushing. Madison honestly couldn't care less. But he was starting to grind his teeth, the noise was too much.

He unlocked the door, stepped inside their home and turned around, blocking the way in.

"That stays out there." James said firmly. "You two fight at work all day. Not here. If you keep talking about politics, you sleep outside."

"But he's-" Thomas started, but was cut off by just a glare.

"Am I understood?" James said slowly, powerfully.

"Yeah."

"Yes."

Madison stepped aside and let them in, pleased with the silence. The two just glared at him and then each other for a long moment.

"It's getting late. Let's get supper started." James said, hanging up his coat.

Hamilton shook his head, "I'm not very hungry."

"You haven't had a proper meal since dinner last night." James said as he walked by, "You're eating, Alexander."

Alex turned to Jefferson and hissed, "Thanks for getting us a fuckin' wife, Tom."

Thomas spit right back, "We both need him and you know it."

Before Alex could reply, they heard a "Boys?" from the kitchen that would not be ignored.

"Coming!" Thomas called as he slipped his hand into Alexander's. Then his voice softened, so only Alex could hear the concern, "You okay?"

"Yeah, fine." Alex said quietly.

Thomas tucked a strand of hair behind his ear, "What's bothering you? Is it Jem?"

"No, he's… he's good for us." Alex said, looking away.

"Then what is it?"

Alex closed his eyes and whispered, "You're staying, right?"

"Alexander, I promise, I will not leave you." Thomas pressed a kiss to his forehead. Then to his nose. And his eyelids. And his cheek. "I crave you. No one else will take me away."

"Not even James?" Alex asked, his voice weak.

"Not even James. That's why he's here. So we all can be together." Thomas smiled softly, "Do you still want that?"

"Yes." Alex's shoulders slumped and he leaned against Thomas, "I just don't want you to go."

Thomas pulled Alexander into a tight hug. "I swear, I will never leave."

"YOU'RE LEAVING!?"

Thomas flinched. He and James were just discussing how to best tell Alex. They didn't realize he had walked into the room.

"Just for monticello for a week. I'll be right back, I swear." Thomas said, holding up his hands placatingly. "James will stay with you the whole time."

Alexander looked like he was about to cry, but was holding it back. His eyes darted between Thomas and James. They were in grayscale, and that just made the moment even more devastating.

Thomas must've realized, because he came running, arms open wide, to engulf him in a hug. He let Alex bury his face in his neck as he talked. "Don't worry, it's just for a week, and I'll be right back. They're doing renovations on my house and they need me to sign some paperwork. They won't accept anything but the homeowner's, so I have to go."

"I can come with you." Hamilton suggested.

"There's no time. I leave tonight. I had already told Washington I'd be gone. You still have to work." Thomas sounded genuinely apologetic. "I'm just going to sign the papers and check on the plantation. Then I'll be back before you know it."

He turned and gestured for James. The man stepped up to them, being allowed into the hug.

"I'll come back, I promise." Thomas kissed both of their heads and then pulled away. They both hug onto a hand until the very last second; each man soaking up as much of the colors as they can. "I have to go. I'll see you in a week."

He smiled and looked up at both of them, "I love you."

"I love you, too." Alex and James both said. Alex's was desperate, emotion barely being held back: scared. James' was comforting, a promise to protect and keep peace: caring. Thomas' heart tugged at both of them. He nodded and headed out the door, a bag in his hand.

The same way Alexander's father left.

Alex waited a full ten seconds before he started crying. He'd say that was a record, but he wasn't proud of it. James wrapped his arms around him and gently led him to the couch. They sat there for a while, leaning against each other.

"He's just going on business. It's unavoidable." James said, his thumbs willing Alex's tears away.

Alex shook his head, "I told you. I'm cursed. This is how he leaves me."

"Hey." James' voice was suddenly hard as he tilted Hamilton's head so he could look into his watery eyes. "Do you love him?"

"U-undoubtedly." Alex swallowed.

"Do you trust him?"

"Of course."

James' voice grew silky then. His grip relaxed and he pulled Hamilton to his chest, allowing the other man to take comfort in his warmth. His fingers found themselves in Alex's hair, calming the other man with each touch.

"Then trust that he'll come back."

The first day or two, nothing really happened. Alex was quiet and moody, but he didn't say anything else about Thomas never coming back. Instead he let himself be taken care of by James. The other man truly was a godsend. Strong, despite his sickly tendencies. And smart, too. The man knew how to cook, cure, or make just about anything. Alex could see why Thomas liked him.

The first night; James and Alex laid on opposite sides of the bed. They were turned away from each other, partially to imagine that Thomas was there, between them.

James was the one to cave first. "I'm never going to sleep like this."

Alexander rolled over and looked at him.

"I'm used to sleeping next to a warm body. Color Collecting. This is just-"

"Lonely." Alex finished for him.

James sighed softly and nodded. He hesitated, just slightly, but pulled his arm out invitingly. Alex didn't need to be told twice. They met in the middle. In Thomas' spot.

Alex threw an arm across James' chest and wrapped his leg around one of James'. Madison had an arm wrapped around Hamilton's back, supporting his weight. The other was was lazily brushing against Alex's beard.

The two sighed in relief as warmth and comfort washed over them. They were asleep in seconds.

"This is how I die." James groaned as he leaned over the toilet.

Hamilton sat next to him, rubbing his back, "Shh, no, no. You're alright. You'll be okay."

James sat up and weakly pushed him away, "You should be at work…"

"I sent a letter to Washington, explaining to him why we're both absent. I'll be here with you all day." Alexander smiled softly, using a damp cloth to wipe spit from James' mouth. "We'll work through this together."

James smiled weakly before quickly turning back to the toilet and vomiting up everything in his stomach. Worry gnawed inside Alex's chest as he brushed his fingers through James' short hair. Madison was shaking uncontrollably. He pulled away from the toilet again, his eyes dazed.

"I'm good." James mumbled as he swayed into Alex's personal space. The immigrant helped him to his feet, taking most of his weight.

Alex led him to the couch, setting him down carefully. As soon as Madison was out of his arms he started running around frantically. He grabbed a large quilt and wrapped the man up in it and then scrambled to the kitchen to grab a glass of water and some bread.

Hamilton sat himself down next to Madison on the couch and pulled him closer until the sick man was leaning against his chest. Alexander coaxed him to eat small pieces of bread with soft words.

"Yes, you're doing great." Alex whispered, his lips brushing against Madison's sweaty forehead, "Now water. Good boy."

James ate all of the bread and drank all of the water offered to him, and then the promptly fell asleep on Alex, exhausted beyond belief. Alex shifted them around until they were laying on the couch comfortably, James on top of him.

He stared at the grey room around him. It had become familiar, it had become his home. But there was something missing from it. Someone missing.

Alex tried to ignore the pain in his chest and remind himself that he wasn't being abandoned. Thomas was going to come back. He knew it.

James shifted, curling deeper into his chest. Alex smiled as he curled a hand around the back of James' neck. Jefferson would be an idiot to leave something this precious behind.

Thomas was back a day early. He sped up the process as quickly as possible, knowing that every second he spend away from his boys, the bigger their worry would grow. He didn't want to put them through that, so he forced the carriage driver to go as fast as the horses would carry them.

When they stopped outside his house, Thomas threw his money at the man, grabbed his bags, and ran to his door. He couldn't hide his excitement as his shaking hands fiddled with the keys. He missed Alexander and James and he really needed to see some colors.

When he opened the door quietly, he set down his things by the door. He couldn't hear anything and wondered if they were even home. It would suck if they decided to work late today, when he came home early. If they did, he could just make a big dinner for them.

He wandered through the house, not finding them. He hid his disappointment as he started for the kitchen. When he passed the living room, he stopped in his spots, his mouth hung open.

His boys were home, alright. They were sitting on the couch, their bodies half turned to each other. Alex was reaching for James in an aborted movement, his hand hanging frozen in the air. James had a hand on Alex's knee as he was leaning forward. Their lips were connected in a quiet, shy embrace. Thomas was witnessing something new, something yet to be explored. They chose this moment, in the safety of knowing that Jefferson wouldn't be home for another day or two, to test the waters of their growing relationship. Thomas couldn't see color at the moment, but he could tell by the shades of Alexander's skin that he was blushing furiously at the moment. James must feel the heat of it, because his lips were quirked slightly into a smile.

Alex was the one to pull away first, his head tilting down slightly as he took in a shaky breath. James smiled gently, coaxing the other man to look up at him. Alex leaned into his touch, nodding minutely. James' smile widened and he leaned in to steal another kiss. Thomas watched, unashamed, as their kisses grew from shy and hesitant to a low heat. James growled softly as he moved his mouth down to Alex's jaw.

Hamilton shifted his head to give him more room to work, a small whimper escaping his lips. His eyes fluttered open slowly. It was in that moment that he made eye contact with Thomas. His whole body froze, his eyes buldging out of their sockets.

James must've felt the change, because he pulled away, cautious and confused. He followed Alex's gaze and saw the man leaning against the doorframe.

"I-ITS NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!" Alex screamed, scrambling to pull away from James.

"My boys like each other!" Thomas teased, grinning like an idiot at their embarrassed expressions.

Alexander crossed his arms, looking away, "Shut the fuck up, Thomas."

It took five full seconds after he said that for them to realize what was happening. Thomas laughed as both men's gaze snapped to him, how they threw themselves off the couch like puppies, how they jumped into his awaiting arms, how happy tears rolled down their cheeks.

"Thomas!"

"Thomas!"

"We missed you, Thomas!"

"Never leave again, you piece of shit!"

Thomas peppered kisses to every piece of skin he could reach, pleased at the color all of them could see. He led his shaking boys back to the couch where they each climbed into his lap and held him close. He couldn't stop smiling at the happy tears in their eyes.

"Did we have any Color Madness while I was gone?" He asked them gently, his tone non-judging.

Alex and James looked at each other and shrugged.

"Not really." James said. "I mean, it wasn't exactly fun, but…"

"We had each other." Alex finished, taking James' hand in his own.

Thomas did not squeal like a little girl at their shy blushes. "You guys are so cuuuute!"

"S-shut up!"

"You're impossible."

"Je pense toujours à mes garçons." Jefferson whispered lovingly.

James was between them, they were all curled up in bed together, and the two started speaking quietly in French. Madison didn't know any French at all, so he silently traced patterns on Alex's thigh as he listened.

"Est-ce que tu m'aimes?" Alex asked quietly, his voice frail.

"Oui, bien sûr, mon amour." Jefferson leaned over James to kiss Alexander, who lit up excitedly.

He didn't sound as scared as he asked, "Est-ce que tu l'aimes?"

"Oui. Moi aussi, je l'aime." Thomas ran a hand through James' hair. He looked over to the other man and smiled. He had no idea what they were talking about, but it sounded nice.

Alex's voice was soft as he smiled at James and whispered, "Moi aussi, je pense."

"Tu penses?" Thomas sounded hopeful.

Alex pressed a kiss to James' shoulder. He blinked in slight confusion, and smiled at the two men around him. Alex blushed an adorable red and he looked away and mumbled, "Peut-être un petit peu."

Thomas laughed and kissed Alex again.

They were in a cabinet meeting. Alexander ground his teeth at whatever Madison was saying. They stood in front of each other as they debated the topic given to them. Alex's plan was the right one, he knew it. But Madison was being difficult, as always. And Thomas was told to stay out of this debate completely. It was harder to argue with James than it was with Jefferson, because Madison was always so calm. He was so confident in what he was saying that he didn't need to raise his voice; he didn't have to put up a fight, because in his eyes, there wasn't a fight at all. Which only led Alexander to look like a screaming child in the face of a rational adult. It infuriated Alex to no end.

"You're not listening to me!" Alex shouted as Madison simply crossed his arms. "If we expand west, we're pushing people out of their homes. People who have been here far longer than we have, mind you. And-"

"We are a growing nation with not enough space. We need more resources. Why not follow the French west?" Madison asked calmly.

Alex raised his voice, "Because it's wrong!"

"We don't know how far this land goes. What if there's plenty of space in the west for both the natives and us?" James looked around the room at the faces watching the debate. "There is a whole world out there, ready to be explored. Are we to ignore it for, what, morals?"

Call him a child, Alexander doesn't care, but the best thing in his mind was to push the other man violently. He reached out and shoved him as hard as he could. But as soon as his hands landed on Madison's chest, the words he was about to spit died in his mouth.

James' eyes locked with his as they both forgot how to breathe.

"What the…?" James asked, reaching forward and grabbing Alex's still outstretched arm. Did he imagine it? No.

Alex starred as James interlocked their hands. His fingers looked so pale next to that dark brown skin. His eyes darted up, and he lost control of his knees. His legs buckled under him, but James was quick to catch him. They both slid down the floor, never once letting go of one another.

Thomas jumped over the table and was by their sides in a millisecond. "Darlings? What's wrong? What happened? Are you hurt?"

The only way Alex knew he was crying was by the desperate way Thomas was wiping away his tears. James laughed, his own voice sounding choked up, as he knocked Jefferson's worried hands away gently. Thomas stared at them, a bit hurt and extraordinarily confused, when James took Alex's face in his hands and started crying, too. He was laughing as he cried, a strange combination, especially to see on the always calm-and-collected James Madison.

Alexander was clinging to Madison's coat, his eyes never leaving the other man's. "H-how is this possible?"

"I don't know!" James laughed, pulling Alex into a kiss. When they pulled apart, they looked to Thomas, who still had no idea what is going on.

"Ce garçon est mien!" Alex explained, excitement and joy obvious in his tone alone.

Thomas blinked rapidly for a second, and then he realized what Alex meant. He turned to James, "You see the colors?"

"Yes, yes, yes…" James whispered, holding Alex close.

Thomas stared at Alex, making sure he wasn't touching either of them as he clarified, "Et toi?"

"Oui, I see them, yes, oui." Alex repeated like a mantra.

Warmth and joy and disbelief and wonder all exploded out of Thomas in the form of tears. He wrapped his arms around his boys and cried with them as they all saw colors. Thomas was no longer the glue holding their weak relationship together.

Leave it to Alexander Hamilton to tell the universe to go fuck itself as he subconsciously chose his own soulmate. Because sometimes good things aren't just given to you. It takes time, patience, and trust. Sometimes, you have to earn them.

Washington spoke then, "We'll, uh, reconvene after a brief recess."

The cabinet slowly left the room, staring at the blubbering mess on the floor. Washington gave Jefferson an unreadable look, and left the three alone, closing the door after them.

After a long time, when they all calmed down, the three separated. But they didn't mind the greyness. Alex and James reached out and poked each other and smiled or giggled whenever they saw the colors.

"I wonder…" Alex said, looking pointedly at Thomas and James. The Virginians understood what he meant. The two shared a somewhat nervous look as Thomas slowly reached forward.

At Thomas's soft gasp, it was clear.

They all started crying again.

None of them ever had to deal with greyscale again. Whenever one of them was gone, the other two could just gravitate towards the other. Surprisingly, this didn't ever leave anyone feeling left out.

The three were inseparable. They only had eyes for each other and they let everyone know it. People said you could see them walking around uptown, enjoying the silence for a bit, before they disrupted it.

They became the couple that Alex always hated. The ones that would sit on the park benches and watch the sunsets. The ones that would openly praise the colors they saw. The ones that would never be seen without their soulmates.

Alexander cannot believe how lucky he got. Sometimes, he still thinks about how Jefferson could leave him any moment. Madison, too. Especially now that Thomas saw colors when he touched Madison. Nothing was really keeping them here. Why did they even like him? He was everything that they weren't.

Thomas and James could see this in his eyes. In his hesitancy to reach out. In the desperate way he clung to them. In his need to sleep between the two of them. In his self-deprecating jokes. But, mostly, they saw it in the quiet ways he asked for reassurances.

Well, the boys couldn't just let Alexander sulk in his own mind. They had to do something to let him know that they were his forever.

"You should do the honors." James told Thomas. "He was yours first."

Thomas shook his head, "It has to be both of us. He wouldn't understand if it's not."

James looked like he was about to argue, but Hamilton came into the room, and he quickly shut up. Alex shot them a confused, suspicious look. But they just smiled and pulled him into a group hug, so his anxieties would wash away.

James opposed this idea adamantly.

"That's all I have to say on the matter." Thomas said, fixing his shirt as he said so. He addressed the cabinet at large when he said, "Might as well see what my fiance has to say about the topic."

But when has Thomas ever listened to reason?

The political officials surrounding them shared confused looks. They glanced at each other, started whispering. James stood up, watching the president's reaction. So far, Washington's only tell was that his eyes narrowed, focusing in on whatever what was about to happen in front of him.

Alexander, however, was an oblivious child, as always, and started his debate. "Thomas, your points, as always, are completely biased and downright wrong. I know for a fact that-"

Thomas could see the exact moment that his words caught up to Alex. Because the man sputtered to a stop, staring at the two men before him. James pulled out the ring box from his pocket.

With practiced concurrence James and Thomas knelt down on their knees. James held up the box and Thomas opened it. The entire time, Alexander stared with unmistakable shock.

"Alexander Hamilton," Thomas said, unable to keep a smile from his lips.

"It would be our utmost honor," James continued, chuckling at the absurdity of the situation.

They said together, "If you would marry us."

Alexander wasn't even sure if this was real. He was staring at his boys, who were once again in gray scale (although they saw him in full color), as they awaited his answer. He glanced over to the president and was surprised to see an encouraging smile. Washington pointedly shot the kneeling men a look, and then back at Alexander; as if to say 'go to them'.

"I-" Alex breathed, he looked back to James and Thomas, who were starting to grow worried, "Yes. Yes, of course."

Thomas and James jumped up and ran to Alex, pulling him into a tight hug. They took turns kissing him as tears started welling up in Alex's eyes.

"I-is this real?" Alex asked, "Are you guys serious?"

"Yes, baby, we are." Thomas mumbled, slipping the ring onto Alex's finger. James held up Alex's hand and kissed the ring, looking into Alex's eyes the entire time.

"...I cannot provide for your lives." Alex whispered, a tear escaping from his eye, "I am a poor man, I-"

James brushed the tear away, "Shh, that's okay."

"Between JemmyJames and I, you'll never be poor again." Thomas promised, kissing Alex's blush.

It was at that moment that Washington cleared his throat. The boys looked up to him, embarrassed as he said, "This is very touching. Congratulations, son. But we do have a country to run."

"Sorry, sir." Alex said, offering an apologetic smile. "I had no idea."

"With all due respect, sir." James said, tucking some hair behind Alex's ear, "this is Jefferson's fault."

"WHAAAT?!"

James looked at the other man over their fiance. "I told you not to do it in front of the cabinet."

"Yeah, but we found out about the colors in front of the cabinet! It's symbolic!" Thomas argued.

James rolled his eyes, "You're supposed to actually do your job, Thomas. Not keep interrupting it."

"JemmyJames, I trusted you."

Alex looked up to them, "Uh, guys? The cabinet meeting?"

"Shh, baby, we're trying to argue, here; give us a second."

There's something different to life when you can see colors. You wouldn't expect this to be so, but it is.

When you can see the way the skyline lightens into a pale bluish-grey, hiding distant mountains behind a pleasant shade; well, there's a childish need to spread your legs and run to the tops of those mystical hills. When the only way you can tell how deep a body of water is, is by peering into the different shades of blue, there's a scientific inquisitivity that comes with diving into those cool depths. When you first experience the vastly varying shades of yellows, reds, and oranges in the dying leaves, it is certainly worth it to take a walk through the woods.

And when you can see colors, someone else will understand. Enjoy absorbing with a friend the colors of a sunset. Constantly express the beauty of that friend's eyes. Touch them; let that friend see what you see. It's certainly more humbling than it sounds. There's a deep joy in seeing the world around you, knowing that at least one other person can understand how you feel.

This is the ultimate gift of humanity.

Those who can see the colors are both happier and more blessed. They find comfort in the vibrant world around them;and when the colors fade to grey, they have no fear; because they know that they will return. Those who can't see the colors are both more focused and more distracted. They don't need to stop to watch the flowers bloom, because to them, it's just a grey bud turning into a grey plant. But, sometimes, when those thoughts keep them up at night, they reach out for someone that they know will one day be there, next to them; enjoying their slowing steps in order to look up at the luminous sky and fluffy, pure white clouds. What gorgeous colors are hidden there!

Now, for a long time, scientists couldn't tell why some could see what others couldn't. The sight would come and go; there one second and then flickering into grayscale the next. It was deemed looking into.

It was sometime around the sixteenth century that scientists and philosophers agreed that, upon testing couples, only those who were born to be together could see the colors of the world. If you were not meant to be with your partner, you wouldn't be able to experience what others could. But, with further exploration, the scientists discovered another factor.

You could only see the colors if your partner and you were meant to be together; connected by the strings of fate and the words of gods, but, there was a catch. The both of you could only see the colors, if you were touching each other. Once your skin brushed away from the other, so did the hues of the world.

It is reported that the couples in these experiments were desperate to stay touching. When the scientists segregated them; the couples did everything in their power to return to their partner. In some cases, they even resulted to using violence to get what they wanted.

These days, we call this emotional outbreak Color Madness. And the simplest cure is to hold the one that you love.

This is why, in my highest opinion, this need to search out your "soulmate", as a great sixteenth century writer dubbed, is not only valid, hopeful, and refined, but painfully necessary. Anyone who actively searches out the soulmate that will bring them color should be considered far more capable to produce educated cognitive thought that I ever was, or have yet to become.

To put it simply:

Jesus, I was wrong.

A. Ham, 38

Tell me what you think!