Title: A Weekend in New York

Author: Camisha

E-mail: [email protected]

Rating: PG-13

Category: Jake/Hamilton

Disclaimer: I don’t own them, the WB does. But, quite frankly, I don’t think the WB deserves them if they’re having this much trouble deciding whether or not to renew YA!!

Spoilers: This takes place right after the season finale, during the break between sessions.

Summary: Hamilton visits Jake in New York.

Thanks: As always, my thanks to all those who’ve given me such positive feedback. You totally make these stories worth writing.

Feedback: Feedback is better than chocolate or ice cream.

Authors Note: I know that this story is ridiculously long, but I don’t want to submit things in parts because when I read stories that are in parts, the suspense kills me. So here is my very long story in its entirety.

Few people would ever accuse New York City of being boring. Yet after just a week in the city, Jake was very bored.

The first two days, when her mother had been home, had actually been kind of nice. The two of them had gone "school shopping." Of course, Jake wasn’t sure if she would be wearing any of the cute, feminine clothes they had purchased, but the two had had a wonderful time together buying them.

But now her mother was gone and she was all alone in their Manhattan apartment. She tried to fill her days, but they always seemed empty…without Hamilton. Not that she wouldn’t ever see him again, but would they ever be together like they had been before?

In the mornings, Jake would run in Central Park. She found it was easier to run dressed as a boy, with a sports bra compressing her bust and a light, loose sweatshirt and pants hiding her other curves and the slightness of her arms and legs. Most men ignored her looking this way and she felt much safer than she ever had before.

After her run, Jake would shower, eat breakfast, then sit down at the computer. She would write an e-mail to Hamilton and hack around a little. Even hacking, once something she reveled in, bored her rather quickly now.

Earlier in the week, she had gone out a couple of afternoons with some girlfriends from the private grade school she had attended in the city before she started going to boarding schools. The first time they had all met for coffee had started off wonderfully. She had told them all about her Rawley escapade and they had raved over her courage. They had laughed hysterically at all her stories about falling for Hamilton and Parent’s Day. But as they continued to talk, she began to realize that they really didn’t get it.

Sure, it had been hard hiding her feminine side, and they understood that. But they didn’t seem to understand how much fun it had been. How cool it had been to hang out with the guys: rowing crew, playing football, talking about which movie star was hottest.

When the conversation had turned to topics such as flirting, how to get guys, make-up and clothes, Jake found herself bored after a while. The girls didn’t get that she and Hamilton were friends, first and foremost, that they didn’t play dating games. Hell, the one date they had had almost broke them up. Her friends wanted to strategize, she just wanted to go home. After a couple of tries, she had given up on the girls.

Yet once Jake was home alone, all she could do was think. What had Finn seen and what was he going to do? Would she be able to go back to Rawley Boys? Did she want to go back to Rawley Boys? Could she go to Rawley Girls? Would she be happy there?

How did Hamilton factor in? Could she possibly give up all the time she and Hamilton had been able to spend together with her disguised as a boy? On the other hand, could their relationship continue to develop if they couldn’t show their feelings for each other in public? The questions were enough to drive a girl crazy.

After hours of trying unsuccessfully to distract herself from these thoughts, Jake’s favorite part of the day would finally roll around. She and Hamilton had a standing chat date at 9 p.m.

Today, Jake’s friend Susan had called at 8:55. She had been difficult to get rid of and now it was 9:05. Jake flew to her computer and fell into the chair.

hello? it already said on the screen.

hi, she typed, sorry i’m late. i got a phone call.

it’s okay, baby, i still love you.

Jake melted in her seat seeing those words on the screen.

i love you, too… munchie.

watch it…i’ve got big news. i talked to finn today…

Jake’s heart jumped into her throat.

*****

Hamilton had been keeping busy in the week since Jake left for New York. Now that he was actually attending Rawley Academy, his mother had asked him to help out giving tours to prospective students. It might almost have been fun except that everything at Rawley seemed to remind him of Jake now.

Like Jake, the question of whether or not she would be coming back to Rawley in a few weeks was never far from his thoughts. Unlike Jake, however, Hamilton knew that Finn was around campus and that he could approach Finn to find out what he saw and what he was planning on doing about it.

Only Hamilton wasn’t sure exactly how much Finn knew and he didn’t want to accidentally make the situation worse. If Finn only thought that Jake and Hamilton were gay, then Finn couldn’t get Jake kicked out and it was merely a matter convincing Finn not to tell Hamilton’s parents about the incident. If he knew Jake was Jacqueline, however, then there was a much bigger problem. Thus, without knowing what Finn thought, the situation would have to be handled very delicately.

In any case, Hamilton was going to New York to see Jake early tomorrow morning, with or without news about Finn. It was going to be a surprise. He realized that his whole surprise-I’m-moving-in-with-you move hadn’t worked out very well, but he had thought this one out and figured that since Jake had definitely invited him to visit her in New York, the surprise would be a good one.

Besides, she definitely thought he would be visiting some time in the next few weeks, since he had told her he was working on getting his parents to let him go. In truth, Hamilton had asked his mother if he could visit his "pal" Jake the very day Jake had ridden away from New Rawley on her motorcycle. His mother had promised that if he helped out during this first week with the prospectives, Hamilton could go to New York for the weekend while she and his father were attending an education conference in Boston.

Thinking things out like this and anticipating all possible reactions by Jake to anything he did was something Hamilton realized he had better start doing more often. Jake was a smart, strong, wonderful and complex girl, and he would be a fool to risk losing her. But he didn’t know how many screw-ups she would put up with, so he figured he’d better cut down.

He felt good about this surprise, though. He was planning to take romantic walks with Jake in Central Park, to take her to the top of the Empire State Building (she said she’d never been), to take her out to dinner and the theater, to watch the sunsets with her from the balcony of her apartment, to serve her breakfast in bed on a tray with a single red rose… and anything else romantic he could possibly think of. By the end of the weekend, he was sure that she, like him, would be willing to do anything so they could stay together.

That afternoon, Hamilton was giving another tour to a prospective student and his family when the group ran into Finn leaving his office.

"Finn…" Hamilton was taken aback. For all the time he’d spent thinking about it, he definitely didn’t feel prepared for this confrontation.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Fleming," Finn replied with characteristic calm. There was pregnant pause before Finn, glancing pointedly at the family standing behind Hamilton, asked, "Giving another tour?"

"Huh… oh, yes," Hamilton was startled out of his trance. Shit, where were his manners? "These are the Gilcrests. Andrew, here, is thinking about attending Rawley. Mr. and Mrs. Gilcrest, Andrew, this is Finn. He teaches English and coaches the crew team."

"It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Finn," Andrew blurted out after his mother elbowed him out of his shy silence.

"Just Finn," Finn corrected. "Do you like Shakespeare, Mr. Gilcrest?"

"Uh, yeah," Andrew replied nervously. "Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet…"

"Good movies, eh Mr. Gilcrest?" Finn smiled knowingly.

Andrew just stood there blushing.

"Well there’s a lot more to old William than Mel Gibson, Claire Daines and Leonardo DiCaprio. Shakespeare’s comedies, for example, are really quite remarkable… wouldn’t you say, Mr. Fleming?"

"Uh, yes, of course," Hamilton answered hesitantly. Where was Finn going with this one?

"They’re full of delightful twists," Finn continued, "women masquerading as boys and such. Having a character in disguise always reveals so much about all the other characters. It’s a shame they don’t use that device much in contemporary drama. I guess people today find the concept a bit…farfetched. But such themes probably play themselves out in real life more often than we imagine… Don’t you think, Mr. Fleming?"

"They probably do," Hamilton said slowly, carefully. "But I wonder how they all turn out?" Hamilton was holding his breath.

"Well," Finn looked Hamilton straight in the eye, "in time, all secrets reveal themselves. But if a man is smart, he keeps secrets to himself. It’s much more interesting to watch a drama unfold, than to be the one to spoil it."

Hamilton released the breath he’d been holding.

"Thanks," he said softly to Finn. He turned to the Gilcrests. "Well, I guess we should head upstairs so I can show you a typical dorm room. Nice talking with you, Finn."

"What a strange man," Mrs. Gilcrest muttered under her breath as the four walked away.

"He’s just eccentric, Sandra," Mr. Gilcrest countered. "Literary types usually are."

Hamilton didn’t hear them. His mind was racing. Finn knew everything, but he wasn’t going to tell! Jake could come back to Rawley Boys! He wanted to run all over the campus, shouting with joy.

Instead, he finished his tour, gave a few more and headed home for dinner with his parents. They were leaving for Boston tomorrow, and he was leaving for New York! Hamilton could hardly contain his excitement.

At 8:50, unable to wait a minute longer, Hamilton sat down at the computer and typed: hello?

Fifteen torturous minutes later, Jake returned his instant message.

*******

After Hamilton had typed out the entire encounter with Finn, Jake was stunned. Now that she knew she could actually return to Rawley Boys, she needed to figure out if that was really what she wanted.

OMG!!!!, she typed.

i know.

i have a lot to think about, hamilton. maybe i’ll sign off now.

"What does she mean ‘think’?" raged the voice inside Hamilton’s head. "What is there to think about?"

He had typed "WHAT" and was adding question marks and exclamation points, when reason returned. He quickly deleted what he had typed. He could suddenly see very clearly that he was on the verge of screwing things up with Jake again.

Ok, he typed, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

i love you, he added.

i love you, too. tomorrow.

Little did Jake know, they would actually be talking face to face tomorrow.

*******

The train ride to New York early the following morning gave Hamilton much needed time to think. Jake was uncertain about returning to Rawley Boys. So, he needed to convince her. This called for a change of strategy. As the train raced towards its destination, Hamilton formed a new plan.

*******

When Hamilton arrived at Jake’s building, the front desk attendant informed him that Ms. Pratt was out for her morning run. Hamilton sat in the lobby in a chair with a good view of the door and waited. He was surprised, ten minutes later, to see a very boyish looking Jake walk through the doors.

He leapt to his feet, drawing Jake’s attention. She did a double take, unwilling to believe her eyes.

"Hamilton!" she launched herself into his open arms and they hugged fiercely. Realizing she needed a lot more than hug, Jake broke the embrace and pulled Hamilton toward the waiting elevator.

"Let’s go upstairs."

Hamilton liked the sound of that. Not saying a word, he followed, staring at Jake, unable to get enough of the sight of her, especially with that wonderful smile on her face that he knew was just for him.

"I… I can’t believe you’re here," Jake said as she stepped into the elevator and pushed the button for the ninth floor. The doors closed behind them.

Neither one knew who moved first, but suddenly they were on top of each other, holding each other’s faces in their hands and kissing wildly. Hamilton backed Jake into the wall of the elevator and pressed his thigh between her legs. She moaned at the contact. Jake slid her hands around Hamilton’s neck, down his back and up under his shirt to run her hands over the smooth skin of his muscular back.

Both were trying futilely to press closer together when the elevator door opened, temporarily breaking the spell. Fortunately, there was no one standing in front of the open doors and they had actually reached the ninth floor.

As they walked down the hall, breathing heavily, it occurred to Jake that she was still very sweaty from her run.

"Oh God, Hamilton, I’m totally gross and sweaty," Jake said, unlocking the door. "Before we…um…continue, I’ve got to take a shower."

"Why don’t we just ‘continue’ in the shower," Hamilton suggested, flashing a sexy grin. "Just to save time, of course."

"You, Mr. Fleming, are a master of efficiency," said Jake slyly as she walked toward the bathroom shedding her clothing.

"I aim to please, ma’am." Hamilton followed, pulling his shirt over his head.

"I like the sound of that."

******

Standing completely naked under the hot spray of the master bathroom’s dual showerheads, Jake was feeling a bit self-conscious. She tried to cover some of her body with her arms.

Slowly, Hamilton reached out and took her hands, pulling them up to his mouth one at a time and kissing the palms. Then, still holding her hands away from her body, he slowly took in Jake’s nude figure. After a minute of careful study, which seemed like hours to Jake, she saw a grin of satisfaction spread across his face.

Hamilton wondered if she knew how incredible she was. He wanted to tell her, but couldn’t find the words.

"Wow," he said simply.

Jake smiled shyly at the compliment, then began her own survey of Hamilton.

"Double wow," she said as she stepped forward to plant a soft, tender kiss on his lips, seeking to express the incredible closeness she felt at this moment. Hamilton understood.

Still nervous at the fact that only water separated them here, she stepped back and picked up the bottle of shower gel to wash herself. Hamilton reached out to take the bottle from her hand.

"Let me," he said gently, sensing her nervousness.

With a touch that was perfectly sensual yet undemanding, Hamilton washed Jake from head to toe. Jake returned the favor. When Hamilton stepped out of the shower and began to dry himself with one of the towels, Jake reached out and took the towel from his hand.

"Let me." After Jake had dried him, Hamilton returned the favor.

*******

Wearing just their towels, Jake and Hamilton lay together on Jake’s bed.

"So this was a good surprise?" Hamilton asked.

"This was definitely a good surprise."

"Good, ’cause there’s more. I’ve got a whole day planned."

"Ooh, I can’t wait," Jake jumped up from the bed. "What should I wear?"

"Boy clothes."

"You mean like the corset and everything?"

Hamilton nodded.

"Not into boys, huh? Completely heterosexual? I’m beginning to have my doubts, Hamilton…" Jake teased.

"Trust me, Jake," Hamilton said simply.

"With my very heart and soul," Jake replied sincerely. She smiled, "Now go get your bag from the living room and put some clothes on… Munchie."

Half an hour later, two boys hit the streets of New York.

*******

That night, Jake sat alone at a table in a pool hall in the Village. Hamilton was over at the juke box making a selection. Jake smiled as she thought back on the day. She couldn’t ever remember having as much fun.

To start with, Hamilton had taken her to the YMCA basketball courts for some one-on-one. The choice of activity had surprised Jake, especially since she knew Hamilton didn’t know how much she loved basketball. Much to Hamilton’s shock and chagrin, she had wiped the court with him.

"Hey," she had teased, "if you wanted an easy opponent, you should have found a girl to play with."

When Hamilton had had enough of basketball, they had left the Y and grabbed a couple of hot dogs from a street vendor for lunch. Next, Hamilton had led Jake to her favorite video arcade. Though she had spent hours a day there in the past, she hadn’t been to the arcade in over a year. Not too much had changed, however, and as they played Hamilton’s male ego had taken further beatings. Yet, seeing that Jake was truly enjoying herself, Hamilton hadn’t stopped smiling.

After dinner, Hamilton had taken Jake to this pool hall. Jake had to hand it to Hamilton, she wasn’t a bad pool player, but he was excellent.

"All that time hanging around the Rawley game rooms when I didn’t have anyone my own age to play with," he had explained.

Hamilton had obviously reveled in paying Jake back for the basketball and the arcade games. After losing several games, Jake had thrown up her hands in surrender.

"Alright, alright. I give. You da man," she had conceded, smiling broadly. "Let’s go sit down."

Hamilton had headed for the juke box while Jake found a table. There she now sat, gazing across the room at her gorgeous, thoughtful boyfriend. It hadn’t taken long for her to figure out what he was trying to do with this day’s activities. He was trying to convince her to return to boyhood and to Rawley Boys.

Well, she was convinced. She did enjoy hanging out with the guys at Rawley. Add to that the opportunity to spend time with this very, very special guy, and she knew she would never be able to stay away. Who cared if she had to hide her femininity and feminine interests? He was totally worth it. She wondered if she should tell Hamilton now that he had accomplished his goal or let him continue trying to persuade her in his not-so-subtle, but wonderful ways.

Just then, Hamilton returned to the table and pulled Jake to her feet.

"Let’s dance."

Jake slid her arms around Hamilton’s neck. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close as they began to sway together to the lively music. Mesmerized by the wonderful feeling of being in Hamilton’s arms after such a fabulous day spent together, Jake didn’t even notice the song he had selected until it was almost over.

…Oh you can take your time baby. I’m in no hurry. You know, I’m gonna get you. You don’t wanna hurt me. Baby, don’t worry. I’m not gonna let you. Let me tell you now, my love is strong enough to last when things are rough. It’s magic. You say that I waste my time, but I can’t get you off my mind. No, I can’t let go. ‘Cause I love you so. If you change your mind, I’m the first in line. Honey, I’m still free. Take a chance on me. If you need me, let me know, gonna be around. If you’ve got no place to go when you’re feeling down…

It was Abba’s "Take a Chance on Me". Jake started laughing into Hamilton’s shoulder.

"What?" asked Hamilton defensively.

"You," Jake laughed. "‘Take a Chance on Me,’ Hamilton? You’re too much."

"I was just trying to…" Hamilton started to explain.

"I know what you were trying to do today, Hamilton," Jake said tenderly.

"And…?"

"And it worked."

Hamilton squeezed her so tight she could barely breath.

"You mean you’ve decided to come back to Rawley Boys?"

"Yes. To tell you the truth, I decided I was coming back this morning, the minute I walked into my lobby and saw your handsome face…"

Before she could say another word, Hamilton’s hands were on her face and his lips were covering hers. As Jake lost herself in the kiss, she thanked her lucky stars for this boy.

Meanwhile, Hamilton was doing the exact same thing.

THE END