Jonathan slipped through Lin’s punches, grunting and exhaling. Lin caught every second of it, how methodical Groff came to sparring.
Every time Jonathan punched him, Lin felt him holding back.
“Stop…” He grunted, giving Jon’s face a nice straight punch, “Going easy on me.”
“I don’t wanna mess up those pretty eyes of yours.” He said it almost effortlessly, as if he’s been conserving his energy. That made Lin’s eyes widen.
His breath hitched, which Jon definitely caught. He pounded, seeing his chance. Jab, jab, liver shot. It was so easy for him, Lin scowled.
Jonathan caught him, hands around his chest. “Look at you,” He unwrapped one of his boxing gloves (Lin marveled at his speed, but certainly didn’t show it), “How pathetic.”
Lin struggled, glaring without even looking at him, “You can’t even shoot a gun properly dumbass.”
He shrugged, turning Lin to face him, “But at the end of the day, don’t you think it’s more fun like this?” He got a grip of Lin’s chin, tilting it upwards, “Having you pinned underneath me?”
Lin squinted, “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“Boss?” Anthony immediately walked out, whistling, “Sorry…”
“Ramos,” Lin cleared his throat, smacking Jon’s hand away (all he did was laugh), “What is it?”
“Uh,” He stumbled on his words, unclear of the situation, “Mr. Lac and Kail are here, about last week's incident?”
Lin straightened his back, which Jonathan scoffed at (Groff already picked up on Lin’s antics. He could tell that whoever their names were, they were important, and meant business).
“Groff,” Lin called out to him, “I’ll introduce you to them.” His tone was automatically back to emotionless, which Jon hated.
He followed Lin up the staircase, sighing. He was still shirtless, which Lin certainly didn’t seem to mind, so he didn’t change anything about it. For all he cared, he’d put on a show.
He had already disposed of his gloves, and now had his hands stuffed in his pockets. He now had a new line of vision, with the way Lin taught him. He scanned everyone in the room. Next would normally be the exits, but they were in their territory. It would be unlikely if anything chaotic were to start, but then again, it’s Lin and him in the same room.
“So!” The taller of the two exclaimed, “Looks like Miranda finally found himself a toy.”
Lin flinched, realizing that this may have been a bad idea. He thought of his next response carefully. If he claimed Jonathan now, it would ruin his pride. His pride was his everything to him, but if he didn’t, things could go all sorts of sideways.
Kind of chortling, he says, “Yeah, mine.”
Lac laughed, his tone uneventful, “Alright, Tommy. So, who’s the new kid at school?”
Jon scowled, which seemed to be a common occurrence now, “Jonathan, Lin’s babysitter.”
Miranda tilted his head, anger already forming just below the surface, “Be quiet, Groff.” He sent him a glare, conveying that now was not the time.
“Lin?” Tommy inquired, “Not Miranda?”
He cursed under his breath, “Now isn’t the time to discuss this. Let’s fix any kinks in the plan, and move on. Jonathan,” Lin used his full name for effect, “Go back downstairs.”
Lac whined, almost mockingly, “Awe, we don’t get an introduction to the pretty boy? Y’know, it’s actually good you’ve got someone to keep you in line-”
“If you’re not going to move onto the matter at hand, gentlemen, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” Lin took note of how Jon moved closer to him, almost as if he felt a need to protect him. Of all people.
Tommy raised an eyebrow, and sighed. “Well. You prove a hard bargain. Pretty boy’s going to have to leave then.”
Jonathan immediately protested, but shut himself up. For all he cared, he hated Lin-Manuel. He didn’t need to be in his business. So. He exhaled, and turned around. One foot in front of the other, head down.
/
“What was that about?” Lin growled, slamming the door behind him, “You just made an unnecessary ruckus!”
“Just how we like it, no?” Jonathan replied, laying down on his bed.
“No,” He confirmed rather forcefully, “Not at all. Those are our partners, Jon. You really shouldn’t have been hostile. You’re lucky they-”
Jonathan’s head snapped towards him, “Be quiet,” Lin froze, recognizing that tone, “Fucking shut up already. If you’re not going to leave, I’ll do it for you.”
Lin scratched the back of his head, barely containing his anger (Jon knew. He didn’t care).
“What the hell is your problem?” Lin whispered.
“You,” He answered, turning around, “You and your fucking pretty ass mouth.”
Lin was gone before he could finish the sentence.
