Revolution (Hamilton)

Another battle

1782

"We have received word that the British are out for supplies. I want to fire on the British as they retreat" John storms into my tent. "John, you are supposed to be in bed" I groan, standing up from behind my desk. "I'm better. I feel great" John exclaims, walking over to me. "You were almost dying a few days ago Laurens. I don't believe you" I sigh, fixing my collar. "Feel my forehead, I promise I am not sick anymore" he argue, taking my hand and lifting it to his forehead. It feels cold and normal, but I am still not sure if I should let him go. If he is sick he is more likely to make bad decisions and fuck up the battle or even worse die. "Please, Debs" he pleads, giving me puppy dog eyes. "I know my battalion can win, they are very eager to fight for their freedom" he argues, taking my hand in his.

"Okay, but any sign that you are sick and you are coming back here" I order, John practically jumps in the air with that information. He walks over to the exit "Not so fast Laurens" I order, he turns around to look at me with confusion. "I am coming with you. I'll leave Green in charge" I order, writing a letter to Green, Washington and Alexander. "Deborah, you really don't need to" John tries to change my mind. " I am coming with you, whether you like it or not. It is my decision as your superior" I command him, picking the letters up and walking with him outside my tent. "See to it that these letters are delivered" I order to a messenger who takes the letters from me, he salutes to me and John and then runs off. "I can't believe you used your superior card" John sighs, walking over to his tent. "You better believe it, now come on. You gather your battalion, while I organize some things, meet you in an hour" I order, shaking his hand. I then walk off, organizing my affairs and gathering my weapons.

"Are you ready" I ask John. He nods mounting his horse. He turns around and yells something at his soldiers. "So any of them show any promise for higher functions" I ask him, gesturing to the men behind us. "Plenty of them, but you and I both know they won't get it" he bitterly responds, focusing on the path I front of him. His bright blue eyes, angry and anxious. "Well you never know. If a woman can get the rank of general, than surely someone who happens to have a darker skin colour can make his way up" I try to cheer him up, mad at myself that I

completely ruined his mood. "Everybody on the outside thinks you are a man, so I am not sure that is a valid argument" he grumpily responds. "You're right, sorry" I respond not wanting the whole evening. It's almost getting dark we should probably find a place to spend the night. Apparently John is thinking the exact same thing, because he points toward a plantation house on my right. "Should we spend the night there" he asks, his blond- brown hair looking quite beautiful in the sundown lights. "Yes, that will do just fine" I respond telling the brave men behind us to go to the big house.

I spend the rest of the evening in a room upstairs, going over strategies we might need and contemplating if this battle is reckless. I write a letter about my concerns to Alexander, but I know it is too late to back down now. John will be very angry with me and I would like to stay on someone's good side for longer than two weeks for a change. I can hear laughter coming from downstairs. Somehow the 'ladies of the night' always seem to find us, I don't know if it's the soldiers calling them somehow or if they find it out themselves. Someone knocks on the door, startling me out of my thoughts. "Come in" I call out, putting my signature under the letter to Alexander. "Hey Debs" John walks in, I keep my gaze on the paper, putting away the quill. I feel Johns hands on my shoulders, kneading the stressful knots that are gathered in my back away. I loudly exhale, trying to let the stress flow out of me.

"Do you think Alexander is taking good care of Shellton" I ask him, trying to picture the endearing turtle in my head. "He better or we will kick his ass" John chuckles, giving the back of my head a kiss. "Are you sure you want to go into this battle" I ask, putting my hand on top of his. "Yessss" he whispers slightly aggravated into my ear. I sigh, turning around to face him. He takes my chin in his hand "Don't worry, my fierce fighter. We will come out of this battle victorious. How could we not when we have you on our team" he tries to take my worry away. "Suck up" I mutter, giving him a quick kiss. "Now, how do you want to spend the rest of the night" John tries to seductively say. "Planning for tomorrow" I state, moving my head back towards my desk. He stops me by gently touching my skin and moving my head back, so I am looking into his blue eyes. "Aww, come on Deborah. This could be the last chance we ever have to do something like this" he smirks, giving my lips a kiss. "John, there are plenty of ladies down there who could entertain you like that" I sigh, my heart stinging a bit at the thought of him with other women, but I need to focus. "I don't want other women. I want you" John seriously states, putting his hand on my waist. I chuckle and shake my head, turning around to go back to my work. "Fine. I am going to go get us some drinks and then I am coming up here to help you" John says, quickly walking out of the room. "That really isn't necessary" I argue, turning around to see John gone and the door falling into it's lock. 5 minutes later he is back with a bottle of whiskey.