An Adventure of a Lifetime (Nonbinary Version)

Drama During Downtime

(Ooh lookie I made an alliteration with ze title)

A few months of winter passed, and it was currently February of 1780. Despite our continuous skittishes with the British, all everyone talked about was the upcoming Winter's Ball this weekend.

Every now and then, a few young men would squeal when they received letters from their love interest back home, agreeing to be their date to the ball.

I, however, never receive any letters. Much to be expected, since no one knows me enough to write to me.

I've never really talked to anyone up until I met the guys, and they've become the people I spend most of my time with. I've learned so much about them in my time here, as we spend most nights before bed telling stories to take our minds off the events of the day.

When one of Washington's assistants called all the soldiers to come gather their letters from relatives, friends, or love interests, I just stayed put on my cot.

"Aren't you coming, Y/N?" John asked.

"We've already been over this, John. The only letters I get are from Eliza, and even those are less-than-often," I looked down in embarrassment.

I mean, I'm not upset with her. It's just a thing, you know?

John gestured to Alexander to pick up any of his letters, and the other boys exited the tent.

"Hey," John sat on a cot across from me. He folded his hands in his lap and leaned forward. "It doesn't matter whether you have anyone back in town or not. What matters is that you're here with us. We'll always be together through thick and thin."

That last "we" didn't sound like he was talking about the group anymore.

"Just enjoy your time here, and don't worry about what's going on back at home," he continued.

"Enjoy?" I raised an eyebrow. "Don't 'cha think that might be a little difficult with our situation?" I raised the pitch of my voice.

"Your point acknowledged," he looked upwards and nodded with pursed lips. "How about this: the Winter Ball is this weekend, y'know?" He ran a hand through his curly hair. "If you go with me, I'll make sure you enjoy yourself there for at least that day...." He sing-songed.

"So... you're asking me to the ball?"

"Why not?"

"Your point acknowledged," I mocked.

"I take that as a yes?"

"...What if someone already asked me?"

"Wait, who asked you?" He furrowed his eyebrows.

"Nobody did; I was just curious what you would say,"

He sighed in relief. "So, what will it be then?"

I paused for a moment before replying, "I'll think about it."

(*Insert 21 Chump Street reference*)

His face fell.

"You know what, John?"

"Hmmm?" He hummed anticipatingly.

"I've thought about it, and of course, I'd love to go to the ball with you."

His face spread into a wide grin, and we hugged it out.

He laughed and stood up, "Let's go find the others." I nodded.

He held out his hand and helped me up, and we exited the tent.

Well, only to find a group of three boys standing outside, clearly have been waiting there for a few minutes.

My face flushed in embarrassment.

"Our little Johnny grew up!" Hercules sniffled and wiped a fake tear off his face.

"Like they say, 'we're the most reliable around'!" Alexander laughed and high-fived his friend.

Who's going to tell him no one says that?

"Glad he could make you happy, chèrie," Laf whispered.

Awwwwww, chèrie is such a cute nickname.

I hugged him. He unexpectedly tickled my side, and I broke into a laughing fit.

The boys smiled at my cuteness.

"Awwwww, your laugh is très mignon," Lafayette gushed.

"Ooh, I haven't heard you say something French in a while, besides calling me chèrie, of course," I realized.

"You Americans must be rubbing off on me," he rolled his eyes.

His eyes lit up before he smirked and said, "Si tu m'aimes mieux comme ça, je peux continuer."

I stared at him.

Seriously?

"Laf," Alex warned.

"Wait, what? What did he say?" John furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

"Nothing," I sighed and walked to where they were serving food.

Maybe after we all relax and eat, everything will be chill. Food always makes me feel better, at least.

After a few feet of walking and realizing no one was following me, I turned back around and listened to their conversation.

Alexander and John were glaring up at the taller Lafayette, and a confused Hercules just stood to the side.

"It was just a joke," Laf said flatly to them.

"Alex, tell me what he said," John demanded.

"Uhh—" Alex said nervously.

John faced me and asked again, "Y/N, what did he say to you?"

Please don't get worked up over this.

I cleared my throat, "It's fine. It was just a joke, like he said. There was nothing to it," I rubbed my arm awkwardly. Lafayette stared anticipatingly.

"Can we go eat now?" I added quickly.

"Good idea, let's—" Alex was cut off.

"You're always doing this!" John pushed Laf back, although Laf barely flinched since he was taller and more built than John. "Look, man, I don't know what you said, but apparently it was bad enough that no one will tell me. Can't you say a single thing without making them uncomfortable?!"

"John, listen to me," I pulled his arm. "When I said 'nothing,' I meant it. I'll tell you more later, but right now, let's all just take a break and separate for a little while. You guys have been friends for a long time. Don't let something stupid like me get in between you. This war is hard enough without in-fighting. Let's just move along."

I pulled a concerned Alex and confused Hercules towards the food. It wasn't just an excuse to get away because I was sooooo hungry.