An Adventure of a Lifetime (Nonbinary Version)

The Next Day

Since I didn't get into bed until around 3 am, it wasn't long before the sun came up.

I laid on my cot, waiting for the others to get up or for the bugle boy's horn to blow, which rarely happens.

Alexander woke up first and stretched.

"What time is it," he yawned. He scanned his surroundings to become aware of reality again.

"You're the one with the fancy pocket watch," I grumbled. Whatever time it was, I was still tired from my sleepless night and didn't want to be bothered.

"Well, here, check it," he threw the metal thing at me. It hit me on my shoulder, and I squealed in surprise.

"That hurt, Lexi. I hate you," I whined.

Nnnnn, why is my head pounding?

"Don't you dare call me 'Lexi.'"

"Nope, that's what you get, fool."

The other boys woke up due to our commotion. Like any normal person, they all complained it was too early for this. I agree; it's Lexi's fault.

"I'm hungry."

"You're always hungry, Herc."

"Don't give me that. I know you want food, too."

"Quite rude of you to assume."

"Oh, please do tell me if I'm wrong?"

Brat.

"Fine, I'm hungry," I gave him the satisfaction.

"Hey, what happened to you?" Laf looked at me.

"Oh gosh, he's right," John exclaimed.

"What do you mean?" I asked them.

"You look horrible. Your face."

I don't get it.

"Thanks," I responded flatly.

"No, really, Y/N. Are you feeling sick? Did you get enough sleep? Your face is extremely pale, and you just look exhausted overall," Alexander worried.

"When do we ever get enough sleep?" I laughed nervously. Then I sneezed. And sneezed again.

"I believe you have a... how you say? A cold, Y/N," Lafayette frowned.

"Hopefully, just that," Alexander said concerned.

Instantly my mind flashed back to the harsh winter at Valley Forge in 1778. Sixty tents full of dysentery, death, dying breaths. Dilettantes and deserters in the distance.

I shuddered. But the others probably thought it was from the weather.

John walked up to me and pressed the back of his palm to my forehead. I looked down in embarrassment, knowing what would happen next.

He quickly pulled his hand back, "You're burning up! How did this happen? We don't seem to have caught anything." He looked at the others, and they shook their heads.

"I guess you all are just tougher when it comes to the cold weather," I shrugged and looked away.

"Ha, yeah we are!" Herc laughed and slapped Laf's back.

We just all shook our heads at him. He wasn't fazed.

"Rest for all of today," John turned to me, "and hopefully, you can be better by tomorrow."

I sighed, knowing he was right. I needed to be better by tomorrow if I wanted to go to the ball.

"I'll go tell General Washington you won't be attending any activities or meetings today," Alex turned to leave the tent.

"Wait, no!" I begged. "Please don't tell him. He'll send me home!"

"Don't worry, I won't let that happen," Alex smiled.

"Thanks, Lexi," I smiled back.

The other boys bursted out laughing while Alexander grumbled.

"LEXI?! Oh boy, that's priceless!" They cried.

"Oh yeah? Just wait until I come up with nicknames for all of you," I smirked.

Just you wait.

After a moment, all of our laughter died down, and we did what we were assigned: The boys did their little jobs with the other soldiers for the day while I stayed and slept. I woke up a little before dinnertime feeling much better and refreshed and joined the others outside.

My friends were sitting around a campfire, playing a game of cards again. There's not much we can do around here to pass the time.

They looked up when they saw me walking towards them.

"Est-ce que tu te sens mieux maintenant?"

"Oui, ça va," I answered Laf.

"Good enough to still go to the ball tomorrow?" Alexander asked.

I nodded, "Yeah, yeah, I'll be fine."

"Hey, start over. I want to play!" I sat down to play with them.

"But I was just about to win!" Hercules whined.

"Doubt it," John scoffed.

"I'm offended!"

"Ladies, ladies, please," I said sarcastically.

"But we are not ladies?"

"It's an American saying, Laffy Taffy," I told him.

"Laffy Taffy?" The boys said.

"Mhmmm, your new nickname!" I squealed.

"Merci?" Oh gosh, he was sooooo confused. Those chocolate puppy eyes were too adorable.

I giggled in excitement. I was definitely feeling better.

We were able to squeeze in a few games before we had to go eat the *delicious* mystery stew provided by those assigned to hunt. John and Hercules did some of the hunting earlier today and assured me it was safe to eat even though I could see they were hesitant themselves.

Another night went undisturbed by the British enemy, and tomorrow the plans were kept to hold the Winter's Ball for the soldiers.

It was hard to sleep due to all the excitement, but eventually, I managed to fall into a deep slumber.

A/N: If you haven't heard the Valley Forge demo from the Hamilton mixtape, you should go listen! It's on Itunes or you can search it up on YouTube.

It's really emotional though, so try not to cry.

But if you do cry I won't judge...

K bye, love you guys! :p