Hamilton One Shots

Courage

Requested by: ruff1258

There was the sound of a spoon clinking a glass. The room that was filled with men, many of them exhausted from their long days, silenced almost immediately. At the front of the dining room, stood General Washington.

General Washington, a man of great respect and integrity, observed the group of men before him. He knew most of their faces individually and could name them. But there was one man he didn't recognize.

In the back of the crowd, looking shy but determined, was a man with his hair pulled unit a tight ponytail that held back his curls. As other men passed him, the General noticed how he attempted to make conversation, but never succeeded.

The General cleared his throat, keeping a steady gaze on the curious figure. "Today has been successful, gentlemen. We haven't much time until those men in redcoats try to invade us once again." Only a few could sense the quiver in his voice. "But we have plans and our dignity by our side. You are all dismissed."

The room seemed to make a sigh of relief, as many wandered hurriedly out. Washington strode over to the man in the corner, hoping he wasn't too intimidating.

When the man noticed him approaching, he straightened up, speaking in another language all at once. The General stood a few feet away, chuckling. "I don't believe we've met yet, young man." He stuck out his hand, only to be left hanging.

"J'emapelle Lafayette." To Washington's own relief, they finally shook hands.

"Is that a French name?" Although the General didn't expect it, Lafayette seemed slightly uncomfortable. Was there something he had said wrong?

Standing at attention, Lafayette nodded. "Yes, sir. I have been here for only a few months in this new land. They wish for me to be a Major General." He knew the General was a very prestigious man and he needed to maintain a decent impression with him.

Washington raised his eyebrows. Major General? To him, the man who could barely speak English, was not the choice for a General. "Do you know as to why they chose you?"

Lafayette blinked a few times. He sensed that the General was questioning him. And he certainly didn't like that feeling. "They believe my connections with France will help."

From outside the room, there were laughs of several wandering gentlemen. Washington felt himself grow distracted, but it only took the timid man's words to snap him out of it.

"Though I haven't yet had experience in battle, my courage is to help me?"

Courage. The General looked over at the man, trying not to smile. The thought of this man, who could barely speak English, fighting for his nation was motivating to him. If this man had so much courage and good connections, independence might be declared sooner than predicted.

"You'll be a wonderful addition, son."

Even though Washington had no idea what he just said, what it meant, Lafayette felt himself growing anxious. That was the first time he could remember being called son. He grew up without a father and it made his heart swell to hear the word again.

But he would never say that out loud.

"T-thank you."

"My pleasure. Shall we head out? I assume the sun has already set long ago." Although he seemed hesitant, Lafayette nodded before following the General. His heart pounded and he wiped his forehead anxiously. So far he was making a good impression on Washington.

They walked down the hall in silence, making their way to the front door. Washington was mostly thinking to himself. He found the gentleman next to him to be so intriguing and quite magnificent of what he knew.

If he had connections with France, that would guarantee them an alliance. That was just what Washington needed. And to have a bright, determined soldier helping would be even better.

"After you." Washington held the door open for him, but Lafayette refused politely. "After you, sir." It could have gone back and forth as long as they would've liked it to, but neither man was in the mood.

Nodding with all due respect to Lafayette, the General ducked out of the building. Outside, as he had predicted, the sun was long gone. A few men were jeering at one another's jokes in a small huddle near the staircase.

When they saw the General, with his proper outfit and attitude, they greeted him. "Hello, sir! Good evening!" Washington waved to them, without saying a word.

He turned back to Lafayette, who had shut the door and was standing at attention. Chuckling, he said, "Son, you can be at rest." He found it charming that Lafayette was so attentive.

Relaxing his chest and shoulders, Lafayette stepped up beside the General. He wasn't sure what was appropriate and wasn't, but he felt comfortable by the man's side. A gust of wind made him shiver.

"How are you old are you, if you don't mind my asking? There is a variety of ages on the force."

Clearing his throat, Lafayette murmured so only the General could hear, "Nineteen." He noticed the look of panic and surprise from the other man so he quickly continued. "I'm to be a year older in the coming month."

General Washington didn't reply. Everyday, there were so many young men applying to be in the war. It broke him in a way, to see men at such young ages being placed into battle. And many of them died early on, without any story left behind.

"I was your age when the duty of being a commander and soldier became a priority." He rubbed his hands together. The words had simply slipped out all at once.

Lafayette placed one hand to his own chest. It was clear to see that the General was a little sensitive on the subject.

Washington mumbled something before turning to the Frenchman. "But you have no worries, I can tell you are going to change the course of our future." He looked like he wanted to say more.

Not believing what he was hearing, Lafayette bowed to the General. "I-I have never been complimented that way."

The General chuckled. "Get used to it. You seem very intelligent, and I like men like that."

Stepping backwards down the stairs, he smiled, probably the only smile the General ever shed to anyone. "Well, it was a pleasure to meet you, Lafayette. Good evening!" He turned on his heel and headed down the steps.

The men at the bottom of the staircase that had been drinking, cheered as the General passed.

Lafayette stayed by the door for a few moments longer. Truly overwhelmed with all sorts of emotions, he tried to contain it all. The General seemed to be impressed with him. It made him feel accepted and for once in his life, welcomed.

Taking the steps two at a time, he bounded to where he was staying. The moon above cast a glow on him, outlining his features. Even though the walk back was long, Lafayette didn't mind. With the feeling of being in the moon's basking glow, he felt safe and alive.

And things at that moment seemed to be looking up for Lafayette.

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A/N: Thank you to ruff1258 for request! This one was really interesting to write. I did quite some research on the first time Washington & Lafayette met and I learned a lot. Currently working on three one shots, so those will be up soon as well, thank you for all the requests.