Fearless // Lafayette x Reader

15. She's Back in Town

The boat ride was a long and boring one, with nothing but endless ocean and sky of the same hue to keep her occupied throughout the journey. She talked to Herc a couple of times, in the rare moments when he was by himself, but he generally hung out more with the rest of the Sons of Liberty, who she didn't particularly like. Unlike the soldiers back at the camp, they seemed to firmly believe that a woman's place was not in the Revolution, and generally ignored her or threw her dirty looks as she passed.

It was almost a way to get her ready for the treatment she'd receive in Britain, except it would be a thousand times worse.

The ship finally docked in England with minimal problems on the way over. Was Laf in France yet? Probably not, but she couldn't help wondering.

As she carefully stepped off the dock into the landing area, she refused to look at the men getting off beside her. She and Herc had previously decided it would be best to act as though they weren't friends, so it wouldn't be suspicious for her to visit him for any "tailoring".

She scanned the crowd for any sign of a familiar face, friend or not. If she could just see past all the heads -

There.

She caught sight of those (E/C) eyes across the harbor.

When they looked back at her, they widened with excitement.

Yanking her bag behind her, she ran as fast as she could, weaving in and out of people, to reach him.

When they met, she practically threw down her bags to jump into his arms.

He squeezed her tighter than she thought possible. When he set her down (he was almost foot taller than her) his face broke into an elated grin.

"(Y/N)!" He took her face in his hands, shaking his own head excitedly. "I was told you wouldn't be back for weeks, at least."

She laughed, leaning down to pick up her bag. "Oh? Then how come you were at the harbor now?"

"I got your letter." He put an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to him, both laughing. "Come on, baby sis. It's good to have you home."

~~~

It was a pity they didn't take any detours in getting to the cabins.

England was beautiful this time of year - any time, really. She would have asked to sightsee, just for the fun of it, if he hadn't been so intent on getting her back as quickly as possible. They were riding in a carriage much like the ones to the ball back in America, except it was more gilded and a bit fancier.

Thinking about the ball made her cheeks burn, so she quickly gazed out the window, acting enthralled with the scenery.

Henry seemed quite interested in America. She answered his questions about her time spent there, although with shortened versions of the real answers.

"What's Washington like?"

"He's smart, and an excellent leader, too. It will take a good deal of careful planning to beat him." Also, he's almost more like a father to me than our real dad was. I will help him win this war or die trying.

"How are the soldiers there? Have you made any friends?"

"The soldiers are smart, good shooters, and very kind. I did make a couple friends back there." They're my best friends in the whole world, and I'd give anything to be with them right about now. Also, I'm kind of dating one of them.