Corset in Congress (A Hamilton Genderbend)

Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Room Where it Happens

Burr's POV (obviously)

I spot Alexandra sitting by herself on a park bench, staring off into space. I approach her with a smile on my face and say, "Madam Secretary!"

She starts, before realizing it's only me. "Mr. Burr, sir," she says distractedly, a shadow still covering her eyes when when she looks up at me. 

Taking a seat beside her, I attempt to keep the conversation alive. "Have you heard the news about good old General Mercer?" I ask, and she shakes her head.  He was a good man, I reflect, and one of the best leaders anyone could ask for.

Alexandra's not biting. "No," she states, and I'm starting to get worried. Why is she silent? She's never quiet.

"You know Clermont Street?" Nod. "They renamed it after him. The Mercer legacy is secure." I say, hoping to provoke a response.

All she says is, "Sure."

Sighing, I take in the summer fields, tasting the excitement and energy that is alive in the city. Leaves and flowers and perfect blue skies put my  mind to ease almost immediately, and I feel my resolve strengthen. "And all he had to do was die," I say impulsively, recalling another hot day and another General, and wishing silently that I had it all that easy.

Finally she cracks a smile and says, with the same longing and just a touch of false righteous indignation, "Yeah, that's a lot less work!"

I poke her gently in the ribs. "We ought to give it a try," I tease, and am rewarded with her wonderful laugh, which lightens me even though she's laughing at me. Then it hits me that I haven't heard her laugh in what seems like years, and my mood becomes thoughtful and concerned.

Maybe Alexandra senses the shift in my emotions, and so she falls back into silence, but I'm determined to figure out what's bothering her. "So, how're you going to get your debt plan through?" I ask half a beat later, trying and failing not to sound like an interrogator.

She takes in a breath, and I lean in further, hanging on every word she says, for no particular reason. She laughs, "I guess I'm gonna finally have to listen to you!"

"Really?" I can't believe it! She's taking my advice? This is the best day of my life!

A magnificent smile spreads across her face, and then she says, "Talk less," making her voice go as deep as possible, making it ooze charisma and promises, "smile more!" She looks back at me, that smile still on her face, and all the air goes out of my lungs.

I manage to cough out something that sounds more like a medical symptom than a laugh, but Alexandra doesn't question it, which doesn't surprise me. Someone as high up and important as her doesn't have time to notice people like Aaron Burr, sir. You know what? Let's just mock him for being smart enough to know when to keep his head down. Let's make every second with him a constant reminder of how insignificant he is. That sounds like fun.

"Do whatever it takes to get my plan on the Congress floor," she finishes, proud of what she's just said. 

Turning to look at her, I say, "Now, Madison and Jefferson are merciless." 

Translation: I hope they tear you apart.

"Well," Alexandra shrugs it off, "hate the sin, love the sinner." 

Luckily for her health, Madison pokes his head around the door and yells across the field, "HAMILTON!" before lapsing into a coughing fit, muttering something about allergies, and "Stupid air!"

Apologetic, she looks at me. "I'm sorry, Burr, I've got to go," she says, patting me on the shoulder, and I feel like a jerk for the thoughts I was feeling. I don't want her to go, though, because I know something's not right with her.