We Can Forge Our Own Destiny

Chapter Seven: Training

"[Y/n], hey, wake up," my eyes flutter open to see Lafayette hovering over me. I look around our small tent in confusion.

     "Wha- Oh my god!" I sit up, remembering where I am. Lafayette smiles, then takes my hand. He pulls me out of bed, and I notice he's already wearing his uniform.

     "You'd better get dressed, mon ami. We're bound to be ordered off to training any minute now," as he speaks, Lafayette's dart around the tent. He seems anxious to leave soon. I rummage around my satchel for my uniform—which I had received yesterday after dinner.

     "Some privacy, please," I giggle as Lafayette covers his eyes with a pillow. Quickly, I change into the clothing, "The coast is clear!" I announce.

     "Great, let's see if we can find the others," Laf takes my hand and leads me out of our tent. I pull up my other hand over my eyes in response to the bright sunlight.

"Jesus. Has the sun always been this aggressive?" I mutter, trying to adjust to the light. As I fight to keep my eyes open, I feel a familiar hand touch my shoulder.

"[Y/n], are you excited for training today?" John asks me. I turn around to face him, thankful that my eyes are somewhat adjusted to the light.

"Yeah, I'm terrified but thrilled at the same time!" I sigh, looking around the camp. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Alexander. He's talking to General Washington, it seems really important. I already feel tired just watching their conversation. Alexander is so full of energy, sometimes just looking at him is exhausting. I can tell that I've been staring for too long, because John and Lafayette are starting to chuckle.

"[Y/n], is everything okay over there?" Lafayette smirks, slinging his arm around my shoulder. I feel my face tint red, so I try to push him off. It's no use, of course. I'm about two feet shorter than him, and have the strength of a goldfish.

"Leave me alone! I was just wondering what Alexander and Washington were talking about," I lie. Suddenly, I see Alex walking towards us. I fight the urge to run away, as I give Lafayette a dirty look.

"Hey guys!" He smiles, clearly in a good mood. His eyes seem brighter than usual, and his steps are light. I wonder, what was he talking about with the general?

     "Whoa, what's got you all giddy?" John laughs, mimicking Alex's huge smile. Before Alexander could answer, Charles Lee yanks my arm.

     "This way, boy. You're up first," He mutters to me, pulling me away from my friend group. Lafayette gives me a nervous thumbs up, and I flash a confused smile before looking over to Lee.

     "I'm up first for training?" I question cautiously, trying not to piss him off. Lee doesn't speak, simply nodding his head in response. I roll my eyes at his professionalism and pick up my pace.

     After walking for a few minutes, we reach the training field. There's boxes of bullets next to piles of muskets. On the far side of the field, I can make out targets stapled to old trees. Lee hands me a gun and raises an eyebrow, "Have you ever fired a gun before, boy?"

     "Once or twice, sir. Could you remind me of how it's done?" I carefully take the gun, and place my hands in what I think is the appropriate position.

     Apparently, it wasn't the right position, because Lee shakes his head and looks me in the eye, "God, you've got so much to learn." He scowls before picking up the gun and holding it.

     "See, your left hand goes here," Lee puts my left hand on the breech of the musket, wrapping my fingers around it tightly. I am uncomfortably aware of how close his body is to mine, and wish that this could just be over. Lee could easily discover my secret, or, worse.

     "There you go, now your right hand holds the trigger," I hold the trigger like he instructed, then fire it. My shot ends up terribly off target. Lee shakes his head in disapproval, "Well, keep practicing son,"

     Lee lets me go, then welcomes the next soldier to train. There are so many soldiers here, and the army can't afford to waste too much ammo in training, so each of us get one shot and then we're done. It's a terrible situation, but I hope I can at least help the revolution in some way. Although, I'm going to need a lot more training than this if I'm going to be any help.

{Timeskip}

     When I get back to my tent, it's somehow already time for lunch. You know what they say, time flies when you're anxious, I guess. Anyways, I followed the sound of the lunch bell and met up with my friends.

    "Lafayette, how was training?" I ask nonchalantly, not wanting to have to bring up my own horrible training session. He steps aside to let me stand in line with him before he answers; "It went well. Lee sure is annoying, though. Oh! John, tell [Y/n] what happened during your training!"

     "Well, not to brag, but I knocked down a tree!" He chuckles, beaming with pride. "It was an old tree," Alexander adds, unimpressed by John's story. I smile at them, realizing they were probably wanting to know how my training went.

     "Ha, that's pretty cool," I nod, trying to put off talking about my training. Although, my efforts were in vain, because Alexander is quick to ask.

     "So, how'd your training go?" He looks at me. By now John, Lafayette and Hercules have all gotten their food and are going to sit down. It's just me and Alex...

     "Oh, it was, alright? I guess, I don't know," I mutter shyly, longing for my lengthy hair that I could've hidden behind. Alexander smiles quizzically at me, "Let me guess, you had no idea what you were doing and missed the target completely?"

"Yep," I laugh awkwardly. Alexander's smile seems to brighten, "You know, I could teach you some tricks of the musket trade, if you want,"

"Oh really? Thanks so much, when can we start?" I nearly throw myself into his arms, I'm so happy. Now I can figure out how the hell you're supposed to shoot a gun!

"We'd have to train when there's no other men around, so," he pauses to smirk at me, "tonight?" I smile back at him, "Of course! I can't wait!" Just as we finish our little conversation, our meal is handed to us.

    
A/N ——————————————————————
Sorry this chapter is a bit shorter than the others, I've been really busy studying for midterms. I had to search up how to shoot a musket just for this chapter haha. Stay tuned, I've got a very *spicy* chapter planned for next time ;)