The Lion And His Lioness

Cry Today, Smile Tomorrow; Time With the Kids

The Lion And His Lioness -- A Hamilton Fanfiction
Chapter 33 - Cry Today, Smile Tomorrow; Time With the Kids

Jefferson
"The issue on the table: France is on the verge of war with England," the President started as we all sat around in this battle - sorry, I meant meeting. "Do we provide aid and troops to our French allies or do we stay out of it? Remember, my decision on this matter is not subject to congressional approval. The only person you have to convince is me." He turned to me. "Secretary Jefferson, you have the floor, sir."

I smirked, looking towards Hamilton. "When we were on death's door, when we were needy," I started to make my point to the Cabinet. "We made a promise, we signed a treaty. We needed money and guns and half a chance. Who provided those funds?"

"France." James supplied for me. I smiled thankfully towards my friend.

"In return, they didn't ask for land. Only a promise that we'd lend a hand and stand with them if they fought against oppressors and revolution is messy but now is the time to stand. Stand with our brothers as they fight against tyranny. ("Yeah!") I know that Alexander Hamilton," I pointed towards the man on the opposite side of President Washington, "Is here and he would rather not have this debate; I'll remind you that he is not Secretary of State! He knows nothing of loyalty ("Nothing!"). Smells like new money, dresses like fake royalty. Desperate to rise above his station. Everything he does betrays the ideals of our nation!"

"Ooh!"

"Hey, and if ya don't know, now ya know, Mr. President."

"Thank you, Secretary Jefferson." The President thanked, allowing me to sit down. "Secretary Hamilton, your response."

"Let's go Ham!"

"You must be out of your Goddamn mind if you think the President is gonna bring the nation to the brink of meddling in the middle of a military mess. A game of chess, where France is Queen and Kingless. We signed a treaty with a king whose head is now in a basket. Would you like to take it out and ask it? "Should we honor our treaty, King Louis' head?" "Uh... do whatever you want, I'm super dead.""

"Enough, enough. Hamilton is right."

I'm sorry, what? Did I hear that right? Hamilton is right? Hamilton?!

"Mr. President-"

"We're too fragile to start another fight."

"But sir, do we not fight for freedom?"

"Sure, when the French figure out who's gonna lead 'em."

"The people are leading-"

"The people are rioting, there's a difference. Frankly, it'as a little disquieting you would let your ideals blind you to reality." Washington turned to Hamilton. "Hamilton."

"Sir."

"Draft a statement of neutrality." With that command given, the President left with everyone else but James, Hamilton and I.

"Did you forget Lafayette?" I asked Hamilton.

"What?" So he did, did he? Lafayette won't be happy about that.

"Have you an ounce of regret? You accumulate debt, you accumalet power. Yet in their hour of need, you forget."

"Lafayette's a smart man, he'll be fine. And before he was your friend, he was mine. If we try to fight in every revolution in the world, we never stop, where do we draw the line?"

"So quick-witted."

"Alas I admit it."

"I bet you were quite a lawyer."