Our Little Secret ||Historical Lams Oneshots||

First Impressions

I stand in the General's tent, rocking back and forth on my feet. I blow a loose red curl out of my face as his eyes scan me. "You're absolutely sure about your decision?" he asks me after a moment. "Yes, sir," I reply, stopping my fidgeting. "I want to do everything I can to help free my country." General Washington cracks a small smile at me. "I like your enthusiasm," I blush. "Tilghman!" he calls. A man comes into the tent. "Yes, General?" he asks formally. "Fetch Lieutenant Colonel Laurens for me, will you?" the General requests. "Of course, sir." the man-Tilghman-responds. He hurries off.

I stand in a slightly awkward silence for a few minutes.

I hear a cough behind me and turn around. Tilghman has returned, accompanied by another man who nearly takes my breath away.

He's quite handsome, a tall and slim-mind you, not necessarily weak-figure. His blond hair is pulled back into a loose ponytail, and his intense light blue gaze is cast downwards. The setting sun behind him creates a halo of light around his form. I feel my heart lurch when he speaks. "You needed me, Your Honor?" he asked with a slight bow. His voice is smooth and musical, an almost alto tone. Color crawls uninvited into my face.

"Yes, Laurens, thank you for coming on such short notice," General Washington says, jerking me out of my romanticizing. "Alexander, I'd like you to meet Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens. John, this is Alexander Hamilton. You two will be sharing a tent, as I don't have any open ones at the moment. Is that alright with you?"

I couldn't believe my luck. "Yes, sir!" I say, a bit too quickly. The General chuckles. "Laurens?"

"Of course, sir," Laurens says, looking in my direction for the first time. "It would be my pleasure." I feel the blood rush back up my cheeks as he meets my eyes. I glance down so it's gone unnoticed. "Would you show Hamilton to your tent?" General Washington asks him. "Also, you're free to go, Tilghman. Thank you." He dismisses the man with a wave of his hand. Tilghman nods swiftly and heads off.

"Come with me, Hamilton," Laurens says. "Good day, General." The General nods in a farewell and I follow Laurens out of his tent.

"So, Laurens," I say, trying to start conversation. "It's a pleasure to meet you." I pick up my pace as he is a ways ahead of me. "The pleasure is all mine," he replies, slowing down. "And I must insist you call me John. Seeing as we will be bunking together for a time," I blush again, partly out of embarrassment. "Do you have a preference of what I shall call you?"

"Yours," I blurt out. I cover my face with my hands, realizing what I had said, my face most definitely a shade of crimson now. I notice John's ear tips turn pink. "I- I mean..." I fumble for words. "You c-can..."

"I would like to call you mine," he says with a smirk. He brushes his fingers lightly against mine, almost making me hide my face behind my uniform to hide the blush blossoming across my face. "But what shall I address you as in public?" Oh, right, I think with disappointment. Same-sex romances are illegal. I attempt to control my blush. "You can call me whatever you'd like. I don't really have a preference." I say, regaining some dignity.

"Alright then, Alex, we have arrived," John stopped at a tent towards the edge of camp-Thank God. I thought-and swept the flap open. "Make yourself at home." I grinned and set my bag on the single bed. Wait- single bed?

"John?" I asked. "There's only, uh, one bed."

"That might present a problem, won't it?" he replied. I thought it over for a moment. "I suppose I could sleep on the ground, or..." I added flirtatiously. "We could share," I made sure my intentions were clear. "If you are comfortable." I dared myself a peek at John. His face was flushed. "Y-yes, I would be c-comfortable with that..." he stuttered, his confidence from earlier seeming to diminish.

I smiled, satisfied, and proceeded to unpack my things. It wasn't much; just a few lengths of paper, two quills, an inkwell, and a couple changes of clothes.

"You have more writing materials than you do clothing." John observed, motioning towards my possessions.

"Well, writing is one of my passions," I told him. I yawned. "Anyway, it's been a long day, and I'm getting tired." I saw John stifle a yawn as well. "You don't mind if I change into my nightshirt here, do you?" he asked. I raised an eyebrow questioningly at him. "Of course not." I said. He smiled softly and pulled his blue jacket off. I tried not to stare as he unbuttoned his white flannel.

I attempted to avert my attention to organizing my things, but I found myself nearly gawking as he took his shirt off completely. Stop it, Alexander, I told myself, a blush rising up my face. You know this isn't allowed. Not only are you risking your life, but John's as well. Although I knew my stare was obvious, he pretended not to notice and pulled his nightshirt over his head.

After retrieving some self-control over my emotions, I changed into my sleeping garments as well. I undo the ribbon in my hair, letting my ginger curls fall freely around my face. That's when I notice John staring at me as well. I see him turn a light shade of red and look away. I climb into the bunk, pulling the thin sheets over my body. John tentatively lays down next to me.

"You know, you've made quite the first impression on me, John Laurens." I say, facing him. He gently reaches up and twists one of my curls around his finger.

"As have you, Alexander Hamilton. As have you."