Chapter 9

The days following had been business as usual, work and service to the general. The quiet caused a false sense of security to settle over Hamilton, but the coming aftermath of that interaction was worse than he dared imagine. Burr had thankfully left him alone since the fight, but the lingering looks were not missed by the secretary. The army had moved their base two times before the shit hit the fan, in more ways than one. The first blow came when Washington decided to simply combine their living spaces, a single sheet as a barrier between them. His explanation being that it was more convenient as well as saving space for the settlement as a whole. The rise in interactions between the two, no matter how slight, caused Hamilton to need his body fully covered more than ever. He even took to carrying a spare neckerchief with him in case blood seeped through the first after a particularly aggressive night. Alex's position became less shocking for him as time went on, the run of the mill services he performed became background to what he was officially doing for the revolution. The horror and disgust he felt was just another part of himself, so he was able to compartmentalize until he had a spare moment for himself. His body was also more used to the abuse, causing the pain to be less severe, though still detrimental. A small reprieve he had was due to Lafayette, Laurens, and Mulligan being so busy with their own work that their time together was limited, and the further from the truth, the safer his friends were. However, there was no way to prepare for the damage that Burr would unintentionally wreak.

Aaron had been shaken from the encounter with Hamilton, the haunting image of the abused neck burned into his mind. Regardless of what the injured man warned, Burr couldn't leave the matter alone, it simply wasn't right. Burr spent weeks trying to determine what the best course of action would be. Should he simply wait for more information, or try to offer comfort to Alexander himself. However, if anyone could help the young man, or even find out more information of what had happened to him, it would be the man who oversaw them all, George Washington. There was no one more capable in Burr's mind, to help in this situation. After almost a month of deliberating, Aaron Burr, mind made up, headed to the general's office. Upon getting to the door, he paused, mustered up the resolve he had found, and knocked on the door.

"Come in." The steady voice of the commander rang out, prompting Burr to turn the handle and enter.

"Ah, Mr. Burr. What can I do for you today young man?" Washington raised his eyes to meet Aaron, a kind look on his face. Eyes making a quick sweep of the room, Aaron noted that Hamilton wasn't there, which made his mission all the easier.

"General, I wanted to bring some trouble to your attention." Burr addressed the commanding officer.

"What type of trouble, Burr?" At the question Burr swallowed any hesitation and continued on.

"I had an encounter with Hamilton a few weeks ago where it was revealed to me that he seems to have been repeatedly attacked. I apologize for not coming forward sooner, but I was unsure of how to proceed, I-"

"No, no, you've done the right thing. Thank you for telling me, I'll be sure to deal with this properly." Washington interrupted, a strange look flashing across his face. "I'll make sure that Alexander is alright."

"Thank you, General." Burr said, satisfied for the time being, turning and leaving the office. On his way back to his tent he crossed paths with Hamilton, who was running back with a stack of papers in the direction of the office. Unable to help himself, Burr leaned over and addressed the young man as he passed him. "You're welcome."

"What?" The young man had halted in his tracks, turning to look questioningly at Aaron.

"You're welcome, you'll see."

"I don't have time for your bullshit right now Burr, I have work to do." Hamilton growled, turning on his heel and resumed his sprint for Washington's office.

"You'll thank me later." Burr halfheartedly called after him.