Chapter 6: Kiss but Never Tell

December 5, 1780

After recounting every single battle she could think of, showing off her scar to Bennett and even promising that she'll show him how to fire a gun if she could and Ettie that she could ride the chestnut horse, it was time again to dress in corsets and dresses. She opened her wardrobe to see all the whalebone clothing and silk dresses still hanging there in the condition she left them in. Tying the laces with practiced fingers, she frowned when she noted that she had to tie a little tighter than she was used to. It appeared she still had weight she needed to regain.

"There's someone at the door for you, Genny!" Ettie yelled and Genevieve opened the door from her room after looking at the box under her bed. It was still untouched and opened, gathering dust. Smoothing out the simple green dress, she walked down the hall.

"Coming," she replied and descended the steps. Glancing at her sleeve that only hid half of her scar, she tugged at it uselessly in case it was one of her father's clients. As she landed on the last step, someone tackled into her and she yelped. Looking into mirthful eyes, she realized who it was and hugged Oliver back. "Ollie!"

"Genny!" He yelled in her ear and she winced. Her smile grew and she let out a relieved sigh. "Oh, Jesus, I thought you'd never come home." He murmured and he got off of her, pulling the brunette up and into his arms again. He looked older, handsome. A band was on his left hand and she gasped, taking it for a closer inspection. It was, as she had guessed, a wedding band. "You've changed,"

"Says you." She quipped playfully. "Who's the lucky lady?"

"She's beautiful, smart - we had our first child last year." He explained in brief and she felt warmth gather in his chest. The man was happy, eyes crinkling at the edges from smiling. "And you? Where have you been on your travels, young lady?"

.

"Father, I'm going out!" She announced and William poked his head from the tavern. He nodded and smiled. Finishing the loose side braid, she tied it up and slung it over her right shoulder. Grabbing her coin purse, she made sure it was an adequate amount in case she got hungry while she was out.

"Make sure you-"

"-wear my coat. I'm not nine anymore." she replied good naturedly. She did indeed grab a jacket and gloves. Pulling her jacket on, she shoved her hands into the gloves before opening the door. "I'll be back by dinner time - I'm just heading to the tailor's." She called out and Bennett poked his head from the tavern and gave a thumbs up. He hauled a heavy sack over his shoulder and wiped at his brow.

"Hercules? Then can you see if he finished with my tunic for the wedding?" He asked and she scrunched up her nose playfully at him.

"Of course. Get back to work, Bennett." She scolded and opened the door just as he did so. Snowflakes dotted the ground and she stepped out, feeling the soft flakes catch in her hair and land on her skin. Smiling at the weather, she checked up on the chestnut stallion who nickered when he saw her. Patting his nose softly, she made sure he was out of the snow under the awning at the side of her house. "Hey, boy," He nudged her shoulder with his muzzle. "I'll see you later, alright? Maybe Ettie'll visit after school."

He neighed excitedly and she grinned. With one final pat, she turned to the main street and went down to the square. Children ran around a fountain as patriots enjoyed the warmer beginnings of winter. The smile didn't fade as she walked along with other women and men bustling from shop to shop. Spotting the shop she was looking for, she pushed open the door and heard the bell chime above her to signal her arrival.

"John, you said you'd bring Alex-" Hercules Mulligan broke off his sentence and nearly dropped the fabric he was holding when he saw who was standing in the middle of his shop. "You - you are a ghost." He just managed to say.

"Hercules-"

"No, you know what?" He stalked around the counter and took her by the arms. Yelping when he tugged the waxy skin under her gloves, she tried to pull away. "You can't keep doing this to Lafayette, alright?" He roared in her face and she stared back at him blankly, "He is in love with you, and you are breaking him. He came to your home last night, looking for you because he couldn't wait to see you. You show up at the wrong times - you are a ghost. So either you leave my best friend the hell alone or you stay here for him."

Shook, she merely stared up into his dark eyes. She bit her tongue, wanting to confess but knowing she couldn't. "Hercules-"

"No! Get out. Unless you're here to apologize and stay, you are leaving-"

"Hercules," a new voice murmured tiredly and her mind, still reeling, realized who it was. The two of them looked at the staircase where Lafayette was standing. His clothing was dishevelled as if he had just woken up but his eyes were alert. "Enough."

"Lafayette, this woman-"

"-is here now and I want to see her. Please." Hercules made a grunting sound, glowering at the woman who didn't shake under his glare. She lifted her chin and stared back until he scoffed and turned away. He clapped the Frenchman on the back and they shared words before the tailor disappeared in the back. Genevieve watched them, pulling off her gloves deftly.

Once they finished, Lafayette kept his eyes to the wood grain. She felt a pang of guilt. He couldn't even look at her. "Laf…" she began quietly but he didn't move. "Lafayette," the brunette choked out, taking a few steps towards him until he was within arm's length.

"Ma chérie," his voice was low and hoarse. His mouth opened and closed until he raised his head. His dark eyes were murky with tears and her breath caught in her throat. Where words could not explain, actions did and she embraced him tightly. His arms stayed by his side as she pressed her cheek against his chest. His heart thudded against her ear and finally, arms wrapped around her waist and hands rested on her back. To be in his arms again set her aflame as they tightened around her. He pressed a kiss into her hair and it felt as if everything was as it should be.

There was no war looming over them, sweeping them both away to the same place yet unable to feel. Death was not around the corner as winter became frigid. Time would not rip them away from each other.

"Genevieve," he whispered her name softly and she squeezed his waist tightly. His chest rose and fell under her cheek and she timed her breaths with his. "Come with me to the wedding at least. Let me make every other man envious for one night - let me love you for one night." Raising her head, she stared into his wet eyes and a hand reached up to cup his jaw. He leaned into her touch, eyes closing as her thumb traced over the scar below his eye. His arms didn't falter around her and she inhaled his scent - of worn bed sheets and soap. Balancing on the balls of her feet, she fit her mouth to his, kissing him with all the passion she had bound up for so many months.

He immediately reciprocated, arms bringing her closer. Her mind was blissfully quiet, reminiscent of the muted snowy day just outside the windows. Lafayette pressed another starving kiss against her lips and she took a sharp intake of oxygen that stung her lungs but she didn't care. The pure euphoria of his plush mouth against hers; the way their bodies just fit; his hand tangled in her hair as his other held her tightly against him; it nearly caused her to melt into him. Warmth pooled in her stomach as he finally pulled her away, leaving her defenseless.

She'd never know where he learned to kiss the way he did her. Pressing their foreheads together, they tried to regain their breaths. "Always," she promised and he kissed her again.

December 10, 1780

Lafayette was reading a letter from Rochambeau as she poured over his infinite collection of books in his apartment. Ollie's daughter giggled and Genevieve bounced the baby in her arms. It took little convincing to have her take care of the one-year old. Ollie had to work at the tavern while his wife was under the weather which left Genevieve, who's schedule was freer than America, to take care of little Theresa.

Cradling her in one arm, Genevieve used her other hand to keep the baby occupied. Offering her index finger, she allowed the infant to clasp a small fist around it. When she was sure that Theresa wouldn't throw a fit, she began to continue to scan over the many indexes in Lafayette's apartment. After their moment in the tailor shop, he had introduced her to the flat he kept in Albany. It was small, quaint and obviously unused but he had kept many books for his own amusement.

"Merde," He exclaimed and she looked over his shoulder to the couch where he had a hand to his forehead.

"There's a baby in the room." She quipped with a glance over her shoulder and he looked up, a sheepish smile on his face. His expression radiated excitement however and she added, "What happened?" Turning around and sitting beside him, she settled the baby in her lap. He glanced at the babbling child, eyes tender before showing the scrawl of French pouring down the page to her. His fingers laced together with her own and she sent him a look. "What has happened?" She repeated firmly. He pulled away the letter when Theresa bounced on Genevieve's lap, demanding attention. The baby cooed and sucked in her bottom lip. Smiling fondly, she kissed the baby's forehead.

"Hey, baby," she murmured before regarding Lafayette. He seemed entranced by the image of the two girls together and didn't snap out of it until she squeezed his hand.

"Uh," he cleared his throat, "er, Rochambeau has secured a voyage to America. We are to have reinforcements here by next week - 6,000 soldiers, weapons and food." Her mouth dropped open and she gave him a one-armed hug. Theresa crawled over into Lafayette's lap, clapping her hands haphazardly. The Frenchman scooped her up under the arms and suspended the baby. Theresa let out a shriek of joy and Genevieve beamed at the image of him with a child. "C'est fantastique!"

Trying to focus, she remembered the news. Rochambeau, supplies in the winter, right. She mused. As a soldier, that meant supplies for the winter long after the stocks were out from Albany. She thanked whatever God was up there. She'd survive this winter, with faith.

"It is," she agreed as he re-read the letter again. "Lafayette," he looked up at her, excitement and life glowing from his very being as he smiled radiantly. He cuddled the baby close to him and the infant wrapped her chubby arms around his neck. "Have I ever told you that you are amazing?" The brunette didn't just mean about the French.

"You could tell me more," he teased and she kissed him chastely. "Is that all I get after my work?"

"Yes," she quipped, glancing at the time that was shown over the fireplace. "Oh, no. Is that really the time?"

"Where are you going?" He inquired, standing up with Theresa as she gathered her coat and gloves. Slipping them on over her long sleeves - she had taken to wearing them to cover her scar - she smiled at Lafayette. Leaning over the couch, she took the confused baby from his arms and began to layer coats and a scarf on her.

"I have to try on a dress for the wedding." She explained, "And no, you can't have a peek. It is a surprise. But this baby will because Ettie should be back from school by now, and I have to get her too."

"That is simply unfair." He complained, "You will look beautiful no matter what," he pouted, "Why can you not simply wear what you wore to the Winter's Ball?" The verdant-eyed woman shook her head and kept preparing to leave.

"Because I cannot wear something that'll take the eyes away from Eliza. It is her wedding," she scolded, "and that dress is something scandalous." the brunette saw the wicked glint in his eyes and tut-tutted.

"But in my eyes, ma belle, you will always be infinitely more beautiful." He swaggered up to her and she rolled her eyes. Transferring the baby into one arm, she tried to open the door.

"Laf!" He took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing her knuckles. Her fingers curled over his hand and she smiled fondly. "I have to go. The sooner I leave, the sooner I'm back." She reasoned and he straightened up with a dramatic sigh.

"Fine. But you must return." He ordered and she laughed, shaking her head in amusement.

"Of course. Au revoir," with the swish of her skirts, she was gone and the Frenchman was left alone again. He breathed in and out, the imprint she left on him still on the forefront of his mind. Settling down on the couch, he looked out the window where snow was falling. It was not rational or smart or even something he believed to be real. This woman he had fallen so quickly in love with who disappeared and reappeared on a whim, who seemed smarter than she let on and harbored secrets in her heart he wished to know, was something of an enigma.

There were no words to describe how he felt for her and how she was with children, but there were words to describe how he felt about her disappearances. And it was anger, hurt, maybe even betrayal. When he had first seen her in Hercules' shop, he could not bare to look at her. He had given her his heart and she had stolen it without a single glance back. Then again, she had warned him. "You have not fallen in love with me," she had whispered, "just who you imagine me to be. But, perhaps, if Fate gives us another chance…" She had given him an out he had chosen not to take.

But could she not trust him? A man - a man who spent many restless nights and waking days loving and wondering about her and a man he was sure received the same affection he held for her - with the very secret that caused her vanishing acts? There were so many things he had to say - wanted to say - and he decided to take a trip out up to the Schuyler Mansion. Perhaps the soon-to-be newlyweds would help him.

.

"Lafayette. The wedding isn't until next week." Alexander teased instead of greeting him. John Laurens was by his side and the freckled man smiled at him from where the two stood at the bottom of a staircase. "Is there news from France?" Lafayette approached them immediately, dusting off any snow on his shoulders.

"Rochambeau has wrote back," he affirmed, "with a promise of 6,000 soldiers." Alexander smirked and John's lips stretched into a wide grin. "He should be here after your wedding."

"That's good," the Caribbean-born man then realized that there was something else to say. "There is something else on your mind other than the war." Blushing, Lafayette looked away and John chuckled.

"Perhaps we should go to the den," the freckled man suggested and Alexander nodded in agreement. "Follow me." He waved a hand and Lafayette did so although a bit sullen at the thought of walking the way alone with an energetic John Laurens. The curly-haired man couldn't hold back the bright smile as he wrapped an arm around Lafayette's.

"Alright." Alexander, obviously confused at the situation, turned back up to the staircase. "I'll go visit my darling betrothed before I join you then. She is having a bit of a nervous breakdown over the reception." He added bashfully and the other two smiled. John nearly jumped in his spot just as Alexander took the first step up. The Lieutenant Colonel began to lead the way as soon as Alexander's back was turned.

"Is it the pretty lady? Genny?" He sang and Lafayette plugged his ears as John danced around him. "Trouble in paradise?" He asked, resuming a normal pace. The brunet's face was more serious as the marquis looked away.

"Do you know why she disappears?" John's gaze averted* and Lafayette immediately became suspicious. "You know?"

"No, I don't." He immediately corrected and Lafayette could sense the honesty in the man's words. "I have my theories."

"And?"

"And it is not my secret to share. Genny will tell you." Lafayette shook his head, "She will, if she loves you."

"This is stupid." Lafayette growled. John opened the door and let the Frenchman in first. He collapsed on a seat. John leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. The door opened again and in came Alexander, a tired Eliza behind him.

"Has something happened?" The brunette asked, "Has something happened to Genevieve?"

"No," John immediately assured but Lafayette was still quiet, too irritated to speak. "And we need to know why she does before she disappears again." Eliza, conflicted, didn't know what to say as Alexander led her to a couch and sat beside her. Her loyalty to the woman was unquestionable, but her upcoming vows ordered her not to lie to her husband. Bowing her head, she closed her eyes and tried to ignore the burning gaze of the marquis.

"Hey," Alexander whispered and she looked into his eyes. She loved this man with all of her being and his eyes glowed effortlessly with support.

"Do you trust Lafayette?" She asked and, shocked, he nodded. When she returned to staring at her hands, he glanced at his friends.

"With my life."

"With Genevieve's." Eliza knew her best friend like she knew the back of her hand. The want to fight, the want to do something instead of just sitting around and letting the men do work for her, was the driving force behind her. As a man, none would question or threaten her as long as she knew how to wield a sword and fire a gun - but as a woman, that was a different story. Although she hadn't been there herself, Eliza knew men well. Her sister could make entire battalions fall at her feet with a few well-placed words. But when you're outnumbered on the battlefield...

"He loves her." Alexander murmured and the Schuyler sighed. She raised her head to look at the Frenchman with steel fire. She would not let this man be the reason Genevieve is unable to return to the warfront.

"If you can wait until the wedding, then perhaps you'll have convinced her to show you." Eliza said swiftly, rising and exiting the den. Alexander looked helplessly between her and his other friends.

"'Liza,"

"What do you mean, mademoiselle?" Lafayette yelled after her but he was ignored. Letting out a growl of frustration, he rubbed his temple. "Women," Alexander snorted and rose, coming over to pat his friend on the shoulder.

"I know right." John snorted, nearly forgotten in the midst of all the other drama. With a roll of his eyes, the curly-haired man added, "Jesus - they're more complicated than military tactics."

December 12, 1780

Genevieve woke up while it was still dark, a habit that she had yet to break. The space beside her was empty and she sat up. Running a hand through her hair, she yawned and looked at the door. It was open only by a slight crack and a warm glow emanated from outside. Slipping out of the covers, she held back a shiver as goosebumps rose from her skin. The night air was cold. Clothes Lafayette had provided was some protection against it and she raised the collar to her nose, breathing in his scent. Opening the door with a creak, she leaned against the frame when she saw him bent over the table, scribbling something down.

"Lafayette?" She murmured and he looked up, exhaustion marking his eyes with dark circles. He must've gotten up after only a few hours in bed. "Come back to sleep."

"I can't," he replied and went back to writing. Crossing her arms, she watched his profile for a few more moments before pushing herself off the frame. Walking out of the room, she heard the crack of fire as she entered the main room. Finally, his quill stilled and he paused. He didn't acknowledge her as she sat by it, poking it with the iron rod occasionally to build it. Yawning, she glanced at him again but there was still no movement.

"Lafayette, is there something wrong?" Genevieve asked and Lafayette looked up, startled, from where he was pouring over some of his military plans. It was as if he didn't even notice her - had thought she had gone back to sleep. Standing up, she walked up to him. Her hands rested on his shoulders and the tenseness in his body drained away. He leaned into her and sighed. Eliza's words still rested in his mind and he looked back into his plans. The maps of Valley Forge and Pennsylvania were littered with black marks and there were pages of his elegant writing.

"Nothing that should be your concern," he murmured and she kissed his forehead. He could hear her heart thudding slowly, as if the muscle itself was still tired. Leaning down, she hugged his neck and breathed softly. Lafayette sighed at the heat radiating from her compared to his cold skin. The bed must've been warm.

"Your concern is mine," she said with a blunt honesty that he didn't know the origin of. "If you're losing sleep over it, then you need to tell me." Her tone softened and she pulled away. Already, the Frenchman missed the warmth she gave him. "Now, explain." She drew up a chair and sat beside him to study the multiple maps. He smiled tiredly and picked up his quill.

"I don't want to bore you." He protested but she ignored him, pulling the overly large sleeves over her hands. He grinned, exhausted. His tunics fitted her smaller frame so loosely that they barely hung on her.

"Nothing you say will ever bore me." She assured and he cocked his head. "I'm sure," the brunette added, leaning over to kiss him. He ceased any protests and tucked a brown curl behind her ear. Sliding the maps closer between them, he grabbed a quill to help gesture all while shuffling his chair closer to hers.

"See, we are to travel here," he pointed the nib at a road and glided it up the path, "but we don't know if the British are here or here. Sending scouts could be too risky…" and she nodded along as he took up the most of their day explaining how they were proceed from Valley Forge.

A/N: I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS FLUFFY MESS. They're so cute though, aren't they? Thank you to Girostritron, Kitty of 2 kingdoms, and laurensturtle favoriting and following! Thanks to laurensturtle, Dulharpa, Kitty of 2 kingdoms and a Guest for reviewing as well! YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING!

REVIEWS:

laurensturtle: Your pfp is honestly the best because who doesn't love Ant dabbing? THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING FRICKEN 4 TIMES? LIKE THAT'S INSANE? I'm so, so, so happy that you love this story and I hope you enjoy this chapter too!

Dulharpa: It's okay! I've actually never watched Mulan so I had to search it up and I think it's when the dude cuts her shirt and it reveals she's a girl? But yeah, I thought about it but realized then that it'd be too short-lived. Thank you for reading!

Guest: Thank you so much!

Kitty of 2 kingdoms: I can't reveal anything about the wedding ;) and yeah, I do research a ton of stuff for my fics because I want them to be as real as possible. Thank you for reading!

* "Do you know why she disappears?" John's gaze averted… Let me remind you back in CH 3 when Genevieve as Olivier literally excused herself from having a full conversation with John in exchange for a five second conversation with Lafayette; plus he was there for their first meeting - saw the instant infatuation - he has his suspicions. Here's the excerpt:

"Then you are serving under a good man. Until we meet again, Oliver Smith." Lafayette murmured and he turned around when Washington called him. Genevieve frowned at how lifeless the Frenchman was. She did not remember him that way back in New York. Shaking her head, she turned back to her tent, unaware of John Laurens' intuitive gaze.