A/N: Just a quick warning of suggestive sexual themes. They aren't bad at all in my opinion, just subtle words but if you want to skip that, I suggest reading up to when Genny replies to Lafayette in their bed after the wedding and going down straight to December 15th. That's the aftermath.

Chapter 7: The Wedding

December 14, 1780

They arrived at the wedding an hour early. Philip Schuyler allowed them in with a stern eye and Genevieve curtsied to him. "Eliza's in her room." He informed and Genevieve took Ettie's hand. "The men are in the parlor." the head of the house gestured down the hall, "I can have someone take you there, Mr. Alcott."

"We'll find it," William said through a tight smile. Bennett stared up at the man in wonder and Genevieve smiled. Her brother was a sucker for war heroes. "See you later, Genny."

"See you later," she echoed and tugged her sister along to the bride's room. They climbed up the stairs and Genevieve counted the doors down to Eliza's. Hers was always the third one on the right. Knocking on the door, she heard a bunch of laughs.

"Who is it?" Peggy sang from the other side and opened the door to reveal the two sisters. "Oh, more the merrier." The youngest Schuyler sister grabbed the youngest Alcott sister beside Genevieve and tugged her in. "Eliza!"

"Yes?" The bride turned around and Genevieve smiled at how relaxed she seemed. Pre-marital nerves wouldn't take her hostage it seemed. "Genny! Ettie! I'm so glad you're here."

"So am I. You're glowing, Eliza!" The woman truly was, her cheeks a dusted pink and her smile lighting up the room.

"Your dress is beautiful," Angelica complemented genuinely and the wittiest Schuyler sister kissed Genevieve's cheek.

"Thank you," she smoothed out the blue gown and doing a twirl to showcase it. The white skirts underneath swished around her legs and her frilly sleeves brushed her fingers. "You are all beautiful, as usual," she teased and Angelica laughed. "Eliza, I am so happy for you." She hugged the bride and Eliza beamed, squeezing her friend's waist tightly.

"Oh, thank you. I - I never thought I'd make it this far; you know how Alexander is." Too well, Genevieve mused as Eliza continued. "I haven't seen him today but from what I hear from Laurens, he is a complete mess." Laughing, they settled all around her room comfortably as they began chatting like no tomorrow.

"You'd think that he'd wouldn't considering his smooth moves," Genevieve drawled and they shared peals of laughter. Peggy sat Ettie at the vanity and began doing up her hair as the blonde investigated the numerous items of makeup. Occasionally, she'd look up and ask Peggy to help her apply it. Genevieve smiled at their hushed conversation before drawing her eyes back to Eliza who had settled on her bed, Angelica's hand in hers.

"I know right?" The bride's eyes were full of mirth but as Angelica chuckled beside her, Genevieve couldn't help but notice that the laugh didn't reach the maid of honor's eyes.

The wedding passed by quickly and transitioned easily into the dinner. She was seated at the same table with the group of them - the newlyweds, John, Angelica and the others. Her father on one side, Lafayette on the other, they ate dish after dish of favorites and when dessert was finally finished, she felt comfortably full. The Hamiltons lead the way to the open space for dancing and the guests followed after her but she stayed behind, the thought of shuffling along with the hot crowd unappealing. Once only a few guests lingered in the dining hall, Lafayette pulled her up and towards the floor. Alexander and Eliza were already swaying for their first dance, the instruments playing a soft song as the couple danced in their own world.

"Lafayette," she complained playfully, feeling stuffed as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

"You're the envy tonight of every man alone tonight." He whispered and she shook her head with a roll of her eyes. A server weaved in between the crowd as Alexander and Eliza stepped up their game, twirling and waltzing from one side of the room to another. The server stopped in front of them and offered the last two champagne flutes. Taking it graciously, she thanked him and sipped it. The bubbling drink on her tongue tasted like sweet summer fruit and she sighed at its fragrance. Her father watched them with a curious glance as Bennett wrapped an arm around Ettie. The blonde obviously wanted to join in but her brother held her back.

"No need to lie to boost my ego." She murmured, taking another sip.

"It is not a lie." He promised. Leaning over, he kissed her languidly. Smiling into it, she was about to say something when she spotted a Continental Army soldier who had acted as the 'flower girl' for the wedding.

Hercules Mulligan looked over at her and she stared back until he began approaching. Kissing Lafayette on the cheek, she excused herself after finishing her champagne. After a promise for the first dance, she walked past Peggy who was being flirted her socks off by one John Laurens.

"John," she greeted as she passed and the two flushed. "Peggy."

"Genny," they both stammered their greetings. Giggling to herself, she continued on her way until she reached her father.

"Hello, Papa."

"Genevieve," he smiled and she noted with a pang of sadness that his hair was losing its color. Kissing his cheek, she stood beside him and watched the couple of the night waltz across the floor. "It is a day God has blessed. For more than two people it seems." He added slyly and glanced at his daughter. Red flooded her cheeks and she gawked.

"Papa, I - We, uh - Lafayette-"

"-is more than ready to meet me. And I want to meet him. Watch Bennett and Ettie, will you?" He left before she could say anything and the eldest daughter groaned. The blond man approached the soldier who was still conversing with Hercules slowly to not spook the two. Ettie grinned at her sister's red face and Bennett laughed. The music swelled, covering it but Genevieve heard it anyway.

"I hate you," she told them. Ettie just broke into peals of laughter as Bennett clutched onto his abdomen, bending over. "It's not funny! Lafayette is too optimistic and he can see that our father is approaching him - this is gonna go badly." She caught a glimpse of Lafayette smiling widely to William and then looked away.

"You like him!" The blonde sang. "Do you…" Ettie paused for a more dramatic effect, "love him?"

"Stop!" She exclaimed. Her embarrassment heightened as Bennett pointed a shaking finger from where their father was putting up a great act. Lafayette's face was scrunched up in fear and utter horror as Hercules tried not to laugh.

"C'est ridicule!" He seemed to say and Genevieve hitched her dress, running over to them. Bennett held his ground, holding onto his sister's hand. Ettie got the idea and helped him restrain their older sister. "J'aime ta fille!" William, sensing that Lafayette was too passionate, made a consoling gesture. His words were quieter as he tried - and failed - to calm the French soldier.

"Lafayette is about to rip our father apart if you don't let me go," she scolded even though she could see the humor in their situation. The music finished and Alexander and Eliza broke apart just as Lafayette spotted Genevieve. Everyone looked at Lafayette and William Alcott, and many began whispering. Genevieve groaned and slouched over in embarrassment. "Why me?"

When she looked up again after two or so seconds, she spotted Lafayette marching over to her with a determined aura. "Laf-"

"I do not care what he says," he said in a low tone, so quickly she could barely decipher it as his accent strengthened. "If he does not support us, we do not need him. We can... we can move away - find our own place, or je ne sais pas!" She giggled as his ranting continued, French mixed with English until finally she shushed him by grabbing him by the collar and kissing him. Confused, the dark-eyed man pulled back and just stared at her. "Je suis très perdu."

"It was a joke, you idiot." She explained and his mouth was in the shape of an 'o' as her father approached. "Papa, have you ever considered becoming an actor?"

"I've gotten a few requests from a company or two," he riposted and chuckled when Lafayette's dumbstruck face turned towards him. "Son, you're welcome into our family any time." He added and hugged him tightly. "Now, go dance. I need to sit down - that was enough excitement for the day." He grumbled and Genevieve dragged Lafayette onto the dance floor.

"That was not funny." He muttered, bending at the waist to kiss her hand before straightening. The verdant-eyed woman chuckled as she settled a hand in his and one on his shoulder. His settled on her waist as they began to sway on the dance floor. Their last experience dancing together wasn't forgotten and she made sure they stayed on the simple side of things, stepping in time with the music. For his sake, and for her feet's sake.

"My father loves me. There is little he wouldn't let me do." He gently spun her and her dress bloomed like an upside flower. "Have I told you that you're very handsome tonight, monsieur." And he was in his army uniform. The navy contrasted against the stark white of his shirt and brought out his dark eyes and lean form. His hair was gathered in a neat bun atop his head and the easy grin he had sported for the majority of the wedding could've made many ladies swoon at the sight of him.

"No," he said truthfully but by now, a smirk had replaced any lost expression that was left after that prank. She beamed at him, seeing the stars reflected in his eyes. Stepping closer, he wrapped an arm around her waist and dipped her. "But you are the epitome of beauty, mademoiselle,"

"And you are the very definition of a rugged rebel soldier." She replied. "How am I to be so lucky?" She asked, pretending to faint. He laughed and caught her easily.

"Fate." He answered with a shrug, "I have been equally blessed - a woman with eyes as green as summer leaves and a laugh like bells." The music was beginning to slow, coming to its end.

"Flattery like that will get you many places." She reconsidered her words before adding, "But perhaps not on the war front. I hardly believe bullets can be stopped by honeyed words." He threw his head back in a laugh. It rung in her chest and caused a warm feeling to gather in her heart.

"I suppose that is so," he agreed. A more serious came over his face and her smile shrunk under it. "But will flattery get you to stay?"

"I - I know you want me to stay. To write, to…" be honest. Her heart pounded against her rib cage and the heat from his body seeped into hers, making any muscles she had built turn to mush. His hand cupped her cheek and her hand reached to cover his as she leaned into the warmth emanating from his palm. There was nothing left to say. He knew her answer. Sadness loomed over them like a shadow and his smile completely disappeared, his soft lips quirking down.

The music ended, and more couples joined the floor. They broke apart and were immediately swept away from each other. Looking at her new partner, she was surprised to see Bennett's dark brown eyes staring back at her. His blonde-brown hair was combed over and she thought that her kid brother had grown into someone a lady would be lucky to have.

Glancing over her shoulder, she spotted her sister trying to talk to Lafayette, barely reaching the height where the soldier's heart was. She seemed to be trying to make a point, based on how Ettie's expression was of furrowed brows and the way her lips pressed together.

Turning back to her brother, she grinned at his slight attempt to dance although she knew it was half-hearted. "What is this?"

"Nothing," he shrugged it off but her heart warmed anyway as they shared one dance. "I just want you to be happy, Genny." His smile faltered, "I know taking care of us didn't make you happy. Maybe that's part of the reason why you left." The mere words caused his face to darken and pangs of guilt struck her. This wasn't how she wanted her brother's life to go.

"Never say that," she protested but he shook his head. "I love you - I will never stop loving you."

"You loved us but you weren't happy. Not with the men, not with the sewing, not with any of it." He argued and she looked away. "But, Lafayette makes you happy. The way the Schuylers make you really happy but more than that - perhaps when the war is over…"

"I know." She whispered fondly and when the music ended, he bent teasingly and kissed her hand with a joking smile. A smile tugged at her lips achingly and hugging him tightly, she kissed his hair. "I'm so sorry you grew up without me."

"I never knew it was so hard to take care of us but now I'm the one who has to cook and listen to Ettie complain and help around the tavern. I never knew it was this hard to live without a mom." He added and she felt her heart chip when his voice cracked. Tears stung her eyes and she squeezed him even harder.

"I love you, Bennett. So much," she whispered hoarsely and he nodded, burying his face into her neck like he did when he had a scary dream. He'd always sneak into her room when they were little, hiding under her covers until she could get him to sleep. But now, those eyes weren't wide with fear but gazing at her with endless adoration.

"I know,"

After a whole four more hours at the mansion, Genevieve arrived at Lafayette's. Rubbing at her eyes, she yawned and slipped out of her gown before tying his looser clothes around her. After the first two hours, many of the guests had left - including her family due to Ettie and Bennett's school next day, and she had spent the rest of the time with the newly wedded Eliza, a bottle of wine and the other Schuyler sisters while Alexander and his groomsmen sneaked away for rounds of Sam Adams.

Now, she just wanted to sleep and she slipped between the sheets so the hangover wouldn't be that bad in the morning. She could barely remember what time it was. The candles were the only source of light and she was about to fall into the realms of sleep when the door opened. "Genevieve?" Groaning, she sat up and responded. When there was no response, she got up reluctantly and walked out to the main room. Leaning against the wall for support, she walked into the living room. Her eyes widened when she spotted Lafayette stumbling around and she immediately came to his side, helping him into their room. He sat down with a plop and she realized how drunk he was when he muttered gibberish and his glassy eyes didn't focus on one thing for more than a second or two. Undoing his hair, she placed the band on the bedside table.

"It takes a lot to get you drunk, Lafayette. How much exactly did you drink?" She scolded as she pulled his arms out from his jacket. He mumbled something incomprehensible as she began unbuttoning his vest.

"Gen," he whispered and her eyes locked with his. "Am I dreaming?" Shaking her head, she realized he was like in another dimension. Chuckling, she replied.

"No, you aren't, Lancelot." He nodded seriously and she finally managed to get the vest off of him and pulled off his shirt. "Come on, go sleep." He raised a sluggish hand to her cheek, knuckles brushing over the skin but she ignored it, pushing him higher up the bed towards the pillows. There, she slid his boots off and laid down on the bed next to him. Snuggling into the covers, she closed her eyes. Again, sleep pulled at her consciousness.

"Je t'aime." A quiet voice pierced her foggy mind and she turned on her other side. Lafayette's dark eyes stared back at her, the candlelight softly reflected in his irises. They were honest, sober. Her lungs were weak as she shakily grabbed his hand from under the blanket. His fingers immediately intertwined with his. On the small bed, only three or so centimeters separated them and the emotion welled up in her throat. Her brain's muted activity became a whirlwind as she tried to sort through her thoughts on what to do - what to say. But only one thing stood out.

"I love you, Lafayette. I do," she pressed his hand against her chest so he could feel the rapid beating of her heart. "See it in me that I truly do."

"I love you," he repeated and she broke out into a smile as he closed the distance between them. His soft lips nipped at hers teasingly and she pressed a desperate kiss against his mouth. Rolling them so he was draped over her, he planted his elbows on either side of her and never broke their connection. Her arms looped around her neck and the taste of aged red wine and yeasty beer combined between them as one of his hands skimmed the length of her side, settling on the hem of her - his shirt.

"Lafayette," she drew back as he planted kiss after kiss down her neck. Her breathless saying of his name gave him pause. He returned to her eyes and an unspoken meaning* passed between them. His kiss stole her breath away and she sighed.

"I love you, ma chérie." He assured and she relaxed in his arms as he pulled her shirt up.

December 15, 1780

Genevieve woke up in the middle of the morning, aching in places she didn't know existed and her mind a foggy mess. A headache pounded in her head but it was more of a light knock than a swing with the butt of a gun so she ignored it. Yawning, she sat up and saw Lafayette's broad back sitting on the edge of the bed. The muscles stretched as he hunched forward as if thinking deeply. "Laf?" She inquired softly, feeling the bed sheets itch on her right arm. Agitated, she rubbed her arm and felt the pink, waxy skin tug and twist. For a moment, it was normal. Just scratching an itch and waking up in the morning with the man she loved. Love, she mused fondly, I love this man.

Then she remembered who she was - that she was a soldier. A soldier who had gotten it in the Battle of Brandywine. A soldier who was asked about it by none other than the man sitting at the edge of the bed. Not caring about the cold goosebumps rising on her skin anymore, she crawled over to him and reached for his arm. He instantly jerked away, standing up and facing her. Face twisted with betrayal and hurt, he merely stared at her until she ducked her head away.

"Where did you get that?" He pointed at her right arm and she tried to hide it from view. When Lafayette saw what she was doing, he grabbed her wrist and twisted it so they could both see it in plain light. Letting out a slight squeak, she felt her lip tremble. "Where did you get this?" His voice was dangerous, quiet. Looking into his eyes, she saw no point in lying. The darkness in his face shook her core. She had never seen the man so infuriated.

"Lafayette… I…" what? What could she do? Apologize?

"Tell me - I need to hear it with my own ears, from you." He pushed and she swallowed painfully and pulled her arm back towards her body.

"Lafayette-"

"Look me in the eye and say you aren't Oliver Smith."

"I won't lie to you!" She yelled back, green eyes glaring up at him. The intensity in his eyes wouldn't lower. Tension crackled as she tried to hide the scar with her other hand but it was much too big. "I won't lie-"

"Why not?" He asked bitterly and sat back on the bed again. He sat just out of reach and buried his face in his hands, "You have proven to be quite a trained liar. And I do not know what hurts more," he glanced at her and she felt like she was trampled by a wagon, over and over and over again. She couldn't breathe, her chest was on fire. "That you did not trust me enough to tell me or that you joined in the first place when you knew. You knew I would fight - You knew I was in love with you." His voice wavered and she looked away, ashamed.

"You weren't - not then."

"I was. And you knew." He sent her a scorching glare, yet at the same time, it filled her with such icy poison that she couldn't move. "At the Winter's Ball when we danced-"

"You didn't love me then." She reminded him but he talked over her as if he couldn't even hear her anymore.

"You could have left - stayed safe."

"Lafayette." She tried to reach for him but he stood, pulling on his shirt that he swiped from the floor and grabbing his Continental Army jacket. Standing, she pulled on his too-large shirt that she wore last night and followed after him as he went to leave. "Where are you going?" Instead of answering, he turned around and set his jaw.

"I need to know just one thing." The fragile glint in his eyes told her everything. If she answered wrong, she'd break him. Genevieve hated how much power she had. She despised it with her very being - yet she was the very reason she had it. At that moment, she felt as if she deserved to go to Hell. "Did you lie when you said you loved me too?"

"Never." She whispered brokenly and he seemed to relax just a fraction. But she saw it, she always did. They both knew they were real. "But I am a soldier and you cannot stop me from going to war again. I will fight by your side as I have before. Nothing has changed."

"Do not fool yourself." He scoffed, "I will personally ask George Washington to discharge you."

"On the account of what?" She challenged and he opened the door. "On account of me wanting to do something?"

"On the account that you refused to come back."

"You can't-"

"Je fais ceci pour te protéger!" He screamed and she clenched her fists to stop herself from flinching back in shock. "I will not let another person I love in my life die. I can save you,"* his breathing was uneven, ragged as he pulled at his lapels aggressively. "I will fix your mistake."

"Lafayette," the emotion that made his voice tremor caused her chest to feel split open as he closed the door with a slam. Her lip trembled as the slamming of the door echoed in her bones, bouncing back in forth in between her ribs. Gathering her bearings, she looked around. Lafayette still had some possessions here. Extra clothes, for instance, and his maps. She could camp it out here - no.

No, he was going to ride to George Washington now and tell him that the man who saved them back at Brandywine wasn't coming back. That meant she had to plan something that could get her back. She obviously couldn't follow them when she didn't even know the plans. She paced back and forth, glancing into the fireplace occasionally as she scanned the room for something to help…

The maps.

The letter from Rochambeau. Of course. She could meet the man when he landed at Newport.

Bingo.

A/N: Hey y'all. Thank you for the bundle of reviews! Before I get to the thank yous, I want to say something. Because for me, school is back, I'm not sure about the schedule of updates but I'll try and update y'all on that situation. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Thank you: starlily16 for following; Dulharpa, LOTRPJOHP13133, Rudolf-6201 for favoriting; doctorhuntingthingsat221b and justfandomwritings for doing both! Thank you to the many guests who reviewed as well as doctorhuntingthingsat221b, RiseUpWiseUp, Dulharpa, BriCat03 and Kitty of 2 kingdoms!

Also, I'm letting you guys name the chestnut horse Genny will ride for the next few chapters because it's a horse. Who doesn't love animal companions?

REVIEWS:

ANPWJR: No worries! I should've put a warning, which I did now. You flatter me with how you want a sequel and real actors to portray this. That'd honestly be the greatest honor ever. You're completely forgiven and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

To the 2 Guests who Corrected me: Thank you for telling me and I've updated that. It's great that I have readers who notice these things when I don't.

Quite A Few: There are only 2 Johns who are clearly separated. John Laurens, obviously, in the second half of CH 1 and a John Schuyler which was pointed out by an asterisk. Yeah, it happens where I read these chapters so much that I don't notice anything wrong until I post it. I try to fix any mistakes but any you point out will be of great help. Thank you for reading!

doctorhuntingthingsat221b: Thank you for reviewing twice! I try really hard to make good characters to pair them up with Canon Characters so I'm glad you like Genny. Also, I love the ship name of Lafenny. I was thinking about Genafette too so I'm not sure.

Kitty of 2 kingdoms: We have to remember that the army is huge. Lafayette is a Major General so he doesn't spend a lot of time with soldiers not in his corps. He's also busy with Washington and the French. John noticed because he simply spent more time with Genny while Laf did not. I hope this chapter lived up to your expectations!

BriCat03: That is literally Lafayette. Your review nade me laugh! Thank you!

RiseUpWiseUp: Here's your update! Thank you!

Dulharpa: Me too! I'm glad you reviewed and that you're enjoying this story!

* He returned to her eyes and an unspoken meaning… She's a virgin.

* "Je fais ceci pour te protéger!" He screamed and she clenched her fists to stop herself from flinching back in shock. "I will not let another person I love in my life die. I can save you," I'd like to think the reason Lafayette is so protective and angry is because he's an orphan. Since I can't find out how his mother died (if you could tell me in the reviews, I'd appreciate it) in this story, it's because his mother was sick but didn't know it was something worse so she waved off any attempts of her son getting a doctor. Lafayette didn't get the doctor until it was too late and she died. That's why he's taking initiative and doing something to protect the woman he loves.