Chapter 3: Fools Who Run Thier Mouths Off

Hercules Mulligan wasn't sure how he got roped into this. He really wasn't. He had his own show too, you know. Yes, it only came on at eleven PM every Sunday, but he still had work to do for it. Deep down, he didn't really mind all that much, he'd do anything for John Laurens, though that may have been why he was so annoyed. How had that annoying freckled man wormed his way into his life again?

John had acted weird since his latest guest agreed to come on The Late Show. One of the many new up and coming politicians that worked with President-Elect Washington named Marquis de Lafayette. He didn't know a whole lot about the guy, other than that he was supposedly French. John had adamantly insisted that he show the guest around the set while he was in a meeting. He agreed and now he was waiting outside the back door of the building the show was filmed in for the politician to arrive.

Hercules sighed and checked his watch. Lafayette was supposed to be here soon. He wondered what the supposed Frenchman looked like, but decided to wait and find out. He pushed off from the wall and straightened his beanie. Not many people knew this, but he took pride in what he wore and always made sure his clothes fit who he was perfectly. Today, he was wearing a dark red and dark blue jacket that stopped above his knees over a cream button-up with a pair of his famous black pants and deep crimson boots with a blue trim that went up to his mid-calves, all topped with his favorite maroon and blue beanie. He was very proud of his outfit today, and so was John, for whatever reason.

The comedian was shaken from his thoughts by the sound of an engine. He turned and, sure enough, an expensive looking car was pulling in. It parked near the door and the side door opposite of Hercules opened. Three people stepped out, two of which he knew of. The shortest of the three had deep chocolate eyes, lighter brown hair tied into a loose ponytail and soft olive skin. Hercules instantly recognized Alexander Hamilton, his face was very well known to reporters and people like himself and John, given how often he showed up during the campaign. The second man had long curly black hair also tied into a ponytail, dark-colored eyes; though it was hard to tell what color they were from so far away; and light brown skin. He was the tallest of the three, though still shorter than Hercules, and carried himself confidently. He had very European features, so it felt right to assume that this was Lafayette. The final man stood taller than Hamilton but shorter than Lafayette. He had no hair, bright black eyes, and skin a fraction lighter than his own. He had been around politics long enough to recognize Aaron Burr immediately.

The three men didn't seem to have noticed him and were talking amongst themselves. Sometimes Hamilton and Lafayette would speak a language that Hercules assumed was French to each other before Burr got annoyed and had them stop only for them to do it a few minutes later. Deciding that he's spied enough, he walked up behind them.

When Burr sighed and said, "Where is the guide? He's late." He knew now was perfect. He chuckled loudly and responded, "Yo, I'm late when I say I'm late!"

The three jumped and quickly turned around. The all looked equally surprised at seeing such a tall person come out of nowhere, Hamilton actually took a step back. Now that he was in front of them, he could make out certain details better. Hamilton and Burr both had massive bags under their eyes which were understandable, they were helping get the Washington Administration together before the inauguration. Lafayette's eyes seemed to be either a very dark brown or a light black. He was also a few inches shorter than Hercules' six foot nine; possibly around six foot five, Burr seemed around six feet even and Hamilton was at least five foot seven; a few inches shorter than John.

Hercules crossed his arms and smiled widely, "Pleasure to meet ya. I'm your guide, so let's get this thing started, alright?"

The three blinked up at him for a second before Burr stepped forward, "Ahem. Right, of course. I am-"

"Aaron Burr, sir!"

Burr jumped at Hercules' loud voice. He knew he was loud and he made sure everyone knew it too.

"... Um. Yes, that's me."

Hamilton chuckled and stepped forward, "Alexander Hamilton. Nice to meet you."

Hercules grabbed Hamilton's hand in his own giant one, "Pleasure."

He let go and turned to Lafayette, whose eyes were glued on him, "I suppose that means your Lafayette, right?"

The Frenchman nodded and cleared his throat, "Oui. Je m'appelle Lafayette."

Hercules just nodded, not understanding a word and turned to the door, "Alright, let's get this show on the road."

He walked up to the door and held it open, "Right this way."

The three walked and Hercules took the lead. He pointed out the guest suites, the bathrooms, the soundstage, the meeting room, the break room and some of the prop rooms. As they walked down one of the long hallways, Lafayette started walking next to him, "... So, how long have you worked here?"

Hercules chuckled, "Oh, no. I don't work here."

The Frenchman blinked up at him, "Pardon?"

"John Laurens, the host, is an old friend of mine. I come by whenever I'm free from work."

"Oh? What do you do?"

"I'm a late night comedian too. I'm just on another show. Last Week Tonight on HBO from eleven to midnight every Sunday."

Hamilton walked up to Hercules' other side, "HBO? Isn't that the channel that doesn't have to deal with big companies?"

"Yep! I can say and talk about what I like and not get shut down for it!"

Burr sighed and mumbled something under his breath. Hamilton heard whatever it was he said and turned on him, "Burr. Please. None of that today."

Hercules turned around, walking backward and watching Burr and Hamilton, "Let me guess, still don't like Burr's stance on things, Hamilton?"

Burr raised an eyebrow, "What do you know about my views?"

Hercules shrugged, "It's my job."

He turned back around as they approached the end of the hall. He placed his hands on the double door and smirked at the group, "And now, the main event."

Hercules pushed the door open to reveal the main stage. It was the largest room in the building and the best decorated. The band and a few crew members were working on tonight's show. He leads the three men down the center aisle toward the stage. When they were halfway down, Lafayette tugged on his sleeve, "Pardon me but I never got your name."

"... Huh. I guess I didn't tell ya. Well, in that case, I'm-"

"HERCULES MULLIGAN!"

All for of them jumped when the band yelled Hercules' name. The man in question turned to the band and smiled widely, "Yo! Guys, what's happenin'?"

The band leader, a darker man named Francis Hopkinson, chuckled and leaned against his piano, "Not much Herc, just getting ready for tonight."

The bass player, a very pale man named James Lyon, stood next to Francis, "Yeah. John's going to sing and Francy here needs to be ready."

Hercules chuckled as Francis hit his band mate for the nickname. He enjoyed the company of the band, they were all nice and worked well together. He walked up to the band with the three men following behind. The drummer, a fancily dressed man named William Billings, looked over at the small group and whistled, "Wow. Alexander Hamilton, Marquis de Lafayette and Aaron Burr Sir. John's gotten some pretty big politicians, huh?"

Hercules shrugged and threw an arm over Lafayette's shoulder, "Nah. Just the Marquis here is going to be on."

The lead guitarist, a very young man named Oliver Holden, looked up from tuning his guitar, "Hey guys, are we going to warm up or what?"

Francis sighed, "Fine. Oh! Hey, Herc, got any rhymes in you tonight?"

"Hercules laughed and lightly punched the band leader's shoulder, "I always got rhymes. William, give us a beat!"

William nodded and started playing. It was a simple beat, but it would work. Hercules picked up a bottle of water and raised it high, "I may not live to see our glory."

Francis chuckled and raised his own water bottle, "I may not live to see our glory."

He turned to the three men and winked, "But I've seen wonders, great and small."

Oliver laughed and raised a cup of tea, "I've seen wonders, great and small."

He wheeled around and pointed at James, "Cause if the tomcat can get married."

James sputtered and William cracked up, "If our dear James can get married."

"There's hope for our ass after all!"

The band cracked up as James set his bass, "That's it. I'm going home. I have a wife, I don't need this."

Oliver hugged James and tried to pull him back, "No don't go! We'll have to make Herc do it and then nothing will get done on the show tonight!

Hercules laughed and turned back to Burr, Hamilton, and Lafayette, "Anyway, this is the main stage area. And those four are a part of the band. Francis, James, William, and Oliver. (1) There's more of them, but I'm sure you'll meet them later Lafayette."

Before the Frenchman could respond, the back door burst opened. He turned and smiled at the person who entered, "Yo Theo! Come meet the Marquis!"

A young woman with long black dreadlocks walked towards him swiftly with a small smile on her lips, "Hercules. Always a pleasure. Did you already show him around?"

He chuckled and saluted her, "Yes ma'am!"

She nodded and held her hand out to Lafayette, "Hello there Marquis de Lafayette. I am Theodosia Prevost, but that'll change so don't worry about forgetting it. Just call me Theo. I'm one of the writers for the show and the handler of all of them." She nodded towards Hercules and the band.

The Frenchman blinked and shook her hand, "Oui. It is a pleasure to meet you."

She nodded and turned to the band, "Are all of you ready for tonight? We're expecting a large audience so be prepared for that."

Hercules chuckled until he saw something out of the corner of his eye. He glanced over and saw something interesting. Burr was staring at Theodosia. He looked between the two for a second before thinking about it. He imagined Burr; the ever intelligent and controlled politician. Then he imagined Theodosia; the strong, brilliant person that he's glad to call a friend. Then he imagined them together. He couldn't explain it, but it just made sense.

He smirked and threw an arm over Theodosia's shoulder, "So, Theo, how are things?"

The young woman growled, "I'd rather not talk about it."

He raised an eyebrow, Theo didn't usually express her anger. "Something happen?"

She sighed and rubbed her forehead, "Yeah. I don't have time to talk about it though."

"Sounds like you've had a bad week."

She sighed, "Tell me about it. I'm so done with Jacques."

"Yeah. You deserve a decent guy. Like me."

She made a dry sounding laugh and removed Hercules' arm from around her, "Sorry Hercules, but you're not my type and you know it."

He smiled and rolled his eyes, "Yeah I know." He glanced at Burr and Hamilton and smiled, "Another thing. These two came with Lafayette." He pointed towards them.

Theo glanced over at them curiously. Hercules noticed her brown eyes linger a second longer on Burr than Hamilton and smirked inwardly. The writer smiled warmly at both of them and held out her hand, "Theodosia. A pleasure to meet you."

Hamilton smiled and shook her hand, "Alexander Hamilton. And this is-"

"Aaron Burr Sir. I know." She released Hamilton's hand and stepped up to Burr with a small smirk dancing on her lips, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Burr. Sir."

Burr blinked at her for a moment, "... Likewise Mrs. Prevost."

"Please, call me Mrs. Bartow, if you insist on formality. I intend to go back to it very soon."

He raised an eyebrow, "Family trouble?"

"Horrible husband."

"Ah. I see."

Hercules smiled at the two and threw an arm over Lafayette's shoulder, "Hey Theo, how about I take Lafayette to the waiting room while you watch Hamilton and Burr?"

Theodosia glanced back at him with an eyebrow raised suspiciously. She gave Burr a quick, almost unnoticeable, glance before nodding, "Alright. Just don't break him, okay?"

"No promises. Let's go!"

He pulled the Frenchman off towards the meeting room where he and John would discuss what they would talk about on the show. When they were almost there, he let go of Lafayette. "John will meet you in the meeting room after his meeting with the producers is over. Mind if I keep you company for a while?"

"O-oh! No, not at all."

He smiled and opened the door to the meeting room, "After you."

Lafayette walked in and looked around. Hercules walked in behind him and closed the door. The meeting room was one of the nicest rooms in the building. An expensive looking meeting table was surrounded by some of the most comfortable chairs ever. Hercules sat at the head of the table and patted the chair to his right. Lafayette stared at the seat for a moment before sitting down.

He and Lafayette didn't talk about anything interesting for the next hour. They did talk, though they mostly just asked each other questions for the other to answer. Hercules learned a lot about the Frenchman, who learned a lot about him in return. He had to admit, he enjoyed Lafayette's company. He was almost upset when John walked in to talk with Lafayette. He didn't voice this, however. He simply stood, shook hands with Lafayette, said he had fun talking to him and they should do it again sometime, and left. He walked back towards the main stage for a quick peek. He cracked the door and smiled at what he saw. Theodosia and Burr were having a quiet conversation off to the side and Hamilton was talking with the band. Hercules stepped away from the door with a pleased smile on his face. Today was interesting; something he considered good, he hated routine. He wasn't sure what John was thinking when he asked him to do this, but he was glad he did. As he walked out to his car, he wondered when he would be able to see the three politicians again.

(1) Francis Hopkinson, James Lyon, William Billings, and Oliver Holden are all real musicians from around the time Washington was President.