Hello!

I don't really have a plan for this chapter so, I'm probably going to make this a simple fluff/angst chapter.

Anyway!

C/W:
Hints of bad memories, hints of sexual implements (nothing too specific though), basically it's angst before it's fluffy, mentions of insomnia, and slight eating problems, etc...

~Story Starts~

"Benjamin," A low voice addressed. The young major turned to meet the stormy blue gaze of the higher-up.

"Sir," Ben replied, voice laced with obedience, despite his barking personality of disobedience. 

"You've returned late. Again. What is this now? Third time this past while?" The older man now stood tall, straightening his back, standing full height. "Disobedience shall not be tolerated. Don't you remember what happened the last time you disobeyed?"

Benjamin's eyes dropped to the floor, examining a spot there. Was the general addressing the situation when he was under former command, when Ben was merely a young captain? Or was he hinting at the past situations between the two?

"Mr. Tallmadge, I am waiting for your response."

"I do, sir." The Major's voice rested cold, and his eyes slowly rose back. 

"Good... Maybe you can learn from your mistakes. I don't think any amount of talking could tame you... Now, could it?"

Benjamin tensed, his shoulders slumping to the side. "I suppose not," he responded, much hesitance behind his words. He was acting as if he was beginning to question himself, instead of the situation he had been brought into. Though, in some other hope of avoiding eye contact, Ben made an attempt to focus on anything but that cold stare; and instead his eyes fell to the general's clothes.

George Washington was a well-dressed, mannered man. He acts much like his English descendants, very proper in the ways of life- much opposed to that of scruff, raggedy, Charles Lee (Boiling River, as the natives would call him). He was an odd looking man, Lee was. A long, hooked nose; and a dark, bony face. A man who was rough in his manner, and rough in his speech. Even in uniform the man looked unkempt, dirty. 

Benjamin cringed at the thought of the former second-in-command. A man who cared not of his dignity. Brash, unsettling, and crooked in his ways. A backstabber to most.

He tried to distract himself from the thoughts, zoning into his situation he still faced. He stared up at the general, almost shocked to see the close proximity. "Benjamin, you are not listening."

Washington had a tall build, ranging anywhere between 6'0-6'2, and weighing no more than one-hundred and ninety pounds (190lbs). He had a sun-kissed face that was lightly freckled, though it was only apparent in the sun. His hair rested red-brown in the dim lighting, but flamed once the lighting grew brighter. A strong build, a man of much endurance, and a man of stern patience. George Washington was a man many wish they were- and a general many men admired.

"I apologize, sir... My thoughts are scattered..." Benjamin reasoned, moving a bit further back. From the audible sigh he redeemed from the other, he knew he had been pushing Washington.

"I don't know why you intend on focusing so little on those above you. Learn to listen, Benjamin. The moment you stop focusing on yourself is the moment that things will be settled."

Benjamin shook his head at this, eyes leaving a cold glare at the floor as if it had been the one to insult him. 'Stupid,' he thought, 'this lecture is useless.'

"Sir, please. I solemnly insist that the next reports will be drafted and turned in on date. You must understand your insistent on due periods is stressing, and causing a slight decline in my work- which you render completely useless in the first place!"

"Tis not in mortals to command success; but we'll do more, Sempronius, we'll deserve it." Washington spoke simply, eyes raising from his desk to Benjamin. "I have strict dates so men will not stray from line... If there is no strict order, there is no formation; with no formation, a military is useless."

Ben sighed, shaking his head. "I'm stressed," he spoke plainly, looking to Washington. The older man rose a brow, and settled into a leaning posture, hand propping him against the desk.

"Pardon?"

The blonde man took a deep breath, resting his eyes. "I'm... Stressed."

"Every man is," Washington dismissed, his unused hand carding through his hair. "Though, I take you're not the one to be able to manage such... Taking your position, and added weight from the Ring..."

"Precisely, sir. You have to understand that I am beyond overwhelmed! Please, just... take a moment to put yourself into my shoes."

Washington's gaze eased off, the stress of the young man speaking to him in a way. "Well... I apologize then, Mr. Tallmadge. I will dismiss you this once, understand? I am expecting the next report to be in on time."

Ben froze, looking up at the general. Had he not been expecting that response? From Washington, definitely not. Strict on order, keen on endurance... Washington would normally try to reason down with Benjamin longer.

And, it had taken a far different turn from what had normally taken place. Washington red-faced, teeth bared, and shouting, only to take Ben into his bed directly after; marking him, spanking him, punishing him for his behavior. A nice punishment, Ben thought. Being tied down, or having a knife delicately run over his jaw, down his neck, and over his chest. That, or having the older man pin him, tease him to the point of a high, then leave him without touch.

What happened to that?

Had Ben genuinely gone too far this time? Disappointed Washington that much?

"George," Ben whispered softly, "are you tired of me?"

This caught Washington by surprise, and his serious facade began to crumble. "Benny, no... But you're worrying me... You don't eat, you don't sleep, and you struggle with schedule... I'm worried about your health, I'm worried about you. I can't help but blame myself, in the scenario. One thing on top of the other... I don't seem to let you rest."

Ben fell silent, only able to shake his head. He laughed almost numbly at the accusations Washington laid upon self, and he looked up at the man. "If I'm being honest, you're the only break I get. Hearing you talk... It's soothing"

It was Washington's turn to laugh. "Flattering, Benjamin, really... Do tell me though, when was the last time you slept?"

There was only silence between the two.

"When was the last time you ate?"

Ben paled. He wasn't certain. He had lost so much track of time that he genuinely wasn't sure if the last time he ate was two days ago- or the week prior. 

"See? This is why I lecture... It's why I set dates. Not to stress you, no... But to keep you in line, to urge you to reach for more. Ben, I don't mean to tear at you... I want the better for this military, for these men... I hope you can see that."

Ben felt the tears well in his eyes. Was it stress or the tone of Washington's voice? That he couldn't decipher. He blinked rapidly, hoping to hide the forming tears, no matter the amount it burned his eyes. "George-" his voice broke. 

"Come here." The commander outstretched his arms. Ben easily walked forward, wrapping his arms lightly around the male's torso. Washington held him in a more firm embrace. "I'm sorry."

Tears spilled from the blondes eyes as he hugged the man tighter, bury his face into Washington's shoulders. He steadied his breathing, hoping to sound more firm when he spoke, "it's alright... I don't mind it."

"Ben, I hope you know that I love you without doubt... You know this, yes?"

"I do... And I love you too, George..."

George smiled, leaning to place a kiss on the major's head. "Good boy... Now, come rest... You're bound to fall on your face.

Ben giggled, shaking his head. "Yes, sir."

A/N

Woah, short chapter because I just needed to update this book- yay!

Anyway, thanks for reading!

Until next time!

(Word Count: 1365)