"Did you hear?"
"Yes! And did you know-"
"Laurens. Yes, him!"
"Poor boy- was captured by the British I heard."
"I saw him get taken! With my own two eyes, I swear I did."
"Well he's a traitor to me."

I stare down at my shoes and I can feel my face contorted with rage. In fact, I would be surprised if my eyesight was able to burn the leaves on the ground that I'm scrutinizing at the moment.
"Ignore them." Lafayette says in my ear, making me jump. But I can't ignore them, as I look up at all the faces gathered around the fire circle. I can't just look away and think nothing of all the different emotions I see on each and every face. I find myself wondering how many think John Laurens is a traitor.
"I know Laf but, it's just not fair. None of them doubted John when he was here but now he's gone, and people think he left voluntarily." I grumble. I recently started to refer to Lafayette by his nickname. I caught myself doubting myself serval times when I first did it, because I wasn't sure if I was allowed too. It might seem weird, but I felt like it was a special thing that only John and Hercules could do. He doesn't seem to mind it though. Maybe it comforts him.
"They're scared Alex. They don't know what to think so they're finding people to blame. John is an easy target." Lafayette states.
"But it's not fair of them-!" I start but Laf interrupts me before I can finish my sentence.
"Is anything fair about this, Alex?" Laf questions. And I look away from him, and instead into the flickering flames that dance in the evening light.
"No."

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Washington roars over the crowd, collecting everyone's attention with three words.
"And others." Lafayette adds, and I turn my head to stare at him again.
"What?" I ask, feeling a little stupid. As though I should know the answer to my query already.
"He only used male and female pronouns, but what if someone identifies as non-binary?" Laf continues.
"Does it matter right now?" I inquire tiredly.
"Yes!" Laf snapped, but quietly so no one other than myself could hear him. "Pronouns always matter, because using incorrect pronouns for the person you are speaking or referring too can take away a part of their identity, and a person's identity is always crucial to the person herself, himself, or them self."
"Okay wow, I didn't know it was such a big deal." I say, slightly shocked.
"It is," Laf says stubbornly. "But no one cares to recognize it right now, because we have bigger problems." He's right. So we both turn our attention back to Washington.

"The British now know where we are hiding," Washington says to everyone listening. "Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton has been debating over this issue."
"To true," I mutter. "I haven't been able to get any sleep lately."
"If you'd just listen to be you'd be fully rested." Lafayette reminds me for the tenth time.
"As a result, we have come up with two options," Washington clears his throat before continuing. "We could stand our ground, and prepare for another attack if they do bomb us again." I notice Washington's standing near a crater that can have only been caused by one of the British's bombs. It's filled with rain water, since it's been raining non-stop over the past few weeks. I shudder and find myself inching closer towards the fire, as if trying to rid myself of all water possible. If John were here, he'd comfort me. And I be able to comfort him as well. Be able to tell him that Hercules will be alright. But John is probably with Hercules right now. They're probably together. But that doesn't mean their safe. "Or we could evacuate and set up camp higher in the mountains. We leave the decision up to you. But first, we need to here reasoning for both of the options. Jefferson, come up first if you will."

After hearing Jefferson boast about how we're stronger and tougher than the British know, and how we would be able to defeat them if they came back by placing gunners in the mountains, it's my turn to step up and deliver my reasons for running. But then Jefferson says one final thing.
"As some of you may know, a slaved name John Laurens was captured recently by the British," My head snaps up and my glare focuses on Jefferson as I feel Laf tense up beside me. "Now, wouldn't be a shame if the traitor came crawling back and his boyfriend wasn't he to comfort him?" Jefferson's merciless brown eyes stare directly into mine. What a shame.

"Thank you Jefferson," Washington says, motioning for Jefferson to step back. "Alexander, your turn to debate." I can feel Laf nudge my shoulder, making me take a few steps forward. But other than that, I don't move. I can also feel my fists shaking at my sides. Thomas Jefferson just insulted John Laurens in front of some of the only people who love him. I should give him hell for it. I should step up, shout every reason why he's wrong, and why we shouldn't stay, and then personally attack him. I've always been good at this. I've always been able to voice my opinion, and let myself be heard. It's what I always resort to. The power of my voice. Except right now, Jefferson has taken that away from me. I can't say anything. I can't find words to express my anger and sadness. I can only look into the unforgiving eyes of the man who I'm focusing all my hatred on, and shake uncontrollably.