... no.

nopenopenopenope

(that said, Dick wouldn't even be a little bit surprised.)

Laurens would be so mad. At first at Washington for being so irresponsible and not trying to make himself better, but then very quickly he would just be mad at like

everything else

yeah no one would ever know wash OR wuertz was ever sick

because clearly the reason is because Washington knows if he leaves HAHAHAHA THERE GOES THE WAR because who the heck else is gonna lead them, everyone else sucks

yeah that's why he can never look or appear sick ever

poor washingdad

okay but now I'm imagining Lafayette not letting Washington push him away and spotting him coughing blood up

"what was that" "what was what?" [folds spotted hankerchief away]

"that." "what?"

Lafayette's hand on Washington's cheek, wiping the last stain of blood from the corner of his lips. Doesn't even have to show it to Washington, brows drawn down and eyes wide. "That."

washington is not going to answer him, though. just stare at him. clear his throat.

"have you established the men you wish to take with you the virginia campaign?"

Color draining out of his face, just. He knows Washington ENOUGH to read the answer there. "Will you be here when I return from the Virginia campaign?"

"God awaits us at any moment, Marquis."

Lafayette doesn't flinch, doesn't try to deny that or argue. Just his eyes well up, unchecked, tears rolling down his cheeks, and he reaches and draws Washington into a hug that doesn't end anytime soon.

washington lets him hug him but his face is completely smooth. this is not important. what is important is that he has had a good life and served god and his country with virtue. they've got a war to win.

Yeah, these are things Lafayette knows, which is why he's not making arguments against going, he's not trying to do anything stupid or distracting. Just clinging while he has the chance.

He'll be devastated whenever it happens, though. Like light and warmth leaving him, or a great portion of them, anyway.

it'll be ok. wash can always watch over you now.

He's just sick and tired of getting orphaned, but... there's not much he can do, other than make sure what Washington fought for is won.

well, he would not like to orphan you, but god has made his decisions as they are and we much handle them as stalwart men of his creation. it is of no good to complain.

no, it is not.

see, he isn't.

so you see, he will always be here for you, and watching and waiting, and if you are to think he is there, he was.

now now. the men will need your strength more than ever.

he'll not let them down. He'll not let you down.

(Basically, don't ever let us plot together, guys, we'll break everyone's hearts, our own included.)

look we picked the saddest otp ever.

what else are we going to do but sad them

well there are victories! And good things! And reunions! ANd surprise parties!

it's true!