#anthuary

You met Philip when you were young. 

Your father carried you into his office for ‘Bring Your Child To Work Day’. You were ecstatic. You idolized your father and the fact you were going to learn about what he does was all you ever wanted. You looked around at all the decorations set up around “Goodmorning, Aaron, how are- Oh my God is that her?!” A strange woman’s voice brought you out of your trance. You turned your head, and looked at a woman in a light blue dress. Her smile was bright, and you decided then that you liked her. “Hello, Y/n, mice to meet you.” “Hello!”

“Princess, this is Eliza, she’s Alexander’s wife.” You father told you.

“Hi Ms. Eliza!” You waved your tiny hand at her as you gave her your biggest smile.

“She’s adorable.” Eliza said happily. “Would you like to meet my son?”

Your eyes lit up, you desperately wanted someone to play with. You nodded enthusiastically, and then looked to your father for confirmation. He smiled at you letting you know it was okay.

“Phillip?” Eliza called, and a few seconds later you heard the small putter patter of feet, and a small boy with curly hair entered your field of view.

“Philip, this is (y/n), she’s Mr. Burr’s daughter.”

“Down. Down.” You told you father, and he followed your wishes, letting you down. You skipped over to Phillip and said ‘Hi’. “Hi,” He said back, “my name is Phillip. I’m a poet.” “Well Philip the poet, we’re best friends now.” You smiled. You could tell this would be the start of an adventurous friendship. ——————– You couldn’t believe your eyes. In your hands was Alexander Hamilton’s newest pamphlet. You ripped up the Reynolds pamphlet and raced to the Hamilton estate to find Phillip. You knocked on the door, and it opened immediately. Angelica, Phillip’s aunt, answered the door, “I’m sorry but we- Oh, Y/n.” “Where’s Phillip?” You immediately asked. “Thank you for coming, darling,“ She led you into the house to the stairwell, "he’s been in his room and won’t come out. I hope you can reach out to him.” "I hope I can. Send Eliza my regards?” “I will.” You passed Angelica and rushed up the stairs to Phillip’s room. You quietly knocked on his door, “Phillip, it’s me (y/n), can I come in?” You heard no answer. After a few seconds, you opened the door slowly. Your eyes drifted to his bed, your felt heart shatter even more at the sight in front of you. He was shaking, you could see it from your position. He was facing away from you. Tears stained the 84? papers in front of him as straggled sobs came from him. The sight broke your heart.   You quickly entered the room, closing the door behind you. Crossing the room, you slowly sat down at the foot of the bed. You knew he didn’t want to talk so you settled for simply pulling him into a hug. He cried onto your shoulder, the tears wetting the shoulder of your dress. He was shaking worse than what you saw. You rubbed his back, attempting to calm him. “I’m here Phillip, I’m here.” A few hours of crying and soothing later, you wiped the tears from Phillips face, and gave him a smiles He tried to return it but failed. “I can’t stay here anymore. It’s driving me crazy staying here.” He looked away from you to the pamphlets in his hands. You took them out of his hands, and placed them on the bed behind him. “We can go walking, yeah?” You suggested. Phillip nodded, “Yeah, can we go to the park? The one with the big oak tree?” “The one you fell out of when we were eight?” You tried to bring up the funny memory. A small smile emerged on his freckled face. “Yes, that one.”

——————–

The two of you walked towards the big oak tree that stood tall in the middle of the park.

The memories there made you smile.

“What are you smiling about?” Phillip asked. You didn’t notice he was staring at you

“The good ol’ days.” You said as you reached the base of the tree.

Phillip sat down near one of the roots and pulled you down to sit with him, holding you close. "I’m sick of it all, (y/n).” You stayed quiet and let him talk “My father had an affair behind our backs and no one knew! My poor mother, and my siblings, they don’t deserve to go through this so young. This isn’t fair to them, to me.” "You’re right nobody should go through this. Especially not you, or your family.” You looked up at him. “But you can’t let this define you. You have to persevere, to be strong, because you are.” He was silent, analyzing your words, until he spoke up, “Run away with me.” “Philip-what?” He sat up, forcing you to as well. “You heard me. Let’s go somewhere! We can go to South Carolina, Georgia, Massachusetts- What about France? Come on, you know you want to, what do we have here?” “Phillip, you family-” “My father obviously doesn’t care about us, and it’s not like I’m the only child.” “Yeah, but your mom needs you, now more than ever. Your siblings need you. What do you think will happen if the person they look up the most suddenly leaves in a time of crisis. I won’t do that, and I certainly can’t let you.” “Fine, but promise me we will someday. We’ll go to France, England, wherever you want to go, just… promise.” You sighed, “I promise.” You didn’t expect that promise to be broken so soon. —————— It’s been weeks since the Reynolds Pamphlet. Phillip is at least on speaking terms with his father. His mother still won’t be in the same air space as him. But right now, it was Phillip’s graduation day. “Meet the latest graduate of King’s college, (y/n)! I feel so…Free!” “Congratulations, Phillip, I knew you could do it!” You engulfed him in a hug. “Now. I have to see a Mr. George Eacker, but after that I say you and I go get some celebratory drinks?” “Are you asking me out on a date Phillip?” “Maybe? Are you accepting?” “Yes. Just make sure you don’t do anything reckless.” ——————– “You did something reckless.“ You said as the two of you walked out of the theatre. "I did something to protect my family’s honor.” “You mean your Father’s honor.” You spat. “Y/n, I can handle myself. So what, if It’s for my father?” “But a duel, Philip? Seriously? You could get killed!” “Most disputes die, and no one shoots.”

“Philip, don’t do this. I don’t want to lose you.” You pleaded.

“You won’t lose me, Y/n.” Phillip sighed and brought you in for a hug. “I’m going to go talk to my father, then go to the duel. Afterwards, if you want, we can go to France, leave it all behind, yes?”

You didn’t answer as he kissed the top of your head, and left you alone at the bar.

You got up, from your seat and went to leave, but stopped halfway. You turned on your heel and went to the bartender, waving a hand for him to come over.

“What can I do for you, miss?”

“Could you be able to tell me where Mr. George Eacker is?”

——————–

“Mr. Eacker!” You piped up as you saw him exit the theater. When he didn’t turn around you called out again, “Mr. Eaker!”

“What?” He answered, annoyed, “I’m just trying to have a peaceful night, and I swear nobody wants to just leave me alo- Oh, aren’t you Phillip’s girl?”

“Excuse me? I am not Phillip’s- you know what, never mind. I have a proposal for you, if you’ll just listen.” “Might as well, make it quick, I have a duel to do.” “And you will get your duel, just not with Phillip…” “Then with who?” You hesitated, “With… Me.” “Hah! I will not duel a woman.”

‘Maybe if I crossdress…’ You thought to yourself. “Why not? Are you afraid you’ll lose?” “Certainly not! I just… It’s not proper. Now I really must go…” “I’m not asking you to duel me to prove anything!” You shouted angrily. “I want him to live, and getting into a duel because of something someone else says, is not worth losing him over.” “Fine, I’ll duel you. Only because you won’t shut up. Let’s go before your lover boy shows up.”

——————–

You never thought you would have enough courage to duel someone, but here you are, on the dueling ground holding your father’s pistol that you stole this morning.

“Ten paces!” Eacker’s second called out. You turned around and took a step

One

You thought about your father, he had been there for you through everything. Your mother wasn’t around, so you were his everything. You couldn’t lose this, he’d be devastated.

Two

Your mother crossed your mind. Would she even care if you had died? You weren’t supposed to be alive in the first place. You were born out of an affair.

Three

You never really stood a chance in life. You wanted to go to school, learn how to do something besides how to be a proper lady. In today’s world women were only supposed to be married off and birth children. You never saw that in your future.

Four

You remembered the stories your father had told you about the war. Many duels took place. He told you of the duel between John Laurens and Charles Lee. You swore you would never duel anyone… So much for that.

Five

‘Maybe this is for the best.’ you muttered. Almost there, just a few more steps.

Six

Phillip. The one person in your life who was always by your side. He was your saving grace, the one to keep you going. He’s gonna do great things in life, he’s just too much like his father. Always defending his honor. You weren’t going to let him throw away his life because of a duel. He could live without you, he’ll carry on with his life and find some girl. If he died however, your life would fall apart. You couldn’t imagine a life without him. He was your everything.

Seven

You loved Philip.

BANG.

——————– Phillip exited his father’s old house with, surprisingly, less confidence than what he had when he entered, and his father’s dueling pistol. Phillip made his was back to the theatre where he was supposed to meet his dueler. A few minutes later, Phillip began to think that George had blown him off. He stopped a nearby usher, who was closing up the doors of the theatre, surely he knew what happen to Eacker. “Excuse me sir, have you seen a man, named George Eacker, by any chance?”

“He just left… with a young woman that looks a lot like your girl.”

“Why did they leave?” Phillip asked hesitantly hoping that he was the only one who did something reckless.

“I heard something about a duel, but who knows. They went that way if you need them.”

Phillip’s face paled. You had done something reckless. He shot off a short thank you and sped off towards the dueling grounds

‘I’m such an idiot!’ He yelled at himself.

Phillip ran faster and faster until he heard the ten pace countdown. “5!” Why had she agreed to this? “6!” Why had Eacker agreed to this? “7!” A loud 'Bang!’ interrupted his racing thoughts. His steps faltered when silence fell. It was broken by a shrinking scream, and Phillip’s legs finally got the message to start moving again.

—————— Suddenly you were on the ground with blood pouring from your dress. Unbearable pain washed over you so quickly you worried you were gonna pass out. “(Y/n), oh god no this is bad.” Phillip appeared at your side, quickly applying pressure to your wound. Through your squinted eyes you saw tears threatening to fall from his eyes. His expression went to sadness to worry to anger in a matter of seconds, he turned his head to face Eacker. “Eacker, you better bring your doctor here right now or else I will shoot you!” He screamed. You winced. Eaker shook his head, and motioned for the doctor to go over to you. “She wanted this. You and her, should have just kept your mouths shut.” And with that, he left. The doctor knelt near the two of you and assessed the situation. “Keep that pressure on her wound. I can do more at my office than out here.” “How far?” You choked out. He sent an apologetic look to you. “Try to stay awake. The pain…” The doctor sighed. “Try to stay awake.” He motioned am for someone else to come over so they could help you to the office, but before he could, you stopped him. “I said. How. Far?” You stood your ground, not wanting to be ignored.

“It’ll take at least 20 minutes. In that time, you might bleed out.” “Then don’t bother, sir if you may. Find my father, Aaron Burr.” Nobody moved, they were completely against just leaving you here. “You heard her…” Phillip trailed, trying not to let his sobs escape him. “Go get her father!” “Phillip. It’s okay.” You said weakly. “No. It is not okay. You got shot!” Phillip didn’t know he was crying til you reached up to wipe the tears from his face. Though, the moment you did so, you winced in pain. Phillip saw, and lowered your hand to rest on your stomach. He looked up at the doctor, “Can you help her?” “I will try.” “What no. I’m not going to make it… Just please, go get my father.” You breath was labored. “He will be here, Y/n.” Phillip smiled in reassurance. The place where Phillip was putting pressure gradually became more numb. Phillip glanced to the doctor, you saw him mouth ‘hurry’. The doctor nodded mournfully before taking off towards the city.

You turned you head and saw Phillip looking pale fully at your wound. “Phillip…” You out your hand up to his face, trying to direct his eyes away. “Phillip look at me.”

“Why did you do it (y/n).” You saw his broken expression face you as he spoke. You felt your own heart break. “Remember what I said a few weeks ago Phillip. About your family.” “Yes… my parents need me, and I know that, but dammit, (Y/n), I need you too!” Phillip was crying again. “I love you.” “I…love you too, Phillip. That’s why I had to do this. I couldn’t live without you.” You teared up. Your wound was still bleeding and you were becoming weaker by the minute. “What makes you think that I could without you?” You fell silent. Watching the sun slowly rise above the city. “I… don’t want to argue, can… you tell me… of all the places… we’ll visit?” You breathed out. Your eyes felt heavy, threatening to close for good. “Well… We’ll go to France first.” You would never go to France. “We’ll see the Tower, visit Uncle Lafayette and Aunt Adrienne.” He removed one hand from your wound, the less bloody one, to smooth back your hair from your face. “Then we’ll go to England and egg the kings castle.” You would never go to England. “Then finally we’ll come back here, to America, and we’ll live Uptown. It’s quiet uptown. We’ll get married, and you will live, and it will be like none of this ever happened.” You sighed. You wanted nothing but to do the things he described, but you never would. “That sounds wonderful, Phillip. I’m looking forward to it.” Your hand slowly found its way to Phillip’s cheek, cradling it as if he were the one dying. You gazed into his eyes so they would be the last thing you saw. Your father was never going to arrive on time and both of you knew that. Phillip gave you a smile, taking away the other hand and holding yours. “Phillip? I’m tired.” You struggled to get out your sentence, the time had come. “I know, my love, but stay awake. I know you can.” His voice sounded distant, even thought he was merely inches away from you. You could vaguely make out footsteps coming from the city. “See, your father’s here. Just hold on a little longer. Please.” Phillip was full on sobbing now, his fresh tears hitting your face. Your eyes started to droop, begging for sleep. “Phillip, I need you to promise me something.” you were fighting for consciousness. “Y/n!” You heard someone yell, most likely your father. You were going to miss him. You gave Phillip’s hand a squeeze, “Live on, my love. Do what I never could.” You eyes started to close for the last time. “Blow us all away.”

Oops…. our hands slipped…

"What the fuck? Why would he do that?!” John piped up at the news and turned down the TV. “He claims it’s because he didn’t want to waste his ‘time’ on something he ‘knew he’d ace’ or some bullshit.” You seethed. “Did you try to stop him?” John asked, and you sighed. “You know how it is with him… If he wants something he’ll get it.” “I’m sorry, Y/n.” John embraced you in a hug. “Why do I do this to myself?” “You didn’t do anything, he did.” He rubbed your back soothingly. “He’s doing this because I’m friends with him.” “Then become un-friends with him.” John suggested. You chuckled, “That’s not a word, John.” The two of you sat in silence. “Alright. Stop wallowing.” He turned off the TV and stood up, “We’re going out.” “Where?” You laughed, the way he could change a mood so instantly, made you smile every time. “To your favorite place!” John exclaimed. “John it’s the middle of winter! We can’t get ice cream, are you mad?” Sometimes your boyfriend was really out of his mind. “No, I’m just trying to cheer my girlfriend up! Come on, and put on your coat!” He took your coat from the closet and threw it towards you. “You are the weirdest person I know.” You giggled and stood up to put your jacket on. “And you’re the cutest.” John mumbled. “I heard that, dork.” You bumped your shoulder with his on your way out of the door. “And I meant it.” He gave you a kiss on the cheek, passing you to grab the keys. He let you go out of the door first before closing it behind you. ————– After two ice cream cones, and a shared smoothie, you squeezed John’s hand to get his attention. “You know, John, this isn’t my favorite place…” You took his hand, “I’m always at my favorite place when I’m with you." 

“You’re so cheesy.” He smiled as he lifted your hand to his lips.

You let out a breathy laughed, and smiled, “Not as much as you.”

“Give it up, Laurens, you’ve been trying for a month!” You recognized that voice as Burr, and you could hear someone walking towards you. You assumed it was John.

Now, Burr wasn’t exaggerating. John Laurens has been trying for a month to get a date with you. It all started when you kept coming up with clapbacks for his pick up lines when you first met. In the end, you two made a bet which said: If John could leave you speechless on a pick up line, you owed him a date. He agreed to your offer. John seemed like a nice, funny guy from what you could speculate from the times that you would see him.

“Hi, John.” You turned to him as he approached.

“Hi, Y/n.” John gave you a smile.

You took a sip of your drink, “So what have you got for me today?”

“Well, Y/n,  I don’t really have anything planned.” The freckled faced man, took a seat next to you.

“Really?”

“Yeah, I’m sorry but I was caught up in fighting a battle.”

“What battle?”

“The battle for your heart.”

“Well, John I’m sorry you wasted your time with that battle because you are bound to lose.”

“Yes, I figured that when you crossed the bridge into my heart instead.” He took up your hand and placed a kiss to your knuckles.

Let the games begin.

You put a smile onto your face. “I’m sorry that I crossed that bridge, I have no intention of having your heart.”

You took your hand back from his possession.

“Oh shit.” You heard one of his friends say from behind you.

“W-Well, did it hurt when you fell for me?”

“No because I didn’t fall at all. In fact, I wouldn’t fall, because I have a better sense of balance than you have on your life.”

“You’re right I don’t have balance, and It’s because one side of my scale is missing… you.”

You opened your mouth and closed it, over and over again.

You sighed in defeat, “Yeah, I don’t have a come back for that one.”

“FINALLY!” John exclaimed. “You, Y/n, owe me a date.”

“Yes, yes I do.” You smiled at his giddiness.

———–

“And that children, is how your mother finally went on a date with me.”