Lafayette's P.O.V. (whattttttt finally??)

I anxiously shifted my weight, waiting for the doors to open. Today was the day. I held a bouquet of assorted colours, mostly pastels.

I had just turned eighteen, two weeks ago. That wasn't how old I had expected to be married at, but Hercules was leaving across the seas tomorrow with the military and we had to do something before he left.

Something that would connect us even while he was away.

I was dressed in a white suit with a navy blue undershirt. My curly hair was pulled back into a bun, a strand carefully braided and pulled back with it, done by Peggy. She had also added a flower tucked into the ponytail, the navy blue matching my outfit and Hercules'. Peggy had also done my makeup, and it was subtle but beautiful.

When the doors opened, I put the veil Eliza had added down to hide my tears of joy. I was beaming brightly, staring at the marvelous sight ahead of me. Hercules wore his navy blue military uniform, standing 'at ease'. He smiled down the aisle at me as I slowly strutted down the flowered carpet.

Peggy threw dark blue flower pedals at me whilst I passed, giggling. Eliza stood at her side, beaming and giving me two thumbs up. Angelica stood on the other side of Peggy, winking at me and beaming wider than Eliza. The Schuyler Sisters were my 'bridesmaids' and had helped me organize the wedding. I love them all dearly, as if they were my own siblings.

I looked to the other side of Hercules, where Alex, John, and Thomas stood. Thomas was my best friend from France, so he was obviously going to be a groomsman. The best man, however, was John. Alex stood next to him, closest to Hercules, and Thomas stood on his other side, obviously not wanting to be next to Alexander. All three were beaming, even though two of them were archenemies and they had to stand so close.

I walked up to the alter, grabbing the hand Hercules gave to me. We held hands, facing each other. Hercules gave me a huge smile and squeeze of the hand, which calmed all my anxiety. We turned to face the preacher.

This was it.

The best night of my life.

~The next day~

I watched longingly as Hercules shut the trunk to our car. He wore his uniform, and was leaving today.

I wiped the tears that flooded from my eyes.

"I'll be back before you know it, baby." He reassured me, and I nodded, giving a slight smile.

He grabbed my hand, lifting it to his face, bending down slightly as he brushed his lips across my knuckles. The tears came back.

"I'm gonna miss you..." I breathed out, pulling him into a giant bear hug.

He nodded, "I'll miss you too, Darling."

He caressed my cheek, brushing away the tears that slid down my cheeks.

"Just come back for me Hercules." I mumbled, trying to be bold for my husband. He just nodded.

"I'll always come back for you, Lafayette." I nodded, holding back tears.

He lifted my chin up so I could look him in the eyes. I'll miss his eyes...

He gazed into my eyes for a bit before moving closer and kissing me deeply. I closed my eyes tightly, feeling more tears slide down as I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed back. I didn't want this moment to end, but after a couple minutes, he pulled back.

"I have to go, baby. But I'll be back before you know I'm gone." I nodded, hugging him one last time before he opened the car door, getting inside.

Before he could shut the door, I called out to him.

"Hercules?" He looked at me, humming in response.

"I love you..."

He smiled, nodding.

"I love you too, Lafayette. Never forget that. I'll be with you, no matter what happens." I nodded, kissing him one last time before he left.

"Bye, Laf. See you soon." I nodded, stepping back as he closed the car door, turning it on and waving to me before driving away.

I watched the car leave, my heart sinking as he disappeared from my view.

"I'll see you soon, mon amour..."

~Two weeks later~

It was over. The war was won and Hercules would be returning any day now. I slouched on the couch, missing him deeply. Thomas and John were over, but Alex wouldn't come because 'he had work'. I didn't believe it, he was probably just trying to keep away from Jefferson. It didn't matter anyways. Hercules would be back soon, and I just couldn't wait.

I was pulled out of my thoughts by a knock at the door, followed by a "I'll get it" from John. I heard the door opening, a few words exchanged, and a reluctant, "Laf.... It's for you."

I quickly got up from my spot, rushing to the door, expecting to see my husband waiting for me.

However, what I did see brought tears to my eyes.

The general, George Washington, stood just inside the door, bearing a letter. John stood to the side, giving me a sympathetic look.

I slowly took the letter, my hands shaking, holding back tears. I took it to the table, opening it up with an envelope opener, and sitting down on the couch. The General sat next to me.

I opened the letter, reading through it.

To Marquis de Lafayette-Mulligan

The Department of the Army deeply regrets to inform you that on Friday the fourth, your husband, Hercules Mulligan, was killed in the line of duty, acting to save his country. His bravery and heroism saved many troupes, and he will forever be remembered for his act of bravery.

The department extends it sincerest and utmost sympathy to you and his family.

General G. Washington

Tears streamed down my face and I covered my mouth. My Hercules... He was gone...

"He sacrificed himself to save the rest of us... Because of his sacrifice, he was the only one who was killed in our side during the battle. His sacrifice won us the war." The general spoke softly, as if afraid his words would hurt me. They did.

My Hercules sacrificed himself to benefit our whole country. To keep us free. To keep us happy. It mixed my emotions. Of course he would do that. Hercules was the kindest person you would meet...

What would he have done if he had more time?

I must carry on his legacy.

It's what he would want. He wouldn't want me to cry for him. He would want me to be strong. He would want this.

So, through me tears, I smile.

I feel something press against my cheek. Like lips, only nothing is there. I lift my hand to my cheek. He's here with me, just as he said he would be.

I was going to make him proud.

Word count: 1166

Yo, yo, yo! Look who's back! With even more angst :3

You're welcome.

Song: Just a Dream by Carrie Underwood

If only Hercules had more time.

See you guys later! Stay cool my little chicklets! Peace out!

Edited: August 12, 2018