(no subject)

[iniquiticity]

Anonymous asked
Future greenhouses, Alex does something supremely competent on the battlefield, in negotiations, etc., and Washington finds this incredibly attractive.

“it’s incomprehensible that this is permitted,” hamilton said, his folded behind his back. hamilton had a habit of leaning forward when he spoke, like he was bending. washington had taught him to pull his shoulders back, which lengthened his spine and made him seem more imposing. combined with the wild way his husband’s eyes seemed to spark the longer he went on, it was only his height that was unintimidating. “the people that you are taking this money from are our veterans. Men who fought and died for your freedoms! Their blood grows your crops and supports your lands. The funds you seek to cancel are going to widows and orphans. You can not be as incomprehensibly heartless as you seem.”

Washington had already made his arguments against the removal of the tax on estate owners to provide funds to widows, widowers and orphans of dead soldiers. He paid the tax and donated additional funds, when he was able. (Hamilton’s next product was the creation of a fund which could be accountable to pay for this sort of thing, which one would be rewarded for being a part of, by some government bond, or — some complicated benefit situation that would inspire lords and ladies to join it.). But it seemed natural that those against soldiers would not desire such a thing. They were accustomed to his opinions.

Hamilton was new. His husband, yes, but they had interrogated him for several hours yesterday, to see if he had opinions. He would not hold a true post, if Dolley Payne and Abigail Adams could not. But he could argue occasionally, as they did. and Hamilton, being a front-line enlistment, was perfect for the argument.

“Lord Schuyler, this is not a reasonable burden,” a man said.

“Reasonable burden?” Hamilton retorted, and for a moment he began to lean forward before snapping back again. “You mean to say reasonable burden when you are talking about widowers who cannot afford to eat? And what did you have for dinner, sir? Duck? Not rotting cabbage and fetid wine?”

This went on for hours. Hamilton could out-talk anyone, and Washington had already tested him at every angle. Finally the man who argued against him sighed very wearily. “No more arguments, sir,” he said, and sat down, more heavily than he likely intended. Washington knew what it was like, to be under that relentless assault.

“It is obvious to me,” Hamilton said, as strong as he had been when the sun had been high in the sky,” That any lord or lady who doe snot embrace this tax is not only selfish but also monstrous and unpatriotic. I rest.”

He sat next to Washington, firm and uncompromising. Washington felt a wave of affection and pride glow through him, like lighting a fireplace in his chest. He wanted very desperately to kiss the man, but he held himself back.

“I am sure we can review more tomorrow,” said a lady, and they called the evening. Hamilton stood with forced slowness, and the two of them exited.

“You were extraordinary today,” Washington said, when they were back in their tavern room, “Sometimes I think you are the most handsome mid-rant.”

“I am always the most handsome,” Hamilton said, and he took Washington’s hands and pulled them around his waist, then tilted his head up. Washington gave him the kiss he asked for, and deepened it. Hamilton groaned low in his throat, surprised. when washington did let him go, he veritably glowed, slick lips and brilliant eyes. “i can continue to support veterans for this.”

washington quirked an eyebrow at him and thumbed at his lips. “or for their own goodwill.”

“well,” hamilton said, almost as an afterthought, “that as well.”