Burr(sir) was right when he guessed it wouldn't be too hard to keep the father-son pair together. In fact, it was quite impossible to separate the two.

In the past week, Washington has not left his son's side for anything while Burr, Laurens, and Lafayette have been running the camp behind the scenes.

Alexander has been sleeping most of the time the effects of the stone truly leaving him exhausted and vulnerable. He wasn't quite sure what had occurred, why his body and mind hurt so much but he knew that his dad would be there when he woke up. Every time.

And he was. Every time. A gentle hand combing through his hair. Firm arms wrapped around him in a safe and protective embrace.

He was safe.

-ω-

After a few days, his memories were returning. Small snippets of moments of care and safety, the terror and comfort that followed after. They were blurry but he held on to those.

And Washington was always there when those snippets came. Part of him was glad Alexander was too exhausted to feel too mortified about what had been discovered but he was sure that day would come too.

But right now all that mattered was that

Alexander was safe.

-ω-

"Hey, dad?" A quiet whisper was heard in the small tent. That name still filled Washington's heart with warmth.

He squeezed Alexander who was nuzzled against him. It was one of those nights where Alexander was more aware.

"Yeah, son?"

"Thank you"

"For being my dad, for taking care of me,"

A small gentle smile appeared on the general's face, as he brushed a kiss on his boi's brow.

"Thank you for letting me"

It then became silent in the tent and for a moment Washington thought Alexander was back to sleep when a quiet whisper reached his ears, filling his heart with joy.

"Love you dad"

"Love you too, son"

-ω-

2 weeks passed and Alexander was becoming more himself. In other words, demanding to get back to his job for the exasperation of his dad.

And after a while, Washington let him with strict orders.

Burr(sir) and the crew were happy to help their friend and keep an eye on him for the general.

Alexander was safe.

-ω-

It was a dark night when Washington was making rounds in his camp. Soft light of a candle bled through the darkness and as he peeked in the room a familiar sight greeted him.

Alexander was sleeping on his desk. Papers over the surface and a quill in his hand.

Silently Washington creeps in the room and takes a blanket from the couch carefully setting it around his son.

"Night, son," he whispers.

And with a fond sigh he tip-toes out again. He would retrieve his boy when he has finished his round.

At the door, he quickly looks back to take another look at his son. Alexander was wrapped his hand around the corner of the blanket. A peaceful look on his face as he sleeps.

He smiles widely as he leaves the room. Washington will miss the child but it felt good to have his Alexander back.

He was safe.

He had a family.

Everything would be alright.

-fin-