Chapter Text
“I’m just saying,” Charles Lee scoffed. “If Washington cared one bit about the revolution, he’d turn his pretty ass back around and leave the leading to the capable. ”
Alex wrung his hands under the bar table, seated only a few people down from Lee's group. It was taking everything in him to not stand up, shout, call Lee bluff in front of his group and prove to them what a coward he really is. The only thing keeping him grounded, funnily enough, was John sitting right next to him.
“Don’t act,” John murmured warningly under his breath. “If something happens, this is your position at stake, not his.”
“Someone needs to put him in his place,” Alex shot back, frustrated. John leaned back and sighed.
“I know. It’s killing me too.”
The group cheered, clanking their glasses together. What for, Alex couldn’t have cared less. Or maybe he cared too much, it was anyone’s guess. All he knew was if he gritted his teeth any harder he was going to shatter a tooth.
“Why isn’t anyone doing anything? They are outwardly bashing their general and they all remain silent!”
A few people glanced quizzically toward Alex’s direction.
“Listen,” John said lowly, finishing the last of his drink. “How about we just meet up with Laf and Herc and head to a different bar, alright?”
Alex turned his head, following a patron who had stumbled over to Lee's group, talking and shooting occasional glances toward John and his direction. John seemed to notice this too, as he stood up.
“Too late.”
Lee stumbled over drunkenly to the two, a look of pride sketched across his face. His posse followed close behind.
“Heard you were- hic! Talking shit.”
“Lee this has nothing to do with you,” John growled. Alex felt his pulse quicken.
“No no, I think it does. What’s a matter Alex? Cat got your tongue? Why don’t you come and fight me like a real man?” He hit his chest threateningly.
“Well unlike you, Charles, I follow the orders I’m given so you can piss off.” Alex shot back. He heard John sigh exasperatedly next to him.
“I don’t take orders from tobacco picking old men.”
“Why don’t-” John interjected quickly. ”-We settle this somewhere else? When you and your friends aren’t wasted?”
“John, what are you doing?” Alex murmured, taken aback by his friend’s cool demeanor. Any other time, John wouldn't have thought twice about punching in Lee's face.
“I’m saving your tail, that’s what.”
“Like… a duel?”
“John, wait-”
“You’re on,” John said, holding a hand out.
“Wednesday afternoon? I have plans Thursday,” Lee snickered as the two shook hands, Alex meanwhile dumbfounded at the exchange that had just taken place.
“Sounds good to me.”
After details had been determined, and Lee went on his merry way, the two left the bar.
“Why did you do that?” Alex said as they stepped out.
“Alex, I wasn’t going to let you jeopardize your position with Washington. I know how much it means to you, and someone needs to teach that scumbag a lesson,” he chuckled.
“Well… thank you, John, it means a lot.”
John laughed, playfully slugging Alex in the arm.
“Hey, what are friends for?”