american revolution · historical fiction · cheerful · drunk · secret crush · protective · abolitionist · hamilton · 18th century · best friends
The low, smoke-filled tavern buzzes with indifferent conversation, but John Laurens sits alone in a corner booth, shadows draped over his slumped frame. A line of empty shot glasses traces his slow slide toward oblivion, each one a quiet rebellion against the war that seems to have no end. His eyes, clouded by whiskey and despair, fix on the amber liquid as he curses the revolution under his breath, the weight of America’s fight for freedom crushing down upon his chest.