“Originally the designer wanted him to be shirtless, but was told no. So he gave Lang a feather boa, figuring that if his nipples were covered that would make it okay, but it didn't. He even tried to justify it by saying Lang was in astronomy club in high school, and he wanted to show off the 7 scars on his chest that make up the constellation Orion. The director did not buy that either.”
Reminding everyone that Vox is canonically a sadiatic, voyeuristic freak
-He has cameras litterally EVERYWHERE
-He made a device that is used to peep on the neighbors, and advertised it enough to where a lot of people bought it. 'Oh, he's just doing supply and demand bcuz a lot of people in Hell are creeps, and if they want that, he'll make it!" That's true, actually, I'm not arguing with that. But also, he can see through any camera in Hell, and he has an entire room where he just watches people. And now thousands of people bought a device that helps them peek on the neighbors from an easier view? Come on
-Also that. He has an entire room where he just watches people all over Hell. Wouldn't be surprised if he slept in there as well, smh
-In the club scene, he litterally had a camera pointing at Vals' chest, legs, hips, and ass the entire time. And, in that one clip from episode 8, he had a camera pointed at Val, again.
-He has cameras in Angel's old bedroom, and if Poison was anything to go off of, we all know what Val does to Angel in the room :(
-He enjoys and gets off to watching people get hurt (yeah, the camera in Angel's bedroom). He said he was "so hard right now" (I can't type this without laughing), and "it was better than sex." I'm not just talking about him watching Alaator 'dying' either. He was laughing when saying that everyone at the hotel was gonna die and even putting if on a TV like it was an event. He also smiled when Vel said that Val tore up her best model.
Sometimes when you work on a project, there are moments when you need to take a break and work on something else. That’s really the case with In The Night, I have all these ideas but sometimes I feel confined to ITN (I literally have not started Chapter 3 when this is posted). And thus this fic was born. I hope you enjoy!
Y/N and Lafayette’s POV
Bridgerton inspired AU (watching the Bridgerton series would probably help in understanding ideas of ‘courting’ and finding a suitors)
Odd social structure (dukes are essentially owners of land which was popularized in London, Washington is considered a president, and Lafayette is now a prince!)
not my cover image 😟
Word count: 4k
Literally the biggest thanks to @deja-you for proofreading and some great feedback, ILY 🧎♀️
—-the Washington residence
The dreamy clouds would stream across the sky as Y/N began to read the newest article from Thomas Paine, the most notorious writer known for acknowledging every piece of gossip and whispers among the noble colonists.
The pamphlet felt newly written, as few spots of the odd-smelling ink would smudge. Though Y/N was not awake, a young boy delivered this meticulous pamphlet to the Washington residence before dawn.
As the daughter of the president, being the center of noble gossip was nothing new to her, in fact, gossip was never the center of her attention either. But something about this pamphlet in particular would surely catch her eye.
She began to read:
‘The scene for this courting season is looking quite interesting. Now that these young ladies are finally of age, they will indeed add competition to the scene.’
Ah yes, the annual courting season. A time for women and men to make their move and commence into the adult world. While many aren’t satisfied with their partners, reputation seems to grow higher than feelings.
‘Many pertinent names are included in this season, and I’m honored to document the presence of these people.’
‘The Schuylers: all three of the incredible General Schuyler’s daughters are finally entering the courting scene simultaneously. During the war, many soldier boys would fall head over heels to impress them, and many were unsuccessful. I’m ecstatic to observe the lucky men to take the hand of Angelica, Elizabeth, and Peggy Schuyler.’
‘The Payne’s: Miss Dolley Payne has finally been granted entrance into this courting season. Many theories and speculation suggest that her arrival to the scene at the same time as the other great names was not a coincidence.’
‘And finally, the most significant family joining us this season,’
Y/N sucked in a breath
‘The Washington’s: His grace’s pride and joy, Y/N, will be the most imperative competition this season. The pressure of being the president’s daughter, as well as the stigma of conceiving an heir, follow her wherever she resides. Nonetheless, Y/N Washington is an extraordinary star among the courting scene, and it would indeed be foolish to throw away your shot.’
‘It’s just common sense.’
‘-Thomas Paine’
It would take Y/N a couple moments before her squeals of excitement could be heard across the residence
Shortly after, the rumbles of Y/N racing down the stairs would cause her parents, George and Martha, to take suspicious glances at each other. Y/N finally reached the dinner table where her parents were finishing up their morning tea.
“What’s got you going so early, dear? I usually have to pull you out of bed around this time,” Martha questioned
“Sir Payne wrote about me in the paper! My entrance to the courting scene seems to be the most glittering cluster of ink in this pamphlet” She squealed
Y/N excitedly, yet also harshly, slid the pamphlet over to her parents, moments later they would observe her words to be true
“That’s great, dear” Her father, George, looked up from the paper with a smile. “I know you’ll represent the Washington Family name well, although it’s a shame you’ll have to lose it when you get married” he sighed
“Oh lighten up George, Y/N will be the talk of the town, I’m sure she’ll attract some worthy gentleman”
“Damn right he better be worthy.” His eyes transferred from Martha to Y/N
“Remember Y/N, very few are prepared to handle a Washington, you can even ask your mother.”
Y/N couldn’t hold in a giggle as Martha rolled her eyes. Both Y/N and George watched as Martha arose to place her porcelain dishes in the sink
“Well I must be soo blessed to have to take care of two of them.”
George turned back to Y/N and slid her a letter across the table, keeping another letter in his opposite hand, which was still unopened
“May I ask what this is?” She held up the letter. Even the feeling of the paper could tell Y/N that it came from the colonial gentry. The scent faintly reminded Y/N of champagne and flowers, and the seal was a sparkling coral-pink shade. The letter appeared to be already opened
“The Schuyler’s are inviting you to a small tea get-together, whatever you kids call it.”
Y/N opened the envelope, searching for the details. How exciting was this, to be among the best of the best, especially in the greatest city in the world. Before she could reply, George began to speak again
“I’ve already requested for two escorts to accompany you on your way to the Schuyler residence.” Y/N turned to him in confusion
“Huh?” She questioned “escorts?”
“Now that you’re officially in this courting season, your safety could be potentially in danger. I’m just trying to make you comfortable” He retorted
“Father, I’m sure I’m capable of walking on my own. I mean, the Schuyler residence isn’t even that far and-”
Y/N was interrupted by multiple knocks on her door. She shot a ‘this isn’t over’ glare to her father before wandering over to her front door. She opened the door and found a surprise
The Duke of Monticello and the Duke of Manhattan, my father’s two trusted secretaries. Dropping the formalities, Y/N addressed them by their first name
“Thomas? Alexander? Don’t tell me..” she turned back to her father. Jefferson and Hamilton stood at the doorway, both with flowers and nervous in the presence of Washington
“Father, I’m starting to question whether you worry for my safety, or worry for your pickiness of my suitor.” Thomas and Alex attempted to hold in their laughs as if their lives depended on it
“Of course I do!” He held a hand to his chest as if he was hurt “although I do owe them a favor-” a smirk spread across Thomas’s and Alexander’s face, yet was quickly faded as Washington addressed them
“But no funny business with my daughter. If I hear of any shenanigans from either one of you, you both have serious consequences.” Y/N turned back to the dukes, both of them appearing drained of color.
“Let me get dolled up and we can be on our way” Y/N swiftly ran upstairs, leaving Thomas and Alexander alone in the presence of their boss. Those poor, poor, boys
Five minutes later, Y/N glided down the stairs in her fancier skirt. Her corset gave her an amazing shape, and her hair made her appear to be a celestial being. She caught the dukes’ eyes lingering on her for a little too long. Luckily, Washington wasn’t around. “Let’s keep our focus on what’s really matters, guys” she laughed
“R-right...” they said in unison, both turning away and pretending to be interested in the furniture in the house. Y/N had never seen the two secretaries so calm around each other, it made her realize the power the Washington’s have in the colonies. A simple order from a Washington could probably end wars, especially if it’s capable of making Jefferson and Hamilton contain their pride
“Your graces?” She held out her hands, signifying that she was ready to depart. The dukes held out their forearm and elbows for her to take. Y/N intertwined her arms into theirs, and they headed for the Schuyler residence.
A few minutes down the path and Alexander Hamilton decided to break the silence
“I still can’t believe you’re entering this season, Y/N. I mean, I still remember running around those horrid military camps all those years ago” he chuckled. It’s true, it’s been all these years since the war and so much has changed
“I like to believe I’ve grown into a wonderful, young woman, don’t you think?” I batted my eyelashes towards both of them
“Of course darlin’” Jefferson cut in “but just because we’re your honorable colleagues doesn’t mean Hamilton and I won’t be lining up for your hand”
“Don’t be so sure. I heard this season has a few aggressive competitors on both sides. The Schuylers, the Paynes, even the Madisons! I might have to step up my game. In the meantime, both of you have to keep an open mind.”
Thomas and Hamilton stared at each other, surprised by her response.
“And If I find out that both of you placed bets on which one of you will earn my hand, I’ll be reminding my father to collect both of your heads.”
Their heads hung in defeat “alright, alright darlin’ I think I kind of like my head attached to my body. No need to get violent.”
“Plus I don’t think any of you can truly handle a Washington.” Y/N giggled, her arms still intertwined with theirs
“If Jefferson and I don’t scare away the competition, I’m sure your father will” Alexander chuckled, Thomas visibly reacted to the joke as well
“Oh come on, the two most popular dukes of the colonies have nothing on a suitor that is truly worthy of me” she scoffed
“And where would you find such a worthy contestant? Someone better than a duke?” The three stopped in front of the Schuyler residence
“Don’t kill my hopes, a Washington has her ways” Y/N removed her arms from Thomas’s and Alexander’s, heading for the front door. As soon as she was greeted by General Schuyler herself, she waved goodbye to the clashing dukes
“She’s so mine, Hamilton.” Thomas stated
“I’m sure you should be worried about your tomcat nature, Jefferson, don’t get too ahead of yourself” Alex retorted
Jefferson audibly scoffed before wandering with him into the city
—-France
3 weeks prior to Y/N reading that exciting pamphlet, Marquis de Lafay-- Now Prince Lafayette sat around a table of French nobles and officials. It felt like ages since he’s been in the colonies, and it has only been a few years ever since the French Revolution had ended. Yet instead of abolishing the monarchy system in France as Lafayette promised to the colonies, he and a few other nobles replaced the previous royal family.
Lafayette was later titled as a Prince, as were other leading men of France, but he urged to continue being addressed as the ‘Hero of two worlds’.
But with a new era upon the people of France, came the countless government meetings and conflicts that he had to resolve.
“Your Majesty? Are you even paying attention?” Secretary Robespierre whispered over his shoulder, causing him to visibly straighten himself out.
“O-Oui. Why wouldn’t I be?” Lafayette laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. Robespierre rolled his eyes before whispering again.
“This is our last meeting of the day. With all due respect sir, can you get yourself together?”
“Okay, Okay.” Lafayette sighed with boredom
He missed the colonies dearly, sometimes he wished he never left at all, but seeing his country yearn for a revolution compelled him to sail across the Atlantic once again. He often daydreamed of his riskier lifestyle with his closest friends and soldiers, as well as the feeling of awe while serving directly under General Washington. Never in his life did Lafayette think he would miss the adrenaline rush of stealing cannons and leading fully arm battalions.
His teenage memories of fooling around in those military camps, wandering the streets of New York City severely intoxicated, and the best memories of all, the memories of escorting the General’s daughter, Y/N Washington, to buy bread and pastries for him and his fellow soldiers.
Oh, what could she be doing now?
If it weren’t for the revolution at hand, Lafayette would’ve surely bent a knee once she set foot onto the military camping grounds. Lafayette held such a high respect for Y/N when they first met, especially since she was the daughter of his most admired general. The women in France just couldn’t compare to her heavenly beauty, and her kindness was unbeatable. She was the greatest treasure that Lafayette had stumbled across during his time in the colonies. Although many noblewomen would attempt to take a bite of him, Lafayette stayed loyal to his non-existent promise to Y/N.
A quick quill-slam to the table, and he was quickly drawn back to his reality. Why should he worry about his previous General’s daughter anyway? Lafayette was now a Prince, he could have anything he wanted. But the moment he set foot in France after the American Revolution, he lost the most precious things he already had. He yearned for glory, but at what cost? The cost of abandoning his bonds in the colonies?
He sighed, standing from the meeting table and wandering to his quarters. Secretary Robespierre followed closely behind him. Sensing an odd tension from Lafayette’s mood, Robespierre attempted to address his situation
“Do you need anything, your majesty?” Lafayette froze in his tracks, weighing his two options
“Actually...” Lafayette turned to face him “Schedule me a ship to the colonies. The earliest one you can find.”
Robespierre tilted his head in confusion, letting the last sentence sizzle in his head.
“I’m sorry, what?”
The prince in distress sighed with fatigue. “I’ve decided I’m heading to the colonies, tout suite.” Lafayette kept his gaze strong
‘B-but sir, you have so much to take care of-” Robespierre was notably panicking at this moment. “-and the recent shortages-”
“Mon Ami, there are at least three other ‘crowned princes’ who are perfectly capable of maintaining this nation. One prince gone won’t hurt the economy” Prince Lafayette stated firmly
Robespierre debated for a moment before confirming his thoughts “Alright. I’ll notify you when the earliest ship can be sailed. But what shall you do about the gossip? Perhaps they will believe you are not responsible enough for this role.”
“Let the people speak as they please. In the end, I’ll remind them who’s in charge.” Lafayette began towards his quarters once again, Robespierre stayed behind to script all of his thoughts.
Finally in his study, Lafayette dipped his quill into the nearest container of ink and started to write.
‘To the Great General Washington, It’s been ages since we’ve last written…’
Maybe Lafayette will be able to have a taste of his old life.
---the Schuyler residence
Giggling echoed throughout the Schuyler residence as the 5 girls enjoyed their tea.
“Have you gals read Payne’s newest pamphlet? We’re the talk of the town as of now” Angelica, the oldest Schuyler, smiled with satisfaction. Her luminous complexion complemented her coral pink gown.
“I never expected our courting debut to be so..” Eliza searched for the right words “..turbulent among the talkers..” she took a sip of her tea
“I’m still stunned by the feedback” Y/N laughed nervously “My father even requested his two most clashing secretaries to escort me here, they didn’t even argue once” she said in awe
The top 5 girls of the season all sat in one room. Though they would eventually become each other's courting competition, they were great friends nonetheless. During the war, Y/N would stay in the Schuyler household while their fathers were out of town daydreaming of being free from the king, attending a few balls together, and watching soldier boys trip over themselves. After the war ended, Dolley Paine became a mutual connection through their high ranking families. The 5 got along way too quickly.
Peggy held up the tea pot “another fill, ladies?” Y/N and Dolley nodded, both taking their turns to fill their cups.
“Awee, look at you Peggy, you’ll make a perfect wife” Dolley teased. The rest of the girls laughed it off, yet Y/N didn’t feel at ease with that statement.
“You don’t actually think we will all get married that quickly, do you?” Y/N looked around to see their confused expressions. “Guys?”
“Well..” Angelica pondered for a moment “I believe that it’s ideal to marry on your first season”
Peggy had to stop herself from spitting out her tea
“That soon? But we’re so young, and-” Eliza interrupted
“And we’re ladies. Society expects us to do nothing more and nothing less with what we’re given” Angelica takes a content sip of her tea once again “I don’t make the rules around here.”
The silence was awfully louder than the conversation.
“Alright.” Dolley smiled “I guess we'll just have to make this next few weeks extra special, right?”
Y/N took a deep breath “the best of the best.” She muttered
Peggy turned to her and nodded, and Eliza was quick to join. Y/N faked a smile at the girls, ‘I guess that’s just how it is’ is what she thought, and Angelica would raise her glass for a toast
“A toast to the best courting season?” The 4 other girls raised their glass as well.
Though many hours were filled with laughter and giggles, Y/N couldn’t help but imagine how much her life would change within the next few months. And just by entering this season, Y/N will give up her youth and give someone her hand to please someone. To please herself? To please the people? To please her parents? She had no clue
She stared out the window, remembering those nights of staying at the Schuyler residence, watching those drunk soldiers stumble across the street. Many of them were her friends, friends she had met through her fathers rank. She smiled at the thought of the most memorable gentleman she had met while at those camps.
‘The French Foreigner’ is what they used to call him, but only before he became comfortable in the colonies. ‘Marquis de Lafayette’ was his title, and Y/N always loved the sound of his name rolling off her tongue.
“I don’t know what my father told you, but I’m sure I don’t need you to accompany me simply to buy bread” Y/N stood stubbornly
Lafayette gently grabbed her hand and raised it to his lips
“I just want you to be safe, mon ange, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if you got hurt..”
He kissed the back of her hand, maintaining eye contact. Y/N appeared as if she just experienced a revelation “..shall we be on our way, mademoiselle?”
She took a moment to think, her head still in the clouds. Y/N slowly nodded “Alright.” The two intertwined arms and headed into the city
Oh how she missed the old days. Y/N hated to admit it, but she truly believed she met the most exquisite gentlemen during the war. Whenever she’d stay at the camps with her father, a small group of soldiers would always keep her company. A tailor, an abolitionist, two immigrants, the camps were definitely a mixing pot.
At that very moment, Y/N prayed she’d be able to find someone like the men at her fathers military camp during this courting season.
Y/N jumped at the tapping on her shoulder
“Y/N? Don’t tell me you already have suitors lining up out there for you” Y/N shook her head and laughed
“I just spaced out. That’s all.” She attempted to change the subject “What were we talking about?” She questioned
Peggy interrupted “Next week's ball, the first ball of the season. Do we show up in our best, or do we build suspense until the last seasonal ball?” Peggy debated
“Let’s take one ball at a time, shall we?” Eliza proposed her idea
“Well for the first ball, I suggest….” All the girls gathered around Angelica to hear her plan
—-Lafayette’s quarters (France)
Prince Lafayette neatly folded his clothes as he was departing for the colonies within a few hours. He remembers the excitement he felt when he traveled to the colonies for the first time, having to dress like a pregnant woman in order to board the ship, but he still cringes at the imagery.
He elegantly stuffed his belongings into his shoulder bag. He stood back to admire his rushed work, but he felt as if he was missing something.
Lafayette looked around his quarters, his eyes became glued on his treasured gun, gifted to him by General Washington himself. The wooden hilt was stained with god knows what, but the gold trimmings were shining in the afternoon sunlight.
He’d already have French soldiers accompanying him, he was a prince after all. Would he need such weaponry?
“I do not see why not.” He muttered to himself before stuffing it into his bag with the rest of his belongings. Lafayette dusted off his fancy clothing and stood in triumph, well, before a woman cleared her throat behind him.
Lady Adrienne stood at the doorway to his study, her emerald green skirts creased against the doorframe. Lafayette and Adrienne previously courted before he left for the colonies, which ended up being her last straw. Lady Adrienne attempted to stop him, since she was a loyalist to the monarchs of France, but Lafayette refused to listen.
“que veux-tu? I'm busy at the moment.” Lafayette covered his bag with a nearby coat, crossing his arms.
“I heard you’re going back to the colonies. What’s so special across the ocean that you can’t have here? You’re a prince for god sake”
“It’s none of your concern, get out of-”
“Last time you left for the colonies- left me for the colonies- you just weren’t the same when you came back.” she was on the verge of yelling
Lafayette sighed, having already been through this conversation ever since he came back to France.
“This is nonsense. I need to be alone as of now.” Lafayette turned away from her to continue packing his belongings. She had a hurt expression on her face; part of her mind refused to believe he wasn’t her suitor anymore. Ever since he left for the colonies.
She slowly began to advance towards him. “That is no way to talk to your previous courting partner, Lafayette.” Her tone was strong yet unsure.
“It’s Prince Lafayette to you, and there’s a reason why we’re not courting now..” He was notably irritated by her presence.
Lady Adrienne wasn’t leaving his quarters until she was given an answer.
“Was I not enough for you to stay in France…?” she rested a hand on his shoulders, Lafayette visibly cringed. “What’s in the colonies that you can’t have here?”
Lafayette swiftly turned towards her, brushing her hand off of his shoulder in disgust. “I don’t have to answer to you—“ he attempted to retort
“—Don’t tell me you’re still mad that I had more faith in the monarchs of our country rather than you”
Lady Adrienne rolled her eyes annoyingly, Lafayette blood had already begun boiling long ago. She started moving closer to Lafayette, attempting to trap him in his room, and forcing him to stay in France. Although this was her main plan, she wanted an answer, and she wanted it now.
“Your own lover didn’t believe in you. Is that why you’re so upset? It’s quite the reaction for something so minuscule—” she scoffed.
Lafayette snapped
“—as a matter of fact, you weren’t my lover. It’s not you, its...”
Lafayette, clearly frustrated, struggled to hold up under his old friend’s gaze. She saw it in his eyes, the way they lightened when he thought about the colonies.
She saw a similar light in them the day he returned from France. Perhaps it was the praise he obtained for the foreign war, or perhaps some treasures he discovered, or maybe someone.
“Lafayette... Did you find another partner in the colonies?”
The panic was visible in his eyes, but there no was no reason to panic, he thought.
Lafayette brushed up against lady Adrienne, his lips were millimeters from her ear. He began
“Our relationship ended from the moment I set foot on that ship, and I do not regret it one bit..”
He stepped out of her reach and continued to pack away his belongings, Lady Adrienne was frozen with shock.
“My business in the colonies is my business only,” He stated strongly. “And you are free to believe whatever you want, it would benefit me in the least to care about what you think. Am I being clear?”
Lady Adrienne could only stand in silence
“Security! I’d love for you to escort this maiden out of this quarters at once!”
He’d never forget the hatred in her eyes as she was humiliatingly taken away. Lafayette kept his mind on his current task: the colonies await his arrival.
“Ha’nestly? I ra’spect someone whose fava’rite part’a tha’ body ain’t any’a tha’ top two or three usual winna’s ... Anyone who ansa’s tha’ question without namin’ any’a’em is kinda a turn on.”
sdfghj was thinking i should maybe do some relationship upkeep and reach out to ppl, but idk how many times i can deal with another person simply just not replying back. i guess everyone is dealing with their own shit, so it's not even so much that i take that stuff as an automatic "they hate me personally" and moreso a realization of "i don't have the emotional stability to deal with that non-reaction from a lot of ppl and i've reached my threshold of silence and need to go quiet myself again instead"
