"You don't have to prove yourself, Alexander. I can't speak of your relationship with Washington, but Laurens and I would love you no matter what. Little Theo adores you--yesterday I could not get her to stop crying until I gave her a shirt with your scent on it, and as far as she knows the most productive thing you do in a day is hold her."

"You don't have to let Washington take liberties. I know he can be stubborn, and pig-headed, and disastrous. But he does care for us--has granted both of us many privileges, that other enlisted would not receive. I think it likely you would need only to speak to him in a manner befitting his rank, so that the issue does not escalate to one of discipline, though I know you are very passionate." A little smile, on his last words, twining his fingers with Alexanders, so he can feel the warm metal band against his flesh. A small, soothing reminder. Burr is here. Burr will not go away, will not cheat or abandon him.