classof73

[classof73]

Today in history, two petty and confused powerhouses who are stuck with the memory of Benedict Arnold Meet in a chaotic fashion

Happy Tratior day... *flips off Arnold*

[classof73]

I was tagged by @morbidquill ! 

Rules: tag 9 people you want to know better or catch up with and then answer the questions.

Three ships: Benjamin Tallmadge/Nathan Hale, Benjamin Tallmadge/A break for once, Persephone/Hades [She’s journeying to go back to her husband!! It’s the equinox!!]

Last Song: Hozier NFWMB Acoustic 

Last Movie: Burlesque (2010)

Currently Craving: Sleep, serotonin, less anxiety, & sushi

Currently Reading: bold of you to assume I can read. Duty and Inclination by Rebecca Dupont

Tagging: @athena-s-raven  @annawoodhull @kikapapel @penny-p-pen @moonlightwriterr @woodhxll76 @trekkiehood @crunch-fangirl @mydearjefferson

[classof73]

This reads like me saying 13 out of 14 chapters of TCOTC are me making fun of Ben Tallmadge for different reasons and I love and Support Levi Wholeheartedly

Are 9 out of 10 of my scenes in every chapter of Levi causing mischief, chaos and mayhem? Why, yes, yes they are. 

[classof73]

Jack is getting settled in her plot of Tory™ land, this is her new cover- we love her and her vague Townsend Vibes

Yes! It’s me @teaturnedcold BUT WITH A NEW LOOK :)

[classof73]

MA’AM THIS IS QUALITY AND POOR POOR BEN :’( I love supportive Enoch as well

Halemadge Week Day Seven - The Last Hours and the Aftermath

Loneliness.

Isolation.

He had never dealt with these well and now, in his last hours of life was trapped in a greenhouse, his only company was his jailer.

Nathan Hale had been caught, recognized and turned it. They barely allotted him the courtesy of a trial, he had been found out of uniform, they had the papers he thought were safely coded in Latin and kept in his shoe, the game was up. When they handed him his sentence it wasn’t the promise of death itself that chilled him, he had been ready to meet that or at least he thought he was, it was what his sentencing would do to those he was leaving that terrified him.

“So,” the Provost Marshall started as he took a swig of rum. “A Captain huh? Pity. You had your uniform you wouldn’t be in this situation.”

Nathan frowned at his jailer, “I know sir. Sir? If I am to be hung may I- may I have a chance to prepare.,I’d like to request that a minister be sent for.”

He laughed, a rough, cruel sound. “I don’t think so.”

“May I request a bible than? Please.”

He shook his head and tossed the empty bottle across the greenhouse. “Don't think so.”

He jumped as it shattered, the sound curry g through the silence like a cannon blast.

Nathan was left alone to order his thoughts. To pray to whoever would listen to him. In those long hours he had to accept what he was about to do the army. To Ben.

He had promised he’d come home, swore he’d be careful. As he was marched to the tree the next morning the weight of his failure sat heavily upon him.

“Does the accused have any last words,” a British officer barked as Nathan was shoved up the ladder.

“I do sir.”

“Speak them now!”

Blue eyes stared out at the crowd, watching as other eyes of all colors and emotion stared back at him. “It is the duty of every good officer to obey any order given to him by his commander in chief. I have obeyed an order and I am here.”

He could have sworn he saw Ben’s blue-gray eyes among the crowd, staring at him, demanding an explanation as to why he hadn’t kept his promise.

“I only regret I have but one life to lose for my country.”

The cry of ‘swing the rebel off’ sounded and Nathan’s body was wracked with pain before nothingness clawed its way in to his being.

Sunday, September 22nd, 1776 at ten in the morning Nathan Hale breathed his last.

He never had been one to allow himself to grieve, at least not probably. He ran from his sorrows, literally and figuratively. When his mother died he spent hours away from home; he’d wander along the waters’ edge, watching as the tides came in and out; steady, constant. He’d pour over his studies;’reading and rereading the same passages until they’d been committed to memory. He’d do anything to keep his mind from going back to the emptiness that had settled in.

For a while it worked. He held on until he could get away. That patience allowed them to meet and while he could never take the place of a mother the two motherless boys filled in each other’s emptinesses.

Now that emptiness was back with a vengeance.

Benjamin Tallmadge had taken the news of Nathan Hale’s death well, at least that’s what those who had been present said. Those who saw the man on the way back to his tent confirmed their words, for all intensive purposes Ben looked fine, maybe a little tired but the summer’s campaign, which still wasn’t over, had been grueling. Everyone looked tired.

Like before he threw himself into work; he had a war to fight, people died everyday, he didn’t have time to mourn. No one did.

*****

He heard his brother was searching for him or for news of what had happened to him. Enoch had been riding for weeks, searching for anyone who might have information to either confirm or deny the news his beloved little brother was dead, and if he was in fact dead where his remains and earthly belongings might be.

Ben never got a chance to meet with his classmate, it was out of his power to allow the man to first hear the news from a friend.

Ben had stared at a blank sheet of parchment for hours, how could he start? He had met Enoch at the same time he met Nathan and became friends with him just as fast as he had Natnan. The three of them had spent their collegiate careers together; cramming for endless exams, whispering their hopes and their fears to each other in a darkened room when no one else could see their truths.

Enoch had watched Ben and Nathan grow closer, took a step back when their friendship started blooming into something more. Had promised to keep their secret when he found them curled up together one night. Turned away and smiled as he allowed his brother to share stollen kisses with Ben.

Where could he start; I regret to inform you of your brother Nathan’s untimely death. He served gallently and was prepared to meet the risks of his task.

No, Ben could never express Nathan’s death to Enoch.

“If it wasn’t for me,” Ben mumbled, “he may have never enlisted, never would have needed to volunteer to spy, never would have died.

“Major? Major? Tallmadge!”

Ben snapped to attention as the voice calling his name grew louder “sir?”

“Benjamin, it’s me, it’s Asher. You don’t need to sir me.”

“Sorry Asher. I- I don’t know where my mind is these days.”

“My condolences Major. I… I was told to speak with you in regards to Captain Hale and what we should d-”

“No!” Ben snapped. “I can’t now Asher. I don’t know when I’ll be able to but now isn’t convenient. The army will contact his family through the proper channels and they will receive his belongings.”

Asher tensed at Ben’s sudden outburst and still hadn’t relaxed by the time he had finished. His voice was meek as it trembled past his lips, “Benjamin?”

“You are to report to your superior officers, they will either ask you to stay on or will be given a discharge. You are dismissed Private Wright.”

“Ben please-”

“Dismissed.”

Asher saluted Ben before turning to go. As he left to be mumbled to himself, “Nathan would be heartbroken to see you like this.”

Ben tensed before snarling and slamming a book down on his desk. “Damn!”

He’d return to him at night, visiting in dreams that would leave him trembling. Ben would see Nathan again, see his smile, see his bright eyes shining with a hope that dazzled him. He’d see his body hanging limply from the tree, his face frozen in fear and self loathing.

His laugh would ring through his ears as he slept, drawing him back to summers when hours passed like minutes and they believed in everything. There were nights when the wind would blow through his tent flap and bring with it what sounded like singing. Night sir bringing back fragments of a lullaby that soothed a feverish Ben to sleep, a half remembered melody that dried tears before they stained cheeks, a faded chorus that used to echo down the streets and linger among the cobblestones long into the night. He’d hear his wails. Heart wrenching sobs that Ben had only bore witness to twice now haunted him. Had Nathan cried like before he died? In those hours spent alone awaiting the dawn with only his memories to comfort him, had Nathan allowed himself to release?

He could never thou h him. Anytime he reached out to hold the man he’d vanish, melting into a mist that was impossible for Ben to hold. His hands would never be his own, the soft hands of the school master never found their place in Ben’s.

When these dreams faded away the harsh light of morning would find him with tear stained cheeks and less energy than he had the night before.

He didn't know how much longer he could keep this up. 

(I think I'm going to turn this into a longer piece so here are a few completed sections.)

[classof73]

This is one of the most STUNNING pieces of art I’ve seen in a while aAAAA I L O V E IT

On this day in 1776, Nathan Hale was hanged as a Continental spy by the British. His last words were said to be  "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country", although it has been questioned whether or not he actually said those words. His legacy as a spy would be the precursor for many more spies to come in the War for American Independence. Benjamin Tallmadge, a close friend of Hale’s when they attended Yale together (as the class of ‘73) was said to have been inspired by his late friend to become involved in the world of espionage.

My contribution to Halemadge Week 2020, hosted by @teaturnedcold and @classof73! hope yall like it <3

((I know Benjamin’s pose looks a bit weird, but I didn’t really notice until after I finished the lineart and I didn’t bother to fix it whoops

If you liked this, please consider liking or reblogging it! It would mean so much o me <3

[X]

[classof73]

I texted Jack SOBBING over this because OH MAN THIS ONE HURTS ME BUT THE PROSE IS GORGEOUS 

Halemadge Week 2020-

Day VII: Last Hours & Aftermath

The final chapter! Once again, the rest of the work doesn’t need to be read to understand the chapter :)

[classof73]

Red City Nightmare {Narrative Poetry}

[for “The Last Hours and The Aftermath”, final day of Halemadge Week] The boy wrapped himself up in a blanket, Tears streaming down his face as he awoke from a restless sleep. He had a terrible dram, almost too realistic to be just a figment of his imagination.  _ Soldiers marching around him, his hands tied. He couldn’t escape. He’d been caught, but for what? Red-clad soldiers in a Red City Nightmare, Brought him to a clearing an apple tree with a rope swinging before him. Red-clad soldiers in a Red City nightmare, Forced him up a ladder, looping the rope tight around his neck.  Everything was a blur. Red-clad men spoke,  he couldn’t hear but one phrase:  “Treason against your King & Country!” and “Any last words?” It was if he had his speech prepared, as if he foresaw this event happening years ago. "I am so satisfied with the cause in which I have engaged, that my only regret is that I have not more lives than one to offer in its service." Red-clad soldiers in a Red City Nightmare, kicked the ladder from under him- And he was left to hang there for 3 days. _ He awoke Clutching his neck As his lover walked up the stairs. As his lover set a cup down, He held onto them, As if his life still depended on it.  “I love you” He cried,  “And if something  ever happens to me, Promise me to remember that, Damon.”

[classof73]

OKAY BUT PLEASE READ THE WHOLE FIC. IT'S SO SOFT AND WARM AND FUZZY IT WILL MELT BUTTER

Halemadge Week 2020-

Day VI: Soldiers & Spies

It’s an extra chapter... you don’t have to have read the entire fic to understand it :)

[classof73]

B a b I e s

Halemadge Week Day Six - Soldiers and Spies

It’s like old times, isn’t it? Those late summer nights back in Connecticut. We stayed up late to watch the stars dance across the sky. Told each other the stories of the constellations. We had dreams back then; sweet dreams. Now,” Ben sighed and looked down at his hands “we’ve lost all of it.”

Nathan frowned “Ben, I need to do this. Wasn’t it you who believed in providing a more extensive service? Don’t you see, this is the way I can finally fulfill that service.”

A gentle breeze blew around the two males, picking up dead leaves and tugging at loose strands of hair. As Ben turned to look at Nathan the only thing he could focus on was the gunpowder burn above his eye. He wondered about all the ways it could have been worse; it could have burned deeper into Nathan’s soft flesh, could have blown into his eye, could have left him blind or, if it had been during the beat of battle, could have led to his death. He placed his hand against the wound as if he was willing it to disappear.

“You’ve already been injured Nathan. Can’t that be enough? We barely made it out of New York-” his voice trembled as he recalled the terror he felt during the battles and escape. “And now you want to risk going back there?”

“Ben,” Nathan soothed as he leaned forward “I have to do this. You’ve proven to be a capable soldier, a brilliant leader, your service has already been of worth. As for me, I haven’t rendered any valuable service. I need to do this.”

Ben’s lip quivered, “alright then, promise me something. Here and now. Promise me you will come back safely.”

“Ben you know I can’t-”

“Promise me, Pythias!”

The old nickname tore at Nathan’s heart and Ben’s pleading eyes had the ability to melt away his resolve and convince him to stay. “Alright, I promise I will come home when this all done. I will return to you Damon.”

[classof73]

SOFT SOFT SOFT oh man this is so soft compared to what my idea of what to write for this day

Halemadge week day five - Teachers and Reunions

“Finish reading Cato for next week and try to get a head start on your essay, I know it will make for a long weekend but you will thank me later. Class dismissed.”

Nathan watched as his students ran out into the fall air, chuckling as he heard the sound of young teens lingering in the schoolyard, playing various made up games. He sat down at his desk and started looking through old papers he ought to have handed back yesterday.

A student ran back in, his cheeks flushed from exercise, “professor Hale?”

“Yes? What is it James?”

“Well I know you probably have work to do but you see me and a few others-“

“A few others and I,” Nathan corrected.

“Sorry. The others and I wanted to have a rematch from a competition we started at noon break. Ezra had to leave and we no longer have even teams. Would you-“

“Hey James!” A voice called out, “you hey professor Hale to join us yet?”

Nathan chuckled and checked the time on his beloved pocket watch. “I suppose I have enough time of a game.”

He rose from his desk and followed James outside to join the other boys.

Friend Hale,

I was gladdened to receive word of your recent position as the new school master of Moodus. I hope you have settled in and are finding happiness.

I look forward to your return correspondence.

Ever yours,

Damon.

“Good work today class and might I send a heartfelt congratulations to all of you on your recent essay. With a week and half break left until break I expect you will continue to put in your best efforts. Class dismissed.”

Nathan watched as his students left, listening to them chatting amongst themselves, many hoping that “professor Hale will go easy on grading the last assignments.”

He sighed and sat down to finish the reading for tomorrow’s lesson.

Eventually the warmth of the stove started to fade and so did the sunlight. Nathan sighed and closed his notebook, sealed his inkwell and finished for the day.

He shivered against the cool air as he locked the classroom door. “Didn’t think it would get this cold so soon. Suppose fall will come early and winter will be bitter.” He chuckled at his own remark, “still the son of a farmer.”

He pulled his coat tighter around himself and listened to the soft sound of his shoes against the path. His attention was caught by a young couple standing in a doorway of one of houses. They lingered close to one another, neither wanting to be the first to part.

His thoughts returned to his days at Yale and summers in Setauket spent with Ben; to the day’s when they never left each other’s side, to the days of companionship.

It wasn’t that Nathan was unhappy, he had gotten lucky with this job, it was just that he was lonely. The people of the small town were all friendly, the family he boarded with were welcoming and treated him as one of their own. Even with the friendly faces that attempted to make their new school master feel like he was a part of the community Nathan still felt like something was missing. The normally social man hadn’t made a real connection yet and those he had from his family and Yale were hard to contact.

He found himself brushing away a tear as he walked on and was thankful for a cool wind that blew through at the moment. The wind he consoled himself, you are not tearing up Hale. It was only the wind and a natural response to an irritant.

Who was he kidding, he needed someone who understood him to talk to.

He needed Ben.

Friend Tallmadge,

May I send you my heartfelt congratulations on your teaching position. I do hope you are happy in your position and are able to surround yourself with the company of those who bring you joy.

I have found myself oft’ longing for our days in school again.

Ever.yours,

Pythias

Ben frowned at his class, watching them with a steely gaze. ”I will not repeat myself again. When you are in this classroom you all are to conduct yourself in a manor that is becoming of gentlemen. I will not tolerate ragamuffin behavior in my schoolhouse. You are to get that out of your system outside at noon break. Am I clear?”

The class nodded and mumbled apologies to Ben.

“Better. Now,” Ben smiled as he set down his book. “It would be a shame to waste such a lovely God given day inside. I propose we take our reading outside this afternoon. Does that suit all of you?”

He was met with cheers of various pitches. He chuckled and led the students out to the yard.

Friend Hale,

I do pray that you are well. The cadence of your last correspondence was unlike you. It held notes of melancholy that did not reflect the man I once knew. I do hope all is well and you and your family still have your health.

I have been missing you dearly and am hoping that with the harvest season upon us and schools closing in observance of this critical time, that you may find time to join me for a thanksgiving. Or, if it is less burdensome that I may journey to see you. If I do not hear from you I shall assume you do not have the time for such visitions. Though I pray we might be able to be reunited in happiness once more.

Ever yours,

Damon.

Friend Tallmadge,

I am sorry for having troubled you. It was no more than a passing bout of distemperment.

It would please me greatly to visit with you and as my students have been dismissed until after the epiphany I am able to journey to you. I will leave day after next and hope to arrive by mid week.

Ever yours,

Pythias.

Natnan knocked on the Tallmadge’s door, rubbing his hands together in an attempt to warm them.

A tall man who bore great resemblance to Ben opened the door. “Yes? Nathan! Good to see you lad. Please,” he stepped aside, “come in. Won’t you join me for a glass of cider while we wait for Benjamin to come home.”

Nathan smiled warmly, nodding in response to the Reverend. “Thank you Reverend Tallmadge. It’s good to see you again and cider sounds lovely. It’s rather brisk out there.”

“Winter’s bound to be hard this year.”

Nathan nodded “we were lucky. It’s been a good harvest.”

Nathaniel handed Nathan a mug and sat down next to him. “There you go lad.”

“Thank you sir.”

“So, has work been going well? Benjamin told me you were teaching in Moodus. Connecticut right?”

“Yes sir. It’s been,” Nathan hesitated looking for the right word. He didn’t want to sound ungrateful but he didn’t want to lie to the reverend.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity.”

Before Nathaniel could question him the door swung open and Ben strode in, mumbling to himself about how the falls seemed to be getting colder every year. His eyes lit up the moment he saw Nathan sitting in the living room.

“Pythias!”

Nathan chuckled as Ben ran over and wrapped him in a tight embrace.

“I’ve missed you!”

“And I you, my dear, Damon.”

“You’ll have to tell me everything about your school house.”

Reverend Tallmadge chuckled, “Benjamin, go slow my boy. Nathan just got here. I’m sure he’s rather hungry. I propose we have supper and after you two can catch up.”

*******

Ben smiled as he sat on the edge of his bad wrapped in a blanket, “so. How has it been?”

Nathan chewed his lip for a few moments “it’s been fine I suppose. The schoolhouse is in slight disrepair but it’s cozy. The people aren’t the conversational companions I had hoped for but they’re welcoming.” He sighed “Lord forgive me- I shouldn’t be ungrateful.”

Ben frowned “you never did well in isolation or some groups. Are you thinking of staying on?”

“I’ll fulfill my contract and hope that something else comes up. What of you? How is teaching so close to home?”

“It has its perks and hardships. I feel like the whole town is watching me, expecting me to be the best. I still enjoy it though.”

Nathan raised a brow, “you're not completely happy either are you?”

“I’m not unhappy but I cannot see myself teaching forever. Maybe the law or maybe local government. I see myself as doing something more Nathan.”

“As do I Ben.”

“Do you mean beyond teaching?”

He shook his head, his eyes suddenly sparkling. “Within teaching. Ben I know this is what I was out here to do. I just can’t do it where I am now. I want to reach more people. Give more boys the opportunities we had. I want to be more than just persuasive words and bold ideas Ben.”

“Nathan? What do you mean?”

“Women! Giving girls the opportunity for an education. Act on what we debated in favor of. I know it’s a risk, I know it’s frowned upon but Ben, daughters deserve these chances just as much as sons. Maybe- maybe this is what I’m meant to do.”

Ben chuckled “that’s the Nathan I remember. You’re made of strong stuff. You’re going to do something great someday Nathan. I know it.”

“You will too, Ben.”

[classof73]

NATHAN IN THE CORNER OH NO!! HE'S JUST A BABY

Halemadge Week 2020-Day V: Teachers and Reunions

Benjamin hadn’t been looking forward to teaching today. He was tired and the children were loud and obnoxious. Of course, giving out punishment wasn’t difficult, but he wasn’t in the mood to watch the eyes of three little girls, well up with tears when he told them to stand in the corner for talking. So when he had ridden up to the tiny schoolhouse and seen everyone--including the older boys who had thought they were too good for most things, including educating themselves--participating in a game of catch, it had been quite a shock. Especially, when he saw that the ringleader of everything, was the very man he had sent a letter to earlier the week before.

When he had dismounted his horse and tied her to a post, the children watched before lining up at the door, waiting for him to open the door. Huh… it’s been a long time since they all did that.

“Benjamin Tallmadge!!” a very familiar and welcome voice exclaims, emerging from behind a few of the older boys. Benjamin rolls his eyes, trying not to smile in front of his students, lest he lose all the remaining respect his students had for him.

“Nathan Hale,” he sighs, laying on his teacher-voice on thick, making his way through the small crowd of students and opening the door. Nobody moves.

“What’s got you talking like that? You never sounded like that back at Yale!” A few of the younger students snicker and the others’ eyes glint with mirth. Damn it Nathan.

“Yes, because you would know what I--” he cuts himself off, shaking his head. Yes, he knows what I sound like after doing a lot of things. “Nevermind. Come on, everyone inside!”

Once again, not one person moves and Benjamin is about to start threatening them until Nathan saunters up the steps and beckons everyone inside, and for some reason, they follow. Why can’t they listen to me? Actually… at least they’re going inside. They file inside sitting in their assigned rows with the exception of Nathan, who sits at his own desk in the front of the classroom. Great…

“Alright so today we are--”

“Going to have a lot of fun!” interrupts Nathan, sending more than half his students into a giggling mess. Benjamin turns around and glares at his friend, who only grins in response.

“No, today we are doing…” and then he proceeds to lay out the day’s plan. The light in the children’s eyes dim a bit and he relishes a little in it. They cause too much trouble as is.

About thirty minutes into class, someone has already fallen asleep and he’s sent them to stand in the corner. Benjamin sighs when he watches the little boy rest his head on the wall, shoulders relaxing.

It’s an hour into class when Nathan interjects, standing from the desk and standing behind Benjamin. When he starts to explain the poem on the board, Nathan not only mimics him, but he also changes the subject. With his forefinger extended at the board, he says, “Did you know that ol’ Benny here couldn’t write poetry to save his life! Fluent in four languages but couldn’t write four lines that rhymed.” The class collectively covers their mouths but their squinted eyes and stifled laughter echoes around the room when Benjamin lets his arm fall limply at his side, at a loss for words. “I must say… it was the one thing he ever asked me for help on.”

Benjamin blushes, and stutters out, “Says the man who couldn’t do anything without me.”

“So that’s the reason I was in both clubs,” Nathan retorts, winking and shooting a charming smile at the class. “You dragging me with you to meeting you and I both know I never should have attended.” A gasp and a young lady falls out of her seat, face a light pink color. Benjamin and Nathan ignore her, completely lost in each other.

“No… no it was not!”

“Oh? So for what reason then?”

“It was--I was--You know what. It doesn’t matter.”

“Sure it doesn’t, Damon.”

“Oh shush your mouth,” Benjamin says turning his attention to his class. His class which is now roaring with laughter and completely beside themselves. “And now look what you’ve done!” He exclaims, looking at his students.

The laughter dies down eventually and he looks at Nathan. “You,” he starts, pointing at Nathan, “stand in the corner. Now!”

And Nathan goes, smiling and mock saluting. “Yes sir!”

The class burst back into laughter, the blush on their teacher’s face, completely lost to them.

——

Welp... this was fun to write. I hope you liked it :)

[classof73]

This was the dress from what inspired this, btw- Jack and I say Ben Tallmadge would rock a dress and I'm certain Nathan would agree

Halemadge Week 2020-

Day IV: Summer Shenanigans

Knock knock knock!

Nathan rushes away from his younger sister, Joanna to open the door. The person there is definitely a surprise, but leaves a smile on his face.

“Damon! Well this is unexpected!” Nathan exclaims, throwing his arms around Benjamin’s neck.

“Mr. Tallmadge?” Joanna asks, peaking into the door frame and walking closer. Nathan lets go of Benjamin and Benjamin looks at her with a wide smile.

“Oh, Miss Hale! Look how you’ve grown!” Benjamin exclaims, shooting a sideways look at Nathan before bending down and pressing a kiss to the back of her hand. Her cheeks flush and she lets out a giggle and pulls her hand back close to her chest. “And where is everyone now?” Benjamin asks, noticing the absence of the rest of the family.

Nathan slaps him on the shoulder, taking Benjamin’s valase in his other hand. “They decided to go into town today… This one,” he says pointing at his sister,”decided to pretend she was ill.”

“I was too!” Joanna says, stomping her foot and crossing her arms.

“Of course you were,” Benjamin says, smirking at Nathan and coping Joanna.

Nathan rolls his eyes, ignoring the urge to smile. “You are children. The both of you…” He leaves the children in the room, taking Benjamin’s valase to his and Enoch’s room. He hears the sound of babbling and two sets of footsteps pass the door to his room and he follows the sounds until he reaches his sister’s room. He hides in the shadow of the hallway and watches the two of them.

Benjamin is standing uncomfortably inside the room, his three of his fingers clenched tightly between Joanna’s tiny fist and cheeks flushed red. Her other hand is digging through a trunk of clothing--one that Nathan notes is full of mostly undergarments and he bites his lip.

“This should… fit you,” Joanna says, lips pursed slightly as if trying to figure out the answer to an arithmetic.

“I don’t think I--”

Nathan barks out a laugh, drawing attention to himself, laughing harder when he sees the some of tension in Benjamin’s shoulders disappear and Joanna’s face turn whiter than a sheet.

“Don’t tell her. Please don’t tell--” Joanna begs, eyes watering and fingers tightening around Benjamin’s fingers.

“I’m not going to… Damon, I think you’d look like a very handsome lady in that blue dress. It matches your eyes.” He points at his eyes and grins.

“Oh come on! You can’t be serious!”

“Deadly,” Nathan deadpans. “If you can’t do that--and I’ve seen you dress in much more… vibrant outfits,” he turns his gaze to his sister, “there will be consequences.”

Joanna looks up to Benjamin, pouting. “Please please please,” she chants.

“Fine.” Joanna squeals, smiling widely. Benjamin catches his eyes, blue eyes begging. Nathan only winks.

After a time that felt like too long for both Benjamin and Nathan, for different reasons, Benjamin steps out in the dress. Nathan’s prediction wasn’t wrong--the color is extremely flattering--but the dress lays awkwardly over his breeches and cotton shirt. Nevertheless, Nathan smiles at Benjamin’s embarrassment and wolf whistles.

“You clean up nice, Miss Tallmadge.”

“Shut your mouth, Nathan!” Benjamin screams, covering his face with his hands. Just then, the sound of a wagon and horses can be heard and he groans, muttering, “This is not…”

Nathan, understanding his plight, sighs and slips out the room, shouting over his shoulder. “I’ll stall them! Hurry!” Joanna and Benjamin start scrambling to take on and off layers of clothing.

Well that was fun… He looks pretty in a dress...

——

I can’t say this ended up anything like I thought it would—or that it ended that way either—but I hoped you (and @classof73) liked it...

[classof73]

Catch me going out loud: "I would die for these two"

Halemadge Week Day 2: College Years

Fragments and Matches

“It’ll be fun! Just throw one stone. I already tossed a few. Nothing happened except for a broken window. No one saw. No one will suspect us.”

Enoch shrugged “he’s right Nathan. I threw one. What could it hurt?”

Ben grinned and placed a stone in Nathan’s band “it’ll be fun. Come on Pythias.”

Natnan hesitated but tossed the rock towards the building, shattering the window.

Before anyone could throw another rock a candle burned in one of the windows and a voice came from inside. “Step forward!”

“Run,” Enoch cried as he took off in one direction.

Nathan and Ben took off down the other, running down the cobblestone path towards their dorm, ducking between trees and leeping over bushes. As they neared their dorm Ben grabbed Nathan’s hand and silently hoped Enoch had gotten there before them and left the door open. The door creaked open and the two snuck inside and away from the view of whatever faculty member may have been chasing them.

Natnan lend against the wall taking deep breaths in hopes of steadying his heart rate. Ben glanced back outside, breathing a sigh of relief. “I think they’re gone.”

“Good,” Nathan breathed.

Ben sighed “sorry. Didn’t think that anyone would still be here. I thought all the professors would be home for the weekend or asleep. I never meant to-”

“Ben,” Nathan smiled as a glimmer came to his eyes. “It’s alright. Tonight was fun. I’m glad I got to spend it with you. It was nice to take a break.”

“I- I really enjoyed it too.” Without thinking Ben leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss on Nathan’s lips. He felt Nathan stiffen at the touch and as he pulled away he braced himself to the look of disgust, of shame and hatred, that would be plastered in Nathan’s face. “Nathan I’m-”

Natnan stood in silence for a moment, the moonlight casting shadows on his face, obscuring his expression. As Ben was about to start stammering out another apology he felt himself being pushed against the wall behind him. Felt Nathan’s lips crashing into his, desperate to commit their shape to memory.

Ben's hands made their way up Nathan’s back and to his hair where trained fingers twisted loose locks into curls and nimbly untied the ponytail.

As he pulled away Nathan’s golden locks fell loosely about his face, cascading halfway down his back in gentle waves.

Ben quivered against Nathan’s frame, his hands, hesitant to cling to Nathan trembled inches away from Nathan's chest.

He rubbed Ben’s back, humming softly. ”I love you Ben.”

To Confess One's Pain

As a cold wind rattled the window frame and blew chilly air into the dorm a soft whimper came from the far side of the room. The sound was soft, barely audible but it still caused one of the teens to stir. Nathan rolled over, wrapping the blankets tighter around himself and tried to fall back to sleep. As he was about to the whimper came again, this time slightly louder and more desperate sounding.

He cracked his eyes open, blinking a few times as they readjusted, “Ben?”

The whimper came again, “momma.”

Nathan crept out of bed, keeping his thin blankets wrapped around him and tiptoed over to Ben’s bed. “Ben?”

Tear filled blue-grey eyes snapped open at the sound of Nathan’s voice. “N-Nathan?” Ben’s voice trembled as it left his throat and it wasn’t just because of the cold room.

“I’m here Ben.”

Ben took a few deep breaths as he attempted to push away his nightmare,’trying to force on a smile to reassure Nathan he was fine.

“Ben?”

He hesitated, “Nathan can you- maybe… I-“

“Scoot over,” Nathan soothed as he draped his blanket over the bed.

Ben had gone silent after Nathan laid down next to him. “Nathan you don’t need to stay. I- I’m fine.”

Nathan interlaced his fingers with Ben’s, “you know you can be honest with me Ben. Whatever it was that saddened you so I will not judge you for it.”

Ben sighed, his gaze shifting toward the wall where a fragment of moonlight cut across the darkness. “My mother died shortly before I was to start. My father delayed my enrollment, thought I needed to remain with the family. It hurt more being in that house without her. A year or so passed and I started, met you and Enoch. I suppose I thought life was rather pleasant but…”

“But you still miss her terribly and every moment you realize she is no longer with you the heartache is renewed?”

“Nathan?”

“My mother died only a few years ago too. She was more than a mother and a teacher, she was one of my dearest companions.”

Ben sniffled before daring to snuggle closer to Nathan, “Providence I suppose.”

“Beg pardon?”

“Three motherless boys all within a year or so of each other come to the same school, end up as not only roommates but dearest friends. And two of those three boys...”

Ben hesitated, he didn’t dare admit it, not out loud, not yet.

He didn’t need to.

“And two of those boys,” Nathan continued. “Form what they believe to be a bond stronger than friendship. A bond that extends beyond that and into something else

[classof73]

Hhhhhh thanks for making me teary eyed! This is lovely!!

fray

word count: 1.0k a/n: i didn’t think i had it in me to write a turn fic but…here we are. this was written for halemadge week 2020. today’s theme is classics. no warnings except for mentions of death and lots of angst. summary: washington is intent on taking new york, caleb is gone, and ben is no longer head of intelligence. he didn’t think it would end this way. (in the show timeline, this is in between 4x08 and 4x09, after ben confronts washington about his obsession about new york and subsequently loses his position as head of intelligence.)

It didn’t end the way it was supposed to.

Yale, Ben remembered in brief flashes, but even his own life had disintegrated into some odd amalgamation of memory and perception. He could recall the brick dormitory ― New College ― standing against a pale dawn, the bite of cold air during winter, the understanding that Nathan was a permanent fixture in his life. Back then, uncertainty had been about where he would go to teach and if he would find someone to marry; if he would get caught for breaking windows and if his father would be angry if he found out.

Uncertainty had never been whether he would see Nathan or Setauket or his family again. Uncertainty had never been whether his life would end at the tip of a bayonet or with a musket ball lodged in his chest. Whether they would retake New York or die trying.

Keep reading

[classof73]

Soft!! Boys!!! Let them be happy!!! I love this

Halemadge Week Day 3 - Classics

The young men sat beneath the cool shade of the tree leaning against the trunk. One casually flipped through a leather bound book while the other absentmindedly sketched, occasionally glancing over at the other to see if he was getting his eye shape right.

The blonde haired man who was reading chuckled softly to himself, “sounds like us”.

The brunette looked up from his sketches, “what was that Nathan?”

Nathan slid closer to his friend and held out the book so the other could see. “Look here Ben,” he said as he indicated a page. “These two fellows, Pythias and Damon, they were friends, best friends and they said they’d be willing to die for one another.”

Ben raised a brow and closed his book, setting it down beside him as he moved closer to Nathan. “What happened to them?”

“Well you see Pythias, was accused of plotting to kill the tyrant king Dionysius and as punishment he would be hung. He accepted his fate but asked for a few days to say goodbye to his family. Dionysius agreed but only if someone took Pythias’ place. They’d be hung if he failed to return.”

“Damon took his place?”

Nathan nodded, “yep. Pythias swore he’d return and Damon believed him.”

Ben frowned as he turned to look at his friend, “thus the friendship you’d die for. Did Pythias return?”

“Made it back just in time. Dionysius was so moved by this act of true friendship he pardoned Pythias and he and Damon remained friends until the end I supose.”

He chuckled, “it’s a nice change for a myth to end happily. Anyway it just sort of made me think of us.”

Ben tilted his head in thoughtful concentration and eventually nodded, “I agree with you Pythias.”

Nathan raised a brow as he let out another chuckle “I suppose that you’re Damon then?”

Ben nodded resting his head against Nathan’s shoulder. “Mmmhmm. I’d take your place if I had to.”

“And I‘ll always come back to you.”

“Promise?” Ben whispered as he closed his eyes.

“I promise.”

[classof73]

Me, A practicing Hellenist:

Me, a Halemadge nerd:

Me, when I see this BEAUTY: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Halemadge Week 2020- Day 111: Classics Day

“Pythias, you’re gorgeous.”

“Speak for yourself, Damon.”