Innocent (Lams prison au)

25

A/N we just hit 5k reads and there's 5 chapters left coincidence I think NOT. Also, new cover! Thoughts? <3

Hercules stepped through the prison entrance, his hands cuffed tight in front of him. He was so excited to see Lafayette after so long, he couldn't imagine his life without his best friend and literal partner in crime. Dolley Payne took the lead and guided Hercules through reception. A fair amount of paper work did have to be filled out before he was allowed back into general.

"It's lunch time in 10 minutes so you can hang here and then make your way to the cafeteria." Dolley informed him with a gentle smile.
"Thank you," Hercules said fairly gruffly but accompanied by a kind smile.
Not only did he want to see Lafayette, but he wanted to know what the hell actually happened. The last thing he remembered was walking into the showers with Lafayette. Jefferson told him he was attacked by a prisoner hungry for top dog, and he was fair game to believe that. It made sense. But he knew he was skipping out on information, why? Hercules wanted to know even more.

When his 10 minutes was up he excitedly made his way through the halls with Dolley on his tail opening all the doors with her ID card. They reached the cafeteria and Hercules burst inside enthusiastically. He looked to his usual table and his smile grew.
"HERCULES!" John and Alex yelled, leaping out of their seats and jogging over to him. They all embraced gently, careful of the bandages wrapped tight around Herc's torso.
"H-Hey guys!" Hercules laughed, scruffing up Alex's hair. "Where's Laf?" He asked, smile still wide.

John and Alex sent each other nervous glances and Hercules' smile fell.
"Guys," Hercules repeated while the boys made silent contact through facial expression.
"He's... in solitary confinement." Alex spoke, cringing a little. Hercules' expression was one of pure disappointment, but then it swept to confusion.

"Wha- why? Don't tell me he got into trouble without me," Hercules laughed half-heartedly, trying to keep the mood light.
"He uh, had a go at Jefferson," John muttered with a sheepish shrug.
"What why? Jefferson monitored my recovery like a hawk to make sure everything went smoothly, why would Laf attack him?" Hercules asked, his voice just above a whisper now.

"Hercules, Jefferson is the reason you were in hospital." Alex stated firmly. Hercules' expression bounced between surprise and anger. "He hired Conway to beat Top Dog out of you, we heard them discussing it in the laundry," he added. A low growl rumbled at the back of Herc's throat and he glared at the blank space behind the boys.
"When is he getting out?" Hercules asked, trying his best to keep his cool.
"Not for a while, he was caught on drugs," John sighed.
"On dru- again? I swear. We agreed after those extra years were put on our sentences never to touch that shit again." Hercules groaned, raking his hands down his face. "I need to see him, I need to talk to him." Hercules finalised, his head whipping around.

"H-hey woah Herc the whole point of solitary confinement is the prisoner has no contact with any other inmates. You can't just waltz right in there and give him a hug." Alex reasoned logically, shifting uncomfortably.
"But it's for his mental health, the guy has just gotten himself addicted all over again, and now he's locked up and he's probably confused a-and scared," Hercules began to stress, gripping the hem of his shirt anxiously.
"Hey hey I'm sure he's seeing the psychologist, I trust Angelica," Alex smiled softly, placing a supportive hand on Hercules' shoulder. Hercules relaxed a little but kept his gaze downcast.
"Can we at least ask?" Hercules muttered with desperate eyes. Alex and John gave in with a sigh and turned back to their table.

"Seabury you can have my dessert," John called out, waving his hand. Seabury's eyes lit up and he dove for the slice of apple pie on John's tray, Paine and Lee squabbling over who got a mouthful. John laughed lightly at their antics before the three boys turned to make their way to the staff offices. It was a short trip and when they arrived Peggy was out at the front desk clicking away at a computer.
"Oh hey guys, Herc you were just here," she grinned in a friendly manner before her smile fell. "Is something wrong?"