The Blood Red Rose

Chapter 11

Aaron walked down the grand staircase, full of nerves. He fiddled with the fine sleeves of his dark purple jacket and tried to take deep breaths to calm himself. He couldn't understand why he was so nervous. It wasn't like he was still scared of Alexander. Aaron liked to think that they had become friends, or at least close acquaintances.

"Aaron."

Aaron startled, turning around towards the voice. He blinked in surprise when he saw how nicely Alexander had cleaned up. He was wearing a lovely green suit. His fur was now shiny and silky and Aaron was tempted to run his hands through it.

He refrained however, instead smiling softly.

"Hello Alexander." He greeted, walking up to him, trying to ignore the infuriating fluttering that his stomach was doing. "You cleaned up nicely..." He mumbled, not so subtly looking up and down Alexander's form.

"T-Thanks..." Alexander mumbled, blushing. "You look very nice as well."

Aaron smiled. "Thank you. Shall we make our way to the dining room?"

Alexander nodded, taking Aaron's hand and leading him away.

Lafayette peeked out from behind a table grinning,

That is the way Alexandre!" He cheered. "Sweep Monsieur Burr right off his feet!"

"Shush!" Washington hissed, also watching from behind the table. "You shouldn't even be here watching them! It's disrespectful."

"Says you." Peggy snorted quietly, hovering above them. "If you really thought that you wouldn't be here with us."

"I'm here to keep you lot out of trouble!" Washington protested.

"Quiet Monsieur Washington!" Lafayette whispered, watching as Aaron and Alexander disappeared from sight. "Come! Let's follow them!"

Washington scowled, but Peggy nodded eagerly and quickly followed the candelabra out of the room. Washington groaned but followed as well. To keep them all out of trouble of course. No other reason.

Meanwhile, Alexander was pulling out Aaron's chair, completely oblivious to the candelabra and feather duster watching through the door.

"Good job Alexandre!" Lafayette cheered, grinning.

"Move it you two!" Washington grumbled. "I can't see!"

Peggy grinned. "I thought spying on them was disrespectful."

Washington scowled at her, but said nothing, instead shoving Lafayette away so he could see what was happening. Alexander was sitting at the table now, but he and Aaron were kinda just sitting there, not saying anything.

"Come on son!" Washington murmured. "Say something!"

Both Lafayette and Peggy snorted. Washington ignored them.

Alexander stared at Aaron who was sitting across the table, looking at his lap and squirming.

Alexander cleared his throat awkwardly. "Tell me about the village?" He asked meekly.

Aaron looked up. "The village?"

"Yes." Alexander replied. "You know, Yorktown?"

Aaron blinked. "How did you know that was where I came from?"

"It's the closest village. The other one is hundreds of miles away."

Aaron smiled sadly. "Yes well, I can't say I miss it too much."

Alexander frowned. While he was glad he wasn't causing Aaron too much grief, he couldn't help but feel confused. "It is your home town correct? Why would you not miss it?"