Je te veux (Mulette)

Chapter 14: Je t'aime

    After the zoo, the group decided to go home but, for whatever reason, Laf didn't seem very happy. Once they arrived back at the dorms, they started to head inside, but Laf stayed behind, lost in a cloud of his own thoughts. Herc stayed behind, and John pulled Alex into the building before he could ask any questions. Herc walked around to Lafs side of the car and opened the door, but Laf didn't even turn his head. Laf's eyes remained fixated on the dashboard. His face blank as he closed his eyes and leaned back. He tried to calm his thoughts, and allow himself to sink back into the leather seats. 

"Are you ok?" Herc said, concern filling his voice.

Laf sat silently before responding.

"Non."

"What's wrong?"

"I have a question."

"Ok, what is it? You know you can tell me anything."

"What am I to you?" Laf said, turning to look up at Herc with sad, searching brown eyes.

   Herc hadn't ever thought about that before. They spent time together, slept in the same bed, and even kissed, but were they a couple? They really haven't even gone on an official date. Herc's head spun with thoughts but his tongue was tied. Laf felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes.

"Well Laf, I um. I don't know." 

"Oh......I-I understand. I-if you don't w-want to be with m-me." Laf said as he choked back tears. He thought Herc loved him, but why had he never said it? After the upset at the zoo, he had begun to realize he didn't know what his relationship with Herc was.

Was it close friends?
No
Was it a couple?
He hoped so
Did Herc like him?
Definitely
Did Herc love him?
He didn't know

   Laf hadn't realized that tears had begun to pour from his eyes, but was startled into reality when he felt warm arms engulf him into a hug. Laf quietly sobbed against Hercs shoulder, while Herc whispered sweet nothings into Laf ear. Herc pulled away so that he could look into Laf's eyes which were looking everywhere as if he were scanning Herc's face for some sort of answers. They flitted from Hercs' eyes, to his lips, to his hair, and then to his chest. He hesitantly reaches out his hand, allowing it to rest on the place where Herc's heart would be. He looked back towards Herc's eyes, a residue tear rolling down his cheek. Herc cleared his throat before speaking.

"Laf, you're a wonderful person with a heart made of solid gold. Your smile continues to brighten everyone's day, and your laugh can make me feel like I'm melting. You are warm and bright and you fill the world with that same energy. You are selfless and sweet like sugar and those crepes you make. You make me feel like I'm being wrapped up in a soft fleece blanket. Is that weird? Probably. Still, that is why......what I mean is that......."

"Je t'aime" Laf whispered.

   Herc didn't understand, but Laf repeated it in English.

"I mean I love you."

Tears of joy filled Herc's eyes.

" I love you too Laf," Herc said before cupping Laf's face and pulling him in for a kiss. It was like the kisses they shared before, but now it meant so much more. It was filled with love deep like the ocean, passion that burned like the sun, and perhaps a little bit of Magic. The kind you only ever read about in fairytales. 

"Laf?" Herc whispered

"Oui?" Laf said.

"Will you be my boyfriend? Officially I mean?"

"Oui. Of course."

"Good, or else that kiss was about to end in the world's greatest letdown."

Laf giggled and Herc found himself laughing alongside him. The sound was music to Herc's ears and he would do anything to hear that laugh over and over again.

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(Word Count: 452)

(Edited Word Count:716)

   This chapter wouldn't have happened if not for aph_preussen 's delightful commentary. I'm working hard in school so I can get back to writing more often in the near future. Thank you all for your continued love and support.

Thank you all so much!!!!

Sincerely,
Welp