In total, between all the families, eight children would have been attending this party. Well, nine if you include Peggy.
This ment that they needed pleanty of snacks and a game plan. Although this was technically a welcome party, There would still be wine and such. This ment somebody had to play babysitter, and Cathrine was just the right teen for the job.
Cathrine set up shop in Adiens room, making shure that she was acquainted with all the kids first. Then she smiled, and pulled out her ukulele from its case.
"Have you guys ever watched "the sound of music?"" She asked.
*,*,*,*,
In the living room, Laf was drinking his third glass of wine. When the glass was empty he sipped Hercs. His stress was melting away and he felt giddy and cheerful.
Herc was drinking too, but wine wasn't his thing. Besides, somebody had to take Laf and Cami home. So he let Laf unwind.
In a week Hugh and his family would be living with them. Laf was running a bakery. Herc was designing his next clothing line. Cami was getting into trouble.
Life was hectic as usual.
*,*,*,*,
Drunken Alex made his way over to Angelicas husband. He, for once, acted like a respectable gentleman. I ashure you it was an act.
"What should I call you 'John'?" Alex asked.
"Well, can't you just use my name?" John replied.
"Nope," Alex said, popping the p sound. "John is my hubbys name and would hate to cause confusion."
"The perhaps you would like to give me a nick-name?" John suggested.
"Alright." Alex said "How about British a-"
Just then the other John, Alex's husband, rushed over. He pushed his drunken husband aside, and extended his arm out to the new family member.
"Hi, I'm John Laurens. Pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise."
*,*,*,*,
A few hours and three bottles of wine later the adults gathered in the living room. They were chatting and smiling, and the air inside was warm beyond reason.
Herc took the opportunity to escape when Laf, John, and Peggy were laughing about something unknown to him. He slipped out onto the balcony, looking across the city.
The night was dark and the air had a slight bitter chill that made him shiver a bit. To spite all that, it was mostly quiet. The cars below whizzed pass in a stream, and the talking of the others was muffled by the door.
It was the perfect place to let himself go. For the first time in a week he let his mask crumble and fade away.
The truth was, he was stressed beyond reason, but he needed to be there for his husband. He couldn't let their already fragile relationship get destroyed by his bad attitude. So he kept inside himself.
"Hey," He heard John's voice come through "can I join you?"
Herc simply shifted over, so that John could join him on the balcony. John took the hint and leaned over the railing to look at the cars below.
"He's hurting too y'know." John spoke softly. "I've known him a long time, and I can see it in his eyes when he talks to you."
"I just, don't want him to worry." Herc explained.
"Hun, you know thats not true." John said. "He never told you about the night he broke down did he?"
Herc shook his head. John took a deep breath and debated telling him the story.
"Herc. He just wants you to trust him more. Every time you brush off his worries or put on a fake smile, he feels out of the loop." John said, "He is only trying to help you both."
"I know," Herc whispered " but what if he doesn't love me the same?"
"He will." John said, "Trust me."
They didn't speak anymore, they just stared out over the city together. Then John pushed back from the balcony and slid back into the apartment.
When Laf saw John he waltzed over to him. He set down his fifth glass of wine and worry set into his features.
"Mon ami, have you seen Herc?" John asked.
"Yeah," John said "He's outside."
~~~~~~~~~
(Word Count: 694)
Sweet mother of betsy. It is complete and I'm tired. I'm also bored so hit up the QnA if you want.
Sincerely,
Welp
