Nothing /// Mullette Asylum Fic

2 - The Tray of Destiny

Hercules
Hercules was rudely awoken by screeches from the hallway outside his room. Jefferson was running up and down, waving his arms and screaming "Rise and shine, fuckers!".
Hercules groaned and rolled over, covering his head with his pillow.
Thomas started banging on his door a few moments later. "Get up newbie!" he screeched.

Hercules unlatched his door and flung it open, narrowly missing Jefferson. He scowled and followed Thomas as he bounced towards the kitchen. He realized Lafayette's door was still closed and frowned but shrugged it off.

James, Alex, John and Eliza were already there. Madison signed something at Thomas. "No, he didn't want to come. You know how he is, one of us will get sent in with the tray", Thomas replied.
"What's the tray?" Hercules asked, taking a seat next to Alex.
John sighed. "It's a tray of small portions of food, drink and medicine one of us brings to Lafayette. He never eats it though. Eliza is usually the only one who can get him to take a bite of something", he explained sadly.

Once they'd all finished, the tray was brought out by George. "Eliza, would you-"
"I can do it", Hercules interrupted.
George looked at him skeptically, then shrugged. "Alright", he said. "If you can manage to convince him, tell him to take small bites and give him the green bottle once he's done. If he eats nothing, it's the blue bottle. Got it?"
Hercules nodded and took the tray from George, heading to Lafayette's room.

He knocked gently on the door. No reply. He tried the handle, expecting it to be locked, but it swung open easily. Inside, Lafayette was curled up in a ball, face buried in the bedsheets. Hercules almost let out an "aww" at the sight of it, but bit his lip and walked over to the Frenchman, setting the tray down gently on the chest of drawers next to his bed.

He shook Lafayette on the shoulder, grinning when the man whined and curled up tighter, eyes flickering open. "What?" he huffed.
"I've got a plate of food", Hercules said.
"Not hungry", Lafayette mumbled, about to turn away.
Hercules stopped him by putting a hand on his shoulder. "Please?" he asked.
Lafayette looked at him for a moment then sighed and sat up. Hercules cheered and handed him the tray.

Lafayette stared down at it then shook his head. "I can't", he whispered.
"Just a little?" Hercules pleaded.
Lafayette looked at him then back down at the plate of food. He chewed his lip and tentatively took a bite from an apple, wincing at the taste. Hercules sat in silence next to him as he slowly but surely ate the whole apple.

Hercules silently handed him the green pill bottle, watching him take two. "What happens after breakfast?" he asked.
"Group therapy. Then free time and private therapy if you're required to do it. You'll be called out for a session considering it's your first full day here", Lafayette explained.
Hercules nodded. "Hey, you're French right?" he asked suddenly. Lafayette nodded.

"Then how come you have the weakest accent I've ever heard?" Hercules grinned.
Lafayette hit him on the arm, but smirked. "I've been here since I was a child", he said. "Being around Americans for years has made it fade a lot. Where're you from?"
"Ireland. Emigrated to America for work."

A bell rang, making Hercules jump off the bed in surprise. Completely unfazed, Lafayette laughed at him then grabbed his hand, leaving the tray behind as he dragged the taller man to a large room. Everyone else was there. Alex and John came up to them, grinning. "I haven't heard you laugh like that in a while, Laffy", Alex smirked.
Lafayette just giggled again and gripped Hercules' hand tighter. Alex and John exchanged smirks as Hercules blushed and laughed it off.

They all sat in a circle, Lafayette finally letting go of Hercules' hand, but still keeping a smile on his face. A nurse with a kind smile walked in. "Hello again", she said.
"Who's that?" Hercules whispered to Lafayette.
"Theodosia Prevost. She's another nurse here", he explained.
Hercules nodded.

"It seems we have a new patient with us", Theodosia continued. "Would you introduce yourself?"
"Hercules Mulligan", he said reluctantly. Admittedly, he didn't think he needed an introduction, but alright. "Hello Hercules, I'm Theodosia Prevost", she said. God, she was so nice. It was hard to be annoyed at her for treating them like children.

"Does anyone have anything that's bothering them this morning, or have any questions for anybody in the room?" Theodosia asked.
Lafayette looked like he wanted to say something but stayed quiet.
"I have a question for James and Eliza", Hercules spoke up. "It-it's okay if you don't want to answer but- Thomas can you translate please?"
"Yup!" Jefferson said happily.

"Being unable to talk doesn't seem like a reason to be put into a place like this, so how come you're here..?"
James looked at his feet as Eliza began rapidly signing.
"She says 'James was abandoned by his parents. They didn't want him because he couldn't speak. And I'm here because Angelica worked here and looked after Peggy. My father used to look after me before he passed. When he died, it was easier for all three of us to be in one place'", Jefferson translated.

"Huh. Okay, thanks."
"Anybody else?" Theodosia asked. Nobody said anything. "Alright, well you can have your free time then", she said. "Peggy dear, it's time for your private session." Peggy followed her out of the room.
Lafayette turned to Hercules. "Wanna play air hockey?"