The horizon and the balcony

Chapter twenty-seven

"We should have a story time"Hercules said twisting his hand in Lafayette's curls.

"We should, we haven't done one of those in a long time"John said, Alexander nodded in agreement and scooted further up Lafayette's chest.

"I've um got one but like it's not a happy one, it's actually about my past if y'all are game to hear"John said quietly.

"What about your past John? I mean I'm definitely open to hearing about anything but like...ya know"Hercules said.

"Y-y'all know I've been in prison before right?"he stuttered. All three of them nodded but Alexander sent him a weary glance.

"John you don't have to share this if you don't want to"He said slowly.

"I know Alex but I think I'm ready and it's about time they've known. I'm gonna be talking about it in therapy with Mrs.Schuyler next week anyways"he said. Alexander nodded and crossed his arms.

"I um I just want y'all to know t-this isn't a reflection of me or who I am today"he said quickly fidgeting with his fingers.

"We don't judge in this relationship John, we support. Would it make you feel better if we went to the safe room?"he asked. John nodded immediately and lifted his arms up. Alexander shot the others a look and rushed over to pick John up rubbing his back, they didn't take it personally. They've learned not to, in this relationship someone is always going to have a preference for someone. It's human nature and it's just how they function, Alex and John have known each other the longest so they're dependent on each other emotionally, same goes for Hercules and Lafayette.

"I just want you to know it's really brave of you to share this story with them, I admire you John"he murmured leaving sweet kisses on John's shoulder. John didn't want to be brave, he just wanted to be honest. He just nodded and rested his head on Alex's shoulder as he walked down the hall.

The safe room had been redecorated and restocked on multiple occasions just to fit the changing needs. Right now it had a soft white carpet and was furnished with a rocking chair, a couch and multiple wooden toys were tossed about the room. It looked more like a nursery but it brought them all great comfort, once Alexander had set John down he immediately took off towards the giant bear that was propped up in the corner sitting on its lap. This was his other doudou, the moment he saw it he just knew it needed to come home with him. It was around seven feet tall and ridiculously fluffy, he grabbed a throw blanket that was on the couch and wrapped himself in it.

Once the others walked in Hercules took control and grabbed a fairy wand holding it up.

"We all remember the rules of the safe room yes?"he asked. Everyone nodded their heads and sat in their respect seats.

"Can someone please recite them for me just to make sure?"he asked. Alexander raised his hand.

"In this room we do not use foul language, slurs or derogatory terms unless prompted. We will try our best to be good listeners and comfort one another if needed, if rules are broken said person will face consequences"he said almost verbatim to the list hanging on the wall. Lafayette almost rolled their eyes but nodded along, this felt like a kindergarten classroom.

"Good, since John will be speaking he's now in control of the fairy wand"Hercules said and tossed the wand in his direction. He scrambled to catch it and held it tightly in his hands trembling slightly.

"C-can Laf sit with me while I share?"He asked. Lafayette was out of the rocking chair in seconds and on the floor next o John gently holding his hand.

"You can stop at anytime ma faiblesse"They whispered. John felt himself blush and relax at the familiarity of the pet name, it was only his and just for him. He nodded and cleared his throat pulling at the fur of the carpet.