Can't Stop Me From Loving You // Mullette

Emotions

HERCULES' POV

I texted John and Alex and invited them out for ice cream. They said they'd be there at one, on their lunch break. They were both teachers at the same high school, Alex taught English and John taught art and gym. 

John and I also had a t-shirt business together, combining my knowledge of fashion with his knowledge of art. It was just a side job, we both took 50% of the earnings, although I was constantly trying to convince him to give me only 30%, and him 70%. He always refused even though he got paid much less than me in our regular jobs.

Laff and I were walking around Central Park, when it suddenly began pouring. Laff screamed and grabbed my hand, we ran 4 blocks until we got back to my apartment. He took me upstairs, ran inside and slammed the door.

I began laughing so hard I couldn't breathe.

"What is so funny? It is pouring!" He exclaimed.

"Laff, no offense, but you screamed like a girl!" I laughed even harder, but I noticed Laff looked hurt and I immediately stopped. "Yo, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you." 

"It... it is ok... I know what you meant..." He sighed, looking slightly frightened. 

"Hey, you ok?" I asked worriedly.

"Yes, mon ami. Let me just go to the bathroom."  Laff walked into the bathroom and closed the door. He turned on the faucet all the way on high. I knew that trick.

"Laff!" I knocked on the door. He didn't open. "Laff, I'm really sorry! I'm not sure what exactly I did wrong, but I'm sorry I hurt you! Can I please come in?"

There was one sob loud enough that it could be hear over the running water. It shattered my heart. I decided to text him, thinking maybe he couldn't hear me calling from outside the door.

{{{TEXT CONVERSTATION}}}

HerculesMulligan: mon amie, what's wrong?

He didn't respond.

LAFAYETTE'S POV

He knew. He had to know. First he said that I screamed like a girl, then he said mon amie with an e. Which meant friend who's a girl. Which meant he knew, and he probably thinks I'm disgusting.  I sobbed louder, then heard him again.

"Laff, I'm not mad at you if that's what you're thinking! I don't know what's going on!" He called.

He's lying, just like Thomas lied. And just like when Thomas lied, I'm going to be hurt. Well, I won't be hurt this time. I won't let myself believe his words, no matter how much I want to.

"Laff?" He called out. I sighed. 

I felt like Hercules was different. He wouldn't hurt a fly. But that is also what I once thought about Thomas. 

I heard a slight scraping sound on the door, like Herc had just slid down it and sat on the floor. After a moment, there was another scraping noise. He was pushing a note under the door.

Laff, can we please talk about what's making you upset? I'm not sure what I did, please come out.

I sighed, then turned off the sink and slowly turned the door handle. I was still crying, but now the tears were just silently gliding down my face. I had known I would have to tell Hercules at some point.

HERCULES' POV

Laff came out of the bathroom and I jumped to my feet. He was crying slightly, and I wanted to give him a hug to comfort him, but I wasn't sure if that was too invasive. Instead, I sat down on the couch and patted the spot next to me. He sat down there, still crying.

"Laff, can you tell me what's going on?" I looked at him, concerned. I'd never seen him so emotional.

"I... y-you found out." He hiccuped.

"I found out?" I was confused. "I'm not sure what you mean. What did I find out?" I asked.

He looked at me, scanning my face, wondering if I was lying.

"You can just say it," He laughed bitterly, which surprised me. He always seemed so calm and kind. "I'm disgusting."

"What! You aren't disgusting! What are you talking about, Laff?" I was genuinely shocked. I had no idea what he was talking about.

"Oh please, Thoma-- Hercules." He looked down, seeming to realize something.

"Laff, I'm not Thomas. I'm not like him at all. If you're worried I'm going to... to hit you, I won't."

Laff looked up at me, directly in my eyes. "I'm not ready to tell you." He said, as if he was testing me.

I nodded understandingly. "That's ok, Laff." 

There was a sudden, loud crack of thunder and he jumped. 

"Sorry, I do not like storms very much." he wiped away the remaining tears on his face and, although I was confused, I was glad that whatever had just happened seemed to be over.

I checked the time. "It's 12:45, we should probably get going to the ice cream shop." 

He looked up at me sadly. "I am very sorry, Hercules, but I would prefer to stay here."

I nodded again. "That's fine, I'll let John and Alex know." 

I texted them quickly and then looked up at Laff. He was staring out the window at the torrential rain gloomily. 

"Do you want to watch a show?" I asked, trying not to think about all the work I needed to get done. Laff was more important.

He nodded. 

"How about One Day at a Time?" I asked, and he nodded again.

I started the show and made some popcorn. I sat next to Laff then got up quickly to grab a few blankets. I wrapped them around Laff until the only thing visible was his face and one of his hands so he could still eat popcorn. He was smiling ever so slightly.

I leaned back, getting comfortable. We binge watched One Day at a Time all day. It was a good show, but for half of it I was just admiring Laff's beautiful face. I wanted to kiss him so badly, but I knew if I ever did, it would ruin our friendship and he would never talk to me again.

I checked the time. 5:30. I really needed to get to sewing. I glanced at Laff and he was looking at me. He blushed and looked away quickly. 

"Hey Laff, I need to go work for a little while. I'll be back soon." I fought the urge to kiss the top of his head as I walked to my sewing room to begin on a bright yellow dress.

From the living room, I heard Laff laugh at something they said on the show. I smiled as I began to put pins in the fabric.