Can't Stop Me From Loving You // Mullette

Routine

HERCULES' POV

I woke up with my head on my sewing machine, dangerously close to the needle. I yawned and stretched, wondering vaguely what time it was. I looked out the small sewing room window. It was dark outside, just like when I had accidentally fallen asleep last night. 

I checked my phone. It was 4:45 a.m. Which means I'd gotten about two hours of sleep. I wasn't very tired though, so I got back to work on the dress. I carefully sewed the edge of the skirt. This was the only thing I didn't like about sewing, when I had to sew large circles like this.

I had just finished on the skirt when I heard a noise behind me. I turned and saw Laff standing in the doorway, wrapped in blankets and looking exhausted.

"Hercules, it is 5:00 a.m, what are you doing awake, mon ami?" He asked, looking concerned.

"I'm not tired." I said quietly, as I changed the foot on my sewing machine to a zipper foot.

"Well, I am and the sewing machine is a bit loud." Said Laff, sounding impatient. He must've realized he sounded rude because he added, "Sorry, Herc. But you need sleep. I am officially banning you from sewing from midnight to 8:00 a.m. each day. Now, please come to bed." He said pleadingly. 

I sighed and turned off the sewing machine. "Fine." He watched as I quickly put a few things then flicked off the light. "Thanks, by the way." I added.

"Thank you?" He looked at me in the dim light, confused.

"For caring about my health more than I do."

Even in the low light, I could tell his cheeks had reddened slightly.

"Hey, that is what friends are for." He smiled and we walked to the bedroom.

That's right, friends. Because we are not dating. For some reason, I keep having to remind myself of that. We spend all of our time together, and sleep in the same bed. That's what couples do, right?

But couples also hold hands, kiss, and say I love you. If I did any of those things, it would ruin everything with Laff. And I did not want to ruin our relationship. Even if we would never date, he was an amazing person and I didn't want to lose him as a friend.

I laid down on the far side of the bed, as usual. Also as per usual, Laff rolled over and snuggled up next to me to keep warm. Maybe I should turn up the heat? No, because then Laff and I couldn't cuddle anymore. After a while of thinking about him, I finally fell asleep. 

When I woke up, Laff wasn't next to me. I checked my phone to see what time it was. 11:30 a.m. I jumped out of bed, then looked at my phone again. There was a text from Laff.

LargeBaguette: hey herc i turned off your alarm so you can get extra sleep, I know you need it mon ami

LargeBaguette: i am at work now, i will see you at 5:30

LargeBaguette: by the way I feel like once I make some money I probably need to get some clothes of my own

LargeBaguette: ok I am decorating a wedding cake now ill text you l8r (look I used american text speak)

I chuckled, then quickly got showered and dressed. I walked to my sewing room and began to work on the yellow dress again when I got another text. It was from John.

{{{TEXT CONVERSATION}}}

TurtleBoi: hey herc have u seen alex

HerculesMulligan: no why

TurtleBoi: he left the school early without even saying anything and hasn't been responding to my texts

TurtleBoi: I'm worried about him