Can't Stop Me From Loving You // Mullette

The Mysterious Message

HERCULES' POV

I was rambling on and on about how sorry I was, which is something I rarely did. Usually the one that rambles is Alex. I kept going until suddenly--

Laff was in my arms, his lips pressed against mine. I didn't hesitate, I immediately was returning the kiss passionately. We didn't break apart for a long time, and when we did it was for only a moment, then we were kissing again. I have no idea how long we stood there, just kissing, but I do know it was a long enough time to convince me Laff didn't want to just be friends anymore.

Finally we broke apart, both breathing heavily. Laff's face was only about an inch from mine, and  I still had my arms wrapped around his neck.

Laff raised his eyebrows at me slightly and tilted his head, as though he was confused. I slowly let go of him and stepped back slightly, clearing my throat.

"Sorry I-" We began at the same time, then stopped and laughed.

"So, we are still just friends, mon ami?" Asked Laff, sounding serious.

"You have to be kidding." I laughed, rolling my eyes.

"Of course I am mon ami-- no, mon amour." Replied Laff, smiling and taking my hand. 

We walked back to the hotel hand in hand, and before going to bed, we shared a goodnight kiss, something I'd been longing to do for a long time.

THE NEXT MORNING

I woke up next to Laff, my... boyfriend? Was he my boyfriend? No, not yet, I think? I'm not sure. Last night I had slept better than I had in ages, not kept up with worrying thoughts about Laff. 

After a few minutes, Laff also woke up. 

"Bonjour, mon amour." He said sleepily.

"Good morning, mon amour." I replied, gently kissing him on the forehead.

I rolled out of bed and got dressed.

"Oh, Hunkules, can't we sleep for a bit longer?" He asked, whining slightly.

I snorted. "Hunkules?" I asked.

"Yes, like Hercules but the Americans call handsome people hunks, so Hunkules." He explained, giggling slightly. 

I walked over and poked him in the side, making him squirm away, laughing.

"Whatever you say, Laffy Taffy." And then I jumped back onto the bed, bouncing him up in the air slightly. 

He poked me in the side, which led to me hitting him with a pillow, which led to a full-on pillow fight, which led to both of us laughing so hard we couldn't breathe, which finally led to us laying on the bed kissing until my alarm went off reminding us we needed to leave the hotel to get to the airport on time.

On the flight home, I fell asleep on Laff's lap before he had the chance to fall asleep on my shoulder, but I don't think he minded, because when I woke up he was using my shoulder to hold up his book.

He noticed I was awake. "Tu fais un bon livre reposer, mon amour." I turned my head to look directly up at him, confused. "Oh sorry, I have been reading a book in French. You make a good book rest, mon amour."

I laughed gently before falling back asleep for the rest of the flight. 

(A/N: It is very important to note here that there is a time skip of about two months. Just KEEP THAT IN MIND, ok? Thanks. :)

Over the next two months, Laff and I became even closer because we were allowed to talk freely about whatever we wanted, instead of hiding our feelings for each other. One night, Angie invited me out for drinks, which was odd, but not completely unusual. I asked if Laff could come too and for some reason she said no, which was even stranger. I reluctantly agreed, assuming she must have a reason.

I walked to the door, pulling on my jacket. "See you later, Laff!" I called out. 

I heard footsteps, then was slammed into the wall by Laff throwing himself into my arms, kissing me blissfully. We kissed for a minute, then broke apart.

"What was that for?" I asked, laughing.

"I will miss you, Hunkules!" He whined jokingly.

"Awww, sorry, I guess you're not used to me being the one leaving you at home all alone all day." I replied over dramatically, booping his nose and chuckling. 

He pouted and I waved goodbye before leaving to meet up with Angelica.

 She invited me to a small bar on the other side of town, one I hadn't been to before. I walked in and didn't see her anywhere, so I ordered a beer and sat down. I got on my phone and started scrolling through instagram, waiting. After a while, I checked the message to make sure I had gotten the address right. I did.

After an even longer while I had finished my beer and now some annoying blonde girl was hitting on me. I rolled my eyes and let the girl know I had a boyfriend , then texted Angie. 

{{{TEXT CONVERSATION}}}

HunkulesMuscleman: Angie are you coming????

SatisfiedWho?: What are you talking about?

HunkulesMuscleman: You were supposed to meet me here like an hour ago???

SatisfiedWho?: Meet where? I'm at dinner with Aaron rn

HunkulesMuscleman: You literally texted me like two days ago and invited me for drinks here

SatisfiedWho?: Ummmmm no I didn't?

HunkulesMuscleman: Wtf? so you aren't coming...?

SatisfiedWho?: I mean I would but 1. I didn't even invite you for drinks and 2. I'm busy rn

SatisfiedWho?: WAIT A SEC OMG I looked at our texts and there's one from me inviting you out for drinks?!?!!

SatisfiedWho?: Uhhhh that's so weird the only other person who could've sent that is Aaron or....

SatisfiedWho?: Jefferson! Because Aaron accidentally told him my phone password

SatisfiedWho?: Also, Jefferson was at our house two days ago

SatisfiedWho?: Hercules?

I was already in my car, driving home as fast as possible. If Jefferson had sent that text, that was very suspicious. It seemed like he was trying to get me out of the house, which scared me.

When I got back, I rushed upstairs as fast as possible. 

"LAFF?" I called out. No response.

I ran in and out of every room, searching for Laff. He wasn't anywhere. I didn't even realize tears were rolling down my face until I had looked in every room, and even every closet. He was nowhere to be found.