Lafayette! ~★

★ Reincarnate!!! ★ ‡ he/him ‡ ≈ « Cur non? » ≈

[thelancelotoftherevset]

Introduction!! :3

I am a reincarnate of Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette (I know it's a mouthful...) you can call me Lafayette or Gilbert!!!

I am looking for other reincarnates of persons I met in my past life so I can meet them here >:3

I am 20 years old and just began remembering my past life so sorry if it is fuzzy still :(

Again, I am from France, but if all goes good I will move to America soon!!!

I am pansexual and use he/him pronouns :3

Even if you are not a reincarnate, I would love to talk!!!

@reincarnationverse-rp

OOC:

My name is Loki, he/it

My main blog is @everythingwsnormalhere :)

I'm a minor so don't be TOO insane in the asks

From now on I will use // to indicate it's me instead of Laf speaking

This blog is set in a specific AU so please other Hamilton RP blogs don't interact unless you're part of said AU

DM me if you wanna join the AU!!! :3

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

*The walk to Laf's apartment is quite short, as it's close to the station the train left them at. They fumble with the keys a couple times to open the main door, then they take the elevator to the second floor. After a few doors, which all seem to look pretty much the same, Lafayette takes out their keys again and opens one of them. They enter the house, turning on the lights as it is quite dark in there. There is some stuff scattered over the floor of a small hallway, which leads to an - equally messy - relatively small living room with two closed doors. The living room is also connected to a tiny kitchen, with only a stove, a table with two chairs, and a fridge*

*Lafayette struggles to stand from their wheelchair, picking up their cane which was hanging on its back. They lean on the wall as they use the cane to move the stuff from the floor, creating a walkway of sorts with a sheepish smile on their face, looking kinda embarrassed at the state of their home*

"Sorry it is, uh, a mess. I did not have... opportunity of clean, before all happened"

(( @thelancelotoftherevset ))

[ aaron looks at the apartment with interest, trying not to immediately jump to help and seem rude. he wasn't annoyed at seeing a mess- but rather just liked organizing things in general. ]

" it's okay, i understand completely. " 

[ aaron grabbed his phone to check the time before putting it back in his pocket. he looked around for a while, not really saying anything before suddenly turning around to look at them. ]

" ... can I clean- wait sorry that sounds like i'm overstepping, i- i didn't mean to blurt that out.

[ he said before looking away, still fidgeting. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette giggles, finding Aaron cute when he gets like this. They sit down on the couch before speaking, gesturing to him as an offer to join them there*

"It is fine, I can do it when I am better, do not worry. Or uh, if you really do want it, we can clean together...? But, not today, I am-"

*They stop for a moment in order to yawn, as if marking their words*

"-very tired, because the train and all was, uh, tireding?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nodded, fidgeting in silence again. he hesitates before sitting on the couch too, subconsciously leaning closer, too drained to even stay upright. ]

"... oh no, that's completely understandable. i just asked in case you were like- implying you needed help. my bad. "

[ aaron replied, before nodding at their comment about being tired. honestly? he just felt- drained. but he chalked it up to tiredness too. ]

"... you can sleep if you want, i'm tired too anyways." 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette laughs softly, their expression bright and in a far better mood now that they're home. They have none but adoration in their eyes when they look at Aaron, their grin at him remaining even when they have a small coughing fit, and their tone, even if teasing, is insanely fond*

"We can not social clues, huh?"

*Seeing that Aaron is also tired, an evil thought shows itself in their mind... Their smile becomes kinda evil, but still they're obviously giddy as they pull back a bit...*

*Suddenly, they lunge towards Aaron, wrapping their arms around him as the force of the hug-push gets them both on a lying position. They curl up on his torso like a cat - a massive cat at that -, placing their head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat*

"We nap, and- *yawn* -tomorrow we will do something, but now it is time for sleep, hm?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost replies before lafayette pushed him down. he laughed a bit, feeling more calm at just being able to hold someone. he wraps an arm around lafayette, the pressure that they bring just from being there being oddly soothing. ]

" ... mhm, yeah... "

[ aaron said, feeling safe and warm. he doesn't even protest the idea that he didn't understand social cues, just accepting anything he heard. ]

"... good night..."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Bonne nuit, mon cœur"

*Their words are muffled by their sleepiness and the position they're in. They shift a small bit to get more comfortable, still keeping their head on his chest, and soon enough they're fast asleep*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiles at the nickname, feeling relaxed as he lays back and tries his best to fall asleep, but it just doesn't happen. he tries anything, but just can't shake the feeling there's something wrong. something horribly wrong. he takes almost half an hour to fall asleep, but that doesn't help. at all. ]

[ after a few minutes, he wakes up in distress. aaron takes a deep breathe, but his body feels freezing- he needs out. he needs to get out- they're going to get him, he should've said no to any of this. he can't distinguish where he's at- is he in Lafayette's house, or is it back there, in that cold place? is he holding them, or is he holding him? the more he thinks, the less real anything feels. he searches for anything to calm down, but everything fails. he tries staying still- but he's shaking, and knows he's doomed to wake them up. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wake up with a tiny groan, confused on what even is going on. As soon as they see Aaron panicking, all drowsiness leaves their body, replaced by worry*

"Merde- Aaron, es-tu bien? Que s'est-il passé?"

*They rise from their lying position, not wanting to trap Aaron. They wince when they move, their injuries still kinda painful, but they try not to make it obvious. They're focusing on him right now, they can take care of themself later. They force themself to switch back to English, too, now that they're more awake*

"You- you are fine Aaron, tu es ici, you are here. There is nothing wrong, je promets Aaron, all is fine"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron tried to focus, but as soon as he hears their wince, he immediately begins to panic. but is it them? or is he confusing them for the General? he can't help but weakly try and pull them down from sitting up. ]

" we're exposed- we got caught, sir- we need to go- I knew they wouldn't be dumb enough to-"

[ he tried to say before coughing and feeling his hands start shaking. it's so cold. so damned cold. he couldn't save him- he can't save him. The cold is scratching through his skin,  there was blood all over him, none of it his. Why? why were so many hurt, meanwhile he wasn't?]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette quickly realizes how out of it he is, and they put their hands on his arms, attempting to ground him. They can see and feel him shivering, and they bite at their lip in worry*

"Aaron, chaton, you are with me. You are in France, it is only me here with you, nothing bad did happen. I am with you, you are safe, all is fine. You are not there, je promets you are not there"

*They're starting to freak out - sure, they've had this kind of flashbacks before, but they've never seen someone else have them. They're blind on what to do in this situation, but, fuck, they just want him to be alright. They need him to be alright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he felt flinched slightly at the touch, but just lean closer to it, even if he still doesn't feel anywhere near okay. ]

"... it's too cold I-... I can't save him- I- I can't-..."

[ aaron whispers, but at least Lafayette's voice is grounding.. he feels cold, but lafayette feels warm. there's blood, but he can't feel it anymore. was he really in France? were they both safe? they seem sure but- he can't shake off that feeling. the numbing coldness, the constant noise from the fight, the ringing in his ears when things slowed down. but maybe he can trust them on this. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Seeing Aaron is leaning onto their touch, Lafayette slowly hugs him, letting him pull away at any moment yet still holding him in their arms*

"You do not have to worry of that anymore, chaton. Tu es avec moi. You are with me. Everyone is safe now. You are safe now"

*Lafayette tries to still their own heart, as it's beating quickly in their worry. They keep chewing on their lip as they place a hand on Aaron's head, scratching his hair in an attempt to comfort him*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost protests against it, but as soon as he feels a hand in his hair he straight up melts under it. he feels warm- he is warm. he- he isn't there. not anymore. ]

" ... okay... i- i trust you... "

[ he muttered softly, feeling relaxed for once. he still felt- unnerved. and a bit out of touch, but better. he wasn't, he wasn't back there. he can feel their heart beat fast, and pulls them close, a bit annoyed to have hurt them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles softly at Aaron, gently placing their head against their chest. At seeing he's calmer, they relax too, lightly kissing the top of their head*

"Good. That is good"

*Their heart stops beating as fast, basically at the same speed it typically goes - which is faster than most people's, but still -, and they start humming against his head, not even fully intending to do so, just doing it to self-regulate. Their next words are barely a whisper, almost impossible to hear*

"Je t'aime, chaton"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the closeness, listening to Lafayette's heartbeat and enjoying just the sound of them humming. he felt safe- and his hands weren't as cold, even if he still felt slightly out of it. he even starts tracing shapes on their chest. ]

[ he nods at the admission of love before starting to think. he had said it before, sure- but on the midst of panic. would they get angry if he didn't say it? he just sighed, before reasoning that it would be fine. that they'd understand. ]

"... thank you. I-... I like being with you. Don't think I've ever felt safer than just... around you."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hm, I am happy it is like that. I do also feel very safe when I am with you... It is, uh, strange. But I do like it. Strange in, eh, a good way, hm?"

*They kiss the top of Aaron's head once again, glad the both of them are feeling better now*

"You do not have to, but uh, do you want to speaking of what happened...?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the kiss, but quickly stopped as soon as the question was asked. he fidgeted a bit and let out a shaky sigh, before leaning against them. ]

" ... it's- it's fine. it's gonna be the 31st so, you know, it just brought back some memories. that's- that's all. sorry for worrying you. "

[ he explained (or tried to), clinging to them despite having mostly calmed down. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette clenches their teeth, remembering what they'd learnt of the Battle of Quebec in their past life. Yeah, made sense Aaron had panicked in such a way*

*They resume scratching Aaron's hair, protectively pulling him close*

"Se souvenir de tout ça, c'est pénible. I do understand the way you did react. You do not have to apologizing, oui?"

*They say this in a quiet tone, attempting to be comforting and to avoid overwhelming him more than he probably already is. Very subtly, their leg - the one Alex's father didn't injure - begins to bounce, needing a way to regulate themself after what just happened. They meant it when they said Aaron doesn't have to apologize, but that doesn't mean it didn't scare them too*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron relaxes at the scratches, humming softly at the affection and moving as close as humanly possible to them. ]

" ... thank you. but, still. i'm sorry i scared you. and that i- didn't tell you before. "

[ aaron says, aware he should've at least mentioned that he was having issues, but with all the kidnapping business and the hospital thing- his mind was still disorganized. he does notice the motion, and just stays closer, as if to assure them that he was fine. ] 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hmhm, c'est bien c'est bien, you did not - and do not - have to tell me of anything you do not want to saying. And I only did was scared because I care for you, but je vais bien now, ok?"

*Lafayette keeps reassuring him, not mad at Aaron in the slightest. They only wish they had slept a bit longer - god knows when they'd have another chance to - but that's the least of their worries, their... whatever-Aaron-is-to-them being far more important. They lean against the back of the couch slightly, supporting some of their weight on it so they can struggle less to stay sitting upright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nods, rubbing his eyes before leaning back. he still seems to be thinking of something, but focuses more on lafayette. he had enough mourning for today. ]

" .... 'm fine now, thanks. are you okay, though?... i don't wanna be overbearing but like, do you feel okay? "

[ he asks, playing with lafayette's hair. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Yeah, yeah, I am fine chaton"

*Lafayette half-laughs, the fondness they are feeling obvious to anyone who can see them, finding Aaron's concern so sweet*

"I am only a little of tired, but it is fine yes? You do not have to worry of me"

*They lean onto Aaron's touch, closing their eyes, feeling so comfortable just by being by his side. They have a smile on their face, and they're blushing lightly. Even though they're still leaning against the couch, visibly quite - indeed - tired, they still look content with being where they are*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron stares at them before nodding, trusting them to be honest with him. he blushes too when they lean closer, facing them and smiling at how content they looked. ]

" ... happy where you are?"

[ he jokes, though his tone doesn't show that very well. nonetheless, he also seems happy, something about being with lafayette made him feel safe and relaxed, even when he was still thinking of her. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Mhm"

*They take their question rather literal, their smile bright. They close their eyes still leaning against him, partially supporting their weight between Aaron and the couch. Their whole body aches, and every breath hurts as the painkillers have mostly worn off, but they don't care. As long as they're with Aaron, nothing else matters to them*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

" ... i'm glad. "

[ he says, not minding that laf was putting half their weight on him, just enjoying being so close to them. he gently pets their hair, watching them with pure care in their eyes. ]

[ he stared at them for a while before  question popped on his mind, blushing as he looked at the floor. ]

"... laf? what... what are we? "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Peopl- non, uh, merde, ce n'est pas ce qu'il veut dire- I..."

*They bite their lip, wondering the same thing. They'd be lying if they hadn't asked themself the same question - too much time alone with their thoughts at the hospital gave them many chances to do so - but they hadn't really voiced it, reaching the conclusion that as long as they were near Aaron it didn't really matter that much. They don't want to make Aaron uncomfortable, but they still would like to be their partner... And there's also how they don't really feel like they'd be worth dating, so truly, they don't think they should be more than friends. But they want to be more than friends, god they want it so badly...*

"...I do not know, uh... What do you want to being?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron laughed a bit at the first response, before going silent after the second. he swayed a bit, thinking. he enjoyed laf's company, and considered them someone close. plus, he was pretty sure he was fully in love with them by now, and would very much like to be with them. but looking at himself made him remember a small- or well, big problem. he sighed and smiled at lafayette, facing them. ]

" I... I'd like if we could be uh... a couple, i- i could write a list with all the reasons why. Just... there's- something i... like.. fuck, i'm trans. i- I know you use they/them but like- I thought you should know. "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles, forgetting their worries for a moment just by hearing Aaron say he wants to date them*

"It is fine chaton, I do not care you are trans, you are... you are still you, oui? Your uh, genre thing, it does not change it"

*They still don't give a real answer on whether they'd like to make it official or not, thinking about what the previous anon said, about how that ask had voiced the thoughts that had already been plaguing their mind...*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he stays quiet, before smiling and leaning closer, genuinely enjoying the reassurance that he'd still be loved. but he did notice the lack of answer. ]

" thank you, laffy. but... do you- do you want to be my lover? "

[ aaron asks, holding their hand but not enough in case they wanted to pull away. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"I, I do think it! But, I do not understand why... I... You... Uh..."

*They struggle wording what they're feeling, they don't want to sound too self-pitying and everything feels too complex to explain it, but they still want to try*

*Suddenly, they wince, clutching their chest with one hand. The painkillers have fully worn off by now, and it hurts, it hurts so fucking much. They clench their teeth, struggling to breathe regularly, and they have to make an obvious effort to get their next words out*

"Merde... You can- give- my bag? S'il te plaît?"

*They look at where it's placed at the doorway, right next to their wheelchair. They know the medicine in it won't be an instant relief, but it sure will be far better than nothing, and they really just need something right now*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

"fuck- yes of course. "

[ aaron almost jumps out of the couch just to grab their bag, quickly getting back and passing it to them before grabbing a glass of water just in case they need it. ]

[ he doesn't even rush to explain why he loves them, more focused on them feeling at least better and not in pain rather than listening to him rant while feeling terrible. ]

" I have water in case you need it. "

[ he says as he sits back. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wordlessly open their bag, more focused on not stopping breathing than on speaking right now. They take out a box of painkillers, swallowing a pill dry as soon as their shaking hands manage to get it out. Next instant, they wince at the awful taste, reconsidering their choices and taking a gulp of the water Aaron is offering them*

"Merci..."

*They feel the need to reassure him then, also reassuring themself in the process. Still, their words are cut by their laboured breathing, and it's not hard to see how hard speaking is being for them right now*

"I am... I will be fine, yes? When the uh, médecine, does effect, it will be good, ok? You do not- you do not worry"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron had been staring at them in silence the entire time, only snapping back to reality when they spoke. ]

" oh- okay. that's... that's good. just- focus on breathing. "

[ he said, making sure they didn't pass out or got worse, staying by their side- not looking at anything but them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They nod, placing their head on his shoulder as they calm down and wait for the pain to subside. After a while, their breathing seems more even, and their words break the silence as they effortfully lift their head back up*

"I am... good now, I think. Less bad. Or uh, some thing"

*Their voice is trembling, on the verge of breaking at too many points of that tiny sentence. They try to hide a sniffle, tears forming in the corners of their eyes*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron notices the small cracks, before holding their hand, while also offering a hug. they seemed- off, and definitely not okay. and hell if he didn't care about it. ]

" ... it's okay. i- I'll be here for you."

[ he says, before smiling. ]

"... and if English is too hard, then speak french. I've noticed you switching between both."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette accepts the hug, wincing as their position shifts. They press their head against Aaron's chest, listening to his heartbeat as it calms them down, and also hiding their face. Still, that doesn't mean the way their voice is trembling is hidden, too*

"I can English, I do think, it is- it is difficult, because uh, head is, in hurt- but I can"

*They whine softly, curling into a ball and shuffling themself closer to Aaron as their body shakes with repressed sobs*

"I only- this is why- you- I do not understand, and it is all difficult, and I, I do not know-"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron sighs and starts petting lafayette's hair, trying to be gentle with any movement he does, just in case they get hurt. but when lafayette starts crying, he frowns and holds them closer, putting a hand on their shoulder and looking at them. ]

" ...hey- it's alright. you don't need to start trying to understand or to think right now, not when you're still not fully okay. just focus on following my breathing, then when you feel better you can tell me what's going on, okay? "

[ aaron says, trying to help them as best as he could. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They shake their head, making an effort to speak, because they want - need - to do it now*

"No, no, it is- you- you do not deserve this. You will only uh, hurt, because of me, so I do not know why- you are here? It is not fair at you, I am- I am in hurt always, and you can not spend your life to caring of me, it is- it is not fair. You can not- want me, you can not love me, it is not fair"

*They are visibly struggling to put their thoughts into words. They are trying to return to their previous conversation, because they know this is something they have to talk about, even if they're still in pain and words are difficult right now. They're patting their leg with their hand in a quick rhythm, their face hidden behind their knees as they tear up*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron listens before holding their hand. ]

"... love isn't fair, laf. but we still keep loving anyways. even when it hurts or when it doesn't, we still love. and loving you? i know I'll never regret that. just seeing you smile makes me fall apart- and I wouldn't change you for anyone else. I know we'll both makes mistakes, but I promise to stay by your side even then. you're such a good person, you outshine the sun. and I'll stay right by your side, even if that light dims. because if theres a reason we're still alive, then there's a reason behind why we're in love. "

[ aaron rants, facing them again, eyes only on their own, and keeping his voice steady even if it breaks him to see them so hurt. but he trusted his words- he would do whatever he could for him. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette looks at Aaron, shaking their head and laughing bitterly, tears still falling down their face*

"You do say this now, but one day you will see I do not- worth it. I am a lot, and I can not make you do all the efforts- I do not want it, I want you to living your life with no worrying at me-"

*They take a couple deep breaths, one of their hands still patting their leg, the other clutching the side of their chest. It hurts, and they so badly want to trust Aaron's words, they want nothing but to give in and curl up in his arms, letting him keep them warm and safe... But they know that'd be too selfish. Aaron deserves someone better. They need him to notice he does*

"I do not- want that you do love me. I love you, but I do not want you to- uh- reciprocrate. You do not deserve to loving me"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron frowns, a mix of frustration and sadness in his face. But the frustration wasn't at them, but rather at the way they spoke of themself. ]

" ... laf, i don't care what i deserve anymore. because there's no one else that could make me as happy as you do. i'm happy like this, alone with you. i enjoy being there with you, and I'll forever love you."

[ aaron ranted, holding back tears because of how emotional this all made him feel. he was a boy, he shouldn't be crying. ]

" but if you- really don't want me- i... I understand. but, please, laf. don't deny yourself happiness just because you believe you don't deserve it. "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette's breath keeps shaking, and they take a while to answer, struggling to find the words*

"I do want you"

*Finally, they give into Aaron's embrace, leaning against him and placing their head can on his chest. They begin absentmindedly scratching their leg instead of patting it, calming down - though not entirely willingly - by the physical contact. Their eyes close tightly, as if that'd ward off the guilt they're feeling*

"I am sorry. I should not- I should not love you. And I still do not know why you do- you did say why a lot and I know you do love me but it does not- make sense?"

*They sigh as their body shakes, unwillingly cuddling closer to Aaron as if it were second nature*

"I do guess it- does not matter, really. I do not know. Maybe it is the medicines speaking or, something, I usually am not as... this, sorry"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

*The walk to Laf's apartment is quite short, as it's close to the station the train left them at. They fumble with the keys a couple times to open the main door, then they take the elevator to the second floor. After a few doors, which all seem to look pretty much the same, Lafayette takes out their keys again and opens one of them. They enter the house, turning on the lights as it is quite dark in there. There is some stuff scattered over the floor of a small hallway, which leads to an - equally messy - relatively small living room with two closed doors. The living room is also connected to a tiny kitchen, with only a stove, a table with two chairs, and a fridge*

*Lafayette struggles to stand from their wheelchair, picking up their cane which was hanging on its back. They lean on the wall as they use the cane to move the stuff from the floor, creating a walkway of sorts with a sheepish smile on their face, looking kinda embarrassed at the state of their home*

"Sorry it is, uh, a mess. I did not have... opportunity of clean, before all happened"

(( @thelancelotoftherevset ))

[ aaron looks at the apartment with interest, trying not to immediately jump to help and seem rude. he wasn't annoyed at seeing a mess- but rather just liked organizing things in general. ]

" it's okay, i understand completely. " 

[ aaron grabbed his phone to check the time before putting it back in his pocket. he looked around for a while, not really saying anything before suddenly turning around to look at them. ]

" ... can I clean- wait sorry that sounds like i'm overstepping, i- i didn't mean to blurt that out.

[ he said before looking away, still fidgeting. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette giggles, finding Aaron cute when he gets like this. They sit down on the couch before speaking, gesturing to him as an offer to join them there*

"It is fine, I can do it when I am better, do not worry. Or uh, if you really do want it, we can clean together...? But, not today, I am-"

*They stop for a moment in order to yawn, as if marking their words*

"-very tired, because the train and all was, uh, tireding?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nodded, fidgeting in silence again. he hesitates before sitting on the couch too, subconsciously leaning closer, too drained to even stay upright. ]

"... oh no, that's completely understandable. i just asked in case you were like- implying you needed help. my bad. "

[ aaron replied, before nodding at their comment about being tired. honestly? he just felt- drained. but he chalked it up to tiredness too. ]

"... you can sleep if you want, i'm tired too anyways." 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette laughs softly, their expression bright and in a far better mood now that they're home. They have none but adoration in their eyes when they look at Aaron, their grin at him remaining even when they have a small coughing fit, and their tone, even if teasing, is insanely fond*

"We can not social clues, huh?"

*Seeing that Aaron is also tired, an evil thought shows itself in their mind... Their smile becomes kinda evil, but still they're obviously giddy as they pull back a bit...*

*Suddenly, they lunge towards Aaron, wrapping their arms around him as the force of the hug-push gets them both on a lying position. They curl up on his torso like a cat - a massive cat at that -, placing their head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat*

"We nap, and- *yawn* -tomorrow we will do something, but now it is time for sleep, hm?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost replies before lafayette pushed him down. he laughed a bit, feeling more calm at just being able to hold someone. he wraps an arm around lafayette, the pressure that they bring just from being there being oddly soothing. ]

" ... mhm, yeah... "

[ aaron said, feeling safe and warm. he doesn't even protest the idea that he didn't understand social cues, just accepting anything he heard. ]

"... good night..."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Bonne nuit, mon cœur"

*Their words are muffled by their sleepiness and the position they're in. They shift a small bit to get more comfortable, still keeping their head on his chest, and soon enough they're fast asleep*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiles at the nickname, feeling relaxed as he lays back and tries his best to fall asleep, but it just doesn't happen. he tries anything, but just can't shake the feeling there's something wrong. something horribly wrong. he takes almost half an hour to fall asleep, but that doesn't help. at all. ]

[ after a few minutes, he wakes up in distress. aaron takes a deep breathe, but his body feels freezing- he needs out. he needs to get out- they're going to get him, he should've said no to any of this. he can't distinguish where he's at- is he in Lafayette's house, or is it back there, in that cold place? is he holding them, or is he holding him? the more he thinks, the less real anything feels. he searches for anything to calm down, but everything fails. he tries staying still- but he's shaking, and knows he's doomed to wake them up. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wake up with a tiny groan, confused on what even is going on. As soon as they see Aaron panicking, all drowsiness leaves their body, replaced by worry*

"Merde- Aaron, es-tu bien? Que s'est-il passé?"

*They rise from their lying position, not wanting to trap Aaron. They wince when they move, their injuries still kinda painful, but they try not to make it obvious. They're focusing on him right now, they can take care of themself later. They force themself to switch back to English, too, now that they're more awake*

"You- you are fine Aaron, tu es ici, you are here. There is nothing wrong, je promets Aaron, all is fine"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron tried to focus, but as soon as he hears their wince, he immediately begins to panic. but is it them? or is he confusing them for the General? he can't help but weakly try and pull them down from sitting up. ]

" we're exposed- we got caught, sir- we need to go- I knew they wouldn't be dumb enough to-"

[ he tried to say before coughing and feeling his hands start shaking. it's so cold. so damned cold. he couldn't save him- he can't save him. The cold is scratching through his skin,  there was blood all over him, none of it his. Why? why were so many hurt, meanwhile he wasn't?]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette quickly realizes how out of it he is, and they put their hands on his arms, attempting to ground him. They can see and feel him shivering, and they bite at their lip in worry*

"Aaron, chaton, you are with me. You are in France, it is only me here with you, nothing bad did happen. I am with you, you are safe, all is fine. You are not there, je promets you are not there"

*They're starting to freak out - sure, they've had this kind of flashbacks before, but they've never seen someone else have them. They're blind on what to do in this situation, but, fuck, they just want him to be alright. They need him to be alright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he felt flinched slightly at the touch, but just lean closer to it, even if he still doesn't feel anywhere near okay. ]

"... it's too cold I-... I can't save him- I- I can't-..."

[ aaron whispers, but at least Lafayette's voice is grounding.. he feels cold, but lafayette feels warm. there's blood, but he can't feel it anymore. was he really in France? were they both safe? they seem sure but- he can't shake off that feeling. the numbing coldness, the constant noise from the fight, the ringing in his ears when things slowed down. but maybe he can trust them on this. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Seeing Aaron is leaning onto their touch, Lafayette slowly hugs him, letting him pull away at any moment yet still holding him in their arms*

"You do not have to worry of that anymore, chaton. Tu es avec moi. You are with me. Everyone is safe now. You are safe now"

*Lafayette tries to still their own heart, as it's beating quickly in their worry. They keep chewing on their lip as they place a hand on Aaron's head, scratching his hair in an attempt to comfort him*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost protests against it, but as soon as he feels a hand in his hair he straight up melts under it. he feels warm- he is warm. he- he isn't there. not anymore. ]

" ... okay... i- i trust you... "

[ he muttered softly, feeling relaxed for once. he still felt- unnerved. and a bit out of touch, but better. he wasn't, he wasn't back there. he can feel their heart beat fast, and pulls them close, a bit annoyed to have hurt them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles softly at Aaron, gently placing their head against their chest. At seeing he's calmer, they relax too, lightly kissing the top of their head*

"Good. That is good"

*Their heart stops beating as fast, basically at the same speed it typically goes - which is faster than most people's, but still -, and they start humming against his head, not even fully intending to do so, just doing it to self-regulate. Their next words are barely a whisper, almost impossible to hear*

"Je t'aime, chaton"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the closeness, listening to Lafayette's heartbeat and enjoying just the sound of them humming. he felt safe- and his hands weren't as cold, even if he still felt slightly out of it. he even starts tracing shapes on their chest. ]

[ he nods at the admission of love before starting to think. he had said it before, sure- but on the midst of panic. would they get angry if he didn't say it? he just sighed, before reasoning that it would be fine. that they'd understand. ]

"... thank you. I-... I like being with you. Don't think I've ever felt safer than just... around you."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hm, I am happy it is like that. I do also feel very safe when I am with you... It is, uh, strange. But I do like it. Strange in, eh, a good way, hm?"

*They kiss the top of Aaron's head once again, glad the both of them are feeling better now*

"You do not have to, but uh, do you want to speaking of what happened...?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the kiss, but quickly stopped as soon as the question was asked. he fidgeted a bit and let out a shaky sigh, before leaning against them. ]

" ... it's- it's fine. it's gonna be the 31st so, you know, it just brought back some memories. that's- that's all. sorry for worrying you. "

[ he explained (or tried to), clinging to them despite having mostly calmed down. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette clenches their teeth, remembering what they'd learnt of the Battle of Quebec in their past life. Yeah, made sense Aaron had panicked in such a way*

*They resume scratching Aaron's hair, protectively pulling him close*

"Se souvenir de tout ça, c'est pénible. I do understand the way you did react. You do not have to apologizing, oui?"

*They say this in a quiet tone, attempting to be comforting and to avoid overwhelming him more than he probably already is. Very subtly, their leg - the one Alex's father didn't injure - begins to bounce, needing a way to regulate themself after what just happened. They meant it when they said Aaron doesn't have to apologize, but that doesn't mean it didn't scare them too*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron relaxes at the scratches, humming softly at the affection and moving as close as humanly possible to them. ]

" ... thank you. but, still. i'm sorry i scared you. and that i- didn't tell you before. "

[ aaron says, aware he should've at least mentioned that he was having issues, but with all the kidnapping business and the hospital thing- his mind was still disorganized. he does notice the motion, and just stays closer, as if to assure them that he was fine. ] 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hmhm, c'est bien c'est bien, you did not - and do not - have to tell me of anything you do not want to saying. And I only did was scared because I care for you, but je vais bien now, ok?"

*Lafayette keeps reassuring him, not mad at Aaron in the slightest. They only wish they had slept a bit longer - god knows when they'd have another chance to - but that's the least of their worries, their... whatever-Aaron-is-to-them being far more important. They lean against the back of the couch slightly, supporting some of their weight on it so they can struggle less to stay sitting upright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nods, rubbing his eyes before leaning back. he still seems to be thinking of something, but focuses more on lafayette. he had enough mourning for today. ]

" .... 'm fine now, thanks. are you okay, though?... i don't wanna be overbearing but like, do you feel okay? "

[ he asks, playing with lafayette's hair. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Yeah, yeah, I am fine chaton"

*Lafayette half-laughs, the fondness they are feeling obvious to anyone who can see them, finding Aaron's concern so sweet*

"I am only a little of tired, but it is fine yes? You do not have to worry of me"

*They lean onto Aaron's touch, closing their eyes, feeling so comfortable just by being by his side. They have a smile on their face, and they're blushing lightly. Even though they're still leaning against the couch, visibly quite - indeed - tired, they still look content with being where they are*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron stares at them before nodding, trusting them to be honest with him. he blushes too when they lean closer, facing them and smiling at how content they looked. ]

" ... happy where you are?"

[ he jokes, though his tone doesn't show that very well. nonetheless, he also seems happy, something about being with lafayette made him feel safe and relaxed, even when he was still thinking of her. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Mhm"

*They take their question rather literal, their smile bright. They close their eyes still leaning against him, partially supporting their weight between Aaron and the couch. Their whole body aches, and every breath hurts as the painkillers have mostly worn off, but they don't care. As long as they're with Aaron, nothing else matters to them*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

" ... i'm glad. "

[ he says, not minding that laf was putting half their weight on him, just enjoying being so close to them. he gently pets their hair, watching them with pure care in their eyes. ]

[ he stared at them for a while before  question popped on his mind, blushing as he looked at the floor. ]

"... laf? what... what are we? "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Peopl- non, uh, merde, ce n'est pas ce qu'il veut dire- I..."

*They bite their lip, wondering the same thing. They'd be lying if they hadn't asked themself the same question - too much time alone with their thoughts at the hospital gave them many chances to do so - but they hadn't really voiced it, reaching the conclusion that as long as they were near Aaron it didn't really matter that much. They don't want to make Aaron uncomfortable, but they still would like to be their partner... And there's also how they don't really feel like they'd be worth dating, so truly, they don't think they should be more than friends. But they want to be more than friends, god they want it so badly...*

"...I do not know, uh... What do you want to being?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron laughed a bit at the first response, before going silent after the second. he swayed a bit, thinking. he enjoyed laf's company, and considered them someone close. plus, he was pretty sure he was fully in love with them by now, and would very much like to be with them. but looking at himself made him remember a small- or well, big problem. he sighed and smiled at lafayette, facing them. ]

" I... I'd like if we could be uh... a couple, i- i could write a list with all the reasons why. Just... there's- something i... like.. fuck, i'm trans. i- I know you use they/them but like- I thought you should know. "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles, forgetting their worries for a moment just by hearing Aaron say he wants to date them*

"It is fine chaton, I do not care you are trans, you are... you are still you, oui? Your uh, genre thing, it does not change it"

*They still don't give a real answer on whether they'd like to make it official or not, thinking about what the previous anon said, about how that ask had voiced the thoughts that had already been plaguing their mind...*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he stays quiet, before smiling and leaning closer, genuinely enjoying the reassurance that he'd still be loved. but he did notice the lack of answer. ]

" thank you, laffy. but... do you- do you want to be my lover? "

[ aaron asks, holding their hand but not enough in case they wanted to pull away. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"I, I do think it! But, I do not understand why... I... You... Uh..."

*They struggle wording what they're feeling, they don't want to sound too self-pitying and everything feels too complex to explain it, but they still want to try*

*Suddenly, they wince, clutching their chest with one hand. The painkillers have fully worn off by now, and it hurts, it hurts so fucking much. They clench their teeth, struggling to breathe regularly, and they have to make an obvious effort to get their next words out*

"Merde... You can- give- my bag? S'il te plaît?"

*They look at where it's placed at the doorway, right next to their wheelchair. They know the medicine in it won't be an instant relief, but it sure will be far better than nothing, and they really just need something right now*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

"fuck- yes of course. "

[ aaron almost jumps out of the couch just to grab their bag, quickly getting back and passing it to them before grabbing a glass of water just in case they need it. ]

[ he doesn't even rush to explain why he loves them, more focused on them feeling at least better and not in pain rather than listening to him rant while feeling terrible. ]

" I have water in case you need it. "

[ he says as he sits back. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wordlessly open their bag, more focused on not stopping breathing than on speaking right now. They take out a box of painkillers, swallowing a pill dry as soon as their shaking hands manage to get it out. Next instant, they wince at the awful taste, reconsidering their choices and taking a gulp of the water Aaron is offering them*

"Merci..."

*They feel the need to reassure him then, also reassuring themself in the process. Still, their words are cut by their laboured breathing, and it's not hard to see how hard speaking is being for them right now*

"I am... I will be fine, yes? When the uh, médecine, does effect, it will be good, ok? You do not- you do not worry"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron had been staring at them in silence the entire time, only snapping back to reality when they spoke. ]

" oh- okay. that's... that's good. just- focus on breathing. "

[ he said, making sure they didn't pass out or got worse, staying by their side- not looking at anything but them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They nod, placing their head on his shoulder as they calm down and wait for the pain to subside. After a while, their breathing seems more even, and their words break the silence as they effortfully lift their head back up*

"I am... good now, I think. Less bad. Or uh, some thing"

*Their voice is trembling, on the verge of breaking at too many points of that tiny sentence. They try to hide a sniffle, tears forming in the corners of their eyes*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron notices the small cracks, before holding their hand, while also offering a hug. they seemed- off, and definitely not okay. and hell if he didn't care about it. ]

" ... it's okay. i- I'll be here for you."

[ he says, before smiling. ]

"... and if English is too hard, then speak french. I've noticed you switching between both."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette accepts the hug, wincing as their position shifts. They press their head against Aaron's chest, listening to his heartbeat as it calms them down, and also hiding their face. Still, that doesn't mean the way their voice is trembling is hidden, too*

"I can English, I do think, it is- it is difficult, because uh, head is, in hurt- but I can"

*They whine softly, curling into a ball and shuffling themself closer to Aaron as their body shakes with repressed sobs*

"I only- this is why- you- I do not understand, and it is all difficult, and I, I do not know-"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron sighs and starts petting lafayette's hair, trying to be gentle with any movement he does, just in case they get hurt. but when lafayette starts crying, he frowns and holds them closer, putting a hand on their shoulder and looking at them. ]

" ...hey- it's alright. you don't need to start trying to understand or to think right now, not when you're still not fully okay. just focus on following my breathing, then when you feel better you can tell me what's going on, okay? "

[ aaron says, trying to help them as best as he could. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They shake their head, making an effort to speak, because they want - need - to do it now*

"No, no, it is- you- you do not deserve this. You will only uh, hurt, because of me, so I do not know why- you are here? It is not fair at you, I am- I am in hurt always, and you can not spend your life to caring of me, it is- it is not fair. You can not- want me, you can not love me, it is not fair"

*They are visibly struggling to put their thoughts into words. They are trying to return to their previous conversation, because they know this is something they have to talk about, even if they're still in pain and words are difficult right now. They're patting their leg with their hand in a quick rhythm, their face hidden behind their knees as they tear up*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron listens before holding their hand. ]

"... love isn't fair, laf. but we still keep loving anyways. even when it hurts or when it doesn't, we still love. and loving you? i know I'll never regret that. just seeing you smile makes me fall apart- and I wouldn't change you for anyone else. I know we'll both makes mistakes, but I promise to stay by your side even then. you're such a good person, you outshine the sun. and I'll stay right by your side, even if that light dims. because if theres a reason we're still alive, then there's a reason behind why we're in love. "

[ aaron rants, facing them again, eyes only on their own, and keeping his voice steady even if it breaks him to see them so hurt. but he trusted his words- he would do whatever he could for him. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette looks at Aaron, shaking their head and laughing bitterly, tears still falling down their face*

"You do say this now, but one day you will see I do not- worth it. I am a lot, and I can not make you do all the efforts- I do not want it, I want you to living your life with no worrying at me-"

*They take a couple deep breaths, one of their hands still patting their leg, the other clutching the side of their chest. It hurts, and they so badly want to trust Aaron's words, they want nothing but to give in and curl up in his arms, letting him keep them warm and safe... But they know that'd be too selfish. Aaron deserves someone better. They need him to notice he does*

"I do not- want that you do love me. I love you, but I do not want you to- uh- reciprocrate. You do not deserve to loving me"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

*The walk to Laf's apartment is quite short, as it's close to the station the train left them at. They fumble with the keys a couple times to open the main door, then they take the elevator to the second floor. After a few doors, which all seem to look pretty much the same, Lafayette takes out their keys again and opens one of them. They enter the house, turning on the lights as it is quite dark in there. There is some stuff scattered over the floor of a small hallway, which leads to an - equally messy - relatively small living room with two closed doors. The living room is also connected to a tiny kitchen, with only a stove, a table with two chairs, and a fridge*

*Lafayette struggles to stand from their wheelchair, picking up their cane which was hanging on its back. They lean on the wall as they use the cane to move the stuff from the floor, creating a walkway of sorts with a sheepish smile on their face, looking kinda embarrassed at the state of their home*

"Sorry it is, uh, a mess. I did not have... opportunity of clean, before all happened"

(( @thelancelotoftherevset ))

[ aaron looks at the apartment with interest, trying not to immediately jump to help and seem rude. he wasn't annoyed at seeing a mess- but rather just liked organizing things in general. ]

" it's okay, i understand completely. " 

[ aaron grabbed his phone to check the time before putting it back in his pocket. he looked around for a while, not really saying anything before suddenly turning around to look at them. ]

" ... can I clean- wait sorry that sounds like i'm overstepping, i- i didn't mean to blurt that out.

[ he said before looking away, still fidgeting. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette giggles, finding Aaron cute when he gets like this. They sit down on the couch before speaking, gesturing to him as an offer to join them there*

"It is fine, I can do it when I am better, do not worry. Or uh, if you really do want it, we can clean together...? But, not today, I am-"

*They stop for a moment in order to yawn, as if marking their words*

"-very tired, because the train and all was, uh, tireding?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nodded, fidgeting in silence again. he hesitates before sitting on the couch too, subconsciously leaning closer, too drained to even stay upright. ]

"... oh no, that's completely understandable. i just asked in case you were like- implying you needed help. my bad. "

[ aaron replied, before nodding at their comment about being tired. honestly? he just felt- drained. but he chalked it up to tiredness too. ]

"... you can sleep if you want, i'm tired too anyways." 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette laughs softly, their expression bright and in a far better mood now that they're home. They have none but adoration in their eyes when they look at Aaron, their grin at him remaining even when they have a small coughing fit, and their tone, even if teasing, is insanely fond*

"We can not social clues, huh?"

*Seeing that Aaron is also tired, an evil thought shows itself in their mind... Their smile becomes kinda evil, but still they're obviously giddy as they pull back a bit...*

*Suddenly, they lunge towards Aaron, wrapping their arms around him as the force of the hug-push gets them both on a lying position. They curl up on his torso like a cat - a massive cat at that -, placing their head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat*

"We nap, and- *yawn* -tomorrow we will do something, but now it is time for sleep, hm?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost replies before lafayette pushed him down. he laughed a bit, feeling more calm at just being able to hold someone. he wraps an arm around lafayette, the pressure that they bring just from being there being oddly soothing. ]

" ... mhm, yeah... "

[ aaron said, feeling safe and warm. he doesn't even protest the idea that he didn't understand social cues, just accepting anything he heard. ]

"... good night..."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Bonne nuit, mon cœur"

*Their words are muffled by their sleepiness and the position they're in. They shift a small bit to get more comfortable, still keeping their head on his chest, and soon enough they're fast asleep*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiles at the nickname, feeling relaxed as he lays back and tries his best to fall asleep, but it just doesn't happen. he tries anything, but just can't shake the feeling there's something wrong. something horribly wrong. he takes almost half an hour to fall asleep, but that doesn't help. at all. ]

[ after a few minutes, he wakes up in distress. aaron takes a deep breathe, but his body feels freezing- he needs out. he needs to get out- they're going to get him, he should've said no to any of this. he can't distinguish where he's at- is he in Lafayette's house, or is it back there, in that cold place? is he holding them, or is he holding him? the more he thinks, the less real anything feels. he searches for anything to calm down, but everything fails. he tries staying still- but he's shaking, and knows he's doomed to wake them up. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wake up with a tiny groan, confused on what even is going on. As soon as they see Aaron panicking, all drowsiness leaves their body, replaced by worry*

"Merde- Aaron, es-tu bien? Que s'est-il passé?"

*They rise from their lying position, not wanting to trap Aaron. They wince when they move, their injuries still kinda painful, but they try not to make it obvious. They're focusing on him right now, they can take care of themself later. They force themself to switch back to English, too, now that they're more awake*

"You- you are fine Aaron, tu es ici, you are here. There is nothing wrong, je promets Aaron, all is fine"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron tried to focus, but as soon as he hears their wince, he immediately begins to panic. but is it them? or is he confusing them for the General? he can't help but weakly try and pull them down from sitting up. ]

" we're exposed- we got caught, sir- we need to go- I knew they wouldn't be dumb enough to-"

[ he tried to say before coughing and feeling his hands start shaking. it's so cold. so damned cold. he couldn't save him- he can't save him. The cold is scratching through his skin,  there was blood all over him, none of it his. Why? why were so many hurt, meanwhile he wasn't?]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette quickly realizes how out of it he is, and they put their hands on his arms, attempting to ground him. They can see and feel him shivering, and they bite at their lip in worry*

"Aaron, chaton, you are with me. You are in France, it is only me here with you, nothing bad did happen. I am with you, you are safe, all is fine. You are not there, je promets you are not there"

*They're starting to freak out - sure, they've had this kind of flashbacks before, but they've never seen someone else have them. They're blind on what to do in this situation, but, fuck, they just want him to be alright. They need him to be alright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he felt flinched slightly at the touch, but just lean closer to it, even if he still doesn't feel anywhere near okay. ]

"... it's too cold I-... I can't save him- I- I can't-..."

[ aaron whispers, but at least Lafayette's voice is grounding.. he feels cold, but lafayette feels warm. there's blood, but he can't feel it anymore. was he really in France? were they both safe? they seem sure but- he can't shake off that feeling. the numbing coldness, the constant noise from the fight, the ringing in his ears when things slowed down. but maybe he can trust them on this. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Seeing Aaron is leaning onto their touch, Lafayette slowly hugs him, letting him pull away at any moment yet still holding him in their arms*

"You do not have to worry of that anymore, chaton. Tu es avec moi. You are with me. Everyone is safe now. You are safe now"

*Lafayette tries to still their own heart, as it's beating quickly in their worry. They keep chewing on their lip as they place a hand on Aaron's head, scratching his hair in an attempt to comfort him*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost protests against it, but as soon as he feels a hand in his hair he straight up melts under it. he feels warm- he is warm. he- he isn't there. not anymore. ]

" ... okay... i- i trust you... "

[ he muttered softly, feeling relaxed for once. he still felt- unnerved. and a bit out of touch, but better. he wasn't, he wasn't back there. he can feel their heart beat fast, and pulls them close, a bit annoyed to have hurt them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles softly at Aaron, gently placing their head against their chest. At seeing he's calmer, they relax too, lightly kissing the top of their head*

"Good. That is good"

*Their heart stops beating as fast, basically at the same speed it typically goes - which is faster than most people's, but still -, and they start humming against his head, not even fully intending to do so, just doing it to self-regulate. Their next words are barely a whisper, almost impossible to hear*

"Je t'aime, chaton"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the closeness, listening to Lafayette's heartbeat and enjoying just the sound of them humming. he felt safe- and his hands weren't as cold, even if he still felt slightly out of it. he even starts tracing shapes on their chest. ]

[ he nods at the admission of love before starting to think. he had said it before, sure- but on the midst of panic. would they get angry if he didn't say it? he just sighed, before reasoning that it would be fine. that they'd understand. ]

"... thank you. I-... I like being with you. Don't think I've ever felt safer than just... around you."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hm, I am happy it is like that. I do also feel very safe when I am with you... It is, uh, strange. But I do like it. Strange in, eh, a good way, hm?"

*They kiss the top of Aaron's head once again, glad the both of them are feeling better now*

"You do not have to, but uh, do you want to speaking of what happened...?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the kiss, but quickly stopped as soon as the question was asked. he fidgeted a bit and let out a shaky sigh, before leaning against them. ]

" ... it's- it's fine. it's gonna be the 31st so, you know, it just brought back some memories. that's- that's all. sorry for worrying you. "

[ he explained (or tried to), clinging to them despite having mostly calmed down. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette clenches their teeth, remembering what they'd learnt of the Battle of Quebec in their past life. Yeah, made sense Aaron had panicked in such a way*

*They resume scratching Aaron's hair, protectively pulling him close*

"Se souvenir de tout ça, c'est pénible. I do understand the way you did react. You do not have to apologizing, oui?"

*They say this in a quiet tone, attempting to be comforting and to avoid overwhelming him more than he probably already is. Very subtly, their leg - the one Alex's father didn't injure - begins to bounce, needing a way to regulate themself after what just happened. They meant it when they said Aaron doesn't have to apologize, but that doesn't mean it didn't scare them too*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron relaxes at the scratches, humming softly at the affection and moving as close as humanly possible to them. ]

" ... thank you. but, still. i'm sorry i scared you. and that i- didn't tell you before. "

[ aaron says, aware he should've at least mentioned that he was having issues, but with all the kidnapping business and the hospital thing- his mind was still disorganized. he does notice the motion, and just stays closer, as if to assure them that he was fine. ] 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hmhm, c'est bien c'est bien, you did not - and do not - have to tell me of anything you do not want to saying. And I only did was scared because I care for you, but je vais bien now, ok?"

*Lafayette keeps reassuring him, not mad at Aaron in the slightest. They only wish they had slept a bit longer - god knows when they'd have another chance to - but that's the least of their worries, their... whatever-Aaron-is-to-them being far more important. They lean against the back of the couch slightly, supporting some of their weight on it so they can struggle less to stay sitting upright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nods, rubbing his eyes before leaning back. he still seems to be thinking of something, but focuses more on lafayette. he had enough mourning for today. ]

" .... 'm fine now, thanks. are you okay, though?... i don't wanna be overbearing but like, do you feel okay? "

[ he asks, playing with lafayette's hair. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Yeah, yeah, I am fine chaton"

*Lafayette half-laughs, the fondness they are feeling obvious to anyone who can see them, finding Aaron's concern so sweet*

"I am only a little of tired, but it is fine yes? You do not have to worry of me"

*They lean onto Aaron's touch, closing their eyes, feeling so comfortable just by being by his side. They have a smile on their face, and they're blushing lightly. Even though they're still leaning against the couch, visibly quite - indeed - tired, they still look content with being where they are*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron stares at them before nodding, trusting them to be honest with him. he blushes too when they lean closer, facing them and smiling at how content they looked. ]

" ... happy where you are?"

[ he jokes, though his tone doesn't show that very well. nonetheless, he also seems happy, something about being with lafayette made him feel safe and relaxed, even when he was still thinking of her. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Mhm"

*They take their question rather literal, their smile bright. They close their eyes still leaning against him, partially supporting their weight between Aaron and the couch. Their whole body aches, and every breath hurts as the painkillers have mostly worn off, but they don't care. As long as they're with Aaron, nothing else matters to them*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

" ... i'm glad. "

[ he says, not minding that laf was putting half their weight on him, just enjoying being so close to them. he gently pets their hair, watching them with pure care in their eyes. ]

[ he stared at them for a while before  question popped on his mind, blushing as he looked at the floor. ]

"... laf? what... what are we? "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Peopl- non, uh, merde, ce n'est pas ce qu'il veut dire- I..."

*They bite their lip, wondering the same thing. They'd be lying if they hadn't asked themself the same question - too much time alone with their thoughts at the hospital gave them many chances to do so - but they hadn't really voiced it, reaching the conclusion that as long as they were near Aaron it didn't really matter that much. They don't want to make Aaron uncomfortable, but they still would like to be their partner... And there's also how they don't really feel like they'd be worth dating, so truly, they don't think they should be more than friends. But they want to be more than friends, god they want it so badly...*

"...I do not know, uh... What do you want to being?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron laughed a bit at the first response, before going silent after the second. he swayed a bit, thinking. he enjoyed laf's company, and considered them someone close. plus, he was pretty sure he was fully in love with them by now, and would very much like to be with them. but looking at himself made him remember a small- or well, big problem. he sighed and smiled at lafayette, facing them. ]

" I... I'd like if we could be uh... a couple, i- i could write a list with all the reasons why. Just... there's- something i... like.. fuck, i'm trans. i- I know you use they/them but like- I thought you should know. "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles, forgetting their worries for a moment just by hearing Aaron say he wants to date them*

"It is fine chaton, I do not care you are trans, you are... you are still you, oui? Your uh, genre thing, it does not change it"

*They still don't give a real answer on whether they'd like to make it official or not, thinking about what the previous anon said, about how that ask had voiced the thoughts that had already been plaguing their mind...*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he stays quiet, before smiling and leaning closer, genuinely enjoying the reassurance that he'd still be loved. but he did notice the lack of answer. ]

" thank you, laffy. but... do you- do you want to be my lover? "

[ aaron asks, holding their hand but not enough in case they wanted to pull away. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"I, I do think it! But, I do not understand why... I... You... Uh..."

*They struggle wording what they're feeling, they don't want to sound too self-pitying and everything feels too complex to explain it, but they still want to try*

*Suddenly, they wince, clutching their chest with one hand. The painkillers have fully worn off by now, and it hurts, it hurts so fucking much. They clench their teeth, struggling to breathe regularly, and they have to make an obvious effort to get their next words out*

"Merde... You can- give- my bag? S'il te plaît?"

*They look at where it's placed at the doorway, right next to their wheelchair. They know the medicine in it won't be an instant relief, but it sure will be far better than nothing, and they really just need something right now*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

"fuck- yes of course. "

[ aaron almost jumps out of the couch just to grab their bag, quickly getting back and passing it to them before grabbing a glass of water just in case they need it. ]

[ he doesn't even rush to explain why he loves them, more focused on them feeling at least better and not in pain rather than listening to him rant while feeling terrible. ]

" I have water in case you need it. "

[ he says as he sits back. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wordlessly open their bag, more focused on not stopping breathing than on speaking right now. They take out a box of painkillers, swallowing a pill dry as soon as their shaking hands manage to get it out. Next instant, they wince at the awful taste, reconsidering their choices and taking a gulp of the water Aaron is offering them*

"Merci..."

*They feel the need to reassure him then, also reassuring themself in the process. Still, their words are cut by their laboured breathing, and it's not hard to see how hard speaking is being for them right now*

"I am... I will be fine, yes? When the uh, médecine, does effect, it will be good, ok? You do not- you do not worry"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron had been staring at them in silence the entire time, only snapping back to reality when they spoke. ]

" oh- okay. that's... that's good. just- focus on breathing. "

[ he said, making sure they didn't pass out or got worse, staying by their side- not looking at anything but them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They nod, placing their head on his shoulder as they calm down and wait for the pain to subside. After a while, their breathing seems more even, and their words break the silence as they effortfully lift their head back up*

"I am... good now, I think. Less bad. Or uh, some thing"

*Their voice is trembling, on the verge of breaking at too many points of that tiny sentence. They try to hide a sniffle, tears forming in the corners of their eyes*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron notices the small cracks, before holding their hand, while also offering a hug. they seemed- off, and definitely not okay. and hell if he didn't care about it. ]

" ... it's okay. i- I'll be here for you."

[ he says, before smiling. ]

"... and if English is too hard, then speak french. I've noticed you switching between both."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette accepts the hug, wincing as their position shifts. They press their head against Aaron's chest, listening to his heartbeat as it calms them down, and also hiding their face. Still, that doesn't mean the way their voice is trembling is hidden, too*

"I can English, I do think, it is- it is difficult, because uh, head is, in hurt- but I can"

*They whine softly, curling into a ball and shuffling themself closer to Aaron as their body shakes with repressed sobs*

"I only- this is why- you- I do not understand, and it is all difficult, and I, I do not know-"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron sighs and starts petting lafayette's hair, trying to be gentle with any movement he does, just in case they get hurt. but when lafayette starts crying, he frowns and holds them closer, putting a hand on their shoulder and looking at them. ]

" ...hey- it's alright. you don't need to start trying to understand or to think right now, not when you're still not fully okay. just focus on following my breathing, then when you feel better you can tell me what's going on, okay? "

[ aaron says, trying to help them as best as he could. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They shake their head, making an effort to speak, because they want - need - to do it now*

"No, no, it is- you- you do not deserve this. You will only uh, hurt, because of me, so I do not know why- you are here? It is not fair at you, I am- I am in hurt always, and you can not spend your life to caring of me, it is- it is not fair. You can not- want me, you can not love me, it is not fair"

*They are visibly struggling to put their thoughts into words. They are trying to return to their previous conversation, because they know this is something they have to talk about, even if they're still in pain and words are difficult right now. They're patting their leg with their hand in a quick rhythm, their face hidden behind their knees as they tear up*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

*The walk to Laf's apartment is quite short, as it's close to the station the train left them at. They fumble with the keys a couple times to open the main door, then they take the elevator to the second floor. After a few doors, which all seem to look pretty much the same, Lafayette takes out their keys again and opens one of them. They enter the house, turning on the lights as it is quite dark in there. There is some stuff scattered over the floor of a small hallway, which leads to an - equally messy - relatively small living room with two closed doors. The living room is also connected to a tiny kitchen, with only a stove, a table with two chairs, and a fridge*

*Lafayette struggles to stand from their wheelchair, picking up their cane which was hanging on its back. They lean on the wall as they use the cane to move the stuff from the floor, creating a walkway of sorts with a sheepish smile on their face, looking kinda embarrassed at the state of their home*

"Sorry it is, uh, a mess. I did not have... opportunity of clean, before all happened"

(( @thelancelotoftherevset ))

[ aaron looks at the apartment with interest, trying not to immediately jump to help and seem rude. he wasn't annoyed at seeing a mess- but rather just liked organizing things in general. ]

" it's okay, i understand completely. " 

[ aaron grabbed his phone to check the time before putting it back in his pocket. he looked around for a while, not really saying anything before suddenly turning around to look at them. ]

" ... can I clean- wait sorry that sounds like i'm overstepping, i- i didn't mean to blurt that out.

[ he said before looking away, still fidgeting. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette giggles, finding Aaron cute when he gets like this. They sit down on the couch before speaking, gesturing to him as an offer to join them there*

"It is fine, I can do it when I am better, do not worry. Or uh, if you really do want it, we can clean together...? But, not today, I am-"

*They stop for a moment in order to yawn, as if marking their words*

"-very tired, because the train and all was, uh, tireding?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nodded, fidgeting in silence again. he hesitates before sitting on the couch too, subconsciously leaning closer, too drained to even stay upright. ]

"... oh no, that's completely understandable. i just asked in case you were like- implying you needed help. my bad. "

[ aaron replied, before nodding at their comment about being tired. honestly? he just felt- drained. but he chalked it up to tiredness too. ]

"... you can sleep if you want, i'm tired too anyways." 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette laughs softly, their expression bright and in a far better mood now that they're home. They have none but adoration in their eyes when they look at Aaron, their grin at him remaining even when they have a small coughing fit, and their tone, even if teasing, is insanely fond*

"We can not social clues, huh?"

*Seeing that Aaron is also tired, an evil thought shows itself in their mind... Their smile becomes kinda evil, but still they're obviously giddy as they pull back a bit...*

*Suddenly, they lunge towards Aaron, wrapping their arms around him as the force of the hug-push gets them both on a lying position. They curl up on his torso like a cat - a massive cat at that -, placing their head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat*

"We nap, and- *yawn* -tomorrow we will do something, but now it is time for sleep, hm?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost replies before lafayette pushed him down. he laughed a bit, feeling more calm at just being able to hold someone. he wraps an arm around lafayette, the pressure that they bring just from being there being oddly soothing. ]

" ... mhm, yeah... "

[ aaron said, feeling safe and warm. he doesn't even protest the idea that he didn't understand social cues, just accepting anything he heard. ]

"... good night..."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Bonne nuit, mon cœur"

*Their words are muffled by their sleepiness and the position they're in. They shift a small bit to get more comfortable, still keeping their head on his chest, and soon enough they're fast asleep*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiles at the nickname, feeling relaxed as he lays back and tries his best to fall asleep, but it just doesn't happen. he tries anything, but just can't shake the feeling there's something wrong. something horribly wrong. he takes almost half an hour to fall asleep, but that doesn't help. at all. ]

[ after a few minutes, he wakes up in distress. aaron takes a deep breathe, but his body feels freezing- he needs out. he needs to get out- they're going to get him, he should've said no to any of this. he can't distinguish where he's at- is he in Lafayette's house, or is it back there, in that cold place? is he holding them, or is he holding him? the more he thinks, the less real anything feels. he searches for anything to calm down, but everything fails. he tries staying still- but he's shaking, and knows he's doomed to wake them up. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wake up with a tiny groan, confused on what even is going on. As soon as they see Aaron panicking, all drowsiness leaves their body, replaced by worry*

"Merde- Aaron, es-tu bien? Que s'est-il passé?"

*They rise from their lying position, not wanting to trap Aaron. They wince when they move, their injuries still kinda painful, but they try not to make it obvious. They're focusing on him right now, they can take care of themself later. They force themself to switch back to English, too, now that they're more awake*

"You- you are fine Aaron, tu es ici, you are here. There is nothing wrong, je promets Aaron, all is fine"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron tried to focus, but as soon as he hears their wince, he immediately begins to panic. but is it them? or is he confusing them for the General? he can't help but weakly try and pull them down from sitting up. ]

" we're exposed- we got caught, sir- we need to go- I knew they wouldn't be dumb enough to-"

[ he tried to say before coughing and feeling his hands start shaking. it's so cold. so damned cold. he couldn't save him- he can't save him. The cold is scratching through his skin,  there was blood all over him, none of it his. Why? why were so many hurt, meanwhile he wasn't?]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette quickly realizes how out of it he is, and they put their hands on his arms, attempting to ground him. They can see and feel him shivering, and they bite at their lip in worry*

"Aaron, chaton, you are with me. You are in France, it is only me here with you, nothing bad did happen. I am with you, you are safe, all is fine. You are not there, je promets you are not there"

*They're starting to freak out - sure, they've had this kind of flashbacks before, but they've never seen someone else have them. They're blind on what to do in this situation, but, fuck, they just want him to be alright. They need him to be alright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he felt flinched slightly at the touch, but just lean closer to it, even if he still doesn't feel anywhere near okay. ]

"... it's too cold I-... I can't save him- I- I can't-..."

[ aaron whispers, but at least Lafayette's voice is grounding.. he feels cold, but lafayette feels warm. there's blood, but he can't feel it anymore. was he really in France? were they both safe? they seem sure but- he can't shake off that feeling. the numbing coldness, the constant noise from the fight, the ringing in his ears when things slowed down. but maybe he can trust them on this. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Seeing Aaron is leaning onto their touch, Lafayette slowly hugs him, letting him pull away at any moment yet still holding him in their arms*

"You do not have to worry of that anymore, chaton. Tu es avec moi. You are with me. Everyone is safe now. You are safe now"

*Lafayette tries to still their own heart, as it's beating quickly in their worry. They keep chewing on their lip as they place a hand on Aaron's head, scratching his hair in an attempt to comfort him*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost protests against it, but as soon as he feels a hand in his hair he straight up melts under it. he feels warm- he is warm. he- he isn't there. not anymore. ]

" ... okay... i- i trust you... "

[ he muttered softly, feeling relaxed for once. he still felt- unnerved. and a bit out of touch, but better. he wasn't, he wasn't back there. he can feel their heart beat fast, and pulls them close, a bit annoyed to have hurt them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles softly at Aaron, gently placing their head against their chest. At seeing he's calmer, they relax too, lightly kissing the top of their head*

"Good. That is good"

*Their heart stops beating as fast, basically at the same speed it typically goes - which is faster than most people's, but still -, and they start humming against his head, not even fully intending to do so, just doing it to self-regulate. Their next words are barely a whisper, almost impossible to hear*

"Je t'aime, chaton"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the closeness, listening to Lafayette's heartbeat and enjoying just the sound of them humming. he felt safe- and his hands weren't as cold, even if he still felt slightly out of it. he even starts tracing shapes on their chest. ]

[ he nods at the admission of love before starting to think. he had said it before, sure- but on the midst of panic. would they get angry if he didn't say it? he just sighed, before reasoning that it would be fine. that they'd understand. ]

"... thank you. I-... I like being with you. Don't think I've ever felt safer than just... around you."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hm, I am happy it is like that. I do also feel very safe when I am with you... It is, uh, strange. But I do like it. Strange in, eh, a good way, hm?"

*They kiss the top of Aaron's head once again, glad the both of them are feeling better now*

"You do not have to, but uh, do you want to speaking of what happened...?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the kiss, but quickly stopped as soon as the question was asked. he fidgeted a bit and let out a shaky sigh, before leaning against them. ]

" ... it's- it's fine. it's gonna be the 31st so, you know, it just brought back some memories. that's- that's all. sorry for worrying you. "

[ he explained (or tried to), clinging to them despite having mostly calmed down. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette clenches their teeth, remembering what they'd learnt of the Battle of Quebec in their past life. Yeah, made sense Aaron had panicked in such a way*

*They resume scratching Aaron's hair, protectively pulling him close*

"Se souvenir de tout ça, c'est pénible. I do understand the way you did react. You do not have to apologizing, oui?"

*They say this in a quiet tone, attempting to be comforting and to avoid overwhelming him more than he probably already is. Very subtly, their leg - the one Alex's father didn't injure - begins to bounce, needing a way to regulate themself after what just happened. They meant it when they said Aaron doesn't have to apologize, but that doesn't mean it didn't scare them too*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron relaxes at the scratches, humming softly at the affection and moving as close as humanly possible to them. ]

" ... thank you. but, still. i'm sorry i scared you. and that i- didn't tell you before. "

[ aaron says, aware he should've at least mentioned that he was having issues, but with all the kidnapping business and the hospital thing- his mind was still disorganized. he does notice the motion, and just stays closer, as if to assure them that he was fine. ] 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hmhm, c'est bien c'est bien, you did not - and do not - have to tell me of anything you do not want to saying. And I only did was scared because I care for you, but je vais bien now, ok?"

*Lafayette keeps reassuring him, not mad at Aaron in the slightest. They only wish they had slept a bit longer - god knows when they'd have another chance to - but that's the least of their worries, their... whatever-Aaron-is-to-them being far more important. They lean against the back of the couch slightly, supporting some of their weight on it so they can struggle less to stay sitting upright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nods, rubbing his eyes before leaning back. he still seems to be thinking of something, but focuses more on lafayette. he had enough mourning for today. ]

" .... 'm fine now, thanks. are you okay, though?... i don't wanna be overbearing but like, do you feel okay? "

[ he asks, playing with lafayette's hair. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Yeah, yeah, I am fine chaton"

*Lafayette half-laughs, the fondness they are feeling obvious to anyone who can see them, finding Aaron's concern so sweet*

"I am only a little of tired, but it is fine yes? You do not have to worry of me"

*They lean onto Aaron's touch, closing their eyes, feeling so comfortable just by being by his side. They have a smile on their face, and they're blushing lightly. Even though they're still leaning against the couch, visibly quite - indeed - tired, they still look content with being where they are*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron stares at them before nodding, trusting them to be honest with him. he blushes too when they lean closer, facing them and smiling at how content they looked. ]

" ... happy where you are?"

[ he jokes, though his tone doesn't show that very well. nonetheless, he also seems happy, something about being with lafayette made him feel safe and relaxed, even when he was still thinking of her. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Mhm"

*They take their question rather literal, their smile bright. They close their eyes still leaning against him, partially supporting their weight between Aaron and the couch. Their whole body aches, and every breath hurts as the painkillers have mostly worn off, but they don't care. As long as they're with Aaron, nothing else matters to them*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

" ... i'm glad. "

[ he says, not minding that laf was putting half their weight on him, just enjoying being so close to them. he gently pets their hair, watching them with pure care in their eyes. ]

[ he stared at them for a while before  question popped on his mind, blushing as he looked at the floor. ]

"... laf? what... what are we? "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Peopl- non, uh, merde, ce n'est pas ce qu'il veut dire- I..."

*They bite their lip, wondering the same thing. They'd be lying if they hadn't asked themself the same question - too much time alone with their thoughts at the hospital gave them many chances to do so - but they hadn't really voiced it, reaching the conclusion that as long as they were near Aaron it didn't really matter that much. They don't want to make Aaron uncomfortable, but they still would like to be their partner... And there's also how they don't really feel like they'd be worth dating, so truly, they don't think they should be more than friends. But they want to be more than friends, god they want it so badly...*

"...I do not know, uh... What do you want to being?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron laughed a bit at the first response, before going silent after the second. he swayed a bit, thinking. he enjoyed laf's company, and considered them someone close. plus, he was pretty sure he was fully in love with them by now, and would very much like to be with them. but looking at himself made him remember a small- or well, big problem. he sighed and smiled at lafayette, facing them. ]

" I... I'd like if we could be uh... a couple, i- i could write a list with all the reasons why. Just... there's- something i... like.. fuck, i'm trans. i- I know you use they/them but like- I thought you should know. "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles, forgetting their worries for a moment just by hearing Aaron say he wants to date them*

"It is fine chaton, I do not care you are trans, you are... you are still you, oui? Your uh, genre thing, it does not change it"

*They still don't give a real answer on whether they'd like to make it official or not, thinking about what the previous anon said, about how that ask had voiced the thoughts that had already been plaguing their mind...*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he stays quiet, before smiling and leaning closer, genuinely enjoying the reassurance that he'd still be loved. but he did notice the lack of answer. ]

" thank you, laffy. but... do you- do you want to be my lover? "

[ aaron asks, holding their hand but not enough in case they wanted to pull away. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"I, I do think it! But, I do not understand why... I... You... Uh..."

*They struggle wording what they're feeling, they don't want to sound too self-pitying and everything feels too complex to explain it, but they still want to try*

*Suddenly, they wince, clutching their chest with one hand. The painkillers have fully worn off by now, and it hurts, it hurts so fucking much. They clench their teeth, struggling to breathe regularly, and they have to make an obvious effort to get their next words out*

"Merde... You can- give- my bag? S'il te plaît?"

*They look at where it's placed at the doorway, right next to their wheelchair. They know the medicine in it won't be an instant relief, but it sure will be far better than nothing, and they really just need something right now*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

"fuck- yes of course. "

[ aaron almost jumps out of the couch just to grab their bag, quickly getting back and passing it to them before grabbing a glass of water just in case they need it. ]

[ he doesn't even rush to explain why he loves them, more focused on them feeling at least better and not in pain rather than listening to him rant while feeling terrible. ]

" I have water in case you need it. "

[ he says as he sits back. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wordlessly open their bag, more focused on not stopping breathing than on speaking right now. They take out a box of painkillers, swallowing a pill dry as soon as their shaking hands manage to get it out. Next instant, they wince at the awful taste, reconsidering their choices and taking a gulp of the water Aaron is offering them*

"Merci..."

*They feel the need to reassure him then, also reassuring themself in the process. Still, their words are cut by their laboured breathing, and it's not hard to see how hard speaking is being for them right now*

"I am... I will be fine, yes? When the uh, médecine, does effect, it will be good, ok? You do not- you do not worry"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron had been staring at them in silence the entire time, only snapping back to reality when they spoke. ]

" oh- okay. that's... that's good. just- focus on breathing. "

[ he said, making sure they didn't pass out or got worse, staying by their side- not looking at anything but them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They nod, placing their head on his shoulder as they calm down and wait for the pain to subside. After a while, their breathing seems more even, and their words break the silence as they effortfully lift their head back up*

"I am... good now, I think. Less bad. Or uh, some thing"

*Their voice is trembling, on the verge of breaking at too many points of that tiny sentence. They try to hide a sniffle, tears forming in the corners of their eyes*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron notices the small cracks, before holding their hand, while also offering a hug. they seemed- off, and definitely not okay. and hell if he didn't care about it. ]

" ... it's okay. i- I'll be here for you."

[ he says, before smiling. ]

"... and if English is too hard, then speak french. I've noticed you switching between both."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette accepts the hug, wincing as their position shifts. They press their head against Aaron's chest, listening to his heartbeat as it calms them down, and also hiding their face. Still, that doesn't mean the way their voice is trembling is hidden, too*

"I can English, I do think, it is- it is difficult, because uh, head is, in hurt- but I can"

*They whine softly, curling into a ball and shuffling themself closer to Aaron as their body shakes with repressed sobs*

"I only- this is why- you- I do not understand, and it is all difficult, and I, I do not know-"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

*The walk to Laf's apartment is quite short, as it's close to the station the train left them at. They fumble with the keys a couple times to open the main door, then they take the elevator to the second floor. After a few doors, which all seem to look pretty much the same, Lafayette takes out their keys again and opens one of them. They enter the house, turning on the lights as it is quite dark in there. There is some stuff scattered over the floor of a small hallway, which leads to an - equally messy - relatively small living room with two closed doors. The living room is also connected to a tiny kitchen, with only a stove, a table with two chairs, and a fridge*

*Lafayette struggles to stand from their wheelchair, picking up their cane which was hanging on its back. They lean on the wall as they use the cane to move the stuff from the floor, creating a walkway of sorts with a sheepish smile on their face, looking kinda embarrassed at the state of their home*

"Sorry it is, uh, a mess. I did not have... opportunity of clean, before all happened"

(( @thelancelotoftherevset ))

[ aaron looks at the apartment with interest, trying not to immediately jump to help and seem rude. he wasn't annoyed at seeing a mess- but rather just liked organizing things in general. ]

" it's okay, i understand completely. " 

[ aaron grabbed his phone to check the time before putting it back in his pocket. he looked around for a while, not really saying anything before suddenly turning around to look at them. ]

" ... can I clean- wait sorry that sounds like i'm overstepping, i- i didn't mean to blurt that out.

[ he said before looking away, still fidgeting. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette giggles, finding Aaron cute when he gets like this. They sit down on the couch before speaking, gesturing to him as an offer to join them there*

"It is fine, I can do it when I am better, do not worry. Or uh, if you really do want it, we can clean together...? But, not today, I am-"

*They stop for a moment in order to yawn, as if marking their words*

"-very tired, because the train and all was, uh, tireding?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nodded, fidgeting in silence again. he hesitates before sitting on the couch too, subconsciously leaning closer, too drained to even stay upright. ]

"... oh no, that's completely understandable. i just asked in case you were like- implying you needed help. my bad. "

[ aaron replied, before nodding at their comment about being tired. honestly? he just felt- drained. but he chalked it up to tiredness too. ]

"... you can sleep if you want, i'm tired too anyways." 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette laughs softly, their expression bright and in a far better mood now that they're home. They have none but adoration in their eyes when they look at Aaron, their grin at him remaining even when they have a small coughing fit, and their tone, even if teasing, is insanely fond*

"We can not social clues, huh?"

*Seeing that Aaron is also tired, an evil thought shows itself in their mind... Their smile becomes kinda evil, but still they're obviously giddy as they pull back a bit...*

*Suddenly, they lunge towards Aaron, wrapping their arms around him as the force of the hug-push gets them both on a lying position. They curl up on his torso like a cat - a massive cat at that -, placing their head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat*

"We nap, and- *yawn* -tomorrow we will do something, but now it is time for sleep, hm?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost replies before lafayette pushed him down. he laughed a bit, feeling more calm at just being able to hold someone. he wraps an arm around lafayette, the pressure that they bring just from being there being oddly soothing. ]

" ... mhm, yeah... "

[ aaron said, feeling safe and warm. he doesn't even protest the idea that he didn't understand social cues, just accepting anything he heard. ]

"... good night..."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Bonne nuit, mon cœur"

*Their words are muffled by their sleepiness and the position they're in. They shift a small bit to get more comfortable, still keeping their head on his chest, and soon enough they're fast asleep*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiles at the nickname, feeling relaxed as he lays back and tries his best to fall asleep, but it just doesn't happen. he tries anything, but just can't shake the feeling there's something wrong. something horribly wrong. he takes almost half an hour to fall asleep, but that doesn't help. at all. ]

[ after a few minutes, he wakes up in distress. aaron takes a deep breathe, but his body feels freezing- he needs out. he needs to get out- they're going to get him, he should've said no to any of this. he can't distinguish where he's at- is he in Lafayette's house, or is it back there, in that cold place? is he holding them, or is he holding him? the more he thinks, the less real anything feels. he searches for anything to calm down, but everything fails. he tries staying still- but he's shaking, and knows he's doomed to wake them up. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wake up with a tiny groan, confused on what even is going on. As soon as they see Aaron panicking, all drowsiness leaves their body, replaced by worry*

"Merde- Aaron, es-tu bien? Que s'est-il passé?"

*They rise from their lying position, not wanting to trap Aaron. They wince when they move, their injuries still kinda painful, but they try not to make it obvious. They're focusing on him right now, they can take care of themself later. They force themself to switch back to English, too, now that they're more awake*

"You- you are fine Aaron, tu es ici, you are here. There is nothing wrong, je promets Aaron, all is fine"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron tried to focus, but as soon as he hears their wince, he immediately begins to panic. but is it them? or is he confusing them for the General? he can't help but weakly try and pull them down from sitting up. ]

" we're exposed- we got caught, sir- we need to go- I knew they wouldn't be dumb enough to-"

[ he tried to say before coughing and feeling his hands start shaking. it's so cold. so damned cold. he couldn't save him- he can't save him. The cold is scratching through his skin,  there was blood all over him, none of it his. Why? why were so many hurt, meanwhile he wasn't?]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette quickly realizes how out of it he is, and they put their hands on his arms, attempting to ground him. They can see and feel him shivering, and they bite at their lip in worry*

"Aaron, chaton, you are with me. You are in France, it is only me here with you, nothing bad did happen. I am with you, you are safe, all is fine. You are not there, je promets you are not there"

*They're starting to freak out - sure, they've had this kind of flashbacks before, but they've never seen someone else have them. They're blind on what to do in this situation, but, fuck, they just want him to be alright. They need him to be alright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he felt flinched slightly at the touch, but just lean closer to it, even if he still doesn't feel anywhere near okay. ]

"... it's too cold I-... I can't save him- I- I can't-..."

[ aaron whispers, but at least Lafayette's voice is grounding.. he feels cold, but lafayette feels warm. there's blood, but he can't feel it anymore. was he really in France? were they both safe? they seem sure but- he can't shake off that feeling. the numbing coldness, the constant noise from the fight, the ringing in his ears when things slowed down. but maybe he can trust them on this. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Seeing Aaron is leaning onto their touch, Lafayette slowly hugs him, letting him pull away at any moment yet still holding him in their arms*

"You do not have to worry of that anymore, chaton. Tu es avec moi. You are with me. Everyone is safe now. You are safe now"

*Lafayette tries to still their own heart, as it's beating quickly in their worry. They keep chewing on their lip as they place a hand on Aaron's head, scratching his hair in an attempt to comfort him*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost protests against it, but as soon as he feels a hand in his hair he straight up melts under it. he feels warm- he is warm. he- he isn't there. not anymore. ]

" ... okay... i- i trust you... "

[ he muttered softly, feeling relaxed for once. he still felt- unnerved. and a bit out of touch, but better. he wasn't, he wasn't back there. he can feel their heart beat fast, and pulls them close, a bit annoyed to have hurt them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles softly at Aaron, gently placing their head against their chest. At seeing he's calmer, they relax too, lightly kissing the top of their head*

"Good. That is good"

*Their heart stops beating as fast, basically at the same speed it typically goes - which is faster than most people's, but still -, and they start humming against his head, not even fully intending to do so, just doing it to self-regulate. Their next words are barely a whisper, almost impossible to hear*

"Je t'aime, chaton"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the closeness, listening to Lafayette's heartbeat and enjoying just the sound of them humming. he felt safe- and his hands weren't as cold, even if he still felt slightly out of it. he even starts tracing shapes on their chest. ]

[ he nods at the admission of love before starting to think. he had said it before, sure- but on the midst of panic. would they get angry if he didn't say it? he just sighed, before reasoning that it would be fine. that they'd understand. ]

"... thank you. I-... I like being with you. Don't think I've ever felt safer than just... around you."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hm, I am happy it is like that. I do also feel very safe when I am with you... It is, uh, strange. But I do like it. Strange in, eh, a good way, hm?"

*They kiss the top of Aaron's head once again, glad the both of them are feeling better now*

"You do not have to, but uh, do you want to speaking of what happened...?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the kiss, but quickly stopped as soon as the question was asked. he fidgeted a bit and let out a shaky sigh, before leaning against them. ]

" ... it's- it's fine. it's gonna be the 31st so, you know, it just brought back some memories. that's- that's all. sorry for worrying you. "

[ he explained (or tried to), clinging to them despite having mostly calmed down. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette clenches their teeth, remembering what they'd learnt of the Battle of Quebec in their past life. Yeah, made sense Aaron had panicked in such a way*

*They resume scratching Aaron's hair, protectively pulling him close*

"Se souvenir de tout ça, c'est pénible. I do understand the way you did react. You do not have to apologizing, oui?"

*They say this in a quiet tone, attempting to be comforting and to avoid overwhelming him more than he probably already is. Very subtly, their leg - the one Alex's father didn't injure - begins to bounce, needing a way to regulate themself after what just happened. They meant it when they said Aaron doesn't have to apologize, but that doesn't mean it didn't scare them too*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron relaxes at the scratches, humming softly at the affection and moving as close as humanly possible to them. ]

" ... thank you. but, still. i'm sorry i scared you. and that i- didn't tell you before. "

[ aaron says, aware he should've at least mentioned that he was having issues, but with all the kidnapping business and the hospital thing- his mind was still disorganized. he does notice the motion, and just stays closer, as if to assure them that he was fine. ] 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hmhm, c'est bien c'est bien, you did not - and do not - have to tell me of anything you do not want to saying. And I only did was scared because I care for you, but je vais bien now, ok?"

*Lafayette keeps reassuring him, not mad at Aaron in the slightest. They only wish they had slept a bit longer - god knows when they'd have another chance to - but that's the least of their worries, their... whatever-Aaron-is-to-them being far more important. They lean against the back of the couch slightly, supporting some of their weight on it so they can struggle less to stay sitting upright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nods, rubbing his eyes before leaning back. he still seems to be thinking of something, but focuses more on lafayette. he had enough mourning for today. ]

" .... 'm fine now, thanks. are you okay, though?... i don't wanna be overbearing but like, do you feel okay? "

[ he asks, playing with lafayette's hair. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Yeah, yeah, I am fine chaton"

*Lafayette half-laughs, the fondness they are feeling obvious to anyone who can see them, finding Aaron's concern so sweet*

"I am only a little of tired, but it is fine yes? You do not have to worry of me"

*They lean onto Aaron's touch, closing their eyes, feeling so comfortable just by being by his side. They have a smile on their face, and they're blushing lightly. Even though they're still leaning against the couch, visibly quite - indeed - tired, they still look content with being where they are*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron stares at them before nodding, trusting them to be honest with him. he blushes too when they lean closer, facing them and smiling at how content they looked. ]

" ... happy where you are?"

[ he jokes, though his tone doesn't show that very well. nonetheless, he also seems happy, something about being with lafayette made him feel safe and relaxed, even when he was still thinking of her. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Mhm"

*They take their question rather literal, their smile bright. They close their eyes still leaning against him, partially supporting their weight between Aaron and the couch. Their whole body aches, and every breath hurts as the painkillers have mostly worn off, but they don't care. As long as they're with Aaron, nothing else matters to them*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

" ... i'm glad. "

[ he says, not minding that laf was putting half their weight on him, just enjoying being so close to them. he gently pets their hair, watching them with pure care in their eyes. ]

[ he stared at them for a while before  question popped on his mind, blushing as he looked at the floor. ]

"... laf? what... what are we? "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Peopl- non, uh, merde, ce n'est pas ce qu'il veut dire- I..."

*They bite their lip, wondering the same thing. They'd be lying if they hadn't asked themself the same question - too much time alone with their thoughts at the hospital gave them many chances to do so - but they hadn't really voiced it, reaching the conclusion that as long as they were near Aaron it didn't really matter that much. They don't want to make Aaron uncomfortable, but they still would like to be their partner... And there's also how they don't really feel like they'd be worth dating, so truly, they don't think they should be more than friends. But they want to be more than friends, god they want it so badly...*

"...I do not know, uh... What do you want to being?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron laughed a bit at the first response, before going silent after the second. he swayed a bit, thinking. he enjoyed laf's company, and considered them someone close. plus, he was pretty sure he was fully in love with them by now, and would very much like to be with them. but looking at himself made him remember a small- or well, big problem. he sighed and smiled at lafayette, facing them. ]

" I... I'd like if we could be uh... a couple, i- i could write a list with all the reasons why. Just... there's- something i... like.. fuck, i'm trans. i- I know you use they/them but like- I thought you should know. "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles, forgetting their worries for a moment just by hearing Aaron say he wants to date them*

"It is fine chaton, I do not care you are trans, you are... you are still you, oui? Your uh, genre thing, it does not change it"

*They still don't give a real answer on whether they'd like to make it official or not, thinking about what the previous anon said, about how that ask had voiced the thoughts that had already been plaguing their mind...*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he stays quiet, before smiling and leaning closer, genuinely enjoying the reassurance that he'd still be loved. but he did notice the lack of answer. ]

" thank you, laffy. but... do you- do you want to be my lover? "

[ aaron asks, holding their hand but not enough in case they wanted to pull away. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"I, I do think it! But, I do not understand why... I... You... Uh..."

*They struggle wording what they're feeling, they don't want to sound too self-pitying and everything feels too complex to explain it, but they still want to try*

*Suddenly, they wince, clutching their chest with one hand. The painkillers have fully worn off by now, and it hurts, it hurts so fucking much. They clench their teeth, struggling to breathe regularly, and they have to make an obvious effort to get their next words out*

"Merde... You can- give- my bag? S'il te plaît?"

*They look at where it's placed at the doorway, right next to their wheelchair. They know the medicine in it won't be an instant relief, but it sure will be far better than nothing, and they really just need something right now*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

"fuck- yes of course. "

[ aaron almost jumps out of the couch just to grab their bag, quickly getting back and passing it to them before grabbing a glass of water just in case they need it. ]

[ he doesn't even rush to explain why he loves them, more focused on them feeling at least better and not in pain rather than listening to him rant while feeling terrible. ]

" I have water in case you need it. "

[ he says as he sits back. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wordlessly open their bag, more focused on not stopping breathing than on speaking right now. They take out a box of painkillers, swallowing a pill dry as soon as their shaking hands manage to get it out. Next instant, they wince at the awful taste, reconsidering their choices and taking a gulp of the water Aaron is offering them*

"Merci..."

*They feel the need to reassure him then, also reassuring themself in the process. Still, their words are cut by their laboured breathing, and it's not hard to see how hard speaking is being for them right now*

"I am... I will be fine, yes? When the uh, médecine, does effect, it will be good, ok? You do not- you do not worry"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron had been staring at them in silence the entire time, only snapping back to reality when they spoke. ]

" oh- okay. that's... that's good. just- focus on breathing. "

[ he said, making sure they didn't pass out or got worse, staying by their side- not looking at anything but them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They nod, placing their head on his shoulder as they calm down and wait for the pain to subside. After a while, their breathing seems more even, and their words break the silence as they effortfully lift their head back up*

"I am... good now, I think. Less bad. Or uh, some thing"

*Their voice is trembling, on the verge of breaking at too many points of that tiny sentence. They try to hide a sniffle, tears forming in the corners of their eyes*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

*The walk to Laf's apartment is quite short, as it's close to the station the train left them at. They fumble with the keys a couple times to open the main door, then they take the elevator to the second floor. After a few doors, which all seem to look pretty much the same, Lafayette takes out their keys again and opens one of them. They enter the house, turning on the lights as it is quite dark in there. There is some stuff scattered over the floor of a small hallway, which leads to an - equally messy - relatively small living room with two closed doors. The living room is also connected to a tiny kitchen, with only a stove, a table with two chairs, and a fridge*

*Lafayette struggles to stand from their wheelchair, picking up their cane which was hanging on its back. They lean on the wall as they use the cane to move the stuff from the floor, creating a walkway of sorts with a sheepish smile on their face, looking kinda embarrassed at the state of their home*

"Sorry it is, uh, a mess. I did not have... opportunity of clean, before all happened"

(( @thelancelotoftherevset ))

[ aaron looks at the apartment with interest, trying not to immediately jump to help and seem rude. he wasn't annoyed at seeing a mess- but rather just liked organizing things in general. ]

" it's okay, i understand completely. " 

[ aaron grabbed his phone to check the time before putting it back in his pocket. he looked around for a while, not really saying anything before suddenly turning around to look at them. ]

" ... can I clean- wait sorry that sounds like i'm overstepping, i- i didn't mean to blurt that out.

[ he said before looking away, still fidgeting. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette giggles, finding Aaron cute when he gets like this. They sit down on the couch before speaking, gesturing to him as an offer to join them there*

"It is fine, I can do it when I am better, do not worry. Or uh, if you really do want it, we can clean together...? But, not today, I am-"

*They stop for a moment in order to yawn, as if marking their words*

"-very tired, because the train and all was, uh, tireding?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nodded, fidgeting in silence again. he hesitates before sitting on the couch too, subconsciously leaning closer, too drained to even stay upright. ]

"... oh no, that's completely understandable. i just asked in case you were like- implying you needed help. my bad. "

[ aaron replied, before nodding at their comment about being tired. honestly? he just felt- drained. but he chalked it up to tiredness too. ]

"... you can sleep if you want, i'm tired too anyways." 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette laughs softly, their expression bright and in a far better mood now that they're home. They have none but adoration in their eyes when they look at Aaron, their grin at him remaining even when they have a small coughing fit, and their tone, even if teasing, is insanely fond*

"We can not social clues, huh?"

*Seeing that Aaron is also tired, an evil thought shows itself in their mind... Their smile becomes kinda evil, but still they're obviously giddy as they pull back a bit...*

*Suddenly, they lunge towards Aaron, wrapping their arms around him as the force of the hug-push gets them both on a lying position. They curl up on his torso like a cat - a massive cat at that -, placing their head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat*

"We nap, and- *yawn* -tomorrow we will do something, but now it is time for sleep, hm?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost replies before lafayette pushed him down. he laughed a bit, feeling more calm at just being able to hold someone. he wraps an arm around lafayette, the pressure that they bring just from being there being oddly soothing. ]

" ... mhm, yeah... "

[ aaron said, feeling safe and warm. he doesn't even protest the idea that he didn't understand social cues, just accepting anything he heard. ]

"... good night..."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Bonne nuit, mon cœur"

*Their words are muffled by their sleepiness and the position they're in. They shift a small bit to get more comfortable, still keeping their head on his chest, and soon enough they're fast asleep*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiles at the nickname, feeling relaxed as he lays back and tries his best to fall asleep, but it just doesn't happen. he tries anything, but just can't shake the feeling there's something wrong. something horribly wrong. he takes almost half an hour to fall asleep, but that doesn't help. at all. ]

[ after a few minutes, he wakes up in distress. aaron takes a deep breathe, but his body feels freezing- he needs out. he needs to get out- they're going to get him, he should've said no to any of this. he can't distinguish where he's at- is he in Lafayette's house, or is it back there, in that cold place? is he holding them, or is he holding him? the more he thinks, the less real anything feels. he searches for anything to calm down, but everything fails. he tries staying still- but he's shaking, and knows he's doomed to wake them up. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wake up with a tiny groan, confused on what even is going on. As soon as they see Aaron panicking, all drowsiness leaves their body, replaced by worry*

"Merde- Aaron, es-tu bien? Que s'est-il passé?"

*They rise from their lying position, not wanting to trap Aaron. They wince when they move, their injuries still kinda painful, but they try not to make it obvious. They're focusing on him right now, they can take care of themself later. They force themself to switch back to English, too, now that they're more awake*

"You- you are fine Aaron, tu es ici, you are here. There is nothing wrong, je promets Aaron, all is fine"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron tried to focus, but as soon as he hears their wince, he immediately begins to panic. but is it them? or is he confusing them for the General? he can't help but weakly try and pull them down from sitting up. ]

" we're exposed- we got caught, sir- we need to go- I knew they wouldn't be dumb enough to-"

[ he tried to say before coughing and feeling his hands start shaking. it's so cold. so damned cold. he couldn't save him- he can't save him. The cold is scratching through his skin,  there was blood all over him, none of it his. Why? why were so many hurt, meanwhile he wasn't?]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette quickly realizes how out of it he is, and they put their hands on his arms, attempting to ground him. They can see and feel him shivering, and they bite at their lip in worry*

"Aaron, chaton, you are with me. You are in France, it is only me here with you, nothing bad did happen. I am with you, you are safe, all is fine. You are not there, je promets you are not there"

*They're starting to freak out - sure, they've had this kind of flashbacks before, but they've never seen someone else have them. They're blind on what to do in this situation, but, fuck, they just want him to be alright. They need him to be alright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he felt flinched slightly at the touch, but just lean closer to it, even if he still doesn't feel anywhere near okay. ]

"... it's too cold I-... I can't save him- I- I can't-..."

[ aaron whispers, but at least Lafayette's voice is grounding.. he feels cold, but lafayette feels warm. there's blood, but he can't feel it anymore. was he really in France? were they both safe? they seem sure but- he can't shake off that feeling. the numbing coldness, the constant noise from the fight, the ringing in his ears when things slowed down. but maybe he can trust them on this. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Seeing Aaron is leaning onto their touch, Lafayette slowly hugs him, letting him pull away at any moment yet still holding him in their arms*

"You do not have to worry of that anymore, chaton. Tu es avec moi. You are with me. Everyone is safe now. You are safe now"

*Lafayette tries to still their own heart, as it's beating quickly in their worry. They keep chewing on their lip as they place a hand on Aaron's head, scratching his hair in an attempt to comfort him*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost protests against it, but as soon as he feels a hand in his hair he straight up melts under it. he feels warm- he is warm. he- he isn't there. not anymore. ]

" ... okay... i- i trust you... "

[ he muttered softly, feeling relaxed for once. he still felt- unnerved. and a bit out of touch, but better. he wasn't, he wasn't back there. he can feel their heart beat fast, and pulls them close, a bit annoyed to have hurt them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles softly at Aaron, gently placing their head against their chest. At seeing he's calmer, they relax too, lightly kissing the top of their head*

"Good. That is good"

*Their heart stops beating as fast, basically at the same speed it typically goes - which is faster than most people's, but still -, and they start humming against his head, not even fully intending to do so, just doing it to self-regulate. Their next words are barely a whisper, almost impossible to hear*

"Je t'aime, chaton"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the closeness, listening to Lafayette's heartbeat and enjoying just the sound of them humming. he felt safe- and his hands weren't as cold, even if he still felt slightly out of it. he even starts tracing shapes on their chest. ]

[ he nods at the admission of love before starting to think. he had said it before, sure- but on the midst of panic. would they get angry if he didn't say it? he just sighed, before reasoning that it would be fine. that they'd understand. ]

"... thank you. I-... I like being with you. Don't think I've ever felt safer than just... around you."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hm, I am happy it is like that. I do also feel very safe when I am with you... It is, uh, strange. But I do like it. Strange in, eh, a good way, hm?"

*They kiss the top of Aaron's head once again, glad the both of them are feeling better now*

"You do not have to, but uh, do you want to speaking of what happened...?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the kiss, but quickly stopped as soon as the question was asked. he fidgeted a bit and let out a shaky sigh, before leaning against them. ]

" ... it's- it's fine. it's gonna be the 31st so, you know, it just brought back some memories. that's- that's all. sorry for worrying you. "

[ he explained (or tried to), clinging to them despite having mostly calmed down. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette clenches their teeth, remembering what they'd learnt of the Battle of Quebec in their past life. Yeah, made sense Aaron had panicked in such a way*

*They resume scratching Aaron's hair, protectively pulling him close*

"Se souvenir de tout ça, c'est pénible. I do understand the way you did react. You do not have to apologizing, oui?"

*They say this in a quiet tone, attempting to be comforting and to avoid overwhelming him more than he probably already is. Very subtly, their leg - the one Alex's father didn't injure - begins to bounce, needing a way to regulate themself after what just happened. They meant it when they said Aaron doesn't have to apologize, but that doesn't mean it didn't scare them too*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron relaxes at the scratches, humming softly at the affection and moving as close as humanly possible to them. ]

" ... thank you. but, still. i'm sorry i scared you. and that i- didn't tell you before. "

[ aaron says, aware he should've at least mentioned that he was having issues, but with all the kidnapping business and the hospital thing- his mind was still disorganized. he does notice the motion, and just stays closer, as if to assure them that he was fine. ] 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hmhm, c'est bien c'est bien, you did not - and do not - have to tell me of anything you do not want to saying. And I only did was scared because I care for you, but je vais bien now, ok?"

*Lafayette keeps reassuring him, not mad at Aaron in the slightest. They only wish they had slept a bit longer - god knows when they'd have another chance to - but that's the least of their worries, their... whatever-Aaron-is-to-them being far more important. They lean against the back of the couch slightly, supporting some of their weight on it so they can struggle less to stay sitting upright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nods, rubbing his eyes before leaning back. he still seems to be thinking of something, but focuses more on lafayette. he had enough mourning for today. ]

" .... 'm fine now, thanks. are you okay, though?... i don't wanna be overbearing but like, do you feel okay? "

[ he asks, playing with lafayette's hair. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Yeah, yeah, I am fine chaton"

*Lafayette half-laughs, the fondness they are feeling obvious to anyone who can see them, finding Aaron's concern so sweet*

"I am only a little of tired, but it is fine yes? You do not have to worry of me"

*They lean onto Aaron's touch, closing their eyes, feeling so comfortable just by being by his side. They have a smile on their face, and they're blushing lightly. Even though they're still leaning against the couch, visibly quite - indeed - tired, they still look content with being where they are*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron stares at them before nodding, trusting them to be honest with him. he blushes too when they lean closer, facing them and smiling at how content they looked. ]

" ... happy where you are?"

[ he jokes, though his tone doesn't show that very well. nonetheless, he also seems happy, something about being with lafayette made him feel safe and relaxed, even when he was still thinking of her. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Mhm"

*They take their question rather literal, their smile bright. They close their eyes still leaning against him, partially supporting their weight between Aaron and the couch. Their whole body aches, and every breath hurts as the painkillers have mostly worn off, but they don't care. As long as they're with Aaron, nothing else matters to them*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

" ... i'm glad. "

[ he says, not minding that laf was putting half their weight on him, just enjoying being so close to them. he gently pets their hair, watching them with pure care in their eyes. ]

[ he stared at them for a while before  question popped on his mind, blushing as he looked at the floor. ]

"... laf? what... what are we? "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Peopl- non, uh, merde, ce n'est pas ce qu'il veut dire- I..."

*They bite their lip, wondering the same thing. They'd be lying if they hadn't asked themself the same question - too much time alone with their thoughts at the hospital gave them many chances to do so - but they hadn't really voiced it, reaching the conclusion that as long as they were near Aaron it didn't really matter that much. They don't want to make Aaron uncomfortable, but they still would like to be their partner... And there's also how they don't really feel like they'd be worth dating, so truly, they don't think they should be more than friends. But they want to be more than friends, god they want it so badly...*

"...I do not know, uh... What do you want to being?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron laughed a bit at the first response, before going silent after the second. he swayed a bit, thinking. he enjoyed laf's company, and considered them someone close. plus, he was pretty sure he was fully in love with them by now, and would very much like to be with them. but looking at himself made him remember a small- or well, big problem. he sighed and smiled at lafayette, facing them. ]

" I... I'd like if we could be uh... a couple, i- i could write a list with all the reasons why. Just... there's- something i... like.. fuck, i'm trans. i- I know you use they/them but like- I thought you should know. "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles, forgetting their worries for a moment just by hearing Aaron say he wants to date them*

"It is fine chaton, I do not care you are trans, you are... you are still you, oui? Your uh, genre thing, it does not change it"

*They still don't give a real answer on whether they'd like to make it official or not, thinking about what the previous anon said, about how that ask had voiced the thoughts that had already been plaguing their mind...*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he stays quiet, before smiling and leaning closer, genuinely enjoying the reassurance that he'd still be loved. but he did notice the lack of answer. ]

" thank you, laffy. but... do you- do you want to be my lover? "

[ aaron asks, holding their hand but not enough in case they wanted to pull away. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"I, I do think it! But, I do not understand why... I... You... Uh..."

*They struggle wording what they're feeling, they don't want to sound too self-pitying and everything feels too complex to explain it, but they still want to try*

*Suddenly, they wince, clutching their chest with one hand. The painkillers have fully worn off by now, and it hurts, it hurts so fucking much. They clench their teeth, struggling to breathe regularly, and they have to make an obvious effort to get their next words out*

"Merde... You can- give- my bag? S'il te plaît?"

*They look at where it's placed at the doorway, right next to their wheelchair. They know the medicine in it won't be an instant relief, but it sure will be far better than nothing, and they really just need something right now*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

"fuck- yes of course. "

[ aaron almost jumps out of the couch just to grab their bag, quickly getting back and passing it to them before grabbing a glass of water just in case they need it. ]

[ he doesn't even rush to explain why he loves them, more focused on them feeling at least better and not in pain rather than listening to him rant while feeling terrible. ]

" I have water in case you need it. "

[ he says as he sits back. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wordlessly open their bag, more focused on not stopping breathing than on speaking right now. They take out a box of painkillers, swallowing a pill dry as soon as their shaking hands manage to get it out. Next instant, they wince at the awful taste, reconsidering their choices and taking a gulp of the water Aaron is offering them*

"Merci..."

*They feel the need to reassure him then, also reassuring themself in the process. Still, their words are cut by their laboured breathing, and it's not hard to see how hard speaking is being for them right now*

"I am... I will be fine, yes? When the uh, médecine, does effect, it will be good, ok? You do not- you do not worry"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

*The walk to Laf's apartment is quite short, as it's close to the station the train left them at. They fumble with the keys a couple times to open the main door, then they take the elevator to the second floor. After a few doors, which all seem to look pretty much the same, Lafayette takes out their keys again and opens one of them. They enter the house, turning on the lights as it is quite dark in there. There is some stuff scattered over the floor of a small hallway, which leads to an - equally messy - relatively small living room with two closed doors. The living room is also connected to a tiny kitchen, with only a stove, a table with two chairs, and a fridge*

*Lafayette struggles to stand from their wheelchair, picking up their cane which was hanging on its back. They lean on the wall as they use the cane to move the stuff from the floor, creating a walkway of sorts with a sheepish smile on their face, looking kinda embarrassed at the state of their home*

"Sorry it is, uh, a mess. I did not have... opportunity of clean, before all happened"

(( @thelancelotoftherevset ))

[ aaron looks at the apartment with interest, trying not to immediately jump to help and seem rude. he wasn't annoyed at seeing a mess- but rather just liked organizing things in general. ]

" it's okay, i understand completely. " 

[ aaron grabbed his phone to check the time before putting it back in his pocket. he looked around for a while, not really saying anything before suddenly turning around to look at them. ]

" ... can I clean- wait sorry that sounds like i'm overstepping, i- i didn't mean to blurt that out.

[ he said before looking away, still fidgeting. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette giggles, finding Aaron cute when he gets like this. They sit down on the couch before speaking, gesturing to him as an offer to join them there*

"It is fine, I can do it when I am better, do not worry. Or uh, if you really do want it, we can clean together...? But, not today, I am-"

*They stop for a moment in order to yawn, as if marking their words*

"-very tired, because the train and all was, uh, tireding?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nodded, fidgeting in silence again. he hesitates before sitting on the couch too, subconsciously leaning closer, too drained to even stay upright. ]

"... oh no, that's completely understandable. i just asked in case you were like- implying you needed help. my bad. "

[ aaron replied, before nodding at their comment about being tired. honestly? he just felt- drained. but he chalked it up to tiredness too. ]

"... you can sleep if you want, i'm tired too anyways." 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette laughs softly, their expression bright and in a far better mood now that they're home. They have none but adoration in their eyes when they look at Aaron, their grin at him remaining even when they have a small coughing fit, and their tone, even if teasing, is insanely fond*

"We can not social clues, huh?"

*Seeing that Aaron is also tired, an evil thought shows itself in their mind... Their smile becomes kinda evil, but still they're obviously giddy as they pull back a bit...*

*Suddenly, they lunge towards Aaron, wrapping their arms around him as the force of the hug-push gets them both on a lying position. They curl up on his torso like a cat - a massive cat at that -, placing their head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat*

"We nap, and- *yawn* -tomorrow we will do something, but now it is time for sleep, hm?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost replies before lafayette pushed him down. he laughed a bit, feeling more calm at just being able to hold someone. he wraps an arm around lafayette, the pressure that they bring just from being there being oddly soothing. ]

" ... mhm, yeah... "

[ aaron said, feeling safe and warm. he doesn't even protest the idea that he didn't understand social cues, just accepting anything he heard. ]

"... good night..."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Bonne nuit, mon cœur"

*Their words are muffled by their sleepiness and the position they're in. They shift a small bit to get more comfortable, still keeping their head on his chest, and soon enough they're fast asleep*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiles at the nickname, feeling relaxed as he lays back and tries his best to fall asleep, but it just doesn't happen. he tries anything, but just can't shake the feeling there's something wrong. something horribly wrong. he takes almost half an hour to fall asleep, but that doesn't help. at all. ]

[ after a few minutes, he wakes up in distress. aaron takes a deep breathe, but his body feels freezing- he needs out. he needs to get out- they're going to get him, he should've said no to any of this. he can't distinguish where he's at- is he in Lafayette's house, or is it back there, in that cold place? is he holding them, or is he holding him? the more he thinks, the less real anything feels. he searches for anything to calm down, but everything fails. he tries staying still- but he's shaking, and knows he's doomed to wake them up. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wake up with a tiny groan, confused on what even is going on. As soon as they see Aaron panicking, all drowsiness leaves their body, replaced by worry*

"Merde- Aaron, es-tu bien? Que s'est-il passé?"

*They rise from their lying position, not wanting to trap Aaron. They wince when they move, their injuries still kinda painful, but they try not to make it obvious. They're focusing on him right now, they can take care of themself later. They force themself to switch back to English, too, now that they're more awake*

"You- you are fine Aaron, tu es ici, you are here. There is nothing wrong, je promets Aaron, all is fine"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron tried to focus, but as soon as he hears their wince, he immediately begins to panic. but is it them? or is he confusing them for the General? he can't help but weakly try and pull them down from sitting up. ]

" we're exposed- we got caught, sir- we need to go- I knew they wouldn't be dumb enough to-"

[ he tried to say before coughing and feeling his hands start shaking. it's so cold. so damned cold. he couldn't save him- he can't save him. The cold is scratching through his skin,  there was blood all over him, none of it his. Why? why were so many hurt, meanwhile he wasn't?]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette quickly realizes how out of it he is, and they put their hands on his arms, attempting to ground him. They can see and feel him shivering, and they bite at their lip in worry*

"Aaron, chaton, you are with me. You are in France, it is only me here with you, nothing bad did happen. I am with you, you are safe, all is fine. You are not there, je promets you are not there"

*They're starting to freak out - sure, they've had this kind of flashbacks before, but they've never seen someone else have them. They're blind on what to do in this situation, but, fuck, they just want him to be alright. They need him to be alright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he felt flinched slightly at the touch, but just lean closer to it, even if he still doesn't feel anywhere near okay. ]

"... it's too cold I-... I can't save him- I- I can't-..."

[ aaron whispers, but at least Lafayette's voice is grounding.. he feels cold, but lafayette feels warm. there's blood, but he can't feel it anymore. was he really in France? were they both safe? they seem sure but- he can't shake off that feeling. the numbing coldness, the constant noise from the fight, the ringing in his ears when things slowed down. but maybe he can trust them on this. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Seeing Aaron is leaning onto their touch, Lafayette slowly hugs him, letting him pull away at any moment yet still holding him in their arms*

"You do not have to worry of that anymore, chaton. Tu es avec moi. You are with me. Everyone is safe now. You are safe now"

*Lafayette tries to still their own heart, as it's beating quickly in their worry. They keep chewing on their lip as they place a hand on Aaron's head, scratching his hair in an attempt to comfort him*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost protests against it, but as soon as he feels a hand in his hair he straight up melts under it. he feels warm- he is warm. he- he isn't there. not anymore. ]

" ... okay... i- i trust you... "

[ he muttered softly, feeling relaxed for once. he still felt- unnerved. and a bit out of touch, but better. he wasn't, he wasn't back there. he can feel their heart beat fast, and pulls them close, a bit annoyed to have hurt them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles softly at Aaron, gently placing their head against their chest. At seeing he's calmer, they relax too, lightly kissing the top of their head*

"Good. That is good"

*Their heart stops beating as fast, basically at the same speed it typically goes - which is faster than most people's, but still -, and they start humming against his head, not even fully intending to do so, just doing it to self-regulate. Their next words are barely a whisper, almost impossible to hear*

"Je t'aime, chaton"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the closeness, listening to Lafayette's heartbeat and enjoying just the sound of them humming. he felt safe- and his hands weren't as cold, even if he still felt slightly out of it. he even starts tracing shapes on their chest. ]

[ he nods at the admission of love before starting to think. he had said it before, sure- but on the midst of panic. would they get angry if he didn't say it? he just sighed, before reasoning that it would be fine. that they'd understand. ]

"... thank you. I-... I like being with you. Don't think I've ever felt safer than just... around you."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hm, I am happy it is like that. I do also feel very safe when I am with you... It is, uh, strange. But I do like it. Strange in, eh, a good way, hm?"

*They kiss the top of Aaron's head once again, glad the both of them are feeling better now*

"You do not have to, but uh, do you want to speaking of what happened...?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the kiss, but quickly stopped as soon as the question was asked. he fidgeted a bit and let out a shaky sigh, before leaning against them. ]

" ... it's- it's fine. it's gonna be the 31st so, you know, it just brought back some memories. that's- that's all. sorry for worrying you. "

[ he explained (or tried to), clinging to them despite having mostly calmed down. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette clenches their teeth, remembering what they'd learnt of the Battle of Quebec in their past life. Yeah, made sense Aaron had panicked in such a way*

*They resume scratching Aaron's hair, protectively pulling him close*

"Se souvenir de tout ça, c'est pénible. I do understand the way you did react. You do not have to apologizing, oui?"

*They say this in a quiet tone, attempting to be comforting and to avoid overwhelming him more than he probably already is. Very subtly, their leg - the one Alex's father didn't injure - begins to bounce, needing a way to regulate themself after what just happened. They meant it when they said Aaron doesn't have to apologize, but that doesn't mean it didn't scare them too*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron relaxes at the scratches, humming softly at the affection and moving as close as humanly possible to them. ]

" ... thank you. but, still. i'm sorry i scared you. and that i- didn't tell you before. "

[ aaron says, aware he should've at least mentioned that he was having issues, but with all the kidnapping business and the hospital thing- his mind was still disorganized. he does notice the motion, and just stays closer, as if to assure them that he was fine. ] 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hmhm, c'est bien c'est bien, you did not - and do not - have to tell me of anything you do not want to saying. And I only did was scared because I care for you, but je vais bien now, ok?"

*Lafayette keeps reassuring him, not mad at Aaron in the slightest. They only wish they had slept a bit longer - god knows when they'd have another chance to - but that's the least of their worries, their... whatever-Aaron-is-to-them being far more important. They lean against the back of the couch slightly, supporting some of their weight on it so they can struggle less to stay sitting upright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nods, rubbing his eyes before leaning back. he still seems to be thinking of something, but focuses more on lafayette. he had enough mourning for today. ]

" .... 'm fine now, thanks. are you okay, though?... i don't wanna be overbearing but like, do you feel okay? "

[ he asks, playing with lafayette's hair. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Yeah, yeah, I am fine chaton"

*Lafayette half-laughs, the fondness they are feeling obvious to anyone who can see them, finding Aaron's concern so sweet*

"I am only a little of tired, but it is fine yes? You do not have to worry of me"

*They lean onto Aaron's touch, closing their eyes, feeling so comfortable just by being by his side. They have a smile on their face, and they're blushing lightly. Even though they're still leaning against the couch, visibly quite - indeed - tired, they still look content with being where they are*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron stares at them before nodding, trusting them to be honest with him. he blushes too when they lean closer, facing them and smiling at how content they looked. ]

" ... happy where you are?"

[ he jokes, though his tone doesn't show that very well. nonetheless, he also seems happy, something about being with lafayette made him feel safe and relaxed, even when he was still thinking of her. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Mhm"

*They take their question rather literal, their smile bright. They close their eyes still leaning against him, partially supporting their weight between Aaron and the couch. Their whole body aches, and every breath hurts as the painkillers have mostly worn off, but they don't care. As long as they're with Aaron, nothing else matters to them*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

" ... i'm glad. "

[ he says, not minding that laf was putting half their weight on him, just enjoying being so close to them. he gently pets their hair, watching them with pure care in their eyes. ]

[ he stared at them for a while before  question popped on his mind, blushing as he looked at the floor. ]

"... laf? what... what are we? "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Peopl- non, uh, merde, ce n'est pas ce qu'il veut dire- I..."

*They bite their lip, wondering the same thing. They'd be lying if they hadn't asked themself the same question - too much time alone with their thoughts at the hospital gave them many chances to do so - but they hadn't really voiced it, reaching the conclusion that as long as they were near Aaron it didn't really matter that much. They don't want to make Aaron uncomfortable, but they still would like to be their partner... And there's also how they don't really feel like they'd be worth dating, so truly, they don't think they should be more than friends. But they want to be more than friends, god they want it so badly...*

"...I do not know, uh... What do you want to being?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron laughed a bit at the first response, before going silent after the second. he swayed a bit, thinking. he enjoyed laf's company, and considered them someone close. plus, he was pretty sure he was fully in love with them by now, and would very much like to be with them. but looking at himself made him remember a small- or well, big problem. he sighed and smiled at lafayette, facing them. ]

" I... I'd like if we could be uh... a couple, i- i could write a list with all the reasons why. Just... there's- something i... like.. fuck, i'm trans. i- I know you use they/them but like- I thought you should know. "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles, forgetting their worries for a moment just by hearing Aaron say he wants to date them*

"It is fine chaton, I do not care you are trans, you are... you are still you, oui? Your uh, genre thing, it does not change it"

*They still don't give a real answer on whether they'd like to make it official or not, thinking about what the previous anon said, about how that ask had voiced the thoughts that had already been plaguing their mind...*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he stays quiet, before smiling and leaning closer, genuinely enjoying the reassurance that he'd still be loved. but he did notice the lack of answer. ]

" thank you, laffy. but... do you- do you want to be my lover? "

[ aaron asks, holding their hand but not enough in case they wanted to pull away. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"I, I do think it! But, I do not understand why... I... You... Uh..."

*They struggle wording what they're feeling, they don't want to sound too self-pitying and everything feels too complex to explain it, but they still want to try*

*Suddenly, they wince, clutching their chest with one hand. The painkillers have fully worn off by now, and it hurts, it hurts so fucking much. They clench their teeth, struggling to breathe regularly, and they have to make an obvious effort to get their next words out*

"Merde... You can- give- my bag? S'il te plaît?"

*They look at where it's placed at the doorway, right next to their wheelchair. They know the medicine in it won't be an instant relief, but it sure will be far better than nothing, and they really just need something right now*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

*The walk to Laf's apartment is quite short, as it's close to the station the train left them at. They fumble with the keys a couple times to open the main door, then they take the elevator to the second floor. After a few doors, which all seem to look pretty much the same, Lafayette takes out their keys again and opens one of them. They enter the house, turning on the lights as it is quite dark in there. There is some stuff scattered over the floor of a small hallway, which leads to an - equally messy - relatively small living room with two closed doors. The living room is also connected to a tiny kitchen, with only a stove, a table with two chairs, and a fridge*

*Lafayette struggles to stand from their wheelchair, picking up their cane which was hanging on its back. They lean on the wall as they use the cane to move the stuff from the floor, creating a walkway of sorts with a sheepish smile on their face, looking kinda embarrassed at the state of their home*

"Sorry it is, uh, a mess. I did not have... opportunity of clean, before all happened"

(( @thelancelotoftherevset ))

[ aaron looks at the apartment with interest, trying not to immediately jump to help and seem rude. he wasn't annoyed at seeing a mess- but rather just liked organizing things in general. ]

" it's okay, i understand completely. " 

[ aaron grabbed his phone to check the time before putting it back in his pocket. he looked around for a while, not really saying anything before suddenly turning around to look at them. ]

" ... can I clean- wait sorry that sounds like i'm overstepping, i- i didn't mean to blurt that out.

[ he said before looking away, still fidgeting. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette giggles, finding Aaron cute when he gets like this. They sit down on the couch before speaking, gesturing to him as an offer to join them there*

"It is fine, I can do it when I am better, do not worry. Or uh, if you really do want it, we can clean together...? But, not today, I am-"

*They stop for a moment in order to yawn, as if marking their words*

"-very tired, because the train and all was, uh, tireding?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nodded, fidgeting in silence again. he hesitates before sitting on the couch too, subconsciously leaning closer, too drained to even stay upright. ]

"... oh no, that's completely understandable. i just asked in case you were like- implying you needed help. my bad. "

[ aaron replied, before nodding at their comment about being tired. honestly? he just felt- drained. but he chalked it up to tiredness too. ]

"... you can sleep if you want, i'm tired too anyways." 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette laughs softly, their expression bright and in a far better mood now that they're home. They have none but adoration in their eyes when they look at Aaron, their grin at him remaining even when they have a small coughing fit, and their tone, even if teasing, is insanely fond*

"We can not social clues, huh?"

*Seeing that Aaron is also tired, an evil thought shows itself in their mind... Their smile becomes kinda evil, but still they're obviously giddy as they pull back a bit...*

*Suddenly, they lunge towards Aaron, wrapping their arms around him as the force of the hug-push gets them both on a lying position. They curl up on his torso like a cat - a massive cat at that -, placing their head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat*

"We nap, and- *yawn* -tomorrow we will do something, but now it is time for sleep, hm?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost replies before lafayette pushed him down. he laughed a bit, feeling more calm at just being able to hold someone. he wraps an arm around lafayette, the pressure that they bring just from being there being oddly soothing. ]

" ... mhm, yeah... "

[ aaron said, feeling safe and warm. he doesn't even protest the idea that he didn't understand social cues, just accepting anything he heard. ]

"... good night..."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Bonne nuit, mon cœur"

*Their words are muffled by their sleepiness and the position they're in. They shift a small bit to get more comfortable, still keeping their head on his chest, and soon enough they're fast asleep*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiles at the nickname, feeling relaxed as he lays back and tries his best to fall asleep, but it just doesn't happen. he tries anything, but just can't shake the feeling there's something wrong. something horribly wrong. he takes almost half an hour to fall asleep, but that doesn't help. at all. ]

[ after a few minutes, he wakes up in distress. aaron takes a deep breathe, but his body feels freezing- he needs out. he needs to get out- they're going to get him, he should've said no to any of this. he can't distinguish where he's at- is he in Lafayette's house, or is it back there, in that cold place? is he holding them, or is he holding him? the more he thinks, the less real anything feels. he searches for anything to calm down, but everything fails. he tries staying still- but he's shaking, and knows he's doomed to wake them up. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wake up with a tiny groan, confused on what even is going on. As soon as they see Aaron panicking, all drowsiness leaves their body, replaced by worry*

"Merde- Aaron, es-tu bien? Que s'est-il passé?"

*They rise from their lying position, not wanting to trap Aaron. They wince when they move, their injuries still kinda painful, but they try not to make it obvious. They're focusing on him right now, they can take care of themself later. They force themself to switch back to English, too, now that they're more awake*

"You- you are fine Aaron, tu es ici, you are here. There is nothing wrong, je promets Aaron, all is fine"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron tried to focus, but as soon as he hears their wince, he immediately begins to panic. but is it them? or is he confusing them for the General? he can't help but weakly try and pull them down from sitting up. ]

" we're exposed- we got caught, sir- we need to go- I knew they wouldn't be dumb enough to-"

[ he tried to say before coughing and feeling his hands start shaking. it's so cold. so damned cold. he couldn't save him- he can't save him. The cold is scratching through his skin,  there was blood all over him, none of it his. Why? why were so many hurt, meanwhile he wasn't?]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette quickly realizes how out of it he is, and they put their hands on his arms, attempting to ground him. They can see and feel him shivering, and they bite at their lip in worry*

"Aaron, chaton, you are with me. You are in France, it is only me here with you, nothing bad did happen. I am with you, you are safe, all is fine. You are not there, je promets you are not there"

*They're starting to freak out - sure, they've had this kind of flashbacks before, but they've never seen someone else have them. They're blind on what to do in this situation, but, fuck, they just want him to be alright. They need him to be alright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he felt flinched slightly at the touch, but just lean closer to it, even if he still doesn't feel anywhere near okay. ]

"... it's too cold I-... I can't save him- I- I can't-..."

[ aaron whispers, but at least Lafayette's voice is grounding.. he feels cold, but lafayette feels warm. there's blood, but he can't feel it anymore. was he really in France? were they both safe? they seem sure but- he can't shake off that feeling. the numbing coldness, the constant noise from the fight, the ringing in his ears when things slowed down. but maybe he can trust them on this. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Seeing Aaron is leaning onto their touch, Lafayette slowly hugs him, letting him pull away at any moment yet still holding him in their arms*

"You do not have to worry of that anymore, chaton. Tu es avec moi. You are with me. Everyone is safe now. You are safe now"

*Lafayette tries to still their own heart, as it's beating quickly in their worry. They keep chewing on their lip as they place a hand on Aaron's head, scratching his hair in an attempt to comfort him*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost protests against it, but as soon as he feels a hand in his hair he straight up melts under it. he feels warm- he is warm. he- he isn't there. not anymore. ]

" ... okay... i- i trust you... "

[ he muttered softly, feeling relaxed for once. he still felt- unnerved. and a bit out of touch, but better. he wasn't, he wasn't back there. he can feel their heart beat fast, and pulls them close, a bit annoyed to have hurt them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles softly at Aaron, gently placing their head against their chest. At seeing he's calmer, they relax too, lightly kissing the top of their head*

"Good. That is good"

*Their heart stops beating as fast, basically at the same speed it typically goes - which is faster than most people's, but still -, and they start humming against his head, not even fully intending to do so, just doing it to self-regulate. Their next words are barely a whisper, almost impossible to hear*

"Je t'aime, chaton"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the closeness, listening to Lafayette's heartbeat and enjoying just the sound of them humming. he felt safe- and his hands weren't as cold, even if he still felt slightly out of it. he even starts tracing shapes on their chest. ]

[ he nods at the admission of love before starting to think. he had said it before, sure- but on the midst of panic. would they get angry if he didn't say it? he just sighed, before reasoning that it would be fine. that they'd understand. ]

"... thank you. I-... I like being with you. Don't think I've ever felt safer than just... around you."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hm, I am happy it is like that. I do also feel very safe when I am with you... It is, uh, strange. But I do like it. Strange in, eh, a good way, hm?"

*They kiss the top of Aaron's head once again, glad the both of them are feeling better now*

"You do not have to, but uh, do you want to speaking of what happened...?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the kiss, but quickly stopped as soon as the question was asked. he fidgeted a bit and let out a shaky sigh, before leaning against them. ]

" ... it's- it's fine. it's gonna be the 31st so, you know, it just brought back some memories. that's- that's all. sorry for worrying you. "

[ he explained (or tried to), clinging to them despite having mostly calmed down. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette clenches their teeth, remembering what they'd learnt of the Battle of Quebec in their past life. Yeah, made sense Aaron had panicked in such a way*

*They resume scratching Aaron's hair, protectively pulling him close*

"Se souvenir de tout ça, c'est pénible. I do understand the way you did react. You do not have to apologizing, oui?"

*They say this in a quiet tone, attempting to be comforting and to avoid overwhelming him more than he probably already is. Very subtly, their leg - the one Alex's father didn't injure - begins to bounce, needing a way to regulate themself after what just happened. They meant it when they said Aaron doesn't have to apologize, but that doesn't mean it didn't scare them too*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron relaxes at the scratches, humming softly at the affection and moving as close as humanly possible to them. ]

" ... thank you. but, still. i'm sorry i scared you. and that i- didn't tell you before. "

[ aaron says, aware he should've at least mentioned that he was having issues, but with all the kidnapping business and the hospital thing- his mind was still disorganized. he does notice the motion, and just stays closer, as if to assure them that he was fine. ] 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hmhm, c'est bien c'est bien, you did not - and do not - have to tell me of anything you do not want to saying. And I only did was scared because I care for you, but je vais bien now, ok?"

*Lafayette keeps reassuring him, not mad at Aaron in the slightest. They only wish they had slept a bit longer - god knows when they'd have another chance to - but that's the least of their worries, their... whatever-Aaron-is-to-them being far more important. They lean against the back of the couch slightly, supporting some of their weight on it so they can struggle less to stay sitting upright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nods, rubbing his eyes before leaning back. he still seems to be thinking of something, but focuses more on lafayette. he had enough mourning for today. ]

" .... 'm fine now, thanks. are you okay, though?... i don't wanna be overbearing but like, do you feel okay? "

[ he asks, playing with lafayette's hair. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Yeah, yeah, I am fine chaton"

*Lafayette half-laughs, the fondness they are feeling obvious to anyone who can see them, finding Aaron's concern so sweet*

"I am only a little of tired, but it is fine yes? You do not have to worry of me"

*They lean onto Aaron's touch, closing their eyes, feeling so comfortable just by being by his side. They have a smile on their face, and they're blushing lightly. Even though they're still leaning against the couch, visibly quite - indeed - tired, they still look content with being where they are*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron stares at them before nodding, trusting them to be honest with him. he blushes too when they lean closer, facing them and smiling at how content they looked. ]

" ... happy where you are?"

[ he jokes, though his tone doesn't show that very well. nonetheless, he also seems happy, something about being with lafayette made him feel safe and relaxed, even when he was still thinking of her. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Mhm"

*They take their question rather literal, their smile bright. They close their eyes still leaning against him, partially supporting their weight between Aaron and the couch. Their whole body aches, and every breath hurts as the painkillers have mostly worn off, but they don't care. As long as they're with Aaron, nothing else matters to them*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

" ... i'm glad. "

[ he says, not minding that laf was putting half their weight on him, just enjoying being so close to them. he gently pets their hair, watching them with pure care in their eyes. ]

[ he stared at them for a while before  question popped on his mind, blushing as he looked at the floor. ]

"... laf? what... what are we? "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Peopl- non, uh, merde, ce n'est pas ce qu'il veut dire- I..."

*They bite their lip, wondering the same thing. They'd be lying if they hadn't asked themself the same question - too much time alone with their thoughts at the hospital gave them many chances to do so - but they hadn't really voiced it, reaching the conclusion that as long as they were near Aaron it didn't really matter that much. They don't want to make Aaron uncomfortable, but they still would like to be their partner... And there's also how they don't really feel like they'd be worth dating, so truly, they don't think they should be more than friends. But they want to be more than friends, god they want it so badly...*

"...I do not know, uh... What do you want to being?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron laughed a bit at the first response, before going silent after the second. he swayed a bit, thinking. he enjoyed laf's company, and considered them someone close. plus, he was pretty sure he was fully in love with them by now, and would very much like to be with them. but looking at himself made him remember a small- or well, big problem. he sighed and smiled at lafayette, facing them. ]

" I... I'd like if we could be uh... a couple, i- i could write a list with all the reasons why. Just... there's- something i... like.. fuck, i'm trans. i- I know you use they/them but like- I thought you should know. "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles, forgetting their worries for a moment just by hearing Aaron say he wants to date them*

"It is fine chaton, I do not care you are trans, you are... you are still you, oui? Your uh, genre thing, it does not change it"

*They still don't give a real answer on whether they'd like to make it official or not, thinking about what the previous anon said, about how that ask had voiced the thoughts that had already been plaguing their mind...*

[thelancelotoftherevset]

Don't listen to them Laf, he wants to be more than 'just friends' than anything!

(He even wants to kiss you...)

✨

Je sais, je sais, but...

Why?

Je ne comprends pas,, :(

[thelancelotoftherevset]

Aaron doesn't deserve all the pain you'll bring him. Why do you want to date him? To hurt him? You really are nothing but a horrible person

...

Je sais

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

*The walk to Laf's apartment is quite short, as it's close to the station the train left them at. They fumble with the keys a couple times to open the main door, then they take the elevator to the second floor. After a few doors, which all seem to look pretty much the same, Lafayette takes out their keys again and opens one of them. They enter the house, turning on the lights as it is quite dark in there. There is some stuff scattered over the floor of a small hallway, which leads to an - equally messy - relatively small living room with two closed doors. The living room is also connected to a tiny kitchen, with only a stove, a table with two chairs, and a fridge*

*Lafayette struggles to stand from their wheelchair, picking up their cane which was hanging on its back. They lean on the wall as they use the cane to move the stuff from the floor, creating a walkway of sorts with a sheepish smile on their face, looking kinda embarrassed at the state of their home*

"Sorry it is, uh, a mess. I did not have... opportunity of clean, before all happened"

(( @thelancelotoftherevset ))

[ aaron looks at the apartment with interest, trying not to immediately jump to help and seem rude. he wasn't annoyed at seeing a mess- but rather just liked organizing things in general. ]

" it's okay, i understand completely. " 

[ aaron grabbed his phone to check the time before putting it back in his pocket. he looked around for a while, not really saying anything before suddenly turning around to look at them. ]

" ... can I clean- wait sorry that sounds like i'm overstepping, i- i didn't mean to blurt that out.

[ he said before looking away, still fidgeting. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette giggles, finding Aaron cute when he gets like this. They sit down on the couch before speaking, gesturing to him as an offer to join them there*

"It is fine, I can do it when I am better, do not worry. Or uh, if you really do want it, we can clean together...? But, not today, I am-"

*They stop for a moment in order to yawn, as if marking their words*

"-very tired, because the train and all was, uh, tireding?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nodded, fidgeting in silence again. he hesitates before sitting on the couch too, subconsciously leaning closer, too drained to even stay upright. ]

"... oh no, that's completely understandable. i just asked in case you were like- implying you needed help. my bad. "

[ aaron replied, before nodding at their comment about being tired. honestly? he just felt- drained. but he chalked it up to tiredness too. ]

"... you can sleep if you want, i'm tired too anyways." 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette laughs softly, their expression bright and in a far better mood now that they're home. They have none but adoration in their eyes when they look at Aaron, their grin at him remaining even when they have a small coughing fit, and their tone, even if teasing, is insanely fond*

"We can not social clues, huh?"

*Seeing that Aaron is also tired, an evil thought shows itself in their mind... Their smile becomes kinda evil, but still they're obviously giddy as they pull back a bit...*

*Suddenly, they lunge towards Aaron, wrapping their arms around him as the force of the hug-push gets them both on a lying position. They curl up on his torso like a cat - a massive cat at that -, placing their head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat*

"We nap, and- *yawn* -tomorrow we will do something, but now it is time for sleep, hm?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost replies before lafayette pushed him down. he laughed a bit, feeling more calm at just being able to hold someone. he wraps an arm around lafayette, the pressure that they bring just from being there being oddly soothing. ]

" ... mhm, yeah... "

[ aaron said, feeling safe and warm. he doesn't even protest the idea that he didn't understand social cues, just accepting anything he heard. ]

"... good night..."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Bonne nuit, mon cœur"

*Their words are muffled by their sleepiness and the position they're in. They shift a small bit to get more comfortable, still keeping their head on his chest, and soon enough they're fast asleep*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiles at the nickname, feeling relaxed as he lays back and tries his best to fall asleep, but it just doesn't happen. he tries anything, but just can't shake the feeling there's something wrong. something horribly wrong. he takes almost half an hour to fall asleep, but that doesn't help. at all. ]

[ after a few minutes, he wakes up in distress. aaron takes a deep breathe, but his body feels freezing- he needs out. he needs to get out- they're going to get him, he should've said no to any of this. he can't distinguish where he's at- is he in Lafayette's house, or is it back there, in that cold place? is he holding them, or is he holding him? the more he thinks, the less real anything feels. he searches for anything to calm down, but everything fails. he tries staying still- but he's shaking, and knows he's doomed to wake them up. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wake up with a tiny groan, confused on what even is going on. As soon as they see Aaron panicking, all drowsiness leaves their body, replaced by worry*

"Merde- Aaron, es-tu bien? Que s'est-il passé?"

*They rise from their lying position, not wanting to trap Aaron. They wince when they move, their injuries still kinda painful, but they try not to make it obvious. They're focusing on him right now, they can take care of themself later. They force themself to switch back to English, too, now that they're more awake*

"You- you are fine Aaron, tu es ici, you are here. There is nothing wrong, je promets Aaron, all is fine"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron tried to focus, but as soon as he hears their wince, he immediately begins to panic. but is it them? or is he confusing them for the General? he can't help but weakly try and pull them down from sitting up. ]

" we're exposed- we got caught, sir- we need to go- I knew they wouldn't be dumb enough to-"

[ he tried to say before coughing and feeling his hands start shaking. it's so cold. so damned cold. he couldn't save him- he can't save him. The cold is scratching through his skin,  there was blood all over him, none of it his. Why? why were so many hurt, meanwhile he wasn't?]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette quickly realizes how out of it he is, and they put their hands on his arms, attempting to ground him. They can see and feel him shivering, and they bite at their lip in worry*

"Aaron, chaton, you are with me. You are in France, it is only me here with you, nothing bad did happen. I am with you, you are safe, all is fine. You are not there, je promets you are not there"

*They're starting to freak out - sure, they've had this kind of flashbacks before, but they've never seen someone else have them. They're blind on what to do in this situation, but, fuck, they just want him to be alright. They need him to be alright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he felt flinched slightly at the touch, but just lean closer to it, even if he still doesn't feel anywhere near okay. ]

"... it's too cold I-... I can't save him- I- I can't-..."

[ aaron whispers, but at least Lafayette's voice is grounding.. he feels cold, but lafayette feels warm. there's blood, but he can't feel it anymore. was he really in France? were they both safe? they seem sure but- he can't shake off that feeling. the numbing coldness, the constant noise from the fight, the ringing in his ears when things slowed down. but maybe he can trust them on this. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Seeing Aaron is leaning onto their touch, Lafayette slowly hugs him, letting him pull away at any moment yet still holding him in their arms*

"You do not have to worry of that anymore, chaton. Tu es avec moi. You are with me. Everyone is safe now. You are safe now"

*Lafayette tries to still their own heart, as it's beating quickly in their worry. They keep chewing on their lip as they place a hand on Aaron's head, scratching his hair in an attempt to comfort him*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost protests against it, but as soon as he feels a hand in his hair he straight up melts under it. he feels warm- he is warm. he- he isn't there. not anymore. ]

" ... okay... i- i trust you... "

[ he muttered softly, feeling relaxed for once. he still felt- unnerved. and a bit out of touch, but better. he wasn't, he wasn't back there. he can feel their heart beat fast, and pulls them close, a bit annoyed to have hurt them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles softly at Aaron, gently placing their head against their chest. At seeing he's calmer, they relax too, lightly kissing the top of their head*

"Good. That is good"

*Their heart stops beating as fast, basically at the same speed it typically goes - which is faster than most people's, but still -, and they start humming against his head, not even fully intending to do so, just doing it to self-regulate. Their next words are barely a whisper, almost impossible to hear*

"Je t'aime, chaton"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the closeness, listening to Lafayette's heartbeat and enjoying just the sound of them humming. he felt safe- and his hands weren't as cold, even if he still felt slightly out of it. he even starts tracing shapes on their chest. ]

[ he nods at the admission of love before starting to think. he had said it before, sure- but on the midst of panic. would they get angry if he didn't say it? he just sighed, before reasoning that it would be fine. that they'd understand. ]

"... thank you. I-... I like being with you. Don't think I've ever felt safer than just... around you."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hm, I am happy it is like that. I do also feel very safe when I am with you... It is, uh, strange. But I do like it. Strange in, eh, a good way, hm?"

*They kiss the top of Aaron's head once again, glad the both of them are feeling better now*

"You do not have to, but uh, do you want to speaking of what happened...?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the kiss, but quickly stopped as soon as the question was asked. he fidgeted a bit and let out a shaky sigh, before leaning against them. ]

" ... it's- it's fine. it's gonna be the 31st so, you know, it just brought back some memories. that's- that's all. sorry for worrying you. "

[ he explained (or tried to), clinging to them despite having mostly calmed down. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette clenches their teeth, remembering what they'd learnt of the Battle of Quebec in their past life. Yeah, made sense Aaron had panicked in such a way*

*They resume scratching Aaron's hair, protectively pulling him close*

"Se souvenir de tout ça, c'est pénible. I do understand the way you did react. You do not have to apologizing, oui?"

*They say this in a quiet tone, attempting to be comforting and to avoid overwhelming him more than he probably already is. Very subtly, their leg - the one Alex's father didn't injure - begins to bounce, needing a way to regulate themself after what just happened. They meant it when they said Aaron doesn't have to apologize, but that doesn't mean it didn't scare them too*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron relaxes at the scratches, humming softly at the affection and moving as close as humanly possible to them. ]

" ... thank you. but, still. i'm sorry i scared you. and that i- didn't tell you before. "

[ aaron says, aware he should've at least mentioned that he was having issues, but with all the kidnapping business and the hospital thing- his mind was still disorganized. he does notice the motion, and just stays closer, as if to assure them that he was fine. ] 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hmhm, c'est bien c'est bien, you did not - and do not - have to tell me of anything you do not want to saying. And I only did was scared because I care for you, but je vais bien now, ok?"

*Lafayette keeps reassuring him, not mad at Aaron in the slightest. They only wish they had slept a bit longer - god knows when they'd have another chance to - but that's the least of their worries, their... whatever-Aaron-is-to-them being far more important. They lean against the back of the couch slightly, supporting some of their weight on it so they can struggle less to stay sitting upright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nods, rubbing his eyes before leaning back. he still seems to be thinking of something, but focuses more on lafayette. he had enough mourning for today. ]

" .... 'm fine now, thanks. are you okay, though?... i don't wanna be overbearing but like, do you feel okay? "

[ he asks, playing with lafayette's hair. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Yeah, yeah, I am fine chaton"

*Lafayette half-laughs, the fondness they are feeling obvious to anyone who can see them, finding Aaron's concern so sweet*

"I am only a little of tired, but it is fine yes? You do not have to worry of me"

*They lean onto Aaron's touch, closing their eyes, feeling so comfortable just by being by his side. They have a smile on their face, and they're blushing lightly. Even though they're still leaning against the couch, visibly quite - indeed - tired, they still look content with being where they are*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron stares at them before nodding, trusting them to be honest with him. he blushes too when they lean closer, facing them and smiling at how content they looked. ]

" ... happy where you are?"

[ he jokes, though his tone doesn't show that very well. nonetheless, he also seems happy, something about being with lafayette made him feel safe and relaxed, even when he was still thinking of her. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Mhm"

*They take their question rather literal, their smile bright. They close their eyes still leaning against him, partially supporting their weight between Aaron and the couch. Their whole body aches, and every breath hurts as the painkillers have mostly worn off, but they don't care. As long as they're with Aaron, nothing else matters to them*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

" ... i'm glad. "

[ he says, not minding that laf was putting half their weight on him, just enjoying being so close to them. he gently pets their hair, watching them with pure care in their eyes. ]

[ he stared at them for a while before  question popped on his mind, blushing as he looked at the floor. ]

"... laf? what... what are we? "

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Peopl- non, uh, merde, ce n'est pas ce qu'il veut dire- I..."

*They bite their lip, wondering the same thing. They'd be lying if they hadn't asked themself the same question - too much time alone with their thoughts at the hospital gave them many chances to do so - but they hadn't really voiced it, reaching the conclusion that as long as they were near Aaron it didn't really matter that much. They don't want to make Aaron uncomfortable, but they still would like to be their partner... And there's also how they don't really feel like they'd be worth dating, so truly, they don't think they should be more than friends. But they want to be more than friends, god they want it so badly...*

"...I do not know, uh... What do you want to being?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

*The walk to Laf's apartment is quite short, as it's close to the station the train left them at. They fumble with the keys a couple times to open the main door, then they take the elevator to the second floor. After a few doors, which all seem to look pretty much the same, Lafayette takes out their keys again and opens one of them. They enter the house, turning on the lights as it is quite dark in there. There is some stuff scattered over the floor of a small hallway, which leads to an - equally messy - relatively small living room with two closed doors. The living room is also connected to a tiny kitchen, with only a stove, a table with two chairs, and a fridge*

*Lafayette struggles to stand from their wheelchair, picking up their cane which was hanging on its back. They lean on the wall as they use the cane to move the stuff from the floor, creating a walkway of sorts with a sheepish smile on their face, looking kinda embarrassed at the state of their home*

"Sorry it is, uh, a mess. I did not have... opportunity of clean, before all happened"

(( @thelancelotoftherevset ))

[ aaron looks at the apartment with interest, trying not to immediately jump to help and seem rude. he wasn't annoyed at seeing a mess- but rather just liked organizing things in general. ]

" it's okay, i understand completely. " 

[ aaron grabbed his phone to check the time before putting it back in his pocket. he looked around for a while, not really saying anything before suddenly turning around to look at them. ]

" ... can I clean- wait sorry that sounds like i'm overstepping, i- i didn't mean to blurt that out.

[ he said before looking away, still fidgeting. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette giggles, finding Aaron cute when he gets like this. They sit down on the couch before speaking, gesturing to him as an offer to join them there*

"It is fine, I can do it when I am better, do not worry. Or uh, if you really do want it, we can clean together...? But, not today, I am-"

*They stop for a moment in order to yawn, as if marking their words*

"-very tired, because the train and all was, uh, tireding?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nodded, fidgeting in silence again. he hesitates before sitting on the couch too, subconsciously leaning closer, too drained to even stay upright. ]

"... oh no, that's completely understandable. i just asked in case you were like- implying you needed help. my bad. "

[ aaron replied, before nodding at their comment about being tired. honestly? he just felt- drained. but he chalked it up to tiredness too. ]

"... you can sleep if you want, i'm tired too anyways." 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette laughs softly, their expression bright and in a far better mood now that they're home. They have none but adoration in their eyes when they look at Aaron, their grin at him remaining even when they have a small coughing fit, and their tone, even if teasing, is insanely fond*

"We can not social clues, huh?"

*Seeing that Aaron is also tired, an evil thought shows itself in their mind... Their smile becomes kinda evil, but still they're obviously giddy as they pull back a bit...*

*Suddenly, they lunge towards Aaron, wrapping their arms around him as the force of the hug-push gets them both on a lying position. They curl up on his torso like a cat - a massive cat at that -, placing their head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat*

"We nap, and- *yawn* -tomorrow we will do something, but now it is time for sleep, hm?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost replies before lafayette pushed him down. he laughed a bit, feeling more calm at just being able to hold someone. he wraps an arm around lafayette, the pressure that they bring just from being there being oddly soothing. ]

" ... mhm, yeah... "

[ aaron said, feeling safe and warm. he doesn't even protest the idea that he didn't understand social cues, just accepting anything he heard. ]

"... good night..."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Bonne nuit, mon cœur"

*Their words are muffled by their sleepiness and the position they're in. They shift a small bit to get more comfortable, still keeping their head on his chest, and soon enough they're fast asleep*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiles at the nickname, feeling relaxed as he lays back and tries his best to fall asleep, but it just doesn't happen. he tries anything, but just can't shake the feeling there's something wrong. something horribly wrong. he takes almost half an hour to fall asleep, but that doesn't help. at all. ]

[ after a few minutes, he wakes up in distress. aaron takes a deep breathe, but his body feels freezing- he needs out. he needs to get out- they're going to get him, he should've said no to any of this. he can't distinguish where he's at- is he in Lafayette's house, or is it back there, in that cold place? is he holding them, or is he holding him? the more he thinks, the less real anything feels. he searches for anything to calm down, but everything fails. he tries staying still- but he's shaking, and knows he's doomed to wake them up. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wake up with a tiny groan, confused on what even is going on. As soon as they see Aaron panicking, all drowsiness leaves their body, replaced by worry*

"Merde- Aaron, es-tu bien? Que s'est-il passé?"

*They rise from their lying position, not wanting to trap Aaron. They wince when they move, their injuries still kinda painful, but they try not to make it obvious. They're focusing on him right now, they can take care of themself later. They force themself to switch back to English, too, now that they're more awake*

"You- you are fine Aaron, tu es ici, you are here. There is nothing wrong, je promets Aaron, all is fine"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron tried to focus, but as soon as he hears their wince, he immediately begins to panic. but is it them? or is he confusing them for the General? he can't help but weakly try and pull them down from sitting up. ]

" we're exposed- we got caught, sir- we need to go- I knew they wouldn't be dumb enough to-"

[ he tried to say before coughing and feeling his hands start shaking. it's so cold. so damned cold. he couldn't save him- he can't save him. The cold is scratching through his skin,  there was blood all over him, none of it his. Why? why were so many hurt, meanwhile he wasn't?]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette quickly realizes how out of it he is, and they put their hands on his arms, attempting to ground him. They can see and feel him shivering, and they bite at their lip in worry*

"Aaron, chaton, you are with me. You are in France, it is only me here with you, nothing bad did happen. I am with you, you are safe, all is fine. You are not there, je promets you are not there"

*They're starting to freak out - sure, they've had this kind of flashbacks before, but they've never seen someone else have them. They're blind on what to do in this situation, but, fuck, they just want him to be alright. They need him to be alright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he felt flinched slightly at the touch, but just lean closer to it, even if he still doesn't feel anywhere near okay. ]

"... it's too cold I-... I can't save him- I- I can't-..."

[ aaron whispers, but at least Lafayette's voice is grounding.. he feels cold, but lafayette feels warm. there's blood, but he can't feel it anymore. was he really in France? were they both safe? they seem sure but- he can't shake off that feeling. the numbing coldness, the constant noise from the fight, the ringing in his ears when things slowed down. but maybe he can trust them on this. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Seeing Aaron is leaning onto their touch, Lafayette slowly hugs him, letting him pull away at any moment yet still holding him in their arms*

"You do not have to worry of that anymore, chaton. Tu es avec moi. You are with me. Everyone is safe now. You are safe now"

*Lafayette tries to still their own heart, as it's beating quickly in their worry. They keep chewing on their lip as they place a hand on Aaron's head, scratching his hair in an attempt to comfort him*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost protests against it, but as soon as he feels a hand in his hair he straight up melts under it. he feels warm- he is warm. he- he isn't there. not anymore. ]

" ... okay... i- i trust you... "

[ he muttered softly, feeling relaxed for once. he still felt- unnerved. and a bit out of touch, but better. he wasn't, he wasn't back there. he can feel their heart beat fast, and pulls them close, a bit annoyed to have hurt them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles softly at Aaron, gently placing their head against their chest. At seeing he's calmer, they relax too, lightly kissing the top of their head*

"Good. That is good"

*Their heart stops beating as fast, basically at the same speed it typically goes - which is faster than most people's, but still -, and they start humming against his head, not even fully intending to do so, just doing it to self-regulate. Their next words are barely a whisper, almost impossible to hear*

"Je t'aime, chaton"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the closeness, listening to Lafayette's heartbeat and enjoying just the sound of them humming. he felt safe- and his hands weren't as cold, even if he still felt slightly out of it. he even starts tracing shapes on their chest. ]

[ he nods at the admission of love before starting to think. he had said it before, sure- but on the midst of panic. would they get angry if he didn't say it? he just sighed, before reasoning that it would be fine. that they'd understand. ]

"... thank you. I-... I like being with you. Don't think I've ever felt safer than just... around you."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hm, I am happy it is like that. I do also feel very safe when I am with you... It is, uh, strange. But I do like it. Strange in, eh, a good way, hm?"

*They kiss the top of Aaron's head once again, glad the both of them are feeling better now*

"You do not have to, but uh, do you want to speaking of what happened...?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the kiss, but quickly stopped as soon as the question was asked. he fidgeted a bit and let out a shaky sigh, before leaning against them. ]

" ... it's- it's fine. it's gonna be the 31st so, you know, it just brought back some memories. that's- that's all. sorry for worrying you. "

[ he explained (or tried to), clinging to them despite having mostly calmed down. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette clenches their teeth, remembering what they'd learnt of the Battle of Quebec in their past life. Yeah, made sense Aaron had panicked in such a way*

*They resume scratching Aaron's hair, protectively pulling him close*

"Se souvenir de tout ça, c'est pénible. I do understand the way you did react. You do not have to apologizing, oui?"

*They say this in a quiet tone, attempting to be comforting and to avoid overwhelming him more than he probably already is. Very subtly, their leg - the one Alex's father didn't injure - begins to bounce, needing a way to regulate themself after what just happened. They meant it when they said Aaron doesn't have to apologize, but that doesn't mean it didn't scare them too*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron relaxes at the scratches, humming softly at the affection and moving as close as humanly possible to them. ]

" ... thank you. but, still. i'm sorry i scared you. and that i- didn't tell you before. "

[ aaron says, aware he should've at least mentioned that he was having issues, but with all the kidnapping business and the hospital thing- his mind was still disorganized. he does notice the motion, and just stays closer, as if to assure them that he was fine. ] 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hmhm, c'est bien c'est bien, you did not - and do not - have to tell me of anything you do not want to saying. And I only did was scared because I care for you, but je vais bien now, ok?"

*Lafayette keeps reassuring him, not mad at Aaron in the slightest. They only wish they had slept a bit longer - god knows when they'd have another chance to - but that's the least of their worries, their... whatever-Aaron-is-to-them being far more important. They lean against the back of the couch slightly, supporting some of their weight on it so they can struggle less to stay sitting upright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nods, rubbing his eyes before leaning back. he still seems to be thinking of something, but focuses more on lafayette. he had enough mourning for today. ]

" .... 'm fine now, thanks. are you okay, though?... i don't wanna be overbearing but like, do you feel okay? "

[ he asks, playing with lafayette's hair. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Yeah, yeah, I am fine chaton"

*Lafayette half-laughs, the fondness they are feeling obvious to anyone who can see them, finding Aaron's concern so sweet*

"I am only a little of tired, but it is fine yes? You do not have to worry of me"

*They lean onto Aaron's touch, closing their eyes, feeling so comfortable just by being by his side. They have a smile on their face, and they're blushing lightly. Even though they're still leaning against the couch, visibly quite - indeed - tired, they still look content with being where they are*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron stares at them before nodding, trusting them to be honest with him. he blushes too when they lean closer, facing them and smiling at how content they looked. ]

" ... happy where you are?"

[ he jokes, though his tone doesn't show that very well. nonetheless, he also seems happy, something about being with lafayette made him feel safe and relaxed, even when he was still thinking of her. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Mhm"

*They take their question rather literal, their smile bright. They close their eyes still leaning against him, partially supporting their weight between Aaron and the couch. Their whole body aches, and every breath hurts as the painkillers have mostly worn off, but they don't care. As long as they're with Aaron, nothing else matters to them*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

*The walk to Laf's apartment is quite short, as it's close to the station the train left them at. They fumble with the keys a couple times to open the main door, then they take the elevator to the second floor. After a few doors, which all seem to look pretty much the same, Lafayette takes out their keys again and opens one of them. They enter the house, turning on the lights as it is quite dark in there. There is some stuff scattered over the floor of a small hallway, which leads to an - equally messy - relatively small living room with two closed doors. The living room is also connected to a tiny kitchen, with only a stove, a table with two chairs, and a fridge*

*Lafayette struggles to stand from their wheelchair, picking up their cane which was hanging on its back. They lean on the wall as they use the cane to move the stuff from the floor, creating a walkway of sorts with a sheepish smile on their face, looking kinda embarrassed at the state of their home*

"Sorry it is, uh, a mess. I did not have... opportunity of clean, before all happened"

(( @thelancelotoftherevset ))

[ aaron looks at the apartment with interest, trying not to immediately jump to help and seem rude. he wasn't annoyed at seeing a mess- but rather just liked organizing things in general. ]

" it's okay, i understand completely. " 

[ aaron grabbed his phone to check the time before putting it back in his pocket. he looked around for a while, not really saying anything before suddenly turning around to look at them. ]

" ... can I clean- wait sorry that sounds like i'm overstepping, i- i didn't mean to blurt that out.

[ he said before looking away, still fidgeting. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette giggles, finding Aaron cute when he gets like this. They sit down on the couch before speaking, gesturing to him as an offer to join them there*

"It is fine, I can do it when I am better, do not worry. Or uh, if you really do want it, we can clean together...? But, not today, I am-"

*They stop for a moment in order to yawn, as if marking their words*

"-very tired, because the train and all was, uh, tireding?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nodded, fidgeting in silence again. he hesitates before sitting on the couch too, subconsciously leaning closer, too drained to even stay upright. ]

"... oh no, that's completely understandable. i just asked in case you were like- implying you needed help. my bad. "

[ aaron replied, before nodding at their comment about being tired. honestly? he just felt- drained. but he chalked it up to tiredness too. ]

"... you can sleep if you want, i'm tired too anyways." 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette laughs softly, their expression bright and in a far better mood now that they're home. They have none but adoration in their eyes when they look at Aaron, their grin at him remaining even when they have a small coughing fit, and their tone, even if teasing, is insanely fond*

"We can not social clues, huh?"

*Seeing that Aaron is also tired, an evil thought shows itself in their mind... Their smile becomes kinda evil, but still they're obviously giddy as they pull back a bit...*

*Suddenly, they lunge towards Aaron, wrapping their arms around him as the force of the hug-push gets them both on a lying position. They curl up on his torso like a cat - a massive cat at that -, placing their head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat*

"We nap, and- *yawn* -tomorrow we will do something, but now it is time for sleep, hm?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost replies before lafayette pushed him down. he laughed a bit, feeling more calm at just being able to hold someone. he wraps an arm around lafayette, the pressure that they bring just from being there being oddly soothing. ]

" ... mhm, yeah... "

[ aaron said, feeling safe and warm. he doesn't even protest the idea that he didn't understand social cues, just accepting anything he heard. ]

"... good night..."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Bonne nuit, mon cœur"

*Their words are muffled by their sleepiness and the position they're in. They shift a small bit to get more comfortable, still keeping their head on his chest, and soon enough they're fast asleep*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiles at the nickname, feeling relaxed as he lays back and tries his best to fall asleep, but it just doesn't happen. he tries anything, but just can't shake the feeling there's something wrong. something horribly wrong. he takes almost half an hour to fall asleep, but that doesn't help. at all. ]

[ after a few minutes, he wakes up in distress. aaron takes a deep breathe, but his body feels freezing- he needs out. he needs to get out- they're going to get him, he should've said no to any of this. he can't distinguish where he's at- is he in Lafayette's house, or is it back there, in that cold place? is he holding them, or is he holding him? the more he thinks, the less real anything feels. he searches for anything to calm down, but everything fails. he tries staying still- but he's shaking, and knows he's doomed to wake them up. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wake up with a tiny groan, confused on what even is going on. As soon as they see Aaron panicking, all drowsiness leaves their body, replaced by worry*

"Merde- Aaron, es-tu bien? Que s'est-il passé?"

*They rise from their lying position, not wanting to trap Aaron. They wince when they move, their injuries still kinda painful, but they try not to make it obvious. They're focusing on him right now, they can take care of themself later. They force themself to switch back to English, too, now that they're more awake*

"You- you are fine Aaron, tu es ici, you are here. There is nothing wrong, je promets Aaron, all is fine"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron tried to focus, but as soon as he hears their wince, he immediately begins to panic. but is it them? or is he confusing them for the General? he can't help but weakly try and pull them down from sitting up. ]

" we're exposed- we got caught, sir- we need to go- I knew they wouldn't be dumb enough to-"

[ he tried to say before coughing and feeling his hands start shaking. it's so cold. so damned cold. he couldn't save him- he can't save him. The cold is scratching through his skin,  there was blood all over him, none of it his. Why? why were so many hurt, meanwhile he wasn't?]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette quickly realizes how out of it he is, and they put their hands on his arms, attempting to ground him. They can see and feel him shivering, and they bite at their lip in worry*

"Aaron, chaton, you are with me. You are in France, it is only me here with you, nothing bad did happen. I am with you, you are safe, all is fine. You are not there, je promets you are not there"

*They're starting to freak out - sure, they've had this kind of flashbacks before, but they've never seen someone else have them. They're blind on what to do in this situation, but, fuck, they just want him to be alright. They need him to be alright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he felt flinched slightly at the touch, but just lean closer to it, even if he still doesn't feel anywhere near okay. ]

"... it's too cold I-... I can't save him- I- I can't-..."

[ aaron whispers, but at least Lafayette's voice is grounding.. he feels cold, but lafayette feels warm. there's blood, but he can't feel it anymore. was he really in France? were they both safe? they seem sure but- he can't shake off that feeling. the numbing coldness, the constant noise from the fight, the ringing in his ears when things slowed down. but maybe he can trust them on this. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Seeing Aaron is leaning onto their touch, Lafayette slowly hugs him, letting him pull away at any moment yet still holding him in their arms*

"You do not have to worry of that anymore, chaton. Tu es avec moi. You are with me. Everyone is safe now. You are safe now"

*Lafayette tries to still their own heart, as it's beating quickly in their worry. They keep chewing on their lip as they place a hand on Aaron's head, scratching his hair in an attempt to comfort him*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost protests against it, but as soon as he feels a hand in his hair he straight up melts under it. he feels warm- he is warm. he- he isn't there. not anymore. ]

" ... okay... i- i trust you... "

[ he muttered softly, feeling relaxed for once. he still felt- unnerved. and a bit out of touch, but better. he wasn't, he wasn't back there. he can feel their heart beat fast, and pulls them close, a bit annoyed to have hurt them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles softly at Aaron, gently placing their head against their chest. At seeing he's calmer, they relax too, lightly kissing the top of their head*

"Good. That is good"

*Their heart stops beating as fast, basically at the same speed it typically goes - which is faster than most people's, but still -, and they start humming against his head, not even fully intending to do so, just doing it to self-regulate. Their next words are barely a whisper, almost impossible to hear*

"Je t'aime, chaton"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the closeness, listening to Lafayette's heartbeat and enjoying just the sound of them humming. he felt safe- and his hands weren't as cold, even if he still felt slightly out of it. he even starts tracing shapes on their chest. ]

[ he nods at the admission of love before starting to think. he had said it before, sure- but on the midst of panic. would they get angry if he didn't say it? he just sighed, before reasoning that it would be fine. that they'd understand. ]

"... thank you. I-... I like being with you. Don't think I've ever felt safer than just... around you."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hm, I am happy it is like that. I do also feel very safe when I am with you... It is, uh, strange. But I do like it. Strange in, eh, a good way, hm?"

*They kiss the top of Aaron's head once again, glad the both of them are feeling better now*

"You do not have to, but uh, do you want to speaking of what happened...?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the kiss, but quickly stopped as soon as the question was asked. he fidgeted a bit and let out a shaky sigh, before leaning against them. ]

" ... it's- it's fine. it's gonna be the 31st so, you know, it just brought back some memories. that's- that's all. sorry for worrying you. "

[ he explained (or tried to), clinging to them despite having mostly calmed down. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette clenches their teeth, remembering what they'd learnt of the Battle of Quebec in their past life. Yeah, made sense Aaron had panicked in such a way*

*They resume scratching Aaron's hair, protectively pulling him close*

"Se souvenir de tout ça, c'est pénible. I do understand the way you did react. You do not have to apologizing, oui?"

*They say this in a quiet tone, attempting to be comforting and to avoid overwhelming him more than he probably already is. Very subtly, their leg - the one Alex's father didn't injure - begins to bounce, needing a way to regulate themself after what just happened. They meant it when they said Aaron doesn't have to apologize, but that doesn't mean it didn't scare them too*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron relaxes at the scratches, humming softly at the affection and moving as close as humanly possible to them. ]

" ... thank you. but, still. i'm sorry i scared you. and that i- didn't tell you before. "

[ aaron says, aware he should've at least mentioned that he was having issues, but with all the kidnapping business and the hospital thing- his mind was still disorganized. he does notice the motion, and just stays closer, as if to assure them that he was fine. ] 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hmhm, c'est bien c'est bien, you did not - and do not - have to tell me of anything you do not want to saying. And I only did was scared because I care for you, but je vais bien now, ok?"

*Lafayette keeps reassuring him, not mad at Aaron in the slightest. They only wish they had slept a bit longer - god knows when they'd have another chance to - but that's the least of their worries, their... whatever-Aaron-is-to-them being far more important. They lean against the back of the couch slightly, supporting some of their weight on it so they can struggle less to stay sitting upright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nods, rubbing his eyes before leaning back. he still seems to be thinking of something, but focuses more on lafayette. he had enough mourning for today. ]

" .... 'm fine now, thanks. are you okay, though?... i don't wanna be overbearing but like, do you feel okay? "

[ he asks, playing with lafayette's hair. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Yeah, yeah, I am fine chaton"

*Lafayette half-laughs, the fondness they are feeling obvious to anyone who can see them, finding Aaron's concern so sweet*

"I am only a little of tired, but it is fine yes? You do not have to worry of me"

*They lean onto Aaron's touch, closing their eyes, feeling so comfortable just by being by his side. They have a smile on their face, and they're blushing lightly. Even though they're still leaning against the couch, visibly quite - indeed - tired, they still look content with being where they are*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

*The walk to Laf's apartment is quite short, as it's close to the station the train left them at. They fumble with the keys a couple times to open the main door, then they take the elevator to the second floor. After a few doors, which all seem to look pretty much the same, Lafayette takes out their keys again and opens one of them. They enter the house, turning on the lights as it is quite dark in there. There is some stuff scattered over the floor of a small hallway, which leads to an - equally messy - relatively small living room with two closed doors. The living room is also connected to a tiny kitchen, with only a stove, a table with two chairs, and a fridge*

*Lafayette struggles to stand from their wheelchair, picking up their cane which was hanging on its back. They lean on the wall as they use the cane to move the stuff from the floor, creating a walkway of sorts with a sheepish smile on their face, looking kinda embarrassed at the state of their home*

"Sorry it is, uh, a mess. I did not have... opportunity of clean, before all happened"

(( @thelancelotoftherevset ))

[ aaron looks at the apartment with interest, trying not to immediately jump to help and seem rude. he wasn't annoyed at seeing a mess- but rather just liked organizing things in general. ]

" it's okay, i understand completely. " 

[ aaron grabbed his phone to check the time before putting it back in his pocket. he looked around for a while, not really saying anything before suddenly turning around to look at them. ]

" ... can I clean- wait sorry that sounds like i'm overstepping, i- i didn't mean to blurt that out.

[ he said before looking away, still fidgeting. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette giggles, finding Aaron cute when he gets like this. They sit down on the couch before speaking, gesturing to him as an offer to join them there*

"It is fine, I can do it when I am better, do not worry. Or uh, if you really do want it, we can clean together...? But, not today, I am-"

*They stop for a moment in order to yawn, as if marking their words*

"-very tired, because the train and all was, uh, tireding?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nodded, fidgeting in silence again. he hesitates before sitting on the couch too, subconsciously leaning closer, too drained to even stay upright. ]

"... oh no, that's completely understandable. i just asked in case you were like- implying you needed help. my bad. "

[ aaron replied, before nodding at their comment about being tired. honestly? he just felt- drained. but he chalked it up to tiredness too. ]

"... you can sleep if you want, i'm tired too anyways." 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette laughs softly, their expression bright and in a far better mood now that they're home. They have none but adoration in their eyes when they look at Aaron, their grin at him remaining even when they have a small coughing fit, and their tone, even if teasing, is insanely fond*

"We can not social clues, huh?"

*Seeing that Aaron is also tired, an evil thought shows itself in their mind... Their smile becomes kinda evil, but still they're obviously giddy as they pull back a bit...*

*Suddenly, they lunge towards Aaron, wrapping their arms around him as the force of the hug-push gets them both on a lying position. They curl up on his torso like a cat - a massive cat at that -, placing their head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat*

"We nap, and- *yawn* -tomorrow we will do something, but now it is time for sleep, hm?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost replies before lafayette pushed him down. he laughed a bit, feeling more calm at just being able to hold someone. he wraps an arm around lafayette, the pressure that they bring just from being there being oddly soothing. ]

" ... mhm, yeah... "

[ aaron said, feeling safe and warm. he doesn't even protest the idea that he didn't understand social cues, just accepting anything he heard. ]

"... good night..."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Bonne nuit, mon cœur"

*Their words are muffled by their sleepiness and the position they're in. They shift a small bit to get more comfortable, still keeping their head on his chest, and soon enough they're fast asleep*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiles at the nickname, feeling relaxed as he lays back and tries his best to fall asleep, but it just doesn't happen. he tries anything, but just can't shake the feeling there's something wrong. something horribly wrong. he takes almost half an hour to fall asleep, but that doesn't help. at all. ]

[ after a few minutes, he wakes up in distress. aaron takes a deep breathe, but his body feels freezing- he needs out. he needs to get out- they're going to get him, he should've said no to any of this. he can't distinguish where he's at- is he in Lafayette's house, or is it back there, in that cold place? is he holding them, or is he holding him? the more he thinks, the less real anything feels. he searches for anything to calm down, but everything fails. he tries staying still- but he's shaking, and knows he's doomed to wake them up. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wake up with a tiny groan, confused on what even is going on. As soon as they see Aaron panicking, all drowsiness leaves their body, replaced by worry*

"Merde- Aaron, es-tu bien? Que s'est-il passé?"

*They rise from their lying position, not wanting to trap Aaron. They wince when they move, their injuries still kinda painful, but they try not to make it obvious. They're focusing on him right now, they can take care of themself later. They force themself to switch back to English, too, now that they're more awake*

"You- you are fine Aaron, tu es ici, you are here. There is nothing wrong, je promets Aaron, all is fine"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron tried to focus, but as soon as he hears their wince, he immediately begins to panic. but is it them? or is he confusing them for the General? he can't help but weakly try and pull them down from sitting up. ]

" we're exposed- we got caught, sir- we need to go- I knew they wouldn't be dumb enough to-"

[ he tried to say before coughing and feeling his hands start shaking. it's so cold. so damned cold. he couldn't save him- he can't save him. The cold is scratching through his skin,  there was blood all over him, none of it his. Why? why were so many hurt, meanwhile he wasn't?]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette quickly realizes how out of it he is, and they put their hands on his arms, attempting to ground him. They can see and feel him shivering, and they bite at their lip in worry*

"Aaron, chaton, you are with me. You are in France, it is only me here with you, nothing bad did happen. I am with you, you are safe, all is fine. You are not there, je promets you are not there"

*They're starting to freak out - sure, they've had this kind of flashbacks before, but they've never seen someone else have them. They're blind on what to do in this situation, but, fuck, they just want him to be alright. They need him to be alright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he felt flinched slightly at the touch, but just lean closer to it, even if he still doesn't feel anywhere near okay. ]

"... it's too cold I-... I can't save him- I- I can't-..."

[ aaron whispers, but at least Lafayette's voice is grounding.. he feels cold, but lafayette feels warm. there's blood, but he can't feel it anymore. was he really in France? were they both safe? they seem sure but- he can't shake off that feeling. the numbing coldness, the constant noise from the fight, the ringing in his ears when things slowed down. but maybe he can trust them on this. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Seeing Aaron is leaning onto their touch, Lafayette slowly hugs him, letting him pull away at any moment yet still holding him in their arms*

"You do not have to worry of that anymore, chaton. Tu es avec moi. You are with me. Everyone is safe now. You are safe now"

*Lafayette tries to still their own heart, as it's beating quickly in their worry. They keep chewing on their lip as they place a hand on Aaron's head, scratching his hair in an attempt to comfort him*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost protests against it, but as soon as he feels a hand in his hair he straight up melts under it. he feels warm- he is warm. he- he isn't there. not anymore. ]

" ... okay... i- i trust you... "

[ he muttered softly, feeling relaxed for once. he still felt- unnerved. and a bit out of touch, but better. he wasn't, he wasn't back there. he can feel their heart beat fast, and pulls them close, a bit annoyed to have hurt them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles softly at Aaron, gently placing their head against their chest. At seeing he's calmer, they relax too, lightly kissing the top of their head*

"Good. That is good"

*Their heart stops beating as fast, basically at the same speed it typically goes - which is faster than most people's, but still -, and they start humming against his head, not even fully intending to do so, just doing it to self-regulate. Their next words are barely a whisper, almost impossible to hear*

"Je t'aime, chaton"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the closeness, listening to Lafayette's heartbeat and enjoying just the sound of them humming. he felt safe- and his hands weren't as cold, even if he still felt slightly out of it. he even starts tracing shapes on their chest. ]

[ he nods at the admission of love before starting to think. he had said it before, sure- but on the midst of panic. would they get angry if he didn't say it? he just sighed, before reasoning that it would be fine. that they'd understand. ]

"... thank you. I-... I like being with you. Don't think I've ever felt safer than just... around you."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hm, I am happy it is like that. I do also feel very safe when I am with you... It is, uh, strange. But I do like it. Strange in, eh, a good way, hm?"

*They kiss the top of Aaron's head once again, glad the both of them are feeling better now*

"You do not have to, but uh, do you want to speaking of what happened...?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the kiss, but quickly stopped as soon as the question was asked. he fidgeted a bit and let out a shaky sigh, before leaning against them. ]

" ... it's- it's fine. it's gonna be the 31st so, you know, it just brought back some memories. that's- that's all. sorry for worrying you. "

[ he explained (or tried to), clinging to them despite having mostly calmed down. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette clenches their teeth, remembering what they'd learnt of the Battle of Quebec in their past life. Yeah, made sense Aaron had panicked in such a way*

*They resume scratching Aaron's hair, protectively pulling him close*

"Se souvenir de tout ça, c'est pénible. I do understand the way you did react. You do not have to apologizing, oui?"

*They say this in a quiet tone, attempting to be comforting and to avoid overwhelming him more than he probably already is. Very subtly, their leg - the one Alex's father didn't injure - begins to bounce, needing a way to regulate themself after what just happened. They meant it when they said Aaron doesn't have to apologize, but that doesn't mean it didn't scare them too*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron relaxes at the scratches, humming softly at the affection and moving as close as humanly possible to them. ]

" ... thank you. but, still. i'm sorry i scared you. and that i- didn't tell you before. "

[ aaron says, aware he should've at least mentioned that he was having issues, but with all the kidnapping business and the hospital thing- his mind was still disorganized. he does notice the motion, and just stays closer, as if to assure them that he was fine. ] 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hmhm, c'est bien c'est bien, you did not - and do not - have to tell me of anything you do not want to saying. And I only did was scared because I care for you, but je vais bien now, ok?"

*Lafayette keeps reassuring him, not mad at Aaron in the slightest. They only wish they had slept a bit longer - god knows when they'd have another chance to - but that's the least of their worries, their... whatever-Aaron-is-to-them being far more important. They lean against the back of the couch slightly, supporting some of their weight on it so they can struggle less to stay sitting upright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

*The walk to Laf's apartment is quite short, as it's close to the station the train left them at. They fumble with the keys a couple times to open the main door, then they take the elevator to the second floor. After a few doors, which all seem to look pretty much the same, Lafayette takes out their keys again and opens one of them. They enter the house, turning on the lights as it is quite dark in there. There is some stuff scattered over the floor of a small hallway, which leads to an - equally messy - relatively small living room with two closed doors. The living room is also connected to a tiny kitchen, with only a stove, a table with two chairs, and a fridge*

*Lafayette struggles to stand from their wheelchair, picking up their cane which was hanging on its back. They lean on the wall as they use the cane to move the stuff from the floor, creating a walkway of sorts with a sheepish smile on their face, looking kinda embarrassed at the state of their home*

"Sorry it is, uh, a mess. I did not have... opportunity of clean, before all happened"

(( @thelancelotoftherevset ))

[ aaron looks at the apartment with interest, trying not to immediately jump to help and seem rude. he wasn't annoyed at seeing a mess- but rather just liked organizing things in general. ]

" it's okay, i understand completely. " 

[ aaron grabbed his phone to check the time before putting it back in his pocket. he looked around for a while, not really saying anything before suddenly turning around to look at them. ]

" ... can I clean- wait sorry that sounds like i'm overstepping, i- i didn't mean to blurt that out.

[ he said before looking away, still fidgeting. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette giggles, finding Aaron cute when he gets like this. They sit down on the couch before speaking, gesturing to him as an offer to join them there*

"It is fine, I can do it when I am better, do not worry. Or uh, if you really do want it, we can clean together...? But, not today, I am-"

*They stop for a moment in order to yawn, as if marking their words*

"-very tired, because the train and all was, uh, tireding?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nodded, fidgeting in silence again. he hesitates before sitting on the couch too, subconsciously leaning closer, too drained to even stay upright. ]

"... oh no, that's completely understandable. i just asked in case you were like- implying you needed help. my bad. "

[ aaron replied, before nodding at their comment about being tired. honestly? he just felt- drained. but he chalked it up to tiredness too. ]

"... you can sleep if you want, i'm tired too anyways." 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette laughs softly, their expression bright and in a far better mood now that they're home. They have none but adoration in their eyes when they look at Aaron, their grin at him remaining even when they have a small coughing fit, and their tone, even if teasing, is insanely fond*

"We can not social clues, huh?"

*Seeing that Aaron is also tired, an evil thought shows itself in their mind... Their smile becomes kinda evil, but still they're obviously giddy as they pull back a bit...*

*Suddenly, they lunge towards Aaron, wrapping their arms around him as the force of the hug-push gets them both on a lying position. They curl up on his torso like a cat - a massive cat at that -, placing their head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat*

"We nap, and- *yawn* -tomorrow we will do something, but now it is time for sleep, hm?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost replies before lafayette pushed him down. he laughed a bit, feeling more calm at just being able to hold someone. he wraps an arm around lafayette, the pressure that they bring just from being there being oddly soothing. ]

" ... mhm, yeah... "

[ aaron said, feeling safe and warm. he doesn't even protest the idea that he didn't understand social cues, just accepting anything he heard. ]

"... good night..."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Bonne nuit, mon cœur"

*Their words are muffled by their sleepiness and the position they're in. They shift a small bit to get more comfortable, still keeping their head on his chest, and soon enough they're fast asleep*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiles at the nickname, feeling relaxed as he lays back and tries his best to fall asleep, but it just doesn't happen. he tries anything, but just can't shake the feeling there's something wrong. something horribly wrong. he takes almost half an hour to fall asleep, but that doesn't help. at all. ]

[ after a few minutes, he wakes up in distress. aaron takes a deep breathe, but his body feels freezing- he needs out. he needs to get out- they're going to get him, he should've said no to any of this. he can't distinguish where he's at- is he in Lafayette's house, or is it back there, in that cold place? is he holding them, or is he holding him? the more he thinks, the less real anything feels. he searches for anything to calm down, but everything fails. he tries staying still- but he's shaking, and knows he's doomed to wake them up. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wake up with a tiny groan, confused on what even is going on. As soon as they see Aaron panicking, all drowsiness leaves their body, replaced by worry*

"Merde- Aaron, es-tu bien? Que s'est-il passé?"

*They rise from their lying position, not wanting to trap Aaron. They wince when they move, their injuries still kinda painful, but they try not to make it obvious. They're focusing on him right now, they can take care of themself later. They force themself to switch back to English, too, now that they're more awake*

"You- you are fine Aaron, tu es ici, you are here. There is nothing wrong, je promets Aaron, all is fine"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron tried to focus, but as soon as he hears their wince, he immediately begins to panic. but is it them? or is he confusing them for the General? he can't help but weakly try and pull them down from sitting up. ]

" we're exposed- we got caught, sir- we need to go- I knew they wouldn't be dumb enough to-"

[ he tried to say before coughing and feeling his hands start shaking. it's so cold. so damned cold. he couldn't save him- he can't save him. The cold is scratching through his skin,  there was blood all over him, none of it his. Why? why were so many hurt, meanwhile he wasn't?]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette quickly realizes how out of it he is, and they put their hands on his arms, attempting to ground him. They can see and feel him shivering, and they bite at their lip in worry*

"Aaron, chaton, you are with me. You are in France, it is only me here with you, nothing bad did happen. I am with you, you are safe, all is fine. You are not there, je promets you are not there"

*They're starting to freak out - sure, they've had this kind of flashbacks before, but they've never seen someone else have them. They're blind on what to do in this situation, but, fuck, they just want him to be alright. They need him to be alright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he felt flinched slightly at the touch, but just lean closer to it, even if he still doesn't feel anywhere near okay. ]

"... it's too cold I-... I can't save him- I- I can't-..."

[ aaron whispers, but at least Lafayette's voice is grounding.. he feels cold, but lafayette feels warm. there's blood, but he can't feel it anymore. was he really in France? were they both safe? they seem sure but- he can't shake off that feeling. the numbing coldness, the constant noise from the fight, the ringing in his ears when things slowed down. but maybe he can trust them on this. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Seeing Aaron is leaning onto their touch, Lafayette slowly hugs him, letting him pull away at any moment yet still holding him in their arms*

"You do not have to worry of that anymore, chaton. Tu es avec moi. You are with me. Everyone is safe now. You are safe now"

*Lafayette tries to still their own heart, as it's beating quickly in their worry. They keep chewing on their lip as they place a hand on Aaron's head, scratching his hair in an attempt to comfort him*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost protests against it, but as soon as he feels a hand in his hair he straight up melts under it. he feels warm- he is warm. he- he isn't there. not anymore. ]

" ... okay... i- i trust you... "

[ he muttered softly, feeling relaxed for once. he still felt- unnerved. and a bit out of touch, but better. he wasn't, he wasn't back there. he can feel their heart beat fast, and pulls them close, a bit annoyed to have hurt them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles softly at Aaron, gently placing their head against their chest. At seeing he's calmer, they relax too, lightly kissing the top of their head*

"Good. That is good"

*Their heart stops beating as fast, basically at the same speed it typically goes - which is faster than most people's, but still -, and they start humming against his head, not even fully intending to do so, just doing it to self-regulate. Their next words are barely a whisper, almost impossible to hear*

"Je t'aime, chaton"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the closeness, listening to Lafayette's heartbeat and enjoying just the sound of them humming. he felt safe- and his hands weren't as cold, even if he still felt slightly out of it. he even starts tracing shapes on their chest. ]

[ he nods at the admission of love before starting to think. he had said it before, sure- but on the midst of panic. would they get angry if he didn't say it? he just sighed, before reasoning that it would be fine. that they'd understand. ]

"... thank you. I-... I like being with you. Don't think I've ever felt safer than just... around you."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hm, I am happy it is like that. I do also feel very safe when I am with you... It is, uh, strange. But I do like it. Strange in, eh, a good way, hm?"

*They kiss the top of Aaron's head once again, glad the both of them are feeling better now*

"You do not have to, but uh, do you want to speaking of what happened...?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the kiss, but quickly stopped as soon as the question was asked. he fidgeted a bit and let out a shaky sigh, before leaning against them. ]

" ... it's- it's fine. it's gonna be the 31st so, you know, it just brought back some memories. that's- that's all. sorry for worrying you. "

[ he explained (or tried to), clinging to them despite having mostly calmed down. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette clenches their teeth, remembering what they'd learnt of the Battle of Quebec in their past life. Yeah, made sense Aaron had panicked in such a way*

*They resume scratching Aaron's hair, protectively pulling him close*

"Se souvenir de tout ça, c'est pénible. I do understand the way you did react. You do not have to apologizing, oui?"

*They say this in a quiet tone, attempting to be comforting and to avoid overwhelming him more than he probably already is. Very subtly, their leg - the one Alex's father didn't injure - begins to bounce, needing a way to regulate themself after what just happened. They meant it when they said Aaron doesn't have to apologize, but that doesn't mean it didn't scare them too*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

*The walk to Laf's apartment is quite short, as it's close to the station the train left them at. They fumble with the keys a couple times to open the main door, then they take the elevator to the second floor. After a few doors, which all seem to look pretty much the same, Lafayette takes out their keys again and opens one of them. They enter the house, turning on the lights as it is quite dark in there. There is some stuff scattered over the floor of a small hallway, which leads to an - equally messy - relatively small living room with two closed doors. The living room is also connected to a tiny kitchen, with only a stove, a table with two chairs, and a fridge*

*Lafayette struggles to stand from their wheelchair, picking up their cane which was hanging on its back. They lean on the wall as they use the cane to move the stuff from the floor, creating a walkway of sorts with a sheepish smile on their face, looking kinda embarrassed at the state of their home*

"Sorry it is, uh, a mess. I did not have... opportunity of clean, before all happened"

(( @thelancelotoftherevset ))

[ aaron looks at the apartment with interest, trying not to immediately jump to help and seem rude. he wasn't annoyed at seeing a mess- but rather just liked organizing things in general. ]

" it's okay, i understand completely. " 

[ aaron grabbed his phone to check the time before putting it back in his pocket. he looked around for a while, not really saying anything before suddenly turning around to look at them. ]

" ... can I clean- wait sorry that sounds like i'm overstepping, i- i didn't mean to blurt that out.

[ he said before looking away, still fidgeting. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette giggles, finding Aaron cute when he gets like this. They sit down on the couch before speaking, gesturing to him as an offer to join them there*

"It is fine, I can do it when I am better, do not worry. Or uh, if you really do want it, we can clean together...? But, not today, I am-"

*They stop for a moment in order to yawn, as if marking their words*

"-very tired, because the train and all was, uh, tireding?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron nodded, fidgeting in silence again. he hesitates before sitting on the couch too, subconsciously leaning closer, too drained to even stay upright. ]

"... oh no, that's completely understandable. i just asked in case you were like- implying you needed help. my bad. "

[ aaron replied, before nodding at their comment about being tired. honestly? he just felt- drained. but he chalked it up to tiredness too. ]

"... you can sleep if you want, i'm tired too anyways." 

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette laughs softly, their expression bright and in a far better mood now that they're home. They have none but adoration in their eyes when they look at Aaron, their grin at him remaining even when they have a small coughing fit, and their tone, even if teasing, is insanely fond*

"We can not social clues, huh?"

*Seeing that Aaron is also tired, an evil thought shows itself in their mind... Their smile becomes kinda evil, but still they're obviously giddy as they pull back a bit...*

*Suddenly, they lunge towards Aaron, wrapping their arms around him as the force of the hug-push gets them both on a lying position. They curl up on his torso like a cat - a massive cat at that -, placing their head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat*

"We nap, and- *yawn* -tomorrow we will do something, but now it is time for sleep, hm?"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost replies before lafayette pushed him down. he laughed a bit, feeling more calm at just being able to hold someone. he wraps an arm around lafayette, the pressure that they bring just from being there being oddly soothing. ]

" ... mhm, yeah... "

[ aaron said, feeling safe and warm. he doesn't even protest the idea that he didn't understand social cues, just accepting anything he heard. ]

"... good night..."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Bonne nuit, mon cœur"

*Their words are muffled by their sleepiness and the position they're in. They shift a small bit to get more comfortable, still keeping their head on his chest, and soon enough they're fast asleep*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiles at the nickname, feeling relaxed as he lays back and tries his best to fall asleep, but it just doesn't happen. he tries anything, but just can't shake the feeling there's something wrong. something horribly wrong. he takes almost half an hour to fall asleep, but that doesn't help. at all. ]

[ after a few minutes, he wakes up in distress. aaron takes a deep breathe, but his body feels freezing- he needs out. he needs to get out- they're going to get him, he should've said no to any of this. he can't distinguish where he's at- is he in Lafayette's house, or is it back there, in that cold place? is he holding them, or is he holding him? the more he thinks, the less real anything feels. he searches for anything to calm down, but everything fails. he tries staying still- but he's shaking, and knows he's doomed to wake them up. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*They wake up with a tiny groan, confused on what even is going on. As soon as they see Aaron panicking, all drowsiness leaves their body, replaced by worry*

"Merde- Aaron, es-tu bien? Que s'est-il passé?"

*They rise from their lying position, not wanting to trap Aaron. They wince when they move, their injuries still kinda painful, but they try not to make it obvious. They're focusing on him right now, they can take care of themself later. They force themself to switch back to English, too, now that they're more awake*

"You- you are fine Aaron, tu es ici, you are here. There is nothing wrong, je promets Aaron, all is fine"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron tried to focus, but as soon as he hears their wince, he immediately begins to panic. but is it them? or is he confusing them for the General? he can't help but weakly try and pull them down from sitting up. ]

" we're exposed- we got caught, sir- we need to go- I knew they wouldn't be dumb enough to-"

[ he tried to say before coughing and feeling his hands start shaking. it's so cold. so damned cold. he couldn't save him- he can't save him. The cold is scratching through his skin,  there was blood all over him, none of it his. Why? why were so many hurt, meanwhile he wasn't?]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette quickly realizes how out of it he is, and they put their hands on his arms, attempting to ground him. They can see and feel him shivering, and they bite at their lip in worry*

"Aaron, chaton, you are with me. You are in France, it is only me here with you, nothing bad did happen. I am with you, you are safe, all is fine. You are not there, je promets you are not there"

*They're starting to freak out - sure, they've had this kind of flashbacks before, but they've never seen someone else have them. They're blind on what to do in this situation, but, fuck, they just want him to be alright. They need him to be alright*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ he felt flinched slightly at the touch, but just lean closer to it, even if he still doesn't feel anywhere near okay. ]

"... it's too cold I-... I can't save him- I- I can't-..."

[ aaron whispers, but at least Lafayette's voice is grounding.. he feels cold, but lafayette feels warm. there's blood, but he can't feel it anymore. was he really in France? were they both safe? they seem sure but- he can't shake off that feeling. the numbing coldness, the constant noise from the fight, the ringing in his ears when things slowed down. but maybe he can trust them on this. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Seeing Aaron is leaning onto their touch, Lafayette slowly hugs him, letting him pull away at any moment yet still holding him in their arms*

"You do not have to worry of that anymore, chaton. Tu es avec moi. You are with me. Everyone is safe now. You are safe now"

*Lafayette tries to still their own heart, as it's beating quickly in their worry. They keep chewing on their lip as they place a hand on Aaron's head, scratching his hair in an attempt to comfort him*

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron almost protests against it, but as soon as he feels a hand in his hair he straight up melts under it. he feels warm- he is warm. he- he isn't there. not anymore. ]

" ... okay... i- i trust you... "

[ he muttered softly, feeling relaxed for once. he still felt- unnerved. and a bit out of touch, but better. he wasn't, he wasn't back there. he can feel their heart beat fast, and pulls them close, a bit annoyed to have hurt them. ]

[thelancelotoftherevset]

*Lafayette smiles softly at Aaron, gently placing their head against their chest. At seeing he's calmer, they relax too, lightly kissing the top of their head*

"Good. That is good"

*Their heart stops beating as fast, basically at the same speed it typically goes - which is faster than most people's, but still -, and they start humming against his head, not even fully intending to do so, just doing it to self-regulate. Their next words are barely a whisper, almost impossible to hear*

"Je t'aime, chaton"

[ly1ng-1n-w4it]

[ aaron smiled at the closeness, listening to Lafayette's heartbeat and enjoying just the sound of them humming. he felt safe- and his hands weren't as cold, even if he still felt slightly out of it. he even starts tracing shapes on their chest. ]

[ he nods at the admission of love before starting to think. he had said it before, sure- but on the midst of panic. would they get angry if he didn't say it? he just sighed, before reasoning that it would be fine. that they'd understand. ]

"... thank you. I-... I like being with you. Don't think I've ever felt safer than just... around you."

[thelancelotoftherevset]

"Hm, I am happy it is like that. I do also feel very safe when I am with you... It is, uh, strange. But I do like it. Strange in, eh, a good way, hm?"

*They kiss the top of Aaron's head once again, glad the both of them are feeling better now*

"You do not have to, but uh, do you want to speaking of what happened...?"