Work Text:
Aaron wasn't loved. That was something he was more than used to. Anyone who ever loved him died, so Aaron learned to keep everyone at an arm's length. It was hardly a conscious effort, though. He wanted, needed, that connection with people. Yet…. He was scared. Scared of them getting close and leaving him, so he pushed them away and was lonely.
So in the end it really must've been his fault. Washington hated him, Hamilton judged him, all of his friends hated him too. Aaron was so alone and he only had himself to blame. Still, it didn't stop the pain he felt in his chest when Washington berated him for being late, not taking the time to even ask why.
If he had, then maybe he'd understand that Aaron just lost his daughter and struggled to get out of bed after drinking himself half to death the night before. Hamilton made a few snide remarks about his reclusive before leaving Aaron alone in his office once more. This cabinet was a nightmare.
To his surprise, James entered his office with a vase full of flowers. Lilies, black roses, and marigold. "I heard about little Theo. I got these for you," James set the vase down on his desk, and Aaron felt his heart flutter. How could someone do something so thoughtful for someone like Aaron? When was the last time Aaron had been so thoughtful?
"I… Thank you James." He grabbed the vase, smelling the flowers. They smelled amazing. The meaning of the flowers didn't pass him, but he chose to talk less and not say anything.
"Me and Thomas are here for you, promise." James said, coughing into his handkerchief. Aaron bit his lip, not wanting to listen to the clear comfort his friend wanted to offer. He couldn't possibly burden this man with his stupid problems. As if reading his thoughts, the southerner quickly jumped in. "Seriously, come to us. I don't care whatever your brain tries to tell you."
"OK James. Promise, thank you." Aaron nodded, hugging his vase closer. He offered a reassuring smile, and James took him on that and finally left. It was only then that Aaron allowed the tears to fall. "So stupid, just smile more. They won't notice if you do." He muttered, setting back down the vase and getting back to work. He was fine. Promise.
He was hardly able to focus on work as it was, his vision blurred by tears and body weighed down by the pain of the last week. Surely he could deal with Washington for a minute and take James up on that offer. Aaron quickly got up and left his office before he could talk himself out of it. He rapped against Thomas's office door, knowing James was likely to be there with his lover.
"Hey, bout time you came and accepted the fact we care," Thomas said as the door opened, dragging Aaron inside and sliding the door shut once more.
"Oh shut it, Thomas." He replied dryly. He said down on Thomas's completely unnecessary couch, covering his face with his arm. It felt surprisingly good just to be surrounded by people he could genuinely call his friends. Maybe letting people in wasn't so bad.