Lafayette laid on the couch, imagining the things that he'd never be brave enough to say.

Hey, George, am I enough for you?

Is it okay that we don't have sex?

Do you need something else from me?

Am I doing my part for this relationship?

Am I too weak?

Too ignorant?

Does it bother you that I'm stupid and ugly and forgetful?

I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?

I didn't mean to say all of this, I don't want to burden you.

He sighed and rolled over, pulling a blanket over himself so all he could see was darkness.

"Laffy? Are you okay?" That was what George said every day — Lafayette assumed he must be that problematic to warrant such a question.

So he put on a smile and sat up straight. "Of course. How was your day?"

George frowned. "Fine. What's been wrong lately? Do you want to talk to me?"

Lafayette gave an uneasy chuckle. "What's there to talk about?"

George sat next to Lafayette and pulled the man against him. "You can tell me anything,"

"I know, George; why wouldn't I?"

And that much was true. Lafayette had always been able to rely on George, no matter what. They loved each other and they were a team. So what was holding Lafayette back?

Fuck if he knew.

George rubbed his back gently, trying to make him relax. "Tell me what's going on. You're unhappy, I can tell,"

Lafayette was fighting the urge to give in, but George was rubbing his favorite spot and it made him want to break. "I'm always happy with you,"

Worry crossed George's face. "Is that it? Am I doing something bad? Uncomfortable for you?"

"No, of course not!"

"Then who is?"

Lafayette thought about that one for a moment. Wasn't he his own demon? Didn't he contain the self doubt that was gripping him? But could he really answer with something like that?

"Lafayette. Please."

He'd start with the first question. "Am I enough for you?"

George looked taken aback. "Of course, Love, why would you think otherwise?"

Lafayette just ended up spewing the rest of his questions, and George picked through them in order.

"If you don't want sex, that's perfectly fine. This is about you just as much as it's about me, and forcing you into sex is something I'd never do. You're perfect, and you don't need to give me anything else. You help me with everything already. You're not weak and you're not stupid and you're not ugly. When was the last time you looked in the mirror, babe? You don't need to be sorry and I always want you to talk to me,"

Lafayette looked down, his gaze fixed on the carpet. George pulled him into his lap.

"I wish you told me sooner. I love you,"

Lafayette brightened, if just a minuscule bit. "I love you too,"

George's expression turned serious. "And don't hesitate to come to me when you want me. I'm here for you,"

Lafayette consented quietly and leaned into the man.

AN: kinda sucky but I wanted to get a second chapter out there :P sorry