#(aaron threads)

❝It looks like we’ll be here awhile.❞ They’d luckily found one of the rooms empty, not smelling too horribly like rot, no ancient gut and blood stains on the walls, just musty and old. They were on the third floor of what once must have been a pretty fancy hotel. Their safe space had a big bed, sofa, huge tv, and jacuzzi, all covered in dust and dirt, walls cracking and curtains raggedy. Aaron crossed the room, arms folded over his chest, metal one gleaming. ❝I don’t think we’ll be able to call room service though.❞

 ❝It’s understandable to be frustrated.❞  Aaron gave a gentle smile from where he was leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed.   He stepped further into the room.   He could certainly relate to Jesus’ situation.  Feeling helpless,  yet not wanting to ask for help.   ❝Y’know,  I learned how to put Gracie’s hair up.❞  He said carefully.  ❝And yes, with one hand.❞   He wiggled the fingers of his flesh hand.  ❝I could help you,  if you want.   Give you some entertainment too,  because supposedly it’s amazing that I can do it.   At least that’s what Rosita says.❞  Aaron chuckled softly.

❝Hey  --   ❞   Hands are up where the woman can see them.   Aaron doesn’t want to come off as a threat,  and this is his usual approach.   He couldn’t tell if she was hurt or just upset,  but he wanted to help if it was possible.   ❝Are you okay?❞

❝Don’t be.❞   Aaron’s response was quick,  dismissive.   Jesus wasn’t the only one catching on to how worn-down Aaron was feeling,  how unsure and unlike himself.   But Aaron was the one who was supposed to be doing the worrying,  not vice vera.   The corner of his mouth turned up into a small smile.   He placed a hand on Jesus’ shoulder,  squeezing softly.   ❝Aren’t I supposed to be worried about  you  now that you’re all healed up and feeling restless?❞   He teased softly.

Aaron wrapped his arms tightly around Gracie and kissed the side of her head.   ❝I’m okay  --   I’m okay.❞   Though a trip to the infirmary seemingly said  otherwise.   It was just for a check-up to be sure his eyesight was still okay after he returned.   He pulled back, still holding onto Gracie.  ❝How are you?  Have you gotten any sleep yet?❞

But bumping into Carol was a pleasant surprise,  and his expression turned into an easy smile then.    ❝Hey  --   ❞   Aaron clapped his hand gently on Carol’s shoulder.   ❝I haven’t really gotten to talk with you.   It’s good to have you back.❞   And it was.  Knowing as many people as possible were safe was a little comforting.  ❝How was it being out on the ocean?❞ 

❝Fine  --   I’m fine.❞   Aaron said,  dismissing the suggestion that he was anything but.   He couldn’t really remember the last time he felt fine,  but he wasn’t one to burden others with his problems,  and he wasn’t about to start now.   Aside from that,  he wasn’t the only person feeling uneasy about the mask.   ❝I just  --   I don’t like being away from Gracie when something like this happens.   --   I don’t know if Michonne made the right call.❞

❝Good.   Then,  this is between the four of us.   Got it Daryl?❞   Nudged him with an elbow and grinned at him,   gently forcing him to play along.   The past few months had been filled with fear and mourning and quiet.   Carol,  Daryl,  and Lydia coming to Alexandria had,  at the very least,  made for there to be something else to talk about.   Aaron was particularly glad to have Daryl back there.