After Claire made sure Colton had everything he needed for the time being, she stepped out of his room to see Aiden patiently waiting for her in the living area. He was standing next to the wall where Lily's drawing were hung up with a gentle expression on his face.
"She makes at least five new ones everyday since we visited the art studio together." Claire said as she stood next to him. "As soon as we can safely live somewhere else, I'm going to get her a proper teacher."
Aiden smiled as he stared at the drawing in front of him. It was an attempt of a portrait. Even if it was somewhat abstract from the lack of skill, he could clearly see who it was inspired by. After all, he was constantly seeking for the model himself.
Turning to face her, he took his time scanning her up and down. The earlier siblings bickering didn't let him take in her appearance properly. She was as lovely as always, but somehow, he felt as if she was more herself now. The simplicity of her outfit, the lack of makeup and her disinterest in trying to seem taller, made Aiden realize that she was much more down to earth than she lets on.
"What?" Claire asked him once she looked up at him. She had to crane her neck a bit more than usual since she didn't have heels on.
"Nothing." He replied as he tucked a few hairs behind her ear. "You're just beautiful. I can't help but stare."
Claire smiled at his complement. She had always enjoyed dressing up, since she was very into fashion, but keeping it simple was always her favorite thing to do. So hearing him call her beautiful regardless of being so dressed down made her genuinely happy.
Just then, the front door clicked open. Turning around, both their faces softened as they saw Anna holding the door open for Lily.
Lily's face lit up at the sight of them and dashed towards them. Claire immediately bent down and picked her up as soon as she reached her.
"Hey there Princess." Aiden said while patting her head. His eyes were soft while looking at her. She was as adorable as always.
"Hi Sweetie." Claire said as she peppered her face with kisses making Lily giggle.
'Hi Mommy! You didn't tell me Aiden would come to visit!' She signed with a bright smile on her face.
Claire's eyebrows furrowed in confusion when she saw Lily use the sign for fire as Aiden's name. Looking up at Aiden's face, she could see he also had a curios expression on.
When it comes to sign language, people's names don't have any specific sign. Because of that, members belonging to the deaf community will spell out a person's name, assign a specific sign or a sign sequence that will be used when referring to somebody's name. Besides the fact that Lily used a very unusual sign as Aiden's name, name assigning was something that happened after a period of time. Not almost immediately after meeting a person.
But before either of them could say anything, Anna's voice was heard. "I have a few things to finish before I head back to my place so I'll leave you guys to it." She waved goodbye and started to turn when Claire stopped her.
"Hey wait!" She said as she passed Lily to Aiden who gladly took her. Noticing what she just did, Claire froze still for a brief moment before snapping out of her spontaneous daze. It was so automatic of her to simply place Lily in his arms that she didn't even realize she was doing so until she actually handed her over.
Pushing to the back of her head how natural it felt, she concentrated on what she needed to say to Anna. Closing the distance between them, she spoke softly to avoid Lily from hearing.
"Colton sneaked his way out of the hospital and into the base so-"
"HE WHAT!?" Anna yelled. Her voice loud enough to catch everybody's attention and startle Lily. Immediately noticing her mistake, she covered her mouth while being embarrassed. "Sorry sorry. Are you freaking serious!?" She continued in a hush tone.
Aiden felt Lily tug his shirt for attention. When he looked at her she signed. 'Why is auntie Anna yelling? Is she okay?'
He could see the concern in her eyes. "She's fine Princess. It's just that sometimes people can't help but raise their voice when they're filled with emotion."
Under other circumstances, Lily would have kept asking. But something about Aiden's explanation called her attention. 'People can't help but raise their voice when they're filled with emotion.' She thought to herself as he smiled at her.
"Why don't you show me your drawings? I haven't been able to keep my eyes off of them since I got here." Aiden suggested as he turned around to keep her occupied while Claire finished her conversation.
'Okay!' Lily excitedly agreed and began to explain her creations with enthusiasm.
After a few minutes, Claire managed to let Anna know everything she needed from her. "And please make a schedule for when he has to take his medication and do his physical therapy. You know Colton can be a pain when it comes to following precise instructions, so I want everything written down in an organized matter. That way we can all use it as reference too. I don't want to risk him getting an infection or his condition worsening." Claire finished instructing Anna on what to do as the latter sent out messages accordingly.
"I can't believe him." Anna said as she finished sending out the orders. "He is seriously too much sometimes. And Ben is just as bad for helping him!"
"I know." Claire sighed. "But it was inevitable. You know he can't stand hospitals. And to be honest, I prefer him here. Having him close by and under our 24/7 care eases me. I bet he'll even recover better while here."
Anna sighed as well. She knew Claire was right, but she was still irked by Colton's behavior. "I'll go and make sure everything gets done by tonight."
"Um actually..." Claire started to say hesitantly. She knew it was a sensitive topic to touch. "I was hoping to ask you for a favor."
"What's up?" Between them, orders and favors were always clearly identified to one another. It helped them keep both their personal and professional relationship healthy.
"I know it's a lot to ask, but do you think you can stay here for a while?" Claire could see how Anna flinched at the idea. "You know he's going to need some constant assistance. And knowing him, he'll just excuse any on call aid I assign for him. Ben already has his hands full with Lily when I'm not around and I don't want just anyone coming in and out of this place. It's no secret how uncomfortable and anxious Lily gets when there are unfamiliar faces in her personal space." She grabbed Anna's hand and gave it a light squeeze. "I promise it will only be until he manages to move on his own without the need of assistance."
Anna could see Claire's pleading eyes clearly. It wasn't that she minded, in fact she would've taken it upon herself even before Claire asked. But the scene in which Colton confidently declared his intentions towards her kept replaying in her head. Yet even so, she knew she couldn't refuse. Their people were trustworthy and capable, but nothing would put her more at ease than to look after him herself.
"Of course." She replied which caused Claire to immediately breath out in relief.
"Thanks." Claire said as she pulled Anna into a quick hug. "He's in his room resting right now so you can take the chance to get the things you need ready. You can take my room."
"Okay." Anna said as she waved at Lily and Aiden. "I'll see you guys later tonight then." After saying goodbye she left.
Claire turned around and saw that Lily and Aiden were looking her way. Closing the space between them, Aiden reached her near the door while still holding Lily in his arms.
"You pretty ladies look like you'd enjoy some dinner." He said as he looked at them. "Would you do me the honor of being my dates for the night? I promise to feed you with the most delicious food in the whole city." He gave Lily a little tickle which made her giggle. It made both Aiden's and Claire's chests fill with warmth. Her happy expression was a guaranteed heart melt.
Lily looked down at Claire waiting for her to say if it was okay to join him or not.
"You have yourself two dates then Mister."