Chapter 88: The Happiness

The bells rang. Esmeralda yawned. She was hardly awake, still comfortably lying under the bedsheets.

Claude's hand ran over her hair. Esmeralda opened her eyes just enough to see him looking at her with a smile. She smiled back despite her drowsiness.

"Good morning." Claude greeted.

"Morning." Esmeralda returned sleepily.

"Not quite awake, I see." Claude observed.

"Not yet." Esmeralda admitted. "Would you mind waking me in an hour?"

"Not at all." Claude assured.

He kissed her cheek before getting out of bed and pulling the bedsheets snugly over her. Esmeralda happily resumed her comfortable sleep.

An hour later, she was woken by another kiss. Claude stood by the bed, dressed and holding a plate.

"I brought you some breakfast." He said proudly.

Esmeralda smiled.

"I bet you didn't cook it, though." She teased.

Claude put the plate down on the table beside her.

"Must you always guilt me for not knowing the ways of domestic life?" He asked.

"Yes." Esmeralda replied, smirking.

Claude chuckled, laying a sweet kiss on her lips.

"You're in a good mood." Esmeralda noticed gladly.

"I do feel much better." Claude admitted. "I woke up next to you and remembered that I'll get to do that every day now. What could be more wonderful?"

Esmeralda was grateful to see Claude so happy. She knew he hadn't forgotten about the difficult night before and that there were probably many more of those to come, but it would be easier as long as they were together. Although Esmeralda wished that she could just put an end to everything that upset Claude, she was happy that she could at least make him smile when those moments were over.

Since Claude was finally feeling well enough, he went to the cathedral to visit Quasimodo. Esmeralda planned to join him, but she had something to address first. For days now, she had been bothered by what she'd learned from Annette. Phoebus had told her a lie. A seemingly unnecessary lie, at that. Esmeralda couldn't understand why Phoebus had felt the need to hide the truth from her about why he was no longer a soldier. It certainly wasn't any of her concern if he wanted that career or not, she was willing to support him in whatever he wanted. Had Phoebus not believed that, for some reason? It didn't make sense. Esmeralda had to find out what this was about. If she was to continue being friends with Phoebus, she had to know why he had lied.

She found him chopping wood outside his house again. He looked up with a smile when he saw her.

"Esmeralda! To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Esmeralda smiled politely, but she quickly took on a serious tone.

"There's something I want to talk to you about." She explained.

"How convenient." Phoebus remarked. "I have something to say to you too. You can start, though."

Esmeralda was immediately curious about what Phoebus wanted to tell her, but it was best to bring up her concern first, hopefully to receive an explanation.

"You told me the Army let you go because you lost your hand." Esmeralda began.

Phoebus looked at her confusedly.

"What about it?" He asked.

"Annette told me that wasn't true." Esmeralda explained. "She said you pretended to be incompetent so you could leave."

Phoebus stared in shock.

"She told you that?" He asked in disbelief.

"Don't blame her." Esmeralda pleaded. "She just assumed I knew. A reasonable assumption, really. I don't understand why you would lie to me about that..."

Phoebus frowned.

"I'm sorry." He apologized.

"Did you not trust me?" Esmeralda questioned. "Did you think I would care if you chose to leave the Army? Because I don't. If it makes you happy, I have no issue with it."

"No, it's not that. I lied to spare your feelings."

"My feelings? Why would this hurt me?"

"Because of the reason."

Esmeralda remembered hearing why Phoebus had left the Army: To settle down with Annette. That in mind, things started to make sense.

"I knew how you felt about me." Phoebus explained. "And I knew you'd be heartbroken when I told you about Annette... I thought the only thing that would hurt you more than hearing I was marrying another woman would be to know how much I was giving up for her, ending a twenty year career... I meant to tell you eventually. I just thought it was too soon. I thought you would be too torn up about me being that in love with someone else..."

Esmeralda hadn't realized just how sorry Phoebus was for breaking her heart. He'd hidden an innocent fact from her just to soften the blow.

"Phoebus, you didn't need to do that." Esmeralda insisted. "I would have survived. It's not like you did something terrible to me. You just fell in love."

"Under different circumstances, I wouldn't have lied." Phoebus informed. "But you saved my life. I really didn't want to hurt your feelings after what you did for me."

"I wasn't entitled to your affection just because I saved you. You still deserved to be with the person you loved, and I'm sorry you felt like you had to downplay it. Besides, I understand Annette did a lot for you too. She told me all about how you got together."

Esmeralda smiled to show her approval. Phoebus managed to smile back, a dreamy look in his eyes.

"She sure does like to talk about me." He commented.

"She loves you." Esmeralda acknowledged. "You chose well, and I'm happy for you. You don't need to be forgiven for loving someone."

Phoebus was smiling appreciatively. But suddenly, that smile faded.

"Neither do you." He said sullenly. "I wanted to say... I'm sorry I didn't listen to you. I really learned a lesson on that trip. I assume you heard about it."

Esmeralda nodded. Claude had indeed told her all the details of the journey. She knew why Phoebus finally felt different about him.

"I was stupid." Phoebus said regretfully. "I knew he changed and I knew he was important to you, but I couldn't even be civil for your sake. I said mean things that I didn't need to say, and I wish I hadn't been so stubborn. You told me this was real. You told me I would understand if I knew the whole story... I'm sorry I didn't take you seriously. You weren't kidding. That scar..."

Phoebus looked like he was still shocked. He shook his head at himself in disappointment.

"You were right not to tell me." He said approvingly. "I should have accepted that sooner, but I've learned to mind my own business. I won't question you again when you judge someone's character. You know what you're talking about, and you've got yourself quite a good man. I'm honestly impressed by everything he's done."

He started to smile again.

Esmeralda smiled back, overjoyed. Finally, Phoebus understood. He finally accepted the man she loved.

"Tell him I'd like to go hunting for real if he's ever interested." Phoebus added. "We never did get that venison."

Esmeralda chuckled.

"I'll let him know." She assured. "Thank you."

"Check it out!" Quasimodo said excitedly. "What do you think?"

He proudly held up the small wooden house, showing Elaine.

"That's a nice little house!" Elaine complimented.

"It's special. Do you know why?"

"No idea. Why?"

"Because this is the house I want to live in! I've made a decision. I'm going to have a house out there, and I'm going to build it myself so I can make sure it has everything I want! I made a model of it to plan the design!"

Elaine lit up with excitement.

"You're really going to move out there?" She asked with a grin.

"Yes!" Quasimodo replied joyfully. "Watch this!"

He removed the piece of wood that made the roof, revealing the layout of the inside.

"My shop will be at the front, that's where I'll sell things. And here I'll have a room for working on my carvings. And this room will be all yours! You can keep your supplies there and do your painting by the window! And-"

"Wait!" Elaine interrupted. "You planned that... For me?"

Quasimodo paused, blushing. He'd forgotten the obvious implication made by these plans. But now that Elaine had noticed, it was time to discuss this. He put the model down on the table, looking at Elaine nervously.

"I was wondering..." Quasimodo started. "If I start this woodwork shop... Would you like to... Be there with me?"

Elaine smiled with enthusiasm.

"Quasimodo, are you asking me to marry you?"

Quasimodo started to stutter.

"What- uh... No! I'm not asking that. I'm asking... If I built this place, and then asked you to marry me... What would you say?"

Elaine's smile became even bigger.

"Yes." She answered. "I would say yes. Very eagerly!"

Quasimodo's nervous expression became a wide smile.

"Well... I'll remember that when I build it!"

Elaine beamed.

"Oh Quasi, I'm so happy!"

"So am I! I'm really glad I met you."

They hugged tightly and then simultaneously leaned into a kiss. Elaine was practically jumping after it.

"This is great!" She exclaimed. "When are you going to start building?"

"Soon!" Quasimodo promised. "I just need to get some materials for it. Nothing Frollo can't help with, I'm sure. I can't wait to tell him about this!"

"Tell me about what?"

Quasimodo and Elaine looked toward the stairs to notice one eagerly approaching Claude Frollo.

"Father!" Quasimodo said happily, running to Claude and ambushing him with a hug.

Claude flinched, but returned the hug.

"You act like you haven't seen me in years!" He chuckled.

"I'm just so excited!" Quasimodo explained. "I have good news!"

Before Claude could ask about said news, Elaine came up to him.

"Can I have a hug too?" She asked.

"Of course." Claude replied appreciatively.

He let go of Quasimodo and started to hug Elaine. It was so fascinating to Claude that people wanted to hug him these days. For years he hadn't gotten used to hugging people because it was such an unusual sensation for him, but nowadays he was definitely getting used to it. It felt quite good to be so loved.

"I'd better finish my chores downstairs." Elaine announced after a moment. "But you're going to love this news!"

"I am quite intrigued." Claude said eagerly.

Elaine glanced lovingly at Quasimodo.

"I'll see you later, Quasi!" She promised.

"I can't wait!" Quasimodo replied.

Elaine soon went down the stairs, leaving Quasimodo to excitedly usher Claude toward the table.

"Look at this!" Quasimodo said proudly, gesturing to the model house.

"A house?" Claude questioned.

"This isn't just any house! It's my house!"

He showed the design of the model and explained how he wanted to build a house like it.

"I know what I want now!" Quasimodo exclaimed. "I want a woodwork shop of my own, out there in town! What do you think?"

Claude hesitated. Although he knew Quasimodo had been considering these big plans, it was overwhelming, and slightly worrisome. Of course Claude wanted his son to be happy, he was the one who had encouraged Quasimodo not to give up on this idea out of fear. Still, it all provoked some concerns. Was Quasimodo ready to live out there? Was he prepared for that world? For keeping a house and a business?

Then again, when was anyone ready for anything? Claude was pursuing something with Esmeralda even though he didn't feel fully ready for it. He allowed himself to love her even with the issues he still had. Waiting to move forward until everything was perfect would only mean less progress and less fulfillment. There was only so much one could do to prepare. Often, the only way to become fully ready for something was to start doing it.

"...Father?" Quasimodo asked nervously, noticing Claude's silence.

Claude smiled to ease his concerns.

"I think this is an excellent idea." He approved.

Quasimodo brightened up immediately.

"Really? You think so?"

"Absolutely. I'll help you however I can."

"Can you get me some materials to build my house with? That would be really helpful!"

Claude put his arm around the younger man affectionately, smiling even more.

"I'll do even more than that." He promised. "I'll help you build it."

"Really?!" Quasimodo said in amazement.

"I've rather taken a liking to construction." Claude explained. "It will be a nice project for us to work on together."

Quasimodo was overjoyed. He pulled Claude into a bone-crushing hug, making him flinch again. The boy was hilariously unaware of his own strength, so to him this was only an enthusiastic embrace. Claude appreciated it. He held back a laugh and hugged his son back.

"Thank you so much!" Quasimodo said cheerfully.

"It is a pleasure to support you." Claude assured. "Now, I actually have something to share as well."

Quasimodo released his crushing arms from Claude, slightly backing away to look at him properly.

"What is it?" He asked curiously, looking somewhat nervous.

"It's about Esmeralda and I." Claude explained.

Quasimodo waited quietly, afraid to say anything.

"Due to the outcome of the search, she has been able to forgive me." Claude started. "And since then, we have been on very good terms. Very loving terms."

He smiled dreamily as he thought of her. Quasimodo lit up in realization.

"Really? That's great! I'm so happy for you!"

Claude deeply appreciated the support, but he worried that it wouldn't extend as far as he hoped. He'd already known that Quasimodo would be happy for him and Esmeralda. But there was something else Claude needed to mention to him, and being met with approval was not guaranteed.

"Thank you." Claude said sincerely. "But there is one other thing I need to tell you. Or rather, something I must ask your opinion on..."

Quasimodo looked at him with obvious confusion.

"My opinion?" He questioned.

Claude hesitated, worried about how this question would be taken. He hated to think of offending someone whom he had already wronged more than he could possibly make up for. But that was exactly why he needed to bring this up. He had to know of Quasimodo's feelings before making any plans.

"I want to know..." Claude started reluctantly, already feeling some premature guilt. "How would you feel if Esmeralda and I... had children?"

"You're going to have children?" Quasimodo asked surprisedly.

"Well, hopefully. We would like to. But first, I want to know how you feel about that."

Quasimodo grinned widely.

"That would be great!" He exclaimed.

Claude was completely surprised. He gawked for a moment before saying anything.

"You're alright with this?" He finally asked.

"Of course!" Quasimodo replied. "I've always wanted siblings! And babies are so cute. Will you need help with them? I'd love to help! Oh, this is so exciting!"

This was the exact opposite of the reaction Claude had been afraid of. He questioned for a moment if it was a joke, but it was clear just from looking at Quasimodo that he was completely serious. He was smiling like a child who had just received a puppy.

"I... didn't think you would be so happy about this." Claude confessed.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Quasimodo asked. "This is great!"

"I was afraid you would feel less loved if I had... my own blood."

Quasimodo slowly lost his smile.

"Oh..." He mumbled. "I guess I didn't think about that..."

Claude felt like an idiot. Quasimodo had been perfectly happy about this idea, only to rethink it now that Claude had suggested a reason for him not to be happy. He shouldn't have done that. He should have accepted the positive response without a question.

"I assure you, that would not be the case." Claude promised.

"You're sure?" Quasimodo asked. "I mean, I know you didn't exactly want me in the first place..."

"I do now." Claude assured. "You know that, don't you? I had my attitudes, but I've left those behind and realized what a complete blessing you are. I love you, Quasimodo. That will not change if more members are added to our family."

"But if you have children, I'm sure they'll be... Normal..."

Claude was devastated by the implication. He'd hoped that by now Quasimodo would have let go of the idea that his appearance lowered his value, but it wasn't too surprising that he still struggled with it. Claude knew better than anyone that harmful thoughts about oneself did not end without much effort to think differently. He would just have to help the process as much as he could.

"Listen to me, son." Claude begged. "It took a painfully long time for me to love you, but that was not because of anything wrong with you. It was because of my own selfishness. Anyone who had the misfortune to be raised by me would have suffered that. But I've learned. I've learned what a remarkable young man you are and how blessed I am to have you. You made life better even when I completely failed to appreciate it, so I can't possibly be bothered by the way you look. That will never cause me to love you less or think anyone is better than you! All the years I was privileged to raise you will not be diminished if I raise another child, or two, or three, or ten! And if I had ten children who were exactly like you, I would be as proud as a parent could possibly be."

Quasimodo was stunned, probably by the last part more than anything. Claude understood why. He knew that after every cruel word he'd said about the boy's appearance, it was going to be hard for him to believe that his face was not a disappointment at all. But Claude was determined to make that clear. He would work at it for as long as he had to.

"Do you really mean that?" Quasimodo asked.

"Every word of it." Claude promised.

Quasimodo smiled, his eyes slightly glimmering. Claude smiled back.

"I'm here!"

Esmeralda's voice came calling from the other side of the tower. Quasimodo and Claude looked toward her eagerly.

"I was starting to wonder if you were coming!" Claude jested.

"I wouldn't just forget about you!" Esmeralda assured.

"Esmeralda!" Quasimodo greeted happily. "It's so good to see you! Where have you been?"

"I was just talking to Phoebus." Esmeralda explained. "It's a long story."

She came to the table and put down a basket.

"Ready for lunch?" Esmeralda asked.

"Yes!" Quasimodo replied. "I'm also ready to tell you my news! I heard yours, by the way. I'm so happy for you both!"

Esmeralda smiled very happily. Not long ago, experiencing this moment had been unthinkable. Esmeralda couldn't have imagined then that she would actually end up with Claude, or that Quasimodo would support it. But that moment had really come, and it gave her hope for every other difficult thing that would come.

"Thank you, Quasimodo." Esmeralda said gladly. "That really does mean a lot."

"Indeed." Claude agreed, grabbing Esmeralda's hand and grinning affectionately.

Esmeralda blushed slightly, but turned her attention to the curious matter at hand.

"So, what is this news of yours?"

Quasimodo picked up his model house.

"I have a tour to give you!" He announced.

Thanks for your patience! Okay, I might have underestimated the time it would take me to finish. I do have a few busy days coming up, so we're not done just yet. I hope you enjoy this chapter and bear with me until then!