the weightlessness of emptiness bearing down on the soul

“Yeah, yeah I’m okay,” he replied with a nod and took a deep breath. The weeks after the ball felt like a blur. He was doing his best to stick with his routine. Work in the morning, lunch with Reagan, and Jaxson if he felt like stopping by. He’d spend the afternoon doing chores around the house, his shift at the gas station and then dinner with his family so that he’d be in his house way before curfew. Some nights his kids would come over and watch a movie, do school work or just check in on him. Other days they would avoid it, knowing he was probably spending time with Bella and he didn’t know how to bridge that gap. Not to mention he was trying desperately to mend his connection with Kalani and it was like talking to a wall. She was angry, understandably so, but he didn’t want to waste the rest of his life, their kids life, being mad at each other. “Family, is..complicated,” he concluded and shrugged, eyes widening as Harrison revealed what was going on with him. “Complicated is definitely a way to put it. I mean..is she single?” Devon smile softly and shrugged again. “I mean if she is then that’s much less complicated.”

“And of all places you’re here,” she added with a softer laugh, still unable to believe he was standing right in front of her. “Haven’t aged a bit,” she added with a wink, resisting her urge to reach up and touch his face. “Well, if it’s not a bother, maybe we can have coffee? E-either now or later, I’d..love to catch up. Genuinely so, I know people say that all the time but I..mean it.” She felt that familiar tug on her heart, the same one she felt the night she had found Cassandra bloody and bruised, as if the universe was sending her a sign that this person too, needed love and care. But she also had the sense that this one, would be different, and potentially more difficult. “Does that work for you?”

“People in this town gossip.” Hell, some people did it like it was their day job and more gossip came with alcohol in their systems. “No surprise people make gossip at the Guesthouse, same as at the bars.” Sort of like they were doing, though about no one in particular. “It happens, it’s been this way my entire life.” He chuckled with the slow shake of his head and he lifted his beer to his lips. “A lot of books. Mikki, not sure if you’ve met her, but she’s been getting me a lot of second hand books for Dallas so we can read to her. I’ve even found this little retro Barbie Jeep for her to use in the yard. It’s got lights and music. I think she’s going to get a kick out of it.” 

“Right,” he nodded his head. It wouldn’t be that easy - he knew that. But, he sure as hell would try to protect Dallas as much as he could. His daughter was everything to him and he wouldn’t be able to stand her being hurt. He knew her first love would come and shatter her heart and Michael would do his damn best to pick up the pieces for her. “I did hear some horrors, but not as many as I would have expected honestly.” His shoulders lifted in a shrug. “Though, I’m a little selfish in being glad that my night wasn’t a horror show, honestly.” They have had enough of those to last a lifetime; at least that’s what it felt like. “It feels like it’s flying by for me.” Michael admitted to Harrison with a small smile. “I did already get Dallas a few gifts for Christmas. I can’t help myself,” he shook his head with the words coming from his mouth, “Sure she already has a lot, but she’s our only daughter. Spoiling her is all I know.”

Michael nodded his head, “Isn’t that the truth. Media expectations are out of control.” He shook his head, letting out a heavy sigh. “I’m raising a little girl. I honestly want to protect her from all of it.” If Dallas ever questioned her self worth or self image based on seeing television commercials or instagram feeds, his heart would be broken. His young girl was the light of his life. “I know, it’s impossible to protect kids from everything, but raising a little girl?” Michael’s head shook again, laughing lowly. “It’s hard enough without all the added pressure from the media. “I wouldn’t say second wedding day,” he laughed a bit softer this time, “But it was a magical night. Good for the both of us to get out of our heads for a while.” And their own personal issues. “That will be nice. Holidays are coming up way too fast. I can’t believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner.” Michael shook his head. “This year is flying by.”

“She’s really good at it so far,” Fran added, beaming with pride. She was quiet as she listened to Harrison try to explain what happened, and though Bree didn’t question what he said, she couldn’t help but wonder how in the world she could try and help someone who has lost so much. “She’s a big fan of Peter Pan,” she murmured, watching Bree light up at the mention of it, even though it meant something completely different. “Sweetie, can you please get us some napkins?” Fran asked before Bree could ask a question. “So how’s work going for you?” Fran asked in a way to stray from the sensitive topic before taking a bite from her food. She knew Bree would interject with a question if she had any throughout the course of the meal, but for now, Fran watched as her daughter put the napkins on the table and sat back down, relieved to see that Bree seemed to be contented in just stuffing her face with the food, though Fran knew there’d be an onslaught of questions later on. “Anything remotely interesting going on with you because I think this town is lulling me into a slumber,” she jokingly said. 

“Keeping fit is important,” he laughed, his gaze moving to his stomach and patting it. He was still in shape but if he kept up his drinking, he was going to lose what he had worked so hard to get. “Kidding, no gut yet. But, if I’m not careful this old age is going to catch up with me.” Michael laughed again with the shake of his head. “It was fun.” Once upon a time, though they weren’t always the best decisions in life. “It was a bit dream like. Had to keep pinching myself to make sure it was even happening.” His laughter remained light and airy. Talking with Harrison was keeping him in good spirits. And it was nice to just bullshit with someone. Anyone really. “The Guest House picking up in any business this time of year?”

“High school was easier for me. Not that I was playing, usually smoking or drinking under the bleachers. Whatever other bullshit I got into growing up.” He chuckled. Michael had not been on the best path growing up. More so after the divorce of his parents, Michael took a turn for the worse. “But I was always at the games, ought to count for something, right?” He chuckled again, “Didn’t most of us drink too much? That’s what the get for hosting an open bar like that. It was bound to cause problems.” Though, Michael had been on his better behavior. He and Quinn were having the time of their lives. They had got lost in one another. “I enjoyed it. Quinn and I got some much needed time together. A lot going on around town and with her brother back, it was nice to just get time for us.” He smiled, thinking back on that night. It had been the best they had been in a long time. Even after their talk - he was honestly surprised at how well everything well. 

“Hey, you busy?” When Harrison spoke to him, he smiled and slid into the seat across from him, grateful to have spotted him. “Hectic is definitely a word for it, yeah. More like..a pain in the ass,” he added and ran his fingers back through his hair. “Had a little..fall off the wagon moment,” he admitted, meeting Harrison’s eyes for a moment before looking at his hands, “And uh this week in bizzarre news, I have a brother.” He let out a soft laugh and shook his head, “Never a dull day in Eden’s, my man. What you got going on? Things hectic for you too?”

Michael nodded his head, “That’s fair. It is hard to keep up with them. I had better luck with them when I was in high school.” And that didn’t count for much. He had been too busy getting into fights, working or running around town late at night with a crowd of people he shouldn’t have been. “I try but mostly just checkin’ scores on my phone at the end of the night.” He shrugged his shoulders. “It makes great background noise when I can’t make it through a whole game for some reason.” He smiled over at Harrison, ordering himself another before as he turned to sip on the rest of his. “You make it out to the masquerade ball?” He asked with a smile, “Quinn and I got to go. Tell ya, for a small town they know how to throw one hell of a party.” 

Becca knew many of Quinn’s friends, though there were some she had yet to meet. Names she could remember, but faces – only if she had actually been introduced to them before. Normally she wouldn’t let someone in without knowing them well enough, but she had seen him at the masquerade and knew he was indeed a friend of her sister. Becca was babysitting for Quinn, so it wasn’t really a surprise that someone came expecting her instead. She smiled brightly, assuring it was fine. “No worries! She’ll be home soon,” Becca informed warmly. “I’m her sister, Becca. You’re welcome to come in and wait if you’d like? It shouldn’t be long; she said she was on her way home.”

Location: Legends

With: @captinxharrisonxdanvers

Mike knew Harrison from his wife’s stories, and it was old news that the man was back from the dead. “Hey, Harrison.” Mike greeted with half a wave of his hand as he found the seat next to him. He was a bit surprised to see Harrison at the bar. It was early in the afternoon, but some sports games were on and despite a few of his high school buddies bailing on him, he figured he would still come watch them. “You like hockey or just enjoying the day?” He motioned at the television with the nod of his head in its direction as he flagged down the bartender. “Just a beer on tap.” No point in an getting anything too crazy for it just being the afternoon. Michael was no stranger to enjoying a beer and some wings or other food while he watched the game and it looked like he might have company after all. He wasn’t sure how he was supposed to feel about Harrison but with so few interactions with him and Quinn didn’t bring him up all that often, he left it open to interpretation.  

“You’re not late at all, Harrison,” Fran rushed to assure him. “Hi, Uncle Harrison!” Bree said a beat later, causing her to smile. Always so polite and friendly this one, and she just went right to talking. “I’m really good! My teacher’s making us learn basic algebra and I didn’t know math used letters but it’s really cool,” Bree said, as they all moved towards the kitchen and it was then that Fran discarded her apron. “Mommy told me that you and her were friends in Chicago, and I was always around for those too, even when I was just a baby,” Bree continued and Fran gestured for Harrison to seat. “Did I have any playmates?” Bree asked, causing Fran to inhale sharply. She didn’t know how Harrison was feeling, but she was sure it must still sting. No parent could ever rebound from the loss of a child, and it was enough for Fran to reach out and hold both Bree’s and Harrison’s hands - one a symbol of adoration and protectiveness, the other a show of support.

“Woah are you alright?” Thalia’s voice was soft as she looked up from her script at the man who had seemed to catch himself on her table. Her eyes widened for am moment and she she squinted a bit as she looked at her face. She felt a jolt of familiarity and before she could stop herself she reached her hand out lightly to rest on his arm. “wait,” she practically whispered, her mind working overtime to come up with a memory of the past USO trips. “Captain Danvers?” She couldn’t remember if he had been a captain when she met him, he was certainly much younger than but she knew him as Captain since, having looked him up briefly all those years ago. “I..you know sometimes you just never forget a face,” she informed him before whispering an apology as she pulled her hand away. “You probably don’t remember me,” she told him softly and shook her head. “I was wow I was probably in my like..mid 20s when we first met? I don’t know, time flies..” she cleared her throat and held out her hand for him to shake. “I’m Thalia.”

Location: Fran’s home

With: @captinxharrisonxdanvers

It had been awhile since she saw Harrison, but that didn’t change the fact that Fran was still so incredibly elated to know that he had actually been alive all this time, to know that someone who had played a significant role in her life in Chicago was here in Edens, of all places, with her. She had invited him over for dinner with Bree, and she was just finishing up the plating when she heard the doorbell ring. “Bree, sweetheart, can you please set the table for us?” Fran asked, pressing a soft kiss on the top of Bree’s head before moving her way to the door. “Hey, hey, you’re just in time. Food’s ready,” Fran said, a large smile forming on her lips as she leaned in to wrap her arms around Harrison gently. “You look great, Harrison. Come in, come in,” she said, gesturing for him to come inside when she pulled away from the hug and leading the way to the dinner table, discarding the apron she belatedly realized she was still wearing. “You remember Bree?”