❦Rose x James❦

2005.

Amos had given him the gun some weeks ago "for protection" he had said and James accepted it. Now they were joking about James killing his father. They were high because the weed and even a bit intoxicated with alcohol. It was a warm night the last summer before starting college and they had been having fun in some pub, James even had the chance to kiss a girl and get her phone number. That was the last time they were together outside.

"I'd put a bullet in his head if I had the chance," James had said. "Bang! And then I'd have the pleasure of seeing his grey matter decorating the walls. Fucker. SON OF A BITCH!."

He didn't talk with anyone about the physical abuse Mr. Jared Walsh caused during all his and his little brother's childhood and until he was fifteen, just three years ago. He didn't talk either about his mother's suicide and her obsession with religion and how much that affected him. Those were secrets that he promised to keep to himself but not longer after meeting his only friend, that changed. He confessed to Amos about all that and, to James' surprise, he even could say out loud about his deepest and darkest secret: his willingness to kill his father. That night, the teenage boys were to the point to imagine what could happen if James really do it.

"I'll escape and live in some old lost cabin in Eastern Europe. They won't find me," James fantasised and his friend replied telling him about a little village in Romania that could be perfect for that. Amos promised to visit him. They laughed again, because despite being tall and already have beard, they still were very young and immature like most boys were.

That night, however, fantasies became reality when James returned home and saw his brother Jay in the kitchen with an ice pack over his eye. James didn't need to ask what happened, he knew.

He had kept the gun in his bedroom behind some books. He didn't plan to use it ever, but rage that fatal night had clouded his mind.

"You'll learn," his father's voice sounded in his mind while walked slowly towards his father's bedroom.

"Dad, no!"

"This is for your own good, James."

And then came the pain. How many years? Over a decade, since he was in kindergarten until was 15 and finally taller and stronger than him. Until his own fists knocked on his father's stomach and this one didn't dare to hit him again. But Jay was still young and weaker than he was and James couldn't stay at home 24 hours.

That night was the night that James promised himself that Mr. Jared Walsh wasn't going to live to see the sun again.

In the kitchen Jay startled when heard the gunshot and his heart started to race. The thirteen year old boy ran upstairs and his ice pack fell on the floor. James was still standing there with the gun in hand and their father was in bed with blood all around the pillow.

"Call the police," was all James in a cold voice, said.

"Jam—"

"Call the fucking police, Jay. Tell them what I did."

Jay Walsh was shaking when picked the phone. "My brother killed my father," the boy said while in the bedroom, two more gunshots could be heard. Then, blinded by his own dark feelings James felt that wasn't enough. For the years under his care, for being the cause of his nightmares, for the voices in his mind… James' fists found his father's face, not once but several times. He punched him until his own knuckles were covered in blood. Until he was sweating. Until not just the pillow but also the whole bed was covered in blood of both of them.

James didn't even remember when the police entered the house and took him out of there. He didn't remember the police cars lights nor the neighbours around his house that woke up alerted for the sirens. But he did remember Jay's blue eyes, same as his, looking at him not knowing what to do.

They made numerous questions, they asked him why and if he knew the consequences. If he had been sexually abused. The same did with Jay.

Psychiatrists studied both brothers only to confirm that both were physically and mentally abused, although not sexually… like if that made things easier for them. Professionals confirmed that the eldest brother was conscious of what he did, so James' next step was getting a lawyer. Two, actually, one more incompetent than the other and with them in charge of his fate, he entered the court.

"Who gave you the gun, James?" the prosecutor, asked.

"I found it." Dead rather than betraying his best friend.

They asked him about his father. The man who helped to save a lot of lives, including an Irish minister, the man who studied to be a doctor. "How could it be possible that hid a devilish personality?" Maybe the boys misbehaved, the prosecutor suggested.

"Does that mean you agree that kids should be beaten up by their parents?" James asked, visible irritated, but the judge ordered him to remain quiet until the prosecutor finished.

James chuckled, that's when he realised that even if Jay and him show them the marks on their backs, they weren't going to change their minds. Jared Walsh, even dead, was laughing at him. Weak.

Twenty-five years, read the judge after the two weeks the trial lasted. James didn't blink, he didn't say a word, simply let the cops take him to his new, small house one he couldn't escape from. There was his future. His best years behind an iron door and all because did the right thing. In jail, alone, until was 43.

2020.

James opened his eyes, feeling his heart racing. Probably had a nightmare he didn't remember but imagined what was about. At least he hadn't wake up his wife who was still sleeping next to him. After having lunch, and after having sex again, they took a nap to rest after the intense, but pleasant, morning they had. Rose's hair was all over the pillow and the t-shirt she was wearing, his t-shirt, had rolled up showing her waist and lower back. He couldn't help but bit his lip. She looked beautiful.

He had promised was going to talk to her father that same night and despite James knew Mr. Coldwell was aware of whom he was, he wanted to cause a good impression. He wanted to let him know that loved his daughter, he was in love with her, actually, he was ready to do everything for her. The words Amos said earlier that week stayed with him and now understood he was right— he was going to talk with Jay to ask him the part of the inheritance that legally belonged to him. His money was going to make a difference in Rose's life and she had no idea about that.

Incapable of staying still anymore, James rolled in bed bringing her body closer to his, spooning his wife. He rest his hand on her waist and kissed her neck and shoulders.

"You're awake," she whispered, brushing his arm with her fingers. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, love. I was enjoying the view."

"What view?"

"You sleeping. I realise that I don't want to let you go, ever."

"Do you think I'm going to escape?" she chuckled. "I'm not going anywhere, not witout you, at least."

"I love you, Róisín, my little hummingbird."

Determined to enjoy every minute they had together, this time it was her who moved in bed to face him and kiss him. Happily he accepted her and let her have the control. The beginning of the evening, post nap time, found her riding him as if they hadn't had sex at least four times until that moment since he arrived there at 7am.

"I love you too," Rose said, when later felt him cumming inside her. Their eyes were shining, the way they look at each other, didn't lie. Too soon, too rushed, maybe, but the feelings for the other were real. "I couldn't mind if we stay here like this until the end of the times. Until the apocalypse."

"Killing zombies with you could be perfect, love, but I'm afraid I need to take a shower first. Your father is waiting."

"Duties come first, I guess," she replied kissing him once last time before removing herself from the top of him. He didn't mention he loved being cockwarmed by her, but really loved it.

Rose had bought clothes for him that week and he chose a shirt and a new pair of jeans before going to her father's house. She wanted to be there with them, but he insisted on going alone.

"If he kills me for touching his beautiful daughter, I don't want you to see it."

"We didn't break any rules. We waited until marriage, like your God intended."

"Not yours?"

Rose chuckled. "I'll teach you a thing or two about Judaism regarding sex when we have time, husband of mine. You're going to surprise. Now go. I'll prepare dinner and then we can watch something."

"The only thing I want to watch is you naked."

"Again?"

"It's never enough. But I'll accept dinner and whatever you want to watch."

"Spaghetti and a cheap porn."

"Perfect choice," he said and both laughed.

- - - -

Maybe Samuel Coldwell had grey hair and wrinkles but James, who had never been in that situation before, felt intimidated. The tall old man let him in his place and close the door behind him. Both houses, his and Rose's, had a similar style but it was obvious that Samuel had a noticeable preference for flowers because it was decorated with several of them. James also noticed the beautiful garden in front of the house his father-in-law had.

James declined the cup of tea the other man offered him.

"Rose told me about you," Samuel then said. "…And I'm worried."

"It's reasonable but Mr. Coldwell, whatever I did it's in the past."

James asked himself if Rose had mentioned to her father about Stefano Spinietta. Probably not because she'd have said it, so James didn't mention it either. He also didn't mention how hard was sometimes to control his impulses and that he had to ignore his demons at all hours although they never spoke about Rose.

"Is it?"

"I don't expect people to understand the calvary my brother and me lived with my father, Mr. Coldwell. After 15 years, some still think I should have forgiven him, they think I should give him a pat… but I'd never do that. I can't."

"Rosie told me."

"There are things I didn't tell her. It's not worthy to remember. But it's done, it's in the past."

"Forgive me if I judge, I'm a simple florist. I didn't study, I started to work before finishing school but I'm not stupid and life taught me things. Do you understand my concerns, James? You killed someone, you're convicted and you married my only daughter barely knowing her and what's worse, she married you barely knowing who you are. You two are still young, despite being 30 as she told me the other day. I'm almost 60, James, for me, you two, are fucking young and are blindly in love which means can't see beyond your noses. Incapable of seeing the future consequences. Do you love her, don't you?"

"Mr. Coldwell, you don't know how much. I knew women before, lots of them! but I never found one like her. My Róisín is… she's special in ways I don't know if she's aware she is. Rosie is the best thing that ever happened to me."

Samuel Coldwell had kinder eyes than his daughter but in this occasion looked harder. James didn't like, never did, when someone stared at him but this time allowed it. It was for her.

"I'm aware Rosie deserves better than me."

"Yes, she does but she chose you."

"And I chose her. I'm going to give her the life she deserves, I'm going to try to, Mr. Coldwell. My brother has the half of the money that belongs to me, that will help."

"It's not about money, James. Rose never cared about it. I failed her and I don't want you to do the same because she doesn't need to go through that hell again. I want you to promise me you're not going to fail her."

"I'm not. That's the last thing I want. I want to be a good husband, her friend also. The person she trusts the most…"

"Then do it, James. And I hope you don't fuck up this."

- - - -

Rose found her husband smoking in her sofa when returned from the grocery store, after being incapable of staying still while both men talk and she felt the need to do something instead of staying inside like a caged lion.

He opened his arms inviting her to sit on his lap.

"How it went?" she asked while ran her fingers through his hair. James took a moment to reply, fixing his eyes on her and caressing her sides. It was Saturday night already, the first of the two days they had to be together passed awfully fast.

"I feel like he wanted to shoot me. You're his precious girl and I stole you from him, but I passed the exam, I think."

"My father couldn't hurt a fly even if he wants to. I love you and he knows that, he just wanted to know that it's reciprocal."

"It fucking is. You know that."

"Yes, I do but he didn't. We're going to be alright, ketzele."

"I know. Where were you?"

"I went to buy something to eat. I promised you a dinner and a movie, but I thought it'd be nice if you and I went outside the house for a bit. We didn't have a honeymoon, so I thought a night in Malahide, could make up for it. Just the beach, a bonfire and these sandwiches I bought."

"I didn't went there since I was a boy. The sea, Rosie?"

"If you want to."

A kiss was his answer.

- - - -

Malahide was a beach around 15 kilometres away from Dublin, in less than half an hour in car they were there. The lights of the city were now behind them and the smell of nature welcomed them. The wind too, that's why they settled down behind some big rocks to have privacy but also some kind of protection from the weather.

The real struggle there was to find some dry brenches for the fire and big enough to last some hours, but when they did it and when Rose finally managed to start the fire, the light that it provided and the warmth were like their reward.

Behind those rocks, on that beach that they said it belonged to them, they found peace similar to the one they had found two weekends ago when Rose took him to the abandoned factory where they danced, smoked and kissed for the first time. This time, was near the sea hearing the waves. Something about that was true because when they were alone the world belonged to them, as long as they were together.

"There's something you need to know, love," James said later after they enjoyed the sandwiches and she was resting against him.

"Is it good?"

"I guess, if I manage to talk to my brother, which I think I can do. It's about the money Jay has, our father's inheritance. Legally the fifty percent is mine, I really didn't care before, but I do now. It's important for me because I have you in my life. It's my duty to help you, to provide— if you want that word."

"Jamie, you don't have to provide for me. I know your relationship with your brother is complicated and it's not worthy if you're going to stress for a some thousands euros."

"That's the point, sweetheart, the money isn't just a couple of thousands euros."

Rose tilted her head and gulped "No? Hundreds of thousands euros?" James shook his head and a little grin appeared in his face. "How much money are we talking about?" She finally dared to ask.

"If Jay was careful, maybe if he invested it in something… then, my part is about 5 or 6 million. Maybe more because the house was sold. Jay also had the insurance plus the financial compensation the government gave him since he was a minor when this happened. It'd be a couple of numbers more."

She didn't listen to the end of his words because she started to cough, her mind and body that were lost in his touch, suddenly returned to reality. She jumped on her feet, and rest her hands on her knees trying to breathe. James, that was standing too, patted her back while was giggling.

"You can scream, Rosie, if you want. I'm not going to offend if you're happy for the money. I understand, I know, it's a lot and I know it means a big difference in your life."

"A big difference?! Holy shit, James!! It means something completely new!! It's a lot! I never thought or I believed— I didn't know about this!"

"I know."

"Why the hell did you do what you did with all those women being a fucking millionaire?"

James shrugged. "I never cared. I was bored, too. I didn't have sex in fucking ages, it was fun for a while and my relationship with Jay is dead, so, what was I going to do? Talk to him just for money? It belonged to my father, so, having something that was his wasn't in my plans. I never wanted it. I have some pride."

"And a big level of stupidity."

"Both. I know, Rosie. But I really didn't care, it was just for two days a week, so, who gave a fuck about the stupid money? If I had asked him for it to rent an apartment or something for two days then I'd never had met you in our café and that's the best thing that ever happened to me."

"Yes, to me too. But, Jamie, you'd have had such a different life this last year since they allowed you to go out."

James touched her face with his knuckles "but I have it now. Both of us. Jay can be mad at me, but he's a good man and he'll like you."

"How are you so sure?"

"Well I am not, but I want and I need to believe that everything will be fine. Do you want to celebrate our new life here in the beach? With me, near the fire?"

"Mr. Coldwell, you changed my life. The first thing I want to do now is fucking you until you don't remember your name."

"You know what I want," he said, pulling her to him.

James thought that if he had the chance, he'd love to say to the boy he was and was condemned to 25 years in prison that before the end, he was going to be with the most amazing woman he ever was going to meet. That he was going to marry her. He was going to fight for her. For her, everything was worth.

Their wedding had no theme, but colours based on their respective origins. The gold it's because it goes with both of them.

The wedding rings are celtic, the infinity knot 🥹🤍.

The wedding cake, it's hard to read there, but says "finally" and made me chuckle because probably all around them thought that 😂. (James waited 10 years to propose. Man took his time despite being fucking in love 🤭. They are like that, or wait 10 years or just two days 🤭. Also he proposed here, but in the 1900s it was Rose.)

There are not special traditions, everything is very conventional. Nothing new. Unless you count the mix of both religions.

They got married six months after they met again, after being three years apart, but they started to date two days after they saw eachother again, during Mr. Walsh's funeral*. She proposed to him three months later, after sneaking into Oxford where women weren't allowed yet.