Summary: When two things go wrong at once you're just angry. Pope tries his best to win you over again.
Today started off normally up until midnight when Pope didn't come back. Normally he'd always be back by then. If he didn't show up on time he'd always and I mean always give you the reason. A call or a text. Waiting for a reply you chose yo clean and get ready for bed. By now your phone was already charging and no notifications had been heard in the last four hours. You tried calling twice. Just as a heads up that you're waiting on him. The call went through but he never picked up. He didn't even tell you he couldn't call right now. You'd messaged him short texts over the course of the four hours but nothing. Sighing you turned off your lamp and went to bed.
Unfortunately for you you woke up when you heard a crash in the window. Someone's here. Immediately your heart began racing as the footsteps went around the house. You jumped up immediately as you went to your closet and grabbed your gun in the safe. You went up to the window to hopefully open it and run but as soon as you got the lock open someone approached it. Two intruders? Your chances were slim in survival with minimal injury. Forgetting your phone on the nightstand you ran for it. Only to get your hair pulled by the intruder now in your bedroom. The second came in through your bedroom door with such a calmness like they owned the house. Just looking around for anything worth stealing. Taking the safety off your gun you shot one and the other ran for you. Keeping a grip on your gun you were laid flat on the floor as the man sat on you holding your wrist to the floor to prevent you from shooting.
"Not home huh? Maybe we'll just rough you up and come back another time."
The man was after Pope. Pope was in very shady business you'd always known this. You didn't really care. But what had he done to get these men to do this? The man on the floor was inching up as he grabbed his shoulder where you shot him. The other man opened your hand and took the gun. Rendering you helpless. By now you'd begin to fear for your life. Afraid what they wanted with you. Struggling against the man he slapped you first. Not really thinking much of it you kept going. It was no use and you knew it. You were either going to die here or worse be taken advantage of and beaten. If you lived you were going to give Pope hell for this. The man with the shoulder shot finally got to his feet. Shuffling towards you he stood over you until he grunted and kicked you. Wincing and closing your eyes he kicked again. Nothing broken yet. Luckily you thought. But they kept going this time the other man joining in to punch your face. First your cheekbone. Then your eye near the bridge of your nose. Then your jaw. Trying not to make any noise you curled into yourself as you waited for this to end. Maybe you would die here. This was it. Your body burned and your eyes cried against your will. You'd prayed to the heavens and god to just let your torment be over. You didn't know how long it had been until suddenly your hand was laid flat on the floor again as the shoulder shot man stomped on it. The crack made you cry out in pain but no matter how much you could scream no one would hear. You owned a lot of land surrounding your house so no neighbors were ever nearby. What a joke it was now. Your hand laid limp as when you tried to pick it up you could see and feel how the broken bones wiggled in your skin. You hadn't noticed but your blood was on the floor now. With a few goodbye beatings and a laugh they left. Leaving you there with nothing. Crying in ball you wanted to get up but it hurt. Feel the aches and the swelling begin you closed your eyes and tried to find the will in you to get up. You have to get up. You're not helpless. You can get up. You just have to will it. Choosing to get up you used your good hand to push you up and walk to get your phone. Calling Pope again. Same rings. The call went through, but still you didn't get an answer. Looking at the time read 3 AM. The ER is probably where you should go next. Part of you wanted to go to Smurf's to see what was going on but you didn't think you'd make it. Opting for the Hospital you got the keys and left.
The roads were blurry as you tried to stay awake. Your car was probably swerving but if any police officer saw you you'd have a better chance at getting a free ride to the ER than an actual ticket considering how you look. Your head was blaring and your hand laid limp on your lap. Your legs had begun to hurt which you assumed was just the bruising coming in. Still manageable though. Not really having a plan you locked the car and put the keys near the tire leavening you phone there too. You'd be back soon anyway. Walking in to the ER they immediately started talking to you.
"Can you tell us your name and age?"
"Any pre existing conditions?"
"Anyone we can call? Family? Spouse? Friends?" The nurse had asked
"No" you croaked as your throat ran dry.
You did NOT feel like answering anything.
The next hours were blurs as they tested you and worked on you.
When you awoke the nurse was waiting on you. The room was cold and sterile. You body was hooked up to too many machines and the IV in your arm was bothering you.
"Ma'am are you awake?" The young blonde nurse asked.
Nodding you tried sitting up only to be met with paralyzing pain and a white cast on your wrist. So great you can't move that hand either.
"Don't try to move. You fractured some ribs which is why your whole midsection is bruised. Your hand was shattered so badly we had to do surgery but Eveything is back in place. The area around your eye had some swelling which should heal on its own. There's major swelling all over as your body is trying to heal so we'll prescribe you some pain medication and keep you in observation for a couple days okay."
Nodding you waited for her to leave and within the hour you ripped the IV out and walked out. Body hurting like you'd just died and got back up you went to your car. You'd purposely left the keys on the tire and thank god no one robbed you now. Opening you phone still not one notification from Pope. Where the fuck was he? You'd just survived hell on earth and he doesn't even know it yet.
Opened the car you got in with multiple grunts and winces. As you sat down you took a moment and just breathed. You opened the mirror with a shaky hand and let out a just as shaky breath as you looked at your face. Half bruised and half swollen. Your face felt hot and your eye was still a bit blurry. Pressing a finger to the inner corner of your eye you cried out. Where was Pope? Why didn't he answer? After this you weren't sure whether you'd break up with him or just yell at him. It wasn't his fault this happened but you're mad at him for not checking in for this long. Turning on the car you drove home first. The roads still blurry and everything felt too fast. You'd made eye contact with someone at a light and when they looked over to see your face they only had wide eyes and their jaw dropped. Pulling into your house driveway you noticed Pope still wasn't home. After turning off the car you took a minute before the pain began again as you got out. The walk on the gravel made your feet hurt and seeing the broken window from here made you not want to go in. Opening the door the house looked clean except for the missing items. Tiny stuff not the tv or anything just minor things. Odd. Opening your room you were reminded with what had just happened to you. Crying as you walked in you noticed the immediate dried blood on the floor. The blood was shaped around your body that was laid there as they beat you. You didn't know you had bled. Sitting on the bed you grabbed some pain meds and took three. Choosing to torment Pope you got up and went to the closet to change. Inside as you changed into some jeans and a new shirt you caught a glimpse of your body in the mirror. Most of it covered in purple and yellow bruises. You cried harder as you looked at your body. Your wrist was in a cast now. A white cylinder on your wrist up to your hand. Going to the bathroom you didn't put on any makeup and just grabbed some chapstick for the obvious split in your lip. Letting your hair down you went back to your car. And straight to Smurfs. To find Pope.
After a calm but painful drive you arrived there. Hoping desperately to get a drink. As you pulled into the private driveway you were Immediately met with Deran who was going out to surf. Stepping out you wobbled as your kept your balance with your hand on your car. And walked forward as Deran stopped and looked at your face. He stopped in his tracks.
"what happened to you." He asked as he noticed how you were swaying while standing still.
"Is Pope here? He didn't answer last night." You calmly asked.
"Yea we had a party and he got drunk and went to bed. Felt kinda bad since he doesn't really sleep so we left him. Sorry" he walked away as soon as he said it hopping into his car and leaving.
Taking a few breaths you could feel the heat of the sun on your skin. The burn only adding to your torture. Moving to get inside you went to the kitchen. Immediately standing by the island as you waited for Smurf to turn around.
"Hey- What happened?" She asked not because she cared but she never took you as the kind to be into shady things.
"Someone came for Pope. Found me and did this."You said you lifted your shirt and lifted your cast up.
"Can I get a cocktail? you choose just tons of alcohol?" You asked
"Coming right up" she said as she got two glasses out.
Making your drink and one for her as you walked outside. Pope was there. Punching his damn bag. You stood in the shade as you waited for Smurf to bring your drink out. Even as you stared he payed no mind to you. You just went through hell and he's here punching his little punching bag. Part of you wanted to just dump him right here right now but you knew better. You loved Pope. You'd known him your whole life. Hell you were married for Christ's sake. But god did you want to chew him out for not answering. The funny part is you're not even blaming him for the beating you're blaming him for not answering. You'd take a beating for him any day. You loved him enough to do it. But what did it cost him to just answer the damn phone? Debating what to do the door slid open with Smurf and two drinks in her hand. Taking a long sip you set it down and walked up to him.
"What the Fuck is wrong with you!" You yell.
He immediately took in your face and just stared. He looked angry but not at you. Mad at who did this.
"Who did this to you?" He asked as he stepped closer looking at your stance and the new white cast on you.
"That's what you're worried about Pope. I just got the shit beat outta me and you're worried about them. Not even me. I called you Pope. I texted. Then this happens and you don't even know. Fuck you Pope. Fuck you!" You screamed at him.
Smurf watching from inside just wondered what the next days were gonna be for him.
"I'm sorry" Is all he said. "I lost my phone and I got drunk and I forgot. I should've known. I'm sorry." But you didn't want an apology.
"I'm already beat Pope. It already happened and you weren't there." Crying a bit now you looked down.
During this conversation Pope could see the way you'd blink extra and squint as the sun hurt your eyes. Pope didn't like seeing you like this. You were his girl. His wife. His person. And he failed you. He wanted to find whoever did this and kill them. But you didn't want that. You were just mad and didn't know why. Turning around you were going to begin to walk away until he caught your wrist and pulled you towards him. As he tried to hug you pushed at his chest and walked away. Nowhere to go but home again.
At home you sit and just drink. On the couch with a random bottle of alcohol you cried. Not even having the will to get up and change into some comfortable clothes. Back at Smurfs Pope is getting his things and going home. He picks up some ice on the way home and when he gets there he immediately notices the glass on the window. Walking in he's met with you on the couch sleeping. Knowing what's happened here he walks to the bedroom to find the blood stains on the floor and the obvious boot prints there. Your gun is thrown half under the bed and he checks the bullets to see you used one. He's proud you were able to use it but he regrets not answering his phone. If the bullet had worked you wouldn't have been in this condition. Moving back to the living room you're sitting up now with a scowl on your face. You stand up and walk slowly to get a cup of water. When you sit back down on the couch he's sitting in the chair near it.
"Sorry won't fix this Pope. I can't even function right. My eye is blurry. My legs are bruised and weak. My ribs are fractured and my hand is shattered. You're dead to me Pope." You say as you drink the water.
"I know I should've called."
"Yea but you didn't. Why didn't you at least invite me to this party."
"Because I forgot. We had a heist right before it started and then my phone got lost with the supplies and I just forgot I'm sorry."
"so you just forgot and didn't think twice to think about me?"
"I did but I got caught up I'll make it up to you I swear."
Moving to lay down you wince and pull the blanket over your shoulders.
"Let's go to bed." He stands as he says it.
"I'm not going back to that room especially not with you after you abandoned me."
Turning to face the cushion of the couch you nod off to sleep. Leaving Pope sitting there. Watching you. Too guilty to fall asleep. And too confused on what to do next.
After an hour of just staring at you while you sleep Baz calls which knocks him out of his trance and goes outside to answer it.
"I heard what happened. I know you're lost Pope so take the advice and go buy her some nice things and stick with her. She's gonna fight you off so it's important you stay. Also Smurfs having dinner tomorrow so don't come and have takeout with her. It'll mean more to her."
"So like a ring? Where do I get one?"
"Stick with her and get her some food first. Then you can think about a new ring." Baz hangs up.
Moving back inside Pope sees you sat up. As he rounds the corner he's met with you curled into yourself as you just weep.
"You had a nightmare. About them." He says it more like a statement than a question but it's pointless.
You don't speak. He shifts to sit next to you. You push him. You push his chest and his chest and even his face but he doesn't give in. He only wraps an arm around you and leans both of you back on the cushion and you let up. You get tired of fighting and just give up. You curl into him as he just waits there. Eventually after fighting off sleep it takes you and you sleep peacefully as he holds you.
When you wake up you're still curled up to him but not sitting up anymore. He's laying on the couch with you on top of him. He must've moved you both after you fell asleep. His arm holds at your hip one is hanging off the couch. You're near his neck and he begins to wake up. Choosing peace over pain you close your eyes again. You rather sleep with Pope even if you're mad rather than get up for the day and be in crippling pain. But Pope knows better. He knows you so much that he knows that you're not asleep. But happy with your closeness he goes back to sleep.
After sleeping most of the day you have to get up. Saying nothing you stand up and make your way to the bathroom. You shamble your way up and get to the bathroom to get more pain meds and brush your teeth. Pope gets up as well to see a notification from Baz "don't eat at Smurfs buy her food and eat with her." Pope gets up to the bathroom to also brush his teeth. Deciding to change into comfier clothes you grab some sweats and a shirt. One of Pope Shirts. Just as you're about to change in the bathroom you drop your sweatpants.
Bending down and using your knee as support you try and fail. Sighing frustratedly and trying again only for Pope to pick them up. He hold them out to you but you go to grab them. Just as you do he grabs your leg to put it through your pants
"I can do this Pope. I got it."
But he doesn't let up. So you slip in and his hands bring them up to your waist as he's this close he takes advantage of the closeness and presses a quick kiss to your temple. Walking of you mumble
"I'm still mad at you." As you look at the floor. And leave
Going to the kitchen to find food you analyze the options. Pope entering the room for his keys says
"I'm getting food I'll be back in a little."
Moving infront of him you grab his wrist.
He immediately knows it's because you'll be alone and it's not like he'll say no.
He said as he opens the door and waits for you to walk out. Locking the door he gets to his truck and opens your side and helps you up. When he gets inside and turns on the truck he looks at your for a quick second
"Do you want from that one place?"
Not even needing to mention a restaurant or a food item you both know the place. He's always known. It's your guys place.
Arriving at the place he moves to the drive thru and orders for both of you. He doesn't have to ask he's known your order since he was like 12 It's natural at this point. After getting the food you put an hand on his arm.
"Can we go to the beach? The house is too cold."
He knows you're not talking about the temperature of the house and just says
Getting out of the car he locks the car to prevent you from getting out on your own. When he rounds the truck he opens the door and offers his hands to help. Taking his hands you get out with a small yelp. The jump on the concrete hurting your weakened state. While leaning on the truck you watch the sun over the water. When Pope has the food you move to sit on some concrete steps leading to the sand. Eating in silence you look into the sunset and shed a tear. You have to let it go. You love him too much to push him away. As angry as you were you feel the anger fade in the waves of the sea. Sighing you decided to let it go. You choose Pope. You choose him over your frustrations. Pope wasn't there but now he is and he's trying. You know it's hard for him to understand you sometimes. While Pope throws the trash into a nearby trash can you bask in the warmth outside and the sound of water rushing. When Pope gets back he sits a bit closer than he originally was which doesn't go unnoticed by you. Shuffling closer you lean into him again until he wraps his arm around you. Your tears fall against your will like running water. As you sniffle he uses his jacket sleeve to clean your snot as you laugh a bit.
"It's okay." He says softly
Looking up at him you kiss his jaw and just go back to watching the sunset. He's just happy you're coming back. Watching the sun with a soft smile he sighs of relief.
When the sun has gone down and you're alone on the beach he looks down to see you asleep. He picks you up with such an ease you don't wake up. After putting you in the truck he's happy it's today. Maybe you're not talking yet but you slept together all day then ate together and watched a sunset. In his eyes he did something good. You even kissed him. Turning on the truck you open your eyes slightly but don't wake up and you go back to sleep. When he gets to the driveway you finally wake up. As he opens your door you move your legs to get out but he moves closer and picks up again.
you say but your hands are around his neck and he only says
"Your medicine wore off an hour ago, You're in pain."
Opening the door and setting you down on the couch he gets up to get your meds while you shuffle towards your bedroom. You miss your bed. When Pope doesn't find you in the living room he's scared you ran away but he quickly hears the sound of your lamp turning on. He internally sighs and walk to your bedside with a cup of water and three pills. As you take them he changes into his own pajamas. He closes the door and begins getting into bed when you see him organizing his nightstand and you snap a quick picture. He doesn't push but he does look up as he hears it. When he gets into bed you turn off your lamp and lay down. Sitting up you move until you're on Pope. Your leg draped over his hip and your arm on his chest and your face tucked at his neck. His arm wraps around your waist and he sighs at the welcome weight. Rubbing a circle on his chest you say
Then you go to sleep. He doesn't even know what to respond to that so he just goes to sleep. That night you don't dream. Thankfully.
When you awake you're met with the Popes chest. This time you're laying sideways. Your leg still over his hip but now his leg is in between yours and your arm is under his shirt around his midsection. His arm is at your waist still. When he wakes up he shifts to be at eye level with you. You kiss the corner of his mouth first. Then his jaw. Then his lips. Not wanting to scare you he starts slow and firm. He pull away to say something but you don't let him. Kissing him again you trail kisses down to his neck. He closes his eyes and sighs in relief. When you're done you look up at him. He rolls onto his back as he lifts up on his lap and he sits up a bit on the pillows. Then he initiates the next kiss. Deeper this time. More passionate but still testing the waters. When his hands grab at your hips he moves you back and forth but you stop him. As you pull away slightly breathless and sleepy you shake your head. "Hurts too much. I probably won't be able to for a while. Probably weeks." You say.
He grunts in frustration but doesn't push further. But god does he miss you. It's been two days of you pushing him away and that enough to send him running back to you immediately. Though he does kiss you again. Soft and gentle he doesn't move you just caresses your body and you melt into him again. Just kissing and holding each other. Neither of you leave.
You whisper "I'm not getting out bed today."
He smiles and lets out a small laugh as he kisses you again. He's happy to be right here. He's happy to just make out with his wife all day long. If she wants to be here all day long doing nothing then he's happy to make sure it happens.
Later that week when you went shopping for groceries when the cashier looked up and saw your face you could see the dots connect in the cashiers head when they assumed he'd beat you. "Pope we forgot the lettuce can you go get it baby?"
As he walks off the cashier whispers "does he beat you? We can get you help? It's okay"
but you cut them off with a laugh.
"God no. He wouldn't ever dream of it. Home intruder." You point to your face.
When Pope comes back he sets it down. While he gets the groceries into the cart he hands you his card. You swipe his card and smile when the cashier hands you the receipt.
"We're okay. I swear" you whisper as you grab Popes hand as he pushes the cart.
"What was that about?" Pope asks and you near his truck.
"Cashier thought you beat me. Can you imagine?" Without missing a beat