DON'T WANT TO LIVE IN PAIN

“I can just advertise the job like normal people do, Pen. I know people in town, not just the pack. Don’t say it like that please, you’re my partner, you can mention it. It’s a part of me like anything else.” He looked at her, hating when things went weird. “That’s probably not a bad thing. Even more reason not to give the job to him.”

“I know i just know... what you’re like. And you’re the pack leader you probably should.” She rubbed her lips together. “I know you don’t like him but don’t talk about him that way. I care about him.”

“I know you do, my love,” he smiled gently, rubbing her arm. “Well, I can train someone. Giving a kid a chance. I like that. Seeing Cailan every day would not help my stress.”

“I’m sure you know plenty of people in the pack.” She sighed, leaning on him. Knowing that she shouldn’t comment on pack stuff. “Okay... no Cailan. I haven’t seen him lately either. By the way.” 

Penny smiled, resting against his hair for a moment. “I love you too.” She sighed. “I guess you can hire some kid with no experience then, but i suggested it.” 

Gerry laughed gently when the girl made him sit, he really did need it sometimes “We work together, huh?” he said gently. “Cailan working here, not sure about that.” He nodded. “Yeah, yeah. Just me.”

“It’s why we work yes.” She kissed his head. “I knew you wouldn’t be, but he has bar experience and people tend to love him.”

Gerry let out a content sigh as she touched his shoulders. “I know, I know. I just feel like with Flick gone too and Mitch… and now Aria. I can’t do it with so little staff.” He nodded. “When do I not worry?”

Penny moved the man to sit, he worked too hard sometimes. “You’ve had a tough year, but i can help out. And we can always look for someone else. Cailan was looking for some extra work.” She laughed gently. “it’s your nature.”

“You don’t know anyone who wants a bar job do you?” the wolf half laughed, rubbing his head.

Penny rubbed her boyfriend’s shoulders, a baby in one arm. “I told you already, i’m happy to do those shifts. Aria taking this time off really has you worrying doesn’t it?”

Pennyforthoughts:

“Thank you,” he said with a small smile, his blue eyes looking at her. “I… not sure what I am meant to say to that? Sorry?” He rubbed his lips together. “More I should know?”

She nodded, deciding that it was probably best to drop the whole situation. “I uh... he’s been feeling stronger lately. A lot stronger... like... mother stronger.”

Penny rubbed his arm. “I... it’s my job.” She half smiled. “I trust Cailan. My pride is wounded... but he won’t hurt your sister. But there’s... probably more you should know about him.” She knew her mother would kill her. 

Penny gave the vampire a sad smile. “And i am a witch... and Gerry a werewolf. It doesn’t always work but i don’t regret it. it can be quite exciting sometimes.” 

Gerry continued to brush her cheek, maybe he was being possessive but he needed it. “I know… I know. Maybe I… get myself in trouble with that. But… she’s blood. She’s a wolf. I care. I hope you do learn to,” he said gently.

Penny nodded. “I support you. You know i support you. But there is nothing wrong with being cautious for the both of us. And i hope... if i had worries you would listen to them. I know you did with Aria.” 

Claudia returned the girl’s smile, she considered her to be a dear friend. That made her important in her long life, she never let many mortals in. “I do too, he does dearly love his brother. I do believe he will come back.” She patted her hand. “That is kind of you to say, though I don’t think he’d ever come back for me.”

Penny shrugged her shoulders, lifting up her wine. She wasn’t a day drinker... but she didn’t miss an excuse. “Maybe not for you. But it doesn’t have to be for you... for you to miss him.”

Gerry brushed her cheek, calming herself. “Okay, I trust you.” He smiled slightly, pushing away the the thoughts… what if she’d only picked him because she was pregnant? “I know, why I am asking. I’m just… trying to make sense of all of this. I don’t really know what to say other than I love you and I don’t want Hazel hurt.”

Penny’s face was furrowed but she tried to keep her eyes on him. “I love you too and i know you care about Hazel. One day i will care about her too. You just know i’m not as easy to trust as you are. It takes time.”

Penny smiled. “I think he’ll come back you know... this is his home. He has family. he loves Gerry. He adores Brooke... and i imagine you’re a hard woman to forget.”

Penny took a deep breath, controlling her fiery temper. “It was never between us because i chose you.” She glanced at him. “No. I never said that either. Cailan is a good guy. He’ll look after her. I just okay yeah there’s a little bit of pride there. If someone is in love with you you expect a little bit of pining.” 

“Oh, my darling,” she said gently, rubbing her hand. “Never to that level, no. Though I have loved. I have been alive a long time.” She nodded. “Yeah, the one and only. He kissed me just before… I think that was our goodbye. I have not heard from him since. That is good to hear, thank you.”

Penny smiled slightly. “We don’t hear from him much either. I think he finds that easier, cutting off from the town for a little while. In a way i get it. Things can be intense here.” 

“It’s literally what i said, that i’m upset he moved on that fast. I didn’t say it was a good thing but as my partner I admitted the truth to you good or bad.” She shook her head, opening the fridge to shove the milk back in. “I love you and i picked you. But right now you’re being a prick. All i said was i was surprised he’d moved on so soon. You blew this up and made it a thing.”