#oneshotseries

Badlands !

All we do is drive, all we do is think about the feelings that we hide.

I. Castle

II. Hold Me Down

III. New Americana

IV. Drive

V. Hurricane

VI. Roman Holiday

VII. Colours

VIII. Strange Love

IX. Coming Down

X. Haunting

XI. Gasoline

XII. Control

XIII. Young God

Lucas North x Reader

Warnings: Angst, beatings, heartbreak and fluff

It was now the third time this week that Lucas had stood me up. He promised me that he would be here this time, that he would not stand me up again. His daily excuse was that his job held him captive, but I did not believe it. The first time okay, but the second night after the other not and I knew right that something was wrong.

I knew that Lucas worked for MI5 and I never had said anything, when his work took him away from me, most of the time. We had been together for a year now. We actually met through a dumb incident. I ran into him and two of his fellow colleagues. I saw that he had wound and so I followed them, because I was nurse and it was duty to help those who are wounded.

I had big hard since I was a little girl and I always wanted to help everyone and that wish only got stronger since I came out of that russian prison I was imprisont in. After that incident in the tunnels Lucas and I got to know each other just fine and from friendship it grew to love. We began dating and I was the happiest woman. But that all changed one week ago.

I believe he forgot that I even existed. Everytime he got home late the last week I was already asleep and when I woke up he was already gone. It was like he never was home and I felt like I did not was a part of his life anymore, that I didn't belong there. But today I took a few days off, saying that I was sick and tonight I was going to wait for Lucas and was going to stand up to him and gave a bit of opinion of his latest behaviour.

So I waited and waited. I waited two hours, I waited three hours and I waited four hours. It was almost two in the morning when the door to Lucas' apartment opened and in he came with a woman wrapped around his waist and their lips on each other, like they were eating each other wholly.

A gasp escaped my lips and the bowl I was holding in my hands, from trying to distract myself from unwanted thoughs somehow fell to the floor and shattered into thousand little pieces, just like my heart did. Tears began to fill my eyes and Lucas' glance shot to me. It seemed like he didn't want to believe that I was Standing there.

He set the woman down, back on her feet while the both of them stared at me. She had just a smirk on her lips and Lucas looked like disowned dog. A frown found it's way onto his face and he made a few steps towards me, but I took as much steps away from him. When he wanted to speak, I held up my hand and said. " No, Lucas. You don't Need to say any more. I will leave you two to it. Goodbye Lucas." 

Then I grabbed my bag, put on my Sneakers and jacket and made my to the front door, but before I could leave I felt a hand wrapped around my wrist. I didn't want to look up, for I knew it was Lucas. I knew that grip and that scent good and if I would look up now I was going to break down. So I just shook my head and tried to free myself from his grip, but he didn't let loose from his grip.

I raised my voice to sound confident and not like I was going to break down any second and said in an almost strong manner. " Lucas North, let me go now!" I heard a sigh behind me and felt his grip loosen around my wrist, before he fully let me go, knowing he wasn't going to win this. Still not looking up I took my chance before he could change his mind and ran out of our once shared flat.

I ran out into the night and as far as my legs could carry me and when I grew tired as did my legs I stopped running, tears began streaming down my cheeks and I felt my heart ache at the feeling of having lost the man I loved with all of my heart, the man that kept the darkness at bay, the man who kept the nightmares away from me like wall. I sank to the floor and buried my face in my hands, the sobs that now raked through my wole body, consuming me.

When my tears finally stopped flowing I tried to stand up. When I managed that I picked out my phone and dialed the only number I knew the person was going to help me. When the person picked up I answered. " Ros, here is Jenna, I need your help." My voice still sounded raw and the woman quickly picked up on what happened, for she spoke calmly " It's alright Jenna, I will come pick you up. Tell me where you are."

I told her where I was and she said that she would come get me now. I said goodbye and hung up. I couldn't stop the tears that wanted to get free, so I just let them flow. Not far away from me was a bench, so I walked over and sat down on the bench and waited for Ros to come and get me. Ever since Lucas and I got together, Ros and I grew very close. Sometimes Lucas took me to work with him and I would spend my time either with Ros or Ruth, when they had nothing to do.

The thought of Lucas made my heart ache again and just remembering him made me want to throw up at the Moment.' Why did he have to betray me in such a way? Have I done something wrong, was I a bad Person? So tell me why I deserved to be treated in such a way from the man I thought loved me and that after all that had happened. The imprisonment, the absent of trust and anything else. He knew all of that and still decided to rip my heart out like that.' All those thoughts were in my mind.

I looked up when I heard a car pull up in front of me, thinking it was Ros, but it wasn't and when I saw who that person was, I quickly grabbed my bag, stood up and made for a run, but Lucas was faster and he grabbed me around the waist, pulling me flush against him, while I thrashed around in his arms, not wanting to see him right now, while he whispered into my ear. " Jenna, wait before you go and jugde me."

Hearing those words just made me angrier and I began to scream. " Don't you dare touching me, North. I don't want to see you ever again. You broke my heart and here I were thinking you loved me. Well seems like I was wrong again." He looked at me like a like I just slapped him, which I would gladly do right now, to be honest. " Jenna please believe me when I say, that it was never my intention to hurt you and that I love you."

" No, Lucas. I can't believe you. If you would love me, you never would have betrayed me the way you did and don't tell me f#cking that woman belongs to your job, for it doesn't." I said through gritted teeth. He ran a hand through his hair like he normally did when he was either nervous or frustrated, before he made another stept towards while I stepped back from him again.

" Love, please believe me, I never wanted to hurt you or betray you like that and you are right to hate me now, but know that I will always love you and that Sarah was just an accident." " Lucas I don't hate you but I don't like you much either at the Moment and I need time. Please respect that I don't want to see you now." I spoke calmly, tears threatining to spill once more.

Another car pulled up next to us and Ros got out of it, anger written on her face before she spoke through gritted teeth. " Jenna get into that car, I may have to have a little talk with mister 'I bed every suspect'." I nodded, grabbed my bag and got in on the passenger seat. As soon as I sat in the car I heard a slap, shocked I turned to see that Ros had slapped Lucas across the cheek while his head hung in shame.

Ros turned around and got into the drivers seat, driving away and towards her place, where she helped me get out of the car. She opened the door to her flat and closed and locked it right behind me again. She then said. " Here have a seat, I will make the guest room ready for you and then we will have a little talk." I gave her a small smile, or rather something that should look like a smile.

I mumbled a quick thanks and sat down on the sofa, grabbing one of the blankets laying around and put it over myself. I leaned back into of the pillows and closed my eyes. From all the stress and hurt I first didn't notice how exhausted I really had been, because after I closed my eyes I had fallen asleep. I didn't even noticed that Ros had come back into the room.

The next time I woke up it was still pretty early. It must've been around six in the morning. I only slept for two hours and my head hurted like I feted all night long. With a groan I stood uponly to see a note on the living room table. There stood. " Good morning Jenna. If you read this I'm already at work. On the kitchen counter is a glass with water and an Aspirin. I wish you a good day, do whatever to wish to do. See you tonight. Ros."

I smiled when I saw what she wrote. Ros never got soft on anybody, anybody but me. I must've triggered something inside her, for she treated me like a mother would a daughter. Well let's say I wasn't that old anyway. Somewhere in my mid twenties. Lucas was maybe ten years older but I really loved him and I still did, but I need space and I must be able to trust him and that trust is not there anymore.

The next few weeks I got a lot of messages and calls from Lucas, but I answered none of them, for the hurt still sat too deep inside me as did the trust issues. But now I had enough of only sitting in Ros' apartment and being afraid of meeting Lucas on the street and I needed to get back to work or they would grow suspiscious, if they weren't already. So I put on an blue jeans and a black crop top and over that my favourite black leather jacket. It was a gift from Lucas.

But I wouldn't let that thought destroy my good mood now and to sum up my Outfit I put on my favourite black boots. When I was ready I took my coat and back and made my way out of the apartment, closing and locking the door behind me. I left the building and made my way towards my working place when a hand grabbed me from behind and covered my mouth with their hand.

The person stunk. They stunk like they had many bottles of alcohol and all I wanted was to get myself free and continue on my to work. But before I could scream or anything like that the person's hand covered my mouth in an attempt to Keep me quiet. The grip of the person's Hand on my arm was firm and it hurt when his grip grew stronger. I wanted to throw up when the person leaned down and whispered in my ear. " Why don't you come with me you beautiful little thing, and we have a bit of fun?"

Wait a Moment. I knew that voice. A shudder went up my spine and I closed my eyes not wanting to believe that this was true. The person turned me around to them and forced me to open my eyes, which I did, yet reluctantly and when I did, I felt the anxiety inside me grow. He was my captor when I was held captive in russian prison. My insides rebelled and I almost threw up when I saw that wicked expression on the man's face. He almost looked insane.

His grip on my arm grew firmer and I think there were bruises forming already from how firm he held my arm. A sob raked through my body and his grin grew even wider before he said again in his sickenly voice. " Ah you remember me, little one. That's good then. Let's have some fun like in the old good times yeah? Before I got fired because of you." I swallowed thickly and shook my head.

No I didn't want this chapter to repeat itself again and my bones grew limp. I was back in that cell, all the pain was back also and my throat was dry and my eyes began to water. I shook my head again and again. First Lucas betrayed me and now the man who was the reason for my nightmares, was back again. And he wanted revenge for what I did to him. This couldn't be true. Then before I knew what happened I felt a dull pain in the back of head and I fell unconscious.

The next time I woke up I was chained to something cold and it smelled like metal, probably a pipe. My throat hurt and my whole body felt like it was on fire, everything hurt, like I had been slapped and beaten up for hours. When my eyes had become accustomed to the dark I could see more clearly. In front of me stood a camera and it was directed at me. I rew anxious for I knew what he was going to do to me. Suddenly a door nearby slammed open and in came he.

I gulped and immeadiately looked to the floor, not wanting to meet his gaze. When I heard no footsteps anymore I looked up confusedly only to be met with my captors face. Before I could look back down he had grabbed my chin and forced me to look at him. His grip was firm and bruising. Then I heard his sickenly voice again, " I see you're awake again. So we can continue our little chat hm?" I shook my head again as tears streamed down my cheeks.

" No? Well that's a problem, for I'm quite excited for the continuiation of our chat and I'm sure your little boyfriend is going to like the little gift I will leave for him." He said, grinning like a mad man. I could manage to to gain a little courage before I gritted my teeth and said. " Let Lucas out of it. This is a thing between you and I. Even when Lucas isn't my boyfriend anymore I still care for him and if you do just the slightest of things to him, I will find you and you will see what I'm capable of doing."

Then I spat right in his face and the smirk that was just moments ago on his face was now away and instead he wore a very angry expression, making me swallow hard and then I felt a harsh slap and my head fell to the side when his fist collided with my chin. I could taste blood in my mouth, but this time I wasn't going to give up. I mean he wanted to pull Lucas into our fight if it mean protecting him with my life so he could live his happily, with Sarah.

Even though that thought hurt, I still wished him all the best, for he was the man I loved and I wasn't going to take his happiness away from him, after everything he went through. Ilya watched me carefully then he took a step back and directed the camera on me again. Then he took a step towards me again and when he was about to rip off my top which I hadn't noticed was the only Thing I was wearing beside my underwear, voices could be heard outside of that room.

Hopefully it weren't any other FSB members. Then when he was about to punch me the door was pushed open and inside came three men and one woman. The woman I recongnised as Ros and a sigh of relieve shut through my whole body, when one of the two men shouted. " Get away from the woman, hands in the air and on your knees now!" I would recognise that voice anywhere. It was Lucas and my heart clenched when I heard his voice.

Tears began to well in my eyes again. Tears of joy or sadness I didn't know. Probably both though. Ilya just grinned wickedly and out of nowhere he pulled out a knife and went to stab me with it. I closed my eyes and waited for the pain to consume me, but nothing of that happedned. I heard a gun go off and somebody sank to the floor with a dull sound. I opened my eyes again to see Ilya on the floor with a bullet deep in his chest.

Ros made to come towards me but Lucas stopped her and placed a hand on her arm carefully, fearing she might slap him again, which made me grin. How much I adored that woman. Ros just sighed and nodded. Then Lucas went towards me, made my hands loose again and my arms fell to my side. They hurted from being tied up for so long and now the Exhaustion from the past few hours took over me and I slightly stumbled forwards, but before I could kiss the Floor two strong arms wrapped themselves around my waist.

I was pulled flush into his chest and I could make out Lucas famous scent which, which was kind of torture and kind of familiar. To be honest I had missed him dearly but he broke my heart, but I wasn't able to argue right now, so I just let him pick me up and I buried my face into the crook of his neck so he couldn't see that IÂ  was crying again. I had been crying so much the past few weeks and I was so exhausted the last thing I noticed were a pair of lips that were pressed against my forehead, making me sigh contently and drift of into a dreamless sleep.

When I next woke up tears were streaming down my face and I shot up screaming. I had had a nightmare again. This time it was a new one. A nightmare where Lucas stood in front of me holding a gun towards me, while Sarah stood next to him grinning wickedly at me, yet before Lucas pulled the trigger, Sarah pulled out a gun herself and shot me, while Lucas looked at her shocked. Then the dream had changed and I was in that cellar again, in front of me Ilya and he was holding a taser in his hand which he used on me without hesitation.

I felt a hand gently touch my shoulder and I opened my exes, trying to get away from that hand, out of fear it might me Ilya again. But when I saw who it was, relief filled my whole body and I closed my eyes again before I began rubbing through them, still breathing heavily. Lucas leaned down and pressed a short kiss to my temple and I visibly relaxed. Then he whispered into my ear. " Hey hey, love. Calm down, it is just me. I promise nothing is ever going to happen to you again."

All I could do was stare up at him, tears forming in my eyes again before I let them run down my cheeks freely. Lucas just sat there watching me with a said Expression before he made to say something again but I shook my head, my throat in knots. " No Lucas please don't I don't wanna hear any excuses from you." " Jenna, love. Please look at me and just listen to me. Please." Lucas' whispered. He sounded so vurnable, just like when he told me about his imprisonment.

All I could do was nod and when Lucas gently cupped my face in his hands and turned my face so I must look at him, only then he began to speak. " Jenna, my love. I know I don't deserve your love." At that I let out a huff and Lucas sighed, before he continued. " But I love you and I beg your forgiveness, for you are the only thing that means something to me. For you I would give up my place at the grid." At that my eyes turned wide. Never in a million years would I have thought to hear that sentence coming from him. He was so dedicated to his Job.

Lucas nodded his head and smiled gently at me while his thumbs stroked my cheeks gently. Then he continued. " Right when you left I kicked Sarah out and ever since that, I never saw her again. Please my love, believe me. I need you. without you I'm nothing and all I want is your forgiveness. I beg you. Please take me back. I love you with everything I have."

I looked at him shocked. He never said ' I love you' before. This was the first time and that made my heart burst with love for that man. He was all that I needed. With him by my side I could do everything. He may have hurt me, but he would also do everything to pierce back every piece of me that had shattered even if it meant fighting for me for the rest of his life and that was what I saw right now. And didn't everyone derserve a second chance at least?

So I gave him a small smile and said quietly. " Alright Lucas. I will give you a second chance, but don't you dare throwing that away, or I'll be gone forever and you will have to gain my trust again, before I fully give myself to you again." Lucas smiled widely and a loud happy laugh left his mouth, which made me giggle. Then he pressed his lips to mine in a gentle but passionate kiss. We layed in his bed, kissing for hours without end, when I finally grew tired again.

Lucas pulled me close and I rested my head on his bare, broad, muscled chest, with my hand resting on his strong stomach, making me sigh in relief that this man was now really mine and hopefully forever. The last Thing I felt were his lips pressed to my forehead and himm whispering in my ear softly. " I love you, my love." Making me fall asleep without crying myself to sleep and a smile on my lips, for the first time in three weeks.

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Pair: Thorin x oc Miira

Warning: fluff, a tiny Little bit angst

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Miira's POV:

Hello my name is Miira and I am half dwarf half hobbit. Even though I am a dwarf I do not have any facial or body hair, but I do have little hairs on my big feet.

I'm not very tall for a half dwarf. I'm way smaller than the average dwarf but a little taller than the average hobbit. I'm 15 years old and I live with my three brothers and my father on a farm near Erebor.

My best friend is Dis younger sister of the princes Thorin and Frerin. Daughter of Thrai­n. And I'm gonna tell you a little secret nobody knows but Dis who fancies this. I'm in love with Thorin even though I know it will never happen him and I. Well that's what I thought.

One day I was wandering around the markets in dale. I wanted to buy a birthday present for my best friend Di­s who would have her birthday in a weeks time from today on.

She loved everything which had to do with fashion. She even was a little spoiled, being her fathers and brothers little princess. Sometimes I whished I had such a strong bond with my brothers.

Sure I loved them and all but we weren't that close. While my brothers were outside learning to fight with my father I was doing the household which I learned from my mother. Means cooking, cleaning, being on the field.

I wanted to learn how to fight as well. Wanted to learn how I could defend myself if something were about to happen. Anyway back to the birthday present. I was searching for something when someone ran past me and knocked me to the floor.

Cursing I tried to stand up when I saw a hand appearing in front of me. Sighing quietly I took the hand and let myself being pulled up by this stranger. But as I wanted to thank the person in front of me the smile on my face froze.

In front of me was standing Thorin with a somewhat stern look which held a little mischief in it. But the stern look turned into a soft look and he gave me smirk. I blushed furiously and made a curtsy.

Thorin just shook his head and softly pulled me up by my chin. " you don't have to curtsy in front of me. You're my sisters best friend" he said to me. And of course my heart sunk at his words but it didn't stop my heart from beating heavily inside my chest as he spoke.

His voice made me weak in the knees. So I just nodded quickly. But his words kept repeating themselves in my head again and again ' you're my sisters best friend '. Hearing these words from him hurted me more than everything else would have.

I just looked at him and he quickly put his stoic expression back on his face as others came walking towards us and he went forwards before giving me a sign to follow him. With my head hung low I followed him. I still had no presents for Dis and her birthday was in a weeks time already!

And I had plenty to do before that. I probably would have to sneak out tomorrow to buy that gift for her or else I would be a bad friend. Even if that means getting yelled at by my brothers. And that I really had not enough gold to buy an expensive present.

Back at Erebor Thorin walked me to Dis chambers where she is with her mother. We stopped in front of the chambers doors and I turned to him giving him a short curtsy and whispering under my breath " thank you for walking me here, your Majesty " and quickly hiding inside the chambers.

Whilst Thorin still stood in front of the chambers and looked surprised at why I have disappeared so quickly. But then he shook his head and walked away to talk with Balin about something important.

Di­s must've heard me because she called out " Miira is that you?" I took a deep breath before responding " yes, yes Dis it is me" and walked into her bed chambers to see her sitting on the bed with her mother behind her doing her hair.

I gave them a weak smile before slumping down onto a chair and watching Thora, Di­s' mother, doing her daughters hair into a braided bun on the back of her head before turning to me and asking me " Miira dear shall I braid your hair, too" that made me giggle a little.

So I nodded my head yes and swapped places with Di­s. Thora began to braid my hair on two sides of my head. She was also something like a mother to me since mine has died two winter ago. It still broke my heart and I missed my mother dearly. She taught me everything I know now.

I let out a soft but heavy sigh and stared holes into the wall in front of me and so I didn't see how Dis and her mother exchanged a worried glance with each other. Only as Dis coughed lightly I fell out of my ' dizziness '.

Then a huge smile began to form on her face and even Thora smiled brightly. Both of them probably knew that someone who brought me in such a state. Indeed Thora knew about my feelings for Thorin. If I could believe her everyone knew but Thorin.

That he's the only one oblivious to the fact that I had fallen head over heels for him. Well and my brothers. They'd rather leave me in the wild getting eaten by wolves than seeing their sister being in love with a soon to be king.

A quiet sniffle leaves me at this thought and tears began to stream down my face. Di­s who saw this first made her way over to me and gave me a slight hug before whispering in my ear " it's him , isn't it?" I could only nod. The pain I felt making it even more difficult to answer properly.

I was utterly in love with him and it hurted to not be with him. People said that it was just a crush and that it will end soon. But does it hurt so much to not be with the person you crush on when you wouldn't love that person?

Thora even told me once that Thrai­n would be happy if I was the person who would make their son happy. And not some princess who was just after his title. They wanted someone who would love Thorin with his difficulty and all his flaws. And I loved everything about him even when he could be really intimidating. But his grandfather was kind of in the way. I'd probably never get any way near Thorin as long as Thror does have to say something.

At that I let out a chuckle and I was sure I also was flushed. Di­s grinning showed me exactly that. But I couldn't believe that they wanted me to be with their son. I mean I was just a farmers daughter. Had almost no money and didn't know how to actually behave in front of monarchs.

I knew the important things of course but now when it came to etiquette. With a sigh I looked at Thora and who smiled at me and showed me that she was done doing my hair. So I stood up and walked to the big wall mirror and watched myself in the mirror with a small smile.

Then Di­s came and took my hand and we ran out of her chambers with Thora laughing at our excitement. We went to find Frerin. We found him in the stalls with his pony. Dis screamed after him and Frerin's pony rose and almost kicked Frerin in the guts who shot Dis a glare.

Frerin wanted to show us how to ride and today was our first " lesson". Di­s was the first. Frerin showed Di­s what she had to do to climb the pony properly without hurting it or herself.

So Dis climbed onto the pony gently and I walked outside standing in front of the gates and waiting for Di­s to come outside with the pony. When she did she already galloped. The pony ran around the outer pasture.

Smiling happily she encouraged the pony to gallop even faster. When Di­s was finished I went back inside the stable. Back inside Dis climbed off of the pony and made place for me. Frerin also told me what I had to do. He said " you have to hold the reins loose, and just hold onto them when you really have to. The pony knows what it has to do".

I nodded at that and gently climbed onto the pony. On top I softly patted its head and whispered into his ear. Frerin gave me an approving look and gave his pony a slight slap to its backside. The pony ran out and I had problems keeping myself on top of the pony.

As soon as i managed to get the pony to slow down I could have a good look around the pasture. Around the fence stood several more dwarfs than before. They must've seen Di­s and had made their way over to watch.

I could make out my brothers, Di­s, Frerin, Thora, Thrai­n and even Thorin. My heart began to beat unsteadily and I felt very uneasy about myself suddenly. Thorin was watching and I didn't want to embarrass myself in front of him. Or Thrai­n.

I took in a deep breath and let out a quiet sigh, then I softly kicked the pony into its flanks so it would start into gallop. And so it did. It took of quickly and ran around the pasture. Letting out a squeak of enjoyment, a big smile placed itself onto my features.

But then out of nowhere a wolf jumped in front of the pony and it began to rise. I threatened to fall of the saddle and then the wolf began to attack. The pony tried to keep me on its back but it couldn't help and I fell off the saddle. But before I could hit the ground I felt two strong arms around me.

Full of panic and held onto the person tightly and the pony ran away into safety. Now the stranger and I were facing the wolf all alone. The stranger shed their sword and kept the wolf away from us. Ready to kill the beast. Opening my eyes for the first time I looked up and saw who my saviour was.

It was Thorin. My heart began to beat three times faster than normally. Hoping he wouldn't notice that I buried my head into his neck, closing my eyes again. Too scared to look back and see the wolf. But then finally the other dwarves arrived and Thorin ran back and to the mountain, with me still into his arms.

Summary: After the accident Miira wakes up again and finds herself in a wirlwind of feelings and more. Miira and Dis spend their day together in Miira’s room since she is on bed duty, while Thorin comes from time to time to check on Miira and the both get closer to each other each passing day, even if Thorin does not know what is going on and what exactly is happening with him and Miira and he begins to doubt his ability to Control himself around her and dissociate himself from her until the next accident happens.

Warning: Fluff and a little bit of angst, heartache, self harm

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The next time I woke up, I felt something soft underneath me. I must be laying in a bed or so. I tried to open my eyes but they felt very heavy and opening them made me feel tired, but I kept moving even more so after I just heard some rustling beside me. Somebody was in the room with me. I could sense their presence and it made me panic for I had no idea who coul have been in a room with me and the fact I still could not open my eyes made the panic rose inside me even more. I needed to try one more time and this time I made it. Opening my eyes slowly I began to see the outlines of a room. The room was dark so it was not too bad and I was not blinded.

Then I turned to the side to see the contours of a face close to my own, jumping sligtly I quickly scooted to the side making the person jump back as well. Now that I got a closer to look at the person I could make out that it was a man. A young man at that, but I could not see who it was exactly for it was still dark in the room, but as he had jumped away I concluded that he must have been asleep for he looked a little dishelved.

Then as he had calmed down he began to spoke in that familiar deep velvety chocolate voice and I knew prince Thorin stood in front of me. I hoped he was not able to see the deep blush that had crept itself onto my cheeks and I sightly turned to the side to prevent to have to  look him straight in the eyes, because I knew I would turn into a tomato from blushing that much. Yet I still got that familiar tingling sensation in the pit of my stomach.

He looked at me irritatedly before he began to speak again “ Did you even to a listen to a word I just said” I gently shook my head, because I did not trust my voice fully now, it would betray how nervous I really felt right now, this caused him to chuckle deeply, which made me always swoon. Then he repeated himself “ Well I just said that you have been out for over a week and we thought that you might not be able to wake up again” At that his tone turned said and I looked up at him shocked. 

‘ I almost did not make it?’ I thought and tears began to brim at the corner of my eyes, Thorin’s eyes began to soften and unlike himself he pulled me into his arms. I let him comfort me for I was still weak and not able to protest anyway. Why would I even want that. It is the closest I have ever been to him. That was the thing I always wanted, to be in his arms, him holding me close to him while he whispered sweet nothings into my ear.

The tears kept coming and I clinged to him as I buried my head into his chest and let the tears flow freely. He rested his head on top of mine and wrapped his arms tighter around my waist and I let slip a content sigh after I had calmed myself a little down. Then exhaustion took over me and slumbed against his strong sturdy body. He quickly caught me because I caught him by surprise and another small, deep chuckle escaped him.

He put my sleeping from gently onto the bed and took his place in his chair again. Just a few seconds later the door to the room opened and Dis stood there with the rest of his family and my father. They all walked in and saw me still lying in the bed and assumed that I still had not woken up and my fathers face was filled with deep worry and sadness.

Thorin who saw this took a few steps towards them and spoke to my father “ Do not worry, she was already awake just a few minutes prior. She is alright, still exhausted from the panic attack she had but nothing serious so far” Oin who had just walked into the room to check on me  heard this and walked to Thorin with a somewhat angered Expression.

“ Why did you not send for me when she was already awake? I still have to check her and see if she is as fine as you claim her to be.” Those words send my father into  a frenzy and he pannicked for a short time but Oin calmed him down and told him he would look after me now, making my father sigh heavily and nod before he walked up to Thorin and clasped his shoulder tightlly.

Thorin looked down at my father and gave him an assuring smile before his gaze turned to my sleeping from again. Thrain and Thora who had seen Thorin’s actions smiled at themselves, maybe their son had finally found his one. Even though you both were still young, Thrain and his wife were still happy, for both wanted for their son to be happy and if this young girl who happened to be me, the girl who was there this whole time, to have found my way into his heart. Thorin’s parents who decided to keep an eye on us and see where the future would lead us.

Oin who had now woken you up and began to test your vitals and made several other tests to see how you were faring. When he was done he turned to the dwarves surrounding him, with expecting expressions. He then said with a smile “ She is alright, no damage has happened and she will be fine” to the others before he addressed me “ and now to you Miira. I require for you stay in bed for the rest of the week and do not overdo yourself and besides I will instruct for somebody to check on you from time to time.” 

Hearing this made me groan in despair. I did not want to lay in bed all day. I had work to do and I wanted to keep leaning horseriding. Sighing I nodded in defeat, earning a chuckle from everybody surrounding me. Oin the turned to face Thorin before he spoke to him “ Thorin would you please bring her to her rooms and check on her from time to time?” Thorin nodded and walked over to me and Extended his hand to me, which I took and stood up.

Still a little shaky on the legs I began to walk while Thorin still held my hand for me to hold onto so I could have some support. I managed to walk a few steps before I broke down. Thorin quickly caught me before I hit the ground then he scooped me up into his arms like a few days earlier, and held me close to him before he turned around one last time and spoke with a soft voice “ If anyone wants to come with me then I suggust you do it now.”

Dis squealed and jumped up to follows us to my Chambers and before I couuld prevent it I fell asleep again. My head fell against his chest and my arms wrapped around his neck unconciously for support as my body searched for some comfort. Feeling my head hit his chest Thorin glanced down at me and  a small smile came to his lips. Dis who had watched me and her brother the whole time began to smirk to herself, then she spoke up in a teasing manner “ so dear brother, you and Miira hm?”

He looked at his sister in a way to shut her up but Dis did not care and began to question him further “ Do you love her?.” But Thorin did not answer and ignored his sister for she was testing his Patience again. Seeing she will not come far she stopped questioning him but warned him “ I won’t give up until I know the truth Thorin” Before she kept quite and followed Thorin without saying a word.

On the way to my room Dis and Thorin met Balin who watched us curiously before he saw my sleeping body in Thorin’s arms and his expression changed from happy to a worried one. Thorin said “ Do not worry Balin. She is fine, just tired. It was an exhausting day for her” Balin nodded and his smile returned to his face. “ Well do not want to keep you any longer bring the lass to her chambers.” 

Thorin nodded smiling and continued his way to my room and Dis hot on his heels. When they reached the room Dis opened the door for Thorin and he directly walked into my bed chambers where he layed me down on my bed. Dis closed the door behind her and followed Thorin into my bedchambers where she jumped onto the bed, next to my sleeping form while Thorin took a seat on a chair near my bed and watched Dis and I sleep as his eyes too grew heavy and they closed he then fell asleep with a light smile on his face.

The next time I woke up I felt a presence beside me and when I looked to my right I saw my best friend Dis sound asleep and her head buried in her pillow while her hair of a mess spread around her. ‘ She almost looks angelic with her long raven hair. Just like Thorin’ I  thought to mysellf and a grin spread across my face. Looking around I noticed that I was back in my room and not with the sick anymore.

Someone must have carried me here, something else could it not be, but who? My father no doubt was not the one, for he is too old to carry his little girl through half the mountain. Maybe it was Frerin. But he was not there to visit, at least not while I was awake and yet I doubt he would have carried  me all this way. He sometimes was a crazy little shit and with Frerin also out it left only one last person. But no... Thorin never would have carried me all this way either, would he?

The answer to my question came through a thick, heavy, deep voice “ I see you are awake.” That voice was music to my ears and yet it almsot startled me to death. Never would I have imagined  Thorin in my room and yet it was a very welcoming thought. I turned to face him and he shot me the slightest of a smirk which I returned  before I nodded gently “ yeah and I feel as good as I have not done in a long time.”

Upon hearing that Thorin’s smile fell and was replaced with a concerned one but before he could say anything I had started talking again “ thank you my prince, but I do not need your pity and it is absolutely alright. My father and I are doing good enough.” He opened his mouth as to say something, but closed it as quickly again. Suddenly I felt the bed shift next to me and a groan left my best friend, before she fell asleep again, making Thorin and I laugh quietly.

His laugh was so deep and sounded like melting chocolate and it made shivers run down my spine which he did not notice. Good for me. Then we both quieted down and we shared a soft smile. To my surprise Thorin stood up and sat down next to me on the bed and slowly began to lift his hand to my cheek. I watched his every move, eager to see what was going to happen next but before he actually did something the door to my chambers flew open and my father and Oin came walking in, causing Thorin to jump to his feet and and bring some distance between us.

The Sound the door made woke Dis up and she shot up in my bed and looked around confusedly and the face she made, made me giggle and her borther broke into a wide smirk. Oin and my father shot each other a knowing look and looked from Thorin to me and back again, making me look at my feet while Thorin stood there with a blank expression on his face. Then he just turned around, inclined his head in my direction and quickly left my room as if a horde of orcs was after him.

Dis looked more than just confused at her brother’s quick departure but just gave a quiet huff before falling back into the pillows, making everybody who was still in this room smirk at the young princess, everyone but myself. My gaze still lingered at the place where Thorin had just sat a few moments ago before I heard a cough. Looking in the direction that cough had come from, I saw the look my father gave me and looked to my feet.

After a short while I crawled back into my bed and next to Dis before closing my eyes. My father and Oin got that clue and made their way out of my room and went somewhere else. Soon enough I began to fall back asleep with Thorin always present on my mind. The last thing I took note of before I sleep took over fully, was how Dis had snuggled up into my side. With a slight smile on my lips I finally fell.

The first thing I noticed, when I woke up the next morning was the empty spot beside me, where Dis had slept the previous night. With a frown evident on my face I took a further look around the room, because maybe Dis had left something in my room that explained her absence, because Dis never left like this and everytime one of us would have a sleep over at the others ‘house’ , we were spending  the following day together when nobody had work to do for a day.

The frown only deepened when I found nothing that indicated that Dis even had been here. Shaking my head I got out of bed and put on my clothes for the day and went through my morning routine. After I was done with that I left my chambers and started doing my daily chores. My way lead me to the royal kitchens where I would prepare the breakfeast for the royals. Afterwards I would clean the kitchen and when I was done with that, I noticed that it already had turned midday, and I still had not gotten a word from Dis.

With a somewhat sad expression I went straight back into my chambers and on the way back I ran into a person. Looking up I saw it was Thorin. ‘ Was it always ging to be this way, now? ’ I thought to myself, before I quickly looked back down and ran away from him before I could do something stupid again. Sighing to myself I opened the door to my Chambers and went inside before anyboody could stop me. I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, closing my eyes as I already felt the tears brim in my eyes.

Opening my eyes again I wiped the tears that had built up, away and stood up walking into my small bed chambers which I did have to share with dad, since my mother had died not long after she gave birth to me and the fact that even with my  father being one of the kings guards, we did not have as much gold as we would have liked. Which lead me into helping father and work day after day from the early hours to the late hours if I did not have a little free time here and there. Walking up to the bed I climbed onto it and layed down, face buried into the pillows as the tears continued to flow down my face and I fell asleep real quick.

For the past few weeks this pattern continued on and I was fed up with it, because I did not get to see my best friend at all, my father had fallen ill the week prior which lead  me to work even longer and harder than before and then there was the fact that Thorin seemed to avoid me. I thought we were a step further into becoming at least friends after our last encounter, but it obviously I was the only one who thought that and the fact that he so desperately tried not to run into me, hurt so bad, that I could not fully think straight and he was hunting me in my thoughts and dreams every day and night, since that night a few weeks prior.

When I woke up in the middle of the night once again, due to the oncoming nightmares that seemed to hunt me foor several weeks now, I saw that my father was laying in bed next to me, so I carefully made my  way out of bed without waking him up and sneaking into the tiny bathchamber we had. That room was just big enough for my father to fit in and Little me to fully stand and being able to wash myself. We also did not own and zuber but nothing more than a little bowl with water and a mirror hanging on the wall. 

Looking into said mirror, I watched myself closely. In the dark I could make out long messy brown hair that sat atop my head , the freckles that coverd half of my face, the almost too big nose in my face stood out the most. A lot people called me a beautiful young lass but most called me a brainless pest who does not get a thing right. The more I watched myself the more I hated myself. ‘ Why could I not be one of those beautiful fine dams, maybe then I had a chance with Thorin,’ I thought to myself as the tears began to fall again. I could not even stand to watch  myself in the mirror without beginning to tear up.

Full of anger, sadness, and self hatred I slammed my fists into the mirror and broke down onto the floor as the shardes of the mirror fell down on me I quickly covered my face. but the tears would not stop and I did not even care anymore, all I wanted was to be back with my mother and brother. Probably nobody was going to miss me here anyway. At that I made a descision, I silently grabbed one of the shattered shardes, not caring about the noises I made and the noises I could hear outside of the door and the voice of my father calling my name.

‘ I’m sorry father, but I have to do this, all of you are better off without me’ I thought to myself as I put the shard to my pulse and began to cut. At the feel of the blood seeping out of the wound I exhaled loudly and layed down on the floor, watching the blood flowing out of the wound then I closed my eyes and the last thing I saw before darkness took over me, were two men running into the room after they broke open the door, and kneel beside me. Then I fell unconscious with a smile on my face and the scent of Thorin in my nostrils. Even though It was not possible for he never cared about me, so it must be somebody else with the same scent was my last thought.

The first thing I noticed was, that I seemingly was laying on something very soft, and that something was holding my hand, but just very lightly, it felt like someone drew some pattern on it and it relaxed me. But when I tried to move I did not manage it, so I tried again and again and yet it still did not work and I grew restless and frustrated. For a moment I gave up but then a somewhat familiar scent flew into my nose. ‘ I know that scent,’ I thought to myself and this time I tried to open my eyes,but it did not work either and all I wanted to do was scream at me to wake up. Then the next thought came into my mind and I was clearly surprised even though it did not Show on my face.

‘ What is Thorin doing here? He made it clear that he did not want to have to do anything with me.’ Yet I felt quite happy about it, but was he the one holding my hand? I doubted that but hope was stronger and it filled my whole body, even though the heartache was still present. The hope gave me enough the strenght to open my eyes just the slightest bit, yet it was exhausting me. And I could hear voices that were obviously talking quite frankly, two men to be exact. One so deep and velvety it was Music to my ears and I knew  exactly to the whom the voice belonged to and it made shivers run down my spine.

I closed my eyes again so I could listen to what the two men were saying and also because it was just exhausting to try to keep them open for a long period of time. “ I know that it was my fault that she is laying here again, and it hurts me knowing I’m the reason,” said the deep velvet voice.” It is not your fault entirely, my prince, she kept on calling your name in her sleep though and I did not know how to react, I thought maybe it were going to stop soon but I should have kown better and should have done something,” said the second voice, the voice of my father. Hearing all that I felt bad for the two  of them.

Maybe I had been too quick to make that descison but at that moment it just felt like it was the right thing to do, obviously it was the wrong thing to do and I knew I had to make it up to them again, somehow. Silent tears were streaming down my cheeks by now. I had to do something. I opened my eyes again turned my head to face the two men who were still too deep into their conversation to see that I was awake. What I saw kind of warmed my heart. Thorin and my father had rested their hands on the shoulder of the other in respect, before Thorin began to speak up again “ I will do my best now to keep looking after her for you and I will order  for you two to move into the roayl wing myself, from now on you will have it easier.”

My father looked surprised my grateful and the princes suggustion and nodded his head before replying “ As you wish my prince and thank you for doing so, because I do not know how long I will make it.” At my fathers words tears began to fall down my cheeks again and all I wanted to do was to scream but I needed to know what Thorin was going to say next. Thorin bowed his head and nodded carefully before saying “ Aye, but the reason I distanced myself from Miira was, because I felt like I could not control myself around her anymore and I did not want to scare her or drive  her away from me.”

My father nodded at Thorin’s words sympathetically,  knowing full well what he meant. Thinking that his daughter was a very beautiful dam and could make men feel like they had no control over themselves around her and she did not even know that. At Thorin’s words my eyes began to water even more and a low squeal escaped me which turned the mens attention to me, their eyes wide as they saw the tears in my eyes and Thorin began to draw sooting circles on my hand immdediately and his eyes were suddenly filled with sorrow and concern, so I gently shook my head and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, my father who had noticed our small Moment, smiled to himself and nodded at Thorin.

Smiling widely I wrapped my arms around Thorin’s neck and hugged him tightly, burying my head into the crook of his neck, making him wrap his arms around me a bit hesitantly, and chuckling deeply, which made me shiver gently. Thorin seemed to know for a smirk had formed on his face, making me blush deeply and pull away slowly before I stood up and ran to my father, hugging him tightly as well, with tears falling down my face while I whispered over and over “ I’m so sorry adad.” He just quietly stroked my hair, while Thorin watched us with a soft smile before my father gently pushed me  away before saying “ you sneaky little girl, were you eavesdropping on us?” Making me blush deeply again and look to the floor sheepishly, making both men laugh loudly and deeply.

“ You should go back to bed though” I heard Thorin say and nodded before looking at my father sadly, he nodded and smiled reassuringly at me and gave my shoulder a light pat, before turning and leaving the room, to walk to ours and pack our things. In the meanwhile I had climbed back into the bed and held oout my hand for Thorin to take, which he did and instantly began to draw small soothing circles to the back of my hand, while I watched him doing so, with a smile on both our faces.

It was a normal morning at the Fuller’s house, Gary was getting ready for school as was Donnie, while Trey still sat in front of his computer, doing the video for the time capsule, they were going to bury. And then there was you. Gary’s wife. You were not mother to Donnie and Trey, at least not mother by blood, but the both oof them saw you as their own mother, which made you happy.

You had married Gary a few years prior and were now pregnant with your first child. The problem was, that you hadn’t told Gary yet and you didnt know how to do that. Donnie and Trey seemed to suspiscious, but hopefully didn’t know that yet. You wouldn’t know how they were going to react, to having another sibling. The same went for Gary. You didn’t even know if he wanted another child.

But that was something you were going to solve later. You had to do the guys breakfast. In that very moment Gary came downstairs and into the kitchen, when he saw you standing there a smile came upon his lips and he walked up to you, wrapping his strong long arms around your waist and placed a soft kiss on your bare shoulder. Then he kissed his way up your neck to your ear only to whisper. “ Good morning angel.”

In turn a smile came upon your lips as well and you said. “ Good morning to you, too love.” You turned around in his arms, wrapped your arms around his neck and pressed your lips against his. Gary melted against you and let himself fall for a moment, putting all his feelings for you, into that kiss. His job sometimes took a toll on him and moments like this calmed him down, reminding him of who he was and only you could do that.

A cough made you pull apart and a blush came to your cheeks. Gary wrapped one of his arms around your waist, pulling you flush into him, but when your gaze fell onto the person who had interrupted you and a frown took place on your normally bright features for Donnie stood there and he didn’t look happy at all. You pulled away from Gary and left the room so the both could talk to each other.

From where you stood you heard Gary and Donnie arguing and you flinched. Ever since Gary’s ex wife had died, he and Donnie argued quite often and it had lasted until now and it made you sad that the two of them seemed to not get on well, so you walked upstairs to get to Trey. Trey still sat in his room and in front of his computer, but when he heard the door open to his room he turned around only to see you.

He looked just as upset as did you, so you walked up to him and sat down on a chair next to him and the two of you shared a sad smile, before you opened your arms and he fell into them. You hugged for a little while until you glanced at the Clock that was hanging at the wall oppisite you. You let out a gasp and you heard Gary’s voice from downstairs.

“ Trey, you have to get to school, come now, we have to go and Donnie you come with us.” He sounded exhausted and somewhat angry. So you said. “ Come Trey let’s go downstairs before your father explodes.” This made Trey chuckle lightly and he nodded his head, turned of his computer, but before he stepped out, he turned around and said.

“ Please promise me that you’ll talk to dad. Donnie is going insane and he and dad are only arguing recently.” You nodded your head, swallowing slightly before you said quietly. “ I will do my best Trey.” You knew how stubborn Gary could be, yet you didn’t want the family to grow apart because of your husbands stubborness.

Then the both of you walked downstairs only to see Gary with an awaiting expression on his face. Trey walked past Gary to put on his shoes, while you walked up to Gary, wrapped your arms around his waist, got on your tiptoes, while he looked down at you, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. “ Don’t be too hard on them, love. They are still kids.”

He bit his lip but give up and nodded his head, wrapping his Long, strong arms around your waist and touched his forehead against yours, but before your lips could meet he whispered. “ I know love, I will try.” You smiled at him, giving him enough confidence and trust. Then he closed in on the gap between you and pressed his lips against yours.

However after a Little while you pulled away and gave him one last smile and a peck as Trey called out. “ Dad hurry up, we have to get going.” “ I’m coming.” Gary called back. He sighed and pulled away from me and walked out of the door while you walked up and stood in the doorway. Gary got into the drivers seat, then he called out to Donnie.

“ Donnie come please, we have to go.” He called out, but sadly Donnie was just as stubborn as his father and he called back. “ No dad. I’m going by bike. See you at school, Trey.” Sighing you shook your head. It was unpredictable that those two were going to forget their stubbornness and talk to each other instead of arguing.

It was a late evening at the Price’s house. Corinne had been gone for a fews by now and the boys were missing their mother as their father missed his wife. All Adam wanted was to have his wife back so they could talk about everything that had happened and get everything cleared out so they were able to get back to their normal life’s and forget about the problems they had been having and dealing with in the past few days. Adam was exhausted and frustrated, he didn’t know what to do anymore. He had to go for work and needed to be a dad, doing the household.

Now he knew how Corinne must be feeling when she came home after working at her school and then doing the household. He was tired and it was already late. His boys were in bed already so he decided to go upstairs and get a good nights Sleep. When walked past Ryan’s room he was able to make out a voice. A voice he knew all so well. He was lucky the door to his son’s room was open so he took a quick glance inside, only to be met with a very surprising sight.

Ryan was laying in bed with his best friends mother and the young woman held his son in her arms while she whispered something to him which seemed to make the boy smile and he nodded his head. They kept on whispering to each other for a little while and Adam decided to watch he two a bit longer. There was no denying that he felt something warm inside his chest at the sight he had before him. Like there was no denying that there was some kind of attraction between him and the young woman.

And the fact that the woman with the long brown hair and equally brown eyes was his wife’s best friend and that both their kids were just as close as Corinne and Mary were. With the young woman being around a lot, to pick her son up at their place and the long conversations the both of them had while Ryan and Danny tried to still get some time to play together and Corinne wasn’t always there as well.

After having watched the two for a little while longer he decided to go back down and have a drink to get the rid of thought of having this young woman cuddled up with his son and that he found it quite welcoming and a sight he could get used to. Back downstairs Adam went to fridge and took out a bottle of beer, the only thing that helped him ease the warmth spreading inside heart from spreading further south.

How could he even have such thought when his wife was missing. He loved his wife even though things had gotten problematic, but there still was that feeling that he couldn’t shake off and if he were to be honest he didn’t even want that feeling to vanish. It made him feel alive and happy. With his beer bottle in hand he walked to the sofa and armchairs sitting down on one of the armchairs he bgean to drift off, getting lost in his own thoughts.

Mary had been there for a long while now, even though she was at least ten years younger than him and her son was a few years younger than his youngest, but they got on so well and Danny was very grown up for a ten year old. He must have had this from his mother. At this thought a small smile formed on Adam’s face and he began rubbing his chin which he always did when he was either nervous or deep in thought. In that case it was the latter.

But yeah Mary was special in his eyes. She had endured many hardships like he had when he was still a young a boy. She had to grow up pretty early and then she had gotten Danny with twenty years. Danny’s father had left them even before Danny was born and she had raised all on her own. She had worked hard to fulfill every of her son’s whishes but wasn’t always able to make it. Corinne had told him all of this once and in those moments he felt sorrow for this young woman. And he admired her, for herself and for her strength she had shown him and the world in the past years.

Yet that wasn’t enough. She was so compassionate, taking both of his boys in and caring for them when neither Corinne and him were able to do so and the both of them were forever thankful for that, but he guessed she was equally thankful when he or Corinne took Danny with them when she wasn’t able to be home in time or had to work longer than usual. And even now she still cared for his boys and obviously comforted his younger one again. He hadn’t noticed that Ryan was missing his mother so much.

Like he hadn’t noticed quite a lot and it hurted him that he was so ignorant to his son’s feelings. He would try to be more there for them now and he would make the best of the Situation they were in. Adam was so deep in thought he hadn’t notced that Thomas had come home late and was now sneaking into his room. He kept nipping at his bottle and when it was empty he cleaned a little up and then walked back upstairs, stopping in front of Ryan’s room again.

When he came across it he leaned in to listen if there were voices to be heard, but when there were no sounds coming out he opened the door a little wider only to see four people in the bed now and all three boys were cuddled up against Mary, while snores were leaving the boys mouths. Danny and Ryan laid in her arms and Thomas laid beside the other three. That sight warmed Adam’s heart extremly and a smile formed on his face.

Immensely touched he took one of the blankets that were spread out on the floor and put it over the sleeping bunch of people, the smile on his face now somewhat lovingly and he sat at the edge of the bed for a moment watching the bunch sleep peacefully, then he leaned over and placed soft kisses on the cheeks of all three boys and then he debated for a moment with himself but also leaned over and placed a soft quick kiss on the young woman’s cheek, making her stir slightly in her sleep.

His breath got caught in his throat and he waited for a moment and the young woman let out a deep breath as a smile formed on her face and she buried her face into a pillow next to her. That action made Adam smile widely and he stroked her cheek one last time and then stood up and left the room with one last glance to bunch in his son’s bed. Even though he would have loved to snuggle up next to them, taking them all into his arms, providing saftey for them and protecting them all.

Adam shook his head at his thought as to try and clear his head. That wish must’ve had come because of that beer he just drank. He shook his head over himself and made his way towards his and his wife’s bedroom. Inside he took off all his clothes and climbed into bed, his hand on his wife’s side of the bed and he whispered. “ Where are you, love?” Then he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, as it consumed him.

The next time she woke up it was due to the smell of tea downstairs and shuffling beside her. So Mary opened her eyes and looked around to see three young boys cuddled against her and a blanket draped over the lot of them. ‘ How did the blanket got there.’ The young woman thought to herself, for before they fell asleep there had been no blanket and that she knew for sure.

She woke all three boys up before she got up herself and made her way downstairs with the thread that they were going to be late and that they had to go on their own when they didn’t speed up a bit. When she was downstairs she saw something she never thought possible and which made her giggle. Adam turned around quickly only to see Mary standing in front of her, a smile on her face.

But the smile slowly faded when she saw the serious expression on his face and she knew something had happened. “ So I guess you’ve got no answer from Corinne yet.” Adam nodded his head at her guess and her frown deepend, slight tears glistened in her eyes. Adam carefully took her into his arms and she let the tears fall as her tears wet his white shirt.

Both of them pulled apart when they heart a cough behind them and before Mary turned back around she wiped her tears away and put a smile on her face, a smile that seemed real but to those who knew, saw that it was fake. “ Anything wrong?” Thomas asked, watching them with slight suspicion. “ Of course not Thomas don’t be silly.” Adam scolded his son before handing Mary a cup of tea.

She nodded at him before she spoke to the boys. “ Are you three ready to go?” “ Yes ms. Evans.” Ryan said and grabbed his school bag as did Thomas. “ Alright, then get into the car, I’ll be with you shortly.” This time Danny nodded and took the car keys from his mother and together Danny, Ryan and Thomas went to their car and got in.

In the mean time Adam took a hold of Jenna’s hand and made her stop before she were to walk out. “ Thank you, Mary.” “ It’s no problem mr Price.” She said quietly, a small smile on her face. “ No you don’t understand.” He said in his deep voice and it felt like he was doing that on purpose, to somewhat convince her.

“ Don’t understand what?” She whispered and looked at the man in front of her. “ Thank you for comforting my boys and taking them in when I can’t manage it on time, and this all even though it’s not easy for you either.” Adam said again, his voice deep, convincing and soft. Mary’s smile widened once more and she shook her head slightly.

“ Like I said mr Price. It’s no problem for me and I like doing that. It reliefs you of some stress and the boys are happy and Corinne would be happy, too.” Mary said, smiling while she heard him chuckle lowly. “ Yeah you are probably right, but still thank you. And please, call me Adam, not mr Price. I always feel old when you call me that way.”

She smiled shyly and nodded her head and whispered. “ Okay, see you later. Adam.” He smiled and nodded. Mary smiled back, placed the empty cup on the kitchen counter, looked back one more time and left through the front door, walking towards her car and getting inside. Sighing she looked around and smiled.

“ Are you guys ready?” “ We are ms Evans.” Thomas said, who sat next to her. She smiled at the lot of them and started the engine. “ Thomas do you want to choose the music today?” A wide smiled set place onto his face and he nodded eagerly. When they drove with their father they never got to choose what they are listening to, or rather if they turned on the radio at all.

“ I would like that ms. Evans.” Thomas said and got his phone out connecting his phone with the car, via bluetooth and picked his favourite song while the two boys in the back were waiting for the song to start. The smile on the young woman’s face grew when the first tone of the song began and all three boys began to sing along while Mary drove the car out of the drive way and towards the school.

After a short break in the song where everyone was quiet, the song began again and this time Mary sang along, making the boys look at her shocked before they smiled and sang together all the while to the drive to school. When they had arriven she let the boys out, patting Thomas’ shoulder, and kissed the two younger boys heads, before she called after them. “ Now quick before you guys are really too late, and Ryan.” 

The one in question turned around and asked. “ Yes?” “ I’m not able to pick you up today, you and Danny will spend the afternoon with the Hoy’s I will come and get you there, when I’m done with work.” The two nodded and they walked into the building. Sighing, the young Woman buried her head into her hands and let the tears roll for a short while.

When she had calmed down she whispered to herself. “ Where are you Corinne? I can’t do this without you,” and drove to work, not knowing that she was being watched. Before Mary got out of the car she send Adam a message which read. ‘ Not able to pick the boys up this afternoon. Will get them after work from the Hoy’s.’

In the meantime Adam was on his way to work when he got a call from Martin Killane. Sighing he rubbed his fingers over his chin before he picked up his phone and answered the call. Throughout the phone call Adam was tense and what her learned from that call made him even more tense and he felt anger and frustration come up inside him.

He stopped the car and turned of the engine. Then he let out a scream of anger and slammed his hands onto the wheel before he slumbed back into his seat and buried his head into his hands. After a short while he pulled himself back together again, took a straight position in and began driving again. 

He pulled up at Killane’s house, the street he grew up in. A smile slowly began to form on his face and he walked up to the house, pushing the bell, then he waited. He only had to wait a few seconds as the door opened slowly and he saw the face of the old man. Killane opened the door wider and Adam walked in. The next few hours they searched for Corinne after Adam told him that his wife was missing.

When they were done but had found nothing, Adam made his way back out. He had a few minutes time before he had to be home, so he took out his phone and saw that he had gotten a message. A smile came to his lips, subconsciously when he read the message Mary had send him. He didn’t have to work longer and had gotten off now so he send her a quick message.

‘ Don’t worry it’s fine. Gotta pick the kids up. Danny will be with us.’ It read. With a smile he got into his car and drove to the Hoy’s. When he got there he saw another car standing in the drive way, a car he new good enough now and the smile on his face deepened. ‘ Damn, what did she do with me? Did she enchent me or why am I thinking all this stuff recently.’ Adam thought to himself.

He turned off the car and got out, locking it behind him. He walked up to the door and pushed the bell. After a few minutes of waiting the door opened and to his surprise it wasn’t Vicky who opened the door, but Mary. The young woman looked surprised as well before she asked. “ What are you doing here Adam? I thought you were still at work.”

The smile on his face only deepened when he saw the blush on Mary’s face and a low chuckle left his lips before he replied. “ Well I was finished earlier today and had nothing else to do, so I decided to pick the boys up, but I send you a message.” At his words she fished out her phone to take a look and it was true, he did send her a message.

The blush on the young woman’s face only deepened by the deep chuckle which slipped past Adam’s lips. “ Well don’t you want to let me inside at least.” Mary quickly shook her head and said. “ Uh yeah, of course. Come in.” She opened the door further and stepped to the side so Adam was able to get inside, but not without giving the young woman in front of her a soft smile, which she returned shyly.

Adam walked inside while Mary closed the door behind him and together they walked towards the living room, when Vicky came out of it and stopped in front of them, making them stop as well. “ It’s good to see you Adam.” She said, while Adam smiled at her and aswered. “ It’s good to see you, too. Did my boy’s behave?” “ Oh the boy’s have been great, don’t worry. I just made supper, would you two like to join us?”

Vicky asked the two of them. Adam and Mary looked at each other puzzeled and then the male looked into the kitchen, where the where their Kids sat with Vicky’s younger two daughters and then looked back at Mary before he responded. “ Well uhm. Yes, yes we would like to stay over for supper.” Mary only nodded at Adams words, before she went back into the kitchen to sit beside her son.

Adam watched the young woman carefully while he stood in the doorway, a small smile visible on his face. Then he let his eyes wander around the kitchen but stopped on Mary again and he smiled at the sight of his sons so happy and the smile on the younger woman’s face. Then he walked into the kitchen as well and sat down between Ryan and Mary.

Mary and Adam shot each other a few glances from time to time, during supper and Thomas and Daisy shot each other knowing looks while the rest was just eating away at their food. Everytime Mary felt Adam’s eyes on her, she blushed a deeper shade of red and the small smile on her face grew. When they had finished dinner Mary stood up and indicated to Danny to stand up.

At the same time Adam and Vicky stood up as well, a smile on the other woman’s face. Mary walked over to Vicky and gave her a hug, a smile on her face as well, before she said. “ Thank you Vicky, for watching the Kids and for that wonderful evening and the amazing food.” “Oh it was no Problem dear, you know when something happens I’m here.”

The smile on the young woman’s face deepened and she hugged Vicky one again before she pulled away and turned around to Danny, saying, “ It’s time to get going, love. Put your shoes on, I’ll be waiting down here for you.” The young boy smiled and nodded his knowing, his mom was stressed and he didn’t want her to get stressed any more than she already was, so he did what she said.

“ Of course mommy. But can Ryan spent the night at our place tonight?” The young boy asked his mother. A small chuckle left her lips, then she turned around to her son and to the Price’s, before she said. “ Well then you have to talk to Mr. Price first. It’s not only my descision, but  Ryan’s fathers, too.” Both Boys turned to Adam, giving him their best puppy eyes.

Adam let out a groan, making everybody, but the boys who were stil giving him their puppy eyes, laugh, even Thomas was now laughing again, before he shook his head at his younger brother and their shared friend. After thinking quickly Thomas also turned to his father and asked. “ May I stay here?” Adam sighed quietly and rubbed his temples.

Mary bit her lips before she walked up and stopped behind Ryan and Danny, placing her hands on the boy’s shoulders. Then she turned to Adam and said in a somewhat small but still confident voice. “ It’s okay Adam, Ryan can spend the night at my place and let Thomas stay here if he wants to. And you go get home and get some sleep. I’ve heard you’ve got quite the busy day ahead of you.”

Adam looked at the young woman in front of him intently and thoughtfully before he gave up and nodded his head, saying. “ Okay okay, boys. Ryan you go with Mary and Thomas you’ll stay here. I’ll get you tomorrow after work but please don’t overdo and you’ll listen what Mary and Vicky tell you.”

Ryan and Thomas beamed at their father, while Ryan and Danny grinned at each other, Thomas smiled at Adam and hugged him tightly which the elder of the two returned happily, before he pulled away and pat his elder’s shoulder, Shooting Mary a soft smile as well, which she returned happily.

Vicky smiled at the view in front of her and said. “ Alright but Thomas, you and Daisy will sleep in different rooms.” Daisy and Thomas blushed while Ryan sent his older brother a wide grin and Mary and Adam both chuckled at the teenagers misery. “ Yeah yeah mom. We’ll do, don’t worry.” Daisy interverned, before it could get too embarrassing for the two of them.

Adam, Vicky and Mary chuckled again, but after a short while Mary turned to Danny and Ryan and said. “ Okay boys. Go get your stuff, put on your shoes and we can go.” The both of them nodded excitedly and went to grab their thing, when they had they returned and put their shoes on. Just as they were About to leave the house, Mary coughed slightly and the Danny and Ryan stopped dead in their tracks.

Mary nodded her head in the directon of Vicky and they seemed to understand, for they put on their most innocent smile and said in unsion. “ Thank you letting us stay this afternoon Mrs. Hoy.” “  It was no problem boys and now see to that you get home safely.” Vicky said smiling. Mary placed her hands on her son’s shoulders and gave him her car keys.

“ Danny Ryan get into the car, I’ll be with you shortly.” “ Yes momma. Come on Ryan.” Together and giggling the two went out of the house and went to the car, Opening and getting inside. Mary and Adam watched the teo Boys with small smiles on each of their faces, then Mary turned around and hugged Vicky tightly, whispering. “ Thank you for watching them.”

“ Yeah, thanks Vicky.” Adam replied with a smile on his face. She looked at the both of them and said. “ Like I said before, it was absolutely no Problem and you would’ve done the same.” “ Yeah we would’ve.” Adam and Mary said at the same time, which brought a blush on the young woman’s face and Adam just chuckled lowly, while Vicky eyed them carefully.

“ Well, we’ll see each other soon. Good night Vicky.” Mary said and turned around, but stopped when she felt a big warm hand at the small of her back. “ Good night Vicky and thank you again.” Adam said before he gave my back a soft push, making me walk forwards and together we walked to our cars. “ Ryan do you want to say good night to your Father?”

The young woman asked the boy. He nodded and opened the back door of the car and quickly got out and jumped into his father’s arms. Adam let out a small groan at the unexpected hug, but smiled and held his son tight in his arms, kissing the top of his head slightly, then he whispered. “ Good night Ryan, see you tomorrow and be a good boy to Mary.”

Ryan hugged his father ever tighter, before he replied. “ Good night dad, see you tomorrow. Of course I’ll be a good boy and dad?” “ Yes Ryan?” Adam asked softly, smiling down at his son. “ I love you dad.” Adam gave him a wide smile and said. “ I love you too, Ryan.” All the while Mary was watching that happy moment between father and son, a soft smile on her face.