thecutdiamond | i'll come back to haunt you

The biological father of her son comes to try to claim him about seven years after he's born.

She'd been home alone-- a day of work, some time to spend with her son and get things done in the house-- when the knock had come on the door. Checking the security spells she had in place-- an Auror couldn't take any chances, no matter how lowly ranked-- had told her who it was.

It takes her half-a-minute to work her way out of the panic that ensues. Takes her another half-a-minute to contact her cousin and have him come by Floo to take Thomas to his house. It takes longer to convince Andrew that she doesn't need him to stick around-- that yes, she'll call Edgar before properly talking with the returned man-- all while ignoring the increasing louder call on the other side of the door that tells her Elliot knows she's home.

Andrew's dog and Rachel's lioness come for Edgar almost at the same time-- the former barking out a curt "Go home, Ed" before the other speaks, Rachel's clearly worried voice ringing through easily.

"Edgar, it's-- Elliot's here. He won't leave. I haven't let him in but... I don't think he's going to go. I-- I need you here. Now, please."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Breathe, Rach."

She couldn't take on the weight of the world now. She couldn't even take on the weight of the girls she knew would need help breaking free of the destructive cycle they'd been born into.

She needed to breathe. She needed to pull herself back into the present--into the beautiful life she'd fought tooth and nail with her cousin and their friends to reclaim for herself.

Breathing is hard. Breathing requires her to cling a little tighter to her husband, even as her head shifts because she needs to stare properly into his eyes.

It's been something that's helped ground her since the day her son was born. It's something she absolutely requires, right now, to remember everything that's gotten better since.

It's easy to rest his forehead against hers while helping hold her up. It's easy to meet her eyes steadily and with absolute devotion.

Rocking very, very carefully from foot to foot sometimes helps. It certainly helps keep them warm and close while she finds her breath again with him.

"You're in charge."

There was still healing to do. There was still the custody ruling to get through. But there was so much victory in this moment here.

That had to be something to breathe into.

"I'm in--"

The laugh is a little sharp, still a touch hysterical for all there's a real smile on her lips.

"--He's not controlling this."

He's not controlling her, anymore.

"He's not."

One hand moves to cup her cheek, keep her eyes with his so the sharpness doesn't completely take over.

"You are, Rach. It's all you, now."

How long have they been waiting for that? How long have they been working to help find what would help get her here?

"My turn," she murmurs, doing her best to keep her gaze steady with his as she leans into his touch, "It's-- Ed, I might-- actually be able to make sure he stays away from Thomas until he's older."

It had been a genuine fear of hers, he knows-- That for all he had left, Elliot would come back just like this. Would shatter her son's world like he had hers.

It's something he's tried to explain to her is true. It's something they've murmured about quietly with Thomas sleeping innocently in the next room over.

It's going to be so good to have a court order to back that assurance up.

"Don't think there's any 'might' about it."

There's another laugh, a little calmer, now.

"Finally."

No more fear. No more uncertainty.

His nose bumps affectionately against hers as he nods.

"Finally."

Finally free.

It's so perfect to have proper freedom, after all this time thinking she wouldn't. It's got her pressing a kiss against his lips before she murmurs the words.

"I love you."

The right way. More than she could ever have loved Elliot.

There's warm laughter against the kiss as his fingers tangle into her hair. There's an absolutely beaming smile when their lips part again.

"I love you, Rach. More-- more 'n I've got words for."

It's such a relief to be able to laugh freely. To smile softly as she presses kisses against his lips. It will be wonderful to not have to fake being at ease when she comes to get her son later.

To keep teling Edgar she loves him intermittntly throughout the night.

Don't mind me, I'm just here to sob because this ended up in such a beautiful affirming place /o\

i'll come back to haunt you

SO MUCH LOVE FOREVER AND EVER

;3;

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

ooc;