Prompt: Marshall Abby Hard Conversations:

Marshall had driven around Albuquerque for over an hour trying to clear his mind and figure out what he was going to say to Abby. Things had been off with the two of them since he'd been helping Mary while she was pregnant. Abby had called and asked him to stop by when he was through with work. Finally realizing he was only delaying the inevitable he turned his truck towards Abby's house.

Abby heard the truck pull into her driveway and held the door open for Marshall. Leading him into the living room she sat in one of her recliners while Marshall took the one across from her. Funny how things change, they used to both gather on the sofa and snuggle together.

"You wanted to discuss something," Marshall said, knowing full well where this conversation was going to go.

Abby took a deep breath. She always hated starting hard conversations, especially when she had the feeling this was going to hurt her the most.

"Things have been changing since Brandi's wedding between us and not for the better," Abby replied. "We both know the reason for that and I think it's time that we stop pretending that we don't. I know that in your own way you cared about me, but you don't love me. At least you don't love me the way you love Mary."

Marshall wanted to deny the fact, but knew he couldn't. He had tried so hard to get over his feelings for Mary and enjoy the attentions of someone who was interested in him. Things had actually started to change before the wedding, but Marshall wasn't sure he should point out something that would cause Abby more pain.

"I tried to move past Mary, but no matter how hard I try it doesn't seem to work," Marshall admitted.

"Was I just an attempt at a relationship Marshall or just someone to scratch your itch at night?" Abby asked, angrily.

"I didn't mean it that way. I cared, actually still care about you, but I don't feel the way you feel about me. I know it isn't fair. I've been on the flip side of that coin for eight years. I wasn't using you Abby. I wouldn't do that to you or anyone else. Somehow helping Mary through this pregnancy has drawn us closer together and the feelings I thought were long gone have returned twice as strong as before," Marshall admitted.

"Mary will only hurt you in the end, Marshall. You'll have given up a chance at finding what you really want." Abby pointed out hating the jealousy and anger she heard in her voice.

"It's a possibility," Marshall said, not wanting to tell Abby that he and Mary had discussed a relationship earlier today. Mary was finally putting her life together and starting to see a lot of the things she hadn't before; him being one of them. She had asked him for a chance and he had told her there were things they both needed to work out before any attempt should be made at a relationship. They both had agreed to take it slowly to make sure that everything they were feeling wasn't tied up in the emotional rollercoaster ride they'd been on the last nine months.

"Oh my God, you're seeing her already," Abby replied, seeing the flashes of emotions move across Marshall's face as he was thinking.

"No, we're not. At least not yet. I'm not going to lie to you, Abby. Mary and I want to give us a try, but not until things settle down. It is something we're both interested in pursuing."

Abby wanted to cry, but she refused to let Marshall see her break. She decided this conversation needed to end before they couldn't be friends somewhere down the line.

"I packed you're things in a bag. I think it's time for you to leave," Abby said.

"I'm sorry that I hurt you Abby. It was never my intention to do so," Marshall replied, grabbing the bag and heading towards the door.

"I hope Mary's worth it, Marshall."

"She is," Marshall replied honestly, before walking out of the house and towards his truck.

Abby waited until she heard the sound of the truck leaving before letting the tears flow freely down her face. She had tried everything to make him choose her, but Mary would always come first with Marshall. She learned that lesson the hard way, she couldn't help but think bitterly.