Author's note: I love the Grauntie Carla Au, enjoy!
Another Grauntie!Carla AU
He tumbled through the door around midnight, grunting and cursing under his bated breath, a large duffle bag under his arm. It was the fifth time this month he came home tattered and broken. I felt Alex stir in my arms, the toddler's breath hitching at the commotion, before evening out again.
I laid him down on the bed before leaning over to flick on the lamp, painting the motel room in a dingy orange. Untucking my feet from beneath me, I made my way to the foot of the bed, my gaze worrying over his hunched demeanor. He leaned heavily against wall, hissing through his teeth before trying to wobble his way to the bathroom.
"Stanley…" I murmured quietly, catching him by the cuff of his jacket, tugging him down to my level, the bed dipping under his weight. He avoided my gaze, his eyes glued to the floor. I caressed his cheek, forcing him to look at me. Dotting fingers tranced along his bruised cheekbone, noting all the bruises and cuts, fresh and faded, that marred his skin, my stomach twisting in disgust and heartache. I hated seeing him in pain, although he kept calm demeanor, the marks that littered his body gave away the hell he faced daily. A fresh fleet of tears rimming my bottom lashes, every flinch he made painful; I chewed my inner cheek to keep myself in check.
He looked rugged and tired; the bags under his eyes frightening. Hanging my head, I buried my face in the curve of his neck, tears drenching the collar of his dirty work shirt, the trembling arms winding around my waist offering little comfort. Bending his head low, the rough whiskers on his chin tickling my earlobe, his voice drawled and husky as he murmured the same lie through his teeth,
"'m fine Carla, it's nothing-"
"Don't."
End