This story is the sequel to "Into the Darkness." It is AU. Warning: Abuse and dark subject matter mentioned. This story begins nine months after "Into the Darkness."
~*~o~*~
She stood over her son's crib, watching his little chest rise and fall. Thomas Todd Manning II had just turned two months old. After everything Marty had gone through and all she had lost, this precious little boy had become her world. She often stayed at his side, just watching over him, making sure he was alright. She may have lost her soulmate to the darkness, but she still had their son.
She looked up to see Victor as he entered the nursery and stood with her next to Tommy's crib. "How is he?" Victor asked as he placed his gaze upon his tiny nephew. "Just wonderful," Marty responded. "And he doesn't even know that today is his 'two-month birthday...'"
Two months ago today, Victor had taken Marty to the hospital when she had gone into labor. He had held her hand when the pain got very intense. When the contractions worsened, she had cried for Todd... but sadly Todd was never coming back. She had lost the man she loved to the darkness that had overwhelmed his soul. All that remained was Tommy, her beautiful little boy.
"I think we should have a get-together, so everyone can get to know this little guy. We'll invite Blair and Sam, Dani, Starr, Hope, and Jack..." Victor suggested. "What do you think of the idea, Marty? We both need to have a little fun."
Marty had been staying at Victor's since she had first found out she was pregnant. He had protected and sheltered her when her marriage to Todd had become a living nightmare. He had been there for her after Todd's tragic death, and he had been a loving uncle to Tommy. Through everything Victor had been incredibly wonderful, and Marty truly appreciated all he had done for her.
"Yes, we do," Marty said to Victor with a smile as she knew his own pain was so intense. Just months before she and Todd were married, Victor and Tea had experienced tremendous loss. Their nine-month-old daughter had been diagnosed with a fatal illness. Tiara had died just before her first birthday. Victor had been devastated. He still couldn't talk about the loss of his daughter without tearing up. His marriage to Tea had dissolved not long after, and Victor was heartbroken. Marty had suggested he try to talk to Tea and work things out, but Victor was adamant that there was nothing left for them. Victor and Tea had separated and had gotten a divorce. When Marty had moved in with Victor, Tea had been furious. She accused Victor of cheating on her even before their baby had passed away. Victor told her that was ludicrous; Marty was still in love with Todd, but Tea hadn't believed him. She was just sure that Marty had found her way into Victor's bed. Now Tea and Victor couldn't even see each other without having a violent screaming match. Marty kept her distance as she didn't want to upset Tea further.
"I'll call everyone... and I'll set everything up," Victor stated. "We'll have a big barbeque. I'll grill steaks, hamburgers, and hotdogs. Sam will love it."
"It sounds wonderful. It will be great to see everyone again," Marty agreed. "And Tommy needs to know his family..."
Looking into her expressive blue eyes, Victor knew she was thinking of Todd. Every day, she missed him. No matter how much he had hurt her, Marty would always love him. Wrapping his arms around her in comfort, Victor pulled Marty against the strength of his chest. "I know you miss him, Marty. It's okay to cry," he said to her gently.
"Every time I look at Tommy, I see him," Marty said softly. "I see Todd in his little face."
Victor looked down at the baby within the crib as he slept so peacefully, totally unaware that the grown-ups were discussing him. "So, he looks like me, before my mother had my face reconstructed?" Victor asked quietly.
Marty nodded. "He's very lucky to have you as his uncle you know."
"Well, he's without his dad... and I have to live the rest of my life without my little Tiara. It's the least I can do to look after him... and you."
"Thank you, Victor. For everything," Marty said as she gazed into his eyes.
"Anything for you, Marty," he responded.