Red Thread of Fate

What Hurts the Most

Stormy looked down into her mug of coffee, which she hadn't taken a single sip from since she'd made it two hours before, as she sat at the kitchen table of her apartment, watching Gale and Jacob draw in coloring books while Mickey Mouse chattered on TV about something or other.

How many years has it been now?

She sighed and walked over to the sink, dumping her cold drink down it. Two, She told herself. Shadow had been gone only two years, yet it seemed to be an eternity- probably because he hadn't bothered to call, or even write a simple letter in response to the ones she'd sent him. The children were beginning to worry and so many times in the past month Jacob had asked when Daddy was coming home.

It hurt because she didn't know the answer to that, but also because Jacob was a miniature of Shadow. The only difference was the light spray of nearly invisible freckles on his cheeks and his innocent, shy nature; both things he'd inherited from his mother. This at least gave proof that he did get something from her and wasn't a complete recreation of his father.

I don't care who he looks like, Silver had said once, chuckling lightly, When I see him, I see you. He's got your smile and your sunny disposition.

This had had made Stormy smile then and still made her now, but it also seemed to bring a sense of uneasiness with it. She knew that feeling had everything to do with the offer Silver had made only a few days later…

"Stormy you can't raise these two children and keep bringing in the income to have you all housed and fed properly at the same time. All I ask is that you let someone help you," Silver's eyes glimmered nervously, "Let me help you."

Stormy gave him an uncertain look, "I don't think-"

"That it's the best thing for the kids?" He looked deeply into her eyes while placing his hands on her shoulders in a way that comforted her somewhat. "Tell me, is living in a two room apartment and leaving the two of them with a babysitter six days a week what's 'the best thing for the kids'? They're already living without a father; don't deprive them of their mother too." He gave her a weak smile while caressing her cheek gently, "They need you." To his surprise Stormy collapsed into his chest as a sob tore through her body. She was saying something to him but her words were distorted because of her cries. Silver quickly recovered from the shock of her sudden outburst and wrapped one arm around her while cradling her head with his other.

Unintentionally his fingers knotted in her hair and his trembling lips brushed the soft skin of her temple. His heartbeat increased and despite the fact Stormy's face was pressed against his chest she seemed not to notice. This brought a sick, yet pained, smile to his face; he could probably lure her into doing anything if that's what he really wanted. Dammit Silver, stop it! His mind shouted, immediately overpowering his deep desire for Stormy, and before he could let himself take advantage of her in this state he jerked away. The next words left his lips before he even had time to think them over, "Move in with me."

Stormy's eyes went wide and her face flushed a deep crimson, "S-Silver! I'm married and you know that. I can't just move into your house when I know my husband is still alive."

"I know, I know…" He hung his head with guilt, but when he looked back up his golden eyes were still pleading with her. "But I also know that you can't do this on your own. You need support and the children need a male figure to watch over them; they don't have to view me as a father I just want to be there for Gale and Jacob. It's time to start facing the facts Stormy." Silver carefully lifted her left hand and observed the beautiful wedding ring that adorned her fourth finger. "Shadow isn't coming back."

He gently started slipping the piece of jewelry off her finger, and she just let them, staring dumbly down at it. Once it was completely removed he gave it one last look, flipped her hand over, and set the item in the palm of it. Almost instinctively her fingers wrapped around it and she held the ring close to her chest.

"Part of me knows that…" She put the ring back on her finger, "but the other part of me says he will be coming back. I can't just betray him and I'm shocked that you of all people suggest that I do. Silver I may be struggling but that doesn't mean I can't do this and I don't, nor will I ever, need your help. What I do need is for you to just mind your own business and leave me and my children alone."

Something happened in that moment, but it all happened so fast Stormy wasn't quite sure exactly what it was. It sounded like Silver half choked and half laughed, but the look on his face was pure horror. He opened his mouth to say something but quickly shut it, afraid of what sound might escape him next. He looked like he'd just been punched in the stomach.

Stormy was taken aback by his expression and was struck with a load of guilt. "I-I'm sorry," She said quickly, trying to make what she'd said less mean, "I just can't accept your offer until I know for sure Shadow isn't coming back."

"Stormy I know you loved him," Silver tried to speak firmly but the brokenness of his voice was still obvious, "but did it ever cross your mind that maybe he didn't love you back? If he did he wouldn't have even left in the first place, or he'd have done anything possible to keep in touch with you."

"And what do you suggest I do, find someone else?" Stormy scoffed, "Like you?" She shook her head and turned around, "Look, I've gotta get home." She quickly bid him goodbye and then walked off.

Defeated, Silver looked up at the cloudy sky, "…Why not me?"

A few weeks had passed since then, and as the hours ticked by she found herself regretting what she'd done more and more. Several days earlier as Stormy had started to leave for work Jacob threw himself at her, crying relentlessly and begging her not to go. This wouldn't have happened if you'd just let Silver help. The bitter thought had popped into her head and hadn't left since.

"Mommy!" Gale called, pulling Stormy back into reality. Gale had silky black hair that was put into pigtails today, hazel eyes, and rosy cheeks. Silver had given her the nickname Snow White, which had caught on immediately since Snow White was Gale's favorite Disney Princess. "Mommy," She called again, pulling at her mother's comfy pants. "Someone is at the door."

"Oh," Stormy stood quickly and walked over to it, opening it wide to see who was there.

"Uncle Silver!" Gale and Jacob shouted at the same time, each one clinging to a different leg. Stormy could only stand there with her lips parted in surprise. Silver looked up and gave a feeble smile.

"You brought doughnuts?" Gale cried, pointing to the box in Silver's hands with a small finger. Jacob stared wide-eyed as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Silver chuckled and handed the two the box and the two thankfully took it and ran into the kitchen, squealing with delight. This left Stormy and him alone, the air around them becoming tense; an awkward silence hung around the two like early-morning fog.

After what seemed to be an eternity Silver shattered the silence with a muttered, "Hello."

"Why are you here?" Stormy asked, crossing her arms. "I told you I could do this on my own."

"I didn't believe you," His tone was fragile and Stormy knew the slightest bit of harshness would send him on his way, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. "It's freezing outside, why don't you come in?" She stepped aside and motioned for him to step inside the small apartment.

"But I thought…" He frowned, "You said you wanted me to stay away."

"Yes well sometimes people say things they don't mean when they're upset." She gave him a warm smile, and when he gave her an unsure look she grabbed him by the sleeve of his light yellow hoodie and pulled him inside. Silver blushed at this, and as Stormy looked at him she couldn't help being captivated by his amber eyes, which seemed to hold all the innocence and naivety most people lost when they reached the age of about twelve.

While looking into his eyes Stormy noticed that even though his hair was white like snow with a silvery shine that resembled ice, his eyelashes were surprisingly dark. People with light hair were supposed to have light eyelashes as well, but not Silver; he was unique.

"Thank you for bringing the kids doughnuts," Stormy said, shutting the door while walking with him to the kitchen. "Usually they get a bowl of lucky charms and that's it; I'm sure this means the world to them." As the two entered the kitchen they couldn't help laughing at the scene before them. Jacob's cheeks were puffed up with what looked like an entire doughnut shoved into his mouth, and Gale had chocolate smeared all over her face.

"What happened?" Stormy questioned between giggles.

"Well Jacob said he could fit the entire doughnut in his mouth but I didn't believe him so I told him to do it."

"And your face?"

"Oh well I tried too, but… I messed up," She grinned widely and Stormy walked over, giving her a hug, "You're too precious." And of course so as not to make Jacob feel any less, she gave him a quick kiss on the forehead. "You too."

"Thanks for the doughnuts Uncle Silver," Jacob said when he finally managed to chew and swallow the food in his mouth.

"Well I have a few more surprises," Silver said, and Stormy gave him a questioning look. "I'm also taking you all to see a movie, then we're going to the park, and then to dinner."

"Silver," Stormy gasped, bringing her hands to her mouth. "I can't let you-"

"I insist," He said smiling. "You did so much for me in the past. I think it's time I return the favor. But first Snow White and JJ need to clean themselves up." He'd barely had time to finish his sentence when the two took off into the bathroom. Stormy smiled, "I suppose I should go change too." She left and the kids trotted back into the kitchen, where the three waited for Stormy to come out.

When she did she was wearing a rose colored long-sleeved sweater dress that revealed her shoulders, white see-through tights, and a pair of knee high black boots. A cute black headband sat in her hair and Silver couldn't bring himself to look away from her. She's beautiful.

"Uncle Silver what movie are we gonna see?" Gale asked cutely, tugging on his hand.

"That's a surprise," He said with a smile, "but I have a feeling you'll like it."

"This has really been so nice of you," Stormy said, sitting on a bench in the local park. Gale and Jacob were running around. "I mean they never get treats like this…" Stormy looked down at her hands, which were folded on her lap, and sighed. "I've never once brought them to the movie theatre. What the hell kind of mother am I?"

"A damn good one," Silver said forcefully, placing a hand on the side of her face. Secretly, the blush that flared up into her cheeks satisfied him, but he couldn't dwell on that at the moment. Instead he looked deeply into her eyes, "Stormy you've raised these children to be kind, polite, funny, and flat out wonderful. And they love you because they know you're giving everything humanly possible to keep food on the table and a roof over their head. You may think you're failing but if you stop for just one moment and take a look you'll see how wrong you are." He motioned with his hand to the kids, and Stormy reluctantly turned to look.

Gale and Jacob were giggling wildly while playing tag with another group of kids. "I've never seen those two before," She heard one mother say. "It's really a shame because they're just so sweet." Another parent nodded and commented, "My little Johnny has such a hard time making friends but these two have warmed him right up. Their mother must be proud." All Stormy could do was gasp while bringing a hand up to cover her mouth slightly.

"Mommy!" Jacob called, waving at his mother. He and his sister ran up to her and handed her a handful of violets. "Mommy we picked these especially for you." Gale handed Silver a small bouquet as well, "We picked you some too uncle Silver."

"Well thank you Snow White," He smiled, ruffling her hair. "That's really thoughtful of you." She giggled and then skipped off with her brother to play with their friends again.

"I-I…" Stormy could only stare in astonishment at the flowers in her hand.

Silver smiled widely, "You never should've doubted your mothering skills. They're so impressive you have absolutely no idea how lucky Gale and Jacob are to have you."

She sniffed and blinked her eyes rapidly to prevent the tears from spilling down her cheeks. "Thank you. If it wasn't for this I never would've known."

"Everyone needs a little help sometimes; a few of us are just too stubborn to admit it."

She grinned, "Old habits die hard I guess."

"No," He chuckled lightly, "It's one of the things I love about you." After he said it he blushed, realizing those few words could've blown everything. Stormy seemed not to have noticed his secret confession.

This both saddened and relieved him. So many days had gone by in Silver's empty house where he just wanted to blurt everything to her, but he knew there was no way she could feel the same about him, and Silver couldn't bear rejection like that, it was hard enough just to get up every day… to live with the regret of not telling her how he felt before she'd even become romantically involved with Shadow; he'd thought he'd had time, but unfortunately that was not the case.

He hoped that maybe over time he would move on, but that didn't happen. His feelings only became stronger and the remorse was nearly overpowering. Sometimes it kept him up at night, and sometimes he even cried, but no shame came from those tears regardless of the fact that he knew grown men shouldn't cry.

"Uncle Silver," Jacob said quietly, ripping Silver from his thoughts and back into the bitter reality, "I'm kind of hungry."

"Me too," Gale chimed in.

"Well then," He stood and faked a smile, "let's go because I have somewhere special in mind."

"Is it Burger King?" Jacob inquired, and Silver just chuckled, "Nope, even better." The four of them got into the car and drove off to some destination the kids were fantasizing about in the back seat. Stormy could hear them whispering back and forth to one another about what it could possibly be. When they arrived at Chile's the kids looked in awe.

"Silver-" Stormy began, but he placed a finger to her lips and chuckled. "No protesting, I drove all the way up here just for you and the kids. I don't want any whining."

She rolled her eyes and smiled, "Yessir." They all exited the car and walked inside where a young waitress walked them to a booth. Stormy sat by Silver and Gale and Jacob sat together.

"You two have adorable children," The waitress, whose nametag read Selphie, commented with a sweet smile. She had perverse green eyes and strawberry blonde hair that rested perfectly on her shoulders in cute 'Little House on the Prairie' spirals. A small pink crown sat on her head.

"Thank you," Stormy said quickly, causing Silver to flush.

"Well my name is Selphie," The girl said, pointing to her nametag, which had a ladybug sticker on it, "And I'll be your waitress tonight. Can I get you all something to drink?" The four ordered and then the girl handed out the menus and walked off, giving them time to look them over.

"Now you can have anything you want on the menu," Silver said, "as long as your mother's okay with it."

"Does that mean I can have this?" Jacob question, showing his mom a picture of a brownie topped with ice cream, hot fudge, and caramel.

"If you eat all of your dinner."

"Okay mommy," Jacob said, quickly finding something on the menu he knew he would eat. Gale did the same and when Selphie returned with their drinks they ordered. Luckily the wait for food wasn't long and they all began eating, but that's when Gale finally took notice of what was happening.

She hadn't picked up on it before because she so rarely saw her mother and uncle Silver together for long periods of time, but now as the two sat across from her she couldn't help realizing everything. Her uncle was trying to feed her mommy something on a fork, to which she giggled and claimed that she didn't need Silver to help her eat, but the playfulness of her tone was evident.

They both look so happy… Gale thought, and she quickly realized that this was the only time she'd seen her mother truly smile; the way that reached her eyes and made them sparkle. Her uncle looked just as content and there was a blush clinging to his cheeks.

He's in love with mommy, isn't he?

A small grin played on Gale's lips. Something about the two in front of her was beautiful; daddy had never been so intent on making mommy smile like that, and he rarely showed affection to her. Usually he neglected her or made her cry, but mommy had claimed that she was happy. But… was she really? The thought made Gale's brow furrow and she looked down at her plate. No, mommy was never happy. She decided at last.

Unlike Jacob, Gale had known from the start that Shadow had never loved their mother. She didn't know exactly how she knew, it was just the fact that she did. That's why she never asked when dad was coming home, because deep down inside she didn't care; Shadow had never spent any time with her or Jacob anyway. He didn't love them like Stormy did; she was willing to work herself to death just to keep a smile on the twins' faces.

Gale was unexplainably grateful for that, but unfortunately she had no idea how to show that thanks. The best she could come up with was drawing her mother pictures and picking her flowers.

Jacob had noticed Stormy and Silver as well, but he was by no means happy about what he saw. To him Silver was an imposter, a man that was not his father. But he kept his mouth shut and continued eating, because one day soon his father was going to return and take care of this intruder. Of course Jacob did love uncle Silver, there was no doubt about that, but he also loved Shadow and his father would always come first.

"Thank you for everything Silver," Stormy said, smiling sweetly as they stood at the front door of her apartment. Gale and Jacob had run inside to put the box of leftovers in the refrigerator.

"It's no problem, really," He chuckled and then sighed. "But I was wondering if maybe I could watch the kids tomorrow. That is, if you don't have a babysitter already."

Before Stormy could respond Gale had grabbed her mother's hand, "Oh please mom. Can he watch us tomorrow? Please, please, please."

"I don't see the harm," She chuckled but as Silver turned to leave her smile faded. "Wait…"

"Something wrong?" He asked, and Stormy nodded.

"It's pretty late Silv, and really overcast; it looks like the bottom could fall out any minute. Are you sure it's safe to be driving?" Stormy hadn't referred to him as 'Silv' for seven years.

Gale, understanding the current situation, started pulling at her mother's wrist, "Mommy, can uncle Silver stay?" She looked at her mother with a pleading expression and poked out her bottom lip for good measure.

"Yeah mommy," Silver matched Gale's tone and expression perfectly. "Can uncle Silver stay?" Stormy could help bursting into a fit of laughter and nodded, "As long as you promise to stop giving me that ridiculous look."

He smiled and stepped inside, and Stormy closed the door, "I'll let you borrow a pair of Shad's pajamas; it's not like he'll be needing them." Gale and Jacob went to take a shower and once they had finished Silver took one, and then Stormy.

As Silver was about to lie down on the couch he heard a noise of disapproval behind him. He turned to see Stormy standing there, arms crossed. She was wearing a pair of Dallas Cowboy pants that looked like they belonged to a man but were obviously too small to be Shadow's, and a white camisole.

"Am I not allowed to sleep on the couch?" He asked as though he was grounded.

"Well, it gets kind of cold in here at night… and I don't have any blankets to lend you. Why don't you just stay in my room tonight?" Heat flared up in Silver's face and he looked down at his feet. "A-Are you sure you're okay with that?"

She opened her mouth to speak and then quickly closed it. You want him. A blush warmed her face at the unexpected thought. He makes you happy.

So did Shadow.

Or did you simply think he did?

I know he did.

Just like you knew he would never abandon you, right?

Don't fight it anymore. Stormy shook the thought from her head, yet she still found herself smiling warmly at him. "Yes, I'm sure."

"Oh, okay then," His lips pulled into a shy grin.

See how happy he is around you? Shadow was never that pleased by your presence.

Quiet.

You can only deny your feelings for so long.

"Are you alright?" Silver asked while stepping forward to brush a hand over her cheek, "You've gone incredibly pale."

He cares about you.

"I'm just tired," Stormy said and a yawn proved her point.

"Understandable." The two of them walked into the bedroom, where Stormy noticed her friend frown at the sight before him, though he said nothing. The bed was simply a box spring and a mattress stacked on the floor, and she explained that the only way to get beds for the children was to sacrifice her own. Without another word the light was turned off and the two crawled into the bed, keeping enough space between them to place another person, possibly two. In seconds Stormy drifted into sleep.

Silver just couldn't though. True, being with the woman he'd loved for over eight years was comforting, there was still the fact that this space between them on the mattress felt like a million miles. But it always felt like he was a million miles away, whether he was right next to her, across the table, or even simply thinking about her; nothing could bring him any closer because that distance that seemed to stretch on forever was something Stormy would never let anyone remove.

Shadow.

Nothing wouldcome between Stormy and the way she felt for Shadow. Not even Silver, who knew he could love her more than Shadow would ever be willing to; more than he ever could. But Stormy didn't know, and maybe that was better, after all it was obvious he wasn't enough for her and could never satisfy her in the way the ultimate lifeform did. How could he compare to that?

A troubled sigh left his lips as he look at her, but she was facing away from him. He knew if he reached out he could touch her; prove that she was real, but that didn't change the fact it didn't feel real.

A shiver rippled through her body and she curled in on herself as the temperature began dropping. Just holding her wouldn't hurt… He told himself as her watched her body tremble. Cautiously he slid closer and reached a hand out to touch her hip; she seemed to accept the interaction gratefully and when his arm came fully around her she turned to face him and placed her hands on his chest.

"It's cold," She murmured, sleep slurring her words. Though by the way her eyes were cracked open he could tell she was fully aware of the situation. She chuckled at his expression and snuggled closer. This time Silver found his eyes drifting shut as a small smile made its way to his face. Maybe he wasn't completely hopeless after all.

It was the first peaceful sleep he'd gotten in eight years.