You Can't Live in the Past Forever
By Time Lady/Lady Timedramon
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Disclaimer: I do not own the characters contained within.
Note: This fic was originally done for LiveJournal's tt500 community
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"I am so glad that you decided to extend your stay here in Thailand, Slade," said the woman. Lillian "Sweet Lili" Worth paused as she realized that Slade Wilson's attention was on the package that had been delivered to her home earlier. Sadly she knew what it contained. Two weeks ago he wrapped several small boxes in red and green paper, tied them with ribbons, placed them in a larger box, and shipped them to the United States. This morning the box arrived marked "Return to Sender."
"You would think that she would give these to Grant and Joey," muttered Slade. "I don't want my sons to think that I don't care about them. She could have at least given them the Christmas presents. . ."
Lili knew who "she" was. "She" referred to Slade's ex-wife Adeline, the mother of his two children, the person who shot out Slade's eye. Of course, Lili couldn't really hate Adeline for that – Adeline was driven by anger over their son's injury. Because of Slade, their younger son would never talk again. If it wasn't for that, Slade might never have come to her aid. . . or become her lover. . . Though the man was a mercenary, to some a cold-blooded killer. . . he could also be kind-hearted and gentle.
"I should have sent the presents to Grant's school," lamented Slade. "Grant would have gotten his, and given the others to Joey. Or maybe Wintergreen could have brought them. If Addie would let him into her house." He sighed. "I still remember our last Christmas together. Addie, Grant and I decorated the tree while Joey played the piano and sang. Wintergreen came in dressed as Santa. . ." Slade took a drink from the goblet Lili placed on the table. "He brought a toy soldier set for Grant and an artist box for Joey." He slowly sipped the wine.
"Did you come all the way to Thailand to talk to me about the past?" returned Lili, a note of irritation in her voice.
"Sorry Lili. Christmas always brings back memories."
"You can't live in the past forever, Slade. Your ex-wife will not allow you any contact with your sons. It's time for you to start thinking about the future."
"A man in my line of work lives day to day."
"Then let's just think about today. It is Christmas, isn't it?" With a sly smile, she pulled something out of her pocket and held it over Slade's head. "Mistletoe is nearly impossible to find in Thailand. I had it imported." Leaning forward, she kissed Slade and whispered, "Let's make some new memories."
Slade pulled her into his lap. "How about we think about the present moment instead." Lili dropped the mistletoe and wrapped her arms around Slade's neck. The room became silent, except for the sounds of love.
- End -