Title: Druthers
Fandom: Follow The Stars Home
Disclaimer: not my characters. just for fun.
Warnings: spoilers and AU for film
Pairings: Mark/Dianne
Wordcount: 400
Point of view: first
I know you hate me for marrying her. You'd been in love with her—how long? Years, wasn't it? And I'm sorry, man, I really am. But you had your chance and you never took it. You had her, all to yourself, and you never let her know how you feel, never once asked her out. So you can hate me, if you want, I'm fine with that.
But you can't blame me.
You can't blame me.
o0o
I screwed up and I know that. I just… couldn't deal. You know how I am with hospitals and doctors and illness… I wasted six years I could have had with Dianne, with… with Julia. Our daughter. Julia.
I was so pissed when you showed me that picture, but now I can't get it out of my head. They were both so beautiful, so vibrant—
You hated me for marrying her. I bet you loathed me for walking away.
I know I loathe myself.
o0o
I love Dianne. I think I have from the moment I met her and discovered she was the carpenter. You told me about her, I remember. Maybe I should have walked away the minute I knew she was the girl you had a crush on but refused to touch.
Maybe I should have walked away before—instead, I walked away after and you still never made a move.
Afraid of rejection? Of her refusing you because of me? The wounds are still fresh on Dianne's soul, I know that.
I know.
I was young and scared and wanted… wanted the perfect wife, the perfect life, the perfect family. What I never had growing up. You remember how I was when Mom got sick, those last few months—I still regret that I never visited her. I still hate myself.
But Dianne…
Julia.
o0o
David, forgive me. It was a mistake to walk away, and I know that. I can never, ever make up for it. But please… I want to know her, David. Please… tell me about my daughter.
Soon as Dianne is out of surgery, I'll talk to her. I'll beg her to forgive me, to give me a second chance. I don't deserve it, I'll never be able to earn it… David, please. You've been there the whole time, like I should have been.
Please, let me see that picture again. Tell me about Julia.