Title: Confessions… the first
Fandom: General Hospital
Characters: Luke and Tracy Quartermaine Spencer
Rating: G
Summary: Morning vignette
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
On a beach, somewhere along the Eastern seaboard, a couple sit in beach chairs watching the ocean. The waves roll along the shore, gently roaring as they come closer. At some point the couple will have to move, but right now they are too engrossed in honesty. It's a truth that has been long in coming, but a necessary part of their lives…..
"Tracy, there is something you need to know."
Tracy steeled herself upon hearing those words. She knew it was a matter of time before Luke told her something she didn't want to hear. He'd been too pensive, not a familiar state for Luke Spencer in any one's estimation. She couldn't look at him, which was fine because he wasn't looking at her. She felt her husband grab her hand, as the feelings of dread crept up her spine.
"I never cheated on you… not after the Markham Islands… not once. I think you need to know that."
Tracy stopped breathing. Everything around her went still. She heard his words but couldn't quite comprehend their meaning.
"I don't know why I've never told you before. It wasn't some big secret. I guess I've gotten so used to everyone thinking I fool around when no one is looking. Truth is, Tracy, I slept with Skye once, when you chose Coleman. And I slept with Holly twice before you came to rescue me. But no one since. Not even Laura."
She heard him say her name. He only said it when he was being completely serious. Not even Laura?
"Tracy, did you hear me?"
Finally breath returned, but solely out of physical necessity. It was an involuntary reaction, and she shuttered as the fresh air entered her lungs. She felt numb, warmed only by her husband squeezing her hand.
"You don't believe me. Well, I can't say I blame you. I've got quite a reputation, and honestly Wife, I earned it. I did cheat on Laura a few times. We were married a lot of years, and they weren't always easy years. Everyone thought she was the perfect wife and mother, and I wasn't all that decent. It was easier to let people believe what they wanted. She's gone now, so there's no point damaging her memory. And there were others, of course. What did you call it? 'Luke Spencer's Triathlon of Boozing, Brawling and Broods'? That pretty much sums up what people think."
Tracy found herself smiling at that comment. Yes, her husband's reputation preceded him, and she knew she deserved better than what she was getting. Trouble was he had found his way into her heart before she knew it, and now she didn't want to let him go.
"I know we joke about the Ramone thing, but the thought of someone else touching you makes me feel sick. I want to be the only one you want. And fair is fair, Wife. You're the only one I want touching me, too. I just think you should know that."
Silently they sit, husband and wife. The waves come closer and they will have to move soon. But for the moment, they are just lost in thought. The husband continues rubbing his thumb over his wife's hand. For her part, she sits looking out at the water. Her eyes are shiny with unshed tears that reflect the little piece of joy she's just been given.