Troop 3 Leader, Vincent Furillo, had a room down the hall and around the corner from Stephanie's suite. He usually waited for her in the lobby. He would sip a mud thick cup of a gritty coffee like substance and thumb through an old book, trying to look as if he was not waiting up to make sure she got to her quarters safe.
Usually, he'd have a half hour to clean up while she made her rounds, but she must've taken his advice tonight and come to rest early. He was just walking back to the lobby when he heard the distinct ding of the elevator. For some reason he paused instead of continuing on. Vince watched her swoop up the commanders children while Betsy glared on. He was unseen down the hall, hiding behind the corner, and seeing her smile like that instantly and without warning tugged at his heart.
Vince knew she would make an amazing mother. He knew that she and Ian had planned on having a big family some day. He also knew that it would probably never happen with the way the world had been going to shit lately. Although now that Manuela has developed a cure, anything was possible. But he guess in order to have a family, you need a man. Ian was no longer present, seeing as he had become an unwilling part of the problem. So it just didn't seem like it would happen for her. Unless she were to find someone else, that is. Someone who would love her and take care of her and be an amazing father. Someone like him, maybe.
He yelled at himself for his thoughts and immediately felt the guilt sweep in. She's Ian's wife. Ian. Remember him? Ian was only his best friend since grammar school. Ian. The same kid who glued Tom Cleary's car door locks after he got Vince suspended from school. Ian. The man who talked him into joining the police force after high school, the best decision he had ever made in his life. Vince was best man at their wedding for crying out loud!
He knew he had no business thinking about the possibility of starting a family with Ians wife. Even the thought made him feel like an asshole. But if he could've seen her like the way Vince did, he didn't think he would've been able to blame him. She had a small smudge of dirt on the front of her shirt, and her jet black hair was pulled loosely into a pony tail. Her green eyes sparkled with laughter as she twirled small Rodney and hugged Maxine. Her smile literally lit up the apocalypse.
He would've understood, Vince knew it. Stephanie was absolutely stunning. And brave. And smart. And strong. Once the children went with their mother, Vince walked out into the hall, and waited by Stephanies door.
"Took my advice?," he asked with a smile.
"I wish. A group just arrived at the gate. Valerie is setting them up in 5 now. They're going to be coming to join me for dinner shortly." Vincent furrowed his eye brows.
"Dinner with you and who else?"
"No one else. I always meet the newcomers on my own."
"Not in your personal quarters though." Valerie rested her head against the door to her room. She was exhausted and didn't want to argue anymore.
"Vince. It's settled. Go eat and get some sleep. You're not going to win."
"How many?"
"Nine. I'll have security right outside the door for protection, just in case, not that I couldn't handle myself if need be. I've been through training, too, remember?"
"Bring them by my room when you're done so I can introduce myself," he said noting the frustrated tone in her voice, and deciding to chose his battles. He was curious about them, though. It had been so long since someone new had shown up to the Unit.
Stephanie nodded, acknowledging his request and let herself inside the room.
She threw herself down on her couch, and took a deep breath. Glancing at the wall clock, she could tell she didn't have much time left before they arrived. She flirted briefly with the idea of changing her clothes to provide a better first impression, but then shrugged it off just as easy. She was who she was. Her eyes closed, and the quiet surrounded her. She was almost asleep when she heard the knock at the door.
A/N: So, I realize that this chapter is miniscule compared to the others. I also realize that there is no TWD characters in this chapter specifically. If you're enjoying the story, stick with it. I've got big ideas here, and it's just going to take some build up, is all. If you like the story, follow it. Review it. Let me know what you think. Thanks so much for your support. I appreciate you! :)
