So, I got into an angsty mood and thought, "You know what? They haven't seen me in angst mode!" Even so, this is the tip of the iceberg of my angst writing. Just ask MysticGoats. (BTW I have not read anything she has posted.) This is kinda bittersweet, I think.
(Break-Up AU): No One Important
Zelena shifted from one foot to the other in Granny's Diner, looking around distastefully at the crowded place.
How hard was it to get one person's simple coffee order filled?
Extremely difficult, apparently.
The words from her last argument with Robin still rang in her head.
Zelena hated herself for pleading, for allowing tears to escape her.
"Why can't I at least see her?"
"I'm not letting a vindictive witch like you anywhere near her!"
"She's my daughter too, Robin!"
She sighed heavily and ran a hand through her hair.
"Zelena?" She froze at the sound of the familiar voice.
No. No. No. Not here. Not now.
She turned slowly to face the source that had said her name.
"Hello, Hades," she said softly.
He smiled tightly, the forced grin not quite meeting his blue eyes.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"I'm standing in a diner. What else would I be doing other than waiting for an order?" She regretted the dry sarcasm the moment it was out of her mouth. He'd endured enough at her hands.
"Point taken. Do you have anyone important to get back to?"
Instantly, all the turmoil from the divorce welled up, and she found herself swallowing hard to reply.
"No, I don't."
Relief lit up his eyes. The tension in his shoulders eased slightly.
"Neither do I. Can...can we talk?" he asked, almost hopefully.
No.
I can't.
I don't think that's a good idea.
No.
Everything she wanted to say, and yet she wanted to never say any of it.
"Sure."
It seemed surreal, to be sitting with Hades in Granny's Diner, after everything. She was holding onto her coffee cup like it was a lifeline, her usual order the only consistent thing she could count on at the moment.
Hades cleared his throat. "So, how've you been?"
I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. Is that enough? Please don't draw it out. Please don't make it worse.
"I've been better," she said quietly.
"Sorry to hear that."
The awkwardness already at a high, her next words made it worse.
"I-I'm going through a divorce."
He raised an eyebrow. "Wow. I mean…" He seemed to be at a loss for words.
"It's alright, there's no love lost," she said dismissively, waving it away. "It's not him I'm worried about, anyway."
"Who is it, then?"
She shouldn't have said anything.
"My...my daughter. Hayley. She's four." Her tone had turned wistful. "Robin won't let me see her anymore. He's fighting for sole custody."
"I'm sorry, Zelena."
So am I. Sorry for everything I said. Everything I did. Please, just say something with substance. Shout at me, if you must.
"I should be the one who's sorry," she whispered, tears pricking her eyes. "For everything-"
He reached across the table, his hand covering hers. "Don't, Zelena," he said, his voice just as quiet. "It's alright."
She glanced down at his hand, his gaze following hers. She couldn't breathe, for some reason."Is that-"
He jerked his hand away. She caught it. A gold band on his finger confirmed her suspicions.
Defeated, she dropped his hand. It clenched into a fist.
"I thought you said you didn't have anyone to get back to." Her tone was almost accusing.
"No one important," he replied.
They weren't the usual three words, but it felt good hearing him say them.
"I can't stand her," he added.
As if on cue, his phone started ringing. She stared at her hands, not wanting to hear him answer it.
The ringing stopped abruptly. She looked up to see Hades smiling at her softly.
"Can we talk at your place?"
She smiled back, in spite of the situation.
"Sure."
Awwwwwww.
Review, please! They make me happy!
I wanted to write a few Violet/Henry things, but my plate is filled up enough as it is. Just look at my profile page.
Anyway, review!