Wow, it's been a long time since I've updated this one. I just want to
thank all those who expressed interest in a continuation, even though
it's been almost a year since I last wrote anything for this fic.
Rain On Me
Chapter Four
Written by Shay
"Are you all right?" Rachel questioned later that night as Luis drove her home. He had barely said a word since Antonio and Sheridan arrived at the restaurant, which was unlike him. Usually she could read him like a book, but he seemed closed off, even to her.
Luis' dark eyes glanced over at her when he stopped for a red light. In the two months they'd known each other, Rachel had seen a million different emotions run through them, but none came close to what she saw now. He didn't speak until a few minutes later, when they had come to a stop outside her apartment building. It was then he turned to face her.
"I'm really sorry about tonight."
Rachel smiled slightly and covered his hand with her own. "You don't have to apologize. You had no idea they were going to be there."
"Well, maybe not, but I still feel bad. I promised you a fun night out and it turned into... well, that."
Shaking her head, she squeezed his hand. "Luis, I wouldn't have expected anything else once you and Sheridan came face to face. You still love her and you're still hurting. I can only imagine that seeing them together was like another slap in the face."
Luis sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "There's an understatement. But, you know, I'm kind of glad they were there. It gave me and Sheridan a chance to talk."
"Yeah, I was going to ask you about that. You guys were out there for quite a while. Call me nosy, but I was wondering what you two talked about?"
"You? Nosy? Never," Luis feigned shock, but chuckled when she rolled her eyes. "We just talked, you know? She apologized for hurting me." At her look, he shook his head. "Don't worry, I'm not about to go running into her arms again... the ball is in her court on this one. I told her I couldn't keep fighting for our relationship when I'm the only fighting. There's always hope for us, we both know that... but I'll be all right if it doesn't happen. I love her, I always will, and it'll take time, but I'll be okay."
A smile of pride settled on Rachel's lips and she leaned over to brush them against his cheek. "I'm proud of you, Luis. You've come a long way from the broken man who stumbled into my humble abode a few months ago."
"I couldn't have done it without you," He said sincerely. "I mean it, Rach. I'd probably still be moping around if it weren't for you."
"It was my greatest pleasure," She grinned, glancing down at her watch. "I should get in, I do have to work tomorrow. Thank you for tonight, I had fun, despite everything."
"Anytime. We should do it again, sans the ex and randomly appearing siblings."
Rachel laughed and nodded. "You got it, LoFitz. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"I'll be there. Goodnight, Rach."
"Goodnight, HPD."
******
"Rachel was pretty nice, wasn't she?" Antonio asked as he followed Sheridan into the cottage. "She seems perfect for Luis. Just his type."
Sheridan somehow managed not to turn around and bite his head off at the suggestion. "Yes, she was," She replied tightly.
"They looked good together. She seemed like the kind of girl Luis would settle down with." He grinned as he pulled her closer. "Maybe they'll get married one day so they can be as happy as we are. Wouldn't that be great?"
Forcing back the urge to cry, despite the conversation she had with Luis earlier, Sheridan gave a curt nod. "Yeah. Great."
Antonio lifted her chin with his finger, his blue eyes staring at her with a hungry desire. She immediately knew where this was headed.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight? My beautiful wife," As his voice trailed off, his lips met the soft skin of her neck. Sheridan's stomach lurched and she stepped back slightly.
"Antonio... I.... we can't, not tonight, I'm sorry. I'm just... I'm really tired and the baby, you know... I'm just not up to it tonight."
A look of anger flashed in his eyes and she involuntarily shuddered, but then he blinked and it was replaced by hurt. Stepping closer, he grasped her arms.
"I want to make love to my wife, Sheridan. It's been a long time."
"I know," She began quietly, unsure of how to get out of this one. One thing was for certain; she could not sleep with him!
"Sheridan, why does it feel like you're avoiding me?" He asked evenly. "Every time I try to make love to you, you try and talk me out of it. Is there something you're not telling me?"
It was like he was daring her to tell him the truth and she hesitated. If she was honest with him, she could go to Luis and they could fix things and her mouth opened to do just that. But then a sudden threatening expression crossed his features as his grip tightened on her arms and she swallowed hard. Why did it feel like he wouldn't hesitate to hurt her if she told him about her and Luis?
Afraid for her unborn child, she reluctantly shook her head. "No, of course not, Antonio. I really am exhausted; it's been a long night."
He studied her for a moment before releasing her. Immediately, her hands went to where his had been and she was sure there would be bruises in the morning.
"You're right, it has. You and the baby should get some sleep. You go on, get ready for bed, I'll lock up."
Confused by his sudden change in demeanor, but eager to get away, she merely nodded and disappeared into the bedroom.
Antonio watched her go, his hands clenched together in front of him. He'd get what he wanted soon - one way or another.
******
Hours later, after finally extracting herself from a slumbering Antonio's arms, Sheridan quietly made her way out to the living room. Unable to sleep with so much weighing on her mind, she went to the closet with her memory box inside. As she did every night, she settled on the couch with the metal box and unlocked it.
Pictures stared out at her and as she reached to remove them, something suddenly inspired her to turn the radio on. Shutting the door to the hallway, she turned the dial on low and a soft ballad suddenly filled the room.
Do you know
How it feels
Laying here with you, baby
You could never understand
What's happening to me
So alone
Nothing's real
I just dream about you, baby
And forever wonder why
You had to break free
Tears stung Sheridan's eyes as she digested the lyrics. They held so much truth, in relation to her and Luis' situation right then. Picking up the first photo, she smiled through her tears as she traced his features with her fingertip. Every last detail was so ingrained in her mind; she could almost feel his warm flesh under her hand.
Even though you're not my lover
Even though you're not my friend
I would give my all
To have you here
Just to hold you
Once again
She would give anything to have him beside her again. To feel his lips on hers; to feel his body move within her own. It seemed like a lifetime ago that he had held her close as he whispered words of undying love. Closing her eyes, she allowed the music to speak to her heart and his smiling face appeared in her head.
******
Across town, another restless soul was also moved by the song ringing from his car stereo. Luis hadn't wanted to go home after dropping Rachel off, so instead he'd come here. The cliff was the dead-end of a dirt road and overlooked the blue waters of the Atlantic. Moonbeams bounced off the waves, but he saw nothing but her. In his mind, his heart, his soul, he saw her. As she - as they used to be.
It's so hard to believe
I don't have you right beside me
As I long to touch you
But you're out of my reach
And my heart
Doesn't feel
It's so very cold inside me
Just a shadow of someone
That I used to be
Earlier that night, he had told her that he was dead inside; that all he felt was pain. And it was true, he was. Except when he let himself drown in memories, of what had once been, of what could've been. He didn't even feel like the same person anymore, he barely recognized himself in the mirror. He had never thought he could love someone as much as he did Sheridan, that it would tear him apart like this to not be with her. And even though he told Rachel earlier that he'd get by without her, he wasn't entirely sure he believed it. It seemed to far-fetched with the way he felt now. How could he survive when his heart and soul were gone?
You were the only one
That I allowed inside my heart
Now I'm just holding on
To something so far gone
Oh where
Did I
Go wrong
She had been the only one to crack the seemingly impenetrable exterior he had adopted after his father disappeared. Somehow, she had gotten through his steel walls and found her way into his heart. As much as they had fought it, denied it, it had been there from the moment they met. The sparks had been instantaneous, threatening to burn them alive. They were still there, every time they were near one another, that their eyes met. He sometimes wondered if it was only a dream, one of his sisters silly notions that kept him from being able to let her go. But then he would remember what it felt like to be with her and he knew it wasn't. He couldn't let go because what they shared was the real deal; the real thing and his heart knew he would never find that with anyone else.
******
The next afternoon, Fox came in through the front door to hear his mother and Theresa going at it - again. Their fights were notorious through the house and quite amusing the watch. With a patronizing smirk, he ambled toward the living room, his hands tucked in his pockets.
Leaning against the doorframe, he watched with bemusement as they hurled insults back and forth. His grin grew when Theresa trapped Ivy in her wheelchair, her face inches from the older woman's.
"You're pathetic, Ivy. Pathetic. Sam Bennett or anyone else for that matter, will ever want you. You're nothing but a bitter, old bitch." Theresa seethed heatedly before straightening. She turned in his direction her eyes widening as she did. He arched an eyebrow at her.
"Afternoon, Theresa. Hello, Mother," He greeted, moving further into the room. "Lovely day, isn't it?"
Ivy glared at her son, arms crossed. "You're not going to let that little tramp talk to like that, are you?"
Fox pretended to mull it over before shrugging. "I don't know, Mother. It sounded like a fairly accurate description to me."
Contempt filled Ivy's blue green eyes and she zoomed her chair closer to them. "You're such an ungrateful -"
"Bastard?" He supplied. "Yeah, so you've said."
He turned his back then, effectively ending their conversation. Ivy humphed and glared hatefully at Theresa before leaving the room.
"God, how I loathe that woman," Theresa spat out as she sat down on the sofa. Lifting her gaze to Fox, she asked, "Are you sure you aren't adopted?"
"One could only hope," He grinned, taking a seat next to her. "What set this one off?"
"The usual," She sighed. "I swear, I should just toss her out on her -"
"Tsk, tsk. What would Mama Pilar say if she heard you talking like that?" Fox interrupted and she shot him a wry smile.
"Probably chastise me and then offer to throw her out herself."
"I'd pay to see that," He chuckled. "We're still on for tonight, right?"
"Yep," Theresa smiled, covering his hand with hers. "What time should I be ready by?
"I will be at your door to pick you up at six-thirty. Tonight, I am going to show you how a real Crane does things."
With sparkling brown eyes, she replied. "I can't wait!"
******
Later that night, after a date on the town in Boston, Theresa dreamily flopped down on her bed, stars in her eyes.
Never had she had so much fun. Fox had lived up to his promise and showed her a night she wouldn't soon forget.
He had chartered them off to Boston to dine at the most amazing restaurant in the city. They'd eaten in a private room that overlooked the lights and nightlife below. They talked, they laughed, they danced. And then he ushered them off to an exclusive nightclub, where they rubbed noses with the wealthiest of the wealthy and more celebrities than she could have ever imagined. And even though the club was very upscale, the patrons had been surprisingly down to earth.
And then to top the night off, once they had returned to Harmony, Fox had shown his romantic side. A moonlit picnic of fresh fruit and a chilling bottle of champagne had been waiting for them when they got to the beach.
They'd shared the intimate snack, attune to only each other. And even now, hours later, Ethan was the furthest thing from her mind...
******
She was lost in thought again - of Luis, no doubt, Antonio surmised bitterly. He stood in the doorway from the kitchen to the living room, watching as Sheridan stared into space, smiling wistfully. Every now and then her hand would drift down to her swollen middle, as the child that lay within kicked. And then she'd go back to her daydreaming.
His eyes narrowed as a silver glint caught his attention. In one hand, she clutched a compact of some sort, the same one he'd seen her use many times with a mixture of pain and love in her eyes. He'd asked her about it once, but she'd only gotten a far away look on her face and whispered that it had been a gift from a friend.
Exhaling loudly, he stepped into the room and cleared his throat. She looked up abruptly, and as if she'd been expecting someone else to be there, her face fell. It was unintentional on her part, but the action caused anger to boil up inside of him.
"Antonio," Sheridan spoke, hurriedly thrusting her compact under the pillow beside her.
Taking quick strides to her, he pulled her up so they were standing face to face. Touching her cheek, blue eyes bore into blue.
"I have some things I need to take care of. Will you be all right here by yourself?"
"I'll be fine. Where are you going?"
"Just a few errands I need to run. I won't be gone long."
She seemed to accept that and offered a thin smile. Antonio leaned in to brush her lips with his and turned to leave, missing the quick swipe across her mouth as if the act repulsed her.
As he stepped outside, Antonio pulled out his cell phone and quickly dialed a familiar number.
"Alistair, it's me..."
******
To be continued...
And it won't be another 10 months! :)
Rain On Me
Chapter Four
Written by Shay
"Are you all right?" Rachel questioned later that night as Luis drove her home. He had barely said a word since Antonio and Sheridan arrived at the restaurant, which was unlike him. Usually she could read him like a book, but he seemed closed off, even to her.
Luis' dark eyes glanced over at her when he stopped for a red light. In the two months they'd known each other, Rachel had seen a million different emotions run through them, but none came close to what she saw now. He didn't speak until a few minutes later, when they had come to a stop outside her apartment building. It was then he turned to face her.
"I'm really sorry about tonight."
Rachel smiled slightly and covered his hand with her own. "You don't have to apologize. You had no idea they were going to be there."
"Well, maybe not, but I still feel bad. I promised you a fun night out and it turned into... well, that."
Shaking her head, she squeezed his hand. "Luis, I wouldn't have expected anything else once you and Sheridan came face to face. You still love her and you're still hurting. I can only imagine that seeing them together was like another slap in the face."
Luis sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "There's an understatement. But, you know, I'm kind of glad they were there. It gave me and Sheridan a chance to talk."
"Yeah, I was going to ask you about that. You guys were out there for quite a while. Call me nosy, but I was wondering what you two talked about?"
"You? Nosy? Never," Luis feigned shock, but chuckled when she rolled her eyes. "We just talked, you know? She apologized for hurting me." At her look, he shook his head. "Don't worry, I'm not about to go running into her arms again... the ball is in her court on this one. I told her I couldn't keep fighting for our relationship when I'm the only fighting. There's always hope for us, we both know that... but I'll be all right if it doesn't happen. I love her, I always will, and it'll take time, but I'll be okay."
A smile of pride settled on Rachel's lips and she leaned over to brush them against his cheek. "I'm proud of you, Luis. You've come a long way from the broken man who stumbled into my humble abode a few months ago."
"I couldn't have done it without you," He said sincerely. "I mean it, Rach. I'd probably still be moping around if it weren't for you."
"It was my greatest pleasure," She grinned, glancing down at her watch. "I should get in, I do have to work tomorrow. Thank you for tonight, I had fun, despite everything."
"Anytime. We should do it again, sans the ex and randomly appearing siblings."
Rachel laughed and nodded. "You got it, LoFitz. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"I'll be there. Goodnight, Rach."
"Goodnight, HPD."
******
"Rachel was pretty nice, wasn't she?" Antonio asked as he followed Sheridan into the cottage. "She seems perfect for Luis. Just his type."
Sheridan somehow managed not to turn around and bite his head off at the suggestion. "Yes, she was," She replied tightly.
"They looked good together. She seemed like the kind of girl Luis would settle down with." He grinned as he pulled her closer. "Maybe they'll get married one day so they can be as happy as we are. Wouldn't that be great?"
Forcing back the urge to cry, despite the conversation she had with Luis earlier, Sheridan gave a curt nod. "Yeah. Great."
Antonio lifted her chin with his finger, his blue eyes staring at her with a hungry desire. She immediately knew where this was headed.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight? My beautiful wife," As his voice trailed off, his lips met the soft skin of her neck. Sheridan's stomach lurched and she stepped back slightly.
"Antonio... I.... we can't, not tonight, I'm sorry. I'm just... I'm really tired and the baby, you know... I'm just not up to it tonight."
A look of anger flashed in his eyes and she involuntarily shuddered, but then he blinked and it was replaced by hurt. Stepping closer, he grasped her arms.
"I want to make love to my wife, Sheridan. It's been a long time."
"I know," She began quietly, unsure of how to get out of this one. One thing was for certain; she could not sleep with him!
"Sheridan, why does it feel like you're avoiding me?" He asked evenly. "Every time I try to make love to you, you try and talk me out of it. Is there something you're not telling me?"
It was like he was daring her to tell him the truth and she hesitated. If she was honest with him, she could go to Luis and they could fix things and her mouth opened to do just that. But then a sudden threatening expression crossed his features as his grip tightened on her arms and she swallowed hard. Why did it feel like he wouldn't hesitate to hurt her if she told him about her and Luis?
Afraid for her unborn child, she reluctantly shook her head. "No, of course not, Antonio. I really am exhausted; it's been a long night."
He studied her for a moment before releasing her. Immediately, her hands went to where his had been and she was sure there would be bruises in the morning.
"You're right, it has. You and the baby should get some sleep. You go on, get ready for bed, I'll lock up."
Confused by his sudden change in demeanor, but eager to get away, she merely nodded and disappeared into the bedroom.
Antonio watched her go, his hands clenched together in front of him. He'd get what he wanted soon - one way or another.
******
Hours later, after finally extracting herself from a slumbering Antonio's arms, Sheridan quietly made her way out to the living room. Unable to sleep with so much weighing on her mind, she went to the closet with her memory box inside. As she did every night, she settled on the couch with the metal box and unlocked it.
Pictures stared out at her and as she reached to remove them, something suddenly inspired her to turn the radio on. Shutting the door to the hallway, she turned the dial on low and a soft ballad suddenly filled the room.
Do you know
How it feels
Laying here with you, baby
You could never understand
What's happening to me
So alone
Nothing's real
I just dream about you, baby
And forever wonder why
You had to break free
Tears stung Sheridan's eyes as she digested the lyrics. They held so much truth, in relation to her and Luis' situation right then. Picking up the first photo, she smiled through her tears as she traced his features with her fingertip. Every last detail was so ingrained in her mind; she could almost feel his warm flesh under her hand.
Even though you're not my lover
Even though you're not my friend
I would give my all
To have you here
Just to hold you
Once again
She would give anything to have him beside her again. To feel his lips on hers; to feel his body move within her own. It seemed like a lifetime ago that he had held her close as he whispered words of undying love. Closing her eyes, she allowed the music to speak to her heart and his smiling face appeared in her head.
******
Across town, another restless soul was also moved by the song ringing from his car stereo. Luis hadn't wanted to go home after dropping Rachel off, so instead he'd come here. The cliff was the dead-end of a dirt road and overlooked the blue waters of the Atlantic. Moonbeams bounced off the waves, but he saw nothing but her. In his mind, his heart, his soul, he saw her. As she - as they used to be.
It's so hard to believe
I don't have you right beside me
As I long to touch you
But you're out of my reach
And my heart
Doesn't feel
It's so very cold inside me
Just a shadow of someone
That I used to be
Earlier that night, he had told her that he was dead inside; that all he felt was pain. And it was true, he was. Except when he let himself drown in memories, of what had once been, of what could've been. He didn't even feel like the same person anymore, he barely recognized himself in the mirror. He had never thought he could love someone as much as he did Sheridan, that it would tear him apart like this to not be with her. And even though he told Rachel earlier that he'd get by without her, he wasn't entirely sure he believed it. It seemed to far-fetched with the way he felt now. How could he survive when his heart and soul were gone?
You were the only one
That I allowed inside my heart
Now I'm just holding on
To something so far gone
Oh where
Did I
Go wrong
She had been the only one to crack the seemingly impenetrable exterior he had adopted after his father disappeared. Somehow, she had gotten through his steel walls and found her way into his heart. As much as they had fought it, denied it, it had been there from the moment they met. The sparks had been instantaneous, threatening to burn them alive. They were still there, every time they were near one another, that their eyes met. He sometimes wondered if it was only a dream, one of his sisters silly notions that kept him from being able to let her go. But then he would remember what it felt like to be with her and he knew it wasn't. He couldn't let go because what they shared was the real deal; the real thing and his heart knew he would never find that with anyone else.
******
The next afternoon, Fox came in through the front door to hear his mother and Theresa going at it - again. Their fights were notorious through the house and quite amusing the watch. With a patronizing smirk, he ambled toward the living room, his hands tucked in his pockets.
Leaning against the doorframe, he watched with bemusement as they hurled insults back and forth. His grin grew when Theresa trapped Ivy in her wheelchair, her face inches from the older woman's.
"You're pathetic, Ivy. Pathetic. Sam Bennett or anyone else for that matter, will ever want you. You're nothing but a bitter, old bitch." Theresa seethed heatedly before straightening. She turned in his direction her eyes widening as she did. He arched an eyebrow at her.
"Afternoon, Theresa. Hello, Mother," He greeted, moving further into the room. "Lovely day, isn't it?"
Ivy glared at her son, arms crossed. "You're not going to let that little tramp talk to like that, are you?"
Fox pretended to mull it over before shrugging. "I don't know, Mother. It sounded like a fairly accurate description to me."
Contempt filled Ivy's blue green eyes and she zoomed her chair closer to them. "You're such an ungrateful -"
"Bastard?" He supplied. "Yeah, so you've said."
He turned his back then, effectively ending their conversation. Ivy humphed and glared hatefully at Theresa before leaving the room.
"God, how I loathe that woman," Theresa spat out as she sat down on the sofa. Lifting her gaze to Fox, she asked, "Are you sure you aren't adopted?"
"One could only hope," He grinned, taking a seat next to her. "What set this one off?"
"The usual," She sighed. "I swear, I should just toss her out on her -"
"Tsk, tsk. What would Mama Pilar say if she heard you talking like that?" Fox interrupted and she shot him a wry smile.
"Probably chastise me and then offer to throw her out herself."
"I'd pay to see that," He chuckled. "We're still on for tonight, right?"
"Yep," Theresa smiled, covering his hand with hers. "What time should I be ready by?
"I will be at your door to pick you up at six-thirty. Tonight, I am going to show you how a real Crane does things."
With sparkling brown eyes, she replied. "I can't wait!"
******
Later that night, after a date on the town in Boston, Theresa dreamily flopped down on her bed, stars in her eyes.
Never had she had so much fun. Fox had lived up to his promise and showed her a night she wouldn't soon forget.
He had chartered them off to Boston to dine at the most amazing restaurant in the city. They'd eaten in a private room that overlooked the lights and nightlife below. They talked, they laughed, they danced. And then he ushered them off to an exclusive nightclub, where they rubbed noses with the wealthiest of the wealthy and more celebrities than she could have ever imagined. And even though the club was very upscale, the patrons had been surprisingly down to earth.
And then to top the night off, once they had returned to Harmony, Fox had shown his romantic side. A moonlit picnic of fresh fruit and a chilling bottle of champagne had been waiting for them when they got to the beach.
They'd shared the intimate snack, attune to only each other. And even now, hours later, Ethan was the furthest thing from her mind...
******
She was lost in thought again - of Luis, no doubt, Antonio surmised bitterly. He stood in the doorway from the kitchen to the living room, watching as Sheridan stared into space, smiling wistfully. Every now and then her hand would drift down to her swollen middle, as the child that lay within kicked. And then she'd go back to her daydreaming.
His eyes narrowed as a silver glint caught his attention. In one hand, she clutched a compact of some sort, the same one he'd seen her use many times with a mixture of pain and love in her eyes. He'd asked her about it once, but she'd only gotten a far away look on her face and whispered that it had been a gift from a friend.
Exhaling loudly, he stepped into the room and cleared his throat. She looked up abruptly, and as if she'd been expecting someone else to be there, her face fell. It was unintentional on her part, but the action caused anger to boil up inside of him.
"Antonio," Sheridan spoke, hurriedly thrusting her compact under the pillow beside her.
Taking quick strides to her, he pulled her up so they were standing face to face. Touching her cheek, blue eyes bore into blue.
"I have some things I need to take care of. Will you be all right here by yourself?"
"I'll be fine. Where are you going?"
"Just a few errands I need to run. I won't be gone long."
She seemed to accept that and offered a thin smile. Antonio leaned in to brush her lips with his and turned to leave, missing the quick swipe across her mouth as if the act repulsed her.
As he stepped outside, Antonio pulled out his cell phone and quickly dialed a familiar number.
"Alistair, it's me..."
******
To be continued...
And it won't be another 10 months! :)