Ok, so obviously this did not get posted on Sunday. This chapter and I had a big fight which I finally won after the fourth round. But I do think that I am pleased with the result. There were supposed to be three chapters put up together to end this endeavor but as you can see only two have been added. So those of you who are loathe to see this ended have a little more time before we are done. And I'm tired hence the verboseness in the a/n. I'll shut up now.
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Both of them had been through so much. Somehow, thankfully, they had had each other during the darkest moments. Those times had just served to strengthen their inexplicable bond: a bond that even during their interpersonal issues would not budge. His anger, hurt and frustration were often taken out on her, but through the midst of his most unkind, and hurtful barrages she loved him. After the particularly bad ones she would make her way to the roof and cry. When you love someone you give them the power to hurt you. Unknowingly he had that power and used it. Each time she knew it was not personal; that she was not the real reason, but that never lessened the hurt. Never made it go away quicker. Even as she would curl into herself and weep she found herself hurting for him, because something caused him to do this. She knew she meant too much to him for him to intentionally cause her so much pain.
Later in the day she'd see him: he'd apologize and all would be well again. She'd see the regret in his eyes, causing yet another colour change. Flack could say what he liked about Mac's poker face but Stella could read his face better than her own. Each colour of his eyes meant something. When he was filled with remorse and regret, his eyes mirrored the storm within. He never knew it, but he was forgiven before he ever said anything. His eyes told her all she needed to know. And each time she knew her love was not misplaced. Her heart was safe where she had left it.
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