History has its own story to tell
THE SOUNDS OF APARTMENT 309
A young man lives here, has lived here for the past 3 years. When he moved in he was so excited to have a place so close to the beach. I discovered quickly that he was a surfer considering how many times he tracked sand into the apartment. He was a lonely man, spending most of his nights playing games on his TV or his computer. He rarely has friends over, even fewer women. He comes and goes at odd hours as well. Sometimes he is even gone for days on end. But that all changes
He returns home exhausted. I can tell that he has had a rough day but no idea what he has gone through. He collapses on his couch, not bothering to turn the TV on or anything. He just stares out into nothingness. But them something strange happens. The door bell rings. He gets up and answers the door. He is pleasantly surprised at a young red head standing at his door. Their conversation is awkward but I am able to make out that she is a co- worker of his. Apparently he almost died today and she could only watch it. It really shook her up and she has to fight off tears more than once. He is comforting to her as she is to him. He asks if she wants to come in but she politely declines. She says she just wanted to come by and make sure he was ok. He replies that he is now. They pull each other into a friendly hug and stand in each other's arms just a few moments longer then would be just a friendly hug. They separate and she goes to leave. He closes the door with a big smile on his face, one that was nonexistent when he first got home.
A few months later on a Friday night and he is on the couch, watching a movie. His phone rings which he quickly answers. He listens intently, chuckling a few times before saying that he is on his way. He grabs his keys and leaves, returning 30 minutes later with the same red head. She is apologizing profusely for calling him, explaining that her DD ride ditched her and she didn't want to get a cab. He brushes her apologies off, telling her that he doesn't mind. He gets her some water and some pain killers for her head. While she sits on the couch he goes into his bedroom and returns with a change of clothes, a blanket, and a couple of pillows. She stumbles into his bedroom, closing the door after her as he makes a bed on the large couch. She comes out wearing a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt that is very big on her. He helps her lie down on the couch and covers her, whispering good night to her. Before she falls asleep she calls over to him. He kneels down and she grabs the back of his neck, pulling him close so she can kiss him on the cheek, thanking him. He returns with a kiss on the forehead of his own before he goes into the bedroom, crawling into bed and falling asleep himself.
A year passes and the redhead is becoming a regular visitor. She comes over almost every other week like clockwork. They spent the night watching TV, movies, or playing games together. The tension between them starts to erode. The sneak glances at each other, their hands brushing against each other for months before the dam finally breaks. They are watching a movie with a love making scene and he makes the first move. He places his hand on hers and she grips his fingers, softly running her thumb over the back of his hand. The scene continues as she scoots over next to him and curls against him. Nothing is said between them; both eyes intently watching the scene unfold. When it's over the both look at each other, saying nothing with their lips and everything with their eyes. They bid their goodbyes that night as she leaves but their body language toward each other betrays the monumental change.
It's Christmas Eve and they come in both dressed in elf costumes. They are both happy, laughing about the fun they had with the children passing out gifts. They each change out of their costumes as they sit on the couch in each other's arms; the lights from the kitchen and the bedroom are the only illumination. They lie in silence, softly stroking each other. He finally stands up and pulls her up to her feet. They kiss, the lack of awkwardness leads me to believe that this isn't their first, as he leads her into the room. They climb into bed together and curl up against each other. As they start to fall asleep they whisper Merry Christmas to each other.
She is spending more and more time over now. In fact very rarely when she comes over does she leave at the end of the night. Usually it is on weekends, which makes her recent visit all the more strange. But based on his reaction he isn't as surprised. He inspects the small cut on her forehead as she sits on the couch. He grabs his first aid kit and changes the bandage, covering it with a water proof one. She goes to shower while he waits in the living room. She comes out later, hair still wet and in a fresh pair of clothes. She lies down on the couch and his wrap his arms around her. They say nothing for a long time and soon the only sounds that are heard are the soft sobs she emits as the mask of being ok starts to crumble. He whispers things to her about how she is safe, that she didn't do anything wrong. His soft words comfort her as she finally relaxes in his arms. She fall asleep in his arms and he can't help but smile. He grabs his phone and calls someone named "Hetty". He explains that he is going to be a little late going into work tomorrow. I can see his face grapple with attempting to lie to her or tell her the truth. He decides to tell her. He explains that he doesn't want to leave Nell (apparently this girl's name) alone tonight and wants to make sure she is ok in the morning. He breathes a sigh of relief, leading me to believe that she is accepting of his reasoning. He gently wakes her up as she tried to apologize for sleeping on him. He again brushes it off as he leads her into the bedroom and they fall asleep together. I wish I could say that was the last of it but it wasn't, as she wakes up a few hours later screaming. He is instantly awake, cradling her in his arms as she cries, softly stroking her back. She eventually calms down and with his arms around her she is able to fall back asleep. This process repeats for the next few days before it seems she finally comes to terms with what happened. They leave that Monday morning both smiling and holding hands.
Late at night and a large storm covers the city. The rain is pouring and lightning and thunder light up the sky. But among the sound of the rain hitting the windows and the thunder comes another sound. The sound is coming from the bedroom. It is the sounds of pleasure and ecstasy. They lie in bed together naked as he thrusts into her. Soft moans and screams erupt from her mouth as grunts erupt from his. Their cries get louder and louder against the rain as nature seems to respond with thunder. After a few more thrusts they both cry out as lighting splits the sky. He collapses next to her, both of them spent from their climax. She lies on her back, rest a hand on her stomach as she softly runs her other hand along his back. He lies on his stomach, watching her as they both try to catch their breath. The rain continues as they curl up with each other, wrapping themselves in the blankets. Among the thunder and the rain another sound is heard, this one soft. It is a pair of whispers. Whispers of "I Love You"
Angry sounds fill the air as they are arguing about something. She runs off, tears in her eyes and locks herself in the bathroom. Her cries echo through the apartment as he sits on the couch, running his hand through his hair. He is angry, but more at himself then at her. He is ashamed about how he reacted to her. Finally he stands up and walks to the bathroom door. Gently knocking he calls out to her. Placing his forehead against the door he asks for her forgiveness. He never should have been mad at her. He talks about how much she means to him and that he wants to be there for her every step. She opens the door and he leads her to the couch. She explains how she was scared when she found the news and she wasn't sure how he would react. He tells her that he will always love her no matter what. He says the decision is ultimately hers. She says she wants to keep it. He kisses her softly placing a hand on her stomach. Looks like a new addition is on its way.
The cries coming from the apartment are not cries of a child. They are the cries of a man and a woman. They sit on the couch, holding each other as they try to fight through their sorrow, but it is a losing battle. On the table is a report from the doctor explaining there was no heart beat. They are devastated. The door bell rings as for a moment they don't answer. But it continues to ring so he gets up and answers the door. 6 people stand in the hallway and he invites them in. All of them have sombor moods as a tall brunette with mismatched eyes walks over to the redhead and grabs her. Both of them start to cry as the man stands, trying to remain strong. A man with shaggy hair (who I have seen on occasion pick up the blond man to go surfing) placing his hand on his shoulder. A large black man does the same. But he can't hold back as he starts to cry as well. The black man pulls him into a hug and holds on tight, providing support as the blond man's world falls apart. He whispers support to the blonde, talking about how he will be a great father someday. A shorter man with a shaved head tells him that Sam is right, and he knows what he is talking about. A short woman in glasses, who has been standing in the back of the group finally steps forward and hugs the redhead. She whispers support to her and the redhead seems comforted by them. The whole group pulls together, surrounding the blonde and the redhead. I no longer worry about them. It's clear they have a family that loves them very much, and will help them get over this tragedy
Almost a year later and yells of elation ring out as she finishes telling him the news. He grabs her and swings her in a circle, kissing her passionately all the while. He lets her down and tries to compose himself. She wipes a tear from her eye, a tear of happiness seeing him happy again. He tells her to wait one moment before running into the room and returning. He takes her out onto the balcony and gets down on one knee. He tells her that he has waited long enough and finally asks her if she will marry him. She tearfully accepts, giving him another reason to yell.
A month later and the door opens. He is wearing a tuxedo and she is in a gown. He lifts her off of her feet and carries her into their apartment. He carries her to the bed and sets her down, smiling at her the entire time. "I love you, Mrs Beale." He tells her. "I love you, Mr. Jones." She smiles with a laugh.
The door opens and he enters carrying a bag and a baby carrier. She follows him holding a bundle in her arms. He closes the door, setting everything down as she sits on the couch. He sits down next to her and wraps an arm around her, staring at the little bundle. "Hi Rachel, welcome home" He whispers to the sleeping baby in her arms.
Another year passes and the whole group that was here have returned. This time they are taking everything out. Boxes, electronics, furniture. The redhead and the short woman stand there, watching everything. The woman holds the baby as the redhead helps guide everyone. "I still can't believe you bought us a house, Hetty." She explains. "Well to tell you the truth I didn't buy it for you initially. I bought it just in case and it seems to fit you 3 the best. This little one is going to need a lot of space to grow and the house has plenty of it." The woman explains with a smile.
They are back, just the two of them. The place is bare now. They stand in the living room, holding each other's hand. "This feels so weird" He said. "Yea, so many memories here. I'm going to be sad leaving" She replied. "Have we missed anything?" He said as they walk through the apartment. "Nope, everything is clear." She said as they return to the living room. They face each other, starting deeply into each other's eyes. "I can't wait to start a new life in a new home. One where Rachel can grow." He said. "Yea, me too. I just wish her brother was here." She replied. "He will always be with us. And he will always be there to watch over his little sister." Eric said. He softly stroked her cheek. "I love you, Nell." He said. "I love you, Eric." She replied as they kissed. Grabbing their bags they took one last look at the place that was their home and closed the door, never to return. They always say "If walls could talk, what a story they could tell". I've seen many people come and go, but this is one story that I am glad to have been a witness too. To see two people love each other so much and go through everything together makes me happy. I can only hope the next story can live up to it.
I origionally wanted to call this "If Walls Could Talk" But I felt that would give away the concept that this was written by the perspective of the apartment and not an object like it sounds through the story. I hoped you enjoyed this one as it was a real fun one to write for me personally. This one wasn't posted on the Profile as it was a spur of the moment idea
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In response to the Guest review asking if I would be doing more Kensi/Deeks episodes. I'm not going to lie to you. Those are a rarity for me. Eric/Nell are a lot easier for me to write and they happen to be some of my favorite characters. I try to incorporate other characters as much as possible but I write what comes into my head. You may see more Kensi/Deeks but don't hold your breath. Fortunately there are thousands of other fics on this side devoted to those two so you have plenty to keep you entertained. I don't have anything against the pairing (And I think Eric Christian Olsen is phenomenal, he is really what drew me into the show in the first place) but stories for them don't come as easy as they do for the Geeks