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[sup] A [@Hedgehawk] & [@SouffleGirl123] post
Featuring [color=fff79a]Mary Price[/color] and [color=EE4B2B]Aloysius Leighton[/color][/sup]
[hr]

Slipping out of her car, Mary hummed to herself as she walked toward the door of her townhouse. Relatively quickly Mary caught a figure standing at her door. Miles? No, his hair was much too long to be his- Aloysius. The woman stopped in place for a moment. Mary wouldn’t admit she was avoiding the man but the fact he hadn’t heard a single peep from her since he gave her his number was indeed by design. She couldn’t help but shutter slightly at the sight of him. She hated that there was still some power he held over her. Sure, it wasn’t love or any of the sort but it was enough to put her off. She’d read the man’s letters, every single one, three times over as she tried to make sense of the whole mess. She hadn’t said a word to him since. 

Mary doubted that her piss-covered scrubs were far from fitting attire for that conversation but she barely had a choice. Then again, he was meant to meet Miles this evening. Maybe Miles didn’t show up. [color=fff79a]”If Miles stood you up you won’t find him here. He don’t live here no more,”[/color] she drawls as she reaches the man at her door.  

It hadn’t been long since Al had left Huskers. He was slightly unsure what to do with himself. He did want to speak to Mary, and knowing that Miles was heading to Lilith’s meant that he could at least speak to Mary without anyone around. But that also meant breaking the one rule that Miles had tried to lay out. Still, he needed to speak to Mary and get confirmation himself. So that was what had dragged him here. Hearing the voice behind him, he turned and gave off a soft smile. It may have been twenty five odd years, but he still loved hearing her voice. It had hardly changed.

[color=EE4B2B]”Actually Mary I came to speak with you. I have already spoken to Miles.”[/color]

Mary looked over the man before giving the deepest of sighs. [color=fff79a]”You always were too persistent for your own good,”[/color] she grumbles, fishing through her bag for the keys. Part of her wanted to send him off, tell him to just leave her to her own devices in her little bubble. There was nothing she wanted more right now than a shower and to crawl into bed but what good had just avoiding the man done for her so far? Maybe after this the nightmare will be over. [color=fff79a]”Fine.”[/color] she huffs, pushing past him to unlock the door. [color=fff79a]”Don’t mind the smell, I’ll get changed when we get in. I’m not so much surrounded by bacon grease and coffee these days.”[/color]

The woman then throws open the front door and ushers Aloysius in. [color=fff79a]”Just make yourself comfy, I guess. I’ll be a moment,”[/color] she instructs before slinking her way into her room to get changed. 

Aloysius had wondered if Mary had stayed in the diner for the entire of her life. It appeared not. She had left it seemed and went into some kind of medical field. Aloysius felt an odd sense of pride that he couldn’t quite pinpoint the source of. Following her inside he would find himself on the sofa while she worked on getting changed. He pulled out his phone and began to scroll through his apps looking for one that allowed him to order food. He eventually settled on a place that would deliver chinese food and simply typed in their old order, not forgetting the apple pie. It might not be the best kind of dessert to get from a chinese takeaway, but he remembered that Mary was a sucker for it. With it all paid for, he sat back and looked around the room, It had hardly changed, save for the photos of Mary and Miles on the wall. Looking at them would only make his chest sting in regret.

Mary took the liberty of taking a quick shower as Aloysius waited, if he wasn’t going to talk to her on her terms he was going to wait for a shower she figured. It was only a couple of minutes before she reemerged into the kitchen. She opens the fridge, looking at what she had that she could cook quickly. [color=fff79a]”I think I’ve got some chicken here somewhere, I can whip up a quick pasta or something?”[/color] she offers the man before turning her head to look at him. His eyes were trained on the pictures on the wall. A mix of mainly Miles or her and Miles throughout the years with a few containing or of Lilith and Claire in there for good measure too. She rests her chin on her hands on the door of the fridge. [color=fff79a]”They grow up real fast,”[/color] she says softly, her eyes taking in the pictures also. [color=fff79a]”I swear I blinked and now my baby’s fixin’ to have his own.”[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]”Don’t worry about food. I have ordered some food, figured that it would save you scrambling around after work.”[/color] Aloysius replied, not taking his eyes off a photo of Mary, Miles, Lilith and Claire. Each of the photos only served to remind him how invisible he was. Years of memories that he couldn’t see or be a part of. [color=EE4B2B]”Tell me about it. I blinked and all the sudden my entire sentence was coming to an end. Everything has changed so much. Everything is so much more complicated than it once was.”[/color]

Mary’s face softened slightly at the man mentioning he had food as she gave a gentle [color=fff79a]”Thanks.”[/color] She pulls a bottle of white wine out of the fridge, pouring herself a glass. She holds it up so Al had a better view before asking [color=fff79a]”Want one?”[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]”Sure, no harm in having a glass or two”[/color] Aloysius remarked as he sank deeper in the sofa. His eyes drifted away from the photos and back towards Mary. While he knew that she didn’t love him back anymore, being near her still gave Al a really warm heart feeling alongside comfort.

After pouring Al a glass and putting the bottle back in the fridge, Mary makes her way to the couch. She hands Al a glass before situating herself in the farthest spot from him on the short couch. She leans up against the side of it so she was facing him. Her eyes drift to the photo he was looking at earlier of Mary and Claire with their arms around their young children standing in front of them. [color=fff79a]”That’s one of my favourites,”[/color] she says, nodding to the picture. [color=fff79a]”I reckon Miles was about 7 here. We used to take the kids on camping trips in the Summer to catch up. They always were the sweetest friends.”[/color] It was clear Mary was avoiding the reason Aloysius had once again found himself at her door. She wasn’t so sure herself if she was ignoring it or waiting for the man to initiate.

Aloysius had picked up on the fact that Mary had sat as far away as possible from him. He should have really expected it. Looking around at the picture once more he smiled. [color=EE4B2B]”So Miles and Lilith have been close for a long time then?”[/color] Aloysius asked, taking a sip from his wine glass before looking back at Mary. He was enjoying this quiet discussion time. It was almost more relaxing than the half hostile attitude that Miles had given him at the bar.

[color=fff79a]”I mean, Claire and I grew up together so it was kinda inevitable,”[/color] the woman replies, taking a sip of her wine. She couldn’t help but wonder when Al would get onto why he was here but she’d never turn down an opportunity to talk about her son. [color=fff79a]”Claire found out she was pregnant a month or 2 after Miles was born. I used to joke that she made my son a wife, didn’t know it’d actually happen. Or it’d cause this many issues.”[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]”Well, it wouldn’t have caused any issues if it wasn’t for me”[/color] Aloysius sighed. While having Miles was always something he had wanted, he had wanted to be here for the experience. After the Magi war, Aloysius no longer cared about the politics of the Guild or any kind of powerplay. He had wanted to retire and set up a small family and enjoy peace and quiet. [color=EE4B2B]”There are days I wish I had finished my research in Chronomancy. Not to win the Magi war, but to make the right choice and stand my ground. Stay here and actually be a father. I am sure Salem would have tried to kill me. But I should have been stronger.”[/color]

Mary gave a sigh, her eyes recentring on the man. [color=fff79a]”It’s all in the past now, Al. Honestly, I don’t think it’s really fair to redo it all. We make mistakes for a reason. Sure, things were hard on Miles and I but neither of us hated our lives.”[/color] she muses before taking a sip of her drink. 

[color=EE4B2B]”Nah, well Miles asked me to meet him at Huskers and it was an interesting experience.”[/color] Aloysius said as he took a sip of his wine [color=EE4B2B]”We had some interesting conversations”[/color] He said with a soft sigh.

[color=fff79a]”Honestly I’m a lil surprised you came out of there without at least a black eye so it mustn’t have gone too badly,”[/color] Mary replies, taking a sip from her glass. She did dare ask what was said, it wasn’t her business. She did fully expect one of them to tell her anyway. 

[color=EE4B2B]”Well, it nearly turned out that way. There was a moment where Miles was getting very close to squaring up. But we had a few moments of understanding.”[/color] Aloysius remarked as he took another drink. [color=EE4B2B]”Though he did pretty much tell me to leave you alone as I don’t deserve to be here pretty much.”[/color]

[color=fff79a]”And the first thing you do is ignore his request?”[/color] Mary asked curiously. If it were anyone else in any other situation she would have been quick to make clear these were things Miles had no right to have control over but this was a unique situation. She was also interested in what the man had to say for himself in that regard.

[color=EE4B2B]”Well, I wanted to actually ask you if that was what you wanted. I know Miles has feelings, but ultimately I want to respect your feelings”[/color] Aloysius remarked as the door knocked. He got up and let Mary stay relaxed as he went to the door and a moment later he came back with the chinese and laid it out on the coffee table. [color=EE4B2B]”Well, I haven’t had this smell in a long time”[/color]

Mary exhales a breath she didn't realise she was holding in anticipation for Aloysius' response. [color=fff79a]”I guess Miles always saw himself as the 'man of the house'. Poor kid always felt he had to protect me."[/color] Mary chuckles, playing with her wine glass. [color=fff79a]”There's a lot o' drawings from when he was a kid of him protectin' me from things. Dragons, green and brown blobs I think were meant to be swamp monsters- and you."[/color] Soon the sound of someone rapping their fist against the door echoed through the house caused Aloysius to get up. Mary couldn’t help the wave of nostalgia that came over her as the man opened the containers of food. Mary quickly collects a couple of bowls and sets of chopsticks, handing one to Al. [color=fff79a]”So I guess you have some questions to ask me?"[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]”I do, but first, are there any questions you want to ask me. With everything going on and all the drama, we never really had a chance to sit down between us and just talk”[/color] Aloysius remarked as he opened his takeout pot and picked up the chopsticks. He began to pick at the food before looking back at Mary.

Mary found a sudden interest in her food. Over the years she'd built a whole library of questions she'd ask the man but so many of them were either null and void or at least complicated by those letters. [color=fff79a]”25 years,"[/color] she muses. [color=fff79a]”Every one of those letters ended with an 'I love you' until a few months ago. I don't know. Why didn’t you just give up?"[/color]

Aloysius knew that Mary had a right to know. Even if the answer hurt him, she deserved to know the truth. [color=EE4B2B]”Because I never really lost hope. It was tested numerous times. But I was forced out of here while I was still in love with you. I wasn't going to let my situation change how I felt about you”[/color] Aloysius replied, picking at his own food. He knew that Mary might not like the answer, but he was at least being honest and truthful about it.

[color=fff79a]”Maybe you shoulda,"[/color] the woman mumbles, picking at her meal with her chopsticks. Part of her almost felt guilty for losing her hope and desire for the man. Almost. She checked his every word with her divination to make sure he wasn't lying, she hated that she had to do that with him but she'd honestly lost all trust in him after all his stunts. All of it was true from what it told her. [color=fff79a]”I guess, shoot with your questions."[/color] she then muses.

[color=EE4B2B]”Okay, suppose I should start with the big one. Get it out of the way.”[/color] Aloysius said with a deep breath, taking a small bite of his noodles before gaining the courage to ask the question. [color=EE4B2B]”I know what Miles said, but I want to ask you. Do you want me here Mary? If you don’t, I will leave. I came here because I wanted to set things right. I knew the chances of carrying on were basically 0%”[/color]

[color=fff79a]”I dunno,"[/color] she mumbles, still keeping her eyes trained on her food as she picked at it. [color=fff79a]”I guess it's more I don't want you showin' up at my door unannounced 3 times a week,"[/color] Mary sighs, pushing her food around her bowl. [color=fff79a]”It's hard for me to see you, y'know? I mean for 25 years you were the deadbeat who left me to be strugglin' single parent without so much as a note that you were leavin'. This was after gettin' so excited about findin' out I was pregnant and at every milestone and all that. I've read the letters, I know the whole situation wasn't desirable for you either but it's hard t' undo what I truly believed for 25 years. Y'know? I don't know if it can ever fully be set right."[/color]

Aloysius let out a sigh. [color=EE4B2B]”I get that. I had to watch 25 years of my life rush by and be left all on my own. I missed out on so much. But hey, thats my punishment right”[/color] Looking down Aloysius shook his head [color=EE4B2B]”I know this can’t be entirely fixed. If at all, but I want to try. My last attempt if you like”[/color]

[color=fff79a]”Last attempt to what, Al?"[/color] the woman asks, looking at him for the first time since this can of worms was open. He looked sadder and more dishevelled than the day she first met him. [color=fff79a]”To win me back? To call us home? To call my child yours? To change the way I've spent 25 years feelin'? What are you really doing here? And by here I mean here in my house."[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]”My last attempt to actually be a good person and do the right thing. I ain’t exactly getting any younger. I survived taking a direct lightning bolt of the entire New York state powergrid. I hate to think what that is going to do to my life expectancy.”[/color] Aloysius picked at his food, picking up some chicken and shoving it into his mouth. [color=EE4B2B]”I legitimately came over to speak to you and see if you still wanted me around, and to just have a conversation. Every time we have tried to talk before, emotions have been high and others have been around. Plus, after seeing those letters you wrote. It kinda set in just how much damage I did.”[/color]

Mary gave a shaky breath. This was too much. She wouldn't tell the man that. Heck, she wouldn't tell herself that, but it was. She thought through her words for a while. [color=fff79a]”Claire 'n all that saw me in my worst states. Honestly Miles saw me struggle more than any boy should watch his mamma do so despite how hard I tried to hide it from him. They're just protective,"[/color] she replies, slightly blowing off his questions. She picked at her food some more before taking a bite. Despite it all she wasn't going to apologise on behalf of Claire or her son. Deep down she got some twisted satisfaction from Al getting his upcomence from them, even if she wouldn’t admit that.

[color=EE4B2B]”You can ask more questions”[/color] Aloysius remarked. He was honestly shocked that Mary hadn’t gone off on him. While he knew that Mary was the more composed one of the family, he was shocked that she hadn’t just decided to either bombard him with questions or berate him. [color=EE4B2B]”I know it is hard, and difficult. I know I did this. I just want a chance to try and help you”[/color]

Mary gave a sigh, her eyes failing to meet the man once more. [color=fff79a]”I'm tired, Al. I'm tired of fightin', tired of hurtin', tired of expectin' the world to let me know every single thing I want to know. I'm pushin' 50, I don't have the tenacity I used to when I was 24,"[/color] the woman muses, taking another bite of her meal. [color=fff79a]”My questions will come. I'm sure."[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]"Well, when you have those questions, I will answer them"[/color] Aloysius replied. [color=EE4B2B]"I know that feeling about being tired."[/color] Aloysius carried on eating his food [color=EE4B2B]"What's the coven like nowadays?"[/color] 

[color=fff79a]”I guess there's a bit changing with Carlisle taking over. Just tryna stop him from being his ma, or his anti-ma in the worst ways I guess. Turns out that miscarriage Amanda gave me grief for was a lie. And yes, she did try to send me out on dangerous field missions when I was more pregnant than you left me."[/color] Mary sighs once more, taking a sip from her wine glass. [color=fff79a]”But I think things are changin' for the better now Amanda's gone. I really hope they are. Would say it ain't my problem no more but i work for them now so it very much is."[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]" So after that bitch basically ruined my life by calling Salem she continued to be a bitch. Makes sense. Is it really a good idea to have another Aston around considering Amanda's track history?"[/color] Aloysius pointed out, picking gt his noodles as he tried to get a good angle on the food. Chopsticks weren't exactly his forte. 

[color=fff79a]”Can't say I'd expect any less from her. She's always had something against me."[/color] Mary replies, taking another bite of her food. She does see the man struggle with his chopsticks but figured if he wanted a fork so bad he'd at least ask. [color=fff79a]”Carlisle not much like his mother. Kids got some real issues that need to be fixed, don't get me wrong, but at least he got some of a heart."[/color] she points out with a sigh. She turned her gaze back to the man. [color=fff79a]”What happens with magi great families now you've done a runner. Does your sister take over?"[/color] she asks. Mary honestly knew very little about magi authority structures, or about magis at all if she was being honest.

[color=EE4B2B]”What great families? With the Louis line destroyed in the early 90’s and the Freja line losing most of their power only the DeSilvas and Leightons are left. Lola has no interest in being involved in Magi life, and Miles is here with the coven now. So there is no one left but Salem and her offspring.”[/color] Aloysius commented. It was a sad fact, but the war had pretty much cemented the DeSilvas as the lone rulers of the Magi now.

[color=fff79a]”Poor thing,”[/color] Mary clucks as Al mentions his sister not involving herself in her magic. [color=fff79a]”Must’ve been traumatised by that war. Does she have kids that’ll take the Leighton’s place?”[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]”She does, but she is trying to bring them up with the most normal upbringing possible away from magic. Let’s just say, our mother could be on par with Amanda, and Lola bore the brunt of most of my mothers anger. Never being good enough, despite the fact that Lola was without a doubt the best hydromage I had ever witnessed. I am not sure if my mother was trying to push Lola harder so she worked on her magic harder, but it didn’t work. Once my mother had finished manipulating me, I mistreated Lola. it is one of my biggest regrets.”[/color] Aloysius lets out a small tut as he then eats some noodles. He had always wondered if Lola would get her kids inducted into the Guild.

Mary gave a sigh, silently eating her food for a moment. It seemed her and Miles weren’t the only people he’d hurt. Evil mother or no it was still him behind it all, Mary wasn’t going to deny that. Her heart went out to his sister. In that moment the realization hit that Miles had cousins. Mary herself was an only child and didn’t have a large extended family, in a way the Montgomerys took that spot. She didn’t say or do anything to indicate that realisation, she wanted to know where Miles was at first before looking into connecting him with his family. 

The pair ate in silence for a while as Mary processed everything the man had said. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t find the silence to be a nice break from everything. When she was ready she finally spoke up. [color=fff79a]”Have you got any more questions for me?”[/color]

Aloysius sat and eat in the silence, finding it awkward. Aloysius had always hated silence, but he was trying to learn to be a better person and let things hang in silence if the other person  wanted it. Hearing her response, Aloysius put his cup down, pushing the container with the apple pie towards Mary. [color=EE4B2B]”Well, Bit of a side track, How long has Ty been in Tanner for?”[/color]

As Al pushed the container closer to her a small content smile grew on the woman’s lips. She’d always loved apple pie, that had never changed. Apple pie from a Chinese restaurant probably wasn’t the best of them but she appreciated what Al was trying to do. Just as she was about to get up to get a couple of spoons and icecream Al’s next question came.

Mary had honestly expected more questions about Miles’ upbringing, about how their lives looked after he left and how her life changed. Maybe expected wasn’t the right word. Wanted. She wanted those questions, even though they may hurt it was in a way proof he really did care enough to have pondered these things. The last thing she expected was for him to ask about Ty. [color=fff79a]”I think Miles was 14 when they moved to Tanner so 10 years ago? His wife’s bloodline is part of the council. Do you know him from the war?”[/color] Mary knew Ty was magi, that he didn’t keep a secret but that seemed to be all he was open about. Mary knew he was in the war but not what side he was on or what extent he was in it. 

Hearing about How Ty was linked to the coven council families and how he seemed to find happiness made Al smile somewhat. Despite not having any kind of contact after the war, Al did still care about Ty as a friend, even though he was fairly confident that Ty couldn’t give two shits if Al lived or died. [color=EE4B2B]”He was pretty much one of my, if not most senior person. I relied alot on Ty for advice and he could really hold his own for someone who was not a great family member.”[/color]
Mary raised an eyebrow at Aloysius’ answer. So it turns out Ty wasn’t only just in the Dark Shadows but also a high-standing member. [color=fff79a]”I mean he’s still in Tanner if you wanna catch up.”[/color] She gets up to grab a couple of spoons and some icecream from the freezer.

[color=EE4B2B]”Nah, I think he would punch me if we saw each other again haha. I think I will remind him of a past that he would rather forget.”[/color] As Mary came back, he would change the subject [color=EE4B2B]”Has Miles always been Mr.Man of the house? Or was there a time where he was a little bit more meeker and less likely to punch someone?”[/color]

[color=fff79a]”Seems to be a recurring theme in your life.”[/color] Mary points out as Al mentions Ty likely wanting to attack him for a similar reason that washed over Miles and her. She Places the icecream container in the middle of the coffee table before resting a spoon in front of Al and taking a bite of the pastry. Sure, it was far from the quality of the diner or what she or her mother would bake but it still held the sweet sense of nostalgia attached to the dish that she loved about it. 

At Aloysius’ question she gave a light chuckle. [color=fff79a]”His bark is worse than his bite most of the time. He talks a big game an’ I’m sure he can fight well but he prefers to talk things out from what I know. He was always a bold and- rambunctious kid if that’s what you’re askin'."[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]”Well, Miles is a strong willed person that is for sure. It will serve him well. He is going to need it”[/color] Aloysius spoke as he looked at the ice cream and the apple pie. [color=EE4B2B]”And how about you? Why the change of pace from diner to medical?”[/color]

At his first statement Mary gives a small chuckle. [color=fff79a]”He gets it from his mumma,”[/color] she muses, taking the final sip from her wine glass. As he looks at the food before him she gives a small nod, indicating he was welcome to eat also before taking another bite herself. At his question the woman sighs. She loved her job at the diner more than anything. Sure, it wasn’t the most impressive sounding job but she never minded that. 

[color=fff79a]”The diner was a good job when it was just me but the pay was inconsistent, not to mention the hours were all over the place. As soon as holidays hit my hours would be cut to give the teenagers work. That was fine when it was just me, it a bit easier to be flexible when you’re supportin’ yourself but not so much when you got a kid t’ worry about too. When I had my- episode shall we call it I guess it gave me an interest in the field. I did a CNA course then started at the hospital. The hourly pay’s only a bit better honestly but it makes a difference quickly and there were always shifts, the hours were predictable and I was still able to get some maternity leave.”[/color] She pauses for a moment to take another spoonful of apple pie and icecream. [color=fff79a]”I guess it was just more convenient. I think part of me intended on doing a nursing degree but I never really had the time and honestly I couldn’t be bothered anymore.”[/color]

Aloysius scooped some ice cream onto his apple pie while listening to Mary talk. It was understandable that Mary would have wanted a more stable job. [color=EE4B2B]”That makes sense. I am still angry that Amanda took the money from those envelopes. I was sending a thousand every month. That witch probably has had close to half a million out of me”[/color] Aloysius sighed, he took a bite of pie and ice cream. [color=EE4B2B]”So you are now working for the coven? What job is that?”[/color]

[color=fff79a]”Even if she hadn’t I woulda still wanted something more stable by the time Miles was born anyway.”[/color] Mary states. In all fairness she’d been angry at Amanda for that reason too, only adding to the snowballing list of reasons she was mad at her for meddling in her son’s life. At Al’s second question the woman nods. [color=fff79a]”Carlisle’s given me the job of Seneschal, essentially I just keep the house running. Between both those jobs I keep myself busy.”[/color] 

[color=EE4B2B]"Why would you do both at the same time? This is supposed to be the bit where slow down as your children have kids and enjoy life"[/color] Aloysius asked as he finished off his apple pie. 

[color=fff79a]”Oh I still have time,"[/color] the woman argues before licking the remnants of icecream off of her spoon. [color=fff79a]”Besides, when have you known me to slow down?"[/color] 

[color=EE4B2B]"Yes, but it had to happen eventually. You need to slow down"[/color] Aloysius interjected, taking one last scoop of ice-cream. [color=EE4B2B]"I am guessing I can't convince you to slow it down?"[/color] Aloysius asked placing his spoon down. 

Mary laughs lightly, placing her own spoon on the table. [color=fff79a]”I think you know the answer to that."[/color] For a moment the rage and anger somehow melted away as she almost seemed to forget who she was with. It didn't take long for it to return though, her chuckling ceases as her face drops slightly. [color=fff79a]”Al, I'm fine. I know my limits."[/color] she says bluntly. 

With a sigh she looks back up at the man, meeting his eyes. [color=fff79a]”Does Miles have any other relatives I should know about? Other aunt or uncles? Cousins? Siblings?"[/color]

For a brief moment, Aloysius could have sworn that Mary was at ease. That for a few brief moments the old relationship was back to where it was before he left. It felt Al could drop his guard and finally lower his shoulders. Only for seconds later for the tone to change back once more. If anything it seemed to hurt Al more that Mary had slipped back into her more relaxed form. To him it almost signaled that she could be relaxed around him, but chose to be this way. 

[color=EE4B2B]"No. Great families tend to keep narrow bloodlines. Mother and father are out of the picture. Lola had her kids and I don't really see them often."[/color] Aloysius had always wished he had an extended family. He had heard about large thanksgiving dinners, but he never really experienced them as the family on his side was so small. [color=EE4B2B]" Lola is the last relative I have left. Well, Miles too, but I don't think I am allowed to count him"[/color] Aloysius says with a sigh. 

[color=fff79a]”Mm,"[/color] Mary muses simply, [color=fff79a]”Likely not."[/color] she remained in silence for a while once again. Her eyes became glued to the coffee table in front of her. It almost hurt that the man hadn't moved on and had kids with someone else, that he was stuck in limbo forever when Mary was far from done with him. It hurt even more that she was able to drop her guard around him so fast, almost as if there was hope that they could be amicable. [color=fff79a]”I need more wine."[/color] she says simply, collecting their glasses, spoons and the icecream and starting her way back to the kitchen

Aloysius let out a soft sigh. This was fruitless. He knew that they were never getting back together. Even if he wanted it. But he had at least hoped that there could be some hope of at least being amicable and Aloysius spending the rest of his life here in Tanner. But Mary was closed off. She seemed to be doing a really good job of putting herself behind a wall. [color=EE4B2B]"Do you remember the early days of me and you? The diner and the fact I used to order three meals a day there just to talk to you?"[/color]

With the icecream back in the freezer and 2 fresh glasses of wine poured, Mary returned back to the living room as Al talked. What was he playing at? [color=fff79a]”Some of it,"[/color] she replies simply, setting a glass before him before returning herself to the farthest point on the couch again. [color=fff79a]”It's all kinda in fleetin' moments now. Guess that's what happens when you try to suppress a lot of it. Why do ya ask? Do you remember it?"[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]" Of course I remember it. It was what helped keep me going through all the past 25 years. I met you in a really vulnerable part of my life. The war had just finished earlier that year. I was trying to discover who I really was after having the enchantment off my mother swiped off me. I always maintained that meeting you was the best thing that happened to me"[/color] Aloysius remarked picking up the glass and sipping from it. [color=EE4B2B]"After the war, most of my friends showed their true colours. They no longer wanted to be associated with me. To most I had become a liability. A joke sometimes too"[/color] 

[color=fff79a]”I didn't really do anything 'cept serve you like I do all my other customers. Really ain't that special,"[/color] Mary remarks, taking a large sip of her glass, seeming to down the third of it in one go. 

Aloysius looked down. It was no good. [color=EE4B2B]" Yeah, I get that. You just were the first who treated me like a normal human, and I will always be grateful for that. Even if you were just treating me like another customer"[/color]

[color=fff79a]”Al,"[/color] Mary starts softly before a sigh escapes her lips. Part of her felt bad for him, she did, but the years of bitterness and hatred seemed to wash away what she loved about him. She knew she did once but she could hardly remember why anymore. [color=fff79a]”I'm startin' to think maybe you didn't love me, you just liked being treated like a normal person,"[/color] she states before taking another sip of her drink.

[color=EE4B2B]"Nah. That might had been the the case at the start. But it became love after the first few months."[/color] Aloysius took a deep drink of his glass before carrying on [color=EE4B2B]"You are such a kind and beautiful woman. The one thing I will admit. We do make a good looking child"[/color]

Mary couldn’t help the small blush that crept onto her cheeks as the man complimented her. She thought she was over that but she was never good at taking sincere compliments. She then clears her throat, [color=fff79a]”He always was a handsome lil man. Got 'im into a lotta trouble in his teen years though,"[/color] she says with a chuckle, her eyes returning to the pictures that covered her walls. 

[color=EE4B2B]"So how many hearts did he break during his teens?"[/color] Aloysius asked with a soft chuckle. In his late teens he had been known for sleeping around after losing Salem. He had hoped that his children would be different, but perhaps it might not be. 

[color=fff79a]”I tried to not get too involved in that part of his life honestly. But I know it was a lot. The surge of enchantment magic probably didn't help either."[/color] she responds, taking another sip of her drink. She gave a sigh leaning deeper into the couch. [color=fff79a]”Can't say he got that from me,"[/color] she comments accusingly. [color=fff79a]”The heartbreaker stuff, the enchantment was probably me."[/color]

Aloysius didn't really say anything in response to the accusation. He knew better than to feed Mary more excuses to hate him. [color=EE4B2B]" The important thing now is that things have settled down and he seems to have his head screwed on. Far better than I did at that age."[/color]

[color=fff79a]”I mean at his age you left me here alone to raise him so I'd say he's definitely doin' alright by those standards."[/color] Mary knew it was a low blow but she couldn’t help herself. Part of her had waited too long to voice her saltiness about the whole situation, it seemed even her grace had limitations.

Aloysius lowered his head. Clearly it was becoming too much. [color=EE4B2B]"Alright I get it. I know I was a let down for you and Miles. I know I left you when you needed me most. I get that. There is no need to rub it in anymore"[/color] Aloysius pulled some of his hair down so that it would conveniently hide some the tears forming in the corners of his eye, even if his slightly breaking voice betrayed him. [color=EE4B2B]"I came here in good faith. I wanted to show that I wasn't a deadbeat and give you the truth behind everything that had happened. I just didn't expect to have to everyone dig in so much"[/color]

Noticing the tears forming on the man's face, Mary couldn’t help but feel bad for the man. For as much as his absence hurt her, the letters and his return did explain so much. She pulls a tissue from the box sitting on her table and holds it out to the man. [color=fff79a]”I'm sorry, Al. The past 25 years have just been a lot. You can't blame us for still feelin' that pain because we have explanations."[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]"I am not blaming you at all. Just, you don't have to use the pain to inflict it back on me."[/color] Aloysius begrudgingly accepted the tissue and wipes away the forming tears [color=EE4B2B]"For the first time in my life, I had positive relationships. I had someone I cared for and cared for me back. I was going to have to have a child. And Salem and Amanda ripped that from me. They made me sacrifice everything to protect the thing that bought me so much joy. I get you are hurt. But I have it too. Just a different kind of hurt"[/color]

Mary couldn't help but freeze for a moment, trapped between wanting to yell and scream at the man that things were harder for her than they could have been if she had a warning about who he was and wanted to apologise profusely for what he went through as if it were her fault alone she got pregnant at a 'bad time' for the man. She turns her head further from the man. Her whole life was upended when she found out she was pregnant with Miles and once again when Aloysius disappeared into the night not to return. Sure, she might have owed him an apology for the little hurts now but not then. [color=fff79a]”What do you want from me, Al? Really want from me?"[/color] she asks, her voice barely a whisper.

[color=EE4B2B]" I don't know Mary. I just don't know. I don't even know why my brain bought me back here. This is all I had. I know you can't take me back. I know we can't have things like we had before. I don't know. Maybe I hoped beyond hope that there would be a place for me in Tanner. Evidently not."[/color] Aloysius let's out a frustrated but also sad breath, leaning back into the sofa. [color=EE4B2B]" We both got shafted with some fucking terrible bad luck. And I realise that all of your hurt is because I came into your life. I am not blind to that fact"[/color]

Mary stayed silent for a while, unsure exactly how to feel. She wanted to tell him he was wrong. He wasn't. Or that he had a place in Tanner but she was starting to doubt that too. Her next words fell from her mouth too fast for her to catch them, she knew they were fuelled by the divination in some way. [color=fff79a]”I think, deep down, part of you thought or at least deeply hoped I would be out here just waitin' for you to come back to me,"[/color] her voice was still low as she hated putting voice to her deepest suspicions but she forced her eyes to level at the man. 

[color=EE4B2B]" A small part of me deep down yeah. Of course I wanted that. Who wouldn't want the love of your life back who you were nastily snatched away from. A part of me wanted to come back and treat you properly, make sure you were okay and protected. Actually be a good partner rather than a sucky one.[/color] He knew that Mary could divine right into his soul if she really wanted to. There was nothing she couldn't work out. So what was the point in lying. 

A shaky breath escapes the woman’s lips. [color=fff79a]”That makes a lot of assumptions, Al. I didn’t move on, I was getting the letters and not responding for some other reason than avoidin’ you, I stayed single. I mean, what would have you done if you came back to find I’d started a new family with someone else, hm?”[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]"I never understood why you never replied. But now I know, cause if Amanda. I had considered that you might have moved on and found someone. I hadn't really thought much about it. I mostly wanted to see that you and our child was okay. 25 years of hearing nothing can cause you to panic"[/color] Aloyisus was unsure what to really say to try and make any of this better. He wanted to say how much he still cared for her and her wellbeing,  but he knew that would get shot down right away. 

The silence seemed to consume the woman once more as Aloysius somewhat blew off her question. It was clear Al hadn’t moved on at all. [color=fff79a]”Did you ever at least consider just givin’ up and findin’ someone else?”[/color] For now she was fuelling her curiosity more than anything. 

[color=EE4B2B]"I didn't exactly have my freedom. Salem only let me out when she wanted me to go on suicide missions that probably should have killed me. Outside of that I was kept under lock and key. Salem might give off the aura of elegance here. But I can assure you, she is a very different person when enraged. She said what she said at the dinner because she knew it would cause the most embarrassment for me. For her. I am never allowed to happy."[/color] Aloysius sighed and ran his hands through his hair. [color=EE4B2B]" One thing I did when I was young and I can't escape it. The consequences of which has consumed my life. I just want to leave it all. I want my happy slice of life, in peace"[/color]

Mary just nodded her head as he spoke. [color=fff79a]”I honestly don't know what to make of this, Al."[/color] The woman sighs, bottoming out her drink. [color=fff79a]”Do you have anything else for me before I turn in for the night?"[/color]

Aloysius let out a sad breath. [color=EE4B2B]"No. That's it."[/color] Aloysius would out his glass down and take one more look around the living room. There was so much history here that he had no knowledge of. It was a strange disconnect. So familiar but at the same time completely alien. It felt like he both belonged and didn't. 

Mary stood in place, collecting both of their glasses and containers. [color=fff79a]”Well thank you for dinner, Al, but if you got nothin' else to ask me I'm 'bout to turn in for the night so it's 'bout time you went home."[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]" Heh, yeah. Home"[/color] Aloysius remarked as he got up from the sofa. [color=EE4B2B]"Despite the tense atmosphere, it was nice to just talk to you one on one"[/color] He said as he walked to the edge of the hallway. 

Nice. Mary wasn't sure if [i]nice[/i] was the word she'd use but at least she had answers. [color=fff79a]”Al, I'm not the same person I was when you left me 'ere. You gotta understand that,"[/color] she says quietly before sighing once more. [color=fff79a]”Nevermind. Just- good night Al."[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]"I know you are not. But you are still a good person."[/color] Aloysius commented as he out his long black coat on. [color=EE4B2B]"Don't worry. I won't turn up here again. I will figure something out and be out of the towns hair soon enough"[/color] Aloysius walked to the door, opening it and looking back inside. [color=EE4B2B]"Look after yourself Mary. And I am sorry I never lived upto what you needed or deserved" [/color]