Quietmyth ^^

FirePhoenix_Flame ^^

@chika_lovesPIzza ^^

AGAIN
Pandora belongs to littlecastiel
Atlas belongs to Mercy_Virgo
Ellery is a character Mercy_Virgo and I created

TRIGGER WARNINGS - abusive relationship stuff, angry Remy, guns, anti LGBT stuff, suicide, ANGST AND SUFFERING AND SADNESS AND DEATH

Remy POV
"Okay, um, I...I have a...a boyfriend now," Pandora said.

For a few seconds, the entire house was dead silent. I stared in shock at Pandora. They looked nervous while Colton looked suspiciously happy.

"Nope!"  I declared, standing up straight.  A protective angriness flared in my heart.  "No one is good enough for my baby!"

"Remy,"  Emile chastised.  "You haven't even heard them out."

"No one is good enough,"  I repeated lowly.

"Well I'm happy for you honey," Emile told Pandora.

"No!" I whined. "You can't have a boyfriend, he's going to ruin you! Boys are horrible."

"You're a boy," Emile deadpanned. "Everyone is this room is some form of a boy."

"Yeah! So I know how bad they are," I argued. "We don't know anything about him.  He could be a murderer for all we know!"

"I'm sure he's not-" Emile started, but I grasped him by the shoulders.

"What is he's a Jackson?!" I asked worriedly. "Or an Issac?!"

"I don't think anyone's that bad," Emile argued.

"Oh my fucking god!" Colton exclaimed, interrupting us. "Stop talking this weird Jackson trauma you won't tell us about! Pandora was really happy about this!"

I looked at Pandora to see them just staring at the floor. They were shaking slightly and hugging their arms around themself.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have yelled," I mumbled embarrassedly. "But no asshole is good enough for my baby. And that goes for you two." I gave Colton a look.

"He's not an asshole," Colton defended for Pandora. "You haven't even met him. He's actually really nice."

"Sure," I scoffed in disbelief. "I don't believe you until I meet this asshole who thinks he's good enough for my baby."

"Well, whoever it is, they seem to make Pandora happy," Emile told me.

"He might hurt them," I argued. "Teens do stupid shit and have sex and get drunk and I don't want this douche to influence my precious baby."

"That is the same stuff you did," Emile argued. "Do you think my parents were happy that you basically lived with us and that we slept in the same bed when we were only in high school."

"We're in love, just as much then as we are now," I mumbled, cupping Emile's face in my hands.

"I don't think Pandora would do something like that," Emile tried to ease my concerned. "We were dumb teenagers, Pandora isn't."

"Um, d-dad," Pandora said in a soft voice, looking at me. "You s-said you want t...to meet him and h-he came h-home with us if you want to m-meet him."

"WHAT?!" I screeched angrily. Everyone flinched at my outburst.

I marched over to the front door and practically slammed it open.  Sure enough, a strange boy was standing on the porch over the garage.  He had brown hair, strange coppery brown eyes, and a very sharp face.  He was almost as tall as me and fairly muscular.  

"Get the fuck off my property and leave my child alone!"  I yelled at him, pointing to the stairs. 

"D-Dad no!"  Pandora exclaimed behind me. 

The guy just stared at me with a raised eye brow.  We glared each other down for a few seconds before Emile pulled me back into the house.  He then took my place at the door.

"I'm so sorry about my husband, he can be a tad overprotective,"  Emile apologized. 

"Fuck off!"  I interrupted from the house. 

"He doesn't meant that,"  Emile said quickly.

"Yes I do!"  I retorted.  "No one is good enough for Pandora."

"My names Emile Picani,"  Emile introduced himself with a smile.  "I'm Pandora's adoptive father.  My husband is Remy Picani.  You look very familiar."

"My names Atlas Hawkins,"  The guy introduced himself. He had a loud but cold voice.

"That's it!"  Emile exclaimed.  "Your Patton and Logan's kid!  Gosh, Patton goes on about you whenever we talk but I've never actually met you."

"You're friends with my dads?"  Atlas asked, tilting his head in confusion.

"Patton and I have been friends since we were toddlers," Emile explained. "We just haven't seen each other since Logan got his fancy job and we moved to the city."

"That's kinda funny," Atlas laughed.

"Come on in, you can have dinner with us," Emile invited him in while I furiously shook my head 'no'.

Atlas stepped inside my house. Instant anger and protectiveness soared threw me. I glared at him the entire time.

"Isn't this just amazing?" Emile asked, hugging my arm. "Atlas is Patton and Logan's kid."

"This changes nothing," I growled, still glaring at him.

"You three can wait down here,"  Emile said sweetly before turning to me with a glare.  "Remy and I need to talk."

He grabbed my hand and pulled me up the stairs.  I turned in time to see Pandora and Atlas sit down on the couch next to each other in a cuddly position.  I yanked my hand from Emile and marched angrily over to them.

I picked Pandora up easily considering how small they are and sat them on the other end of the couch.  Then I threw a pile of pillows and blankets between the two.

"No touch,"  I said sternly, marking sure to glare at Atlas.

Then I headed back to the stairs and went upstairs while sighing. Emile stood there with his hands on his hips and an annoyed expression on his face. 

I smiled awkwardly and slipped my hands over his hands on his hips.  Emile sighed and walked into our bedroom.  He crossed his arms and tapped his foot.

Maybe if I kiss him enough he won't be as mad.

I tried my plan pressing a kiss to his lips.  Emile kissed back but then pulled away.  I grabbed the back of his head and kept kissing Emile.  He eventually slid his arms around my shoulders and continued to kiss.

"I'm still mad,"  Emile whispered when we finally pulled apart for air.

"Why can't I be protective of my baby?"  I exclaimed.  I sat down on the bed and pulled Emile into my lap.

"You're being overprotective and controlling," Emile chastised.

I didn't have a response so I just bit down angrily on his neck. I took all my anger out by biting at Emile's neck. Emile just sighed.

"Pandora is happy. Atlas is Patton and Logan's son. I'm sure he won't do anything to Pandora. They seem to be really happy together." Emile finally said.

I just huffed angrily and kept gnawing at Emile's neck. I can get violent but I discovered that I can take out that anger by giving Emile hickies. I don't know how that works.

"We could call Patton and talk to him about Atlas," Patton suggested. I nodded yes and then resumed my biting.

Emile grabbed his phone and dialed Patton, putting it on speaker phone. The phone rang for a few seconds before Patton picked up.

"I was cuddling with my husband, so this better be good Emile," Patton said, not even bothering with a hello.

"Hello to you too Patton," Emile laughed.

"Is something wrong?" Patton asked. "You never call this late."

"I have news," Emile told him. "Is Logan listening"

"Salutations Emile," Logan's voice came through the phone next.

"Hey, and Remy's here too," Emile continued. I just grunted as a form of hello, not bothering to take my mount of Emile's neck.

"This must be pretty important and we're all here,". Patton laughed.

"It is," Emile told him. "Did you know that our children are dating?"

"WHAT?!" Patton exclaimed. "Oh my goodness yes! Colton or Pandora?"

"Pandora," Emile answered.

"Awe that's adorable!"  Patton squealed.

"I know!"  Emile joined in with the squealing.  "But Remy is being overprotective, so Atlas is a good kid, right?"

"Atlas is independent, hardworking, strong-willed and opinionated in a good way," Logan stepped in. "I've seen him stand up for other people, especially in the face of discrimination. He doesn't party, drink or smoke if that's why Remy is most worried about."

"Thank you Logan," Emile said.

I just grunted again, still not entirely warmed up to the idea of my baby dating someone. I want Pandora to be happy but...the idea of some guy putting his hands on them makes me angry.

"You guys should come over for dinner,"  Emile suggested.

"Oh, we aren't home this week,"  Patton laughed.  "We're in D.C. because of some fancy award Logie won for being the super smarty pants that his is."

"Having a child has ruined your speech,"  Logan sighed. 

"Well I have to make dinner then and try to keep some peace in this house, so I'll talk to ya later Patton,"  Emile said.

"Okay byeeeee!"  Patton squealed before hanging up.

"Go downstairs, don't kill each other," Emile told me.  "I'm gonna change."

"Into what?"  I asked.

"A dress,"  He said.  "To put you in a better mood."  He stood up and started leafing through his closet.

"That's gonna put me in a mood that isn't just happy,"  I flirted, smirking at him.

Emile sighed and rolled his eyes while pulling off his cardigan and shirt.  There were some bruises in the shape of my hands around his hips.  Guess I was kinda rough this morning.  The entire right side of his neck was various shades of red and purple.  I kinda felt bad about that.

How did this day go from naked cuddles in our bed and lots of nice sex to Pandora bringing home a boy. Today was so nice until this ruined it.

He pulled on a baby pink and white dress that fell just below his knees.  The top was just spaghetti straps.  It was a cute little sundress. 

Before he could pull on the white cardigan and I darted over and pressed him against the wall. I gave him a few kisses and bit at his lip.

I pushed Emile down on his knees in front of me and then let him do what he knew he needed to do. I braced a hand against the wall and tangled my other in his soft hair.

~•~

Emile POV
I sighed, pulling my cardigan tightly over myself while walking across the living. With short hair I could really hide the mess of hickies Remy left on my neck.

That wasn't supposed to happen. I dragged Remy up there to give him a talking to about being so protective of Pandora and instead I ended up giving him a blowjob.

I walked around the kitchen, pulling out the things needed things for lasagna. I could go for some pasta right now. I grabbed a glass and quickly filled it with water. I drank a good two glass fulls but my throat was still a little scratchy.

Colton walked into the kitchen, obviously trying to get away from the awkwardness in the kitchen.  Remy had sat himself between Pandora and Atlas and just remained angrily silent.

"Are the two mad with Pandora?"  Colton asked, a protective angriness flaring in his eyes. 

"Of course not,"  I told them with a soft smile.  "Remy just cares a lot about them."

"Yeah but-wait, what happened to your neck?"  He asked but then his eyes widened.  "Did Dad hit you?"

"Goodness no,"  I laughed.  "They're just hickies."

"That's a lot,"  He mumbled, now blushing and refusing to look at my neck. 

"Remy's aggressive when he's mad,"  I mumbled with a shrug.

"Oh my fucking god, I don't wanna know about my dads sex life,"  Colton whispered embarrassedly. 

"Sorry,"  I laughed. 

"Why are you wearing a dress all the sudden?"  He asked. 

"To try and make Remy happy,"  I answered.

"Of course,"  Colton said, leaning his head against the fridge with a sigh.

"What about you?"  I asked with a smirk.  "Any crushes or secret partners I should know about?"

"N-No!"  Colton stuttered, face turning bright red as he jolted away from the fridge. 

"Sure,"  I laughed, giving him a wink.  "Now tell the truth."

"I don't have a partner..."  He mumbled. 

"Who's the lucky person?"  I asked. 

"I'm not telling, you probably know them,"  Colton argued.  "They're at the cafe almost every day."

"So that's why you've been coming down there so much lately,"  I realized.

"Maybe,"  Colton mumbled, face bright red. 

"Spill,"  I said, gently nudging his shoulder.

"I don't know their name yet,"  Colton said softly.

"Ah, love at first sight,"  I sighed dreamily.  "That's how I felt for Remy when we first met our freshman year of high school.  Well, we didn't actually meet till sophomore year, so I did spend a couple months with a crush on a guy I didn't know.  And I married him so keep your hopes up."

"Thanks,"  Colton mustered a soft smile, the blush worsening.

"Do they go to your school?"  I asked. 

"Yeah, but I don't see them too often,"  He answered.  "We don't have a single class together."

"The woes of a giant public school in the city,"  I laughed.  "What else do you know about them."

"Well I think they're really pretty.  They're always here in the morning and they always have a book with them.  They sit by one of the windows and read for like an hour.  They have really fluffy short brown hair and the prettiest blue eyes," Colton trialed off with a dreamy sigh, staring out the window at some fantasy. "They're kinda pale but they have freckles. And they look kinda feminine, like their face has softer features but I don't wanna assume. And they wear the cutest sweaters and their glasses and how they sometimes have these little flowers in their hair, and just their whole aesthetic is beautiful."

"I ship it," I laughed. "And you sound completely head over heels."

"Maybe just a little,"  He laughed. 

"You should talk to them,"  I advised.  "Maybe it'll work out."

"Hopefully," Colton sighed. "But what if they don't like me since I'm trans."

"I don't think a person at a LGBT cafe would be transphobic," I deadpanned.

"Yeah but I still haven't had bottom surgery and my hips are too big and I feel that my face is too feminine," Colton mumbled.

His walls don't come don't like this too often. I wonder what has him in such an emoticon and open mood.

"You had top surgery and your bottom surgery is scheduled to happen in just a couple of weeks. Bone structure can't be fixed but that doesn't make you less of a man," I told him gently.

"Thanks," Colton mumbled, leaning his head down on my shoulder. In the three years since we've adopted him, Colton's grown taller than me. "You're one hell of an amazing dad."

"Thanks kiddo," I smiled, taking a page from Patton's book.

~•~

I sighed, wiping off the counter from some spilled coffee. The cafe is surprisingly a lot more work than I ever thought it would be.

"I'm sorry," Quinn apologized again, trying to help clean up but his hands were shaking too much

"It's not your fault," I told him gently, trying to ease his shaking and nervousness.

"I don't mind waiting a little while longer," Officer Draven said, also knowing how anxiety ridden Quinn is.

Officer Draven comes by almost every day for coffee and donuts. He talks with me a lot, saying he's here mostly because of people targeting other LGBTQ+ safe spaces around the city, but he's also gay and that might actually be why.

He had pale skin and black hair like Quinn's. His eyes were such a dark brown that they looked black from a distance.  He was wearing a black police uniform.

"Quick question Emile,"  Draven said.  I looked up, pausing for a few seconds to answer. 

"What's going on?"  I asked.

"Has Wylan come in yet today?"  He asked, a slight blush dusting his pale cheeks.

"Not yet,"  I laughed, knowing full well that the two of them liked each other but danced around their feeling every time the two were in the cafe together.  But that might have to do with the abusive relationship Wylan's currently in.

Draven just nodded a little bit, his face remaining emotionless somehow. He's like an angsty Logan. But he's super tall and well muscled, so not like Logan I guess.

Once the coffee was cleaned up and Officer Draven had a new cup of coffee, I pulled Quinn into the back with me. He was really shaky.

"Is something going on?" I asked gently, setting him down on a chair. "You're shakier than usual."

"Just stuff with my other job," He mumbled. I thought for a few seconds before remembering the newspaper from this morning.

"Well we all know what the article said isn't true,"  I comforted him.  "Even if people don't like you now, you've still already made millions off your art."

"I guess,"  Quinn said.

"Just take a little break,"  I told him.  "Go home if need be.  You've been through a lot so don't come back to work until you know you can handle it."

"Thanks,"  Quinn breathed, relief visible on his face.  We embraced in a hug and then Quinn pulled away to take off his apron.

When I turned around to go back to work, Colton was there.  I jumped a bit in surprise before laughing.  I think I know why he's down here.

It's been a month since he's told me about his crush on this mystery person.  I now notice them everyday but I don't know their name nor gender.  Colton comes down here every day and I urge him to talk to them but he never does.

"Here to stare at mystery person and then sulk back upstairs without talking to them?"  I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Colton scoffed in offense and crossed his arms over his chest.  He followed me wordlessly back to the front.  I handed him an apron.

"If your gonna be down here, you're helping,"  I told him.  He sighed and pulled the apron on.

Sure enough, mystery person was there.  They were sitting in the corner booth by the window.  A book in their hands.  They were wearing a large dark green sweater and leggings.  A brown messenger bag sitting next to them on the booth. 

"Talk to them,"  I told Colton.

"No,"  He responded.

"If you don't I will,"  I laughed.  Before Colton could respond, I started walking over to where mystery person was sitting.

Before I could reach them, Colton ran over and tired to stop me.  I accidentally tripped him, sending him flying into the booth on top of the mystery person. 

"Oh my god I'm so sorry,"  Colton said, pulling himself up, a blushing mess. 

I smirked to myself and walked away, giving Colton a meaningful glare that meant to stay and talk. I watched their first interacting from behind the counter since there was no one in line to order.

"It's okay," Mystery person said with a gentle laugh. They shut their book and turned their attention to Colton.

"I tripped over my dad, I'm so fucking sorry, I didn't mean to fall on you," Colton apologized again.

"I'm okay, it just kinda shocked me but it's okay," They said with a little laugh.

The put their hand gently on Colton's obviously trying to calm him. But then I frowned when the sleeve of their sweater was pulled up and lots of little red lines became visible down their arms.

"Uh, I'm Colton," He introduced himself, a little put off now. He probably saw the cuts too.

"Ellery," The mystery person introduced themself with a shy smile.

"What pronouns do you use?" Colton asked. "I don't wanna offend."

"Oh, I'm gender fluid," Ellery mumbled. "But today's a male day. So I guess I'm okay saying I was born in a male body."

"I'm trans so he him pronouns for me," Colton said. "Also that's cool, I've never met a gender fluid person before. What's that like?"

"A lot of dysphoria and judgment and discomfort," Ellery sighed. Colton frowned and I turned away.

This is time for those two. It's not my business to listen in while they start to bond and get to know each other.

I looked around the cafe happily. I love this life so much. I have Remy, Colton and Pandora. I love them all so much and they make me so happy.

The cafe was mostly soft shades of blue, grey and white. Flowers on all the tables. All around the cafe below the molding were little pride flags. We had deserts themed around certain sexualities and genders. But lots of types of coffee.

I turned just in time to see one of my favorite costumers walk in. I briefly turned to where Draven was sitting in the corner and I could tell that he also saw who walked in.

Wylan walked up to the register. He was wearing a large grey-blue sweater and black leggings. A black dance bag hanging off his shoulder and a fresh bruise on his cheek.

"Hey," I greeted with a smile.

"Hey," Wylan responded happily. "I'll have my usual."

His usual was a Carmel macchiato. He always gets that without fail every day. I don't know how he drinks the same coffee every day.

"How dance going?" I asked.

"It's okay," He mumbled with a smile, leaning on the counter. I couldn't help but look at the metal hand sticking out from his sweater.

Wylan doesn't have his left leg or right arm, both now replaced with metal prosthetics. I don't ask because the one time I did, he seemed to have some sort of silent breakdown.

But he somehow manages to be a ballerina. I think he's good enough to be a prima-ballerina studying in France, but I also know his boyfriend holds him back a lot.

I passed him the cup of coffee with a smile. I couldn't help but glance over at Draven. He was pretending to be reading the newspaper but his eyes were looking at Wylan instead.

The two met when I tried to talk to Draven about all the bruises I see on Wylan. I know abuse cases rarely go anywhere, especially ones between gay couples, but I wanted to know if Draven could even do anything. He couldn't without evidence.

"How are you holding up?" I asked. I always try to ask him about his mood everyday. Basically holding mini therapy sessions every time he comes in.

Wylan refused to have any real sessions with me due to fear of his boyfriend finding out. So I just hold mini sessions under his nose just to make sure he's okay.

"I've seen better days but hey, I'm alive," Wylan joked with a self deprecating laugh.

"I'm glad you're still alive," I told him with a smile.

"Thanks,"  He mumbled, downfallen all the sudden and now rubbing his human wrist hidden but the sweater sleeve.

"Any more crying spells?" I asked. "Panic attacks or anything of that sort."

"Have you met me?" Wylan laughed. "I have those multiple times a day. I'm surprised I'm not dehydrated considering how much I cry."

"Just be sure to drink lots of water," I cautioned.

Wylan looked at the clock and then his eyes widened. He quickly dug some money out from his pocket.

"Oh god I'm late," He mumbled. "I was supposed to be home by now. He's gonna kill me."

Before I could say anything, Wylan grabbed his bag and bolted out the door. Forgetting his coffee on the counter.

I sighed and dumped it down the drain. I turned around and Draven was there. His face was ever stoic but I'm pretty sure he's upset.

"More bruises?" He asked. I nodded and pointed to my cheek.

I sweeped the money off the counter and put it into the register. Today was good money wise. I looked over to where Colton and Ellery were talking. The two seemed to be getting along.

"Their relationship is such a Malachite," I mumbled. "Even thought I've never met this boyfriend, just how Wylan acts I can tell something is up."

"Exactly," Draven sighed and then I smiled. He gave me a strange look.

"Bad timing, but you understood my Steven Universe reference," I whispered happily. I've been trying to get Draven to admit his secret love for Steven Universe since he first expressed interest in the show.

"Fine," He mumbled, rubbing his forehead. "I like the show but I'm more worried about Wylan right now."

"I will let you know when something happens," I told him. When, not if. I just have a gut feeling something bad is going to happen.

~~~mAgiCaL tiMe sKiP~~~

Apparently that time happened in just three months time during a bad thunderstorm while I was closing up shop.

"Sup babes," Remy said, appearing from the kitchen door. "Draven." He gave a respectful nod.

Draven nodded in response. Neither of us saw Wylan today and we're both slightly worried. So he decided to wait until I closed the cafe to leave.

"Hey," I smiled, pressing a kiss to his lips.

"I'm thinking cuddles tonight," Remy suggested. "Scary movie during a thunderstorm."

"I'll be up there soon," I promised. "But you're gonna have to be the one to break up the love birds."

I looked over to where Colton and Ellery were talking in one of the booths. Still just friends and dancing around their obvious feeling for each other.

Ever since Remy accepted that Atlas was good enough for Pandora, he's been supporting the relationship well. And now he ships Ellery and Colton as much as I did.

"Colton," Remy said.

"What?" He sighed, looking over at us.

"Bedtime," Remy told him.

"It's only seven!" Colton argued. "And I'm nineteen!"

"Well the cafe is closing," Remy fired right back. "So it's time to go upstairs."

"Fine," He sighed.

Colton walked Ellery to the door. She was giggling the entire time while Colton scowled in embarrassment. Ellery started wearing flowers in her hair to show what pronouns she was using each day. Today there was a cute little pink daisy in her hair.

The two parted after a hug and then Colton headed into the kitchen and back upstairs. A metal spiral staircase connected the bar, cafe and first floor.

"Children seem difficult," Draven sighed. "I couldn't do that."

"You fight bad guys," I said. "You could handle some kids."

"Yeah...no. I'd take a guy with a gun over a tantrum throwing kid any day," Draven laughed.

"That's why you adopt teens," Remy said.

Draven was about to argue when the door slammed open. Right then a bright crack of lighting appeared behind the person.

It was Wylan.

He was standing there, crying and shaking. He was wearing a blue tutu with a black leotard. Mascara and blue eyeliner was streaked down his cheeks. Torn up black ballet slippers on his feet. And probably the most worriedly, in his hand was his metal arm.

"I'm sorry, I know it's late," He gasped out. "But I didn't know where to go. I don't know....where...."

I quickly rushed around the counter to him. I helped Wylan over to one of the chairs and sat him down. He just broke down into sobs and then he threw his metal arm.

"I hate being a fucking half metal freak!"  Wylan screamed angrily.

I flinched at the little act of violence as the arm clanged against the floor. I noticed that he was holding his hand to his side.

"You're not a freak,"  I said gently.  "Wylan what happened?" I asked, almost instantly letting the therapist half of me take over.

He didn't respond. I stood up and pulled a chair in front of him. I sat down and looked him over. I could see new bruises on his bare arms along with faded self harm cuts. I took note of his hand pressed to his side and the way he refused to look at me.

"Wylan I need you to tell me the truth," I said gently.

"I don't know the truth," Wylan sobbed.

"Tell me what happened," I told him. "Did something happen when you were dancing?"

Wylan flinched but didn't respond.

"Is that why you're still in costume?" I asked. Wylan nodded 'yes'.

"It's my costume," Wylan mumbled. "I saved up so much in secret and now it's ruined and I'll never get to wear it for a show."

"Why not?" I asked.

"The director fired me," Wylan mumbled. "A lot of people don't like me there because I'm a guy but I'm better than most of them. That I'm young but I'm already a prima ballerina."

"Why were you fired?" I asked. "Does it have something to do with your arm?"

"I guess the screws were dislodged...I think I know how...but maybe I'm just being dumb again," Wylan then paused and shook his head. "My arm fell off. I was dancing my solo and during a fast tempo chaînés turn, my arm flew off and almost hit the choreographer."

"That's not your fault," I told him. "What do you think was the reason your arm was loose today?"

Wylan didn't respond but I noticed his eyes quickly darting to Draven. He looked scared, like a cornered animal. He was cornered, in a way that he was being forced to come to terms with what was happening.

"Wylan," I said softly. "You need to tell us what happened."

"My boyfriend..." He mumbled. "When he hit me this morning, he took a bat to my metal shoulder. That might be why it wasn't holding on properly."

"Was the hitting just with the bat?" I asked. Wylan shook his head 'no'. "His hands?" A little flinch. "His feet." Another little flinch. "Other objects around the house?" Wylan looked at the floor. "Sharp objects like knives?"

Wylan was shaking pretty badly, looking at the floor. He seemed to be seeing something that the rest of us couldn't see.

"Wylan, why are you holding your side?" I asked.

He quickly moved his hand from his side but I could still see the blood on his hand. Draven and Remy obviously did too.

"Are you injured?" I asked. "Did your boyfriend do something to your side?"

"He cut me this morning and I thought I bandaged it but I guess my corset reopened it when I ran here," He mumbled.

"Can I see the cut?" Draven asked.

"Why?" Wylan instantly got defensive.

"You might need medical attention," Draven said gently, kneeling next to him. I noticed a voice recorder on his belt that had been turned on. Wylan stood up and turned to me.

"Can you unlace the corset?" He asked softly. "I can't do it with only one hand."

Wylan pulled up his leotard and I worked on unlacing the corset strings. I then pushed the unlaced corset to the side and gasped.

A long jagged wound of a cut went down his side. A lot of bruises when down his back and I could see his ribs. He needs help.

"I'm not going to a hospital," Wylan said. "I can't go there again."

Remy disappeared and then returned with bandages and painkillers. I sat Wylan down and worked on bandaging the wound.

"Why don't you want to go to the hospital?" I asked gently.

"How I lost my arm and leg," He mumbled. "Why I have so many organs in my body that aren't originally mine and so many artificial arteries in my heart."

"Do you want to talk about what happened?" I asked.

"I have to get the arteries in my heart replaced every five years, it's been four years since," Wylan continued. "I'm not allowed to go to the hospital but there's times when I can just feel my heart stopping because the arteries don't work anymore. He shot me. With a fucking shotgun in the heart and then blew off my arm and leg with a rifle. He shot me five times in the chest. I woke up in an alleyway and was told I was jumped but I remember him shooting me. When I was finally done getting all these damn prosthetics and I went home, he threatened to shoot me in the head if I told anyone...so I never told anyone because I was so afraid of what he'd do to me if I told anyone the truth."

I pulled Wylan in for a hug, letting him sob into my chest. I tried my best to not cry. I gently rubbed his back. I faintly heard Remy and Draven talking about something.

"Do you want to talk about how you received all these bruises and cuts?" I asked softly. Wylan took a deep breath and then let everything out.

"He hits and rapes me daily. I get my morning beating for he wakes up. I sleep in the living room and he somehow always wakes up before me. I make him breakfast and pack him lunch but if anything's wrong than I get hit again. I'm left alone while he's at work and I have to clean the house. Usually I just sleep the entire time. Then I go to practice but I have to be home by six or I get hit again. When I get home from practice be fucks me however he wants for however long he wants and I don't like it but I can't say anything or it'll just get worse."

It was hard to imagine a relationship like that. It only makes me even more thankful that I ended up with Remy. This was probably what Remus went through with Isaac.

"He literally bought me off my parents. They wanted drugs and he dealt before he got a real job. It wasn't a good home but I didn't think my parents didn't care about me that much. To just let me go with a stranger. He said I was pretty and that he loved me. I was dumb and only sixteen and I went with him. I'm only twenty years old. I didn't even get to graduate high school because of him. I have no friends and I haven't seen my family in four years. I can't leave the house except for dance practice. But he says he loves me. Sometimes he's gentle and some days it's bearable."

Wylan took a few deep breath, his voice cracking and high because of how worked up he was becoming. I just held him tightly as he finally let all the pain out.

"I tried to kill myself three times but he always caught me. He called me names for trying to do it and said I too stupid to even figure that out. I finally stopped cutting myself a couple of months ago but there's days when I can't make myself get up no matter how hard he hits me. I have no motivation to do anything but dance. Now he's threatening to take that away from me."

For a while everyone was silent.  I had tears in my eyes that I was trying so hard not to let fall.  Wylan was sobbing into my chest.

"You're not going back to that house," Draven said, breaking the silence. "I think this is plenty of evidence to convict this person on severe abuse. Physical, emotional, sexual, and mental based on what you just said."

"I can't go back home tonight," Wylan mumbled. "He kicked me out again. This isn't the first time. It'll just be a couple nights on the street and then he'll come find me and take me home."

"You are not going back to that house," I told him, agreeing with Draven.

"I have no where to go," He sobbed. 

"You can stay with me,"  Draven offered.

"I don't want to be a burden,"  Wylan said quickly. 

"I live by myself in a large house in the country.  It's literally just me and my dog out there,"  Draven told him.  "You wouldn't be burden."

Wylan looked ready to pass out.  He looked really pale and terrified.  It's probably setting in that he told us everything. 

"C'mon,"  Draven said, offering Wylan his hand. 

"Thank you,"  Wylan breathed.  "So much." 

"It's okay,"  Draven said. 

"He's just going to keep coming after me,"  Wylan breathed, his breath hitching in fear.  "How I am supposed to get rid of him?  There's no way I'd win if this went to court."

Remy and I looked at one another.  I could tell that we both knew what each other were thinking.

"We know a good lawyer,"  Remy said.  "Trust me, one of the best in the country and a personal friend of ours.  His names Damien King."

"Will I have to see him again?"  Wylan whispered.

"Not with Damien on your side,"  I told him.  "Trust us.  He's an amazing lawyer and it won't cost much since you're a friend of ours."

"Thank you,"  Wylan breathed, hugging me tightly. 

"It'll be okay,"  I told him.  "Go with Draven, and please let him take you to a hospital tomorrow.  You need a lot of help and you're going to start therapy.  I don't care if it's me but you need mental and emotional help." 

"I'll try,"  Wylan mumbled. 

He stood up and picked up his metal arm.  Draven offered a hand to Wylan and he held on to Draven's hand tightly. 

They waved goodbye and then they were gone.  I let out a long breath.  At least Wylan will be safe now.  I stood up and hugged Remy tightly. 

"I love you,"  I whispered. 

"I love you too,"  Remy said, pressing a kiss to my forehead.  "Don't worry to much baby, Wylan's with Draven now and he'll be okay."

"But all of that...Wylan shouldn't have gone through that.  It's probably what Remus dealt with when he was with Issac,"  I mumbled.  "Why do I get to be lucky and have you while other people are in relationships like that."

"I don't know,"  Remy sighed.  "But we're okay.  You're safe."

~~~magical time skip~~~

It's been about a year since the incident.  Today was a pretty busy day, but seeing Wylan and Draven wall into the cafe holding hands made me feel more at ease.

Wylan won the abuse case and now his boyfriend is serving a five year sentence with a restriction order on him.  He can't be in any sort of contact with Wylan any more. 

He's struggling, in a lot of ways.  Mentally and emotionally the worst.  Wylan wanted to do therapy with me and I've learned how truly horrible it was for Wylan.  He's going to be scarred for life by it. 

I can see that he struggles to be with Draven.  The two are still in the rocky stages of a romantic relationship.  The amount of PTSD Wylan now deals with when it comes to relationships could only be compared with Quinn's.  

They very obviously love each other and I can see how gentle yet protective Draven is of Wylan.  It's been a year but he still takes things slow for Wylan.  They live and sleep together, not sexually, but it's all on Wylan's terms.  How much he can handle at the time.

Wylan just looked happier too.  He put on a healthy amount of weight.  The bruises and wounds faded except the scars.  He doesn't hurt himself anymore.  The mental scars will always be there but he's healing. 

"Hey Emile,"  Wylan said softly. 

"Hey you two,"  I said happily.  "You're here later than usual."

"Draven took me out to breakfast,"  Wylan smiled happily.  "I got to eat good waffles since he can't cook."

"I can cook,"  Draven defended himself. 

"Not waffles,"  Wylan argued. 

"You two are adorable,"  I laughed.  "Usuals?"

"Yeah,"  Draven answered between lovingly arguing with Wylan over his cooking skills.

I looked to where Quinn was standing and told him the orders.  He started making their coffees and then handed them to Draven and Wylan. 

The two walked over to a booth and sat down.  The booth next to them was Colton and Ellery.  They were sharing a milkshake, finally in a romantic relationship. 

Another customer walked in.  I turned to him with a smile.  He was wearing weird orange pants and a large bulky grey jacket that he was keeping wrapped tightly around his midsection.  The guy looked bedraggled and in need of a good nap.  Large circles beneath his eyes, greasy hair, and a badly shaven stubble.  He looked familiar but I couldn't place it.

"What can I get for you sir?"  I asked cheerfully.  Maybe he's just homeless and looking for a nice meal. 

"A nice scalding hot coffee,"  He said in a gruff voice. "Please."

I motioned for Quinn to get some coffee ready.  I turned around to help and within seconds it was done.

Quinn handed be coffee to the man.  He stared at the cup of coffee and then dumped it on him.  Quinn let out a scream as the coffee burned at his face. 

I tried to rush to him but the man pulled a handgun from his hoodie and pointed it at me.  We had everyone in the cafe attentions.  Draven stood up and said something into the radio on his shoulder.

"I want all the money in the cash register, for this faggot place to burn, and for Wylan to get his ass over here,"  He said angrily.  Then I clicked.  Wylan's ex boyfriend. 

"How...how did you find me?"  Wylan whispered, pale as a sheet and shaking violently.  "You're supposed to be in jail."

"You think I don't know when you come to this faggot cafe?!"  He yelled, waving the gun around.  "And I told you I'd shoot you in the head if you told anyone what I did to you."

Everyone was shocked into silence.  Everyone too afraid to do anything.  My gaze kept darting between the man, Quinn, Colton, and Wylan.

Quinn was shaking badly and obviously about to have an episode.  Wylan looked the same, obviously struggling to breath now. 

The man fired the gun right above my head, making me scream.  He fired the gun again into the case register. 

"Money first,"  He demanded, pointing the gun in my face.  I wanted to move but I was stricken with fear and memories.  All I could think about was when Jackson pointed a gun at me all those years ago.

"Sir, put the gun down,"  Draven said, one hand out in a calming manner and the other on the handgun in his belt. 

"Wylan come here,"  He said, ignoring Draven. 

"He's not going to you,"  Draven said.  "Now put the gun down or I will use force."

"Fuck you.  You're seriously the bitch that took Wylan from me?"  He asked.  "I'm better than you." 

He fired the gun at Draven, causing him to fall backwards.  Wylan screamed while Draven desperately tried to catch his breath.  Thank god for bullet proof vests. 

The door opened and Remy was there.  He must've come up from the bar after hearing the gun shots and screams.  Some of the scarier looking bar patrons behind him. 

I desperately tried to tell Remy silently to just get out of the cafe.  But I could tell by the resolve in his eyes that he wasn't going to leave me here. 

Draven stood back up with an angry look in his eyes now.  I felt something grab my leg.  I looked down to see Quinn shaking violently and now holding my hand.  This isn't good. 

"Look at me!"  He yelled, firing the gun into the menu behind me again.  I flinched, trying not to scream.  "You were the one that made him tell the cops about our personal issues.  So now you have to pay."

"Don't you fucking hurt him,"  Remy said, anger flaring in his eyes. 

"Not him,"  He said, quickly turning the gun on Remy.  "You."

Draven ran forward and slammed into him but not before he fired two rounds into Remy's chest.  Draven forced him to the ground and managed to wrestle the gun from his hand and handcuff him.

I screamed.  Blood appeared in two spots in Remy's upper chest.  He fell.  I ran to him and collapsed on the floor next to him.

Patrons started fleeing from the cafe, screaming and chows erupting.  But all I could focus on was Remy's shaking form.

I gently held him, one hand holding the back of his head up.  One bullet wound was in the left side of his chest, hitting where his lung is.  The other seeming to be right above where his heart was.

"No, no, no,"  I mumbled while Remy gasped for breath.

Blood appeared at the corner of his mouth.  I don't remember when I started crying or when Colton and Pandora arrived at Remy's other side.

"Pandora...Colton..."  Remy gasped out.  "I love you two.  Be happy.  Marry Atlas.  Marry Ellery.  I love you two.  I'm glad...we adopted you."

"No, Remy, you're not going to die,"  I told him, grasping his hand.  "You're going to be okay."

"Emile..."  He whispered, tears in his eyes.  "I love you...so much.  I'm sorry.  I'm glad I married you.  You're amazing, god, I love you."

Lights flashed outside.  More police rushed in, followed by paramedics.  Remy was barely conscious.

"I love you Emile,"  He mumbled right before his eyes rolled back in his head and his entire body went limp.

"No!"  I screamed, a gut wrenching pain going through my entire body.  I think my heart stopped for a few seconds.  "No..."  I sobbed, leaning my forehead against Remy's. 

A paramedic pushed past me to Remy's side.  I didn't let go of Remy's hand, still holding it tightly.  I sobbed, unable to even comprehend what just happened.  Everything hurt. 

I just stared at Remy in utter shock.  He can't be...this can't be happening...why is this happening. 

Why?  Why Remy?  Why not me?  And as selfish as the thought is, why couldn't it have been another cafe patron?  Remy's only thirty four.  He shouldn't die this early.  I need him.

I struggled to breath, not wanting to believe what I just saw.  But the images kept flashing in my mind.  The feeling of fear.  Seeing Remy get shot.  The look of pain and shock in his eyes.  How he fell to the floor.  What he said to me. 

Remy can't be dead.  But his glassy eyes said otherwise. 

~~~magical time skip~~~

I stared down numbly at the wedding invitation in my hands.  Wylan and Draven are getting married in a couple months. 

I laughed numbly, letting the tears fall down my cheeks.  It's been six years but I can't move one.  It's been six years on this day. 

Colton and Pandora are both married now.  Colton proposed to Ellery last year and recently got married.  He's not becoming a police officer.  Pandora and Atlas married two years ago but Pandora is still in college. 

The house is so empty.  It's just me.  I tried to get a dog but I just couldn't do it.  I gave the dog to Patton.  For weeks after Remy died, I laid in bed and did nothing. 

I was silent the entire time during Remy's funeral.  I didn't know what to do.  Eventually I started working again.  The house is paid off so as long as money keeps coming in front the cafe and bar, I'll be fine. 

Something that really hurt was when my stitch plushie that Remy gave me went missing.  I think one of my patients took it.  I miss it. 

But literally nothing compares to loosing Remy.  All the sympathy and worried looked from friends don't help. 

I sat the wedding invitation down on my bedside table.  I looked down at the two rings on my fingers and made the decision.  I stood up and walked over to the closest. 

My wedding dress was already handing there.  I stripped down to my underwear and pulled it on.  The dress fit perfectly but then again I have been eating much. 

I zipped it up, not nothing with all the buttons and ribbons.  My crying got worse as I trailed my hands up and down the fabric.  So many memories.

I miss Remy so much.  I haven't been the same since he died.  I can't do this without him.  Remy's the love of my life and he was taken from me too early on. 

Sitting back down on the bed, I picked up the picture of Remy on my nightstand.  Nothing in this house smells like him anymore.  Not his pillow nor his clothes.

I grabbed the bottle of sleeping pills next on the nightstand.  I had to start therapy myself after much pushing from Patton, Pandora and Colton.  I don't sleep or eat much.  I have nightmares almost every night where I watch Remy get murdered again. 

Quickly I downed the full bottle without drinking any water.  Holding Remy's picture to my chest, I laid down on the bed.  It was raining tonight and the house was empty. 

I have nothing left without Remy here.  We were supposed to be together and grow old and die peacefully.  I'm only thirty nine but I can't take it. 

The little note that just said 'I'm sorry' on it was lying next to the empty pill bottle.  While I waited to fall asleep, I thought of happy memories.  I looked at the picture of Remy.  He looked happy in this photo. 

I remember the first night we slept in the same bed.  Remy was nervous but trying to act confident about it. 

When Remy told me what his mom did to him on the cliff. 

The first Christmas we spent together.

Loosing my virginity to Remy. 

All the late nights spent cuddling and lying awake together.  Talking about our lives and future.

When Remy woke up after we were run over by the car.  2:48 always remained my favorite tune. 

When we planned our future together during a stormy night during high school.

So many happy birthdays and anniversaries spent together. 

I blinked a few times, becoming incredibly drowsy and tired.  My memories started slurring together and my stomach started to hurt a bit but I kept trying to think of happy memories.

When Remy proposed to me and then our wedding. 

Even the time spent in that horrible apartment.  At least we were together during all of that. 

Adopting Colton and Pandora and raising them with Remy. 

Just being with Remy.  All the times he made me laugh and smile.  How much we were in love. 

I smiled, the picture of Remy falling onto my chest as my arms went limp.  I closed my eyes, feeling more tears fall down my cheeks.  Then I fell asleep...and I never woke back up.