The rain came down hard, its very presence rivaling the tension in the air, as thunder clapped in the distance. The clouds were dark and heavy with the threat of pouring more of its tears into the street. Ossie sat in the dark, not hearing the barrage on the tin roof of his car. He stared at the object in his hands - it shined dimly, illuminated by street lamp. This was going to make her happy like nothing else in the world would. And if she was happy, he was too. He would worry about his career later. Tonight he would focus on his life. The car hummed softly, drowned out by the rain, its windshield wipers working double time as they frantically paced the window. The streets were strangely empty though not much was visible to begin with. The deep red of the traffic signal shown through however, illuminating the rain in an eerier red. Ossie drummed his fingers on the wheel. There came a patter on the driver's side window, hard and rapid catching him off guard. He turned startled; the rain was now falling at a seemingly impossible angle. He stared in awe as it pelted against the glass, as if the water was clawing to get in, reaching for him. The light turned green and he hit the gas a little harder than he intended too. Eager to leave the weird light behind. Visibility was still zero but he still kept the pace, excitement growing the closer he came to home.

"Love, such a wonderful thing." he thought, then slammed the breaks. Ossie's clothes were soaked the moment he stepped out of the car.

"Whose there!" he yelled, looking underneath the front end of his car. He was positive he had seen someone there a moment ago, their face was clear as crystal and worse, he knew the face. A face he had seen his whole life. One that looked very much like his. Puddles parted as he trudged through the rain, straining to see any sign of life in this desolate night. He crawled back into his seat, leaving the wet world outside. What he had seen was impossible he decided, his gaze focused on the windshield. His own reflection wasn't even visible, just a distorted silhouette. Ossie took a deep breath, switched the car into drive, and continued on. He drove slower this time, more cautious, "focus," he thought, "focus." He let out another sigh. Faye. It always came back to her. His peace of mind, the reason he was working so hard in the first place. She made it all bearable. Ossie began to relax, and then it happened again. He glanced into his rear view mirror, his eyes met by some one else's. The car hydroplaned, he cursed as he gripped the steering wheel and tried to maintain control. It was by no guardian angel that he did so. He swore he was alone with demons. His demons. he punched the numbers as quick as he could into his phone. Brrrr. How he hoped this call would not go un answered, Brrrr. He needed to hear her voice right now, Brrrr... Click. "High you've reached Ossie!" His voice called to him on the other end.

"Ossie, give it back." the second voice contained a slightly southern accent.

"What I'm showing you how it's done."

"hey!"

"Faye can't reach the phone right now, she's too busy being madly in LOVE!" There was a bunch of laughing and then the phone beeped indicating it was time for a message to be left. He couldn't reach her, and he almost died, but her voicemail had been enough. He cracked a weak smile. He pictured the sun and its warmth, the rain disappearing from his senses. He had left the voice mail on her phone because she hadn't known what to say. He used to tease her all the time. They'd walk and picnic regularly before he became engrossed in the big merger. They had ended that moment, in a twirling hug. Ossie looked up, he had bumped the mirror during his spin out. Naturally he reached to adjust it. Obsessive compulsive disorder having been pushed on him at a young age.

"You FOOL!" A commanding voice boomed. Ossie pushed himself back into his seat, pressing against it as much as he could, the face had reappeared in the mirror.

"Love is a waste of time."

"Your wrong." Ossie hollered back, taking part in an argument he'd had before.

"I'm never wrong. What good has love ever done you?"

"Its motivated me to get this far."

"Your jobless!"

Reality hit him again, he clenched his chest, as his heart lurched behind the ribs. He put his other hand to his head ruffling his hair line. There was nothing left to say. As always his father was right.

"Your-your dead..." Ossie whispered.

There was no answer, his phone slid to the floor as he dropped his face into his hands. He couldn't help himself. For the first time since he was gone he wept, and tears mixed with the rain that still trickled from his head.

"Dad."

He pulled up to the cozy little two room apartment he shared with Faye. Certainly they could've afforded more but he had learned to save money where he could. He had learned many things from his father, and one of them was to be sparing. That one was taught by example. Perhaps it was time for a larger home. He thought clamping his little box shut, and then opening it again.

One with a yard, in the country like Faye liked. Away from the neighbors. Not this clustered city dwelling. He stared at its bricks, noticing the cracks through the rain, the series of dark windows. Except one dimly lighting his room. It was late and he suspected Faye had fell asleep with the bed side lamp on again, as she waited for him to come home. He sat for a minute continuing to open and close the box, with one last glance he snapped it shut.

Ossie cautiously opened the door trying his best to be stealthy. He had no desire to wake her if she was sleeping. Talking could wait till tomorrow, there was a lot to account for, but simply seeing her would lighten his heart. Than his mind could be at ease. He smiled at the peace that would soon come when he'd snuggle in next to her.

Ossie crossed the threshold, hearing an odd noise like ruffling, perhaps Faye was awake or just climbing into bed, he closed the door as he normally would, no longer worried about waking her. As the door shut the, noise ended abruptly. Ossie paused, not sure what to think, but then continued; silence being the plan again. Perhaps she was just restlessly sleeping. Apart of him was uneasy after the incident that had occurred in the car. Easy Ossie, just stress getting to you, he let out a sigh. But still.

The bedroom door ahead swung open, startling him before the figure could fully register in his head. There was a women standing before him, a silky purple gown flowing down over her curves. It was open, partially revealing her breasts to him. Had it been tied closed however, it'd have made little difference. The garment she bore was both thin and transparent. It was a gown that was meant to be worn over something.

She slammed the door shut behind her quickly, then advanced on him.

"Faye your awake!" Ossie could feel his body ease, his shoulders slouching, a weight lifted.

"How was your party?" Her voice was soft and concerned. He dropped his suit case on the ground as it made a dull thud sound twice, echoing through the quite night, and enveloping the entire hall. It lay face down, just as he felt like doing, there was a prick in his chest as needles stabbed at his heart.

"I left early. The events were... a lot to bare. Why are you dressed like that?"

Though he had no problem with her body by any means, it wasn't routine for her to sleep in the nude, or that close to it. Faye reached out grabbing his tie and pulling him in, her lips seeking his. They were welcomed, but not so enthusiastically. He felt better, right even. Like his problems could be solved, but he was still distracted.

"You want to follow me over here and I'll tell you." The corners of her mouth turned upward, and she smirked. Ossie knew where this was leading, and followed. Letting himself be pulled along by his coat. She was the shepherd, guiding him and he followed dragging his feet, like a dumb sheep. His butt landed in the soft cushions of the office couch. With little time wasted Faye was on top of him, less like that of a gentle Bo peep, and more of a wild cow girl. As she mounted him she swung her golden brown hair into his face, it's waves toppling over her shoulders. Ossie was scooped into an embrace, as he felt the slight wetness that her kiss had to offer. A shower of gentle pecks greeting his face.

"I've missed you." she whispered. Her eyes gazed deeply into his. Searching somewhere for a response she craved. They were brilliant, a soft teal sort of blue. He had never met someone with a more tranquil, yet stunning pair of eyes.

"What do you mean?" he asked, as he traced his hand over the slightly round cheeks, that lent themselves to her cuteness, yet, like the rest of her granted her beauty as well. He felt himself smile gently looking into her eyes. He adored her, no loved her. How could I have been so lucky.

"We just haven't, you know, been together lately."

"Sorry, I've been-"

"Working. I know I know, but we haven't talked, or you know, done this in a long time." The words took a different tone by the time they had fully escaped her lips, and her hands started sliding out from behind his back towards his waist. Reaching lower and lower. Most men would react, to a women as gorgeous as Faye. Many might feel their heart skip. Instead a haze fell over Ossie. Something gripped him, instead he felt the sharp claws of darkness, reach out from the depths of his mind. Work.

There was another soft embrace of her lips on his. Faye, she cared about him so much, and him her. The bond easing him once more. His hand brushed against his pocket which was slightly lower than it should be, at some point his pants had apparently decided to sneak closer to his feet. The box however, was safe where he left it. Safe but almost forgotten. He drummed his fingers on it for a few seconds, his gaze fixed on nothing in particular.

"Ossie?" Faye brushed his jaw line with the back of her hand, "What's wrong?" She bit her lip in that manner, that he found so cute, but he knew something was on her mind as well. Perhaps it was his demeanor. Ossie shuffled in his seat, sitting up straight.

"Nothing. So how was your day?" He put on a smile as he lied, not wanting her to worry.

"Oh it was fine, rather good in some ways I guess." Now it was Faye's turn to stair blankly. There was a creak like footsteps in the hallway, Ossie glanced for a second, but Faye didn't seem to notice, her gaze fixed on the wall behind him. "Ossie do you love me?"

"What? Of course I love you. Why?" He asked putting both hands on either of her shoulders.

"Will you always love me?"

"Always."

Faye bit her lip, and shifted her gaze back down to Ossie. She didn't so much look him in the eye, as much as she did in the nose.

"I need to tell you something." Ossie felt a tug in his gut, she had walked up to the edge of a cliff and gave the gentle nudge that was needed to send him toppling over. Transporting him back to reality as he fell down. His shoulders slumped as he let out a heavy sigh.

"See there is something wrong, what is it Ossie?"

"There's something I need to tell you as well."

"What is it?"

Ossie let his hand come to rest on her thigh, his thumb tracing small circles on the smooth silk of her night gown.

"Well it's about work."

"What happened?"

"Well Malcom-" THUD! Faye jumped at the sound, her eyes wide.

"What was that?" Ossie turned his head towards the hallway, and the source of the sound.

"Uh, maybe it was your brief case, maybe it just fell over." Fay offered.

"Maybe, but if I recall right, its already laying on the ground. It can't fall over." Ossie stood up, guiding Faye off, and onto the cushion next to where he just sat.

"Ossie wait."

"What?"

"I'm cheating on you."

Darkness ensued, heavy, suffocating, and thick. Its weight pressed against his rib cage, his heart aching to break free with one more beat. Curling up into itself to rest, like a cold rock in his chest. Ossie felt complete despair, it closed in on him in seconds. All the time it needed.

"What?" he paused, and then deciding he would not wait for anymore words pushed open the office door. In the hall stood a man, who froze with his hand on the door knob.

"What?" Ossie's words trickled out of his mouth, loud enough for only himself to hear. "Faye, who the fuck is that?"

Faye only looked down as she leaned in the door way. An arm crossed over her chest pressing the gown closed. Her other arm was posed up with her fingernails between her teeth. Tears in her eyes.

Ossie turned from her. "Well who the bloody fuck are you?" He shouted at the man. His prey rolled his shoulders back than tried to pat down his hair. He ruffled his shirt, its buttons mismatched and partially untucked. Taking a step, the man extended a hand.

"You must be Ossie."

"Don't!" Ossie took a breath. "Just stop." The man rolled his fingers in a peel off fashion, retracting his peace treaty. He lifted his eyebrows and rolled his eyes uncomfortably.

"Faye." Ossie choked.

"I was trying to tell you."

"After you shacked up!"

"We never..." she fluttered her eyelashes as they worked to part the veil of tears that had gathered there.

"Faye you are naked, how can you cheat on me and then lie to my face?"

"It's true." The man smiled from the door. "Quite regrettable if I do say so myself."

"Get out you prick!"

Faye wiped a tear from her eye sniffling. "Roger, it's okay, leave."

"Oh look who has a fucking name." Ossie takes a step forward as he yells it, kicking the suit case across the floor at Roger. "FUCK!" Ossie lifted his foot, the largest of his toes throbbing. The suit case was high grade business equipment like everything his father owned, and like his father it had now grasped victory over him. The brief case bounced off the wall, and skittered short of the closing door, where Roger had exited.

"How could you do this to me?"

"I didn't want to hurt you." Faye brushed her hand against her cheeks rubbing a final stream of tears from her eyes.

"Well good job, you achieved that goal."

"Ossie please."

Ossie used an arm to guide Faye out of the way as he crossed into the living room. He opened a small cabinet, and pulled from it a sleek bottle with a gold label and crimson liquid inside. He walked over to the couch, and plopped down. The cork came off with little regard to the mess it had now helped to make. Ossie stared at Faye with a mock smile as if to say I'm listening.

"I was just so lonely."

"What am I not good enough?"

"No!"

Ossie threw his head backwards and took a swig from his bottle.

"That's not what I meant."

"Enlighten me. What do you mean?"

"Ossie I love you, you know that."

He scoffs, "I thought you did."

"I do!" She yelled, tears flushing back to the corner of her eyes, as she sat down next to him reaching for his hand. Ossie turned away, pulling back, and crossing his leg across the other. He now sat in a way that would keep her at a distance.

"Ossie stop it."

He said nothing, but responded with a cold glare. I've done nothing wrong, maybe you're the one who should stop, stop being such a whore, such a liar!

Faye couldn't read his thoughts, but switched from the offensive to defend herself, eyebrows skewed, with a crossed expression on her face.

"Yes I know I made a terrible mistake, I shouldn't have done it, but for whatever its worth, I didn't sleep with Roger!"

"Fuck his name."

"I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I had. And I've had a hard time living as it is."

"What kind of bosh are you talking about."

"It's not bosh. I've been in a relationship with myself, while you've been in a relationship with the company!" She paused waiting for a response, but none came so she continued to bear down on him.

"Your always gone! You never have time for me, we barely talk. I never get to see you... This was the closest thing we've had to sex in ages, I love you! But Ossie, it hurts. It's like you don't care anymore. You've given your life to something you hate. I- come in second to what you hate."

"Well you don't have to worry about that anymore." Ossie stared blankly across the room at the wall. The wine bottle hanging loosely in his hand. Threatening to fall, but wouldn't cause much of a stain if It had. "I was fired."

"What?"

"Malcom, he fired me."

"Ossie I'm so sorry. How did-"

"The merger was complete, my dad gave power over to the rival company, and had me disowned in his will."

"Ossie I'm so sorry." Faye put a hand on his shoulder, Ossie didn't react.

"I know your dad's approval meant everything to you, and that the business was your life." Faye looked into Ossie's face. His stare still vacant, as his eyes glazed over. His mouth hung open slightly, as if to say something, but was paralyzed by his own mind.

"It's a shame really. You put all that work in, and now, it's over." Faye rubbed his back. "If only you had put all that work into us." She stared off as she said it. Ossie's head slowly turned toward her. "I loved you, but got nothing in return. It may not be a good excuse, but I couldn't do it anymore, I needed to be loved, for someone to care about me. So while you were caring about work, I found someone who cared about me. Who I mattered too."

Ossie stared Faye in the eye, and slowly reached his hand down into his pocket. He slid out the small treasure chest he had been guarding all day.

Faye clasped her hand over her mouth a small squeak escaping from her voice box. Even greater tears formed in her eyes.

"Ossie." Faye looked at Ossie as he looked through her, popping the small box open with one hand. Another involuntary gasp jumped out of Faye, taking her breath with it. The ring shimmered almost as brilliantly as the tears in her eyes. Ossie looked at it. The light it had cast for him now paled in comparison, it was nothing but an empty shell, a ghost of its former self.

"Your wrong." Ossie spoke at last. "I couldn't care less about my father, I did it for us."

"Ossie, I want to marry you." Faye managed to choke, taking deep breaths between each word. As if everyone cost her, her last breath. It was silent save her heaving. Faye reached out and grabbed Ossie's hands "I do."

Faye leaned in slowly to kiss him, and something clicked in his head. How could he have missed it before. Ossie pushed her hands away and took a look at her, his stare solid, taking her in. She was half naked, even the mascara smeared across her face lent itself to her beauty. She was the most kind, beautiful, and sexy women he knew, and she was with another man. She didn't smell like the sweet lilac the angel in his life wore. The smell that enveloped him when she eased his heart, and repelled the demons. Like the one that had been chasing him all night. No, she smelt like cheap, and expensive, foreign cologne. He was betrayed. First Malcom, then his father, left alone with no one to turn to. Even Faye was disappearing out of his life, he was forsaken. Ossie stood up.

"Where are you going" Faye asked.

"Oscar was right. I'd be a fool to stay with you." With that he was gone, she didn't follow him to the door, and he didn't look back to see her not do so, he didn't cry. The sky did that for him, outside was cold, and it seemed as though the whole world wept on his behalf.

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Sorry to break the trance. Don't forget to interact, with me or each other.  Always feel free to comment, or critique. Maybe argue. Whos side do you take was Faye right or wrong in what she did? What do you think of her character? Thanks for coming back, till next time, See ya!