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wolverigrl · 2 months ago

Note

Hugh x reader.

Reader is a mom of two young kids, something like Pre-K and 4/5th grade. She gets her hopes too high thinking her ex husband will at least show up for the kids 1st day of school but they all get disappointed; Hugh as the gentleman/sweetest dad he is steps up and takes care of it making a surprise for them

Broken Promises

Hugh Jackman x f!reader

A/N: I hope I won't trigger someone's serious daddy issues like I did to me lmao. But seriously, I had fun writing this one, too!

Warnings: angst, some swearing here and there, mentions of unavailable parent

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The house was unusually quiet for a Saturday afternoon. Too quiet. I found myself pacing the living room again, eyeing the clock, then the door, and back to the clock. I had done this routine enough times to know how it usually ended. Ethan and Mason were perched on the couch, peeking out the window every now and then, waiting for the unmistakable sound of their father’s car pulling into the driveway.

"Mom, when's Dad coming?" Ethan asked for what felt like the hundredth time. His voice had that hopeful, uncertain edge that always tore at my heart.

Ethan was nine now, old enough to sense when something wasn’t quite right but still young enough to wish it wasn’t true.

I ran a hand through my hair and forced a smile.

"Soon, sweetheart. He said he’d be here."

Ethan nodded, though he didn’t look entirely convinced. He was too smart for his own good. Mason, on the other hand, was sprawled across the floor with his toys, blissfully unaware of time and promises. At four, he was still full of that magical childhood innocence where you believe everything will always work out.

The boys weren’t the only ones waiting. Hugh, Ava, and Oscar were here too. Ava, Hugh’s 12-year-old daughter, was curled up on the couch, nose buried in a book while Oscar, his 17-year-old son, was tapping away on his phone, though he glanced at me from time to time with a knowing look. Hugh was in the kitchen, pretending to busy himself, but I knew him well enough to catch his subtle glances toward the front door. He was watching too.

Waiting.

The doorbell rang, cutting through the tense silence like a knife. Mason jumped up immediately, his little face lighting up with excitement as he dashed to the door. "Daddy!" he shouted, his tiny hands struggling to twist the doorknob before Ethan quickly helped him.

And there he was. Matthew.

My ex-husband.

Standing there with that familiar polished grin, the same one that had fooled me for years before I realized it was more charm than substance.

He looked every bit the smooth-talking lawyer he was, hair neatly combed, wearing an expensive suit that screamed 'I don’t have time for this', but here I am anyway.

"Hey, buddy!" Matthew exclaimed as Mason leapt into his arms, his voice dripping with enthusiasm. He shot a quick glance at me, his smile faltering for a second before he smoothly recovered. "Sorry I’m late. Busy day at work."

"Of course you are." I muttered under my breath. But the boys didn’t care.

They only saw their dad, and that was enough for them. Ethan approached more cautiously, his eyes studying Matthew, almost as if he were waiting to see if this time would be different. I knew that look all too well.

"Hey, Ethan!" Matthew said, ruffling his son’s hair. "Got something for you both." He reached into the sleek black bag slung over his shoulder and pulled out two shiny, brand-new backpacks.

Mason squealed with delight, clutching his in his arms like it was made of gold, while Ethan’s expression shifted from excitement to hesitation.

"Cool, thanks, Dad." He said, a polite smile on his face. I could see the wheels turning in his head, though. A backpack didn’t make up for missed promises, no matter how shiny it was.

"Are you gonna come tomorrow?" Ethan asked quietly, looking up at his father with those wide, hopeful eyes that always broke my heart. "For the first day of school?"

"Of course, buddy!" Matthew said without hesitation. He leaned down, crouching to their level and placing a hand on Ethan’s shoulder. "I wouldn’t miss it for the world! I’ll be there, bright and early."

I crossed my arms, leaning against the wall, watching this scene play out like it always did. Matthew was nothing if not consistent in his ability to make promises he couldn’t keep.

Before I could say anything, Hugh walked out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on a dish towel. His presence was calming, always steady and reassuring. He gave me a small, knowing smile before turning his attention to Matthew.

"Matthew." Hugh said, his voice polite but firm as he extended his hand.

"Hugh." Matthew replied, shaking it with the same rehearsed friendliness he used with clients.

They had met a handful of times, and while Matthew had never said anything outright, I could tell he wasn’t thrilled about another man stepping into the lives of his children.

The boys were still fawning over their backpacks when Ava and Oscar joined us in the living room. Ava smiled warmly at Mason, ruffling his hair.

"Nice backpack boys!"

Oscar stood beside Hugh, his tall frame giving him an almost protective air.

"You guys excited for school tomorrow?" he asked, nudging Ethan playfully. Ethan grinned full of excitement.

Matthew didn’t stay long. He never did. After about twenty minutes of small talk and handing out gifts, he was already looking at his watch. "Alright, I’ve gotta go." he said, standing up and straightening his suit. "But I’ll see you guys tomorrow, okay? Bright and early as I said!"

The boys hugged him, clinging to him like they always did, desperate for any time they could get with him. And just like that, he was gone.

I watched the door close behind him, and a familiar tightness settled in my chest. The boys turned back to their new backpacks, their excitement renewed, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that tomorrow would end in disappointment. Again.

Hugh caught my eye from across the room, sensing my unease. He walked over, his hand resting on the small of my back, and leaned in to whisper. "You okay?"

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "I don’t know. I want to believe him, but… I can’t keep letting the boys get hurt. Ethan’s starting to get it, Hugh. He knows when Matthew’s lying now."

Hugh’s expression softened, and he pulled me closer. "Hey, I’ll be there. We’ll be there. They won’t be alone. I promise."

I leaned into him, closing my eyes, letting his warmth seep into me. "I don’t know what I’d do without you."

"You’ll never have to find out, love." he whispered into my hair, kissing the top of my head.

The next morning, I woke up to the smell of pancakes. The house was already buzzing with energy, far earlier than I expected. I shuffled downstairs, still groggy, only to stop in my tracks at the sight that greeted me.

The living room was transformed. Balloons and streamers hung from the ceiling, and a colorful banner that read 'First Day of School!' stretched across the doorway. The kitchen table was covered in every breakfast food imaginable - pancakes, bacon, eggs, fruit, even little bowls of candy that Mason would definitely notice first.

I blinked, rubbing my eyes. "Hugh, did you…?"

He turned from the stove, grinning at me like a kid who had just pulled off the best surprise. "Figured we’d make it special."

Tears welled up in my eyes, unbidden, and I pressed a hand to my mouth. "I-I can’t believe you did all this!"

Hugh crossed the room in a few strides, pulling me into his arms.

"It’s their first day of school. Gotta make it a big deal, right?"

The kids came rushing down the stairs next, their faces lighting up at the sight. Ethan and Mason squealed in delight, darting between the living room and the kitchen like it was the best thing they had ever seen.

"This is awesome!" Ethan shouted, his eyes wide with excitement.

Ava grinned as she joined us at the table, patting the seat next to her for Mason, while Oscar laughed at his little brother’s excitement. "Told you Dad goes all out!" Oscar teased.

Hugh winked at me, flipping another pancake onto the stack.

"It's a big day. Gotta start it right!"

And it was. For a few precious moments, everything felt perfect. The kids were happy, the atmosphere light and joyous, and the worries from yesterday seemed far away.

But when we got to the school, reality came crashing back. We stood outside the classroom door, surrounded by other excited parents and their children, and the boys kept glancing toward the entrance. Waiting.

"Is Daddy coming?" Mason asked again, his voice laced with hope.

"He said he would." I murmured, though I wasn’t sure who I was trying to convince anymore.

The minutes ticked by, and the crowd around us thinned as more and more families said their goodbyes and headed inside. But Matthew never showed. And I could see the hope fading from Ethan’s eyes.

Hugh stepped forward, crouching down to their level. "Hey, guys.." he said, his voice soft but upbeat. "Your dad’s probably stuck at work, but that doesn’t mean today isn’t special. You’ve got all of us here, and we’re so proud of you. Right, Ava?"

Ava nodded, smiling warmly at Ethan. "You’re gonna rock it, Ethan! I just know it."

Oscar clapped Mason on the back, grinning. "And Mason, you better show them how it’s done, okay?"

Mason giggled, his spirits lifting, but Ethan was still quiet. Hugh reached out, gently tilting Ethan’s chin up. "You’re gonna be amazing today. And no matter what, we’re always here for you. Okay?"

Ethan swallowed, his eyes glistening a little, but then he nodded, managing a small smile. "Okay."

I pulled him into a hug, my heart aching for him. "I love you so so much, Ethan. You’re going to do great!"

Mason was next, clinging to my leg before I knelt down to hug him properly.

"Be good, okay? Listen to your teacher, and have fun. I love you so much!" He nodded eagerly, bouncing on his toes, the weight of disappointment not yet touching him the way it did Ethan.

We said our goodbyes to Ava and Oscar, sending them off to their own classes, before Hugh and I turned to leave. As we walked out of the school, my chest felt tight.

The weight of everything - the missed promises, the endless hope that Matthew would change, the constant pain in Ethan’s eyes - was pressing down on me harder than usual.

I could feel Hugh’s arm around my shoulders, warm and reassuring, but it wasn’t enough to chase away the hurt. We stepped out into the parking lot when I heard someone call my name.

"Y/n! Wait!"

I froze, my blood running cold as I turned to see Matthew jogging up the sidewalk, his suit jacket slightly askew, as if he had hurried over at the last minute.

My stomach twisted in knots.

Now?

After all this time, after the boys had gone inside? My hands balled into fists at my sides.

"I’m sorry!" Matthew said, breathless, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. "I got caught up at the office, but I’m here now. I didn’t want to miss it."

Something in me snapped. All the hurt, all the frustration, all the times he had let our boys down over the years, rushed to the surface. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes, my vision blurring as they spilled over before I could stop them.

"You’re sorry?" I spat, the words escaping me in a choked sob. I stormed toward him, fists clenched, my body trembling with rage. "You missed it, Matthew! You missed everything! They went into class without you!"

He looked startled, stepping back as I shoved his chest. "Y/n, come on, I said I’m sorry- "

"Sorry doesn’t fix it!" I screamed, slamming my fists into his chest again, harder this time.

"Do you have any idea how much Ethan was looking for you? How many times he asked about you?! Mason kept asking when you’d get here, and you didn’t show up! You weren’t here, Matthew! Again!"

I kept hitting his chest, my tears flowing freely now. My voice was loud, too loud, but I didn’t care. The dam had broken, and everything I had bottled up for years came pouring out.

"You promised me! You promised them you’d be here, and you weren’t! You never are!"

Matthew tried to catch my wrists, his face pale, eyes wide. “Y/n, stop- "

But I couldn’t stop.

The pain of watching my boys be disappointed time and time again was too much.

"You don’t get it! You don’t get to swoop in at the last second and act like everything’s fine!" I sobbed, my fists still pounding against his chest until I felt Hugh’s hands gently but firmly wrap around me, pulling me back.

"Y/n.." Hugh’s voice was steady, his grip gentle but unyielding as he pulled me away from Matthew. "That’s enough."

I collapsed into Hugh’s chest, my body trembling as I sobbed, the fight draining out of me as quickly as it had come. Hugh held me close, one hand cradling the back of my head, while I clung to him, my tears soaking into his shirt. He rocked me gently, whispering soothing words I couldn’t quite make out, but the warmth of his embrace calmed me, slowly but surely.

Matthew, still standing a few feet away, looked completely stunned, his mouth opening and closing as if he didn’t know what to say. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to regain his composure.

"Look.. I’m sorry.." he said again, his voice weaker this time. "I really did try to make it.:

"That’s the problem, Matthew.." I whispered, my voice hoarse from crying. "You always try. But trying isn’t enough anymore."

Matthew’s face twisted with frustration. "I’m doing my best! It’s not like I’m trying to miss these things, you know. I have a job- "

"A job?!" I cut him off, my voice rising again despite myself. "I have a fucking job too! You think that’s an excuse? Ethan sees it, Matthew! He knows when you’re lying. And Mason? He’ll start seeing it soon too. They don’t care about your job. They care about you being here!"

Matthew clenched his jaw, his own frustration building.

"I don’t have the luxury of just playing house like you do, y/n! I have more responsibilities!"

"Playing house?" I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. "You have no idea what it's like to raise them. No idea what it feels like to watch their hearts break every time you don’t show up!"

"You don’t think I care?" Matthew shot back, his voice growing louder. "I’m doing the best I can with the time I have!"

"And it’s never enough.." I whispered, the fight leaving me again. I wiped at my eyes, exhausted.

"Hey." Hugh’s voice cut through the tension like a knife. His tone was sharp, but not raised. "That’s enough. You should be ashamed of yourself, Matthew."

As soon as Hugh said it, I saw Matthew’s posture change.

His eyes narrowed, his fists clenching at his sides. For a split second, I could see the switch flip in him, the smooth, collected persona cracking. Matthew wasn’t used to being challenged, especially not by someone like Hugh. Not by someone who had quietly stepped into the role Matthew had always fumbled.

"Excuse me?" Matthew’s voice was low, his eyes locked on Hugh. "Who the hell do you think you are?"

Hugh didn’t flinch.

He met Matthew’s glare head-on, his expression calm but firm.

"I think I’m the man who’s been here for your kids when you couldn’t be bothered to show up. And I’m telling you - what you’re doing is hurting them and y/n."

Matthew took a step forward, his face flushed with anger now. "You think you can just walk in and play daddy, huh? That you know what it’s like to juggle everything I do? You don’t get to stand there and judge me, Jackman."

I could feel the tension crackling between them, thick and heavy. Hugh was calm, still, like a rock against the storm that was Matthew’s rising temper.

My heart was pounding, the last remnants of my tears still clinging to my lashes as I watched, half-dazed from the emotional rollercoaster of the last few minutes.

Matthew sneered, stepping even closer. "You think you're so perfect, don’t you? Mr. Hollywood star, swooping in to save the day. You’re not their father. You’re nothing to them. Just a simple placeholder."

Hugh’s jaw tightened, and I saw the muscle twitch there. But he didn’t react the way Matthew clearly wanted him to. Instead, he exhaled slowly and said, "You’re right. I’m not their father. But I’m the one they can count on. I’m the one who’s here when they need someone. That’s what matters."

Matthew’s face twisted in frustration, his fists clenching tighter. He pointed at Hugh, his voice rising.

"You have no idea what it’s like to have your own life, your own responsibilities, and try to make time for everyone. It’s easy for you to stand there and act like the hero when you’ve got nothing else pulling you in a million directions!"

I stepped forward before Hugh could respond, my voice shaking with anger. "You think Hugh doesn’t have responsibilities? You think he doesn’t make sacrifices? He does all of this for our kids while you barely lift a finger! And you know what? He never complains! Never makes excuses. He just shows up. That’s what they need, Matthew - someone who shows up."

Matthew’s gaze flicked between me and Hugh, his expression growing darker by the second. He laughed sarcastically.

"You’re really going to take his side over mine, y/n? After everything?"

I scoffed, wiping the lingering tears from my eyes.

"I'm taking my sons’ side, Matthew. Because they deserve better than what you’re giving them. This isn’t about sides. It’s about what’s right for them."

Matthew again let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "Unbelievable. You really think I don’t care, don’t you? That I don’t want to be there for them?"

"Well, If you wanted to be here, you would be." Hugh cut in, his voice sharp now, no longer willing to play nice.

"You wouldn’t be showing up late, making excuses, and disappointing them over and over. You’d be here, Matthew. It’s that simple."

"That simple?" Matthew’s voice was nearly a growl now.

"You have no idea what I go through - what I have to balance! It’s not as easy as you think, playing ‘Super Dad.’!" He stepped forward again, and for a second, I thought it might come to blows.

But Hugh, steady and calm, took a deliberate step forward too, closing the distance.

"As we said before.. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being there. No one’s asking for you to be a superhero. They just want their dad to show up. You owe it to them to do better."

The tension between them felt like it was about to explode, and I could barely breathe, watching it unfold. I knew Matthew’s temper. I had seen it flare too many times. And I knew Hugh was protective, fiercely so, but not one to back down when it came to the people he loved.

Matthew’s nostrils flared, his fists still clenched at his sides.

"You think you’re so much better than me, don’t you? You think you can just walk into my life and replace me?"

Hugh’s gaze was steady, unwavering, but he couldn't help himself and let out a soft laugh.

"I don’t want to replace you, Matthew. But I won’t stand by and watch those boys get hurt because you can’t figure out your priorities."

I felt my body trembling again, but this time from the frustration and helplessness of it all. I had spent so long trying to protect my boys from this, trying to shield them from the disappointment of their father’s broken promises. And now, here it was, boiling over in front of me.

"Enough!" I yelled, my voice breaking as I stepped between them.

"This isn’t about either of you! It’s about Ethan and Mason. And I’m so tired of seeing them get hurt because you can’t keep your word."

Matthew blinked at me, his anger momentarily giving way to something else - something that looked like shame. But just as quickly, his walls went back up, and he shook his head, stepping back.

"This is ridiculous." he muttered, shoving his hands in his pockets. "I didn’t come here to be ganged up on."

I crossed my arms, feeling the weight of exhaustion press down on me.

"Then what did you come for, Matthew? Because if it wasn’t to be there for your sons before they go attend their very first day of school, I don’t see the point."

For a long moment, Matthew just stared at us, his jaw tight, his expression a mixture of anger and something else I couldn’t quite place. Then, without another word, he turned on his heel and stormed off down the sidewalk, leaving us standing there in the empty schoolyard.

I let out a shaky breath, my legs suddenly feeling like jelly as the weight of the moment caught up with me. Before I knew it, Hugh’s arms were around me again, pulling me close, holding me up as I leaned into him.

"You okay, love?" he whispered, his voice gentle, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back.

I nodded, though I didn’t trust my voice just yet. The anger, the hurt, the frustration - it was all still swirling inside me, but Hugh’s presence, his steady calmness, helped anchor me.

"I'm sorry.." I whispered, wiping at my tear-streaked face. "I didn’t mean to… to lose it like that."

"Don’t apologize." Hugh said softly, kissing the top of my head. "You had every right to say what you did. He needed to hear it."

I took a deep breath, finally pulling back to look up at him.

"I just… I hate that this is what it’s come to. That the boys keep getting hurt like this."

"They have you." Hugh said, his voice firm but full of warmth. "And they have me. We’ll get through this."

I nodded, though my heart still ached. "Thank you." I whispered. "For everything. For being here."

Hugh smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

"I’m always here, y/n. You and the boys - you’re my family too."

I felt a fresh wave of emotion wash over me, but this time, it was mixed with gratitude and love.

As we walked back to the car, hand in hand, I knew that no matter what happened with Matthew, no matter how many times he failed to show up, we would be okay. Because Hugh was right.

We had each other.

And that was enough.

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Tags: @angelofthorr @haytchee

#hugh jackman #wolverine #marvel #hugh jackman x you #x men #hugh #jackman #hugh jackman x reader #hugh jackman imagines #fluff #angst #dad #theson #f!reader

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xenayami · 3 months ago

Text

The Twin

So, I figured since I have this Hugh Jackman Obsession, I've been seeing a lot of movies with him in it, and I particularly liked this film. It's called, "The Son" and it's based a teenage son who has suicidal thoughts and is conflicted with his family being torn apart due to his father being in love with another woman and having a child with her. Leaving him and his mother behind to basically start a new life. So, I thought, 'Hey why not make an angst/lightening fanfiction about this. BEWARE this will have very graphic thoughts and attempts of suicide so if your uncomfortable with the subject then this story is not for you. However, if you are also a fan of the film and just love Hugh jackman and angst shit perhaps platonic fanfictions, you may also this story. I think it's best to watch the film to get a better understanding of this fanfic, but you don't have to if you don't wanna :)

Nora Miller was the twin of Nicholas Miller.

The twins haven't seen their father Peter since he had left their mother Kate and them behind to go be with another woman named Beth. Divorcing their mother and remarrying her, two years later he had a child with her named Theo.

Of course, their mother was upset and sadden by such news, she had sometimes bash their father for leaving her for another woman. Their father hardly came to see them once he had moved in with Beth, he did send holiday cards and birthday wishes there way but to them it had seem he didn't want to see them at all, like he wanted to stay with his new family and leave the one he had already made behind him. In some way, he was abandoning them.

Nora was the more bronze one of the two, while Nicholas was the shy smart one. They had been stuck to each other's hips since they were born. One always knew what the other was thinking, only they truly understood each other. In some ways, twins that are born together were born as if they had one soul that shared two bodies.

She had a feeling that her brother wasn't mentally well. Not since they witnessed the fall out of their family two years ago. Nora was the only one that was trying to patch things up after their father had left.

"You're not fine Nic, it's okay not to be fine."

"How can it not be? I'm more like a freak..."

"You're not. Things just happen. It's not our fault mom and dad divorced. Not our fault that dad basically left us for another woman and had a kid with her. Not our fault that mom barely pays any attention to us after he left. It's not our fault dad never comes to see us. And most of all It's not even your FAULT for any of this happening."

"But..."

Nora held her twins hand.

"No matter what happens, no matter what life throws our way. I'm always gonna be there for you. Promise. Even if our parents are assholes for thinking of themselves before their own kids."

Nicholas nods his head as he squeezes his sister's hand. He knows that no matter what happens his sister will always be by his side no matter what happens, it's been like that ever since they were little.

Nicholas had been skipping school for a month and Nora had been covering for him. He knew everyone would be on his ass for not being in school for a month. But he couldn't focus, he had so many thoughts on his life on his parents life and even his twins.

He felt like a burden.

Unwanted.

Lonely.

Even though his twin was basically his only friend, it wasn't even to satisfy his lonely heart. He felt his life had no value. He tries to bury the truth from Nora but of course his twin knows everything. She had told him it was okay to take a break from reality for a bit. If you were feeling out of place, then it's okay to take a mental break. No matter how long. She had known of his dark intentions; she walked in on him hurting himself. No one was in the house at the time except them. She immediately ran to him taking the knife and throwing it on the ground. Grabbing a nearby shirt and helping stop the bleeding. She had screamed at him for hours crying and sobbing onto his shirt. Begging for him to never to do something like that again.

Little did she know he still was doing it, just more secretly than usual.

When her mother found out she was furious at Nora for not telling her about Nicholas skipping school.

"Nora! How could you! Do you have any idea how much you and your brother are in!"

Nora looks away in shame. Trying to play it cool and to take the heat away from Nicholas, he did not need this right now. He was too fragile to emotional... one wrong move..

After the incident with Nicholas, he practical begged Nora not to tell mom about any of this.

"Nicholas needed time to chill out."

"Chilling out for an entire month from school!?"

Nora screams back at her, "MOM you don't get it! He can't help it!"

"Help what?! Ditching class? Getting away from reality?"

Nora looks away in tears, she was trying so hard not to tell her about Nicholas demons. She made a vow to her twin. But she also made a vow to herself if things got out of hand with him, she had to intervene and seek help.

"Mom..."

"I found a blade in Nicholas bed."

'Shit.'

"Is he trying to hurt someone?"

"NO!"

"IS someone trying to hurt him?"

"No." Nora says more in a calm voice.

"I-is he....?"

"...."

Nora's silence alone spoke for her as her mother broke down in tears.

So a week later Kate tries to contact peter their father in hopes that his words will help Nicholas. 3 days later their father comes to visit them.

"Nicholas! Nora! How have you been?"

Nicholas answers for them both, "Fine."

"..." Nora had loathed her father. For what he did to her mother. And now what his actions have done to her brother.

"Nora if you would can, I have a moment alone with your brother?"

Nora leaves without a comment to their father but in small hopes in her heart her father would try to understand Nicholas.

Shortly after their conversation their father comes into her room next.

"Nora. You know better than to not tell your mother and me if Nicholas was skipping school. Or if he was having troubles."

"He wanted to take things in his own pace..."

He sighs into his hands, "I know you to have been hip to hip since you were born but you got to start looking out for your brother more than ever now you understand."

Nora nods as she avoids eye contact with him.

"Do you understand."

"Yes."

"Your brother is coming to live with me and Beth for a while."

"What? For how long?"

Her father looks around her room, "Long enough until he can get back on, he his feet."

Nora felt horrible, her twin is so mentally unstable that he would even go live with their father again after everything he's done.

"You can come with us if you want to. You know meet your little brother, get to know Beth."

"I'll pass thank."

Nicholas never speaks his mind, but Nora certainly does.

"Nora..."

"Listen, I'm happy that you supposably found the love of your life and started another family with her. Mom may of moved on pass it but I certainly didn't."

Glaring into his eyes with so much resentment, her brother could never do the things that she could do. Standing up for yourself.

"Nora I know your angry on all this-

"Trust me on it, angry is the least of my worries."

A pregnant pause filled the air.

"My brother is so scared to tell you on how he feels because all you care about is how he is doing in school, or if he's passing his classes, or if he meets a girl yet? You never ask on how he is doing mentally."

"What exactly does that mean Nora? If you know what's going on with Nicholas, then I need you to explain." Peter walks towards her standing in front of her.

Nora steps back from him as she crosses her arms, "Look, Nic is going through a really tough state right and when I say this, I mean his mental state."

"Nora what does that mean?"

"Nic needs to go see someone. Therapist or a physiatrist he needs to see someone professionally. NO matter how much Nic begs you not to send him or how much he persuades you into thinking he will change, HE NEEDS HELP. Promise me that if things get too much for you or mom to even handle, you'll do what is right for him and seek help."

"Nora..."

"Promise me! It's the least you could do after abandoning us."

Peter looks away from his daughter in guilt, 'Do they truly believe I had abandoned them..., after everything I've done for them...'

"Dad!"

"Okay. I promise."

Nora steps away from her father as she leaves her room then looks back at him. "You know when you left mom, it was hard on us all. Especially Nic... I think he .... he believes he was the reason why you left."

"Nora-

"I don't know if it's just that or... if his life is getting too much to handle. He thinks he too much of a hassle. Or a burden. if you can help him, see his life in a better light. Then maybe. just maybe it can be enough."

With that she leaves.

Time skip in the apartment with Peter and Beth.

After that conversation he had with his daughter he needed tell his wife on the matter of his first born living with them.

"Thats what Nora said?"

Peter looks away from her in shame, "I don't believe they ever took the divorce too well."

"I don't think any kid ever does."

Beth wasn't a horrible person she just fell in love with a person who already had a family. To this day she still felt for those kids, despite them having bad impressions on her. She couldn't really blame them on the matter in any case if people were to look at the situation she would be seen as the homewrecker. But now that she has a son as well, she had to look out for her own family.

"Well, it's not your fault if he's not well peter."

"But it is, I left Kate. As soon as I did in their eye's I left them too. Nicholas hardly talks to me about himself, and Nora can't even be in the same room as me. I practically lost them Beth."

She didn't know how to feel in the situation, she thought once they were married things would be just fine. But the man she loved had so much weight on him that it difficult for people to even acknowledge their marriage much less their son Theo who had been born a couple of months ago.

"I saw the marks Beth."

"Marks?"

"He seems to be hurting himself, and just seeing those, i-it just broke me Beth,,, he's my boy... my little boy. Maybe this change can do him some good. Nora practically beg me to help him with all my power. And if I can never be redeem in Nora's eye's as a father then I can at least be there for Nicholas."

Beth felt awful but its not like he had any choice, they were his children as well.

"Okay"

It had been sometime that Nicholas begins living with their father again, at first the move felt awkward. Living with your father who had left your mother for another woman and with your half sibling. Once things start to calm down a bit it seemed like it was peaceful, until Beth discover a hidden blade underneath Nicholas bed, telling peter about this devastated him, just as he believed he was starting to get better. He confronted Nicholas about it and of course he denied but once he forcefully grabbed Nicholas arms, he sees the marks again and now fresh ones. Nicholas tells him that it helps him relief on the pain inside his heart. Peter tries his best to give him the best advice and begging him never to do such a thing again.

"You know when you hurt yourself like this, it's as if your hurting me.."

Holding his son close to him.

"And when you hurt mom and Nora. You're hurting me."

Nicholas leaves the room to his to leave peter to his thoughts. Devasted.

Peter thinks back on a memory when his children were happiest, on the ocean with his boat and his two small children along with his wife Kate.

"Daddy Daddy look! Fishy!"

He chuckles at his little girl Nora, "Yes, I see them honey."

"Dad, can I drive the boat now?" A little Nicholas walks up to him.

He laughs a bit, "When you're older." Alongside his wife Kate who was relaxing on the front of the boat.

"When I grow up, I wanna be a mermaid!" Tiny Nora cheers. "Me too!" Nicholas says along side his twin.

The family's joyful laughs were heard across the ocean as happy as any other can be.

He wakes up from that memory to his reality now, in his office trying to be the best successful lawyer in New York. Soon to move to Washington. His newly wedded wife Beth and his almost one year old son Theo. His little twins are now all grown up and now are struggling mentally without him especially his son. He had discover now Nicholas was never going to the school he had enrolled him in a month ago. Confronting his son once more.

"Why? Why do you do this Nicholas?! You're wasting your life away on lies! What is going on with you that its so horrible that you refuse to go to school. That you continue to hurt yourself?"

Nicholas stands in silence.

"I've had enough you are going back to school and that's final you understand me?"

"No."

"Excuse me?"

"I'm not going back. The reason why I am like this is because of you!"

"What did I do?" Peter's eyes were filled with confliction.

"You disgust me. Here are your speeches on dreams and life, starting a new family and a new life when you practical threw us away like we were shit! You asshole!"

"Take back what you just said.."

"ASSHOLE!"

Peter felt angry fuel within him.

"Me? The Asshole? Me who had spent years with your mother for you and your sister's sake. Tell me what I do so wrong for you to hate me so much?! Why? Tell me why?"

Grabbing Nicholas shoulders with all his might as she shook him with anger.

"Tell me! Is it because I fell in love with another woman. Is that the reason?! How is it any of your business! I have the right to reinvent my life you hear me! It is my life! MY LIFE!"

Tossing his son to the floor, blinded by his anger he was shook of what he had done to his son.

"N-Nicholas... I'm sorry. I didn't mean-

Nicholas runs to his room.

The next day he gets an urgent call from the hospital that Nicholas was summited to the physic ward after his attempt. Beth found him in their bathroom earlier that day.

Kate runs into the hospital urgently searching for her son alongside her daughter Nora.

They discover that Nicholas was out of the danger state, lucky it wasn't too deep. Once they were able to visit. Nicholas begs to leave the hospital with hopes of him saying he'll never pursue in harming himself again, saying that he is a changed person and has seen the error of his ways. Peter and Kate didn't know what to think, they wanted to do whatever it took to help Nicholas no matter how hard it was with him begging. The doctors suggested he stay at the hospital longer just until he was out of danger, Nora couldn't even look her twin in the eye. She knew he needed help she just hope her parents agreed. In which they did for a week taking Nicholas out of the hospital as soon as possible. Thinking Nicholas had changed, had gotten better. Became himself again.

Sady, he didn't. That same day Nicholas was released, he committed suicide in the bathroom of Peter and Beth's apartment while Nora and their parents were in the living. They knew something was wrong when they heard a loud gun shot.

5 years later

Nora was never the same after the death of her twin, she barely talked to anyone let alone her parents. As soon as she turned 18, she immediately moved away from home, there was just too many things there that reminded her of Nicholas, she did always check in on her baby brother Theo whenever she got the chance, she made peace with Beth accouple of years after Nicholas death. She dyed her hair half brown in honor of her twin. (Nora was born a blonde. So, she had a half brown half blonde hairstyle)

Not only did Nora changed her hairstyle but she also got a tattoo. It was Nicholas name written in his handwritten on her wrist. She in some way he will always be remembered.

She was now flying in on the holidays to visit her family for the holidays. Her mother and Beth practically beg, after Nicholas death no one recovered from it especially her father who took it the hardest. Nora had her own demons to deal with, she could help her father's grief and hers at the same time. He may have lost a son, but she lost her other half. the person she was born with, that grew together, that had been through everything together.

The day Nicholas died half of Nora went with him.

She had arrived at Washington to visit her father and his family for thanksgiving.

"Nora! I'm so glad to see you."

Beth greeted her with the at most gracious smile she's ever seen in her life.

"Beth. It's good to see you how's Theo?"

"Good. He just started kindergarten this year, so he's been well. His at my mother's today unfortunately."

Nora felt bum out knowing she won't see her little brother this time. Last time she visited it was on his birthday. It takes Nora forever to even take time to visit her family due to her work now. She a top rising song writer now. Nora always had a dream of writing music just as Nicholas had a dream of writing books.

"Damn that's a bummer. I was hoping to see the little sucker before I go back."

Beth sadly nods.

"I'm sorry honey, your father is here if you wanna see him."

Nora looks nervous as she agrees to at least see her father, who had been having trouble coping with Nicholas passing. She sees her father in a room by himself as she could tell he was daydreaming in a quiet room almost as if he was looking at someone.

"Dad."

The man jumps at shock as he turns to see his daughter.

"Nora... is that you?" He could barely recognize her due to her appearance.

"Yeah. Are you okay? You don't seem too well."

Peter looks away in distraught and disappointment.

"Nicholas could of done... so many good things... beautiful things with his life. I should of look after him more....I should of look after the both of you more... Oh god it's all my fault."

He collapses to his knees in front of Nora.

"Nora! Forgive me! Please! Forgive me! It's all my fault! It's all my fault!!"

The grown man sobs where heard echoing through the luxury apartment. Crouching in despair in pain as his sobs more and more until his eyes were swollen and his face completely red.

Nora didn't know how to react; she knew her father never forgave himself after Nicholas. He would spam her phone the chance he gets, to check in on her for her well-being. He begged her to always call him if she needed anything. It had been years since Nicholas died.

Years since her twin left her here alone.

But there was one thing she knew of Nicholas. She knew he wouldn't want her to dwell too much on it. It was horrible and miserable the first years. But eventually Nora found her peace, and now she moves on with her live as her twin would have wanted her too.

She walks Infront of her father and kneels down in front of him as she hugs him in a tight embrace. Burying her face in his neck.

"If there was one thing, I know about Nic, he would of wanted you to be happy. To be free..."

"Nora..."

"Life goes on dad. I think....when he finally made his decision. He forgave you in those last moments of his life."

Tears streamed down overflowing from her and her father, Nora had a feeling that her twin was hugging her and him in spirit. The man sobs uncontrollably into his daughter's shoulder. As she gently rocks him in her arms clinging onto her as if she were to disappear next.

"No matter what happens. I'll be here. Promise."

Beth witnesses the heart warming moment between them, she knew sending Theo to her parents for the holidays would be a good idea. To finally patch the hole between Peter and the last of his children with Kate.

As Nora says.

Life goes on.

#theson #hugh jackman #petermiller #nicholas miller #hughjackman

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