#featuring even earlier even droopier ears this time

[canisalbus]

✦ Mom ✦

[hardyimagines]

Late Night

Drabble!

( why do I keep doing drabbles!!!! )

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The worn, old record player in the corner, perched up on the recently purchase vanity, was beyond slightly noisy. The scratching of the needle was agitating as you laid on your side on the gray sofa. You didnt have the willpower to climb off of the furniture and submerge yourself in silence. The annoying noise was better than being alone with your thoughts. And you couldn’t imagine any more stress than what you were drowning in currently. Even with the scratching, you’d still been replaying the events from earlier that day over and over and over again in your head until your tear ducts had run dry. Your sticky, damp eyes were growing increasingly droopier and you were positive that it was due to the late hour.. not because of the incessant crying. The clock in the corner ticked audibly, dragging your attention to it every few moments. It was three in the morning and you were beginning to think that Reggie wasn’t coming home. He should’ve been home hours ago.

The porchlight flickered visibly through the white sheer curtain that hung over the window. It’s dim glow held a faint buzzing and crackling sound as it struggled to stay lit. You used the back of your hand to wipe at your angry eyes before lowering your glistening hand to the sofa. Your leftover tears stained your skin, drying in place on your wrist. You rolled over on to your back then, to try and find a position that was comfier. You stared up at the ceiling, counting the cracks that needed to be fixed. If Reggie didn’t come home, you wouldn’t be able to sleep.

There was a dull thud from the room above, the sound of something heavy falling. The hollow sound was followed by a low grunt and then the sound of Ron Kray’s voice, drifting through the vents in the ceiling as he swore under his breath because he hadn’t meant to drop whatever he had. You sighed in heightened annoyance. Not only would Reggie’s lack of presence make it hard to sleep, but Ron’s loudness would simply add to the difficulty of giving yourself over to the impossible, but much needed, slumber.

You were momentarily distracted, ears alert, hunting for another sound — anything. It was quiet, apart from the faint buzzing from the porch light. Your droopy eyes fluttered, briefly gliding to the record which had somehow quietened itself. You didn’t wonder what had done it, if the needle had broken, you didn’t care. You merely looked away and focused on the dim glow of the porch light. Your eyes drooped further, threatening to fall shut and stay that way, but that didn’t mean you’d sleep. It just meant you were going to cast yourself in the darkness behind your eyelids. Your lashes fluttered harder, lids closing completely. You found it hard to open them and figured that if you laid still for long enough, your body would have no choice but to give itself over to the featherlight state of oblivion. Seconds ticked by into minutes and you could feel your body, drifting and drifting further and further away. Tossing and turning was sure to ensue, but even just a few minutes of sleep was better than none at all.

“You don’t have time for me anymore. I don’t want to fight with you, Reggie, but I can’t do this.” Your shaky finger clasped around the bright, expensive wedding ring that hadn’t even cradled your ring finger for a year. “You’re never home. You get here when dinner is cold and no longer edible. I sleep alone on most nights. I spend my days wondering what you’re doing, if you’re okay, if you’re coming home..” You roughly set the ring down on the table. It clinked noisily against the wood, drawing a narrowed glare from Reggie. “It wasn’t like this before, you use to want to spend every minute with me, take me out on dates, and now, now I’m lucky if I even get to say good morning or goodnight.”

“You think I wanna be out, do you? Away from my fucking wife?” He stepped forward. You felt small beneath his tall form, bulging and broad. He seemed bigger when he was mad. “Right, that’s what you fucking think. Yeah, I’d much rather be out, handling the club and dealing with the fucking Richardson’s, wouldn’t I?”

You were quiet.

“Come on, now. yeah, you had a lot to say a few seconds ago, didn’t you, babe, come on then.” He slunk forward further. His heightened stress made his tongue feel numb and his lungs ache for the addictive nicotine. He sunk his hand into his pocket and gripped the packet of cigarettes. Flicking the package open with his thumb, he grasped one of the sticks and drew it out with a shake of his head. He placed the thing between his lips before turning away from you so he could hunt for a lighter.

“I don’t think you want to be out there, Reggie, but you obviously don’t want to be here with me. If you did, you’d be here, wouldn’t you? I don’t even feel like I’m married. Feels like I’m just waiting..” Your heart ached with the question that always seemed to find its way to the front of your mind. It scared you to ask him because the answer really was unknown, but you had to know. You wanted to hear him say it. He hadn’t reminded you that he did since the beginning of the relationship. “Do you even love me anymore?”

The click of the door closing woke you instantly. You sat up on the sofa, defensive and alert. Squinting your blurry, sleepy eyes toward the door, a very soft, inaudible sigh of relief left your lips at the sight of your husband. He was dragging off his coat, shaking it to ensure nothing was left in the deep pockets. You lifted your hand to your face and rubbed down your aching head. Your dream had been a recollection of the fight from earlier. Word for word, action for action.

“S’just me. What the fuck are you still doing up?” Reggie asked gruffly. He wreaked of cigarettes and booze. You were sure he hadn’t been drinking, but owning a business that sold large amounts of alcohol meant that he smelled as if he’d drank the club to emptiness. His blue eyes were penetrative and studious, watching you as you tiredly stood. Gathering yourself, you smoothed down the wrinkled blouse you wore before looking toward the long corridor that led to the bedroom.

“Waiting on you, as per usual.” You uttered. There was no time for fighting tonight. It was late, you were both exhausted. You just needed to know that he’d made it home safe.. now you could sleep and you’d sleep good. The bottoms of your feet noisily pat the hardwood floor as you made your way toward the corridor. Reggie caught your small hand in his slyly, halting you before you could make it into the hall. His hair was still slicked back neatly as he peered down at you, wrinkled lines forming across the length of his forehead as he pursed his plump, pink lips. His white shirt was rolled at the cuff, up to the bottom of his wrists and you felt the warmth that radiated off of him as he cradled your palm in his own.

“Hang on a second, yeah. You dont mind if I..” His features looked so innocent — deceivingly innocent. Your heart ached at how sweet and vulnerable he appeared. “come to bed with you? Don’t really want to sleep on the fucking couch.” His free hand moved to the base of his neck. He scratched at the hair that resided there, smiling sweetly toward you.

You frowned in the slightest before pulling your hand away from his own. “It’s not only my bed, Reggie.” The lack of warmth embracing your hand made you want to cry, but you put on a brave, unbothered face and made your way back down the hall so that you could climb into bed. The clothing you wore was scratchy and uncomfortable, too hot and tight to sleep in, but you didn’t want to risk the fact that he could very easily come into the room and catch you undressing. That would lead to the easiest, best form of making up and you didn’t want that — there needed to be a conversation in the process of this making up. You dropped down heavily against the mattress, body heavy and eyes the same; but you didn’t feel unconsciousness tugging at you just yet.

Reggie followed you into the bedroom, a certain rock in his walk. His black trousers hugged his hips and held his tucked in shirt securely. He fixed his crooked tie and ensured each button was fastened correctly. He knew it didn’t matter how handsome he looked, the pair of you had fought and talking was the only way to fix it — not attraction or anything physical. He let out a drawn out sigh, an exhausted noise that made you want to inquire if he was okay.

You remained silent.

Reggie dropped down on the edge of the bed. His widespread knees lined up perfectly with his boots, thudding quietly against the floor each time he shifted. He pulled at the tie around his neck, undoing it from its looped do. He tossed it on to the chair in the corner before beginning to undo the shirt buttons. You laid on your side now, watching him undress. You were still mad, but you figured you could at least enjoy the view.

Maybe not.. you decided as your heart began to pathetically flutter. Weakening yourself wasn’t going to solve anything. Your eyes closed before he removed his shirt fully. His tanned, hot skin was on show for a few seconds as he moved around the room shirtless, looking for something else to put on that would be comfortable enough to sleep in. You were drifting once more, in between slumber and dreaming. Your body couldn’t quite figure out which one to do. So it resumed its recollection of memories from what had happened earlier that day.

“Don’t be daft, right, you’ve got a good head on your shoulders, haven’t you?” Reggie shook his head in disbelief. His expression warned you to stop, not to push any further and just let the whole situation go. But you wanted to have this talk. You didn’t want to feel the way that you felt anymore. He was always gone and you deserved better.

“Reggie, if you loved me. You’d make time for me. The only time I ever get to spend with you is a few minutes in the morning if I wake up before the sun does so I can bid you farewell when you go off to work..” You hissed before cupping your cheeks in annoyance. The longer that the two of you argued, the angrier you were going to get.

“Put that ring back on your finger.” He was too calm. He moved away from you and the table and instead toward the armchair in the center of the room. His heavy body dropped down on the navy-colored fabric, arms finding their place on the armrests. He tipped his head back and allowed it to rest against the back of the seat, eyes closing after a few seconds. The room was quiet, so he didn’t have to strain his ears too hard as he waited for you to drag the ring off the table and slip it back on to your finger.

“I’m not putting that back on until we’ve had a talk. This isn’t how I went to spend the rest of my life. I’m unhappy.” The words were sharp, each one a painful jab to his heart. He shuffled in the seat, expression calm. It was as if your words didn’t hurt him.. and truthfully, they probably didn’t hurt too much. He knew you loved him. Why else would you wait to confront him? A woman that had fallen out of love would’ve just left.

“Not gonna be much talking right now, is there. I’ve got to go to work.” He told you quietly. His eyes fluttered open then. “But once I’m home, then we can talk. If you put that ring back on.”

There was a warning feeling in your stomach. It twisted and churned painfully, begging you to throw the ring at the bloke on the chair and leave. He wouldn’t be home until the sun was about to start rising. Despite the feeling in your gut, you snatched the jewelry off the table and shoved it onto your hand.

“You’re off to a great fucking start.” You barked sarcastically before leaving the room. The sound of your heels, loudly clapping against the hardwood floor, could be heard even once you’d vanished into the bedroom.

Reggie stood from the armchair. Hooking his fingers in his belt loops, he tugged his trousers up into their appropriate position before sauntering after you. His movements were sly, unrushed, and calm as he made his way down the corridor. The door at the end of the hall was the room that the pair of you shared so without so much as a knock, he turned the handle and nudged the wood open. You were sat on the bed, heels dangling from the tops of your feet as you stared down at your lap. He was still silent. His boots thudded loudly against the ground when he started to move in your direction and with every inch of space that was lost in the gap, you felt yourself tensing further and further.

It was only when Reggie came to a stop, directly in front of your knees, that you finally looked up at him. His blue eyes moved between your glistening, desperate ones. He hunched over, a gesture of his that you were no longer familiar with. His hands found the outer sides of your thighs, grazing them delicately as he closed the space between the two of you and took a few kisses. It would’ve been right for you to pull away, but you’d craved the lips he had on your own, so pushing him back wasn’t an option. It actually felt good. It was one of the things you missed the most from your husband so as he stood, kissing your seated form, you felt a little barrier around your heart break away. Your arms circled his neck, holding him close to you as you both kissed one another with such passion. Your mouth opened second, only daring to part when you felt his tongue eager to re-visit your own. You broke the liplock when you felt him lift his knee on to the bed.

He could make time for sex, but not for you. Your brain hissed. You ignored it. Savoring the kiss, you brushed your hands from his neck down to his shoulders when he pulled away. He peered down at you under hooded eyes. His hand moved through your soft strands of hair, caressing them slowly before he leaned in for one more soft kiss.

“I’ll be back as quick as I can.” He promised. He adjusted the tie around his neck and the wrinkled shirt before straightening. “I love you.” His confession was breathy, almost inaudible, and your stomach ached from how good it felt to hear those stupid, silly, unnecessary but desired words.

“Babe.” The snapping of his fingers drew you out of your slumber once more. Sleepily looking toward him, you fisted your hand in the cold sheet and shoved yourself up to a semi-sitting position. Lifting your fingers to your eyes, you rubbed the itchy, droopy lids, trying to wake yourself up. “You wanted to talk. How can we do that if you’re sleeping?” His words made you want to clench your jaw so hard it was close to breaking.

“I did.. I do, Reggie, but I wanted to at a reasonable hour. I had dinner made at 8, I waited until 11, which was pushing it.” You sat up completely on the creaking mattress. “It’s not fair to me, what you’re doing, I’m your wife.” The talk was beginning. “You’re suppose to love me. And it’s one thing for you to say the words, but god.. the least you could do is show me some affection. Today is the first day you’ve kissed me in almost two weeks, Reggie. I’m sick of sleeping alone. I’m tired of waking up to an empty bed. I spend my entire day wondering if I should just go to the club to see you. Don’t you get it?” Your eyes were watering. “I miss you. I’m lonely. Before you married me, it was like you’d do anything for me. You wanted to spend every second with me and now that I’m bound to you.. you’ve grown careless.” Reggie was still stood, no longer looking for something to wear to bed. His arms were folded over his chest, eyes squinted as he studied you. He was listening very closely to everything you said. “I like going on dates. I like being kissed in the morning and at night. I miss having sex.” Your head shook, voice growing breathier at your last confession. “Why the hell did you ask to marry me if you were just going to ignore me afterward? I spend more time with Ron than I do with you.” Collapsing on to your back, your hands moved to cradle your hot face. Every inch of your body was on fire, boiling from your rant.

Your husband sucked in a deep breath of air before slowly moving toward the bed. He placed his knee on the mattress before climbing on top of the springy surface. Folding his legs, he studied your expression, ignoring the dull ache in his heart. He knew he’d caused this. Being busy at work was one thing, but treating work like it was top priority was another. His top priority was right here, crying from exhaustion and emotions. “I’m sorry.” He spoke almost inaudibly. “Right, I didn’t realize how much time it’s been that I haven’t kissed you. And I didn’t realize how much time I’ve been spending away from home.. it all seems so routine for me now, to just work every second of the day.” He sighed before directing his gaze to his lap. “I miss you too, you know. I think about you all day, I don’t realize the hour when I’m heading home to you.” You sniffled quietly before removing your hands from your face. You felt stuffy and ashamed for being so desperate for his affection, but you really couldn’t help it. You missed him so much.

“I want you to want to be home with me. I know work is important business and I know you have to spend a lot of time at the clubs and with the lads, but I wish you’d spend a little more time with your wife as well.” Your words were soft and they pulled a little smile from Reggie. He leaned in in the slightest before pressing his lips against your temple.

“I do want to be home with you, right, I always think I’m home in time for dinner and then I get here and you’re fast asleep and I feel so guilty. I do, babe, you’re everything to me. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” His hand brushed along the bedding toward your own. It was delicate and unrushed, a soft touch just so he could show you that he was right here. He wasn’t going anywhere and he wasn’t letting you go either.

Believing him and forgiving him was so easy because he was so convincing, but actions spoke louder than words, so you knew you’d have to wait until tomorrow to see if he kept his promise. Nodding along to him as he spoke, your small hand wrapped around his larger one more securely, cradling it before you slid toward him so you could wrap your free arm around his strong, broad shoulders. It had been forever since he’d held you while the pair of you rested, so tonight you weren’t giving him a choice. You lugged his big body down, completely on top of your own, and slumped in place. Embracing him snugly, your warm lips found the side of his neck so when you spoke, your words traveled up to his ear.

“I don’t ever want to lose you, Reggie. You mean everything to me.” His skin tickled from your hot breaths, goosebumps rising on his flesh as you spoke. He locked his arms around you securely before turning his head and stealing a very soft kiss.

“I’m not going anywhere.” He murmured as he set his forehead against your own. “I married you because I want to spend the rest of my life with you, yeah, so I’ll make some changes with my work schedule. I don’t want you being sad..” He’d had experience with a sad wife in the past and it had torn him to pieces. He couldn’t imagine going through something so painful again. His arms tightened around you and his face pushed into your shoulder so he could bury his features in the warmth of your skin. “This is where I want to be. I want you to always tell me when you feel like I’m not around a lot..” He loved you more than he’d ever loved anyone. He’d never truly understood what love was until you’d come along. He supposed he was still learning the right’s from wrong’s. Family came first. Work came second. He seemed to get those two mixed up when stress was weighing him down, but he was going to work on it. He couldnt bear the thought of losing you — let alone actually doing so.

His fingers laced through yours tighter, remaining like that as he slumped completely on top of you. He was a little bit heavier than you were able to handle, but you knew that he needed comforting too and once he’d had what he needed, he’d roll to the side and guide you with him. Your eyes droopily closed and your free arm slid from his shoulders, south to circle his waist. You clutched onto him gratefully, body feeling deliciously warm and delightfully light. Tonight you weren’t sleeping alone.

Time would tell if he would keep his word, but for now you just wanted to bask in his warmth and soak up every ounce of affection he gave. Who knew when he’d do this again? Tomorrow? Next month? Your eyes closed even tighter and your body wiggled to get closer to his own. You wanted to savor this. Sweet Reggie could be gone tomorrow and Mr. Kray could very well decide he’d much rather stay at the club until 3 am again.

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