#im waking up in 5 hours and that's your fault @ joseph

[deakyswhitequeen]

Can I print this picture in my mind? Does anyone know how to do that?

[freddiesaysalright]

Just Like a Woman - Part 8

A Roger Taylor x Reader Story

Summary: You and Roger were once in love when you were young. Only, he went on to be a rock star, and you went on to be a lawyer. Now, quite against your will, you’re representing him in his divorce.

Word Count: 3.3K

Tag List: @psychosupernatural, @someone-get-a-medic, @bensrhapsody, @deakyclicks, @crazylittlethingcalledobsession, @minigranger, @crazyweirdocalledfriday, @the-moving-finger-writes, @assembledherethevolunteers, @rose-writes-prose, @queenlover05, @26-7-49, @drowsebaby, @moon-stars-soul, @im-an-adult-ish, @ixchel-9275, @jennyggggrrr, @zyanmaik, @mypassionfortrash, @a19103, @madeinheavxn, @beepbeephardy, @rrogerchxrm, @qweenly, @blisshemmings, @seasidecrowbar, @internationalkpoplova, @ellystone, @takemetoneverland420, @coffeexcigarette, @lookuptotheskiesandsee, @thatpunkmaximoff, @angelkissys, @rocknroll-stolemyass, @simonedk, @anotheronebitesrogertaylor, @peterquillzblog, @mrfahrenhcit, @joseph-mozzerella, @theprettyandthereckless, @flick-ofthe-wrist, @johndeaconshands, @rogerandhiscar, @queenmaracasandlove, @sunflower-ben, @cubetriangle, @amy-brooklyn99, @scorpiogemini, @kiainspace, @itsabenthing, @bookandband, @makemeyourwife-loveofmylife, @grazessa​, @borhapqueen92​, @theonsasheart​, @vektorivittu​, @chanti-frn, @brianssixpence​, @dancingcoolcat​ If you’d like to be added, let me know!

A/N: Alright, I finally finished the next part! Again, sorry it took so long, it’s just been a busy time for me! Lots of fluff in this chapter before we get into some more drama coming up :)

Warning(s): None :)

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5  Part 6  Part 7

Part 8 here we go!!!

The first question out of Dominique’s mouth was where the children were. Roger assured her they were safe at home. Then he asked what everyone wanted to know. What had happened to her?

She explained once the doctor and nurses were in the room. The man she was on a date with was named Nick Sully. They met at a bar, had a few drinks, and flirted. He offered to drive her home. Once they were in the car, he made a sexual advance. When she refused him, he hit her. She hit him back. Then there was an intense struggle. Dominique said that he finally slammed her head into the car door and that was the last thing she remembered.

The whole time she spoke, you watched Roger. His frown deepened as his free hand clenched into a tight fist. His knuckles were white with the pressure. You could tell he was struggling to maintain his composure. You tore your eyes from his face and looked at Dom.

“Do you want to press charges?” you asked.

“I dunno…” she began. “I don’t want to see him ever again, and going through all that will be so...I dunno…”

“Dom -” Roger began, but you cut him off.

“Think about it,” you said gently to her. “It’s entirely your decision. Just do what’s best for you right now.”

“Thanks, Y/N,” she said. “I’m so tired. Is it alright if I go back to sleep?”

“Of course,” said the doctor. “Sleep as much as you want, and call the nurse if you need anything at all.”

He and the nurse smiled, nodded, and left. Dominique looked at Roger, who was fuming.

“I’m sorry, Roger,” she said. “I should have given you some idea of who I was with or I where I’d be.”

“Don’t you dare apologize,” he returned shakily. “This isn’t your fault.”

The corners of her mouth turned up in an almost laugh. “Alright then. Thanks for being here.”

“Of course,” he replied.

“We’ll let you rest now,” you said.

“Perfect,” she sighed. “And, Rog? Will you do something for me?”

“Anything,” he said.

“Will you go home?” she asked. “Be with the kids? Make sure they’re alright?”

“Are you sure?” he questioned. “I can stay, Verity’s got them.”

“I know, but they need their father,” she insisted. “I’m in good hands, Rog. Please.”

“Alright,” he said begrudgingly. “But I’m coming back tonight.”

She smiled. “Thank you.”

You said your goodbyes. Roger cleaned up the mess from the salad before you left, and then, he walked with you to your office. You stopped outside the door and looked at him. He was still distracted.

“Roger,” you said, and he looked at you. “She’s going to be okay. The fact that she’s awake means everything.”

“I know,” he returned, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

“Then what’s the matter?” you asked.

“Her hesitation to press charges,” he said. “It’s like I said before, she can’t let him get away with this.”

“You can’t force her if it’s not what she wants,” you reminded him. “Although, the longer she waits the harder it will be to make the case.”

“I just don’t want this animal out on the streets,” he sighed. “Guys like that will do it again, I know it...”

You studied his face some more as he continued to speak. It seemed he had aged five years in the last two days. There were heavy bags beneath his red and puffy eyes. He had less color in his cheeks. New lines had appeared over his brows. 

“Y/N?” he said, bringing you out of your trance.

“How long has it been since you’ve slept?” you asked. “I mean, really slept?”

He ran a hand through his hair. “I dunno...I’ve dozed here and there at the hospital, but I haven’t gotten much rest with the staff in and out of the room.”

“Roger, go home and get proper sleep,” you said. “If you’re going to support Dominique through this, you’ll need all your strength. And your children need you too.”

He forced a smile. “You’re right. Thanks, Y/N.”

“Of course,” you returned.

He toed the ground with his shoe for a moment before meeting your gaze again.

“I know things between us are…”

“We don’t need to talk about this now,” you stopped him. “You and I are just fine, okay? There’s nothing to worry about.”

“Well, even so,” he said. “I won’t make the mistake of growing apart from you again. Come have dinner tonight at the house, yeah?”

You smiled. “Of course.”

He hugged you tightly. You watched as he hailed a cab, and waved to him as the driver pulled away. With a sigh, you went back in to work.

Roger felt heavy. His eyelids, his limbs, his heart. It was all weighing down as if he had sandbags tied to every atom. He was eager to get home and sleep. It was hitting him all at once how exhausted his body was from all the worry.

When he walked through the door, the house was quiet. He walked into the kitchen. The sound of his shoes padding against the tile sounded so loud.

“Hello?” he called out.

Verity appeared from the living room.

“Welcome back, Roger,” she said. “How’s Dom?”

“She woke up,” he told her. “So everything’s fine. Where are the kids?”

“They’re upstairs napping,” she said. “Sleeping like little kittens.”

He smiled to himself. “Right. Well, I’ll just go have a look at them.”

He headed upstairs to the nursery. The door opened with a light creak as he poked his head in. Rory was in her crib, looking peaceful, her little chest rising and falling with each breath. Roger took a moment to admire her face. Then he turned to see Felix in his bed, also sound asleep. He knelt in front of his son and looked at him as well. Felix resembled Dominique in his face. He had her forehead and nose. He had Roger’s mouth, but Dominique’s dark hair. These two babies were the most precious thing Roger had in his life, and now the woman who had given them to him was broken in a hospital bed.

He was hit with an overwhelming wave of gratitude. Yes, Dominique was hurt, but she was alive. She would see her children again. It made a lump form in his throat and his eye sting with hot tears.

Felix stirred and his eyes fluttered open. He saw his father in front of him, looking down at the floor.

“Daddy?”

Roger took a deep breath and blinked back the tears.

“Sorry, bud,” he said gently. “Didn’t mean to wake you.”

“Daddy, awe you huwting somwhewe?”

Roger shook his head. “Not at all. These are happy tears. Mum’s getting better.”

Felix smiled. “Thank goodness.”

Roger’s own smile widened. “Yes, lovie.”

“Daddy, tiwed?”

Roger nodded. “Very tired.”

Felix scooted over and patted the little spot next to him. Roger chuckled and lifted his son out of the bed, crawled in and reclined on his back. He rested Felix against his chest. Felix snuggled down and let out a soft sigh as he drifted back to sleep. Roger followed behind. He could close his eyes at last.

When you arrived at Roger’s that night, he was already halfway through dinner. Rory was in her high chair, smashing Cheerios with her little fist. Felix was in a booster seat, drinking milk out of a sippy cup. He slammed it down excitedly when he saw you.

“Miss Y/N!” he cried. 

“Hi, Felix,” you said sweetly. “How nice to see you again!”

“Gabah!” Rory interjected, squirming in her chair.

“And hello to you too, Rory,” you said to her.

Roger walked over and set a plate of macaroni down in front of Felix. Then he looked at you.

“Hello, love,” he said.

He walked around his son’s chair and gave you a quick peck on the lips. You smiled into him.

“You’ve cheered up,” you observed as he returned to the stove.

“The doctor called about an hour ago and assured me that Dominique’s going to recover,” he said. “They ran a few more tests, and there won’t be any permanent damage.”

“That’s great news!” you cried. “Oh, Roger, I’m so happy!”

“Me too,” he sighed with relief. “I’m going to go back and be with her tonight, but I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am.”

“I bet,” you said. “So is Verity coming back to stay the night?”

He nodded. “Yeah, she’s been amazing. I will definitely be giving her a raise after all this.”

“She’s earned it,” you agreed. “Now, what’s for dinner?”

He beamed and proudly told you what he had made. It was delicious, of course. You ate together with the kids, and Roger let you feed Rory. She was very sweet and laughed a lot. You noticed how like Roger she looked - little tufts of blonde hair, big blue eyes, a button nose, and a wide smile. 

“Let’s clean you up, darling,” you cooed, dabbing at her face with a napkin.

She allowed it, drooling a little. 

“You’re so good with them,” Roger observed. “So natural.”

“I love children,” you replied. “And I’ve found that if you don’t look at caring for them as something scary, you’ll have an easier time of it. They’re not a challenge, they’re an opportunity to show some love.”

“Wise words,” he said. 

“There!” you told Rory, finishing up. “There’s a gorgeous girl!”

She beamed at you, her whole face scrunching up as she giggled. You wrinkled your nose back at her and chuckled lightly. Roger watched, feeling an ache in his heart. He found himself wishing desperately that you were the mother of his children. Life was so easy with you. How could he have ever thought he needed something else?

He was struck with this feeling throughout the evening. During bath time when you gave Felix a shampoo mohawk. Again when it was time to read them a story, and you made both the children howl with laughter at all the voices you did. And then, after he had tucked Felix in, he turned around and saw you rocking Rory in your arms and humming to her before kissing her head and laying her in her crib.

“Okay,” you sighed as you closed the nursery door. “Are you off to hospital again?” 

“Yeah, there’s just one more thing I need to take care of,” he said.

“What’s that?” you wondered.

“I need to kiss the bloody life out of you.”

He took your face in his hands and kissed you deeply. Your eyes fell closed in his embrace as he backed you up against the wall. His lips pressed into yours just as his body pressed against yours. Your head felt fuzzy and light. Your body grew hot from the friction. You whimpered into his mouth.

“You’re so beautiful, Y/N,” he breathed into your neck. “God, I….”

He pulled away and looked into your eyes. A fire surged behind his that you had not seen in a long time. 

“Yes?” you pressed, bringing a hand to his chest. You felt his rapid heartbeat beneath your hand.

“I love you,” he said. “I always have. And I think now I always will.”

A delighted smile spread across your lips.

“I love you too, Roger,” you said. “So much.”

He kissed you again, smiling against your mouth. You were just the same. Your heart swelled like a crescendo in a love song. This was how it was meant to be. You and Roger. Forever and ever.

But.

There was still a lot to consider.

“Rog,” you laughed as he nipped at your ear lobe. “Rog, slow down.”

He pulled back again to look at you.

“What is it, love?”

“We can’t do this tonight,” you told him. “You’ve got to go be with Dom, who you are still married to, by the way.”

He lowered his eyes, disappointed. You took his chin in your thumb and forefinger and made him face you again.

“This isn’t a rejection,” you assured him. “I want to. Believe me, I want to. But until your divorce is finalized, and things with Dominique are settled, we need to wait.”

He held your gaze.

“Are you sure?” he asked, his fingers brushing your thigh.

You shivered, doubting yourself for a split second. You shook your head and cleared your throat.

“Yes, Roger, I’m sure,” you said firmly.

“Well, it was worth a shot,” he teased, backing away from you.

You giggled. “I’ll stop by the hospital some time this week, alright?”

“Sounds good,” he agreed. “I know Dom would love to see you.”

“I’d love to see her as well,” you replied. “And we need to tell her about us.”

“Yeah, I agree,” he said. “We’ll tell her when you come.”

You raised an eyebrow. “What should we say?”

“We’ll tell her the truth,” he said. “That we’ve kissed twice and have decided to be together, but we’ll take things slow.” 

“Good,” you said. “And none of this in front of her, I don’t want to rub it in her face or anything.”

“Well, you weren’t so particular about kissing her in front of me,” he teased.

You snorted. “That was different and you know it!” 

You laughed together for a long moment. When you settled down, you held each other’s gaze.

“I really have missed you, Y/N,” he said, tracing your jawbone with his finger. “To have you back now of all times...it feels like fate.”

“You’ve never believed in that,” you reminded him.

“Nah,” he conceded. “You’re the one thing I really believe in.”

You smiled. “That’s very sweet, Roger. Thank you.”

As badly as you wanted to stay and give in to your desire for him, you knew you had to go. He ordered a car for you and walked you to the door. There, he kissed your forehead and said goodnight. It made you feel warm all the way down to your toes.

“Goodnight,” you returned softly.

He eased into a smile that was so reminiscent of his days as a teenager, it took your breath away.

Then, with one last embrace, you parted. You waved to him as the car pulled away, questioning yourself once again. You shook your head. This was the right decision.

A few days passed. Roger called you almost every night though, and he would update you on Dominique’s condition. Her bruises were healing, and most of her swelling had gone down. She had suffered a concussion though, so she would be monitored for a little longer.

You decided to go and visit on Thursday. You found yourself oddly nervous to tell Dominique about you and Roger. You knew that she understood, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d be hurt, at least a little. How could she not be? Now, when she needed her husband more than ever, he was in love with someone else. It made you feel guilty and a bit dirty.

“Knock, knock,” you said cheerfully as you entered her room.

“Hey, Y/N,” she said with a smile. 

“You’re looking much better!” you praised.

“Thanks,” she chuckled. “I’m feeling a lot better too.”

“That’s sensational!” you cried.

“Y/N, why are you shouting?” Roger questioned.

“Sorry,” you said, clearing your throat. “Just excited.”

“You’re nervous,” he observed, a teasing lilt to his voice.

“I am not!” you insisted. 

Dominique laughed. “Relax, Y/N. Roger’s already told me everything.”

“H-he has?” 

“Mhm,” she said. “And really, I’m happy for you both.”

You looked at her, brow furrowed. “Are you sure?”

She giggled. “Yes, I’m sure. I may not be in love with Roger anymore, but I do care for him and I want him to be happy.”

You sighed. “That’s a relief.”

“I appreciate your concern for me,” she told you. “But you don’t need to worry. I want you to be happy too.”

You beamed at her. “Thank you, Dom.”

You took a seat beside Roger and you all chatted for a while. Dominique was desperate to know about the kids, but she didn’t want them to see her like this. She thanked you for helping Roger with them, and you assured her it was no problem. You were getting ready to leave and head back to work when Officers Colmes and Dotson appeared.

“Mrs. Beyrand?” said Colmes. “We’ve come to speak to you about your case.”

“Oh,” Dominique said. “What about it?”

“Well from the evidence on your dress and your testimony, we were able to arrest Nick Sully,” he told her. “But, we can only go forward if you’re prepared to press charges.”

You and Roger exchanged a nervous look. Up until now, Dominique had expressed a desire to let it go and move on, which infuriated Roger. You both turned eyes on her. Her mouth turned down with determination and her eyes were fierce.

“I want to press charges,” she said. “I want to get him.”

Roger released a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. As Colmes began explaining to Dominique the next steps, Roger looked at you.

“You’ll represent her, won’t you?” he asked.

“Roger, I’ve already told you, I’m not a prosecutor,” you reminded him. “Bill was before he started the firm, so he might be able to help.”

“We’ll speak to him,” he said. “But, Y/N, you’re our friend.”

“I know, but that might make things even worse,” you said. “But I promise you will do everything I can to get you the best representation possible, okay?”

He frowned, but nodded.

You said quick goodbyes to them and rushed back to your office to speak to Bill. He would know the best person to take Dominique’s case, and then you could call Roger right away. You hurried through the lobby of your building and into the lift. You tapped your foot anxiously as it slowly moved up to the firm’s floor. As soon as the doors opened, you burst through them and ran up to Bill’s office.

“Bill,” you panted. “Who’s the best prosecutor you know?”

“Me, why?” he returned, looking up from the paper he was signing.

You decided not to address the narcissism of that reply.

“Then you need to take this case,” you said.

You walked up to his desk and sat in the chair across from him. You explained what had happened to Dominique and the basics of her case. He listened carefully.

“Well, it sounds like a solid case,” he said. 

“You can really take it?” you wondered. 

“Sure,” he said with a shrug. “They’ve got money, they can handle this however they want.”

“But isn’t there a conflict of interest with our firm representing her husband in her divorce?”

“Again, they have money, and plenty of it, so they can literally do whatever they want,” he repeated. “What aren’t you understanding?”

“Just ethics,” you said, brow furrowing.

“Y/N, don’t be daft, ethics don’t exist in the courtroom, it’s about money and power,” he said with a wave. “Thankfully, we’ve got both.”

“Okay, I’m going to ignore that terrifying logic and tell Roger you’re taking it,” you said.

“I’ll need a second chair,” he said. “You want in?”

“I don’t think I’m qualified to -”

“Y/N, I’m gonna stop you right there,” he cut across you. “I hire excellent lawyers, do I not?”

“Yes.”

“I hire lawyers with a wide range of abilities, right?”

“Right.”

“I hire lawyers that are adaptable and capable, yes?”

“Yes, of course.”

“And I also hired you?”

You nodded.

“Then don’t ever fucking say to me that you’re not qualified again.”

“Bill, I -”

He held a hand up to stop you again. “Don’t ever fucking say it again. Now, are you second chairing this or not?”

You squared your shoulders. It hit you that you wanted to be a part of this. You wanted to defend Dominique and help put away the man who had done this horrific thing to her. Bill’s faith in you - as well as Roger’s - lit a fire inside you.

“I am.”

[freddiesaysalright]

Just Like a Woman - Part 7

A Roger Taylor x Reader Fic

Summary: You and Roger were once in love when you were young. Only, he went on to be a rock star, and you went on to be a lawyer. Now, quite against your will, you’re representing him in his divorce.

Word Count: 3.5k

Tag List: @psychosupernatural, @someone-get-a-medic, @bensrhapsody, @deakyclicks, @crazylittlethingcalledobsession, @minigranger, @crazyweirdocalledfriday, @the-moving-finger-writes, @assembledherethevolunteers, @rose-writes-prose, @queenlover05, @26-7-49, @drowsebaby, @moon-stars-soul, @im-an-adult-ish, @ixchel-9275, @jennyggggrrr, @zyanmaik, @mypassionfortrash, @a19103, @madeinheavxn, @beepbeephardy, @rrogerchxrm, @qweenly, @blisshemmings, @seasidecrowbar, @internationalkpoplova, @ellystone, @takemetoneverland420, @coffeexcigarette, @lookuptotheskiesandsee, @thatpunkmaximoff, @angelkissys, @rocknroll-stolemyass, @simonedk, @anotheronebitesrogertaylor, @peterquillzblog, @mrfahrenhcit, @joseph-mozzerella, @theprettyandthereckless, @flick-ofthe-wrist, @johndeaconshands, @rogerandhiscar, @queenmaracasandlove, @sunflower-ben, @cubetriangle, @amy-brooklyn99, @scorpiogemini, @kiainspace, @itsabenthing​, @bookandband​, @makemeyourwife-loveofmylife​, @grazessa​, @borhapqueen92​, @theonsasheart​, @vektorivittu​, @chanti-frn, @brianssixpence​ If you’d like to be added, let me know!

A/N: The angst continues. Don’t worry, though, relief is coming :)

Warning(s): mild descriptions of violence

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5  Part 6

Part 7 here we go!!!

Roger didn’t speak the entire drive to the hospital. You studied his face. His mouth was a hard line. His eyes were fixed on the road in front of him. You started to console him but decided against it. There was no definitive way to say that everything was alright. You knew as little as he did. 

When you reached the hospital, you expected there to be chaos, only there wasn’t. It was a fairly typical waiting room, and the nurses sat patiently behind the counter. Roger marched right up to them. 

“I’m here to see my wife, Dominique Beyrand,” he said. 

“Oh, yes, she was just admitted,” the nurse said. “I’m afraid she isn’t suitable to visitors just yet, but we do need you to identify the clothes.”

“Identify the clothes?” you questioned. “Is she -”

“She’s alive,” the nurse assured you. “Only, we don’t know for sure which way she’ll go yet.”

Roger swallowed hard. You placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. 

“Stay positive,” you encouraged. 

“Easier said than done,” he replied. 

You nodded. The nurse started to lead Roger back, but she stopped you. 

“He’s her husband,” she said. “But who are you?”

“I - uh - well…” you sputtered. 

What were you at this point? You and Roger had kissed after dinner, but what did that mean? You didn’t get the chance to figure it out. 

“She’s our lawyer,” Roger answered, coming to your rescue. “I’ll want her present while we speak to police.”

You wanted to argue this. You had never handled a criminal case in your career, but you decided to go with it and try to remember anything you could about criminal law. That is, if it came to that tonight. You still were clueless to the circumstances around it.

You and Roger followed the nurse back to a waiting room among the patients’ rooms. It was off to the side of the corridor. There were two police officers there, a man and a woman. They looked rather grave. 

“Mr. Taylor?” said the male officer. 

Roger nodded. 

“I’m Officer Colmes and this is my partner, Officer Dotson,” he said, indicating the woman. 

You blinked. “I’m sorry, Colmes and Dotson?” 

The three of them looked at you. 

“Surely you see the irony,” you insisted. “Colmes and Dotson? Like Holmes and Watson?”

They all continued to stare. 

“Alright, not the moment,” you conceded. “But one day, we’ll look back on this and -”

“Y/N,” Roger said sternly. 

“Right, sorry.”

You stopped talking. You didn’t know why you were so nervous. 

“Mr. Taylor,” said Dotson. “Can you confirm this was the dress your wife was wearing tonight?”

She held up a shimmery garment contained in an evidence bag. You would have admired it if it wasn’t covered in blood. The deep red stains were mostly around the collar, so you realized most of the attack must have come to her face. You tried not to wince.

Roger looked white as a ghost.

“Yeah,” he choked out. “That was the dress she had on.”

“We only ask because she didn’t have a purse or anything on her,” Colmes said. “A nurse thought she recognized her from a magazine, and we went from there.”

“Can I see her?” Roger asked.

“Not yet,” Colmes replied. “They’re still sorting her out.”

“What happened?” you wondered. “Was her date injured too?”

Dotson’s brow furrowed. “She was alone. We were hoping you could provide us with some answers. She was on a date?”

She looked at Roger with a hint of judgement.

“Yeah,” he said. “We’ve been separated for a while, and our divorce is going to be finalized soon. She still lives with me, though, and we’re friends.”

“O...kay,” she said. “Did she tell you anything about the date? His name or where she’d be meeting him?”

Roger shook his head. “No, nothing. I didn’t ask, I didn’t want to pry…” 

“Where was she found?” you asked.

“On the street in a neighborhood,” Colmes said. “A woman out jogging found her, and we don’t consider her a suspect.”

“Why not?” Roger wondered.

“Her hands were clean and free of any bruises,” Dotson said. “Which she would have had if she was the one who beat her. Also, she was rather small.”

Roger took a step back at that, as if Dotson had swung at him herself.

“Beat her?” he whispered.

Colmes nodded. “I’m afraid so. The medics who picked her up said it looked like whoever did it was didn’t use a foreign object or anything, just their hands. But Dominique fought hard. She has defensive wounds. Whoever did it has probably got a black eye and a nasty scratch on them somewhere.”

“Do you have -”

“We have officers out looking for a suspect, Mr. Taylor, rest assured,” Colmes said. “Unfortunately, she wasn’t found for a while. By the time the jogger found her, much of her blood was drying.”

“So she was just lying out there like that?” Roger asked. “All alone?”

Dotson nodded solemnly. “I’m sorry, Mr. Taylor, but I have to ask. Where were you this evening around ten o’clock?”

“I was with Y/N,” Roger said, indicating you. “At my home. My nanny can confirm it as well. Her name is Verity Bridges.”

“We’ll speak to her,” Colmes said. “That’s all for now, Mr. Taylor.”

“Thanks,” Roger said weakly.

The officers shook his hand and left. You watched them go, feeling lost. With them to talk to, you felt like action was being taken. Now what?

“You two can stay in this waiting room,” the nurse said. She had remained during the police interview. “I’m not sure you’ll be able to see Mrs. Beyrand tonight, but -”

“We’re waiting,” Roger said firmly. Then he looked at you. “At least, I am. You’re free to go home, Y/N.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, Roger,” you returned. “I’m here for you.”

The nurse nodded and left, leaving you alone again. As you watched him sink down into a chair, it was hard to believe that half an hour ago you and Roger were making out on his kitchen counter. His jaw clenched. Because of his past, Roger was particularly sensitive to cases of men hurting women or children. You took a seat next to him and offered your hand. He took it, interlocking his fingers with yours.

“I shouldn’t have let her go,” he said.

“You couldn’t have stopped her,” you told him.

“I should have asked the questions,” he went on.

“You shouldn’t have to,” you said.

He stopped and you looked at him.

“Roger, this isn’t your fault,” you insisted. “No one could have seen this coming.”

“Can you help us press charges?” he asked suddenly.

“Well - I - um - I’m not a prosecutor,” you said. “I’ve never handled a criminal case. But Bill has loads of experience, I’m sure he can help.”

“I want you, though,” he said.

“That’s flattering, Rog, but if you want to win a case, you need the best lawyer for it,” you said. “Besides, this only matters if Dominique wants to press charges. Going through all of it again in front of a judge and jury could be quite painful for her.”

“She can’t just let him get away with this!” he cried.

“Roger, please!” you returned. “Calm down! We don’t know anything yet!”

“I can’t just sit here,” he spat, letting go of your hand and getting to his feet. He began to pace. “I feel like I’ve gotta do something.”

“There’s nothing to do,” you reminded him gently. “You must be patient and be there for Dominique when she wakes up.”

He sighed, looking moodily at the floor.

“I know you want to fix it,” you said. “But you can’t undo this. All you can do is be supportive.”

He opened his mouth to respond, but at that moment, a doctor entered. You and Roger’s eyes were glued to him.

“Mr. Taylor?” he asked.

“Yeah, that’s me,” Roger said, stepping forward to shake the doctor’s hand.

“I’m Dr. Wesley,” he said. “I’ve just finished treating your wife.”

“How is she?” Roger asked.

“She’s stable, for now,” Dr. Wesley said. “It could be touch and go for a while. She’s suffered severe injuries to her head.”

“Can I see her?” Roger wondered. “Please?”

“Sure,” Dr. Wesley agreed. “I must warn you, it may be a shock.”

Roger’s jaw clenched again as he braced himself. Then you followed them to Dominique’s room down the hall. As you came upon it, you swallowed. You were unaccustomed to violence, and seeing it always made you feel a bit sick. There were times as a kid when Roger came over after his dad was through with him that made you shudder to recall.

When you saw her, you clapped your hand over your mouth to stifle a scream. Dominique was nearly beyond recognition. Her face was swollen around her eyes. Her nose was already covered in bandages, but you could see it was disfigured and most likely broken. Her lips were caked with dried blood, but the split in her bottom one was clear. Her head was wrapped up as well. Purple bruises bloomed around her neck. The first two fingers of her right hand were in a splint. The knuckles were bruised. Her fingernails were broken and uneven. To top it all off, she had a tube in her nose and an IV in her arm.

You looked at Roger, but his face was unreadable. He was just staring at Dominique blankly, as if he wasn’t even sure what he was feeling. His eyes were filled with tears.

“Oh, Dom,” he said softly. “I’m so sorry.”

He reached out and took her left hand. His thumb absentmindedly ran over her ring finger, where her wedding band had left an impression. 

“I’ll give you some time,” the doctor said, and then he left, closing the door slowly behind him.

There was a long moment where the only sound was the beep of Dominique’s heart monitor. You watched a tear roll down Roger’s cheek. Your throat tightened with emotion. He was not in love with her, but she was the mother of his children, and he cared deeply for her. You also cared. You considered Dominique your friend as well.

“When I was really little,” Roger choked out. “My father roughed up my mother.”

“I remember,” you said. 

“D’you also remember what I told you?” he asked. “The week after we met?”

“How could I forget?” you replied. “It was such a daring declaration at the time.”

“Remind me what it was,” he said.

“Roger, I don’t think -”

“Say it.”

You took a deep breath. “You said, ‘One day, when I’m big and strong, this won’t happen anymore. I won’t let it.’”

“Now look at what’s happened,” he said slowly.

“It’s like I said, Rog, no one could have predicted -”

“Don’t argue, Y/N,” he cut across you. “Please.”

“I can’t let you keep blaming yourself,” you replied. “And remember, your dad didn’t hit anyone once you were big enough to hit back. But you can’t protect everyone.”

The doctor returned with a clipboard, which evidently contained his notes about Dominique. 

“Mr. Taylor, would you like to hear about her injuries?” he asked. “We can give you our best guess as to what happened, but obviously, we can’t know for sure until she wakes up.”

“I don’t need to hear it, I’ve got the general idea,” Roger said. “Thank you, though.”

“Will you be staying the night?” Dr. Wesley asked.

“Yes,” Roger said, then he looked at you. “You should go home, Y/N. You can’t keep your mother waiting.”

“That’s true,” you agreed with a sigh.

You walked over to where he stood beside the bed. You took his hand.

“Good night, Roger,” you said.

You realized you had come to the end of the date - or not date, as it were. Only, this was not at all how you pictured the night ending. He looked at you and cleared his throat.

“Good night, Y/N,” he replied. “Um, would it be alright if we put things between us -”

“On hold?” you finished, and he nodded. “Of course. I understand.”

“Thanks,” he said. “Give your mum a kiss from me, yeah?”

“Will do,” you promised. 

You kissed his cheek. Then you started toward the door, but on your way, you stopped and gave Dominique’s knee a pat.

“Get well soon, Dom,” you said. “We’re all here for you when you do.”

You left. You hated to leave Roger alone, especially now, but he seemed eager for the time to himself. Plus, you needed to get back to your mother. It was almost midnight now, and she was probably getting worried. 

As soon as you came into your flat, you saw your mother sitting in your recliner, reading a book. It was one of your dad’s. You burst into tears and she looked up.

“Darling, what’s wrong?” she wondered, getting to her feet and setting the book aside. “Did something happen?”

“Something terrible happened, Mum,” you sobbed. 

She took you into her arms. You felt like a little girl again. She shushed you and brought you over to the couch. You caught your breath and explained to her what had happened. She listened carefully. 

“Oh, the poor dear,” she sighed when you finished, referring to Dominique. “Is there anything we can do for them?”

“I don’t know,” you said. “I mean, what is there to do? She hasn’t even regained consciousness. The whole thing is terrible.”

“Who’s watching the children?” your mother wondered. 

“The nanny,” you said. “Which reminds me, I need to call her and tell her Roger’s staying out.”

“Well, do that, sweetheart,” she said. “But afterwards, let me make you a cup of tea and put you to bed, alright?”

“Please,” you replied, in desperate need of maternal affection. 

Everything felt so out of control right now. Even your relationship with Roger. 

The next day, your mother was leaving in the evening to head back home. She asked if you’d like her to stay, but you refused. You needed to get back to work. On your way to the train station, you stopped by the hospital to see Dominique. 

Roger was still there. He clearly had not been home since he was still wearing the clothes he had on the previous evening. He looked more exhausted than you’d ever seen him. But when he saw your mother, he went straight to her and threw himself into his arms, letting out a long awaited sob. He sagged against her while she patted his back. 

“Roger, dear, it’s alright,” she cooed. “Let it all out, my boy.”

He heaved out another cry and she held him tighter. It was choking you up to watch him succumb so deeply to his despair. Like you, he needed someone to tell him it was going to be okay. Like a parent. 

“I remember when you were little, and I’d put you on my lap and sing to you,” your mother said fondly. 

Roger half-chuckled, half-winced at that. 

“It’s all going to be alright,” she said again, pulling away to cup his cheeks in her hands. She wiped the tears away with her thumbs. “There, now. No more tears. She mustn’t see you’ve been crying.”

He nodded and sniffled. 

“Are you heading home?” he asked her. 

“I am,” she said. “But if you need anything at all, love, you can always call.”

He nodded again. “Course. Thanks for stopping by.” 

“I love you very much, dear,” she told him. 

“I love you too, Viv,” he replied, with a small smile. 

He kissed her on the cheek. Then he reached out for you. You stepped toward him and he pulled you close and pressed his lips to your forehead. 

“Be careful going home,” he whispered. 

“I will, Rog,” you promised. 

It was a bitter parting. None of you had a dry eye as Roger squeezed your mother’s hand one last time. But she couldn’t linger. She had a train to catch. 

It was much harder than you anticipated to say goodbye to her now. You felt like you and Roger were young again, in such need of parental guidance and comfort. But you were adults. You had to handle this on your own. Even so, you had each other. 

On Monday morning, there was still no news of Dominique. You headed to work, grateful for something to occupy your mind. You knew you’d be busy after taking some time off. 

Roger went home briefly Monday morning to shower and change, and then he went right back to the hospital. He already called Freddie and told him that he would not be in the studio for a while. He couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Dominique. 

“Daddy, can we come?” Felix asked as Roger headed back out the door. 

“I’m sorry, lovie, not just now,” Roger replied gently. “Mummy’s still not well.”

He told Felix that Dominique was sick. He couldn’t let the boy see his mother in that state, it would destroy him. Roger recalled seeing his own mother after strikes from his father and how deeply it upset him. So, Verity was working overtime and caring for them while Roger stayed by Dominique’s side. 

As he returned to that post, a fresh coffee in hand, his mind finally landed on you. He missed you a great deal, but he could never ask you to just sit here and wait with him. He knew you had work. He just felt so achingly lonely. He needed the reassurance that Dom was going to be okay, because each time he thought about it too long, he reached the conclusion that she was going to die and he’d have to tell his children one day how their mother was brutally…

He shook his head to clear it. Once again, he thought of you. He thought of your hand holding his and the feel of your arms around him. He recalled the heat of your kisses and the way your forgiveness made him feel. It was a comfort to his breaking heart. 

He sat with Dominique by himself until lunch. Then there was a light knock on the open door. He turned to see you standing in the frame, take away bags in hand. 

“Have you eaten today?” you asked. 

“No,” he said, as if realizing it all of a sudden. 

“Good, ‘cause I brought a ton of food,” you joked. 

He attempted a smile to no avail. 

“Did your mum get off alright?” he asked. 

“Yeah,” you said. “She called me when she got home. She said she misses us already and to tell you again how much she loves you.”

“That’s sweet,” he said. 

You handed him a salad. 

“Well, you know her,” you said. “No matter how old we get, we’ll always be her children.”

Roger’s stomach gurgled with the newfound hunger. 

“She’d kill me for going this long without food,” he remarked. 

“That’s right, so you better watch it,” you teased. 

He sighed, neglecting the salad and looking once again at Dominique. 

“I haven’t been a good husband to her,” he said. 

“Nobody is a perfect spouse, Roger,” you said. 

“I know,” he replied. “But...I cheated. That wasn’t something I ever thought I’d do once I settled down.”

“Well, no one wakes up one day and decides they’re going to cheat,” you said. “It’s something that happens out of...extenuating circumstances.”

“Spoken like a true attorney.”

“If you’ve got energy to joke, you’ve got energy to eat.”

He picked up his fork and shoveled a mouthful of greens between his lips. 

“Don’t beat yourself up over mistakes,” you said. “Everyone makes them.”

“Not everyone,” he said after swallowing. “Your dad wasn’t like that.”

You stopped chewing for a moment and looked at him. You swallowed. 

“Actually, my father had an affair once,” you told him. 

He met your gaze, eyes wide. “Are you serious?”

You nodded. “Yeah. With his secretary. It lasted a few months and he cut it off to stay with Mum and me. He wasn’t in love with the woman or anything. It was just a lapse of judgement. It can happen to anyone.”

He looked back at the food in his lap. “Oddly enough, that does make me feel better.”

“Nobody expects perfection from you, Roger,” you said. “It’s enough that you’re trying.”

“Thanks, Y/N,” he said, taking your hand. “I was feeling...bad hurt.” 

“We somehow manage to find each other during those moments, huh?” you said. 

“I’m not complaining,” he replied. “You’re the one person I want most when I’m feeling that way.”

“The feeling is mutual,” you said. 

You smiled at each other. Then, a delicate moan came from the bed. Roger’s eyes snapped to Dominique’s face. You followed suit. He let go of your hand and jumped to his feet, spilling the salad across the floor. Her eyes had just barely cracked open. 

“Roger?” she croaked. 

He took her hand - her left one so as not to pain her broken fingers on the right - and he gazed at her in awe. 

“I’m here, love,” he said gently. 

She offered a shaky smile. 

“Thank goodness.”