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illiana-mystery · 1 year

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WIP Whenever

Since I haven't been posting as frequently as I would like, I decided to post some more WIPS. These wips are from Cloud 9, Space Oddity, Sugar Baby, and Playing House.

Also I am also currently drafting the next chapter of Devotion and two one-shot (or two-shot, depending on length and description) fics.

So without further ado, here's what I've been working on. @ghnaim24

---

Cloud 9

Author's Note: Goblin is speaking where the text is bold and italicized.

A few hours later.

What are you waiting for? Call her. Let's get this over with.

Norman didn't heed the advice though. Instead, he just kept pacing back and forth in his bedroom, trying to figure out a way out of this mess. A way that didn't involve breaking up with her via video chat.

It was just the way he was. Bold one minute, and then frightened the next. He was like that with Deja earlier, and he was returning to that state now.

He didn't really understand why he was being like this. In the past, he had all of the control over Lorraina, but now it seemed as if the tables had turned.

And they had.

His reputation was in slow repair, while hers had dramatically changed due to her progeny and marriage into a well known and beloved family.

Honestly, he envied her. She didn't deserve this happily ever after she got, even if she clearly wasn't happy with her husband anymore. But no one in Georgia knew her past, so she was still secure unlike him. She did slander his name, well according to Deja anyway.

But yet, here he was. Still chasing her.

Was it because she was something he knew?

Something he could still attain from his troubled past?

Maybe so. But again, she wasn't the same mouthy, rude 20-something year old Daily Bugle reporter now. No, she was older, slightly wiser, and even more jaded with a soft touch of wisdom on her almost 50-year old skin. She didn't have the youth he so desperately wanted anymore, so what was the point?

What did she have to offer other than acknowledging his past life?

Clear realization came to him once he thought about all of those factors. It hit him like a bolt of lightening and he finally snapped out of it.

He realized he really didn't love her anymore and that she used him as much as he used her.

It was a toxic relationship. A relationship that was better off left in the past.

You finally came around. Took you long enough. Now call her, you coward. Or I will.

"I still need to figure out how to break up with her easily."

What is there to figure out?! You don't love her anymore, if you ever did. She doesn't do anything for us, she's mouthy, doesn't worship or obey us. She was nothing but trouble, only good for her youth and she doesn't even have that anymore. She was a good fuck that needs to stay in your past. Besides, you're all fascinated with that little floozy at the airport now. Hmm, your heart beat just intensified at the thought of her.

"She's not some floozy," he retorted. "She's a beautiful and educated young lady."

Yeah, whatever. Girls like her are a dime a dozen. I wouldn't fall in love just yet, Romeo. We still don't know if we can trust her. Is she even aware I'm still here?

"No, and I intend to keep it that way."

You can't hide me forever, Norman. We are one, always will be. You can't get rid of me. She's just gonna have to learn to deal if heaven forbid you keep this fascination with her.

"It's not a fascination," he corrected. "It's a blossoming crush right now. But I think it will become more in the near future. I mean she did give me her number."

That doesn't mean anything. Still, she does seem to be better than Lorraina already. Hmm, maybe she'll actually worship and praise us as her new god. Maybe she'll obey and not sass us.

"I don't want to control her, and I won't let you do that."

Like you'll be able to stop me. And don't lie to yourself. Imagine her praising your name as you fuck her long and hard. Imagine her suck your cock as the carpet digs into her burning ebony flesh. It feels good, doesn't it? You're weak, Norman. I'm only trying to help. I mean we should be able to get something out of her, right?

Norman rolled his eyes and shook the thoughts Goblin suggested to his subconscious out of his mind.

He didn't want to think about Deja that way. He didn't see her as a sex object. He saw her as a potential equal intimate partner, as a woman that he just wanted to kiss and cuddle even more than fuck her.

"I'm gonna call Lorraina now," he said before his head started to throb. In an instant, he fell to his knees, dropping his iPhone on the carpet in the process.

Instinctively, he rubbed his head to numb the pain before a manicial laugh left his throat.

Norman was gone now, and Goblin was gonna handle Lorraina like he wanted to.

"Sit tight, Norman. I'll handle this bitch. I just wanted to see if you had the guts to call her."

Carefully, Goblin picked the phone and himself up, gleefully watching as the black screen slowly revealed a lingerie-clad Lorraina in her bedroom.

She was lounging in her bed, with her legs open revealing the sheer panties she was wearing while her large breasts were about to spill out of the lingerie top. Her butt was also poked out and she sexily bit her lip like in the past when she saw him.

"Hello, handsome. It's about time you called me. I was about to call you," she cooed before she noticed the twisted smile and darkness in his eyes. It frightened her, until she realized what was going on.

She wasn't talking to Norman. She was talking to Goblin.

"Bring him back," she demanded.

"What do you mean?" he asked trying to mimic Norman's normal tone of voice.

"You know what I mean you asshole! Bring my Norman back!"

"I'm afraid Norman's on sabbatical, my dear. He needed to rest his head. It's been a long day for him, so I thought I would help him out. Help him get rid of a past pest, you know?"

"What are you..."

"Does your husband now you're trying to pursue him again? Because Giulio must be an idiot if he doesn't know."

"How do you know my husband's name?"

He snickered.

"Didn't even hesitate. Guess he doesn't know then. Wow, you really like breaking hearts, don't you, Lorraina? You think it's so cute. And it kinda was, when you were young and vibrant. But look at you now. Old and worn out, outclassed by your gorgeous, young daughter. It's not cute anymore, Lorraina. It really isn't."

"Bring Norman back. I want to talk to him," she demanded.

"Shut the fuck up, whore," he yelled at her, anger deep in his eyes. "I don't let whores backtalking me. Now Norman might tolerate that, but not me. You don't talk to me like that les you want to see what I'm truly capable of. I'm not afraid to mutilate a woman."

His words horrified her, to the point she was stunned silent, which delighted Goblin.

"Good. Finally, the whore listens and shuts her mouth. Now listen up and listen good, you'll lose this number and never contact us again. Norman's done with you. He's done with your lying and attitude and clout chasing ways. He doesn't love you anymore. And if you ever try to contact us again, I won't be so nice. Got it?!"

The only response he received back was a nod, before the video chat was ended. His devious smirk curled into an even more sinister smile before he let out another wicked chuckle.

Finally, he was rid of Lorraina so Norman could focus on bettering his reputation and rebuilding his legacy through Oscorp. After all, that was the prime objective. The last thing he needed was more distractions.

Although Deja was starting to become one.

But he would bide his time, seeing what to do with her. However, now it was time for him to reluctantly release control back to his cowardly host again.

"Oww, ugh," Norman cried out in pain as he rubbed his head again.

His headache throbbed even more than at the airport when Goblin raised his ugly head earlier, much to his chagrin.

Luckily, Bernard was around and when he heard his Master, he quickly came into his room with an ice compress for his head.

"Thanks, Bernard," he said as he took it from his butler and placed it on his head.

"You're welcome, Master Osborn, but might I also suggest some rest? You look quite tired, sir. Maybe that will help your headache go away too."

"You know what? That's a great idea. Thank you."

"Of course, sir," the old servant said before he left Norman alone with his thoughts and other half.

Finally, the Master retired to his bed, stripped bare to only his tight briefs and the ice compress on his forehead.

A slight peace came to his mind too once his head hit his pillow, until he remembered blacking out before calling Lorraina, which meant that Goblin must have talked to her for him.

The thought made him panic. Sure he wasn't interested in her anymore, but he didn't want Goblin to hurt her too bad. He still did have a soft spot for her, regardless of all the shit she put him through in the past.

Calm down, Norman. Relax, take a nap. I can feel the tension in your body.

"What do you tell her?"

I beg your pardon.

"What did you tell her?!"

I let her down easy, like you said. Promise. And you never have to worry about her bothering you again. I think I made her get the hint.

"But how did you say it? Like..."

Why don't you text Deja? See what she's up to? Think about your new conquest. The pretty little black woman on your arm. Doesn't that sound nice?

"Yeah, it does," he moaned as he reached for his phone that he left on the nightstand. "But what should I say?"

Did you really just ask me that? Pathetic. Stop being a little bitch and just talk to her. You already have power over her, you just have to keep charming her. She seems to like your sad vulnerability, emote that more. Then she's be wrapped around your finger. Then she'll only be reliant and loyal to you. Or else.

"Right," he said before exhaling a deep breath. "I just hope she responds quickly."

---

Space Oddity

After lunch, you and Saaltar had to split up again much to his disappointment. But you had two more classes to attend, and he had his two to attempt to teach. So reluctantly, he let you go without a hug or a kiss to not alarm suspicion.

But just as you, he was anticipating seeing you again at the front of the university where you told him to meet you.

However, unfortunately for him, he had to wait a little longer than planned due Professor Homer Finnbar letting your Advanced Calculus class out late.

It was a nasty little habit that the older professor had, but you hoped today would be different. Too bad it wasn't. So you just hoped Saaltar wouldn't be too upset when you got there.

Luckily, to your utter surprise, you found Saaltar playing with a little sand lizard that must have been scurrying near his feet. The alien was standing on his knees while he patiently waited for the creature to climb on his palm. Not a second sooner, the lizard got the hint and did as the humanoid wanted bringing a wide smile to his face.

"Now what are you, you fascinating little creature?"

"It's a sand lizard," you said, slowly meeting the eyes of your love. "They're called Pandora Lizards to be exact. They're called such since they like to burrow in holes that are usually occupied by little insects, hence opening a 'box' that let out vermin."

Saaltar just smiled, although you could tell he was a bit confused. So you quickly explained the myth of Pandora's box. He gave you his usual nod after then went back to observing the lizard.

"I like him..."

"I think you mean her. Male Pandora lizards have brownish-green heads, females have just brown. They make really fun pets. I used to have one as a child."

"Would you like to hold her?" he excitedly asked.

You giggled.

"Sure," you replied before he carefully handed her to you. You tried to be as careful as possible since the creature was in its adolescence and much smaller than Megeara, your old pet.

"This is a young lizard. I've never handled one so small. My Pandora Lizard was an adult named Megeara. She was my best friend, my last birthday gift from my mother before she passed. I had her for about 12 years."

"Wow, a long living little creature then."

"Yeah, they have the longest lifespan of any lizard in this part of the country," you said as you put the reptile back on the ground. "She probably is looking for her mommy though. So I'll let her free."

"That was probably the right thing to do," he said as he watched the creature disappear into the bushes. "I'm happy to see you again."

"Me too," you chirped. "I'm ready to go, if you are."

"I'm ready, but I want to go behind a tree first."

"Behind a...," you questioned before you realized what he said. "You really can't wait to kiss me again, huh?"

He shook his head.

"Okay, okay. Let's go behind a tree," you replied before you led him to the nearest one around.

You looked around to make sure the coast was clear and then you intitated the kiss. Softly, you grabbed his suit and pulled him closer to you as your lips connected. Fabric was soon let go after and then your arms coiled around his neck as his hands clutched your hips.

You were both practically humming into this kiss, quickly deepening it with the connection of tongue.

Then you pulled away, simply admiring how cute Saaltar was with his red flushed cheeks and happy grin.

"There, now let's go," you said. "I promise you they'll be more to come once we're alone and you can shed that meat suit."

"I can't wait," he happily said.

It was a straight shoot from the tree to the parking lot where his disguise spaceship was stationed.

As he said, the craft was now a mint green Chrysler convertible that comfortably seated four people with its beautiful accent mint and white leather seats.

Like the gentleman he was, he opened the passenger door for you before getting in on the driver's side.

"Do you know how to drive?" you curiously asked.

"Since my spacecraft takes me where I want to go, it does the driving for me even in this camouflage. And under the hood is all of the Keitalean technology that powers it. I just keep my hands on the wheel to not frighten any other motorist."

"Oh wow. That's cool and really smart. Wow, alien technology is amazing."

Saaltar smiled before he took your hand and kissed it. After, he punched in the coordinates for the motel he was staying at and then let the tech do the work.

You were in awe of this self-driving car which was so entertaining to your alien lover. He really could never get enough of you being intrigued by what Keitalea offered both technologically and anatomically.

And soon, you realized where you were going. The car was driving you into the unincorporated part of the town where no one stayed. It was practically no man's land except for the one convenience store and the lone motel you realized he was staying at.

The Stargazer Inn was said motel and it boasted both your typical motel outdoor layout as well as the more expensive "Stargazing Huts" that lined the back of the establishment.

The huts were basically tiny homes that were painted dazzling white and had all of the comforts of a regular home just in a smaller package. They usually were always sold out by wealthy visitors, so you only had the chance to stay in one once with your father to watch a solar eclipse.

You figured Saaltar wasn't staying in one of those though. Especially since he parked right in front of one of the doors of the usual layout.

"Welcome to my temporary home," he said as he got out of the car and walked over to let you out. "Room 122."

"Oh, you're staying here. Man, I haven't stayed here since my father was still alive," you said as you noticed him take his key out to let you into the room. "We watched a solar eclipse in one of the huts out back. People from all over the country come here to watch the stars, eclipses, and the occasional aurora borealis."

"I know," he softly said as he unlocked the door and let you in. "That's why I chose to stay here. Makes me feel closer to home."

"That's so poetic," you cooed after he closed the door behind you.

He flicked the light on afterwards and you soon admired how clean and spotless his room was. The little possessions he had were put away neatly and every surface was basically shining.

Honestly, it was the cleanest, nicest motel room you had ever seen.

"You really like to keep a clean home," you complimented him. "It's practically sparkling in here."

"Thank you," he said with a soft chuckle. "It was much too dirty for my liking when I first moved in so I used some cleaners from the convenience store as well as my powers to clean up around here. So I'm happy you appreciate my hard work."

"More than appreciate it. I'm honestly impressed by it," you assured as the blush on his face became even redder.

"I'm kinda sad to leave, but I'm glad I get to stay with you."

"I agree. Now how can I help?"

---

Sugar Baby

Back at the manor, the couple's anticipated guest was finishing up getting ready in the bedroom she now shared with her sugar daddy.

Said daddy had just stepped away after he helped her pick out a little blue cocktail dress that was just low cut enough to show off her nape.

Happily, she put it on after he left and was now donning on some light makeup. A bright smile beamed from the vanity mirror, becoming bigger as she noticed her older lover strolling back over to her.

"You look beautiful, Alia," he cooed as his arms enveloped her waist. His lips gingerly traced her jaw and neck afterwards, gaining a sweet little giggle from her.

"Thank you, Eddie," she chirped before her eyes met his. He was practically worshipping her beauty by how he was looking at her. His ocean blues just taking in all of her ebony.

"I don't know if I want to let you leave anymore," he teased as he kissed her bare shoulder. "I don't want anyone else looking at you...getting any ideas."

His grip around her waist got tighter after that, asserting his possession of her. She was his and he hoped she would remember that.

"Even if they do look, I wouldn't give them the time of day. They're not worthy of me, like you are. They can't give me the same love and affection that you do. I know that to be true. My heart only belongs to you, Eddie," she assured him. "Besides, it's just a little get together with two friends and my guy friend knows I only see him as such."

Ed didn't look convinced though, especially since he did start to question who her friends were after Malcolm interrogated her at the table.

"Eddie, just trust me," she begged after she broke away from his grip. "I would never hurt you. I promise."

He didn't respond though, instead he walked over to her nightstand and grabbed her purse and phone she left. Then he briskly walked back over by her.

"Don't forget your stuff," he softly said before she took them from him.

"Thanks," she said before she kissed his cheek. He blushed before digging into his pocket and taking out a black box.

"I can't have you going out with a bare neck," he said before he opened the box. Inside was a beautiful opal teardrop pendent that shone under his bedroom light. Alicia was in awe of the stone and watched as Ed took it out and opened the clasp.

He stepped behind her soon after and placed it around her neck and her hand moved to gently touch it. It was smooth to the touch and really did add to her look.

"Ed, did you buy this for me?"

"No, this is more sentimental than a store bought piece," he began to explain. "This is the Agnes Opal. It's been in my family for generations. It belonged to my bisnonna, Agnes Carmine, made for her by her father who was the town jewelry back in Milan. Ever since her death, the opal has been passed down to the eldest daughter. Well, since I'm an only child, my mother didn't have a daughter to pass it on to. So she gave it to me before she died and told me to give it to the worthy woman in my life. I know we just met, but it just feels right to give you this to you."

"Wow, you're entrusting me with a family heirloom?"

"I think you're worthy," he said before grinning at her.

"Oh, Eddie," she said trying to hold back tears. "You're too sweet. Thank you. I'll protect this with all my heart. I promise."

She hugged him afterwards.

"You're very welcome, Alia," he said before checking his watch. It was a quarter til she was expected at the get together, so he decided to go ahead and call Reginald to bring her.

"I should probably call Reginald now," he announced. "I'll be back."

He stepped out of the room again after, so Alicia decided it was the perfect time to check her phone.

To her horror, though, Lou had called and texted her multiple times within the span of an hour. She wondered if something was wrong, but she knew that she couldn't call him right now. So instead, she went to her messaging app and replied,

Sorry Lou. I got a little caught up in some morning chores and running errands. And I forgot to answer you back. I hope you're okay. I can't wait to see you tonight either.

Ed walked back right when she was wrapping up typing out her text, and he noticed her frantically typing which confused him. But he didn't question her about it.

"Reginald will be here in 5," he said as he walked back over to her. She quickly put her phone away and let him kiss her again before he grabbed her hands and looked at her with deep concern on his eyes.

"Alia," he said before he took a deep breath. "Please keep in contact with me throughout the night. That's all I ask of you. I want you to have so much fun with your friends, but please keep me posted. Your wellbeing and safety are of the most importance to me."

He slowly caressed her face after, then placed another kiss on her lips.

"I can definitely do that," she chirped before her phone vibrated in her purse. Ed looked at her puzzled before she said,

"It's just my friend again. I'll get it in a minute."

He smirked.

"You want me to kiss you again before we part?"

"Of course," she cooed before he gave her what she wanted.

"Come, let's go back downstairs and wait for Reginald."

---

Playing House

"I'm so sorry about Mama," Loretta told the old man as he sat next to her in the moving truck. The driver had remained silent, just focusing on the road so she figured he probably wouldn't be listening to their conversation.

"It's alright," he lightly said. "I know she meant no real harm. I needed to hear that. And I know where she's coming from. She doesn't want Mac to be fatherless like you were."

"I wasn't fatherless, Mr. Ed. I had you."

"Yes, you had me...a white man. But even I couldn't always protect you and I didn't know how to teach you the way that your own father could have."

"I don't care. You helped take care of me. That means the world to me."

"I appreciate it, Etta," he said with a warm smile. "Miss Mae just wants to do right by you. She's lived a hard life. I can't tell you how surprised she was by Viv and my kindness. No other white family treated her with such dignity. It's ashame so many Southerners like her believe that the North is so much better. We have a lot of backwardness here too. I'm glad we gave her a nice home though. And I'm glad that she got to raise you around some happiness and stability."

Loretta smiled too.

"I just wish she wasn't so blind to the obvious that's right in front of her."

"What do you mean?" she asked as she looked up at him.

"I know about you and Jamie," he said with a slight chuckle. Loretta's heart stopped when he said that.

She kept a horrified look on her face until she noticed his smile never faded.

"Jamie doesn't have the best poker face. And it was even more obvious by the way he was looking at you at the repass and end of the funeral. Also, Wanda was a bit too similar to you all the way down to having the same birthday. But Wanda was safe and white. My son isn't able to fool me, Etta. It's been obvious since you were teenagers that he liked you. I just didn't think you liked him back, but I guess I know that too now."

"You're not upset?"

"No, not at all. I'm not your mother. I want Mac to have a good father figure in his life too, but I don't mind if that happens to be my son. That's why I wanted to stop her earlier. But I know you wouldn't want me to tell her, so I stopped myself. Times are changing and I like you, Etta. You two have my blessing."

Loretta felt so warm knowing that Mr. Ed actually didn't mind her pursuing his son. She figured he could tell that he didn't like Wanda as much as he let on. Sure he cared about her, but as he said, she was safe because she was white. And it was apparent that Ed was getting attached to Mac.

"Thanks, Mr. Ed," she softly said. "I was actually thinking about moving in with him this summer."

"You're thinking about moving to Chicago?"

"Yeah, is that crazy?"

"No, not at all. I'm not gonna baby you, Etta. You're an adult woman that needs to live her life. Maybe a change in scenery is exactly what you and Mac need. I'm gonna miss little man, but I can always visit. I am retired now after all. And I know I can't stop you and my son from being together. I should have seen it coming earlier. You two were always attached at the hip. I wish Viv was here to see this too. She would be over the moon. All she ever wished for was for her son to be so happily in love and I think he is with you."

Loretta slightly giggled with joy before she asked,

"Since when has Mac started calling you 'Paw-paw'?"

"Only today. He did when you left. He called Miss Mae 'Maw-maw' now too."

"Aww. He still hasn't called me 'Ma-ma' yet."

"Give him time. It's no diss to you. I've seen how he looks at you and I see nothing but pure love. Reminds me so much of Jamie when he was a baby. The way he looked at Viv always warmed my heart."

"I hope I'm at least half the mother that Viv was."

"You already are."

Loretta smiled again.

"I still want him to know about Marvin. I guess I should show him the photo album Jamie put together."

"That's a great place to start."

"Excuse me, ma'am," the driver politely interrupted. "Is this the house?"

His question drew Loretta's attention immediately to directly in front of her and what she saw horrified her.

Her monster-in-law, Patricia, was standing outside of the family home that Marvin and her lived in. But not only that. No, there were also boxes littering the front of the house and men moving old furniture into a donation truck.

Angrily, Loretta got out of the moving truck once the driver parked it on the side the house to confront her mother-in-law. She never liked that woman and she was glad that Marvin wasn't here to stop her from speaking her mind against her now.

"Oh, there you are," Patricia remarked once she saw her daughter-in-law. She folded her arms afterwards and kept a pout on her old, wrinkled lips.

She was always a bitter woman, but considered gorgeous back in her day due to her fair skin that contrasted well with her black features.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Loretta angrily asked.

"Cleaning out our family home," the older woman responded. "I told you to get your things last week."

"I was planning your son's funeral," Loretta retorted. "I didn't have time."

"Excuses, excuses," she huffed before Loretta noticed the furniture that she bought in the back of the truck.

"That's my furniture," she exclaimed.

"It isn't anymore," Patricia rebutted. "Everything that you need to retrieve is right here. Also, I'm doing you a favor. I can't believe my son would let you buy this ugly furniture. I raised him better than that. Just get your rich white boss to replace everything for you."

Loretta's blood was boiling at that moment and before she could really process her emotions, she lunged at her mother-in-law. But luckily, Mr. Ed stopped her. He gently pulled her back before whispering,

"It isn't worth it. It isn't worth it."

Loretta immediately backed down, giving Patricia a little bit more ammo as a smug smile appeared on her face.

"Oh, speak of the devil," she said with a snicker. "You just couldn't face me without your rich white boss. Typical. You and your mother are always relying on them. It's sad really. You two really should have tried to make your own way like me and my darling Richard."

Mr. Ed was not amused.

"Patricia, we would like that furniture back."

"Oh, Edward," she started. "Now what would Vivian say? You're really gonna take from the poor and unfortunate? Don't they deserve nice, expensive, hideous furniture?"

"Patricia, we want the furniture back and we're not leaving until we get it," he sternly said. "Look, I don't want to cause any conflict, but I can have the police involved."

"Typical behavior from a privileged white man," she moaned. "Fine, you can have the furniture back. But I want you off of my property in an hour. Get everything and beat it. And I hope to never see you again after today."

"The feeling is mutual, you old bitch," Loretta huffed. "You're just mad that your precious son settled for a poor black woman like me. A poor black woman that was much too dark for your liking."

Patricia glared at her when she said that.

"Marvin could have done a lot better...I told him as such. Because I knew you didn't really love him. You never did. But he was safe...unlike Jamie Blackridge. That's why I never liked you. You just used my son like the cold bitch you are. Oh, sweetie. I'm not the bitch, you are. You always have been. You fooled my son and took him away from me..."

"That's enough, Patricia," Mr. Ed yelled. "Let us be. And don't you utter my son's name again. Trust me, we're glad to be done with you too. I can't tell you how many times I had to restrain myself from choking you. I will not let you disrespect Etta again. Also, for your information, she did love Marvin. She loved him so much that she had to get me to help pay for his funeral which you and your kin didn't even help to pitch in."

Patricia was furious, but finally admitted defeat and left in her Bentley coup, leaving them with the moving truck driver and the donation truck workers.

Loretta immediately started crying afterwards, falling into Mr. Ed's arms as he tried to comfort her.

"It's alright. She's gone and you don't ever have to see her again. She's always been a bitter old bitch."

"I know, Mr. Ed. But I just wish I would have stood up for myself on my own."

"Loretta, you did stand up for yourself. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, Mr. Ed," she softly said as she hugged him again.

Mr. Ed let the donation truck workers keep the furniture per Loretta's request after she thought it through. And once they left, they took all of the boxes and put it in the moving truck.

But there was one more box that was hidden from their view that the driver noticed. Loretta went to get it and noticed that on top of the pile of stuff was an old wedding picture.

The glass had unfortunately cracked, leaving a long split between her and Marvin in the photo. But the glass remained intact on the other side where Ed was standing next to her.

It was a photo they took at the reception. Ed insisted on taking a picture with the happy couple alone after Loretta and Mr. Ed took their pictures with him as a group.

Loretta quickly obliged, much to Marvin's dismay.

She couldn't help but smile at the picture though. Ed was just too cute, smiling brighter than her. She knew he wished he was in Marvin's shoes at the time, but he was still happy for her.

"Something wrong," Mr. Ed asked as he walked up behind her.

"No. I just had a moment," she said before she handed the frame to him. "Look at your son."

The senior laughed.

"He was quite jealous," he started. "I could see it in his eyes. But he kept a straight face the whole time. He really was happy for you though. But then again, he was always a fan of seeing you smile."

"So you've known this for longer than you let on?"

"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't," he cooed. "But I think the Lord has a sense of humor. Strange that the glass only cracked here."

"Yeah, it surprised me too."

"Well, we can reflect on it more later," he said as he put the picture back and took the box. "We gotta go pick up Malcolm and head back. I know Jamie will be dying to talk to you after his big meeting."

Loretta only smiled in response.

---

I tag @imwithyoutiltheendofthelinebucky, @eclecticwildflowers, and @writingkitten

#hope you enjoy #now that i'm back from vacation #i'm hoping to be able to post more #🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾#fingers crossed #wips #my wips #wip #current wip #work in progress #fanfiction #fanfics #norman osborn #saltzburg keitel #edward blackridge #willem dafoe

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