#or its very obviously edited... the little crackles and breaths are either barely audible or gone

[binary5tar1117]

If a company doesn't trust their idols to sing live wtf is even the point?

[worshipping-skarsgard]

Quiet Night

Summary: This drabble started as a submission a Christmas writing prompt challenge. I'm obviously very belated. I wrote it in December, yet sat on it not feeling super confident honestly. But now I'm ready to share. It's not holiday related.

Prompt: Walter’s wife (the reader) on the phone with Walter’s mother-in-law talking about his job and how selfless he is.

Word Count: 713

Warning: None. Just fluff, maybe a dash of angst if you squint.

Note: A giant thank you to the beautiful @luna-aestas for encouraging me to write this and for editing it. I would not know what to do without you!

Moonlight cast a glow on the thickening blanket of snow as flurries gently floated down. The house was quiet. Only the soothing crackle of fire in the hearth could be heard. I welcomed the sound and warmth radiating from the burning pine. My gaze danced along with the flickering orange hues.

Time slipped away watching the mesmerizing flames until music suddenly filled the room. My mom's favorite song, assigned just for her. I quickly picked up my phone and swiped to answer her call. "Hi, mama." 

"Hello, sweetheart." The sound of her voice caused me to smile. I had not seen her in months, not even over the holiday season, which made our calls all the more important to me. "How are you?"

"Good. Today was a bit chaotic, but I managed. What about you?"

"I'm okay. Your father and brother keep me busy. Never a dull moment around here." I did not have to see her to know she was shaking her head.

I quietly laughed, remembering past winter fiascos the men in my family got themselves into. "I'll see if I can send you some quiet. I have an abundance."

"Quiet? Did Walter call it a night already? Those long days tend to catch up eventually."

I breathed out slowly. "No, mama. He's not home yet."

"Another long day? Is he okay?" I could hear the concern in her voice. My mother loved Walter as a son. Always has, long before marriage officially made him her son-in-law.

"I… I don't know. I know he will be. But right now, I'm not sure. This case has been tough. It consumes him 24/7, even when he's not at work. Walter excels at his job, you know that. He is not going to shut off until its solved. Case closed. It might not wear him quite as thin if I could get him to be just a little selfish when he's home. But I don't think he knows how to be selfish. He tirelessly dedicates himself to catching real life monsters then comes home and makes it his mission to assure my happiness. My selfless man trying to be the perfect detective and husband, without ever stopping to tend to himself. If he were home right now, I guarantee he would be rubbing my feet or trying to because I had a hectic day. I do the best I can. Keep him afloat while he saves lives and brings closure to loved ones."

I could tell from her hesitation, my mother was unsure how to respond. "I worry about him. About you." 

"I know, mama. I worry about him too. But we'll be okay. We always end up okay. Sooner or later the case will be closed and things will start to return to normal. Not all of them consume him so much. Most are not this tough. Hopefully it will be months or more before another one like this comes along."

She sighed, undoubtedly still worried. Mama never stopped worrying. I simply hoped my words lessened the feeling, even if only a little. "Are you sure you are okay, sweetheart?"

Her words may have sounded as if they were just about me. Yet I knew better. My gaze dropped while I smoothed a hand over my stomach. "I promise. I'm okay, she's okay. We're okay." We did not know the gender of our baby growing in my barely there bump, however Walter insisted we were having a daughter. 

A soft ping and brief light drew my gaze to the rectangle in my hand. A text from Walter. 

Leaving soon, love. Do either of my girls want anything on my way?

My sweet, selfless husband. "Mama, Walter just messaged. He's okay, and coming home soon."

Her sigh of relief was audible. "Good. When he gets there, tell him I love him and to be safe. I should let you go, sweetheart. You need to rest." Forever the protective mother, to her children and those they loved.

"I will tell him. And I promise I'm resting. I love you."

"Love you too. Stay warm." I smiled and knew she was too. My finger swiped the end call button. She never hung up first. I typed a reply to Walter.

We just need you. ❤