In Flames (Young & the Restless Fanfic)

Chapter Twenty One-Moving Forward

A/N: This chapter was the most difficult to write and I have no idea why! But enjoy!

-KSuzMil :)

          Genevieve looked out the window in Tucker’s living room the next morning. The sky was gray and gloomy. There was rain falling slowly and wind blew the trees in every direction. The weather seemed to fit her mood that morning. She was tired and cold; she didn’t sleep at all and her eyes were red a puffy from crying. She hated what she had done to Sharon all for her own selfish reasons. Genevieve had been haunted by the voices of Noah and Faith Newman begging her not to send their mother to prison all night long. “Those poor children” She whispered to herself. She had heard about how Noah had already lost Cassie, his big sister and now he was losing his own mother. Faith was so young and innocent, Genevieve felt like she had broken the poor girl’s childhood by sending her mother away. “AHHHHH!” Genevieve shouted pounding her fist against the window pain.

          “Hey Gen, calm down before you shatter my window.” Tucker said walking into the room. “What’s the difference I’ve already shattered the lives of so many here in Genoa City?” she asked Tucker took a seat on the couch, “Come here.” He said patting the empty space next to him. Genevieve huffed and walked over to the couch. She sat next to him, “What?” she asked frustrated with him and herself. “What’s with you? Did you get any sleep last night?” “No I had too much on my mind to sleep.” “Why didn’t you wake me up I could’ve calmed you down?” “I just wanted to be alone that was all.” “I understand but now can you tell me what’s bothering you?” Genevieve lowered her head, “Noah and Faith Newman.” She told him. “Nick and Sharon’s kids?” he asked “Yes.” She nodded “What about them?” “We sent their mother to jail and now Faith has to grow up without her.” Tucker understood what she meant. He took her hands, “Gen listen to me, Nicholas is a good father to his children he will get them through this. You did what was right by sending Sharon away. She was a danger to society and herself. Not to mention that she committed a crime and almost murdered Nikki.” “I know that but you’re not understanding my point Tucker!” Genevieve shouted standing up. She walked over to the window again and looked out it. “You’re right I’m not; so explain it to me Gen!” Tucker shouted at her. “I sent a woman to jail Tucker.” Genevieve snarled still facing the window. “She was guilty Gen.” “She wasn’t just any woman though,” she said turning towards him “she was a mother and one of my friends.” Tucker walked over to her, he placed his hands on her shoulders and looked deep into her eyes. “Hey listen, you did the right thing and that’s all there is to it. Now you can move forward with your life, with me.” “I’m engaged to you.” She whispered. “Only if you still want to be.” He said smiling “I do.” She laughed. He pulled her in for a deep kiss. All of Genevieve’s worries seemed to fade away in that moment.

          Nikki made her way down the stairs in the ranch that same morning, the smell of food tickling her nose. She entered the living room and there was Victor with the table set up with food, drinks, candles and flowers. “What is all this?” she asked amazed “Good morning my love,” Victor said walking over to her “this is our victory breakfast.” Nikki looked at the table again, “You really go out of your way to impress a woman don’t you?” she asked “Not just any woman though I only do this for the woman who owns my heart.” Victor said helping her sit down. “Really, well I’d like to meet her.” Nikki joked “Yeah I bet you would.” Victor chuckled sitting across from her “What is she like?” Nikki asked taking a sip of her coffee “Well, she has the most beautiful smile and her blue eyes are as cool as the sky on an autumn day. Her lips are as red as a rose in full bloom. Her blonde hair is a smooth as the silk bed sheets her and I made love on last night. Her skin is white like the snow that will fall here soon. Her giggle is sweet and innocent like a little girl who just got a brand new pony for her birthday. She pouts when she doesn’t get her way; she loves her clothes, shoes, purses and jewelry. She has very expensive taste but her sense of housing decor is brilliant. She loves to snuggle close to the one she loves with a fire nearby in a candle lit room on a cold winter’s night.” Victor explained smiling the entire time. “She sounds too good to be true” Nikki replied “Oh yeah, what’s your man like?” Victor teased “Oh, that’s easy!” Nikki exclaimed. She leaned in closer to him and whispered, “He’s tall, dark and handsome of course. He’s rich, powerful and ruthless. He’s got the money, looks and charm to sweep any woman off her feet. When he looks at you he makes you feel wanted, when his hands are on you he makes you feel important and when his lips are locked with yours you are in his power and there is no turning back.” Nikki leaned back in her chair, “What made you fall for him?” Victor asked her “All those things I suppose.” she said. Victor stood up and took her hands; he pulled her up to stand with him. “What are you doing?” she asked “All those things I said about you are true you know?” “I know.” He cupped her cheek in the palm of his hand, “Sweetheart I love you so much and I don’t want to lose you.” “I love you too and you won’t lose me because I’m not going anywhere.” The two of them stared at each other for a long moment before they sealed their promise with a kiss.

          Nikki walked in the grass around the remains of the barn that night. The rain had stopped but the ground was wet and muddy so she wore jeans and her riding boots. Victor had been working all day and she was getting bored so she decided to go for a walk. He made her promise that she wouldn’t go by the barn without him but when she saw it she had to get closer. As she looked at the ruble the tears sprung to her eyes. She still couldn’t believe that this had happened to them. The images of her being trapped flooded her mind, the smoke, the flames, Sharon; they all came to her at once. Nikki felt the presence of someone behind her; she didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. “I thought I told you not to come back here.” came Victor’s stern voice. “Since when do I do anything you tell me to?” she asked “That’s not the point.” “Then what is the point?” “It’s dangerous out here, especially for you.” “Victor please, don’t do this.” Nikki wined turning around. “I just don’t want you to get hurt sweetheart.” “I’m being careful; really I am.” “Come on” he said reaching out his hand. She took it and he pulled her to his side. They walked back towards the main house in total silence.

          Just as they entered the house the rain began to pour again, “Good timing.” Nikki said “Yeah.” Was all Victor said before disappearing down the hall. Nikki huffed and sat down on the couch; she was freezing and wanted to get into something more comfortable. “Could we have a fire?” she called to Victor. He appeared moments later with a cup of hot tea for her, “You go up and change and I’ll make the fire.” He told her. “All right” Nikki said taking the cup of tea and heading for the stairs. As she changed she thought of what had happened the night before between her and Victor. She came out of the bathroom and took one look at the bed before heading back downstairs. As she entered the living room there was a huge fire in the fireplace and not to mention hundreds of tiny candles all around the room. “Oh my . .  .” she gasped “Do you like it?” Victor asked standing by the fireplace. “Of course I do.” Nikki said walking over to him. He took in the sight of her in her fuzzy pink robe, “What do you have under there?” he asked “Victor,” Nikki said putting her hand up “I’m wearing pajamas, warm pajamas.” “That’s alright too.” He chuckled leading her over to the couch. He sat down and she placed herself as close to him as she could get. “Isn’t this nice?” she asked “Just the two of us here together on a rainy night?” ‘Yes Nikki it is very nice.” Victor agreed. “You wouldn’t rather be at Newman doing work?” she questioned. “No sweetheart, I like where you and I have been lately.” ‘I do too.” “Like last night for example.” “The night before wasn’t so bad either.” “You wanna make it a third?” he asked smiling. Nikki giggled nodding her head “Yes!” Victor pulled her onto his lap, “Much better.” He whispered “Much.” Nikki said. He bent and kissed her lips, her neck, her cheek, her nose, her forehead and her lips again. Nikki sat there enjoying every second of the passionate moment they were sharing. Victor laid her down on the couch and his hands tangled in her hair. This seemed almost too good to be true for the two of them. The moment was broken by the ringing of the doorbell. Victor didn’t seem to hear it; he made a trail of kisses from Nikki’s jaw line to her neck. “Victor,” Nikki gasped; her breathing heavy. “Victor, there is someone at the door.” “Just leave it alone maybe they’ll go away.” He growled against her soft skin. Nikki felt his breath hot on her exposed skin. The bell rang again and there was knocking at the door. “Damn it!” Victor cursed getting off the couch and heading to the front door. Nikki grabbed the blanket on the back of the couch and snuggled under it to keep warm. She heard Victor unlock the door and then it opened. “Adam . . . “ she heard Victor say