WHEN THE RAIN STOPS- Scrutinized [TANNER x LUNA] 2 IN 1

SIDE STORY PT. SIXTY NINE

|TANNER|

I took a deep inhale from my cigarette. Really enjoying the light buzz it gave me as I looked at the moon. The driver stayed inside but didn't seem to mind me leaning on the car while I waited. I wasted time by wondering what type of family he would have.

Maybe a wife and kid, that he likes to take on hiking trips in the mountains with. He would buy them lunch everyday and take them on glorious adventure from time to time. His wedding was nothing short than impeccable and his wife was the prettiest one in the land. Or at least to him. Yes, he would treat her right, like a special flower that grew in the most richest of soil. Or perhaps he stays in a dark basement with his mother. Trapped by boredom and what could've been. Maybe he is a lonely man, or a very popular one trying to make it in the world somehow. But what am I thinking?

I took another inhale.

What would happen if I had gotten caught all those years ago? None of this would've happened.. Luna would still be in her sad little world, looking for Vincent, meanwhile I would be rotting in jail.. it's funny.. if you take the time to really look at it, this is all just a ball of yarn that was put together on coincidence. Luna could've managed without me, hell she might've been better off too. But ever since I took her to that room and followed her to that bar.. I was the one who decided her fate. I let my selfish actions harm an innocent little go getter and scarred her for life.

I closed my eyes and leaned back. "What the hell have I done?.." I whispered before I heard heels walk toward me along with a giggle from the one I doomed.

But instead of the sad silence most people would've adapted to, I decided, since I'm here, I should enjoy what I've done. I owe us that much.

I opened my eyes and lit my smile, for that giggle brought me back to reality and the realization that I did all those things for a reason. I followed her to that club because I noticed how handsy her boss was. I gave her the file because I had saw the eye bags she had taken for it. I went into that danger zone of a police station because of what her boss did to her the night before. And all that happened for one reason and one reason only.

I knew I was gonna marry this woman.

The driver came out. Finally, I could inspect him. Well built, almost as tall as me, maybe 5'10-5'11 definitely a little shorter. Old style driver's cap on and brown curly hair. He came up to Luna and helped with the bags but I couldn't shake the feeling I've met him before. Maybe a familiar face? Or a late friend? I couldn't tell with his hat on, which was a pity, but besides that,  Luna seemed happier now. At least a little bit.

"Did you enjoy your party my love?" I asked from behind the driver's privacy shutter to the birthday girl sitting beside me. "Yeah, it was fun." She softly smiled and looked outside. "Did you have fun?" I nodded. "Yeah, Ein told me he and Layla might start trying for another kid soon." "Ooo I know!" She turned back around. "I'm so excited for them!" "Me too. But he said we might have to babysit from time to time because of their jobs." She smiled. "I'd like that. Wouldn't you?" I smiled back. "Of course." Her smile extended into her cheeks. "Do you want to watch baking shows when we get home?" I shook my head. "Oh and why not?" "I was actually thinking of reading tonight. Perhaps the new book I got you?" She gasped. "You got me a new book?" "Mmhmmm, hard cover too." She chippered up and went in for a hug. As she leaned in I noticed her smell. God I always love it. It's so comforting and homey that I sometimes catch myself spraying it on my pillow at night. I closed my eyes but as soon as we made contact she pushed away. "Wait- I'm supposed to be mad at you." "What? Why?" She sighed. "You know why." I pouted. "Can you really be mad at me?" I put my hand to the side of her face. Gently moving it to look at me. "I was just trying to protect you.." she pursed her lips with a slight tug to her left. "I know.. but you have to understand.. he's-." She stopped talking. "The dog is a part of my family. It'll be a lot to handle if you put it down. Even if it attacked me." "Then why don't we sell it?" She furrowed her brows and quickly gave me a questioning look. "We could give it to your buddies at the station. You do know how much August wants a dog. We could let him keep the damn thing til it dies! There. Problem solved." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Fine. But can we do it tomorrow? It's a little too late now." I nodded. "Great. But, are we good? I really don't want to keep fighting like the past few weeks.." I sat up and took off my seat belt. Embracing her in a comforting hug as we pulled up to the house. "I love you, Luna." I kissed her head before we stepped out of the car. The driver popping the trunk for us before we finally set the presents in the house and laid on the couch.