Angel

Chapter 82

Axel

"I know this isn't easy, but we need to talk about our family," Brandon said as we all sat in the sterile room. "I'm not asking us to make any drastic decisions, but to remember that we are still a family and we love each other no matter what."

Dove's eyes were glazed as she stared past us. The steady sound of the ventilator was the only other noise in the room. She stood and walked toward the bed, her fingers trembling as she took Marc's fingers in her hand. "How do I keep going? How do I survive without Nova?" she cried. "I love you, all of you, but my whole life it was him. He saved me in so many ways. I don't know how to face each day without him."

"We aren't asking you to let go, Dove. We aren't ready for that either, but we need you to live. Live for Violet and Sofia, for us, but mostly for yourself," I told her, then looked at the others, "And all of us need to let go of any guilt we have. Marc knew the risks and he did it for his family - for those he loved. Hiding from each other, shutting down, and giving up make his sacrifice worthless. He did this so we could stay together as a family. Please don't give up on that."

Raven's broken sob drew her attention. "I broke my promise, krolik."

She walked closer, putting her arms around his shoulder, "Raven, I told you then it wasn't a promise you could keep. I don't blame you." She held her hand out to Emilio, "I don't blame you either."

"But I do," Emilio said. "If I hadn't been so obsessed with you, then my brother would be happy and alive, living his life with you, his daughter, and those he loved. I took that from him, from all of you."

"He isn't dead," I said through gritted teeth. "We can't give up hope." Brandon's arms wrapped around me. I knew the odds were slim. I knew the doctor had talked about decreased brain function, but I didn't care. As long as there was a blip on that monitor, I wasn't letting go of him.

Author's Notes:  tissues...

Sean

Owen placed a cup of coffee on the table next to me and wrapped his arms around me. "What have you eaten today?"

"Chocolate chip pancakes, and don't ask Luke to cook for me again. I swear I have diabetes by association now," I grimaced as I took a sip of the hot liquid.

Owen chuckled, "Yeah, I think we're all missing North and Marc's cooking talents. Speaking of Marc, any changes?"

I sighed and leaned back onto his chest. "No. They're in his room now having a family meeting. I want to give them hope, Owen, I really do, but the scans aren't good. The blast caught him hard. Even if he wakes up, there's so much swelling..."

He kissed the side of my head, "I know love. You and the others have done all you can. Now we just have to be there for them, no matter what they decide or what happens." He laced his fingers in mine. "Apparently, our girl read North the riot act for being mean. She's officially named him grumpy bear," he snorted.

"Damn, wish I'd been there for that one. Little bird is good for us," I smiled. "She doesn't take our shit either."

"Yeah, a far cry from the damsels in distress we used to chase," he chuckled. "Even Erica gave her the stamp of approval and permission to beat our asses if she isn't around."

"Well, damn, I guess it's official then, huh?" We sat for a while longer, just enjoying a moment of silence and each other. "What are we going to do, Owen? Are we really capable of going back to Charleston and picking up where we left off? I mean, most of our lives revolved around the Academy and that's gone now."

"I don't know," he mused. "I think we might need to have a family meeting of our own soon, but not yet. Depending on what they decide about Marc, might influence our decisions."

"I definitely don't want to leave before Mattie delivers," I added. "Then again, if Erica and Alberto get any cozier, we may have family here."

He snorted, "Yeah, I guess I always assumed she and Uncle would get together, but I guess not."

I turned and looked at my clueless husband, "Um, really? Oh, how the mighty have fallen. I think your powers of perception are slipping, dear."

"Huh? What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that apparently polyamory runs in the Taylor genes, dear husband," then I leaned in and kissed him. "Oh Owen, you're so beautifully clueless sometimes. It gives hope to the rest of us that perfection isn't always perfect."

He rolled his eyes and growled, then quickly flipped me over, pinning me beneath him. "Let me show you how perfect I can be, my love." His hand slid into my pants as he began stroking my length, eliciting small whimpers from me. With all the turmoil, it had been far too long since we'd made love, and I needed him.

"Owen, please," I moaned as he stood and removed his clothes then took mine off. He put one knee on the couch by my hip while the other stayed firmly planted on the floor. I let out a soft cry as he worked his fingers into my rim, scissoring me wider. He latched my leg over his arm as he began to push his cock inside of me.

"Fuck, I've missed this," he groaned as he bottomed out inside of me. Then grunted as he began pounding me harder. I clung to his shoulders as he fucked me with abandon, his hand pumping my cock. He cried out my name as he began to spill inside of me and I came all over his hand and my stomach. He gave me that millimeter smile as he leaned down to kiss me. "I love you, Sean."

"I love you too, Owen," I answered and our mouths crashed together.