Ghost Of You (Michael Berzatto X Black!OC X Eventual Richie Jerimovich)

18. Shades Of Cool

2019-Chicago, Illinois

Angie hummed to herself to fill the quiet room. She folded the last of the clothes as Mikey came into their shared bedroom.

"She's finally asleep." He sighed, sitting on the bed.

"Good." Angie crawled onto the bed and sat beside him. "Hi."

"Hi."

She softly pressed her lips to his and leaned on his chest. "I wanna talk to you about something."

"Am I in trouble?" He smirked down at her.

"No. I was just thinking we could try something."

"Try what?"

"Just hear me out."

"Try what, Ange?"

"Couple's therapy."

His brows furrowed and he shook his head in confusion. "What?"

"Just someone we could talk to about our problems."

"We don't have problems."

"Babe, we are constantly arguing."

"Just 'cause we argue it doesn't mean that we need therapy."

"We're always either working, or taking care of Sophia. And the little time we spend together, we spend it yelling at each other."

"It's just a rough patch. We're gonna be fine."

"You know, I can't remember the last time we had an actual conversation. Or the last time we had sex. Or the last time you told me you loved me."

"I love you." He grabbed her hands. "Is that what you wanna hear? I love you."

"Michael-"

"I'm not going to fucking therapy. Alright?" He stood up. "I ain't doing it."

"You had a breakdown and attacked your mom's boyfriend three months ago. Maybe you should do it."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I'm just saying that it could probably help you with whatever you're going through."

"And tell me what exactly you think it is that I'm going through." He furrowed his brows in disbelief, crossing his arms.

"Don't do that."

"Do what?"

"Try to make me feel bad."

"I'm just tryna figure out what you mean."

"Michael, I think you might be dependent on your pills."

He took a deep breath and chuckled softy. "Dependent?"

"Yeah. And I think they're making you act out."

"They're not."

"You threw forks at Lee."

"He's an asshole."

"Asshole or not, you don't do that." She sternly told him. "I can handle it when you drink, or when you're cranky because you don't have your pills. But put them together...you're a whole different beast."

"I told you I was sorry about Christmas. I fucked up. I know that."

"What about every other time you've fucked up? When is it gonna end?"

"I'm sorry I can't be perfect for you, Angie."

"I don't want you to be perfect!" She stood up and walked closer to him. "I want you to be normal! I want you to stop acting like a fucking junkie!"

He pursed his lips and sighed at his wife's words. "Wow."

"I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine."

"That was a shitty thing to say."

"Yeah, it kinda was." He sighed. "It's fine, though. I'm gonna go take a drive."

"Michael, don't avoid me."

"I'm not. I just need a minute." He bent down to kiss her cheek and walked out of the room.

She sat back down on the bed and sighed. "Fuck."