TNN ONESHOTS

Ranting - MK & RK & AFK & WFK

"I'm sorry, but I need to rant. This isn't jealousy or anything it just hurts. But you go quiet, and Winter messages you and everyone on the work group chat and is sweet. I'm sitting here struggling, and i get nothing from anyone. I'm barely holding on, and only you seem to care. I joke about it. I know but I'm struggling so much but it's all so funny for everyone. All I get is ignored while they flirt with each other. It's not you because you are here for me, and I know that, but I'm suffering, and no one seems to care." Marjorie ranted as she paced back and forth in the living room.

Reece watched her closely before standing up. He caught her in his arms before pulling her against his chest. "Darling, I've got you." He told her as he held her tighter.

"No, you dont understand!" She shouted at him "I'm really sorry that I haven't been like normal. If I'm honest, I'm just in survival mode. I'm terrified to lose you and everyone at the nursery, but if I isolate myself now, then I'm ready for it, you know. They will be used to not having me there, and i will be used to going without their company. I just physically can't lose you. Everyone has left me or just slowly cared less and less about me, and I just dont think I can come to the day that it happens with you. I can't do it without you, and I'm so scared that im going to wake up and you would have moved on and found better. Let's be real. I'm nothing special, so I can easily be replaced. I just hope you know that I love you so much." Marjorie sobbed into Reeces chest. She tried so had to hold back the tears but it was too late. Her whole body shook, and she clung to him.

"Okay baby,  it's okay. I've got you." He whispered softly before lifting her into his arms and moving to sit on the couch. Her body shook as she tried to compose herself. "Lay down, darling, and i will be here," he whispered, but she shook her head. "N-no, you will go just like everyone else. Please just love me. Please." She begged while clutching his jumper in her hands. "Baby, I've got you. i really have. Can you hear my heartbeat?" He asked softly while pulling her closer to his chest. Marjorie nodded slightly, but her body continued to shake against his chest.

The lights of the living room seemed to pulse, amplifying the pounding in Marjorie's chest.  Another wave of heat washed over her, and her breath hitched in her throat. A panic attack, a familiar foe, was creeping in. Reece, who was holding her, noticed the change immediately. He gently placed a hand on her arm, his touch grounding her in the chaos.

"Hey, hey, it's okay," he murmured, his voice a calm anchor in the storm. He guided her onto his lap and good of the couch. He looked at her, meeting her gaze, his eyes filled with a steady reassurance that always managed to find its way through to her. "Just breathe with me, alright? In... and out..." He demonstrated, his own breathing slow and deliberate, a rhythm for her to follow.

Marjorie struggled, her breath shallow and ragged, but she focused on Reece's voice, his presence a comforting constant. He spoke softly, reminding her of their favourite places, their shared jokes, anything to distract her from the spiralling thoughts. Slowly, the grip of the panic began to loosen. The world didn't seem quite so overwhelming. With Reece's help, Marjorie found her way back to herself, one breath at a time.

Once she finally felt in control, she clung to him as tight as possible. "I love you, i really do," he hushed. "And so does Aut and Char and Sorscha and carly," he whispered softly while rubbing her back. Marjorie nodded slightly before just letting herself fully relax in his arms. "I could invite them to dinner if you want." Reece offered, but Marjorie shook her head quickly. "I can't not today, please.  Aut and winter are different, but not everyone. I can't deal with mia flirting with Char. I do love them, but i can't. Please  not today." She practically begged him, to which Reece nodded. "You can call Aut later if you want her here," Reece whispered to make sure Marjorie felt in control.

*

The kitchen was a whirlwind of activity, but not in a good way. She was desperate to help Reece while he went to have a shower, but it turns out it was a bad idea. Dinner was a disaster. The roast was burnt, the potatoes were undercooked, and Marjorie's carefully planned evening had crumbled around her. Tears pricked her eyes as she surveyed the mess, the weight of the day still pressing down on her. That's when she knew she desperately needed autumn. Without a second thought, she grabbed her phone and dialled.

"Hey, it's me," Marjorie said, her voice thick with emotion when Autumn answered. "I know it's short notice, but... could you come over? Dinner's a complete disaster, and honestly, I just need you." There was a beat of silence, then Autumn's warm, reassuring voice filled the phone. "Of course, I'm on my way. Don't worry about the food. We'll figure it out. Just open a bottle of wine, okay?"

Relief washed over Marjorie. She hung up the phone, a small smile gracing her lips. Autumn's presence was a promise of comfort and a much-needed escape from the culinary catastrophe. She poured herself a glass of wine, the simple act of a small act of self-care. As she waited, she started to clear the table, the task feeling less daunting with the knowledge that her best friend would soon be there.

Just as she opened the bottle, reece appeared in the doorway. "I said i would help you." He told her as he rolled his eyes. "Aut and winter are coming over," she mumbled. Reece nodded before walking over and kissing his wife. "Let's go and sit down."

*

The doorbell chimed, a welcome sound that sliced through the lingering tension in Marjorie's apartment. She rushed to the door, her heart already lighter. As she opened it, Autumn stood there, a familiar, comforting presence. Without a word, Autumn stepped inside, her arms opening wide.

Marjorie didn't hesitate. She melted into the embrace, burying her face in Autumn's shoulder. The hug was tight, a silent promise of support and understanding. Autumn's arms were a safe haven, a place where Marjorie could let go of the day's frustrations. She squeezed back, feeling the tension in her own shoulders begin to ease.

They stood there for a moment, just holding each other, the world outside fading away. Then, Autumn gently pulled back, her eyes filled with concern. "Everything's going to be okay," she whispered, her voice soft. "Let's get you sat in the living room and get the men into this kitchen, and they can start again." Aut told her. Reece had already warned them about Marjories outburst earlier. With that, the two friends moved forward towards the living room, ready to face the evening together.
*

Soon, the aroma of garlic and herbs filled the kitchen, a stark contrast to the earlier chaos. Winter and Reece, a dynamic duo in the kitchen, had taken over their movements a practised dance. Winter, with her precise knife skills, chopped vegetables with focused intensity, while Reece, a natural with flavours, stirred a pot of simmering sauce, occasionally tasting and adjusting the seasonings.

They worked in comfortable silence, a shared understanding passing between them. They knew that Autumn and Marjorie needed a night of comfort, and they were determined to deliver. The kitchen, once a scene of disaster, was now a place of warmth and purpose. The two friends making a lasagna, a dish filled with layers of love and care for their loved ones.

As the lasagna baked, filling the apartment with its rich scent, Winter and Reece set the table. They lit candles, creating a soft glow, and  glasses of wine for everyone. The stage was set for a night of healing and friendship. They knew that the best part of the meal wouldn't just be the food, but the company, the laughter, and the shared support that would fill the room.

Winter went to call Autumn and Marjorie to come and join them in the kitchen. Autumn settled next to Marjorie at the table. The candlelight cast a warm glow, softening the edges of the day's worries. Reece and Winter, having finished their kitchen duties, joined them, and the four friends were finally together.

The meal began with a shared silence, a moment of quiet gratitude for the food and each other's company. Then, the conversation started, slowly at first, with gentle questions and reassurances. Autumn listened intently as Marjorie spoke, her hand occasionally reaching out to squeeze her friends as she could hear the emotion seeping into her voice again.

As the meal progressed, the mood lightened. Stories were shared, laughter filled the room, and the weight of the day began to lift. The lasagna, a symbol of their shared effort, was a perfect comfort. It was more than just a meal; it was a testament to their bond. Marjorie, watching the faces of her friends, felt a deep sense of belonging and hope. The evening was a reminder that even in the darkest times, there was always warmth and support to be found.