A Shattered Perfect [Miniminter's Sister/WillNE]

• 14 | desperate •

Marnie was stood at the bar with Will's arms either side of her as she bought the next round. It was Simon, Will, Josh, JJ and herself and they were all sitting outside in the pub garden which backed onto the river.

She had changed into a pair of tight, ripped skinny jeans and white decorated tee, tucking the front into her jeans a little. The sun was still shining on them on the summer evening.

Will had just popped back out to take two of the drinks out whilst Marnie payed. She looked around the bar, looking at all the people having a good Friday night.

She turned suddenly as somebody tapped her shoulder. A part of her was surprised and a part not, seeing him standing there. He wasn't angry; his eyes were red.

"Leo." Marnie muttered out, not being able to say anything more she stepped backwards. He held his hands out and took one back himself.

"I'm not going to start anything, Moo. Please just talk to me." Leo's voice was weak and his face showed it. Marnie couldn't speak. She was in shock. The memory of him hitting her back at the house was plaguing her mind as her breathing picked up. "Please."

He was desperate. Marnie could see it in his eyes but he was dangerous. She hadn't seen him like this since before things got bad. When things first starting going wrong for him, he could cry to her in the comfort of their home and beg her to keep him safe. He was soft, he was vulnerable and he just wanted her care.

"What are you doing here, Leo? Why?" Marnie looked behind her, seeing if anyone was coming out to see where she was. Leo ran his hand through his hair, keeping his distance between her and seemingly respecting for the first time in forever.

"I just need to hear your voice. I need to talk to you without all of my mistakes haunting me. With nobody stopping me." Leo wiped a stray tear from his cheek.

Marnie bit her lip, thinking about it. She cared too much. She wanted to say no because she knew what the boys would do, but she cared.

"Just wait here. Let me take these drinks out and I'll be back." Marnie went to grab the drinks but Leo went to reach out to stop her, catching her eye but he retracted his hand after she flinched.

"Don't tell them I'm here please." Leo pleaded and Marnie nodded. She walked out with the three drinks in her hands and placed them on the table where Will had gotten caught up in conversation.

"Thanks Marn." Simon smiled, taking his.

"I'm just going to pop to the loo," Marnie said unconvincingly. She placed a kiss on Will's lips before turning and walking back into the pub. Leo caught eyes with her again, relieved to see her alone and followed her out of the front of the pub. "I won't be long."

Marnie went and leant on the wall, Leo paced out in front of her a little.

"I haven't got long." Marnie said, defensively now as she held her elbow not sure whether she was safe right now or not.

"Okay, I won't take up your time. I don't want to be that horrible guy I was any more. I lost you - I miss you." Leo fidgeted, not able to stand still.

"Leo, I'm happier now. I'm happy with who I've got and I'm safe. I wasn't safe with you. You hurt me." Marnie spoke softly, trying to be careful not to anger him. It's how she always had to talk to him when their relationship began to be over thin ice.

"I know," Leo's first words came out quickly but he took a breath. "I know what I did. I'm sorry. I am. I just want to know that you're really happy without me. We were so good."