Post by -SAN. on Nov 15, 2008 19:34:57 GMT 10
****SPOILER ALERT**** "Aftermath" Season 14.
Okay, This is the only fanfiction I plan to write. I did this in response to a Luby fanfiction challenge on The Vodka Club forum, giving my interpretation of what may happened after Luka discovers Abby's affair.
Zelda requested I post it here, CONSTRUCTIVE feedback, positive or critical, is appreciated.
I am editing this to add that this story is a 'One Shot' and is complete.
“SHHH”
“Shhh, Joe. Shhh.” Luka stroked his son’s downy hair with gentle fingers, soothing away disturbing dreams and sending the little boy back to peaceful slumber. The airplane shaped nightlight next to the crib gave just enough illumination to allow father to watch child sleep, and in the quiet sound of Joe’s breathing Luka smiled a little.
Proof miracles could happen lay within the innocent life before him; something Luka had never dared hope for again. The smile faded. He knew all too well miracles could be snatched away in an instant. Until recently, he hadn’t realized they could also become tainted and diminished, shadowing joy and weighing down one’s heart. Leaning down, Luka kissed his son’s soft cheek then turned away.
The stairs creaked under his bare toes; Luka wondered if Abby were lying awake in their marriage bed, listening to him prowl through another sleepless night. It had become an unspoken ritual for them, and one he hated. Lying awake together scant inches apart without touching or talking, until the breaking point was reached and Luka rose up to pace through darkened rooms.
If this had only been an alcoholic relapse, Luka could deal with it. He could knock this demon aside and believe Abby’s apologies and explanations; he could have hope they would overcome it together and reunite as a family.
He would have faith he could forgive her.
If it were only a relapse, and not betrayal… his heart ached, but Luka couldn’t look past it, could not accept another man knowing his wife’s touch and scent. Another man had tasted her, and Abby was asking him to forget that, to forgive her.
I can’t do this.
The thought caught his breath and anger rose up, sharp and biting, bringing a hand to press against the sudden racing of his heart in a vain attempt to slow it. He’d been through too much already; he couldn’t do this too.
Head lowered, Luka tried to take deep measured breaths, but it wasn’t working, damn it, it wasn’t helping, and the fury kept coming, threatening to bring him screaming up the stairs to where Abby lay. No. He would not do this. With effort Luka opened fists clenched so tight they ached. He would not hurt her. He. Would. Not.
Joe called out just then and the rage subsided. Shaken, Luka stood still for a few seconds more before moving toward the stairs to go to the nursery. He reached the first step and froze, fingers going white on the banister. Abby was talking to their son, her low voice husky with tears and breaking on the words.
He couldn’t make out what she was saying but Luka stayed anyway, listening to the cadence of her voice and the answering laughter of their son. After a moment, he backed away, retreating to the living room and the leather sofa to drop down and close his eyes. With any luck he’d fall into sleep, and there would be no dreams.
-San Perry.
Do not use without permission
Okay, This is the only fanfiction I plan to write. I did this in response to a Luby fanfiction challenge on The Vodka Club forum, giving my interpretation of what may happened after Luka discovers Abby's affair.
Zelda requested I post it here, CONSTRUCTIVE feedback, positive or critical, is appreciated.
I am editing this to add that this story is a 'One Shot' and is complete.
“SHHH”
“Shhh, Joe. Shhh.” Luka stroked his son’s downy hair with gentle fingers, soothing away disturbing dreams and sending the little boy back to peaceful slumber. The airplane shaped nightlight next to the crib gave just enough illumination to allow father to watch child sleep, and in the quiet sound of Joe’s breathing Luka smiled a little.
Proof miracles could happen lay within the innocent life before him; something Luka had never dared hope for again. The smile faded. He knew all too well miracles could be snatched away in an instant. Until recently, he hadn’t realized they could also become tainted and diminished, shadowing joy and weighing down one’s heart. Leaning down, Luka kissed his son’s soft cheek then turned away.
The stairs creaked under his bare toes; Luka wondered if Abby were lying awake in their marriage bed, listening to him prowl through another sleepless night. It had become an unspoken ritual for them, and one he hated. Lying awake together scant inches apart without touching or talking, until the breaking point was reached and Luka rose up to pace through darkened rooms.
If this had only been an alcoholic relapse, Luka could deal with it. He could knock this demon aside and believe Abby’s apologies and explanations; he could have hope they would overcome it together and reunite as a family.
He would have faith he could forgive her.
If it were only a relapse, and not betrayal… his heart ached, but Luka couldn’t look past it, could not accept another man knowing his wife’s touch and scent. Another man had tasted her, and Abby was asking him to forget that, to forgive her.
I can’t do this.
The thought caught his breath and anger rose up, sharp and biting, bringing a hand to press against the sudden racing of his heart in a vain attempt to slow it. He’d been through too much already; he couldn’t do this too.
Head lowered, Luka tried to take deep measured breaths, but it wasn’t working, damn it, it wasn’t helping, and the fury kept coming, threatening to bring him screaming up the stairs to where Abby lay. No. He would not do this. With effort Luka opened fists clenched so tight they ached. He would not hurt her. He. Would. Not.
Joe called out just then and the rage subsided. Shaken, Luka stood still for a few seconds more before moving toward the stairs to go to the nursery. He reached the first step and froze, fingers going white on the banister. Abby was talking to their son, her low voice husky with tears and breaking on the words.
He couldn’t make out what she was saying but Luka stayed anyway, listening to the cadence of her voice and the answering laughter of their son. After a moment, he backed away, retreating to the living room and the leather sofa to drop down and close his eyes. With any luck he’d fall into sleep, and there would be no dreams.
-San Perry.
Do not use without permission
