The Show Goes On All Night (Rosie)

[ROSE MERCER]

Everything was going fine. Rose felt more at peace with the lot that had been given to her, than she ever had before. Her and Guillermo were going to be okay. They were going to be friends. And... he might not be thrilled about the baby, but... They'd do it. He was a good man. How could she have ever doubted him? Rose smiled at him, only to see a look of grave seriousness on his face. The smile weakened, confused by what she had done wrong.

"Rose, I.. That morning that I said those things to you.. Every word was a lie." His eyes closed, and Rose was left staring, sure she had misheard him. Wait. What? Rose blinked at him twice, as he gave her a small smile, her expression puzzled. Had she finally lost it? Guillermo's arms wrapped around her, and Rose inhaled sharply, falling into a dip, her eyes blue and wide. "I love you, Rose. I never stopped."

Rose stared back at him, a small nose between a squeak and huh escaped her, her mind grasping at this. Why... why would he lie? That- What? Initially, Rose was happy, of course. But that lasted about two seconds. Then she was pissed. Four seconds. Then confused. Three seconds.

She had to say something. He couldn't hold her like this forever...

"I-" Rose started, her voice weak. "I'm pregnant, Guillermo. It's yours." She didn't exactly blurt it, but there was a speed to her voice. She... she couldn't say anything else. Of course she loved him. And Rose hoped he knew that. But this was urgent. This... he had to know this. Everything had just become instantly more complicated, and it was already a shit storm to start out with. So Rose just stared at him, watching him take this news in.

[GUILLERMO SALAS-ORTIZ]

He watched the rush of emotions cross her face.
Guillermo suddenly realized his stupidity.
How could he think she would want to hear that? He had hurt her terribly and she was probably about to push him away and yell.
Rose stared at him, then said in a slight rush,
"I- I'm pregnant, Guillermo. It's yours."
The words hit his eardrums and suddenly she disappeared from his arms and his head swam dizzyingly.
Pregnant.
Rose was pregnant.
How had that happened?
Well.. Actually, he knew HOW it had happened, but..
Her voice echoed in his mind.
I'm pregnant, Guillermo.
I'm pregnant, Guillermo.
I'm pregnant, Guillermo.
It's yours.
He swallowed hard.
She was having a baby.
And he was the father.
Guillermo jumped suddenly, realizing why Rose had disappeared. He had dropped her! He swept her up instantly, seating her on the couch.
"I'm so, so sorry, Rose, I d-didn't mean to drop.. I just.. and you're- and I'm the.." Guillermo swayed violently, horribly lightheaded.
Steadying himself on the arm of the sofa, he stared into Rose's eyes, his brown orbs full of shock and fear.

[ROSE MERCER]

Rose was only able to watch his reaction for a moment, as she sort of dropped on the floor. The small yelp that escaped her was not of pain, but of surprise. After all. Not quite what she was expecting, though in hindsight she really should have. Note to self: When delivering really big news, don't do it when being dangled over the floor. Abrazos came over, licking her face, as Rose lifted herself up on her elbows, pushing the puppy away gently and watching Guillermo.

He was just standing there.... Eyes wide. Mouth a little open. Staring at nothing and everything all at once. It could be said that he was staring at his life. And how Rose just ruined everything.

Shit.

His eyes looked down at her, as if surprised that she was on the floor, and realization seemed to come to his face. "I'm fine-" Rose started, but he was already over her, fretting.

She felt herself get scooped into his arms, and as much as she loved the feeling, Rose couldn't help but be a little peeved at the babying. She didn't need to be carried, she was fine. Still. He was as warm as she remembered. "I'm so, so sorry, Rose, I d-didn't mean to drop.. I just.. and you're- and I'm the.." Guillermo's body wavered as he spoke, and Rose reached out to steady him, though he managed with the couch. And when his eyes met hers, Rose's heart lept out to him.

She knew the feeling.

The fear.

The surprise.

The shock.

When Rose was sure he was steady, she nodded cautiously. "Yes. And... yes." Rose answered shyly, wanting to take his hands into hers, but scared he'd pull away. "I... I found out the day after you... after we... parted ways." Rose's eyes began to well up, a clusterfuck of emotions overwhelming her. Guillermo possibly hating her, guilt at her own carelessness, utter repressed fear of motherhood, remembering that awful day... She pulled the tears back. Her focus had to be on Guillermo right now. She had had time to cope. "And I'm sorry I didn't just come over and tell you, but you sounded so angry so I went to Mallory's to give you some space, and two weeks turned into the whole winter, and I wanted to tell you in person. But I was so scared." She quickly wiped the tears away, trying to explain this all to Guillermo, with a level head. "So... I just wanted to tell you that. Before I told you I love you too, Guillermo. Okay. I didn't mean to keep it from you for so long, I just... I just panicked." Her blue eyes contrite and filled with tears, Rose held her breath.

All she could do now was wait.

[GUILLERMO SALAS-ORTIZ]

Rose looked as terrified as he was.
"Yes. And... yes. I... I found out the day after you... after we... parted ways."
Her eyes welled up with tears and he sat beside her, not trusting himself to stand any longer.
"And I'm sorry I didn't just come over and tell you, but you sounded so angry so I went to Mallory's to give you some space, and two weeks turned into the whole winter, and I wanted to tell you in person. But I was so scared."
She quickly wiped the tears away and his heart lurched. He swallowed hard.
"So... I just wanted to tell you that. Before I told you I love you too, Guillermo. Okay. I didn't mean to keep it from you for so long, I just... I just panicked."
She loved him too.
A wave of relief rushed over him and he took her in his arms, holding her to his chest. It had been so long since he had held her, but it felt as natural as breathing.
"It's going to be alright, Rose. Everything will work out."
His voice was more confident than he felt.
But he loved her and would be with her no matter what. Not even the Wicked Witch of the East could keep them apart.
"Well it's about time."
An unfamiliar voice filled Guillermo's head and he paused in confusion, but ignored it and looked down into Rose's eyes. He wiped some tears from her cheek and gave her a nervous smile.

[ROSE MERCER]

Rose suddenly felt arms around her, and a heartbeat thudding in her ear, and the smell of citrus in her nose. It was a wonderful feeling, wonderful sound, wonderful smell. It was perfect, despite all pain from before, despite the fear for the future. Right now it was heaven. "It's going to be alright, Rose. Everything will work out." Rose closed her eyes, feeling his finger rub her tears away. Looking up, Rose saw a smile, though weak, and returned it. Just as weak, just as scared. Two people who never wanted to be parents, who's relationship was (to say the least) turbulent, suddenly knocked up.

It sounded like a bad lifetime movie.

"I'm going to get fat, you know." Rose muttered into his chest, as everything came too for her. "It's already starting..." She wanted to demand to know why he did what he did. Why he would purposefully, maliciously, lie to her like that! But, Rose finally had him back. She didn't want to scare him away.

"Darling, if the thought of you having hideous kankles isn't sending him running in terror, I don't think a little bit of yelling would really do much. I mean really, with your bone structure, you'd be hideous obese, wouldn't you?" Bruja's voice burned in Rose's ears, making her snap up and glare, as the green woman inspected her black nails. She was in the same suit that she had been the day she met Guillermo face to face, her sparling red shoes tapping impatiently.The pale brown eyes met Rose's, undeterred by the why-are-you-interrupting-this-tender-family-moment glare. "Besides, he's just going to tell you about how terrible old me tricked him into thinking that'd I'd kill you if he continued being a pest. He'll certainly make it all dramatic, and I'll be the bad guy. Again." Bruja's eyes fixed on Guillermo, her voice impatiently disinterested. "Isn't that right, Baby?"

"He can't hear you." Rose snapped, wanting her to go away. No way was Bruja jacking stuff up again.

"Oh, yes he can, Rosie Posie. That boy is one of us." Bruja gave a wry grin at the pair, before rolling her eyes. "You can come out now, Nicholas Chopper. Trust me, playing coy gets you no where with these two hard headed..." She trailed off, seeing Rose's silencing glare.

Bruja had developed a new sense of respect for her host, since Rose figured out that Bruja needed Rose to live. And while killing Dorothy was off the menu, Bruja did have interest in power, and a greater interest in not being dead. Thus, she needed Rose.

Rose's eyes looked at Guillermo, her questions coming out like a stream. "Can you see her? What is she talking about? Who the fuck is Nick Chopper?" Rose demanded, her patience wearing this, the tears from before stinging her face.

[GUILLERMO SALAS-ORTIZ]

"I'm going to get fat, you know. It's already starting..."
Guillermo chuckled at her words, breathing in the beautiful smell of her hair.
"Darling, if the thought of you having hideous kankles isn't sending him running in terror, I don't think a little bit of yelling would really do much. I mean really, with your bone structure, you'd be hideous obese, wouldn't you? Besides, he's just going to tell you about how terrible old me tricked him into thinking that'd I'd kill you if he continued being a pest. He'll certainly make it all dramatic, and I'll be the bad guy. Again."
Guillermo looked over and with intense irritation he saw Bruja.
"Isn't that right, Baby?"
"He can't hear you." Rose snapped.
"Oh, yes he can, Rosie Posie. That boy is one of us. You can come out now, Nicholas Chopper. Trust me, playing coy gets you no where with these two hard headed..."
Guillermo frowned, confused. One of them?
"Can you see her? What is she talking about? Who the fuck is Nick Chopper?"
Guillermo gave Rose a bewildered shrug and a man made of tin materialized beside Bruja.
"Well! I had sincerely hoped never to see you again, Miss Wicked Witch of the East. Or what was it Guillermo called you? Bruja?"
The Tin Man wore an expression of one who was slightly amused, yet annoyed.
Guillermo stared at him, unable to form a coherent question.
"What, you thought Rose was the only one with a fairytale creature renting out space in her mind? Ha! That's a good one."
"What the hell?" Guillermo had finally found his voice.
"Who the hell are you and what the fuck are you doing in my head?"
The Tin Man sighed tiredly and addressed Bruja as if Rose and Guillermo couldn't hear them.
"He's a very angry youth. You should have seen his mind. Such a horrid place. Destruction and danger and horrible, evil things. Then tucked at the very back was where I liked to stay. He's got a wonderful little warm spot where she," Tin Man pointed at Rose, "is plastered all over every inch of it. It's a good thing she returned home when she did. He was about to-"
Guillermo, who had been blushing moments ago, threw the Tin Man a warning glare. Then he felt foolish for glaring at a man who didn't exist.

[ROSE MERCER]

Rose was... She didn't know. Guillermo was looking right at Bruja. He could see her! WHEN THE HELL DID THIS START? And... why wasn't he surprised by her appearance? She couldn't mean what she said about... Oh God. Before Rose could begin royally bitching everyone out in a hormone craze, a metal man appeared in her living room, with a fast and hyper voice. Like he was afraid he had to get all of his words out before a timer went off. "Well! I had sincerely hoped never to see you again, Miss Wicked Witch of the East. Or what was it Guillermo called you? Bruja?" Holy shit. Was this the Tinman? THE TINMAN!?

"Oh, Nicholas, it's always a pleasure. How have you been? You know... since I enchanted that little axe of yours?" Rose had a sudden urge to read these books, as she hadn't a clue what Bruja was going on about. "And don't worry, you'll get yourself a cute little nickname too, I'm sure." Bruja leaned into her seat, comfortable as a bird on a summer day.

What. The fuck.

Guillermo stood in shock, almost frozen in it. Rose put her hand on his, eyebrow raised. This was too weird... The Tinman also noticed Guillermo's awe. "What, you thought Rose was the only one with a fairytale creature renting out space in her mind? Ha! That's a good one."

WELL WHAT DID THAT MEAN?

Rose's brows knitted, as she looked at Guillermo. "Does... does this mean I'm not crazy then?" As strange as this all was, it did make her feel better. "Well... I guess that's good. Isn't it..."

"Weeeell... it means you're not imagining me." Bruja corrected, her bitchy smirk in place. Rose ignored her, instead watching the Tinman with interest.

This man had lived in Guillermo's head? A sudden urge to probe the man for answers was forcibly kept at bay. Not that she had the chance to say much, as Guillermo remembered how his mouth worked. "What the hell? Who the hell are you and what the fuck are you doing in my head?"

Instead of speaking directly to Guillermo and Rose, The Tinman's attention was turned to Bruja. "He's a very angry youth. You should have seen his mind. Such a horrid place. Destruction and danger and horrible, evil things." Rose's eyes grew a little sad, but she tried not o show it, laying her head back on Guillermo's chest. Poor Guillermo... so much haunted him. She wondered how many of those things had to do with her. Those destructive, dangerous, horrible, evil, things. "Then tucked at the very back was where I liked to stay. He's got a wonderful little warm spot where she," Rose jumped a little when a finger got pointed at her, though The Tinman's rushed voice was friendly enough. "is plastered all over every inch of it. It's a good thing she returned home when she did. He was about to-"

Guillermo's body tensed suddenly, and Rose suddenly felt as if her stomach was hollow, and filled with bustly wind. He was about to- what? Rose wanted to ask, but Guillermo's face must have been severe enough to grab The Tinman's attention, because he stopped short.

"Forgive me if I'm not impressed. But you wouldn't believe what I had to go through with this one." Bruja sniffed dejectedly, crossing her legs. "Forget about all the daddy issues and the constant back and forth nonsense she seems to thrive on. She's bestfriends with the little bitch who killed me's hostess. Can you believe that? Of all the rotten luck. And don't even get me started on the 'If-I-don't-get-control-of-my-life-I'll-end-the-ride-for-the-both-of-us' speech." Bruja griped. Rose had rather hoped Guillermo wouldn't find out about that whole ordeal, but whatever... too late now. "And go figure he'd be yours, Nicholas Chopper, you slimy bastard. Why is it you always seem to have a thing for my girls?" Though she had insulted him, Bruja was actually speaking quite sociably. As if it were a comfort to talk with someone from her own land, even if it was someone she hated.

"Um..." Rose spoke up, clearing her throat a little. "As interesting as it is watching you two... exist..." Seriously? This should be recorded for science. "Could you maybe... go away. We're kind of dealing with some stuff here..."

Bruja gave a sour laugh. "What's to deal with? You got knocked up, he's going to do that daddy deal, mwah mwah, everyone lives happily ever after." Though this would be a good thing to most, Bruja looked bored with it, as if Rose could be doing so much better things with her time. But, after a scowl, Bruja huffed bitterly. "Well, I'm not going if he's not going..." Childishly, Bruja pointed her long green finger at The Tinmn.

This was going to get old, fast.

[GUILLERMO SALAS-ORTIZ]

"Oh, Nicholas, it's always a pleasure. How have you been? You know... since I enchanted that little axe of yours? And don't worry, you'll get yourself a cute little nickname too, I'm sure."
The Tin Man ignored Bruja and glanced over at Guillermo.
"For the record, I would really prefer Nicky."
Guillermo felt Rose take his hand and he once more felt comforted.
"Does... does this mean I'm not crazy then?"Well... I guess that's good. Isn't it..."
Guillermo offered Rose a small smile.
"No crazier than the rest of us."
"Weeeell... it means you're not imagining me."
As the Tin Man betrayed the secrets of his mind, Rose's eyes were sympathetic and she snuggled into his chest. Guillermo held her tightly, a little irked with the pair for ruining their moment.
"Forgive me if I'm not impressed. But you wouldn't believe what I had to go through with this one. Forget about all the daddy issues and the constant back and forth nonsense she seems to thrive on. She's bestfriends with the little bitch who killed me's hostess. Can you believe that? Of all the rotten luck. And don't even get me started on the 'If-I-don't-get-control-of-my-life-I'll-end-the-ride-for-the-both-of-us' speech. And go figure he'd be yours, Nicholas Chopper, you slimy bastard. Why is it you always seem to have a thing for my girls?"
The Tin Man gave Bruja a little smirk.
"Well I've always really liked you, I was just couldn't pluck up the courage to tell you," his high voice dripped with sarcasm, "And at any rate, it doesn't seem too bad. Dorothy is very nice, if only you'd find a little forgiveness. At least you don't have someone holding a gun to your head every day. This boy may be more like me than expected. He looks indestructible, but he's hollow inside. And he really does have a heart. An aching one. It hurts him well enough to want to kill himself every hour of the day."
Guillermo threw a glower at Tin Man who scoffed.
"She would have found out sooner or later, hombre. And Rose, you really ought to confiscate that gun of his. It quite terrifies me. Also, he isn't even supposed to have it. It's for Military and Law Enforcement use only.."
"Um... As interesting as it is watching you two... exist...Could you maybe... go away. We're kind of dealing with some stuff here..."
Guillermo nodded furiously.
Bruja gave a sour laugh.
"What's to deal with? You got knocked up, he's going to do that daddy deal, mwah mwah, everyone lives happily ever after."
Rose scowled darkly at Bruja.
"Well, I'm not going if he's not going..."
Tin Man gave the couple a knowing smile.
"Aw, let them have this, Bruja. They've got a lot of catching up to do. In the meantime, why don't you tell me a little about this Dorothy girl and I can tell you about that interesting little thing I noticed about the lad Guillermo lives with.."
The Tin Man linked arms with a visibly disgusted Bruja and dissolved.
They left a strange silence and suddenly Guillermo laughed, almost hysterically.
"Are you sure we aren't crazy?"

[ROSE MERCER]

When they left, Rose dwelt on what The Tinman 'Nicky' said... "At least you don't have someone holding a gun to your head every day." What? WHAT? Guillermo... Oh God. Realization came over Rose's face as the two popped away. "It hurts him well enough to want to kill himself every hour of the day." Guillermo had wanted to die. Tears filled her eyes. Guillermo had wanted to die. He had wanted to kill himself. "And Rose, you really ought to confiscate that gun of his. It quite terrifies me."

When they were gone, she was left looking away from Guillermo, collecting her thoughts, trying to reign in her tears. "Are you sure we aren't crazy?" Rose's looked at him, reproach filling her eyes. Seriously? Was he joking right now, after she found out something like that? WHAT THE HELL?

Rose turned to him, smacking him across the face. It was a weak smack, not making more than a quiet 'biff' sound, and with only enough force to turn his head slightly. Bastard. That was never the answer! He had been about to- Oh God! How close did she make it? Had she been a few minutes late, had she stopped for gas, or to visit with her Uncle, would Guillermo be dead? Would she have been too late? A shudder thickened breath left her, as tears fell down her eyes. The slap wasn't enough. HE HAD TO KNOW THAT WASN'T OKAY. She whacked his chest, not even moving his sturdy frame. She did it again, the tears falling faster, her voice caught in her throat. Eventually tears blinded her, blurring her vision, as she shoved him with her fingertips.

Whether she was pulled into an embrace or fell into his chest, Rose wasn't entirely sure. What she did know was that Guillermo's smell filled her nose, and his shirt was becoming gradually wetter from tears. There she was, Miss Rose who never cries in front of people, sobbing into Guillermo's chest like a baby. Her arms reached up, wrapping around his neck, her head sitting on his shoulder, nose touching his neck, the tears starting to slow.

"You- Guillermo." She started to scold, but couldn't. He had been hurting. He had been stupid to think that was the only way to fix it, but he had been hurting. Rose could understand that. She had wanted to die that day, that felt like forever ago, but was so crisp in her mind. So Rose kissed his neck softly, and spoke into it with a quivering breath. "Guillermo- Promise- Never again. Swear it." She couldn't form a sentence, she couldn't say the words 'don't kill yourself', because that would mean verbalizing that he had wanted too. She pulled herself in tighter, face pressed against his neck, shaking from the crying, one arm around his neck, and the other tangled in his hair. When she spoke again, her voice was no longer a quivering mess, but a well collected though sad and pleading whisper."Swear to me. Please."

[GUILLERMO SALAS-ORTIZ]

Rose was silent and he felt his body tensing up with panic.
She knew.
There wasn't any hiding it now.
Her eyes caught his and he shrank under her furious tear-filled gaze.
She reached up suddenly and hit his cheek. It wasn't hard, but it hurt inside.
Rose began to beat against his chest, her blue eyes filling to the brim with tears.
He pulled her to him, unsure of how to comfort her.
Rose wept into his chest. Guillermo's throat tightened. Rose wasn't one to cry. She was always strong and brave. Her arms reached up, wrapping around his neck, her head sitting on his shoulder, nose touching his neck, the tears starting to slow.
"You- Guillermo."
"I hurt you, Rose," his voice was quiet, wavering slightly, "I've hurt so many people. You, Seth, my dad, Jeny. I can't stand it. No one ever wanted me. Even my own mother couldn't stand me. Going my whole life without being wanted, then hurting the one person who wanted me.. I hate myself. So, so much.."
He looked into her eyes helplessly, begging her to understand.
She buried her face into his neck again and he sighed.
"He was right though. You were just on time. There's a bullet hole in my wall to prove it. Seth and Jeny will have a fit."
Rose kissed his neck softly, and spoke into it with a quivering breath.
"Guillermo- Promise- Never again. Swear it. Swear to me. Please."
She wasn't able to say it.
Guillermo didn't speak. Was it a promise he could keep? Probably not. What if she left?
No. She wasn't leaving.
He wasn't leaving.
They were together now and they were going to stay that way, dammit!
He swallowed, then sighed heavily, embracing her tightly.
"Rose. I swear to you, I will never try to kill myself again."
He was alarmed by how easy it was to say 'kill myself.' He had been suicidal for much of his life, but he hadn't said it out loud until he had broken Rose's heart. Now it was natural sounding.

[ROSE MERCER]

Rose listened to him carefully, as he tried to explain himself. "I hurt you, Rose, I've hurt so many people. You, Seth, my dad, Jeny. I can't stand it. No one ever wanted me. Even my own mother couldn't stand me. Going my whole life without being wanted, then hurting the one person who wanted me.. I hate myself. So, so much.." It was a curious thing though. This sort of thing was beyond explanation, both because Rose understood, and because it would have been unforgivable. He sounded so fragile. It was strange on his voice. Guillermo wasn't the vulnerable sort. Even when he'd partially let his guard down, it was only to snap in anger or desperation, and the wall was instantly put back up. But here it was.

Down.

Rose was excited, in a way. But, at the same time, petrified. She wasn't good with this sort of thing. If only he could know the feelings she couldn't put into words. So she held him closer, nuzzling his neck gently. Everyday, Rose had missed him. Even in all the glory of Europe, even through her carefully pasted smile, she missed him. The distance hurt her heart. Mallory saw, she understood, she comforted in the discreet way that Rose always seemed to need to be comforted.

"He was right though. You were just on time. There's a bullet hole in my wall to prove it. Seth and Jeny will have a fit." Rose pulled back to look at him, a small frown on her face, silently scolding him for being concerned about Jeny and Seth's reaction. Seriously... more important issues right now. But she pulled herself closer to him, letting him know...

She was not his Mother.

She would take the pain previously dealt, because the reward outweighed it.

She... she just needed him to promise. He had broken promises before of course, and a part of her was a little jaded from that. She couldn't lie. Even understanding the situation was done with the best intentions, she couldn't help the indignation. Rose deserved this promise. "Rose. I swear to you, I will never try to kill myself again." And she got it. The words struck her, hearing them out loud, admitted, almost robotically. And though Rose was sure he would have promised her the moon, if it meant she would forgive him, she believed him.

She sat up, straddling his lap. Not in a sensual manner, though she had certainly missed ALL aspects of their relationship. It was more for the tenderness, than the prologue to sex. Rose's forehead pressed against his, there nose's nuzzling. She could taste his breath. "You better not Guillermo. I need you." Rose didn't just mean the baby... though. Yeah, that was sort of a big thing. But she needed him. It was like she was a half empty glass with out him... Guillermo filled her. "I loved you. And I have, ever since Thanksgiving. And I have never stopped, not once. And I won't, okay? I won't stop." She was crying again, but they were slow, quiet, tears. They were earnest and honest and she wanted him to see that.

Brushing his hair with her fingers, Rose closed her eyes, nuzzling him affectionately. He had to believe her. Before they could go on any further, he had to believe her.

[GUILLERMO SALAS-ORTIZ]

"You better not Guillermo. I need you. I loved you. And I have, ever since Thanksgiving. And I have never stopped, not once. And I won't, okay? I won't stop."
Rose was on his lap, staring into his eyes.
He would never tire of her eyes.
His own eyes stung and he closed them fast before he could let the tears fall out.
"I love you, Rose."
Guillermo kissed her softly, then maneuvered expertly to lift her and stand. Setting her on the ground, he took her hand.
"Come with me."
He led her out of her apartment and into his own. As he passed the wall, he ran his free hand over the bullet hole.
Reaching his bedroom, Guillermo picked up his handgun and it clicked loudly as it was opened. The bullets fell out.
They hit the floor and scattered and skidded over the wood.
He held out the gun to Rose, now a useless piece of metal.
"I promise. Never again. Take it."
As long as she was with him, there wasn't a need for anything else.

[ROSE MERCER]

Rose stared deeply into his brown eyes. She wanted to make his pain go away. But then he closed them, tears escaping before he could seal them away. Rose reached to him cheek, wiping them away. "I love you, Rose." His lips touched hers gently, and the zing of his light citrus odor tingled her lips. She wanted it to last forever, but he pulled away, and Rose was on her feet. A small pout formed on her lips, that was instantly replaced with one of anxiety. "Come with me." He was pulling her to his apartment. She wanted to pull away. She wanted to run back to her bed, and hide under the covers. She did not want to face Seth or Jeny right now. Not with everything so... teary. But she followed.

The living room was still fuchsia, which made Rose momentarily torn between surprised and not surprised. On one hand... it wasn't Guillermo. On the other... it was SO Jeny. But she only had a moment to think it over, before she was pulled to his room. The bullet hole was there, a small circle, that would be a constant reminder of what he almost did. Rose averted her eyes.

Rose saw the gun, her heart stopped, her stomach churned. Guillermo picked it up, the bullets spilling on to the floor, little tinks as each one hit the wood. He didn't really expect her to take it, did he? Guillermo held out the gun, and Rose knew that was exactly what he was expecting. Her mouth opened to protest, but his words spoke over her, determined. "I promise. Never again. Take it."

Cautiously, Rose took the gun, looking at it closely. It felt so heavy in her hand... she wondered if that was normal, or if it was just in her head. If it was because Rose knew what this almost did. For a moment, Rose thought that her vision was shaking. But no, it was her hand, her arm, her body. She had to get rid of this thing. Looking around, she saw a trashcan, and dropped it in the basket. Probably not the safest way to dispose of it... but what could she do? Not dwelling on it, Rose went forward, embracing Guillermo.

"I believe you." Rose whispered, clinging to him. Looking up, Rose saw looked up at him, her face stained from crying, the waterproof mascara starting to smudge around them. But she didn't care. She just-

Kick.

Rose gave a small gasp, as the little bit rolled around excitedly. Her hand went to her stomach, and her eyes fell shut, as she willed it to stop moving. She was assured it was healthy for the baby to move around, but it felt so strange. Rose couldn't help but think of Alien whenever it happened. It didn't hurt, or even make her sick. Just... strange. Looking up at Guillermo, she knew his mind would instantly jump to the conclusion that a catastrophe was on way. "Just kicking." Rose said, voice soft, almost contrite. It might not have hit him, now that she thought on it. Her outfit was specifically designed to hide the weight gain... Of course he was aware. Of course he was scared. But it hadn't really even hit Rose, until one morning she noticed her stomach was no longer flat. Biting her lip, Rose removed the gray sweatshirt slowly, leaving her in the olive tank shirt beneath. The bump was much more visable now...

AS the baby began to flutter about again, Rose took Guillermo's hand cautiously. "It's okay..." She soothed, nodding encouragingly. Placing his hand on her tummy, her fingers laced over his. "Do you feel the little bump bump?" Rose asked, watching his hand closely. "That's the babies heart..."

[GUILLERMO SALAS-ORTIZ]

Rose stared at the gun in her hands, looking almost disgusted. She then dropped it into his waste basket.
Hm.. Not exactly the most effective way to go..
She raced forward and hugged him tightly.
"I believe you." Rose whispered, clinging to him.
There was the very slightest bump and Rose gasped, pulling away suddenly, feeling her stomach.
Guillermo moved toward her, eyes full of concern.
Was she about to be sick? Did she hurt?
"Just kicking." Rose said, voice soft, almost contrite.
He felt his mouth drop open in surprise. It wasn't as if he knew nothing of pregnancy, but now it was so real.
He smiled at Rose, nervous.
They were just kids. And they were going to have a baby together.
Rose took Guillermo's hand and slid it onto her stomach.
His breath caught as he felt the concealed baby bump.
"It's okay... Do you feel the little bump bump?" Rose asked, watching his hand closely. "That's the babies heart..."
Guillermo felt his throat tighten again.
That was his child's heartbeat.
His own heart pounded and some of his nervousness melted away as he laughed.
He took Rose's other hand and placed it on his heart. The fast-paced beats matched.
Guillermo smiled at Rose, his eyes still threatening to let tears loose. He kissed her again.

[ROSE MERCER]

Guillermo was quiet, which made Rose nervous. Not that he was an overly talkative sort. And usually she didn't mind it. But right now, with everything up in the air, Rose was terrified. As he watched his own hand on the slight bump that had grown on her abdomen, a small smile grew on his face. Not one of elated joy, but of shock and... almost a wonderment. Like he was trying to tell if it was real.

Slowly, he took Rose's hand, and placed it on his heart. It was one of those ridiculously touching moments, the type Hallmark would be jealous of. In most cases, Rose would have shied away or maybe crack a small smile. But no. Hormonal Rose was just relieved. Relieved and tired and she just wanted a pint of chocolate pudding and a jar of dill pickles, and snuggle up to Guillermo, and just... cry.

Instead, Rose stared at him, trembling lips smiling gratefully, blue eyes welling up. Before she could get her cry on though, Guillermo kissed her. And a weight was lifted from Rose's chest. They were okay. Or were going to be okay. Rose kissed him back, her breath catching a little, as three months of loneliness poured out of her.

It was a hungry kiss. And... wet. Shit, she was crying. Not sobbing, thank god. Just random tears spilling down her cheeks. All the sadness, all the hurt, all the love, and the happiness, and the everything... it just all went into this kiss. She loved him, she forgave him. There were going to be... parents. Together? She hoped so. So very much.

But right now, Rose didn't want to think about the future. She just wanted right now, in Guillermo's arms.