closed starter for @yourbeautifulghosts based on this
Prison had gone surprisingly well for Marcus. Somehow the structure, the regulation, the entire environment helped him grow...thrive even. He still regretted what he’d done, still wished he could take it back, but the most he could do from it was become a more decent person, and that’s what he tried to do in the last five years. When he’d gotten the notice that his early release was being granted, he wasn’t sure how to feel. He honestly hadn’t put too much thought into what he would do when he got out...hell, he didn’t even really know if he had a proper place to go. Marc knew his brother would probably put him up if he asked, and he was the only person he really could ask...
Once everything was squared away with the paperwork and he’d begrudgingly talked to Matt about staying there for a while they gave him a date three days away and told him the things he’d need to have together. Three days later, standing at that desk being given back the things he’d come in with was surreal. Most of it were things he’d forgotten about. His wallet, a lucky button, a couple single cigarettes, nothing worth much of anything. The officer gave him his due $25 which he would’ve turned down if he didn’t know how desperately he was going to need it. If at the very least for a proper outfit. Stepping outside, it was sunny and he brought a hand up to shield his eyes for a moment as the gate started peeling backward with an aching squeak. When his eyes adjusted, he expected to see a face that mirrored his own waiting for him....not the girl he’d loved in high school. What the hell was Abigayle Langley doing there...here? He didn’t have much of a choice except to face her when the guard cleared his throat expectantly, waiting for Marcus to move. Walking slowly toward her, he shoved his wallet into the sweats they’d given him, stopping a few feet from her. “Uh...where’s Matt?” It was the only thing he could think to say. What did you say to a girl you hadn’t seen in five years? That you let down in practically every way possible?