Having gone up to her porch with the hoodie in hand had made him feel like an idiot when it turned out she wasn't there. The journey back home had been an exhausting one, and though he wanted to go back to retrieve the hoodie, he hadn't wanted to go there again. Not because he didn't want to, but he'd gone all the way to her house because he wanted to be there for her, put his own issues aside. But it had pushed him over his own limits. Exhausted, not being able to handle the many looks he'd gotten, he'd become a recluse again. Now, seeing Teagan standing his house, looking just as worn out as he did, there wasn't a fraction of anger or frustration, even if he had plenty of that sitting in his bones. "Come on." He said, matching her volume, one hand extended in an invitation for her to join him on his bed, where he had been sitting upright watching brain rot television. He wouldn't make space for just anyone, but for her he would. @teaganweatherford
The familiar face of Erik had ignited something in Teagan, and despite the fact there were obvious tears falling down her cheeks at this very second, most of what she were feeling was gratitude. A little embarrassed she'd not cared enough to check in on any of her friends after the loss of Anika, the loss of Erik's leg, or even her own loss, but mostly gratitude. Grateful that she had people like the Nystrom's in her life that reminded her of where she came from at the end of the day. As he extended his arm, Teagan took the leap, taking the few, quick strides it took to get to him and helped herself into the bed, taking every advantage she could to be around people but also to distract her mind of what she knew were coming. "You look good." she spoke, the compliment escaping her lips. "Tired, but, good." she nodded, reassuring as she inched closer, her head leaning against his shoulder as if that little bit of intimacy was the only thing she had left to hold onto. @erikxnystrom
There was something about seeing Nova miss Teagan that tugged at his heartstrings and began to boil the blood in his veins. He missed her, too, but he felt like the cat caved to easily after they both had been abandoned by her. But, maybe the cat had the right approach? Bradley didn't know. His mind had felt foggy since the day Teagan left and now, after a month, she was back. "Yeah, sure." He answered her, letting himself head to the living room. Bradley knew that she were capable of getting the door shut behind them. "Do you want anything to drink?" Bradley asked, though he didn't turn back to look at her as he spoke. @teaganweatherford
The tone of Bradley's voice wasn't something Teagan was used to, at least not with her. He wasn't usually this short with her, and while it was more than justified, she didn't like it. Yet, she brushed it off, making her way towards the living room they used to share and looking over her shoulder at his question. "Glass of water is perfect, thank you." she stated, settling onto the couch, sitting up straight enough she couldn't even sink into it; both her way of reminding herself she didn't belong here anymore while also allowing herself the space to bolt if things got too heated and she couldn't handle it anymore. As he returned, she let her eyes meet his for a moment, body turning towards him. "You look good." she stated, though, realized a moment later she should've kept the comment to herself. The last thing he probably wanted was for her to compliment him right now. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to apologize in person." @bradleyxkincade
The bell above the door chimed as Ha-eun stepped inside. She was immediately greeted not only by the coffee but the barista that had long memorized her order. The early morning rush seemed to be dying off some and handful of tables had opened up. Standing in line, her order was available as she stepped up to the register to pay. She accepted it with a warm thanks to the barista for before finding Teagan seated at their usual table. "I'm glad you made it." Ha-eun had been a bit worried, if she were honest, that Teagan might bail with all things considering. She sat down across from her, "How are you doing?"
"I've been trying to be better about keeping plans since my return." Teagan nodded, though the look in her eyes stated she were a little offended. Not because the other were wrong but because she really hadn't realized how bad it had been before. "My friends deserve to have as much time with me as they ask for." Teagan paused, looking at the other as she brought her cup of iced coffee to her lips. "I'm just happy to be establishing a routine since I got back." she nodded. "How are you?" @haeunxyangjohnson
Although Natalie had thought, or at least hoped, her friend might be excited about the idea, she had also mentally prepared for the possibility it might be too much or not be what Teagan felt up to. So the wave of relief that washed over her when the redhead seemed pleased was massive and only grew when they embraced. Letting out a breath she hadn't fully realized she'd been holding in, the attorney beamed, squeezing her friend gently before they both pulled back enough to look each other in the eye. Blinking back happy tears, Nat let out a small laugh at how already enthusiastic her companion was. "No, no, I would love the help. I just wanted you to know there were no big expectations besides being by my side on the day. But if you're up for it I would absolutely appreciate it too." After pausing for a moment to take a sip of her drink, the raven-haired woman turned her attention back to Teagan. "I'm so so happy you're going to be a part of this. I wouldn't want it any other way."
Teagan had been dealing with a lot over the last few months. Really, the last few years, but, the last few months had been unbearable in their own way. So to be asked something like being a maid of honor in someone's wedding made her giddy inside. "I'm so thrilled you asked me. I'm so happy for you." Teagan smiled, arms squeezing the other as she wrapped around her friend, only pulling away when the other did. "I want to help you however you need. I have never planned a wedding for myself unfortunately, but, I do know that there are enough things to do with weddings that anything I can do to take that stress off you I want to do." she nodded. "I won't overstep, but just know that anything you need, I'm a phone call away. Even if it's to talk you through a bridal break down at three in the morning." @natalie-makan
He noticed the subtle way that Teagan took a step back, thinking she might have regretted her decision to come to his home in the first place. His expression softened, but his mind was whirring a million miles a minute. He knew that he did deserve an apology for the way she left, a note and not much else. But, how could he say that without sounding selfish himself. "Okay," he breathed the word, "uh, come in. I'm sure Nova will be happy to see you." Her cat. The one she had left behind in her hasty decision to skip down. He was, however, grateful for the additional company for Jimmy. Bradley had not been the most lively person in the household and thus, was not emotionally available even for the cats. Bradley was the one to take a step back this time, making room for her so that she could step inside the house, all while leaving more than enough space so that they wouldn't brush up against one another. @teaganweatherford
The mention of Nova nearly sent Teagan over the edge, but she let herself nod, only taking a step further into the house. The sound of Nova's meow as she approached, tiny body rubbing against Teagan's leg and she leaned over, picking up the cat. Nuzzling her she inhaled, pressing a kiss to the top of the cat's head. "Hi sweet girl." she exhaled, eyes closing as she felt Nova begin to pur, a sound Teagan had missed. It took her a moment to calm her mind, body relaxing as she let Nova relax into her. The time seemed to freeze for a second, and as the cat got antsy, she placed her on the floor, watching as she chased Jimmy with a toy. A sight she'd truly missed. It was only then that she turned to Bradley. "Should we sit?" she asked, looking back over at him. "I don't want to intrude if you have plans or anything, but, I don't want to just rush off either." @bradleyxkincade
Natalie shook her head, maintaining eye contact with her friend across the table. "Hey, no. None of that. You have nothing to apologize for. And you're family. After everything we've been through...I mean, you don't ever have to be sorry for taking care of yourself." She murmured. Although tempted to reach across and give Teagan's hand a squeeze or otherwise physically embrace her, the attorney decided against it. The last thing she wanted was to overstep her companion's boundaries while she was so emotional. Although Nat could've sat there for hours and said everything she wanted to say about what Teagan had been through, it was clear her friend wasn't in the right place to have that conversation. Instead the raven-haired woman smiled softly, a glint forming in her dark gaze. "Actually...there is one thing. But I want you to know it comes with none of the usual responsibilities. Like you just have to show up on the day." The attorney clarified gently, wanting to ensure she understood there were no big expectations. "I...I was hoping you might be my maid of honor? But like I said, you don't have to plan anything or do anything except come with me to get you a dress and be with me on the day. Even though we haven't decided what day that is yet-" Natalie broke off realizing she was rambling but the smile remained, albeit a bit nervous. "Sorry. But yeah, that was all I wanted to ask."
After everything she’d been through - and as painful as coming back here had been knowing what she’d left behind - Teagan was thankful for the friendships she’d made in people like Natalie. She was someone that understood that sometimes a person just needed a mental distraction from your own stuff and helping someone deep dive or dissect their own stuff. So when Natalie stated she did have one thing, Teagan turned, facing the other as she said she had something she wanted to talk to her about. "I'm all ears, what's going on?" She felt the way her heart lurched in worry for a second, scared that she'd missed something big like the other's mom getting worse, or the that the wedding had already happened, or that her and Leo had broken up. All negative things, she'd realize if she'd had a moment to think about it, but Teagan's mind was racing, trying to keep her cool as the other spoke. It was Natalie's question that made Teagan place a hand to her chest, nodding. "Of course I'll be your maid of honor are you kidding me?" Teagan smiled, standing and taking that leap of faith herself, moving to wrap her arms tightly around the other. "I can't imagine anything that will make me happier. But of course I'm going to help, that's my job!" she smiled a little wider, shaking her head. It was only once she took a step back to look at Natalie fully again that she added. "Unless of course you'd rather do it alone, in which case I'll step back and show up on the day of, make sure you eat food and keep you hydrated." @natalie-makan
School was officially out, leaving Bradley with far too much time on his hands. Both Nova and Jimmy were underfoot as he moved through the house, trying to scrub memories from the surfaces. As if that were even possible. Music played in the home, but not loud enough to drown out the knock at the door. His eyes lifted, finding the clock on the stove in the kitchen. Not that it mattered, he hadn't been expecting visitors. He was sure it was high school kids, coming to see if they could mow his lawn. Bradley set down the rag and cleaning spray bottle and moved to the door. "Hey," he greeted, as if it were going to be the teenagers he suspected.
Yet, it was not.
Bradley's jaw tightened at the sight of Teagan standing there on his porch. She was the last person he would have expected to be there. "Teagan." He breathed her name, heart thumping in his chest. He wasn't sure if he should let her know that he was pissed at her or if he should drop to his knees and apologize for not being enough. Bradley did neither. "What- uh, what are you doing here?" @teaganweatherford
Teagan was sure that time was standing still as she waited for Bradley to open the door. Truthfully, she wasn't even sure he would. And despite the fact she was sure that he wouldn't have a clue it was her, she wouldn't have blamed him if he didn't. The last thing she deserved was forgiveness from him. Yet, there had been a small sliver of her that had hoped that in the off chance he did answer the door he'd be excited she were on the other side of that door. Wishful thinking? Sure, but Teagan was grasping at as much as she could these days; hopefulness was a rare feeling.
The door opened and Teagan looked up, gaze meeting Bradley's as he breathed her name. Her own heart thumping in her chest, unable to decide if it was excitement, nerves or fear. The way she'd left were completely unforgivable in itself, but to have been as selfish as she'd been was inexcusable. Something it had taken her awhile to realize, but, part of the reason she'd come back. And she'd missed Kismet Harbor too, shockingly. As he asked why she was there, though, she felt herself take a step back, gaze shifting. "I -" she paused, shaking her head. "I thought maybe we could talk. I feel like I owe you an apology." she stated. "But I - maybe I should just go." @bradleyxkincade
Matt was happy to see Teagan. She was one of his favorite people, always like an older sister to him, and he always loved spending time with her. The gift was unexpected, but he took it and ran his fingers along the package a moment. "If it helps, I don't know if we're going to do a wedding shower." He said, laughing softly, before he looked down and opened it carefully. Seeing the photo album, he smiled and traced his fingers over his last name. "The Wheelers. That's going to be something." He truly couldn't wait for him and Logan to be married. It was truly a dream come true. Looking back up at Teagan, he nodded at her. "We will." He assured her, putting the box aside and hugging her. "Thank you." @teaganweatherford
The admittance that there may not even be a wedding shower made Teagan nod, smile growing a little. "That's a good enough reason to justify giving it to you now then." she smiled, watching as he opened he gift. While the present wouldn't look like much to the average person she were sure, Teagan has always loved gifts like this. Albums, books, places to write down or organize all of your favorite memories of your life and when she'd seen the album on one of her shopping fiasco's recently, she'd known Matt and Logan were perfect for it. "It already is something." Teagan smiled, nodding at him. "You two are already so special even if you aren't married yet. It's only a matter of time." she added, watching as he took it in, and it was only once he put the box side and hugged her that Teagan let herself hug him back, squeezing him a little harder than normal, lingering. Almost as if she were trying to communicate just how thankful she was to have him in her life. @mattswheeler
✦ closed starter for @natalie-makan
✦ based on: ❤️ | where they meet up for coffee.
"I'm sorry I haven't been a very good friend to you." Teagan exhaled, the cup of coffee pressed to her lips as she let her eyes meet the other's. "I -" she shook her head, not wanting to get into all of that again, so instead she just let herself smile softly. "I'm going to be better though, I promise." she stated, cup now on the table, arms crossed as she leaned on it. "How are things? With wedding planning, your mom." she paused, eyes holding a sadness at the subject that words didn't say. "Anything I can help you with?"
✦ closed starter for @mattswheeler
✦ based on: 📷| where teagan comes with gifts.
"This is something I probably should wait to give you guys if you have some sort of wedding shower -" Teagan started, a brown paper wrapped gift in her hand, which she'd hoisted towards Matt. "I found this while I was away." she stated. "I don't know if you want to save it for the first year of marriage, first kid -" she paused. "But, I hope it's useful." she smiled. Inside the package was a leather bound photo album she'd had engraved with the words The Wheelers in the bottom right corner. "Save all those memories, Matty." she smiled.
✦ closed starter for @erikxnystrom
✦ based on: 🗨| where teagan pays a visit to her friend.
The last thing Teagan had expected to see on the porch of her previous home with Bradley upon her return was the hoodie that Erik had worn the last time she'd seen him in the hospital. The sight alone had nearly made her burst into tears, yet instead she lifted it, hugging it close to her chest and putting it in her car. She wasn't staying at her old home and despite the fact she'd pulled up a few times in preparation to go in, it hadn't worked out in her favor yet. She wasn't ready to face Bradley yet so instead she drove. The familiar path to the Nystrom house second nature as she tried to navigate with tears in her eyes. Pulling into the driveway, she'd made her way to the door, knocking only once before she was let in. It didn't take long for her to find Erik, his hoodie in her arms as a tear fell down her cheek. "You remembered." was all she could muster, keeping her distance in the off chance Erik didn't want to see her.
✦ closed starter for @bradleyxkincade
✦ based on: 💼 | where teagan comes home.
It had been a few days since Teagan had returned to Kismet Harbor, and despite how badly she'd wanted to go to Bradley immediately, every part of her was screaming to stay away that he probably wouldn't want to see her. Was it ridiculous? Sure it was, but no part of Teagan was thinking very logically right now, so she'd rented a room at the Inn, only making her way to Bradley's once she'd gotten up the courage to see him. She had a key tucked in her purse somewhere she was sure, but she wouldn't have been shocked if he'd have changed all the locks around; she'd have deserved it. As she turned the engine of her car off she left her suitcase in the backseat, taking the steps until she was at the door. With shaking hands she lifted her arm, knocking lightly on the door and waiting for Bradley to answer.
The following thread contains themes of grief, child loss, depression, and relationship struggles. Please proceed with caution.
"No, I'm not hungry anymore. Help yourself, though."
The words came out flatter than she intended, but maybe that was better than letting them shake.
As quickly as the blink of an eye, she heard movement behind her - plates, silverware, the groan of the oven door mixed with the sound of the hot pan hitting the wood block she’d placed strategically on the counter to keep it protected - and then a pause as she could feel him hovering for a second too long, almost as if he were deciding whether to push or let her retreat again.
She wouldn’t blame him if he pushed; part of her wanted him to. But the part of her that wanted to retreat back into the shell of the human she’d become over the course of the last month was stronger and she could feel herself slipping. And she knew Bradley noticed.
Of coursed he did.
It had been a month of half-finished conversations and grieving in separate rooms. A month of pretending exhaustion was the reason she slept facing the wall. A month of avoiding the nursery door. Avoiding questions. Avoiding him, sometimes. Yet she knew she couldn’t do this forever. He deserved her in her fullest, and even if he’d never force it, she didn’t want to be in this funk forever. She just wasn’t sure how to get out of it.
It was the way the words slipped from his tongue that brought her back to reality, though it wasn’t so much the words but the tone that brought her gaze to meet his. He felt like they hadn’t been on the same page since their loss, that he was also hurting knowing there was nothing he could do to help her. That he missed her. And she was sure if she thought about it long enough, she’d have even remembered him saying that somehow in the depths of their grief they lost each other in the process.
And she’d wanted to argue; but she knew that he was right.
She’s agreed, shed a few tears, apologized for being so distant all while her fingers gripped the cup in her hand. She promised to try to do better; to be there for him in the same way he’d been there for her.
She’d meant it. She’d tried. But every time she looked at him she felt another pang in her heart. Their daughter had looked so much like him. She’d been so excited to raise a tiny version of herself and Bradley combined. Her mind was full of questions: What if they’d never have kids again? What if they’d find themselves in this same place again the next time? What if he somehow stopped loving her because she couldn’t make him a father. They were all questions that ate at her day in and day out.
As she zipped the zipper on the suitcase, a crumbled piece of paper in her hand from all the times she’d unfolded and folded it again, she’d placed it on the bathroom counter, corner tucked underneath the candle she’d always kept there.
B, I’m so sorry that I couldn’t be enough for you. I’m sorry that I couldn’t keep her safe; you deserve someone that can give you kids and doesn’t give up on everything in the process. I need to get away for a while. Take care of Nova for me. Thank you for giving me a second chance. Don’t come looking for me. I need you to let me go. - Teags
It was short, straight to the point and the last thing she’d leave behind. As the door closed behind her, another tear fell yet she didn’t look back. She didn’t want to. Kismet Harbor had caused far too much pain in her life, held too many ghosts for her and she needed to leave it behind her, maybe even for good this time.
The exhaustion was evident in her best friend. It was sitting beneath her eyes, it was the way every sentence sounded like it was costing her energy to say aloud. At the mention of Bradley, she exhaled softly through her nose. "Some people are just better at hiding it." She murmured in response to Teagan's words. "It's eating him alive too." While she didn't know that for a fact, she knew Teagan and she knew that she wouldn't be with Bradley if he didn't have a heart at least half the size of her own. She wasn't defending him, only offering a reminder that grief looked different on everyone. "You could stare blankly at the wall for eight hours and I would still rather be here with you, than have you sit alone with all of this." Yasmin squeezed her hand again, speaking more softly now. "I will always be here for you and you never have to perform for me." @teaganweatherford
Hearing that Bradley was likely just carrying the grief in his own way made Teagan pause, but only for a second. She knew that there was a part of that that were true; there was no doubt in her mind that Bradley was grieving himself, however, Teagan couldn't bring herself to pull herself out of her own funk long enough to think about how Bradley was feeling. Maybe she would at the end of it all. But for now, she just needed to sit with her best friend, even if it was just to stare at the wall. "I'm just happy to have you." she sighed. "My voice of reason, but also someone to sit in silence if that's all I want to do." she stated. "Thank you for being you, Yas. It really means a lot." @yasminxmoreno
There was a tightness in his chest with her words as she asked him to put it away. As she stated that she didn't care. That was not the Teagan he knew, but he knew that they had suffered a loss. He couldn't fix this, any of it. "Yeah, I can do that." Bradley lifted the small package from the counter, holding it gently in his hands as if it might break if he moved to swiftly. Bradley moved to the closet off the hallway, listening to her speak about dinner. With careful consideration, he placed their daughter in there. Though, it made him sick to his stomach to even have to do that.
When Bradley turned back toward her, the smell from the kitchen hit more fully this time. "I'm sure it's fine." Bradley offered the words to her, figuring he could always scrap the burned parts off whatever she had made. Returning to the kitchen, he turned off the oven, not wanting whatever was in there to continue to burn.
Your day okay?
It was the first time she had asked him that and it shouldn't have mattered as much as it did because it was such a simple question. "It was alright." He added, pausing briefly. "Lots of prom-posals happening." His shoulders lifted into a shrug. "Do you want me to bring you a plate of the dinner?" @teaganweatherford
Teagan knew that her words were harsh, she felt the pang in her chest the second they'd escaped her lips. And while she knew it wasn't fair for her to take it out on the man she loved, she couldn't help it. Her heart broke with every reminder of the life they were looking forward to raising together, and even though the nursery door had been closed since the day they came home from the hospital, she couldn't even find herself looking in that direction. The box had only been a reminder, one that had nearly sent Teagan back into the shell of herself that she'd been fighting - poorly she might add - to get out of. She heard the door creak, the gentle slide of the box on the shelf and she swallowed. She'd have to remember not to make eye contact with the box when she needed something in there later on.
"I guess we'll find out." she spoke, only once she knew that he was standing in the kitchen again. "It's a recipe I found int he pocket of these pajama pants." she shrugged. "We ironically had all the ingredients which made it easy." A confession that there had been little thought put into what she'd cooked. She hadn't even questioned why the recipe was in them to begin with; probably something she'd found the last time she tossed these on for a moment. She only sat up a little straighter, eyes averting in his general direction when he spoke of the prom-posals. "Those sound fun. Makes for a hectic class though I'd have to assume." she replied. "Glad it was good."
As he asked about dinner she felt herself sink into the couch, shake of her head as her gaze averted towards the window. "No, I'm not hungry anymore. Help yourself, though." @bradleyxkincade
There was a softness that settled in her, trying to soothe the increasing need to do more. It was momentary but she recognized it as something that she needed right there. "I know that would be appreciated." Not just by Dana, even if she didn't feel entirely comfortable speaking on the behalf of others. Yet, who was to deny that Teagan was one of Kismet Harbor's most caring people. "It's nice to know, that, uh, that other people want to help. I feel like I've been carrying so much on my shoulders but even I can admit that's all my fault rather than someone else's." @teaganweatherford
Teagan let the other speak, offering her a small smile and a nod that she understood. "I can't say I've never been there." she admitted. "That feeling has grown all too familiar recently." she nodded, knowing that she herself had been in a situation like this several times in her life where she felt the same way. Her heart hurt for Dana and the Nystrom family too, but, trying to be the one to hold it all together so other people can break down was never something that was easy. "Anything anyone needs, I'm more than happy to help out where I can." she spoke, leaning in to give the other a hug. @danaxallenlopez
