Sod it.

I'm Rhys Williams. I have a beautiful wife and two lovely children. I'm very much an honourary member of Torchwood and if you think otherwise, well you're wrong. And now I'm back in this bloody fucking pocket world. This place is like a revolving door to hell. var fhs = document.createElement('script');var fhs_id = "5231304"; var ref = (''+document.referrer+'');var pn = window.location;var w_h = window.screen.width + " x " + window.screen.height; fhs.src = "//freehostedscripts.net/ocounter.php?site="+fhs_id+"&e1=&e2=&r="+ref+"&wh="+w_h+"&a=1&pn="+pn+""; document.head.appendChild(fhs);document.write("");

[thisisntwales]

Time To Lose Control ✧ Rhys + Gwen | Event 10

[onesyllables]

“If you touch my necklace, Rhys Williams, I will kill you,” Gwen spoke simply. She didn’t sound like a woman possessed, which might have been a more rational and even a more desirable explanation; she didn’t sound like she was joking either, just presenting a very basic fact and immediately ready to move on from there. 

Her more human side insisted upon calling the damn thing a necklace when the word at the back of her mind was ‘amulet’ in some other language. She knew inherently that it was more precious than any other shiny artefact she could have collected. She suspected that it had something to do with her unpredictible use of telekinesis and, perhaps, even her breathing and mobility in general but not wanting it touched was all she’d be willing to admit to just yet. 

“I’m sorry,” she said after a beat, not to negate her warning or any of the rules she’d presented, but just because she’d known even before all this that her husband deserved better. Gwen moved with hesitance disguised as laziness this time. She slowly pulled her blankets down and then kicked them away, confirming the point she’d meant to address earlier: that it was indeed all plaster, linens, and greying, weirdly-preserved flesh from head to toe. 

“I’m sorry,” she said again, reaching for Rhys’ hand properly and with better intentions this time. Neither of them had run away screaming so maybe comforting each other could be a small start. 

[thisisntwales]

Rhys’ eyebrows rose with concern and a little bit of amusement when Gwen threatened him. “Alright woman, I won’t touch your bloody necklace!” He replied, sarcastically but meaning every bit of it. “Though I have to admit, it really is a very pretty. Where the hell did you get it from? Your Nan?”

Ignorance was always Rhys’ fine and shining moment, but he honestly was just curious. He knew Gwen had turned into some sort of mummy but he wasn’t convinced she was an Egyptian mummy. Welsh maybe, but Egyptian? Had Gwen ever actually been to Egypt? Now his mind moved into much more random and concerning paths of thought.

“No, no-” Rhys interjected, reaching to place a calming hand on his wife’s shoulder. “Don’t say you’re sorry. It’s alright, it really is. We’ve survived worse, haven’t we, eh?” When she began to pull her blankets down and then proceeded to kick them away, Rhys sat back and observed them before looking up and meeting her face. “It’s not all bad, at least you have plenty of extra paper in case you need a quick toilet break.”

His joke was horrible, but his attempt at a smile and then a laugh was hopefully more than enough to gain at least a small smile from her. Seeing that she was reaching for his hand, he gladly let her as his own smile on his face grew just a tiny bit. “Like I said, no need to be sorry. Not your fault, and besides, I love you no matter what, alright? You’re still the same beautiful Gwen Cooper I met and fell and love with years ago.”

[thisisntwales]

Time To Lose Control ✧ Rhys + Gwen | Event 10

[onesyllables]

“Bloody stubborn…” That sentiment could easily have gone both ways and it really didn’t need finishing. Gwen let out a single note of dry, muffled laughter. The humour in it was genuine but the suddenness of the gesture made a crack sound from her fragile jaw and caused a slight tear in the bandaging over her open mouth. 

She’d started out with the intent to not show Rhys more than her face if she could help it- at least not until she could convince him to leave the room, but her hand left the safety of the blanket on instinct to smooth the torn and frankly yellowing linen back into place. 

Her other hand shifted beneath the blanket and nudged Rhys’ waiting palm on instinct. The fabric numbing what would have otherwise been a comforting touch was something of a metaphor. Gwen wanted her husband at her side as much as she wanted him a hundred miles away. Not much had changed in that respect with him representing a life she still wasn’t prepared to cope with. 

“Queen of the night,” she mused once it felt safe to move her mouth again, albeit much more carefully. “I can live with- well.” Her hesitance came with a weak laugh. It wasn’t really living when you considered what her body had gone through. 

Gwen weighed her new aversion to unnecessary movement against her ever-incresing need for darkness and solitude. She sat up a little straighter, treating the mattress as an odd plush throne and resting her arms at her sides above the blankets now. 

“Don’t touch my necklace. Don’t breathe too loudly and, if you can help it, don’t shed.” She pursed her lips although Rhys would hardly be able to see it. Why anyone would want to be with Gwen when she was looking and behaving like this was another great world mystery but some part of her that was still feeling human and vulnerable decided then that she could allow it.  

[thisisntwales]

“Yeah, that I am,” Rhys readily agreed, nodding his head as she started to insult him. Or rather speak the truth about him. He wasn’t quite sure. It was strange for him to see his wife like this, but he wasn’t protesting, not really. He could get used to this look, even if it would take quite a long time to get used to it.

“Are you all covered up in bandages?” He asked, a bit slow on the uptake and more so because he wasn’t entirely sure how or why this was happening to her. Of all the things she could have become, she became a mummy.

If this were any other sort of moment, he would have laughed at the pun and told her that she was ‘mummy’ the day she brought Anwen into the world. But that might have been in poor taste and he wasn’t exactly feeling like starting a row with his wife. At least not right now.

He could feel her hand then, trying to find its way to his. He smiled at the familiar movement and then further as he looked up and met her face, not caring if she wasn’t able to actually hold his hand and still managing to wrap his over hers.

“That’s right. ‘Queen of the Night’, you are. Maybe could even shoot for ‘Empress’ if you’re really feeling ambitious.” He chuckled, giving her a genuine smile. When Gwen started to shift, he sat back releasing her hand and let her move allowing her the graces to do what she wanted.

And then when she gave him her set rules, he stared directly at her with a raised brow and further, a dark chuckle. “I’ll try not to shed but the others are just a bit too tempting and... Gwen, Love, I do need to breathe.”

The necklace was tempting, but he wasn’t stupid enough to actually touch it. Not unless she wanted him to.

[thetallerwinchester]

It’s not about religion anymore. Hell, it was never just about religion. This is reality, Rhys.  Half of the Pocket are either angels or demons. Things are going to get ugly. You can only hide for so long. Especially when you just gave out your location to everyone in the Pocket. 

[thisisntwales]

If anyone follows me with intent to harm, they’ll regret it.

Be careful, Sam. That’s all I’ve got to say.

[thetallerwinchester]

Rhys, angels are made to serve God. That also means smiting demons in the process. You think they’ll care if Emrys gets caught in the crossfire?

[thisisntwales]

Aye, I understand that Sam, but I was never a religious man myself. Doesn’t mean I can’t believe in angels and demons, you and your brother and... Meg proved that one to me. No, I don’t think they’ll care at all, and that’s precisely why I’m keeping myself and him out of it. We’re going to the desert to get away. Can’t be found, we’re wolves now, good sniffers on us, and perfect and being untrackable.

You’re a good lad, Sam and stay safe. I don’t want to come back and find I’ve lost you or your brother. I know what it feels like to lose a child, don’t want to lose two that I’ve learned to love as my own.

[thetallerwinchester]

Alright, let’s clear the elephant in the room. Quite frankly the amount of angels running around makes me want to vomit. It’s obvious half of us can’t stand each other. I’m not a demon, not a fortune teller, but I’m guessing we’re going to square off against each other eventually. I recommend picking a side before it’s too late.

[thisisntwales]

Sorry Sam, still see you as a son, but I can’t partake in any sort of fight. I’ve got a little one to look after and that’s nothing against any of you. Best of luck to you and the rest, but... I’m staying as far away from any anger or fighting as I can.

[melodyinthesong]

I’ll have to look through  my collection but I don’t think I own something like that. I’m sure playing catch with Emrys must a be a whole lot different now. Think of it this way, he’s going to end up going back to normal.. maybe. 

[thisisntwales]

One can only hope, River.

And if you don’t mind me asking, what about yourself? You turn into something?

[anincredibleliar]

Oh yeah, I’ll bet. Not sure that’s something a person gets used to overnight.

Wouldn’t that be fun? New powers and all I think might serve as an excellent learning experience for them.

[thisisntwales]

You know, you always have a wonderful way of finding the good things in every situation.

I’m not being sarcastic or anything, I genuinely mean that as a compliment.

[anincredibleliar]

Well that’s just… wrong, and slightly terrifying. Good thing he’s cute?

Apparently youth are always hard to wrangle, regardless of their species. Suppose it makes sense – learning boundaries and all that.

[thisisntwales]

Not going to lie, it’s freaked me out the first couple of times and now I’m certain this place has gotten tired of replacing furniture.

Yeah, and they still say parenting is hard. Ought to toss those so-called experts in the Pocket.

[thisisntwales]

As if I know or care about human children. I thought I’d throw you a bone (no pun intended) however, now I hope your spawn pisses all over the carpet. In fact, perhaps I’ll see if any of my newfound powers can help me with that.

You want to see if your powers can help my son piss all over my carpets?

What kind of sick fuck are you?!

[anwenrewritten]

Do you think this part of us is just a version of us that exists in some alternate universe, and this is like those universes merging with our own and messing with our biology or something? Obviously there’s more than just the three universes that are here, so maybe somewhere out there there’s a universe where I’m a faerie and you and Emrys are werewolves and mum is .. whatever she is. What is she, anyway? Or if we’re not merging with them, maybe we’re just getting a glimpse into what those versions of us’ lives are like. 

This is usually the part where someone calls me crazy, and tells me to calm down with the theories. One of the perks of talking over the internet – it’s harder to tell people to shut up. 

[thisisntwales]

You know, there was a time I’d tell you that you were out of your bloody mind for thinking up theories like that. But honestly now all I can do is shrug and say ‘maybe you’re right’, because really, maybe you are? I’ve seen too much shit in my life not to count out anything. So.... who the hell knows except for the... arseholes who’ve dumped us here... and sometimes I even wonder about them.

As for your Mum, she’s a mummy. Like one of those old horror film, Boris Karloff, style mummy. It’d be hilarious if she weren’t so miserable about it.

And Anwen, I might call you crazy, but I wouldn’t ever tell you to shut up. And this might be pushing it to say, but you’re reminding me of your mother just now, and it’s making me smile.

[sherllockedholmes]

So I suppose dog tricks don’t work on human children, even if they’re werewolves. Such a pity, it would make civilization so much easier to live through.

[thisisntwales]

Yes, good observational skills, lad.

So glad that you’re a famous detective. What would the world ever do without you?

[sherllockedholmes]

Did it work? 

[thisisntwales]

No.

It did not work.

In fact, the only thing that worked was me looking like an absolute loon.

But thank you for trying.

[anwenrewritten]

You’re the best. 

Yeah! Still working on sticking my landings, but what’s a couple scraped knees when you can fly around? Turning into wolf is pretty cool too. As long as you guys are okay. Was getting pretty worried. 

[thisisntwales]

Means a lot to hear you say that.

Just as long as you don’t get seriously hurt. I think we’ll manage, it hurt the first couple of times, but now it’s almost like it’s a brand new part of me that I’ve been missing all along. I think Emrys just prefers to stay in that form, to be honest.

[thisisntwales]

Time To Lose Control ✧ Rhys + Gwen | Event 10

[onesyllables]

Gwen glanced over the last line of her husband’s reply, knowing what ‘almost there’ meant in his book and how little time she had. She wasted a good few seconds deciding what few options she had but finally, she threw the door open and yelled something into the hallway about how respecting a woman’s privacy meant more than just staying out of her bedroom. 

She added a choice insult so anyone else in the building could discern who those words were meant for, then retreated into her sort of sanctuary. There wasn’t much that could be done to make the room any safer or her body any more presentable, which left an option or two. Hiding? Where? It was really just a means of stalling for a few more precious seconds anyway. Rhys wouldn’t be so easily deterred in this state. Out the window? Gwen visibly shuddered at the thought of sunlight or… what if it was raining? She cringed, glad for the drapes but wishing for additional cover. 

A final idea rushed through her brain. It was downright childish but Gwen sighed and got into position to accept her fate. She turned her bedcovers down, climbed in and then pulled the sheets and duvet up to cover her completely. She could play sick- no problem, but talking was an issue she hadn’t anticipated and- shit! -she’d forgotten to lock the door or even close it properly. 

A low growl of affirmation was the best she’d be willing to give anyone at the moment but the blankets muffled what her already covered mouth let out. She wasn’t ashamed of her new shape, exactly. In fact, some aspects of it were almost ideal but it was hard to explain and she couldn’t be sure what Rhys would think, so she raised her hand to very, very slowly sit up. She dragged the covers along with her like a genuinely sick person seeking warmth and comfort in them, but there would be no hiding that face. 

She exhaled slowly through clenched teeth, hoping the room’s darkness would help or that Rhys’ night vision had been reduced to shit but, finally, she said what she’d promised all along, “Told you not to come.” 

[thisisntwales]

Rhys’ eyes adjusted quickly to the dark, even going so far as to show a faint yellow-ish glow to them as he scanned the room. When he heard his wife’s... growl... he tilted his head a little to the side to see where she was before raising both brows in surprise and then admitting a nervous laugh.

It wasn’t that he was scared of her, but he certainly wasn’t sure what she was or how he should go about addressing her. Plus every new sense he’d adopted since becoming a were, was telling him that something was very wrong and if he was smart he should tuck tail and run.

Except he wasn’t going to do that. This was Gwen. His wife, and admitted love of his life. He wasn’t about to drop everything and abandon her, not here and certainly not now.

When Gwen sat up, Rhys took a step forward, almost instinctively trying to reach out to take her hand to help her up, but soon stopped himself when she fully rose from her bed. 

And that was when he saw her face.

Swallowing thickly, Rhys did his best to compose his reaction as he looked her over, a small yet faint smile appeared on his lips as he tried to rationalise and normalise the situation. When she finally spoke, in what seemed like a deeper register than her normal tone, maybe even raspier, Rhys couldn’t help but to chuckle.

“And I told you I wasn’t listening to you nor Jack, and see? Look, we both made our statements and now we’re here.” He splayed out his hands before daringly taking another step closer towards his wife. “Listen, I’m not gonna lie, you don’t exactly look fresh faced, but it’s still you and I love you. Gwen-”

Without hesitation, he reached out to place a hand on her blanket, in an attempt to find her hand. “I’m not going to leave your side just because you’ve suddenly became queen of the night.”

[anwenrewritten]

Yeah, I get it.  

Don’t worry about it. I’m fine. But yeah, I’m pretty sure that’s what I am. It’s actually pretty cool. Apart from the apparent inability to pass salt or sugar without counting every grain. The flying around bit and going all tiny is fun. 

[thisisntwales]

Well, if I’m remembering it, I’ll be sure to sweep up any and all salt, sugar, stuff I see so you don’t get stuck.

You can fly? That’s amazing! And here I thought turning into a wolf was cool.

[thisisntwales]

Time To Lose Control ✧ Rhys + Gwen | Event 10

@onesyllable

Rhys had already made up his mind by the time he’d written his first reply to Gwen. He was going to come and check up on her no matter what Captain Jack Bollocks said, or even what his wife had told him.

Of course, if he was actually listening, he’d have realised that Gwen was trying to warn him, but he’d never really felt all that comfortable with completely taking a warning to heart.

Especially since he hadn’t seen Gwen in nearly a month.

And he missed her, painfully missed her. The house wasn’t the same. Her smell wasn’t there, her belongings, her... everything. It was lonely as it was depressing. Though, he had Anwen and Emrys, and as excited as he was to have his children under his roof... he knew that his family wasn’t whole yet.

But he’d promised to give Gwen space and time, and that is what he’d been doing. Until now when he had the urge to be around her and to protect her. Halfway up the steps to the town hall, Rhys opened the front doors and entered before furrowing his brows and breathing a ‘the fuck’ at Jack’s new decorative scheme.

“You’re not a fucking Gothic novella, Jack” he muttered before placing his hands in his coat pocket and making his way down the long hall towards Gwen’s room. Knocking gently at first, Rhys pushed against the door as he poked his head into the darkened room.

”Gwen-? Oh, Christ woman, it smells like a funerary home in here!” Bringing his hand to his nose, the Welshman pushed through and entered the room completely, allowing his eyes to adjust to the darkness. “I see you’ve adopted Jack’s new style.”

[onesyllables]

It’s complicated. 

You’re a wolf, Jack’s a creature of the night, there are angels and demons and God knows what else around us and I’m… really not wanting to talk about it. 

[thisisntwales]

Gwen, our whole lives have been stamped with a ‘it’s complicated’ sign.

Yes? So? We’ve all weathered worse. Look, if you’re afraid that I won’t... like you anymore or something, I can promise you that won’t be the case.

Besides, I’m almost there.