[Gemma Gatsby]

[nospaces]

What was I made for?

Oneshot for Gemma Gatsby [break][break]

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Summary: Various bits of memories from Gemma's life [break]
Including Grace Gatsby , Dane Wayland , and Ashley Wolfe (as Dino Wayland)[break][break]

CW: Mentions of violence, attempted suicide, underage drinking, self harm, and near death experiences

SPOILER: Click to show

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"Again," Warrick barks as his oldest daughter hauls herself back up on unsteady legs. Gemma is six years old fighting against a thirteen year old boy. A boy who seems reluctant to keep kicking around the young girl like a rag doll. Her breathing comes out in raspy wheezes. Blood trickles from her right nostril over her lips and down her chin. Her small body is shaking, wavering, clearly she's struggling to keep standing. But her steely gaze held stubbornly strong even as fear and uncertainty swim in her dark eyes. Tear streaks running down her face mixing with the blood and dirt. [break][break]

"Gemma will not always be the biggest and strongest thing she goes up against. She needs to learn that now," her father explains as he watches the boy hesitate in his step toward Gemma. With a hard swallow the boy nods and braces himself as the girl runs towards him. Only for the heel of his boot to meet her chest and send her rocketing back again with a choked cry of pain. Her father frowns with a shake of his head as he watches his daughter curl in on herself. Her little body shaking as she tries to keep her pained sobbing quiet. "Alright, that's enough for today." [break][break]

* * *

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It was dark. Too dark. Gemma's breath came out in panicked little gasps as she screams into that empty nothingness. "Daddy!" She screams desperately. Gemma was used to the feeling of floating but this was entirely different. She wasn't the one making herself float and there was just...nothing. No light, no sound, no faces, just a pitch black void that makes her feel as if she was falling into forever. "Gracie, please!" She tries desperately. Trying to reach her sister. Trying to get out. Until finally, blessedly, she's released. She topples onto the ground gasping for air like a fish out of water. Her small hands grip her chest as her sister balks at her with a look of both fear and fascination. [break][break]

Gemma stares up at her younger sister trembling. Neither of them saying a word for a moment as the light cast long shadows of them across the grass. Gemma swallows hard as she forces herself off the ground. Her face set in a sort of immoveable resignation. "Are you okay?" Her sister asks finally but Gemma only holds out her hand. A reassuring smile on her lips. "Again." [break][break]

* * *

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Gemma glares at the two boys across from them. Her body set partially in front of her little sister in a sort of protective stance while Grace stares at them with a sort of annoyed curiosity. She didn't understand why daddy said they were supposed to be their new playmates. She didn't understand why they were told to be nice. As the bigger of the two boys breaks their stand off to introduce himself Gemma huffs. She doesn't take his hand or give him her name. But as she looks down at her little sister a thought crosses her mind. It makes Gemma smile as her dark eyes turn back to the two of them. They were supposed to be the girls new playmates. So play they would. [break][break]

"Do you want to play a game?" She asks, her voice sweet and soft. Even innocently lilted as she bats her her long black lashes. "Let's play tag! Gracie and I will be it." If they were going to play the boys would play their games. [break][break]

* * *

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Gemma is sat on the kitchen counter. The smell of cookies baking in the oven and the muffled yelling of her sister and the boys outside in the backyard still. Her face was flushed red with embarrassment and her arms crossed across her chest. Mrs. Wayland comes in with a sweet smile and a first aid kit but Gemma can't meet her eyes. "I'm fine," she insists. Still trying to hold together the last shreds of her young pride. "Sweetie that was a big fall you took," Mrs. Wayland insists as she dabs some peroxide on a particularly bad cut across Gemma's cheek. The girl flinches at the initial sting but that only makes her more tense. [break][break]

"Don't let Dane's teasing get to your head, mistakes with our gifts happen to everyone," she said sweetly, softly. Gemma no longer flinches as she continues cleaning the wounds across her skin. Mrs. Wayland is so nice. She makes Gemma feel safe and warm. Like having a second mom. Once she's bandaged up Mrs. Wayland smiles at her warmly. "All better," her voice sounds like a warm blanket wrapped around her on a cold night. She hands Gemma a cookie from a nearby plate as she helps her off the counter and ushers her back outside. "Baby bear, come here."[break][break]

* * *

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Gemma is hiding in the bathroom. Shaking and trying to get her breathing under control. Her hands are still shaking. All of her is shaking. No matter how much she washed her hands it feels like she can still see the blood on them. The sounds of that woman's sobbing and scream still echo in her ears. There's a knock on the door and Dino's voice comes through the wood. Muffled and soft. "Go away!" She screams as she tries to fight back another sob trying to bubble up her throat. [break][break]

It's quiet for a moment before he knocks again. His voice still soft. Still patient. Still full of worry. Gemma finally rips the door open, fully prepared to scream at him. But as soon as her eyes flicker to his her resolve breaks. She collapses into his open arms and grips the front of his shirt in her small fists. "I can't do it again. I can't do it. Don't make me do it again. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," she's sobbing, blubbering, staining the front of his shirt as his arms grip around her tighter. His hand rubs up and down her back soothingly as he shushes her softly. Telling her she doesn't have to do anything. That everything is okay. Reminding her to breath. [break][break]

* * *

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Gemma is laying on the ground. Her arms covering her head and her whole body trembling while Dane laughs somewhere across the yard. The dog above her is towering over her small body. Blocking out the sun with his pitch black fur as he snarls and snaps his teeth. Gemma is whimpering and weeping softly, so terrified that she doesn't even remember to use her gift. She doesn't want to touch the dog. She doesn't know what to do. Her arms are covered in dog slobber as Dino runs outside. He shouts at his brother to call the dog off, to which Dane gives no response other than more laughter. A moment later Dino rushes over and yanks the huge beast off of her. He stands between her and the dog as the animal barks and snarls and lunges for him. Dino continues pushing back until there's a call and the creature stops and saunters back over to a pouting Dane. [break][break]

Dino turns to Gemma who's entire face to the tips of her ears is tomato red. Flushed with anger and embarrassment. He offers her a hand up and she slaps it away. Gemma doesn't need his help or his pity. She doesn't need anyone! As he stares at her confused Gemma scrambles up from the ground and dashes as fast as her legs will take her away. Floating up to vault over the fence as she runs off.[break][break]

* * *

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The four of them are out playing in the backyard. The girls chasing after the boys who have gotten better at dodging them. Of faking where they might run to throw them off guard. They're laughing, taunting each other, the sun is setting in the distance. Gemma grins as she activates her ability and sends Dino suddenly floating in the air. He scrambles mid air as his eyes turn to glare at her. Accusing her of cheating as Gemma sticks her tongue out at him in defiance. There's the sound of a car door closing and both boys tense a bit. [break][break]

Antonio Wayland comes to the backyard. His face set in stone as Gemma lowers Dino back to the ground. "It's time for the girls to go home," he says firmly. But Gemma is confused. Why should they go home? It wasn't even dark out yet. But both the boys are stiff as rods. Their faces impassive but she can see the fear swimming in their eyes. "Mr. Wayland, we were training-" Gemma doesn't get to finish her sentence before Mr. Wayland speaks again. "It's getting late, you two need to go home. I can call your father to come pick you up if you prefer?" The tone of his voice makes Gemma's blood boil. She doesn't like being spoken over and she knows a threat when she hears one. As she takes a step closer Dino steps between her and his father. Making a comment of walking the girls out as he ushers them towards the backdoor to grab their things. [break][break]

Gemma is more confused. Protesting and complaining even as he shoves her bag into her arms and moves her and Grace to the front door. "Dino," she says his name softly, pleadingly. Gemma doesn't know what's going on but the boys are scared. Her boys are scared. She doesn't know what's going on but she doesn't want to leave them. Dino hugs her, just a little tighter than usual, before he says he'll see her later. Then he closes the door. Gemma is left staring at that door blankly. Confused, angry, and filled with worry. Grace grabs her sisters hand and squeezes her fingers gently. It's enough to break Gemma from her trance as she lets her younger sister lead her down the sidewalk.[break][break]

* * *

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Gemma sits in an open field with Dino. They're talking, laughing, idly making crowns of flowers together. Well, Gemma is trying to show Dino how to do it anyway. The moment is soft. It's warm. It feels...normal. Gemma watches the look of concentration on his face as his fingers clumsily weave together the delicate stems. He finally forms a small flower crown that doesn't immediately fall apart as he holds it up. There's a look of triumph that spreads over his features and Gemma lets out an excited yell.[break][break]

Dino places the crown on Gemma's head and smiles brightly. He has such a funny smile. Unapologetically wild and showing all his teeth. It's like it encompasses his entire being and Gemma can't help but smile back. She asks him if she looks pretty. He makes a comment of how she always looks pretty. And as the wind kicks up he reaches over to tuck her hair behind her ear. Gemma feels her heart racing in her chest. Her face feels hot with a blush. Time feels like it slows down as his eyes meet hers again. For the first time in her fourteen years of life, Gemma Gatsby has a crush. [break][break]

* * *

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Gemma is sitting on her bed while her sister screams and stomps her feet. Her tantrum finally having calmed down enough Gemma allowed her into her room without the fear of her breaking anything. Grace always looks funny when she gets mad like this though. Her face all red, her teeth bared like some wild animal, her nostrils flaring. Gemma takes a picture of her sister mid scream and giggles to herself quietly as she sends the picture to Dane. Grace asks what Gemma finds so funny. Gemma shakes her head, not trusting her voice as Grace stalks towards her, demanding her phone. [break][break]

The girls fight for the device and Grace catches a returned text of an edited picture of screaming Grace. Fire expelling from her mouth, little crudely drawn pictures of buildings below her, Gracezilla sent in a bubble underneath the picture. Gemma laughs so hard her stomach hurts. Grace voids her phone.[break][break]

* * *

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Gemma is at the beach with Grace, Dane, and Dino. They've been out together all day running around, swimming, eating icecream, having the time of their lives. The day is coming to an end as the four of them sit around a bonfire. Grace pulls a case of beers she stole from the convenient store from her void. None of them are even close to legal drinking age, but that's what makes it the most fun. They're laughing together, drinking beer that tastes objectively awful. Dino notices Gemma start to shiver and wraps a towel around her shoulders. Then he pulls her against his side and rubs his free hand up and down her arm. Gemma hesitates for a split second before she rests her head on his shoulder. They fit so easily together. She doesn't want this day to ever end. [break][break]

* * *

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Gemma shoves her fingers down Dino's throat. Her other hand wrapped in his hair as she holds him over the toilet. Dane's on his way. She didn't want to call him but she didn't know what else to do. Dino retches hard as she pulls her hand back from his mouth. Forcing out whatever pills he'd put in his stomach. The sounds of heavy footsteps rush down the hall moments before the bathroom door is shoved open. Dane's face is red with anger, a vein in his temple pounding so violently she think it might burst. She helps him get Dino in the tub. Holds Dino against her chest as Dane turns on the water. Her hand is rubbing Dino's chest as Dane asks various questions about when she found him, what pills he took, how long had he been out of it. Gemma tries to answer them through panicked breathing. Dane is going to kick his ass as soon as Dino is conscious again. [break][break]

* * *

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Dino has gotten his first apartment! Gemma and Grace go to "help" him move in. Which mostly consist of them telling the boys what to grab and where to put it. And let them know how good, or bad, of a job they're doing. When they're done there isn't much furniture inside at all. An old couch, a new tv that Gemma bought him for a house warming gift, a tv stand that Grace had bought, Dino's mattress on his box spring on the floor of his bedroom, his dresser, and a couple of mix matched chairs around a foldable table in the little dining room. The four of them are gathered in the living room. Eating takeout and watching Legally Blonde on a pile of blanket and pillows. They're laughing, Grace and Gemma reciting the movie almost line for line, everything is peaceful. [break][break]

As they're winding down for sleep they're all piled together. Dane's hand against her cheek as he's sprawled out like a starfish. Grace curled up on her side with her foot in Dane's ribcage. Gemma rolls over to find Dino much closer than she'd thought he was. His arm falls around her waist and tightens around her as she hears his tired incoherent grumble behind her. Gemma takes his hand in hers and smiles. She's warm. She's at peace. She's never fallen asleep faster in her life.
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* * *

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They're in New York. Gemma and Grace paired together while Dane and Dino were paired together. Both pairs looking for separate targets. All still sharing a hotel room, since the girls were able to get a nicer one with daddys money. They'd been having an amazing week. How did it turn to this? Gemma laid flat in some dirty alleyway. Her neck slit open as she's rapidly losing blood. This can't be how it ends. They were supposed to go to the movies tonight. Somewhere far away she hears Grace scream her name. She sounds angry, terrified, frantic. Gemma hates that sound. She wants to wrap her sister in her arms and assure her everything is okay. But it's hard to breathe, impossible to move. And she's so tired. She just wants to sleep. She loses consciousness as her sister is on the phone with someone.[break][break]

Gemma wakes up some undetermined amount of time later in a hospital bed. Grace has crammed herself in the bed with her, her sleeping form wrapped around her and pinning her to the bed. In a chair against a far wall is Dane. His body bent in an uncomfortable position as he snores softly. On the other side of her is Dino. Sitting in a plastic chair with his head rested on the bed. his hand wrapped loosely around hers but as she tries to move it to brush his hair from his face his fingers tighten around hers. Gemma learns later the healer they had available in the city did what he could but Gemma had already lost too much blood by the time she was found she had to go to the hospital. Now she'd always have that scar on her throat. [break][break]

* * *

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Gemma is in the bathroom with Dane as she works on patching up another fight he and Dino had gotten into. She hated the way they "talked things out". It wasn't talking. It was all snarls and cracking fists and blood and bared teeth. Dane keeps shifting in his seat. Grumbling about how stupid his brother is. How much he can't stand him. How he should have broken his nose. "Sit still, you stubborn son of a bitch!" Gemma demands as she grabs a fistful of his hair. He glares up at her and makes a comment about not talking about his mother like that. Gemma grins as she presses a peroxide soaked cotton ball to his eyebrow. "I wasn't talking about Moana being the bitch," she lilts. Dane pauses for half a second before he breaks into a laugh. Gemma laughs too.
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* * *

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Gemma shoves her way through the crowd. A sea of bodies dancing and grinding to the music, threatening to shove her small frame into the thrall. But she has to get to the bathroom. Finally she breaks out of the crowd and books it for the mens room. Not bothering with the angered grumbling or the stares from other drunks as she shoves her way past them like a line backer. "Dino!" His name echo's off the tiled walls for a split second before she hears some heavy retching from a far end stall. Gemma pushes the door open, glad he hadn't had the mind to lock it, and finds Dino on the floor hugging the disgusting club toilet like some kind of life line. "Motherfucker," she growls. [break][break]

She wasn't sure if he was just drunk or if he'd taken something. So she waits for him to finish heaving before she crouches down and pulls him back against her chest. "Open your eyes," she demands as she watches his lids flutter and his eyes roll. Did he even know where he was right now? Did he even know who she was? His face is damp with sweat and his pupils fully dilated. What the hell did he take this time? She hauls him up to his feet and let him put most of his weight against her. Given that Dino was over a foot taller than her and much heavier moving him wasn't easy. But she couldn't call Dane or Grace for help. It wouldn't end well. So she manages to drag him to her car then drove him back to his apartment. [break][break]

Gemma had a spare key he'd given her when he first got the place. Once they're inside she drops him on the couch, closes the door, then goes to get a few things. A blanket, a bucket for him to throw up in, some water, and a cool rag. His whole body was burning up. She helps undress him down to his underwear then wraps him in the blanket. Gemma sat up the entire night with him with his head on her lap, long after Dino had passed out. Just to make sure he was still breathing.[break][break]

* * *

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The text was simple. Dino's dead. Those two words were enough to send her entire world crashing. She couldn't believe it. She wouldn't believe it. She picks up Grace and rush them both to the Wayland house. Not even bothering to knock as they both burst inside. As soon as the door opens the sound of Moana's wailing make's her chest feel like it's caving in. The girls rush to the living room where Moana is holding onto Dane who's stone faced. Trying to disregard his own feelings to be the rock his mother needs. As they enter Moana turns her bloodshot wet eyes to the girls. As soon as she lets go of Dane Grace moves to him as Moana rushes to Gemma.[break][break]

The woman wraps her in a hug so tight it squeezes all the air from her lungs. So tight Gemma things she might actually crack one of her ribs. She didn't know Moana had this kind of strength. Still, she hugs her back. Her face set in the same stone Dane's is carved in. Refusing to betray her emotions. Refusing to feel them. She's holding up both her and Moana as she allows her to empty her tears onto her shoulder. Her eyes turn to Dane but he won't meet them. Won't look at her. For some reason that breaks her heart more. [break][break]

Gemma has never seen her sister cry so much as she holds her in her arms. Grace is heaving, barely breathing, her whole body shaking. Gemma is doing her best to keep herself from falling apart as she tries to sooth her sister. She can't help the tears that slip down her cheeks. They're in her bed and Gemma is lying through her teeth as she tells Grace everything will be okay. Grace doesn't respond. Gemma's pretty sure they both know she's lying. Nothing would ever be okay again. Nothing would ever be the same. [break][break]

* * *

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It's been a year since Dino died. Things still don't feel right but Gemma is no longer going over to the Wayland house every day to get Moana out of bed. To make sure she isn't alone. She's not hunting through different bars and clubs every night to drag Dane out of them. Some times bloody and bruised from a fight that she has to patch him up from. She's no longer making sure Grace is running headlong into every Hunt without a plan of action to keep herself from being killed. No longer making sure her sister isn't drinking herself stupid and going home with the first loser who only wants to take advantage of her. [break][break]

She's on the phone with Moana as she drives. "He loved you, you know?" Hearing that makes it feel like someone has a death grip on her heart. "I love him too," love not loved. Because there's no past tense to her feelings. They hang up as she reaches the spot. Gemma wanders to that same open field they sat in as teenagers. Laughing, making flower crowns, dreaming of the future together. She sits among the flowers for a moment hoping, praying she could have that feeling again. Just one more time. But it's just her. The field is empty. She feels empty. Gemma screams. A blood curdling, rage and pain filled scream. Her voice scares away a flock of birds as she lets out her anger. Her pain. Her confusion. Her arms wrap around herself as it feels like her body might just fall apart at the seams. Heavy tears roll down her face. Gemma punches the Earth until her knuckles ache, until they start to bleed. She screams until her throat is so raw no more sound comes out. Then she's left alone in the silence again. In the emptiness. [break][break]

* * *

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Gemma moves to los Eurosia with her family. She gets her own apartment close to her sisters because she can't handle being too far away from her. She's still rejecting any assignments that come her way. In Antonio's frustration with her Gemma's tattoo has grown to extend over most of the right side of her ribcage. She doesn't care. She no longer has the drive. The motivation. No longer has the heart to do what they want her to do. Finally she takes an assignment. [break][break]

The kid is barely nineteen and he's clumsy. They only send her. She refused to go with anyone else because she's not killing him. Gemma tracks him down as she shows his fake ID to get into a club. She flirts with him at the bar. He's nervous and excited as she leads him back to the bathrooms under the guise that he might get lucky. As soon as they're in the bathroom she throws him against the wall hard. Gemma wants to scare him. Wants to make him see he isn't safe. They fight a bit, breaking down stall doors and putting holes in the wall. The kid electrocutes her enough to make Gemma see stars. Enough for him to run away. She gives chase, hunts him down to an alley way. Her head is still spinning, her vision still has black spots in it. She corners him, cracks his head against a wall. As he's heaving for breath and trembling she grips his collar. Tells him he needs to run, hide better, leave the city and go as far as he can. The next Hunter won't be as merciful as she is. [break][break]

Upon reporting back that the Gifted "escaped" her Antonio is displeased. But as she gets patched up her father coddles her. Let's her know it's okay. That it's been a bit since she's hunted. That she's only a little rusty and it'll get easier again. Antonio looks at her like he knows better but he doesn't say anything.[break][break]

* * *

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It's late and Gemma is laying in a bed that doesn't belong to her. The room is dark except for the dim lighting from the moon bleeding in through the window. Thomas as his arm wrapped around her, his lips pressed to her shoulder. If she stares at the ceiling long enough she can pretend it's Dino in the bed with her. That it's his fingers twitching every so often against her side. His warm breath on her skin. It's not fair to Thomas. He's a good man. He deserves better than her. Someone who will love him for who he is. Not use him to pretend he's someone else when she closes her eyes. But it's the only way she can fall asleep. It's been five years since Dino died. She should be over him. She should have let those thoughts go years ago when he was still alive. [break][break]

But her heart still calls his name. Her skin still misses his touch. So instead she pretends. Pretends another strong, funny guy with brown hair is her Dino. Just for a few hours. Just to give her heart some reprieve. Before the sun comes up she slips out of the bed, gets dressed, and leaves without so much as a goodbye. [break][break]

[Gemma Gatsby]

[nospaces]

When it's your turn to burn

Oneshot for Gemma Gatsby [break][break]

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Summary: The main events in this one shot are 100% NONCANNON[break]
This is simply going over a night terror Gemma has been having since she was a teenager. Including Dane Wayland
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CW: Descriptions of heavy abuse, violence, torture, mutilation, animal death, murder, and death of a loved one

SPOILER: Click to show

[break]

The room is dark when Gemma manages to open her eyes with a groan. There's a throbbing in her head that feels like someone is taking an icepick to her brain. She momentarily wonders if this is what it feels like to get a lobotomy. As she comes more into consciousness she's hit with the deeply unpleasant realization that her entire body hurts. Worse than hurts. It feels like she was picked up by a giant and slammed around a cave like a rag doll. There isn't a single inch of her that doesn't scream in pain. She's unable to move her right ankle at all, even attempting to causes white hot pain to shoot up her entire leg. The feeling makes her gasp but just sucking in air feels like her lungs are too tight. The breath burns her throat and she can feel some kind of fluid rattle in her chest when she breathes. [break][break]

Her hands are tied behind her back making it harder to push herself up from the fetal position she'd been lying in. Worst yet her fingers are broken. Snapped and bent at inhuman angels that make it impossible for her to touch her fingertips to anything. Just the act of trying to even wiggle her fingers makes her want to scream in pain but no sound comes out. She can't use her Gift. She can't move. She's helpless and vulnerable and entirely unsure of where she is. Panic washes over her like a tsunami. Her breath quickens causing more pain in a chest that refuses to expand like it should. Her heart begins to beat wildly. Like the wings of a panicked humming bird trying to escape confinement. Gemma squeezes her eyes shut tight and does her best to calm her nerves. Panicking and hyperventilating isn't going to save her. She needs to think rationally.

As she starts regaining her breathing there's the sound of a lock clicking back. What would have normally been a soft sound echos like shattering glass in the empty room. The sound alone is enough to make her start to panic again until she realizes...Gemma recognizes the footsteps coming down the stairs. There's a click and the lights above her flicker to life. Bathing the room in sterile white light of softly buzzing fluorescent bulbs. Her eyes wander up to the figure that descends the final steps and land on an all too familiar face. Antonio Wayland. [break][break]

* * *

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He's dressed as if he just got out of a long day at the office. A pair of well fitting black slacks, black well polished boots, and a button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to just below his elbows. The man sighs softly as he drags one of his hands through his hair before his eyes level on Gemma. Still curled up on the ground. "Well, well, I'm glad to see you're finally awake," he says in a flat tone as he stalks towards her. His stride confident and his eyes calculating. Gemma keeps her face blank as she stares up at him. Not daring to betray any emotion. Not daring to give him that satisfaction. "You really aren't like the others, hm?" He asks casually. As if making idle conversation at the dinner table. "Had it been Grace or one of my sons in your situation they likely would have screamed, spat at me, snarled like some wild animal, or at the very least glared at me," his voice stopped as he finally paused in front of her. Gemma found it impossible to turn her head to look up at him but she didn't want to anyway. Didn't want to risk him seeing the fury in her eyes or the tight lock of her jaw. [break][break]

"Not you though, Miss Gatsby," he took the toe of his boot and nudged it under her cheek to nudge her head to the side. Painfully and forcibly making her stare up at him. "Always the little secret keeper." His eyes scanned her from head to toe and she felt her skin crawl. Everything in her wanted pull away. Wanted to thrash and gnash her teeth at him. But she wouldn't dare let him see her break like that. "We'll see how long that lasts." [break][break]

His rough fingers curl in her tangled mess of hair as he yanks her up like a sack of potatoes. Gemma's face scrunches in pain as she bites down a pained yell. He sits her upright then pulls her hair to force her head back. It's then she notices a bottle of water in his free hand. "I bet you're just parched," he barely gives her a chance to drag in a trembling breath before he shoves the open bottle into her mouth. Forcing water down her throat as she sputters around it. Water spills out as her body attempts to reject the sudden onslaught of liquid. It felt as if she was drowning. Her bodies natural instinct to fight for air making her breathe in more than she actually swallowed. While more of it wound up being spit and sputtered out to run down her chin and soak into her shirt. Finally once the bottle empties he released her letting Gemma's head roll down to rest her chin to her chest as she tries to catch her breath while coughing up water and blood. Antonio crunches the plastic bottle and tosses it to the side while he watches her wheeze. [break][break]

Without saying another word he walks back to the stairs. Shutting out the lights on his way up and leaving Gemma once again in darkness. At least she's sitting up now. [break][break]

* * *

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She doesn't know how long it is after that before she hears the door unlock again. She listens to the familiar footsteps on the wooden stairs again only this time there's a second pair. The lights flicker on once again and Gemma looks up to see Antonio standing next to his youngest son. Dane's eyes meet hers and she watches his lips part as if he's about to say her name before he stops. She watches several emotions flicker over his face in a matter of seconds. Confusion, panic, sorrow, fury, and then...nothing. His face goes completely blank as Antonio places one hand on his son's shoulder. Dane's lips are pulled into a thin line, his face steeled against emotion as Antonio nudges him closer to the girl he'd grown up with. When neither of them speak Antonio takes it upon himself to break the silence. "Miss Gatsby here has decided that she doesn't want to be apart of the family anymore," his voice is still easy, flat, as casual as talking about the weather. "She thought she could defect. Run away without facing the consequences of her actions. And worse yet, she tried to get your brother in on it as well." [break][break]

Her heart drops to the pit of her stomach. She didn't know how he'd found out but that was currently the least of her worries. What had he done to Dino? She almost thought of what he was planning to do with Dane but as he stepped away from the two of them she has a sinking feeling she knows the answer. "You know what to do, Dane," the words are simple. The order is clear. Dane and Gemma stare at each other for a moment longer before he finally turns to his father as if he hadn't heard a word of what the man just said. As if he'd only focused in solely on Gemma crumbled, beaten, broken, and bruised on the ground in front of him. But then Dane refuses. [break][break]

He barks out a laugh that holds no mirth and echo's around the room. Makes a plain, simple, unmistakable refusal. Gemma swears she can see a some sort of sick, twisted, glint of joy in Antonio's eyes. Before she watches Dane's body tense and go entirely still. His jaw tightens and he begins to hold his breath. Gemma doesn't need to see the way Antonio is manipulating his tattoo to know that unmistakable look. "I'm going to give you one last chance, Dane," Antonio warns as his son begins trying to forcibly breathe through the pain. "You know how we handle defectors. You know the consequences for disloyalty."[break][break]

* * *

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But Dane holds steadfast. Gemma watches as his lips curl into a smile that looks more like a feral dog bearing his teeth. Once again he refuses. Spitting his hatred at his father who cuts him off with a swift crack to his jaw. Gemma watches as Dane's head snaps to the side and he fumbles. Barely managing to catch himself but Antonio wastes no time grabbing a fistful of his hair to bash his own son's face against the cement wall with a sickening crunch. When he's pulled back Gemma watches as blood gushes from his nose that's now turned at an angle. Her heart slams in her chest as Gemma tries to shove herself up. She needs to help. She needs to protect him! Until she feels a cold, wet nose nudge her back down. There's two other snarls as two German Shepherds with thick black coats lunge for Antonio. Only for two shot to fire off in quick succession. The resulting ring in the small room is so disorienting Gemma can't see straight. She pinches her eyes closed as the high pitched noise rattles her brain. [break][break]

There's a third shot that she barely hears over the ringing in her ears. "Disobedient dogs get punished or put down, son," Antonio says once the ringing finally starts to subside. Dane simply spits a thick glob of blood at his fathers face. Who then proceeds to hit him over the head with the butt of his gun. And Gemma watches as Dane's body goes limp. It seems to all happen in a flash. Dane's wrists are chained together, his arms lifted above his head to suspend him from the ceiling with his feet just barely grazing across the ground. Antonio leaves and Gemma attempts to move again. To scoot herself closer to him but she only succeeds in toppling over again. "Dane," her voice trembles as she tries to call his name. It's hoarse, barely above a whisper and he doesn't respond. "Dane, please open your eyes." [break][break]

Antonio returns down the steps carrying a bag on his shoulder and another bottle of water. His eyes wander to where Gemma has toppled over on the floor and tsks softly as her. Before he sets down the bag and pulls her up again. "Gemma, if you were that thirsty you should have just said something." Then he's shoving the water down her throat again and Gemma sputters, coughs, and gags as she tries to twist away from him. Once the bottle is empty he tosses it to the side like the last one then leans her against the wall again with a direct line of sight to where Dane was hanging. He waits for his sons eyes to flutter open before he opens the bag that he'd brought down with him. It's full of various utensils. Scalpels, a box of cigars, a lighter, a crowbar, what appears to be some kind of branding rod, and a metal bat attached to the side. He doesn't even spare a moment before he starts in on the abuse.

He cuts open Dane's shirt to reveal where his tattoo has spread down over his shoulders and across his chest. First he takes the scalpel and begins to cut around the outline of the tattoo. Gemma's view is mostly blocked out by Antonio's frame but she can see the pain across Dane's face. The way he grits his teeth before he lets his head roll back. Biting back any noise that might betray his pain. Gemma can do nothing. She can't stand, she can't move her fingers, she's lost all feeling in her hands. All she can do is watch. Forcing down the scream that tries to bubble up her throat to tell him to stop. Antonio continues to cut around the outline of the tattoo. As if he might just cut the ink away from his skin himself. Eventually he stops and Gemma watches as Dane lets out a breath he'd likely been holding the entire time. But that's hardly where Antonio stops. [break][break]

* * *

[break]
For days Antonio beats, breaks, batters, and mutilates his son. He burns him with cigars. Bashes his les, ribs, arms, back, even his face with the baseball bat and the crowbar. Brands him with some strange symbol Gemma doesn't recognize. The room is filled with coppery scent of blood, cigar smoke, and burning flesh. He wails on his sons stomach until Dane vomits all over the floor and on himself. Leaves him chained to the ceiling at night when he leaves until Dane can't hold it anymore and wets himself. Gemma only recognizes time passing when Antonio leaves and she is left with, at best Dane's unconscious body swaying from the ceiling. Or at worst his soft, pained sobbing. Her throat is raw from finally breaking down. Screaming at Antonio to stop. Slinging curses at him, trying to bargain with him, or simply screaming like a caged animal. Dane's voice has become hoarse as well by now. But their cries fall on deaf ears. He only asks if Dane has learned his lesson. If he'll follow orders like he's told. If he'll kill the defector like he's meant to.[break][break]

By the last day the boy she'd spent most of her life with, her baby brother, is barely recognizable. His face is swollen and bruised. The parts of his skin that aren't burnt hang off of his body. Various stages of festering infections scatter across him. Flies have begun to fill the room, attracted originally to the rancid scent. Now making homes in his open wounds. Just looking at him makes Gemma's stomach lurch but there's nothing in it to throw up. Antonio comes downstairs once again but this time he doesn't have his bag of tricks with him. His nose wrinkles at the scent of the room as he marches over to his son. "You smell as disgusting as you look," he sneers at his son. His fingers grip Dane's swollen face and he asks one last time. "Are you ready to cooperate? Are you ready to do as you're told?" Dane simply shakes his head, just barely. And with a sigh Antonio unchains Dane's wrist. The youngest Wayland falls to the ground with a head thud and doesn't move. [break][break]

Gemma hopes, she prays that it's over. That Antonio will take his son to be healed and just kill her himself already. Instead his presses his boot to Dane's side and nudges him onto the opposite side. "Dane...get up," Gemma manages out as she watches him lay there. "Dane, fucking get up!" She pushes her voice as loud as it can go as the words scrape out of her throat like nails on a chalkboard. It's then she notices Antonio as pulled a gun from the holster on his belt. He cocks it with ease and the click makes her heart race. "Please stop! Please don't shoot him!" Her voice is raspy but desperate. Tears spill from her eyes and down her face as she looks between the barrel and where it's aimed at Dane's temple. "Dane, please get up!" [break][break]

BANG [break][break]

* * *

[break]
"No!" Gemma shoots up in her bed like a bat out of hell. Screaming and covered in a cold sweat. Her heart is hammering so fast in her chest it's physically painful. Tears are streaming down her face and she swears she can still hear the ring of the gun being fired. It takes her a moment to realize she's in her bed. She's at her apartment and her cat is giving her a very disgruntled and concerned look for being woken up in the middle of the night. As the realization washes over there's almost relief but it still can't break past the overbearing sorrow and pain wracking her body. It was so real. She was stuck in that hell for weeks, though in reality it was only a few hours. Gemma rips back the sweat soaked sheets and moves to her bathroom. Checking in the mirror that she is in fact still her. She texts Dane but seeing the time she realizes he's likely asleep by now. So she turns on her shower. [break][break]

As the steam fills up the room she strips out of her pajama's that cling to her damp skin. Gemma climbs in the tub and sits under the hot water. Letting the heat soak into her skin as she pulls her knees to her chest. Curling up in a ball while she tells herself it was just a dream. Dane was okay. She was okay. It wasn't real. Still, her body begins to tremble violently as she breaks out into a sob. A feeling like her chest is caving in. Like she might just fall apart right there if she doesn't grip her body together. Her sobbing echo's off the bathroom tile. Mixing with the sound of running water.[break][break]

[Gemma Gatsby]

[nospaces]

If I could turn back time

Oneshot for Gemma Gatsby [break][break]

[break][break]

Summary:More little drabbles of Gemma's life because I need to write something and I can't stop thinking of these. [break]
Obviously including Grace Gatsby , Dane Wayland , and Ashley Wolfe
[break][break]

CW: Mentions of violence, underage drinking, a car accident, death, and grief

SPOILER: Click to show

[break]

Gemma has her head rested against her father's shoulder while he carries her into the hospital. Her little hand curled up in his shirt while she blinks her tired eyes. She'd just woken up from her nap and was confused as to where they were or what they were doing. Her daddy pats her gently on the back as they reach a door and pulls back enough to look her in the eyes. "You ready to see your baby sister?" He asks. His eyes are tired from staying up at the hospital with his wife during labor but there's a spark of pride and fatherly joy in them. [break][break]

As she hears that she'll finally get to meet her baby sister little Gemma perks up immediately. She nods eagerly, bouncing in her daddy's arms and practically jumping out of them to open the door. Warrick laughs softly and tells her to wait a moment for him to get in the room. As they step in the room is bathed in sunlight. Tiffany is sat up in the hospital bed holding a little bundle of pink. Warrick steps closer to the bed as the door clicks closed and sets Gemma in the bed with her mother and sister. "Gem, this is your baby sister, Grace," Tiffany says as she places a hand on her eldest daughters back and nudges her closer. [break][break]

Gemma looks at the pale faced baby with rosy red cheeks. Her eyes closed and all wrapped up in a blanket like a little football. "Can I..." Gemma trails off from the question as she looks up at her mom. Tiffany smiles with a nod, knowing exactly what her daughter wants. She instructs Gemma to sit back and hold out her arms before she places the baby in her arms. Gemma's face is full of wonder and excitement as she looks down at her little sister. [break][break]

Just yesterday Grace had been in her moms tummy. Now here she was. So soft and small as her face scrunches and she lets out a small cooing like noise. She looked so much like Gemma's baby dolls back at home. Only bigger. "Hi, baby," Gemma greets softly with a beaming smile. "I'm gonna protect you," she whispers softly as she leans closer to press her forehead against her little sisters. Like a shared secret between the two of them. [break][break]

* * *

[break]
"Grace!" Gemma screeches as she barrels down the hallways to the kitchen. Her face is flushed with anger and her teeth are bared. Grace looks up from her phone at the kitchen table with an all too smug look. Knowing exactly what her older sister is angry about. Their mother quickly tries to intervene as her older daughter isn't normally the one for such explosive anger. "Give me my fucking sweater back!" Tiffany reprimands Gemma for her language but her words fall on deaf ears. Grace makes an innocent claim that she doesn't have her sisters sweater. That she has no idea what she's talking about. Which only sets Gemma off more. And only makes Grace's lips curl into a more devious smile. [break][break]

Tiffany can see the spark in her eldest daughters dark brown eyes. Before she can pull her from the room to cool off it's already too late. There's a large knife in Gemma's hand that she flings with deadly aim at her younger sister. Grace manages to doge just in time, leaving the blade to imbed itself in the wall behind her with a heady thunk. There's more screaming exchanged between the sisters before Grace launches herself across the kitchen at her older sister. [break][break]

Tiffany steps aside with a heavy sigh. There'd be no tearing them apart now. She just had to wait until they either tired themselves out or one of them came out triumphant. Now she only prayed the girls didn't put more holes in her wall.[break][break]

* * *

[break]
"Shit!" She hisses as she rushes down the hall towards a group of eighth graders all gathered around a smaller boy. As soon as she reaches them Gemma jumps onto the back of one of them making him tumble face first to the ground next to Dino. The boy looks at her with a bloody smile. One side of his face is swollen and she can see a nasty black eye already forming. He greets her cheerily. As if he wasn't just getting his ass handed to them. "Hey, dummy," she returns just as casually as she slams the boy who she's on top of face into the ground. [break][break]

As another boy grabs a handful of her hair and yanks her back Gemma grunts before twisting her body to tackle him next. Given he's more prepared for her attack he doesn't fall as quickly. Until her knee hits his groin. He lets out a choked cry and falls as well. Before Dino is on his feet again. He's on top of the third boy before he can get his hands on Gemma. He's wailing on him with his already bloody fists before there's the shout of a teachers voice further down the hall. They both stand at the same time as Dino quickly takes her hand. "Let's go!" She hisses quickly before the two rush off the opposite direction. [break][break]

They rush out of the building and make a run for the line of trees. Once they feel they're more hidden the two of them stop. Dino is doubled over, wheezing, before Gemma hit's him hard in the arm. As he let's out a pained yelp she glares at him. He only offers her another bloodied smile that seems to be trying to be apologetic. Boy's are stupid.[break][break]

* * *

[break]
Grace is sitting in Gemma's room as the girls go over what make up to put on. It's Grace's first date and Gemma is being the supportive big sister helping her get ready. She even let her borrow one of her favorite dresses. The girls are giggling together with a little buzz of excitement. One that Grace seems to be trying to play off. To act as if she isn't as nervous or excited as she actually is. Gemma can't help but think how cute it is. Even if she doesn't say it out loud. Otherwise she fears Grace might pull more in on herself. [break][break]

Down the stairs the girls hear that Grace's date has arrived. Nothing too fancy. They were going to dinner and a movie, Tiffany as a chaperon. Gemma stands up to go to the door and poke her head out just enough to let call down that Grace will be down in a minute. The girls finish getting Grace ready before the younger Gatsby get's one last look at herself in the mirror. With an approving nod she waves goodbye to Gemma before she leaves the room and goes downstairs to meet her date. [break][break]

Gemma quietly follows after. Levitating as she moves as to not make any sound. She peeks down the stairs as her sister meets up with a sweet looking boy. His cheeks flush red as soon as he see's Grace. He seems just as nervous and excited as he reaches out to offer her a single rose. Once her sister, her date, and her mother are gone Gemma goes back to her room just in time to get a ping from her phone. She looks down to see a text from Dino asking if he can come over. As Gemma looks out the window she sees him already walking up the driveway with a big smile on his face. [break][break]

* * *

[break]
Gemma was sat at the kitchen table with Moana while she waited on the boys to finish getting ready for school. She could hear them arguing somewhere down the hall. Fighting over who would get to use the bathroom first, as if there wasn't another bathroom in the house. Moana sets a plate of bacon and pancakes in front of Gemma who looks up at her with a thanks. When asked where Grace was she explains her sister wasn't feeling well (allegedly) and was getting to stay home from school. There's a loud bang followed by the sound of Dane yelling at his older brother before a door slams. [break][break]

Moana let's out a soft sigh as Dane stomps around the corner. His bottom lip starting to swell even as he pouting and huffs all the way upstairs. Gemma snorts softly as she starts digging into her breakfast. "They're so rowdy," Moana says as she finishes making the rest of the plates. "You'll always look after them right?" Gemma stops at the sound of the question as she looks up at Moana questioningly. Then she smiles and nods. "I'll always look after my boys," she says in the most matter-of-fact tone. As if it wasn't even a question. Moana smiles as she walks over to place a kiss on the top of Gemma's head. [break][break]

* * *

[break]
Gemma, Dane, Grace, and Dino are at a club. Dino is babysitting his a very drunk Dane who's moaning incoherently with his head on the table. Gemma and Grace had gone to the bathroom to relieve themselves and fix their make up. The music thumps heavily through the ground. Like a gentle earthquake that vibrates through the floor and into her chest. None of them should be old enough to be there but who was going to stop them? Besides, it was spring break they deserved a little fun. [break][break]

As the girls are making their way back to the table bottles clatter across the floor. Dane becomes aware enough again to lean back with an annoyed grumble as beer is spilled all over his pants. Dino has another Hunter by his shirt collar pressed against the top of the table. Dino's face is hard set steel as he glowers down at the other man. He's daring the man to repeat whatever it was he just said. The other Hunter sputters and stumbles over his words as he looks up at Dino with surprise. Gemma frowns. "You spilled my drink," she whines as Dino looks up at her. [break][break]

* * *

[break]
The four of them are piled together in the dark livingroom at Grace and Gemma's house. Tiffany and Warrick are out for the night for their anniversary so the girls invited over the boys for a sleep over. Gemma nestles on Dino's lap with his arm around her waist. His fingers run lightly up and down her side as he whispers something in her ear that makes Gemma giggle bury a giggle into the side of his neck. Grace rolls her eyes at them and makes a point to turn up the volume of the movie louder. But clearly Dino has lost interest in the movie. As he turns his attention to tickling Gemma. [break][break]

She tries to stifle her laughter as she pushes against him and tries to squirm away but he's on top of her in a moment. Gemma can't quiet her laughter any more as she demands he stop while trying to get away. Only for Dane to tackle his older brother from the side. The boys wrestle on the ground. Laughing and trading blows while Grace pouts in her seat. Gemma scoots over to her sister with concern. "Gracie?" She asks only to be glared at. Gemma swears for a moment her sister is trying to will her eyes to shoot actual daggers at her. [break][break]

Gemma only smiles at her before she grabs a pillow and quickly smacks it against the younger Gatsby girls face. Grace wastes no time in tackling Gemma to the ground as well. Until the four of them are all on the ground wrestling. Suddenly they all four freeze as there's a loud snapping sound. Gemma looks over to find Dane on top of the now snapped in half coffee table. Shit. [break][break]

* * *

[break]
It's pouring down rain heavily as Gemma is driving Dane home from a friends house. The two are talking, laughing, as Gemma is struggling to see more than five feet in front of her. There's a curtain of water just pouring down but this doesn't make Gemma slow her speed even the slightest. She knows it's only a couple of minutes back to the Wayland house. It shouldn't be that big of a deal. And the sooner they get there the sooner they can be out of the rain. [break][break]

The two of them keep talking about nothing in particular. Gemma looks down at her phone for a split second as it pings with a message. In that spilt second is all it takes for her to suddenly speed up on another car she hadn't seen in front of them. Gemma slams on the breaks to try to avoid hitting them and succeeds in hydroplaning. She tries to take control over the vehicle again as they start to spin out of control. Another car slams into the side of them and Gemma's car goes careening off the side. The vehicle flips several times before only stopping as the drivers side slams into a tree. [break][break]

Gemma's head cracks against the window and she loses consciousness for a moment. She comes to to Dane's panicked voice as he's shaking her and trying to get her to wake up. Gemma groans in pain and blinks her eyes open to see a blurry image of Dane's face. There's blood gushing down from his forehead and shattered glass everywhere. As she tries to move up Gemma screams out in pain. That's when she looks down to see her leg trapped under the dash with the steering wheel pressed into her stomach. She feels light headed as the sounds of other people come rushing to the car. They offer to get Dane out of the car, letting them know that an ambulance is on the way. Dane won't get out of the vehicle until they arrive to get Gemma out as well. [break][break]

They're both rushed to the hospital, leaving Gemma's crushed car where it rolled. [break][break]

* * *

[break]
Gemma squeals as she runs through the apartment. Dino close on her heels. She nearly trips over a pair of his shoes as she rushes to his bedroom. This gives Dino enough time to catch her and lift her into the air. Gemma laughs as he throws her on his bed. Then in a moment he pounces on her. They're both panting for breath with far too big smiles on their faces. Gemma looks up at him as her smile turns more to a sly grin. [break][break]

She reaches up to run her fingers down his bare chest. Just barely brushing her fingertips along his skin as she let's her eyes trail from his down to his lips. Then back up to his eyes. She watches Dino's expression shift to match her more mischievous flirty expression. He keeps himself propped up with one hand while his other runs his fingers along her jawline. As he reaches her chin his fingers curl to his palm as he brushes the pad of his thumb across her bottom lip. Gemma parts her lips with a held breath as he pauses. They both stay that way for a moment. Dino's flirtatious mask cracks, just a little. Just enough for Gemma to see that longing in his eyes. [break][break]

It's enough to make her forget herself for a moment. Her hand flattens over his chest. She can feel his racing heart beat under her palm. As Dino leans in her own heart begins to pound in tandem with his. He pauses just inches from their lips meeting. Then sticks out his tongue and raspberries her. The games over. [break][break]

Gemma yells as she quickly shoves him off of her. Dino thumps to the ground, laughing loudly. Before Gemma throws a pillow at his face. [break][break]

* * *

[break]
It's been six months since Dino died. Gemma manages to haul Dane out of a bar and back to her apartment. He's stumbling and grumbling at her to stop acting like she's his mother. She told Moana she'd watch after her boys. Always. Just because one of them wasn't around anymore doesn't change anything. As she gets him on her couch Gemma brings him a bottle of water first. Before she goes to her room to find a spare change of clothes she keeps around for him to change into. [break][break]

Upon getting into her room and turning on the light she sees a picture of her and Dino sitting on her night stand. One she hadn't had the heart to put away yet. Gemma picks up the frame to look at the picture. They're at the beach and Dino's lifted her in the air. Her hands are braced on his shoulders and they're both smiling. Something inside Gemma grips her heart and she feels her chest start to cave. She takes a trembling breath as she leans against the wall and slides to the floor. It had been months since she last cried over Dino's passing. She thought perhaps she was starting to get better. [break][break]

The tears that slip down her face now make it clear nothing has gotten better. Gemma chokes out a sob as she holds the picture close to her chest. Her body starts to tremble as the sudden grief wraps around her like a viper. "God, I still love him," she sobs softly. Gemma isn't a religious person but she's crying out to whatever deity would hear her. If any would. "But I don't wanna love him anymore!" [break][break]

"I don't wanna hurt anymore! Please...please help me forget...help me let him go!" Her body is trembling as she tries to break past the pain and anguish. Gemma never thought just a picture could hollow her out so entirely before. Could crush her in a way that feels like she can't breathe. She's brought back to reality as she hears a heavy thud from her bathroom and a loud groan from Dane. The distraction is enough to pull her out of the blackhole of grief that was starting to consume her. [break][break]

Gemma wipes the tears away and takes a few deep breaths to try and contain herself again. She sets the picture face down on her dresser then gathers up the clothes she'd come in to find in the first place before she goes to the bathroom to make sure Dane hadn't hurt himself.