brandon-rivers

[brandon-rivers]

"Babe, you ain't got nothin' to be sorry for. This ain't your fault.. you're a great mother and the best fiancee I could ask for. I love you - I'm just worried as hell about you. You ain't been yourself lately, not since Ellie was born. It's okay, you just gotta talk to me, babe. Tell me what's goin' on, why you think you're so horrible. 'Cause you ain't, baby.. you ain't," Brandon said, resting his hand on her upper arm. 

Carefully, he moved from his chair to sit at the edge of her bed. Leaning down, he placed a kiss on her forehead, then her lips. "I love you Georgie. I'm always gonna love you. You freed me, helped me be a man to be proud of, gave me a beautiful, perfect daughter. I ain't goin' anywhere.."

He wasn't given too much time to talk. The psychiatrist knocked on the door a few minutes later and requested Brandon to wait in the waiting room. After pressing one last kiss to Georgie's lips, he left and sat in the chair outside, fighting to stay awake as exhaustion piled on him.

Be Mine? || Brandon & Georgie

[brandon-rivers]

Brandon deflated as Georgie ran from the bed. He hadn't meant to blame her or make her feel like anything was her fault - all he'd wanted to do was help. Immediately, he got up as well and walked to the door, knocking over and over.

"Babe, let me in. C'mon, talk to me, Georgie. Talk to me. I love you... y'know that? I love you. I just want you to talk to me... please," Brandon said, repeating himself over and over. He kept knocking on the door, trying to get her attention. "Babe, I will knock down this door..."

He'd barely gotten the warning out before heard her screams and broken glass. "GEORGIE! OPEN THE DOOR!" he yelled, shouldering the door hard. It splintered from the force. He slammed his full weight into the door a couple of more times before it finally gave way, What he saw next was horrifying. She'd destroyed the mirror with her own hands. Blood was everywhere - on the sink, the floor, all over her arms.

What happened next blurred quickly. He ran back to their room, grabbing a handful of his clean shirts to tie around her arm and wrap her hands with. He put one on her and the last one him before he ran back into the room to throw on a pair of sweatpants and get her a pair as well. Once she was clothed, he picked her up and carried her out, ignoring her screams.

He was going to get her the help she desperately needed. Once he got her to the ER, it was a waiting game. He stayed in the waiting room while they cleaned up her hand and arms, anxious as hell and wanting to be back there with her. A little over an hour later, he was finally allowed back in her room. Exhausted, he slumped in the chair behind her bed, looking over at her.

"You gotta tell me what's goin' on, babe..."

Be Mine? || Brandon & Georgie

[brandon-rivers]

"Georgie, c'mon, babe. Don't be like this. I'm sorry - I'm really, really sorry. You gotta know I ain't used to this Leave it to Beaver life we got goin' on right now. I ain't used to any of this shit and I'm sorry. There ain't no need to feel sorry, alright?" Brandon said, sighing. 

He had no idea what was going with Georgie. Most days, she was fine. But there'd been a few evenings where he'd come home to a screaming Ellie as Georgie cried in the rocking chair by her crib. They'd had sex three times in the six months that Ellie had been born, each time feeling like he was using her as a live masturbator. And there were some days where she barely had energy at all.

"Babe, y'know, maybe we oughta see a doc, figure out what's goin' on. Make sure you're still doin' okay after the baby. You ain't been totally like yourself in a long time. I'm worried about you." Brandon knew he probably should've waited to talk about that until a few days later. Mentioning it now was as if he was trying to get off the hook, blame it all on her even if that was the last thing he was trying to do.

Be Mine? || Brandon & Georgie

[brandon-rivers]

Bad as it was to think, Brandon had hoped Georgie was asleep. He was tired and sore - the last thing he wanted to do with a night without a crying baby was stay up fighting. But then, Georgie didn't seem all too interested in fighting either - instead of anger, she broke down into tears beside him.

Brandon sighed, wondering how in the hell he'd make up for this one. He turned on his side, resting his hand on Georgie's hip. "Baby, I'm sorry," he said again, wishing he was more articulate. Everything he thought about saying in his mind seemed like a horrible idea to actually say. 

"Babe, I forgot. I know this day means a lot to you... I'm sorry. I ain't ever done Valentine stuff before. I forget it just like I forget my own damn birthday. It's just another day. But we love each other, right? We can make it good tomorrow, especially since we'll both have a day off..." he said, his voice trailing.

Of course, February 15th wasn't the official day - no way it could be the same for Georgie. But he hoped his attempt to try and make it work would be enough.

Be Mine? || Brandon & Georgie

[brandon-rivers]

Brandon had meant to ask for an early day from John. He and Georgie had discussed having dinner at home for their Valentine's Day, but not long after the conversation he'd forgotten altogether. Valentine's Day just wasn't a big deal to him - he'd gone his whole life never celebrating it, never thinking about it, and simply had forgotten the whole thing altogether.

His day had been long and rough. Most of his day was actually spent in the shop, rebuilding a blown engine. He'd been hunched over in the same position for hours, lost in his work altogether as he worked. But then, around three o'clock, John came to get him, saying that a customer had put in a big order that had to be filled immediately.

Brandon sighed but got up all the same, stretching as he finally stood up. He knew he'd be late but that wasn't all uncommon for him these days. He'd still be home by six, which was only an hour or so after Georgie got home anyway - he didn't think to call her and tell her as a result.

Once in the warehouse, however, he was told exactly how big the order was. The client wanted all of their guns assembled and ready for immediate use. With himself and only two other guys available to work, the process took much longer than the couple of hours he'd anticipated. Though he kept telling himself he needed to call Georgie, let her know how late he would be, he forgot about it altogether.

Finally, a little before ten o'clock, they had everything assembled and loaded, ready for transport. Brandon was let off the hook for the transport since he'd been shifted to work at the shop that day as well. By eleven o'clock, once everything was over, he finally made it home.

The first thing he noticed was the food still on the table. And then it hit him - he'd forgotten about it completely. He sighed to himself, knowing Georgie wasn't about to let him off the hook for this one. After slipping off his shoes, he went to their daughter's room first, realizing she was gone. He felt a brief panic about her absence but forced himself to relax, knowing Georgie must've gotten a sitter for the occasion that didn't happen. She would've called him if anything had happened.

Slowly, he walked to their room, half-expecting Georgie to be awake and ready to kill him. Instead, she was asleep, clothes and lingerie tossed around on the floor. The sight of the lacey undergarments made Brandon sigh again - their sex life still hadn't recovered from the baby, and he probably missed his shot for February. 

Instead of climbing in bed, he headed to the bathroom, knowing he had to smell like shit. He was covered in grease, oil, residual gasoline and grime in general - the cost of working at an automotive shop. He scrubbed himself clean, not idling in the shower, then got out and dried himself off. Clean and dry, he fished for a pair of clean boxers and got in the bed with Georgie. 

"I'm sorry," he said out loud as he stared up at the ceiling, unsure if Georgie could even hear him or not. 

Be Mine? || Brandon & Georgie

Georgie was excited for her first Valentine’s day with Brandon. He was supposed to be home at 4, like usual, so Georgie had taken the day off and gotten everything ready to surprise him. Alex and his boyfriend had graciously offered to watch Ellie and Sugar for the night so that she and Brandon could have the night to themselves for the first time since their little girl was born. She’d dropped Ellie off around noon with explicit instructions on her care, and a list of emergency numbers, just in case. Alex had to practically shoo the nervous, protective mother out the door so he could spend an evening spoiling his goddaughter. 

As soon as Georgie got home, she started getting dinner ready. A huge, generous four course meal with all of Brandon’s favorite foods was prepared, the main dish being a filet mignon dish cooked just like the one she’d served him the day they met. She dressed in a flattering, sexy dress and heels, with a special set of lingerie bought just for the occasion underneath.

Unfortunately, 4 o’clock came and went. So did 5, 6, and 7. Georgie had given up texting him after the fourth text, figuring he had been busy with work, hoping he hadn’t been injured, but also praying he hadn’t forgotten the holiday. By ten o’clock, she’d called all the hospitals in the area, just to make sure he hadn’t been brought in and her head was finally wrapping around the fact that he’d forgotten Valentine’s Day. She bit her lip and stood up, leaving the covered food sitting out on the table. She didn’t have the energy to clean it up at the moment. Brandon’s card and a handsome, engraved pocket knife, the gift she’d gotten him, were still sitting on his empty plate and Georgie sniffed, heading back to their room.

She shed her dress and the lingerie and left them on the floor next to the door and changed into a long tee shirt before washing the perfectly applied makeup off her face and curling up in bed. She tried not to cry. She tried so hard, but by the time she’d fallen asleep, her face was red and splotchy and there was a large wet spot on her pillow.

[brandon-rivers]

[brandon-rivers]

Brandon toweled himself off quickly and hung the towel on the door beside Georgie's. He lingered in the bathroom only for a moment longer to turn off the lights, then came back to their bedroom. He smiled at Georgie, heading to their dresser to pull out a pair of boxers for himself. Once on, he climbed in on his side of the bed and wrapped his arms around her.

"Get some sleep, babe," he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. He wasn't so sure he could handle pillow talk with Georgie's bare ass pressed up against him. It'd been a while since they'd had sex of any kind and Brandon was trying so hard to be good.

"I love you," he told her, lacing his fingers with hers as they laid together. He was tired too. Long days at the warehouse kept him in constant motion. Assembling guns, loading them up. His arms, shoulders, and back certainly benefitted from all of the activity - it was a guaranteed daily workout. But it did leave him exhausted too, especially when his boss wanted him to work as a mechanic that day as well.

Merry Christmas || Georgie & Brandon

[brandon-rivers]

Brandon sighed softly when Georgie said she didn't have the energy, but offered her a small smile and a soft kiss. "It's okay, babe... I understand. I ain't mad and you're the last person I'd ever kill, no matter what." He let his hands fall as she handed him his shampoo and quickly lathered his short hair up.

He hummed appreciatively as her hands began to work across his body, lathering up every part and washing him clean. He grabbed her shampoo and lathered up her hair himself as he worked on his chest, then her conditioner. His hands got soapy once more as he finished washing her as she'd washed him, and then they both met under the spray, letting their day leave their bodies and circle the drain.

Brandon kept his arms around Georgie as she stepped forward for a hug and rested his head on top of hers, breathing in the smell of her freshly-used shampoo. He didn't make a motion to move until the water started to cool - then, he stepped forward and turned it off and braved the cold outside of the shower to hand Georgie her towel. 

Merry Christmas || Georgie & Brandon

[brandon-rivers]

Brandon groaned, licking his lips and smiling as Georgie's mouth busied itself with his neck. He grinned as he finally sat her down, pressing a finally kiss to her lips before reaching over to turn on the shower and begin to peel off his own clothes. "Love you too..."

Once they were finally undressed, he took Georgie's hand and stepped into the shower, steadying her as she stepped in as well. It was habit - he'd been oh-so-careful with her while she was pregnant, making sure she was treated as delicately as porcelain. Even now that she wasn't pregnant, he'd still continued to hold her and treat her as if she still was, still scared of her hurting herself even without their baby.

When the warm water hit his skin, he relaxed and sighed softly, smile crossing his lips as he looked down at her. "I've missed this," he murmured, resting his forehead against hers. Since the baby was born, neither of them had much time to themselves, let alone with each other. Not that Ellie was a burden - far from it. But he did miss the moments alone with Georgie, when the two of them could be together without having to worry to keep it down.

Merry Christmas || Georgie & Brandon

[brandon-rivers]

[brandon-rivers]

[brandon-rivers]

Brandon wished he'd had a little more time with his daughter - the longer hours he'd been working hadn't given him a lot of time at home. However, he knew that she'd be up again in just a few hours and he'd gladly take care of her then.

By the time he'd finished eating, Georgie re-emerged from the nursery and made a bee-line for him, curling into him on the chair. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close, sighing contently at the kisses she'd pressed along his neck. They'd had to be careful after Ellie was born - no sex for a while as Georgie was healing. It might've killed both of them if neither were as good with their mouths as they were.

But they'd had to force themselves to make time for each other. Ellie kept them both incredibly busy and he'd picked a bad time to work some extra hours. Even with the limited time he'd had with Georgie lately, he'd never loved her more. She was still glowing and radiant, still had a smile that made him weak in the knees, and was still as sweet and gentle as ever, even when exhaustion threatened to make her cranky. He still had to pinch himself sometimes to remind him that she was his and he was hers and they'd made a beautiful baby together.

"I know I will, babe," he replied, carefully pulling back so he could tilt her head up. He pressed a soft kiss to her lips, smiling down at her. "I know I did good this year..."

Slowly, his thumb brushed across her cheek as he held her steady. "Y'know, I could use a shower. You wanna join me?"

Merry Christmas || Georgie & Brandon

[brandon-rivers]

"Still, I don't like to miss," Brandon said, sighing softly. He knew missing one appointment didn't make him a bad father, but he was terrified of being like his own old man was. He always happily volunteered to burp Ellie or change her diaper, never viewing his daughter as a burden for one second. "But she's still growin' fine, all that?"

He knew the answer, he saw it with his eyes every day. She /was/ growing, and she was alert and mostly happy (except for those few moments she was stuck with a messy diaper or was hungry). Eleanor was certainly well loved and had a face full of kisses from him and Georgie. Somewhere, Ronnie Rivers would be rolling over in his grave if he saw his only son on diaper patrol. That fact only made Brandon happier.

Ellie had certainly inherited Brandon's appetite - she was an easy eater and took her bottles very easily. He watched in wonder as she ate, smiling down at her as her big blue eyes looked back up at him. He was almost disappointed when she did finish eating, even though his own stomach was growling by the time she was done. Carefully, he handed her over to Georgie, pausing to give his fiancee a quick kiss before going to grab his sushi. He was still getting used to sushi and all of the other fancy food she tended to make or bring home, but he was far from picky and liked it just fine.

"And when does she get her shots and all that? It's gotta be comin' up. I wanna be there for that," he added between bites. Brandon wasn't looking forward to hearing his baby girl cry, but he wanted to make sure to be there to wipe away those crocodile tears of hers.

Merry Christmas || Georgie & Brandon

[brandon-rivers]

Brandon happily took Ellie from Georgie's arms and cuddled her close, smiling down at the little bundle in his arms. Of course, she wasn't quite so little anymore. As a newborn, she used to fit along the length of his forearm with her head resting in his palm. Now, she didn't quite fully fit. She was growing fast, and the guilt Brandon felt about passing on his heart defect slowly waned each day.

But at the mention of her next surgery, his face fell. Of course, Ellie would make it through. She was strong. Brandon himself was impossible to kill, and Ellie had half of his genes (for better, for worse). But he still hated putting her through that pain, hated knowing that it was his fault, no matter how much Georgie soothed his guilt.

"At least she's got some time 'fore then," Brandon said softly, pressing another kiss to Eleanor's chubby cheeks. She cooed happily and wiggled in his arms, causing him to smile all over again. "I hate I missed the appointment. I promise I'll be at the next one."

Brandon had made sure to be at every one up until the last one. With the extra work he'd picked up, he'd had some longer days that slid into late nights. Leaving Georgie alone for so long with the baby made him feel guilty as well, especially since it wasn't like they needed the money - Georgie was certainly wealthy enough to buy anything Ellie's heart could desire. But Brandon was too prideful to let it go.

"Mm, 'course she charmed everyone. She's the most beautiful girl in the world!" Brandon replied, smiling a bit wider as Ellie's coos began to turn into fusses. He kissed the top of Georgie's head before carefully leaning down to press another to her temple. "I've got her. You oughta go ahead and eat while I get her bottle warmed up."

Merry Christmas || Georgie & Brandon

[brandon-rivers]

[brandon-rivers]

Brandon had adjusted to life with his family very well. He'd fallen head-over-heels for his daughter and never thought he'd find happiness burping a baby or changing a diaper, but his baby girl had become his pride and joy. As the holidays drew closer, he'd picked up more dangerous work for better pay, but it was worth it. Everything had gone off perfectly, there were no bullets or cops, and Brandon had extra money in his pocket for his girls.

Of course, most of it went toward Ellie. She wasn't even a year old, but he'd made sure that she had plenty of clothes and toys under the tree. He knew it was irrational - the baby had just developed the skills to open the paper and she certainly wouldn't know what it was she was opening nor would she remember the day. But there would be pictures, oh so many pictures, and as morbid as it sounded, he wanted Eleanor to know he was there and had poured his life into her in case there was a day he didn't come home.

On Christmas Eve, Brandon had to work a little late. He felt less guilty working late as he was doing legitimate work in the auto shop and not assembling or distributing illegal guns. He'd already bought and wrapped all of Georgie's presents (though she had no clue where they were) and was ready to get home. After his last oil change, Brandon clocked out and headed straight home, stopping by to pick up her presents from his hiding spot on the way in. 

Once home, he set down the bag of presents and made a beeline for the couch, leaning over to kiss his fiancee deeply and then to press kisses along Ellie's face. "Thought I'd never get home," he murmured softly as he pressed a softer kiss to Georgie's lips. His fingers gently ran through Eleanor's soft, feathery hair that'd started to grow out as a lazy smile crossed his face. "How's my baby girl been today..?"

Merry Christmas || Georgie & Brandon

Georgie finished wrapping the last of the Christmas gifts just before Ellie woke up. Perfect timing. She padded to the room and picked up the  baby, moving her to the changing table to change her diaper. Ellie was certainly going to be spoiled this christmas. There were a number of toys under the tree that Brandon and Georgie bought together. Some “To: Ellie - From: Mommy and Daddy” and more than a few “To: Eleanor - From: Santa”. Georgie had also picked up a few more things from Ikea for Ellie’s room and Brandon had gotten a few things for her on his own, too. There was a large pile of toys and clothes, all wrapped and ready for Ellie from Georgie’s coworkers. Alex, in his godfatherly duties, had gone shopping with his boyfriend and Georgie was sure Ellie would be the best dressed child in the country until she was at least three. The stockings above the fireplace were full of little gifts for everyone in the family, including Sugar.

Brandon was harder to buy for. There were a couple packages with necessities, clothes, some new tools, and some things for his truck, but Georgie wanted to get him something really special. Something that showed him how much he really meant to her. She eyed the small envelope under the tree and hoped Brandon liked it. It was a large gift. Very large. And she knew how Brandon was about accepting her money. But this present meant a lot to her, and it would hopefully mean a lot to them as a family, and she wanted to provide for her family as much as he did. She only hoped that it wouldn’t offend him. She’d never forgive herself if she ruined their first Christmas as a family.

Brandon was still working and would be home soon. Though she had a large feast planned for the next day (Alex and his boyfriend were coming over for dinner), she decided that, since Brandon was working and she had lots of presents to wrap, Christmas Eve would be sushi night. One of her bartenders at the restaurant had offered to pick up the meal for them and it was already waiting in the fridge for Brandon to come home. Georgie laid back on the couch with Ellie snuggled against her chest. “Your daddy should be home soon, babygirl. And then we can have dinner and maybe watch some Christmas movies. Sound good?” 

[brandon-rivers]