Closed Family Celebrations

[Abigail Cromwell]

Abby was feeling uneasy, but doing her best to hide it. Today was Zerrins birthday, and as promised, they'd both gone to Graeme's Quidditch game. Fraser had sat with them, the boys absolutely freaking out over every little success. Abby had kept on her best smile, but watching Graeme play had been... hard. It brought back too many memories, bad ones, of Zerrin's father. She was relieved that Graeme was a chaser. He was strong, steady, a team player and obviously very skilled. Almost in spite of herself she'd been drawn into the game, and had ended up cheering with the boys.

But the game was over now, the thrill of the victory fading, and anxiety was slowly starting to build up in Abby again. They were at the restaurant for dinner now. Abby was mostly quiet, letting the men that surrounded her do most of the talking, and sipped quietly on her drink. She had to admit that Scotland was beautiful. She could understand why Graeme lived her. Feeling a bit off balance, Abby reached next to her and took Zerrin's hand, giving her son a gentle smile.

 

[Zerrin Fergusson]

This was the. best. birthday. Zerrin hadn't stopped smiling all day, his face hurt he'd been smiling so hard. He sat between Fraser and his mother, chattering excitedly about the game with his little brother. "And when your dad swooped down to catch that quaffle-!" Zerrin demonstrated, swooshing with his arms and laughing. He turned bright eyes to his mom as she took his hand, squeezing it gently. "Mom! Mom! Wasn't Graeme suuuuper cool out there?" He asked, bouncing in his seat. He grabbed his drink and took a big swig, feeling hyper. He leaned over to look at the man. "Graeme! Hey, hey, can we come to more games?" He asked loudly, absolutely bursting with excitement.

 

[Fraser Fergusson]

Fraser had been having the best day, quidditch games were always so exciting, but he loved having Zerrin there with him, and spending the time with Abby. it was just so amazing, and so much fun for him. He loved watching his dad play, but it was so much fun with Zerrin and with grandma and the fact they won! The celebration was in full swing, and Fraser had finished speaking to grandma before heading over to where Zerrin was sitting with dad and his mum. He nodded along excitedly to the play by play that Zerrin was giving, and then to the question nodded excitedly. "Yeah! Daddy! Can they come to all the games?" he agreed excitedly, Fraser went to most of the games, not all but most and it was very exciting and would be even better with Zerrin and Abby at them. "Grandma says it's ready," ​

 

[Graeme Fergusson]

It was rather easy for Graeme to be feeling pretty good, the game had gone well, he had Abby with Zerrin here and it was just wonderful to spend the time with them both at the job that he loved. He knew it was a good game, it had felt good, he had played well, and that was so much more fun. He had been enjoying the celebration too. it was just fun to be surrounded by all of the things in his life that he wanted. He'd told his mother to not overwhelm Abby, but he knew she was enjoying seeing her and seeing how happy she made him. He nodded along to the commentary that Zerrin was giving laughing along fondly. "Sure thing, whenever you and Abby are able to come then you are welcome to come along," he told both of the boys. At the word from Fraser he glanced over to his mum and say her nod. He stood up and then bent down next to Zerrin, "Got a surprise for you buddy, but it can only be viewed from my shoulders," Graeme told Zerrin with a little smile. ​

 

[Abigail Cromwell]

Abby was surprised almost by Zerrin's passion for the subject. She thought maybe it was just the excitement of his first game combined with Graeme and Frasers presence, but she was not about to discourage her son. She cradled her coffee, smiling gently at her boys. "Well, if you really enjoy it, baby, we'll come to more games." She promised her son, already dreading what it might do to her health.

She couldn't decide if she was too proud to admit how deeply this was hurting her or if she didn't want to pass up the chance to be with all her boys. Maybe both. She smiled gently at Graeme. "If you get me a schedule of your games, Graeme, I can make it fit in my schedule and I'll take the boys," She offered the man. She wasn't sure who was watching Fraser during Graeme's games but she could keep them.

Zerrin looked to her when Graeme spoke to him, and nodded quietly, encouraging her son with a gentle smile and her hand gently on the back of his shoulder. "Go on, it's alright," She murmured, watching as he got up and scrambled over to Graeme.

 

[Zerrin Fergusson]

Zerrin was pumped when Graeme and his mother agreed, turning to Fraser with a bright smile. "Yes! We can get face paints and make up cheers and stuff," He chattered, thinking of things they could do to help Graeme win. He almost didn't hear what Fraser said, but he noticed when Graeme spoke to him. He blinked, looking to his mother with the question in his eyes. No one had picked him up in years, and he wasn't sure he'd ever ridden on anyones shoulders. With his mothers approval, he stood and scrambled over to Graeme with a bright smile. "There's a surprise?" He asked, holding his arms up so Graeme could lift him easier.

 

[Fraser Fergusson]

Fraser nodded excitedly to Zerrin, he thought it was going to be pretty amazing to have Zerrin around at the games. It was going to be really fun to always have someone to talk about and they could play by plays of all the moves for hours. He was pretty sure he could even convince him to learn to fly too and then they'd be able to play too. Maybe auntie liusaidh would let him play in the family games. "Yeah Zerrin!" he said excitedly, he knew what the surprise was, and it had been HARD to keep it to himself, but both daddy and grandma had impressed upon him how important it was for him to keep this a secret and he had!​

 

[Graeme Fergusson]

Graeme riding the high of the game and the moment, and the few drinks he had in him but he didn't notice how Abby was. He just nodded. "My mum's at most of the Scotland or UK based games, and internationally, usually one of the coaches watches Fraser, so I'm sure they wouldn't mind two kids," he assured her. "Though obviously I'd want you there too, whenever you can make it," He told her. He was smiling at Zerrin and nodded, "Course there is bud, it's your birthday," he adjusted his stance and put his hands under Zerrin's armpits. "You'll need to trust me okay, I'm not going to drop you while you're up there, but if you want down, just tug on my hair twice," he told him, making sure the boy understood before lifting him and putting him on to his shoulders with the practiced ease that came from doing it to Fraser all of the time. He let Zerrin get adjusted before he stood up and signalled to his mum. He whistled loudly getting the attention of the crowd celebrating and then out came Graeme's mum with a massive birthday cake, and the crowd erupted into a very loud and festive song of happy birthday just for Zerrin.​

 

[Abigail Cromwell]

Abby was torn between listening to Graeme and watching the boys excited exchange, trying to give her attention to both. She smiled fondly at both of them, holding onto her coffee like it was a lifeline. "Of course I'll come Graeme," She told him. She wasn't sure what this was, but already she felt herself shifting to put him before herself, to want to take care of him. And Fraser as well. This was only their third date but already these two Scottish boys meant so much to her.

And it scared her. Absolutely to death. Abby felt particularly vulnerable already, thrown off by the Quidditch game that no amount of self talking had prepared her for. This was all sickeningly familiar to her and brought on fresh waves of anxiety. She watched as Graeme lifted her son onto his shoulders and whistled loudly. She turned to look, her eyes widening at the massive cake that was brought out. Acting almost on instinct, Abby sang with the rest of the group, trying to push her attention to her son and giving him her best smile.

 

[Zerrin Fergusson]

Zerrin smiled impishly at Graeme as the man reassured him that he got a surprise for his birthday, nodding along eagerly to everything Graeme told him. He almost held his breath as Graeme lifted him, unsure about his feet being so far off the ground, but that passed once he was settled on Graeme's shoulders. The entire thing was exhilarating, he could see the whole world from where he was. His eyes widened at the giant cake that Frasers' grandma came out with, and he couldn't help but squeal excitedly. "Mom, mom, look!!" He pointed, almost bouncing in his excitement.

Honestly, the next few minutes passed in a blur, Zerrin was so worked up. There was singing, and then suddenly cake was being passed out. Zerrin tugged on Graemes hair, but leaned down to ask for a hug as he did. Once Graeme had shifted him into his arms, Zerrin wrapped his arms around the mans neck and squeezed with all the strength he could manage. "I love you, Graeme, this is the best birthday ever," He announced a little louder than he meant to, before wiggling free and rushing over to Fraser again, meaning to hug his little brother too.

 

[Fraser Fergusson]

Fraser couldn't contain his excitement as the singing started. He joined in very loudly, with an excited tone. He was so excited by the way this was, he couldn't get over how cool the cake was, how much fun all of this was. He liked being able to sing happy birthday to Zerrin, to be able to have this extension to his family. He cheered loudly, and eager took a bit of cake when his grandma gave him some. He watched happily as Zerrin was lowered to the ground, not before a hug and then when he rushed over to him, he wrapped his arms around Zerrin in a hug. "Happy Birthday," he told him, he'd already said it today, but now felt like the moment to say it again. He pulled out of it, "Come let's go annoy the coach," he told him, doing what he always did with the team that had so readily always accepted him and his antics. As they did with any of the children of players that ended up more involved in the team. ​

 

[Graeme Fergusson]

Graeme made sure that he had a hold on Zerrin, making sure that he wasn't going to to drop him, but it wasn't like he wasn't used to a weight on his shoulders. He often had that weight in his shoulders from Fraser and this was only minorly different. And in any case as soon as the cake came out and the place was in uproar singing the happy birthday, it all washed away. He said no to some cake, opting instead to have some a little later. He felt the tugs on his hair and carefully lift Zerrin off his shoulders. he was moving to set him down when the boy suddenly wrapped his arounds around his neck. He hugged the boy back instinctly. He wanted to give Zerrin the world. He was very surprised at the words, stilling lightly. "I love you too Zerrin," he said as the boy then wiggled on free and rushed to his son. He couldn't help but give a little laugh and smile fondly. He hadn't noticed how loudly Zerrin had spoken and just went to grab himself some cake.​

 

[Zerrin Fergusson]

Zerrin stopped to give his mom a big kiss on the cheek before giggling and finishing his dash over to Fraser. He stuffed a big bite of cake into his mouth, moaning at how good it tasted, before rushing after Fraser to go bother the couch. Maybe if they asked super nicely they could actually fly! Zerrin had never been on a broom before! He grabbed Frasers drink, too, chugging half of it as he scrambled after his little brother.

 

[Abigail Cromwell]

Abby smiled softly, watching the boys interact. It was always nice that Zerrin was getting on so well with Graeme and his son. Honestly, if Zerrin didn't get on well with Graeme, Abby wouldn't still be speaking to him. Her son always came first in her life. That being said, Abby was not prepared for what happened next. Cake was still being served, and she'd just taken a sip of her cooling coffee, when Zerrins' voice drifted over.

Abby immediately choked on her coffee, and spent a good moment sputtering while someone patted her back. She already knew that Zerrin was getting along well with Graeme, but this, this was... She tried to reassure whoever was helping her she was fine, her coffee went down wrong, it was alright. She leaned into the kiss Zerrin gave her, wishing him happy birthday, before straightening to find Graeme's mom. Abby gave a shaky smile, her face flushed. "I'm alright, I'm just tired, long day," She tried to hedge, giving the woman a shaky smile.

Rosemary seemed to pick up on Abby's anxiety, however, and before she knew it she had been escorted home and tucked into Graemes bed in a new pair of soft pajamas, a cup of cocoa on the nightstand cooling. Abby tried to sleep a bit, reassured that Graeme and his mother were watching the boys, but honestly, she ended up pacing, biting her knuckles. Today had just been so much, almost too much. Her eyes burned, but the tears wouldn't fall. She almost felt sick, her stomach was twisted so tight. Slowly her circuit in the room grew tighter, quicker, until she was speedwalking the same six steps from the bed and back to it, over and over again. What was she supposed to do? What was she going to do? Abby bit her knuckle, not hard enough to break the skin, but by now her fingers were all covered in bite marks.

 

[Graeme Fergusson]

Graeme found himself very lost in the celebration as the two kids ran off. He glanced back at Abby and gave her a wide smile before just watching the kids. His mother came over to him after a moment and said she was taking Abby home. He was a little confused as to why, but didn't question his mother, she knew best and would let him know what ever he needed to. He mostly kept his gaze on the children and in light conversation. after a half hour at minimum had passed his mother was back and she told him to give it another hour before going home with just the words that Abby had been feeling overwhelmed. He had to admit that this probably was pretty over whelming. But he let the time pass, until it was in theory time for bed. He grabbed the kids lifting both into his arms as he then took them home. Fraser was leaning against his shoulder and though excited from the day was already flagging.

Graeme got them into the house and got them both into their pjs, brushed their teeth and then put them to bed. He sat between the boys and got Zerrin to pick one of Fraser's books to read. It wasn't long and both boys seemed to be mostly asleep. He was keen to get to Abby, but knew that taking care of the boys was the priority and it seemed wrong to not finish Zerrin's birthday in the same house. He had been half way to leaving when Fraser had asked for a song, and being unable to say no to his son, he moved to his bedside and to the two boys sang the same song he'd always been singing. Finishing by kissing both on their heads and then leaving the room. He closed the door behind him and then went to his bedroom. He cast a quick muffling charm on the room, so that they wouldn't wake the boys.

"Abby?" he said softly as he entered and frowned, "You okay?" ​

 

[Abigail Cromwell]

At the sudden voice, Abby nearly jumped out of her skin. She yelped, looking over at Graeme with wide eyes. Her eyes watered and she stammered a bit, unable to really find her voice. She could feel the blush heating her cheeks and she looked away. She wanted to say yes, deny anything was bothering her, but she seemed to have lost the ability to speak. Instead she just wrung her hands, her entire body taut. Her insides were twisted in knots and she couldn't seem to think either, it was all just anxiety fueled white noise that she couldn't break through.

 

[Graeme Fergusson]

Graeme looked at his girlfriend and let a frown form over his features. He wasn't sure how to be, or what to do. She seemed to be in knots and ones that he couldn't necessarily help with. "Abby," he started, his voice soft. He approached her and telgraphed how he was reaching out to take her shoulders. To give her some ground but hopefully if she didn't want to be touched would be able to pull his hands away as quickly. "Abby, it's okay, we don't we just sit down?" he offered, knowing she needed to at least let herself calm a little before they could do anything else. ​

 

[Abigail Cromwell]

Abby let Graeme take her shoulders, she reached up and wrapped her hands around his wrists, trying not to hyperventilate. She let him guide her, trying to sit nearer to him to focus on his warmth. Despite everything that was twisting her in knots, this was still Graeme. She tried to remind herself that they were dating, that he wasn't Danny, but logic wasn't working very well. She didn't mean to, but the tears finally broke through. Abby collapsed into Graeme and just started crying, overwhelmed by the fear and anxiety.

 

[Graeme Fergusson]

Graeme was glad that his method was having some results, she wasn't reacting poorly and then just seemed to collapse into him. He moved them to sit on the bed and then wrapped his arms around her, holding her against his chest as he rubbed her back lightly, he made some light comforting noises, knowing that she needed to let herself cry it out. "I've got you," ​

 

[Abigail Cromwell]

Abby wasn't sure how long she cried, curled up against Graeme, but after a while she seemed to calm down a bit. Abby hiccupped, pulling away from Graeme and trying to hide her face. "Oh, dear, I'm so sorry," she shied away from him, trying to scrub at her face with her sleeves. She hadn't wanted him to see this, though really, had there been any way to avoid it? She knew she owed him an explanation, but she was just... scared. Of what he'd think. That she would ruin the otherwise great day everyone else had enjoyed. She tried to shut him out a bit, almost hoping he would just let it drop. She pulled her feet up onto the bed, hugging her knees to her chest and looking away, letting her hair fall to try and hide her face.

 

[Graeme Fergusson]

Graeme held her close until her tears dried up, he felt her move, pulling away from him and curling in on herself. He watched her do so and then put his arm around her, as much as she would allow. "No need to apologise," he said softly, "It's okay to be upset and as your boyfriend I'm happy to hold you in my arms," Graeme assure her. He didn't say anything else for a moment, letting the moment linger as perhaps she was gearing up to say something. "Are you okay?" he asked, not directly asking her what was going on, since that felt a little too direct but going a bit round to ask it. she was clearly not fine, but there could be a whole host of reasons for why not. ​

 

[Abigail Cromwell]

Abby was torn, her emotions seemed at war with each other. After a long pause, she let out a sigh. "No." She ran her hands into her hair, trying to hide a bit. "I just- its all so much more real," she whispered. "I'm just- I'm so scared," She told him. "I used to love Quidditch, in school. My life revolved around the games, around my seeker boyfriend. I rubbed his shoulders after practices and I made him snacks, I tried so hard to support his Quidditch career. We slept together once, and- and the second he found out about Zerrin, he-"

Abby shook her head, her eyes welling up again. She was tugging on her hair a bit without meaning to, and had started to rock a bit. "I thought- I thought I could handle you playing, I just- until today, I had disassociated you with the game. I knew you played but- but it was so much easier to ignore when it was just us cuddling on the couch or watching the boys," Abby whimpered softly.

Abby stood up again, going back to pacing. "He- he cut off everything, my friends, the Professors- I dropped out because my parents were literally the only support I had. But they- they died, and it's been Zerrin and I for so long- but- I didn't think- I knew with you- I've been getting tangled up so quickly, and I was trying to sort that, but- but Zerrin-" Abby was chewing on her knuckles again, worried. "I have- there is nothing to make you stay, if this doesn't work- I didn't realize how deep Zerrin was into this, he's going to be so hurt, I-" Abby was starting to hyperventilate, panicking. "How am I going to make this work, you'll never- I'm no one, nothing, Zerrin, he- I-"

 

[Graeme Fergusson]

Graeme was silent as Abby spoke, saying her concern about quidditch and really about her concern that this would fall apart, that she would be left alone, that Zerrin would be given all of these things and it could fall away. He knew that the boy saying he loved him was a massive step and it couldn't be ignored. He wasn't sure what he could say to comfort her, quidditch was his whole life, he'd dropped out of school for it. His support system was quidditch. His son loved it, this just wasn't something he'd give up. He wasn't like Abby's ex, quidditch was his life, but he wouldn't need her to be there all the time, or to rub his shoulders. He wouldn't cut her off from others. He shook his head at her, "I'm no one too," he told her, since he didn't think he was anything beyond just a guy who played a sport.

"I don't really have anything I can say, there are promises I could make but I think it's important to act rather than promise," he told her. He knew that he wanted to be with her, wanted Zerrin in his life, but there was no predicting what might happen. "But, I can assure you, I am not him, quidditch is my life, it's my job, it's my passion, but I don't need you to love it, you don't need to be there at the games, you don't need to make your life revolve around it," Graeme said softly, "If Zerrin wants to come, I'll arrange it, like I do with Fraser." he thought it right to assure that he didn't need her to change anything to force herself. It would be nice to have her at games, but it was not important to him, if it was something that would bring her stress.

"I love your son, Fraser loves your son, he's such a good boy. Even if we break up, Fraser is still going to want to hang out with him, so we'll be in his life, as much as you'd allow," Graeme said. he reached out and took her hands in his and tried to meet her gaze. "We'll make this work...together. We'll support each other, in whatever way is most comfortable, and build our families. it won't just be you making this work, it'll be us," ​

 

[Abigail Cromwell]

Abby was trying to listen to Graeme, trying to catch her breath, trying to calm herself down. She jumped a bit when he took her hands, tensing and looking up to him with wide eyes. She listened to what he said, and let out a shaky sigh, tears slipping from her eyes. Abby stepped forward, trying to nuzzle in his arms and against his chest. "I'm so tired, Graeme," She spoke gently. "I've been trying so hard for so long... I don't know how to rely on anyone."

Abby shut her eyes. "I don't... know how to let go," She felt herself crashing, her energy just drained. She probably just needed some sleep. "Will you stay with me tonight?" She asked him softly. "You're just... so strong and warm, I always feel safe when you're holding me," She admitted gently, before yawning widely.

 

[Graeme Fergusson]

Graeme took Abby into his arms as she stepped forward and wrapped them around her. He nodded and could at least agree that relying on anyone was very very hard. There was no easy way if you weren't used to it. "Of course," he said, not sure where else she thought he would go, why he would leave her when she was clearly feeling emotional and vulnerable. He didn't need to say anything else, just held her close. "I want you to be able to rely on me, but I know it'll take time and I'm more than willing to wait," Graeme said with a soft tone. "But for now sleep, I'll be here when you wake up," he was almost half tempted to at least hum the same song he'd just sung to the boys. ​