The Penniless Bride by EpicFaerieTale

Julian was in a way burdened, but it was part of their life. He couldn't just ignore Mary's family, no matter if her father is a bastard or not. It was obvious that perhaps he was put in his place, hopefully. Laying down in bed, arms crossed behind his head, he looked at the door, staring. He hoped to at least talk with her about it, about the situation they were dealt with.

Julian had already by then fallen asleep. It was a cool night, and very quiet. This would be peaceful to him amongst the racket from Mary's father's muttering. He sighed, turning on his side beneath the covers and continuing to sleep.

in the beginning, they both had to put up with a lot with each other. First was their personalities and morals. Then it was the damn sexual tension! As soon as he had to do that, he couldn't think straight and Mary didn't exactly help him out in that. Then again, they both tortured each other in some small way. Putting up with her thought proved how much he liked her. He sighed, not knowing at all that she was watching him.

They both seemed to lead on with their lives and their own business. But, for a reason, Fate brought them together. They did marry for convenience, at first, but later on, it seemed to now be more focused on love. At least, Julian liked to think they were in love. Still, the night went on and he slept, but with troubling thoughts.

Julian did sleep through the night, but hardly a peaceful one. As soon as he woke, he was restless. Not just the fact that his own wife didn't join him later on in bed, but that the reality was still there. Her father, continued to make things worse even with just his presence. Getting up, he dressed, smelling breakfast already being served. With a deep breath, he went downstairs, leaving Mary to at least be by herself and think.

As Julian sat down for breakfast, Michael joined in as well. They both had one thing in common, which was to leave their women be at the moment. Sighing, they both said good morning to each other. Eating silently, they prayed their wives would come down soon.

Michael did love Miriam, but he had demons that he hid away from her. Those are what consumed him. He felt terrible, just horrible at how he acted towards his children and his wife. Despicable. "I'm sorry for yesterday, I shouldn't have done that." he mumbled to Julian, whom in turn chuckled and smiled. "It's nothing, I understand totally.." Julian replied, eating his breakfast. The two only smiled again, understanding each other slightly.

But once they sat down, both men felt much better. "Sleep well, Miriam?" Michael asked, smiling weakly. He knew she was probably skeptical about him. Julian only sighed. Poor man was even trying.

Michael nodded, sighing. "And good morning to you, Miriam. You too, Mary." he said, coughing. This was probably the first time in a long while since he was ever this docile. Julian was glad it wasn't that tense this morning. "So, any plans for today, girls?" he asked, smiling.

Julian nodded, Michael smiled. He would try to redeem himself, but he knew it would take years before all is at least forgiven. Julian would glance at Mary, wondering what she was thinking at the moment. Did she believe that she was a burden as well as her parents? He never thought of it in that way, only that her father was causing so much tension, especially within him with the fear of losing his wife.

Long after breakfast was done, Julian remained at the table, thinking. Michael had already stood and hoped that Miriam would take the hint. He wanted to talk with her, explain why he had done what he had. He soon left, outside where he could breathe and not feel the tension.

Michael sighed, waiting outside still. Whether she followed him or not, he wanted to breathe for once. Being inside, it felt stuffy and..way too awkward. Julian rubbed the back of his neck, sighing. "This is calming down at least.." he mumbled, smiling at Mary. Hopefully though, she didn't think this was all a burden. It wasn't. Just a bit of a challenge to get through.

"Well, we might never know. Unless you ask your mother maybe." Julian smiled, chuckling. "Of course, I'm sure that..if we have children, they'll ask the same thing." he grinned. Still, in his better days, Michael was anything but suave. He was stubborn and always clumsy, which was an odd combination. Still, he did fall head over heels for Miriam, until debt began to collect and soon haunt his very dreams.