Te Prometo - Santiago Garcia
" Amor, breakfast is ready! " She called out to him as she finished setting up the table.
Letting out a relieved sigh, she looked out the window entranced with the beauty of Paris on a fine morning like this. Seeing as her beloved husband wasn't coming, she called out once more and decided to see if he just happened to be still rendered by sleep. " Santiago?...Honey?"
A slight fear began to crawl from the back of her mind when she walked into the bedroom and he was nowhere to be seen. She wanted to believe maybe he was just taking a shower, so she took slow, steady steps toward the bathroom and gasped at what she saw. Blood painted the porcelain tub and sink, and she noticed the trail of bloody footsteps leading out of the bathroom and into the living room. " Santi, mi amor. Are you okay? "
She took hesitant steps as she began following the footsteps that led her through the living room and back into the kitchen, where he sat at the table with his back to her. Something was off, she knew because he wore a bulletproof vest and his shoes were muddy. " Santi...? "
Taking cautious steps towards him, she finally reached him and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. That's when he turned around abruptly and she saw the horrors in his eyes. His head was bleeding profusely and his chest had two large bullet holes, just right above his vest. " Santiago, what's going on? "
Hearing her voice triggered something in him and he suddenly saw red as he lifted her by her throat. She grasped his hand and struggled in between choked sobs to call his name and make him aware that he was hurting her, but Santiago didn't hear her he just lifted her higher and higher. Her face was turning purple and black dots began clouding her vision, she began losing her strength and when she looked down at him he smiled devilishly and pressed tighter against her throat. " It's all your fault. You did this to me querida, you did. "
She shot up in bed, chest heaving and her head pounding. Santiago quickly woke up and began to rub soothing circles on her back. She felt helpless as she realized what day it was. Today was the day the boys would go for Lorea's money and she felt frustrated as she thought about them leaving and her being forced to wait at home wondering if they'd make it or not. She began to hyperventilate as she thought back to that horrible nightmare. She was having a panic attack, one she knew all too well and Santiago tightly wrapped his arms around her and kissed her temple. " There, there honey you're all right. You're all right. Come on take a deep breath and release. "
She followed his soothing words and slowly began breathing normally again. As she leaned more into his warmth she turned around and gave him a long, sweet kiss. He happily responded and smiled while brushing the messy hair from her face. She cupped his cheeks and explored the features of the man she loved. They both laid back down and stared into each other's eyes as she traced the light stubble she loved so much. " Are you alright sweetheart? "
His eyes held concern and as he softly caressed her hair he thought about maybe not going through with the plan, yet quickly dismissed the thought. With the money, he'd finally be able to give her the life she deserved. And while yes, they weren't doing extremely terribly; they still had to work hard to make ends meet. This money allowed them to finally be stable and live the lives they were meant to live. With this money, he'd finally be able to pay for her medications. Something the government should've paid for due to her lifelong service to the country, but no use crying over spilled milk.
" I'm fine, but please Mi Amor, stay. My gut tells me something's gonna go wrong, so please just stay. " He sighed gently and looked deep into her fearful eyes. He hated denying any of her requests. It was something he rarely did, but this time he'd have to deny it. It was for their own good anyways. " Cariño you know I can't do that. This is important for all of us, especially me. I can finally help us without you having to do anything. Everything is planned perfectly, so it's foolproof. You have nothing to worry about "
It was her turn to sigh as she removed her hands from his cheeks and turned to lay on her back to look up at the ceiling. She didn't want him to see the tears that welled up in her eyes or the fear that swirled inside them. " Santi, please. Just stay. w-w-we can find another solution. I could get another job or- "
Santiago deeply frowned at this, leaning over her to wipe the tears from her eyes. " You'll do no such thing. I barely like the fact that you have one, to begin with. " She looked over at him and let out an exasperated sigh, It seemed this conversation included plenty of sighing and would go nowhere. " Alright then, take me with you guys. "Sitting up and crossing her arms against her chest, to Santiago she looked just like the day they first met on their first mission to Iraq all those years ago. Fiesty and charming. Smiling, he sat in front of her and held her cold hands in his warm ones. " Absolutely out of the question. You're not in any kind of health to be doing those kinds of things. I would love to take you, but I can't risk losing you. Not again. "
She nodded with great disappointment but understanding and he leaned in, placing a kiss on her temple. " Fine pero prométeme that you'll be back safe and sound. " She stuck her pinky finger in front of his face with a minor pout on her lips. " Te lo prometo " He hooked his pinkie with hers and sealed their promise with a passionate kiss.
...
" Everything ready boys? "
She helped carry the last box in the trunk of the truck as Will approached her with his nagging mom's face. " Didn't we tell you not to carry anything you little shit? " He hooked his arm around her shoulder, pulled her into a chokehold, and ruffled her hair roughly until it was all messy and disheveled. " Hey! " Elbowing his rib allowed her to be released and she took her revenge by twisting his arm behind his back until he grunted in pain. She giggled at his struggle. " Mhmm not so tough now, huh? " She was suddenly lifted from behind and tackled to the ground. Instantly, she knew who it was, so she kicked his shin and twisted around so she'd be on his back as he basically ate dirt. " All these years and I always manage to have one of you on the floor. How embarrassing "
Her younger brother Benny wiggled and struggled under her weight. " Whatever Y/n, you win now let me go. " Will chuckled and rolled his eyes at her comment as he closed the truckbed door. " Only if you say it nicely Benny boy " She know without even looking at him that he was just a few levels away from being actually angry, yet she didn't let up. She was having too much fun. " Okay, fine. Can my sweet, beautiful sister refrain from breaking my back with her heavy bones? " Half satisfied, she got up off him and walked over to Frankie who had just approached the scene. Benny stood up and stretched with a groan. " By the way, you're heavy as hell "
The giggles she emitted came naturally as she noticed his childish angriness. Knowing him, it'd pass in a few minutes and they'd be back to wrestling until someone desperately tapped out. It felt like they were teenagers again and for a moment she could forget about the reality of things and all her fears. After talking to Santi in the morning, she felt a little better and she too made a promise to be more optimistic and put her trust in them. " Damn Benny boy, she made you eat dirt once again. " They both laughed and he slung his arm around her shoulder as Benny flipped them off and went inside to possibly clean his face. " Dejalo, he's butthurt right now "
They were both bent over laughing when Santiago walked down the porch steps carrying what she assumed was the last duffel bag. " I'm glad you guys are having fun cariño, but you're not forcing yourself too much right? " By now their laughing had ceased and she stood there quietly, not wanting to bother responding after rolling her eyes at him. She loved and appreciated that he always took care of and worried about her, but sometimes he could be very overprotective. This was an issue that came up quite often. In the end, they would always kiss and make up since she knew he always meant well.
" Oye pendejo, she's fine. She's not made of glass you know. " Francisco smiled back at her and took the bag from Santi to load it in the car and give them their space before their departure. He knew they had to say goodbye and those always take forever. Even if they knew they would see each other again. She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. " He's right you know. " He rolled his eyes back at her and kissed her briefly. " I know baby, I just get scared sometimes. " Leaning their foreheads together, they make the most of being in each other's presence for the last time in what feels like a long time. " Bueno, I don't want our goodbye to be sour, so it's okay " Santiago smiled and looked at her fondly. " I'm sorry Mi Corazonon. Next time I'll refrain from being too overprotective " Their lips finally meet in a passionate kiss filled with fears and doubts.
" Oye, lovebirds! Time to go! " Francisco made a face at them and waved. They kissed one last time and he wrapped her tightly in his arms to leave her with one last hug to remember until he returned to give her many more. She gladly accepted his embrace and leaned her head into his chest which was easy due to their height difference. She pecked his cheek and looked up into his sparkling eyes. " Remember your promesa Santiago " She looked at him sternly as he nodded with a smile, giving him pleasant chills down his back as he got into the truck. Frankie was the first seeing as he was just in the truck anyway. " Hasta luego guerrera, cuidate. "
He hugged her tightly and she smiled returning the same affection. " Ustedes tambien. Please make sure he doesn't do anything stupid or reckless. " He chuckled as he pulled away. " Imposible, don't you know your husband? " He laughed and got in the driver's side. Will practically squeezed the life out of her and reminded her that things were going to be alright. " Take care of yourself, princess. I promise we'll be back the same as we left. "
She kissed his cheek fondly when he pulled away. " You better, or else I'll personally kill you guys myself "
Finally, Benny walked out of the house with a bright smile and bearhugged her. " Please don't stress too much okay? We'll be alright bear "
After a long hug, he pulled away and kissed her forehead. " As long as you don't do anything irresponsible of course " She punched his shoulder just as Frankie stuck his head out and told the boys Tom sent his regards and was at the meeting point. This meant sadly, that it was time to go. They said a couple more goodbyes, with Santi continuously getting out of the truck for another kiss until the boys finally locked him in, and finally, with no more time to spare, they drove off for better or worse.
...
Waking up on the floor from one of her horrible memories of the terrors in Iraq was her new routine. It'd been about a week or two since the boys had left and she still hadn't received contact from any of them. This was severely triggering her anxiety. She tried her best to stay optimistic, but her damaged mind led her to think the worst had happened. And unbeknownst to her, it had. She tried continuously to contact them but got no answer. She followed through the map and they should've already been past Peru by now and home in a few days. During the day she attempted to distract her mind by conversing with the nurses who took care of her during treatment hours, or just enjoying small activities like painting that didn't occupy much of the energy she already didn't have. As the days went by, she began progressively getting sicker and she feared she wouldn't make it to receive the boys.
The days went by painfully slow. Three weeks went by with her waking up with the same twisted nightmare from their honeymoon in Paris when she finally heard a knock on her door Friday evening. There stood, Santiago Garcia. With a tight bandage wrapped around his torso covered in dried blood and a ghost in his eyes. Upon looking at him, she was transported back to the military when she saw the same ghosts in his eyes. The ghost of things seen and never forgotten. Tears welled up in her eyes at the sight of him and she had to resist the urge to let out a sob. " Told you I'd be back. See, I kept my promise cariño " The words barely left his mouth before he collapsed right were he stood at the threshold. Pulling an unconscious 5'9 man was no easy feat, but she managed nevertheless. She cleaned up his wounds and the sight was enough to make her tear up again. She could tell Will had bandaged him up and was grateful because any more bloodless would have resulted in death. He woke with a start a couple of minutes after and explained what had happened in a shaky voice. She soothed him through it all. After thoroughly telling her everything, she cried softly and silently as to not make him feel worse. That night, they held each other closely and slept.
...
A few years had passed and Santiago and the boys had settled into as normal as their lives could get since Tom's death. Of course, it was complicated and took many many months of nightmares and anger and sadness. Y/n's health was finally in great standard and her sickness was cured after all the boys pitched in to help pay for her surgery. " Alright, burgers are ready! "
Santiago put the burgers on the table and she stood up clapping loudly to get their attention after they'd all sat down. " " Okay okay shut up everybody. Santiago and I have an important announcement " Santiago wiped his hands on his apron and stood next to her, holding her shoulders in excitement. Everyone sat quietly and looked at them in wonder. They looked at each other and nodded after smiling, ready to reveal the news. " Spill it already, dios mio " Frankie let out an exasperated sigh as he took a swing of his beer. " Callate pendejo, we're getting there " Santiago groaned in frustration while everyone just laughed.
" We're pregnant! " At this announcement, Frankie spit out his beer all over Benny who didn't even seem fazed. All three jumped up and hugged her tightly. " Dude! we're gonna be uncles man " Benny shouted excitedly as he began ranting about everything he'd do with his nephew while Frankie explained to his daughter how she'd have a cousin to which she responded by clapping her hands. She was still a baby.
Will hugged Santiago in excitement and kissed her all over his sister's cheeks. " Congratulations guys! Oh my God, I'm gonna be an uncle! " Will's wife shook her head after congratulating them both and sitting back down to eat. " I'm so happy for you guys, congrats "
Frankie's wife followed, commenting that she thought it'd be a girl. Benny's was next and she kissed her stomach exclaiming what a wonderful mother Y/n would be and excitedly jumping with Benny.
Santiago laughed at the scene and hugged his wife lovingly. " They are the same person " She nodded and leaned into him as the sun slowly set on the horizon. At this time she knew they'd be alright as long as they had each other.
...
" Amor! Have you seen Sebastian's shoes? "
She ran down the hall and into the living room as she attempted to put on her earrings. Both Santiago and her son sat on the couch completely unbothered watching SpongeBob. " Look Sebas that's when Plankton finds the secret formula "
Under any other circumstance she'd be in awe right now, but seeing the time that could wait. " What in the world are you guys doing? We have to go now "
They both turn at the sound of her voice and smile sheepishly. " Sorry Mommy, I told Daddy we had to hurry but he said it was okay "
Finally putting on the earring, she smiled softly and kissed his forehead. " It's alright sweetheart, but we need to hurry before Uncle Benny and Aunt Ellie get upset at us for being late. Now go get your shoes please " He quickly hurried off to his room and she turned back to look at her loving husband.
" Y tu, you know we're late already and you're on the couch! " Santiago walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her
" Oh come on baby, it's their second baby shower. They'll survive if we're a couple of minutes late " She rolled her eyes and unhooked his arms from around her. " I don't care Santiago, hurry up and put your shoes on que we have to go "
He pouted sadly. " No babe, baby, mi amor just Santiago? " She rolled her eyes once again and stopped frantically gathering their things to give him a peck on the lips. " I'm sorry Mi amor, will you please get your keys and help Sebastian with his shoes so we can go? "
He nodded in satisfaction
" That's more like it "