· {Thanksgiving || Gwendolyn & Neal}

gwendolyn-thegirlwhoneverforgot:

     Gwen’s eyes widened ever so slightly and she tilted her head to regard him with a look of almost… Amazement. He had family, and yet… He was not spending his holiday with those people. She couldn’t imagine what a family member would have to do to lose such respect. Gwen only wished that her own brother had committed terrible things, because at least he would still be around for her to be angry with. Instead, she had no choice as to whether she would enjoy spending the holidays with him, and the thought made her sad.

     Gwen tore her eyes away from his and stared into her drink so that he would not see the unfallen tears that swam in their blue depths. She had promised herself that she would not cry over the loss of her brother again, and she intended to keep that promise.

     ”I don’t have family.” Gwen said simply, her lips pressing together as she tried to collect herself. She turned back to him and her lips curved into a small smile. “And I don’t think either of us is drunk enough to share our stories. However…” She picked up her glass and downed the contents before setting it, empty, back on the counter with a small clang. “Perhaps we will get there eventually? My name is Gwen.” She said, holding out her hand to him as she introduced herself. She was ready to forget her sorrows, and if getting drunk with a stranger was the only way, so be it.

^{The disbelief at Neal’s choice not to celebrate the holidays with his family was clearly visible in the young woman’s eyes, and it made him feel even more uncomfortable than he’d already been in talking about his family. He hadn’t exactly planned to go into detail, but perhaps that was exactly what he should have done in order for her to understand what situation he was in. Still, he kept his mouth shut and listened to her story in stead, which was a much safer option for the time being.}

^{It didn’t last for very long, however; not much of a story was shared, and all he could say in response to the fact that she had no family was “I’m sorry”. Perhaps he was sorry, for inquiring at least, as bringing up the subject had obviously caused her grief, even though she was trying her best to hide it.}

^{Her change of subject was very welcome then, and he tugged the corners of his lips up into a faint smile upon her introduction.}

^{“I’ve got all evening, so maybe we’ll get there, yeah. Name’s Neal.”}

(Source: magicaedestruit)