Barely Alive - Josh Washington x Reader

Chapter 40

His life would never be easy again, and Josh was aware of that. Getting a job was a task by itself. Luckily, Chris had offered him a job at his own hardware store, so now Josh is fixing phones and laptops at the back of Chris' little shop, out of sight from the customers, and able to work on his own instead. It wasn't his dream job, but it paid the bills. Perhaps some day he could shoot his shot at becoming a director once more... but now was not the time.  Paparazzi was still lurking around corners, people still whispered as he passed, and there were still articles in magazines about the phenomenon of his transformation. He will never get used to it, but he has learned to live with it. His phone burning red at all times because people wanted to interview him. Kids turning up at his front door to see the monster up close, and the worst thing, not being able to get his daughter into a public school because of his record.

But to create a shadow, there must be light, and as he enters his house he's reminded of the bright things in his life. the smell of his favorite dish already lifts his mood, and he follows the scent, which comes from the kitchen. As he turns the corner, he's met by a sight he'll never get used to.

You, busy in the kitchen while humming a tune to the little girl seated in her high chair at the kitchen counter, happily giggling at whatever noise you make. She looks like you, eyes sparkly and hair the same shade as yours. He smiles, and enters fully now, which catches both your as well as your baby's attention. At the sight of Josh you grin, and point towards him with a wooden spoon.

"It was your turn to cook, Washington, but yet, the fridge was empty as I got home." He knows you're not really mad, and he chuckles at your accusation, grabbing the spoon from your grip and placing it on the counter.
"I'm sorry, my appointment suddenly changed so i had no time to get groceries. I'll take you out at the end of the week though..."

You hum at his explanation, cutting a piece of cooked chicken into cubes, before placing a few pieces on a plastic plate, and offering them to the little one.

"It's fine, Josh. I was planning on making this anyway. ___ likes the chicken."

Josh averts his attention towards his daughter, crouching next to her chair, and running a palm over her fuzzy head.
"Hello, princess..." He whispers, and watches as she grabs a piece of meat and happily starts eating it.

Josh had wished for her to become normal. Not to inherit any physical trait from him, but she ended up with his teeth nonetheless. A mixed row of teeth that switched from sharp canines, to normal human teeth. It hurt her at first, of course she had no idea how to use them, which resulted in bleeding gums, and sleepless night, which ended up with more crying. However, at some point she taught herself to be careful with them, and her appetite grew as she learned to eat with them.

He eyes the way she gnaws on the piece of chicken, and concern tugs at his features as she flinches when biting on her tongue. A small drop of blood mixes with saliva, and soon enough fat tears roll down her chubby cheeks. Josh lifts her up, holds her in his arms and rocks her until the wailing ceases, shushing her gently and placing pecks on her cheek.

You place your apron on the counter, and walk over to them, grabbing her from Josh' arms and placing her on your hip.

"I told you to be careful, honey... Let's get you a drink."

Yes, Josh was in a weird, but functional family. With a wife that seemed too good to be true, and a little daughter that was the most precious thing in his life right now.
His life wasn't perfect, but he never desired it to be, because even when things got hard, there was always something or someone there that could make him get through it. That person could be you, your baby, his mother or his friends.

A perfect life didn't exist, but this was good enough for Josh to consider it perfect on his own conditions.

"Josh, baby, are you okay?"

You snap him out of his thoughts, placing a hand on his cheek and running your thumb over his cheekbone in silent act of concern. Josh smiles, grabs the hand and puts it against it lips.
"Can I ask you something?"

You smile and nod, holding your now silent daughter protectively against your chest. Josh places his hand on her back and rubs gently, which has her sighing and closing her eyes.

"Did you ever regret coming along on the trip?" Josh questions, because even if it had been 6 years, the thoughts, the memories and the traumas would never fade. Yet, your answer is completely honest, and only holds truth.

"No. I don't regret a thing that happened if it meant getting me till this point. I'm happy, content, and that's all I ever asked for. Someday, I wish you could be too, Josh. Of course, I never wanted this to happen to you, but I wish someday you can see past your actions and be happy with yourself despite what happened."

Josh smiles brightly at your answer, and leans down to kiss you on the lips. He lingers for a few seconds, before pulling back and cupping your cheek.
"I love you, ___-"

He's interrupted by the doorbell, and a groan slips past your lips. You give your daughter to Josh, before wiping your hands on the rag and rushing towards the door.
"If it's those kids again, I'm seriously getting authorities into this."

He hears you open the door, but ignores whatever conversation starts. He places the baby into her chair, and plays with her hands until you return. However, as you return you don't complain about whoever disrupted your evening, instead you place your hands on Josh' shoulders. He glances back at you, and meets your calm face.

"Josh, there's someone at the door who needs to see you."

He's confused by the lack of information you give him, and he raises his eyebrows at your vague sentence. You just blink at him, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips that tells him it's important.

He nods, and slowly makes his way towards the door. You quietly follow, your daughter in your arms, because something tells you it's important that she's there.

Josh finally enters the hallway, and standing in the doorway is a long slim woman with strong features. She has prominent cheekbones, thin lips and natural hair in a tight bun, complimented by a pair of striking green eyes. Next to her a boy, who can't be older than 12 with dark brown curls and white cloudy eyes that stand out against his dark skin. Clamped between his palms a white cane.
As Josh looks at his firm grip on the object he can see a sharp set of claws.

"Mister Washington?" He calls out, and his eyes seem to search into nothingness for his presence. Josh, still astonished by the boys looks, hums at his words, acknowledging that the kid is blind.
"Yes..."
At the sound of his voice, the boys face beams and his hands searches the sleeve of his mother's coat, before tugging on it.
"What does he look like?" He whispers to her with excitement, but the woman seems hesitant to answer. Instead Josh crouches down, eyes still stuck on the boy's and inspecting their fogginess. He grabs the boys hand, and places it on his cheek, right onto the tear just below his eye. The boy runs his hand over the broken skin, feeling his sharp teeth against the tips of his fingers.
A bright grin appears on the boys face which reveals the row of sharp teeth hidden behind his lips. He turns his head up towards his mother.

"See, I told you I wasn't the only one."

The End.