[Foxes,Shane]You Were Romeo,I Was A Scarlet Letter

[Claire Jayne Madden]

Claire closed her eyes as she laid her head back and then rolled it over on the pillow, looking down at the iv attached to her antecubital. It was a ‘banana sling’. That’s what the doctor said the nickname was for it between doctors. Basically it was one huge shot of vitamins and minerals, everything her baby would need since she’d been pushing herself so hard for dance. After the ultrasound they had determined that the baby was fine. It was getting everything it needed, it was just taking everything Claire had since she was spending all of her energy either giving it to the baby, or giving it to the stage. All she needed was to know that she made it into a company. That’s all she had wanted since she was a little girl. Now she was with Shane, in love with him, staring a family with him, and she wanted that and so much more. Ethan hadn’t spoken to her yet. He’d looked at her, backed out of the room and gone down the hallway. Thought she wasn’t even sure what he could’ve been thinking, it was obviously enough to make him not want to talk to her.

Claire moved her arm with the iv in it towards Shane and held her hand out and slowly intertwined her fingers with his. At least they were in this together. She hated worrying him, and she knew that when she had passed out it wasn’t just the baby he had worried about.She hated making others worry, but now that everything was okay, Shane had sort of settled. But she knew he probably was worried about the recovery process. Everything was fine now, but it didn’t mean there wasn’t room for improvement. There wasn’t much she could say, for her own selfish reasons she had almost sacrificed something that had put both love and fear into their hearts. She just hoped that later on after the dust settled he wouldn’t be mad at her. It hadn’t been intentional. She ate better, took her vitamins, tried to take care of herself. She just also had to push herself in order to guarantee she’d have a place to come back to in the ballet world once she was done with this stage of her life. Claire tightened her fingers around Shane’s, “ I’m sorry..” she said quietly. Sorry for worrying him, making him be here, knowing he would stay the night and be restless. She put more stress on him than she needed to, and it killed her inside to know she was the cause of any stress for him.

[Ethan John Fox]

Ethan sat in one of the waiting rooms, staring at the floor with his elbows rested against his knees. His little sister was seventeen years old, the baby of the family, someone that he was supposed to help watch over. All she had ever wanted in life was to be a ballerina and he’d done nothing but support it. Went to every recital, picked her up from practices, smiled and nodded when she showed him the costumes, learned the difference between a fouette and a pirouette, what ‘pointe’ was and why Claire scoffed at ballerinas who couldn’t do it. She was set. She was determined. That was what she was going to do. And now, she was pregnant. And it wasn’t his responsibility to watch over her anymore. He licked his lips as he thought about Shane, wondering how he was handling all of this. They’d known. Shane, as one of his friends, knew he had knocked up Ethans’ sister and hadn’t said anything. Though, Claire was probably at fault for that. He took in a deep breath before he let it out slowly, running his hand over his face. If only it was that easy to wipe away the stress and concern he’d had. When she first fell, he was obviously concerned. He knew in the past that she didn’t take very good care of herself, making herself sick, throwing up, staying at practice until 4 am, wearing her body frail just for the thing she loved. But it wasn’t his place to take care of her anymore. She was seventeen, but she was starting a family. Shane didn’t just have a newborn baby to worry about, as far as Ethan was concerned, Claire was his responsibility now too. With that he stood up, heading back to the room Claire had been in. He’d walked out a few hours ago, not really talking to anyone. He wasn’t even sure if Dalton was there. But he knew one thing, it wasn’t either of their place to tell their parents. He cracked his neck to the side, trying to relieve some of the stress before he stood in the entrance of Claire’s room and looked between Shane and Claire.

Ethan couldn’t look at Claire and not see the little girl who used to annoy the shit out of him, still did. But when she had passed out, he’d seen the look of concern in Shane’s face. Sure he knew more about Claire’s dilemma than Ethan did at the time, but it was there. He cared about her. Ethan leaned against the doorframe, watching Claire and Shane for a few quiet moments as he watched the way Claire latched to Shane’s hand. “ Shane do you have a few minutes to talk?” he asked, keeping his eyes on their hands before he looked up at Claire, “ If you’re okay with being alone for a little bit…” he added, not wanting to have her feel like she was alone and isolated after her entire world was basically just put on display for her family. This wasn’t the path he would have chosen for her, but he wasn’t going to punish her by pretending her feelings didn’t matter. She was young, so was Shane. They were probably both more scared than they would like to admit, and if Shane was going to be a good man to his younger sister, then he’d need all the support he could get. Ethan pushed away from the doorframe and made his way back out into the hallway so he could wait for Shane.

[Shane Alexander Madden]

Shane took Claire's hand when she held it out to him, wrapping his fingers around hers and squeezing her hand. Today had been the scariest one so far in terms of this pregnancy. The second he realized she was going down, he thought his heart stopped. And he'd been the only one that knew just how much was at stake. At least he was, not now though. Ethan knew. And he hadn't said much to either of them yet. Shane had wanted to tell Ethan, he told him anything he wanted to know usually. He'd been so upfront and honest with Ethan from day one with Claire, even when they had just been friends. But Claire had wanted to wait to tell people. And Shane understood that. It was common to wait to tell people until the second trimester anyways. Plus he knew Claire didn't want people to wonder about her dancing when she knew she was pregnant, because people would worry that something would happen like, well. Like exactly what happened today. Shane couldn't quite think of another time when he had ever felt his heart drop so quickly, scared. Not knowing what was wrong. If anything was wrong. Knowing there wasn't a damn thing he could do to fix it. It was the feeling he hated when he was on tour, the feeling that if something went wrong, he wasn't there to fix it, he was miles away. He hated feeling helpless. And even now that he was home for good, he still couldn't do a damn thing to help her, or guarantee that everything was okay. That was what scared him, the sitting by and watching his girlfriend have to be taken to the hospital, hoping that little heart was going to keep beating because he couldn't make it. It was out of his hands.

Even now, sitting here with her, with the knowledge that everyone was okay, Claire was okay, just worn down, baby was okay, Shane felt so overly relieved. He couldn't even be upset with her for wearing herself down so much to this point. Her career was important, and he understood she had to make a company, he wanted her to. Sure he wasn't thrilled that the life f their baby was kind of put in jeopardy, but he couldn't even be mad at her. What's done was done, and at the end of the day everyone was doing okay. It's all Shane could ask for. Claire apologized, but Shane just shook his head, turning to look her in the eye, "Don't be, it's okay. You're both okay, that's all I care about." He took a deep breath, subconsciously running his thumb over her hand, feeling so much more relieved then he had been a little while ago. And Shane knew in the back of his mind he had a conversation with her brothers that was inevitable now, it just hadn't been his priority until he knew Claire was fine. But now that it seemed she was good, he began thinking about what the hell he was going to say to Ethan. Ethan hadn't been back for a while. He wondered what Ethan was thinking. If he was gonna hit Shane. Well, hopefully he didn't hit him very hard. As if on cue Ethan appeared in the doorway, of course he was asking to talk to Shane. Shane looked back at Claire, making sure she didn't mind being left alone and gave her hand a squeeze before he let go, heading out into the hallway. He took a deep breath, stopping in front of Ethan, his hands in his pockets. Ethan was his friend, there was no reason he should be nervous. He just didn't know what he was going to say, go he was going to react, so that left him a little nervous though Shane was even more nervous about what the hell Dalton was going to say. Shane looked at Ethan, knowing this was no time for joking between friends. "Ethan, I'm sorry I didn't tell you before now. I know I've been straight with you from day one, just not about this." He wasn't even really sure how to start this conversation.

[Ethan John Fox]

Ethan stood outside in the hallway before he leaned against the wall and waited for Shane to leave Claire’s room. He was sure Shane wanted to check on Claire and make sure everything was okay with her before he made his exit. Good, he had his priorities straight. Cause honestly it didn’t mean a damn thing what Ethan or Dalton thought about it, as long as Shane wanted to be there for Claire. It was none of their business in the first place, even if it sort of felt like it was. When Shane walked out, Ethan looked up, pushing himself away from the wall and made his way over to him. One of his best friends in the world, turned his sisters boyfriend.. now his future niece or nephew’s father. Ethan took in a deep breath as he sighed. Dating his sisters best friend hadn’t turned out exactly the way he had hoped considering how much he cared about her, but apparently thinks were going in a different direction for Claire dating his best friend.

Ethan nodded as Shane started off talking to him. This wasn’t going to be an easy conversation no matter who started it. They were standing in a hospital, both concerned about the woman that currently meant the most to them in their love, though for slightly different reasons. “ No that’s fine, I understand you not telling me” he said, before he gave an uncomfortable cough and cleared his throat. “ Look, let’s talk “ he said cracking his knuckles quickly out of discomfort. “ I want to be there.. to protect her. For as long as I can,” he said, knowing there was no need to clarify who they were talking about. “ I don’t know what your plans are with my sister, but if you thought you were going to go anywhere.. I mean, .. I can’t take care of her anymore. That’s your job now. However you have to do it, together, not together but you’re involved… She’s my little sister, and she’ll be eighteen soon but.. I can’t take care of her… “ he said, shaking his head slightly at how helpless he felt about that. There wasn’t a time at all that he thought he wouldn’t be able to take care of Claire, him and Dalton both. “ I’m not the most important man in her life anymore,” he said, as though that was what was hardest to him more than anything. She was starting a family. Her own family. With Shane. They had to take care of each other, no matter how young they were. “ … Are you scared?” he finally asked, looking up to see Shane. He expected he would be scared, but he also wanted to know that he would be there for Claire, step up when he needed to.

[Shane Alexander Madden]

Shane nodded, understanding where Ethan was coming from. Shane didn't have any sisters, older or younger, but he got the just of it. Regardless of it being a brother or a sister, you still love them, still want to protect them, he understood that. And especially with her being pregnant at her age and all, of course he'd wish for the best situation if possible. "No I understand, I get it. I mean..." he paused looking back toward her door, "I don't plan on going anywhere, she knows that." Claire did know that. He loved her, he wasn't leaving, not by choice. It was still kind of new to Shane, to be in this situation when six months ago he was with someone completely different. He hadn't anticipated falling for Claire so hard, and certainly hadn't expected to fall so quickly. But he had, and he knew irregardless of long it took him to fall for her, it didn't make it any less. It was overwhelming at times, how much he loved this girl. Even before they knew she was expecting. Everything just felt right. Shane looked back at Ethan, who had asked if he was scared. "Yeah, very." Of course he was, what expecting father wouldn't be? But they both were. And they both knew they had plenty of time to figure things out.

[Ethan John Fox]

Ethan watched Shane as he looked back to Claire’s room, explaining how he wasn’t going anywhere and Claire knew that. But to Ethan that didn’t really answer how Shane was going to be there. But it didn’t really matter if it was in a relationship, or if they were just going to work to raise a kid together. Wasn’t his business, as long as Shane was doing the right thing. Which, in either case it seemed like he was. Ethan nodded , still holding in his breath. This was not a situation he would have wanted for Claire. But if it was one she had to be in then he was thankful that it was with a guy like Shane. At least he was sticking around, at least he was doing what he could even if it meant having to go on tour again. In which case, Ethan was confident that himself and probably Dalton included, would do anything they could to help Claire whenever Shane was gone. Ethan took in a deep breath and brought his hands behind his head as Shane said that he was scared. Hell, he was sure they both were. He was scared and it didn’t even involve him, and he imagined Dalton felt the same way.

“ Well..” he started off, not even sure how to really respond back. Of course they were scared. “ It could be worse,” he said matter of factly. “ This could be with some girl you didn’t care about, whose family couldn’t stand you. But.. I mean I’ll be here to help with whatever you guys need. And when you’re on the road and you’re worried about her, or both of them, I’ll be one phonecall away to make sure everything is okay for you both.” . Ethan ran his hand over his face. He wanted to shake Shane’s hand..or something, to let him know it was okay. But they’d just found out that they would be family, shaking hands seemed kind of formal. Plus, everyone was scared. Putting his man-card aside for a second Ethan reached over to Shane and hugged him real quick, basically his new brother. A part of the family, whether Claire and him got married or not. “ Alright, I love you man. You guys aren’t alone in this..” he said, patting Shane’s back before he took a step back. “ I’m gonna go talk to Claire for a quick second… she probably thinks I want to smack her senseless” he said, giving a small smile before he turned on his heel and headed back to Claire’s room, talking over his shoulder. “ I’ll see you in a few?” he questioned, before stepping into Claire’s room. “ Hey Claire bear…” he said quietly, leaving the hallway completely as he moved to sit down in the chair beside her bed.

[Dalton James Fox]

Dalton couldn't even imagine his baby sister having a baby of her own. She was young and had her whole life ahead of her, a baby would only complicate things. He sort of blamed himself for this..there was nothing he could do and he would eventually be happy for Claire, but right now he was just in utter shock. He blamed himself for not being around more and spending time with her and actually taking the time to listen to her or Ethan for that matter. It was time for a change, this baby would need every ounce of love and feeling of a family, something Dalton wished he could give more of to his siblings. Now Shane, whoever he was, too needed to feel like a part of the family. Dalton had no idea who he was, but he had heard his name thrown around between Claire and Ethan before. He was the big brother, so there was some resentment down inside of him, but he wasn't going to be an ass about this. That's not what he needed to focus on, he needed to focus on his little sister, who needed him and Ethan more than ever right now.

Dalton made his way down the hallway to the room the nurse directed him to. He saw Shane outside and figured Ethan was in the room with Claire. He leaned against the wall and just sort of stared at Shane. His facial expression blank, no words to say. What could he say? He had no idea who this kid was. All he knew was that he knocked his baby sister up. Usually Dalton would be grilling people with no problem, but this was different, he had no words. Dalton cleared his throat, "I'm sure you already heard this from Ethan, but we will be here to help you guys, whatever you need. And I know you're going to want to take care of her, but I will too. I know it's not my responsibility anymore, but truthfully, I did a shitty job when she was..."he chuckled lightly and ran his hand over the back of his head. "All I'm trying to say is, I know I can be a bit scary and intimidating sometimes, but I can also be very loving and loyal to my family...a family that you are with now." he held his hand out to Shane's to shake.

[Shane Alexander Madden]

Shane nodded, taking in what Ethan said. It was good to know that he was willing to help. Especially now since, though Shane was home from tour for the time being, they had other tours already scheduled. He'd hate to have to cancel them, but if need be it seemed that was what might have to happen. Even so, if he did have to go away, at least he knew Claire wasn't by herself at home. All manliness aside, Shane hugged Ethan back, "Thanks man." At least they were good. Ethan said he was going to go talk to Claire, Shane nodded, "Yeah, I'll be there in a minute." Ethan went in the room with Claire, Shane took a deep breath, pulling his phone out of his pocket. He called his mom's cell, feeling bad for rushing out with out them from the showcase, but he was sure his mom probably was just worried. She answered and he told her everything was fine, apologized for not being able to see them and said he'd probably talk to them tomorrow. He wasn't sure when they were going home, but he figured they understood if he was a little busy at the moment. After he'd hung up, Shane put his phone away, thinking he might wait another minute so that Ethan and Claire could talk before he went back in. Shane looked up and saw Dalton watching him. He wondered what on earth he must be thinking. Honestly, Shane didn't really know Dalton but the only thing Shane was worried about in terms of him was what he was going to say to Claire. He could say whatever he wanted to Shane, he didn't care really. But if he upset Claire then he'd have something to be defensive about. She'd been through enough for one evening, she didn't need her older brother playing that card. Shane didn't think Dalton was really like that, but he didn't know for sure. He barely knew him.

But Dalton was pretty understanding it seemed, which was good. He restated what Ethan had, basically that they were there to help. Every time someone new found out, Shane almost half expected to get lectured, but everyone seemed to be cool about it; Ethan, Dalton, Shane's parents... no one had really been hard on them. Dalton when on to say he knew he could be intimidating sometimes but he was more of a family guy. Shane had to stop himself from raising his eyebrows. Intimidating? Shane wouldn't say he was scared or intimidated by him exactly, just more or less concerned with what he was going to say to Claire. Shane wasn't very easily intimidated by anyone really, so he couldn't really understand why Dalton would mention it, but the point was taken. Family guy, duly noted. There to help. Shane reached out and shoo Dalton's hand, "Thanks, I really appreciate it." He wasn't sure what else to add really. He and Dalton didn't really know each other, maybe this was a good time to try to get to know him. He tried to remember what either Claire or Ethan had said about Dalton, anything he could ask him about. But he didn't know anything abut him. "I guess we really don't know each other very well," Shane shrugged, "Claire and Ethan don't really mention it too much." All they said about him usually that he was over protective and stiff. And that he took his career very seriously, that was pretty much it.