everlasting AU

Though she heard him, she ignored him, face against the wall, knees to her chest. There were burns from the door on her arms and her face. Not much of her was left in her heart.

Opie pushed the door open; he looked like hell. He couldn't remember the last time he ate or slept. He saw Corrie and almost felt sick...this was his fault. "Jesus...Cor..." He dropped to his knees, gently running his fingers against the scars, "Why? Why did you do this to yourself?"

The urge to lean into his touch was strong, but she fought it. He looked like he hadn't been sleeping or eating, she sighed. Of course he would blame himself. The chuckle that escaped her sounded altogether other worldly.
"I deserve this."

Opie shook his head, "No...no, Chibs did this. He's the one at fault...I was just confused."

Chibs' blood still lingered in her system and he had taken care of her. Her eyes cut to Opie,"You leave him alone."

Opie looked at her, hurt and surprised, "W-wha...Corrine, he practically destroyed our marriage..."

Stiffly, she stood and took on a defensive posture, "No, Opie, that was ME. Leave him be. He is suffering enough, just leave him be."

Opie looked at her with guarded eyes, "What do you mean it was you?"

She shook her head, "I kissed him. I don't know why. It just happened, he was so upset. I don't know if it was his blood. It just happened," she sat, hands on her face, "God, I don't know why."

Opie turned away, not wanting her to see his agony, "...oh..."

Sobbing, she threw herself at him, "I'm sorry. I don't know why it happened. I love you. I love only you. Just leave me down here, it's all I deserve."

Opie shook his head, "No...you have to come home. The baby is here."

Her eyes widened, "I can't. I destroy everything I touch."

Opie shook his head, "No. You have to."

"That's why you came after me, the baby? He's yours! You didn't come here out of love."

Opie shook his head, "No...I love you despite what happened. That will never change."

A deep anger swept through her like fire through a dry forest.

"Then why did you leave me here so long?!"

Opie threw his arms up, "I was hurt, Corrine! What do you expect from me?"

It felt like she was coming apart at her core. She glared at him.

"I expect you to stay, not run. I expect you to be strong for me because I am weak!"

Opie shook his head, "It hurt seeing, knowing you were with Chibs and you are still defending him."

"I couldn't stop it. I have no idea why I did it. I have no idea why I defend him except that he took care of me," she threw her hands in the air.

Opie looked away, too hurt, confused, and remorseful to say anything.

Seeing the hurt on his face she sighed, "Just take me home."

Opie nodded and, regardless of his hurt, he helped her up and out of the house.

On the way home she stopped to feed, feeling much better once all the burns had healed. In a few spots there were actually little discolored places left over, but she felt good. Once they reached the house, she paced on the front porch, unable to force herself inside.