Disclaimer: I own nothing, except my own creations.
Author's Note: This fic came into being after seeing the departure of Wendy Simms in 11x02, "Pool Shark".
David Hodges stood outside his car.
He stared up at the block of flats shrouded in darkness before him. The lone bulb near the entry door and the dull streetlights above him were the only dull sources of light.
Flicking his car keys nervously around his finger, he wondered for a moment if this was the right thing to do. Remembering Nick's words of advice, Hodges flexed his arm and told himself off. "Let's do this," he ordered, pocketing his keys.
Walking down the paved path with a confidence he didn't feel, he entered the building. Climbing the stairs, his footsteps began to falter as the third floor loomed nearer. Taking in a deep breath, he left the stairwell and looked down the hall.
Her unit was obvious. It was the only one with the door flung wide open, a shaft of light spilling onto the faded lino. His target acquired and mission clear, he forced his foot forward to take a step. And then another.
Hodges froze in his spot when a shadow crossed the light, and then Wendy stepped out into the hall, a box in her arms.
Gods, she was beautiful.
He had no more time to think about her physical features or otherwise as she looked up and saw him. There was surprise on her face as she placed the box on the floor to join others and took a step toward him. "David?" she asked, and he could detect the slight nervousness in her tone.
He couldn't do this. Not to her.
They were three steps distanced from the other when the words came tumbling out. "I'd planned to come and tell you all the reasons why you shouldn't move to Sp-Portland," babbled Hodges. "The weather, the company, hell, the state, I mean..." His voice trailed off. "But then I realised it was selfish of me." His eyes finally sought hers. "I couldn't do this to you."
"Oh David," said Wendy. She closed the gap between them and threw her arms around him. He pulled her toward him tightly and he wasn't the only one with tears in his eyes.
They stayed there for several long moments before Wendy pulled back and sniffled. "I'll miss you."
The torn man bracketed her check. Wendy turned her face into his palm as he spoke softly, brushing his thumb over her soft skin. "I'll miss you too."
Dropping his hand, he slid it down her arm and clasped her fingers. "Be safe," he said, his tone giving away his ill-disguised pain as he squeezed her hand and then let it go.
David Hodges walked down the hall and did not look back.
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