Broken
Genre: Angst, Post Santos Administration
Sort of from All at Sea universe
Pairing: Josh/Donna
Disclaimer: These character are not mine etc
As the man disembarked from the train he felt bereft; even the surroundings, so familiar to him were of little comfort. He pulled his coat closer to his body attempting to fend off the actual and imagined chill. Sighing deeply, he picked up his case from the platform and headed towards the exit.
XxXxXx
The curtains were drawn against the light of the day shrouding the room in darkness. On the mantle a clock ticked away the passage of time, rhythmically breaking the silence in the house. A small movement on the floor revealed the room to be occupied by a woman, sitting, head bowed with elbows resting on bent knees.
XxXxXx
The dark haired man paused, hand on the door knob, gathering himself before facing what was sure to be a shadow of the friend he knew. Opening the door to his DC apartment, the sight before him caused his greeting to dry in his throat. The only descriptor that came to the mind of this man of words was utter devastation.
Opening the door further to allow his visitor to enter he noted the drooped shoulders and almost shuffling gait. Finding his voice Sam said, 'Let me take that,' removing the suitcase from his friend's unresisting hand.
Sam watched as Josh stood in the middle of the room completely and utterly lost, still wearing his winter coat having made no move to remove it.
'I'll just put this in the spare room,' Sam gestured towards the suitcase. 'Make yourself at home buddy.'
When he returned Josh was exactly where he had left him. 'Josh come on let me take your coat.'
'Uh?' Josh looked at him as if only now realising he was there.
'Your coat, take it off.' Sam prompted.
'Yeah, right, okay.' Removing his coat Josh then stood holding it, appearing unknowing what to do next. Sam came to his rescue taking it from him and hanging it in the hall closet.
Sam took a fortifying breath and stood in front of his old friend, 'Josh I am so sorry….'
'Please, please Sam, don't, I can't, I just can't, not now, not yet. Please?' Josh shook his head, his words stopping Sam despite them being almost whispered. The look in his eyes pleading with Sam not to make him talk.
'Okay, not now, but we will talk, Josh, you have to talk. Promise me?' Sam emphasised his words by pulling Josh gently back to him by his shoulder. 'Promise me!'
'I promise, Sam. I… I need to talk, just later.' Sam nodded his agreement.
'Okay now sit down I'll make some coffee. Then we'll eat.'
XxXxXx
At first she ignored the doorbell, then she ignored the knocking. She only responded when she heard a familiar voice calling her from the kitchen. Her visitor had given up waiting and entered through the side door.
'Donna? Donna? Ah there you are honey.' CJ enveloped the sobbing woman in her arms, 'Sshh, Donna, sshh I'm here.'
Carefully CJ manoeuvred Donna to the sofa, and once again, took her in her arms as her friend to continue to sob her heart out.
To be continued
Feedback is always welcome and helpful for the continuation of this tale