Title: Who's There?
Characters: Mary / Marshall
Rating: K+
Spoilers: Reference made to TH from S1 and scenes from WBM S2.

I do not own these characters- that distinction belongs to USA and David Maple. This story is written purely for entertainment purposes. No copyright infringement is intended.

XXXXXXXXXX

This is an additional scene for 2x09: Who's Bugging Mary? It should be inserted between her jailhouse visit to her father's accomplice and the end scene. It's my attempt to explain why she doesn't need her Daddy any more. Enjoy.

XXXXXXXXXX

He padded across the wood floor on his bare feet. He'd been in bed, though a long way from sleep, when the light rap had begun at his front door. There was just enough time to enjoy the contrast of the cool hard wood against the soles of his feet, and the soft, warm embrace of his flannel pajama bottoms against the arch of his lateral cuneiform bone before he was at the doorway. He hadn't expected her, though he wasn't really surprised by her presence.

"Hey," he replied to her questioning gaze as he stepped back and allowed her access. Though their relationship was usually based on an intricate lexicon of verbal lunges, thrusts, and parries, he sensed that words weren't necessary in this moment.

She wondered around his living room aimlessly, tracing the lines of his books and shelves. He stood very still and allowed her space and time.

It wasn't until the nearly imperceptible vibration of her shoulders started that he finally approached her. He moved with caution, understanding that even the most beautiful exotic creature was more apt to strike when wounded.

When he safely had her secured in his arms, he guided her to the sofa and eased them both down into the supple leather. It took several moments before she allowed herself to relax into his embrace. The tears fell silently as he gently stroked her hair.

Finally, she relented to the exhaustion and laid her head on his lap, curling into an almost fetal position. His hand never stopped its rhythmic comforting across her brow, even as she drifted softly off to sleep.

XXXXXXXXXX

Marshall woke with a jolt. The sun hadn't even hit the horizon yet, but he couldn't shake the overwhelming feeling that something was missing. The scene was- incomplete.

As his brain came back online, he realized that he was alone. He could get up and check the rest of his apartment, but he knew what he'd find. His eyes drifted to his coffee table where they spotted the tiny scrap of paper.

One simple word – Thanks.

XXXXXXXXXX

END SCENE:

Mary caresses transmitter.

Daddy. If this is you, and you're listening… I don't need you any more.

XXXXXXXXXX

First attempt at Mary/ Marshall - Feedback is very welcome and will inspire more writing on my part.