Open The Door, Let 'Em In…

Disclaimer: Dick's not, mine.
A/N: The title is from the Paul McCartney song "Let 'Em In". Good song, even though we're still fighting.

Alex parked her car on the side of the road and took off her sunglasses. Getting out of the car, she shielded her eyes from the morning sun as she searched the cemetery. She spotted him, his tall figure hunched over a headstone. Her heart broke as she watched her partner. She made her way across the well- manicured lawn, careful not to step on the graves underfoot. She stood further back, giving Bobby his privacy.

Bobby sensed someone behind him. Even though he told her not come, he knew it was Alex. He didn't turn around, but he was happy she came. Bobby fidgeted with the flowers in his hand – red roses and baby's breath, his mother's favorite. Frances had died in her sleep a few days before. There had been a small service, just Bobby and the priest. His brother refused to come; Lewis had been out of town. The priest had said a small prayer and Frances was laid to rest. And now today would have been her eighty sixth birthday. Bobby rubbed his face in an effort to ward off the tears that threatened to fall. He placed the small bouquet at the foot of the gravestone and stood back.

Alex walked to her partner's side, gently touching his arm before walking past him to his mother's headstone. She laid the flowers in her hand down next to his. She turned around to look at Bobby.

"She's gone." He stated quietly. He stood there, the sun making him turn his head away from Alex, so she couldn't see his face. She walked back to him and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned and looked down at her. She held her hand out to him, hoping he'd take it, hoping he'd let her comfort him a little. He looked down at her hand, confused.

"Let me in, Bobby," Alex pleaded. He looked at her, swallowing hard. He turned and started walking towards her car. Alex felt deflated, but caught up with him. They walked in silence for a moment.

"Thank you," Bobby said softly. Before Alex had a chance to ask him why, she felt his large hand wrap around her tiny one. Alex smiled.

"You're welcome."