Disclaimers: I don't own Burn Notice, any of it's character or the episode Friends Like Theses which this ficklet it based on. Enjoy.
When she hits the chair, it's all he can do not to wince himself. Slapping himself around would hurt far less.
Her accent slips for just a moment --Voice cracking. He sees his refection in her eyes and knows he looks sorry just as he knows she doesn't see it.
It doesn't matter.
He almost starts to feel forgiven. "You're a god damned piece of work!" and all the guilt rushes back. It's not an act. It's not part of the con. It hurts. Not because he loves her. Not because she's angry. Not even because she's angry at him.
Later, after Strickler, he takes a shower and still doesn't feel clean.
When he looks in the mirror, he almost falls over. His father's face, staring back.
Even if she ever forgives him, he knows... this sin will never be erased.
