Unto the Breach, Dear Friends

Category: Romance/Angst

Pairing: Magnus/Will

Summary: Tag for Breech

Warnings: Spoilers for Breech!

Disclaimer: Own nadda, zip, zilch...

Authors Notes: A little follow up to the concern Will showed at the end of the ep :P


He finds her on the roof, sat propped up against the old foundations and he knows from watching that her mind is nowhere near here. There's worry pressed in the lines of her face, tension in every jarred rise of her chest and he would feel nervous at the underlying meaning if he wasn't completely preoccupied with her fragile state.

She'd taken it hard today, been beaten senseless and he's still struggling to comprehend how it happened in a matter of seconds relative to outside time. The guilt he's feeling -he should have been there- is hard to place because there are so little windows where he could have changed his actions.

The only tangible comfort he has is that she's here now, quite a bit worse for wear, but in the very least... alive.

"Hey-" he drops a light hand to rest over her shoulder, "you okay?"

She takes a moment, followed by a slow breath before she finally turns her gaze up to acknowledge him. He doesn't like it. Her eye's are glassy, struggling to find comprehension in his presence and it screams that she shouldn't be up here alone but in bed resting.

"Magnus-" he presses her name softy whilst lowing himself to sit beside her.

To her credit she manages to pull together enough to give him a light reassuring smile. "My apologies Will, I didn't hear you approaching."

The words are slurred slightly, tainted with exhaustion and he tries not to wince as she adjusts against the pylon. Fresh bruises have already begun forming across her pale skin, a harsh reminder that despite her longevity she is just as vulnerable as the rest of them, and he shudders to think about the damage he can't see.

He wants to know what happened, who the man in the infirmary is and why she's so adamant to keep him alive but the questions stay poised on his tongue.

Now isn't the time.

Instead he shifts a little closer, edging the tousled hair back from the large graze covering her forehead. The strands are still damp as he tucks them behind her ear, letting his fingers linger for a moment longer than necessary. He wants to reassure her, swear that whatever is coming they'll handle it together but he's too captivated by her stunning gaze to form the words.

She sees the intention though, reading the comfort in his eyes and nudges the hesitant arm behind her. He's instantly compliant, shifting so her head can rest against his shoulder. He knows the action means she really must be exhausted but rather than move he grants her the time to re-group.

"There is a lot we need to discuss-" she admits quietly, silently dreading the conversation where she has to explain the history she shares with Adam. It's not something she's proud of. She's lived with the guilt and regret for over a century but justifying herself hadn't worked then, it wouldn't now.

"You're right-" he lifts a hand smoothing down the hair that's caught his words, "but when you're feeling up to it, not tonight."

She lets out a grateful breath in response, closing her eyes tiredly against his shoulder. She can't remember the last time she's been this badly injured which instinct tells her is a blessing. There's been enough past emotions trudged up for one day.

"Thank you Will-" she murmurs softly, fanning her fingers over his arm in an effort to sit up but he stops the movement taking her wrist lightly to keep them from separating.

"I'm sorry I couldn't... wasn't there-" he amends, knowing there is enough difference between the two to justify an apology. "I know it mightn't have changed anything but I hate that you were alone."

She's touched by the sincerity and concern lacing his voice even though neither are necessary. In all honesty she's glad he escaped the experience. Knowing he was safe, out of harms way had given her the focus to think clearly and strategically over Adams advances.

"You needn't be sorry, I assure you-" she purses her lips together in a warn smile, "your presence now is much more appreciated."

"I'm just, glad you're okay..." he holds the moment with a tentative breath.

Maybe he's giving too much away but she doesn't release his gaze and it prompts him to inch forward even though he's half expecting her to reject the advance. Needless to say he's more than a little surprised when she meets him halfway, their lips brushing together in the most amazing kiss he's ever experienced. So light and yet it sends his heart pounding fast and hard into his rib cage.

He's enamoured with the sensation to the point where he nearly misses her slight hiss as the position takes its toll on her injured body and he jerks back, concern written over his face, "god, I'm sorry... I didn't hurt you did I?"

She's amused at the insinuation but can tell he's being genuine and shakes her head. "It's just a few cracked ribs, hardly an injury you can take credit for."

"You should be in bed-" he admonishes, trying his best to sound stern because regardless of how much he wants to continue what they're doing she's clearly in no condition.

"Is that an invitation?" Her lips twist into a smirk, reading the seriousness behind his gaze but not willing to succumb to it quite yet.

"Magnus..." the warning dies in a smile and he hangs his head letting out a sigh. It isn't much but it's the first time he's felt at ease since the day began and it's a feeling he wants to hold on to. "Bed, now-" he urges, helping her to stand.

While she's adamant she can make the journey without assistance he keeps a hand against the small of her back anyway. She doesn't protest and he allows a small smile safe in the knowledge she really does trust him enough to let down her walls, even if it's only on a rare occasion.

Yes.

He was definitely feeling more at ease now.