AU Drabble: Sara comforts Leonard after he kills Mick. He finally lets her in and they come to a crossroads in their friendship.

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Sara knew that Leonard wasn't the kind of man who enjoyed tactile affection. She watched as Kendra tried to touch his shoulder in sympathy, but he shook her off and walked away. As she watched him head to the room that he and his former partner had shared, she felt heartbroken for him.

Sara knew what it was like, having to kill a friend, and it wasn't easy. Not that killing was easy in the first place, but to kill a friend? It could tear you apart from the inside out.

After waiting a few seconds, she followed Leonard to his room. The door opened the instant she stopped to stand in front of it. He likely left it unlocked as he knew no one would bother him after leaving Mick in 2016. There was no doubt that all of his teammates either felt sorry for what he had to do or were disgusted with his decision.

Still, Sara felt was the need to comfort him. She was the only person on this ship who could take a chance on going to him and being there for him if he accepted her. Sara and Leonard may not be close friends, but they had a mutual trust. They respected each other's boundaries and they understood each other better than anyone else on the Waverider.

When she stepped over the threshold she saw him sitting with his back to the wall, his cold gun scattered a few feet away from him.

"Gideon, lock this door. Don't open it for anyone unless Leonard or I say so."

"As you wish, Miss Lance," replied the AI.

Sara walked over and sat next to him, covering his fisted hand with hers. By a mere glance, she could tell that he was a maelstrom inside. Sara wasn't sure of what to say at first, so she just smoothed her fingers on Leonard's skin. She came to him but she would wait to see if he'd speak first.

Moments later, a few angry tears slid down his face and he hissed, "I didn't want to kill him, Sara."

She touched his cheek with her other hand to brush his tears and he pulled away briefly before leaning into her touch. His eyes wouldn't look at hers, but Sara dared to hold his chin up so their gazes locked. Once they did, she nearly gasped at the unadulterated pain she saw there. Undaunted, she spoke.

"I know you didn't want to kill Mick...but this is not your fault. Don't you dare blame yourself. You protected the crew and all of our families by doing what you had to do. Never feel sorry for something like that."

Leonard took in a shuddered breath and closed his eyes, his fists slowly beginning to loosen. Sara boldly moved forward and wrapped her arms around him, rubbing his back in circles. She half-expected him to push her away or yell at her to get out, but he didn't. To her surprise and her joy, he pulled her closer and buried his face on her shoulder.

"He was my friend..." The strangled words sounded like a child's whimper.

Sara pulled back so she could face Leonard again. Their eyes met, Sara's strong blue orbs and Leonard's damp green ones. "I know, Len. I know he was your friend. I know how awful it feels to live with that kind of decision. Whether it hurts you or not, you still have a right to grieve."

The tears had stopped after a few minutes, and now, Leonard just sat there, his warm body encompassed by Sara's.

Sara gave him a kiss on his forehead as she continued to rub his back soothingly. This was the first time she had ever really touched Leonard in such a meaningful and intimate way. It moved her that he was willing to let her touch him like this. She knew that he avoided physical contact whenever possible because of his abusive father. This was a big leap forward for Leonard and Sara was beyond happy that he let her be a part of it.

There they sat, for what seemed like hours, just holding each other. Sara didn't mind. Leonard needed this relief, this comfort, and she would stay with him until he didn't need it any longer.

Soon enough, Sara was fast asleep with her arms still wrapped around Leonard. Hours later, Sara awakened and realized that he had picked her up off the floor and placed her on his bed. She could have gone back to her room, but she was comfortable where she was. Before she fell back asleep, she felt his hand cover hers and kiss it. As her eyelids began to droop, she smiled softly and she heard him whisper, "Thank you, Sara."