Disclaimer: I don't own "Sanctuary"
Even The Best Fall Down Sometimes
She was staring at the EM shield read outs again. He knew that she was hoping Ashley was still alive. He also knew it was hopeless. Ashley had done what she could to save her mother, even though it had cost her life. It was all she could do to save the woman who loved her and raised her, to return the favor of her protection in the only way left to her. And Helen blamed herself for everything.
Will stood in the doorway, watching her. So far he was the only one she hadn't snapped at, most likely because he hadn't been around. He'd been helping Henry find places for everyone. Seeing her like that pained him. He wanted so much to gather her up and hold her close to him until all the aching and all the emptiness disappeared. He didn't know how to get through to her, to let her know that he was there for her.
Helen looked up to see him framed by the doorway, catching him in his perusal of her. She waited for him to speak but he didn't say a word. He moved further into the room and closed the door behind him. He crossed the room until he stood next to her. She was forced to look up at him when he was that close, so she stood as well. He kept his gaze on her and waited. Usually, he would be the first to look away, her timeless eyes held so much weight, but he didn't. Not this time. Moisture gathered in her eyes, and she began to tremble with the effort required to hold it in. When the tears began to fall, he gathered her up and held her close.
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills my mind
I somehow find,
You and I collide.
She pulled back a moment later, a few tears still staining her cheeks. She opened her mouth to speak, but there were no words to describe the emotions raging in her heart. Will understood loss, understand it better than anyone else. He pulled her back into his embrace, telling her with his actions that she didn't need to say a word. When she was more composed he led her to the sofa, keeping her close to him. He felt privileged to share her grief, that she would choose him to let go with, over someone else, like John, Ashley's father.
"I don't want to give up on Ashley, but my head tells me that she's gone. My heart wants to believe that there's a chance, no matter how small that she's alive, or trapped somewhere. How can I let go of my light, my purpose, my joy?" She stated softly, almost to herself.
"You don't have to let go. You still have purpose in your work. There is still light in those that love you. The joy you find will come from those, but there will always be a missing piece to you. It never goes away, but it does get easier." He answered.
"Will?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't leave me." He knew she was just trying to hold her world together. It was a coping mechanism and he knew that, but he promised her anyway.
"I wont leave you." Her warm weight settled against his chest. She took comfort in his presence, the steadfastness of his spirit. Somewhere in her long life she had done something terribly right and monstrously wrong that caused her to lose her daughter but allowed her to collide with the man sitting next to her. It didn't matter how far off course she got, he steadied her and through his own abilities kept her sane. She needed him, she realized then.
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the stars refuse to shine
Out of the back you fall in time
I somehow find,
You and I collide.