Huge thanks to everyone who read chapter one, especially to eti207 for
reviewing! I'm not sure why fanfiction.net messed up the format and put
all the notes in one huge paragraph but I didn't mean for them to be like
that. Maybe it's a conspiracy.
Chapter Two.
There will be no consolation prize
This time the bone is broken clean
No baptism, no reprise
And no sweet taste of victory
- Jann Arden 'Unloved'
You have never felt more helpless in your life. She is crouched in the corner, knees drawn up to her chest, crying so desperately you can feel your heart breaking. Two years ago you would have gathered her up in your arms instantly and hugged and kissed and whispered to her until her tears stopped and she would extract herself from your embrace and look at you in that way that made you feel like the richest man on earth simply because you had Sydney Bristow in your arms and she loved you.
Now. Now you have no idea where you fit. You know you're the cause of at least part of her pain, you and that damn wedding ring you didn't think to take off. Not that removal of the offending item would have changed anything but maybe you could have delayed telling her about your situation instead of forcing all this information on her at once. Maybe she would be clinging to you for support right now, seeking your reassurances and comfort to help her cope with everything she just discovered. Instead you only add to her problems and leave her all alone.
She's still crying and your heart is still breaking. You can't stand to see her like this, in so much pain. You know you'd do anything to take it away and make everything all right. You'd give anything to keep her safe. You'd willingly die to spare her this pain but you can't. Nothing you can do will help her now and that kills you inside.
You still love her. That's not even a question. Even after she disappeared, after you accepted her death you still loved her more than anything else in the world and that hasn't changed. A small voice in the back of your mind tries to remind you about a different woman you're supposed to feel that about but you find yourself unable to focus on anything but Sydney.
It is only now you realise you have been crying with her, the tears falling unrestrained down your face. As you reach up to brush them away you notice her retreating further and further into her mind, away from this harsh world full of unfairness and cruelty. But while it is most likely more comfortable for her there you know she cannot stay. At some point she will have to return with you, both to LA and to reality. But for now you'll allow her this time that you know she needs and simply sit on the floor and cry alongside your love.
Chapter Two.
There will be no consolation prize
This time the bone is broken clean
No baptism, no reprise
And no sweet taste of victory
- Jann Arden 'Unloved'
You have never felt more helpless in your life. She is crouched in the corner, knees drawn up to her chest, crying so desperately you can feel your heart breaking. Two years ago you would have gathered her up in your arms instantly and hugged and kissed and whispered to her until her tears stopped and she would extract herself from your embrace and look at you in that way that made you feel like the richest man on earth simply because you had Sydney Bristow in your arms and she loved you.
Now. Now you have no idea where you fit. You know you're the cause of at least part of her pain, you and that damn wedding ring you didn't think to take off. Not that removal of the offending item would have changed anything but maybe you could have delayed telling her about your situation instead of forcing all this information on her at once. Maybe she would be clinging to you for support right now, seeking your reassurances and comfort to help her cope with everything she just discovered. Instead you only add to her problems and leave her all alone.
She's still crying and your heart is still breaking. You can't stand to see her like this, in so much pain. You know you'd do anything to take it away and make everything all right. You'd give anything to keep her safe. You'd willingly die to spare her this pain but you can't. Nothing you can do will help her now and that kills you inside.
You still love her. That's not even a question. Even after she disappeared, after you accepted her death you still loved her more than anything else in the world and that hasn't changed. A small voice in the back of your mind tries to remind you about a different woman you're supposed to feel that about but you find yourself unable to focus on anything but Sydney.
It is only now you realise you have been crying with her, the tears falling unrestrained down your face. As you reach up to brush them away you notice her retreating further and further into her mind, away from this harsh world full of unfairness and cruelty. But while it is most likely more comfortable for her there you know she cannot stay. At some point she will have to return with you, both to LA and to reality. But for now you'll allow her this time that you know she needs and simply sit on the floor and cry alongside your love.
