Title: Angel
Summary: Riley Westen loved her father.
Genre: Family/tragedy
Pairing: Michael/Fiona
Word count: 504
Disclaimer: Not mine!
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Riley Westen loved her father.
For as long as she could remember, she had adored him and he adored her. She was the oldest and the only girl of five children, so she had always felt a special bond with her beloved dad. There had been ups and downs, but her parents were always there for her, no matter what she needed.
She brushed a tear away and held tightly to her dad's hand. He had always been a superhero in her eyes; completely invincible and untouchable. His stories of explosions and kidnappings, gunfire and princes who loved fiery princesses always seemed so far away, until she was old enough to know the truth. Her parents had lived in Miami for years before disappearing and starting their own family, which included her cousin Charlie. She was born first, then Sammy, followed by little Mikey and finally the twins, Jamie and Oliver. Her parents had adored each and every one of them, and Riley loved her little brothers. Now they were all grown up, but she could still remember each time her mom and dad had brought them home.
That was all so long ago now.
Riley lifted her head and studied her father's pale face. Her mom had died eighteen months ago and ever since then, her father just seemed to give up. She had tried bringing him to her home, but he had refused to leave the home she had grown up in, so she gave up and moved back in with him. Her brothers visited as often as possible, and she was grateful that her own husband and children were so understanding and supported her through this.
A few moments later, her dad's fingers curled weakly around hers. She offered him a weak smile as his eyes slowly opened.
"Fi…"
Her smile cracked. "No, Daddy. It's Riley." She brought his hand up and rested her cheek against it.
He stared at her before his eyes seemed to fill with recognition. "Oh… Hi, sweetheart…"
She laughed tearfully and nodded. "Hi, Daddy."
He sighed tiredly and closed his eyes again, and she gently ran her fingers through his thin hair. She had never once considered admitting him into a hospital, or even worse, a hospice, but watching him fade was breaking her heart into tiny pieces.
His breathing became more labored as the hours passed and Riley clung tighter to his hand.
"It's okay, Daddy," she whispered when his brow furrowed. "Rest. Mom's waiting for you." She leaned over and gently kissed his forehead.
As she pulled away, he seemed to relax and his grip loosened on her hand. She felt more tears roll down her cheeks as she smoothed her hand over his cheek.
Seconds later, he took his final breath and Riley cried with a sense of loss she had not felt since her mother passed.
"Take care of him, Mom."
The End.