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You sat on a couch in the common room with no one else to accompany you. It was dark out, everyone had gone to bed, and you were feeling very misplaced and melancholic. What has made you feel this way? You weren’t sure, or rather, it was everything and nothing at all. You had William’s blanket tossed over you from when Louis covered him up after falling asleep on the couch. You smile at the memory. It was a pure act of kindness and love, something you haven’t felt recently.
With everything going on with Irene Adler, or now James Bonde, everyone seemed to be absorbed in his case and later, Britain's scandal. Sure, you got to help out after Sherlock had tried to save James, but going through a tunnel under a church and returning back wasn’t much, and you felt as if you couldn’t assist. You had felt more involved in the past, especially with the Noahtic, where you had made sure everything went smoothly and had assisted in the irritation of Enders.
Something about the way you weren’t useful anymore bugged you, even more so on an emotional level than you thought. You also knew if William needed your help he would’ve asked you, so you haven’t said anything. That’s why you continue to feel as if it’s everything and nothing. You’ve done everything asked of you, but you haven’t done much. That’s all.
You lower your head into the blanket, trying to rest your head on your knees, subconsciously smelling his scent from the material. Maybe you could sleep in here. Maybe the ghost of everyone’s presence would help you feel better.
Just as you felt a string tug at your heart, you heard the door ease open. Surprised by this unexpected intrusion, you looked up to see none other than William.
He asked upon seeing your red eyes, “Cass, are you alright? What are you doing here at this hour? You look as if you are about to cry.”
Just as he finished, you tried to reassure him by saying, “I’m fine. No need to worry about me,” but a tear had already fallen past your cheek.
He rushed over to you past the couches and table, wrapping his warm arms around you, “Please don’t lie to me. Please, I hate seeing you upset, tell me what has made you feel this way.”
His gentle words caused more tears to flow, gentle sobs escaping your lips. He ushered you to stand as he took your place, pulling you into his lap by your hand. He covered both of you properly with his blanket, using his left arm to wrap around you and his right to rest on your head. He hushed you quietly, kissing you on the forehead and the top of your head.
Even though you couldn’t see them, his eyes were full of worry. He had never liked tears, especially not yours. You were so special to him, and even the probability that he was the one who caused your sadness almost made him cry as well.
Instead of breaking down, he calmly caressed your head and let your hair run through his fingers, not saying a single word until you were okay. Okay enough to speak with him, that is.
Minutes passed of silent tears, until you eventually stopped and rested your head underneath his chin. Even then, you both stayed still until you were ready to speak.
You started with very soft words, just above a whisper, “I’m sorry.”
He was confused to say the least, but ushered you on anyway, “What for, my love? You’ve done nothing wrong.”
You started to tear up again, but this time you made an effort to force out some words, “I did, or I didn’t, but that’s the problem. I haven’t done anything. I’m so sorry, sorry-”
He hushed you, maneuvering so he could raise your chin with his thumb and index finger, “No, you’re doing just enough. Darling, I love and appreciate you, but we’re at a decent point. There’s not much that needs to be done.”
He placed a soft kiss on your lips, “You’re doing a splendid job. You know if I needed anything, you would hear about it. You’re needed, I promise. Are you not enjoying yourself here?”
You could barely look into his eyes, “That’s not it, I am enjoying myself, I just feel so useless, like I’m not needed, like no one remembers me or the fact I can help-”
“Hold on,” he interrupted, wiping the hair that was sticking to your face because of your tears, “what did you say?”
You widen your eyes for a moment, “Did I say something wrong? I’m s-”
He hummed slightly, closing his eyes before reopening them to look at you, “You have no need to keep apologizing. All I’m asking you is what you mentioned before you said no one remembers the fact you can help.”
“That- um, it’s like no one remembers me?”
He looked into your eyes with sadness, like he knew this would happen and he could’ve done something differently. After caressing your cheek, he pulled you in for a hug.
“I hope you know that I’m the one who is sorry. This is about Bonde, I presume?”
You didn’t answer, focusing on a corner of the room. You couldn’t bring yourself to admit that that was what was bothering you. You didn’t blame Bonde for feeling left out, you couldn’t, it wasn’t his fault.
William exhaled, preparing himself, “If you need some extra time with me, just name any time, I’ll be there with you. I love you, I never meant to make you feel that way.”
“It’s not your fault. It’s not Bonde’s either. It’s not anyone’s. It’s just my stupid feelings getting in the way.”
“Your feelings aren’t stupid. I would take any amount of time to listen to every single thought and emotion you have. Not just because I want to make you feel better, but also because I would want to.”
You smiled at his words, that was something you definitely needed to hear. This is why you loved him so much. He always knew exactly what to say to make you happy and to make you feel better. He’s such a perfect man.
You released yourself from his hug and smiled while looking into his eyes, “Thank you so much. I love you even more. But, as long as we stay like this, I’m happy. Whenever you’re free, we can have some time together, I couldn’t break you away from your goal. I value you too much, so please listen to that.”
He didn’t try to argue with you, he simply looked down and smiled. This time, you raised his head with your thumb and index, and kissed him. You made sure to convey your gratitude to him in the kiss, letting him know how much you also appreciated him.
Not another word was mentioned from either of you as you cuddled up into the small chair, dozing off. Later in the night, William was kind enough to cuddle you in his bed instead of the cramped chair, but you both continued to stay close into the early hours of the morning.