Work Text:
Barbara sat across from me, absently nursing her drink.
“I’m sorry.”
Her eyes flicked up to my face. “For what?”
“Putting you in harm’s way with Conrad.”
She didn’t reply verbally, instead making a sound that was a cross between a balloon deflating and a tut.
“I mean it Barbara. He killed three people, and I could have made you his fourth.”
I reached across to touch the reddening mark on her face, but she moved back against her seat.
“Getting injured in the line of duty is kind of what we agree to when we join the force. Getting injured by your best friend on the other hand...”
Her voice tailed off.
“Is not.” I finished for her cautiously.
“Exactly. I know you’ve been grieving, but the way you treated me when all I tried to do was care.”
“Was unforgiveable.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.”
I swallowed deeply, “how far would you go?”
“It’s going to take some time, for both of us, we need to find our equilibrium again. And I can’t believe I just used such a big word; your Eton education must be rubbing off on me.”
“I think you hide your light under a bushel. We’re not that different, you and I.”
“Maybe not.”
“Thank you for not giving up on me.”
“I never would.”