[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

[justdidntseeit]

[ "boo's not at home like we thought." ]

She loses count of the cups of coffee she downs.

Her head hurts and her eyes feel like they've been scrubbed with sandpaper, but she doesn't want to leave the bar proper.

But when Bill finally convinces her to take a break -- she'd fallen asleep with one cheek on a legal pad -- she almost doesn't think she'll make it up the stairs.

She leans into him, grateful for his arm around her, and when they reach her door, she fumbles twice before it's unlocked.

Comments

[wheelsy_sheriff]

He's exhausted and weary and trying like hell not to show it as he helps her up the stairs and to her room.

He didn't want to leave the bar, either, but there are people watching the notice board and he couldn't just leave Kate asleep on the counter like she was.

Watching her struggle with the lock he's about to offer to do it for her when she finally gets it.

Tightening his arm around her waist, he pushes the door open and leads them inside. He turns on the light and heads straight for the bed, pushing the door closed behind them with his foot.

"Go ahead an' sit down."

Helping her ease down onto the edge of the bed he keeps his eyes focused on her, and not the door with the glittery letters spelling 'BOO'.

[justdidntseeit]

She sinks onto the bed and closes her eyes, palms flat against the comforter.

(She doesn't want to open them, doesn't want to look across the room.)

She didn't let herself break down earlier, and she doesn't want to now, but Bill's hands are still on her shoulders; as much as she wants to draw strength from his presence, she's terrified his concern is going to undo her -- she's so tired, and she can see Cruella's note behind her eyelids.

Opening her eyes, she can't help but look at the sparkly lavender letters.

B-O-O

She presses her lips together tightly to keep her chin from trembling.

[wheelsy_sheriff]

He's seen her on the verge of tears several times tonight, but she's managed to control it. Seeing her close again he does what he's wanted to do all evening.

He holds her.

He's not the cop right now, he's the man who loves her and he wants to be there for her.

He'd give anything to make this better, and he will when it comes time to get Boo back. For now he'll give Kate all the comfort and support he can.

[justdidntseeit]

Jaw tight, she buries her face in his neck.

Boo's been taken and it's her fault, she wasn't here, and she could've prevented this, if only she --

Her shoulders are shaking and Bill's collar is damp with saltwater, but she's not making a sound.

[wheelsy_sheriff]

Both of his arms are wrapped around her and he holds her tighter, cheek pressed against her hair and eyes closed.

This is his fault. He was there with that woman and now she has Boo and --

His hand starts a slow up and down motion along her back, and he keeps her close against him.

"S'gonna be all right, Kate. I promise."

[justdidntseeit]

Soft as they are, she can hear the conviction in Bill's words -- he's promising her as an officer and the man who loves her, the man who loves Boo.

She nods jerkily beneath his jaw, unable to find her voice.

They'll get her back.

They have to.