showing my worth | Archie one-shots | blitz

The dew soaked the material of his pants around the knee. The dirt would stain, but he did not care, not as he laid a candle by her name. Lighting a match he nurtures the small ember as he carries it to the wick. It lights, the small ember flaring for a mere second before calming into a gentle flame.

Writing his speech pushed to the back of his mind.

"Hi, my love," he starts, moving so that he is seated on the ground, back pressed up against the hard stone of the tomb. "I think Ryan's starting to forgive me..." Eyes watch the steady burning, mesmerised by it. "He actually asked for my help today." A small smile dances on his lips. "I got him some glasses, some strong ones, and they seem to be helping! He can even read for short periods of time before the strain causes headaches. But it's an improvement."

The space before him is filled with a comfortable silence.

"He has your smile, you know."

His smile drops.

"I wish you could have meet him."

Sitting down at his desk he picks up a pen. His word had kept him out late tonight, it seemed like half the cows in the district had been in labour. A few minor complications occurred, but over all the night had been a success. But plans to work on his speech had been pushed further and further back.

Fatigued burned his eyes, his vision unclear as he stared down at the blank paper. Shaking himself, her runs his free hand over his eyes, attempting to rub away the sleep. Concentrate-

The sound of shuffling feet causes him to turn in his chair. By the door stands his mute son, Kelvin. He had never quite worked out why the boy refused to talk. He had taken him to doctors, and phycologists but it turned out that district ten just didn't have the equipment required to search deeper.

Maybe once be became Mayor he could visit Six, maybe find some answers.

"Hey buddy, why aren't you sleeping? It's late."

Once again he sits at his desk, staring at the blank piece of paper. Why couldn't he figure it out? Sighing he leans back, eyes searching for a drink-

No.

Shaking himself he climbs from his chair, running hands through his hair as he paces the small room. In the rooms across from him his kids slept peacefully, tucked beauty their blankets, small snores filling the quiet hall. Slipping out of the study he stands by the doorway to Lucas's room, the boys small form turned away from him as he slumbered. Lucas' hearing was impaired in the right ear. For years kids teased him, calling him names that would send him home in tears, rushing into his arms as he tried to calm down the frantic child.

As he aged it only got worse, to a point where he could hear nothing from that ear.

Archie hated that he couldn't fix it, hated that he couldn't take away his child's discomfort.

Sighing he moves away from the doorway, back to his study. Sitting down at the desk he picks up his pen once again.