I'll Remember (Highlander: The Series)

[estinose]

Summary: Richie thinks about Tessa's life.

This one came up because somebody *else* (Kittie) used it in their fanfic, and now I can't get it out of my head. In my case, I'm doing it in the style of a song challenge.

I'll Remember
by Estirose


//Say goodbye, not knowing when
The truth in my whole life began//



She was gone. He couldn't believe it.

Duncan and Tessa had taken him in, gave him a job, made him see an honest life was worth living. He wasn't quite sure when he started realizing that there were better things than hijacking stereos and breaking into shops. But he had.



//Say goodbye, not knowing how
To cry you taught me that//



He'd liked Tessa the best. Not quite as aloof as Duncan, and an exotic accent to match. Not to mention a great figure that was off limits. She'd taught him the better parts of life, freed him of some things that he'd always restrained.



//And I'll remember the strength that you gave me
Now that I'm standing on my own
I'll remember the way that you saved me
I'll remember//



He couldn't believe he was selling the shop. He couldn't have imagined ever being in a position to sell anything as big as an antique store and its contents. Months ago, his instinct would be to steal everything, have it fenced, and lose it all to gambling.

That was before Tessa. Before she proved to him that he could be strong. That he could have a better life.



//Inside, I was a child
That could not mend a broken wing
Outside, I looked for a way
To teach my heart to sing//



He missed Tessa so much. He was sure he was grown up, but that was before he'd met her and realized how much of a juvenile punk he was. There were other things in life to savor besides a bottle of cheap whisky gotten illegally.



//And I'll remember the love that you gave me
Now that I'm standing on my own
I'll remember the way that you changed me
I'll remember//



He had an apartment now. No more hiding on the streets. He made enough to pay the rent. He remembered her expression as he'd gone to get that job as an used-car salesman. She'd been so proud. He'd felt so good about it. Too bad that he'd been kidnapped that day, but still...



//I learned to let go
Of the illusion that we can possess
I learned to let go
I travel in stillness
And I remember
Happiness
I'll remember//



He couldn't believe she was gone. She'd taken a hyperactive teen and turned him into something women would be willing to date. He loved her, she loved him. Okay, so it was in a motherly way. They were both happy. It didn't matter.



//I'll remember//



And now she was gone.



//And I'll remember the love that you gave me
Now that I'm standing on my own
I'll remember the way that you changed me
I'll remember....//



There was so much to do besides mourn. Mac had told him the memories would remain a long time. An Immortal's curse. He'd always remember her. Always.



She loved him. That was what mattered.



-End