Work was slow today. Slower than any usual Wednesday, really.

Will stepped off of the subway, carrying his umbrella tucked safely under his arm as he weaved his way through crowds of people with practiced steps, climbing up steps to get outside.

He unfolded his umbrella, holding it up over his head to shield his pristine suit against the heavy patterning of rain that covered and gleamed on every surface, making it hard for him to see through his glasses and making him have to wipe them off with his sleeve. Despite the wet weather, the sun shone through the clouds, giving the world a lovely glow, the brief sight of a rainbow at certain angles when the rays hit the droplets just right.

Will's mind is not in the present; already running forward to the future to plan what he might make for dinner, if he has the right ingredients for a healthy meal, and if he should maybe make a stop at the grocerh store on the way home.

So stuck in his thoughts, he almost misses the little dilemma of a stranger happening right in front of him at the side of the street, if it weren't for the sound of a soft cry of a child to draw his mind out of the clouds.

Glancing up, Will spots a man not far from his own age, cradling a small, wailing child, who's not even a year old yet. The man carrying the child is clearly embarrassed, trying to calm the kid down to avoid the judgmental stares of strangers, not even noticing that his child has dropped a stuffed bear, the plush fur drenched and lying in a puddle.

The sight sends a strange pang through his heart, something akin to sympathy, and he decides to the good thing for once. William crouches down and picks up the little toy, attempting to wring out as much water as possible before handing it to the father with a small smile. "Sorry about the state of it. I assume this is why the child is crying?"

He glances down at the child, wrapped tightly in a blanket, cheeks stained with tears and eyes wide and sad. It's been a long while since Will felt something like this. Like affection.