One of my Langdon head cannons (Controversial, probably)
After a long year back in the Pitt, a case happens that finally hits Langdon too hard (Probably has to do with kids), and he has his first relapse. It's a common thing in recovery, but he hates himself for it. Feels like a failure and that all his progress is gone. He is not Dr. Langdon anymore.
He is just an addict again.
Frank doesn't go to Mel after it happens. He is full of disappointment and rage at himself. He knows Mel will forgive him. That she will try to make him feel better. That she will rationalize this with the facts. Tell him that this is just one setback, because that is all it is, a setback.
Langdon doesn't want compassion. He wants someone to reem him out. Tell him how big this decision is, and what it will cost him. What he deserves to lose. Just when he was feeling free, he mended his fences, found his footing, could stand to look at himself in the mirror again- he fucked it all up. He deserves everything he gets.
Langdon goes to Trinity Santos.
The girl who has every right to hate him. Who never believed his bullshit. Who always knew the type of person he really was.
He confesses his sins as she stares at him. Silent with her arms crossed over her chest. As he starts to pace, throwing words at her. Trying to get her to lash out. Yell at him. Tell him that she always saw right through his facade. To the selfish monster he always was.
Trinity doesn't say anything. She just leans against the wall of the empty stairway as he spirals. Until Langdon has exhausted himself and drops himself down on the stairs. And when he finally looks at her, he doesn't see contempt in her face.
He sees fucking compassion.
Then she just sits next to him. Sits next to him for a long time. Until long after the point where Langdon has calmed down. His heartbeat slowed down and no longer pounded in his ears. Then she sits for longer. Strangely at ease and calm in the presence of the tense, heavy silence.
When she finally talks, it's of a lost friend. One she couldn't save. Then gives a monotoned, almost begrudging promise of staying for as long as he needed. And she does until Frank finally gives in and texts Mel. Her face worried as she shows up to usher him out. Talking about a shower and sleep. Frank can only imagine what he must look like.
Trinity is silent throughout Mel's fussing. His glance back sees her rising to her feet awkwardly. Frank can only assume her ass is numb as his is. She pulls out her phone and looks at it unbothered. Then up to met his eyes for a brief moment. She gives a soft scoff and shakes her head as she turns the opposite way, the door closing harshly behind her.
Frank wasn't sure if Trinity saw him for who he was. But he thought he might have seen his first real glimpse of who she was.
