It took them months—months of rebuilding trust, months of healing, months of everything. The road wasn't always easy, but it was worth it. Friendship was the first and easiest step. His small doses, from the tiniest to the most subtle, had worked. Little by little, they found themselves flirting again, their gazes lingering in a way that friends' didn't.
So it didn't surprise her at all when, on a random day after shift, he asked her out on a date. It didn't surprise her either, especially after she'd almost kissed him a few days before or when his hand had rested on her thigh, his thumb brushing gently as they sat with friends over drinks one night.
Tim wasn't the kind of guy to be late. He arrived early and watched her from his car as she stood waiting outside the restaurant. She was breathtaking, standing there in her dress, glancing at her phone and looking around for him. In that moment, he felt so grateful that life, and she, had given him another chance. This woman was his future, the love of his life. He may have breathed air into her lungs, but she was the one who truly brought him back to life.
He took a deep breath and got out of the car. When she spotted him walking toward her, she couldn't help but smile—a warm, genuine smile.
"You good?" he asked, hugging her in the way he knew she loved.
"I am. You?"
"Same."
He smiled at her and held the door as they walked in. After giving his name to the host, they were led to their table. It wasn't a fancy restaurant, but it wasn't a food truck either. It was a tiny place she mentionned weeks ago. Once they ordered a glass of wine, they started talking, first about random things, the conversation smooth and comforting.
"I... started therapy again," she said.
"Something wrong?"
"Yes and no. I realized it was a little ironic to advise you to go when I was almost as broken as you were. There was Jackson, the barrel, Caleb, my parents...losing you. It all weighed on me."
"And has it helped?"
"A lot...but you helped, too."
"I helped? How?"
"You did. You didn't give up on me, on us. You worked hard on your mental health. You kept your promise, even when I was angry with you. I know now that breaking up with me that night wasn't easy; you suffered as much as I did. But you were honest. It took me time and some sessions to understand, but I get it now. You gave me a chance to heal, too. You took care of yourself. If we're here tonight, it's not for nothing, you know."
His response was silent—his thumb brushing over the back of her hand. He didn't know what to say, but when she intertwined her fingers with his, he knew his silence said enough.
As they sat across from each other in the warm, dimly lit restaurant, he couldn't help but marvel at her. She was scanning the menu, a small smile tugging at her lips. The light caught in her hair, framing her face in a soft glow that made her seem almost otherworldly.
He watched as she laughed at something the waiter said, a quiet melody only he seemed to hear. She glanced up, catching his gaze, her cheeks flushing just a little, a shy smile spreading across her face.
"What?" she asked, a playful glint in her eyes.
"Nothing," he replied, smiling back. "I just...like watching you."
She rolled her eyes, her smile deepening as she looked down, taking a sip of wine. He felt warmth flood his chest, a warmth that made everything else disappear. In that moment, the bustling restaurant, the noise, even the rest of the world faded away.
He knew he'd never get enough of watching her, of being with her, of having these small, quiet moments that somehow felt grand as forever.
◇───────◇───────◇
As they left the restaurant and stepped into the cool night air, she felt her heart swell as she watched him walk beside her. They spoke easily, laughing as he shared a funny story. Every time he looked at her, his eyes warm and full of affection, she felt herself fall just a little deeper.
When they reached her car, he leaned against it, hands in his pockets, a soft smile on his face. She took a moment to look at him, realizing how much she adored his calm presence, the way he made her feel like the most important person in the world without even trying.
Without a hint of hesitation, she took his hand, her voice steady but hopeful.
"Take me home with you tonight..."
His surprise quickly turned into a smile that matched hers, and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
"You're sure?"
"Mhm."
In that moment, under the quiet of the night, she knew: she was more in love with him than ever.
Promising he'd take care of her car tomorrow, he opened the passenger door of his truck and let her in. The drive was silent. They both knew she hadn't asked to come over just to pet Kojo; the unspoken expectations were there, on both sides.
Once they were home, and he'd taken care of Kojo, he joined her in the kitchen.
"Want something to drink?"
Instead of answering, she stepped closer, looking at him deeply, before pressing her lips to his. She didn't want a drink. She just wanted him. Tim cupped her face with both hands, kissing her deeply as he guided her back against the counter. What started out sweet quickly became needy—hands all over each other, the urge to touch, to feel something they had missed for months. Tim had to pause, his breath heavy, their foreheads resting together as they caught their breath.
"Come on, we can save the kitchen counter for later. Right now, I need you under my sheets."
He took her hand, leading her to the bedroom. Turning off the lights on the way, he closed the door, his gaze full of warmth and want. The air between them was electric.
Tim kissed Lucy once, twice, three times. His eyes locked onto hers as he began undoing the buttons of her dress, one by one, until the fabric slipped to the floor. Breathless, his gaze traced the curves of her body, recalling every inch of her skin.
"You are...beautiful."
" And you're overdressed," she whispered, leaving him no chance to keep his clothes on.
Now he stood behind her, his chest against her back, his hands exploring her skin, soft gasps escaping as they reconnected, rediscovering one another. Gently, he laid her down on his bed, and that night, he made love to her—slowly, deeply, lovingly.
They had missed this, the intimacy of being together. The need to feel their bare skin against each other's. They had missed the simple closeness. She missed the way his fingers would trace lazy circles on her back; he missed the scent of her hair as he buried his face in it. She missed his afterglow smile; he missed the look in her eyes. They missed falling asleep, naked and tangled together under the sheets until morning.
They had missed everything.
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17.11.24. Hello Hi everyone! Here is a little something manifesting for S7. Can't wait to be in January to be honest. Hope you're ok. Take care of you. Comment and votes, it still helps.
