*ON HOLD* Control | An Edward Nygma Story

Chapter 4

After I comforted Lauren in her office that day, time seemed to fly by. The days were uneventful and there weren't many strange cases coming into the GCPD. Most of the crimes we investigated were murders or missing persons cases.

Lauren was a little withdrawn after the ordeal with her boyfriend, but she got through it in her own time. After that, she was the same bright, cheery girl I knew before, maybe even more so.

  We got to work together on a lot of cases since we were both in forensics and we actually became pretty good friends. Lauren was very smart and she definitely had a certain talent for forensics work. It was such a relief to finally have somewhat of a likeminded person at the precinct. She wasn't very good at solving riddles, though, but she always tried her best. I could appreciate the effort.

He had also started behaving more which contributed to my good moods. He had been so quiet lately, I had almost forgotten he existed. Of course, he was very quick to remind me of his presence anytime that happened.

About 2 months had passed since Lauren had confided in me and I had come to a startling realization in that time.

  I liked Lauren.

  Like, really liked her.

I don't know how I didn't realize it before. Maybe I was just lying to myself every time my heartbeat picked up because she laughed or the way her touch felt electric on my hand.

Goodness gracious, I was a mess.

And I didn't even know how to tell her.

He wanted to be the one to tell her, of course, but there was no way I was going to let that happen.

But he was insistent.

"Come on, buddy. Just let me take this body for a spin, just once. That's all I'd need and our life with Lauren would be set."

I was sitting at my desk, my glasses off, with my hands covering my face. He had been pestering me all night and all day. I hadn't slept and I hadn't been able to get any work done. It was safe to say my nerves were completely shot.

  "Please, just...just shut up," I whispered, being quiet in case anyone was near my office door.

"Come on. You've never let me have control."

"There's a reason for that," I said through gritted teeth.

"Now would be the perfect time. You know ladies like confidence. I got confidence."

"Just stop."

"What? You know it's true. And pretty soon, I'd get Lauren to be ours and she'd do anything we--"

"Just stop!!" I shouted suddenly, dropping my hands from my face.

I couldn't take it anymore, I needed him to be quiet. I felt like I was going to go insane if he didn't stop talking. Unfortunately, I had been so focused on his voice in my head, I failed to notice that my door was cracked open with Lauren leaning against the doorframe, looking concerned.

"Miss Hatfield..." I breathed, then rushed to put my glasses back on. Even though I hadn't been able to see without them, I could tell it was her from her fire red curls.

  "Is...everything okay, Mr. Nygma?" She asked slowly, as if she were carefully choosing her words.

  I inwardly cringed, wondering how much she had heard me seemingly talk to myself.

  "Yes, yes, right as rain," I answered, forcing somewhat of a smile.

  "Okay. Sorry, I just thought I heard you--"

  "You did. I was just...talking to myself. Got a nasty headache that just won't go away," I chuckled nervously and tapped my temple, hoping she would believe me.

  Whether she did or not, I couldn't tell. She merely broke out into that cheery smile and gave an understanding nod. I let out an internal sigh, relieved to have smoothed things over for now. I made a mental note to be more aware of my surroundings the next time he got on my nerves.

  "So, is there something you needed?" I asked, wanting to ease the tension more.

  Now, it seemed, it was Lauren's turn to get nervous. She dropped her gaze to the floor and I could see her chewing on her lip. Her reaction immediately worried me and for a split second, I wondered if it was something more to do with her now ex-boyfriend. Just as I was about to voice my concerns, she connected her gaze with mine once more.

"Um... I wanted to ask you something," she started, her voice uncharacteristically timid.

"Okay," I said with a nod. "Shoot."

  She seemed to steel herself, giving a nod of affirmation to herself before she took a breath.

  "I wanted to ask you....if you're not busy after work, um....maybe you'd like to get a coffee with me?" She asked.

  I felt my pulse pick up, my eyes widening. I hadn't been expecting her to...to ask me out. I thought it would still be too soon after her previous boyfriend, but...I guess not. She had asked me.

  "Sure," I barely even heard myself respond. My mind was still trying to process it. "That would be nice."

  "Great," she said, giving a breathless giggle. "I'll meet you outside the precinct after work, then?"

  "Okay," I said and I felt myself break out into a smile.

  Lauren just smiled in return before quickly slipping out of my office, shutting the door behind her. I turned back to my desk and I felt like I couldn't stop smiling.

  Lauren had just asked me out.

  I knew that I liked her and it soon became clear to me that she obviously felt something of the same for me. Why else would she ask me out and act so nervous doing it?

  I realized then, of course, he would have something to say about that. I mentally braced myself for whatever crude comments he would make...but they never came. I waited and...nothing. All I heard in my head was silence.

  I felt myself smile again, overjoyed that maybe, just maybe, he had left for the time being. I dared to think maybe even for good, but I knew I was getting ahead of myself. He'd be back, no doubt, but I was grateful for this reprieve.

  Hopefully, he'd stay silent while I was out with Lauren.

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omg that was really cute to write at the end

also heyyyy!

let me know what you thought about this chapter! i love hearing from you guys <3

i hope you enjoyed it!

i'll try and update soon :3