Work Text:
“May I walk you back to Nonnatus?” Patrick asked, watching Shelagh re-pack her bike bag after a breech birth that had required both of their presences.
It was one of the first times they had seen each other that week for more than a fleeting moment. Due to assorted illnesses, family emergencies, pre-planned vacations, and other excuses Patrick was sure existed Nonnatus House was desperately understaffed. This meant Shelagh was asked if she would not mind taking up one of two call shifts. She agreed a little too quickly and enthusiastically for Patrick to try to object.
“I suppose,” she said, feigning indifference as she buckled her bag. It was only two blocks, any further and he knew she would object.
He locked his own bag in the boot of their car and turned to grab the handles of her bike.
“How chivalrous,” she smiled.
“I live to serve. How has the night shift been treating you?”
“Lovely, although I’m afraid I’m not as young as I once was.”
“I didn’t want to be the one to say it,” he grinned.
“Do you remember when Timothy brought over one of his friends from Cubs and the boy mistook you for Timothy’s grandfather?”
“Your point, my love?” He asked, attempting to hide his smile.
“If I am old, what are you?”
“Oh, I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too. How are the children?”
“Fine. Angela insists the others must listen to her while you are working.”
“Do they?”
“Occasionally,” he shrugged, losing his train of thought when he caught sight of her from the corner of his eye.
She was fishing a cigarette and lighter out of her pocket, bringing the cigarette to her lips and flicking open the lighter that once was his.
“I thought we quit smoking,” Patrick said.
“I have been awake for forty-eight hours, I have earned this,” Shelagh said, taking the first puff. The two of them were ignoring the hypocrisy inherent in Patrick’s criticism, he had half a dozen packs squirreled away. “Would you like a puff?”
“Of course,” he said, balancing the bike with one hand as he took the cigarette she offered. “Don’t tell, Tim,” he said on the exhale.
“Our secret.”
“I’m not going to ask where you procured this from,” he said, taking a second puff and passing the cigarette back over.
“That’s my secret,” she smiled.
