Chapter Text
“I think we should take the next step… and you should move in with me.”
Tim debated on letting Lucy keep sleeping or try to wake her to get some food in her. He knows from experience, night shift primarily consists of caffeine and little if no food.
Moving back over to the stove to continue cooking, he couldn’t help but keep glancing over at her. His perfect girl, beautiful as ever asleep on the couch.
He chuckled as he took the last veggie burger out of the pan, her surprised to see him making one of her all time favorites.
There was many shifts where they’d come home together, she’d fall asleep while he either made dinner or waiting for their takeout to arrive. Deciding she needed to at least eat something, he made his way back over to the couch.
“Luce,” he whispers as he crouches down in front of her, using the pad of his thumb to caress her cheek.
“Mmm.” She softly mumbles, trying to bury herself further into the pillow.
“Come on, let’s get some food in you and you can get into bed.” He stands up, slowly peeling the blanket he had put on her minutes prior, off.
“Nooo,” she whines. Typically, he hated when anyone whined. But sleepy Lucy Chen whining was a different story, it made his heart melt every time.
“I know you’re tired. But I also know you haven’t had anything sustainable all night.”
She hates that he knows her so well. But, as tired as she is, the smell of pancakes, sea-bass and veggie burgers is winning her over. She goes to stand up too quickly, losing her balance slightly. Before she even has to worry, Tim is right there in front of her, grabbing her arms to steady her.
“Thanks,” she says followed by a yawn.
“Always,” he smiles. “Alright, what are you in the mood for first?” He’s already started walking back towards the kitchen and she’s right behind him, grabbing a seat at the counter.
“Thinking pancakes right now with maybe some sea-bass for dessert.” She says, serious as ever. He just shakes his head not being able to hold back the laugh.
After she had taken a few bites, he couldn’t wait any longer. He was done holding back, done waiting for her to make the first move. He understood she was probably scared out of her mind and he couldn’t blame her one bit. But he kept thinking what Angela said, not wanting to waste another chance with her.
“Hey,” he says quietly from the other side of the counter, just loud enough to get her attention.
She looks up at him with those eyes he’s never been able to resist. “This is amazing. All of it, thank you.” She says sincerely.
“You’re welcome,” he clears his throat. “Hey, uhm, did you happen to hear any of what I said after you landed on the couch?”
“Most of it, yeah.” She admits, cheeks turning a blush pink. “Last thing I heard was that you’ll never hurt me like that again,” she chews on her bottom lip before continuing. “I see you Tim. I hear you. I know you’ve been working hard on yourself. I’m tired of being scared. I’m tired of holding back my feelings for you. I just want you again, Tim.”
“Yeah?” He knows he’s smiling like an idiot but he doesn’t care. “I know we still have things to talk about and I’m sure you have questions, all of which I’ll answer. When you’re ready.”
“Good,” she gives him a warm smile. “Now come over here and sit by me. I can barely hold my head up.”
That’s all it takes for him to practically sprint around the counter, pulling out the stool and sitting down next to her, close enough so their legs were touching. She wastes no time resting her head on his arm while she chews.
“Hey Luce?” He asks after she finishes a pancake. She lifts her head up off of his arm, looking up and him giving him the okay to continue.
“I did mention one more thing to you that you didn’t hear,” she furrows her brow, anxious for what he’s going to say.
“I said, I think the next step we should take is you moving in with me.” He fully expects to see panic in her eyes and for her to back away and shut down. But instead, he’s met with the sweetest, most pure smile.
“I love that idea.” She says softly while reaching over to grab his hand. “I really, really do.”
“Yeah?” He brings their joint hands up to his mouth, giving hers a kiss.
“Yeah. I mean, it makes sense. We were practically living together before. I’ve spent so much time without you, I’m done being away from you.”
“Me too,” he agrees. “Plus, you’ll be able to finally get away from Rodge and his eventual tour practice in your living room.” He jokes, they both share a quick laugh.
“So we’re really doing this?”
“We are.” He confirms before leaning over to give her a lingering kiss on the lips before pulling away, immediately causing her to pout. He puts up a finger to stop her, “eat up so we can get you into bed.”
“Hmm I appreciate all of this amazing food, but you know what I would appreciate even more?” She looks to him with a devious smile.
“I’d love nothing more than to hold you in bed,” he nods proudly not even waiting for her to say it, he just knows. She blushes once again, before picking her fork up to take another bite.
Once she was finished eating, he quickly put the food away while she got into comfy clothes. Making his way into her bedroom, she was already underneath the covers getting comfortable.
Moving to what was once his side of the bed, he took his jeans off before getting into bed himself, immediately pulling her into him. She rested her head on his chest, his arms tightening around her mid section pulling her closer.
“So, when can I move in?” She asks sleepily.
“Whenever you want. But for now, you need to sleep.”
“M’kay,” she mumbles. “Just don’t let go.”
“Never. Never again.” He says against her hair knowing she already had fallen asleep.