Work Text:
Sam is sitting on the couch, laptop balanced on her knees, fingers moving quickly across the keyboard. She is completely in the zone, her brows were furrowed and her glasses were slipping down her nose.
“Sam.”
“Mhm,” Sam hums absentmindedly after hearing Lara’s voice. “Give me five okay.”
Lara stops. She watches Sam for a moment, taking in the familiar and adorable sight of Sam biting her lip when she’s thinking and the quiet intensity of her eyes when she's focused.
Then she steps closer.
Sam doesn't even look up.
“Sam,” Lara says gently again.
“Just a bit more…” Sam replies, still typing. “I promise”
Lara shifts her weight, clears her throat, and even starts twirling her hair. Nothing.
So she tries something else.
She leans against the arm of the couch, arms folded loosely, shoulders drooping just a touch. Her head tilts, chin dipping down. It was subtle at first. Her lips pushed forward just a fraction, soft yet exaggerated. Her brows knit together as she peers at Sam from under her lashes.
Lara huffs. “I want my girlfriend…” She says softly.
Sam sighs gently but doesn’t look up yet, fingers still typing.
Lara steps closer, knees practically brushing the couch. She reaches out her arm and lightly tugs the sleeve of Sam’s shirt that belonged to Lara.
“I came all the way back," Lara murmurs, voice lower now, coaxing. “I survived collapsed towers and storms. And now you wouldn’t even look at me.
That does it.
Sam finally looks up. “Aren’t you a dramatic one- Oh my goodness you’re pouting.”
Lara’s pout deepens, cheeks faintly pink, “I am not.” “Actually I am, is it working?”
Sam giggles, closes the laptop and sets it aside without another word. “Did you miss me?”
Lara leans in, resting her forearms on Sam’s knees. Her voice dropped into something even softer. “Yes, I missed you.”
Sam decides to tease Lara a bit. In a swift motion she picks up her laptop again.
“Well you are going to have to wait another 5 minutes.”
“Saaaaaam!” Lara whines like a child.
Sam laughs quietly and opens her arms. “Okay okay I’m joking. Come here my baby.”
Lara smiles, eyes narrowing just a little. She takes one step towards Sam. Then suddenly hooks an arm around her back and another under her knees/
“Lara!”
Sam squeaks as her feet leave the ground.
Lara lifts her effortlessly, holding her bridal-style like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Sam instinctively wraps an arm around Lara’s neck, laughing in surprise. Lara adjusts her hold slightly and then leans down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss on Sam’s forehead.
“That’s what you get for messing with me.” Lara chuckles.
Sam’s laughter melts almost instantly.
“That’s a punishment? To be kissed by my girlfriend? Sam says smugly. “Oh boy do I want to mess with you more.”
Lara carries her a few steps, slow and deliberate, like she’s savoring it. Sam relaxes completely in her arms, trusting and content.
“You’re ridiculous.” She murmurs.
Lara smiles, eyes fond. “And you love me.”
Sam presses a kiss to Lara’s jaw. “Yes, very much.”
Lara finally lowers her onto the couch, but she doesn’t let her go. She keeps one arm around Sam’s waist. She pulls her chest to Sam’s back, fitting together like it’s muscle memory. Sam lets out a quiet sigh as Lara settles in, the warmth of her body instantly grounding. Lara tucks her chin over Sam’s shoulders, nose brushing against her hair, breathing her in like she’s been holding that breath for weeks.
Sam laughs softly but relaxes completely, leaning back into her. “I didn’t know the world famous Archaeologist scary Lady Croft was such a softie”
Lara hums in response, fingers absentmindedly tracing small circles over Sam’s stomach, slow, lazy motions meant purely to soothe. Her grip tightens just a little. “No, I’m not lady Croft. Here, I’m just your girlfriend.”
Sam reaches back, finding Lara’s hand and lacing their fingers together. She squeezes once, then twice. Then she turns her head slightly, enough to brush a kiss against Lara’s cheek.
Lara exhales, the tension in her shoulders easing. She presses a soft kiss into Sam’s hairm then another, lingering.
They stay like that for a while. The room is quiet except for the faint hum of the city outside and the slow, steady rhythm of Lara’s heartbeat against Sam’s back.
Sam’s eyes start to drift shut.
“Lara?” she murmurs sleepily.
“Yes Sam?”
“You’re crushing me a little.”
Lara immediately loosens her hold. “Sorry.”
Sara smiles, snuggling back into her. “Don’t be. I like it.”
Lara chuckles quietly and tightens her arm.