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Never in your friendship with Theodore Groves have you seen him both upset and extremely quiet. The Theodore you’ve known who was the first one to light up the room with his jokes and his blunt remarks about something going on.
Knocking on the door to his home you waited patiently for an answer. An hour prior, which led you to this moment, Commodore James Norrington had invited you into his office for a conversation about Theodore’s well being. The officer was worried—clearly. Which showed he valued his men’s mental state. It showed the kind of man James was.
Upon no answer from Theo you frowned and thought back to James’ words.
“Do any means necessary to get him back. Even if it’s breaking down his door.”
Although James was probably joking, you didn’t want to exactly break Theo's door down. But, the other thing you could do was just enter in a pin and wiggle your way through until that satisfying little click was heard. So, bending down you inserted the pin you had on your person and spent a good amount of time fighting to try to hit that sweet spot.
Click.
The door slowly opened and you stood up and walked inside. Closing the door behind you the first thing you noticed was how incredibly messy his kitchen was. As you walked in further his kitchen was a disaster. Dishes were unkept, looked to be a broken jar or bottle of something on the floor, leaving small glass pieces everywhere.
This wasn’t like Theo at all. While he was a bit messy he wouldn’t be this messy.
Cleaning up the broken glass from the ground you threw it away as you left the dishes—at least for now. First you had to find the man, James was sure he was hiding in his home since he hasn’t been seen at the fort since last weekend. Which was three days ago now.
Walking through his home, and finding nothing, the last room you walked into was his bedroom. There you saw the clear lump of his body hidden under his blankets and his uniform scattered everywhere. Walking closer to his bed your hand gently pried the comforter off his face, “Theodore.” You called, finally seeing the tear stains over his face.
Checking his pulse, the sigh that left you when you felt he still had a heartbeat. But you weren’t ready to know what got his heart broken. “Theodore, wake up.” You called him, a bit louder this time as you moved some of his black hair back.
He slowly was stirring, mumbling incoherent words as he slowly started to come around. His brown eyes revealed and he looked up to see you standing over him. He furrowed his eyebrows, before slowly sitting up. “What are you doing here?”
“Checking up on you. Basically got ordered to.” You sat on his bed, “James and the others are very worried about you, Theo. And that includes me, what happened?”
He immediately slouched, getting reminded as his body started to shake. “I don’t want to talk about it.” He murmured under his breath.
“Theodore, James has said you’ve been gone from the fort for three days. Now more because of today.” You shifted to fully sit on his bed and sighed, moving your body to the empty side you sat next to him. “And I didn’t hear a peep from you. Where’s that man full of sunshine and quick remarks?”
“Not present anymore.” He felt you hug him and his lips trembled as he quickly brought his arms around your body and hugged you tightly—practically squeezing you to death.
His lips trembled, before his throat tightened and he choked out a sob. He lowered his head fully as he felt your warm hand cup his cheek.
“What happened, Theo? You can tell me.”
“I saw my partner cheating with another person.” He looked ashamed, looking away as he continued to cry. Biting his lip to quiet his tears. “Was I not good enough?”
“Oh Theo.” Your heart clenched tightly as you rubbed his cheek, wiping away his tears as you gently pulled his face to look back at you. “I’m sorry that happened to you.”
“I just—I don’t understand! Why couldn’t they have just told me they didn’t want to be in a relationship with me anymore!? Instead of just going behind my back and kissing another person!” He yelled, voice breaking as he sat up more and angrily gripped the bedsheets.
Your hands lifted up to rest on his own to pull them back from the bedsheets. Slowly, your fingers interlocked with his own as you gave them a squeeze. “I don’t know the answer. Even if I wish I did.” You paused for a moment, allowing the words to settle in the air before you continued. “Is there anything I can do to help you, Theo?”
He shook his head slowly, quite frankly he was unsure himself. “I don’t think so. I just…want to be alone.”
The sound of his voice being so distant had you contemplated the truth about what could happen. Taking a look around his dark room you saw his sword and guns near his uniform. It laid discarded yet a deep feeling in your stomach knew that it wouldn’t be long until it might be used.
Looking at him again you wrapped your arms around his body, your head rested on his shoulder. “Know I’ll be here for you, Theodore. Please, if you need me, come to my home, okay?”
“I will.”
You pulled back to look into his eyes, “You promise?”
He offered a small smile, nodding in agreement. His hand came up to ruffle your hair, “I promise. I’ll see you later, okay?”
That sounded too much like a goodbye forever.
“Okay.” Your hand tightened around his before you soon stood up and stared down at him. Part of you wanted to ask if you could stay. Even if you’d sleep in the spare bedroom he had—you also knew he needed privacy to figure things out.
“Don’t look so worried.” He moved to stand up from his bed. The blanket revealed his shirtless build as he ruffled his black hair. “I’ll be alright, I just need some time to…think. Ya know, not something I’m good at.” He laughed, shaking his head as he motioned to the door to his bedroom.
You sighed, leading the way out of his bedroom as you walked to the main door as you turned your attention back to him where he went into the kitchen.
“You cleaned the glass?” He asked, turning his head to look at you before grabbing out a cup.
“Of course I did. It worried me, Theodore. What happened?”
“Slip.” He answered way too quickly for your liking.
“Theodore.”
He sighed, “When I came home I was grabbing a bottle of alcohol before I just slammed it against the counter top. Realizing that deep down I shouldn’t go down that route. I left the room and didn’t bother cleaning it up.”
Arms wrapped around his waist as you rested your head against his back. “I’m scared.” You murmured, “I’ve never seen you like this, Theo.” Feeling his hand rub yours he looked at the counter top where there was a small crack from the harsh break of the glass.
“I cannot lie to you. I’m scared too. But I’m trying my best to remain…” Trailing off he wasn’t even sure of a good word to use. Positive was too strong of a word, he wouldn’t be feeling better for a long time. He wasn’t even sure the last he had ever felt this way: angry, upset, a silent rage. Shit, he was pretty good at hiding his true feelings behind a wall he built around to make it into the military. You were the only one who got to see a part of him he rarely showed anyone. Even his now ex barely got to see him.
Feeling your body get heavy against his, he looked back and heard the even breathing of you against him. Standing up, eyes closed and breathing evenly. “Asleep huh…” He whispered, setting the cup down on the counter as he slowly moved to pick you up bridal style. “I don’t blame you.” He knew that if anything you had been up all night trying to find any trace of him. And for his absence in three days, he was afraid of how long you’ve been up without a good night's rest.
Returning to his bedroom he gently placed you down on the bed and covered you with the blankets as he pushed your hair aside. “Get some sleep.” He smiled, albeit weakly as he kissed your crown just out of habit. Standing up fully he looked over at his weapons and shook his head out of the thoughts.
No…he wouldn’t go down that route. Absolutely not.
He knew you’d have guilt of not being able to protect him and ask more about his mental state. Plus, he couldn’t do that to his best friends in the navy. He sighed, shaking his head as he rubbed a hand over his face and felt so conflicted. His heart was broken, but he was trying to remain strong for the people who did care for him. But this was the first ever heartbreak he ever had. It wasn’t easy.
Heading into the bathroom he decided if anything a bath could help situate his mind. Or at least he hoped it would help. If not he wasn’t sure what could help him at this point. As he moved around the bathroom he was quiet, undressing from his trousers which was the only thing he was still wearing from his uniform. He set them aside and got the water warmed up as he looked at himself in the mirror. His black hair was a mess, strands going in every direction as he smiled tiredly at how silly it looked.
Although the more he looked the more doubt creeped in. Was he not attractive enough? Is that why his ex cheated? His eyebrows furrowed as he just stared at the reflection in the mirror. He knew everyone had their preferences…but why go on a date if they didn’t like them to be loyal? He gripped the edge of the countertop and turned before he punched the mirror. The last thing he needed was you waking up in fear something happened to him.
Getting into the tub, he grabbed the towel and gently washed his body with the soap. Trying to avoid being deep in thought despite the deafening silence keeping it alive. Knowing you were asleep in his bed in the other room made him have some peace of mind. Knowing you were worried for his well being as well as James and his friends he worked alongside.
He sighed, slouching as his body ached. It still did from the battle on the Dauntless and the prior attack on Port Royal. And while it’s been a couple weeks since then he never got any real rest. From fixing Port Royal with the Governor and James then now this whole situation he was dealing with. It wasn’t easy.
Moving his arm back his elbow hit the soap bottle and his eyes widened as he quickly went to catch it but the sound of it slamming against the floor had him wince. “Shit.”
Hearing the crash your body jolted awake as you didn’t feel Theo next to you. “Theodore!?” You yelled, throwing the blankets off your body and running through his home. “Theo!?” He wasn’t in the kitchen, not in his room, the sitting room was empty. Soon, you bolted and turned to the other door that was closed and felt that it was locked. Using your shoulder, you pushed it in and kept going until the lock broke and you stumbled into the bathroom.
Eyes frantically looking around you saw him just relaxing in the water, a worried look on his face. “Fuck… Theo!”
“What!?” He motioned to the soap on the floor, “I dropped the soap bottle. Elbowed it hard enough to drop it, sorry I woke you up.” He apologized, looking down at the water.
“It’s fine.” You took a deep breath as the sting in your eyes hurt more as you allowed them to fall as you stepped forward and picked up the soap bottle and set it on the edge of the tub. You soon sat down, sitting on the side of it as you hugged your knees to your chest. “I thought…”
“I know.” Theo interrupted you, knowing what you would’ve thought. “I was trying to be quiet while you slept. I truly forgot it was there.” He smiled slightly and looked over to where you sat against the tub. He raised a wet hand and gently pulled some of your hair to get the strands to not be messy.
You jolted, pulled back and looked at him. “It’s cold!”
“Is it? It feels warm to me.”
“Because you’ve been in it longer.” You shifted, facing him more as you rested your arms on the edge of the tub and looked at him. “This is quite improper.”
“You’re checking up on me.” Theo sighed heavily, “After I scared you. Nothing is improper about it. About…us.” He added quietly at the end, “Besides, you’ve seen me shirtless countless of times.”
“Yes…I have.” How many times did it seem so normal. As if you both were in a relationship despite it not being the case. Whether it was when he got injured in the chest and he only accepted your help to patch whatever injury he sustained during a battle or he was shirtless whenever you had come over late at night and he was asleep. Much like tonight.
“Does it not bother you, Theo?”
“Why would it? We’ve been friends for years. Besides, you’ve touched my chest.” He smirked, that usual expression he carried when he was teasing.
It had your eyes widen, seeing him slowly return and you soon smiled back, laughing softly. “That was because I was healing your wounds.”
“And I recall you tracing my old scars.” He laughed as you splashed water at his face. “I enjoyed it, though. I cannot deny that.”
“Really?”
“Of course. And if I’m being honest. You’re the only one who I allowed to touch them.”
That surprised you as you soon sat up a bit more. “Did you not trust..?”
“No.” His hand absentmindedly rubbed one of his injuries that went from his pec down to his chest. “I was never revealing of my injuries. Part of me is still self conscious about them. I only showed it if it was necessary or if I had asked for help.” He looked over at you, “And I trusted you, you’ve made the most painful ones heal quickly. Sometimes I barely trusted the doctors on Port Royal to treat them.” He sighed, leaning his head back. “Although they’re so harsh with treatment, ‘Remain still, Mr. Groves’ well when you’re stabbing me without warning it’s quite hard.” He rolled his eyes.
Laughing at the mimicry of the doctors you shook your head, “You’re quite silly, Theo. So am I the best doctor?”
“Best of the bunch, sweetheart.”
Blushing softly at the pet name you looked up at him and you admired his soft brown eyes. They were a bit lighter, almost like cocoa powder. “I’m glad. So you’ll pick me in every bunch you see?”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re not cruel with poking my injuries just to hear me whine. Then yell at me when I’m thrashing around.” He raised his hand, poking your cheek.
Before he could fully retreat his hand, yours came up to have it against your cheek and kept it there. “I always warn you with what I’d have to do. I’d even give you a countdown if I was cleaning quite a nasty wound.”
Shifting in the water, he leaned closer. “I always appreciated it. Hopefully I wasn’t flopping like a fish out of water.” He joked, seeing your finger raise up and poke the tip of his nose, he chuckled quietly.
“Well you’re currently a fish in water, Theo.” You poked the tip of his nose again, “Could we go back to your bedroom?”
“Of course.” He slowly pulled back, running his free hand through his wet hair as he looked around. “Mind handing me a towel?”
“Where are they?”
“In the closet. Left side. Then throw it over.” While he gave you instructions and you went to look. He got out of the bathtub and slowly stood as he saw the towel flying at him as his head got hit. “Ah!”
You laughed, “Sorry!” You closed the closet before you decided to examine the door as you remembered breaking it down to make sure he was okay. “I’ll have to fix your door.”
After fixing the towel around his waist he walked over to examine the damage as he hummed, “I’m sure it’s a simple fix.” He shrugged, “Worst is it could’ve been snapped in half. At least I still have a door.”
Snorting, you pushed him playfully toward his bedroom. Hearing him laugh as he walked you soon walked past him and went to go sit on his bed. “Your bed is comfortable, by the way.”
“Is that your way of saying you want to spend the night?” He asked, raising an eyebrow as he went to his closet.
“Maybe.” You frowned, “But that’s if you’re okay with it. I know that you’re going through some stuff.”
“With all due respect honey, you being here has helped me tremendously.” Pulling out some trousers he managed to get them on without removing the towel and sighed. “Especially when it came down to my thoughts going to something drastic I wouldn’t be able to take back.”
“Theodore.”
“Hey…” He removed the towel and wrapped it around his shoulders as he walked over and sat down next to you on his bed. “I’m okay.” He reassured you. “I am. It just happened and I had to shake my head and swat it away like a fly.”
Leaning your head against his shoulder you thought about his words before finally speaking, “It just worries me very much.”
“I’m sorry that it does.” Wrapping his arms around your body he buried his head into your neck. “Please stay with me.” He breathed out, “I can’t be alone anymore. The silence is deafening, my mind runs rampant and I hate it.”
“I’ll stay for as long as you’ll have me, Theo.” Patting his head softly as you shifted, feeling him loosen his grip you managed to move just enough to lay on his bed as you pulled him down. Shifting closer you cuddled up against him, fingers circling on his shoulder blade.
He felt his body relax as he looked down at you, “You’re deep in thought.”
“Mmm, yes I am.”
“Bout what?”
“Us.” You answered, looking up at him. “To me it feels like so much more…but it’s not.”
He understood where you were coming from. Yet, deep down he didn’t want to admit the truth of his growing feelings for you. After all he just went through a heartbreak, yet, he knew his heart wouldn’t be broken considering how much you cared for him. But that fear dwindled like a burnt out candle still trying to relight.
“Maybe it’s something we can talk about when I’ve got time to heal.” He suggested, “I’ll come to you when I’m ready, is that okay?”
“Of course, Theo.” Wrapping your arms around his body you felt him return the embrace as you both just melted into the hug. “Take all the time that you need. I’ll be here.”
-
Since that night you had helped Theo clean up his home. It was the least you could do and you wanted to spend more time with him before he was off to head to work. James still was waiting for you to return with any news. And you were sure the man was still worried sick about Theodore’s mental health since it had been another day of no reply. Yet, you knew James was…semi patient.
Sitting outside in the small backyard he had for his property you watched him clean his uniform and try to get out something. Your eyes watched every single movement he did and how his muscles moved.
Theodore looked over, noticing your flushed face. “Is the heat getting to you?”
“Oh!” You laughed, shaking your head. “No. It’s not.”
“Well you’re very red.” He leaned over and put his hand up to your forehead. “And very warm. Are you sure? I don’t want you to pass out unexpectedly.”
“Theo, I’m alright. Something else is getting me worked up.” You admitted, hoping his curiosity wouldn’t get the better of him.
“Oh?” He raised an eyebrow, “What?” He looked you up and down, the attire you wore was decent, nothing was too restricting. “May I be able to help?”
“Just clean your uniform.”
“I’ve been trying, this stubborn part of a stain won’t come out!” He sat back on his heels as he dunked the shirt back into the small bowl.
“Well perhaps if you asked nicely it would come out.” You laughed at his slouched posture and you scooted closer on the ground and gently took the soaked shirt from his hands. While you tried to take a chance in cleaning his uniform you felt Theo lean on his arm closer to you.
“So, are you gonna tell me what’s got you worked up? Or is that gonna be some mystery?”
“It’s nothing important, Theo.”
“Come on.” He sighed, “Why do you help me with stuff but I can’t help you?” He sat up, wrapping his arms around your body as his chin rested on your shoulder. His eyes watched you work and fidget with the white shirt he had been trying to clean for the past hour now.
“What did you spill on this?”
“Who knows…” He mumbled, “The last few days have been miserable as hell.”
“Well, I don’t know if it’s gonna come out, Theo. You might need a new shirt.”
“James is gonna kill me.” He tightened his hold as he soon looked at you. “Could you try some more?”
You turned to look at him, seeing his light brown eyes glittering from the sunlight. Plus, with his current pout he looked more like a child than a thirty five year old man. “You’re so childish.”
“Am not! The navy uniforms are expensive, honey! Sure, I got money saved up but it’s a hassle to get a new one.”
The way he said the pet names to you made your heart jump a few beats. Without thinking much of it, you kissed his cheek and turned back. “I’ll try a couple more times. Maybe you could say it’s some blood. You did have a battle recently.”
Theodore ran completely mute for a solid two minutes as he just stared and blinked at you. Trying to comprehend what had just happened. You kissed him on his cheek and the feeling of it lingered as he soon hugged you tighter. Resting his head on your back he hummed in agreement in whatever you said. It became a blur as he had a silly smile on his face at the feeling tickling his cheek.
Feeling his tight hold made you laugh, “Holding me so tight, Theo. I ain’t going nowhere.”
“I know you’re not, but I can’t help but hug you. You’re very warm.”
“Is that so?” You dunked his uniform and tried to scrub off the red spot. It had been slowly dwindling away yet the stain still remained. “It’s slowly going away. Although, it makes me wonder. Will this be hidden behind your coat?”
He lifted his head, moving his hands as he grabbed it and lifted it. “It might…” He grinned awkwardly, “But we both tried.” He just set it aside, forgetting about the hassle of what it was becoming as his attention returned back to you. “So, what got you worked up?”
Oh great. Knowing Theo he would not allow this to pass unless somehow you told a lie. Even then he wouldn’t be satisfied. “I just thought of something very attractive that had me thinking.” You explained, not exactly lying but also not exactly telling the truth either.
“Oh? Was it me?” He grinned, “I’m the only one you’ve been around this past day.” He noticed you try to reach for his shirt but he quickly moved it and held it behind him. “No! Answer my question.”
Slouching you just looked at him, blushing and shaking your head as you looked away. “Maybe.”
“Ahh,” He brought his hand up to cup your cheek, making you look at him as he kissed your cheek in return. “I’m glad that you see me attractive.”
Footsteps were heard as Theo turned and saw James walking toward them. “Ah! Commodore!” He smiled, feeling you quickly squirm out of his hold as Theo let you go. Standing up he looked at James, “What brings you here?”
Sighing, James looked over at you and noticed how flushed you looked before turning his attention back to Theodore. “Making sure one of my officers isn’t dead. Are you alright?”
“Yes. Just…dealing with heartbreak. Well I was, I’m getting better now.”
“I see. I was worried when they hadn’t returned with a word. I’m glad you’re doing better, Lieutenant. I wish for you to come into work tomorrow.” James noticed you looking at him and he nodded, “I just wanted to check up on you both. Now that I know you’re both safe my worries can disappear.”
“Sorry for worrying you, James.” You stood up, walking to stand next to Theo. “Just had to make sure this one didn’t do something.” You nudged his shoulder as he sighed, “Oh and also, he might need a new shirt.” Hearing Theo mutter your name in slight fear you grabbed his shirt that was still soaked and showed James the red stain. “Unsure if it’s blood or some wine.”
James nodded, “I’ll get an order for it.”
“Thank you. We’ve been scrubbing hard at it for about an hour now. It was becoming impossible and Theo was losing his patience.”
Smiling slightly, James shook his head. “I’m not surprised. Thank you for checking in on him and making sure he was safe. I don’t wish to attend a funeral.”
“Of course. Happy to help in any way.”
Once James said his goodbye and turned and left you looked up at Theo who had sighed of relief. “You were scared he was going to be upset.”
“It’s James, he’s unpredictable.”
“He was worried, Theo.” You dropped his shirt and wrapped your arms around his waist. “And I was too.”
“I know. I’m truly sorry.” He rubbed your back, “How about we get ourselves cleaned up and we can cook dinner?” He offered, “After all I have to return to work tomorrow.”
“Sounds delightful.” Giving him a squeeze in the hug you let him go and grabbed his uniform shirt and held it up. Letting out a soft hum you looked up at Theo who was dumping out the water and cleaning up the mess. “Hey Theo?”
“Yes honey?” He asked, picking up the soap and setting the bowl aside.
“May I have your shirt? Since it’s ruined?”
He looked up at this, “You want my shirt, why?” He couldn’t help but smile as he questioned it.
“Well it would be a waste to throw it. Besides, it’s still in good condition.” You held it up, looking up at him as you smiled.
“If it makes you happy then I don’t mind.” He motioned his head toward the door. “Come on, let’s head inside.”
“Okay! Thank you, Theodore!”
“You’re welcome.” Guiding you through his home we walked to the kitchen and set the soap and bowl down on the counter. Washing his hands he dried them off before getting out supplies for dinner.
“So, what’s on the menu?” You asked, after returning back from the bathroom where you had set the soaked shirt up to dry.
“Your favorite.” Theo replied, “Figured it could be a huge thank you to express my appreciation for you coming over and helping me get out of my huge slump.”
“Aww, Theo! You’re too kind, but I truly wanted to make sure you were okay. I mean, I was going to come over but James stopped me due to his own worry. So, it kinda came hand in hand.”
“Well, it’s nice to know that people care about me and want me to be happy.”
“You’re the sunshine, Theodore Groves.” You teased his full name, “You can be the sun even in the gloomiest of days. Lighting it up with the charm only you possess.”
He blushed as he continued to cook. His heartbeat changed as he realized something he truly didn’t want to name at the moment. No, it most certainly had to wait.
“Also, I can’t help but remember how often you made me feel happier. Even if you poked and prodded me until I finally told you. You come around with my favorite flowers or chocolates. Whatever to bring a smile on my face. It’s one of the things I love about you, Theo.”
Oh how his heart was starting to soar overboard as he bit his lip to try to hide the smile. “You’re too kind, love.” He turned to face you, “Do you want to help me?”
Quickly walking over to him you assisted in cooking as you both nudged each other occasionally and talked about anything. Mostly about if he was ready to return back to work. Which, it surprised you, but he did want to return as he was sure some sort of adventure was waiting for him to do. Plus, training any new rookies under his command made it more entertaining for him.
After the hour passed and you both ate dinner you had retired to his sitting room as he poked the fireplace. “Will you stay tonight?” He asked, looking over at you.
“I was unsure. Due to you needing sleep.”
“Ah, but I can sleep with you here.” He smiled, “We’ve done it multiple times. There’s no difference.”
“Yes, there’s not. But if you want me to stay, I can stay.”
“I do.” He set the stick down he was using to poke the fire and turned his body toward you. “Because I don’t know how busy I’ll be. So, spending time with you before I return to work, it will be best. Especially if I am sent to sea or…England. I pray I don’t go to England.”
You knew the possibility of why he wouldn’t want to return. Theo wasn’t open much about his family life and he always was iffy and disgusted at the even mere thought of England. Plus, Port Royal was his home, so being away from that would make even a seasoned sailor like him have homesickness.
“I hope you don’t go to England.” Scooting closer you pushed some of his black hair behind his ear. It had grown quite a bit and you smiled, tilting your head as you even noticed some growing facial hair. Lowering your finger to where it was growing, he laughed as it tickled.
“You know I can’t grow it out.”
“Which is quite upsetting. I think you look rather nice with facial hair.”
“Ha, maybe if I retire from the navy I will think about growing it out.” He cupped his face and rubbed his hand down it to feel the slight stubble. “Maybe one day after months at sea I’d come back with it. It’s quite difficult to shave while on board. Might cut myself on accident.”
“And I don’t ever want you to do that.”
“Neither do I! It would hurt.” He lowered his hand, thinking as he smiled slightly. “We should head to the bedroom and get some rest.” He suggested, “I don’t know what will happen tomorrow.”
You stood from the couch, grabbing his hands and squeezed them as he stood as well. “I hope tomorrow will be a good day for you.”
“As do I.”
He slowly leaned down but soon noticed you left toward the bedroom. He blinked, realizing what he was going to do. Oh he was falling in love. He looked up and heard your voice from the bedroom. “Patience…” He mumbled to himself and walked to the bedroom. You were already comfortable under the covers. He laughed at the sight, your head poked out from the comforter. “Comfy?”
“Absolutely.” You smiled, snuggling further into the blankets.
He continued to softly laugh, closing the door to the bedroom he walked over to his side of the bed and sat down on the edge of it. He rubbed the back of his neck, thinking about what could potentially happen at work tomorrow. Feeling a poke on his back he looked over, seeing you had turned to face him and yet still snuggled in the blankets.
“You okay, Theo?”
“Yes. Just thinking about tomorrow.”
“You shouldn’t worry too much. James will most likely help you get back on track. And I doubt you’d be going to sea. After all, James would’ve told you prior.”
“I know.” He laid back in the bed, on his back as he looked at the ceiling. “Did he tell you anything when he asked you to find me?”
“No. All he asked was for my help in finding you. He figured you were at home. But he didn’t tell me anything. Just admitted how worried he was for your mental health.” Shifting in the bed you cuddled closer to him. “He didn’t state much of anything regarding work.”
“Hmm.” Theodore while believing your words felt like James wanted and needed him for something else.
“Don’t overthink it Theo.” Tilting your head down you let it rest on his shoulder. “Just focus on getting some rest.”
“You’re right.” His hand came up to slowly go through your hair. It was comforting as he felt himself start to doze off into slumber. After a minute his hand stilled and rested against the bed before he was deep into slumber.
When Theo fell asleep first and you listened to him breathing evenly you slowly lifted your head and looked at him. He was so peaceful while he slept, unaware to the world as he was a deep sleeper. Leaning forward, you kissed his cheek before snuggling back into the blankets and falling asleep yourself.
By the time you were waking up slightly, you had felt Theo gently nudging you awake. “What?” Your voice was so hoarse from being deep into sleep.
“I’m just letting you know that I’m heading to work.” He smiled, “You can sleep here. I don’t mind.”
“Mmm…” Groaning you moved and opened your arms, “Hug? Before you leave?”
Theo bent down, resting his knee on the bed as he returned the hug. “I’ll see you later tonight, okay?” He pulled away, smiling at you tired you looked. Taking the comforter he brought it over you to keep you warm. He heard you hum in approval and he stood up, grabbing his sword and pistol from the ground as he attached them to his person as he looked over at you. Deep into slumber. Leaving quietly he returned back to work.
The past week was the same. Theo went to work, returned home, ate dinner then went straight to bed. Rinse and repeat. It was a good way to keep his mind busy with something new that had been on his mind. And as he worked he was beginning to get the courage to actually ask. So, a week of not seeing you he went to where you worked once he had some free time.
As the door jingled up above he entered and looked around, soon seeing you sticking something on a shelf. “Good to see you again.”
You jumped, looking back as you saw him. Quickly setting the item on its shelf you turned and hugged him tightly. “It’s good to see you too! How’s work going?”
“Very busy, actually. But it’s keeping me occupied.” He smiled, “Although something has been on my mind quite much recently.”
“Oh?” You walked around the counter as you leaned against it. “Spill the beans.”
Taking a deep breath he walked closer, “I’m wondering if you’d like to go on a date with me?” He kept his attention on you, he wasn’t even fidgeting, a direct ask.
“Oh I’d love to, Theo! Where would you like to go?”
His heart soared and he started to blush even just a tiny bit. “Anywhere! I’ll leave it up to you. I’m not good at places.” He laughed, leaning against the counter top next to you. “Besides, I think you have a better place than what I would have chosen.”
“And what did you have in mind?”
“The tavern.” He shrugged, “But to me that just doesn’t seem all that great. It’s loud, drunkards, and I want something peaceful and quiet. Just us.”
“Somewhere quiet? I think I got a good idea on where we can go. Meet me here when you get off.” Leaning up, you kissed him softly. “And don’t be late.”
He slowly returned the kiss as you pulled away to mumble. The usual smirk appeared on his face, “Ah I wouldn’t dare to miss a date with you.” Kissing you back he pulled away and nodded, “Then I’ll see you later.”
“Of course. Goodbye Theo.”
As he waved, once he got out of the place you worked and walked back toward the fort he couldn’t help but feel absolutely giddy and excited. For the past week he had been thinking on how you treated him when you were worried. How you kissed him once and he was a lost cause. How it felt natural to sleep in the same bed despite it not having anything sexual happen. Because, god in a way he wasn’t ready for that. He would take his time and especially wait for you to come to him if you ever wanted to do something.
Either way, it was a thought that crossed his mind once and never again.
Walking up the hill and into the fort he heard James and he walked over, seeing him looking unamused as usual as some navy men were messing around. “What caused this?”
James let out the longest sigh, “You tell me, Groves.”
Right…he forgot he kinda walked away from work to go ask you out. “I’ll take care of it.” He smiled nervously at his commodore. Before walking forward and getting things back in order.