Title: Coda
Author: csiAngel
Rating: K+
Summary: He allows himself to hold her again; permits her the dance she has requested...
Season: Episode addition for 3.05 The Canary's Song.
Disclaimer: I do not own Lie to me*
A/N: Just a teeny tiny little addition to the episode. I know there are already loads but I had to get it out of my head.
... ... ...
Her eyes meet his, shyly, after she has turned off the light on his hat. The vulnerability in her beautiful gaze reveals how hard it was for her to ask him to thank her. He knows the alcohol will have heightened what he sees, but he also knows that, had she not consumed his favourite scotch, the feeling would still stand. Although, she is unlikely to have asked without the Dutch courage: She has never asked before.
Her lips curve into a radiant smile, her troubles seemingly forgotten now, and she slips her arms over his shoulders. Pulling him closer, she rests her cheek against his and starts to slowly sway to the soft sound of the song that drifts onto the balcony.
He allows himself to hold her again; permits her the dance she has requested. It's not a lot to ask and Lord knows he owes her so much more than that.
She nestles in closer, settling into his embrace, her body pressed snugly against his. He feels, rather than hears, the gentle hum of contentment she releases. And he holds on tighter.
The song slips into the next one and they seamlessly continue their dance. Gillian seems happy to stay there forever, and he has to admit that the feeling is mutual.
He has pushed her away; he has hurt her; he has acted as though their partnership, their friendship, means nothing to him. And she's stayed. She's stayed and she's still looking out for him.
She has nudged her way past arms length and he knows he isn't strong enough to push her back. Because right now he is struggling to justify why he was trying to keep her away. He would like to think it was for her protection; that he was chivalrous enough to put aside his feelings because he doesn't deserve a heart and soul as beautiful as hers is. But, if he is honest with himself, he has always been more selfish than that. It was for his protection. Because he believes he doesn't deserve her so why open himself to that rejection?
But he's known all along that she wouldn't reject him. He has seen for years that she just wants this. So blame fear, insecurity or just complete and utter stupidity, he curses himself for making her ask. If she's prepared to love him, then she deserves to know that she is loved too. So in that moment he vows that she will never again have to ask for his true feelings. From this point on they will be written all over his face and his actions.
She might not remember any of this in the morning. But he will.
He holds her even tighter, smoothing a hand over her hair, as he smiles to himself.
He can't wait until tomorrow.
... ... ...
The End