A/N: Maddie and Chimney have quickly become a favourite of mine. This chapter is just about them and their relationship.
Maddie and Chimney ate their food in a comfortable silence. Occasionally, they commented on how nice the food tasted, but otherwise, they saved their conversation until they had ordered their desserts.
"I am so glad that we did this tonight," said Maddie happily. "I didn't realise just how much I was stressing during the day until I saw you."
"Is that good or bad?" asked Chimney.
"Good. I really missed you, I've been so stressed lately. Seeing you made me feel better, made me feel like I'm still connected to something other than work and looking after Buck." Maddie sighed. "Did that sound bad?"
"No. I understand. It isn't easy to look after an injured person, even if that person is your brother." Chimney smiled. "It's nice to know you missed me."
"Of course I missed you! I've wanted to go on a date with you for a while. I just didn't know how to ask you."
Chimney laughed. "Well, for future reference, the best way to ask is to just come up to me and say you want to go out."
"Thank you," said Maddie, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
"What made you so unsure, anyway?" Chimney asked curiously.
Maddie shook her head. "It's stupid... but... I guess I'm still a little shy when it comes to social situations. Doug was always pushing me down, and that lasted years. I'm still getting used to being free."
"That isn't stupid at all!" Chimney reached and gently grabbed Maddie's hand. "You went through hell, Maddie. It takes time to heal from something like that. I want to help you with that. Even if it takes the rest of our lives, I want to be there by your side to help you."
Maddie gave Chimney a watery smile. "Oh, Chim..." she whispered before kissing him.
"We could watch a movie?" asked Chimney as he and Maddie walked into his apartment. "Or we could just relax together on the couch?"
"Maybe. But, I was thinking... you mentioned wanting to do something earlier tonight." Maddie grinned cheekily. "Are you still interested in that?"
"Oh, definitely! But, first, I want to relax on the couch, with a certain someone snuggled in next to me." Chimney took Maddie's hand and pulled her onto his couch.
"That sounds nice." Maddie scooted herself closer to Chimney and pressed herself into his side, resting her head on his shoulder and breathing in the smell of his cologne. "This is nice."
Ten minutes passed, and then Chimney looked down at Maddie to find her fast asleep. She looked peaceful and happy, and that made Chimney smile. He reached over Maddie to grab a blanket off the back of the couch, then gently covered her with it. Turning on the TV, Chimney turned the volume down low and watched a movie that was playing on the screen. He smiled in content as he felt Maddie shift against him and felt her head drop into his lap.
"I love you so much, Maddie," Chimney whispered as he gently caressed her hair.
"Love you, too..." came Maddie's half asleep voice.
"Hey. I thought you were asleep."
"Sleepy..."
"Let's go to bed." Chimney turned off the TV and lifted Maddie into his arms. "I'll carry you there."
Maddie giggled as Chimney lifted her into his arms and carried her to his bedroom. "Chim, you don't have to do this."
"I want to." Chimney carefully placed Maddie onto the bed and lifted the covers over her. "Besides, I want to get to bed eventually, and you are way to exhausted to get here on your own."
"Stay with me."
"I was planning on it." Chimney kicked off his shoes and climbed underneath the covers, where Maddie immediately cuddled up to him. "You okay?"
"Tired. So, so tired."
"Well, I'm right here. You can sleep now, Maddie."
Maddie nodded. She rested her head on Chimney's chest, which calmed her immediately, and she fell asleep in seconds.
It was Saturday. That was the first thought that ran through Chimney's head when he woke up and saw that it was already ten am. He didn't have work, and he could feel Maddie's hand clutching his underneath the blankets. He smiled when he turned his head to see if his girlfriend was awake, and he found her staring at him.
"Good morning, sleepy head," said Maddie with a grin. She closed the gap between them and put her arm over his chest.
"Good morning, Maddie. Did you sleep well?" asked Chimney after he kissed her head.
"Better than I have in months, actually. Maybe I should sleep in your bed more often."
"That can easily be arranged."
"Don't tempt me..."
"Isn't Buck back at home now?"
"Yes. Why?"
"You don't need to look after him."
"No, I don't."
"Then, isn't it time for you to do something for yourself?"
"It is."
Chimney grinned. "Well, I say that you should spend a few nights here with me."
"I think I agree with you."
"So, what do you say?"
Maddie smiled and cuddled into Chimney. "I like this. It's cozy. I'll stay with you."
"Sounds good to me." Chimney kissed Maddie.