Well you asked so here it is, this is kind of a flashback to their first "date" after the barn thing. And when the episode airs and things happen that don't go with this story, let's just ignore that.
Chapter 11: the first proper kiss
It was only eight when he brought her homethat night. She had his Haven PD jacket wrapped tightly around her body to keep warm. He unlocked the door and held it open for her as she walked inside. He flicked on the light switch and the whole apartment looked different. She was different. Nathan gently closed the door, neither one speaking to the other, both afraid to shatter the silence that followed them all through the car ride. Audrey sat down on the sofa and brought her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around herself. Nathan hesitated a moment by the door before she motioned for him to sit beside her. He stayed a modest distance away at first, folding his hands in his lap as he sat rigidly.
She sighed after a moment, unfolding herself to scotch closer to him. She burrowed into his side while he carefully put an arm around her. He couldn't feel her skin through the thick jacket but the effect was all the same, she was here in his arms and she was safe. He brought the other arm around to properly hold her tightly, she chuckled into the crook of his neck and his whole body erupted in shivers.
"Thank you," she whispered, running a finger up and down his arm.
"Thank you," he muttered into her hair. She released a tense sigh, clinging to him tighter, trying to assure both of them that she wasn't going anywhere.
"You should get some sleep," he said after a few minutes of comfortable silence, though he was unwilling to let her go.
"So should you," she said. He slowly released his hold on her and stood up.
"So I'll come by tomorrow morning?" He asked. She shook her head before standing and reaching for his hand. It was cold and rough but it warmed her nonetheless. She led him over to the bed, releasing his hand to shrug off the jacket and her shoes before climbing under the covers. Nathan stood awkwardly at the foot of the bed, unsure of what she expected him to do. Noticing his discomfort, Audrey patted the empty side of the bed and gave him a weary smile. He kicked off his own shoes before lifting the covers and cautiously laying beside her. Once again they were just far enough apart to keep him from going crazy and to drive her mad. She slung an arm over his torso and rested her head upon his chest, listening to the gentle beat of his heart which increased slightly. She smiled to herself as she closed her eyes.
"Night Nathan," she said.
"Good night Parker," he answered, bringing his arms up around her. It would take him longer to fall asleep than her that night, still not fully believing that everything was really over. When he opened his eyes he realized quickly that he was alone. He jumped up quickly, beginning to panic as he scanned the room.
"Parker," he called out, no answer. It was still dark outside and the clock read 2:45. He searched the apartment before noticing the door was slightly ajar.
"Parker?" He asked again as he slipped outside. She was leaning against the rail wearing his jacket again. She turned her head in response and smiled.
"Relax, I'm still here," she said.
"What are you doing out here?" He asked coming closer.
"Just enjoying the view," she said before turning around and wrapping her arms around his waist. He brought a hand up to cup her cheek as she leaned in and he leaned down.
"I made dinner," she said when their faces were nearly touching.
"You did?" He hadn't meant to sound so surprised.
"Yup, you hungry?"
"Starved," he choked out. She led him back inside and ordered him to sit down at the table. She took out the matches and lit the small candle on the table. He watched her as she opened the pot on the stove before dishing out two plates.
"Macaroni and cheese?" He asked when she sat it down before him.
"Uh huh," she said sitting down beside him. He looked between her and the food nervously.
"Oh come on Nathan it can't be that bad," she said. He said a silent prayer before bringing the food to his lips. Audrey watched him in suspense, expecting him to spit it out immediately. Instead, like a good sport, he swallowed the bite and took another.
"It's good Parker," he nodded.
"Really?" She asked before taking a bite, so the noodles were a bit undercooked and the cheese was runny, but it really wasn't that bad. After they finished Nathan cleared the table and sat back down beside his Partner.
"Earlier when I woke up and you were outside I thought…" He trailed off, looking away from her.
"I'm not going anywhere Nathan," she covered his hand with her own and he took in a sharp breath. "I promise," she whispered before leaning closer until their foreheads were almost touching.
"Good," he muttered before she captured his lips. He placed a hand on the back her neck to pull her closer, feeling so many things he hadn't for so many years. Even when was Sarah, and they were together on the beach it didn't feel like this. Sure, he felt her and was sure that it was partly because she looked like Audrey that he stayed. But when he kissed Audrey it wasn't just because he could actually feel it, he felt more because he knew that he loved her in that moment and several before.
When Audrey eventually pulled away they were still holding each other and he felt a wet droplet on his cheek that didn't come from his own eyes.
"I love you," she said, "I always have."
"I love you too," he said with so much conviction that she knew he'd been planning on saying it for weeks. She laughed in relief as he kissed her again and with so much force that her head was spinning.
"It's really late," she said standing up after a good few minutes.
"Yeah," he smiled.
"Maybe we should go back to bed," she suggested.
"Probably," he held her hand firmly as they walked the few feet back to the sleeping quarters. After they were back under the covers and pressed tightly against each other Audrey traced a finger up and down Nathan's cheek.
"I'd say we've earned a day off, wouldn't you?" She asked.
"You'll have to check with the chief," he said, kissing her forehead.
When Duke came up to check on Audrey around noon he gave a knowing smile at the sight of the two of them, still fully clothed, wrapped around each other in bed.
"Good for you buddy," he chuckled before closing the door and heading back down to the Gull.
Okay, so that's out of the way. I hope it's what you wanted. Thanks for the reviews and the support
