Shaw chuckled, carefully setting Root's feet back on the ground and moving out of the way. They'd made it to her building quickly, all the traffic lights turning in their favor. Shaw had carried Root to her apartment door, the weight of her bag, the stuffed dog, and Root barely a strain. Her months of working in a warehouse, lifting heavy metal parts, had strengthened her.

She swiped her hair off her forehead out of habit. The long curls were gone thanks to her recent haircut, but her hair still teased her face. Leaning against the wall beside the door, she dug into the pocket of her jeans for Root's keys, watching as Root smoothed her puffy skirt down. Wearing a dress meant that Root didn't have pockets, and that left it to Shaw to act as packmule.

Technically, that should have been Reese's job, as her boyfriend. Since Shaw had told him the truth on Saturday, he'd been letting her take the lead, sleeping in the guestroom so they could sleep together and letting Shaw be primary caretaker. He would have been bad at it anyway. Now it was Shaw's full time job.

She held the keys out for Root to take. Smiling, Root pressed a quick, hard kiss to Shaw's lips before taking them from her hand. She opened the door easily and walked inside, her bare feet quiet on the wooden floor. The hall light flickered on as Shaw pushed herself off the wall and followed, closing the door behind her.

Every other time she'd been to Root's apartment, it had been a pit stop. They'd only spent the night here two or three times, and the first time hardly counted. Shaw wasn't sure how to behave now that she lived here. Now that she didn't have to leave again for John's house.

Root dropped the keys onto the dining table, beside a pile of shredded wire, and started down the hallway to the bedroom. Shaw lingered in front of the door, her hands wrapped around the strap of her duffel back, the large dog still strapped on. It didn't seem right to kick off her shoes and act like she wasn't just a guest. This was still Root's home.

She tried to imagine making breakfast and dinner in this new kitchen. Root would have to show her where everything was. Would they read books in the living room together? Listen to records? What would happen if Shaw needed time to herself. Would Root be offended if she went to the bedroom to sit by herself?

Taking a step forward, she looked over the books in the living room and the piles of parts on the table. She would have to learn new routines and new ways to share a home. It wouldn't be too hard. They already knew each other, and this is what she wanted. It was a good sort of change.

"Sameen," Root said quietly. She stood at the other end of the hall, silhouetted by the light from her bedroom. "Come put your stuff down."

Nodding, Shaw stepped out of her shoes and squatted to set them neatly beside the door. Root had a pair of heels there already, ones Shaw had never seen her wear. She wondered if there was a lot of Root's wardrobe left to discover or if she was planning to toss it all out and start wearing pants. Shaw would miss seeing her silk-covered legs.

Remembering that Root had put her stockings into Shaw's pocket, she stood and pulled them out. They were impossibly soft, sheer and shimmering. Shaw had never worn anything as fine or expensive, except the suit that Root had bought her. It was hanging in the closet here, untouched since their trip.

Taking a deep breath, she folded the stockings neatly. This time, Shaw was going to pay rent. It didn't matter that Root made more money than her. They were equals, partners, and Shaw wasn't going to let herself be a kept woman. If Root wouldn't take rent money, then Shaw could buy the groceries. She could drive Root to work every morning.

That didn't really matter now. Root was off from work until next Monday anyway. Maybe she could drive Shaw to the factory and Shaw could show her off to the others. Smiling at the thought, she pulled her socks off and tucked them into her boots. She wasn't a teenage boy who needed to brag about the girl he'd bagged.

Walking into the bedroom, Shaw saw Root sitting in front of the wall of windows, looking out over the city. Her bare legs were curled under her, hands resting in her lap. She looked like someone on the cover of a trashy romance novel, staring longing out across the city in desperate hope that she would see her love.

Was she regretting her decision? Probably not. Shaw remembered the relief in Root's voice after she'd talked to Reese, and the way she'd laughed and cried. That was a bit more complicated than Shaw could handle, but she knew that Root was happy.

It wouldn't be that much of a change for her, really. She went from living with Reese to living with Shaw. They could still have breakfast together in the mornings, and see movies on Sunday nights. Shaw would find some events in the city for them to go to, a dance or a show in the park.

Thinking about plans made Shaw realize that life wouldn't change too much for her, either. She'd already been living with Root, spending time with her, going out to the bar with her. Root had crept into her life already. Her break-up with Reese just made it easier. It gave them more time to figure out what they wanted to do.

She coughed into her fist, holding up the stockings when Root looked at her. "Missing something?"

"No," Root answered, smiling. "I don't miss them. Just throw them onto the couch."

Shaw did, moving toward the sitting area. This bedroom was more than twice the size of any other she'd had, and she felt small in the large space. "Maybe we could put our work benches here. The dining table is too covered in parts to be useful." Lifting the strap of her duffel bag, she ducked and pulled it over her head. It landed heavily on the soft couch and sank into the cushion. "Is it sad that all of my possessions can fit in one bag?"

Root turned to face her, bruise stark in the overhead light. She put her feet on the floor. "I think it's impressive. You've figured out what really matters to you."

"Two pairs of boots and too many shirts."

Laughing, Root leaned back against the windows. "I'll have to empty a couple drawers for you. I wasn't expecting you to move in tonight."

"Surprise," Shaw said. She wondered if she should sit and get comfortable or if she should stay standing. It seemed weird to just stand in the center of the room, but it might be weirder to lounge like she lived here. Even if she now did. "Regretting it, already?"

"No." Root met her eyes, face serious. "And I never will. You're the best decision I've made in a long time."

Cocking an eyebrow, Shaw smirked. "You're going to give me an ego."

"You've already got one," she joked. "You think you're so cool."

"I am so cool."

Shaw scratched her head, deciding to sit after all. She couldn't stand all night and if Root wasn't ready to sleep, then she should get comfortable. Walking to the other couch, she sat down carefully, crossing her legs in front of her. Putting an arm on the back cushions, she looked around the room.

She gestured to the bookshelves and couches. "Why do you have a second sitting room in your bedroom?"

"I thought I'd have friends." Chuckling dryly, Root rubbed a hand over her forehead. "God, that sounds pathetic." She sighed. "I expected to make friends at work and have get-togethers to listen to records and talk about books and politics. It didn't quite turn out that way."

"I don't know about books and politics, but we could invite some people from the bar." Shaw shrugged. "I'm sure Fusco and Carter would love to listen to your jazz records. You've got plenty of friends now."

Root smiled at her, pulling her legs back onto the window seat. She stretched them out in front of her, bare feet pointing delicately. "I suppose I do. Thanks to you. That would be nice. We're buying food, though. I'm not cooking for a dinner party."

Wrinkling her nose, Shaw shook her head. "No one's talking about a dinner party. Gross."

They laughed, and Shaw was glad to see Root relax. It had been an emotional night, for Root, at least. Sighing again, Root looked out the window, studying the tall buildings around them. Shaw could tell something was bothering her.

"Are you…" Shaw hesitated. "Is something wrong?"

"No," Root answered quietly. "I'm just struggling a little to imagine the rest of my life. When I started working for Harold fifteen years ago, I had such a clear vision. I was going to enjoy my work surrounded by people who loved it as much as I was. I would take on big projects, and meet pioneers in the field. Be a pioneer in the field. Instead… I don't want to go back to work."

"Then, quit." Shaw shrugged. "Get another job."

"There aren't other jobs." Root turned her head to frown at Shaw. "That's why Harold's offer was so important to me. That's why having his respect mattered. He hired me when no other women were being hired to companies like his. Even with my substantial resume, I won't be hired. At the end of the day, I'm just a woman in a man's field."

Shaw wasn't sure what advice to give, or what to say at all. She could understand why this was a big deal to Root, and why she was upset. Her choices were staying at the job, knowing that Harold didn't really respect her, or quitting and having a much harder time finding work. There wasn't an easy answer.

"I'm sorry," Root said, closing her eyes. "I'm just complaining."

"You can complain. I wish I had something good to say."

Opening her eyes again, Root gave her a small smile. "Just having you here helps. Knowing I'm not alone. I'm excited to spend more time together."

"I'm excited to live in the city," Shaw countered. "This is a nice apartment for a deadbeat like me. Imagine, me living with an ivy-leaguer."

"Imagine," Root breathed. She pulled her knees up to her chest, hugging them. "I'm just a deadbeat-wannabe."

"There's still time." Shaw raised an eyebrow. "Quit your job and we can both be deadbeats, living on the road, washing cars and fixing fences for money. I'd love to see you covered in sweat and mud."

Grinning, Root raised her eyebrows, too, meeting Shaw's daring eyes with her own. "You joke, but I could live that way. I think I'd rather fix cars than wash them, but either would do. Let's move out west and become ranchers. I'll ride the horses and corrall our herds. You can handle the farming. We'll get a dog."

Shaw tilted her head, trying to see how serious Root was. They'd talked about leaving the city before, and now they were in a real position to do it. It wasn't an impossible idea to drive out west and try to start a new life. Would people question two women owning a farm out west? Maybe they could hire a man to do some work and take some of the suspicion off them.

Shaw looked out the window now, too. She'd barely lived in this city at all, but she wouldn't miss it. Carter and Fusco would keep in touch and let her know how the bar was doing. She and Reese had already spent two decades as penpals. What was a few decades more?

"We don't have to start buying horses right now," Root said, getting Shaw's attention again. "It's fun to talk about the possibility, though. I think I'd look majestic on a black stallion."

Snorting, Shaw rolled her eyes. "Who has an ego now?"

"You like it." Root raised a shoulder, giving Shaw a teasing smile. "Or would you rather I play frightened? Like I was when we first met." She batted her eyelashes, eyes wide. "See a movie? Just the two of us? I'll explode!"

Shaw laughed, covering her eyes with her hand at the memory of Root shuddering beside her in the dark theatre. "You were like a scared lamb. It was maddening. I was half-sure you were doing it on purpose."

"I was not," she clarified, blushing. "You just had that effect on me."

Shaw winked. It made her warm to know that she'd affected Root that much. She knew she was hot, and she'd never had trouble finding someone to sleep with, but it was different to know that someone had longed for her. No one had gotten under her skin like Root had, or made the effort to get to know her before they had sex.

Root was special, in a lot of ways, but Shaw liked how bold she was. Even when she was scared of her feelings, she'd still spent time with Shaw and wanted to try new things. She was constantly doing things that surprised Shaw, like coming to the bar and chugging beer at a street race. There was a lot more to her than how she looked.

"I was scared of you, too," Shaw said quietly. "I knew I was going to like you."

"Really?" Root smiled at her. "I thought you just liked me for my body."

"Well," she snorted, "that didn't hurt." She pushed her hair from her forehead, frowning. "You wouldn't stop bugging me, always trying to be my friend and hang out. You were just… yourself and I liked that I could be me."

Root hugged her legs tighter, resting her cheek on her knee to give Shaw a considering glance. "I like how you are always yourself, too. No pretending. I think you're the only person who's really seen me in years. John always saw what he wanted to see. Harold, too. Zoe sees what I could be, if I listened to her. But with you?" She shrugged. "It's just us."

Sniffing, Shaw looked away, the emotional talk making her uncomfortable. "Yeah. Anyway. Did you want to do something tonight? Or just go to sleep?"

"I need a shower," Root answered, sighing. "I smell like carnival food and cigarettes. I can still feel John's arm around my waist. I need to get clean."

Standing, Shaw walked around the couch, and headed for the window seat. Root shifted, putting her feet on the floor and holding her hands out. Shaw stepped into the space between Root's legs, putting her hands on Root's shoulders as long arms wrapped around her waist.

"We could shower together? I'll scrub your back."

Root tugged Shaw closer until their chests pressed together, and lifted a hand to cup the back of Shaw's neck. Shaw let Root pull her head down for a kiss. Her mouth was soft and hot, like always, and Shaw's eyes drifted closed as their tongues brushed together.

A part of her brain was telling her to hurry up, touch as much as she could before time ran out, but they had no clock to race now. She would never have to let Root sleep in someone else's bed again. Root would never have someone else's hands on her.

Shaw ran her hands up Root's neck to gently hold her face. Root's skin was so smooth beneath her fingers, the feel of it was intoxicating and Shaw brushed her thumbs over soft cheeks. Root's jaw moved against her palms as she opened her mouth, sighing happily into Shaw's. Shaw nipped at Root's bottom lip, drinking her happy sigh.

As excited as she was to take it slow, Shaw needed to touch more of Root's skin. She dropped her hands to Root's thighs, fisting them in her fluffy skirt. It was more fabric that it needed to be, the layers bunching between them. Shaw lifted the dress and ran her fingers over the waistband of Root's petticoat.

Root's hands found hers and moved them aside. Their mouths moved together as Root undid the clasp of her skirt and it fell open. Shaw tugged it down her long thighs and it fell to the floor. Root kicked her feet free and spread her legs again.

Shaw's hips pressed forward, her hands running down the outside of delicate thighs. A soft sound escaped Root at the touch, and her hands moved to Shaw's waist, holding her close. Squeezing the muscle under her hands, Shaw smiled against Root's lips, sucking her lip and releasing it with a pop.

"You're beautiful," Shaw breathed, moving her hands to Root's belt and quickly opening it. "Let's get you out of these clothes."

Nodding, Root pulled her mouth away. She pulled Shaw's tank top up, lifting it until Shaw had to raise her arms. Pulling it off, Root tossed it aside and started undoing Shaw's chest wrap. She licked her lips, swollen from kissing.

"I said you should get undressed," Shaw laughed. "Not me."

"I want to see you," Root answered, unwrapping Shaw with practiced hands, "and ladies always get what they want." She threw the wrap to the floor and spread her hands over Shaw's stomach, feeling the defined muscle there. "I used to dream about your body. Once I'd seen it, it haunted me. Perfect and inaccessible."

Shaw took a deep breath, brushing Root's hair out of her face with her hands, careful of the green and yellow bruise. "I thought about your body, too. Always hidden away. Except for your legs in those stockings."

Root hummed and leaned forward to kiss the skin between Shaw's breasts. She kissed the swell of Shaw's breast, lips lingering against hot skin. Shaw watched as red lips moved to take a brown nipple in her mouth and sucked in an unsteady breath. Root bit her gently, then with more force until a moan slipped from Shaw and her fingers tightened in Root's hair.

Her hand covered Shaw's other breast and she touched her eagerly. Shaw let her head fall back as she focused on the feeling of Root's touch. Her body grew warm, heat pooling in her stomach. Root seemed to have realized the time they had; her touches were agonizingly slow and deliberate.

Pulling Root's head back, Shaw grabbed her hands and hauled her upright, moving backwards into the room. Root spun around, lifting her hair, and Shaw pulled the zipper of her dress down. She started undoing the clasps of Root's corset bra while Root pulled her dress down her arms. It dropped to the floor and the bra fell after it. Keeping things tidy didn't seem so important now.

She saw the flash of a grin for a second before she yanked Root's head down, crashing their lips together. Their bodies pressed together, bare and hot. Shaw loved the way Root wrapped her arms around her waist like she was afraid Shaw would run away at any moment. She answered the tight grip by burying her hands in Root's hair and pulling until she got a whimper.

Nails dug into her back and she arched, gasping into Root's mouth. Teeth sunk into her lip painfully, making her groan. Root's confidence had grown since they started having sex and Shaw liked the small ways she tried to assert herself. Maybe one day, she'd let Root take the lead.

"Stop," Root sighed, pulling her mouth away. "I really do need that shower."

Nodding, Shaw sucking a sharp breath and took Root's hand. She led them to the door, Root's hand hot in her own. Their steps were almost silent on the wooden floor as they walked across the hallway and into Root's bathroom. The tile was cold under her bare feet and she shivered as she turned the light on.

Root's bathroom was large, like the rest of her apartment. White tile lined the walls, and soft blue cabinets stretched from the floor to ceiling beside a sink of the same color. Various lotions and soaps sat on shelves on either side of the mirror above the sink. Shaw didn't see any make-up and she wondered if it was hidden away in the cabinet.

A tub was set into the far wall, wide and deep. It was made of the same blue porcelain, with a cream-colored shower curtain hanging from a metal pipe stretch across the wall above it. The whole bathroom was spotless and the white and blue made it feel colder than it was. Maybe Root would be interested in a hot bath instead. As if she'd read Shaw's mind, Root pressed herself against Shaw's back and brushed her lips against her ear.

"Let's take a bath," Root said softly. "Will you bathe me?"

Shaw smiled and released Root's hand so she could turn around and run her fingers through long, brown hair. "We can wash that man right out of your hair."

Root's face lit up, her mouth dropping open in surprise. "A musical reference? Have you seen South Pacific?"

"Someone was playing it in the breakroom," Shaw answered, smirking. "Don't get too excited."

"If they make a film version, you'll have to take me to see it." Root pouted, sticking her lower lip out. "You will take me, won't you?"

Rolling her eyes, Shaw moved away from her toward the tub. "Sure, Root. I'll take you."

She heard footsteps behind her and looked over her shoulder to see Root walking to the sink. Her hips pressed into the sink as she leaned forward to look at her face in the mirror, eyebrows drawing down. Shaw pulled the shower curtain aside, impressed by the heavy cloth. Several bottles were sitting on the corner of the tub, a bar of soap on a dish attached to a wall tile.

"I'm getting used to the bruise," Root said into the mirror. "It's kind of pretty."

"You look tough," Shaw joked. She bent down, reaching for the two silver knobs in the wall above the tub. "Like you got in a fight."

"I look like I lost the fight."

Hot water poured from the faucet into the tub, splashing up against Shaw's arms. Before it got too hot, she put the small, rubber stopper into the drain. The sound of water rushing was loud and she didn't bother responding to Root. They were just making small talk anyway, and she only had so much of that in her.

She messed with the knobs until the water was hot, but not scalding and straightened, turning around to face Root. She was still looking at her bruise and Shaw wandered over to her. Wrapping her arms around Root's waist from behind, she pressed her face into her back.

Like this, she could smell the remnants of the carnival on Root's skin. It smelled like smoke, sugar, and sweat. She didn't mind it. Root's chest expanded as she took a deep breath and she turned around, still leaning against the sink. Smiling, she tapped a finger on Shaw's nose.

"You're not usually so affectionate. I'm going to get spoiled."

Shaw snorted, her hands settling on Root's hips. "You're already spoiled. I let you drive my motorcycle."

Root hummed. "You did. You also gave me your leather jacket."

"Not permanently." Shaw frowned, stepping back to give Root a disapproving look. "You're just borrowing it."

"Ok," Root said seriously. Her face was a mocking mirror of Shaw's. "I'm just borrowing it."

Giving Root a final glare, Shaw pulled away to check on the tub. It was a little more than halfway full and she turned the water off. Root appeared beside her, holding out a small bottle. She poured a clear liquid into the bath and the room filled with the smell of roses. She put the bottle back on the sink and hurried back to Shaw. Putting her hand on Shaw's shoulder, she stepped into the hot water.

Root sighed happily, standing in the hot water. Carefully, she sat down, her legs stretching across the tub, glistening as droplets stuck to her skin. Moving forward, she leaned backward to dip her chest and head under water. For a moment, she looked like a water goddess, hair spreading beautifully through the water.

Sitting up again, eyes closed, she smoothed her hair back. Shaw watched as water streamed down her breasts to her small waist and into the tub. Her cheeks were flecked with water like freckles and shook her hair out with her hands, back arched delicately.

Was this what it had been like for Root to stumble on Shaw naked in the bathroom? Shaw was speechless, taken aback by how perfect Root was. Her body was long and lean, curvy and feminine. Her skin seemed to sparkle under the fluorescent lights and it seemed like a miracle that she existed in the same place as Shaw.

Blinking her eyes open, Root gave her a sleepy smile, dimples appearing in her cheeks. She scooted backwards, spreading her legs and gesturing for Shaw to get in. Shaw shook her head, pulling herself together and climbed into the tub.

Awkwardly, she sat between Root's legs, the water almost covering her breasts. The heat made her aware of how tired she was, too, and she hid a yawn behind her hand. She crossed her legs under Root's, resting her head on Root's bent knee.

"I could fall asleep right here," Shaw said, closing her eyes. "Wake me up for work at six."

Laughing, Root bounced her knee, knocking Shaw's head off. "You can't sleep until you've bathed me."

"So spoiled." Shaw drew a circle in the air with her finger. "Turn around then."

Pulling her knees to her chest, Root turned, the water splashing around them. Shaw had to scoot back to make room, and she shifted onto her knees to get in a better position. She scooped water into her hands and poured it onto Root's head. The rose oil in the tub was almost overwhelming, but the smell relaxed Shaw and she could see Root's shoulders relaxing, too.

"Give me your shampoo," she ordered, holding a hand out toward it. "Just pour however much out."

"Yes, Ma'am."

She picked up a white bottle, unscrewing the lid. Tilting it, she squeezed the bottle lightly, pouring thick, satin liquid into Shaw's hand. Honeysuckle joined rose in the air and Shaw sniffed the shampoo before moving her hand over Root's hair and letting it drip down. She was thankful they'd be bathing at Root's apartment now and Root would always smell this good.

Slowly, she worked the shampoo into thick, dark hair, taking her time to cover all of it. Root's hair was beautiful and Shaw could guess that this was expensive soap. It was worth it, though. Scratching her fingers over Root's scalp, she massaged her head, working the soap in until it turned to suds.

Root tilted her head back, looking up toward the ceiling. Her legs were clutched to her chest as she tried to fit into her half of the tub. A sud tried to run down Root's forehead, but Shaw stopped it with her pinky finger. There was a small smile on Root's lips and Shaw hoped that this bath would make her feel better. She deserved a break after the stress of the last few months.

Moving back, Shaw gently tugged on Root's shoulders and she let Shaw pull her down to the water. Her eyes looked up at Shaw as she brushed the soap out of her hair. The water grew cloudy around them and Shaw bent forward to press an upside down kiss to Root's lips. All her senses were filled with the warm, floral smell, and she imagined that Root tasted like a flower, too.

Lifting her head, her eyes landed on Root's breasts, almost covered by the soapy water. She reached out, brushing her hands over wet skin, and ran her thumbs over small, pink nipples. She had all of Root's body in front of her, warm and damp and willing. Root took a shivering breath and Shaw swallowed, pulling her hands away.

Sitting up again, Root picked up another bottle and Shaw obediently held her hand out. The conditioner also smelled like honeysuckle, sweet and light. Shaw was sure she'd never been this relaxed before and she knew that baths would be a weekly occurrence. Even if it meant she'd also smell like flowers, a small price to pay for being this close to Root's naked, wet body.

The conditioner made Root's hair like silk, and Shaw marveled at it as it ran between her fingers. A soft moan slipped through Root's lips as strong fingers massaged her scalp. The sound made heat pool in Shaw's stomach again and she pressed her breasts against Root's back. Her hands slipped easily out of Root's hair, running down her back and under her arms.

Root arched as Shaw's hands covered her breasts again, dropping her head back to rest on Shaw's shoulder. Soapy fingers teased Root's nipples drawing another moan from her. Taking her time, Shaw satisfied her craving for Root's breasts, dragging nails over their soft undersides and feeling their weight in her hands.

Root laid her arms on the side of the bathtub, her eyes drifting closed as Shaw touch her. Her heartbeat was hard against Shaw's hands and she breathed Shaw's name, melting back into her. Smiling, Shaw moved a hand down Root's body, stretching to reach between her legs.

She touched her slowly, fingers slipping through wetness to draw small circles. Sighing, Root's lips parted, her eyebrows drawing down as she focused on Shaw's movements. Water lapped lightly against Root's legs as Shaw disturbed it, and the rose smell grew more intense. Root's legs fell open, one knee hitting the wall.

Shaw pushed two fingers inside of her, feeling her moan vibrate through her chest. Having Root twitch and sigh in her arms, seeing her whole body blush and shiver, made Shaw feel powerful. Root whimpered into Shaw's ear, one hand flying up to grasp at Shaw's head. She tugged painfully on Shaw's short hair and Shaw's smile widened.

She remembered her first night at Reese's house, the first time she met Root. She'd walked downstairs to get a drink from the kitchen and heard Root's fake moans. They were nothing like the rhythmic panting coming from her now, hard and fast in time to Shaw's thrusts. It was Shaw's duty to make sure Root had good sex.

"Sameen," Root sighed, hand clutching at the edge of the bathtub. "I'm so close."

Pulling her fingers out, Shaw rubbed Root quickly, turning her head to press her mouth against Root's temple. Her other hand squeezed Root's breast, fingers teasing her nipple. Root came undone against her, gasping and shaking. Shaw didn't slow her fingers until Root took a deep breath, her body stilling.

Pressing a kiss to Root's temple, Shaw wrapped her arms around Root's waist. Her knees were starting to hurt from the hard porcelain of the tub, but it was worth it to be this close. Root released her hair and covered Shaw's arms with her own.

"I wasn't expecting that," Root said, her fingers slowly trailing over Shaw's hands.

"Yes, you were." Shaw laughed. "Don't pretend."

Blinking innocently, Root shrugged. "I was hoping…"

It should feel weird to be this comfortable around someone, Shaw thought, but it wasn't. Maybe that was weird. It had never been easy to just sit in a room with someone and not want to leave. Her sexual encounters were usually on a timer, and she liked it that way, but now there was no end date to this affair.

They could spend the rest of their lives together if they wanted to. Shaw could live in this apartment with Root for years. It almost felt too easy, like she should still be hiding her desire for Root, like they should be getting dressed to go their separate ways. There were no barriers now.

If Shaw was the type of person who got scared, she would be terrified by how much she didn't want to leave Root. She knew that she hadn't changed dramatically since she came to New York; she'd left Reese behind without a second thought, but the idea of never seeing Root again made her stomach twist into knots. It was dangerous to care about someone, but she did care about Root.

"I'm sorry, but I think I'm too tired to touch you." Root shifted so she could look at Shaw. "Are you upset?"

"No," Shaw answered. She gave Root a small smile and a kiss on the forehead, avoiding her bruise. "You'll just owe me one."

Root grinned. "That's fine! It's a good debt to have."

"Come on." Shaw took her hands away, nodding for Root to let her move backward. "Let's rinse your hair and do a quick scrub."

They finished the bath quickly, the water cool when they climbed out. Shaw realized that she hadn't cleaned herself at all. It didn't matter; she'd just take a quick shower in the morning. Accepting a towel from Root, she thought about the comments she would get at work the next day when she came in smelling like roses. It was the next best thing to letting Root drive her.

Towelling herself dry, Shaw watched as Root did the same, eyes struggling to stay open. There would come a point when Shaw needed time alone. Even though it was easy to spend time with Root, Shaw didn't have the energy to always exist with someone else. She hoped that Root would be understanding if she asked to go to the bar alone or wanted to spend time with friends.

Root held her hand out for the towel and Shaw gave it to her. She hung them on a metal rod beside the tub and offered Shaw a hand. Taking it, she let Root lead her to the bedroom, switching off the bathroom light as they walked out.

None of her things had been put away and she would definitely be wearing a wrinkled shirt to work. She couldn't bring herself to care. Between the late hour and the hot bath, she was close to falling asleep on her feet, too. Root started for the dresser and hesitated.

Dropping Shaw's hands, she turned around to face her. "Do you need pajamas? Or could we sleep naked?"

Shaw raised her eyebrows. "I'm fine with sleeping naked, if you are. You don't usually like that, right?"

"I don't want to be confined right now," she answered. "You can hold me, but nothing else."

"I appreciate that."

Moving to the bed, Shaw pulled back the covers. The bed was giant, larger than any one Shaw had slept in. The first time she'd slept over, it had felt like there was an ocean of space between them until they had closed the gap. Now, she climbed in and moves right to the middle, ready to fall asleep tangled in Root.

Root got in from the other side, cozying right up to Shaw. She rested her head on Shaw's chest, their legs fitting together, and Shaw held her close. She felt protective of Root, like her embrace would keep everything else away from her. Root's hand covered Shaw's waist.

"Is this…" Root took an unsteady breath, her eyes closing. "Are you really ok with moving in? With John knowing? With making this a real relationship?"

"Root," Shaw mumbled as sleep tried to take her over, "yes. Stop worrying about me. I don't do anything unless I want to. I'll let you know when I'm unhappy."

Root nodded against her chest, snuggling closer. "Ok, Sameen. Goodnight. I… I like you a lot."

"I like you, too, Root." She let herself relax into the bed and drift off. "Goodnight."