Cindy awoke, but kept her eyes closed. She knew she wasn't in her room, but where was she? Something warm was lying next to her, and glaring fluorescent lights hung from the ceiling. Jimmy's lab..

----Flashback----

Cindy had cried for hours. Jimmy just held her in his arms, waiting for her to stop. Eventually, she did.

"You okay Cind?" She didn't answer. Sighing, he carried her to the sofa, propping her up with pillows so they could face each other. "Look, I think we need to talk.."

Silence. "You need to tell me about... Nick."

"What about him?" Her response was barely audible. Did I really think I could keep this from them forever?

Jimmy looked away from her. "What he does to you."

"I can't...I-" He looked at her, and cupped her cheek in his hand.

"You need to though. Everyone knows something is going on. Libby, Sheen, Carl... we're all worried about you. You need to tell someone. Tell me."

Cindy sighed and looked at Jimmy. He looked genuinely concerned.

"Okay..." She looked away again. His expression was causing her anxiety. "...I knew what he was like before we started to date..."

-------------

"...But it's not always like that. Sometimes he attacks be verbally, telling me I'm worthless and I don't deserve anyone. He tells me I'm ugly and will never amount to anything." Cindy blushed. "He knows... he knows that I like you. Whenever I tried to fight with him, he'd bring you up. What, you think Neutron actually cares about you? You think Neutron will ever like you? He has other women, and he deserves way more than you could ever give him. You should be glad I can even bring myself to date you. WHY CAN'T YOU BE GRATEFUL? If I cry... it's just another onslaught..."

Cindy's tears had nearly dried on her cheeks. Sometime during her explanation, she had moved into Jimmy's arms. She was ever thankful that she was there now. He was wiping away her last tears and rubbing her arms in a comforting motion.

"After a while... I...I started to believe it..."

"Cindy! Don't ever believe it." His voice was soft and comforting. "There are no other women. And you are the one who deserves way more than I could ever give you. I do care about you.. and...I...love you."

Cindy smiled. "Really? ...I love you too..."

A short silence followed, but it wasn't awkward at all. "Look, why don't you spend the night. You're really tired."

Around two in the morning, Cindy was thirsty and woke up to get a drink. On her way back from the fridge, she noticed Jimmy sleeping on the couch. He was shivering a bit; he only had one sheet. Cindy had pity. He's so adorable when he sleeps. What would I do if he didn't let me stay? Go to Libby's. Right.. She's probably "out" with Sheen. Aw, he's cold...

Cindy took the comforter off her bed and laid down next to Jimmy. She covered them both with the comforter and fell asleep smiling in his arms.

----End Flashback----

Cindy looked at Jimmy. He was still sleeping, so she closed her eyes and savored the moment. Her and Jimmy alone. This is how it should be. Jimmy, not Nick.

Jimmy stirred. What if he wakes up? He's not going to let me leave. Not that I want to go but if I don't then what? Bah, I just want to stay here all day... speaking of that, what time is it?

Cindy tilted her head to the time displayed on the computer screen. 3:45 pm. Geez, it's late. And I'm starved...

She slipped out of his arms, stretching and yawning. Putting her shoes on, she headed for the door, but stopped just before exiting. She scribbled a note to Jimmy and taped it to the computer screen, then left the lab.

I went to go get ready.

I have too...there is nothing else I can do...

Leave the lab open for me?

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Much thanks to frozen phoenix tears, fanjimmy, Majestic Twelve, Bnice's Beanie, StarStar16, EnlightenedAngel, Chrisoriented, and crzyangie07 for reviewing on the first two chapters!!!