Author's note: I do not own NCIS:LA or its characters
Fatima was staring at her reflection, trying not to cry. Lately, she had been getting the impression that Rountree was ready to take the next step in their relationship, but she was nowhere near ready. She didn't even want him to ask. All she wanted was to make him happy, but she wasn't sure she was willing to go against what she believed in to do so. She started crying. Rountree slipped into the room. He felt his heart break when he saw his girlfriend crying. He rushed over to her.
"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked gently.
"Nothing," Fatima lied.
"Come on, baby. I know you, you don't cry for no reason. Talk to me," he murmured into her ear. Fatima sniffled.
"I'm not ready for sex," she whispered, crying.
"Hey, hey, hey. Baby. Have I ever made you feel like you had to be? Sweetheart, please don't lie," he said gently.
"Well, no, but I've really been getting the impression you were ready, and I'm just not!" she sobbed. Rountree softened and pulled her close.
"Baby, sweetheart, my love," Rountree whispered. "Is that why you've been making random excuses to stay up later than me and pretend that you accidentally fell asleep on the couch?" he asked softly. Fatima nodded ashamedly. "Oh, sweet girl. Come here," he whispered.
"I'm sorry," she sobbed.
"No, baby. Don't be sorry, it's okay. I have been ready since the day I met you, that doesn't mean I would EVER pressure you or try to force you to do something you're not ready for," he whispered.
"Promise?" she asked quietly.
"Yes, baby. I promise. I fell in love with you for you, not your body, or your looks. Definite bonus, but that's not the only reason I love you, baby girl," he whispered. Fatima sniffled and cuddled into him. "You better now?" he asked gently.
"Yeah," she whispered. "Thank you,"
"Of course, princess," he replied. "Hey. You would tell me if I ever did make you uncomfortable, right?" he asked gently.
"Yeah," she whispered. He pulled her close and they cuddled for the rest of the night.
