I met my goal of finishing this before the show returned. Enjoy. :)

Title: Buried

author: Cindy Ryan

Notes and summary: See part one

The video call lasted over three hours. By the time she and Tim said goodbye to everyone Lucy was exhausted and sank back onto the sofa as Tim put the laptop on the coffee table and shut it down. They'd made a lot of progress in those three hours. The best news being of the progress Jackson's father had made with Reynolds. He was talking and had agreed to be part of a trap that was going to be put into motion the next day.

The big if was if the sting went correctly they'd nab the people who had kidnapped her and Jackson and this would all be over. Lucy closed her eyes; it was such a big burden to put on such an operation with a man who they had no reason to trust. Reynolds could bolt at any time and they'd be back to square one.

Which led Lucy's tired brain to the change in her and Tim's relationship. As wonderful as it was she was still a nervous wreck of how it would affect the training she'd done so far and the training she had left. Talia's warning echoed through her thoughts when she had discovered about Lucy and John. That seemed so long ago. Lucy winced inwardly at the thought of John and knew she'd have to tell Tim of her relationship with John. Though part of her still wanted to keep it hidden; keep it safe and close to her heart. Everyone had pasts.

The sound of plates hitting the counter and the fridge door being opened and closed forced Lucy to open her eyes. She turned and saw Tim moving about the kitchen. Her stomach growled reminding her that she hadn't eaten in hours.

"Did they leave us anything good?"Lucy asked.

Tim flashed her a smile.

"Basics, but I'll pull something together. We both need to eat."Tim replied as he turned back to his task.

Lucy eased herself off the sofa and walked to the kitchen where she sat on one of the breakfast bar stools. Tim had found pasta and water was boiling on the stove.

"Need help?"Lucy inquired.

Tim frowned as he glanced back.

"You should be resting."Tim chided. "I've got this; won't take long."

"I can rest here just as well as there."Lucy responded.

"I know that sofa's more comfortable..."Tim began.

"Tim, it's alright."Lucy interrupted gently.

Tim opened the fridge and took out a bottled water. He slid it towards her and Lucy caught it and opened it sipping gratefully. She smiled her thanks. Then on impulse Lucy stood and walked into the kitchen she touched Tim's left arm to gain his attention. He'd been at the stove stirring the pasta. Lucy leaned up and kissed Tim in a kiss that was anything but chase. He still held the spoon as he drew her to him in in a one armed embrace. The weariness she'd felt earlier ebbed a little. Once the kiss broke Lucy leaned against Tim's left shoulder as he put the spoon on the counter.

"What was that for?"Tim asked softly as he ran a hand down Lucy's right cheek. "Not that I'm complaining."

"Just letting myself be happy with what we have."Lucy responded softly. "Trying not to worry about tomorrow."

Tim reached behind him and shut off the burner. His tired brain had almost completely shut down with that last kiss. His will power was quickly following. They were both tired and stressed. Not the best environment to add sex to the mix. He didn't want to take advantage of the situation, but Tim also knew they both needed comfort; needed each other. If things went to hell tomorrow...Tim shoved the thought away. Taking a deep breath Tim took Lucy's right hand in his and backed out of the kitchen leading the way.

"Tim?"Lucy asked puzzled.

Tim walked back to her and dropped her hand cupping her face with his hands. He kissed her deeply and they were both breathing heavily when they came up for air.

"I want you so badly right now I can't think."Tim stated raggedly.

"Same."Lucy agreed breathlessly. "Let's eat later."

"Best idea I've heard."Tim said as he pulled her into the bedroom and shut the door.