They made the long ride back to Brooklyn in equal states shock, disbelief, exhaustion, and elation. Lindy and Sara went through periods of giddily catching up and stunned silence.
It turns out that Sara had been living in a youth hostel in Manhattan. It was safe, and she had an unconventional family there, but she was more than happy to be reunited with her big sister and stay with her, at least for the next couple weeks.
After dropping off George and Yeager, Tommy dropped the girls off, walking up just out of habit to make sure nothing was amiss.
Leaning against the wall, he spoke for the first time in a while. "No protective detail for once. How does it feel?"
There was an internal conflict playing out on Lindy's face. "Well, maybe just for tonight. I mean, it's Sara's first night, so just in case."
She offered partially because she didn't want him to go and partially because she now had some very precious cargo she refused to let anything happen to.
Tommy raised an eyebrow, but didn't ask any questions as he took a seat in the usual security chair. Lindy's gaze lingered on him for a second, but she tore it away, making her way into the apartment to catch up more with her sister and Sophia.
After they had talked for a while and giggled enough for 3 middle school slumber parties, Sara couldn't hide her yawns any longer.
"Tired, kid?" Lindy asked, nudging her.
"I spent my day witnessing my sister fight and bring down a serial killer, so that's an understatement," Sara laughed dryly.
"Pajamas are in the top drawer, you're staying in my bed tonight," Lindy ordered.
Sara started toward Lindy's room, but then stopped in her tracks.
"Hey Lindy?" Sara called out, turning back towards her sister. "I like him. I can't explain it, but I just do. You deserve someone who really cares about you. And I just know-"
Sara trailed off, but Lindy already knew what she was trying to say. She nodded in comprehension and Sara went off to change and go to bed. Lindy marveled over the fact that despite being separated for so long, it was like her sister never missed a beat – it was like they had always been mentally connected, and it had somehow gotten stronger during their time apart.
After standing for a good five minutes with her hand lingering just above the doorknob, she finally decided to bite the bullet, opening it slowly.
Tommy's head snapped up from whatever game he had been playing on his phone.
"Something wrong?" He asked, a mix of curiosity and genuine concern.
Lindy felt immediate guilt over having snapped at him. After the day she'd had, it felt like the revelation had been so, so long ago, and the sting was barely even there. But she refused to think about it right now. The part of her brain harboring the concept of she and Tommy was a mess right now that she wasn't eager to deal with just yet. Soon, but not today.
"You're sleeping on the couch," Lindy ordered.
"What? Lindy, I really don't need to-" He began to protest, but Lindy wasn't having it.
Also, despite his protesting, he had already begun to get out of his chair.
"Tommy, you said it yourself, there's no reason for you to be sitting out in the hall. Plus, living room is still first line of defense," She argued, and Tommy knew better than to argue back at this point, given that he was still walking on eggshells around her.
She just stood there, holding the door open until he finally relented and walked in, taking a seat on the couch.
Lindy was wringing her hands nervously. Suddenly she felt awkward, which was unlike her usual self. She knocked out a serial killer and fought her way out of a grave earlier and now she was uncomfortable just talking to a guy? She laughed in spite of herself at the ridiculousness of it all.
"What?" Tommy asked.
A few more seconds of silence passed, and Lindy had completely ignored his question. Without a word, she went to the bathroom and came out with various tubes and a washcloth, and began cleaning the cut on his head. Tommy watched her, just staring at her working in deep concentration. Lindy's whole body felt like it was on fire due to their proximity. Their eyes met momentarily, and suddenly the intensity of the situation overwhelmed her. She sat down, leaving considerable distance between them.
"I- …Tommy, thank you," She said with utmost sincerity and a voice only a little higher than a whisper.
She knew why she felt awkward, though. This wasn't just a guy. This wasn't Reiss or even Jake (oh god, definitely not Jake). This was completely different and it terrified her.
"Lindy," Tommy looked at her with a steely expression. "Of course."
They stared at each other for a bit, saying nothing. After a few more minutes of loaded silence, Lindy finally moved a bit, throwing her arms around Tommy in gratitude. He rubbed her head, willing them to stay like that forever. But Lindy eventually came to her senses, said thank you once more, then went to her room.
"Aw" on three...
We're down to the wire guys - with season 1 and with this story. Two more chapters from me (one later today and one sometime tomorrow) and then the FINALE tomorrow night! As always, please review if you feel so inclined. I'm so thankful for all your feedback!