Chapter 12: As time goes by

"What a day," Ada huffed as she walked through the doors, immediately shrugging off her thicker coat, "at least one nightmare is over."

"You won't have to worry about him ever again," Otto said with a spark more optimism than he felt, hope never having been his strong suit, "let me get you something for that hand."

She sat herself down at one of the long tables, her head in her hands as she felt that rush of dopamine begin to leave her system. Punching that man had been incredibly rewarding and, she had to admit, she quite enjoyed herself at the time. But now, she felt a little sick.

'Understandable', she thought to herself, 'you did just confront a man that tried to murder you.'

"Here."

She looked up to see Otto holding out a small bottle of water.

"That's all we have, but it's cool enough," he handed it to her and gestured to her hands, "keep that on your knuckles it will bring some of the bruising out."

She did as he instructed and gave him a wry smile.

"Did it at least look good?"

"Oh, very. Did you take boxing?" He leaned on the desk and looked rather impressed.

"Basic Tae-bo," she said a little smugly, but the image was ruined when she let out a small yawn, "I feel like I've been to another class after all that nonsense."

"If you're tired you can go straight home. There's not much work to do today."

"No way, you promised me movie night and takeout afterward," she gave him a playful wink, feeling a little braver than normal, "or did you forget it's my choice tonight?"

"In the excitement, I clean forgot," he held up his hands, admitting his mistake, "movie and takeout are still on. What would you like?"

"Thai. We can expand your palette a bit more."

As he walked away, she couldn't help but chuckle at his muttered response (which she still definitely heard).

"My palette is expanded enough, thank you."

As he picked out the leaflet, writing things down as she called out what she wanted, Ada picked up the small stress ball that she had inside one of the drawers of the table and began to squeeze it to calm herself down (and keep the blood flowing through her fingers.

She idly squeezed and bounced it along the table's service, looking at his back and wondering if she should ask him out.

There were, of course, pros and cons to think about, but overall, the one that stuck out was if he said no (which was likely), their professional relationship would be affected, and she didn't want to ruin the friendship. But she couldn't help but remember the way he had grabbed and held her tightly when she was in danger. How she'd seen a brief look of affection when he was worried…hadn't she?

'Oh god, I hope I'm right,' she daren't take the risk without knowing for sure.

After a while, she noticed one of the claws seemed to have a repetitive up and down motion as it moved and she realised, it was watching her play with her ball.

Mischievously, she got an idea.

She stopped bouncing it and gave it a playful waggle in her hands. The claw seemed almost chipper and 'nodded' at her to continue.

"Ready?" She whispered quietly and waited for it as it checked Otto was still preoccupied. With his back turned, the two of them began a cautious game of catch. To be fair, she had a feeling Otto 'sensed' something was happening, but it was in the back of his mind since he was still reading off items that she occasionally said 'yes' or 'no' to.

'Big throw!' She mouthed, but evidently, the claw didn't catch this.

Instead, it just missed catching it, the ball bouncing off its head and falling…bouncing off Otto's head.

For a moment, she and the claw froze and then, it quickly moved back into formation with the others as though it was innocent of any crimes. Ada's hand flew to her mouth to stifle her laugh when Otto turned and gave her a disgruntled 'really?' look.

"I think we've got a leak in the roof," she tried that joke, but his face did not change, and she faked a cough to hide her snort, "I am so sorry."

He shook his head and despite his face, his eyes seemed to light up with amusement.

"No, you're not. If you two could behave without adult supervision, please."

He turned back to the menu and once the claw looked back at her, she shrugged and stuck her tongue out at it.

"Both of you, stop that."

She had to turn away, but she was sure he heard her laughing anyway.

A short while later…

Otto had been right. There hadn't been that much work today and time flew by as it always did when they worked together. He tried to keep the conversation light, but of course, it kept coming back to the events of the day. She supposed talking about it helped cement the idea she was really safe now.

And true to his word, she got to pick takeout and the movie, and he was pleased that she had picked Casablanca. Surprisingly, her taste in movies ran older than his, but he was still fond of it.

They happily munched away, experimenting with stranger dishes (that he didn't mind, despite his earlier trepidations) and watched in companionable silence, until they got to the scene in the bar.

"Oh, I used to watch people dance to this at weddings. It seemed such a perfect song for two people to just sway to. Even as a teen, no one danced with me but my dad."

Sam hadn't begun playing yet, but Otto decided to rectify that. Feeling emboldened and just wanting to hold her close like he did earlier, he stood up and dusted his hands before offering her one, palm up.

"Well then," he smiled and felt his heart beat wildly, "may I?"

He felt a little silly when he caught her by surprise and she looked almost ready to say no but then, she slipped her hand into his and stood up.

"Now I have to tell you, I only know that sway slow dance."

Ingrid began to hum the tune from the projector and Otto shrugged.

"You'll have to show me, I'm afraid. It's been a while so I'm not sure what you mean."

"Hang on," Ada fumbled a little awkwardly, moving his hands to her waist and placing her own on his shoulders, "like that."

"I haven't danced this way since I was in grade school," he chuckled, "though I haven't danced with anyone since my wedding day. And then we danced…like this."

Changing hand placement only slightly, he pulled her closer and took her hand in his own. She seemed to look down at their feet, but he couldn't tell she was blushing.

"Just…follow my feet. But don't look down at them."

"Listen, you're allowed to boss me in the lab about work, but not about my dancing technique."

They both laughed as they got into the rhythm and finally, the awkwardness left, and she was able to look up at him again.

"Rosie actually picked this song for our big day. I wanted La Vie en Rose."

"That's a good one as well. Edith Piaf?"

"Yes, actually. But Rosie pointed out how dramatic it sounded, and I conceded…she was right. She always was."

There was a glimmer of sadness that used to make her want to cry whenever he thought about Rosie, but the pain and sorrow appeared to be fading. Getting easier for him to handle.

"Well, if she was here, I'd tell her what a good dancer you were, and she'd have to agree with me," another yawn escaped her mouth and she shook her head to wake herself up, "I'm sorry. It's been a long day."

"It's alright. We can stop after this, and you can go home."

A strange, dull thud sounded in her head when she spoke the next words.

"I don't want this to end."

They looked at one another, their gazes locked as the keys of the piano began to chime and Dooley began to sing along.

She knew if she kept looking, she would kiss him.

So instead, she leaned forward and placed her head on his shoulder, shutting her eyes and enjoying the moment, knowing it wouldn't last.

She was sure she heard a small, sharp intake of breath and hoped she hadn't pushed it too far. But he didn't stop dancing and in fact, he pressed his cheek to her head.

Dooley continued to sing about all her emotions and wants and she longed for the dance to go on for longer than it was. But, of course, Boggie came charging forward to demand why the song was being played. Dooley stopped singing and playing but they still swayed and danced.

"Ada?"

She lifted her head, her skin gently brushing against his shirt as she inhaled his almost sweet scent. She'd always been fond of his cologne.

And finally, when she was looking at him again, she knew it was no good. She had to take the chance.

Making the first move had always been up to her.

She tip-toed slightly, pushing herself forward, and pressed her lips to his. Softly. And he didn't immediately pull away. In fact, when she moved her lips, he began to kiss her back. She took one small breath in through her nose and made a contented noise, but that seemed to break whatever spell had been cast because suddenly, he was gone.

"I'm sorry."

He stepped back, letting her go and looking away from her. But she'd seen the shock in his eyes at what they had just been doing.

Otto felt a great shame about the moment of weakness. He didn't deserve this feeling again. He'd only been talking about Rosie mere moments before. Ada…this wonderful woman-

'We need to leave, now.'

"I have to go."

He hurriedly grabbed his stuff, barely glancing at her as he rushed about, and then headed for the door. But in the silence, he could still hear the movie playing.

A small knot of guilt gnawed at him and caused him to turn, finally looking at her.

Still standing there. Watching him with surprise and great expectation.

"Leave everything for me to clean up tomorrow. It's fine. Ada," he found himself unable to gaze into her eyes any longer and turned away to finally head out, "I'm sorry."