This part of the story was originally written as the end. However, I've decided to write some more to the story. I'm still working out the changes in storyline so bare with me on updates. I hope you enjoy. Title of the chapter comes from the song Unchained Melody. I wrote part of this chapter listening to the version by Mike Yung. Don't forget to leave a review. Buckle up nerds, because a lot happens here.
Disclaimer: I do not own Scorpion.
Paige looks around the cabin. She never got the chance to talk to Tim about their relationship before the cabin. His trip kept getting extended and by the time he finally got home it was a week before Christmas. The ride to the cabin had been more than awkward. Now, Walter is being weird about cutting down Christmas trees. After the holiday, she was going to talk with Tim. She already has her speech ready. Her eyes land on Walter then shift to Tim.
"Did anyone bring their cell phone with them?" Everyone looks around the cabin, Paige clears her throat reaching in her boot and pulling out her phone.
"Comprende 'no servicio?'" Toby shouts accusingly while everyone else look at her with judgement.
Walter takes the phone and formulates a plan, "No cell tower service, but if we use the limited two-way radio from the phone plus some parts from the cabin's weather alert radio…"
"We can find and jump onto the bad guys' walkie-talkie signal. Should have more than enough range to reach the sheriff's station." Happy finishes his idea.
"Okay I got it, but in order for this to work, we also need a computer." Sly says
"Well, we had our strict no-tech policy on this trip. Did anyone cheat? Bring their gear?" Toby ask ready to send more judgmental looks.
"So, no computers." Tim adds.
"Not exactly." Walter grabs the wrapped gift and bring it to Paige. "Merry Christmas." Paige points at herself in question, "Yes, for you." She rips the paper from the box.
While opening the box Walter sees the look of disgust on Tim's face, "A laptop? Walter, this is too much."
"Guys, we got to hurry." Sly grabs the computer to get to work on the radio.
"No worries. Okay." Walter says.
Sly opens the laptop when everyone hovers over his shoulder, "You customized it for me? Where did you get this photo?" Paige ask, seeing a photo from when Ralph and her were looking at the stars on the roof from when they decided to have a camp out on the roof. He snapped it when they weren't looking.
"It was Ralph's idea. He was helping me build it after the tar pits. I found all these pieces around the garage. You were saying a few month ago you needed a new one." He looks anywhere else besides Paige, who staring at him. He really meant it as a friendly gesture and it didn't hurt that he got to spend more time with Ralph. But his feeling have been getting blurred again. She has been hang out with him like before Tim. He was doing well, until recently.
"Alright, we're going to have to hold them off before the cops get here." Tim breaking the moment between the two.
"How are we going to do that?" Paige asks.
"We build traps with what we have." Happy answers.
"Alright, you heard my woman, let's Home Alone their asses." Toby says with excitement.
Paige passes the older man the presents."Cabe, can I ask you a question?" She thought about asking Walter after he got out of the hospital, but she settled for the older man. After all, he seemed to have an idea of what their genius was talking about that night in the loft.
"Sure, kid." He takes the heavy box from her hands.
"Why does Walter think he's not fully formed?" She watches the older man stiffen, then look to her.
"Where did you hear that?" He wouldn't face her.
Her eyes burn in to the agent studying the wrapping paper in his hand, "That night he came back to the garage from Elia's, you two were talking in the loft and I just got back from pick up dinner for him. I heard him tell you he was half baked like he was throwing it in your face."
"Months back, right after the Tahoe incident, Walter wanted to tell you… something. But you were moving on and I had a discussion with him about letting you. He wasn't ready for a real relationship, I knew that." Cabe clears his throat, "So I may have used some unfair words, but we've made amends since."
Paige watched the old man continue his work, the confession wasn't enough. She was pissed. Why do people keep butting into her life and thinking they have a right to control what decisions she gets to make. Now she has a whole list of other questions, that Cabe can't answer. "We're under a time crunch right now, so I'm not getting into this with you. All I'll say is this, you had no right to say and so what you did. It had nothing to do with you. That whole thing was about me and Walter. No one else. So next time, keep it to yourself." She storms off looking for the only man who can give her the answers she's looking for. After months, of Walter avoiding her, things are finally looking a little clearer.
"I think I ruined Sly's gift from Cabe." Walter fills the silence while tying the ties to the skis.
"Yeah, speaking of gifts, I thought, uh, Secret Santa, was limited to $50." Tim says with annoyance laced in his tone.
"Yeah, I built the laptop, already had the parts, and my labor was free." Walter defends his choice in gift.
"Walter, cut the crap. You're still in love with Paige. I actually thought we were friends now. I should be angrier, but your attempts are pretty pathetic." Tim drops ties in his hands.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Walter stares at the former SEAL.
"You might be a genius, Walter, but when it comes to her you've got a lot to learn. And while I'm being honest with you, you should know, since you still haven't figured it out, when you were in space. You told her you loved her and she said what she needed to bring you back, but she still chose me and everyone knows." Tim's attention on Walter shifts to the movement in the corner.
Paige appears from the behind the wall. Walter follows Tim's gaze to Paige, "Is that true?"
"Walter…" She steps toward him.
"Got it." He nods and steps back to avoid any contact with her, finishing his last tie and walks out of the kitchen. "I'm going to… help Happy with her trap."
When she finally turned to Tim, he saw hell in her eyes. "We'll talk later."
After saving Ralph everyone decided to head back to the garage and salvage what was left of the holiday. While the group enters the garage Paige pulls Tim out before he can follow everyone inside.
"What made you think you had the right to tell Walter that?" Paige is beyond angry.
With a roll of his eyes he step forward to challenge her, "Give me a break, Paige. You've known about his feelings for you and you've kept him on the hook for long enough. If you wanted him you would've told him."
"You have no idea what you're talking about." She defends.
"Then why have you been dating me?" He ask too confidently for her liking.
"I'm asking myself that very question right now."
"There has been three people in this relationship since Walter fell from space. I saw the way you looked at him, but I figured it would eventually fade when Walter did his next stupid trick. Paige, he will never make you happy."
"You have no clue what makes me happy. I'm so tired of people thinking they know what will make me happy." She can't stomach another second of being with him. It was past time she say what comes next. "You should go. Take that job in Jordan. We're done." She leaves him outside. Letting out a deep breath, she moves to search for Walter. "Have you seen Walter?" She ask Happy who's standing at her work station.
"I think he's on the phone in the loft." Happy looks at the door. "Where's Tim?"
"On his way home to pack for Jordan if he has any sense left." Paige crosses her arms.
"You two broke up?" Happy raises her eyebrows in question.
"Yeah… he told Walter about space at the cabin…" She runs a hand down her face in defeat, "Happy, what am I going to do? Walter could barely look at me." Paige leans against the table.
"We all knew there was going to be a fallout from this." Happy picks the wrench up to put back in her tool box. "As long as truths are being let out of the bag, you should know, since none of these yahoos are going to tell you." She gestures to the team spread out in the garage, "Walter went to Tahoe for you. He was going to tell you he loves you."
"Wait, what and you all knew?" Paige stands letting her arms fall to her side.
"Toby told me after space, but come on, Paige, that man has been falling in love, if not already in love, with you since the case with the painting. He didn't know what to do with those feelings and when he finally got the nerve to tell you, he already sent you to a music festival with another man. Was it stupid? Yes. He tried to fix it. I'll be it, in a very childish way. But it's all he knew at the time. Why do you think he picked up that project with Elia in the first place?"
"He wanted to help people."
"He already helps people through Scorpion. He started that project so he wouldn't have to watch you and Tim around the garage. That's why he spent so much time in the loft while he was working here. He's trying to get over you."
Paige didn't have time to respond. Her eyes follow the sound of footsteps coming from the stairs. It all clicked into place. She has to talk to him.
Walter couldn't be in the same room as her. The knots in his stomach have him so tightly wound he is nervous he'll snap. He needs space. Excusing himself to the loft he pulls his phone out.
"Hey Walt. Merry Christmas." Elia answered on the third ring.
"Merry Christmas. I'm sorry to call on Christmas, but I made up my mind. Japan sounds like an amazing opportunity." Walter stares at the bookshelf on the other end of the loft.
"Great, I'll have the plane ready to go. We're leaving on the 4th. Have a happy holiday. See you in the new year."
"Hey, if you still have the tapes from your space capsule, do you think you could send them to me?"
"I should still have them. I'll have someone send them over after Christmas."
"Thanks, happy holidays."
"You too."
This is good. He is getting clarity on what happened in the capsule. He'll have space from Paige and Tim, he can come back with a clear mind. His project will finally be funded. This will help so many people. He needs to focus. This is constructive. Taking a deep breath he joins everyone in the garage.
Clearing his throat, "I have an announcement." His family turns their attention to him, "I got a call from Elia, he found an investor for my microchip."
"That's amazing, 197. Congratulations." Toby claps his friend on the back.
"Congrats, son" Cabe hugs him.
He gives them all a half smile before he continues, "There is one thing. I have to go to Japan."
"Well, that's no problem we can hold down the fort for a few days." Sly says as he wraps his arms around his brother.
"It's for two months." The smiles fell and cheers went silent.
"Two months?" Paige stands from her desk.
"Yes." He wouldn't meet her eyes. "This is good. Happy and Toby, you can focus on planning the wedding and Sly you can put all your energy into your campaign." The holiday spirit left the room.
"What about your PT? You can't just stop therapy." Toby asks.
"They have physical therapy in Japan." He can arrange to have his therapy done overseas and Elia would help him with that. This work is important and it must be his number one priority.
"But what about Scorpion?" Ralph's voice cracks, coated in worry.
Kneeling down to meet the young genius, "I trust you guys to keep it running and I'm a phone call away if you guys need anything. It's only two months."
"We're happy for you, kid. Just surprised and we'll miss you." Cabe looks at the mentor and his mentee.
"I'll miss you, as well. Shall we start the festivities?" Walter looks up to Cabe from his position on the floor.
She never got to talk to Walter. He avoided her all night. When he came down with the news of Japan she was crushed. She needed to talk to him. Tossing the covers from her body she walks into her kitchen to get some water. She can't leave Ralph here without someone to watch him and no one would be available at 2 in the morning on Christmas night. Settles on the couch, she turn on the TV trying to quiet her mind. How did she end up here again, at odds with Walter. She loves him. Even if they were to talk and work things out she couldn't ask him to stay. He's been waiting months for an investor. Her mind worries until she's finally too exhausted to keep eyes open.
Two days after Christmas, Paige showed up to work earlier than she usually did. She had Sly pick up Ralph so she can talk to Walter. Paige is a woman on a mission, this time, nothing will get in the way. When she didn't see him in the garage she tried the kitchen incase he came down to make coffee. Looking to the loft, she takes a deep breath and takes the stairs before she loses her nerve. Knocking on the door, she opens it before he can say anything. Taking note of the bags packed in the corner and pushing the gut punch down, she follows the noise coming from his bedroom.
"Walter?"
"Yes." He doesn't look at her instead maintains his focus on his computer.
"Walt, please, can we talk?" She moves to sit next to him on the bed.
"I think I've heard all I need to." He closes the laptop and moves to put space in between the two.
"Well, you didn't hear it from me." She stands from her spot on his bed.
"Paige, I don't need to hear it from you too. The message is loud and clear. I don't need you to tell me what everyone else already has." He moves to the kitchen in search for something to take his mind off the woman standing in his loft.
"What are you talking about?" She follows him not willing to let this talk they needed to have be pushed aside.
"I will never be enough for you. You deserve someone who can fulfill your needs and I can't do that. I'm not a fully formed human being. I'm destined to be alone. Which is crazy in itself because I don't believe in fate or destiny." He grabs the bag of coffee, but she puts her hand on his to stop his movements so he will listen to her.
"Listen to me Walter, I've already had a talk with Cabe about his talk with you. So I don't know who else you're talking about, but no one knows what I need besides me. You are not destined to be alone."
"I can't do this." He steps to put distance between them, but she blocks his escape.
"Can't do what?" Paige looks at him begging him for some sort of explanation.
"Every time I'm in your orbit I can't think clearly. I was learning to be fine suffering in silence, Paige. I've been doing it for months. I know you don't feel the same and that's okay. I can't be mad at you for that, but when you look at me like that, Paige, I would do anything you ask and it makes me crazy. That's why I dove into my work as long as I was constructive then I didn't have time to be destructive." He shakes his head, trying to straighten his thoughts. "I just don't understand why you lied. I thought after everything we'd been through you at least respected me."
"I have always respected you, Walter. I'm sorry I never told you about space. I wanted to. In fact, I nearly did before we were interrupted. Then Toby told me to let it lie because all I would've done it hurt you more. And I do... feel the same way. I've had feelings for you ever since you handed me that piece of paper with information about Orion's Belt to tell Ralph."
Her confession knocked the him off kilter. He was fully prepared to cut his losses and get on the plane to Japan in a few days. Shaken to the core, he takes a deep breath, "Why are you saying this now?"
"Because we've both waited and denied our feelings long enough." She takes a step closer to him. "And you're leaving in a few days, I won't ask you not to go because it's an incredible opportunity. But anything can happen in two months, and I will regret it for the rest of my life if you go there and another woman realizes how amazing you are and we miss our chance again." He wipes the tears forming in the corner of her eyes.
"I'm going to need some time to think." He turns to enter the garage. Leaving her in a tightly wound bundle of feelings, but two are stronger than all the rest. Relief, that he finally knows about how she feels and sadness, watching him go.
Its New Years Eve, Walter gave everyone the day off so he could pack, so when Toby came waltzing in the loft this afternoon Walter was pleasantly surprised. The pleasant feeling vanished pretty soon when the shrink started questioning what he and Paige talked about when she come from the loft all weepy the other day. "She told you how she felt and you said 'I need some time'? What the hell is wrong with you 197?" Toby was flabbergasted to put it mildly. He'd been watching the two fumble the ball for two and a half years and they finally admit they have real feelings and Walter needs time to think.
"It's not just about our feelings anymore. It's about trust." Walter folds his button up shirt to pack away in his carry on.
"You and Paige have let outside forces control what you say and do for too long. You'll only have so many shots before you will completely lose each other. Walter, if you want her you better go get her. Or the both of you will be stuck in another holding pattern. Don't take anymore steps back. As far as the trust goes, you're using that as an excuse. You two stood against the face of death too many times together not to trust her." Toby stand from his position on Walter's bed, closing his suitcase to stops him from packing, "So get off your ass and go get the woman you love."
Walter stares at the shrink, then his eyes shift from the bed to his feet, "I'm not sitting down."
"Damn it, 197, don't ruin my speech. Stop packing and run to her." Toby points to the loft's exit.
Without much thought, Walter is Grabbing his keys from the bowl on his bedside table he rushes to the door and turns back to Toby before leaving, "Don't unpack my things." Knowing the shrink is still in denial about him leaving for two months.
"When do I listen to you? Go, you've got a woman to woo. Its New Years go steal a kiss at midnight." Toby retorts as he's taking the gray button up shirts from his friend's suitcase.
Ignoring the shrink, he's in his car breaking all kind of traffic laws. He can't help the anxiety rising in his throat as this familiarity of this situation, but he pushes it down. What is it Paige would say? Third time's a charm.
Stretched out on her couch nursing her heartache and fears with a bottle of wine and romcoms, Paige leans forward to pour another glass. She didn't feel like ringing in the New Year at any party so she settled for watching Matthew McConaughey chase Kate Hudson on the Brooklyn Bridge. This scene always made her emotional, but right now she just wants to throw her popcorn at her TV. She's finally able to wallow in her feelings with Ralph staying at Sly's so they can go to the science museum in the morning. Apparently they are having some kind of special presentation, she's not sure, she stopped paying attention to Sly's explanation after she told Ralph he could go. The loud knocking causes her to spill some wine on her leggings. She grabs the napkins to clean the mess and hits pause on the remote. "I'm coming." Whoever is on the other side is relentless on her door. "What the hell do you wa-" She wasn't expecting the man she confessed her feelings to yesterday to be standing at her door.
"Happy New Year to you too." Walter smiles.
"Walter, what are you doing here? You said you needed time to think." She runs her fingers through her hair trying to tame what is surely a mess on top of her head.
"I've had two and a half years of thinking about this, about us. I'm tired of thinking. I just want to be with you." He steps into her apartment, his hand slip around her neck pulling her into a kiss. Her hands circle around his waist and her fingers dig into his back.
"Wow." She whispers as he breaks their kiss.
Resting his forehead against hers he whispers, "I know we have a lot more to talk about, but right now I just want to celebrate the first and last holiday of the year with you, on your couch, preferably with you in my arms." His thumb is brushing up and down on her neck.
"Agreed." She slips her hand in his and leads him to her couch.
"What are you watching?" He wraps an arm around her shoulder inviting her to head on his chest.
"How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days." She never pictured Walter O'Brien settling in to watch a romance film. Documentary? Sure.
"I've never seen it." His hand moves up and down her arm in a soothing gesture.
She huffs a laugh, "That is not shocking. Romcoms do not seem like your speed."
"I can try anything once." He smiles down at her.
They're a two movies in when the cheers coming from the apartments next door, alert them both that it is officially 2017. "Walter." She can't believe after years of wishing for this very moment and he's finally here sitting right next to her with is arm draped around her shoulder.
"Hm?"
"Kiss me." His lips meet hers and she shifts them both, laying him flat on her couch with her draped on top.
"Happy New Year Paige." He whispers in-between kisses.
"Happy New Year Walter." She has a really good feeling about this year.
"I'm really going to miss you." She watches him zip up his suitcase. It's been four days since he showed up at her doorstep. They both decided to take things slow with him leaving the country, but they weren't very good about following their own rules.
"I'll miss you too. I wish I could ask you to come with, but Ralph needs you here. This will be good though. We'll have space from all the drama of the past few months when I come back, we can start fresh." He says unconvincingly wrapping his arms around her middle and placing a small kiss on her neck. Walter wasn't too excited about leaving when they just started.
"I know, but it doesn't mean the whole thing doesn't suck... the you leaving part, not the you going help millions of people part."
He huffs out a laugh. Even when she's sad about him leaving, she still tries to support him. "I know. Help me pack the car?" She picks up his carryon from the bed following him, with his backpack strapped to his back and large suitcase rolling behind him, to the garage where everyone was waiting to bid their leader farewell.
"Alright, try not to do anything reckless while you're gone." Toby shakes his boss hand.
Walter lets out a laugh, "You've got it. I'll be back in no time." He turns to the mechanic, "Happy, keep your husband in line while I'm gone."
"You got it, boss." She surprises her fellow robot with a hug.
"Alright, that's long enough, being ex spouses and all." Toby breaks up the affection up. The group laughs at the shrink.
"Sly, do me a favor?" The human calculator nods, "Look out for Ralph for me? We were working on some small projects you and Happy could help him finish."
"Of course." Sly pulls Walter into an embrace.
Cabe takes the suitcase from Walter's side rolling outside to put in the car. "I'll call you all when I land. Okay," Walter looks to his watch, "I've got to go. Call me with any questions. I'll miss you all." Paige's hand slips into his leading him to the exit with Ralph trailing behind the couple. The mother and son get in her car leaving, Cabe and Walter standing outside.
"I'm proud of you."
"Thanks."
"Japan's a long flight, so try not to piss anyone off. I can't teleport to save your ass."
"Ditto." He chuckled at the father figure, "Keep an eye on Paige for me."
"You've got it, kid." The agent slams his hand on Walter back bringing him into a tight hug.
"I've got to go." Walter opens the back door of the red car placing his backpack on the floor then moving to the passenger seat.
"Have a safe flight." Cabe shuts the door watching them drive off.
The first few minutes were silent riding to the airport the thought of Walter's trip weighing on everyone. "So Ralph," Walter breaks the silence, "Happy and Sly, both agreed to help you finish our project while I'm gone."
"Thanks, but I'd like to wait for you to get back." Walter turns to look at the young boy staring out the window. Paige's hand meets his on the car's console.
"Well, maybe you can find something the three of you could work on. You can show me when I get back."
"Okay." Ralph maintains a robotic tone that Walter knows all too well.
"Hey, I'm coming back. There is nothing that will keep me from coming back to you two." Walter promises, knowing the abandonment issues Ralph already has courtesy of his father.
"I know, I'll just miss you." Ralph was elated when he found out about his mom and Walter's budding relationship. When Sly brought him home he found the couple snuggle on the couch and Paige has never seen a smile so big on her son's face. It was quickly replaced with a frown when she told him Walter was still going on his business trip.
"I'll miss you too, buddy. But you'll have your mom and you two need to take care of each other. I'm jealous of you both." He caught the wistful smile at the corner of Paige's mouth. Silence filled the car until they reached the private airport. Cutting the engine of the car, Paige opens the trunk for Walter to grab the rest of his bags. Ralph leads the couple into the airport. She held Walter's hand from the car to the plane.
He releases her hand and bends down to Ralph's eye level. "Hey, pal. I know you're upset I'm leaving, but I'll be back in no time. I swear, I'm coming back to you," He looks up at her, "and your mom. If you believe anything I say, that's the one to hold on to, okay?"
"Okay." Ralph pulls his attention from the woman he loves.
"I'll call everyday." Walter boops the young genius' nose.
"You'd better." Paige jumps in the conversation.
"Deal." Ralph smiles at his role model and wraps his arms around his neck. Ralph puts distance between himself and the couple to give them privacy.
Standing from his place on the ground, Walter pulls her into a knee weakening kiss. She takes a second to collect her thoughts before speaking. "I'll be seeing you." Walter whispers in her ear.
"Walter," She pulls back in surprise, "did you just make a music reference?"
"I heard Toby playing it the other day. It was nice. Maybe when I get back you can show me some more of the classics?"
"It's a date." She give him a peck on the lips
"I can't wait."
"Hey Walter. Oh, hey Paige." Elia's voice interrupt the couple, "The plane is almost ready. You ready to go?"
"Yes, one moment, please."
"Alright, we'll be on the plane when you're ready." The billionaire leaves the family to finish their goodbye.
Walter is itching to say those three words, but Paige has yet to say them and after they've agreed to take it slow he doesn't want to push her. She said she felt the same way as him. That's the same thing. So why doesn't it feel like that was the case? "I'll call when I land." He give her one last kiss. "Goodbye, Paige."
"Be safe, Walter." She didn't know what to expect with him staring in her eyes. There was something else he wanted to say, instead he starts toward the plane. Leaving the airport, she had knots in her stomach. She swallowed the tears back and turned the radio on.
It's been two weeks since Walter left on the plane. Remaining faithful to his word, he called her and Ralph everyday. Knowing Walter, there was a small part of her that feared he'd get so wrapped up in work that he would forget. The team had to call him for his opinion on a few cases, other than that, their cases have gone relatively smooth. Work seemed to move slower without his presence in the garage and spirits were definitely low. No matter how many times he would talk to his work family, every night at 8 o'clock on the dot he would call her during his lunch break. It was her favorite part of the day.
Cuddled in bed waiting for his call; she starts getting nervous when she looks at her alarm clock, 8:26. He was never late. She stands and starts pacing her in bedroom so lost in thought she nearly missed the buzzing from her phone. Diving onto her bed to reach her phone, her finger slide across the screen, "Hello."
"It's so good to hear your voice." The stress from seconds ago is gone and relief takes its place.
"Long day?" She rolls onto her back, letting the tension release from her body.
"Infinitely and you are the only person who can quiet my mind."
Who knew when she met the nerd in a diner he would one day cause butterflies to flutter in her stomach, "Well, I'm glad to be of service. So, what were you working on that has you stressed?"
"Contracts. You know, I'd take dealing with criminals or world ending crises any day over business men." Her laugh is a welcome melody, "How are you?"
"I'm fine. I just miss you." She rolls on her side curling into a pillow, letting his voice sooth her.
"I miss you too."
It was a quiet morning at the garage, Cabe was enjoying the silence and his coffee. His pocket dinged notifying him of a text.
Are you alone?
Yes. He types back.
His phone started ringing. "Hey kid. What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I have a favor to ask you." Walter's voice comes through the phone.
She's happy for Toby and Happy, but she can't help the ball of envy that is growing in her stomach at the sight of the two laughing at the mechanic's desk. Walter has been in Japan for a month and a week. They haven't even gotten a chance to go on a date other then online. She just wanted to be with him.
"Hey mom." Ralph's voice takes her attention off the engaged couple. "Can Cabe take me to the park tomorrow night?"
"Oh, um. I don't see why not. But why do you want to go to the park at night?" Her desk chair squeaks as she leans back.
Cabe walk in from the kitchen. "Because there is this star that's only visibly once a year and the park is the perfect place to find it because of how dark it is. I used to look at the stars with Walter when I was in Ireland."
She smiles at the memory of a young Walter and Cabe searching for stars, "Yeah, it's fine. I've got some work to do anyway."
"Great!" Ralph high fives the agent.
"Ooo, I'd like to come if that's okay?" Sylvester ask the young boy.
"Sure." Ralph shrugs.
It was a slow work day. Everyone went to play board games on the roof after deciding on a long lunch before calling it a day and heading home; she promised to call if they got a case. Paige stayed downstairs finishing paperwork and just enjoying the quiet. Looking at the clock, it's been two hours since she's taken a break. Its nearing 8, Walter should be calling soon. Her phone rings on her desk, as if on cue. She picks it up, but disappointment filled her stomach when she sees its Cabe. "Hello."
"Hey mom. I forgot my telescope, could you check the roof?"
"Sure, sweetie."
"Okay, just call me back if you find it. If you don't we'll just stop by Sly's apartment and grab his."
"I will, love you. Be good." Rising from her desk, she stretches her back before moving for the stairs.
"Love you too." She hears before he ends the call.
Nearing the door, she hears music coming from outside. Weird she thought everyone left. Paige pushes the cracked door open and is greeted by the twinkle lights turned on. "Why did they leave these lights on?" She ask herself while walking to switch the lights off.
"Because I asked them too." She freezes. "Hey, Paige." Turning to the sound of his voice and his big grin.
A big smile replaces the look of shock of her face and she charges toward him. Locking him in a tight hug before locking their lips together. Pulling apart, she asks, "What-what are you doing here?"
"Well, I thought this was better than a phone call tonight. What do think?" He grins.
"I absolutely agree." Nodding he pulls her into another kiss.
Her head rest on his chest, enjoying the feel of being back in his arms, "You want to go on an actual date now?"
Shaking her head no, "I just want to be alone with you." Tears begin to form in her eyes.
"Deal." He brings a hand to her face to wipe them away.
"I missed you so much." She tightens her arms around him.
"I missed you too." He guides them both to the loft.
"So, how'd you manage to come home early anyway?" They're cuddled on his couch after ordering take out. She laces her finger in his bringing his arm around her shoulders.
"I may have pulled a few all nighters so I could get back here sooner." He pulls her closer.
"As much as I want to say you should've taken better care of yourself, I'm happier you're here now." She smiles and sighs into his neck.
"Me too." I love you. He doesn't say the words. She never said them back.
"So, Ralph is staying at Sly's tonight." She stares at his bookshelf before turning to look at him. She raises her eyebrow in suggestion, hoping he'll catch her hint.
"Oh yeah? Well, I mean, if you… would want… to stay here, I mean you're more than welcome." Before he left they talked about taking this slow, but after a month of not even being able to look at her from across the garage all he wanted to do was hold her in his arms.
"Yeah, I'd like that. In fact, I'm kind of tired now." She glances at him hope he'll understand what she means.
"You know, I am too." She laughs when he jumps from their place on his couch and throwing her over his shoulder and runs to his bedroom.
The light leaking into his bedroom window wakes him up. He looks down at the woman lying next to him, he moves his arm that is wrapped around her back and lets his finger trace a figure 8 on her naked spine. He glances at her face, she looks so at peace. Walter thought he knew what it felt like to be fully in love with Paige Dineen, but looking at her in her most vulnerable state, he fell harder. For the first time, Walter O'Brien didn't want to leave his bed to go solve the world's problems. He wanted to stay here in her presence. Her nose starts to scrunch when he meets her eyes. He counts the flecks of gold, he doesn't want to break the moment with words. This, he wants to remember forever.
"Hey." She whispers with the rasp of the morning on her voice.
He can't stop the grin that grows on his face, "Hey." He whispers back before leaning in to kiss her.
"I wish we didn't have to work today." She wants to enjoy being wrapped in his arms for the rest of the day. They've more than earned it after all this time.
He groans, "Let's not think about it."
"Walter O'Brien, did I wake up in a different dimension? You don't want to think about work." She laughs.
"I know, look at what you've done to me." He waves his free hand up and down his body.
She smiles, leaning for another kiss, "I could make us some breakfast before work."
"I'll help."
"Pancakes and bacon?" She slips on his shirt from last night, quickly bring it to her nose to memorize his scent.
"Sounds perfect." He follows her dressed his boxers and a t-shirt.
"Hey I have my go bag in garage. Could you get it for me?"
"I'll be right back." He rushes down the stairs, grabs her bag, and takes the stairs two at a time on his way back. When stepping into his loft he hears music coming from the kitchen. The man's raspy voice carries through the loft, along with Paige's singing along to the song.
Oh my love, my darling,
I've hungered for your touch.
He stops at the threshold watching her sway back and forth while stirring the pancake batter. Walter sits her bag on the couch and places one hand on her back. Taking the whisk from her, leaving it in the bowl, he laces their fingers together and sways with her. With her head resting on his chest and the sound of her now hums vibrating against him, he whispers, "I'm so in love with you." She pulls away to look at him, his eyes wider than hers. "You-you don't have to say it back. I just- I want to be better at sharing with you. And it's just how I feel." She stretches on her toes, her hand trails from his shoulder, lacing her fingers in the hair on the back of his neck, she pulls him the rest of the way brushing her lips to his.
She pulls back, "I'm in love with you too." She whispers. He thinks if his heart beats any faster he may have a heart attack.
The rest of the morning, he sneaks kisses in-between dancing, cooking pancakes, and I love you's. They're dressed and ready for the work when they hear the garage door open. Exiting the loft, they're greeted by Toby and Happy, the engaged couple are wearing the same grin as they watch Walter and Paige walk downstairs.
"So, 197, how was Japan?"
"Exhausting." The genius takes a seat at his desk.
"You look well rested now." Toby received a slaps in the back on the head from his fiancé.
"Glad you're back now, boss." Happy leaves to make coffee.
"Thanks, Happy. I'm glad to be back." Walter says before turning his attention to his girlfriend. "Is Sly bringing Ralph by here before school?"
"Ralph wouldn't have it any other way. He's been dying for you to get back." She runs her hand across his shoulders before settling at her desk.
"Good, I have something from my trip for him." Walter runs back to the loft and comes back to the garage bringing his carryon with him.
"Walter, you didn't have to do that." Warmth grows in Paige's chest as she watches the excitement grow on her boyfriends face. He is so adorable.
"Of course I did." She grins when she sees her son run through the garage door straight to Walter's desk.
"Hey, buddy." Walter manages to get out before he's tackled by the young genius.
"I'm so glad you're back!" He squeezes the older genius around his neck.
"Oh, Ralph I missed you too, but I do need to breathe." Walter gasps when Ralph releases him. "I brought something for you."
"What?" The little boy bounces on his toes in excitement.
Walter opens his bag, pulling out a box with a robot painted on the front. "I figured we could build it together. Then Happy could add her mechanic flare once we're done."
"This is so cool! Thanks Walter." Ralph hugs him once again. Paige takes in the scene of her son and the man she loves. It warms her heart that her son and Walter get along so much.
"We can start on it tomorrow, if it's okay with your mom." The duo look to the mother in question.
"Please, mom."
"Oh, alright." She couldn't say no to either one of them. After her night with Walter she can't deny her son for wanting to spend time with him. They both missed him. "Right now you need to get ready to go to school." Paige sends her son on his way to the car with a kiss on the head. "Have a good day."
"Alright team, now we have our fearless leader back, it's time to get to work." Cabe claps Walter on the back. "It's good to have you back, Walt."
"It's good to be home." He grins at his team.
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