The conversation between Tina and Finn was flowing. She was a little embarrassed by the way she’d ramble at times, but he seemed to laugh it off and smile all along, as if he was having just as great a time as she was. It was wonderful getting to know Finn outside of work; they’d lived across the hall for a long while now and yet they were just starting to really bond. Better late than never though. The talk of pets had Tina encouraging Finn to get a dog, but he assured Sam might not approve so much, with the responsibilities that come with it. “You could at least ask him? I mean, he could say no. Maybe he wants one too. That’s my only concern as well, that I wouldn’t be around for it as much as I’d like. I could always come take care of it some too, when we have opposing schedules and stuff. Or just get two so they have a friend to play with when you’re gone!” Tina giggled at her suggestion-- as now she was tacking on two pups. The thought of letting Finn teach her how to game was an intriguing one; Tina was surprised that he seemed equally ecstatic to, even asking if she’d like to sometime. Now, she was trying to play it cool, but the nod that followed was a little overzealous. She blamed the beer, but offered Finn a smile before expressing a vocal answer. “For sure! I’d love for you to show me the ropes sometime.” Tina could swear there was a different vibe between them now; something more than just bonding and friendliness but she partly chocked it up to her wishful imagination. It was so lovely, having someone to talk to and for that matter, listen; they were divulging their interests and even childhood, and another smile tugged at Tina’s lips with the image of Finn playing hockey. “Aw, I bet you looked cute!” she chirped, cheeks quickly following with another blush at the confession. Tina didn’t take it back though; instead she carried on. “I guess it’s not the most popular sport, but I think it’s cool. You have to be tough for that, and not only good at the game, but skating too. I bet you were amazing.”
She was no expert skater, but enjoyed being on the ice and wasn’t bad at all, but before Tee could offer him that information, Finn was asking if she did. “Actually, I do! I mean, it’s been a long time since I have... and I’m no pro, or athlete,” she winked his way,” but I’m pretty decent and I enjoy it. So you know, if you ever wanted someone to hit the ice with, I’d be up for it.” Hopefully that wasn’t too forward, but considering Finn had already suggested that they get together for gaming, she felt it was innocent enough. The idea of going with him and latching onto his hand had Tina in a slight daze... but that dissolved quickly at Finn’s disbelief that she hadn’t anyone to spend her little free time with. She smiled again, this time a much more bashful grin as she peeped over at Finn through long eyelashes. “Thanks, Finn. That’s part of it, the schedule I mean. But I guess I just haven’t found someone that wanted to be that person yet. I could say the same for you, though. You’re such a catch. I could only chock that up to your schedule, because nothing else makes any sense.” Her gaze locked onto his and there was this magnetic pull; Tina reluctantly managed to control herself though, not invading his space any more than their touching knees would allow. The subject of her father came up; it was something Tina didn’t often talk about to people, but she felt comfortable doing so with Finn. It seemed they had a bond there as well; not exactly the same, but Finn’s father too had passed on. It saddened Tina to hear, and instinctively she reached over for his hand while listening, giving it a small squeeze as she nodded along. She’d complimented his sweetness for being so close with his mother, truly finding it so touching, and he was sincerely stealing her heart now. She noticed the way his smile turned to a shyer one; it was adorable, and Tina was just becoming more and more sucked in. “You’re welcome, I mean it. I like that you care about your family and take care of her just like you do all of our patients. That’s pretty cool. She’s lucky to have you.” Reluctantly she let his hand go, taking a sip of her beer just as he did to try and play it cool, but she still longed for his touch again. That’s when he called her special. Her heart was skipping like crazy, and Tina tugged at her lower lip as a beaming smile blossomed from it. “Thank you,” she replied gentler than she’d been the rest of the night. Tina wasn’t sure it was true, but the way Finn said it and looked at her when he did, make her almost believe it, or at least let her know he did.
The night seemed to come and go too quickly for Tina’s liking; they’d stayed up the rest of it talking about the past, future goals... practically everything. If nothing else happened between them Tina could sufficiently say that she had a new friend and confidant-- a close one at that. It wasn’t until she glanced up at the clock and realized it was just a little after midnight that she realized the time; they both had shifts the following afternoon, and as much as she hated to leave, rest was crucial to their job. “Gosh, Finn, I’m sorry for keeping you up so late... I’ve been here all day and night!” They’d nursed some of the beers, but were careful not to overdo it because of work. "I guess... I should go. I know we both need some rest, but this was so much fun. Thank you for having me over; I’m sorry I took up your whole day off, though I wouldn’t have rather spent mine any other way.” Agreeing despite their reluctance, Finn soon walked Tina to the door; she was just right across the hall, so there was no point in him coming out - he could always keep his door cracked to ensure she made it. Wrapping Finn in a hug, Tina let it linger for a few moments as she mumbled against his chest due to the height difference. “I’m really glad I got to know you better, Finn. I’d like to keep that up,” she smiled, finally tilting her face so that their eyes could meet. She wanted to kiss him so damn bad, but wasn’t sure if that whole feeling was reciprocated or not, and the last thing she wanted to do was ruin anything they’d just built up. Instead, Tina settled for a safe kiss to the cheek as she rose to her tip-toes. “Thanks again for having me... see you tomorrow, Finn.” As much as she hated, Tina slowly unwound herself from his grip and made her way back across the hall for slumber, peeking back to offer him a final smile and wave before she’d made it inside. She was reeling though, and would either sleep soundly than night, or her mind would continue racing and replaying the day in her head.
It was definitely the best one she’d had in a long time.
