Title: I Guess There Are Things I Care About Here
Fandom: Person of Interest
Characters: Root, Sameen Shaw
Pairings: Root/Shaw
Rating: PG
Length: 401
Content Notes: Takes place after 4x07 - Honor Among Theives
Author Notes: Written for Challenge 179 - Dog
Summary: Root asks Shaw why she decided to stay instead of going to Barcelona with Tomas.

The decontamination of the vials took less time then Root and Shaw expected, so they decided to order takeout and watch tv while they wait. But Shaw was the only one actually watching the tv. Root was too focused on what Shaw had said to her earlier that night: I guess there are things I care about here. Root didn’t want to assume Shaw cared enough about her to stay. No one had cared about her since Hanna. Well, the Machine cared. But She was just a mechanical voice in her head. Shaw had a warmth Root didn’t know she needed. It was all she could do not to wrap herself in it until Shaw allowed it. So she asked for confirmation.

“Hey, Shaw? Did you stay behind after Tomas left for me?”

Shaw tensed. Root never called her Shaw unless she had closed herself off. She knew she had to be careful with what she said so Root didn’t get hurt. She muted the tv and turned to look at Root.

“I stayed for Bear.” Root frowned, but didn’t say anything. “But in some ways, you’re similar.” Shaw chuckled at Root’s confused expression. “Dogs are called man’s best friend, and Bear is certainly mine. He accepts me for who I am and doesn’t judge me for not having feelings. He takes what I can give him and doesn’t ask for more.” Shaw smirked. “He’s also sexy.” “Aww, Sameen.” Root couldn’t stop a wide smile from breaking out on her face. Shaw looked back at her with a wide smile of her own.

A couple minutes later, their food arrived. They ate and occasionally commented on the show they were watching. Eventually, it was time for Root to leave. Root stood up. “It’s late. I should go. Thanks for having me.” Shaw looked at her. “You don’t have to leave.” Root turned around. “Are you sure?” Shaw stood up and held Root’s hand. “I want you to stay.” Root smiled and nodded. “Okay.”

After cleaning up, Shaw led Root to the bed. Root laid next to Shaw so they were close but not touching. Shaw moved closer and put her arm over Root’s waist, signaling to Root that it was okay to cuddle. Root smiled and nuzzled into Shaw. Softly, she said, “Thank you, Sam. For everything.”

Wrapped up in Shaw’s warmth, Root fell asleep finally feeling safe and cared for.