just a matter of time

It was Hal who told Joey that Liv was over at Xander's with Dakota.

"I wonder why she didn't tell me?" Joey actually dropped by Liv's where Hal was eating alone. Naturally, Hal fed Joey the left over stew.

"Did Liv make it?" It was a wonderful. He was beginning to think he wanted to move in with Liv, but she'd been such a mystery, lately.

He thought they'd had a perfect night together. After all, he knew how to man up. Or at least, he imagined.

"No, I made it." Hal shrugged as if he did all the cooking after, all.

Joey was hoping Liv would be back soon, but she never returned any of her text. Maybe he could sleep over at Xander's.

Naturally, he found Liv cuddled between Dakota and Sunny on the couch. They were both sleeping with the TV on.

Joey couldn't help to be perturbed. It looked like Liv loved everyone but him.

He helped her get the two kids to bed. He carried Dakota to her room and tucked her in. Liv got Sunny to brush his teeth.

"What are you doing?" Joey asked later.

"I promised Ducky I'd  help him out." Liv told him as she went to clean up the kitchen where they'd made do with leftovers.

"Why didn't anyone call me?" Joey was in a pout.

"It's OK." She promised, ever so sweetly. He caught her wrist as she walked by and looked her in the eye. He wasn't so sure, everything was OK.

"How? How come?" He didn't know how to say it, exactly. "How come you won't stay with me?"

"Oh...it's just.." But she didn't really have anything to say as she went to clean up.

His arms came around her middle as she stood at the sink washing dishes. He hugged her from behind.

"You, you should go home." She told him.

"Why?" He didn't want too. He needed her. Right now.

She sighed, as if she'd have to give in. After all, they could stay in Xander's guestroom.