I love the scene in 'Book of Hours' where Peter empties the already empty coffee pot into his cup and then stares forlornly at it. Lauren shows up and takes it from him. It is just too cute. So, this is a very short story that came as the result of re-watching that episode.
El heard the noise and stopped, foot halting in mid-air, toes just touching the next step. Nothing. She advanced further down the stairs and slowly eased into the darkened hallway stopping just outside the kitchen door.
"Peter?" she whispered out.
She could hear the faucet turn on. With care she pushed the door open just enough to peer into the kitchen. There stood Peter, socked feet, flannel lounge pants, grey t-shirt, brown hair standing up in all directions, and a half-full coffee carafe in hand. He startled at her entry.
"Oh" a pair of brown eyes widened. "Did I wake you?"
"Peter, what are you doing?"
"Umm…" he looked between her and the coffee carafe in his hand "I couldn't sleep, this case is tricky. Something just doesn't feel right." He scrubbed his free hand over his face.
He looked at the carafe of water and back at El.
"Thought I'd make a pot of coffee, read over my notes."
He looked at El and back at the carafe. He looked at the carafe and once more at El, the sad, lost puppy dog face firmly in place.
"Oh give me that…"