Nell packed her bag, all ready to leave the office when she noticed a light on in the OPS centre. She headed upstairs to check and found Eric still hunched over his computer.
She lightly coughed to alert him of her prescence and he jumped.
"Nell! I didn't know you were still here.."
"I could say the same about you" replied Nell, "Is everything ok?"
"I'm fine, just a little bit tired. You know, the case and everything.."
Eric visibly deflated at the thought of the case they had just closed; a double homicide of a happily married couple and the subsequent kidnapping of their 4 year old child had been one of the most emotionally challenging cases they had faced in a long time.
Nell approached Eric tentatively, not wanting to disturb him but at the same time concerned about her friend's welfare. She laid her hand on his shoulder and he slowly turned to look at her.
"Thank you." Eric said softly, so softly that Nell had to strain to hear it.
"Thank you for what? I know this was a hard day and we need to be there for each other. That is what partners do."
Eric wordlessly shrugged her hand off his shoulder and stood up, walking over to the other side of the OPS centre.
Nell stared after him, confused.
"Eric?"
He turned to face her with an indescribable look on his face.
"You are always there for me Nell. I just, I need you to know that I appreciate it. Appreciate you."
Nell nodded and picked up her bag.
"I'm heading out. Are you coming, I could walk you out?"
Eric shook his head and turned to face the wall.
Nell considered pressing the issue and finding out what the problem was, but since he had already turned down her comfort she didn't want to risk it. She gave one last look at his back before leaving the OPS centre.
Eric continued staring at the wall, envisioning a different situation, one where he had managed to get out the words he had been thinking for the last three years. He wished he had the courage to tell Nell the words that could change everything.
"I need you. Please stay. I love you."