Things between them had changed. It was a subtle change, but a change nonetheless. They often went out for dinner together after they closed a case and they made sure to do it when the case had been a particularly difficult one. Like Alice. It was always clear who was the one more affected by what had happened in the previous days and the other took the role to listen, to offer consolation and perspective and thereby find peace, for both of them.
But tonight, the balance had subtly shifted. She had been able to tell when he came in reporting on Alice's living conditions that this was going to be a bad one, a very bad one. It was only natural that they would be standing next to each other at the service. It was only natural that she would not let him go alone. Then she had done something she had never before done when they weren't alone. She had nudged him, gently, her heart missing a beat and he had looked at her, surprised, but pleased at this open show of affection and thoughtfully shaken his head.
Later they were at their favourite beachside restaurant, still in their formal black suits. She looked beautiful tonight with her long tumbling hair and he longed to touch it, to touch her. Hold her hand, if for a second only. Her lips looked more enticing than they had in a long time when she smiled at him. Their hands found each other over the table and for the first time ever, their roles were blurred and their hearts were beating furiously. Who would offer comfort and who would be comforted? Was this even about comfort anymore?
His warm hands closed around hers and she hummed happily, smiling at him openly.
Tonight. Maybe tonight it would happen.