Because I don't see enough Doggett/Reyes love. And also because I watched Audrey Pauley and I'm still recovering.
Sometimes, living in the city wasn't easy. Especially if you grew up in a small town an hour from anything worth being called civilization.
John Doggett smothered a frustrated groan as he stopped short yet again for an impatient, briefcase-carrying office worker. He resumed his walking pace, trying to ignore the pain in the back of his head that was beginning to spread. He made a mental note to take something once he got to the office. Hopefully that would stop the headache in its tracks and let him get on with his day. He entered the small coffee shop on Pennsylvania Avenue – the smell of coffee beans rushed at him.
"Morning," he greeted the barista, a little absentmindedly. "I'll take two coffees. Black, no sugar."
"Oh, so you're that kind of person," the barista teased. Doggett looked up, a bit surprised. The barista was older. Doggett guessed her age to be about fifteen or so years more than his own. She was smiling at him, her eyes shining mischievously.
"Sorry?"
"You like your coffee black. You don't see many people like that today."
"No, I guess you don't," Doggett mused, relaxing slightly. "My dad always said if I was gonna drink coffee, I needed to learn how to drink it black."
"Wise words," the woman agreed. She tucked a graying strand of hair behind her ear. "So who's the second cup for? Your wife?" Doggett chuckled, a grin spreading across his face.
"Nah. Just a friend. A co-worker." She nodded but raised an eyebrow nevertheless.
"Well, here you go, son. Two cups of good ol' coffee."
"Thank you," he said, depositing a couple of dollar bills on the counter. He balanced the two cups in his hand and started toward the exit.
"Go make someone smile today," the barista called after him.
"That might be kind of hard where I'm going," Doggett returned.
"Oh but you're someone's reason to smile," she reminded him. "I bet you'll make your friend smile with that coffee." Doggett smiled, nodding, and then quickly made his way out of the shop. Situations like that just weren't his forte. Awkward, that's what they were.
He didn't think anything of her words until he found himself in his basement office.
"I got you something," he announced to the figure at the desk. Monica Reyes looked up from a pile of paperwork. Her eyes widened at the cup of coffee extended towards her.
"John, you didn't."
"I did."
"You got me coffee?!" Doggett couldn't help but laugh at her exuberance. Monica took it eagerly, her hands cupping it as if desperate for warmth. "Thank you," she said genuinely. "Honestly, John, I don't know what I'd do without you," she confessed, her brown eyes searching his, a large smile spread across her face.
You're someone's reason to smile.
"You're welcome," he replied, returning her smile. His gaze met hers for a few seconds and then he swiftly diverted his eyes, taking a rather large gulp of coffee and burning his tongue in the process.
"It sure is hot," he coughed, indicating toward the coffee cup. Monica giggled, her gaze on him unwavering.
"Yes, yes it is."
For his own sake, Doggett hoped she was talking about the coffee.