A/N: Characters not mine. Written for the challenge "Penny for your thoughts". Written by LSMunch
"Penny for your thoughts?"
He turned to her, about to reply when Fin interrupted with a laugh and "They're not worth that much."
But she knew better and asked him again, "You wanna talk?"
He looked from his beer to her and back again. "I'm good." His voice was quiet, meant to be convincing but achieving just the opposite.
Her eyes lingered on him a moment, watching as he turned to Fin and tried to convince his partner, once again, that they were all just working for Big Brother.
Half an hour later, she stood and said good night and to her surprise, he rose as well, offering to walk her home. Turning to Elliot, she teased, "See, chivalry isn't dead."
He smiled, and bowed his head. "Course, you forgot Munch was around when chivalry and knights and damsels in distress existed."
She laughed and even Munch smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yep, sure will." He raised his hand and then they were out in the cold. She was still smiling as they began walking down the sidewalk. After they crossed the street, he slipped his hand in hers and she looked up, smile fading as she studied his face.
"You sure you're okay?"
He wanted to hold her voice in his palms, feel its softness caress his skin. For a second, he let his eyes slide shut, the picture painting itself in his head. Eyes open, he squeezed her hand. She walked a bit closer and he imagined how warm her skin must be beneath all the layers of clothes. Imagined having it against his, nothing between them. A corner of his mouth rose in an attempt to smile. He squeezed her hand again and continued walking, trying to get home so he could collect his penny.
They were bundled together under a blanket, somehow managing to fit on the slightly lopsided couch. She was warm against him and he had let his eyes drift shut, letting the tendrils of slumber creep around him until her soft voice beat them back.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
He smiled, for a reason he wasn't quite sure of. Then it faded, slowly leaving his sad eyes to show the only emotion. "I was thinking about my brother, my mom."
"Everything all right?"
"Yeah, it's just..." His voice lost its heart and he started again. "I haven't seen them in a while, is all."
"Why don't you ask Cragen for the time? He'll give it to you."
"It's not the time, it's just the thought. I promised myself that I would go back down."
"It's not too late or anything. I'm sure they'd love to see you anytime."
He shook his head, though much energy wasn't put into it. "When my dad died... I promised myself I would always be there."
Her hand found his and she squeezed. "They know they can call."
"They need me," he whispered.
She shifted slightly, looked up at him. He didn't notice. He was staring at a spot on the floor.
"They need me," he repeated.
Squeezed his hand again.
His gaze suddenly flicked to her. "Will you come with me?"
A sad smile spread her lips. "Course."
He leant down and kissed her. "Thank you," he whispered.
"'S what I'm here for."