"I don't care what the evidence says, he didn't do it Stell." He rubbed his eyes but it did nothing to dispel the grittiness.

She turned on him, her hair in disarray, her make up long since worn off. "What are you saying? You think I fucked up the tests?"

His tired eyes widened. "No, I-"

"Because I didn't. I haven't suddenly forgotten how to do my job you know."

He rolled his eyes. Which, of course, only served to irritate her further. "Stell, come on, you know I wasn't-"

She cut him off again, her eyes sparking a warning. "If you don't think I can do this, Detective, then let me know. Otherwise get out of my damn way." She turned on her heel, striding over to the doorway before looking back at him.

He came after her, crowding her in the small opening. "Fine, I will," he said, but didn't move. She stared up at him, her eyes narrow and sharp.

"Hey, guys!"

The call came from down the hall; the interruption jarring.

"Look up!"

His eyes left her face, glanced to the ceiling. Then his hand was at the back of her head, pulling her towards him. Their lips met somewhere in the middle.

The kiss was hard, pressure and teeth. But then it gentled.

As they drew away his eyes were still locked on hers. He tugged on a loose curl, a childish gesture she couldn't help but find endearing. "When have I ever said I didn't think you could do your job?"

"I know." She shook her head. "But the evidence still says he did it Don."

"Something is telling me he didn't. Can you just... double check it? Please?"

She half smiled, her eyes closing briefly. "Yeah, I can."

He held onto her. "But not today."

She raised an eyebrow at him and he grinned disarmingly. "You need to go home, get some sleep. We've been up all night and your shift finished two hours ago."

At one point she might have resisted even that mild suggestion. "Okay. But you watch out Detective. All the crazies will be out today."

"Isn't that my line?"

"I'll be fine," she sighed, but with a different kind of frustration.

He pulled away. "Merry Christmas Stella."

She reached up, kissed him briefly. Smiled. "Merry Christmas."

He stepped away, his hand brushing against the slight curve to her stomach. "I'll be home in a few hours. Wrap up good. I don't want either of you catching cold."

--

For TessaStarDean who requested an argument leading to a kiss. I hope you liked it! Merry Christmas everyone!