A/N: Sorry for the late update. I hope you enjoy this!

Prompt #10: Scrabble - She yawned and then smirked. "Who knew Scrabble could be so tiring?"

Word count: 927

"No come on," she mutters at the top of her lungs. The light bulb stubbornly stays dark, despite her continuous flicking of the switch. The usual hum of the refrigerator is not to be heard either, which makes her realize the power must be out.

It's one of those days, when everything is conspiring against her. The storm outside came out of nowhere, and of course she didn't take an umbrella, so she's drenched. It's not even 7 yet, so she doesn't imagine what she's going to do for the rest of the night without power.

She's awaken from her depressive state by the sound of a text.

J: Power put at your place too?

E: Yes. :(

J: How about some Chinese and a meaningful conversation? Like old days?

E: Meaningful? Who are you bringing over?

J: Ha-ha. Don't make fun of the one bringing you hot food.

E: *silent emoji*

Only a couple of minutes later, there is a knock on the door, which makes her think he was already on his way when he texted her. She swings the door open to the delicious smell of fresh noodles. Her smile is only partly dedicated to the food in his hands. The other part is reserved for her partner, who always knows how to make her day better. She motions him inside, taking some of the food out of his hands. He brought enough for an army, which goes to show how well he knows her.

"So romantic," he comments at all the candles. "You coming on to me or something?"

"You wish," she says, chuckling.

She does admit the atmosphere is slightly intimate. The sound of the storm outside and the flicker of candles don't leave her completely unaffected. Especially because the candlelight makes his eyes sparkle, and the streetlights coming in through the window make the room feel almost surreal. It reminds her of the time they had drinks after they were going to go to her reunion. The feelings she had then are still there, even stronger.

"How about Scrabble?" He asks after the food. She looks at him, laughing at the insinuation. "Unless you're tired and want me out of your hair."

She remembers he told her once that blackouts are hard for him, because they remind him of the time in the military. They almost always cause nightmares for him. It was the same time she told him she hates blackouts, because they remind her of when she was little and Bunny forgot to pay the bills, so they cut off the electricity. And she was six years old, home alone in the dark.

Her gratitude for having him by her side grows.

She goes to get the box, while he opens beers for both of them.

"You are going down, my friend," she says, rubbing her hands together after having set up the board.

"Game on."

It's a couple of beers and quite some time later, when she yawns and smirks.

"Who knew Scrabble could be so tiring?" She asks no one in particular, but they both know she's not tired from playing Scrabble. It's a mentally draining job they choose to do every day.

That's when he remembers he should probably get going. She glances at the clock showing 2 am, and at the storm still not bowing down outside.

"Stay," she offers. It's the weather, she tells herself, that leaves her with unease. And the fact he's had a couple of beers. It's not the fact that she can see the sadness in his eyes, even in the poor lightning of burnt-out candles. It's not the fact that maybe she doesn't want him to be alone; and doesn't want to be alone.

"I'll get you a pillow and a blanket," she settles the matter. He nods, his face suddenly somber. He takes her by surprise when he pulls her against him, when she returns with the pillow.

He doesn't say thank you, but his hug says it for him, so she leans in, returning the sentiment. Hugging Jay is one of her favorite things, because of the way his arms wrap around her, making her feel safe. It's never awkward. Not after all this time. The familiar fragrance of his envelops her, and she hold on for a little while longer.

Then she lets go, and they both go to sleep, knowing that at least for one night, they're a little less alone.

"Morning sleepy head," she murmurs, touching his arm carefully. She has learned long ago that waking him up all of the sudden can get dangerous, so she makes sure to respect his boundaries.

But she forgets all about being just friends when his eyes open to see her, and he looks so beautiful her heart breaks. Then he smiles.

"Morning," he mumbles with sleep-laced voice. Then he pulls her on the couch, and under the blanket.

"Jay!"

"Five minutes." She doesn't have to point out how weird this is, because he's always up before her, and never the one to sleep in. But he's holding her snug against him, and it's warm and cozy under the cover, so she lets herself close her eyes for one more minute, imagining a perfect world where she wouldn't have to pretend there is anything friendly about the way his arm is wrapped around her waist, pulling her into him.

So for one minute, they're not co-workers, or partners, or friends. They're just two souls, in love, waiting for the stars to finally align in their favour.