Title: Appreciate You

Episode: 2x01 'Little Egypt'

For the second time in as many days, OA found himself on his partner's doorstep. He had just come from checking on Karim, and he really just needed to see Maggie. He wasn't in the best state of mind right now, and Maggie always seemed to be the only one that could keep him grounded. It was something he appreciated, something he came to rely on.

When Maggie opened the door, she didn't seem all that surprised. "Hey. Come in."

OA gave her a grateful smile. "Thanks. Am I interrupting anything?"

Laughing lightly, Maggie replied, "I don't think I would call stopping by during an HGTV show 'interrupting anything.'" She led him over to the couch. "You want anything to drink?"

"Nah, I'm good." He took a seat beside of her as she muted the television.

"Did you go see Karim?"

OA was sure he looked surprised for a moment, as he hadn't actually told her where he was going… but then again, this was Maggie, his best friend, and the person who knows him better than he knows himself. "Yeah, I did." He was silent for a minute, trying to pull his thoughts together. "I told him that I would try to help him, Maggie… but what can I actually do? You know just as well as I do how this is going to end for him."

Maggie nodded, and her eyes looked like they were glistening with unshed tears.

"Can we just hang out some tonight? I don't really want to talk about it, and I just need my best friend right now."

"Of course, Omar. I think we need a movie night."

Despite the weight of the past few days, OA grinned. "I think you're right, Mags."

"Okay." She was already standing up from the couch. "Pick out a movie on Netflix, I'm going to get us some snacks."

He chuckled. His partner loved snacks, and there was no telling what she had in that kitchen. "Alright, comedy or action?"

"You pick!" She called back.

A few minutes later, both were seated on the couch, coffee table full of snacks, and 'The Heat' on the television.

OA glanced over at Maggie, as she stuffed her mouth with caramel popcorn, and he couldn't help but smile.

She caught him staring, and narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "What?"

"Nothing. I just… thank you, Maggie."

"For what?"

"For tonight, for yesterday… for always being here. I appreciate you, and the fact that you're my partner, more than you'll ever know."

At first, she didn't say anything. She just scooted over enough to lean her head on his shoulder. "Well, get used to it, 'cause you're stuck with me."

He recognized the reference from earlier in their partnership. "I think I can put up with that, Mags."

She was quiet for a minute, but when she did speak, the sincerity in her voice warmed his heart. "I appreciate you too, OA."