He sighed as he grabbed his glass of wine and moved to the living room, sprawled on the couch. Alice jumped down the kitchen counter she was on and followed her man. She never saw him as depressed as he was now. She climbed on top of him, cuddling him as best as she could manage in the position he was in. He moved to accommodate her and his arms tightened around her.

One of her hand reached his head to caress her hair, knowing he was often getting comfort from this small gesture. She raised her head to look at him; his eyes were closed. She was not sure if his chin wasn't shaking.

"Honey, you know you can tell me anything-" she started, but paused when he opened his eyes to stare straight into hers. "I really wish I could read your mind right now."

"No, you don't want to know what's in my head," he said, shutting his eyes again.

She raised herself and straddled his waist, slowly grinding on him.

"Can you read mine?" she whispered.

"Please, just come here," he said, making her lay on him once again.

The next day, Alice walked in Orange Orange, where Sarah was serving frozen yogurt.

"Alice, what brings you here?" Sarah said.

"Can I talk to you for a moment? It's about John," she replied.

"Wait for me at the table over there; I'm on a break in 10."

Alice sat down and got her cell out. She scrolled down Facebook and looked at her notifications on Instagram. Sarah sat down in front of her, two frozen yogurts in her hands.

"Vanilla or chocolate?"

"Vanilla, thanks," Alice took a bit before speaking her mind. "I don't know what happened to John in the last few weeks, but he is not who he used to be."

"What do you mean?" Sarah innocently said.

"You know what I mean. You and Chuck left for missions without him. He is always home; never inexplicably leaving. Not that I mind, but this is not usual. But what worries me more is his mood; I have never seen him so depressed. Tell me what is wrong."

Sarah took a bit, thinking. Alice was trustworthy; she deserved to know.

"Well… He did something and he is not part of the team anymore."

"So all he does now is working at the Buy More? No reason he's all depressed."

"Yeah, I cannot discuss the situation more than that, and I should not even have said anything…" Sarah started.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. I just don't know what to do to make him change his mind."

"Just being there is enough. He likes you. A lot," Sarah said.

Alice nodded and Sarah went back to work. She rose to her feet and walked across the parking lot to enter the Buy More.

Jeff and Leister saw Alice entered the shop and dropped everything they were doing. They pushed each other, tying to get to her first.

"Hello dear," Leister said. "Don't worry, I am here for you, whatever you need."

"Hello," Jeff said, still standing behind Leister.

"Thanks, I am looking for John Casey. Do you know him?"

"Of course, Johnny boy. He's on his break I think. May I entertain you until he comes back?"

"No, I would like to see him. Can I join him in the break room?"

"Mmh, it's a restricted area…"

"Okay boys, I will handle it from here," Chuck said as he came from the back of the store.

Alice sighed in relief as she saw him. He led her toward the break room where Casey was turning pages from a magazine, not really looking at the content. Chuck closed the door after Alice made her way in the room. Casey's face lit up when he saw her girlfriend. He was still not used of having a significant other, but would not help the feelings he had toward her.

He rose to his feet and she found her place in his arms. He lowered his head and kissed her softly. He looked at her, brushing his nose on hers.

"What are you doing here?" he said.

"I just wanted to surprise you. Aren't you happy?" she said as he sat back down.

She sat on the edge of the table, close to him. One of his hands roamed on her leg, as his eyes lingered on her breast.

"Of course, I am happy to see you," he said.

Was he happy? For the last week, it was hard to say. But of the first time this week, he wanted her body.

"What time are you out of here? I am taking you out tonight," she said, her hand ran on his neck, her fingernail slightly scratching his skin just like she knew he liked.

"At 4," he replied as he closed his eyes for a second under her caresses.

"Good, I come back with a change of clothing and we'll be ready to go."

"Where are we going?"

"Surprise! You will see. I have to go, see you later," she said as she stood up.

He grabbed her and made her sat on his lap. She laughed as his gripped tightened around her. Her hands caressed the side of his face before her fingers tangled in his hair. She kissed him and for the first time in days, she could feel his passion.

He released her from his embrace and grunted when he saw Jeff and Leister peaking through the window.