24x21 Alternate ending - Enjoy!

"I'm heading out. I'll see you tomorrow" Churlish said, standing up from her desk.

"Okay. Night" Muncy said, still trying to get the blood stain out of her shirt.

She heard footsteps coming towards her but was too focused on her shirt to look up.

"You keep rubbing that shirt, you're gonna make a hole" Velasco's deep voice broke her concentration as she looked up and smiled.

He came over and sat on the edge of her desk.

"Come on, let me take you home" His voice became softer and deeper.

She sat back, exhausted after the day she'd had and nodded, "Okay"

They walked towards the elevator and stepped inside. Most of the staff had left for the day so there was barely anyone around. She sighed as Velasco hit the button for the basement.

He put his arm around her shoulder and she looked up at him surprised. He just looked down and smiled.

"You're not gonna ask me how I am?" She questioned.

"Don't need to. I know you're not okay…and I also know everyone else has already bugged you enough with that question. I'm here if you want to talk and if not that's fine too"

How did he do this to her, he made her feel safe, warm and giddy all at once. She put her arm around his waist and snuggled into his side.

"Maybe we could go to your place for a little bit? I don't really feel like going home just yet" He could tell she was still on edge after what happened and maybe she did want to talk.

"Yeah…sure" The elevator dinged and they made their way over to the SUV.

They were at his apartment within 10 minutes. Muncy grabbed her overnight duffle just in case and they made their way inside.

"Make yourself at home. You want something to drink?" He disappeared over to the kitchen and grabbed himself a glass of water.

"I'm good" She made her way to the couch and sat down, resting her head against the back of it and closing her eyes. His apartment smelt like him, and it was extremely comforting.

He came back moments later and sat down next to her. She opened her eyes back up and sat up. He looked tense as he sat forward with his hands on his head.

"You good?" She asked.

"I was ready to kill that guy…for hurting you. I haven't felt that kind of anger in so long" He turned to face her.

"Well, for what it's worth, I would have felt the same way if someone tried to hurt you too"

He looked at her and smiled. "Thanks partner. Your neck's starting to bruise now…does it hurt?"

"A little. I'll be fine though. I've had worse…" She trailed off. He still didn't know much about her childhood but knew it had been tough.

"I don't really know what happened to you when you were younger, besides your mom passing away but…you turned out great…you're the strongest woman I know"

"I guess I just never really had the option not to be, especially growing up, Teddy relied on me ya know" He leaned back on the couch and sighed.

"Yeah he turned out alright too I guess' She laughed, playfully swatting his arm. 'You wanna watch something?" he asked pointing to the tv. She yawned and it was his turn to laugh.

"I'm feeling kinda tired….umm…maybe I could stay here tonight?" She asked hopefully.

He'd missed her the last few weeks. Benson had made it her mission to keep them apart for whatever reason, so they hadn't been partnered together at all.

"Yeah. I'll uh, I'll take the couch. You can take my bed" He pointed to the bedroom across the living room.

"Actually, I was kinda hoping you'd stay with me" She spoke so softly he didn't think he'd heard correctly. He gave her a questioning but flirty look.

"So I can hold you…?" He asked, smirking.

She rolled her eyes and stood up extending her hand to him. "Just this once"

He wasn't sure if she was serious or not but he'd take it. He'd take any chance at spending time with her or being close to her.

She grabbed her bag with her spare hand and he led them to his bedroom.

"Feel free to use the bathroom, whatever you need. Fresh towels are in the cupboard if you wanna take a shower"

"Thanks. A shower sounds great" She grabbed a t-shirt and sweat pants out of her bag and her toothbrush then headed for the shower.

He heard the faint sobs coming from the shower and it broke his heart. She was tough as nails in front of people but behind closed doors was a different story. He was glad she was different around him though, slightly vulnerable. He badly wanted to go in and check if she was okay but didn't want to invade her privacy. Seconds later he heard the water shut off.

She dried herself off and winced as the bruise was becoming more tender by the hour.

He grabbed her some pain relief and water and quickly changed into some sweat pants and a tshirt himself before she exited the bathroom.

"Better?" He asked her.

"Much. Thankyou"

"I got you some Tylenol for your neck" He pointed to the bedside table.

"Thanks" She swallowed the pills before pealing back the covers on his bed and sliding in. He quickly brushed his teeth before joining her.

He laid on his back, opening his arm to her as she gladly accepted and rested her head on his shoulder, her arm around his waist.

"I've missed you" She said, sadly.

"Me too" He kissed the top of her head as she snuggled further into him.

"How long do you think Benson will try and keep us apart?"

"I don't know but I feel like things are settling down finally. No matter what happens though, I'm always gonna be your partner. For better or worse"

She felt butterflies in her stomach at his words and squeezed tighter onto his waist.

"Try and get some sleep okay?" He said softly.

"Okay. Night Velasco" She said, closing her eyes until darkness overcame her.

"Night partner" Within minutes, he was also out to it.