When she's safely in the kitchen, or at least what passed for a kitchen in the CBI station, she spies his tea resting above the coffee makers, near to the sugar. She could just make her coffee, go back to the office and start her day as if nothing had happened. Or she could be nice, could bring him some tea. As she considered it, her fingers made the decision for her, seeking out the small box with unerring aim.
Usually he was awake before she got here, pretending that he'd come in earlier than she did. She knew better however. If he could manage it, he would sleep there. To see that he was still sleeping was troubling. Had his nightmares been especially bad last night?
She wasn't a fool, she knew no matter how well he acted and how much he pretended, he wasn't alright. But he seemed desperate to present that ever laughing, sarcastic image to the world. As if pretending he was fine would actually accomplish it.
So she let him. She didn't have the heart to fracture that for him.
With careful almost practiced motions she made the tea to his specifications. The sound was somewhat soothing, coupled with the gentle refreshing smell of the mint. For a moment she understands why he might drink such a thing, and is almost tempted to herself. But as a certified coffee addict she knows better than to shock her body with something new this early in the morning.
It took more effort than she'd thought it would to walk quietly and still balance the tea cup and saucer. She placed it just out of reach so that he wouldn't accidentally knock it over when he woke.
She swept her gaze over him once more and spied a blanket at the end of the couch, carelessly thrown to the floor. He must have had need for it last night, and in his nightly troubles tossed it to the ground. before she could think it through she picked it up and carefully settled it over him. the blanket itself was coarse against her fingers as she gently tucked it around him. it was imperative that she didn't wake him. She was barely inches from him now, and if he woke she'd be pathetically easy to read.
Part of her practically demanded that she just lay down beside him, tuck herself against him and steal what warmth she could and damn the consequences. Instead she fled to her office, trying like hell not to listen to that altogether too tempting suggestion.
It is only when she's sitting behind her desk that she realizes in all her efforts to make him comfortable she has left her coffee sitting on the counter top, probably cooling rapidly.
Damn that man.
Authors note: I can only apologize for delays. On the plus side my main group project is done, that's one 45 minute speech i never have to think about again ;)
anyway, please let me know what you think :)
~Red