Mr. Write [COMPLETED]

Chapter 25 - "I could punch him for good measure."

Elliot tossed her purse strap over her head and moved towards the door. Beck reached out and pulled it open for her.

"Does it ever feel to you like we are always leaving the office?" he asked.

Elliot gave him an odd look.

"No," she said. "We spend hours in here."

"Must just be me then."

He followed her out the door and closed it behind them. They headed down the stairs and pushed through the building doors. The sun, noticing it's lack of overwhelming heat the previous day, was making up for it. Weaves of heat rose off the pavement, even though the shifting light spoke of early evening. Pedestrians moved with a sluggishness that was mirrored in their tired expressions.

"I'm going to the cafe," Elliot said, looking at Beck. "You coming?"

He nodded and they made their way through the Common, the track well worn and familiar like a nosy neighbor you know to avoid. Outside the tables were occupied by those who prided themselves on being unmolested by the weather and were determined to prove it. Beck pulled the door open, eliciting a ding from the bell over head. He held it for Elliot and she nodded in thanks.

Milo was wiping down the counter when they entered, seemingly absorbed in cleanliness. Elliot cocked her head and looked at Beck.

"Have you ever noticed how Milo is conveniently unoccupied with large tasks when we show up?" she asked.

Beck shrugged.

"I haven't been here enough to notice," he said.

"I must be imagining it then."

They approached the counter, but Milo didn't look up, his thoughts blinding him to the world.

"The counter is clean, Milo," Elliot said, gently.

Milo stilled, but his focus remained downward.

"She hasn't stopped by, has she?" Beck said.

Milo straightened and tossed the towel off to the side, then shook his head.

"No, she hasn't," he said, in a dull voice.

"Milo-"

He raised a hand cutting Elliot off.

"I'm not up for it, El," he said.

Elliot shifted back, fighting an annoyed outburst, deciding to save it since it was meant for Cece. Milo focused on Elliot and Beck, forcing his thoughts away and clearing his expression. A bit of curiosity brightened his solemn face. He pointed between the two of them.

"You two seem to be getting along," he said. "I'm basing this off the fact that it's the second time you've shown up together and Beck is still in one piece."

Elliot nodded.

"Yeah," she said, "it's been days since I've thought of drowning him in his coffee cup."

Beck crossed his arms and gave a nod towards Elliot.

"And I've stopped wondering if she is mad and let it be," he said.

Elliot turned to him with a smug smile.

"Why? Because you realized my brilliance only comes off as madness?"

"No, because I figured I would eventually go mad myself trying to follow your madness to make a conclusive decision about it."

"Smart move. If only Peter Edwards had thought of that. Good thing he likes white jackets and a padded cell."