I Run to You

Overtime

I walked out of the hospital taking a deep breathe. It was the first time I was outside after two shifts. I had been on my feet for twenty-four hours and I was utterly exhausted. It was dark outside, the cold air merciless against my exposed skin.

I made quick work of finding a cabbie. It was just after midnight and I was anxious to take a hot shower and crawl into bed. As I ascended the apartment elevator I realized how much my life had changed in the last few weeks. I spent most of my free time with Carisi, I was on my way to his apartment, which most likely would be empty. His work schedule was just as unpredictable as mine. It was Tuesday and the apartment hallways were empty and silent compared to the ever hectic hallways at the hospital. 

I slipped the key into the door and turned the knob, trying to remember if I had packed a clean set of clothes last time I was here. Hopefully Sonny had done laundry...I smiled at the ridiculousness of it all.He had most likely not done laundry.

I freeze as I walk into the apartment. Sonny, Munch and Fin sit in his living room hollering at the television. There is some sort of game on and Carisi turns, jumping to his feet.

" Hey." He says and Munch and Fin turn as well. I find myself blushing as I softly close the door behind me.

" Hey, I am so sorry. I should have called first."I say waving apologetically at them.

"You don't have to call." Carisi walks over and takes my backpack," That's why you have a key." He says low enough so only I can hear him. This has been a ritual for the past few weeks, I spend some days at his place and in turn he spends some days at my place. 

" Right." I say and follow him. He deposits my backpack by his recliner and I slip out of my jacket.

"Risa you wanna catch the game with us?" Fin says patting the cushion beside him.

"Sure, just let me get a quick bite or something." I respond and head towards the kitchen.

"We ordered pizza, just heat some up." Munch calls and I give him a smile.

I rummage through the freezer and pull out a pint of ice cream that has been in there since who knows when. There is about a fourth left and I fetch a spoon.

"How was work today?" I turn to find Carisi at the threshold of the kitchen, " Is that my ice cream?"He asks.

" Yup, it tastes a little funny though. Work was fine." I say over a mouthful of ice cream.

He walks over and takes the spoon from my hand and digs into the pint. He makes a face and I laugh.

"Told ya. I didn't know you were going to be home, I wouldn't have interrupted your boys night." I say as he takes a second spoonful.

" You aren't interrupting anything." He walks back to the fridge and I watch him as he silently places a plate in the microwave. 

" How was work for you today?" I ask as the smell of pepperoni and marinara sauce fills the small kitchen. He turns away from the revolving plate, keeping his finger over the STOP button. He always stops the microwave before it beeps, another one of his habits. Funny how you start picking up on little things.

"Fine." He says and I roll my eyes. He places the plate of steaming pizza and takes the pint of ice cream, pulling out a chair and sitting beside me. I watch him happily and he points to the steaming plate, " Eat."

I happily oblige and he sits silently." Go and enjoy your game." I say dropping a burning piece of pepperoni.

" Alright, you let me know if you need anything." He looks tired and I wonder what really happened at work. He doesn't like talking shop, and I understand. Even in my line of work there are good days and bad days, you save some you loose some.